Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1992-06-24 Minutes* t NC01(1#V(11t %TE , 182 fie, OF KUING HELD ON JUNE 24, 1992 PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CITY HALL MATTY HIRAI City Clerk INDEX MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 24, 1992 ITEM SUBJECT NO. 1. DESIGNATE VICE MAYOR ALONSO AS THE CITY'S LIAISON TO WORK WITH MANAGER IN CONNECTION WITH COCONUT GROVE'S PLAN TO SECEDE FROM THE CITY -- DIRECT THAT FULL RESEARCH BE COMPLETED FOR CONSIDERATION BY COMMISSION -- ACCEPT DADE LEAGUE OF CITIES' OFFER TO WORK WITH THE CITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ISSUE. 2. (A) CLARIFICATION BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER CONCERNING PREVIOUS STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH STOLEN CARS (B) VICE MAYOR ALONSO SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIO PLAZA BUILDING ON FIRST STREET -- DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION. LEGISLATION PAGE NO. M 92-425 1-22 6/24/92 DISCUSSION 23-24 6/24/92 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 24th day of June, 1992, 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 to consider a matter of public import, namely, Coconut Grove's secession from the City of Miami. The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Vice Mayor Alonso with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Vice Mayor Miriam Alonso ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre Mayor Xavier L. Suarez ALSO PRESENT: Cesar Odio, City Manager A. Quinn Jones III, City Attorney Matty Hirai, City Clerk Walter J. Foeman, Assistant City Clerk An invocation was delivered by Vice Mayor Alonso and Commissioner Plummer then led those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag. 1. DESIGNATE VICE MAYOR ALONSO AS THE CITY'S LIAISON TO WORK WITH MANAGER IN CONNECTION WITH COCONUT GROVE'S PLAN TO SECEDE FROM THE CITY -- DIRECT THAT FULL RESEARCH BE COMPLETED FOR CONSIDERATION BY COMMISSION -- ACCEPT DADE LEAGUE OF CITIES' OFFER TO WORK WITH THE CITY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ISSUE. Vice Mayor Alonso: This special meeting has been called for... calling for a vote on a Charter Amendment. I think the situation is very serious for the City of Miami, and we need to discuss the position we are going to take as a City Commission. The Mayor is in Argentina and Chile, so I felt that I had to call this session to be able to state a position as a City, which we have not been able to take all... up to this point. Last Friday, Commissioner Mary Collins, at my request, announced that she was willing to present on July 1th a vote to reconsider the last, as of June 16th, vote of the County Commission. This is going to be before our next Commission Meeting. And since we have to be ready to address the situation and to have statement as a Commission, and also a position, I felt that it was necessary for us to have this special June 24, 1992 session to discuss how we felt and to have some plan to follow. Last night the Hialeah Council passed a resolution of support of the position of the City of Miami, asking for a vote of reconsideration and also stating that they would like the cities to maintain the ability to make their own decision and not to be done with the Charter Amendment Countywide proposal. We thank the Hialeah Council for that position, and I think it is important for us this morning to analyze the situation and to come to some conclusions. I would like to propose several points that my fellow Commissioners can address, and give my opinion, and then as a Commission we should take a vote. I would like to suggest the following. To ask the County to reconsider their position July 7th. Also, to retract their vote. 2) That the City of Miami meet with the Coconut Grove representatives to try to find an amicable solution to this problem, and to work with them to the best of our ability to resolve our problems. 3) To establish a blue ribbon committee to study the issue including some of the logistic problems that Dade County will face in order to provide the services that Coconut Grove needs. Meaning garbage, police services, fire, rescue and so on. Also, the consequences to the City of Miami including how it will affect the debt service, how it will affect the bond rating for the City of Miami. I think we have more unanswered questions than answers to the economic points. I don't believe that the County Commissioners took into account the tremendous impact for the rest of the City of Miami if this vote is taken September 1st, and as a result of that, Coconut Grove and perhaps some other areas, decide to de -annex from the City of Miami. Also to research the legal implication of what will be the situation with different franchise companies. Meaning the cable company, the franchise with FP&L (Florida Power & Light) and other companies that the City has established through the years. I think that those are very important points that we should address as a Commission, and take a vote on that. And, finally, to prepare a resolution supporting Commissioner Mary Collins and her proposal to a vote of... to reconsider the vote that was taken last June 16th. And with that in mind, I would like to hear from my fellow Commissioners how they would like to address all of these points, and I think it is of vital importance. I have discussed with the City Manager, in principle, and I think that perhaps in an open forum we should touch on some of the points this morning. That's the reason that I called for this emergency meeting. So, I would like to hear from my fellow Commissioners. Commissioner Plummer: OK. Madam Vice Mayor, I commend you for your going forth with Mary Collins, and, of course, I also commend Mary for her, I guess, at this point, courageous stand of willing to reconsider the issue. And I think there should be, in fact, more pressure put on the County Commission who somewhat took by surprise. I for one, if this matter is coming back before the Commission, the County Commission, on July the 7th is what I understand form the memo which I have. I have been a strong defender, and will continue to defend, that if we have the right, of a full Commission, to make a decision in behalf of the City, that I think we should have that right. It is my understanding that our two absent colleagues will be back... Mr. Manager, you informed me both are due back on Sunday? City Manager Odio: I know that Commissioner De Yurre was coming back on Sunday. I think the Mayor... Commissioner Plummer: Well that is prior to... 2 June 24, 1992 'f h City Manager Odio: 1 don't know when the Mayor is coming back. Vice Mayor Alonso: Do you know when the Mayor is coming back? City Manager Odio: I am... I think... Commissioner• Plummer: Well, OK. What I am saying is that both of them should be back by the weekend, is my understanding. And I think that what can be done so that we have an expression of all members who have that right, that we should put off any actual voting until such time. 1, like yourself, Madam Vice Mayor, have a lot of questions that are unanswered. Matter of fact, just for the record, this is the first time I have seen this which is being proposed by the County, and let me tell you a few items that really bother me to no extent. Because in talking as much as the Manager doesn't like to my good friend, Jack Eads, in the City of Coral Gables, who readily makes this point, Mr. Manager. This doesn't affect him today. City Manager Odio: Not today. Commissioner Plummer: But tomorrow it could. City Manager Odio: But that's... Commissioner Plummer: But they are very, very much concerned. City Manager Odio: But why... Commissioner Plummer: Likewise, the City of Hialeah, the City of Miami Beach, who are not affected today, but very quickly could be affected. Now, the questions that I have, and I think if we accomplish nothing more today, is in my mind is to proffer to the City Attorney those areas of question, that in fact, so that when we do meet, hopefully, Monday or Tuesday, or whatever earliest convenience of all five of us, that he can come back at that time and not have a future delay. Such as, my question is, Mr. City Attorney, aside from the very fine points that she has given a lot of thought to. What happens to pension? The City of Miami has a pension problem. We don't deny it. We are not going to stick our heads into the sand. We obligated the people of this community, predicated on pension, based on the fact of certain numbers and certain criteria, that if these numbers were to change, do the people who break away still have an obligation to support that obligation of pension? It would seem like, to me, that when we created this pension, we did it with the full knowledge that there were "X" number of employees, that we are servicing them at the time, and that, in fact, they have an obligation to shoulder up under that scenario, that we who may remain would, in fact, do. I am... Mrs Manager, excuse me. 1 am not asking for answers this morning. I am asking for answer on Monday or Tuesday. I am sorry. City Manager Odio: That's a letter we received yesterday from a professional from FIU (Florida International University) stating precisely the point on the debt that we have on the pension. Commissioner Plummer: OK. Mr. Manager, it goes further than that. OK. You know, I am very concerned, and I'll tell you why. We saw with Key Biscayne. They became a City and separated unto themselves. And I think that that's the 3 June 24, 1992 right that people should have If they want to do that. But let me tell you what concerns me about Key Biscayne. The first thing they did was to turn to the City of Miami asking for help. They wanted us to provide their fire service, at a price less than what they were paying the County, and without question, anybody. We are going to get better service because, if nothing, we are closer to them. And yet they wanted us to provide their fire service at a reduced cost. I think that is ridiculous. OK? Number two, what did Key Biscayne do? Police protection. I thought... I just couldn't help but laugh on this one. Wackenhut. I don't want Wackenhut coming to my house, when I got somebody breaking down a door. OK? I want a man in blue, from the City of Miami. A good able bodied policeman, not a security guard. OK? These are the areas that concern me, and concern me tremendously. I am also concerned, what about the State mandates? Are the people who secede, and this is not, you now, somewhere this has got a misnomer. This is not a Coconut Grove issue. This issue involves the whole Dade County. Vice Mayor Alonso: Indeed. (APPLAUSE) Commissioner Plummer: Because it could include, it could include the Roads... That's my brother-in-law, thank you, Leonel. It includes the Roads sections. It could include the Northeast. It could include Brickell. It could include all of this, and I am not trying to say that people are not entitled to do that if they want to do it. Because my father taught me for every privilege there is a responsibility. And if you want the privilege of separating, and being on your own, then you have got to accept the responsibility, and mostly, the consequences of finance. Consequences of finances... Mr. City Attorney, we obligated the people of this community on long term debt for 911. If somebody were... No, no I am talking about State mandates. OK? Bonds are another issue. Of the people who are presently within our City limits, who we had to put up five and a half million dollars under a State mandate to provide 911, which we have done with a new enhanced 911 now, further obligating this City. Are they going to have to reimburse, they, whoever they may be, are they going to have to reimburse this City? I think it's a damn good question. What about the bonds to build parks, fire departments? Joe Longueira is siting there right now killing me trying to get an answer on a million and a half dollars of MDTs (mobile data terminals) for the police cars. Part of that's for the Grove. Part of that's for this entire community. I am saying, Mr. City Attorney and Mr. Manager, that we need to know, we the City, and we haven't even broached that argument which is yet to come down the road, which is going to be a knock down drag out, and I hope we can be of the old theory that says reasonable people can disagree but don't have to be disagreeable. As to how much the City of Miami provides for that area referred to as the Village. OK? I've seen all kinds of numbers that have been proffered. That the Village pays "X" number of dollars, and they get back "X" number of dollars in service. And I think, Mr. Manager, you need to delineate that to this Commission. I mean in some detail. I've not seen it at this particular point, and I am sure, without any question, that it is going to be disputed on both sides as to what, in fact, is reality. But I think these are answers that we have got to have to make rational decisions. I see nothing wrong with any of us, of the three of us that are here today, that wish to make a personal statement on the record can do so, but my personal feeling is when we speak for a Commission, if it's humanly possible, that we ought to be all 4 June 24, 1992 five, If, in fact, the other two could not be back prior to that vote on the County Commission, then I think we would have to take a vote today, and I would do such. But where they will be back prior to that vote at the County Commission, I for one, would honor the request of my colleagues to wait until the time they have to return. Vice Mayor Alonso: I believe it's... With me it's fine. The only thing that I see wrong is that we should start working on a plan because, otherwise, the Administration will not have enough time to prepare, neither the Legal Department, to prepare for a formal presentation July 7th. I believe that it is only fair that we give the fellow Commissioners, at the County level, the information that we feel is appropriate to analyze the reconsideration of their vote. They are going to take a step that is very serious. It could affect not only the City of Miami, but as you very well stated, the rest of the County. And I think that it is important that, from our point of view, being the first City that, today, is affected by that vote that is proposed for September 1st. I think it is our obligation to protect our citizens and our City, therefore, we need to provide as much information as we can with ample opportunity for them to analyze so that they know where to go and what decisions to make. It has been one part of the decision. It has been like they have looked at some point of it. I think they have analyzed this from the point of view of giving more power to the citizens, and that's great. I think that's fine. That's a very positive step that is taken, and all elected —� officials, as well as the general public, agree on that point. But then there i is much more to see. All the things that we have already mentioned. The economic impact to the City, as well as to the rest of the citizens of Miami, today, and Hialeah, tomorrow, and Coral Gables, next, and then Miami Beach. —{ And that's why this issue is so serious. It's not a decision of one portion I of the City that the decision is made, and they decide to leave for whatever reason. It goes farther than that. It affects the entire Dade County, and t. that's why it cannot be taken lightly, and as far as I am concerned they did - ( not address many of the issues that are of great importance. Commissioner Plummer: Madam Vice Mayor, one of the things that concerns me here, Mr. Manager and 1 would want you to address this issue if you would. I don't want to feel like I am being picked on, but damned if I don't have that feeling. When they talk about the fact that it's fifty thousand voters or more, and then I understand that there is two alternatives if you do have fifty thousand voters or more, and five thousand petitions, that you can either take your choice of an annexation of a City, or become part of unincorporated Dade. City Manager Odio: They first become unincorporated. Commissioner Plummer: And then they have a choice of becoming..? City Manager Odio: Later then they have the choice. Commissioner Plummer: Is that another option? Another vote? City Manager Odio: It isn't mentioned there clearly. Commissioner Plummer: OK. 5 June 24, 1992 City Manager Odio: Commission... And that's an argument in front of the County Commissioner Plummer: The reason... City Manager Odio: They can become part of the unincorporated Dade but not... Commissioner Plummer: All right. Mr. Manager, the point I am trying to make is this. There is no question, at this particular time, that it singles out just the City of Miami. There are 27 cities that make... twenty-eight now, with Key Biscayne. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Plummer: Why did they not make this uniformly that it had the option of all who wish to do it? City Manager Odio: Because this was prepared by an attorney, and I believe that Pam Courtelis was behind it all the way. Commissioner Plummer: OK. But you see this is the question. Forget about personalities. What I am saying to you is, I think in what Miriam is saying, that should be proffered and get together for not only our colleagues and ourselves on Monday or Tuesday, but that what you are going to be presenting to the County Commission. Other communities right now, other than maybe the Gables, Hialeah, and Coral Gables aren't going to give a damn about what this thing does or does not, because it doesn't affect them. OK? It doesn't affect them. And I am wondering why we, the City of Miami, and I would ask this of my colleagues on the Dade County Commission, why didn't you make it uniformly across the board and make it for every county, or every city that is part of Dade County? They should have the same option, but yet they didn't give that to them. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Manager, I think you have a responsibility, a responsibility to gather all the information that you can gather, to prepare a package for us, us the City Commission, to run with on Monday or Tuesday, and get it to the County Commission so that we can give it to them as a total package of how we feel,... Commissioner Dawkins: Mr. Manager. Commissioner Plummer: ...and let there be no misunderstanding of my opposition. Commissioner Dawkins: Mr. Manager. 'liar Vice Mayor Alonso: Commissioner Dawkins. JI Commissioner Dawkins: Mr. Manager, what is the boundaries of the total j Coconut Grove? .J f Commissioner Plummer: Who's drawing it? i� 84 City Manager Odio: Well it depends. You mean actually now, Commissioner, or — ! how they could be? 6 June 24, 1992 Commissioner Dawkins: I am asking for the boundaries of Coconut Grove, period. I don't care if Jesus Christ drew them. City Manager Odio: Well the one that I know goes to US-1 and South Bayshore Drive. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Oh, wait a minute now. City Manager Odio: All the way up US-1. Commissioner Dawkins: US-1 is the westerly boundary? City Manager Odio: It's the boundary, yes. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. City Manager Odio: And then the water on this side. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. City Manager Odio: Jack, you want to describe it better? Mr. Jack Luft: There was only one original Coconut Grove in 1925. Commissioner Dawkins: All right. What is that? What is that, sir? Mr. Luft: Those boundaries were from 27th Avenue... Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Mr. Luft: ...west, ah.... Commissioner Dawkins: That's the westward boundary. Mr. Luft: That was the easterly boundary. Commissioner Plummer: East. East. Commissioner Dawkins: Easterly? Commissioner Plummer: Yeah. Mr. Luft: Easterly boundary. In other words... Commissioner Dawkins: 27th Avenue? Mr. Luft: In other words the area between 27th Avenue and 17th was Silver Bluff. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Mr. Luft: OK. And where the little park is on 22nd Avenue, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, that was City Hall of Silver Bluff. 7 June 24, 1992 'x Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Mr. Luft: OK. Now, Coconut Grove was west of 22nd Avenue... Commissioner Dawkins: Um -hum. Mr. Luft: ...27th Avenue going toward Douglas. The area it jogged around... Commissioner Dawkins: Wait now, west. Wait. Mr. Luft: ...toward the railroad. Commissioner Dawkins: You got me confused. 27th Avenue... Mr. Luft: Was on the east. Commissioner Dawkins: Yeah. On the east. Mr. Luft: 37th was on the west. Commissioner Dawkins: 37th is on the West? Mr. Luft: Right. Commissioner Dawkins: That's Coconut Grove? That was Coconut Grove? Mr. Luft: That was Coconut Grove. Commissioner Dawkins: This is Coconut Grove. Commissioner Plumper: That's not true. Mr. Luft: The original 1925... Commissioner Dawkins: What is it now though? What is it now, Jack? What are the boundaries now? Mr. Luft: Now it's whatever you want to call it. There is no official legal definition of it. Commissioner Dawkins: So, therefore, these... Mr. Luft: What... Commissioner Dawkins: So, therefore, these... Mr. Luft: In 1974 we call it... Commissioner• Dawkins: So, therefore, if Coconut Grove wants to secede, that includes the black folks in Coconut Grove. It cannot just include the white folks. Mr. Luft: That's what they are saying now, yes. T June 24, 1992 l Commissioner Dawkins: No, no. That's what I am saying. Mr. Luft: Yeah. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. I want the County to understand... Commissioner Plummer: Say that again. I didn't hear you. s- Commissioner Dawkins: I want the County to understand that Coconut Grove is - Coconut Grove. That includes what they call the black Grove, the south Grove,... Commissioner Plummer: West Grove. — 3j Commissioner Dawkins: ...the north Grove and the east Grove. Commissioner Plummer: Yeah. Commissioner Dawkins: That's all the Grove. They cannot pick a part of the Grove up around the Coconut Grove Playhouse, and say this is Coconut Grove, and Douglas Avenue is not Coconut Grove. I want them to understand that. City Manager Odio: Mr. Commissioner, the law says that the County passed that it has to be contiguous. Commissioner Dawkins: That's right. No, no, no. The County, if you have to go to court and file a discrimination suit, I am prepared to go, Mr. Manager... City Manager Odio: I think we should go to court. Commissioner Dawkins: ...because this is totally, in my opinion, an effort by the white folks to lock out the black folks who are needy, and say, this is what we are going to do. That's Miller Dawkin's opinion. And I am prepared to go to court as... whatever I have to do. A friend of the court or whatever. Either they take all of what we consider Coconut Grove or none of it. That's number one. The County must understand. The second thing, Mr. Manager, I would like for you to tell me is how can this County Commission be hypocritical? OK. Commissioner Plummer: You are funny. Commissioner Dawkins: This is the same Board of County Commissioners who did = not want Key Biscayne to secede, but it's all right for anybody else to leave, but we can't let you leave. Commissioner Plummer: It's an election year, remember. Commissioner Dawkins: Yeah. This is the same Board of County Commissioners who did not want a Fire Board. OK. _— Commissioner Plummer: It's an election year. 9 June 24, 1992 >l , Commissioner Dawkins: OK. But yet they are going to let people do what they want to do within the City of Miami. Commissioner Plummer: It's an election year. P Commissioner Dawkins: Also, Mr. Manager, find out with you and the City Attorney, if this passes and the poor people in Overtown, Liberty City, and _— Little Havana who feel that they are not receiving the services that they need, if they can secede and become a part of the County, and let the County provide those services. OK. I mean we just have to... If they want to play like this, this is the way we have to play. Because I am prepared, in Liberty City, to get fifty thousand people and vote to become part of the County, and let all of those services, including the homeless, be taken care of by the — City, I mean County. Commissioner Plummer: You mean they might be forced to take over the �i obligation that they have, that they haven't done for years. -� Commissioner Dawkins: That's right. Thank you. Commissioner Plummer: Ah. Commissioner Dawkins: The other thing I want you to tell me is how... Have the County Commissioners tell me how are we going to pick up the garbage in Coconut Grove? How are you going to provide fire service? How are you going to provide cleaning of the streets and not get Silver Bluff, and all these other areas? How we going to do it? Now these are some things that I am concerned about. And I agree with J. L. we should... But I am not prepared to wait further than Monday. City Manager Odio: But the problem that I have, Commissioners, I don't... We have been working very hard now for two or three weeks. There is very complex the numbers that we have to put together. I cannot have them ready for Monday or Tuesday. You would have to... Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Manager, don't tell me you can't have them ready. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Let me tell you, I am getting ready to help him. City Manager Odio: I cannot have them ready. Commissioner Plummer: Well, Mr. Manager,... Commissioner Dawkins: I am getting ready to help him. Commissioner Plummer: ...then you go out and you get all the help you need... Commissioner Dawkins: I am getting ready to help him, J. L. Commissioner Plummer: ...to get those numbers ready. Commissioner Dawkins: I am going to help him. Since we got to wait until Monday I make a motion that Commissioner Alonso becomes the liaison person working with the Manager, her staff, and the Manager's staff, and come up with = whatever we need to present to us on Monday. 10 June 24, 1992 — tz a Commissioner Plummer: I have no problem with that whatsoever. She can work with the Manager within the bounds of the Charter that allow for working with, but not interfering with. And if that's the motion, I'll second the motion. - Commissioner Dawkins: All right. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. So we have... 1 Commissioner Dawkins: All right. Wait now. Let me be sure I understand. When before this Commission has said that a Commissioner should work within _- the City of Miami to do something together, nobody has ever said that you work with and not against so you don't disrupt. Now why did that come into play -_ today? Commissioner Plummer: No, what I'm saying to you is that the Manager... _= Commissioner Dawkins: Well, then explain it to me. _ Commissioner Plummer: Well, I'll be glad to. The Manager is sitting here saying that it can't be done. OK? City Manager Odio: Look, J.L. Everything can be... Commissioner Plummer: Can I answer my colleague? City Manager Odio: But I don't want to do it wrong. ='o Commissioner Plummer: Can I answer my colleague? —_ Vice Mayor Alonso: Yeah, just a minute. -F -' Commissioner Plummer: May I answer my colleague? Thank you. i Commissioner Dawkins: I'm glad he does that because you don't let him answer me when I ask him questions. But go ahead. Commissioner Plummer: No, I shut up and let him spout off, you know. He's got to vent. Commissioner Dawkins: Go ahead. I'm sorry. Go ahead, J.L. Commissioner Plummer: All right, sir. The Manager is sitting here telling me 1t can't be done. I'm saying that... Don't tell me that. I'm not going to accept that, and that if, in fact, it can be done and Miriam and her staff can help him do it, so be it. But I don't want anything to be construed as interference. It would then be a violation of the Charter, period. Commissioner Dawkins: OK. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. We... Commissioner Dawkins: But Miriam, I mean Commissioner Alonso is capable of meeting with the elected officials of Dade County to bring forth something on 11 June 24, 1992 Y Monday while the Manager continues to work on the Manager's level, whatever it 1s. I mean, it's... City Manager Odio: See, what we need to do... Commissioner Dawkins: The Manager cannot meet with Mary Collins and Art Teele and what have you on an equal basis. I don't... I'll tell you what. Whatever we do here is fine with me. Commissioner Plummer: Well, what I'm hoping and my desire is, is that, Mr. Manager, that what you will be doing with the help, if needed, of Commissioner Alonso is preparing those numbers which simply say if, in fact, we were to use a scenario that west of 27 Avenue were to become unassociated with the City of Miami, what is the downfall in revenue and what would have to occur. I don't think that's a major problem. You can go to your... City Manager Odio: Yes, it... Commissioner Plummer: ... $7,500,000.00 worth of computers and get that... City Manager Odio: No, but you see, the problem is... Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. I City Manager Odio: ... if you do... We'll do it for Monday, but I wanted to be sure that what we're doing is very accurate because it will be contested at some point. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yeah, Mr. Manager, I believe that we have to do everything in our power, even if we have to get additional help in order to do it,... i City Manager Odio: I'll do it. Vice Mayor Alonso: ... because the issue is of great importance,... 1 City Manager Odio: Yeah, but you see, we have to take the Florida... Vice Mayor Alonso: ... to the future of the City of Miami. I do understand your position and how difficult it is to... a City Manager Odio: We've been working now for... 3 Vice Mayor Alonso: ... to get all the information and to work these numbers l and be accurate and in a very short period of time. City Manager Odio: We were even preparing, as I told you, three weeks ago, we started preparing a budget like if the city of Coconut Grove existed, new,... Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. 1 City Manager Odio: ... and what it would take to run that city. Commissioner Plummer: Yeah, but you see, that's... i 12 June 24, 1992 1 1# City Manager Odio: But that's one part. The other part that we are doing is when you take all the franchise fees, the revenue sharing,... Commissioner Plummer: You are not even in the ball park. City Manager Odio: ... all of that I have to bring in and see what they would have to pay... Vice Mayor Alonso: We have to be one step at a time, and the information that is needed is the cost today... City Manager Odio: Fine. Vice Mayor Alonso: ... so that we have concrete numbers to show the County, and also for us to use in order to defend the position and to show how serious it is. We cannot jump into something that could be damaging to the City of Miami and to the future of Dade County. Also, something that will have to be addressed at this point, if the County is saying, yes, this can happen to different cities, maybe they should include also if we want to separate from the County. City Manager Odio: Yeah, because we pay taxes to the County, you know, and I don't know what we get back. We don't get anything back. Commissioner Plummer: Thirty-one cents of every dollar they collect comes from this City. City Manager Odio: And you know what we get back? Zero. Commissioner Plummer: No, that's not true. Commissioner Dawkins: Yeah, but Madam City... Commissioner Plummer: That is not a true statement. Vice Mayor Alonso: Not zero, but we don't get enough. Commissioner Plummer: Give the devils their dues. Commissioner Dawkins: Madam City... Vice Mayor Alonso: Commissioner Dawkins. Just a minute. Commissioner Plummer: A tot. Commissioner Dawkins: It's impossible... You would have to go to the State of Florida to leave the County. Whoever drew up this, they drew up what's called a "Home Rule Charter,"... Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Dawkins: ... and that makes the County the sitting hen, and anything the County decides, the County can do. Now this may be the time for us, with all the chaos they got up there in Tallahassee now, this may be the 13 June 24, 1992 0 time to go up there and create a little more chaos and say that we no longer think that the County should be the "mother hen," and that somewhere along the way, we need to be able to make some decisions without the County as long as we pay State, Federal, City and County taxes. Commissioner Plummer: Let me tell you, Mr. Dawkins,... Commissioner Dawkins: Yes, sir. Commissioner Plummer: I think there's three Home Rule Charter counties in the State of Florida, if I remember... Three or four. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Commissioner Plummer: Dade and also Daytona, Volusia. OK. Commissioner Dawkins isn't completely off base. City Manager Odio: I think he's right. Commissioner Plummer: OK? Let me tell you something. To the best of my knowledge, the Home Rule Charter, not just Dade County, all of them, have not worked. OK? Vice Mayor Alonso: Well, maybe we should look into that. Well, we have a motion and a second. So let's take a vote. Call the roll, please. The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Dawkins, who moved its adoption: MOTION NO. 92-425 A MOTION DESIGNATING VICE MAYOR MIRIAM ALONSO AS THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION LIAISON TO WORK WITH THE CITY MANAGER TOWARD OBTAINING ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION/DATA IN CONNECTION WITH: (a) COCONUT GROVE'S PROPOSED PLAN TO SECEDE FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI, (b) THE POTENTIAL IMPACT -ECONOMIC OR OTHERWISE- SUCH A MOVE WOULD HAVE ON THE CITY AT LARGE; FURTHER DIRECTING SAID RESEARCH BE COMPLETED AND READY FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE FULL COMMISSION ON MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1992; FURTHER ACCEPTING RUSS MARCHNER AND THE DADE LEAGUE OF CITIES OFFER TO FULLY COOPERATE WITH THE CITY ON THIS ISSUE; AND FURTHER INSTRUCTING THE MANAGER TO OBTAIN WHATEVER ADDITIONAL HELP MAY BE NEEDED, ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS, IN ORDER TO COMPLETE SAID TASK BY THE ABOVE -CITED DEADLINE. Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the motion was passed and adopted by the following vote: 14 June 24, 1992 AYES: Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. Vice Mayor Miriam Alonso NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre Mayor Xavier L. Suarez Vice Mayor Alonso: Now, if I can address one point that Commissioner Dawkins just referred to, and it was the boundaries of Coconut Grove. Let me mention... Let me read something for the record in reference to boundaries, because it will make no difference as far as I'm concerned. It's very confusing, the way this 1s worded, but let me read. It says "Only registered voters who reside within the area described in the petition shall be eligible to vote in the election. The result shall be determined by a majority vote." So the boundaries will be within the... (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Vice Mayor Alonso: Exactly. So there is no one Coconut Grove.. Commissioner Plummer: No, no, no. Vice Mayor Alonso: ... or one, whatever area... Commissioner Plummer: I don't agree. Vice Mayor Alonso: ... it might be. Commissioner Plummer: I don't agree. City Manager Odio: Yes, sir. That's the way it reads. Commissioner Plummer: Let me tell you how you do it. Vice Mayor Alonso: Well, the wording will have to be questioned and challenged. Commissioner Plummer: Well, that's... We can do that without question. Let me tell you how I see it. OK? For the facts and figures that you are going to be putting together... City Manager Odio: The Grove, as I know it. Vice Mayor Alonso: Of course. That's for the... Commissioner Plummer: Would somebody like to listen? I mean, I came here for a reason, to make my voice known. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Plummer: What I'm saying to you is to start in South Grove. OK? Down at Edgewater Drive, wherever that kicks in, and come 5,000 registered 15 June 24, 1992 voters north. Now that's minimum. You don't know how much further beyond that it would go. But you've got to, for the purposes of argumentive sake, you've got to include 5,000 forward to that point and then from there on, it might have to go beyond 26 Road. It might have to go beyond Dixie Highway. City Manager Odio: No, that was... Commissioner Plummer: I don't know what the registered voters are in that thing now at all. City Manager Odio: I'm telling you that was researched before they went to the County. Commissioner Plummer: OK. City Manager Odio: You know what the Village Council is? - and the election that they had? Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir. I voted for it. City Manager Odio: That's what they are talking about in the Grove. Commissioner Plummer: I think it was extremely good. OK? City Manager Odio: That's what the Grove is. Commissioner Plummer: Now, as a taxpayer, no way. City Manager Odio: But the Village Council represents the Grove as they see it, by those districts and that's what I was going to go on. Commissioner Plummer: OK. Have we concluded that? Vice Mayor Alonso: Yeah. Commissioner Plummer: I wish to make something on the record. It's totally irrespective of this issue. Simply on the record for a matter of the record. Are you finished? Vice Mayor Alonso: Yeah. No, no. You go ahead and then I'll... Commissioner Plummer: No, no, no. Because this is outside of the special call. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Now, I think that we should... Then, I don't think that we need a vote for this, but make it very clear that we would like the City Attorney and the Manager - and I will be working with you - and I think we should give instructions to the Manager that if he needs additional help, whatever it takes, to provide these numbers in an emergency basis, should be done. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Thank you. 16 June 24, 1992 — City Attorney Jones: Madam... Vice Mayor Alonso: The other thing, we are talking about Monday. When we are we talking about meeting Monday or Tuesday. I believe Monday should be the date in order to... City Manager Odio: Monday afternoon. Vice Mayor Alonso: Monday afternoon. Are we talking about a meeting, you say the day before the July 7th, or are we talking next week? Commissioner Plummer: No, I'm talking next week. I'm talking about... Vice Mayor Alonso: Next Monday or Tuesday. Commissioner Dawkins: Tuesday at the latest. Commissioner Plummer: Hey, my colleagues will be back this weekend. OK? Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Commissioner Plummer: And as far as I'm concerned, after they get back here, they have the opportunity to be here to speak. If they don't wish to exercise that opportunity, that's their problem. I want to give them that opportunity. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Fine. Commissioner Plummer: I'm sure they'll be here. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yeah. City Attorney Jones: Madam... Vice Mayor Alonso: Anything else you would like to... Ms. Hirai: What time on Monday? City Attorney Jones: Madam Vice... f Vice Mayor Alonso: I think it should be up to the Mayor to set that hearing, if he so desires. He will let us know what time he feels is convenient, and I = think it should be up to him. Now, it seems to me that, for the record, we should emphasize some of the questions that I believe are important. The question of the legalities of the vote that the County took. I think it should be examined in order to be on sound, legal grounds so when we appear in front of the County Commission, we know exactly where to stand, and to research that. Also, to look at the implications, and also I would like to mention again the possibility if we prevail at the County level, perhaps I think the possibility of looking at the establishment of a blue ribbon committee to look at the entire situation. I think it will be a very healthy move, so that representatives of the community and respected citizens .;}could be looking at the situation and it will. not be only the people, perhaps, of Coconut Grove and the City of Miami, but also some other respected citizens. _ 17 June 24, 1992 - s +� Commissioner Plummer: Madam Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Plummer: If I may... Commissioner Dawkins: Now, wait. Commissioner Plummer: May I introduce... Commissioner Dawkins: Let me close, J.L. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Dawkins: I'd like to say that this is a slap in the face to me. This is the same Dade County that when the black people wanted to secede from Dade County and Overtown and call... I mean in Allapattah and Liberty City and call themselves a new city, this is the same Dade County who said no. You see, they are not being consistent. Yes. That's a lie. They are being consistent. When it's for black folks, it's no, and when it's for other folks, it's yes. And 1 think that we should not allow them to forget this. And I agree with us up here. The Mayor should have the prerogative to call a special session when he gets back, he sets it and we'll meet. But don't forget that I will be here every day saying what I feel about this County Commission and how it's having double standards for different people. City Attorney Jones: Madam Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor Alonso: Also, I'd like to state for the record that, perhaps, since we want to extend them the courtesy of being here and having the opportunity to take a vote together with us, but 1n case a meeting is not called and an emergency session is not held, I think that perhaps we should write the County asking them to reconsider the question so that, besides Commissioner Collins asking for reconsideration, also each and every one of us will be contacting our fellow Commissioners asking them to do the same. You had some questions, Mr. Jones. City Attorney Jones: Just a comment, Madam Vice Mayor. In the event... ... the action contemplated in getting the County to reconsider, I'd like for you to consider any instructions to me relative to what you may want to do in terms of a legal challenge. I've been looking at this whole issue of possible challenge since this was passed by the County Commission and I can tell you = that I feel comfortable that there may very well be a legal basis to challenge them on this particular issue. So I'd like to, at some point, if you do it Monday or whatever - and I haven't had the opportunity to really meet with you individually - but I did want you to know that we have been looking at that issue and we feel comfortable that there may be some impediments in it and we — could prevail. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Fine. So... _- Commissioner Plummer: May I inquire? i8 June 24, 1992 e Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Plummer: Mr. City Attorney, you know, based on what you have said and, you know, I never like to go legal if we can sit down and communicate with each other. I think that from what I have seen, the County Commission, in this particular case has basically only heard one side before they vote. That's my personal opinion. I don't think they've heard the other side. I have to question - if you read from the language that was drawn for this thing - it says, "... to provide a method by which a group of registered voters..." - doesn't say how many, just a group - ... Vice Mayor Alonso: Exactly. Commissioner Plummer: ... but with 50,000 within that... A group can be more than two. Now what is a group of registered voters? I think this wording is definitely not clear. I think it is definitely made with this in mind, that it wouldn't be clear. It says here "... they may vote in specified circumstances." What are the specified circumstances? I don't know. And it doesn't tell me in any of this language here what those circumstances may be, and, you know, I just think that this thing has been hurriedly put together and I really don't think that much thought has gone into it. City Manager Odio: See... Commissioner Plummer: I would ask Mrs. Vice Mayor that I noticed Mr. Russ Marchner was here. Russ Marchner is here, who is the head of the Dade League of Cities and, of course, works with me in the Dade League and in the Florida League of Cities, and I would hope that in the motion that we just passed, allowing you and everyone else - not everyone, of course not - you to work with the Manager, that we afford the Dade League of Cities that opportunity to likewise work with you for input that might or might not be needed. So I would beg you that, that motion that we just passed would include Mr. Russ Marchner of the Dade League of Cities. If you need another motion, I'd be so happy to make. Commissioner Dawkins: Second. Commissioner Plummer: If not,... Commissioner Dawkins: Second. Commissioner Plummer: OK. Let's do it and get it legal. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. Let's call the roll. We have a motion and a second. THEREUPON, MOTION DULY MADE BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DAWKINS, THE HEREINABOVE MOTION WAS PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: 19 June 24, 1992 a 0 AYES: Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. Vice Mayor Miriam Alonso NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre Mayor Xavier L. Suarez NOTE: THE ESSENCE OF THIS MOTION IS INCLUDED IN M- 92-425, ABOVE. Vice Mayor Alonso: Motion passes. Yes, definitely. I think it is going to be very helpful to us to have their assistance in this matter, and to guide us in some of the issues. I think it's very damaging not only for the City of Miami, as we addressed before, but for the entire Dade County, and something that perhaps the fellow Commissioners did not take into account. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes, please. Mr. Russ Marchner: Thank you, Madam Vice Mayor and Commissioners. This started... Commissioner Plummer: For the record, your name and mailing address. Mr. Marchner: Oh, I'm sorry. Russ Marchner, Executive Director of the Dade League of Cities. Our representative on the committee that was formed to look into the future cities and the unincorporated area and so forth, it was Shelly Gassner, the immediate past president of the Dade League of Cities. This came up from the representatives from Coconut Grove who were on that committee. It was the - I can't think of the exact name of it - but I think it was the... Well, anyhow... Commissioner Plummer: It's immaterial. Vice Mayor Alonso: It is not important. Mr. Marchner: Immaterial. So she... There were several votes on this matter before it was finally agreed that the committee by one or two votes would propose to the County Commission. Now, I was down there... Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, Russ. Just for the record, one of the other things I want an answer to. My understanding that, that committee came out with five proposals. Mr. Marchner: That's correct. Commissioner Plummer: They only adopted one. Mr. Marchner: 'that's correct. 20 June 24, 1992 Commissioner Plummer: I don't want to feel that I'm being picked on, but I do =— feel that way. Five proposals, only one made it to the ballot. Vice Mayor Alonso: Exactly. Commissioner Plummer: Fifty thousand registered voters, only one city. I ti don't want to feel that I'm being picked on. Thank you. I'm sorry, Russ. - Vice Mayor Alonso: It's a good point. Mr. Marchner: Al right. Then the... Of course, my presentation to the County Commission last week was that, as you secede, or a portion of the City -= wants to secede the same rules that apply per annexation should be used for = secession. And the rule for annexation on the, in Metropolitan Dade County and the State of Florida, is that the people of all of the city vote on the - matter. In this particular case, it would only be the people of Coconut Grove_ who could affect the future, and the life, and the welfare, and everything else for the rest of the City of Miami, and the rest of the City of Miami wouldn't even have a vote on the matter. So that's the tact that we are using, and I have been in touch with your Manager's office, and I believe there was such a case as that up 1n Riviera Beach recently, where the people of Riviera Beach voted down a move by the beach side in Riviera Beach to _ secede. So there is some precedence and we stand ready to help you. As I told your Manager earlier, anything like this that comes up affects all of us, not only in Dade County but it affects all the cities in Florida, because we always start down here in Dade County and then whatever problem it is, moves _ on up through the State of Florida. So we're ready to fight with you, and = please be assured of our cooperation. I have asked that my attorney, Jack - Rice, Jr., who used to'work the City of Miami as the Attorney, be involved in this, and I believe when he gets out of town, he'll be glad to help out in whatever way possible. Mr. Jones, he'll be available to you. Thank you very much and we welcome the opportunity. Vice Mayor Alonso: Thank you. We really... Mr. Marchner: We think this is wrong and we'll fight it with you. Vice Mayor Alonso: Thank you. We really appreciate your help. We will need it and, as you stated, also it's not only a problem of Miami but all of the cities through Dade County. Anything else that we need to address? Commissioner Plummer: I want to go on the record once you close this meeting. Nothing to do with this item. Vice Mayor Alonso: Nothing to do with this. Commissioner Dawkins, anything else? Commissioner Plummer: Once we adjourn, I want to go on record. Commissioner Dawkins: I move we adjourn the special meeting. Commissioner Plummer: I second. Vice Mayor Alonso: OK. 21 June 24, 1992 Commissioner Plummer: Always in order. Vice Mayor Alonso: This Commission is adjourned. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:54 A.M. ATTEST: Natty Hirai CITY CLERK Walter J. Foeman ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Miriam Alonso VICE MAYOR MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 24th day of June, 1992, 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 to consider matterd of public import, namely, (1) number of cars being stolen in the City and (2) construction problems at Rio Plaza. The meeting was called to order at 10:54 a.m. by Vice Mayor Miriam Alonso with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. Vice Mayor Alonso Miriam Alonso Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre Mayor Xavier L. Suarez ALSO PRESENT: Cesar Odio, City Manager A. Quinn Jones III, City Attorney Matty Hirai, City Clerk 22 June 24, 1992 U ------- --------- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------- 2. (A) CLARIFICATION BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER CONCERNING PREVIOUS STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH STOLEN CARS (B) VICE MAYOR ALONSO SEEKS CLARIFICATION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIO PLAZA BUILDING ON FIRST STREET -- DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Commissioner Plummer: Madam Vice Mayor. Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. Commissioner Plummer: I was questioned the other day when I made the statement - and I just wanted to go on the record and get it corrected - when I stated that there were 38 cars a day stolen in the City of Miami, I suddenly got a memo from the Administration telling me how crazy and how far off I was. I merely wish to make, for the record, that number came from the Administration's funny book made by the Police Department in which that's where the number of 38 cars a day is stolen from, together with the 35 people that have guns stuck in their face every day. Vice Mayor Alonso: Thank you. Before we leave. Mr. Manager, I believe it's important that you send to us information about the Rio Plaza properties. Something is happening. I had no idea what... City Manager Odio: The Little Havana property? Vice Mayor Alonso: Yes. The Little Havana property. The owners claim the City has responsibilities with the construction of the building. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Vice Mayor Alonso: We are talking about Rio Plaza buildings. 1st Street. And it seems something is happening. I don't think we are aware. Perhaps you are not even aware. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD) Vice Mayor Alonso: Well, let's discuss this. Investigate and let us know what's going on. Thank you. 23 June 24, 1992 I-] 11 THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:56 A.M. ATTEST: Matty Hirai CITY CLERK Walter J. Foeman ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Miriam Alonso VICE MAYOR 24 June 24, 1992