Item Coversheet

Resolutions - C7  A




COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission 
FROM:Alina T. Hudak, City Manager 
DATE:April  6, 2022
 



SUBJECT:

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROPRIATING FUNDING, AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING (AND, AS TO CERTAIN AGREEMENTS RETROACTIVELY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING) THE CITY MANAGER, OR HER DESIGNEE, TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDING (INCLUDING MATCHING FUNDS AND ANY RELATED CITY EXPENSES), AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING GRANTS, PROGRAMS, AND AGREEMENTS: 1) UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, 2022 CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION/ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $175,000; 2) FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ("FRDAP"), IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $400,000; 3) FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TH, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ("EMS") STATE MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $48,000; 4) MIAMI-DADE COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ("EMS") GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $5,000; 5) FLORIDA BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION, COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $25,000; 6) FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT ("VOCA") ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $505,000; 7) FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $300,200; 8) THE MIAMI FOUNDATION, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $40,000; 9) FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $360,000; 10) THE CHILDREN'S TRUST, INNOVATION FUND, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $15,000; AND 11) AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $70,000. 


RECOMMENDATION

Adopt the Resolution.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The City of Miami Beach applies for grant funds for new or existing city projects. Details of the funding sources and projects are included in the Analysis section of this Agenda Item.

ANALYSIS

1.            United States Conference of Mayors, 2022 Childhood Obesity Prevention/Environmental Health and Sustainability Awards in the approximate amount of $175,000.   

 

This award aims to support programs that engage community members and promote or stimulate behavior change in the categories of childhood obesity prevention and environmental health/sustainability.  

 

The City is applying for $175,000 to expand the Cooking for Life Program conducted by the Parks & Recreation Department in collaboration with Common Threads to bring health and wellness to children, families and communities through cooking and nutrition education. The expanded program will include three community youth programming events.  The Common Threads program consistently demonstrates the improvement of nutrition knowledge and healthy behaviors. The City’s partnership with Common Threads bridges the connection between health and wellness programs and academic, social-emotional and life outcomes of children to create a proven model. This grant does not require matching funds.

 

2.            Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) in the approximate amount of $400,000.

 

FRDAP provides grants to qualified local governmental entities to acquire or develop land for public outdoor recreation purposes. 

 

Beach View Park - $200,000 

Beach View Park is located on a 3.89-acre lot that also houses the municipally owned Miami Beach Fire Station No. 3, Ocean Rescue Sub-station, and is the location where the future Miami Beach Adaptive Fitness & Recreation Center will be built.  

 

The Administration has requested grant funding in the amount of $200,000 for the redevelopment of the park including, replacing the existing children’s playground and fitness course with a new adaptive playground and fitness area, site furnishings including picnic tables and benches and landscaping improvements to include shade trees, a butterfly garden, and native groundcover. This grant requires matching funds in the amount of $200,000, and funding is available in Project 21621, Account Number 302-0820-069357-00-410-546-00-00-00-21621..

 

Miami Beach Skate Park - $200,000

Miami Beach Skate Park is a park located in the North Beach section of Miami Beach fronting Collins Avenue.  

 

The City is applying for a $200,000 FRDAP grant to be applied towards the construction of a new all-wheels pump track in the undeveloped greenspace. An all-wheels pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and berms for bike riders, skateboards, and in-line skaters.  Enhancements to the existing skate plaza are also envisioned in this project, as well as a picnic area. The picnic area would include seating areas, picnic tables, drinking fountains, bike racks and an activity lawn.  This project requires matching funds in the amount of $200,000 which are subject to appropriation during the FY 2023 capital budget process.

 

3.            Florida Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) State matching grant program in the approximate amount of $48,000.

 

In 1973, the Florida Legislature passed and enacted the Raymond H. Alexander, M.D., Emergency Medical Transportation Services Act. The Legislature recognized the need for the uniform and systematic provision of emergency medical services to save lives and reduce disability associated with illness and injury. The goal of emergency medical services includes assessing, treating, and transporting children, adults, and elderly persons.

 

The City is applying to the Florida Department of Health EMS State matching grant program for funding in the approximate amount of $48,000 to purchase Automated Chest Compression equipment for the City’s Fire Department to better serve our residents, visitors, and mutual aid partners. This equipment has been proven to be more effective than performing manual compressions, is safer for the first responder and yields more favorable results for trauma victims.  This grant requires a 25% match in the amount of $16,081 and funding is available from budget code 011-1220-000674-19-410-506-00-00-00.

 

4.            Miami-Dade County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) grant program in the approximate amount of $5,000.

 

The Florida Department of Health is authorized by Chapter 401, Part II, Florida Statutes to provide grant funds to Boards of County Commissioners for the purpose of improving and expanding pre-hospital emergency medical services. County grants are awarded only to Boards of County Commissioners but may subsequently be distributed to municipalities and other agencies or organizations involved in the provision of EMS pre-hospital care.  Miami-Dade County distributes these EMS funds to municipalities, including the City of Miami Beach, based on the total number of EMS calls per calendar year.

 

The City Administration intends to use its allocation of funds in the approximate amount of $5,000 for equipment, materials, and services as needed to enhance the delivery of emergency medical services provided by the Miami Beach Fire Rescue.  Matching funds are not required for this grant.

 

5.            Florida Beverage Association, Community Grant Program for funding in the approximate amount of $25,000.

 

The Florida Beverage Association provides grant funding through its Community Grant Program for projects that are focused on environmental sustainability, and health and wellness.  The City is applying for funding in the amount of $25,000 to expand its Common Threads Cooking for Life Program to a year-round program. Common Threads is a national nonprofit that provides children and families cooking and nutrition  education to encourage healthy habits that contribute to wellness. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Common Threads since 2017 to support its goals of being a catalyst to improve health for students, families, teachers and other community members. 

 

The Common Threads program consistently demonstrates the improvement of nutrition knowledge and healthy behaviors which bridges the connection between health and wellness programs and academic, social-emotional and life outcomes of children.  Over 16 million children face hunger in the United States and one in three are overweight or obese. Since 1980, obesity rates have tripled among children ages 8-12, putting them at risk for asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions that were once only associated with adults. 

 

No City matching funds are required; however, the City will provide a match of $12,928 from Common Threads since they contribute monetarily to the program, budget code 011-0332-000343.

 

6.            Florida Office of the Attorney General, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Assistance Grant Program for funding in the approximate amount of $505,000.

 

The Florida Office of the Attorney General provides federal Victims of Crime Act grants to fund services to victims of crime.

 

The Administration has applied for and received these funds annually and plans to apply for continued funding for Fiscal Year 2022/23 for salaries, training, and operating costs for the Police Department’s Victim Services Program. This year's application represents a continuation of the currently funded program and supports the services of the Police Department. The Administration intends to apply for approximately $505,000 for this program.

 

The grant program does not require a match. Additional funds for the program, in the approximate amount of $126,250 will come from positions in the Police Department's Victim Services Unit that are proposed to be partially funded by the City's General Fund.

 

7.            Florida Department of Transportation, Transportation Alternatives Program in the approximate amount of $300,200.

 

Over the years, the City's Transportation and Mobility Department has worked closely with the Committee for Quality Education, Miami Beach Senior High School Administration, and residents to discuss traffic concerns, review traffic conditions along both roadways during drop-off and pick-up periods and explore solutions to mitigate the impacts to traffic and improve safety.  As a result, the City has implemented various measures to improve safety and reduce congestion, including installation of a pedestrian crossing with rapid rectangular flashing beacons, the installation of school zone flashing beacons, new pavement markings and signage along Prairie Avenue including re-striping school zone markings.

 

Due to several issues of potential safety and operational concerns, the City Administration requested that the consultant, HNTB conduct a study of the traffic operation for and around Miami Beach Senior High School and identify potential issues of safety and operational concerns as well as develop potential mitigation measures to address such concerns. The school Principal has expressed concern for the safety of those students who are currently being dropped off and picked-up on Dade Boulevard.  Safety concerns are related to vehicles stopping on the active travel lanes in both directions at various locations along Dade Boulevard in front of Miami Beach Senior High School to drop off or pick up students.

 

To further improve safety and enhance operation at this school the scope of this project is to create a safe and efficient internal circulation area for parents to drop-off and pick-up students.  The City is applying for $300,200 and will provide matching funds in the amount of $92,000 for this project ($27,000 previously spent in planning analysis).  If awarded, the matching funds are subject to appropriation during a future capital budget process.

 

8.            The Miami Foundation Community Grant Program in the approximate amount of $40,000.

 

The Miami Foundation has provided funding to local organizations since 1967.  The foundation’s mission is to invest in funding for a stronger, more equitable and resilient Greater Miami.  The Administration is applying for funding for two different projects:

 

Health and Wellness Program - $30,000

The City is applying to the Miami Foundation Community Grant Program for funds in the amount of $30,000 to improve physical health and wellness needs across the City by expanding current programming for all age groups.  By expanding various classes to weekends, mornings and multiple locations, the City can provide classes for working residents.  The classes that will be expanded include but are not limited to free yoga classes, free HIT (high intensity training) classes and an expansion of the step challenge. Currently these classes are offered in the South Beach community; if awarded, this grant would expand classes to other sites throughout Miami Beach.  Matching funds are not required for this program.

 

Intergenerational Program - $10,000

The City is also applying to the Miami Foundation Community Grant Program for funds in the amount of $10,000 for a new Intergenerational Program, created by the Office of Housing & Community Services.  The Miami Beach All Stars and the Resident and Elderly Resource Center will work together to create an impact on the youth and elderly in our community by providing an interactive activity. The program will partner seniors with youth in our community for intergenerational activities, such as cooking and nutrition.  Matching funds are not required for this program.

 

9.            Florida Department of Transportation Highway Traffic Safety grants in the approximate amount of $360,000.

 

Florida Department of Transportation’s primary statutory responsibility is to coordinate the planning and development of a safe, viable, and balanced state transportation system.  FDOT is committed to driving down fatalities and serious injuries on streets and highways.  As such, FDOT has grant funding programs to achieve these goals.  The Administration is applying to Florida Department of Transportation for four grants, each described below. 

 

Speed and Aggressive Driving - $75,000 

Speed and aggressive driving are especially dangerous in Miami Beach due to the heavy volume of pedestrian traffic. The City is applying for funds to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by implementing enforcement campaigns targeting speed and aggressive driving infractions. The City’s Police Department will utilize resources to conduct high-visibility, zero-tolerance enforcement operations at locations identified as “High Risk Areas” which have a high frequency of traffic crashes and/or fatalities to supplement existing traffic operations. The primary focus for operations will be to identify the violators of speed and aggressive driving laws.  The City is requesting $75,000 in grant funds to be used for Police overtime for traffic enforcement.

 

Occupant Protection - $75,000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the latest 2020 data show that seat belt use has risen to 90.3%. These numbers reflect the success of enforcement and education efforts. The City’s Police Department conducted 5,008 traffic crash investigations in 2021. Approximately 96.7% of those investigation revealed that a restraint system was used, which puts our city over the national average. This is a direct result of efforts to increase the usage of safety belts which save lives. The Police Department will implement a comprehensive occupant protection program consisting of high visibility enforcement, community outreach and education. The City is requesting $75,000 in grant funds to be used for Police overtime for traffic enforcement.

 

Impaired Driving - $135,000

The City is requesting $135,000 for Police overtime for traffic enforcement and to procure one DUI/BAT vehicle which will increase the effectiveness and speed in which the Police Department processes an impaired driver and eliminate the City’s dependency on outside agencies.  The mobile DUI/BAT vehicle will allow our Police Department to operate mobile checkpoints as well as have impaired motorist booking areas, testing equipment and more.

 

Motorcycle Safety - $75,000

Motorcycle related fatalities remain a concern in the State of Florida.  According to the Ride Smart Florida website, Florida has seen an increase in motorcycle fatalities over the years.  With grant funding, the Police Department will conduct High Visibility Enforcement-style details specifically targeting motorcycle and motor scooter violations.  The City is requesting $75,000 in grant funds. 

 

Matching funds are not required for these four FDOT Highway Safety grants.

 

10. The Children’s Trust Innovation Fund in the approximate amount of $15,000.

 

The City Administration is proposing joining forces with the FIU School of Architecture’s Miami Beach Urban Studios and Miami Beach Public Schools to host two 2-day Tikkun Olam Makers Miami Beach. Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) is described as a global venture to improve the lives of millions of people living with disabilities, the elderly, and the poor.  The organization follows the Jewish idea of Tikkun Olam, which encourages everyone to improve themselves, their community, and the world.

 

The TOM: FIU, CMB, and Miami Dade County Public Schools collaboration will follow a four-step process to achieve the MB+TOM: FIU Community goals which include directly impacting the quality of life of Miami Beach disabled youth attending our Miami Beach public schools.  The program identifies what are known as “neglected challenges” of Miami Beach youth with special knowledge; by working on real-world needs through contact with people who best understand these needs, the team will create working prototypes of solutions and develop and productize solutions in a way that can be disseminated.  The final step involves the dissemination of the MB+TOM: FIU product to others around the world.   The Administration is requesting $15,000 for this program.  The grant does not require matching funds.

 

11.  AARP Community Challenge in the approximate amount of $70,000

 

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement, support diversity, equity and inclusion, build engagement for programs under new federal laws and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. 

 

The City will be collaborating with UNIDAD of Miami Beach, Inc., and The Bass Museum of Art to apply for an AARP Community Challenge Grant. The proposed project crosses several of the AARP priority areas while improving the social environment of the community. The collaborative team is seeking funding in the approximate amount of $70,000 to commission an artist to design and execute a mixed media mural which portrays the rich, cultural diversity of our Miami Beach Senior community. The subjects of the piece will be residents who utilize the North Beach Senior Center.

 

The goal of the project is to re-engage seniors who have been isolated during the pandemic and provide them with a reason to rejoin their community once again at the North Beach Senior Center. Seniors will be engaged with the artist in the development of a mural by sharing their stories and experiences as a tribute to what they have contributed to the City of Miami Beach.  Once completed, this commissioned piece will be permanently installed at the North Beach Senior Center. This grant does not require matching funds.

SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA

In the 2019 Community Satisfaction Survey, “Quality of Police Services” was at a 72% Satisfaction level, up +6% since 2016.  Additionally, “Quality of City Recreation Programs” was at an 80% Satisfaction level, up +8.5% since 2016.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

N/A

Applicable Area

Not Applicable
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds?
No No 

Strategic Connection

Prosperity - Market and promote Miami Beach as a world class arts, culture, and quality entertainment destination.
Legislative Tracking
Legislative and External Affairs

ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Resolution