HomeMy WebLinkAboutM-92-074629
PRESIDENT
ORNEL 'AL' COTERA
VICE-PRESIDENT
RICHARD SAMOLEWICZ
SECRETARY
KAREN F. LEE
TREASURER
ROBERT M.ANDERSON
PAST -PRESIDENT
RICHARD M. KINNE
The Only National Police Organization in the United States
WALTER E. HEADLEY, JR.
MIAMI LODGE No. 20
3399 S.W. THIRD AVENUE MIAMI, FLORIDA 33145
PHONE; (305) 854.5019 FACSIMILE; (305) 854.3861
Mr. Cesar Odio, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
October 28, 1992
Ref: City -owned property located at 151 NW 27 Avenue
Dear Mr. Odio:
As you know, the City of Miami is in the process of divesting
itself of several properties. As per our previous conversations,
the Fraternal Order of Police is very interested in obtaining a
lease on the abandoned fire station located at 151 NW 27 Ave.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Miami Lodge #20 was established
in 1954. Since its inception, the Fraternal Order of Police has
been the only organization to accept members without discriminating
against race, sex, religion or socio-political affiliation. In
1964, we were recognized as the sole bargaining agent for all of
the classified ranks of Miami police officers. We are well -
established with a present membership of 1,354 active and retired
police officers.
The recent disaster caused by Hurricane Andrew helped us to
realize that our organization is in need of obtaining property
which offers our organization more than just office space. The
P.B.A. was kind enough to afford us the use of their hall during
the relief efforts after Andrew. There are, however, no guarantees
for future use of that facility. Leasing this available property
to the F.O.P. would assure the City of Miami that emergency housing
for police officers and their families will be readily available
should another disaster occur. Only a small portion of the
building will be set up for office space. The rest of the
structure will be an open area used as a meeting hall with full
kitchen facilities. In any emergency, the meeting area can be
converted to house the members and their families according to city
9 2 - 746 29-/
Mr. Odio
10/28/92
Page . . . 2
code. The property, because of its central location and proximity
to 836, can also be used as a distribution center for relief
supplies. This will be a step in the right direction.
The City of Miami presently has the property leased to the
Catholic Church and thus receives no taxes from its use. The
estimated tax on the property is approximately $12,000. a year.
The Fraternal Order of Police is prepared to pay that amount in the
form of taxes if allowed, or to rent the building, which ever
benefits the city most, or is required by law. This also assures
the city that $12,000. of its employees' salaries is returning to
city coffers.
The Fraternal Order of Police will also be responsible for
maintaining the property up to code and pay the utilities.
Appropriate insurance will also be our responsibility. If granted
a 20-year lease, the Fraternal Order of Police is willing and able
to spend up to $50, 000. in renovations to both the building and the
immediate parking area.
Its central location, and the fact that it is only a few
blocks from the South Sub -station, will increase the traffic of
police vehicles in and around that area. This high visibility will
help the citizenry to see their police officers on the streets.
This gesture on the part of the city has a high intangible
value for a great number of its employees. All in all, this is a
win/win situation for everyone.
I will be working with Mr. Frank May on any other details
needed. Your consideration in this matter is geatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
Fraternally,
1rn4
el "Al" Cotera
President