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.
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1. INVOCATIONS.
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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
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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
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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)
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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.
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November 15, 1996
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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November 15, 1996
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