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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1998-12-18 MinutesCITY OF MIAMI * `: INCORI' ORATES :� COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON December 18, 1998 (Special Meeting) PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK/CITY HALL Walter J. Foeman/City Clerk ITEM NO. i.i I M MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING December 18, 1998 SUBJECT LEGISLATION 1. AUTHORIZE EXTENSION OF NOISE LIMITATION FOR 12/18/98 FIREWORKS AT BAYFRONT PARK FOR NEW YEAR'S M 98-1232 CELEBRATION. (See label 4). 1-3 2. BRIEF COMMENTS REGARDING: 12/18/98 (A) MIAMI TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELEVISION DISCUSSION CABLE (TCI) SERVICES. 3-5 (B) STREET LIGHTS WHICH ARE BROKEN OR OBSTRUCTED FROM VIEW. (C) COMMENDATION OF POLICE WORK CURBING SALE OF NARCOTICS IN THE VICINITY OF 1ST AVENUE BETWEEN 14 AND 16 STREETS. (D) COMMENDATION TO POLICE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF TOYS TO NEEDY CHILDREN AT MAHI TEMPLE. (E) LATIN MOTORCYCLE BRIGADE PARTY AT MARGARET PLACE PARK. (F) PARROT JUNGLE BIRTHDAY. (G) STATUS REPORT ON ACTIVITIES AT BAYFRONT PARK IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS. (H) TRAVEL AGENTS CONVENTION (POW WOW). 3. (A) AUTHORIZE STATE LOBBYING SERVICES WITH JOINT VENTURE OF RONALD L. BOOK, THE HONORABLE MIKE ABRAMS, PAMELA BURCH FORT OF THE COMMERCE GROUP, AND ROSARIO KENNEDY OF ROSARIO KENNEDY & ASSOCIATES; (B) COMMENTS BY RAY GOODE REGARDING REVIEW OF CRITERIA FOR THE RANKING OF FIRMS. (C) QUESTIONS BY THE COMMISSION REGARDING THE COMMITTEE COMPOSITION. (D) MAYOR CAROLLO INQUIRES ABOUT DISCREPANCIES IN RANKING PROPOSALS BY RATERS. (E) COMMENTS RE THE IMPACT OF CHANGING PARTY LEADERSHIP ON LOBBYING INITIATIVES IN TALLAHASSEE. (F) COMMENTS RE THE NEED TO HAVE LOBBYIST CHANGE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF PROPERTIES, AND THE FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SAID INITIATIVE TO THE CITY. (G) AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR SANCHEZ TO LOBBY IN TALLAHASSEE. (H) URGE COMMISSION TO SUBMIT ITS LIST OF LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES. (I) MANAGER GIVEN FLEXIBILITY IN NEGOTIATING STATE LOBBYING CONTRACT AS IT RELATES TO $118,000 FOR LOBBYING SERVICES AND $25,000 FOR EXPENSES. 4. CLARIFICATION BY CITY ATTORNEY THAT COMMISSION CANNOT CONSIDER ITEMS NOT LISTED IN MAYOR'S CALL FOR SPECIAL MEETING. MANAGER TO RELAX LIMITATIONS FOR FIREWORKS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVENT IN BAYFRONT PARK AND COMMISSION WILL RATIFY SAME IN JANUARY. (See label 1). 12/18/98 M 98-1233 6-24 12/18/98 M 98-1234 24-27 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 18th day of December, 1998, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in regular session. The meeting was called to order at 2:06 p.m. by Presiding Officer/Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr. (hereinafter referred to as Chairman Plummer), with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. (District 2) Commissioner Joe Sanchez (District 3) Commissioner Tomas Regalado ( District 4) Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. (District 5) ABSENT: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort (District 1) ALSO PRESENT: Donald Warshaw, City Manager Joel Maxwell, Assistant City Attorney Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk Maria J. Argudin, Assistant City Clerk An invocation was delivered by Mayor Joe Carollo, who then led those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag. Chairman Plummer: Mr. City Attorney, Mr. Clerk, did we, at any time, pass a resolution, as normal, for the purposes of extending the hour of fireworks at Bayfront Park on New Year's Eve? Mr. City Attorney, I know this is a special call. Mr. Manager, I'm scared that nobody did the formality of getting a waiver of the 11 o'clock fireworks prohibition to midnight on New Year's Eve. I'm sure there will be no problem, but I don't think we did it and... Mr. Walter Foeman (City Clerk): We're checking on it. Mr. Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): Is it going to require additional funds? December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: No, no, no, no, no. It's just the permission to allow it to go beyond... Mr. Vilarello: Once you convene the meeting... Chairman Plummer: Yeah. Mr. Vilarello: ...you can take any appropriate City business... Chairman Plummer: OK. I thought, once you had a special call, that's all you could encompass. Mr. Vilarello: You're supposed to be limited, yes. Commissioner Regalado: Do you need a special permit for a Winnebago full of food for New Year's Eve? Chairman Plummer: I'm not sure about that because I don't own a Winnebago. Commissioner Regalado: What is it? Chairman Plummer: I ain't going to tell you. Mr. Ray Goode: Make sure it has only food and not fireworks. Chairman Plummer: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: I'll tell you, it's great food. Chairman Plummer: There is -- I understand the floor is open for any other activity that might or might not be endanger of -- is there anything, Mr. Manager, that you have or you don't -- let's go ahead. Would you all stand up for a prayer by Bishop Teele and the pledge of allegiance by Mr. Regalado? (An invocation to God and the pledge to the flag were delivered). To my colleagues, in anticipation of the arrival of the Mayor, I indicated that I think I have a slight problem that I need to correct and, that is, a motion would be in order to allow fireworks at Bayfront Park on New Year's Eve to go until one a.m. but it will be for midnight but I'm saying one o'clock. Commissioner Teele: So moved. Commissioner Sanchez: So moved. Chairman Plummer: Moved by Commissioner Teele. Commissioner Sanchez: Second. Chairman Plummer: Seconded by Commissioner Sanchez. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Plummer: Show a unanimous ballot. 2 December 18, 1998 The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Teele, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO.98-1232 A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF TIME IN CONNECTION WITH NOISE LIMITATION FOR FIREWORKS DURING NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION ON DECEMBER 31, 1998, AT BAYFRONT PARK. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Vice Chairman Gort. [AT THIS POINT, MAYOR CAROLLO ENTERED THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT APPROXIMATELY 2:08 P.M.] Chairman Plummer: Is there anything else, besides the selection of the lobbyist, that-- well, here the Mayor now. OK. Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Gort able to make it? Chairman Plummer: Does anybody know if Commissioner Gort will be here or not? Can somebody check with his office? Mr. Clerk, could you check with Mr. Gort's office to see if he is anticipating to be here or can't make it or in town or out of town or -- Joe, the only thing I took up was the fireworks at Bayfront Park until midnight instead of eleven o'clock. Mayor Carollo: If we could just find out real quickly. 3 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: The Clerk is calling. He's running late, which indicates he's planning on being here. Mayor Carollo: OK. If we could maybe just take five minutes to see if he will arrive in those five minutes and... Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, while we're waiting, if I may. Once again, I hope the TV is on. I think that all of us are asking, in reference to TCI (Telecommunications, Inc.) that comments from the people of the City of Miami be forwarded to this City Commission, seeing as how that matter is a matter that we will be making some decisions on. We want favorable, as well as not favorable, comments and I think that you can either fax them or mail them here at City Hall. And it will be helpful to this Commission when it makes its final decision. Also, I would like to ask -- and I'm sure in my district but also in other districts, I'm sure, would be the same -- Mr. Mayor, I'm concerned about street lighting. Florida Power & Light has, in fact, been most cooperative but as I drive around and I realize that every street light that is not working is twenty-four dollars and seventy-five cents ($24.75) a month that this City is paying for, it concerns me. I'm also concerned that they don't have a regular type of follow-up service. It might amaze you, a five million dollar ($5,000,000) account, only when they're notified that three percent of the lights or more are out, do they do anything. And when I watch their trucks drive by a light that's out and not stop and correct it, that bothers me. I would ask the people in my district, and I'm sure the others would like the same, if you have a street light around your house, please call my office, if you're in my district. Give me the address, if you would. And also lights that are completely engrossed in trees that are of no value whatsoever. I think that something that we need to get our twenq four dollars and seventy-five cents ($24.75) a month activated and get it working because, if not, it just continues to get worse. I have one other thing, Mr. Manager. I would hope that you would convey, the last three days there's been a task force addressing the problem of narcotics on 1 st Avenue and 14th to 16th Street. I want to tell you what these eight individuals, men and women, have done in that particular locale in the last three days has been phenomenal. The most startling part about it is, is the amount of heroin that they have confiscated. Heroin is back on our streets, and all I can say to you, that I would hope that you would convey from myself, and I'm sure my colleagues I speak for, that it shows, when you put the manpower to address that problem, they can do something about it. So, if you'll convey to them my thank you and the thank you of the people up there who complain to our offices every day, I think it is well worth -- Lieutenant Coterra and group -- I don't know what you call them --but they've done a tremendous job and I hope they'll be allowed to continue to do the job. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Vice Chair or Mr. Chair, whoever's chairing the Commission meeting. Along those same lines, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Miami Police Department for an outstanding event that they put together, giving close to about a thousand kids some toys and giving them a great time over at the Mahi Temple. I was a part of that, and I was very, very - it was an honor for me to be there and see the Police Department put together a tremendous act of generosity and support of doing these things for the community, which is something that I - it made me very proud to be a part of this community. So, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Miami Police Department for that. Chairman Plummer: All of you are invited again by the Miami Police Department this weekend, on Sunday, to Wynwood Park. They're going to start -- I don't know why they call it a Latin Motorcycle Brigade, because I'm going to take mine. But they will be going from Margaret Pace Park to the Community Center in Wynwood for a party at two o'clock in the afternoon and they wanted everyone to know that they're invited to be there. Also, I guess we should note that I didn't know that the Parrot Jungle was the same age as myself. They're having a birthday on Sunday and everybody is invited at two o'clock for roasting the Macaw. Barbecuing the -- Mayor Carollo: Are they that old? 4 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: What do you mean, are they that old? Mayor Carollo: Parrot Jungle that old? Mr. Goode: It wears its age a lot better than... Chairman Plummer: Who, me or the Macaw? Mr. Goode: The Parrot Jungle does. Mayor Carollo: Just wait two more minutes. Chairman Plummer: Sure. Mayor Carollo: Get started at a quarter after. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, it might interest you, if you want, I'll give you a very brief synopsis. As Chairman, your Chairman of Bayfront Park, in the next two months the activities that will be taking place in Bayfront Park are going to be phenomenal. Needless to say, the Big Orange, after the Orange Bowl Parade, will be there for anybody in this City of Miami who has the opportunity and wants to be somewhere on New Year's Eve, but have no money, can be there and, if they want to buy something, they can, and if they don't, there will be tremendous entertainment. I should recognize Rosario, who was the mother of Bayfront Park. I'm the father. After that, on January the 3rd, through your work, Mr. Mayor, the new Governor will have his inaugural on the third day of January, which is a Sunday, at one o'clock in the afternoon, which also will be with a concert. Other than that, we have six events, including the press party for Super Bowl in Bayfront Park. And, also, in May, we are now informed that we will have one of the major activities ofPow Wow that will be coming to Miami once again, and realizing Pow Wow is five thousand travel agents. Mr. Manager, they're going to be talking to you about the things that I couldn't talk to them about and, that is, the in -kind services of what we can do to do our share for Pow Wow. The County has already dedicated four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to the event, the major hotels. There's going to be some very, very beautiful announcements that will be made, that I'm not at liberty to do right now, but I just thought you all would like to know what's going on in your park in the next couple of months. [AT THIS POINT, VICE CHAIRMAN GORT ENTERED THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT APPROXIMATELY 2:14 P.M.] December 18, 1998 Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner. And to all of you, thank you for coming to this meeting that was called as a Special Commission meeting. The reason that I called this Special Commission meeting is that, this is something that really is a true emergency that cannot wait. If we're going to wait until next year, we might as well practically not have a lobbying firm. We would be in the same situation that we were the previous year. I'd like to ask Ray Goode if he could come up, and if you could you give us an overall overview, Ray, of what the committee did and the recommendations of the committee, and anything you would like to add. Mr. Ray Goode: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As you properly indicated, we're starting to run a little bit late in this process now, although you still have time to have a very effective legislative session in a good 1999, as far as the State's concerned. But you, some time ago, submitted an RFQ (Request for Qualification) to the public, as a request for qualifications for firms to submit. Six did respond and then an Evaluation Committee of five persons was established by the City. We have copies here of all of the proposals. It actually took us long to read them all, as it did to conduct the interviews. And the interviews were conducted about three days ago. There were six firms that responded and we gave them all equal time to present orally their qualifications and experience and their strategies for approaching the City account, if they were to win it. And, then, based on that, based on after hearing them all, having Q & A (questions and answers) with each of the firms, the committee then voted and we ranked basically based on their experience, their qualifications, their strategy for approaching the City's account, and then one of the-- two of the key things that really impacted the final voting was whether or not they had a principal business located in the corporate limits of the City of Miami. And, also, looking at their-- whether their affirmative action program, they either had it or whether or not they had a certified minority business enterprise as a part of their team that actually is certified by this City. So, when all of those factors were taken into account, we voted and totalled the votes and you see before you -- actually, I don't know what you see before you because I haven't reviewed that. But there was an natural break between the top three and the group and bottom three, so we've presented to you the top three in the order that they were ranked by the Evaluation Committee. That's basically the process, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Ray. Do the members of the Commission have any questions of Mr. Goode? 6 December 18, 1998 Commissioner Sanchez: I do, Mr. Chair. Mr. Goode, do you think this selection was done in the utmost fair manner? Mr. Goode: I'd say it was eminently fair and I commend all of theproposers. I mean, lobbying firms, you'd think they'd be calling us to lobby us but they were told not to and they didn't, and I gave them credit for not interfering with the process at all and for putting together good proposals. Frankly, I would be pleased and proud to see you involved with any of those that made the cut but, as I say, we do present them to you in the priority order that was suggested. But I think it was a fair process. Everybody had a fair chance and the vote was fair. And I think the reviewers did a good job in evaluating all the accounts. Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Gort. Vice Chairman Gort: Ray, that was going to be my next question. Because one of the problems that I've seen before is, when you allocate numbers to individuals, I've seen when some people want to make sure that someone gets in, they put the highest numbers to the one they want in and the lowest number to all the rest. And my question to you is, did you process by points? Did you use the same system? Did you see the system coming across very evenly? Mr. Goode: After the vote was taken, they tried to make sure that we didn't have an excessive divergence amongst the group, in terms of high balling or low balling. I took a quick look at everybody's vote and it seemed to me that there was logic behind every one of the decisions as they were allocated the entire hundred points. It was 20, 20, 20, 10, 10 for each of the categories. The area where the number one -- actually, where all the top ranked firms made some extra points was the way we allocated the question of their location. Were they located in the City of Miami? If not, were they at least in Dade County? And they got extra points for that. Additionally, they got extra points for the diversity of the team they pulled together and even more points if a member of that team had qualified as a minority business enterprise within the City. So, frankly, I'd say most of the top three teams earned extra points in those categories. Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Manager, who appointed this committee? Mr. Donald Warshaw (City Manager): I did it in consultation with Marva Wiley of my staff and she was one of the members of the committee. Chairman Plummer: You're not aware, Mr. Manager, that we, the Commission, had asked in the future that there be one more of the private sector than in-house staff to do, not just this but all evaluations? People in the private sector are not dumb and people in the private sector somewhat know what they're doing. I would hope, in the future, Mr. Manager, that that would be the policy that would be followed, that we have outside thinking into the debate of the recommendations. And then, the only thing I have to say is, Mr. Goode, once again, I think this Commission owes you a debt of gratitude for the time you just put your shoulder to the wheel, and it shows your love for this City and this community. And I don't know how much more that we can do and say thank you. Mr. Goode: Thank you. Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Manager, I'd like to... Mayor Carollo: If I can, Commission. Excuse me. To what Commissioner Plummer said. That gratitude is, again, Ray. 7 December 18, 1998 Mr. Goode: Thanks. My pleasure. Vice Chairman Gort: I'd like to refresh what my colleague here has stated. What my colleague here has stated is, when he talks about the private sector, he wants people from the private sector with knowledge about the industry. Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Vice Chairman Gort: It doesn't mean that the public sector is just as sharp and as good but the problem is, our public sector might not have the expertise with the industry. That's why it's so important to have more from the private sector, especially within the same industry, because they can tell you all the tricks and-- I mean, creative writing is very good. I mean, we all know how to do creative writing but it's very difficult, if you know the industry, how creative that person being, realistic that proposal is. I think that's what you were saying, right, J.L? Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Regalado: Ray, I have a question. In the interviews... Mayor Carollo: Commissioner. Commissioner Regalado: In the interviews that you conducted... Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, if I can. I have the floor for a second. Commissioner Regalado: Oh, I'm sorry. Mayor Carollo: Thank you. I'll give you the floor in a minute. If I may ask the City Attorney to explain why three individuals have to come from staff out of the five that were chosen? Mr. Vilarello: Maybe Miss Wiley can address the issue because I'm not aware of the members of the committee. Chairman Plummer: You're saying have to? Not if the policy of this Commission is contrary. Mayor Carollo: Well, no, no. What I'm referring to -- you could choose more from the private sector and 1, personally, would welcome that, where you have more of an even split. Chairman Plummer: That's right. Mayor Carollo: But if Miss. Wiley could explain why that was done. Ms. Marva Wiley (Special Assistant to the City Manager): Just a point of clarification, Miss Carter, the Director of Purchasing, did make me aware, after the committee was appointed, that the directive of the Commission was to do a three/two in favor of the private sector. But, at that time, we were dealing with a very tight window and with the holiday seasons coming up, we thought it better to go with our strong person, Mr. Goode, and to find someone of a caliber and expertise during this season would have been an December 18, 1998 overwhelming task and we thought it more important to get the job done at this time. Chairman Plummer: Just for the record, I'm not speaking in any detriment to the staff who served in that committee. I'm speaking to a policy that had been established by this Commission, which, unfortunately or fortunately, was not followed in this particular case. Mayor Carollo: If I may, Mr. Goode. If I can ask another question. Did you find any great difference between the voting of the City executives, who are a part of the committee, versus yourself and Mary Louise Tighe from the private sector? Mr. Goode: Mr. Mayor, I really didn't spend that much time analyzing because I just-- at the end of the vote, as they were being tallied, I looked over each one to see if there was anything that looked to be eschew, very -- to the naked eye, so to speak, and I didn't even think to pull those two out, mine and hers, to see if there was that much disparity. Mayor Carollo: Thank you. Yes, go ahead. Ms. Wiley: Mr. Mayor, having looked at the scores of the individual raters across the board, each rater ranked the same firm number one. Four of the five ranked the same second firm number two and four of five ranked the same third firm as number three. Mayor Carollo: Very good. Thank you for that information. Commissioner Regalado. Commissioner Regalado: Yes, sir. Ray, during the interviews, were you able to talk to the different groups about the new style of government that we're going to have in the State of Florida, now that we have a Republican governor, a Republican house, and a Republican Senate? And the fact that there are many from the Miami area, Miami -Dade County, who would not be running because of term limits. I mean, that is all part of the new environment in Tallahassee. Mr. Goode: Well, we did spend time talking about that and we wanted to know each firm's relation with, not only the legislature, but the new administration. But even more important than that, and one of the areas -- and this reminds me of what J.L. was saying that, you have to be savvy about these things. A person can't come in and say I know the Governor well, so that makes a difference. Or the president of the Senate is a very good friend of mine or the Speaker of the House. You've got to get below that and you've really got to know how the system functions in terms of the committee structure, who heads the committees, who are the members of the committees, who are the key staff people there, who are the key staff to the cabinet people, who have to make recommendations on whether or not something goes into a budget. So, there's a lot more to the process than meets the eye and we tried to find those firms that get into the gear box a little bit more than maybe some of the others, but that was a very important part of the process. Chairman Plummer: The Governor just vetoes. Mayor Carollo: Thank you. Any further questions to Mr. Goode? Chairman Plummer: I'm ready to make a motion when you're ready, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Carollo: OK. Hearing none, Commissioner Plummer. Chairman Plummer: I follow the recommendation of the committee and so adjudge, as number one, Ron Book and Associates. 9 December 18, 1998 Mayor Carollo: OK. If I may, before we proceed. We're limiting choosing firms from the cut that the committee gave. I just want to clarify that for the record. Vice Chairman Gort: Do you need a second? Chairman Plummer: Well, obviously, by my motion, that's no problem. Mayor Carollo: OK. Vice Chairman Gort: I'll second. And let me tell you the reason I second it. I stated from way before, if we establish committee, we have to try to follow the recommendations of that committee. If not, let's do away with the committees. It makes it a lot easier - and let me tell you, because I know all three parties involved. All three people very well. I know Mr. Holtzman sits here and he's been a long time in this community. And its very difficult to select between -- to separate the friendship and the relationship that you have with the -- making your decision. So, I think following the committee makes it a lot easier for us because somebody else that does the ranking, and that's the reason why I second the mortgage. The mortgage. I've been dealing with second mortgages today. Sorry about that. You can tell what I've been doing today. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Manager, I think it might be interesting.... Vice Chairman Gort: Excuse me, J.L., I haven't finished yet. Chairman Plummer: I'm sorry. Vice Chairman Gort: I find that all three of the firms could have been very good, very well represented, and they all three very -- relationship. Unfortunately, we do have to make a decision and that's why I follow the -- I'll second the motion. Chairman Plummer: Excuse me, Mr. City Attorney. My motion was simple. We select the firm of Ron Book as the City's lobbyist in the Tallahassee for the coming year. I don't... Mr. Vilarello: My suggestion, Commissioner, is that you adopt the resolution before you, which does that... Chairman Plummer: Fine. Mr. Vilarello: ...and authorizes the Manager to enter into an agreement... Chairman Plummer: Fine. Mr. Vilarello: ...with them in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) a year. That way he can proceed with the services that you've retained him to... Chairman Plummer: Wait a minute. How much? Vice Chairman Gort: Fifty. Mr. Vilarello: Not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) a year. Mayor Carollo: Excuse me? You're saying now? 10 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: Mr. Manager? Excuse me. I can't envision fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). I'm being very, very honest with you. You cannot get lobbyists for that-- did they agree to that amount of money? Mayor Carollo: Where did this fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) come from? Chairman Plummer: I don't know where it came from. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Mayor? Mayor Carollo: Hold on, Commissioner. You could have the floor in a second. Chairman Plummer: Yeah, I -- because I recall, at the last time we had lobbyists, they were 140, plus expenses. I think expenses were not exceed either 20 or 25. And things, in my nature, have not gone down. They've gone up and, hopefully, we can get them for the 140. Mayor Carollo: I think, if the maker of the motion can make part of the motion, that you will be choosing the number one recommended firm as our lobbyist in Tallahassee and instructing the Manager to negotiate a number with them that would be below or rather no more. Hopefully, below... Chairman Plummer: Not to exceed. Mayor Carollo: Not to exceed the amount that was allocated in past fiscal year's budget. Chairman Plummer: And how much was that? Was it the 140 and 25? Mr. Warshaw: It was in excess of a hundred. I don't know the exact amount. But if you'd give us the right to negotiate... Chairman Plummer: Well, excuse me. Mr. Mayor, I don't want to do that, go away from here without knowing what we're doing. As far as I'm concerned, I would make my -- amend my motion to say 140 for the lobbying fee and not exceed 25 in expenses. The expenses to be approved by the Manager, of course. Mayor Carollo: Well, that's within the ballpark, actually. I believe a little less than what was approved last year. Chairman Plummer: Well -- how much was it? Mr. Warshaw: It was It 8 and fifteen thousand in expenses. Mayor Carollo: Was that the full amount that was approved last year? Mr. Vilarello: The budget director is checking on that. Mayor Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Warshaw: That's the amount of the resolution from last year. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, my motion will still be at the 140. You've got to pay these people to go up and spend the time. One forty, plus 25. And the twenty... 11 December 18, 1998 Mayor Carollo: Not to exceed that and the Manager will... Chairman Plummer: Not to exceed and the Manager can negotiate. I really don't know why he has to negotiate. All we have to negotiate is that they'll do it for that price. You know, let's not kid ourselves. We're looking at them bringing home the bacon. Mayor Carollo: That's for sure. Chairman Plummer: And if they couldn't bring home but a hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000) and break even, than I don't want them. Mayor Carollo: That's for sure, Commissioner. Chairman Plummer: There are millions and millions of dollars up there that they have a shot at and you're either going to give them the ammunition to take a good shot or they're not going to be able to bring it home. Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, part of the motion -- if it could be made in this way, and I think the City Attorney could guide us if he disagrees with it -- that the Manager can negotiate with them but it would be no more than that amount and... Chairman Plummer: Not to exceed. Mayor Carollo: We're approving this now so that he doesn't have to come back... Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Mayor Carollo: ... for approval. Chairman Plummer: absolutely. Mayor Carollo: There will be no... Mr. Vilarello: The resolution before you provides for that and I will now modify it for the amounts that Commissioner Plummer mentioned as the compensation. Mayor Carollo: Very good. OK. You have a motion and a second. Commissioner Teele. Commissioner Teele: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, I, too, want do commend Mr. Goode and the other members of the private sector, Mary Louise, that participated in -- by way of -- some way of acknowledging that the Manager, I think, is doing what this City needs more of and, that is, to involve the private sector. I would only say that, I would have been a lot happier if there were three private sector and two City but -- two and three. We're getting there. That's a lot better than five City employees and I commend you, Mr. Manager, for that. I also think that it's important that we touch base with our delegations. I'd like to know, Mr. Manager or Mr. Goode, has there been any consultation with the delegation in this process? I mean, you know, this is not like we don't know who our delegation is. And I think one of the things and one of the things that I've been talking about, you know, even in terms of Commission salaries as a matter of Charter change, is to allow the delegation to set the salaries for Commissioners. I think, you know, that's one way we'll all be communicating and warm and fuzzy and blowing kisses at each other, in terms of having an open -- a better and open line of communication. I don't 12 December 18, 1998 think it's any secret that there are members of the Dade Delegation that are very dissatisfied with this City, and I think we need to go the extra step in smoothing over whatever those difficulties are and, certainly, Commissioner Sanchez, you know, we're going to be looking to you and to the extent that the Mayor chooses to be involved. The Mayor, who, I, personally believe, by right, should be the focal point of all actions in Tallahassee and in Washington, as I've said consistently, since I've sat on this dais. But, Mr. Manager, has there been any consultation with the delegation? Mr. Warshaw: Not through this process, sir, no. Commissioner Teele: So we don't know who they would like to see or we don't know who they like or don't like or anything of that kind of thing. I mean, I do think that that-- in that we're hiring a lobbyist to lobby them, it does seem to me — and I would only offer for some consideration that, maybe even in the future, we might invite, you know, one or two members of the delegation to serve as panelist with us. I know that the newspapers use people to evaluate the delegation. I think it would be fair to let the delegation have some role in this, as we move on in the future, maybe not as a voting member but certainly need to have their consultation. I think the more important issue, from my vantage point, are two issues that I think, unfortunately, we need to look at. The first and the most important one is, we don't need to be talking about dollars here now. We talked about dollars in a budget process. So, would someone please provide us the memorandum or read into the record what is the budget, FY 99 budget that we're in now, dollars that we allocated for this? Now, I went through it when we were back in the early stages of the budget and I made sure that we had money in the budget for legislative lobbying in Tallahassee and in Washington. Mayor Carollo: They're sufficient in there. Commissioner Teele: Well, I understand that they're sufficient, Mr. Mayor, but the fact of the matter is, is that we should have a budget document before us any time we're going to spend money, pursuant to our own resolutions and pursuant to our own budget reform committees and blue ribbon committees, and I don't think that we should be setting budget parameters in this way. I think it should be very clear. I think the RFP (Request for Proposal) should have noted the amount of money. Somebody may have bidded and doesn't want forty thousand -- I mean, just say I can't do it for forty thousand. What is the budgeted amount in the FY-99 budget, Mr. Manager? Mr. Warshaw: Before I ask Dipak to answer that, this money comes out of Special Programs and Account, where there is an allocated sum of money for... Commissioner Teele: Legislation. Mr. Warshaw: ...potential lobbying. So, I'll let Dipak tell you... Commissioner Teele: It is a line item in our budget. Mayor Carollo: It is, sir. It's a line item. Mr. Dipak Parekh (Director, Management and Budget): Three hundred and forty-six thousand dollars ($346,000) for fiscal year '99 and also a roll over of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per city Commission directive for last year. Commissioner Teele: But that includes Washington and Tallahassee? Mayor Carollo: That's correct. 13 December 18, 1998 Mr. Dipak: Absolutely, sir. Commissioner Teele: How much have we committed in FY 99 for our Washington law firm? Mr. Dipak: Two hundred thousand. Commissioner Teele: So, the total amount is how much? Mr. Dipak: Three hundred and forty, plus another hundred from... Commissioner Teele: Three forty, plus a roll over of 140? Mr. Dipak: Hundred thousand. Commissioner Teele: Hundred thousand. Totaling four forty? Mr. Warshaw: Yes, sir. Chairman Plummer: Or two forty available for this. Commissioner Teele: And two hundred -- therefore, two hundred and forty thousand dollars ($240,000) is available for this activity and all the other legislative activities that we may be confronted with both in Washington or Tallahassee? Mr. Warshaw: Over and above that. Commissioner Teele: Over and above that. Mr. Warshaw: Yes, sir. Commissioner Teele: And so, again, if I understand the maker of the motion, your motion is for a hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000) from that account, which is the way this should be, Mr. Attorney and Mr. Manager? I think, if we're going to begin to establish some budgetary discipline so that we know where we are -- because what's going to happen, Commissioner Regalado, if you're not careful, the hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) that's left in that account is going to vanish like a genie, if we don't... Mr. Warshaw: Commissioner... Commissioner Teele: ...nail it down and basically be very, very clear about this. So, Commissioner Plummer, would you state your motion as it relates to the economics? You're saying a hundred and forty, including expenses? Chairman Plummer: No, sir. One forty, plus 25 for-- not to exceed 140. Commissioner Teele: I will not vote for that. I'm just going to tell you, I'll vote for hundred and eighteen thousand, plus the fifteen thousand in expenses or plus the twenty thousand in expenses but I think, you know -- I shouldn't say I won't vote for that. I would much prefer that we maintain the line on where we are, given the fact that we're still in a fiscal situation. But I'll defer to Commissioner Sanchez and to you. We've asked Commissioner Sanchez to be the legislative lead in a fair game and in a fair world-- this is not a fair 14 December 18, 1998 game and a fair world. I would have preferred that Commissioner Sanchez had made the motion for whatever it is we're going to do because we've asked him to be the legislative leader for Tallahassee and Washington from this Commission, and I just think that we ought to -- we, as a collegial body, should respect our own decisions and we should defer to each other, just like I would make the same statement if we were taking about Bayside or Bayfront Trust that, you know, you've made that motion on now. And, J.L., you know, it's holiday, Hanukkah, Ramadon, Christmas, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, but I just want to be on the record that I think, if we sit here as a legislative body of five legislators and agree that we have a legislative leader in the legislative arena, then I think we ought to defer to that person or we ought to remove the person from our vantage point. And I just would like to be on the record again as saying that I think the motion, whatever the motion is, should come from legislative leader; otherwise, the lobbying firm is not going to recognize our legislative -- who we've designated as that person to lead the efforts in Tallahassee. And I would only offer that in that we don't have a committee system here, nor do I propose one but I do think, if we make these decisions, we should adhere to them. Mayor Carollo: Gentlemen, the only thing that I ask is that we finalize this now, as quickly as we can. This is not the U.S. Congress. We could go on forever and ever. So, if you call could decide... Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor? Mayor Carollo: Let's move on. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, it's no big deal. There's no authorship here. The lobbyist is sitting here. They know who made the motion. But guess what, I don't necessarily disagree with Teele but I thought we needed to bring it to a conclusion. And if Mr. Sanchez would like to make the motion, I'll second the motion. Let's just get it done. Mayor Carollo: Again, for the record, we're limiting it to the three firms that made the top cut by the committee. Chairman Plummer: No, no, no, no. Commissioner Sanchez: No. Mr... Commissioner Teele: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, sir. Chairman Plummer: No, absolutely not. No. My motion... Commissioner Teele: This is not a dictatorship. This is a legislative body. Mayor Carollo: It sure is, Commissioner, and I think that I am making this statement so that Commissioner Sanchez would be allowed to make the motion that you so willingly want him to make. Otherwise, he is not going to be able to make it. Commissioner Teele: What is that? Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. If I could have the floor, please? If I could have the floor. Mayor Carollo: You certainly can, Commissioner. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you very much. Without an interruption, I would appreciate it. You know 15 December 18, 1998 this is probably the most important thing for this City, is to put together a good lobbying team to go to Tallahassee and try to bring some money back. There is no doubt about that. We need to put together the best lobbying team to go to Tallahassee and raise money for us because of the situation that we're in. Mr. Teele, I respect you for giving me the opportunity to make the motion, but I would go along with the motion that Mr. Plummer has made because I believe that Ron Book, not only do I think he's a good lobbyist in Tallahassee and I've seen him in action, he has also been recommended by this committee and I believe that my -- one of my first questions was, was this done fairly? And it has been done. So, if you want me to make the motion, the motion would be to hire the recommended law firm to represent us in Tallahassee. However, I do have a problem with the numbers that are being thrown out and, that is, to the facts that look in the average price for a lobbying team in Tallahassee would be about seventy thousand to a hundred thousand dollars, including expenses. I do not agree with the one hundred -- a hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000), plus twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) expenses. So, I will make the motion to recommend the recommendation of the committee to hire Ron L. Book and his staff to represent us in Tallahassee. The team, I'm sorry. But I question the hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000). I would make it maybe a hundred thousand, plus fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) expenses. A hundred and fifteen thousand. Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Plummer has the gavel. Chairman Plummer: Now that I have gavel, Mr. Mayor, you cannot speak until such time as there's a second. Mayor Carollo: OK. Thank you, Commissioner. Chairman Plummer: Is there a second? Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I would second it for the purpose... Chairman Plummer: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Is there a second? Commissioner Teele: I would second it for the purpose of discussion. Chairman Plummer: For purpose of discussion. Mr. Mayor, you're now recognized with the floor. Mayor Carollo: Thank you very much. Vice Chairman Gort: Can I ask a question for clarification? Chairman Plummer: If he yields. Mayor Carollo: I yield, Commissioner. Go ahead. Vice Chairman Gort: Should we... Chairman Plummer: Boy, is it good watching TV. Vice Chairman Gort: Should we -- didn't we have a motion on the floor? Shouldn't we take that one up first? Mayor Carollo: Well... 16 December 18, 1998 Vice Chairman Gort: I mean, if we're going to follow procedure... Mayor Carollo: In essence, you're correct. The motion that was made before and seconded was not taken but what... Chairman Plummer: Mr. City Attorney, what is proper procedure? Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner Gort is correct. There's a... Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I'm presiding. Mayor Carollo: Yeah, you are but what he did was a substitute motion, so he's fine. Chairman Plummer: Mr. City Attorney. Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner Gort was correct. There is currently a motion on the floor, which has not been, as I understand, substituted, removed, withdrawn. Chairman Plummer: OK. Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. Mayor Carollo: Is it a substitute motion, Commissioner? Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, yes, it is a substitution motion that I made now. Mayor Carollo: Then we're fine. Chairman Plummer: That's fine. No problem. Mayor Carollo: OK. Thank you for that clarification. Chairman Plummer: You know, this thing is getting ridiculous. Mayor Carollo: If we can look up, I think the motion needs to be made, at least for the same amount as last fiscal year's budget. That's only fair. At least any of the firms thatbidded this knew that that, at least, was going to be the amount that they were going to be applying for and they've made their decisions and the groups that they chose, at least based on that amount. I agree with you that the 140/25 is getting a little higher, even though, frankly, to get a real quality firm, that's dirt cheap, compared to what they can bring back to us. But if the motion could at least be made for the same amount as last fiscal year, I think that would be the appropriate way, Commissioner, and I would request of this body if, at least, they could vote on that. Chairman Plummer: Any other Commissioner wish to be recognized? Mayor Carollo: Thank you. Chairman Plummer: All right. We now are at-- Mr. Sanchez, the Mayor has asked a question of you and we would expect an answer from you. Commissioner Sanchez: OK. 17 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: That number would be 118, plus 15, is that correct? Mr. Warshaw: Yes, sir. Chairman Plummer: Would you accept that as an amendment? Commissioner Sanchez: I'll accept that as an amendment. Chairman Plummer: All right. Mayor Carollo: Can you call the roll, Mr. Clerk. Chairman Plummer: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I have a comment. Mayor Carollo: OK. Go ahead, sir. Chairman Plummer: I fully understand all the comments that are made here today. Gentlemen, let me tell you something, I've had a lot of activity in Tallahassee through the Florida League of cities, and I'm not going to make this statement the way I really want to make it but you're either going to pay and get what you need or you're not going to get it. Let me tell you, the one thing that I'm really-- and I've told this and I'm going to say it again -- if we can get this year, in our lobbying efforts, the tax exempt status changed from a very simple two words, of public purpose, it will mean approximately fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) to this City. Now, good lobbyists take a lot of time and a lot of effort, and I'm telling you that I think the 140 is fair. I think the 140 is what is needed. I don't know how I'll vote on the 118 because I don't think it's adequate, and I hate to vote against Ron Book But let me ask Mr. Mayor, if I may. Mr. Ron Book, sir, it's a foregone conclusion that you are the firm now. I think that I'd like to hear from you. Mr. Ronald Book: Mr. Mayor, Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission, I appreciate the opportunity. For the record, my name is Ronald Book, of Ronald L. Book, P.A., 2999 Northeast 191 st Street. I appreciate the comments that are being made and I appreciate the confidence and support that both your committee, the Manager and you are placing on us as a group of people. The one comment that I would make to Commissioner Sanchez' motion is as follows: If you were looking at a singular firm, Commissioner, to do the job, you're right, the seventy to a hundred thousand dollar range is correct. What we did when we put our proposal together is, we put together what we thought was not only a great group of people to represent this City in the Florida legislature, but a weUbalanced group of people. And each one of us, in and of our own right, command those type of fees. That's why the hundred or the hundred and eighteen thousand dollars ($118,000) is low. You've got to understand that you've got my firm, you've got Mike Abrams' firm, you've got Pamela Burch Fort's firm, which is the Commerce Group, and you've got Rosario Kennedy's firm involved, and each and every one of us are going to be working on behalf of the City, and we've to allocate based on what we negotiate the contract to be with the Manager. And I'm not going to stand here and tell you that we're going to push the line at a hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000), but I've got partners on this venture that I've got to sit down with and negotiate with, and that is the range in dollars that we were looking at. So, quite honestly, if you ended up with a motion in the hundred thousand dollar range, I'm not sure that we could perform the services for that amount of money. And, so, I would just say to you that there are distinguishing characteristics between hiring a singular firm to represent you and hiring a joint venture group of firms to represent you, and that's why what Commissioner Plummer is saying to you is accurate. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I've got to say this for the record. I've known Ron Book and I've known 18 December 18, 1998 the others for a long time. Recently, I had a problem at Bayfront Park. A problem in Tallahassee. And we called Ron Book and asked us to give help and told him we didn't have any money. He put his shoulder to the wheel and said there would be no charge, and I think that speaks highly of the individual. He came forth and helped us and never charged us a dime. I remember those things and I think those are the kind of things that we all need to remember. Mr. Book: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Chairman, are you chairing... Mayor Carollo: I'm chairing. Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Mr. Mayor, the one thing that I want you to have certain sensibility. When you look at the Dade County delegation, you had at least half of it Hispanics, yet, we didn't have one Hispanic within the -- because a lot of the Cuban Americans, the elected officials that we have to go lobby to- and I know we have a great representation in Mrs. Kennedy as part of the team- but we should have somebody that knows and that's what Ron is talking about, the private sector knows the business. Somebody that knows, that people be in front of them, they can get to a legislator, which is Commissioner Teele said a little while ago, so we have to make sure that whenever we put our group together, that we have participants. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I could just add to that. Rosario Kennedy will do an excellent job and, of course, I will be up there at least one or two days every week of the legislation, if possible. I have four years of experience up in Tallahassee lobbying for the Florida PBA and do know well a lot of the Dade Delegations, including Broward Delegation. I don't think that's going to be a problem. The problem here is we basically have already come to an agreement to select a lobbying team. It's just the money. I still think that a hundred and forty, plus 25,000, is too much money. That's just one vote though. We have to decide that. But we're getting our bank for our buck? Yes, we are. We can't afford to pay anymore. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman? Mayor Carollo: Go ahead. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Manager, your recommendation is for fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), is that right, the resolution that is before us? What is the your recommendation? Mr. Warshaw: Well, commissioner, in all honesty, the fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) should not have been in there and we had never really discussed with the firms the amount of monies, so the correct recommendation should be in the hundred thousand dollar range. But the amount of money, whether it's 118, 125, 140 is going to be up to that amount and we will negotiate and work with the firm to ensure-- it doesn't mean that they'll spend the whole hundred and forty thousand and all of the monies in expenses. So, as much latitude as you give us, we would execute an agreement and ensure that we spent only those monies that we needed to. Commissioner Teele: Commissioner Sanchez, again, I realize that you're going to be up there and you're not -- you're going to be there for six thousand dollars ($6,000) a year and we expect you to work just as hard as the firm that is making a hundred thousand, but I do think Commissioner Plummer has a point. I mean, you know, we don't want to appear nickel, dime on this thing. My concern is not the amount of money that were paying the firm. To be very candid with you, a good firm for a City this size could very well commend double what we're paying. My concern is the fact that we're still in the financial emergency. This contract is going to have to go to the Oversight Board. I just wanted to make sure that we stayed within a number that 19 December 18, 1998 we've had approval by the Oversight Board. If the Manager and the Mayor are comfortable at a hundred and forty, I'm comfortable at a hundred and forty, in light of the debate. However, the thing I don't want to do is trip the wire wherever the Oversight Board is going to be because, you know, we have too much back and forth. We have the money in the budget. Chairman Plummer: They got two hundred from Washington and a hundred and forty for here. Mayor Carollo: You mean, they're not going in January? Commissioner Teele: We have the money in the budget. We have the money in the budget. The Manager has recommended fifty. He's withdrawing that recommendation. The Mayor is recommending, what number, a hundred and eighteen or 140, Mr. Mayor? Mayor Carollo: I am willing to go along with the same amount as was approved and recommended last year. I had no problem with the previous motion, up to an amount for the Manager to have negotiated from that amount down, but I think that we need to move on this. Obviously, Commissioner Sanchez' trips are not coming out of the amounts, so make sure of that. We get billed for it separately. So that will make it somewhat easier. They were getting worried on that one. Chairman Plummer: Now, I wonder if we ought to hire a lobbyist at all, if you're going to do it this way. Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor? Mayor Carollo: Yes. Vice Chairman Gort: One of the things I want Sanchez and all of you to be aware of, this year I head the committee of the -- Legislative Committee for the Dade League of Cities. One of the things that we talked about is, all of us got to work as a team. Also the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) got their own lobbyist too. The one thing that we have stated is, we have come as... all the cities, the City Manager presented the priorities in the legislation. We're going to put that together. So, all of us are going to get together and we're going to work as a team and we're going to go up there. So, Mr. Sanchez, I'll be working with you up there also and the Dade League of Cities and all the lobbyists being hired by the different cities, we're going to have that one common denominator. That's the way we're going to work this year. Mayor Carollo: Good. Well, there is a substitute motion on the floor. I'm open for either the substitute motion or the original motion. What I am not open to is to keep beating this horse and over and over again, so if you gentlemen would decide... Chairman Plummer: You have to vote on a substitute first. Mayor Carollo: ... what you want to do, then I will call the question. Commissioner Sanchez: The substitute motion is-- it comes out to a hundred and eighteen thousand dollars ($118,000), plus twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) expenses. A total of a hundred and forty-six thousand dollars ($146,000). Mayor Carollo: That's a substitute motion? Commissioner Sanchez: Correct. 20 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: One eighteen, plus 25? So, you're talking twenty-two difference. Commissioner Regalado: I'll second that motion. Chairman Plummer: Nickel and dime. Commissioner Teele: Well, last year it was fifteen thousand in expenses, so you've just made it up. And I'll say agree to that because it's the same number at that point. Mayor Carollo: Right. There's a motion. It's been seconded. Call the roll, Mr. Clerk. Chairman Plummer: This is for the one eighteen, plus 25? Mr. Vilarello: Mr. Mayor, this is -- if I can clarify just for the purposes of the record. The resolution -- this differs from the resolution before you because the Commission is authorizing the Manager to enter into an agreement with only the joint-- Ron Book Joint Venture. Mayor Carollo: That's correct. Chairman Plummer: That's correct. Mr. Vilarello: And for the amount stated by the Commissioner of a hundred eighteen... Mayor Carollo: That's correct. Mr. Vilarello: ... for the fees... Mayor Carollo: That's correct. Mr. Vilarello: ...and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for expenses. Mayor Carollo: Yeah. Chairman Plummer: Well, I've got to figure out how I'm going to vote. Mayor Carollo: Call the roll, please. [COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:] Chairman Plummer: You know, I want to vote no because I think that it's just not accomplishing what we need to accomplish, but I don't want it to be negative against Ron Book. I don't know how to vote. I really don't. Commissioner Sanchez: Yes or no. Simple. Mayor Carollo: Well, J.L., it don't matter at this point and time. Chairman Plummer: Yeah, I understand, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Carollo: We need to go. 21 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: But it does matter to me. Mayor Carollo: I know it does. Chairman Plummer: OK. In my conscience... of which way that I thought we needed to go. I'm going to vote no, all right. Because I just -- again, Mr. Mayor, if we can get that one thing accomplished, just that one thing about the tax exempt status of profit making corporations in this City and the tax exempt status, it can be fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) a year and it's going to take lobbyists time to accomplish that. It can be accomplished. And all I'm saying is that, as far as I'm concerned, I want to give them every ounce of opportunity to do it. And now I question whether they will have the amount of time that is necessary. So, my negative vote is not against Ron Book because I made the original motion and the substitute motion did prevail. But I just think the other amount of money is fair for what we're asking them to do. I so... Mayor Carollo: OK. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO.98-1233 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE FINDINGS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE AS TO THE MOST QUALIFIED FIRMS, IN RANK ORDER, TO PROVIDE STATE LOBBYING SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FIRST RANKED FIRM, A JOINT VENTURE CONSISTING OF RONALD L. BOOK, P.A., MIKE ABRAMS OF D.A.A. ASSOCIATES, PAMELA BURCH FORT OF THE COMMERCE GROUP, AND ROSARIO KENNEDY & ASSOCIATES ("JOINT VENTURE") AND TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH SAID JOINT VENTURE FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD, WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR TWO ADDITIONAL ONE YEAR PERIODS, AT AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $118,000 PLUS $25,000 FOR EXPENSES; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO SCHEDULE SAID ITEM BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION SHOULD SAID NEGOTIATIONS FAIL; ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR FROM ACCOUNT CODE NO.920216-270 FOR SAID SERVICES. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Regalado, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. NAYS: Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. ABSENT: None. 22 December 18, 1998 Mayor Carollo: Let me congratulate the joint venture of Ron L. Book, former representative MikeAbrams, Pamela Burch, and former Commissioner Rosario Kennedy. I know that you will do a great job for Miami and I expect you're going to bring home more than ever before in the City's history. Commissioner Sanchez: Ten times that. Mayor Carollo: So, don't let us down. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I think... Commissioner Teele: Mr. Mayor? Mayor Carollo: At the same -- hold on, gentlemen. At the same time, I'd like to thank, on behalf of fie Commission, the panel that we had. I think they did a fine job in the selection. I know they spent a lot of hours going through it. Commissioner Plummer, you had the floor first? Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I think that we need to pass a resolution authorizing the Manager to approve the expenses of Commissioner Sanchez in his activities as a liaison, without a dollar amount, but at least that this Commission authorizes you to pay any expenses incurred by Mr. Sanchez in relation to his lobbying efforts or joint with our lobbying efforts in Tallahassee, and I would so move that, at this time, that those ... Mr... Mr. Vilarello: On that motion, Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, I have to bring to your attention that, at the Commission meeting of November 17th, this City Commission adopted an ordinance, which regulated the matters that can be heard on special meetings. And notwithstanding an item that considered you at the beginning of this meeting, that ordinance provides, which this ordinance is effective today, no business shall be conducted or vote taken at a Special City Commission Meeting on business other than a subject for which the special meeting is called. Chairman Plummer: That's always been the case. Commissioner Teele: I think Commissioner Plummer's motion is within the context of what this meeting was called on, but... Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. Commissioner Teele: And that is the legislative lobbying team, with the City Commission representative being a part of -- an integral part of that team. Would you agree, Mr. Attorney? Mr. Vilarello: If, what we're talking about -- Chairman Plummer: On this legislative... Mr. Vilarello: I believe the expenses for the Commissioner have already been approved and discussed at a prior meeting but certainly it is part of the legislative process. Chairman Plummer: Well, I would further expand that to tell you, Mr. Mayor, that, as far as any member of this Commission, who feels can be beneficial for any matter before the legislature, that their expenses should also be paid. If they have the opportunity and the time for which they'll get no money whatsoever to go up 23 December 18, 1998 there on behalf of this City, that my motion was going to be that the Manager be empowered to pay those expenses because it's not going to be charged... Commissioner Teele: From the account. Designate the account though. Chairman Plummer: Absolutely. But not from their individual budgets. Commissioner Teele: But, J.L., designate the account. Chairman Plummer: The account is a lobbying account, which has an override of a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Mayor Carollo: Gentlemen, if I may. I think what the City Attorney just said is that we really need to bring this back in the proper form and proper way. There's plenty of time to get all this approved the right way. Chairman Plummer: Fine. Commissioner Teele: Mr. Mayor, if I may? There's two points again that I want to bring up. The point -- Commissioner Sanchez, particularly to you. And I want to, again, commend you and respect you in the role that you've asked. You've sent us a memo asking for our legislative priorities. I know that the Manager's staff is working very hard on that issue too. I'm submitting to you today some of the thoughts that I have. But I really do think, Mr. Manager, that it would be very helpful if you could force, in a warm fuzzy way, the Commission and the management to come forward with the legislative priorities before we should select a team. Because, truthfully, we should be selecting a team based upon the priorities of the Commission and the management, in terms of trying to get the firm that best carries out what it is we want. I mean - so, I say that -- and I would also then move that the Manager be empowered in the negotiations, to allocate the monies that have been approved, the hundred and eight thousand and twenty five thousand, that in the negotiations that he be authorized to allocate the firm, fees and expenses in a manner that fits the total but we don't try to legislate how much expenses and how much one or the other, if that -- I think would provide a little bit more flexibility because I do know that Mr. Book and Mr. Abrams and Miss Burch are all in Tallahassee, and I think that would give you just a little bit more flexibility, Mr. Manager, in maybe addressing some of the concerns of Mr. Book. Mayor Carollo: Is there a motion to adjourn this meeting? Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I have to ask a question, because I made a motion prior to our getting started, about the fireworks in the Orange -- at New Year's Eve. Are you telling me now I can't have fireworks at midnight because that motion is out of order? Mr. Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): To the extent that that waiver requires Commission action, this ordinance that you adopted does not permit you to consider or take a vote on that item, and I apologize for not bringing it to your attention earlier. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor, would you call a special meeting now at 3:03 in the afternoon, please? 24 December 18, 1998 Commissioner Sanchez: Wait a minute. Before you close this meeting, I have something to say. Chairman Plummer: I'm asking him to call a special meeting right now so I can take up the other issues. Mayor Carollo: I don't believe that I can, unless duly advertised. Chairman Plummer: Of course, you can. Mr. Vilarello: There is no requirement for advertising. It's only requirement that it be a reasonable period of time, if the City Commission determines that the reasonable period of time under the circumstances for this waiver is... Chairman Plummer: Knock it off. Mr. Vilarello: ...five minutes. Chairman Plummer: Mr. Mayor... Mayor Carollo: I just don't want... Chairman Plummer: ... I will express to the public and to you that there will no fireworks this year the Fourth of July. I'm sorry, at New Year's Eve, because we will not prohibit the City Ordinance that says that it cannot go after eleven o'clock, and I think it's a shame. But if that's the ruling of the City Attorney, then let the people throw rocks at him. Commissioner Teele: There is an Attorney General opinion that I recall the County Attorney advised that not less than 24 hours. Mr. Vilarello: Twenty-four hours is considered to be clearly reasonable. Mayor Carollo: Amount of time. Chairman Plummer: OK. All right, then... Mr. Vilarello: The law does not require 24 hours notice. Mayor Carollo: J.L., we could just meet real briefly, if you want, tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon. Chairman Plummer: I don't want to drag my colleagues in for that. Vice Chairman Gort: Monday. Mayor Carollo: Just three... Chairman Plummer: Is there anybody here that's opposed to it? Mayor Carollo: Or we could bring it back... 25 December 18, 1998 Chairman Plummer: I'll go to jail. Mayor Carollo: I'll bail you out. Is there a... Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman? Mayor Carollo: Go ahead. Commissioner Sanchez: Just to reminder to all my colleagues who were supposed to turn in your legislative package or wish list before December the 8th, most of you have not done it. Please do it so I could relay it to Mrs. Whitley, and also now to our team, our lobbying team. Mayor Carollo: OK. Is there a motion to adjourn? Mr. Donald Warshaw (City Manager): Mr. Mayor? Chairman Plummer: Always in order. Mayor Carollo: Motion by Commissioner Plummer. Second by Commissioner Sanchez. Mr. Warshaw: The City Attorney advises me that I can make the decision on the extension of the time for one hour, bring it back in January for a ratification. Mayor Carollo: That will be fine. All in favor, signify by saying "aye" for adjournment. The Commission (Collectively): Aye. The following motion was introduced by Chairman Plummer, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO.98-1234 A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON THIS DATE IN CONNECTION WITH REVIEWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE RANKING PROPOSALS FOR STATE LOBBYING SERVICES. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner Joe Sanchez Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort Chairman J.L. Plummer, Jr. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Mayor Carollo Consensus. Happy holidays to all. Mr. Book, congratulations. 26 December 18, 1998 THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:05 P.M. ATTEST: Walter J. Foeman CITY CLERK Maria J. Argudin ASSISTANT CITY CLERK JOE CAROLLO. MAYOR 27 December 18, 1998