South Miami Planning Board to Hold Virtual Meeting on November 12, 2024, to Discuss City Planning and Lobbyist Rules

The City of South Miami Planning Board will convene virtually on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. The meeting will utilize Communications Media Technology (CMT) via Zoom, with the broadcast originating from the City Commission Chambers located at 6130 Sunset Drive.

This upcoming virtual session allows the Planning Board to conduct its business as permitted by Section 20-6.1(B)(2)(d)(i) of the City’s Land Development Code. Residents can access the meeting remotely, ensuring continued transparency and public participation in local planning decisions.

The meeting agenda also brings attention to South Miami's lobbyist regulations. According to Section 8A-5 of the City of South Miami Code of Ordinances, individuals representing a principal must register with the City Clerk before engaging in any lobbying activities. This registration typically involves an annual fee of $500.00, with an additional $100 for each additional issue a lobbyist intends to influence.

A 'Principal' is defined broadly as anyone seeking to affect the action, decision, or recommendation of the City Manager, City Personnel, or any City Board. The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics has previously ruled that representatives, including attorneys, participating in quasi-judicial hearings in South Miami must also register as lobbyists, underscoring the city's commitment to regulating influence on local governance.

Residents interested in the Planning Board's discussions or the specifics of lobbyist registration can prepare to attend the virtual meeting on November 12, 2024. Further details on accessing the Zoom meeting will be made available closer to the date.