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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-33734RESOLUTION NO. 2025 - 33734 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS JUNE 4, 2025 MEETING, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET PROCESS DIVIDING AREA 2 INTO TWO (AREAS/ZONES): EAST OF INDIAN CREEK AND WEST OF INDIAN CREEK, AND FUNDING FOR ANY ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS NECESSARY TO PROPERLY STAFF THIS INITIATIVE. WHEREAS, at the October 30, 2024, City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC") to discuss dividing Mid -Beach ("Area 2") into two (areas/zones): east of Indian Creek and west of Indian Creek, and funding for any additional police officers necessary for Fiscal Year 2026 to properly staff this initiative; and WHEREAS, the item was subsequently heard at the June 4, 2025 FERC meeting and the Committee unanimously agreed to move the item to the full commission with a favorable recommendation to be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process; and WHEREAS, atthe June 25, 2025, City Commission Meeting, the Mayorand City Commission directed the Administration to consider dividing Mid -Beach ("Area 2") into two (areas/zones) as part of the FY 2027 budget process; and WHEREAS, the current configuration of Area 2 begins at Dade Boulevard to the South and extends west along the Venetian Causeway, east to 2V Street, and north to W Street, and is currently staffed with patrol coverage, beat officers, and overtime detail; and WHEREAS, the City Commission's proposal to create a standalone area, which would adhere to the requirements and the same standards of service as the four (4) current official MBPD geographical areas, would necessitate thirty-four (34) personnel and three (3) specialized units; and WHEREAS, estimated costs to establish and maintain a proposed new Area as a stand- alone zone are approximately $7,000,000.00 for the first year, including personnel salaries and benefits, specialized equipment and vehicles, and other operational costs; and WHEREAS, the Administration recommends an alternative staffing solution through the creation of an Area 2 Seaside designation, permanently assigning ten (10) officers, two (2) supervisors, and specialized units to provide targeted coverage; and WHEREAS, based on budget enhancement projections, the estimated total cost to implement this alternative solution is approximately $2,500,000 for the first year; and WHEREAS, for immediate and temporary implementation, an overtime detail for one (1) sergeant and five (5) officers could be considered with an estimated cost of $1,900,000 for the first year; and WHEREAS, the Administration has determined that the long -tern implementation of the requested enhancements is not feasible without significant additional funding as outlined above. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, accepting the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, at its June 4, 2025 meeting, discussing the division of Area 2 into two (areas/zones): east of Indian Creek and west of Indian Creek, and funding for any additional police officers necessary for Fiscal Year 2027 to properly staff this initiative. PASSED and ADOPTED this g day of 2025. ATTEST: 0 wl_ Steven Meiner, Mayor FEB 2 0 2026 Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk i �IXCOAP OXAifD � .' ,y�CH 19, r APPROVED AS TO FORM &LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION Cify Atfo"v y�pr ZJ��a02(p Resolutions - C7 Y MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: June 25. 2025 TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS JUNE 4, 2025 MEETING, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER, AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET PROCESS, DIVIDING MID -BEACH ('AREA 2') INTO TWO (ARFAS2ONES): EAST OF INDIAN CREEK AND WEST OF INDIAN CREEK, AND TO ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR ANY ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS NECESSARY TO PROPERLY STAFF THIS INITIATIVE. RECOMMENDATION The Administration recommends keeping the current configuration of two (2) patrol officers assigned to the seaside area of Mid -Beach on a high -visibility overtime detail funded through the fiscal year. If, however, a more robust enhancement is desired in the future, the Commission could consider a future allocation for permanent officers assigned to patrol the seaside area of Mid -Beach. The Administration recommends that while the Commission evaluates these configurations, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY 2026: 1. The City's increasing unfunded capital improvement program 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the configuration of Area 2 align with the City's broader long-term financial stability and strategic prionties. if the Committee recommends funding a plan, the Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process. BACKGROUNDIHISTORY At the October 30, 2024 City Commission Meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral (C4 R) to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC") to discuss dividing the Mid -Beach area into two (areas/zones): east of Indian Creek and west of Indian Creek, and funding for any additional police officers necessary for Fiscal Year 2026 to property staff this initiative. The item was heard at the June 4, 2025 FERC meeting and moved to the full Commission with a favorable recommendation to be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process. 889 ANALYSIS This memorandum outlines the costs associated with the proposed creation of a new, stand-alone policing zone within Mid -Beach in the area known to the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) as "Area 2". Costs for this expansion are compared with an alternative staffing option to address the current requests of residents of Mid -Beach. Current Configuration of Area 2 Area 2, also known as Mid -Beach, is the largest geographical area within MBPD's jurisdiction. The current configuration begins at Dade Boulevard to the south and extends west along the Venetian Causeway, east to 23rd Street, and north to 63rd Street, encompassing the beach/waterline and stretching west to the bay. Area 2 is currently staffed as follows: • Patrol Coverage: " police officers per shift, with one officer permanently assigned to the Venetian Causeway 24/7. The remaining 4-5 officers cover the rest of Area 2 during all shifts. • Beat Officers: Two officers are Permanently assigned to the 41st Street Corridor, providing coverage from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., seven days a week. • Overtime Detail: A high -visibility overtime detail operates from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., seven days a week. This detail is staffed by one sergeant and five officers, with two officers conducting directed patrols east of Indian Creek: o One (1) officer patrolling from 41st Street north to 63rd Street o One (1) officer patrolling from 41st Street south to 23rd Street It is important to note that officers assigned to the High -Visibility Detail are also tasked with conducting the Traffic Mitigation Plan during aftemoon rush hours Monday through Friday. Proposed Staffing Options 1. Stand -Alone Area A proposed Seaside Area within Area 2 as proposed by the City Commission would consist of the eastern portion of the current Area 2, bounded by Indian Creek to the west, the beach/watedine to the east, 23rd Street to the south, and 63rd Street to the north. This designated zone would also include the beachwalk and the beach along these boundaries. The creation of a stand-alone patrol zone in Area 2 would require long-term commitment to new positions, operational and hierarchical infrastructures. The proposed staffing and resources necessary to create a stand-alone area and adhere to the requirements and the same standards of service as the four (4) official MBPD geographical areas include: Personnel: 1 Area Captain 1 Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO) 1 Come Analyst 1 Crime Scene Technician 4 Public Safety Specialists 20 Police Officers (to provide 2417 coverage) 4 Sergeants 2 Lieutenants Specialized Units: o ATV/Beach Patrol o Beachwalk Patrol o Road Patrol 891 2. Seaside Desionalion Alternative Staffin As an alternative to the complex and lengthy creation of an official and full-fledged area, the Administration recommends an alternative permanent staffing solution through the creation of an Area 2 Seaside designation to address specific needs in the specified east area of Area 2. This approach would staff critical functions without requiring the creation of hierarchical infrastructure, while assigning the necessary resources to the area in question. The costs for this alternative would require a budget enhancement to fund: • A permanent assignment of 10 assigned officers and two (2) supervisors • Dedicated use of specialized units to provide targeted coverage Officers would operate from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., seven (7) days a week, delivering enhanced visibility and coverage in the Seaside area of Area 2 at a reduced cost and in a timelier manner as an immediate enhancement to the Department's current recruiting efforts. This structure could be a replication of the longstanding and proven City Center Redevelopment Agency (RDA) which oversees City Center and Lincoln Road. For immediate, temporary implementation, an overtime detail for one (1) sergeant and five (5) officers could be considered. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT Cost Analysis Stand -Alone Ares The estimated costs to establish and maintain a proposed new Area as a stand-alone zone with the same responsibilities and policing services as the four (4) other geographical areas of the City are approximately $7,000,000.00 for the first year. This includes the resources described in the proposed plan and accounts for: • Personnel salaries and benefits • Specialized equipment and vehicles • Operational costs (e.g., training, technology, and support services) Seaside Designation Alternative Staffing The alternative Seaside designation alternative staffing approach involves assigning permanent officers as delineated above. The annual cost for the first year of this option is estimated at approximately $2.5 million. This funding would provide: • 2 Sergeants • 10 PoliceOfficers The temporary implementation of an overtime detail has an estimated annual cost of $1.9 million. CONCLUSION The Miami Beach Police Department remains dedicated to delivering the professional public safety and community policing services residents and visitors expect and deserve. This enhancement to the Mid -Beach area, a direct request from the community via its elected officials, has been assessed based on current resources and fiscal realities. 892 The Administration does not believe that the creation of a stand-alone police area would be necessary to achieve the goals of increasing police presence and public safety to Mid -Beach and would in turn be fiscally and operationally challenging. Additionally, the Administration has determined that the long -tens implementation of the requested enhancements is not feasible without significant additional funding as outlined above. For immediate, temporary implementation, the Administration recommends allocation of funding for an overtime detail with the intention of a permanent solution through a potential budget amendment. The long-term alternative Seaside designation of permanent officers assigned to provide public safety services to the seaside area of Mid -Beach would need a budget enhancement and recurring allocation through the upcoming budgetary cycles. Applicable Area Middle Beach 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 enaaaed in lobbyina? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and pnncipal(s): Department Police Sponsors) Commissioner Alex Fernandez Co-sponsors) Condensed Title Accept ReclDivide Area 2 Into 2 (AmaslZonesyEast 8 West of Indian Creek. (Fernandez) PD Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only) 893 Committee Referrals - C4 S MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Commissioner Alex Fernandez DATE: October 30, 2024 TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DIVIDING AREA 2 INTO TWO (AREAS/ZONES): EAST OF INDIAN CREEK AND WEST OF INDIAN CREEK, AND FUNDING FOR ANY ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS NECESSARY FOR FY 26 TO PROPERLY STAFF THIS INITIATIVE. Please place on the October 30, 2024 City Commission agenda a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to discuss dividing Area 2 into two areas/zones and funding for additional police officers necessary for FY26 to property staff this initiative. The Police Department presently divides the City into four (4) distinct areas: Area 1 (south of Dade Boulevard); Area 2 (from Dade Boulevard to 63rd Street); Area 3 (from 63rd Street to the North end of the City; and Area 4 (the "ADCD'). More specifically, Indian Creek divides Area 2, from the east consisting of densely populated hotels, condominiums, a busy Beachwalk and Beachfront, and the west comprising of predominantly single-family homes, schools, a business corridor, religious institutions and Mount Sinani Medical Center. On the October 18, 2023, 1 placed a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) to discuss the status of, and options to enhance, MBPD patrols in the Mid. Beach area. The Police Department presented its Mid -Beach police patrol efforts including the feasibility of assigning designated officers to patrol Collins Avenue and Indian Creek Drive in Mid - Beach. The PSNQLC unanimously voted to have MBPD prepare a plan to divide Area 2 as part of the FY25 budget process. As part of this referral, I request that the City Administration be prepared at Committee to present a plan to split the east side of Area 2 from the west side, and discuss the potential funding for FY 26 for additional police officers in order to patrol the Beachwalk and High Speed Details to address noise and quality of life offenses. ANALYSIS FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT NIA 894 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://www miamibeachFl gov/city-hall/citytlerk/meeting-notices/ CONCLUSION Applicable Area Citywide Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, Pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Yes 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). Departmen! Office of Commissioner Alex Fernandez Sponsor(s) Commissioner Alex Fernandez Co-spon5gr(s) Condensed Title Ref: FERC - Divide Area 2 into East/West; Fund Additional Police Officers as Necessary FY 26 (Fernandez) 895