kathleen-woods_web.jpgMIRAMAR — The city of Miramar’s second reading of the budget and regularly scheduled City Commission meeting began at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept.12 with new City Manager Kathleen Woods-Richardson joining the commission dais.

Woods-Richardson has worked in public service for more than 30 years. She most recently served as the director of Miami-Dade County’s Public Works and Waste Management Department.  In that position she oversaw up to 1,730 employees and managed a budget of $629 million. 

The new manager has made it a priority to spend time becoming familiar with residents’ needs by attending local

organizations’ events. The first was Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m., at the United Neighbors of East Miramar meeting held at the Multi-Service Complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway .

In other news, Commissioner Winston F. Barnes in partnership with Women on a Mission and the Law Offices of Suzanne St. Luce is hosting a free Citizenship Drive on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., at the Broward County Miramar Branch Library, 2050 Civic Center Pl., to assist individuals seeking U.S. citizenship assistance. For more information call 305-249-5534.

Also, in its second season in partnership with Memorial Hospital Miramar, the city is hosting its weekly Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., every Sunday at the hospital, 1901 S.W. 172nd Ave.

The Farmers’ Market offers a variety of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh baked artisan breads, hot brewed organic coffee, chilly fruit smoothies and other goods. Vendors also sell fresh herbs and flowers, gourmet sauces, handmade organic soy candles, soaps and essential oils, vegetarian and gluten-free products and more.