A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign an agreement to become sister cities.

Sister Cities International (“SCI”) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that serves as the national membership association for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. The mission of SCI is "to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.” This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in nearly 500 member communities with over 2,000 partnerships in more than 140 countries.

The City of Miami Beach is a member of SCI and currently has thirteen (13) Sister Cities affiliated with the City including (1) Alrnonte, Spain; (2) Basel, Switzerland; (3) Brampton, Canada; (4) Cozumel, Mexico; (5) Fortaleza, Brazil; (6) Fujisawa, Japan; (67 Ica, Peru; (8) Krumlov, Czech Republic; (9) Nahariya, Israel; (10) Pescara, Italy; (11) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (12) Santa Marta, Colombia; and (13) Odessa, Ukraine.

Prior to April 10, 2019, the City's Sister Cities Program (the "Program") was administered by the City, with oversight by a volunteer Coordinating Council (the "Council"). On April 10, 2019, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2019-4257, removing the Council structure from the City Code, and contracting with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber") to administer the Program.

On March 13, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2024-4599, re-establishing the City’s Administration of the Sister Cities Program. The Program offers opportunities for the City to engage with its Sister Cities, establish partnerships, cultural exchange, promote tourism, educational opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Pursuant to Section 2-315(c) of the Miami Beach Code, the donation of surplus items to other governmental entities is permitted under specific conditions, notably when these actions serve a charitable or public purpose and align with the City's best interests.

The Fire Department has a rich history of supporting the Sister Cities Program, including through donations, showcasing the City’s commitment to international cooperation and goodwill. Notable donations have included one (1) used 1987 Ford E350 Fire Rescue vehicle; one (1) used 1988 Ford E350 Fire Rescue vehicle; one (1) used 1972 American LaFrance Fire Truck Pumper; two (2) used 1989 GMC 2500 pickup trucks; and one (1) used 1990 Dodge D250 pickup truck.

In 2013, the City, via the Fire Department, donated two (2) Freightliner FL60 Ambulances in “As Is” condition to our Sister City Ica, Peru; and also authorized the donation of fifteen (15) incomplete sets of firefighting protective clothing, forty-five (45) sections of hose, and ten (10) Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), also in “As Is” condition, to Cozumel, Mexico, another Sister City.

The Fire Department is currently in possession of surplus equipment that is fully depreciated, and which has been replaced by new inventory making it available for auction or donation. Following a Miami Beach Sister Cities delegation to Cozumel, the City of Miami Beach, through Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, received requests from Cozumel for items which can be provided from the surplus inventory. Among the identified surplus inventory is a 2009 Freightliner M2106 Fire Rescue vehicle (VIN IFVACWDU69HAG7747 with 90,250 miles) in “As Is” condition. Despite not meeting current standards for national safety and reliability, this vehicle holds considerable potential value for Cozumel. The City is also donating ancillary gear and equipment to Cozumel including eighteen (18) 50-foot sections of 3-inch hose and eight (8) sets of bunker gear, which are all beyond useful life based on current standards.

Our enduring relationship with Cozumel means this gesture of goodwill not only meets immediate needs, but also fortifies the bond between our cities. Upon approval by the City Commission to donate the equipment, the following steps will be taken to complete the donation:

•  Preparation of a bill of sale that would include the value of the donation, name and address of recipient, and equipment information;
•  Removal of City of Miami Beach graphics and vehicle number(s);
• Removal of fuel management system devices;
• Removal of City license plate; and
• Completion of Transfer of Title and coordination with recipient agency for vehicle pick-up at their expense.

The vehicle will be transported to Cozumel via cargo ship at the sole cost and expense of Cozumel. 

LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE
In accordance with Resolution No. 2023-32857, adopted by the City Commission on December 13, 2023, the following information has been provided by the item sponsor as it relates to the subject resolution:

1. Was the Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

2. If so, specify name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Not Applicable

There is an existing Sister Cities relationship between the City of Miami Beach and Cozumel, Mexico. The Fire Department equipment requested by Cozumel does not meet the national standards and recommendations for safety and reliability that the Fire Department adheres to. The donation of the equipment is in the best interest of the City of Miami Beach and the Sister City receiving the equipment. Satisfaction of the current request is recommended.