HomeMy WebLinkAboutBack-Up DocumentsCoconut Grove Business Improvement District Board of Directors Meeting
Mr. Cs Hotel 2988 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Meeting Minutes (DRAFT)
Board members in attendance:
Ken Russell, Chair
Alejandra "Alex" Argudin
Lauren Carra
Donna DeMichael
Lalo Durazo
Olaf Kohrsmeyer
Claire Lardner
Monty Trainer
Board members not in attendance:
Steven Keup
Michael Comras
Non -board member Darticiaants:
David Collins
Cynthia Seymour
Joe Harrison
JS Rashid
Steven Licata
Diego Abreu
NRO Borges
Rachel Markel
Aileen Rodrigues
Jason Spiegel
Alan Campbell
Eduardo Sarasola
Cyndy Wanerman
Danny Hernandez
Chairman Commissioner Russell called the meeting to order at 10:15 am.
Agenda:
Call to Order and Opening Remarks - Commissioner Ken Russell
1. Approval of June 8th, 2021 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes. - Commissioner Ken Russell
Motion: Alejandra "Alex" Argudin
Second: Commissioner Ken Russell
2. Approval or Denial of Acting Executive Director's recommendation to accept and approve the Miami
Symphony Orchestra: Quarterly Performances for Special Events in FY21-22 - ACTION ITEM
Discussion: Presentation by Eduardo Sarasola and Cyndy Wanerman about partnering with the BID
to host a concert series of (4) signature events. The events are slated for October, December, April
and July 4th and will be free and open to the general public. $40,000 allocated to the four events. Still
left to be decided are venue locations, sponsors. Motion to approve unanimously.
Motion: Lauren Carra
Second: Claire Lardner
3. Discussion Item - FreeBee Presentation for 6 month Pilot Program
Discussion: Jason Spiegel, Co -Founder and Managing Partner with Freebee stated that our Freebee
service was paused in May due to the pandemic. Prior to this Freebee was operating Thursday -
Sunday with two vehicles since February, 2018 serving a small portion of Coconut Grove. In August of
2019 a decision was made to expand service within the entire 33133 zip code and operated a total of
four cars. Cynthia Seymour along with Jason presented a new plan with the initial goal to change the
perception of lack of parking within the business district. A new route was proposed whereby Freebee
would operate two cars Thursday- Sunday from 11AM-11 PM along a fixed route or on demand
moving pedestrians from parking garages into the center district. The total cost presented was
$8,384/vehicle/month and Freebee will guarantee $4000/vehicle/ month in advertising revenue.
The Coconut Grove BID would cover a discounted cost of $4,384/vehicle/month. Board members did
not approve the Pilot Program and requested for Freebee and BID staff to find an alternative plan to
operate and present at a later date.
4. Approval or Denial of Acting Executive Director's recommendation to accept and approve the
proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2021- 2022 - ACTION ITEM
Discussion: Presentation of FY Budget 2021-2022 by Cynthia Seymour explaining and
answering questions regarding proposed expenditures and revenues. Budget passes
unanimously.
Motion: Alejandra "Alex" Argudin
Second: Claire Lardner
5. Acting Executive Director update:
a. Capital Improvements - Holiday Lighting FY21-22 - Under the Sea --* Holiday 2021
Discussion: Presentation by Cynthia Seymour detailing the project illuminating Main Highway
with blue lights and hanging grapevine balls. In addition to the initial phase of lighting,
preparations are being made for the next stage of lighting for the upcoming holiday season.
b. Capital Improvements - Electrical Phasing
Discussion: Proposal by Cynthia Seymour to allocate a one time expense of $300,000 to
connect electric conduits on Main Highway to Commodore Plaza, Grand Avenue to Mary
Street, along McFarlane down to The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove and Fuller Street.
Mention to work with OCI by Alejandra "Alex" Argudin. Motion to approve use of funds for this
project passed unanimously.
Motion: Lauren Carra
Second: Alejandra "Alex" Argudin
c. Marketing - Heart of the Grove
Discussion: Presentation of current social media campaign celebrating and honoring our local
Grovites by telling their stories, showcasing their photographs and on street banners.
d. Marketing & Special Events - Grove Heritage Day
Discussion: Invitation extended by Cynthia Seymour for our BOD to attend Grove Heritage
Day as part of the City of Miami's 125 Celebration. Marketing materials presented.
e. Marketing - Rebranding RFP - Update
Discussion: Per Cynthia Seymour an RFP has been submitted for approval to the City of
Miami Procurement Department for consideration to release an open the bid process
potentially October or November 2021. At which time a selection committee will be appointed
to choose which company will be awarded the project. Cynthia explained that a potential
$100,000 budget would be needed for the rebranding to create a new logo, mission statement,
slogans, color scheme and aspects of placemaking for environmental branding including but
not limited to trash cans, benches, parking signs, etc.
6. Policy - Outdoor Cafe Program Extension after September 31 st - Commissioner Ken
Discussion: Commissioner Russell Update: City of Miami Commissioners are widely in favor
of maintaining the outdoor dining program. Commissioner Russell requested that BID staff take
a straw vote of BID merchants and commercial property owners to see how many are in favor
of keeping the outdoor dining in place.
7. New Business
Motion to adjourn meeting by Alejandra "Alex" Argudin at 11:38 AM