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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 204-2026 Police Citizens Relations Committee Motions – May 2026OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER LTC #204-2026 LETTER TO COMMISSION TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission FROM: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk DATE: May 14, 2026 SUBJECT: Police/Citizens Relations Committee Motions – May 2026 The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to inform the Mayor & City Commission of two recent motions passed by the Police/Citizens Relations Committee (PCRC) at their May 12, 2026 meeting. STATEMENT 1 The PCRC is writing to express growing concern regarding the increasing number of high-end motor vehicle thefts occurring throughout Miami Beach. Many of these thefts appear to involve situations where key fobs are left inside unattended vehicles, making theft significantly easier and contributing to a preventable public safety issue. Luxury vehicle theft not only impacts the direct victims, but also affects neighborhood safety, insurance costs, law enforcement resources, and the overall reputation of Miami Beach as a secure community. While criminal behavior must always remain the primary focus of enforcement efforts, there should also be greater accountability for negligent practices that create unnecessary opportunities for theft. We respectfully urge the Commission to consider implementing an ordinance or municipal penalty for vehicle owners who knowingly leave active key fobs inside unattended vehicles when such negligence directly contributes to the theft of the vehicle. This measure would encourage responsible vehicle ownership and help reduce avoidable crimes. Potential approaches could include: •Penalties for leaving a key fob inside an unattended vehicle that is subsequently stolen •Public awareness campaigns regarding keyless vehicle vulnerabilities •Partnerships with local related businesses, homeowners’ associations, and condominium associations to educate residents and visitors •Signage reminding drivers not to leave fobs in vehicles This proposal is not intended to punish victims, but rather to encourage common-sense preventative measures that benefit the entire community. Even modest deterrence and increased awareness could help reduce theft incidents and improve public safety across Miami Beach. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we hope the Commission will explore practical steps to address this growing concern. MOTION 1 To share the statement of support with the City Commission and City Administration Motion made by: Joanna-Rose Kravitz Motion Seconded by: Mark Mulhard Motion Passed: 10-0 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 Absent: 0 Members present: David Adams, Seth Feuer, Matthew Gultanoff, Joanna-Rose Kravitz, Lizette Lopez, Mark Muhlrad, Jonathan Salamone, Samuel Rabin, Jill Shockett, Mark Weithorn Members absent: Mark Brill, Troy Wright STATEMENT 2 The PCRC is writing to express its opposition to the installation of security gates blocking off middle North Bay Road. The PCRC has heard the report by the MBPD representative that there is little to no crime on middle North Bay Road, especially in comparison with surrounding neighborhoods. The MBPD representative also stated that the MBPD has not taken any position on any proposal to gate middle North Bay Road. Therefore, on security grounds, the PCRC believes there is no justification for the construction of gates that would block off a public road and could negatively impact traffic on surrounding streets We would respectfully request that the Commission vote against any effort to construct gates blocking access to middle North Bay Road. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we hope the Commission will continue to explore practical steps to address concerns about safety and security on a citywide basis. MOTION 2 To share the statement of support with the City Commission and City Administration Motion made by: Joanna-Rose Kravitz Motion Seconded by: Mark Mulhard Motion Passed: 10-0 Opposed: 0 Abstained: 0 Absent: 0 Members present: David Adams, Seth Feuer, Matthew Gultanoff, Joanna-Rose Kravitz, Lizette Lopez, Mark Muhlrad, Jonathan Salamone, Samuel Rabin, Jill Shockett, Mark Weithorn Members absent: Mark Brill, Troy Wright REG:jgm