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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2003-06-24 MinutesCITY OF MIAMI SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 24, 2003 PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK/CITY HALL Priscilla A. Thompson/ City Clerk MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 24'h day of June 2003, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in special session. The meeting was called to order at 1:41 p.m. by Chairman Johnny L. Winton, with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez (District 1) Commissioner Johnny L. Winton, Chairman (District 2) Commissioner Joe Sanchez (District 3) Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr., Vice Chairman (District 5) ALSO PRESENT: Linda Haskins, Office of the City Manager Alejandro Vilarello, City Attorney Priscilla Thompson, City Clerk Sylvia Scheider, Assistant City Clerk Barbara Rodriguez, Director, Community Development ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado (District 4) (1:47 p.m.) Joe Arriola, City Manager 1 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Winton: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We're going to bring this special meeting of the City Commission to order. And for the benefit of those of you in the audience, I think that 98 percent of you in the audience are here for Item Number 11. The Mayor wants to address that issue. So we will start with the regular agenda, but as soon as the Mayor comes down, we will move to Item Number 11, so that you all can participate in the dialogue, and go home and have dinner with your family. So that's the objective here. With that, Commissioner Teele, if you don't mind, would you give the invocation, and Commissioner Sanchez, pledge of allegiance. Vice Chairman Teele: Would you please stand? An invocation was delivered by Vice Chairman Teele, after which, Commissioner Sanchez led those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag. 1. APPROVE CITY'S PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY PLANS -- TOTAL $2,980,386. Chairman Winton: Barbara, would you like to start with Item Number 1, please? Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Barbara Rodriguez, Director of the Department of Community Development for the City of Miami. Item 1 is requesting approval to continue Section 8 Mod. (Moderate) Rehab Program Funds. This is transmitting our annual plan and allocating 2.642094 in client cost; three hundred and thirty-eight thousand, two hundred and ninety-two dollars ($338,292) for administration for a total of two million, nine hundred and eighty thousand, three hundred and eighty-six dollars ($2,980,386). Chairman Winton: Is this a public hearing, also, on this item? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: They're all public hearings. Chairman Winton: OK. So -- by the way, Madam Clerk, I guess you want to swear in all the people that want to -- no, they don't have to be? So they just come up and talk. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Teele. You know, someday, I will get most of this right. Vice Chairman Teele: You did it right now. Chairman Winton: By the time my term is up, that'd be good. Vice Chairman Teele: Eight years. Chairman Winton: No, no, one. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 1? Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 1? If not, we'll close the public hearing portion. Vice Chairman Teele: Move the item. 2 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Got a motion. Commissioner Sanchez: Second. Chairman Winton: Second. Discussion. Being none, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-697 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ("PHA") PLANS WHICH INCLUDE THE FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2000-2004 AND THE ANNUAL PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003, IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAM, AS SET FORTH IN THE SECTION 8 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE PHA PLANS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM AND IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER ALLOCATING SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,642,094, FOR CLIENT COSTS AND $338,292 TO THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,980,386. 3 June 24, 2003 (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton NAYS: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: You've made the statement, most of the people that are here are here on Item Number 11. That's the public service funding. So I just wanted to make sure that the public -- and Barbara, you might just say that in Spanish, so that everyone knows. As we go through these first ten items, they should move very quickly. And the right for everybody to speak is going to be primarily on Item Number 11, I think. Note for the Record: At this time, Vice Chairman Teele's comments were translated into Spanish by Barbara Rodriguez. 2. APPROVE REVISED CITY OF MIAMI LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP), FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION OF THE CITY IN THE FLORIDA STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) PROGRAM; AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT MODIFIED PLAN FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION AND AUTHORIZE MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHIP PROGRAM AND THE LHAP. Chairman Winton: OK, Item 2. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 2 is basically on May 8, 2003, this Commission changed the housing policy. That's when we increased to thirty thousand deferred program that pays at the end when you sell your property. This is changing our policy with the State, so it's transmitting the change. Chairman Winton: There's a public hearing. I'd like to open the public hearing on Item Number 2. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 2? Anyone from the public like to speak on Item 2? 4 June 24, 2003 Note for the Record: At this time, Commissioner Regalado entered the Commission chambers at 1:47 p.m. Commissioner Gonzalez: Move Item 2. Vice Chairman Teele: Second. Chairman Winton: If not, we'll close the public hearing. We've got a motion and a second. Discussion. Being none, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Sanchez: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gonzalez, who moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-698 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE REVISED CITY OF MIAMI LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP), ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2001 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004, FOR THE CONTINUED PARTICIPATION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI IN THE FLORIDA STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP ("SHIP") PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A MODIFIED PLAN FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHIP PROGRAM AND THE LHAP. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton Commissioner Tomas Regalado NAYS: None ABSENT: None. 5 June 24, 2003 3. ADOPT PROGRAM POLICY FOR COMMERCIAL FAQADE TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR THE 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING PROCESS. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item Number 3 is a policy decision. We were instructed by the City Commission to bring back some policy recommendation changing our Fagade Program. The Fagade Program has been in existence for 15 years, and the funding have always been the same. Two thousand dollars ($2,000) was the maximum. What we are doing is changing it to less than two thousand, the business owner, five percent; two thousand to four thousand, ten percent and four thousand to five thousand, 15 percent. It's a policy decision for the new year coming forward. Chairman Winton: Public hearing on Item Number 3. Anyone from the public like to comment on Item Number 3? Anyone from the public on Item Number 3? If not, we'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: So move. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second for discussion. Chairman Winton: Motion, second, discussion. Yes, sir. Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes. Dear colleagues, I spoke to the Director of Community Development a couple of weeks ago. And I'm a hundred percent in favor of this action, and the reason is that we have areas in our City that are very, very depressed areas where the merchants, even though they may have the biggest desire to improve the facade of their buildings, they cannot afford the amount that they used to pay before. And I'm glad to see this action taken, but at the same time, I talked to the Director in reference to two issues. One issue -- and I could remember Commissioner Teele had a long discussion about fences in residential and commercial areas. And we have a situation that is -- like, for example, you may have a commercial building that we do the fagade on the building, we paint the building, put in new awnings, new signs and make the fagade look beautiful. And next to that building, you have a body shop, or you have some kind of mechanics shop, and, you know, they have these old fences that actually are an eyesore. And no matter how much money we put into improving the business to the right and the business to the left, right in the middle, we have this building that is, you know, damaging the image of the block. So I asked her that if it was possible -- and I don't know if my colleagues in the Commission will support me in this -- to include in the Fagade Program, also, as part of the program that we assist businesses in replacing these fences, and use the type of fence that you can drive by and you don't see the mess that is inside the business, when you're talking about a body shop, or a mechanical shop or things of that sort. Also, another problem that we have in some of these places is that we do the fagade, we paint the building, we do the awnings, and we do the signage, and then the parking lot may need resurfacing -- not rebuilding of the parking lot -- resurfacing, which is, you know, to put the black tar on it, and paint the lines and, you know. And then -- because it's like dressing with a very expensive suit, and a very expensive tie and shirt, and then, you know, you're wearing dirty shoes. So I don't know. That's my motion, and I don't know if my colleagues will support me on that. 6 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: I second the motion, as I understand -- hey, Linda, how are you, Madam Manager. You look better than that other dude who was sitting in that chair. Commissioner Gonzalez: That's for sure. Can we make a change now that he's not here? Vice Chairman Teele: Would you make a motion to ratify the new Manager? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, sir. Motion to ratify -- Chairman Winton: OK, moving right along. Commissioner Sanchez: Yes. Chairman Winton: Moving right along. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, take control of this meeting. Chairman Winton: It's clear that I was losing total control there, no question about it. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, in seriousness, I'm not certain how the motion from the Law Department is being structured, but I think one of the things that Commissioner Gonzalez said -- and he used a cute analogy about getting dressed and having dirty boots on. And I've said this consistently, particularly in the Model City area. It is much more important that we make eligible the parking infrastructure under this category than just the painting of a building. Now, I think this whole area is going through a change, because the federal government is now looking at ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) issues -- Commissioner Gonzalez: That's right. Vice Chairman Teele: -- a lot closer. And ADA issues are going to blow these budgets real fast. I mean, this program that used to be a two thousand dollar ($2,000), twenty-five, three thousand - - once you start talking about Americans with Disabilities Act, if the federal government is insistent -- and I don't know where that stands now -- but if the ADA is going to be applicable, this program could very well be in jeopardy. I am very, very in support of everything that Commissioner Gonzalez said, and specifically, Mr. Attorney, to make eligible the parking infrastructure as a part of the Fagade Program, because it just -- it's -- it doesn't make sense not to make it eligible. Commissioner Gonzalez: Would you yield to me? Vice Chairman Teele: Yes. Commissioner Gonzalez: Ms. Rodriguez, do we still have -- because I've been out of the business for two years now -- do we still have the Code compliance segment of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)? 7 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: The Code compliance is up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000). It's still there. And there's an item in your package that will address Code compliance. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. So on the Code compliance, which is separate from fagade -- but if you want to include it in the fagade, it's fine. We will have it in both places. There is funding to assist with the parking, with the handicap ramps and the whole nine yards. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, OK. I think I heard what you said. All that I'm saying is this: It's my understanding that the Feds are beginning to look -- that you cannot expend funds for a program such as fagade improvement if the underlying structure doesn't meet certain other issues. And I just -- Ms. Rodriguez: That's correct. Commissioner Gonzalez: That is correct. Vice Chairman Teele: I think that's going to open the door to a lot of problems. Chairman Winton: Which is going to make these dollars that you guys are talking about spending on those things melt before your very eyes. Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Chairman Winton: That's the other part of his point. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. Chairman Winton: OK. Any other discussion on this? Now, so you're -- and I guess we need to make sure that the amendment -- that this all qualifies. Ms. Rodriguez: Right. The amendment will be to the project type. We have pressure cleaning, painting, awnings, stores, store showcase windows, signs, shutters. We will be adding fences, parking lot resurface and parking lot infrastructure. Chairman Winton: OK. So we have a motion with a modification. Any other discussion? Being none, on the modified motion, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. 8 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gonzalez, who moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-699 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ADOPTING THE PROGRAM POLICY FOR THE COMMERCIAL FA( 'ADE TREATMENT PROGRAM, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING PROCESS. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton Commissioner Tomas Regalado NAYS: None ABSENT: None. 9 June 24, 2003 4. (A) AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOCATE $300,000 FROM MAYOR DIAZ' POVERTY INITIATIVE TO RESOLVE INADEQUATE FUNDING OF FEEDING AND ELDERLY PROGRAMS ON A CITYWIDE BASIS; SUCH PROGRAMS TO BE FUNDED BASED ON NEED TO BE DETERMINED BY CITY MANAGER IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. (B) INSTRUCT ADMINISTRATION TO PURSUE WAIVER FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) REGULATIONS TO INCREASE CAP FOR PUBLIC SERVICES CATEGORY FROM 15% TO 25%, OR, AS AN ALTERNATIVE, SEEK AUTHORIZATION TO CHANGE FORMULA FOR CITIES SUCH AS THE CITY THAT REACH A CERTAIN POVERTY LEVEL UNTIL THE NEXT CENSUS. REQUEST ASSISTANCE OF ALL FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES, BOTH ELECTED AND ADMINISTRATIVE IN THIS EFFORT. (C) DISCUSSION RE ALLOCATION OF $1,746,000 IN FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES. (D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO ADDRESS PROBLEM OF RODENT INFESTATION WITHIN THE CITY; DIRECT MANAGER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO PARKS DEPARTMENT AND BOND COMMITTEE FOR INFORMATION, LITERATURE AND DISSEMINATION PROGRAMS WHICH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY ORGANIZATION THAT HAS UNEXPENDED PUBLIC SERVICES DOLLARS THIS YEAR; AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATION TO AMEND AFFECTED CONTRACTS TO EXPEND FUNDS IN THOSE CATEGORIES IMMEDIATELY. Chairman Winton: Mr. Mayor, would you like to come up? We will now move to Item Number 11. So hopefully, we can get you all back to your families and friends in time for dinner. I need to make one of those signs that says, "The City of Miami needs your help with the State government and with the Feds." Commissioner Gonzalez: I promise you, by the next meeting, I'll have those signs here. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Mr. Mayor. Mayor Manny Diaz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. For whatever reason, the Mayor's office in the past has historically not been involved in the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) process. And I hope to change that today. And I interject myself into this process for two reasons. First, this Commission has been wrongly and unfairly criticized by many in this community. And in advancing their own self -interests, your critics have sadly played with the emotions of so many of our most vulnerable citizens, our elderly. For all that are here today and the many others who are watching or will watch these deliberations, let's make some facts perfectly clear. First, this Commission and this City has always done everything within its power to help our seniors. All of you should feel very proud of the longstanding commitment that each of you, individually and collectively, have made to the seniors of our City. Second, this Commission, this Mayor and this City is not taking food from anyone's plate. Rather, the real truth is that the meals programs are funded through Federal and State dollars, not City of Miami taxpayers. Third, the truth is that new policies from 10 June 24, 2003 Washington, from our President and our Congress have led to a cut of almost three million dollars ($3,000,000) in City of Miami meals programs. I would strongly suggest that this righteous anger and disappointment that exists with many who are here today be directed at your representatives in Washington, your Congressmen, your Senators, and finally, your President. The truth is that less meals are available because Washington has cut our funds. And as such, Washington should be held responsible for cutting meals. Having said all that, the second reason I choose to interject myself into the process is because today, we have a crisis, a crisis that has been created not by our control, but by the control of others. And that crisis is that some of our neediest residents, our elderly, representing a substantial portion of the community of poverty in our City is being potentially cut from meals in many of the centers in our City of Miami. Those of us who have visited centers know the need, the necessity that some of our seniors have for these kinds of programs, and, in fact, many of us know that, but for these meals, some of these individuals would not have something to eat during their day. Over the last few days, I have met with all of you in an attempt to find a solution to this immediate crisis. And as a result of many of these meetings -- Commissioner Gonzalez has spent a lot of time in my office over the last couple of days -- I want to make the following recommendations, which I hope you will all adopt. If you remember, during the last budget process, I came to you, with the help of Commissioner Teele, with a Poverty Initiative to help fund poverty programs in the City of Miami. During the course of last year, we have initiated several projects as part of that Poverty Initiative. And in front of you, I believe you should have a copy of some of the balance of the programs and the funding for the balance of the Poverty Initiative. When we looked at that Poverty Initiative, we found that there was an approximate amount of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), which, at this point, could be earmarked or generated for something else. So my recommendation for you today, which is an immediate short-term solution -- and we'll talk about the long-term in a few minutes -- is that we use these three hundred dollars (sic) designed specifically to cover the deficits that have been created in seniors and meals programs in our City. These funds will specifically fund many of the programs that you all deal with, like Commissioner Sanchez with Little Havana, covering the deficit; Commissioner Gonzalez, the deficits that you have at St. Dominic's and Claude Pepper. Commissioner Winton, you have a few. Commissioner Regalado, Smathers and others. So I believe that these funds, when we've looked at the numbers, we've worked with Barbara, and they will be sufficient to cover these deficits. These funds, by the way -- and this is where we get into some policy questions. These funds are not to be designed on a going forward basis. These funds are to take care of an immediate crisis that we're all facing here today. And as a result of this crisis, I think it's a good time to review our policy. And as you go forward in your deliberations, I want you to consider certain things. I want you to consider reviewing agencies for which funding was cut; adjusting for agencies with high overhead costs; actual reimbursements process be used in funding some of these programs in the future, based upon the actual cost of the meal and some reasonable overhead, which can be determined by Barbara and the Community Development Department by the beginning of this October. This is not unlike what is done, for example, in the child care programs. We are paid per child a specific amount plus some reasonable cost of overhead. I would also ask that you consider as a repayment source or a replenishment to the Poverty Initiative that if there are any balances left in your Commission budgets at the end of the year, that these funds, when we go through the budget process this year be used to fund additional Poverty Initiative programs. I also want to just, I guess, in closing, suggest the following: I would like very much, I think, as a result of this process and what we've gone through, to be a 11 June 24, 2003 part of the process for next year. I think that through my office, and working with the administration, and working with the Department of Community Development, we can begin to look at some of these programs on a long-term basis, rather than what has really been the tradition, which is to react to crisis in many circumstances. I think that there are many things that we can do. Commissioner Teele and I talked today, for example, about parks, and some of the programs that we fund to help after school programming. There's no reason why some of those programs, for example, couldn't be run out of our existing parks to create more activity in our parks. So there's a lot of broad types of poverty -- policy type citywide issues that I think can be incorporated into this process, and if you so choose to invite me, I would be more than happy to be a part of that. But for right now, the recommendation would be that we use these funds, and I believe that this will go a very, very long way in terms of solving the immediate crisis and making sure that our seniors have a proper meal every day. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Mr. Mayor, would you mind -- I know this might take a little time, but we've already been asked. Could you repeat what you just said in Spanish? Because a goodly number of the people in the audience do only speak Spanish, and they didn't understand. So -- Mayor Diaz: Where is our translator? Chairman Winton: Well, we have her over here, but I let you go -- the Chairman did a lousy job, as usual, and didn't interrupt you, because you were doing so well that I didn't want to interrupt you to do the translation. Commissioner Gonzalez: Mr. Chairman, I agree that the Mayor, since he took the -- since he has had the leadership to come up with this program at such a difficult time, the Mayor should be the one to address the public in Spanish, and say exactly the things that he just said in English. So, Mr. Mayor, go ahead, sir. You're very good at that. Chairman Winton: I would be glad to, but I can't. Commissioner Sanchez: Johnny, why don't you translate for him? Chairman Winton: Gracias. Note for the Record: At this time, Mayor Diaz translated his previous comments into Spanish. Chairman Winton: Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, before you go, the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) that you're going to take from the Poverty Initiative Program as a short-term plug to help with the meals program for the Elderly in the City, are you going to suggest today a process that gets this money onto the table? Are we going to have a resolution? And -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, I have one. Chairman Winton: Oh, you do? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, sir. 12 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: OK, thank you. Mayor Diaz: Also, I'm glad you asked me that question, because that brought to mind something else I didn't mention, and that is the fact that the other thing that I want all of you to consider is that as we go forward with the end of this fiscal year, and as we begin to design the budget for next year that if there are any budget surpluses in any of your individual Commission accounts that those monies be used to replenish the Poverty Initiative funds. Chairman Winton: The reason I asked -- and I'll direct this point to you, Commissioner, is that many of the people in here are going to be interested personally. And so the fact that we kind of say this globally doesn't necessarily answer any specific questions. And so I think that we're best served by at least outlining the time frame by which people will hear what amount of that three hundred thousand they get. I think that's an important, important part of the puzzle here that we need to explain to the public. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. Mr. Chairman, if you allow me, I do -- I have a motion here to allocate three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) from the Mayor's Poverty Initiative to resolve inadequate funding of feeding programs on a citywide basis; such programs to be funded based on need, to be determined by the Director of the Department of Community Development, and instructing staff to pursue a waiver of Community Development Block Grants regulations to increase the cap for public services from 15 percent to 25 percent for our public service, social service programs, and to request the assistance of all Federal representatives, both elected and administrative, in this effort. I believe that it is important that we include in the motion to accept the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) from the Mayor, it's important to include in this resolution the request of a waiver from Washington, because -- Chairman Winton: But aren't those really two separate motions? I mean, shouldn't we make them -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Well, we could do it in two separate motions. Chairman Winton: Yeah. Commissioner Gonzalez: But it is important that we do that, because, you know, once we go to Washington and request a waiver, if Washington denies the waiver, as I heard yesterday on the radio, then the ball is not in our courtyard. You know, nobody then can blame us of not doing anything to solve the problem. All we can do is go to the funding source, which is Washington, and tell them, we have a crisis, we have a problem, we need your help. If they say no help, well, sorry, you know? Chairman Winton: Right. I understand. I understand. Yes, sir. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Mr. Chairman, we have a Creole speaking individual that she can translate what the Mayor said. I believe that there are -- we would like -- 13 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: OK, great. So we need to -- so we'll do the Mayor's thing, also a translation in Creole. Ms. Rodriguez: Correct. Chairman Winton: And then we'll come back to your -- Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Before we move on, what I would request from -- respectfully request from Commissioner Gonzalez if he would separate those two motions. Commissioner Gonzalez: I will. Chairman Winton: Yeah. OK. Great. OK. Vice Chairman Teele: Barbara, are there people here that speak Creole that don't speak English? Ms. Rodriguez: Right here. Note for the Record: At this time, Mayor Diaz' previous comments were translated into Creole by Guylene Berry. Chairman Winton: Is that complete? Unidentified Speaker: One paragraph. Note for the Record: At this time, Guylene Berry continues translation of Mayor Diaz' previous comments. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: Can you hear me? OK. Barbara, Commissioner Gonzalez is going to separate his motion into two motions. One, the first motion we will take up will deal with the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) (sic) that is going to come out of the Mayor's Anti - Poverty Initiative that will go specifically for meals for the elderly. And so that's the first motion. Once we pass that motion, I want you to be able to explain to the public here what the timing is and the process will be for determining who gets what portion of that three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). So is -- and we don't have to have -- because this is general fund money, we don't have to have a public hearing on the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000); is that correct, Mr. City Attorney? Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. 14 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: The three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) is coming essentially -- this is not CDBG funding. The three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) is coming out of the Mayor's Poverty Initiative, which came out of our general fund. So that means that this is -- that motion is not a public hearing; is that correct? Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): Correct. Technically, that's not -- there's no requirement for that to be a public hearing. Chairman Winton: Fine. OK. Commissioner Sanchez, you wanted to make a comment? Commissioner Sanchez: No, just to state for the record that I have revisions. Chairman Winton: You have who? Commissioner Sanchez: Revisions. Chairman Winton: OK. So we need a motion on -- Commissioner Gonzdlez, would you move your suggestion on the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My motion is to allocate three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) from the Mayor's Poverty Initiative to resolve inadequate funding on feeding programs and elderly programs on a citywide basis; such programs to be funded based on need, to be determined by the Manager in coordination with the Department of Community Development. That is my motion. Commissioner Sanchez: Second. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion. Vice Chairman Teele: Discussion. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. No? OK. Discussion? Yes, sir, Commissioner Teele. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I want to join in commending the Mayor for coming up with something of a Solomonic approach to provide some justice, some rough justice here. But I've got two or three concerns. Number one, for the good order of the day, a lot of folks are in here on their item. This motion is rather esoteric and theoretical, and I think we could wind up being here all night if we don't somehow break this code a little bit, so that the public knows that there is going to be some funding for Allapattah and de Hostos, et cetera. Otherwise, we're going to hear the whole spiel. I don't know how to do that, but somehow, this code is going to have to get a little bit clearer, because these folks are not going to trust us, with all due respect, that it's going to come out all right. So I'm raising that rhetorically to the maker of the motion, and the Mayor and the staff. Secondly, I very much appreciate the Mayor's sensitivity and the manner in which Commissioner Gonzdlez has made the motion, because I think he's made the motion rather artfully in the context of what the problems are. I just want to 15 June 24, 2003 be on the record to my staff, to the City staff -- Madam Manager, especially to you. The James E. Scott Center, which has had a feeding program in this community for ten years is at zero right now. I would hope that they would be put in a position where the feeding program in District 5 would be able to continue through the James E. Scott. I also just want to put on the record that I'm not certain about the de Hostos Center, whether it's Commissioner Winton or mine, but in either event, the de Hostos Center is something that really has got to be maintained. And finally, through an omission, the Jewish -- Ms. Rodriguez: Miami Jewish Home. Vice Chairman Teele: The Miami Jewish Agency, which Commissioner Winton and I also sort of -- Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: -- share, again, that program has to be held harmless, from my perspective, or at least we need to move in that direction. I just wanted to put in supporting this motion that the James E. Scott Elderly Feeding Program, the de Hostos Feeding Program and the Jewish Home for the Aged, which I think they've traditionally gotten about twenty-five, thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for elderly services. Ms. Rodriguez: Thirty thousand, three hundred and ten dollars ($30,310). Vice Chairman Teele: Yeah. And I know that nobody is going to get funded. I think the Mayor has said it very well. When you're going from -- when you're taking a 50 percent cut, based upon the Federal funding, it's hard to say everybody is going to be all right. But the fact of the matter is, this three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) would go a long way, I think, in meeting the need. I realize that this is not five divided by three hundred thousand. This is based on need citywide. And I acknowledge that Commissioner Gonzalez' district, where the Allapattah Program is located, which has had a large feeding program should get and probably will get the largest single amount of money, based on need. Is that a fair statement? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: So I'm acknowledging that, and I'm supporting that. But I'm only saying that all districts should be in a relatively equal -- rough justice, I mean, you Commissioner Winton, it shouldn't be more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or so separating the top from the bottom, because otherwise, I think we get into some other issues. Chairman Winton: By the way, Commissioner Teele, just for the record -- and I'm only going to say this once, but I think it is important for you all to understand. The District 2 social services funding over the course of a two-year period has been cut by 60 percent. No other district has seen the kind of cut that District 2 has seen, by a pretty significant amount. Now, there's a whole bunch of reasons for that. I'm not going to quarrel over all this stuff. We're all in the same boat, but I think it is important for you all to understand. I mean, that's where I'm coming from, and 16 June 24, 2003 we're all, as a team, have got to figure out how we're going to make this whole thing work. And that's it. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, my final comment on this is I think this matter needs to have a time and date certain by which all of the decisions will be. Doesn't have to be next week, doesn't have to be a month from now. But I think there ought to be an ending point in this. Otherwise, these things have a way of just never becoming -- Chairman Winton: Great point. Vice Chairman Teele: And I would ask the maker of the motion -- Chairman Winton: I think Barbara is going to address that; is that correct, right now? Ms. Rodriguez: We have a couple of things that we want to put on the record. Number one, we have come up with amount of dollars by district, even though that we'll go farther to determine the need, as Commissioner Teele mentioned. Right now, we have for District 1, seventy-five thousand; District 2, seventy thousand; District 3, seventy thousand; District 4, thirty-five thousand; District 5, fifty thousand, for a total of three hundred. As we sit down with each of the agencies that have been impacted and determine -- because, remember, this money is only for meals. This is not the way it's been done on the past, where we have been paying based on budgets, which included a lot of overhead. So we're going to be sitting down with each of them. And at that time, then we will determine how much is needed to cover all the agencies that were funded on the year 2002. Commissioner Regalado: Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: Would you repeat the figures? Ms. Rodriguez: We have seventy-five thousand, District 1; seventy thousand, District 2; seventy thousand, District 3, thirty-five thousand, District 4 and fifty thousand, District 5. Again, in the need, once we sit down with each agency and we determine the amount of money they need, not counting their budget that we have in-house, we will shift around if the need is there. Commissioner Regalado: So that's the total of three hundred thousand Ms. Rodriguez: Three hundred thousand. Commissioner Regalado: Well, I -- you know, Johnny, District 4 is the district that historically has gotten less CDBG money in the history of the City, although the need is there, and although there is an aging process in the west of the district, which is making that -- at least one of those senior centers has an 80 -person waiting list, which would not be addressed today with this funding, because it's at the level of the last funding. But I think that it's important that we understand, and we let the people of Miami know that at least we are putting down the fire, and 17 June 24, 2003 that we are covering the deficit. Unfortunately, the need calls for other districts to get more funding than District 4. But the only thing I ask is that we look at other organizations, civic groups, agencies that were not funded at all this cycle, and that do a great job in District 4. I am hurting, and I was hurting for the senior centers. I think, I believe that the issue has been resolved. But when people leave here tonight, they've got to know that the City Commission, the Mayor, members of the Commission have solved this crisis for now. But we need their help with the State government, with the Federal government. The same way that they were mobilized to call our offices, hundreds and two hundred, three hundred calls, and the same way that three hundred signatures arrived in our offices, and the same way that they created a state of mind in the media, a perception that the crisis was the City, we need to enlist their help for next year, because next year it ain't going to be three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) from the Poverty Initiative of the Mayor. And we do need to start working now, because we didn't do -- the past administration, I asked them for the waiver, and I know that Commissioner Teele always, always said that that was the wrong thing to do. But what are we going to do? We are -- Vice Chairman Teele: Don't get everybody mad at me. Commissioner Regalado: -- signaled. We're told by the Federal government that we are the poorest City. And the only thing we got is a T-shirt. They don't give us anything. You know, the Federal government has to be involved. And we have good Federal representatives here in South Florida. If we don't enlist their help, if we don't get our lobbyists, if we don't get our Senators, next year, it's going to be back to the same. The room is going to be filled with the same amount of persons, because it's going to happen again. The City has done a very bad job in explaining the role of the City, of the City Commission, of the Mayor, Community Development to the senior centers, and for that matter, for all the programs. And I just hope that we can learn with this shock therapy that we all had in the past days and start working immediately. You know, I still say that it cannot be tomorrow, we'll decide tomorrow. You cannot leave these people hanging on the possibility of maybe they'll decide to move the funds somewhere else. Tonight, today, here, we have to decide at least that all the senior centers have their funding back at the level as we proposed. Chairman Winton: Well, I'm not sure that the money does that, by the way. Does it restore full funding? Commissioner Sanchez: Gets close to it. Ms. Rodriguez: Right now, the deficit, right now, when we compare the senior elderly meals from 2002 to 2003, has a deficit of four hundred and sixty-seven thousand, nine hundred and eighty-nine. Commissioner Regalado: I understand. Ms. Rodriguez: Putting there three hundred thousand will still leave us with a hundred and sixty-seven thousand, nine hundred and eighty-nine. Once we analyze -- and this was done by district, comparing what they got, what they're getting and what's the difference, and seeing the 18 June 24, 2003 cost of meals that we would be paying under this Poverty Initiative Funding, we feel comfortable that they will be able to serve the amount of meals that they're serving. Commissioner Gonzalez: Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Regalado: And I understand what you said in terms of the deficit, compared to last year. But we're talking here two different things. They came here today thinking that some of the senior centers were to be closed. But now, they have to leave saying that the City delivered, and the senior centers will remain open, with feeding programs, with, of course, some difficulty, but they will remain open. What I'm saying is -- Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Commissioner Regalado: They've got to know the difference between coming here, saying that they were going to be closed, and leaving here, saying that we're going to stay. Ms. Rodriguez: We will say it in Spanish. Chairman Winton: OK. Ms. Rodriguez: I will address them and explain to them. On reference to teaching them, you are correct, Commissioner Regalado, that we have failed to let them know where the money comes and how is. We've been in a campaign with -- all of them have information of what is out there and what happened. But we will -- and I will be letting them know what you're voting on in Spanish. Chairman Winton: But, by the way, I will not, Commissioner Regalado, accept that full responsibility. I'm going to put part of the blame right on the shoulders of the leadership of these agencies, because we've been talking about this issue for three years, that this was coming down the pipeline. I've said it every time. I've talked to my agencies about it. I've talked to the leadership of my agencies and said, you guys need to be talking to the State, and you need to be talking to the Federal government. We've said it from dais. You've said it, Commissioner Teele said it, I've said it, we've all said it. So this isn't just the City of Miami not educating people. For three years -- maybe we didn't do as good a job as we could have done, but the responsibility -- the people who got the senior citizens here, the leadership of these agencies are also the ones that have a direct responsibility, by God, to provide the full facts. And they did not do that, and that's what got all these letters going. And I'm going to hold them personally responsible from this point on to do the right thing by their clients. It is not our total responsibility. They have as big a responsibility as we do. Commissioner Sanchez, then Commissioner Gonzalez. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I agree with you a hundred percent on that concept. Let me just say that what the Federal government failed to do and what the State government failed to do, local government did. All right? All government is local government. They're here because they could address this, and come to City Hall or contact City Hall, and they could come see us on a one-on-one. The whole burden fell on our shoulders. And this is not a district crisis. This was a City crisis when this all came about. I mean, at least Commissioner Regalado got a 19 June 24, 2003 T-shirt out of it. I got about seven hundred phone calls. I'm only kidding, Commissioner. But let me just say that every year, we have a process that's a very -- it's a tough process, especially when you're taking reductions every year. And this year, we're faced with a 21 percent reduction that really puts us in a situation where we had to make -- we had to stretch the dollars far as it could go without breaking. And we had to do it. And when we had that crisis, we were able to resolve it, right? Once again, I know that I contacted the Mayor, spoke to him. I contacted the agencies' head on several meetings that we had, because my priority, just like everyone here who said we're going to select two priorities. One is elderly care and child care. And I focused on that. I revised this funding source that we put together, which is really such a big reduction, from almost one point two million dollars to seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) to four hundred and one thousand dollars ($401,000). I have done these numbers over and over and over to try to accommodate a lot of great agencies, 18 of them, to be exact, that are excellent agencies that do a good service to our community. But when you have to select, because of the reductions, and you have to prioritize what is in the best interest of your community. And I took elderly care, because I have a lot of elderly individuals who live in my district, and child care, because of the burden of the poverty in our community where you have parents, both parents working multi jobs to try to, one, put a roof over their shoulder and feed their family. And therefore, we have to provide that service. But let me just say that the Mayor, through his Poverty Initiative, came through and we were able to get the funds. So I think that we're OK next year. But I'd like to add one more concern to the list of concerns that Commissioner Teele put forth. One is, what are we going to do next year? All right? And then the other, the question that could follow that is the second amendment that's going to be made by Commissioner Gonzalez as to why did we ask for a waiver. But then that's why I asked that the motion be separate, because I want to ask you, Madam Director, what are the pros and cons of asking for the waiver and not asking for the waiver? Because we're faced with a crisis this year that we were able to resolve. And I think every Commissioner up here put forth on the dais some good recommendations, as maybe we need to work with the private sector, or we're going to have to get a waiver, or ask the Federal government. I mean, you know, you hear about the City of Miami being the poorest City in the nation. Well, the Governor should have known that. The President should have known that. Our elected officials in Washington should have known that to try to get us more money. And then the burden today is here on the local government. And I'm here to say that these five Commissioners, along with the City Manager, the Mayor and the City staff worked very hard to find a solution to this problem. And I hope that, you know, this solution to the problem is put forth so everyone understands and someone says it in Spanish that we were able to find the money, and no one is going to be left without a meal program, nobody's going to be left hungry in our community. But they need to work with us, to make sure that we do contact the State next year to try to get the appropriate funding. And we need to contact Washington and express to our Congressmen and women up there that are in Washington to make sure that we get the adequate funds, since we're labeled the poorest City in the nation -- that's one of the things that I'm not going to get involved with the census, which I disagree with. But, really, you know, the burden is on our shoulders. But, really, there are a lot of people that are responsible for this situation. So I just wanted to state that clear. And once again, Mr. Chairman, when the motion is made on Item 11, I will have my final revision to District 3, which I think I did about 13 revisions to try to stretch the dollars as far as I can, to complement 18 agencies, which I was not. And I'm sorry, but, you know, I can't stretch the dollar that far. I wish we had adequate funds to give everybody the same amount of money. But I think that we 20 June 24, 2003 were able to work out with the ones that came forth and said, we provide a service, and if you cut us, you know, we're going to have to close our doors. And those are the ones that we took seriously. So thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to speak. Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Gonzalez, you want to say something? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes. I'm going to be very brief. I have to agree a hundred percent with Commissioner Regalado. And Commissioner Regalado was talking about a waiting list in one of his centers of 78 persons. Well, let me tell you, Allapattah has a waiting list of 200 seniors that are waiting to be served a meal, one meal a day. So -- and I'm sure that Commissioner Sanchez has the same situation, and Commissioner Winton and all of us have the same problem. And like Commissioner Regalado says -- And Johnny, I agree with you a hundred percent in the fact that, yeah, these seniors have not been instructed or advised properly of where these funds come from. They should have been told, these monies come from Tallahassee, these monies -- as a matter of fact, these particular monies come from Washington, not even from Tallahassee. They come from Washington. And if you have -- and your funds are going to be cut, and you need to contact your representatives, and your Senators and -- because in election time, we'll see all of these representatives and all of these Senators go to every senior center and bring a cake, and sing happy birthday. OK? And that doesn't provide meals for the entire year. That's maybe a piece of cake for that day, for that particular day. So, yeah, in fact, for next year, they have to -- we have to establish a process from now until next year where they know, they know exactly how the process works, they know where the money comes from, and what they need to do in case we have a crisis next year. And I hope that we don't. I hope that we'll be able, based on my next motion, that we'll be able to get a waiver, and we'll be able to extend or increase the funds by ten percent for next year. But in case that doesn't happen, they need to know. They need to know who's cutting their meals. They need to know that we, the Commissioners and the Mayor of the City of Miami is not taking their meals away from their tables. It's someone else. And the blame should be put on those people that are cutting their funds, because we have been bombarded with letters, with phone calls. We have been insulted. We have been defamated (sic) on the radio -- OK? -- as being the people responsible for them not having meals. And that is not fair. That is very improper. OK? And I will hope to see that from now until next year, they know exactly how the process works. Another thing that I have serious concerns with is that the grant that comes from Washington has a limitation of 20 percent for administration. Well, if we have a mandate that we can only use 20 percent for administration, the funds that we issue should also have some guidelines on how much money can be used for administration, and how much money should be used for meals. Because, you know, it's fine to provide services, but I'm sure that if we look in the administrative expenses of some of these agencies, we're going to be surprised in the amount of money or the percentage of money that goes to services and the amount of money that goes to administration. So that is something, Ms. Rodriguez, that eventually, we're going to need to start working on, too, to analyze these budgets and see where, you know, where cuts can be made. So saying that, I made my motion. I think I had a second, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: And that was for the extension? 21 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: No. His motion is on the three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000) allocation from the poverty fund. Commissioner Gonzalez: No, no. That was for the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question. Call the question. Chairman Winton: So we have a motion and second on the three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000) reallocation out of the Mayor's Poverty Fund. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gonzalez, who moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-700 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE MAYOR'S POVERTY INITIATIVE FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000, TO COVER THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR FEDERAL FUNDING DEFICITS FOR THE VARIOUS CITYWIDE SOCIAL PROGRAMS THAT FEED THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY, WITH SAID FUNDS TO BE DISBURSED BASED ON NEED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton NAYS: None ABSENT: None 22 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Now, to Commissioner Teele's point and mine earlier, Barbara, before all these people leave, I want to hear -- maybe you have it now. We want a time line where these people can expect we're going to tell each agency precisely how much of that money they're going to get. What is that time frame? Ms. Rodriguez: First of all, since we don't have Commission in August, I was going to request, could we do it on the first Commission of September? Chairman Winton: Fine with me. First Commission meeting in September. OK. And let's -- we need to say that in Spanish and Creole. Ms. Rodriguez: Can I explain to them, you know, the issue on how the Federal cuts were made? Chairman Winton: That's going to come in a minute. Commissioner Sanchez: Well, Mr. Chairman, before we do that, I would like to address my constituents in Spanish, if you can allow me. Chairman Winton: Well, if you're going to address them in Spanish, make sure you hit this point that I wanted her to make that the timing is the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), the decisions about which agency gets how much money will come back before this Commission at the first meeting in September. Commissioner Sanchez: Well, Barbara, why don't you go ahead and say that? And then I'll address the concern as to the reductions in the Federal government. Ms. Rodriguez: OK. Do you want me just to address the issue of September, or do you want me to explain what happened? Chairman Winton: Only the issue on -- Ms. Rodriguez: OK. Note for the Record: At this time, Barbara Rodriguez made comments in Spanish. Chairman Winton: Barbara, turn sideways. Ms. Rodriguez: Sorry. Note for the Record: At this time, Barbara Rodriguez made comments in Spanish. Commissioner Regalado: You know, I think that it's happening. What I said was going to happen is happening. Let me -- Chairman Winton: One moment. We also need to do the same translation in -- 23 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Regalado: No, no, but -- Ms. Rodriguez: But he wants to say something more. Chairman Winton: Oh, I'm sorry. Commissioner Regalado: I think it's not wrong, but there is another right way to say it. So I will say it, en espanol. Vice Chairman Teele: Say it in English first. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. What I'm going to say in Spanish, and then I'll say -- I hope that we get translated to Creole -- is that tonight, when you leave here, you are going to be certain that the senior centers are not going to close; that you are not going to have to wait until September to know if the senior centers survived; that the meals are going to continue; that the activities are going to continue; that what we're doing here in September is just paperwork. The decision was taken here, now, today, with the Mayor's help and the City Commission's work, and that is basically -- so there's no way that you need to be concerned. And I will say that in Spanish. Note for the Record: At this time, Commissioner Regalado translated his previous comments into Spanish. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Sanchez: He said what I had to say. (COMMENTS OFF THE RECORD) Chairman Winton: Excuse me, please. Thank you. Note for the Record: At this time, Commissioner Regalado's comments were translated into Creole. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: OK. Yes. Do you have one more -- we're going -- are you ready to vote? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes -- no. I just want to say one statement in Spanish, also. Note for the Record: At this time, Commissioner Gonzalez made comments in Spanish. (APPLAUSE) 24 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: All right. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion on this one motion? Being none, all in favor -- Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Chair. We don't have a motion yet. The one motion we had on record was for three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). Chairman Winton: We had a motion a long time ago, Madam Clerk. We had a motion a long time ago on the three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000), and it had a second. Ms. Thompson: Yes. And you voted on it already. Chairman Winton: All right. Commissioner Regalado: But we need to do the second motion, the waiver. Chairman Winton: Oh, OK. Commissioner Sanchez: The waiver. Commissioner Regalado: Go ahead, do the waiver. Chairman Winton: Great. Commissioner Sanchez: He's got another motion, which is the waiver. Chairman Winton: Yeah. I'm sorry, Madam Clerk. Thank you very much. And your second motion is on the 25 -- the 15 percent to 25 percent waiver from the Federal government. Commissioner Gonzalez: That's correct. My motion is to instruct staff to pursue a waiver of Community Development Block Grant regulations to increase the cap for public services from 15 percent to 25 percent for our public service, social service program and to request the assistance of all Federal representatives, both elected and administrative, in this effort. That's my motion. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Commissioner Sanchez: Discussion. Chairman Winton: I would like the -- Could you hand -- pull that resolution out of there, Commissioner Regalado? I would like that resolution translated into Spanish and Creole, so they know what we're doing there, as well. Can you yank that out so the lady that's going to do the translation in Creole can see it, Commissioner Gonzalez? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, sir. 25 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Pull that out so they can look at it. Thank you. Commissioner Sanchez: Under discussion. Note for the Record: At this time, Translator Ondina Suarez translates motion into Spanish. Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Gonzalez: I don't think -- can I -- Chairman Winton: Hold on. Let her -- you want to -- Note for the Record: At this time, Translator Guylene Berry translates motion into Creole. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: Commissioner Gonzalez. Note for the Record: At this time, Commissioner Gonzalez makes comments in Spanish. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: Thank you. Hold on, please. All right, Commissioner Sanchez. Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Director, what are the pros and cons of the waiver? Ms. Rodriguez: The pros is that you are going to be able to fund more agencies. If we would have had the 25 percent, you were talking about a million dollars ($1,000,0000) more. The cons is that the census, we're stuck with it for ten years. So you're still going to have those reductions. Unless that the Federal government changes the formula that HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) is going to fund us, you're still going to have it. So that's going to produce still -- you know, the poverty is there. After three years, what are we going to do? So the pro is that we'll be able to do it. The cons is that the waiver is not going to be forever. Chairman Winton: Well, by the way, what you said is not accurate. The pro is not that we can necessarily do it. The Congress may say no. Ms. Rodriguez: That's true. No. He's saying that if we get it. Chairman Winton: So we're only asking for this waiver. There is no guarantee. In fact, there's plenty of people in Washington that suggest we won't get it. Ms. Rodriguez: And I agree. 26 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: But we're going to try to get the waiver. Ms. Rodriguez: But what he's saying is that if we get it, what was the pro and con? Chairman Winton: I understand what -- Ms. Rodriguez: Yeah. Chairman Winton: OK. Do we have any further -- Commissioner Sanchez: Now, wait, wait. Long implementation. Ms. Rodriguez: That's true. There is no additional money. You still get your ten million dollars ($10,000,000). It's not going to generate more money. So when you give 25 percent to public service, you're going to reduce it from housing, economic development, capital improvement. So, you know, the total -- Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Ms. Rodriguez: -- if the formula doesn't change, it stays the same. Chairman Winton: Commissioner Sanchez, you finished? Commissioner Sanchez: I'm done. Chairman Winton: Vice Chairman Teele. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is the same statement that I made when my colleague, Commissioner Regalado did this before. This is a slippery slope. And a waiver is the worst thing that could happen to this City and to the public if it's granted for three years, because in the fourth year, you're going to be right back where you are now, and you don't have -- all you've done is raised expectation, created a program. This program is worse than heroin in terms of the addiction. And once you increase this number -- I mean, this is the most painful period right now. Once you increase and get the waiver, in three years, four years, you're right back where you are right now. I made that argument before to my colleagues, because a waiver is not permanent. I could support an amendment, if you would be inclined to do so, to think our way through this problem a little bit more. We should instruct our lobbyists not necessarily to ask for the waiver. I don't mind that being a part of it. But we should seek a change in the authorization that allows for cities that reach a poverty level of "X" percent, like wherever we are, until the next census, that they will have the option of providing a 25 percent. That'll carry you through for a ten-year period of time, and it's based on a condition that Congress has to recognize. But I don't know, Mr. Mayor, how you feel, but I really do think that there is a rational basis to change the formula, not in the law, across the board, but to do something about what Commissioner Regalado is always talking about, and that is, if we are the poorest City in the nation -- and we are -- then where is the congressional recognition of that? Where is the administration recognition of that? There should be some recognition of that factor, of those 27 June 24, 2003 economic statistics in some of the programs and formulas. And I would suggest, respectfully, that this is probably the best place to do that. If this were a program that is going to be changed for the next eight, ten years, then I'm all 100 percent for it. But to put the Commission back and get a three-year waiver, and then you're out, and you've got -- and what that means is instead of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000), we're funding probably closer to eight hundred thousand or a million dollars ($1,000,000) more. And you know what's going to happen. Everybody is going to fund at that level, and then when you stop -- Commissioner Sanchez: Back at the -- Commissioner Teele: We're right back here where we are now. So respectfully, I would ask that you consider an amendment, that your amendment would say what you said, or alternatively, and as a preference, to seek an authorization change to change the formula for cities that reach a poverty level within the category of the City of Miami for a ten -- or until the next census comes up. Would you consider that? Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah. Commissioner Gonzalez: I have no problem with that. The thing is that, let me tell you, things in Miami are not going to get any better. OK? Because the reason is that every -- we're getting people here every day from every single country in South and Central America, and the Caribbean that are coming here because of political persecution. Some are coming over here because of problems of poverty in their countries, and they're coming to Miami, and Miami is receiving them. Miami is taking all of the load. And the Federal government has been reluctant to give us any credit. And everything is coming to Miami, and everything is staying in Miami. And every day, we get more, and more, and more, and more people. And eventually, if we don't do something in order to address Washington, at least address the problem -- they may say they don't care. Well, that's fine and dandy. But we need to address the problem. We need to address the problem, because it's not going to get any better. I'm telling you, it's not going to get any better. OK? It's going to get worse. Every day, we see more, and more and more people coming from all over the place, looking for jobs, looking for welfare assistance, looking for housing, looking for schooling, looking for -- you know. And we are providing everything. Chairman Winton: OK. We have a motion and a second on the table. Do we have further -- Vice Chairman Teele: As amended. Chairman Winton: As amended. We have an amended motion on the table. We have -- yes. Did the seconder of the motion accept the amendment? Commissioner Sanchez: Poverty level. Chairman Winton: Yes, poverty level and through the next census count. Commissioner Sanchez: Right, which is not three years. It's ten years. 28 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: The Mayor -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Ten years. Chairman Winton: Well, about. Mayor Diaz: You know, Commissioner Teele, I was thinking as you were saying that, whether or not -- because I'm not familiar with the legislation that changed the twelve to the ten, based on population, rather than -- (INAUDIBLE COMMENT) Mayor Diaz: No, no, no, I'm not talking about the waiver anymore. I'm talking about the -- Chairman Winton: The poverty -- Mayor Diaz: There's a formula that caused the reduction in the total amounts that we received. And I'm wondering whether we should not explore seeing if there's some sort of -- Commissioner Sanchez: Recount? Mayor Diaz: -- recalculation. Some sort of waiver, based on the same kind of principle, in terms of, you know, poverty level, classification of cities, because it is unfair. And while I'm up here, by the way, I would be remiss -- Chairman Winton: Excuse me. Can you all be quiet in that corner back there, please? Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Mayor Diaz: I would be remiss while I'm up here if I didn't do two things: Number one, recognize Commissioner Seijas from the County Commission, number one. And number two, also point out the fact that when that formula of population was changed, they got additional money in the County, we didn't, and perhaps the County would like to assist us in some of these programs that we've lost money on. Chairman Winton: Well, I was waiting for the Commissioner, because we were going to talk a little bit about that when she got up. And I'm trying to get her up here. OK. Do we have any further discussion on this item? Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: I also should acknowledge -- I know the Mayor intended to. 29 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Vice Mayor. Vice Chairman Teele: The Vice Mayor of the City of North Miami. Chairman Winton: Jacques. Vice Chairman Teele: Representative Jacques Despinosse, here. Thank you for being here. Chairman Winton: Mr. Vice Mayor, welcome. OK. Further discussion on this -- Commissioner Sanchez: Amended. Chairman Winton: -- amended motion. Being none, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-701 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO SECURE A WAIVER OF APPLICABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT REGULATIONS TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM PERCENTAGE FOR FUNDS ALLOTTED TO THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR PUBLIC AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS, FROM 15% TO 25%; FURTHER URGING ALL OF THE CITY'S FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES, BOTH ELECTED AND ADMINISTRATIVE, TO ASSIST THE CITY IN OBTAINING SAID WAIVER AND ENCOURAGE THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS TO GRANT SUCH WAIVER FOR THOSE CITIES THAT REACH A CERTAIN POVERTY LEVEL UNTIL THE NEXT CENSUS DEMOGRAPHICS ARE DETERMINED, AND A REALISTIC FUNDING LEVEL IS ESTABLISHED AS A RESULT OF THE NEXT OFFICIAL CENSUS CALCULATIONS; DIRECTING THE TRANSMITTAL OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICIALS. 30 June 24, 2003 (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton NAYS: None ABSENT: None Chairman Winton: Now we can go to the primary agenda item, which is Item Number 11. Commissioner Gonzalez: Mr. Chairman, I think that we should advise them that their portion of the -- Commissioner Sanchez: No. We haven't voted on it yet. Chairman Winton: No. Do you know that -- Commissioner Sanchez: Item l 1 is when we vote on it. Chairman Winton: Yeah. Commissioner Gonzalez: Oh, Item 11, OK. Chairman Winton: Because the first round of dollars comes out of Item 11. Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. OK. Chairman Winton: OK. Ms. Rodriguez: OK. In Item 11, what we're doing is basically allocating a million seven -- a million, seven hundred and forty-six thousand to the public category services. There's a couple of changes of how we're going to negotiate contracts for the coming year, one of them being the child care. The child care will be reimbursed on a cost per child, which was published as part of the RFP (Request for Proposals), and it's a major change to the way we've been doing. There were a couple of things we did that the Commissioners have been asking about it. Number one, an RFP was published on March 31St. It was available for distribution. The response came back April 25th, and people that did not score 70 were not considered for funding. Once you were not considered for funding, you were given an opportunity to an appeal panel of three people. It's an informal appeal which, if you felt that we had misinterpreted the facts, you had an opportunity to 31 June 24, 2003 bring it to the panel. The panel was not Community Development staff. It was a panel of three different departments -- Department of Planning, Department of Real Estate and Economics -- and those were basically the people that did the appeal. In this recommendation, we had a couple of agencies that did win appeals, and they are noted in the chart as appeals. And at this time, I will just entertain -- Commissioner Sanchez has made a request that he will be changing some funding recommendations in the chart. It is a public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: Could you give me an updated chart that you're working off of with the appeals and all that? Chairman Winton: So this is a public hearing. We will open the public hearing portion of Item Number 11. Commissioner Seijas, my apologies for keeping you here. I thought it would be much quicker than this, but it's been an exciting afternoon. County Commissioner Natacha Seijas: It sure has. Chairman Winton: Welcome. Commissioner Seijas: If I may wear my two hats for a second, because I'm here representing the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), but I think I should wear my Commissioner's hat for one moment. And I don't know if the Mayor is exiting or not. I am not a member of the City of Miami. I do not sit on your board. But I've got to tell you, with what you've got going, you're doing a wonderful job. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Commissioner Seijas: And I hope the Mayor can hear that, too, because I think you're doing a wonderful job. Chairman Winton: Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Seijas: Now, I'll take my Commissioner's hat off and put on my Vice President of the YMCA. The first thing I want to say is I want to thank you, Mr. Winton, for giving us a part of your funds, so that we can continue on our after school in the West Grove, and I want to thank you for that. I also have to tell you, I know Mr. Gonzalez is not here, but as Mr. Gonzdlez was speaking about Allapattah, I remember about that book that's called The Broken Windows. And I think that's something that Allapattah needs. We do have a branch in Allapattah, and I think the broken windows need to be taken care of there. And I'm sure Commissioner Gonzdlez did not know about that, but I'm kind of a fanatic about broken windows, the type of approach. We have a Jose Marti branch, also, which is in the area of Mr. Sanchez, and we have other places, such as Carver and MLK (Martin Luther King), which are in Mr. Teele's and -- part of it in Mr. Teele's. And I know that it's very difficult to take any of the money that you have and 32 June 24, 2003 make any kind of separations, because how can you take money away from those that are being - - that need to be fed? How can you do that? I certainly don't do that. But if there is a way, if there's any way, for example, for MLK and Carver for perhaps the ten thousand dollars ($10,000), we can take more than 90,000 children and put it in the sports program, where I think they need to be this summer. Now, if I can take that hat off and put back my elected official's hat. We are doing something in the County, and, yes, the Mayor is right. We have gotten a higher percentage, and we also have the Empowerment Zone, the Enterprise Zone, and all the other things that are happening. And I can commit to you -- I can commit to you that I have done that -- and I think most of the people sitting here probably know that -- that I have contributed a lot of money for the meals. And we also have a million dollars ($1,000,000) put aside in our budget that we do every year with the million that we hope to get from the legislature, which sometimes we get and sometimes we don't, which then gives it to them, some meals for them to take home. Because it's not only the one meal a day, five days a week, but it's what happens in the afternoon and in the weekends. So I'm taking two hats. I hope one of them will be of use to somebody and the other one will be of use to others. I want to thank you. My CEO (Chief Executive Officer) was here, Mr. Winton, but he had to go to a funeral, so I want to apologize, and I want to thank you for allowing me to speak. Chairman Winton: Thank you. You're very, very welcome. Vice Chairman Teele: Commissioner, before you leave, you mentioned two programs that are in District 5, but I don't see them on the list as applying, the Carver "Y" and the ML -- Commissioner Seijas: Carver and MLK. Carver and MLK go together. There's the childcare and sports. Vice Chairman Teele: Carver YMCA? Did they apply? Commissioner Seijas: They were supposed to. Ms. Rodriguez: They did apply for the Carver branch. Commissioner Seijas: They're both together. I used both names, but they're both together Vice Chairman Teele: Where are they? Ms. Rodriguez: And they were denied. Vice Chairman Teele: Huh? Oh, so we only have the list of the ones that were recommended? Commissioner Seijas: And I hope your leg gets better than mine, sooner. Chairman Winton: Well I hope your -- yeah. You know, this is -- I know you had both of your knees replaced. I'm looking forward to the day that I get rid of crutches and I go to a cane. That means progress. And then I'm looking forward to the day we're both rid of the cane. 33 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Seijas: We'll both go out dancing. Chairman Winton: Exactly. Vice Chairman Teele: Now, let me understand this, Madam Director. They applied. They received a score of over 70. Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: That was your cutoff point, right? Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: So are they eligible? Ms. Rodriguez: They would be eligible if there was money in that district. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. Commissioner Seijas: All right. Chairman Winton: OK. Mr. Vice Mayor, did you have something you wanted to say? OK. You're recognized. Vice Mayor Jacques Despinosse (City of North Miami Beach): Mr. Chairman, members of the Board, good evening. Three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). Your hands are full. You see, that's what happens when the Federal government sneeze. We catch the cold here in the local government. It's very, very hard. There's a lot of demands, and as a local government, we have the responsibility to respond. The reason why I'm here is on behalf of the Haitian - American Citizenship and Board of Education, a program created two years ago, right after the Federal government cut the immigration -- passed the immigration law. That was in 1996, welfare immigration reforms. It removed benefits from many immigrants who are non -U.S. citizens. Today, in the Haitian community, those immigrants become elderly and some of them get sick, can't go to the doctor. Those that go to the doctor can't go to fill the prescription. Some of them have final notice. We been -- managed to work with the airlines and the Social Security and other organizations. If they can bring a final notice bill, we can work with them. But the best way to resolve the problem for them, they had to become U.S. citizens, as simple as can be. Now, by the same time the Federal government raised the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) fee from ninety-five dollars ($95) to two -fifty and now three hundred and ten dollars ($310). Figure a person who doesn't own any money, can't find three hundred and ten dollars ($310), a senior. So we offer a citizenship class and prepare the application. We are working very close with INS. And right now, we have the State Attorney's Office working with us and Bennett Brummer's office and Judge Farina will give us some help, you know, teaching the class. So now, we have to find some way to help those seniors to become citizens. Again, we need to help them. So this is what -- when I submit the proposal for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). But when I come here and listen to you guys' problem, so I have to 34 June 24, 2003 reconsider. I'd say whatever you guys can come out, that would be appreciated. That's the way I can see it, because three hundred thousand is not going to cut the cake. So a little bit is better than nothing. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Mayor Despinosse: Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: Again, I can't find the organization on the list. Chairman Winton: Excuse me. Hold on. Could we -- excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. We're still trying to conduct this meeting, and if you all want to be in this room, you need to be not talking, please, because we have a big agenda. We've got a lot of things to do. So particularly those of you in the back, look at the people in the front here. They're not saying a thing. They're being very, very polite. So those of you kind of in the back, in the corners, please, if you want to talk, go out of this room, please. Thank you. Commissioner Teele, sorry. Ms. Rodriguez: Commissioner Teele, you requested. He did not apply. His proposal came in late. He will not have -- you will not have it in your sheet of paper. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. One of the things -- and I want to make this statement. Approximately how many applications came in late this year? Ms. Rodriguez: All Requests for Proposals were taken by the City Clerk's Office. Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. When we take the proposals, we turn them over to the department with all the information. I don't have that information handy. If you give me two minutes, I can get it for you. Ms. Rodriguez: No, no. What he's saying, did you deny anybody that came in late? Ms. Thompson: Oh, no, no. Ms. Rodriguez: Late. Ms. Thompson: We cannot deny. We have to accept everything, put it on a list and turn everything over to you. We cannot deny anyone for accepting the package. Vice Chairman Teele: All right. I'm aware of at least six organizations that turned in applications late. Pursuant to that -- unfortunately, unfortunately, a number of those organizations were in the Haitian -American community. I don't know what the correlation is. I know that the Haitian -American Foundation's application was late, et cetera. Pursuant to that, I 35 June 24, 2003 have asked that a District 5 reserves be set aside, and that -- and at the end of this, that a supplemental application process be allowed for those organizations that did not apply. I'm asking the Attorney and the Manager to take under advisement putting the notices out at least in Creole and in English, because what I don't want to do is set the stage for someone to say that they didn't have notice. No one has said that, but it's very curious to me that at least three Haitian organizations did not apply. Now, I'm going to say this: If they can't -- if the organization, whether it be Haitian or Venezuelan, Cuban or whatever, if they can't follow the notice provisions, they're not going to be able to administer the money, anyway. So -- but what I want to do is make sure that we cure and amplify the notice provisions, because in these Federal programs, it's all about notice, as much as anything else. And so just so that Vice Mayor Despinosse is aware and anyone else -- no, sir. Hold on, one minute. It is my intent to request that the staff go out with a supplemental for which you can apply and award money. Unfortunately, in the process that we're in right now, if you didn't apply and if you didn't receive at least 70 points, we can't even give you money. Is that correct, Madam Director? I mean, I want to be clear, because I've got a concern about the Rickia -- Ms. Rodriguez: That's correct. Vice Chairman Teele: So in the case of the Rickia Isaac Foundation, where the points are not sufficient, can I, under our procedures, direct dollars there? Ms. Rodriguez: You can change the staff recommendation, if that's what you wish to do. Vice Chairman Teele: No, but in the case -- Chairman Winton: Even if they didn't hit the point threshold that you required? Vice Chairman Teele: Last year, you told Commissioner Winton he couldn't do that, I know, and that's what I've been saying to people. Now, in a -- Ms. Rodriguez: I cannot change our policy. Vice Chairman Teele: Yeah. Ms. Rodriguez: What I did was basically, if you scored under 70, you weren't coming in. You had the right to an appeal. If the Appeal Panel felt that we had not understood the facts correctly, you could come in. That's our recommendation. If you're not in agreement with the staff recommendations, you can make the changes that you wish, which is what Commissioner Sanchez will be doing. Vice Chairman Teele: What I'm suggesting to you is the following: I am going to provide for a reserve for those organizations like the Rickia Isaac Foundation, like the Haitian -- what's the name of your organization? Vice Mayor Despinosse: American Citizenship. 36 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: Citizenship and others so that they are not shut out, but they can apply. And hopefully, at the end of this process, there will be another opportunity. And I hope that it's fair for everybody. Vice Mayor Despinosse: If I recall, there is over six organizations. The reason why they were late -- Chairman Winton: Excuse me. I don't think -- We've got a long, long agenda. We're not going to get into a debate on this. Vice Mayor Despinosse: No, no, it's not a debate. I'm just clear -- Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Mayor Despinosse: -- just with some facts. Chairman Winton: Commissioner Teele has made the point. I don't think we need to add to the facts. He's got a new process that we're going to get going. And so, you know, I want to thank you a lot, but we really do -- there's a lot of people who've got to talk. And I would like to get both translators here for a moment, because, Mr. Vice Mayor, before you go -- and is Commissioner Seijas still here? Is she still here? (INAUDIBLE COMMENT) Chairman Winton: I'm sorry? OK, because here's a point that I want to make to each of you, and I would like this point translated both into Spanish and Creole. And this is about this whole funding allocation. The City of Miami -- and you all might start now. The City of Miami, from last year to this year, our funding was reduced by 36 percent from last year to this year. That was -- Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: Didn't you just say that, though? No two times. One. And what happened, part of the reason why our funding was reduced is because the Federal government reallocated money. Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: In that reallocation, the City of North Miami got an additional roughly four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000). The County got an additional one point four million. Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. 37 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: So as all of you are talking about where the money is -- and, Mr. Vice Mayor, my apologies here, but some of the money, a big chunk of what we lost went to your City, and another big chunk of what we lost went to the County. Now, we would be in perfect position to grant a lot of additional requests here if the City of North Miami and Miami -Dade County wanted to send the money that got taken away from us this year back to us. Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: We would be back to -- We would have almost two million dollars ($2,000,000) more to spend, and we could take care of your full request, we could take care of the Commissioners' requests, and we could take care of all the requests in here. So, thank you. I hope you all will consider that. Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: Thank you. OK, the public -- (COMMENTS OFF THE RECORD) Chairman Winton: But I wanted the facts to be on the table, by the way. I mean, we've got to get all the facts out here so that the public understands where, you know, part of where the money went. Note for the Record: At this time, Chairman Winton's comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: OK. Thank you. Now, back to the -- we're going to go -- we're continuing on the public hearing portion of this, and we need -- we need name and address for the record from each of you, and please be brief. There's a two -minute time line per person, and I hope none of you use the two minutes. Yes, ma'am. Ms. Rodriguez: Mr. Chairman, before you continue, we have clarified the situation. The City Clerk does not accept proposals after the time. Note for the Record: At this time, Ms. Barbara Rodriguez' comments were translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: Wait, wait, wait. We're not -- oh, yeah. Ms. Rodriguez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) limited explaining. Chairman Winton: This is our -- right. 38 June 24, 2003 Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. We accept them. We cannot log them. We cannot -- If a person says, "Here it is," and it's late, we say, "Sir, madam, it's late. Do you want to leave it with us? We keep it, but we cannot put it on the list." Chairman Winton: Y'all deal with this, would you please? Next, yes, ma'am. Ondina Suarez (Spanish Interpreter): I've been instructed to explain something to them briefly before they start. Note for the Record: At this time, comments translated into Spanish and Creole. Chairman Winton: OK, are we ready? You have been quite patient. Name and address for the record, and welcome. Terry Carvalho: Thank you. My name is Terry Carvalho. I'm representing Regis House, 2010 Northwest 7th Street. And I'll try and be very brief. I first want to thank you, Commissioners, for all your support that you've given the community and Regis House. The services that we provide are very important, and it's invaluable. But also having you guys behind us, helping out has been great, too. We did put in two proposals. One was for child care over in District 3, Commissioner Sanchez, and we're very happy about being able to be funded again at seventy hundred dollars (sic) this year for our after-school program for the kids. However, this other proposal that we put in for the PHP, our Partial Hospitalization Program in District 4, it covers for meals and transportation for the mentally disabled elderly. And hearing the Mayor earlier, and then listening to you, Commissioner Regalado, I was in complete agreement. There is a huge need out there, and especially in your district, because we're getting a lot of our patients from that area. Elderly patients, mentally disabled, and they're forgotten. And we put in a proposal for meals and transportation to help those, because a lot of these elderly patients only rely on these meals. Otherwise, they wouldn't feed themselves. And they have to be transported in order to receive the services. That's it. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Next, Marlene. Marlene Bastien: Good afternoon, Commissioner. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Address also, please. Ms. Bastien: Yes. Thank you for having us this afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Marlene Bastien, from FANM (Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc.). It's a pleasure for us to be here. This year, we applied for a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). We applied for fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) under District 5, and we would like to thank Commissioner Teele for giving us the full -- for funding our full request. Our demand was to provide social services, case management services, domestic violence and prevention and referral services mainly to Haitians. We also applied for fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) from your district, Commissioner, and we were hoping that although FANM is not in your district, but we also service -- we do service several clients, especially youth from your district. But, unfortunately, we were not rewarded any money this year. So we are here for two things -- well, three quick things. First, to thank 39 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Teele for his award, for his support of FANM; to ask you, Commissioner Winton, to see if you could do anything to help us provide these badly needed services in our district, in your district; and then, thirdly, to also consider the many Haitian CBO's (Community -Based Organizations) who are providing good services and were not funded this year, such as Catholic Charities, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and many other Haitian CBO's here today who were not funded. So this is our request for this afternoon. Thank you. Chairman Winton: OK, thank you. Ms. Bastien: Thank you. Chairman Winton: And by the way, you were not here earlier when I said -- when we were talking earlier in the meeting. District 2 funding over the last two years has been reduced by 60 percent. Ms. Bastien: Yeah, we are aware of that. Chairman Winton: In District 2. So I have two hundred and seventy-nine thousand dollars ($279,000) for all the agencies that in the past, got seven hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars ($721,000) two years ago. Ms. Bastien: OK. Chairman Winton: So it's an ugly job that I have. But thank you. Ms. Bastien: Thank you. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Daniel Calixte: Yeah, good afternoon. My name is Daniel Calixte. I'm the Director of TGNI Precision Care. And I'm located at 915 Northeast 125 Street. We are providing home health care services to elderly and people without -- 915 Northeast 125 Street. The reason I point this out, because when I called the City Clerk, finding out why they did not recommend my proposal, they told me that maybe of my address. I'd like to say that 45 percent of our clients live in the City of Miami, and 15 percent of which suffer from Alzheimer's disease, 22 percent of them from HIV and AIDS and 63 percent of them suffer from other physical and cardiovascular diseases. So I come here today because I -- and we are currently providing home health care -- we provide nine different services. We provide homemaker, personal care, home health aid, telephone reassurance, shopping assistance, escort service and companion respite and skilled nursing. And all this is provided -- all these services are provided by staff companion and volunteers. And we can -- we are able to provide the services because of the growing support of the community. So if I may, because I have a little time left, I'd like to give an example of the services that we are providing. For example, we have a 77 -year-old widow, for a diabetic. Due to her illness, she's not able to drive. And her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and moved to hospice. That left her with no transportation to go to the doctor's appointment, grocery 40 June 24, 2003 store, nor visit her husband. She learned about TGNI Precision Care's program through a friend and called her -- Chairman Winton: Sir, your two minutes are up now. Mr. Calixte: It's up? Chairman Winton: Yes. We get the point, trust me. Mr. Calixte: OK. The work is very vigorous and the mission is very noble. Thank you very much. Chairman Winton: Thank you very much. Mr. Calixte: God bless you. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Reverend Jerome Starling: Reverend Starling. My address is 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1818. I just want to say to the Commissioners, Commissioner Carey and myself sent out letters for the "No More Stray Bullets" for July the 3" . Every Commissioner is asked to attend, to ask the community not to fire guns on 4th of July night, and to celebrate. We do that every year. Basically, the reason I'm here today, I would like to say thank you, Commissioner Teele, for working with me, with our "No More Stray Bullets," and you, Commissioner Winton, also, and Commissioner Gonzalez and the others. Basically, we never asked for funding, CDBG, from the City of Miami, eight years that the Rickia Isaac Foundation has been in existence. Never. The County has always fully supported it, basically. We've always asked for waivers from the City of Miami for events that we have, such as our "No More Stray Bullets/Don't Fire Your Guns," for our events like that. But this year, we're asking for CDBG. We put in a request. We sent the application on time, Commissioner Teele. We did not score high, which you already acknowledged that with me. And I really appreciate that. But we ask, for the first time ever. Since I do get out there with Dr. John Kuluz and Dr. Ragheb. Dr. Ragheb is the only surgeon in Miami that works with Miami Children's Hospital and Jackson Hospital to help save lives. And I am the person that has to go in and help rehabilitate these kids, regardless if they're white, black or Hispanic. Regardless if they're from Venezuela, or Jacksonville, Mississippi, Alabama, we work with them at Jackson. And I'm asking you to please support the Rickia Isaac Foundation. Even just with our kids from Allapattah, Overtown, East Little Havana that get shot, I have to work with all those kids. And Dr. John Kuluz has to work with these kids also. And those are my two strongest board members, which is the two strongest doctors in this County. And I'm asking, please, support us this year, this first time this year. Please support it, because the foundation has lost funding around and we're trying to bring the funding level back up. Thank you so much, and God bless you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, ma'am. 41 June 24, 2003 Clara Gantes: My name is Clara Gantes, and I am the Program Administrator at Deaf Services Bureau here in Miami. And I want to thank you for allowing me the time and the opportunity to speak to you today. We are located in the City of Miami. We recently moved to our new location from the south to where we are now in the district under the City of Miami. We presented a proposal, we sent it in on time, and we received a score of 97 points from one evaluator and 93 from the other evaluator. But we got a letter saying that we had been denied. And so we wanted to file an appeal. And we also want to -- through the funding that we receive -- that we have received for the last five years, we've provided case management services, we've provided HIV/AIDS services, pro bono legal services and support to other programs, mental health services where we refer clients out for other services, immigration services. We deal with all agents from baby to senior citizen. We provide free equipment for senior citizens. And our programs is the primary access into the community for all of the deaf and hard of hearing citizens. And so we would appreciate your ongoing support for this program. It's very valuable to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Thank you very much. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Barbara, she said that -- Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. They're not considered a priority in that district. Chairman Winton: OK. Thank you. OK. Yes. Ms. Rodriguez: They got twenty-five thousand, three hundred and ten. They were requesting eighty-four thousand, one hundred and forty-three from District 4, Regalado's. Chairman Winton: OK. Next. Thank you. Ivette Velez: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and all the Commissioners. My name is Ivette Velez. I work for de Hostos Senior Center. Most of you, you know who I am. (Translating in Spanish) In this moment, I just want to say thank you, because the Mayor (Translating in Spanish). He decided the decision to help (Translating in Spanish) in this crisis. I'm trying to do it in both languages so you don't have to translate. (Translating in Spanish). My elderlies, please stand up. (Translating in Spanish). We understand that you are in the commitment to them, because they support you to be there. OK? And Mr. Johnny Winton, I would like to say that our center has been working to Tallahassee, to Washington, and we don't have any success. You know, it's not our fault that we don't have enough money to provide, you know, all the services. Chairman Winton: Well, it is -- if you want to start this argument, I'll be glad to go toe to toe with you, if that's what you'd like to do right now, because I'm certainly prepared. Ms. Velez: Mm-hmm. Chairman Winton: You want to do that right now? Ms. Velez: No, not really, right now. 42 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: OK. Ms. Velez: But I could have an appointment with you and discuss, you know. But we're really hard working, you know, trying to get money. And it is -- at this time, at this point, we have our hands tied, and Dade County and several, you know -- Chairman Winton: Well, what do you think our hands are done to? Ms. Velez: I understand. Chairman Winton: You think we have some magic that gets money from the Feds? Ms. Velez: No, no, I don't say that. Chairman Winton: So. Ms. Velez: No, no, I don't say that. Just, you know, if -- probably, together, we can work -- you know, you could give our suggestions. Probably we go certain level and get, you know, succeed. (Translating in Spanish) Chairman Winton: Are you talking to me? Ms. Velez: (Translating in Spanish) I am answer that -- what you're saying in Spanish, Commissioner Johnny Winton. This is nothing personal. I just saying that -- Chairman Winton: But you're looking straight at me. I thought you were talking to me. And I'm -- Ms. Velez: No, no, it's all of them, all of them, please, you know. Chairman Winton: OK. You're two minutes and 37 seconds. Ms. Velez: I'm finished. Thank you very much. I love you, OK? Chairman Winton: Bye-bye. Ms. Velez: Bye-bye. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. (APPLAUSE) Keith Ivory: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Keith Ivory. My address is 1721 Northwest I" Court. I'm here representing RASH. "RASH" stands for Residents in Action for Safety and Health. RASH is a community organization fighting for environmental justice in our neglected inner City of Miami neighborhoods. We believe that a safe and clean environment is 43 June 24, 2003 the fundamental right of all people and that people are put more at risk from exposure to unhealthy and potentially toxic conditions. Our current campaign is to free our neighborhoods from rodent infestation. That's with rat problems, something that everyone, no matter what district you live in, experiences, and that's the rat population for the condition, the environment that we live in, the weather that we live in is perfect breeding ground for rats. And we want the City of Miami to have a rat control plan. Currently, in our District 5, with Mr. Arthur Teele, we are getting together to come up with some type of pilot program to start off in the City of Miami for a rat control plan. And this is something that is needed, and it affects all people across all class lines, genders, language and everything. I'd like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to come up here. The name of the organization is Residents in Action for Safety and Health. Our members are currently growing in all districts. So eventually, you're going to be hearing more and more about it. And right now, we'll be starting off basically in the Allapattah area and the Edison area. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: You all got started in Commissioner Gonzalez' area over there with that farmers market, right? Mr. Ivory: Exactly. Vice Chairman Teele: See, you should have killed all those rats, and now I wouldn't have the problem. But now -- Chairman Winton: Thank you very much. Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, at the end of the public hearing, I am going to want to hear from Code Enforcement and Solid Waste, because this is a real problem. Chairman Winton: That's right, and one that shouldn't have anything to do with CDBG. Yes, ma'am. Miriam Urra: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. My name is Miriam Urra, and I'm representing Allapattah Community Action. Chairman Winton: Come -- there you go. Or pull it closer to you. Ms. Urra: OK. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. My name is Miriam Urra, and I'm representing Allapattah Community Action, Inc. Commissioners, before I go on, I'd like to say that our organization is located at 2257 Northwest North River Drive. Commissioners, as most of you know, our agency has been providing social services to the community for many years. We are here today to thank you, all of you for your support, for your past support and your present support to our community, especially to our agency, for your help in maintaining our funding so we are able to provide these much needed services to the elderly of the Allapattah community. I need to say that I'd like to commend Commissioner Gonzalez for a job well done in our community. 44 June 24, 2003 (APPLAUSE) Ms. Urra: I'd like to take this opportunity. I think he deserves a good applause from our participants here present and from all the public. I'd also like to say that this Commission as a whole has been supporting the needs of the elderly in this community, and I am very proud of all of you. I have to say this today. It's going to make me feel better, because I've been listening to a lot of gossip and a lot of things that you do not deserve. I know that this Commission has always put together their efforts and their leadership to help the citizens of the City of Miami, the residents of this City. And you deserve that we recognize this today here. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Ms. Urra: Thank you very much. Commissioner Gonzdlez: Thank you. Ms. Urra: I'd like to say something in Spanish, if you allow me, Mr. Chairman. (Translating in the Spanish) Chairman Winton: Excuse me. You're at two and a half minutes. Ms. Urra: OK. Can you allow me just a second? I'm going to be very brief. (Translating in Spanish) (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Gonzalez: Miriam, before you leave, let me tell you that I've just been doing the work that I was elected to do. But let me tell you, I was able to do my work and I have been able to do my work, thanks to my colleagues in this Commission that have supported me, and thanks to the Mayor of the City of Miami that has also supported me. So the credit goes to all of them. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Urra: And we do recognize the help from all the Commissioners, from the -- you know, and the Mayor. And we thank you again, on behalf of the whole community. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Ms. Urra: Thank you to you all. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, ma'am. 45 June 24, 2003 Silvia Hernandez: Good afternoon, Commissioners and staff. My name is Silvia Hernandez. I'm representing Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 970 Southwest I" Street, Suite 302. Chairman Winton: That's OK. Ms. Hernandez: Our CDBG grant proposal, which was not recommended for funding for this fiscal year 2003 and `4, we kindly ask that you reconsider the decision, as we believe the initial proposal did not fully delineate the scope of our program service, and therefore, underestimated the funding needs. Note for the Record: At this time, Barbara Rodriguez made comments in Spanish. Chairman Winton: Yeah. Thank you. Ms. Rodriguez: You're welcome. Chairman Winton: "Silencia"? Ms. Rodriguez: "Silencio," silence. Chairman Winton: I'm sorry. Go ahead. Ms. Hernandez: As you're likely aware, our emergency service program has served the residents of the City of Miami at two locations since 1979. The Manuel Artime Center in Little Havana offers assistance to those in need in Overtown, downtown, Allapattah and Shenandoah. At Pierre Toussaint, we assist the Little Haiti, Model City, Liberty City and the vicinity area. We serve an average of 3,900 residents in need of financial assistance with rent, shelter, utility, food vouchers, clothing and basic needs. Our program has always responded to the needs of the community with professionalism and the ethics of our care. This year, we, in direct services, we gave out to the people in need five hundred and thirty-nine thousand dollars ($539,000). So we did help the community in the City of Miami. I hope that this helps to clarify the scope of our service and that you consider us for funds. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, sir. Nick Alvarez: Good afternoon. My name is Nick Alvarez. I live in 3505 Northwest 5`" Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33127, Wynwood area. We from Hostos Senior Service, where I'm a member. And we are glad to hear what the Mayor say, and we are very glad, too, what he say, and to try to get funds for the seniors. Thanks, you people, and the Commissioners and the Mayor. Thank you very much, and God bless you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, sir. Martin Terris: Good afternoon. My name is Martin Terris of 2333 Brickell Avenue. I'm with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Two issues I wish to comment on. First, I listened with great interest to 46 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Teele when he spoke about retaining a reserve fund to address the after- school needs in his district. We had applied for an after-school program in District 5, located at St. Mary's Cathedral School, which was submitted on time, and which would make occasional use of the City parks. But because the use was only occasional, that application was not viewed as being germane to his after-school priority. It's my hope that Commissioner Teele and the rest of the Commission will approve consideration of that application for use for that some sixty, seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) that he has available still in his district. Second, I would also like to be able to speak briefly on behalf of Deaf Services Bureau and their application. Commissioner Teele began our discussion of CDBG by noting the concern that we have with ADA compliance. Deaf Services Bureau is the only agency in the City -- indeed, in the County - - that serves the deaf and hard of hearing. We believe that the Deaf Services Bureau would be able to provide significant services, not only within a given district using public service funds, but for all businesses that wish to employ, utilize and appeal to the deaf and hard of hearing in the County. Chairman Winton: Your two minutes are up, sir. Mr. Terris: Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, sir. Ramon Perez Dorrbecker: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Ramon Perez Dorrbecker. I'm the President for Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Centers of Dade County. First of all, I'd like to say that I need to congratulate the Mayor, which isn't here right now, for having the sensitivity to have been able to find and allocate those much necessary funds for all the health and human services needs that we have in this community, and also to commend each and every one of you for having had the desire and the willingness to work together with the Mayor to find this solution. Little Havana is the oldest -- if not the oldest, it's one of the oldest service organizations that exists here in the City of Miami. We have been in existence since the year 1972. And we have a presence in four of your districts, District 1, District 2, District 3 and District 4, six service centers within the City of Miami. And even though we have really identified some new funding to give us a shot in the arm -- let's say it that way -- a little oxygen to breathe from -- I'm concerned about what's going to happen next year, like Mr. Teele said again, you know. Here we are again. The year is over, and we're back to square one, you know. And I understand what you're going through, and I understand that the cuts are there, and they are real. However, however, I ask each and every one of you to take into consideration the work that Little Havana has done through the years, and to reconsider the amount of monies that you have allocated to our agency. And with that, I thank you very much, sir. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, sir. Luis San Miguel: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. My name is Luis San Miguel. I'm the treasurer of Lighthouse for the Blind. With me is Mario Echeverria. He is the new President of the home. In that corner is Daniel Alvarez, the Executive Director, and part of our clients. OK. And we are just here representing this project of the Lions Club of South 47 June 24, 2003 Florida. We have been with this project for 29 years in the City of Miami, and we have been receiving always good cooperation from the City and the Commissioners. This year, we have some problems. After receiving eighty thousand years (sic) in previous years, there has been a reduction of 75 percent of that grant. So we are going to get only twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). With twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), practically, it's going to be very difficult to continue in operation. Our project provides transportation from their home to our facility. And also, we provide transportation to the different doctors and hospitals. We provide meals, breakfast, lunch. We also provide them with education on the Braille system computers, arts and crafts and also entertainment. We really, at this particular moment, request from you to reconsider the allocation that was done to our project and see if it's possible that you help us with some additional funds. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Mario Echeverria: Could you excuse me? I'm going to say only a word. Chairman Winton: Well, you -- Mr. Echeverria: Just one minute. We, as Lion -- Chairman Winton: Excuse me. I'm allowing everybody two minutes. You all took two minutes, so I'm not going to allow you another minute. Mr. Echeverria: OK. Chairman Winton: Then I have to allow everybody else another minute. Mr. Echeverria: No, I didn't want a minute. I want just to say thank you to allow us to serve the community. Chairman Winton: OK, thank you. Yes, ma'am. Rosa Kasse: Good afternoon. My name is Rosa Kasse. I am representing the Hispanic Coalition, located in 5659 West Flagler Street. We been there since 1992. And we came to talk again. First, I want to thank you, because we -- thanks to your support, we got the program for the youth continued to be in the City of Miami. And we've been doing an excellent job. I'm here again. We are here to remind you to, please, don't forget about the youth. And so we were not recommended this year, even though we had an excellent review by the people from the City of Miami. So before my two minutes going up, I want to speak to the Director of the Youth and Family Program. Marlene Arribas: Marlene Arribas, 5659 West Flagler. Ms. Kasse: She has a cold. 48 June 24, 2003 Ms. Arribas: Yes. Campaigning. Terrible. One problem we found. We've got an awful lot of kids in the streets, single head of households, no compass to guide these children. We need funding for them. We cannot forget our youth. Our program serves not only the youth, but the family, also. Like we've been saying every year, we can't straighten the kids out and send them back to a dysfunctional home. We work with the entire family. Ms. Kasse; And it's only thirty thousand. Ms. Arribas: And it's only thirty thousand. Chairman Winton: Thank you. You know what I would like to do? If I could do this, if I could pull this off, I would make every single agency head in the City of Miami go visit all the other agencies. Ms. Rodriguez: That's a good idea. Chairman Winton: And then they would have a clear understanding of what we have to deal with. We have very limited dollars. There isn't a single agency in this list that gets funded that isn't a really good agency. And most of the newer agencies have been wiped out completely. And the ones that want to get in, they're not even getting in. So all the existing agencies, each of which does a really outstanding job in their particular niche, or in their particular neighborhood, for that particular constituent, they're all very good. And you all -- I would love to make you all go visit every single one of the rest of the agencies. And then you all wouldn't come here in these events and look at us like we've got some magic, some magical way to get you, or you, or you more money, because we can't. Ms. Arribas: We understand that. Ms. Kasse: We understand that. We've been around for many, many years, Mr. Chairman. Ms. Arribas: And we've been doing this for many, many years. Chairman Winton: But we have to hear -- you know, it isn't as though we're not compassionate. It isn't as though we don't want to help. But we have to sit here with these blank -- you know, we got two choices up here when we're listening to this. Next. Next. Once in a while, we'll have a little energy here and try to explain to you what we're dealing with. We don't have any more. I mean, if I had more we'd -- so I don't know what I'm yacking about. Thank you very much, and I'll be quiet, and next. Althea Jackson: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission. My name is Althea Jackson. I am the Program Director for the James E. Scott Senior Citizen Program. And I just want to take this moment -- I've brought with me a few of my seniors -- please stand -- who would like to just stand with me this afternoon and to thank the members of the Commission, especially to Commissioner Art Teele, who has always had a compassion for our seniors and our community in District 5. We again want to say thank you for your 49 June 24, 2003 recommendation for JESCA (James E. Scott Community Association) and our senior program, and we look forward to providing quality services to the seniors. Thank you very much. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Next. Paul Velez: Hi, Johnny. How are you? Chairman Winton: Great. Mr. Velez: And honorable Commission members. My name is Paul Velez. I am the Director of Administration for Borinquen Health Care Center. And Johnny, can I have some peanuts, too, please? Thank you. Chairman Winton: You're welcome. Mr. Velez: But it's true, too often -- Chairman Winton: But that took 15 seconds. Mr. Velez: Thank you very much. But it is true, too often, when people come here, they do have their gripes, and they do have their concerns. And I guess that's what the founding fathers had planned over 200 years ago. I'm here, not to cast blame on anyone. Art Teele knows who I am. For many years, he supported the de Hostos Center, and that's why I'm here. All I would like to simply recommend is that whatever criteria, needs criteria that you're going to develop, please have the sensitivities of the different neighborhoods, because, for example, the hundred and twelve thousand that de Hostos is to receive is more than half of what they -- is less than half of what they received last year, which was, if I'm correct, two hundred eleven thousand dollars ($211,000). Also, I had recommended to the Mayor outside, please urge the Commission to consider this. Participatory democracy that was written about years ago by Russeau certainly could be implemented here today. We have to educate the masses, especially when we're talking about people that have not participated for many, many decades. Fortunately -- I'll give you an example. I have a mom. I'm able to supplement what Social Security does not kick in. And most of the monies I kick in deal with food. So all of you certainly have the compassion. You know the needs that each of these centers have for their clients. What I'd like to simply request is that at least you can visit the different centers, even if it's out of your district, so you, too, can also see up front what they're doing on a daily basis, because I can say for a fact that de Hostos - Chairman Winton: Your two minutes are up. Mr. Velez: Two minutes is up, OK. In closing, I would like to say, please develop some type of citizen advisory ad hoc committee composed of different people from around the City and they could also set the wheels in motion to be able to achieve the goals for next year. Chairman Winton: Thank you. 50 June 24, 2003 Mr. Velez: Thank you. Chairman Winton: Yes, ma'am. Esperanza Martinez: Good afternoon. Hi. My name is Esperanza Martinez, CASA, Colombian - American Service Association, 3138 Coral Way. Commissioner Winton, I'd like to thank you for acknowledging the fact that a lot of the organizations here are doing a great job. We've been doing that for a long time at CASA. And, unfortunately, this year, we received no funding. We traditionally have received about twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to provide services to the Hispanic immigrant community, including the elderly, too, helping apply for citizenship through fee waivers and language waivers. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to become U.S. citizens. And I understand that you have a very difficult task of allocating funds that are shrinking. However, it would be remiss on my part not to come here and speak on behalf of the people that we serve. So I ask you to reconsider. There are a lot of funds available. I understand that there are organizations who have not used funding in the past that may become available within the next few months, and I'd like you to remember CASA. We serve about 5,000 clients a year, and a lot of them from the City of Miami. As Commissioner Gonzalez mentioned, the Hispanic immigrant community is growing and will continue to grow. And if we don't create an infrastructure so that they can become self-sufficient and continue to build this beautiful immigrant community, we're not going to be able to do anything else. So I urge you to continue to think about CASA and I thank you for your leadership. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Ms. Martinez: Thanks. Chairman Winton: Mariano, are you looking for money in all the wrong places? Mariano Cruz: (Comments in Spanish) Ms. Suarez: Wait for what I'm going to tell you, because I'm going to tell it to you in Spanish this time. Mr. Cruz (Comments translated by Spanish interpreter): 1227 Northwest 26`" Street, Miami, Florida, in Allapattah. I did not come here to complain about what the Commission does here. The Commission can only give out what they receive from Washington. I don't care to pay for bombs, intelligence bombs that go to Iraq and places like that. But from those monies, I want monies to come for the elderly for food and stuff, because these monies do help to be able to avoid putting the elderly in institutions and so forth. And I could remember seeing Lincoln Diaz-Balart in Allapattah a lot of times. Amel Martinez was there last year for the photo opportunity to be able to plan for these (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Last week, Ileana Ros came out with a check for half a million for Camillus House. I did call Washington and I did speak to the man over there, when were they going to be bringing money for the dining rooms here for the elderly? Chairman Winton: Thank you. Your time is up. Thank you, Mariano. 51 June 24, 2003 Mr. Cruz: (Comments in Spanish) Chairman Winton: Thank you. Next. Ruth Wells: My name is Ruth Wells, 5200 Northeast 2°a Avenue, and I represent the Senior Adult Day Center at Miami Jewish Home and Hospital. And this Senior Adult Day Center was the first established in Miami by the City of Miami and the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital. It provides hot meals, recreational activities for the physically handicapped -- the physically handicapped and emotionally handicapped. And we provide rehabilitation for these older adults in the community. Chairman and Commissioners, I would like to thank you for the explanation of the issues of those of us who were caught in the District 5 dilemma, and I would like to especially thank Commissioner Teele for his support. And I'm hoping that some funds can be allocated to continue this program for the elderly in the Miami -Dade Community of District 5. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Yes, sir. Luis Bertram (Comments translated by Spanish interpreter): My name is Luis Bertram, and I am the President for the Adult Senior Center. I came here sort of like a pessimist feeling, but now I am leaving here full of satisfaction for seeing in the manner in such a constructive and positive way that the Commission of the City has conducted themselves today. Their Mayor and their Commissioners have demonstrated that Miami does have a leadership with you. We feel happy because if you have been able to avoid that the elderly of our community wind up on the streets, trying to find -- because of the actions of Washington. I could not forget Ms. Barbara Rodriguez here, who so responsibly and in such a manner, a nice manner has worked with us in the dining rooms here. Miami, the fourth poorest City with the majestic beaches, sun and climate, all the tourists come here to bathe in our beaches, and sun in our beaches, and bring the money here that we so need. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Next. Diane Landsberg: Mr. Chairman and Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I am -- my name is Diane Landsberg, and I'm the Director of the Non -Violence project at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way. We are proud to serve our younger citizens here in the City of Miami and have been doing so since 1996. This -- we were recommended for funding, and if this goes through, this would be our first year receiving it. In the past, we've had funding from the City of Miami Police Department. We are -- as I said, our mission is to engage and motivate young people into positive action, and to guide and to help them make positive and healthy choices. We are very proud that this year in the City of Miami, actually in Commissioner Teele's district, we have an Ameri-Corp mentor program. And as of August -- coming up August 1St, we'll be happy to state that we will have contributed 17,000 hours of volunteer hours from our Ameri-Corp. members. We did adopt a road. We have Grand Avenue, so it's in your - - so we get kids out there to clean the streets. And we have been acknowledged as far as recognition, as far as the impact, the positive impact that we've been having with the Nova, the Not -for -Profit Innovative Excellence Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. 52 June 24, 2003 We just received that. And I'm proud to state that I was just inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King Board of Sponsors at Morehouse College, in recognition of the work that the Non -Violence Project has been doing. So we appreciate everything that we've been able to have the opportunity to do, and we thank you. And I appreciate watching this process today. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Ms. Landsberg: Thank you very much. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Camile Merilus: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Camile Merilus, founder and Executive Director of Camile and Sulette Merilus Foundation, along with my wife, Sulette. So I'm here this afternoon -- first of all, since September, I requested twenty thousand dollars ($20,000), and Commissioner Teele sent me to Community Development. I've been working with Community Development on that. And if I don't get this twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) from you Commissioners today, I'll be in trouble with my rent at Manuel Artime. Please consider that to provide it to us, because that's a long time ago I've been requesting that. Secondly, we got the second thing out. Crime Prevention and Youth Development Program at Dorsey Park. We have been working with Barbara Rodriguez. Barbara Rodriguez, Ms. Rodriguez has been so nice. She sent us to Parks. We worked with Mr. Santiago Corrada. We worked with Bobby Starr. We worked with the Overtown Advisory Committee. They like the project, Commissioners. The priest, Father George went with us. They all like us. To turn these young people who have been going to jail, eleven, twelve, thirteen years old, to turn them from wrongdoing into the good things -- with your help, we can achieve that goal. The school just closed a few weeks ago. Three thousand youngsters, according to the report that we got, already went to jail. We'd like you to support this project at Dorsey Park, so we can turn these kids from bad to good. And Commissioner Teele, we count on you, and we realize that you ask for some reserve. Please, the twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) to pay that money for our rent, our basic services, we desperate, and it's crucial. And the other, the Youth Development Project, please, OK it for us. We need that project, because these kids, we got to do something to save them. Merci. Thank you very much. It's Camile Merilus. Vice Chairman Teele: All right. The reserves, as I indicated before, is going to be for those organizations who didn't, for whatever reason, get to apply. And I would see no reason why you can't apply for that. But I wanted to just clarify that. Yes, ma'am. Haydee Odio (Comments translated by Spanish interpreter): Good afternoon. My name is Haydee Odio. I'm a resident of Little Havana. 301 Southwest 11th Avenue. I'm a little bit nervous here, having you in front of me. Thank you for having me allowed to speak to you. I've come because I've been here for several years. I've always belonged to 970 Southwest 1St Avenue. That's the offices for the Catholic Bureau. I ask all of you Commissioners today that the same way that that office helped me that you help all of us, those of us that go on a daily basis by those offices. They're all immigrants, like your parents, your grandparents, your uncles and so forth, have gone through this office. And every day, more and more people come. Same way they opened their arms to me and took me in, so that they will be able to open them to others 53 June 24, 2003 that are coming, who are so needy. Thank you very much, and God bless all of you. Love you a lot. Madelyne Rodriguez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Madelyne Rodriguez. 1119 Northwest 32nd Place. I'm here representing Centro Mater and Sagrada Familia. We belong to Catholic Charities. And even though we were recommended for funding, our funding has been dramatically reduced this year. Currently, Centro Mater is receiving one hundred and one thousand dollars ($101,000) from the City of Miami. And we were only recommended for twenty-seven thousand for the upcoming fiscal year. And Sagrada Familia is receiving seventy- two thousand dollars ($72,000), and they were recommended for only twenty-eight thousand dollars ($28,000). All together, this represents more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in reductions from funding from the City of Miami. And even though we appreciate the recommendation of the Commission, we -- I want you to understand that this represents the suppression of services for more than 60 children that we serve between the two centers with the CDBG funding, and the termination of six employees that have been with us for more than 35 years. All together, the two programs have been serving the Little Havana community for over 40 years, and we have proven our effectiveness to the City by being involved in all the programs and helping the community as much as we can. So I ask you if we may continue to receive the same level of funding, or an increase in the money that we were recommended, and we would really appreciate it. Thank you so much for your attention. Vice Chairman Teele: Yes, ma'am. Nilsa Velazquez: Yes. Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Nilsa Velazquez. I'm the Executive Director of Kidco Child Care. And we've been in the community for 27 years. The services that we give to the children are very comprehensive. And it's very important to maintain that quality services. We are accredited by the National Association of Early Childhood, and we're here, and we're here to stay. And at this time, I'm going to ask for two things. Especially, Commissioner Teele, we have -- 15 percent of our children come from your district. We're Wynwood, located in Wynwood. And if there's any monies available, we will gladly take them. On the other hand, I understand that the City of Miami -- that the Community -- sorry -- CDBG funding has increased in the County. We cannot do it alone. We've tried. I've tried several years to request money, and they don't fund us, because they are looking for metropolitan significance. They want the programs to take care of children that are more in their target areas. And we are within the City of Miami, even though we serve some of the other areas. So we applied for funding, and we ask for your -- also for your support in trying to get us funded through the County. We're going to do our job, and we ask for some consideration. I also want to thank you for the allocation. I know that I received a cut. We received a cut of fifty-two thousand, 52 percent. But at this time -- and also, you're recommending funding for another project, which is second -- an additional floor at Kidco 3. So I thank you for that. Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you very much. Froilan Dominguez: Good afternoon. My name is Froilan Dominguez. I represent Centro Hispano Catolico Child Care Center, of the Catholic Charities. We are located in 144 Northwest 54 June 24, 2003 26th Street, in the Wynwood community. Today, I have the good news for you that this morning, we have the inaugural day ceremony for the construction of a new building in the Wynwood area with 15,772 square feet, with 14 classrooms, and with an increase in the capacity of 47 percent. At the same time, the CDBG fundings for Centro Hispano has been reduced by 50 percent. So we are here to very respectfully request to reconsider the possibility to designate for Centro Hispano Catolico the same amount of money of the last year, so we can serve the people that -- at this time, and look into the new facility, the new building. They are requesting a slot in the service of Centro Hispano Catolico. We thank your cooperation in this matter. We got a proclamation of the City of Miami that we appreciate very much, and we will continue doing the work that is requested by the City of Miami and by the community that we serve. Thank you very much. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you. Are you saying you'll trade the proclamation for more money? Thank you very much. Mr. Dominguez: OK, thank you. I appreciate it. Vice Chairman Teele: Is there anyone else here on public service? If not, this will be the last. OK, this young lady, and then that'll be it on public service. Yes, ma'am. Helena del Monte: Commissioners, I come to the podium wearing two hats. One, a resident from the City of Miami since 1961. And my most important hat right now, Executive Director of Association for Development of the Exceptional, a school for adults with developmental disabilities. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Excuse me. We need your name for the record. Ms. del Monte: Helena del Monte. I'm sorry. It's been such a difficult year. I have to commend the Commission, because it was a very difficult task. And all in all, even though we cannot all be content, it has been done very quantifiably and with a lot of grace. I thank the Commission. I have been cut 30 percent. However, at times of crisis, everybody has to step up to the podium and realize that we are all in crisis. And again, I thank you for the way that you handled this process. And I want to especially thank two Commissioners that are very, very important to me, because one is the Commissioner that represents the area where my agency is located, and the other one is the Commissioner that represents the place where I have lived the past 20 years, and that is Commissioner Winton and Commissioner Regalado. Thank you so much. I am one voice, but I represent 150 adults with disabilities that have been all day pleasantly receiving services at my agency and not getting wet. So thank you very much. And I repeat, we have to think of this process holistically, not what has happened this year, but what has happened in the years past and what will happen in the years future. And I can only say that this Commission has always opened the hearts and the doors to my participants. Yes, we are in crisis. And, yes, we all have to say yes to that crisis and absorb it. Thank you very much, and also thank you, Ms. Rodriguez. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Thank you. Next. Yes, ma'am. 55 June 24, 2003 Lourdes Santos: Good afternoon. My name is Lourdes Santos. I represent Catholic Charities Elderly Services, and I actually want to thank all of you, especially Commissioner Gonzalez, for taking care of our elderly at Claude Pepper. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Anyone else from the public like to speak to Item Number 11? Anyone else from the public? If not, we'll close the public hearing. Ms. Rodriguez. Ms. Rodriguez: There is amendments to the funding. Chairman Winton: OK. Ms. Rodriguez: I have -- Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: OK. Here's the situation. Like we all said, it's going to happen next year and all that. But we need to start working like tomorrow, because you know what happened yesterday when an important media outlet called the press department of the United States Housing Department, HUD in Washington, and the media was asking about, you know, the funds and Miami, and all that. And the press relations person in charge of that department, when asked about the City of Miami, the reporter asked, well, but you know that the City of Miami is the poorest City in the country. And the press person at HUD said, I didn't know that. We don't have anything in writing here. And the guy told them, well, this was the Census Bureau. Oh. We didn't get the census, you know, report. We don't know. We didn't know about that. So, you know, when he told me that, I said, Houston, we have a problem. And -- but let me tell you, I think that before we leave -- because, you know, the other Commission, we said, let's put a banner, and we didn't, and all that. We need to give to the agencies a draft letter explaining the position of the City of Miami and what we want from the Federal government, and have those agencies sign that letter by all the same people that sign our letters, and send it to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Kendrick Meek, Senators Graham and Nelson, Governor Bush and the President, because, let me tell you, the President is coming here. He's coming on the 20`" to raise funds, but he's coming back in the winter to campaign. And he is going to campaign right there on the same area that is being affected by these people. I mean, if we don't seize this opportunity, then forget about two years from now, after his re-election. So we need to draft a letter, you know, a very informative letter and give to those agencies, so they can have their clients sign the letter and send it to -- and if we -- look, when we had the situation in Central America, we, at the radio station, organized a drive in support of U.S. policy to -- in Central America by the Reagan Administration. So instead of saying to the people -- and we can do this -- send this by mail to the White House, what we did is, give us our letter. And we showed up at the Whitehouse with two trucks with 350,000 letters. And the President of the United States came to greet us, and brought us into the Oval Office and had a full press thing. We need to get those letters, and we need to bring it to George Bush in two trucks to the White House, to tell him of the need that this City, the City that gave him 89 percent of the vote has. So, you know -- 56 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: If I could second that motion, I would, and I would appoint you Chairman of the committee that's going to organize this whole effort. Commissioner Regalado: Well, I did it once, Johnny, and it worked. Chairman Winton: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: Because I used to work at the White House. And let me tell you, every morning, the President of the United States gets a file that says how many phone calls -- public opinion, they call the public opinion -- phone calls supporting funds for AIDS, 300, 200 letters. And if we are able to organize a campaign, we can reach the White House. And then it will filter down to Mel Martinez. Chairman Winton: So the second is coming from whom? Commissioner Gonzalez: I second it. Chairman Winton: Very good. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? With Commissioner -- and anything I can to do help, ask me. I'll help, and I think all of us will be able to help. Commissioner Regalado: Well, you can drive the truck. Chairman Winton: I'll drive a truck. Commissioner Gonzalez: Me, too. You can count on my support. Commissioner Regalado: But let me tell you, let me tell you -- Commissioner Gonzalez: I'm very good at collecting signatures, by the way. Commissioner Regalado: There is no -- there is no other way that you can mobilize. Chairman Winton: Because if we don't do this, we will be in this situation every single year until, thank God, our terms are up. Commissioner Gonzalez: Definitely. Chairman Winton: Maybe I don't want to run for re-election. Commissioner Gonzalez: You are a hundred percent right. Chairman Winton: I think, Commissioner Regalado, you should start that process, and we'll do anything we can to help. 57 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Regalado: Well, first, they have to draft a letter. Chairman Winton: Yes, I agree. Barbara, will you work on drafting that letter? Ms. Rodriguez: Of course. Commissioner Regalado: Then it has to be communicated to the agencies. Chairman Winton: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: And instead of -- instead of them sending the letters, give the letters to us. We will -- and then when we have all the letters ready, we'll put them here on a press conference, say this is Miami speaking to Washington. Chairman Winton: And do a draft letter and circulate it to the Commissioners, so they can look at it, and they'll have some good ideas. Ms. Rodriguez: I'll make copies. Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Gonzdlez: So are we designating Commissioner Regalado the chairman of that committee? Chairman Winton: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: Oh, there's no need for that. I mean -- Chairman Winton: We'll draft the -- Commissioner Sanchez: And Commissioner Winton as the driver. Chairman Winton: Yeah. OK. Commissioner Gonzdlez: I'll be the signature collector. Chairman Winton: Barbara, would you like to get us back on track here on Item 11. Ms. Rodriguez: I have some amendments that I have -- Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, Commissioner. We didn't get a vote on that motion. Chairman Winton: It wasn't -- it was a fake motion. Ms. Thompson: Oh. 58 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Barbara, would it be appropriate if I put my revisions? Ms. Rodriguez: I am going to be making yours and Regalado. Or if you want to do yours -- Commissioner Sanchez: No, it's perfectly fine, as long as we are on the same sheet of music. Ms. Rodriguez: OK. On District 3, the following changes will take place: Accion, two hundred and eleven thousand, o -eight -nine; Centro Mater, forty thousand dollars ($40,000); La Sagrada Familia, forty thousand dollars ($40,000); Rafael Penalver, fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). The rest will stay the same. District 4 -- Commissioner Sanchez: Wait, wait. Sagrada Familia gets forty thousand. Ms. Rodriguez: Forty thousand. Commissioner Sanchez: And Regis House gets seven thousand, eight hundred. Ms. Rodriguez: That was what they were getting before. Commissioner Sanchez: And Little Havana Activity Center is -- Ms. Rodriguez: Eighty-seven thousand, six hundred and ninety-one. Commissioner Sanchez: Plus they're receiving additional funding from the Poverty Initiative. Ms. Rodriguez: The Poverty -- right. Commissioner Sanchez: I want that on the record. Ms. Rodriguez: Yeah. Well, we're saying only CDBG. Commissioner Sanchez: OK. Ms. Rodriguez: They are in the list for the Mayor's initiative, Poverty Initiative. On District 4, the changes were -- and I'll repeat them, all of them, fifty-five -- Commissioner Regalado: Why don't you read the whole -- Ms. Rodriguez: Yeah, that's what I'll do. Fifty-five years and up will stay with fifty thousand; Lions Home, twenty thousand; Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, ten thousand; Southwest Social Services, a hundred and thirty-seven thousand; The Association for the Development of the Exceptional, thirty-four thousand, nine hundred; Big Brothers and Sisters, ten thousand dollars ($10,000). And the difference in the case of Little Havana Smathers Center will come from the Poverty Initiative, Commissioner Regalado: OK. 59 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: Those are the changes that I've heard from the other two Commissioners. Chairman Winton: OK. We have a -- do we have a motion on this? We need a motion on 11. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Vice Chairman Teele: Wait, wait, wait. Commissioner Sanchez: If there are no further revisions, so move. Chairman Winton: OK. We have a motion and a second. Ms. Rodriguez: I don't know if you have any other changes from the other Commissioners. Chairman Winton: Was that you, Commissioner Teele, "Wait, wait, wait"? OK. It is to discussion. Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: I want to acknowledge that the Department, I think, has really tried to wrestle with some tough issues. And Commissioner Winton is obviously frustrated, as we all are. You know, I always leave this thing -- this meeting, when you were dealing with this, with a total feeling of inadequacy and frustration. I would like to make one or two comments. I really do think that the handicapped -- and we've heard from four or five organizations, the Lion's Club, the Association for the Disadvantaged -- Ms. Rodriguez: Development. Chairman Teele: -- Development. I know Commissioner Regalado has worked -- but there are a series of handicapped that, really, they don't serve districts at all. They may have an office somewhere, but they pull from all over. And I just wish that we would take under advisement next year looking at a process that would allot some dollars off the top for disadvantaged and have a pool without regard to district and sort of treat it citywide, because it just seems to me that, you know, elderly is an important area, but handicapped is a very unique area. And I'm very moved when I saw, you know, ten blind people here. And we really didn't respond to the Lions Club or whatever organization. And it just seems to me that we can do a little bit better about this than we can. And I certainly would be willing to take something off the top and have a pool where the disadvantaged can apply, because I would guarantee you that if you go and you look at those disadvantaged -- first of all, a lot of them probably don't even live in the City. But they're providing a service and I just want to make that. Second point is this: The Haitian community. And, Commissioner Winton, I want to apologize to you, because I understand there were some people that had some conversations that may not have been appropriate, in my mind, about what this City doesn't do for the Haitian community. And any community where you have immigrants with rising populations, you have rising expectations and you can never meet those expectations fully. I do note that the Haitian community has done better in the last two years 60 June 24, 2003 than they've done in the last -- in the previous five years. But again, it's never enough. In that regard, I want to commend the department for entertaining, I think, two appeals from Haitian organizations and sustaining those appeals, and providing funding for those organizations. And I think that sort of puts that into balance. The motion or the proviso that I would like -- because I didn't read it in here -- that the District 5 reserves -- whatever that amount is -- will be made available for an RFP that will be awarded not later than the first meeting in September, based upon recommendations for those organizations that did not apply, with a priority being on those organizations that did not -- that have received funding in the past, that did not receive funding this year for whatever reasons. And I would hope that the -- Camille Merilus' organization and the Rickia Isaacs and those persons that appeared here with their frustration would be afforded that opportunity, and I would ask that that be incorporated, as an amendment, into the motion on Item Number 11. And, finally, I would remove -- Chairman Winton: What are you asking there, again? I didn't understand you. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, Item 11 includes the reserve of sixty-three thousand -- Ms. Rodriguez: There's sixty-three thousand, nine hundred and sixty dollars ($63,960) reserved for District 5. Chairman Winton: Oh, OK. Right, right, right. Vice Chairman Teele: That's about to be reduced to fifty-three. Commissioner Sanchez: Commissioner Teele. Vice Chairman Teele: But with instruct -- that would contain an instruction to go out and do a supplemental for those organizations that did not receive funding or did not apply, with the priority being those organizations that have previously been funded, but for whatever reason, did not -- Commissioner Sanchez: Commissioner Teele, for your information, that is one of the agencies that will be receiving money from my reserve funds. Vice Chairman Teele: Who is that? Commissioner Sanchez: The Lion House for the Blind. Vice Chairman Teele: Yeah. Commissioner Sanchez: And I agree with you. Vice Chairman Teele: Yeah. I think we could all come to some agreement, you know, if we work through this over the next year, that we ought to put aside a citywide reserve for a pool so that the handicapped are within one category, because -- 61 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: And if you would yield. Your point's well taken. If you look at what they're called -- their clients, most of them aren't from -- they're not from my district. They're throughout districts. And in many ways, I think they're outside and some living in the County that utilize it. So it's just not -- I think it's a global issue, not a district issue. Chairman Winton: And I don't disagree with you all from a philosophical standpoint. But from a practical standpoint, you know, how we do that is going to be important because my district, like I said, is down from seven hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars ($721,000) two years ago to two hundred and seventy-nine thousand dollars ($279,000). So the cuts in social services in District 2, those are real dollars. And so I don't have anything left. And you don't know the names I get called from all kinds of people over this issue, over which I have no control. And so, you know, any more whittling on this one is -- Commissioner Sanchez: We've gone back and forth on this. We just don't have enough. Chairman Winton: -- a little bit of, you know Vice Chairman Teele: But we're not going to whittle anything that's here. I mean, it'll be a policy decision that -- Chairman Winton: It's worse than my broken leg. It's like the bear's eating on it. Chairman Teele: And then, I would ask that ten thousand dollars ($10,000) be -- from the reserve be made available for the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) Carver/Martin Luther King "Y," pursuant to the appeal that we heard from Ms. Seijas. Those would be the three amendments that I would have to that. Chairman Winton: OK. We have an amended motion and second. Do we have any other conversation on Item 3? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. 62 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-702 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,519,800, AND PROGRAM INCOME FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $226,200, FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $1,746,000, IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES CATEGORY FOR THE 29TH YEAR PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003, TO THE AGENCIES SPECIFIED IN "ATTACHMENT A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, ENTITLED "CITY OF MIAMI -DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 2003-2004, AGENCIES RECOMMENDED FOR PUBLIC SERVICES FUNDING"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH EACH AGENCY, FOR SAID PURPOSE; AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO RELEASE A SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF 29" YEAR CDBG FUNDS IN THE CATEGORY OF PUBLIC SERVICES FROM THE DISTRICT 5 PRIORITY RESERVE WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO AGENCIES THAT WERE FUNDED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton NAYS: None ABSENT: None Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes. 63 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: I would like to make a companion motion that the activities that have been described today relating to the rodent infestation, and also activities related to support to the Parks Department and the Bond Committee for information, literature and dissemination programs, primarily through radio and television and direct mail be made available to any organization that has unexpended CD dollars -- public service dollars this year and that those -- that the staff be authorized to amend those contracts to expend those funds in those categories immediately. I would so move. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: The intent is this: Any dollars that are not expended by September 30th in the public service areas -- ma'am -- any dollars that are not expended and used go back to the City, but they don't go back to the City as public service. They go back to the City as non-public -- as sort of a general -- and there may be, particularly from the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test) Pilot Program and maybe one or two other programs, a few dollars that are not being expended. The Parks Director has indicated that they have need for putting together informational programs regarding the Park plan, et cetera, as is the Safe -- as the Bond Committee has asked for funding. And all we're doing is making it available to the staff to amend those contracts to make those eligible activities as public service. It'll be primarily printing up literature for the City of Miami. That's what it does. Chairman Winton: OK. We -- Vice Chairman Teele: Call the question. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion. Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. 64 June 24, 2003 The following motion was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 03-703 A MOTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF RODENT INFESTATION AS MORE THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED DURING TODAY'S COMMISSION MEETING; FURTHER DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE PARKS DEPARTMENT AND THE BOND COMMITTEE FOR INFORMATION, LITERATURE AND DISSEMINATION PROGRAMS, PRIMARILY THROUGH RADIO, TELEVISION AND DIRECT MAIL, WHICH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY ORGANIZATION THAT HAS UNEXPENDED PUBLIC SERVICE DOLLARS THIS YEAR; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATION TO AMEND AFFECTED CONTRACTS TO EXPEND FUNDS IN THOSE CATEGORIES IMMEDIATELY. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman Johnny L. Winton NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. 5. AUTHORIZE ALLOCATION OF EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004, $426,800, TO CITY'S HOMELESS PROGRAM AND $13,200 TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT -RELATED ACTIVITIES, TOTAL $440,000; MANAGER TO SUBMIT MULTI- YEAR WAIVER REQUEST TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT FUNDS TO BE USED FOR DIRECT SERVICES. Chairman Winton: Barbara, which item do you want to take up next? Commissioner Sanchez: Five. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Five -- Item 4. Chairman Winton: Four? 65 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: That's where we stopped. Item 4 is basically our Emergency Shelter Grant funds, and what we're recommending is that the Emergency Grant Fund be given to the City of Miami homeless program to do the outreach and referral program. This is what we've been doing in the last three years. It does require HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) waiver. It's not Congress waiver. It's just local waiver. And we're also requesting approval to continue asking HUD for the 30 percent set aside. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. Question. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir, Commissioner. Commissioner Gonzalez: What is the percentage allowed to use in these programs? Ms. Rodriguez: Thirty percent, you can do it for direct services. And what we're saying is, let the City use as much as they need to do the outreach program. If you don't approve that, then what happen is that this money will go only for construction of shelters or rehab of shelters. You couldn't do the outreach program that we currently have. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. Here we go, OK. And I have nothing against this and I'm going to support it. But this is exactly -- and I'm sorry that Commissioner Sanchez is not here because when I spoke about the waiver for the meals, he had a question on what was the positive side and what was the negative side and we had a problem. But now we are requesting a waiver, which I understand is a different waiver, and all that, but we're going to -- we're asking HUD for a waiver to support the homeless activities. And we had doubts and we have problems on requesting a waiver of HUD to support the elderly, of whom a lot of them work here for many, many, many years and at their late ages, found themselves without a roof and with a four hundred dollar ($400) check a month from social security, and having to pay seven hundred dollar ($700) rent and a hundred dollar ($100) bill of electricity, and so on and so on and so on, and they don't even have money to buy their food or buy their medicines by the way. I have no problem. I just wanted to make it a point that, you know, we had a problem and we had arguments and we had concerns about requesting a waiver from HUD for meals, but now we're requesting a waiver for the homeless shelter. That's all I have to say. Chairman Winton: OK. Any other discussion on Item 4? Ms. Rodriguez: It's a public hearing. Chairman Winton: Oh. Thank you. We have a public hearing on Item Number 4. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 4? Anyone from the public? Apparently not. We'll close the public hearing. We have a motion and a second. Further discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." Priscilla Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Commissioner. We don't have a motion, second. You had discussion. Chairman Winton: Oh. 66 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: So moved. Chairman Winton: We have a motion. Need a second on 4. Chairman Regalado: Second. Chairman Winton: Second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-704 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004, IN THE AMOUNT OF $426,800, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI HOMELESS PROGRAM AND $13,200 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT - RELATED ACTIVITIES, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $440,000; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A MULTI-YEAR WAIVER REQUEST TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE OF EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT FUNDS TO BE USED FOR DIRECT SERVICES. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. 67 June 24, 2003 6. DIRECT ALLOCATION 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ENTITLEMENT FUNDS, $10,140,000, AND PROGRAM INCOME, $5,000,000, TOTAL $15,140,000, TO SUPPORT CITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES AS SPECIFIED FOR 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 5 is basically accepting -- making the recommendations for City of Miami Department, including the administration of the Department of Community Development, allocating a million two in the Section 108 loan guarantee, two hundred and seventy-six thousand in lot clearing for the City, seven hundred and ninety thousand for NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team), Code Enforcement; three hundred and ninety-five thousand for the City of Miami Building Department Unsafe Structure; a million, seven forty-six was the Public Service Category you just approved; three point five million is going into Economic Development. There's another item that we will discuss. Four million dollars ($4,000,000) in Housing Development. The RFP (Request for Proposal) is out right now. And eight hundred and four thousand, five hundred in Capital Improvement. Vice Chairman Teele: Oh, is this public hearing? Ms. Rodriguez: It is a public hearing. Chairman Winton: Yes, but you can still make a motion, then we'll have the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, maybe somebody wants to -- Chairman Winton: OK. There is a public hearing on Item Number 5. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item 5? Anyone from the public on 5? Vice Chairman Teele: So moved. Chairman Winton: Apparently not. We'll close the public hearing. We have a motion. Commissioner Gonzalez: I'll second -- Chairman Winton: And a second. Discussion. Commissioner Gonzalez: -- for discussion. Commissioner Sanchez: Discussion. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Teele, Commissioner Gonzalez, Commissioner Sanchez. 68 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: Barbara, in Washington this is where Congress literally just deals with what the administration hasn't paid attention to for the last 11 months. Now, what would happen if there was a motion to reduce the administration in half? Ms. Rodriguez: I would have a serious problem, because right now, if you -- Vice Chairman Teele: You probably wouldn't have a job. A whole lot of folks in this department -- Ms. Rodriguez: Well, right now, just to give you an example, before September 30, with this recommendation, I will be laying off 12 people. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. So, the worst thing that a governmental body or a Congress or a legislative body can do is to cut the administrative budget of the agency in terms of survival. I want to get an understanding, because I'm tired of the runaround, and I -- I don't mean this directed at you. I'm directing it at the management and the administration. We have a total disaster in the single-family repair program. That disaster has been rolled ahead for four years, OK. We heard testimony. We've heard testimony two separate times. We brought in an ombudsman. We know we've got a disaster. But you know what? There's no sense of urgency. You've got old people who literally have been promised a home for over two years that are still living in conditions with relatives, disoriented. You've got people that you all assured me six months ago that there was going to be an emergency procurement to build those houses for people, that the houses have been so chopped up and so messed up, that they can't be repaired. Today or recently, there was an email from -- from a -- the head of the Spring Garden Association, where you have a gentleman who's a paraplegic, who's living there in a house that's been botched up. I personally went to the house. It's one of these areas where, you know, everybody comes in and resigns or retires, but the problem is still there. And I went to the house and heard all of the assurances from my peers, from the department, that this place would be fixed up. This was over nine months ago. Ms. Rodriguez: Commissioner, Mr. Smell, that is the gentleman that you're talking about, those plans are right now in permits. We've done the plans for that gentleman at the instruction of this Commission, where we hire H.J. Ross three times. The final time that he finally approved was less than 30 days ago, when we came to the Commission -- it had been like two or three days before. In reference to the single-family, I can tell you -- and Commissioner Gonzalez, which has been involved through Allapattah -- 98 percent of the family have signed off on it. Second of all, this administration does not have a penny in the single-family program. The single-family program is being funded out of the state funding. So, from this point, no. Vice Chairman Teele: But, hold it. The discussion now is the administration -- Ms. Rodriguez: Correct. Vice Chairman Teele: -- of the department. Now, you know, whether it comes from CD (Community Development) funds or whether it comes from HOPE funds or HOME (Home Investment Partnership Program) funds, or whether it's just a gift from leprechaun, it really 69 June 24, 2003 doesn't matter to people that we're here to serve. You're right, I wasn't going to call the gentleman's name. He appeared before the Commission on June 27th. He's a C-6 quadriplegic in a wheelchair. Ms. Rodriguez: Correct. Vice Chairman Teele: And as a result of his appearance, he saw Commissioner Teele and several City officials in his home on July I Ith. Ms. Rodriguez: Of last year. Vice Chairman Teele: Of last year. Ms. Rodriguez: And he finally signed off this year. Vice Chairman Teele: And I heard everybody say that it was going to be straightened up. Now, on Thursday he had a heart attack and now he's in Jackson fighting for his life. You know, but this problem is a problem that we have over and over and over again with this program and I want to hear from you, I want to hear from the Manager that somebody's going to stop working - - stop going home at five o'clock on Friday and that we're going to put together whatever it takes to solve this problem. Working straight through. It's not acceptable for us to be a year later, Johnny, it's not acceptable. We've got -- I mean, we've got -- we brought in outside people and they said that the problems are real. We need to bring this program to an end and whether it -- maybe we do need to use CD dollars. I don't care. But we've got to get the program resolved, Barbara. Ms. Rodriguez: And, Commissioner, I can tell you that the program, right now, your single- family, is number one. It's been corrected. We have signed off by the home buyers. The five houses that you're talking about replacement, four of them, one we couldn't serve because she has a severe problem with her income tax, OK, and I sent you a letter on her. The other four, we got contractor -- two are under construction right now. The other two, the contractor was getting the plans approved. Did we take long? Yes, we did. Did we fix it? Yes, they're being taken care of. Vice Chairman Teele: I want to hear from you -- Ms. Rodriguez: Yes Vice Chairman Teele: -- please, some assurance that this program will be brought to a completion, to satisfactory completion by some date and some time and that we can get some reports on where we are monthly until this program is fixed. Ms. Rodriguez: July 31 is our deadline for the Single -Family Rehab Program. Not the four houses that we're building, but that's the due date that we have with the company that we have hired and the last fixing of those houses that need. So, I can make an assurance that by the first Commission in September, you will have all of the people signature. 70 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: All right. Thank you. Now, on the Unsafe Structures Program, is that program being adequately funded? Is the -- you know, we're reducing everything, but one of the programs that I think we really have to maintain is we cannot have a backlog. Do we have a backlog -- has anybody talked to the Unsafe Structures people and are we communicating? Because, you know, the problem of rodent infestation, a lot of these problems -- drugs, crime, in neighborhoods, really gets to the fact that we've got abandoned buildings that are unsafe, that literally become, you know, Ritz Carltons for criminal activity. Commissioner Gonzalez: Commissioner Teele, if you yield? Vice Chairman Teele: I'll be happy to. Commissioner Gonzalez: I was looking down on the break -- breakdown of these funding and I even make a mark on the -- unsafe structure. I have a lot of problems with the way that unsafe structure is functioning in the City of Miami. First of all, more than six or eight months ago, riding with the Police Department at night in Allapattah, we identified seven or eight abandoned homes that were abandoned and open. They were used to sell drugs, to consume drugs. It was used for prostitution. I reported them. Nothing was done about it. I think that two or three Commission meetings ago, four Commission meetings ago, I talk about the problem and it's still -- I have residents call me -- as a matter of fact, not this Saturday, but the Saturday before, I got a call from one of my constituents. It was Saturday at 2:30 in the afternoon. "Commissioner, we can't stand what is going on here right in front of my house, and I need you to come over". I said, "What is going on?" "They're using drugs. They're doing sex." They're blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I say, OK, I'm going to go over. I went over. I found a duplex open, abandoned. I found condoms inside the duplex. I found residues of cocaine, crack, marijuana, the whole nine yards. I called the NET Office. I reported -- I called the police. I had a police unit go there. Check the place out and we reported it to NET. Up to this point, I haven't heard anything about that building. Chairman Winton: I think the issue -- and I'm not sure what we do about this approval of funding allocation here yet, but I think this is an issue we need to get on a regular agenda, and we need to direct the Manager to bring back to us the -- with some examples of the current process that's used for dealing with these issues, with some real examples, and maybe, Commissioner Gonzalez, you pick three -- Commissioner Teele, if you've got a couple, pick three, give them to the Manager's office so they use those as the example and pick the three worst ones you can find, because I think the system is broken. Commissioner Gonzalez: Definitely. And if you allow me, Mr. Chairman, I'm going to go back three years or four years ago, when I was not a City Commissioner. I was the President of the Allapattah Chamber of Commerce. I started reporting a building right on 17th Avenue and 36th Street, in front of a high school that looks like a biggest mess that you have seen in your life, OK? That is the image that we are giving to those youngsters coming out of high school. That building, a roof collapsed one day, a wall on a different day collapsed to 36th Street that could have killed someone going by, OK. And I've been talking about this case before I was a Commissioner, probably four years ago. It's still nothing has been done and every time I ask, I 71 June 24, 2003 get the runaround and the runaround and the runaround. And I told one of our officials in our administration last week, I said, what are we waiting for? Are we waiting for the building to collapse and kill 10 or 20 people and then get sued? And have 10 or 20 victims that we could have avoided? I mean, that's about it. Chairman Winton: And that example works -- is in existence all over the City, you know. And I think that's why we need to bring this to a head and we'll make it an agenda item and let the administration explain to us the exact process but use some of these worst case examples so we can't be just led -- nicely led astray. If we have real life examples, then we can relate to whatever the process is and can talk about how, well, you know, that's a nice little pitch, but it's obviously not working. And then we might be able to address how we fix this thing. Vice Chairman Teele: But, Mr. Chairman, I agree with what you're saying, as far as it goes. But the point is this. This is where -- the funding is where you've got to make the policy determination. And we can understand process all we want to, but if you let the funding go underfunded, you're dealing with this problem for a year. And all that I'm asking the administration to do is to tell me what has been -- is Jorge, the Director -- Acting -- Ms. Rodriguez: Victor Lima, Unsafe Structures. Vice Chairman Teele: The Assistant -- Acting Assistant Manager for Municipal Services? Is it Jorge? Ms. Rodriguez: Mr. Cano. Commissioner Sanchez: Jorge Cano? Linda Haskins (Chief Financial Officer): No, sir, he's not here today. Vice Chairman Teele: Is there anybody here from that department, from that side of the house? Ms. Haskins: No. I'm sorry. You know, I'm the -- let me talk to you about the -- on the budget issue. The funding that comes from Community Development does not pay everything related to unsafe structures. There is some that is funded by the general fund and as part of the budget process, there is a discussion with an estimate of the number of unsafe structures that are going to come down. Lot clearing that will have to do on the NET side and that sort of thing, because it's not totally funded from Community Development dollars. But if you -- if I could ask your indulgence -- we have a Commission meeting tomorrow. Could I ask that a report be done or a discussion be held tomorrow on this, and that will give us time to put some numbers together for you? Vice Chairman Teele: That's perfectly acceptable, but Linda, this is my concern. And I say this not to be argumentative. The greatest challenge that I have observed in the City for the last three or four years is how the City departments don't coordinate with each other. The Community Development Department should have a memo, a full budget implication, particularly in light of what Commissioner Gonzalez is saying and I'm saying, that says this is an adequate amount or 72 June 24, 2003 not an adequate amount. And whether it's adequate or not is not the issue. But the Department of Community Development, who is funding -- just like in the area of Historic Preservation, you know, where you all just send the money out, but there's not enough coordination in terms of ensuring how those dollars are spent. I can accept that particularly if you're saying that you're going to make some general fund dollars available, but what I don't want to do is to communicate to you and to the staff that among the priorities that I have on this page, which total up to -- Ms. Rodriguez: Fifteen million, one hundred and four. Vice Chairman Teele: Fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000), OK, that I -- you know, I'm prepared to move some money from a whole lot of places to ensure that the unsafe structure buildings come down, because that's the problem that I'm dealing with in my community. That's the problem that we all are dealing with. And when you hear the people talking about rodent infestation, if you listen to what they're talking about, think gave specific buildings that they have been trying to get NET for over a year to tear down. I heard a NET building inspector today -- unfortunately, the NET Administrator was on vacation -- is on vacation -- but he says, we don't have money. We can't get it torn down. I mean, so what I'm saying here is, we need to make sure that the priorities of this City are the priorities of the community and not the priorities of the 10th floor or the Commissioners' chambers. Chairman Winton: Can this be modified later in the year? Vice Chairman Teele: Not really. I mean, to modify anything -- Chairman Winton: OK. So, then, for today, we don't have many options. Either we pick something here and move some dollars right now or we approve this. Ms. Rodriguez: However, Commissioner Teele, let me explain to you that last year the unsafe structure CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding was not used in there entirely because we do not pay for the actual demolition because of environmental issues. The only thing that this does is that it hires consultants and we pay for the fee to take it to the Code Enforcement Board. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, I -- Ms. Rodriguez: We don't pay for the actual demolition. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, you're doing a good job. You're trying to move the agenda. I'm going to withhold -- I'm going to withdrawn my concern. But let me just say this. The dollars are available to destroy the buildings. The reason we're not doing it is we don't want to comply with, OK -- and once you make the statement that you just made, you're probably in technical violation, anyway, OK. Because you're not -- you cannot --just -- Ms. Rodriguez: We do code enforcement. 73 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: -- take that under advisement. Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: Just take that under advisement, what I'm saying. If you've got this category here -- Ms. Rodriguez: We do code enforcement. Vice Chairman Teele: Take under advisement. Chairman Winton: And by the way, with a lot of these properties, the real issue shouldn't be that it gets to the point where it needs to be demolished. If we were foreclosing on these properties, which is a battle that Alex and I have been having since I got elected, they wouldn't need to be torn down. If you foreclose on them early on in the process, when they're still good properties, you put them back in the tax rolls at a greater value than a vacant lot and we get taxes going, but we also won't fund foreclosure. So, I mean, this -- it -- there's a lot of blame to go around on this, including with -- you know, there's a lot. And so, when we have this discussion, this whole discussion on foreclosure needs to wind into this about the City Attorney's role, and the Manager's role, and what kind of budget we're going to put on this and that kind of thing. So Vice Chairman Teele: Well, let me tell you. You know, that's -- but that's a battle -- that's a discussion for another day, because I know my dear colleague over here would never vote to foreclose on somebody, and I would be, you know, hard pressed to do that. I mean, it's much cleaner -- Chairman Winton: Well, it's much cleaner to bulldoze a property than to foreclose? Vice Chairman Teele: It's a hard -- Johnny, you're intellectually right in what you're saying, but the reality is, you'll have horrible stories when you've got an 80 -year-old lady -- Chairman Winton: Oh, no, no. Those are different. You can pick and -- you don't have to -- you're not going to go out to 80 -year-old ladies. Many of these properties that people like Angel and I are talking about, aren't the 80 -year-old ladies. Vice Chairman Teele: But, Johnny, a building by an 80 -year-old lady, whether it's owned by her or a 29 -year-old drug dealer or a multi -millionaire is doing the same pollution and destruction of the environment. Chairman Winton: Well, in my district, I'll vote to hammer them. So -- and I'll be happy to take the heat. Commissioner Gonzalez: But let me -- if you'll allow me. Vice Chairman Teele: And you know what, Johnny. You probably have less foreclosures or -- 74 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: Than anyone else. Vice Chairman Teele: -- than all -- than any of us -- Commissioner Sanchez: All of us put together. Chairman Winton: Actually, that's not -- I have a lot. There's a significant number in District 2. Vice Chairman Teele: You make your point. Commissioner Gonzalez: If you allow me. Chairman Winton: Yes. Commissioner Gonzalez: Let me tell you. I have to agree with Commissioner Winton. I also have to agree with you. But let me tell you. The matter of fact is that, if I go down the list -- and I'm doing the research, OK -- most of these properties are absentee owners, OK. I have a case a block away from my house, a walk -- walks, you know, a block away from my house. When I did the research on who the owners were, it was a bank out of this state. Chairman Winton: And that's exactly right. Chairman Winton: And the house was abandoned. And it's being used -- was being used for illegal activities. Chairman Winton: OK. Are -- either we're going to reallocate -- Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, just -- I need a point clarified here by the administration or by the Director. It's pertaining to the fifteen point one million dollars ($15,100,000) to support City municipality service for the 29th program year. If the law says that 15 percent of the total grant and 15 percent of the total grant income could be used for public services, why did we fund the line at 1.746, which is a 21 percent reduction and not a full amount of 2.271? Ms. Rodriguez: The public service rule is 15 percent of your entitlement, which was ten million, one hundred and forty, and 15 percent of the program income that you return to HUD the prior year. And right now that is why you're only estimating two hundred and forty-nine thousand dollars ($249,000), give or take. That's where it gets you to the seven -- a thousand -- a million, seven hundred and forty-nine thousand. Commissioner Sanchez: And how come I have a difference of 525? 75 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: No. If you get 15 percent of the ten million, one forty -- Commissioner Sanchez: That's the point I couldn't understand. Ms. Rodriguez: Right. Fifteen percent of the ten million, one forty, that's your entitlement. That's your base. And 15 percent of prior year -- Vice Chairman Teele: Program income. Ms. Rodriguez: -- program income, which, right now, we're estimating that this year, through September 30, we're going to have a million, five hundred and ten thousand dollars ($1,510,000) in program income. Fifteen percent of that gives you two hundred and twenty-six thousand, two hundred. If you add a million, five nineteen, which is the 15 percent of your ten million, one hundred and forty, and your two hundred and twenty-six thousand, two hundred, it gives you a million, seven forty-nine, which -- a million, seven forty-six, which is your public service. Commissioner Sanchez: Do you reduce the 15 percent on the Economic Development and Housing Development? Ms. Rodriguez: You don't -- you've got to reduce it from the ten million dollars ($10,000,000), correct. Commissioner Sanchez: And doesn't that -- Ms. Rodriguez: The others were funded more because you have program income unallocated. If you read the memo, it says ten million, one hundred and forty thousand of your entitlement and we had five million dollars ($5,000,000) of program income that had never been allocated, that are being allocated at this time. Chairman Winton: That you can't use for Social Services? Commissioner Sanchez: But it doesn't leave you a balance? Ms. Rodriguez: Right now you're allocating everything that we have in our line of credit, plus your entitlement that is coming October 1 st. Vice Chairman Teele: Why don't you make it clear? Ms. Rodriguez: Help me out. Vice Chairman Teele: What she's saying, as I understand it, is this: There's a total of about six million dollars ($6,000,000) in program income, but only -- Chairman Winton: Is it ix or five? 76 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: There is five million dollars ($5,000,000) that have never been allocated that we're allocating. Vice Chairman Teele: But only a million and a half is the previous year. And, so, we're losing the ability or we lost the ability to take the previous year's program income and turn it into public services. So, there is five million dollars ($5,000,000) of previous years program income that is in the total but it's not available for the 15 percent. Ms. Rodriguez: Not for the program services. Commissioner Sanchez: Well, I need you to sit down with me because the numbers don't match the way I'm doing it. Ms. Rodriguez: I'd be more than glad to. Commissioner Sanchez: There's -- five hundred -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) difference of five hundred -- five twenty-five. Maybe you could educate me on this. Ms. Rodriguez: We'll be more than glad to (INAUDIBLE). Chairman Winton: OK. Any other discussion on Item 5? Do we have a make -- do we have a maker of the motion? We have a motion and a second? Commissioner Gonzalez: I made it. Chairman Winton: OK. So, we have a motion and a second. Further discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-705 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE ALLOCATION 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ENTITLEMENT FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,140,000, AND PROGRAM INCOME, IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000,000, FOR A TOTAL OF $15,140,000, TO SUPPORT CITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES AS SPECIFIED FOR THE 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003. 77 June 24, 2003 (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. 7. AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, $471,770, FROM COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/MICRO BUSINESS LOAN BUSINESS PROGRAM TO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/GROW MIAMI FUND FOR COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM. Chairman Winton: Item 6. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): This is a request we got from the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). They had some funding going back to May 12, 1998 for half a million dollars ($500,000) to do a Micro Business Loan Program, and what we're saying in here is that we agree to have them do a joint venture with National Development Council to operate as a Community Development bank in partnership with NDC (National Development Council) relationship communities throughout the United States. There's some contract conditions that we're putting. Number one, GMF will provide staff to operate GMF; provide reporting to the CRA. Will provide training and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) buildings to the local staff. They're also responsible for any U.S. HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) reporting requirement and any requirements on reporting from the City. We also have the right to negotiate their administrative budget and they are willing to return a two percent preferred return, and they're bringing in their dollars. Vice Chairman Teele: Public hearing. Chairman Winton: Yes. Anyone from the public would like to speak on Item Number 6? Vice Chairman Teele: Does the administration support this item? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, we do. Vice Chairman Teele: I so move. 78 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chairman Winton: Close the public hearing. Motion and a second. Discussion. Commissioner Sanchez: Discussion. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Barbara, Item 6 gives roughly about 470 and then Item 7 gives 600,000. Ms. Rodriguez: Item 6 is four hundred and seventy-one thousand, seven hundred and seventy - dollars ($471,770). Commissioner Sanchez: And seven? Ms. Rodriguez: Number 7 is other CRA dollars that deal with CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HOME (Home Investment Partnership Program) funding. That is roughly another million. Commissioner Sanchez: It's around a million. Let me just get to my point. And it's just moving very prudent and being very careful. This is an agency that, although it's made improvement, it still lacks financial controls. There is an audit that's in the process right now that I think we're all waiting for the outcome of that audit. And you know, I just want to be very cautious, that we're going to be putting one million dollars ($1,000,000) into an agency that's going through an audit right now, or close to a million dollars ($1,000,000). Ms. Rodriguez: We're not putting a million dollars ($1,000,000). We're taking away from CRA a million dollars ($1,000,000). I'm putting out an RFP (Request for Proposal) that the City will administer for housing activity. So, in reality, on Item 7, you're taking a million dollars ($1,000,000) away from CRA. Commissioner Sanchez: Withdraw. Chairman Winton: OK. Further discussion on Item 6? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. 79 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-706 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $471,770, FROM THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/MICRO BUSINESS LOAN BUSINESS PROGRAM TO THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/GROW MIAMI FUND FOR A COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM; REQUIRING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND GROW AMERICA FUND, INC. TO ESTABLISH THE GROW MIAMI FUND AND REFLECT CONTRACT CONDITIONS, AS ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT CHANGES TO SAID CONTRACT CONDITIONS BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FURTHER DIRECTING THAT SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO SAID CONTRACT CONDITIONS BE PRESENTED TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez 80 June 24, 2003 8. AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM FUNDS, $415,000, FROM COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/COUNTY LAND USE CODES (CRA/CLUC) 90 PROJECTS AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM FUNDS, $646,192, AND FROM CRA/HOMEBUYER'S PRE -QUALIFICATION PROGRAM TO CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM FOR HOUSING NEEDS IN CRA AREA; ADOPT CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM POLICY RELATED TO DISTRIBUTION OF CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND HOMEOWNERSHIP ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY CDBG AND HOME PROGRAMS. Chairman Winton: Item 7. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 7 was a direction from administration on May 8. The City Commission directed the administration to meet with the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) staff and come back with some proposals of the money that they have there that had not been used. After we did the settlement with St. Johns, the balance that they had left in the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding was four hundred and fifteen thousand dollars ($415,000). They also had left six hundred and forty six thousand, one hundred and ninety-two. And what we're requesting is that we take back that money from CRA; that we put out a Request for Proposal to fund housing projects in the CRA area, with the same leverage requirement, five to one for rental, two for one home ownership projects, and that this money be used for that. Chairman Winton: This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 7? Anyone from the public on Item 7? Being none, we'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: Moved. Chairman Winton: We have a motion. Second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. 81 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-707 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $415,000, FROM THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/COUNTY LAND USE CODES ("CRA/CLUC") 90 PROJECTS AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS ("HOME") PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $646,192, FROM THE CRA/HOMEBUYER' S PRE -QUALIFICATION PROGRAM TO THE CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM FOR HOUSING NEEDS IN THE CRA AREA; FURTHER ADOPTING THE CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM POLICY RELATED TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CRA HOUSING PILOT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND HOMEOWNERSHIP ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY THE CDBG AND HOME PROGRAMS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez 9. AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF 28" YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, $178,800, OF DISTRICT 2 HOUSING RESERVE FUNDS IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY TO RAFAEL HERNANDEZ HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR QUALIFIED LOW AND MODERATE -INCOME FAMILIES, PLANNED ON FORMERLY CITY -OWNED PARCELS IN ALLAPATTAH AND WYNWOOD COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS; GRANT EXTENSION OF TIME FROM MARCH 1, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31, 2004 TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION AND SALE OF SAID HOMES. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 8 is a reserve money that District 2 had, the housing reserve money for a hundred and seventy-eight thousand, eight hundred that 82 June 24, 2003 District 2 did not use on the 28th Year and what we're requesting is that it be loaned -- it will be a construction loan to Rafael Hernandez to construct four units. This money will be paid back to the City in the amount of four hundred -- forty-four thousand, seven hundred upon the sale of each house. Construction must commence by December 31, 2003. We're also looking for an extension. We gave them the -- these are City -owned parcels that we need to extend. I do want to make a change on the record that this says March 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004. And it should read, March 31, 2004 and we want to extend it to December 31, 2004. Vice Chairman Teele: Public hearing. Chairman Winton: Public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item 8? Anyone from the public on Item 8? We'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: So moved. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor aye.99 The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-708 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF 28TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $178,800, FROM DISTRICT 2 HOUSING RESERVE FUNDS IN THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY TO THE RAFAEL HERNANDEZ HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR QUALIFIED LOW AND MODERATE -INCOME FAMILIES, PLANNED ON FORMERLY CITY -OWNED PARCELS IN THE ALLAPATTAH AND WYNWOOD COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS AS REFERENCED IN THE CONTRACT CONDITIONS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; GRANTING AN EXTENSION OF TIME FROM MARCH 31, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31, 2004 TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION AND SALE OF SAID HOMES; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT CONTAINING THE CONTRACT CONDITIONS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, WITH SAID AGENCY, FOR SAID PURPOSE. 83 June 24, 2003 (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzdlez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Teele: Are all of those lots in District 2? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. 10. APPROVE ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 HOPWA PROGRAM FUNDS, $10,617,000, AND FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 UNALLOCATED HOPWA PROGRAM FUNDS $5,200,000, FOR TOTAL $15,817,000, TO AGENCIES SPECIFIED TO PROVIDE HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND RELATED SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH AIDS. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 9 is Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Funding. As you remember in December 12, we did hear from the community and they raised some concerns that the City was not bringing in community participation. As directed by the Commission, we hired a company name Apple Tree Perspective. They were retained. They did conduct a needs assessment and planning process. We had three months that we basically had interviews. HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) also assigned a company name AIDS of Washington. We did complete it. We did become part of the Miami -Dade Partnership. They have agreed with the recommendations that we're also making. And this is basically funding. We did have three public hearings because this is Countywide. This is not citywide. This is Countywide. And basically, it has different funding. It does have the long-term housing project. Long-term housing is like a Section 8 voucher where people get to live wherever they want to live. We are saying that we will have a thousand, two hundred people in it. And that is an equivalent to the first chart that you have attached in attachment 8 for eleven million, six hundred and twenty- eight thousand, six hundred and twenty-five. We are funding a housing and information and referral advocacy for two hundred. Technical assistance, again, the Apple Tree Perspective, a hundred thousand. Project base rental, we have two buildings that we presently fund in Miami Beach area for a hundred and fifty thousand. We are funding special needs, Better Way, Catholic Charities, Genesis Program, and the South Florida Jail Ministry for three hundred and seventy-seven thousand, three hundred and ninety-two. We are also funding and putting money 84 June 24, 2003 aside for capital improvement -- capital funding, which we're recommending part four, MOVERS and Miami Beach Community Development Corporation, contingent that it will go through the loan committee. We are also funding an emergency program, a million five, which Commissioner Sanchez has been very vocal about it. So that is being funded. The total funding for HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons Living with AIDS) is fifteen million, eight hundred and seventeen thousand. Chairman Winton: This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 9? Anyone from the public on Item Number 9? We'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: So moved. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion? Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: I want to compliment you, Ms. Rodriguez, for handling this matter in a manner in which obviously the public is much more satisfied. I think one of the problems that we've created at the City is we have not charged the administration, I think, with solving problems. I mean, the Commission is available to hear appeals and problems that can't be fixed at the administration. I think too often we've entertained things. I think the way in which we entertained this and send it back to you all instructing you to hire outside consultants, you know, it could still be a disaster. But it's obvious that someone had a change in attitude and a change in approach, and, you know, this was a horrible situation six months ago and the fact that no one's here raising is a compliment, I think to you, personally, Ms. Rodriguez, and your staff. And, you know, notwithstanding the 10 percent cut or 50 percent cut I was talking about. I was only joking -- Ms. Rodriguez: Thank you. Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: -- in that regard. I mean, I do see some evidence of improvement. And this is really a real point that I think you should take some personal satisfaction. Chairman Winton: All in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. 85 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-709 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 HOPWA PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,617,000, AND FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003 UNALLOCATED HOPWA PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,200,000, FOR A TOTAL OF $15,817,000, TO THE AGENCIES SPECIFIED IN "ATTACHMENT A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, TO PROVIDE HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND RELATED SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH AIDS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH EACH AGENCY FOR LONG TERM ASSISTANCE SERVICES, WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW THE AGREEMENT FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR AT A RENEGOTIATED FEE, AT THE CITY MANAGER'S DISCRETION. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. 11. AUTHORIZE ALLOCATION OF 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, $3,500,000 OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003, TO AGENCIES SPECIFIED. Chairman Winton: Item 10. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 10 is Economic Development funding, and in this economic development funding we have a pilot project that is going to be administered by the Real Estate and Economic Development of this City. It's going to have two hundred and fifty thousand for Martin Luther King Boulevard. And the other one is two hundred 86 June 24, 2003 and fifty thousand for Southwest 8th Street. It also funds the normal Facade Program that we have. We are putting the money also for code compliance, Commissioner Gonzalez, that you mentioned earlier today. And we also funding seven hundred thousand for businesses, commercial facade businesses. In District 5, we're also funding a new category basically that is infrastructure. Commissioner Sanchez: Barbara, do we have a breakdown as to how much of those funds are for bricks and mortar and how many are for administrative costs? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: Program. Ms. Rodriguez: The three hundred and twenty-five thousand, zero sixty-eight is code compliance direct to businesses. No administration. Commercial Facade Program have seven hundred thousand that is also direct to businesses. The five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) that REED (Real Estate and Economic Development) is going to administer is totally for businesses. The rest of the dollars, with the exception of the one that we'll be negotiating with Word of Life, is for administration. Chairman Regalado: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Teele: Public hearing. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Chairman Regalado: Here we go again. Are we -- are we going to start this 8th Street Program soon? Chairman Winton: You mean the one that's mentioned in here? Chairman Regalado: Yeah, the one that just mentioned that Economic Development is going to administer. Commissioner Sanchez: The WEED Pilot Program. Keith Carswell: Keith Carswell, Director for Economic Development. In talking with the County as recent as yesterday, they are looking at taking the resolutions to the County Commission in September. It is our hope to begin the program as early as October of this year. Chairman Regalado: Before we do something, we need to start a campaign to tell the merchants in the Southwest 8th Corridor of the availability of the project, and that the City is involved. Because you know what's going to happen? The County is going to get all the honor -- Vice Chairman Teele: They'll put up all the signs. 87 June 24, 2003 Chairman Regalado: Already -- no. Let me tell you. Already -- and this is why I'm saying this. Already the County has sent pamphlets to the merchants in Southwest 8th Street saying, we have available money from Miami -Dade County. Contact your County Commissioner. You know, we always -- Chairman Winton: Except it has to be matched 75 percent from us. Chairman Regalado: It happens always, you know. But -- so, I'm just saying that when we do that or when we're ready to do it, we need to at least do a very proactive job in telling the merchants that this is available. Mr. Carswell: We will do that, Commissioner. Chairman Winton: Thank you. This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number -- what are we on? Ms. Rodriguez: Ten. Chairman Winton: On Item Number 10. Yes, sir. Name and address for the record, please. Patrick Bros: Name is Patrick Bros with Catholic charities, Pierre Toussaint, 130 Northeast 62nd Street. The folder I just gave you is projects submitted this year by all the agencies doing a Facade Program, and on it you'll see that Pierre Toussaint is the second biggest, as far as submitting projects or to be -- to have the clearance. And this year we -- first, I will say thank you to Commissioner Regalado and Mr. Gonzalez for putting out a motion on May 12 to move money for this year, to improve the facade in District 5. But as well, we were recommended this year for any facade money. Vice Chairman Teele: You what? Mr. Bros: We were not recommended for any facade money. And that's -- that's one of the question that we had and we want to put in front of Commission as far as if they could look into how money is allocated. Chairman Winton: Barbara. Ms. Rodriguez: They're not being recommended, number one, because they just got awarded twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) more than what they did last year. We took the money away from Black Archives, which was District 5, and the Commissioner gave it to Pierre Toussaint. That contract has not been negotiated and the agreement is that that contract is going to kick in for next year. So, in reality, they're getting twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) more than they're getting this year with that funding. And that was already approved at the last Commission meeting. Chairman Winton: Do you understand that? I mean, I didn't understand it. 88 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: They got a hundred and twenty thousand at the last Commission meeting. Chairman Winton: I'm sorry? Ms. Rodriguez: They got approved at the last Commission meeting for a hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) that we -- Chairman Winton: For this coming year. Ms. Rodriguez: That is going to them for next year. Chairman Winton: OK. Ms. Rodriguez: Now, did they get approved through this RFP (Request for Proposal)? No. They already got funded even before. Vice Chairman Teele: They got funded ahead of everybody else. Ms. Rodriguez: You got it. Vice Chairman Teele: Plus, we took the money -- the excess money from Black Archives, earmarked it -- plus I'm going to do something else. Ms. Rodriguez: Correct. Vice Chairman Teele: But this is what bothers me about this, Barbara. Here you have a grant agency. This gentleman is being paid largely by the City, I'm sure, and yet, there doesn't seem to be enough -- Ms. Rodriguez: No. I personally spoke to him. The day of the appeal, I explained to him -- I have explained to his director. I sat down with him and I told him, you're getting twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) more. Commissioner Winton -- Vice Chairman Teele: Twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) more than what? Ms. Rodriguez: Than a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) that he got last year. Last year he got a hundred -- Vice Chairman Teele: So, they get a total of a hundred and twenty -- Ms. Rodriguez: A hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) next year. Mr. Bros: Now, remember again, it's an amendment. And I still don't have it on paper, number one. And two, I think being not recommended, which is my main purpose, is you -- it's like you're working the whole year for something and then -- 89 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Well, I don't know how you're missing this point. But it isn't as though you're not recommended. You're getting the money from a different pool of dollars. Ms. Rodriguez: That's right. Mr. Bros: OK. Chairman Winton: That's not "not recommended". I mean, you're getting the money. Vice Chairman Teele: If you want a letter from the department that says that we're funding you because -- even though you're not receiving funds this year, we're making those funds -- I could see why you would want a letter that basically says -- Ms. Rodriguez: They do have a letter. And I did talk to his boss that -- Vice Chairman Teele: Who's his boss? Ms. Rodriguez: Dr. Terrace (phonetic). And he did come to our office. I explained to him what was the issue and he does have a letter that says that they were awarded this fund and for the area that they have to service. Mr. Bros: We do have a spread sheet showing money, but -- Chairman Winton: I think that you're pressing it, if you know what I mean. Mr. Bros: I'm -- Chairman Winton: You know. We've got a lot of people here that didn't get anything and -- Commissioner Gonzalez: May I, Mr. Chairman? Chairman Winton: Yes. Commissioner Gonzalez: I'm trying to understand this log that you just handed out to us. Are these projects that you did last year? Mr. Bros: That's projects being done. Commissioner Gonzalez: How many have you completed so far? Mr. Bros: So far, it's about 20 -- I have in shop, in City of Miami, about 25. Commissioner Gonzalez: You have completed 25? 90 June 24, 2003 Mr. Bros: Twenty-five. Of whom, 19, about 20 were paid and about nine of them -- about six or seven of them still invoiced to be paid. Commissioner Sanchez: But this report you're giving us is the entire City Facade Program, correct? Mr. Bros: This is entire City Facade Program that they are sending for clearance, environmental clearance. Commissioner Sanchez: And you've done 28? Mr. Bros: Sorry? Commissioner Sanchez: You've done 28 or you're in the process of doing 28? Mr. Bros: No, no. That's 28 completed. Twenty-eight completed. But in being done already, I should have about 40 something, 44, about. Chairman Winton: Well, unless I'm something -- missing something here, is there any reason for further -- I mean, this is a public hearing part. We've answered the questions. Can we move on, please? Vice Chairman Teele: Sure. Mr. Bros: And thank you again -- Chairman Winton: Thank you. Mr. Bros: -- Commissioners, for your understanding. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Next. Leroy Jones: Good afternoon. Leroy Jones, Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Executive Director, 180 Northwest 62nd Street. First of all, I'd like to thank Ms. Barbara Rodriguez and her staff for recommendation of a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). Very appreciative of the hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). It's the same amount we received last year. However, I do want to say that we was hoping we could get at least two hundred thousand, and the reason why is because in the last three years, we've put over four million dollars ($4,000,000) on the streets for small businesses and every Commissioner that's sitting here, except Commissioner Regalado district, have benefited from that. We got a million dollar ($1,000,000) Mom and Pop Grant Program that's being ran through Miami -Dade County. No, the money is not coming from the City, but because of the technical money we receive from you all, it allow us to give the technical assistance to the businesses that's needed. So, where the money is not directly coming from the City of Miami, but because we get the technical assistance dollars, it allow us to help businesses in each one of you all districts. So, why I sit down and I see how fortunate we is to receive or be recommended for the hundred and fifty 91 June 24, 2003 thousand dollars ($150,000), I do want to say that ninety percent of the businesses that we help come from the City of Miami, and only 30 percent of our budget come from the City. Ninety percent of the businesses that benefited from the -- over four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the last three years came from the City of Miami. And we did take a cut from the County this year, so we is looking for the City to at least pick us up a little bit, you know. I mean, a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) we greatly appreciate it. So, I don't want to stand here and seem like I'm not appreciative of the hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). But our workload have tripled this year. We got a lot of more businesses we helping, a lot of more funding that we dealing with. A lot of more programs that we helping. And if you can, please consider, you know, us for additional fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Anyone else from the public on Item Number 10? Ernie Martin: I'm Ernie Martin -- Chairman Winton: And if there's anyone else from the public wants to speak, would you please come up and get behind -- I don't want -- Vice Chairman Teele: Dr. Martin here. Chairman Winton: Yes. Thank you. Mr. Martin: I'm Ernie Martin from -- Chairman Winton: Anyone who -- anyone from -- on Item 10, please step forward to the podium. Yes, sir, Ernie. Mr. Martin: Yeah. I'm from the Spring Garden Civic Association. I live at 1000 Northwest North River Drive and let me tell you, I understand the daunting job that is before you today. For 14 years I ran the County's Community and Economic Development programs all through the 1980s and some of the `90s and I certainly understand how Ms. Rodriguez has a terrible challenge on her hand, because at least I presided over a program at a time when they were expanded federal resources. And I also understand how difficult it is for you to sit up on the dais and understand how, when there are greater needs than ever, you have fewer resources and I shared that obligation when I was with Commissioner Teele when he was on the County Commission. So, again, I'm not here to criticize or appeal anything. I just wanted to take this opportunity to bring you up-to-date on something that I haven't done in 18 months and I think I owe you that obligation, and that is the status of the -- an update on the Spring Garden Point Park and the historic Seabold Canal House, which was purchased in 1999 as the first new park on the Miami River Greenway. And it was done under a unique, very unique partnership that was created by this Commission, the Parks and Recreation Department, and with great creativity by the Trust for Public Land. And has since been used as a model across the country for financially strapped cities to find ways in which they can work with their neighborhood citizenry and volunteers to create new park open spaces in areas that they were no longer able to have the resources to -- from the federal government to provide. 92 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Ernie, you only have 20 seconds left, by the way. Mr. Martin: The model included -- pardon me? Chairman Winton: I said you only have 20 seconds left, so I hope you're not -- Mr. Martin: The model included having a civic association that would agree to raise the funds, provide the maintenance of the park and then turn the park over to the City and, in our case, for the year 2007. Since then, we have raised three hundred thousand from the State Florida Community Development Trust, three hundred thousand from the Miami -Dade County to acquire the site and deed it over to the City in 1999. In 2000, we have gotten two of the three permits required by the federal government and local requirements. We have worked with the City on the adjacent property to acquire it and are in the process of hiring -- have hired the Historic Preservation architect, one of the best in the City, Thorn Grafton. And we have, in summary, raised six hundred thousand for the purchase, three hundred and thirty-four thousand through a partnership with your City administration and the Parks and Recreation Department. Two hundred and seventy six thousand was just awarded on Saturday by the Florida Inland Navigation District and matched by the Florida -- by Dade County Department of Environmental Resources, and ten thousand dollars ($10,000) from the Dunn Foundation. Our total that we've raised so far, one million, two hundred and twenty thousand. I'm here to tell you we're still three hundred and eleven thousand dollars ($311,000) short. We're ahead of schedule. We're planning this park for the year 2007. We hope to have it opened by 2004. We need every help we can get from you. It may not be today. It may be at a later date, but I want every suggestion that you can possibly give me and I thank you for your time. Chairman Winton: Thank you very much. Vice Chairman Teele: Barbara, one question. We made a big mistake, at least from my vantage point. This is the first year since Commissioner Winton has been on the Commission, that we did not have a Historic Preservation category to go out. You know, we've done that now for three years in a row. Are we going to go out with a supplemental Historic Preservation? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: When is that going to go out and what -- Ms. Rodriguez: September. Vice Chairman Teele: -- what's the total dollar? Ms. Rodriguez: I couldn't tell you because what we're going to be doing is, all the program income that we'll be generating will go out and as you mentioned and you instructed us, I will be meeting with the ones that we funded partially to see the additional dollars that they might need. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. Well, in the future, I really think we ought to put the historic -- as a category, eligible category, under either Housing or Economic Development or something. 93 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: We will. Vice Chairman Teele: And capital improvement. And then just indicate that we'll -- Ms. Rodriguez: Right. It was an oversight. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. Thank you. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: It was an oversight. Janitza Kaplan: Good evening. My name is Janitza Kaplan, Director of Rafael Hernandez Housing and Economic Development Corp. The reason I'm here, I just really want to thank you very much for all your support and all your dedication. It's amazing the leadership that's been at this dais today. And how you really rally together to make sure that all of us, and our different clients from the different areas that we serve, continue to receive the services that they expect from all of us. So, thank you very much for all your hard work. Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you for saying thank you. Nobody else does. Chairman Winton: We don't get many of them. Yes, sir. Max Rameau: Good evening. Max Rameau, 810 Northwest 47th Terrace. Just really quickly, I wanted to encourage the Commission to give money to Little Haiti Edison Federal Credit Union. They applied for money. They have two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in monies to give out in loans to small businesses and they just need money to administer that amount to hand out loans and just for the -- they give money to very low income people and very low income businesses. Just for the record, I don't work for them. I don't -- I'm not a lobbyist. I am a member and that's all. Chairman Winton: Thank you. OK. Anyone else from the public on Item 10? Being none, we'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: So moved. Chairman Winton: We have a motion. Second. Any further discussion? Vice Chairman Teele: Comment, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: Madam Director, what can be done for the credit union? 94 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: They presently have funding of a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) that was awarded to them two years ago that they were not able to use. We are working with them to come back and activate those dollars. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. That was my understanding. Max, were you aware of that? Mr. Rameau: I was not (INAUDIBLE). Vice Chairman Teele: OK. OK. I think the important thing that we need to do is to get the word out that they need to come in and try to negotiate a contract. The second thing is this: Barbara, where are we on the hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the Micro Loan Program for the ex -felons? Ms. Rodriguez: It's Item 14. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. So that's still coming up. And I talked to the Mayor about that again today and he is supporting that. And I guess that will come back in September under funding. And I think one of the things regarding that program is that will be in addition to the hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). Now, I think it's time we got -- Chairman Winton: Leroy, this is not a public hearing. So -- Vice Chairman Teele: But I'm glad he's here. Chairman Winton: Yeah. Vice Chairman Teele: Because I think it's time we got one or two -- Commissioner Sanchez: What item is this? Which item is this? Chairman Winton: We're still on 10. Vice Chairman Teele: We're on Item Number 10. The hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) that is going to NANA (Neighbors and Neighbors Association) is all administration and technical assistance. Linda Haskins (Chief Financial Officer): Correct. Vice Chairman Teele: OK. And that's the largest administration and technical assistance of all of the categories in District 5 and public service, et cetera, and to the director -- to the Manager -- Chairman Winton: Is that yes? Ms. Haskins: Yes. 95 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Thank you. Vice Chairman Teele: Huh? Chairman Winton: I wanted her -- she didn't -- she shook her head. We couldn't hear it on the record. Vice Chairman Teele: To the Manager, I think it's really important that we sit down with the organization and really have some training sessions with them, because if they're providing technical assistance, which I've supported now for two years, we should not have the kinds of comments that are going back and forth with business owners. The business owners are entitled to be able to go into an office and sit down and meet with the management before the fact. And be treated and afforded the same courtesies that we would afford the owner of Carnival Cruise Lines or the owner of One Miami, et cetera, we've got to stop this crisis management, where business owners are coming down to the Commission. Because all we wind up doing is sending them back to the management. If we're spending a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for technical assistance, it's really important, I think, that the Manager and the management sit down with the organizations and we go through a training process that a person, again, Barbara -- and I've said this at every point -- someone needs to be designated as the liaison, OK. It doesn't necessarily have to be Barbara Rodriguez or a person -- it needs to be the person who can best answer the questions and concerns, because I still have got a lot of questions based upon the last time you all were here about this occupational license thing. But bringing it down to the Commission and having, you know, a presentation doesn't solve the problem. And we need to be engaged in the coming here with solving the problem of those businesses. I went into a business the other day on 17th Avenue and I'm telling you, those businesses are really suffering. There is something going wrong out there. Rollins Grocery Store, just to be one that I happened to go to because they had put in a call. They're not stocked and we need to sit around the table and try to come up with some creative solutions on how we can provide resources. One of the by-products of depopulating the area, Ms. Cooper, you know, depopulating a lot of that Section 8 Housing and all of that, is that those businesses out there are really suffering. So, I think, you know, what NANA is doing is really what is needed. But what we need to do is we need to work with NANA and provide some training modules on how the process works, because it always comes out that I feel bad when businesses come down here because all we're going to wind up doing is asking them to meet with the management. We're putting up a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). This thing ought to work like a finely tuned Jaguar, I think. Ms. Haskins: We'll be more than glad to meet with Neighbors and Neighbors. Chairman Winton: But it's going to be more than CD (Community Development). I mean, this is not just Community Development. Ms. Haskins: Absolutely. We're in the process right now of working on a training program for local businesses. As part of -- we're trying to put together a revision of the MWBE Program that we have for purchasing. And part of that, one of the legs of that is a training program for local businesses and how to respond to our RFPs and RFQ (Request For Qualification) and our 96 June 24, 2003 (UNINTELLIGIBLE) so that we can not only reach out to the local companies, but also train them in how to respond and make sure that we have the right way of reaching them. But I -- these points are very well taken, and we will work as a group within the City to make sure that we try to address some thing. It's something that's a priority of the administration and I know it's always been a priority of the Commission from the time I started here. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you. Mr. Jones, I just wanted to give you an opportunity -- Mr. Chairman. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. I just -- I just want to say it's one of the criteria that a Mom and Pop Program now is that every business that awarded money through that process have to take an eight-hour business course training class, mandatory right now, you know, but -- with that incident where Mr. Rollins is, you can't help that all the people been moved out of the area. So, all the training in the world ain't going to help him with stock on the shelves if the people not there to patronize the business. So, I welcome to work with the City of Miami any time. Vice Chairman Teele: But, Leroy -- Mr. Jones: I got a contract officer that comes out and monitor me, anything that I can do to help those businesses. I welcome CD. And, Ms. Rodriguez, we met to sit down. Anything that we can do to help the businesses because that's what I'm here for. Chairman Winton: Commissioner -- Vice Chairman Teele: But let me just say this also about the training. Madam Manager, an RFP (Request for Proposal) training and all that -- I don't mean to be pessimistic -- it's really not going to get the moms and pops. Ms. Haskins: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: Let me tell you what they really need. What they really need are some small miscellaneous contracts that go out for ten thousand dollars ($10,000), fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), five thousand dollars ($5,000), forty-five hundred dollars ($4500), where -- because once you -- let me tell you, the big -- once you start butting out these RFPs, the insurance requirement is going to be 10 times or five times what they would normally have. But, yet and still, we've got a lot of work, we've got a lot of work -- and, Ms. Cooper, you know we've got a lot of yard work that needs to be done. We don't need to put those things out in hundred thousand dollar ($100,000) increments. It's a lot more work on the City. A lot more work on the City. But if we really want to get the money out into businesses in the area, we've got to break those contracts down to five and 10 and fifteen thousand dollar ($15,000) Requests for Proposals or Invitations to Bid and not just bids, but, you know, even Requests for Qualifications. Ms. Haskins: Yeah. I misspoke, as I unfortunately do quite often when we're talking about all the technicalities in purchasing, because even I have a problem with -- but that's what we are targeting, is those smaller bids where we don't have to go through that normal RFP process. Another part of the -- another leg in this is going through our ordinance to reduce the insurance 97 June 24, 2003 requirements, because we've known that our insurance requirements are way too high. Another leg is we've just started now in generating a report with every check run to look at how long it's taking us to pay invoices from the date they're rendered. Because another hurdle for small businesses is because the City has not necessarily, in the past, been good at paying its bills on time, small businesses can't afford to do the business with us because we -- they can't wait for 90 days to get their bills paid. We're required under state law to pay within 45 days, so that's another leg in this. But I think that there are things that we need to have the community involvement. So, what we will do is put together a group with Economic Development, Purchasing, Finance, we need to get through this whole occupational license and all the other licenses that we go through. So, we'll -- we can put together a working group -- Vice Chairman Teele: And the NET Office. Ms. Haskins: -- and come up with some real solutions and I would like to -- I talked with Leroy once before when I first came back over the administration side to see what we could do to help, and I will fast track that. Vice Chairman Teele: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Winton: OK. You're -- anything else on item -- do we have a motion, Madam -- Vice Chairman Teele: So moved, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Sanchez: What item was that? Chairman Winton: We do. We have a motion and a second? OK. Motion, second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. 98 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-710 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,500,000 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003, TO THE AGENCIES SPECIFIED IN "ATTACHMENT A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH EACH AGENCY, FOR SAID PURPOSE. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzdlez Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado 12. AUTHORIZE ALLOCATION OF 29TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, $804,500, FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT IN 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003, TO KIDCO CHILD CARE, INC., $100,000, TO EXPAND ITS CHILD CARE FACILITY, AND TO CITY'S DEPARTMENT OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, $704,500, FOR SIDEWALKS AND DRAINAGE THROUGHOUT CITY. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 12 is allocating eight hundred and four thousand, five hundred in Capital Improvement Projects, a hundred thousand will be going to Kidco Child Care, Inc., and seven hundred and four thousand will be going to the City of Miami Department of Capital Improvement. Vice Chairman Teele: So moved -- public hearing. 99 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Yes. Public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 12? Anyone from the public on Item Number 12? If not, we'll close the public hearing. Vice Chairman Teele: So moved. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chairman Winton: We have a motion and a second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Vice Chairman Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-711 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $804,500, FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE 29TH PROGRAM YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003, TO KIDCO CHILD CARE, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000, TO EXPAND ITS CHILD CARE FACILITY, AND TO THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $704,500, FOR SIDEWALKS AND DRAINAGE THROUGHOUT THE CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT(S), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH SAID AGENCY, FOR SAID PURPOSE. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, may I -- 100 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: -- inquire? The seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) going to the City, is that going in any specified area or is it just going to capital -- Ms. Rodriguez: No, it's not going into any specified area. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, I would ask, again, -- you know, we turned down -- and I don't know if there's this coordination, but we turn down one or two grants where people came in and said we need cameras. We need a better security system, locks in parks, et cetera. We -- because we didn't think that was appropriate for public services. But it is appropriate for capital improvement. And I would just hope that there would be a priority of these dollars to go into the various parks throughout the City, where there are certain repair activities that need to be done. And it really -- security has got to be a high priority in these areas, respectfully. Chairman Winton: OK. 13. GRANT EXTENSION FROM DECEMBER 14, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31, 2004, TO BAME DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. (BAME), TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION AND SALE OF FORTY NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR QUALIFIED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ON CERTAIN FORMERLY CITY - OWNED PARCELS IN OVERTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD AT NORTHWEST 6T" AND 8T" STREETS BETWEEN NORTHWEST 5T" AND 6T" AVENUES; RELEASE CITY AND SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FROM OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE MARKETING FOR NEW HOPE OVERTOWN HOUSING PROJECT. Chairman Winton: Thirteen. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Thirteen is, we're looking for an extension on the contract for BAME (Bethel African Methodist Episcopal) and this is on the new hope Overtown project and basically, this goes back many years and finally we are in construction. It is going up. And we're looking for an extension from December 14, 2002 to December 31, 2004. And we are looking -- this is 40 new single-family homes to low and moderate income people. Chairman Winton: Public hearing. Anyone from the public like to speak on Item Number 13? Anyone -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Move Item 13. Chairman Winton: Close the public hearing. Got a motion. Need a second. Commissioner Teele. Vice Chairman Teele: Second. 101 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Got a motion and a second on Item 13. Discussion. Commissioner Sanchez: Just discussion. Are we going to have an Agency Productivity Performance Report? Are they going to have one? Ms. Rodriguez: This is not administration. This is brick and mortar actual construction project. There are no administration funding here. And we are not awarding them no dollars. We are extending the time in order for them to complete the project. Chairman Winton: OK. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gonzdlez, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-712 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION GRANTING AN EXTENSION FROM DECEMBER 14, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31, 2004, TO BAME DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. ("BAME"), TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION AND SALE OF FORTY (40) NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR QUALIFIED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ON CERTAIN FORMERLY CITY -OWNED PARCELS IN THE OVERTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD AT NORTHWEST 6TH AND 8T11 STREETS BETWEEN NORTHWEST 5TH AND 6TH AVENUES, MIAMI FLORIDA; RELEASING THE CITY AND THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FROM THE OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE MARKETING FOR THE NEW HOPE OVERTOWN HOUSING PROJECT ("PROJECT"); AND HOLDING BAME SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR MARKETING THE PROJECT; STATING THE INTENTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION RELATED TO THE DATE OF CONVEYANCE OF TITLE TO SAID PARCELS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSES. 102 June 24, 2003 (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Vice Chairman Teele: How are the presales on this project? Ms. Rodriguez: It's going very good. We were very low on it and we have got it now a task team of LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation), National Bank, and the City. And it is moving forward. Vice Chairman Teele: How many units are there and how many presales do we have? Ms. Rodriguez: I don't have that information in front of me. I could have it for you and send you some information -- Vice Chairman Teele: Didn't I see the B.A.M.E. representative? Ms. Rodriguez: Mr. Mauzy is here. Bill Mauzy: Bill Mauzy, President/CEO of B.A.M.E. Development. To your question, Commissioner, the first nine houses are going up. We had 15 applications. We've -- as of today, we have four that's approved. The others are in the credit process. So, I can't tell you whether all nine are locked down or not. But that's where we are. And we have the application in for the next 14 houses and permitting, as we speak. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, congratulations. One of the things that I want to do -- I see people all the time, as I go, especially in churches, a lot of City of Miami employees come up to me -- I don't remember two people have come up to me in the last two weeks in churches, that work in Solid Waste. They want to buy a house. Commissioner Gonzalez: Send them to ABDA (Allapattah Business Development Association), to Allapattah. Vice Chairman Teele: Well, what we ought to do Commissioner Sanchez: Who? 103 June 24, 2003 Vice Chairman Teele: Huh? Commissioner Gonzalez: We've got 10 apartments that we need to sell. Vice Chairman Teele: But what we ought to do then, Karen, if we could work, we need to get a notice over to Solid Waste, something we could publish, because -- you know, we've got this crazy rule that I want to take -- have a discussion tomorrow on. We ought to look out for the people that live and work in this City. And one of the things that will enhance the quality of life more than anything is if you get people in Solid Waste and Code Enforcement that live in the City, they're going to do a much better job and there's going to be a lot more. So, if you could work with us -- Mr. Mauzy: I have a -- we've started -- I have a program that we just put together, and the first fliers are on my desk now for medical personnel, for firemen, for teachers, and for police officers. There's a special for them to get into home ownership and that's a part of this whole piece. So, it sounds like it's all the same thing. Vice Chairman Teele: Unfortunately, the City rules in the past that -- we passed an exemption for homeownership, didn't we? But we didn't do the whole thing. But City rules have just worked against the employees of the City. Mr. Mauzy: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: It's crazy. 14. AUTHORIZE GRANT, $100,000, TO NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (N.A.N.A.) TO ASSIST TWENTY SMALL BUSINESSES; ALLOCATE FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT TO BE IDENTIFIED BY MANAGER. Chairman Winton: OK. Item 14. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): Item 14 is the hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to Neighbors and Neighbors, and this is basically from future Community Development Block Grant Funds program income. And it is to do -- it's to Neighbors and Neighbors and it's to assist 20 small businesses. And I do want to make sure that we change the resolution to say that it is from future Community Development Block Grant Funds. Vice Chairman Teele: And it's five thousand dollars ($5,000) with commitment, right? Five thousand dollars ($5,000) -- Leroy Jones: Yes, sir. Per business. Vice Chairman Teele: For up to 20 businesses. Ms. Rodriguez: A hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for up to 20 businesses. 104 June 24, 2003 Chairman Winton: Is this a public hearing? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Chairman Winton: OK. Public hearing. Anyone from the public would like to speak? Leroy. Mr. Jones: Leroy Jones, 180 -- 4055 Northwest 17th Avenue, Neighbors and Neighbors Association. I do want to say, I'm hoping that all the Commissioners will unanimously vote and approve this. This is only a one-time deal we're coming and ask for this. I promise you we won't be back again. Because I planning on using this money as leverage to get some matching dollars. Hopefully, we can raise, with this hundred thousand, another two hundred thousand, which will give each business fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) a piece. And I think that's a real good start for a small business. I do want to say that I've been working on this since September 2001. We have identified, the guys that we want to use for the program already started the process with them. As a matter of fact, some of them already licensed already. Some of them already doing work. Already got a business already. So it's something we started on already, thanks to Commissioner Teele coming and requesting that we create this program. So, please, if you can -- and I do want to -- not long ago, at one of the other items, you mentioned about the County passing out leaflets on Southwest 8th Street, trying to get the businesses interested. And I'm sure that's the Commercial Revitalization Program. I want to say that NANA (Neighbors and Neighbors Association) has the best track record in Dade County of doing CRP (Commercial Revitalization Program) applications. No other agency does more CRP applications and get businesses qualified for funding than NANA. In our first year of doing commercial revitalization applications, the same application you talking about that they passing out on 8th Street, we did 17 applications the first year and all 17 got funded, in excess of nine hundred and some odd thousand dollars. So, I do want to say that you can refer those businesses to our agency and we'll be glad to do the applications for them. Vice Chairman Winton: Leroy, I want you to come back when the hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is gone. Mr. Jones: Yes. Vice Chairman Winton: And give us a report on how it went. Mr. Jones: No, I'm going to give you a report before it's gone. I plan on giving you a report -- Vice Chairman Teele: Yeah, but I don't want you to say what you just said. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Teele: Because if the program works, then we may want to expand it. And I appreciate the fact that you're not trying to create an entitlement, on and on and on. 105 June 24, 2003 Mr. Jones: Yes, sir Vice Chairman Teele: But the biggest problem that we have in this City is the poverty issue, and the only way we're going to change poverty is we've got to create more entrepreneurs, more business people who can hire more people. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Teele: I see this as being a very important program, if we can get it off the ground. Mr. Jones: I know each one of you Commissioners have some guys, and women, made some mistakes in your districts, and I would love to expand this program or help you in your district any way possible that I can. Vice Chairman Winton: OK. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Winton: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: I think we need to be very transparent here. This -- for small businesses but really it's to assist convicted felons, is that correct? Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: OK. You know, I'm in agreement that we have to make it work and fund it right and do things right, but let me just say something. How do we know -- you know, who's going to administer the loans where it's -- first of all, one, it's going to be fair to people that are going to come and apply for the loans. Second, you know, what conditions are going to exist to make sure that whoever is applying for these loans may be, you know, a convicted felon, but you know, it could be a murderer, it could be a rapist. You know, are we going to have any conditions to assure that the money that we're going to be giving out to assist these people start a business, which, you know, you talk about five thousand dollars ($5,000) to 20 individuals. I think right off the bat you're funding them to fail. So, that's something that I want to put on the record. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, this is not the program. This is the money. The program will come back -- when she identifies the money and that's when we will deal with the structure of the program. But I think the comments that you're raising are fair. Commissioner Sanchez: They are. Vice Chairman Teele: They're appropriate and they're the kind of things that the management and Mr. Jones need to work out now. 106 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: Exactly. Vice Chairman Teele: So that it's very clear -- but this is not the plat -- this is not the structure of the program. This is the platform -- Commissioner Sanchez: I understand. Vice Chairman Teele: -- as you said, in the case of being transparent. Commissioner Sanchez: Commissioner Teele, with all due respect, I agree with you. I just think that the mechanisms need to be in place. Vice Chairman Teele: Right. Commissioner Sanchez: So taxpayers don't come in front of this Commission or criticize as us throwing away a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) when we did not have any mechanisms in place to make sure that the program works, because -- let me tell you, you're going to be criticized. We're going to be criticized if it's not done right. And one thing -- I would like to have an agency that, first of all, knows how to provide loans. One, you qualify for the loans. So, in other words, there's paperwork involved. There's conditions involved for you to qualify for that loan. And those are the things that I just want to make -- want to see. Mr. Jones: You know, Commissioner, I -- Commissioner Sanchez: And those are fair questions. Mr. Jones: Commissioner, I'm going to tell you something. They are real fair and I appreciate everything you're saying, and everything you're saying is so right. I appreciate that. And we planned on selecting a committee that will review the applications. We have identified 20 guys already that we already started a process. We already been training them through the process. We've been giving them business training. So, we had -- we initially started that, Commissioner. Everything you -- Commissioner Sanchez: Leroy, I'm not questioning that. I just want to make sure that, as Commissioner Teele stated on the record, it's going to come back -- and I want to see the agency that's going to administer the loans and I want to see the process that's going to be established by the administration. Once I see that, I'm prepared to support it. Mr. Jones: Commissioner, all I'm asking you, Commissioner, is to allow me the opportunity because I think, without a doubt -- Commissioner Sanchez: Leroy, I've always given you the opportunity. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. 107 June 24, 2003 Commissioner Sanchez: I've always given you the opportunity. Mr. Jones: And I'm asking you to continue with that, Commissioner. I -- yes, sir. Gepsie Mettellus: Commissioners, Gepsie Mettellus, with the Haitian Neighborhood Center (unintelligible), 5000 Biscayne Boulevard. I just couldn't resist the opportunity to, on the record, publicly express my support for NANA and for all the great work that these guys have been doing for at least the past six years that I've been familiar with this initiative, with Leroy Jones, and a number of gentlemen who he's trying to help out and trying to really bring back into this mainstream process. I hear your question. I hear your concerns. But let me tell you again, based on my experience at the County, when we initially started supporting NANA and providing this opportunity, let me reassure you that so far, they have done extremely well and your investment and your support will not be rewarded properly. Just to say that from totally different -- Commissioner Sanchez: It will be rewarded properly? Ms. Mettellus: Will be rewarded properly. And you will not regret your support to that. Vice Chairman Winton: If I may interrupt here. I've got to leave right now because I have a public hearing up in the upper Eastside and people are sitting there waiting on me. Commissioner Sanchez: I think we're up to the last item. Vice Chairman Winton: Well -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Move 14. Vice Chairman Teele: Second. Vice Chairman Winton: Motion, second. Discussion? Being none, all in favor aye. The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Winton: Like sign opposed. The motion carries. 108 June 24, 2003 The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gonzalez, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 03-713 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000, TO NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (N.A.N.A.) TO ASSIST TWENTY SMALL BUSINESSES; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM FUTURE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM INCOME FUNDS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH N.A.N.A FOR SAID PURPOSE. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Chairman Johnny L. Winton Vice Chairman Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez Commissioner Joe Sanchez NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado 15. DISCUSSION CONCERNING SPECIFIC PROCESSES TO BE IMPLEMENTED TO PENALIZE CONTRACTORS WHO PERFORM POORLY IN SINGLE FAMILY REHABILITATION PROGRAM Commissioner Gonzalez: We've got an Item 15. Chairman Winton: We do? Commissioner Gonzalez: Got one in my agenda. Barbara Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): The Item 15 was just a directive from the City Commission on May 22nd and basically deals with the single-family program that Commissioner Teele was talking about. Commissioner Gonzalez: OK. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Chairman, I guess this is Commissioner Sanchez' discussion item, is that right? 109 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: No. This was a discussion item that came from all of you on May 22nd, that you wanted additional information in reference to the single-family program. And what we were going to do against the contractors. And, basically, we have a report from the internal affairs of the City of Miami Police Department that they're still on it; that the State of Florida, Department of Professional Regulation is also involved. The Department of Community Development is finishing up the financial piece. We will report back to the Commission at the end of July. Commissioner Gonzalez: I have a question. Are we going to be able to recuperate some of the money that we lost? Ms. Rodriguez: The first thing we're going to do is debar them, and once the investigation is over and we see the outcome, then we will work with the City Attorney's Office to see the next step. Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Well, we need to take any action? Vice Chairman Teele: Debarment is a quasi -legal proceeding. Commissioner Gonzalez: Right. Vice Chairman Teele: So, I think you all need to be real careful how you just announce you're going to -- Ms. Rodriguez: We're going to be -- Vice Chairman Teele: You're going to move for a debarment process. Ms. Rodriguez: -- working through the process. Correct. Vice Chairman Teele: But debarring someone is much more difficult than saying it, because it is a clear taking away of a right in which it is very much a quasi -legal proceeding. We have a satisfactory statute, an ordinance? Ms. Rodriguez: Yes. Vice Chairman Teele: I strongly think that we ought to move -- -- Ms. Rodriguez: It's handled by -- Vice Chairman Teele: -- moved forward with it, but -- Ms. Rodriguez: -- Procurement. Vice Chairman Teele: I'm very concerned that we do this in a judicious manner that doesn't give rise to a Taliban society kind of thing. It ought to be very deliberate and very thoughtfully done. 110 June 24, 2003 Ms. Rodriguez: We will. Vice Chairman Teele: Mr. Attorney, when will the debarment proceedings begin? Ms. Rodriguez: We still will start making the recommendations to the Department of Procurement. They're the one in responsible. They'll analyze our data and they will make the recommendation. Vice Chairman Teele: I strongly urge you all to work closely with the Law Department in every step of the way. Ms. Rodriguez: We will. Vice Chairman Teele: Otherwise, we can blow the thing before we even get started. Ms. Rodriguez: We will. Vice Chairman Teele: Other matters to come before the Commission? Commissioner Sanchez: So moved to adjourn. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Vice Chairman Teele: It's so ordered. 111 June 24, 2003 THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:07 P.M. ATTEST: Priscilla A. Thompson CITY CLERK Sylvia Scheider ASSISTANT CITY CLERK �oN 0I Fj ` i¢zonr �xe�to J 6CR6 •- Y,-Aill �O MANUEL A. DIAZ Iu/:X•9017 112 June 24, 2003