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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-34160RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34160 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE FEBRUARY 20, 2026 RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO PLAN, DESIGN, AND INSTALL AN AEROPONIC GARDEN WITHIN THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY'S CONCESSIONAIRE, SODEXO LIVEI, TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY, RESPONSIBLE FOOD SOURCING, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH CULINARY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, CONTINGENT ON THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $112,534 AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET PROCESS. WHEREAS, aeroponic gardening is an innovative method of plant cultivation that allows for the efficient and precise delivery of nutrients and oxygen directly to plant roots, promoting accelerated growth and higher yields while conserving both water and space; and WHEREAS, unlike traditional gardening methods that are subject to seasonal and weather -related limitations, aeroponic systems provide optimal conditions regardless of external factors; and WHEREAS, in aeroponic systems, plant roots are suspended in air and periodically misted with a nutrient -rich solution, allowing for precise control over plant nutrition and resulting in faster, healthier growth; and WHEREAS, aeroponic systems reduce exposure to common pests and fungal diseases, such as those caused by soil -borne pathogens or invasive species like iguanas, due to their enclosed, soil -free environment, decreasing the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, resulting in a cleaner and safer crop; and WHEREAS, one well-known example of an aeroponic garden is the Tower Garden system, which has been adopted by several large venues as a model for clean, pest -free, and disease -resistant growing without reliance on harmful chemical treatments; and WHEREAS, aeroponic gardens support broader goals related to sustainability and education, encourage responsible food sourcing, present educational opportunities for the community, and may enhance the City of Miami Beach's ("City") reputation as a leader in innovation and environmentally conscious practices; and WHEREAS, on January 22, 2025, the Convention Center Advisory Board ("CCAB") adopted a motion recommending support for funding, procurement, and operation of small aeroponic gardens at the Miami Beach Convention Center ("MBCC") campus; and WHEREAS, at the request of Commissioner Laura Dominguez, the Mayor and City Commission referred the item to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") on February 26, 2025, to explore the potential benefits of aeroponic gardens growing lettuce, herbs, edible Flowers, and other produce; and WHEREAS, on April 9, 2025, the PSNQLC unanimously transmitted this item to the Mayor and City Commission with a favorable recommendation that the item be referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC') to evaluate fiscal impacts and explore maintenance costs, operational partnerships with Sodexo Live!, possible garden locations, and other project considerations; and WHEREAS, during the May 27, 2025 Commission Budget Retreat, the funding for the aeroponic gardens was reviewed and considered, not included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and remained on the FERC agenda; and WHEREAS, on February 20, 2026, the FERC returned the item to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation to consider a budget enhancement as a priority for two small aeroponic gardens located at the Rum Room as part of the Fiscal year 2027 budget process from the Convention Center fund; and WHEREAS, for the MBCC campus, the environmental benefits of aeroponic gardens are especially compelling, because the controlled growing environment promotes water conservation, reduces chemical use, and enables consistent, year-round cultivation; and WHEREAS, the proposed costs for key services, including seed and supply delivery, remote monitoring and support, maintenance assistance, warranty coverage, and educational resources will be in the amount of approximately $112.534 for two units in year one of the project; and WHEREAS, the Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission authorize the installation of an aeroponic garden at the Miami Beach Convention Center to further all of the above objectives, contingent on funding for the project in the amount of approximately $112,534 as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process. 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 accept the February 20, 2026 recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, and authorize the Administration to plan, design, and install an aeroponic garden within the Miami Beach Convention Center campus, in collaboration with the City's concessionaire, Sodexo Live!, to advance sustainability, responsible food sourcing, and community engagement through culinary and educational programming, contingent on the appropriation of funding for the project in the amount of approximately $112,534 as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process. PASSED and ADOPTED this If dayof , 2026. ATTEST: MAR 2 O 2026 Steven Meiner, May Rafael E. Gran do, City Clerk Sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez APPRED AS TO FORM AND D LANGUAGE Co -Sponsored byCommissioner Tanya KShalt &FO EXECUTION B.... i ir! 'S 1) ZoZL City ey Date '.IN(0NP ONAIEO �gW�l+e Resolutions - C7 B MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager DATE: March 18, 2026 TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE FEBRUARY 20, 2026 RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO PLAN, DESIGN, AND INSTALL AN AEROPONIC GARDEN WITHIN THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY'S CONCESSIONAIRE, SODEXO LIVE!, TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY, RESPONSIBLE FOOD SOURCING, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH CULINARY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, CONTINGENT ON THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY $112,534 AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET PROCESS. The Administration recommends proceeding with the exploration, budgeting, and planning for the installation of aeroponic gardens at the Miami Beach Convention Center Campus in collaboration with Sodexo Live!, the Convention Center's food and beverage concessionaire for consideration during the FY 2027 budget process. BACKGROUND/HISTORY On January 22, 2025, the Convention Center Advisory Board (CCAB) passed a motion recommending support for funding, procurement, and operation of small aeroponic gardens at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) campus. (Exhibit A). At the request of Commissioner Laura Dominguez, the Mayor and City Commission referred the item to the Public Safety, Neighborhoods and Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) on February 26, 2025. The item proposed exploring the potential benefits of aeroponic gardens growing lettuce, herbs, edible Bowers, and other produce. (See Exhibit B) On April 9, 2025, the PSNQLC unanimously approved the item and recommended that the item be referred to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) to evaluate fiscal impacts. Further discussion would allow exploration of maintenance costs, operational partnerships with Sodexo Live!, possible garden locations, and next steps. During the May 27, 2025, Commission Budget Retreat, the funding of the aeroponic gardens was reviewed and considered. During the September Commission budget hearing, the item was not funded for the FY2026 budget, but remained on the FERC agenda for review and funding consideration. During the February 20, 2026, Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, the item was 139 of 1677 recommended for Commission approval, and it was requested that the Administration explore a potential sponsorship for the annual maintenance of the gardens. ANALYSIS Aeroponic gardening is an innovative method of plant cultivation that offers both advantages and challenges. It allows for the efficient and precise delivery of nutrients and oxygen directly to plant roots, promoting accelerated growth and higher yields while conserving both water and space. In aeroponic systems, plant roots are suspended in air and periodically misted with a nutrient -rich solution, allowing for precise control over plant nutrition and resulting in faster, healthier growth. This technique is highly water -efficient, using up to 98% less water than traditional soil gardening and approximately 30% less than hydroponic systems. Traditional soil gardens often result in water loss through evaporation, leakage, and runoff. In contrast, aeroponic systems conserve water by recirculating the nutrient solution. Excess mist that is not absorbed is captured and reused, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. Vertical aeroponic systems also offer significant space -saving benefits. In many configurations, plants are grown in vertically stacked towers or shelves, optimizing the use of limited space. This is particularly advantageous on the MBCC campus, where available gardening space is Aeroponic systems reduce exposure to common pests and fungal diseases —such as those caused by soil -borne pathogens or invasive species like iguanas —due to their enclosed, soil - free environment. This decreases the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, resulting in a cleaner and safer crop. One well-known example is the aeroponic Tower Garden system, which has been adopted by several large venues as a model for clean, pest -free, and disease - resistant growing without reliance on harmful chemical treatments. 140 of 1677 For the MBCC campus, the environmental benefits of aeroponic gardens are especially compelling. The controlled growing environment promotes water conservation, reduces chemical use, and enables consistent, year-round cultivation. Unlike traditional gardening methods that are subject to seasonal and weather -related limitations, aeroponic systems orovide optimal conditions reaardless of external factors. In addition to operational benefits, aeroponic gardens support broader goals related to sustainability and education. They encourage responsible food sourcing, present educational opportunities for the community, and may enhance the Convention Center's reputation as a leader in innovation and environmentally conscious practices. Sodexo Live! currently operates a successful aeroponic garden using GALLERI systems by Babylon Micro -Farms at a venue in Orlando. The proposed concept for MBCC involves a similar model, with Sodexo Live! overseeing operations and integrating fresh produce into the menus at Venu and Rum Room. The system could also serve as a live educational showcase for visitors and community members. Initial implementation steps include: 1. Conducting a feasibility study to determine optimal garden locations and site preparation needs. 2. Developing a comprehensive budget including site work, system installation, labor, equipment, and maintenance. 3. Selecting and integrating an aeroponic system (e.g., GALLEN or equivalent) into MBCC operations. 4. Collaborating with a system provider to customize the garden to MBCC needs. 5. Establishing a phased implementation timeline, including a pilot phase to assess impact and FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT Estimated one-time equipment cost: $34,535 (one unit) or $69,070 (two units) Estimated ongoing monthly cost (service, labor, maintenance): $1,811 (one unit) or $3,622 (two units) Total: $56,267 (one unit) or $112,534 (two units) Potential costs for key services may include: 1. Seed & Supply Delivery: Regular replenishment of seeds, nutrients, and materials. 2. Remote Monitoring & Support: Automated performance tracking and system optimization. 3. Maintenance Assistance: Technical support via live or digital platforms. 141 of 1677 4. Warranty Coverage: Limited warranty for equipment components. 5. Educational Resources: Training tools and materials to maximize system usage. Does this Ordinance reauire a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY) If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: htti)s://www.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerkimeeting-notices/ CONCLUSION The proposed installation of aeroponic gardens at the MBCC represents an opportunity to promote sustainability, responsible food sourcing, and community engagement. In partnership with Sodexo Livel, the project would support environmentally conscious practices while contributing to the Convention Centers culinary and educational programming. The Administration recommends that while the Mayor and Commission evaluate the value of aeroponic garden in the Miami Beach Convention Center campus, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget: 1. The Commission's December 17, 2025 Resolution: The Commission has directed the Administration to prepare the FY 2027 budget based on the projected rolled -back millage rate. This directive may necessitate expenditure reductions of up to $25 million from the current service -level budget before any consideration of enhancements. 2. Escalating Capital Needs: The City continues to face an increasingly unfunded Capital Improvement Program, placing additional pressure on long-term financial sustainability. 3. State -Level Tax Policy Risks: The State is contemplating measures to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes. Given that 62% of the General Fund revenue is derived from property taxes, this poses a substantial risk to the City's fiscal stability. These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the aeroponic gardens align with the City's broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Mayor and Commission recommend funding, the Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process. Applicable Area South Beach Is this a "Residents Riaht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond pursuant to City Code Section 2-177 Project? No No Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal ennaned in lobbying? No 142 of 1677 If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Department Economic Development Sponsor(s) Commissioner Laura Dominguez Co-sponsor(s) Commissioner Tanya K. Bhaft Condensed Title Accept Rec/Authorize Admin, Install Aeroponic Garden in MBCC Campus. (LD/TB) ED Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only) 143 of 1677 MIAMI BEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK LTC No. 037-2025 LETTER TO COMMISSION TO. Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission FROM. Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk DATE: January 22, 2025 U SUBJECT: Convention Center Advisory Board Motion The purpose of this Letter to the Commission ("LTC') is to inform the Mayor and City Commission of a motion made, and unanimously approved, by the Convention Center Advisory Board (CCAB) at its January 14, 2025 meeting. Members present: Robin Jacobs (Chair), Antonio Hernandez (Vice -Chair), Mark Gidney, Carl Linder, Chris Gloede (Ex-Officlo), Prakash Kumar, and Lee Zimmerman. Motion: The CCAB recommends that the Mayor and Commissioners support the funding, procurement, and operation of small aeroponic gardens containing plants such as lettuces, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers in and for the Convention Center. The gardens can be maintained and operated by Sodexo Live! to educate visitors to the convention center and the community on the practices of responsible food sourcing. Sodexo Live! staff can use the fresh produce harvested directly from these gardens in items served in the Rum Room and Venu and ingredients can be served in items for catered events. Please contact Heather Shaw, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department at HeatherShaw(O7mlamlbeachfl.goV or Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager, at RickelleWilliamsna miamibeachfl. qov Should you have any questions. 144 of 1677 Committee Referrals - C4 R MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Commissioner Laura Dominguez DATE: February 26, 2025 TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBLE INSTALLATION OF SMALL AEROPONIC GARDENS AT A LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED IN THE CONVENTION CENTER CAMPUS. RECOMMENDATION BACKGROUNDIHISTORY ANALYSIS Please place on the February 26, 2025 agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee to discuss the possible installation of small aeroponic gardens at a location to be determined in the Convention Center Campus, as recommended by the Convention Center Advisory Board (CCAB) at its January 14, 2025 meeting. The proposed aeroponic gardens would feature a variety of plants such as lettuces, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. These gardens would be maintained and operated by the City's food and beverage concessionaire at the Convention Center, Sodexo Live!, which would also serve as an educational tool for both Convention Center visitors and the broader community on the practices of responsible food sourcing. Sodexo Live! staff would utilize the fresh produce harvested directly from the gardens in menu items served at the Rum Room and Venu, as well as incorporate the ingredients into offerings for catered events. The Administration should provide its recommendation as to the location for the proposed gardens, an estimated budget for the initial installation and annual operation of the gardens and an outline of necessary next steps in the event the Commission desires to proceed with this proposal. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT N/A Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY) ff applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: 145 of 1677 See BIE at: https:l/www.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/ FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCLUSION Applicable Area South 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 an Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which as defined in Code Sec 2481 includes a principal engaoed in lobbying? No If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Department Office of Commissioner Laura Dominguez Sponsor(s) Commissioner Laura Dominguez Co-sponsor(s) Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt Condensed Title Ref: PSNOLC - Installation of Small Aeroponic Gardens at Convention Center Campus. (Dominguez/Bhatt) Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only) 146 of 1677