HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-341392026-34139
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING POLICIES THAT BALANCE
PUBLIC SAFETY WITH THE NEED TO PROMOTE AN OPEN AND
WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT AT CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, BY
PROVIDING THAT SPEAKERS SHALL NOT BE ESCORTED TO OR FROM
THE PODIUM BY UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICERS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission recognize that public safety is a paramount
concern and that the presence of police officers in the Commission Chambers is essential to
ensure the safety of all attendees, including members of the public, City staff, guests, and elected
officials; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission values transparency and public trust, which are fostered
through open dialogue and active participation in public meetings; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission acknowledges that the perception of accessibility and
inclusiveness is critical to encouraging civic engagement and ensuring that all individuals feel
comfortable addressing their elected officials; and
WHEREAS, the use of uniformed police officers to escort speakers to and from the podium
may unintentionally create an appearance of an unwelcoming environment or discourage
participation by members of the public; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission seeks to adopt policies that reflect best practices for
public engagement while maintaining robust security measures; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes that alternative personnel can effectively
assist speakers without compromising safety or the decorum of the meeting; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to reaffirm its commitment to public participation
by ensuring that its meetings remain welcoming, respectful, and conducive to public input.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby adopt the following policies:
1. Individuals designated to escort speakers to and from the podium during City
Commission meetings shall not be uniformed police officers.
2. The City Manager shall ensure that appropriate personnel are assigned to perform this
function.
3. Uniformed police officers shall remain present in the Commission Chambers during
meetings for the purpose of maintaining public safety and protecting all attendees.
PASSED and ADOPTED this a?S-
ATTEST:
MAR 0- / I
2026
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
day of Febriefiry, 2026.
Steven Meiner, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
(Sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine)
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas City Attomey
-9/j71-2z
Date
Resolutions - C7 Q
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: February 25, 2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING POLICIES THAT BALANCE PUBLIC
SAFETY WITH THE NEED TO PROMOTE AN OPEN AND WELCOMING
ENVIRONMENT AT CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS, BY PROVIDING THAT
SPEAKERS SHALL NOT BE ESCORTED TO OR FROM THE PODIUM BY
UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICERS.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Joseph
Magazine.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: hops•//www miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
Citywide
518 of 1589
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
m
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
Project?
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
City Attorney
Sponsors)
Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Co-sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Condensed Title
Adopt Policies Relating to Personnel Used to Escort Speakers to and from Podium. (JM/AF) CA
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
519 of 1589