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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1996-11-15 MinutesI v-Y- OF NZING HELD ON -NOVEMBER 1 PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CITY HALL ITEM NO. 1. 2. 3. 4. SUBJECT INDEX MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING November 15, 1996 LEGISLATION PAGE NO. INVOCATIONS. DISCUSSION 1-3 11/15/96 ACCEPT CLERK'S CERTIFICATE AND R 96-817 3-4 DECLARATION OF ELECTION RESULTS OF 11/15/96 NOVEMBER 5, 1996 FOR CITY COMMISSION VACANCY, GROUP V. ACCEPT CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND R 96-818 4-5 DECLARATION OF ELECTION RESULTS FOR 11/15/96 NOVEMBER 14, 1996, FOR CITY COMMISSION VACANCY, GROUP V. SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR HUMBERTO DISCUSSION 5-8 HERNANDEZ AS COMMISSIONER (GROUP V) - 11/15/96 OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED BY JUDGE MICHAEL CHAVIS. MINUTES OF SPECIAL SWEARING IN CEREMONY MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 15th day of November, 1996, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its special swearing in meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in regular session. The meeting was called to order at 12:23 p.m. by Mayor Joe Carollo with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Mayor Joe Carollo Vice Mayor Wifredo Gort Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr. ALSO PRESENT: Merrett R. Stierheim, City Manager A. Quinn Jones, III, City Attorney Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk Maria J. Argudin, Assistant City Clerk Invocations were delivered by Father Daniel Dougherty, Reverend Macho, Reverend Richardson, and Reverend Marcelino Garcia, followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. INVOCATIONS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Carollo: If I may ask the Father Daniel Dougherty to come up so he can say the invocation and I believe, there are two other people that are scheduled to also give invocations and after they have done it, we will say the pledge of allegiance. Father Dougherty: Almighty Father, bless us as we gather here together, today. And a special blessing upon our governing City Commission and today, of course, we ask you to bless Humberto Hernandez that he will come to serve us in love and friendship and serve the people with kindness and love. And, as always, that the Commission serve us with more concern for their people than anything else. And that's the way it should way, the people of Miami. We now bless him in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. God bless you all, you are a great organization. Mayor Carollo: Si el Padre macho pudiera venir ahora a decir la invocacion? Padre Macho. Reverend Macho: Allow me to speak better in Spanish than in English. I won't be long. Es un honor aceptar la invocacion para hacer la Invocacion en esta ocasion solemne. Sean mis primeras palabras de felicitaeion para el Comisionado Humberto Hernandez por su victoria en 1 November 15, 1996 9 una eleccion historica en esta ciudad. Es greao saludar y aplaudir a una nueva setrella en el horizonte de la politica y felicitar tambrein a su padre Humberto, hermano y companero de la brigada, cy=uyo hijo humbertico es brigadista de la primera generacion. Y felicitar tambrien a la Cuidad de Miami por haber elegido a su nuevo Comissionado, un joven aboogado de altos ideales que es todo una promesa. Ahora no va a ser tan calro porque vay a pasar al ingles. (APPLAUSE) My prayer is inspired in the words of a young ruler before he has taken his oath of office. The prayer is registered in the Newest Bible. "Lord God, you have made me King, I am very young, reasonably wise and teach me to differentiate between right and wrong." And the Bible says that the Lord was pleased with Solomon's prayer. Humberto, you have been elected not to be King, but to be a Commissioner. You too are young, willing to start your new political career. You been have been elected Commissioner of this multicultural, multiethnic, multiracial City. Much is expected of you. The fact of your election means, that the people have put their trust in you. May the grace of God be with you that you may fulfill all the promises made in your campaign. To know what to discern what is right and fair, and what is wrong. So that all members of this community be pleased with your vote. That you be always loyal. Honorable in your work. Wise and prudent in your compromises. Ready to listen to all who come to you, especially the poor and those in need. And that you have always the common good in view so that everybody in this community will respect and love you. Finally, may God bless Miami Mayor Alex Penales and the Miami City Commission. Let Miami be a City of harmony, unity and peace with a great future ahead. I make my prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Carollo: Do you have anybody else? Now, you have Reverend Richardson. Go ahead. Reverend Richardson: Let us pray. Father God, today we pray for unity in our community and on this Commission dais. We ask your divine guidance for this newly elected Commissioner. i Elected by the voice of the people and the choice of public opinion. Grant him your wisdom and vision on building bridges in our community. Protect him and his family from visible and unseen dangerous circumstances. Give him the courage to act on his promises and the compassion to express them. Grant him the counsel to conduct the City's affairs rightly and with order. We pray also for those who were called to serve in this moment of crisis. Bless the interim City Manager, Merrett Stierheim as he exits today. Whose long hours and diligent efforts have placed the City back in a stable position. That will keep our lights burning on our coastal shorelines. Father 7we ask that you'll also bless the incoming City Manager, Ed Marquez, as he takes on unchartered waters. Help him to navigate in times of turbulence and uncertainties. Lord, bless the recovery plan and the City employees. Most importantly, allow this Commission body the hearts and minds and attitude to make the tough decisions that will put the City of Miami back in the magic City, in Jesus name we pray. Amen. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Carollo: And now we have Father Marcelino Garcia, president of the Belen School. Reverend Garcia: Let us keep in mind during this important occasion, the centennial celebration of this City the gate of the Americas, a small City geographically speaking. By breaking history, tradition, past and future. There is a challenge in front of the City Commission and it's nothing less than survival. This extraordinary City cannot perish by being incorporated into another political unit. This City has a great future because it has had a great past. Problems, economic f difficulties, struggles, all these struggles can he surpassed with a vision of brotherhood and 2 November 15, 1996 r development as we move into the third millennium. Today, the new Commissioner full of energy and enthusiasm and good will, will be installed - Mr. Humberto Hernandez. A new Commissioner for whom we ask the Lord wisdom, understanding and a sense of reconciliation. Our City which has opened its arms to so many from so many different places, needs constant renewal of reconcilatory attitudes. Reconciliation for all those different groups that live in our beautiful community. A sense of belonging, a sense of acceptance and respect to all who have different ideas; who have different beliefs, different origins, different religions and yes, different shades of skin. I know that he has the potential to assume the burden which is now his. Let the Lord bless this City, its Mayor and Commissioners, its leadership. Let us ask a special blessing for Humberto that he may meet successfully with an enormous challenge to which he commits himself today. Let us also pray that the Lord may inspire all the people in this community to respect and love one another. That the Lord may help out those in need and that Miami may grow in spirit and its citizens may embrace the values of the spirit as well. Values which prove to make us far better human beings. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Carollo: If I may ask Marta Flores to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. (APPLAUSE) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. ACCEPT CLERK'S CERTIFICATE AND DECLARATION OF ELECTION RESULTS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1996 FOR CITY COMMISSION VACANCY, GROUP V. Mayor Carollo: Mr. Clerk, we need to accept two resolutions and two certifications, today. The first is the resolution officially accepting the Clerk's certification and declaration of the result of the City of Miami primary election held on November 5, 1996. Commissioner Plummer: So moved. Mayor Carollo: Moved by the senior member of the Commission. Vice Mayor Gort: Second. Mayor Carollo: Second by the second senior member of the Commission. All in favor signify by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. 3 November 15, 1996 r The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 96-817 A RESOLUTION WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING THE ATTACHED CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI NONPARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 1996, FOR THE ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER, GROUP V. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Mayor Gort, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr. Vice Mayor Wifredo Gort Mayor Joe Carollo NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. ACCEPT CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF ELECTION RESULTS FOR NOVEMBER 14, 1996, FOR CITY COMMISSION VACANCY, GROUP V. Mayor Carollo: The next resolution is the resolution to officially accept the attached City Clerk's certification and declaration of the results of the City of Miami Municipal Election held on November 14, 1996, for the election of Commissioner in Group V. Moved by Commissioner Plummer. Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir. Mayor Carollo: Second by Vice Mayor Gort. All in favor signify by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. 2 November 15, 1996 [A The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 96-818 A RESOLUTION WITH ATTACHMENT (S), OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING THE ATTACHED CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 1996, FOR THE ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER, GROUP V. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Vice Mayor Gort, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr. Vice Mayor Wifredo Gort Mayor Joe Carollo NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR HUMBERTO HERNANDEZ AS COMMISSIONER (GROUP V) -- OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED BY JUDGE MICHAEL CHAVIS. Mayor Carollo: If we can proceed Mr. Clerk, with the swearing in of the new Commissioner. Mr. Walter J. Foeman (City Clerk): Mr. Mayor, I think we have Judge Chavis here. He has the... Commissioner Plummer: He's right behind you, Joe. Mayor Carollo: OK. Judge Chavis, how do you do sir? It's good seeing you again, sir. Honorable Judge Chavis: Good seeing you, too. Mayor Carollo: Sure. There you are, Judge. Commissioner Plummer: If anybody is listening in the office, if they see a Bible, please bring it immediately. Judge Chavis: OK, while we're waiting, to my friend Humberto Hernandez. I want to congratulate you, your lovely wife and your great family on your tremendous accomplishment. You know, this is not a meeting of convenience between Bert and myself. Between an African - American Judge and a Cuban -American Commissioner. We are friends. But, I think it's symbolic that I'm here today to swear him in. I heard you loud and clear last night, when you 5 November 15, 1996 �i said that you would work toward the support of all of the people of the City of Miami and I wish you God's speed in that endeavor. Having said that, I ask you to raise your right hand and repeat after me, sir. Mr. Humberto Hernandez: I, Humberto Hernandez, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America, and the State of Florida, and the Charter of the City of Miami. And, in all respects faithfully discharge the duties of Commissioner of Group V, in the City of Miami, Dade County, Florida. Judge Chavis: Congratulations. Mr. Hernandez: Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Hernandez: What a difference a year makes. It's been a year, we've had three, really four long elections for me. As a true son of the City of Miami, I am a native Miamian, I was born here, Today, I bring a message of peace, love, harmony and unity for the entire City of Miami. I have not written a speech because I have chosen to come here today and speak straight from the heart. That's how I like it, even though I am an attorney. (APPLAUSE). To my brothers and sisters in Liberty City, in Overtown, in Coconut Grove, I extend you both my arms because I will fight to the nail for all your neighborhoods, as I promised last night on TV when I accepted victory. Ladies and gentlemen, it has been very tough for my family this last year. We've gone through some trials and tribulations and I am sure we'll continue to throughout the next coming year. I pledge today, that I will fight for this City. I will defend this City as a native son that I am, as I would defend and fight for my parents. I came here today, simply to tell you that I love this City, that you will be proud of me. That I will never defraud the City of Miami and it's good to be back. (APPLAUSE) I want to thank the Mayor, the Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, the City Clerk for giving me the opportunity to share this space with him today. It's very important for me, for my family and the bottom of the heart of the Hernandez family. I have many plans for this City of Miami. I want to forge in a positive manner toward the future of this City. A City that is bright, that is brilliant, that we've gotten our share of bad news for the last year, year and a half. But the future is bright and I promise you from the bottom of my heart, that I will fight for all of you, all the taxpayers. We will solve this financial crisis. We will solve the criminal element that exists here in the City of Miami. We will fight for economic development. We will fight for better services for all of us and at the end, we'll all be one happy family. Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) MUY BUENOS DIAS A TODOS, COMO SE SIENTEN HOY? NO SE COMO DARLE LAS GRACIAS A TODA LA COMUNIDAD HISPANO-AMERICANA QUE SALIO A VOTAR POR MI AYER. NO SE COMO AGRADECERLES. SOLAMENTE LES PUEDO DECIR QUE LOS QUIERO MUCHO. MI FAMILIA, MI MADRE, MI PADRE, MI SENORA, MIS DOS NINAS, LOS QUEREMOS MUCHO Y GRACIAS POR EL RESPALDO QUE ME DIERON AYER. YO TRAIGO UN MENSAJE DE AMOR, DE ARMONIA, DE UNIFICACION A ESTA COMISION. UNA COMISION QUE QUIERO TRABAJAR CON ELLOS MANO A MANO: CON EL ALCALDE, LOS COMISIONADOS, CON LA NUEVA ADMINISTRACION, CON EL SECRETARIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MIAMI. VOY A TRABAJAR Y VOY A LUCHAR POR TODOS LOS CONTRIBUYENTES DE ESTA CIUDAD, COMO SE LO MERECEN TODOS USTEDES. HOY EMPIEZO ESTA TAREA, UNA TAREA DIFICIL PERO LES PROMETO QUE VAMOS A RESOLVER TODOS LOS PROBLEMAS QUE SE ENCUENTRAN AQUI EN LA CIUDAD DE MIAMI. A LAS UNIONES - QUE NO LO DIJE EN INGLES PERO AHORA LO DIRE - A LAS UNIONES, A LOS EMPLEADOS, A TODOS LOS COLEGAS QUE TRABAJARON CONMIGO, QUE ME CONOCEN, LOS QUIERO MUCHO. LOS VOY A DEFENDER HASTA EL FINAL. A MIS HERMANOS DE LA RAZA NEGRA, A MIS HERMANAS, LOS VOY A DEFENDER, ESA ACOMUNIDAD COMO 6 November 15, 1996 [i VOX A DEFENDER LA COMUNIDAD NUESTRA, LA COMUNIDAD HISPANOAMERICANA Y LA ANGLOSAJONA. COMO SABEN, NACI AQUI HACE 34 ANOS, ESTO FUE UN SUENO PARA MI. DESDE BIEN CHIQUITO MI ABUELO, CESAR HERNANDEZ, ME HABLABA DE LA DIFERENCIA. ME ENSENO MUCHO DE LA POLITICA DE SERVIR AL PUBLICO, LA DIFERENCIA ENTRE LA POLITICA EN CUBA Y LA POLITICA EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS. HE APRENDIDO MUCHO EN ESTE ULTIMO ANO. Y LES PUEDO DECIR QUE VOY A LUCHAR POR TODOS USTEDES Y SE LOS DIGO DIRECTO DESDE MI CORAZON. QUIERO PRESENTAR A UNA PERSONA QUE SIN FALTA TUVO GRAN PARTE EN ESTA VICTORIA. LA REINA DE LA NOCHE, MARTA FLORES. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Marta Flores: MUCHAS GRACIAS A TODOS MIS HERMANOS CUBANOS Y A TODOS LOS LATINOAMERICANOS EN GENERAL. YO QUIERO DECIRLES EN ESTE MEDIODIA QUE PARA MI ES UN GRAN HONOR ESTAR HOY ACOMPANANDO A HUMBERTO HERNANDEZ, PORQUE DE SIEMPRE HEMOS ESTADO CON EL. HEMOS SIDO TESTIGOS DE SUS DICHAS, DE SUS INFELICIDADES, DE SUS DESEOS DE SERVIR A ESTA COMUNIDAD, Y DE SUS IMPEDIMENTOS, MUCHAS VECES, PARA HACERLO. CON EL FAVOR DE DIOS Y DE USTEDES, HEMOS LLEGADO. HEMOS LLEGADO PARA VER A UNA CIUDAD QUE SE VA A UNIFICAR Y TENGO LA SEGURIDAD QUE VA A SER UN COMISIONADO PARA TODOS. PORQUE USTEDES SABEN QUE YO TENGO UNA LINEA MUY RECTA, Y EL DIA QUE NO SEA ASI, LA PRIMERA QUE VA A COMENTAR LO CONTRARIO VA A SER MARTA FLORES. MUCHAS GRACIAS, QUE DIOS LOS BENDIGA. Commissioner Hernandez: QUISIERA DECIR UNA ULTIMA COSA. EN DOS ANOS QUE LLEVAMOS EN PARA LLEGAR A DONDE ESTAMOS HOY, HAY UNA FAMILIA QUE TENGO QUE AGRACEDER MUCHO. UNA FAMILIA QUE ESTUVO CONMIGO DESDE EL PRINCIPIO. QUE HA SUDADO, QUE NO HA DORMIDO, QUE HA LLORADO CON NOSOTROS, UNA FAMILIA QUE SE LLAMA LA FAMILIA DE GOTI QUE SE ENCUENTRA AQUI CON NOSOTROS. FINALMENTE, QUIERO CAMBIAR A UN TEMA EN INGLES QUE SE OLVIDO MENCIONAR UNA COSA QUE QUERIA HABLAR HOY. I would like to address two things. Number one, that I failed to mention to the unions, to the employees of the City of Miami, my colleagues that work with me that know me, you have a friend in me. I will fight for you, I will defend you to the last end. Secondly, I want to make mention once again to the African -American community, that I will be a leader in the City of Miami and fight for single member districts. I think it's the future of the City of Miami. It's the only way we can guarantee representation, and I will be there, hand in hand, fighting for single member districts for all of you. Thank you very much, and God bless you. (APPLAUSE) 7 November 15, 1996 THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 12:50 A.M. JOE CAROLLO MAYOR ATTEST: Walter J. Foeman CITY CLERK Maria J. Argudin ASSISTANT CITY CLERK 0 November 15, 1996 l