Resolution 2025-33701 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33701
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND, IN
CONSIDERATION AND RECOGNITION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S
PERFORMANCE DURING THE CONTRACT YEAR COMMENCING
APRIL 3, 2024, THROUGH APRIL 2, 2025, AMENDING THE CITY
ATTORNEY'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BY GRANTING A SALARY
MERIT INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE PERCENT (3%),
EFFECTIVE AS OF AND RETROACTIVE TO APRIL 3, 2025.
WHEREAS, on April 3, 2024, pursuant to Resolution 202433001, the City Commission
unanimously appointed Ricardo J. Dopico to serve as City Attorney; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2024-33058,
approving and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an Employment Agreement
between the City of Miami Beach ("City") and City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico, to provide for the
terms and conditions of the City Attorney's employment for a term of four(4) years, commencing
as of April 3, 2024, and expiring on April 2, 2028 (the "Employment AgreemenY'); and
WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement provides for an annual review and performance
evaluation of the City Attorney, at which time the City Commission shall review the annual salary
and/or other benefils of the City Attomey, and shall adjust in such amounts and to such extent
as the City Commission may determine; and
WHEREAS, in consideration and recognition of the City Atlorneys performance during
the contract year ending April 2, 2025, the Mayor and City Commission hereby deem that it is in
the best interest of the City to approve an amendment to the City Attomey's Employment
Agreement, as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED 8Y THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that, in consideration of ihe City
Attorney's exemplary performance during the contract year ending April 2, 2025, the Mayor and
City Commission hereby approve the (ollowing amendments to the City Attorney's Employment
Agreement:
1. Merit Adiustment. As a merit increase, grant a salary increase in the amount of
three percent(3%), effective as of and retroactive to April 3, 2025.
2. Mr. Dopico's engagement as City Attorney shall continue under and pursuant to
the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement, as approved pursuant to ResoWtion No.
202433058, as fuRher amended by this Resolution, until the same is modifed, amended, or
terminated by action of the Mayor and City Commission.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 21st day of May, 2025.
ATTEST: jUN 3 � ZD25 � ��
� � - S[even Meiner
.(' �el C!�ranado Mayor APPROVED AS TO
�°� City Clerk -�p�`�� e���c''+, FOflM &LANGUAGE
=-�` �' &FOR EXECUTION
REGIS BARBOU ;�`i �+
j `.IXCORP OAAIED,'h.
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� - L.CiryAttorney �ate
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Discussion Items - R9 C
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM� City Clerk Rafael E Granado
DATE: May 21, 2025
TITLE' A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) MEETING WILL BE HELD DURING THE
12:00 NOON RECESS OF THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING ON WEDNESDAY,
MAY 21, 2025, IN THE CITY MANAGER'S LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM,
FOURTH FLOOR, GTY HALL, TO �ISCUSS THE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
EVALUATIONS OF THE CITY ATTORNEY, CITY CLERK, AND INSPECTOR
GENERAL, AND DISCUSSlTAKE ACTION ON POTENTIAL CONTRACT
AMENDMENTS.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
ANALYSIS
This memorandum is provided in anticipation of the annual evaluations of three of the City's
Charter offcers: the City Attomey, the City Clerk, and the Inspector General. These evaluations
are scheduled to take place during the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting as part of the
May 21, 2025 regular City Commission meeting.
Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, the Ciry Commission is
required to conduct annual performance evaluations for the Ciry Attorney, Ciry Clerk, and
Inspector General, induding a review of salary and benefits, wilhin thirty (30) ro forty-fve (45)
days of the anniversary date of each contract.' As part of their evaluations, the Ciry Commission
may determine whether adjustments [o salary andlor benefits are warranted. The evaluation
process also provides the Mayor and City Commission wdh an opportunity to offer individual
feedback and engage in a discussion with each offcer regarding their pertormance.
Although each of the three Charter Officers has a different contract anniversary date, the City
Commission has not yet had the opportuniry to conduct their evaluations until now. Proceeding at
this time allows the Commission to consider each Charter Offcer's pertormance over a
comparable period and to review the evaluations concurrently for efficiency and consistency. Por
those whose evaluations are past due, any approved salary or benefit adjustments may be
approved retroactively to the respective Charter Offcer's anniversary date.
The offcers subject to evaluation are:
. Ricardo J. Dopico, Ciry Attorney
' The City Manager's annual performance evaluation will be conducted on or arountl July 24, 2025, which
is Ne frst anniversary of his Commencement Date as Ciry Manager, as defned in Mr. Carpenter's
employment agreement. Z2z3 of 2719
. Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
. Joseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
To assist the City Commission in its review, each Charter Officer has submitted an Annual Report,
attached as follows�.
Exhibit 1: City Attomeys Annual Report
Exhibit 2 City Clerk's Annual Report
Exhibit 3: Inspector General's Annual Report
Following the meeting, Resolutions will be prepared for each Charter Offcer, summarizing any
adjustments or contract amendments approved by the City Commission on May 21, 2025. These
will be ezecuted as after-the-fact resoWtions, memorializing the fnal actions taken_
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Not applicable at this time.
Does this Ordinance reauire a 8usiness Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applica6le, the Business Impact Estimate (81E) was publishetl on:
See BIE at: https�//www miamibeachfl aov/citv-halllcity-clerklmeetinq-noticesl
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Ris�ht to Know" item. Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to CiN Code Section 2-17? Proiect?
No No
Was this Aaenda Item initiallv requested bv a lobbvisl which as defined in Code Sec. 2�81,
incl��des a orincipal enaaaed in lobbvinq? No
If sq specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
DepaM1m¢nl
City Clerk
SponsOf(S)
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Co-soonsor(s1
Condensed Title
17.00 pm. COW: Evaluations of Ciry Attomey. City Clerk, and Inspector General. CC
Previous Action IFor City Cierk Use Onlv1
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OFFICE OP THE CITY ATTORNEV
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS(202425)
• Ezpansion of Municipal Prosecution Program:
The CityAttorney's Office (CAO)continuetl expanding its municipal prosecution program,
successfutly prosecuting City criminal ordinance oRenses.The CAO now covers bond
hearings seven days a week, 365 days a yeac The Municipal Prosewtion Team has grown to
include three full-time prosecutors,two futl-time legal assistants, and one attomey
detlicated to weekend and holiqay bond hearings. This ezpansion enhances the City's
abitiry ro efficiently prosecute criminalviolations of municipal ordinances, ensuring greater
enforcement of Ciry laws.
• LegislativeSupportandCriminalOrdinanceAtloption:
The CAO advisetl the Mayor and Ciry Commission on the adoption of seven additional State
law criminal offenses as municipal ordinance violations, incWding assault, loitering,
[respassing,antl harassment.This ezpansion strengthens public safety antl ensures
accountabiliry.The Municipal Prosecution Team, in partncrship with the Miami Beach Police
Department, achieved an impressive prosewtion success rate of approximatety 92%from
May 9, 2022,to December 3'I,2024.
• ContractNegotiationandTransactionalSuccess:
The CAO successfully negotiated antl drafted over 450 contrac[s, coveringvarious
procurement, cons[ruction, and real es[ate agreements. Notable Iransac[ions include[he
renewal of the Miami Beach Convention Center ManagementAgreement, a $925 million
grant for the Convention Center headquarters hotel, antl a $1 million loan for affordable
housing tlevelopment. CAO attorneys also played a key role in successfully defendingthe
City against multiple prowrement bitl protests.
• Ftorida Legislative Initiatives:
The CAO tlrafted legistative amendments and pmvided legal support for the City's legisla[ive
initiatives before the Florida Legislature,including efforts to protect and expand the City's
home rule authority, address zoning and historic preservation issues, and advocate fo�
ernironmental and marine concems. Notably, legislation drafted bythe CAO that will
enable tocat govemments to impose restrictions on overnight anchoringwithin a counry's
territorialwaters was adoptetl by[he Florida legislature during its 2025 session.
• CharterAmendments:
The CAO advisetl the City's Ad Hoc Charter Review antl Revision Board,which resuRetl in
the successful drafting of seven proposed Charter amendments.All were overwhelmingly
approved in the November 5, 2024 election.
• CourtRulingsandLegalVic[ories:
The CAO achieved Several favorabte rulings, including:
o ArulingfromthellthCircuitCourtofAppealsattirming[heCitystlecisionnotto
publicly disptay artwork it owned (McGriff et al.v. CMB�.
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o AtlismissalinfawroftheCiryinacaseallegingcivilrightsviolationstluringpolice
interactions with a homeless individual(Valsaint v. CMB et aLl.
o AdismissalinfavoroftheCityinanemploymentdiscrimina[ioncase (Mitchellv.
CM8).
o Afavorahlejutlgmentinacaseinvolvingtrespassingandconstitutionalrights
violations.
., Several tavorable rulings in land-use appeals, includingthose related to
redevelopment prolects at Mango's,the Shore Club,and the Sagamore Hotel.
• Successful Injunctions and LegalActions:
The CAO ohtained favorable rulings in multiple emergency injunction proceedings:
o A challenge to the Cily's Spring Break curtew was dismissed, supporting the Ciry's
State of Emergency declaretion.
o A group of Ciry residents'challenge to the rescinding of a referentlum question was
dismissed.
.. The CAO tlefended the City'S speciaf pilot permitting process for high-impact parties
during Art Basel on Palm, Hibiscus, antl Star Islands,which will serve as a model for
future citywide legislation.
• Cantractualand Financial Recoveries:
The CAO secured a favorable arbitra[ion award of$814,551.69 from FEMA for COVID-19
response efforts by the Fire Department and a successful recovery in a bankruptcy case
against a former employee who manipulated overtime records.
• Key Ordinances end Legistation:
o The CAO conceptualized antl tlrafted legislation ro regulate street pertormers near
outdoor tlfning establishments antl established an ordinance to authorize speetl
detection systems(speetling cameras) in school zones.
o Conceptualized and draftetl an ordinance creating a special event permit program
for large-scale house parties and other special events with many attendees and
commercial-grade equipment.
o Conceptualizetl antl tlrefted tegislation prohibiting ovemight anchoring in the Ciry-
ownetl portion of the Purtly 8asin bordering Maurice Gibb Park.
., DraftedlegislationrequiringownersothousesandbuildingswithintheCitymplace
signage two(2)weeks prior ro tenting for extermination of insects and other pests to
protect pets antl other animals.
.� Drefted legistation to prohibit garish flashing, strobing and/or mWticolored lights on
resitlentia!properties that would unreasonably disturb the quiet enjoyment of a
neighboring residence by a nearby resitlent.
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., TheCAOdraftetlanamendmenttostreng[hentheCiry'sCampingOrdinance, in
compliance with state law,white ensuring humane enforcement for persons
experiencing homelessness.
., Draftetl legisla[ion to prohibit unreasonable, unnecessary, or excessive noise(music
or amplified sound)emanating from vessels or floating structures.
o Drafted legislation prohibiting the issuance of fireworks permits for[he display, use,
or discharge of fireworks in Biscayne Bay or in any residentiat area in the City.
o The CAO advised on legislation to incentivize[he transition of hotels and short-term
rental properties into long-term, nomtransient resitlentia!developments, supporting
workforce housing.
• SpecialMagistrete:
The CAds efforts in the prosecution of a demolition hy neglect case against the Deauville
entities resulted in the imposition of fines in the amount of$3,465,000(exclutling interest).
Additionalty,[he CAO worked on Speciat Magistrate reforms, limiting continuances and
ex[ensions in compliance cases.
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. � .
RAFAEL E . GRANADO
SIGNiFiC.n^�r ACCr ti^��SNM_'�iS .,�ne�s w:�n�• n�_ .�,si���,i an���,i a,� .�„i eiNd:�,�,
details and p�ocedures-
GRY CLERK
• Ballot MonaQemenY. Handled the disinbu�ion, receipt,
�F�r and kesoonfve GovommenP. lha of�ice oi the Cdy and recure processing of ma�Nn ballots to maiNain �he
Clerk ensured: 1� Ihat all req�ired legal postings were infegri�yoF�heeledion.
drs�nb��ed in compllance with Stafe law ond Gty pollcy. 2) .
Ihe acc�rafe accumulafion, accessiblf�y. ond preservafion • Canvassing ond Certlfication: Convened ihe Camossing
ot oHlcial Ciry documenis. 3j 7he acc�rote ond fimely boarcl fo open, process, and fabulote �he received
preporai7on of Cily Comrnission. Redevebpment Agancy ballofs. (ollowad by fhe o(�ciol cadificafion of ihe
(RDA�, and Norih Beach Communi�y Redevelopment elec�ion res�l�s.
Agency �NBCRA) maeting afteo-acfions Iminutesl��nd4�The
compllance with ihe Floricln P�bfic Rac.ords Ad, also known C�tv Comm'sfon Aaenda PreoaraPion: Produced and pos�ed
as FS. I 19. City Commission c�genda mafenals for 22 Commisson meetings,
retreals/special mee��ngs. ond workshops; ovcrsaw the
P 'd d o rit fh Ct Commszion'Fverydivisionwifhin °�Pnda preparo�ion process and updated ihe City's
}he Office o� ihe City Clerk sirives to support ihe Moyor and `^'ebpage. Provided iimey, iho�ough, and easy access to
Ci�y Commisslon as �hey work to serve ihe resicienis of Mloml Commission meefing ogendas. staff repor�s. antl suppor�ing
Beach. aocumen�s.
Af�er-Acfions: Accurafely recadetl, producad, tronscribed,
r�r.�,�mperS 2024 Soecipl Eledion: ond presarved 22 detalled after-adlon repods (minutes)
• fffiaeN Fecfion Coorclinatlon: (November 2024�: �or Commission meetings. retreats, spediol meetings. and
_uccessfully colloboroled with the Miam7�Dade County "'°`kshops.
Ledlons Deparimenf to ensure a smoofh and woll-
orgnntzed elecfion process for Miami Beach va�ers, Ord'nonce and Resolutlon fteais�rv: Main�ained a web-
�ncl�ding eady voting, moll-ln ballots, and Pection Day based Ordinance and Resolutlon regis�ry to provide an easy
logisfics. research tool for Ihe publia Processed 109 Ordinances and 5ffi
ftesolu�ions.
. Induslon ol ChaAer Amendments: Coordinated the
Ind�sion ot all proposed Charter Amendmen�s as balloY CiN Code:Administered the elecfronic publimfion of ihe Ci�y
questions,envring residen�s hod fhe opportunity to�ote of Miami Beach Code of Ordinonces. Submifted Ordinonces
on signillcant uptlafas to}he City Charter_ �or codifcafion �he C�dy Code is avoilable a�:
I-up i��: h corn I • ach
. fnhanced Polling Site Operafions: Suppor�ed the
nperation al Cl�y Hall Fady Vofing stes providinc� Publc Racords Reaues�s: The Office of Ihe Clty Clerk
ros�den}s with accessiblc and secure�ofing loca�ions- coortlinated and monibred the response to 7.961 6tywide
public records requesis, ensuring fimety replies. io enhance
. iransparency in Hecfion Information: MoiMained an 9overnment ironsparency. �he oFFice developed a
updated elecfion webpage wifh real-firne lnformalion searchabla online database featunng fhe most freUuently
on polling bcafions, sample ballots, and election night req�esfed public records ond piovided s1aH support in
r�s�lis, enhancing p�bfic access and ir�sf in fhe process �esearching ofticial documents.
. eilingual Voter Intormafion Guide' Prepared a Voter �asefche/Scannina: Scanned, indexed, q�ali�y-controlled,
InFortnation Guide �n bofh English and Spanish tor ihe and published all LiCs, Lobbylsis' Allitlavits Ordinances. and
November 4 2024 Specal Eleytion. providing voters wifh ResoWfions Into Lasertiche. g�wng fhe p�blic webbased
geneial alection inbrmation. key dafes to remember access to all}hese documenfs.
and methods ol vnting.
Board and Commilfees: Coordinafed oll board and
I- � I R d B � I f D' f-ct Renewal Eled'on� commlftee appoinfinents by ihe Ciry Commission, confinued
�o moinfoin technology to make civic padicipa�ion eaner
S�ccessfully condvdecl Ihe Special Mail Bollot Elecfion fo �hrough ihe onllne opplimtion process, monifored
renew fhe Lincoln Road Buslness Improvemen� Disincl °T�endance of all members. and updatecl fhe Board and
(LRBID�,which was held from November 12 fo December 16. CommiHee Handbook_Mainfalned records for 46 boards and
7024 commiftees with 378 members.Processed 201 new board and
commlitee applicafions and 296 appointmenk. Vosted a
. Elecilon Coordination: Organized and oversaw ihe moi6 searchable database of all boards and commiltees on ihe
ballol elactlon process, ensuring complianw with Otfice ol ihe C�ty Clerk's web page on a weekN basis.
ielevaM statufes, ordinances. and resolutlons. Revamped �he Boards and Committees webpage �o
. Voter Communlcallort Createtl and publ(sheci offidal enhonce user-friendliness and accessibilify. oiming lo afiroc�
sample ballots and elecfion notices �o inform properfy and engage a large� a�dience. Produced ihe board ond
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commilteeq�arterlyattendancereporisandfheboardand retluc.ing papei usag• and impro�ing accessibillfy fw
committee biannual reports. Generaled the board and resideMsandstatf.
comml�ee minorAy report_
Imolemenled SoundSearch iechnoloav: SoundSearch was
Lobbvisfs: Malntalned lobbyis� regisfrofion informotion. integrated inio ihe Ci�y of Miomi Beach's Digi�al Agencla
Registered 225 ((orvprofit and noL(or-profit� lobbyisfs wlh Manogemenf Sysfem. ggn'A'�canfly Improving occessibillty
421 new Issues. Generated weekly lobbyis� informofion for anci fransparency for residenh. ihis innovative plo}fom�
eleded officials and the adminlsirotlon, collecfed annuol enables users lo locate specific �opics, discussions, or
regisirofion fees and per-issue �ees. and procassed annual s�eakers wilhln meeting recordings by searching for
financial repoiis as mandated by the Gty Code. keywords or phrases and seamlessly finking agenda items to
the corresponding sedions oF meeting videos. The
Letter b Comrtisslon IITCI: The Office of fhe City Clerk implementotion has enhanced public engogement by
processed,emailed,and digltlzed 569 Leflers fo Commission allowing residenis to access in(orma�ion�ndependenfly.
in 2024.
Imolementotion of FComment PeaNre for CiW Commission
Annual Reooris: Processed Oufside Employment. GiR Mee�inos:S�ccessfullyimplemenfed}hee-ccmmenifaaWre
D2dosura Financial Disdosures. ond Lobbyist Expenditure on iha digifol ogendo plafform as an ociditionol brmot tor
Forms, os req�ired by ihe Stafe,the Co�nfy, and�he Cify pubfic engagemeM, allowing residen}s�o submit comments
on agenda ifems eledronically for City Commission
Public No�ices Ensured ihat legal notleing requlremonis meetings. ihis new option complemenfs irodi�ional methocls
wera mef. Generated. prooled. antl placed legol of participallon, enhancing accessibill�y ond convenience
aWertisemeNs In bcal newspapers as requlred by low. for those unable to a�fend in person.
Published ihe following advedisemeNs: 52 meefing notices,
164 publlc hearing noticec, and 64 elecfion informotion Decennial Charter Review and Revision Board Coordina�ion:
no�ices. Successfully coordinated }he decennial Charter Review
Board, ensuring o comprehensive evaluation of �he Cl�y
Meetinq Calendac Maintained elechonic calendar of Char�er in compliance wilh Sec�ion 166.031 of ihe Ronda
p�blic meetings. Posfed on the City Clerk's webpage. Sfatutes and locol requlremenis. Ihe process included
Mlomi-Dade Counfy designafed website. and in �he 4 Cify laditating p�bfic meetings and discussions �o ga�her inp�t
Hall digital bulletin boards copies of ineefing nofices. irom residenh, sfakeholders, and legal expeds, losfering
fronsparency and community engagement. Aclminis}ra�ive
Ira-s'foned to Da'tal Publlc Nofices: S�ccessfvlly vpport was pro�ided to}he Charler Review8oard fo enzure
transitloned Ihe publicatlon of public notices from a �hal proposed amendmeMs aligned wifh communify
newspaper of 9eneral clrcula�lon to a publidy accesslble. priorities and adhered fo legal and reg�laforysfandords.ihe
county-operatad websife, In complionce wifh Florida recommended amendmenis were prepared and presented
S�atuYes Chopter 50.031 I�b�. Legally required to Ihe City Commissipn, culminating in their placemenf on
ativertlsemen}s and p�blic noFlces were p�blished on ihe November 5. 2024. Specnl Election ballot. All proposed
Miaml-0ade Counfy's designated website at amendmenis received overwhelming approval from Miami
� r�,�/;I o .ds.m�on U J� r lhese noficas are Beach vo�ers. reflecfing sfrong communi�y }rust and
provitled In a searchable lorma� and include the date of ollgnment with munlcipal goals. This Initlaflve s�rengiheneci
firs� p�blication, enhondng iransparency and accessibili�y ihe govemance framework of Miomi Beach, ensuring �he
lor residen}s.ihislransiHon achieved subs�antiol cos�savings Ciry Charfer raNads besf pracfices, Icgal compliance, and
by eliminating newspoper adverfising expenses whlle ihe evolving needs of the community.
maintaining compliance with public notice requirements.
ihe fransifion ensured equlfable access by providing free. Education: Patllcl�afed in educafional progmms ihrough
14// online avallabilify of p�bllc nofices In a searchable Ihe Inlemafional Insti�u�o of M�nicipal Clerks and ihe Forido
fom�at addressing the fncf ihat ihe majoriYy of ruidenls do Associafion of CiN Clerks.
not subscribe fo a newspaper. For reslden}s withouf lntemet
accest �he Office of the City Clerk physically dellvers Hosted Miomi-Dade CountvCitv Clerks Azsociation C;uar�erlv
copies oY public nobces �o City libranes. eldedy ho�sing Meetina:ihe Office of�he Cify Clerk vecessfully hosted the
facllifies, and senior ceNers. and maintains exfra copies a� Miami-Dade CouNy Ci�y Clerks Association quarteiiy
Clty Hall. Additlonally. ihe Office offers Ihe option �o mail meeting, providing an educational ond netwohinp
nofices upon requesf and can also pro�lde dlgltal delivery opporf�nity for city derks from across fhe coonty.ihis evenf
via emoll forthose who pre(er it. faciPfated the exchange of best piactices, sirengthened
professlonal relotionships, and zupported ongoing
Weboaae: Enhanced communicofions wi�h residen�s by tlevelopmenf wifhin�he municipal clerk community.
Improving anci conilnuously�pdating ihe Oftice ol tha City
Clerk's website mntenl relofed to the Commiision and
Committee MeePngs Eledlons. eoards and Commlttees. Miscellaneous: Providetl customer service suppod ond
P�blic Heanngs. Public Recortls. and fhe Ci�y Calendar, dlection, induding notary se��Ices. If we were unable �o
assist drectly. we ensuretl individuals weie oppropnately
I pl f d D l I na� d M e t S � - di�ec�ed b the rele�aN c3epar�ment or rew�rces.
Launched a new dlgifol agentla system lor Ihe Clty
Commission Cornmis�ion Commiltees. ancl Land Usa Board.
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. . . .
SPECIAL MAGISTRAiE DIVISION
CENTRAL SERVICES DIYISION
Processed Ihe bilowing new cu5es: �33�pe�.ia Mog�i�'o'e
Appeals SI9 Bvildin� Vlola�ions. 569 Code violaloro. A.� Co � �;a�on-�en[ IheCeMrolScrvlcesDivisionoperotes high-
Code Lens/ke�eases/Partiol Releases. 562 BUldinp ;peee7. high-vol�me black-anclwhife and color produdion
❑em/RJen�es/ Parlia! Releasea, nnd RO Red I Ic�hl Come^.: pnnte�s ihat produ�e p�olessionol res�lts. lhese machines nof
Cases. only copy buf also collole, bind. and staple finished
documenh, achieving cosf-eFfecfYe digifal re:produdion of
In�rod�ced and Tested Vii�ual Iranslafion Prog�om for pdn�ed ma�eriols.
Special rologisfrotc Hcanngs: Ihe OHlce of fhe City Clerk has
iNroduced and successf�lly fested a virfual I�ansla�ion PnntinaProducfion'.TheCenfrol5ervicesDivlsionreceived1279
program �o nssisl nomEnglish-speaking residen�s during print jobs in FY 2024 and p�oduced 2,382844 impressions(block
Special Magisirate Hearings. Cerfified hanslators provide and whife/cobrJ, ot on averoge ot 198.570 Impressions per
rea6fime inferpretation in languages such as Spanish and month. ihese lobs Induded: Commission meefin9 a9enda
Haitian Creole, appeanng virtualiv during hearings. ihis books, supplementals �o �he City Code, Commission
program, set lo be fully implemcnfed In fiscal year 2025. Committees meeling agendos. proposed and final capital
ens�res accesslbility, inclusivity,and equifable paril6pa��on boclge� books. open anmllment books/inwronce packages.
lor oll residen�s. reflecting Miami Beach's dedlcallon b zoning noti6wHons, prodamatlons. posters. flyers. brochures.
serving ls diverse communify. maps,buslness cards,courtery noYices,meeting no�ices(Boord
of Aduzfinenls, Planning Board, etc.�, permit cards. wwk
Geation ol a Dedicateci Space (or Speciol Magisho�e permHs. unsafe sficke¢, s�rveys. vehide safeiy logs, sioroge
Hearings ihe OHIce oF fYie Cl�y Clerk has iransformed fhe receip�s. lnspac�ion hantlouts, daily repods. intormofion logs.
FrstFloorConferenceRoomnearihebreezewoyofCihyHoll Code violafion lorms, refiree enrollment applica�ions, door
Info a dedlcated spaca for Spedal Magi51ra1e Haarng;by hangers. rasldanflal parking peimi� applica�ion, residential
proc�ring advanced audlo and dlgifal eq�npment �o parking permit renewal, ployers/parenis code of conduct.
creafe a f�ncfional co�riroom envlronmenl. ihls inifiotive release oF liability. rules and regulations waming signs, offduty
eliminates schetluling conlllcis with boaro's commiflees, applicatlons. Pollce DepaAmen� torms, mefer porking forms,
Cily Commitision mee�ings, and o�her events. ihe etc.
corneniant bcofion enhonces occessibilify(or porficiponfs,
while ihe modem equipment ensures a s�reamlined and E h d P 'nf'no C o bTY 'fl H h-P d PI ite '
pro(essional heaiing p�ocess, ratlecFng �he C:ly's TheCenhalServicesDrvisionu�ilizedBshtgh-quallyplotfennfhe
mrnm'dmrnf W eHlc.ency and acces>ibillfv� pnnt shop to provide efficianf and cosl-eilecfive prin�ing
sarvices for multiple Cify depariments. ihis versafile �ool
RECOR�S MANAGEMENT DIVISION p�oducetl high-quality posters bannea. maps. antl large-
lormaf motenals fo s�pport a voriety of deporimenfol needs,
Ihe O�'ice of fhe Cily Clerk estabGshed a new Reco�ds Induding public oWreach, even�s, and planning projecis, 8y
Managamenf D'rvis�on for the C�h�ot Miami 6each. ensuenfl offeAn9 imhouse services, ihe CeNrol Sewices DHi4on
complionce wifh Honda S�atutes Chopter I 19 (Public sireamlined}he printing procesi red�ced relionce on extemol
Fecords Law) qnd �he �londa Depadmenf oi State's vendors,andensuredfaslerlumoroundtimesforCityinitiotives.
General Records Sched�le.Thls Divlsion ceniralizad�ecoids Thls appioach delivered slgniticant cos� savings acrosz
manogemen�operofions,sfreamlining docomenf hondlinc�. deparimenis. enabling }hem b focus reseurces on progrom
sforoga, ond retneval across all Clty clepartmenis. deliveryrother ihan ou�sourcing printing tasks Add��ionally, fhe
Sfandardizecl poficies and procedures lor records retentlon inifiative tosfered interdepartmental collaboia��on by
and p�blic access were designed and Implemenfed. provldingcu5fompnNingzoluilons. enhancingfheCify'sabilify
supporting fhe City'S commitment to iwnsparency and to communicate elfectively with�he public.
occounlabilify. AcicJitionolly. baining ancl rerources ware
provided fn Cify daff on besf proctices br records Upq cl�t1 E f d E I � d O �' n I tff'r' n
manogemenLenvringalignmentwithle9alrequiremen}s Replacedandupgrotledllspapercuttereq�ipmaN.enabling
and oparailonal s�anciards. �he tlepaArc�ent �o efflcienlly mee� �he inaeosing c�t sheei
demonds. Addifior.ally, Ccnrrol Services excelleci In handling
Records ReteNion: Coordinoted the records retention ond growing demands for printiny. cou�ier. and incoming and
des�rudion program for all City cleparimenis. Reviewecl ootgoing mail services_These ndvancements hove re�nforced
ond monifored re�entlon sched�les antl Identified fhe Divlslon's abilify lo provide convenieN. cos4effecfive in-
documents eliglble for desirudion. Des�royed 1,889 cubic house services whlle mainfoining a hlgh stonciard of
'eet of record� in PY 2024. Assisted Ihe (ollowing City operofional supporf across all deparimenls.
deparfinenis/dlvisions with records tlesiiuction'. City Qerk.
Special Magist�ate, Fire, Fnonce. Code Compi�ance Cqli:r'AL SUCCESS FACTORS
Mayorand Commission.Cify Monager.Ci1y Atfomev.°��bi'�c
Works, Parking. Housing and Comm�nity Service�. ,����. , -nsurecross-frain�ngo�slafE
Mlami Beoch Employees Retlrement and Pension OfGcc.
• ,'Nonibr ihat dapaiimenls re.spond in o timely monner
fo p�blic •ecordsreG�esis.
2231 of 2719
• Fnhance exfernalpMcmal comm�nlcafiors (rom accJ �
wlhin �he Of�ice of �he Cify GPrk.
• Fnsure ihat expendliue Irends aie susfainable aver fhe
long �erm.
• Prov-de excellent customer serv7ce by responding
promptly, accurately. and courteuusly�o all inquiries and
recl�es�s.
FUT�RE OUTLOOK
Ihe Office of �he City Clerk will mntinue to pursue
opportunifies fhaf will enhonce fhe Depahmenfs abilify �o
provide accurote ond fimely 'mformotlon to ihe Moyo� and
Ci�y Commission. CiN Manager, City A�fomey, all Ci�y
tleparimenis.and �he public.
2232 of 2719
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I
OfFIC� OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
"No governmenf is perfecf. One of the chief virtues of a democracy,
however, is that ifs defeds are always visible and under democrafic
processes can be poinfed oui and mrrected."
- Presidenf Harry S. Truman
2233 of 2�19
ALONG THE WATERFRONT
WITH INSPECTOR GENERAL
, JOSEPH CENTORINO
.' I have been prlvileged to lead fhe Miami Beach Offke of the �nspedor
General since ifs intepfion in 2019. We hme audited, investigated,
reviewed and inspected the Ciy's operations, major infrastructure
� projeds, contracts, rece�phandezpend�turesofpublicmonies, andthe
conduct of Ciy officiols and employees Our work has 6een informed
by responsible oHicials and by concemed ond voml cifizens, induding
: anonymous ones. Our reporis ha�e discussed ineHiciencies, wasteful
\ pro<tices, illegalities, as well as recommendations for improvement.
Our mission requires fhat we find and publidy disdose factual infarmation that may muse discomforf
for those involved. We must also confront and grapple wifh aiticisms of our own wark, aken publidy.
We may disagree with our critics, bul we respect fhelr righl fo criYiclze and we listen to them with fhe
hope of improving our performance and moking more valuable our mntribution to fhe public inieres�.
Nolionolly, oui democracy faces unique chollen9es in getting relioble informatian fo members
of the public about what their governmenh are doing. N nehvorks were once required to broadmst
olterootive vlews lo Iheir editorlals, a practice many people apprecioted regardless o( which side they
were on. Many media oullets now tailor iheir reporting to a fovored poliiical view io ihe exdusion of all
olhers. Those that iry to provide balanced coverage are ohen disparaged and distrusted for doing so.
We agree with Ihe Greek Orator Isocrates �436 B.0 - 338 B.C.� who said "If you fruly wlshed ro
find out whal is best for the couniry, you would listen mare io those who oppose you ihon to
ihose who try to please you." The dash of strongly held viewpoints should be the lileblood of a
healthy democrocy, but only in fhe confexi of mulual resped by all porticipaNs. especially those
entrusted wilh govemment authority. The Cify of Miomi Beach, one of few loml govemments
ihai has adopfed a Civility Oath (or its elected oHicials, has explicitly recognized Ihis obligation.
We take seriously our responsibiliry to pravide accurate facts ro support our flndings and
remmmendalions. The creation of O(flces of Inspecrors Generol throughoul Ihis country—
especiolly in fbnda, whkh leads �he nofion in crea�ing �hese independent wotchdogs—
has been supported 6y a public that hungers for sfmight talk abwt govemmes�t oBairs.
The Miami Beach OIGs experience has been largely positive. We are�.encouraged by the public support
we have received and by the many cooperaHve responses from those whose actions we oversee.
•
We are always a«essiWe to the public fhrough our websik, www.mbinspectorgeneral.com,
email at CityoFMiamiBeachOlG�miamibeachfl.gov, telephaie 305.673.7020, and af our office,
1130 Washinglon Avenue, 6th Floor. We encourage all Miami 6each residents and businesses
10 join our efforts ro maximize �e efficienq and integriy of City government We need you.
Sincerely,
G%��
MIPMIBEACH OFFlCEOFiHEINSPECTOR GENERAL
OIG PERSONNEL CHANGES
MANAGEMENT
202� has been a transitional year for OIG persodnel. Mark Coolidge, who served as our Chief Audiror
since Ihe inception of the OIG in 2019, retired aher 31 years of dedicaled service to fhe Ciy. He was
instrumental in incorporating the City's prior Intemal Audit Division info fhe newly formed OIG, adapting
to ifs broader independent mission, and supervising a staff that consistently produced professional audits.
Mark's suctassor w Chief AudiRx, Norman Blaioffa, served previously as OIG
DopulyChief Auditor and brings a shong background in audiling, as a Certified
Intemo)Audifor, Certiked Fmud Examiner, ond Certified Inspeclor General Auditor.
He has a Bachdor of Business Adminislration - Accounting from Metropolitan
University and Master of Business Adminishation - Finance from Inter American
� � Universily. Norman has guided the OIG into greoter use of dafa analyfics in
� planning and conducfing audifs.
OIGs new Depuy Chief Audiror, Jo�ro S�kuro, mme lo the OIG in Dxember
aFter serving with disfiedion as Deputy Inspector General for t6e Ciy of Tallahassee.
" "� ` She previously served as Senior Audifor kr fhat Ciy and is a Certified Public
Accountant, Certified Infemal Audifor, Cerfified Inspector General, and is no
stranger to South Florida, having earned bofh a Bachelor of Accounting and
Master of Accounting - Audif Tmck degrees from Florida Internalional University.
OIG Executive Assistant/Office Manager Elisa Alonw has assumed additional
Q responsibilifies as OIG budgef manager and as administrator oF the OIG's new K-10
soNware. She also handles oll supporf slaff dufies, which includes assisting the
`f 1. . � �� i� Inspector Geneml and Chief Audiror on financiol issues and personnel management,
assisting and training staff on the use of office soNware, tracking and recordkeeping
on audits and investigations, assigning resort tax audits, ordering and inventorying
oHice equipment and supplies, and coardinating Audit CommiBee meefings.
AUDIT STAFF
Jessica Romero lowda has been promoted Gom Internal Audiror ro Senior Auditoc The OIG has
a new Sanitation Tax Auditor, Julia Moraks, who came to us from a posifion at florida Infernafional
Universiy, prior to which she supervised lax audirors at the Florida Department of Ravenue. Resort Tax
Audirors Tomay Sanchaz and EI Mosfafa Achar have been promoted lo Inlernal Audif posifions. The
OIG has hired four new Resort Tax Auditors fo fill existing vacancies: Tatania bpes, 7lwnia lhislsn,
RaHi OI'rvo, and ANredo Mojsna.
a
ANNUAL�EPOA'2'�G
it ,
The OIG was created by �o�er referendum �n 7_O18 and belongs to �he people of Mloml Beach. We
never forget fhat and contlnue to engage wilh the public through o�r webslle, hotline, community groups
and cifizen activisfs. The Inspedor General makes himself ovoila6le �o speak wi�h any civic, edumfional.
noFfor-profit, or business group.
During the pastyear the Inspector General appeared on an ethics panel af the Annual Conference of}he Sourh
Florida Chopter of ihe Amerimn Society for Public Adminisfrofion (ASPA� and choired a panel on Ethics,
Elections, and Good Governance at the Silver Jubilee Celebrafion of the U.S./Africa Trade 8 Investmenr
Conference and Expo held in Miami. A strong advacate of ethics education and fraining, he addressed
members oi the sen ior doss at Miomi Beach Senior H igh$chool on Ethiwl Governonce Day 2025,an eveni he
eslablished while serving as Director at fhe Miami-DadeCommission on Bhics. Within the City govemment,
fhe Inspedor General regularly helps iroin new City employees in Ihe Humon Resaurces Deparfinent
orlentotion progroms and the Code Comphonce Deparlment's Code Amdemy doss (or new Inspectors.
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2237of2719 �
NJMnI BEACH OFFlCE OF iHE INSPEQOR 6ENE0.AL
� � 1 .� i.l r� :`'�Y F� �C f'�..e � !":���_m R �4 Y'r Q..
CITY CODE AMENDMENTS ESTABLISHING FAIR AND
CONSISTENT ROLL-OFF FEE COLLECTION
The C iy's mllection of san iiation fees,deri ved from woste hauler and rolloff contractor revenues,supports operotions
o� the Sanitotion Di�ision of Ihe Public Works Department The OIG Sonifaiion Fee Auditor mnduds audits of
fhese payments, especiolly those received from Roll-Off contmdors now registered wilh the Ciy. These<ontroctors
colledmnstruction and demolilion debris at private locations, ond each is required to obtain o Business Tox Receipt
�BTR�, i.e., a permif 10 condud business in the Cify. As permitted Roll-Off confracfors, fhey are required to remit lo
ihe City 2090 of iheir gross revenues. OIG audits have resulfed in substantial assessments against nontompliant
confmcrors, sometimes in excess of $100,000, which ore su6ject to mllection by the Cily's Finonce Deporiment.
Soon pher fhe OIG began operafions, audifors became aware fhai many more Roll-Off controctors
were operafing in Ihe City ihan were oblainin9 BTRs and paying Ihe required revenues. This inherent
unfoirness to controcbrs following fhe rules led fhe OIG ro become more proodive in identifying
scoHlaws fhan had ever been done previously. This resuhed in on increose in fhe num6er of controc�ors
complying with BTR ond Sanitation Fee requiremenis and paying fees fo the City pf fhaf fime.
The OIG also identified problems with the Ciy ordinonce defining o "Roll-Off" contoiner. Legal
inlerpretatlons received from Clly anorneys had applied Ihe ordinance to wheeled mntoiners and lo confmctors
using gmpplrservice equipmen� fo pick up debris for
loading onro trucks �see pho�os�. Yet, lax enforcement
and lack of clarity in some Ciry Sani�otion Code
provisians had allowed some mntracrors, induding
ihose conduding major demolition projects, to avoid
poying any sanilation fees, while other confractors
working on residenfiol ar commerciol occounts ware
paying 20 0 of Iheir gross revenues to Ihe Ci�y.
In a Resolufion passed by fhe {ormer Cily Commission
in 2023, the interpre�ation of o Roll-Off contoiner
i became limited lo stationary coNainers, effectively
si��d�,norcrzou-oJl�t>.�a�,��,.��- negating ihe Ilabiliy of ony confmcror ulillzing other
eqwpmeN, mduding ihose already under audii.
In several subsequen� audit reporis, induding ihose
in Ihis annual report, OIG auditors explained how
the inconsistencies in Ihe ordinonce's applimtion
had resulted in significon� los� revenues lo Ihe ,
Ciy. The OIG recommended that the ordinance '�
be amended ro deady apply Roll-0ff fees
in oconsistenfway, ensuring a level ploying field for �
oll mnslruction and debris removal coniracbrs. Ij- �—
Dunng 2024, wilh ffte supporf of the Ci}y's new �� � .
Public Works Director, Bradford Koine, and fhe
Cily Administra�ion, ordinance amendments
sponsored by City Commissioner Tanya Bhatt
were passed by Ihe City Commission. ._ `"''���"`"""` �"" "�°°�� ��'""
b
2238 of 2719
ANNUAI RFPORT 2024
They darified the circumstances under whlch a
Roll-0H permif ond paymenf of a percentage of
gross receipts would be required from enlitles
engaged in removal of conslruction and
demolition debris and/or bulky waste in the
City. This accomplishment provides for a foirei
applimlion of the sanitofion fees imposed undei
the Cily Code thoi also promises to substaniiolly •
enhance revenues available to fund City �
operafions withoul drawing upon property
lax recelpts. � �
IIL<<..� ,._.� �..
"STOP THE PAUSE" ORDINANCE
An OIG report on Ihe status of G.O Bond projects during the past year noted tha�ihere have been costly delays
on some pmjects due b unnecessary interruptions or modifim�ions made at advanced slages in ihe projetts.
The report echoed previous OIG reports on other projecfs, induding mojor infrastrudure projeUs, Ihol resulted
in mst overruns running inlo millions of dollars, creafing fruslration on Ihe part of sfaff ond project stokeholders.
The OIG suggested, based on inpW from Cify deparfinent heads and supported by fhe G.O, Bond
Oversight Committee, �hat once a project reaches a certoin design stage wilh full community input,
there should be prolection againsf unworranfed smpe/design chonges on importanl projecls.
A "Stop the Pouse'" Ordinonce, sponsored by Vice Moyor Alex femandez and co-sponsored by Commissioner
David Suarez, was passed by 1he Commission in September ond now requires, wilh approprio�e
excepfions, a 5/7 vole to pause, deloy, s�op or moteria��y modify o crifiml infrastrucWre project wifh an
eslimated construction msl of o million dollars and at a 60°o design stage. The ordinance olso requires
a 6/7 vo�e for suth projects aher ihey hove oblained all permifs ond are shovel ready. The OIG views
this as a posilive step toward curtoihny Ihe wastef�l pracfice of unjustiPied laie-sfage design chonges
ond Is hopeful Ihot �ts suctessful implemenlotlon wlll lead to a wider use of mch meoswes 6y Ihe Cfy-
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2239 of2719
MIAM!BEACM OFFCE OF iNE'NSPEC'OR GPb.FRal
�' ,
JESSIG ROMERO IASADA YORNEY SANCHEZ EL MOSTAFA ACMAR
Senior Internal Audibr Inlerrwl Audiror Inknrol Audiror
INTERNAL AUDITS
i�Nmal audifing k an indspendsM objseNve asawunce and mnwNinB ae1m�Y ds�yned ro
add wlw and improve an organizafbnL opwalions. k hslps M�s Ciy ooromplish i►s o6jecfiws
by brirging a syslemaeic, disciplined approoch b svoluofiny and imp�oviny N�e a/feciiveness
af risk nwnogemeM, inMmal comrd, and governancs. Nl�r�wl audls d Gry dspmhnanh.
eanhacls,vendora,or empbyeros am assigned InHfal�y based an Ihe OKi's arsiD^ed^sk(I�h.
n�um or bw�m�d�ims slapHd sinte a previu�s av�►. Th�wdh plm�is bosed on ehs OIG's
hdependen►ludgman►in i►s evdvalion of roquem rocsivsd/rom Ihe Gfy Adminishafion. Ciq
Committion. Aud'A Commrl/ee, and Whx inM�sslsd pareiss.
Daro analyrics. a process used in isysrol audifs wmmwizad 'm fh& r�poM, involvss fhe uss
of specidized /ools rnd tsehmques ro examine, in/srprsf, and can6ins Imgs ra►s of dafa.
ihis proas� Mlps b uncowr paMams and anwndiss ena6ling m�lors and invssligalors ro
mwe aNecnvaly dsroe►Irvud ensuro compl'wnes, idsn►ily weaknsases, and suppore evidencs-
bawd d�eisiun-making. Ths uss of dala analyfics /as b�tome an impor►aM►ool for OIGs in
P�^��D��.
Review of Sekcfed BDO Audif Fndings
As port oF o verbol ogreement with the City Adminishation, OIG Audirors perform onnual tesfing of City sfaff's
compliance with several recommendations selected randomly from a fotal of 60 recommendations contained in
a 2017 audit tonducfed by BDO, an ouhide audil firm, in the wake of o $3.6 million froud involving fhe City's
Treasury and �Automotic Clearing House dis6ursements dismvered during 2016.
This yeur's review (ocused on mmpliance wlth remmmendations numbered 27, 31 , 38, 55, ond 56. Allhough
compliance mntinues ro be athieved wi�h most sampled retommendations, tesfing in fhis review identified
deficiencies in nine individual tronwctions during the 2022/23 fiscal year, tololing $2,245.697.80, thot were
released for paymenf with only one departmenl's approval. In five of the last six si milor reviews,OIG staff identified
23 hanwcfions,wilh a total amountexteeding$7.8 million,Ihatware similady released due to an incoRectworkflow
conliguration;and 14 other tranwcfions exceeding$4.5 million approved twice by the same departmenral official.
Finance DepaAmeM Ba�k Reconciliafion Annual Rosuhs Summary Reporh
Intluded in the lesting bosed on the 2017 ouhide audit, the OIG independently verified that all bank accounl
reconciliations were fimely complefed and reviewed/approved by Finance Department sta(f for at least one
monlh per quartec OIG examinafion wmpleted in Nwember 2023 showed no mo�erial excepfions for �e
sompled months of Septem6er 2022, December 2022, February 2023, April 2023, and lune 2023. OIG
examination completed in July 2024 showed no maMrial exceptions for �he wmpled months of August 2023,
November 2023, January 2024, February 2024, and May 2024.
8
ANNUn:REPO0.*101d
State Beachfront Management Agreemenf Financial and Operational Reports for fhe
2021/22 Fiscal Year
Thls a9memenf w'dh ihe Siate of Florida requires the City of Miomi Beach to remlt a 2590 "sond iox" ro the State
6om monies <ollected from privote concessionaires for the use of Stateowned beachfront pwperly in the Ciy.
The OIG preparas a Financia� Report Informing the Sfote o(�he mmpleteness and occuracy of Ihe Clty's quarterly
sand fax payments pursuant fo fhe agreement, ond an Operofionol Report reviewing Cily procedures, inlemol
mntrols and accumcy of rransacrions.
Examination of Cih/ records for ihe period of Ocfober l, 2021, ihrough September 3Q 2022, foond bolh
underpoymen�s and overpoyments of sand taxes, resulting in o net underpaymenf�o �he State of $238,S1Q21,
due primarlly lo incorrect distributlon of beachfronl concasslon fee payments. incorrecl dislribu�lon of payments
among Ihe generol ledger occounts, incorrect fee Invoicing, ond an lncorrecl mmputotion of the 2022 Bcucher
Brofhers lrue-up payment.
Gas South, LLC — Public Service (Gas) Tax Audit
Clty Cocle provldes for�he chorging, mllecfing, and remitting of a P�bllc Servfce Tox on doslgno�ed purchoses of
gas and eledriclly wlfhln the Gy of Mlomi Beoch. Sellers are required ro remlt 10`�, exduslve of go�ernmen�ol
charges and taxes, of the total omount billed by fhe provider for the purchase of eleUritiy, metered gas, and
bottled gas and four cents per gallon on fuel oil. This audit of �he Public Service Tax remiBed by Gas South, LLC
to ihe City behveen April l, 20 V, and April 30. 2022, found that �he controctor properly remitted all Publ��c
Service Tax due 10 the City. However, it was determined that ihese paymems were received aNer �he designated
due da�e for 58 of the 60 momhs sampled resuhing in $12628 in accumulaled inleresl due ro the Ciiy
Infinite Energy, Inc. — Public Service (Gas) Tax Audit
An oudif of Ihe Publit Service Tax remiMed by Infinite Energy, Inc. ond purchosed by Gas South, LLC, �o the
City behveen April l, 2017, and June 30, 2021, found Ihaf the mnfmctor properly remitted all Public Service
Tax due lo the City. However, it was determined thot �hese payments were received aker 1he designoted
due date for 45 of the 50 months sampled resulting in $116.94 in occumuloted in�eres� due �o the Ciy.
Business Tax Receipf and Resort Tax Inspection Report
The OIG used dala analytia to examine the entire populafion of Business Tax Receiph (BTRs�, fhe annual licenses
required to do business in the City, whith are entered into the Cily's EnerGov licensing and permittin9 system.
Testing focused primorily on de�ermining whefher existing businesses hod timely obtained BTRs for �he 2023/24
fisml year os oF March 3Q 2024, ond �hen the number ol prior fiscal years (or which they were not compliont.
Approximolely 3,500 nontompliont businesses were referred lo the finance ond Code Complionce
Deparfinents for possible enforcement. Code sfaff has been assigned �o determine �he undedying reasons for
the lopses, induding businesses no longer opemting, never licensed due to ignoronce of BTR requirements,
or infentional evasion of Ihe requirement Although there remoin numerous non�ompllant businesses
to inves�igote and bring into wmpliance, as of June 30. 202d, 62 Notices of Violotion were Issued. A; a
resull of enforcemenl action by Code Compliance, businesses have paid more than $97,000 b the City.
Parking Impact Fees Audit
OIG staH performed on audit focusing on deiermining the timeliness, accuro<y, and mmpleteness
of the Parking Impact Fees <harged to and mlleded by �he Cily Plonning Departmen� from program
porticipants during the October I, 2020, through September 30, 2023, audit period. The progrom
talls For business properly owners fo pay the fee In Ileu of providing some or all required park�ng
spaces on certain developmeN projects before receiving o Business Tox Receipt �BTR� from �he Ciry.
Testing found thal BTRs were issued lo progrom porliciponis be(ore the fee-in-lieu parking poymen'
was received by the Ciry; some participants did not timely remit monies due, but mntin�ed to be
part of the progmm; annual evalualions fo opply CPI adjustmenfs to parking impoct fees required
by Ciy Code were not completed since 2014 despile significanr CPI increoses aher thot year; some
onnual invoites lo paniciponfs were not issued, thereby musing confusion concerning the d�e
dafe; ond incorrect bilhng lo six porticiponts resulted In o $1, 176_12 net overpayment to the Giry.
2241 of 2719
Mi<nu aencN orF�ce oF rHe iNseeaoa�eNezai
Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council Audit (10/O1/20 - 09/30/23)
The City Code requires the pe�formance of an audlt to determine whether Ihe CulWral Arts Council
�CAC� and ihe City's Tourism ond Culture Department CulNrol Affoirs Division siaff complied with
City Code provisions and to examine w6e�her gront funds were awarded and disbursed in occordance
with the Progrom Guidelines and Application Instructions and other perfinent dxumenfvtion.
In doing so, the OIG Audibr no�ed �he following deficiencies worronting correclive adion�.
1. Some sampled granlees su6milted Finol Repor�s and supporting documen�ation ihat did not satisfy all
tes�ed Grant Agreement requirements.
2. Dunng the audit period, $2,96221 In gront funds were reimbursed lo sampled gron�ees despite
being specifically disallowed in the Program Guidelines.
Miami Beach Golf Club (MBGC) and Normandy Golf Club (NSGC) Management
Conlroct Complionce Audits
The OIG mnducted audils of the Professional Course Managemenl LTD �PCM� managemeM agreemenis
under which PCM, a privafe confrador, oversees bo�h fhe Miami Beach Golf Qub �MBGC) and ihe
Normandy Shores Golf Club (NSGC�. These audits assessed complionce with mntract terms and
internol monogemenf proctices rolher fhon the quality of fhe golf courses �hemselves. Significant
deficiencies were icJenlified in both agreements, induding vogue, ambiguous, and tonfusing
terms which hove complicated enforcement and resulted in quesfionoble reimbursemenfs lo PCM.
Further findings highligMed a lack of adequafe documenfa�ion for Ci�y approvols of PCM's ac�ions and finonciol
reimbursements; unverified discouNs oHered to cusfomen that devioted from Ciy Commission approved rates;
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ANNUAIREPOR•202d
and incorrecl billiny of water mefers, leading�o overb�lling direded al Ihe golf murses rolher Ihan the appropriote
City entilies; 7CM's failure to moinfain documenfed agreemenh wifh subcontroctors as required by the Cily
Code; and the Ciy's failure lo documenf Mainlenonce Repair InspeUion and Golf Course Evaluation Reporis.
TheOlGalsoidentified a Fbrida Salestax liability in ihe amounrof$2,73624 owed lo�heCiry by PCM. A�NSGC,
fhe audit re�ealed ihot PCM employees paid by the Ciy were receiving paymeNs from golf customen for privote
golf lessons provided by�hem during work hours, allhough the amount of the eamings (rom Ihese lessons muld
nol be verified.
City Department ond Division Follow-up on Selected OIG Audit Recommendafions
Ciy stoff performed self-ossessments of recommendations on selected intemal audih completed more �hon siz
mon�hs previously. Bosed on the responses received from Cily deparfmants/divisions, ihe cortec�ive aclions
implemenred were evaluated and ploced into one of the following defined colegories: not implemented, partially
implemenled, fully implemenfed, will not implemen�, and no longer opplicable. The OIG derermined�hat eor
of 27 recammenda�ions made ro�he Ciy, 21 were fully implemenfed and ll�e remaining six were par,ially
implemenred.The OIG will consider fufure testing to evaluate the eHeUiveness of the repor�ed correcfive acfions.
OIG StaH Assistance To City Departments
In addition to the completion of the above projects, OIG Audit Division staff assisted Ciy
depar�ment staff duriny ihe 2023�24 6scal year on varlous projetls and reques�s. Examples
induded assisling in the inferprefation of vendor contracts and/or specifit terms, supplying hisbrical
information lo help exploin current concems, and providing opinions to aid in decision-making.
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L:�Y.
ANNUAIREPORi202d
b �.�
ORIC SANRATION FEE AUDROR JULIA MORALES
� ALL
� >,�� Sani�o6on Fee Audils defermine wbetber privoM conhoctors
�ollecting <onslr�cfion/demolition debris /rom Roll-Off conloiners
" � y� � are properly permiMed and paying the Ci/y 20% of gross receipls
-� in Sonitalion Fees per Giy Code. ihe OIG Sanifation Fce Audiror
also conduc�s audits or assisfs in investigofions of Cily Commission
�'?G` approved Sanitalion iranrhise wasfe conhacrors and ofher
� sanilafion projech.
ihe audil summaries below demonstrcM I�ow �he OIG sanilarion
audits iden�ified d�ciencies in enforcement ofCity Code provisions
as well os deficiencies in lhose provisions H�emselves, leading ro
-` recenf Ciy Code revisions expecled ro subsfanKally enhance lurore
revenue rollechons.
G7 Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Garbageman.com permit Fee Revenues Audit
This wos on oudif of o Roll-0H conhactor utillzing wheeled contoiners, which ot the tlme of the audlt were
deemed by fhe Clty Attomey's Oflice b fall wllhln Ihe City Code provisions requiring paymeN of fhe 20°o Roll-
Off fee from such controcrors buf was affec�ed by the legislative issues regarding Roll�Off fee collection described
earlier in thls annud report.
As ihe audit was ongoing, ihe conlractor voluntarily remitted a good faith payment of $163,008.00 due on
unpaid fees on tronsadions occurring during ihe November l, 2017, through April 30, 2027, audit period.
However, Ihe coniractor did nof remil ossociated penalties and interest lofaling $73,669.40 fhat were also due
stemming from this lofe payment. In addition, G7 Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Garbageman.com improperly shared
its Miami Beach issued business fax receipl wilh David G. Services LLC d/b/a Garbageman.mm, and did not
file its 2018, 2019, ond 2020 annual stotemenfs of gross receipfs prepared by on independenf CPA pursuant
ro Ciy Code.
Due lo problems uncovered in the City's interpreto�ion of �he definilion of a Roll-0ff mntainer (which has since
been darified to indude wheeled contoiners, as described eadier in this annual reporQ the remaining funds due
could no1 be mllected for fhis audit period.
David G. Services LLC d/b/a Garbageman.com Permit Fee Revenues Audit
The Ciry bemme aware Ihat this mniractor, which was associoted with G-7 Holdings and appeared to use
wheeled Roll-0H conlaincrs, was performing Roll-Off services in Miami Beach wifhouf obbining BTRs, submltting
Roll-0ff relums, or remitling any permif fees due. The OIG Sani�otion Fee Audibr made multiple requesls o�er
many months to conduct a compliance audit on the mniractor's Miomi Beach operotions.
Some records were provided, but not all of fhose requested, so the audit wos completed wi�h the best availoble
information. At Ihe condusion of Ihis oudit, ihe coniracfor remained non-complianf; had nol obfained annual
BTRs and/or permits; and hod fqiled to file monfhly Roll-OH Permif Fee refums or remi� $17,029.80 (induding
interest and penolties� in permit fees deemed 6y Ihe audi�or lo be due to �he Ciry. As with ihe G-7 Holdings
audi� described obove, ihe <ollection of any fees owed wos effeclively negafed due lo issues arising in the
interpreiollon of Ihe deflnition oF o Roll-0ff container during �he aodl ond are likely unmlleclible. As noled In
fhe Garbogemon Audlt summory abovc, assessed fees From fuwre adlviFles In the C�ry by this or other simllorly-
situated controctors w�ll be Pnforceable_
a
2245 of 2719
MAAMI BEACM OFFICE Of iHE MSPEQOR GENERAI
Rifeway SysMms Inc.
This audif examined complionce with permif (ee requiremenfs for demolition work from Jonuary 1, 2019, to
April 30, 2022. Initially, Rifeway faced violations for failing lo acquire permifs and BTRs, buf subsaquent
documen�alion revealed use of dump trucks rather ihan hadilional Roll-0ff containers. As nofed above, fhis
negated an earlier ossessmenl of $I .34 million against Rireway, which would hava bean collecfible but for
the deficiencies identified in the Code. The OIG recommended fhaf ihe Ciy Code be amended to prevent
futire ambiguiKes abouf permit Fee obligations, which has bean attomplished. The new Code provisions
clearly include the use of the ype of equipment used in this insfance and will be applied prospectively.
(irosn Droams Paradise
The audif report reviewed compliance with City Code requirements for permil fee revenues from July 1,
2017, �o November 30, 2020. The audit aimed to verify rhe accuracy and fimeliness of Ihe controcror's
filings, remittonces, and adherence fo insurance and reporting requirements. Due to inifiol deloys in providing
requested documents, the OIG issued subpoenos, and enough documentation was oblained io <omple�e
the audic Findings indimted that the compony primarily operated as a londscaping and irrigation service
withoat vsny tradltional Roll-0ff mnlainars fo� tensirodlon and demolitlon debrls. Ihus exempting it from
certain permi� fees. Aker discussion with Ciy oNiciob, the OIG conduded thot Green Dreams Parodise
mmplied with relavaN City Code requiremenh, ond no assessmenl wos levied against the contractor.
Surefirs VsMurcs, LLC Roll-OfF Fee Revenues Audif
T6is audif revealed that Surefire Ventures LLC �opemfing as "1-800-GOT-JUNK"� had not collected or remitted
wniiafion fees from debris removol af 17 lotalions within Miomi Beach. Despite oblaining o BTR in 2022,
the OIG audilor concluded fhal Ihe company was nontompliant. However, due fo the contractor's use of
wheeled containers, the abovedexribed issues with City Code provisions prevented Ihe Ciy from assessing
fees retroadivaly, though fuNre aciiviy of this nature will be subject ro paymenf of the required fees.
Cusfom Pool Sysfems, LLC Roll-Off Fes Rwenws Audif
Custom Pool Sysfems LLC, specializing in luxury pool designs, was found to hove operoted without
submitting required reports or remiMing permil fees. The City issued a violation notice in 2021, and
a subsequent audit revealed incomplete compliance with BTR and permit fee requiremenh. Again,
the contractor's use of wheeled containers For debris e(fecfively eliminated polential assessmanh. This
rcport highlighted the broader implications of this limi�afion in terms of oversight and revenue loss.
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THANIA THIELfN TATIANA LOPES RAFFI OWO ALFREDO MOJENA
The Rewrf lax UniF conduHs audifs of fhe more Nron 4000 hofels, moleis, oportmeM
fauses, bars, nighKlubs �ond resM�ronts required ro pay ro N�e Ciry 4% of taxable food
e
ond beverage receipts a�xi 4% of loxa6k lodging rcvmuet. Overall, �he City generohd
over $100 million in resiart laxes during Nre 2023/24 fivai Y�or. Funds coilecled due fo
pG audif assessmenh reprosmt monies Nrai �he Cily wouW nW hore oHxrwix <dleceed.
The Resort Tax Unit ezperiencej significanf turnc+er during the past year with Ihe refirement o�veteran auditor
lohn Benin<osc the prortwtiai ofYorney Sanchez ond EI Mostafa Achar (ran Resort Tax Audif positions lo
InternalAudifoosltions ondfheatceptanceby(ormerRes«tTaxAudibrCorlosVillaranofapositionwilhlhelR$.
They ha�e been replaced by(our new auditors:Thania Thielen Tatiana Lopes, RaRi Olivo ond AI(redo Mojena.
Resort Tax Audibrs compkM�d 138 audifs bNwMn Ociober 1. 2023,w�d Ssptemb�e 70. 2024,
with nef csseszmems rofol�'u�g $2,121,49�.SL.
These assessments are Foiwarded b Ihe City's Finance Deporhnent (or coilecfion or other
resdu�ion. Documenting the work done on ihete oudih, Il�e OIG issued two semi-annual reports
to the �ily Commission dah=d Apri1 d, 2024, and October 14, 2024. fo provide tronsparency on
its rewrt tax audit process. .
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MIPMI BFACH OFFlCE OF iHE INSPEQOR GENERAL
INVESTIGATION AND REVIEW REPORTS
,
JANI Kl1NE SIN(iER DYIAN HU6NES
Invesfigabr Inres/igabr
The Invesliyative Unit conducrs imroseigations,rcviews,and inspecrions of Cieyop�raeions
Iharoro conducledaf the diuretion d Nro OiG,6utdepend heavilyon i�orma►ion gbaned
from muhipls sources, includiny anonymo�s Nps from i�ormed eitizens whose idenfily
can 6s proMcfsd. Prior b opsning an invesligafion, Na OIG ofFsn conduds a preliminary
inquiry iMo lhe informa►ion ro asssss whelher i►msrih a full inwseigallon. Mueh of fhe
uniYs lims invdves monitoring various Ciry projeefs, conlrads, and other aclivifias for
Hro purposs of idenBfying areas of possible fraud, was% a6use, mismanagsmsn► or
miscondud.
Criminal imtisligarions arc conduc►ed joiMly wHh �mv enforcemeM agencies. Efhics
vielofions may res�N in a complainf ro Hro Miami•Dade Efhiu Commission for enforcemenf
and l01he Cify Adminisfwfion for disciplinary acfion. The Fndings and recommendations
made 6y eM OIG based on inves►iga�ions or rsvisws of Ciy proj«fs aro rofsmd w
marwgsmenf for fdlow•up. Public rspw'►s isswd on invssligoeions and reviews aro
lisrod 6elow
Imesfigation of Unauthoriud Outside EmploymeM and Misusa of Ciy Rewurces by
Cily Fi�ante Deparhnenf Employss
An investigation subsfanliated fhaf a Gity employee employed in ihe Finance Deparfinent engaged
in unapproved outside employmenl using Cjty fime and resources in violation of Cify policies
on Outside Employmenl, procedures for working from home, and procedures for the Use of
the City's E-Mail, Inlernet, Computer Systems, and Sokware Access. Con<urremly, Ihe Subject
employee violated Miami- Dode County's Conflict of Interesf provisions and Code oF Efhics for'
which she agreed lo pay a fine of $2500. She alsa resigned from her posirion with ihe Ciy.
Public Worltp DepartmeM Employee Tax Fraud invesfigation
The outside employment work oF the Finance Department employee in the investigotion summarized above
included preporation of two federal income tax refurns on behalf of a Ciy of Miami Beach Public Works
employee. Those returns and several other relurns prepared by other preparers For the latter employee were
submitted fo fhe IRS and confained unfrufhf�l information unsupported by documenled income or expense
receipts, which was admitted to by the employee. As a result of these misrepresentations, fhat employee
received $19,550 in tax refunds to whith she was nol entided The OIG referred the infarmation ro fhe
IRS Criminal Investigations Division which forwarded it to their Civil Division for re�iew and any further
appropnate adion. Following completion of the investiga�ion, the employee was adminisiratively moved
from her position in Public Works as Storekeeper II fo a different position within her bargaining unit.
16
ANNUAIHEPORi�bf
Waste Hauler Prxuremene Process Review
Confmry lo fhe original remmmendation of Ci�y sfaff and a paid consulfant, in 2023�heCifyCommission decided,
with �a support of fhe Ciry Adminishafion, ro mnfinue Its tommercial ond multi-famlly waste hauling service
6onchise using mulfiple haulers rafher thon chonge lo the more prevalent ezdusive single-houler system. The OIG
reviewed ihe Ciy Adminisirotion's decision-moking process io determine why, aker the Ci�y hired o consultant anc
collected data supporting a move(rom a mulli�houler sysfem fo an exdusive waste houler system,the Administraroa
chonged ils recommendation to ihe City Commission fo continue wi�h a nonexdusive colledfon sys�e�^..
TheOlGcondudedthatthis importanf policydecision wasdriven morebyextensive inpuf from waste hauler inieresis
rhan by numerous public concems raised o�er the performance of the haulers holding the current franchises. Seriow
questions had been raised about the fairnass of the mulfi-hauler syslem that allowed ihe haulers ro rmse prices or
make other modifimtions withoutCity approval, as well as the common use of privote brokers in the negotiahons
between ihe haulers and the consumers. The OIG mnduded Ihot the City Commission was nol provided with a
foir assessmenf of the City's waste houler options. Ciy staff ended up on bofh sides of the issue at different times.
wifhout a cogent ezplanation anywhere in the public record of the basis for �he shih in posilion, leading to an
oppeawnce lhaf fhe shik had occurred For reasons unrelafed lo an objective assessmenf of the altemative systems.
The process resulted in Ihe Ciy's pos�ing in 2023 a seriously flowed Request for qualifimtions �RFQ� for
multiple haulers whic6 foiled io reflect recommendations of ihe Ciy staff on the de�ails of the RFQ itself; ond
thereby risked denying residenh and businesses the benefih of best pricing ond a competitive procuremenL
The RFQ was cancelled when Ihe new City Commisson dedded to remnslder Iha waste hauler issue.
Investigafion of MBPD Civilia� Employee Supervisor for Esploifation of Official Position
and Sezual Harassmenf
Bosed on a comploint (rom four femole clvllion employees ot the Mioml Beach Poli<e Depanment, the OIG
mndocied an invesllgolion jointly wlth ihe Miami�Dade Commission on Bhlcs and Public Trust Into a civihan
supervisor's use o( Ciy resources b mnduct priva�e baziness on City 5me in an oHempt ta de�clop a new
sokware system for the Police Department's records management. The subjecl employee had an expectotion
thot he would be compensated for his effor�s �hrough a privafe mmpany with which he was associated.
Besides his personal involvemeN, the activiy Io promote his private business interes�s induded his direciion
of employees he supervised io test equipment reloled to private business on City fime. A1 Ihe condusion
of the investlgafion, the Subjeci employee was cited by the Ethlcs Commission for Explolfatlon of Officlal
Posi�ion and Unlowful Outside Employmen�, for which he received a $I ,500 fine and a Letter of Inslruchen.
In a related �ssue involving the same femde wmplainants and the same civilion supervisor, ollega�icns
regarding sexual harassment were invesligated by Ihe Miami Beach Police Intemal Affairs Unit �IA)
involving personal text messages sent to femole employees at nighf, inoppropriote personal conversahons
and comments, unwelcome hugs, and arronging unsoliciied massages for them at a local massoge parlor
as "Christmas giks'" Thot invesfigatlon resulted in a deferminaflon thaf the Subject had violated Ciy Work
Rule DRR 672, Courtesy and RespecL as well as SOP#145, Social Media and Social Networking, fcr
which he received a wrilten waming, a redassifica�ion of his position, and mandatory employee counseling.
The OIG exomined ihe IA repor� and, aher conducling furthar investigoFion, reFerred the evldence to the
E�hlcs Commisslon also as a posslble Exploilolion o(OH�cial Posilion. After ifs revlew, Ethlcs Commission staff
conduded ihat �he a'+olloblc e��dcncc co�ld not support o vlolotlon of thc Couny Hhlcs Code. The Informatlon
regarding bo"h ma�'er was prc�iided to theGty Admid�strotion forconsidara(on of lurther odminl5mlive acGon.
2249 of 2719 I;
MiAMi BEACH 04FlCE OF sHF W SPEQOF GENERaI
Deficiencies in Outside Employment Oversight
The OIG has now issued saven �eports idenllfying deficiencies In ihe overstght of outside employment engaged
in by full-timc Gy employees. Previous OIG reports remmmended thoc �1� t6e Ciry adopt a more explicit
policy requiring the maintenance and retention of all outside employment requesis in oll City departmenh;
ond �2) requesh for oufside employment from a City employee include at least one opproval from an
individ�al versed in eihiml issues and ronflicts of interesi, preferobly, the Ciy AHorney or his/her designee,
whose sole purpose in the process would be to tonsider the request in light of relevant ethi<s provisions.
In addilion �o these remmmendations, Ihis report provided severol remmmendations io assist the
Adminisfration in enhancing ihe organizalion, oversight, and acmuntabilify of Administra�ive Orders
ond Procedures related to Outside Employmeni, Telecommuting, and New Employee Background checks.
The OIG is awaiting a s�atus repart from thc Ciry regarding the implementalion of all recommendations.
Review of Alleged Condominium Predarory Practices
Through a referrol {rom a Ciy Commissioner, ihe OIG reviewed mmploinis from residents living ot o Miomi Beach
condominium, mnsidered to 6e an historic properly, regarding olleged unfair pmctices said fo have occurred in
the course of o buyout/termination of the condominium building. Condo buyouts hove become a motter of great
publicconcern in IheCiyof Miami Beachandelsewhereduetofhe serlous impacison fhe lives, homes,andfinancial
securiy of resident owners. The OIG reviewed allegations from some of the affected residen�s, as well publidy
available in(ormation about condo buyouts in other lomtions, wlth an eye loward both protetlion of City residents
from onfair or abusive practices and the Ciy's substantiol commitment ond imestment in its historic properties.
Although no spedfic findings were made regarding the initiol comploint, the OIG recognized thof such
buyouh occur lorgely due to economic and siWational factors related fo lack of structural maintenance,
making it t6allenging Ior owners wishing to mointoin their homes as they struggle wifh �he finantial
barden of ineeting building code requirements. This mndiiion has crealed invesfinenl opporlunities for
developers who moy be atling within the low, buf may, in some instances, engage in unfoir proctices
loword owners, many of whom are likely lo be elderly and on fixed incomes. Condo owners are oken
divided behveen thoze hoping b remain in their homes and �hose who find thot selling is their bes� option.
Allhough finol resolution of somc of ihese issues may be outside �he purview of fhe Cily govcrnment, ihe
OIG, based on ils research, remmmended ihal Ihe City consider legislation to l� limii repealed and
unsolicited otlempts b contact homeowners vio email, felephone, fext message or other written or
slmilar means; and �2� prohlbit threots lo owners, whether ezpress or implied- The OIG suggested that
su<h Icgislotion could protect vulnerable owners wishing to remain in their homes from unscrupulous
practices and also underscored the threat that such octivity poses to the Cify's historic properties.
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Mi,v.�eena oF�ice oF me�NSPeaoz�eveea�
General Obligation Bond Oversight
The OIG provides periodic reports on its oversight of Cily staf( ond controctor per{ormonce on ihe City's
General Obligation Bond (G.O. Bond� projech. Two reporh in Ihe pasl year identified the wasteful
proctice of starting ond stopping a project fo change project scope aker the projed hod been publidy
vened, funded and fully designed. The OIG also analyzed the various reasons for delays in projeds
and fhe adverse effects of ihese delays, which may indude eztensive unplanned expenditures. The OIG
conduded that, although some delays and changes in projects may be necessary or justifiable, ihe City
needs to have a more logiml assessmenf of the costs and benefifs to avoid this ohen wasleful proctice.
In recommending process reform, the OIG nofed ihat former and currenf City departmen� heads
have recommended thaf once a projeU has achieved a 30%b0°6 design, ideally at Design Review
Board or Hisroric Preservation Board opproval, and hos been fully vetted in ihe community, there
should be no addilional scope/desfgn change barring an unforeseen or other ezhaordinary e�ent.
The OIG recommended thaf the City study ihe cumulafive impact of Ihis proUice on projed costs and
fimeliness, weigh fhe msfs and benefits of the practice, ond assess whether changes in the approva)
process are warranfed. The OIG further recommended �hat fhe City conslder ihe eslabllshment of
a voting fhreshold in excess of a majority of the Commission members thaf would be required ro
alter the scope/design of a projed aher certain criliml pre-eslablished criteria have been met.
Following the issuance of fhese reports, fhe OIG mef wifh the G.O. Bond Oversight Committee, the City
Anorney and various staff inem6ers to discuss implemeNation of the recommended process reform. This Ied
b the adoplion of the "Stop Ihe Pouse" Ordinonce, referenced earlier in fhis report, which seeks to "eslablish
o higher threshold of approval to pause, delay, stop or malerially modi(y critical infrostrucNre projects at
ad�anced stagestoensuremntinuilyandcompletion,whileallowingforexceptions inthemseofunforeseensite
conditions that materially impact the cost o(the projecl, funding limitations, and/or funding emergencies...
The Ordinance also places higher voting thresholds on such changes, as recommended by the OIG.
In addition lo this process reform, Ihe OIG recommended to Ihe Ciy Ihat if assess opporfunities to improve
the internal coordina�ion and prioritization of G.O. BOND projects among departments, and to conduct
an inveNory of all private outside cosf estimators currently being used by the Ci1y to determfne how well
they predicf constroction market changes. This mn be done by comparing cosf estimates provided by eoch
eslimator wilh project costs to gauge Ihe reliability of the various estimafors and ihen determine their relative
a¢uracy for use in fuWre projeds.
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ANnUnI xEPOR'202a
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CONTRAR OVERSIGHT SPECIALIST JILL KIASKIN PRESS
� ' �� The OIG utilizes a parf-time Contrpcl Oversigh� Speciolisf, lill
-� � Kloskin Press, a Cerfified Public Pur<hesing Offirer (CPPOJ, to
monifor �he Cify's procuremenl process. With fhe coopewfion
of fhe Procuremenl Deporfinenl, Ihe posifion provides genewl
� � observation, oversigh�, and analysis of various asperts of Ibe
.- Cily'sprocurementproaess,includingbidpruessandevaluotion,
negofialions, and con�wcf award, wilh Ihe goals ol promoling
-� tronsparenty and e�ciency and ensuring Ihat decisions are fair,
objecfive,and withou�bias o�prejudice foward any parficipan/.
TF,z -I�. N:;� de ., pc7 a k.:R .�ssessment Worksheet (RAW� for each conlract thaf exceeds $1 ,000,000
or Ihal involves a pioject likely io be publldy debaled or fo resull In pu6�icify- Eoch mNracl examined Is
xored on nine risk foctors about the nalure and mndi�ions of the projec� or program in question, and the
OIG mlculafes and applies �he scores to rate each coNrad as having a high, medium, or low risk level.
The OIG notifies key members oi ihe City Administration of coniracts with "high risk" smres for speciol
manogerial oversight. The Contract Oversight Specialist then follows each solicitation throughout
Ihe procurement process, moniloring evalmtion meelings, bid profests, and awards. The OIG
olsa utilizes the risk scores in determining appropriote contrads for audlt, review or imestigofion.
During 2024, the OIG issued reporis summarizing risk assessmen� adivity and identifying high-risk mnhocts
in the City behveen January I, 2023, and July 31 , 2024. In that period Ihere were over 500 sollcilations of
which 67 were determined lo have a value in excess of $I,000,000, 22 of which were deemed as "high risk."
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` CITY GHARTER, SECTION 9.01 '
The Office of Inspector General Is herein estabiished as
an independent body to perforr� investigations, audits,
revie�^is, and overslgh' cf m�nl�lpa' �nctters �md�aing
City contracts, programs, projects, and expendltures, in
order to identify efficiencies, and to detect, investigate
and prevent fraud, waste, mismanagement, miscondud,
and abuse of power.The Office shall have the power to
subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and require the
production of records, in order to conduct its investigations.
The Inspector General shall be appo�nted by the Ad Hoc
Inspector General Section Comm ittee, as further established
by ordinance; however, before any appointment by fhe Ad
Hoc Inspector General Section Comm�rttee shall become
effecfve, the appointment must be approved by a majorlty
vote of the City Commission. The Inspector General may
be removed from office upon a flve-sevenths (5/7� vore
of the City Commisslon. Such Ofilce"s appointment,
reappo�mtment, term. fu�ictions, authorlty, and powers
shall be further established by Ordinance. �Res. No.
2018-30437, 7 25-18, passed by voters 1 1 � 18)
MIAMIBEACH
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JOIN THE CITY'S FIGHT AGAINST
FRAUD, WASTE AHD ABUSE
If you know of serious misconduct by a Miami Beoch
official, employee or controctor '
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Email: GtrofMiomiBead�0lGC�miamibeachfl.gov
- Website: www.mbinspecb�general.can
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OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, Ciy o( Miomi Beach
1130 Washington Avenue 6th Floor, Miami Beach, ft 33139
Tel: 305.673.720 • Fax: 305.206.5509 • HoNine: 786.897.1111
E-mail: CiyofMiomiBeachOlG�miamibeachfl.gov
Websile: www.mL:�:pec:a;3eneral.com