HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 9 2025 Minutes
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Members:
Ben Mostkoff – Appointed by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Elaine Roden – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Julio Magrisso – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Tim Carr – Appointed by Commissioner Mark Samuelian
Amy Litos- Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Mike Gibaldi – Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
John Gardiner- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
Jose Frias- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
Chad Braver- Appointed by Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Please see (https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/boards-and-committees/marine-
waterfront-protection-committee/) for video recording of Board meeting. (See 0min:20sec to 20mins:30sec) for Board member “Minute of Sunshine” comments.
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held December 09, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. via zoom and City Manager Large Conference Room. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:09 a.m. The attendees were as follows: Board Members: Chad Braver, Ben Mostkoff, Tim Carr, Jose Frias, Mike Gibaldi,
John Gardiner, and Elaine Roden Absent: Amy Littos, Julio Magrisso City Staff: Brandon McLean – Code Compliance, Liaison Arianne Alfonso – Code Compliance, Liaison Javier Fernandez – Sergeant of Police Marine Patrol
Lindsey Precht – Assistant Director, Environment & Sustainability Department David Suarez – Commissioner of Miami Beach Diana Bego – Special Project Coordinator, Tourism & Cultural Development
Francys Vallecillo – Assistant Director, Tourism & Cultural Development Public: Marchella “M” Paz
Meeting called to order at 9:09 am by Chairman, Ben Mostkoff.
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
a. Update with Marine Patrol with Sgt. Javier Fernandez
• Art Basel weekend resulted in minimal waterborne complaints, with no major
marine incidents reported.
• Enforcement of the 30-day anchoring ordinance has reduced anchored vessels
in targeted areas. Approximately 30 vessels have relocated as a result of the
enforcement. There will be continued monitoring and phased enforcement. One
vessel is currently progressing through the Special Magistrate process for
potential removal
• Discussion on the decal placements for BTR identification, which included the
need for standardized placement guidance and possible education or grace
period prior to strict enforcement.
b. Parks and Recreation Department – Park Ranger
• Report was discussed but no one from Parks and Recreation was present. Board
members noted the high levels of activity and enforcement efforts throughout The
City’s parks and waterfront areas.
c. Miami Beach Police Department – City Wide Theft Summary
• No representative present, no questions were raised.
d. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue – Activities / Rescue / Medical Intervention
• No representative present, no questions were raised.
e. Update on Code Compliance with Brandon McLean (40:49-)
• Since the previous meeting, one violation was issued involving balloon decorations
and BTR Status.
• The Marina enforcement task force operations concluded successfully, with
enforcement resources now scaled back while maintaining regular patrol
presence.
• Clarification was provided regarding how BTR-related violations are tracked and
applied, particularly in cases involving temporary or expired BTR documentation.
f. Update on Water Quality with Lindsey Precht, Environmental Assistant Director
• Lindsey Precht began her discussion referencing ongoing environmental
concerns, including pollution sources, fuel and sewage discharge risks, and
water quality impacts within Biscayne Bay.
g. On the Beach Report by “M”
• “M” provided observations from the shoreline to the boardwalk related to Art
Basel 2025, noting impacts associated with large-scale events on the beach.
Concerns were raised regarding event structures, vendor activity, and
concession encroachments, which reduced designated safety lanes and public
beach access. She emphasized that these conditions created public safety
challenges, particularly for emergency response and pedestrian circulation. The
Board discussed the importance of improved coordination, permitting oversight,
and enforcement to ensure beach access and safety are maintained during future
special events.
New Business
a. Discussion of Art Basel with Francy Vallecillo, Assistant Director Tourism & Cultural Department
• Francys Vallecillo, addressed the board regarding Art Basel beach operations, including permits, event setup, operational coordination, and breakdown of
activities. She discussed the City’s role in coordinating with event producers and multiple departments to manage large-scale beach events, noting the complexity of balancing cultural programming with public safety, beach access, and
environmental considerations. The Board engaged in discussion regarding the need for improved oversight, clearer permitting conditions, and enhanced coordination to minimize impacts on safety lanes and public access during major
events.
Open Discussion
1. Motion to approve November 12, 2025, minutes. Motion Passed unanimously. 2. John Gardiner’s last meeting, he has stepped down from the board to pursue other
endeavors. 3. Board talked about the possibility of rotating in person presentation from enforcement agencies on a quarterly basis. 4. Motion to approve Letter to Commission in support of Commissioner David Suarez proposed resolution to prioritize the installation of infrastructure for the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget. Motion approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:51 am