HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 10 2026 MWPA MinutesCity 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
Tim Carr – Appointed by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Elaine Roden – Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Julio Magrisso – Appointed by Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Mike Gibaldi – Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Nancy Duke – Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
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:44sec to
15mins:38sec) for Board member “Minute of Sunshine” comments.
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held March 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via zoom and at the City Manager Large Conference Room in City Hall. The Chairman called the meeting to order
at 9:05 a.m.
The attendees were as follows:
Board Members: Mike Gibaldi, Chad Braver, Tim Carr, Jose Frias, Julio Magrisso,
Nancy Duke, and Elaine Roden
Absent: Ben Mostkoff
City Staff: Brandon McLean – Code Compliance Department, Liaison
Romina Montenegro – Code Compliance Department, Liaison
Javier Fernandez – Police Marine Patrol
Lindsey Precht – Environment & Sustainability Department
Hartley Pinter Seide – Parks Rangers
Elizabeth Estevez – Parks and Recreation Department
Francys Vallecillo – Tourism and Culture Department
Ariel Morales – Facilities and Fleet Management Department
Public: Marchella “M” Paz, Eric Rener
Meeting called to order at 9:15 am by Acting Chairman, Mike Gibaldi.
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
Marine Patrol – Sgt. Javier Fernandez
Sergeant Fernandez shared that due to Spring Break, enhanced marine staff will be deployed and the operational hours will be extended. Additionally, there are still approximately 6-8
boats left at the bay, which have all received notice of violations from Code Compliance. Marine patrols are hoping the boats depart by April.
Parks and Recreation Department - Park Rangers – Hartley Pinter Seide
As a continuation of February’s request during the board meeting, Hartley is working with the department Director and Assistant Director to extend coverage at the boat ramp. The hope
is that coverage will be assigned from Monday to Sunday with extended hours.
Parks and Recreation Department - Capital Improvement Projects – Elizabeth Estevez
Elizabeth discussed the Beach View Park improvements, with the park set to install new playground and exercise equipment as well as general upgrades to make the park more accessible
for disabled visitors. Additional improvements include new walkways, landscaping, new irrigation, new chilled drinking fountain and bottle fillers and new side furnishings. The project’s
anticipated completion is at the end of October.
Miami Beach Police Department – City Wide Theft Summary
No representative present, no questions were raised.
Miami Beach Ocean Rescue – Activities / Rescue / Medical Intervention
No representative present. Concerns regarding balloon usage at the beach were raised, prompting the board to request a representative from the department to attend the April meeting.
Tourism and Culture Department – Francys Vallecillo, Assistant Director
Francys discussed beachfront activations occurring until the end of March due to this being the peak season for waterfront events. Additionally, the department has been working closely
with the Environmental and Sustainable Department to update requirements and what can be expected and recommended for beachfront events and activations, particularly updated language
on forms for event producers that addresses sustainability practices. Regarding beachfront events, Francys notes that there are community meetings that occur months prior to the event
dates to get public input and comments. In addition to the meetings, the department shares with neighborhood associations the events plan and puts them in contact with the events. Lastly,
Francys ends her update with sharing that the two
beach monitors (Special Events Monitor and Revenue Concessionaire Monitor) are present and are especially vigilant during high impact weekends.
Facilities and Fleet Management Department – Ariel Morales, Facilities Zone Manager, Beach Maintenance
Ariel answered questions the board had regarding the schedule of sand sifters, particularly those that are provided by beachfront concessionaires, dune vegetation growth, and beach pole
and rope upkeep.
Environment & Sustainability Department – Lindsey Precht, Deputy Resilience Officer and Assistant Director
Lindsey discussed efforts to work with the Communications department to implement new beach signage that compacts all current important rules and regulations signs into one. Additionally,
Lindsey provided updates regarding the progress of the nano bubbles in Parkview Canal project. Lastly, Lindsey mentions the project to create a swim zone along the west side of Monument.
The board approved the company coordinating this project to share a presentation with updates during the April meeting.
Code Compliance Department – Code Compliance Administrator Brandon McLean
Brandon shared updates regarding charter slips at the Marina, code violations issued throughout the month of February, charters that have been granted the exemption to operate extended
hours of operation, and decal enforcement on vessels. Additionally, Brandon confirms that Code Compliance will have enhanced scheduling throughout the duration of Spring Break.
On the Beach Report by Marchella “M” Paz
M discussed the importance of assuring that after major events, such as the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, concessionaires and operators make sure that the beach is brought back
to its original shape, including making sure that all holes on the beach are filled.
Open Discussion
Motion to approve February 10, 2026 minutes. Motion Passed unanimously.
Motion to approve “Barton & Gray Mariners Club, LLC” lease agreement. Motion Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:22 am.