Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waste To Energy Incinerator topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Miramar allocates $400,000 to law firm as city joins push against Miami-Dade waste‑to‑energy site; community urged to attend Jan. 28 and Feb. 19 hearings
Summary
Miramar City Commission approved a $400,000 engagement of Goldstein Environmental Law Firm to support the city's opposition to a proposed Miami‑Dade County waste‑to‑energy facility near the Miramar border. City officials asked residents to attend a Jan. 28 county workshop and a Feb. 19 county commission vote.
The Miramar City Commission on Jan. 22 approved a $400,000 contract with Goldstein Environmental Law Firm to support the city’s opposition to a proposed Miami‑Dade County waste‑to‑energy facility that had been discussed for the Airport West site near Miramar's border.
City Deputy Manager Kelvin Baker told commissioners the firm would represent Miramar before local, regional, state and federal bodies and assist with technical and permitting analyses, expert testimony, and litigation or co‑counsel as needed. "The scope of work encompasses representing the city with local, regional, state, and federal government agencies…engag[ing] environmental, solid waste and engineering experts," Baker said.
The commission and staff urged residents to attend two upcoming Miami‑Dade meetings tied to the project: a Jan. 28 Miami‑Dade County workshop where Miramar will present and a Feb. 19 Miami‑Dade County Commission meeting where commissioners will vote on a site recommendation. Commissioner Colburn reiterated those dates and asked staff to publicize them; Baker confirmed the Jan. 28 workshop and the Feb. 19 vote.
During discussion, commissioners asked about prior spending on the opposition effort. Baker said previous expenses are "approximately $600,000" to date; the $400,000 approval is an additional engagement specific to Goldstein. Commissioners and staff said most of the funds would be held until needed, and Baker indicated that "most of it will be saved" if Miami‑Dade selects a site other than the Airport West location.
Residents and commission members framed the effort as a long‑term public‑health and quality‑of‑life concern. Commissioner Colburn invited Miramar residents to join planned transportation to the January 28 meeting and the February 19 vote, saying Miramar must appear not only in symbolism but with a visible turnout.
The resolution authorizing the contract passed on a recorded vote with the commission voting in favor. The city manager recommended approval, and staff said the firm had already supplied a letter of engagement dated Nov. 2, 2024.
The Goldstein engagement follows a sequence of Miramar resolutions opposing the Airport West site and coordinating with neighboring municipalities; staff summarized the recent county timeline and Miramar's prior resolutions during the presentation.
What’s next: Miramar staff will present at the Jan. 28 Miami‑Dade workshop and the city will participate in the Feb. 19 Miami‑Dade County Commission meeting where the county will select a site for the new facility.
