Sunny Isles Beach — The City Commission on Nov. 20 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering land‑use updates, building design standards, public‑safety equipment and a range of city contracts, and directed the city manager to negotiate terms for an offered sculpture donation.

The commission adopted on first reading a text amendment to the Future Land Use element intended to clean up inconsistencies with the Land Development Regulations, add definitions, update population projections and set maximum densities for several categories; staff said the Department of Commerce flagged one policy under Senate Bill 180 and the package addresses that concern. The body adopted the ordinance on first reading by a 4‑0 voice vote; second reading is scheduled for January.

Among second‑reading ordinances the commission moved color and design provisions into the Land Development Regulations (allowing accent colors on up to 25% of exterior walls, including specified dark tones), adopted regulations for anchoring certain vessels in city waters, and approved a final budget amendment to close fiscal 2024‑25.

On routine procurement and operational items, the commission:

- Approved a contract award and replacement agreement for HVAC preventive maintenance with Georgia Enterprises after an insurer change; staff said the new agreement replaces an unexecuted prior award.
- Authorized a purchase order to Granicus for agenda‑management and website services for FY25‑26.
- Authorized negotiations or awards for copiers (Toshiba lease), timekeeping software (UKG Kronosystems), purchase of two 2026 Ford F‑150 pickup trucks, a contract amendment with Kontoor Marine to complete a boat‑lift and fencing installation at Bella Vista Park, and drain repairs at the Heritage Park parking garage.
- Approved surveillance and security equipment installations at the Intercoastal Sports Park and other limited waivers of bidding where staff explained open‑market line items total about $13,000.

The commission also adopted a 160‑color city palette developed with Sherwin‑Williams and approved a month‑to‑month parking license allowing the Chabad Lubavitch Russian Center of South Florida to use roughly 18–20 spaces at Bella Vista for $5,000 per month.

Votes at a glance (selected outcomes from the Nov. 20 meeting): all recorded votes below reflect the roll‑call or stated outcomes in the meeting minutes and were approved 4‑0 unless noted.

• Future Land Use text amendment — adopted on first reading (4‑0).
• Reasonable accommodation procedure for certified recovery residences — adopted on first reading; second reading set for January.
• Architectural/design standards (city color rules moved to LDRs) — adopted (4‑0).
• Election code amendments — adopted (4‑0).
• Vessels and waterways (anchoring) — adopted (4‑0).
• Budget amendment BA24‑25‑07 — adopted (4‑0).
• Procurement and contract approvals: Granicus, UKG Kronosystems, Millennium Products, Georgia Enterprises, Kontoor Marine, NBR Construction, Duval Ford vehicle purchase and others — approved.

Why it matters: The package updates the city’s planning and design rules ahead of expected development activity, funds routine equipment and maintenance work, and clarifies procedures for recovery residences and public art donations. Several items (notably the comprehensive‑plan amendment and the recovery‑residence procedure) will return to the commission for final action or additional review in January.

Who said what: City staff presented most items; staff repeatedly told the commission that technical details, insurance and maintenance terms would be included in contract drafts and returned for final approval. For example, when commissioners asked about insurance for city artwork, staff and donor counsel said insurance valuation and maintenance responsibilities would be addressed in the draft donation agreement.

Next steps: Several items will return in January for final readings or to present drafted agreements (copyright and maintenance terms for donated artwork, second readings mandated by ordinance rules). The commission also directed staff to bring back appointment assignments for the Historic Preservation Board at the January meeting.

Sources: City of Sunny Isles Beach Nov. 20, 2025 City Commission meeting transcript and staff presentations.