HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2001-07-10 MinutesMINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FWRIDA
3 ya th.
Or the 10A day of July 2001, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at it's regular
meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in Special Session.
'The meeting was called to order at 9:42 a.m. by Vice Chairman Wif edo Gort, with the
following members of the Commission found to be present:
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort (District 1)
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton (District 2) ,r
rr
Commissioner Joe Sanchez (District 3)
1
�yi�ks< d 7t
> 4 nz'fr 7 ,r i1�VJiiNWV ♦aacu%131-,
° 5'Walter J. Foeman City Clerk
RV7j�Sylvia Scheider, Assistant City Clock»�' x ,
t <r,
«^i�
NEW
gQ5 :2 5 f• s M r v s. E u' , 4. t X''S.
.rk'x i k 1 e riui'""K';� IMP
h,. S"'rfd 'T .t7 - c q 'i�°.3�d+hJ;S : +t�* & sa .; d3GL" r�`.'
ANN R
T.t 3c�vr" �, n1 Y . �''*'.a.' x„�ix#x'xr
�2d >l a{�'rorr'� r. .:T r x.:. a za �3 P-vy a f" s' e1
i�a i'y i�rs�7{ r"}i
5+9u-`s'xft Ti'
sr t o �wu2 k fiz t� r t mY i k t g t r3 AA t i6
Ek�fl'�y,n c§3f�Y1`.ze•332`� �y�ri'z,Y'''"t��'fii^k?�
1• '4.'' ,g
- �_• " Lr`� !.`�'
i<, v i
th"
7
k t
4,;
y n a+ r 'F-f.ct k ti tax -t r
ry
,.
�T-
' z
"*„x..
t K «
�i44F ��.•i, Ex `r:.;kW#a��"#^h-$y.. a 4 `t�*rArYa�'p"' isy
3`.x�rr,, X gr.,
'a r% eJ 7 i
FFti��.�k8yd'bS 4-'#Y}�y3 'i?iX.'.r}4}.i` �r�=?/y
3 Y kt >
r,
fr * s
it July 10, 2001
• 0
Vice Chairman Gorr: OK. We'll now recess the regulur Commission meeting and we bo to the
Special CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) meeting.
Note for the Record: At this point, the City Commission temporarily tables consideration of
regular portion of the agenda in order to open Special Community Development Block Grant
Meeting.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I could just make one request, that one of the items on
the regular agenda he set for a time certain, four o'clock, and that's lite Le Mans Itace
discussion.
Conlmissioner't cele: Sccond the motion.
Vice Chairman Gort: No problem. Yes, ma'am. It's all yours.
Commissioner lecle: Don't we have a five o'clock item set today?
Vice Chairman Gort: 1 beg your pardon?
Commissioner Teele: Don't we have a five o'clock item set?
Vice Chairman Gort: Billboards. And we have one at twelve o'clock tonight.
Commissioner Teele: Tonight?
3, (A) ESTABLISH POLICY THAT FUNDS FOR MULTI-YEAR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP
(HOME), HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) AND
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) PROJECTS AUTOMATICALLY ROLL OVER
FROM FISCAL YEAR TO FISCAL YEAR.
(B) MANAGER TO DIRECT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO
INFORM COMMISSION OF STATUS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS GIVEN TO JOSE MARTI PARK (INCLUDING DOLLAR AMOUNT OF
SAID FUNDS FOR SAID PROJECT), AS WELL AS INFORMATION REGARDING WHY
THOSE FUNDS WERE MOVED TO ANOTHER COMMISSION DISTRICT.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Commissioner, this is a public
hearing. The first item on -- any special instructions to open the public hearing? Coin missloiler,
under your Special Community Development agenda, we have 15 items, and starting with item
number one, which is the recommendation -- a resolution with a policy recommendation for
rollover of multi-year funds. As you may know, at your meeting of February 15`x', and then
during previous Commission meetings, the City Commission established a new fiscal year for
Community Development, which runs from October 1 to September 30'x'. As a part of our new
12 July 10, 2001
• 0
fiscal year, we also dirt a closeout of all of the prior 26 years financial records, and, for the first
time, we also implemented a new policy of bringing to the Commission, at the end of each fiscal
year, all of the balance and the contract funds for rollover. During the February 15`x' meeting, the
Commission indicated that they were very pleased with the policy and the clean up, but that they
felt that the multi-year project, particularly construction projects, that the administration needed
to come back with a policy recommendation regarding how we would handle those in the
rollover procedures. So, staff is recommending that the rollover process continue as -is, with the
exception of multi-year funded projects so that, if a contract -- or a contract is approved by the
Commission and it's a multi-year projects, that would generally include construction projects that
are multiple year contracts or projects that are started in the middle of a lscal year, that those
would automatically be rolled over and not he subject to the annual reallocation of the fiends.
The intent, i think, expressed by the Commission was, one, so that multi-year projects would
have an opportunity to be completed, and would also avoid the appearance that agencies were
being refunded because, in those cases, most of the moneys would not have been allocated.
Generally, the rollover policy, the balances remaining are those fundr, that are suhiect to
closeout, any retainage in the last montlts worth of funding, and, again, this adversely affects
those agencies that have multi-year construction projects and appears that we're just reallocating
the money over and over again. So. again, the policy recommendation is that we establish a
policy that multi-year funded prgjects not he included in the rollover, but that they he
automatically rolled over as a result of the Commission ordinance.
Vice Chairman Cori: OK. Thank you. Any questions? This is Item 1.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chainnan?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I made a request of management for several items. Am I
going to get those items I asked for before the hearing"
Ms. Warren: Yes. We have them here and i'll make sure that staff brings thein over to you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any questions? I'm sorry.
Commissioner Teele: May I get them -- may I get -- I'm asking -- I asked you all -- I've asked
for the ranking sheets, the evaluation sheets of these recommendations. i've asked you for the
engineering estimate as it relates to the historic properties, and a series of other things, and I
thought we had a clear understanding. I requested that earlier this morning. I still haven't gotten
it.
Ms. Warren: The rating sheets are here.
Commissioner Teele: .And the engineering -- I have a sheet of paper here that has ebur numbers
on it, but I'm looking for the -- I don't want another Tower Theater. I'm asking for the engineer's
estimate on the precinct.
13 July 10, 2001
Dena Bianchino (Assistant City Manager): Commissioner, until we do the studies recommended
on that piece of paper, we cannot tell you what the estimated costs of the project is. This would
be preliminary work that needs to he done in order to do a cost estimate.
Vice Chairman Gott: Commissioner Tecle, which part you're addressing?
Ms. Warren: Item 15.
Cornrnissioncr Tccic: Say again? What 1'nt saying is, these items that I've asked for now for...
Ms. Warren: We have the spreadsheets.
Commissioner Teele: Thursday or Friday. Huh?
Ms, Warren: On ]tern 15. we have a spreadsheet for all the Commissioners on everybody who
applied and rationals on funding recommendations.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Would you address the notice issue that I've asked you all to
address or do you want the attorney to do it? Because, Mr. Attorney, this is the last titne this
Commission is going to be put in this box. Anyone who did not Set recommended mast be
noticed in a public hearing, and not to notice the public means that the Commission is literally
powerless to take a final action today. It means that all we can do is approve the
recommendations of the staff and then have another public hearing, and -- at least that's my
interpretation of what the federal rules would require. But I would like a very clear statement,
Mr. Attorney, that you can prepare an ordinance that shows an example that provides that
everybody that is being recommended by the management he noticed. their original application
be noticed; the recommendation that is before us be noticed, so. in addition, everybody who
applied, but is not being recommended, is noticed. Because the truth of the matter is -- this is the
way it's normally done -- the truth of the matter is, is that there are souse questions as to whether
or not we can make a final decision related to someone that is not recommended. So, our hands
are, in effect, tied. There's no reason to do that. We talk about this all the time. We have an
ordinance. The ordinance apparently doesn't have a model and, so, what 1'd like to do is get a
model approved before we leave here tonight, as to what we would like to attach to that
ordinance so that next ,year, it's very clear. Now, I would like. Madam Manager. fur an
explanation to be on the record, very clear -- because I have said to you privately and I'm saying
publicly - the CD (Community Development) process is not going to be politicized as long as
I'm a Commissioner here, knowingly. We turn it over to the management for staff evaluations
and recommendations, and I'm hearing more and more that there were decisions made that staff
had nothing to do with; that it was being done between the Mayor's Office and the Manager's
Office. And I'm specifically concerned about calls being made to people, by the Mayor's Office,
that related to grants that were being proposed, and I'd like to know who made these calls and
why.
Ms. Bianchino: Commissioner, 1 ant personally unaware of any phone calls that took place
regarding these projects.
14 July 10, 2001
IIIIIiPi.Y�
Commissioner Teele: I accept your word. And the staffrecommendation relating to the I lousing
and the projects relating to Historic Preservation, can you give us the assurance that those were
done by stub, in the normal course of business, with the staff ranking and evaluation"
Ms. Bianchino: I'm going, to ask Ms. Warren to respond to you oil the ranking evaluation. 1
would, however. like to tell you that this whole project -- that we've been working on this
project...
Cotnnussioner Teele: Which one are you talking about?
Ms. Bianchino: The Black Police Ofticer (inaudible) Building. This has been -- we've been
working with this group for, I would say, three or four years. It's not a new project. There's a
management agreement on the agenda today fur them to take over the facility. I think you've
made some good points about the funding and how, we ought to arrange that, but that's not a new
project. It's been around...
Commissioner *Teele: els. Bianchino, that project, if'you will search that record. is it project that
this Commissioner instructed the management, three years ago, to come tip with a plan. So, 1'nt
keenly aware of the fact -- in fact, I'm Ilol sure you were here. 1 am keenly aware of that. !n fact,
when wr did the opening of the Jefferson Reeves Clinic and the g;rstss wasn't even cut around that
building -- I mean, whoever's maintaining that huilding and that in Little Haiti, you know, has
cavalier, total disregard for that building. But what I don't want is, one, the politicizing of a
project that has substantial benefit and treed in this community, anti number two, the pandering
to the extent that %%e're going to fund a project and we don't even know what the cost of this
project is, which is going to accrue back to the detrintent of the black community anti the
contmunity that we are supposedly trying to help. I'm prepared right here, right now to
recommend a resolution that obliges the City of Miami to fully fund the construction of that
project up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) ti•om CD (Community Devclopnicnt) funds, in
multi -years. But what I don't want is what I sec is happening, where somebody's being told
we're doing you a favor, hilt what they're being done is being set up hccause we don't even have
a cost as to what it's goingt to cost. We're recommending 300 and -- how much are you
recommending?
Ms. Bianchino: Three hundred thousand.
C'onnuissioner''eele: 'three hundred thousand dollars (5300,000). And, you see, unless we have
this discussion, when they cone back for the other two or three hundred thousand, it's going; to
look like, "Well, what are you people. doing'? Why can't you all manage the prgicet'?" Nobody
knows what this project is going to cost. And what l want to get on the table right here, right
now, the first thing we need to do is to approach this project in an intelligent way, and we have
not approached it in an intelligent way, in my point of view. We've approached it in a political
way. We've approached it in a way in which press releases are going uut, statements are being
made, news coverage is being muds of what the Mayor anti the Manager are doing, OK, which is
fine. So, let's f"o ahead and clean the whole thing up now. What I'm saying to you is this: there';
no way that org;unizatimi is going to spend three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) between
this public hearing and the next public hearing. You know that and I know that. And there's lit)
15 July 10, 2001
0 •
way that building is going to be brought up -to -standard for three hundred thousand dollars
($300,000). So, what are we doing now? We're setting people up by giving thern the impression
that we're committed to something hut, at the came time, we've not gone about this in a way to
avoid a Tower !'heater. and these people up here, my colleagues, are going to say, "Well, what's
Teele doing with the money? Why do you need more money?" And the truth of the matter is,
that project is truing to need a lot more than three hundred thousand dollars (S 00,000), and there
is no way that pro;cct can spend three hundred thousand dollars ($3000)) in the first year.
Where's no way. There's no environmental testing being donc on the building. At least I haven't
seen it. Have you all seen a report:'
Nfs. Rianchiuo: Well, sir, you're absolutely correct. Wc need to do an environmental testing; we
need it survey; we need an engineering report. and me need preliminary architectural services,
which we estimate to be in the realm ol' about a hundred and six thousand dollars ($100,000),
which is what we would recommend take place immediately so we could start, and then we earl
evaluate the cost ofthe project...
Commissioner Feele: And, Dena. all I'm saying is, this Commission has had enough bad
expeiienccs with projects heing funded the way you all are recontrtrending fondant; this prgjcct.
You've gut in this recommendation at finding of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). The
truth of the natter is, the funding for this prqject this year should be about a hundred and fifteen
thousand dollars (bl 15,000), hated upon what needs to happen. But what we need to say here is,
we are conurritted to the funding of this project up to some amount of money, and basically bet a
budget that stakes sense, but if we come back in a year and a hall. you know what somebody's
going to say? "Hcy, 1 thought we funded that project." And that's what happened on the 'Lower
Theater. Vt'e have never donc an engineering. Asset Management has had this property since 19
whatever. At least since i've been here, it was under ASSet Management's control since 1997.
"rhe building itself was constructed in the 40s or thereabouts. When wits it coils( ructed,'5)0? In
file late 40s or early 50s. And I want to go forward with this, hilt what i don't want to do is Ltet
caught up in something that somebody's creating for the purpose of a moment and we don't have
a plan, and we don't have it plan fair this building. So, I'm asking -- 1 ,asked for this information
before we got here, and I still haven't been able to get the engineering study of the building. I'm
bearing now, for the first time, I guess, this morning, that there needs to be an enviruruuental.
which is the first step that you do -- and Phase 1, Phase 11, and there needs to be a plan, an
architectural plan, and you all are recommending seventy thousand, eighty thousand dollars
($80,000) for that'?
Ms. Bianchino. We're recommending fifteen thousand for the Phase 1 and Phase II, which needs
to be dune; seventy thousand dullars (570,000) for architectural services. This is a historic
building and we want to look at it very carefully. We cannot du any costing on this until we
have the architectural plans. We're recommending that we do a survey anis a structural
engineering report to determine the integrity of the building, and that...
Commissioner Teele: All right. I'll wait until we bet to the item. The point I'm trying to bet the
Chairman and my colleagues to understund is that I requested all the information, l mean, I'm
sad and mad. 1 asked for the engineering study. I've asked fur certain information, which I'm
still waiting for, Ms. -- Madam Director.
16 .Itrly 10, 2001
Ms. Warren: The other information that you requested, you requested the spreadshmis and the
scores, which we've given you. We have the hack -up documentations here, which are the
evaluations.
Commissioner Tecle: What I asked Im is the evaluations of the members of the committee.
That's the main thing that 1 asked for, are the members of the committee and the scoring for the
various projects, especially in the area of Housing.
FIs. Warren: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: You know - and, Tecle, you're right. I was surprised when 1 went through
all this, that we didn't have the material where you show all the applicants and...
Ms. Warren: All of the applicants are in the letter. This spreadsheet should have been attached.
Commissioner Winton: But it wasn't.
Vice Chairman (;ort: But it wasn't.
Commissioner Tecle: it was not.
M. s. Warren: But it was not.
Vice Chairman Gort: It was not part of the package. In the past, we've always had it because
sometimes there's some ones that you do not recommend to fund and we find ways to fund it
here. Commissioner S,1m1ChC7.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. 'I hank you, Mr. Chairman. first of all, you know,
whenever we discuss CD136 (Community Development Block Grant) funding, which is
something that I think that, if we have responsibilities here is to provide the assis4mnce: and to
assist organizations that, through the years, have performed well, through u system where, you
know, we, as good management, would determine whether they have performed up to their
standard, but one of the biggest responsibilities that we have here is to fund projects that I think
are doing well, and the ones that arc not doing well, are not fulfilling their contmitnmem to the
City, well, then, we should not do business with them. But I just want to bring something out.
Every time that we have CDBG -- and, first of all, I would like to say that, I would have made a
recommendation when we have a meeting, just to discuss CDBG, because there's a lot of'-- and
we've had -- but there are some issues here that -- you know, Commissioner Tcele has an issue
that he brought up pem1aining to his district; I have one, which I'd like; to bring and put on the
table, that is, 1 remember going to .lose Marti Park and meeting with numerous neighbors
surrounding that on the Jose Marti Center. It was my understanding that the funding %vas
allocated for that. However, now I'm being told that the funds have been taken from that project
and moved over to another project. And let me just say what I always say on CDBG. When we
went to districts, we have a responsibility -- I represent District 3. 1 will fight for District 3 and it'
1 feel that District 3 is not being treated fairly in the process, well, 1 will come up here and do
17 July 10, 2001
.num'"
what 1 have to do. That is one question that I would like to have answered. The money was
given to that, there were plans drawn; there was talk of tultilling the plan, and then the money
Nvus allocated. Now, the old administration got in trouble for doing that. They would allocate
".l amount of funds to one project and, for whatever reason they didn't feel that the project was
going tbrw-ard, they take that money and turn it over. That's the problem that I have. I want to
know, what happened to those funds that were allocated and where they went? Because I'll tell
you one thing: 1 represent -- and I know that vvc had an adverse - Commissioner Teele and I are
not oil the same page un this onc. I represent the poorest district, whether he says he represents
the poorest district or not. I havc the most needs, based on the HUD (Department of Housing
and Urban Development) regulations of pover(y, housing and population. 1 will continue to
make arguments forward that, in the longi: run, 1 will continue to get exacll) what should he
curving in my district, and when it does -- when I don't gel the right amount, I will conte back
and say the ducat that I've always nvadc, that I'm prepared to go out, talk to poor needy people in
my district that are not being treated fairly; I will go out and get pro both► attorneys to seek legal
actions against whoever it may be, whether it be the City or not, on a class action lawsuit, that
my district is not being rcpresentcd fairly. I want to know, exactly what happened with those
funds and where they went because, you know, I've made the argument many times. If you look
through this whole thing, most of the time money is not allocated geographically balanced
equally. And, you know, I guess I'm the only one that comes tip here every Conmission meeting
and says, "Hey, you know, a lot of the nwncy's going north. I have needy charities in Illy
community." AS it matter of fact, I've nut v,ith people that have come to see me because they
feel that they're not getting enough funds, bill you kno%; %what? There's not much I could do,
because if I havc to help one organisation, then 1 hove to change things around for 10
urganiralions because there isn't enough money. That's the prohlem. There isn't enough money
to go around. So, what the administration -- and fret not criticizing _,our process. I think it's a fair
process. Sometimes we tend to fund people to a process where we are funding them to fail, in a
way, but the bottom line Ivere is, you know, iI'm gani,,ations -- at least in my district, which I lake
frill responsihility -- if we have services in my district that do not meet up -til -par what your
recommendations are, take their funds away. I will support you on taking their funds away if
they're not doing what they're supposed to do, OK. But getting back. I want to know, what
happened to thusc fronts and way that project now is heing, not abandoned, but the money \was
taken and moved over to another district. I want to know where that money went.
T1s. Warren: C'onimissioner, just to try to answer the question. In '90 -- year 2000, in the spying
-- 1 think it was May 19`x`, the City Commission, when we cleaned out all of the prior year
funding, there was two issues that \%ere brought before you. One was the fact that we had been
sent it timeliness notice from the federal governn-lent, and if you've read the newspaper lately,
the County is currently at a -- has a problem wilt timeliness. In other words, spending federal
dollars, and we were subject to recapture. The City Commission was notified that we had
significant amounts of moneys that had remained on our books for several years. At the time we
had identified about seven million dollars ($7,000,000), Commissioner Sanchez, that were in
capital itnpruvement projects. They were both in sidewalks and in City parks. We had until
September 301h of that year to come tip \� ith a plan or risk losing the money to other cities. What
the City Commission opted to do - we identified the amount of money. It was seven million
dollars ($7,000,000), and the Commission did several things. They took two actions. One,
during the previous nteelings, scweral meetings, the City Commission had awarded the CRA
Is .luIN' 10, 2001
(Community Rcdcvelopment Agency) five million dollars ($5.000,000) for five years. They also
had awarded three million dollars (53,000.(K)U) for a Yd Avenue Corridor Study. The City
Commission approved the funding of the 3"' Avenue Corridor Study from the seven million
dollar (57,000,000) pool, plus two million dollars (52,000,000) toward the five million dollars
(55,00t1,(K)O) that had been committed to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) that
year. That's where five million dollars ($5,000,000) went. The remaining moneys went to City
Capital Improvement funds. The City Commission put together a program that basically said
that they wanted to take all of the C11" (Capital Improvement Program) projects that had been
approved by the Commission. and, on a priority basis, have the Operations Administrator or
Assistant City Manager prioritize those projects that could be completed by Septcmher 301h of
that year. That's what you did with the money.
Commissioner Sancho: Gwendolyn -- and I got criticized liar that. I got criticized for doing; that
because 1 knew the money was going to be spent and I said, before it's spent, send it to another
district that needs it, but there was a guarantee that the money, when it was available, was going
to come hack into that project, which is so needed in that part of that community.
Commissioner Teele: Which project is that'?
Commissioner Sanchez: The .lose Marti Center.
Ms. Wan -en: Again. Commissioner, your question was, what happened to the moneys? They
were re -- the City basically cleaned out its books; identified the seven trillion dollars
(9;7,000,000) that we were going to lose, and you reappropriatcd it to projects that you felt would
be completed by September of that year. 1 might add, that year the City of Miami had the worst
timeliness of any City in the country and now we're number one. We're at 1.5; we don't stand to
lose any money, and that's as a result of the action you took.
Commissioner Sanchez. What assurance do we have that when the finds are available, that
those funds are going to go hack to that project?
Ms. Warren: Again, Commissioner ...
Vice Chairman Gott: Commissioners -- excuse rte. Excuse me a minute. (Inaudible) is us.
Ms. Warren: Yes,
Vice Chairman Gott: final decisions is made by us in here --
Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah. i understand it.
Vice Chairman Gott: -- and they can come up with all the recommendations they want. And my
understanding is -- because there, are several projects that 1 was involved with that those funds
had to be used in other districts because we were going to lose it. Their commitment is, those
funds will have to conic back where it was committed.
19 July 10, 2001
m16mam
Commissioner Teele: And, Commissioner, we're here today to deal with your problem because
that issue was very vivid when you did -- took that step to make those funds available for other
projects, and today is the day we're going to deal with that, to restore those funds.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, how much was the total allocation to that project, Gwendolyn
Warren? How much was that? How much was the total for that project that was allocated -- it
was like four hundred and filly thousand?
Ms. Warren: I don't know right now. 1 would have to go back and check the records, but 1 can
do that for you.
Commissioner Tccic: Yeah. But we need to know that today because we need to restore --
Commissioner Sanchez: We need to restore that.
Commissioner Teelc: -- those funds if they're ready to move forward. That was a commitment
that the Commission made when he otTercd up those funds, and so we need to know and have an
assurance that those ftrnds can he outlaid, that is, spent this year or whatever portion can be spent
this year.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: Gentlemen, at this time, we need that answer today, so let's make sure your
stafT does that. At this time, I'd like to get back on the agenda. Every item -- we have 15 items.
Every one of those items is a public hearing. On Item 1, was read and was explained, the
rollover. 1s anyone would like to discuss Item 1? Could you repeat Itcm 1 again, very shortly,
so people understand?
Ms. Warren: Item 1 is basically a recommendation on a rollover policy that would affect multi-
year funded projects authorized by the Commission. So, instead of closing them out once a year,
if it's a Three-year project, they roll over for three years and may not be required to continually be
reset up.
Vice Chairman Gort: Automatically. Is anyone from the public would like to uddress?
Commissioner Regalado: Move it.
Vice Chairman Gori: Being -- show that no one come forward. It's been moved. 1s there a
second?
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
�zm>'Grzsy
20 July 10, 2001
0
0
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Regalado, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-632
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE
CITY MANGER TO ESTABLISH A POLICY THAT FUNDS FOR MULTI-
YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPmNT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME). HOUSING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) AND
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTT (I -SG) PROJECTS AUTOMATICAIJ,Y
ROLL OVER FROM FISCAL, YEAR TO FISCAL YEAR.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
21 July 10, 2001
4. ESTABLISH POLICY THAT SETS TIME LIMITS FOR MULTI-YEAR BRiCK AND
MORTAR PROJECT CONTRACTS FOR NO LESS THAN TWO YEARS OR NO LONGER
THAN TIiREE YEARS.
Vicc Chairman Gort: Item 2.
Gwendolym Warren (Director, Community Development): Thu second item on the agenda is a
companion item, and it basically -- the second item on the agenda is a companion item, and what
it is requesting is that the Commission establish a policy for multi-year projects, particularly
brick and mortar projects. Currently, in order for us to propose a timeframe for construction,
administration is recommending that the contracts tin• brick and mortar construction projects he
for no less than two years and no more than three years. Again, (tris is the administration's
recommendation on brick and mortar projects, that we set a minimum and a maximum timeframe
for completion. Again, it's for the purposes of discussion, but we do need a policy regarding
multi-year projects. We can't have them open for five/six years, nor can they complete them in
one. So, again, depending on the project, we would want to come in and propose with inside that
timeframe.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Thank you. Any questions on this project? Any questions un this
resolution?
Ms. Warren: It's Item 2, Commissioner.
Commissioner Sanchez: So moved, Mr. Chairman.
Vice Chainnan Gort: It's a first...
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chainnan, this is a public hearing.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's it public hearing. First, anyone in the public would like to address this
itu i? Is anyone in the public would like to address this item?
Commissioner Sanchez: So moved, Mr. Chairman.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved. Is there a second?
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Commissioner Tecle: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any further discussion?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, for discussion.
Vice Chairman Cort: Yes.
416101
22 July 10, 2001
Commissioner 'I'ccic: The resolution itself'. does it define and specify how multi-year projects
will be advertised and how they will he delineated when they are presented to the Commission
for consideration? If so, would you point that language out to tile? If not, would you provide for
an amendment to do that? I mean, the policy is fine, but the only person who's going to know
this is not the public and it's not the Commission, the way this is written.
Alejandro Vilarcllo (City Attorney): There is no advertising requirement with regard to this
policy. If we could...
Commissioner Teele: No, no, no. No. What I'll) saying is nut to advertise this. This is a caveat
relating to a category of projects, those projects that are capital. And what I'm saying is that, in
this resolution there nods to be clear language that these projects that fall within this resolution
will be clearly annotated in the public notice, and that there will be a specific memorandum from
the management outlining what they're recommending the number of years for the project. .So,
we know it's going to be more than two or not less than two and not more than five, and we need
to know what we're recommending, so an organisation ...
Vice Chairman (fort: More than three.
Commissioner Teele: Huh?
Vice Chairman Gort: 'Three. Three, not five.
Commissioner Winton: Not fuss than two and not more than three.
Ms. Warren: Administration was two to three, and, again, this is a recommendation. You may
want to...
Commissioner Tecle: I think that should be at least four years. The normal outlay of federal
dollars, if you look at an outlay chart fi•om U and B, is five years for capital projects, including
the planning, cycle, and I would hope that we can do the planning cycle belore we do the capital
cycle, which is what I'm trying to get us to do. In other words, we should cto the planning before
we make the capital commitment. So, I'm asking that we adjust the three years to four years, so
it will be two to four years as opposed to two to three years; but further provided that the
Manager will have a recommendation as to how many years it will be, and it will be clearly
delineated in the public notice.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sic.
Commissioner Teele: I rtrean, what I don't want is somebody to say, "I thought I had lour years,"
and they had two years.
Vice Chairman Gort: No. The problem is, putting this linance together for this type of project is
not easy. Sometimes it takes ut least two years just to get file whole package before they can get
going. So, I would agree with that. At the same time, would you like to add an amendment that,
at the fourth year, constructions going, but for some reason, the finance or the permitting do not
23 July 10, 2001
take place, that they could come and appeal to the Commission for -- or request an extension for
the Commission, OK?
Ms. Warren: It allows for that, yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: Okey doke.
Commissioner Winton: It does allow for that?
Ms. Warren: 11 does.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
Commissioner Winton: Because 1 couldn't tell that in reading this.
Commissioner Teele: I didn't see that.
Commissioner Winton: Neither did 1. It looked to me like it was dead...
Ms. Warren: We'll make it much clearer.
Commissioner Tecle: Where is that in the resolution?
Commissioner Winton: If they're under construction and moving along and there's been some
upfront delays ...
Vice Chairman Gow They're not finished yet.
Commissioner Winton: They're not finished, you know. Now what? OK, you're not finished.
Quit.
Ms. Warren; OK. We'll put that in the resolution also, that there's a process to come back to the
Commission.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: So, that -- the maker of the motion accepts that amendment to the
resolution and the. second.
Commissioner Winton: We have a maker?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, there was a maker and a second.
Commissioner Teele: Second. I do.
24 July 10, 2001
0 •
S. ESTABLISH FOUR SPECIAL REVENUE FINDS AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (TWENTY-SEVENTH YEAR) -
$13,176,000 AND $450,000 OF PROGRAM INCOME AS APPROVED BY DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FOR TOTAL APPROPRIATION OF
$13,626,000; HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP (HOME) - $5,423,000; EMERGENCY
SHELTER GRANT (ESG) - $449,000; AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS
WITH AIDS (HOPWA) - $10,292,000.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 3.
Commissioner Teelc: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chainnan Cort: Yes.
Commissioner Tecle: I would request that we take up Item 15. Unlike the School Board, which
leaves us waiting in the wings, we do have very distinguished member of the School Board and a
distinguished member of the community that's here on that Item, and I think, as a matter of
courtesy to Dr. Ingram. not just because he's a member of the School Board, but because he was
one of the first motorcycle -- African-Anwrican Motorcycle Police in the City of Miami, that we
take up Item 15, the Item that relates to the Old Historic Negro Precinct,
Ms. Warren:. Commissioners, can 1 recommend that you take up Item 14 first? That's a
companion Item. That's to accept the moneys so that you then have the authority to allocate it.
Vice Chairman Gort: Fine. Commissioner -- Dr. Ingram, it's a pleasure to have you with us.
And, Commissioner ,rcele, I'd like for you to know that, at one time, I was in front of the School
Board and they took me out of term. They were very courteous to me. Thank you. So, we're
glad that Commissioner Tecle came up with that idea.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, I'll move Item 14.
Commissioner Sanchez: It's a public hearing.
Commissioner Teele: It's a public hearing.
Vice Chairman Gort: Read Item 14. It's an ordinance. Roll call.
26 July 10, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Any farther discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying
aye.
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-633
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPROVING,
ADOPTING AND ESTABLISHING A POLICY THAT SETS TIME LIMITS
FOR MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS FOR BRICK AND MORTAR PROJECTS
LASTING NO LESS THAN TWO (2) YEARS OR LONGER THAN THREE (3)
YEARS.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
25 July 10, 2001
An Ordinance entitled —
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING FOUR (4) SPECIAL. REVENUE FUNDS AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: (1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT,
(TWENTY -SEVEN -1-11 YEAR)- $13,626,000 ($13,176,000 AND $450,0(X) OF
PROGRAM INCOME AS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMLNI'); (2) HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS -$5,423,000;
(3) EMERGENCY SHFI.TER GRANT PROGRAM -$440,000; AND (4) HOUSING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS -$10,292,000; ALJTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT SUCH GRANTS AND TO EXECUTE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A DORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY; AND CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
was introduced by Commissioner Teele and seconded by Commissioner Regalado, for adoption
as an emergency measure, and dispensing with the requirement of reading game on two separate
days, was agreed to by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Joluuny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None.
Whereupon the Commission on motion of Commissioner T'eele and seconded by Commissioner
Regalado, adopted said ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Tecle, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairnian Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
THE ORDINANCE., WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 12081
The ordinance was read, by title, into (lie public record by the City Attorney.
27 July 10, 2001
Vi+oo C;hatman Gott This is an ordinance accepting the funds from U.S. HiJ13 (DEtsiwoof,
I3o» ip and Urban Development). Is there .anyone in the public would like to ?
.°Warren; Yes. There's nothing elsc other than accepting the grant-
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Teele: So moved, Mr. Chairtnan.
tilt .
Vice Chairman bort: Is there a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Socond,
K 5 i z #��
'Vice Chairman Gort: Read it, a n
Mr, Vtlareila. Again? s rk Y2•
5 ? t
o IR�'hg #fir The city Atkin tu1ttxotie ► die rand dor tin..'
Y
A" �% �A {,�+ t1t ✓ �, d ^£(i }'"C X r� x; a,t y`2 T Y { t1 t'-i pp�� ffi�i�4
P Pi
.,., �... n 1 �,-d t p � Ar+k-.' •? � ��'�•�'k^s$"� r'".��'"F1.��, ��� a � z �`., !'•"r �° Y } �, � (hy �'Y Et ��'ral�"�'r�' �i � '� � �Rt�� r' `�`'#^'` scowl nr`
%
e
w
< t '
�• x• t urN .r. 4 • LrY ! ..xuVv, k. A yY '.i 1
ii�ro Ati ),
••�� ry. tff �f,�,�.{,a,�-�*.^•.x.isl.5...y,Y�'.s:+�'w{��i`St'�r�?`„h$'����t��',�`s'�,.��$�{mow ,.�'�'�at��''wi �;��^x.»"',t �.� � z y E>>.;rro��
r
t x) tG a
28 July 10, 2001
6. APPROVE COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CATEGORY, FOR THE RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS
BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $125, 000 TO DEVELOP
THE FIRST AI•'RICAN-AMERICAN PRECINCT MUSEUM.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 15.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, as it relates to the Historic Preservation funding, as
outlined by the City, I'd like to just take that item up. which is one item in the entire
category, is that correct?
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): I'm sorry, sir. I'm confused.
I'm sorry.
Commissioner Regalado: It's the only item in that category.
Commissioner Teele: Well, in taking up number 15 -- I'm only taking up 15 as it relates
to historic preservation.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: That's the only item that I'm asking that there be a public hearing
on, and there is only one recommendation, although there are a number of applicants.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: And I would ask that the chair allow the public hearing, and those
persons that are here only on Ilistoric Preservation, starting with the City of Miarni
Retired Police Officers Community Benevolent Association, that had a request of some
four hundred thousand, with a recommendation of some three hundred and twenty-seven
thousand one hundred dollars ($327,100) and, for the record, I have been given a sheet of
paper by the management that indicates than approximately only one hundred and six
thousand dollars ($106,000) could be spent this year of the three hundred thousand, based
upon the outline of the historic -- of the phase one and two environmental and the
architect -- the architectural work that has to be done on that. So, if the president or the
chairman would come forth and, Mr, Ingram. Welcome, Dr. Lrgram. Wu're delighted to
have you here.
Dr. Robert Ingrain: Thank you, Commissioner Teele, and to all of the members of the
Commission. I would like the presentation to conte forward from our president, Otis
29
.1mt�
July 10, 2001
Davis. Would like for you to -- first of all, 1 want to thank you for allowing us, and
apologize, if, at any point in lime at the School Board, we neglected to do the same, and I
will certainly be mindtul in the future. We want to thank you for this opportunity, and I
would like to presentation to come from our president, Otis Davis. President Davis.
Otis Davis: My name is Otis Davis. My address is 2380 Northwest 97", Street. Again,
I'd like to thank the Commission for allowing us to come before you. The precinct we
talk about is a historic building, which we -- some of us worked there many years ago.
We'd like to have it as a museum and a lot of other things that we're going to make that a
showplace for City of Miami and its citizens. We feel that we have the resources; we
have the know-how to do this, and we'd like your consideration to allow its to have that
building and make it a showplace for the City of Miami. I have also with me Maior
Leroy Sinith, who was one of the first black lieutenants, also the first black major of the
department. Fle, too, worked at this precinct. This precinct was a showplace for the
South. 'There was no other place like this place in the whole southern district. You have
in front of you a history of the precinct, information about it. 11 was one of the things that
we took pride in because of it, the kind of thing that we worked out of. But I could assure
you that we want to make it even better, if you allow us to do so.
Leroy Smith: Good morning. I just want to say that I had the pleasure of working for the
City of Miami for 27 years. I started with the precinct. I came on in 1950 and I retired in
1977. The name is Leroy Smith. I was the first black sergeant, first black lieutenant and
the first black major, and two weeks from now, I'll be going back to Washington, D.C. as
a founding member of the National Black Police Executive tnecting. 1 w•tts the founding
member and because of the experience that 1 gained from the City of Miami Police
Department, we made (inaudible). We had 60 black officers across the nation and that's
the first time you saw 60 block leaders togelher. Those fellows took the opportunity
Friday. Saturday, to put together the organization that represent National Black Police
Executive. We had the pleasure of serving here, coming to this City for two years, the
City of Miami afford us coming ill. So, 1 want to say that it really serves the purpose then
and it's going; to serve it purpose again because we need an opportunity to sit down -- for
young policemen to see old policemen and exchange ideas as to how we did it from 1944
to the present date. And this will he an avenue; this will be an opportunity for us to sit
down. That's why we join hands with the president of the organization, the Miami Police
Benevolent Association. We want to continue to strive (inaudible) especially in these
kinds of times. We need to get some understanding as to how it can be done in 2001
because we did it in 1944, September I st at that time, with five men, and we're growing
to this point.. Again, Mr. Commissioners, Mayor, I want to say thanks for the opportunity
of listening to us with the plead of having this museum to serve in the future. Thank you.
30 July 10, 2001
Mr. Davis: The other person I have is Julius Nelson of the MCPBA (Miami Community
Police Benevolent Association). Thank you.
Julius Nelson: Good morning. My name is Julius Nelson and I'm president of the Miami
Community Police Benevolent Association. I'm here to represent the interest of the
precinct as well. I stand as a runner, taking the baton from the forerunners who have nm
a good race. The precinct itself represents to me a symbol of our heritage, a symbol of
police work from the 40s up until no"-. It represents a sytnbul of our community, what
we represent as far as the professionalism that we need more so today. Right now we
have areas in Miami and namely, Overtown arca where the precinct is located, that don't
have many symbolic historic things to really bring Miami out in those arcus. This
precinct represents that, and I'm asking the Commission to consider this proposal and the
police clear this thing because it's going to make an impact on our youth and we all know
we have issues with our youth in these areas. This is a symbol that can help give them
something to look forward to. The program that will conic out of this thing will also aid
the community and help improve our society in general. So, I'm asking for your support.
Thank: you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Davis: Again, thank you. And all of these members who stand behind us are former
police officers who have served this community and was able to retire. Served the
community well. I'd just like to close by indicating that my godfather, who is John
Millage, was one of the very first among that five that were hired to be a police officer.
Not only that, he was the very first African-American police officer to be assassinated in
the line of duty, and some 40 years later, after capturing the individual, the City of
Miami, in their diligence, only wound up giving that individual a pat or a slap on the
wrist for that homicide. We believe that we have contributed in many ways to this
community, and this are things that we would like to showcase, to deliver to our
community in a very meaningful way, (lie contributions that are valuable tluoughout. We
had attorneys that were sat as judges, who really, in Miami's history, we were the
beginning process of desegregating this whole community. Kathy Rundle, who sits now
as our State Attorney, Iter father was one of the judges, who served at the precinct, and
L.E. Thomas was une of the first African-American judges, and lie sewed. And we've
had many people to contribute to our community and we want to acknowledge the history
in a very real way. 'thank you.
Vice Chairman Gorr: Thank you.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I want to -- before we close the public hearing, we
31 July 10, 2001
were asked several times if he would conic. I'm glad to sec that he's made his way here.
One of the first -- not one of the first, but the first African -American Police Chief in the
City of Miami, and we want to hear from Clarence Dickson because he's here, but we
also want to hear from the spouse of the first judge, because I think it's important that we
remember this: this precincts was not just a police station. It served as a multiple multi-
use justice center; it was a courtroom; it was a jailhouse, and it was a police station. And,
so, I'm going to ask, by special request, %ve do hear from the fust African -American
Police Chief, Clarcncc Dickson, and the wife of the late Judge Thomas, who was the first
judge, not in this station, but he was the first African -American judge in the South, and,
so, I think the City of Miami -- and this is when the City, as our City Attorney was
gracious enough to host the symposium where we were all educated -- that is, the City of
Miami, at one time, owned or controlled its own judicial system with municipal judges.
So, I think it's a tremendous opportunity as these gentlemen and ladies are a testament.
Ms. Thomas, welcome again.
Ms. "Phomas: 'Thank you very much, Commissioners. I've been here before and i think
you've done justice at certain times in recognizing law enforcement people and the
judges, the Har -- the Hench and Bar. Chiel' Dickson decided that i should come up here
first and I think that's because lie recognized I'm more important. Thank you so much.
All of this is very new to me. 1 just heard about it this morning, but it's a tribute to these
people. Major Smith, the first black bailiff; Clyde Lee. It's so many things we did in
those days that made this City of Miami a beacon for the United States, and I've said
before that the City of Miami does not toot its horn, as it should because you've done
things that were unheard of in other southern cities, and even in northern parts. So, I
certainly support whatever they have here today, and it's a pleasure and a joy to be here to
scc it unfold.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Clarence Dickson: Thank you, Ms. Thomas.
Vice Chairman Gort: Chief. I didn't recognize you without the hat.
Mr. Dickson: Well, 1 left the hat home for this occasion. `Phis is a very ceremonious
occasion for us, and to the Mayor, Mr. Carollo, i sec is not here, but Mr. Winton, and Mr.
Gort, whom I know very well -- all of you, as a matter of fact -- Joe Sanchez,
Commissioner, Commissioner Tecle, and Commissioner Regalado. As Commissioner
Teele just said, you know, l was the first African -American Police Chid l'or the City of
32 July 10, 2001
0 •
Miami, and I am a product of the old precinct that we're asking to be reserved and we're
asking for support. I'm very proud to stand here with the members -- past members,
retired sonic are, of the Miami Police Department. They were all pioneers. And these
people were all pioneers long bcfbre I became a police officer, and I served with every
one of therm. Chief Martinez is a product of my administration. I'm very proud of him
and hi, Joe. I would like for the Commission to really consider and approve this
proposal. It would be the greatest honor that you could hestow upon, not only police
officers for the Citv of Miami, but for the citizens to preserve this site that it may be there
as a historic figure for us to remember the things that were important to us in the past and
important to us in the future, for our kids right across the board. For all of' our kids. We
should know from whence we came so that we would not have to repeat the future --
repeat the past again in the future. .And a last note: 1 remember being it police officer
when we, as black -- as African-Americans, could not even eat in the cafeteria of the
main station. We were not allowed in there. We were not -- we could not even visit
headquarters without a superior's approval. So, a lot of things that have been said up
here today may be the first time that you've heard it coming frrnn us, but i know you've
heard it prior from other sources because you are all well read, I'm sure, and I know that.
So, we ask you to please, you know, consider this and -- you do this for us, Lord knows
what we'll do 1br you. Thank you very much.
Vice Chairman (fort: Thank you, sir.
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, public hearing ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Is there anyone in the public would like to address this item, 15?
Commissioner Teel c: This is just the historic section relating to this item. We're going to
come back and open up the whole historic, but we're trying to expedite this item and if
the public hearing is closed, I would like to ask three things: Number one, I would ask
that after this item is taken up, that you meet in my office with Chief Martinez, and the
Public Works Director, so we can have some definition on where we're going for real on
this project. And I'm going to ask the Public Works Director and the Planning Dircctor,
through the Manager, if they would -- and Chief, if they would meet with all of you. The
other thin], is that the Clerk needs the name and address for everyone that's here so that
we can make sure that you get mailings and that you're kept up -to -speed. We'll keep the
chairman involved, but t think it's important that the record reflect everyone that was here
by name, and we appreciate everybody not coming up giving your name and address, but
the Clerk will facilitate that back in my office, if you would. Mr. Chairman, 1 would like
33 July 10, 2001
the privilege of moving...
Vice Chairnian Gort: Comm issiotier Tcelc, if i may. Commissioner Teele, at this time
the Chief would like to address us.
Commissioner Teele: Oh, ['m sorry.
Raul Martinez (C'hicf of Police): Yes, Commissioncr. l apologize lbr interrupting. haul
Martinez, Chief of Police. I want to say the Miami Police Department wholeheartedly
endorses police precinct. For so many years we have forgotten one of our treasures.
People that showed its ]low to be police officers, how to wear our uniforms, and how to
do our job right. 1 think it's very significant to put in lhut community a piece of history
that people can become the future Clarence Dicksons or Ingrains or Davis or some of the
other leaders that 1 rode with and I learned from for so many years. So, we encourage
that in our community. And a place that's going to help, not just the symbolism of the
place, but it's going to help us in our recruitment efforts that are in dire needs. And we
wholeheartedly encourage.
Vice Chairman Cori: 'I hank you, sir. Commissiuner Teele.
Commissioncr Teele: Mr. Chairman, we have a request of four hundred thousand dollars
($400,000) before its. We have a recommendation of three hundred Thousand. 1 would
like to move the approval of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000.00), based upon the
request that we have before us, subject to the following conditions: Number one, that the
Public Works Department and the Community Devclopment Office jointly report back to
us, within 90 days, an estimated realistic budget and budget costs of the project, as
envisioned by the .Association, in conjunction with the Association, and number two, that
the Asset Management Office present a plan to us, within 90 days, for the management
agreement of the station by the City of Miami Retired Police Officers Community
Benevolent Association, and any other organization that they choose to affiliate with and
to work with, but what I'm saying is that the management of this, which should he at (cast
a 30 -year or maybe a 60 -year or a 90 -year agreement will be with its in the City.
Obviously, that management agreement will have a plan for self-sufficiency, and what
I'm saying is that a plan that you all will operate it and not ask the City, on a yearly basis,
for money. Now, there may be sonic start- up dollars and all of that, but we'd like to sec a
plan for self-sufficiency, as a part of the management agreement. And thirdly, that the
Department of'Cbmmunity Devc1opment is authorized to submit a 108 for the funding of
the full costs of the project, pursuant to any plan that has been approved by this
Commission. That is in 90 days. And fourth and finally, that one hundred twenty -tine
thousand dollars ($12,000) of thc; four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) be made
34 July 10, 2001
available from the current year funding. What is this, 2002? What's the funding cycle
we're -- are you all referring to this as 2001 or...
Ms. Warren: This is our 27`x' Year, so ...
Vice Chairman Gort: 2001/2002.
Ms. Warren: 2001/2002.
Commissioner Tcelc: 2001. So, we're approving four hundred thousand, but we're
approving one hundred twenty-five thousand out of this year's dollars, but we're further
saying -- I'm saying, I don't think four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000.00) is enough,
and we're asking that, in 90 days, you all conic back, with the Public Works Department
and Community Development Department, with a full plan for the funding of this, with
the timeline and timetables and all of that, so that we cannot get ourselves in another
situation like we've been in with the Tower Theater and other projects, where these
programs just come back and they wind up haunting everyone. That would he my
motion.
Vice Chairman Gorr: There's motion. Is there a second'?
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Commissioner Sanchez.: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any further discussion?
Commissioner Winton: Yes.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: I'd like to say one thing and I'd like to point out to the public --
and it's a point that 1 think most of us have made since I've been here -- and that is that in
this year's funding cycle, there is apparently three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) in
Historic Preservation dollars; is that not correct'?
Ms. Warren: Excuse mc, sir?
Commissioner Winton: What's the total amount of money in Historic Preservation
dollars for this funding cycle that we're...
35 July 10, 2001
Ms. Warren: Three hundred thousand.
Commissioner Winton: Three hundred thousand in total?
Commissioner Tcele: Let me correct the record. What we made available was the entire
housing pot of money, and we received grants. We did not approve a category of funding
for -- in a dollar amount. We approved a category and authorized the staff to draw down
so it could be three hundred. Right now it's 125. It could be four hundred.
Commissioner Winton: But...
Ms. Warren: Actually, just -- based on what the Commissioner said. What you
authorized is that any eligible category could have Historic Preservation out of it. So,
one, Economic Development and Housing are eligible historic categories. On top of that,
there was a set aside of three hundred thousand for it, so it's eligible everywhere, with the
exception ol'Public Service.
Commissioner Winton: And that's the point I'm making, that there was a specific set
aside for Historic Preservation. It was three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). There
were 12, 13 submittals. I'm sure most of these were viable opportunities. And what we
didn't do for the first time is, we didn't piecemeal out a little to everybody so that
everything would fail. We picked a prgject, the most important project, the most viable
project and said, let's put the money there and get a project done, instead ol'pieccmealing
out the dollars so that we could set everyone up to fail. And, so, I'm thrilled to support
this kind of process because we're setting up a process for success, as opposed to a
process for failure. So, I'm thrilled to support this.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thunk you. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state
by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
36 July 10, 2001
1]
•
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Tecle, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-634
A MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDATION FOR 27'n' YEAR
COMMUNITY DE'VE'LOPMENT BLOCK. GRANT (CDB(;) FUNDS 1N
THE HISTORIC' FRES} RVATION CATEGORY, PER REQUEST BY
THE RETIRED 110L10E OFFICERS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,000: FURTHER CONDITIONING SAID
REQUEST ON T'IIE DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORTING BACK TO THE CITY
COMMISSION WITH AN NSTIMATED REALISTIC BUDGET WITH
THE FIRST AFRICAN -AMERICAN PRECINCT, AS WELL AS A
PLAN OF SLLF-SUFFICIENCY TO BE PROFFERED BY
MANAGEMENT AND PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION
(INCLUDING A K1ANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE STATION,
WHEREIN THE' RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS BENhVOI.ENT
ASSOCIATION AND ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION THAT THE
DEPARTMFNIS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEEMS APPROPRIATE; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING AND DiR1:CfING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SUBMIT A SECTION 108 LOAN REQUEST FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FUNDING THE FILL CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF SAID PROJECT;
FURTHER ALLOC'ATING AN AMOUNT OF $125, 000 TO BE MADE
AVAILABLE FROM ]'HE FY 2001/2002 CDB(; BUDGF:1'ARY
FUNDING C,'YC'I.F.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by
the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny l.. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gori
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
37 July 10, 2001
I
•
•
Commissioner Winton: Can we also recommend Charles Wellons, who is Congressiona
Aide to Congresswoman Carrio Mock, who's standing in the back back there, and vvo
welcome him as well.
tt {-
Commissioner Teele. Sure do.
Vice Chairman Gort: By the way, we're still waiting for our lunch. All right, now we get
back to...
' be ded d
Commissioner I eele. Gentlemen, ma am, you all are to commen an wo
appreciate. If you would just meet with the Chief back there and Public Works.
Commissioner Sanchez: We'll be there for the ribbon cutting.
Commissioner Teelc: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We're on Item Number 2.1 guess
a> s�ib"�`5 to
�3
yy �. �OnF ' ti 'A
4 r�+4 h "•' "�Ph s ro r '� r�s°"r t� +.fyw �',� � r��t �
38
s r r
July 10, 2001
0 •
7. APPROVE CITY'S FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC (FY 2000-2004) AND ANNUAL (FY 2001-
2002) PUBLIC HOUSING PLANS, IN CONNECTION WITH IMPLEMENTATION AND
ADMINISTRATION OF CITY'S SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION VOUCHER
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM; MANAGER TO SUBMIT PLANS FOR APPROVAL BY U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
Commissioner Tecle: Thank you, Mr. Chainnan. We're on Item Number 2, I guess
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 3.
Commissioner Tecle: Three.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): We're on Item 3. Item 3,
Commissioners, is a resolution requesting your approval of a five-year annual plan for our
housing -- Public Housing Plan for Section 8. If you may recall, the City currently operates a
Section 8 Multi -Family Mort Rehab Program. In '99 we had an opportunity, through the
cancellation of our program with Miami Limited in the Model City Community, we wenl to
vouchers once that contract was broke with Miami Limited. We had to voucher those
individuals out into the public sector. As a result of that, it is required that we amend our Public
Housing Plan to deal with the fact that we now have a diverse program of both mod rehab, which
are vouchers that are located with buildings, and plus individual vouchers for the clients who
were relocated on the open market, and this allows for us to identify a program of transition for
them, and it's a federal requirement that we do a plan for them, five-year plan.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any questions on the five-year plan?
Commissioner Regalado: Move it.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Cort: It's been moved and second. Wait a minute. It's a public hearing. is
anyone in the public would like to approach -- discuss Item 3? Show that no one coming
forward. It's been moved and second. Any farther discussion'! Being none, all in favor state by
saying "aye."
rhe Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
39 July 10, 2001
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Regalado, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-635
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT (S), APPROVING THF. CITY OF MIAMI'S FIVE (5) YEAR
STRATEGIC (FISCAL YEAR 2000-2004) ANIS ANNUAL (FISCAL YEAR
2001-2(I)2) PUBLIC HOUSING PLANS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S SECTION 8 MODERATE
REHABILITATION VOUCHER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT SAID PLANS FOR
REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY 1'HE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
ANI) URBAN DEVELOPMENT. AND TO EXECU'T'E ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SUBMISSION OF THE
ATTACHED YHA PLANS,
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on Me in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
40 July 10, 2001
Z
•
8. RATIFY, APPROVE AND CONFIRM MANAGER'S AC'T'ION TO AUTHOR]ZF
EMERGENCY EXPENDITURE OF SHIP PROGRAM FUNDS, $5,133, TO PROVIDE STAFF
TRAINING TO OPERATE MORTGAGE LOAN SERVICING SOFTWARE PURCHASED
FROM APPLIED BUSINESS SOFTWARE, INC. TO MANAGE CITY'S LOAN
COLLECTION SYSTEM REGARDING HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL LOAN
PORTFOLIO.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 4.
Commissioner Sanchez: lour and live, we should wait for Teele. Can we move on to G?
Vice Chairman Gort: Six.
Commissioner Sanchez: Six is also Teele's.
Vice Chairman Gori: Seven.
Commissioner Sanchez: Seven
Gwendolyn Warren (Director. Community Development): Number seven, this is also the Trust.
Vice Chairman Gort: Seven is the resolution ratifying, approving, and confirming emergency
staff training for local service software.
Ms. Warren: This is a ratification with our servicing software and we — there was staff training
required. and we're asking you to ratify the 500 Ove thousand one hundred and thirty -three -
dollar ('5,133) training expenditure.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
wta�
41 July 10, 2001
i
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-6136
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENTS, OF THE CITYOF MIAMI
COMMISSION, BY A FOUR/FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
RATIFYING, APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
FINDING OF AN FMF.RGENCY, WAIVING THl- REQUIRF.MF.NTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING PROCEDURES AND APPROVING: (1)
THL' LMLRGFNCY EXPENDITURE OF STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES
PARTNFRSIIIP PROGRAM FUNDS IN THF AMOUNT Of 55,133 TO
PROVIDE STAFF TRAINING TO OPERATE THE MORTVAGC LOAN
SERVICING SOFTWARE PURCHASED FROM APPLIED BUSINESS
SOFTWARE, INC. TO MANAGE THE CITY'S LOAN COLLECTION
SYSTEM REGARDING TILE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL LOAN
PORTFOLIO; AND (2) THE CITY MANAGER ENTERING INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH APPLIED BUSINESS SOFTWARE, INC. 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 motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur F. Tecle, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gott
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
nffa�
42 July 10, 2001
9. SECOND READING; ORDINANCE: AMEND $ECTION�2-892 OF CITY CODE AND
CREATE NEW CHAPTER ENTITLED "COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT" TO CREATE
AND ESTABLISH MODEL CITY HOMEOWNERSHIP TRUST.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 4, we Passed it? No. Dour.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): This is the Model City
Homeownership Zone Trust, second reading.
Commissioner Tecle: Public hearing.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Is there anyone that would like to address -- this is a second reading on this
ordinance. item 4. Model City Housing Zone Trust. Show no one coming forward. Is there a
motion?
Commissioner Tccic: Move it.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Warren: 1 would like to, for the record, state the three corrections or modifications to ensure
that they're al l incorporated. The changes to the resolution expands -- the ordinance -- I'm sorry -
- expands the Trust to call it the -- for the Community Revitalization District, not just for the
Homeownership Tone itself, but for the Economic Development activities and other housing
activities that would go on in that revitalization district. Secondly, the ordinance was modified
to include an elected member from the community, who would serve as a member of the Trust.
That person would be elected during the mayoral election, and it would be a community
member, and someone who resides within inside the Community Revitalization District. The
third modification was to modify the boundaries of the Homeownership 'Lone itself. Those
modifications would take the boundaries from 17'x' Avenue to 19`x' Avenue, which would be the
City limits, and south to 112. So, now we have a (unintelligible).
Vice Chairman Gorc OK.
Ms. Warren: Those are the three major changes.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. State being accepted. All in favor state by saying "aye."
Commissioner Tecle: Read it first.
Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): It's an ordinance.
Vice Chairman Gout: Oh, I'm sorry. Ordinance. Read it.
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner, did you want to address that issue?
43
July 10, 2001
E
Commissioner Teele: Well, she read it into the record. I'm just trying to -- 1 don't see the
language.
Ms. Warren: Which ones'?
Conrtnissioner Teele: Dues the Clerk supervise the election of the at large member and -- where
is that -- I didn't -- my version of this is not very clear.
Mr. Vilarello: It calls for the election. When is the question? When is the election. I think'?
Ms. Warren: head it. Dan, read it. On page...
Commissioner Teele: Read that whole section because the one thing that we agreed on, and one
of the recommendations -- I'm going to put it right on the record. One of the recommendations
that you all have in the housing recommendations, as you all are preempting the Trust from
doing its job, and that's just not going to happen that way. We made a commitment.
Commissioner Gora was there, you were there, the planning director. We made a commitment
that we would let the Model Cities/Hadley Park, those communities, have their own
determination, and one of the big things was they wanted to have an elected representative,
which we're agreeing to do. They wanted to have that elected representative be the public
advocate, and now you all are trying to appoint the staff -- no, no, no. The staffing, as 1 read the
recommendations in the funding requests, in the funding requests, under Item 15, there is a
recommendation of a public advocate for the Model Cities, and we'll take that up at that time.
But I've read the application. See. I went and read all the applications, so i have no problem
approving money, but anything that goes on, starting from this day forward, is going to conic
through the, not through the Commission.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: All right. So, if you would just...
Ms. Warren: He'll read the section number regarding the election in the record.
Commissioner Tecle: Mr. Attorney.
Mr, Vilarello: We'll have to modify that on the floor. It docs not provide for that, as it reads
right now. It provides for the City Manager to designate the tine and place of the election. If it's
the wish of the Commission to have it...
Commissioner Teele: Yes, that's exactly what we agreed to at the public -- they wanted to have
an election during the non -nal election cycle, and that's what we've agreed on.
Mr. Vilarello: That doesn't change the caption. We can proceed with second reading and just
modify the text.
44 duly 10, 2001
Commissioner Teele: All right. Consistent with what she read into the record.
r
Ms. Warren: Correct. It will concur along with the mayoral election.
c}.say
Commissioner Toole: Exactly. �t f
t x,t n i
Ms. Warren: In the fall.RNI'
Commissioner Tecic: Exactly. InNovo~-
d
.+. �« � w�
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Any further discussion? 4
Commissioner Toole: Mr. Attorney, would you just'readabutinto
Vice Chairman Gori: Read it. Roll call.
y,
E �
;,ciA*'SA's"„t vgg2 a*;�s >iief�. �, t-. w��n
a..YSy�tla.4 do.. ,a
.. ,�
4a
.ja �` '•xJ t � t-,* r,u a � A e '�.f.,� > -t z %'r �" a M r 3 t ta"t,'�
�c;,,. ^�•,'�„ � ����,�� '.iyks�**:<'�{y�r�r^A.�i a
,7
7Z Ni
,a}, 4,.�. ,,pp+Ta.i,
h, < $
3^ °WFI. Ki i - �„�, +' v £ i 4 1 1%}e �i ° r (s,5{r h'k a a? f
M aka r3 K �� �" e �� � r� a I N 9��� �� +
s ?. s : �,`7t {4 ,, Yn t �,sz�4+. n r ' s
g 5 ,A}^#,t,n'a. a{' hays 'tt(. ~r �'" Y` � " ,�t
P,g '� t y+„}, '7 °i'�
TV
amffz i .
�'
POP, �t >ri R
.A` i
^;BJ.( err `�
1 ,,.,,tt N _ s , b Sys' a t• ti y; t r= - a C s b{ s, +aw
-11
.s k'v
WF,
N 13
7IH
F
sY
p�
}
a
3f ` 4,# a a"s'pw.r�_tf°7 lq #;$"y4i 4Kd r Oar Z.*t lwtt"Y."S
$ '"i" $t'a >k )x e' I tr4 � t �v 4 " y 4'fg+ Yr"1 trt5g tt t es ✓i '�.:X `§.,s 3 ,x' �t ' rxk ,
LL n0-1414100" Y
r7y'
tiSb 7 •h•yiJ+�F :;wC,�ty F+'�
i
45 July 10, 2001
An Ordinance entitled -
AN ORDINANCE OF TME MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TO CREATI? A NEW
CHAPTER ENTITLED "COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION" AND CREATE AND
ESTABLISH THE MODEL CITY HOMEOWNERS111P TRUST (THE "TRUST") BY
DESIGNATING THE TRUST'S JURISDICTIONAL. AUTHORITY AS AN AGENCY
AND INSTRUMENTALITYOF THE CITY OFMIAMI; SETTING FORTH TEEE 'S
PURPOSE, POWERS, AND DUTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT I, mn,Tm "f0: TO SUE,
AND BE SUED, PLEAD AND IMPLEAD, CONTRACT AND BE CONTRACTED
WITH, AND TO OWN AND DISPOSE OF REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR
COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENTS AND PROCEDURES, NOMINATION AND
ELECTION PROCEDURES, TERMS OF OFFICE, VACANCIES, MEMBERSHIP
QUALIFICATIONS. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS, OFFICERS; OATH,
QUORUM, AND VOTING, MEETINGS, INDEMNIFICATION, ABOLISHMENT, AN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF, COLINSFL, HUDGE l' APPROVAL AND
ANNUAL REPORT AND PROVIDING FOR "SUNSET" REVIEW; MORN
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 2-892 AND ADDING A NEW
CHAPTER ENTITLED "COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION," WITH DIVISION 1
AND 2 TO TIIF CODE; CONTAINING A REPEALFR PROVISION, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
PROVIDING I`OR INCLUSION IN THE CITY CODE.
passed on its first reading, by title, at the meeting of June 14, 2001, was taken up for its second
and final reading, by title, and adoption. On motion of Commissioner Teele, seconded by
Commissioner Sanchez, the ordinance was thereupon given its second and final reading by title,
and was passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 12082.
46 July 10, 2001
t sd 2a �:3F
r -or�}G�/� (��� +N 1]}�{j�,�aisyw�M� � /� ��y` ♦-
was twA :Vy tidl ^t ,24' y» xL T'y .. � V \I�{{�
r
'a
41
IN
� x
} x
i':5 t s1iL 1 +ypa. �*"�
1
u vy
t
%ajfiui y H
'Yy
3
N �vF i�C
2 Y' X� �y4 � � `��,1^' d'+T11.tK x> " f � T• � � 4, -. �. �
a e g,���'�y��,� o �
I'4 €
41,U y 10, 2001 .
0 •
10. APPOINT TWO MEMBERS TO MODEL CITY HOMEOWNERSHIP TRUST:
SHALLEY JONES AND G}ENARO (CHIP) IGILESIAS.
Commissioner Tcele: Mr. Chairman, on Item Number G --
Vice Chairman Gort: Six.
Commissioner Tecle: -- this has been the subject of a lot of -- on item Dumber 5.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Five. Five.
Commissioner Tecle: This has gone back and forth a lot. I'd like to proffer a
compromise. One of the challenges that we have arc getting board members who are
really committed and while we've got some really silk stocking, blue ribbon names, what
we've asked is that the management come up with a training, a mandatory training
process so that everyone is on board at the same time; that we don't make the full
appointment of the board members until we see who goes to training. The training will
also be available to the Commissioners, their staff, as well as to a number of residents
within the affected arca. And 1 think it's particularly important, Joe, that whatever
training we do, that the next homeownership zone be a part of that training, so that we
can begin some continuity. They're looking at a number of organizations. I don't know
where that's going to be or when. 1 assume in August and September.
Ms. Warren: Probably September.
Commissioner Teele: 'I he Urban Land Institute or some of these organizations that conte
in and really do board training. So -- but the Trust needs to get started now. It needs to
take possession of land. So, what I'm recommending is (hat person who has been
nominated as Chairman, who is also making a charge -- financial commitment, that is
Shallcy Jones, and that the Manager's chief of staff, who is a member of the -- the
Manager's chief of staff— I didn't know that -- is a member of the Dade County Housing
Finance Board, and that board is critical to the potential of this. By having two members
only, it means, without unanimous consent, nothing happens. So, if Chip Iglesias and the
public member can agree, something goes forward. If neither one of them agree, nothing
goes forward. I think this is a compromise until WC can put the full 'frust into place. Su,
would move Chip Iglesias and Sliallcy Jones as the two members of the Trust, pending
the training cycle that is for potential Trust memhers.
Vice Chairman Gort: And I would like to -- there is a motion. Is there a second?
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
48 July 10, 2401
Vice Chairman Gort: Under discussion.
Commissioner Sanchez: Discussion. I have just -- since the training is going to he
scheduled for September, then I suggest that we -- Little Havana Homeownership Trust
be established or he brought to the Commission at the next meeting, so we could start the
process of selecting its members. So, they would he in place to attend the training in
September.
Vice Chairman Gort: What I'd like to also add to that amendment is, if we can get -- we
have seven CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) zones, am I correct!
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Ycs. Seven Community
Revitalization Zones, yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: Well, I think you can select, more or less, the one where the most
need is, and make sure you notify those individuals ourselves so we can bet people to
attend those meetings that could he potential board members.
Ms. Warren: The Commission has, through a resolution, nominated East Little Havana
as the next Community Revitalization District.
Vice Chairman Gort: But, at the same time, since we're going, to have is seminar any way,
I'd like to notify so I can send some individuals to the seminar.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Goil: All right. Thank you. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Tccle: On the issue. Mr. Chairman, it is our hope that we, as board
members, will be able to nominate two or three individuals from within our community
for this training, which, obviously, will lie very expensive but will be bore by the City so
that we can really get a cadre of people trained and not just wait for the next cycle, so that
literally people from all five communities or all five districts will be trained and I would
hope that the management will take that under advisement.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairrrtart Gull: OK. Any further discussion'? Being none, all in favor state by
saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
49 July 10, 2001
•
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Tcelc, who moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO.01-637
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S NOMINATION OF
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE AS MEMBERS OF THE
MODEL CITY HOMEOWNERSHIP TRUST.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City
Clerk.)
50 July 10, 2001
11. DIRECT MANAGER TO BRING ITEM UP AT TIME AND PLACE WITH UNANIMOUS
CONSENT RELATING TO BUDGET FOR VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST;
MANAGER TO EXPEND FUNDS, SUBJECT TO RATIFICATION ACTION BY
COMMISSION, RELATED TO VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST (SEE #55).
Commissioner Teele: Mr. C'hatrnrtn, I will ask one other favor, and I won't say anything else
until 12.
Vice Chuirman Gort: You promise:'
Commissioner 'l cele: I promise. Commissioner Range -- fonner Commissioner Range is here,
and she's here on an item -- it's a purely administrative item. Shc's been litre all morning, and
she has two very important matters of people that have a destiny, a rendezvous. is that the way --
1 have a rendezvous'?
Commissioner Winton: A rendezvous with destiny.
Commissioner Teelc: So, that item -- if we. could..
Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): We're currently in a special meeting, so we need to recess
that and ...
Vice Chainnan God: Let's recess the special meeting and go back to the Regular Commission
meeting.
Note for the Record: At this point, the City Commission closes consideration of items relating
to the Special meeting to consider items from the regular portion of the agenda.
Vice Chainnan Gat: Mrs. Range.
Athalic Range: -I hank you very much. My natne is Athalic Range and I reside at 5727
'.Northwest 17th Avenue. We're here this morning for the purpose of witnessing the passage of
item -- it's on Item 13, the fourth bullet, if you have it before you. And this is for the purpose of
having the emergency ordinance amending FY 2001 appropriations of Ordinance Number
11970. We're simply here to witness the passing of this item.
Commissioner Sanchez: What item is this'?
Commissioner Teele: Is this a single item or combined item?
Ms. Range: And it relates ...
Vice Chairman Gort: This is an ordinance. Emergency ordinance.
Ms. Range: Yes.
51 July 10, 2001
_Iffamx
0
Linda Haskins: Linda Haskins, Asset Management, Director of Management and Budget. "Phis
is a combined item for amending the appropriations ordinance, The portion that applies to
Virginia Key Beach Trust establishes a special revenue fund fbr Virginia Key Beach 'frust. It
does not change total appropriations. What it does is move the three hundred and thirty-three
thousand dollars (5333,000) that was budgeted f'or contributions to Virginia Key Beach into a
special revenue fund.
Conunissioner Teele: Is there anything else in that ordinance?
Ms. Haskins: Yes, there is.
Commissioner Teele: I would move a resolution directing that the management bring that item
up at the time and place, and with unanimous consent, on the item relating to the Virginia Key
Trust. I would move that as a resolution.
Ms. Range: 'Thank you very much, Commissioner. May I say just one ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Wait a minute.
Commissioner Teele: it's simply a resolution instructing them on that item --
Vice Chairman Gori: Right.
Commissioner Teele: -- if there would be unanimous consent.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Vice Chairman Gert: It's been moved and second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in
favor state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION TO. 01-638
A RESOLUTION OF THh MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO SCHEDULE ITEMS FOR CITY COMMISSION
CONSIDERATION RIELATiNG TO THE BUDGET FOR VIRGINIA KEY
BEACH PARK TRUST ('THE "TRUST") 1N A TIMELY MANNER.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
52 July 10, 2001
•
•
AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur F. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
Commissioner Teele: The budget item didn't pass, but the resolution of unanimous consent on
your item does pass.
Ms. Range: On our item. And does this mean -- now, 1 asked the question at the June 21st
meeting that did not materialize, but does this mean now that we are in position to send in
requisitions for payments? And, if so, when? We've been having quite a bit of controversy with
the staff, and I'm sorry to say that we just haven't ...
Commissioner Tccle: Let the Finance Director speak to that, since he processes it.
Ms. Range. All right. Thank you.
Scott Simpson: Scott Simpson, Finance Department.
Commissioner Teele: Not going to Orlando?
Mr. Simpson: No. Actually, it was Ft. -- I thought it was Ft. Lauderdale yesterday.
Vice Chairman Gort: What is the answer?
Mr, Simpson: The answer is, with the Commissioners' action today, they can start spending
money today.
Vice Chairman Gort: There you go.
Ms. Range: Thank you. This means we can come to your office and get some money?
Mr. Simpson: Absolutely.
Ms. Range: Thank ,you. We'll he looking forward to that.
Commissioner Teele: It takes -- Ms. Range, it takes five days --
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner Teole: -- to process it check, right?
53 July 10, 2001
GRIE
•
•
Mr. Simpson: Well, 1 spoke with Ms. Ford yesterday and I told her that, if I could get -- they
have several bills for some advertisement that needs to be paid this week, and I told her I would
make a special exception because of what was going on, to process those payments this week,
provided I got the information done by Thursday morning.
Ms. Range: We'll be in your office this afternoon, before three.
Mr. Simpson: I'll be here all day.
his. Range: Oh.
Mr. Vilarello: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gott: Yes, sir.
Mr. Vilarello: The Finance Director's legal advice is slightly incorrect. The ordinance -- the
appropriations ordinance has not yet been considered by the City Commission. When it is, and
it's adopted and the meeting closes, then you can apply for funds, and ...
Ms. Range: All of that will take ...
Mr. Vilarello: And also subject to Mayoral veto.
Ms. Range: All right. And that will also take place today?
Vice Chairman Gort: Today.
Commissioner Teele: Is it an emergency ordinance?
Mr. Vilarello: It is an emergency ordinance.
Commissioner Teele: When docs emergency ordinances go into effect?
Mr. Vilarello: Immediately, at the conclusion of tonight's meeting.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner Winton: But what's the veto?
Mr. Vilarello: The Mayor docs have the right to veto.
Commissioner Winton: How long does lie have? Still 10 days?
Mr. Vilarello: Ten days.
mnwMr.
54 July 10, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: Ten days.
Commissioner Winton: So, how does that work?
Commissioner Tecle: Ask Scott, the lawyer.
Commissioner Winton: Scott, if you write the checks Friday, and the Mayor vetoes this on
Monday, how does that work?
Mr. Vilarello: Ile has the right to veto.
Vice Chairnan Gort: Right. 4K.
Ms. Haskins: Sir, can we ...
Mr. Vilarello: The Mayor can also sign the ordinance this evening.
Ms. Haskins: Can we have the City Manager approve the expenditures as emergency
expenditures?
Mr. Vilarello: That's beyond his authority, and he must seek ratification and, ultimately, it goes
right back through the appropriations process.
Commissioner Teele: I would wove that the Manager be provided the authority to expend,
subject to a ratification action by this Commission --
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved. Second?
Commissioner Teele: -- relating to the Virginia Key Trust.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: Second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state it by saying
Haye s
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
55 July 10, 2001
R�
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-639
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $333,000, FROM CONTRIBUTIONS FOR VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
PARK INTO A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND (THE "FUND"); AUTHORIZING
THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST ("VKBPT") TO DISBURSE
FUNDS FROM SAID FUND, AS NECESSARY, FOR VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
PARK; DIRECTING THE CITY 'MANAGER TO PRESENT LEGISLATION
TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR RATIFICATION OF THE VKBPT-S
ACTIONS.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo (fort
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny I- Winton
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
Ms. Range: All right. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: We'll recess the regular agenda, go back to the special CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) funds, and we'll go to Item 6.
56 July 10, 2061
•
Note for the Record: At this point, the City Commission temporarily tables consideration of
regular portion of the agenda in order to consider Items from the Special meeting.
12. RATIFY, APPROVE AND CONFIRM MANAGER'S ACTION FOR CITY TO
CONTRACT WITH STANLEY G. TATE MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO PROVIDE
TEMPORARY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO CITY ON MONTH TO
MONTH BASIS, $3,050 PER MONTH, LN CONNECTION WITH CITY'S
FORECLOSURE/ACQUISITION OF IDEAL, REHAB, INC. PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
6000 NORTHWEST 12"i AVENUE AND 1215 NORTHWEST 60TH STREET 1N MODEL
CITY HOMEOWNERSHIP ZONE PROJECT AREA.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Item 6 is ...
Vice Chairnlan Gort: Teele, it's your item.
Ms. Warren: Item 6...
Vice Chainnan Uort: Go to Iten: 7. We passed seven, right?
Ms. Warren: 1 think we're on Item 6, projects update.
Vice Chairman Gort: No. Six? Teele is not here. We moved on seven.
Ms. Warren: OK. We did seven, so we're going to ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 8. Item 8.
Jeff Hepburn (Assistant Director, Housing): Jeff Hepburn, Assistant Director. Item 8 is a
ratification of the City Manager's action in retaining Stanley G. 'fate Management Company to
manage two properties that were recaptured by the City through a foreclosure process in the
Model Cities area. The charge -- the monthly charge for this management service will be three
thousand dollars ($3,000) a month, and it would be paid from the proceeds of the rents that are
collected, and roughly about eleven thousand dollars ($11,000) a month.
Vice Chairman Gort: My understanding, you have eleven thousand dollars ($11,000) coming in.
We'll be paying off three thousand dollars (S3,000)?
Mr. Hepburn: That's correct.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Vice Chairman Gort: In order to maintain the buildings. It's been moved. Is there a second?
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
57 July 10, 2001
lIIZ!>�!Ia
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-640
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION 13Y A FOUR -FIF'T'HS
(4!5*'*qty) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, WITH ATTACHMENT (S), RATIFYING,
APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING OF
AN EMERGENCY AND APPROVINTIIE ENGAGEMENTOF STANLEY G.
TATE MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO THE CITY ON A MONTH TO
MONTH BASIS. AT A COST NOT OT EXCEED $3,050 PER :MONTH, IN
CONNECTION WITH THE CITY'S FORECLOSURE/ACQUISITION OF TIIF..
IDEAL REHAB INC. PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THF MOI)h'T. CITY
HOMEOWNERSHIP ZONE PROJECT AREA AT 6000 NORTHWEST 12""
AVENUE AND 1215 NORTHWEST 60"" STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENThR INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH SAID FRIM, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE; AND ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
THE RENTAL INCOME GENERATED BY THOSE, PROPE=RTIES.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYE'S: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Viee Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
58 July 10, 2001
MMOD
13. GRANT EXTENSION FROM DECEMBER 14, 2001 TO MARCH 1, 2002, TO RAFABL
RNANDEZ HOUSING AND ECONOMIC `DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IN
CONNECTION WITH CONSTRUCTION AND SALE OF FIVE NEW SINGLE FAMILY
KOMES PLANNED ON FIVE CITY -OWNED PARCELS IN ALLAPATTAH. AND
WYNWOOD COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS..
Vice Chairnian Gort. Item 19.
Commissioner Regalado: Nine. Nine.
Vice Chairman Gort: Nine.
Commissioner Winton: Nine.
Vice Chairman Gort: I'm trying to...
Commissioner Winton: Move us along.
Vice Chairman Gort: Resolution for extension of Rafael Hernandez House and Economic
Development.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairnian Gurt: It's been moved and second.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, ail in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
59 July 10, 2001
0 •
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-641
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, GRANTING AN
EXTENSION OF TIME FROM DECEMBER 14, 2001 TO MARCH 1, 2002, TO
THE RAFAEL HERNANDEZ HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORA'T'ION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND
SALE OF FIVE (5) NrW SINGLE FAMILY IIOMES FOR QUALIFIED LOW
AND MODERATE-NCOME FAMILIES PLANNED ON FIVE (5) CITY -
OWNED PARCELS 1N THE ALLAPA'1"fAII AND WYNWOOD
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES:
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifiedo Gort
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Beautiful presentation.
60 July 10, 2001
0 •
14. AMEND RESOLUTION NOS. 99-959,00-532 TO REFLECT LEGAL NAME CHANGE
OF DEVELOPER FROM LITTLE HAITI HOUSING ASSOCIATION, INC. TO JOINT
VENTURE DEVELOPER IN LEGAL NAME TO SCATTERED SITE HOMEOWNERSHIP,
L.L.C. FOR PURPOSE OF AWARDING HOME PROGRAM FUNDS AND CITY -OWNED
PARCELS FOR PROPOSED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT; AMEND SECTION 5 OF
RESOLUTION NO. 01-155 BY AUTHORIZING MANAGER TO APPROVE
REIMBURSEMENT OF ELIGIBLE PREDEVELOPMENT AND/OR PROJECT RELATED
COSTS RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN
EDISON LITTLE RIVER AND OVERTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS 13Y BANYAN
TOWNHOMES, L.L.C. AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER MIAMI. INC.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item If),
Commissioner Tecle: Item 10
Jeff Hepburn (Assistant Director, 1 -lousing): Item 10 is a house eleaning item. Basically, what
we're doing is amending three resolutions previously approved by the Commission. It impacts
projects that are being planned in the little Havana -- Little llaiti and Overtown area by the
Little Haiti Housing Association, habitat for Humanities. And, basically, what we're doing,
three things here: One, we're extending -- what we're doing is three things. One -- for one, the
number of units that were previously planned to be developed on City owned lots in the Liltic
Haiti area, it has been determined that some of those lots arc not feasible for development at this
point. So, what we want to do is give them a range of units to be developed. 15 to 20 units
versus 20.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chainnan Gorki: Motion and a second. Further discussion?
Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): This is a public hearing.
Vice Chairman Gort: Public hearing. Is anyone in the public would like to address this item?
Commissioner Sanchez: Can they all be voted...
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Separately,
Commissioner Sanchez: 'I hey have to be voted separately?
Mr. Hepburn: No, it's all —
Ms. Warren: One resolution.
Mr. Vilarello: It's all in one resolution.
61 July 10, 2001
Pi
Vice Chairman Gort: One resolution.
Commissioner Sanchez: It's otic resolution.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. All in favor state by saying "aye."
Commissioner Winton: Well, did you read all three pieces?
Mr. Hepburn: Pardon me'!
•
Commissioner Winton: Jeff. are all three pieces in this? Didn't ,you just read all three?
Mr. Hepburn: For one, it reduced the number of units that were previously planned.
Commissioner Winton: Right. But Gwen was challenging something there. That's all I'm...
Mr. Hepburn: OK. The second item, what it does is, it allows for two developers, who were
approved for funding back in January of 2000, to go back and be approved for costs and --
predevelopment costs and those kind of costs that are incurred at the time that we approve the
funding because back on February, I think., 15`x', we rescinded a previous resolution. So, we neal
to go back to January 2000 to allow for the predevelopment costs ilICUITed to he feasible -- to be
paid by the City for those projects.
Commissioner Winton: Is that -- what's the third?
Mr. Hepburn: The third item is that we had some issues with the Little Ilaiti housing
Association based on an audit that was done by the City. We still would like to see them move
forward with the scattered site projects that's being planned in the Little Haiti area. We require
that they joint venture with a private developer. That developer is Al Tomsell. LTC, and,
basically, what we're doing is giving authorization to combine the joint venture and have those
lots transferred to the joint venture, along with the funding that was previously allocated by the
Commission.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chairman bort: It's been moved and second. All in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
62 July 10, 2001
ffff� a
E
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-642
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI Crl'Y COMMISSION AMENDING
RESOLUTION NOS. 99-959 AND 00-532 TO CHANCE THE DESIGNATION
FROM LH -TLE IIAITI HOUSING ASSOCIATION. INC., TO SCA,rTERED
SITE HOME OWNERSHIP, L.L.C.. AS THE DEVELOPER OF BL TWEL'N
FIFTEEN (15) AND TWEXIN (20) NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ON
SCATTERED CITY -OWNED PARCELS LOCATED IN THE EDISON-
LITTLE R1V1?R COMMUNITY RL•VITALIZATION DISTRICT FOR
PURCHASE BY LOW AND MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGRIEI MENT
AND SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY, IN FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH SCATTERED SITE
HOME OWNERSHIP, L.L.C. FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 01-155 BY AUTHORIZING T1H1 CITY 'MANAGER TO
APPROVE THE REIMBURSEMENT OF ELIGIBLE PREDEVELOPMFiNI'
AND/OR PROJECT R1EI.ATFD COSTS INCURRED SINCE JANUARY 27,
2000, RELATING TO THE. DEVh1.OPMENT OF AFFORDABLE 1101�SING
UNITS IN THF EDISON LITTLE RIV1 R ANIS OVERTOWN
NEIC HBORHOODS BY BANYAN TOWNHOMES, L.L.C. AND HABITAT
FOR HUMANITY OF GRFATF.R MIAMI, INC.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
63 July 10, 2001
t�i�tan�
•
15. ALLOCATE $50,000 OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBCi)
FUNDS FROM FUND BALANCE OF COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM TO CAIMACOL
LOAN FUND, INC. TO SUPPORT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND ALLOCATE
$150,000 FROM SAME SOURCE TO FUND POOL TO COMPLETE ACTUAL
REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES THROUGH COMMERCIAL FAt;,-ADF PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZE CARRYOVER OF $18,773.63 PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED TO CAMACOL
LOAN FUND, INC.
Vice Chairman Cort: Item 11, allocation CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce).
Commercial Facade Program.
Commissioner Regalado: Move it.
Commissioner Sanchez: Public hearing.
Vice Chairman Goil: It's a public hearing. Yes. ]lead it. You're going to read the resolution.
Commissioner Winton: Well, we've got to hear the presentation.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Hello. Someone. please. Thank you.
Dan Fernandes (Assistant Director, Community Development): Dan Fernandes, Assistant
Director in Community Development. Basically, this is an allocation to continue .funding this
organization through September 30'h, an allocation of fifty thousand dollars (S50,000) to provide
technical assistance and assistance to packaged loans in the Little Havana area. This project was
funded through May of this year. The funding that we're providing now provides a balance of
funding to get thein through September 301h.
Vice Chainnan Cort: Excuse me. Item 11. The resolution says three hundred thousand.
Commissioner Regalado: Item l 1 is only eighteen thousand.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Hold on.
Mr. Fernandes: It's lilty thousand dollars ($50,1100) to CAMACOL. It's a total of two hundred
thousand dollars ($200,000), OK. It's fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to CAMACOI.; plus a
hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) added to the facade pool to complete facade
improvements throughout the city.
Mr. Vilarello: And authorizes a carry-over as well.
BMs. Warren: And it authorizes...
64 July 10, 2001
Mr. Fernandes: And also authorizes a carry-over of funds that were from the previous contract
term.
Vice Chairnian Gott: Total of 300.
Commissioner Winton: And what's the can•y-over amount?
Mr. Fernandes: Eighteen thousand seven hundred seventy-three dollars and sixty-three cents
($18,773.63).
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Discussion.
Commissioner Winton: There's a line item here that says the administration has serious concerns
regarding the effectiveness of the restructured Commercial Loan Program, and then, however,
blah, blah, blah, blah. What 1 couldn't figure out in here is -- you know, that -- when you say
raises serious concerns, you know. I read that, and -- so, what 1 tried to understand is how you're
measuring effectiveness, and 1 couldn't figure out in here anywhere how you \acre measuring
effectiveness, whether -- and, so, I'm curious as to understand how effectiveness is measured.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): OK. Where's a couple of issues. One.
the -- we do have concerns with the Commercial loan Provrams, as structured. Rased on the
federal rules and our underwriting procedure, the lion share, if not all of the applications that
have been referred to us and then, ultimately, to the committee, have not been approved. So.
staff is doing it, hut, conversely, CAMACOL has loan funds from other sources (hat they had the
-- that do not have the same reconstructions that we do, and they have been successful. So, we're
recommending that we not interrupt their administration for the balance of this year, and that
they -- it's no fault of theirs. The program, basically, as structured, had some significant flaws.
So, what we're recommending is that they have the resources necessary to continue the technical
assistance; to continue to operate their Loan Program. and that we're also recommending, in
reading those words, is that we rethink and relook at our prograrn, and that we're probably going
to recommend that some alternatives (or you before next year.
Commissioner Winton: You're going to recommend some changes in procedure or...
Ms. Warren: We're probably going to recommend that we no longer do a Commercial Loan
Program.
Commissioner Winton: OK. I see.
Ms. Warren: And what we're doing, in the interim is, we're saying, they need their
administrative dollars through September. They had carry-over finds of eighteen thousand
dollars ($15,000) that, when their contract ended, they were not able to access, and, additionally,
the Commercial Facade Program is doing wonderful, but -- and, as a result, all of the set aside
moneys that the Commission had allocated for the businesses who participate, that find has ran
out. We're asking that you move moneys from the Loan Program, a hundred and fifty thousand
dollars ($150,000), make it available for those businesses so we can get them paid, extend
65 July 10, 2001
6111*5"
• 0
CAMACOL through September, and, again, we'll come hack with some recommendations on
what to do with the Loan Program.
Commissioner Regalado: One thing that needs -- and, Johmiy, this entity is now doing the work
that Miatni Capital used to do. We divided the moneys from Miami Capitol for CAMACOL and
the Little l laiti Development or was it an entity there, an agency in little Haiti. But the problem,
1 think, is for the Loan Committee; it doesn't meet as regularly as it should.
Ms. Warren: The problem is that the applications are not making it through the initial screening
of staff. Theyrre not meeting the federal requirements for lending or this Commission's policies.
So, they're not even getting to the committee. So, the committee is not the issue. The problem is
the loan Program, the minimum requirements that we have. and the applications that we're
receiving. Obviously, the concern is, is that we had significant deficiencies under the previous
Loan Program. The Commission, as well as our federal rules, have put some policies in place
regarding: you have to he in business for two years; you have to show an ability to repay the
loan, et cetera, and the loans that we're getting are not demonstrating the ability to meet those
minimum standards. Again, what CAMACOL has been able to do with some of its other
resources, they're working, but With our program, it's not.
Conunissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I may''
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sanchez: Johnny, part of the success of Little Havana with the Cultural Friday
and the large improvements to that area has been the Facade Program, which is also administered
by CAMACOL. A lot of those small businesses that are caning in now are small businesses that
depends on loans, of course. As Commissioner Regalado stated, CAMACOL is taking over
what Miami Capital used to do, and 1, for one, have seen some small businesses depend on those
kick-start loans because they're micro loans. They're small loans. But those arc the businesses
that are coming into the arca and starting off. Whether the businesses are successful or nut,
that's -- you know, that's not up to CAMACOL, but at ]cast they have that lending institution that
is so crucial to the development, what 1 consider not only of Last Little Havana, but also West
Little Havana.
Ms. Warren: And, again, their technical assistance and support they're providing the businesses
so that they can survive to eventually be ready for a real loan (inaudible).
Vice Chairman Gort: My understanding;, in talking to individuals that have applied for loans is,
that they have to be in business two years, number one, and that's been, I think, one of the
biggest problems that they have had. A lot of the people that arc caning into that area, they're
people that just establishing business in that area, so that's something...
Jose Tont: May I address ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Z1z1 .
66 July 14, 2001
7
i
Mr. Pont: Thank you. Commissioners. This is a very complex issue. We start with the fact that
there's a very, very dire need for small entrepreneurial to have access to capital, and they need
access to capital on a timely basis and without unnecessary regulations. We've had a wonderful
working relationship with the Citv of Miami and Ms. Warren and all her staff, but the system is
orbani7ed in such a way that it makes it very difficult for us to effectively deliver the money to
the people who need it on a timely basis. i want to first state [hat we have -- the firs) six months
of this contract were problematic because of the way it was organized. We then had a meeting.
We changed. In the last six months, we have completed -- approved lb loans in the City of
Miami. Eighteen loans. Here are the loan reports, We will be very willing for this to he
submitted to an impartial evaluator to see the strength of our underwriting capacity. We take
great care in the way we underwrite these loans 'These are as strong; loans as you can make
them, dealing with a poor community that has very little -- and with all kinds of prohlems. 'these
are not perfect loans because everybody that walks into our door -- and, by the way, we
completed 400 interviews in the fiscal year, in 12 months. Four hundred interviews of people
who need to bOiTOw for their business. So, we're very grateful that Ms. Warren has been able to
extend the operating moneys through Septenlher 30'1'. There's nothing after that. We are putting
forth the moneys that -- we have now been certified by the Department of 'Treasury as CDM
funds. Actually, we're closing, today or tomorrow on a six hundred thousand dollar ($600,000)
grant matching funds to the moneys of CAMACOL. That is the money we're using to disperse
because it is impossible ter the City of Miami to disperse anything, the way the system is
organized now, and ]'ill not blaming anybody, on the contrary. I mean, we've worked hard at
figuring out how to do this. I have my ideas and i think Gwendolyn now said that they're going
to be reorganizing this thing, but it cannot be a bureaucracy dispensing these moneys.
Commissioner Winton: Only except that, I didn't hear Gwen saying that we were going to
reorganize it. I heard her say we're going to -- 1 thought I heard you say you're going, to
recommend we discontinue it. Did i hear that?
Ms. Warren: I'm going to bring some serious recommendations back that we possibly
discontinue the Loan Program. Again, the issues of whether or not small businesses need
available cash is real. 'The question is, are we in it position to provide that money? One, under
the current program, you can't do it. Secondly, if you want to go to a Grant Program versus a
Loan Program so that there's no anticipation of repayment, I think it sort of flies in the face of', at
least, the philosophy that you've echoed to tile. So, 1 think that, whereas we would love to assist,
I'm not sure that the mechanism that the City has in place is the appropriate one, and we need to
look at it, and, right now, the current structure is not appropriate for providing cash start-ups for
new businesses.
Commissioner Winton: But can it be changed'?
Ms. Warren: Again, we can bring hack sonle reconunend ations on how to modify it, and what
those risks and opportunities are, and that's what we intend to do.
Commissioner Winton: Well, I have it ...
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
67 July 10, 2001
•
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. I'nl sorry.
Vice Chairman Gort: No. Go ahead.
1J
Commissioner Winton: I would really like to hear what those -- before I hear that we ought to --
you know -- and maybe it's -- I'm kind of thinking out loud here and maybe it's two parts,
simultaneously. I'm not overly thrilled by just hearing a presentation on why we ought to
dismantle the program.
Ms. Warren: No, you'll have both.
Commissioner Winton: OK. We'll have both.
Ms. Warren: Yes, yes.
Commissioner Winton: So that we can look at how we could reorganize and make it eftoctivc,
and also a presentation on dismantling it completely and the rational for that, and then we can
really hear both sides objectively and make a decision. OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Thank you. Yes, sir.
Lorenzo Simmons: Ili. My name is Lorenzo Simmons. Mr. Regalado -- Commissioner
Regalado mentioned earlier about the two groups. Well, we were the third group, which we
haven't gotten funded today. We do have a contract in. My understanding, the contract is
signed, but we haven't gotten it. "That's been about a month. And we hired a person to start up
the program, you know, and now you're talking about dismantling the program. So, I'm -- you
know, I'm kind of like in this catch 22, you know, twilight period here, where we've got a person
on staff now who's trying to meet with the of3icials here in the City about the program because I
had concerns the first time l saw the program. For thirty-five thousand dollars ($35.000) just too
overburden for these small- and medium-sized businesses, and -- but, again, I thought that this
program wits going forward. So, that's what ['m saying, I'm in a pickle right now, where we've
got a staff person we're gearing up to go and now I'm hearing that the program might by
dismantled. l just don't think that's fair.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, you heard Commissioner Winton saying that we're going to
have both options, and it will be up to the City Commission to decide if we are to continue the
program andior if we are to end it. I personally think that Miami Capital, although with their
problems serve the purpose, and that the City, if it has the money, it should help the small
merchants. After all, this is the base for the City of Miami. They cannot be based. So, we'll
wait t'or what she's going to bring us soon, I hope, and make a decision. But I, personally, think
that dismantling the program is wrong because I think we should have something to help the
small merchants.
Mr. Simmons: i agree with you, Commissioner Regalado. I just think the program just need to
he refocused a little bit different and restructured. That's all.
h8 July 10, 2001
1111DE O
Vice Chairman Gort: Well, there's a couple of things that I'd like to see, especially small
business, start-up business. The funding is very important, but, at the same time, I want to make
sure that somehow we can provide technical assistance. There's a lot of agencies out there that
are willing to supply technical assistance to make sure that these people stay in business, and
that's the most important thing, the revitalization of the neighborhood. OK. Any further
discussion'? Do 1 have a motion?
Commissioner Sanchez: So moved, Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved. Is there a second? Discussion?
Commissioner Teele: What's the motion?
Vice Chairman Gort: The motion is to approve the recommendation of staff and staff is to come
back on Item 11.
Commissioner Winton: On Item 11.
Commissioner Teele: This is regarding the Economic Development?
Vice Chairman Gorl: The Economic Development.
Commissioner Winton: No.
Vice Chairman Gott: No. This is loans.
Commissioner Regalado: No.
Commissioner Sanchez: No. Revolving loan fund.
Commissioner T'ecle: Revolving loan fund.
Vice Chairman Gort: Revolving loan funds.
Commissioner Winton: No, it's not.
Ms. Warren: The item is to...
Commissioner Winton: It's allocation of CAMACOL on a Commercial Facade Program.
Ms. Warren: Yes. And putting additional moneys there for commercial facade and allowing
them to carry over their unspent funds.
69 July 10, 2001
•
Commissioner Sanchez: Eleven. Item 11.
Commissioner Teelc: This is just CAMACOL?
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: Might.
Commissioner Winton; This is just CAMACOL.
Vice Chairman Gort: This is CAMACOL. That's all.
Ms. Warren: And the commercial facade set aside.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Vice Chairman Uort: OK. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Tccle: Why is CAMACOL and commercial facade treated as one project? Why
isn't CAMACOL treated as one and the Facade Program treated as another?
Ms. Warren: It was -- actually, the resolution covers three items: One, to provide them
additional fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to extend their administrative support through
September. We are out of facade match moneys for businesses, so we're asking that from the
Commercial loan Program, we take a hundred and fifty thousand dollars (S150,000) and put it
into that account. And then, thirdly, CAMACOL's contract ended September 30 with an
unspent balance of eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-three thousand, and we need
Commission approval for them to access that money by extending their contract.
Commissioner Tecle: But we're not making a decision on the Commercial Loan program now?
Ms. Warren: No. This is this year's monies, it's allowing them to extend the contract; it's
allowing us to pay the merchants, and it's allowing them to stay in existence and operate this
program through September 30th. Since it was funded in the middle of the year, they lost a
quarter.
Vice Chainnan Gort: OK. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying
„aye
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
70 July 10, 2001
•
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-643
A RESOLUION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ALLOCATING
$50,000 OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ruNDS FROM
THE AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE OF THE COMMERCIAL LOAN
PROGRAM TO CAMACOL LOAN FUND, INC. TO SUPPORT
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVI'T'IES THROUGH S1 PTEmBFR 30, 2001;
ALLOCATING $150,000 FROM THIN SAME SOURCE TO 'I'F lE FUND POOL,
TO COVER ACTUAL. REHABILITATION COSTS OF BUSINESSES
PARTICIPATING 1N THE COMMERCIAL FA�:ADE PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZING THE CARRYOVER UNTII. SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 OF
$18,773.63 OF FUNDS PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED TO CAMACOL LOAN
FUND. INC. FOR THE CONTRACT PERIOD ENDING APRIL 30, 2001; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND 'r1IE EXISTING
AGREEMENT WITH CAMACOL LOAN FUND, INC. IN ACCORDANCE
HEREWITI1, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLY TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Tecle, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chainnan Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
71 July 10, 2001
16. ESTABLISH LITTLE HAVANA SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
TO ASSIST BUSINESSES LOCATED ON S.W. 8nt STREET BETWEEN S.W. 4"H AVENUE
1 AND S.W. 27TH AVENUE AND ALLOCATE $50,000 FOR SAID PURPOSE FROM
AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE OF COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM.
Vice Chairman (;ort: )tem 12.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): Do you want to go back, and do the
Vice Chairman Gort: You %vant to make the presentation on 129
Commissioner Regalado: I'll second that, but I would like to make it comment and ...
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second. Discussion.
Commissioner Regalado: 1 would like to amend the resolution to extend the Economic
Development Initiative to 72ni1 Avenue. Southwest.
Commissioner Winton: To what avenue:'
Commissioner Regalado: From Southwest 27"' to Southwest 72"" Avenue. And the reason is
that it's all on the Southwest 8"' Street strip, and we need to help -- remember that those people
went through hell with the cunstruction on Southwest 81h Street, and Commissioner Sanchez'
idea, 1 think it will work on the Flagami side and the West Little Havana and F'lagatni side.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman:'
Vice Chairman Gorl: Commissioner Sanchez
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, i don't have a problem extending it to 32n" Avenue. it
basically covers the special overlay district that's established. What we're trying to -- through
public hearings, to try to bet support, which it does have to come back to the C'omtnissiun Ibr
final approval. It focuses on the overlay district. 1 don't have a problem, however, but I'll tell
you why this all came about. One was, (lie Facade Program, which -- the Small Business
Opportunity Center is one of the most successful ones in the City of Mituui. However, they're
still working on the prices of 15 years ago, where a gallon of paint was probably 8.99 or nine
dollars ($9) compared to now, where it's almost thirty dollars (S30) it gallon of paint. So, the
problem is that the larger business — and what we're doing on the district overlay, we identified
several big large businesses, where the program does not meet their demand. In other words, it's
not a benefit to the large business to just have [hem -- you know, they would have to put in a
large amount of money to paint their property. So, we have established this. the allocution of'
fifty thousand dollars 650,000) to target an "X" amount of businesses, and, you know, basically,
we dune down to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Commissioner Regalado, 1t' you want to also
amend the funds allocated for this project, 1 would wvlcume that oration to this resolution.
i-lowever, as it is right now, it basically covers the overlay district and the funds that are already
72 July 10, 2001
allocated to large businesses that apparently did not benefit from the other program, which it
docs not make any business sense for these larger businesses to fix their facades because, as it is
right now, they pay 70 -- and, you know, maybe -- do we have a representative from the Small
Business Opportunity Center in Little Havana? Is Luis Sabines, Jr. here? I saw him walking
around. Or someone'?
Commissioner Regalado: And, Commissioner, you're right. If we -- I would like also to amend
the moneys that -- twenty-fivc thousand dollars (525,000) more that will be corning out the
facade -- the regular facade Program. Is it -- how much we have?
Ms. Warren: It's under Item 15, Commissioner, and we've recommended four hundred and filly
thousand dollars ($450,000) torr your next ),car's set aside for the Facade Program, in general.
And l think you have to do that...
Commissioner Regalado: And I think...
Commissioner Sancher. As the maker of the motion, I don't have a problem with you allocating
twenty-five thousand and making seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) from next year's
Facade Program. I don't have any problem.
Commissioner Regalado: Right.
Ms. Warren: I think you need to wait — excuse me.
Commissioner Winton: But who's -- but where is it going to come from?
Vice Chairman Gort: From the facade. Next year's facade.
Commissioner Winton: But is all the facade money allocated?
Ms. Warren: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Winton: I'm sorry. Is all the facade money allocated?
Commissioner Regalado: No, it's not.
Ms. Warren: Again, we're...
Commissioner Winton: It's not?
Ms. Warren: This probrtu» will take effect next year. October 1. The moneys for the new facade
-- for the new fiscal year are in Item 15, as a part of the public hearing on item...
Commissioner Regalado: That's the set aside, Johnny. That's the set aside. And like Joe said,
this will be used to help bigger businesses because it doesn't make sense for them to take the
73 July 10, 2001
MEW-
• •
actual Facade Program -- because they're going to have to pay like thousands of dollars, but they
won't paint their business if they don't gel help froin...
Commissioner Winton: I'm not opposed to finding the twenty-five thousand dollars (S25,000), it'
it isn't all already allocated. I've got zero argument with this, but I would...
Commissioner Regalado: It's not. It's not allocated.
Commissioner Teele: Yeah, but this is not the item. That's Item 15.
Cotnmissioner Winton. I understand, but they're adding twenty -live thousand to this.
Coin missioner Tecle: But they're not supposed to do that on this one. They do that on Item 15.
Ms. Warrcn: What we would recommend...
Commissioner Winton: OK. Excuse me. And the last point. Just philosophically, so -ou all
understand this: from a philosophical standpoint, I'm sitting here struggling mightily to
understand why we're trying to generate money thr the bigger businesses. Fix their own
buildings. if it's a big business, they've bot the money in their pockets to fix their buildings.
Commissioner Sanchez: Johnny, Johnny, they can't.
Commissioner Winton: Huh?
Commissioner Sanchez: I'm telling you, they can't.
Commissioner Winton: A bigger business?
Commissioner Sanchez: And these are the businesses that we have identified and we have a
representative from the Small Business Opportunity Center, Luis Sabines, which (inaudible).
We've identified properties that they would -- they're struggling right now. We have been very
successliul from 17" to 12'h Avenue on 8'h Street. We want to extend now from 17"' to 22"" and
from 12"' to 4"', and we have large businesses there that, apparently, they're nut making -- and
this is what they tell us. And, you know what? If we don't come forth and assist them, they're
not going to paint it. In the long nun, they don't suffer. What sul7brs are the residents in the arca
that sec blighted businesses...
Commissioner Winton: Well, I've heard people tell the that a lot of times, and, you know, that --
our Code Entorcement hammers them, it's amazing how they conic up with the money. And
established businesses -- I mean, i hope that somebody is looking; at their financials. I'm hoping
that you're forcing large, established businesses to put their financial statements on the table and
prove that they can't alfbrd to fix their properties up.
Commissioner Teele: Bill, Johnny, i think this is something we really should discuss, and l think
the issue is the formula and we ought to have a flexible formula that does encourage and
74 July 10, 2001
1IIZiL[Cj[G
•
provides carrots to larger businesses. Larger, meaning larger than the very small, but there are a
lot of businesses in these corridors that maybe we don't do 80/20 with them. Maybe we do
50150. But I think we ought to...
Commissioner Winton: Then maybe I'm focused on the wrong definition of larger business, too.
Commissioner Tecle: Exactly,
Commissioner Winton: I mean, there could he a psychological deal going (inaudible).
Vice Chairman Gori: I think your focus of large business --
Commissioner Sanchez: This ain't no Burdines, you know.
Vice Chairman Gort: -- is a lot larger than what that -- it's not your Brickell and downtown
buslncgscs.
Commissioner Teelc: But, you know what, Mr. Chairman; I do want to say this. Commissioner
Regalado is going to have to leave. Most of the folks here are on public service, and I really
think we ought to pass this Item and bo immediately to public service before the lunch break,
because we're not going to get through this whole thing, and the Commissioner's going to want to
be here to vote.
Vice Chainnan Gon. And, by the way, this is part of the Facade Program, which we have. In
some neighborhoods, we have not done the facade and we had changed it to direct Economic
Development,
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chainnan. Connmissioner Regalado, you're allocated additional
twenty -live thousand will conic out of Item 15. If you could just leave that out mid let's vote on
the issue, on Item 12, which is just a resolution, as you amended, to 32"d Avenue. It's accepted
by the maker of the motion.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Ms. Warren: Mr. Chairperson:'
Vice Chainnan Gont: Yes.
Ms. Warren: You just passed an item previously that increased the set aside for facade by one
hundred and fifty thousand. It can cone out of there.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner Sanchez: OK. Fine.
Commissioner Winton: Great. Perfect.
75 July 10, 2001
Vice Chairman (_,ort: All right. That was passed already. It was done. Yes, sir.
Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, 180 Northwest 62"`' Street, Director of Neighbors and Neighbors
Association. I'm glad that Commissioner .Sanchez said that because, if you remember, this time
last year, 1 said this same thing. In Model City, those businesses are much bigger. Most of them
set up on a separate structure and it would take more money to paint those businesses and do the
facade than the 1burteen hundred dollars ($1,4M) that the City of'Mianti gives. And I'm glad
y'all trying to y'all fixing to do this, to do it fior the bigger businesses, because where 1 live at,
most of the businesses identify with that. Su, when you do it, don't forget ahow Model Cities
because I mentioned this...
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, 1 treed some education.
Mr. Jones: I mentioned this last year though, you know, and 1 got fought about it, but now it
comes back to the same thing 1 said. 1 said this, you know. Most of the businesses where I live
at are bigger stricture businesses, and that f01111ee1 hundred dollars ($1,400) won't do nothing.
Cummissioner Tecle: All right.
Vice Chairman (_port: That's wfty we're changing your -- in your place and we gave you some
more for the direct service to the merchants, and we'll continue to do that.
Mr. Jones: Commissioner, with all due respect, 1 appreciate the recommendations of the staff for
a hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), but, however, ...
Vice Chairman Gort: I.ciov last year, when you were here requesting fur five specific businesses,
that they receive grants lir filly thousand, forty thousand, and twenty thousand because your
program is different. The Facade Program, like Commissioner Teele has stated, does not work in
certain neighborhoods, and that's why the changes were made in those neighborhoods.
Mr. Jones: Right. OK. It was three businesses.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Right.
Mr. ,Jones: And if I might add -- I'm glad you reminded me of that — Shaker's Conch House and
Omega Fashions still haven't received the money yet. Not only haven't they wceived it; the
recommendation is that the money go to the business owner. The business owner do not want
the money. The business owner -- and we thought that the County voted and approved -- we
thought that the City voted and approved to give the money to the County because the County is
already in the process. The County know how the program work. The County been doing the
program for a few years. And if diose businesses accept the money, that mean they have to take
on two more additional ...
Commissioner Winton: Mr, Chairman?
76 July 10, 2001
i
Vice Chairman Gort: Leroy?
•
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. Mr. Chairman, if we can get (inaudible).
Vice Chairman Gort: (Inaudible) we should have brought that before.
Commissioner Winton: (Inaudible) that Commissioner Teele recommended...
Vice Chairman Gort: We should have brought that before.
Commissioner Winton: (Inaudible) move on.
Vice Chairman Gort; (Ltaudible) so we call deal with it.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Jones: Yeah. But, Commissioner, some closure need to be brought to this because these
businesses done already put their money up.
Commissioner Teelc: Mr. Jones? Mr. Jones?
Mr, Jones: Yes.
Commissioner Teele: When we take up Economic Development category today --
Mr. Jones: OK.
Commissioner Teele: -- that would be the good time and place to bring that up, and you'll get
my full support —
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner 'fecle: -- in terms of getting the staff for a full report on that because I've about
had it with some of this stuff now.
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mason.
Sam Mason: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, on facade. Last year Commissioner Teele gave --
donated five thousand dollars ($5,000) to our community, Model Cities, and we took that live
thousand to work with facade. This Commission has said that facade wasn't successful in the
Model Cities area. I've worked with it for many years and I knew it was. This year we was able
to finish 16 facade trusts or 20, where we got the business owners to paint their own buildings.
So, what we're saying, we're asking this Commission to be fair. We wanted the destituted areas.
We have demonstrated that we can do the job, and our community is asking that we he put back
into this (inaudible). Thank you.
77 July 10, 2001
0
Commissioner Tcele: Call the question on the Item before us.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK, Mr. Mason. All in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-644
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ESTABLISHING
THE LITTLE HAVANA SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVE TO ASSISI' BUSINESSES LOCATED ON SOUTHWEST 8TH'
STREET BETWEFN SOUTHWEST 4Tn AVENUE AND SOUTHWEST 32"'
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA. AND ALLOCATING $75,000 FOR SAID
PURPOSE FROM THE AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE OF THE
COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM.
(llere follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the Cily Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was pnssed and adopted by the
following vote:
AY1-.S: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchcz
Commissioner Arthur E. Tecic, Jr.
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
78 July 10, 2(N)l
BR EF COMMENT ON CODESIGNATION "OF SOUTHWEST 14M AVE UE IN
HONOR OF BOBBY FULLER (See 442 find 88),
Vice Chairman Gort: Which is the...
Commissioner Rcgalado: Mr. Chairman, before we go on, I just want to make a comment
because the family has been here for too long. And for the family of Bobby Fuller, we have
already here the resolution. It would he approved by the Commission in the regular session,
hopefully, this afternoon or maybe tonight, but 1 just want to tell you that you don't have to he
here. We have that. I want to give you this, and that we'll he in touch for the naming of the
street very soon. We have --we will order the signs, and we -- as soon as we have it ready, we'll
be in touch with you, so you don't have to be here all day.
79 July 10, 2001
3m a
18. (A) APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27-"fYEAR COMMUNITY
'DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS WITHIN' PUBLIC SERVICE
CATEGORY, ALLOCATE $20,000 TO REGIS HOUSE, INC.; ALLOCATE $35,000 FROM
TO "FANM AYIS YEN NAM MIY AMI, INC." (FANM); AUTHORIZE :MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO CONTRACTS PURSUANTTO 27trt YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING, WITHIN 90 DAYS; APPROVE ADMINISTRAT'ION'S
RECOMMENDATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY, WITH
AMENDMENT: INCREASE SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CENTLR BY
ADDITIONAL $15,000; $235,000 TO WORD OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION;
DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO REEVALUATE
BALANCE OF APPLICATION REQUESTS FOR FUNDING IN HISTORIC
PRESERVATION CATEGORY; APPROVE ADMINISTRATION'S RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR ALLOCATION OF $10,269,000 OF HOPWA FUNDS; APPROVE
ADMINISTRATION'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOUSING CATEGORY FOR TWO
PROJECTS, C.O.D.E.C. AND EAST LITTLE HAVANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION;
APPROVE ADMINISTRATION'S RECOMMENDATION FOR EMERGENCY GRANT
SHELTER GRAFT (EGS) CATEGORY, ALLOCATING $448,000 OF ESG FUNDS rOR
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES (See #21 and #23).
(B) MANAGER TO REVIEW PROPOSAL. PRESENTED BY YAEGER FOUNDATION,
INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDICAL MUSEUM TO BE
LOCATED ON CORNER OF NORTHWEST 12M AVENUE AND NORTHWEST 62ND
STREET, FOR PURPOSES OF HOUSING DOCUMENTS, BOOKS, AND OTHER
MEMORABILIA FROM PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS, HOSPITALS AND HISTORICALLY
BLACK MEDICAL SCHOOLS.
Vice Chainnan Gort: We passed 15. didn't mve? Didn't we move on 15?
Commissioner Regalado: No.
Commissioner Tecle: No. No. On Item Number 15, we just took one item out of it. We didn't
even take the whole category,
Vice Chairman Gan: Let's go to 15.
Unidentified Speaker: It's Historic Preservation,
Vice Chainnan Gort: You want 15? Is that the one that takes care of all the allocations'?
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): That's the one that -- with the
allocalions.
Commissioner Tecle: Mr. Chainnan, I would ask that we have it public hearing on the public
service portion of Item Number 15, starting with those organizations that were not recommended
for funding.
Vice Chairman Gort: I'll be right back.
SO July 10, 2001
�Z�ze�exy
s 0
:Vote for the Record: Commissioner Regalado exited the Commission Chambers at 11:32
a.m.
Commissioner Teele: And those organizations that are not recommended for funding, please
come forward, that would like to be heard. Do we have a sheet passed out with everybody -- can
1 bet another one of these spreadsheets, please? All right, sir. ,fust give us your name and
address for the record, and the name of your organization.
Robert Ruano. My address is 6705 Southwest 38'x' Street. I'm the Executive Director of Regis
House. Regis !louse is a non -for-profit organization doing substance abuse services and mental
health services for teens and adults in the City. We've been in the City since 1994, and we have
not -- at this time, we serve -- the majority of our residents are City residents, and we did not
receive any City funding. Most of our funding comes fmm the County and from private
donations, and we're asking for one hundred and nine thousand dollars ($100,000) to expand a
program called the Family Empowerment Progi-am, which we've had in existence since 1995.
Commissioner Teele: And what's the name of (lie organization?
Mr. Ruano: Regis House.
Ms. Warren: It's number 52 on your list, Commissioner, in Public Service.
Commissioner Tecle: All right. Next item. Oh, that's in District 3, right?
Mr. Ruano: District 3, yeah. Commissioner Sanchez.
Commissioner Sanchez: But you -- first of all, you did get a portion allocated. You did get
funding.
Commissioner Teele: Got zero funding from the City?
Mr. Ruano: Zero,
Commissioner Teele: From the City?
Mr. Ruano: from the City, yeah. Yeah, we don't -- we don't receive any funding from the City,
but we've been in the City since 1984, actually.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Next iter, please.
Grady Muhammad: Good morning, Commissioners. Grady Muhammad, Youth of America,
6401 Northwest 7" Avenue. Youth of America has applied for seven straight years. I lave not
been funded at all...
Commissioner Teele; What's the -- stand by. What's the number, Ms. Warren?
81 July 10, 2001
�I�I+L•ttt�e
•
Ms. Warren: Sixty-four on your spreadsheet.
Commissioner'feele: number 64.
Mr. Mohammad: Unfortunately, staff plan or rational has been -- well, Youth of America gets
LETF (Law Enforcement Trust Fund) dollars. Well, they do, but CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) LETF funding are completely separate. Georgia )ones -Ayers,
Liberty City Optimist, and a whole lot of -- host of other agencies, worthy agencies, get LETF
dollars, as well as CDBG. So, there's no douhle dipping, but, unfortunately, staff has used that as
a criteria of Youth of America getting let-up dollars for not funding them for CDBG, despite the
-- unfortunately, the County is doing it, .and we ask the Commissioners, wholeheartedly, to
consider Youth of America again, that wurthy agency run by Walter Iiardenton, a 25 -year
sergcant -- retired sergeant for the City of Miami policemen, one of the founders of the Do-Tlrr-
Right-Thing Program in 1990. So, all we're asking, he's running the program in Model City,
historically -- historical community that is disadvantaged, as well as economic in Social
Services. We ask the Commissioners to please consider Youth of America, Thank you.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Now, staff, the form says that it meets -- it checks the box "met
RFI1 (Request for Proposal) requirement'?" It says," yes." And then under comments, it says,
"non responsive to RIP." So, which one...
Ms. Warren: In the letter -- again, all of those -- there were two screening tests. One for
eligibility for federal funding, and the second one was the rating. For Social Service Programs,
once Ire was screened for eligibility, theft it was additional criteria. Whether you were a current
agency or whether you were pcHorrning and whether or not you received a -- for your answer,
Commissioner, the score was less than 70 percent. So, on -- for Youth of America, for example,
their rate -- their overall staff scored...
Commissioner 1 -cele: Ms. Warren, I asked one question: does it meet the RFP requirements? Is
that a correct statement, yes, or is the answer no?
Ms. Warren: The answer is multiple answers. It meets the eligibility requirements for federal
finding. It was dectned non responsive hecaUSC it scored less than 70. It is eligible for funding
if the Commissioners choose not to use 70 as a cut off.
C'ommiscionCr Tecle: Well, I would ask you and the City Attorney to get together because that's
clearly not a definition of non responsiveness. Non responsiveness doesn't go to a threshold. It
goes to a whole 'pother issue under the law, so we need to be very careful with that term. If it's
non-responsive, then this hoard can do nothing, is that correct, Mr. Attorney?
Ms. Warren: I'hey met the conditions of the RFP.
Commissioner Teele: Madam Attorney, Mr. Attorney, is that correct? if it's non responsive, as
stated in the spreadsheet, this board can do nothing, is that a correct statement?
82 July 10, 2001
Alciandro Vilarello (City Attorney): Yes.
Commissioner Teele: if it meets -- if it is responsive, then this board has the power to at least
address it?
Mr. Vilarello: Correct. You have the right to...
Commissioner Teele: And I'm still not clear as to what the answer is, but that's the nature of the
way this is going now. All right, sir, you've been heard. Next person, please.
Sam Mason: Sam Mason, Recruitment & Training Project.
Commissioner Winton: Which number'?
Commissioner Tee1e: I think it's 51.
Ms. Warren: It is 51.
Commissioner Tecle: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: What item are we on?
Mr. Mason: This is the third year...
Ms. Warren: Fifty-one, Commissioner,
Commissioner Teele: ht the Public Service category. Go right ahead, Mr. Mason.
Mr. Mason: This has been the third year that we have been working in what we call City of
Miami disaster zone. One of the -- to cut the zones in the Model Cities area. We have been
working with the young folks; we've been working; with the seniors; we've been working with the
business folks; we've been working; with the facade. All these things, and here we come up with
the next year, "no response." We've made all kind of awards this year. We was the hometown
heroes, Channel 4. We ran special programs for our young people, keeping them off the streets.
We've tun crime prevention with young people and seniors. We've worked with the business
people. We went before the Empowerment 'Lone to try to get moneys for the merchants who
couldn't afford to even pay their occupational license of the CUs. We had over 40 stores that I
went through who couldn't do that. All this was put into writing. I don't understand this. We're
doing the job. Everyone said we're doing the job, and no response. And we wrote a good, good,
good proposal. I mean, you could tell (INAUDIBLE) if any proposals you'd have in there. I
don't understand it. (INAUDIBLE) special about our community, I just can't relate with these
people.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Next person, pleas;; All right. We've got a number of persons
that have some disability and, so, Mr. Clerk, if we could get one of your people down there and
we could give them a microphone, we're going to go one in one. I'm not going to let the persons
83 July 10, 2001
iI111i�Iilftti. -
•
that have some disability have to stand at the back of the line because there's a different thing.
So, we're going to take one person from this line and one person from the .ADA (Americans with
Disability Act) line. How is that? Is that fair? Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Commissioner Tecle, I would also like to recommend that they're
welcomed to use this mike over here. There's nothing wrong with this mike.
Commissioner Tccle: All right. I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.
Marleine Bastien: My name is Marleine Bastien. and I'm from Fanm Ayisycn Nan Miyam, Inc.,
and I'm here with a group of people from the Haitian American community. Fanm Ayisycn Nan
Miyanri Inc. is an organization, which, fbr the past nine years, has been providing services to the
(laitian-American community. l'he goal of FANM is to empower Haitian women and their
families socially, politically, and economically. For nine years we've relied mainly on our own
resources to provide services. We were nominated the Best of Miami in 1988 because of the
services we've been providing. We've gotten the 11111nan Rights Awards from Annresty
International because of services that we've been providing to our community. This is out-
second
ursecond time applying: for CDBG funding.
Commissioner Tcele: What number is this?
Ms. Warren: Thirty-one.
Ms. Bastien: Fanm Ayisycn Nan Miyami, FANM. We applied under Public Services this time,
and also under Economic Development. Under Public Services, to provide case management
services for Haitians and their children, to increase employability in the community, to decrease
criminal involvement of 0111' youth because we've realized that crime in the Haitian -American
community has been increasing. Our families are in need, and then we know, for a fact, that
criminality, poverty, health problems are the by-product of neglect of families. Our Haitian
families are disintegrating because of the neglect that we suffered from the hands of the City.
We are here today to ask you, Mr. Commissioners, to take into consideration Fanm Ayisyen Nan
Miyami's requests, both under Public Service for public service funding and Economic
Development because we icel that the community needs it. I know there is one agency that was
funded for fitly -six thousand dollars ($56,000), under Public Service. We're not asking; to
dcfwid anyone. What we're asking is for the Haitian -American community to be recognized
because we need the services, as indicated by all these people, who took time out of their work
today. It is time that the (laitian-American community get its fair share from this City. 1 urge
you to recommend some, although we were not recommended by staff, to recommend some, not
only because it's the right thing to do, but because it will serve the welfare of this entire
community. Thant: you.
Vice Chuinnan Gort: Thank ,you.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, if I -- Ms. Bastien, let me understand two or three things.
Ilave you all ever been funded by the C'ity?
84 July 10, 2001
•
0
Ms. Bastien: Never.
Commissioner Teele: Who do -- I thought I read that you all got some money froth a large
foundation recently.
Ms. Bastien: We've gotten money from mainly -- now listen to this -- foundations that are out of
town. We get fiutding from the Health Foundation here locally, and the Dade Community
Foundation. However...
Commissioner Teele: You've been ftmded from the Dade Community Foundation?
Ms. Bastien: Yes. And Health Foundation, locally.
Commissioner Teetc: How much did you get from them?
Ms. Bastien: From the Health Foundation, we got a collaborutive grant with HAFI, the Haitian
American Foundation for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
Commissioner Teele: And for the...
Ms. Bastien: For the Dade Community foundation for collaborative projects, with
(INAUDIBLE) Florida Justice Institute, and Florida Legal Services for about rorty thousand
dollars ($40,000) to provide services to I laitian-Americans, who want to become U.S. Citizens.
Commissioner Teele: Were you funded with Amnesty International?
Ms. Bastien: No. We got an award from them. We got the Human Rights Award from Miami
International for the advocacy work that we've been doing on behalf of immigrant women and
children, but we were not funded by them.
Commissioner Teele: Have you been funded by any foundation from out of town?
Ms. Bastien: Yes. We've got funding from (INAUDIBLE) I-oundation, (INAUDIBhh)
Foundation...
Commissioner Teele: Meeds?
Ms. Bastien: Meeds Foundation.
Commissioner Teele: How much did you get from them?
Ms. Bastien: Meeds Foundation, twenty-five thousand for Women Empowerment project. We
are into the empowerment of women and children because we believe that the women play all
important role in our society. Women are the backbone of our society. If we work with the
women and tltcir children, we improve the condition of society. That's what we -- we're in the
business of empowering women and their children.
S5 July 10, 2001
IZIZ�ItRi
0
Commissioner Teele: And how many of the people that are behind you are with you?
Ms. Bastien: We have -- how many, Danielle? Can you help me count? Four, six...
Comtissioner Tccle: Everybody that's with Ms. -- raise your hand.
Ms. Bastien: Raise your hands.
Commissioner Tccle: Raise your hand.
Ms. Basticn: From FANM.
Commissioner 'Keele: So, we don't have to hear from all of them, right`?
:Vis. Basticn: No. No. They're here to support us here, and we're going to come back. We're
going to come back again and again.
Commissioner Teele: Marleine
Ms. Bastien: Yes.
Commissioner Teele: Marleine, I know you're going to come back. That's why I'm trying to
solve this problem.
Ms. Basticn: OK.
Commissioner Teele: I'm trying to save a lot of time down the road. Mr. Manager, Madam
Manager, Madam Director, it says that they were non responsive in bout the Economic
Development and Public Service. What was the nature of the non -responsiveness in the Public
category?
Daniel Fernandes (Assistant Director, Community Development): The non responsive translate,
Commissioner, to those agencies which do not obtain a score of 70 on the evaluation.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Attorney, we need to get the terminology corrected.
Mr. Vilarello: Correct. In all instances where the -- in your flow chart, it indicates that the
agency met the RFP requirements and that's checked ofd' as yes, and then in the "comments"
section, it says "non responsive." That should he amended to say that the agency's score in the
RFP evaluation process fell below 70 points. That's the way it should read. That means that
they were responsive. Their scoring in the evaluation process fell below a threshold established
by staff, but they are eligible for your consideration, notwithstanding the fact that they fell below
that score.
86 July 10, 2001
)0431
Commissioner -cele; Well, Mr. Chairman, there arc a lot of'other people, and I'll yield back to
you to preside, but i just want to be on the record that it is my intent today to provide some
funding for this organisation, and I'm not going to punish or penalize it from anybody outside of
District S, but we simply have to make room, especially when an organisation is receiving
worldwide acclaim for their advocacy, and we know particularly the problem that I'm confronted
with, which is the so-called child abuse by American laws, is not child abuse its Port-au-Prince or
in Haiti. And, so, what we really need is more training into what the laws are, and I'm
particularly concerned that your urganization work with us and the Police Department in re-
educating or exposing women, especially, and families on the area of child abuse, so that we
cannot give people criminal records for what is just sinlply a cultural difference of approach.
Ms. Bastiew May I say something to that, Commissioner?
Commissioner Teele: Yes,
Ms. Bastien: Farms Ayisven Nan Miyami -- I am a politicai social worker and i've worked at
,Jackson for 15 years, and the reason why I Jell Jackson to work at FANM is because i...
Conitnissionct- Teele: You've left Jackson completely?
Ms. Bastien: Completely. To work at FANM is because I realised that our Haitian families --
when 1 refer thorn 1br services, they kept coming back and forth. Our children spending longer
tinge in the furter care system when they are taken iutu custody by the DCS (Department of
Children and Families). Wily? Because of a lack of Understanding of the system. When we
conic from Haiti, we hrinb our traditions with us. We lack understanding of the system here,
where the state can intervene and play, the role of parents. We not choose that system. What I've
(cell saying over the years, even whun 1 was a member of the Department of I IRS (Dcparinlent
of Health and Rehabilitative Services) was that let's he proactive instead of removing, let's
educate, and that's what FANM has been doing, and we've got the most awards in the
(INAUDIBLE) or in the City, more than anybody else. However, here, the City has not
recognized us. Foundations fi-otn Washington, from New York, they know our work. 7 hey've
recognized it. Amnesty International recognizeS Our work, but our City. Thcre is a poor
(INAUDIBLL) French that says, (INAUDIBLE), no one is a prophet in his own country, but I
will say no one is a prophet in his own city. So, 1 think it's time -- it's time, it is time.
(INAUDIBLE) and I'm not talking only about FANM. When you look at the list of agencies
being funded, my God. Look at the Haitian eunurlunity. Less than two hundred thousand dollars
($200,000) in public Services. This is it shame. We pay taxes like everybody else. This is a
shanne. This is a shame.
Vice Chairnlan Gort: Thunk you. Next.
Nataki Anderson: Good morning. My name is Nutaki Anderson and I'm here to talk about
people thut leas disability. We need the center because 1 would not learn how to write or read.
Franklin Zavala -Vele. C01111111SSlOners, my name is Franklin 'Zavala -Velez. I want to introduce
you my peers. We've hcen told by the stuff nlenlhers that we're not qualified f'or funding and we
87 July 10, 2001
did not meet the criteria. My concem before the Commissioner and the ("hair, tell me. is the:
criteria of teaching these young beautiful people reading and writing to he a member ol'suciety,
to say no to them, that they're not qualified for federal dollars, knowing that president Clinton
signed an executive order of year -- August, in year 2000, mandatory that all federal dollars
within the local or the state to deal with the English -- limited English processes. These are the
young pcoplc who need to go somewhere: to learn how to read and write; to learn how to become
independent; to learn to work and pay taxes like everybody else:. They arc American citizens,
and the way that I feel before you, what seems to he a second-class citizen. We are !ost — losing
our ftntding with the alliance of human services because of an (INAUDIBLE). I don't want to
see my pcoplc in the street, homeless, hggpnt;, or i-vait another three years fur thein to go hack
Into a classroom to learn hots to read and write. 'i hese are .III diftercnt people. We lwvc
Haitian; %kc have Hispanic, Caucasian; we have Native American because we arc disabled. That
is a one label WC arc family. 7 hese are my family. i do an�lhing tier thein I sit down \vitt)
them when they have prohlem. Thcre is no agency whatsoever to du the wort: we're doing here.
Educational and training, vocational, teaching the family how to deal with members of the family
who are disabled. To educate everyone.. We know theta you are the champions who shall
provide, and we're asking you to take into consideration, to becowe our champion, to lead its, not
to put us hehind. We not want to he hchind. We want to be somebody and the are somebody,
and this is why 1 asked them to conic here because we need to get these funding and we need to
take care of.un citizens ofthe City of Mianti. According to the American literacy Association,
the Uity of Miami has 63 percent Illiteracy. Arc we going to turn them away? How can we tight
for our right it'we don't know how to read and %rite? There's been it wonderful, succussful story
oil each individual who are deaf, who has Down ti oidroine, who's in wheelchairs, who are hltlui,
and before you, each of those proposals. the honor roll program would -- is going to he saved for
one or two or three months if it wasn't for the C'onwrission of Education in Tallahassee, when I
crashed into his office, because the were in jeopardy. But ice have to shote that we do care about
people of disability. You've seen them before you. ticlp its.
Vice Chairman Oorc Thank you, sir. Thank you. What nttrnber is this? "Thank you. Next.
Brenda Johnson: Good morning. My name is Brenda Johnson. ]':it Executive Director of the
Greater Mianti Chapter of the Alzheuner's Association, an organization that has served this -
the individuals in Mianli-Dade and Monroe County quietly Cur 16 years. This chatter has
applied, for the first time, for City of Miami funding. Why? Because we can't serve quietly any
longer. Alzheimer's discuse represents a crisis in this City, it growing epidemic, as it does across
the country. Our chapter, your chapter, is moving aggressively to develop capacity to serve the
fast-growing number of pcoplc who need our help. Let me quickly tell you that [here is a current
estimate of 46, 000 individuals in Mianti-Dade County with Alzheimer's disease. Without a
cure, that number will exceed 100,000 by the year 2050. At age. 85, one and two people develop
Alzheimer's. At age 651. the number is one and 10. South Florida represents the fastest growing,
over 135 :age population in the country. Consider the demographics in your owns City. Through
the incidents of the disease, as shown to be tour -times higher in the black community, and twice
as high among Hispanics, as among non Hispanic Whites. Our proposal was not funded. We
learned this yesterday atlernoorl ,aid tic still have not seen our score sheet, but the reasun
indicated reads that it does not meet uatiunal objectives or henefit luny and rlxldcratc-income
neighborhoods. I would quickly like to cite on page 32 of your own proposal work sheet, that we
146 July 10, 2001
�I�z�Z[cxl�
checked off services for Allapattah, Coconut Grove, Edison Little River, I:ittle Havana, Model
City, Overtown and Wynwood. Further, the proposal reads that the program will directly
address the needs of underserved elderly as the priority population, will qualify individuals for
service based on income to target low-income households, low-income individuals, moderate -
income households, and moderate -income individuals employing Section 8 category definitions.
I will quickly read -- I'm sorry. We were -- we're proposing to put a position in the City of
Miami that would do outreach, identify eligible people, and get them to support services. It is
mandatory. We cannot turn our backs on this population of people. 1 do not envy your very
dincult choices. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, nut'aur. I want people to understand that we have a request for
maybe thuly million dollars ($30.000,000) -- thirty or forty million dollars ($40,000,000), and
We, owe, how much?
Ms. Warren: Thirty.
Vice Chainnin Gort: Thirty. And how much we have?
Ms. Warren: This is category three.
Commissioner Winton: Three.
Vice Chairman Gort: Three million dollars (53,000,000). In other words, we have requests for
thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), and all we have is three million dollars ($3,000,000).
Commissioner Winton: 'phis says 11.
Ms, WatTCn: It was fourteen million in this particular category, and we have three million
available, but 29.9 overall.
Vice Chairman Gorr. fourteen in this particular -- OK. Fourteen.
Commissioner Teel c: What number is this item that just testified'?
Ms. Warren: They're not on your list. They're in the letter as one of the agencies that was not
eligible under the federal guidOines.
Ms. Johnson: I would really like to see our score sheet and understand that. to he very honest.
Commissioner Teeie: But I want to understand what is not eligible under the federal guidelines
about Alzheimer's? I mean, not that we have any money, but I -- we at least ought to know what
the eligibility...
Mr. Fernandes: There's just question whether the organization met with the national objectives
in serving low to moderate -income individuals.
89 July 10, 2001
OX6ltt 11
0
Ms. Warren: And what she...
0
Mr. Fernandes: There was a social -- the program in nature was social of nature and it was,
again, detennined not to meet the national objective.
Commissioner Winton: Well, we heard that part, but we still don't get it.
Ms, Johnson: 1 would respectfully ask -- I'm sorry.
Vice Chairman Gon: EXCLrSe me. FACUse me.
Ms. Wan -en: Again, the criteria is that because it's a social program. it needed national objective.
What the lady is saying is that, her proposal -- she said that she would use Section S targeted
criteria. Lithcr we didn't read it, it was over looked and we'll have to check that one, and they're
checking her application to sec if, in fact, she specified. But the organization in the introduction
that we've read, the Alzheimer's Organization targets individuals and treats those and their
families with the disease. That was not specific to low-income residents, and although she said
she was targeting the communities which of Allipattuh, East Little Havana, Overtown, Model
City, these are revitalization districts, but these are also neighborhoods in the City of Miami, So,
again, we'll need to look and see -- if she's indicating that she's going to do eligibility
determination fir low-income residents only and not provide general service to Alzheimer's
victims, then that would put her in a different category. But the service -- being an Alzheimer's
victim and not specifically doing eligibility determinations to ensure that they're low-income is
not sufficient. They would have to do both.
Vice Chairman Cion: OK. If you can get together with them, though, they'll give you the scores.
Yes, ma'am.
Sue L.oyzclle: Ili, Commissioners. My name is Sue Loyzelle with the YMCA (Young Men
Christian Association) of Greater Miami, and I'm here to speak to you on behall'oftwo proposals
that was not recommended for funding, however, we were recommended for funding for the
other two that we submitted and have continued to receive funding for Model City and the little
Havana projects. However, the two other projects that we wanted to submit this time, we would
like you to reconsider start-up funding for us to do the same types of programs in Allapattah
areas for the Teen After School Program, and in the West Grove for the Virrick Park Aquatic
After School and Summer Aquatic Program. And if you could find any additional allocation to
provide us with 50,000, per project, that would help its to get started so that we can replicate the
projects that we have in other communities. If you look or talk with the staff, you can see that we
have provided excellent service to the residents of the City of Miatni for the Model City acrd
Little Havana projects, and have then received subsequent funding year after year for the
excellent service and the high monitoring scores that we've received. And, so, we just would like
.to replicate these projects in Aalapattah and in the West Grove. 'thank you.
Vice Chaimian Gort' ']'hank you.
Dena Bianchino: Commissioners that was 63B and D for your information.
90 July 10, 2001
Vice Chainnan Gort: Thank you. Next.
Mimerose Philorne: Yes. My name is Mimerose Phiiome. I represent the Non -Violence
Project. We use -- our mission is to use knowledge as a tool to diminish violence among the
youth, and we were not approved for funding based on our evaluation, and upon request of the
evaluation -- there's certain things that were not clear to me because one of the evaluators said
that our budget did not seem sound enough or the other evaluator stated that the budget appeared
sound and salaries appeared reasonable, and based on these two evaluations that I received, they
seem to be impartial and i could not understand why we were not approved for funding. And
why we're requesting that is because most of the i'unding that we do get, most of the grants that
we're approved for are for schools down south, and I am a product of the City of Miami. and
specifically Edison Senior Nigh, and it is very difficult to reach the score on student populations
on that cud of town because of-- most of the funds that we receive are compliant and we have to
work in certain areas. Now, recently, 1 finished a project within Edison Park with 57 students,
with our program called Girls Voice. It was a very difficult task for me to do because I was the
only staff that could be able to do that because we do not have a lot of funding to give -- to hire
people, and I'm standing here because it's not only for funding as far as -- we asked for scventy-
live thousand. If there is any funding available for our project, I would request that any funding
that is available be given to us because it is very crucial for us to reach the youth, especially
within the City of 'Miami. And with this proposal that we requested, we'll he able to reach over
22 of the students with -- excuse me -- 22 schools, in which four of them are within the major
cities -- major schools within the City of Miami, and I'm requesting that, even if it's not 75,000,
we can readjust the budget that some funding be given to the non violence project. Thank you.
Vice Chainnan Gon: Thank you, ma'am.
Commissioner Teele: How much money do you get from the School Board?
Ms. Pbilonme: None. Thank you very much.
Vice Chairman Gout: Thank you. Next.
Conmtmlissioner Teele: It's a very good project.
David Chivemton: Good morning. I'm David Chiverton, Executive Director of FOCAL
(Foundation of Community Assistance and Leadership). We weren't recommended for funding.
At this time, we are going through some paperwork that's needed with CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant). However, the learning center at Moore Park from last year, from 38
students, is now up to 163, and we'ro servicing like 82 children daily through the summer
program. What we're asking for is, if the moneys could he set aside while we satisfied the
concerns of CDBG so we can move forward with the program?
Commissioner Teele: Ms. Warren, how do you all feel about that?
91 July 10, 2001
�i�7irrcrosre
•
Ms. Warren: Again, the issues, as Mr. Chiverton has FOCAL (foundation of Community
Assistance & Leadership). we have sonic disallowed cost issues. In the past, the Commission
has indicated that funds be set aside, pending the resolution of the financial issues. We require
reimbursement of approximately twenty-four thousand dollars ($24,000), and once those moneys
are returned, they're eligible attd do a good service.
Cornmissinner Teele: How much did they receive last year?
Mr. Chiverton: Forty-seven thousand rive hundred.
Commissioner Teele: And of the forty-seven thousand, they got twenty -lour thousand in
disallowable costs'?
Ms_ Warren: It's twenty-six thousand (bur hundred thirty-nine hundred dollars ($26,439.00).
Mr. Chiverton: On the previous contract here.
Commissioner Teele: Previous years or the current year?
Ms. Warren: On the prior year.
Commissioner Teele: Where arc they on their current year funding that they're in now?
Ms. Warren: We currently have -- they've spent all but about -- approximately twenty-five
thousand. They have reimbursements submitted to the office, and their bills are -- requests for
payments arc in, but you can't use federal money to pay federal disallowed costs. We attempted
to adjust it with an LLTF (Law Enforcement "frust Fund) grant, hitt, unfortunately, those funds
had been spent prior to us being able to do any adjustments to support them in mitigating the
situation.
Mr. Chiverton: We're working it out, and, like I said, but we would just like the money set aside
because the program started with 38 children, it's up to 170 something now, and it's continually
growing. Even going through the situation with CDBG, we -- the foundation has maintained the
program since March, up to now. We will continue to do our best to do so, but if the funds are
not set aside, then it would very much hamper our ability to progress.
Commissioner Teele: Well, Ni not sure I understand. You all are in a current funding cycle
now. Are you drawing down money under that funding cycle?
Mr. Chiverton: We have not received any funduig since March.
Commissioner Teelc: And, so, the funding -- but the funding was made. So, where are those
dollars?
Ms. Warren: Those dollars are still in their contract.
97 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Teelc: And about how much is that?
Ms. Warren: What is their balance in time contract? Approximately thirty thousand dollars
($30,000) that's available in their current year contract.
Commissioner Teele: Well, at the right time, i want to talk -- I would like a resolution, as I've
said before -- regulating the technology. We need a comprehensive strategy on technology, and
we -- that should be a part of the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, et cetera. But one thing is for
sure, the Moore Park, which is more, I guess, in Commissioner Gort's district than mine,
although the temmis courts in my district and the office is in yours, as I understand the boundary.
I've checked with the Parks Department, and the program is a smashing success. They started
out with 30 people. They've got over a 100 kids there right now, and the question, you know,
that we get into is, why do we punish the kids? i nican, there's got to be a way to finish out this
summer and to ensure that the program -- even if it goes to the Parks Department, for whatever
reason, but we just need to have a plan that's not just a financial plan, but we need to have a plan
to assure the service to the children, and that's what l'm going to ask you all for, if you all could
meet over lunch and corne back at the break.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. 'thank you. Next. We're going to hear two more speakers and then
we're going to cut off and we'll probably come back at two.
Walter Flardenmon: Good afternoon, Commissioners, Ms. Warren. My name is Walter
Hardenton, the founder and Executive Director of Youth of America, incorporated, located at
6102 Northwest 7°i Avenue, Miami, Florida. November the 15'" o)f this year, Youth of America
will be celebrating its 10 -year ;anniversary. This is the tenth year that I've been before this
Commission seeking CDBG funding. I know, from the past, in the past history, that CDBG
(1NAt'I)IBI.E) is already -- it's very little, but (INAUDIBLE) saying this here to make it short.
i've been receiving CDBG dollars from Miami -Dade County for seven years. This year, April
2001, was National CDBG Week. Youth of America received from Miami -Dade County a
Certificate of Appreciation that the job has been done for the citizens of'vlianti-Dade County,
Liberty City, Model City. As of yesterday, I received a letter from the office of the City of
Miami. Office of Community Development, stating that we were not recommended again for
funding. What I did is, (INAUDIFBLE) I requested nmy scores. Right to this day, I don't even
know them. It seenms like we've been in a loop. Long time ago somebody told nue this here: said,
"Walter, (comments not recorded)
Vice Chairman Uort: Thank- you. Next.
Lottie Person: To the Chair and all the Commissioners. I'm still learning the procedure, you
know, of, you know, the Commissioners. First, my name is Lottic Person, I live at 3245 Oak
Avenue. 1 want to thank you all very much for the recommendation for the funds for the Miami
Behavior Center. This program is very important for Coconut Grove, and it needs to be kept in
Coconut Grove. The reason I know it is very important because it has helped a lot of my
relatives. Again, not only relatives, but odder people in the cormurmuuity. Again, I want to thank
you and I hope that you all will continue to fund the Miami Behavior Deaf Center. 1 don't know
whether I'rmm out of order here or not, but thank you very notch.
93 July 10, 2001
�I�7tIIde�.
•
Vice Chairman Gori: 'Thank you. We will be back at two o'clock.
THEREUPON, THE CITY COMMISSION WENT INTO RECESS AT 12:08 P.M. AND
RECONVENED AT 2:14 P.M.. WITH ALL MEMBERS OE THE CITY COMMISSION
POUND TO BE PRESENT.
Vice Chairman Gun: Commission meeting. We're still addressing Item 15. Under public
hearings, we heard froth individuals that were not recommended for funding. At this time,
anyone that was recommended for funding, that .vould like to address the Commission, please do
so.
Commissioner Teele: Is this Public Service still'?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes. Yes, ma'am.
Alicia Del Tom: Good afternoon, Mr, Chairman, Commissioners, staff members. My name is
Alicia Del ''oro. I'm the administrator for Catholic Charities Emergency Services at 970
Southwest I" Street, and 1199 Northeast 62"'' Street, (INAUDIBLE), and Little Havana. 'I he
proposal that we IZlade for the CDBG funding for this year was to cover four poverty stricken
areas: klodel Cities, Little Haiti, (INAUDIBLE) in downtown, and Little l lavana. We have been
recommended foran amount that would only allow us to pay for a partial cost of social worker in
Little Haiti to cover for Model Cities and Little Haiti, but Little Havana has been Icfl without any
finding, and, so far, through May, this last year, we have seen close to nine thousand cases in
Little liavana only, because we do take care of the center part of the City of Miami and all the
way south, to the end of the City of Miami boundary. So, we are going to request that you please
reconsider and see if I can at least get 60 percent of the amount that I've requested so 1 can cover
these lour low-income areas that are very in very much need of case management services. I
have here the worker for Littic Havana and one for Little Haiti, and they can explain to you the
situation that we have. We have people who really need help in basic problems, so they can be
self-sufficient. Thai* you very much.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Sarah Guerrier: Good afternoon. My name is Sarali Guerrier. (INAUDIBLE) Catholic Charities
Emergency Services, advocating for our outreach (INAUDIBLE) Center, We currently have
three staff serving the community, and last year we have served seven thousand three hundred
and fifty-fibur families. Our mission statement is to support families to fight poverty, to build
community. Today we are appealing to your interest in the community well being and your
(INAUDIBLE) to redirect the distribution of CDBG funding, according to the basic needs of
people living in poverty, targeting areas such as little Haiti. It is vital that you reconsider your
recommendation of nineteen thousand dollars ($19,000), by increasing it at least to 60 percent of
the original request finding, which was one hundred and live thousand eight hundred zero three.
Please reconsider the recommended award for at least sixty-three thousand four eighty-two to
avoid a drastic reduction in services. It will also allow us to continue serving our deprived
clients, who come to us during tnonients of crisis, as well as allowing us to maintain and increase
94 July 10, 2001
�I�PLlteleZ:
0 •
our staff to better respond to the ever changing needs of our clientele, which is our community.
The emergency services outreach (INAUDIBLE) center serves at least 40 families on a daily
basis with infornimion referrals, crises intervention, orientation, individual and family supportive
services, and (INAUDIBLE), financial assistance, translation services, assistance with forms and
application. As you are aware, our program is open to any individual requesting assistance,
without regards to ethnic background, race, religion, age, and sex. We thank you for your
interest and vour reconsideration. Your reconsideration will certainly help its for fulfilling our
mission. Again, which is, to support families; to fight poverty, and to build communities.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Next.
Silvia Hernandez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Silvia Hentandez. t work at
970 Southwest 1'' Street for Catholic Charities Emergency Services. I'm one of the social
workers in the Little Havana arca, and we are serving eight thousand two hundred and fifty-three
clients in our fiscal year from July 1", that ended. This office, we serve the elderly, the families
with children, the homeless. So, as you c.ut see, the statistics shows that we have a lot of clients
coming throughout the year. We are very low in staff. We only have three workers, full-time
workers with BSWs, helping all of these clients, so t would appreciate il'you would consider our
fundings and increase it to 60 percent.
Commissioner Sanchez: I have a question for you. Docs Catholic Charities have a drug
treatment program?
Ms. Hernandez: Catholic Charities has a drug treatment program that is called St. Luke's.
Commissioner Sanchez: Where are ilia offices located?
Ms. 1-lemandez: Seventy-ninth Street.
Commissioner Sanchcz: On 791h'? None in the area of Little Havana, correct?
Ms. Hernandez: No, sir.
Vice Chairman Gori: Now, my understanding in looking at this, you're being recommended for
funding at the same level as last year.
Ms. Hernandez: Yes, sir. Nineteen thousand.
Vice Chairman Gott: OK. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: But we got ten thousand morc...
Vice Chairman Gort: I know. The problem is, everybody needs - we have request for fourteen
million. We only have three. So, who do we take it from to give it to somebody else? 'That's
the only problem we have here.
95
July 10, 2001
Commissioner Winton: And I'm hoping that, as you all cone up and tell us how imperative it is
that we increase funding, that you give us some idea about who we should take it away from.
We have to make that decision. If we're going to increase funding to any of you individually, we
have to take it away from somebody else who's already been here.
Vice Chairtnan Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Ivette Velez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Ivette Velez. I am from the - I'm
the program director of the De Hostos Senior Center, located at 2902 Northwest 2n4 Avenue,
which is in the Wynwood area. We were here to thank you to the recommendation for the
amount of two hundred and t'orly thousand dollars ($240,0(X1). But the reason that we are here is
because we recently opened another hot ineal site, which is located at 750 Northwest 18"'
'terrace, which is the name is Claude Pepper Building. We are providing the hot meal service
for 45 seniors at this moment. Our original requested budget was for the amount of three
hundred seventy-eight thousand dollars ($378,000). City of Miami granted only us two hundred
and forty, which is this - that amount is for the De Hostos Senior Center in the Wynwood area.
We need to at least fifty-seven thousand dollars ($57,000) to continue the service in the Claude
Pepper Building. If it is not possible, we have to close the center.
Vice Chairman Gori: Thank you.
Ms. Velez: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Next.
Commissioner Winton: What was that last comment you made again? I'm sorry.
Ms. Velez: Excuse me.
Commissioner Winton: The very last comment.
Vice Chairman Gort: (INAUDIBLE) close the center.
Ms. Velez: If we have to...
Commissioner Winton: About Claude Pepper.
Ms. Velez: Well, il'we don't receive the filly -seven, you know, we have to close.
Commissioner Winton: You have to close that feeding center?
Ms. Velez: That's correct.
Commissioner Winton: Completely?
Ms. Velez: All right.
96 July 10, 2001
Vice Chairman (.fort: Yeah.
Commissioner Winton: Thatlk you.
Vice Chairman Gott: That's the way of taking care of that.
Leonie Hernlantin: Good aflernoon. Leonie I-lerrnuntin, Haitian Alnerictul Poundation, 5080
Biscayne Boulevard. I'm here to thunk you for your recommendation of seventy-five thousand
dollars (S75,000) for our elderly program. We're very pleased to say that I remember last --
Some time this year, Commissioner I cele was saying. that there was not enough funding for tite
elderly in little Haiti. A'c're very please to say that we've put together wonderful program and
you will be invited, some time in the very near future, to the grand opening of our senior center.
We again, we're very pleased for the funding, and we can assure you that it's been nicely
Ieveraged with other tundinb from the County and the State. 'thank you.
Vice Chairmtul Gort: Thank you. Next.
Jose Argote: Ili. Good afternoon. My name is Jose Argotc, on behalf of Fitly -Give Years and
Up, all organization located at 801 Southwest 271h Avenue. 1 don't understand. We were;
recommended for twenty-five thousand dollars 625,O00) and we are grateful for that. However,
I would like to state that Fitly -hive Years and Up was established four years ago by an
entrepreneur (TNAUDIBLE) Diaz, to fight for the rights of senior citizens, and started with the
cause of eliminating property taxes altogether for the senior persons, appropriate retirement, and
full medical service at the level of other industrialized nations of the world. However, working
with elderly people, we fund out that the majority of the elderly and disabled did not have the
opportunity of having a hot diluter hccause most food programs are oriented towards lunch. So,
\vc started a honk delivery program, giving hot meals at horne, to clients in the cities of West
Miami and Sweetwater. We have been doing that for two years already, and we receive funds
froth the County and the Alliance for the Aging. Now, I would like to extend these services to
the City of Miami residents, but with the !undine that was recommended, twenty-five: thousand
dollars ($25,000), we will not he able to fulfill the needs that we have identified. So, I urge this
conlnuutity to please approve the full requested amount of two hundred thousand. 1 thank you
very much.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Thank you. Ncxt.
Elisa Juara: (food afternoon, Vice Chairman and Commissioners. Thank you so much for your
allocation and...
Vice Chaimian Gort: Name and address, please.
Ms. Juara: Oh, I'm surry. My name is Elisa Juara. I'm the Nutrition Director for the Little
Havana Activity and Nutrition Center. We are countywide. We have been in opLratton sincC
1972, serving the City of Miami and all the areas And the need of the elderly is increasing, and
there's more everyday we get calls for people that need home delivery meals. With the
97 July 10, 2001
funding that we get from the City of Miami, we are able to have two centers, and, also, we
provide home delivery meals. We are Presently serving two thousand home delivery meals to
each people's house, and it's not enough, OK. The waiting list is over five hundred people, and
that's just the people that are in the system of lite computer, but calls, I get everyday. Some
people die waiting for their meai. So, I know it's a very hard job for you all because there's a lot
of need in the City and there's not enough Binds. So, I congratulate all of you for the work you
do and it's very hard with all the needs that we have. But we are herr serving the community
and we have been serving for over 28 years.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Anyone else'? Anyone else'? OK. We'll now close the public
hearings, and decision time.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Teel e: Mr. Chairnan, before we start making motions, 1 would like to just clarify
with the management, and one arca, Madam Manager, that there is an improvement in, and that
is the honesty by which the various grant requesters are designating in their service area. There
was a time when everybody said City-wide, and the one thing that 1 would like is some tyhc of
certificate associated with everyhody that is receiving funds from the -- that is citywide
designated, that the City staff establish a minimum criteria, and whatever grants we approve
today will be subject to their meeting that city%vide criteria. In other words, it' somebody's
serving 85 percent Allapattah and they're designated city-wide, they're in trouble because wcrc
going to -- I'm not going to look behind anybody's designation, but it' it's not city-wide, then 1
expect it to he returned back here fir further consideration. In other words, I see a lot of people
designating two and three and lour districts. A lot of activities are in, say, the Hispanic
community. and that's great, as long as it's beim; designated that, but i would hate for someone to
say that I'm serving, for example, Little Haiti, and they don't have any programs in Little II liti,
as an example, because not only docs it distort %vttete the dollars are going; it also creates a lot of
ill will within the community. And, so, 1 -- at the right time in the end, I'm goingto ask that all
Citywide grants be certified by the departments that they're Citywide, and if it is not Citywide
whatever standard you all use. I don't want us to try to set the standard -- that those grants he
returned back here for further consideration because I don't think anyone should be encouraged
to misrepresent who they're serving. And, so, saying that, the area that is of it concern to ttte --
and this is not about a district. This is about City funds, and these funds have to be distributed
Citywide, based, to some extent, on a system of rough justice and on need, and the one thing I
think all of you can take a great sense that this Commission has really worked to recognize the
needs in each other's districts, while looking, throughout the entire City flowever, there are
historical underfunding areas that do exist, and i won't get into facades because the facade issue
is not in Puhlic Service. 'That's in Economic Development, which is something we ought to lull.
about. But in District 5, the largest community, is Model Cities. Model Cities makes up about 55
percent of all o1' District 5, and I hope the Planning Director -- Department will provide us with
good statistics as to what these neighborhoods are because we're still looking, based upon the
population shifts, as to what our neighborhoods are. The issue that 1 am holding out, not for this
year because I don't want to deal with it this year, is too complex, but 1 would like my colleagues
98 July 10, 2001
to take note of the Fact that, in District 5, there is very little elderly feeding programs, and
particularly in Model Cities, to my knowledge, we're not recommending Funding of any. bvc I
though 55 -- 50 plus percent of the entire district is Model Cities. A lot of this has to do with no
facilities or inappropriate facilities. Sonic of it also has to do with the fact that the County has
historically funded elderly feeding programs right along the borderline of the City and the
County, and that's good, and I would encourage them to continue. Hadley Park, however, is
scheduled to get a nem facility this fall, and that facility will actually he a perfect venue to assist
in the -- in estahln,hing and the funding, of an elderly facility, and I would particularly note that
this is a stable community, and a lot of the elderly feeding* has to do with just keeping elderly
people active, and keeping them engaged, and Leeping; them with an opportunity to meet their
neighbors, so to speak, and. so, i would respectfully request that the management, in taking; your
funding considerations for the next year, make it reservation ol' sone type or a pilot pr'og=r'am in
the Public Service category next year, not this year, for a feeding program. elderly feeding
program, if you deem it appropriate, for the Model Cities area, as it relates to that issue, and I
think that this process is much improved from the previous years. l've got sonic concerns. At
the time there's I► motion. but I do want to address the disparity in Little I laiti as it relates to sonic
of the advocacy programs, but 1 do, Madam Manager, %vans to tell you that, with exception of not
giving notice to people that arc not funded, I'm very encouraged with the progress we're making,
in trvin�! to en�:ure that the process ��'orks for the hene'.it of alt the eiurens.
Vice Chairman Goo: "Thank you. Commissioner Tecic, it's important that we understand that the
it's not only the hot meals program, hilt for senior citizens, it's very important that we apply --
provide activities. Like Commissioner Tecle stated before, our senior citizens need to stay
active, and that is recommended, and that's prevention. We need that.
Commissioner Sanchez: Nh. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Health prevention. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chainnan, thank you. You know, this is one of the things that t
truly regret every year when it gets to CDBG process because, you know, there's so much need
and so little money and, you know -- I'm sure that all lily colleagues, including myself, take the
opportunity to sit down with all the organizations. The ones that got some funding, of course,
will conic back and say they didn't get enough, anti then the ones that didn't get any funding, of
course they want sonic funding. But, you know, you're looking at a request of almost twelve
million dollars ($12,000,000), whert we only hove about three million dollars ($3,000,000) to
give out, three million sixty-five, and we really tend to stretch the rubber hand as much as we cant
to try to meet all the needs in our contnrtntity You know, a!i the districts, if you look at theist,
they're all different ill so many ways. In my district, housing;. I continue to say, most of the
elderly, so I rely on a lot of centers, which requite meals, require activity, require medical.
think that, if one thing that 1 have been able to showcase up here its an elected official for the
District 3 in the City of Miami is, 1 stand up for my district because lily district is one that
requires assistance because of the need that it's got. Now, Commissioner Teele stated that, you
know, he doesn't have, you know, centers in his district when lie makes -- and he's right. I'm not
going to dispute that. But one thing that I do have is, I have if lot of centers, but i lack one thing
-- and 1 wanted to make that point when Catholic Charity, you know, was tip on the mike -- that 1
yy July lis, 2001
II414T.-y.,I
asked in my district did not have any drub treatment program, and, of course, you know. I would
say that the heart of my district, which is Last Little Havana and West Little Havana, which, at
one time, was mostly Cubans, well, now it's a very diversified district, with a tot of Central and
South America -- and you'd he surprised how many people have fled their countries in Colombia
and Venezuela that have moved into our district, so we have to cater to this, and t feel that, in my
district, I'm calling a little short when it comes to Drug Treatment Programs, and I have none. At
the appropriate time, when my colleagues are done, i would ask there to Support me if l would he
willing to present a resolution taking twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) from the set aside funds,
whicli I believe there's a total of fifty-onc thousand...
Crnmmissioner Teele: How much?
Commissioner Sanchez: Fifty-one thousand. 1 would take twenty thousand for a drug treatment
program in my district, which I do not have. So, at this time, l would yield—
Commissioner Teele: blow docs that math work again?
Commissioner Sanchez: Fifty-one thousand. I'm just going to take 20.
Commissioner Teele: Divided by Five is 20, right?
Commissioner Sanchez: No, we're not going to do that. But I would yield, at the appropriate
time. ['in sure Commissioner Teelc will...
Commissioner Teele: And I'll second the motion right now for the twenty thousand dollars
(520,000) that you're requesting.
Cimimissioner Sanchez: Well, i would -- resolution would he to allocate twenty thousand
dollars ($20,000) of the set aside funds that are total of fifty-one thousand -- correct me if I'm
wrong, Gwendolyn -- to the Regis House inc., which is the -- provides family improvement and
drug treatment program, which I do not have one in Little Havana, So, so moved, Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Tecle: Second the motion.
Vice Chairman Gun: It's been moved and second. Discussion.
Conunissioner Regalado: Mr. C hainttan?
Vice Chainnan Gorr: Discussion,
Commissioner Tcele: This is not -- this is simply an amendment as it relates -- within the
category, and 1 think that's petmiissible for the purpose of trying to agree on one process that we
can move it as one thing.
Vice Chainnan Gori: And there will be plenty ol'amendments.
100 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Teele; Yes. Thank you.
Vice Chainnan Gori: I'm sure of. Commissioner Winton or_
Commissioner Regalado: Are we going to vote or...
Vice Chairman Gort: Well, mainly, what I'd like to know is...
Commissioner Winton: I want to comment on the resolution first.
Vice Chainnan Gori: Go ahead.
Commissioner Winton: Commissioner Sanchez., you've already said that this process is a very
painful process because there arc no easy ways to do any of this. You know, we had several
People logically stand up and say, you know, you really need to and it's imperative that you do
something about additional funding for this and this and this. Imperative is a strong word. We
have a fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) -- apparently, which i didn't know -- filly thousand dollar
($50,000) contingency fund, if you will.
C'oninrissioner Sanchez: Set aside tuncl.
Commissioner Winton: Well, same thing. So...
Commissioner Teele: No, contingency.
Commissioner Sanchez: You can call it what you want to call it.
Commissioner Winton: So, there's a fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) little additional fund hers: to
deal with all these other requests. Other than that, if we increase funding to any single agency
out there, we're going to take it away from somebody else's agency and that's a very, very tricky
process and not a fun process. But when we come now to the part of the fifty thousand dollars
(550,000) -- and I'm going to use to simply -- not because it's the most important, but because it
was the last presentation trom an area within my district, and that was Dc Hostos Centers, where
we encouraged them, during the last funding cycle, to start up a feeding program at the Claude
Pepper house. We encouraged them. We funded it and, now, then, we're def'unding that part, in
essence. So, they're going to have to close that feeding center down completely. We gave them
fifteen thousand dollars ($15,0110) liar about a quarter, and they needed fifty-seven thousand for
the year, and that Part didn't get it. They got -- so, you know, there's a part of me that wants to sit
up here and say, well, you know, we've got to go get that fifty thousand dollars (S50,000) and do
this, but then I know Leonic Hcr,nantin needs sonic additional money for some other programs at
the Haitian American Foundation, and l know Aspira needs sonic additional money for sonic
other programs, and these are -- every single one of these programs is just as badly needed in
each of those areas, as this additional drug treatment center is, ,Joe. And the bothersome pari
about the way we go about glooming on to the whatever little bit of money is left over is that
many times we just kind of-- you know, we leave it to the first to jump, and I'm not -- and what
that does for the rest of us is it makes all of those other agencies look at you and say, "well, how
101 July 10, 2001
U0043C3--
come you're not rushing to the front of the line to try to get that money for rite first?" Well,
because it isn't my nature. I like a process. The process we've gone through that may have --
that I'm certain has certain (laws in it. I Wrenn, there's no process that's perfect, hitt 1 will tell you
that the process that everybody's gone through and that we're looking at here is light years better
than the first one of these things that I sat through, and we may not like that 70 percent point
system, but it's better than the no point system we had in the past. We may not like all of the
agencies that got whatever money they got, but at least there was a process that somebody ran
that got us to this point, and if I'm now going to say, you know, i think that sontchody else
Should have got more utoney, then I really have to though the whole process out, and -- so, I'm --
you know, I don't know what the right answer is about this fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), but
this piece of it doesn't feel good. 1 know that %vc have the ability, within our own districts, if we
W.1111 to move; fifteen thousand here, we can rut fifteen thousand here because we're going to lake
it Isom somebody else, but the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) -- and may he the right thing to
do. Maybe you give the whole fitly thousand to one entity instead of splitting up 10, 10, 10
because 10, 10, 10, 10 doesn't do anything for anybody. So. I don't have — I'm just talking. i
don't have a solution. I don't have a recommendation. I just have to say that I'm not thrilled or
excited about the process of figuring out what we do with that f i fty thousand. Frankly. I'd rather
that fifty thousand that's already been allocated so that we're not being put in a position where
we've got to look at everybody else and say, "howcome you didn't tight harder for a little more
money for me?" because that's the position we're put in. It's filly thousand dollars (550,000) that
doesn't go through a process. It goes through who's -- I've got to say this a little differently --
who's stronger to stand up and grab the money first'? And, you know. I'm not happy with that.
Commissioner Teele: Well, we all know who's going to grab the money first.
Commissioner Sanchez: Hey, listen, 1 analyzed my district based on its need. i don't -- 1 do not
have a drug treatment program in my district and I -- you know, Johnny, I'm willing -- if the
Claude Pepper Dc Hostos Center meal project is going, to go under because it doesn't have the
money, you know, I have the kind of heart that I'm willing to withdraw my motion and have you
keep that money. How's that?
Commissioner Winton: It doesn't make me iccl any better. It's a process. Because there are 10
agencies out herr that I could say absolutely the same thing about, and it's -- you know, it's like
Solomon. You know, we're going to cru the baby here in half and everybody gets a little piece
and, you know -- and then you don't have the baby, it's an awful, awful process. I'm not -- I
don't feel any bolter about me grabbing that fifty thousand dollars (S50,000) for De Hostos than i
feel for anybody else grabbing tltc full -- you know, maybe -- I don't know what the right answer
is. I'm just expressing a level of frustration here that makes tilt uncomfortable and I don't have --
usually, I have some solution, but 1 don't have one.
Vice Chairman Gort! But, Johnny—
Commissioner Sanchez: it's called discussion, and the iter is under discussion. We're
discussing (INAUDIBLE).
C'ommissioncr Winton: Right. I'm discussing.
102 July 10, 2001
•
Vice Chainnan Gort: We're not making any motions, but the discussion is very important and we
started a program last year. We gave hope to certain individuals and it would be a shame to
close that program, Anyone else? Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Tecle: Mr. Chairnian?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Tcele: I want to he on the record, Unlike my dear colleague, Commissioner
Winton, I would have rather there had been a reserve of a percentage of the funds to basically he
able to do what the Commissioner's complaining that we're being asked to do. i think there is no
one in this City that understands this City, with all due respect to the Office of the Mayor, than
the five Commissioners that are elected here by this Commission. Invariably, any system is
going to have some quirks and some tightening, and basically adjustments that it needs, and
that's what we're elected to do. And, so, 1 have come from several systems. I think-, in the
County, they normally reserve 20 percent of the fluids for distribution. It's a different system.
That doesn't mean it's right. And I've seen circumstances where none -- no funds have hexa
reserved. But I think, you know, it almost asks us to give up our job and be potted plants and
approve what has ever been recommended. if we don't look at this and make some adjustments -
- and I'm not -- I think, Commissioner -- I know that Commissioner Sanchez is going to make the
first motion when it gets down to money, because he really does, you know, have that way of
doing it, and I respect that. If he had just said I .%ant to do twenty thousand dollars (S20,000)
because my district didn't get enough money, I would not have second it, but he laid out a logical
reason. He said that he needs a homeless facility that has medical --
Commissioner Sanchc:7: No., no. Drub treatment program.
Commissioner Teele: Drug "Treatment Program component to it. I mean, you know --
Commissioner Sanchez: (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Tecle: But without -- he wants a drug treatment facility without the residential
program, apparently, and I can understand that, but the tact of the matter is -- that's an inside joke
-- but the fact of the matter is is that lie articulated a policy perspective. We have a drag problem
in this community and, certainly, I can support that. i also agree with what you're saying,
Commissioner Winton, and l think yott and I have a unique problem in -- as it relates to that
particular facility because it's sort of on the cuff..
Commissioner Sanchez: All three of us.
Commissioner Teele: All three of us or three districts, and they really don't bet sufficient
attention and focus for funding in there, and i would have no problem, you know, committing the
balance of the linins for the De Hostos Center. 'Chat's not in my district, but there is a need, and
the last thing we want to do is fund people and put them out of business without funding. So, I'm
here to participate, if nobody does. I happen to think, from my perspective, that technology is
103 July 10, 2001
0 •
the most important issue in the African American community, and, indeed, in poor communities
in general, contrary to what some people have said, you cannot have enough technology in this
era going forward. If it's true -- and, Madam Director, we need to know the information, but 1
know, in 1980, something like 30 percent of the people that lived in the inner city did not have
telephones. I'd like to know now, based upon the census, what that percentage is. Bill if you've
got a community that, let's say 10 percent, don't have telephones in their home, what you have is
a community that, today, can't do their homework in many cases. I mean, technology has
become so much a part of the education and training process that poor people, whose mothers
and fathers don't have computers and technology, may very well be denied an education, and
even in a separate but equal system where people like myself got secondhand books. After the
while kids used them, the black kids got them. At least we got textbooks. If assignments are
being given today on the Internet and you don't have technology, you don't have a telephone, you
can't get access to that. So, 1 happen to believe that what FOCAL. is doing and what the City
Parks Department hopefully will be engaged in is very, very important in the inner city to
providing a life line to kids and families that don't have access to technology, and if I were to
make my recommendation, I would basically try be trying to take the entire fifty thousand dollars
($511,000) and moving it into an account so that we could expand the technology program. But,
again, 1 don't -- I think the considerations that both Commissioner Winton and Commissioner _
Sanche7 have made are valid considerations, and I'll support Commissioner Sanchez and I'll
support Commissioner Winton, if you're inclined to move that, and I hope that you will be, as it =
relates to De Hostos.
Commissioner Winton: Well -- and I will tell you the one 1 think that the De Ilostos request is
for meals and it's for senior meals, and -- you know, that's pretty basic and fundamental. There's
not much left if you can't get meal service. And, so...
Commissioner Teele: Why don't we pass this and then let's look at De Hostos.
Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question.
Commissioner Winton: Well, 1 think that was -- I think that request for the Claude Pepper
Center is a De Hostos program or -- isn't it?
Commissioner Tecle: Yeah.
Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question.
Commissioner Teele: Who's running that program?
Commissioner Winton: Huh?
Commissioner Teelc: Who's program is that?
Commissioner Winton: De Hostos.
Commissioner Sanchez: De Hostos.
104 July 10, 2001
'XIMSE r:
Vice Chairman Gort: De Hostos.
Commissioner Winton: Which is in Wynwood.
Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. We have the one motion by Commissioner Sanchez and it's been
seconded. Any further discussion? All in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-645
A MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27"" YEAR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS
WTTHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY, ALLOCATING $20,000 OIJT
OF THF. CONTINGENCY FUND AMOiNT OF $51,721 TO REGIS HOUSE,
INC.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Tecle, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT.': None
Commissioner Regalado: Now, Mr. Chairman.
Vice Chairman Gort: You're making it 30?
Commissioner Regalado: We've been given some information here that is really ...
Vice Chairman Gort: I'm sorry, Commissioner Regalado. The motion was that Commissioner
Sanchez' motion.
Commissioner Winton: So, we need a second motion. So, the De Hostos thing must have been
that...
105 July 10, 2001
MINa117
Commissioner Teele: That was only on one issue.
Commissioner Sanchez: That was only one issue.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner Winton: So, I'm making a motion for the thirty thousand dollars (S30,000) for De
Hostos for the Senior Feeding Program.
Commissioner Tecle: Second the motion.
Vice Chainnan Gort: It's been moved and second.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, sonic...
Commissioner Winton: You know, let me ask them a question before I (to this.
Commissioner Tcele: On discussion.
Commissioner Regalado: No. I've got a discussion here -- go ahead.
Commissioner Winton: OK. 1 want to ask them a question first. You need fifty-seven thousand
for the program. We're only going to give you thirty. If that doesn't do the job, don't take it.
We'll use it for something else. I would rather not have the program at all and we figure out
something else to do entirely, as opposed to take thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) and we can't
get the job done. So, come to the microphone, please, and ...
Vice Chainnan Gogh: But wait now. Let me ask you a question. When we funded this last year,
as I recall, we funded it for half of the year and then we didn't take into consideration next year?
Ms. Warren: This was not funded during the regular year. It was funded through a mid -year
appropriation and it was funded as a result of another agency not providing the service.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Ms. Warren: So, it's -- all of the recommendations are based on every agency's beginning year
allocation. Again, this is the final year, with a three-year increase. Staff recommendations
include no new programs and no new increases in allocations.
Commissioner Winton: But, from a logic standpoint, if we were going to have that policy, why
would we have funded at the last quarter last year'? We should have funded nothing so that they
didn't -- so that we didn't do anything to begin with.
106 July 10, 2001
• •
Barbara Rodriguez: Barbara Rodriguez, Department of Community Development. One of the
requests that we made from thein was that they needed to apply to the State, the County, because
we know that we were only going to cover just a piece and it was to basically help out that --
another agency had pulled out from tliat center. So, basically, we were dependent on them
applying through the additional programs throughout the County and the State.
Ms. Velez: 'That the reason right now we have cut from Dade County sixty-four thousand dollars
($64,000), so we're cut here, we're cut there, so, what are we going to do?
Vice Chairman Gort: Unl'ortimate)y the County has cut just about every program also.
Commissioner 'Vinton: Well, I'm going to go hack to my point. It' thirty thousand dollars
($30,010) just kind of gets us in a mess, don't do it. You know, don't take the money. I don't
want to get...
Commissioner Teele: Fat chance.
Commissioner Winton: Well...
Commissioner Teelc: Let me be serious about this. Because they got zero dollars in the
recommendation --
Commissioner Winton: Right.
Commissioner Tccic: -- the effect of your motion, if it's approved in the package, is that there'll
be a notice and there'll be a subsequent discussion on this item at the next meeting because it was
never noticed, and for that to be effective, i think you need to make sure that there's a public
hearing. So, it would only be on the ones that we're funding that had zero.
Ms. Warren: They did receive funding. This would basically increase their funding back to the
level -- we gave them start-up moneys or transition moneys.
Commissioner Teele: Well, were they noticed in this series of dollars?
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir, but at a lesser amount. This would raise the amount to be improved by
30.
C'omtnissioner Teele: t stand corrected. [!'they were noticed, then it won't come back?
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Tecic: I thought it was zero.
Ms. Warren: To.
Commissioner Regalado: (iNAUDiBLE).
107 July 10, 2001
•
Commissioner Winton: So, the request 1 have is, 1 want to understand what -- if you need...
Ms. Velez: With thirty thousand dollars ($30,000), the only thing we could do is with Social
Services. Instead of giving 45 meals, 20. So, you know, that's the only solution that I ace here.
Commissioner Winton: And that doesn't seem like a very good solution because then you're
going to...
Ms. Velez: Well, ofcourse not, because then the other seniors are going to say ou know.
Coin inissioner Winton: Ahsolulely. So, I think we're better off trying to work on some other
solution than this because the only thing we're going to do now -- if you got this thirty-one
thousand dollars ($31,000), the only thing you're going to have to do now is go do there what
we're doing here, and that is, which one of you are really going to get a meal? Were, only going
to give 30 of you a meal instead of the 45 or 50 that live there that needs it.
Ms. Velez: Right.
Commissioner Winton: And, so, I don't see how that makes sense. 1 would like to reserve
further discussion on this and not move this motion forward and spend a little more time talking
to you.
Ms. Velez: OK.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Vice Chuirman Gort: Thank you.
Ms. Velez: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gun: Commissioner Regaludo.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. So, I have this information on every district in the City of Miami,
and the Public Service dollars that each district get. Now, according to the 2000 census, i have
looked intu District 4, which is the biggest geographical district in the City of Miami in terns of
land mass, is one of the fastest aging populations in the City of Miami. it's mostly residential
with an aging population, faster than any other area of' the City of Miarni, even the poorest arca.
Because those are people who ure stable and who have been living there f'or maybe 30 years or
20 years or 40 years, but we've got a problem. The City has raised taxes and fees and all that,
and there is a problem for those people to make those ends meet, and District 4 seems to be the
one with the less amount of dollars in whole City of Miami. Actually, yeah, some of the districts
made double. So. I think that although we're saying thin it has to be Citywide and all that, the
City should take care of all its people, and there is a program -- there's a program that has been
very successful in Sweetwater and in West Miami, who has been recommended by tltc
department to deliver home hot meals at night to elderly, poor residents. That program has been
108 July 10, 2001
f ndcd for twenty -live thousand dollars ($25,000), but to at least start with several dozen meals,
they need more money. So, I would make a motion for twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)
out of the 51 -- I mean, out of the --
Ms. Warren: thirty-one thousand is remaining.
Commissioner Regalado: -- thirty-one thousand for -- to add to 55, and all the hot meal
programs in the City of Miami, especially in District 4. That would be my motion.
Commissioner Teele: Second the motion. How many times can you -- how many times could
you use that fitly -one thousand?
Commissioner Winton: Right. Because...
Commissioner Teele: Last time...
Commissioner Regalado: .lust one. We still have some money left, that I'm going to make
another motion.
Commissioner Winton: Well, I guess it's procedural...
Commissioner ']bele: I know the Catholic Charities has done very well, but the Iasi. time this
thing was done was in the (INAUDiBLE) with some fish and wine, what you're getting ready to
try to do because you can only distribute this one time.
Conunissioner Regalado: That's true. 'Thirty plus 20 --
Commissioner Winton: And now that it's going twice...
Commissioner Regalado: -- 25 plus 20 is 45, so we still have some money left, which I'm ready
to make another motion,
Commissioner Winton: How did we have any lett'! Because I pulled...
Commissioner 'reek: I know I'm bad in math.
Commissioner Winton: -- 1 pulled my motion off the table for a little while so I could talk to her
and figure this thing out. .
Commissioner Regalado: We do. Oh.
Commissioner Winton: That's what I said. Yeah.
Commissioner Sanchez: You should have taken the money.
109 July 10, 2001
L=
��i�i�ttc�ss
• •
Commissioner Regalado: 1 thought that you wanted to; you know, just look at other options and
not use that money.
Commissioner Winton: I wanted to understand more detail about that situation.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, I tell you what -- I tell you what, we're going to send to Claude
Pepper all the people that need lunches and dinners in Flagatni, and you get the funds for all
these needy people.
Commissioner Winton: So, then, we need 55.
Con inissioner Toele: Who's going to pay the bus cost'.'
Commissioner Winton: Huh?
Commissioner Teele: Who's going to pay the bus cost?
Commissioner Winton: That will be a new request.
Commissioner Regalado: The County.
Commissioner Winton: We'll have it transferred...
Commissioner Tecle: Well, took; we've already spent 20 of the 50, so that's 31 that's left.
Commissioner Rcgulado: Yeah, that's what I'm saying. I thought i -- i really thought that
Johnny had decided,
Commissioner Winton: Completely pulled it off, and 1 was saying that I wanted to...
Commissioner Regalado: No. I'm sorry. I thought -- but, anyway, did you or did you not?
Commissioner Winton: I said I wanted to pull it off temporarily so that I could have a
conversation with them to figure out what the real detail is here, which may lead to completely
pulling it off. And that's what I was wanting to do.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, why don't we save all that for next meeting and, you know, we
decide which merits a...
Commissioner Winton: Fine. Save the thirty-one thousand for the next meeting and we'll all
that will leave me time to talk to them and we'll figure it out.
Commissioner Sanchez: Leave the thirty-one thousand where it's at.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Leave the thirty-one thousand for the next meeting. .
110 July 10, 2001
QUEEN-
•
n
LA
Commissioner Regalado: And let's take ten thousand out of Joe's twenty thousand.
Commissioner SanchU: Man, you guys are vicious.
Comtnissione fecle: All right. We've got a lot to do here, Mr. Chair.
Vice Chairman Gort: Gentlemen.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. So, for the next meeting, on the July 20 . OK, we're saving the
thirty-one thousand so we make a decision. Eine by me.
Flisa Juara: if I may speak, please. For the record, like I told you before, my name is Elisa
Juara, for Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Center. We were serving Claude Pepper raid
then we closed the center because they were not coming to the center, but I wanted to say that
people were being served a home delivered meal. (LVAUDIBLE) activities, our recreation is
very important for the elderly. ']'here's a lot of !rail elderly in that building, too, and we're
providing home delivered meals. This is just for the record 1 want to state that.
Commissioner Winton: Repeat that. What did you -- so, you're already providing meals there'?
Ms. Juara: I fome delivery meals. And it's an understanding with De Hostos Senior Coater that
there are some clients that cannot come to the senior center, and we are providing them with the
hot home delivered meals.
Vice Chairman bort: Part of the program that provided hot meals, that's called Meals On
Wheels, Meals On Wheels...
Ms. Juara: Meals On Wheels.
Commissioner Winton: Don't they already live there?
Ms. Juara: They live there, but they can't go down to the center because they are very frail.
Commissioner Winton: Oh, they can't come out of their rooms. OK.
Ms. Juara: Right.
Commissioner Winton: So, they're bound in to their rooms?
Ms. Juara: Right.
Commissioner Winton: So, you deliver meals directly to the rooms --
Ms. Juara: Correct. To their apartment.
111 July 10, 2001
acottttn
Commissioner Winton: -- but the people that can come to the community center in the building,
they don't get meals from you`?
Ms. Juara: The community center...
Commissioner Winton: In the building.
Ms. Juara: In the building. We used to have the center there. We were the ones operating that
center at some point in time.
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me for a second. Tnstead of taking up all the Commissioners'
time on this, I would like to meet with both of you soon, so that I can understand more about
how Claude Pepper is being dealt with from a meal standpoint. OK.
Ms. Juara: All right. But they were being served, but not with the senior center, OK. Now they
have -- very appropriate to have.
Vice Chainnan Ciort: T'hey're served with hot meals.
Commissioner Winton: I don't get it yet, so y'all come meet with me.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman".
Vice Chairman Go11: Yes, sir.
Conimissioner'Teele: Before you do, you trying to close this up now?
Vice Chairnian Gort: Yes, sir. We need to make (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Teele: Well, yeah, 1'd like to try to address the issue. Ms. Bastien, would you
come forward, please? Would you just tell us u little bit more about your organization and
during the break, I've had a chance to check -- I have confirmed you've gotten money from the
Dade Community Foundation, and other foundations around the country. Just tell us a little bit
more about your organization, and -- please.
Marleine Bastien: Well, (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Tcele: Your name and address for the record again. .
Vlarleine Bastien: Marlcinc Bastien, from Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, 8340 Northeast 2nd
Avenue, We've been providing services to the Haitian American community since 1991. We
have three big major components in our program. We have a Family Intervention Empowerment
program. We have an Integration and Impact Advocacy program. That's two. And the third
program is the Economic Development Micro Loan, where we do provide (INAUDIBLE) money
112 July 10, 2001
#1111616M -
• 0
to Haitian wonicn who are unemployed, because there's a very high uncmploNinu►t rate among
the Haitian wonien population for them to start small businesses, and the program has been very
successful. Our reimbursement rate for the micro loan is very good, and we've been doing very
good.
Commissioner 'I eele: Well, as I said today, I'm looking at our youth progranis in District 5 and
I'm very concerned, as we distrihute our youth doll:►rs, that we have it child abuse prevention and
education services to families, in coniunetion with the City of Miami Police Departnunt, and the
Department of Children and families. Now, you all made an application for a prograni that's a
little hit broader than that. but could you narrow it program that could really work with our City
of Miami Police Department toward trying to avoid child abuse and orienting families, women
especially, on the laws of child abuse, so that we don't get people in trouble and get them
criminal records that's just doing what would he legal in Haiti or in other parts ofthe world.
Ms. Bastien: As you indicated, our program...
Commissioner Teelc: Could you develop it program with us and get back to Community
Development, if we could come up with a few dollars to do that?
Ms. Bastien: Exactly. We could provide education to Haitian families to educate them about
DCF (Depattiment of Children and Families), the laws of this country. the difference between
disciplining here and disciplining in Haiti, the difference between child rearing practices here
and in Haiti. %Vc wotdd provide education and prevention to decrease the number ofo►►r children
going into DC1= custody, and tier doing So, we will use the radio and the niedia, and also Nkork
closely with oro• social workers to provide parenting skills.
Commissioner '1 cele: All right. 'I hen, this is what 1'd like to do. Anything we do as it
Commission duly gives you the authority, if you will, to work with flu Community Development
Office, and get a contract. You're still going to have to meet all of their requirements of
insurance, of liabilities, of board rules and non conflicts, and none of your children -- family
members can be on the payroll, and a whole bunch of things that we go through every year. You
can't buy fiorn companies that you -- board members on. It's a whole series of federal rules that
need to be adhered to, and I'm mentioning this because 1 think it's important -- you've never been
funded in the City, and it's very important that we try to get dollars proportionately into the three
areas that make up my district -- the four areas, Wynwood, Overtown, Little Haiti, and Model
Cities. And, so, Till going to move thirty-iour thousand live hundred dollars 634,500) to your
organization. taking the funds as follows: two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,5110) From the
City of Miami's Department, optimist earmark. and that is scheduled -- after all of the public
hearings, that is scheduled to be a special CRA (Cormnunity Redevelopment Agency) board
meeting, and those funds will he removed from the City Parks Department to the CRA as the
fiduciary, consistent with what's been going on in the news and all of that and all of That. So,
we're talking two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). The seven thousand live hundred
dollars ($7,500) will come from the Liberty City Optimist Program. That program is a very
mature probn•ani, it's a very successful program, and I know that Mr. Sharpton is there in the
audience. His son is one of the big members. ['it, really proud that Mr. Sharpton is always uta
there at night, even though he lives in another pant of the community. and that's a very good
113 July 10, 2001
111I1L•�1.7.
•
program. But. that program needs to he weaned off of a level of funding that was consistent with
last year, and that's not going to be very popular for me in my largest area of my community. in
Modcl Cities, Hadley Park, but that's youth for youth and we need to ensure that there are some
dollars for youth in Little Haiti, and 1 would point out to my colleagues. While we're funding
optimist programs in Overtown and in liberty City, we're funding no optimist programs in Little
Haiti because we don't have a park in Little Haiti, which is the harder issue. Now the hardest
issue -- and the gentleman is sitting there steaming, but he's a real gentleman from the"Y". Sir, if'
you would just come tbrth and -- because I've got a deficit of about twenty-four thousand live
hundred dollars ($24,500), and that's a day circ program, which we're very committed to and I'm
committed to. Would you just state your name and address for the record'?
Mr. Nino Tillman: Dino Tillman: I'm the L Necutrve Director of the George Washington Carver
YMCA (Yount Men Christian Association), located at 401 Northwest 71 sl Street.
Commissioner Teele: Have you met Ms. Bastien?
Mr. Tillman: Yes, 1 have, and I heard her eloquent speech this morning about her prol,rams. We
have some quality programs as well, and we're really -- we're applying for a hundred and nine
thousand, but...
Commissioner Teele: You're applying for how much?
Mr. Tillman: A hundred and nine thousand. We were fitaded at sixty-six thousand five hundred.
We do realize that the pot is small, and we are partners in what we consider to be a noble and
honorable fight for the lives and the quality of life for our children and the families here in
Liberty City and Little Haiti. You mentioned technology, and I just want to -- before we give up
any money, I want you to know at least what we've done with the money we've gotten so far.
We sent six kids to visit 10 colleges, four of which were in Atlanta. They visited Morehouse,
Spelman, :Morris Brown. They also visited University of Florida, FAMU (Florida A&M
University), University of South Florida, Memorial College. And one of the things that we
ensure that they were not seniors. They were sophomores and freshmen, and of the six students
that we sent on the college tour, five of thein were of Haitian descent. We currently serve 85
teens in our program. Eighty-five percent of those teens are of I laitian descent. Eighty-five
percent. And of our child care facility -- probably a lot of people don't realize, but the YMCA is
the largest childcare provider outside of the School Board, both here in Miami -Dade, but also
nationally. We invented basketball and tennis -- not tennis, I'm sorry. Basketball, racquelbull,
and volleyball. We're celebrating 150 years here in the U.S. At the same time, we realize that
the programs that FAR1N producing are important and we want to support that, and we're going
to go out and we're going to raise sonic more money, because if we don't get this money, we're
going to -- we're not going to cut our programs, at least if we don't have to, So, we're going to go
out and see if we can raise some additional money, but, Commissioner, we would like for you to
accept, on our behalf, to transfer to -- at least for our allocation -- twenty-five thousand towards
the FAMN project.
(APPLAUSE)
114 July 10, 2001
Ms. Bastien: May I say something'? And, in return, what we promise to work more together
because you're on 7151 Street and we're on 84`i' Street. A lot of services that we provide will
benefit the entire community, so, in the name of PANM and the Haitian American community, I
thank you, and i also thank the Commissioners for helping with this process.
Commissioner Teele: 'Thank you very much.
(Applause)
Commissioner Teele: Well, if there wasn't a Kodak moment, I never saw one. So, that would
make a total of thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,0(X)), with seven thousand two hundred coming
from Liberty City Optimist, two thousand Five hundred coming from the Overtown Optimist, via
the City of Miami Parks Department, soon the CRA, and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)
from the Carver "Y" Program, for a total of thirty-five thousand. That would be my motion, with
my accommodations to the"Y".
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second.
Commissioner Winton: Including the accommodations to the "Y." Impressive.
Commissioner Teele: Particularly.
Vice Chairman Gort: All in favor state...
Commissioner Winton: If we could only see this kind of stuff from all of these agencies walking
in here hand in hand, and the years to come, talking about how they're going to work together,
looking each other in the eye and saying, we're both doing partially the same thing. How do we
do it a little closer together? Let's share the funding a little more. Let's make it go a little further.
Wow, could we win! Take lessons from that action right there, everyone.
Vice Chairman Gort: My understanding is, 1 think the staff will conic back next year not looking
at all the different programs that provide the same services and see how somehow we can center
some of those administrations so we can put more money into the strocts, into serving the people.
Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
115 July 10, 2001
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Toole, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-646
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27711 YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY,
ALLOCATING 535,000 FROM THE CONTINGENCY FUND AMOUNT OF
$51,721 TO THE "FANM AYIS YEN NAM MIY AMI, INC." (FANM) AS
FOLLOWS:
52,500 FROM $47,500 RECOMMENDATION FOR PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT OVERTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB;
$7,500 PREVIOUSLY EARMARKEI) TO THE LIBERTY CITY OPTIMIST;
$25,000 PREVIOUSLY EARMARKED FOR THE CARVER Y.M.C.A.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez., the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: Now, also, some of your programs, when 1 was reading, some of you all
can apply for Law Enforcement Trust Fund, and that's something you should he looking into
also. Some of your programs do qualify for that. OK. Next topic.
Commissioner Teele: Fconomic Development is at the top.
Vice Chairman Gort: Economic Development. Takes care of Public Service funding.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman?
Commissioner Tcele: (INAUDIBLE COMMFNT).
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, on the Economic Development, I'm ready to...
Commissioner Tecic: Got a public hearing, first.
116 July 10, 2001
• 0
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I know. But I'm just saying that after the public hearing, I'd like
to make a motion, so you tell me when. It's after the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Gort: For Economic Development, at this time i would like to hear from those
who were not recommended for funding. Yes, sir.
Lorenzo Simmons: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Lorenzo Simmons. I'm
President of Tacolcy Economic Development 'facolcy Corporation. Our address is 645
Northwest 62"c1 Street, Miami, Plorida, 33150. Commissioner, before you today, we had
submitted a proposal to develop two commercial sites, one at I16th Avenue and 62nd Street. The
other at 17'x' Avenue and 62ii1 Street. We just lound out on yesterday that the -- well, we found
out before yesterday -- because we got a fax 1rom the City, but we bot a formal, if you will, turn-
down letter yesterday that we were. not being funded. And I was here to request -- we had
proposed two Economic Development sites to create approximately 80 jobs that should also --
these were real estate deals, obviously. Tacolcy Economic Development, we do real estate
development. We did the Walgreen's -- developed a Walgreen's on 7"' Avenue and 62"d Street. I
think that would generate about thirty thousand to thirty -live thousand in taxes to the local
economy. I won't say it all to the City. I know the County has to gel a piece. But we were
looking at these two developments because it was our understanding, from the Director, that
these two commercial sites were key to their hotttc zone and Economic Development process.
We're here today because both of these sites are -- have hazardous -- contain some hazardous
material. These are (iNAUDIBLE) gas station sites that need -- that were viable during lite mid -
to late 80s. They've been shut down and abandoned for the past 15 years. We're here today to
request that we be given a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), one to work on the remedial --
to bring these properties up to standards for development. Also, to provide acquisition money to
develop the sites because WC need -- we have two other sites that abuts the 12t1' Avenue site., and
what we're asking the Commission for tite hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), Mr. Winton
wants to know where it conics from-- could we take the hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) out
of either the Code Hntbrcement -- you've got a Million dollars ($1,000,000), and my
understanding, you had the same amount -- pretty close to the same amount last year, and since
these projocts are going to have to be developed anyway and they're in the City, they need to be
brought up to standards. Could we take a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) from that area
and start developing the sites? I understand that the Office of Community Development has a
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) application in to HUD. 1 haven't seen
it, so I don't know exactly what's being proposed for Economic Development. I only understand
that there is an Lcono►nic Development component in it. But I'm saying, let's get started now so
we can get the process moving. So, again, I think -- here we've got a chance to create 80 new
jobs, create at least four entrepreneurial businesses in the area, and also help increase the tax
base. All this land -- maiority of it is vacant, There's no taxes being paid on it, basically,
because one property is owned by the City. They bought the gas station site, which is
contaminated, so I'm saying, well, let's, you know; get moving to develop the site. Why spend
the money if you bought it and letting it sit there? That's it. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gorl: Thank you, sir. Next. Mr. Mason.
117 July 10, 2001
•
Sam Mason: Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission. I want to talk about Economic
Dcyclopmeut. We want to talk about the Model Cities arca. We're talking about the five-year
plan as relates to the business district of the Model Cities arca. If the marketplace is trot
developed, we can build all the houses in the Model Cities area, et cetera, et cetera, but if that
marketplace is not developed and it doesn't meet the needs of that community, that marketplace
is going to die. The people will be going some other places spending money, and this has been a
great concern of the City and a great concern of our community, that we develop this
marketplace, so we bring in new businesses into our community that meets the needs of that
community, and service that community. If the money is there to support those businesses, the
husinesFes are not there and that has been one of the shortfalls that we've had. We've talked
about developing the 7"' Avenue business corridor. 'l hat is our Calle Ocho, that's Our Flagler
Strect, that's our main crag. It's dying bCCaUSC the husinesses are not flourishing;. -file
businesspeople can't even pay their occupation license or their CUs (Certificates of Use) because
the money is not there. Su, what we want to do is work with those businesses and help develop
that area and bring the Model Cities arca into the main stream of America -- of Miami life.
'thank you.
Vice Chainiian Gort: Thank you, Mr. Mason. Next.
Leonie Herntantin: Leonic Hennantin, I laitian American Foundation with another marketplace.
The project that we requested funding, for is an Economic Development jobs creation project in
Little Haiti on -- it's an open air. Caribbean theme market, again, that responds to the needs of
the vendors in the community. As you know. there are many vending -- illegal vending activities
taking place throughout Little I laiti, where; folks are selling from the streets, from their front
porches, and what we propose to do with property that was acquired through CDBG
(Community Development Block Grant) funding from the City and the County, is to build,
again, an open air theme market where people could -- residents in the community, as well as
non residents, could provide -- sell fruits and other goods. We requested funding this year.
Unfortunately, Community Development Nvus not funding capital improvement projects, and,
apparently, this falls under capital improvement because it involves construction. We have
discussed this concept with many people, both within the City and from the business community,
and they felt Ilial it was an excellent idea. which neec.is to be supported. I'm not here asking; you
to defunct anybody else. However, because it is a capital improvement and requires a lot of
money, so, there's no way that 1 could ask you to take anything from anybody because everybody
has worthwhile projects. What I'm ask -- conte here to ask you is, you know, a commitment to
supputl this project, whether it be front capital improvement landing that is available from --
what's the word -- recaptured funds in the future. That's what I'm asking for, that kind of
commitment, because I know that I cannot ask for anyone to take money from anybody else.
Commissioner Winton: How floes this prgject tic to the current Haitian marketplace?
Ms. 13ermantin: 1t doesn't tic directly. There are no lies. It ties in terms of concept. Folks in the
community have, for a while, discussed the idea of making -- developing Little Haiti, specifically
the Northeast 2`1 corridor, into its destination. 1 don't know. 'I here was it -- recently, on Sunday,
an article; in the Suit Sentinel, which talked about the area's natural propensity to he that
destination, be the facade, the very colorful facades, the -- you know, the stores -- you know, the
I Is July 10, 2001
rZ��cZY�
visual and -- so, you know, we think that we have, you know, a mind that -- you know, we have a
potential to be, you know, for a lack of better, that Calle Ocho, but we need support, and it lot of
support that's needed -- there arc a lot of people from the private sector who arc -- who want to
come in, but there are some infrastructural changes, engineering construction changes that need
to be made by both the City and the County.
Commissioner Winton: But, Lconie, why wouldn't we spend capital improvement money first to
fix a building that's vacant and deteriorating before we go do another one that's kind of similar:'
Ms. Hermantin: I don't -- I mean -- 1 don't know. !vtaybe Ms. Warren can answer. I don't know.
I'm just saying that one -- when I induircd about the reasons why these were not funded by our
Community Development, i was told that it was a policy not to fiord this year, not to find capital
improvement projects.
Commissioner Winton: No, no. I'm asking, though, why would we want to put new -- wherever
we could find the capital improvement money from -- why would we go put it into a new project
before we fix the one that we already have there that ought to be fixed?
Ms. Herniantin: Well, I think that hording has been identified -- are you talking; about the
Caribbean market?
Commissioner Winton: "i'he Caribbean Marketplace.
Vice Chairman Cort: 'the Caribbean Marketplace,
Ms. Hermantin: 1 think that finding has been identified from the County. I don't know what it is
in terms of the City. But I know that community -- the County has identified some funding.
Dena Bianchino (Assistant City Manager): There's no funding source identified yet to really fix
that building up to what it needs to be.
Commissioner Winton: Commissioner Teele and I actually, in it publicly noticed meeting, had a
discussion about this -- when was that'? Two weeks ago --
Commissioner Tecle: Two weeks ago.
Conunissioner Winton: -- or a week ago or whenever it was. So, were both thinking about it
intensely. That facility really needs to get back open and operating.
Ms. Hermantin: Well, I think that -- 1 mean, again, 1've discussed it. There are several uses, both
have their place in the larger scheme, and one does not exclude the other. One is not exclusive
of the other.
Commissioner Winton: But I would tell you, Lconie, from my standpoint, from a public policy
standpoint -- you know, I'm going to be hard pressed to put money into a brand new project
119 July 10, 2001
0 •
when we've got one that ought to be operating that we're not doing anything about. So, in terms
ofprionties, 1 would go fix that one firsl and...
Ms. Hcrmantin: Well, you've already put money in it -- you've already put money in this project.
You've put money in.
Commissioner Winton: leo, no. I mean, get it -- get the right money put in and get it open again
so that it can be successfiul, and...
Commissioner'feele: Which one are you talking about now?
Commissioner Winton: The Caribbean Marketplace. And the principal...
Ms. Hermaniin: On 59th.
Commissioner Tcele: Are you talking about the Caribbean Marketplace?
Commissioner Winton: No, no, she's talking about a new project.
Ms. Hennantin: No, He's asking me why the City should support the construction of at new
project when it needs to -- when it ought to use the funding to refurbish the structure that's
already there.
Commissioner Tecle: Yeah. If I could on that. The City of Miami owns that, I would assume,
Community Development and Asset Management collahorated on it, and since you brought it up,
it's not -- they're asking for money for a marketplace that is on 79th Street, almost on the corner
of northeast 2"" and, unfortunately, it has been the subject of a number of favorable Herald
editorials and stories, and the community is for it. I say unfortunately because, even though
there was a soft opening, it's closed and it raises this issue aguin of false expectations. It was
opened; Herald editorial, saying; what a great thing it was, and then it was closed, and it was
closed fbr valid reasons; The NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office, et cetera, ct
cetera, ct cetera, no permits, et cetera, et cetera. But you're raising a question, which I'm -- which
goes to the other marketplace, and I need to know, docs Asset Management have responsibility
for that or Community Development`.' Who owns it? Because nobody is maintaining; it. it is a
slum in the midst of a very, very delicate area. There are fruits and fruit flies that have gone to
fermentation around it. At least I was there on Friday, it was still that way, and it's just another
one of these problems. The problem with that location, in the context of what is being presented
today, is it doesn't work. it doesn't work as a commercial facility. l think, if you hring in sonic
planners, they'll tell you it doesn't work. First of all, it doesn't have any parking, number one,
two, and three. .And the parking that it docs have is across the street. 1 understand, we even lost
that parking; or somebody sold it or somebody said they sold it. We need to know what the status
of that land is. Is it Asset Management or Community Development?
Ms. Bianchino: The building is owned by the City and, quite frankly, Commissioner, it hasn't
been maintained.
120 July 10, 2001
II1Iiffiu'
Commissioner Tecle: Yeah. But the parking lot that's directly across the street was City owned
parking lot at one time or City -owned land, but somebody said that somebody sold the laud, not
the City, but -- you know, maybe a guy who rented a yacht and then a Rolls Royce came to lows
and sold it.
Ms. Bianchino: (INAUDIBLE) I'm going to have to get you that inforntation.
Couinussioner 'l cele: But, the real issue oil this, Commissioner Winton, is that we really need a
master plan for that facility, and Commissioner Carey has expressed some interests in doing
something with it, but very few people are talking to the businesses and the neighbors in that
area. AUul what 1'ut saying is that the City need not, nor Commissioner C'urey or the County,
need not start making plans until we sit down with the people in the neighborhood and figure out
what's hest for that facility, based upon the neighborhood needs, as well as the City and the
County needs, and I want to work with the County in developing a master plan fur that
ntarketp!acc. But you're right, it's there and it's just further deteriorating a stressed community.
And 1 would hope...
Commissioner \Vinton: And, frankly. the sooner we got the problems -- because they're fixable
problems. You know, I've gone up there a hunch of times. Those arc fixable problems, and the
sooner we get that fixed and make it successful, the easier and the greater the success would he
}ilr the second project because then you'd begin to get some critical mass. The other thing you
get, once you have one successful one is, you get more private sector nioncy because the private
sector is willing to step up and take a risk because they sec that they can make money and you
don't have to havee governnter.t fundink and all. So, there's -- from my viewpoint, there's
compelling reason to put a major priority on getting the Caribbean Marketplace facility master
plan done and the building open again.
Ms. Herrnantin: Commissioner, due respect, 1 don't know that I can wait until -- this project
until, you know, all parties decide what to do with this project. 1 mean, I'm asking for the
Comtnissiun support. I mean, I intend to continue on with this particular project because I have
several people on the street and they do want to have a facility like that, with parking facility, to
come and sell goods, you know, on weekends.
Commissioner Winton: Leonie, you're asking for half a million dollars (S500,000).
Ms. Hennantin: I'in -- what I'm saying right now is that I'm not asking you fur the funding right
now. 1 have said that I understand that I cannot ask you to defund anybody. What I'm saying is
that l would like to ask for your support so that when I continue to seek funding, whether it's,
again, recaptured funding, that 1 have your support, that we will support this project. I'm not
asking -- you know, I'm saying that 1 asked. it was not supported. I will continue, you know,
with the project because I know of its importance for the conttnunity, and I'm asking, for your
support now in terms of future funding. .
Conimissioner Teele: How nuich are they recommended for now for that ...
Ms. Ilermantin: Zero.
121 July 10, 2001
1I+I11ItZ-
Commissioner Toole: How many different requests did HAFT (Haitian American Foundation,
Incorporated) make?
Ms. Hermantin: Three.
Ms. Warren: Three.
Commissioner Toole: And how many are we funding?
Ms. Warren: One, the child abuse.
Ms. liermantin: No, elderly.
Ms. Warren: The elderly program.
Commissioner Teele: From Public Services?
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: Now, is HAR viewed by you all as a Social Service agency or an
economic development? Have they declared -- has their board declared what colors they're
going to fly? I know that everybody wants to be everything, wherever the money is, but how do
we sec them? Do we see them as a social service agency or an economic development agency?
Ms. Warren: They have been very successful as a Social Service agency. They have not been
successful as an Economic Development agency.
Commissioner Teele: How much money did they get from the County for the market place?
Ms. liermantin: A total of -- well, in addition to the acquisition from the County, the City gave
us...
Commissioner Teele: No, no, no. No.
Ms. Hermantin: In addition to the acquisition funds?
Commissioner Teele: No. In addition to -- if you do that, then you've got to count how much
the City has given in addition to that.
Ms. llermantin: Right. Well, if it's just...
Commissioner Teele: In the last round of funding -- in the last three months, how much money
did you all receive front them?
122 July 10, 2001
•
Ms. Hermantin: We just received in terms of recaptured funds, thirty-five thousand five
hundred. This is not including what we're going to be asking for the next cycle. We've also -- in
the last cycle we also received, I believe, close to forty-five thousand from the County.
Approximately forty-five thousand.
Commissioner Tecle: How much has the City given you for this project?
Ms. Hermantin: The City has given us a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000)
for the acquisition in, 1 think, was CDBG Year 23,1 believe, for the acquisition of the property.
Commissioner Teele: So...
Conunissioner Winton: Twenty-three, is that what you said?
Ms. Hermantin: Year -- is it 23? CDBG Year 23.
Commissioner Tccic: That would have been four years ago.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: And that money, just so that it's clear, went to Off Street -Parking for --
Ms. Warren: Land acquisition.
Commissioner Tecle: -- for land acquisition because, instead of us directing Off Streat Narking
to transfer the bond indentures may have prevented that. We had to buy the land fiom Ofi Street
Parking for them. But you control the land free and clear now.
Ms. Hermantin: Yes, we do.
Commissioner Teele: No liens?
Ms. Hermantin: Well, we don't have any liens. We have...
Ms. Warren: There's a reverter clause back to the City.
Ms. Hermantin: Oh, OK. Well...
Commissioner Toole: But no liens.
Ms. Hemiantin: No liens.
Commissioner Toole: Well, let me just say this. What do you need right now for the project to
move forward incrementally?
123 July 10, 2001
IMINKM
•
Ms. Hcrmantin: Well, we've divided it in phases, but all phases require, you know, at least three
hundred thousand dollars ($300,000). 1 mean, that would be a minimum, in terms of proceeding
with the phases. We would require a minimum...
Commissioner Tecle: Do you have a permitted plan?
Ms. Hermantin: No.
Commissioner Tecle: All right. Then, what I'm going to ask you to do is to come back before
we finish this and tell me how much it's going to cost to get a plan that is drawn, that your hoard
approves, that the Planning Department will approve, and how much is it going to cost to go
through permitting.
Ms. Hertnantin: OK.
Commissioner Teele: OK. Because it seems to me that, you know, this idea of funding these
capital projects, but the plans haven't even been drawn...
Ms. Hermantin: Oh, the plans -- we have plans, sir. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Tecle: I didn't say that.
Ms. Hermantin: OK.
Commissioner Tecle: The plans haven't been drawn and permitted, and what I'm saying is, I'm
interested in getting you to a plan that you can't start switching around after it's been drawn and
permitted. In other words, every board member that comes on is going to have their own idea,
every staff person -- and until you get a plan that is approved and permitted, it's still just an idea
that's floating around. So. I would require or ask that you at least give us that information before
we close out the CD (Community Development) process today, and ask the Public Works...
Ms. Hennantin: You need to find out -- could you repeat that again'?
CommissionerTecle: ecle: .lust a plan --you say you've already got your plan. How much is it going
to take to fact it permitted'!
Ms. Hermantin: OK. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.
Yvonne McDonald: Good afternoon. My name is Yvonne McDonald, and I'm the
President/CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Coconut Grove Local Development Corporation.
Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm here this afternoon because the Coconut Grove Local
Development Corporation was not recommended for funding. I received my letter yesterday.
We applied fora hundred and forty-six thousand dollars (5146,000) for Economic Development.
In our area in Coconut Grove, the LDC (Local Development Corporation), for the past 20 years,
124 July 10, 2001
has been in husiness providing technical assistance and Facade, Housing and Economic
Development to the Coconut Grove community. We want to continue to do that. We requested
a hundred and forty-six thousand dollars ($146,000) to extend our Facade Program, not only in
the corridor of Grand Avenue and Douglas, but to also look at Bird Road and 27'x' Avenue. There
are at lot of small businesses in that area that we requested from the City that we be able to
provide the Facade Program to. We've been through this funding; we could provide the Facade
Program to a minimum of 50 businesses in (lie community. I'm asking that you consider looking
at funding the LDC this year for the administrative dollars to be able to continue this program.
We have traditionally received funding from the City. Without these funds, of course, our
agency %%?ill be hampered considerably without (lie City's support. And we know that, in the arca
of Coconut Grove, there is a lot of Economic Development taking place in downtown Coconut
Grove, central Grove. There's development in Coral Gables, in the targeted area of West Grove.
which is a 10 -block area of the community. That particular corridor of Grand Avenue and
Douglas Road has not received the kind of funding that it needs in order to improve the business
community. So, I'm asking that the Commissioners look at opportmnities to provide the funding
to the LDC to be able to be in a position to support businesses in the West Grove. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: 'Thank you, ma'am. Next. Anyone else? OK. We'll now close the public
hearing. Questions and answers.
Commissioner Winton: Just tin' the record, how much money does the LDC still have from the
last year's Economic Development funding cycle'?
Ms. McDonald: We were allocated a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for eight months,
from February through September of this year.
Commissioner Winton: How much ofthat money is spent'?
Ms. McDonald: None of it has been spent.
Ms. Warren: None of it.
Ms. McDonald: None of it has been spent.
Commissioner Winton: OK. So, Yvonne, in reality, you still have your full hundred thousand
dollar ($100,000) allocation sitting there ready to go, as soon as y'all get some of the internal
things moving forward so that you can go. This is the first time I've ever heard about expanding
your efforts to 27'x' Avenue and Bird, and I can tell you, from where I sit, i've got Sero
enthusiasm ('or putting public moncv into businesses on 27`x' Avenue or on Bird Avenue. Those
businesses have -- those business owners have money. They're relatively successful. They can
afford to do their own damn facade improvements and I'm not excited at all about government
coming to their rescue. That's just a handout. We'll put that money on Grand Avenue or
Douglas Road or in Liberty City or in Model Cities or in \Vynwood or Little Havana, but it ain't
going on 27'° Avenue.
125 July 10, 2001
Ms. McDonald: Conunissioncr Winton, the only reason I raise that question is because, in
Coconut Grove, the minimum amount ofbusinesses that we have to provide a Facade Progr.nn to
is 50. We currently don't have 50 businesses in Coconut Grove that we can provide the Facade
Program. We have met with the City...
Commissioner Winton: Then let me interrupt you. -
Ms. McDonald: We're willing to provide the Facade Program in other areas. It was just
suggested that we slay close to the area of Coconut Grove.
Commi"woner Winton: Well, what that suggests to me, Yvonne, is that there isn't a need for that
service any longer.
T1s. McDonald: I don't think that's...
Commissioncr Winton: i don't think that our job here is to keep not-for profit corporations in the
business of betting public money. Our job is to clean up neighborhoods and put these not-for-
profit businesses out of business, and if you do an outstanding job -- and i know you do a very
good job, and I'm not criticizing you here. But these LDCs, every single one of them,
particularly on the Economic Development side, should be working to put themselves out of
business. This should not be a forever-deal. If' you're successful, it won't be a forever-deal.
Social Services is a very different issue. Economic Development isn't. And if «,c'rc getting our
jobs done and we're focused on bringing those businesses up, we should be putting ourselves out
of business, and what you just said to nie, Yvonne, is that we're working towards -- into an arena
now where your agency should have nothing 10 do with Economic Development. It will he out
of the business because it won't be a need anymore. So, maybe what we need to do is adjust our
criteria somewhat so that they can finish the job that needs to Lie done on Douglas and Grand
Avenue so that they can finish that job. We shouldn't handicap them because of some
predetermined number here, handicap them from finishing; the real job that needs to he done and
that's Grand Avenue and Douglas. But to create a false expansion here into an area that I
wouldn't give a dollar of government -- this kind of government money to -- if we're going to put
government money into it, it ought to he in sidewalks, in lighting and landscaping in the public
sector, period. So, if we need to adjust our criteria for allowing them to utilire the dollars they've
got in the zone, where that makes lots of sense, then let's change that.
Ms. Warren: Again, Commissioner, it's either facades or technical assistance. They can do
either/or.
Commissioner Winton: OK. But in both -- along Grand Avenue -- what she's saying is that, ill
order to utilize the money, what I heard, is that you need to have 50 businesses. Well, if there
aren't 50 businesses along those two corridors, then we need to do something so that we can
make sure that every one of those businesses along; those two commercial corridors get the
attention they need from community -- Icom the Local Community Development Corpuration,
and then we move on.
126 July 10, 2001
I
Vice Chairnian Gurt: OK. Thank you. Anyone else would like to address from this group?
Anyone else?
Leroy Jones: (COMMENTS INAUDIBLE).
Vice Chainnan Gort: You were funded. You were recommended.
Commissioner Winton: Looks like you were over funded. We can get some back.
Mr. Jones: No.
Vice Chairman Gort: Leroy. how much you're willing to give...
Mr. Jones: Well, Commissioner, if you remember -- if you recall, last year, when we was
recommended for funding, we tried to give eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) to some businesses
and this Commission said, no, we couldn't du it. So, we did try to do the �ood faith thing to
eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) last year. Leroy Jones, 180 Northwest G2" Street, Neighbors
and Neighbors Association. I'm the Executive Director. I'm hoping that -- I'm sure, if I recall,
the Commission voted last year to transfer the commercial revitalization funding to Dade County
so that those businesses that was approved I'or funding could begin the process. Hasn't done yet.
And my recollection, that it was voted and approved on, and I might be wrong, and if I'm wrong,
I'm asking the Commission -- because I didn't conte here to jump or argue or scream about it, but
it is important because those businesses have already started putting their money into this
program, and the County is beginning to put its money into the program too, but the City haven't
released its money yet. I want the Commission to consider transferring the funds to the County
and study the business owner, because if the business owner accepts the money, then the
business owner take on liability. So, that mean that business owner have to get additional
bonding insurance, which they have to have bonding for the money to protect the money, which
they can't afford. But if the City of Miami give the money to the County, the County can be
responsible for it because the County already got experience, and the County already initiating a
program.
Vice Chainttan Gort: We'll find out. Yes, ma'am. What seems to be the problem'?
Ms. Warren: The Commission, again, voted not to transfer any City resources to the County. As
you know, the County, as of September, will have to return approximately thirty-five million
dollars (535,000,000) because of under -expenditure: in their CDBG grant. The City has had a
standing policy that we not transfer any ofuur resources. What you did direct staff to do was to
not duplicate and to utilize the same application that the agencies -- that the businesses had
utilized with the County. That we have done. We're prepared to move forward, and that's where
we're at.
Vice Chairman Gort: Why can't we release the funds? And what is this about additional
liabilities and so on?
127 July 10, 2001
6D LIZ,
Ms. Warren: One, the agencies don't have bonding. And your other question is, why won't we
release the money to the County?
Vice Chairman Gort: No, no, not to the County, to -- they presented a plan. They presented an
application.
Ms. Warren: We have given them a contract. We arc more than willing; to provide the moneys
as a grant, as a loan, whatever you direct, to the business. The business doesn't want it.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right. But my understanding is, there was a use -- there was a program
how those funds were going to be used.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. What is stopping -- if we work on the reimbursement basis or how do
we work on that?
Ms. Warren: The issue is bonding insurance for at least one of the businesses, not the other, and
I'm not sure what the issues are on the County side. The City's contracts would be three of the
four -- that are fully executed and waiting for insurance.
Vice Chairman Gort: Who needs to provide the finding?
Ms. Warren: The business has to provide the City with insurance coverage.
Vice Chairman Gort: Insurance for...
Commissioner Winton: For bond?
Ms. Warren: For bond. Bonding.
Commissioner Winton: A bond?
Ms. Warren: Bond.
Vice Chairnlan Gort: A bond.
Ms. Warren: It's a construction bond.
Vice Chairman Cion: It's not the construction company, not the...
Barbara Rodriguez: Barbara Rodriguez, Community Developmem The City does require to
have certain insurance. We have worked with the three businesses. There is one that having
problems, which is Conch Shaker's Conch, they're having problems getting the bonding. That
is a City requirement.
128 July 10, 2001
�rn�san
Vice Chairman Gort: There's two separate issues. My understanding is, you need...
Ms. Rodriguez: Not the contractor, the agency, because they are the ones that are going to be
submitting bills. They are the ones that are going to be like managing that program, so we do
require that they do have to have bonding.
Vice Chairman Gort: That's to insure that the project gets done and the money is utilized.
Ms. Warren: And that we're not...
Ms. Rodriguez: That is a Risk Management requirement for all the City.
Ms. Warren: That's a Risk Management requirement.
Commissioner Winton: These are fidelity bonds, is that what I'm understanding? It's not a
construction bond.
Ms. Rodriguez: It's a fidelity bond.
Commissioner Winton: And how expensive are fidelity bonds?
Ms. Rodriguez: It hasn't been that expensive, and we're working with them. They have not
returned the contract. We are waiting. We gave him a couple of people that I know, especially
the other two businesses that have obtained that insurance. So, we will follow up on it.
Mr. Jones: Both businesses already returned the contracts, but what I'm saying is,
Commissioner, if I'm not mistaken, this Commission voted and approved of giving the money to
the County. And I understand the County got thirty some odd million dollars of that money, but
that don't have anything to do with that program money. That's totally separate from that
program money. They're already spending that money from that program. That don't have
anything to do with that program money. Ifthese businesses accept that money, they're going to
have to get those liabilities. And it's not going -- the liability is not going to cover until -- for
example, if it only take two months for Shaker Conch House to do the refurbishing of the
business, the insurance that they've got to take got to cover two years. So, why would they have
to pay for insurance that have to cover two years, when it might only take two weeks to do the
work? You know, when we. can ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Let me ask you a question. Let me try to make it easier. This is
construction work that's going to take place, right?
Mr. Jones: Yes.
Vice Chairman Gort: Can we work on a reimbursement basis that the people do the work and we
pay them directly'?
Ms. Warren: That's how we do it.
129 July 10, 2001
C 1611Z.t[ol►t L
Vice Chairman Gort: What's wrong with that?
Ms. Warren: What I think, if I'm correct, what Mr. Jones is suggesting is that, because the
businesses themselves do not want to receive the money directly, either because of financial
benefit or they don't want to do contract management, they don't want to -- whatever -- they're
suggesting that we provide the money to the County, and that the County actually oversee the
rehabilitating of these businesses, and what we're basically saying is that, at least your policy has
been, not to give our CD money to the County for the purposes of this project.
Vice: Chairman Gort: I understand. But let me ask you a question. If the County supervising this
and the County's getting the bills, can the County submit the bills to us and we pay the County'?
Ms. Warren: My understanding is that they're not willing to do that. They want us to transfer
the full allocation to them, then they will manage the project. And that's the problem here.
That's the dilemma.
Commissioner Winton: Well, how much money do we have in it compared to the County?
Ms. Warren: We have thirteen million a year, and 1 think they get 20 -- 24.
Vice Chairman Gort: No, no, he's talking about this specific projuct.
Commissioner Winton: No, no, no. These projects.
Ms. Warren: On this particular project?
Mr. Jones: This project, the County is putting twenty-five thousand for Omega and thirteen
thousand for Shakcr's.
Commissioner Winton: And what are we putting in?
Mr. Jones: The City is putting twenty-eight thousand plus for Shaker's, and fifty thousand for
Omcga.
Ms. Warren: So, we've got the land share of the money and the hill.
Vice Chairnian Gori: So, we put a lot more than the County?
Ms. Warren: Yes.
Mr. Jones: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: Well ...
130 July 10, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: And the County is not willing to accept the -- send us the bill and we'll pay
them? Why it's always the City'? What's wrong with the County?
Ms. Warren: That was the point.
Mr. Jones: Commissioner. if I sit here and say something different -- I don't know. All I know
is, I've been working on these projects for over two ,years.
Vice Chairman Gort: I understand. I,et me see if we can get it done. Have you talked to the
County -- can you talk to the County and sec if we can work out something?
Ms. Warren: i will talk to them again.
Vice Chairman Gott: Will you, please, anti work it out between the bureaucrats?
Ms. WalTen: Yes.
Vice C'hairnan Gort: Please. I'm sure we can pay each other.
Commissioner Winton: Because 1 will tell you, from my viewpoint, we sound awful and it ain't -
- shouldn't be their problem. It should be a problem that government to government resolves so
that the money can be spent on projects that the Conunissiun approved forever ago.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Winton: And, so, I hope -- I don't want -- I hope we don't have to hear this much
more. I hope that you guys figure out a way to resolve something...
Ms. Warren: I'll talk to my...
Commissioner Winton: -- and if it requires another action by the Commission, get it back here
so we can make (INAUDIBLE).
Vice Chairman Gorr. Get it back on the 26`x'.
Commissioner Winton: You know, at the very next meeting and get moving.
Ms, Warren: I'll talk to my counterpart at the County.
Vice Chairman Giort: Commissioner'feele.
Commissioner Teele: I would like to clarity one thing. I liave said -- and I support the
Commission in not transferring money to the County, but that doesn't mean we don't transfer
money to the County for the purpose of being a path through to another agency or another entity,
and it just makes sense that rather than having people filling out two pieces of paperwork,
meeting two different criteria, we consolidate it and make it easier, And, so, the broader
131 July 10, 2001
• 0
question that this raises, though, is how long; it has taken in the past to enter into this agreement?
We took this action how long ago?
Mr. Jones: In December, I think it was. You voted and approved on it in December.
Commissioner Tccle: In December, and now it's seven months later. Now, Ms. Warren, you're
saying only -- „ve have contracts with the two, but we don't have one with the one?
Ms. Warren: Apparently, we have contracts with three, and one is still trying to get the bond --
the fidelity bond.
Commissioner Teele: So, two are going on and one is...
Ms. Warren: Three are -- we have fully executed contracts from the Law Department. We're
ready to do -- transfer the money or do whatever. And then we have one that has a bond
problem.
Commissioner Tcele: Madam Attorney, at the appropriate time, I would like, when we pass this
total package, that we put in here a resolution that requires that any contracts that are not entered
into within 90 days of action by this Commission, that the Commission shall be notified and the
item shall be placed on the agenda of the. Commission as a way of advising us and getting a
report, with it being on the Commission by name of the contract that has not been entered into,
and the reason for it. Because we've gone thmugh this and now I think we've got to protect the
people that we're trying to work with on it. So, i don't have a problem.
Commissioner Winton: Is that a motion'?
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. There's a motion. Is there a second`'
Commissioner Teele: 1 would move that the Commission resolve, that the management be
instructed to enter into contracts with all parties, pursuant to the 27`" Year CD finding, within 90
days, and those contracts that have not been entered into within 90 days of the final action of this
Commission shall be reported on the Commission agenda monthly, by name, with a report as to
why they have not -- those contracts have not been entered into.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Vice Chairnian Gort: It's been moved and second. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor
state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
132 July 10, 2401
90s
•
•
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-647
A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FNTER INTO
CONTRACTS PURSUANT TO THE 27"" YEAR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING, WITHIN 90 DAYS;
FURTHER STIPULATING THAT ANY CONTRACI' THAT 1S NOT
ENTERED INTO WITHIN 90 DAYS OF ACTION BY THE CITY
COMMISSION SHA1.1, BE PLACED ON THE COMMISSION AGENDA ON
A MONTHLY BASIS, AND THE CONTRACTOR SHALL GIVE
JUSTIFICA] ION AS TO WHY THE CONTRACT WAS NOT EXECUTFD.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: bone
Vice Chairman Gort: Leroy, she's going to get together with the County and see how we can
work that out so we...
Commissioner Winton: leo, no. Gwen's going to get ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Gwen. Yeah.
Commissioner Winton: Our staff is going t<i get together with -- right.
Vice Chairman Gort: Our staff, yeah. All right?
Mr. Jones: You know, to be honest with you, Commissioner, I'm still kind of confused, man.
I'm confused because the County waiting graciously -- the business is waiting, the businesses
already put money in. Two of those businesses, I know, don't have fidelity bonds. Not one.
Two of them.
Commissioner Winton: Tell me what you're confused about, Leroy. Don't -- tell me what you're
confused about. We've made a specific instruction here. You need to be specific about what
you're confused about.
133 July 10, 2001
$in0WA6
Mr. Jones: Yeah, but see, this done happened before. This the third time
Commissioner Teele: Yeah, hut...
Commissioner Winton-. No, it hasn't.
Mr. Jones: This the third time this done happened.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. with all due respect, we've bot a busy body. 1 would ask,
respectfully, that the item that Mr. Jones is making reference to, be publicly noticed for the next
Commission meeting, and +hat the item be placed on the agenda for a discussion, letting each of
the businesses come in and discuss their own situation. I don't think there's any reason to take up
this meeting. It's not on the agenda now. There's nothing we can do, and this will give
everybody 14 days to either get it down or to conte here and explain why it's not done. is that
fair?
Mr. Jones: No,Commissioner. Because, you know, through the course of these two years --
we've been going through this for two years. Those businesses have came down here time after
time and time after time. Closed their business down to come here.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Leroy?
Mr. Jones: Now, we've got to ask them to close down again to come here. I'm telling you the
condition that they're in. I'm telling you.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Jones'?
Mr. Jones: And I'm going to be finished with it, Commissioner.
Commissioner Teele: 13ut, sir...
Mr. Jones: Because I'm upset about this because, see, when they call me...
Commissioner Tecle: Well, we will uc:cCpt vou...
Mr. Jones: See, they don't call y'all. 'they call me everyday, and everyday I have to sit on the
phone and find excuses why they ain't but the money, and 1 don't hate to go -- I hate going
through that with them. They don't call y'all.
Commissioner Teele: Then will you allow me to modify my amendment, that you will conk
down and explain each of the situations, if the businesses arc not available, There's no reason to
have them come down, if you're familiur with the situation. But the point is this: we don't have
the facas. The staff doesn't have the facts. It's not on the agenda today. This gives you and the
staff 14 days to work all of this out, and we'll hear you in the next Commission meeting. And
you're -- 1 mean, you've bot time to come down next meeting, don't you'?
134 July 10. 2001
$MIS
0
•
kit. Jones: Commissioner, if y'all don't never want Inc to come down here again, 1 don't care.
Commissioner Teele: I want you to keep...
Mr. Jones: But I'm telling you, Cm telling you, we need to resolve this today because it's been
going on too long.
Commissioner Winton: No, we don't.
Vice Chairman Cion: Leroy, there's no way that -- there's no way we can resolve this today.
Commissioner Winton: V1'e don't have to resolve this today.
Vice Chainnan Gort: OK.
Commissioner Winton: There isn't any way to resolve this today.
Vice Chairman Gott: Shc -- the staff has been given instruction how we think it can be resolved.
Mr. Jones: It's guing to lead back to the same think, man, because we've been going through this
for two years. It's going to lead hack to the same thing all over again, you know.
Vice Chairman Gott: OK. Leroy -- Leroy, thank you. Anyone else?
Mr. Jones: You know, you -- I don't know, Commissioner. i fight hard and -- with all due
respect -- and I'm going to be quiet alter this -- when I come to the City and County for money to
help these -- and i appreciate it and I'm thankful that the City decided to give my organization
some money to help these businesses, but when you all give me that money, you give Inc that
money to tight for them, and that's what I'm down here doing, and I don't want to keep being --
running around because it's raining right now, you know, whether you know it or not.
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Chairman, excuse me.
Vice Chairman Gurt: Leroy? Leroy, let me tell you. Right now the County is the one, according
to my staff, that do not want to play hall game. They want to do it their own way, and we don't
want to do it that way. There's a way that needs to be done and our staff will work it out. Now,
why don't you go and tell the County the same thing.
Mr. Jones: It ain't got nothing to do with the County. The County ready to -- the County going
to release its money first.
Vice Chairnian Gott: OK. Thank you,
Mr. Jones: ii ain't got nothing to do with the County.
Vice Chairman Gort: Leroy, thank you. What's the action on this, Economic Development?
135 July 10, 2001
1.NDEt w
Commissioner Regalado: I have a motion.
Mr. Jones: I'm going to sit down here. I ain't going nowhere. I'm going to stay here all day until
I...
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Jones: Because it's not fair, you know.
Commissioner Winton: Stay all night.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, l have a motion.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: My motion is to -- the Small Business Opportunity Center has
expanded its operations to Flagami, and -- especially Flagler and Southwest g'h Street, Northwest
7'h Street, so I'd like to increase in fitleen thousand dollars ($15,000), the allocation, taking this
money from the Ccunomic Development -- the hundred and forty-five thousand dollars
($145,000) allocated to the Planning and Fconomic Development Department from the money
that can be used for Economic Development. So, my motion will he to increase by f fleen
thousand dollars ($15,000) the amount of the Small Business Opportunity Center.
Vice Chairman Gort: Taking it from?
Commissioner Sanchez: Since it's my money, how much is it?
Commissioner Regalado: Sorry?
Commissioner Sanchez: Since it's my money, how much is it, rifteen thousand?
Commissioner Regalado: It's not your money.
Ms. Warren: Excuse me.
Commissioner Regalado: It's the Citywide money.
Ms. Warren: There's ...
Commissioner Tcele: Where are you taking the funds front?
Commissioner Regalado: From the Planning and Economic Development allocation of
Economic Development.
136 July 10, 2001
•
•
Dena Aianchino (Assistant City Manager): Just to be clear on the record, that money is to begin
planning activities for the East Little Havana Homeownership Project.
(INAUDIBLE COMMENTS).
Ms. Warren: The pot of moneys that I think you're referring to, Commissioner, is the four
hundred and fifty thousand that is in the Commercial Facade Program.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. That is fine with me. As long as we can give them the tools to
continue their work. So, 1'd like to move that from...
Commissioner Sanchez: Now I'll second it.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Moved and second. Where is it coming from?
Commissioner Regalado: From the Facade Program.
Commissioner Teele: How much are you taking from commercial facade?
Commissioner Sanchez: Fifteen thousand.
Commissioner Regalado: Fifteen thousand.
Commissioner Teele: You know what I'd rather see you do? Why does the -- where is the
Director of Building --
Ms. Warren: Just a second.
Ms. Rianchino: He is here, sir. He'll be right out.
Commissioner Teele: They've got -- originally they have a million dollars ($1,000,000). They
have 467 telt.
Commissioner Regalado: For Codc Enforcement, you mean?
Commissioner Tecle: No, no, no, not for Code Enforcement, but for demolition.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh.
Ms. Warren: It's five hundred thousand for demolition.
Commissioner Teele: No. That's what you're proposing next year.
:Vis. Warren: 'Chat is...
137 July 10, 2001
010"A
•
•
Ms. Bianchino: That is what we're proposing in this memorandum in front of you.
Commissioner Teele: In this memorandum.
Ms. Warren: That would be for...
Commissioner Tccic: But I'm saying, in the 26'h Year of funding, they got a million dollars
($1,000,000), right?
Ms. Warren: Yes. 1 think that -- yes.
Commissioner Tecle: According to my chart, they've drawn down four hundred and sixty-seven
thousand of the million, leaving a balance of 532.
I lector Lima (Director, Building): I'm getting right now a fax to your office, and the balance is
about a hundred thousand. I can check in the other fund, if you'd like, but what I have right now
is the five hundred thousand that was given to me the second -- February the 15th, and there's a
hundred thousand dollars (S100,000) balance on that.
Commissioncr Tcelc: Well, my balance sheet shows 532, but, in any event --
Mr. Lima: You might be correct.
Commissioner Teele: -- we're going to give you an additional half a million, right?
Ms. Warren: For next year.
Mr. Lima: For next year.
Commissioner Teele: Next year. So, I would recommend you take the money from the
demolition account, as opposed to the facade account.
Commissioner Regalado: 1 mean, is that category...
Commissioner'Teele: We can always make them whole.
Commissioner Regalado: is that category available for Economic Development?
Ms. Warren: All the categories, with the exception of Public Service, are available for the
Commission.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. So, I will take that money -- the fifteen thousand from the
demolition account to the Small Business Opportunity Center.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
138 July 10, 2001
anilwas
0
Commissioner Tcele: And the reason is, they do have a carryover balance, and -- from last year,
whether it's a hundred thousand or five hundred thousand, there's a carryover, and their needs are
five hundred thousand, and if we nm short, then we'll make them whole during the course of the
year.
Ms. Waren: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Teele: On that item?
Vice: Chairman Gort: On that item. All in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Regalado, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-648
A MOTION 1'0 APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS FOR RHDUCTIONS IN THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMI✓'N'C CATEGORY, WITH THP FOLLOWING AMENDMENT:
INCREASE THE SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CENTER BY AN
ADDITIONAL $15,000 ($265,000), FOR CITY-FUN13ED ACTIVITIES
REDUCING; THL-' SAML AMOtNT FROM $125,000, PREVIOUSLY
EARMARKED FOR DEMOLITION.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Rogalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chainnan Gort: Yes.
139 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Teele: Madam Director, we have placed aside a reserve because, as you know, 1
have withdrawn District 5 from the Facade Program effectively over the last two years. That
reserve, according to my calculations, including the Model Cities and Overtown program, should
lie approximately three hundred thousand dollars (5300,000), is that right? Can we walk through
it? There's 50 this year -- and, Barbara, why don't you help me?
Ms. Barbara Rodriguez: A hundred from Model City and a hundred frorn Overtown, so it's 250.
Commissioner Teele: flus the i0 for this year.
Ms. Warren: That would include the 50 -- 250 includes the 50 from this year.
Commissioner Teele: OK.
Ms. Warren: Minus the St. John's expenditure.
Commissioner Teele: Minus the St. John's expenditure, which is'?
Ms. Warren: Nominal. 'Thirteen hundred dollars ($1,3110), 1 think.
Conunissioner "feels: OK. So, we're at 250? So, let's say 235. All right. Then what I'm being
to do is move the two hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars ($235,000) from previous years in
the current year, which has been set aside by us, withdrawing from the Facade Program,
withdrawing into the Word of Life Development Corporation for capital projects, with the
further proviso that Word of Life may not extend more than fifty thousand dollars (550,000) for
administrative expenses. So, Word of Life is not betting one additional-- and, Reverend Dumi, 1
want to be real clear. You all are not getting one additional dollar for administration or
operational costs. This is strictly for capital costs associated with the facade improvements,
which we've demapped, and we're substituting those for land acquisition and parking facilities
and fencing facilities that are more appropriate to this district. And this represents three years,
Johnny, of carryover, just so that you know, OK?
Commissioner Winton: I'm -- l was sitting here lost because i couldn't -- what are you looking
at?
Ms. Warren: Commissioner, as you may know, like last year, your -- in Coconut Grove, both
last year and now this year, because there is no facade agency, staff is recommending that a set
aside he provided so that, if, at some point in time, those services are needed or an agency is
appropriate, that the Commission would have the discretion. What you did with your set aside
for Coconut Grove last year is, you had the Commission to approve that it be used as a match on
a grant application for technology in Wynwood. This year, because staff did not recommend a
Facade Program for Coconut Grove, there is an additional fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) that is
being set aside. At some point in time, we would, again, expect that you would designate a
purpose that would either be job creation or business oriented in its place or its use or put it back.
One or the other.
140 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Teele: What I'm reading frum, Commissioner, is a District 5 reserve for the last
two years that have not been used. OK.
Commissioner Winton: I'm with you completely.
Commissioner Tcele: So -- and in District 5, Model Cities is the main area. You heard Mr.
Mason, again, making reference to that. And, so, that would be my motion, that those funds he
made available, but with the proviso that those funds are only available for eligible capital uses
and not for administrative uses.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Ms. Warren: The total two hundred and thirty-five thousand is for capital use?
Commissioner Teele: The total 235 is capital uses, and that the Word of Life is capped and not
to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for operating and administrative costs, the same
amount they had with the hundred thousand.
Ms. Warren: OK.
Commissioner Teele: OK.
Vice Chairman Gurt: OK. There's a motion and there's a second. Any further discussion? Being
none, all in favor state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The !following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 0l -649
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BALANCE OF THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FUND RESERVE. (SET ASIDE FUNDS FROM PRIOR
YEAR CDBG FUNDS APPROVED FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS IN
OVERTOWN AND MODEL CITY), 1N THE AMOUNT OF $235,000 TO THE
WORD OF LIFE: DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR CAPITAL
PROJECTS, IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY, BY
TRANSFERRING CDBG FUNDING FROM THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:
$100,000 FROM MODF.I, CITY; 585,000 FROM OVERTOANN$50,000
141 July 10, 2001
• 0
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: Done
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: Any others? Do I have a motion to accept the Economic Development
funding...
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, before we do that...
Commissioner Tecle: On which one?
Commissioner Sanchez: Before we make the motion to accept, once again, I want to get back to
the Jose Marti Park Project. I will have a resolution, directing the City Manager to commit eight
hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) from CD funds to the Jose Marti project. This is a -- two
million dollar ($2,000,000) project, which most of the funds are going to be coming from Safe
Neighborhoods Park Bond, and if the money is not available there, as this was -- that money was
allocated to the CRA. I have a memo from the City Manager directed to Commissioner Art
Teele, where he says that he will be conducting a finance impact analyst -- analysis to determine
funds. 1 would ask that any funds found should be returned hack to that project, so we could get
that project going up, as soon as possible, in my district.
Ms. Warren: Commissioner, my records indicate that the recaptured amount, which is the
unspent money, not the total allocation, but the balance that was recaptured, is five hundred
seventy-four thousand three hundred and seventy-nine dollars ($574,379), that all of the previous
moneys had been spent, and that this was a fund balance at the time of recapture.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, if we were to use -- we couldn't get the money out of the
generalship (sic) because there isn't any money there, correct?
.As. Warren: 1 would not know.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, I was told that there wasn't any money in there. So, if we go
ahead and use the CD for that fund, then we have to deal with increasing the amount because of
the -- what is that called'?
142 July 10, 2001
WINEBI
0 •
FIs. Warren: Davis Bacon.
Comtnissioncr Sanchez: Right. So, i wanted to make sure that I would have sufficient lunds to
cover the project. Now, if the money is not there and, in this analysis, the money is
(INAUDIBLE), all that I'm asking for, to he in all fairness, is that this money be pill back in that
project because it's a project that was on its way to he done and we just ran out of time. And not
to lose the money, we did what was right: we passed it on to the CRA. All that we're asking for
now is that that money -- when the money is identified, that those funds be placed hack into that
protect in my district.
Commissioner Teele. Commissioner, let nle just say to you. I support, as I've always supported,
funding based upon needs. There's no need to pit area against area intentionally or
unintentionally, but this is the point: the reallocations did not go to the CRA. The reallocations
went to a series of over 20 to 30 agencies. The CRA was one. And it's sort of like the story my
grand daddy used to tell about the guy who used to herd cows for people...
Commissioner Sanchei: (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Teele: And they weren't marked or branded, and one day he called my grand
daddy and told him that his co« had gone over a bridge, and he said, well, how do you know it's
my cowl He said, because my cows wouldn't do that. So, it's no need to try to figure out if that
money went to the CRA or not. I mean, it's all in that pot. Let's try to figure out -- i support --
let's put it on the agenda for the - public hearing for the next meeting, as it relates to this project,
as it relates to the Manager's memo relating to the one million dollars (51,000,000), which I
insist be traded in from HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons Living with AIDS) finds
to the. CRA, since you -- since -- not to be personal, but you single-handedly sabotaged the use of
the HOPWA money for the Camillus House and ...
Commissioner Sanchez: It wasn't a good deal for the City.
Cotnmissioncr Tecle: Well, if you read the appraisals now, I'm sure the editorial board is now
about to reverse their editorial, because It's a great deal for the City. it would have been a great
deal for the City, based upon the property values today, and we will be revisiting that issue. But
let's just schedule that item, along with the CRA item, And, Madam Manager, do you have a
problem doing that'?
Ms. Bianchino: No.
Cotnmissioncr Teele: OK. And, so, we'll try to sort that out. But the trade-in of HOPWA funds,
persons with AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) funds, for CD funds should not
get overly complicated, and we need to get the full sheet of all the trade-ins that were done, but 1
filly support making that project whole, whether it be from CD funds or from general funds.
And it would be much better if it were for general funds because what you're going to do is make
that whole project Davis Bacon. That's going to add about 15 to 25 percent to the cost of the
project.. So, let's be real careful.
143 July 10, 2001
•
Vice Chairman Gort: As part of the capital improvement for the City. Any other issues that --
motions?
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gori: What are we moving? You're moving the packet recommended?
Commissioner Winton: Economic Development funding. 'Twenty-Scventh Year Economic
Development funding.
Vice Chairman Gorl: Economic Development recommended by staff.
Commissioner Winton: As amended.
Vice Chairman Gort: As amended. All in favor state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second as amended, aye.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-650
A MOTION I'O APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT ("CDHG") FUNDS IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CATEGORY.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gori
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Vice Chairman Gorl: Thank you. Housing Administration, We have three left. Housing
Administration, HOPWA, and Historic Preservation.
144 July 10, 2001
NXrE[crsr.
Ms. Warren: We did Historic.
Vice Chairman Gort: We did Historic first?
Commissioner Teele: Can we do Historic first? No, we only took up one project. We didn't
take up the ones that weren't considered, and I'd like to take up Historic right now because that's
going to he an easy one, I think.
Vice Chainman Gort: At this time, anyone in the Historic Preservation that was not funded,
you're welcomed to please come forward.
Commissioner Tcelc: ,\1r. Yaeger, where are you:' I can't find my notes.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Ivan Yaeger: Yes. Good aftcrinoon, Commissioners. My mune is Ivan Yaeger. i ant the
Executive Director of the Yaeger Foundation, hie. We're located at 1177 northwest 62''d Street.
And I wanted to discuss the proposal of a project that we have, Community Revitalization, to
provide a new facility for it museum that will center upon the achievements of the African-
American Achievement, Medical Practitioners, and universities and institutions of education that
have produced pioneers in the co muuniity in medicine, but locally and on a broader scale. In
question is the investigation or the consideration of property located next to our current facility,
the property is 1199 Northwest 62`1 Strect. It's a vacant lot. It's a blight on the arca, and we
would like to request the consideration of the City of the use of this property for providing
parking for this new facility that will be constructed on our existing facility property.
Ms, Warren: Docs the City own that (INAI TDIBLE)?
Mr. Yaeger: Yes. It's a piece of property that is now owned by the City. 1190 Northwest 62"d
Street is the location.
Commissioner Teele: If Chelsa, or somebody back in that office, is doing nothing, could come
out here and help me. I've lost my notes. Mr. Yaeger -- if I could, Mr. Chairman''
Vice Chairman Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Teele: This project should have been considered as a historic project, in that the
project, attain, involves a museum of medicine, as you know, Dr. Yaeger ...
Commissioner Winton: Involves what?
Commissioner Teele: Medicine. Medical doctors and hospitals in the community, and it's really
a pail of the -- hopefully it part of (lie revitalization efforts in the Model Cities area that we've
already approved. I have a resolution that I would like to make, but before I do, I'd like to ,just
say that Dr. Yaeger was here till morning. His father -- his mother is in the hospital. We
certainly wish her well. But time doesn't allow its. We've got a video. Ivann Yaeger is a young
145 July 10, 2001
man that you probably saw on Katie C'uric or the To(la.v ,Show last -- couple of months ago. 1 le's
an inventor, lie, like myself, thought about a profession in medicine because of the way his
family lineage, but he's doing something different, and lie invented a limb, an artificial limb that
is world renown at this point, and, at his young alae, he has achieved tremendous acclaim as an
inventor and as a young, person, one of the few young people that we've still got here in Miami
that hadn't decidul to go to Atlanta or some other God forsaken place, but we have it real
problem keeping our young people here. Mr. Yaeger is un example of someone who would like
to stay here, who grc%N up, and he has his vision of going back and going through doctor's
offices. There are famous hospitals that have closed that were colored hospitals, if you will, and
they're in the process of trying to work with the National Medical Association, establish a
National Museum of Medicine right on the edge of Liberty City, as sort of a tourist attraction, on
the corner of 62i" and 12'x' Avenue, right on the border of our rcvitah/ation arca. Because his
project does not yet reach the historic designation as it relates to Ci) rules, what 1 am prepared to
recommend is that the Manager meet with the Yaeger Foundation to discuss the African-
Anterican Medical Museum, one; to conduct an environmental audit and preliminary clean-up of
the City -owned vacant lot located at 1199 northwest 62" Street, and to consider the request of --
for the vacant lot by the Yaeger foundation for the construction of a parking lot to service it
proposed museum, and to present hack, within 90 days, to the City it report, with the funds not to
exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), being, allocated from the budget of the Nord of
Life for the purpose of the audit -- the environmental audit and the clean-up of the lot. This lot is
owned by the City. it has been owned by the City. It is a tremendous health hazard. It has all
sorts of objects sticking up from the ground. it was a sorvicc station, 1 believe; is that correct,
hi r...
Mr. Yaeger: That's correct.
Commissioner Teele: And it is in a very, very deteriorated condition. And, so, what I think we
Should do is give Mr. Yaeger an opportunity to work with the Manager and the staffto see if this
is something -- particularly if the Trust would like to do it. And I should also add that the copy
of the report, whatever, be forwarded to the Revitalization Trust so that that can be something
that they consider as a project, and 1 would so move, in that it is riot really eligible, in my
judgment, at this point, as a historic property or...
Commissioner Winton: Commissioner Teele, point of clarification. When you were reading the
resolution, you got to the bottom and said, in an amount not to exceed twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000) from the Word of Life. You meant...
Commissioner Teele: Word of Life foundation -- Community Development foundation. See,
what we're doing is, we're funding the Word of Life to begin to clean up these vacant lots that the
City owns in these communities. It will be an environmental -- it's an environmental Phase I and
Phase 11 audit...
Commissioner Winton: So, that's where the money would come from, from the previous
allocation...
Commissioner Teele: That's where the money would come fi-on).
lab July 10, 2001
0OUR
Vice Chairman Gort: Previous allocation.
Commissioner Winton: From the previous allocation.
Vice Chairman Gort: Previous allocation.
Commissioner Winton: The previous allocation will be responsible for getting this done?
Vice Chairman Gort: Right.
Commissioner Teele: Exactly. Exactly. Now, hopefully. they'll begin to work with Public
Works. Public Works, truthfully, now -- let me just be clear with everybody. This is a City lot,
City -owned. The funds from this should come from the Public Works budget or the Asset
Management budget because we've had it now, in our inventory, for over a year, and we don't
have those kind of dollars available, and these situations just tend to linger in these communities
if we don't make dollars available to clean them up, to do the audit and to get the debris off of the
lot, and...
Commissioner Winton: So, you've identified the funding source to get it done?
Commissioner Teele: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. There's a motion. Is there a second? is there a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
147 July 10, 2001
•
The foliowing resolution was introduced by Commissioner Tecle, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 0 1 -651
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO REVIEW TILE PROPOSAL PRESENTED BY THE
YAEGER FOUNDATION, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION 01: AN
A1 -'RICAN AMERICAN MEDICAL MUSEUM TO BE 1,OCATED ON THE
CORNL•'R OF NORTHWEST 12""' AVENUE AND NOR'T'HWEST 62"u
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR PURPOSES OF HOUSING DOCUMENTS,
BOOKS, AND OTHER MEMORABILIA FROM PRIVA'T'E PRACTITIONERS,
HOSPITALS AND HISTORICALLY BLACK MEDICAL SCHOOLS;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE: CITY MANAGER TO: (1) MEET WITH THE
YAEGER FOUNDATION, INC. TO DISCUSS THE AFRICAN AMERICAN
MEDICAL MCSEUNI, (2) CONDUCT AN ENVIRONMEN'T'AL AUDIT AND
PRELIMINARY CLEAN-UP OF 1'Iiy. CITY -OWNED VACANT IAT
LOCATED A"I 1199 NORTH\\-liS'l 62" STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, (3)
CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION OF THF. VACANT LOT BY THE YAEGF.R
FOUNDATION, INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING LOT '170
SERVICE THE PROPOSED MUSEUM BUILDING, (4) AND PRESENT A
REPORT TO mE ('1"rY C'OMMISSION WITHIN NINETY DAYS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000, FOR
THE PRELIMINARY CLEANUP AND ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT FROM
FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR THE WORD OF LIFE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sancho
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
NAY'S: None
ABSENT: Nonc
Mr. Yaeger: Thank you very much.
Vice Chairman Gorr. Thank you, sir. Any -- so far, we only have one recommendation from the
City of Miami that we took up this morning, that's been passed. Is there any other motion to he
taken on this historic Preservation?
148 July 10, 2001
• 0
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, the only motion that I would like to make is that the
department be instructed to re-evaluate all of the applications that are in hand and to report, in
the next Commission meeting, with a new recommendation, based upon the availability of an
additional two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) that is now available for this current year,
with a view that the projects must be completed in the current fiscal year. In other words, if it
can't be completed in this year, don't recommend it.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
Commissioner Teele: I would so move.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved. is there a second? Do 1 hear a second?
Commissioner Rcgalado: Second.
Commissioner Winton: I didn't hear it.
Vice Chairman Gort: The rriotion was -- there's an issue: two hundred thousand dollars
($200,000) that will be coming up for this Historic Preservation, for staff to go look at the
difi'erent projects that we have coming, and those that can he finished within this year, will he
funded or recommended. if not, they will not be recommended.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
Commissioner Teele: In other words, they'll advertise these -- they'll make a recommendation;
they'll re-evaluate, and they'll conic back with recommendations in the next meeting. As you
know, Commissioner Winton, we just took it hundred and seventy-five thousand. 1 said two
hundred thousand, but we took a hundred and seventy-five thousand of funds from the police
station this morning, not based upon the fact that we passed a resolution committing up to, what
was it, seven hundred and fifty or a million?
Ms. Dena Bianchino (Assistant City Manager): We didn't calculate that.
Commissioner Teele: Well, we should do that.
Dena Bianchino (Assistant City Manager): You didn't pass any resolution regarding the total
project costs (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Teele: Then we ask you to come back with us. But what we did is, we should
make a formal commitment that we're committed to the project, but what we did is, this year no
more than -- no more than a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is going to get expended this
149 July 10, 2001
RUNS
year. And, so, we basically approved a hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars (S 125,000) of
the staff recommendation of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) this morning, which
leaves a balance of approximately a hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).
Commissioner Winton: Well, Commissioner Teele, I have another -- and 1 don't know if this
works, but some way or another, I think the City needs to begin to set up a process whereby we
create our own Historic Preservation pool of dollars, and i'll take the Jackson I louse as a perfect
example. if the City would have had any money at all during that crisis, we could have stepped
to the plate, and I'm sure we could have wrangled some additional funds from Mr. Bulldozer, and
saved that historic property. And the City of Miami, in all of our districts, is full of historic
properties. 1 mean, that's the real asset -- our absolute gold we have in our hills here that have
yet to he mined. And we're going to be faced -- and because today we have demand for product
back in the City -- now, some of the demand is from enlightened people who have an interest in
saving really neat architectural styles, but there are others who have a real interest in bringing the
bulldozer and tearing it down and building something big and square. And we're going to --
because demand is back in our City, we're going to be faced on a more -- on an ever-increasing
basis with these kind of crisis, where the bulldozer is -- the diesel is really spewing out of the
exhaust there, standing in front of a building, and we can't do anything about it, and if we would
figure out a way to set up a reserve find, we could -- and we don't want to send the signal to the
whole world out there that the City is going to, by itself, come to the rescue of every single
property, but I think we could use our money as the leverage to make some other kinds of things
happen, that would give us the resources to stop the bulldozer in those appropriate cases. So, 1
don't know if this is an appropriate deal...
Commissioner Teele: And this is the way to accomplish that is, my motion gives it back to the
City staff to come back in the next meeting with a recommendation, and I accept completely the
notion that there is -- a reserve for historic Preservation should he a part of that
recommendation.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: All right. There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Being
none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
150 July 10, 2001
U
•
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO.01-652
A MOTION INSTRUCTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DIRECT THE
DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1'0
REEVALUATE THE BALANCE OF THE APPLICATION REQUESTS FOR
FUNDING IN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION CATEGORY; FURTHER
INSTRUCTING THE MANAGER TO COME BACK WITH A
RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE REMAINING BALANCE OF
$201,000 PRESENTLY EXISTING 1N SAME.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote.
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: We have two, Housing and HOPWA. Which one would you like to take
f irst?
Ms. Warren: Housing.
Vice Chairman Gort: HOPWA would be the easiest?
Ms. Warren: IIOPWA would be the easiest.
Vice Chairman Gort: Let's go to HOPWA.
.Ms. Warren: We have Emergency Shelter.
Commissioner Teele: Going to what, HOPWA?
Ms. Warren: We have both I IOPWA and Emergency Shelter, both should be easy.
Commissioner Teele: This is a public hearing f'or the HOPWA funds. Any person dosiring to be
heard on HOPWA funds should come forth at this time. Are there any persons coming forward
on HOPWA? If so, raise your hand. One person. All right. Following IiOPWA will be
151 July 10, 2001
IBMWE
Housing, and any person who wants to be heard on Housing should come forward right atter we
take an action.
Ms, Warren: They were leaving, Commissioner.
Commissioner Toole; Site should -- wave her hand.
Ms. Warren: 1 think -- maybe they went around.
Commissioncr Trele: Are they coming around?
Ms. Warren: I'm not sure. Yes, she's coming.
Commissioner 'feele: She's coming around. See, you intimidated her right out of that spot there.
Welcome.
Ms. Warren: 1 would be more than willing to five it up.
Commissioner Teele: Give us your name and address for the record, please.
Ms. Barbara Tracy: li'es, sir. I'm Barbara Tracy, Program Director for the Food for Life
Network, 4330 Northeast 2`1 Avenue, in Miami. Unfortunately, we were not considered for any
of the HOPWA money. We had applied for a grant in excess of three hundred and seventy
thousand dollars ($370,000), which would cover food, which is our sole providing purpose at
Food For Life Network for people living infected and affected by HIV (Human Immuno-
deficiency Virus). Basically, twenty-five dollars ($25) a week or thirteen hundred dollars
($1,300) a year feeds one of our clients. That's not a great deal of money to go ahead and
provide their nutritional needs and make sure they have food. All of our clients are income, if
you will, 150 percent of the povetKy level, and they're ccnified-eligible. We receive funding
from Ryan White. We receive sonic funding from the County. We receive sonic funding from
the City of Miami Beach and the City of North Miami. We have not received lending from the
City of Miami in this elfirrt. We are a non-profit organization. We depend on public grants and
corporate grants, and our funding is rather flat. We have no way of expanding our services.
There is a client -base that we have identified through our Nutritional Outreach Programs, and
our Nutritional Services Director will address those Nutritional Outreach Programs, but we have
no way of expanding our services to the people that we identify.
Commissioner Teele: All right.
Ms. Tracy: This is Ms. Vasquez, our Nutritional Services Director,
Commissioner Teele: Ms. Vasquez., welcome.
Silvana Vasquez: "Thank you.
Commissioner Toole: Your name and address for the record.
152 July 10, 2001
•
•
Ms. Vasquez: Silvana Vasquez. I'm the Director of Nutritional Services.
Commissioner Teele: Just pull it down a little hit so you don't have to reach up...
Ms. Vasquez: 'thank you. OK. Hood For Life Network is located at 4330 Northeast 2i'
Avenue, in Miami, Florida, and as -- our efforts here today is to complain the nutritional program
and the nutritional needs of people living with IIIV and AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency
Syndrome), and we do have in place the program that will go to the small clinics, and do
community outreach to provide nutritional services through nutritional counseling, education,
and (INAUDIBLE) nutritional assessment. I have been visiting the -- in particular, one of the
clinics in Homestead, which we do have -- start up the outreach program from University of
Miami. We go and provide services of seeing the clients and assessing them nutritionally, and
one of my greatest concerns at the time that identified someone that needs additional food
because that is not actually something that is happening for them. We do not have the capacity to
absorb the clients within our program. We are maxed out at this point, and we do provide a food
bank and homes -delivered meals for our clients, but would like 1'or (INAUDIBLE) since we do
have in place an outreach program to reach out to clients that do not have the services at this
time.
Commissioner Tecle: All right. ']'hank you very much.
Ms. Vasquez: Thank you.
Commissioner Teele: Now, you're with the same organization, ma'am?
Diane Allen: Ycs.
Commissioner'recle: All right. We're going to call a time on you. Just give us your name and
address for the record and anything that you'd like to say, but normally we allow for one speaker
for a request, but go right ahead.
Ms. Allen: My name is Diane Allen. I'm the Fxecutive Director of Food for Life Network, 4330
Northeast 2"' Avenue, and all 1 wanted to do was put sonic closure to this by saying, if you ever
have a chance to come to our organization and see a mom with four children that have just gotten
off a bus to conic and get services from our organization, 1 really would plead with you to stop
by, It's not a picnic.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Mr. Sergeant at Arms, Mr. Yidermann, let's deal with the people
in the lobby, please. Go right ahead. Is there :anything else? On another matter or the same
matter?
Sheri Kaplan: Same category, but I just wanted to...
Commissioner Teele: A different organization'?
153
IZ�Z�Z[[cB
July 10, 2001
Ms. Kaplan: Yes. The Center For Positive Connection, 12570 Northeast 7`►' Avenue, in North
Miami. Sheri Kaplan, Founder and Fxecutive Director. I ,just wanted to thank the staff for
recommending funds to our organization. It will make the difference and help keep our doors
open. Thank you.
Commissioner Tech All right. The public hearing is closed, unless any other person would like.
to come forward. There being no persons, the public hearing is closed. Madam Director, would
you respond briefly to these line people that have come and made a very eloquent plea?
Ms. Warren: We ahsolutely agree with thein, but, unfortunately, in the HOPWA partner -- H1V
partnership, we tend to Housing. Ryan White is responsible l'or Social Services, and foods are a
non-cllglble activity.
Commissioner'recic: You're saying it's a non -eligible activity?
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. We do Housing suhsidies for persons with the virus, not food services.
Commissioner Teele: Not what'?
Ms. Warren: We do not provide tbod assistance under our HOPWA program.
Commissioner Tecle: Mr. Cooper, can you get Mr. Pidermann or someone from the Police
Department to work with us a little bit, please'? Or get the name of all the Gucci lobbyists out
there and when they conic up, we'll cut them short when they talk.
Commissioner Winton: I thought they were all in here.
Commissioner Sanchez: Just make sure they're all registered,
Commissioner Teele: I think that must have been George Lopez making all that noise out there.
Iley. George, good to see you. All right. Are there any other persons here to be recognized on
this matter'? It'not, the public hearing is closed.
Vis. Wan -en: Again, Commissioner, ours is a housing opportunity for persons with AIDS. Ryan
White is the federally funded source for food, nutrition, and counseling, and that's where the
funding has been split up. We do housing only.
Commissioner Teele: We're giving Dade County Housing three point three million dollars (53.3
million) and we're giving them -- Dade County Utility Assistance Grant Administration three
hundred thousand -- three hundred and eight thousand? Is that grant administration money to
administer or money to disperse'?
Ms. Warren: Moneys to disperse, plus the inspection staff. The long-term program is for clients
that's for vouchers, and operating costs. The long-term utility program is both for the County
and the City. They do -- Mianti-Dade, through their systeni, provides utility payments to all of
the clients within our operation, regardless ofthe contractor.
l54 July 10, 2001
99iHElr
■
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Regalodo,'who moved ita adaption;
MOTION NO. 01-653
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27"{ YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13iOCK GRANT (Ci)BG) FOR THE ALLOCATION OF $ 10,269,000 Ol•
iIOPWA FUNDS.
}
acyl 4�y 5' •k' :.� 9k 'YR d
��
0,�
t ; iK'
4 h
k�' +~• i �'n {sY sbyiy4.;.£i�4".✓^n a
15Z++.G+'`F
yj.2i,ft
a�^k
s v I 9 t�L t��'�
>t fidtG
,�
Ara �.��Ux4
u`{- d„'t?r,.'-^�, t`
R*,.rf-43)+�,�Ta{�Sd ys w..rri*�s�PtP yi"';^�`'s13�x rJ-�,'$, �r.'�'• r "4�
gjr
�-7 fi.b 3t t i y j aY x q t
1_ '�«`�4fy rkt �rs /4xrs rat }d 41{$raa s hx 34
r� artif
Fr tC .mom
T
1SS July 10, 2001
Commissioner Teele: All right. Is them a motion? Thank you, ma'am. is there motion?
rR
Commissioner Regalado: I move the re -0001 atdtttiv»s as 3s. t tz
P
s4
Commissioner Toole: Second?�
ihY �.+•. tr �x�
h7
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
NS,
Commissioner Teele: All those in favor signify by
the 11gxl oi'ajt.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.=
-
lit
Cammissianar Toole: Those opposed, no.
li 1
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Regalodo,'who moved ita adaption;
MOTION NO. 01-653
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27"{ YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
13iOCK GRANT (Ci)BG) FOR THE ALLOCATION OF $ 10,269,000 Ol•
iIOPWA FUNDS.
}
acyl 4�y 5' •k' :.� 9k 'YR d
��
0,�
t ; iK'
4 h
k�' +~• i �'n {sY sbyiy4.;.£i�4".✓^n a
15Z++.G+'`F
yj.2i,ft
a�^k
s v I 9 t�L t��'�
>t fidtG
,�
Ara �.��Ux4
u`{- d„'t?r,.'-^�, t`
R*,.rf-43)+�,�Ta{�Sd ys w..rri*�s�PtP yi"';^�`'s13�x rJ-�,'$, �r.'�'• r "4�
gjr
�-7 fi.b 3t t i y j aY x q t
1_ '�«`�4fy rkt �rs /4xrs rat }d 41{$raa s hx 34
r� artif
Fr tC .mom
T
1SS July 10, 2001
•
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Jolmny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Commissioner Tecle: On Housing. Public hearing on Housing. Any person desiring to be heard
on Housing should come forth at this time. Oh, no, not a federal case. I low many people are
coming forth on !lousing? One, two -- any others? Three. Dr. Godoy, you're coming forward?
Three. Mr. Paul, I didn't sec you come in, sir. It's a pleasure to have you here. Appreciate you
being here. Is there anything on the agenda we could take up to expedite your...
Mr. Godoy: Yeah. 1 came (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS).
Commissioner Teele: Tour o'clock.
Vice Chairman Gort: We're a little hehind. That's all.
Commissioner Tecle: Oh, I'm not sure I'm so happy to see you now.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, we've got to take care of CDBG first before we get into race.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Go right ahead, sir. Hello.
Commissioner Tcele: Are you here on billboards or the race?
Unidentified Speaker: The race.
Commissioner Tecle: I wish you were here on billboards.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir. Go ahead.
Commissioner Regalado: He was here on billboards.
Commissioner Tecle: He was here before on billboards. Yes, sir.
David Days: Mr. Chair, the Commissioners, my name is David Days. I'm with Sl. John's
Community Development Corporation, 1324 Northwest 3`d Avenue, in Overtown. I learned
myself yesterday that -- when I got the formal notice yesterday that we were not funded for
156 July 10, 2001
1IiZ1��=
• 0
housing efforts in Overtown -- I remember I was here last year at this same time when St. John's
was on probation. 1 was the new administrator they had at the time. We were told that we would
go back and the City would provide technical assistance to assist us through the efforts of putting
these houses together. As you kuo\\•, we had 108 units, a very deteriorated housing. Sines then -
- and i looked at lire performance measure that the City used, and it was a blanket. We have not
developed housing. And I think they went back like six years, quid we hadn't received
administrative dollars. But ifyou look at what we've done over the last year in ternis of our
projects that's happening now oil 1" Avenuc and between 16'x' and 17'x' Street, we've raised over a
one million and a half dollars ($1,506,000); with surtax, seven hundred thousand dollars
(S700,000). We got a hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars ($185,000) for the Affordable
Housing projects. LISC has given its the hundred and thirty thousand dollars (5130,000)
predcvelopment loan, as well as the commitments for eighty -live thousand dollars (585.000)
loan. So, we've bone out. We got an architect. 7 he architect's been working since the 15't'. He
told us it wi11 be 60 to 90 days before Ile could pro\,ide the working dtav,ings, that we can go out
and hire a contractor. So, .we've moved this project along. And i think, at this point, to take the
fifty thousand dollars (550,000) administrative dollars from us and you've not done to other
agencies that were on probation and had not produced housing -- so, if there's anyway.
Commissioner. that you could go back into the Facade Program that we did not do in Overtown
and give its that fifty thousand dollars (550,000) (INAUDIBLE) so we can get that project on the
move. It will certainly he satisfactory to St. Johns and its board. Thank you, sir.
Nice Chairman Got-(, Next.
Dennis Russ: Comntissionters, my name is Dennis Russ. I'm the Miami Program Director for
the Local Initiative Support Corporation. 1 carne to serve in this capacity about 18 months ago.
The organization is a national organization that has been working in Dade County for some 16
years, We have had long -tarn relationships with a number of the CDCs (C'ontnumity
Development Corporations) that work in the City of Miami, including St. John's CDC, East
Little Havana, Little Haiti Housing Association, Jubilee CDC. We've created new relationships
with BAMS (Bethel African Methodist Episcopal) and the Black Archives. Over the course of
the last 18 months, we've been able to allocate several hundred thousands of dollars in grant
funds to those agencies, and several million dollars worth of predeveloputcmt loan funds and
construction funds -- construction loan hinds to groups that are working in affordable housing
and neighborhood revitalization. It's very important for our organization to demonstrate to out
other funding sources the nature of the local partnership with local government jurisdictions.
The concept of our organization is to pool government funds with private philanthropy, with
husiness philanthropy, and pool that fiords at the service of Community Developments. We are
seeking an allocation that will enable us to provide technical assistance training, continue to
provide these loan Funds, and be of service to the communities that are in distress within the City
of 'Miami. I'm also here to speak on behalf of those CDCs with whom we work, that have
funding retlucsts before you, and indicate our continued support of those organizations, but it is
very important to us to receive an allocation of funding with respect to the maintenance of
training and technical assistance. Thant: you very much.
Vice Chairman Gori: 'Thank you, Mr. Russ. Next.
157 July 10, 2001
�7m�ls�ey
Anila Rodriguez-Tejera: My name is Anita Rodrigues-Tejera. I'm with the East Little Havana
Community Development Corporation. I'll be very brief. I'd like to thank staff for its
recommendation of the. funding. It's always a little lower than what we request, but that's fine.
That's the case with everyone else. So, 1 really appreciate it. We've been working well together.
And, also, I'd like to let you know we're working on starting the construction of the Latin Quarter
Specialty ('enter, We're also trying to finalize our financing on another major project, 80 units,
which is the (rVAL'D1BLL) Grande Phase 11 Development. We have a Homeownership
Training Program that provides training 1br families attempting to become homeowners on a
quarterly basis. We have also a Condominium Training Program ...
Commissioner Teele: Are ,you speaking against the money you got?
Ms. Rodrigues-` elera: Against the money'? No. 1 just want to let you know what we're doing
with the money you're going to provide us. If you don't want me to say anything else, thank you.
And we'll see you ...
Vice Chairman Gort: All 1 want to know is, when are you breaking ground on the Latin Quarter?
Ms. Rodriguez-Tejera: Soon, because we just got notice from the Fire Department that they will
allow us to pull the foundation permit while we work out a difficulty we have, and in the next
few day, we will be able to pull foundation. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Mr. Godoy.
Robert Godoy: Yes. My name is Robert Godoy, Executive Director of Model Housing. I'm
going to be very brief. I only come here to thank you, the staff, for the recommendation, and
thank you to the -- you know, to the Commissioner. Everything that we promised last year, we
fulfill. Only thank you to everyone.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, sir. Mr. Fabrebas.
Jose Fahrebas: Commissioners, Jose 1 abrebas, Executive Director of CODEC, Inc. I just want
to thank you for your recommendation, staff. 1 want to tell you that we gave applications on
May 29`x' for Victoria. Three hundred people camped out. Commissioner Sanchez was there.
Vice Chairman Gort: Did he camp out too?
Mr. Fabregas: He camped out, right.
Vice Chairman Gort: Good.
Mr. Fabrebas: He promised water. I don't know where, but -- at any rate —
C'onunissioncr Sanchez: I've been promising a lot of people water.
Vice Chairman Gort: Still waiting for it.
158 July 10, 2001
IDDEWS
Commissioner Sanchez: I've been promising a lot of people water.
Mr. Fabregas: 1 know that. Well, lie keeps his promises. That's good. But, anyway, on
November, we will be handing applications for Vista Allegre, which used to be Centro Vasco,
and we're finishing up on Melrose and all the units it sold. Thank you very much.
Vice Chairman Gort: 'Thank you. Good to hear some success stories. Yes, sir.
Grady Muhammed: Good allernoon, again. fir. Chairman, Commissioners, Grady Muhammed,
Tri -City, 5800 Northwest 7th Avenue. Unfortunately, this is an agency that's been around for the
weutherization of paid program that has done a wonderful, wonderful job, and we can all _just
have to do one small thing, contrast that with City's Housing staff. Some of them do a wonderful
,job. We just saw in the papers some unfartunate things that has happened. But we believe
agencies lilac Tri -City, many others, St. Johns, et cetera, should be fully funded for dousing
because they've done it wonderful job and they should be funded -- staff, unfortunately, is
keeping all the money in-house, internally, .v}ten these agencies was doing a wonderful job, long
before the City even contemplated or thought of doing this. So, again, please consider Tri -City,
St. John's, and all these agencies in our community, 'thank you again, Commissioners, Mr.
Chair.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else to speak on I lousing? Anyone else?
We'll close the public hearing. .
Commissioner T'eele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gorr. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: 1 would like to -- Fin very concerned ahoul the housing recommendations.
i've asked for the individual evaluations of housing. I've received them. I've not had an
opportunity to go through them. My concerns include lists not being funded. it includes the St.
Joh.n's CDC situation. I'd like to much better understand that. I ant most concerned about
Habitat For Humanity not receiving the full funding that they're requesting, and i will tell you
that, if it gets down to District 5, if there is one organization that gets funded, it's going to be
Habitat for Humanity. It's my money and my vote because Habitat for Humanity is putting
people in houses. They're restoring and stabilizing neighborhoods, and the jot) that they're doing
is a -- Pedro, y'all going -- the job that they're doing is a rainbow coalition job. It's diverse. It
represents one of the finest programs that I've had the pleasure of watching and being involved
in. And, so, what I would ask is that we do something different; that each Commissioner
recommend for approval the ones that you want to approve, and the balance of them be left here
to he taken up in tite next niecting. 1 don't want to hold up, for example, CODEC. 1 would ask
that we delay -- defer the whole -- ideally, we would defer the whole category, but clearly there
are some that are not in question, and i don't want to do that. So, what I would ask, Mr.
Chairman, is that a procedure whereby each Commissioner of their district or -- that has heard
from the public, that we move and that those that have not been moved, just he deferred, along
with the balance of the program, for the next tweeting, and give us some time to evaluate.. 1 mean,
159 July 10, 2001
• 0
I would say, for example, CODEC and the East Little Havana Development, as an example, anti
Greater Miami Neighborhood, arc clearly ones that we want to go forward with. I would not ask
-- I would ask that no one move Habitat for Humanity because it's my goal to try to find more
funds for Habitat for Humanity. And, so, we would just basically defer the balance and we
would approve the ones that we're approving. In that way, we can soil of have a rough justice
without going into a long deliberation of trying to take money from one and do to the other. But
I've got some adjustments that need to be made with Habitat for Humanity.
Commissioner Sanchez: Commissioner Tcelc, why don't you defer the ones that arc in your
district, and then...
Commissioner Teele: Well, the problem is is that this -- ones that aren't funded are not -- see,
you've got that same problem, and what 1 don't want to do -- I can do that. 1 can move that the --
to do it the other way. 1 would move that the Greater Miami Neighborhoods be deferred; that
Habitat for Humanity be deferred; that Jubilee be deferred; that Little Haiti Housing be deferred;
that the -- who is Model Cities -- Model 1 -lousing Co-op?
Commissioner Sanchez: Roberto Godov.
Commissioner Teele: OK. And that Vision to Victory be deferred. Those one, two, three, four,
five, arc the ones -- as well as all projects that were not funded be deferred for the next meeting.
I would so move.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Regalado: So we're approving -- just to make sure...
Commissioner Teele: You're approving Allapattah --
Commissioner Rcgalado: Allapattah.
Commissioner Tccle: You're approving...
Commissioner Rcgalado: East Little Havana.
Vice Chairman Gort: ('0DFC. East little Havana.
Commissioner Winton: Wait.
Ms. Warren: BAMS (13cthcl African Methodist Episcopal).
Commissioner Teele: I apologize. 1 would also ask that HAMS' (Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal) be deferred.
160 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Commissioner Winton: Well, let's go from tie top and tell us which ones we're voting on.
Commissioner Teele: I would move that Allapattah go forward and BAMP. be deferred. That
CODEC go forward...
Vice Chairman Gort: hold it. Hold it. Commissioner Tecle, please. Excuse me. Can we have -
- is there -- can we have somebody to make sure that meetings take place outside, not in hero.
.fust want to have one meeting in here.
Commissioner Regalado: OK,
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Regalado: Allapattah -- we're approving Allapattah.
Commissioner Teele: CODEC is approved.
Commissioner Regalado: CODrC, East Little Ilavana.
Commissioner Teele: Is approved.
Commissioner Regalado: East Little Havana...
Commissioner Teele: Haven Economic Development. I don't know who they are, but...
Commissioner Regalado: It's approved.
Commissioner Teele: It's approved.
Commissioner Regalado: Jewish Family Services.
Commissioner Teele: Is approved.
Commissioner Regalado: Jubilee.
Commissioner Winton: Well, what happened -- hold on. What happened to number S?
Commissioner Teele: What's that?
Ms. Warren: Miami -Dade Economic Development Corp.
Commissioner Winton: No. It says Housing Opportunity Project For Excellence, number B..
161 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Regalado: No, no, no, no. That's approved. That's Miami -Dade Community
Development and Model Housing, both approved, righty
Commissioner Teele: Right.
Commissioner Rcgaladu: OK. Vision to Victory?
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. Hold on. I'm still asking what happened to number 8,
which mine says Housing Opportunity Project For Excellence?
Ms. Warren: HOPF. (Housing Opportunity Project For Excellence) is going to be recommended
-- it's going to be handled during administration during the City's budget hearing in September.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right. It's...
Ms. Warren: In September.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's part of the approval.
Ms. Warrcn: It's part of thc_
Commissioner Regalado: What did you say? Which one?
Vice Chairman Gort: Housing Opportunities.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. OK. Johnny, it's ease I. It's very ease 1. Which one he wants to
defer'?
Ms. Warren: The ones that 1 understand are being deferred is BAME (Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal), (.seater Miami Neighbors, Habitat for Humanity, Jubilee, Little Haiti Housing
Association, and Vision to Victory.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. That's six.
Commissioner Teele: Among the others that were not considered, St. John's, et cetera.
Ms. Warren: And plus the ones that were not considered on the recommendation sheet.
Commissioner Regalado: The rest --
Commissioner Teele: Are approved.
Commissioner Regalado: -- are approved. I'll move it.
Vice Chairman Gort: There it's been moved to approve, the ones recommended. Any further
discussion?
162 July 10, 2001
Commissioner Winton: Yes.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: Just to be clear.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: You also recommended deferring Vision To Victory, which is number
187
Ms. Warren: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: All right.
Ms. Warren: And the approvals include, obviously, the Jewish Family Services.
Commissioner Winton: I got it now.
Vice Chairman Gort: We got it.
Ms. Warren: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-654
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMIN'ISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 27"" YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDHG) FUNDS FOR HOUSING CATEGORY AS IT
PERTAINS TO TWO PROJECTS, NAMELY, C.O.D.E.C. AND EAST LITTLE
HAVANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION; FURTHER DEFERRING
CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE NEXT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 26, 2001, THE FOLLOWING
PROJECTS: GREATER MIAMI NEIGHBORHOODS; HABITAT; JUBILEE;
VISION TO VICTORY; FURTHER STIPULATING THAT THE REMAINING
ORGANIZATIONS THAT APPLIED FOR 27 T11 YEAR CDBG FUNDING
WITHIN THE HOUSING CATEGORY SHOULD ALSO BE' SCHEDULI-D ON
THE AGENDA FOR THF, JULY 26, 2001 COMMISSION MEETING.
163 July 10, 2001
0 •
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Tecle, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: Well, gentlemen, that takes care of CDBG. Do we have anything also?
Ms. Warren: We have -- actually, we have one more.
Vice Chairman Gort: No, wait a minute. We have Item 6 and 13.
Ms. Warren: You have City and Emergency Shelter. Emergency Shelter Grant, we're
recommending that the City's homeless project he awarded the grant with the exception of the
administrative allocution. That's a sole recommendation.
Commissioner Teele: Is that coming from City funding?
Ms. Warren: It is a -- it's our federal FSG (Emergency Shelter Grant) grant. It's for four hundred
acrd thirty-four thousand five hundred and sixty dollars ($434, 560).
Commissioner Teele: 1 would so move.
Commissioner Sanchez: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor
state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
165 July 10, 2001
1101"a
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele. who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-65.5
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION'S
RECOMMENDATION FOR27YE
AR COMMUNITY DF.VELOPMBNT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY GRANT SHELTER
GRANT (EGS) CATEGORY, ALLOCATING $348,000 OF ESG FUNDS FOR
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sancho., the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Tecle, Jr. ,
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifrado Gort b
NAYS None
r
AASIT:� None ` r ,
�3( i� fi�
qq D$ F F e y Jv C Y' k..
r
0
'iar,
i,t+
ft x 't+sn wr fix`yt "Q
s
g Po r
y'ar t 3�7t x'€.;< e # - u X {. f _r
+�, c �'�� ,>x�C 1`t''.'� *'�...� k " �9 `Ymr n
yy �te S iy d 36a
f•01 "'e3 4t
'S ! { '� 'i ,, r' •�a e xa za 5 -rid I
C x i
4`1
»r�
s. w1.5"a k: t t f ^S a, a
F t a,gR �"1
r 'n"`'t v. McZ qE
MIA,S+ 'Y %' r;£�j5L .1' tg. �,, ,• k 5R". tnf, K,� r '<,yu
�` s,aG, •�`a,i'. �� 'Pri,'
-
r 4 -
Tivjp}�CS av'ry3YJ.. y.4�ii„K
'N c v # *_SK'r Q_�as 1 ''P& rh~5 'rk �,- Y"Y 5+9�,:c �'C ' i•*i "'
Y t 4 t iT 5 i Y. d 'fin
166: July 10, 2001
• 0
19, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 11970, ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS ORDINANCE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE CERTAIN
OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR PURPOSE OF ADJUSTING
SAID APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEVABER 30, 2001 AND TO
REVISE ONGOING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND MAKE
APPROPRIATIONS FOR NEW PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN FISCAL YEAR
20N-2001 (See #22).
Ms. Warren: Then the final category would be City projects, as amended, which would include
the modification of demolition by 15,000, and the modificatinn of the City parks, Overtown
Optimist Club by the appropriate amount, that it was recommended for the Little Haiti project.
Commissioner Sanchez: Which one is that, 13?
Vice Chainnan Ciort: Which item -- is that item 13?
Ms. Warren: It is ...
Dena Biancliino (Assistant City Manager): It's item 13, Roman numeral 5..
Commissioner Sanchez: Wait, wait, wait.
Commissioner Tecle: On the City Projects, i would move, as one package, that the Parks and
Recreation Department -- in conjunction with the Ovettown Optimist, which is modified down
with, l think, of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500)...
Ms. Warren: Correct. Twenty-five hundred, minus...
Commissioner Teele: To forty-five thousand that the CRA (Community Redevelopment
Agency) be substituted as a fiduciary there, subject to the appropriate documentation, and,
further that the Comprehensive Revitalization Program, in the Department of Planning and [teal
testate and Economic Development, be amended to include the NET Office, and that the hundred
and tbily thousand he held until a plan has been approved by the City Commission for the
expenditure of the funds.
Ms. Warren: The hundrect and forty thousand for (lie East Little Havana Community
Revitalization District?
Commissioner Teele: No, ma'am. I'm referring to the two hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars ($225,000) for the I listoric --
Ms. Warren: Preservation program?
Commissioner Teele: -- Preservation Program, that those funds he approved, hitt be held,
pending the approval of a plan by the City Commission, and my concent is this. We don't need
another department, another officer to start with headquarters stuff. We need to gel any Historic
167 July 10, 2001
:I1IIZ�it�`x
Preservation activities in the NET Office, we need to work with people in putting applications
logether, and my concern is that we begin to create it bureaucracy that is not really based in
providing support to the homeowners, and to these advisory committees that we're trying to get
set up. What we need are people to really go out here and help prepare applications to get this
stuff -- these historic properties on the register, and I really want to make sure that this is not
going to he another administrative office, but an office that's really going to have a plan to put
Ihesc people in NFT O1lices for part of the day and literally work and have meetings and
hearings with the various advisory boards that Commissioncr \Vinton and I have been talking
about. You know, I'm very concerned about the creation of a new bureaucracy that is going to he
n;ore concerned about writing papers in the; MRC (Miami Riverside Center) building than
helping, homeowners fill out paperwork and grants, and national register because before •- every
time I asked the Planning Department to do something, they said that's not their purview of their
job; that someone else has to make those applications, and what I'm interested in is doing an
audit of the City's facilities that could be historically designated, and doing an audit in
conjunction with neighborhoods of their facilities and physically with typewriters and computers
helping to fill out the paperwork, 0K. We don't need a person who's going to give lectures on
what to do. We need somebody that's going to fret a computer and do it.
Ms. Warren: Commissioner?
Commissioner Tecle: Yes
Ms. Warren: Understanding those instructions, the City's Planning Department has received a
grant from the State of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) that requires a match, and it is for the
purposes of inventorying historic houses in the community and properties, again, within the
communities, and they're a part of that Historic Preservation grant that was received, and i would
respectfully request that they he allowed to at least set aside that amount for...
Commissioncr Teele. Absolutely, without regard to the matching funds. And on that point,
would you all make sure you meet with the C'lerk's Office, and include the Clerk's Office in this
report coming hack, relating to Ilistoric Preservation. They've got a unique one-of=a-kind
activity. it's betting very little funding from the City, and it's probably one of -- according to
University of Florida of researchers or archivists, it's one of the most exciting programs that
they're. doing Statewide. It's the first minute hook of Commission meetings, all the way through,
are being digitized and put on the Internet, and it is dearly a historic milestone.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. 1 need a motion on 13.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Vice Chairman Gort: We didn't move that. It's been moved. is there a second?
Conmtissiomn Teele: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved. Is there a second? Any further discussion? Being none,
all in favor state by saying, "aye."
168 July 10, 2001
$1416EEDE
0
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
•
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-656
A MOTION AMENDNG ORDINANCE NO. 11970, AS AMENDED, THE
ANNUAL APPROPR TIONS AND CAPITAL. IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS
ORDINANCE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE CERTAIN OPERATIONAL
AND BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ADJUSTING SAID APPROPRIA'T'IONS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND TO REVISE. ONGOING CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR A NEW
PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001.
Upon bring seconded by Commissioner Tecle, the motion was passed and adopted by the following votc:
20. DISCUSSION ON MODEL CITY HOMEOWNERSHIP PILOT PROJECT.
Vice Chainnan Gort: We need to go to Item G, which will be the last item on this special
agenda. That was 13.
Gwendolyn Warren (Director, Community Development): The appropriation for work
force. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Item 0.
Commissioner Tule: What's item G?
Vice Chainnan Gori: It's yours.
Commissioner Sanchez: Model City Hcurncownership.
Ms. Waren: Item G was ,just -- was an update to the Commission on some of our
legislative and other activities regarding Homeownership Zone, and it's meant more as an
informational item, and it basically reports on our trip to 'Washington and our meetings
with Secretary Martinez when he was here. We also had an opportunity to visit with his
staff in Washington. We also had an opportunity to talk to staff tirom the ETA
(Environmental Protection Agency) and other agencies regarding funding, and it's a
progress report on Asset Management (inaudible) various activities and land acquisitions.
And, again, i can -- this is an informational letter, which will be providing you these on a
minimally, of monthly basis, and it was just, again, a part of this agenda.
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chainnan Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Winton: Gwen, we had a brief discussion about this whole
homeownership funding plan, and you asked me to hold off on any suggestions I might
make. But how long did you tell me -- when did you tell me you thought you'd have a
plan to us'?
Ms. Warren: it would be my intention -- it was my intention to try to -- you gave me
until the end of June. i won't make it. But what we have done is, we have talked to the
Secretary of Housing about some new initiatives and we're working on a proposal. We
have talked to Fannie Mae. We have been able to talk about some bond financing and
Financial set asides from the City of Miami, and we're still working on some details, and
it's just going to take a few more weeks, but we'll have a proposal before this
Commission, hopefully, in September -- in your September meeting.
170 July 10, 2001
11011,20
CommissionerTeele: Commissioner Winton, Mr. Chairman
Vice Chairman Gort: Gentlemen, 1 stand corrected. We need to read item 13. It's an
ordinance.
Commissioner Winton: OK. Well, let us finish up this conversation.
Coin nil ssioner Tecle: It's an emergency ordinance. But 1 want to be very, very careful
now about where Commissioner Winton has been put. We've created the Tnist today.
Ms. Warren: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: OK. So, one of the things that we're saying is that we're creating a
Trust. We don't run that anymore once it's created. One appointed two trustees to get it
going and one of the things i want to be very careful about -- because one of the
recommendations that's buried in these housing recommendations is an advocacy group
for the Trust.
Ms. Warren: 'file question that he was asking me about at your last -- your meeting --
lust meeting of June, I believe it was, staff was given a direction to try to identify a
housing super fund or alternatives for housing construction in the City of Miami, and
we've been working on some initiatives. So, this wasn't about...
Commissioner Winton: No. it was as much about housing first-time homeownership and
lwme rehab money as anything. Because...
Commissioner Teele: OK.
Commissioner Winton: Because, as you know, i've got three major revitalization
projects going on, one in Wynwood, one in Little Haiti and one in the West Grove.
Those projects -- the stick part -- the carrot has been virtually -- the program has been
virtually gutted because we don't have a mechanism to lielp people get into first-time
homeownership and we don't have a mechanism to help those people that have owned
homes for twenty years gave up because we quit providing Code Enforcement services in
the neighborhood, so we don't have a mechanism to help those people who can't get their
house i3rought back up to code in the progratu. So, what that does, the net effect --
excuse nu. [-Excuse nte. Thank you. The net effect of our not having money to put into
those programs, when you have demand coming back into neighborhood again, the net
effect is that you will gentrifv every single one of these neighborhoods, if you do not
have a mechanism to allow the people who are there to get in on the rising tied band
wagon hero. We have a unique opportunity in our City that could be unmatched
anywhere in America, to bring homeownership into minority neighborhoods at a time
when the values of those neighborhoods are going to be going up. If we don't get this
program fixed again, then the only thing -- and the program I'm talking about is first-time
homeownership and homeownership rehab. Those two critical, perhaps. if we don't get
those two programs fixed, then what we will end up with when we wake up 15 years now
171 July 10, 2001
are gentrified neighborhoods, meaning that those people who lived in those
neighborhoods forever and ever are going to he forced out and the new guys are coming
in. Now, to be successful, we're going to have new guys coming in anyhow. That's what
drives values up. That's what we want to have happen. But we want to give an
opportunity to those people who are there today to jump on this rising tied band wagon,
and we have a unique opportunity to do that. But we've lost all of our financial capability
to do it, and that's why I was talking about this -- you know, us creating this super fund to
get that done, and 1 wanted to know how quickly we were going to do it because the
clock is ticking. Every month that goes by, we get fltrther behind.
Ms. Warren: Well, it's our intention to bring a proposal back in September, and I'll be
meeting with you incorporating any ideas you have prior to that.
Commissioner Winton. Great. Thank you, Gwen.
Vice Chairman Gort: And, also, we have to find ways to be able to expodity the transition
(inaudible) take place the applications. Yes.
172 July 10, 2001
amus
0 •
21. ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE SURE THAT WITHIN PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY,
AGENCIES FOCAL, DE HOSTOSj AND 55 YEARS AND. UP ORGANLZATION ARE
PROPERLY NOTICED WHEN ISSUES, COMBS BACK BEFORE COMMISSION;
STIPULATING THAT' BOTH HAITIAN' X)WRICAN FOUNDATION, INC. AND
CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE PROJECT IS ALSO INCLUDED IN PUBLIC NOTICE (SEE.
#18 AND 023).
Vice C:hairnian Gort: I need -- on 13, there's an ordinance, emergency ordinance. I need it to be
read.
Commissioner Tecle: Yeah. Before you do this, one resolution. Now, what are we doing with
Focal? Where did we leave that? That was public service. FOCAL, the technology group.
Ms. Warren: There, again, is a balance of thirty-one thousand dollars ($31,000) in that pool. It
was to be set-aside until the next Commission meeting, subject to some discussions.
Commissioner Tecle: OK. Could we make sure that FOCAL is advertised as a part of the next
Commission meeting and we can make a discreet decision relating to how we're going to deal
with them in the next one? 'That's the one that Mr. Chip -- David...
Ms. Warren: Yes, I understand.
Commissioner Teele: All right.
Ms. Warren: Chiverton.
Commissioner Teele: Chiverton.
Ms. Warren: Yes.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
173 July 10, 2001
0
E
22. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE: ESTABLISH SPECIAL REVENUE FUND ENTITLED:
"WORK-FORCE/WELFARE TRANSITIONIWBLFARE TO WORK PROGRAM (FY 2001-
2002A APPROPRIATE 51,434,281 FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR THROUGH
SOUTH FLORIDA EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CONSORTIUM (See ##19).
Vice Chainnan Gort: Will you read ordinance, Item 13, please?
Ilenc Temchin (Assistant City Attorney): Yes, sir.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Roll call.
An Ordinance entitled -
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE 'MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL REVENUE FUND ENTITLED: "WORKFORCE/
WhLFARE TRANSITION/ WELFARE TO WORK PROGRAM (PY 2(X)1-2002)";
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ITS OPERATION IN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT
OF Sl, 434, 281 CONSISTING OF A GRANT FROM TIIE FROM THE SOUTH
FLORIDA EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CONSORTIUM; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT SAID GRANT AND TO EXECUTE: THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY FOR SAID PURPOSE; CONTAINING A REPF-.ALER PROVISION AND
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
was introduced by Commissioner Winton and sccondod by Commissioner Toole, for adoption as
an emergency measure, and dispensing with the requirement of reading saint on two separate
days, was agreed to by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chainnan Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Joe Sanchez
174 July 10, 2001
•
C�
Whereupon the Commission on motion of Commissioner Winton and seconded by
Commissioner Teele, adopted said ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Arthur E. Toole, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS:
ABSENT:
None
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 12083
The ordinance was read, by title, into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chairman Gort: Roll call.
Ms. Tomehin: Item 13.
Commissioner Teele: The amount is the full amount.
Ms. Temehin: Yes, sir.
175 July 10, 2001
0 •
23. , AUTHORIZE MANAGER TO SUBMI? GRANT APPLICATION. AND PROPOSED
i FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 ANNUAL ACTION. PLAN TO U.S. DEPARTMBNT: OF
I HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FOR PROPOSED USE OF FUNDS1 TO
IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 'GRANT (CDBG), HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS. (HOME), HOUSING OpPORTUN17I8S FOR PBRSONS
WITH AIDS (HOPWA) AND EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (PSG) PROGRAMS;
! ALLOCATE $13,148,000 OF 27TH YEAR CDBG FUNDS AND $450,000 OF PROGRAM
INCOME FROM COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM TO APPROVED AGENCIES IN
PUBLIC SERVICES, HOUSING ADMINISTRATION ;AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBLE CITY DIRECTED ACTIVITIES; ALLOCATE $10,269,000
OF HOPWA FUNDS; ALLOCATE $448,000 OF ESG FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.
(See#18 & 21).
Vice Chairman Gori: Item 14.
lienc Temchin (Assistant City Attorney): Item 14 was read. Item 15?
Vice Chairman Gort: Fifteen. Roll call.
11R0wer
176
July 10. 2001
Ll
An Ordinance entitled –
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OI' THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION IN
THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OP IIOLISING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (U.S. HUD) FOR
THE PROPOSED USE OF FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE COMMONITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS (CDBG), HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIPS (HOME), PROGRAM HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES ICOR
PERSONS WITII AIDS (HOPWA), AND EMERGFNCY SHEI-TFR GRANT (FSG)
PROGRAMS; ALLOC'A'TING $12,394,779 OF 27`" YEAR CDBG FUNDS AND
S450,000 OF PROGRAM INCOME. FROM THE COMMERCIAL LOAN PROGRAM
TO APPROVED AGENCIES IN THE PUBLIC' SERVICES, HOUSING
ADMINISTRATION, AND ALSO ELIGIIII.F CITY DIRECTED ACTIVITIES,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES, AND ALSO ELIGIBLE CITY
DIRECTED ACTIVITIES; REPROGRAMMING $185,000 OF PRF.VIOUSL.I'
APPROVED CDBG FUNDS FROM SPECIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PROJFCTS IN OVERTOWN AND MODLL CI'T`Y TO THE WORD OF LIFE
COMMUNITY DFVELOPMENT CORPORATION ; REPROGRAMMING TO THE
CRA FOR THF SAME PURPOSE, S49,847 OF PREVIOUSI-V APPROVED 2000-01
CDBG FUNDS FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT TO COORDINATE A YOUTH
RECREATION PROGRAM IN THE OVERTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE OVF.RTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB; ALLOCATING
$10,269,000 OF HOPWA FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE. ACTIVITIES; ALLOCATING
S448,000 OF ESG FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES; AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZINCI THE CITY MANAGER, UPON APPROVAL BY U.S. HUD, TO
ACCEPT THE SAME AND EXECUTE TIIE NEC+.SSARY IMPLE.MFNTING
AGREEMENTS WITH U.S. HUD AND INDIVIDUAL. AGREEMENTS WITH
APPROVED AGENICIES, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
SUHJI-CT TO APPLICABLE. CITY CODE PROVISIONS.
was introduced by Commissioner Winton and seconded by Commissioner Teele, Cor adoption as
an emergency measure, and dispensing with the requirement of reading same on two separate
days, was agreed to by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Joe Sanchez
177 July 10, 2001
• 9
Whereupon the Commission on motion of Commissioner Winton and seconded by
Commissioner Teele, adopted said ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Joe Sanchez
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 12084
The ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
Commissioncr Tccic: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and second before.
Commissioner Winton: You have to do it again.
Vice Chairman Gort: That takes care of the special meeting. Was requested five-minute recess
and we'll be right back with the regular agenda.
Commissioner '!'cele: Mr. Chairman, before you do, I would also request that the 11aitian
American Foundation be advertised as well. We looked at that issue, but we never got back to it.
Thal's the IiAFI (1-laitian American Foundation, Incorporated), as well, for the -- that
marketplace thing.
Ms. Warren: OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Back in five.
(.'ommissioner Winton: Before we go, when we come back, we've had Becky Matkov and Enid
Pinkney sitting here since first thing this morning bccuuse I wanted to bring up an issue about --
there isn't any action about the trust and the land that they're under, just to kind of lay out a
framework for some future moves we might make, and they've been patiently sitting here all day.
So, could we take that up just real quickly, as soon as we get back?
Vice Chairman Cort: I don't have any problem.
Commissioner Winton: Sony, ladies. But haven't you enjoyed sitting here all day and listening
to all this. Oh, Enid. We have to do it every time.
178 July 10, 2001
if'M,a-r -Tvc
+ r ,r7 +t � � `+fix 4£��i,��� , "�' Y end w% ffw k raa „5•` da`'d+'�+P -'',� �1'n 3'rr{lfi- a" �
� t �r r E '! $.Gk�",+`"iA _ �x�S*i 1 F� b �Y� a t '� zk �.•} � �� ;;
4 kap d y 1Q, 200
Note for the Record: On the 19'x' day of July, 2001, the City Commission of Miami, Florida,
met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in
special session, to discuss the Third District Court of Appeals decision regarding the Parking
Surcharge.
'file meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m. by Vice Chainnan Wifredo Gort, with all members
of the Commission, excepting Commissioner Teele found to present.
An invocation was delivered by Commissioner Sanchez, after which, Commissioner Winton led
those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag. Commissioner Tecle entered the Commission
Chamber at approximately 3:13 p.m.
59. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARICNG SURCHARGE.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Ms. Haskins, your show. Are we ready?
Linda Haskins (Director, Budget): Couple minutes. Had a technical -- can you give its a couple
minutes?
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
Commissioner Winton: Ah, man.
Vice Chairman Gort: Wait. Is Shorty here'? Is Shorty here?
Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): No.
Vice Chairman Gort: He's not? Is he on vacation?
Carlos Gimenez (City Manager): We're betting the presentation ready, and we're also waiting
for an individual to give you the hard copies. We need another three minutes.
(INTERRUPTION IN MAGNETIC TAPE)
Mayor Carollo: OK. That'll he tine. If you could begin, then.
Ms. Haskins: OK. I guess it was another exciting week and a half in the City of Miami. We
met last week on Monday, went through some preliminary budget numbers, and had some risks
and opportunities that were in there. And one of the top risks we had in there was potential loss
of the parking surcharge, if the District Court of Appeals ruling went against us. And sure
enough, on Wednesday, July I I"', it did. So first, 1 wanted to go through some of the things that
we've done over the last week and few hours, and then go into what we've done with projections
and the sorts of considerations that we've made.
355 July 19, 2001
Commissioner Sanchez: I have two questions. Have we notified the Oversight Board and the
bonding agencies'?
Ms. Haskins: Yes. 'that's on the side. And the first thing that we're going; to follow, is this.
When we got to the supplemental handouts, I'll tell you where we are in the supplemental
handouts. OK? So on Wednesday, July 1 1' we leamed at the parking surcharge was ruled
unconstitutional by the District Court of Appeals. The City Manager immediately directed a
hiring tree7e, just pending our further analysis of the effect ofthe ruling on the City ol'Miatni.
Vice Chainnan Gort: Linda, the hiring; frecic was done on July 1 I ""I
Ms. Haskins: Yes.
Vice Chairman Gort: After July 11t", nobody could be hired?
Ms. llaskins: 'That's correct, unless it's a leery unusual situation. The City Manager and senior
staff then held discussions with file City Attorney regarding the potential need to refund moneys
already collected. What does this all mean to us? We have a consideration of the twenty-two
million or so that we've already collected in parking surcharge. Would that have to be refunded'?
We have a consideration of do we continue to collect the parking; surcharge'? And what would
happen with parkins; surcharge that we continue to collect'? So there were discussions with the
City Attorney relating to those items. Because there arc probably sonic different legal arguments
for the parking surcharge that was collected before the ruling versus parking surcharge collected
anter file ruling, Parking Network was immediately notified to mala sure that they segregate
receipts as collected either before or after July 1 l"'. The next thing that happened is we had to
have discussions with our independent auditors regarding; file acurcutting treatment of the parking
surcharge. And the concern that we have there, which is still not settled, is this: The accountants
could take the view that any parking; surcharge collected so tar this year can stay in rovcnucs, and
when they opine on our statement of revenues and expenditures next year, for the year 2002 that
whatever Is been collected before the ruling, is valid revenues. They could also come clown and
say, because dunng this fiscal year, the parking; surcharge was ruled unconstitutional, nothing
collected this year can he included in revenues. That has two different considerations for us in
terms of our results of operations f'or the City. First and foremost, we want to nnuke sure that we
maintain a structurally balanced budget. If'we don't maintain a structurally balanced budget, we
go hack to the five-year clock of the Financial Oversight Board. That's what would happen. So
we want to make sure that we have a structurally balanced budget this year. We had collected
about right around ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in this year through July I It". and another
twelve million was collected prior to October year ol'this year, of'2001. We're not as concerned
for a structurally balanced budget on the amounts that were previously collected, because we
know for 2001, c\ en i f the parking -- for ''000, even i f the parking surcharge was not -- had to be
refunded, we would have still had a structurally balanced budget, or we saw we had plenty of
surplus to cover that.
Mr. Vilarello: Excuse me. Mr. Mayor, if I can interrupt for a second and ask Ms. Haskins just to
focus on what are your possible -- what you're planning for --
356 July 19. 2001
0116m,01.1 -
v1s. Haskins Right.
Mr. Vilarello: -- as opposed to dealing with what the courts may decide or may not decide. The
fact that she's planning for every eventuality is not a conclusien as to what we believe the court
may or may not do, because as I've advised you before, there's a significant likelihood of a
Supreme Court reversal of the Third District's opinion. But l think Ms. Haskins is correctly
trying to plan for every possible eventuality.
Ms. Haskins: Right.
Mr. Vilarello: And that's kind of what she's discussing.
Vice Chairman Got-(: All the scenarios.
Ms. Haskins: Right, exactly. So after we had the discussions with the auditors, after we had
discussion with the attorneys -- and the attorneys make sure that 1 protect the City -- we did a
preliminary assessment of where we stand for fiscal 2002. And Page 4 of the slides gives you a
summary of where we stand for fiscal year -- actually 2001, it should he. It should be fiscal year
2001 at (lie top. Prior to this ruling,, in our monthly financial reports, we were projecting it
surplus, a possible surplus of about twelve million dollars 612,000,000) for the year, a possible
surplus of approximately twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) for the year, over and a above
what we had already budgeted. However, in the discussions with the financial report, we said
that there could be numerous accounting accruals that would need to be made before the end of
the vear. So we weren't conilortable with that full twelve million, and we were having
discussions with accounting in terms of what would be accrued. As we know. last year, there
were some significant accruals made in the Finance Department last year. So we stall out with
the twelve million dollars (S12,000,000), and of that twelve million dollars (S12,000,000), what
was not reflected were the mid -year ordinance adjustments, or the reorganization ordinance
adjustment that did take sonic ofthe surplus already. And that took about three point six million
dollars ($3.6 million) of llic surplus. And then file first colunm says that we're going to he able
to, on accounting basis, recognise any anioarits collected through ,tiny 1 1't'. So all we would be
taking away troth the surplus number is the three million dollars ($3.000,000), what we haven't
collected yet. So that's all we would have to take away. .And that would leave us tine. We
would still have a projected surplus of five point (blur million dollars ($5.4 million). That would
give its the flexibility to deal Willi various accounting accruals that needed to be made at the end
of the year, whether it was for risk reserves, or conipensated absences, or whatever. The second
column assumes that we are nut able to rccog,nize any of the surcharge collected this year. So we
start with the satire twelve million dollars ($12,000,000). We take away the same three point six
million from the nod-ycar ordinance and the re-org ordinance. But now, we take away thirteen
million. And that brings us to a deficit of tour point six million. '['flat four point six million
would cat into the surpluses that were budgeted for lois ycar. This ycar, there Were budgeted
surpluses of ten million dollars ($10,000,000). So we're still structurally balanced, We don't
have a problem with the Oversight Board. 'I his is what we reported to thein. Wouldn't -- we still
don't have a problem with that, but it doesn't give us the flexibility to deal with the year-end
issues that we normally would have. So after we did this preliminary assessment, what we did is,
we notified the Financial Oversight Board, went through this analysis with them, talked to the
357 301. 19, 2001
hond rating agencies, and Bob talked with them and they were -- Bob Nachlinger talked with
them. They were very happy to hear from its before they saw- it in the newspapers. And 1 guess
they stantcd getting a number of phone calls right afterwards, and they were glad that they were
briefed early. Then the City Manager scheduled a meeting with all the ACM's (Assistant City
Managers) and the Directors to discuss the impact on the City for the 2002 budget and for the
rest of the year, the impact of this ruling. So the first thing we did was discussed the ruling, the
possibilities of; you know, the DCA (District Court of Appeal) ruling being overturned in the
Supreme Court, that sort uithing, all sorts ofthings. And each department was asked to prepare
for expense cuts of two percent, three percent or four percent of their budgets. And then we
statled workiiw on sonic new projections. The; first -- page 2 in your Supplemental handout, this
page here of the supplemental handout -- it's the second set -- shows you new projections with --
they look like the ones that you looked at before with two changes. Number one, fm all years
presented, 2002 through 2000, the thirteen million plus parking surcharge is removed. Arad we
also made an adjustment in here for Ilic improved assessed value in our property, in real
properly. So in the meeting that we had last week, we had about a five million dollar
($5,01)0,000) cushion. We went ahead and put those pro*lected revenUCS in From the increase in
properIN values. So in 2002, where lass week you saw a balanced budget, you see now we're at It
seven and a half million -dollar deficit. And that's the thirteen million less the five million or so
fi•om the real estate taxes being flowed through. And we flowed that through, through all the
years. And in this cut, nothing else is changed. We still assume that the fcc all other lees are
the same as in tfte five-year plan, except for business licenses. \ e still assume that there are not
cost of living adjustments for sworn police and lire in 2002. And that's because they're getting a
COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) adjustment in September. Other COLA and anniversary
assumptions are consistent with current levels through this plan. The reserves, budgeted
surpluses within these numhers, which are in this account 000, translrr to other funds include a
two point eight million dollar ($2.8 million) working capital reserve, required under our
Financial integrity Ordinance, a one point one million dollar (SI .I trillion) risk reserve, retluired
under our financial Integrity Ordinance; million dollar contingency reserve, also required under
our Financial Integrity Ordinance; and a fi\c point six million dollar ($5.0 million) surplus that
was in our five-year plan and committee) to the Financial Oversight Board. it' we look at --
Marcela, could you put up rhe schedule? "I'hese are the surpluses that are in each of the years in
the plan. This schedule here shows you all the surpluses that arc in each year of the plan. So int
2002, it's fire point six million in surpluses. In 2003, that drops to six point eight million of
surpluses. And then in -11004 out, it's four point tune million. And those -- these numbers are the
same as were in our original live -year plan. So we do have surpluses that are in the out years.
Butt most of those ill the last years are required under our ordinances.
Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Budget Director, does that include any reduction in the budget,
as tip to two or three or four percent`'
Ms. Haskins: No, not yet. We still have some opportunities to the projections. Still have a few
opportunities, other than expense cuts and other revenue -enhancements. The same things we
discussed last week. W'e could possibly reduce contributions to or increase conirihutions from
DOSP (Deparmicnt of Oft=Street Parking), MSF.A (Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority),
DDA (Downtown Development Authority) and Bayfront. DOSP has a large unreserved fund
balance. Perhaps sonic of that could conic to the City. '}here are legal fees that are performed
358 July 19, 2001
�IIII�aIe
by the City Attorney's Office for some of these urganiLations. Perhaps they could give us sonic
legal fees.
Commissioner Winton: How are you going to get money out of DDA'? I mean, what does that
mean?
Vice Chairman Gort: You cannot.
Ms. Haskins: DDA would be for legal fees, a charge for legal fires.
Vice Chairman Gort: For legal fees.
Commissioner Winton: Olt, OK, the legal fee issue. Gut it. Thank you.
Ms. Haskins: The legal fee issue, yes. And we're also looking at reductions in funding
administration costs of the pension boards. We know that one of the pensions has a payable to
us, actually an advance from us. hopefully, we could try to bring that back in. So we're talking
-- we're looking at a few thinks on the pension boards, still. But these arc not huge dollars. But
every dollar counts. Going hack to the risk to these projections, and these are the sante -- mostly
the same risks you saw last week. But i just want to reiterate as we go through this, hecause
we've had to keep all of these in mind as wve go through the different secnarios that we've run.
Certainly, there is a risk that at some point in time, we may have to refund the parking surcharge.
"that's not what we think should happen but -- and that's not what we helicve will happen, but
there is that risk. Any cost of living; adjustment ler sworn fire and police next year would cost us
eight hundred and sixty-six thousand for each percentage increase -- for each adjustment. We
know that we have a number of employees that are ready for retirement. We huilt in sonic
additional numbers in 2002 to show the impucts of large numbers o1' people retiring and cashing
in on their accrued compensated absences. And that's that forty-eight million dollar
(S48,000,000) numbers that sits out in the general long-tcim debt account group for accrued
compensated ahsenccs that we would have tti fund as people retire. lore still have other un-
funded long-term liabilities. There's fifty-seven million again in the general long -tens debt
account group for risk reserves that are not funded. We have risks of uther union concessions.
All of our union contracts are under negotiation. Higher cost of living adjustments I'or
employees other Ihan sworn police and fire cost us seven hundred and sixty thousand fbr every
percent. Pension benefit enhancements are something that arc being discussed. Police vehicles
in the 2002 budget. there was a request to replace approximately 293 police vehicles, almost all
of which are patrol cars. The union had made a concession that notwithstanding the requirement
to replace patrol cars every seven years, they would not ask us to replace more than 150 a year.
So we dropped the request for 150 cars. But to replace all the cars we were to replace would
have cost us tcn million. So we dropped it to five million dollars (S5,000,000). Only half ot'thc
car: they requested to be replaced. 'l here have been other benefit enhancements discussed in the
union negotiations. We talked about -- and we talk about it every Commission meeting -- that
we don't -- we've not factored in our normal maintenance expenditures. We sec the Orange
Bowl. The Orange Bowl should probably be at four million dollars ($4,0110,000) it year in
annual maintenance cost. We're not funding four million dollars ($4,000,000) a year,
necessarily, in annual maintenance cost. Coconut Grove Convention Center, those tucilities, and
359 Jul), 19, 2001
our Parks facilities, we have not handed. And with expense cuts, we certain), are still not
funding, them ('I1' (Capital Improvement Project) projects. We have lots of money that sits in ;r
C IP NO. hilt it's for streets, sidewalks, storm sewers. We don't have a lot of money there for
parks and public facilities. And we know that we've got lots of great presentations and great
ideas ort Bicentennial Park, and Margaret Pace Park, and things that we want to do with these
facilities, not only on the C IP side, but on the operation side. Keeping parks open longer,
making thein more accessible to our citizens. Those things are not funded. We don't know yet
what the impact of a baseball stadium is, or the Le `tans or possible conventions. Therc have
been discuss;ons ofthe economic -- yeah, the W -- what is it? WUl -- EN:' -- Conning in. And
there's one that was added, and that is VI -- there was a risk that was added, and that's VIP
(Vehicle impoundment Program) litigation. The Vehicle Impoundment Program is a program
that \%a have substantially cut back. The rcvenurs ha\ -v been substantially cut back. They're in
our plan at one point one million dollars a year. About eight and a half million dollars has hecn
collected so far, and there could he some risk to that. So if we talk about the revised projections,
OK, this is what expense cuts did for us. We started out, balanced budget. Now, the parking
surcharge goes away. And this first line shows the revised deficit over the five-year period.
Two percent cuts still do not bring its into a balanced position. Three percent cuts bring its
almost halanced in 2002, and they bring its balanced in 2003, hitt not in the last three years. And
four percent cuts bring us to it point where we're fully balanced until years live and six, which is
really quite similar to aur last five-year plan. And we said, you know, there would be revenue
enhancements or expense savings to cover that. But what w•e see when we go through these
expense cuts is \\e're -- it's not just cuffing into meat. We start cutting into hone a little tilt. If
we look at by department and that's -- you'll see a hard copy of this on page 4 of your
supplemental handout. You'll see the two percent cuts didn't quite bring us two percent. There
are a number of expenses within the City we can't cut by two percent. We can't cut tipping.
Tipping fees aren't going; to be cut. Transfers to other funds, the contribution to CRA
(.Community Redevelopment Agency), those things are not going to be cut by the two percent, or
the three percent, or the four percent. So there were some signiticant expenditures that couldn't
he cut. So the hvo percent really yielded us it one point four percent overall cut. 'Tile three
percent really yielded us a two point one, and Itte t ur percent really yielded us a two point eight
one percent cut. 11' you look at page 5 of your supplementary handout. you can see that the
significant cuts, whether they were at the two, three or four are in salaries.
Vice Chairman Gort: My page 5 here is two percent cut.
Ms. Haskins: Two percent cuts, right, two percent cuts. And if you look at the bottom halt of'
this, and you see what's happened. The first colunin shows what the depattnients requested.
And they requested three hundred and forty-four million dollars ($344,000,000) in expenses.
Through the meetings with the City Manager, those expenses requests were cut back sixteen
million dollars ($16,000,000) to three hundred and twenty-eight million dollars ($328,000,000).
Before that you even saw them, they were cut sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000). And we
were sympathetic to it lot of the requests. Quite honestly, we xvere quite sympathetic to a lot of
requests. They were -- We know that there are things that need to get dune in the City. We
know that t1wre are Parks ptojccts, and we want to keep the parks open lunger, and we want to
have more street sweepers and that sort of thing. But we couldn't fund it all. So that got cut
down to three hundred and twenty-eight million. The next column in the two percent shows the
360 July 19, 2001
01111111E.LiI1.
drop of four point scN en million dollars to three hundred and twenty-three million dollars
($323.000,000). And you see that the significant portion of that cut is coning from people. staff,
because out- operations are really pretty thin. If we look at it department like Solid Waste, which
is -- I think, Clarence, your total budget is somewhere around twenty million or so? Twenty
million dollars ($2),(X)0,01)0). I think his operating expenses are only around three hundred
thousand dollars ($300,000), other than salaries and tipping ices. So there's not a whole lot to
cut there, other than people. So the next few pages atter this two percent cut, pages 6, 7, S and 9
give you by department the sorts of people we're cutting in the two percent cuts. .And it's great
when we can Freeze or cut a clerical staff. 'I hat's great. But you'll see in Solid Waste. there
were 13 FT's that are all neighborhood service workers. These are lemporary people that gO out
and clean streets. 'Then w•e have the same series in here for you at the three perccnt cuts. And
al;ain, the three percent cuts are showing the significant cuts are corning our of salaries and
wages again. There's some out of the operating expenses, fixed and variable, but the lion's share
is Willing Out of salaries and benefits. And it's even more in the way of people. Su in Building,
we're giving up plumbing inspectors and building inspectors. And in Conferences and
Conventions, we're giving tip facilities operators, supervisors. fn Fire -Rescue, conmunlications
operators. In -- let me sec -- in GSA (General Services Administration), these arc the sorts Of
people that we want, it mason, :lectrician, it general trade worker, those sorts of things that we
need to be able to do in the COY. So It's it tough decision all the way around. And rather than
belabor the point, you have the same scenario at the four percent cuts, and rile slumber of people
and the sorts of people that arc being cut. So we looked at the expense side ol' the two, three and
tour percent. And the next thing that we wanted to do is look at, what du we have ort the re\enue
side'' And we did a number of analyses. In operating millage, we know that every point -o -five
mill generates seven hundred and seven thousand dollars (y707,000). And that's in your
supplemental package on page 25. So it's seven hundred and scvcn thousand, lour hundred and
ninety-two dollars 6707,492) for every point -o -five change in millage rate. Tile next page, page
26 is the change in lire fee. Our current rate on our fire flee is sixty-one dollars ($61 ). By
changing the fire flee -- We did everything in increments of three dollar ($3) change in lire fee
except where the block is. We blocked off. We did a twenty -dollar ($20) change. Each three -
dollar ($3) increase in the tire flee generates seven hundred and eight thousand dollars
($706,1100). And then the next page shows you what happens with our solid waste flee. Each
dollar of solid waste Ice generates sixty-five thousand dollars ($65,0011). When \se got done
looking at this, we said, well, what has the surcharge done to us? The surcharge has basically
shifted the burden. it good portion of the burden to fund the City back to our citizens, rather than
to the conlntutcrs who conic into the City every day. And the surcharge was paid -- 80 percent
of it was paid by people who are not citizens of the City of Miami. We know that expense cuts
alone don't balance the budget across the board, so we have to do something other than just
expense. cuts. The expense cuts result in hurting our ability to deliver quality scrvices to our
citizens, especially when we take into consideration the needs that we already have and we've
talked about time and time again that we're not funding. It's eeilainly resulted in our loss -- in
losing some flexibility in reacting to contingencies, like the I'll' litigation, union negotiations,
potential refund of the surcharge. But then again, we know that any revenue -enhancement cost
is an extra burden to Our City and our citizens. We did come tip with a recommendation from the
administration, and that recommend.ttion, the dollar's for it are shown on the last page of your
handout. And the summary of it is shown in the last page of the; slide show, and that is that at
this point in time, we maintain our millage rate at eight point nine nine live mills; that we
301 ,till)' 19, 2001
NAZI M.
institute the three percent cuts; rather than the four percent cuts, institute the three percent cuts;
that we maintain the solid waste fee at the three hundred and forty-five ($345), per the plan;
increase our fire fee to seventy dollars (S70) -- nine dollars (S9). That generates about two point
one million dollars; and that if the ruling is reversed by the Supreme Court, or retroactively
corrected legislatively that we refund the increases that we put through and return back to the
originally planned expense profile that we have.
Vice Chairman Gori: Questions. My understanding is you don't need a decision from us today
on this. Or do you want us to make a decision?
Mr. Gimcnez: Well, today, later on in the -- later in the Commission meeting, there is the issue
of sending the trim nutice.
Vice Chairman Gort: The trim notice, right.
Mr. Gimenez: So I think we need to discuss, and we had -- I think the memo says that it was
eight point nine nine five. "We had all discussed at your workshop that you wanted to trim that
down to eight point seven nine five. We're not recommending that happens anymore.
Vice Chairman Gort: 1 thought we said eight point two five during the workshop.
Mr. Gimenex: No. I think that the -- it was two-tenths reduced, two-tenths reduction.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. it was eight seven point and then they tried to bring it down to eight
seven two.
Mr. Gimenez: It was eight point seven nine live. We're not recommending that. We also had,
already had set a preliminary rate of the fire fee of sixty-one dollars ($61). We may want to
reconsider that. We may have time to go back and up that. And we recommend that it goes to
seventy dollars (570), a nine -dollar ($9) increase, which would yield about two point one million
dollars. We know we also put the twenty dollars ($20) on the solid waste. We were thinking
about not doing that, but that's already in place, so that nothing has to be done, as far as the
twenty -dollar ($20) increase in the garbage collection.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Manager, 1 thought that the first priority was to see where
reductions can be made. And now, you are saying that you will suggest an increase on the fire
fee?
Mr. Gimenez: In addition to a three percent cut in next year's budget, what we had
recommended. So we didn't say take it all the way to the four percent cut, There is going to be
significant reduction in services at the three percent cut level. And so we're saying that we need
a reduction in services and an increase in revenue. "There's thirteen million dollars ($13,000,000)
that we don't have anymore. This Comiuissiou can certainly take the position that you want four
percent cuts. That's your prerogative, but that's not what I'm recommending. I'm
recommending a three percent cut, and I'm recommending increases in revenue.
362 July 19, 2001
1PAZ[2I:1
Commissioner Regalado: Would it be possible to have, by departments, that information in the
reductions?
Mr. Uimencz: It's in your handout, in terns of the number of positions by department, what
positions are being cut at the two, three and four percent level, and what that means in terms of
dollars.
Ms. Haskins: Page 4 of ,your supplemental handouts has the cuts by department.
Mr. Giniener: Those arc the dollar figures. And then further on back in your handouts --
Ms. Haskins: Anti then the subsequent pages show two, three, four percent cuts. And it shows it
by type of expense, and then gives you a departmental cut in employees behind each one.
Commissioner Sanchez: So from a three percent to four percent gives about a two point three
million dollars increase"
Ms. Haskins: The two percent --
Commissioner Sanchez: From three, From three to four.
Ms. Haskins: From three to four percent. Get these numbers here; just make sure that 1 don't
say something wrong.
Commissioner Rcgalado: But it doesn't say numbers of positions. It just says number of dollars
here.
Ms. Haskins: The backup does show it.
Mr. Gimenci,: On each one of your -- on page -- page --
Ms. Ilaskins: It's two point three. Two point three.
Mr. Gimenez: I guess (INAUDIBL.E) 9; it shows at two percent, there is a reduction of close to
69 positions. At Page -- that's at two percent. Page -- let me see. I'm looking. Page 16 shows a
reduction of 120 positions at three percent. And page 24 shows a reduction of 171 positions at
Four percent. And it's broken clown by department, and the classifications that will be cut at the
different levels.
Commissioner Winton: Linda, can l ask you a question on this page 4 of the supplemental
handout?
Ms. Haskins: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: Which is departmental cost. In Risk Management --
363 July 19, 2001
11110E19 -11s
• 0
Ms. Haskins: It's not much of a change, is it'?
Commissioner Winton: Right. But what is in Risk Management, I mean?
Ms. Haskins: Risk Management contains workers' compensation, all the insurances, health
insurance, that sort of thing. So those are ones that --
Commissioner Winton: And we're sell -insured for heath insurance and liability insurance. And
so this is all the insurances and --
Ms. Haskins: Mni-hnrm, right. Exactly, exactly.
Mr. Gimenez: That's why there isn't much of a reduction there, because those are not -- they're
employee -related expenses from all the different departments.
Ms. Haskins: Current legal liabilities are in there.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Madam Budget Director, first of all, we just got all
these papers with all these numbers. You know, this is becoming too much of an ongoing;
occurrence. 1 thinlc in the lust three years, we've done this twice. And I know this is something
that came up that we had no control over, ever. But I hate to tell you so, in the workshop; I was
very concerned at using money we did not have. And I know that it was projected in the budget,
and I raised a big stink about it, because where I come from, at my house, how we budget our
check, if we don't have the money, it's not in our checkbook. So this really puts us in a very
awkward position here to decide what we're going to cut and what we're not going to cut. And
besides this, l go -- 1 could sec further down the line with the risk to projections that we have that
we don't have a single dollar allocated to the un -fund long-term liability, not a single dollar.
Ms. Haskins: What we have in those is the one point one million dollars a year in risk reserve.
So --
Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah, but you have it here, but you didn't -- you put the amount on
everything; else. But what's the amount on that? What is truly what we owe in un -funded long-
term liability?
Ms. Haskins: A hundred and five million dollars (5105,000,000).
Commissioner Sunchez: A hundred and five. It's not here. Everything else is, because of the
numbers are pretty smal 1.
Ms. Haskins: We're on the 50 -year funding plan, basically is what we're on.
Commissioner Sanchez: OK. So, you know, once again, we're in a situation where we have to
cut the budget two, three, (our percent. You know, I wish I could cut it five percent. And it
doesn't take too lung. We stayed here in a budget meeting till about 3 o'clock in the morning,
asking all the departments to cut, cut their budget. And you're right; we're going; to have to cut.
364 July 19, 2001
And we might have to cut all the way down to the bone. We might have to bleed a little bit. Bol
let me tell you where I'm at. We're not going to be passing the burden once again to the
taxpayers of this City. So once again, I'm making my point very clear. We're going to have to
sit down, maybe have an emergency meeting, or sit down with the departments and trim some
more, because I don't -- we have -- the projection right now, the expense cuts alone does not
balance the budget for the next five years. So we would have to bring in more revenue or cut our
expenses. That's the bottom line.
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir, we do.
Commissioner Sanchei: OK? .And it is your recommendation, Mr. City Manager that you have
cut it down to it point where anything else will be intertcring with City services?
Mr. Gimenez: "they're interfering with City services right now, what we cut it down to, three
percent. Right now. Reducing it three percent, you've got fire fighlers that won't be hired.
You've got police officers that won't be hired. So there is a reduction here. This is not, this is
not easy. So when I sit here and tell you that, well, it's fine, three percent is line, yeah, we will
provide some quality of service, but there are services that are _going to hurt. We won't be able
to do all the things that our people ask us to do. And that's just a fact of life. I mean, we're
going to have fewer resources to do those things.
Commissioner Sanchez: I'm sure that the taxpayers of our community are willing to suffer a
little bit when we can't go and trim their tree, or we can't go an unplug drainage or something.
But when you basically arc saying, you know, let's increase the fire fee by -- nine dollars ($9),
light?
Mr. Gimenez: Nine dollars ($9).
Commissioner Sanchez: Nine dollars ($9). You know, that -- and that alone, not seeing what I
consider to he a valid or a strong movement to cut the fat or be fiscal -conservative, with only a
two, and three, and four percent --
Mr. Gimenez: Commissioner, you also -- you know, we already had cut -- this administration
already cut from the request about sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000) off the request. So I
already, you know, chopped a lot of the fat from this request.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well that was the proposed. i mean, the Budgrt Department could ask
for whatever they have. I mean, if you don't have it, you can't give it to thent. 'that's
Management 101.
Mr. Gimenez: That's correct. But, you know, we didn't come here with a, you know, a super -
inflated budget. You know, we don't conte here with that. That's not the way to operate. I
mean, we came down to what we thought -- As I stated, there were some service enhancements,
based on some of the meetings that we had with you all as to what you wanted to see us do in the
future. So we put additional folks, some additional folks in certain departments, more so being
365 July 19, 2001
�I�
in street level, to improve street level services. 'Those arc gone. And noAv, we have gone further,
then, where we are today with these cuts.
Commissioner Sanchez: Future capital improvement, they've all ceased, correct? There was a
project going on that has not been started. Would that he ceased?
Ms. Haskins: CTP (Capital improvement Project)? No. The CIP is ongoing. If it's funded, it's
ongoing, if it's been funded.
Commissioner Sanchcz: Well, I'm hying, and I'm sure not going to he able to do it today, but,
you know, I need some more time to look at all these numbers and make a well thought,
intelligent decision on -- you know, there's just no way I'm going to he a planted tree here and
basically say that we're going to vote on this issue today. And, you know, I'm prepared to come
back in a special meeting or whatever you want to do, but, you know, it ain't going to be easy,
putting us in that situation.
Commissioner Rcgalado: Mr. Chairman.
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you. It's very simple. Commissioner Sanchez is saying what I
said, so it's two already, The Manager has to do a lot of work in terms of the budget for us.
Commissioner Sanchez is saying he's not going to go for any raise on the fire fee. I'm saying
I'm not going to vote for any raise on the fire fee. So you only need another person to know that
YOU should look at other ways to reduce the budget. I didn't sec any reduction on the Board of
Commissioners or the Mayor's Office. It's the same.
Mr. Gimencz.: We didn't ask for any.
Commissioner Regaludo: OK. I'm just saying that it's not there. But --
Commissioner Sanchez: Is there a projected increase for my office as a Commissioner in the
budget?
Ms. 1 faskins: There is a projected --
Commissioner Sanchez: How much?
Ms. Haskins: -- small increase for the salary increases for the staff that you have.
Commissioner Sanchez: Only for the salary increase?
Ms. Haskins: Yes. But you have the --
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, I'll tell you what. Cut it off my budget.. None of my staff is
going to get a raise this year.
366 July 19, 2001
81919jeff>f _
9 •
Unidentified Speaker: There's no increase in the bottom line.
Ms. Haskins: I'm sorry. My assistant is telling me there were no increases.
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor''
Commissioner Regalado: Fine. So l just think that maybe if the Manager leaves here tonight
with the sense that most of the members of the Commission would rather see him work on
reductions in the budget, instead of working on the increase of the fire fee. So 1, for one, will say
to you, i will vote "no" on any increase in the tire tee.
Mr. Gimcnez.: Commissioner., this is the administration recommendation. There are other ways
to get additional funding. You can raise the millage. You can raise the solid waste. That was
just my -- I'm not keen on raising anybody's fee for anything. however, to me, it secined like a
good compromise, where the -- a lot of cuts were made. A three percent cut is a significant cut.
And a nine -dollar ($9) increase in the fire was one way to get, you know, the two point eight
million. if you want, i can get that two point eight million somewhere else. Or if you're just
telling ole you're not going to increase fees at all, then I'll go back, and I ZI.ucss %ke'll have to
balance the budget just on cuts.
Commissioner Regalado: 1 would tell you. I will tell you, do not balance the budget with any
increases, at all. But that's just me. So I will tell you that. And I'm sure that you will have lime
to sound other members of the Commission and the Mayor, but this is just me. I think that you
should know my position. This is today, and it will be tomorrow and next month.
Vice Chairman Cort: Mr..Nlayor, my understanding is this report here today is for us to look at
it, look over the different options that we have. At the same time, what 1'd like to sec, Mr.
Manager, in this draft here, you have the amount of individuals that will he droppcd at each level
-- ten, fifteen, two percent, three percent, tour percent. And from what I'm hearing from illy
colleagues, maybe you should go even to five and six. But also, what I would like to see is as
you drop employees from the different departments, I want for you to he specific what type of
services will be dropped within that budget, because I would like for the citizens, also to know
what service they're receiving, and what services will he affected by the reduction of'this budget.
So when you conic back, please, 1 would like to, besides the personnel being retired, how
specific services are going to he affected.
Ms. Haskins: The directors actually are prepared to do so now, to talk about that. For example,
we had, as an example in the Purchasing Department; there had been additional funding in
Purchasing for outside worker to continue to write specs, purchasing specs. "Phis person has
been working in GSA (General Services Administration) for the last four months or so, just been
incredibly successful. Made the whole purchasing process tremendously more efficient. It's
reduced the burden on clerical staff in GSA, and it has been something Iltat's very much a
success, and paid for itself. But within the cuts, what the Purchasing Department has served up
is that, is those dollars, because we can't afford now to go -- I mean because they can't -- They
needed to find sonic cuts, and their staff is working --
307 July 19, 2001
•
7 0
Vice Chairman Gort: But ,you'd be surprised how some of the little cuts can add up to big cuts.
For example, I've seen many a times our cars parked, running -- and gas, we all know how much
it has gone up -- and sitting there. And that individual, whatever report they're doing, being an
inspector, being -- whatever he's using that car, there's plenty of facilities that would welcome
them to go in and still he in air conditioning. And there's little things like that, that they can look
at without cutting personnel, that they could look at. And I know sometimes purchases -- and I
know we have a tremendous Purchasing Department. They're doing a great job on that. But we
can maybe save sone money in purchasing, also, in some of the things that we use. But I would
like in specific to have all that inforniation when we conic back. Now, my understanding is a
decision is not to he made until the 26"i. until the next meeting, the 26'1`. Is that the date`'
Ms. Haskins: It will not take affect for 10 days afterwards. So we -- is that correct'.' 'Tire
resolution is cf [ective -- no. A resolution is effective immediately. Yeah, the -- yeah, the
millage rate, yeah. The 26`" is fine, yes.
Vice Chairman Cort: So my understanding, the final decision on this has to be on the 26"i.
Today was an informative workshop to have some idea. '.twenty-sixth of July.
Mr, Vilarello: Let's make sure we're clear on an issue. To set the millage rate, you do have
sonic time.
Ms. I laskins: For the millage. But for --
Mr. Vilarcllo: If you consider an increase in the fire fee, the County has given us until tomorrow
to change what you've already adopted in May. So if you are going to increase that at the public
hearing that follows this special meeting, you would have to do that today or request that the
County give us additional time.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. That'll be in the 4 o'clock meeting.
Mr. Vilarello: Or you do have the right to separately bill.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Thank you.
Commissioner'1'eele: All right.
:Mayor Carollo: But you're talking about an increase above and beyond what was approved in
the five-year plan that was scheduled for this coming fiscal year.
Mr. Vilarello: With regard to the tire fee? The City Commission in a May meeting approved a
resolution that set the rate that is going to be on the trim notice for the final consideration of the
City Commission in September.
Mayor Carollo: And that amount again for the record?
368 July 19, 2001
0 •
Ms. Haskins: The amount for the fire fee was sixty-one dollars ($61), consistent with the five-
year plan, and the solid waste fee was three forty-five, Consistent with the five-year plan.
Commissioner Regalado: So -- Mr. Mayor, if I may.
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Commissioner Rcgalado: So Mr. City Attorney, you say that anything with the fire fee has to be
done like in a few hours'?
Mr. Gimcncz: The trimming or the fire fee at a higher rate doesn't mean that in the end that the
fire fee will be at the higher rate. It just means it's trimmed at a higher rate, that's all. You can
always reduce it later, just like you can with the millage, when it conics down to budget time.
Commissioner Rcgalado: No, I -- you know, I don't have any problem. I'm going to vote "no,"
anyway, so. But what 1'tn saying is that it will be unfair to the residents to vote on this today
without the Manager coming back with some explanation. Commissioner Gori has requested
sonic service impact and all that. So I'm just saying that it would be unfair.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Commissioner Teele: Excuse me. Mr. Mayor, may 1 be recognized?
Mayor Carollo: Yes, of course.
Commissioner'1'ecle: Thank you. First of all, Mr. Manager, have you received any instructions,
or directions, or any guidance from the office of the Mayor as yet on this matter? And if so, is
this plan consistent with those instructions?
Mr. Gimenez: No, sir.
'.Mayor Carollo: For the record, it' I would he giving instructions to the Manager, 1 would be in
violation of the City Charter.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Attorney.
Mr. Vilarello: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Tecle: Does not the Mayor have, in the Charter, the responsibility of providing
budget -- well, let me put it this way: Mr. Attorney, either one of you, what is the Mayor's
authority? And could you confirm or deny that the Mayor has specific authority related to
providing a budget message and budget instructions, or announcements, or pronouncements
regarding the -- 1 thought, certainly --
359 July 1 9, 2001
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner, in terms of discussions with the City Manager, the Mayor, its well
as the City Commissioners have the right to discuss with the Mayor -- I mean with the City
Manager their thoughts and directions with regard to the budget. J1nd the Mayor has that right,
and is not prohibited from doing so. The Mayor also has an obligation to address the City on an
annual basis with regard to the budget and the state of the City.
Commissioner "1'ecle: 'File budget and the state of the City regarding the budget.
Mr. Vilarello: it docs not specifically require the Mayor to propose a budget, if that's the
question.
Mayor Carollo: We go through this every year, Commissioner. And --
Commissioner Teele: But we're not going through anything, Mr. Mayor. I'm only asking a
question of the Attorney, and 1 wanted to clarify, because, you know, the concern that I have in
this is, notwithstanding any personality, I think the Mayor of any city should have the authority
and the right to state some direction. And as I've said repeatedly, in the three years that I've
been here, that I want to he supportive of any instructions or guidance that the Mayor's C)t'tice
provides in budget areas. We would -- you know, this is a matter that has not -- is not a case of'
first impression. It's come up several times. But I just wanted to he on the record, first and
forcniosl, because il'there are budget instructions from the Mayor, 1, for one, would like to urge
the Manager, number one, to take those considerations up carefully, and to repots back to nte, at
least, or the Commission un why we cannot implement any budgetary instructions, in light of
this unique situation that requires that we have a special Commission ineeting here. And, Mr.
Mayor, I say with the greatest respect to the office of the Mayor. I join you. 1 want to juin you
and support any initiatives that you have that you think would be helpful. f think, so that the
record is clear. much of the cnerfy and initiative in creating the parking surcharge came from
your courageous and good work. I think before that, betbre i was elected a Commissioner. I
think it's fair to characterize your efforts, your Herculean efforts in the `90/97 time frame
relating to the emergency that brought about a transfer of funds from MSEA and other prudent
cost -savings, methods air why wr have a City today. And I say that in all seriousness and all
deference to the office of the !Mayor. And I tip my hat to you, Mayor ,doe Carollo in that regard.
So I'm not being coy, or being political or being cute about this. I think this is a serious matter.
i think your office has certainly, based upon some degree of expectations of what mayors --
powers mayors do have and don't have across this country is one of the areas that they have is
the responsibility, in most charters or most constitutions of making in annual budget message,
budget statement and statement of the overall condition. So 1 don't want to dwell on that. I only
want to safeguard that right, whether you choose to exercise it or you don't, It's certainly there,
acid it should be there for the office of the Mayor. And in the last discussion, you issued a series
of concerns. i think one was significant and one in that series 1 strongly supported. And I'm
willing to support initiatives again, Joe, in all seriousness --
Mayor Carollo: 1 appreciate it, Commissioner.
Commissioner Teele: -- that your office inay come up with. I mean, this is not a time for
posturing, per se. Politics is politics. You can't take the politics out of politics. But the fact of
370 July 19, 2001
the matter is this is as serious an issue as we've been confronted with. And it gets to the issue
that Commissioner Regulado and Commissioner Sanchci continue to raise. and that is, we have a
revenue stream, according to the Budget Director -- and Madam Director. I would like some
documentation. I accept your word. I've used the number. but several times, I've been asked by
the media fbr some support for the 84 percent that you use that does not -- that is paid by people
who don't live in the City. I accept it, but it would be helpful if ,you would provide its with some
supporting documentation. But we have a revenue stream, thanks to your efibrts and
Commissioner 5anche7., and that of our Dade delegation. the legislature that literally shifts the
burden of some of the taxation from the residents and property owners of this community. And
let tile say this, Joe, seriously. People that come to this City -- this City is a lot like Washington,
D.C. It's a lot like Tallahassee. It's like any other major city that has the burden -- a
disproportionate share of the burden of govcntmctu, UUP do%%iitown lore. People drive Into this
City. They use our traffic lights, they use our roads, they use out- sidewalks, they use our solid
waste, they use our public works, they use our Fire Department. When they have accidents, they
use out- Police Department. And they pay literally zero dollars on their way back up to Aventura,
or on their way to Opa Locka, or Florida City, or Hialeah, or, in most cases, Broward County.
it's not lair to the residents. It's not fair to the taxpayers who live in Model City, who live in
Little Havana, who live across this community to pay liar people to come here to use municipal
services and not pay anything. We don't have an income tax, thank God. We don't have a
corporate tax on employees' salaries. I see that Seattle or some cities are trying, to do that to hall
players recently. Thank God, we don't have taxes on salaries, et cetera. But it's not fair to the
residents of this City to have to pay for people to come here. And in having a parking surcharge,
what you have is a small percentage of the dollars that people are spending from municipal
service being paid by them. That's been knocked out. Commissioner Rebalado, Commissioner
Sanchez are both saying, -I don't want to put that on the fire fce." OK:' Unibrtunately, the fire
fee that they're talking about really is the place to put it, because the way we've structured the
tire ice is it's a commercial fee. And let's -- you kilow, it's all transparent. Let's break the code,
so everybody understands. Madam Budget Director. how much dollars are you rcconnnending
that the homeowner gets in an increase in the fire fee?
Ms. Haskins: We're giving you -- well, let me bring up the breakdown. We've got the
breakdown here of the fire lee between residential and commercial.
Commissioner Thele: Mr. Manager, how much are you recommending in homeowner -
Ms. Haskins: it's nine dollars ($9).
Mr. Gimenex: It's nine dollars ($9) per home.
Commissioner Teele: plow much are you recommending on the conunercial side'?
Mr. Gimenez: Depends on the size of the building, sir.
Commissioner Tecle: Relatively how much money will be -- how much of the two million
dollars will be collected from the homeowner, and relatively how much will be collected from
commercial?
371 July 19, 2001
Mayor Carollo: About three quarters, approximately, will be on the commercial side.
Commissioner Tcele: So about three-fourths of -- See, the way you all are presenting this,
you're really presenting this in a way that doesn't make your best case, because all you focused
on was the nine cents -- nine dollars (S9). OK? You didn't focus at all on the commercial. But
the commercial, as 1 understand it, will collect about six hundred thousand dollars (S600,000)? I
mean the residential will collect -- What's the number? The residential will collect about what?
Mayor Carollo: The residential? You're looking about live hundred thousand.
Mr. Gimener: 1 think it's like 34 percent.
Ms. Haskins: Thirty-lour percent. 'Twenty twenty-seven percent. We're getting it up.
Commissioner Teele: Thirty-four percent of the two million?
Ms. Haskins: Taking a long time to pull it up.
Commissioner Teele: Huh?
Ms. Haskins: It's taking a long time to pull it up. 'fhc number is 27 percent.
Mr. Gimenei: "There's a couple different components to that. There's a single -family and
there's multi-family. That's a certain percentage. And then the rest of it is commercial
institutions.
Commissioner Teele: Well, let's agree on this: Over half of the fire fee is going to he paid by
commercial.
Ms. Haskins: That's right.
Commissioner 'Tcelc: OK?
Mr. Vilarello. Commissioner Teele, can I interject? That is because the lire services provided to
property provide a benefit to each of the properties, and it provides a proportionately higher
benefit to commercial properties.
Co►nmissioner Tecle: That's correct.
Mr. Vilarcllo: And that's why that works out.
Commissioner Teele: That's absolutely correct.
Vice Chairman Gort: Gentlemen --
372 July 19, 2001
.in
0 •
Commissioner Winton: (Unintelligible.)
Vice Chairman Gurl: Could you excuse me just for a minute, Commissioner Teele? I have to
leave for about 20 minutes. i'll he hack in 25 minutes, and please don't have any vote on this.
Commissioner Teele: All right.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK?
Commissioner Teele: All right.
Mayor Carollo: See, but I think the argument that you're staking, Commissioner --
Ms. Haskins: Residential -- This is the schedule. Residential is 27.49; multi -family, 19.93;
public housing, which is mostly -- is all exempt, anyway, commercial, 31.38;
industrialiwareltouse, 2.97; and institutional, 11.61. Thai's how it splits up.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah. The argument that you're making. I think is valid if you're looking at
sceing what to raise, garbage fee versus fire fee. The garbage fee will impact the residential
fully.
Commissioner Teele: The garbage fee is only going to impact the residential.
Mayor Carollo: Fully, fully, fully.
Commissioner Teele: And the commercial is spread -- 1 mean the fire fee is spread out over all
sectors of the economy. And the City Attorney is trying to keep me from putting my foot in my
mouth, 1 guess. But the point, Mr. Attorney -- and I appreciate all the help you can give me -- is
that the fire fee is not a burden placed solely and only on the residential property owner, unlike
the solid waste fee is. And I think we need to he very, very careful before we start swearing off
fees without looking at who the burden is on. The concern that I have, as I stated, is that the
commercial is getting a very good ride, even though the commercial generates tremendous
dollars, generates tremendous jobs, tremendous economic activity, and we have not done nearly
enough in addressing the capital needs of the commercial. It just seems to me that as we talk
about this operating issue, we should not be too quick to swear off the fire fee, because it's
spread over the entire economy, as compared to the solid waste fee that's only on the residential.
The second point, Madam Director -- And if I may, Mr. Manager, let me commend one thing
that you're doing, and that is -- among other things -- and that is you're not immediately rushing
in, trying to free/.e everything and cut everything with a hatchet. You're doing this far more
surgically and far more in a professional manner, and 1 really compliment you. For example, to
my knowledge, you all have not started to hit capital items. And I think it's very important that
this Commission signal that we don't want to start going alter capital items, because that's the
very thing that's gotten this City in deep, deep, deep trouble. It winds up costing us a lot more
money when we defer maintenance on a root, ort buildings, et cetera. And I commend you, if
I'm correct that that's what you all are doing. is that a fair statement?
373 July 19, 2001
•
Mr. Gimcne7: Yes, sir.
•
Commissioner Tecle: And so the question just becomes, how do we get the revenue, or how do
we get the savings? i ani prepared to support for the purpose of getting what Commissioner
Sanchez is conceniud about, a detailed analysis, I'm prepared to support a millabe rate today or
next week for the purpose of setting the trim notice of substantially more than the management is
asking for today. I liat's a reversal of where we were before the hearing, at somewhere around
nine to nine point one mills. 1 think the critical thing that we cannot afford to do is get into the
September budget hearings and figure out we made an error somewhere, or ,omething has gone
wrong with our budget projections, and then we don't have anywhere to turn. The trim notice is
the highest level. It doesn't prevent you from going lower. And my target to be a trim is still
about right point eight mills. I mean, 1 hear your eight point nine. I'd like to see us at eight
point eight. I think it's important that we continue to reduce the ad valorem tax burden on
property owners, both commercial, and residential and all persons. Where ('m in agreement with
Commissioner Rcgalado is this -- Commissioner Sanchez. 1 don't think we're spending nearly
enough time focusing on the cuts and additional revenues. And they talked about cuts, but let's
talk about additional revenues. Number one, I think -- and i wish i had the name -- 1 have seen a
marked improvement in public works over the last 90 days. I was out in Commissioner
%Vinton's district, and 1 stopped and i saw three people working. 1 asked who was the supervisor.
There was no supervisor there. There was one person who had been transferred from the
County, i think. 1 think lie worked in transil. And he was the acting -- where is the union rep'?
He was the acting shift person or the supervisor, acting, and he said that this is the best job tie's
ever had, lie was enthusiastic. Everybody was working. It was multiraciali mean, it was
literally the first time I've seen the level of activity that I've seen, Anti I know some of it was
generated by the Microsoft, but what was important was these were City crews. My question
rhetorically is, where have these crews been for the last two or three years? But without getting
into that, I think there's a much higher energy in public works. There is much more dCploynlent
of crews. They said they are working around the clock. And 1 got out and talked to the guys for
15 minutes. And just to -- I wrote their names down somewhere. But I think it's important that
we focus in on new revenues. Now, we have not began to get the revenues that we can get i f we
go into the cost of providing inspections for the various fiber optic companies, and the various
utilities that are doing work. \Ve are nowhere near. And I realirc there arc federal guidelines
that say you can't charge more than this, but you cat charge the cost, Mr. Attorney, of providing
the inspection. You know who's getting over on this, according to the utility companies? The
Police Department. The Police Department charges, because they have a rule that requires that
there be a police officer there for the various -- in the public right-ot-way constructions. And
they are paying two and three and four thousand dollars 64,000), in comparison to Public
Works, which is supposed to be providing inspectors. The fico is like seventy -Five dollars ($75)
for the same permit. Seventy-five dollars ($75) in Public Works. Two thousand dollars ($2,000)
in Police. Now, what I'm saying is those arc police providing services, and I'm not -- I
commend the Polio Department. But I'm just saying we need more inspectors out there,
because i don't know what you can inspect fiir seventy-five dollars ($75). And Mr. Public
Works Director, I don't mean to beat on you at all, but give me the right numbers as to what
we're charging. and let's look at some of tliese, because there's an opportunity, f think, with
hudget and with Public Works to increase dramatically the fees that are being used in the area of
Public Works. The other arca that we have talked about ad infinitum is in the area of water and
374 July 19, 2001
sewer. Again, the area of fees, again, the area of sharing in the profit, or what would lie called
the utility franchise rate of return. The County is pulling in over forty million dollars
(540,000,000). it's our system. And 1 sincerely believe that there are smarter people than those
of us on this dais that are paid a lot more that ought to he able to sit down and figure out sonic
legal ways that we can share with the County in the overhead and indirect charges that are used.
They're our infrastructure. 'They're our streets. They're underneath our streets. it just seems to
me that we're leaving a lot of money on the table, and again, we need to negotiate this with the
County, or we need to do what the County is quick to do to us. And i don't think that's good
government, by the way. I don't think suing the County is good government. i think the County
suing the City is also not gond government. But YOU fight fire with fire. And we've been sued,
so 1 think the hall is now up to us. Are we going to return tire'' Mr. Attorney, have you all
looked into the solid waste -- I mean the water and sewer fees?
Mr. Vilarello: I think what you're referring, to is the County is receiving an equity charge -back
on their current fees. As you know. in the early '80s, the City transferred much of the
infrastructure in the City to the County. And 1 would suggest that you're correct. Some of that
equity charge -back that the County is receiving; is based on the assets that the City of Miami
transtb-red to the County. And the litigation is ready at this point to go forward.
Commissioner Tecle: Have we made a demand or a request? 1 mean, it's fine to litigate, but the
first thing; that federal Court late -- Federal jurisprudence teaches is, have you exhausted your
administrative remedies'? Have we made a request? Has this Board voted upon or has the
Manager forwarded to the County a request or demand for payment, a demand for (lees, a
demand for a share of the equity?
Mr. Vilarcllo: Commissioner, for in excess of two and a half'years, the City has been discussing
these issues with [lie County.
Commissioner Teele: Have we made a demand for payrnetlt'1
Vice Chairman Gort: No, sir. It's been the subject of discussion. There is no written
documentation of that, no wuitten IettCl' to the County demanding payment.
Commissioner Teele: And I would respectfully request, and at the appropriate time, I'd be
pleased to move or to follow the Attorney and your thinking, Mr. Manager, on the best way to do
this without creating a new crisis. But we need to move forward on this. The third area that is
very similar is the so-called PII-OT agreement, the Payment in Lieu of Taxes. You see, there are
a lot of things we can do before we just go to every homeowner and say, give me nine dollars
(S9) a house. And we need to shake every tree, and we need to ramble every bush to ensure that
we've done everything we can before we go back to the homeowners. Because, as you know,
Mr. Manager, for the first time since I've been in public office. I held a town hall meeting in
Model City, and the thing people were talking, about is they said their taxes are too high. And
I've never gone into the community that I've represented and that he one of the number one
issues. And so people are sort of tapped out right now. have we attempted, Mr. Attorney, to
remove the PILOT? The PILOT is the amount of money that the County has an agreement with
the City -- when was that agreement entered into'?
375 July 19, 2001
4I�111MY11I11
Mr. Vilarello: in the early '50s or'60s.
Commissioner Teele: In the early '50s and '60s, The County and the City sat down and agreed
that there would be a payment by the County to the City for certain fees in lieu of taxes. The
cost of public housing.
Mr. Vilarello: The PILOT is an acronym for "Payment in Lieu of Taxes," is what "PILOTT"
refers to.
Commissioner Teele: All right. So that agreement -- they pay us how much a year, about?
About --
Mr. Gimenez: It's not very much. i can get you the number.
Ms. Haskins: It's like -- it's so small. I think it might be -- not even fifteen thousand a year. I
don't think it's very much at all.
Commissioner Teele: No, it's --
Mr. Gimenez: It's somewhat more than that, but it's not real significant at all.
Ms. Haskins: It's very small.
Commissioner Tecle: Has the agreement been adjusted since the 1950s? Has the amount been
increased?
Mr. Vilarello: No, Commissioner. And according to an internal audit report that was issued
over a year ago, they owe the City in excess of a million dollars ($1,000,000). And there has
been a demand for that amount.
Commissioner Teele: Well that was just the money that they hadn't paid. But again, a real
PILOT, a renegotiated PILOT. And the point that everybody needs to understand is this isn't
money that costs the County, in many cases. This is money, in inany cases, that they can hill to
Federal HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) as a part of the block brant that
they receive for the cost of providing public housing. So it's a pass-through back to the Federal
government. The fire fee study indicated that the County public housing fee was well in excess
of two, going toward three million dollars ($3,000,000), as 1 recall. 1 may be --
Mr. Gimenez: It's fully loaded, yes. Right now, with the percentage that we have, it's over a
million dollars (S1,000,000).
Commissioner Tcele: 'that's what you're receiving now?
Mr. Gimenez: No, we're not receiving anything from public housing for the fire fee. They are
exempt because --
376 July 19, 2001
Commissioner Teelc: Yeah, because of the PILOT. But what I'm saying is, if you allocated
under that institutional use up there just the fire fee, if we were able to negotiate something with
the County, that would be well in excess of a million dollars, just for public housing. And so
what, you know, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez are saying, I'm in
agreement with. Before we go to the voters, before we bo to the taxpayers, before we go to the
citizens, we should do everything that we can to exhaust every resource to get the funds
reimbursed, based upon our expenditures. The final area is the so-called State of Florida Good
Neighbor Policy. I mean, we'r'e under a State Oversight Board. Have we received any dollars
from the state for payments in iieu of taxes under that voluntary plan'?
Mr. Gimencr: l don't hclieve so, sir.
Commissioner Teele: Did we submit a bill to them or estimate'?
Mr. Gimene7: I don't believe we submitted a bill, either.
Commissioner Tecle: We passed a resolution requesting that that be done. There's two or three
areas that you've touched upon. I'un prepared to support a resulution that requires that MSEA,
the DDA, the CRA, the Bayfront Trust and all other agencies be billed annually for the cost of
the legal services that are provided. I don't think there's any reason that we should not -- Well. I
think the real issue is not so much the netting to the City. It's a savings. but I think the real issue
is we need better -- not better, but. we need greater legal representation in a lot of areas. And
quite candidly, we'n cutting, and cutting, and cutting. And that's the kind of thing that winds up
costing you money. You can cut the Law Department staff budget by two positions or one point
five positions, or whatever that number is, but at the end of the day, you're going to wind up
paying for it on another cnd. And so I think one of the things that we should try to move to is
full cost accounting for legal services for the CRA, for the DDA. for all of the agencies that arc
provided on a cost reimbursable basis, you know, annually, on a retroactive basis, so that at the
end of the year -- It's going to require the Law Department to do more bookkeeping, like real
lawyers, in the sense of keeping that horrible hourly time sheet thing that all lawyers dread to
some extent, except the managing partners. But I do think that that's the kind of thing that we
have to look to. Finally, in this regard, 1 would be very interested in seeing three things. One,
what percentage of the proposed budget is salary and expenses, and what percentage of the
recommended budget is salary and expenses'? You know, I would assume that our salary and
expenses are somewhere fully loaded, three hundred -- what's your number'? 'Three twenty-
eight?
Ms. Haskins: The salary and expenses number? The one hundred and two and a hundred
accounts do not include what's in Risk Management, which are the pension costs and the health
care costs.
Commissioner Winton: Could I ask a question about that, Commissioner Teele? And then I'll --
Commissioner Teele: Yeah,
IIIIIZlII
377 July 19, 2001
Commissioner Winton: Is there a reason why we have particularly health-rclated costs in
something called Risk Management, instead of back in the departments where the cost really
belongs'? And w'e create this false thing called "Risk Management" that you can't -- you know,
you can't figure it out. You don't know what it really does. You don't know how much is
related to anything. I mean, Risk Management would be a dramatically different number if the
benefits package that goes to each employee fell back in the department that it comes from. I
mean these are -- 1 don't bet that.
Ms. Haskins: Perhaps the Finance Director can Answer that. The accounting convention that's
been done, I'm not sure why that --
Commissioner
Commissioner Winton: I didn't hear you.
Ms. Haskins: I'm not sure why that accounting convention has been established over the years.
Commissioner Winton: is it required?
Ms. Haskins: No,
Commissioner Winton: So if it isn't required, then maybe we ought to look at a new accounting
convention, so that we can look at these numbers and --
Ms. Haskins: There's no transfer -pricing period. For example, if you do -- if you look at some
of the (tisk Management costs, some of the insurance costs and that sort of thing, it's really
disproportionate to certain departments versus other departments.
Commissioner Winton: Well, you've answered the question fur now. And Commissioner Tecle,
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to -- I mean, that's something we need to deal with later.
Commissioner Teele: I'm about finished. But on that point, now, don't Fire and Police or do
Fire and Police, in the area of this, Risk Management, health, do they -- are they a part of that
pool? One of them is or one of them is not.
Mr. Gimenez: Are you talking about the group, the group health?
Commissioner Teele: Yeah.
Mr, Gimenez: The Police, I believe the Police Union runs their own group health.
Commissioner Teele: So would they be a part of the pool or not a part of the pool?
Mr. Gimenez: They wouldn't he part of the Risk Management pool at this point.
Commissioner Teele: Are they part of the health portion of the Risk Management deficit'?
378 July 11), 2001
•
Mr. Gimencz: They're part of the workers' comp., in terms of that side, yes. We have it oil
there. But they're not part of the group health benefits. They have their own.
Commissioner Tccle: I guess what would be helpful, to follow up Commissioner Winton's
question, is we could get a breakout of the various divisions of the Risk Management, of
workers' comp., of health. Is any of that unpaid leave? is that all workers' comp. and health?
Mr. Gimenez: No. The unpaid balances are the sick leave, vacation balances that are accrued by
employees throughout their career.
Commissioner Teele: Whore is that? Where is that liability hook, in what account'?
Ms. Haskins: 'file schedule gives you what's in Risk Management and what goes through there.
Commissioner Winton: But his question is, "Where are those?" Those are all in Risk
Management, right?
Ms. Haskins: Right. All of this is Risk Management. This is the Risk Management budget right
here.
Commissioner Winton: And if you look, Commissioner Tecle, at this schedule here, Risk
Management becomes the third largest department in the City. Well, it's totally misleading.
These costs that belong in departments ought to be -- Risk Management should be virtually gone,
except for the piece that's probably general liability. The rest of it that relates to individual
employee costs ought to be -- or even departmental costs -- ought to be put back in the
department. so we can look at this thing and sec where real costs are, instead of creating a third
largest department in the City.
Mr. Gimcnez: In the City, it's done back and forth from how we do the accounting.
Commissioner Tecle: Yeah. "'ell, let me just ask, Madan( Budget Director, can you provide us
with a breakout of the ten million dollars (1310,00o,000) of carryover or projected carryover for
this year by department? 1 realize that you're adjusting that number downwards to three million
dollars ($3,000.000), hased upon the case, et cetera, but what 1'd like to focus in on, department,
is the ten million dollars ($10,000,000) of anticipated carryover. How would you characterize it'1
Ms. liaskins: That was the projected surplus before this.
Commissioner Teele: All right.
Ms. Haskins: Ycs.
Commissioner Teele: Projected surplus, in "budgeteese."
Ms. I laskins: Yes, we have that.
379 July 19, 2001
Commissioner Teele: Cun we look at that? Because 1 think -- I think that is the starting point,
Commissioner Sanchez, for who's being square and who's being not so square on a departmental
by departmental basis.
Ms. Haskins: I believe a good portion of that was in revenues. There was a large settlement on
some grants that closed out that were one time.
Commissioner Teele: And --
Ms. Haskins: There's always on the revemte side, not on the expense side a good portion of it,
but we can give that to you.
Mr. Ginlenez: Also, Commissioner, when we did this year's budget, a lot of it was -- we looked
at the actuals for the previous year.
Commissioner 'feele: Right, %Xc did not look at what they had in the budget the previous year,
but what the actuals wetc, and we started basing our numbers on that. That's how we were able
to decrease their budget plus find that out.
Commissioner Teele: If 1 nlay, in conclusion, number one, I think we need to be very careful
about boxing ourselves in as we go into September. Commissioner Winton is right. We've not
had a time to digest these numbers. I think the presentation is clear, and I appreciate the level of
transparency, Madam Director, and "forthconlingtless," which has not always characterized the
City's budget in(i finance approach. And I commend you, Mr. Manager, for coming forth with
clear numbers. However, my concern is that we should not begin to make -- we should not begin
to draw lines in the sand about where we are going to be or not going to be until we can Fully
analyze the ramification of the court case, and get a little bit more in writing from the attorney.
in that regard, I think we need to try to keep as much flexibility as we can. I, for one, and
committed to the nlillage rate going below eight point nine at the end of the budget cycle in
September. I'm committal to more like eight point eight, and not maintaining tile eight point
nine. But I'm committed to a nlillage rate trine notice that is as high as two other people will
agree to, because 1 think it's important that we do keep the flexibility. If there is total, absolute
opposition to the fire Ice, then that puts even more pressure, because once you take the fire the
Off the table, now you really do have the problem. And Commissioner Sanchez, and
Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Winton, let me just say this: 11'
you like the Oversight Board, the best way to keep them in existence is don't have a balanced
budget this year, or have a budget that is so confused and NO full of hues in the sand that it gets
you in trouble in your five-year plan -- because, remember, our requirement is not to present just
a balanced budget this year. this wonderful hoard goes out ol'business on September 30'x', in my
opinion, if --
Commissioner Sanchez: Ilopefully.
Commissioner Teele: -- Nve have a five-year plan budget that's balanced thereafter, and
assuming the external auditors come back with a clean audit. So, I mean, we've got two
conditions over the condition that we all talk about, and that is a budget this year. We've got to
380 July 19, 2001
give them a balanced budget for five years, five-year plan, and we've got to give them a clean
audit for the current year that we're in. And that, of course, could take 60 days or i80 days,
depending up on a lot of issues. And so I think we should do our best to get the Oversight Board
and bet the City back into the frame of mind where we can help the community in the manner in
which we think is appropriate. The final issue that I'd like to make is this: 1 think the City has a
responsibility to help Homestead, and to he supportive of Homestead. We spend a lot of time in
these league meetings, and we're all with the Tali-rah-rah." I guess we'll pass something, for the
Citv of South Miami today, and all ol' that. But I, for one, would hope that we can at least
reserve sonic positions, sonic detailed positions, some opportunity to provide some support.
We've Lone through a very difficult process here in the City of!vliami. Homestead went through
a hurricane. Homestead has gone through a very difficult period. I, for one, am committed to
trying to huild a budget in which we provide the opportunity fcir the City N'lanager to send some
people to Homestead, and to work with them for a year, to assist them in providing support, as
the two Managers would agree. I think it's all fine to say, we're with you, buddy, and then, but,
You know, call its when it's all over. I'd like to be on record as saying that we should help
Homestead, and I intend in the beginning of the budget cycle to try to formulate a way that we
can be supportive to the City of Homestead in this very difficult period. And so, Mr. Mayor,
again, i started by saying this, I end by saying this: 1 would like very much to he supportive of
any initiative that you and the Manager or you and the outside professionals that you May call
upon prom time to lime. I think it's impot•tant that we have it united effort in this. This lawsuit is
an example of a lot of- filings, but it's clearly an example of the City, or:ce again, being; tatien
advantage of by the forces that sort of'--. "Big Brotl•.er," if you will. And I think we all know A4r.
Korge (phonetic), and the lawyers on the other side. And they're good lawyers, and they have a
long history and a long; record. And Mr. Attorney, i hope you intend to take this to the Supreme
Court.
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Outman. as it relates to the decisions that we're going, to have to
make short-term - Commissioner Tecle, I'm going to take your comments to heart. I don't
know vet, and I'm not making; any decision today about which specific steps w-e have to take
short-ierni. But I will also tell you, in sitting here, looking at these numbers and thinking about
what we're going through, this reminds me of all the days that I used to watch the City cif Miami,
long before I got here, during, essentially, file Cesar Odio reign, where every year, there was
only discussion about how you're going to continue to cut. And through mismanagement inti
cuts, we drove this City right into the ditch. And all of our neighborhoods, and all of its, as
Commissioners, are paying for the sins of the past dramatically. And that's the reason we're
working our rear ends off here, trying to recreate a good City. And 1, for one, am not going to
support, at all, a continuum of a focus on cuts, because that can -- that gets us right hack in the
mode where we can't mow the public rights-of-way, we can't repair sidewalks, we can't get the
leaves out of•the drainage, we can't get community policing guys out in the community, working
with the community. i mean, there's a million -- we can't get permits done, we can't get public
works stuff done, we can't provide services to the very people .hal are bringing us revenue today.
And those people are businesses, industry, new homeowners, the people that are moving into our
community. And I would hate to see us go into another round of just a spiral of cuts again. But
unfortunately, we're in a tough box that, frankly, no one here created. I mean, the Manager
didn't create it, the staff didn't create it, the Commission didn't create it, the Mayor didn't create
it. We're pushed into a box here created by a court decision. So that g=ets me to the Point that 1
381 July 19, 2001
really would like to focus on. and that's a longer-term view here. I know that we've all sounded
the mann numerous times on our five-year plan, and the fact that ycarb four and five in every
single plan we've looked at have always had negative balances. In a five-ycar plan, years Ibur
and live is not very far away. That's tomorrow. And I think that this crisis compels us to make
sonic tougher decisions about what kind of City we really want to have, and to look hard at the
services we provide, the way we provide those services, how we're organized, how many
departments we ha%c, what the makeup of departments are, and all of those kind of issues. .And
if you look at our overall budget, there's really two departments, Police and Fire. ,And I'm not
picking on Police and mire, but the real fact of the matter is that when you start looking at money,
the only place where the money is, is in Police and Fire, and rightfully so. I mean, that's where it
belongs. But it also means that if you're going to look at long term, hoxv your City is going to
operate, the first two places that you ought to always look are the places that have all the money.
Ili addition to that -- and so I'm going to make it point about that in a montenl. But we're also at
a kind of a unique juncture in that we have this crisis. 1 think we have an opportunity to re -look
at the Nvay we manage oui City. But we're also in the middle of contract negotiations with our
labor unions. Now. as an elected official, 1 can tell you, I have no Rica how our contracts tare
really valued. I don't know what kind of work rule regulations are ill contracts. 1 don't kno%k
how our salary packages for our employees compare to the marketplace, whether they're
underpaid, or paid at market, or overpaid. And I don't know all of the key ii;gredients or kcy
components to this contract negotiation that management's working on today. But it seems to
tile that given the circumstance that we're dealt with here, and the tact that we have it five-year
plan that, in spite of the significant growth that We've experienced in this City over the course of
the last three or four years, ai:d growth that's escalating, that we really have an obligation to du
an in-depth revic\v of how our City works So in that regard - and we're talked about this
several times in the past. In that retard, i think that we need to direct the City Manager -- and
we've dune this already, but \tip need to put sonic more teeth behind that directive. I think we
need to direct the City Manager to get money out ofour strategic reserves to hire the consultants
immediately that we need to do an in-depth analysis of both Fire -- I mean Police and Fire
Deparinicnts to -- not to -- and I'm not - and I want Police and Fire to understand this. I'm not
picking on Fire and Police. But in any business out there, in sonic period of time, whether it's a
five-year horizon or a ten-year horizon, you step hack and is -look how you're rimming your
business. And you analyze that business from top to bottom, to determine whether or not there
are new ways to do it, better ways to do it, new ways to engineer it, to make it tit whatever the
demands of your City or your business are, or your customers are in today's economic
environment. And I think that we need to direct the City Manager immediately to !tire the
consultants, as soon as he can, to begin that review process, bCcause that's going to tit -- The
decisions we're going to make within a week aren't going to have any hearing on this. This
won't solve anything, that we're going to be forced to decide within a week. But we're going to
deal with this issue again this next year, ill the next budget cycle. And so it's time to really look
hard at how -- And by the way, us it relates to Police and Fire, if the Manager decides that
there's another department big enough to warrant that same evaluation, I have no problem. We
ought to pick where all the money is. And I'm not suggesting liar a minute that he go look at
every single department. This two percent cut across the board, and three percent cut across the
hoard, and four percent cut across the board is absolutely the wrong way to go about it, because
there are strategic kinds of services that we avant provided, or maybe there is it service entity or
component that we're going to say we're going to cut by four percent right now that is, frankly, a
182 July 19, 2001
0 •
revenue generator, that gets more stuff out of the ground, more buildings built titster, more sluff
done that generates more revenue for us, not out of the taxpayer's locket, but by creating a larger
tax base. So I've never liked the concept of across the board cuts. 1 thought they were always
awful. But we don't have a lot of time, so that may be the only thing we can do today. But we
do have; an opportunity to look very hard and in-depth at the way our City does its business. So I
want to direct today -- and l hope I get support from the rest of the Commission, direct the City
Manager to move with all due haste in hiring the consultants to do the evaluations of the
departments he chooses, but among them have to be Police and Fire, because that's where all the
money is, and to do those in-depth analyses and evaluations, and report back to us as soon as he
can, in terms of ways the can -- and I don't want to overuse this term, but this -- re-engineer the
way we do our business that could he better for the departments, our cutployees and the
community. Secondly --
Commissioner Teele: Second the motion.
Mayor Carollo: There's a motion, there's a second. And --
Mr. Vilarello: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead.
Mr. Vilarello: This is a special meeting that has heen called with a specific purpose. We are
going to at one point adjourn this meeting and go into a regular Commission meeting.
Commissioner Winton: And then we could do that
Mr. Vilarello: Perhaps the motion would be more appropriate at that time.
Commissioner Winton: Fine.
Mayor Carollo: That's what I was going to mention.
Commissioner Winton: No problem. And let me go to my last point, then, and I will move all of
this, then, to the next pail, but I don't want to have to repeat it all. As it relates to the union
negotiations, I think that we have, as Commissioners, we've got -- as the policymakers, we're
ultimately going to be responsible for whatever conics out of these negotiations. And i don't
know where we an: in the negotiations. I don't know what the hot buttons are on either side. 1
don't know what the issues are that are in some of these contracts, frankly, that maybe we need
to -- particularly in light of this and in light of the fact that in three and four years, we're back in
the tank again -- we really need to look today, long and hard at how those contracts are
structured. And there may be items in those contracts, frankly, that we have to look harder at,
but we don't know. So l think also, I'm going to ask for -- and maybe -- l don't know if this is u
public briefing or an executive.
Mr. Vilarello: Florida law permits the City Commission to he briefed in an executive session
and to discuss all bargaining --
383 July 19, 2001
0 •
Commissioner Winton: Right.
Mr. Vilarello: -- with the negotiating team and the legislative body.
Commissioner Winton: So I will also ask for that during the regular :netting. And then finally,
as it relates to our employees, the biggest asset we have as a City is our employees. And while
during union negotiations -- and I've been there in those negotiations. 1 know how that process
works, and that's a different process than how we all work together when the negotiations are
done. Our employees are the biggest asset we have. Arid how we treat these negotiations -- and
['in serious when i say this -- I don't know whether or riot all of our employees are underpaid,
paid to market or overpaid. And we ought to know that. And we ought to be looking at ways, as
we're re-engineering our City to do everything that we can to create an environment in our City
where when Commissioner Teele stops on the street that all the employees are saying that this is
an exciting ,job, and I like working here 100 times better than I liked working at the County. if
we have a City that's made up of employees who arc ticked about their job, then I can tell you,
every single initiative that each of us are working on can go nowhere, because file public's
ticked, the business coinniunity's ticked, the people that want to build are ticked, we're ticked,
everybody's ticked. So how we treat our employees and how Nye structure that is crucial. But
being able to go back and re-evaluate and make decisions about how we want our City to operate
is our responsibility. So end of the point. I'm going to be -- remain very flexible in ternis of
what we do on this short-term thins, but I'nu going to focus long and hard on pushing for a real
evaluation of how we do business in this City, so that we don't have to have these discussions
about potential cuts, and cuts across the board, and all that jazz in year three, four and five in our
five-year plan.
Mayor C'arollo: Thank you, Commissioner,
Mr. Ginienez: C'omnnssioncr, as a point of information, we already have approved the
efficiency study for Fire. You've already approved that in this Commission. I'll have that
individual come in, visit each and every one of you to get your concern~, and then that individual
will bo off. and his group, and do the efficiency study for Dire. Police, I understand, is close to
coming back with an efficiency study for there, also, aguin. So, you know, we took the direction,
and this is something that was passed, 1 think:, a year ago, and we've been working on it.
Mayor Carollo: More than that, I think, yeah.
Mr. Girnenez: Yeah. We've been working on that fbr quite a long time.
Commissioner Winton: Wouldn't it have been nice if we
we gone to work on it a year ago, had it done by now,
board cuts, we might be talking about how we want to
better.
Mr. Ginlenez: I agree.
394
-- since we passed this a year ago, had
and instead of talking about across the
re-engineer our City so that it works
July 19, 2001
•
Commissioncr Winton: C'an't do an)lhing about that.
Mayor Carollo: 'Thank you.
Commissioner Teele: All right, Mr. Mayor.
Mayot Carollo: Let the record be clear that I've given the gavel Commissioner Teele to chair the
meeting while I speak, not to he used for anything other than that. Thank you, Mr. Manager.
You are correct, and i was going to bring this up without trying to push the administration. But
if I recollect, it was over a year ago that this body approved a similar motion to the resolution
that C'ommissionei Winton suggested. In fact, i was the one that asked the Commission to
approve it. And it asked that it would begin with the Police and Fire, and it would include every
single department within the City, so that we could have a study, an efficiency study of each
department that can show us where we could cut, how we could improve service in each
department. So the fact that you're saying we're close to getting the reports on the two
departments that carry 75 percent of our general fund. it's good news.
Mr. Gimenez: riot the report yet. We just got the consultant for Fire. Police has ,yet to come
here, has yet to bring me their RFP (Request for Proposals) for a consultant for them. But I
understand that they're close to doing that. Fire has already been approved by this Commission.
Mayor Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Mayor, could I ask a question about that?
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, of course.
Commissioner Winton: I'm not sure I understand that. And maybe there's nothing in your
statement, but you said, 1 think, waiting for Police to hire a consultant for them -- is that what
you said?
Mr. Gimene/: No. "They've got -- apparently, they've got -- they're close to a document of how
we go of with an RFP in order to get a consultant.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Mr. Gimener: I'm waiting for that document to hit my desk.
Mayor Carollo: But, truly, Mr. Manager, what 1 understood back then, that we were going to be
hiring governmental experts that were going to be the same ones doing it for every department. 1
don't bclic%e that you need someone that has expertise only in each individual department, so
that you end up with all kinds of different consultants that are doing this. I mean, this is done in
governments across the country, in large, medium-sized cities where one consultant that has
sutlicient expertise to look at departments, all departments is hired, and they go from department
to department. But this is something the Commission can decide on how they want to go about it
when they bring it to them.
385 July 11), 2001
IIOMM
0
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir. But there's no point in debating it right now, but there's other reasons
why there are some departments that need people that understand that, the way that those
departments do business across the nation. And --
Mayor Carollo: But they have expertise. t mean, they -- people like this that do this kind of job
for a living that deal strictly with government, they have sufficient people on their staff that have
expertise to deal strictly with Police. Fire or any other department that any City has. And 1 think
that would have heen a lot more cost-eflicicni for the City, and we would have gotten, I think, a
lot quicker results in doing it that way. But you are right, this is not the time to get into that now.
Mr. Gitnenez: Yes, sir.
Mayor Carollo: Let me go over a few of the things that were discussed here. And 1'd like to
thank each of the members of the Commission that gave ideas and expressed what their positions
were. First of all. 1 fully intend to conte to this body, as I've done in the past, with
recommendations and endrn sing or opposing different proposals. I will come to the Commission
with clear-cut recommendations, and I will sit down with the Manager and express my ideas to
him. I cannot, by Charter, give instructions to the Manager, because, in essence, the Charter
would provide that I present a budget, and it does not. It provides for the Manager to do that. It
would go against what the Charter states, that we cannot give any orders to any employee. So it
would be impossible for a Mayor that carutot give any orders to any employees to be able to
fornitilate a budget, unless he works hand in hand with the Managcr in providing ideas -- not
instructions -- to the Manager. But those ideas and suggestions I will certainly make very clear
and precise to the Manager. And we have sufficient time to conte back to this body so that this
Commission can make the best intelligent decision that it can with the most intorntation that it.
could have before it. 1 think, Mr. Manager, that you've heard that at least a majority of the
elected officials that are here -- let me rephrase that. At least half of the elected officials that are
here, myself included, are not in favor of the raising of any taxes or tees. So 1 think that you
need to come forth with at least two different proposals: Onc that will not include the raising of
any millage or fees; and two, a difierent one tial might include some fees to be raised, as you
proposed here. And as far as the millage rate, regardless if' we leave the general fund millage as
it is right today, without raising it, we are going to bet a slight decrease in the debt service
millage for the next coming year from approximately Ilio one point two eight that we now have
to approximately one point two one or so that it will go down to. We're talking about
approximate amounts right now. So even though right now, we have the total millage rate that's
the lowest that we've had in the last 50 years, if we leave the general find side millage the same,
it's still going to go down slightly more on the debt service side. I think that we have to look at
this in perspective. I, for one, do not feel that we have; as much of a crisis as some out there
might have portrayed it or thought that we do have. And let me explain to you why. First of all,
we do have a reasonable chance of'going before the Supreme Court of Florida and getting the
opinion from the Third DCA (District Court of Appeal) reversed. Now, while I have the utmost
respect for the 'third DCA, particularly the judges that ruled on this particular question, 1 believe
that they are wrong in this decision. And I think that we stand anywhere from a 30 to 40 percent
chance, at best, 50,50, if that, to reverse the decision of the Third District Court of Appeal. So
we still have that opportunity that's there. And maybe we might be as lucky as to hear from the
386 .lulu 19, 2001
—1I1101EVAf
0 0
State Supreme Court before September. However, where I feel certain that we're going to be
able to get 100 percent of the surcharge back will be once the legislature convenes again in
January of this year, we will correct the wording that in the way that the Third DCA requested or
suggested that it should be so that the state, legislature can pass the surcharge again, to he
implemented with the type of wording that ill courts -- the lower court, the Third DCA and the
Supreme Court would agree to. And 1 think that our possibilities of getting that done in January
arc about 99.99999 percent. I've been in touch with some of the key legislators that have led the
light for urs up there, and they're ready to present it the minute the legislature convenes. So what
we might have is that at most, we might have a three- to four-month period where we might lose
the revenue that we could take in on that surcharge. But atter that, it would be reinstated. In
fact, I see out in the audience Senator Silver, who is one of the key instrumental members of the
legis)uture that helped us get the surcharge passed. And not only do i want to thank you, but i
encourage you to take the front lines again, Ron. We're going, to need your liclp again, big time.
in January. And you could see how critical it is that we receive that help. So saying that, I think
you could see that things are not as gloomy as they might seem. But we do have to act in a
responsible way. We do have to balance the budget, not knowing many of the things that mighl
happen at the end. And at the same time, we do have the responsibility to deal with the present
day situation, not how it's going to he into the future. I think to balance the budget for this
corning fiscal year will not be as hard as it would be if we do not get the surcharge re -approved
by the legislature and then have to deal with oncoming years. But I think that knowing that our
chances are almost 100 percent of getting this (tone by the legislature in January, then 1 think that
relieves the situation for us a little snore into the out ,years. For instance, to give you an idea, in
the year 2006, even though we're being shown with a twenty-three million dollar (523,000,000)
deficit, the truth is that by the year 2006, the surcharge was estimated to be bringing, in
approximately eighteen million dollars ($16,000,0(10). So in essence, we were going to be five
million dollars (55,000,000) in deficit, which is a very small amount to do away with, because
we're not even taking into account so many things that would conic on board before 2006. For
instance, in the RFI' that we just put out for Watson island, one of the proposals alone is
proposing to brim; in a minimum, I understand, ol'some two million dollars ($2,000,000) a year
in revenue to the City of Miami. Minimum. So these arc the kind of new sources of revenue that
we will be having, before the year 2006 comes into play. But nevertheless, there are three things
that this City needs to keep on doing; One, we need to keep on cutting, as far as we can. And
we've done plenty of that, so !here's not a huge amount lett. But we're going to have to go into
the three to four percent area until the surcharge is re -instituted again, We need to look at new
sources of revenue. The bulk of them are not going to come in line until atter we approve this
budget. So we're not going to be able to take that into consideration for this fiscal year, but
sone of them could be taken into consideration possibly into the out years of the live -year plan.
And last but not least. we need to be realistic and look at privatising different functions of the
City. We have a responsibility. I'm not saying that we need to privatize this department or this
tinction. I'm saying that we need to look at it to sec what kind of savings we're going to he
having. So these arc the three steps that we need to he doing now and into the five-year plan so
that we can have the kind of balanced budgets into the future that we all want to see. And, you
know, ladies and gentlemen, let's put things in perspective. Five years ago, only live ,years ago,
this City had a 25 percent defrcil in its budget, over seventy million dollars ($70,000,000) in its
general fiund. There had not been a single building that had been built in the previous several
years, and only one major building that had been built in the previous lel, 15 years. The ►nillage
387 July 19, 2001
rate was high. Crime was very high. Today, it's an entirely different City. You have the lowest
millage rate that we have had in over 50 years. You have more construction of every kind that's
going on in Miami. all over Miami than at any other point in the City's history. In fact, more
construction going on now than in any three, four, even five similar periods. You have more
five-star hotels being built in Miami or that have been built than in any other city in the world
right now. I could go on, and on, and on and on. The crime rate that we have is the lowest since
1967. And while crime is Poing up in all the other major American cities, it's gone down in
Miami for the first hall' of this year alone, some 12 percent. So we have made great
improvements to where we were five years ago. And what this has represented to us has been a
hump, a large hump, but one that, based upon what I've explained, I think that could be corrected
fairly soon. However, I do want to state this for the record: if the State Supreme Court does not
rule our way. or 11' the legislature docs not change the wording of what they passed for us a
couple of years ago, then this will represent fir us a major obstacle. i won't call it a crisis, but a
major obstacle in our progress in moving fbr-ward. So these are the realities of what we're facing
today. I don't think anybody can say that this is not an entirely different City than it was five
years ago, I don't care what neighborhood you go into. Do we need to do a lot more'' Can we
do a lot more? You better believe it. But it's a much dil'Icrent City. livery time that I bo into
our neighborhoods, I see the difference. 1 scc the new construction. i see that places are a lot
cleaner than it used to be. And I hear from the citizens, themselves, and from the homeowner
associations, from just the regular citizen that just goes out to work, and doesn't have time to
belong to any group. But we have to act responsible as we go forward with our neat budget. But
at the same Buie, I think we have to look at things in perspective, and not to feel that we're in a
total crisis, because, frankly, we're not. Thank you.
Commissioner Tecle: All right.
Mayor C'arollo: One last item that I would like to say, and 1'd like to bring this up for discussion
once we come into the regular Commission niccling that we're going to deal with. The one item
that we do have to deal with, either today -- 1 suggest that it be done in the next few weeks -- is
place in a referendum in the November h"' ballot on the surcharge question. The state legislature
is going to want to sec that the residents of Miami have voted to approve a surcharge. And I
think that in order for us to get this passed in January, we need to have a referendum before the
legislature meets in January. So I would like to have this body discuss that and conic up with the
appropriate wording, so that in the November ballot, November 0"' ballot, we have the question
of surcharge as a referendum. This is critical to bet this passed by the legislature in January,
Commissioner Tecle: Mr. Mayor, let me say that I want to again join you on the issue of it
referendum. Mr. Attorney and the Clerk can advise us. There is a tight window. We have a
Charter Committee, which Commissioner Winton is chairing, and I think that we should refer
this issue to him, Itis committee immediately, so that there is no -- before they get finished,
finished.
Commissioner Winton: We're going to public hearing.
Commissioner Teele: But 1 think one of the things that we need to be careful about -- Now, I
know that you share my concern, because you've gone to a lot of meetings, and I commend you
388 July 19, 2001
for doing this, Mr. Mayor. But one of the things is that we need to make sure that we don't put
revenue issues on the ballot at the time we're dealing with issues relating to the police. And a
number of community leaders have suggested to me that that's something that they would be
very fearful of, of having a referendum that will be on the matter that we called the meeting at 6
o'clock on today. And so I just think that we ought to keep in our minds separating which
ballots are dealing with revenue issues versus public policy issues, because the organizations
have raised several concerns, and mane of them are coming in now from PULSE (People United
to Lead the Stntggle for Equality) and others that have expressed concern about not being on a
ballot when the City Commission has issues relating to revenue. Atul I want to just put that on
the record, because i support what you're saying, whether it's the November 6'h ballot or a
different one. I think it should be the Nu%enrber 6"' ballot. Whether or not there's a special
ballot in October, which I also support a special ballot.
Mayor Carollo: I would rather see it on a special ballot. The quicker, the better.
Commissioner 'I eele: So, 1 mean, you know, this may not be the exact time and place, but I
would just like to be on the record as saying I would suppoil your request for a November
referendum on the parking surcharge. I lowever, I would he much more inclined to support it on
a special election in October. along %%ith a series of revenue issues, and perhaps sonic policy
issues that may come over from the -- and 1 would like to keep an open mind, and ask you to
keep at,, open mind on having a special election at some point in October that is not -- you know,
like the second or third Tuesday in October. i don't want to have a referendum on a Thursday or
a Saturday, and I don't want to have one after -- a Tuesday after a Monday holiday, like after
Columbus Day. But any of those days, you know, any 'fuesday in November that doesn't follow
holiday, a Monday I would support, and I really do think we ought to look at that closely. And
Mr. Mayor, you know, these elections have a way of taking on life forms of their own, and
putting it ballot issue with a referendum -- I mean a reterendum on an issue of election of a
Commissioner or Mayor, people who could very well be for it wind up being against it, because
it's just politics to be against anything that raises revenue or does that. And I just would urge
you not to lock yourself in on that. And I'd like to see if you could support, maybe, the second
or third Tuesday, as we have a special referendtun. That gets us out of the current fiscal year and
into that. And if there's something on the -- on sports franchises, I mean, let's just put it all out
there. 1 think the people have a right, to sonic extent, to vote 1'61 some of this stuff it needs to
be vetted, it needs to be cleared, and it needs to be something that a majority of the Commission
can agree on the ballot question. But as a matter of policy, I want to join you again on that issue.
Mayor Carollo: I would see it more positiN cly to take it on even earlier. So I have no problem
with that. And if I could ask you, C'onrntissioner, the next phase before we come to the last part
that we have to deal with today, if you could chair that so that 1 could step out and handle sonic
things.
Commissioner Teele: .fust want to make sure it's not going to blow up. All right. Thank you,
Mr, Mayor. Tl►c meeting that was called for 3 p.m. relating to the parking surcharge is
adjourned, if there are no other matters, htr. Manager, Mr. Attorney you have on that issue.
Mr. Gimcnez: No, sir.
389 July 19, 2001
I
Co mds' 1116M Toole: Then the meeting stamis r4ouraed, and the condmi dots of$t N I eatin, ol'.
#j,,0t -Te is continued. That mating r�i►as:called`for *P.M Tice time is novo �ipt+rxinit�ft�ly
5. , acid t yield to theChairman, Commissioner Gort, who has contra in.
There being no further comments to earns before the Commission, the:opecial_ moeti ig d:
Miami City Commission was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
x ..0.awrrav ttT..hi'h�st�'w&a p C •��s..�d _
�ti
. kt+�F ,iYtxv,.t*1�aet�.,�i'c t'fi,v
' u �[., w.t�' xH.�� `��..¢;�3rn`f'i+�'wa',
is#�'E`4h`�:�{,�,'+$��s��y;�'s"'t 'A�X a��; "�':'� �`.w`'��k�„`' � ,�"��`:� .a � � �#'trc'it.F,"'r�r �"i: rr��s•u-�k.tnr+,s"4 ."�'�5"F.t� �°"a£+�ik�7t,3.y�,.Xs
i k •'if
{`s,y}ti(
�f'.-�i�
e('
-�:U.
x
jk`E+Al
�i
'��eY° taFfty '4�}
y " �t 'i.4
i2�y F=t"�
�f .M;ii�.F�y>�ub'
:��v �yp��
'3N, 4 �
3,sa
-
I
>�.Y
t}#Axr „.I
"'r ` 5 'r�"4u��i"tu�`iis ?'sat""i ksa4 s%rsSiv(`trxar -s [ f`'"!�
�
ati'3.
�4 m n-ol
z ✓t '' i, t :: �'..� - � * f "'<. t '�3',. x� ti z ..ir x� �# S' ix ,}.,ur #ode t�
F �
Y>
-�r1`�
Y
.�' y,-��: �a �w�t e. kms. ` �` wi 'k :v•.t� �,�s � u -..s::.
fl