C7AC - Fund Tree Lights South of Fifth
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A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS JUNE 4, 2025 MEETING, TO CONSIDER FUNDING, AS PART OF THE FY 2026 BUDGET PROCESS, WRAP AROUND TREE LIGHTS IN THE SOUTH OF FIFTH NEIGHBORHOOD, ON MERIDIAN AVENUE, BETWEEN 5TH STREET AND 2ND STREET, IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $170,000.00, AND WAIVING, BY 5/7TH VOTE, THE FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-367(E) OF THE CITY CODE, FINDING SUCH WAIVER TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY; AND APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND R&D ELECTRIC, INC.
Sponsors
Commission Vote Result
7-0
PASSED
Detailed Information
Cached: 3 weeks agoResolutions - C7 AC
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends accepting the recommendation from the Finance and Resiliency Committee (FERC) at its June 4, 2025 meeting, to consider, as part of the FY 2026 budget process, wrap around tree lights in the South of Fifth Neighborhood, on Meridian Avenue, between 5th Street and 2nd Street, in the estimated amount of $170,000.00. Should the funding for FY 2026 be approved, the Administration also recommends approving a bid waiver to engage R&D Electric, Inc. to perform the work.
The Administration recommends that while Commission members evaluate adding a funding request in the FY 2026 budget cycle to cover the costs of the installation of wrap-around palm tree lights on Meridian Avenue between 5th Street and 2nd Street in the amount of $170,000, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY 2026:
1. The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values
These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the funding for wrap-around tree lights align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If FERC recommends funding the wrap-around tree lights, the Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
On February 3, 2025, at the request of Commissioner David Suarez, the Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) approved item C4 AM, a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) to discuss the installation of wrap-around palm tree lights in the South of Fifth Neighborhood on Meridian Avenue, between 5th Street and 2nd Street.
Sponsoring Commissioner Suarez, would like for Committee members to consider installing decorative, energy-efficient wrap-around lights as a way to enhance the aesthetics of the area, create a welcoming atmosphere, and contribute to the overall safety of the neighborhood by increasing visibility.
ANALYSIS
Public Works staff has reached out to R&D Electric, Inc, a city authorized vendor who has been awarded a number of contracts with the City, and provided services on multiple occasions, to obtain a cost proposal (Attachment A). The estimated cost for wrap lights on palm trees on Meridian Avenue, between 5th Street and 2nd Street is $145,297.98 (fees include labor, material, power outlets and transformers), and $23,280.00 (maintenance fee for the first year), for a total estimated cost of $168,577.98, currently unfunded.
The bid waiver request would be required to select this specific vendor, and approval of these services exceeding $100,000 (above the City Manager threshold approval) without a competitive procurement process, allowing for the completion of the wrap light installation in an expedited manner. Otherwise, a regular competitive procurement process could take an estimated 4-5 months to complete.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
$170,000.00 currently unfunded.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
N/A
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends the City Commission accept the favorable recommendation from FERC to: (1) approve the installation of wrap-around palm tree lights on Meridian Avenue, between 5th Street and 2nd Street, (2) recommend that the City Commission consider including $170,000.00 in the FY 2026 budget cycle to cover the costs, and (3) approve a bid waiver to engage R&D Electric, Inc. to perform the work.
Applicable Area
South Beach
Is this a “Residents Right to Know” item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
Is this item related to a G.O. Bond Project?
Yes
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
Public Works
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner David Suarez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Accept Rec/Consider Wrap Around Tree Lights, South of Fifth Neighborhood for FY26 Budget. (Suarez) PW
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)