HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1997-04-28 MinutesPREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY HALL
WALTER FOEMAN
CITY CLERK
INDEX
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
April 28, 1997
ITEM SUBJECT LEGISLATION PAGE
NO. NO.
1. DISCUSS / EXPRESS INTENT TO APPROVE M 97-301 2-11
BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR REFERENDUM ON 4/28/97
CITY'S CHARTER -- APPROVE OFFICIAL
RESOLUTION DURING COMMISSION
MEETING OF MAY 7, 1997.
QA) DIRECT" CITY CLERK TO HAVE BALLOT
UESTION TRANSLATED BY USING
PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION SERVICES --
FORWARD TRANSLATION TO VICE MAYOR
FOR PERUSAL
(B)) DIRECT CITY ATTORNEY TO PRESENT
TO CITY COMMISSION PRIOR TO MAY 7,
1997 ALTERNATIVES / PROPOSALS TO
BALLOT QUESTION TO ABOLISH CITY --
FURTHER DIRECTING CITY ATTORNEY TO
PREPARE MEMORANDUM OUTLINING
LEGAL PROCEDURES / DEADLINES FOR
ABOLISHMENT -- FURTHER BE READY TO
DEFEND THEM.
(C) THE COMMISSION STATED THAT IT
WOULD SELECT ON MAY 7, 1997, THE DATE
TO HOLD ELECTION ON WHETHER THE
CITY OF MIAMI SHALL RETAIN ITS
EXISTENCE.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO SCHEDULE
FOR MAY 7, 1997 CITY COMMISSION
MEETING DISCUSSION RELATED TO COST
OF EDUCATIONAL MAIL -OUT FOR SPECIAL
ELECTION OF SEPTEMBER, 1997.
2. (A) DISCUSS SALE OF F.E.C. / MARITIME
PARK PROPERTY -- DIRECT CITY MANAGER
TO SEND SPECIAL DELIVERY LETTER TO
METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY MANAGER
OUTLINING CITY CONDITIONS FOR SALE --
DISCUSSION
(B) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO CONSIDER
CITY GOING INTO SEAPORT BUSINESS IF
MARITIME PARKTALKS FAIL.
(C) CONGRATULATE POLICE DEPARTMENT
ON PROGRAM TO CONFISCATE CARS USED
IN DRUG ACTIVITIES.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO SELL CITY'S
LIMOUSINE.
(E) SCHEDULE ATTORNEY - CLIENT
SESSION OF MAY 7, 1997 (POTTINGER V.S.
CITY) TO BEGIN AT 8:30 A.M.
3. DISCUSSION -- UPDATE BY CITY MANAGER
ON ACTIVITIES / PROGRESS OF OVERSIGHT
BOARD.
(A) DISCUSS FEASIBILITY & STATUS OF
PROPOSALS TO PRIVATIZE SOLID WASTE
DEPARTMENT.
(B) DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO FORWARD
TO CITY COMMISSIONERS ALL BUDGETARY
& MONETARY ACTION DOCUMENTS FOR
PAST TWO YEARS FOR RESPECTIVE
DEPARTMENTS ASSIGNED TO THEM FOR
REVIEW -- FURTHER INCLUDE BUDGETARY
PROJECTIONS.
(C) MAYOR CAROLLO GRANTED REQUEST
TO COMMISSIONER PLUMMER AND VICE
MAYOR REGALADO TO REVIEW THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT. FURTHER ASSIGNING
COMMISSIONER GORT AS POINT PERSON
TO REVIEW PRIVATIZATION OF OFF
STREET PARKING AND COMMISSIONER
PLUMMER TO REVIEW USE OF DINNER KEY
BOAT YARD PROPERTY.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO MEET WITH
METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
TAX APPRAISER TO DISCUSS PROPERTY
ASSESSMENTS BELOW FAIR MARKET
VALUE IN CITY.
(E) SCHEDULE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
MEETING FOR MAY 5, 1997, AT 7 A.M.
DISCUSSION
4/28/97
DISCUSSION
4/28/97
12-14
15-23
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
On the 28th day of April, 1997, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its special
meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in regular session.
The meeting was called to order at 12:17 a.m. by Mayor Joe Carollo with the following
members of the Commission found to be present:
ALSO PRESENT:
Mayor Joe Carollo
Vice Mayor Tomas Regalado
Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Humberto Hernandez
Edward Marquez, City Manager
A. Quinn Jones, III, City Attorney
Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk
Maria J. Argudin, Assistant City Clerk
An invocation was delivered by Commissioner Plummer who then led those present in a
pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, Mr. City...
Mayor Carollo: We haven't started yet, but...
Commissioner Plummer: No, I know. But, this is just questions and answers. It's not any
action. Mr. City Attorney in the contract that we signed with the Oversight Committee, was
there any provisions in that contract for monetary repayment?
Mr. A. Quinn Jones, III, Esq. (City Attorney); No, there are no payments.
Commissioner Plummer: None, whatsoever. OK. My second question is, does this City
Commission who they are saying they are going to look to, to reimburse. Do we have at this
time any control over their expenditures?
Mr. Jones: No, you don't.
Commissioner Plummer: Thank you, sir. That's all I need to know.
Mayor Carollo: All right. If we can stand up for the innovation and the pledge of allegiance,
please? Commissioner Plummer, could you lead us in the invocation this morning?
Commissioner Plummer: Our Father, who art in heaven, help. Amen.
1 April 28, 1997
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1. DISCUSS / EXPRESS INTENT TO APPROVE BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR
REFERENDUM ON CITY'S CHARTER -- APPROVE OFFICIAL
RESOLUTION DURING COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 7, 1997.
(A) DIRECT CITY CLERK TO HAVE BALLOT QUESTION
TRANSLATED BY USING PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION
SERVICES -- FORWARD TRANSLATION TO VICE MAYOR FOR
PERUSAL.
(B) DIRECT CITY ATTORNEY TO PRESENT TO CITY COMMISSION
PRIOR TO MAY 7, 1997 ALTERNATIVES / PROPOSALS TO
BALLOT QUESTION TO ABOLISH CITY -- FURTHER DIRECTING
CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE MEMORANDUM OUTLINING
LEGAL PROCEDURES/ DEADLINES FOR ABOLISHMENT --
FURTHER BE READY TO DEFEND THEM.
(C) THE COMMISSION STATED THAT IT WOULD SELECT ON MAY 7,
1997, THE DATE TO HOLD ELECTION ON WHETHER THE CITY
OF MIAMI SHALL RETAIN ITS EXISTENCE.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO SCHEDULE FOR MAY 7, 1997 CITY
COMMISSION MEETING DISCUSSION RELATED TO COST OF
EDUCATIONAL MAIL -OUT FOR SPECIAL ELECTION OF
SEPTEMBER, 1997.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Carollo: If I could hear now from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost.
Commissioner Plummer: Nothing like a hungry preacher.
Mayor Carollo: Mr. City Attorney?
Mr. A. Quinn Jones, III, Esq. (City Attorney): Yes, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Can you lead us through the proposed resolution and ballot language?
Mr. Jones: Mr. Mayor and Commissioners consistent with your instructions at the last meeting,
that you wanted a... the consensus was that you wanted a more positive, a language that was
more positive. I have redrafted, I should say, we have redrafted the language to read as follows:
"Shall the City of Miami retain it's existence as a municipality and not be abolished, effective
September 30, 1998, in accordance with Resolution No. , which requires a proposal for
the transfer of municipal functions, services, responsibilities and liabilities in the event of a
favorable vote on dissolution by the electorate?"
Commissioner Plummer: So moved.
Commissioner Gort: Second, for discussion.
Mayor Carollo: There is a motion, there is a second. Discussion.
Commissioner Gort: Under discussion, it is my understanding we have to present a plan. Does
that plan go along with the ballot also?
Mr. Jones: I am sorry, I didn't get the last part of your...
2 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Gort: We are supposed to... My understanding is, we are supposed to be required
to have the plan...
Mr. Jones: Uh-huh.
Commissioner Gort: ... in case it fails to show how it will take place. Does that have to be part
of the ballot or not?
Mr. Jones: As I read the language and the Charter...
Commissioner Plummer: You have 30 days.
Mr. Jones: ... the Dade County Charter specifically mentions that a plan should be available for
inspection at least 30 days prior to the election.
Commissioner Gort: All right. So, it doesn't have to be part of the...
Mr. Jones: There is no language in there that requires that it be absolutely part of it. What I did
do is incorporate a reference to it out of an abundance of caution so that the public will know
that there is a plan or there will be a plan at some point in time prior to the election that they can
inspect.
Commissioner Plummer: So, we are looking at September the 4th. And, that means it would
have to be out by August the 4th?
Mr. Jones: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Is that correct?
Mr. Jones: That's correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, under Home Rule Charter, how much restricted are we, and do
we have to give all of this to Metropolitan Dade County? Is that...? I mean, I am trying to find
out what the name of the game is?
Mayor Carollo: No, we could put...
Mr. Jones: No.
Mayor Carollo: ... in my opinion, Commissioner, we could put like Parks and Trust and do
many other things.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I guess really the question I'm asking, our liabilities are pretty
good at this point. What about if the County says "we don't want you"?
Commissioner Gort: They have to.
Commissioner Plummer: That's really the reason I'm asking the question.
Commissioner Plummer: Do they have to assume us, if in fact the electorate, you know, all of
the obligations that we have, do they have any say in the matter as to we will accept you or no,
we don't want you? I asked a question, you can answer me.
3 April 28, 1997
Mr. Edward Marquez (City Manager): Yes, sir. The... I was just trying to go through the chair,
that's nothing more. The County, in my opinion, has to provide the municipal services to the
City of Miami should the City of Miami dissolve because they provide the municipal services to
those areas that are unincorporated in nature. However, our past liabilities such as the Gates
case, our outstanding debt, the City... the County will more than likely not be able to take that
obligation and spread it across the entire County population. In all likelihood, it would take
those obligations and create a special assessment back to the geographic area of Miami, so that
the City, the former City of Miami would pay its former obligations.
Commissioner Plummer: Then, what you are saying is, that the liabilities...? But, I mean in,
when we present a plan, are we going to say that in the plan, or what are we...? I mean, I'm
trying to...
Mr. Marquez: The plan... The City Commission is a board of directors over this corporation. If
we vote ourselves out, the City Commission dictates how we are going to.. what path we go in
voting ourselves out. We do have a fiduciary responsibility to take care of our creditors as a
board of directors. But, how we do that. There is a merit of different ways. bike, the Mayor has
said, we can put assets into trust for the keeping.. out in the future for disposition to liquidate our
liabilities, that's one method. We an let the assets go over to the County.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I guess Ed, what I am really trying to say, all right. I for one had
first hand knowledge when I came out of my voting precinct. And, I was approached by a
person who was being paid per signature that they got for this petition. The question proferred to
me was, would you like to cut your ad valorem taxes by 50 percent? Now, any yo-yo would say
"oh, yes, absolutely." But, I knew where they were coming from.
Commissioner Gort: Did you sign it?
Commissioner Plummer: Hell, no. I didn't sign it. OK. Now, we understand that and I am not
trying to get to a lawsuit that says that this was done in fraud. In my estimation, there is no
question, the people who were taking up the petitions weren't even City residents. They were
being paid "X" amount for each signature they got regardless of what terminology they used.
The point I am trying to make is, is that people that did sign that petition are still looking at their
taxes being cut 50 percent, which is absolutely not going to happen. Most likely their taxes are
going to go up. Now, and that's why I think that we make it very, very clear in this proposal,
whatever it maybe that the people of this community understand that in fact, if this City is
abolished, the obligations are not going to be abolished. The year that I was president of the
Dade League of Cities is the year that we forced the County to go to two budgets which they
never had in the past. They just all lumped it into one and everybody was paying for it. We
forced them to go into a double budget, one for Countywide and one for municipal that they
were providing the unincorporated area. So, I think we have got to make it extremely clear to
the people, the electorate of this City, that to eliminate the City does not eliminate the obligation
that has been incurred. So, take it from there.
Vice Mayor Regalado: Mr. City Attorney, are we able to check the translation that is going to be
on the ballot, the Spanish version of this question, before it's printed?
Mr. Jones: I assume, yes. But, I think the Clerk can answer that better than I.
Mr. Walter J. Foeman (City Clerk): Normally, we get the official translation from the County
and we will have it available.
Mayor Carollo: Well, can we do our own translation?
4 April 28, 1997
Mr. Foeman: We can pay for professional services if we don't want to use the County's official
translator.
Mayor Carollo: I will suggest that, you know, we might want to do it on this one.
Mr. Foeman: OK.
Commissioner Gort: That's a simple one.
Mr. Jones: Yeah. Mr. Mayor, before you continue. I just want to remind you that... because I
think there is some confusion as to whether you are going to approve this today.
Mayor Carollo: No, we are not.
Mr. Jones: Yeah. So I just wanted to make sure because the Commission had made the motion.
Mayor Carollo: We just made a motion and a...
Commissioner Plummer: Accept it in principle.
Mayor Carollo: ... second so that we could have a discussion but...
Commissioner Plummer: Accept it in principle.
Mayor Carollo: ... we are not going to vote upon this today.
Commissioner Plummer: We accept it in...
Mayor Carollo: We will vote upon it either on May 5th or May 7th after we have further
discussion on it.
Commissioner Plummer: We accept it in principle.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Hernandez: Mr. Jones? I have a question. Mr. Jones, outside of this question
that will be on the ballot in September, are we precluded from putting any other questions on the
ballot?
Mayor Carollo: No.
Mr. Jones: There is a provision in the County Charter that says that there can be alternate
proposals. And, you raised a very interesting question because if in fact there are alternate
proposals, then, the Mayor in fact may have to be alternate questions. But, I don't know that to
be the case until such time as we see what's presented.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah, we could present anything we want. In fact, I had heard rumors that
Plummer wanted to present a Plummer amendment on the Maritime Park but, you know...
Commissioner Hernandez: Yeah.
Mayor Carollo: We will see later on.
Commissioner Plummer: That's forthcoming.
5 April 28, 1997
Mayor Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, when you say alternate, are you saying an alternate proposal to
this one or an alternate to something else?
Mr. Jones: That's how I would read it. If there is any individual or any group out there that has
a proposal for how the City should be abolished, in line with the language there, it seems to
suggest that they could be presented.
Commissioner Hernandez: My question is, outside of the issue of abolishment,...
Mr. Jones: Yes.
Commissioner Hernandez: ...can we have any other questions posed to the electorate, outside of
this issue?
Mr. Jones: Any other questions not related to...?
Commissioner Hernandez: Right.
Mr. Jones: If the time presents itself. The time parameters are...
Commissioner Plummer: Forty-five days.
Mr. Jones: Yeah. It still has to be...
Commissioner Hernandez: As long as it's 45 days prior.
Mr. Jones: No, it's still. It's still...
Mayor Carollo: Yeah, for instance if we have any RFP's (Request For Proposals) that could be
done quickly now for any other property that we might want to put up for bid and we don't get
three bids for or if it's in Watson Island, for instance, that has to go out if we could do it in time
all that could go in this ballot. So we need to put in fast track some of the things that we have
been discussing to maybe take advantage of this ballot, if not, the next one will be in November.
Mr. Jones: Yeah, just keep in mind that we would still be subject to the same time parameters.
Not less than 60, no more than 120 days. And specifically if you are talking about, you know,
the real property or whatever, you have time parameters as you are probably well aware in 29(b)
that trigger a whole other set of deadlines.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. City Attorney, before May the 7th, I would like you to come back
to this Commission with four or five proposals that you think could be used as alternatives which
this Commission might want to adopt on that ballot. We don't have to do it, but it could be
interesting to have some alternate proposals. Because it's my understanding, we don't have to
go through the petition route, we can initiate it ourselves. Am I correct?
Mr. Jones: In terms of this process?
Commissioner Plummer: A ballot question.
Mayor Carollo: Sure.
6 April 28, 1997
Mr. Jones: Yes. Yeah.
Mayor Carollo: That's correct.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, so I'm asking you, since you know what the parameters are, to
come back to this City Commission, hopefully prior to May the 7th with tour or five different,
what you consider to be alternate proposals to this question.
Mayor Carollo: But most of all Mr. City Attorney...
Mr. Jones: Yes.
Mayor Carollo: ... as you know, there are a difference of opinions already from yours on when
we have to present this plan and how. So we would like to get a memorandum from you before
the end of this week, you outlining for us the legal procedures that have to be followed and at the
same time have you ready to defend them. If there are others, whether the... from the abolition
movement or from the County government, that are having a difference of opinion.
Mr. Jones: Mr. Mayor, I just want to... I'll be happy to, as you have indicated before, to work
with the Manager because I think it's going to take the combined thought of... and it's a
combined thought to get one. But to come back before five, may be a miracle but we will do...
Commissioner Plummer: But, we pay you for miracles.
Mr. Jones:... the best we can.
Mayor Carollo: Well, you are up at the play to bat Quinn, don't strike out.
Commissioner Plummer: That's it. Three strikes, you are out. Four or five proposals you are in.
Mr. Jones: I kind of Peel like Jackie Robinson again, you know.
Mayor Carollo: All right.
Commissioner Gort: Is there a motion?
Commissioner Plummer: A motion in principle.
Mayor Carollo: A motion in principle but before we vote upon that motion in principle, we need
to discuss the date that we will like to have the election. And, the reason is, that depending upon
what date we choose, then we will call the next day whether it will be May 5th or May 7th or
May 6th to finalize it.
Vice Mayor Regalado: The problem with... Mr. Mayor?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, that's no, in the negative isn't it? It's my understanding May the
7th, it can be no later than. It can be earlier but no later than is I think was the wording.
Mr. Jones: The latest date is May 7th.
Commissioner Plummer: Right. And when we meet on May the 7th, you can hold it on
September the 2nd or August 31. You can have it prior to that but no later than.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
7 April 28, 1997
Mayor Carollo: We need to decide Commissioners, the date that we want to have the election
on. We have until September the...
Commissioner Plummer: Fourth.
Mr. Jones: Fourth.
Commissioner Hernandez: The fourth.
Mayor Carollo: Fourth.
Mr. Jones: You had indicated at the last meeting that, I mean, that you wanted it on the 4th
Mayor Carollo: Not necessarily. I think we indicated that the fourth was the date that the
elections supervisor will prefer. But, as Commissioner Plummer very well stated, we might have
a difference of opinion on that.
Vice Mayor Regalado: Mr. Mayor, I have asked the City Clerk to find out because I
remembered that when we set the runoff on the special election in November, the supervisor of
elections said that if we were to hold that election on a Tuesday after a holiday, we would have
to pay overtime because he will need to bring the equipment to the polling places on a Monday,
that there is no work. And he would then have to pay overtime. The question is, do we have to
pay that overtime and I don't know how much would that cost?
Mr. Foeman: You are looking at anywhere between three thousand and ten thousand dollars
($10,000) in extra labor cost, over and above what they normally bill us.
Mayor Carollo: Well, in order to have the election on a regular Tuesday that would I think, give
us a greater turnout because that's the usual day that this City is used to having election, on
Tuesday. For an extra few thousand dollars on this one, on something so important, which is the
future of this City, it might be well worth looking at the extra expense.
Commissioner Plummer: Absolutely.
Mayor Carollo: But, I think that we have to decide what day we want the election on, whether
we want it on that Tuesday the 2nd, Wednesday the 3rd, or Thursday the 4th?
Commissioner Plummer: We can decide that on May the 7th.
Mayor Carollo: So each and everyone of us needs to kick that around in our own minds.
Commissioner Plummer: No, no. My understanding is, on May the 7th the time frame is that
you can have it no later than September the 4th. On May the 7th you can say we want it on
September the 2nd...
Commissioner Gort: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: ... or August the 29th. But, that's no later than. Is that motion passed
because I want to pass another motion, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: There is a motion in principle that we approved in principle only, not officially,
the language that has been given to us today and that we will take up the...
8 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Gort: Resolution.
Mayor Carollo: ... official resolution on May 7th. All in favor signify by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mayor Carollo: No nays.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 97-301
A MOTION ACCEPTING IN PRINCIPLE PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR A
BALLOT QUESTION IN CONNECTION WITH A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD SEPTEMBER, 1997 AS FOLLOWS: "SHALL THE CITY OF MIAMI RETAIN
ITS EXISTENCE AS A MUNICIPALITY AND NOT BE ABOLISHED, EFFECTIVE
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION NO. 97-330
WHICH REQUIRES A PROPOSAL FOR THE TRANSFER OF MUNICIPAL
FUNCTIONS, SERVICES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES IN THE EVENT
OF A FAVORABLE VOTE ON DISSOLUTION BY THE ELECTORATE."
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Gort, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Wifredo Gort
Commissioner Humberto Hernandez
Vice Mayor Tomas Regalado
Mayor Joe Carollo
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I think it's appropriate at this time that as we have always
done in the past, the City Manager come back on May the... May... Didn't we change the
meeting to May the 7th instead of the 8th? Somebody... Mr. Clerk, you need to change the
calendar.
Mayor Carollo: I believe we did, didn't we?
Commissioner Plummer: That the Manager come back on May the 7th giving us an estimated
cost of the mail out... educational mail out to the public which we have always done so that this
Commission will be prepared to pass such a resolution as necessary.
Mr. Jones: Mr. Mayor, can we get a clarification because on something. Commissioner
Plummer, you said that you wanted us, you wanted me, rather to come back before the 7th with
four or five different alternatives.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir.
Mr. Jones: And, I want to be perfectly clear that you are talking about different alternatives in
terms of abolishing the City as opposed to what?
9 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Plummer: Well, sir, I don't know. I didn't know about alternatives and that's
why I am asking you, knowing the scope and what is the parameters of alternatives that you
would come back with four or five of those alternatives for us to consider.
Commissioner Gort: Like the first one that you brought in could be one.
Commissioner Plummer: That's correct.
Commissioner Gort: That's one. You need...
Mr. Jones: The what now?
Commissioner Plummer: That's it.
Commissioner Gort: The first one that you brought in, that's one.
Commissioner Plummer: That's one.
Commissioner Gort: You have got two, the one you got today. So, you need...
Mr. Jones: So, you are talking about...? That's what I am saying, there is...
Commissioner Gort: A total of four.
Mr. Jones: You are talking about language or questions as opposed to...
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, I'll use the City Attorney's own language. You can use
alternative questions on the ballot. I don't know and have not any idea what those questions
could be. So I am asking you, that you brought up about the alternatives, bring me back three or
four or five examples of what those alternatives could be. That's all I am asking. You were the
one that brought it up. I am using your terminology and I will expect them the day after
tomorrow.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Hernandez, why don't you translate for Commissioner Plummer
in legal terms so that the City Attorney can understand?
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Mayor?
Commissioner Plummer: That's all right. He waives consecutive translation.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gort: I want to make sure I have this straight because I have this sheet that was
giving information to us by the Clerk which states certain dates. And, according to this, the day
that those decisions are taking place sets the date that the election has to be. Is that not so?
Commissioner Plummer: No later than.
Mr. Foeman: I am not really sure what you are looking at Commissioner, but...
Commissioner Plummer: That was not...
10 April 28, 1997
Mr. Jones: That's the clerk prepared that.
Mr. Foeman: Yeah.
Commissioner Gort: Restricting uses.
Mr. Foeman: Right, that's...
Commissioner Gort: It says here, April 28th, the earliest day election can be held is June 27th,
the latest date August 26th.
Mr. Foeman: That's on...
Commissioner Gort: OK.
Mr. Foeman: ... the whole issue of districting because...
Mayor Carollo: Yeah, on districts.
Mr. Foeman: That's...
Commissioner Gort: So, on May 7th we can make it between July 6th or September 4th. Any
day in between. Am I correct?
Commissioner Plummer: That's the earliest and the latest, yes.
Commissioner Gort: I want to make sure, I want to put it on the record.
Mayor Carollo: OK. Any further discussion before this body?
Commissioner Plummer: All right. We will meet again on the 7th, correct?
Mayor Carollo: Mr. City Attorney, do you have any further statements to make?
i
Commissioner Plummer: Mister...
Mr. Jones: I am totally confused.
Commissioner Plummer: That is good.
11 April 28, 1997
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2. (A) DISCUSS SALE OF F.E.C. / MARITIME PARK PROPERTY --
DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO SEND SPECIAL DELIVERY LETTER
TO METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY MANAGER OUTLINING
CITY CONDITIONS FOR SALE -- DISCUSSION
(B) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO CONSIDER CITY GOING INTO
SEAPORT BUSINESS IF MARITIME PARK TALKS FAIL.
(C) CONGRATULATE POLICE DEPARTMENT ON PROGRAM TO
CONFISCATE CARS USED IN DRUG ACTIVITIES.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO SELL CITY'S LIMOUSINE.
(E) SCHEDULE ATTORNEY - CLIENT SESSION OF MAY 7, 1997
(POTTINGER V.S. CITY) TO BEGIN AT 8:30 A.M.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, is there anything that this Commission, since it's 48 on
FEC (Florida East Coast) that we can do to help or hinder you? Because I want to tell you
something, I think the County is playing games. I think they are trying to force us into a position
of being the bad guy. And, I am not going to sit still for it. So I am asking you...
Mayor Carollo: Do you really think that, Commissioner?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, what do you think? We don't know.
Mayor Carollo: I am the guy that's carrying the scars.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, do you need any help? Is there anything we can do?
Mayor Carollo: I...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I mean, I am ready to get the paint brush and start...
Mayor Carollo: I would hope, Commissioner, that I would receive a call, as I understood that I
would, today or tomorrow from the County to sit down and finalize what... It's my
understanding that, you know, it's basically an agreement that we would have.
Commissioner Plummer: But, they understand what this Commission did unanimously?
Mayor Carollo: Well, just in case that they don't. What I would suggest that the City Manager
would do...
Commissioner Plummer: He was supposed to send them a letter.
Mayor Carollo: ... is to send one today, hand delivered to the County Manager.
Commissioner Plummer: There were three provisions as I recall. We would not accept any
terms less than the one hundred and twenty-one million dollars ($121,000,000). We would not
accept anything without a Maritime Board, the composure made up of the original Interlocal
Agreement, two from the City, two from the County, and those four would elect another one.
But, the other one could not be of the City or County. And, there was a third provision, what
was the third provision?
12 April 28, 1997
Ms. Charlene Watkins (Senior Policy Advisor): No extension...
Commissioner Plummer: Huh?
Ms. Watkins: No extension of time.
Commissioner Plummer: Yeah, the third one was no extension of time beyond May 1st, OK.
Now, I thought Mr. Manager, we asked you to send a letter that day to them informing them of
that. Did you send them a letter, do you recall?
Mr. Marquez: I don't recall if we sent them a letter. I know I have talked to them on the...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, send them a singing telegram. No, I am dead serious, I mean,
this is getting to be ridiculous. It's getting to be ridiculous. They have got 48 hours. Fish or cut
bait.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Plummer: And, Mr. Mayor, as you said before, there once was a proposal, and I
was sitting on this Commission, about the City of Miami going into the port business.
Mr. Jones: Yeah.
Commissioner Plummer: Let me tell you, it's a money making proposition.
Mayor Carollo: That's correct. I wasn't here at the time, Commissioner, but you know, if...
Commissioner Plummer: She was.
Mayor Carollo: ... the opportunity comes up, you know, you might want to recollect this.
Commissioner Plummer: Well...
Mr. Jones: Mister...
Commissioner Plummer: ... I think you need to go back Mr. Manager to the minutes and I think
you need to pull those minutes because there was a tremendous proposal that was put forth that
the City should go into the port business. And, I think we can still go into the port business.
They are not expanding because they are losing money, they are expanding because they are
making money. And, I think that, you know, we have got to do something. The Oversight
Board is not going to sit back and wait for the County to quit goofing off. So, as far as I am
concerned, we have got to move. They have got 48 hours or as far as I know it, all conversation
ceases.
Mayor Carollo: Well, the bottom line is, Commissioner, and I think this is very important for the
public to know. That, first of all, this City can and will survive and has a sufficient, strong
enough plan for financial recovery and survival without needing to do anything on that property.
That's number one. Number two, unlike the demagoguery that a few have been trying to throw
out that if we had approved this, that there was no fire fee that had to be implemented. This
would not make the difference on taking out that fire fee fully for the future or not. Can it he cut
back some?, yes, but we have to do more things before we would have enough recurring revenue
to take it all out completely. Three, the City of Miami while it has the best intentions like it
always has in wanting to work closely with Dade County government, in bringing new jobs, in
building downtown Miami, and in many other things, with our colleagues in Dade County, we
are in a position that we can go at it ourselves and bring sufficient attractions to that property that
13 April 28, 1997
will bring the revenues that we feel that we deserve out of that property. This year has been a
tough year for us, that we have had to concentrate solely on our finances. But, next year, it's
going to be the year that we are concentrating basically on bringing new investments and
developing all the properties that we have had rotting away in the City of Miami. All the virgin
land that we have that no other City in the country has. You go out to any of the major cities that
are across our country and you are not going to find one major City anywhere in America that
has the amount of virgin, prime waterfront land that the City of Miami owns. So, we are in a
position that we want to deal in partnership with our colleagues in Dade County, and I think we
will. But, we have other alternatives that we could go forward with that piece of property.
Commissioner Plummer: We need the money now. They have got the money, they want the
property, let's do it. If I can, Mr. Mayor, I would like to congratulate the Police Department
under the new proposal which this Commission passed on confiscating cars that were used in the
buying of drugs. They have started with the first 12. To the parents of this City and to this
community, I think you better know, that if your kid's car or your car is confiscated, it's going to
cost you five hundred and eighty-eight dollars ($588) at best, to get your car back or you might
lose your car. So, we have got the first 12, I hope it will be 1,200 or none. I would hope that
there would he none, but we know reality. So, I congratulate the Police Department...
Mayor Carollo: That's excellent.
Commissioner Plummer: .... for moving in that way.
Mayor Carollo: That's excellent. Talking about vehicles Mr. Manager, I heard somewhere the
rumor that there was an official City of Miami limousine somewhere?
Commissioner Gort: There is one.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, yeah, there was one around.
Mr. Jones: There is?
Mayor Carollo: Interesting. Maybe we ought to put it for sale too?
Mr. Marquez: If I can find, I'll sell it.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah, I suggest that you find it or at least find, you know, who is driving it, if
it's out there somewhere.
Commissioner Plummer: I think I buried it.
Mr. Jones: Mr. Mayor, did you want to set the... You had mentioned at the last meeting you
wanted to set the time for the executive session on the 7th.
Commissioner Plummer: I thought it was eight...
Mayor Carollo: Only if it will be done 100 percent without any doubt on anyone's mind, that it
is according to what the law states that we have to follow. Eight thirty you wanted it or...?
Mr. Jones: That's fine.
Mayor Carollo: OK, eight thirty. OK, is there a motion?
Commissioner Gort: So moved.
14 April 28, 1997
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------
3. DISCUSSION -- UPDATE BY CITY MANAGER ON ACTIVITIES /
PROGRESS OF OVERSIGHT BOARD.
(A) DISCUSS FEASIBILITY & STATUS OF PROPOSALS TO PRIVATIZE
SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT.
(B) DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO FORWARD TO CITY
COMMISSIONERS ALL BUDGETARY & MONETARY ACTION
DOCUMENTS FOR PAST TWO YEARS FOR RESPECTIVE
DEPARTMENTS ASSIGNED TO THEM FOR REVIEW -- FURTHER
INCLUDE BUDGETARY PROJECTIONS.
(C) MAYOR CAROLLO GRANTED REQUEST TO COMMISSIONER
PLUMMER AND VICE MAYOR REGALADO TO REVIEW THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. FURTHER
ASSIGNING COMMISSIONER GORT AS POINT PERSON TO
REVIEW PRIVATIZATION OF OFF STREET PARKING AND
COMMISSIONER PLUMMER TO REVIEW USE OF DINNER KEY
BOAT YARD PROPERTY.
(D) DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO MEET WITH METROPOLITAN DADE
COUNTY PROPERTY TAX APPRAISER TO DISCUSS PROPERTY
ASSESSMENTS BELOW FAIR MARKET VALUE IN CITY.
(E) SCHEDULE SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING FOR MAY 5,
1997, AT 7 A.M.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commissioner Plummer: Well, do we need to adjourn. I mean, you know, I think that... Are we
going to talk about the other things that need to be talked about, or do you want to wait until
May the 7th?
Mayor Carollo: Well, what do we need to talk...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I mean, Virginia Key. I mean, we need to talk abut Virginia
Key, some of these other properties are up for sale. I mean, we are just talking, not taking
action.
Mayor Carollo: We could...
Commissioner Gort: We are bringing that up....
Commissioner Plummer: And, I am concerned, I want to be honest with you. I am very
concerned of what's going on with the Oversight Committee. Now, you have told me the other
day that they did not reject our proposal, officially.
Mayor Carollo: Mr. Manager...
Commissioner Plummer: And, I think we need to, we the City Commission and maybe the
Mayor need to be brought up almost on a daily basis of what's happening. That if they are not
going to accept that which you have proposed to them, that we the Commission have got to start
putting on our thinking cap as to what are going to do to make things different that is in fact
going to be acceptable.
Mayor Carollo: You are right, Commissioner, and we really have started doing that already. I
think that we presented a plan to the committee of the Oversight Board that should be
15
April 28, 1997
acceptable. And, with that, if I may ask the Manager that just came back from that meeting, if he
could brief us.
Mr. Marquez: This morning we met with the revenue conference committee of the Oversight
Board to go down a laundry list of items that we were discussing or we were meaning to discuss
with the Commission and the projections of those revenues going forward. These items include
an estimate of high usage for the fire fee, included a new interest earnings revenues. There is a
number of items. The revenue conference committee accepted all of the items and we will be
incorporating those that are their projections accordingly, and at best, basically blessed off on all
the numbers.
Commissioner Plummer: Is that for the five years?
Mr. Marquez: For the five years.
Commissioner Plummer: For the five years.
Mr. Marquez: So, what we probably will need before the City Commission is some sort of final
action on some of these items. Two of them that come to mind is, we were working towards the
docking agreement for Watson Island, and that's a revenue estimate in there. There is an
agreement in principle that we are going to go forward with a high usage for the fire fee which is
taxing those tax exempt... accessing on an actual charge basis those tax exempt entities that
highly use our fire rescue service as well as those non -addressed specific items that you had
brought up at the last meeting. We will come back and I need to rework some of the narrative
for the five year plan and have that adopted as a package by the City Commission. And, I was
going to ask, and this is the proper time, to ask if we can consider that before the 5th, if possible.
Mayor Carollo: I agree, Mr. Manager. I don't know if the Commission would be prepared now
to go through it. I don't think so. But, we might want to meet just before the 5th, briefly, after
the Commission has more of an opportunity to go through it and for you and your staff to brief
them individually.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, Mr. Mayor, just for... I even hate to think about it, but I am
planning on leaving town Thursday until Sunday.
Commissioner Gott: Good.
Commissioner Plummer: We will miss you.
Commissioner Gott: We'll have it on Thursday, then.
Commissioner Plummer: Good. I thank you for that. Mr. Manager, where are we on the RFP
for garbage? Is there an RFP out for garbage...
Commissioner Gott: No.
Mr. Marquez: No.
Commissioner Plummer: ...to privatize?
Mr. Marquez: We have invited the garbage industry in and we have talked to them and they
have given us...
Commissioner Plummer: When will we who make the vote be aware of what's going on?
16 Apri 128, 1997
Mr. Marquez: Well, it... We will update you individually, sir. We have had the private sector
come in. It's built in the five year plan that you have approved already, some of it is cost
estimates that have come in the door. And, we are at the same time, per your instructions,
working with the unions to see if they want to present a competing plan. There is no RFP yet to
be developed and once one is developed, we will bring it to the City Commission.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, let me brief you on that.
Commissioner Plummer: Yeah, I mean, you know that's... The name of the game around here is
information.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah, if we are going to put out an official RFP on Solid Waste, it's going to
cost us money. Let me explain to you where the bulk of the money would go. We would have
to hire a top notch consultant to advise us how to structure the RFP which would then be part of
the contract because if we are really going to get the savings that we would be looking for in
privatizing, those savings would only be as good as the RFP and the contract that we structure.
And, frankly, we don't have anyone in the City, and for that matter, it's extremely rare to find
anyone in any major City that would have that expertise, I have sat down with the former
Deputy Mayor of New York City that was in charge of Solid Waste, that had a reputation from
coast to coast and he gave me a lot of free information on how to go about it, and I tell you, the
only way that we are going to be able to truly come up with a proposal that would save the City
money, if we are going to go that route of privatizing, we are still studying it, is by getting a
consultant that can help us from day one, draft the RFP that would then be part of the contract.
Otherwise, we are going to end up, maybe we will think we are going to get a good deal but we
are not, real shortly after.
Commissioner Plummer: I hear what you are saying, OK? But, I also heard talk that said going
private was going to save us money. And now I have not heard anything since then to say we are
moving towards that goal to us ascertain whether or not we are going to save money.
Mayor Carollo: Well...
Commissioner Plummer: And so I am asking the question again. Are we going to go to an
RFP? Are we going to do something? My real question is, when are we going to do something?
Mayor Carollo: It's a valid question. I think the Manager has been trying to get the maximum
concessions that he can from the Solid Waste employees and union. But, you are right, it's
getting to the point that we have to, as you say "fish or cut bait" on it.
Commissioner Plummer: That's right.
Commissioner Gort: Let me ask a question. When is the contract up?
Mr. Marquez: The contract is up September 30, 1997.
Commissioner Gort: September 30, 1997.
Commissioner Plummer: This year.
Commissioner Gort: OK, so it's this year. Also, my understanding is, and can we change this?
My understanding is, if we do an RFP, we have to give 90 days, can that be changed?
Mr. Jones: No, that hasn't changed. You say, is it 90 days?
17 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Gort: Right. That's my understanding. I mean, if we come up with an RFP, we
have to give individuals 90 days to answer.
Mr. Jones: Well, it doesn't have to be. It depends on the certain... Under 29(b) which relates to
certain types of sale realty, that requires at least 90 days response.
Commissioner Gort: But other RFPs...
Mr. Jones: But, other than that...
Commissioner Gort: It could be a shorter response time... My other question is, I have had
people, they are always visiting from the union, they have either hired or are working closely
with people who are very knowledgeable of the business, and they believe that they can come up
with a plan where they can reduce and show major savings to the City. And, I imagine they have
got to get with the Manager, also.
Mr. Marquez: That's true. The normal negotiation period with the unions run from May to
September for the ensuing years contract. We had originally anticipated on going with an RFP
process overlapping that time period. So, I haven't started on crafting an RFP.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I guess the question then I have to ask is, is if in fact you don't
go back with the union, you must by law, I would assume have to go to an RFP? You have no
other choice. I mean, you just can't award it without a competitive bidding. Well, that's,
that's... OK. That's what I was trying... My other question is, a lot of talk and a lot of money,
what about Off-street Parking, what's happening there? I have not heard anything other than a
letter that I got and a very derogatory, absolutely wrong kind of an opinion from the morning
tabloid about the Off-street Parking.
Mr. Marquez: Regarding, Off-street Parking, we have not looked at that proposal any further at
this point in time and we will look so...
Commissioner Plummer: Why not?
Mr. Marquez: Because sir, we have been up to your eyeballs with the financial plan as it is.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, but here again, my concern. Up to your eyeballs, they are talking
of the one person who came to talk to me, eliminating the seventeen million dollars
($17,000,000) in debt and the thing that I liked that I heard was giving us the eight million
dollars ($8,000,000) in surplus monies.
Mr. Marquez: The...
Commissioner Plummer: That, you know, that's the eyeballs that I think you need to really
examine real quick like. Because, I mean, sitting back here and not taking action. If you know,
if you are having to hire somebody to bring them in, if you have to hire somebody to negotiate
that in your stead, you are still the Manager and you will make the final decision. But, if we can
bring in eight million dollars ($8,000,000) of revenue which they have projected to me they
could do, then I don't think we can sit around and say, we will get to it when we have a chance.
I think we have got to do it now. Now, my final thing for the day. You appointed me Mr.
Mayor, to be in the area of Police and GSA (General Service Administration).
Mayor Carollo: Yes, sir.
18 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Plummer: I would ask the Manager to forward to my office as soon as possible
any and all documents relating to Police and GSA regarding budget or any other monetary
actions. That's for the past year, I would prefer the past two years and any projections already
formulated for the upcoming year. The other thing, Mr. Mayor, you appointed me to a third
committee that I asked... I didn't get what I asked for.
Mayor Carollo: I believe you did.
Commissioner Plummer: No, I asked for Community Development, and...
Vice Mayor Regalado: I have that one.
Commissioner Plummer: ... you wanted... The only reason I asked for it, maybe we could work
it together because it ties in with my appointment to the P.I.C. (Private Industry Council).
Mayor Carollo: I'd be very happy to also appoint you to that. And, if there comes a time that
there has to be discussions, one of you should step out of the room then.
Commissioner Plummer: Yeah, well, that's... but we can work the budgets individually
because...
Mayor Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Plummer: ... the board that I sit on that you all assigned me to, the Private
Industry Council is very, very closely related to that. So...
Mayor Carollo: I agree Commissioner. So, I have no problem in also assigning you to look at
Community Development.
Vice Mayor Regalado: I have... The problem that I have is that we have not gotten yet, the
budget details from the NETS (Neighborhood Enhancement Teams) or Community
Development. The Chief of Staff of the Manager said they will be working on it.
Mayor Carollo: In fact that's an area that's of such importance and such complications that it
will be fitting to have two members of the Commission looking at it.
Vice Mayor Regalado: Absolutely. And, one question that I have for the City Attorney. Can I
communicate directly with Commissioner Plummer on issues regarding the Community
Development?
Mr. Jones: No, sir.
Vice Mayor Regalado: So, how do we do that?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, excuse me. The answer to that is, you can only by virtue of
having a public meeting...
Mr. Jones: Well...
Commissioner Plummer: ... in which it is duly noticed and then, yes, we can.
Vice Mayor Regalado: Well, OK. That's what I wanted to know.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, where in the hell are you? You only give half answers.
19 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gort: Why don't you add, since you are going to be preparing that for the
department that J. L. has, why don't you do the same for all of us so we can have it from all of
the departments. I already contacted the Building and Zoning. And, also, Mr. Mayor, if you
would like, in order to expedite this, if you would like to assign me to the Off-street Parking, I
will be more than glad to start the conversation with them and...
Commissioner Plummer: Absolutely.
Commissioner Gort: ... try to establish a process so we can go through the board of directors and
let the board be participants.
Mayor Carollo: That's a good idea, Commissioner. This way you could help the Manager since
I had assigned the Manager to move quickly on that. So he...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Manager, I'll be glad to...
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Gort, will be your point person in the Commission to deal with
that.
Commissioner Plummer: I will volunteer if you want for the Dinner Key Boatyard because
that's another source of revenue we are looking at.
Mayor Carollo: Very good, Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Manager, I talked to Mr. Weeks, and one of the things as I read
the Business Daily Review, which I get every morning, is the fact as I look... Under State
Statutes Mr. City Attorney, properties are to be assessed at 100 percent of value, am I correct?
Mr. Jones: I think you are correct.
Commissioner Plummer: You think I am correct. I want you to draw your attention to the
Miami Daily Business Review of properties that are sold on a daily basis as to what is the tax
assessment and how much the property sold for. I want to tell you that three years ago, we put
forth an effort to bring up to the 100 percent Ievel and brought in almost overnight three million
additional dollars. I'll give you one example without mentioning any names which I gave to Mr.
Weeks. I hope you followed through. There is a building downtown that was assessed for
ninety million dollars ($90,000,000) and they were assessed on tax ad valorem. The building
just sold for two hundred and eight million dollars ($208,000,000). Yet, the value was assessed
at ninety. Now, when you put that together and you start figuring, Aaron, what did we figure, it
would be a million three more in taxes. I think it was something like that. That's just one
building. That's one building.
Mayor Carollo: Well, do you think that based on that logic the Maritime Park is undervalue by
the assessor?
Commissioner Plummer: I think it's undervalued, I think it should be more. What I am saying
is, I think that what we need to do, I think we need to sit somebody down with that Miami
Business Daily Review which shows all of the particulars, I mean it's immaterial who bought the
property and how many bedrooms there are. But, 1 think it's very material that you have an
20 April 28, 1997
assessment value if in tact State Statutes says 100 percent and what it's sold for, I would assume
is 100 percent assessment, the new price that it's sold for.
Mayor Carollo: That's quite correct, Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I would hope...
Mayor Carollo: In fact, I think for all the major properties that we have in the City, the minute
that the Manager can get some fresh air, hopefully, by May with the Oversight Board when we
are finished with this...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, Mr. Mayor, if you can get another three or four million dollars
($4,000,000) a year out of it, and I think it's possible.
Mayor Carollo: Yeah. Oh, sure.
Commissioner Plummer: I think it's worth assigning some people to it.
Mayor Carollo: That's exactly what I was going to say, that we should look at all the major
properties, assign someone. In fact, there are some firms out there that we might be able to go to
and go building by building on all the major properties that we have in the City to make sure that
they are assessed by the property appraiser to really what the market value shows.
Mr. Aaron Weeks (Chief of Staff): Mr. Mayor, Commission. The problem is working with the
Dade County Tax Assessors Office. Their plan is to try to assess, or reassess properties within a
three year time period. However, because of the volume of work, they have not been able to do
that. They also try to also work on the basis that we send them properties but because of their
workload they haven't been able to reassess all those properties.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you know that's fine to tell me that. But, you know, let me tell
you something, OK. This little place down there on the river, on the bay, big building, OK.
Would it surprise you if I told you that they are paying on the equivalent of square footage of
twenty-four dollars ($24) a square foot for their building and twenty dollars ($20) a square foot
for their parking lot, which they just got additional square footage for? Waterfront property.
Their assessment is based, I am told, and if I am wrong please tell me. Their assessment on their
building is set at twenty-four dollars ($24) a square foot which is probably in the neighborhood
of two hundred dollars ($200) a square foot and their parking lot is twenty dollars ($20) a square
foot and I will give you the particulars later.
Mr. Marquez: Mr. Mayor, we will be happy to get with Dade County Property Appraiser and
point out to him where assessments are lacking.
Mayor Carollo: That's correct, Mr. Manager, but Mr. Weeks said that they don't have enough
personnel, they are too busy. That's not our fault. If they are, they should hire new people
because at the end both the City, the County and School Board are losing millions of dollars.
Thank you.
Vice Mayor Regalado; Mr. City Manager, when is the next meeting of the Oversight Board?
Mayor Carollo: Monday, May the Sth.
Mr. Marquez: Monday, May the 5th, right.
Vice Mayor Regalado: Are they going to vote or can they delay the vote until the 12th?
21 April 28, 1997
Mr. Marquez: I believe they are not going to vote on the plan but they will vote on the plan by
the 12th.
Mayor Carollo: Would you like for us then to meet on Thursday before Commissioner Plummer
would go to finalize the new revisions that we are going to make on the plan?
Mr. Marquez: Either Thursday or early on Monday morning.
Commissioner Plummer: Thursday morning, I have got Bayfront Park all day and then I am
moving right after that. So, if you want it, it will have to be Wednesday.
Mr. Marquez: How about Monday morning?
Mayor Carollo: Well...
Commissioner Gort: Wednesday when?
Commissioner Plummer: Next Monday morning is fine with me.
Mayor Carollo: Or Wednesday because I think he wants to give it to them.
Mr. Marquez: Well, they meet at 11 o'clock on Monday morning. If we can meet at nine.
Mayor Carollo: Well, we could do it Monday. Yeah, we could do it Monday at nine.
Commissioner Plummer: Seven o'clock.
Mayor Carollo: Monday at nine.
Commissioner Plummer: Sunday morning at seven o'clock.
Vice Mayor Regalado: No Monday, he said Monday.
Mayor Carollo: Monday at nine a.m.
Commissioner Plummer: Monday morning at seven o'clock.
Mayor Carollo: At seven a.m. you want?
Commissioner Plummer: Fine with me.
Mayor Carollo: OK, Monday morning at seven a.m.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, wait a minute. Joe, you have got a problem with taking your
kids to school. So, what's convenient to you?
Mayor Carollo: Not on Monday, so that will be fine.
Commissioner Plummer: Then seven o'clock is fine with me.
Mayor Carollo: OK, seven a.m. Monday morning.
Commissioner Plummer: That will be fine.
22 April 28, 1997
Commissioner Gort: I think you are putting a lot of pressure on... Excuse me. I think you are
putting a lot of pressure on a lot of staff a lot of people to be here at seven o'clock. Why don't
you make it eight thirty and then everybody will be a little...
Commissioner Plummer: I have got to go to work.
Commissioner Gort: So do I. And I have been wanting to go to work a half an hour ago.
Commissioner Plummer: Make it seven o'clock. They can get up once in their life.
Mayor Carollo: Are they making appointments with you now and...?
Commissioner Plummer: Hey, if they can't make it at seven o'clock, their replacement will.
Mayor Carollo: Gentlemen, what time would you like to meet on Monday? Whatever time you
like is fine with me.
Commissioner Hernandez: Seven o'clock is fine.
Mayor Carollo: Seven a.m.?
Vice Mayor Regalado: It's all right.
Mayor Carollo: Seven a.m., it is on Monday morning.
Commissioner Plummer: See you then.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY
COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 1:05 P.M.
JOE CAROLLO
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Walter J. Foeman
CITY CLERK
Maria J. Argudin
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
23 April 28, 1997