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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1998-04-14 Minutes65. (A) MODIFY CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN HOUSING PROJECTS CATEGORY OF 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS --REALLOCATE MONIES FROM GREATER MIAMI NEIGHBORHOODS, INC AND TRANSFER TO MODEL HOUSING COOPERATIVE. HOUSING: APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR HOUSING PROJECTS -- FURTHER COMMISSION CONTINUES DISCUSSION REGARDING SCOPE AND PERFORMANCE LEVELS OF RECIPIENT ORGANIZATIONS. (B) HOPWA: APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) PROJECTS. (C) EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT: APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) PROJECTS. (D) PUBLIC FACILITIES: DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR BASIC TRAINING ORGANIZATION -- FURTHER DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE BUILDING AT 224 N,W. 12 STREET TO SAID GROUP WITH INTENT TO CONVEY OWNERSHIP (OF BUILDING) TO THEM -- FURTHER DIRECTING MANAGER TO LOCATE LARGER BUILDING FOR SAID GROUP AND TO COMMIT FUNDS TO PURCHASE SAID LARGER BUILDING GIVING BASIC TRAINING FIRST OPPORTUNITY FOR REPROGRAMMING -- FURTHER INSTRUCTING MANAGER TO ALLOCATE $50,000 ON EMERGENCY BASIS TO BASIC TRAINING -- SEE LABEL 65 H. (E) HOME INVESTMENT: APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) PROJECTS. (F) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER $225,000.00 FROM 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE FUND IN ORDER TO FUND APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LITTLE HAITI JOB CREATION PLAZA. (G) GRANT ADMINISTRATION: APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION PROJECTS. 222 April 14, 1998 (H) (i) CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS -- APPROVE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS WITH MODIFICATIONS FOR 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES -- SEE LABEL 65D. (ii) MODIFY CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS -- TRANSFER $250,000.00 FROM FIRE -RESCUE PROPOSAL No.6 TO COMPLETE RECREATION CENTER AT VIRRICK PARK, CONDITIONED UPON APPROVAL OF FIRE ASSESSMENT FEE. (I) (i) SOCIAL SERVICES: MODIFY CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS PROJECTS. (ii) AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL TO USHUD OF CITY OF MIAMI'S FY 1998-1999 PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED PLAN INCLUDING PROJECTED USES OF FUNDS -- FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) / HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP / EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT / HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS. (J) DIRECTIVE TO PRESENT CORRECTED CITY OF MIAMI FY 1998- 1999 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AT THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF MAY 12, 1998. (K) DIRECTIVE TO HIRE OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS TO REVIEW PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, guys. We are now on item one, Community Development Project Funding. Mr. Manager. Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): Mr. Vice Chairman at your meeting of March 19th, you... Mr. Joel E. Maxwell, Esq. (Interim City Attorney): Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Excuse me. Mr. Maxwell: Excuse me, Mr. Manager, may I? I believe this is a continuation of the meeting of March the... Ms. Linda Kearson, Esq. (Assistant City Attorney): That's what we are doing, Joel. Mr. Maxwell: Yeah. You need to actually convene that meeting. Vice Chairman Plummer: I am reconvening the meeting of March... Mr. Maxwell: loth. Vice Chairman Plummer: March the 10th. Am I correct now? Ms. Kearson: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: Then let's proceed. 223 April 14, 1998 Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Nineteen. March 19th. Vice Chairman Plummer: March 19th. Thank you. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: You continued the March 19th public hearing which is a continuation of an earlier meeting. Commissioner Regalado: Excuse me. Mr. City Manager, are we going to take the issue of the "Ocean Freeze" the ship that... Are we doing it now? Are we going to do it now or later on? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Obviously we have to bring it out of pocket to be done... Vice Chairman Plummer: What? Hey, wait a minute. Hold on now. We are getting 14 meetings going from Sunday. Mr. Regalado, your question again, and let's get an answer. What was his question? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: There is an item that's not on the agenda for today that... Vice Chairman Plummer: And what is the item? Commissioner Regalado: It's about a ship. Vice Chairman Plummer: About the what? Commissioner Regalado: A ship. Vice Chairman Plummer: A ship? Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Vice Chairman Plummer: What ship? Mr. Christina Cuervo (Assistant City Manager): The... Commissioner Regalado: The "Ocean Freeze." Ms. Cuervo: It's the removal of the "Ocean Freeze" from the... Vice Chairman Plummer: That's not on the agenda. That's not before us right now. I have to reconvene the meeting of March the 19th. If Mr. Regalado would want to do the "Titanic" we can do it after we're finished. All right, now... Commissioner Regalado: I'll tell you something, today is the 86th Anniversary of the "Titanic." Vice Chairman Plummer: Who gives a damn. Let's move on. Commissioner Regalado: People that went to movies, does. Ms. Kearson: You have to adjourn today's meeting before you can reconvene the other meeting. Vice Chairman Plummer: I... I move to adjourn today's meeting and now reconvene the meeting of March the 19th. Now, am I in order? Mr. Maxwell: Did they adjourn the last meeting? 224 April 14, 1998 Ms. Kearson: Yes, they adjourned the last meeting. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, all these people that are talking behind me... Oh, hello, Mr. Mayor. I think he got the hint. All right, Mr. Manager, would you proceed, please? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Yes, sir. On March 19th, you continued the hearing concerning your allocation of Community Development Block Grant monies to this meeting and you directed us to request an extension from the Department of Housing and Urban Development which we have done. I will ask Gwendolyn Warren to make the presentation of where we are at this stage in terms of the changes that have been made and our recommendations pursuant to your instructions. Vice Chairman Plummer: Proceed. Ms. Gwendolyn Warren (Director of Community Development): Commissioners, at the meeting, as the City Manager has indicated, at our March loth meeting you accepted staff recommendations for award of funds. You further, I am sorry, continued the meeting to the 19th. At... on March 19th, staff made some revised, minimal but revised recommendations to you as a result of the discussion that was held here on March 10th, and the... what staff would do is, re -present the revised recommendations. Again, the meeting from the 19th was continued to today. One of the areas of concern, or issues of discussion at your March 10th meeting, was the Commission's desire to include new agencies and/or new program activities under social services, public service category. The concern raised by the Commission and others is that we have continued to fund other agencies for an extended period of time and there has been a moratorium or at least a perceived moratorium on the funding of new agencies. Also at that meeting the Commission expressed the desire that if... Vice Chairman Plummer: Can I stop you, please? Let's take the non -controversial first, which is everything other than the Social Service Programs. Ms. Warren: OK, Housing. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, Housing. Ms. Warren: The Commission at the same meeting indicated a desire to increase funding in the housing category and directed the staff to review our funding recommendations. Staff is recommending an increase of three hundred and fifteen thousand dollars ($315,000) in the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) housing area. We are recommending that those funds come from two sources. One currently in your prior years you did not use your available administrative cap under your HOME program. The... There are four agencies that are being funded both under CDBG and HOME who are eligible for administrative funding under the HOME program if you so desire. If you approve staff recommendations to implement administrative program in HOME, that would free -up two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000). Additionally, we are recommending that the additional hundred and fifteen thousand dollars ($115,000) come from our public facilities allocation. Vice Chairman Plummer: Any question by any members of the Commission in reference to the housing recommendations? Are there any recommendations from the Commission in reference to Housing recommendations? Members of the public who wish to speak to the Housing recommendations. Reverend John White for the record, give us your name and mailing address. Reverend John White: Reverend John White, mailing address 245 Northwest 8th Street, Miami. 225 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: What item under Housing are you speaking to? Reverend White: Mr. Chairman, and Commission, I have got several questions here and basic... my basic concern is about item 22. And... Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-two under Housing. Reverend White: Right. But I want to understand the rationale. Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-two under Housing is BAME. B-A-M-E Development Corporation. Reverend White: That's correct. I want to understand the rationale, Mr. Manager and Mr. Mayor and the Commissioners that... I understand that you said some has come... to apply for HOME money, but to my amazement, and I hope I am wrong today. I am trusting that I am wrong. I see some of the agencies and CDC's (Community Development Corporation) who are not from Overtown and some other communities are getting administrative money, and it appears to me that the Community Development that's in Overtown have all been shifted to the HOME money. I want to understand the rationale, because it appears to me there is some devious unfairness in that process. Unidentified Speaker: Amen. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ms. Warren. Reverend White: I can... Let me raise them for you. Look at page one. Number three Edgewater's Economic Development is still getting fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) Economic Development money. Coconut Grove Local Development is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Are we going to ship all of them to HOME, let's ship them all to HOME. If we are using administration... I am looking over here at administration. Give me some clarity. Ms. Warren: Sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Miss... Hold on. Commissioner Gort: Mister... Vice Chairman Plummer: Ms. Warren, if you would answer the question. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Gort's first. Commissioner Gort: One of the things that I asked of staff because there is misconception. I want to make sure we clarify every bit of it. I wanted to... Staff, if you all don't mind, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. Staff displayed the allocation of the funding, the percentage that is allocated to the funds according to the different neighborhoods that qualified for it. At the same time I requested that when staff come back, they will not only tell us how do we get the funding allocation from the federal government according to the percentage per neighborhood, and how much they are actually getting in the past and today. Because I think that it's very important we all understand that. Ms. Warren: OK. 226 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Surely. Ms. Warren: I think we are talking about two separate issues, and to address the gentleman's questions first. The issue was that we have a variety of agencies who have requested some administrative support. All of the, in the prior years under our CDBG consolidated plan, all administration for Housing programs came out of our CDBG Housing Program. What the Commission directed is that there be some increases in funds, administrative funds available to those people who are making application. You did it for two reasons. One, apparently, there is a policy that we are trying to confirm with the County that some of our CDC's were no longer receiving financial support from the County and they were involved in housing programs in the City and they had been impacted by the new City policy. So your request was two things. One, is there more administrative funds available for housing projects, irregardless of the source of funds? And secondly, was it true that the County had implemented a policy that it impacted our community or CDC's ability to administer funds? The first task that we took on was, is there any more additional administrative monies we can put on the street. The answer after working with the staff was, yes. Where do we get the money? Apparently, on your prior years, under the HOME program, the legislation allows for us to receive, to use... up to five percent of the HOME allocation for administration. Under your previous programs, you have never done that. That made the maximum available to us of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). The recommendations or the allocation that we were looking for in terms of the County impact and the increase in funds was approximately two hundred and fifteen thousand dollars ($215,000). What we did was, we are basically recommending that you implement an administrative procedure to allow administrative cost under your HOME program. Then what we did is, given all the agencies who were applying for administrative resources, we identified at least four agencies who were also being funded under HOME. What we did, is we shifted them, if you approved the recommendation so that they will receive their administrative funds from HOME versus CDBG. Nobody's fund is being reduced. We identified a different way to fund the administration, thus allowing us to increase the administrative allocation as a result of the County no longer providing administrative funds to City of Miami organizations. So that's what we did. Vice Chairman Plummer: Reverend White does that answer your question? Ms. Warren: And there was no game involved. Reverend White: I think the bottom line... I think the bottom line that we are concerned with in the community, that the funds are not being lost. If it's coming from HOME money, I don't want to come back when we apply for HOME, you tell you don't have money. And that the five percent is much difficult to obtain under HOME money than it is under the CDBG funding. I understand there is more... there is 20 percent of your HOME of your CDBG money can be used, and I think Commissioner Teele said, we are going to reduce that to 18 percent to make sure we have got some kind of leverage in that process. Commissioner Teele: Commission didn't agree. Reverend White: OK. Oh, Commission didn't agree. Ms. Warren: OK, we are talking about two different issues. Reverend White: I want to understand and my understanding is to make sure these agencies, and these Community Development Agencies that have been shifted to HOME money... Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. 227 April 14, 1998 Reverend White: ... it appears to me that you all have deliberately went through it, identified who possibly can generate HOME money. But obvious to me, St. John has been shifted BAME has been shifted. And I just don't want to make sure, I don't want to leave here today with a bad taste in my mouth to understand that we selected certain groups and that to shift over the HOME versus the CDBG funding. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Chairman, if I understand it correctly, I have no problem, as long as the allocations are not reduced and that the monies are still there, but I understand the process. Thank you. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Do you have anything further to say, Ms. Warren. Ms. Warren: No. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman on that issue. Reverend White: Thank you. Commissioner Teele: Before Reverend White leaves, I think it's a dangerous argument to start looking strictly on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. Vice Chairman Plummer: I agree with that. Commissioner Teele: I think it's a very dangerous... And I think that the Commission needs to try to have a rough justice approach and look at this in a balance because it's not going to work on an arithmetic expression. However, as it relates to the issue that is at hand, I am not certain that Reverend White was responded to. Ms. Warren: OK. Commissioner Teele: Specifically... And specifically, Ms. Warren, as it relates to item number 22, not item 23. Twenty-two. The BAME Development Corporation of South Florida... Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: ... currently has a fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) allocation, OK? Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: ... in the current year. Virtually for administrative costs. Not program costs, but administrative cost. Ms. Warren: Absolutely. Correct. Commissioner Teele: Virtually, every existing CDC that is involved in housing, starting with number one, Allapattah, Florida Housing, Edgewater, the first three. The next one that got... has a current allocation is number eight, Little Haiti. And then, East Little Havana which gets one hundred thousand. That the first one to get the hundred. But virtually every organization CDC that is getting an administrative allocation was funded in a continuation. The only one that I know that were not funded is St. John and BAME. Those are the only two. Ms. Warren: That's not true. Commissioner Teele: Now that's a fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) problem, in all fairness, Dr. White. And so what I am saying here is, that this could be an oversight. But there is 228 April 14, 1998 absolutely... There is absolutely no independent rationale when you are saying CDC administration... CDC administration for CODEC, for every organization in here that was previously funded, with the exception of St. John. I am not talking about St. John. I am not talking about BAME's administrative... non -administrative funding, but their administrative funding on line 22. Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: Now what I need to understand is the same question that I raised before. How do we justify not funding those two organizations for administrative funding? Ms. Warren: We don't. And that's not what I am doing. We have organizations that are funded out of both programs. Both CDBG housing and HOME housing. In the past, you have chosen to only provide administration out of CD (Community Development). We identified those agencies or organizations that are eligible for administration out of HOME. So instead of giving them their fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) out of CD, we gave them their fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) out of HOME because they are eligible for it. The others weren't moved because they are not eligible because they don't operate HOME housing projects. Commissioner Teele: They don't operate what? Ms. Warren: HOME funded programs. If they do, then they are eligible for administration. So, the difference being, that those who will only have CD programs, we couldn't fund their administration out of HOME. Those who have both, we could. So we just shifted the source of the administration. Reverend White: I understand. I understand. I understand. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, I am going to ask all of you please, to come in and have a seat. There is a lot of seating available. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, but I want the record to be very clear, Mr. Chairman. That to my knowledge, and I mean, I am not picking out these two organizations because of where they are. Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: But, but when I look through this, every organization that is currently getting money, the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Now, you have got East Little Havana that gets one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: But every organization that is currently getting fifty thousand dollars for administration, without exception, Allapattah, Florida Housing Co-op, Edgewater, Little Haiti Housing, East Little Havana which is getting one hundred thousand Ralph Fernandez is getting fifty thousand, I am talking about currently. They also are getting the same amount in the next year, except East Little Havana went from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand. CODEC is getting fifty. Urban League is getting fifty. St. John's is getting fifty. They dropped out, and BAME. And I just... Greater Miami Neighborhoods goes from fifty to one hundred. And that's the whole housing... Those are the only two. Now, I just need to understand very clearly. I am slow, so tell it to me one more time. Ms. Warren: OK. 229 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Yeah. Commissioner Teele: These organizations are different from all the others in what way? Ms. Warren: The organizations that we are recommending be funded out of HOME operate HOME Housing programs. Commissioner Teele: Tell me what is a HOME Housing Program? Ms. Warren: They get their funding for their brick and mortar and other kinds of resources from the HOME grant versus the CDBG housing grant. Or they do both. Commissioner Teele: Miss, Miss... Ms. Warren: They have applications under both programs and have been approved. Commissioner Teele: Ms. Warren and I don't, I... You are a brilliant lady and I accept your answer as being an honest answer and one in good faith. Ms. Warren: The best I can. Commissioner Teele: But, but just hear what I am saying. I read out the name of every organization that is getting funding. There are only two that are not getting the fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) administrative. Those two are Greater Bethel. I am sorry, BAME and St. John. Those are the only two that are currently getting it, that aren't getting. Now, now, what really bothers me. Ms. Warren: I don't understand. Commissioner Teele: And I have an easy question for you. But what really bothers me is then we start funding organizations that I have never heard of before. Ms. Warren: That's not true. Commissioner Teele: Like Jubilee. Ms. Warren: Sir, they are being recommended for funding. Everyone you just read. That's what I said. Everything that I read is currently getting funded and is recommended for funding. Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Teele: The only two that are in that category, the only two, are BAME and... Reverend White: And St. John. Commissioner Teele: St. John. Vice Chairman Plummer: For the fourth time. Ms. Warren: I guess, I am confused. Maybe you could help me. Commissioner Teele: Now, your staff is saying, no. I am talking now, about administrative funding that were previously funded... 230 April 14, 1998 Ms. Warren: OK. Commissioner Teele: ... that are not being recommended for funding this year out of CD. Ms. Warren: We did not change our recommendations. We changed the source of the funding. If you go to page 14, they are being recommended. Commissioner Regalado: Excuse me. But, also, Allapattah and Florida Housing are getting money from HOME programs. That's it. It's on page 14. Ms. Warren: OK. Commissioner Teele: But that's not administrative. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, it is. Ms. Warren: Yes, it is. Commissioner Regalado: It says CDC Administration. Allapattah Business Development Authority. Florida Housing Co-op. St. John's and BAME. Ms. Warren: It's page 14 of 15. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Page 14 of 15. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Commissioner Teele: Where? Commissioner Regalado: Page 14 of 15. Commissioner Teele: So Allapattah is going from... Commissioner Regalado: CDBG to HOME. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: HOME. Ms. Warren: Yes. Commissioner Teele: Wait, wait, wait. Where is Allapattah on here? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Here, here. Ms. Warren: It's item five on page 14 of 15. We only changed the identity of the funds. We didn't change the funding levels. Commissioner Teele: No, on the other, on the other one. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is the matter resolved or not? Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, one question while Commissioner Teele looks for it. One question, when you mention again, the fact that the County is not funding any programs, and this has been said here by community leaders. I wrote a letter to County Manager Merrett Stierheim asking him about these rumors. 231 April 14, 1998 Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Regalado: I have not had a response yet. I know he's pretty busy. But is this for real? Is really the County... Because if it's... if this is real then all of these people and ourselves should be at the County meeting next week. Because, you know, there are seven Commissioners who has elections in September and they have to heed the call of the people. And you know, they represent, most of them represent five Commissioners in the City of Miami. Ms. Warren: Sir, the only thing I can tell you is that several of our agencies have said that it is true. We, the City Manager authored a letter to the County Manager asking for clarification, and discussing the impact that it was having on our agencies programs and talking about a spirit of cooperation. I do not know what the official response has been. But I know that administration has inquired also and that we do not have a con... I do not personally know of a confirmation, but our agencies have indicated that that has occurred in significant numbers. Commissioner Regalado: Well, if that is the case, then we should move this meeting sometimes to the County Commission, because, I mean, they represent us, they have responsibilities. Ms. Warren: Again, that's why we were directed, I felt, to come up with the money to offset the loss to some of our agencies to ensure that the level of housing development in our affected communities would continue. And that was what our efforts were about and it wasn't to mislead anybody. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there any further questions... Ms. Anita Rodriguez Tejera: Can I...? Vice Chairman Plummer: ... in reference to housing? Ms. Tejera: I was just going to add the County guidelines that preclude in entitlement areas. Vice Chairman Plummer: What's your name and address for the record, please? Ms. Tejera: Anita Rodriguez Tejera, from East Little Havana CDC. Vice Chairman Plummer: If you'll back up a little bit. Ms. Tejera: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you. Ms. Tejera: In particular, in prior years, the County has supported all the housing activities in the City of Miami through HUD guidelines that stipulate that if the projects have County -wide significance they can fund the organizations out of CDBG. Last year they changed and made that more restrictive. And what they did is, they stated that unless the projects demonstrate County -wide significance by serving fifty percent of the residents in the unincorporated Dade areas of Dade County within the City projects, if we cannot demonstrate that, then they will not fund any of our projects. And in effect, we do serve County -wide residents, but we cannot demonstrate that 50 percent of the units are going to unincorporated Dade parts of Dade County. And that's the new reg that they have put in place that precludes the CDCs and all of the other organizations from receiving CDBG funds from the County. 232 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: That term of art should be metropolitan significance, not county -wide. What? Did they use county -wide or metropolitan? Ms. Tejera: Metropolitan significance. Commissioner Teele: Yes, that's the term. Well that's the answer Mr. Manager, we have asking your staff repeatedly, have they put anything out? I would like to get a copy of it. Because that's not the test of metropolitan significance. Ms. Tejera: It is. Commissioner Teele: That is not the test. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, anybody else wishing to speak to the issue? For the record, your name and address please? Ms. Bernice B. Butler: I am Bernice Butler with DEEDCO, 141 Northeast 3rd Avenue in downtown Miami. We, DEEDCO submitted a request for funding in this year's CDBG for three housing projects. Number 36, 38 and 39. None of the three were funded. Two of the projects, the two housing projects are in downtown Miami. Brock Tower Downtown Condominiums for mod -income families as well as the Miami River Village. We have been advised by staff that these are eligible for home funding, and that is fine with us. We do however, have a concern, item number 36 was our request for administrative funding to which we received none. Our concern is, that we are an extremely productive organization. DEEDCO has produced, or co - produced over 950 units of affordable housing in the last four years, a number of which were in downtown Miami by way of the Olympia Building. So we do have a demonstrative track record of productivity and we actually need administrative funding to carry through and to develop the two projects that we have put forth in downtown Miami for which we will be in the realm of HOME funding. So I am here to ask you to reconsider giving DEEDCO administrative funds for our projects. And with that, I'll leave it in your hands. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker. Name, mailing address and you have two minutes. Reverend Barrett Coachman: I am Reverend Barrett Coachman, I am with Basic Training. We reside at 900 Northwest 7th Avenue. If you will refer to page six, document number 21. We have asked for four hundred and six thousand dollars ($406,000) to properly run our program. We see that you have recommended fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The monies that have been recommended for the Basic Training Program is not adequate to meet our emergency needs. We currently house about 60 men where we do not have any form of adequate housing. We are packed like sardines. And we are just basically, sir, asking that you reconsider your recommendation of the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, sir. You are talking about, under Housing, correct? Reverend Coachman: Correct. Vice Chairman Plummer: Item 21. Ms. Warren: Actually, staff recommendations is that it be funded under the Homeless Trust. Commissioner Teele: What page is that on? Vice Chairman Plummer: That's correct. 233 April 14, 1998 Ms. Warren: And not... Vice Chairman Plummer: You are not recommended for homeless... for any funding whatsoever. Ms. Warren: It's page six of fifteen, number 21. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Page six... Commissioner Teele: No, where is the Homeless Trust? Huh? Vice Chairman Plummer: The Homeless Trust. Commissioner Teele: What page is that on? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Six. Ms. Warren: Six of fifteen. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, I see that. I want to see where is the Homeless Trust. Vice Chairman Plummer: Where is the Homeless Trust money? Ms. Warren: We do not administer the Homeless Trust fund monies. Reverend Coachman: Oh, OK. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, but... Ms. Warren: We are recommending that it not be funded, I guess, is the bottom line. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, but I thought in the... in the last round that was a requirement of... there was a twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) under the Homeless... Ms. Warren: ESG (Emergency Shelter Grant). Commissioner Teele: Huh? Ms. Warren: The Shelter Grant. Commissioner Teele: Where is that? Vice Chairman Plummer: Way down. Ms. Warren: Page three. Commissioner Teele: Page what? Ms. Warren: Page three. Three of fifteen. We are recommending twenty-five thousand. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, because see, he's got some bad information. Ms. Warren: It's just under another program. 234 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Ms. Warren: OK. Commissioner Teele: And he's said he's been recommended in the Homeless Trust, and you are not being recommended in the Homeless Trust. You are being recommended... Reverend Coachman: Recommended... Commissioner Teele: in the... Vice Chairman Plummer: Social. Ms. Warren: Shelter Grant. Commissioner Teele: Homeless Shelter Grant. Reverend Coachman: OK. Ms. Warren: But it is being recommended at a twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000) level. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, next speaker. For the record, give us your name, mailing address and you have two minutes. Mr. Perkins. Mr. David Perkins: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: You are not next. Mr. Perkins: Uh-huh. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Godoy is next. Mr. Perkins: Oh, All right. Mr. Robert Godoy: OK. My name is Robert Godoy. I am the Executive Director of Model House Corporation. My address is 780 Northwest LeJeune Road, Suite 3. First, I am talking about page six number twenty-four and page twelve of fifteen. We make a request. I don't want to talk about... We made two requests, one for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and the other for ninety-nine thousand dollars ($99,000). First on page twenty-four, I want to thank you, the Commissioner for recommending fifty thousand. Now, the reason I am here is because we were before granted by the County, but because we are in the City, the County cutoff for... they gave us last year, one hundred forty-one thousand dollars ($141,000) and they cut off because we are in the City of Miami and that is the reason. The only thing I am requesting now, if... if it's possible that... I request ninety-nine thousand dollars ($99,000) if the City can recommend sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). The only thing I am requesting is ten thousand dollars more to cover and, like the County costs our organization ninety-nine thousand dollars ($99,000) and that is the reason I am asking for... sixty dollars ($60)... sixty thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. Anyone wishing to speak to the housing issues? Commissioner Teele: What number was that now, Mr. Godoy? Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-four. 235 April 14, 1998 Mr. Godoy: Number... number 24. Commissioner Regalado: Twenty-four. Twenty-four. Mr. Godoy: Twenty-four. The other I am not so concerned because I am going to make another application to the City in the future. My concern now is with number 24, if it is possible, I will request instead of fifty, sixty thousand. I am not requesting now the ninety-nine. I am requesting sixty, if it's possible. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker, please. Mister... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I am not sure... I need to understand what he's saying. Mr. Godoy is a very important... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, sir. Mr. Godoy make yourself clearer, please. Commissioner Teele: No, it... Commissioner Regalado: Can I? Can I? Commissioner Teele: Is your request simply on line 24 to go from fifty thousand to sixty thousand? Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Mr. Godoy: Yes, that is correct. Commissioner Teele: That's your bottom line. Mr. Godoy: Yes, that is my bottom line. But the ideal will be ninety-nine, but I know how... My bottom line is sixty thousand. Commissioner Teele: It would ideal if it was ninety? Vice Chairman Plummer: Yeah. Mr. Godoy: No, my ideal will be the ninety-nine, but sixty will be fine. Commissioner Teele: Thank you, Mr. Godoy. Mr. Godoy: OK, thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: The next speaker that wishes to be heard on housing. Your name and mailing address, please? Mr. Perkins: My name, David Perkins... Perkins. And I live at 220 Northwest 15th Street. Vice Chairman Plummer: You have two minutes, sir. Mr. Perkins: All right. I am sorry, but in the Overtown area while you all talking about this here money supposed to be going, it is ashame to be letting these people get these grants and lie and the grants are actually not being put in the homes in Overtown. There is a... quite a few people living in these little raggedy shacks, rats and roaches in them. Now on Northwest 20th Street they are supposed to be fixing up those projects there but so far, it has not been put back together 236 April 14, 1998 which is running from Northwest 18th Street to Northwest 20th Street, and from Northwest 3rd Avenue over to Northwest 5th Avenue. That project there, ain't nobody living in it and it's been fenced off there. When are you all going to open that up and put some money in there to help get some people off the street to have somewhere to live in there? That's what I want to know. Where is the grants at? Vice Chairman Plummer: Where is the what? Mr. Perkins: There have been promises, the grants that supposed to have been put out there. So far, ain't no grants been put out there. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's the project on 20th Street. Mr. Perkins: If it were, it will have somebody living in there now. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ms. Warren, can you answer the question? I assume he's talking about the projects on 20th Street and 3rd Avenue. Ms. Warren: Yes. Mr. Perkins: That's right. Twentieth Street and 3rd Avenue... Vice Chairman Plummer: Itsn't that a County deal? Mr. Perkins: Third Avenue over to Northwest 5th Avenue. Vice Chairman Plummer: Sir. Mr. Perkins, you will have to ask the County to answer that question, sir. It's under their control. Mr. Perkins: I know. They had it here. Vice Chairman Plummer: I am sure they did. They love to throw the hot potato. Mr. Perkins: Yeah, but somebody is lying to you. Vice Chairman Plummer: You are not lying, that's for sure. Mr. Perkins: I know. Vice Chairman Plummer: Your name and address for the record, sir. Mr. Humberto Sanchez: Yes, Humberto Sanchez, 1699 Coral Way. I am the project manager... Vice Chairman Plummer: You have two minutes, sir. Mr. Sanchez: ... for East Little Havana CDC. Commissioner Teele I happen to be analyzing the guideline that you are talking about. Vice Chairman Plummer: Uh, it's been a long day. Mr. Sanchez: I'll be more than happy to volunteer and provide it to the County Manager, I am sorry, I mean the City Manager and all the Commissioners, tomorrow if you like, sir. Commissioner Teele: Thank you. 237 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker. Mr. Doug Mayer: My name is Doug Mayer. I am with Jubilee Community Development. The address is 2828 Coral Way. I am speaking regarding page eight of fifteen, item number forty- three. We had requested two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for a project called the Jubilee Villas. It's a condominium project in East Little Havana. We had received a recommendation from the CD (Community Development) Advisory Board for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for this project and we have no City staff recommendation. They have suggested HOME funds. I would ask that you reconsider and try to find the one hundred thousand that we had been recommended from the Advisory Board, basically because we are going to be going to the County for matching money and unless the City puts in some dollars, we won't be successful in getting those. So we'll appreciate your support in that. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Anyone else wishing to speak to the Housing portion of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)? I'll close that portion of the hearing. Is there a motion? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: I would move the staff recommendations for the purpose of discussion. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is a motion to accept staff's recommendation. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is a second. Under discussion. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, first of all I would note that Jubilee Community Development Corporation which is number 44, is the only organization that I see on this whole list that wasn't funded last year at all is getting fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Now, the groups that I am charged with representing are getting zero in this category, and you talk about licking the plate, you know, but I am not going to challenge the Manager's recommendation on anything. I would ask that the staff work very closely with the two organizations or the three organizations including Allapattah, I think, that are moved over to ensure that the rules in no way put them in a hardship. In other words, sometimes when you move from CD to another program there is some unique rules that no one have really thought about and our intent is to try to hold them harmless and there are no unintended consequences as a result of that. I think, Mr. Manager, that's something you can take note of. I would specifically ask that the motion incorporate that any organization that has a grant contained in here, and this should be throughout all of these, that for them to change the scope of their grant or the focus of their grant, it must come back to this Commission. Vice Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Commissioner Teele: Because what we don't want is people coming in applying for something, saying they are going to do something in one area, then next thing you know, they are moving the money down the road and all of those kind of things. If there is a good reason to do it, Mr. Manager, I would certainly support you, and I know the majority... Commissioner Gort, I yield. 238 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Gort: Commissioner Teele, I also would like to add that we should really look at the performance of these different organizations. And the ones that have not been able to perform, let's not fund them anymore. I mean, we did that four years ago. Commissioner Teele: Well, I would like to add that as a proviso and ask that the City Attorney write these provisos down, because I think the provisos should be in every category. That if the Manager feels that an organization is not performing or there is information that comes to their attention that suggests that they are not going to perform on this grant, that they be... the Manager be required to bring the matter back to the Commission. Because a lot of times what happens is things come up and then everybody is saying, well, the Commission has already voted on it. We are not voting to direct you to do something wrong, Mr. Manager. And finally, I would specifically ask, I hope that meets Commissioner's... Mister... Reverend White's concerns on the non -unintended consequences although I again note that organizations like Jubilee got money, and then organizations like BAME which had previously been funded, got none. Nobody comes up and says, thank you, they ask for more money. But not withstanding all of that, I would specifically ask that the one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of funding to Greater Miami Neighborhoods that ten thousand dollars ($10,000) of that be earmarked to the Model Housing Cooperative for assistance for them so that will fully fund or address the issues that Mr. Godoy did. I would like, after this motion, is to bring up the Basic Training issue because I really would like to try to work with them at this time too. Commissioner Gort: Commissioner Teele. Commissioner Regalado: I second the motion. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's as an amendment to the... You want to vote on the amendment first. Commissioner Teele: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. The amendment is first to include ten thousand more for the Model Cities. Commissioner Teele: From the... Vice Chairman Plummer: From the Model... to the Model Housing. I am sorry. OK. Commissioner Teele: From Greater Miami Neighborhoods. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Opposed? Show unanimous. 239 April 14, 1998 The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-392 A MOTION MODIFYING THE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE HOUSING PROJECTS CATEGORY OF THE 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS BY REALLOCATION $10,000 AMOUNT OUT OF THE $100,000 EARMARKED FOR GREATER MIAMI NEIGHBORHOODS, INC., (PROJECT NO. 52) AND TRANSFER SAID $10,000 TO MODEL HOUSING COOPERATIVE, INC. (PROJECT NO. 24.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: On the main motion. The main motion is to accept staff recommendations in it's entirety throughout after that. All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: All opposed? Show it unanimous. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-393 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR HOUSING PROJECTS: FURTHER STIPULATING THAT ANY ORGANIZATION (UNDER ALL PROJECT CATEGORIES) GRANTED FUNDS, MUST OBTAIN COMMISSION APPROVAL PRIOR TO CHANGING THE SCOPE OR FOCUS OF THEIR PROGRAM; FURTHER DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO REVIEW ALL ORGANIZATIONS UNDER ALL PROJECT CATEGORIES FOR PERFORMANCE, AND BRING BACK FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION OF ANY ORGANIZATION WHICH IS NOT MEETING APPROPRIATE LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE. 240 April 14, 1998 Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gort, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: The next one is HOPWA. Wait a minute, excuse me. Did you have...? Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. I didn't respond to Commissioner Gort's request to have information on prior year allocation of funds. And no excuses, but what I am intending to do is to bring a full review of a five year period of time to the Commission at your second meeting in May. The reason why I have... What I have been doing is, basically trying to ensure that the data is accurate. As you know, we are constantly reallocating funds and what I can determine at this point in time is what your initial award was. But now I am trying trace where the reallocations ended up at in terms of district. And I think that that will give you a better picture of really what's occurring versus... And we need to look at the award, the actual expenditures and then what happens when the funds are reallocated. I have taken a little bit longer, but I think you will be pleased with the information. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. But I think it is important for everyone to see the distribution that have taken place. Ms. Warren: Right. Commissioner Gort: And most important, how do we receive the funding. Ms. Warren: Yes. Commissioner Gort: So they can see that we are trying to be as fair as we can. A lot of people don't realize, and this is the hardest thing that we do as a Commission, let me tell you. You sit here, and all these programs, they are all good. They all bring a lot of benefit and they do a lot of service to the City of Miami, but unfortunately, you have new funding coming in and new agencies. The question is, who do you take it away from? Like right now, we have reallocated ten thousand dollars ($10,000), but we had to take it away from someone. Commissioner Teele: So zero, some gain. Zero some. You got to do something. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. HOPWA. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: I don't mean to revisit a subject matter that may not be pleasant right now. But, Mr. Manager, has the Mayor been briefed on this? I mean, I would hate for us to wind up 241 April 14, 1998 with... I mean, are we pretty much veto proof on this kind of stuff or...? I think something this important and... Has the Mayor been briefed on this? Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): I am told that he is not, beyond the documentary information. Commissioner Teele: I think it would be very helpful if I could just recommend if you and Ms. Warren and whoever you want, Christina, would brief the Mayor on this thing before this thing goes up to him. It will take the Clerk some time, but I really would like to try to clarify the issues because... Vice Chairman Plummer: Understood. Mr. Manager, you will so accommodate Reverend... Reverend Teele. Commissioner Teele: Bless you, my son. Mr. Pedrosa: He's been called many things. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: But I am not sure Reverend is one of them. Vice Chairman Plummer: Reverend White says, he ain't quite sure. All right, HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People With Aids). Ms. Warren: You adopted staff recommendations at your meeting of March loth. We are making no revisions. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a motion? Moved and seconded. All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Any opposition? Show it unanimous. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Hernandez, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-394 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) PROJECTS. 242 April 14, 1998 Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: What the non... the next non -controversial item? Ms. Warren: Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). Vice Chairman Plummer: Emergency Shelter. Where is that? Ms. Warren: OK. That's on the same page as HOPWA. Commissioner Regalado: Sorry what page? Ms. Warren: Three of fifteen. Vice Chairman Plummer: Page three of fifteen? Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Better Way of Life. New Life Family. City of Miami Homeless and Basic Training which Commissioner Teele wanted to speak to. Is there anyone beside Commissioner Teele wishing to speak to the issue? Irby. Mr. Irby McKnight: Ah, yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: Name and mailing address, please. Mr. McKnight: Ah, Irby McKnight, 880 Northwest 7th Avenue. Vice Chairman Plummer: You have three... You have two minutes, sir. Mr. McKnight: I am here on behalf of Basic Training and someone is coming forward from them. But I am here to say that they are my neighbors and my alarm clock. So, like clock work, every morning at five o'clock they are up and they have me up and I love that. And I am here to say that... Commissioner Gort: Are you jogging with them? Mr. McKnight: I beg your pardon? Commissioner Gort: You are not jogging with them? 243 April 14, 1998 Mr. McKnight: Well, no, I didn't have a substance abuse program and the things they do, for some reason I keep falling through the cracks. I don't smoke crack, I just fall through them, so... But, but I support what they do. Commissioner Teele: Irby. Mr. McKnight: Yes. Commissioner Teele: That has got to be a pretty big crack. Mr. McKnight: I am here supporting what they do, and supporting the service that they offer to people in my neighborhood. Because they... for us, in Overtown, they are the only game in town. I know that we are home for all of the shelters because no one wanted them in their backyard. But when those shelters all came to 1550 Miami Avenue, to 173 22nd Street, etcetera and wherever they are, because they are all through Overtown, including 660 17th Street. They did not do anything to decrease the homeless population in Overtown. They did not do anything to make me know that there were people out there treating people who were chemically dependent. Then this group came along. And like I say, like an alarm clock. At five o'clock every morning they are up. They have me up and other neighbors. And we are proud of what they are doing, but they can't do it for twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's fine. Tell me where we are going to get the money. Commissioner Gort: Irby, let me ask you a question? Mr. McKnight: Uh-huh. Commissioner Gort: How come you didn't recommend it? Mr. McKnight: But we did. The only recommendation they got was from the board. Commissioner Gort: Not, CD (Community Development) Board, it say, no. Vice Chairman Plummer: CD Board got zero, zilch. Mr. McKnight: But it does... That's what they printed here. But the CD Board did recommend funds for them. Visited the program. A board member fainted once she saw all of what they went through there. So what happened in the printing is something different. Vice Chairman Plummer: Excuse me, what's wrong with that clock? Either the clock is working or it's not. Mr. Clerk. Mr. Walter J. Foeman (City Clerk): It was stopped once the... when there was a question. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, start it back again, please. Or, you know, we are going to leave here at nine o'clock. Mr. McKnight: Sir, if you go to page one of fifteen and if you check item number nine, you will see that there is a CD Board recommendation for Basic Training. Vice Chairman Plummer: Again, Mr. McKnight. Mr. McKnight: Yes. 244 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: It's all well and good to make those kind of comments, and they might be the best group in the world. If you are sitting in the chair that I am sitting in, where do you take it from to give it to them? Mr. McKnight: Well, sir, that's why you sit there and I don't. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, you are smarter than I am. You are smarter than I am. Yeah, that's why they pay me so much. Ms. Warren: That was good. That was good. Mr. Angel Urquiola: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My... Vice Chairman Plummer: Your name and mailing address, please? Mr. Urquiola: My name is Angel Urquiola, 25 Southwest 38th Avenue. I am a member of the CD Board and I was checking and this young fellow for training. I checking on them, day and night. They don't know that I was there and I checking on them and they did a wonderful job with these people. They take care of the neighbor. They don't know me. They don't see me at two or three o'clock in the morning checking on them because I don't scared to go anywhere. I recommended to you, Commissioner, look for some money for these people. And we recommended to them because we was short of money, we recommended, the CD Board, fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). I think we can make... and take the money from some other organization that we giving money every, every, every year. We have to prove with something new. If you see these people at two o'clock in the morning making training, let them forget about drugs. They look in neighbor. They helping the neighbor. This is what we need in our City. We have too much problem in our City. Too much crime. We have to bring these young people up to life. Please, open your heart. Look at the money. Look at another organization. We giving money for years and years and years. Cut this year, give it these young people. Let us try and see what we can do. If we don't try then, we never know. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. Mr. Urquiola: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker. Name and a mailing address, please. Mr. Charles J. Flowers: Charles J. Flowers, 1490 Third Avenue, Chairman of the Overtown Advisory Board. Vice Chairman Plummer: You have two minutes, sir. Mr. Flowers: I support the previous two speakers. I am very proud of the Basic Training. It reminds me of 45, 40 years ago in the service. They are doing a wonderful job. I think the City should find money from somewhere to help those guys. The Overtown Advisory Board do support their efforts. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker. Ms. Rosa Green: Good evening. My name is Rosa Green. I reside 415 Northwest 6th Street, and I would like to say I really hope that you guys can dig deep, deep down and support these guys. I had the opportunity of going over there by accident, not because they are all men. I do like men. But they had a sign up on the telegram post and they were selling a computer. Well, they weren't, but they did direct me to the right place, and it didn't have the telephone number so 245 April 14, 1998 I stopped by and I asked one of the guys and he directed me, you know, where to go. And the guy invited me in and I went in. And I am telling you, you have never seen such discipline. Those young men are really doing a great job. However, I felt so bad when I went in the kitchen and for all those men, they have one little stove, and they were in there trying to prepare meals for 60 or 70 men. Realizing that most of our Black men are in jail, are on drugs and to see these young men trying to rehabilitate themselves and be productive in society. I would suggest to you, Commissioners, and I pray that you will stop giving so much money to the administrative costs and think about these young men because we need them. We need them bad. And I think if you would make the effort to do so, you won't be sorry. We can keep them away from a way of crime and a way of drugs. I thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, ma'am. Your name and mailing address for the record. You have two minutes, sir. Reverend Barry Coachman: Yes. Reverend Barry Coachman, 900 Northwest 7th Avenue. I would just like to reemphasize the urgency of funding. We are on the verge of just closing down due to the fact we are financially distressed. I would like to point out this young man here, Antonio, would you please stand. His mother lives across the street in Culmer Place. She is severely suffering from a substance abuse problem. He lives in Basic Training. We take care of him. This older gentleman, John Ward. He is a man of great knowledge, but he had a substance abuse problem. I, myself had a substance abuse problem. But God has changed my life through this program. And I just want to point out the urgency of funding now because we can't allow these men to go back from whence they came. It will be, not just devastating to them, sir, but devastating to the community because I know what these guys used to do, and where they came from. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. All right, the Commission has heard... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: All right. I would move the staff recommendation for the Emergency Shelter Grant and I would ask the Manager... Is there any flexibility in there, in the City homeless activity? Do you have any flexibility? Ms. Warren: In the City's Homeless Program? Commissioner Teele: For Basic Training. Ms. Warren: My understanding is that based on a court decree, no. The answer is no, sir. Commissioner Teele: I would move the item Mr. Manager... Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is a motion made and seconded. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: I have to ask a question. Why can't we take some from each of the other three? Ms. Warren: Sir. Commissioner Teele: Because of the grant. Because of the court order. 246 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: No, no. I'm talking about from Better Way and New Life. Ms. Warren: Sir, you can utilize some of your Public Facilities money. Commissioner Teele: Right. Ms. Warren: If you chose to. Commissioner Teele: Well, I was going to get to that. Ms. Warren: ... for housing. Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Vice Chairman Plummer: How much money do we have in Public Facilities? Commissioner Teele: Two million. One point eight. Vice Chairman Plummer: So you want to transfer another twenty-five over here? Commissioner Teele: Well, what I would propose to do is... we're... I don't know if it can be transferred from Housing to this category. Vice Chairman Plummer: Can it be transferred? Commissioner Teele: It can be transferred from Housing, I mean from Public Facilities to the Housing category in CD. The program we just did. But this is not CD money. This is... this is ESG, right? Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. Commissioner Teele: So you are not going to be able to move CD to ESG? Ms. Warren: We can't... We can pay for housing assistance out of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Commissioner Teele: Right. But right now, we are in the ESG category. Ms. Warren: We're recommending that twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) come out of that category. Commissioner Teele: Right. Ms. Warren: And if you are looking for an addition 25... Commissioner Teele: Right. Ms. Warren: ... then you'll probably need to look to Public Facilities or some program income or contingency... future contingency funds... Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Ms. Warren: ... if that's something you really want to do. 247 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Regalado: Excuse me, Commissioner. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. So then, the motion on the floor... Commissioner Regalado: Ah, excuse me. If I can... I, hearing what they've done, it's important that we follow on the lead that Commissioner Teele had expressed before. That building that we had, the City owns. Commissioner Teele: We are going to come right back to that as soon as this passes. Commissioner Regalado: Right, but what I am saying is that if you want to move twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) predicated on as soon as they get the building, they can use that money to remodel that building. I am sure that you can use money from other sources. Ms. Warren: I think based on what the... Mr. Chair. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yeah, but you are talking about mortars and bricks, you are not talking about bread and butter. Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: That's right. Ms. Warren: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: But they need the building. I mean, they have people that need... Commissioner Teele: Yeah, Mr. Chairman what I... Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, you know, I can go without a roof, but I can't go without food. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, what I would like to do is, take this one up, let's pass it, then let's go to Basic Training. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's what I was trying to do. Commissioner Teele: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, so we'll take the first three. Commissioner Teele: No, the whole thing. Commissioner Gort: The whole thing. Ms. Warren: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: Oh, you mean, and then come back afterwards. Commissioner Teele: And then, right after that, let's take up Basic... Vice Chairman Plummer: But wait a minute. Let's do the ones that we have right now of the first three. 248 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Gort: No, he says all four. Ms. Warren: We can just go ahead and... Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: The whole package. Vice Chairman Plummer: The whole package? Commissioner Gort: Right. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Teele: I move the entire package of staff recommendations. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a second? Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Is there any further discussion? All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: All opposed? It passes unanimously. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-395 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) PROJECTS. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, if you will indulge just for one moment what Commissioner Regalado and myself are saying. I would like to propose a motion regarding Basic Training. Before I do, Mr. Chairman, let me tell you that I am very skeptical of a lot of these programs that we fund. I mean, I think, I am not against it. I just think that we ought to go out here and check these programs out. 249 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Commissioner Teele: And I trust every Commissioner up here. And when I vote, I am voting in support of your judgment and I, you know, obviously we can't all go to everybody's area. But the one thing that I can tell you is this. I have been to Basic Training. It is on 7th Avenue and about 9th Street. First of all, I want you to know that I have not seen anything in my seven years, eight years of public service in Dade County that impressed me more than Basic Training. Nothing. Nothing comes close to it. The integrity, the espirit, the honesty, the hard work, the discipline is unsurpassed in anything that I have seen. The men that are there are committed to a higher moral calling and they are committed to removing drugs and alcohol from their bodies and they are committed to making themselves a better person. Now I am sure there is some backsliders. There is always some backsliders. But the fact of the matter is, as a program, and I don't know what's in the minds of the organizers. I can only tell you what I... and report to you what I have seen. It makes any hom eless program in this County look like a tea party of what they are going through. I have been to all of the homeless facilities. The homeless facility that is in the district that I represent and J.L. you represent is a country club compared to what these people are. Now, let me be candid, and I hope Mr. Manager, you won't go out and take an action. They have 60 people sleeping on a building that is not designed at all for residential sleeping. They are in violation. They are working with the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) to come in compliance. They are sleeping on floors, each and every person. They are cooking in a room that is too small for ten people to eat. They are eating in like seven and eight shifts. They are on computers. They are having education, GED training and there is virtually no money, government money coming in. And what I told Reverend Coachman, I said, listen, I am going to tell you something. I am afraid to help you. Because, generally when government starts to help, look out. And we don't want to do anything to damage this program and to create the kind of disincentives that sometimes government can do. What I would like to do is, work through the Community Development Office and with the NET Office and with the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) which has a sphere of influence in that area to develop a comprehensive program for Basic Training. I think we have an opportunity for a beautiful model. Because what I want to see, Mr. Manager is a cooperative agreement. We have got problems of policing in terms of the physical environment. I think we could enter into a contract with Basic Training where they will be responsible for four or five or six square blocks of areas because their people are out there doing it anyway. They are out there doing it anyway. I would propose immediately, notwithstanding the lawyers' concerns, that the building in which the City of Miami now has second mortgage... first mortgage, which for all legal purposes we own, which is 224 Northwest 12th Street be provided and made available to them, subject to an agreement that can be worked out once we get title for them to work with us in the repair and the... and the upgrading of that building which is right now just a derelict bombed out shell. And that it be our intent to convey ownership of that building to them, and furthermore, that's a temporary building. And furthermore, that the City of Miami work with the NET Office and the CRA to identify an appropriate building that can accommodate approximately 50 to 100 persons and that we commit funds to do so based upon what I believe to be the available funds from a... reprogram opportunities and they be given first opportunity for reprogramming. I believe it's going to take at least two to three months to develop a comprehensive program because we need to know what we are getting into and we need to sit down and work out the details. But I will be asking that an additional fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) be made available immediately from the HOME and from the Public Facilities for housing activities for them on an emergency basis. And with that, Mr. Manager, I would so move. I realize that there is a reserve in Public Service and I am going to try to tap those reserves so that we can give them assistance in getting food and kitchen and cooking utensils. But I would so move that the 224 building as an interim step, because that building is only built for no more than 18 people. And we are talking about 60 people. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is a motion on the floor. 250 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Second. I only have one question. What advantage is it to them or to us to convey the ownership of the building? Commissioner Teele: Because then they have a right to go out here and try to get money to improve it and to fix it up. I mean... Commissioner Regalado: Of course. Vice Chairman Plummer: They still have that right. I am concerned... I don't know the structure. Are they...? Commissioner Teele: They are 501-C3 not -for -profit. Vice Chairman Plummer: And if in fact it were to go defunct it would revert back to the City? Commissioner Teele: Well, yeah. We are going to... Subject... This is all going to have to come back for legal documents, but I sure as heck... Vice Chairman Plummer: Huh? Well, once we own the building. Commissioner Teele: ... wouldn't go out and work and clean up and do two or three hundred dollars ($300,000) of improvements, sweat equity to a building if I didn't at least have a sense that somewhere down the line we are going to wind up getting... they are going to get the building. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, what I am assuming is, as we have done before, and that is, that if in fact it does default that it would revert back to the City of Miami. Commissioner Teele: Of course. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Commissioner Teele: But see, this is the point. Now just listen to what you have just said, and I agree with you. The last building did default, but yet, everybody's saying that it is not our building. The building is our building just as sure as if it's got our name written on it with a neon sign. Vice Chairman Plummer: Legally, it is not ours. But it is ours. That's correct. Commissioner Teele: It's our responsibility... Vice Chairman Plummer: I hear you. Commissioner Teele: ... and it is a slum. Commissioner Regalado: Let me ask you. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK there is a motion on the floor and duly seconded. Commissioner Regalado: OK, discussion. Just a... 251 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Discussion. Commissioner Regalado: Just a question. This is not a formal forever deal. What Commissioner Teele is offering is a provisional thing. Is that correct? So it does not have to go to the Oversight Board. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Well, now, wait a minute, I don't know what you mean by provisional. Ms. Warren: No. Commissioner Regalado: Well... Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: When you make arrangements to turn over the building when you get it, you - title to it. Commissioner Regalado: In the process it says that we should look for another building, et cetera, etcetera. So, what I am asking is, what we are doing here is, we are giving away a property that we are not using. And the philosophy of the Oversight Board will be... We don't... We are not supposed to approve that, and I am telling you that these people need that building and I am just asking whether or not, because this is a transaction within the City do we need to bring that to the Oversight Board. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: I would think that, well, their view of what we should bring to them to expansive, to say the least. But, I think the... Commissioner Gort: You don't have to worry about that now. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: ... kind of presentation that Commissioner Teele has made here this evening is... Commissioner Regalado: No, I am just saying, you know... I agree. I agree totally. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: I, you know, I have difficulty envisioning the Oversight Board's objecting to turning a building in the condition that Commissioner Teele has explained it to me for a program of the type he's described. I mean, that's that's... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Does that answer your question? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Manager, if it were owned by a private person we would have bulldozed the building. Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah. Commissioner Teele: You see, and that's where the standard is so unfair. Because this is a City - owned building. We are the only people... We have the mortgage on the building. We have the first mortgage on the building. We have the tax liens on the building. So I think we need to just move forward here, and when I say a comprehensive program, I am not talking about their... their training program. I am talking about a capital program in which we work with them to try to have a sort of a cooperative agreement whereby they provide service in exchange for us providing opportunity. Ms. Linda Kearson, Esq. (Asst. City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, a point of clarification. Vice Chairman Plummer: Madam City Attorney. 252 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Gort: We have to vote on it. We have to... Ms. Kearson: Point of clarification, please. Commissioner Teele, the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) that you are appropriating from the Public Facilities Program, is that to go towards renovating the 224 building or is that to be used for the program ... expenses of the Basic Training? Commissioner Teele: The fifty thousand... Let me say this. This motion does not include the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) but this motion does include an intent that that we will when we get to the Public Facilities that there will be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) moved. The fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) from Public Facilities cannot be used for anything but Housing. You can't take Public Facilities money and move it into Public Service and to provide food and hous... food and utensils and that is going to clearly be a Public Service function. Ms. Kearson: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Is the motion understood? Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Opposed? Show unanimous. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 98-396 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) AND NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT TEAM (NET) OFFICES TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM WITH THE BASIC TRAINING ORGANIZATION (BASIS TRAINING); FURTHER DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO CONVEY THE BUILDING LOCATED AT 224 N.W. 12TH STREET TO BASIC TRAINING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDED THE CITY OBTAINS TITLE OF THE PROPERTY THROUGH THE FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS, SAID CONVEYANCE IS SUBJECT TO AN AGREEMENT WITH BASIC TRAINING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE BUILDING; FURTHER INSTRUCTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DIRECT STAFF TO IDENTIFY A SUITABLE BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE 50 TO 100 PERSONS AND TO COMMIT FUNDS TO PURCHASE SAID BUILDING. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) 253 April 14, 1998 Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: The next un... Commissioner Gort: I would like to give another suggestion. My understanding... Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Gort. Commissioner Gort: ... this type of program is a crime prevention program, and I think our staff should work with them and try to get grants from other means where they can get it, like the... Commissioner Teele: I really do. I agree. I really agree. That's a great idea. Vice Chairman Plummer: The non... The next non -controversial item. Ms. Warren: Let's go back to Housing, the HOME program under... With the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) review, you agreed to establishing the administrative allocation and now we are asking that, with the adoption of that you approve the staff recommendations for HOME which... Vice Chairman Plummer: I thought we did. Ms. Warren: CBDG. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, is there a motion? Commissioner Regalado: What page? Commissioner Teele: What page is that? Commissioner Regalado: Fourteen? Ms. Warren: That is fourteen of fifteen. Vice Chairman Plummer: The administrative. Is there a motion? Commissioner Regalado: Move it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a second? Commissioner Hernandez: Second. 254 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Opposition? Show unanimous. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Regalado, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-397 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-01999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) PROJECTS. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: The next item. Ms. Warren. We did HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People With Aids). Ms. Warren: We did HOPWA. We did ESG (Emergency Shelter Grants). We did... Commissioner Gort: Economic Development. Ms. Warren: Economic Development. At the March loth meeting the Commission adopted staff recommendations... Vice Chairman Plummer: What page? Commissioner Regalado: Page? Ms. Warren: It is page ten of fifteen. At your March loth meeting you adopted staff recommendations in full with the exception that you allotted two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000) for job creation and economic development project for the Little Haiti Community Development target area which exceeds the amount of monies in that category and what we are recommending is that you transfer two hundred and twenty-five thousand from your CDBG incentive fund to increase the amount so that we can fully fund the Commission's approved recommendations. Vice Chairman Plummer: Anybody wishing to speak on Economic Development CDBG funds? Let the record reflect that no one came forward. Is there a motion? Commissioner Teele: So moved, Mr. Chairman. 255 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a second? Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there any further discussion? Motion understood. All in favor say... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, just one point. Vice Chairman Plummer: Sir. Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: On the Little Haiti Job Creation Plaza activity, the intent is going to be to have staff to work with the job creation, job development. The concern that has been raised is whether or not the kind of activities that we are talking about can be supported. And I would just ask the Commission for one moment to allow Mr. Erdal Donmez to just come and give a very brief overview of the kind of project that we are talking about that could be undertaken in Little Haiti with the support of this City. Just three... two minutes. Mr. Erdall Donmez: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. My name Is Erdall Donmez, I am a Development Coordinator with the Community Redevelopment Agency. I had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Michelle Levine. He is a businessman in Little Haiti. He owns a supermarket, a beauty supply store at the corner of Northwest 79th Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue. It's a busy corner and his businesses seems to be very well and he's got 15 years of experience in the area and a well respected individual. He owns a large tract of land right across the street from the current... business location and he owns it free and clear. And the land is, what I saw is approximately four acres in size. He would like to build a shopping plaza there to enlarge the supermarket and add on, you know, new facilities there. Given the location of the property, I think it's going to be an excellent opportunity for us to look into, you know, how we can redevelop the area and how we can assist, you know, this successful, you know, person. We are going to need a market feasibility study before we can exercise our options to funding, you know, this project. I think we might be able to use some of the funding from this two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000) to pay for the market feasibility study and also provide some technical assistance. Commissioner Teele: Erdall... Mr. Donmez: Yes. Commissioner Teele: ... the point that I wanted the Commission to know, is that you have packaged virtually all of the 108s that the City has done and the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) have done, is that right? Or have been a part of the packaging of them? Mr. Donmez: That's... that's correct. This... this would be probably the best 108 we'll ever have. That's my own, you know, personal experience given... given the size of the location of the project and, and the equity, you know, the developer has. Commissioner Teele: And we are talking about a three to five million dollar ($5,000,000) project? Mr. Donmez: And it's, it's a very small 108, you know, loan vis a vis the size of the project and the developer will probably have a very sizeable equity of his own. Commissioner Teele: The only point, Mr. Chairman that I wanted to get on record, is that this is man who has worked with Mr. Fein, he's worked with Mr. Hallow, he's worked with everybody. 256 April 14, 1998 They have commended him to me. And when he told me that this is probably one of the best 108 potentials that he's seen in the entire City, I felt that the Commission should know that what we really got to do is try to figure out how to get these kinds of expertise into Allapattah, in Wynwood, in Little Havana and throughout this City. Because there are opportunities out there that don't come to us because they don't have the technical support, they don't have the soft money to do the feasibilities and the things that block them from being able to get here. And that's what we are talking about trying to work through. Mr. Donmez: Yes. One other comment, Commissioner, usually when we are extending 108 assistance we've been criticized, you know, for not assisting inner -City, you know, businessmen, and it's not easy to find businesses, you know, who could meet the HUD underwriting guidelines, and this is, I think, one of the few opportunities... Vice Chairman Plummer: We will never get out of here. Mr. Donmez: ... which we welcome. Commissioner Teele: Thank you. Mr. Donmez: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. There is a motion on the floor and seconded. Is it understood? Economic Development is now up for approval. All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Opposition? Show unanimous. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-398 A MOTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER $225,000 FROM 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVENTIVE FUND IN ORDER TO FUND THE CITY COMMISSION'S APPROVED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE LITTLE HAITI JOB CREATION PLAZA (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 26). Upon being seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ms. Warren. Next. Ms. Warren: Public Facilities and Improvements. 257 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Page. Commissioner Regalado: Wait, wait, wait. Wait. We are taking monies from Public Facilities to other projects. Why don't we leave Public Facilities to the end? Commissioner Teele: That's what I thought. Commissioner Regalado: No. Ms. Warren: Because in adopting the others you have already taken the money. Commissioner Regalado: No, but Social Programs have not been... Commissioner Teele: [inaudible -- off microphone] Commissioner Regalado: No, I understand, but... How about? Ms. Warren: We could do administration. Commissioner Regalado: How about? Wait. Vice Chairman Plummer: We have done.... Didn't we do Public Facilities? Commissioner Teele: No, that's... Ms. Warren: No. We have reallocated some monies, but administration is available. Commissioner Regalado: OK. Ms. Warren: Well, what we are basically recommending is that the 20 percent administration, it is page 13 of 15. Commissioner Teele: I would move the administrative category. Commissioner Regalado: That's... Commissioner Teele: It is important for the Manager's overall budget. City budget... Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Moved and second. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Show unanimous. 258 April 14, 1998 The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-399 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION PROJECTS. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next item. Ms. Warren: I recommend Public Facilities. Commissioner Regalado: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Public Facilities. Commissioner Regalado: On Public Facilities... Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chair. Commissioner Regalado: ...number one... Commissioner Teele: This is your deal, J.L. Vice Chairman Plummer: What? Commissioner Teele: You have got all kinds of stuff in here? Vice Chairman Plummer: I know that, but I still got to go back... Commissioner Regalado: Gwenn. Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: Number one in Public Facilities... Ms. Warren: Uh-huh. Commissioner Regalado: ... the Association for the Development of the Exceptional have money allocated since, I think... It's page 11 of 15. 259 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Gort: OK. Commissioner Regalado: If they don't... If they don't get the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), they won't be able to build the training kitchen. They have already fifty thousand, how can we get some money so the training may be completed? Ms. Warren: The only funds that are available is the Public Facilities funds, monies here. So it would have to be reduced from other allocations. If you will look at the recommendations for Public Facilities, what our recommendations are that we provide funding for the 108 for Community Redevelopment Agency, the fire station renovation and ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for park improvement activity and that the balance of two million five four three... four two two be made available to City sidewalks and streets. So any additional funding would have to come out of that... that allocation. Commissioner Teele: Mister... Commissioner Gort: Could I ask a question? Commissioner Regalado: From the sidewalks on the streets? Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. And again, the only other projects that we were recommending is again, our own one to cover the 108 the fire station and a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) park project, everything else is allocated to Public Facilities. Commissioner Regalado: Why the...? I am sorry, the park project, you said? Ms. Warren: There is a recommendation here under number... item 41. Spring Garden Civic Association, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the development of a park improvement lot. Commissioner Regalado: We can't use park fund money for that, can we? We cannot, I guess. Commissioner Gort: I don't think so. Ms. Warren: I can't speak to that issue. Commissioner Teele: Yeah. It's not even a park, yet. Commissioner Regalado: Oh. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Well, it's not on our list. Ms. Warren: It's a lot. Commissioner Regalado: I... Commissioner Teele: It's not even a park yet. Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah. Commissioner Teele: It wouldn't quality. Commissioner Regalado: I would... I would ask the Commission to consider moving some funds from the allocation for Citywide streets for this training kitchen. The reason is, that this is a... 260 April 14, 1998 this is not my district but I visited that place and they, like those people that Commissioner Teele mentioned before, they are really helping a lot of people, disabled people, exceptional people. And that training kitchen with fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), they will be able to build, because I understand they have already... Commissioner Gort: Commissioner... Commissioner Regalado: ... half of the funding. Commissioner Gort: Commissioner, let me give suggestions, because what I see is, quite a few people want to speak on this item here. Why don't we wait until we have listen to the public and then at the end we'll make a decision? Commissioner Teele: Listen to them first. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. I am sorry. Go ahead. Commissioner Gort: Is that in agreement with all of them? Commissioner Hernandez: No problem. Commissioner Teele: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: OK, each one have two minutes. When you come up please state your name and address. Make sure the clock works. Commissioner Hernandez: It's going to be a long night fellows. Ms. Diane James: Diane James. My mailing address is 171651 Miami Gardens, 33017. I am here on behalf of the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association. This is item 57 on page 12 of 15 and it is a request for 174699 for... to acquire and restore the historical first Black precinct located on loth Street and Northwest 5th Avenue. On a previous meeting, in October 28, October 28, 1997, former Commissioner Gort and Mayor Carollo were in support of this project. There is a licensed agreement between the City of Miami and the MCPBA (Miami Community Police Benevolent Association) that has been arranged. However, we have not been allocated any funds for support of this project. And I just like to ask the Commission if they could answer to, as the reason why that the MCPBA cannot get any financial support towards this project. If Commissioner Teele or Commissioner Plummer would like to answer my question on that. I met with Ms. Warren's staff previously and I was told that the money was going to streets and improvement. However, I don't see any reason why these people who serve as public... Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, can you stop for one minute? Ms. James: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All of the rest of the people over there that wish to discuss this issue, please sign up with the Clerk and let's do this orderly and I'll ask you to take a seat. Give them Mr. Clerk, all pieces of paper to put their name on and then we can have some little bit of order around here which we don't have now. OK. Go ahead and finish, please. Ms. James: OK, again, Ms. Warren, I was told that the money was going into streets and sidewalk improvement. And my question is, the money that goes towards street and improvements and do you decide on which areas that are going to be improved? Is there a 261 April 14, 1998 certain amount of money that goes to each area? I mean, give me some insight on this, can you? Or is there anyone from Planning that would have to do that? Commissioner Gort: Your two minutes are up. Ms. Warren: I am sorry, I can't give you... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, Ms. Warren can you answer that real quick like? Ms. Warren: The Parks and Public Works Director would have to answer that. I am not in a position to answer it. Vice Chairman Plummer: You definitely. Ms. James: All right, is there...? Commissioner Plummer? Commissioner Teele, you want to take up the interest? Vice Chairman Plummer: Ma'am, all I can answer very simply is the overall answer, Citywide we don't have enough money. Ms. James: OK. That's with any issue. But monies are being shifted from here and there. This... these are... This is the first Black precinct. Again, with due respect, Commissioner Plummer, OK. And, and these policemen, these Black policemen have served diligently, this City. And it's like a slap in the face with you telling them that there is no... At least some funds that you can give in support to this project. I don't see it. This isn't a case of Dumb and Dumber. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, you know, there are other people up here that also can answer. I think, Ms. Warren, you want to speak again to the issue, other than the fact that there are only so much money. Ms. James: But then again, we have taken and we have given money to the Fire Department to restore it. This is... These are policemen. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ms. Warren. Ms. Warren: Again, the staff, based on concerns based by the Commission and our own knowledge of our financial issues, the Public Facilities funds are primarily being targeted to projects to improve the Fire Department facilities because of the lack of resources and to improve Public Facilities, sidewalks and roads and the CDBG target areas. Vice Chairman Plummer: Would any...? Ms. Warren: And that was the... Vice Chairman Plummer: Would any other Commissioner like to address the answer? Ms. James: We are talking about community policing here. Using adults. I mean, there are... Vice Chairman Plummer: Ma'am, ma'am, I am aware of what you are speaking of, I am asking does any other Commissioner wish to address the answer? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I am not going to get into a debate. I think Ms. James is being very eloquent in terms of advocating for the organization that she's working with, and I 262 April 14, 1998 commend Ms. James. I am committed to this project. Everything at this point is a matter of timing and putting things in a perspective. I have specifically asked that the overall so called "folk -like village concept" be expanded and amended to address the feasibility of including this project in a comprehensive concept of the "folk -like village" of Overtown that basically is designed to reflect the history of Miami and... from an Overtown point of view at that time. There is no lack of commitment to do this. And it will be included, to your pleasant surprise, in a series of activities that will be taken up in the July -August time frame. The problem with these projects, and I have said this to the Manager and the director, time and time again. There is no cost estimate associated with this project. And this number, with all due respect, and no reflection at all on you, is just a number. No one knows what it's going to cost, and we have got to stop starting into projects until we know. I have specifically asked the CRA staff, their outside architect engineering firm to review the building, to develop a schematic of what the cost would be to do it, and that, I think is the first step. If you all had come in and asked for seventy- five hundred dollars ($7,500) to develop a plan, I mean, I would be here trying to get you the seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500) for a plan. But what we have now is a request for one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) and to be very honest, Ms. James, I have no idea if it's going to cost three hundred and fifty thousand or ninety-eight thousand. Ms. James: Well, we have gone in and gotten estimates. And... Commissioner Teele: Well, if you could get those estimates to Community Development, I think we have a... Ms. James: We have done that, sir. Commissioner Teele: We have a starting point. But, the application that I saw didn't have that. The simple answer to this is, I think the way that this project should proceed is a part of an Overtown process that comes forth through the Overtown Advisory Board, that comes out through a charette. It is not included in any of the master plans of Overtown at this time. And so the first step is get into the process and we expect to come back to the community in the June, July, August time frame with an opportunity to sort of put everything on the table and at that time, it would be a convenient time, I think to move forward. Ms. James: All right, we are comfortable with that. That alternative. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Teele: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker, your name and address. Two minutes, please. Mr. Charles J. Flowers: Charles J. Flowers, 1000 Northwest North River Drive, chairperson of Overtown Advisory Board. Chairman Teele, this project, number 57, the Miami Community Police Officers, is a project that the Overtown Advisory Board started. But I will yield my conversation based on your statement that you just made. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Next speaker, name and address. Ms. Becky Matkov: I am Becky Matkov, executive director of Dade Heritage Trust, which 190 Southeast 12th Terrace, Miami, 33131. Vice Chairman Plummer: Which number item. Ms. Matkov: This is for number 48 on twelve, page 12 of 15... 263 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Ms. Matkov: ... for the City cemetery, security fence for one hundred and ten thousand which received the Community Development Board recommendation but the not the State recomen... staff recommendation. We are here, many of our members and trustees to urge you to preserve your historic property which has been in your sacred trust for 101 years. It has become a magnet for crime and vandalism. We are trying to preserve that as a historic resource for the City and to improve the neighborhood safety. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, ma'am. Ms. Matkov: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Penny Lambeth. Ms. Penny Lambeth: Hi, I am Penny Lambeth. I am vice president of Dade Heritage Trust. I also want to speak on the cemetery. We have been working the past year and a half to turn it into, not only a beautiful historic cemetery for all of our pioneers but to turn it into a botanical garden which would be a beautiful gem right in downtown Miami. We have done a lot. We have put a lot of hours, a lot of money into it, but we can't do anything further without a fence. It has the potential for great value for the City with the redevelopment, the revitalization of the Omni area and the Main Street Program. So there are many reasons, and the momentum has already begun. We have had our cleanups, tree trimmings. We have worked with the City, all at no cost to the City. We planted a value of 20,000 trees in there in September, and on behalf of all the people who are buried there, 9,000 people who are buried there in Miami City Cemetery, we request money of one hundred and ten thousand for the fence. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, thank you. Enid Pinkney. Ms. Enid C. Pinkney: Hi. I am here also for number 48 of page 12 of 15, because I am hoping that we will be able to get the one hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000) that was requested for the improvement fence security and what's needed in that City cemetery. This project has brought this community together. Black, White, people who are interested in improving the cemetery. Because it is upon this cemetery that the founders of this community... You wouldn't be here if those people who are buried in that cemetery had not founded the City of Miami. You would have no City Commission. You would have nothing. So, those of us that are interested, that are trying to raise money, we are trying to do the best that we can to help, and this is the one thing that brings us all together. Vice Chairman Plummer: We have good news for you. Ms. Pinkney: You do? Vice Chairman Plummer: Please, tell her the good news, quickly. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Ma'am, there is a second item on this agenda which is the reallocation of monies. And item number six of that, is the one hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000) for the cemetery. Ms. Pinkney: What does that mean? [APPLAUSE] Wait, don't clap, yet. What does that mean? 264 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Don't clap until we have voted. Ms. Pinkney: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: But, it's in there and it's look good. Ms. Pinkney: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Quit while you are ahead. Ms. Pinkney: Thank you. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Quit while you ahead. Ms. Pinkney: Thank you. Mister... Reverend John White. Reverend John White: I am standing up on the Public Facilities. I am sorry, up under the... Vice Chairman Plummer: Public Facilities. Reverend White: No, no, under Social... Unidentified Speaker: Social. Reverend White: ... Service. Physical... Public Service and Social Programs. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Reverend James Davis. All right, Reverend Adrean Lans. Boy, we have got more reverends around here than we know what to do with. Your name and mailing address, and you have two minutes, sir. Reverend Adrean Lans: Yes, sir. Thank you. Good afternoon, my name is Adrean Lans. I reside at 1228 Southwest Third Avenue. Vice Chairman Plummer: Can I stop you for one minute? Reverend Lans: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Clerk, will you have the lady with the pad come over to this side of the room, and anyone who wants to speak on Social Services, I would ask that they sign up over on this side of the room so we can be orderly on that process, also. I am sorry, go ahead, sir. Reverend Lans: Yes, sir. Thank you. Referenced number 33 on page 12 of 15, back again. Vice Chairman Plummer: Inner City Sports. Reverend Lans: Referenced the old Dorsey Library. Again, I requested for the City Manager to look into the property and notify me of the status of the property, the deed of the property and how can we go along in working together in trying to acquire it to provide an adequate and a good service to the community. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Manager, you heard the question? The question was about a building, and he wanted to know about the building. 265 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: I am advised, and I looked into this with the Manager's staff and the Manager. This building actually has a reverter clause in it. And the reverter clause basically requires that if it's not used for a library or a purpose, then it could very well revert back. So it, it... there are a number of legal problems. I'll defer to the Legal Office on it. But when it was willed or deeded to the City, it was deeded for the purpose of being a library. It obviously is another one of these problem sites that we have got facilities without adequate money either to upgrade it or to do programming in it. But it would appear on first blush, maybe that the request that you are making to use the building would be a violation of the covenant that is contained... or the restriction that's contained in the deed. I'll yield to the City Attorney. Vice Chairman Plummer: Madam City Attorney. Ms. Linda Kearson, Esq. (Assistant City Attorney): That's correct, Mr. Commissioner. We are researching it, and the way the deed reads, if the property is not used as a public library it could revert back to the... the family. And we could not appropriate monies for this gentleman to rehabilitate that program... that, that building because we may not own it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, it might be smart to let it revert back to the family and put it back on the tax rolls. Ms. Kearson: Well, that's... that's a possibility. Reverend Lans: OK, thank you for that. And another thing, when I submitted the Community Development Block Grant, I submitted two applications and one was not submitted under the other part to be looked at for funding, and I would like to work with Al Ruder in seeing how I could work at Dorsey Park in putting back the softball program I had there quite some time, and it was very effective. Some of the guys went to the military and these kids was very productive, and I want to know how can we... we work together as a team along with the Police Department in combating crimes and decay in the community. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, that you have to talk to Mr. Ruder, outside of this. This is not involved in this, this funding sources. Reverend Lans: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK? Reverend Lans: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you. Mister... Frankie Rolle. Ms. Pinkney: She yields me a half a second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ah, you again. Ms. Pinkney: I just want to invite all of the City Commissioners to participate in the commemorate service on Sunday. We are having two bands. We are marching from St. Agnes Episcopal Church to the City cemetery. We are having a tour of the historicals at St. Agnes Church at two o'clock. A lot of history is there. Please head the procession. I want every City Commissioner to be at the head of the procession right behind the band. Thank you, very much. 266 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: I can see this Funeral Director, already. Frankie. Ms. Frankie S. Rolle: Frankie Shannon Rolle. Vice Chairman Plummer: Tell it like it is. Ms. Rolle: 3430 Williams Avenue from Coconut Grove, West Grove or Coconut Grove. We are in, what they now call the West Grove. It was always Coconut Grove and uphill was the village. But anyway, I want to speak to page eleven of fifteen, item number nine. We are seeking funds, the funds have been recommended by the CD (Community Development) Board of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). We requested five hundred thousand. We are trying to put a State -of -Art community center in Virrick Park. Some 30 years ago, we were supposed to have a community center where the fire station is, and we still don't have a community center. Now, Coconut Grove, I don't think allocated any money in Coconut Grove, if it is, it's twenty- five thousand dollars ($25,000) or fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or something. In other words, we get the neck of the chicken, but the neck of the chicken is good. But we are still there in that little pocket even though we have affluent people all around us, we are still there, and we don't want to be forgotten, and we need this community center. We really, really need it. Vice Chairman Plummer: You have got 30 seconds to wrap up. Ms. Rolle: Wrap up? Help, help, help. SOS. Give us the money so we can have the community center. Thank you. Ms. Warren: You want... Vice Chairman Plummer: You want some chicken or you want a neck? I knew it. I knew it. Ms. Rolle: I'll take the lobsters... Vice Chairman Plummer: You'll take the lobsters? Ms. Rolle: ... or the stone crab. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yeah, right on. Irby McKnight. Tell us the story. Mr. Irby McKnight: Irby McKnight, 880 Northwest 7th Avenue. First I want you for finding the monies for the cemetery. During the last meeting there was no money to put the fence and the lighting up. I am happy to know now that that might change. I would be ecstatic to learn that... on page eleven of fifteen. Number one, number nine and number twenty-seven. The Association for the Development of the Exceptional is really a program that actually gives Citywide services and I would like for you to visit before you say you don't have monies for them to get the kitchen. I want you to visit the site. And once you see what goes on there, and who the people are that are being helped. If you still don't have money, then we'll understand that. Next, the... Mrs. Rolle spoke about the park in Coconut Grove. Our board did recommend funds for the park and we had people who came during our public hearing process and made eloquent pleas about this. I know how well these parks serve communities. And then, number twenty-seven. Florene Nicolas Inner City Dance Company. They are asking seventy-seven thousand dollars ($77,000). Our board recommended fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) to redo the dance floor. The pleshas (phonetic) that the dancers must do is really destroying them if they don't get a new floor. Now this is another one of those only game. As you know, the inner city is where a lot of monies have been spent in things that didn't help people. So let us look now at spending money in things that help people. Things that give 267 April 14, 1998 people a different outlook from the one that we have had in the past. Thank you, and please, Mr. Manager, do what you can to help this dance company, a struggling company, because we need them in Overtown. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Leonie Hermantin. Mr. Charles Flowers: What happened to Flowers? Vice Chairman Plummer: I am sorry. Mr. Flowers: What happened to Charles Flowers? My name was the first one on the list. Vice Chairman Plummer: You spoke earlier. Mr. Flowers: No, I spoke on behalf of another project. I'll yield to her, but... Ms. Leonie Hermantin: Good evening. Vice Chairman Plummer: How many times you want to speak? Mr. Flowers: Ten. Vice Chairman Plummer: Oh, forget it Charlie. Please, proceed. Ms. Hermantin: Yes, good evening. My name is Leonie Hermantin, 6660 Biscayne. I am with the Haitian -American Foundation addressing the request for two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) and a one hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000) for the purchase of our building, our community center and the expansion of our... And again, for the purchase of the property where our Economic Development Creole Market project will be located, which is owned right now by Off -Street Parking. And we have made the requests and they have not been honored... We have no... We have not been funded and I really need to... Vice Chairman Plummer: What item number? Ms. Hermantin: Twenty-nine and thirty. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Ms. Hermantin: Our building has really become a center of activities, not just for our own programs, but for other community activities as well. Organizations we don't... which don't... which are not housed anywhere use our... our, our building for their own activities and it's open almost 24 hours with different community organizations holding meetings and workshops. And so, it's really important for us to have ownership of such a beautiful... It's a very beautiful building and I would really... I would really invite you to come and visit. It would be a real gem for our community to own such a building. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you. Helena Del Monte. Ms. Helena De Monte: Yes, good evening. I am here representing Association for the Development of the Exceptional, and I am here as a voice of the 130 adults with disabilities that we serve. Again, on number one... Vice Chairman Plummer: What item number? 268 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Hernandez: One. Ms. De Monte: ... the facility training kitchen. And one thing that I want to stress to all of you. During the '96-'97 fiscal year, we presented a grant before this board for one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). We were issued fifty thousand with the promise that next year we were going to get the... rest of the sum. During '97-'98, we presented a grant for eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) and we were fully approved by the CD (Community Development) Board. Unfortunately, because of the City of Miami crisis all the money for Public Facilities and Improvements went toward City projects. So, I am knocking at your door again, and I hoped at this time you will really show mercy. And, please understand that this project goes beyond training adults with disabilities. We want to train the homeless. We could offer training to let's say, Basic Training through PIC programs. So this could be endless, not just to our population but to multiple populations. Thank you very much for your time. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank ma'am. Dr. David White. Dr. David White. Take your time, sir. We'll take it out of Mr. Flowers' time. Dr. David White: Good evening. I am Dr. David White. I am the president of the West Grove Homeowners and Tenants Association, and I am speaking to item number nine, funding for the completing of Virrick Park. Ms. Rolle eluded to it earlier, we definitely need something in our community. We have been trying for a number of years to really try to improve our community. We are hoping that through Virrick Park we can definitely decrease the number of problems we have in our community. We have a facility that everyone can really appreciate. And what we are asking you to do, if you cannot fund it for the five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), then give whatever you can do. But, we definitely need some additional money as a means for trying to have a worthwhile park in our community. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, doctor, but you know, we have got to put on the record that you are getting one million two to start with. This is additional funding and I think everybody here is in favor of it. But you are getting one million two from the initial park bond issue. So it's not a matter that we are overlooking you, it's we're adding to. Dr. White: Right. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Ringo Cayard. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: Are you saying that the five hundred thousand dollar ($500,000) request is in addition to the million two? Vice Chairman Plummer: That's... Well, that's their request, but what has been recommended is two fifty. Now, the reason that would be five hundred thousand is that it can be matching funds with some money from the County which would bring it up to five hundred thousand total, which would in fact be an addition to, the million two. Commissioner Teele: But, let me just understand this. In the park referendum on the Virrick Park. Vice Chairman Plummer: Excuse me, I am standing... being corrected that there is no recommendation at all. 269 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: Oh. There is no recommend... Vice Chairman Plummer: No, CD (Community Development) staff does not recommend. Commissioner Teele: There is no recommendation. But on the park referendum, are you saying that one point two million dollars ($1,200,000) is earmarked for Virrick Park? Vice Chairman Plummer: Where is Mr. Ruder? Unidentified Speaker: He's not here. Vice Chairman Plummer: As I recall... Thelma, how much was it? Ms. Thelma Edwards (NET South /West Coconut Grove): Seven hundred thousand was recommended from the bond issue. Vice Chairman Plummer: And the other five hundred came from where? Ms. Edwards: ... previous year. Vice Chairman Plummer: The previous CD funding. So there was a total of a million two total, and then there is... Al? Mr. Albert Ruder (Director of Parks and Recreation): In the referendum there is seven hundred thousand... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Mr. Ruder:... and there is five hundred thousand from previous years CD allocations. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. So there is a one million two, yes. Commissioner Teele: So, we have a one million two for this park right now? Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes, sir. Mr. Ruder: Right. Commissioner Teele: And what does it take to do what everybody is asking for? Vice Chairman Plummer: Three point five million. Mr. Ruder: But they have... And they have broken it into phases. Vice Chairman Plummer: And what I have asked them to do, and I am hopeful they are going to agree, is we are going to have "A", "B", "C", "D" as money becomes available, we will do the project. But there is no way in God's green earth that we could do the three and a half million dollars ($3,500,000). What I have suggested is that they start with the one million two, if they get any other monies with the matching money, they can do portion "B" and so on. Mr. Ruder: Yeah, with the challenge grants the deadlines are April 24th. The more money we get, the more we could get... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. 270 April 14, 1998 Mr. Ruder: ... a match from the County. So that's why... Vice Chairman Plummer: Fine. You got a pot of gold? Mr. Ruder: No, I don't. But... Vice Chairman Plummer: Neither do I. Mr. Ruder: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: Ringo. Mr. Ringo Cayard: Ringo Cayard, 6660 Biscayne Boulevard. Vice Chairman Plummer: You have two minutes. Mr. Cayard: Last year we received one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) from the City for land acquisition belong to Off-street Parking with the understanding that the land from Off-street Parking is about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). So, we are coming this year to see if we can get the difference in order to purchase the land. Also with the understanding that if something were to happen that land will go back to the City. The purpose of that is, to match the federal funds that we receive in order to create a marketplace that will produce over one hundred vendors and between three to four hundred jobs in this community of need. And we are also asking for some money to purchase the property located on 6660 Biscayne Boulevard where the community gathers and house the foundation. Also, if something were to happen, this property will go back to the City. That property right now house the foundation well over seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) who used to... who belong to the Ingle Mayor Foundation [phonetic] was willing to sell it to us since we are 501C at half the price. I have to also mention that they spent over eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) to rehab the whole property. So we are getting much more than a bargain. This is basically a giveaway. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Thank you. Dr. Armando Rodriguez. Dr. Armando Rodriguez: OK. I am going to talk to you on page 11 of 15. Number 21 and 26, it's a joint petition from the City of Miami Public Works and the Edgewater Economic Development Corporation. I was here before on this topic. We have requested the funding of this project every year for the last three years. The City Commission established this grant in 1996. It's goal was to set the monies aside for the Department of Public Works to replace sidewalks, gutters and to widen the narrow block of the Northeast 25th Street from Biscayne Boulevard to Second Avenue Northeast. The budget crisis on the Fall of 1996 caused the City Commission to cancel all this street improvement projects. In last year CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) budget monies were set aside again for each target area to improve sidewalks and streets. Yet, the project is not funded. The physical condition of the sidewalks on Northeast 25th Street is so bad that the Department of Public Works have asked for this funding independent of our request. It is my understanding that the Department of Public Works have the preliminary plans for this improvement. We urge the Commissioners to set aside these funds and that you direct the Department of Community Development and Public Works to carry out this project. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, may I inquire? 271 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: The... the project that you are describing, is it Biscayne Boulevard? Dr. Rodriguez: No, it's 25th Street between Biscayne and 2nd Avenue Northeast. Vice Chairman Plummer: And if you went and looked at that you would see another Third World. I went and saw it two weeks ago. Dr. Rodriguez: I visited there with Commissioner Plummer the other day. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, the next speaker is Angel Urquiola. Mr. Angel Urquiola: You have to go to Spain to... to read that. Vice Chairman Plummer: I am close enough. You knew who I was talking about. Mr. Urquiola: You are. I really appreciate it. Vice Chairman Plummer: And an angel, you're not. Go ahead, proceed. Mr. Urquiola: I am speaking to page 11 to 15, number one. It's a special people who take care on this premises. You see these people how happy they are. They are exceptional people. This lady and these people training these young fellow like they are their own kids. I go over her place a lot of times because I like to talk to these exceptional people. They needed this kitchen to training. They train in all kind of work. Please help them. They don't ask you for that much money. Only fifty thousand dollar ($50,000). She's asking for that kitchen for three years already. What happen with us? We have to open our hearts a little bit. Take them the money. Vice Chairman Plummer: You already opened our hearts twice. Mr. Urquiola: If I had the money, Mr. Plummer, I give it away to her, believe me. We have to see the job these people does. Like you did it for those young fellow, I really appreciate it. They need it. They going to do a good work. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Flowers, you will wind up. For the fifth time you speak today. You wind up on Public Facilities. Mr. Charles J. Flowers: Charles J. Flowers. Address of Overtown Advisory Board, 1490 Northwest 3rd Avenue. Commissioners, Commissioner Plummer, I would like to thank you the approval of the funds for Spring Garden Civic Association which is in Overtown area. The other thing is, the Overtown Advisory Board which was ordained by this City Commission have never granted in its funds to run the office or to improve the office. We spend a lot of time, I spend a lot of my time in the Overtown Advisory Board doing the meetings and we have never received one iota from this Commission. I have, out of my pocket have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Overtown area, and will still do so. But I think this Commission has a responsibility because they ordained this Overtown Advisory Board, and we are elected officials and we cannot even get ten dollars ($10) to buy a box of lightbulbs. The question is, why? Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Manager. Hello? Did he quit? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. 272 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele, first, and then I'll ask the Manager why they can't get lightbulbs. Mr. Magoo stole the lightbulbs. Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: I was going to move the item. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, would you answer Reverend Flowers? Well, is this maybe not the answer from this source of funding. If we call upon you to do and perform a service and we are not putting money back into your pocket, it would seem only logical to me that we would maintain the group which we asked to do... Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): Well renovation and maintenance are different things. What are we talking about? Vice Chairman Plummer: The man he doesn't have light... money for lightbulbs. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: But that's different from renovation. Mr. Flowers: Well, I just mentioned lightbulbs, but we need renovation. It speaks for itself. We need staff. I have spent a lot of time in the office and I can volunteer. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: This is not staff. Vice Chairman Plummer: I don't think this is the property source of funding that you should be speaking to. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: This is Public Facility forum. Vice Chairman Plummer: I understand that. But I think that you can speak to the Manager about other funding sources other than CDBG, even though you are basically doing CDBG funding. I think that can be of a help. All right, is there any other questions you have, sir? Mr. Flowers: Yes. Mr. Manager, make your office available for appointment. I will be there for funds. Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, before Frankie Rolle shoots me. My question is, if I don't take home some bacon to Coconut Grove, this pig is going to get shot. Now... Commissioner Teele: May I remind you, that it seems like you got about one million dollars ($1,000,000) of bacon on the next page. And I ain't going to... Vice Chairman Plummer: Who asked you? Commissioner Teele: Well... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. I don't know what else to tell you. Mr. Teele, you know, I'll just have to face the music, that's all. Commissioner Teele: I mean, Commissioner, I'll move it, and I mean, we are open here for amendments if there is something that makes... I mean... I mean, but you know, J.L., the problem here is this. Vice Chairman Plummer: I understand the problem fully. 273 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: That's a dangerous kind of precedent for us to establish because, you know, it's a lot of people out here that expects everybody to find the little piggy. And you know, it's just... it's just not enough money here, and we don't want to do violence to what the Manager is recommending, but clearly we don't want to rubber stamp it. I would move the... Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele, I understand that. The people that are down there in the Grove who are looking to me as their representative don't really want to understand that, even though they do. And I am just saying to you that, you know, I have got to put up the fight for them and on their behalf that I can go back and at least say to them, I tried to do everything that I could. Commissioner Teele: Well, let's take it out of the seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) of the next thing that we are going to take up. Vice Chairman Plummer: What is the next thing? Commissioner Teele: Well, I'll let staff work with you on it. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: He's talking about the reallocation. He's talking about the reallocation. Item two. Commissioner Teele: Yeah. So you get... See, J.L., I mean, no one on this Commission is taking home the bacon that you are taking home. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. I hear you. I... Commissioner Teele: And, and I mean, you know, I am not fighting you. I mean, I want to be with you. But I mean, lets deal with pigs not hogs on this thing. Vice Chairman Plummer: I hear you. Commissioner Regalado: OK, before we vote... Commissioner Teele: I would move the item, but I think we need to do some amendments. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, what are your amendments? Commissioner Regalado: If... I would second your motion with an amendment on my part on number one from... to move the funds from the Citywide Street to... Commissioner Teele: Number one? Commissioner Regalado: Number one, fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Commissioner Teele: Second the motion. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Any other amendments? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Proceed. Commissioner Teele: I would ask as an earmark that the Manager be instructed to work with the... and this is with your permission, Mr. Chairman, in that you are presiding, and I assume you 274 April 14, 1998 can't do this at this point. But with reference to number 26, the Edgewater, is that ask the Public Works Department to prioritize that project from or some portion of that project from within the balance of the Public Works activities. And specifically, asking that Public Works expend some of its dollars in all five of the district areas and that there be... Mr. Manager, again, not this rule that it's got to be one-fifth/one-fifth but where the need is. But everybody ought to have some projects done in their area to work against that backlog and... Commissioner Regalado: If I may say, Commissioner? Yes, that's the way it's been suggested and that's the way it's been planned, and I would tell you that I would, as Chairman of Public Works, I would send immediately, your comments regarding Edgewater. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. I only have one question. Do you have any other amendments, Mr. Teele? Commissioner Teele: Yes, I only have one. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, sir. Commissioner Teele: That two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) be moved for the renovation of the building, or reserved from the renovation of the building at 242 or 224 for Basic Training, and that those funds would not go to Basic Training per se, but would go to the appropriate city agency that would be coordinating the renovation of the building with Basic Training. Vice Chairman Plummer: And where would I be considering that, under what item number? Commissioner Teele: Under what item number? In terms of what? Commissioner Regalado: There is no item number. Vice Chairman Plummer: Under Public Facilities... Commissioner Gort: It's not there. Commissioner Regalado: You got to add it to it. It's a new one. It's a new one. Commissioner Teele: No, no. Vice Chairman Plummer: So in other words, you are adding an item to the numbers? Commissioner Teele: It's, it's... I am adding an item to the number and taking it from there, but the building is City owned. That's the point. Vice Chairman Plummer: I understand that, sir. But it would come under Public Facilities? Commissioner Teele: It would come under Public Facilities. Vice Chairman Plummer: So that would be in effect, item 59. Commissioner Teele: Item 59. And... Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Are there any other requests? Commissioner Regalado: He took one, right? One? 275 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Regalado, do you have any other... Commissioner Regalado: No, it's just one. Number one. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, is there a motion overall? Commissioner Regalado: It's a motion by Commissioner Teele. I second it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Seconded by Regalado. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: Any further discussion? There's going to be a lot of tears. All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: In opposition? Show unanimous. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-400 A MOTION TO APPROVE CITY OF MIAMI STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH 1998-1999 24TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES PROJECTS WITH THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS: (1) TRANSFER $50,000 FROM CITYWIDE STREETS AND SIDEWALKS (TOTAL PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PROPOSAL) AND ALLOCATE SAME TO ASSOCIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 1) IN ORDER TO BUILD A PROFESSIONAL TRAINING KITCHEN: (2) MANAGER TO HAVE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PRIORITIZE EDGEWATER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S PROJECT FOR N.E. 25TH STREET CURB AND SIDEWALKS IMPROVEMENT (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 26), AS WELL AS HAVING PUBLIC WORKS ALLOCATE SOME OF ITS FUNDING IN ALL FIVE CITY DISTRICTS: (3) TRANSFER $200,000 (FROM TOTAL PUBLIC PROPOSAL), FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PROPOSAL), FOR THE RENOVATION OF BUILDING AT 224 N.W. 12 STREET FOR BASIC TRAINING (PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 12), SAID FUNDS TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE APPROPRIATE CITY AGENCY TO COORDINATE THE RENOVATION OF SAID BUILDING WITH BASIC TRAINING. 276 April 14, 1998 Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele. Commissioner Teele: Now that that item is closed, I mean, I would like to ask the Manager, again, and I don't want to do violence to what we are doing here, but if we approve the fire fee for capital, I would specifically ask that the Manager not expend the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) from here, but to use it from the fire fee and let's see what that looks like in terms of the dollars that are available. And Commissioner Plummer... Vice Chairman Plummer: Go ahead. Commissioner Teele: I mean, if you would want me to, I would... I would move that two fifty. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Teele, I have made a promise to all of the people when I voted in favor of that, that all of that money would be for capital expenditures in the Fire Department. And for me to take any money out of that for other than capital projects, and equipment for the Fire Department, I think will be breaking my word to the people who I committed... Commissioner Teele: You didn't understand me at all, because this hasn't got nothing to do with that. Vice Chairman Plummer: Go ahead, then. Make me clearer. Commissioner Teele: Well, I am trying to do what you want to do, I thought. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Commissioner Teele: And that was, when this report was done, when these recommendations were done, J.L.... Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Commissioner Teele: ... there was no money at all for the Fire Department. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Commissioner Teele: This was all. Now that we are moving, and in the... I assume you are going to still vote for this, and I am praying that you will, the fire fee in two weeks. 277 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Commissioner Teele: If you wanted to move that... Vice Chairman Plummer: To capital improvements? Commissioner Teele: ... for a particular park... Vice Chairman Plummer: I move, and I thank you, sir. I move that item six that the money for that item, be transferred over according to my good friend, Arthur Teele who saved the bacon to make that from the Capital Improvements of the fire fee and that that be moved into Virrick Park. Commissioner Teele: Second the motion. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. Unidentified Speaker: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there anything else? OK, so Public Facilities is now taken care of. Commissioner Teele: Now we need to vote on the entire package as amended, again. Vice Chairman Plummer: The entire package has been moved and seconded. Commissioner Teele: I'm talking now about the Public Facilities. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's what I am saying. Commissioner Regalado: We already voted. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, we just voted on his amendment. Commissioner Regalado: No, we voted on the Public Facilities. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's correct. Commissioner Gort: No, we voted on the whole package... Vice Chairman Plummer: We have already done it. This was an extra item. Commissioner Teele: OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Regalado: Public Facilities been voted on. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. You know I can't please everybody. I am sorry. Commissioner Teele: What do you mean, I am sorry. Commissioner Teele: What do you mean, sorry? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Social Service. 278 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: No, no, Ringo is back there ready to cut my throat. And everybody... Commissioner Teele: She's about ready to come kiss you. Commissioner Hernandez: No, it's Ringo Caynard. Vice Chairman Plummer: No, Ringo? No, not Rolle, Ringo. There is a difference. I'm, hey... I do what I can. We are under Social Services. Commissioner Regalado: Did we vote on...? Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes, we voted on the total package. Commissioner Regalado: No, no, but his motion... [NOTE FOR THE RECORD: There was no roll call taken.] The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-401 A MOTION MODIFYING THE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS BY TRANSFERRING $250,000 FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI FIRE STATION RENOVATION (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 6) TO COMPLETE THE RECREATION CENTER AT VIRRICK PARK (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 9); FURTHER STIPULATING THAT SAID TRANSFER BE CONDITIONED UPON THE APPROVAL OF THE FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENT. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Teele, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: We are now under Social Services. All right under Social Services, I have Carmen... Where is Carmen? Ms. Carmen Maine: I am right over here. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Step up to the mike and be counted. Ms. Maine: I was over there, but you moved me over here. Vice Chairman Plummer: I didn't move you anywhere. I asked you to step over there to... You can use either microphone, it's makes no difference. There is not a plus and a minus. Just get up and speak. 279 April 14, 1998 Ms. Maine: My name is Carmen C. Maine, II. I am item number seven. I was not allocated this year. I requested sixty-seven. The board recommended forty. I am sending out an SOS. You are free to visit my facility whenever you'd like. We not only give food, referrals, counseling to the elderly. Excuse me, I have asthma, also to the disabled. Miami Senior High School uses our facility for English classes, citizenship classes. We are a 501 non -for -profit. We have been in existence since 1971. I am going to do like Frankie and ask you help me. I am sending out an SOS to all of you, or I might have to shut my doors down. The County is doing that. The County is not helping me hardly at all. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Ms. Maine: Thank you. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Reverend James Davis. Item 33. Reverend James Davis: James Davis, 3680 Thomas Avenue. Item number thirty-three, page one of fifteen. We... we were recommended by the CD (Community Development) Board and by the ED (Economic Development) Committee. Now I know that the Commissioners are leaning toward staff recommendation. Our program is very much needed. We need to expand our program to the point of trying to help our children not only during the school time, but during... also during the Summer. We would hope that you would break the tradition of the City staff recommendation and fund our program. Also, I know all of us, we try not to be territorial, but when we look at... when we look at West Grove, and I think all these people here are representing different areas. In West Grove for some reason or the other we are losing number fifty-eight on page two of fifteen, twenty-eight thousand two hundred and seventy-five dollars ($28,275.00) that was going to St. Albans Daycare Nursery. And if you all cannot find any money anywhere else, that two thousand... that twenty-eight thousand two hundred and seventy- five dollars ($28,275.00) that was going to Coconut Grove, please don't take it away because our children need it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. The next speaker is Lucie... Ms. Lucie Tondreau: That's me. Tondreau. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you. Ms. Tondreau: My name is Lucie Tondreau, 8037 Northeast 2nd Avenue. Vice Chairman Plummer: Which item ma'am? Ms. Tondreau: Item number thirty-five, page one. Vice Chairman Plummer: Page thirty-five, HACAD. Ms. Tondreau: No. Page one, item number thirty-five. Vice Chairman Plummer: HACAD. Ms. Tondreau: HACAD. It is for the afterschool program we have for the youth in the community. It's an aftercare program that parents have volunteered for the past few months in helping children that are having problems speaking English as a second language. And most of these children are from single parents. We are trying to help them to keep them off the streets and for them to have better grades in school in order to become good citizens of this country. 280 April 14, 1998 And we requested one hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000). Nothing was allocated to US. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, ma'am. Ms. Tondreau: Thanks. Vice Chairman Plummer: The last speaker that I have, you know it. Reverend, Doctor, Honorable John White. Commissioner Gort: Amen. Reverend John White: Thank you, sir. Item number two on Public Service and Social Programs is the AGAPE Academic Enrichment Center. It's in Overtown. It's a project that's been funded partially between the community and the University of Miami. We are requesting one hundred and twenty thousand, however CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) staff recommended twenty and I understand the City staff recommended zero. I trust that the Commissioners would reconsider and find an allocation to try to give something. The program is being tutored students in Overtown by parents from the Overtown community and they are doing a marvelous job and I trust that you could find some funding. And while I am here, I want to express my thanks to you for the staff's recommendation for item 32. Thank you, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you. Gwendolyn, don't I remember that there was a previous motion about the YMCA (Young Men Christian Association)? Mr. Jose Cerdan (Asst. Director/Community Development Block Grant Division): I am sorry. Vice Chairman Plummer: Didn't we make a different allocation for the YMCA? The nineteen thousand. Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): It's a... No, no. We're going... We're up to 40. That's item 65. Vice Chairman Plummer: We're on... Mr. Cerdan: Page two. Vice Chairman Plummer: Oh, I see. OK. All right, fine. So in other words, that is at the forty thousand dollar ($40,000) level? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. I saw Ms. Urra. Commissioner Gort: Well... Vice Chairman Plummer: You are not up here to speak, and I am wondering why? Commissioner Gort: I'll speak for her. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Mr. Gort will speak for you. Mr. Gort, speak. Commissioner Gort: Many of you know this program has had a waiting list and to take away eleven thousand dollars ($11,000) from them. 281 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Which item is this? Commissioner Gort: This is item three. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Item four. Vice Chairman Plummer: Item four. Commissioner Gort: Item four. I would like to maintain it at the present allocation. The recommendation was just three hundred thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: I'm concerned about the daycare and the medical that they had up there. Does that cover that? Commissioner Gort: No, that's just for the feeding system. Come on. Vice Chairman Plummer: What about the other twenty-five thousand? Ms. Miriam Urra: OK, the childcare is... Vice Chairman Plummer: For the record, give your name please. Ms. Urra: My name is Miriam Urra and I am representing Allapattah Community Action, Inc., an elderly meals facility, located at 2257 Northwest North River Drive. To answer the question for the childcare, Commissioner. We have the Head Start Program funded through the Dade County government so it's been covered. Vice Chairman Plummer: It is being covered? Ms. Urra: Yes. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, the last question I have is on Centro Mater. Are they here? Am I to assume, since they are not here that they... Commissioner Regalado: No, they are not here. No, no, not here. But I'll... I think, I can speak for them too... Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, speak. Commissioner Regalado: ... and I am sure that Commissioner Hernandez will, too. Centro Mater has been cut for about, I will say, three thousand dollars ($3,000), as well as Southwest Social Services. These two projects, one for children, one for elderly, I am recommending to the Commission to use some of the funds that we have available to restore in the case of Centro Mater and to increase by three thousand the... under Southwest Social Services because of the waiting list for meals on wheels that they have, sixty persons, a waiting list. So I am asking the Commission to move some funds to bring Centro Mater to what they are getting now. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Let me, let me understand. Gwen we have reserved for Commission disposal... Commissioner Hernandez: One hundred and twenty-six. Ms. Gwendolyn Warren (Director/Community Development): All right, you... 282 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: ... is that still one hundred and twenty-six? Ms. Warren: Correct. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. So, you are asking then to boost Centro Mater... Commissioner Regalado: Centro Mater from sixty nine o six... Vice Chairman Plummer: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Sixty... Commissioner Regalado: Number 13. Vice Chairman Plummer: Number 13, all right. From how much? Commissioner Regalado: From sixty-nine o six which is what it was recommended to sixty-five thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's more than they got before? Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I know. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. I am going to ask that number 33... Commissioner Regalado: Wait, J.L. Commissioner Hernandez: Wait a second. Wait a second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes. Commissioner Hernandez: It's going to Southwest Services now. Commissioner Regalado: And number 55, Southwest Social Services. This is the program that has a long waiting list. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Teele: What number is that? Commissioner Regalado: It's 55. Vice Chairman Plummer: Fifty-five. Commissioner Gort: Fifty-five. You are only talking about two thousand dollars ($2,000) here. Two thousand something. Commissioner Regalado: It's a... It's coming short. It's was cut by over three thousand dollars ($3,000). So, we... I need to bring this up to seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000). Vice Chairman Plummer: Aye, yah-aye. Commissioner Regalado: It's the only way that they can build... Vice Chairman Plummer: In other words, you're increasing it by eight thousand? 283 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Regalado: I am sorry? Vice Chairman Plummer: You're increasing it by eight thousand? Commissioner Regalado: I am increasing it by eight thousand, yes. Commissioner Hernandez: They need it. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, I would like to have consideration for item 33, because we have no other daycare in Coconut Grove. I would like to allocate there the twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) on item 33, for Greater St. Paul. How much do we have left, Gwendolyn? Ms. Warren: One hundred thousand. Commissioner Hernandez: I need... Commissioner Gort: Allapattah. Vice Chairman Plummer: Did we...? Well, in Allapattah, what are we increasing Allapattah? Ms. Warren: Let's say ninety-eight thousand. Commissioner Hernandez: Twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). Vice Chairman Plummer: Twelve thousand for Allapattah increase. Commissioner Hernandez: More or less. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Hernandez: I need seventeen and twenty-seven. Ms. Warren: Twelve thousand for number four? Commissioner Hernandez: Well, take it to... Vice Chairman Plummer: For number four, we are increasing it by twelve thousand. Commissioner Gort: Well, to be exact, to be exact, eleven four sixty. Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Gort: Eleven thousand four hundred and sixty. Commissioner Hernandez: Seventeen and twenty-seven, J.L. Vice Chairman Plummer: Seventeen is allocated for nothing at this particular point. Commissioner Hernandez: Correct. And twenty-seven. Vice Chairman Plummer: And twenty-seven is... 284 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Regalado: Rafael A. Penalver. Commissioner Hernandez: Skunked. They both have been skunked. Commissioner Regalado: That's Rafael A. Penalver, right? Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, and what are you recommending for twenty-seven? Commissioner Hernandez: Twenty-five. Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-five. And seventeen? Commissioner Hernandez: Twenty-five. Vice Chairman Plummer: Woah. Commissioner Gort: No, that goes... [phonetic] Commissioner Hernandez: Well, cut... cut it. See, J. L., tell me what... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, you might get... wind up with one or the other. All right, where? Hold on. Whose got the calculator? Commissioner Gort: You better hurry. Ms. Warren: About twenty-five thousand left. Commissioner Gort: There you go. Vice Chairman Plummer: No, don't give it to me. Ms. Warren: About twenty-five thousand left. Vice Chairman Plummer: How much? Ms. Warren: About twenty... Approximately twenty-eight thousand. Commissioner Hernandez: We got left. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Ms. Warren: Hold on. The Manager is adding. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Teele: Well, let met just tell you how this works out, guys. There is one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars available. Vice Chairman Plummer: Right. Commissioner Teele: It's five people. Commissioner Hernandez: It's twenty-five a pop. I think that's the only solution. 285 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: So, I mean, there is no hard and fast rule here, but... Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah. Commissioner Teele: ... let's everybody... Commissioner Hernandez: Put down all they are going to recommend. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's fine with me. I have made my peace with my Lord... Commissioner Hernandez: I have got no problem with that. Commissioner Teele: Yeah, you did. Twenty-five off the top. Commissioner Regalado: I haven't reached twenty-five, yet. Commissioner Teele: Yes, you have. Commissioner Regalado: No, I haven't. Eight thousand and three thousand. Eleven thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: In Coconut Grove and St. Paul... Commissioner Teele: Yes, J. L. Vice Chairman Plummer:... will pray for me, and Irby will damn me, and Ringo will cremate me and... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mister Teele. Commissioner Teele: While Commissioner Hernandez considers how he's going to do his now... Vice Chairman Plummer: Commissioner Hernandez, you have got a total of twenty-five in all fairness. Commissioner Hernandez: I'll split the pie. Then split, twelve, twelve. Vice Chairman Plummer: Twelve and a half each? Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah. Give me a little bit of yours. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, I'll tell you what... Commissioner Hernandez: Give me twelve five of yours. Vice Chairman Plummer: I can't give you twelve five. Commissioner Teele: Loan it to him. Vice Chairman Plummer: I can't loan it to him. I can't shoot the craps, the Reverend is sitting here. If he wasn't here, I might do it, but he's sitting here with a whip. 286 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Gort: I have thirteen left. Commissioner Hernandez: Maybe Commissioner Regalado can help me out on twenty-seven. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Commissioner Regalado: I'm, I'm using five thousand dollars ($5,000) for twenty-seven, Rafael Penalver Burn Clinic. Vice Chairman Plummer: So, in other words... Commissioner Hernandez: I got seventeen five, then Regalado and myself are putting in seventeen five... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Hernandez: For twenty-seven. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, I'll take three thousand from my daycare in Coconut Grove which will twenty-two and I'll make it up to twenty thousand for Penalver Clinic. It is very important. So that will give them a total of twenty thousand and the Reverend will have twenty- two thousand. Commissioner Teele: All right. I'll go... Commissioner Hernandez: Excuse me a second. And seventeen, then has twelve five? Vice Chairman Plummer: Has twelve five, is correct. Commissioner Hernandez: All right. Commissioner Gort: I'll tell you what I'll do with the twenty-five. Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-five is... Commissioner Gort: My twenty-five. Vice Chairman Plummer: What are you doing with your twenty-five? Commissioner Gort: I'll give fifteen to number four. Vice Chairman Plummer: Number four. Commissioner Gort: I would like us to try it out, and I would like staff to come back and let me know, if possible. Five to twenty-five is a new program which is an afterschool program... Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-five. Commissioner Gort: ... to help kids with the computers training. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Five thousand. Go ahead. Commissioner Gort: And whether or not they might be able to work with them directly with you training these people for the job placement. 287 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: That's it. Very definitely. Commissioner Gort: And what I'll do with the other five, I'll yield it to be used by you all. Vice Chairman Plummer: To what? Commissioner Gort: To be used by you all. To either Penalver or the other one. Let Bert use it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, let me ask this question. We are covered in Centro Mater, are we? Item 13. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I used... I used some of mine in Centro Mater. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, if Commissioner Gort is willing to give up five of his.... Commissioner Teele: Put it... and let Bert Hernandez use it. Vice Chairman Plummer: ... can we give it to Centro Mater? Commissioner Regalado: Give it to Centro Hispano Catholico, they need it, too. Vice Chairman Plummer: Well, OK, I am just saying that it's... I... Centro Mater is Citywide. Whatever you guys want to do. Commissioner Regalado: Centro Mater is Citywide and Centro Mater deserves, but Centro Hispano from Wynwood, I think it is, has been cut for about one thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK, give them the five. Is that what you are saying? Commissioner Regalado: Give them two thousand. Vice Chairman Plummer: Give them two thousand. Commissioner Regalado: Give them two thousand and three thousand to Centro Mater. Vice Chairman Plummer: And three thousand more to Centro Mater. Gwendolyn that does it. Ms. Warren: Well, OK. Vice Chairman Plummer: You got seventeen got twelve five. Commissioner Teele: I thought. Well, I thought Willy left five thousand on the table? Vice Chairman Plummer: He did. Three thousand... Commissioner Regalado: We just used it. Vice Chairman Plummer: We just used it. Commissioner Teele: But Bert didn't get any of it. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, he did. 288 April 14, 1998 Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes, he did. Not of the extra five, no. Commissioner Teele: Well, why you all just...? Vice Chairman Plummer: Would you go back to sleep? Commissioner Teele: All right. Vice Chairman Plummer: My twenty-five... Commissioner Hernandez: He split that again. Vice Chairman Plummer: Whose? Commissioner Hernandez: Your five. Vice Chairman Plummer: Commissioner Teele's twenty-five. Commissioner Hernandez: What did you do with the five, again? Vice Chairman Plummer: The five three and two. Three went to... Ms. Warren: Thirteen. Vice Chairman Plummer: ... Centro Hispanico and two thousand went to Centro Mater. Ms. Warren: No. Vice Chairman Plummer: It's the reverse. Ms. Warren: No, just the reverse. That's a reverse. Vice Chairman Plummer: Just reversed. Ms. Warren: Three and two. Vice Chairman Plummer: The question is, Reverend Teele, what did you do with yours? Commissioner Teele: Well, I mean, I don't think there is any question. Basic Training which is still short on their immediate operating funds of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), is ten thousand dollars ($10,000)... That's number nine. And I really want to make sure that staff works closely with Basic Training because I really don't want any audit problems. This is new and I really don't want to wind up hurting this organization by giving them money, so they are going to need a lot of technical assistance going in. And the Agape, ten thousand, which is number two. Number seven... Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Teele: Number seventeen, twenty-five hundred. Commissioner Hernandez: Thanks. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is that it? 289 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: No. Vice Chairman Plummer: Twenty-five hundred more. Commissioner Hernandez: Because I am up to fifteen. Commissioner Teele: And, well I'll just go Basic Training twelve five. Twelve thousand five hundred. Vice Chairman Plummer: OK. Does that do it Gwendolyn? Ms. Warren: That will do it. Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: I still, I think, out of my twenty-five thousand, I think I have some left, is that correct, Gwendolyn? Vice Chairman Plummer: I don't think so. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, it is. Yes, I do. Vice Chairman Plummer: No. Ms. Warren: What were your numbers? Commissioner Hernandez: He gave me five for number twenty-seven. Ms. Warren: OK. Commissioner Regalado: Five to Bert. Also, I used... Ms. Warren: Eight on number thirteen. Commissioner Regalado: Number thirteen and number fifty-five. Commissioner Hernandez: Thanks. Commissioner Teele: You all check Tomas' numbers now, you hear. Vice Chairman Plummer: Yeah, I think there is a little hedge in here somewhere. Commissioner Teele: It sounds like he at forty -thousand and claims it's twenty-two. Ms. Warren: Use eight thousand on number fifty-five. Eight thousand... Commissioner Regalado: OK. So, I'm counting here and I am short. I would like forty-one, two thousand dollars ($2,000) so we can... so we can have the same amount that they have more or less now. Ms. Warren: On which one? 290 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Regalado: Forty-one. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right. Commissioner Regalado: Hispanic Coalition. Vice Chairman Plummer: Are we in balance? Are we in black ink or are we in red ink? Ms. Warren: You are in balance. Vice Chairman Plummer: We are in balance. Commissioner Regalado: We are in balance. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a motion for the...? Hello? Commissioner Regalado: Well, there is no money left. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is no money left, no. The cupboard is bare. Ms. Warren: We are all right. Commissioner Regalado: What...? Vice Chairman Plummer: The cupboard is bare. Is there a motion to approve? Commissioner Gort: Move it. Vice Chairman Plummer: Mr. Gort moves. Commissioner Gort: As amended. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a second? As amended. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Any further discussion? All in favor say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: All opposed? 291 April 14, 1998 The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Gort, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 98-402 A MOTION MODIFYING THE CITY STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS PROJECTS BY ALLOCATING FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND SOCIAL PROGRAM RESERVE, AS FOLLOWS; 1) INCREASE FUNDS TO CCS /CENTRO MATER CH CA (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 13) TO A TOTAL OF $68,000; 2) INCREASE FUNDS TO SOUTHWEST SOCIAL SERVICES (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 55) TO A TOTAL OF $75,000; 3) ALLOCATE $25,000 TO GREATER ST. PAUL AME (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 33) FOR AFTER SCHOOL CARE; 4) INCREASE $15,000 TO ALLAPATTAH COMMUNITY ACTION (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 4); 5) ALLOCATE $15,000 TO CHILDREN'S PSYCH. CENTER; 6) ALLOCATE $20,000 TO DR. RAFAEL A. PENALVER CLINIC (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 27); 7) ALLOCATE $5,000 TO DOMINICAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 25); 8) INCREASE $2,000 TO CENTRO HISPANO CATOLICO (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 12); 9) INCREASE $12,500 TO BASIC TRAINING (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 9); 10) ALLOCATE $10,000 TO AGAPE ACADEMIC ENRICH (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 2); 11) INCREASE HISPANIC COALITION (PROJECT PROPOSAL NO. 41) BY $2,000. [Note: There is still $7,531 balance from the Public Service and Social Program Reserve which was not allocated.] Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: All right, I am going to put it on the table. Mr. Caynard has asked for reconsideration on Public Facilities. Is there any help than can be afforded to item 29 and 30? Is there any funds available, Ms. Warren for 29 or 30 on Public Facilities? Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): We have the. Commissioner Teele: Not Public Facili... Vice Chairman Plummer: I am sorry. Only for City sidewalks and streets. 292 April 14, 1998 Ms. Warren: Not... Vice Chairman Plummer: The question is, does anyone wish to make a motion in reference to item 29 or 30. The money would have to come from sidewalk facilities. Commissioner Teele: Twenty-nine and thirty of what? Vice Chairman Plummer: Of Public Facilities. Commissioner Hernandez: I'll make a motion. The thing is, where are we going to get the money. I mean, there is no... Vice Chairman Plummer: The question is, it would have to come from the sidewalks, right? Ms. Warren: Correct. Commissioner Gort: Sidewalks. Vice Chairman Plummer: That's the only place that there is any money. Commissioner Hernandez: It's the only place at this point? Commissioner Teele: No, no. Vice Chairman Plummer: What? Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Right, that's the only place that really... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I would move adoption of the entire CD (Community Development), plan as it has been amended. Vice Chairman Plummer: Motion made to adopt the entire CD plan as amended. Commissioner Gort: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Second. Any further discussion? Hallelujah. 293 April 14, 1998 The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 98-402.1 A RESOLUTION WITH ATTACHMENT, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S FY 1998-1999 PROPOSED CONSOLIDATED PLAN, INCLUDING A FY 1998 ACTION PLAN WITH PROJECTED USES OF FUNDS FOR THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG), HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME), EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) PROGRAMS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (USHUD); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, UPON APPROVAL OF SAID PLAN AND GRANTS BY USHUD, TO ACCEPT THE SAME AND EXECUTE THE NECESSARY IMPLEMENTING AGREEMENTS WITH USHUD, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE CITY CODE PROVISIONS, WITH THE COMMUNITY BASED NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS, AS APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING NEIGHBORHOOD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, FOR THE AMOUNTS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION, WITH FUNDS ALLOCATED THEREFOR FROM THE AFOREMENTIONED GRANTS AND PROGRAMS. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gort, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. I think it's very, very important that the Manager be asked to do several things. Number one, there are a series of resolutions. I don't know where those resolutions are that was supposed to been accompanying this. I would ask that they be on the next meeting. Those are the ones that suspend certain programs. There is no multi -family housing. There is a whole series of things. Commissioner Gort: We passed that. Commissioner Teele: No we didn't. Commissioner Gort: We didn't? 294 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: No, sir. Commissioner Gort: I was under the impression... Commissioner Teele: Those resolutions have not come forward. Ms. Linda Kearson, Esq. (Assistant City Attorney): There are about twelve resolutions that were prepared about a month or so ago. Commissioner Teele: Policy resolutions. Commissioner Hernandez: Yes. Right. Commissioner Gort: Oh. Commissioner Teele: And I would specifically ask, that related to CD, that the Manager really engage in a process of reviewing these grantees that we're submitting money for and make sure that they are really fiscally responsible in terms of what it is we are being audited against. Because we have got a number of issues. Gwendolyn you wanted to say, make a point? Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. Again, we are in the process of developing our response to the OIG Audit, the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Audit. And it was our intent to recommend some policy and administrative changes that would in fact incorporate some of the resolutions as a part of that corrective action plan. So, if it were possible, we would like to bring it back at the first meeting in May. Commissioner Teele: Bring what back? Ms. Warren: The corrective action plan along with the appropriate resolutions at the first meeting in May... Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Ms. Warren: ... as a part of the response and corrective action to the HUD action. Bring it as a total package versus individually. 295 April 14, 1998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66. (A)DIRECTIVE TO CONDUCT COMPLETE EVALUATION OF CITY'S NET OFFICES -- PRESENT SAID EVALUATION NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1, 1998 -- FURTHER DIRECTING MANAGER TO ESTABLISH STAFFING OF NET OFFICES AS HIGHEST PRIORITY -- SEE LABEL 37. (B)COMMENTS FORM COMMISSIONER TEELE REGARDING AGENDA ITEM 34 (AUTHORIZE SETTLEMENT FOR MILAGROS AND ERNESTOR DEL CASTILLO) -- SEE LABELS 40 AND 68. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commissioner Teele: On the motion, Mr. Chairman... Vice Chairman Plummer: Yes. Commissioner Teele: ... the big issue that I really think that we have an overlap here in or a crack to use... a crevice to use Mr. McKnight's term, is that we really need to engage, in my judgment Mr. Manager, outside engineers for capital projects. We are accepting everybody that comes to us with their numbers and there is no second opinions. Within the CD (Community Development) Department there are no second opinions. That's why we keep running into these overruns and these problems in terms of projects don't end. I mean, the issue that I had with Ms. James about the Black police station which I support, there is no numbers to support those numbers. And I really believe we need a strategy, Mr. Manager, a major project strategy whereby the Commission knows that when we take these projects up that that's realistic. Because the industry knows... knows that we don't have the numbers, so they come in here and give us a low ball number and then we're into this. And I would ask as specifically as a part of your administrative costs, that you all engage whoever and whatever that you all are interested with... in, in being able to do this, that is really able to go out there and do that. And I specifically think that the Public Works Department, you know, which has in the past done a lot of this, is overtaxed and overused. And if you want to stay with that, I'll support it. But somebody is going to have to start coming forward with a recommendation signed by an engineer that these are real numbers. And that's what we need, Mr. Manager, is a professional engineer's license on the line who is going to say that's how much this project is going to cost. Vice Chairman Plummer: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Teele: Call the question. Vice Chairman Plummer: A resolution directing the City Manager... Commissioner Teele: Call the question on approving the overall package. Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: I thought we did. Commissioner Teele: No. Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Call the question. We did. Mr. Walter J. Foeman (City Clerk): We passed it. 296 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Regalado: We did. [AT THIS POINT, VICE CHAIRMAN PLUMMER READ THE RESOLUTION INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.] Commissioner Teele: I would so move it, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: There is a motion and a second. All in favor say 'aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: Any opposition? Show it a unanimous vote. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 98-403 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONDUCT A COMPLETE EVALUATION OF THE CITY'S NET OFFICES, INCLUDING PERSONNEL STAFFING, SALARY STRUCTURE, BENEFITS, AND APPROPRIATIONS, FOR SAID OFFICES AND TO PRESENT SAID EVALUATIONS TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR ITS REVIEW NO LATER THAN AUGUST 1, 1998; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ESTABLISH, AS THE CITY'S HIGHEST STAFFING PRIORITY, THE FULL STAFFING OF THE NET OFFICES. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Vice Chairman Plummer: Are there any other emergency items to come before...? Emergency. Commissioner Gort: Move to adjourn. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, the City Attorney is very concerned about the interests are being accumulated by our failure to act on 31... 34. I move to defer it. This is palm tree stop sign. If you will entertain it. Apparently, the City Attorney is saying... Vice Chairman Plummer: A motion made to... to reconsider? 297 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Has that got to be reconsidered? Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: Reconsider item 34. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67. AUTHORIZE REALLOCATIONS FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS -- FOR FUNDING ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES -- FURTHER ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM DOWNTOWN PARKS IMPACT FEE FOR BAYFRONT PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Joel E. Maxwell, Esq. (Interim City Attorney): Woa, woa, woa. We have a procedural problem. Vice Chairman Plummer: What's your procedure? Mr. Maxwell: You are now on the agenda. Commissioner Hernandez: You have got to go back. Vice Chairman Plummer: I have adjourned the March 19th meeting, and we are now back... Mr. Linda Kearson, Esq. (Asst. City Attorney): No, we have not finished the... We have item two. Mr. Jose Garcia -Pedrosa (City Manager): That's dealing with the reallocation. Ms. Kearson: Item two, the reallocation. Let's do that first. Vice Chairman Plummer: Hey guys, let's get this act together, all right? Ms. Kearson: Well, that's what we should do. Let's do item two first. Vice Chairman Plummer: Item number two. Is there a motion on item number two? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Plummer: That is the monies that was allocated... Commissioner Teele: I would so move that the J. L. Plummer memorial CD (Community Development) for the year... What is this, year 24 or year 25? Ms. Gwendolyn C. Warren (Director/Community Development Department): Twenty-three. Commissioner Hernandez: Twenty-four. Mr. Garcia -Pedrosa: Twenty-six. 298 April 14, 1998 Commissioner Teele: Twenty-four? Ms. Warren: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Plummer: I accept your humble motion. Commissioner Teele: For year 24, as codified in number two. Vice Chairman Plummer: Is there a second. Commissioner Hernandez: Second. Commissioner Gort: Second. Vice Chairman Plummer: All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Plummer: All opposed? It's passed. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 98-404 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO REALLOCATE $1,435,858 FROM AVAILABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FROM CERTAIN CDBG-FUNDED PROJECTS AND PROGRAM INCOME FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING CDBG ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 3 OF THIS RESOLUTION; ALSO ALLOCATING $411,611 FROM THE IMPACT FEE TO DOWNTOWN PARKS AND $288,389 FROM THE CDBG CONTINGENCY FUND ALLOCATION AS THE BAYFRONT PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS, FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE LEGAL AGREEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISBURSEMENT OF SAID FUNDING. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gort, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Humberto Hernandez Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Tomas Regalado 299 April 14, 1998