After lengthy debate, South Miami approves Underline MOU and directs city attorney to seek court guidance on 287(g) obligations

The City Commission approved a multi‑year memorandum of understanding to join partners funding operation and maintenance of the Underline linear park corridor and voted to direct the city attorney to file a declaratory action to resolve legal uncertainty about whether Chapter 908/related law requires signing a 287(g)‑style agreement.

Friends of the Underline's newly appointed CEO, Julius Glap, described the broader financing package for the linear park and said the project has attracted roughly $150 million of investment from federal, state and county sources. "The total investment is close to $150,000,000," he told the commission. Staff said the MOU as advertised requested a $300,000 annual maintenance contribution from the city (prorated in a partial year) and that the amount is subject to annual appropriation. Commissioners questioned the scale relative to city budgets and asked for contractual maintenance standards and workforce and subcontracting requirements.

Separately, in response to an unsolicited opinion from the Florida attorney general and pressure on law‑enforcement agencies statewide, the commission debated rescinding prior delegated authority for the manager to sign mutual‑aid and law‑enforcement MOUs. After extended discussion the body voted 4‑1 to instruct the city attorney to file a declaratory action asking a court whether state law requires the city to enter into a 287(g)‑style agreement and what legal exposure the city might face. Mayor Fernandez said the step is intended to secure an independent legal ruling so the city's staff and elected officials can act with certainty.