South Miami: January 20th, 2026 City Commission Meeting
Summary. The South Miami City Commission meeting on January 20, 2026, began with several presentations recognizing community achievements. The commission honored the South Miami United Football Club for their sportsmanship during a championship match, the Kroger family for winning the first-ever home holiday decorating contest, and Andrea Gaitan as Employee of the Quarter. A final presentation by Kimley Horn detailed the city's vulnerability assessment for flooding and storm surge, identifying six focus areas for future resilience projects and adaptation strategies. The commission addressed ongoing issues with the Mandelstam School regarding a fire access easement needed for a new building at Dante Faso Park. Despite months of negotiations, the school's representatives have raised new objections and threatened litigation, leading commissioners to express frustration with the adversarial approach. The commission also approved several ordinances including an extension of the solar voltaic systems moratorium and amendments to single-family development regulations. A significant decision was made to pursue acquisition of the Marshall Williamson historic house, with Commissioner Calle designated to negotiate the purchase for preservation and community use focusing on South Miami's African American heritage. The commission also discussed moving forward with an RFP for affordable housing development on city inspection lots, addressed ongoing problems with the Metro Connect transportation service, and approved important financial measures including a new three-year contract for the City Manager and authorization of general obligation bonds totaling $6.7 million for stormwater and roadway improvements. Plans were made to finalize several initiatives at their upcoming February 3rd goals meeting.
Agenda Items
E2. United FC Certificate of Recognition
Recognition of South Miami United Football Club for exceptional sportsmanship during championship match
- Team won tournament that went to penalty kicks
- Player Lucas Lautra consoled opposing goalkeeper after victory
- Video shown demonstrating sportsmanship
- Certificate presented to entire team
E4. Home Holiday Decorating Contest Winners - Kroger Family
Recognition of the Kroger family as winners of the first-ever home holiday decorating contest
- First time contest with seven participating families
- Kroger family won overall contest
- Prize provided by Andy Korge and SoFlo Vacations
- Two-night stay at Coconut Grove hotel awarded
E1. Employee of the Quarter Q4 2025 - Andrea Gaitan
Recognition of Andrea Gaitan, Public Works administrative assistant, as Employee of the Quarter
- Employee since 2019
- Nominated by Public Works Director Alex Munoz
- Praised for reliability, productivity, and dedication
- Behind-the-scenes hero serving the community
E5. Kimley Horn South Miami Vulnerability Assessment Final Presentation
Final presentation of citywide vulnerability assessment for flooding and storm surge
- Funded by $150k Florida Resilient Grant Program
- Analyzed 16 flood scenarios including rainfall, sea level rise, storm surge
- Identified 6 focus areas along canal systems for resilience projects
- Sea level rise not major concern due to distance from coast and canal controls
- Adaptation strategies include gray, green, and blue infrastructure
7. Solar Voltaic Systems Moratorium Extension
Ordinance extending moratorium on enforcement of residential solar requirements
- Retroactive extension of previous moratorium
- New legislation expected in February
- Public hearing held with no public comment
13. Single Family Development Regulations Amendment
First reading of ordinance revising single family development regulations
- Height increased from 25 to 30 feet measured from grade
- Planning board suggestion for 25-foot maximum between finished floor and roof rejected
- Building coverage definitions clarified with first and second floor coverage limits
- Floor area definition modified for enclosed terraces
- Privacy wall regulations added
- Administrative adjustment process for setbacks to preserve specimen trees
M4. Marshall Williamson Historic House Acquisition
Discussion and decision on potential city acquisition of Marshall Williamson designated historic house
- Property listed for $600,000 adjacent to mango lots
- Over one acre when combined with existing city property
- Potential uses include museum, community meeting space, nonprofit activation
- Importance of preserving African American history in South Miami
- Property is for sale and family contacted city about potential purchase
M2. Affordable Housing RFP
Discussion of developing RFP for affordable housing project on city inspection lots
- Moving from sole solicitation to competitive RFP process
- Need for community input on RFP parameters
- Focus on urgency while avoiding complexity that increases costs
- Public-private partnership opportunities
M3. Metro Connect Transportation Service Issues
Discussion of problems with current Metro Connect service and potential alternatives
- Resident complaints about service reliability and system crashes
- County implementing fee-based model starting February 1st
- Consideration of expanding city's senior shuttle service
- Potential termination of contract and alternative uses of PTP funds
6. City Manager Contract Extension
Approval of multi-year employment contract extension for city manager
- Three-year contract extension
- Recognition of manager's experience and performance
- Competitive compensation package
5. Solid Waste Facility RFP Authorization
Discussion of RFP for lease and development of city property for waste management facility
- Alternative approaches to traditional transfer station operations
- Cost containment as primary goal
- Openness to innovative waste processing technologies
- Potential property acquisition for expanded operations
12. Medical Office Uses in GR Zoning District
Ordinance allowing medical office uses in General Residential zoning district
- Ordinance amendment to expand permitted uses
9. General Obligation Note Authorization
Authorization of general obligation note not to exceed $6,700,000
- Funding for stormwater and roadway improvements
4. General Obligation Note Resolution
Resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation note for stormwater and roadway improvements
- Resolution companion to ordinance for bond authorization
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve minutes for 11/18/2025 and 12/02/2025
Moved by Commissioner Calle, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve consent agenda items 1 and 2
Moved by Commissioner Calle, seconded by Vice Mayor Corey
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve resolution for Stantec Consulting Services extension for sewer conversion project
Moved by Commissioner Calle, seconded by Vice Mayor Corey
Passed 5-0
Motion to adopt ordinance extending solar voltaic systems moratorium
Moved by Commissioner Calle, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez
Passed 5-0
Motion to adopt ordinance amending single family development regulations with modification removing planning board's height measurement suggestion
Moved by Vice Mayor Corey, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez
Passed 5-0
Motion to designate Commissioner Calle to negotiate purchase and sale agreement for Marshall Williamson historic house
Moved by Mayor Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve multi-year employment contract extension for city manager
Moved by Mayor Fernandez, seconded by Commissioner Bonnich
Passed 5-0
Motion to adopt ordinance allowing medical office uses in GR zoning district
Moved by Commissioner Calle, seconded by Vice Mayor Corey
Passed 4-0
Motion to adopt ordinance authorizing issuance of general obligation note not to exceed $6,700,000
Moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Calle
Passed 4-0
Motion to adopt resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation note for stormwater and roadway improvements
Moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Calle
Passed 4-0
Action Items
Negotiate purchase and sale agreement for Marshall Williamson historic house
Assigned to Commissioner Calle with City Attorney assistance · Due Move quickly due to pending offers
Bring back solar voltaic systems legislation to replace moratorium
Assigned to City Manager · Due February timeframe
Analyze options for Dante Faso Park building project including design alternatives and fee recovery
Assigned to City Manager · Due Next priorities meeting February 3
Research possibility of grants to museums from Arts in Public Places Trust Fund
Assigned to City Attorney
Meet individually with commissioners to finalize affordable housing RFP parameters
Assigned to City Attorney · Due Before February 3rd goals meeting
Add Metro Connect service analysis to goals meeting agenda
Assigned to Staff · Due February 3rd goals meeting
Revise solid waste facility RFP based on commission feedback
Assigned to Staff · Due February 3rd meeting review
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The South Miami City Commission meeting on January 20, 2026, began with several presentations recognizing community achievements. The commission honored the South Miami United Football Club for their sportsmanship during a championship match, the Kroger family for winning the first-ever home holiday decorating contest, and Andrea Gaitan as Employee of the Quarter. A final presentation by Kimley Horn detailed the city's vulnerability assessment for flooding and storm surge, identifying six focus areas for future resilience projects and adaptation strategies. The commission addressed ongoing issues with the Mandelstam School regarding a fire access easement needed for a new building at Dante Faso Park. Despite months of negotiations, the school's representatives have raised new objections and threatened litigation, leading commissioners to express frustration with the adversarial approach. The commission also approved several ordinances including an extension of the solar voltaic systems moratorium and amendments to single-family development regulations. A significant decision was made to pursue acquisition of the Marshall Williamson historic house, with Commissioner Calle designated to negotiate the purchase for preservation and community use focusing on South Miami's African American heritage. The commission also discussed moving forward with an RFP for affordable housing development on city inspection lots, addressed ongoing problems with the Metro Connect transportation service, and approved important financial measures including a new three-year contract for the City Manager and authorization of general obligation bonds totaling $6.7 million for stormwater and roadway improvements. Plans were made to finalize several initiatives at their upcoming February 3rd goals meeting.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 14 agenda items: United FC Certificate of Recognition; Home Holiday Decorating Contest Winners - Kroger Family; Employee of the Quarter Q4 2025 - Andrea Gaitan; Kimley Horn South Miami Vulnerability Assessment Final Presentation; Solar Voltaic Systems Moratorium Extension; Single Family Development Regulations Amendment; Marshall Williamson Historic House Acquisition; Affordable Housing RFP; Metro Connect Transportation Service Issues; City Manager Contract Extension; Solid Waste Facility RFP Authorization; Medical Office Uses in GR Zoning District; General Obligation Note Authorization; General Obligation Note Resolution.
How many motions were voted on?
10 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
7 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Mayor Fernandez, Vice Mayor Corey, Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Calle, Commissioner Bonnich, City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is South Miami in?
South Miami is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Browse other Miami-Dade County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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