HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-95-0517J-95-717
7/13/95
RESOLUTION NO. 9 5~ 517
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH BETTE AND BERT
BAYFRONT 66 MARINA, INC., SETTING FORTH THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENT OF MONIES
OWED TO THE CITY FOR USE OF CERTAIN REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT WATSON ISLAND, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO FINDINGS SET FORTH IN
AUDIT NOS. 94-515, 94-516, 94-517 AND 94-523.
WHEREAS, Bette and Bert Bayfront 66 Marina, Inc. (the
"Concessionaire"), pursuant to the Concession Agreement made and
entered into October 15, 1968, as amended, assigned and extended,
has agreed to pay to the City rental for use of certain real
property located at Watson Island, known as Bette and Bert
Bayfront 66 Marina; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to audits of the Concessionaire's sales
performed by the City in 1994, it has been determined that the
Concessionaire owes the City rent in the amount of $67,542.00
plus sales use tax in the amount of $4,229.00 for a total of
$71,771.00 for the period commencing January 1, 1990 and
terminating on December 31, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the Concessionaire has paid $15,000 to the City as
partial payment of the monies owed pursuant to the audits;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
:CITY COMMISSION
MEETING OF
JU L 1 3 1995
Resolution No,
95- 517
:�3
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the
Preamble to this Resolution are hereby adopted by reference
_thereto and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this
Section.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized!/ to
execute an agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney,
with Bette and Bert Bayfront 66 Marina, Inc., setting forth the
following terms and conditions for payment of monies owed to the
City for use of certain real property located at Watson Island,
Miami, Florida, pursuant to findings set forth in Audit
Nos. 94-515, 94-516, 94-517 and 94-523:
A. Concessionaire agrees to pay the balance due in
equal installments in the amount of $2,000.00,
commencing July 1, 1995, and every month
thereafter until paid in full.
B. Concessionaire agrees that failure to pay
$2,000.00 in successive monthly installments when
due, in addition to the monthly rental payments
due the City, shall constitute a default by the
Concessionaire of its obligations under the
agreement. In the event of such default, all
remaining unpaid payments due under the Agreement
shall become immediately due and payable. All
such unpaid payments shall bear interest, from the
date of default until paid in full., at the maximum
rate permitted under Florida law. In addition,
the City may exercise any other rights which the
City may have at law or in equity against the
Concessionaire by reason of such default.
i The herein authorization is further subject to compliance
with all requirements that may be imposed by the City
Attorney, including but not limited to those prescribed by
applicable City Charter and Code provisions.
-2-
95 517
Section 3. This Resolution shall become effective
immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day f July , 1995.
STEPHEN P. CLAR , MAYOR
ATTEST:
WALTER J.`F
CITY CLER
SUBMITTED BY:
(Iv:��l
ED R ROD GU , DIRECTOR
O FIC OF A SET MANAGEMENT &
CAPIT MPROVEMENTS
LEGAL REVIEW BY:
J BRU
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
LL:BSS:W255
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APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
CORRECTNESS:Paz
( /
CIT TT EY
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95- �1 "r
�. �
June 7, 1995 ti� ;•� l.� 4::. � Ed 4
5
Dear Commissioner , �•,• ;�..�y'L�1E`r�TS
As you may know, I have been operating Bette & Bert Bayfront 66
Marina, for 17 years. I feel that I have given the people of Miami
good service at reasonable prices.
This letter is a request to meet with you, in order to discuss a
reasonable payment plan, for monies owed to the City.
Enclosed please find a series of letters that I have written in
connection with the problems that I face, on Watson Island. As you
will see, I am not opposed to the proper use of the. Island, and
this project proposal is the first one that I have ever contributed
any input to, because I feel that it is a good one, that stands a
chance of being accepted by the public.
As a result of an audit in the early 80's, I wound up owing the
City $107,000.00, which I was allowed to pay back at $1,000.00 per
month, and have since paid in full. The recent audit, done in
1994, resulted in my owing the City a total of Approximately
$72,000.00. My first proposal to Eduardo Rodrigues was to pay this
debt, as I had the other, at $1000.00 per month. This, he informed
me, was out of the question, hence I began payments of $2000.00 per
month, with temporary acceptance by Mr. Rodriguez. At the same
time I agreed to catching up and keeping current with 1994 into
1995. By April of 1995, with the aid of a loan I was .able to
complete the payments due for 1994 and have since been keeping
current as promised. Meanwhile the past due amount has been
reduced to approximately 52,000.00 and I have continued with the
$2,000.00 monthly payments, although Mr. Rodriguez has requested my
signature on an agreement to pay $3,709.56 monthly. This agreement
I have not signed, since I simply cannot see this business
supporting such a payment and in hopes that you will consider my
request. Enclosed you will also find correspondence with Mr.
Rodriguez, pertaining to that which I am trying to keep brief.
I have no wish to avoid my responsibility to the City. I also want
to keep myself in the running to aquire the new facility, in the
form of either a lessee, or manager. Although I would like to, I
do not feel that I have the proper financial capital to do the
project myself. Also, I feel that a new owner would be foolish to
not take advantage of my 17 years of interaction with current
customers.
I would like to
see you personally, prior to a hearing before
the
full Commission,
to allow me to continue paying the current
rent
plus $2,000.00 toward the outstanding debt. I will be unavailable
between June 14
and 20, however, you may reach. me at any
time
before or after
that week, at 371-2378.
95- 51-7
L��-�
+..+ aa7 a. a. vaa'v.a .a.aa a.aac i1GGil 4.%A l.iLG•
Yours truly
Martin S. Tritt
Bette & Bert Bayfront 66 Marina Inc.
1050 MacArthur Cswy.
Miami, Fl. 33132
-c.c. Eduardo Rodriguez
95- 517
'ITT ku'-fia of
V op
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ CESAR H. ODIO
City Mana&r,
Director
May 23, 1995
CERTIFIED MAIL & U.S. MAIL
Mr. Marty Tritt
Bette and Bert Marina
1050 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132
RE: Concession Agreement between City of Miami and Phillips
Petroleum Company, dated October 15, 1968, as amended, and as
assigned and transferred to Bette .and Bert Bayfront 66
Marina, Inc.
Dear Mr. Tritt:
As you have declined to accept the agreement previously forwarded
to you on March '23, 1995 setting forth terms and conditions for
the payment of monies owed pursuant to the audit findings, you
must now remit -payment in full of the balance due. ' After
deducting the payments made to -date, the balance due is $53,772.
Failure to pay the above amount within fifteen (15) days from
receipt of this notice shall result in a finding of default. if
you have any questions, please call me at 372-4640.
Sincerely,
d ardo7dr gu z
I z
Directo
95- 517
OFFICE OF ASSET MANAGEMENT & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
300 Biscavrip Hnii1Pv.4rH%A6, 4Z,;,n A0()AA;,: r7l I"')' "'n" 1�1
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Vf,UARDO RODRIGUEZ
DiteelUr 7 Tl" * sTi„ iSu�.A t CE5AR li. {)DI0 ..•,
z : City Manager
{i
i MON'PHLY" REPORT. r
NAME: Bette and'BertY.Bayfront Marina
C/o .Martin ,Trio .';
LOCATION: 1050'MacArthur`Causeway
Miami, FL 33132:
y. FOR THE MONTH OF`i 199_
}v
MINIMUM MONTHLY. GUARANTEE
1,200.00
OR
3.5 PERCENT. OF FUEL SALES , $Iry
7 PERCENT OF OTHER SALES
RENTAL PAYMENT DUE CITY $�.:�y
PLUS 6 .5% FLORIDA USE TAX, , . $ o� t� 14(Q
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE (CITY
SIGNATURE {�} Al
PRINT NAME MiF'�SL'4 CtS " iR1Tt -
REMARKS
CONCESSIONAIRE shall- report',all Gross receipts 'of the preceding
month on or before the..15th• day of, -each: month and payment .fee
shall be made.
This return together with the proper remittance is to'.be sent to:
CITY OF: MIAMI;�=�.':;
FINANCE..DEPARTMENT%COLLECTIONS
P.O. Box` 3307.08:it;�:
Miami, FL'33233e0708
Make L L; ock payable to the `.CITY OF MIAIiI .
nFFICE OF i "MINT S• CA (PROW-MENTS
•.-.ayne G...: t,r;l Way, Suite 40;yi, 1 s 1/Q05) 3:;i 0.'ij 3 :-4G40lEclecop,. .,,.,, 1! 1-y710
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EDUARDO
RODRIGUEZ ,�, r�
' •
CESAR H. 0010
Director uue, ,,,,u
o �„ „. De
Cuy Manager
..MONTHLY REPORT
NAME: Bette and Bert Bayfront Marina
C/o Martin Tritt
;?
LOCATION-: 1050 MacArthur Causeway
FL 33132 -.
.......... ....Miami,
FOR THE MONTH OFQ2�= '..19
9y .'
MINIMUM MONTHLY GUARANTEE $1,200�00OR
3.5 PERCENT OF FUEL SALES
7 PERCENT OF OTHER SALES
RENTAL PAYMENT DUE CITY
16a.
PLUS 6.5% FLORIDA USE TAX $ Orl
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE CITY
SIGNATURE DATE
PRINT NAMERRTi
Y
REMARKS t�, . r n
�fCCt3atl Mltatt �um i (Wt n 49izkl_ �fyC4I61
,_.
, mt0l ALA `L�'�GI Mpl,
CONCESSIONAIRE shall report all Gross receipts
of the preceding
month on or before the 15th of each•month
and payment fee.'
.day
shall be made.
This return together with the proper remittance"is
to be sent to:. r
CITY OF MIAMI
`
FINANCE DEPARTMENT/COLLECTIONS
P.O. Box 330708
Miami, FL :33233.4708
Make check payable to the CITY OF MIAMI .
5
•
OFFICE OF ASSET MANAGEMENT & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
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300 Biscavne Boulevard Wa c„ ;f ennr,.:,_. r, ,,. • :•--- ,-- • -- "
4
EXPLANATION AMOUNT
BETTE & BERT BAYFRONT.
66 MARINA, INC.:
D/O/A WATSON ISLAND FUEL & FISHING SUPPLY
6 u
hNS, J ___ . ; i 1A
•
�•TO THE ORDER OF
........................
IW v:. �-I ......... ..
W."Mt.,
.63-4361660
BRANCH
881
ARS
CHECK
AMOUNT
-. . -1. ..*.. I � a I . .. . ... . .. .
N_
$ 4% . . . . . . . . . . . . fir
-ri W."', V6(to
AF1. TOR . ....... . -1 �. tf
DESCRIPTION
4
CITY NATIONAL SANK OF MIAMI
25
3130
West Flegler Street - Miami, Florida 3
00020000C
.............. . . . . .
...................
BETTE & BEIRT'BAYFRONT
1 66 MARINA. i.V1
JAW- ATSON ISLAND FUEL & FISHING SUPPLY
EXPLANATION
AMOUNT
17
MIR OTIR11 RIM
ORD
CHECK
:NUMBER
a"
w
. . . ......
I.
_MN
DESCRIPTION
63.436/660
BRANCH
.881
CHECK
,-...AMOUNT
V
CITY NATIONAL BANK OF MIAMI
I, r..i25 West Flagler Street - Miami, Florida • 33130
V.5
Ob a 13 1:066004367� 14 ? 9
ol"0000 276901
41(3 0
EXPLANATION
AMOUNT
63-436/660
BRANCH
BETTE &'BERT BAYFRONT
66 MARINA, INC—I
8 8
WOSON 6A'I'I;
ISLANDFUEL & SUPPLY
%
iO(-JNT V�_)
- I'S kG "r (L—WIDoLLARS
'CHECK
THE ORDER OF
CH ECK
NUMBERL
ai
... ....... f
R64 ..6 •44 ... .. ..
.04
WOM 1.w1.ff .... .........
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
4,
517
>&Y NATIONAL' BANK*OF MIAMI
r
33`
West Flagler Street Florida 130
FT"RI,
.DIA: ((. �o e1,.ri 1"4. • +AQ ,r
• l 4 J ..Y`� MAY 1 1�70563-438/660
- EXPLANATION BRANCH 1
�4...tl�l�f�r :I�'� y, t.SF� ' �. rl
` BETTE�& BERT BAYFRONT r 'S (}Jt `}(J
Rr
r= I' C-ft.tia 66 MARINA. INC.._
D/B/ -WATSON ISLAND• FUEL & FIS�i1NG SUPPLY
r r �1 r,;l K Ike .a �•",h C.. t )
� 'a 7 L,L wn' 2 i •.'e ..• - _ 4 -s �,
� `t emir = ! �. :j 116.r 1)'l� .l,y'.. } ,l • t ..
AY x ari xp� �;� sei r ' ? t r'b v jY,e, r•. lF l..• �� DOLLARS
CHECK
AMOUN'
DATE rs c at •TO THE ORDER OF rc -' NUMBER
,,.
t'
c L'.
. .v:,1!nryyic'G••iii �•......
9
r
x�A/W
: V V
n
..........
••„� AESCRIPTION
„
CITY NATIONAL BANK OF MIAMI •
t ., M`S Y
iI '• 25 West FlaglerS treat Miami, Florida 33130
rl ;
°001B86911■ ll:06600t.36?s: .100i1 3? _i4?9t1' ■11000003020
vli }SI i
r .•. 95. -5 1 7
i
March 29, 1995
Dear Editor:
Here I am with a 3 1/2 hour layover in St. Louis, returning
from Las Vegas, a city that, unlike Miami., has many fully booked
nights. I am returning from a slot machine contest, in which I won
4th prize, a bit of news that rates a little space, as opposed to
the O.J. situation. (Local boy makes good). I am not a boy
anymore. I'm 62, born in Miami, and am fully fed up with the
stupidity I have seen in Government, some of t,rhich I would like to
enlist your aid in correcting. The Sunday herald would be too
small for me to express all of my problems with the way Government
works, and some day I hope that I have time to do that, but today,
I would like to discuss a small problem, that. .is a very big problem
to me, my customers and many construction workers on the bridge &
possibly many inspectors that have to go that way.
God knows, and you can find out, how many accidents and
fatalities there have been at this location. Yes, I know that the
sign says right turn only, but this does not happen and quite
frankly, it is unfair to request that someone go 2 miles out of
their way and then be faced with a traffic hac)c up that makes a
trip to Biscayne Blvd take 1/2 hour. A simple, on demand, traffic
light would be the answer to the problem that has cost the fish
market and my store, Watson Island Fuel and Fishing Supply, a great
deal of business,because our patrons fear the traffic situation.
Enclosed you will find a letter from the Department of
Transportation. I doubt if they did much of an investigation on
this matter. They certainly did not consider the time it takes to
make the 2 mile round trip to get to the same place that you would
have been, if there was a traffic light. I am turning to you in
desperation, because we have needed one since the time I got this
business, sixteen years ago. During this ti-7e, I have gotten
various stupid answers from various stupid people. The last time
was with the Causeway widening project, when ] :ias told that they
could not do anything without a study and they could not do a study
until that project was done. Incidently, , it gross stupidity not
to do the bridge and Causeway projects at the same time. It has
caused an additional two years of discomfort and loss of business
for us. I hate to think of how much of our money nas been wasted in
terms of wasted time of highly paid telephone company, electric
co., bridge workers and other government employees. In the end, we
the public, wind up paying for this. Many times, the bridge co.
has had to use two extra people to stop traffic so the cement
trucks could go. I doubt if the time that it takes to make a left
turn into the island was ever considered IDv !DOT. In their narrow
mind, a two mile trip out of the way is a r: i c:c: respite from the
everyday rigors of work. Unlike me, or my c:List:oi,,iers, it does not
95- 517
Aj
cut,their pay or relaxation time. I have never seen a government
employee traveling at or above the speed limit, e>:cept at quitting
time.
I hope that you
can aid me in my quest for a traffic light
for this location. It
is unfair for us to have to wait 2 years to
-
correct this situation.
You have the investigatory powers to get to
.the bottom of this. I
hope you will help us.
Thanking you in
advance for your consideration in this
matter.
Yours Truly,
Martin S. Tritt
President.
-
Watson Island FUC1 and Fishing Supply
1050 MacArthur C--,wy.
Miami, F1. 33132
(305) 371-2379
95- 517
t
�V07�1111
FLORIDA" �� D EPARTNIlENT OF TRANSPORTATION
LAWfOR C1111.1'S - ,.�.. own r�. N•Arrs
1
1)itilricl'I'r;ll'Liu t)prrlliicinti t)I'licc
i'
1000 N.C. l I I tli Avenue, Room 6202
Miami, Florida 3jl72-5800
(305) 470-5335 -
March 23', 1995
Ms. Oriana Serrano
Metro- Dade Center
11 I N.C. 1 st Street
Suite 220
Miami, FL 33128-1963
RE: Section 87060, SR AIA(Mac Arthur Causeway) @ ,Japanese Gardens / Watson Island
CTP # 1995-01-0016
Dear Ms. Serrano:
This office has completed it's investigation regarding the need ,for a traffic signal and/or
acceleration lane for right turn motorists exiting- the subject intersection. As you know, this
intersection is wider construction as part of the Mac Arthur Causeway Bridge Project. This
pro ect will provide acceleration lanes for right turn motorists exiting and merging with SR A I A
motorists. At this point in time, construction is zinticipated to be complctccl by the fall of 1996.
After careful consideration, we have determined the installation of a traffic signal can not be M
approved at this time. The following information is oflcrecl so you can better understand our
decision.
The maintenance and protection of traffic during construction only ,111O •s motorists exiting
Japancse Gardens and Watson Island to make right turns. All other movements are Illegal.
A delay study performed during the afternoon peak hour showed motorists cxitin(I Japanese
Gardcns and Watson Island experienced an avcnwe delay of* only 24, and 26 seconds,
I•cspcctivcly. .
A review of the accident history diu not reveal an accident problem which could be remedied by
sib"nal control. Studies have shown there is a posit6,e correlation between rear -end accidents and
N-olu111C at signalized intersections. SR A I A does liavc significant tl',1111c volume, therefore, it can
be deduced that the numhCr Off -Car end•accicicnts at this intcrsccti011 WOUld increase if'
siynaliv..ation were provided.
95— 517 el
flkrc..•c.
Ms. Oriana Serrano
YL}
March 23, 1995
Page
4 '.
Although the Department -was not able to approve your request, we appreciate your concern in
traffic safety.
Should you have any questions or if we can offer further assistance please feel free to contact our
office.
Sincerely,
r
r
Brian R. Fregosi, P.C.
District Safety Engineer
cc: Martin Tritt, Watson Island Fuel
.t
11014 nw
March 16, 1995
City of Miami
Office -of Asset Management & Capital Improvements
300 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Ste W400
Miami, 'Fl. 33131
Attention: Lauri
Dear Lauri:
In response to our telephone conversation of last Friday and
further to Eduardo's letter of March 07, enclosed please find our
printout of the 1994 Rent Liability. Please accept our apologies
for the tardiness. Our intentions are not to evade, but rather an
admittion of lack in organisation. It is our express wish to catch
up and be current with payments due and we thank you for your
patience.
According to the enclosed printout our outstanding liability for
1994 alone, amounts to $10,504.00, which is incorrect by $3000.00, .
because that amount paid was applied to the audited previous
outstanding amount. Therefore, our actual_ outstanding liability
for 1994 is $13,504.00. In addition, I have calculated the
outstanding liability for the first two months of 1995 to be
$2,370.00, bringing the tot -al amount now due to $15,874.00. Martin
is out of town until the end of next week at which time we will
make arrangements for the payment of the full amount stated. At
last we will be current and continue to pay monthly as agreed, to
avoid further confusion and accumulation.
The one remaining promise, to.have a cash register installed, has
been taken care of, so please'make note for -your records. Also,
please pass this information along to Eduardo and let me know if
there is anything further that you require to bring our file up to
date. Marty will be in touch by the end of next week.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Fernando
for "Martin S. Tritt
Bette & Berts
Watson Island Fuel
1050 MacArthur Cswy.
Miami, F1. 33132
a
...........
This agreement is between, Bette & Berts Bayfront 66 Marina Inc. (the
Concessionaire), and the City of Miami (the City).
WHEREAS the Concessionaire pursuant to the Concession Agreement made and
entered into October 15, 1968, as amended, assigned and extended, has agreed to pay to
the City rental for the use of certain real property located at Watson Island known as
Bette & Berts Bayfront 66 Marina.
WHEREAS' pursuant to audits of the Concessionaire's sales performed by the
City in 1994 it has been determined that. the Concessionaire owes ,the City rent in the
amount of $67,543.00, plus sales use tax in the amount of $9,229.00 for a total of
$71,772.00 for the period commencing on January 1, 1990 and terminating on December
31 1993..
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: _
The Concessionaire agrees to accept the findings set forth in audit nos. 94
515,94-516, 94-517, and 94-523, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibit A, and
incorporated by reference.
The Concessionaire agrees to pay the City the sum of $66,772.00 which represents
the total balance due of the above referenced rent due.
The Concessionaire agrees to pay the balance due in equal monthly installments in
the amount of $3,709.56, commencing on February 1, 1995 and every month thereafter
until paid in full.
The monthly payments referenced above shall be in addition to the monthly rental
payments due to the City in accordance with the terms of.the Concession Agreement.
The City agrees that in the event that the City requires possession of the property
and in. fact recovers possession of the property prior to the Concessionaire's complete
payment and satisfaction of the payment obligation accepted hereby, then and only in that
event the balance of the amount due at such time shall be forgiven by the City and the
Concessionaire shall be completely released from its obligation to the City agreed to
herein.
The Concessionaire agrees that failure to pay $3,709.56 in successive monthly
installments when due, in addition to the monthly rental payments due the City, shall
constitute a default by the Concessionaire of its obligations under this agreement. In the
event of such default, all remaining unpaid payments due under this agreement shall
become immediately due and payable. All such unpaid payments shall bear interest, from
the date of default until paid in full, at the maximum rate permitted under Florida law. In
addition the City may exercise any other rights which the City may have at law or in equity
against the Concessionaire by reason of such default.
This agreement embodies the entire agreement of the parties respecting its subject
matter. There are no promises, terms, conditions, or obligations other than those it
contains.
95- 517
AT
ttlj 'V
n
V P
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ CESAR H. ODIO'
Director pY ""4I ""' o� City Manager `
January 17, 1995.
Mr. Marty Tritt
Bette and Bert Marina
1050 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL .3132
Dear Mr. Tritt:
I am in receipt of your letter of December 22, 1,9.9.4..propos�i,ng_ a._-_.
- payment plan of. $2, 000'.,per "month plus • current rent . for.' those`"
monies due pursuant to the recent audit. The monies due would
accrue 5� interest compounded annually.
I have delayed responding to your letter hoping that a Commission
decision concerning the proposed issuance of a request for
proposal for a mega yacht facility would provide a more
definitive time frame for us to work with. As you are aware,•the
Commission deferred consideration of this item until next month.
While I am not in a position at - this time to accept or reject
your proposal, I do concur with your comment to Ms. Lutes of my
office that you commence
Y paying the $2,000 per month`plus'current
rent so this amount can* commence reducing.
In addition, you still have not submitted the monthly reports for
the months following the 'audit (January, 1994 to present) along
with any monies due the City, if any. You have also failed to
have a cash register operational by January 1, 1995 as previously
agreed.
_
Please give these matters your immediate attention. Failure to
do so_ may -result in a finding. -.of default. If_youu have _any ._,.
questions, please call me at 372-4640.
Sincerely,
uafro" Ro igue
Dirtor
cc: Sujan Chhabra, Director
Internal Audits Reviews
Gary Houck, Asst. Director
Treasury Management
4I1�- 5 1. 7
OFFICE OF ASSET MANAGEMENT & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
300 Big ,vard Way, Suite 4L)U/Miami, FL 33131/(305) 372-4538/(305) 372-4640 elernnier• fin51 171-071n
t�,
Rocky Aoki
Benihana National Corporation
Benihana of Tokyo Inc.
P.O. Box 4020210
Miami, Fl. 33102-0210
October 07, 1994
Dear Mr.'Aok:L:
The reason for my writing you this letter is to possibley interest you
in all or part of the . Watson Island master plan, which you will find
enclosed.
What's in it for me? For the past 16 years I have operated Watson Island
Fuel and Fishing Supply, on a month to month lease. We are a Fina Fuel
station, located next to Chalks Airline. I do not have themoneyto
build a new or more extensive fuel facility and if I could get someone
to take on this entire project, I would not only have a chance to
continue operating my business, but I will have helped create a
project that would be a landmark to the world and a beautiful,
practical addition to Miami. Furthermore, it could be an everlasting
monument to you.
I am a native born Miamian, 61 years old, who has never contributed
input to past suggested projects for Watson Island. This is the first
plan that has made any sense to me. The present plan -is very similar
to what I had envisioned and spoken to the City Planner, Jack Luft,
about. It includes a Mega Yacht basin, with 40 slips to berth large
corporate Mega Yachts. A small Hotel and Shopping Center, aimed at
the people connected with these yachts.
At the present timie,.for reasons unknown, the City Manager and
Commissioners, seem hell bent on getting rid of an institution. The
fish market, as well as the other businesses in the 45 slips, near
my store. I am involved in -trying to stop that move..
My reasons are many. The City has just released over $300-,000.00
to rebuild the Yacht, Club, which is near the Japanese Gardens. Those
docks were lost in.Huricane Andrew. There is another marina planned*
-right next to the Yacht Club, which I believe they should build now..
continued . . . .
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It should include a Fish Market, second to none in the world, where
people could come to, see the fish being brought in. All of the stores
should have similar, sanitary fish cleaning facilities and be air
conditioned. With proper advertising they could charge the going rate
for fish stores... Since there should be plenty of.parking on the
Island, there should never be any need to charge for.parking which would
encourage. people to check out the fish and possibley buy a cheap fish
head for soup. —
There is also a ten boat dock, planned for the North side of the bridge
when it is finished, that will be for bottom fishing boats and dive
boats. The old house froni the Omni area, which was half destroyed iri
the move, would be finished and used for a Dock Master's office. -
Now -let's come to the main reason that I am writing to you, instead
.of someone else. A Teahouse or Japanese Restaurant was planned for
the Japanese Garden. To me, I don't see why we shouldn't have a
Japanese Garden equal to or better than.that of San Fransisco. I
know that you are only open for dinner at your 79th Street restaurant,
but with access to downtown business and the heavy traffic of the
MacArthur Causeway, it may pay to stay open all day at this.location.
I have looked over the layout of your restaurant and the Sushi bar is
located in such a way that those working there could collect -the fee
to see the Japanese Gardens. There are racks -planned --for boat storage
in that area. This is something that is badly needed in this part -of
town. One of these racks would be on the opposite side from the
restaurant and could serve as a wall full of plantings of.orchids and
other beatiful flowers. It could also serve -as a place to attach
screens to make a large aviary for parrots and other beautiful. birds.
Perhaps even butterflies.
When I visited the San Fransisco Japanese Gardens, the Tea House was
quite busy and there were many many people being brought in by bus, that
seemed to arrive every 15 - 20 minutes. The sightseeing buses, already
come to Watson Island to view the Miami skyline and the activity of
the cruise ships at the Port of Miami. Add to that a Fish Market, a
great Japanese Garden, possibley a flower market, kite and windsock booth
and WOW!
I would also suggest that -all of the buildings on the Island, have
Japanese roofs, so that all of the people coming and going acrossthe
causeway, would look and say, "I have to visit that Watson Island".
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I would hope that you could accumulate the people to execute a project
.,-like this. I have no particular pull with anyone in the City, but I
would surely be willing to enquire for you or with you as to the
possibility of putting in _a bid.
I also believe that a free bus, attractively painted and running back
and forth to downtown Miami, would bring you a lot of downtown business-
men, for lunch. My personal preference, is to have Sushi for lunch,
and it is very difficult to find a Japanese restaurant open. There is
one other good possibility from the aspect of your restaurant. It is
geared to the preparation of food in front of the people, hence you
could introduce a price for the cooking of fish purchased from the Fish
•Market, for those that would enjoy the novelty.
If you would like to converse further with me on this subject, I will,
of course, welcome your call. Horne 864-2649, Business 371-2378.
Thank you for your time in reading this proposal and I do hope that
you find it of interest.
Martin S. Tritt
President
Watson Island Fuel & Fishing Supply
95— 511