HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1990-10-25 MinutesCITY OF MIAMI
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OF MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 25, 1990
PLANNING & ZONING
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY HALL
MATTY HIRAI
City Clerk
13
ITEM
NO.
2.
3.
4
5.
5.1
5.2
RE
7.
INDEX
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
October 25, 1990
SUBJECT
LEGISLATION
MAYOR SUAREZ PRAISES POLICE DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION
ON REDUCED CRIME STATISTICS FOR MIAMI. 10/25/90
PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND DISCUSSION
SPECIAL ITEMS. 10/25/90
BRIEF DISCUSSION ON ENCEPHALITIS DISCUSSION
OUTBREAK IN FLORIDA - DIRECT 10/25/90
ADMINISTRATION TO LIAISE WITH HEALTH
DEPARTMENT CONCERNING SPRAYING FOR
MOSQUITOES IN CITY PARKS.
PRESENTATION: DECLARE OCTOBER 25, 1990 DISCUSSION
AS SOUTHERN BELL DAY. 10/25/90
CONSENT AGENDA DISCUSSION
10/25/90
ACCEPT BID: LLOYD STEIER - FOR R 90-820
FURNISHING FOUR PUREBRED GERMAN 10/25/90
SHEPHERD DOGS TO POLICE DEPARTMENT
(Project 690001).
ACCEPT PLAT: NEW WORLD CENTER R 90-821
BICENTENNIAL PARK. 10/25/90
DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE PROPOSED M 90-822
ACCEPTANCE OF PLAT ENTITLED CHINATOWN 10/25/90
(See label 10).
(A) STIPULATION BY CITY COMMISSION THAT M 90-823
IF A DECISION WERE MADE TO ELIMINATE M 90-824
THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKE HOME CARS FROM 10/25/90
EMPLOYEES NOT RESIDING WITHIN CITY
LIMITS, AFFECTED CITY EMPLOYEES WOULD
BE GIVEN A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS FOR
COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
(B) INSTRUCT CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT
LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A CITY
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CITY OF
MIAMI EMPLOYEES (INCLUDING AGENCIES AND
AUTHORITIES WHOSE BUDGETS ARE APPROVED
BY THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION) -
DIRECT MANAGER TO INCLUDE CITY
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT IN ALL FUTURE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS -
PROVIDE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT DATE.
(See label 32)
PAGE
NO.
1
2
2-3
4
4-5
5
5-8
9-35
v 011
8.
URGE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING
M 90-825
35-55
TO SELL TO THE CITY, AT COST, MUNICIPAL
10/25/90
LOT 10 IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW WASHINGTON
HEIGHTS COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION'S
HOTEL PROJECT (AT N.W. 1 STREET AND N.
MIAMI AVENUE ON SOUTH SIDE OF N.W. 5
STREET).
9.
DISCUSSION CONCERNING TRAFFIC
DISCUSSION
55-60
CONGESTION AND BARRICADE PROBLEMS IN
10/25/90
THE BAYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD.
10.
ACCEPT PLAT: CHINATOWN (See label 6).
R 90-826
60-65
10/25/90
11.
CLAIM SETTLEMENT: RUSSELL, INC.
R 90-827
65-68
($90,000).
10/25/90
12.
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE: AMEND ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE
68-76
10648 - FOR PURPOSES OF IMPLEMENTING
10803
BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPLY WITH
10/25/90
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES.
13.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE
ORDINANCE.
76-77
SECTION 2-302 (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST) -
first reading
AUTHORIZE APPEARANCES BY MEMBERS OF
10/25/90
CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND AGENCIES
BEFORE CITY COMMISSION TO REPRESENT
THIRD PARTIES - CONTINUE PROHIBITION ON
APPEARANCES BEFORE MEMBER'S OWN BOARD,
COMMISSION OR AGENCY.
14.
DISCUSS AND DEFER TO A FUTURE MEETING
M 90-828
78-83
PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
10/25/90
EXECUTION OF CONSENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT
WITH METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY FOR ITS
ENCROACHMENT UPON A RIPARIAN AREA OF
THE MIAMI RIVER - FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
THE METROMOVER MIAMI RIVER BRIDGE PIER
AND FENDER SYSTEM BY DADE COUNTY.
15.
AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS FOR
R 90-829
83-84
PROVISION OF MOBILE DIGITAL TERMINALS.
10/25/90
16.
APPOINT INDIVIDUAL AS MEMBER OF THE
R 90-830
84
MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY
10/25/90
(Appointed was Tony Marina).
17.
DISCUSS AND DEFER APPOINTMENT OF
DISCUSSION
84-86
INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE ON THE ZONING
10/25/90
BOARD - DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO EXTEND
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS.
18.
APPOINT INDIVIDUAL TO SERVE ON THE
R 90-831
86-87
HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD (Appointed
10/25/90
was: Francisco Avellanet).
19.
APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO CITYWIDE
R 90-832
87-91
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
10/25/90
(Appointed were: Dennis Scholl and Irby
McKnight.)
r
20. (A) EXTEND TERMS OF OFFICE FOR ALL R 90-833
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE CITYWIDE 10/25/90
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO
DESIGNATED DATE OR UNTIL SUCCESSORS ARE
APPOINTED.
(B)DISCUSSION CONCERNING ROTATION OF
COMMISSIONERS SERVING AS MEMBERS OF
CERTAIN BOARDS/COMMITTEES.
21. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS OF THE MIAMI 10/25/90
STREET CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
(See label 23).
22. DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO INFORM LATIN M 90-834
STARS TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE PLACEMENT OF 10/25/90
STARS IN THE SIDEWALKS OF S.W. 8 STREET
(CALLE OCHO) - STIPULATE THAT ALL
PROPOSED HONOREES MUST FIRST HAVE CITY
COMMISSION APPROVAL, AND REQUISITE
OFFICIAL PERMITS, PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
OF STARS.
23. (Continued Discussion) APPOINT R 90-835
INDIVIDUALS TO THE MIAMI STREET 10/25/90
CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
(Renominated were: Christina de
Olivera, Pablo Acosta and Robert Young)
See label 21).
24. APPOINT INDIVIDUAL TO THE PRIVATE R 90-836
INDUSTRY COUNCIL (PIC) OF SOUTH FLORIDA 10/25/90
(Appointed was Esther Sabrino).
25. APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE R 90-837
INTERNATIONAL TRADE BOARD (Appointed 10/25/90
were: Dorothy Baker - regular member,
and Eursla Wells - alternate).
26. CONFIRM SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL FOR R 90-838
APPOINTMENT TO THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION 10/25/90
ADVISORY BOARD (Appointed was:
Sergeant Kevin McKinnon)
27. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE
DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO THE
10/25/90
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY BOARD (See
label 31).
28. APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE CITY
M 90-839
COMMISSION YOUTH TASK FORCE (Appointed
10/25/90
were: Honorable Phillip Davis, Ursula
Ungaro-Benages, John Bennett, Major
Jesse Williams, Judge William
Gladstone, Mickey Minagorri, Barbara
Wade, Sergeant Joseph Rimondi, Judge
Petersen, Andrew Haig, Xavier Cortada
and Dr. Jose Szapocznik; pending still
are six appointments).
29. GRANT REQUEST FROM FLORIDA HOUSING
M 90-840
COOPERATIVE, INC. - FOR CASH ADVANCE OF
10/25/90
$10,000 TO COVER AN OUTSTANDING SECOND
MORTGAGE PAYMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE
COOP BUILDING (626 S.W. 4 AVENUE),
SECURING CITY A SECOND MORTGAGE
POSITION.
87-91
91-92
92-98
99-100
100
101-102
102
103
103-106
107-111
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30.
(A) RECORD PROTEST FROM MR. ALBERT
DISCUSSION
ELDRIDGE REGARDING PRESENT TALKS
10/25/90
CONCERNING PLACEMENT OF BASEBALL
STADIUM IN BICENTENNIAL PARK.
(B) REQUEST ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE
INFORMATION REGARDING CLOSING TIME FOR
CITY PARKS.
31.
(Continued Discussion) APPOINT
R 90-841
INDIVIDUALS TO THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
10/25/90
ADVISORY BOARD (Appointed was: Frankie
Rolle; still pending are two
appointments) (See label 27).
32.
(Continued Discussion) FIRST READING
ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE: ESTABLISH THAT ALL PRESENT
first reading
CITY EMPLOYEES (WITH CERTAIN
10/25/90
EXCEPTIONS) SHALL ESTABLISH RESIDENCY
WITHIN THE CITY BY A DESIGNATED DATE -
PROVIDE THAT NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES
SHALL ALSO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CITY
RESIDENCY - DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE INCLUSION OF THE RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENT IN ALL FUTURE COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENTS - PROVIDE
GUIDELINES REGARDING VIOLATIONS OF SAID
REQUIREMENTS (See label 7B).
33.
EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH PEPSI-COLA
R 90-842
COMPANY (A DIVISION OF PEPSICO, INC.)
10/25/90
AND CONTRACT CONNECTION, INC. - FOR
DONATION OF TWO PLAYGROUNDS TO BE
INSTALLED IN SHENANDOAH AND REEVES
PARK.
34.
ACCEPT CASH DONATION FROM STREETBALL
R 90-843
PARTNERS, INC. - FOR PARKS DEPARTMENT -
10/25/90
FOR 1990 DIET PEPSI HOOP -IT -UP
BASKETBALL EVENT - EXECUTE AGREEMENT.
35. DECLARE DECEMBER 11, 1990 AS THE M 90-844
COMMUNITY DAY FOR HARMONY, URGING UNITY 10/25/90
OF THE DIFFERENT CULTURES IN OUR
COMMUNITY.
36. ACCEPT BID: MAROONE CHEVROLET - FOR R 90-845
FURNISHING 80 POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES - 10/25/90
FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT (Project 509000).
37. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE UNTIL DISCUSSION
AFTER 5:00 P.M. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA 10/25/90
ITEMS PZ-7 AND PZ-8 (See label 39).
38. SECOND READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 ORDINANCE
ATLAS - CHANGE THE R-4 DESIGNATION 10804
(MULTI FAMILY HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) 10/25/90
AT 596 N.W. 49 AVENUE, AND THE R-2
DESIGNATION (TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AT
4901 N.W. 5 STREET, TO C-1 (RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL) (Applicant: Planning,
Building & Zoning Dept.).
39. (Continued Discussion) CONTINUE AGENDA DISCUSSION
ITEMS PZ-7 AND PZ-8 TO PLANNING AND 10/25/90
ZONING MEETING PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR
NOVEMBER 8TH (See label 37).
119-120
121-127
127-128
128-129
129-130
130-132
132-134
134-135
136
v.
rj
40.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE (MIAMI
ORDINANCE 136-142
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN): AMEND
first reading
FUTURE LAND USE MAP - CHANGE LAND USE
10/25/90
DESIGNATION AT 3301 S.W. 22 TERRACE
FROM DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL TO RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL, WITH PROVISOS (Applicant:
McDonald's Corp.)
41.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000
ORDINANCE 142-143
ATLAS - CHANGE DESIGNATION AT 3301 S.W.
first reading
22 TERRACE FROM R-2 (TWO FAMILY
10/25/90
RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL) (Applicant: McDonald's
Corp.)
42.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND J.1000
ORDINANCE 143-146
ATLAS - CHANGE ZONING CLASSIFICATION
first reading
FOR AREA BOUNDED BY S.W. 2 AVENUE AND
10/25/90
THE I-95 RIGHT-OF-WAY, BETWEEN THE
MIAMI RIVER AND S.W. 2 STREET FROM SD-4
WATERFRONT INDUSTRIAL AND O-OFFICE TO
SD-15 RIVER QUADRANT MIXED USE DISTRICT
(Applicant: Planning, Building &
Zoning Dept.)
43.
DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE PROPOSED
DISCUSSION 147-151
RESOLUTION FOR VACATION AND CLOSURE OF
10/25/90
TRIANGULAR PORTION ON SOUTH SIDE OF
N.E. 69 STREET LOCATED 1032' EAST OF
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AT THE CURVILINEAR
PORTION OF SAID STREET (Applicant:
Vendome Equities, Inc.) (See label 52).
44.
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE SECTION
ORDINANCE 151-154
39-17 - PROHIBIT VENDING FOR ONE-YEAR
10805
PERIOD ON FLAGLER STREET DEMONSTRATION
10/25/90
BLOCK (N. AND S. FLAGLER STREET BETWEEN
MIAMI AVENUE AND E. 1 AVENUE).
45.
AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATION TO ADOPT
M 90-846 154-156
TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN (DESIGNATED AS
10/25/90
ALTERNATIVE NO. 3 ) FOR AREA OF S.W. 33
AVENUE BETWEEN S.W. 8 AND 12 STREETS TO
ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
46.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 -
ORDINANCE 157-159
BY AMENDING OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF
10806
DISTRICT REGULATIONS AND ARTICLE 4
10/25/90
ZONING DISTRICTS, R-2 TWO FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, PERMITTED
PRINCIPAL USE, R-3 MULTI FAMILY MEDIUM
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONDITIONAL
PRINCIPAL, USES, R-4 MULTI FAMILY HIGH
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONDITIONAL
PRINCIPAL USES, AND 0-OFFICE,
CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES - TO CORRECT
ERRORS BY REFINING DISTANCE
REQUIREMENTS AND REFORMATTING OTHER
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY BASED
RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (CBRF)
(Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning
Dept.)
0
47. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 -
DELETE ARTICLE 7. HC HERITAGE
CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS -
SUBSTITUTE NEW ARTICLE 7 (HP HISTORIC
PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS ) -
PROVIDE FOR: INTENT, APPLICANT OF
DISTRICT, EFFECT OF DISTRICT, HISTORIC
AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD,
PRESERVATION OFFICER, CONDITIONAL USES
AND DEVIATIONS AND APPEALS (Applicant:
Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
48. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE -
ADD NEW CHAPTER 23.1 (HISTORIC
PRESERVATION) - PROVIDE FOR: INTENT AND
PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, PRESERVATION
BOARD, PRESERVATIONS OFFICER,
DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC SITES, HISTORIC
DISTRICTS, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL ZONES,
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS, AND
ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT,
VIOLATIONS, AND PENALTIES - AMEND
CHAPTER 62 - DELETE ARTICLE VII
HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD -
SUBSTITUTE NEW ARTICLE VII PRESERVATION
BOARD - PROVIDE FOR: ESTABLISHMENT,
MEMBERSHIP, FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND
DUTIES, GENERALLY, PROCEEDINGS,
COMPENSATION, AND PRESERVATION OFFICER
(Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning
Dept.)
49. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: RENAME
EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
DISTRICT AND SCENIC TRANSPORTATION
CORRIDORS, OFFICIAL ATLAS OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, AS: THE OFFICIAL PRESERVATION
ATLAS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA -
RELOCATE INTO NEW PRESERVATION ATLAS
PROPERTIES WHICH ARE DESIGNATED AS HC-1
AND HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN 11000
ZONING ATLAS - RENAME AND CLARIFY
RELOCATED HC-1 AND HC-2 OVERLAY
DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THEIR HISTORIC
CLASSIFICATION (i.e., HISTORIC SITE,
HISTORIC DISTRICT, OR ARCHEOLOGICAL
ZONE) - RETAIN DESIGNATION IN SAID
ATLAS OF ALL PROPERTIES SHOWN THEREIN
AS HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS, IN ADDITION
TO THEIR BEING IN SAID PRESERVATION
ATLAS - RENAME SAID HC-2 OVERLAY
DISTRICTS IN SAID PRESERVATION ATLAS AS
HP OVERLAY DISTRICTS (Applicant:
Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
50. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 -
AMEND OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS - ADD ASTROLOGERS,
PALMISTS, FORTUNE TELLERS AND
PHRENOLOGISTS AS PERMITTED PRINCIPAL
USES IN C-2 LIBERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING
DISTRICT (Applicant: Planning, Building
& Zoning Dept.)
ORDINANCE
first reading
10/25/90
ORDINANCE
first reading
10/25/90
ORDINANCE
first reading
10/25/90
ORDINANCE
first reading
10/25/90
160-162
162-163
163-164
164-166
0 f
51.
52
53.
DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCERNS FROM
DISCUSSION
NEIGHBORS OF THE SHENANDOAH AREA ABOUT:
10/25/90
(a) DETERIORATION OF AREA DUE TO
PROLIFERATION OF ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS
IN A SINGLE FAMILY AREA; (b) NEED FOR
GREATER (STRICTER) CODE ENFORCEMENT;
AND (c) HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF ACLFs IN
THE AREA.
(Continued Discussion) CONTINUE
M 90-847
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION
10/25/90
CONCERNING VACATION AND CLOSURE OF
TRIANGULAR PORTION ON SOUTH SIDE OF
N.E. 69 STREET LOCATED 1032' EAST OF
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AT THE CURVILINEAR
PORTION OF STREET TO PLANNING AND
ZONING MEETING PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR
NOVEMBER 8TH (Applicant: Vendome
Equities, Inc.) (See label 43.)
(A) APPROVE MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT
R 90-848
(WITH CONDITIONS) FOR THE BRISTOL TOWER
10/25/90
PROJECT LOCATED AT 2127 BRICKELL AVENUE
(145 CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND 14 LODGING
UNITS) (Applicant: Bristol Tower
Limited Partnership).
(B) INSTRUCT ADMINISTRATION TO BRING
BACK APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION
ELIMINATING BOTH THE PRESENT 20% AND
25% BONUSES CONCERNING OVERLAYS.
166-182
182-183
184-227
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
On the 25th day of October, 1990, the City Commission of Miami, Florida,
met at its regular meeting place in the City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive,
Miami, Florida in regular session.
The meeting was called to order at 9:18 a.m. by Mayor Xavier Suarez with
the following members of the Commission found to be present:
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
ALSO PRESENT:
Cesar Odio, City Manager
Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney
Matty Hirai, City Clerk
Walter J. Foeman, Assistant City Clerk
An invocation was delivered by Mayor Suarez. Vice Mayor Dawkins then
led those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag.
1. MAYOR SUAREZ PRAISES POLICE DEPARTMENT ON REDUCED CRIME STATISTICS FOR
MIAMI.
Mayor Suarez: I see a certain number of uniforms out there. I want to
reaffirm the Manager's memorandum - I think it was directed to the Chief, was
it not? And to the entire Police Department of the City of Miami and the good
citizens of our City for the latest FBI crime statistics showing Miami to have
declined by 14.4 percent in serious crimes. Something that we hope that the
media will spread, and so far they have been doing that and it just, I think,
a tribute to not only the officers, but the citizens who are cooperating with
them and we just hope that trend continues. It really is beginning to pickup
nationally. We had a program that was taped yesterday where a lot of the
questions had to do with Miami's success in combatting drtigs, street sale of
drugs, serious crimes, homicides, the whole gamut, and we're proud of that.
We've had a few problems in the past and it's nice to know that things are
heading in the right direction.
a
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1 October 25, 1990
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2. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND SPECIAL ITEMS.
1. Commendation to Miami Police Officers Jose Perez and Alejandro Mendez for
being cited as "Most Outstanding Police Officers for the Month of
September, 1990," for their dedication and determination as police
officers and for making 38 felony and 89 misdemeanor arrests in just 15
working days.
2. Proclamation: "El Dia en memoria de Los Martires de la Causa del
Escambray," five Cuban heroes who died in their Motherland 30 years ago,
fighting for democracy and freedom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. BRIEF DISCUSSION ON ENCEPHALITIS OUTBREAK IN FLORIDA - DIRECT
ADMINISTRATION TO LIAISE WITH HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONCERNING SPRAYING FOR
MOSQUITOES IN CITY PARKS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice Mayor Dawkins: While the Mayor is doing that, I'd like to take a special
privilege to see if I could bring something to the attention of the Commission
and to see if we can't perhaps follow in line. Everyone seems to think that
the encephalitis epidemic is serious. Since the School Board is not having
any activities after dark, I was wondering if I would be in order if I asked
the Manager to get with the Health Department and see if maybe our public
parks should not be closed at dark and get the kids out of the atmosphere. I
don't know.
Commissioner Alonso: They are closed. They are.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Some of them - no...
Mayor Suarez: Some go a little bit into the evening hours, yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Some are open until 10:00 p.m.
Mayor Suarez: I think Wainwright Park stays open.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Hadley Park stays open until ten.
Mayor Suarez: Would you report back on that, Mr. Manager, at some point
during the day?
Mr. Odio: We had a meeting yesterday because we had received word that the
School Board was taking action and we were talking about closing two hours
before sundown and opening at dusk. And we are going to do that as of today.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I think that would be the wishes of this Commission if
you did that.
Mr. Odio: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Would you agree? My members agree?
Mayor Suarez: If this is considered to be a health hazard and if the School
Board has looked at it as carefully...
Mr. Odio: Yes.
Mr. Albert Ruder: We checked with the County, and the County, as of last
night, they were continuing with their activities, but they rescheduling as
many of their activities as possible to daytime, because that's what the
Health Department suggested. So, we're constantly monitoring that. At this
time, we're rescheduling our flag football leagues which we sponsor ourselves
and we're rescheduling them to daytime and we're warning any other organized
group that uses the park for an event, we're going to have them sign a release
that the Law Department is...
2 October 25, 1990
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, there would be no release signing. I mean, a release
is nothing if a kid dies from encephalitis, we got a signed agreement.
Mr. Ruder: OK, OK.
NOTE FOR THE RECORD: Commissioner De Yurre entered
the meeting at 9:26 a.m.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Just close it. Thank you, sir. I mean, that's how I
feel. I don't know...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, I agree. Question, Mr. Manager, for the first
time, after all of this duration of that's been going on, the first time last
night, about 10:30, a truck went by my house spraying. I am concerned that
the County is not adequately doing in the City what they should be doing.
This scare has been going on for some time. Should we, the City, consider -
because from the mechanism I saw, it's on the back of a pickup truck - should
we be considering an emergency situation to put in a couple of pumps on the
back of pickups to protect our people? -because the County's doing it and I
saw the plane last night was in Perrine, which is where the outbreak of the
lady who got infected was. I can't envision that it would be an awful lot of
money to get two or three of those machines...
Mr. Odio: It's not the money, it's the manpower and you're involved now in an
area that the County is responsible for. What we should do is ask the
County...
Commissioner Plummer: But are they adequate? That's my question.
Mr. Odio: Yes, they are, because I have seen the...
Commissioner Plummer: One time in my neighborhood is adequate?
Mr. Odio: For your neighborhood, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Listen, you sorry sucker, you live there also.
Mr. Odio: That's why I said that. We don't have any standing water...
Mayor Suarez: Let the record reflect he meant, you sad individual.
Commissioner Alonso: And are they doing it all through the City of Miami?
Mr. Odic: Yes, they are, Commissioner.
Commissioner Alonso: Are they?
Mr. Odio: They have been active. The areas that are the worst, as I was told
yesterday by the Health Department, are the areas with more trees and intense
vegetation and standing water in the street.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But, even though J.L. is expert, I have to comment on
what he said. If you spray in Perrine and the wind is blowing and the
mosquitoes get ahead of the spray, they end up in Miami. So, if they're
spraying in Perrine, let's spray in Miami and let them catch them in the
middle there some place.
Mr. Odio: From what I've been told, the mosquitoes are not very smart, so...
but, if you want to, I will check with the County to see if they can
intensify...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor, I think we've had enough of...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, yes, thank you, thank you, I hope we don't debate the...
Commissioner Plummer: Miller, you have one relief, they say that it's only
the female mosquitoes that are pregnant that bite and up in your neighborhood,
uh uh.
3 October 25, 1990
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4. PRESENTATION: DECLARE OCTOBER 25, 1990 AS SOUTHERN BELL DAY.
Mayor Suarez: I see Fernando Figueredo here and I also see a resolution now
signed by all of us. This was presumably scheduled for today and if so,
Fernando, would you come around the back. Commissioners, I'd like to read
part of this resolution. Southern Bell, I have to say, is the quickest
response to every time that we need any kind of donation to any important
program, most recently, to Miami -Dade Chamber of Commerce for their seminar
that Southern Bell contributed for the expenses of the experts. So, the
resolution reads, in part:
"Whereas, affordable information services are not widely available
to small and medium sized businesses in our community, and they
would render an important service to our nation; whereas the basis
of the information age is the combination of computer and
telecommunications technologies and about sixty percent of the
American telecommunications industry is prohibited from
participating under current restrictions, nevertheless our
country's trade balance in telecommunications equipment is
deteriorating at the same time that foreign based companies are
becoming increasingly strong in the American telecommunications
equipment market. Our community would benefit from an expanded
pool of capital and expertise for research, development, and
design and manufacturing of telecommunications equipment which
would be the result of a more competitive telecommunications
industry."
This sounds like it was drafted by the International Trade Board.
"Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Commission of the City of
Miami, Florida, the City of Miami strongly supports the call for
Congress to pass legislation to remove the restrictions imposed
upon the Bell operating companies so that they may be permitted to
play a major role in insuring America's superiority in advanced
telecommunications technology. The market, which, at last looked
was like three billion dollars a year, just in the Caribbean area.
This resolution shall become effective immediately after its
adoption and the City does hereby proclaim October 25th, 1990, as
Southern Bell Day."
Go on to join the battle so that our telecommunications industry could compete
fairly well worldwide. Fernando, we're pleased to see you here at City Hall.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
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Mayor Suarez: We're going to do, at some point early on in the agenda here,
the issue of the residency requirement, but I'd like to do the consent agenda
first. If no Commissioners or anyone from the general public have any
particular need to consider separately items CA-1 through CA-3...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: ...I've got some questions on two for clarification,
only because I'm not aware of what happened at the lower board.
Mayor Suarez: OK, and then on CA-1 and CA-2, that being the consent agenda,
the smallest ever in history, being two items.
Commissioner Plummer: What about three?
Mayor Suarez: I'm sorry, CA-1 and CA-3 then. I'll entertain a motion on
those two.
Commissioner Plummer: Move them.
4 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor. Suarez: Let the record reflect that no one has stepped forward. Does
anyone wish to be heard on items CA-1 through CA-3, excluding CA-2?
Individually, let the record reflect no one stepped forward. We have a motion
and a second. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
ON MOTION DULY MADE BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ALONSO, THE CONSENT AGENDA,
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CA-2, WAS PASSED BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr..
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
5.1 ACCEPT BID: LLOYD STEIER - FOR FURNISHING FOUR PUREBRED GERMAN SHEPHERD
DOGS TO POLICE DEPARTMENT (Project 690001).
RESOLUTION NO. 90-820
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF LLOYD STEIER FOR
FURNISHING FOUR (4) PUREBRED GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE AT A TOTAL PROPOSED COST
NOT TO EXCEED $10,800.00; USING FUNDS THEREFOR
PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED FROM THE LASE ENFORCEMENT TRUST
FUND, PROJECT NO. 690001, ACCOUNT CODE NO. 290904-
996; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO INSTRUCT THE
CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER
FOR THIS PURCHASE.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
5.2 ACCEPT PLAT: NEW WORLD CENTER BICENTENNIAL PARK.
RESOLUTION NO. 90-821
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT, ACCEPTING THE PLAT
ENTITLED "NEW WORLD CENTER BICENTENNIAL PARK", A
SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF MIAMI; AND ACCEPTING THE
DEDICATIONS SHOWN ON SAID PLAT; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE
THE PLAT AND PROVIDING FOR THE RECORDATION OF SAID
PLAT IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
6. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE PROPOSED ACCEPTANCE OF PLAT ENTITLED
CHINATOWN (See label 10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: OK, CA-2. What was the proceedings...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, my question on CA-2, I assume is the
Chinatown that is on Biscayne Boulevard.
Mr. Luis Prieto: Yes, sir.
5 October 25, 1990
f
Commissioner Plummer: Can you tell me what happened at the Zoning Board level
of their application?
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: The item was continued from the last meeting to the
next Zoning Board meeting because it was...
Commissioner Plummer: All right, Sergio, my concern, when I spoke with the
individuals about the parking requirements. That's my area of concern. If
this Commission is not aware - I think we all would like to see this project
Chinatown go forward. But, for your edification, there are absolutely not the
first parking space provided by the developer. Now, my concern then comes in
the area where they are using an off premise location, or that's what's
proposed, what are we doing with the plat if, in fact, we change it which
would not allow the flexibility of parking at some point being put on. They
talk about phase II will have a parking structure, but there's no guarantee
that phase II will ever occur.
Mayor Suarez: Are you saying that when we first went through the zoning
aspects of this matter, which is not what is before us because we just have
acceptance of a plat?
Commissioner Plummer: I understand it.
Mayor Suarez: That we were advised and we agreed to a major project being
built without any parking? Is that what you're saying?
Commissioner Plummer: Not a single parking space is provided by the developer
in phase I.
Mayor Suarez: I don't understand what that means. Sergio.
Commissioner Plummer: It's an off premise location.
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: The applicant has come...
Mayor Suarez: Isn't it a mixed use project? Can you remind us a little bit
of what it's about?
Mr. Rodriguez: It's a building in Biscayne Boulevard close to the Omni
Building in which they have some commercial in the lower part and offices and
so on. The...
Mayor Suarez: Doesn't it also involve some residential or not, phase I?
Mr. Rodriguez: I believe there is some residences in the first one - phase
II, yes. Now, what is before the Zoning Board now is that they are asking for
variances so they would not provide any parking at all in conjunction with the
building. In the first phase...
Mayor Suarez: Now, that will ultimately get to us if it's appealed.
Mr. Rodriguez: It will be appealed by the City administration because the
administration recommended against that.
Mayor Suarez: So, that will get before us in any event.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, the only...
Mayor Suarez: Does the acceptance of the plat in any way prejudice our
ability to deal with this part?
Commissioner Plummer: That's - in any way, shape, or form are we precluding
the demand may be at a later date of this Commission when we hear this item
that - well, you replatted it, now there's no space left for any parking, even
if we wanted to.
Mr. Rodriguez: I don't know, if, from a legal point of view there will be any
problem with that. I couldn't answer that.
Commissioner Plummer: Wouldn't it make sense, Sergio, that this should be
deferred until the zoning item is, in fact, settled?
6 October 25, 1990
Mr. Rodriguez: You might want to do that and wait and see what happens.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, it just seems logical, you know, instead of
the cart before the horse... I would move that this matter be deferred until
such time as a zoning item and bring it up jointly.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Second, Dr. Prieto.
Mr. Prieto: Just for a point of clarification, Mr. Commissioner. The only
thing the platting is doing here is taking an alley way...
Commissioner Alonso: That's right.
Mr. Prieto: ...that comes off of Biscayne and is integrating it into the
building area. It doesn't address any other issue.
Commissioner Plummer: Doctor, have you ever played poker?
Mr. Prieto: No, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Huh? Have you ever negotiated any kind of a deal?
Mr. Prieto: With a Chinatown developer?
Commissioner Plummer: Any kind of a deal.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. You know that when you negotiate it's give and
take and when you get something, you got to give something. I don't want to
give up one of my trump cards at this particular time, until such time as we
hear it as a total picture, rather than piecemeal.
Mr. Prieto: I understand, sir.
Commissioner Alonso: I have a question.
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner Alonso.
Commissioner Alonso: Sergio, have you looked at possibilities of working out
with these people to see if it could coincide with parking, some how, some
kind of agreement. Looking at the seriousness of the situation, if they build
phase I and for some reason they don't continue, then we have a problems in
our hands. So we have to be ready to see what can be done. And why is this
done in this way? -a property without any kind of parking and then in phase
II, when, in fact, they are going to have activities in that building? Why is
that?
Commissioner Plummer: You have no guarantee of phase II.
Mr. Rodriguez: If you look...
Commissioner Alonso: Of course not.
Mr. Rodriguez: If you look at the development, the building, there's an
existing building already in the northern part of the property that they are
trying to use and I think they are trying to maximize the use of the property,
in the meantime. Our concern has been all the time that without the proper
parking in the area, that that could be an issue and that we have been telling
them that - and I actually talked to them again, even the night of the hearing
I mentioned it to them again. They are going to meet with us tomorrow, on
Friday, yes, to discuss other possible alternatives for them because I think
they are now they are more agreeable to hearing other issues in relation to
the project, you know. We haven't received from them the...
Mayor Suarez: Sergio, if I may suggest something here and I think this is in
line with what Commissioner Plummer wants to do and the rest of the Commission
by sending this message, suggest to them that... I don't think the Commission
has the ability to deny a plat request such as this...
7 October 25, 1990
0 0
Commissioner Plummer: That's correct.
Mayor Suarez: For the simple reason that we're anticipating a problem with
parking, but if they would just get it as a signal that we're not ready to act
on it until, you know, we have... that they have a clear understanding that
we're not going to get involved in a situation where they have no parking at
all in this building. That's just not the way we function. Now, if they come
in with an integrated plan which includes an existing property which has
parking, that's interesting. I mean, that may be worth considering. Maybe
that's what we're talking about. But just the very idea that somebody is
going to have a major new development there without parking, I don't think
we've ever even considered that.
Mr. Rodriguez: The way that I read it for the record, the way you acted
today, you didn't act it today because you were not clear on all the
information that was available to make a decision today and you were waiting
on more information from the applicant on this issue.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, let me tell you what the proposal, as I read it,
is. They are going to provide, in a bank parking lot - is that correct? -is
it a bank?
Mr. Rodriguez: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Plummer: Is it a bank parking lot? The way banks are going
under around here, that even concerns me. But more so, even with that off
premise parking location...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: This is a bank from China, they got a lot of money. They
won't go under.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. Even with that location, they're only providing
half of what they need. Is that, as I remember, correctly?
Mr. Rodriguez: With that, it will be only half.
Commissioner Plummer: They're asking for a reduction in spaces, off premise,
not even on their own property. So, that's what concerns me.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, that's enough. We'll... I mean, that's enough
discussion.
Mayor Suarez: If I understand the Commission's desire then, Sergio, tell them
that they may be barking up the wrong tree and that this is a signal to that
effect. So we have a motion and a second to defer. Call the roll.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-822
A MOTION TO DEFER CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
NO. 2 (PROPOSED RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PLAT ENTITLED
"CHINATOWN"), UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE REQUEST FOR A
VARIANCE TO WAIVE THE PARKING REQUIREMENT (AT
APPROXIMATELY 1801-1859 BISCAYNE BLVD.) IS SETTLED.
(Note: CA-2 was later passed as R 90-826.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Dawkins, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
8 October 25, 1990
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. (A) STIPULATION BY CITY COMMISSION THAT IF A DECISION WERE MADE TO
ELIMINATE THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKE HOME CARS FROM EMPLOYEES NOT
RESIDING WITHIN CITY LIMITS, AFFECTED CITY EMPLOYEES WOULD BE
GIVEN A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS FOR COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
(B) INSTRUCT CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A CITY
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR ALL CITY OF MIAMI EMPLOYEES (INCLUDING
AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES WHOSE BUDGETS ARE APPROVED BY THE CITY OF
MIAMI COMMISSION) - DIRECT MANAGER TO INCLUDE CITY RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENT IN ALL FUTURE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS -
PROVIDE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT DATE. (See label 32)
----------------------------------...-_-----------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: We promised the unions and their counsel and the proponents of
the concept of residency that we would take up the item first on the agenda,
whatever that meant. Let's...
Commissioner Plummer: Are we not taking up both items, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Suarez: Which are both?
Commissioner Plummer: Take-home cars as well as the residency, I thought
that, that was also a matter for discussion and companion.
Mayor Suarez: The one item was a little bit more advanced. Was it not? Did
we not already move that item and asked for legislation to implement the take-
home car?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, it was discussed at budget time and said that we
were going to deal with it on the 18th in a formal way. We did not do
anything on the 18th, nor did we do it on the residency, and I asked that both
matters be discussed, so people are not hanging in the air as to where they
are.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I would respectfully ask my colleague not to intermingle
them, because if they have to move into the City- no, no, that's a lie. When
they move into the City, they may not need a car. So let's discuss the
residency, and then if we do not get enough votes to force the move back to
the City, then it's time to discuss the automobiles.
Commissioner Plummer: Miller, I appreciate your comments. My concern was the
Mayor's comment. When I asked are you going to give them thirty (30), sixty
(60), or ninety (90) days, if you take away their take-home car, his comment
was that he wanted to implement it immediately. So I guess what I'm trying to
do is if in fact you take away the take-home cars, that we give them 60 or 90
days to make provisions for some other transportation.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, if that's all you're trying to get, I move that they
be given thirty (30) days. If that's what you're trying to get, a time limit.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Plummer: You don't have to move it. As long as there is at
least a thirty day period in which they have...
Mayor Suarez: If we do implement it, we should have a period of time
specified, so the Manager knows.
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly, that's the point I was trying to make.
Mayor Suarez: And the idea of thirty (30) days has been moved. So if we have
a second on that.
Commissioner Plummer: Of course I will second it, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded.
Commissioner Plummer: If in fact that passes, then they would have thirty
(30) days to make provisions for other transportation.
C
October 25, 1990
0 0
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You can buy a car., or rent a car, or lease a car. They
need some time to adjust, Commissioner. That's all we're saying. I agree.
Commissioner Plummer: Agreed.
Mayor Suarez: By the way, Commissioners, I don't know if you've seen, I'm
pretty sure that the Manager distributed a memo answering the questions of
what the expected savings would be just on this one measure. If I remember
correctly, the net amount that would be saved, at least projected to be saved,
if you exclude certain mileage compensations that would have to be given for
trips now to be taken by City vehicles, or by their own vehicles for City
purposes, it's still like a quarter of a million dollars in savings. Is that
not the case, Mr. Manager? Was that your estimate?
Commissioner Plummer: I think we also have to talk about exemptions. There
have to be exemptions, especially with canine.
Mayor Suarez: All right.
Commissioner Plummer: Whenever you want, I just...
Mayor Suarez: The motion incorporates the concept of- or is it just, as to the
implementation?
Commissioner Plummer: That was the main point I was trying to make.
Mayor Suarez: Well, let's just get a consensus on that, and then we go back
to the actual merits of each of the individual items. Why don't you call the
roll on the thirty (30) day notice. I don't think anybody has any problems
with that. If it otherwise passes, it is stated as a conditional motion.
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-823
A MOTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION STATING THAT IF A
DECISION WERE MADE TO TAKE AWAY THE PRIVILEGE OF TAKE-
HOME CITY CARS, THE AFFECTED CITY EMPLOYEES WOULD BE
GIVEN A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS WITHIN WHICH TO COMPLY WITH
CERTAIN DESIGNATED REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO SAID ACTION
TAKING EFFECT.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Mayor Suarez: Now the general topic of residency requirements and
requirements of residency in order to have a vehicle, I think, are quite
interrelated. I think Commissioner Plummer is right on that, so it's going to
be very difficult to not discuss the one without discussing the other, so I
think that's a more correct way of dealing with it. When we get to the
motions, whether the Commissioners want to pass, as Vice Mayor suggested, a
broader requirement that people live in the City, and before we get into the
issue of the automobiles, that may be appropriate too, particularly in view of
the fact that we gave thirty (30) days for replacing existing vehicles that
are taken home by people not in the City. So in either case we will make the
appropriate adjustments on motions to be made at that point. Who do we hear
from first? Do you want to give another crack at it, George? I don't think
it is necessary. You've stated your views.
10 October 25, 1990
0
0
Mr. George Adams: Is this the residency or automobiles?
Mayor Suarez: Residency.
Mr. Adams: I'm ready for the residency.
Mayor Suarez: OK, do you want to add any comments to what you said before, or
do you want just to take notice of everything you have said up to now.
Mr. Adams: I have a couple of things I would like to...
Mayor Suarez: OK, please come up to the mike.
Commissioner Plummer: Ha, ha, the most expensive delivery boy in town.
Mr. Adams: My name is George H. Adams. I live at 1055 N.W. 60 Street. I
want us to get serious about our City. We are talking about saving the City
from going broke. We are talking about making the City's tax base stronger.
If this doesn't happen, then the Commission won't have a City to govern and
there won't be any jobs. What's happening, the Commission has to decide here
today what is the paramount issue. The well-being of four hundred. thousand
(400,000) people that pay taxes and vote and live in the City, or three
thousand five hundred (3,500) employees who don't feel as if the City is
suitable and safe enough for them to live in. The citizens of this City
elected you to govern us, the Mayor and four Commissioners. We refuse to be
governed, controlled, pressured by the unions of this City, of which ninety-
five percent (95%) of their members live outside of the City in other
counties. We can't afford for this to happen. There has to be a time period
for all employees to move back into the City; whatever you decide, that must
happen. We can't talk about grandfathering anyone because of the fact it
defeats the purpose. We are not hiring anyone now; a freeze is on. So what
are you talking about when you say you are going to grandfather the employees
that are already working? It would be a miracle, at the rate that we are
going, that you could hire a hundred (100) people in the next five years. So
that is not going to help our tax base at all. So we have to not deal with
that. We have to not have grandfathering. Now, anyone that is going to be
here, that is going to speak against the residency requirement, have them to
give their address, and they do not live in the City. You will not have one
person who lives in the City, that's employed by this City, to come up here
and be against the residency. So, you know, human nature will tell the
employees who live outside of this City to be against it. And human nature
will tell you that charity begins at home. We have to take care of this City.
OK now, the next thing I passed for you out there a clipping from the Miami
Herald. Sometime last week, one of the off -duty police officers that is
employed by this City, that lives in Pembroke Pines, Broward County, killed a
man in a barroom situation. He happened to use a City -issued gun. So we are
liable. So we are talking about the taxpayers paying five to ten million
dollars ($5,000,000 to $10,000,000) out of our tax monies, since we are self -
insured. So make a decision today that's going to benefit the well-being of
four hundred thousand (400,000) people that live here, as opposed to three or
four thousand (3,000 or 4,000) that work here.
Mr. Odio: For the record, Mr. Mayor, we replace about three hundred (300)
people a year, whether we are hiring new people or not. We do have about
three hundred (300) people a year that we replace.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr.. Manager, of that three hundred (300) you lose a year,
approximately how many of them are in the Fire Department?
Mr. Odio: In the Fire Department, very few.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you. How many are in the Police Department?
Mr. Odio: In the Police Department, we average about twenty-five (25) a year
that we lose.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: A year.
Commissioner Plummer: No, more.
Mr. Odio: It's about, I'm sorry, about sixty (60).
11 October 25, 1990
0
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Sixty (60)? You have sixty turnovers in the Police
Department every year?
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Bring me back each year for the last five years, the
names of the sixty people who left here in five years, which is three hundred
(300) people, which means that you hired three hundred (300) people... you
hired three hundred policemen in five years. Now that's what you're telling
me if sixty a year turn over.
Mr. Odio: Oh, we hired more than that. Yes, sure, I'll bring you a report.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Bring me that, OK?
Mayor Suarez: I think three hundred over the last five years is going to turn
out to be a little high, Mr. Manager, but...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I know.
Mr. Odio: Three hundred police officers in five years... yes, it won't be
that high.
Mayor Suarez: I don't think you've hired three hundred police officers in the
last five years.
Mr. Odio: I will be glad to bring you the names, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Why are we going to argue about it? It is a fact. You can dig
it up. I'm just putting on the record that I think you are going to lose the
bet. You're going to owe him a lunch.
Mr. Odio: I'm not betting.
Mayor Suarez: All right, on the record, we're not betting, Mr. Miami Herald
reporter, we're not betting.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you, just bring that to me at 2:30.
Mayor Suarez: Where does the officer involved in this particular incident, as
long as it has been brought up, and by the way, I'm a little bit distraught, I
have to tell you, George, that I should find out about this from you at a
hearing here and not from the Manager through a memo. I would have wanted to
have known this way in advance of today. So let me at least ask, because it
is important- I try not to read the Herald -important relevant information on
this officer. Where does the officer live? Was he in his neighborhood where
he lived? Does he live in Pembroke Pines? Do we know where he lives?
Mr. Odio: I saw the report that same night on TV, and I asked the Chief, and
he said he was off duty, and it's a personal incident.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Manager, do you know where this officer lives?
Mr. Odio: He lives up in Pembroke Pines.
Mayor Suarez: Is that the case, lieutenant?- I mean, are we sure on this?
OK, it does illustrate, at least potentially, a problem. I'm not sure with
this particular incident we should be making final conclusions on it. I'm not
sure that...
Mr. Odio: I don't think we should.
Mayor Suarez: And I'm not sure, if I may continue my statement without being
interrupted, I'm not sure that... hopefully we won't incur liability, but
certainly potential for liability, and this points to another reason why the
requirement of residency makes a lot of sense from my perspective, which is
not having our City employees, to the extent possible, acting in their
official capacities outside of City limits. In any event, we thank you for
your presentation, George. All right, the unions, I have a feeling we are
going to hear from. I know their counsel is here.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, excuse me, before the union starts.
z
12 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Commissioner Plummer.
Commissioner Plummer: What are we actually, is there a motion, a resolution,
an ordinance, is there something before us which I have not seen, that we are
going to discuss? I heard, for example, last night, from the Herald reporter,
that there was a provision going to be interjected that I have not heard
about, that anybody that lives out of the City at the present time will be
grandfathered until they sell that residence. I said, "Well, I don't know any
more about that than I do about actually what is before us." So I guess what
the question I'm asking is, what are we discussing, arguing? What is before
us other than the fact that at one Commission meeting, I think it was
Commissioner De Yurre, who broached the subject that he had been in
consultation with the City Attorney asking about the legality of the issue.
It is difficult to discuss an issue without knowing exactly what is before us.
Mayor Suarez: I think it is in courtesy to you who may or may not be a
supporter of this concept, that no one has yet put anything specific on the
table. That is what we are discussing today. But anyhow, let's see if we can
get more guidance from Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I would like to know from Commissioner Plummer what
reporter called him, and I would like for him to find out from the reporter
the name of the person who gave him the information and who they talked to.
You see, we are sitting up here allowing the media to manipulate us. Now, I
would ask of the five of us up here, if either one of us distinctly told the
media, that anybody with twenty-five (25)... I mean anybody would be
grandfathered in?
Mayor Suarez: I think there was a specific...
Commissioner Plummer: May I answer, since the question was addressed to me?
Mayor Suarez: Oh, no, we can clarify it. I think they specifically
attributed that to Commissioner De Yurre. If that is his feeling, we ought
to...
Commissioner De Yurre: That was just my comments.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Commissioner De Yurre: Not that I would present anything, that was just my
feelings at the time. That's all.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, I'm just.., there are so many straws in the air,
I'm asking, what are we discussing?
Mayor Suarez: But so that we don't do it in the media, that's why we are
here. I mean, you know, let's see how we all feel about it and what kind of
legislation will be proposed, if we all agree. OK, ma'am, I presume you are
speaking for or against the subject.
Ms. Betty McKnight: Yes, my name is Betty McKnight. I'm executive vice
president of the Sanitation Employees Association. I live within the City.
My address is 1871 N.W. 55 Terrace. I am against it because for one thing,
what you are going to do is take about seventy percent (70%) of the employees
from Solid Waste. What are you going to do with these...?
Mayor Suarez: Is that what it works out to be, about seventy percent are
nonresidents of the City right now?
Ms. McKnight:
Yes, it's going to be about seventy percent. These are people
F
that were living
within the City. I'm not talking about the people
who are
making
sixty,
seventy thousand dollars ($60,000 - $70,000) a year.
These
people
do not
drive cars home. OK? They have their own private cars.
But,
these
people
work hard, they were able to buy a house somewhere.
Are you
going
to punish
these people for that? What are you going to do?
Are you
going
to give
them the money to move back within the City?
f
x
2
13 October
25, 1990
ps
1
0
Mayor Suarez: You are talking about the over sixty and seventy thousand
(60,000 and 70,000)?- or are you talking about the rest of the employees?
Ms. McKnight: I'm talking about the people who I'm talking about is not the
people who make sixty and seventy thousand dollars ($60,000 and $70,000) a
year. These people do not drive City cars home. These are normal people who
are trying to make a living. These people have worked for the City for, some
of them, twenty-five (25) years. What are you going to do?- penalize them for
working that long? Are you going to give them the money to move back within
the City? Is the City planning to buy them a house within the City? These
people can't afford to sell their house and move back. So? I would like
someone to give me an answer on that.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you for your comments. Rhetorical questions are noted
for the record and may or may not be answered.
Ms. Annette Eisenberg: My name is Annette Eisenberg, 1180 N.E. 86 Street. I
have been a resident of the City of Miami for forty (40) years. I represent
the Northeast Umbrella Committee, which is made up of homeowners associations
from Brentwood, Buena Vista, all the way to the owners in Edgewater, going to
Shorecrest. Our primary concern is saving money, so that when we call for
services we need, we don't get the response, "We can't afford it. We can't
afford it." You do have a proposal before you now, two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($250,000), that sounds like a lot of money to me that would
add a lot of policemen, would add to our sewers, and would add to everything
that we need. I hope that from this day forward you will consider what is
best for the citizens of Miami that have been paying these salaries all these
years. I feel strongly that the employees have a problem, but we have a
problem too. We want to stay within the City of Miami. It's getting very
difficult. We ask you to find a way for us, the taxpayers, the people who
have been loyal to the City of Miami. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Annette. Counselor.
Robert Klausner, Esq.: Robert Klausner, representing your four unions, the
Fraternal Order of Police, AFSCME Local 1907, Sanitation Employees Association
and IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local 587. Your employee
associations are opposed to mandatory residence within the City. Your civil
service rules have said since 1979 that applicants must be residents of the
City at the time they make application. The rule has not been enforced.
Secondly, the civil service rules...
Mayor Suarez: The rule has not been enforced. Can anybody tell us why the
rule has not been enforced?
Mr. Klausner: Because you couldn't find the people living within the City
limits to meet the requirements that you have set for the jobs.
Mayor Suarez: Ha!
Commissioner De Yurre: But don't you say they were living in the City when
they applied?
Mayor Suarez: I hope the...
Commissioner De Yurre: So then they were living here.
Mr. Klausner: Well, let me finish the sentence.
Mayor Suarez: Let me recount for the Vice Mayor the question and answer that
just took place. He says the civil service rules have required, when people
apply for jobs in the City that they live in the City, but that has not been
enforced. So I asked him why not, and he says, "Well, perhaps because you
couldn't find enough qualified applicants in the City." ...
Mr. Klausner: No, I didn't say...
Mayor Suarez: ...Which I just don't buy. And Commissioner De Yurre was
inquiring on that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Let me burst your bubble. City of Miami request for
permission to reside outside of Dade County. OK?
14 October 25, 1990
9 V
"Name: Dana G. Stephens. Classification: firefighter.
Department: Fire. I hereby request permission to reside at 701
S.W. 134 Terrace, Davie, Florida. My reasons for wanting to
move are as follows: buying a house."
That's the reason that he moved in the City. But the reason he wants to
move out of the City, now he's buying a house, and he is moving to Davie,
Florida. OK?
"James H. Arnold, Firefighter. Department: Fire. I request
permission to reside at Key Largo, Florida. My reasons are as
follows."
Now I want all of you to hear this.
"My wife and I would like to bring our kids up in the Keys
environment. We feel the schools are better and have more to
offer them than Dade County. Approved: C.H. Duke, 9/26/86."
OK? Another one,
"Pedro Gomez, firefighter. Department: Fire -Rescue. I hereby
request permission to reside at 6020 Sweden Lane, Davie,
Florida. My reasons are as follows: affordable housing, and a
more peaceful and less stressful environment for my family.
Approval: Floyd Jordan, Deputy Chief.
'John J. Ward, firefighter, driver/engineer, City of Miami. I
request to move to Cooper City, South Broward. My reasons are
as follows: housing is better, you get more for the dollar,
you got a better school system, and I feel this area is safer
for my family."
Now you want me, as an elected official, to sit here and OK people who we
pay to protect the citizens of the City of Miami and make the City of Miami
a safe environment in which to live, work, and bring up your children, and
they are telling me that it is not good enough for me to live in and bring
my children up, but I don't give a damn about you living there. I ain't
going to protect you after I leave. So these people don't care no more than
for ten hours a day, and they come in here, draw their check, and they don't
care about making my environment safe for me and the rest of the taxpayers
who live here, because they have just stated their reasons. They are going
to move to where they want to move. And sir, you cannot expect me to try to
tell the citizens of Miami that they should pay people to work who do not
feel that it is safe enough for them to live where I live, and I pay their
salary. Now, that's my personal opinion.
Mayor Suarez: How does this square off, by the way, Mr. Klausner, this
request for permission to reside outside of Dade County- something that I
didn't even know existed- how does this square off with the civil service
regulations that you quoted that require new applicants to live in the City?
How does that fit into that pattern? I don't understand.
Mr. Klausner: Because you did not let me finish the sentence.
Mayor Suarez: Yea, whichever.
Mr. Klausner: Your own civil service rules have also required for many years
permission... there is no permission required to live outside the City limits,
but within the County. That has never been required. You have always
required permission of the Manager or a Manager's designee, generally
department head, to live outside of Dade County.
Mayor Suarez: Why is that? How does that square off with the requirement
that new... that applicants live in the City of Miami? Is is just additional
to that? Or...
Mr. Klausner: There are different sections of the same provision in the civil
service rules. Even before you had an...
Mayor Suarez: Sounds like one of the things we have to do is change the civil
service rules.
Mr. Klausner: That is one of the things I was going to tell you. This is all
a provision of the civil service code. The first thing that has to happen
before your civil service rules are changed, under the charter provisions
which create the civil service board, is to have the board pass a rule and
recommend it on to the Commission for legislative action. The second thing is
that...
15 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Or we can change the entire civil service code.
Mr. Klausner: Well, you would have to change the Charter to change the civil
service rules without the board.
Mayor Suarez: I don't agree with that, but go ahead, Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Didn't I hear you say, sir, that the civil service rules
already says that in order to move the Manager can OK or deny it? Did you
just say that?
Mr. Klausner: The civil service rules say that permission to live outside the
County is with the permission of the Aanager.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Discretion of the Manager. So therefore there is nothing
to negotiate. It's already in there that the Manager makes this decision.
Didn't you just say that, sir?
Mr. Klausner: If the Manager wants to turn down somebody, I suppose he could.
But...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So therefore, I do not have to go to a bargaining unit
and have the bargaining unit write something into their bargaining unit that I
can't get rid of.
Mr. Klausner: There are also practices, which are in effect.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Beg your pardon.
Mr. Klausner: Your labor contracts also say that practices which are in
effect remain in effect for the life of the contract.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But the practice is the Manager has the last say.
Mr. Klausner: And the practice has also been that no one has been denied
permission to move out of the County.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But that doesn't say that it is correct, because it
wasn't denied.
Mr. Klausner: Mr. Vice Mayor, you can make the rules sound any way you want
to make the square peg fit into the round hole.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, I tell you, well, well, if this passes, we'll see
you in court.
Mayor Suarez: I have a feeling that is where we are headed, but go ahead.
Anything else, sir?
Mr. Klausner: Does that mean that you are not interested in my comments, Mr.
Mayor?
Mayor Suarez: Oh, I'm interested in your comments, so go ahead, complete
them.
Mr. Klausner: I'd like an opportunity to finish them.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Klausner: Your labor agreements also provide that this is a bargainable
subject. The legal opinion which you received from your own counsel says
that before you make any attempt to require current employees to move into the
City, that you would have to bargain. The labor agreements with Police and
Sanitation are closed at the present time.
Mayor Suarez: Well, let me take exception to one aspect of that. Suppose
that we were to make clear our intention to make this requirement effective
within a certain amount of time. I think that particular resolution would not
have to be bargained at that particular time. It may or may not have to be
bargained later on. So we may go in that direction. I don't know.
16 October 25, 1990
Mr. Klausner: I can only give you my opinion.
you can always ask your own lawyer.
You don't pay me. You know,
Mayor Suarez: Well, you are not going to try to tell me now that I can't even
pass a resolution saying that I intend to make this effective as soon as I...
let's say twelve months from now, and that, that is my intention and that is
the intention of the Commission. Are you?
Mr. Klausner: You can pass a resolution saying you intend to do anything,
Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, thank you.
Mr. Klausner: ...the question is, the question is...
Mayor Suarez: That is all. I wanted to be sure that we understood whether we
could implement it, and how much we have to negotiate with you, and how many
times we are going to be in court about it is another issue.
Mr. Klausner: Mayor, like I said, I have not finished a complete sentence
since I started. You can pass any resolution that you wish to do. Whether
the resolution will in the end have a binding effect, I guess is going to
depend on what Florida's Public Employees Relations Commission says and
ultimately what the courts say, and what your unions say to you is if you want
to bargain the issue of residency, just like we bargain pensions or wages or
insurance or uniforms or whatever else we have bargained over the years,
follow the rules that we followed all along, which is bargain. If you wish to
change the civil service rules, then follow the procedures which the people
have set up in their Charter, and that is that the matter comes before the
Civil Service Board. They conduct public hearings on the issue. If they
believe the rules are worthy of change, they will pass the rule on and, then
it comes to the Commission for appropriate passage as an ordinance change.
That is our position.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Are you finished?
Mr. Klausner: Yes. Are there any questions for me?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No.
Mr. Klausner: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Klausner, if there are questions for you, we will be sure
to tell you about them, sir.
Mr. Klausner: I'm here.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor, through the Manager to Mr. Mielke. Mr.
Mielke, ever since I've been here you have professionally advised us, and when
I have disagreed with your advice, you have always been right. Therefore, I
have to ask you now, professionally as a labor relations, in quotation,
"expert," the attorney said the Manager has the right to approve or deny
request to reside outside of the City of Miami in Dade County. OK? Is this
negotiable, so much so that when the Manager no longer decides to approve
these requests, and deny them, is that an issue that could be taken up, sir?
Mr. Dean Mielke: In my judgement, yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Why?
Mr. Mielke: Three reasons, your contracts all have what is called a
prevailing benefits clause, which even preceded me prior to 1976. Those
clauses, in essence, say that those benefits that have been continually
enjoyed by the members of the bargaining unit will not be unilaterally changed
without negotiations between the parties. Those clauses, as I indicated,
preceded me and have been in those contracts ever since. Now, depending on
what you did, I think would be depending on how much latitude you have. I
think your City Attorney's opinion was right on the point, number one. Number
two is that most recently in Holly Hills versus...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, no, all I need to know from you, sir, is if the
Manager suddenly decides that he is no longer going to approve people moving
out of the City, is that negotiable? That is what I need.
17 October 25, 1990
LAI
Mr. Mielke: I'm not so sure if it is negotiable as it would be grievable,
sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It would be what, sir?
Mr. Mielke: They would have the ability to file a grievance under the
contract.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: When you file a grievance, that doesn't mean that you win
it.
Mr. Mielke: No, sir, that's arbitrable then.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, see, so therefore, that's a... you know, that
is here, you know, go. See?
Mr. Mielke: But they may also come back and say to you, "Sir, we demand to
bargain about it." You may have the ultimate right to do what is being
suggested, but then you have a third obligation, and that is called Orange
County vs. Pellawich, which says you have to bargain about the impact of it.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, my last question from you, sir, right now, when is
the Fire contract up?
Mr. Mielke: Well, it expired October 1 and we are negotiating, so we are
negotiating on a new contract right now.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: We are still negotiating one right now.
Mr. Mielke: That is correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right. When does the Fire, the Police contract
expire?
Mr. Mielke: That has another year to run.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That has a one year. So as the Mayor said, that is
twelve months, as he was talking about. OK? When does the General Services
Employees contract expire?
Mr. Mielke: They have another year also.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: They have one year.
Mr. Mielke: I'm sorry. You are talking about SEA (Sanitation Employees
Association) or AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees)?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: AFSCME.
Mr. Mielke: AFSCME we are in the negotiations right now.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: We are negotiating now?
Mr. Mielke: We are in negotiations for fire and AFSCME, both.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, so now, the SEA contract?
Mr. Mielke: One more year.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: One more year, so therefore, it is nothing if we decided
to wait the year and this Commission instructed the Manager that all people
have to live in the City, to work for the City, and this Commission with three
votes, because It probably won't get five votes, tell the Manager not to sign
no contract without that provision. Is that illegal?
Mr. Mielke: No, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you.
18 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: OK, that puts us back to the issue of a residency requirement
that would be implemented in a, with a timing such that it could be included
in all our labor negotiations, which everybody tells us we must do. Although
I'm not sure that I agree with everybody that tells us that, but, let's assume
that is the case, and let's assume that this Commission heads in that
direction. So, Commissioners, what do you want to do in terms of...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, let me broach one other subject. Angela,
you have been around this City for how long?
Mrs. Angela Bellamy: Fourteen (14) years.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. Do we need to remind this Commission, including
myself, when the Consent Decree came down, and this Commission did, in fact,
make as I recall, and Police and Fire, recruiting only in the City...
Mrs. Bellamy: That is correct.
Commissioner Plummer: ...As what happened to the problems that were created?
If I am wrong, please correct me, that when we recruited, it used to be that
we would go through four people to get one in the academy with a ninety
percent (90%) graduation rate, and after the residency required was reduced to
just the City, as I recall, it was told to me that we hari to go through
sixteen (16) people to get one in the academy with a sixty-five percent (65%)
graduation rate. Am I out of the ball park?
Mrs. Bellamy: It was around seventeen (17) people per one graduate.
Commissioner Plummer: As opposed to four?
Mrs. Bellamy: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: So, I guess, should we, as a Commission, I'm not saying
that we should address that and that alone...
Mrs. Bellamy: I think it is important that I say one other thing.
Commissioner Plummer: Please.
Mrs. Bellamy: That is that the number was not increased solely because of our
changing the residency requirement. Number one, we had tougher requirements.
We started looking at psychologicals. The Police Department started
instituting the polygraph and other screening devices that they had not had
previously. So I think that had a factor, but that was not the sole factor.
Commissioner Plummer: It's collectively. I'm just saying, all I'm saying is
that I recalled that there was a great problem existing in recruiting from
within the City, and I remember the Police Department coming here asking at
least to expand it to the County, because they were not getting sufficient
applicants or numbers from City residents. And we also created and had
another problem and that was, call it what it was, people lying that they
lived in the City when in fact they didn't. They were using their mother's
address, or somebody else's addresses to show a residency when in fact they
did not live in the City, and we had a lot of problems with that. I'm
bringing this out because I recall it, and I think that if we are going to
address the issue, I think we have to address it not just in a single phase,
but the overall issue. So that is the only reason I'm putting it on top of
the table.
Mayor Suarez: OK, Commissioner. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I have no problems with what Commissioner Plummer is
saying. My only comment is this. We may recruit from Key West to
Jacksonville, from Miami to Tampa, but once we recruit and you pass the test,
then you cannot work if you do not move into the City of Miami. I have no
problems with us finding the best qualified individual to put at work, but I
do have a problem when that individual does not reside within the City of
Miami whose taxes are used to pay it a salary, provided with one of the best
pension plans in the world, and look out for its welfare, health, are care of
their children.
Mr. Adams: Mr. Mayor.
19 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Yes, George.
Mr. Adams: That information about the hiring with reference to the Consent
Decree, that isn't accurate. I was a part of that Consent Decree. The only
reason that you could not get the correct amount of people that resided in the
City, because it was racism. And it was a quota system that they would just
have so many minorities. That is why they branched out, went to Dade County,
from Dade County all over the State. That was racism. They did not want
Blacks and Hispanics and that was the reason they were disqualified.
Commissioner Plummer: George, excuse me, in the Consent Decree, as I recall,
to say that it is racism, I have to very much disagree with you. In the
Consent Decree, as I recall, the best common language that was used, is that
the makeup of the City forces would reflect the same makeup of the population
of this community. Am I correct in that? It was this City Commission who
said we are not satisfied with that. We want to obtain an eighty percent
(80%) goal. So I cannot agree that racism...
Mayor Suarez: That is not correct, Mr. Manager, you know it is not correct...
Commissioner Plummer: What is not correct?
Mr. Odio: What he just said is correct.
Mayor Suarez: ...that an eighty percent (80%) goal was ever established in
any Consent Decree, so don't say that...
Mr. Odio: Yes, it was, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Plummer: No, sir, excuse me. I said this Commission.
Mr. Odio: This Commission set a goal in 1983.
Commissioner Plummer: Not the Justice Department, not the Consent Decree.
Mayor Suarez: There was at one point a hiring effort that included eighty
percent (80%) minorities. That was not part of the Consent Decree and was...
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly, I never said that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And Mr. Plummer, it was Mayor Maurice Ferre who reversed
it, and said that more Blacks and Latins were being hired than white people,
and he proceeded to hire more white people. It was Maurice Ferre who did
that.
Commissioner Plummer: Maurice tried to change it at this table and this
Commission turned it down.
Mayor Suarez: All right, we all agree that it was a complicated set of
formulas that this Commission agreed to, and that some people may or may not
have wanted to go back on, but it was prompted by a Justice Department lawsuit
and it is all in paper, in black and white, and it is still in effect in the
City of Miami. Yes.
Mr. Leroy Smith: My name is Leroy Smith, retired police major, City of Miami
Police Department, served for twenty-seven (27) years. A statement was made,
Mr. Plummer, that we tried that before. Commissioner Range was here in 1968
when we had our riot. Seven days after the riot, I was called to work
upstairs, and I stayed there for fourteen (14) months trying to solve some
problems we had in 1968. Because of the riot of 1968, was because we didn't
have enough Black police officers. That was the first problem that I
identified with Mr. Reese when he asked me what could happen. And he said,
"Well, we can't get Black policemen on the Police Department. I said,
"Really, Mr. Reese? The City Manager never asked for Black police officers.
There has never been a major recruitment campaign for Black police officers."
I said, "Until that time that the City Manager decides that we want Black
police officers, we'll get them." That's when "Operation Badge" was born. I
was partly responsible for getting that program going. I know the track
record as far as the Police Department is concerned in Black police officers
because I was stymied in promotion for whatever that was. But I'm through
with that now. But when we say that we can't get Black policemen to serve on
20 October 25, 1990
the City of Miami Police Department, we are being remiss on that. The first
recruit that we got for the City of Miami Police Department happened to be
Perry Anderson, Homer Lanier, who is now a major. So I know that we have the
caliber of men that can operate in the City of Miami. We know we have five
high schools, more so now than ever before, to get the type of candidates that
we had. But I want to say that we do have qualified black, young men that can
qualify to handle the City problem. I wasn't here to speak, but I do know
that when you talk about you can't get black qualified police officers, I know
what it was. I came on the Police Department, didn't go to the Police
Academy. So I want to make sure that we have the type of men that, twenty
years later, can be somebody valuable to the Police Department. Chief Perry
Anderson's the first guy that graduated from Miami Police Academy under the
umbrella of "Operation Badge." Do you know that within the third class we had
five guys supposed to graduate? Two weeks before graduation, I was notified
that three of them would not graduate. I wanted to know why, but we fall back
in that same thing that George is talking about today, give the black guys a
chance to serve. And I'm going to close out with a movie that I saw that I'll
never forget. The movie "Glory," when we had the Civil War. Frederick
Douglas told them that give black men to help you fight your battle, and
that's when we had black guys that joined the Union army. And they've been
serving from that day to this day and they're still over there, in the mid
East, serving, because they want to do something for America. I'm saying,
give them a chance, Mr. Manager, if you want black police officers, then
you're going to have to say we need them. The Chief of Police is going to
have to say it. The Commissioners are going to have to say it. Everybody's
going to have to say, hey, we want black police officers so that we can help
make our community a better place in which to live. I enjoyed reading those
letters, Mr. Dawkins, because, like I said before, I live in the City of
Miami, I was born in the City of Miami, and I serve in the City of Miami I
still live in. Our last riot, I was stopped three times by a police officer
who didn't know me, but yet they put a rifle, a gun in my face before I can
_ get home. These are the things that happen, and I know that we can get 'em,
y so let's not say that they're not qualified, because I happen to be one of
those guys, too, that they told me I wasn't qualified. But let's not have
another riot so that we have to recruit heavily to try to change the
atmosphere from what it is. I want to thank you for your time.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you for your statement. Let me say that we all agree
that we think a qualified pool of City employees for police, and every other
department, can be found in the City of Miami. I don't think anybody
disagrees on that. We must all also agree that we go through a selection
process that is somewhat tenuous and long - and arduous, I guess, is the
term - in that I suppose the bigger the pool the quicker it would go, in some
ways, but this Commission, I think, is committed to try and find applicants
who are City residents, regardless of what we do on residency requirements,
and particularly those that would be applied retroactively to existing
employees, so - and it does require more effort, and sometimes that effort is
not forthcoming. And we've said before up here, and let me just repeat it
again, that I still don't get any requests from the Administration to go to
the high schools and help them recruit people to apply in the City of Miami
for police and firefighters' jobs. Now, if they're doing such a magnificent
job already that they don't need this Commission to participate in that,
that's fine, but then I hope they don't say afterwards we didn't get enough
applicants from the City of Miami., because we've got high schools - public and
private - in the City of Miami. And we have Miami Dade Community College, and
we have a very large campus downtown. I forget what the statistics are, but I
think more than fifty percent of the students live in the City of Miami who go
to Miami Dade Community College, downtown, which is a huge campus. And,
again, we've seen no requests - at no cost to the City - to have any of us go
there and speak to them. We speak to them all the time on other subjects, and
you would think that, you know, a plug for our particular departments, when we
need people, would be made at that point so that we could get qualified City
of Miami applicants, and I don't see any requests for that.
Ms. Bellamy: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: I can't figure that out. You know, we could argue this
forever.
Ms. Bellamy: I think it's important that I say that we have done extensive
recruitment for police officers.
21 October 25, 1990
0
Mayor Suarez: Well, I just pointed one way...
Ms. Bellamy: And, in particular...
Mayor Suarez: ...in which it was not done, and I do remember, Angela, and
we're going to put it on the record, a few years ago there was a case of one
of our recruiting officers in the Police Department who was literally getting
on the Metrorail and giving people his card as a way of recruiting. I
remember that incident a couple of years ago. It's on the record. And I
thought that was kind of a clumsy way of doing it, although I suppose it was
innovative.
Ms. Bellamy: What the Department of Personnel Management has been doing with
the Police Department is, we have been instituting innovative ways, including
going to the various schools that are in the City of Miami. We've gone to
Miami Dade Community College. We have gone to predominantly black
institutions, colleges that are in the State of Florida. We have gone to most
of your - we've done as much as we can do, and beyond that, we will be asking
the Commission to go with us. We'll follow up and take your advice, and we'd
like you to speak.
Mayor Suarez: Are you satisfied that we can find City residents to fill all
positions that become open in the future?
Ms. Bellamy: In the Police Department?
Mayor Suarez: In all departments of the City of Miami.
Ms. Bellamy: No, I'm not.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Why not? What departments, for example, don't you think
we can find City of Miami residents that are qualified to fill positions that
become vacant?
Ms. Bellamy: With the requirements that we have for police officer, the
various steps that we go through for drugs - If anyone has had any prior
experience with drugs, and so forth, the various steps that we have, it's very
difficult to find people that are only residents within the City.
Mayor Suarez: All right, now, you've said very difficult. If we apply
ourselves to the task, with a little bit of extra effort, can we find them in
the City of Miami?
Ms. Bellamy: I couldn't guarantee that we could.
Mayor Suarez: All right, maybe...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: May I ask...?
Mayor Suarez: ...maybe this Commission will guarantee it.
Ms. Bellamy: We do give...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: May I ask a question?
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: In your recruiting efforts, and you said you've been
statewide, would you say that the drug -related problem is greater in the City
of Miami, no greater in the City of Miami, or comparable with the rest of the
youths, statewide? According to the records where you have tested people, and
took their applications, and they were denied. Would you say...?
Ms. Bellamy: I really can't answer that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, then, how can you stand there...?
Ms. Bellamy: What I can...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How can you stand there and say, then, that we cannot
recruit qualified individuals...?
22 October 25, 1990
Ms. Bellamy: Because...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...in the City of Miami because of the drug problem and
other stigmas...?
Ms. Bellamy: I can answer the question because when we were recruiting only,
solely within the City of Miami, and we were providing the applicants to the
Police Department - and that's not just with advertising in the paper, I'm
talking about with aggressive advertising and recruiting - they didn't have
the people to hire within the Police Department.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All I need from you, Mrs. Bellamy, is this. According to
your records - and you have been statewide recruiting - did more people in the
City of Miami, get turned down for - and you and I know - for high school
experimental with drugs, having experimented with drugs one time, that's how
they got turned down. Would you say that more people in the City of Miami was
turned down, per number of applicants, than you would, say, out of all the
people you did statewide? Because you're putting a stigma, if you don't know,
on the City of Miami.
Ms. Bellamy: Well, I don't mean to give that impression, Commissioner.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, that's the impression that's going out.
Ms. Bellamy: And I don't mean to give that at all, OK? All I'm saying is, if
you take the applicants that we've been able to get, just the general
population, if you look at people who you're recruiting, that is going to
happen. You're going to find people you've... You're looking at people so
finitely that that's what happens.
Mayor Suarez: We know that the smaller the pool, the more effort that has to
go into it. There's no doubt about that. Does anyone from the
Administration - and I see Joe Ingraham, who's heading OPC, now - disagree
with the statement that I'm about to make. And if you agree with it,
hopefully you can give me support for the argument, that people who are City
residents - City employees who are City residents - police officers,
firefighters, all employment, Solid Waste - will be more knowledgeable of City
problems, will be more knowledgeable of their neighborhoods that they live in,
which are in the City by definition, will hopefully be more sensitive to the
makeup of our community, the problems affecting our community, and, just as a
matter of preventive medicine in avoiding confrontations with the citizens,
are likely to be, as I've stated, more sensitive to the problems of the
community than people who don't live in the City. Is that a fair statement to
make?
Commissioner Plummer: Nobody can disagree with that.
Mayor Suarez: Nobody can disagree with that, right?
Ms. Bellamy: No, I think it's a fair statement.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so that is another important issue that we're all looking
at here, at least for me. I really would like to see ... in fact, ideally, we
would have - ideally, in an ideal world, we would have officers patrolling the
neighborhoods they live in, and really knowledgeable of what's going on there.
And that doesn't always work out, and deployment is difficult, but that's the
ideal world, and all of what we've said so far can be modified by making it a
requirement once they're hired, as Vice Mayor Dawkins was saying, and as
Commissioner De Yurre had maybe suggested through his statements to the media,
one other way to proceed is to say, the moment you're hired you understand
that with that comes the requirement that you live in the City, as long as
you're a City employee. Now, does anybody - Legal Department, Employee
Relations, whoever, Mr. Manager - have any technical problem with that
requirement being imposed?
Mr. Odio: I don't have any problem whatsoever in a new employee...
Mayor Suarez: That's the way I've just defined the question.
Mr. Odio: ...would be told, the moment you become permanent, you have a
certain time to move into the City. I would think it would be unfair to have
somebody on probation, that failed probation, and then he had moved into the
City and then...
23 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Well, now, I don't know why you're saying the moment you become
permanent you have a certain amount of time to move into the City. Now we've
gone through the probationary period, plus now the person is being hired
permanently, and then he still gets an additional amount of time. My question
is, do you have any problem with the requirement for new employees that once
they are hired - permanent, if you wish - from that point forward they live in
the City and they are always required to live in the City as City employees.
Mr. Odio: I - I -
Mayor Suarez: And if you don't have any problem, administratively, maybe I'll
ask the City Attorney...
Mr. Odio: I - I -
Mayor Suarez: ...if, legally, there's any problem with that.
M. Odio: I have no problem in a new employee being told, after he becomes
permanent, that he has to live in the City.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Mr. City Attorney, is there any legal problem with
that, if we were inclined to implement that, forthwith, as soon as an
ordinance can be drafted and passed?
Mr. Fernandez: Subject to all of the other conditions that I have outlined
for you in my legal opinion.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, to heck with your legal opinion! Give it to me now! What,
if anything, would be a problem, technically, with doing that?
Mr. Fernandez: When you mean new employee you cannot be so simplistic as to
imagine, Mr. Mayor, that all employees are of the same kind of the same level.
If you're talking about employees who will become union members, then, in my
legal opinion, I have outlined to you a process that must be followed to
consider members of union. If, by an employee, you mean someone that would be
unclassified, managerial confidential, and the like, absolutely no problem
with your suggestion, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Mr. Vice Mayor, maybe you can shed some light into what
all that means.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How could he be a member of a union if he, or it, or she,
is not hired? Explain that to me, Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Fernandez: No, no, no. I heard our mayor say new employee. The moment
he becomes an employee...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See, but now you just said it has some problem with the
union.
Mr. Fernandez: You're not talking...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How can it be a problem? How can he be a member of any
bargaining organization until he becomes an employee?
Mr. Fernandez: Then, Mr. Mayor, change your question to applicants, and then
my response would be different. Are you talking about employees or
applicants, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Suarez: God, I thought it was a fairly simple question! All right,
people who are expected to become full-time employees who at that time are
applicants. Let's do it that way. Can we impose on them, forthwith,
immediately, the requirement that they live in the City? And that they
continue living in the City if and when they are employed.
Mr. Odio: Let me...
Mayor Suarez: Wait! Please, let me get a legal opinion, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Fernandez: Again, as to applicants, the idea is that these applicants,
once they become employees, you cannot ignore their ultimate status. Once
24 October 25, 1990
they've become employees, they will be subject to the terms and conditions of
labor agreement. And so, yes, while you can have a policy that if, after
negotiations with the unions, they are required to be employees, yes you can
require that in the first step of being applicant.
Commissioner De Yurre: And, under the labor relations agreements that we
have, is a probationary employee covered by the union?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: During the probationary period?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: I just want to point out that, you know, that there's
a long history of this issue, nationwide, and I just want to put on the record
some of the reasons given in support of residency within the City for
employees. Some of these are: to ensure employees take pride in their work;
to provide jobs for the City's own residents; to help achieve racial and
ethnic balance in the City workforce; to promote confidence in local
government; to protect the public coffer; and, in paren., assuming that
employees live in the City spend their salaries there and hence keep the
City's money circulating within its boundaries; to enhance the emergency
manpower pool; to promote understanding of local customs and habits, such as
community identity. Also, when we talk about negotiating this issue with the
unions, of course, we're talking about bargaining in good faith. I just
wanted to put these items on the record.
Mayor Suarez: And the good faith applies to us and to the unions.
Commissioner De Yurre: Of course.
Mayor Suarez: All right, does anybody want to make a motion? I think we've
kind of beat it to death, and the Vice Mayor, whose item it is, initially,
wants to go ahead and bring this to a closure by...
Mr. Smith: Just one point I want to make clear, and this is the point that I
asked City Manager Reese in 1968. How many black police officers do you want?
At that time, he couldn't - he wouldn't give me an answer, and I'm saying to
this Commission today, if you want to make a meaningful recruitment, it has to
be a commitment as to terms of numbers. What do you want? You made a good
suggestion. It would be nice for the blacks to handle their neighborhood, but
to me, if you had a black officer riding with a nonblack officer throughout
the entire City of Miami, that would be a good image for the City of Miami.
And, therefore, we should think about that in terms of numbers. But make sure
if you're going out to recruit again, I say this, that you have to have a
number, and once that number goes across the nation, you have guys coming from
all over, outside, but if you say in the City of Miami we want 300, 400, 500
black police officers, you'd get them in a year's time.
Mayor Suarez: I think you would have no problem getting the sufficient
applicants from the City of Miami. OK, Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I'd like to make a motion that - and the City Attorney
would have to draw it up so that it would be legal and bring it back at 2:30
so that we can move on it - and my motion, simply stated, is this. All
employees of the City of Miami who are paid with ad valorem taxes and federal
funds in the City of Miami must reside in the City of Miami to ensure that
those tax dollars circulate back into the system to keep the tax base average.
Somewhere along the lines, when it is brought back, I have no problems with
me, personally, grandfathering anybody in who has 15 to 20 years in the
service. He could be grandfathered in, but for me to grandfather a guy in
with five years in the Police Department, the Fire Department, or anywhere
else, knowing good and well that he is going to work 25 or 30 years and he'll
be locked into that slot, is just not feasible, and we're defeating our own
purpose. Now, why do I say 15 to 20 years? Usually if a guy has got 15 or 20
years he could retire, so therefore if he's not desirous of selling his home
or moving into the City of Miami, then I think that he should seriously
consider retiring and working where he lives. And that's my motion.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
of the motion.
Madam City Clerk, would you read back the beginning part
25 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: Is there a second? You just asked for it to be read
back.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I just want to make sure I understand what categories of
employees is it going to apply to.
Ms. Hirai: It's just instructing the City Attorney to draft appropriate
legislation to be back by 2:30 stating that all City of Miami employees who
are paid with ad valorem taxes or federal funds in the City must reside within
the City to ensure that the dollars will circulate back into the system.
He...
Mayor Suarez: OK, no, I just wanted to hear the first part, if there had been
any exceptions, or if it had been narrowed down to new employees. All right,
so stated, it would apply to all employees of the City of Miami and, of
course, the Vice Mayor has indicated, as we all know and is in the record, it
is subject to all of the rules and regulations of the City that may have to be
modified if it passes. So moved.
Commissioner Alonso: Mr. Mayor, may I make a comment?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Commissioner Alonso.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, is there a second?
Ms. Hirai: No.
Commissioner De Yurre: I'll second it for discussion purposes.
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner Alonso.
Commissioner Alonso: I have a problem with the motion of Commissioner Dawkins
in the sense that I feel it's not fair to make exceptions for people who have
worked for the City 15 or 20 years. I think that the same burden is presented
to the people who have been here five or seven or three years, therefore I
don't believe that it is right to make this exception and if, in fact, the
person does not want to reside in the City of Miami and they are ready to
retire, they will be able to do so regardless if the exception is included or
not in your motion. If you would consider to remove that part, because I'm
very supportive of this motion, and I believe very strongly that it's one of
the best moves that we can make in the City of Miami.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Do I hear the Commissioner saying that if I remove the
grandfather provision that she will support the motion?
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, I will.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I'll restate the motion, deleting the grandfathering in,
stating that any and every employee employed in the City of Miami must reside
in the City of Miami. And when this motion passes, I'll make another motion.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Plummer: Question.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: What about the second? Does the second accept that?
Commissioner De Yurre: For discussion purposes, I second the motion. How are
we going to, first of all, enforce this as far as time frames? How are we
going - also, not only as far as people moving into the City, but policing it,
because I can see all kinds of things happening about people putting false
addresses and, you know, putting in a cousin's address, that that person's
living there, and creating a whole bunch of situations that, you know, to
circumvent the spirit of the law. What kind of enforcement and penalties are
we looking at?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, the first thing was, my second motion was going to
be that we instruct the Manager - this Commission, with three votes, instruct
the Manager that he does not sign any new bargaining agreement that does not
j include the residence in it. That would be the first part. The second part
is that you would sign a notarized statement, under the threat of perjury if
26 October 25, 1990
you lie about where you're staying, and give it to Janet Reno, and you go to
jail.
Mayor Suarez: That's one way to do it.
Commissioner De Yurre: What time frame are we looking at as far as people
moving into the City? Do you have any concept?
Commissioner Alonso: I think that we should give them some time, and it will
be reasonable to work on that sense, I think probably perhaps. I don't
know...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, I would agree, and since everyone has stated that
the bargaining agents' contracts are up within one year.
Commissioner Alo;iso: One year.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So I would say, give them 18 months, and that would give
them a year to make up their minds before the Manager... because the Manager
will already have instructions not to sign any bargaining agreement that does
not include this, so they'll have a year to do what they're going to do, and
after we have the bargaining contract with the residency in it, then they'll
have six months after that to do what they want to do. So I would say 18
months.
Mayor Suarez: OK, does the mover include that in his motion?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It can, or it cannot. I was going to make another
motion, but...
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, we're still discussing this aspect.
Mayor Suarez: We may as well, if it reflects a consensus of the people who
may vote favorably.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I have no problem adding that, that there be 18 months'
compliance.
Mayor Suarez: And the seconder accept that?
Commissioner Plummer: From today, or from the signing of the new agreements?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: From today.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: Or the effective date of the ordinance?
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, you know, I am in favor, conceptually, every
argument that has been proffered today for the purposes of having the
employees in the City. You have to agree with. Can't disagree with them.
They're good, substantial reasons. But, you know, we're talking about
economics. Where this requirement has not been in the past, a man is up to
his neck in mortgages and obligations, and I'm sure that this - regardless of
what George says - I'm sure this is going to affect some blacks, some Latins
and some Anglos.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That's the -..orkforce.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, so it's not an issue across the board.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And some Cubans.
Commissioner De Yurre: And some Cubans.
Commissioner Plummer: I thought we left that last week. I hope we did. You
know, I am concerned about a man - and that's why I thought that what I had
been told last night seemed very reasonable. I am fully in favor of any new
applicant that comes to this City has that. He knows it and that's the name
of the game. I have no problem with that whatsoever. OK? My concern...
27
October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Let me interrupt you here for a second, if I may, for a
clarification.
Commissioner Plummer: Sure.
Mayor Suarez: As stated, the motion would, of course, include new applicants,
so that if we're not able to implement the part for existing employees...
Commissioner Plummer: He said all.
Mayor Suarez: ...at least that would go into effect, would it not, Mr. City
Attorney, if it becomes an ordinance?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Beg pardon?
Mayor Suarez: As stated, the motion includes all employees - that includes
all new applicants - so at least that portion would go into effect, if...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, of course. And, Mr. Mayor, I have absolutely no
problem - I think it is an excellent idea, OK? We, if we want to run for this
City Commission, we've got to reside in the City of Miami, so we're not
imposing upon new employees anything different than what is being imposed upon
us as a commissioner.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But if I move out of the City, J.L., I lose my seat.
Commissioner Plummer: That's correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So why when you move out the City, they can't lost their
jobs?
Commissioner Plummer: Because when you ran for that job you knew what the
rules were.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: They knew what the rules were. I just showed you they
knew what it was and they applied to change them, J.L.
Commissioner Plummer: No. What it's saying here is, is in Dade County, OK?
Mayor Suarez: OK, let's complete the statements and vote, please.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, let me continue.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Plummer: My concern has to be about the poor devil who is up to
his neck in obligations, who is now, by this motion, going to be forced to
move back. And there is no question that the man that lives in Pembroke
Pines, that lives in a house that's a $100,000, if he would try to enjoy the
same life-style here in this City, is going to have to spend $200,000 to get
the same life-style. It's the difference between the urban and in the City.
I can accept that which I heard last evening to go even further, that if, for
whatever reason, that man sells that residence, his next one will be in the
City of Miami. I think that's fair. I think that's fair. They might not
like it, but at least we're not strangling that man. You know, in the private
sector, when they force a man to move, the private sector picks up the tab.
They will, in fact, subsidize him between what he sells his house for and what
he buys a new one, and they pay for the transfer, they pay for the movers,
they pay for all of that, and none of that's been discussed here today. And I
guess it's rightfully so because we don't have the money. I would love to
wake up tomorrow morning and see every City employee live in the City of
Miami. I would love to see that. I think it's a great idea, and it should
be. The only area that I disagree is in the area where a man is up to his
neck in obligations, and now you're going to force him to abandon all of that,
take all the losses that he's obviously going to have to take, and force him
to spend more money to become a resident.
Mayor Suarez: All right.
Commissioner Plummer: I just can't accept that.
fair.
I just don't think it's
28 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner De Yurre: Let's talk about that concept...
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner De Yurre.
Commissioner De Yurre: ...which is the one that I've expounded publicly
already, and let's take it in a different light. What about - is there any
differentiation in this concept... Again, you know, the market - you can't
sell a damn thing nowadays and get what the property's worth because the
market is terrible, you know, and it depends on the conditions, and most of
the people that work in the City of Miami, they've probably got their life
savings put into their home.
Commissioner Plummer: It's the biggest purchase anybody makes.
Commissioner De Yurre: Now, what about any difference between the individual
that owns a home and the one that rents. Can we make any distinction there?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, I could, very definitely. You're asking me? A
man who rents, at the end of his lease, yes, that it's required that he has to
move in. I have no problem with that.
Commissioner De Yurre: So then, because the grandfathering concept, I think,
is one that we need to take into consideration, certainly with the ones that
own property outside the City of Miami. I think that's something that needs
to be addressed. And, again, with that concept that if you sell your
property, if you move out of that property, you have to move into the City of
Miami.
Mayor Suarez: The problem, as you're proposing, if you try to make a
distinction on the basis of what kind of property is owned, you're really
going to be, pretty soon, making an exception for people who are, in effect,
in a little bit better economic position because they happen to own a home
than if they may be renting, so I suggest to you that if you want to
grandfather, that you either do it as a grandfather of all employees who
presently reside outside of the City, and who have a certain number of years
of service, or, as proposed by the Vice Mayor, in the City, or that you simply
make it all employees who happen to presently be employees and who happen to
reside outside the City.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That is the motion.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you could also add it this way, that if they
change their address, for whatever reason, whether it's rental, or whatever.
Mayor Suarez: And that would catch anyone...
Commissioner Plummer: If they change their address...
Mayor Suarez: Their domicile -
Commissioner Plummer: Then their next address shall be in the City of Miami.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: I have no problem with that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That is not a part of my motion.
Commissioner Plummer: I understand that.
Mayor Suarez: But I'm just suggesting that as we discuss the possibility of
an exemption, or a grandfathering, that we don't get into the issue of whether
the person owns property or not, because that, constitutionally, would create
all kinds of problems.
Commissioner De Yurre: I just wanted to see if there was any distinction that
should be made on that issue.
Mayor Suarez: And the issue of hardship is one that makes good reading in the
transcript, and I know we're all concerned about it, but the fact of the
matter is, Commissioner Plummer, that in many, many cases, if people were
required to live in the City, and if they did own property outside the City,
29 October 25, 1990
0
or were residing outside the City, they may actually find that in some
neighborhoods in the City they can live for a heck of a lot less and be a lot
closer to the workplace and pay less in transportation than otherwise. So I
understand what you're saying, and in many cases it would cause a hardship.
People have a home that has a very low mortgage, and that may not have a good
resale value right now, but hardship is not individually something we can
consider. We're going to have to look at it as a category of exemptions, if
we're going to put in an exemption and, if not, pass it and see how well we
can negotiate with the unions, as has been proposed in the motion. Does your
motion still include, by the way, an exemption for people with a certain
number of years of service?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, no.
Mayor Suarez: OK. No exemptions in the motion as made?
Commissioner Plummer: No, he withdrew that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You see, the reason I say that is, we sit up here and we
are not being fair, you know. Everybody talks in terms of what's going to
happen if, and we're concerned up here... is there are no more taxes to be
levied. We are at the ten mill cap. The citizens of the City of Miami does
not pass any bond issues. The City Manager, now, is scrapping to find funds,
so next year if we have to lay off 50 policemen, 20 firemen, 10 garbage
collectors, 16 park tenders, they will be without a job. What is the hardship
then? Because they are working for the City of Miami and they reside outside
of the City of Miami, it's less of a hardship then, than it would be now if
he's required to move into the City of Miami? No, he'll be without a job.
So, I fail... and frankly I think, Mr. Mayor, we'd better... it was a pocket
item, and since it's my motion I'd like to call the question.
Mayor Suarez: OK, we have a motion as stated. It's been seconded for
discussion. Does the second still...
Commissioner De Yurre: But what is... Can you repeat the motion?
Mayor Suarez: The motion, I believe, is that with an implementation date of
18 months from the effective date of the ordinance the City Attorney be
instructed to bring back an ordinance that requires all City employees to
reside in the City of Miami, and that the City Manager be instructed that in
labor negotiations that be a provision of what is negotiated with all the
different unions.
Commissioner Plummer: No, no take. All give, no take.
Mayor Suarez: That's the motion.
Commissioner Plummer: He called the question.
Mayor Suarez: So moved. You second it still?
Commissioner De Yurre: My concern is I want the residency requirement and I
would like, and I do want to vote for the residency requirement. My concern
is the actual implementation and how to go about it. Can you make a motion
for the residency and then move on, and then make your second motion?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: If someone is desirous of making a substitute motion,
they may do so. I intend to vote for my motion as it is.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And Commissioner Alonso has assured me that she is voting
for it as is, so that means that Commissioner Alonso and I only need one more
vote for this to become the law of the City of Miami.
Mayor Suarez: OK, do we have any substitut.e...
Commissioner Plummer: I'll make a substitute motion.
Mayor Suarez: Substitute motion.
30 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: I'll make a substitute motion that the difference being
that anyone who lives outside of the City of Miami at the inception of the 18-
month rule, from that day forward, if they change address, will be required to
have an address... Excuse me, if they change that address - their residency
address - that they will have a residence address in the City of Miami. I'll
offer that as a substitute.
Mayor Suarez: So they are grand£athered in to the extent of their existing
domicile.
Commissioner Plummer: Their existing obligations and domicile, yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: Are you saying from what point, now?
Commissioner Plummer: From the 18 months when this ordinance becomes
effective that he's proposing.
Commissioner De Yurre: No, but what he's proposing is that you have to live
in the City within 18 months.
Commissioner Plummer: Victor, excuse me. I have no problem with putting that
in today, OK, as effective whenever this ordinance is effective.
Mayor Suarez: So you don't get 18 months worth of grandfathering in efforts
by people.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, that's fine, that everybody runs out and buys a
residency so they'll have one outside.
Commissioner De Yurre: That's right.
Commissioner Plummer: I have no problem that whenever the second...
Commissioner De Yurre: As of today, wherever you live today.
Commissioner Plummer: That's correct.
Commissioner De Yurre: I'll second that motion.
Mayor Suarez: So moved and seconded. Any discussion on that motion? It does
not preclude, Commissioners, the restating - actually it's already before us -
of the other motion, so we'll take votes on both.
Commissioner Plummer: Right.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so moved and seconded. Any further discussion on that? If
not, please call the roll.
Commissioner Alonso: Are we going to vote now on the one on the substitute
motion?
Mayor Suarez: On the substitute motion.
Commissioner Plummer: Substitute first.
Mayor Suarez: But we also will vote on the initial one.
Commissioner Alonso: All right. OK.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me. If the substitute passes, then you don't
vote on the initial one.
Mayor Suarez: Well, it may be restated.
Commissioner Alonso: Well, there was a second. It means that Commissioner De
Yurre...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: If it doesn't pass, then you vote on the other one.
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly.
31 October 25, 1990
0
Mayor Suarez: Yes, if it really does substitute the first one, but I'll
entertain the other motion because I think we ought to get on the table
exactly how we feel about the more sweeping proposal that the Vice Mayor has
made. OK.
Commissioner Alonso: So, Commissioner Dawkins has a motion on the table.
Commissioner De Yurre had previously seconded the motion...
Mayor Suarez: Seconded it.
Commissioner Alonso: But then...
Mayor Suarez: He's withdrawn his second.
Commissioner Alonso: He's withdrawn...
Mayor Suarez: He's filing a substitute motion. That one has been seconded.
Commissioner De Yurre: I'm seconding J.L.'s substitute motion.
Commissioner Alonso: I'm willing to support Commissioner Dawkins.
Commissioner De Yurre: I have just seconded J.L.'s substitute motion.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. City Attorney, if this is voted on favorably does it
preclude a motion as per the first motion of the Vice Mayor?
Mr. Fernandez: Vice Mayor Dawkins's motion then does not come up for a vote.
Mayor Suarez: Does it preclude it being restated and seconded and then put to
a vote?
Mr. Fernandez: Well, you can, you can, it can be removed as a separate
motion, and then if it's inconsistent with the substitute motion that passed,
it wouldn't make sense.
Mayor Suarez: That's what I'm asking, and you're stating the answer as a
condition.
Commissioner Plummer: Sure.
Mayor Suarez: Is it inconsistent to then vote and get a sense of the
Commission as to whether they would like to - whether we have a majority in
! favor of the more sweeping reform proposed by the Vice Mayor?
Mr. Fernandez: It would be totally inconsistent, if the substitute motion
passes, to then consider Vice Mayor Dawkins's motion because the two would
have completely different results.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Boy, I know how George Bush feels.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but thank God I'm not a Republican!
Commissioner Alonso: But Vice Mayor Dawkins had a motion and we were not
given the opportunity to second his motion because we were waiting to see what
Commission...
Mayor Suarez: That's true, but if you seconded it now -
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, I do.
Mayor Suarez: Then the substitute motion still has to go first.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: If the substitute motion fails, Commissioner De Yurre,
I'll restate my motion, looking for a second. And if we get a second, then we
have...
Mayor Suarez: And it's on the table because Commissioner Alonso is in fact
seconding, and it will be voted on because I'm going to vote against this
motion, anyhow, so let's just try and take the vote.
32 October 25, 1990
0
Commissioner Plummer: Let's get technical.
Mayor Suarez: That solves it.
Commissioner Plummer: There is no substitute or main motion on the floor.
You can't have a substitute to a main motion that doesn't have a second.
Mayor Suarez: She just seconded it.
Ms. Hirai: Commissioner De Yurre seconded.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, you seconded it. I'm sorry.
Mayor Suarez: But it doesn't matter because we're going to take a vote on the
substitute motion...
Commissioner De Yurre: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: ...and I don't think it will pass. Yes, Commissioner De Yurre.
Commissioner De Yurre: Mr. Mayor, one thing that I want to point out is that
when I'm thinking of City employees - you know, I just saw Matthew Schwartz -
I'm talking about DDA and any extension, any arm of the City of Miami.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you want to include in there, as Dawkins had,
that anyone that is on City payroll.
Commissioner De Yurre: That's right.
Mayor Suarez: Including City agencies and authorities.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll include that in the substitute motion.
Mr. Fernandez: DDA is not City payroll, neither is Department of Off -Street
Parking, City payroll. They have their own separate proceedings, personnel,
payroll, and everything else.
Mayor Suarez: Do you mean to include City agencies and authorities?
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, whatever - as many people as we can get involved
in this thing. Legally, you tell me who we can.
Mayor Suarez: Including City agencies and authorities, pursuant...
Commissioner Plummer: That's a scatter gun!
Commissioner Alonso: All City employees. It should be as clear as it can be.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Any time you vote on their budget, they're your
employees.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, now. I'm sorry to disagree with you.
Mayor Suarez: That's the intent of the motion. It includes City agencies and
authorities whose budgets are approved by this Commission. How about that?
Commissioner Plummer: If we don't pay them, we can't dictate to them.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But if we don't sign their budget, they don't have any
money.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, if you want to go to that extent, f ine. If they
don't do what you say, you replace all the members.
Mayor Suarez: All right, if not, we'll take that - right - we'll take that as
a separate motion.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mayor Suarez: All right, let's just leave the definition of City employees.
It hasn't been drafted into an ordinance yet. It hasn't been enacted, and it
hasn't been negotiated with the unions, so... We have the substitute
motion...
33 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: I only have one further question, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: ...for grandfathering existing employees. Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: If the substitute motion passes, does that have to be
negotiated in union contracts?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, you would still have to negotiate with the unions the
issue of prospective employees as it would be applied to them.
Commissioner Plummer: Thank you, sir.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so moved and seconded. Any discussion on the substitute
motion that grandfathers in existing employees? If not, please call the roll.
THEREUPON, A SUBSTITUTE MOTION DULY MADE BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER
AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DE YURRE (ESTABLISHING A RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENT, BUT GRANDFATHERING IN ALL PRESENT CITY EMPLOYEES AS
OF THE INCEPTION OF THE 18-MONTH PERIOD) FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
NOES: Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
ABSENT: None.
Mayor Suarez: No, I vote no, and I'll entertain the first motion, the more
sweeping motion. We actually have it on the table because you seconded it.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: This would give an 18-month implementation and call for the
City Manager to include it in all union negotiations. Let me say on that,
that because of those facts, it makes sense, from my perspective, to vote for
the more sweeping reform because we're going to be negotiating very intensely,
and in the process of negotiating we or may not have to build in some
exceptions under the law. And, as such, I'd much rather take that approach
which puts the existing City employees, represented by the unions, in a
position of having to bargain a little bit harder than they would otherwise,
so that's why I'm going to vote favorably to the second motion, although - to
the initial reform, although it may ultimately lead to something fairly
similar. All right. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? If riot,
please call the roll.
Ms. Hirai: Excuse me, Mr. Mayor, since Commissioner De Yurre had withdrawn
his second...
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner Alonso seconded, for the third time. Please call
the roll.
34
October 25, 1990
The following motion was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved its
adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-824
A MOTION INSTRUCTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO DRAFT
APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION (TO BE READY BY 2:30 P.M. THIS
AFTERNOON) ESTABLISHING A RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT AND
STATING THAT ALL PRESENT CITY OF MIAMI EMPLOYEES -
INCLUDING EMPLOYEES OF CITY AGENCIES AND AUTHORITIES
WHOSE BUDGETS ARE APPROVED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
COMMISSION- MUST RESIDE WITHIN CITY LIMITS TO ENSURE
THAT TAX DOLLARS CIRCULATE BACK INTO THE SYSTEM;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER NOT TO NEGOTIATE
ANY FUTURE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT THAT DOES
NOT INCLUDE SAID RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT; AND FURTHER
DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENFORCE SAID RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENT 18 MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
INSTRUMENT.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr..
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Commissioner De Yurre: I want to be a part of the effort because I think it's
important that residency apply to our employees. I didn't want it to be as
strict as is being proposed here, but I do want to be on the record saying
that I do believe in this effort and that is why I'm voting yes.
Commissioner Plummer: I think the intent is good. I think morally it's
unfair, and I have to vote no.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. URGE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING TO SELL TO THE CITY, AT COST,
MUNICIPAL LOT 10 IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW WASHINGTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY
BASED ORGANIZATION'S HOTEL PROJECT (AT N.W. 1 STREET AND N. MIAMI AVENUE
ON SOUTH SIDE OF N.W. 5 STREET).
Mayor Suarez: We have a group here that is interested, I believe, in the
whole issue of Washington Heights. I sent a memo to the Commissioners, I
think, with five days' notice, although it may or may not lead to legislative
action, I think the concern properly stated is that what we thought we had
done with Washington Heights, which is to make land available, I think,
essentially, for free, I mean, so that you could build this exciting project -
I know your counselor is here - somehow is being bogged down with technical
impediments being placed in the way of carrying out this project which,
everywhere I turn, is seen as unique in the United States, minority owned
hotel. And, George, where are we on this thing? What do we need to do to get
this going?
Commissioner Plummer: That was tied in with the Off Street Parking Authority.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it is and it's also tied in apparently to our bonding...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That's my problem, J.L., I really don't know why - well,
let me wait till they finish, I won't...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, what do we need to do to get this thing going? If it was
our intention to make available land that is owned by... to me, the Off Street
35 October 25, 1990
0 0
Parking Authority is part of the City, I've always made that my submission.
But, anyhow, George, what do we have to do to get this thing going?
Mr. George Knox: All right, to state it simply - for the record, I'm George
Knox, I'm an attorney with offices at 25 W. Flagler Street, penthouse. And I
represent the New Washington Heights Community Development Conference and I'd
like to acknowledge the presidents of the chairman of the board, Father Barry,
and former Vice Mayor Athalie Range, along with the construction manager and
the financial advisor to the project. And I can tell you quite simply that
there is a difficulty and the difficulty is that there has been no provision
made to the satisfaction of those people who will ultimately finance this
twenty million dollar ($20,000,000) project regarding the cost of the land.
The Off Street Parking Board has indicated, from the beginning I might add,
it's expectation that it would be compensated for the value of the land on
which the project is to be constructed. Off Street expects to be compensated
in the amount of 3.5 million dollars. We negotiated an agreement with joint
venturer to the effect that we would endeavor to obtain some assurance that
over a period of seven years, there will be a mechanism that will be developed
that would compensate Off Street parking for the land and Off Street has
agreed to have a deferral of any actual payment until that time. When the
developer presented the proposal to his financiers, they concluded that it was
not financially feasible if the cost of the property would have to be included
as a cost of the project. Because that would raise the cost of the project
from around twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) to something more than
twenty-three million dollars ($23,000,000) and that's not feasible against a
two hundred and twenty-five or two hundred and twenty-three room hotel.
Because the basis of the amortizing of the cost would come out to about a
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per room and the thumb nail, or if you
will, is that in order to recover a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per
room, it will be necessary to charge more than a hundred dollars ($100) per
night per room. And the profile of the hotel is such that we don't expect
that it would be competitive unless we have prices that are competitive with
the existing market. And that's somewhere between sixty-five and eighty-five
dollars a room. So, our problem is that we need to be able to give assurance
that through the mechanism of tax increment financing, the City could ensure
that the Off Street Parking Board will be compensated or at a minimum, can
guarantee, if you will, the developer, the joint venture partner, that there
will be no requirement on the part of the project to include the cost of the
land. I hope that was concise.
Mayor Suarez: Let me just clarify because, as a City, we seem to be
approaching these things a little bit wrong. What is there on the land right
now?
Mr. Knox: The land right now has a surface parking lot.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Does anybody have any idea how much it brings in in
revenues on a yearly basis right now?
Mr. Knox: Less than a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). It's not a very
heavily used...
Mayor Suarez: Profitable use of the land.
Mr. Knox: That's correct.
Mayor Suarez: We have - I think you're telling me, that after ten years of
working hard, a community based organization has found a joint venture
developer that will finance a two hundred and how many room hotel?
Mr. Knox: Two hundred and twenty-three room hotel.
Mayor Suarez: Which, in this particular case, will be essentially black -
owned - although I'm sure that the developer is going to be looking for some
kind of a profit - and all of you here are for that purpose, including a
former City Commissioner, including Father Barry, who heads our ad hoc
committee for investigation of the disturbance that took place in that
neighborhood. Now, does the Off Street Parking Authority not realize that if
a hotel is built there, at no risk to us other than the use of the land, that
we're going to get more a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) a year in
parking revenues just from the people that are going to be attracted to that
area? I mean, I....
36 October 25, 1990
Mr. Knox: I can tell you two things in response, Mr. Mayor. Number one, we
are also required by the tentative terms of the agreement to, number one,
compensate them for the lost revenues during the construction, and to provide
sufficient parking spaces in the structure to the tune of another...
Mayor Suarez: That hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) a year has to be
compensated back to the Off Street Parking Authority.
Mr. Knox: During the period of construction, plus we have to...
Mayor Suarez: And so the only thing at issue is the value of the .land where
now you have just surface parking.
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir, and I can tell you that the City Attorney where as
counsel to the Off Street Parking Board, I believe he will concur, that the
concern, the apparent concern, of the Off Street Parking is that they somehow
violate trust indentures if they don't receive the fair market value of
property that they own when they dispose of.
Commissioner Plummer: How much did they pay for it?
Mayor Suarez: Good question. Darn good question.
Mr. Knox: They did not pay very much for it. One of the proposals that was
advanced to the Downtown Development Authority in a different discussion had
to do with whether or not. Off Street could simply be compensated for whatever
it paid for the property when it originally acquired it and this was not met
with much favorable response from the Off Street Parking Board.
Commissioner Plummer: How much did they pay for it?
Mr. Knox: I can't tell you the exact amount. And I don't think that they are
really certain because they acquired it some time ago.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, obviously, they got to know what it's worth. I
mean, can they substantiate their asking price of 3.55?
Mr. Knox: What they've done, they've done an appraisal based on the formula
that appraisals generally use and that is the highest and best use for the
property in today's market and they determined that that would represent a
value of around 3.5 million dollars.
Commissioner Plummer: George, that's not my point. You know, I think the Off
Street Parking Authority is entitled to come out whole. If they paid a less
price for it, I don't think they should make a profit off of a community
project. Now, but if, in fact, they are obligated, hypothetically, for two
million dollars and that's what they've got in it, then I think they're
entitled to that. They've got to substantiate their bonds and they've got to
show cash flow and revenue. The next question that I....
Mayor Suarez: Well, wait, wait, you just hit the nail on the head. They've
got to substantiate their bonds by showing the ability to pay them back
through revenues. They are bringing in a developer with a large credit
statement that guarantees the payment of the equivalent amount of rental for
this property, plus they're going to build there a parking facility with more
automobiles, right?
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: So they're actually putting the Off Street Parking Authority in
a better situation in terms of their ability to get income from this land.
They're guaranteeing a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) a year, J.L.
Commissioner Plummer: To the property.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, to the Authority.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but...
Mayor Suarez: During the time of construction. After construction, there
will be a bigger facility, it will be not just surface parking, but two, three
floors.
37 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: So, in other words, am I to understand what New
Washington Heights wants to do is lease the property on an annual guarantee?
Mr. Knox: Well, the arrangement now is that the property will be leased from
Off Street. However, the return that Off Street is expecting is a return that
will allow for them to receive the fair market value of the property. And
what we have structured to this point is a 20 year lease with a balloon
payment, if you will, after the first six years, on the seventh anniversary of
the operation of the facility.
Commissioner Plummer: And after twenty years it would revert back to the Off
Street Parking Authority?
Mr. Knox: Or the lease. There are two additional options provided in the
lease.
Mayor Suarez: But, during construction, while there's no facility there,
while it cannot be used for parking, you're guaranteeing the amount that they
are now receiving in a streams of revenues there.
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: And then afterwards there will be a structure there. There
will be a developer with a large credit line to... there will be more parking
spaces and there will be an attraction built on there that would presumably
attract more people to park there.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but...
Mr. Knox: Now, I can add...
Commissioner Plummer: ...the parking that they would be providing would be
for the occupants of the hotel.
Mr. Knox: No, that's what I wanted to answer, Commissioner Plummer. We are
also committed to construct a parking garage consisting of four hundred and
fifty spaces, when less than two hundred are required to service the hotel.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, there's also one being constructed right now by
the state right next door. That's under construction. George...
Mayor Suarez: Now, the catch is that the fair market value return after a
certain number of years. If they...
Commissioner Plummer: No, I don't see it that way.
Mayor Suarez: OK, if they have to return back to them this supposed fair
market value of this land at three and a half million dollars ($3,500,000)
which, God knows where they got that from, as opposed to whatever they paid
for it or as opposed to zero, because the whole idea is it's a public agency
that wants to - that should be in the business of trying to improve public
welfare by creating an important project - but anyhow, let's assume your
question. Let's say that they paid for it half a million dollars ($500,000).
Is that an at all a good guess? -what they may have paid for this land?
Mr. Knox: I believe that's a good guess. They acquired it some time ago as a
part of a whole slum and blight clearance program to the best of my
recollection, but I have no idea about the original cost.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, if they paid a half a million ($500,000) dollars,
then in my estimation, a hundred thousand a year guarantee is too high.
Mayor Suarez: Then they're getting more out of it and then...
Commissioner Plummer: Not necessarily.
Mayor Suarez: ...expecting a fair market return.
Commissioner Plummer: All right, Mr. Mayor, if, in fact, you know, we're
talking in circles because we don't know. But, if they paid two million
dollars ($2,000,000) for that property, I think in any fair market value, the
38 October 25, 1990
•.
4W
Authority would be entitled to two hundred thousand dollars a year. Ten
percent return on your investment is a good return.
Mayor Suarez: On your cost investment.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir. So, what I'm saying is, without knowing what
their bottom line is and what they have involved actual hard dollars,
including litigation to acquire that property, how can you make a
determination what is a fair return without knowing the bottom line?
Mayor Suarez: Well, they've been trying to do it, the Off Street Parking
Authority has been trying to do it on the estimate of what they think the land
is worth now.
Commissioner Plummer: No, well, I don't agree with that.
Mayor Suarez: I got you, I got you. So we're headed in the right direction.
Mr. City Attorney, are you about to tell us that even if we knew that the land
was half a million dollars when it was purchased, let's say, by the Off Street
Parking Authority, that we can't tell them that they must make it available on
that basis on return of the cost value and not fair market value? Is that
what you're going to tell us?
Mr. Jorge Fernandez: Correct. For the following reasons. First of all, the
group that's here in front of you today is here as a result of a competitive
process in which they responded to an RFP and it was a condition of the RFP
that the property, the land to be acquired, would be acquired at fair market
value. That being a condition of the RFP on which the...
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, acquired by lease or purchase?
Mr. Fernandez: Long term lease.
Commissioner Plummer: Twenty years is not a long term.
Mr. Fernandez: That is subject to...
Mayor Suarez: Twenty year minimum lease. Let's not quibble on what is long
term.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, all right. What you're saying is...
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: ...a long term lease, not a purchase.
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Continue.
Mr. Fernandez: Number one, number two, that while you may be today expressing
your policy and your beliefs in this regard, as counsel for the Department of
Off Street Parking and for that board, may I caution you that they are dealing
with this item. In the absence of their executive director here, or in the
absence of any board member here who can represent to you what their position
is, I can only tell you that the issue of the RFP and, secondly, that the bond
indenture concerns that they have from a financial perspective, from their
actuarial perspective, is very serious. And so for those two reasons, they're
insisting that they must receive - in whichever way, in a structured payment,
and the negotiations that have already taken place, a seventh anniversary lump
sum payment has been considered and the like, but that they, over the life of
the lease, receive fair market value and those are valid considerations on the
part of the Department of Off Street Parking.
Commissioner Alonso: The guarantee that they have for the bonds, is on the
basis of the fair market value? -or based on the cost of acquiring the
property?
Commissioner Plummer: It's the obligation when the bonds were bought.
Commissioner Alonso: The obligation is and they are guaranteeing what they
are making now and receiving for the actual parking lot, which one is the
guarantee that they have?
39 October 25, 1990
0
Mr. Fernandez: I wish I could honestly answer...
Commissioner Alonso: Because that is a very important factor.
Mr. Fernandez: Bond counsel will be here...
Mayor Suarez: And I would submit that when...
Mr. Fernandez: ...bond counsel would be in a better position to answer that.
Mayor Suarez: ...that when bond counsel shows up, and we may have to consider
that a little later on today, all he'll be able to tell us, Commissioner, I'm
pretty sure, is that the Off Street Parking Authority, in its issuance of
_ bonds, have to show the ability to have a debt service ratio of at least 1.25,
which they will have - in fact, this will probably enhance that ability - and
a certain amount of capital in the bank, which they typically wanted to keep a
million and a half dollars. The rest of it, as far as I'm concerned, is
totally unnecessary from bond counsel and from everybody else around here, who
is always trying to tell us how not to do the kinds of things we want to do.
And if anybody has a bond indenture or an opinion of a court that says the
opposite, I'd like to see it. If they want to just bring an attorney that
says, well, you know, I just don't think this is a good idea or I want to
caution you, to quote the City Attorney, I'm not interested in your cautions.
I'm interested in getting this project done and as long as we logically and
thoughtfully think that as a matter of public policy, this will put us in a
better position, which I think it will, if we go forward with this project, it
will bring some major capital investment in that very site that is now owned
by the Off Street Parking Authority as an agency of the City of Miami. And,
for myself, as a trustee of the City of Miami, that's what I consider them to
_ be, then let's do the doggone thing. Now, the alternative, George, I think
that you were going to suggest to us, is that from tax increment bond
financing, we guarantee back this payment to the Off Street Parking Authority.
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: And, I think the City is going to hopefully tell us that that
is an eminently good idea and something that we ought to do.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Explain to me what you're saying, George.
Mayor Suarez: George.
Mr. Knox: What I'm saying is that we believe and we have at least a very,
very informal indication from an individual who is bond counsel with respect
to the tax increment financing program for Overtown/Park West, that the City
can either acquire the property or use tax increment funds to actually acquire
the property and give hard dollars to Off Street Parking, or they can
guarantee the ultimate payment from the tax increment financing source. Now,
when we negotiate...
Mayor Suarez: George, we've evolved to a point here that's very interesting,
supposing we were to acquire it from the Off Street Parking Authority at their
cost. Can we do that?
Commissioner Plummer: We can condemn.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, at fair market value you can do that.
Mayor Suarez: That's not what I said.
Mr. Fernandez: Oh, you can...
Mayor Suarez: Did I say fair market value? I said, at their cost, whatever
they paid for it. Can we legally acquire this property from an agency of the
City at their cost? If we can't, we may as well just close the doors and
cancel City Hall here.
Mr. Fernandez: No, the answer is no. The answer is no.
Mayor Suarez: We cannot acquire land that an agency of the City owns at the
same price that they paid for it.
40 October 25, 1990
Mr. Fernandez: Not from the Department of Off Street Parking, sir, you
cannot.
Commissioner Alonso: Maybe I'm wrong...
Commissioner Plummer: Unless they agree to it.
Mr. Fernandez: Unless they agree to, of course.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, that's a good point.
Mayor Suarez: Well, can we if they agree to it?
Mr. Fernandez: Of, yes, of course, if they agree to....
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Alonso: Because often enough, we find that they do business with
parking lots that they have all over the City and somehow, they just pass
someone else and they start doing business. And it has never been a problem.
I think that we can discuss with them the possibility that they agree due to
the importance of this project and the interest that the City of Miami has, to
complete and finalize this project that has been going on for so many years
and finally we have all things together, properly done, and this is the only
problem that is delaying the conclusion of this business.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and by the way, as soon as we buy it from them, if they
agree to it, we intend to ask them for the money back because we need it for
all kinds of other projects.
Commissioner Alonso: I love that.
Mayor Suarez: You may not want to tell them that, George, but...
Commissioner Plummer: George, let me ask this question, because I assume it's
a matter of public record now because there was a bidding proposal.
Mr. Knox: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Who were the successful bidders?
Mr. Knox: New Washington Heights... No, what I'm saying is, the successful
bidding took place with respect to the grant of development rights for the
parcel and New Washington Heights won this.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Knox: Now, having won the development rights, New Washington Heights
spent at least another three years trying to find a joint venture partner.
They ultimately found a joint venture partner whose corporate name is Monsieur
International. It is an international organization. The principal is a man
named Joseph Monsieur, who's done substantial investment and performed
substantial projects in American. He's from Egypt.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, I'm aware of that.
Mr. Knox: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, that's fine, that gets it built.
Mr. Knox: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: Do they have a commitment from a major hotel or from
any hotel chain for twenty years?
Mr. Knox: All right, we have a significant letter of interest from Days Inn
to operate - to grant a franchise...
Commissioner Plummer: George, George, excuse me. A letter of interest
doesn't mean a damn.
41 October 25, 1990
Mr. Knox: I know, but we can't get a commitment until they are satisfied that
the project is going to be done.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, here is my concern, OK? We do what the Mayor
suggested and I think that's a good avenue to travel. We pay from tax
increment. If there's any loss or default from tax increment monies, the
public are going to be on top of our head that you didn't, you, the
Commission, did not adequately inquire as to whether or not this was a viable
financial situation and as such, now you're going to use our tax increment
dollars to bail this thing out. I'm saying is...
Mayor Suarez: No, no, no, no, remember we're using it to acquire property at
cost, which they, themselves are saying by the hypothetical that we have
before us, that it's worth seven times that amount assuming...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, OK, I understand that. If we go the route of
acquiring.
Mayor Suarez: I mean, if anything, we're doing a damn good acquisition for
the public.
Commissioner Plummer: What George was, in fact, doing was talking about the
guaranteeing of the balloon payment from ad valorem - of tax increment. In
other words, what I'm saying...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, but balloon payment only on the acquisition, on the fair
market return on the land.
Commissioner Plummer: I understand that.
Mayor Suarez: But if we bring that back down to the cost by acquiring it from
the Off Street Parking, it's...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I guess really the bottom line is that I
need some comfort, that whatever the proposal is, is going to be a viable
proposal. OK?
Mr. Knox: All right, let me... and I'll just indicate...
Commissioner Plummer: And at this particular point, a letter of interest
doesn't mean that they're going to proceed.
Mayor Suarez: But, J.L., from the standpoint of us as trustees for the public
interest in buying this land, if we choose to use tax increment bond financing
for it.. .
Commissioner Plummer: To purchase.
Mayor Suarez: Right, to purchase.
Commissioner Plummer: Have no problem.
Mayor Suarez: OK, that is all our involvement. From that point forward,
everything that is on that land enhances the value of that land including the
fact that it's actually a lot more expensive, even at this point, let alone if
they build this project. So we have protected the public interest...
Commissioner Plummer: So, what you're saying in your scenario, if it goes
bad, it comes back to the City of Miami.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, we own this.. we could own the thing lock, stock, and
barrel, presumably.
Mr. Knox: You become the landlord, you become the other contracting party.
Now, I want to add one more thing because what you said, Commissioner
Plummer...
Mayor Suarez: Could become an administration building, Commissioner De Yurre
just said.
Commissioner Alonso: Great. Now, I want it to succeed.
42 October 25, 1990
e
Mr. Knox: I mean, for purposes of your comfort level...
Mayor Suarez: For five hundred thousand dollars, can you imagine? That's how
much we pay a year just to lease the space. In fact, that's less, a lot less.
Mr. Knox: For purposes of your comfort level at this point, I just want to
amplify on what Mayor Suarez has indicated. This project has become a high
priority project for the Downtown Development Authority and they've gone on
record to that effect, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the
Hotel and Motel Owners Associations, the Greater Miami Coalition of Community
Development Corporations, and every private... and the Greater Miami Chamber
of Commerce, and every private sector entity that is very concerned these days
about the establishment of a significant commercial institution in the black
community.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How many dollars are they going to contribute, since
they're so interested?
Mr. Knox: Well, they're contributing inkind services...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Inkind, no, no, no...
Commissioner Plummer: That's where their interest stops.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I mean, I think you speak perfect English, OK? But be
sure you understand that how much bread they going to give us. I bet you
understand that.
Commissioner Plummer: You won't even get a half a loaf, I'll guarantee you.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See, he don't understand...
Mr. Knox: No, but they are...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How much money are they giving us, George?
Commissioner Plummer: A handful of "Howdy," and a mouthful of "Much obliged."
Mr. Knox: You can't really measure it in terms of...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: George, George, George, I'm your friend. How many
dollars are they giving us?
Mr. Knox: They're not giving us any dollars.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Any dollars, so don't tell me nothing about how they feel
about it, OK?
Commissioner Plummer: There you go.
Mr. Knox: But they're not giving us...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Talk to us, I mean...
Mr. Knox: They're not giving us a slice of bread, but they're giving us an
opportunity to have a slice of the pie.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How?
Commissioner Plummer: No, they're giving us the opportunity to look at the
loaf.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How, George?
Mr. Knox: Because what they're doing, Commission, and I'm very serious about
this...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Me too.
Mr. Knox: ...is raising the consciousness and raising the profile of this
project.
43 October 25, 1990
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You see, every time you talk about helping black folks,
you talk about raising consciousness and making us feel good and making us
feel better and doing what's right, then you don't put no money. You have to
have money in order to accomplish these things you're talking about. So you
go back and tell them Miller Dawkins say, I don't need their good will. I
need money.
Mr. Knox: But, we need their technical assistance.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See? So if they are going - if they're that interested
in the development of this project, put a half a million dollars, OK? Put a
hundred thousand dollars, put a million dollars and then come back and tell me
that we endorse this and here's our money.
Commissioner Plummer: Miller, Miller....
Mr. Knox: That's still your money though. DDA money is your money.
Commissioner Plummer: Miller...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Say what? Wait a minute, let me hear the former City...
Mr. Knox: No, I said DDA money, Downtown Development Authority money is your
money.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But when we vote up here, that's the DDA's part. Where
is the Chamber's part - money? Where is the other people you named money?
You see, everytime you all come down here for us, you know...
Mr. Knox: Can I withdraw that part?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...you all give me a lot of rhetoric about how good it
is, how committed we are, how much you deserve this, and we ought to do this
for you because of the boycott, you do need a hotel. But nobody wants to give
you no money for the hotel. But they're going to stand back with a lot of
verbiage, you know, and put all the monkey on our back and when the hotel does
not get built, they do not say... you know what the Chamber say? Well, we
told them we was in favor of it, but they didn't finance it, George.
Commissioner Plummer: Two points„ First...
Mayor Suarez: Although it is a heck of a lot better idea than the last idea
that emanated from certain sources of that group, such as Bayfront Park, for
example. So...
Commissioner Plummer: Two points. Number one, I'll accept the first dollar,
the first dollar from any one of those groups. And the second point is, if we
took the same position that they take, nothing would ever happen.
Mayor Suarez: All right. Now, Commissioners, are we with or without the good
faith of all the interested groups willing to - hopefully, willing to send a
resolution to the Off Street Parking Authority that we're interested in
acquiring, with tax increment bonds, this land so that we cut through a lot of
the red tape, at their cost, not at fair market value in today's dollars, and
then restructure the equation so that the return on the value of the land ends
up being essentially zero from the standpoint of the community developer.
Commissioner De Yurre: And when you're talking about their cost, their
acquisition cost or their cost of acquisition plus whatever improvement
they've done to the property.
Mayor Suarez: Well, they've paved it, I suppose, but they've been getting a
hundred thousand dollars a year, so, I mean...
Commissioner Plummer: Whatever they got in hard dollars. Whatever they got
in hard dollars.
Mayor Suarez: Yes. If, in their books it's probably real, real low in cost
if you... Aren't I right, Manny, there? But, I mean...
Commissioner Plummer: The next question I have and I'll vote for...
44 October 25, 1990
0
Mayor Suarez: ...even if they've surfaced - improved the surface a little
bit, they probably had depreciation and everything.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll vote for that motion, but I have to ask further
questions. Assuming that we acquire that property, that then puts us in the
driver's seat to negotiate with this entity.
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. Now, are we going to negotiate a return to the
City for our involvement?
Mr. Knox: Well, I would hope not, Mr. Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: There's no free lunches, George.
Mr. Knox: I understand, but remember...
Commissioner Plummer: And these people are not going to develop to be a
nonprofit institution.
Mr. Knox: But that's what they are.
Commissioner Plummer: No, no, no, no. Not the developers and not the hotel.
Mr. Knox: Oh, all right.
Commissioner Plummer: They're there to make money.
Mr. Knox: Yes, but you see, one of the reasons, one of the...
Mayor Suarez: George, before you answer that, let me just say, we have
already the parameters for that kind of negotiation that would be quite
acceptable to them, I believe. What we did with our affordable housing
projects...
Commissioner Plummer: OK. OK. All right.
Mayor Suarez: ...we had mortgages that, for ten years or leases that for ten
years required only minimal interest payments and the actual...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I have no problem with the terms...
Mr. Knox: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: The conditions is what I'm looking at.
Mr. Knox: All right, we'll
Mayor Suarez: All right, and if the Commission were disposed to then make it
available on that basis, I think we would be - remember Commissioner De Yurre
made the motion in the case of the affordable housing projects - I don't see
why we can't do that for a community hotel and...
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Fernandez: To the extent that you may be interested in the legal
ramifications of the decisions...
Mayor Suarez: Not one hell of a lot, but go ahead and try me.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, but the, you know, oh, you know, I've...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, let me ask my question before you get tied up in
the thing. What is the City Attorney's position...
Mr. Fernandez: Uh huh.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...on the legal aspects of this and I want you to assure
me that what we are doing is legal, that this project will not be held up by
45 October 25, 1990
0
going to court and that what we do today will get off the dime and get the
project going. Tell me that legally and that you endorse it and how it's
legal.
Mr. Fernandez: Again, Vice Mayor, do you want short answers, long answers,
reasonable answers?
Commissioner Plummer: How about the right answer?
Mr. Fernandez: All right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, it's all right, I understand. He can't assure me,
that's all, that's good enough. He can't assure me.
Commissioner De Yurre: That's not one of the options.
Commissioner Plummer: How about the right answer?
Mr. Fernandez: There you go.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Now, so none of those options. So, therefore, you cannot
successfully defend us in court, you opine, as you lawyers say. Is that
right?
Mr. Fernandez: No, that's not correct, that's not what I'm saying.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, what are you saying then, sir?
Mr. Fernandez: What I'm saying is, that as to the first leg of this motion
that you're making that acquire the property from DOSP at their acquisition
value, on that I have already given opinion contrary to the way that you
continue to proceed. So that would be subject then, of course, to further
review and to DOSP's bond counsel opining on that and the DOSP board making a
decision on those recommendations.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, now you got where? Now, you're where I want
to be. That's good.
Mr. Fernandez: Assuming for the moment that that is, in fact, viable, that
the City can acquire the land from DOSP at DOSP's acquisitions value, then the
question becomes one for the City's bond counsel, Holland & Knight, Mr.
Freedman is here, for him to answer as to whether the City can use its tax
increment monies for the acquisition of this and the second leg of that
question is whether like Mr. Plummer was saying, shouldn't the City get a
return, a fair market value, for the City's effort in participating in this
venture? Those two answers I would defer to Mr. Freedman, who is the City's
expert, hired by you, to render those legal opinions. Mr. Freedman...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, no, let me... no, let Mr. Freedman stay where he is.
What is your advice to us? -do this or don't do it? All that other stuff, I
mean, was nice. Do you say, do this, or are you telling me not to do it? I
mean when I say me, I mean this Commission.
Mr. Fernandez: You're speaking as to the very narrow issue of approving tax
increment bond monies for this purpose? My recommendation would be no. But
your question to me, is the entire project, my answer would be yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, now, you're going to be a magician. You tell me how
I can do the entire project without money.
Mr. Fernandez: I'll turn to Mr. Herb Bailey for that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, no, no. You're the one...
Mr. Fernandez: No, no.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See, I don't want... if I need money, I'll go to Mano.
Mano handles the money here, OK?
Mr. Fernandez: You certainly don't come to your City Attorney to do magic.
46 October 25, 1990
0 a
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, now, so, but see, what I'm asking you is... you see,
Mr. Mayor, let me tell you so I can short cut through all of this, ever since
I've been here, this issue has come before us, OK? Today I'm hoping that this
issue is put to bed and we're finished with it. There is no point in us
continually to have Miss Bell come before us with more promises. Then she go
and do it, we say, do this. Then she comes back and it's another hurdle, then
she goes and get over that hurdle. Then you come back, it's another hurdle.
This Commission asked Off Street Parking to get with Miss Bell and solve this
problem. Off Street Parking came back to us and said it was solved. Now, I
need to know, from my attorney, why Off Street Parking has not proceeded to
fulfill the agreement by which its board directed its director, Mr. Mulvena,
to help Jackie Bell do this project. Now why hasn't the Off Street Parking
moved forward and this project been completed?
Mr. Fernandez: We have, sir. We have gone as far...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, then...
Mr. Fernandez: We have gone as far as submitting to Mr. George Knox a copy of
a final document that all that we need are his comments and his proving...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Now, wait a minute, hold it one minute.
Mr. Fernandez: ...to present it to the board.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Hold it one minute, hold it one minute. Now, when you
say we, are you speaking as the City Attorney or as the attorney for Off
Street Parking?
Mr. Fernandez: As the attorney for the Department of Off Street Parking.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, now, now, so now go back what we, at Off
Street Parking are saying, go ahead.
Mr. Fernandez: What was that, sir?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Go back and tell me what, as the City Attorney of Off
Street Parking, you're saying so I can differentiate between where we are.
Mr. Fernandez: What I'm telling you is that the Department of Off Street
Parking has proceeded in good faith, in my opinion, to negotiate with Jackie
Bell the issue of her proposal to bid a hotel there.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK.
Mr. Fernandez: And that we're very close to finalizing a lease and as soon as
that lease, all the terms and conditions of the lease are agreed upon, then it
would be presented to the board for the board's final ratification of that to
proceed. There's only one items that's in question here and that is, the
Department of Off Street Parking's request pursuant to the RFP, that it
receive fair market value for the land that they're putting up. That's you
know, and...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See, but then you should tell us, the City Commission, do
not act on this until I have solved the problem with Off Street Parking or you
should put your other hat on, as the City Attorney, and tell me, as your City
Attorney, I'm directing you to go forward and build this hotel.
Mayor Suarez: Well, in fairness to him....
Mr. Fernandez: Perhaps I haven't been all that assertive, but that's, I've
said that in so many words.
Mayor Suarez: Well, in fairness to him, I have told him in pretty, in no
uncertain terms that, you know, for myself, unless what we're doing is
absolutely, clearly, unequivocally illegal, that all he's got to do is just go
out there and figure out a way to do it. Which is, what I think, by the way,
the general thrust of what this Commission has been trying to tell the
administration for some months and some years that that's the way we want you
to act. That we've become a little bit more risk takers than we used to be in
the past in the interests of the community, but so in fairness to him, he's
been trying to tell us how to do it. Now, it just seems, Mr. City Attorney,
47 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Manager, Mr. Finance Director, and everybody, that this has become a
little bit over complicated for what we initially intended to do which was to
make land available for this project. Land that is a surface parking lot,
bringing in a fairly and substantial amount of money at year for the area in
which it's located and that we think is an attraction for a hotel and this
very exciting combination of factors. So, how can we do it, how can we do it
quickly to echo the Vice Mayor, so that it doesn't keep coming back to us?
Should we proceed to give instructions that the Off Street Parking Authority
should make this available to the City so we'll own it forthwith at their
cost, which, presumably is a fairly insignificant amount of money compared to
the current value, if one could actually pin it down. You know, these fair
market values are always tricky anyhow because you'd never find anybody that
would actually buy it for that amount, particularly in this kind of a market.
And then, from that point forward, with tax increment bonds, proceed to
purchase the property, does that, up to this point, create - assuming that the
Off Street Parking Authority agrees - and God help them if they don't - does
that create a problem up to now?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, it does, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor, before you go any further, let me apologize to
the bond counsel. The reason I am not hearing bond counsel is I told the City
Attorney yesterday that I did not intend for us, the Commission, to sit up
listen to bond counsel when the City Attorney should get with bond counsel and
come forward and tell me what bond counsel has to say.
Mr. Fernandez: I'll be ready to tell you what his...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Therefore, sir, I don't... I mean, I'm not being
disrespectful.
Mr. Fernandez: Let me paraphrase for you what bond counsel would have,
otherwise, more authoritatively perhaps have told you. And that is as
follows. This City is going, and, hopefully, by November 14th, would be
selling eleven and a half million dollars worth of bonds for that
redevelopment...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How many million?
Mr. Fernandez: Eleven and a half, I believe.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Eleven point five million.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: For what now?
Mr. Fernandez: I'll get to that in a second, Commissioner, Vice Mayor, if I
may. Let me give you the proceedings here. Because this is a redevelopment
area and because the tax increment district was created by the County, we are
dependent and we must work in concert with the County in any decision that's
made regarding the tax increment district and how those monies are going to be
spent. Such is the case that we had to go before the County last week twice,
first early in the morning, then later in that same morning, so that the
County could approve us going forward and selling eleven and a half million
dollars. In order for us to be convinced the County to do that, we had to
give them an accounting of how we intended to use those monies. Now, I can
perhaps inaccurately tell you how it is that that eleven and a half million
dollars has already been spent and is just a matter of selling the bonds to be
able to pay back to the government, I believe six and a half, seven million
dollars that we have borrowed from them, for other developments, another two
and a half million dollars. I don't have all the correct figures and
projects, but when on November 14th when these bonds are sold, you would be
left with literally no funds, or perhaps a hundred or two hundred thousand
dollars left in that fund. That is the fact, that's the way the situation
stands. That is not to say that this Commission cannot approve in principle
for subsequent issuance whenever there is enough money coming in that a future
bond could be floated or could be sold, that that having been declared a
project for that redevelopment area and the County Commission approving that
as a valid project, that then proceeds from a future bond sale could not be
used, in fact, to accomplish what you want to accomplish. But presently, as
you sit here, it would be dishonest for me to tell you that you should give
48 October 25, 1990
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Ms. Bell the anticipation that from the eleven and a half million dollars that
will be sold, come November 14, this City would be able to pledge any of that
money towards Ms. Bell's project.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, now, Mr. City Attorney, that's what I've been
trying to get to all day. Why didn't somebody, from the very beginning, tell
the Mayor this so that the - wait a minute - so that the Mayor could have
said, all right, this is what we want done, you tell us how to do it. Now,
and I'm pretty sure that nobody out here believed that they would not get the
money. And you just said, there is no money for them to get, OK? So now,
somewhere along the lines, up here, we've got to decide where the money is
coming from and give it to them and then you all worry about, if you sell the
tax increment bond, put it back or what have you. That's all.
Mr. Fernandez: Sir, I appreciate the fact that you've brought me, at this
level, but you're referring to decisions over which I have no control.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Like what?
Mr. Fernandez: Well, I don't know why the Mayor was not advised that, in
fact, this was the status...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No,no, no...
Mayor Suarez: No, don't worry too much about the Mayor. The Mayor has been
told all along that none of this can be done and I figured that there is a way
of doing it and I'm making sure that you do it.
Commissioner Alonso: That's right.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, all that I'm telling you that at this point in time, the
bonds would not be sold if you changed the purpose for which we have
already...
Mayor Suarez: Now, wait, let me ask about that. Mr. Manager, is he saying
that the Washington Heights project it is definitely in the area in question,
geographically it's in the Overtown/Park West tax increment area. Is he
saying that the purpose of this particular project have not been included in
the redevelopment plan for the area?
Mr. Odio: Yes, he is.
Mayor Suarez: Why was Washington Heights not included in the redevelopment
plan for this area? Wait, wait, wait, let me see if the Manager knows. Why
was this project, which we've been working on for ten years, not included in
the redevelopment plan for the area?
Mr. Odio: It was never included in the original plan for the area, no.
Mayor Suarez: Why not?
Mr. Odio: You have to...
Mayor Suarez: You just keep repeating to me the fact, but you don't tell me
why not.
Mr. Odio: You have to ask whoever decided to draw up this plan, why they did
that, not me.
Mayor Suarez: Ultimately, you decided to draw up the plan...
Mr. Odio: No, I didn't.
Mayor Suarez: ...and you presented it to the Commission as the chief
administrative officer of the City.
Mr. Odio: No, not this Manager. That was prior...
Mayor Suarez: Sir, you've been City Manager for five years. We have dealt
with Washington Heights now...
Mr. Odio: I have dealt with them for quite a....
49 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: ...at least ten times or maybe twenty times in those five years
and all that time it didn't occur to you that this Commission probably wanted
that particular project to be in the redevelopment plan for Overtown/Park
West?
Mr. Odio: No, it did not occur to me what this Commission wants. I cannot
read minds.
Mayor Suarez: All right, what does it take to have Washington Heights be in
the redevelopment plan and having said that, I assume that you can draft the
documentation necessary to make sure that it is so that when the bond issue
goes out, it will encompass this plan.
Mr. Odio: Go ahead, Herb, you're...
Mayor Suarez: And that you can do all of that in the next couple of hours, I
hope.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, Mr. Mayor, you know, I'm not here to defend Cesar
Odio, OK? He's a big boy. But let me tell you something, in the 20 years
that we've been talking about New Washington Heights, we have been up, we have
been down, we have been out, we remember the times that I sat up here and made
the motions to keep Jackie alive because it all depended for over a year and a
half as to whether or not she could even get a commitment from the State of
Florida. Jackie remembers those days and I very well do because I took a lot
of heat for backing her to keep that project alive. Now, what I'm saying to
you is...
Mayor Suarez: But the project is what we want to get built, not keeping
Jackie alive. We want to get the project built and that's the obstacles we
have to overcome now.
Commissioner Plummer: But Mr. Mayor, how can a Manager, in all good faith,
make commitment on plans when the project itself, at best anybody would have
to admit, has had its highs and its lows all during the period?
Mayor Suarez: Well, but you don't...
Commissioner Plummer: You remember the property swap? Or was that before
you?
Mayor Suarez: ...exclude it from a community development plan that, at least
in definition, should include this project so that it not be barred from using
the funds from that tax increment issuance, bond issuance. That doesn't make
any sense.
Mr. Odio: It doesn't make any sense, but in my meetings with you, George and
Jackie, this issue never came up. When you wanted a loan float, we solved the
problem. This issue never came up. And now, just because this issue comes to
somebody's mind now, I don't read peoples mind here. It has never been part
of this program.
Mayor Suarez: Well, it is in the Overtown/Park West area.
Mr. Odio: It was never...
Commissioner Alonso: Can we resolve the problem now?
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Manager, what would it take to have this be in the
redevelopment plan for Overtown/Park West as to this particular bond issue? I
don't want to wait till the next bond issue. There may never be another bond
issue. Herb, what will it take to make it part of the redevelopment plan?
Mr. Herb Bailey: It cannot be a part of this bond issue. Not only that...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, excuse me, would you tell me when is the next one
scheduled for? It is six months, six years?
Mr. Fernandez: November 14th.
50 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Bailey: If we're lucky, and if we get additional increment over and above
what we need to cover this particular bond issue, if it gets issued, we're
looking at at least five years before we have enough increment to go back...
Mayor Suarez: Why can it not be within this issue? My question is on this
issue. I don't want to wait for another issue.
Mr. Bailey: Because, first of all - well, first of all, even if you could put
in this issue, the use of it for this purpose is perfectly illegal...
Commissioner Plummer: Illegal?
Mr. Bailey: It's illegal.
Mayor Suarez: All right, let's try that.
Mr. Bailey: Now, now, 3K...
Mayor Suarez: Now, you're telling us, that assuming we can overcome the
hurdle of having it be in the redevelopment plan so that it could be covered
by the bond issue presently being proposed, that the uses would be illegal.
Why?
Mr. Bailey: First of all, under the statute, and bond counsel is here and we
have discussed this, and even under the interlocal agreement that...
Mayor Suarez: I have read both the statute and the interlocal agreement.
Both seem to contemplate projects such as this. In fact, they seem to be
exactly what was contemplated by both the statute and the interlocal
agreement.
Mr. Bailey: I don't agree with that.
Mayor Suarez: Where, in the statute or the interlocal agreement do you find
wording that prevents this program, this project from being a part of what the
statute intended or the interlocal agreement?
Mr. Bailey: It says, any land or any property acquired through the use of tax
increment funds are to be disposed of at fair market value. It says it in the
statutes and it also says it in the interlocal agreement.
Mayor Suarez: All right, Mr. Bailey or Mr. City Attorney, do you have a
quotation or a citation from the statute that says that?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, just a minute.
Mayor Suarez: All right, Herb, what else?
Commissioner Plummer: How do we get here and argue for an hour and now after
an hour we're being told it's illegal?
Mr. Bailey: Nobody asked me.
Mayor Suarez: Well, no, no, a lot of what we're planning to do here...
Mr. Fernandez: No, no, fair market value.
Mayor Suarez: A lot of what we're planning to do here would be very
interesting to do anyhow, if this Commission agrees.
Mr. Bailey: Not only...
Mayor Suarez: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! J.L., if I hear the consensus
of this Commission correctly that we're willing to acquire this land from the
Off Street Parking Authority at their cost and if the Off Street Parking
Authority agrees to sell it to us at their cost, we've got a much lower cost
basis for this project. Now, hopefully, that will be in lire with the
bidding...
Commissioner Plummer: So, you're saying that addresses the fair market value
issue, that if we already own it...
51 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: It addresses the viability of this project by making the land
available at a much lower, (Tape 6) maybe as much as a seventh. I propose
that it may be...
Commissioner Plummer: All right, let me ask this simple question.
Mayor Suarez: So that part is still pending.
Commissioner Plummer: Maybe too simple. Herb, if, in fact, we follow that
process, we now become and acquire and become the owner.
Mr. Bailey: That is correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Can we then go through the increment bond?
Mr. Bailey: We can acquire property and that's why the money is to be used
for anyway, but once we acquire the property, it then becomes subject to the
UDP process of which we undertake in this project and it would have to be
bidded out and we would have to start the process all over again.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, Jesus.
Mayor Suarez: You know, it's interesting that somehow in our tax laws, people
build in cost - wait...
Commissioner Plummer: Jackie, would you like a tent city?
Mayor Suarez: Cost basis so that it is always, from the taxpayers standpoint,
the wealthy taxpayers standpoint, it is always the lower of cost versus market
value, but somehow when the City, for a public purpose, wants to use that, we
can't get that accomplished. That's incredible to me. Do we have a citation
or do we not have a citation?
Mr. Fernandez: We're looking for it, sir.
Mayor Suarez: All right, we don't have a citation.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Bond counsel has it. Will you bring the citation...
Mayor Suarez: Do you have a citation on that? -from state law? What is the
citation, please, Mr...
Commissioner Plummer: Here come the high priced help.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'm not charging for this. One sixty-three point three
eight oh...
Mayor Suarez: Which says what?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: ...paragraph two.
Mayor Suarez: Which says what on that issue?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: It says, "...Such real property or interest shall be
sold, leased, otherwise transferred or retained at not less than its fair
value for uses in accordance with the community redevelopment plan and in
accordance with such reasonable competitive bidding procedures as in a county,
municipality, or community redevelopment agency may prescribe."
Mr. Knox: May I please, just indicate...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, George, last...
Mr. Knox: First, I don't disagree with the characterization of learned bond
counsel, but I remind the Commission respectfully of two things. Number one,
fair value does not necessarily mean fair market value and with respect to the
question of a competitive process, I just remind the Commission of the process
by which the land was acquired in order to construct Joe Robbie stadium
pursuant to the same statute or provision of chapter 125 which says
essentially the same thing. So, it has to do with the will of the Commission
and the priority of the project, and the defensibility of the position that
you take and the likelihood that that position will be attacked in a court of
52 October 25, 1990
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law. And the reasonableness of that position in terms of whether or not
you're .likely to prevail in a court of law. And I believe that those things
are as important as any other consideration when you demonstrate a "can do"
attitude.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but the thing that's concerning me more, George,
is saying, hey, the idea of the Mayor, of us acquiring the property, is good,
OK? And I go along with that, but then to tell me that that's a great
vehicle, that I don't have the money to pay for it, that defeats...
Mr. Knox: Well, now, I must...
Mayor Suarez: Well, if we get to the point that instead of having to pay
three point... return 3.5 million dollars, you'll have to return maybe half a
million dollars, believe me....
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, that's a different ballgame.
Mayor Suarez: ...we will have solved six -sevenths of the problem and I don't
think the tax increment bond financing will be the ultimate solution, if, what
you're telling me, is something inalterable in state law, so how about if we
do that at this point? How about if we pass a resolution asking the Off
Street Parking Authority to cede this land back to the City at their cost and
to do that forthwith at the very next meeting, which I hope to be present.
George, I hope you're present and all the other people that are here in
support of this project. Once the City has it at that cost available, we'll
deal with how we're going to acquire it and what terms we can give it to you
at, but it will be a heck of a lot more favorable than anything that has been
discussed up to now and I think it'll make the project viable.
Mr. Knox: All right, now, if I may be consistent with my representation of my
client, I would like to respectfully also ask the Commission if it would
consider adopting some official measure that will provide a minimum of comfort
to the financiers that, irrespective of... the idea is that in 1997, there
will be provision and the City of Miami will ensure that there will be
provision to satisfy the obligation of the lease with respect to the cost of
the property so that in financing the project and costing it out, the persons
who financed it don't feel that they are required, even on a contingency
basis, to include the cost of the land in the cost of the project.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, in doing such, and asking me to vote favorably,
you're going to leave my hand totally open in negotiating a contract, OK,
because I'm not going to sit here and say, hey, I guarantee down the line that
I'm going to make it good without having the full right to negotiate
everything in that contract that I need to make damn sure...
Mr. Knox: That's why we haven't gotten back to the Off Street Parking Board
yet.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, OK, I think you're really putting us at a
disadvantage to ask us to guarantee something at the end that we don't know
what's in at the beginning and during the...
Mayor Suarez: Well, do you have a problem saying, for the record, as a
resolution of this Commission, that we would make the land available as soon
as we acquire it on the same basis as we have made it available for affordable
housing projects? Assuming that we don't have to use tax increment financing
and that that's not an impediment?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I have no problem with that.
Mayor Suarez: Those are very favorable, George.
Commissioner Plummer: But, I got to have in there...
Mr. Bailey: I do need to advise you, whether you want to hear it or not, if
you intend to use tax increment money...
Mayor Suarez: At this particular point, we're not into that question.
Mr. Bailey: You're not going to use tax increment monies?
53 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: At this particular point, no.
Mr. Bailey: OK.
Mayor Suarez: It may be - and by the way, I caution you and I caution the
City Manager, for myself, that every single community development project in
the catchman area of Overtown/ Park West, better be included in future
community development plans for the area. In fact, they better get priority
in the future as opposed to whatever other planning ideas you may have or the
Manager may have or anybody else in your planning department or development
department for me to continue supporting this administration. So, I'm just
clarify that for you and for the future...
Mr. Bailey: I understand that, but...
Mayor Suarez: ...for the bond issue that is presently before us, I am waving
a white flag and sort of declaring defeat. You've brought your attorneys, all
of you have brought your attorneys. You have opposed me on this for weeks on
end. I don't have the resources right now with all the other battles that we
have to go hire my own attorneys and fight you on it and so I'm declaring a
white flag on that, but you better make sure that you include it in the
definition for future plans and before you spend a single penny of this bond
issue, you better make sure that you get the input of this community and of
the Overtown Advisory Board, in particular, and all the other people who are
represented here. Because that is the intent of what we did all along and you
better abide by it because this Commission has already resolved on that issue.
Now, to acquire the land, I will entertain a motion from the Commission
instructing the Off Street Parking Authority, or suggesting to the Off Street
Parking Authority, or strongly recommending to the Off Street Parking
Authority, because I haven't told you that the next motion is going to be that
to the extend that they have a surplus in their budget, we use their own funds
to buy their own property. But we'll come up with a way of doing that. That
the land be made available to the City to promote this project on a at cost
basis. Do we have a motion on that?
Commissioner Plummer: So move.
Mayor Suarez: Moved, seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the
roll.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-825
A MOTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION STRONGLY URGING THE
DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO
THE CITY THE LAND COMPRISED OF MUNICIPAL LOT 10 AT ITS
ORIGINAL COST, IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW WASHINGTON
HEIGHTS COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION'S HOTEL PROJECT.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Mayor Suarez: This is not any different than what we're having to do with
almost every capital improvement project of the Off Street Parking Authority.
You know, the specialty center in Little Havana, for lack of a different name,
we've had the same problem with it and the Coconut Grove Playhouse and
everything else. You know, they really are not a very effective development
agency for the City. They do parking meters pretty well.
Mr. Odio: Mr. Mayor...
54 October 25, 1990
a
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, thank you.
Mr. Odio: May, I suggest then that you...
Mayor Suarez: Yes. The Commissioner is requesting - is that your request? -
item 25 be taken before lunch? Yes, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Odio: That you may have to review the development plan then, because this
plan was approved in 19....
Mayor Suarez: No, no, I have reviewed the development plan, and I've told you
my views and I'm not in the mood for discussing that right now, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Odio: It was approved in 1982.
Mayor Suarez: And I'd strongly recommend that you don't get into that
discussion right now. Because I don't think... well, I won't say what I think
and what I don't think on that. We don't agree.
Mr. Odio: Yes. Fine.
Mayor Suarez: We don't agree.
Mr. Odio: That's fine.
Mayor Suarez: And we've made it into a resolution of this Commission and I'm
going to dig it up if I have to that the expenditures for tax increment
financing are supposed to be those that community feels are important, not
what the planners feel are important. We've already put in federal funds and
state funds into Overtown/Park West to the tune of forty-two million dollars,
although the newspaper says eighty million. God knows where they got their
figure from. But substantial amounts and for projects that it's not clear the
community supported.
Mayor Suarez: All right, item 25, Commissioner Alonso.
Mr. Knox: Thank you, are you completed with it?
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, George.
Mr. Knox: Thank you so much, Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission.
Mayor Suarez: Did we vote on that, Madam City Clerk?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Mr. Knox: Yes, sir.
9. DISCUSSION CONCERNING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND BARRICADE PROBLEMS IN THE
BAYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Ms. Susan Seroda: I'm Susan Seroda of 880 N.E. 69th Street, Miami. Kathy
Loveland, who is the discussion item has laryngitis today.
Ms. Hirai: Excuse me, would you...
Ms. Seroda: I'm going to speak for her.
Ms. Hirai: Would you kindly speak into the mike, please.
Ms. Seroda: I'm sorry. OK. We live - Kathy lives on N.E. 70th Street. We
are the neighborhood called Bayside and we have been here before - we probably
look familiar to you - about the barricades. We're here because we're having
some problems and we need your help. At the July meeting, we mentioned
problems that we're having on 70th Street being one of them, with the service
vehicles being unable to get through the barricades and needing to have access
and you were kind enough to ask Mr. Odio to go out and look at the
55 October 25, 1990
neighborhood. And I believe, Mr. Odio, when you - three times - I believe
when you went out there, that resulted in the change in the plans for the
barricade, which thank you very much - on 70th Street now, the plan is not to
close 70th Street off at Biscayne Boulevard so that service vehicles can get
in. Let me tell you that is a help, but we're here because we still have a
problem. And the problem is - well, let me mention to what it is - is that
the service vehicles can get in and out now without... well, they're still
moving barricades because even though Mr. Odio agreed that we had to have an
opening, nobody from Public Works would remove part of the temporaries without
your permission, so up until now, and until there is any kind of construction,
service vehicles still have to move barricades. But the problem has been
still for the people who live there that they can't pass the service vehicle
if they want to leave. With leaving the opening near the boulevard and having
a sign that says, "Do Not Enter," from the boulevard, creates a problem
because that means that you can't - the people in the cars can't get in and
out anyhow. So, we still have obstruction on the street, it's very narrow and
some people do use and I know they're not kind, those little pyramid cones at
the edge of their property and when they have parties, they park in the 12
feet of pavement. We took a little movie on my little video camera, which is
really not very skillful movies, but we have way to show it to you today.
When I was there, the cars pass each other by driving through homeowners
circular driveways. If there's cars in the driveways, then they can't get
around each other at all. So, we're here because we still have serious
problems on 70th Street, that's where Miss Loveland lives and she swears to me
it really is laryngitis and she's not just shy, but...
Ms. Lourdes Hamen: Excuse me. Will we have a moment before she shows the
f ilm?
Ms. Seroda: I don't have it. There's no way to show the film.
Mayor Suarez: Wait, wait, wait, wait, everybody... Who are you? What is your
name, ma'am?
Ms. Hamen: I am Lourdes Hamen, I live at 674 N.E. seven...
Mayor Suarez: You are in opposition to whatever it is she's presenting?
Ms. Hamen: Yes. I live on 70th Street.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, OK, yes, we always have to hear from both sides.
Ms. Hamen: I'm one of the neighbors.
Mayor Suarez: Whatever, ma'am, wait a minute. All right, please complete
your presentation. Yes, we'll hear from any opposing sides, of course.
Ms. Seroda: So, we're here today because we still have serious problems, even
with an opening that will allow people only to leave that way because that
still traps the person who lives in the street because of the service
vehicles. Is that ours? Oh. Aside from 70th Street, I'd like to mention
some things to you that are additional problems for those of us in the
neighborhood. We mentioned last time, and Mr. Plummer, we talked to you about
it, that we are supposed to have emergency access and the permanent barricades
are supposed to allow for emergency vehicles. So were the temporaries, but
that involves - and let's not even talk about temporaries any more, because
those would be changed. People park in front of the barricades on 72nd Street
and we have no reason to believe that they won't block that entrance when
there are permanent barricades. So we asked Public Works, and I think you
asked them, to check and we said, could you get "No Parking" signs? -remember,
we talked about that. Could you get "No Parking" signs there and Mr. Kay
tells me that City of Miami Public Works doesn't do those and the county
wouldn't put them up. And I asked them why wouldn't the county put them up
because, how do emergency vehicles get in if cars are blocking entrance and he
said, well, they wouldn't put them up because they don't like barricades. So,
we have no reason to expect that we're going to have the emergency access...
Mayor Suarez:
get some "No
them?
This is triple hearsay in the law. Dr. Prieto, why can't we
Parking" signs from the county, from whomever has to approve
56 October 25, 1990
Dr. Luis Prieto: Basically, because this was a temporary motion that we had a
90-days on these barricades and the county wanted to make sure that...
Mayor Suarez: They want, to be sure it was something permanent before they
start putting up "No Parking" signs all over the place.
Mr. Prieto: That's right, added cost to the county.
Mayor Suarez: But certainly, if it was made permanent, they would agree to
our request for "No Parking" signs.
Mr. Prieto: Yes. Absolutely, sir.
Ms. Hamen: Thank you.
Commissioner Alonso: Dr. Prieto, just one question because we have so many
- barricades in the City of Miami that one looses count of where or what and so
on, even though I know the Bayside area quite well, and I have visited several
times. But isn't my understanding that in the last meeting that we had, when
they came back for the bond and so on, this was going to be a permanent
barricade and they had the money and so on? How come are we talking about
temporary barricades still?
Ms. Hamen: That's what we would like to ask.
Commissioner Alonso: Isn't this kind of confusing?
Ms. Hamen: Why is it even being addressed again?
Mr. Prieto: Basically, we had an informal bid to get contractors to come in
and put in the permanent barricades. The low bidder was a person that was
unable to give the City insurance. In fact, it was a difficulty that we had
and the Law Department supported us that we could not award the bid to that
low contractor. So, the City has decided to do the work themselves. Due to
the number of commitments that the City has had, we've had a number of
projects like the Orange Bowl, we haven't gotten to it. It had scheduled to
start on Monday. In fact, we're already marking the street up to start
tearing out the asphalt.
Commissioner Alonso: Fine. I can understand that, but the part I don't
understand, is why the county will be concerned about no placing of signs
because they think it's a temporary barricade when, in fact, it has been made
permanent? Isn't that a contradiction?
Mr. Prieto: The City presently have temporary barricades until we...
Commissioner Alonso: That's right, but this Commission has approved, for
permanent barricades, therefore, the county doesn't have to be concerned about
temporary barricades because, as you say, next Monday, we are going to start
construction of permanent barricades.
Mr. Prieto: That's right.
Ms. Hamen: Thank you, Miriam.
Mr. Prieto: As soon as the permanent barricades are in, I don't think the
county will have any problems putting in signs.
Commissioner Alonso: OK, so then that problem will be resolved as...
Ms. Hamen: Exactly.
Ms. Seroda: So, the difficulties... we're here today because living in the
neighborhood, we still have serious problems. In the Palm Bay complex, I
believe there is a zoning hearing set up. They're going to ask permission to
change zoning and I expect that there's a tall building - the height has
varied in what I hear through the grapevine from 23 to two hundred thousand
stories, I don't know. But in any event, we believe it will be approximately
a hundred apartments in the $300,000 price range which, as a resident and
taxpayer, I'm really happy. That broadens the tax base and there's
condominiums in the complex already and if people want to buy $300,000 units
and pay taxes on those, I think that's great. What that's going to do to us,
57 October 25, 1990
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L
however, I understand there's a rule of thumb that you assume for every living
unit, there will be two and a half automobiles of traffic a day. So now,
we'll have a hundred more living units and we'll two and a half, three hundred
additional cars using only one entrance in and out of our little neighborhood.
I'm speaking for Kathy on 70th Street and letting you know that if Miss
Loveland and the others who live on 70th can't enter or exit freely on either
end, they're trapped, not only be vehicles, but by flooding on the east side
and not being a terrific left turner, let me tell you, I wouldn't want to make
a left turn onto Biscayne Boulevard in rush hour with no light at 70th Street.
So, I think that the people on 70th Street need access in and out of the
boulevard on both ends. Not with any "Do Not Enter" sign as this plan goes,
because they're still trapped and they're in a dangerous situation. Tuesday
afternoon, I work north, so I drive without traffic south on Biscayne
Boulevard...
Mayor Suarez: I have to suggest to you that you summarize what it is you're
trying to tell us without telling us your entire route to work and everything
else. Please.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: May I make an announcement?
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I think, Mr. Mayor, we should announce to everyone that
this is the last item that we will be bringing....
Mayor Suarez: Oh, I thought that was clear. Yes, this will be the last item
this morning.
Ms. Seroda: OK, I'm sorry...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So anybody who is waiting for any other item...
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...go to lunch and come back at 2:30.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Ms. Seroda: OK, I'm going to be quick then, you're right.
Mayor Suarez: Without telling us what route you take to work and everything,
please. What is it that you're asking for, other...
Ms. Seroda: OK. I'm going to tell you that it was... OK, we cannot make left
turns from Biscayne Boulevard into 69th Street at rush hour. I'm telling you
that the cars that go northbound do not obey the rule of not blocking the
intersection and I was the fourth car in line and waited for four traffic
lights to make my left turn home from work because only one car gets through,
maybe, if they get a break in the traffic. And what I'm saying is, I would
like for the Commission...
Mayor Suarez: Dr. Prieto, would you monitor, have somebody monitor at rush
hour that she's talking about - I presume that's rush hour in the morning.
Ms. Seroda: Five thirty, no, no, 5:30 coming home.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, in the evening. If, in fact, somebody has to wait four
light changes before they can make a left turn, that sounds a little high,
but...
Ms. Seroda: If you're number four in line.
Commissioner Alonso: Do they have a left turn sign?
Commissioner Plummer: No, there's no lead.
Ms. Seroda: Happened to me.
Commissioner Alonso: They need that.
58 October 25, 1990
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Ms. Seroda: There's even a stacking lane. No, there's a stacking lane, but
what happens is that only one car legally can go into the intersection to make
that left turn. You know how you try to get in as the light changes?
Commissioner Plummer: There's no lead left on there.
Ms. Seroda: From time to time there's a lead, but I will tell you that you
can't use your lead if the car is heading northbound to block the
intersection. You can't use your lead. So, I'm asking you today, I know that
the City has decided to build the barricades at the expense of the people who
put the money up and the people in the neighborhood put up the money for
barricades. I'm asking that the Commission revisit the issue for us because
new things have come up and one of the new things is that we have three
hundred more cars a day in our little neighborhood that are going to have to
get in and out. So, we have problems.
Mayor Suarez: OK, if this Commission - we're going to do this a little bit
_ like the Supreme Court - if any Commissioner seriously proposes that we
revisit the issue, I would like to hear from them now. Otherwise, we will
take your comments, concerns, and proposals into consideration in trying to
make the system work better, but I, for myself, have absolutely no intention
of revisiting the issue as a whole today or anytime until we have completed
the testing period and afterwards - well, I forget when exactly it is that it
comes back to us.
Ms. Hamen: It's over, sir.
Mayor Suarez: It's over. In this particular case...
Ms. Seroda: Can we revisit 70th Street? Can we revisit 70th?
Mayor Suarez: In this particular case at least for a few months to try it out
on a permanent basis. One of the things that you complain about cannot even
be resolved until they are in there permanently, which is the...
Commissioner Alonso: The signs.
Ms. Seroda: Well, the most important...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, "No Parking" signs, so...
Ms. Seroda: The "No Parking" signs is not it. If that can be resolved,
that's good, but what about 70th Street?
Mayor Suarez: Ma'am, time out, time out. Unless any Commissioner wants to,
your comments are reflected for the record, they're now in the record, but no
action will be taken and no further discussion will be had by this Commission,
particularly as to the opposing group which will mean that we'll get into an
argument that will go nowhere, because why do it unless a Commissioner wants
to hear it? Commissioners?
Commissioner Plummer: I would say it's an issue until I would depend on the
City Manager if he were to come back at a later time and say that there's a
problem, then I think we need to revisit it. But, if there's not a problem
existing and the Manager and the department don't say to this Commission that
there is a problem, which we don't even know yet...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and as to...
Commissioner Plummer: ...then I would not...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and as to one - two aspects of it - we've dealt with, one
is, of course, the signs saying No Parking and the other one, Mr. Manager, as
per the suggestion to Dr. Prieto, which only you can make an order, that he go
out there and monitor the traffic patterns to see if they're as bad as it's
being told to us. We'd like to know. I mean, if conditions are that bad.
Mr. Odio: I'll do that, but... is what we doing now acceptable to the
majority of that 70th Street...
Ms. Hamen: Yes.
59 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Odio: ... is my question, because I went out there three times and they
were right in the original complaint that the street is very narrow, there is
a motel right there on the corner. There was no way of putting a full
barricade into my estimation and I thought we had a perfect solution to have
barricade and a "Do Not Enter" sign...
Ms. Hamen: We've had it oversolved. All the issues were addressed and it was
all designed according...
Mr. Odio: OK, so...
Ms. Hamen: And the flooding, thanks to all of you, was resolved too. We have
wonderful street now.
Mr. Odio: We took care of the flooding and...
Mayor Suarez: OK, but that does not preclude your continuing to tell us where
the system... obviously, you don't like the system as a whole, but, I mean,
where the system fails and making minor improvements as we go along.
Ultimately, you're entitled to a review at some period in time. Certainly I
think, for myself, within a year we should look at it. But to do it on a
continuing Commission after Commission basis, we just cannot do that.
Ms. Seroda: We want you to be aware that we are... people are working on the
problems, but we still have them. We still can't get in and out of 69th.
Mayor Suarez: All right, we hear you.
Ms. Hamen: You have taken care of all the issues.
Mayor Suarez: Please, please, please, we hear you. OK, thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, item two, on China City, the people are
here. I'm not asking that it be heard before lunch, but I would like to
revisit the issue after we come back from our break.
Mayor Suarez: All right and it was your request that it be deferred, so it
makes sense to rehear it after lunch.
Ms. Hamen: Thank you for your time.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: Are we going to be back at 5:30 or 6:30?
Commissioner Alonso: Seven?
THEREUPON THE CITY COMMISSION WENT INTO RECESS AT
12:13 P.M. AND RECONVENED AT 2:41 P.M., WITH ALL
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION FOUND TO BE PRESENT.
10. ACCEPT PLAT: CHINATOWN (See label 6).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Officially reconvened and back in order. Mr. Chi, I think that
Commissioner Plummer wanted to at least touch upon the matter that was had
this morning relating to your project. Since you were not here, I guess you
probably assumed that it would be accepted as a simple acceptance of a plat
and, as such, wants to inquire further. Commissioner Plummer.
- Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, it is - I'll repeat what I said this
morning. My concern was not knowing exactly what transpired at the Zoning
Board. I am fully aware, as I made my colleagues aware this morning, that, in
fact, in the application, one of the big areas is that of no parking provided
on the site and that at best, in the off premise location was approximately 50
percent of what is required. I thought that it was premature to handle this
in a piecemeal manner, rather than handling it in a total picture Since we
don't know what's going to be happening in the zoning application, why change
60 October 25, 1990
Is
anything in a plat if it's not necessary and it doesn't need to be done? So
that was the reason with Mr. Chi not being here and could not answer the
questions that I asked that this matter be deferred.
Mayor Suarez: Do you want to address that, counselor?
Alan Kan, Esq.: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My name is Alan Kan. I'm with the law
firm of Bedzow Korn Kan & Glaser, offices at 1177 Biscayne Boulevard. I'm
representing the applicant. In reference to, in general, Commissioner
Plummer's comments, we would point out to the Commission that the plat
application in its form, has been reviewed and approved by the City and is
determined, in the recommendation, in order for.... in now the proper order
for acceptance by the City. As such, I'm sure your City Attorney will advise
you that that is now a purely a ministerial act of the City Commission and is
not subject to the presentation of the zoning or site plan which is being
processed in another form, and may or may...
Commissioner Plummer: But, likewise, the City, would also, Attorney, tell you
that any Commissioner who has further inquiry for more information, has such a
right and as such, would always be honored by his colleagues to defer till
another time.
Mr. Kan: I don't know if you've told me that or not, Commissioner. I think
that the issue of the plat approval was separate and apart from zoning and
site plan approval. What has gone...
Commissioner Plummer: It is, there is no question about that.
Mr. Kan: OK, and what may or may not ultimately be built on the property,
whether it's as proposed presently subject to the variances which are being
sought to be obtained or something modified so that the variances are not
required, does not relate to my client's requirements to plat the property so
that he can move forward and appropriately obtain financing in the interim.
And they shouldn't be bound together. You may very well...
Mayor Suarez: Well, one of the purposes of what Commissioner Plummer was
saying this morning, even understanding that this was a ministerial act that
you were asking from us, was to send a very clear message to your client that
it looked like this Commission was going to be very, very active and
scrutinizing carefully any recommendations regarding variance from parking
requirements and particularly some as incredible as what was mentioned to us
this morning. That being the case, for myself, I am sufficiently satisfied
that the message got there because you're here and I don't know who called you
and who called your client, but as far as I'm concerned, we can vote on the
platting, but if Commissioner Plummer wants to withdraw his motion. But let
me just say that - let me restate the message, I mean, it's on behalf of all
of us. The idea that somebody would try to build a large structure there
without any parking whatsoever, unless something is missing in the equation
that we have not been exposed to, an integrated development with some other
building with some parking or something...
Mr. Kan: Well, we understand that, Mr. Mayor, and as part of the hearing that
was held before the board a couple of weeks ago, we are meeting with your
Planning Department tomorrow morning to try to work out further details to
provide parking that will be adequate to staff for its recommendation and,
hopefully, adequate to the board and the Commission, if it gets to the
Commission should there be any appeals of the board's anticipated approval.
Mayor Suarez: And, as was being proposed and was contemplated, I know
Planning was going to recommend against and Zoning Department was going to
recommend against, which meant that it would be an automatic appeal to us and
I have a feeling it wasn't going to fly here. So, for whatever it's worth,
you have that in front of you.
Mr. Kan: Thank you, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Even if it was approved by the Planning, this Commission
still has a right to deny it.
Mayor Suarez: Exactly.
Mr. Kan: We understand that, Mr. Vice Mayor.
61 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: So that message, hopefully, has gotten there. We've seen your
client, we've seen his project. There's been many, many modifications of the
master plan, the zoning code, et cetera, et cetera, but there will be a moment
when there's going to be some requirement such as parking that you're not
going to be able to get it to budge on and we may as well convey that to him
very clearly. J.L.
Commissioner Plummer: Dr. Pietro, does this encompass any street closures?
Mr. Prieto: Alley closures, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Are they the owners on both sides of the property?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, they are.
Commissioner Plummer: In lieu of the fact that a - who is Lewis Lefantise?
Mr. Kan: He's a mortgage holder.
Commissioner Plummer: And to what extent and is he in concurrence? We have
no affidavit from him.
Mr. Kan: He has executed the plat.
Commissioner Plummer: He executed?
Mr. Kan: Yes, on the plat itself, there is a concurrence for a requirement
that the mortgage holders execute the plat.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, the mortgage... the holder of the mortgage has to
sign the tentative plat in order to be finalized.
Commissioner Plummer: I don't find... the only signature I find attached to
that is Beatrice Capote for the firm. Likewise, Mr. City Attorney, do you
find anything in there in concurrence from Consolidated Bank and Citicorp
Savings of Florida? Since they are all part owners obviously, or mortgage
holders?
Mr. Jorge Fernandez: Lafantise is signatory to the plat.
Commissioner Plummer: All right, and is Consolidated Bank and Citicorp
Savings?
Mr. Fernandez: Consolidated Bank is. Yes, sir, in the person of Sonya
Olarta, and what is the other entity?
Commissioner Plummer: Citicorp Savings of Florida.
Mr. Kan: Citicorp Savings?
Commissioner Plummer: I'm sorry?
Mr. Fernandez- Yes, sir. There is.
Commissioner Plummer: And of course, Citicorp Savings of Florida, mortgagee.
Mr. Kan: Right, Citicorp.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, there is, sir. By the person of Robert Darina, and they
have all been duly executed and signed up.
Commissioner Plummer: And do we know who this Lewis Lafantise is? Do we know
anything about him?
Mr. Kan: He is an attorney that acts as trustee to Consolidated Bank.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Kan: And in addition, he has a second mortgage as trustee also.
62
October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: OK, the only other concern I have primarily, other than
those that I have already expressed is, Dr. Prieto, you tell me that, in
fact.. .
Commissioner De Yurre: Excuse me, J.L., a second. Is Citicorp involved in
this issue?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir. They are one of the mortgage holders.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK. I have to abstain then from this item.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Commissioner De Yurre: So does the Mayor, also.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. So, I guess you show that for the record. I wish
I was in that position but... You're saying that there are alley closures?
Mr. Luis Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, and as such, that these aggregate owners are owners
of both sides of the alley?
Mr. Prieto: That's right, on the north and the south side of that alley.
It's an east/west alley.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. So, in other words, there is no problem there
whatsoever?
Mr. Prieto: Not on that alley, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: But that is a public dedication alley?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: And are they offering anything to the City for closure?
Mr. Prieto: Not to my knowledge, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: In other words, it's not their property now?
Mr. Fernandez: That's right, it is not.
Commissioner Plummer: It is City property right now?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, it is.
Commissioner Plummer: And if in fact this plat passes, do they become the
owners of that property?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir, they do.
Commissioner Plummer: And how many square feet are they acquiring?
Mr. Prieto: I can tell you in a moment.
Commissioner Plummer: Please. And also what the approximate value of a
square foot of property in that area is worth. It's just above... Sergio.
Mr. Kan: North.
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: If my memory serves me right, I believe that the alley
closure came before you already before, and that they proffer, I believe five
thousand dollars ($5,000.00) voluntarily when the issue was discussed over
here. We have not received...
Commissioner Plummer: They volunteered that?
Mr. Rodriguez: The volunteer we have not received...
Commissioner Plummer: And they volunteered to pay it, when?
is
63 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Rodriguez: It wasn't clear. They just mentioned in the record. I
believe that they were going to proffer five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). I
might be wrong, but I think that's what...
Commissioner Plummer: Maybe, they will clarify the record as to when.
Mr. Alan Kan: The statement is correct, Mr. Commissioner. There was no
response. I wasn't here but my understanding is from the architect, there was
no response as to a specific date. The architect was here at that time.
Commissioner Plummer: Would he like to volunteer, Dr. Chi would like to
volunteer a date as to...
Mr. Kan: I would...
Commissioner Plummer: ... Chinese food for a year, no.
Mr. Kan: I would suggest that it be simultaneously with the recording.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, that sounds reasonable. And how many square feet
are there?
Unidentified Speaker: Approximately fifteen to sixteen hundred.
Commissioner Plummer: Fifteen hundred. It's kind of like that's a... we gave
a Chinaman a chance.
(INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE RECORD)
Commissioner Plummer: How much? You got one hell of a buy. OK, here again,
as the Mayor so quoted, I have expressed to you Mr. Chi, in my office, and I
am going to express it to you again. I am extremely concerned about the
parking. I know that you have spoken to me in reference to a parking
structure in the second project, second phase, but here again, this Commission
has been faced many times with phases two that never came about, and that's a
concern. If you can find a way to guarantee phase two, well, great, but I'm
telling you as it stands today, I am extremely concerned. We will pass this
today as requested, now that we have had your appearance here, and as far as I
am concerned, Mr. Vice Mayor, I'll move approval of item 2.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Any further discussion? Call the roll, Madam Clerk,
please.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-826
A RESOLUTION WITH ATTACHMENT, ACCEPTING THE PLAT
ENTITLED "CHINATOWN", A SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI, SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE PLAT
AND STREET COMMITTEE, AND ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS
SHOWN ON SAID PLAT; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE PLAT; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE RECORDATION OF SAID PLAT IN THE
=� PUBLIC RECORDS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
64 October 25, 1990
0
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
NOES: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
Commissioner Victor De Yurre
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE AFTER ROLL CALL:
Mr. Kan: Thank you very much.
------------------------------------------------------
11. CLAIM SETTLEMENT: RUSSELL, INC. ($90,000).
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Item 3.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, item 3, does item 2 in the regular agenda, that is.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Item 2. What was that?
Mr. Odio: Mr. Vice Mayor. We were taking item CA-2, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, item 2.
Mr. Fernandez: Item 2 in the regular agenda is a request for settlement
authority. The administration and the law department jointly, is coming in
front of you and asking for authority to settle a lawsuit that has been going
on for the last two and -a -half, three years, between Russell Inc., and the
City of Miami, and we have done considerable negotiations in this case and we
believe that settlement in the amount of ninety thousand dollars ($90,000)
given the controversy, and what is at issue, is at this time in the best
interest of the City.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Has this been explained to the satisfaction of each
committee member?
Commissioner Plummer: They came to see me this morning.
Commissioner Alonso: They came to see me, too.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. I believe that a member of my staff...
Commissioner Plummer: The question that I have Mr. Vice Mayor, is...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, then... go right ahead, go ahead Mr. Plummer, please.
Commissioner Plummer: ... what happened and why? Why was there a delay? -
was it weather, what was, why was the reason of the delay?
Mr. Odio: Go on, Luis.
Mr. Luis Prieto: The delay that is in contention here, is really a delay due
to the fact that unbeknownst to the City, WASA (Water and Sewer Authority) was
going to remove a line and substitute for a larger water line in the same
right-of-way where the Russell Corporation was going to build the
improvements. They had to wait until WASA came in and replaced those lines,
and of course, they claimed that their mobilization cost and that that delay
was the cause for this claim.
Commissioner Plummer: Did we have a commitment from WASA that... definite
dates?
Mr. Prieto: Apparently, the department at that time, this is back in 1984,
the department was unaware that this was going to take place. But it does not
exonerate the City from that liability.
65 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: I understand, but I'm trying... you know, everywhere
where these things happen, there has got to be somebody who is at fault.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: And I am trying to find out, who was at fault, and not
for the purpose of chastising, but for the purposes of hopefully in the
future, we don't have a reoccurrence. That to me is more important, this is
history now, OK?
Mr. Prieto: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, I think maybe what the lesson we are learning
here, is don't ever take the word of WASA, as Father Gibson used to say, "I
want it in black and white."
Mr. Prieto: Agreed.
Commissioner Plummer: So, you know, I'm saying that that's where you should
be I guess, in the future.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, I'll move it. I don't like it, but I'll move it.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. Is there a second? OK, it's been moved and
seconded. I would like to, with the permission of the mover, to separate the
ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) from the retainage, a hundred and seventeen
thousand ($117,000), I feel that we should pay the ninety thousand ($90,000)
immediately. Because if they were a small business, they would be out of
business, but I do not think that we should release the hundred and seventeen
thousand until the punch list is completed.
Mr. Fernandez: We will do that as a matter of course.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You see, but that's not what... OK, well put... that's
not what the ordinance says.
Mr. Fernandez: We're doing this... you're correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: The ordinance says, pay it all.
Mr. Fernandez: But it goes without saying that we will not authorize release
of the retainage until we complete the punch list which will be completed
hopefully, by tomorrow, my understanding is.
Dr. Prieto: That's right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Therefore, it is respectfully recommended by myself, the
City Manager and the director of Public Works, that the requested amount of
ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) be approved by the City Commission for full
settlement of the claims by Russell Inc., as well as paying a hundred and
seventeen thousand nine hundred and fifty-two dollars and seventy cents
($117,952.70) representing retainage and final. draw upon the completion of the
remaining punch listed items. So, you're not going to give them the ninety
nor the hundred and seventeen until then?
Mr. Fernandez: No, we will give them the ninety, but we will hold the hundred
and seventeen until we complete... the project is completed.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, thank you.
Mr. Fernandez: So we will do as you have instructed.
Commissioner Plummer: That's normal.
Commissioner Alonso: Who... one question Dr. Prieto. Who is responsible for
checking the punch list?
Mr. Prieto: We are. We are continuously talking to them on the punch list.
As of this morning, there were only two items out of thirty that were
remaining on that punch list.
66 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Alonso: Why at the beginning of the process, the punch list was
not checked?
Mr. Prieto: I believe that the punch list was not processed for a number of
years due to the litigation going on. Russell walked off the job, refused to
do any further work, and we had a punch list, and nothing was being done on
it. Recently, as recent as less than six months ago, they've gone back on to
the job and there have been conversations of how to repair everything that was
damaged. Agreement was reached and they started to fulfill the punch list.
They are almost finished now, and basically, it's within a matter of days.
The last two items which was some broken laterals and pavement distress, will
be repaired.
Commissioner Alonso: And some of the work that they had to do in some of the
internal jobs that they were doing...
Mr. Prieto: They were finished.
Commissioner Alonso: ... and some serious reparations that were done, you are
satisfied that they will not create problems to the City of Miami, let's say
in five or ten years from now? Are you satisfied with the way it has been
done?
Mr. Prieto: In principle, yes, ma'am.
Commissioner Alonso: OK, thank you.
Mayor Suarez: OK, as to item 2, do we have a motion and a second, Madam City
Clerk?
Ms. Hirai: Yes, sir, we do.
Commissioner Plummer: I moved it.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll, then.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-827
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO
PAY TO RUSSELL, INC., FORTHWITH, WITHOUT THE ADMISSION
OF LIABILITY, THE SUM OF $90,000 IN FULL AND COMPLETE
SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST
THE CITY OF MIAMI, IN CIRCUIT COURT CASE NO. 87-23717
CA 13, UPON THE EXECUTION OF A RELEASE RELEASING THE
CITY OF MIAMI FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS,
USING FUNDS THEREFOR ALLOCATED FROM CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) FUND NO. 341094 MONIES AND
TO THE DEPARTMENT OPERATING BUDGET WHICH BUDGETED
FUNDS SHALL BE RESTORED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AND
FURTHER AUTHORIZING A FINAL PAYMENT OF $117,952.70
FROM PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED CIP MONIES TO RUSSELL,
INC. REPRESENTING RETAINAGE AND FINAL DRAW, UPON
COMPLETION OF REMAINING PUNCH -LIST ITEMS TO THE
SATISFACTION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
67 October 25, 1990
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AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE: AMEND ORDINANCE 10648 - FOR PURPOSES OF
IMPLEMENTING BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPLY WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Item 3, thank you. Annual Appropriations Ordinance.
Mr. Odio: This is the end of the year adjustments so that the... we balance
the financial records of the City for the year 1990. This is after review by
the...
Mayor Suarez: The nature of the emergency is I guess, is that we need to make
that conform with the reality?
Mr. Odio: ... We need to give... Yes, sir, and with the external auditors...
are requesting that we do so.
Mayor Suarez: Breathing down our backs. Do we have a...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Question.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: On page 2, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: An additional appropriation of four hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($450,000) to be covered in full by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development is needed to provide for rental
assistant payment during fiscal year 1990. Where will this money come from,
and what is it?
Mr. Manohar Surana: OK. This is coming from section 8, rental assistant
program, it comes from Uncle Sam, from HUD. We received almost four hundred
and fifty thousand more than we were supposed to receive.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: We received what now?
Mr. Surana: Four hundred and fifty thousand more than we had anticipated.
Mr. Odio: Yes, four fifty.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And you don't see the need to require... I mean retain
that as a cushion or a contingency in the event that people move out or
something next year? - you're just assuming that you're going to have enough
to make the payment again next year, you're saying? - that's what you're
assuming?
Mr. Surana: That money is staying in that fund, it is going nowhere. The
money is staying in Housing Department under that program.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, all right. When we... and now somebody up here have
to help me. When we accepted the Newport Bridge Land Sale Fund, what was to
be the purpose of that money? Didn't we earmark it for something special?
Mr. Odio: From memory, I am pleased... if I'm wrong, correct me. We split it
in two I think, part of it was to bond out for Bayfront Park, and the other,
equal part, for the parks.
68 October 25, 1990
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Vice Mayor Dawkins: For the parks?
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So now if you're going to take it here now...
Mr. Odio: No, what we're doing here...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Go ahead, I'm listening.
Mr. Carlos Garcia: Any monies that are being appropriated at this time,
Commission, Vice Mayor, have already been replaced in the capital projects by
other funds that were available. OK? So nothing has been taken away from
parks.
Mr. Odio: This is just a paper transaction.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: The what now?
Mr. Odio: This is just a balancing of the books transaction, it's not... the
monies...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, well balance with me, half for Bayfront Park and half
for the other parks. Balance that for me, where is it?
Mr. Garcia: Right. What happened is, that these were funds that had been
appropriated in the past for different parks projects. Those park projects
had no need for these particular funds. These funds have been replaced by
other sources. When the capital...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: What sources?
Mr. Garcia: When the capital improvement appropriation was passed during the
last meeting, these funds were released, and they were mainly used from the,
what we call the guaranteed entitlement bonds that we sold last year, six and
a half million dollars.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So, I sat up here and took capital improvement funds and
funded the parks, where I was supposed to take park money and fund the parks.
Is that what you are telling me?
Mr. Odio: You had better explain it.
Mr. Garcia: What we are saying is that, different... another type of capital
improvement funds were used for the purpose that these funds were already
appropriated for.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You all, see, you're telling me things and then you all
don't do them. See, then when I catch up with us, we get... all right, I'll
leave that one alone. Now, this is where the Mayor and I'll get together, I
hope. The Omni tax, what is that?
Mr. Garcia: These are, OK...
Mr. Odio: Go ahead, yes.
Mr. Garcia: ... seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000)...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Huh?
Mr. Garcia: Seven hundred thousand...
Mr. Odio: I can explain. We created a tax increment district in the Omni.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Right.
Mr. Odio; By law, if the money... if the district is not formed within the
year, the money has to come back.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK.
69 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Odio: The County never... did not approve the district, so we are taking
the money back. We already have it in the budget again for this year with the
hope that they will implement the district this year, but you cannot keep
monies in a district that doesn't exist.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. But that is Omni Tax Increment District Funds, is
that right?
Mr. Odio: Correct, sir. Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, what's wrong with taking that seven hundred
thousand dollars ($700,000) to provide a fund of some kind to assist with
purchasing the land from off-street parking, since we're talking about using
tax increment funding?
Mr. Odio: Because you need these monies as you see them here to balance this
year's budget.
Commissioner Plummer: But it's also a different increment district, isn't it?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, he just said, wait a minute now.
Mayor Suarez: It's going right back into the general revenue.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Wait a minute, Mr...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it's going right back in the general fund.
Mr. Odio: That's right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You just told me...
Mr. Odio: That there...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... that there is no tax increment funding, Mr. Plummer.
Mr. Odio: In the Omni.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So if there is no...
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, what you mean there is none? Where is the one
point six million?
Mayor Suarez: It's not in effect yet, is what...
Mr. Odio: Not in effect as yet.
Commissioner Plummer: But we have agreed to pay it.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, but with the first...
Commissioner Plummer: Are we also talking about two separate, entirely
districts?
Mr. Odio: Commissioner...
Mayor Suarez: The first year's contribution hasn't yet been required because
the final approval has not been obtained from the County.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. The point that I am trying to
make...
Mayor Suarez: But it's a totally different area of the City.
Commissioner Plummer: ... exact... but I mean, no, it's two different
districts.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: They were approved independently of each other...
Mayor Suarez: Right.
70 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: ... so how could you use money from one district to?...
Mr. Odio: They are not.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Because you're putting it in the general fund. You can
do anything you want with it when it gets in the general fund.
Mr. Odio: We are bringing this money back to balance the year's budget.
Mayor Suarez: It's just a tax now going into the general fund like any other
tax.
Mr. Odio: We need the money to balance this year's budget... the last year.
Mayor Suarez: The base year was set at what year by the way? - for the Omni?
Commissioner Plummer: How can you balance a budget with monies that's
restricted?
Mr. Odio: That is not restricted, Commissioner. We...
Commissioner Plummer: The one point six million is. We've already agreed to
give it to them.
Mr. Odio: You cannot give something that doesn't exist, Commissioner. The
district was never officially...
Commissioner Plummer: We agreed that we owe it.
Mr. Odio: We did, and we paid it. Now, at the end of the year...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: How did you pay it?
Commissioner Plummer: Then there is a fund there.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It was never funded.
Mr. Odio: You put the seven hundred? - I know...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, you never... hey, you all go ahead. All right, no
problem.
Commissioner Plummer: Cesar this is Mano, Mano this is Cesar.
Mr. Odio: Let me explain because... let me try to.
Commissioner Plummer: Please.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And that's Mr. Rodriguez.
Mr. Odio: We put this fund in the Omni district. The end of the year came
and the district was not formed, we are taking the money back because we need
the money, and if...
Commissioner Plummer: When I was a kid, that was an Indian giver.
Mayor Suarez: Can't say that anymore.
Mr. Odio: No, it isn't. You don't have a district officially. You do not
have a district.
Commissioner Plummer: If you don't have a district officially, how can you
collect money? How can the County, how can anybody collect money and put it
in a separate fund if there is no district?
Mr. Odio: You cannot.
Mr. Garcia: No, Commissioner, what state statute tells you, is that if you
have not used the tax increment monies by the end of the year, you may bring
those monies back to the general fund, that's what the state statute tell you.
It's not that there is no district, it's that there is no use for the monies
at the particular time.
71 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: What is the base year of the district, by the way?
Mr. Fernandez: Eighty-six is the base year.
Mayor Suarez: For the Omni one?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm sure.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so then on that big battle that Commissioners are referring
to, when we had to retroactively fund the district, where did that money end
up? Or we paid it to ourselves for all the paper work leading to the creation
of the district, right? -all the planning and everything else? That's how one
hand gave it back to the other so we didn't have to actually allocate it back
to the district. So the district is back to having zero monies at this point.
The first year that the district hopefully will have monies going into it,
will be fiscal year beginning this October, right?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Now, it's a funny thing, I'm sorry, Mr. Manager, Mayor,
go ahead.
Commissioner Plummer: What a hell of a way to fly an airline.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You know, it's a funny thing that when you talk about
Overtown Parkwest and Overtown, you can talk about things that might come
about, and if you do, or if you don't. But then when you get money and you
talk about putting it in Overtown, then it becomes, that it doesn't go there
because it wasn't scheduled to go there. You know, so, I mean, you lose me,
that's all. I don't know where we are.
Commissioner Plummer: I think this is Carlos Smith's idea, because this
sounds like Eastern Airlines, and that's where he came from.
Mayor Suarez: OK, on the ordinance to adjust the annual appropriation's
ordinance for all the last minute accounting, modifications, et cetera, to
reflect what we did, and hopefully, within generally recognized accounting
practices, et cetera, do we have a motion on this, Madam City Clerk?
Ms. Hirai: No, sir.
Mayor Suarez: I'll entertain a motion on item 3, emergency ordinance for the
reasons stated. Please, somebody move it.
Commissioner Plummer: Why not?
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. That's close enough to a motion. Second, that's
close enough. Any discussion? If not, please read...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Under discussion.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You say, we are doing this to balance the budget, is that
correct? Somebody, anybody.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, Commissioner, we are... Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So when we do this, the budget is balanced? - is that
correct?
Mr. Garcia: Last year's budget, Commissioner.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Beg pardon?
Mr. Garcia: Last year's budget, yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Last year's budget? - Oh, thank you, thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: Are you telling me that without this...
72 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Alonso: Well, it was balanced. Wait a minute.
Mr. Garcia: We are talking about fiscal year 190.
Commissioner Plummer: Are you telling me that without this passing, we
operated last... ended last year in a deficit? -because then, we are all gone.
Mayor Suarez: That fiscal year which ended September 30th 1990.
Mr. Odio: No, we did not. This is September 30, we have a six million dollar
fund balance. That has nothing to do with it.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, excuse me.
Mr. Odio: You want to use the six million dollars? - I'll take this out.
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, so you don't lose anything in the translation.
The question to you was, is this to make last year's budget in compliance? -
and your answer was what?
Mr. Odio: This is to finalize last year's budget, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: That is not the question that was asked of him.
Mr. Odio: This is to finalize last year's budget.
Mayor Suarez: Hey, and it's to balance the two in a sense.
Commissioner Plummer: I understand your answer, you don't understand my
questions.
Mr. Garcia: There are some items at this time, Commissioner, that are still
doubtful as to how much we are going to collect on those items. For instance,
taxes.
Commissioner Plummer: Carlos, I could not let your answers stand on the
record as it was. It was inferring that we ended last year in a deficit.
Mr. Surana: No, we did not.
Commissioner Plummer: That was his answer. I'm sorry, you're wrong.
Mr. Odio: Sir, I'm glad we clarified. We did not.
Commissioner Plummer: I want it clarified on the record.
Mr. Garcia: It's clarified.
Mr. Odio: Fine, it's clarified.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: When those yo-yos start recounting, I want them to have
something to recall.
Mr. Odio: We did I think... I should have taken you to a different place for
lunch.
Commissioner Alonso: You better clarify this on the record.
Mr. Garcia: I think the question the Vice Mayor made, was whether we needed
this to balance last year's record.
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly, and your answer was yes.
Mr. Garcia: Well, we need this to finalize last year's record, not
necessarily to balance last year's records.
Mayor Suarez: OK, to reflect by...
Mr. Garcia: There are a number of transactions that are pending that need to
be finalized for last year.
73 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: And had that been the question, your answer would have
been appropriate.
Mayor Suarez: To reflect on paper, the balancing of last year's budget.
We're going to look at it that way.
Commissioner Plummer: But his question was different.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, all right.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Now that you've cleared that up for me, will I see
another one of these for this year's budget?
Mr. Odio: Oh yes, Commissioner, at the end... in October of next year...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Mr. Odio: ... we will have to come back and do transaction from one account
to another, yes.
Mayor Suarez: Well how about if next year, you try to do it on September...
the last meeting in September, not the first.
Mr. Odio: Sometimes...
Mayor Suarez: If you can.
Mr. Odio: We can do it.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Mano, you're very cooperative today.
Mr. Odio: But don't say you can do it when... sometimes you cannot do it as
you wish.
Mayor Suarez: Well it's helpful if you do things before the fact rather than
after the fact. It looks just a little bit fishy when you do it after the
fact. Even though, I am sure in balancing the books of every corporation at
the end of every fiscal year, you have to go back and make some...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You have to move money from one line of item to another
line item. We understand that.
Commissioner Plummer: It used to be called CYA and it's not called CAC.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I know.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: See, like you said, this is nothing but accounting
procedures where you move money from one line item to another line item, OK?
Commissioner Plummer: I say no more.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But you don't pass the bass the budget in September, and
come back in November to do this.
Mr. Odio: No, but I don't want to get into this... you remember, I guess I
have to say this, that the budgets are projections. A budget is, we sit down
and project that something is going to happen. It never happens the way we
project it.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Manager, are you telling me that you don't move money
from one line item to another line item in order to balance the budget? - is
that what you are telling me?
Mr. Odio: Yes, no, I didn't say that. That's a lot... and I agree with you.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That's all I'm saying.
Mayor Suarez: That's it. Yes, I like that explanation.
74 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: OK, just for the record, CAC stands for "cover your
colleague."
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No further questions.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No further questions, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Cover anything that should be covered. All right. We have a
motion and a second. Please read the ordinance. Call the roll.
Commissioner Plummer: Which two are going to vote against him?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It could take a vote, we'd vote. He's trying to see
which two would vote against him.
Commissioner Plummer: We've got to make a decision here, which two is going
to vote against it. I vote, yes.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, 4
AND 5 OF ORDINANCE NO. 10648, THE ANNUAL
APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 1990, ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 28, 1989, AS
AMENDED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING BUDGETARY
ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPLY WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AS OUTLINED BY THE CITY'S
EXTERNAL AUDITORS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner De
Yurre, for adoption as an emergency measure and dispensing with the
requirement of reading same on two separate days, which was agreed to by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Whereupon the Commission on motion of Commissioner Plummer and seconded
by Commissioner De Yurre, adopted said ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
SAID ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 10803.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Ms. Hirai: You vote yes or no? Votes, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: How did they vote?
75 October 25, 1990
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Ms. Hirai: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Both of them?
Ms. Hirai: Yes.
Commissioner. Plummer: Chicken.
NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Agenda item 5 was
withdrawn.
13. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE SECTION 2-302 (CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST) - AUTHORIZE APPEARANCES BY MEMBERS OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS
AND AGENCIES BEFORE CITY COMMISSION TO REPRESENT THIRD PARTIES -
CONTINUE PROHIBITION ON APPEARANCES BEFORE MEMBER'S OWN BOARD,
COMMISSION OR AGENCY.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: OK, item 5. At any time that...
Commissioner Plummer: Four has been withdrawn.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Item 5, conflict of interest, amendment to clarify...
amendment of the ordinance to clarify that what we mean is, people on boards
may not practice before those boards, but that doesn't preclude them from
practicing before us. Is it only for the DDA (Downtown Development Authority)
or for everybody?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: For everybody.
Mr. Fernandez: No, no. We have prepared too, what you packet contains as
distributed last week, was only one that arose from DDA. Since then, taking
into account, your concerns at your last City Commission meeting...
Mayor Suarez: For all the boards and...
Mr. Fernandez: We have prepared a global one which is being distributed to
you right now.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. OK. I'll entertain a motion...
Commissioner Plummer: And Mr. Mayor, I want to tell you that I have...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Move it.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll second the motion.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: I have invited all members of the DDA next week to meet
with me downtown, at ten o'clock at night, at Miami Avenue and Flagler Street,
and I'd like for them to walk around and see what they never see, otherwise.
So, I'd let you know date it is and without any special police protection or
anything, I'm inviting them all to meet me downtown next week, ten o'clock,
Miami Avenue and Flagler Street, to let them see where the real world is.
Let's see how many of them show up. There's what? - twenty-nine?
Mayor Suarez: Twenty-nine,
Commissioner Plummer: OK, we're going to have a walking tour of downtown, if
we can get around the garbage cans.
Mayor Suarez: All right. That's part of the motion?
Commissioner Plummer: No, sir. It's not part...
76 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the
ordinance. Jeff, you know where you're going to be that day, at that time.
Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST;
AMENDING THE CODE OF THE. CITY OF MIAMI FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 2-302 THEREOF TO
AUTHORIZE APPEARANCES BY MEMBERS OF BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS AND AGENCIES OF THE CITY BEFORE THE CITY
COMMISSION IN REPRESENTATION OF THIRD PARTIES;
CONTINUING PROHIBITION ON APPEARANCES BEFORE A
MEMBER'S OWN BOARD, COMMISSION OR AGENCY; CONTAINING A
REPEALER PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins and seconded by Commissioner
Plummer and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
COMMENTS MADE AFTER ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Plummer: The only... Mr. Mayor, excuse me. The only legal
question I have...
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Should this ordinance be made retroactive? - in other
words, are we to be concerned of actions taken by these boards prior to this
change?
Mr. Fernandez: No, it cannot be made retroactive. It has to be upon
second...
Commissioner Plummer: But nobody can go back now and contest an action taken
four months ago by the DDA was illegal, because?
Mr. Fernandez: No.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
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14. DISCUSS AND DEFER TO A FUTURE MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF CONSENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT WITH METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY
FOR ITS ENCROACHMENT UPON A RIPARIAN AREA OF THE MIAMI RIVER - FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE METROMOVER MIAMI RIVER BRIDGE PIER AND FENDER SYSTEM
BY DADE COUNTY.
Mayor Suarez: Item 6. Lease agreement with Dade County so they can do the
Metromover Miami River Bridge Pier and Fender System by Dade County. I love
that word, fender.
Vice Mayor. Dawkins: I move it that this be deferred for further information.
Commissioner Plummer: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded.
Commissioner Plummer: Call the question.
Mayor Suarez: If you have any doubts or concerns about getting a majority,
you ought to state on the record, at least for my vote, why you want to defer.
Commissioner Plummer: I need more information.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I need more information.
Mr. Bert Waters: Can we...
Mayor Suarez: Is this an item, Mr. Manager, that if we don't act on it, could
create a problem for us with the construction in the timing construction of
the Metromover extensions?
Mr. Waters: Mr. Mayor and members.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I called the question.
Commissioner Plummer: That's right. I second. I mean...
Mr. Waters: May I meet with...
Commissioner Plummer: I called the question.
Mr. Odio: Don't be so nasty.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Moved to defer.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm not being nasty, he keeps pursuing so I'm just
answering.
Mr. Odio: He was asked a question.
Commissioner Plummer: By who? You don't...
Mayor Suarez: I know, I asked him.
Commissioner Plummer: When you call the question, it ceases conversation.
Mayor Suarez: Well, wait, wait. I haven't ruled on the question, we can vote
on the question, but on calling the question and closing debate.
Mr. Fernandez: They are trying to defer it.
Mr. Odio: Well, he was asked a question. Where did I take you for lunch?
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, wait a minute. Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, sir.
78 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: When question is called, is there a ruling by
the chair
as to whether or not it's illegal?
Mr. Fernandez: No.
Commissioner Plummer: That's what I thought.
Mr. Fernandez: When a motion is called, you vote on that.
Unidentified Speaker: Who calls the question?
Commissioner Plummer: I called the question.
Mayor Suarez: No, you don't really call a question...
Commissioner Plummer: Now, the Mayor says, he has the right to
determine
whether...
Mayor Suarez: ... on the mason's rules to procedures you move the
question,
but...
Mr. Fernandez: You move the question.
Mayor Suarez: ... J.L. I have...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: J.L. moved and I second.
Commissioner Plummer: I called the question.
Mayor Suarez: No, no. He moved to defer.
Mr. Fernandez: You moved it. It's the same thing basically.
Commissioner Plummer: All right, I moved the question.
Commissioner Alonso: Did he answer your question?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And I second it.
Commissioner Plummer: Does that not cease conversation?
Mr. Fernandez: It should, for purposes of voting on that.
Commissioner Plummer: Why should? - yes, or no?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Thank you. Jesus.
Mayor Suarez: OK. The chair...
Commissioner Plummer: Now, if you want to ask a question, go ahead.
Mayor Suarez: ... has a point of clarification.
Commissioner Plummer: Fine. To my colleague, I bend.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Not for long, but I bend.
Mayor Suarez: Not having yet ruled on whether we are going to
close off
debate and not having yet voted on whether we are going close off debate,
which is...
Commissioner Plummer: You don't have that option.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, you do.
Commissioner Plummer: Does he have that option?
Mayor Suarez: You can overrule me if I don't close off debate.
79 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: Whoa! Whoa! Since you don't agree with him, I'm going
to agree with you. Does he have that right, as Mayor?
Mr. Fernandez: My understanding of mason rules, is that once the motion has
been made to... for the question, or to be voted on, that that supersedes all
other motions.
Commissioner Plummer: Does it apply... Mason's rule apply to a catholic boy?
Mr. Fernandez: It certainly does.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Odio: Use the Cuban rule.
Commissioner Plummer: Pow, wow, wow.
Mayor Suarez: The other problem that you have is that the motion that is
before us now, even assuming the City Attorney is right, which he clearly is
not, is a motion to close off debate, and my question is directed at whether
we should close off debate, or not. So, it is proper. Mr. City Manager,
seriously, I mean, Commissioners, I know you want to defer on the item but...
Commissioner Plummer: Now I know how they teach in Harvard.
Mayor Suarez: ... what problems could be created if we don't vote on this
today, because my fellow Commissioners want me to defer it without telling me
why they want me to defer, other than they want more information...
Commissioner Plummer: Correct.
Mayor Suarez: ... but they don't tell me any more than that.
Mr. Waters: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, what you are acting
upon... well, considering...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Hold it. I'm going to be excused until you finish
because I don't hear this until it comes back, OK? I'll be back after he gets
through explaining this.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: Go to the ladies room.
Mayor Suarez: Please, proceed.
Mr. Waters: You may recall, Commissioners, on April 12th, that this
Commission adopted a resolution basically directing or requesting that the
Metro Dade County build... or the Rivermover, the River -Walk Metromover
Station. At that particular time, the County, because of certain problems
they were having regarding the crossing of the Miami River, there was a
j possibility of deleting that particular station. This Commission directed the
i County to retain that station, and based on that directive, the County has
gone back to redesign that particular crossing, which by being directed from
this Commission, has allowed them to come before... well really, they are
requesting this consent to lease, to encroach upon the riparian rights, the
riparian area of the City of Miami. In order to solve the solution of
crossing that river, the County has to build within the riparian area, a
fender and pier system to allow for this crossing. In order for that to
occur, they need your permission in order to encroach upon the riparian area
of the City of Miami. And this item that...
Mayor Suarez: That's all this does, and it is...
Mr. Waters: All this does is, it solves the directive that this Commission
has given. That is to make certain that that station is built, the Riverwalk
Station is built at that particular location in order to accommodate that,
this easement is required.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I have to level with you, I have to vote against him you
know, when it comes to vote, but I still want to defer it.
80 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: All right.
Commissioner Plummer: Well let me tell the further information that I think
is necessary, because I think we have to understand that. I am extremely
concerned that in the area today of transportation, Metropolitan Dade County,
under that framework of transportation, which is, I understand, is the buses,
the rapid transit and the Peoplemover, just the Peoplemover that exist today.
Over revenue subsidizes transportation at the tune of one hundred and four
million dollars a year, roughly. A hundred million for rough figures, OK? I
am concerned and I have asked the question and never got an answer, with this
extension, how much more subsidy is going to be required, keeping in mind that
I represent twenty-seven percent of every dollar from the City of Miami that
goes into that subsidy.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well my concern J.L...
Commissioner Plummer: And I have never got an answer from these people...
Mayor Suarez: The operating deficit from the additions has been estimated...
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly.
Mayor Suarez: ... at times between two million and as high as seven million
dollars.
Commissioner Plummer: Well I've never heard that from them.
Mayor Suarez: But a lot of it is, of course, dependent on how many people in
fact, use the system and how much we are able to get in fares. Yes, Vice
Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: My question and the need for further information is, the
County is crying wolf. The County says that if the one cent sales tax does
not pass, it's going to cut back, so why shouldn't I have more information as
to if this is one of cut back projects, if the one cent sales tax doesn't
pass, what?... and by the time we get back to this, it will be after November
the 6th and I will know if the one cent sales tax passed or not.
Mayor Suarez: OK, let me answer.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you know, another thing that I can't get an
answer.
Mayor Suarez: Let me answer the Vice Mayor, because he missed a little bit of
the discussion when he stepped out for a second. One thing that concerns me
Vice Mayor, is that if we are sending a message to the County that we are
upset with the way they have handled this or other matters, this is an item
that we specifically asked for them to make a part of the Metromover
extension. And they have come back and they adjusted the designs to fit our
criteria and we now need a...
Commissioner Plummer: This was the lesser of evil's choice.
Mayor Suarez: ... to give him an easement so he could build these finders.
Last time we was here, we were calling him aprons. I remember that, I love
that one. Now, it's fenders. Just told that presumably, so that shipping
disrupt the columns if they hit it, hopefully, they won't hit it at all. In
any event, it is something that could delay the Metromover extension and that
we, that as a result of our request of the County, that they redesign, so
that's just something I want to put on the record.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I just want to make one... I had asked the
Mayor... the Manager, to ask, inquire, and from the information that I have
back, the question that I asked was, if the penny sales tax were to pass, how
much of that revenue would be shared with the cities of the municipalities?
My answer is, nothing. The cities would not get a dime.
Mr. Odio: Correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Do you have any different answer?
81 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Odio: No. In reference to the Metromover, whether the one cent sales tax
passes or not passes, they have the money to build the system. They have the
absolute total amount to build the system.
Mayor Suarez: And in further answer to his question.
Mr. Odio: And all they will do here...
Mayor Suarez: The second year the tax would produce, and I'm not sure that
anybody on this Commission believes that it would pass, but let's assume that
it did because that's what your question is, produce a hundred and sixty
million dollars of which around, almost fifty are available for other things,
because the rest is going into that deficit that the system creates or
generates. That fifty million, one of the things that they have discussed and
apparently, have a legal opinion now that says, they could return it back to
the contributors which would mean twenty-seven percent of it presumably, going
back to our taxpayers. That's the only way in which you could argue that we
will ever see any of it going back to us.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes. That will be delivered by the snow ploughs on
Flagler Street.
Mayor Suarez: Or Santa Clause.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But the only concern again, and I'll raise it again is,
the County has attempted to sell this bond issue by saying that in the event
the penny sales tax does not pass, certain services have to be cut. Now even
though the Manager tells me that this is budgeted, somebody will have to tell
me and show me in writing, for me, that this is not one of the projects will
be cut back in the event that...
Mr. Waters: I can show you.
Mr. Odio: We can show you.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... in writing.
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir.
Mr. Waters: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That this will not be cut back.
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir. We can give you that.
Mayor Suarez: All right, and on the assumption that the Vice Mayor needs that
prior to voting on this item, that is more than enough reason for his request
to defer. We have stated on the record the reasons whey we should act on it
and I think, certainly, if not before, now is the time to take a vote and see
how we feel about it. OK? Any further discussion on the motion to defer?
You want to add anything? If not, we are going to vote, because we've got a
lot of items to go through today and planning and zoning agenda. Anything
else? Call the roll on the motion to defer.
The following motion was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved its
adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-828
A MOTION DEFERRING CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEM NO. 6
(PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONSENT
TO LEASE AGREEMENT WITH METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY FOR
ITS ENCROACHMENT UPON A RIPARIAN AREA OF THE MIAMI
RIVER, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE METROMOVER MIAMI RIVER
BRIDGE PIER AND FENDER SYSTEM BY DADE COUNTY) TO A
FUTURE MEETING, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
82 October 25, 1990
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AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
NOES: Mayor Xavier L. Suarez.
ABSENT: None.
NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Agenda item 7 was
withdrawn by the administration.
15. AUTHORIZE SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS FOR PROVISION OF MOBILE DIGITAL
TERMINALS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Item 8. Authorizing the solicitation of proposals for mobile
digital terminals.
Commissioner Plummer: As your representative of Commission Awareness, I urge
my colleagues to go forth with the proposal. We have...
Mayor Suarez: Mobile digital terminals.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: This is merely to go out for a bidding. It will come
back to this Commission for a final...
Mayor Suarez: Sounds...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: When we put you there to advise us, if you advise, that
should move it.
Mayor Suarez: All right. With the recommendation of the Commissioner
involved in the program, oversighting that particular department, we have a
motion and a second. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-829
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS
FOR THE PROVISION OF MOBILE DIGITAL TERMINALS WITH
FUNDING TO BE PROVIDED FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
BOND PROGRAM.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Vice Mayor Dawkins, the resolution was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
83 October 25, 1990
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NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Agenda item 9 was
withdrawn by the administration.
Mayor Suarez: Let me remind my colleagues on the Commission that the more
items that we postpone, the more our agenda is later again full of items and
we are not able to transact some of the business we'd like to.
Commissioner Plummer: And I would strongly suggest that the Manager have for
lunch every Commission meeting, that what he did today because it's making him
very smart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_ 16. APPOINT INDIVIDUAL AS MEMBER OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION
AUTHORITY (Appointed was Tony Marina).
Mayor Suarez: Item 10. Appointing an individual as a member of Miami Sports
and Exhibition Authority. Whose...
Mr. Fernandez: Commissioner Plummer's appointment.
Commissioner Plummer: I nominate Tony Marina.
Mayor Suarez: So moved. Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the
roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-830
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF
THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. DISCUSS AND DEFER APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE ON THE ZONING
BOARD - DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO EXTEND DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF
APPLICATIONS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Item 11. Zoning Board, who has got appointments?...
Commissioner Alonso: It's my appointment and I'd like to reopen the process.
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner Alonso.
Mr. Fernandez: And Commissioner Dawkins, and Commissioner Alonso both have
appointments.
84 October 25, 1990
V
Commissioner Alonso: Or, he does too?
Mayor Suarez: Do we have to readvertise? Is that what you are saying?
Mr. Fernandez: Well, I don't know.
Commissioner Alonso: In my case, yes, I would.
Commissioner Alonso: As to Commissioner Alonso's appointment.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, as to Commissioner Alonso, if she is not satisfied with
the names that have been submitted, then she must request at this time that
the administration readvertise.
Mr. Odio: You want to readvertise?
Commissioner Alonso: No.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: She is not satisfied? OK, then, I'm satisfied but they
said that the gentleman that I planned to nominate...
Mayor Suarez: Didn't have a resume on time?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... Father Fox, his application came in late. What's the
ruling on that, Mr. City Attorney?
Mr. Fernandez: There is actually no need to readvertise. I'm being told that
Just by extending the time period, not taking it up at this time, but
making... extending the time for deadline to a time that would concur with the
next City Commission meeting, then you may vote on a next City Commission
meeting.
Commissioner Alonso: It's fine with me, I don't know what Commissioner
Dawkins...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, thank you.
Mr. Odio: Do we have to readvertise?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Did you hear his question?
Mr. Fernandez: No, you do not have to readvertise.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But if the individual whom Commissioner Alonso wants to
appoint, if he gets his name in between now and the next meeting, it's legal?
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, just for the record, let's clarify it so
there is no discussion at a later time. The Commission wants, and not the
Commissioner...
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: The Commission wants to go back out for further
consideration.
Commissioner Alonso: Sure, OK, thank you.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, no problem, so that's that. Let's move the next one.
Twelve.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Do we have... do we need a motion on that item twelve
then, Mr. City Attorney, or eleven?
Mr. Fernandez: You are not making any appointment today, but you have clearly
indicated that you want the time period for deadlines to be extended.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: The Commission wants to extend the deadline.
85 October 25, 1990
El
r;
Mayor Suarez: OK, no motion needed.
18. APPOINT INDIVIDUAL TO SERVE ON THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD
(Appointed was: Francisco Avellanet).
Mayor Suarez: Item 12. Heritage Conservation Board. Who has got
appointments?
Mr. Odio: I think it is your appointment.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: It is your appointment.
Mayor Suarez: Who were my existing appointments?
Mr. Odio: Marvin Cassel.
Mayor Suarez: Marvin Cassel?
Mr. Odio: Yes, was the incumbent. Is that the only one whose term is
expiring that?...
Mr. Olmedillo: No, you had Francisco Avellanet that I think you wanted to
appoint...
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Olmedillo: ... you had indicated, he filed the application.
Mayor Suarez: OK, I'll nominate Francisco Avellanet. Do I have another
one? - Frank Avellanet.
Mr. Olmedillo: Not... yes, the other ones have been appointed already.
Mayor Suarez: That's it? OK, anybody else have any others?
Mr. Olmedillo: No, no more appointments, it's only yours.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I don't have an appointment?
Mr. Olmedillo: Not this time, sir.
Mr. Fernandez: Not on 13.
Mr. Olmedillo: Not on the HC Board.
Mayor Suarez: Heritage Conservation Board.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No problem.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Move it.
Mayor Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Plummer: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Second. Call the roll on that appointment.
86 October 25, 1990
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The following resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-831
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INDIVIDUAL TO SERVE AS A
MEMBER OF THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 1992.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
19. APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO CITYWIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
(Appointed were: Dennis Scholl and Irby McKnight.)
20. (A) EXTEND TERMS OF OFFICE FOR ALL PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE CITYWIDE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO DESIGNATED DATE OR UNTIL
SUCCESSORS ARE APPOINTED.
(B) DISCUSSION CONCERNING ROTATION OF COMMISSIONERS SERVING AS
MEMBERS OF CERTAIN BOARDS/COMMITTEES.
Mayor Suarez: Item 14.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thirteen.
Mayor Suarez: Thirteen, thank you. Citywide...
Mr. Odio: This is to extend the term of office for all present members of the
Citywide Community Development Advisory Board to September 1, 1991, or until
such a time as successor's members are appointed, so that they could continue
the role as advisors to you while we are changing the board.
Commissioner Alonso: Move it.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Who?...
Mr. Odio: Community Advisory Development Board.
Mayor Suarez: So what he wants us to do?
Commissioner Alonso: Extend.
Mr. Odio: Extend it for one year, but if in the meantime, we can appoint...
Commissioner Plummer: I have my appointment.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I've got my appointee. I don't want to extend nothing.
Mr. Odio: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: My appointee is Mr. Dennis Scholl, S-C-H-O-L-L.
Mr. Odio: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: My appointment is Mr. Irby McKnight.
87 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: Irby... wait a minute, doesn't he work for the City?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: He doesn't work for the City.
Mr. Castaneda: Yes, Commissioner, let me explain on the issue of 13. I would
appreciate that you would vote for it. What happened was that for some reason
the term was reduced to one year. Historically, their term has been two
years, and I just want to make it normal of a two year term. We usually have
them appointed right after the election of the Commissioners, and then they
serve for a period of two years.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Who is my appointee now?
Mr. Castaneda: Your appointee right now is Josie Poitier, and you have one
vacant which you just named.
Commissioner Plummer: Who is mine?
Mr. Castaneda: George Lehor.
Mayor Suarez: Give me my appointments.
Mr. Castaneda: Your appointments are Andrew Rosenblatt and Marguerite
Shearin.
Mayor Suarez: Have both indicated a desire to serve?
Mr. Castaneda: Right. When your are originally elected...
Mayor Suarez: To continue service? - as far as you know, my two appointments?
Mr. Castaneda: Yes, they are.
Commissioner Plummer: Are they attending?
Mr. Castaneda: Andrew Rosenblatt and Marguerite Shearin were very active.
Mayor Suarez: And both live in the City and both represent what
neighborhoods?
Commissioner De Yurre: Frank, you have any of mine there?
Mr. Castaneda: Yours are, Johnnie Matthews and Dorothy Quintana and Alonso's
are Olga Perez Nodal and Elio Cruz which you just appointed I believe at the
last meeting.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, I just gave him.
Mayor Suarez: OK, I'll entertain a motion to reappoint so many of the members
as had been renominated by the Commissioners, and who initially nominated
them.
Commissioner De Yurre: I'll reappoint mine.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And extend the time for one year?
Mr. Castaneda: Yes, extend the time.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, so moved.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll second.
Mayor Suarez: So moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not please call the
roll.
88 October 25, 1990
The following resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-832
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO THE
EIGHTEEN (18) MEMBER CITYWIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY BOARD.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE AFTER ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a question, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Of you or of the Manager, when is the Commission itself
going to reshuffle itself as chairmanships?
Mr. Odio: In November.
Commissioner Plummer: Is it in November?
Mr. Fernandez: No, the Vice Mayor comes up in November.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm not talking about Vice Mayor. I want
chairmanships.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All of them should go, because we don't know who would be
here after November.
Commissioner Plummer: When is their? - it was one year, correct?
Mr. Fernandez: No, no. It was six months trial period.
Commissioner Plummer.: No.
Mr. Fernandez: For committees...
Commissioner Plummer: As I recall, it was one year that...
Commissioner De Yurre: That was for the awareness program.
Commissioner Plummer: No.
Commissioner De Yurre: The six months that he is talking about.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm talking about the rotation of memberships of
members of the Commission on different committees.
Commissioner De Yurre: It was going to be for a year, I think.
Commissioner Plummer: When is that year up? - that's what I'm asking.
Mr. Odio: Well, it hasn't been a year since we passed it.
Mr. Fernandez: I don't know.
89 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner De Yurre: Next year.
Commissioner Plummer: When is it up?
Mayor Suarez: Well, ascertain when a year is up and make sure that we, in
advance of that, can...
Commissioner Plummer: Because I'd like to go out and start lobbying some for
these guys to take some of these positions that I've got. No, hey, don't
laugh.
Mayor Suarez: There is nothing in here about taking him back. If we want to
keep reappointing you.
Commissioner De Yurre: It's just a review.
Mayor Suarez: Majority rules. We close off debate and we...
Commissioner De Yurre: ... it's not a reshuffling.
Mayor Suarez: OK, seriously, advise the Commissioner when that year is up, so
that we'd be sure to...
Commissioner Plummer: Would you let me know when that year is up and we are
going to reshuffle?
Commissioner De Yurre: It's right after November of 191.
Mr. Odio: I will let you know next week.
Commissioner Plummer: No, it's this year.
Commissioner De Yurre: No.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: Not this year.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, oh no, it's this year. It sure as hell is.
Mayor Suarez: OK, whenever that twelve month period runs, please advise him.
Commissioner Plummer: It seems like to me, it is in November of this year,
that's why I'm asking.
Commissioner De Yurre: No.
Mr. Odio: I will let you know next week.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Whenever you are able to ascertain that, please advise
him.
Commissioner Plummer: Because I don't know what the hell I'm going to do with
the Sports Authority.
Mayor Suarez: OK, appointing certain individuals to serve on the Miami...
Commissioner De Yurre: We'll work that out.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: We are going to abolish it, aren't we?
Commissioner Plummer: Aren't we?
Commissioner Alonso: Is that a motion?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK.
Commissioner De Yurre: It all depends on what tickets you want for what
events you know, that's what the bottom line to everything is, it's tickets.
Commissioner Plummer: Victor, you will learn to love Bayfront Park.
90 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Fernandez: Point of clarification. Item number 13, which was the
resolution giving one more year to everybody, that passed. Did you take a
separate motion on 14? - where you named two additional members.
Ms. Hirai: They did it backwards. Didn't you just tell me?
Commissioner Plummer: We haven't even discussed 14.
Mr. Odio: They passed it altogether.
Commissioner Alonso: They just...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Move it.
Ms. Hirai: Yes, it was done backwards. We voted first on 14 and now, this is
13.
Mr. Fernandez: All right, OK.
Mayor Suarez: OK. All right, so item 14, is behind us. Item 15.
The following resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-833
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE TERMS OF OFFICE FOR ALL
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE CITY-WIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY BOARD TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1991 OR UNTIL SUCH TIME
THEREAFTER AS SUCCESSOR MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE
CITY COMMISSION.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner De Yurre, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
21. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS OF THE MIAMI
STREET CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE (See label 23).
Mayor Suarez: Item 15. Miami Street...
Mr. Odio: The members are Commissioner De Yurre and two members, category 'B'
by Commissioner Dawkins and Alonso.
Mayor Suarez: OK. If you have those now, I'll entertain a motion on those.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, this is the street, this is the ones of
the...
Mr. Odio: This is the Codesignation review. This is to name the streets in
the Latin Quarter.
91 October 25, 1990
LA
LA
Mayor Suarez: We don't have anybody beating down our doors to serve on this
committee.
Commissioner Alonso: We have enough.
Commissioner Plummer: This is the way to get even with your enemies.
Commissioner Alonso: And what was the name?
Mayor Suarez: I nominate Howard Kleinberg from the Miami Herald who seems to
have this thing about street designation. He would probably make a good
member.
Mr. Prieto: He has one, yes. He has one and Plummer has one.
Commissioner Plummer: I got one?
Mr. Prieto: Yes. Yours is Carolyn Cope.
Mayor Suarez: Peggy, does Howard live in the City, Peggy?
Commissioner Plummer: Who?
Mr. Prieto: Carolyn Cope.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, yes.
Mr. Prieto: Yes. And the Mayor is Mr. Juan Serralles.
Commissioner Alonso: For that board?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I'll reappoint Juan, poor fellow, he'll. keep...
Mr. Prieto: All right, and...
Commissioner Plummer: Can I nominate Dave Lawrence? I mean, he wants one
Herald what? - Mr. Mayor, I'm glad that this came up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. DIRECT ADMINISTRATION TO INFORM LATIN STARS TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE
PLACEMENT OF STARS IN THE SIDEWALKS OF S.W. 8 STREET (CALLE OCHO) -
STIPULATE THAT ALL PROPOSED HONOREES MUST FIRST HAVE CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL, AND REQUISITE OFFICIAL PERMITS, PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF
STARS.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, to your knowledge, how many of the Cuban stars
sidewalks have been laid down?
Commissioner Alonso: A lot.
Mr. Prieto: I have no exact figure right now.
Commissioner Plummer: You, in Public Works don't know?
Mr. Prieto: I personally don't. I am sure my personnel does.
Mayor Suarez: Please dig up the information.
Mr.
Prieto:
Yes, I
will.
Mr.
Odio:
In order
to give a star, they have to come here to get an approval.
Commissioner Alonso: From now on.
Commissioner Plummer: Now on TV the other night, I saw one.
92 October 25, 1990
Mr. Odlo: No. Wait.
Commissioner Plummer: It was a lady.
Mr. Odio: I remembered that in order to get a star in that sidewalk...
Commissioner Alonso: The ones that were approved before, they are placing
them now and according to Commissioner Plummer's motion, they have to come to
us for approval, but I think that the ones that they had agreed to place,
they've been doing it.
Commissioner Plummer: There is only one that I remember at this Commission
which has been approved, and that was Celia Cruz. I don't remember that one
being approved. It might have and the record will so reflect. I have seen on
television the other night, one that was placed... the lady was blonde...
Mr. Odio: They are not Cuban...
Commissioner Plummer: I didn't ask that, don't come in to that scenario. I
am asking and I would like to know before you leave here... and it bothers me
to no end, if they are tearing up sidewalks to do this and you don't know
about it.
Commissioner Alonso: Well they certainly have to know, they get the permit
for that.
Mr. Prieto: I'll get the information. That's right, they have to get a permit
from us.
Commissioner Alonso: They get a permit from the City of Miami...
Commissioner Plummer: I am told that there has been three or four of them,
done.
Mr. Odio: I know of one.
Mayor Suarez: That's shameful.
Commissioner Alonso: Believe me Commissioner, there are lots of them.
Mr. Prieto: I'll get back to you.
Unidentified Speaker: There are more.
Commissioner Plummer: What?
Unidentified Speaker: There is a lot more there...
Commissioner Plummer: And my God, there has not been other than one that I
know of, approved by this Commission.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Alonso: Recently, there has been...
Commissioner Plummer: No, I think they need to be removed right away.
Mr. Prieto: OK.
Commissioner De Yurre: Let me ask, where does the funding, where do they get
the funding for this? - to put these stars.
Commissioner Plummer: I would get into that later. OK?
Commissioner Alonso: It's not from the City.
Commissioner De Yurre: No, I know that. But how do they, I mean, do they
sell it?
Mayor Suarez: That's a good point to clarify though.
Commissioner Plummer: Don't touch it right now.
93 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Alonso: Please,
Commissioner De Yurre: Can't touch that, eh?
Commissioner Alonso: That's a very...
Mayor Suarez: If anybody has any proof that anybody is selling space in our
sidewalks to be recognized as Latin Stars or any other kind of star, I sure
hope they will come forward.
Mr. Odio: No, let me...
Mayor. Suarez: Dr. Prieto do you have any such evidence, sir? You always
eager to give us information.
Mr. Prieto: No, sir.
Mr. Odio: When I was reviewing the agenda...
Mayor Suarez: He knows nothing.
Mr. Odio: ... I saw an item on the Latin Star names they wanted to put a
stars on, I withdrew the item because we didn't have enough room on the
agenda.
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, If I...
Mr. Odio: It has not come in front of you, so they cannot instal them.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Odio, if I am wrong, I stand corrected.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, I think you're right.
Commissioner Plummer: I saw on television the dedication of a woman, I don't
remember her name, on SW 8th Street, and I tried to the best of my knowledge
to remember when we approved it, and I have checked the record, and we did
not.
Mr. Odio: I'm getting the item right now, because we do... we have a pending
item, and they not have installed any stars until they were approved by you.
Commissioner Alonso: He is referring to Veronica Castro.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm telling you that information given to me, right or
wrong, and I want it on the record, is that there have been more than three of
them done other than the one that was approved by this Commission.
Mr. Prieto: Yes, we'll have it removed.
Commissioner Plummer: OK?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, the resolution I've got in my office if you need
it, if it is not clear to you, clearly states, as approved by this Commission.
Commissioner Alonso: May I get a copy of that since I have never seen the...
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, I hope you will get... of the resolution?
Commissioner Alonso: I have seen the resolution, but do you have the list of
the ones that...
Commissioner Plummer: He is saying, he don't even know about it.
Mayor Suarez: Let's clarify Latin Stars that have been placed there. Get
that information.
Mr. Prieto: Well, I'll get the information for you.
94 October 25, 1990
e
Commissioner Alonso: I have spoken to the gentleman, and I believe, maybe I'm
wrong, but he has given me the impression that he will have to come, and
that's why he requested an appearance in front of the Commission, because he
thought the ones before was... he was not requested to a have permission for
those that were approved before. But for the future... is that the list of
the names?
Mayor Suarez: Please, let's get that information.
Mr. Prieto: I'll do that right now, as soon as I can get some members for the
Committee.
Commissioner Alonso: Mr. Manager, is that the list with the names of the?...
Commissioner Plummer: We don't have this many sidewalks. No, look at the
list.
Commissioner Alonso: Let me take a look?
Commissioner Plummer: Look at the list. They've got one scheduled for
September 16, Agustin Lara, Jose Canseco, Rico Jurado, Charytin, Raul Velasco,
Betty Pino, La Tremenda Corte, Veronica Castro, Delia Fiallo, Kiwanis of
Little Havana, Miller Dawkins of nowhere, Maria Felix, Willy Chirino, Juan
Gabriel, Manuel Alejandro, Armando Manzanero, Jose Jose, Osvaldo Farie, Lola
Flores, Lola Beltran, Tito Puente, Rafael Hernandez, Jose Feliciano...
Mayor Suarez: The record of the City of Miami proceedings...
Commissioner Plummer: ... I mean, it goes on and on and on.
Mayor Suarez: ... is being polluted by your pronunciation.
Commissioner De Yurre: This guy, they just put there.
Commissioner Alonso: Some of them, they already...
Commissioner Plummer: Agustin Lara, you were there for that one? When did we
approve that, Mr. Manager?
Mr. Prieto: None of these have not been approved. These are requests.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, what happens? - I thought we set policy around
here.
Mr. Odio: You did. And if they did without permission, they should not have.
Mr. Prieto: They should not.
Commissioner Plummer: Are you telling me they did it without even getting a
permit?
Mr. Prieto: No, I don't think they should have done anything.
Mr. Odio: Let me find the resolution.
Commissioner Alonso: Well, they always had a policeman...
Commissioner Plummer: I've got the resolution, it's in my office.
Commissioner Alonso: ... and they tell me, I have asked, and I say, do you
always get a permit? - and they told me, yes, everytime they have obtained a
permit, so...
Commissioner Plummer: Bring me that resolution. There is no question.
Mr. Prieto: Right, I agree.
Commissioner Plummer: OK? Now, I think if this is in fact the case we are
faced with, an organization who were not abiding by the rules, I mean, would
it be in order Mr. Mayor, that if in fact they are not in compliance, they
have breached anything that this City Commission, that we prohibited them
from...
95 October 25, 1990
V r
Mayor Suarez: Cease and desist, yes cease and desist automatically from doing
any of this and have a further review by this Commission in case we want to
totally take away this faculty from them.
Commissioner Plummer: I so move.
Commissioner Alonso: And it will be very embarrassing.
Commissioner Plummer: I so move, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Plummer: I mean, according to this, they have even got one
scheduled for... there is a resolution, show it to the Manager. They have
already done three without the Commission approval.
Commissioner Alonso: That's right, and you know, this is... excuse me Mr.
Mayor, this is a little bit embarrassing. Remember that they have done public
presentations, they brought people, honored them, and it's going to really be
very embarrassing for the people if they have to remove the stars. I don't
know how the City of Miami is going to look with that, so it's going to be
really a very sad...
Mayor Suarez: Well, we are not removing any at this point.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, no. I think that I agree with the Mayor, that
the motion would be in order to cease and desist at this time...
Mr. Odio: The resolution...
Commissioner Plummer: ... and that nothing further...
Commissioner Alonso: It's done.
Mr. Odio: The resolution is very clear.
Commissioner Plummer: It's simply clear, because I put it there.
Mr. Prieto: Right.
Mr. Odio: It says clearly that all of the nominees to be approved by the City
Commission prior to the issuance of permits by the City. So if we have issued
any permits, we are wrong.
Mr. Prieto: I'll find out for you, exactly.
Commissioner Alonso: What is the date?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, not only that, if we didn't issue the permits, we
are wrong, but if they didn't bring them here for approval, they are wrong in
two instances.
Mr. Prieto: Yes.
Mr. Odio: Well, but we should not have issued the permits, and if we did that
we are wrong, and what I would like to do then, instead of making them tear
them up, let's see what names they put in and you approve the names, and if
don't, then we will do something else.
Commissioner Plummer: Well I'll make at motion at this time, that this
organization whatever the name of it is, cease and desist...
Mr. Prieto: Latin Stars, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: ... Latin Stars, and demonstrate to this Commission
that they have, one, brought forth permits and two, that they have got
Commission approval for same, of those that have already been placed.
Mr. Prieto: Right, I'll have answers.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll move that Mr. Mayor.
96 October 25, 1990
f
Mayor Suarez: OK. So moved.
Commissioner Alonso: I second.
Mayor Suarez: Second. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Under discussion. I agree with Commissioner Alonso. It
would be very embarrassing...
Commissioner Plummer: No, no, no. My motion doesn't say that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... to take them out, so I would like to amend the motion
and say that those that are already there, they come back and get permission
and grandfather them in.
Commissioner Plummer: I would say that at this particular point if we are
going to get any action, that we just tell them, cease and desist and come
back, let's talk about it. I didn't say in any way in my motion to remove
those that are there - we might.
Mayor Suarez: If the motion is to cease and desist future such laying of
stars or whatever the term is, inscriptions...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, well get us all a copy, please.
Mayor Suarez: ... then it's understood that it does not mean taking any out.
OK. So moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-834
A MOTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO NOTIFY REPRESENTATIVES OF LATIN
STARTS TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE AND DESIST FROM FUTURE
PLACEMENT OF STARS IN THE SIDEWALKS OF CALLE OCHO
UNTIL SAID GROUP HAS RECEIVED PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE
CITY COMMISSION AND HAS OBTAINED ALL THE NECESSARY
CITY PERMITS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE AFTER ROLL CALL:
Mayor Suarez: Did we take care of item 15?
Commissioner Plummer: Now, may I just inquire. Mr. Manager, let me see that
list again.
Mr. Prieto: We are still 15.
Commissioner Plummer: Does anybody know these three people? I mean...
Mr. Odio: Canseco, I know.
Commissioner Plummer: Canseco I know, of course.
Mr. Odio: Lola Flores, we know.
97
October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: But what about Rocio Jurado?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: When they come to talk about cease and desist, we will
find out who everybody is.
Commissioner Alonso: Rocio Jurado, yes, we all know.
Mr. Odio: Rocio Jurado, is a very....
Commissioner Plummer: And Agustin Lara?
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, we do.
Commissioner Plummer: Are they Cuban?
Commissioner Alonso: No.
Mr. Odio: No.
Commissioner Plummer: Is any of them Cuban?
Mr. Odio: Agustin Lara is Mexican, and Rocio Jurado is Spaniard.
Mr. Fernandez: Canseco.
Commissioner Alonso: Canseco.
Mr. Odio: Canseco is Cuban.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. So one out of the three is Cuban.
Mr. Odio: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, and just for further information...
Commissioner Alonso: Willy Chirino...
Mr. Odio: Chirino is Cuban.
Commissioner Plummer: Well that's not been done yet.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, just for further information, the one on, Celia
Cruz was not in the boundaries of 12 to 17th Avenue, it was 23rd, 24th.
Mr. Odio: I think you named a street after. What you did with Celia Cruz
was, you named a street after.
Commissioner Plummer: And they put... I saw the Mayor polishing the sidewalk
on television.
Commissioner Alonso: No, no, that was not a star.
Mayor Suarez: That was a street though, that was not one of these Latin
Stars.
Mr. Odio: Celia Cruz, got a...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Since they have to come before us to cease and desist, I
would recommend that we strongly discuss this then, and move on, please..
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it... Commissioner Plummer, otherwise we are not going to
get through.
Commissioner Plummer: So be it, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: By the way, on Canseco, I just want to say, we know he is
Cuban, the question, will he still be playing for Oakland. That's another
issue. All right, item 16.
98 October 25, 1990
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23. (Continued Discussion) APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE MIAMI STREET
CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE (Renominated were: Christina de Olivera,
Pablo Acosta and Robert Young) (See label 21).
Mayor Suarez: All right, item 15.
Mr. Prieto: I need nominations from Commissioner De Yurre, Vice Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: We can tell how excited you are about this street codesignation
committee, just from looking from you.
Mr. Prieto: Yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: I'll name Alma Sanchez.
Mayor Suarez: Alma Sanchez.
Mr. Prieto: To replace Christina de Olivera?
Commissioner De Yurre: Is that all? - hold it.
Mayor Suarez: OK, any other nominations?
Mr. Prieto: Alma Sanchez, right.
Commissioner De Yurre: Has she... how about Christina? - has she been
attending the meetings?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, she attended, and she helped form the interim committee.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK. Well, let's leave her there then.
Mr. Prieto: All right, sir. And Vice Mayor Dawkins, sir. You used to have
Robert Young. Would you like to keep him and?...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is he attending the meeting?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, sir. He was very active, too.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, great.
Mr. Prieto: And Commissioner Alonso, you had nominated I believe, it... Dr.
Pablo Acosta.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, he wants to continue?
Mr. Prieto: Yes.
Commissioner Alonso: OK, yes.
Mr. Prieto: Great. That's all I need. Thank you.
Commissioner Alonso: All right.
Mayor Suarez: All right, as to all of those, I'll entertain a motion.
Commissioner De Yurre: Move.
Mayor Suarez: Somebody second, thank you.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
99 October 25, 1990
t e
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner De Yurre, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-835
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE
ON THE MIAMI STREET CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
24. APPOINT INDIVIDUAL TO THE PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL (PIC) OF SOUTH
FLORIDA (Appointed was Esther Sabrino).
Mayor Suarez: Item 16. PIC who do we have to appoint, Frank?
Mr. Fernandez: J.L.
Mr. Odio: Should be Commissioner Plummer.
Mr. Castaneda: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: I nominate Esther Sabrino.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Second.
Mayor Suarez: So moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call
the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-836
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO THE PRIVATE
INDUSTRY COUNCIL (PIC) OF SOUTH FLORIDA FOR A TERM OF
OFFICE TO EXPIRE JUNE 30, 1992.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Vice Mayor Dawkins, the resolution was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
100 October 25, 1990
V r
25. APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE BOARD (Appointed were:
Dorothy Baker - regular member, and Eursla Wells - alternate).
Mayor Suarez: Item 17, ITB.
Mr. Odio: One regular member, and one alternate by Commissioner Dawkins.
Mayor Suarez: On the ITB.
Mr. Odio: ITB.
Mayor Suarez: International Trade Board, one regular, one...
Commissioner Plummer: Who is on 17, who has got members?
Mr. Odio: Commissioner Dawkins has one regular and one alternate.
Commissioner Plummer: You devil, don't you do to your wee, what I think
you're going to do.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Regular, Annie Marie Adker. Alternate, let me check to
see who will serve and get back.
Mayor Suarez: All right, as to those, we will reserve the spots for
Commissioner, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, I will appoint Dorothy Baker as the alternate,
please, of the Miami Dade Chamber.
Mayor Suarez: Dorothy Baker. OK, Executive Director, Miami Dade Chamber.
Commissioner Plummer: From the foreign country of Overtown.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, I'll put her on as the regular appointment and...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, please. That will be helpful.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... put Eursla Wells as the alternate.
Mayor Suarez: And Ursula Wells as the alternate. So moved and second. Do we
have a second?
Commissioner De Yurre: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, call the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-837
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE
AS MEMBERS AND AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER ON THE
INTERNATIONAL TRADE BOARD FOR TERMS OF OFFICE TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30, 1991.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner De Yurre, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
101 October 25, 1990
r
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
26. CONFIRM SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION ADVISORY BOARD (Appointed was: Sergeant Kevin McKinnon)
Mayor Suarez: Item 18. Bargaining representative of the City as a member of
City of Miami Affirmative Action Advisory Board. Who is their recommendation?
Commissioner Plummer: Who is recommended?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Miami police moved their recommendation.
Commissioner Plummer: Eighteen.
Mr. Fernandez: Kevin McKinnon.
Mr. Odio: McKinnon and Jesse Williams.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Odio: No, because Jesse Williams is no longer able to serve, so it's
Sergeant McKinnon.
Mayor Suarez: OK, as to the sergeant, it's been moved. Any... Do we have a
second?
Commissioner Plummer: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Call the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins, who moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-838
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE SELECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL
BY CERTIFIED BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVES OF CITY
EMPLOYEES TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM EXPIRING
JULY 11, 1992, AND RECOGNIZING SAID INDIVIDUAL AS A
BOARD MEMBER.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
102 October 25, 1990
11
f
27. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO THE
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY BOARD (See label 31).
Mayor Suarez: Nineteen, individuals by others.
Mr. Odio: There are two nominations that should be made by Mayor Suarez, and
one by Alonso, since Manolo Minagorri I guess, Mickey Minagorri, and Humberto
Amaro failed to meet the residency requirement, and Ralph Garcia -Toledo, Jr.
declined the nomination. So the Mayor has two and Commissioner Alonso has
one.
Commissioner Alonso: Can we come back to this item later today?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. Also, looking at this Mr. Manager.
Mr. Odio: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Kevin McKinnon is on the Affirmative Action Board and
I think, we just nominated him to replace Jesse...
Mr. Odio: Jesse Williams.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK.
Mayor Suarez: OK, table the item for the moment.
28. APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE CITY COMMISSION YOUTH TASK FORCE (Appointed
were: Honorable Phillip Davis, Ursula Ungaro-Benages, John Bennett,
Major Jesse Williams, Judge William Gladstone, Mickey Minagorri, Barbara
Wade, Sergeant Joseph Rimondi, Judge Petersen, Andrew Haig, Xavier
Cortada and Dr. Jose Szapocznik; pending still are six appointments).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Item 20.
Mr. Odio: Each Commissioner should nominate two individuals.
Commissioner Plummer: I would ask my two to be deferred until the next
meeting.
Commissioner Alonso: And I'll like to appoint Phillip Davis and Ursula
Benages.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so moved.
Commissioner Plummer: There is anybody else, before we move it?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Are we nominating youth or we are nominating?... I mean,
is this?...
Mayor Suarez: The gang, this is the Gang Task Force.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... Is this youth or is this people who can work with
youth. I don't... I mean...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it's a youth gang task force, isn't it? - that we are...
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, it is.
Mayor Suarez: Right, youth gang.
Commissioner Plummer: I think there is a maximum age of twenty...
Mayor Suarez: And includes both.
103 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Alonso: No, they sent us a list, that's why I appointed these
two people, with suggestion...
Commissioner Plummer: I think the maximum age is... eighteen, or nineteen.
Mayor Suarez: The way they had been functioning, Commissioners, they had been
functioning as a task force created by myself, and the idea was to bring all
the Commissioners into it, and have you appoint the members.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So you put one youth and one adult?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, you can have adults, you can have youths, you can have
counselors...
Mr. Fernandez: That's right, it doesn't matter.
Mayor Suarez: ... people who are...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Young adults. .. can relate to.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, exactly, that can relate to young people who...
Commissioner Alonso: They asked me to appoint these people.
Mayor Suarez: ... and they submitted a list with a bunch of names, so.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes. Just started passing the list now.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Let me see so I could go ahead and appoint a couple. I
was hoping to wait to appoint mine when all the other ones were filled, so
that we had caught as many of the ones that they're suggesting as possible.
But I know that... do we need to name the honorary members?
Mr. Odio: The way this is... the ASPIRA of Florida has to appoint, and also
Positive Inc., and Tacolcy Economic Development, sir.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, there is some sort of ex-officio members. In fact, they
are not sort of, they are ex-officio members.
Mr. Odio: Then each one of you appoints two.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Odio: There is no...
Mayor Suarez: All right, since you've not giving us very complete information
here, let me just go ahead and put it on to the record. Does anybody here
have any problem? - Commissioners?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Does anybody have any problem with the following ex-officio
members to be John Bennett from Belafony Tacolcy - these are the ones they are
suggesting, Raul Martinez from ASPIRA of Florida, Sergeant Joseph Rimondi from
our own gang unit in the police department, Barbara Wade former employer of
the police department and social worker with them, and Major Jesse Williams,
those are ex-officio. They also... yes, they are already working with the
group so if we just want to give our seal of approval. OK. And then they are
suggesting a certain number for actual appointed members, but I want to make
sure that you understand and approve in a motion collectively, that honorary
chair will be Judge William Gladstone, administrative judge of the juvenile
division, and chair emeritus, the founder of all of this, Mickey Minagorri,
just to be recognized in their letter head as the chair emeritus.
Mr. Odio: Mr...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Odio: I like the idea but I think you have to change the resolution then,
because the way I read the resolution, doesn't include any of those
appointments.
104 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: We changed the resolution to reflect...
Mr. Odio: When?
Mayor Suarez: ... all these ex-officio members that want to work.
Mr. Odio: Yes, OK.
Mayor Suarez: There are people of organizations that want to work with them,
and in the case of the administrative judge, clearly the administrative
judge...
Mr. Odio: That's what I'm saying, amend the resolution, because I...
Mayor Suarez: Right. Now, as to the members that they are recommending in
case you want to pick up on some of these, they have Isabel Basayo, School
Psychologist, Dade County Public Schools Alternative Education, Glenn Brock,
District Eleven, Program Manager, Department of HRS Children, Youth and
Families, Joseph Burke, Coordinating Principal for Exceptional Student
Education, Dade County Public Schools, Pablo Canton , City of Miami,
Department of Building and Planning, Xavier Cortada, who was going to be one
the two that I would appoint, Phillip Davis, which Commissioner Alonso is
naming, Fernando Figueredo from Southern Bell, we saw him this morning, Andrew
Haig, Chief of Gang Prosecutors, Organized Crime and Public Corruption, State
Attorneys Office, Ivy Kearson, City of Miami, Department of Community
Development, Janet MacAliley from the School Board, Thomas Petersen, who is a
judge, Guy Sanchez from Florida Power and Light, Dr. Jose Szapocznik,
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Miami, School of Medicine, and
Honorable Ursula Ungaro-Benages - you appointed her already.
Commissioner Alonso: I did.
Mayor Suarez: These... this is a very high level set of appointees, I'd hope
that...
Commissioner Plummer: For some reason, these are not the kind of people that
I though were the members of this youth organization.
Mayor Suarez: They do seem to be a little higher level than the ones that I
thought were going to be doing...
Commissioner Plummer: No, I thought these were the kids themselves, is what
I... I thought we even changed it to increase it to eighteen or nineteen years
of age. Is it there, Mr. Manager?
Mayor Suarez: No, we had a youth advisory board - not to be confused with
this.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, that's a different board.
Commissioner Plummer: That's a different board?
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Alonso: I was very surprised too, to the names that they ask...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, they came up with...
Commissioner Plummer: Well if you want my two, I'll take Petersen and Haig
for sure, I know theirs both.
Mayor Suarez: All right, that helps us.
Commissioner Plummer: Judge Petersen.
Mayor Suarez: And Andrew Haig.
Commissioner Plummer: And Andrew Haig who is my neighbor, and also from the
State Attorney's Office.
Mayor Suarez: And I was going to... one of the moving forces behind all of
this is Xavier Cortada, not to mention the fact that he has a great name.
105 October 25, 1990
r
Commissioner Alonso: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: I'm nominating him...
Commissioner Plummer: Does he hit a star on 8th Street?
Mayor Suarez: ... and see... Dr. Jose Szapocznik I think, will be very
helpful too. Any other appointments? If not, I'll take those by motion at
this point.
Commissioner Plummer: Move it.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-839
A MOTION APPOINTING THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO THE
CITY COMMISSION YOUTH TASK FORCE:
HON. PHILLIP DAVIS (nominated by Commissioner Alonso)
HON. URSULA UNGARO-BENAGES (nominated by Commissioner
Alonso)
JOHN BENNETT (nominated by Mayor Suarez as the Tacolcy
representative)
MAJOR JESSE WILLIAMS (nominated by Mayor Suarez as ex
officio member)
HON. WILLIAM GLADSTONE (nominated by Mayor Suarez as
Honorary Chairman)
MICKEY MINAGORRI (nominated by Mayor Suarez as Chair
Emeritus)
BARBARA WADE (nominated by Mayor Suarez as Positive
Inc. representative)
SERGEANT JOSEPH RIMONDI (nominated by Mayor Suarez as
ex officio member from the Miami Police Gang Unit)
HON. THOMAS PETERSEN (nominated by Commissioner
Plummer)
ANDREW HAIG (nominated by Commissioner Plummer)
XAVIER CORTADA (nominated by Mayor Suarez)
DR. JOSE SZAPOCZNIK (nominated by Mayor Suarez).
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Agenda items 21
and 22 were withdrawn.
106 October 25, 1990
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29. GRANT REQUEST FROM FLORIDA HOUSING COOPERATIVE, INC. - FOR CASH ADVANCE
OF $10,000 TO COVER AN OUTSTANDING SECOND MORTGAGE PAYMENT IN CONNECTION
WITH THE COOP BUILDING (626 S.W. 4 AVENUE), SECURING CITY A SECOND
MORTGAGE POSITION.
Mayor Suarez: Item 23.
Mr. Odio: He's here.
Mayor Suarez: Twenty-three. Carlos, you're on.
Ms. Lisette Rodriguez: My name is Lisette Rodriguez, I represent Florida
Housing Coop, I am the assistant program director, and we are here to ask
that, from the three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000) grant that was given
to this institution, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) be given as a mortgage to
help pay off a balloon mortgage on one of the existing coop buildings.
Mayor Suarez: What's the staff recommendation Herb, on the... why... you said
as part of a three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000)?
Ms. Rodriguez: We have a three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000) block grant
that was approved by your Commission.
Mayor Suarez: Community Development Block Grant?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, and we wish that ten thousand dollars ($10,000) of that
money be allocated to pay off an existing mortgage on one of the coop
buildings that is currently past due.
Mr. Bailey: Mr. Mayor, we are recommending that we assume... buy out that
mortgage for the balance here, and you have the pay off figure in your hand,
it's nine thousand and...
Mayor Suarez: Seven fifty-seven seventy-three?
Mr. Bailey: It's seven fifty-seven and seventy three. We will step into that
position on a two year basis and give them chance to pay off the mortgage.
They ran into a problem with surtax which caused this balloon not to be met at
the appropriate time. And the reason we are recommending it, we also have
another thirty thousand into the project. The value of the property today, is
roughly about a hundred and forty thousand dollars ($140,000), it is
completely occupied. We have a tax assessment on the tax roll of a hundred
and twenty-six thousand. We think there is sufficient equity there,
sufficient value to secure our ten thousand dollars ($10,000). If we don't do
that, the second mortgage is probably going to go through a foreclosure.
Commissioner De Yurre: Where is this property located?
Ms. Rodriguez: The property is located at 626 S.W. 4th Avenue.
Commissioner De Yurre: Six twenty-six?
Ms. Rodriguez: Uh huh.
Commissioner De Yurre: Is it an apartment building?
Ms. Rodriguez: It's an apartment building owned on a coop level.
Commissioner De Yurre: How many units are there?
Ms. Rodriguez: There are four units.
Commissioner De Yurre: Four.
a Commissioner Plummer: What is the recommending of the administration?
Mr. Bailey: We are recommending that we take the second mortgage for nine
thousand seven fifty-seven seventy-three.
107 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: What are they requesting?
Mr. Bailey: They are requesting the ten thousand dollars ($10,000) which is
in round numbers. We are just requesting at this time to pay off the second
mortgage. We already have a position in the property and we want to protect
that position.
Commissioner Plummer: What position do we have prior to the second mortgage?
Mr. Bailey: We've put in thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) in the original
acquisition, it came from our funds.
Commissioner Plummer: Is the problem created that they can't get a second
mortgage?
Mr. Bailey: The problem was some default in terms of the surtax operation for
which it was going to be the security for the second mortgage, or to pay off
the second mortgage.
Commissioner Plummer: And they were not approved, or there was not sufficient
funds?
Commissioner Alonso: They were approved, but...
Mr. Bailey: They were... do you want to explain it?...
Ms. Rodriguez: Well, we were approved but right after we were approved, there
was an investigation by a grand jury. Someone had given anonymous tip that we
were not using the funds correctly, so the funds were frozen until the time
that our institution was cleared, and our institution has been cleared of any
wrong doing...
Commissioner Plummer: Then why weren't the funds cleared?
Ms. Rodriguez: Well, we are currently... it's in the process of our funds
being reestablished by that agency.
Mr. Bailey: But in the meantime, the due date came through and we could
not...
Commissioner Plummer: OK, but let me understand. If we advance them the ten
thousand now for the second mortgage, when they get these fends, are we going
to get our ten thousand back?
Mr. Bailey: We are going to get the money back plus interest. We gave them a
two year period in which to pay it back.
Commissioner Plummer: At what percentage?
Mr. Bailey: Let's see, I have it right here. Oh, I think I might have left
it upstairs.
Commissioner Plummer: Seven percent?
Mr. Bailey: It was somewhere like that. We do have it. It's on another
memo.
Commissioner Plummer: Are all four of the units occupied presently?
Ms. Rodriguez: All four of the units are occupied presently.
Mr. Bailey: Three percent... OK.
Commissioner Plummer: And what rents are derived monthly from them?
Ms. Rodriguez: Three hundred and eighty dollars ($380.00) per unit.
Commissioner Plummer: Per unit?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes.
108 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: So then you've got roughly twelve...
Commissioner De Yurre: Fifteen twenty.
Commissioner Plummer: ... fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) coming in? And
what are your mortgage obligations total? - first and second?
Ms. Rodriguez: OK. The second mortgage was a balloon mortgage and it was not
paid on a monthly rate, and the first mortgage... one thousand thirty-eight
dollars ($1,038) first mortgage.
Commissioner De Yurre: That's PITI or PI only?
Ms. Rodriguez: PITI.
Commissioner De Yurre: Tax, insurance and everything?
Ms. Rodriguez: Uh huh. Yes, tax and insurance.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: Well I guess really, the question that has to be asked
is the financial picture as such, that with their total income, can they meet
the obligations of the first and second mortgage on a monthly basis?
Ms. Rodriguez: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: I mean, that's really the whole bottom line, if they
can afford it, that's, you know.
Ms. Rodriguez: OK, yes.
Mr. Bailey: Well we are looking at... the interest rate is three percent.
Commissioner Plummer: Three percent?
Mr. Bailey: That's consistent with what we give on mortgages for low income
housing in neighborhoods there.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, all right. That's not the point. The point is
that they've got to pay it back in two years.
Ms. Rodriguez: OK. The problem is, we don't plan to pay back that money from
the rents that are received. We currently have been allocated a two hundred
thousand dollar ($200,000) grant also from the State of Florida, which we are
currently contracting with them as we are contracting or trying to establish
something with the surtax board. Currently, we have budgeted to pay back the
City of Miami from the two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) from the State
of Florida, which my last conversation with them, should... the final contract
should be ready by the third week of November.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. My final question is, the ten thousand which we
would advance on the second mortgage, would they pay us back on a monthly
basis, or at the end of the second year in one lump sum?
Mr. Bailey: They will probably better have a balloon than a lump sum...
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Bailey: ... so it wouldn't have any strain on cash flow with them.
Commissioner Plummer: If in fact they default, where is the City protected?
Mr.. Bailey: Well, we have the same right as the current mortgage holder. We
don't normally foreclose, we try to make sure we maintain the building there,
but we do have a second position which will be recorded.
Commissioner Plummer: Who is the first position?
Mr. Bailey: I do have that here. Do you have the name of the institution?
109 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Who is in the first position on this mortgage? Who do
you pay the mortgage to?
Unidentified Speaker: I suppose it's American Mortgage Company.
Commissioner Plummer: Who?
Ms. Rodriguez: American Mortgage Company.
Commissioner Plummer: American Mortgage is the holder of the first mortgage?
Ms. Rodriguez: Yes, I believe so, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Bailey.
Mr. Bailey: I don't have the Dade County record here, but we pulled what we
could you know, just about an hour ago.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, look, all I'm saying is, is the City protected? -
that's what I'm asking.
Mr. Bailey: We have a second... yes, we are protected in a second mortgage
position, we do not have the first position. I think there is sufficient
security there in the total value of the property to secure the balance if we
had to go through a foreclosure.
Commissioner Plummer: We gave them thirty thousand? - that was a grant?
Mr. Bailey: That thirty thousand was a grant, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. Do you know what the first mortgage is?
Mr. Bailey: It's ninety-three... ninety-two thousand... ninety-three thousand
in round numbers.
Commissioner Plummer: And ten is one-o-three?
Mr. Bailey: One-o-three.
Commissioner Plummer: So what you're saying is that in fact, that there is
more assets there than one thirty-three?
Mr. Bailey: The property is currently worth about a hundred and forty
thousand dollars ($140,000).
Commissioner Plummer: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Do we have a motion on the item?
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, I move.
Mayor Suarez: So moved. Do we have a second on the motion on the item?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, I'll second it.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any further discussion? If not, please call the
roll.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Alonso, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-840
A MOTION GRANTING REQUEST RECEIVED FROM
REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA HOUSING COOPERATIVE, INC.
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVANCE AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $10,000 TO SAID GROUP IN ORDER TO COVER
A SECOND BALLOON PAYMENT PRESENTLY DUE AND PAYABLE ON
THE COOP BUILDING ON 626 S.W. 4 AVENUE; SAID LOAN TO
BE REPAID IN TWO YEARS AT 3% INTEREST; SAID
TRANSACTION SECURING THE CITY A SECOND MORTGAGE
POSITION CONCERNING SAID PROPERTY.
110 October 25, 1990
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
NOTE FOR THE RECORD: At this point, Agenda items 24
and 25 were withdrawn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. (A) RECORD PROTEST FROM MR. ALBERT ELDRIDGE REGARDING PRESENT TALKS
CONCERNING PLACEMENT OF BASEBALL STADIUM IN BICENTENNIAL PARK.
(B) REQUEST ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING CLOSING
TIME FOR CITY PARKS.
Mayor Suarez: Item 26. Future use of Bicentennial Park and the contiguous
FEC property.
Mr. Albert Eldridge: I'll make this brief.
Mayor Suarez: I hope you have a good idea for us.
Mr. Eldridge: My name is Albert Eldridge, and I live at 1740 NW North River
Drive in Miami.
Commissioner Plummer: Repeat that address, please.
Mr. Eldridge: Seventeen forty NW North River Drive, off of the 17th Avenue
bridge.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes. That's your office?
Mr. Eldridge: Office and home, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And you thought none of us lived over there, J.L.?
Commissioner Plummer: No, no.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, I just wanted to know. No problem.
Mr. Eldridge: It's really nice, actually. I consider myself glad to live in
Miami, you know, I'm really proud to live here. I've been here for the past
eight years, much of the time have been spent doing research, going back and
forth to Europe and South America to see how cities work for a doctoral
thesis. The other day I read where you all are considering putting a baseball
stadium in the middle of Bicentennial Park, and to be quite honest, I was
really outraged. It's... you know, you've done such a good job so far with
the plan that the City Planning Department had, the master plan that they had
drawn up, I think, was in 1987, Mr. Luft was a part of that. A really
wonderful progression of events along the Bayside. Starting with Mr.
Noguchi's Park, up through Bayside and feeding into the Bicentennial park area
with the FEC property there of course. That's a flow, it's like a progression
of wonderful events that are leading people, not only attracting people
downtown but it's... what they are trying to do is build a wonderful park, and
every great City has a wonderful park, and I think by placing the baseball
stadium, and I love baseball, I think it might not be the most appropriate
place to put it.
111 October 25, 1990
11
Mayor Suarez: What is the doctoral thesis on7 - what field?
Mr. Eldridge: It's in environmental psychology, which is the... it's a
science of how the environment affects human behavior. I got a Masters in
City Planning and an Undergraduate in Landscape Architecture, and I am
currently...
Mayor Suarez: So you've got all the related fields?
Mr. Eldridge: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: I guess from the environmental psychology perspective, you
probably wouldn't want to have a, certainly a soccer stadium there...
Mr. Eldridge: No.
Mayor Suarez: ... the way they've been acting up at soccer games recently
throughout the world. And maybe, not a baseball stadium either, the way some
people act in baseball stadiums, but anyhow. But you are thinking more along
those lines, or along the lines of planning and land use of that area?
Because so far, what is there...
Mr. Eldridge: No one uses it.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Eldridge: It's a dangerous park. It's... there aren't
Mayor Suarez: That's a... If you had a baseball stadium there and I'm not a
strong advocate of it, but I do want to have a baseball stadium somewhere, and
if we had a baseball stadium there, it might average couple of million people
coming into that vicinity, spending money, using the facility, getting a view
of the bay, the breeze, might add to the environmental psychology of this
community a great deal.
Mr. Eldridge: It would be great you know...
Commissioner Plummer: Wouldn't that work just as well west of the boulevard,
Mr. Mayor? That's been my point.. I think it would be a great area, for a
baseball stadium to bring people into the area. I am totally opposed to
building anything east of the boulevard. I think it should... I think, we
should be about the discussion of cleaning that park up and making it a useful
park, rather than talking about, in my estimation, how we're going to fill it
up with bricks and mortar.
Mayor Suarez: But wait, cleaning it up...
Commissioner De Yurre: Did... you know, just for my own identification...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Commissioner De Yurre.
Commissioner De Yurre: Did you vote for the Bayside project or not?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK. No, I just want to make sure I got my bearings
straight.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir. A hundred and thirty-one million dollars,
yes, sir. I voted for it. Because, remember, that on the projections, that
Bayside would pay back to this City for the term of their contract, six
hundred and seventy-six million dollars.
Mayor Suarez: Don't, don't, don't... I was afraid you were going to say that.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm waiting for the first dollar.
Mayor Suarez: No, they pay roughly three hundred and seventy-five thousand
dollars ($375,000) the first few years, the minimum base rental, and it will
go up eventually to a million, and never in present in value, produce any
where near that figure. But anyhow, they did have very, very enthusiastic
112 October 25, 1990
qr
projections and optimistic projections which, if you realize them and added
them all up, they add up to about six hundred million dollars ($600,000,000)
over the next seventy-five years. But what other things from the land use
planning or architectural or promotional perspective would you suggest to try
to do something with Bicentennial and the FEC property? - particularly the FEC
property. You know how much it cost us, right?
Mr. Eldridge: No. I didn't know that you purchased it.
Mayor Suarez: Twenty-three million dollars.
Mr. Eldridge: Pardon me?
Mayor Suarez: Twenty-three million dollars and right now, it's...
Commissioner Plummer: Just the FEC portion.
Mayor Suarez: Just the FEC. Bicentennial, God knows how much and then the...
Commissioner Plummer: No, Bicentennial was ours.
Mayor Suarez: ... was ours, and then the development of it, whatever you call
it, the landscaping of I think, was another seven million if I remember
correctly, so you are talking thirty million between those two properties.
Mr. Eldridge: You know, I...
Mayor Suarez: Nothing particularly is happening. We have... when the
Commissioner says that we've got to clean up Bicentennial and FEC,
Bicentennial is fairly clean, the problem is that the activities going on
there involve to a great extent, homeless and not to a great extent, people
who are, you know, people like yourself...
Mr. Eldridge: Exactly.
Mayor Suarez: ... and all of us, and we have yet to come up with good
attractions to get them into that park because they do have to cross the
boulevard. Now, Bayside attracts fourteen million people a year, they cross
the boulevard to go to Bayside. It was built at a cost of ninety-three
million dollars ($93,000,000) plus Bayfront park and some of the other thing
the Commissioner probably added to come up with a hundred and thirty.
Mr. Eldridge: But what you...
Mayor Suarez: But we don't have that kind of attraction in mind, in fact, we
don't have... Jack Luft did a very nice design of these little pavilions, but
they are not beating down our doors right now to build them, that I am aware
of, and if they are, they certainly haven't come to my door, but if you have
some ideas of some things that you think would make sense there, that would be
low intensity, I mean, we agreed that we'd like to keep parks to the extent
possible as basically, trees and grass and open areas, you know.
Mr. Eldridge: Exactly. You know I think that a baseball stadium, and again,
I don't know anything about the area but there is a large lot, I think it's
southwest of the design district, which is a really wonderful access off of
112...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, that's the Buena Vista site now. If you have a little
time to come by my office, certainly the other Commissioners I'm sure are
aware of it, we have pending an offer by the owners of that fifty-five acre
parcel for the footprint of a baseball stadium.
Mr. Eldridge: Perfect area.
Mayor Suarez: Ten acres. Actually seven, but they said probably they would
go to ten acres. Then you need another twenty acres for parking, then you
need to connect it by some sort of Metromover, Metrorail. The beauty of
Bicentennial of course, is that we are going to have that Metromover stationed
right close to it. So, that is a perfect area but the lands aren't owned by
us, and the consultants tell us, that to do the land preparation is, I
believe, about fifty million dollars.
113 October 25, 1990
L_I
11
Mr. Eldridge: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Unless the owners and the FEC folks give us the land on an
essentially for free basis, because they want the development around their
property, in and about their property. So that's a pretty exciting
possibility too, that's still pending, that may happen.
Mr. Eldridge: You know, the thing is that this is a prime piece of property
and what other cities like London, Paris, New York to a large degree, what
they are trying to reverse what they have done in the past, and you all are
faced with the situation where you can provide relief without going into the
problem of overdeveloping an area, you know, with the baseball stadium, you
are going to generate a lot of money but again, you know with a public park
like that, that I believe was designated as a public park, I think that you
could probably attract other things like... I could see a wonderful botanical
garden downtown, similar to Fairchild garden. We have thousand of plants here
that won't grow anyplace else in the rest of the country. You could have a
wonderful museum, a modern art museum in, within the park that again... see,
when you are your park, you think of probably an active...
Mayor Suarez: OK. How big a footprint do you consider a modern art museum
would have in comparison to a baseball stadium?
Mr. Eldridge: Off hand, I can't.
Mayor Suarez: Because depending on you know, the bulk of the artwork that you
are talking about and so on, you could end up using with parking and with the
structure, not a heck of a lot less than a stadium. And it involves, the
stadium involves in a rank and file, City of Miami residents. And a museum,
we have a nice museum downtown, it's not visited as much as it should, and as
much as some of us would like to see it visited, it wasn't designed by a local
architect, in fact, it was designed by world renown architect who really blew
it as far as I am concerned, and...
Mr. Eldridge: I think it's a wonderful building.
Mayor Suarez: ... not the first time that happened in Miami. You like
that? - with the plaza away from the street level?
Mr. Eldridge: I think it's great. The only problem is that the pedestrian
area...
Mayor Suarez: You probably are going to be a world renowned architect someday
too and...
Mr. Eldridge: ... he did... who was it, Phillip Johnson? - I think.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Eldridge: See, he took the activity off the street just like the Omni.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, the took the activity off the street all right.
Mr. Eldridge: And that sort of separates it from everything.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Eldridge: The thing with Bicentennial...
Mayor Suarez: Totally separated from everything, you've hit it.
Mr. Eldridge: Yes, and it's an effort to park and then to have to walk up
there.
Mayor Suarez: That's right.
Mr. Eldridge: It's a wonderful...
Mayor Suarez: You've given all three reasons why it doesn't work.
Mr. Eldridge: Yes, but still, it will age well and it looks great. You could
always fall back on that.
114 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: That's like Metrorail, Metromover you know. It was probably
fifteen years ahead of time but someday, we will be happy we have it, I guess.
Meantime, we have one -sixth of the ridership itsing it. - after we have paid a
billion and a half dollars for it.
Mr. Eldridge: Let me quickly say that...
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Eldridge: ... Mr. Noguchi's park, which I think is wonderful, is probably
more so work of art. I don't know of anyone who goes there and feels
comfortable.
Mayor Suarez: Could you tell...
Mr. Eldridge: As far as sitting, it's too doggone hot...
Mayor Suarez: It is a work of art. Could you tell, if you believe that,
could you tell that to Connie Chung? - what channel is that?
Commissioner Plummer: Ten.
Mayor Suarez: Channel 10, she is doing a big thing on how Bayfront was
totally misdesigned and mis... you know, if you like it, that's one important
member of the community who likes what was done there.
Mr. Eldridge: I can appreciate it, not necessarily...
Mayor Suarez: The rest of us like it, we just think thirty million is a
little bit too much to pay for it.
Mr. Eldridge: It's a whole lot of money to pay for the park but...
Mayor Suarez: Do you like the fountain too? - tell me you like the fountain.
I didn't think so.
Mr. Eldridge: You know, I'm just...
Mayor Suarez: We are still looking for somebody.
Mr. Eldridge: What's in the back of my mind is that every great City in the
world that I've been to and I've gone to almost thirty countries, they all
have a wonderful park, a wonderful central downtown park and I think that in
this last portion, this last parcel of property that we have downtown, we
could use Bicentennial... redesign...
Commissioner Plummer: You are bad. If they take out the fountain, where the
hell are the homeless going to take a bath?
Mayor Suarez: OK, one last thought.
Mr. Eldridge: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: As you compare Miami to Boston, New York and all these other
cities where you say they have this one beautiful central park, does it occur
to you and to other planners and architects that part of the reason is that
Miami, which has about one hundred and six parks by the way, most of them very
active, including David Kennedy park, which is probably one of the world's
most active parks, Miami is surrounded by two natural parks. One is the
Everglades which is, I don't know how many acres now, and thank God, we are
finally figuring out how to preserve it, and the other one is Biscayne Bay.
Mr. Eldridge: Uh huh.
Mayor Suarez: And we have kind of the opposite situation. And other places
like in Boston, you know, you are desperate to find a green area, I mean, the
same with New York. And here, if you stand in a building on US-1 and 27th
Avenue, where I used to have my office and look down from the 7th floor
towards Coconut Grove, towards a residential area, fairly developed actually.
All you see is trees from that particular height. It's a pretty different
kind of an environment from some of those other cities which you know, a park
115 October 25, 1990
V
in the middle of the city is like the only place people have to go to. They
have a lot of places to go to here. I am just suggesting to you that planning
wise, it's a little different. You know, the question would be for example,
should we have a golf course in the City of Miami? - right smack in the City
which I understand is not a particularly good idea from a planning standpoint,
but your main point is not to build a stadium on Bicentennial. What about the
FEC track, you have any ideas on it?
Mr. Eldridge: I think... I have a lot of ideas about that site, I think that
we could use a theme like Little... Old Havana, not to be confused with Little
Havana.
Commissioner Plummer: What?
Mr. Eldridge: Since we have this wonderful Latin culture here, let's use it,
and I think that whole site could revolve around that cultural theme. That
would not only attract tourist, but it would also... see what you are talking
about...
Mayor Suarez: But that's what in his design, you know that? That's what's in
Jack's design, that is precisely...
Mr. Eldridge: I've read your proposal. All I'm saying is that...
Mayor Suarez: But we're not sure we can bring it to reality, that's what
worries me, and maybe, you've got some ideas that can help us to bring that
RFP to a reality, so somebody will actually bid on it.
Mr. Eldridge: I do have a few ways but I am not prepared to reveal them right
now. But one last thing I think that, the problem is attracting people who
live here, downtown and not necessarily tourist, because tourist will go
downtown and they will look at Bayside and they love that, and it's great, but
I think our problem is that we are not attracting the residents of Miami
downtown, and that's what we need to be focused on.
Commissioner Plummer: Have you ever gone to Bicentennial after dark?
Mr. Eldridge: No, I have not.
Commissioner Plummer: Go.
Mr. Eldridge: No. I don't think it's a safe park. I don't even... I don't
feel comfortable there.
Commissioner Plummer: No, it's safe. It's safe. But just go look at it.
Mr. Eldridge:
It's dead.
Commissioner Plummer:
The next time after we take our walk through downtown,
we're going to
go through Bicentennial.
l
Mr. Eldridge:
You know, and you can also use the grand prix track to your
�
advantage, and
g,
just as you have in our proposal to use it as a promenade, you
j y y P P P ,
know, winding
its way through the park, you could...
i
—�
Mayor Suarez:
Yes, that is a Jack Luft special.
i
Mr. Eldridge:
Yes, I mean since you have it, you may as well use it.
Mayor Suarez:
Trying to make that track into a nice promenade kind of winding
its way through what would otherwise be a park, that's between Jack Luft and
God.
i
Mr. Eldridge:
Yes. It's there, so you have to...
Mayor Suarez:
But you know, we have a contractual agreement to keep it there
for sometime and God knows, maybe there is something else we can do.
Mr. Eldridge:
I think it's until 1998 but still, I just wanted to again,
caution you about you know, approving something that might have a negative
€
impact on the
City later. You know, you all are, in my opinion, making
is r
history. You
are the people who you know, they've given us books to read
116 October 25, 1990
0 W
about you know, things that you have done, and one last thing is that I think
you have a lot of untapped talent in this City, a lot of fantastic architects
and landscape architects who are just waiting to be heard, and I think if you
had perhaps some kind of...
Mayor Suarez: Competed design, design competition.
Mr. Eldridge: ... a local design competition to utilize this, you could save
a few million dollars from Mr. Noguchi or...
Mayor Suarez: That's exactly the way I wished a lot of it had been done.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, I agree.
Mayor Suarez: And also when you do that you know, as I was explaining to
channel 10 the other day, you don't get stuck with the situation that the
architect then controls the work that you do, so that if you change your mind,
or it's modified by later Commissions or by later input from the public, that
you know, as has happened to us on Bayfront Park, the architect retained the
right, believe it or not, our architect retained a right to tell us yes, or
no, you cannot modify, we cannot modify what we put on there, which as much as
we appreciate architects, planners, and environmental psychologist...
Mr. Eldridge: Certainly.
Mayor Suarez: ... or is it psychological environmentalist?
Mr. Eldridge: Environmental psychologist.
Mayor Suarez: ... Environmental psychologist. You know, we must on behalf of
the public sector be able to control what ultimately goes in the place, and we
didn't retain that right in the case of Bayfront Park. But your ideas are
noted and I personally, and I asked Jack to set that up, I personally would
like to meet with you and give you some other concepts that we have had for
that area. Right now, we are not getting too much interest in...
Mr. Jack Luft: We haven't really asked yet.
Mayor Suarez: We haven't really gone out with an RFP. How close are we to go
out with an RFP?
Mr. Luft: As close as you want to be. I just was given the bond counsel
opinion moments ago, we will have to study it and meet with them, but I would
say we can seriously pursue this issue if it's the will of this Commission
before the end of this year.
's
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and Jack also, maybe connect the gentleman with the nice
fellow from Greater Miami Commission and Visitors Bureau who wants to have
theme gardens in Watson Island and all around the... The botanical garden
idea, the promise who would finance it you know, and who would maintain it,
i
j but for the FEC track, is so attractive, I mean, you know, it just sounds
1 really exciting. I don't know how much it would take to put...
Mr. Eldridge: You know again, I am not one of those people who, I'm not
unrealistic that's what I'm saying. I know the City has to generate money but
I'm saying that you can incorporate beauty and development together, and make
a profit and have something that everyone can go away and appreciate, and
enjoy, and be proud of.
Mayor Suarez: Absolutely.
Mr. Eldridge: You know instead of you know, a park that looks good...
Mayor Suarez: When people tell us about theme parks, we worry, because in the
old days there was an idea running around of a theme park.
Mr. Eldridge: Exactly.
Mayor Suarez: When they tell us about gardens and you know, cultural
attractions and low intensity uses that we kind of, are more excited. Now, in
!! the case of baseball stadium, I have to say that also gets us pretty excited
because of the sheer use that the area would receive, and the income that we
117 October 25, 1990
0 a
would get from it. Just the... I forget how much it is that it's supposed to
throw off in sales tax and in economic impact on the area, but a baseball
stadium anywhere around that area on the west side as J.L. would like to see,
or on the east side of the boulevard...
Commissioner Alonso: It will boost the area.
Mayor Suarez: ... yes, it changes the entire area.
Mr. Eldridge: Yes. I am just saying for this prime piece of property, I
would as a citizen of Miami, I would like to see something there that everyone
can enjoy you know...
Mayor Suarez: OK, very good.
Mr. Eldridge: ... as opposed to something that only a few people...
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a question. Mr. Manager, all City parks
close at sundown, correct? How come we don't enforce it?
Commissioner Alonso: Not really, no.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Ten o'clock. Most of them stay open until ten.
Mr. Odio: Ten o'clock at night.
Mayor Suarez: And I for one would vote against closing City parks all at
sundown.
Commissioner Plummer: Is there...
Mayor Suarez: We have crisis now, we have the encephalitis.
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a question. What is the policy on City
parks presently being closed?
Mr. Odio: There are some... there are parks that close at ten o'clock at
night.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. But I mean, is there any park that is City
ordinance open...
Mr. Odio: Some are later because they are playing games.
Commissioner Plummer: Is there any City park that is open after ten o'clock
at night?
Mr. Odio: No.
Mayor Suarez: Or after 10:00 p.m.
Commissioner Plummer: Then why is not the Bicentennial park not exercised?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It's closed, the people are just sleeping in it.
Commissioner Plummer: It's not closed if there is people in it.
Mr. Eldridge: May I make an appointment to see you, Mayor Suarez?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, please.
Mr. Eldridge: Just for ten minutes.
Mayor Suarez: We're going to do that right away.
Commissioner Plummer: Just asking the question.
Mayor Suarez: We are now going to get into the issue that the Commissioner
has been asking about all day.
Commissioner Plummer: What's that, sir?
118 October 25, 1990
S
3.
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Mayor Suarez: About the parks closing at...
Commissioner Plummer: No, I'm asking and I'll for them to send me a memo.
Mayor Suarez: It's not related to that.
Mr. Eldridge: Thanks for hearing me out.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Give us your name, one more time.
Mr. Eldridge: Albert Eldridge.
Mayor Suarez: Eldridge, and good luck with your doctoral thesis.
Mr. Luft: Sir, do I understand, Mr. Mayor, that you would like us to set up a
meeting with Mr. Eldridge and discuss this?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, please Jack, for myself.
Mr. Luft. OK.
Mayor Suarez: My aide's back their too. All right?
31. (Continued Discussion) APPOINT INDIVIDUALS TO THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
ADVISORY BOARD (Appointed was: Frankie Rolle; still pending are two
appointments) (See label 27).
Commissioner Alonso: May we go back to item... excuse me... to item 19, so I
can appoint...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, item 19, Commissioner Alonso.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, I'll like to appoint Frankie Rolle.
Mayor Suarez: Frankie Rolle on... what board is that?
Commissioner Alonso: Affirmative Action Advisory Board.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me. Are we speaking about Frankie Rolle from
Coconut Grove?
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: She presently sits on a board. She is on the Sports
Authority.
Mayor Suarez: There is no conflict unless one of them is...
Mr. Fernandez: If... and that is prohibitory board which means that she
cannot serve on another board like that, but she can serve in any other number
of advisory boards.
Commissioner Plummer: Please, I know Frankie well and I love her dearly, I
just merely didn't want my colleague to have a problem.
Mayor Suarez: So she can't serve on the affirmative action?
Commissioner Alonso: She cannot?
#, Mr. Fernandez: Well, I need to ascertain whether the... which board is it
again?
Mayor Suarez: Affirmative Action Advisory Board.
Commissioner Alonso: Affirmative Action Advisory Board.
Mr. Fernandez: Whether the Affirmative Action Advisory Board is a prohibitory
board. If it is, then she cannot serve. But if it's merely an advisory board
then she can serve. I can let you know right away.
119 October 25, 1990
1 0
Commissioner Alonso: Will you let me know, because she asked to be
reappointed to the board.
Mayor Suarez: I'm pretty sure she will be all right on that one.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, OK.
Commissioner Alonso: As a matter of fact, she was in that board.
Mayor Suarez: She may not have been on the Sports Exhibition and Authority at
the same time. I think she can serve on that one, but let's ascertain that
and in the meantime, you want to go ahead and move.
Commissioner Plummer: Move the name proper.
Mayor Suarez: Moved, Frankie Rolle.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, second.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded, Commissioner Alonso. Call the roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-841
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS) TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ADVISORY BOARD.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE AFTER ROLL CALL:
Mayor Suarez: Did you say that there was a residency requirement on the
Affirmative Action Advisory Board.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes.
Dr. H. Daniels: Yes. City of Miami residence.
Commissioner Plummer: She lives in the Grove.
Dr. Daniels: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Then I do have a problem with at least one of my
appointments. All right.
120 October 25, 1990
1
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32. (Continued Discussion) FIRST READING ORDINANCE: ESTABLISH THAT ALL
PRESENT CITY EMPLOYEES (WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS) SHALL ESTABLISH
RESIDENCY WITHIN THE CITY BY A DESIGNATED DATE - PROVIDE THAT NEWLY
HIRED EMPLOYEES SHALL ALSO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CITY RESIDENCY -
DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE INCLUSION OF THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
IN ALL FUTURE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS - PROVIDE GUIDELINES
REGARDING VIOLATIONS OF SAID REQUIREMENTS (See label 7B).
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner De Yurre, revisit the item on residency?
Commissioner De Yurre: I think they prepared an ordinance.
Mayor Suarez: The ordinance is before us. The statement of the goals are all
incorporated as I notice.
Mr. Fernandez: There are some blanks that we need your guidance in and of
course, keeping in mind, that this is first reading. Between first and second
reading we will have an opportunity to be much more meticulous and clear and
clean in the language. We only had two or three hours during lunch to come up
with this that you have in front of you right now. But if you turn to page
three, •^- need to address the issue of... clearly stated in section 2 that
"unless otherwise provided, every person employed by the City of Miami in the
effective date of this ordinance, shall become a resident of the City as
defined in section 1 herein, within eighteen months of the effective date of
this ordinance." That is for everybody who is presently employed by the City.
Now, section 3, there is a blank there because we need your guidance, you
originally did not discuss this. "Unless otherwise provided in the section,
every person hired by the City after the effective date of this ordinance
shall become a resident of the City as defined in section 1 herein within..."
And then we need a parameter, what period of time would you like for that
person, that is any person whom we hire hereinafter?
Mayor Suarez: Period of time. I know in that case it would be, immediately.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, but we're then talking, if you continue further, for
those employees in the classified service, every person hired after the
effective date of this ordinance shall become a resident as defined in section
1 herein within, and then there is also another blank.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, but you've got...
Mr. Fernandez: And that requires, when they get permanent status. Anybody
who is in the classified service, their first twelve, six, twelve months or
eighteen month period, and there is some variation on that, they are temporary
employees, and you have expressed an intent originally this morning, that not
until they achieve permanent status within the civil service system, that you
would then make this obligatory on them. My question is, after they become
permanent, how many months thereafter do they have to in fact, move into the
City?
Commissioner Plummer: That's not what I heard.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it's not what I heard either. We... Mr. City Attorney, at
one point you were discussing how long it took for an employee to become an
official member of the union, and there was a probationary period for many of
them to become a permanent member of the union. In discussing that, we
thought we could apply a residency requirement immediately because...
Commissioner Plummer: Even on a temporary.
Mayor Suarez: ... on all new employees because they would be members of the
union. So if... the motion that passed here makes no exception even for
existing employees except to give them eighteen months because of the idea of
just fairness and the ability to move into the City. For a new employee, I
thought it was the intention, and maybe I am wrong on this, correct me if I'm
wrong, of the majority who voted for this, that they from day one, the day
they apply, and certainly the moment they are in probation and are actually
hired, or put to the academy, in the case of the ones that have academies,
121 October 25, 1990
0
that they live in the City from that moment henceforth until they cease being
employees of the City of Miami.
Mr. Fernandez: I opined to you earlier that even those conditions must be
subject to being put on the table in good faith like we have stated here on
your behalf.
Mayor Suarez: With the unions, you mean?
Mr. Fernandez: With the unions, yes.
Mayor Suarez: Well, why not put the whole shebang before the union, so.
Commissioner Plummer: Well you see, I've got a problem with that, and I am
doing it for clarification because you know how I voted. It was my
understanding from the maker of the motion that was very clear that it was not
a negotiable item. Now you say, in good faith on the table, I thought the
maker of the motion said that the administration was instructed that it was
not a negotiable item.
Mr. Fernandez: No, no. If I may.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, may I ask the maker of the motion?
Mr. Fernandez: Well let me... may I, Mr. Mayor?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You are correct. Your interpretation of my motion is
correct.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, I'm just saying that, OK? Now, I voted against
it...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Fernandez: Understanding the state of the law in the area of labor
relations, it is my advice to this Commission that on the subject of
negotiating with labor unions, you express clearly to the administration what
your position is, but couch it in sufficient good language that this is a
subject of good faith negotiations. Your position and your policy statement
is well heard, but you cannot ipso facto predetermine here, ultimately what
your position would be.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Why not?
Mr. Fernandez: You may make a pronouncement and a statement to that answer,
but I am advising you at this point that it is ill advised for you to take a
position other than to recommend to the administration...
Mayor Suarez: You mean to tell me that as an elected official who is
responsible for giving directions to the Manager...
Commissioner Plummer: Policy.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Policy to the Manager, that it is illegal for me as an
elected official, to tell the Manager as J.L. said, policy wise, that the
policy of this City passed to the Manager by the City Commission is, that in
eighteen months he is to negotiate contracts with the residential requirements
in it, that's illegal?
Mr. Fernandez: Sir, may I suggest to you that... let me explain it this way.
No action of yours that you may take in this regard in expressing yourself,
will be illegal. All that I am looking... is in a way in which the City can
withstand the best chance if there is ever in our arbitration, or if we are
brought in front of PERC (Public Employees Relations Committee), or if we
have to defend the actions that you are taking here today, that you express
yourself in the language in which I am recommending to you.
Mayor Suarez: OK, and the language is? - on that issue, on the...
Mr. Fernandez: The language is that, providing that newly hired employees
establish and maintain such residence... "further, providing that the City
Manager shall bargain in good faith with the bargaining agents of each of the
122 October 25, 1990
employees collective bargaining units, it being the intention of the City
Commission to negotiate the inclusion in all future collective bargaining
agreements of a provision, requiring continuous residency within the City for
all permanent City employees."
Mayor Suarez: All right, that sounds emphatic enough to me...
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: ... and hopefully to the maker of the motion because we have to
move on the... as it turns out, we know we face litigation, so let's try to
find the wording that is least likely to get us in trouble with...
Commissioner Plummer: So for clarification, that means that until an employee
reaches permanent status, the eighteen months does not kick in?
Mr. Fernandez: That is what we are telling you because I... that's...
Commissioner Alonso: That's unfair.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, you see...
Mayor Suarez: No, no, no, wait, wait. One thing has nothing to do with the
other. We've been discussing up to now, the wording that the requirement that
the Manager negotiate... actually we negotiate with the unions too, in may
cases. But anyhow, that all of us negotiate with the unions the future
contracts be in the kind of wording that you recommend to get us... least,
make us least susceptible to lawsuits and to challenge in PERC. Correct?
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Mayor Suarez: Now, on the issue of new employees, Mr. City Attorney, I could
have sworn we have said more than once today, let me just repeat it again, and
hopefully I reflect the views of the majority who voted for this, that all new
employees from day one from the day that they apply as far as I am concerned,
but certainly from the day that they are accepted into the academy or as
probationary employees, shall be residents of the City of Miami, period. And
that be negotiated with the unions because the rest of the wording is
negotiations with the union.
Mr. Fernandez: Fine. And that would be a fine position to take.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, appreciate it.
Mayor Suarez: All that I am doing is coming back to you because you have...
Commissioner Plummer: But that's not what he said.
Mayor Suarez: That's why when he asked about the grace period on new
employees I said none, immediately, and I believe it was echoed by Commission
Alonso and although he didn't say it, he was ready to be, by Commission
Dawkins too, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Mr. Fernandez: And. the discussion item went as follows, just because a person
is hired into the City, that doesn't mean that he has a permanent job, if he
is coming under the civil service. That person...
Mayor Suarez: You define it any way you want. The person that we least are
concerned about fairness is the new employee. That person should comply with
this requirement from day one, whatever day one is the proper definition,
whether it's the day that employee is deemed to have qualified for the
position...
Commissioner Plummer: Goes on payroll.
Mayor Suarez: ... or the day he goes on the payroll. Yes, that sounds like a
good definition right there, the day he goes on the payroll.
Mr. Fernandez: Fine. I believe that you have expressed yourself now clearly
so that we know what to do.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
123 October 25, 1990
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Plummer: I have one other question for clarification then I'll
yield to my colleague.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, then I'll...
Mayor Suarez: Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No.
Mayor Suarez: Go ahead, he yields back - no?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: He takes it back.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor, I would like to make a motion that we pass
this "as is," and that you call an executive session where the Mayor, the
Commissioners, and the Manager, and the City Attorney can sit down and discuss
this so that we know where we are...
Mayor Suarez: With the unions.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... instead of sitting here giving out our information
and those that are going to contest us know what we are thinking and what we
are doing.
Commissioner Plummer: Damn, I haven't had an executive session since the last
time I want to the grand jury.
Mayor Suarez: Can we meet in executive session on an issue that is going
to...
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: OK. I am most pleased to the suggestion.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well let's hear from Dean. Dean what do you think?
Mr. Fernandez: If it is...
Mayor Suarez: Because it would allow us to discuss some things that we would
want to negotiate with the union very frankly without our friends from the
media present, if we can do that Mr. City Attorney, I think that's a...
Mr. Fernandez: One of the very few exceptions that you have from Sunshine is,
when you as a Commission, in relation to a labor item must meet in order to
decide on a position or a strategy to proceeding in negotiations of a
contract, and to the extent that you have already declared this to be one of
those items, I believe that, that comes within the Sunshine exception.
Mayor Suarez: And we can muzzle any Commissioner who threatens to go tell the
unions, right? - as I just...
Commissioner Plummer: Peggy, Peggy, call me at home.
Mayor Suarez: One specific, I don't want to say names on anybody - balding,
and he has got a horrendous looking beard.
Commissioner Plummer: What do you mean, balding?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: If you point, then I'll whistle.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, point of clarification.
Commissioner Plummer: He is recovering hair on top of his head. Yes,
Commissioner Plummer.
Commissioner Plummer; Yes, but this coming off after ribs and roast tomorrow
night, I can't stand it. I asked the City Attorney, as I read the body of
124 October 25, 1990
this motion, I find every reason in it which establishes what is not
sufficient for residency, but I don't find anything in this that establishes
what shall be the criteria for residency.
Mayor Suarez: I think there is some wording but what is...
Commissioner Plummer: The only wording here is, actual living quarters to
mean the actual living quarters. Well what does that mean? I don't know...
hey, I'm only asking for clarification that's the only reason.
Mr. Fernandez: Between first and second reading, we can really give more
thought to this.
Mayor Suarez: And in fairness to the City Attorney, one of the most confusing
areas of the law is domicile.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: There is like ten different definitions that come to mind of
what domicile means, but I think we know what we mean. We mean basically
living, sleeping...
Mr. Fernandez: With your family and having that...
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: We tried to capture the essence of that. In essence we have
said, actual living quarters which must be maintained within the City by an
employee and his family. Sometimes you better define an item by saying what
it is not and then what is left. That's another way of going at it that is
legitimate.
Mayor Suarez: But the suggestion of the maker of the motion is an interesting
one, to meet in executive session, and discuss how we would approach the
negotiations with the unions because I have voted for what is before us in
anticipation of very difficult negotiations with the unions, and with a
certain notion of flexibility, but I'd rather not discuss it in public because
the more we discuss it in public, the more the unions get the feeling that we
don't really mean to go through with this and that troubles me because I do.
Commissioner Plummer: Correct.
Mayor Suarez: I do mean to impose a residency requirement as broad as I think
that we can possibly impose. So if that's what I hear from the Vice Mayor, if
you're telling us we can do that, let's leave any fine points for second
reading, try to have an executive session before that... between now and then.
How is that?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Great, great, sir.
Mayor Suarez: All right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Do we need to move this one?
Mayor Suarez: And I was informed that all of your staff lives outside the
City of Miami. Troubles me, that troubles me, they are nice people.
Commissioner Plummer: Including the policeman that guards your house.
Mayor Suarez: Yes. All right, I have a motion by Commission De Yurre, I
think on the...
Commissioner De Yurre: Not me.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Me.
Mayor Suarez: By Vice Mayor Dawkins on the... why were you so interested in
having it done today?
Commissioner Plummer: Mea culpa, mea culpa.
125 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner De Yurre: No, it's not my... because I'm going to switch my
vote, that's why.
Mayor Suarez: All right. We have a motion then by Commissioner Dawkins, Vice
Mayor Dawkins. Do you want to second?
Commissioner Alonso: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded by Commissioner Alonso. Any further discussion on the
ordinance that is before us?
Commissioner De Yurre: Discussion, and I want to explain why you know, I'm
going to switch my vote. The concept of residency, I think ;.t's a proper one,
certainly I think that's the way to go for as many reasons that we have
expounded here. But morally, I just can't bring myself to force three
thousand employees, around that number, force them to move from where they are
at. Like you know, there are so many reasons for that starting from
economics, continuing to children that may be growing and going through the
years with classmates at a particular school, now all of a sudden, they are
going to be detached from their friends, a whole bunch of bonding that goes on
with people living in a certain area. And you know, I think we're kind of
going in a hurried fashion to push this through, and I think we have to look
at it in a larger scheme. Here is the City of Miami that has been in
existence almost a hundred years, and we never had this... you know, it's
always been the same way, you could live outside the City. You know, why do
we have to do it in such a heated rush that it's going to impact so greatly on
many, many families. I think that if we do it progressively within five,
within ten years, the bulk of them will be living in the City, and there is no
need to create this trauma, psychological trauma and economic trauma on
families that have depended and been part of this family, which is called the
City of Miami, as employees. And I just think that we need to consider that
and think of it in the larger scheme of things and not just on something that
needs to be done within months or within a year, when it should just be done
gradually where it won't be as painful.
Mayor Suarez: OK. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion?
If not, please call the roll. - or read the ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING THAT ALL PRESENT EMPLOYEES OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN SHALL
ESTABLISH RESIDENCY WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI NO LATER
THAN I8 MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
ORDINANCE AND SHALL MAINTAIN SUCH RESIDENCY DURING
CITY EMPLOYMENT; ALSO PROVIDING THAT NEWLY -HIRED
EMPLOYEES ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN SUCH RESIDENCY;
FURTHER PROVIDING THAT THE CITY MANAGER SHALL BARGAIN
IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE BARGAINING AGENTS OF EACH OF
THE EMPLOYEES' COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNITS, IT BEING
THE INTENTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION TO NEGOTIATE THE
INCLUSION IN ALL FUTURE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENTS OF A PROVISION REQUIRING CONTINUOUS
RESIDENCY WITHIN THE CITY FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES FOR
SO LONG AS THEY ARE EMPLOYED; ALSO PROVIDING THAT
VIOLATIONS OF THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT SHALL BE
GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; CONTAINING
DEFINITION OF RESIDENCY; DECLARING THE ORDINANCE TO BE
AN ORDINANCE OF PRECEDENT; CONTAINING A REPEALER
PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE
CITY CODE.
Was introduced by Vice Mayor Dawkins and seconded by Commissioner Alonso
and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
126 October 25, 1990
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AYES: Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J.L. Plummer, Jr.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Plummer: As stated previously, I think the intent is very good,
morally, I think it's unfair. I vote, no.
COMMENTS MADE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Plummer: Can I ask Mr. Mayor, that one more vote be taken?
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: No, I'm only kidding. The third time I might get a
third vote.
33. EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH PEPSI-COLA COMPANY (A DIVISION OF PEPSICO, INC.)
AND CONTRACT CONNECTION, INC. - FOR DONATION OF TWO PLAYGROUNDS TO BE
INSTALLED IN SHENANDOAH AND REEVES PARK.
Commissioner De Yurre: Mr. Mayor, I have a...
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner De Yurre, emergency item?
Commissioner De Yurre: ... couple of quick resolutions here. "A resolution
authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary agreements in a form
acceptable to the City Attorney with Pepsi- Cola Company, a division of
Pepsico. Inc., and with Contract Connections Inc., for the donation of two
children playgrounds to be installed in Shenandoah and Reeves Park," I so
move.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Second.
_ Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the
roll.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner De Yurre, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-842
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, WITH PEPSI-COLA COMPANY, A DIVISION OF
PEPSICO, INC. AND WITH CONTRACT CONNECTION, INC., FOR
THE DONATION TO THE CITY OF TWO (2) CHILDREN'S
PLAYGROUNDS BY SAID FIRM TO BE INSTALLED IN SHENANDOAH
AND REEVES PARKS.
(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:
127 October 25, 1990
11
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
34. ACCEPT CASH DONATION FROM STREETBALL PARTNERS, INC. - FOR PARKS
DEPARTMENT - FOR 1990 DIET PEPSI HOOP -IT -UP BASKETBALL EVENT - EXECUTE
AGREEMENT.
Commissioner De Yurre: Second resolution. "Accepting a donation of funds in
the minimum amount of two thousand one hundred dollars ($2,100) to the
Department of Parks and Recreation from Streetball Partners Inc., for the 1990
Diet Pepsi Hoop -it -up basketball event conducted in the City of Miami, October
26th to the 28th 1990, with said department, authorizing the City Manager to
execute the necessary agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney with
Streetball Partners Inc., for said event and donation." I so move.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Plummer: Second.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Under discussion. Who is Streetball Partners?
Mr. Albert Ruder: Streetball Partners is a firm out of Texas who is doing
these Hoop -it -ups in different cities, and they are the ones are handling the
event, and we are getting that donation of twenty-one hundred dollars ($2,100)
or fifty percent of gross profit.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So this is a profit making entity, and they are going to
make money and from the money they make, they are going to give us twenty-one
thousand dollars ($21,000)?
Commissioner Plummer: Twenty-one hundred.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I mean, twenty-one hundred.
Mr. Ruder: It's twenty-one hundred or fifty percent of it. And we've gotten
a lot of publicity out of it also, it's been all over TV and they are doing
this throughout the county.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Take the opportunity to commend the Parks
Department for making sure that that Caribbean Festival took place, some of
you during your off hours, we appreciate that. Also, on behalf of... I just
happened to receive communication from Attorney General Bob Butterworth
that... well let me... I'll just distribute this, it's a complicated lawsuit
filed by his office that apparently, has resulted in substantial reductions in
what we pay for disposal of some of our waste, and I'll make it available, Mr.
Manager. Apparently, he is very happy with the cooperation he received from
the City. OK, PZ-1. Call the roll on the prior item.
128 October 25, 1990
0 &
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner De Yurre, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-843
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
OF FUNDS IN THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF $2,100 FROM
STREETBALL PARTNERS, INC. FOR THE USE OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR THE "1990 DIET
PEPSI HOOP -IT -UP" BASKETBALL EVENT CONDUCTED IN THE
CITY OF MIAMI OCTOBER 26 - 28, 1990; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY AGREEMENT, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH STREETBALL
PARTNERS, INC. FOR SAID EVENT AND DONATION.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
35. DECLARE DECEMBER 11, 1990 AS THE COMMUNITY DAY FOR HARMONY, URGING UNITY
OF THE DIFFERENT CULTURES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, excuse me, I have something...
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: This comes from the police department. They have asked
that it be read and approved by this Commission so that they can go forward
with the proclamation. "Whereas the City of Miami is made of all colors, all
cultures, all races and creeds, and is one of the greatest cities in the
nation. And whereas everyone of us have unique talents and abilities to share
with others, and should always realize that we are friends and neighbors.
And, whereas, whenever we are teachers, corporate manager, police, students,
senior citizens, clergy, or laymen, our single purpose should be to encourage
acceptance and appreciation of people different from us and to discover how
everyone can share the promise of opportunity in a democratic free and multi -
cultured community. And, whereas, it is common knowledge that the things that
bind us together are more than those that divide us, and that by standing
together, we become charged with positive energy and determination to
collectively solve our community problems. Therefore, Xavier L. Suarez, Mayor
of the City of Miami, does proclaim December 11th, 1990, as Unity Day,
observance thereof, call upon all the residents of Miami to join their hands
and minds towards the common goal of living together in peace and harmony as
one people, one community, doing the right thing." I move this, Mr. Mayor, as
presented.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
129 October 25, 1990
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-844
A MOTION DECLARING DECEMBER 11, 1990 AS THE "COMMUNITY
DAY FOR HARMONY" URGING THE UNITY OF THE DIFFERENT
CULTURES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
36. ACCEPT BID: MAROONE CHEVROLET - FOR FURNISHING 80 POLICE PURSUIT
VEHICLES - FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT (Project 509000).
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, to satisfy one of hottest issues that came
before us at budget time, I read the following, which has been through the
Legal Department, the procuring department, the administration.
THEREUPON, THE COMMISSIONER PLUMMER READ THE RESOLUTION INTO THE PUBLIC
RECORD, BY TITLE ONLY.
Commissioner Plummer: As your representative for Commissioner Awareness, Mr.
Mayor, I want to state for the record, that this was the only bidder. There
was not a minority firm or a local firm who bid on this project. If it's
within the purview of my colleagues, I so move.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please call the roll.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Under discussion.
Mayor Suarez: Vice Mayor Dawkins.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is there such a thing as a statewide contract for the
purchase of police vehicles?
Mr. Ron Williams: Vice Mayor Dawkins, not at this time. There will be a
state award being made sometime later, toward the end of the year. We're
ahead of the state at this point because of your desire to expedite the
purchase of police vehicles.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, now, when the statewide bid - I mean, availability is
made, that means that you can buy cars from anywhere in the State of Florida,
purchase them for at the same price that the State of Florida purchase them
for?
Mr. Williams: That's correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, thank you. Can an independent person, for the lack
of a better word, form a company and get him a bid - I mean, and get him a
price from the State of Florida who lives in the City of Miami and submit a
bid to provide these vehicles?
130 October 25, 1990
0
Mr. Williams: If they're within the realm of your guidelines, Commissioner,
that's correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: What do you mean, within the realms of my guide....
Mr. Williams: Your guidelines as it relates to an established company in the
City and that they would meet the specifications as requested.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, draw me up the specifications so that I can submit
them to individuals in the City of Miami so that they - see, are you telling
me that no authorized automobile dealer bid on this bid?
Mr. Williams: That's correct, Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So, therefore, maybe they're not hungry enough. But I'm
sure that we can find individuals who are interested in providing cars - how
many cars are we buying?
Commissioner Plummer: Eighty.
Mr. Williams: Eighty, at this point.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And if they only made a hundred dollars a car, that's
$8,000 that a person would make off the sale and I just can't.., you know, I
just can't follow it.
Mr. Williams: I'll bring you that information, Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, no further discussion. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: OK. PZ-1.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, we got to move that. We got to call the roll.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, did you call the roll?
Commissioner Alonso: I seconded it...
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll on that item, if we have a motion and a second.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-845
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF MAROONE CHEVROLET,
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA, FOR THE FURNISHING OF EIGHTY (80)
POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES TO BE USED BY THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AT THE COST OF $972,560.00, WITH FUNDS
THEREFOR BEING ALLOCATED FOR THIS PURCHASE FROM THE
FY'90-91 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT/FLEET MANAGEMENT DIVISION OPERATING BUDGET,
PROJECT NO. 509000, ACCOUNT CODE NO. 420901-880, SAID
ACQUISITION TO BE FINANCED THROUGH THE MANUFACTURER
UNDER A 36-MONTH LEASE PURCHASE PLAN; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO INSTRUCT THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER
TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR THIS PURCHASE, SUBJECT
TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
131 October 25, 1990
rAft
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Manager, Mr. Williams, can we have an assurance
that these cars, which are the new cars, are going into patrol and will not be
used by the high priced help, by the lieutenants and the sergeants. That
these will be used as actual patrol cars on the street.
Mr. Williams: I will most certainly discuss that with the Police Chief,
Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, can I include it in the motion, if they don't
agree to that, that it comes back? Hey...
Mr. Williams: Absolutely. Absolutely.
Commissioner Plummer: ...the problems that we've seen in the past is that the
higher ups get the brand new cars and then they push down what is the second,
you know, hand me downs. I think that these cars should be the ones that are
on the street doing the work. And if that is not agreeable to the Police
Department, I would request of my colleagues that it come back before this
Commission if there is any discrepancy in that.
Mr. Williams: I'll make sure of that, Commissioner Plummer.
Commissioner Plummer: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: OK, did we call the roll? Thank you.
[NOTE: AT THIS POINT, THE CITY COMMISSION CLOSES
CONSIDERATION OF REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS TO CONSIDER
PLANNING AND ZONING AGENDA ITEMS.]
37. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE UNTIL AFTER 5:00 P.M. CONSIDERATION OF
AGENDA ITEMS PZ-7 AND PZ-8 (See label 39).
Mayor Suarez: PZ-1.
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: Mr. Mayor, in relation to the Planning and Zoning
agenda, there are two items, PZ-7 and PZ-8 that we would like to have
continued to November the 8th...
Mayor Suarez: OK, I'll entertain a motion on those to November - what's the
date, Sergio?
Mr. Rodriguez: The 8th.
Commissioner Plummer: So move.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any discussion? That's my mutual agreement or is
that administration. withdrawing?
Mr. Rodriguez: Would like to ask, on the record, in the case of seven, there
was a defective notice. In the case of the eight, the plans were not
resubmitted with information required.
132 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Is the...
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask, is there anyone here to speak on that
issue?
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Is there anyone here that wanted to be heard on
items PZ-7 or eight, right?
Commissioner Plummer: It is a 5:00 o'clock item and you might want to ask
that again at five.
Mr. Rodriguez: Seven and eight, yes.
Mayor Suarez: OK, why don't we wait four minutes then.
Commissioner Plummer: Huh?
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: It's 4:00 o'clock.
Mr. Rodriguez: PZ-7 is at 4:00 o'clock.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, my agenda says seven is after 4:00 and eight
is after 5:00.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right, that's what I said. PZ-7 at 4:00 o'clock.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so for eight we would have to wait till after 5:00. Why
don't we do this item and then we'll take that up? Mr. Cardenas. Haven't
been to the barber shop lately, sir.
Al Cardenas, Esq.: I hope you like it, Mayor... I've been getting a lot of
compliments.
Mayor Suarez: I'm not going to comment one way or the other, I assure you.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I'm glad you mention...
Mr. Rodriguez: PZ-1...
Mayor Suarez: Just noticing, observing, for the record, that's all.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm glad you mentioned that because I would like to
invite you to see Albert tomorrow night as well as myself and others, in Ribs
and Roast at the Eden Roc, at the behest of the Journalistic Society, Sigma
Chi whatever it is. And we all will be there and, Mr. Mayor, I want to tell
you, but, in particular, Miriam Alonso, should not miss it.
Mr. Cardenas: Well, now that the cat is out of the bag....
Mayor Suarez: I gather they're not going to pick on me too much this year.
Yes.
Mr. Cardenas: I will tell you that they harass this way because I play the
role of. an Indian who commits a violent crime against Christopher Columbus
when he lands in America.
Mayor Suarez: Ah.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, I'm Christopher Columbus, you dummy!
Mayor Suarez: If he must reenact that commission of a violent crime, make
sure that he's the Christopher Columbus. OK.
Mr. Cardenas: On item 7, which I think is what you called up, just for the
record, my name is Al Cardenas, I'm here on behalf of the applicant.
Unfortunately, as you know, there was a technical error on the advertising and
which is the reason why it has to be continued for a month. We are most
anxious to get the matter heard. It's been travelling the process for about
six months and now it's getting into a critical path where there is a number
of students that need access to the facility and, of course, we haven't been
able to have that access. So, we look forward to being here in November and
133 October 25, 1990
0
December and hope that the matter can certainly be heard in that time period.
Thank you.
Mr. Rodriguez: It has been continued for two weeks. It is November the 8th.
Mr. Cardenas: That's right, thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Anyone else on that item? Table the item for two minutes so we
can take it up at that point.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38. SECOND READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 ATLAS - CHANGE THE R-4 DESIGNATION
(MULTI FAMILY HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) AT 596 N.W. 49 AVENUE, AND THE
R-2 DESIGNATION (TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AT 4901 N.W. 5 STREET, TO C-1
(RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL) (Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-1.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: PZ-1, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, is a zoning atlas
amendment. This is the second reading and it's for property located on 5th
Street, N.W., and 49th Avenue. The conditions submitted in the covenant to
the Planning Department were acceptable. I must defer to the Law Department
on the legal issues. There is a covenant with a $10,000 contribution
proffered by the applicant and we recommend approval and the Planning Advisory
Board recommended approval of the change. This is actually a follow up to the
change that we made in ordinance 9500.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: What happened to the $10,000 that was proffered?
Mr. Olmedillo: I will allow the applicant to say that...
Robert Traurig, Esq.: The City has it.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you, sir. Thank you, Bob. I know the City has it,
I want the City to tell me where it is.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, it has to go into that fund, new City policy.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Are you the administration?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You are? You're the administration.
Commissioner Alonso: It's going to go to...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: It's there? It's in the fund.
Commissioner Plummer: Sure. Definitely.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, all right, no problem. Thank you.
Commissioner Alonso: These are the ten thousand that will complete the amount
that we had...
Mr. Olmedillo: Rainbow Village.
Commissioner Alonso: Rainbow Village.
Mr. Rodriguez: Follow your policy that will be the amount that will go to
Rainbow Village.
Mayor Suarez: OK, and you're going to report to us when another $25,000 are
received, I think. OK. Does anyone wish to be heard against the application
contained in PZ-1? Let the record reflect no one stepped forward. Yes?
134 October 25, 1990
Mr. Traurig: Mr. Mayor, Robert H. Traurig, 1221 Brickell Avenue. I am in
favor of the application, but I would like to make a statement for the....
Mayor Suarez: I think, at this point, because you had to put something in the
record, we're going to have to swear you in.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mr. Traurig: I wanted to give some comfort to Mrs. Rosa Soto with regard to a
supplemental covenant regarding the design of the parking structure that would
go on the back portion of this property to let her know that I have, in my
possession, the identical declaration of restrictive covenants that we sent to
her. It's been executed and the joinder? Has been executed and it will be
recorded by us unless she prefers to hold it and record it herself. I just
wanted to give her the comfort to know that it would be recorded. Thank you,
that's all I wanted...
Commissioner Plummer: Move the item.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 11000 (EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 4, 1990), THE NEW
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 596 NORTHWEST 49TH
AVENUE AND 4901 NORTHWEST 5TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA
(MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN), FROM R-2 TWO
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (FOR APPROXIMATELY 4901 NORTHWEST
5TH STREET) AND R-4 MULTI -FAMILY HIGH DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (FOR APPROXIMATELY 596 NORTHWEST 49TH
AVENUE) TO C-1 RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL; BY MAKING
FINDINGS; AND BY MAKING ALL NECESSARY CHANGES ON PAGE
NUMBER 31 OF SAID ZONING ATLAS; CONTAINING A REPEALER
PROVISION AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of July 26, 1990,
was taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. On
motion of Commissioner Plummer, seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the Ordinance
was thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 10804.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
135 October 25, 1990
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39. (Continued Discussion) CONTINUE AGENDA ITEMS PZ-7 AND PZ-8 TO PLANNING
AND ZONING MEETING PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 8TH (See label 37).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-2, is that related?
Mr. Olmedillo: PZ-2 and PZ-3 are related items. They're companion items.
PZ-2 speaks to the Comprehensive Plan amendment and PZ-3 to the zoning...
Mayor Suarez: It is not related or it is? -I'm sorry.
Mr. Olmedillo: They're both related, two and three.
Mayor Suarez: But they're not related to one.
Mr. Olmedillo: No, no, sir.
Mr. Rodriguez: No.
Mayor Suarez: OK, let's go back to the ones that we were deferring or
continuing...
Commissioner Plummer.: I move that item 7 and 8 be deferred.
Mr. Rodriguez: To November 8th.
Mayor Suarez: Continued to November 8th.
Mr. Rodriguez: Eighth.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: For further information.
Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded. Any discussion? Call the roll.
ON MOTION DULY MADE BY COMMISSIONER PLUMMER, ITEMS PZ-
7 AND PZ-8 WERE CONTINUED TO THE COMMISSION MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 8, 1990, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. FIRST READING ORDINANCE (MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN): AMEND
FUTURE LAND USE MAP - CHANGE LAND USE DESIGNATION AT 3301 S.W. 22
TERRACE FROM DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL TO RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL, WITH PROVISOS
(Applicant: McDonald's Corp.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-2.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: PZ-2 and three are companion items and this is a
property located on 3301 S.W. 22nd Terrace. As you can read in the
application, the applicant has excluded the southerly one foot so that they
would address the issues that we had about intrusion of traffic into the
neighborhood. They cannot cross that line and the domino effect cannot affect
the properties which are south of 22nd Terrace. The Planning Department has
recommended approval on the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning
Advisory Board recommended approval on an eight to one basis. On the zoning
change, the Planning Department has recommended approval. The Zoning Board
136 October 25, 1990
recommended - actually a technical denial because it was a three -three vote
both ways so there was never a five affirmative votes to any of the motions so
that constitutes a technical denial. The applicant, as I said, has submitted
an application which excludes the southerly one foot in order to address the
Issues of intrusion.
Al Cardenas, Esq.: Yes, may I?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, counselor.
Mr. Cardenas: Mr. Mayor, members of the...
Mayor Suarez: You've been sworn in too? -at the same time as Bob?
Mr. Cardenas: I have not.
Mayor Suarez: Please be sworn in, Mr. City Attorney.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mr. Cardenas: Thank you. For the record, my name is Al Cardenas with offices
at 1221 Brickell Avenue. I'm here on behalf of the applicant, McDonald's
Corporation, and I hope the members of the Commission have missed me. I
haven't been here for a couple of meetings.
Commissioner Alonso: We certainly did.
Mr. Cardenas: I know I've certainly missed you. The - maybe I can afford a
haircut now.
Mayor Suarez: Actually, we were hoping to hear from your associate, but for
some reason, you have stepped up to the mike instead.
Commissioner Alonso: He was playing baseball.
Mr. Cardenas: You were hoping to... right. Well, she's not allowed to yet.
Mayor Suarez: She's still within the two year limitation?
Mr. Cardenas: That's right. But, like Lucia, I'm sure her time will come.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Cardenas: I'm here on behalf of McDonalds relative to their facility in
the thirty-three hundred block which is located, as you know, between Coral
Way and 22nd Terrace, and running north and south and between 34th Avenue and
S.W. 32nd Avenues, running west to east. We have - this is actually the
sixth time that I'm before this Commission on - not on this project, but on
five previous applications - involving the Coral Way and 22nd Terrace area.
You may recall that, fortunately, on five previous occasions, this Commission
approved the zoning change of these properties involving the Radio Mambi and
Oscar Rojer, Kaufman & Roberts, Inversiones Mapama, and Caituma Properties.
And these date back to 1986, 187, '89, and '88, and basically, as you may
recall, we've had three or four years of discussions regarding the subject
matter and we've refined it along the way to the point where covenants have
been proffered for all of these previous applications and, of course, for this
one, to satisfy the needs that have surfaced in the neighborhoods and part of
the Commission and the Zoning and Planning Boards as well. This is no
exception and we have included a covenant along with the proposed changes, and
I'll explain to you why we feel they're in the best interest of the City and
our client. But, what we're requesting is that the property fronting on 22nd
Terrace be rezoned as the previous five applications were to C-1, restricted
commercial. We've proffered a covenant in conjunction with our request with
the following limitations. One limitation, of course, is that there will be a
wall, a masonry wall constructed on the side of the property facing 22nd
Terrace. That there will be, of course, no ingress, no egress or vehicular
traffic to the property. That there will be a landscaping buffer of ten feet
on the 22nd Terrace side and five feet on the sides of the property. That
there's a height limitation of 35 feet within 50 feet of the property line and
that there's a zoning - and that a one foot strip to the immediate southern
boundary of the property will continue to be zoned residential so that legally
137 October 25, 1990
we're able to avoid a domino effect on subsequent commercial zonings in the
area. We feel that this covenant has addressed the concerns that you, in the
past, as a Commission, have expressed. I know that it has satisfied the
concerns of most of the neighbors. I'd like to show you what the site plan
looks like now and what we propose to do, explain to you why we intend to do
that. This is the property at... well, let me first show them the earlier
site plan. Adrian is...
Mayor Suarez: Let me see if I can anticipate a little bit here. Is there
anyone here that opposes the application? Do we have an opposition to this?
Ma'am, are you going to speak on this?
Commissioner Plummer: Come to the microphone, please.
Mayor Suarez: Come to the mike if you tell us what the nature of the
opposition may be, it may be that it has been resolved or that it hasn't been.
I don't know. Why don't you give us your name and be sworn in too, please.
Be sworn in very quickly.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Ms. Claralina Armenteros: My name is Claralina Armenteros and I live east of
the property of the parking lot. I don't oppose the parking because it's been
existing for like twenty some years, but all I suggest is like at night, that
they lock it up somehow, because we have people hanging out in the, you know,
they park there at night after they close and that's been a problem.
Mayor Suarez: How can we assure that after the hours of operation the parking
lot is then secured so that people won't use it for God knows what activities?
Ms. Armenteros: I was talking with Mr. Montes before, you know, this and we
were discussing, you know, some kind of fences and stuff and maybe, you know,
that would be a solution.
Mayor Suarez: Could that be part of the covenant in any way?
Commissioner Plummer: Of course.
Mr. Cardenas: We've presented a covenant and we'd be happy to do so. Let me
verbally tell you what we've committed to do. We've already presented the
covenant...
Mayor Suarez: It sounds like you're going to have not only a covenant, but
somebody monitoring the compliance with the covenant if this passes, so...
Mr. Cardenas: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: ...better be advised of that.
Mr. Cardenas: What, in viewing with the neighbor, the proposed site plan, I
think the easiest way for us to prevent that vehicular traffic after hours of
closing is we're going to install posts on the two sides of the property and
we're going to have a heavy steel chain material here and those chains will be
placed immediately upon the closing of the facility so that there will be no
vehicular access to the back of the property after hours and I think this
device is the simplest and easiest way to resolve that issue, which we're now,
under the present site plan, really is very difficult to resolve.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Why couldn't you use the same type of a gate that is used
in the parks? My only concern...
Mr. Cardenas: OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...Al, is with a pair of tin snips or any kind of a
cutting device, one could very easily...
Mr. Cardenas: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...cut the chain or the steel that is and still go in
there. But if you...
138 October 25, 1990
Mr. Cardenas: I think that's an excellent suggestion.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...you know, and it could swing back against the wall
because you're going to have wall there, right? It could swing back against
the wall and then at night it would be fastened into the ground.
Mr. Cardenas: OK, if you... what we'd like to do if...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I don't know now, I'm only asking, Al.
Mr. Cardenas: No, I think that makes a lot of sense to me and what I'd like
to do is just, if you don't mind, leave it to us to show the department the
fence that we're, you know, the gate we'll install and make sure it's
acceptable to them. But, we would be delighted to do that.
Mr. Rodriguez: Maybe the language of the covenant might say that there will
be a chain, or any other device that will prohibit the access to the parking
area after the business is closed and that way, we can enforce it if the other
one doesn't work.
Mayor Suarez: OK. With that sort of wording, is there anything else that
needs to be added into the record? Staff? Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: Why couldn't this just as easy be handled on a
conditional use? Without changing the zoning?
Mr. Cardenas: We need a zoning change because part of the structure which
will be constructed will be located in the residentially zoned property and a
zoning change is required for that reason.
Mr. Rodriguez: Transitional use was eliminated, remember?
Mr. Olmedillo: Specifically.
Commissioner Plummer: But, you're saying to me that we, under no
circumstances, today can give a conditional use of parking?
Mr. Cardenas: No, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: A variance of parking?
Mr. Olmedillo: Not at this particular location. You may remember that the
neighbors were for the Coral Way area...
Commissioner Plummer: You're right.
Mr. Olmedillo: ...and they excluded that.
Mr. Cardenas: Right. And this does follow the tradition of those five
previous applications. We have met with the neighbors, we're proffering the
same covenants that you insisted on in the past and we'll be happy to
incorporate the gate request or suggestion made by Commissioner Dawkins as
well.
Mayor Suarez: OK, with all of those provisos...Commissioner Alonso.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, wait, wait, wait, wait. I'm still waiting to
hear,
Mr. Cardenas: Yes, I understand. Well, McDonalds Corporation, as you know,
the generous corporate partner of this community that they are and who,
incidentally, as you know, have opened a wonderful and maintain and sustain a
wonderful facility of the Ronald McDonald House by Jackson Memorial
Hospital....
Commissioner Plummer: I don't need the commercial.
Mr. Cardenas: ...within the City of Miami, have agreed to contribute the sum
of $5,000 to a cause that to City's...
Mayor Suarez: To the fund that's been set up.
139 October 25, 1990
Mr. Cardenas: To the fund that's been set up for that purpose.
Commissioner Plummer: How much?
Mr. Cardenas: Five thousand dollars. That's in addition to the $200,000
which they recently have agreed to give to further enhance the Ronald McDonald
House.
Commissioner Plummer: Burger King says, have it my way? Well, is this first
reading?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You mean Burger King?
Commissioner Plummer: This is first reading?
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct, sir.
Mr. Cardenas: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Give me an approximate idea, in rezoning this property
to commercial, does that quadruple the value of that property, roughly?
Mr. Olmedillo: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: That's what I thought. You, of course, are of an open
mind between the first reading and the second.
Mr. Cardenas: Well, may I add, also, Commissioner, that we really will not
have a new use on the property. As a matter of fact, it will be the...
Commissioner Plummer: But, you will have quadruple the value of what that
property is...
Mr. Cardenas: Well, I don't know.
Commissioner Plummer: ...presently zoned today, for which you have no rights
other than ownership and to pay the taxes. Al, I want to give you a full
thirty days to think about it.
Mr. Cardenas: OK, sir, I'll do that.
Commissioner Plummer: You do have an open mind.
Mr. Cardenas: OK, we certainly do.
Commissioner Plummer: You said that twice.
Mr. Cardenas: Yes, we do.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Commissioner Alonso: Excuse me, Mr. Cardenas, don't you have a parking lot
there now?
Mr. Cardenas: Excuse me? Yes, uh huh.
Commissioner Alonso: It's in the same area where you have the parking lot.
Mr. Cardenas: This is - let me, if I can - this is the existing layout. The
building is now 19 years old so we want to tear it down and build a brand new
facility. The new site plan would look like this, which we think will be a
lot more convenient, will give a lot more stacking room which we feel the
present facility has certainly enough of, but this will be a lot roomier. It
has more stacking lanes which we feel it's important and it gives us the
ability to build - you know, that playland area, that kids like a lot - and
the layout for parking will be, you know, right to the side here most of the
time which we think the patrons and the police and everybody else will
appreciate more. And it's overall a much better layout. The current facility
has 3,600 square feet and we would like to build a 4,300 square foot facility,
certainly well within the zoning and code provisions of the City and we'll
have plenty of parking spaces as well.
a
140 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: For the edification of this Commission, and I'm sorry
that Odio is not here, we need to seriously address what this lady was nice
enough not to say the real truth. We are sending three to four times a day,
to that location, gangs that are hanging out in that area disrupting
everything in that area and they are staying there until the late hours of the
evening. Unfortunately, the structure across the street is what is serving as
a magnet and I'm saying that we need to go in there with a police presence,
to, in fact, say to these gangs that they're not welcome to hang out there in
that particular area. Because if something isn't done, I want to tell you,
McDonalds is going to have a rough time making it. So, I just bring that to
the edification and I hope that the administration will address that problem
and clean that area up.
Mr. Rodriguez: I will pass the word to the Manager and also to the Chief of
Police. Something I didn't get clear on the record. I didn't get exactly,
when is the contribution that you're voluntarily proffering going to be made?
At what point?
Mr. Cardenas: We proffered $5,000 and have agreed to reconsider...
Mr. Rodriguez: By when?
Mr. Cardenas: ...the matter. Well, I'd say...
Mr. Rodriguez: By when is it going to be contributed?
Mr. Cardenas: Say, within reasonable time from the, you know, second reading.
Commissioner Plummer: I want you to know if you don't, I'm going to have a
Big Mac attack.
Mr. Cardenas: I understand.
Mayor Suarez: All right...
Mr. Cardenas: Is sixty days appropriate? With sixty days, you know, from
date of approval.
Commissioner Plummer: Since he has an open mind, I'll move item two.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Alonso: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the ordinance.
Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF
ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 1989-2000, FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 3301 SOUTHWEST 22ND
TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA (MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
HEREIN), BY CHANGING THE DESIGNATION OF THE SUBJECT
PROPERTY FROM DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL TO RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL; MAKING FINDINGS; INSTRUCTING THE CITY
CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO AFFECTED
AGENCIES; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Alonso and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
141 October 25, 1990
i
1
s
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
- Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
41. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 ATLAS - CHANGE DESIGNATION AT 3301
S.W. 22 TERRACE FROM R-2 (TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL) (Applicant: McDonald's Corp.)
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: Item three, companion item.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, this one was turned down technically by the Zoning
Board.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: By the Zoning Board, that is correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, can you tell me what was on the mind of the
Zoning Board members that voted against it? Why?
Mr. Olmedillo: I cannot really tell you what was on their mind, but the
same...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I'm sure they expressed their opinion. They
normally do.
Commissioner Alonso: Neighbors...
Mr. Olmedillo: The same neighbor who was here today was there at the board
and she was making the arguments, the same arguments as to the people who were
using these facilities after hours and they were creating a problem for the
neighborhood. And I believe that they were swayed by the argument that this
should be continued. And...
Commissioner Plummer: But now she has expressed on the record that she feels
that there is a way to control it.
Mr. Olmedillo: That's what I hear.
Commissioner Plummer: As a companion item, I'll move it.
Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Commissioner Plummer: I assume that's five.
Mayor Suarez: If not, please read the ordinance.
Commissioner Plummer: Contribution if five on each.
mind, Mr. Cardenas, open mind.
Mr. Cardenas: Open mind, yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
Is that correct? Open
142 October 25, 1990
t
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
i CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, SAID ATLAS HAVING BEEN
INCORPORATED IN THE ORDINANCE BY SECTION 300 THEREOF,
BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM R-2 TWO
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO C-1 RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL FOR
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3301 SOUTHWEST 22 TERRACE,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, ALSO DESCRIBED AS LOTS 28, 29 AND WEST
15' OF LOT 30 LESS SOUTH 1', MIAMI SUBURBAN ACRES AND.
AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 73, OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND BY MAKING ALL THE
NECESSARY CHANGES ON PAGE NO. 42 OF SAID ZONING ATLAS;
CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner De
Yurre and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
Mr. Cardenas: Thank you, sir.
42. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 ATLAS - CHANGE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION FOR AREA BOUNDED BY S.W. 2 AVENUE AND THE I-95 RIGHT-OF-
WAY, BETWEEN THE MIAMI RIVER AND S.W. 2 STREET FROM SD-4 WATERFRONT
INDUSTRIAL AND 0-OFFICE TO SD-15 RIVER QUADRANT MIXED USE DISTRICT
(Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
Mayor Suarez: PZ-4.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: PZ-4 is the zoning amendment for the property that
we know as Alandco. This is FP&L property which is located...
Mayor Suarez: Does anybody wish to be heard against this item? -the
application contained in this item? Let the record reflect no one stepped
forward.
Commissioner Plummer: This is a change of zoning?
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct. This is a follow up to 9500. We did it in
9500, now we're doing it under 11000 to continue the same special district.
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a legal question. Mr. City Attorney, can
someone proffer, at the time, I realize you cannot restrict a change of zoning
or you cannot...
Mr. Fernandez: Contract for it.
Commissioner Plummer: Contract. Can someone agree that if they do not pull a
building permit within a year, that they agree, at the time, to revert it
back?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
143 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Now, wouldn't that be a lot simpler for us to do of
these people who come up before this Commission and say, here's what we're
going to do, change the zoning, we double the value, they never do it. Or
they do something else. If they can proffer, voluntarily proffer that if they
do not pull a building permit within one year that it will automatically
revert back to the previous, wouldn't we be smart to do that?
Mayor Suarez: I have to give you credit, you keep trying.
Mr. Fernandez: The process has to...
Mayor Suarez: I agree with you, it's got to be a more simpler sort of
mechanical way of reverting back to the state of nature without having to go
through...
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly.
Mr. Fernandez: It could not happen automatically. He would have to proffer
and voluntarily agree that we would engage the City in the same process of
reverting back to the old zoning classification.
Commissioner Plummer: Did he agree to the process?
_ Mr. Fernandez: Yes, that he would proceed through the process. It couldn't
be done automatically.
Mayor Suarez: Almost every other right that is granted by government, or
concession, or modification of an existing right, if not exercised by a
certain time, you can lose it, you can waive it, you can estopped from taking
advantage of it, et cetera. Anyhow...
Commissioner Plummer: This is first reading? Are you representing Alandco?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you understand what I'm looking for in the second
reading?
Gilberto Pastoriza, Esq.: For the record, my name is Gilberto Pastoriza, I'm
an attorney with the law firm of Fine Jacobson Schwartz Nash Block and
Englund.
Mayor Suarez: The moment you say anything other than identifying yourself,
we're going to have to swear you in. Are you going to have to give us
anything other than answering a question for the record as to who you're
representing because, if not, I won't even bother with that, Gilberto.
Mr. Pastoriza: Unless they're...
Commissioner Plummer: Do you understand what I'm looking for? If you don't,
speak to my learned counsel over here.
Mr. Pastoriza: I'm going to have to be sworn in because I have to answer that
question.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, please swear him in, it doesn't sound like we're going
to...
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mr. Pastoriza: For the record, Gilberto Pastoriza, with the law firm of Fine
Jacobson Schwartz Nash Block & Englund with offices at One CenTrust Financial
Center. This is merely a ministerial zoning change. This Commission, back in
February 15, 1990, under ordinance 9500, approved this type of zoning for this
property. So all this Commission right now is doing is bringing the new
zoning according to ordinance eleven hundred, or eleven thousand.
Commissioner Plummer: But you're not indicating, sir, that we can't change
our mind.
144 October 25, 1990
i
Mr. Pastoriza: Well, I believe that when the zoning is granted, the zoning
goes with the property and it doesn't really have to be tied down to pulling
of building permits. That zoning -goes, you know, with the property until such
time as the property gets rezoned.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, I think he was hinting at possibility of a voluntary
contribution. I just...
Mr. Pastoriza: I'm not, at this point... I can't answer that question to you
at this point.
Mayor Suarez: I guess...
Commissioner Plummer: No, excuse me, I was not referring to the donation now.
Mayor Suarez: No? Oh, OK, because they...
Commissioner Plummer: No, because when we talked to Florida...
Mr. Pastoriza: If I could address the building permit on this issue.
Commissioner Alonso: The donation was in at that time.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, the donation was made.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, the donation was in, the landscaping plan,
the riverfront dedication was in. I'm not speaking to that, sir. I'm
looking - and I'm going to be looking on every zoning application from this
day forward.
Mayor Suarez: Well, when are you going to actually do something over there?
Mr. Pastoriza: OK, by the way, as we speak, as we speak right now, S.W. 3rd
Street has been in the process of being improved.
Commissioner Plummer: S.W. Ist Street doesn't touch this property.
Mr. Pastoriza: Third Street, Third Street.
Commissioner Plummer: I thought you said First, all right.
Mr. Pastoriza: Third, Third Street. Right now, they have trucks and
bulldozers working out there improving Third Street. Also, all the building
plans for the first building...
Mayor Suarez: We appreciate your fixing the infrastructure. When are you
going to build a building that we were told that you needed this rezoning for?
Mr. Pastoriza: OK. The building plans have already been through your
Building Department. So, it's just a question of finalizing approval of those
plans and pulling the permit thereafter.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Great. Is that the one that's - how many square feet?
Mr. Pastoriza: Two hundred thousand square feet, ten stories.
Mayor Suarez: All right.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but I'd rather get them to agree to it, OK?
Mayor Suarez: OK, we've got some activity there it sounds like.
Commissioner Plummer:
Well, sir, you'd better come... there's
certain things
I don't want to say on
the record. Guy Sanchez called each
one of us about
today and that's what
really concerns me in this particular
issue. This is
Alandco, a division of
Florida Power & Light.
3
Mr. Pastoriza: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer:
OK? It's concerning me...
Mr. Pastoriza: Let me
address that to you, the...
145
October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Well, sir, I was going to do it with you in my office.
If you want to put it in the public record, that's up to you.
Mr. Pastoriza: Well, you know, we are very bullish about this project. We're
moving forward on this project as evidenced by the work that is being done out
there now. And the project is a viable project.
Commissioner Plummer: We understand that, sir. But, you also have to have
money to do the project.
Mr. Pastoriza: I understand.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. Hey, come see me before the second hearing.
Mr. Pastoriza: OK.
Commissioner Alonso: I move.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Plummer: I'll second it, I mean, I've got reservations, but I'll
second it.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 11000, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF THE AREA GENERALLY BOUNDED BY
SOUTHWEST 2ND AVENUE AND THE I-95 RIGHT-OF-WAY,
BETWEEN THE MIAMI RIVER AND SOUTHWEST 2ND STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA (MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN),
FROM SD-4 WATERFRONT INDUSTRIAL AND 0-OFFICE TO SD-15
RIVER QUADRANT MIXED USE DISTRICT; BY MAKING FINDINGS;
AND BY MAKING ALL NECESSARY CHANGES ON PAGE NUMBER 36
OF SAID ZONING ATLAS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION
AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Alonso and seconded by Commissioner
Plummer and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Voting yes and telling you that I reserve the right to
change my vote at the next hearing.
Commissioner Plummer: With those same reservations, I vote yes.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and I too, want to see you between now and the second
hearing - second reading.
COMMENTS MADE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL:
Mr. Pastoriza: Thank you.
146 October 25, 1990
6
43. DISCUSS AND TEMPORARILY TABLE PROPOSED RESOLUTION FOR VACATION AND
CLOSURE OF TRIANGULAR PORTION ON SOUTH SIDE OF N.E. 69 STREET LOCATED
1032' EAST OF BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AT THE CURVILINEAR PORTION OF SAID
STREET (Applicant: Vendome Equities, Inc.) (See label 52).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-5.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Move it because he's got to leave.
Mayor Suarez: Moved. Does anyone wish to be heard on item PZ-5? -street
closure? Let the record reflect that no one stepped forward, presumably to
oppose it, and, Alberto, I guess you're favor.
Mr. Alfred Gonzalez: Mr. Mayor, we're here in favor.
Mayor Suarez: And if it's not controversial, and it's been moved by...
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, wait a minute. What is this?
Mayor Suarez: Vice Mayor Dawkins, PZ-5.
Commissioner Plummer: PZ-5. Abandon an alley or what?
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, is that that triangle?
Mr. Gonzalez: It's a triangular piece of property next to 69th Street.
Mayor Suarez: OK, that probably isn't anything you're not going to tell us
the truth about, but why don't we swear him in if we're going to have inquiry
by Commissioners.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mr. Gonzalez: My name is Alfred Gonzalez, I'm an attorney with Adorno and
Zeder with offices...
Commissioner Plummer: Are you a registered lobby with the City, sir?
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: With the City.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Gonzalez: I'm an attorney with the law firm of Adorno and Zeder with
offices at 2601 South Bayshore Drive. Basically, what we're asking the
Commission today is a ministerial housekeeping request because the triangular
piece of property, because of the logistics of 69th Street, really is unusable
as a further street or road for the City. In addition to that, already
improvements such as a wall and a private road have been permitted and
constructed. We'd just like to bring the reality of the situation to conform
to the records...
Commissioner Plummer: And you're asking that that property be given to you,
of course.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: And how many square feet is that, sir? About five
thousand square feet? A hundred by fifty?
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Commissioner Plummer: Wow! That's a lot of value!
147 October 25, 1990
Mr. Gonzalez: We understand that, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: How well do you understand it? What is the average
square foot price in that particular area? Ten dollars? Twenty? -times five
thousand. A hundred thousand dollar piece of property?
Commissioner Alonso: This is Bayside area?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Give or take a few dollars.
Commissioner Alonso: Dr. Prieto, is this Bayside?
Dr. Luis Prieto: Yes, it is, that's right.
Commissioner Alonso: It is.
Mr. Gonzalez: Commissioner, we understand what the...
Commissioner Plummer: Who is the client you're... who is Vendome Equities?
Mr. Gonzalez: They are the owners of the surrounding land which build the
roadway that leads into - through their private property into the condominium
development over here, which is the Palm Bay Yacht Club condominium.
Mayor Suarez: I think he was trying to sort of get at - get a little feel for
who Vendome Equities are. That sounds real good, but nice...
Commissioner Alonso: We have the names here.
Mr. Rodriguez: Page eight of your package.
Mayor Suarez: ...feel for who they are, live human beings, Miamians, Dade
Countians, Alaskans, Venezuelans....
Mr. Gonzalez: They're a business concern from France who bought this property
and has been redeveloping it. Our client has a good neighbor policy there.
They've upgraded the area, incurred expenses, landscaping, and tearing down
some structures that were actually unsafe in that area and causing some crime
and problems. There is some benefit to the City in terms of an increased tax
base, once we take this property as well as the fact that the property is
really already been permitted for road and there's a road built there right
now and it will continue to be used just for that basis. But, in light of our
good neighbor policy, we are additionally proffering $5,000 to the City.
Commissioner Plummer: How much?
Mr. Gonzalez: Five thousand dollars.
Commissioner Plummer: That's a good neighbor policy. What is a bad neighbor
policy? You're saying to me that a hundred thousand dollar value of property
and you're proffering five? I mean, that's voluntarily, sir, you do what you
think is best. I don't have to agree with you.
Mayor Suarez: How as the...
Mr. Gonzalez: We always have an open mind, Commissioner, but...
Commissioner Plummer: I have another quest... sir, I can't even broach the
subject. You have to volunteer.
Mr. Gonzalez: I understand.
Commissioner Plummer: I have a question to ask. We heard earlier, Doctor,
that the concern of the people on 69th and 70th Street in relation to the
barricades. How does this affect that area, if at all?
Mr. Prieto: Not at all, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: In relation to the barricades?
Mr. Prieto: Not at all, really.
148 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: It's not going to create any other problems?
Mr. Prieto: No, sir, not in that respect.
Commissioner Plummer: Where is Palm Bay in relation to this thing?
Mayor Suarez: Transparency, I love that term.
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Commissioner Plummer: I understand that. All right, and where is Palm Bay
proposing to build the new addition? We were told this morning that Palm Bay
was going to be building an additional - what was it - a hundred units or
three hundred units?
Mr. Gonzalez: Commissioner, but this has nothing to do with that.
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, I'm asking where that addition would be.
Mr. Prieto: I don't know...
Mr. Gonzalez: I believe, and I don't represent the client, that is asking for
that addition, but I believe it's somewhere out here where the Palm Bay Club
is, somewhere in here.
Commissioner Plummer: Where is the Palm Bay building, Doctor? That's
contiguous to the other piece of property. Are you representing Palm Bay?
Mr. Gonzalez: No, no, that's the Palm Bay Yacht Club condominium, that's not
the Palm Bay Club that he's thinking about. That is the Palm Bay Yacht
condominium, which is contiguous to the road. But, what I think you're
referring...
Commissioner Plummer: What's on that property now?
Mr. Gonzalez: A condominium, sir, 26-story condominium. There is a road that
goes through here, through the triangle into the condominium.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, if you finally offer something of value that's
worthwhile, what would you do with the property?
Mr. Gonzalez: It would continue to be used as a road, sir. It's been
permitted as a road. There's a road existing there right now that leads to
the condominium. It would just...
Commissioner Plummer: Through this property? But, if there's a road there
now and they want to have a road there, what advantage is there for them to
close it? -that they own the road, is that the....
Mr. Prieto: We gave them an easement. Just to...
Commissioner Plummer: I don't understand what's being accomplished. If
there's a road there today and he's saying, for the record, that tomorrow
that's what they want to do is to leave the road there, what's the
advantageous...
Mayor Suarez: Well, one thing is that we get to tax it. But what, from your
perspective....
Commissioner Plummer: What do you gain?
Mr. Gonzalez: I can address that, sir. In fact, we were the ones that
z brought to the City's attention that there was a problem here. There's a road
that goes through here into the condominium, it's the entranceway to the
condominium. It was permitted and built and it's already there and existing
and the people that live here use that road to get in and out of their
.� property. In fact, there is a guardhouse here that also serves to reduce
crime and so forth, for this neighborhood. We then found out, by some title
work that was done, that the road - that part of the road was within the road
right-of-ways of the City of Miami. We then engaged in discussions with the
City and there's also a wall that goes right through here, and as you see,
149 October 25, 1990
it's a triangular piece of property that would never be useful for 69th
Street. So, consequently, we agreed that this was the best procedure to try
to do various things. One, we transferred the liability to our clients for
anything that could happen in that area. Secondly, we put it in the tax rolls
so we can start paying taxes on the property which we're not at this time.
Thirdly...
Commissioner Plummer: But that's not to your advantage.
Mayor Suarez: We're trying to figure out what you get out of it.
Commissioner Plummer: Where do you stand to gain on this issue?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, this is the entranceway to our condominium...
Mr. Prieto: Access, access.
Commissioner Plummer: Hull?
Mr. Prieto: Access.
Mr. Gonzalez: ...and by being private, it keeps the security for our
condominium...
Commissioner Plummer: They gain by paying taxes?
Mr. Prieto: It complies with the parking access and egress requirements. It
really provides them...
Mayor Suarez: Oh, wait, wait, wait, he was just saying, by gaining access,
we... I mean, by having it as our property, we can deny access to anybody who
is not coming into our condominium.
Mr. Prieto: Exactly. Right.
Mayor Suarez: Up to now, the guardhouse is one of those where you kind of
wave at people and hope that they're the people that are really going there
for the right reason.
Commissioner Alonso: We gave them an easement?
Mr. Prieto: We did, yes. It was after the fact. Actually, inadvertent to
the City and to themselves, they put the road on City property. So, since it
was a fait accompli, this was a year ago, we permitted them...
Commissioner Plummer: So their fear is we might change our mind?
Mr. Prieto: Certainly.
Mayor Suarez: And they want to be able to control... you would have the
entire road...
Commissioner Alonso: He's nasty today.
Mayor Suarez: You would have the entire road then?
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: The entire road would become a private road.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir....
Commissioner Plummer: Yes.
Mr. Gonzalez: But after all, that road would only be useful to people going
in and out of the condominium.
gCommissioner Plummer: But, if they don't, they go home by water taxi.
i,
Mr. Gonzalez: Well, if we don't... have to increase the... we would have to
open the old entranceway and, of course, increase traffic on 69th Street, but
— that would be the only way in and out.
150 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Well...
Mr. Gonzalez: Well, actually, it wouldn't be the only way in and out, but...
Mayor Suarez: All nighty. I'll entertain a motion on the application for the
street closure or portion thereof.
Commissioner Plummer: I think maybe I need some more time to study this.
Mayor Suarez: Wants to study it some more. Does anybody else want to move
it?
Commissioner Plummer: I'll move at this point that it be deferred.
Mayor Suarez: Move to defer the item. Do we have a second on the motion to
defer?
Mr. Gonzalez: We certainly have an open mind, if you were to move it to
discuss with our clients some further...
Mayor Suarez: Do you want to table it? Do you want to table it for a little
while? Do you have access to your clients tonight?
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir, I do.
Mayor Suarez: OK, table it.
Commissioner Plummer: That's fine.
Mayor Suarez: Half hour.
Mr. Gonzalez: Thank you.
44. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE SECTION 39-17 - PROHIBIT VENDING FOR
ONE-YEAR PERIOD ON FLAGLER STREET DEMONSTRATION BLOCK (N. AND S. FLAGLER
STREET BETWEEN MIAMI AVENUE AND E. 1 AVENUE).
Mayor Suarez: PZ-6. City of Miami Downtown Development Authority requesting
emergency ordinance prohibiting vending for one year period of Flagler Street
demonstration block.
Does anyone wish to be heard on this item?
Let the
record reflect no one
stepped forward.
Commissioner Plummer:
Is this the same? -just a renewal of
what's
been down
there?
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez:
yes.
Commissioner Plummer:
Where's Schwartz?
Joel Maxwell, Esq.:
Mr. Mayor...
Commissioner Plummer:
Where's Schwartz? What the hell does
he get
paid for?
f
Mr. Maxwell: It is a
renewal, but there's one thing you need
to be
aware of.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer:
All right, sir.
g
Mr. Maxwell: The dates shown now in your ordinance would be
from October the
1st to September the
30th. The dates, if you choose to act
on it,
should be
f
from this date to one
year from the date.
r
x;
Mayor Suarez: Even
though we've gone beyond the prior date
of expiration, I
guess.
151 October 25, 1990
Mr. Maxwell: Yes, sir, it simply means... yes, and you cannot, by emergency
ordinance, have it retroactive.
Mayor Suarez: We can't do it retroactive...
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask you a question. Does this ordinance, as a
pilot ordinance, speak to the size of the cart?
Mr. Maxwell: Well, the ordinance before you right now doesn't do anything but
prohibit vending on the demonstration block. It doesn't allow any vending
whatsoever.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, that's all this is doing?
Mr. Maxwell: That's all...
Commissioner Plummer: This is not the approval of those sites that were so
designated.
Mr. Maxwell: No, sir. No, sir.
Commissioner Alonso: No.
Commissioner Plummer: OR. I'll move it.
Mayor Suarez: So moved.
Mr. Maxwell: What? -the new effective date? October 25th.
Mayor Suarez: Appreciate your taking the item without the executive director
being present as long as...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, if he was here, I'd probably vote against it.
Mayor Suarez: As long as the chairman is present to recommend...
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, if I may, and I'm sorry to do this to you.
You know my feeling about vendors, OK? I think they are detrimental to
private companies that are, you know, and I'm not going to go through that
scenario. But I think there's an area of discrimination that exists. There
is a man here on Grand Avenue right off of Mundy who serves, without a doubt,
the best bar-be-que in this town. Only mine is better. Now, the City is
individually picking on that guy to remove that vending. They don't pick on
the guy with the seafood, they don't pick on the hot dog vendors, they don't
pick on any else and the only reason given that they're picking on this guy is
because he cooks on the location.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Fry in the field.
Commissioner Plummer: In the field. OK? Now, the hot dogs are cooked on the
vendors, the seafood is cooked by the vendors. All of this stuff is not pre-
cooked. They have fires and propane and all of that that they do their
cooking and their vendors. I want to know, from the administration, why are
you discriminating against this guy?
Mr. Rodriguez: What is the address again, sir?
Commissioner Plummer: There is no address. He exist...
Mr. Rodriguez: Area.
Commissioner Plummer: He exists where the flea market is here. Almost to the
corner of Mundy - not Mundy - Margaret and Grand.
Mr. Rodriguez: Oh, OR.
Commissioner Plummer: And if you can't find it, just follow your nose because
the odor will take you right to it to buy some.
Mr. Rodriguez: What if we go to your house instead?
Commissioner Plummer: What?
152 October 25, 1990
1 0
Mr. Rodriguez: What if we go to your house instead?
Commissioner Plummer: No, no, mine is better, I don't sell mine. Excuse me
for bringing that up, but I think that it is absolutely - I'm against vendors,
but if you're going to allow them, in my estimation, I'm not going to allow
discrimination against that poor guy.
Mayor Suarez: Is this all staged between you and Channel 4, by any chance, to
give them something to cover or...
Commissioner Plummer: I don't even know what they're here for. Are you here
for vendors? Oh, OK.
Mayor Suarez: All right. It sure isn't relevant to the item that's before
US.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes - well, it's a vendors ordinance that's...
Mayor Suarez: Remember that what we're doing here is we're prohibiting it
again for another year.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, Mr. Mayor, you know I brought to your attention
before and I'm going to do it again, I don't think we have any ordinance in
the downtown area that limits the size of these vendors. And I'm going to
remind you that I took a funeral into Gesu Church that I almost could not get
the casket in because this fruit vendor had a cart that must have been 18
feet, 20 feet long, and wouldn't move it.
Mr. Maxwell: Mr. Mayor, Commissioner Plummer, the ordinance does limit the
size of carts.
Mayor Suarez: OK, maybe it's not being particularly well enforced.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, somebody better go down and enforce it.
Mayor Suarez: Because some places the vendors seem like they're spilling from
the sidewalk right onto the street and everything. They are huge, as
Commissioner has mentioned.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, I've moved six.
Mayor Suarez: Moved and... second?
Commissioner Alonso: OK.
Mayor Suarez: Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the ordinance,
if there is an ordinance. Yes, there is. Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 39-17 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY
PROHIBITING VENDING FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD ON THE
FLAGLER STREET DEMONSTRATION BLOCK (NORTH AND SOUTH
SIDES OF FLAGLER STREET BETWEEN MIAMI AVENUE AND EAST
FIRST AVENUE); CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION,
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Alonso, for adoption as an emergency measure and dispensing with the
requirement of reading same on two separate days, which was agreed to by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
153 October 25, 1990
0
Whereupon the Commission on motion of Commissioner Plummer and seconded
by Commissioner Alonso, adopted said ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
SAID ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 10805.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45. AUTHORIZE ADMINISTRATION TO ADOPT TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN (DESIGNATED AS
ALTERNATIVE NO. 3) FOR AREA OF S.W. 33 AVENUE BETWEEN S.W. 8 AND 12
STREETS TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
Mayor Suarez: PZ-7.
Commissioner Alonso: We, ah - November 8th....
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: Seven and...
Commissioner Plummer: Seven and eight was deferred.
Mayor Suarez: Seven and eight were - thank you.
Mr. Rodriguez: Continued to November 8th.
Mayor Suarez: Item PZ-9, City of Miami Public Works Department.
Commissioner Plummer: Can I see the plan that's being proposed?
Commissioner Alonso: Have you reached an agreement on this item, PZ-9 with
the neighbors?
Mr. Rodriguez: Mr. Prieto. He's coming now.
Commissioner Plummer: This is on the west side of the cemetery?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, Mr. Prieto has told me that they have apparently have
reached an agreement on this item and maybe we can put on the record right
away and move on, on this.
Commissioner Plummer: This is on the west side of the cemetery?
Dr. Luis Prieto: We met with a group of neighbors at the local elementary
school and, curiously enough, there was a concens... actually, it was
unanimous, decision to have this plan in lieu of a complete barricade.
Essentially, it permits egress from the neighborhood onto 8th Street to turn
both east and west. It inhibits the entrance into the neighborhood but
permits the entrance into the funeral home. By doing this, both the neighbors
and the funeral home are serviced, but, of course, all the forming of the
funeral cortege down 33rd Avenue is eliminated. In addition, since we had
placed a sanitary sewer system here and damaged their median, we have accepted
to repair the median curve along 33rd Street up to 12th Avenue. We will also
place no parking, towaway zone, both on the east and on the west side of 33rd
Avenue.
Commissioner Plummer: Question. Doctor, what happens to the person who turns
off of 8th Street that doesn't want to go into the funeral home?
154 October 25, 1990
Mr. Prieto: Yes, at the beginning, we will have some people trying to make a
U-turn here and have to come back out of 8th Street. At the beginning, we
were foreseeing some difficulties.
Commissioner Alonso: Can we have some sort of a sign?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, we'll have a "Do Not Enter" sign here. We will also have a
raised curb here and the nose of the curb to avoid people simply continuing
over the striped area and against the one way direction here. So, there will
be a minor adjustment time for a few months and then I think it will settle
down to compliance. Also, notice that the curb has been moved back so that
they can enter and egress this 100-unit apartment complex at the corner of 9th
Street right here. This is the property line between the funeral home and
that apartment complex, and this is a driveway here. So, I think it
accommodates everybody. It was a unanimous approval by the neighbors.
Commissioner Plummer: If that's the case, I move it.
Commissioner Alonso: That's great. I second it.
Mayor Suarez: So moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Mr. Rodriguez: You might want to check if there's anybody here?
Mayor Suarez: Is there anyone here on item PZ-9 that we've been discussing?
And, if so, are you supportive? Ustedes apoyan el concepto? If there's
anybody that's against? Hoy alguien que este en contra de este plan? Let the
record reflect, no one stepped forward. OK. Maybe if we get some smiles.
All right, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? If not, please
call the roll.
Commissioner Plummer: Nine.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-846
A MOTION DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO ADOPT THE
TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN REFERRED TO AS ALTERNATIVE NO.
3 (AS MORE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED ON DOCUMENTS FILED WITH
CITY CLERK ON THIS DATE) FOR S.W. 33 AVENUE BETWEEN
S.W. 8 STREET AND S.W. 12 STREET, IN AN ATTEMPT TO
ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Commissioner Alonso: Congratulations, Dr. Prieto.
Mayor Suarez: Congratulations, Dr. Prieto, is right.
Mr. Maxwell: Mr. Mayor...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Maxwell: Just point of clarification, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Maxwell: I just think the record should be clear that the alternative you
selected was alternative number three.
155 October 25, 1990
1w
Mayor Suarez: Alternative three was voted on, right. Thank you, Mr. City
Attorney. Yes, sir? Give us your name and address.
Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez: Alejandro Gonzalez, 3310 S.W. 10th Street...
Commissioner Plummer: Swear him in.
Mayor Suarez: You have to swear.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mr. Gonzalez: First of all, the no parking, towaway zone, would those be on
the median too?
Mr. Prieto: No, sir, we're putting them on the east side of 33rd Avenue, west
side, not on the median.
Mr. Gonzalez: Because that's also a problem where a lot of cars park right on
the median.
Mr. Prieto: That's because you don't have a curb. We're replacing those
curbs for you.
Mr. Gonzalez: OK, so on llth Street, there's also an island, cars also park
there. Would that also be repaired?
Mr. Prieto: Yes, all the way down to 12th.
Mr. Gonzalez: And the last question. I didn't really want to touch on this
now, but on the closure, who would be paying for that? It's not a closure,
really, it's... you're not closing it, so I don't think it's really falls
under that...
Mr. Prieto: We will pay for it.
Mayor Suarez: OK...
Mr. Gonzalez: Thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Gracias. All right, call the roll, if we haven't
already.
Commissioner Alonso: We already did our vote.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
156 October 25, 1990
4
46. SECOND READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 - BY AMENDING OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF
DISTRICT REGULATIONS AND ARTICLE 4 ZONING DISTRICTS, R-2 TWO FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USE, R-3 MULTI FAMILY MEDIUM
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES, R-4 MULTI FAMILY HIGH
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES, AND 0-OFFICE,
CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES - TO CORRECT ERRORS BY REFINING DISTANCE
REQUIREMENTS AND REFORMATTING OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY BASED
RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (CBRF) (Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning
Dept.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-10. City of Miami Planning Department...
Mr. Joe McManus: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, PZ-10 is second
reading ordinance to conform zoning ordinance 11000 with state law with regard
to community based residential facilities with clients of fourteen and under.
Remember, the state has now exerted their prerogative in zoning for those
group homes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Move it, this is second reading.
Mayor Suarez: Moved, second reading, was approved by Planning Department,
Planning Advisory Board.
Commissioner Plummer: What is that distance requirement?
Mr. McManus: They're in the single family districts for group homes that have
seven clients or less, I believe the distance requirement is 500 feet from any
R-1 district. And if you go to an R-2 district with clients from seven to
fourteen, then you get up to twelve hundred feet between facilities.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, does that mean that state has superimposed all
regulations of this state, of this City, that in a given area, as we fought
with up in the Curley High area, that every five hundred feet they can put in
another community based home?
Mr. McManus: If you're in single family and duplex. And what you get in the
multi -family districts and you get into a larger facilities, that is, fifteen
clients, then the City can again exert control.
Commissioner Plummer: But, in other words, what you're saying is - because I
want the people of that area to know that this was a state imposition as long
as we will remember how loud and how long they came before this Commission
demanding that they've had enough that all of these outfits were in their
area. Now, somehow or another - Mr. Mayor, were you here at that time? I
know Dawkins was. I don't want those people up there, who we gave, in good
faith, and tried everything in our power to say, hey, we'll take our fair
share. What you're saying to me now is, we have no choice, the residents of
our City have no choice that they can put one of these facilities every 500
feet. We're not doing that to them. Now, to me, that's unfair. Let me ask
you this question. As I recall, one of things that we did was that we said,
not only was there to be a distance requirement, but that if, in fact, we
would accept them after the rest of the cities of this county picked up their
fair share. Can we still impose that? In other words, don't tell me that
none of the kids that are in these homes come from Coral Gables or come from
Miami Shores or El Portal where none of these facilities exist.
Mr. Maxwell: Mr. Mayor, Commissioner Plummer, what the state has said that
what the state has established is a threshold and they've said that if the
facility has less than seven or fourteen, depending, you cannot do anything.
So the answer to that question is, if they have fewer than seven clients,
there's nothing we can do about it. And the answer will be yes, that's
correct. There's nothing we can do if it's of that minimal size.
Commissioner Plummer: So, in other words, they can put all of these
facilities in the City of Miami, even though the kids come from other 26
municipalities.
Mr. Maxwell: Correct, what the state...
157 October 25, 1990
4
Commissioner Plummer: That is wrong.
Mr. Maxwell: They're saying you treat it just like any other family.
Commissioner Plummer: That is wrong. OK, I just... you know, I want to
remember to those people up there who we tried to help and tried to
accommodate in the interest of fairness, that this is...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Well, if we...
Commissioner Plummer: ...that we have no choice. This is mandated.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But if we vote it down, they're going to do it anyway,
right?
Commissioner Alonso: Are you sure?
Mr. Rodriguez: We could follow the law.
Mr. McManus: State law.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Beg your pardon? I can't... go ahead.
Mr. McManus: It's state law.
Mr. Rodriguez: It's a state law so we have...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But see, the state law... but all I'm saying, the same
thing J.L. is saying, we gave our word that this would not happen. So, for me
now to sit here - which I'm not going to do - and vote that I approve this,
then I'm going against my word, so I'd rather vote against it and go ahead,
it's a state law, and tell them, yes, I voted against it and the state did it.
Commissioner Plummer: You know, I just...
Mr. Rodriguez: The only thing I can tell you...
Mr. Maxwell: You're obligated to follow the law, Commissioner, and...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Beg your pardon?
Mr. Maxwell: You're obligated to follow the law and right now, the law says
that if there are fewer than seven or fourteen, under certain circumstances,
there's nothing we can do...
Commissioner Plummer: I thought that the City could supersede and make more
stringent the laws in the state, but we couldn't make them less.
Mr. Maxwell: Well, unless you're preempted and the state has preempted this
area.
Mayor Suarez: Because there's an area of preemption.
Mr. Rodriguez: What we did in one case recently, about two or three months
ago, we had a meeting with the people from the northeast area and we invited -
I think the meeting was called by a legislator - and they voiced their concern
about this and we directed them to the legislator to be able to discuss this
with them and tell them that Tallahassee...
Commissioner Plummer: How many legislators showed up?
Mr. Rodriguez: There was one person that called the meeting and she was the
only one was there at the meeting.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I'm going to go on the record that I am only
voting favorably for this because I am forced to do so by the State of
Florida. I find it objectionable. I find it unfair and I find it wrong, but
I am so informed by my City Attorney that I have no choice.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Do we have a motion on the item?
158
i
s
t
October 25, 1990
Mr. Foeman: It needs a second, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: We need a second?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Second.
Mayor Suarez: Second, thank you. Read the ordinance. Call the roll. We
need a second on that motion. Victor, would you second it? We have the same
mover as the second.
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Mayor Suarez: In English, please, thank you. All right, moved and seconded.
We've read the ordinance. Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED,
THE NEW ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, BY AMENDING THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS AND ARTICLE 4 ZONING DISTRICTS, R-2 TWO
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USE
R-3 MULTI FAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL,
CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES, R-4 MULTI FAMILY HIGH
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES, AND
0-OFFICE, CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES, TO CORRECT
ERRORS, BY REFINING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS AND
REFORMATTING OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNITY BASED
RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES; CONTAINING A REPEALER
PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of September 27,
1990, was taken up for its second and final reading by title and adoption. On
motion of Commissioner Dawkins, seconded by Commissioner De Yurre, the
Ordinance was thereupon given its second and final reading by title and passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Miriam Alonso.
THE ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 10806.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Plummer: Only with a gun to my head do I vote yes.
159 October 25, 1990
E
E
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47. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 - DELETE ARTICLE 7. HC HERITAGE
CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS - SUBSTITUTE NEW ARTICLE 7 (HP HISTORIC
— PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS ) - PROVIDE FOR: INTENT, APPLICANT OF
DISTRICT, EFFECT OF DISTRICT, HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
BOARD, PRESERVATION OFFICER, CONDITIONAL USES AND DEVIATIONS AND APPEALS
(Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-11.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is PZ-11 the same thing, Mr. City...
Mayor Suarez: Related item?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No.
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: No.
Mayor Suarez: No overlay district, HP preservation. Which one is this?
Ms. Sarah Eaton: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission...
Mayor Suarez: This is all, the collective one for all the ones we did before,
Sarah?
Ms. Eaton: Correct. This PZ-11, 12, and 13 are companion items related to
historic preservation that are being brought to you at your request. If you
would like, I can summarize the provisions of the three ordinances.
Mayor Suarez: Is anyone here to be heard on PZ-11? Let the record reflect no
one stepped forward. I'll entertain a motion on it. Do you have enough in
the record at this point for us to vote?
Ms. Eaton: Mr. Mayor, we have met with several of the City boards, as well as
members of the public and there have been some requested amendments that we
would like to present to you. First, the Heritage Conservation Board and
Planning Advisory Board recommended the name of the board be changed to
Historic and Environmental Preservation Board. The Planning Department had
recommended Preservation Board, but we don't object to the name.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, whatever name sounds good is good to me and to everybody
else, please. Go ahead.
Commissioner Plummer: Big deal!
Ms. Eaton: OK. The Miami Board of Realtors recommended several changes.
First, that notice requirements should be spelled out and the notice to owners
should include a copy of the designation report. Planning Department concurs.
Second, that the City Commission should be able to overturn designations
approved by the board by a three -fifths vote, Planning concurs. Fourth, that
the fee schedule section of the City Code should be referenced so that the
individuals can easily determine any fees. We concur with that.
Commissioner Plummer: Thats for those who are asking for it be designated.
It does not apply to those people who are being imposed upon.
Ms. Eaton: That's correct. And, finally, that a fee should be specified for
appeals to the City Commission concerning designations. Currently, the fee
schedule consolidates all fees concerning appeals. The Commission's directive
that fees cover all costs would place the appeal fee at the already
established fee of $1,400 to cover advertisements in the Herald. The City
Commission may wish to reduce or waive this fee for designation of appeals.
Mayor Suarez: What do you recommend on that?
Ms. Eaton: Well, the Commission's directive has always been that fees for
appeals should cover all costs.
Commissioner Plummer: Exactly.
160 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: OK. Let's stick with that.
Commissioner Plummer: Now, let me make sure. Nothing in this particular
ordinance deviates from the fact that the most that can be done in this
ordinance is to hold someone up for six months.
Ms. Eaton: That's right, after six months, an owner can demolish his
property.
Commissioner Plummer: He can do whatever he wants after six months.
Ms. Eaton: He can demolish the property.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Ms. Eaton: It's no different than the present ordinance.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mayor Suarez: All right, as to the ordinance then, I'll entertain a motion.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Mayor, here again, I just want to put on the record
that, as far as I'm concerned, we're talking about ordinances and fees, you
are missing the main ingredient. I would love to see historic preservation in
this community. We absolutely offer no incentives for a person to do it.
Until the time comes, whatever those incentives might be, such as with the
feds, as I recall, they will loan you money at 3 percent to fix your place up
or rehab your place. Is that still a part?
Ms. Eaton: No, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, there's no incentive is what I'm saying.
Mayor Suarez: The most recent one was a tax incentive and I think even that's
been removed now.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, we gave a tax incentive, we gave help to the
people down there by the 1st Street bridge. All I'm saying is, you've got to
make incentives to make people want to do it and once you do that, I think
you're going to have a very successful ordinance.
Ms. Eaton: Commissioner Plummer, PZ-11 does retain the incentives for the
change of zoning in the zoning ordinance to permit a change of use, such as
was used in the Warner House and the Miami River Inn. We still are retaining
that provision as an incentive.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I'm just saying you've got to find more to make
it attractive to people to want to do it. I really say that.
Mayor Suarez: OK...
Commissioner Plummer: I'll move item 11.
Mayor Suarez: So moved. Seconded by Commissioner Alonso, I can tell when she
put on her glasses that was a second. Thank you. Any discussion? Read the
ordinance. Yes, call the roll, please.
161 October 25, 1990
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FA
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO LAND USE, AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY DELETING THE EXISTING
ARTICLE 7, "HC HERITAGE CONSERVATION OVERLAY
DISTRICTS," AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF AN
ENTIRELY NEW ARTICLE 7 ENTITLED "HP HISTORIC
PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS;" PROVIDING FOR:
INTENT, APPLICATION OF DISTRICT, EFFECT OF DISTRICT,
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD,
PRESERVATION OFFICER, CONDITIONAL USES AND DEVIATIONS,
AND APPEALS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION,
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Alonso and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND CODE - ADD NEW CHAPTER 23.1 (HISTORIC
PRESERVATION) - PROVIDE FOR: INTENT AND PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS,
PRESERVATION BOARD, PRESERVATIONS OFFICER, DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC
SITES, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL ZONES, CERTIFICATES OF
APPROPRIATENESS, AND ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, AND
PENALTIES - AMEND CHAPTER 62 - DELETE ARTICLE VII HERITAGE CONSERVATION
BOARD - SUBSTITUTE NEW ARTICLE VII PRESERVATION BOARD - PROVIDE FOR:
ESTABLISHMENT, MEMBERSHIP, FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES, GENERALLY,
PROCEEDINGS, COMPENSATION, AND PRESERVATION OFFICER (Applicant:
Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-12, companion item.
Ms. Sarah Eaton: Mr. Mayor, for the record, the same comments that I made
apply.
Mayor Suarez: Same comments here.
Commissioner Plummer: Move it.
Mayor Suarez: Moved. Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the
ordinance. Does anyone wish to be heard against this item? Let the record
reflect that no one stepped forward. Call the roll.
162 October 25, 1990
E
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION,
AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY
ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 23.1 ENTITLED "HISTORIC
PRESERVATION"; PROVIDING FOR: INTENT AND PURPOSE;
DEFINITIONS; HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
BOARD; PRESERVATION OFFICER; DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC
SITES, HISTORIC DISTRICTS, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL, ZONES;
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS; AND ADMINISTRATION,
ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATIONS, AND PENALTIES; FURTHER,
AMENDING CHAPTER 62, BY DELETING THE EXISTING ARTICLE
VII ENTITLED "HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOARD" AND
SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF AN ENTIRELY NEW ARTICLE
VII ENTITLED "HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
BOARD;" PROVIDING FOR: ESTABLISHMENT; MEMBERSHIP;
FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES, GENERALLY; PROCEEDINGS;
COMPENSATION; AND PRESERVATION OFFICER; CONTAINING A
REPEALER PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
_ Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Alonso and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
49. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: RENAME EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
DISTRICT AND SCENIC TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS, OFFICIAL ATLAS OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, AS: THE OFFICIAL PRESERVATION ATLAS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA - RELOCATE INTO NEW PRESERVATION ATLAS PROPERTIES WHICH ARE
DESIGNATED AS HC-1 AND HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN 11000 ZONING ATLAS -
RENAME AND CLARIFY RELOCATED HC-1 AND HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS ACCORDING
TO THEIR HISTORIC CLASSIFICATION (i.e., HISTORIC SITE, HISTORIC
DISTRICT, OR ARCHEOLOGICAL ZONE) - RETAIN DESIGNATION IN SAID ATLAS OF
ALL PROPERTIES SHOWN THEREIN AS HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS, IN ADDITION TO
THEIR BEING IN SAID PRESERVATION ATLAS - RENAME SAID HC-2 OVERLAY
DISTRICTS IN SAID PRESERVATION ATLAS AS HP OVERLAY DISTRICTS (Applicant:
Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Suarez: PZ-13.
Commissioner Plummer: What does this one do?
Ms. Sarah Eaton: Mr. Mayor, the same comments as well.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, wait a minute, wait a minute. Is this
establishing new districts?
Ms. Eaton: No, sir, this is just renaming...
Mayor Suarez: Procedure...
Ms. Eaton: ...the existing environmental preservation atlas and consolidating
all EPDs and historic sites into one atlas.
Commissioner Plummer: Move it.
163 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Moved and seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the
ordinance. Call the roll.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE, WITH ATTACHMENTS, RENAMING THE EXISTING
"ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS AND SCENIC
TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS" OFFICIAL ATLAS OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS THE "OFFICIAL HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ATLAS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA", AND RELOCATING INTO SAID NEW HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ATLAS THOSE PROPERTIES NOW
DESIGNATED AS HC-1 AND HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN THE
OFFICIAL ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS
AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA; RENAMING AND CLARIFYING SAID RELOCATED HC-1
AND HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN SAID NEW HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ATLAS ACCORDING TO THEIR
HISTORIC CLASSIFICATION; FURTHER, RETAINING THE
DESIGNATION IN SAID ZONING ATLAS OF ALL PROPERTIES
SHOWN THEREIN AS HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS, IN ADDITION
TO THEIR BEING INCLUDED IN THE AFOREMENTIONED HISTORIC
AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ATLAS, AND RENAMING
SAID HC-2 OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN THE HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ATLAS AS "HP OVERLAY
DISTRICTS", WHILE RETAINING THEIR UNDERLYING ZONING
DISTRICTS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Plummer and seconded by Commissioner
Alonso and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioner Victor De Yurre.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50. FIRST READING ORDINANCE: AMEND 11000 - AMEND OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF
DISTRICT REGULATIONS - ADD ASTROLOGERS, PALMISTS, FORTUNE TELLERS AND
PHRENOLOGISTS AS PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USES IN C-2 LIBERAL COMMERCIAL
ZONING DISTRICT (Applicant: Planning, Building & Zoning Dept.)
Mayor Suarez: PZ-14.
Mr. Joe McManus: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, PZ...
Commissioner Plummer: The Walter Mercado relief bill.
Mr. McManus: Is an amendment, proposed amendment, to ordinance 11000 to add
astrologers, palmists, fortune tellers, and phrenologists to the CA-2 zoning
district. Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, Commissioner Plummer
questioned us...
Commissioner Plummer: What is a phrenologist? Is that the one that reads the
bumps on your head?
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: That's the one that reads the bumps on your head.
164 October 25, 1990
4
Mr. McManus: Commissioner, these were included in ordinance 6871 starting
back in at least since 1961. They were included in ordinance 9500 and they're
CG-2. For whatever reason, they were left out of ordinance 11000. Mr.
Genuardi has been approached by the Crystal family, among others, about why
they were left out since their present situation is that they are legal non-
conforming uses. And we find no reason to leave them out...
Commissioner Plummer: That's fine.
Mr. McManus: ...because they were in before.
Commissioner Alonso: This will be only in commercial areas, not residential
areas.
Mr. McManus: It would be in the C-2, would be very liberal commercial areas,
yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Plummer: How about industrial area?
Mr. McManus: It would also be included in industrial areas.
Commissioner Plummer: How about if the industrial area was the minimum?
Mr. McManus: That could be changed, yes. The rationale from putting it in
the C-2 district was that was the corresponding district where it was since
1961. We're just keeping it roughly the same district.
Commissioner Alonso: OK, I move.
Mayor Suarez: Moved. Seconded. Any discussion? If not, please read the
ordinance.
Commissioner Plummer: Can we get those people to interpret on Friday morning
last week the dead fish and the candle outside? The dead fish and the candle
outside?
Commissioner Alonso: When was that?
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll.
Commissioner Plummer: Friday morning.
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED,
THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY
AMENDING SECTION 401, ENTITLED "SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS,; TO ADD ASTROLOGERS, PALMISTS, FORTUNE
TELLERS, AND PHRENOLOGISTS AS PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USES
IN THE C-2 LIBERAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT;
CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Was introduced by Commissioner Alonso and seconded by Commissioner
Dawkins and was passed on its first reading by title by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
ABSENT: None.
The City Attorney read the ordinance into the public record and
announced that copies were available to the members of the City Commission and
to the public.
165 October 25, 1990
[NOTE: AT THIS POINT, THE CITY COMMISSION TEMPORARILY
TABLES CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING AND ZONING AGENDA
ITEMS TO CONSIDER AN ITEM FROM THE REGULAR PORTION OF
THE AGENDA.]
51. DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCERNS FROM NEIGHBORS OF THE SHENANDOAH AREA
ABOUT: (a) DETERIORATION OF AREA DUE TO PROLIFERATION OF ROOMING
ARRANGEMENTS IN A SINGLE FAMILY AREA; (b) NEED FOR GREATER (STRICTER)
CODE ENFORCEMENT; AND (c) HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF ACLFs IN THE AREA.
Mayor Suarez: From the items, regular scheduled items, we had one right prior
to Shenandoah which had to do with the report. What was that? -item 28, I
believe.
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: Twenty-eight was withdrawn. Twenty-nine is the one
from Shenandoah.
Mayor Suarez: OK, 29 then, Shenandoah. Where's Westbrook Company?
Mr. Mario Pons: Good evening. We requested this...
Mayor Suarez: Don't forget to state your name and address right off the bat
so we have that on the record, please.
Mr. Pons: Sure. Mario Pons, 2474 S.W. 13th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mayor Suarez: How many people are with you, Mario, so that we know? Where's
the lady that I owe the Xerox paper to? John, you know her.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: She's late.
Mayor Suarez: She's late, OK.
Mr. Pons: OK. We've started this association approximately one year ago with
about ten young families that were concerned about the signs of deterioration
that we had seen in this neighborhood. Many of us have lived in this
neighborhood all our lives and we thought that it was about time that we did
something about some of the problems that had become so obvious. And, in the
past year, we have grown to the point where today, we have a 175 property
owners that are members of the Shenandoah West Little Havana Homeowners
Association. And our boundaries are from S.W. 8th Street to Coral Way, from
S.W. 12th Avenue to S.W. 27th Avenue and we call this neighborhood Shenandoah
West Little Havana. One of our primary concerns, and for those of you that
have been at our meetings, and you know that we hold our meetings in both
English and Spanish, which makes it kind of interesting. And one of the
things that I've seen and we'll have somebody come up and say it in English
and then five minutes later we'll have somebody come up and say it in Spanish,
which has been scot of a running motif throughout our meetings is code
enforcement. The residents of the Shenandoah West Little Havana area are very
concerned about code enforcement. We have been working...
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Assistant City Manager, cut through this at this point.
What does it take to do a code enforcement sweep, such as what was done in the
northeast for the last few months?
Mr. Rodriguez: Actually, I would like to hear a little bit more from Mr. Pons
because I believe that we were doing a good job with the enforcement in the
area. We have a tremendous amount of cases that have been brought before the
Code Enforcement Board...
Mayor Suarez: There's a real problem with units, in addition to the permitted
ones being used for rental. That's one of the biggest concerns.
Mr. Pons: Yes, that's...
166
October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I think the answer to your question is to request
the Fire Department to do in that area what they've done up there. -
Mayor Suarez: That's...
Mr. Rodriguez: We can do the sweep, but I am really concerned about whether
we're missing anything on this because, in reality, we have been going through
the area and the amount of cases that we have been bringing before the Code
Enforcement Board from this area, is fairly large. Mr. Canton is here that
can answer any questions on this. We have a map showing all the tremendous
amount of cases that we have. Maybe I'm missing something, and I would like
to hear whether there is something in specific that we might be missing at
this point because we felt that we were really doing a good job on this.
Mayor Suarez: And that report the Commissioner is showing me with all the
compliance and noncompliance and not in violation, et cetera, is that our own
report?
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me show you. Mr. Canton has here a board that shows
Mr. Pons: Let me interject. I mean, the purpose of our coming here is not in
any way to criticize the job that the code enforcement...
Mayor Suarez: Oh, no, sometimes we reach the same point at the same time. We
know that we've been getting complaints in the area. We energized ourselves a
little bit more. Some of them come as individual complaints and before you
know it, we're, you know, at a point of juncture, you know, where we're both
on the same wave length.
Mr. Pons: Right.
Mayor Suarez: That's all I am... but go ahead, Mario, go ahead.
Mr. Pons: One of the generic type of complaints has been that many of the
single family homes that, in the past, were used as single family homes, and
are zoned as such, have been converted into rooming houses. They have two,
three, four, apartments and what we are requesting is that a task force be
assigned to specifically deal with this problem and to try to go into the
area...
Mayor Suarez: You mean, like a task force of our employees or a task force of
volunteers and citizens?
Commissioner Plummer: No, it has to be a City official there, they can't gain
entrance.
Mayor Suarez: You're talking our employees.
Mr. Pons: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Mr. Pons: And that's what we're dealing with. We're dealing with a lot of
deterioration going on in the neighborhood, especially as you get on the north
side toward 8th Street, in the area between 22nd and 12th Avenue. A lot of
these older homes have been there for many years are being turned into rooming
houses and that's having an overlapping, decaying effect on the neighborhood.
You have to understand that many of the streets in this area are zoned as 50
foot right-of-ways and you can try to imagine single family homes being
converted into three or four apartments. You have many cars on the street and
you have an overall decaying effect of the neighborhood and that is something
that the homeowners in this area are very concerned about. And we'd like to
request a task force to deal with this problem and we'd like to request to see
if the area inspector who has done a very good job and we aren't coming here
in any way to criticize him, he's done a very adequate job. We want to see
how we can get him to have a reduced area so that there is not that lag time
in the code enforcement in the follow up process so that he can concentrate
more on our area. And that's basically the thrust of what we're trying to get
out of this is not to come here and criticize the Building and Zoning
Department, but to request certain changes that will make it easier for
citizens to call up and complain and give the proper information to assist the
Building and Zoning Department in policing our area.
167 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but I think what you're also trying to come about
is that we're limited in the number of inspectors, OK? And I think that what
I said before, if you take the Fire Department, who have a lot more personnel
and it was demonstrated in the northeast, I think if we could get them to go
in and do an actual sweep, and especially they are in uniform and who would
gain more respect than an inspector who has the same authority, but not in
uniform, I think it would have a lot more effect of what you're trying to
accomplish than doing it as we are today in a very slow manner.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Rodriguez...
Mr. Rodriguez: Commissioner, let me try to tell you what we're doing. In the
case of the northeast, we have a task force that was composed of members of
the different departments and that's the way we did it. We had a sweep of the
area and there were members from the Building and Zoning Department, Solid
Waste, and also from the Fire Department and, in some cases, the Police. In
this particular area, the efforts that we have are basically based on a
complaint basis and also our inspectors are always cruising through the area
trying to find violations that you can see from the outside or any other
complaints that we might have. If you asked us to go through a sweep, you
know we will definitely set up a task force and we will take care of this area
and fine all violations that we will find in the area. In the meantime, we
are progressing with trying to address the issue of how many inspectors we
might have. The Manager has instructed me to look into consolidation of other
inspection services that we have in the City that might allow us to cross
train inspectors that we have in other disciplines in the City and be able to
for each one of them to give citations in the different type of violations
that we have now, as compared to have inspector from Solid Waste dealing with
this and inspector from...
Commissioner Plummer: Sir, they are multiplying faster than you can keep up
with them.
Mr. Rodriguez: The violations?
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, sir.
Mr. Rodriguez: Listen, I think that we're giving... I agree.
Commissioner Plummer: And the problem is, as I've tried to bring out before,
this Code Enforcement Board is not what, in my estimation, it should be. You
get a guy before, it takes 30-days to get him before the board. Then you give
him deferments and then you give him the opportunity to look, then you give
him another deferment and the people are saying to us, the day that that is
determined to be a violation, why don't you close it down? That's not what
you're doing.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And that's what I'm hearing...
Commissioner Plummer: You're giving these guys all kinds of leeway, all...
OK, you got a violation, now you be a good boy. Good boy, hell! Clamp down!
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That's what I've been hearing, Mr. Rodriguez. Not that
the inspectors are not doing a good job, but I heard him say it, and I think
we all heard him say is, when the problem is identified, that's it. And then,
when we come back, they find the same - just like he says, if there's four
houses here, and these four single family homes have been converted into three
units, you got 12 units here in three houses and when he comes back next week,
it's the same thing. And next month, they're going on the other street and
you identify four more, but you don't remove the problem of the first four and
that's what I hear - I'm hearing the problem is.
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me give you an example of figures...
Commissioner De Yurre: You know what is - Sergio...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir.
168 October 25, 1990
i
[J
Commissioner De Yurre: The problem is, you know, it's so bad that we can't
even remove a political sign. How long does it take to get a political sign
that's illegally up?
Mr. Rodriguez: It takes.....
Commissioner De Yurre: A campaign is over.
Mr. Rodriguez: It takes a while because in that particular case...
Commissioner De Yurre: So, if we can't even put down a sign that's illegally
up, imagine doing something more, you know, like illegal units or things of
that nature.
Mr. Rodriguez: In the case of the political sign, what we do is, we have to
give the notice of violation to the owner of the property and then we get into
the issue sometimes that the politician that is running for a position then
claims that he didn't put over there, somebody else put it over there. And we
are sending notices to them and in some cases what we are doing is, basically,
giving a citation for $25 per violation.
Commissioner Plummer: Twenty-five dollars.
Mr. Rodriguez: Per violation.
Commissioner Plummer: Any politician in the world will pay you $25 for a good
sign location.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is it any way...
Mr. Rodriguez: Violation.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is it any way that we could get with HRS or the health
department or somebody and once a unit that is a single family home has been
determined that it has three units in it, that you can get the health
department to declare it unsafe and unhealthy and evict everybody and close it
up?
Mr. Rodriguez: No, I don't think we can do that. What we can do is bring the
cases before the Code Enforcement Board. Just to give you an example, in June
and July, in this particular area, there were 168 notices of violations that
were given to people of which 52 cases were brought before the Code
Enforcement Board for action by that board. The other cases, people came into
compliance. The Code Enforcement Board, Commissioner Plummer, I have to
differ with you and, again, that board, they don't respond to me. I mean, I
think I'm being objective about it. They basically, are taking now one
hundred and seventy cases per meeting. And this month, for example, they had
three meetings. And they...
Commissioner Plummer: I am not impressed at all with the number of cases
they're handling. I am impressed the only way to measure ability is in
results and the results are not there.
Mr. Rodriguez: In most cases, the people come into compliance. In other
cases, we have been placing fines. The fines have been accumulating, we are
placing liens and we are foreclosing.
Commissioner Plummer: The first time a...
Mayor Suarez: That's the key in dealing with residential properties where
typically single family homes in the area that we're talking about, a lien
would be very, very effective and code enforcement liens are - the fines are
what? -aren't some of them $250 a day?
Mr. Rodriguez: Two hundred and fifty dollars a day. The only problem with
the...
Mayor Suarez: And anybody who doesn't comply with that is crazy. That lien
mounts up.
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask you a question.
169 October 25, 1990
i
Mr. Rodriguez: But that's when it's not effective, Mr. Mayor, because in the
case of liens that we put on residential property and single family, we have
homestead exemptions in this particular case in which we cannot - I believe we
cannot foreclose on them. And, in that case, we really have our hands tied on
that.
Commissioner Plummer: But you can put a lien against it until the day the
house is sold.
Mr. Rodriguez: I know, but....
Commissioner Plummer: The question is this, OK? The first time it's heard by
code enforcement, is there a finding of guilt or innocence?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. At that particular time of a finding of guilt, is
automatically a fine imposed until...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, there's a fine.
Commissioner Plummer: You're wrong.
Mr. Rodriguez: There's a fine of the cost of the hearing.
Commissioner Plummer: You are wrong! That doctor on Bayshore Drive, who has
been before the code enforcement for over four months and not a fine has yet
to be imposed. You are saying to me that you're giving him right to go out
and look for another office. That's been going on for four months and that...
Mr. Rodriguez: I think I gave you a report on that.
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me?
Mr. Rodriguez: I believe I gave you a report on that and we gave you a fine.
Commissioner Plummer: You gave me a report, but there's no fine being
imposed.
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, in that particular...
Commissioner Plummer: And you know what? If you don't hit him with $250 a
day, he's going to laugh at you. The neighbors are saying to me, what the
hell good is your code enforcement? -and I have to say, I don't know. There's
no results.
Commissioner De Yurre: J.L., let me suggest something because I think that we
have a mechanism that we have a board and I think that the board is doing a
credible job based on the procedure that exists and I think what we have to
visit, us, as legislators, to see how we can come up with stricter rules,
stricter...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, we're somewhat governed by state also, Victor.
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, then, within those, you know, within those
parameters, let's come up with the strictest that we can be and let's push it
and let's put, you know, get some people out there. You know, what does it
take from a psychological standpoint, what does it take an individual, what
makes them avoid having to come before us...
Commissioner Plummer: A deterrent.
Commissioner De Yurre: That's right.
Commissioner Plummer: A penalty that acts as a deterrent. And when you find
someone guilty, and you start a fine of $250 a day, that's when they're going
to start coming in compliance, because they know you got teeth and you got
clout and you're going to enforce it.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK, but that exists. Don't we have that in the books
already?
170 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: They don't do it. They don't do it.
Commissioner De Yurre: So, it's a matter of enforcing our laws.
Mr. Rodriguez: Commissioner Plummer, the fines are being imposed, they have
been done, basically they have been accumulating, in some cases, people don't
pay the fines. One of the issues that where we are not sometimes effective is
that when we place a lien on a property, we're fifth in line in collecting.
Commissioner Plummer: I understand that.
Mr. Rodriguez: And one of the things...
Mayor Suarez: OK...
Commissioner De Yurre: Yes, but don't you know they're technically in
violation, most of these homes have mortgages, they are technically in
violation of their mortgage and they are in default if they allow any lien...
Mayor Suarez: By having even a subordinate mortgage, yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: .or anything of that nature to be placed on the
property.
Mayor Suarez: Even a subordinate lien is a violation. Well, we have to be
more aggressive and anything you can think of, please bring to our attention.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, do me one favor.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Of the fifty-two cases that they heard at the last
meeting, send me a memo of how many were found guilty and what fines were
imposed as of that day starting to run until compliance.
Mr. Rodriguez: OK.
Commissioner Plummer: They heard 90 cases.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yesterday.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, that's even better.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: That was three weeks in a row, three meetings.
Commissioner Plummer: How much?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Three weeks in a row, three meetings.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, my point is, to hear 90 cases means nothing if you
don't accomplish an end.
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me give you a report of all the fines.
Commissioner Plummer: Of the 90 yesterday that they heard, how many were
found guilty and of those that were found guilty, how many started the fines
of $250 a day until compliance?
Mr. Rodriguez: And I will give you also a report of which one came into
compliance so you will know...
Commissioner De Yurre: OK, but also....
Commissioner Plummer: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Coming into compliance without a
fine is not a detriment.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right there they have to pay the cost of the meeting which is,
I believe - how much, twenty five?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Fifty dollars.
Mr. Rodriguez: Fifty dollars, right there. Just for coming into compliance.
171 October 25, 1990
It 1*16
Commissioner De Yurre: Yes, but fifty dollars...
Commissioner Plummer: Fifty dollars, schmifty dollars!
Mr. Rodriguez: The idea of this it...
Commissioner Plummer: You hit them with two -fifty, they're going to listen.
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, you know what I...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, but the idea of this is try to get people into
compliance, not to fine them, I think. We're trying to get people...
Commissioner De Yurre: I know, but there has to be - you know, there has to
be a deterrent, something that is going to make them come into compliance a
lot more quickly.
Commissioner Plummer: That's right.
Commissioner De Yurre: Now, in that report that you're going to give...
Commissioner Plummer: And when you hit them in the economic section of their
guts, they'll listen.
Commissioner De Yurre: You know, when you make that report, also give me some
stats so I can take a look at as to the average time that it takes - let's go
back a year - the average time it takes for somebody to come within
compliance. How many weeks, how many months it takes, on the average, so we
can have an idea as to how we're doing on that.
Mr. Rodriguez: Good.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Rodriguez, are you saying that I convert a single
family home into three units and I get four, just for the sake of discussion,
I get $400 a month per unit, which means I'm getting $1,200 per month rent.
And when I come before the board, all you charge me is $50?
Commissioner Plummer: And say, be a good boy.
Mr. Rodriguez: No. It depends on the case. They can get a fine of $250 and
they ask them, until they remove the violation and the fine keeps running
everyday while the violation is going on, if they don't remove the violation,
what happens sometimes is that they try to find an administrative remedy and
they come to the Zoning Board and to the City Commission - you have some cases
that have come before you - of people that have been trying to find a solution
to that problem they have of the fine that they have. But, in the meantime,
what they don't have the property in compliance, the fine is running and the
fine is running at the rate of $50 to $250 a day...
Commissioner Plummer: One question, then I'll quit.
Mr. Rodriguez: and if it is a double second offense, it can go to $500 a
day.
Commissioner Plummer: One question and I'll quit.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Fifty dollars a day.
Commissioner Plummer: Is it within our purview to, as a Commission, to set a
policy for the Code Enforcement Board?
Mr. Rodriguez: I don't think so.
Mr. Jorge Fernandez: So long as it is within the parameters of the state
statute, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: Could we establish a policy that says that when someone
is found in violation, that they are fined immediately $250 a day until
compliance? Is that within our policy?
172 October 25, 1990
Mr. Fernandez: I think that there has to be due process and an opportunity to
be heard on this issue. Whenever you assess...
Commissioner Plummer: I'm saying, when found... they have due process, they
have their day in court, and if they're found guilty, from that day forward
until compliance, can they be fined?
Mr. Fernandez: Sure. They are fined from the day of the hearing.
Commissioner Plummer: No, they're not.
Mr. Fernande�: Oh, yes, they are.
Commissioner Plummer: You see... uh uh...
Mr. Fernandez: Beginning on the hearing date.
Commissioner Plummer: No, no, and that's where the problem comes.
Mayor Suarez: OK, we're going to get a report on the performance of the Code
Enforcement Board...
Commissioner Plummer: See, what they're saying is now, you've been a bad boy
and we're going to give you time to clear it up and sometimes this time runs
on three months, four months, five months and the people are saying, what in
the hell good are you Commissioners for us? This man is in violation, and you
can't stop him.
Mr. Rodriguez: They have to give you...
Commissioner Plummer: And you know what? -they're right.
Mayor Suarez: What are we arguing about? Let's get the report. Let's get a
report on a typical board meeting and what the impositions were.
Mr. Rodriguez: But, they have to be given reasonable time to cure the
problem.
Commissioner Plummer: Not if they're guilty!
Mayor Suarez: Based on what, Sergio?
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, I've been told by...
Commissioner Plummer: If they're guilty, they're guilty! If I go to court
and they find me guilty for speeding, I pay a fine right then. The judge
doesn't say to me, now, I'm going to give you time to go out and correct your
speeding. He says, you are guilty and you pay a fine. Now, why in the hell
isn't it in this case here?
Mayor Suarez: Is there anything in the law that says you can't fine them
automatically and that...
Commissioner Plummer: That's what I'm saying.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, not in our ordinance. Our ordinance says that the board
must give them a reasonable period to cure. I'm looking at the state statute
to see if the state statute is silent or gives us more flexibility because if
it does, then arguably, we can modify our ordinance.
Mayor Suarez: Please! All right, while we do that, Mario, continue with the
presentation. That should like we're really going to add a lot of teeth now.
Commissioner Plummer: That's right. That's why I've been trying to say for a
long time.
Mayor Suarez: A lot of people are going to be hit with a fine the very day
that the board finds them in violation. And that's...
(APPLAUSE)
173 October 25, 1990
4
Mr. Pons: Obviously, the bottom line is compliance and what we'd like to see
Is enough inspectors to, after we have this sweep and we understand that there
will be a sweep, that there is enough of an inspector in the area to be able
to follow up on these cases because like Commissioner Dawkins says, if you're
receiving $1,200 per month from one of these single family homes turned into
three apartments, I mean, the reward is there to play - come into compliance
and once the inspector turns around and gives them that certificate of
compliance, they turn around and they run their dry wall right through the
house and put three apartments again. Now, what can we do about these
recurring cases and what can we do about these cases that we find and the
liens keep on building up? Is there a point where we could foreclose? Where
we could bring the house into true compliance instead of just building this
enormous lien that we never hope to collect on?
Commissioner Plummer: I don't think you can displace somebody out of their
home.
Mr. Rodriguez: In single family I believe you cannot do that. What I think,
from what I'm hearing from you today, and besides the report that I will
provide all of you as to the history of the action of the board and also the
research that the Law Department is looking into to see whether we can start
establishing the fine immediately. Based on your concerns, I think you want
us to start a sweep of the area and we will coordinate that as soon as
possible and I will talk to the different departments and make sure that we go
through the whole area.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. City Attorney, one other question on the homestead
exemption as a defense to the liens, does anything preclude us from exerting
the claim and waiting for them to interpose the defense?
Mr. Fernandez: No.
Mayor Suarez: Because I think a lot of people would really, really begin to
pay up, or at least the violation if they were faced with a demand and then a
lawsuit. A lot of them, it would turn out, could not claim homestead
exemption. Some, frankly I hate to say it, but some might not be able to
afford to be hiring lawyers to do it. And in the meantime, at least, they...
you know, we're not out there to try to, you know, extract blood from anybody,
but we just want them to comply with the code.
Mr. Fernandez: And perhaps also by following up in what you suggested that a
filing of a lien, the mortgage would consider that to be a default...
Mayor Suarez: Notification, as Commissioner De Yurre mentioned, notification
to the prior mortgage holder of an imposition of a lien will...
Mr. Fernandez: May apply pressure.
Mayor Suarez: Yes. So, we're going to pursue all of these avenues.
Mr. Rodriguez: May I suggest also two possible areas. Maybe, if you instruct
us, we can pursue with the state legislation that will place our liens in a
higher priority, number one, and second, that maybe we can look into the idea
of ticketing as compared to going through the Code Enforcement Board in some
cases.
Mayor Suarez: Ticketing the individual.
Mr. Rodriguez: Ticketing the individual directly. We have been some
problems...
Mayor Suarez: Fines imposed on the individual, yes.
Mr. Rodriguez: Directly, and depending on the type of violation. Simple
violations might be handled by a ticket that can be done by the inspector and
in that way, you don't have to go through the process...
Mayor Suarez: If you're going to get that creative, figure out a way to
ticket them so that it somehow impinges on their ability to drive an
automobile or their registration of the automobile. In other words, you know,
we want to add more teeth to it. We think we've improved a lot at Shenandoah,
as you stated, Mario. But we can do better. And, by the way, don't hesitate
174 October 25, 1990
to continue giving us all the information as you get it and working with us.
You've done a magnificent job. This was not happening in that area a couple
of years ago.
Mr. Pons: We've set up a code enforcement coordinator that's working with
Building and Zoning and the inspector in the area. I have a question. We
have been told that if an inspector goes to check on one of these illegal
rooming houses and he is not allowed inside the house, that if there is
circumstantial evidence that there is a rooming house there, that the property
owner may prevent him from entering the premises?
Mr. Fernandez: I didn't hear your question completely. I'm sorry, I was
reading the state statute...
Mr. Pons: OK...
Mr. Fernandez: ...but if something relative to allowing people instead your
house?
Mr. Pons: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: If they refuse to allow you in.
Mr. Pons: The inspector.
Commissioner Plummer: Can they refuse an inspector of the City of Miami from
going into their house?
Mayor Suarez: I wouldn't spread the answer to this.
Mr. Fernandez: I don't know. I need to look at that.
Mr. Pons: OK. All right.
Mayor Suarez: I don't think the answer is going to be one that we're going to
be all excited about, so don't...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, if they're not then, Mr. Mayor, how can we make a
determination?
Mayor Suarez: Most of the time, people let people in and inspectors of the
City just by identifying themselves.
Commissioner Plummer: Not if they're in violation, they aren't going to let
them in.
Mayor Suarez: Well, they do, thank God, but...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, what we're doing with that is when we believe there is
some evidence that there might be a violation, we give them a citation and
then the person will have to tell us whether there was no violation.
Mayor Suarez: We go on the presumption of what we know.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, you know, putting together...
Commissioner Plummer: Guilty until proven innocent.
Mr. Fernandez: I believe that no one could have access to your private home
without either your consent or a lawful order signed by a judge. I don't
think that a code enforcement inspector, without more, would have unimpeded
right to go into your home. So, the way that they have been doing it is that,
if they suspect something, they get cited and then their burden become theirs
to prove that there was nothing there to be cited for.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Rodriguez.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Check with Florida Power & Light to see if there is one
meter and there are three units, is it legal...
175 October 25, 1990
I
Commissioner Plummer: No.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...to disconnect services. Why not?
Commissioner Plummer: Your liability there is awful high.
Mr. Rodriguez: We have to check. Probably that will be a legal matter that
we have to check, but I believe there might be some problem with that legally.
Commissioner Plummer: I don't believe Florida Power & Light, the last time I
heard Florida Power & Light absolutely refused unless they were under court
order to do such.
Mr. Rodriguez: They will not do it. Right.
Commissioner Plummer: There's a liability problem.
Mr. Rodriguez: You have the liability problem, the effect that it might have
on life and safety and so on.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, all you got to do is disconnect one electric
meter in which a person inside is on life giving machines, and you know what
that is. I don't think that can be done.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Pons: OK, two more quick points. One of the major problems that we have
been having with the residents and the citizens in the area is trying to
educate them and allow them to understand how the bureaucracy works in terms
of code enforcement. We'd like to suggest that the City of Miami study
implementing a one call system. You call one number and you can register your
complaint at that one number. We do have a citizen response unit and what we
suggest, because the high rate of the calls and complaints are either building
and zoning or some type of code enforcement, that somehow, some sort of
consolidation occur between the citizen response center and perhaps building
and zoning where they could work together in the same building and, I think
that this would expedite the code enforcement problem. I think that, perhaps,
some of the inspectors would be able to sit in and receive some of the calls
and, of course, the inspectors always able to gather the information in a much
more effective manner. And, we'd like to suggest this change.
Mayor Suarez: As we cross train and try to consolidate code enforcement, I
think that also you're suggesting doing it in a way that geographically,
they're in the same location and that one phone call gets you to the person
that can resolve your code enforcement problems, whatever they may be.
Mr. Pons: Right.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, let me tell you what we're doing on this, Mr. Mayor, what
we're doing...
Mayor Suarez: Right. J.L. Plummer's number at home.
Commissioner Plummer: Just give the Mayor's number at home, he'll be glad to
be one...
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me tell you what we're doing with this, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: It really was kind of a maze of different regulations. I
remember when I first came into office, it took me a while to figure out
exactly what department we were dealing with each time and it really has to be
consolidated and I think we're moving in that direction. You're helping us a
great deal.
Mr. Rodriguez: We had the citizen response center number. We also are
sending - I believe I sent this last week or did this week, I'm sorry - all
the civic associations which have an address, I sent them notification that we
have some changes in the law. The next set of letters that we are sending to
them is also the phone number they can call and the beeper number they can
call during the weekend because we get complaints sometimes during the
weekends and we have people working on Saturdays. In relation to the
education of the...
176 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Now, there, we'll be ahead of most cities, if you're able to
get a hold of people on weekends for code violations. That's quite an
advance.
Mr. Rodriguez: I tried all Saturday, it didn't work and I gave them a hard
time.
Commissioner Plummer: How many inspectors do you have working on the weekend?
Mr. Rodriguez: We have two inspectors. And we basically relate to that on a
call basis, you know.
Commissioner Plummer: Do you know what they're doing to you?
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, I - driving around, I'm sure, and getting complaints.
Commissioner Plummer: Somebody on S.W. 14th Street is calling you and giving
you a complaint on N.E. 88th Street to make sure the inspector is not in their
neighborhood while they do what they want.
Mayor Suarez: Why do you keep giving people these ideas? Don't - the record
strike everything that he says from here forward until the end of this
meeting.
Commissioner Plummer: It's happening. It's happening.
Mayor Suarez: That would be a pretty interesting little trick.
Commissioner Plummer: It's happening.
Mr. Rodriguez: One more thing that...
Mayor Suarez: People in Miami don't do that kind of stuff. All right,
Serg...
Mr. Rodriguez: In relation to the education of the groups, we are also
sending letters to the associations offering different groups that are willing
to go at night and have meetings with them and tell them... we have a packaged
representation that we can make to them of things they can do and how they can
become more effective in getting in touch with us or telling us about
violations or any problems they might have in the way we're handling our
business.
Mayor Suarez: Any other proposals, suggestions, requests?
Mr. Pons: We have a question about the ACLFs. We have an area in our
neighborhood on S.W. 21st Avenue...
Commissioner Plummer: Were you here for the item previous?
Mr. Pons: No.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you better be. The State of Florida has said, my
friend, you can no longer regulate. They can have one every five hundred
feet. And someone will be glad to sit down and tell you that your great
legislature has said, we don't care about Coral Gables, Miami Shores, or
anyone else, they now have mandated and made us just vote on that every 500
feet, if they have under seven people, they can put them every 500 feet.
Mayor Suarez: But, you're talking about a bigger facility, aren't you?
Commissioner Plummer: Well, this is starting with the seven or under.
Mr. Pons: Yes, we're talking about a string of facilities on 21st Avenue
and...
Mayor Suarez: But, aren't they bigger than seven per one?
Commissioner Alonso: Nineteenth Avenue...
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD
177 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Alonso: Nineteenth Avenue and so on.
Mayor Suarez: Aren't they larger structures than one where you're just going
to have seven people, or are they single family type homes?
Mr. Pons: Some of them are older, larger, single family homes...
Mayor Suarez: OK, what ability do we retain on those larger ones?
Commissioner Alonso: And they are growing in that area for some reason.
Mr. Pons: And they're growing... and they're very badly supervised. They're
always walking around.
Mayor Suarez: Well, let's find out what ability we retain to regulate
anything over a single family home.
Mr. Rodriguez: You say, over single family homes? In the cases where we have
seven to fourteen clients in the property, they have to, as mentioned before,
to be 500 feet from the single family area and they can only be 1,200 feet
from each other. I think the case that he might be referring to is cases in
which they are controlled by our zoning ordinance and I have to find out
exactly the address and I'll see whether there's any violation on that.
Mayor Suarez: OK, our zoning ordinance, that would apply to what kinds of
structures or uses?
Mr. Rodriguez: Our zoning ordinance relate to CBRF, Community Based
Residential Facilities, and depending on the kind. We have a limitation that
they have to be 2,500 feet from each other and they can only be...
Mayor Suarez: Don't we have also, some neighborhoods in which we have...
Mr. Rodriguez: Two percent. A two percent cap on the census rack on the
number of people that are served by this facility. There is an exception to
this on cases, I believe, of the state and that's where we are in the middle
of an area now which is kind of grey, but the state has been imposing a lot of
these facilities in the City.
- Mayor Suarez: Yes, but not the ones you're talking about, I don't think.
Those are probably the run ones, right?
Mr. Pons: We have both types. We both single family home and the, I guess
it's the typical 1930s old apartment building...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, but those we can regulate.
Mr. Rodriguez: The large one we can regulate or look for it, so if we get the
addresses now, I'm sure we're going to get them, we're going to...
Mayor Suarez: And by the way, if any of those are in violation - in other
words, at the beginning of their operation, they're in violation, and we catch
them, we may just discourage them even if they later could somehow come into
compliance - thank you - with all of our codes. So, you've got to have
aggressive monitoring, when they come into the area to see if violations that
exist. This was done successfully before the state started preempting us a
lot. It was done successfully in the area of Edgewater. Not as successfully
as we wanted, but we were very aggressive. So, you know, there's so many
things that you have to comply with that you can find violations of almost
anything. And, in fairness, in the case of the large structures, we can
separate them by how many feet? -at least, Sergio?
Mr. Rodriguez: The largest structures are supposed to be 2,500 feet from each
other.
Commissioner Plummer: But that's not their area of concern...
Mr. Rodriguez: I know.
Commissioner Plummer: ...their area of concern is the single family residence
in seven and under can multiply like rabbits.
178 October 25, 1990
16
Mr. Rodriguez: All over the place.
Mayor Suarez: Now, the single family residents ones, we're going to have to
go to the legislature and do something. They seem to think that they're
helping the community and in some ways they are, by making these things -
these kinds of residential facilities available, because they really are a lot
better than some of the other things, and just by being intimate is small.
But they don't realize that some areas already have so many of them. I mean,
they don't go to Coral Gables, they don't go to Miami Beach. Maybe they do go
to Miami Beach. They don't go to Bal Harbour. A place that I was at the
other day, Indian Creek Village. What an incredible place. Anyhow, they
don't go to those places. They seem to concentrate in the City of Miami and
in our particular neighborhoods, inner -City neighborhoods, and we have to
figure out a way to explain to the legislature that what they may think is
sort of "do gooder" type of legislation, is really affecting our neighborhoods
and we can take a certain amount because we, you know, we help, we monitor
them. But not all of them and not a disproportionate amount.
Commissioner Plummer: Ask your legislatures how many of them are in Coral
Gables. Ask your legislatures how many of them are in Miami Shores, E1
Portal, Golden Beach. There are none.
Mr. Pons: So we do have police power...
Commissioner Plummer: You got a state law that is working to your detriment.
Mr. Pons: So the City does have police power over the larger ones?
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Mr. Pons: In terms of new ones coming up or in terms of the existing ones?
Mayor Suarez: Both, I think.
Commissioner Plummer: Both.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right.
Commissioner Alonso: Well, then I have some questions. In some areas in
their neighborhood, some of the existing houses that we have known through the
years, they have grown, they have purchased the adjacent properties. They've
been growing. Do they have to go through a certain process? They are
considered the same facility? Can they take an entire block if they so
desire?
Mr. Rodriguez: We have to look... yes...
Commissioner Alonso: Because some of the problems that we are seeing in some
areas, and I'm referring to 19th Avenue, in particular. I have seen that
growing and I think it's 21st or so. Whenever you see a very tall fence,
somehow, it's calling my attention and we are seeing more problems and people
and I don't think that they are seven people in the property, but it seems to
me that it's an enormous amount of people by the number that I see sitting on
the outside, front porch, and areas around the property.
Mr. Rodriguez: I think, Commissioner Alonso...
Commissioner Alonso: What process do they follow?
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, it depends on each case. It might be some of them that
might be grandfathered from before. There might be others that might have
done it illegally. I think that when we go with the sweep now of the area,
this will be an excellent opportunity to establish what do we have there and
what we can do to try to solve it.
Commissioner Alonso: But, let me ask you the question again. If they had two
buildings, in order to open a third building, even though it's adjacent to the
property, what is the process? Because, to me, it's a new building.
Commissioner Plummer: They're going to declare it as one.
179 October 25, 1990
A
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, ideally, what they have to do in most cases when it is a
new operation, they have to get a special exception and go through the
process. In a particular case where they are expanding one, I don't know
whether maybe the way in which they show on the application, it doesn't show
what is happening, you know, and that's what I don't know the particular case.
And I think it's going to be important that we look into this when we go
through the areas now.
Mayor Suarez: And give us a list and make sure you make available, if don't
already have it, Pablo, maybe you do, a list of the properties where you think
this is either happening or about to happen and we will place special emphasis
as we do the sweep on those facilities to make sure they comply with all the
existing regulations. Again, there's so many of them that we could probably
catch them, some of them, and maybe discourage a disproportionate number from
being there. Also, there are ACLFs and there are ACLFs. There are Charlee
Houses and there you, you know, some people are operators of them such that
they really don't affect the neighborhood. You're almost happy to have them.
Some of them are operating with minimal amount of resources and they're trying
to extract too much profit from them and they, you know, they're exploiting
their own clients, their own patients. We don't want that anyhow, and HRS
doesn't want that, the state doesn't want that. And they can destroy a
neighborhood too.
Mr. Pons: We're having that problem. Some of our neighbors have found these
patients or clients in their back yard in the middle of the night. If you
ever drive down S.W. 16th Street, eastbound at about 22nd Avenue, you find
them panhandling there, I mean, on a regular basis. And we're seeing this
spillover, the result of lack of supervision, I guess, and in the final
analysis, what we're seeing is that we don't understand why there's such a
concentration of these units in thatarea, especially around 21st Avenue. And
there's others, 19th Avenue.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, the one on 14th Terrace, we're constantly picking
those people up with the Police Department and taking them back home.
Commissioner Alonso: Even the merchants on 8th Street are complaining about
the situation.
Mayor Suarez: Yes. Anything further, Mario, that we should be attentive to?
Mr. Pons: Just one more thing. Several months ago, the City Commission
passed an ordinance to deal with the commercial vehicles and the boats and the
tractor trailers and so forth. Some of our members have noticed that perhaps
some of the officers on the street are not really aware of these types of
violations and when they call up, they're having problems trying to get
enforcement after 6:00 p.m. We'd like to request that perhaps the Police
Department be asked, in our area especially, that the enforcement and when
they receive complaints from our property owners and our members at 6:00 p.m.
that they're aware that there is a City ordinance that's very wide ranging and
covers most of these types of violations.
Mayor Suarez: And those will be easy to implement by having the ticket idea.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, you know, Mr. Mayor, I have to oppose that, all
right, and I did before. I think our policemen have more to do than to worry
about a commercial vehicle on the street. I think it's a zoning violation, I
think it can be handled by the zoning inspectors, leave the policemen out to
fight crime and that's - I have to disagree with you on that one, as far as
policemen being the enforcement arm. We have inspectors, let the inspectors,
they can cite them just as easy as they drive by, but leave the policemen to
do crime work.
Mr. Pons: But, how are we going to enforce that after 6:00 p.m.?
Commissioner Plummer: Get the Zoning Department, they're all compassing.
Usually you find that, in fact, when you speak to boats and recreational
vehicles, they're there more than just after 6:00 o'clock at night. That's
your big offenders.
Mayor Suarez: Actually, we have
discrepancy, because as has been
many police officers who cannot
reasons and they can be used for
a bit of an internal discussion on that, a
pointed out by Commissioner Plummer, we have
be active for physical and other kinds of
this kind of a task.
180 October 25, 1990
A A
to
Commissioner Plummer: Well, if that's what you're going to do, I have no
problem with that, but to tie up a regular patrol car...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, so with the proviso that we don't take people who would be
actually doing regular crime fighting out there, patrol cars and so on, that
other police officers that are available on those shifts be, or be made
available, that we have at least a, you know, certain number, whatever is the
desired number.
Commissioner Plummer: Don't expect a response between six, seven, and eight
o'clock at night. You can call it in and they will respond between midnight
and 7:00 a.m. when we have slack period of time. I have no problem with that.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, and if a car is going to or the vehicle is going to be
there overnight, they should be able, within that period of time, in those
twelve hours, or those eight hours, they should be able to go out there.
Mr. Pons: Well, what we want to do is make them aware that we are concerned
about this problem and as time permits, if the officers that are in the areas
and, again, there's a by-product of that, we get to have the police officers
come into our neighborhood and in that type of activity, they're seen and we
think that that has a deterrent effect on crime also.
Commissioner Plummer: I question that.
Mayor Suarez: By the way, is it illegal for them to, as an association, to
put a notice on a vehicle themselves? At least on the windshield saying
you're in violation of the law and we are...
Commissioner Alonso: Courtesy notice.
Commissioner Plummer: We'll get Channel 6...
Mayor Suarez: ...courtesy notice.
Commissioner Plummer: We'll get Channel... Shame, Shame, on You.
Commissioner Alonso: Not if you want to be a good neighbor...
Mr. Fernandez: I would think it would be.
Mayor Suarez: Well, anyhow, a lot of things that are not one hundred percent
legal and kosher are still kind of effective. So I'm not going to tell you to
do that, but there's many, many other ways of bringing pressure to bear as a
neighborhood association on people who are violating the law, but we recognize
our responsibility, we don't expect you to do that. Just...
Commissioner Plummer: Thirty-seven commercial vehicles spray painted with....
Mayor Suarez: ...alert us to continuing violations and we'll do the best we
can.
Mr. Pons: OK, we thank you and we'll start collecting the addresses and
working with Building & Zoning on the sweep.
Mayor Suarez: And we may have to get a little task force to go to
Tallahassee.
Mr. Pons: Sure.
Mayor Suarez: We may have to lobby our legislators in Tallahassee as we go
and ask for the other kinds of things that we get from them and who's the
chairman of the Dade County Delegation for the upcoming session?
Commissioner Plummer: Not my brother.
Mayor Suarez: Not decided yet?
Commissioner Plummer: Not my brother.
Mayor Suarez: Not Commissioner - Senator Plummer?
181 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: No, he was last year. I don't know who it is.
Mayor Suarez: I don't know that we, but we can brief the chairman of the Dade
Delegation here and explain to them the problems and get remedial legislation
very quickly. They're probably thinking of other parts of the state, like a
lot of that legislation. They don't think of a city that has Edgewater, I
know, and Shenandoah maybe at the same level, it just has an incredible number
of rehabilitation centers, Charlee Houses, places of people with all kinds of
dependencies, and, you know, one neighborhood just cannot absorb that many.
Mr. Pons: Definitely.
Mayor Suarez: God knows if it's a limited number, we all work them.
Mr. Pons: We're ready, willing, and able to assist the City and any City
lobbyist on the ACLF problem, OK? Thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you and congratulations again on how well you've gotten
the association together and the neighborhood together.
Mr. Pons: Thank you very much.
[NOTE: AT THIS POINT, THE CITY COMMISSION RESUMES
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING
PORTION OF THE AGENDA.]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52. (Continued Discussion) CONTINUE CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONCERNING VACATION AND CLOSURE OF TRIANGULAR PORTION ON SOUTH SIDE OF
N.E. 69 STREET LOCATED 1032' EAST OF BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AT THE
CURVILINEAR PORTION OF STREET TO PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING PRESENTLY
SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 8TH (Applicant: Vendome Equities, Inc.) (See
label 43.)
Mayor Suarez: PZ, I think, is it.
Commissioner Plummer: That's the last item?
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Alonso: Yes, but remember, they want to come back...
Mr. Jorge Fernandez: No, you have tabled an item.
Mayor Suarez: We tabled, Alberto?
Commissioner Alonso: Number five, PZ-5.
Mr. Rodriguez: But I believe they have no...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: We tabled five.
Mr. Rodriguez: They have not been able to reach their client. They just told
me now.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'd appreciate it if we could have a deferral to think
of...
Commissioner Plummer: Of course, I move to defer.
Mr. Fernandez: Continuance.
Mr. Rodriguez: Continue to November 8.
182 October 25, 1990
Commissioner Plummer: Continuance.
Mayor Suarez: So moved and seconded.
Mr. Fernandez: What item number was that?
Mr. Rodriguez: PZ-5.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: PZ-15. Yes, second, second.
Mayor Suarez: Call the roll on PZ-51s continuance.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Plummer, who moved
its adoption:
MOTION NO. 90-847
A MOTION TO CONTINUE CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEM PZ-5
(PROPOSED RESOLUTION FOR THE OFFICIAL VACATION/CLOSURE
OF THAT TRIANGULAR PORTION ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF N.E.
69 STREET LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1032 FEET EAST OF
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD AT THE CURVILINEAR PORTION OF SAID
STREET, AS A CONDITION OF APPROVAL TO TENTATIVE PLAT
"VENDOME SUBDIVISION") TO THE COMMISSION MEETING
PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 8, 1990.
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Alonso, the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
NOES: None.
ABSTENTIONS: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Mr. Mayor, is it possible that we could come back in
November, in the 2nd... November 8th?
Commissioner Plummer: Sure.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, yes, yes, the sooner, the better.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: In fairness to you. Yes.
183 October 25, 1990
53. (A) APPROVE MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT (WITH CONDITIONS) FOR THE
BRISTOL TOWER PROJECT LOCATED AT 2127 BRICKELL AVENUE (145
CONDOMINIUM UNITS ,AND 14 LODGING UNITS) (Applicant: Bristol
Tower Limited Partnership).
(B) INSTRUCT ADMINISTRATION TO BRING BACK APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION
ELIMINATING BOTH THE PRESENT 20% AND 25% BONUSES CONCERNING
OVERLAYS.
Mayor Suarez: PZ-15.
Mr. Guillermo Olmedillo: PZ-15 is an application for major use on article
five of...
Mayor Suarez: We need a little quiet in the back, please. Westbrook,
organize your gang. Mario, can you just meet outside, please. You can meet
at J.L. Plummer's house, yes. There's a back porch there, a big TV screen,
all kinds of beverages, mostly legal, totally legal. All right-, PZ-15. Yes,
it looks like we're going to have a court reporter here.
_ Mr. Olmedillo: Per article 5 of zoning ordinance 11000, we have an
application for...
Commissioner Plummer: Are all these people here on fifteen?
Mr. Olmedillo: I believe so, sir.
Robert H. Traurig, Esq.: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: This is the non -controversial item?
Mr. Traurig: It was non -controversial and it has recently taken on a new
life.
Commissioner Plummer: The tide came up. OK.
Mr. Olmedillo: Under article 5 of the zoning ordinance 11000...
Mr. Traurig: They're not all objectors.
Mr. Olmedillo: ...we have the provision for a major use special permit for
what we call a planned development. The applicant/owner of 2127 Brickell
Avenue has submitted such an application before the City and I will go briefly
through it since we have a court reporter here.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, once again, in the back, please, Mario, and Joe Wilkins
and company, please, please. Thank you, Lieutenant.
Mr. Olmedillo: The application specifically allows for this Commission to
grant an FAR increase of up to 20 percent of the allowable FAR in the
district.
Commissioner Plummer: As a bonus.
Mr. Olmedillo: Subject... Excuse me.
Commissioner Plummer: As a bonus.
Mr. Olmedillo: As a bonus provision. That is correct.
Commissioner Plummer: Bonus means, that if we allow above, we get something
in return.
Mr. Olmedillo: You may allow up to 20 percent under this particular article.
The application reads, for 159 units. It's around 360,000 square feet with
298 parking spaces and four loading berths. The homeowners association wrote
a letter to the Planning Department, and I would like to E,i,L this on the
record because this may be part of the controversy and, as I said, I wanted to
have the record clear, with several issues. The first issue was that the see-
1184 October 25, 1990
0
through vistas that are required for the project were not being met. On that
particular issue, there was a letter, which is in your package, which was
signed by the zoning administrator, who is the authority to interpret this
particular issue that in the zoning ordinance, we have a provision that any
structure that is below 42 inches is not deemed to encroach on yards. So,
that particular issue was resolved through a letter issued by the zoning
administrator in that respect. The second...
Mayor Suarez: Any structure that is below 42 inches.
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct. The ordinance provides that when you have
side yards, front yards, or rear yards, there are certain things that may
encroach. You have pool pumps, you have certain structures, you have walls
that may encroach into those setbacks and that particular issue, as I said,
was interpreted by the zoning administrator on June the 20th.
Commissioner Plummer: That's three and a half feet.
_ Mr. Olmedillo: Forty two inches, that is correct, three and a half feet.
There was another issue raised by the letters which was the review by the
- Shoreline Review Committee. This is a county agency which reviews the
project, which are located close to the coast line. We have a letter on
record from the Shoreline Review Committee approving the project as applied by
the property owner. Then there was an issue as to some maid's quarters that
the association, homeowners association, thought that they were undersized.
These are units which do not provide a full kitchen, therefore, they can be
- smaller than the regular size units. That's also an issue which was
interpreted by the zoning administrator. Then, there was the issue of the
reduction of the loading berths. The size of the project calls for four
loading berths. There's an additional provision in the zoning ordinance which
allows that some of the loading berths may be reduced in size through a
special administrative permit, a special class two permit, which is in
addition to this particular permit that this applicant is seeking tonight.
Commissioner Plummer: Wait a minute, reduction in size or in number?
Mr. Olmedillo: Not in number, in size.
Commissioner Plummer: They can't reduce less than what is required but they
can reduce the size.
Mr. Olmedillo: The size, that is correct.
Mayor Suarez: And you said it's based on... the number required is based on
the size of the project.
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct, sir.
Mayor Suarez: How do you know the size of the project?
Mr. Olmedillo: The size of the project, the plans were submitted because the
major use special permit requires that plans are submitted and that...
Mayor Suarez: OK, what is the size of the project?
Mr. Olmedillo: Three hundred and eighty thousand square feet, approximately.
Mayor Suarez: OK, how many units and what kinds of units are we talking
about?
Mr. Olmedillo: A hundred and fifty-nine units and there are 14 small units
which are the maid's quarters and the rest of them are full units which are in
excess of 2,500 square feet.
Mayor Suarez: OK, the petition also mentions an FAR of 2.06 going to that.
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct. The application expressly comes to this
Commission because of the major use provision to allow up to a 20 percent
increase in FAR and this is up to you, of course, the decision is up to you.
Mayor Suarez: So, what was the prior FAR? -was it somewhere around 1.67
185 October 25, 1990
4k
Mr. Olmedillo: One seven two.
Commissioner Plummer: One seventy-two.
Mr. Olmedillo: One seven two is the base FAR.
Mayor Suarez: And what is the exact meaning of the designating the site as a
planned development overlay?
Mr. Olmedillo: The planned development overlay...
Mayor Suarez: Is this part of the old PDU system or something?
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct. When we were reviewing the ordinance 9500
and we made it into 11000, one of the provisions that we were looking into was
the planned development. The planned development is basically a piece of land
which is in excess of 50,000 square feet which is a single project. That's
the definition and to put it on the record, the criteria...
Mayor Suarez: And this is in excess of 50,000 square feet?
Mr. Olmedillo: Fifty thousand, that is correct. It's 3.46 net acres, 4.00
gross acres and the criteria to follow for the definition for the planned
development district is, land under unified control to be planned and
developed as a whole. And, as I said, it has to meet...
Mayor Suarez: Have we, forever, eliminated that from the City charter other
than in this case? -from the City Code, or are we still having those planned
development overlay district or is this somehow grandfathered in or what? Do
we still have them as available tools of planning?
Mr. Olmedillo: We have it as an available tool and it's up to this Commission
to approve it or not.
Mayor Suarez: And what is the thinking, other than the history, that we used
to have them? I mean, why do you want to change all the rules just because
you have a very large tract and you quote, unquote, want to develop it in some
kind of a unified way? What sense does that make?
Mr. Olmedillo: Well, the philosophy behind 9500 and 11000 was to provide and
facilitate development opportunities for the larger parcels in the City and
this was throughout, as I said, 9500.
Mayor Suarez: But if you take, you know, it's... I don't know, I don't know
what the theory of it was, but, I mean, if you take the rules that are
applicable to a small parcel, OK, whatever those are and if they make sense
there and you multiply that to a larger parcel, why shouldn't the same rules,
with multiplier factor, apply to a larger parcel? Why should it all of a
sudden become something totally different that requires a whole different kind
of a handling?
Mr. Olmedillo: The larger parcel allows for flexibility of design in a way
and you can assemble all the services together and you can make a larger
parcel be more efficient in a way. That's the idea of the planned
development.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it sounds to me like a planner's tool, a planner's toy,
actually, and it's all very nice, but if we have FAR, if we have setback - I
think we still have light planes, God help us - if we have all of the other
requirements that our zoning code, that a normal zoning code would have, and
if you expect the Commission of these kinds of individuals - now, maybe if we
were experts, you know, if we were planners, if we were architects, or
something - but with the present system, you have maintained in place a
sophistication level that is way beyond the reach of most laypeople and is
really very unfair to us. And one of the things that we told you when we
wanted to reform 9500, was to take away all of that and to give us nice simple
rules, you know, density, access, height, nearness to the sidewalks, setbacks,
et cetera. Instead, we have something called a planned development overlay
district, just because the property is over 50,000 square feet. And I don't
know, I don't know what the sense of it makes, I mean, if you were going to
make it more restrictive - in other words, if we were talking about state law,
having certain criteria, now, local law, saying, well, if you, want to have
186 October 25, 1990
0 0
something more restrictive and if that's what you were going to tell us about
a planned development overlay district. In other words, when you have a huge
area or large area, it's a little bit like the DRI concept, development of
regional impact, you are concerned about the impact of this massive structure
on an entire area. Therefore, you want to have more flexibility to apply more
regulations and make sure that they do something pleasing, something in
consonance with the community, et cetera, that would make some sense. But to
just allow more flexibility for the simple reason that the project is bigger,
I don't see the logic or the philosophy of that. Now, we have to deal with
it, unfortunately, I guess it's in our code.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I'd like...
Mr. Olmedillo: Mr. Mayor, addressing that, excuse me....
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Go ahead....
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I just got a warning.
Mr. Olmedillo: Addressing that point specifically. What happens is that...
Mayor Suarez: But why are you going to address it? We don't agree, do we?
Do you agree with me?
Mr. Olmedillo: No, what I was just going to say that the major use allows for
two public hearings so that the community and the Zoning Board are - excuse
me - the Planning Advisory Board and this Commission have a decision to make
and been...
Mayor Suarez: Sure, the decision of using parameters that we barely
understand, if at all. All right...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, well let me ask you a question because I'm confused.
You said that the loading bays had to be a certain size. Is that correct?
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And then you come and say, so let's just say for the sake
of discussion, that the loading bays have to be ten feet and you require 40
feet. So that's ten feet and you require four bays. Four times ten is forty.
Is that correct?
Mr. Olmedillo: Right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Now, you tell me I'm not reducing the bays, but I allow
them to go from ten feet to six feet so, therefore, four times six is twenty-
four. So, instead of using forty feet for the bays, I'm using twenty-four
feet and then you tell me I'm not reducing them?
Mr. Olmedillo: No, I said that we were not reducing the number. The
application - remember one thing is the application and another thing is the
decision which is made upon the application - the application has four loading
berths. Two full size, which is fifteen by forty-five...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, hold it, wait a minute now. Fifteen by forty-five.
Mr. Olmedillo: Right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. Then four times fifteen is sixty.
Mr. Olmedillo: And then they have two smaller ones which are, I believe,
fifteen by thirty -something. Now, the way... one of the decisions the
administration may be, no, you have to provide the four full size. But,
again, the decision may also be, yes, you have justified to us that you can
deal with the needs of this building as far as loading is concerned with the
two full size and two smaller size, but this is what I was stating into the
record that this is an issue that has to be reviewed administratively and then
a decision be taken on that particular issue separately.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But you are reducing the bays.
Commissioner Plummer: Has requested it.
187
October 25, 1990
1h 4h
Mr. Olmedillo: The application has to reduce loading berths and two full
size. We're not reducing anything yet because the decision has not been
reached yet.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But, if you do?
Mr. Olmedillo: We would be reducing the size of the loading berths, yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, two of them would be reduced substantially, right?
Mr. Olmedillo: That is correct.
Mayor Suarez: That's in the application. All right, we'll hear from the
applicant first, right? The applicant is appealing? Who's appealing?
Mr. Olmedillo: No, there's no appeal, there's no appeal, this is...
Mayor Suarez: No, it's a major - OK, major use, special permits. We'll hear
from the applicant. We need to swear in - I'm sorry, anything else?
Mr. Olmedillo: If I may, Mr. Mayor, I'm being advised to put my name and my
title into the record, Guillermo Olmedillo and I am the deputy director of the
Planning Department for the City.
Mayor Suarez: OK, as to the applicant...
Commissioner Plummer: ...for the next 18 months.
Mayor Suarez: All of the people who will testify, Bob, could they raise their
right hand and be sworn in, please? He never lies, so, of course, he doesn't
see the need for that.
Mr. Traurig: Will all of those who are consultants who are going to testify,
please raise your hands, stand up and raise your hands.
Commissioner Plummer: That's anyone testifying for or against. Anyone that's
going to testify.
Mayor Suarez: Well, I was going to do them in parts, because that way, we get
an idea of who was on what side here. Who's on first and all of that kind of
stuff. So, anyone who is testifying on behalf of the applicant, raise your
right hand, stand up and raise your right hand, please.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mayor Suarez: OK, let's swear in... who's going to lead the battle against,
John? Is that... do you know who is going to testify? Can we limit the
number of people? Presumably, it won't be expert testimony, it will...
John Fletcher, Esq.: Yes, I'm going to try and limit the number of people.
We do have a number of associations that are represented and we'd like to be
able to get that in to you, I'm sure.
Mayor Suarez: OK, yes, the heads of the associations certainly ought to raise
their hand and be sworn in and if later somebody wasn't, we'll get that. OK,
those that are going to testify against, please stand up and raise your right
hand and be sworn in.
AT THIS POINT THE CITY CLERK ADMINISTERED REQUIRED OATH UNDER ORDINANCE NO.
10511 TO THOSE PERSONS GIVING TESTIMONY ON THIS ISSUE.
Mayor Suarez: And if you were sworn in on both sides, then you're lying
through your teeth and your testimony is stricken beforehand. Can we keep you
to a ten minute presentation?
Mr. Traurig: No, sir, this - let me explain, for the record, my name is
Robert H. Traurig, I'm an attorney with offices at 1221 Brickell Avenue. As
Commissioner Plummer noted, this simple matter has taken on a new life. Mr.
Fletcher, who is a worthy opponent in any setting, is here with a court
reporter and obviously intends, if you find in favor of the applicant, to
188 October 25, 1990
a
4h
litigate this. We will need a record which, I think, has to be somewhat
voluminous, I don't think that we can make our presentation in much less than
45 minutes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: What?
Mr. Traurig: Well, we'll make it as, you know, briefly as you want, but we
think that the magnitude of the project and the...
Commissioner Plummer: Then reschedule it for another night.
Mr. Traurig: ...issues involved will require a rather lengthy presentation.
And we don't want to impose on this board...
Mayor Suarez: Well, we'll keep you to a half hour, but strictly to a half
hour.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, what does the Charter provide, ten minutes?
Mayor Suarez: I've asked the Commissioners to wait until the end of the
presentation for questions so that we can measure your half hour and then John
Fletcher, please, the same, on the other side. Remembering that...
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, but the Charter says you've got ten minutes.
Mayor Suarez: ...it's been a long day for us. We usually have planning and
zoning agendas by themselves. We have many other items to consider today and
that sometimes - I guess we shouldn't put that in the record, but I know
judges would never admit to this, but, for us, certainly, after a while, the
cumulative and repetitive aspect of both sides can begin to change minds
against or in favor of whatever - you know what I'm saying. Anyhow...
Mr. Traurig: I know what you're saying and we will expedite it. I have
introduced myself. I'm Robert H. Traurig, I'm joined here by Adrienne
Friesner, together, we represent Bristol Tower Limited Partnership and Lucia
A. Dougherty has also been involved in this representation, but is unable to
be present tonight. Others who are present who may appear before you are the
principals of Brickell Tower Limited Partnership, Ugo Colombo, being the major
principal and Samuel I. Burstyn. The architects, John Fullerton, Luis
Revuelta, Mr. Diaz, of Fullerton Diaz Partners, the landscape architects,
Walter Taft Bradshaw and Michael Schale of Bradshaw Guill and Fuster of Ft.
Lauderdale. The traffic and engineering will be commented on by Dan Hoyt of
Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, who is our traffic engineer and the
economist for the project is Darryl Sharpton of Sharpton, Brunson and Company
and he will testify as to certain aspects of revenues to the City of Miami.
With regard to the basic project data, as presented in the major use special
permit application, let me first hand out to you some photographs which depict
what the building will look like. The building which you see, if this
application is approved, would be located at 2127 Brickell Avenue. The
underlying zoning, as you can see from the map that's projected on your wall,
is presently R-4. It was formerly RG-2.2/7 under ordinance 9500. But, under
your new 11000, it's R-4 and it already has an overlay district, it's an
environmental preservation district, and that would require the approval from
the Heritage Conservation Board which unanimously did approve this
application, recommend approval of the application, on July 17th, 1990,
subject to certain conditions which have been incorporated as conditions in
the proposed major use special permit, with those conditions having been
prepared by your Planning Department. The site that's the subject of this
hearing has a net 3.46 acres, about three and a half acres. It has 772 feet
of depth, it has 200 feet of frontage along Brickell, it's got roughly 150,560
square feet and the gross area - since under your ordinance, you permit
density based, or square footage based upon gross area - is the sum of the
150,560 square feet, plus 14,288 square feet into Biscayne Bay and 10,000
square feet to the center line of Brickell Avenue or a total gross square
footage of 174,848 square feet. Now, based on that, I think it's very
important to understand the magnitude of development that could occur here
under normal conditions. We have 174,848 square feet in a district which,
today as R-•4, permits a 1.72 FAR, which is the same as the FAR that would have
been permitted in the sector seven under the RG-2.2 which was the former
classification. And that, in itself, would permit 300,739 square feet. We
have asked you to consider approval of this planned development under this
application for major use special permit and if so, we would be entitled to a
189 October 25, 1990
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bonus of 20 percent of the basic square footage, which would give us an
additional 60,148 square feet. We would have a permitted 360,887 square feet.
And we're asking for approximately that. The issues that come up are height
and neighborhood compatibility and permitted density and the City master plan,
and I think we should address all of those things. First of all, with regard
to height, in this district and in its predecessor district, there is
unlimited height permitted. Height is controlled, but the maximum height
becomes a function of lot coverage and setbacks and so forth and there is no
height limitation as an absolute height limitation. We're asking for 36
floors of residencies above two stories of parking. Now, what density are we
permitted to have? We have, as I indicated to you, 3.46 acres of net acreage,
not counting out to the center line of Brickell, not counting into Biscayne
Bay. And, at 100 units per acre, which your master plan permits, we could
have under your present setup, a total of 346 units. If we counted the gross,
which is 4.01 acres, we could have 401 units. What did we ask for? Bear in
mind, under the net we could be entitled to 346 units. We're asking for 145
residential units, selling at an average price per square foot of $180 a
square foot. And in addition to that, we've asked for 14 servants quarters
similar to the servants quarters in any high quality, luxury condominium such
as Grove Isle. And we agree, and this will be part of any conditions that you
impose upon us, and we believe that it would be reasonable, that we should not
be permitted to convey any of those separate maids' quarters unrelated to the
sales of the condos themselves. And if, at some point in time, we have
completed the sales of the condos and those maids' rooms have not been
acquired by the condo purchasers, we agree further that the only way they
could be occupied independently of those condo units is if they were merged
into larger units so that several of those would be combined into one unit and
we would agree that no more than seven of those units could ever be occupied.
So, we're talking about roughly 150 to 160 units as compared to what is
permitted under the master plan of 346 units. So, at worst, we're only half
of what we're permitted to have. Now, you have recently been the focal
point of a different application which was called The Oasis on the same
property and I would just like you to know that that was 251 small units and
they were for rental and these units are intended to be sold as condos. Now,
let's look at our project from the standpoint of its impact on the area. On
the building footprint, we are permitted 69,939 square feet and we're only
asking for 14,572 square feet. We're permitted 40 percent lot coverage.
We're only asking for eight percent lot coverage. That's because we have
built a tower which doesn't occupy the whole site but creates a better
ambience. On our open green space, which is also contributed to by the nature
of our development, we're required to have 26,227 square feet of open space
and we're providing 88,000 square feet. We have to have 15 percent, we have
approximately 50 percent of our lot in open green area. Our parking, we're
required to have 289 spaces, we have provided 298, including the resident and
visitor spaces. We're required to have the seven handicapped spaces which we
have provided. The loading berths which Commissioner Dawkins asked about,
four are required four are provided. We have asked for the opportunity to
reduce the size of some of those loading spaces. We have filed a class two
application with staff. If staff approves that application, we will be
permitted to reduce the size of the loading berths. You know, in many of the
large buildings that have been constructed here, especially office buildings
downtown, it has been demonstrated that vans are sufficient to service the
building and the large trucks are not needed. If we can demonstrate that
successfully to your staff, we would be permitted, perhaps, to have smaller
loading berths. Otherwise, we have to redesign to make the spaces large
enough. That's really a non issue. As far as ground coverage is concerned...
Mayor Suarez: I hate to interrupt you, I was hoping that you would say, that
because I can't imagine a project of this sort with other requests that you
have, hinging - our approval or not, hinging on the size of the loading
berths. Something is wrong somewhere. I mean, how many square feet are we
talking about there? That can't be the deciding factor, otherwise it just
seems much ado about nothing, but...
Mr. Traurig: Your approval will really be of the project, per se, and the
loading berths will be dealt with independently by staff under your ordinances
and they will determine whether a class two permit ought to be issued.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I have no idea...
Mr. Traurig: If it's not issued, then we...
190 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: I have no idea what number of loading berths are needed for a
project of this size. We don't have that expertise.
Mr. Traurig: On ground coverage, the parking structure covers 39 percent.
The structure itself covers only 10 percent, which is the portion of our
structure measured above 42 inches from the average sidewalk elevation. And,
therefore, the structure and the building itself, have to be viewed
differently. The parking and the building itself. Let's talk about setbacks.
And these will be dealt with more fully by the architect and by the landscape
architect. The front setback, we're required to have 210 feet. We're
providing 260 feet. The rear setback, at the bay, the shore line development
review requirement is 75 feet. Your Charter amendment is 50 feet. We're
providing 179 feet. And all that will be commented on by Mr. Bradshaw and Mr.
Schale who are the landscape architects. On the side yards, the requirement
under the R-4, which is the existing zoning, underlying zoning, is 10 feet on
each side. We're providing 26 feet on each side, excluding the structure
below the 42 inches. And Mr. Revuelta will review with you later in the
presentation exactly how that architectural measurement occurs and as well as
the applicability of the Charter setback amendment and the shore line
development requirements. Now, I have talked to you about the magnitude of
the project and that fact that we really only have a few units, comparatively
speaking, that is in relationship to what we would be permitted to have. And,
therefore, in general, the development concept is to create a luxury
condominium project on the most desirable residential street in the City which
will be attractive to a clientele whom the City is encouraging to return from
suburbia. You're not only encouraging your employees to move back into the
City, you're encouraging the population generally to move into the City of
Miami which has the services, has the infrastructure, to serve them better
- than where they live in suburbia. With an average apartment size of
approximately 2389 square feet, excluding the housekeeping units, or if you
want to include them as units, the average comes down to 2169 square feet and
the smallest unit is 1100 square feet, excluding those housekeeping units.
The largest units, as designed, are 4,000 square feet. So, we're talking
about a clientele that will really be an asset to the City of Miami. The
project includes a lobby and an exercise room and a community room and the
usual pool and tennis courts, childrens' playroom, and a package of amenities
that will really be outstanding. And furthermore, and this was reviewed by
your Heritage Conservation Board, we protect and preserve the historic masonry
wall in the front along Brickell Avenue and the vast tropical landscaping,
which presently exists. Now, interestingly, this historic wall was part of
the former estate on the property which was built in 1920. It was called Coco
Plovis Estate and it was occupied by, and the former home, of Maude Brickell.
Not the first home of Maude Brickell, but one of her homes. Now, a more
complete description of the outstanding features of the development, as I
indicated, will be provided by both the architect and the landscape architect.
What are the economics of the project and how does this affect the City of
Miami? The project cost will be approximately fifty-five million
($55,000,000). The labor costs, themselves, would be eight million, eight
hundred and sixteen thousand, eight hundred dollars ($8,816,800) estimated.
Now, all of this is provided for in your MUSP application. The construction
employment is 213 full-time equivalents and, furthermore, as we will indicate
to you in our later presentation - and I apologize to you because I'm going to
go over the 30 minutes and I really have only begun to give you the flavor of
this and we do have these consultants to ask. But, I would tell you that Mr.
Sharpton will indicate to you a proposed, minority participation...
Mayor Suarez: You've already given
interesting, but we have a pretty good
many people it will employ and...
Mr. Traurig: All right.
us irrelevant stuff, I mean, it's
idea of what a project like this how
Mayor Suarez: ...it's not particularly relevant to the zoning issues.
Mr. Traurig: All right, I would tell you quickly then that he will deal with
the ad valorem tax revenues and the fees and so forth. Now, this project
fully complies with R-4. It complies with all the development criteria and
the requirements of that district except that the square footage has been
supplemented by the 20 percent bonus to which we think we're entitled. The
developers objective is not to build more units and not to adversely affect
the environment of living on Brickell Avenue, but to build larger, more
luxurious units for that market segment that I referred to before that wants
191 October 25, 1990
0
to reside on Brickell Avenue and to establish a special ambience. We could
have built the 346 that I indicated or maybe 401, if you're counting by gross.
We could have built 251, perhaps, if we wanted to build the same kind of style
unit that the former applicant had requested, but we're requesting only the
145 plus maybe 14 additional units. And that type of objective, those large,
luxurious units was contemplated by you when you provided for the optional
floor area bonuses. You provided in your 11000, ordinance 11000, two
alternatives for developers to pick. Either 25 percent FAR bonus through the
purchase of square footage by contributions to the City's affordable housing
trust fund or a 20 percent bonus through the City Commission approval of a
planned development. So, the issue that you have to consider is whether or
not we're a planned and whether we're entitled to a bonus. But I can tell you
that we could get a bonus of greater than the 20 percent under the alternative
which you've also provided in your ordinance. This applicant didn't seek the
additional 25 percent but did apply for a major use special permit for the
planned development because we think we qualify under the ordinance provision.
Now, the advantage to the City in having a major use special permit
application and a planned development review, results in your having the
ability to have an in depth analysis of all the project elements, including
ingress and egress, and that parking and loading and refuse and service areas
and utilities, drainage, preservation of natural features, control of
potentially adverse affects, et cetera. We have to, when we give you a major
use special permit application, provide detailed project description. The
minority construction employment plan, the traffic analysis, the site utility
study, an economic impact study, so that your staff will have the ability to
study and to comment on whether or not that's in the best interest of the City
when it makes its recommendation. And having studied that information and
those requirements, your staff has recommended approval of the planned
development because the project meets the following criteria, all of which is
spelled out in the staff recommendations. Its greater flexibility in the
pattern of development, an improved level of amenities, an appropriate and
harmonious variety in physical development, creative design and an improved
environment and those are things that were analyzed and specifically commented
on in your staff recommendation and, obviously, we would like this record to
incorporate all the Planning Department analysis and comments and rationale
and recommendations from the fact sheet or otherwise in the Planning
Department file, which we say justifies the planned development. Also studied
was the traffic and the neighborhood compatibility. And as I indicated to
you, we've been before the Heritage Conservation Board and also the County
Shoreline Development Review Committee. Now, not withstanding all that, we
know that these people are here, nice people, very proud of their
neighborhood. We think that notwithstanding the overwhelming merits of our
proposed development, architecturally and environmentally and through
relatively low density and with outstanding amenities, all of which benefit
the local Brickell Avenue community and the City of Miami generally, some of
our neighbors have expressed opposite views and they're here to testify that
they don't want to see this project and they have sent in cards that told your
Planning Department that they have certain concerns. Basically, as stated in
the response cards that have been sent to your staff, the issues which they
allege justify your denial of this application are height - and I've already
commented on that - traffic, which the Post Buckley engineer will comment on,
that low rent housing will destroy the neighborhood and this is certainly not
low rent housing at $180 a square foot. That it's too dense, that the project
will lower their property values, that the lot is too small. One person
indicated that there were foxes on the property and that was commented on
negatively by other people in the area saying, don't pick on that, if one
person didn't deal with the most germane of the subjects that bother them.
And also they have indicated that we have failed to comply with the Dade
County Shoreline Review requirements.
Mayor Suarez: The old fox in the chicken coop case.
Mr. Traurig: Now, let's examine those issues very quickly. The height. In
the R-4 there is no height limitation and as I indicated to you, lot coverage
and setbacks to influence height, but they don't actually...
Mayor Suarez: In conjunction with FAR.
Mr. Traurig: ...there is no height limitation, per se. Traffic, Mr. Hoyt
will make a comment to you on the level of service on Brickell Avenue and how
it's affected. There is no concurrency issue. Low rent housing will destroy
the neighborhood. Ain't no way it's going to be low rent housing at $180
192 October 25, 1990
square foot. Units selling from $200,000 to a million two hundred thousand,
it's not going to be rental housing, it's going to be high priced housing to
serve a very important segment of the community. One of the things you
determine when you make your analysis, if you make a motion approving this
application, is that that portion of the planned development ordinance that
says that you have made a substantive decision that a type of housing is
needed in an area and that this qualifies, we would say to you that this type
of housing is what you need. This is the type of housing you should be
encouraging. This is the kind of housing that will make this a greater City.
Too dense. I talked about the 346 units versus the 145 plus 14. Lower
property values. Impossible to lower property values. Lot too small. This
is a 200 feet of frontage, three and a half acres more or less, total area of
this particular project. Very quickly I would like to call on the following
consultants to speak to you.
Mayor Suarez: The footprint was how many square feet?
Mr. Traurig: The footprint...
Mayor Suarez: You made...
Mr. Traurig: Yes, it was 10 percent.
Mayor Suarez: Ten percent?
Mr. Traurig: Yes, but...
Mayor Suarez: OK, I have it in percentage. So, it was 10 percent of the
total lot? -of the total parcel?
Mr. Traurig: Yes, it - excuse me, it was 14,572 square feet. It was eight
percent.
Mayor Suarez: Eight percent. And how many stories?
Mr. Traurig: Thirty-six stories.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Mr. Traurig: Over two stories of parking.
Mayor Suarez: Just checking out a little formula that I've been working with.
Mr. Traurig: I would like first to call on either Mr. Revuelta or Mr.
Fullerton to talk to you about the definition of yard and the compliance of
this building with your ordinance and the application of the Charter amendment
requirements to this particular site and the Shoreline Review Ordinance to
this site. Then, I would like to call on Mr. Bradshaw or Mr. Schale to talk
about the rear yard and our compliance with the ordinance as it relates to the
rear and the bay and the design and the compliance with the staff
recommendations which suggested that we modify our plan. I would ask Mr. Hoyt
to talk about the traffic analysis. Mr. Sharpton to talk about the economic
benefits to the City, including taxes, fees, and other revenues and a minority
participation plan. I would like each of them - and I don't want to repeat
this - to recite basically his qualifications, education, work experience,
professional organizations, and the element of this plan that he has worked
on, unless Mr. Fletcher wants to acknowledge the qualifications of all these
people. And then I would like Mr. Genuardi and Mr. Olmedillo to talk about
the five issues that our neighbors are going to talk about. The letters that
our neighbors have - and Mr. Rodriguez, who responded to the letter from our
neighbors who said that we don't qualify because of five particular issues.
And we think it's very important that the record reflect what the City
+ administration wants you to know about this. And then I'll complete our
presentation. But I would like each of them to speak to you as briefly as
possible but to get that information into the record. And Mr. Fletcher has
accepted your qualifications.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: ...footprint percentages got to be more like seven percent.
Mr. Traurig: Seven?
193 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: Yes. Well, I guess it depends if you take the whole or the net
acreage, but it's more like seven percent.
Mr. Jorge Fernandez: Mr. Mayor...
Mr. Traurig: I never did well in arithmetic.
Mr. Fernandez: ...for the record, if Mr. Fletcher has admitted that, I'd much
rather have Mr. Fletcher rather than Mr. Traurig state that on the record.
Mr. Fletcher: I'd certainly be happy to. I know most of the people involved
and they're certainly qualified in their field, so I have no objection to
that.
Commissioner Plummer: Bless you, son.
Mayor Suarez: If he didn't I have feeling he was going to jump up and grab
the mike. Footprint is a percentage of lot acreage times number of stories is
equal to FAR. It does work out, it's seven percent. Go ahead.
Mr. Luis Revuelta: For the record, my name is Luis Revuelta, I'm an architect
with offices at 366 Santara Avenue, Coral Gables, I'm representing the firm
Fullerton Diaz plus partners, architect, and I'm the principal in charge of
the design of Bristol Towers. What I'd like to reiterate after Mr. Olmedillo
and Mr. Traurig have presented, is the fact that our parking structure is an
underground parking structure. It does not exceed 42 inches above the natural
grade of the site as established by the City of Miami ordinance. Our client
has gone through a great extent of trouble to try to maintain this parking
structure as low as possible and I'd like to also bring to light that we could
have come up with a much bigger parking structure that I think would have been
detrimental to the adjacent sites more so than to our property. So I really
would like for that to be kept in mind because I think it is a very important
issue. In dealing with the setback issue that was raised, any structure
that's under 42 inches in height, according to the ordinance 11000 says that
an open space lies between the principal buildings and the nearest lot line. -
Such yard is unoccupied and unobstructed by any structure or portion of a
structure from 42 inches from the ground upward except as maybe specifically
provided in this ordinance. So that means that we are not encroaching on the
setback. Our main structure, which is the tower, is set back 26 feet from
each property line, the north property line and the south property line. As
far as the loading berths, I want to try to go... -
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a question. Mr. Rodriguez, on the 42 inch
structure, is there any requirement of a setback at all from the property line
on that?
Mr. Rodriguez: No, because that's considered... it's not considered like a
structure. It's considered as part of the....
Commissioner Plummer: But, I mean, can they take 42 inches from the building
all the way out to each property line?
Mr. Rodriguez: I believe so.
Mr. Revuelta: We could conceivably do that, right.
Mr. Rodriguez: You could do that.
Mr. Revuelta: But we're ten feet away from the property line.
Mayor Suarez: They make like a basement or a half a basement with 42 inches
all the way across. God, that would be a monstrosity.
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, what happened is, that since you have the review of
this, what we can do is through the review of the project, we can impose then
some conditions on how to deal with that.
Commissioner Plummer: Did I understand correctly that that is a matter to be
decided by the zoning administrator or by us?
Mr. Rodriguez: No...
194 October 25, 1990
7•
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me, I pay him.
Mr. Revuelta: Sorry about that.
Commissioner Plummer: Mr. Traurig pays you.
Mr. Rodriguez: That matter had been decided previously by the zoning
administrator and was not appealed.
Commissioner Plummer: So that, in fact, is in place?
Mr. Rodriguez: That's in place, right.
Commissioner Plummer: And how far, in fact, is it from each property line?
Mr. Rodriguez: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Plummer: The 42 above, how far is that from each property line?
Bid they set that back two feet, four feet?
Mr. Rodriguez: Ten feet.
Commissioner Plummer: On each side.
Mr. Revuelta: Yes.
Mr. Rodriguez: On each side.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. And how does that relate, if anything, into the 12
foot flood criteria?
Mr. Revuelta: It doesn't relate.
Mr. Rodriguez: The 42 inches that we are referring to here is not usable
area. It's not habitable area. You don't have any people living there or any
office. It's basically for spaces for example, for parking and other
structures...
Commissioner Plummer: Well, it's allowing the parking structure to come up 42
inches higher...
Mr. Rodriguez: Forty-two inches, right.
Commissioner Plummer: ...than ground level.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: But what I'm asking is, there is a 12 foot flood
criteria rule that I'm assuming applies here.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: How does that underground parking relate with the 12
foot and the 42 inches, if at all?
Mr. Rodriguez: The underground parking will be allowable under the flood
criteria because the flood criteria allows you to have structures which are
not livable and which would not impede the free flow of water in case of a
hurricane. The flood elevation, what it does, is that will not allow you to
build above that level any - below that level, any buildable or usable area
that could impede the flow of traffic or that might create the possibility of
damage to life and so on.
Commissioner Plummer: What you're saying is then, three and a half feet above
ground level would not impede the flow of water?
Mr. Rodriguez: It will not impede the flow of water as is defined by the
flood criteria in the sense that you will not have inside that area either
partitions or glasses or furniture or things of that nature that would,
otherwise, be allowable in any building that is livable.
195 October 25, 1990
0
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mayor Suarez: Go ahead, proceed, as quickly as possible, you've used up 25
minutes already.
Mr. Revuelta: All right. The loading berths that are required right now by
the zoning ordinance are four loading berths, 12 x 35 x 15 feet in height.
What we're providing is one 12 x 44 x 15 feet in height. That means that
we're exceeding the 35 foot requirement. We're providing one 12 x 35 x 15
feet in height. We're meeting the code and we're providing two ten and a half
by 36 feet in height, by 36 feet long by seven foot high under our basement,
so in regards to the question of Mr. Dawkins before, as far as length is
concerned, we are exceeding what the Code requires. Our real petition right
here is for asking for less height rather than less length. So, I wanted to
make that clear on the loading berths. I think...
Mayor Suarez: Does he expect the vehicles to be smaller than some of the ones
that were contemplated in the...
Mr. Revuelta: In condominium buildings, as you probably know, the
requirements for moving are very strict. We've contacted a lot of moving
companies and are experienced on condominiums before. It's got to be
scheduled and I think - I am sure that what we're providing is plenty and....
Mayor Suarez: Fine, fine, fine.
Mr. Revuelta: The maid quarters, I think, has been addressed. I think those
are going to be part of the big units.
Mayor Suarez: We call the employee quarters, but go ahead.
Mr. Revuelta: All right. And I think the question of the FAR has been made
clear by Mr. Olmedillo and Mr. Traurig, so...
Commissioner Plummer: How big are the maids' quarters? -or the employees
quarters?
Mr. Revuelta: They are approximately 200 square feet.
Commissioner Plummer: That's basically a bedroom?
Mr. Revuelta: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: And a bath?
Mr. Revuelta: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: And what
assurances does this Commission have that they
will not be used as an adjunct
to a regular unit?
Mr. Revuelta: It will be part
of the covenant that they will
be sold with the
unit. It would have to be.
Commissioner Plummer: But I'm
saying is that they will, in
fact, be used by
employees rather than as someone
buying it to use it as an extra bedroom for
their family.
Mr. Revuelta: It's a separate
floor. These units happen on
the second floor
or a building and...
Mr. Rodriguez: Commissioner...
Commissioner Plummer: Every family has a black sheep.
Mayor Suarez: Or a white sheep, depending on how you look at
it.
Commissioner Plummer: A white
sheep.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Watch it,
Plummer, watch it.
Mr. Rodriguez: Commissioner...
196 October 25, 1990
0
Commissioner Plummer: The day somebody refers to you as a sheep, I'll retract
that statement.
Mr. Rodriguez: Commissioner, if that is a concern, a major use permit allows
you to put conditions so if that is a condition that you want in both, I
think...
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mr. Revuelta: We also promise that we will not put sheep in human beings'
quarters.
Mayor Suarez: All right. Anything further? Anything further from the
applicant?
Commissioner Plummer: I only have one other question and I guess of him. Did
I not hear a comment that said that all parking was underground?
Mr. Revuelta: Most of the parking is underground. There's some parking above
ground but that is set back from the property lines and there's no parking
within the view corridor.
Commissioner Plummer: Your pretty picture here, in my estimation, is doing
you harm by showing parking above ground that close to water's edge.
Mr. Revuelta: Well, our setback on the back, like Mr. Traurig said, is 189
feet... hundred and seventy-nine feet.
Commissioner Plummer: I'm talking about in the front. No, no, I'm talking
about - whoa! Go right back up where you're... that's what I'm talking about.
Mayor Suarez: Those are nice lawn chairs.
Commissioner Plummer: Huh?
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Commissioner Plummer: That's a lawn chair?
Mr. Revuelta: Six foot lounge chair.
Mayor Suarez: Major lawn chairs.
Mr. Revuelta: Cars are compact nowadays, but...
Mayor Suarez: Like for two people, you know.
Commissioner Alonso: Cars cannot get there. That's a swimming pool area.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, by damn, it still looks like to me a car.
Mr. Revuelta: Japanese are making small cars nowadays.
Commissioner Plummer: Americans are making...
Mayor Suarez: OK, anything further, Bob?
Mr. Revuelta: I'd like now to introduce Mr. Taft Bradshaw, the landscape
architect for the project.
Mr. Taft Bradshaw: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, my
name is Taft Bradshaw, president of Bradshaw Guill and Fuster, landscape
architects. I practice in South Florida in Miami for 31 years and had the
opportunity of designing many of your beautiful projects and I consider this
as one of the most unusual opportunities and one of the most beautiful
conceived projects that we've ever had the opportunity to work on. Number
one, the project is in the... we have submitted the plans to the Heritage
Board, and had unanimous approval. We worked with the Shoreline Board, we
work with all the environmental and made and the most complete, detailed,
environmental analysis of any site that has been submitted to the City to
date. We've been recognized for that. We've had the opportunity of
incorporating the wonderful bluff, which is the environmental bluff, it's on
the water side of the property.
197 October 25, 1990
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sk
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Mayor, excuse me a second. For the record, Mr. Fletcher _
has no objection in recognizing this gentleman and according him all the
privileges of an expert.
Mr. Fletcher: I'm sorry, I thought I made that clear before. I have no
problem with any of his witnesses in that regard.
Commissioner Plummer: Any of them.
Mr. Fernandez: All right.
Mayor Suarez: I thought you did too.
Mr. Bradshaw: Sorry. The most unusual feature of the site, from a landscape
architect's point of view, is blending and recognizing and handling it in a
sensitive way. We've handled the shoreline, the water's edge, in a very
natural manner keeping the existing vegetation in place. We've also protected
and worked closely with the Silver Bluff which is in section here which was of
great concern from the Heritage Board and from the environmental section. The
edge of the drawing to your right is the water's edge. The middle in here
represents the bluff and the top of the bluff would be the main structures and
the swimming pool decks. And no primary structures penetrate or go below the
bluff. On the front of the property on Brickell, the 70 foot corridor with
its protective wall, which was a part of the Heritage Board's request, we've
kept that intact and also the existing trees that would be relocated and
worked around, has been one of our primary concerns and we think that from a
landscape architect's point of view and also from the view of meeting the
requirements of both the Heritage Board, as well as the Shoreline Review, and
as well as the department's landscape architects' review, we received nothing
but fine compliments and we feel that this would be a definite asset to the
City and also to the character of Brickell. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: OK, that wraps it up, almost.
Mr. Traurig: I would like, with regard to the traffic issues...
Commissioner Plummer: You've got 35 seconds.
Mr. Traurig: We just want to get something in the record because we think
that there may be questions about traffic.
Mr. Dan Hoyt: My name is Dan Hoyt, I'm manager of transportation planning at
Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan. We analyzed this development using ITE
trip generation rates, considering 145 condo units and 14 high-rise apartment
units. We analyzed six signalized intersections in the vicinity of the
site...
Commissioner Plummer: They're all the same.
Mr. Hoyt: ...and roadway segments in the vicinity of the site. Keep it brief
and simply talk about Brickell, which is immediately in front of the site,
currently has approximately 28,000 cars a day, on weekdays. It operates at
level of service C. What that means is that it has an average speed including
signal delays and such along the street of 22 to 28 miles per hour in peak
periods. The site will generate between 900 and 1,000 daily trips.
Approximately 95 trips in the and peak hour. A little calculation
shows that you could accommodate without moving from level of service C to D
nine such units, or such projects such as this, without changing the level of
service from C to D on Brickell Avenue in the vicinity of the site. This
project does not significantly impact the roadway segments and intersections
in the vicinity of the site. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Mr. Traurig: Mr. Mayor, we have exceeded our time already, but there are a
number of people who came here from Brickell Avenue to speak in favor of the
project and one of the owners would like the opportunity to speak too. If you
want to cut us off...
198 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: How many such speakers?
Mr. Traurig: How many people from the neighborhood would like to have the
opportunity to speak?
Mayor Suarez: Don't want to make independent statements. The rest can be you
know, just added on with their names and addresses, you know.
Mr. Traurig: Well, I see one, two, three, four, may we limit it to...
Commissioner Plummer: Why don't you catch him in rebuttal?
Mayor Suarez: Two minutes.
Mr. Traurig: ... two minutes each, that's fine.
Mayor Suarez: All right, and three altogether. Let's proceed quickly,
please. Believe me, we have heard almost anything anyone would want to hear —
about a project already.
Mr. Garth Green: Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentleman, thank you. I represent the
Imperial Condominium Association, which will be a neighbor to this building
here. —
Mr. Fernandez: Name, please.
Mr. Green: Garth Green. We submitted just before the last Commission
meeting...
Mr. Fernandez: And address. Sorry.
Mr. Green: 1627 Brickell Avenue. We submitted a letter to the Commission
recommending that this project be approved, and we think it will be a great
asset to our community and to our neighborhood. Also, as a dissenting member
of the Brickell Homeowners Association, we come as an independent
organization. So, thank you for your time.
Mayor Suarez: I didn't understand, does it... does that mean the association
supports the application or?...
Mr. Green: There was a meeting of the association last night and there was an
eight to two vote. I was on the dissenting side.
Mayor Suarez: Oh, dissenter? - OK.
Mr. Green: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: All right. And that's obviously of the board? - not the
general membership?
Mr. Traurig: To expedite it, those who want to speak... Mr. Sharpton didn't
have a chance to get into the record his review of the numbers. Very quickly
then, Darryl, you've only got two minutes, and anybody else who wants to speak
in favor of the project, please come up so that we can expedite.
Mayor Suarez: You're going to tell us it has a fifty million dollar value
added impact which translates to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for
us in taxes, equivalent amount for the county, bunch of employees, including
domestic employees.
Commissioner Plummer: And immediately when they get it built, they will apply
for a reduction in their assessment.
Mr. Darryl Sharpton: I'm Darryl Sharpton, managing partner of Sharpton,
Brunson & Company. Our offices are located at 600 Brickell Avenue. I was
engaged to perform an economic impact study as it relates to the Bristol Tower
project. The benefits are vast and significant. I'll like to quickly go
through what those are, generally first, and then specifically. It's a high
quality luxury development which will provide significant community benefits
along the lines of jobs, wages, taxes and economic output. A high proportion
of the spending will be generated off site, going to local businesses. The
199 October 25, 1990
0
spending is targeted toward restaurants, recreation and entertainment, and
transportation, principally. Due to the great deal of amenities that exist
within the City of Miami, we see high capture rate, i.e. a high multiplying
impact on those direct expenditures by occupants of this project. And
generally speaking, the property values in the area should increase as a
result thereof. I'd like to now go quickly to the specific tax benefits to
the City, to Dade County, which includes ad valorem taxes and other impact
fees. As you can see on the chart before you there, I have broken out these
taxes in two phases, a development phase which is the period of construction,
and annual recurring, annual recurring being, after the sell out annual
projected taxes and fees that would accrue to the City and Dade County.
Quickly, in the pre -development phase to the City of Miami, we are looking at
about nine hundred, excuse me, nine hundred and eighteen thousand. In total,
the City of Miami, Dade County, another two million three hundred. Impact
fees to the City of Miami and Dade County, approximately four hundred and
ninety-five thousand. Wages, as Mr. Traurig has mentioned, eight million
eight hundred and sixteen. Economic output which happens to be a combination
of direct, indirect and induced spending, as a result of land acquisition,
construction, and the multiplying impact of spending, seventy-two million
three hundred thousand. Again, that is all in the development phase. On a
recurring basis, obviously there are no impact fees, but in terms of wages, a
million six, economic output, a million three. Jobs created, two hundred and
thirteen thousand, excuse me, two hundred and thirteen in the development
phase, on a recurring basis, forty-nine. I'd like to move now to...
Commissioner Plummer: Wait, wait, wait. Explain to me again why in the
development phase the City would get nine hundred and eighteen thousand, but
when it's finished you know, annual recurring, we only get six ninety-seven.
Mr. Sharpton: The development phase covers a nineteen month time period.
Mayor Suarez: It's not annual?
Mr. Sharpton: It's... which is less than the annual twelve month period. So
you have one point eight times the annual...
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, so it's one and -a -half, it's almost two years, is
that what you are saying?
Mr. Sharpton: Yes. Nineteen months covers...
Commissioner Plummer: But you don't pay high ad valorem on development phase?
Mr. Sharpton: Excuse me?
Commissioner Plummer: You don't pay high ad valorem on the development phase,
because there is no assessment on it until it's completed.
Mr. Sharpton: We have prorated... this calculation prorates the development
cost, Commissioner, on an annual basis.
Mayor Suarez: Is that because of that ordinance that we passed? - that tried
to capture on interim...
Mr. Joel Maxwell: Yes, sir. You're talking about the interim proprietary
general services.
Mayor Suarez: You know, we'd be happy if you paid that in taxes, I agree with
Commissioner Plummer, I don't think that you'll see that kind of tax
contribution during the development, but...
Commissioner Plummer: So, in other words, the development phase is nineteen
months...
Mr. Sharpton: Yes, it is.
Commissioner Plummer: ... as opposed to twelve months of so called annual
recurrence.
Mr. Sharpton: That's correct.
200 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: OK. That makes a difference. I thought we were
getting cheated from him.
Mr. Sharpton: I'd know better. As it relates to the next schedule that I
think you have there, what I've simply given you is a breakdown of the various
Impact fees that would accrue to the City of Miami, line item by line item,
which total again, three hundred and seven -one thousand five eighty-nine, the
bulk of being the development impact fee, two hundred and forty-three thousand
nine hundred and thirty-three. The total impact fees and others again,
approximately four hundred and ninety-five thousand. I have also been
retained by the applicant to formulate a minority participation plan. I have
already been engaged and have commenced work on that project. The goal is to
obtain fifty-one percent minority participation and within that fifty-one
percent to assure fifteen percent of that goes to black, competent, bondable
contractors. If there are any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer
those at the appropriate time.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Traurig: Any neighbors who want to add any remarks... this gentleman.
Mr. Alex Kashani: Good evening, I'm Alex Kashani of 1901 Brickell Avenue,
also of Brickell Grove Realty, I'd like to make a few comments as to this
project, and in favor of this project. Several factors one has to take into
consideration is, one would be, that the value of properties on Brickell by
the sale of this project are going to actually up, because the actual selling
values have been between a hundred to a hundred and thirty dollars per square
foot. This project being prices at a hundred and eighty per square foot, even
if it is sold at a hundred and sixty, or a hundred and seventy, that would
contribute drastically to the values of the sales on Brickell and the previous
sales. And the average apartment that has been selling on Brickell for a two
bedroom apartment that has been in the value of I would say, two hundred to
two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, would increase to about three fifty to
four hundred thousand dollars.
Mayor Suarez: Didn't we approve a project for you recently on Brickell?
Mr. Kashani: Yes, sir. You did.
Mayor Suarez: Has construction begun on that?
Mr. Kashani: Yes, sir.
Mayor Suarez: When do you anticipate that that will be completed?
Mr. Kashani: That project was sold, so they would be probably completing that
I would say, by early January, I mean, early spring of the following year. -
of 19... early spring.
Mayor Suarez: You said it was sold?
Mr. Kashani: Yes, we had sold you know, they had... Mr. Adressi had taken
over and so he is managing that altogether.
Mayor Suarez: And it is now under construction?
Mr. Kashani: Yes, sir. It's on the fifth floor... is already done, and they
have sold about already, ten or fifteen of those units, I believe. I have...
Mayor Suarez: Because we had a little concern this morning about things that
we have approved and then, time passes and...
Mr. Kashani: Also, that project was an average... a square foot on that
project was about eight hundred square feet. This project is about twenty-
five hundred square feet.
Mayor Suarez: I gather this is kind of top of the line here. OK.
Mr. Kashani: Yes, sir. And it will contribute drastically to the values on
Brickell. Thank you.
201 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: And you are happy to have a more expensive project built close
to yours?
Mr. Kashani: Well, it balances off, sir.
Mr. Ben Johnson: My name is Ben Johnson, I live at Brickell East, which is at
15th Road and Brickell Avenue. I moved here from Chicago about three year ago,
and in my estimation, based on the plans that I know, the people that are
involved in the project, I think this would add to property values. It's the
type of building we need on Brickell to help attract additional people to the
Miami community.
Mayor Suarez: OK, thank you.
Mr. Johnson: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Final one, then we hear from the opponents.
Ms. Danouchka Simon: My name is Danouchka Simon, I live at Villa Regina, 1581
Brickell Avenue, and I think I represent also the opinion of many of the
people living at Villa Regina. We are in favor of the project. We think to
have another very nice condominium in the area will improve the value of our
property. It will also...
Mayor Suarez: You are not a Realtor, broker, developer, any related
industries?
Ms. Simon: I do have Realtor licence, yes.
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Ms. Simon: But I am certainly most involved with...
Mayor Suarez: You are also a resident of the area?
Ms. Simon: I am a resident of the area primary.
Mayor Suarez: You live there?
Ms. Simon: I was at Imperial first, now I live at the Villa Regina...
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Ms. Simon: ... and I hope we can have some more money for the schools and
everything you know, with this project.
Mayor Suarez: We're always happy to have taxes, yes. OK.
Ms. Simon: And hopefully, some protection for the manatees, because we do
have a good population right in front of the buildings.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. All right, Mr. Fletcher.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Miss is getting with Mr. Fletcher; please, Mr.
Fletcher. Mr. Sharpton, what is a black, bondable contractor?
Mr. Sharpton: What is a black, bondable...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Bondable contractor. You said fifteen percent to black,
bondable contractors, what is that?
Mr. Sharpton: What my statement is intended to mean is, as long as the
contractor is black, capable to perform the task, and bondable, we will
attempt to use that contractor, and will use that contractor...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Then you were given the task to identify the minority
piece, then you do not have black, bondable contractors on hand?
Mr. Sharpton: I have spoken to...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Identified?
202 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Sharpton: I have started the process, I have identified a couple of
contractors.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Are they black and bondable?
Mr. Sharpton: I think that they are, yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. What is fifteen percent of the project? How many
dollars?
Mr. Sharpton: Approximately, six million dollars.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Six million dollars. You are aware that we have a
minority, for the lack of a better word, program, which says seventeen percent
to women, seventeen percent to Black, and seventeen percent to Latin, are you
aware of that?
Mr. Sharpton: Yes, I am.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Then if you are aware that we need seventeen and you give
me fifteen, where do I get my other two from? _
Mr. Sharpton: Fifteen is a, I don't want to say a guaranty. I will attempt
to get the black participation at a level higher than fifteen percent, or
higher than six million, but to make sure that my projections are reasonable,
within the bonded capacities, I'm just trying make sure that I at least, get
up to the six million period.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: What about the Latin, seventeen percent Latin, what are
you going to do with that?
Mr. Sharpton: The particular construction company that is involved with this
project has an excellent track record in terms of Hispanic contractors, and
typically, have not had any problems in the past exceeding, significantly
exceeding, that seventeen percent requirement.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And that seventeen percent criteria for women
contractors, who are the person who is certified in the area which they are a
contractor. Not somebody whose husband holds a certificate, or their
boyfriend, or their brother, but a woman who has the certificate of competency
as a contractor. How about that?
Mr. Sharpton: I am in the process of making sure that that is in fact the
case. I have not specifically done that as of yet, but obviously, it is my
task, and quite frankly, I was impressed that the applicant put me in charge
of such a project, so that I could ensure that that goal was accomplished,
- Commissioner.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Sharpton, I am going to tell you publicly. I've gone
through this with Bayside, with black bondable contractors. I went through
this with the Arena, — black bondable contractors, and black bondable
contractors did not get their fair share. I'm going to tell you, the
developers and all, in the event that this is favorably passed, before any
permits are pulled, you must bring me and this Commission, signed contracts
with black bondable contractors for the fifteen percent. If you do not do
that, then you not lived up to my expectations. Do not tell me that you
intend to provide me with fifteen percent black bondable contractors, because
that will not get it, OK?
Mr. Sharpton: I understand.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you, sir. Sorry, Mr. Fletcher.
Mayor Suarez: Proceed, John.
Mr. John Fletcher: No problem. Thank you, very much. John Fletcher, 7600
Red Road in South Miami is where my office is. And I've been asked to
represent the Brickell Homeowners Association, which is a group, I believe of
fourteen condominium associations that formed together about three years ago,
to try and assist the City if you will, on looking at projects to protect the
area as they see it in the way that they want to see it grow. For the life of
me, every time I come down to one of these hearings, and it's always a
203 October 25, 1990
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pleasure to be here, I can never understand why it is that a developer can't
build a project that meets the simple standards that you people thought that
you were setting up in your zoning code, and always has to get a bonus for
some reason or other. I was trying out how to figure out how to tell you our
story. When I was reading the paper this morning, trying to relax before
going to the Dade County Commission, and there was an article in there...
right, not easy to do. There was an article in there "vote schedule on
thirty-eight story condo." and I don't mean to drive you nuts reading this,
but it says "Miami Commissioners will be asked today to approve a thirty-eight
story, that's thirty-six residences plus the two parking garage, luxury
Brickell condominium, that would be twenty percent larger than normally
allowed under City codes." And I wondered how somebody else who doesn't know ---
anything about this would you know, feel when he drank his coffee on reading
that. "Typically, developers would have to pay the City for so much extra
bulk. A four hundred and one thousand dollars ($401,000) charge for the
proposed Bristol Towers at 2127 Brickell Avenue. The money would go to create
affordable Miami housing."
Mayor Suarez: Is that if they wanted twenty-five percent, instead of twenty
percent more?
Mr. Fletcher: Up to twenty-five percent. "But Miami planners who favor the
building's approval say that the one hundred and fifty-nine unit condo
complies with the never before used special planning rule, that allows
oversized condos, with no extra fee, when they offer needed housing, and a
creative design." You mean they are not going to give us needed housing and a
creative design if they don't get the bonus? - they're going to... ha, ha,
that always fascinates me when I hear that. Anyhow, having read that
article...
Commissioner Plummer: Just for the record.
Mr. Fletcher: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Where did that little tidbit come from?
Mr. Fletcher: This little tidbit? I really haven't the faintest idea - not
from me. Not from me, I never tip off the press about anything.
Mayor Suarez: Was it from the palace of malice by the bay?
Mr. Fletcher: That may very well be.
Mayor Suarez: Otherwise known as the Miami Herald.
Mr. Fletcher: Yes, this was the Miami Herald, yes, OK, - in the Neighbors
section, today.
Commissioner Plummer: That figures.
Mr. Fletcher: And I thought it was amusing, anyhow. The Brickell Homeowners
Association doesn't want to nitpick to death parking spaces, or whatever those
spaces are we were talking about before, that's from a report that Mr. Pace,
Rocco Pace, a very fine architect who is here with us tonight, did so that we
could take a look at everything that seem to be a little bit outside the code,
so we would know what was happening, and then we'd pass that information along
to the City and receive some responses. Our principal concern is this twenty
percent bonus, and I tried to take a look to see what justification there was
for it. And Mr. Olmedillo was kind enough last night to come out to the
Brickell Homeowners Association meeting and explain some of this to us, and
I'm sure he will correct me if I am wrong on this. But looking at ever
simplified eleven thousand zoning code, there is a section in there, seventeen
hundred, which is "major use special permit" that I didn't think that this
project was required to come in under, under ordinary circumstances. Maybe it
was. But as I understand it, it came in under section seventeen hundred, and
if I can turn to it... and I hate to... I don't mean to read to law to you,
it's always lousy for lawyers to do at these things, but section... articla
seventeen talks about your major use special permits, and it says that if
you... you have to get one, if you want to, under section eight, get any
increase development bonus pursuant to section nine fourteen of this
ordinance, or any plan development district. So I was curious about what nine
fourteen was, and what the development district was. And the development
204 October 25, 1990
V
district seems to be... as I learned it years ago when we were all taking our
seminar in zoning, intended to be multiple buildings in an area in which you
are laying out a great plan for a new neighborhood, or you're trying to —
develop some project that has multiple buildings in it, and you dedicate
streets, and rights -of -ways, and a pattern, and you can exercise some sort of
new plan or whatever, for a number of things in the area, not just one
building. But I look at your code and it's not really all that clear, so
maybe there is, you know, something to be said for staff saying that plan
development can be one building. Until you look at nine fourteen, that's the
other thing for which you need a major use special permit, and when you turn
to nine fourteen, you see there they are talking about an increased
development bonus for a building under there. That's where a building comes
in. But under that particular provision, it says "for every additional square
foot of buildable space approved is a development bonus, the user shall make a
non refundable developer contribution of six dollars and sixty-seven cents
($6.67) to the Development Bond Trust Fund administered by the City of Miami,
Planning Department." So why would a developer pick, not pick, for his
building, getting up to twenty-five percent... twenty percent is under twenty- _
five percent, well, and try and get the planned development. It starts to
become clear that what is happening here is this is a way to avoid paying the =
City under section nine fourteen, what would be, according to the newspaper,
four hundred and some thousand, but according to calculations we've made,
something like nine hundred thousand. If I'm wrong, I'm sure I'll be
corrected by one of our people who will be talking.
Mayor Suarez: It's six sixty-seven per square foot? - additional?
Mr. Fletcher: It says here under nine fourteen, yes, $6.67 square foot for
every addition square foot of buildable space. Now I don't want you to think
that because this money is paid to the City, my people will all of a sudden
say, oh yes, now we are in favor of it.
Mayor Suarez: How big is the structure proposed, John?
Mr. Fletcher: The structure is proposed... well the additional bonus is sixty
thousand square feet, to figure it out. I picked that figure up, it's
actually sixty thousand plus. But my people still would be opposed to this,
and I think one of the things that they will tell you when they get up, is...
Mayor Suarez: Then the Herald was right about four hundred thousand dollars
($400,000) I don't know where you got the nine hundred then. The additional
square footage is where you are probably wrong. Go ahead.
Mr. Fletcher: That could be. I am not an expert in that and I don't purport
to be this, I'm just talking to you as a lawyer, as to what I see the legal
things are. Now, one of the problems with giving all these extra bonuses is
that, symptoms appear, and you know from your experience and I don't have to
tell you, that when somebody comes down to get a bonus or to do something more
than the code ordinarily permits, then they start taking away other things
that benefit the public. For example, just a quick one. Your waterfront
charter, excuse me, the City charter relating to the Waterfront. And a
charter is like the constitution of the City, it governs over your code
provisions. The code is not allowed to be in conflict with the charter.
Charter can conflict with any code it wants to and prevail. Now waterfront
property it says, forgive me for reading again. "In order to preserve the
City's natural scenic beauty, to guarantee open spaces and to protect the
waterfront, anything in this charter, or the ordinances of the City to the
contrary, not withstanding, neither the City nor any of its agencies shall
issue permits for any surface parking or enclosed structures located on
Biscayne Bay," and you go down to sub section "B," "which do not have average
size yards, equal and aggregate to at least twenty-five percent of the water
frontage of each lot," blah, blah, blah. What this says is, you can't have
any enclosed structure in the twenty-five feet set back when you abut the bay.
Now the City says, oh, well, we have by code, permitted forty-two inches in
height to be in those side set backs, but as we said before, and as the
charter itself says, the code can't conflict with the charter, the charter
governs over the code. So, once you start working on the premise that the
code governs under the charter in these waterfront matters, you could pass
almost anything that would negate the provisions of the charter itself. And I
think the waterfront provisions are very important. Mr. Pace was kind enough
to find this out for us when he did his search. I don't want to drive you
crazy with all of the things that we are concerned about because most of them
205 October 25, 1990
4� t
are symptoms. The necessity for relief from the Shoreline Review Committee,
is a symptom of the problems of bonuses and what have you. Now I'm not going
to drive you crazy with that because that's separate. They made their
decision, they made their recommendation to you, and I won't go through what
was a very long hearing at the Shoreline Review Committee for you, except to
point out that again, exceptions were granted by the Shoreline Review
Committee. Incidentally, they had two hearings, because the first one wasn't
properly noticed. In my opinion, the second one wasn't either but at least
the second one brought me and one other person out, and at the end, the
developer contributed an additional five or... contributed five thousand
dollars ($5,000) to get his exceptions from the County. - I thought that was
pretty cheap to get those kind of exceptions, but again, I don't want to talk
about money, I don't like the idea of money. My clients do not want to see
bonuses given. I think the planned area development provision in here is
being just stretched to the limits so that it can be done. If it would be
done, it would be under nine fourteen, and that's not what they have asked
for, so we think it should be denied.
Mayor Suarez: Would you support it if it were?
Mr. Fletcher: My clients would not support it. No, sir.
Mayor Suarez: If they gave us the four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000)
and got twenty-five percent, more density instead of twenty percent.
Mr. Fletcher: Everybody wants to get... well no, it will be twenty percent,
it will be up to twenty-five percent on that section.
Mayor Suarez: Well presumably, they would then go up to twenty-five.
Mr. Fletcher: They'd come back for twenty-five percent and if you mended it,
they'd come back for forty percent. In any event, I would like my people to
come forward... I say my people, my clients to come forward, they are your
people, my clients to come forward and present to you what they have to say
about this, if they may please. We we'll make it as brief as we can.
Mayor Suarez: We suspect that if they had to chose between you and us, they
would choose us, so in that sense, they are our people.
Mr. Fletcher: Yes, they would.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, only because we are cheaper.
Mr. Fletcher: I'm not sure, I'm not sure. I haven't gotten paid yet.
Ms. Barbara Varona: For the record, my name is Barbara Varona and I represent
the Brickell Homeowners Association. I am a member of the committee that was
formed to protest the Bristol Towers project. I also am here as president of
the Brickell Biscayne Condo Association. I don't want you to think that we
are here to go against any development on Brickell Avenue or that the Brickell
Homeowners Association is there to argue against any building that's going to
be built. The reason that we are here is that we are against the building of
a building of this scope, size, and importance to be allowed to be built
without strict adherence to zoning ordinances. Just because we may all want a
beautiful new building on Brickell Avenue, does not mean that we should give a
licence to developers to exceed the building and zoning codes that City
officials are mandated to enforce. As we all know the zoning codes were put
in place to protect the community and the City. Therefor they should be
strictly adhered to and enforced. I urge you not to allow the City or
people's desire to see a beautiful structure built to confuse or cloud the
issue. We all want to see great new buildings built, but we should insist
that they are built within the parameters of the zoning codes that have been
put in place for everyone's benefit. If this developer is allowed to exceed
the permissible use of the land, it will certainly have a direct adverse
effect on the community, but more important, the cumulative effect of allowing
the developer to do this. If you allow this developer to overbuild on this
piece of property, simply to enhance the size of his building and the profit
potential, then you are giving a licence to the next developer in the area to
also have such discretionary powers. That will have a very, very bad effect
on our community. There are still several vacant parcels of land on both
sides of Brickell Avenue and that are ready for development. Please, let's not
have this first major development to be built in, like eight years, set the
206 October 25, 1990
wrong precedence. As you know, the Planning Advisory Board heard this issue
and approved a major use special permit in September, but I ask you on behalf
of the Brickell Homeowners Association, that you disregard the recommendation
on this matter, and evaluate the facts independently as they have been
presented here. Then hopefully after hearing the facts, this Commission, a
body of elected officials, will do what is in the best interest of the
community and the City, namely, insist that any development in spite of how
pretty or desirable it may be in principle, must adhere to all the building
and zoning ordinances and codes. I thank you for your time and attention.
Mayor Suarez: Wait, wait, wait. The code gives us two alternatives. One in
which we will permit up to twenty-five percent more density if they paid us
some money that we would use for a housing trust fund - God know, we could use
money into that. That's not what they are going under. They are going under
a provision that says, if they get a planned development, if... pursuant to
planned development overlay, if they do the kind of project that we want, that
we like, that we think tends to preserve more green space, and just sort of
esthetically and otherwise more pleasing to all of us, we will give them up to
twenty percent more. I'm not sure that makes any sense, but if it makes any
sense at all to have, is this the kind of project that you think will call for
us, if you were the elected official, to consider I mean it is a beautiful
project - Or do you just think that this whole concept of allowing twenty
percent more density is just crazy? Because you have spoken as if they were
exceeding the code. Actually...
Ms. Varona: OK. They are looking for something...
Mayor Suarez: We have this discretion to go twenty percent more.
Ms. Varona: Exactly. You have the right to make that decision, yes.
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Ms. Varona: But the fact is, is that if you make the decision here, you're
setting a precedence that other people are going to come before you and maybe
not have as beautiful building, et cetera, and then the precedence is set and
they can say, but you gave them the twenty percent, and you didn't ask for
anything in return, you didn't anything, there was nothing made.
Mayor Suarez: And the basic objection is, that it's just the massiveness of
it?
Ms. Varona: The basic objection is, number one, there are code violations
which I know John didn't go into that we had objected to, plus the fact that
they are getting this extra space that they really aren't entitled to.
Mayor Suarez: So you think that 1.72 FAR, which is what defines essentially
the amount of density that should be on there, in accordance with our code, is
the ideal, or you think even that is too high, or what?
Ms. Varona: I think that you must have put it into the old ordinances
thinking that it was ideal, and that if there was an exception, this is where
you could use it for some certain reason that was a benefit to the community
and a benefit to the City.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, I'm not sure that we should have given ourselves that
discretion.
Ms. Varona: As it sits here, even if they give you "X" amount of dollars or
whatever, it doesn't mean it's going to benefit our community.
Mayor Suarez: By the way, it's twenty percent. I mean, you talk about twenty
percent and it doesn't necessarily mean anything to you, in this particular
case, twenty percent is seven stories, roughly. OK, thank you.
Mr. Jim McMaster: My name is Jim McMaster, I live at 2940 S.W..,
Mayor Suarez: Don't tell me you live in Brickell too, now.
Mr. McMaster: No, I want to assure the Commissions, I still have my blue
jeans on and I still live in Coconut Grove.
207 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: Unlike the Brickell people, this is from a neighborhood that
does typically oppose anything that is any variation, whatsoever.
Mr. McMaster: Let me think for a while. I got involved in this because Mary
Ann Esquivel-Gibbs was hired by the Brickell Homeowners Association to be
their P.R. person and explain things to them. So I agreed...
Mayor Suarez: Mary Anne Esquivel-Gibbs of the Miami Herald?
Mr. McMaster: Formerly.
Mayor Suarez: Formerly of the Miami Herald?
Mr. McMaster: Formerly, formally.
Mayor Suarez: Married to Tucker Gibbs of Coconut Grove?
Mr. McMaster: Tucker Gibbs, right. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: And she was hired by who?
Mr. McMaster: The Brickell Avenue Homeowners Association.
Mayor Suarez: Ah huh.
Mr. McMaster: And so she asked me as a friend, since I know a little bit
about the ordinance, to review this project and see if it conformed. And so
I...
Mayor Suarez: In fact, she was the zoning reporter for the Miami Herald.
Mr. McMaster: Ah, well. Actually, she saw someone who would do the work for
her, let's get down to basics here. So I took my trusty copy of the ordinance
that this Commission adopted on March 8, 1990, it became effective on
September 4, 1990, and in August, I took this document that took two years and
about thirty public meetings to put together, and I reviewed this project.
And I went back to Mary Anne and I explained her, well the proposed loading
stalls that they are proposing in the underground structure don't have the
proper height. The side yards are half of the size they should be. There are
light planes that start cutting into the building at the 26th floor.
Mayor Suarez: I was afraid that you were going to get into light planes.
Commissioner Alonso: I know.
Mayor Suarez: They do that in Coconut Grove.
Mr. McMaster: Yes, sir. There are no light planes anymore in the R-4
district on the sides, they've been taken out.
Mayor Suarez: For the record, when we talk about of light planes, we are not
talking about some sort of an aircraft that... of light material but we are
talking about the shade that a building throws off on her neighboring
property. I guess that was the thought that some planner, probably like one
of these two guys you see up here, have nothing else to do but read planning
documentation, and treatises, that came up with that concept and took away the
simple height, you know, setback and even FAR which is actually kind of
complicated, square footage.
Mr. McMaster: Fortunately or unfortunately, in R-4 they have taken the side
setbacks light planes out. This document here requires a twenty foot
landscape yard in the PD district, against adjoining districts. This document
here requires any of these special exceptions to go to the zoning board, and I
was hoping that Lucia Dougherty would be here, because I wanted to say by...
apparently by the luck of the Irish, in housekeeping changes, between the time
this Commission adopted this on March 8th, and the time this project was filed
in July, all of these problems that would have interfered with this project
was taken out ... were amended in housekeeping changes. So Mr. Traurig is
right, this project, as proposed, does conform to ordinance 11000, but it
just... I find it disturbing that all these changes you know, including right
down...
208 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: So you're not supporting them?
Mr. McMaster: No, sir, no, sir, no, sir. I find that this is the one
issue... I just find it very disturbing how all these changes suddenly are
made after two years and thirty meetings and we all go home, and I must say I _
did get the agendas, and I remember reading R-4 and light planes, or
something, but I basically ignored it because we had already done this
document. I think the other important issue here is this bonus. I think that
clearly, if you are talking about a planned development, this project was
reviewed by the Heritage Conservation Board. It's getting a class 2 permit
for design review. It was reviewed by the Metro Dade County Shoreline
Development Review Committee. Its setbacks are regulated by the City of
Miami's Waterfront Charter Amendment. It has a seventy foot right-of-way
dedication along Brickell. They are selling million dollars apartments. If
there is ever any building in the world that doesn't need any review by anyone
else, it's this one. This is not a planned development, it has all the
reviews it can take, including class "C" for design review. If this
Commission allows this to be a planned development, you might as well throw
out section 914.
Mayor Suarez: Who does the class "C" design review?
Mr. Sergio Rodriguez: We do, in the planning department, Class II.
Mayor Suarez: And what kind of criteria do you apply there? - the kind
architecture you like, or what?
Mr. Rodriguez: No. There are seven findings that you have to make. It
relates to the finding as to the effect... harmonious effect with the
neighborhood.
Mayor Suarez: Harmonious effect with the neighborhood. OK, what else?
Mr. Rodriguez: You want me to go into detail? - so I don't be misquoted.
Mayor Suarez: I wanted to get an idea just to...
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me get the ordinance so I won't be misquoted.
Mayor Suarez: OK, that's all right.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr...
Mayor Suarez: It's all right, I've got an idea that it's pretty
discretionary, I didn't know we had anything in our code that discretionary.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Rodriguez.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Is the statement true that all of the issues that are
allowable now, were disallowed prior to the house cleaning items that we
passed?
Mr. Rodriguez: I don't know exactly what he is referring to, but one of them
was precisely the one that the Mayor was referring before. The light planes
that he couldn't... that he was referring that he was objecting to, was the
one that we eliminated that he is now inferring that we eliminated because of
this project.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: That was not my question.
Mr. Rodriguez: That's your question. Well, I think that's what you were
saying.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: My question was, is he correct in saying that most of, or
all of the allowables were disallowable to prior house cleaning acts by our
planning department?
Mr. Rodriguez: I will have to review what he is saying, because he made an
easy accusation, or not accusation, luck of the Irish type of a statement that
is very easy to make, but it's not that easy to prove in the record in front
209 October 25, 1990
of you. I noticed one of them that he was referring to, which is the light
planes that was affecting them negatively, that we eliminated because this
Commission instructed us to eliminate because it was very complicated.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK. Now we went through 9500 with house cleaning, now
we've got this one, are we going to continue to go through here every time I
look up with house cleaning items that eliminate, quote unquote, those
disallowables and make allowables? I'm asking because... for information.
Mr. Rodriguez: You will have from time to time, amendments to the zoning
ordinance to keep up with any changes that we need to make that we believe not
are addressed properly in the ordinance, and make any corrections which are
necessary. A zoning ordinance is not a static piece of law, it's an ordinance
that has to reflect the changes that we deal with in the neighborhood and in
the community that we are living. And reflect the mandates that are received
from you in the meetings and the hearings from time to time.
Commissioner Plummer: The difference is, in the old days they would have to
apply for a variance under the application, and now the flexibility is given
to the zoning administrator, that's the difference.
Mr. Rodriguez: So yes, you will have from time to time, amendments before
you, hopefully, they will come all at the same time so that you can spend a
day, maybe, dealing with all these amendments at the same time as compared to
before in which I was trying to bring them as the situation arouse, you know.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: When we do from now on...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... have any house cleaning issues, I want all of the
Coconut Grove Homeowners Associations alerted that we are going to do this,
and I want you to get them out here...
Mr. Rodriguez: Mr. Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You, to get them out here, so that they can help me
monitor what we are doing.
Mr. Rodriguez: Sure. Mr. Vice Mayor, if I can help you with this statement -
Mr. McMaster comes to my office, I think almost on a weekly basis, to review
the work that is being done. They are notified of all the changes that we
have.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: But I work at Miami Dade Community College. I do not
have time to come here, because this is a part time job...
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, it is?
Commissioner Alonso: I didn't know that.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ... my full time job is Miami Dade Community College
where I get paid handsomely. I don't get paid handsomely here. So therefore,
I spend my time where they pay me, so that I can get paid. So therefore, I
need all of the assistance that I can get in order to understand this. They
have been assisting me and we've been understanding this, OK?
Mr. Rodriguez: Sure.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: They have just become involved, I want them alerted. I
want everybody down here who can help me understand what we are doing, so that
when these things come up I can say, yes, you're right. I did sit here and
allow them to do that. OK?
Mr. Rodriguez: We will continue doing what we are doing, which is notifying
in each case.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, don't tell me... you see, do what I ask you to
do. I asked you... oh no, I'll do better than this. Tell the City Manager
that Miller Dawkins said, for him to instruct his planning department to
} notify every homeowners' group in writing for every home cleaning item, I mean
house cleaning item, that we are going to do on, what is it, 1100 instead of
9500?
210 October 25, 1990
Mr. Rodriguez: Eleven thousand.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Eleven thousand. OK?
Mr. Rodriguez: Sure.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: That should have told us right there that we were in bad shape,
we've got to have a section in our code that's 11000, imagine five digits.
Anyhow, all right.
Mr. McMaster: Oh, I have a few more words, I'll make it brief.
Mayor Suarez: That's what happens when you go from Brickell to Coconut Grove,
you start being like this, obstreperous to the maximum. All right.
Mr. McMaster: Exactly. I'm viewing this from a citywide point of view. I do
understand that the Brickell Avenue Homeowners Association, the Commission
have to hash out whether this particular project should be paying, should get
the bonus, and should pay the four hundred thousand ($400,000). From a
citywide point of view, I would like to point out that your PAB did make the
recommendation that the Commission make an appropriate contribution to the
City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the planning department has made the
same statement, I'd like to point out that Miami Today, not the Miami Herald,
Miami Today, Miami asked fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) for housing, this
Commission is going to ask the voters to approve a general obligation bond, I
don't see how you could let the voters, or ask the voters to approve something
like this, when you have a section of yours that clearly pertains to this
building. And last but not least, I will like to point out that according to
the public records which I trust I can believe, this property was purchased in
1189 for four million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($4,750,000).
If they had wish to purchase a larger parcel of property in this location that
was twenty percent larger, it would have cost them an additional nine hundred
and fifty thousand dollars ($950,000). So using the City's formula, it's four
hundred and one thousand dollars ($401,000), if they had paid for it on the
open market, it would be nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($950,000).
It is clear that if this Commission does decide that it's in the Citywide best
interest to allow this under 914, clearly this developer should be required to
pay the full amount.
Mayor Suarez: That's an interesting way to look at it.
Mr. McMaster: Thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: Let me ask a question. Under our 1100, is the twenty-
five percent bonus an option, or is it at the subject of the Commission
approval.
Mr. Rodriguez: It's an option that the applicant can apply but it is decided
by the City Commission.
Commissioner Plummer: So... Say that again?
Mr. Rodriguez: It is a decision by the City Commission at the end.
Commissioner Plummer: The City Commission can in fact judge yes, or no in
relation to the twenty-five percent?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir. Up to thirty-five percent.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. And of course, obviously, the same is to the
twenty percent?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes. And let me clarify something since you're asking that
question. The difference between that section of the ordinance which is a
twenty-five percent without any proof whatsoever, as compared to this section
of the ordinance, which is up to twenty percent, is, in that in this
particular case it is subject to a review of the whole project that is much
more detailed, and that it gives you the opportunity if you want to put the
condition of requiring the same amount of contribution on the housing trust
211 October 25, 1990
fund, which is one of the conditions that we put in our recommendation. So
what this is doing, is giving you the opportunity to have the review by the
Planning Advisory Board and by yourselves, and on top of that, if you feel
that this is what you will like to do, you can require the same amount of
contribution that you have in the other section and get... and have your cake
and eat it too.
Commissioner Plummer: But you see, the people that are here objecting
tonight, as I understand it, are really not objecting to the project itself,
what they are objecting to is the provision that allows for bonuses. That's
where they are objecting. And really, what they are saying is, that they wish
the City didn't have that provision within its code. Because the Mayor asked
Mr. Fletcher if these people paid the four hundred and one, or four hundred
thousand plus dollars, would your people be in favor of it, the answer was no.
So what they are really objecting to is that provision in the ordinance, as
well as of course, as it being applies towards this project.
Mr. Rodriguez: And in that particular case, I want to remind you that the
direction to increase the ordinance came from the Commission. This is another
way to have that increase in a lower level and with more reviews done by the
staff. You can instruct us at any time to bring an amendment to you, or the
ordinance that will reduce both of those provisions if you want, sir.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, speaking to what...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: In other words, I can order a house cleaning item that
will delete this?
Mr. Rodriguez: Sure.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, and I think one of the problems that existed under
the old ordinance was, that all of these so called housekeeping items that
were either changed, where today can be administered and adjudged by the
planning administrator, used to come as part of an application as a variance.
Mr. Rodriguez: No, not in this particular case. Remember, this case is
before you here today because...
Commissioner Plummer: In the old days under 9500, if there was to be a
reduction in the loading bays for example, that would have been a request for
a variance. And in effect, we, the Commissioners, would be handling this more
in a total picture. Because I don't know, because Bob said he wasn't going to
address them, John said he wasn't going to address the little issues, I don't
know how many little issue there are. We know about the loading bays. Now
are there two other issues that are so called little ones? - are there two
hundred or there are two dozens? - I done know.
Mr. Rodriguez: Remember Mr. Commissioner, that in that particular issue of
the loading berth, that that is the kind of the issue that is reviewed
normally by the administration, because it is very specific and technical.
That we make a decision after notifying all adjacent property owners, and that
that decision is appealable to the Zoning Board and the City Commission, so
ultimately, if there were to be an issue that will be important, it will come
to you.
Commissioner Plummer: You know I would believe that if I haven't had a number
of cases of people who came up here to complain and were told, we are sorry,
you didn't file within the fourteen day period.
Mr. Rodriguez: They are advised though. And do you know how many cases we
have had of class II, we have had about two thousand cases that we have
reviewed, and we have had I believe, about fifteen or twenty appeals to that
case, and we sent notification to everybody.
Commissioner Plummer: OK.
Mayor Suarez: OK, finish up, please.
Mr. McMaster: I think what might clarify this is, the section 914 is also
done by Major Use Special Permit pursuant to the requirements of article 17 of
this ordinance, so if I am reading this correctly, both the 914 bonus and the
PD would both be done by the Major Use Special Permits, and they both get the
same detailed review by the Planning Department. Thank you.
212 October 25, 1990
0 0
Mayor Suarez: OK. Anything further?
Mr. Fletcher: Yes. On the little items, I didn't want to get into them
because they are symptomatic of what happens when you get the bonus. For
example, the 42 inches that the enclosed structure, the parking garage, sticks
_ up into the setback and runs out pretty close to the sides of the property.
That's symptomatic, they need that extra space in there to deal with the
problem that they are creating by the bonus.
Commissioner Plummer: Well now, that's not what I heard John. What I heard,
and you correct me if I am wrong.
Mr. Fletcher: Sure.
Commissioner Plummer: That the normal setback required of this project is 10
feet on each side, OK? And that in fact, a 42 inch high structure does not
run within that 10 feet.
Mr. Fletcher: I'm sorry, we are talking about the waterfront setback, and the
Shoreline Review Committee setbacks.
Commissioner Plummer: Oh, OK. All right.
Mr. Fletcher: Yes, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to mislead you on which kind of
setbacks were. Those haven't been met. The Shoreline Review Committee had to
give an exception to that. As I say, that's not... you can consider that and
whether or not you want to approve the project, but that's for them to have...
the Shoreline Review Committee to have recommended to you. But your City
charter prohibits that 42 inches clearly, that has to be in that setback
provided the City charter cannot have structures that are enclosed, any
structures that are enclosed - that's one problem.
Mayor Suarez: By the way, the 42 inches I think, was intended to cover
something entirely different from this kind of a structure. I think it was
intended to cover either small walls, or...
Mr. Fletcher: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: ... other equipment, maybe a dog house or something, but not
you know, a huge basement.
Mr. Fletcher: As Mr. Olmedillo said, a pool pump.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Fletcher: But this is a parking garage, it's the pillars for this
building they wish to erect.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Anything further?
Mr. Fletcher: And that's clearly in violation. I'm sorry now, good. We have
more we could go into if you really want to hear about them, they are the
smaller items, and Mr. Pace is here and can address them, but I don't know
really whether we should take your time to do that when the cause of these
problems, the Shoreline Review Committee problems, the problems with your City
charter, the parking problems, I don't know why we have the undersized units -
200 square feet in the building which also was pointed out by our architects.
These are symptomatic of bonus.
Mayor Suarez: Undersized units in the building?
Mr. Fletcher: Yes. The employee units. Your code says that you have to
have, what size is it Roco? - four... 500 square feet. Every unit that is...
in a building in this area, has to be a minimum of 400 square feet. These
units that they are putting in for the employees are 200 square feet, and they
excuse it by saying, well, it's for employees, and it's going to be next door
to the big unit. This again is just symptomatic of a developer doing
something to get a change from the code in some fashion, or to get an
interpretation of the code in some fashion that relieves him from an
obligation. These are many of the things that the Brickell Homeowners
Association is trying to avoid have happen. They want you to impose the code
213 October 25, 1990
0 0
as it's written. And if I could address... when I was talking about the
Planned Development before, I wasn't clear enough to you, obviously. I do not
believe that the planned development provisions are applicable to one
building. If you read those particular provisions in there, they are talking
about an area that's going to be more multiple building - in some instances, a
combination of uses in the buildings. But to take a planned area development
ordinance and apply it to one structure, is... I won't use the word absurd.
I'm sure your code didn't intend that, and I believe you can construe your
code so that you can conclude that it does not intend, that the planned
development applies so that a twenty percent bonus can be gained to one
building. As I said that, if you're going to apply that and I hate to keep
saying it because I don't want to talk about money, then it's under section
914 which does apply to one building. And thank you for listening to me on
that again. I'm sorry, whose place did I take?
Mayor Suarez: OK.
Mr. Peter Isaia: My name is Peter Isaia, I'm an officer of the Brickell
Townhouse Association and it is located at 2451 Brickell Avenue. We are a
twenty-six year old residence, consisting of 365 units of one, two and three
bedroom apartments, and there are approximately 750 voting citizens in our
building. The matter tonight is not one for me to bring before you, though I
appreciate your giving me the opportunity to discuss the statistics have been
already been divulged, but to express the wishes of a majority of the
residents who reside in the fourteen condos on Brickell Avenue. We had a
meeting a good month ago, this matter was completely discussed, all of the
details explained to us, we voted upon it and it was clearly indicated we were
not in favor of this development in light of the codes that were being
violated. We were not opposed to the development, but to the codes that are
being circumvented. That matter necessitated a special meeting on October
4th, and I'll read this very brief paragraph, because it speaks for itself on
a... Certificate of Corporate Resolution of the Brickell Homeowners
Association.
"Resolve that this corporation hereby rescinds and withdraws any
previous endorsements, either oral or written in favor of a
proposed building know as Bristol Towers proposed to be built at
2127 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida, and that this corporation's
official position, is that it is opposed to the building being
allowed to be built as currently proposed, and also, that this
corporation is not in favor of the developer being granted a
twenty percent FAR bonus."
What I'm trying to say, ladies and gentlemen, is that, we do want to see
Brickell Avenue prosper and become more than what it is, but we want it done
properly, and we cannot afford to allow codes to be circumvented only to open
up pandora's box for the next developer. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: All right, thank you much. Anything further, John? Anything,
quickly, please.
Mr. Micky Biss: Micky Biss, 2025 Brickell Avenue, I'll please you all and be
as brief as possible and not cover anything unnecessarily that has been
covered. I am the chairperson, chairman of the Brickell Homeowners
Association, I consider myself the founding father of that organization, I
happen to also be the president of the Atlantis on Brickell which is one of
the nearest condominium complexes to the proposed building project. And as
many of you know, I am a large property owner on Brickell and nobody would
like to see property values go up more than I would, nobody would like to see
the area enhanced more than I would. The project is a beautiful project from
what I can see. It's slick, it beautiful, it fits in, but it's too big and
it's over packing. It's putting ten gallons of water into an eight gallon
can. All we are asking you... we are not saying make that piece of land stay
vacant, we are not saying don't let the developer build, we are not saying put
any hardships on the developer, all we are saying, and we are urging you, as
the 6000 approximate residents of the area, don't let the developer exceed the
code. Let's preserve the community, let's not have the accumulative effect as
Barbara said, of setting the wrong precedence for the first major project to
be built in eight years on Brickell. Please, just make the developer adhere
to the code. We didn't come here tonight and spend our own money to hire
counsel, two architects, and get expert opinion so that we can get a larger
contribution to the City. We're not here for money as Mr. Fletcher said. We
are not here to get the developer to contribute more. We are here to beg you,
this distinguished board, to ask the developer to go back to the drawing board
214 October 25, 1990
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literally, and build the building within the boundaries and confines of the
code, the new code, and not to start giving out bonuses which, by their own
numbers has approximately an eleven million dollars ($11,000,000) extra in the
sixty thousand some odd feet, equate to approximately eleven million dollars
(11,000,000) worth of floor space that they can sell. If I was developing the
building, I would ask for it too, it would be a selfish request upon the
community. I don't blame them for asking for it, I urge you not to just get
some more money, not to impose bigger penalties on them, just ask them to go
back to the drawing board and build the same beautiful, fine building, but
down to size within the code. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Quick rebuttal.
Commissioner Plummer: I keep hearing the same thing. What you really want is
that provision taken out of the code. That's what I keep hearing.
Mr. Fletcher: Commissioner, excuse me. What I would like you to do is, in
understanding the planned development, understand that it was not intended to
apply to one building to give them some benefit, but was intended to apply to
a development that would be of multiple structures, multiple uses - construe
that, that's your code, it hasn't been construed yet, it's the first time
anybody has been here. In my years of zoning practice, I have yet to see
planned development be one building. That's not planned development that's
just designing a building. One reason I waived my objection, by the way, to
any expertise on the part of Mr. Traurig's people, was because I wanted to be
able to say at the end, all these wonderful, brilliant people can go back and
design a building that's twenty percent smaller.
Mayor Suarez: All right.
Mr. Maxwell: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Maxwell: Just for the record to reflect... could you have Mr. Rodriguez
please, to indicate on the record, name and title, please.
Mr. Rodriguez: Sergio Rodriguez, director of the Planning Building and Zoning
Department.
Mayor Suarez: Do you want to make a quick statement, Mr. Cotten?
Mr. Bruce Cotten: Yes, I'll make it quick. My name is Bruce Cotten, I live
at 2004 Brickell Avenue. I came here primarily because, I was here before
about three and -a -half years ago before you people, accept for Commissioner
Alonso, and we were objecting to 2100 Brickell, the project going up there.
Not the developer, but the lot owner at the time just wanted to go up another
five feet, and you allowed it, and he came back for another five feet and you
allowed it, and that ended up allowing a higher density in that area, and now
I look at that place which is right beside me and it just makes me sick
because it... I don't know what's going to happen over there but I don't see
how it's going to turn out well. And so when they asked me to come forward, I
just had to remind you of that project. All the trees that were removed there
and planted along the parameter have dies, at least the ones that are on my
side, and that area is just turning out terrible as far as I'm concerned, so I
agree with what Commissioner Plummer was objecting to, or saying - my feeling
is, don't allow exceptions to the code if it's going to hurt the area. Thank
you.
Mayor Suarez: OK. About final rebuttal?
Mr. Fletcher: One second. This is the last person that came.
Mayor Suarez: One minute ma'am.
Ms. Anne Rosen: Mayor, ladies and gentlemen.
Mayor Suarez: There is nothing being said really, that any different from
everything I've heard. I really...
Ms. Rosen: OK, I just want to say that...
215 October 25, 1990
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Mayor Suarez: Give us your name and address.
Ms. Rosen: My name is Anne Rosen. I live at Brickellmar which is adjacent to
the proposed project. I am here representing our building and I... basically
what I wanted to say is that, I agree and our building agrees with the,
proposed opposition, and I hope that you will consider everything that has
been said concerning that. Thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Mr. Traurig: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission. Mr. Traurig again. Can I
direct your attention to the kit that your staff has submitted to you, and
particularly, to pages 25 and 26, which is a letter from Jeffrey Rubinstein to
Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Olmedillo. And then on pages 23 and 24, the response of
Mr. Rodriguez. Basically those pages talk about five issues. When they talk
about all these issues Commissioner Plummer, that they didn't want to bring
up, they really had five issues, and they already brought them up ad
infinitum. I would tell you that those issues were the Waterfront Charter
Amendment issue, the unimpeded visual corridor to Biscayne Bay, and I am sure
that you noticed from those photographs that the wall that's been there since
Miss Brickell put it up and the very heavy landscaping prevents a view from
Brickell Avenue to the bay if no development ever were put there. The third
was the size of units, and they were talking about really those servants'
quarters which we are saying are really just bedroom adjuncts on a different
floor than the units to which they belong, because they are really part of a
condominium parcel. They talked about the off street loading requirements,
which is a class two issue and it's really not pertinent to this hearing. And
then they talked about the 20 percent bonus. And I think that that issue has
been discussed fully. We could go for 25 percent rather than 20 percent, but
we didn't. The 20 percent is provided for in your ordinance. I frankly think
the that issues which they have brought up which relate and Barbara, as the
first spokesperson talked about strict adherence to all codes. How do we
determine what is strict adherence? I think we determine by asking Mr.
Olmedillo, Mr. Rodriguez, and Mr. Genuardi. Mr. Genuardi has responded very
clearly in the correspondence that's in your kit that we are in strict
adherence to the codes as interpreted by the building official of the City of
Miami. And the director of the City of Miami Planning, Building and Zoning
Department has said we are in strict adherence to the codes and they're asking
for you to determine whether or not we should be building because of this
issue of strict adherence. If you're taking advice, as you often say, I'm
listening to my lawyer, I'm listening to my person, they're telling you we're
in accordance with your code. With regard to the contribution to the housing
trust fund, it isn't required under the terms of the ordinance, but we would
like to make a proposal to contribute $50,000 to that trust fund, voluntarily,
without anybody asking for it. We would give you $15,000 within 30 days of
your issuance of an MUSP if you...
Commissioner De Yurre: Bob, you'd better start talking six figures right off
the bat. I'm telling you right now.
Mr. Traurig: Well, let me complete this. Ten thousand dollars at the
issuance of a foundation permit and $25,000 on the issuance of the full
building permit. That would have totaled $50,000 and I did hear what
Commissioner De Yurre has said. With regard to the bulk of our building and
the impact on Brickell Avenue and the last spokespeople saying that we're
creating too much density on Brickell Avenue, the Mayor figured out we're
seven percent. I said eight percent. Our lot coverage is minimal. We are
creating massive open space and they can't really be saying to you that we're
overloading Brickell Avenue. We're asking for more square footage, not to
build more units, not to build more bulk, but to continue the tower up. We
could have put that extra parking instead of going out with these wings into
the building and gone up a little bit more, but we weren't required to do
that. Our design permitted us to do that if we wanted to. What we have done
is to create this slick, sleek, beautiful tower that you see in those
photographs, not for the purpose of getting more units. We could have had
hundred units an acre, could have had 350 units approximately. We're asking
for 150 units approximately. And we want larger units to accommodate that
segment of the population about which I previously spoke. The shoreline
review variance, yes, we needed a variance or a consideration by the County
Shoreline Review Committee with regard to this view corridor that was really
not a view corridor to begin with because of the impossibility of viewing the
bay from Brickell Avenue. That's the variance he's talking about. We didn't
ask for a variance at the bay. We didn't ask to jam our buildings so that the
216 October 25, 1990
view of the bay was impeded in all directions. We're asking for a recognition
of the fact that you don't want us to tear down all that foliage and your
environmental board didn't want us to tear down that foliage or that historic
wall. So, we needed them to recognize that there was a need for some kind of
an accommodation and we agreed to contribute the $5,000 to them. We need some
more help from you. We'd like to put a sales trailer in the 70 foot right-of-
way. We'd like you to consider permitting us to convert these 14 servants
quarters into some apartments, not more than seven, at some point in time. We
do need your help. We think that it's such a worthwhile project. It is so
beneficial...
Commissioner Plummer: Expand on that, converting those units...
Mr. Traurig: We got 14 maids' quarters. If we only sell 7 and we got 7 left,
we'd like to make two apartment units out of the remaining seven. Somewhere
approximately one-third... It takes three units and put them together into one
apartment. What we would have to do, Commissioner, is to tear out the walls,
put in the kitchens, put in the other amenities for an apartment and make a
thousand or 1,200 square foot unit rather than the smaller units that we
presently have.
Commissioner Plummer: Is that a high class maid?
Mr. Traurig: No, this is only if we haven't...
Mayor Suarez: So he could sell those.
Mr. Traurig: ...haven't sold them as maids.
Mayor Suarez: All right, I can't imagine that's going to change our minds one
way or the other. In fact, I'm not sure which way it cuts. Can you just wrap
up, please, Bob, so we can vote.
Mr. Traurig: Yes. I would ask you to do this. To permit us to introduce in
bulk all pictures, photos, charts, architectural drawings, other exhibits
which we have, either delivered to you or referred to in this hearing.
Mayor Suarez: They're introduced into the record.
Mr. Traurig: I would ask you if you're going to rule favorably on this
matter, then as a predicate to the issuance of an MUSP, you have to make
certain findings of fact. I'd like for you to refer to proposed resolution J-
90-779 on pages 43, 44, and 45 and 46 in your kit and your planning fact
sheets 2, 3, and 4 so that your motion incorporates all of those findings of
fact that are incorporated there.
Mayor Suarez: OK, so incorporated, if a motion is made along those lines.
Mr. Traurig: And I urge you to recognize the benefits to this City of having
a large, luxury condominium project in this very key location in order to
encourage the relocation of people with the ability to improve the economy of
the City of Miami into the heart of the City of Miami. I thank you very much.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Bob. Do we have the kind of discretion that it
seems like we have? -or am I missing something here?
Mr. Rodriguez: On the increase of - yes, you do.
Mayor Suarez: Twenty percent higher density.
Commissioner Plummer: Sergio, we've heard numbers from both sides. Is it a
true statement that what the statement I heard that said that without the 20
percent bonus, they could build near 300 units or 300 plus?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes.
Commissioner Plummer: That's a true statement?
Mr. Rodriguez: That is correct, because they could do it under the
comprehensive plan and depending on the size...
217 October 25, 1990
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Commissioner Plummer: In other words, without any bonuses, without any
variances, you're telling me that legally... apply for a permit to put in near
300 units.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right, and they could do that without having to go through a
hearing or through a major use permit. They could have done it, if they had
chosen to provide that number of units, even if they were of a smaller size.
The reason why they came to the City with an increase in the floor area is
because they want to provide a size of unit which is much larger than what
they will normally do with the floor area ratio limitation. But, in no
moment, there was an increase in the number of units that they could provide
and they...
Commissioner Plummer: So, they're providing, under these terms and
conditions, for round numbers, half of what they could legally do without a
hearing.
Mr. Rodriguez: Half of a bigger size. I want to clarify that.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, of course, we understand that.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right. Well, I want to make sure that, you know...
Commissioner Plummer: But, the people are speaking to density and they're
speaking to cars, they're speaking to all of the other issues. What is being
said is, they could legally, if this was turned down, tomorrow they can put
double the number of units that they are asking for today.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, that's correct.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. My next question. With this bonus - excuse me -
without this bonus, could they go to the same height?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, they could.
Mayor Suarez: There is no height restrictions, you said.
Mr. Rodriguez: There's no height limitation.
Commissioner Plummer: No, but I'm saying, they're talking 38 floors, 36 plus
two.
Mr. Rodriguez: They could.
Commissioner Plummer: So, without a hearing, if this was turned down
tonight...
Mr. Rodriguez: Sure.
Commissioner Plummer: ...they could still go to the same height that they're
asking for here?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, it would be a thinner building.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, I'm - you know, I think the problem that we heard
earlier was the height was cutting off this and cutting off that, whatever
that is. And you're also saying that if this were to be...
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I didn't say that....
Commissioner Plummer: Excuse me.
INAUDIBLE COMMENTS NOT ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, there was an issue somebody raised it. Whether
you did or not...
Mayor Suarez: Light planes were mentioned at one point. Light planes were
mentioned.
Commissioner Plummer: Yes, OK, somebody mentioned it.
218 October 25, 1990
Mr. Rodriguez: Light planes don't apply.
Commissioner Plummer: The other question that I have relates to setbacks. If
this application were to be denied tonight, are you saying that the same
setbacks that are provided for in this application could be done tomorrow
without a hearing?
Mr. Rodriguez: Right. Without hearing from you, they already went through
some hearings through the Shoreline Ordinance Review Committee and they might
have a different configuration and they might have to go through that review
committee again.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, what I was referring to basically was, that we
require a ten -foot setback and I've asked the question now twice...
Mr. Rodriguez: The setback...
Commissioner Plummer: ... that there is - side setbacks.
Mr. Rodriguez: Right.
Commissioner Plummer: That there is nothing, even in this proposal that, in
fact, is in that area of setbacks of the ten feet, there's no 42 inches,
there's no nothing in there inside setbacks.
Mr. Rodriguez: Let me clarify that and maybe Guillermo can correct me if I'm
wrong. The setback is twenty, it's just within ten feet they're not putting
anything and the rest of the ten feet are used by the 42 inch structure which
is not considered...
Mayor Suarez: The last ten feet, you can't have anything at all. Is that
what you're saying?
Mr. Rodriguez: It's not included. It's not considered as part of the
intrusion into the setback.
Commissioner Plummer: No, that's not what I understood.
Mayor Suarez: The next ten feet, you can have up to 42 inches, is that what
you're saying?
Mr. Rodriguez: Well, you could have the 42 inches all the way...
Commissioner Plummer: Right to the lot line you can go with the 42 inches.
Mr. Rodriguez: Lot line, but in this case, there is a ten foot setback with
nothing, you know. And then the other setback was ten feet...
Mayor Suarez: What is the required setback under the Code?
Mr. Rodriguez: Twenty.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, well then I heard ten, so it's not the case.
Mr. Rodriguez: You are correct that you heard ten in the sense that they have
left a ten foot setback with no interruption and no structure, no 42 inches
intrusion.
Mayor Suarez: Where there's no even a 42 inch structure.
Commissioner Plummer: OK, thank you.
Mayor Suarez: All right, anything else, Commissioners?
Commissioner De Yurre: Yes. I'd like to hear from the numbers man, Mr.
Sharpton.
Mr. Traurig: Can I give you a number?
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, let me, I want to get some, you know... we'll
work something out. What is the projected cost of this project?
219 October 25, 1990
Mr. Sharpton: Total cost, I believe fifty-four million dollars ($54,000,000)
and some change.
Commissioner De Yurre: That includes the land?
Mr. Sharpton: Yes, it does.
Commissioner De Yurre: What is the projected profit?
Mr. Sharpton: I don't have that number readily available.
Commissioner De Yurre: Usually - for this type of development?
Commissioner Plummer: It's easy to figure. A hundred and eighty dollars a
square foot times how many square feet?
Commissioner De Yurre: No but I'm talking about profit, not gross.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, that's what they intend to sell it for is $180 a
square foot. That's pretty easy to take away common corridors.
Commissioner De Yurre: Yes, well then you got... the $55,000,000 include soft
costs also?
Mr. Sharpton: Yes, it does.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK, how many square feet do we have? Have you got
your calculator there? -or you don't need one?
Mr. Sharpton: I may need one. I may need one.
Commissioner De Yurre: Go ahead, square feet times a hundred and eighty.
Mr. Sharpton: One eighty times...
Mayor Suarez: Sounds to me like about a hundred and eight million bucks
($108,000,000).
Commissioner De Yurre: ...square feet of construction that's going to be
sold.
Mayor Suarez: Didn't they say it was sixty thousand built out? -square feet?
Commissioner De Yurre: Total is...
Mr. Sharpton: Less the bonus...
Commissioner De Yurre: ...what? -three sixty? Is that 360,000 square feet?
Mr. Sharpton: At 360,000 square feet, we're looking at about sixty five
million, yes.
Commissioner Plummer: You're looking at a lot of common areas in there.
Commissioner De Yurre: I know, we're going to get to that.
Mr. Sharpton: The exact figure is sixty-four million, eight hundred thousand
($64,800,000).
Commissioner De Yurre: So, we figure there's about give or take, about seven
and a half million dollars profit there. Right?
Mr. Sharpton: I don't know what you're basing that on.
Mr. Traurig: I have a few figures to give you, Commissioner. Let me give you
1974, let me give you 1981, let me give you late 1990-early 1991. Those are
some numbers to think about. There's an assumption that every developer will
make a certain amount of money for every square foot he builds. I'm sure that
there's no one in this room who doesn't know many developers who have lost
everything that they own because the market conditions were poor. The
assumption that square footage equates to big dollars may not be valid. They
have confidence in this market, they love Brickell Avenue, they want to build
220 October 25, 1990
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this product, but there's no assurance that they're going to win. And I
really think that that ought to be considered. I say it respectfully and your
point is well made, but I think that the numbers that ought to be considered
are 174, 181, and 190 and 191. Those may win the lottery or lose the lottery.
Commissioner De Yurre: I think that the number we need to consider is about
$250,000. Seems like a pretty round figure.
Mr. Traurig: Pardon me?
Commissioner De Yurre: Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars is the number
that I think we should consider.
Mr. Traurig: Well...
Commissioner De Yurre: We can work out the terms.
Mr. Traurig: I have to respectfully reject that, but to make a proposal which
might make you a partner in the deal. Then, if at the end of the deal, the
profits that you project are realized, that they would be very happy then to
make an additional contribution to the City's housing trust fund.
Commissioner De Yurre: On top of the two fifty?
Mr. Traurig: And they would increase the $50,000 that was previously offered
to $100,000 at the present time, with the other $50,000 to be paid at the time
of the CO of the building. They can't do it any differently. If you want to
have them scrap the project, you know, they might have to do that. But,
they're willing because of their confidence in the City and because of their
love for this site, to take that major risk and they're willing to increase
the commitment to the City housing trust fund to $100,000 with a carrot at the
end if they win.
Commissioner Plummer: How big is the carrot?
Mr. Traurig: The additional hundred thousand that the Commissioner was
talking about. And that's at the very end of the project.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, let me say this because I'm usually the Jesse
James of the Commission. In this particular case, that's not concerning me as
much as the other factor. I'm assuming these developers own this real estate,
it's not on a contract to buy. That they own it. Am I correct?
Mr. Traurig: That's correct.
Commissioner Plummer: OK. These developers are not going to let that
property, they can't afford to let -it sit still. They've got to do something
with it. Maybe even selling it might be the last alternative. If this matter
is turned down this evening by this Commission, I fear what might happen.
That's my area of concern. A developer is a developer and he has to develop
or he loses his shirt. Now, the two questions that I asked are my basic areas
of concern. And I'm not asking you to make a commitment and I appreciate that
you didn't use what most people use against this Commission, either threats or
implied threats. That if it's turned down tonight, without any hearing before
this Commission, without any conditions attached, without any stipulation of
contributions, he can build double the number of units. He can still go to
the same height and that concerns me because the developer is going to
develop.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: My concern is... Mr. Rodriguez...
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: ...you keep saying that they could build double the
number of units and I heard someone say that the smallest unit must have a
bedroom of 500 square feet. Did I hear correct?
Mr. Rodriguez: Happens to have a bedroom of 500 feet?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Yes.
Commissioner De Yurre: The one bedroom?
221 October 25, 1990
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Mr. Rodriguez: No. The apartment...
Commissioner Plummer: Unit.
Mr. Rodriguez: ...the unit, whole unit on the apartment...
Mayor Suarez: The smallest one bedroom would have to be what size?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: The whole unit, the smallest unit what now?
Mr. Rodriguez: Five fifty.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Five fifty.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: So, are you telling me that they can build twice as many
units and have... meet the requirements of five fifty per unit?
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, sir.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK.
Mr. Rodriguez: I think it would be the wrong development for the area and I
think the units might not sell, but it's possible.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: You see, you are editorializing and philosophizing, you
know, when I don't need that right now, sir. OK? Now, I've been hearing...
OK, in the 20 foot setback, if they do not get what they want, that means
nothing can be put in the setback. Is the correct, sir? There will be no
pool and none of that pretty shrubbery. Is that correct?
Mr. Rodriguez: I'm not clear on that and I want to make sure that I tell you
the correct answer. There are two different types of setbacks which are
guiding this. The 20 foot setback is the one guided by the Charter Amendment
and the there is a ten foot setback which is guided by the Zoning Ordinance so
that's why it is somewhat confusing. I know that we have made - there has
been a determination made since the previous ordinance, the one before 9500,
that the structures, which are 42 inches and shorter, are allowed in the
setbacks. So that kind of facilities would be allowed in those setbacks,
between the ten feet and the 20 foot setback. Correct? I want to make sure
I'm correct.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: OK, thank you, sir. The other thing...
Commissioner Plummer: That does not come under the 20 percent bonus. That
does not apply on the bonus.
Mr. Rodriguez: That has nothing to do with the bonus. That is a requirement.
Mayor Suarez: Totally different issue.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Totally different issue. Now, the other thing that, if I
got nothing else out of this tonight, is the fact that me and everybody else
wants this removed from the Code - from the whatever, 11000, whatever it is.
Because if we did not have it in there, this developer would not have gone to
the expense of attempting to get a project through because he would not have
asked for these bonuses had we not had them in there. So, I intend to be
doing all I can to remove it. I don't know how this will go, but the only
way - and I don't care, I'm like J.L., see - my daddy had a third grade
education and he told me, son, buy land. Put your money in land. He said,
land is the only commodity the Lord is not making no more of and the only way
the profit can go is up. So, that land is not going to sit there and the
profit go down, the valuation is going to go up. So, whatever they put on it,
they going to utilize it, J.L., I agree with you. But, now, what they're
going to put there, I don't know. But I assure you, that the only way I would
vote for this is, the servants' quarters be 500 square feet, the same as
everything else. It's no way you can make me believe that when this unit -
that's me, personally - is completed, that they will not find some reason to
say that servants are not needed by the people who live there, therefore,
there are no servants quarters needed, therefore, we're going to convert these
222 October 25, 1990
into saleable units. And I have no problem with them converting them to
saleable units that they meet the minimum requirements which is 500 square
feet per unit.
Commissioner De Yurre: What size are they being proposed at now?
Commissioner Plummer: Two hundred.
Mr. Rodriguez: At present, the one that they are proposing is 200, but you
can put that condition exactly and they would have to follow the condition
exactly any way you decide because this is major use permit.
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, then, what you're saying is that you can't sell
any unit that is less than five hundred square feet?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, he can't build one.
Commissioner Plummer: What it's reducing...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: No, no, he asked me what I'm saying. I'm telling him
what I'm saying.
Commissioner Plummer: It's reducing it down from 14 servant's quarters to
three units is what it's doing.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: All right, see, and Mr....
Commissioner Plummer: Your 1,400 square feet of each unit is 200 square feet
and there's seven of them. So, if you go the 550, it's roughly three units.
That's what you're talking about.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: And I don't do this lightly. I do this because I have
been shafted. When I came on this Commission, I argued about Claughton
Island. The developer promised Father Gibson who sat here where I'm sitting
and if you'll allow me to build "X" units on Claughton Island, knowing good
and well that they wouldn't do it, we'll put 200 units of low income housing
on Claughton Island. Ten years after that, no housing, no low rent housing.
We sat here and a majority of this Commission allowed the developer to
contribute two million dollars to a housing fund and got off the hook. Now, I
do not plan to sit here and have that happen again. If you're going to build
some servants' quarters, for the lack of a better word, you make sure that
they meet the minimum requirements and in the event that you convert them, I
have no problems with it.
Mayor Suarez: OK. Yes, to use J.L.'s term, call the question.
Commissioners, what's the motion?
Joel Maxwell, Esq.: Mr. Mayor, before please. I would like Mr. Fletcher, if
he would, to either stipulate on the record that the City's representatives
are experts as well. Would you please stipulate on the record, please. Or
will we have to qualify them?
Mayor Suarez: Oh, God, that has got to be the silliest thing stated all day
here today.
Mr. Fletcher: I'll stipulate that he's an expert land use planner.
Mr. Maxwell: I want...
Mr. Fletcher: Wait, wait, wait, let me explain my position in regards of that
as carefully as I can. My people totally disagree with interpretations that
have been made by the City staff of various provisions of the Code. We have
every intention in the world of preserving those rights. As far as his being
the City planner or the person in charge of planning for the City, no problem.
I believe simply, as a City employee, as a planner, he's competent to testify
as to the things he did. While I have the microphone, Mr. Mayor, may I say
one other thing?
Mr. Maxwell: That's why I wanted him qualified.
Mayor Suarez: His stipulation to that effect is not going to change a thing
in the appellate process. But anyhow...
223 October 25, 1990
Mr. Fletcher: Mr. Mayor, I'm getting...
Mayor Suarez: Do you stipulate as to the qualifications, if they were going
to be experts or if a court at some point, after this, would have to consider
whether they're experts or not?
Mr. Maxwell: The two that have testified.
Mr. Fletcher: No, I'm saying, he can testify, he's the City planner. I asked
for your permission, Mr. Mayor, to talk about one thing.
Mayor Suarez: Even if you didn't think that, it would be a wise idea for you
to say that. Yes.
Mr. Fletcher: Yes. Thank you. The apparent feeling of negotiation for money
that is being perceived by my clients is upsetting a number of them and they
have come to me and they have said, we don't really want to see our City
bargaining away density for money.
Mayor Suarez: Well, John, this is, by way of a rebuttal to the rebuttal. We
appreciate what you're saying. It's been made very clear on questions that I
asked that you're not bargaining away your position based on even a 25 percent
greater density which would carry with it a bonus or a payment to the City's
trust fund of about $400,000. We understand that, we understand that. That
is what our Code provides would be an alternative way for them to proceed, so
it's very logical for us to look at that avenue. But we understand that your
client's position does not favor bargaining away...
Mr. Fletcher: Exchanging money for zoning.
Mayor Suarez: Right. Density for a contribution.
Mr. Fletcher: Thank you.
Commissioner Plummer: Except, for the record, John, you brought it up,
quoting from the palace of malice.
Mr. Fletcher: Well, I think... palace of malice, the Herald, you mean? Yes.
I must confess that probably I stressed too much that they were using the
wrong approach, which the planned development approach when there was an
avenue that could have been taken otherwise on this. So, forgive me for my
fault, but the bargaining is hurting us.
Mayor Suarez: Just give them their qualifications. I'm not going to get into
the business of asking them to stipulate as to expertise of our - right, so
just.. .
Commissioner De Yurre: For the record, Mr. Mayor, let me state so that
there's no misunderstanding. The reason that I am pursuing now the monetary
aspect of this situation is because I am convinced after listening to all the
testimony and listening to the administration, that we can go ahead, at least
in my mind, to go ahead with the project that is being requested because when
we look at the alternative of double the amount of units, what we're looking
at only approximately 26 additional units from what they could build according
to this, which is the 20 percent approximately. To me, 26 units doesn't make
that impact compared to the alternatives that exist and certainly it's a
beautiful looking project. So, my vote is going to be to grant this. Now,
once I've taken that posture, I'm going to get as much money as we can for the
City and I think that Mr. Traurig is going to make a proposal that I find
acceptable.
Mayor Suarez: Make that real quick and let me get the qualifications of our
two planners on the record.
Mr. Traurig: I would like to, voluntarily, to offer to the City, without any
request on the part of the City whatsoever, a total contribution of $200,000,
composed of the following: $15,000 within 30-days of the issuance of this
MUSP order. Ten thousand dollars at the issuance of a foundation permit.
Twenty-five thousand on receipt of the full building permit. Fifty thousand
dollars on the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and a hundred thousand
dollars when the 12Oth unit in this building has been sold and closed.
224 October 25, 1990
Therefore, it's unrelated to profits. And that's if it's sold and closed by
the parties who are the original developers. If there were a mortgage
foreclosure, that should not be the obligation of a future owner of the
property pursuant to the mortgage foreclosure. Obviously, these people intend
to work as diligently as possible to make it a success, but we can't encumber
the property with that obligation that would become the burden of a third
party at some later date. So, therefore, we are prepared to make that offer
of $200,000 with regard to the suggestions made by Commissioner Dawkins,
they're fair. We accept them. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: OK, please quickly, state your qualifications in the record,
Guillermo, in making the recommendations that you have made and otherwise
analyzing for it and...
Mr. Fletcher: Mr. Mayor, I'll save you the trouble, I'll stipulate as to his
qualifications.
Mayor Suarez: My problem is that I don't think that's worth a heck of a lot
in these proceedings. There's nothing in our —
Charter or Code that says that your stipulation means anything to us in any
particular way and I don't see in the appellate procedure how it could mean
anything, but you disagree with me? All right.
Mr. Maxwell: Yes, sir.
Commissioner De Yurre: Have we got a motion? We have a motion? r
Mayor Suarez: All right, fine, then I'll abide by my City Attorney. He's
paid to think these things through, I'm not.
Commissioner De Yurre: We have a motion that hasn't been seconded, right?
Mayor Suarez: I don't know that we have a motion yet, do we?
Commissioner De Yurre: Well, I thought he made a motion. Contingent on the
size of the...
Mayor Suarez: That's what I want to clarify.
Commissioner De Yurre: Didn't you make the motion?
Mayor Suarez: There's no motion before us. I'll entertain a motion.
Commissioner De Yurre: OK. Well, do you want that to be part of the motion?
OK, I'll move that we approve this item with the proviso of making the
servants' quarters a minimum size - of what? 500 square feet?
Mayor Suarez: Five -fifty.
Commissioner De Yurre: Five -fifty. And also accepting the offer of the
$200,000 in the form that was offered.
Mayor Suarez: So moved. Do we have a second on the motion? Do we have a
second on that motion?
Commissioner Plummer: For discussion purposes, I'll second it.
Mayor Suarez: Commissioner Plummer.
Commissioner Plummer: There were other areas that Mr. Traurig brought up.
The area of the sales trailer was one.
Mr. Traurig: Commissioner, we can waive that.
Commissioner Plummer: All right, well I was asking for clarification. So
you're waiving everything outside of what is actually in the application?
Mr. Traurig: Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Commissioner De Yurre: Anything further?
225 October 25, 1990
Mayor Suarez: OK, anything further, Commissioners? If not, please call the
roll.
Commissioner Plummer: He said it wasn't necessary.
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner De Yurre, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-848
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT, APPROVING A MAJOR USE
SPECIAL PERMIT WITH CONDITIONS, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE
17, ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR THE
BRISTOL TOWER PROJECT PROPOSED BY THE BRISTOL TOWER
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP TO BE LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY
2127 BRICKELL AVENUE (MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
HEREIN), AND TO BE COMPRISED OF NOT MORE THAN 145
CONDOMINIUM UNITS AND 14 LODGING UNITS AND NOT MORE
THAN 360,848 SQUARE FEET OF HABITABLE RESIDENTIAL AREA
IN A BUILDING OF 37 STORIES ABOVE GROUND LEVEL SUBJECT
TO THE DONATION TO THE CITY OF MIAMI OF THE SUM OF
$200,000 AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND FURTHER SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS INCLUDING THE CONDITION THAT THE SERVANTS'
QUARTERS SHALL NOT CONTAIN LESS THAN 550 SQUARE FEET;
INCLUDING A PARKING GARAGE, WHICH PARKING GARAGE SHALL
BE COMPRISED OF 298 PARKING SPACES AND 4 LOADING
BERTHS ON GROUND LEVEL AND TWO PARKING LEVELS
UNDERGROUND; INCORPORATING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF
OTHER BOARDS; INCORPORATING HERITAGE CONSERVATION
BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 90-23 PER CHAPTER 17 OF THE CITY
CODE PERTAINING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT
37-7; FURTHER, DESIGNATING THE PROJECT AS A PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT PER ARTICLE 5 OF THE
ABOVE ZONING ORDINANCE AND INCREASING THE FLOOR AREA
RATIO TO 2.06; ESTABLISHING AN EXPIRATION DATE FOR
SAID PERMIT; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK
TO SEND THE RESOLUTION TO THE DEVELOPER AND PROVIDING
THAT THE MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT SHALL BE BINDING ON
THE APPLICANT AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST; PROVIDING
FOR RELIANCE ON THE APPLICATION AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Plummer, the resolution was passed
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Victor De Yurre
Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr.
Commissioner Miriam Alonso
Vice Mayor Miller J. Dawkins
NOES: Mayor Xavier L. Suarez
ABSENT: None.
COMMENTS MADE DURING ROLL CALL:
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Reluctantly, I'm going to vote yes, but I want to assure
you that I won't be caught in this again because I'm going to make a motion
after this to delete this.
COMMENTS MADE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL:
Mayor Suarez: I don't think we have any other items on the agenda.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Mr. Mayor, may I point of special privilege?
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Vice Mayor Dawkins.
226 October 25, 1990
Vice Mayor Dawkins: I'd like to make a motion to instruct the City Manager
that the Zoning Department be told...
Mayor Suarez: Eliminate the 20 percent bonus provision in our zoning for
Brickell based on...
Vice Mayor Dawkins: For anywhere in the City of Miami.
Commissioner Plummer: Well, what you're saying...
Mayor Suarez: Do you want to eliminate the 25 percent also?
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Yes, sir, anywhere.
Mayor Suarez: The 25 percent has to do with us getting a contribution and it
has a tie in to the trust fund. If we want to eliminate one, maybe we ought
to eliminate both. OK.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Eliminate both, both or none.
Mayor Suarez: Yes. We're going to be, for future action of this Commission
asking the City Manager to begin the process and bring back to us a new
ordinance that eliminates both the 20 percent bonus and the 25 percent bonus
on these overlays that we have.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: But we're allowing it on this one.
Vice Mayor Dawkins: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Well, the vote has been taken on this one. All right, anything
further?
Mr. Traurig: May I inquire before you conclude, sir. I assume that
Commissioner De Yurre, in making his motion and Commissioner Plummer, in
seconding it, and all of those who voted yes, have taken into consideration
those pages, 2, 3, and 4 in Resolution J-90-779...
Mayor Suarez: Yes, those...
Mr. Traurig: ...as the findings of fact and the planning fact sheet pages 2,
3, 4, and 5 which are very clearly findings of fact.
Mayor Suarez: Yes, Bob, and anything else in the recommendation of the
Planning Department which was favorable to the application. All right, we're
otherwise adjourned.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COMB BEFORE THE CITY
COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:28 P.M.
ATTEST:
Matty Hirai
CITY CLERK
Walter J. Foeman
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
227 October 25, 1990