Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1995-11-15 MinutesINDEX MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING November 15, 1995 continued to November 16, 1995 ITEM LEGISLATION PAGE SUBJECT NO. NO. 1. ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION R 95-781 1-2 / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF CITY 11/15/95 OF MIAMI NONPARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995). 2. (A) ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S R 95-782 3-5 CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF R 95-782.1 RESULTS OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL 11/15/95 ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995) CONCERNING QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROX. 18.6 ACRES OF CITY -OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY ON WATSON ISLAND TO PARROT JUNGLE AND GARDENS, INC. FOR DEVELOPMENT / OPERATION OF A BOTANICAL GARDEN ATTRACTION AND ANCILLARY ENTERTAINMENT / RETAIL FACILITIES FOR 45 YEARS WITH ONE 15-YEAR RENEWAL OPTION, SUBJECT i TO CONDITIONS -- APPROVED BY ELECTORATE. (B) ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995) CONCERNING QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROX. 153.$ ACRES OF CITY -OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY ON VIRGINIA KEY' TO VIRGINIA KEY CAMPGROUND, LTD. FOR DEVELOPMENT / OPERATION OF A RECREATIONAL CAMPGROUND AND RELATED RETAIL FACILITIES, FOR 45 YEARS, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS -- DISAPPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE. a ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION R 95-783 5-6 / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF 11/15/95 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (NOVEMBER 14, 1995) FOR ELECTION OF TWO COMMISSIONERS -- ELECTED WERE: JOE CAROLLO (GROUP II) AND J.L. PLUMMER, JR. (GROUP III). —4. J.L. PLUMMER, JR. IS SWORN IN AS DISCUSSION 6-9 COMMISSIONER (GROUP III) BY MARIA 11/15/95 CRISTINA PALACIOS. 5. JOE CAROLLO IS SWORN IN AS DISCUSSION 10-19 COMMISSIONER (GROUP II) BY COUNTY 11/15/95 COMMISSION CHAIRMAN ARTHUR TEELE. i i SWEARING -IN CEREMONY OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 15th day of November, 1995, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida in special session for a swearing -in ceremony. The meeting was called to order at 12:09 p.m. by Mayor Stephen P. Clark with the following members of the Commission found to be present: F Mayor Stephen P. Clark i Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins A. Quinn Jones, III, City Attorney Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk Maria J. Argudin, Assistant City Clerk ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre An invocation was delivered by Reverend John White after which, Mayor Clark led those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF CITY OF MIAMI NONPARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Clark: Please be seated, if you have a seat. We have one short piece of business to take care of before... Mr. Clerk, you have the floor. Mr. Walter Foeman (City Clerk): Yes. Mr. Mayor, we should accept the results from last night's runoff election, as well as the primary election, and the special election. Mayor Clark: You need a resolution of that nature? Mr. Foeman: I need a resolution for each of the separate elections which were held. .Mayor Clark: For the first one, the primary election. 1 November 15, 1995 Mr. Foeman: The nonpartisan primary. Mayor Clark: Primary election. Is there a motion? Is there a motion? Commissioner Gort: Move it. Mayor Clark: Is there a second? Commissioner Dawkins: Yeah. Mayor. Clark: Second? Commissioner Dawkins: Yes, second. Mayor Clark: No exception. Cast a unanimous ballot. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gort, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 95-781 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 7, 1995, FOR THE ELECTION OF TWO COMMISSIONERS (GROUP II AND GROUP III). (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Dawkins, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Mayor Stephen P. Clark NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre 2 November 15, 1995 i i i --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. (A)ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995) CONCERNING QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROX. 18.6 ACRES OF CITY - OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY ON WATSON ISLAND TO PARROT JUNGLE AND GARDENS, INC. FOR DEVELOPMENT / OPERATION OF A BOTANICAL GARDEN ATTRACTION AND ANCILLARY ENTERTAINMENT / RETAIL FACILITIES FOR 45 YEARS WITH ONE 15-YEAR RENEWAL OPTION, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS -- APPROVED BY ELECTORATE. (B)ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION (NOVEMBER 7, 1995) CONCERNING QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROX. 153.8 ACRES OF CITY - OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY ON VIRGINIA KEY TO VIRGINIA KEY CAMPGROUND, LTD. FOR DEVELOPMENT / OPERATION OF A RECREATIONAL CAMPGROUND AND RELATED RETAIL FACILITIES, FOR 45 YEARS, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS -- DISAPPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE. j ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Clark: Now, on the runoff election, on the special election. There's a motion by Mr. Gort. Commissioner Dawkins: Second. Mayor Clark: Second by Mr. Dawkins. All in favor, signify by saying "aye." The Commission Collectively: Aye. Mayor Clark: Opposed, like sign. So ordered. i 3 November 15, 1995 The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gort, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 95-782 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING THE ATTACHED CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 1995, AT WHICH THE QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROXIMATELY 18.6 ACRES OF CITY - OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY ON WATSON ISLAND, MIAMI, FLORIDA, TO PARROT JUNGLE AND GARDENS, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF A BOTANICAL GARDEN ATTRACTION AND ANCILLARY ENTERTAINMENT AND RETAIL FACILITIES FOR A TERM OF 45 YEARS WITH ONE 15-YEAR RENEWAL OPTION, SUBJECT TO SAID FIRM MAKING A CAPITAL INVESTMENT OF $3,000,000, PAYING TO THE CITY A MINIMUM ANNUAL RENT OF $200,000, AND SUBJECT TO SUCH ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE CITY, WAS APPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Dawkins, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Mayor Stephen P. Clark NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gort, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 95-782.1 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING THE ATTACHED CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 1995, AT WHICH THE QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY OF MIAMI SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROXIMATELY 153.8 ACRES OF CITY - OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY LOCATED ON VIRGINIA KEY, TO VIRGINIA KEY CAMPGROUND, LTD. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF A RECREATIONAL CAMPGROUND AND RELATED RETAIL FACILITIES FOR A MAXIMUM TERM OF 45 YEARS, SUBJECT TO SAID FIRM MAKING A CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN SAID PROPERTY OF NOT LESS THAN $2,000,000, PAYING TO THE CITY A GUARANTEED MINIMUM ANNUAL RENT OF NOT LESS THAN $300,000, AND TO SUCH ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE CITY, WAS DISAPPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE. 4 November 15, 1995 -r, (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Dawkins, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Mayor Stephen P. Clark NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre ----------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. ACCEPT CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION / DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL, ELECTION (NOVEMBER 14, 1995) FOR ELECTION OF TWO COMMISSIONERS -- ELECTED WERE: JOE CAROLLO (GROUP 11) AND J.L. PLUMMER, JR. (GROUP III). Mayor Clark: Now, we have the results of the runoff election? Mr. Walter Foeman (City Clerk): Yes. Mayor Clark: Motion by Mr. Gort. f i Commissioner Dawkins: Second. Mayor Clark: Seconded by Mr. Dawkins. All in favor signify by saying "aye." f The Commission Collectively: Aye. Mayor Clark: Opposed, like sign. So ordered. 5 November 15, 1995 ?0-1\ The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Gort, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 95-783 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACCEPTING THE ATTACHED CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 1995, FOR THE ELECTION OF TWO COMMISSIONERS (GROUP II AND GROUP III). (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Dawkins, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Commissioner Wifredo Gort Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor J.L. Plummer, Jr. Mayor Stephen P. Clark NAYS: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. J.L. PLUMMER, JR. IS SWORN IN AS COMMISSIONER (GROUP III) BY MARIA CRISTINA PALACIOS. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commissioner Dawkins: I don't see J.L. Plummer's name on the second one. Mayor Clark: Well, it's been there so long, you can't... Commissioner Dawkins: OK, OK, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Clark: Had that disappearing ink on it this time. Ladies and gentlemen, we're here on a new day in this great City, a new day for yourself and myself. We have listened to the will of the electorate, the majority of the electorate, which is the American way, and we have a new colleague that's coming into office today. He's been here before, not a newcomer, so to speak, but he is new to this Commission, and we'd like to have him come to the podium at this time, Commissioner Joseph Carollo. Joseph. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Joe, I hope you're here. Ms. Linda Kearson (Assistant City Attorney): No, he's not. He's not here yet. Vice Mayor Plummer: He's out counting the absentee ballots. 1.1 November 15, 1995 Mayor Clark: Anyone in contact with him? Ms. Kearson: He'll be here in about three minutes or less. Mayor Clark: All right. That's fair enough. Vice Mayor Plummer: Steve, Steve, go ahead and do me, get me out of the way. It's up to you. Mayor Clark: All right. Please be seated again. Well, we'll proceed, ladies and gentlemen, now, to swear in our long-time friend and long-time Commissioner, reelected by the electorate in this community by a great plurality, Commissioner Vice Mayor J.G. Plummer. J.L. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: And to swear in Commissioner Plummer, Maria Cristina Palacios. Maria, where are you? (APPLAUSE) Vice Mayor Plummer: I need my whole family for support. Maria Cristina McKinney Gobernado. (APPLAUSE) Ms. Maria Cristina Palacios: What am I supposed to do? OK. Repeat after me. I... Vice Mayor Plummer: I, J.L. Plummer, Jr.... Ms. Palacios: ... do solemnly swear... Vice Mayor Plummer: ...do solemnly swear... Ms. Palacios: ... that I will support... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... that I will support... Ms. Palacios: ... protect... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... protect... Ms. Palacios: ... and defend... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... and defend... Ms. Palacios: ... the Constitution and laws... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... the Constitution and laws... Ms.*Palacios: ... of the United States of America... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... of the United States of America... Ms. Palacios: ... and of the State of Florida... 7 November 15, 1995 Vice Mayor Plummer: ... and of the State of Florida... Ms. Palacios: ... and the Charter of the City of Miami... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... and the Charter of the City of Miami... Ms. Palacios: ... and in all respects... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... and in all respects... Ms. Palacios: ... faithfully discharge the duties... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... faithfully discharge the duties... Ms. Palacios: ... of Commissioner Group III... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... of Commissioner Group III... Ms. Palacios: ... of the City of Miami... Vice Mayor Plummer: .... of the City of Miami... Ms. Palacios: ... Dade County... Vice Mayor Plummer: ... Dade County... Ms. Palacios: ... Florida. Vice Mayor Plummer: ... Florida. Ms. Palacios: That's it. Vice Mayor Plummer: That's it. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: All right. Have a little rest. Sit down, just a moment, please. Have a seat. Commissioner Dawkins: J.L., J.L., you got to turn around so our photographer can get you. Mayor Clark: J.L., let's hear a word from you, J.L. Commissioner Dawkins: This is the one we pay. Vice Mayor Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I'll be "el breve." First of all, I have to say a.very, very grateful thanks to the community, to the City. For the seventh time, I've been privileged to present my report card, and I am very pleased in the results, that they feel that 1 have done the job that they asked me to do. I have to, first and foremost, without question, say a big thanks to my oldest daughter, who ran my entire campaign. (APPLAUSE) Vice Mayor Plummer: And, of course, the rest of the family - my brother, Larry, who allowed me to stay out of the office and go campaign; my youngest daughter, Joanie, who is now going to be a political science major in college. That scares me. Also... 8 November 15, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Vice Mayor Plummer: I have to... And I'm going to be in trouble, because I can't mention everybody, but there is one other that has to be mentioned, and when you put together a campaign, I hope to God that everybody has the opportunity that I did to have the dream team of Julio and "Julitin" Gonzalez-Rebull. (APPLAUSE) Vice Mayor Plummer: To everybody that did whatever they did, if they were with me - 60 people every morning standing out on the street - Manolo Reyes, where are you? He said he got me out on the corner, and I want to tell you, he did. (APPLAUSE) Vice Mayor Plummer: I do want to say a congratulations to my two opponents. I think we had an understanding from day one - which I tell you that I am grateful that they lived up to - that we ran a clean campaign, we ran a direct campaign, and for that, I am grateful. So all I got to say is, let's go to work. Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Mayor Clark recognizes the presence o ounty ommissioner Maurice Ferre, former City Commissioner Armando Lacasa, and former City Commissioner Miriam Alonso, in the Chambers. Mayor Clark: Our time in this Commission room goes back a number of years, and it's my privilege at this time to introduce the former Mayor of the City of Miami, and now serving as a County Commissioner, Maurice Ferre. Maurice, please stand up. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: And a former Commissioner from the City of Miami, a long-time friend and a great supporter, Armando Lacasa. Commissioner Lacasa. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: Aiid as always, in the fairness of introducing everyone, my former opponent and a colleague, former City Commissioner Miriam Alonso. (APPLAUSE) November 15, 1995 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. JOE CAROLLO IS SWORN IN AS COMMISSIONER (GROUP II) BY COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN ARTHUR TEELE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor Clark: Joe, where are you? Mr. Joe Carollo: Right here, sir. Vice Mayor Plummer: He's here. (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: And of course, my former colleague who will swear in the new Commissioner for the City of Miami, Arthur H. Teele. Arthur. Arthur E. Teele. (APPLAUSE) County Commission Chairman Arthur E. Teele: Mr. Mayor, thank you so very much for this tremendous opportunity. And to Mary, thank you so much for the. many hours of... I got to tell the truth. Mary has just been a tremendous wife to Joe, and a tremendous friend to Stephanie and myself, and it's really been just a great opportunity. And as I've said, Mr. Mayor, I believe that yesterday's election can very well be a turning point and a dividing point in new opportunities of old Miami and new Miami, where the races can come together as one family, as one community, for a great City. Joe, would you raise your right hand and repeat after me. Mr. Carollo: Art, if we could wait one minute. I'd like for Caridad Hernandez, and her husband, Humberto, who are really an extension of my family, to be up here, also, with me. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Teele: Would you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Joe Carollo... Mr. Carollo: I, Joe Carollo... Chairman Teele: ... do solemnly swear... Mr. Carollo: ... do solemnly swear... Chairman Teele: ... that I will support... Mr. Carollo: ... that I will support... Chairman Teele: ... protect... Mr. Carollo: ... protect... Chairman Teele: ... and defend... Mr. Carollo: ... and defend... 10 November 15, 1995 Chairman Teele: ... the Constitution... Mr. Carollo: ... the Constitution... Chairman Teele: ... and the laws... Mr. Carollo: ... and the laws... Chairman Teele: ... of the United States of America... Mr. Carollo: ... of the United States of America... Chairman Teele: ... and of the State of Florida... I Mr. Carollo: ... and of the State of Florida... Chairman Teele: ... and of the Charter... Mr. Carollo: ... and of the Charter... Chairman Teele: ... of the City of Miami... Mr. Carollo: ... of the City of Miami... Chairman Teele: ... and in all respects... i Mr. Carollo: ... and in all respects... i Chairman Teele: ... faithfully discharge... Mr. Carollo: ... faithfully discharge... i Chairman Teele: ... the duties... Mr. Carollo: ... the duties... Chairman Teele: ... of Commissioner Group II... Mr. Carollo: ... of Commissioner Group II... Chairman Teele: ... of the City of Miami... ` Mr. Carollo: ... of the City of Miami... Chairman Teele: ... of Dade County, Florida... Mr. Carollo: ... of Dade County, Florida... Chairman Teele: ... so help me God. Mr. Carollo: ... so help me God. Chairman Teele: Congratulations. 11 November 15, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Mayor Clark: And now, ladies and gentlemen - I know he's lost his voice, but he'll do the very best he can to greet you all - our new Commissioner, Commissioner Joe Carollo. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: It's been a long time. (LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to ask everybody a special favor here. I know there are many of you that I've asked so man), favors of already that it's hard to ask another one. But this is very special to me, and I would like to start off with God in my next four years here, and I would like to have all of us here begin by saying the "Our Father," so if you could join me. NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Commissioner Carollo, led those present in a recitation of the Lord's brayer. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you very much. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And Mayor Clark, it is, indeed, a pleasure to be able to serve with you now. We've always been great friends, and I've always had a great admiration for Steve and his wife. And I tell you, it's going to be really something to be able to serve together with a legend like yourself. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: At the same time, it's going to be something else to be able to serve with two of my former colleagues, Miller Dawkins, and J.L. Plummer. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And with Willy Gort, who has also been a friend. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I think that between the five of us, we have the ingredients to have a fine Commission, to work together with dignity and respect for all of our people, and to make Miami truly that Magic City that it should be. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I got used to doing everything practically on my own in the first primary - writing the speeches, doing the commercials - and now that I had to write a speech myself, not only did I not have the time this morning, but I really was left with a blank mind, and not really knowing what to write down. And the reason being is that this not only was my hardest campaign, but the campaign that, at the end, I felt with most gratitude to the voters of Miami. Never did I dream that not only would we win like we did, but with 63 percent of the votes. And I am very, very humbled and grateful to you voters for giving me that mandate. 12 November 15, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to acknowledge some people that without them, this could not have happened. There are so many out there that have helped that I hope the hundreds of you that were volunteers and worked day and night won't get offended if you all are not all mentioned, but there are some that I do have to mention. Now, in the primary, when no one gave me much of a chance to win, there were some people that were there for me, and I have to be very grateful to them. One of them is this man over here, Alberto Gonzalez, that was... (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: ... that believed in me from the start, and was there for me, together with someone that eight years ago wasn't with me - like many that were not then, and are with me now - and this man really showed me his friendship and helped me straight from the beginning, someone that I intend to work with closely in the future, and this is Amancio Suarez. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: There is also a lady - I don't know if she's here, I don't see her - yes, I do, back there - who some people call her a firecracker, but, hey, she's my firecracker, Marieta Fandino. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: One special person that worked day and night for me - like she always has in all my campaigns, but even more in this one - is my cousin and her husband, Sarita and Gregorio Rodriguez. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: But, I tell you, the best campaigner that I have, the person that, really, I would not be here today if it weren't for her help in this campaign, and she worked day and night, she called thousands of people, thousands of voters by herself, and that's my mother, Graciela Carollo. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I only wish that someone else that was always there for me - my father - would be here today, but I'm sure that he's with God today, and watching and smiling. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: My wife, she didn't want me to run, but when I made the decision, she was there for me, and I thank her because we... (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: My brother, Frank, that was with me all along. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And up here, I have my four children: My oldest, Christina, who is 17 now. 13 November 15, 1995 (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And my son, Joey, who's just turned 16. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And this is Caroline and Kelly, my youngest. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: My Aunt Sylvia is back here, a schoolteacher, who is also my godmother. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I think that we have to start off by saying the following - and I need the cooperation and help of all my supporters - we cannot come here as victors with a sword in hand. If anything, we need to come with an olive branch. I stated this to Victor and his wife last night, and I mean this, and I will say it again today. I come here with an open mind, and a clean heart, with no wanting of any vengeance, any get even. If anything, what I want is for all of my supporters and Victor's supporters, and those maybe that didn't support either one of us, to work together for a better Miami, to put the past aside, to begin anew. The only way, ladies and gentlemen, that we are going to be able to truly make Miami magic is if we work together the way God wants as to. And that is what I am asking all of you today - to come with that same open mind, clean heart. That is the only way that we can accomplish that. The next four years are going to be a very hard four years. We have a lot of work to do for Miami. You know, the easiest part was the campaign, and that was tough. But now, today is when the toughest part begins, and that's to govern, and that's where I need all of you to help me. Those that are truly my friends, I ask this of you: Don't come asking me to vote for things, to do things that are not appropriate. If you realty are my friends, then help me to build a better Miami, to run a government the way a government should be, with respect and dignity. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I've talked about some of my plans and visions in this campaign, and I'm not going to go into a long speech of all the things that we discussed in the campaign that we want to try to accomplish with the help of my colleagues here in the Commission and in Dade County government, but I do want to say this: That the one thing that we all have to work together for is to bring jobs to the City of Miarni. Our community needs jobs, and the only way that I think that we can accomplish that is by the City Commission working together with the County Commission and State Government, and as a group, working together, putting all our resources and energy together, I think we can accomplish that. And one of the ways that we can begin immediately to try to do that is by voting for a contract for the port expansion, and helping move Camillus House out of downtown Miami to a more appropriate location. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And one of the areas that I want to see the City Commission get very actively involved in, and working hand in hand with the County, that already has started to work in that, and that is to build a world class trade center, equal to none. And I think if we accomplish that, that can be something where in the next five years, we can bring forty to fifty thousand jobs for this community. World trade and commerce is really where the future of Miami is at, and it's the kind of jobs that we can bring to our community that will make our kids 14 November 15, 1995 be able to stay in Miami and riot go somewhere else to find a job. I mentioned some people that helped in the campaign, but now, I want to mention two individuals that without them, I don't think I could have been here today. These two guys went out and campaigned for me like there was no tomorrow. They were campaigning for me like if they were the ones who were the candidates. And if the election would be won or lest, it was going to be their win or loss. I. I think, most of all, know how tough it is to win and to lose. But there is a young man - but not that young. I'm 40. He's about 33 now, so I started feeling a little old in this campaign. I wasn't the youngest guy running anymore. He ran one heck of a race, a clean campaign, a tough campaign, but a great campaign. And when he was a hair away from making the runoff that, unfortunately, he didn't make, this young man sat down with me and told me straight out that he would support me, he would campaign for, me day and night in the runoff. There were no deals made, nothing was asked. All that he wanted was good government - like what I want. And he campaigned day and night, along with his family. And I am talking about Humberto Hernandez, and I would like to give him a hand. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: His mother and father were some of my key supporters from my earliest campaigns. Obviously, in this one, in the primary, they couldn't be with me. But they were again with me in the runoff, and I feel like tliey'r•e really an extension of my family, because they've been with me for so long from the beginning. On the other hand, there were two other individuals that were key in this. One is one of my former colleagues, Miller Dawkins. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: Miller accomplished a lot of things that I never thought that I would see, and that brought one of our other colleagues from the Commission to be left for the final secret weapon in the campaign, and I'm talking about Art Teele. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And Stephanie, I thank you for putting up with me so late at night, and all of the meals that you made, that otherwise, I probably wouldn't have eaten, because I'd forgotten about food. And let me tell you something, Stephanie is one heck of a cook. There were two other gentlemen that ran a very strong race in the primary, and they both came very strong for me, door to door, campaigning in the streets, recording late at night in the studios. I'm talking about Vernon Clark and Wellington Rolle. I don't know if they're here somewhere. I'm so proud of their support. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: Another candidate that came to help me in this runoff is Manolo Reyes, and I thank him for that. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: And, of course, there were key supporters, whose support was very instrumental, like Miriam and Leonel Alonso. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: Ricardo Nunez-Portuondo. (APPLAUSE) 15 November 15, 1995 Commissioner Carollo: And Santiaguito Pernas. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: Along with one of my other former colleagues, that I told him during the campaign, you know, Armando, you know, I never realized you were such a fantastic talker. Armando Lacasa, former Commissioner Lacasa. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: There were so many, many more of you that if I keep going on, you know, we would be here all day. And to all of you that I have not mentioned, each and every one of you know how grateful I am for your help. I hope that in the weeks to come, I can express that gratitude to each and every one of you personally. I'm very humbled, very grateful for that support. And I am also very happy that one of my former colleagues accepted the invitation that I gave him to be here today, and I'm referring to Mayor/Commissioner Maurice Ferre. Thank you, Maurice. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: I also asked another friend to be here today, and I see him over here, and that's Chief Ken Harms. Thank you, Ken. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: We called Howard Gary to invite him to be here, and he said he would try to make it. Maybe he would be here a little later, but he said he would try to make it. I'd like to ask... Well, maybe the master of ceremonies for the next few minutes, my friend, Art Teele, can read these names for me, and take over this part here, and ask them to come up. Chairman Teele: Joe, had specific - Commissioner, excuse me - "Commissioner" sounds great. Commissioner Carollo had specifically asked that there be clergy present - his own Father Macho of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, and we have Reverend John White of Greater Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal). And a special treat is the fact that Reverend John Wilks has also joined us today, and we know of Reverend Wilks' leadership in Qvertown. Reverend Wilks if you're here... If... The three pastors that have been called, would you please come forward. John, where is... Is the Father here? Vice Mayor Plummer: Turn around. He's coming up. Chairman Teele: Reverend Wilks... We're going to ask the Father to give the official benediction for this portion. If... Reverend Wilks, if you would come forward and... Commissioner, Reverend Wilks. (APPLAUSE) Reverend Wilks: To the Mayor and the County Commissioners, the election is over, and we are so assembled now to celebrate those who have been elected. In America, sometimes people hold opposing views, and that's the reason we need elections. But following those elections, we need to amend and follow the majority, what they have said. That's the American way. We have to reconcile and be what we should be as a people. So I want to just offer a prayer for that peace and reconciliation at this time. Would you bow your heads, please. Father God, the giver of all good and perfect gifts, the God of peace, the God of Iove, the God of reconciliation, mend our 16 November 15, 1995 spirits and give us, oh God, that feeling of togetherness that Miami might be the place where people love to come, and love to work, and love to rear their families. Give us, oh God, that power that we need to be one people coming from many walks of life, from many cultures, from many languages, but bind us together in your love. We thank Thee now for those whom Thou have allowed to hold this high office. Guide them, oh God, by Thy power and by Thy will, and forever, oh God, we give Thee the praise. Amen. Chairman Teele: 'Thank you, Reverend Wilks of Trinity. And now, for just a word of inspiration, Reverend John White of Greater Bethel AME Church, the oldest church in Overtown, which is now 99 years old - one year younger than the City of Miami. Reverend Wilks: Amen. Reverend John White: Thank you, Commissioner. To the Mayor, to all of you who have assembled to share this historic event in the life of our community, we commend you to the fact that the will of the people have been done. Reverend Wilks: Amen. Reverend White: And because the will of the people has spoken, we commit ourselves to make a commitment that Miami can become and will become the Magic City, the City of all peoples, the City where all of us can live together, a place where all of us can share life together, where we can put forth an effort to make it to be what God would have it to be. To our newly elected Commission, to this newly elected and inaugurated Commission, we pledge our support and commitment. From Miami's oldest independently organized black church in downtown, Overtown, Greater Bethel Church, we commit ourselves to this Commission and to this community. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) Chairman Teele: Ladies and gentlemen, Pastor Douglas Cook had planned to be here, also, and Mary and Commissioner Carollo had the opportunity to visit with him on Sunday all day, but for the official benediction of this portion of this service, would you all hold hands, and we're going to bring on the man, the spiritual leader for the Carollo family, the rector of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, Father Tomas Macho. Father. Father Tomas Macho: Because I today have the thoughts on words independent of the benediction, which allow me to say that Joe Carollo, the authority that has been given to you directly by the people who have freely elected you ultimately comes from God, the grand source of all that is. You are then accountable of its use to the people of the City and to God. May you always walk according to the purpose of God, and the will of the people. And a few words, also, in Spanish. QUE SEAS SIEMPRE UN QUIJOTE DE LA LEY. DESFACEDOR DE ENTUERTOS. DEFENSOR DEL INOCENTE Y DEL POBRE INDEFENSO. PALADIN DE LA JUSTICIA Y DE LA VERDAD... LA VERDAD REAL Y LA VERDAD DENTRO DE LA LEY. SIN BUSCAR LA FAMA NI EL ORO. SI NO RACER LA BUENA OBRA, EL TRIUNFO BIEN, Y LA FAMA Y EL LUCRO TE SERAN DADOS POR ANADIDURA. SIEMPRE ACTUAR CON BONDAD. CON UN CORAZON JUSTO Y MISERICORDIOSO, ATENTO AL DOLOR AJENO DE QUIEN SE SIENTE OFENDIDO Y ATROPELLADO. MI PLEGARIA ESTA INSPIRADA EN LA DE SALOMON AL COMIENZO DE SU REINADO. QUE EL SENOR TE CONCEDA SABER E5CUCHAR EL GRITO DEL AGRAVIADO PARA SENTAR AL SENTENCIADO. INTELIGENCIA Y PRUDENCIA PARA SABER DISCERNIR ENTRE EL BIEN Y EL MAL PARA QUE EN EL JUICIO PREVALESCA SIEMPRE LA JUSTICIA. 17 November 15, 1995 May the God of unity and love give this City the healing so that all races may work really together, and no division, but peace, understanding, comprehension, respect. My Almighty God, bless Carollo, his family, his office., and these, the authorities of the City, and may the blessing of the Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit come upon us all. Thank you. Reverend Wilks: Amen. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Carollo: DEJENME DECIR UNAS PALABRAS NADA MAS EN ESPANOL, FOR FAVOR. YO SE QUE HA SIDO UNA CAMPANA LARGA Y UN DIA LARGO, CASI YA NO TENGO NI VOZ, PERO SI TENGO QUE DECIR ESTO AQUI YA EN LA COMISION. GRACIAS A ESE PUEBLO MIO ESTAMOS AQUI. MIENTRAS QUE VAMOS A SER UN COMISIONADO PARA TODO MIAMI, YO SI SE QUE SIN EL VOTO DE LOS CUBANOS, DE LOS HISPANOS DE MIAMI, NO HUBIERAMOS PODIDO LOGRAR ESTA VICTORIA, Y ESTOY ETERNAMENTE AGRADECIDO DE SU APOYO. MUCHAS GRACIAS. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE SPECIAL MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 12:55 P.M. Stephen P. Clark MAYOR ATTEST: Walter Foeman CITY CLERK Maria Josephine Argudin ASSISTANT CITY CLERK (SEAL) 18 November 15, 1995