South Miami sets several charter amendment questions for November ballot and approves routine contracts and pilots

On July 21 the South Miami City Commission moved several items forward that will shape city governance and near‑term operations.

Ballot measures: The Commission approved three charter amendment questions to appear on the November 3, 2026 special election ballot: changes to how the city publishes required notices, moving purchasing standards to ordinances approved annually, and conforming vacancy special‑election timing to Supervisor of Elections scheduling. A fourth amendment — to redefine "franchise" so leases and certain property interests are excluded from the franchise rules — was edited in the meeting to clarify that leases would still require an ordinance adopted by a super‑majority after advertised public hearing; the Commission approved the revised ballot language.

Contracts and pilots: The Commission awarded a multiyear agreement to Becker & Poliakoff for federal lobbying services not to exceed $40,000 per year for three years (5‑0 vote). The body also approved a one‑month green waste diversion pilot with Waste Management, Inc. (5‑0) and authorized several other multiyear service agreements, including elevator monitoring (3‑0‑2 recorded as yes votes) and traffic analytics software (passed 4‑1).

Solid‑waste policy change: On first reading the Commission amended the municipal collection code to allow certain large multifamily properties that historically received city service to continue to be served; staff estimated small tipping‑fee impacts that the city can absorb.

Why it matters: The charter ballot items change how the city structures procurement, notices and property leases; the public will decide the charter amendments in November, but the Commission’s edits clarify safeguards (super‑majority requirement for leases). The pilot programs and contracts set short‑term operational choices that affect waste handling, emergency communications and traffic analytics.

Next steps: Ballot language will be sent to the Supervisor of Elections; staff will finalize contracts and run the green waste pilot. Charter amendments will appear on the November ballot as approved.