Community Relations Board

Membership on the Community Relations Board is specified in the following ordinance of the city code as enacted by the City of South Miami Commission:

Composition

Duties of the Board

• Meet at least once every three (3) months and when needed, the Board, by a majority vote, may schedule additional meetings. In addition, meetings may be called: (i) by the Chair; or (ii) by one member who may call for one or more additional meetings by contacting the City Clerk, and the City Clerk will determine if there are four (4) additional members who want to hold such meeting(s).
• Recruit members: Each Board member who has been appointed by a member of the City Commission is responsible for recruiting people for nomination to fill any vacancy on the Board. The City Commission must approve all those who are nominated to fill a vacancy in the four seats on the Board that have not been directly appointed by a Commission member in accordance with the City Charter.
• Foster mutual understanding, tolerance and respect among all economic, social, religious, sexual orientation, special needs (including the homeless), ages and ethnic groups in the city.
• Cooperate in the development of educational programs dedicated to the improvement of community relations: and enlist the support of civic leaders (religious, veterans, labor, industrial, commercial and charitable) and private agencies engaged in the inculcation of ideals of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding
• Recommend to the City Manager ways to include all City residents in celebrations of City and National holidays 
• Recommend to the City Commission events that are designed to attract and include all City residents
• Recommend to the City Commission ways to improve communication to all City residents, especially to those who are not computer literate
• Recommend to the City Commission a plan for an internship program to develop future community leaders within the businesses, commercial, industrial and other agencies in the City.
• Recommend to the City Commission ways to build equity goals and plans into matters (Resolutions and Ordinances) that come before the Commission
• Recommend to the City Commission ways to insure climate justice for all City residents
• To serve in an advisory capacity by making investigations, studies, reports and recommendations to the city commission, the city manager and her or his administration, and the community, in respect to all matters pertaining to the status of women in the city, including, but not limited to, the fair and equal treatment of women; those policies and practices which discriminate against women whether practiced by public or private persons, individuals or corporations; and, the public and private employment of women, the working and living conditions of women, the delivery of public and private services to women, and the education and training of women and public accommodations for women; including the working, educational and living conditions of young women; education and training; health, teen pregnancy and exposure to predatory crimes; availability of quality and accessible health services, educational, family and psychological counseling services; availability of meaningful employment for young women; discrimination and responsiveness of government to the needs of young women.
• To make continuing studies with recommendations and reports of all city agencies, facilities, boards, services and programs dealing with or affecting women, including equal funding of such facilities, services and programs; 
• To appear before any governmental or non-governmental agency to present findings and recommendations on behalf of the board, as well as on behalf of the city with the approval of the city commission. 
• To solicit contributions, services and financial support from other governmental authorities, private businesses, groups, institutions and trust funds; and
• To serve as a liaison or informal mediator among the city commission, the city administration, the city employees and the users of city services and facilities. The board may consult with representatives of these groups from time to time as necessary to carry out the board’s duties and functions.
• To study, report on and recommend needed improvements in the existence and delivery of needed medical, educational, criminal and social services for young women. 
• To appear before the mayor and city commission to deliver reports, recommendations, and requests for assistance. 
• To discuss matters raised by Miami-Dade County’s Community Relations Board and formulate recommendations for policy improvements to the Commission. 
• Recommend to the City Commission such ordinances or resolutions as will aid in carrying out the purposes of this Section
• Apply for and recommend the acceptance of grants and donations to the City from foundations and others for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the Board. All grants must be approved and accepted by the City Commission
• Submit an annual report to the City Manager and City Commission. The report will cover educational programs, sensitivity training, grants, interventions for persons in need, etc.
• The Board has the power and duty to: (i) examine the issues of any persons in need in the City; and (ii) recommend to the City Commission a comprehensive strategy to support all the people in need, including professional services, health services, and rehabilitation services.
• One (1) appointee will act as the LGBTQ Liaison to serve as an accessible and friendly ear to the City's LGBTQ+ community and elevate LGBTQ related concerns to the City Commission.

Current Members

• Levy Kelly
• Elizabeth Regalado
• Gary Costales
• Velma Palmer
• James McCants