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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1986-09-04 Minutesor MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA On the 4th day of September, 1986, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at Drake Memorial Baptist Church, 5800 N.W. 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida in Special Session. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Xavier Suarez with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Vice -Mayor Miller J. Dawkins Mayor Xavier L. Suarez ABSENT: Commissioner Joe Carollo Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. Commissioner Rosario Kennedy ALSO PRESENT: Cesar Odio, City Manager Lucia Allen Dougherty, City Attorney Matty Hirai, City Clerk Walter J. Foeman An invocation was delivered by Rev. J. W. Dunn. 1. STREET CRIME - IN PARTICULAR DRUG DEALING - IN OR ABOUT THE AREAS OF LITTLE RIVER, EDISON AND LITTLE HAITI Rev. Richard Dunn: I'd like to thank Rev. Dunn for that prayer. First of all I think I need to say something little something off my chest. I'm a little disappointed that I see only two Commissioners here and I think that we, as a community, need to take note that only two Commissioners out of five are here when they were notified way in advance - I believe about two months in advance. And I think, come election time, we need to voice our opinions to - let them understand that we don't want to be prostituted any more to the -_ community. For too long public officials have come into our community and prostituted our people during election times and when it's time to actually deliver to the community in which we are tax paying citizens many times we don't get that kind of support. But I am happy that those of you who are — -- here, and I just pray that those Commissioners who aren't here do have a legitimate reason for not being here because they were notified way in advance, and I think it's a bad example of leadership, and they need to know g that. My name is Rev. Richard Dunn. I'm the assistant Pastor of this church, Grace Memorial Baptist Church. I also serve on the board of directors for the Edison Little Haiti Community Association. This meeting came about as a result of the problems that we were having in our community. There was open and blatant sale of drugs and distribution right directly across from this r: church - the store right across'the street, on the bus bench on the east side ;'. ._. of N.W. 2nd Avenue and all along this community. There are other streets that the policemen are aware, City officials are aware that we have severe problems, and we were disturbed because we noticed that in other communities they don't have this kind of a problems. I've never seen open sale of drugs in areas like Brickell, areas like Little Havana, and I was disturbed because ..c=; it appears to me that since we do pay taxes there should be something that our officials can do to help alleviate this problem because we deserve a more... the quality of life, just like everybody else. As you can see, our Girl - Scouts and Boy Scouts Union - it's sickening for them to be exposed to this _ kind of negative activity. It's disturbing because a lot of kids never have an opportunity to understand and to experience quality of life - good quality living. And so we made our plea to the City Commissioners - I believe it was - the and of June - and I thank God for the Mayor and Commissioner Dawkins who 1 September 4, 1986 A A responded by saying they would give us a public hearing. I also would like to commend the Police Department because they did step up the enforcement, or they stepped up the policing in the area. There's more visibility of the policemen. They've had several sting operations and it coincidental that they do happen to have something going on right now, right in this area. I wonder why. But never mind that. They have responded to our plea. However, we were concerned because we didn't want this to be short-lived. For too long, you know, we get emotional and we let people know how we feel and then it sort of dies down, but we came out tonight to make a statement to the public officials that to be heard, to let them know that we want this type of policing, this type of patrolling to continue because we want and deserve the same quality of life. And so that's pretty much the purpose of this meeting, is to discuss some ways in which we can work together because we do need each other. And let me say this to those of you who may not live in this area, whether you live in Liberty City, whether you live in Overtown, or whether you live in Edison/Little Haiti, this drug problem is a universal problem. Crime comes as a result of drugs and so we just wanted to voice our opinion, and hopefully get a continued commitment from the Commissioners and from the public officials to continue to see that we receive the same quality of life that other areas of Dade County and the City of Miami receive. At this time I am going to call on our chairperson, Miss Lori A. Weldon, and she will give the key issues for this meeting. Miss Lori A. Weldon: First of all I'd like to say good evening to everyone and thank you for coming. I see we're getting a bit crowded here, so if there are any board members present for the Edison/Little Haiti community center, would you take a seat up in the choir stand so there will be room in the audience for someone to sit down - all board members. We're here this evening to discuss some issues that we want to discuss before the City Commission on June 26 when they told us that they would grant us a public hearing. I want to thank them for doing so and, as Rev. Dunn has said, I want to thank Commissioner Dawkins, Mayor Suarez, City Manager Odio for showing up and we have a letter for Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Kennedy and Commissioner Plummer to thank them also. The first thing we wanted to discuss this evening is the drug problem in the area. I do want to thank the Police Department for all the efforts they have made in reducing our problem, but it still exists and it's still a magnitude. What we'd like to see is more "sting" operations, more frequent "sting" operations, to keep the drug problem hammered down so that it doesn't get into the epidemic proportions which it was before. We need patrolling, we need policemen in the area. A question I want to present to the Commission is why do some areas in Miami have foot patrols, or horse patrols and this area doesn't? We need patrols. We need policing. We'd like to continue the mandatory watch order which we're under right now so that any drug activity or crimes in the areas being seen will be responded to within 8 to 10 minutes. We want loitering and drinking around parks and in streets ceased. You can go in Brickell and you won't see the loitering that you see out here. We think that this can be decreased - if not eliminated. We'd like to improve the area parks so that kids will want to come and play in them and they feel safe. Right now, I assure you - well, not now because it's dark, but earlier - if you had gone out to any neighborhood park in this area you would have seen more drinking, more people participating in drug activities than you would have seen children playing. And the sanitation in the area - I want to commend Mr. Ingraham at this point for working so well with me. He's been doing a brilliant job. He's removed a lot of abandoned cars in the area, cleaned up some lots, but there are still areas that need to be attacked and we want to make sure that they are attacked also and that they're not just given a friendly glance, or look -over and then pushed aside. What we want from this City Commission this evening is assurance that there will be action and that steps and measures will be taken to help us in our plight so that we can look as nice and clean and as crime free as Brickell, Little Havana, other areas in Miami. We're a community, a voting community, just as they are. We deserve the same rights and privileges that they receive. We deserve the same protection that they receive and this is what we want from the City Commission. During the process of the evening we will have different speakers from the area and authorities on what I am saying here to stress to you the points we're trying to make. At this time, I think Rev. J.W. Dunn. Mr. Dawkins: May I take a special point of privilege here? First, I'd like to say that the Mayor has laryngitis and he's out here, so he will not be saying too much. All the other Commissioners whose aides are here representing the Commission, would you stand so that I can let the people know who's here. Rosario Kennedy, Carollo, their aides are here. The other thing 2 September 4, 1986 i 004 is J.L. has a bad back. The doctor has him strapped up and he also has a bad head, but we understand that! This is our third meeting. We have been in a budget hearing all day. We just left a meeting at Robert E. Lee and I'm going to tell you now and be up front and not lie to you - at 10 o'clock I'm going home. With that on line... Yes, sir. Mr. (INAUDIBLE OFF MIKE): My name is I live in Mr. Dawkins: Which area? Mr. Right here in this area. Mr. Dawkins: OK, sir. Mr. What I want to say is this... Mr. Dawkins: No, sir, if you want to say something you have to.., because this is her meeting. Miss Weldon: Just give me a minute. As far as you being out of here at 10 o'clock the only filibuster that will be done will probably be done by the City officials! We'll get you out of here. Give us what we want - we'll get you out of here! Mr. Dawkins: I'm going whether you get what you want or nott I'm not going to sit here and lie to you. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE - INAUDIBLE) Mr. Dawkins: That's right, Reverend Dunn. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) I think what we need to do is get some clarification. Mr. Dawkins: Yes, sir. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Said he was going to leave at 10 o'clock and what I'm looking at because what I'm saying... the Commissioners are not here. so what we're looking for limitations on our own time and nobody Mr. Dawkins: May I respond, Rev. Dunn? I agree with you that nobody is here, but you have two votes here and I would wish that you would not penalize me by having me come here and then punish me because the rest of them are not here by not telling me what you want. Rev. Dunn: Brother Dawkins, what you are doing to us. I'm not penalizing you, you're penalizing yourself... by telling us what time you're going to leave and you only have one shoulder to lean on and that's the Mayor. All the other Commissioners are not present. I would like to know before we leave tonight why they didn't come. So long as they get paid... That's all I ask. Mr. Dawkins: I can only speak for the Mayor because he's here and if I lie he will correct me and that is, the Mayor is here and we have been out all day, even though he is ill, he's here because he feels that if you call it must be important. So he's here. I'm here because you called and at the City Commission I assured you that if you called a public hearing I would be here and I'm here. Now why the others aren't here, I cannot speak for them and I would not dare. All I know is, J.L. asked me to tell you that the doctor had him in bed with a bad back. That's all I know. Miss Weldon: OK, to move on, I'm going to ask that all speakers that come up, would they please state their name and address. Ms. Vivian Gorget: My name is Vivian Gorget. I live on 6725 N. Miami Avenue and my question is... First of all, listen carefully. Many times when I visit the south Miami area and I see the cleaning crews out there, cleaning the area and it gives me a good feeling to see that, but how come this area does not have a cleaning crew to clean up the area? You'd go up there to 62nd Street. There are smelly garbage, piled up as high as mountains and there's 3 September 4, 1986 g' )tF( p ON j no one there to clean it up. Now, the garbage man does not pick up those kind of garbages. They only pick up produce and so forth, not those kind of garbages. Why don't we have a cleaning crew as south Miami does? Don't we pay as much tax as they do? How come they get the special treatment? Mr. Joe Ingraham: (OFF MIKE) To answer your question, we are in the process <, of revising our trash collection system and we will have special handlers working in the area. What I have done personally is and come into the area myself, for instance, between N.W. 2nd Avenue and N.E. 2nd Avenue on 59th Street as late as two weeks ago. I personally was out there with cleaning crews doing 61st to 67th and it's a constant effort on our part to do that. You are right, you do need a special dumper here and we're in the process of providing that on an ongoing basis. Ms. Gorget: Thank you very much. Mr. Odio: Last week, correct me if I am wrong, I was riding this neighborhood around one o'clock in the afternoon and I called from my car and they spent special crews to clean up the area. As soon as I saw... Ms. Gorget: Which area - this area right here? Mr. Odio: In fact it was 59th - between... Mr. Ingraham: (OFF MIKE) N.E. 2nd Mr. Odio: I called him and it was cleaned in one hour. We need the neighbors to help out, too. If you see an area like that, call the number and we'll send a crew out. Please do that. Ms. Gorget: How fast can you send a crew out there because most of the time they take perhaps months to get out there? Mr. Odio: Joe, how long did it take you to clean that up? Mr. Ingraham: (OFF MIKE) I personally was there in less than 30 minutes, in the area, in the neighborhood... Mr. Odio: What I'm telling you, Miss, I do care, we do care, he cares. He's the Director of Solid Waste and we're trying to do our best. If you know of an area that needs cleaning, let us know. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (OFF MIKE INAUDIBLE) Mr. Odio: Fine, let us know exactly where it is. Let us know where it is. Mr. Ingraham: (OFF MIKE) Let me give you my phone. You can call me directly. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (OFF MIKE INAUDIBLE) Mr. Ingraham: (OFF MIKE) But you have not talked to me. My number is 579- 6782 and that's for everyone in this room that's in the Wynwood area... this area here in Edison/Little Haiti. Give me a call directly. If you've got a specific problem - 579-6782. My last name is Ingraham. If you've got a problem in a specific part of the community, call me. We will respond immediately - just call me - it's no problem. Call me and we'll respond. (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS OFF MIKE) Mr. Odio: If you don't clean it, please call the City Manager's office. (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS OFF MIKE) Mr. Odio: I'm sure he's going to clean it up. At the same order, I want you to know that the Parks Department has instruction... (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS OFF MIKE) Mr. Dawkins: You're paying your taxes, you're no pest, darling. You're paying your taxes. 4 September 4, 1986 (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS OFF MIKE) Mr. Odio: We have inspectors out on the streets now checking the streets. I know we're not perfect and we're trying to correct that. We have now instructed all the Parks Department supervisors that are riding from park to park that any time they see garbage or trash accumulated to call in immediately. They write a report and we follow it up on that. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Mr. Odio: Ma'am, we'll correct your situation. Mr. Henry Farrell: My name is Henry Farrell. I am an attorney here in Miami. I am also on the board of directors with the association, together with the fact that I am one of the people that helped get this organization along with Rev. Dunn and Lori Weldon. We all got together about two or three months ago because there were a number of problems here - primarily, one of the drug problem. However, what Rev. Dunn, Sr. mentioned earlier on was a question of quality of life. It is basically what has come from this whole experience for all of us. What we're here to do tonight is not to get promises of quick fixes or anything like that. What we want to know is that the City of Miami is going to be responsive to the needs of this community - and not only to this community, but the community in general. What we want to sit down tonight and ask and tell the members of the Commission that are here is what those immediate problems are. Basically they are: the drug problem; number 2, the question of the parks and what we're going to do with our kids; number 3, the question of code enforcement, not only with sanitation but with building and zoning. When I first got involved in this area with these people I came in here and I took a survey with Lori and with Rev. Dunn and saw a lot of buildings that were substandard, some buildings that I certainly wouldn't want to live in and I'm sure many of you don't want to live in. And I think what we want to do is ask the Commission not for an immediate solution but a promise and a commitment on their part to give us some solutions within a certain set period. Whether that period be 30 days, 90 days, 120 days, we want a commitment, we want to know that our government is going to be responsive to the needs, not only of this community, but of all the City of Miami. And while it is important to note there are some Commissioners missing, it's good that we've got two of them here. They've got our ear, they can hear what we're saying and they can begin to respond to some of the problems. It's important to have the police here. It's important to have the people from building and zoning because these are the people who are going to implement what those policy decisions are going to be. Commissioner Dawkins, Mayor Suarez are not going to be the ones that come pick up the trash, not going to be the ones that come and make the busts. The officers are going to do the work, building and zoning are going to do the work and sanitation is going to do the work. What we need is a commitment on the part of the Commission to do a job that they promised to do over and over and over. And it appears to us - and the reason why we started this organization - was that we wanted to force the Commission's hand to make a true commitment to this community and that's what we're here to do tonight. And if we can get that out of these two Commissioners that are here then I think you've accomplished a great deal. So we have to remember there are no quick solutions but this is going to be an ongoing problem and it is going to be something that we're going to have to work together on but we need the help of the Commission. And with that, please make sure that these people know what we need for this community. Because if you don't tell them, there's no way that they're going to know and that's what we're here for. Mr. Alvin Delaney: Good evening, I'm Alvin Delaney and I've been a member of this community and of this church since 1971 and over the years I've noticed a change, especially in the last two years. And the problem that we have with crime and drug abuse and drug sales in this community and I want to speak to those concerns because I am, number one, concerned about the community and I'm, number two, concerned about the kids in the community because we have a special youth program at this church and we have kids in and out during the week. And we're fearful that kids that used to cross the street to buy candies and cookies now run the risk of being involved in the middle of a drug shoot-out. We've had shoot-outs across the street. Thank God, none of our kids were involved in that and nobody was hurt, but I have a couple of suggestions that I think you should consider because I know that the problem of drugs is a serious problem in this community and there is not an easy solution to the drug problem. However, I personally was involved with 5 September 4, 1986 i ANJ 0A observing a drug user steal a battery from one of the members of our church. r. It was at dusk dark. I asked the guy what he was doing. He told me he was '= r• told by the owner of the car to get the battery charged up. At any rate, he stole the battery. We called the police. We finally got him arrested and we personally were involved in the arrest. We called the police, we set it up, we met the police at the corner, and we helped corner this guy to make sure that he was arrested. Now, when it came time for prosecution, we were called in to the Justice Building and they tried to persuade us not to press charges. And they also tried to persuade us that if we put them into a drug program, then would you consider dropping the charges. Of course, I agreed with that. I have no problem (AUDIO DIFFICULTY - A SHORT GAP) the offence. He didn't got to a drug program because he was back out on the street in about (AT THIS POINT AUDIO DIFFICULTY - NO RECORDING AVAILABLE) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: ...And another question I want to ask. To call you about drug use on the street, what number do you call? Lt. Brooks: Good evening, I just want to say thank you. The Police Department is very, very happy with the support that we have received. A lot of people who are in the neighborhood when we are doing our "sting" operations are very, very nice to us. They lend us electricity so we can set up our stings. We had an officer fall down and hurt his hand. Somebody took him into his house and put peroxide on his hand - and we just want to say thank you. Without your support, we could not be doing what we have been doing in the sting operations. One of the things that we make our decisions on on the locations to hit is the community support and the community demand and we want to thank you. My name is Lieutenant Brooks. I'll be happy to meet with you after the meeting. I'm in charge of the street narcotics unit. Chief Dickson, Col. Zamora, the City Manager, the Mayor have all given me all the support in the world to go out and do my job and, basically, that's what we're trying to do and we're trying to get to your neighborhoods. We're trying to ,r do something. We know that there is a tremendous drug problem out there and t; everybody that's up here has given me so much support it's unbelievable. My telephone number is 579-6580. That's the street narcotics unit. Ask specifically for me. If I'm not there, leave a message. I return all my calls and I'll be more than happy to get to you. Bear in mind that everybody has a drug problem, but I will try to get to your drug problems just as soon as we can. Chief Dickson has made that his pledge since he took office. He's shown me that. It's not something new for Chief Dickson and he's given me the support to be able to do it. Just give me a call and we'll respond to you. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You gave me this number 6580, right? I dialed 911. They told me that was an emergency. Call 759-6111, but I didn't get... - Lt. Brooks: The number I gave you - 579-6580 - is my direct line. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: OK, and I don't even get an answer when I dial that number. Lt. Brooks: If you dial - we work the afternoon shift, which is predominantly P Y the busiest time for narcotics... Mayor Suarez: You can't dial 759, you've got to dial 579. Miss Weldon: I think she's looking for a specific number where she can call :< when there's drug activity going on and get a response. Is that it? Lt. Brooks: That's the number. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Is there a 24-hour a day number? Or is that just in the evening? Lt. Brooks: No, it's not. It's not a 24-hour a day number. We usually have somebody in the office from the hours of 10:00 a.m. till approximately 9;00 p.m. Other than that time call 579-6111. Because of the drugproblem, P , we rotate our hours. We rotate our days. Please call. We where we can will set our hours come in and address your problem. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) 6 September 4, 1986 i i S Mrs. Nemhar: I'm Nemhar. Tuesday we had a shoot-out over there. On N.W. 56th Street over there in the drug area. My little boy was on —'' V the patio. He nearly got shot over money from one of the drug dealers. We have teenagers over there f rom 8 on up. They're selling drugs out there on v� the street. They do not go into school. They're out there every day now, not going to school. Yesterday, the police came by there one time and looked at the boys and said something to them; and they didn't come back no more. We have a jungle back there in the back of me. They hide all back there in the jungle and when the police come and go, then they run back out and sell the drugs. I would really like some of you all to do that. All round my house are bullet holes where they done shot all back there and my head be right there. Mr. Odio: I was there. I remember that. Mrs. Nemhar: That's right. Mr. Odio: And there was a guy with a machine gun shooting and we got him and, you're right, all we can do is what Brooks is saying that he's doing, that the Police Chief and the sting operation needs your support. You did give it to us that night and we arrested two hundred and some people and we are out there tonight on 59th Street and we'll be out there as many nights as we can and, with your support, it will work. Mrs. Nemhar: Well, I'll appreciate it if you all come and get those teenagers in school and get them off the street because it's terrible how those young boys out there selling drugs and nothing is being did about it, and their momma not doing anything about it. Miss Weldon: Thank you for your input. Mr. Richard Dixon: Excuse me. I don't live in your neighborhood and I appreciate the problem that you have... Miss Weldon: Sir, your name. Mr. Dixon: My name is Richard Dixon and I live in Miami Shores but I would like to applaud the department for the job they are doing because if they weren't doing anything, think how it would be, so let's give our thanks for what they are doing. Miss Weldon: At this time we're going to try to wind it down. I stated earlier, we do appreciate the support and the effort that the Police Department are making. What we're here this evening for is to make sure it's not temporary and it's not for show. We want it permanent. We want it in regiment. What we're asking the City Commission for - and we want commitments, projected dates as to when we can have this, which is greater police presence. We'd like, if possible, a mini -station. We want the use of mounted or foot patrols. We want more police in the area. We want the continuation of the mandatory watch and we want increased sting operations. Now that's what we're asking from the Police Department. We have Commander Gibbs, and she sticks in here, like I said. Our deepest gratitude is expressed to you. Commander Gibbs has attended one of my meetings. Chief Dickson has been in the area, they know what's going on. We're not trying to tell them they're not doing anything. We know it is a monumental problem and things take time, but the problem is that you do something, or something is done, the area is left, and by the time you get back to it you're right back where you started from. We want to continue in the fashion that you just keep cutting the mountain down. You just don't take the tip of the iceberg. Can I get a response from the City Commission's Police Department on the presence of other police in the area, the use of mounted or foot patrols, continuation of the mandatory watch order and the sting operations. Chief Dickson: I would like, if it's appropriate now, I would prefer to wait until the floor gets finished with what they have to say and then I'll make a response. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I believe that she asked a question and you probably have the answer so I wait until you have finished, Chief. Chief Dickson: I've been taking notes as you've been talking. Most of the things that you have mentioned I'm fully aware of what's happening in this 7 September 4, 1986 i k- community and these things are happening in almost every area of the City of Miami that I've gone to and we get these type of complaints from citizens from almost every area of the City of Miami - north, south, east and west of the City. I can only assure you that these complaints are being responded to at this time more than they have ever been responded to in the history of this City. There's no way that anyone can really say that they have not seen the Miami Police Department on the street, rounding up drug pushers and rounding up people who have plagued your neighborhoods for a long, long time and what you have gotten as a response to these kind of complaints was that the jails are full, that the courts are not doing its job, that these people are small- time pushers so they're not going to get any time. Well, you won't here that complaint from us any more. I don't care if the jails are full. I don't care if the judge don't want to give any time. I don't care if the rehabilitation systems are not working. My job is to continue to clean the streets in the fashion that we can, as municipal police officers, and if the system cannot absorb the people that we are arresting - some over 2,000 people... As a matter of fact, the area that was spoken of tonight - the 56th Street - while we are sitting here talking my police officers are in that area busting the people that you are talking about off the streets - at this very moment. We don't rest. There is no rest for the Miami Police Department. We're not here just for a short period of time and it's not just for show. We've been doing this since the commitment was made to you in the open, around February of 1985, and we have only escalated, not gone and done less, but we are escalating our effort, as you can clearly see. In 1985 we arrested or raided a total of some 500 drug houses just in the north and central areas alone - over 5,000 arrests. That doesn't say a lot unless you compare that with what we did in 1982 and 1983 and 1984. It's a lot, a lot more. This year, in 1986, we're doing a lot more, so it's not a short term, theatrical kind of thing because that's not the way we operate nowadays. It's a serious effort. I cannot guarantee, we cannot guarantee - the Commission, nor the Mayor - can guarantee that the police effort is going to make a great deal of difference about the drugs on the street. But, as Lt. Brooks said, we need your help and your support and I can assure you people that you are giving us the kind of help and support that can certainly lead us to win this thing and I would not be wasting the police time unless I believed that in the end we're going to win this war against drugs in the City of Miami. I speak for this City. I can't speak for any place else in the country. But I can assure you that more's being done here in the City of Miami, on the streets, in relation to drug fighting than any place else in the United States. And that's a fact. Miss Weldon: Sir... Chief Dickson: I would also like to say that I have taken down your complaints. I have taken my own notes here. I will go back with these notes, evaluate these notes and respond. Now you asked for something that is very difficult. I am not a lier, so I'm not going to lie to you just to walk out of here and feel good. I'm not going to tell you that I can place a mounted patrol in the area now. I'm not going to say that we can place a mini -station in the area now. I'm not going to say that we can take walking beats and put them in the area now because it's a simple thing, with the priorities that I have decided we should go, those people - some on walking beats - are now fighting dope and narcotics on the streets in our drug sweep operations. I am not really interested any more in adding more people to the horse patrol because we have discovered another priority and that is to combine our forces and move in like an army and try to give you some kind of relief. When we do, and when things can somehow get back to normal, after we have taken control of the streets again, I can assure you that this area will be the first area that we will consider for mounted patrol that we can afford to do at that time and for walking beats. But right now I'm strapped for manpower and I just don't have the police officers to establish the walking beats in the City, and particularly in your area, that I would personally like to see. We're just using them for something else right now and, as I said, as we speak, they're on 56th Street and they are doing exactly what I am describing. I asked you to give us a break and to continue helping us the way you are helping us. And our police officers are very thankful for that and they really feel that you are behind them and us a hundred percent - and I say that on behalf of the people that are out there right now dealing with these people that you are telling me about. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Mr. Chief of Police, I can appreciate your explanation and I think the majority of the people appreciate you and have a whole lot of respect for you and I believe within myself that you have done a good job. 8 September 4, 1986 I But there are some questions I would like you please to answer. That is, we have a problem right across the street on 58th Street called the Haitian Bakery - 745, or something like that, is the address. I have seen the police come there and make arrests and some of them are pulled away but the next day they are back. I'm saying to you, sir, that you are not going to have stations, foot patrols and etc. Can you tell us why? Chief Dickson: Yes. I'll repeat this. I would like very much to see foot patrol and additional mounted people placed in the area. If I decided to reverse the priorities that we have now - we're doing something that's new. It requires combining all of our manpower to form somewhat of an army to deal with the army of drugs and streets disorders that's occurring in the City. If I broke that army up that I have put together now, and distributed them throughout the City in the form of foot beats and put them on horses, we would not be able to continue the drug fight on the street level that we're doing now. I had to make up for the lack of manpower that I feel I need, that the City needs to effectively fight these kind of problems and if I was to take and break up what we have now and put them on foot beats, I simply would not be able to continue the program. Now, if there is a problem in front of the bakery here on 58th Street, if you will - you've told me this. I can target that area as a problem area and do what we need to do to clean up that situation. And that's what I'll tell you we'll do. We'll clean the situation up if we can. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) You see, what I've noticed is this. I'm sincere. I'm not here to take or nothing of this nature. I'm here to solve the problems in any way possible. What bothers me is this. You take the City ordinance, or something, you have the number there - tell me what the number is and what you're supposed to abide by, and that's that, and you have to do that. The law says you must do that, you must do that. Doesn't it say somewhere in the law that you're not supposed to sell drugs in the street? Does it have a number violation on that? If that's the case why can't we continue to arrest these people and to restrict them to one area? If they come out of jail tomorrow, you catch them the next day and put them right back in jail. But they keep coming back. They go on doing it. I remember one of my brothers church said that they caught the fellow taking the battery out of the car But here's the point I'm trying to bring out to you. That young man was back in my arms in at least five days discussing the situation with me. He had been to jail and they let him out. He probably stole again but he hasn't been back to jail. Why can't he go back to jail? Do you understand what I'm asking you, sir? Chief Dickson: I understand. I've been living in that misery for the last 25 'rr years as a police officer. Unfortunately, what we need to do is concentrate some of our concern on the courts and the judges and the jails, which the police have no control over. I can assure you that if the rest of the criminal justice system did their job half as well as your Police Department's doing their job, that you would not have the problem, but we have no control over the jails and the courts. All we can do is continue to arrest them over and over again, and that's what we're doing. xis Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Do this. Chief Dickson: Yes, sir, because that's the sustained truth. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) I believe you, but you're the Chief of Police, can't y= you tell us how to get the judges to pass a sentence? >,. Chief Dickson: Yes sir, the same way you're getting us to o out there and � � Y Y g g g clean up drugs off the streets. Get the judges here and deal with them. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) We put them in there - we can get them out, can t we! ' Chief Dickson: Exactly. That's right. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Thank you so much. I want to say this to the City +: Commission - I guess I should have said the City Commission - enough in the two here, but, anyway, I really appreciate you coming. Thank you very much. Brother Dawkins, I know we're going to go out to eat together but you and I going to here, OK. 13 9 September 4, 1986 ��.4Y, '�dxi"�*'ay.:ir: ,,� a�}�r' �r � s�..<.yu� �•x,� � a"€..s'r - "np. i Aftj Mr. Dawkins: OK, brother John. SAX+- ,r. Rev. Dunn: Thank you so much. Miss Weldon: Before we move on... Mr. Dawkins: Go ahead, Mr. Mayor. r, Mayor Suarez: Let me do the best I can with what little voice I have left. I y.,. myself am committed to a mini -station in this area, like I am in other areas w. of the City. I'm committed to having the substations, ground breaking in Liberty City before the end of this year and completed before the end of 1987. I'm committed to having the drug stings continue. We've had 20 - right, Chief? Chief Dickson: (OFF MIKE) Twenty-two. Mayor Suarez: Twenty-two. I'm committed eventually to walking beats and additional patrols. I also believe that we have to have mandatory sentences for any crime related to drugs and I believe that we should get rid of judges, by election, that are letting people out and continuing the revolving door we have in our criminal justice system. And, to that end, I'm involved in judicial elections this year to get one of the incumbents out. I won't say _ who I am backing, but you'll know from ads that I'll be doing. I have a_ supported challengers to incumbent judges when they don't do a good job. We have elected judges. We have to make sure we go out there and elect the good ones. So, there are solutions to these problems and we, by the way, invited the Chief Judge to be here today and he did not come and I'm going to ask an explanation from him for that reason. And if we have another meeting, which we will, another Town Hall meeting out here and I have my voice back but, even if I don't, I'll be here and so will the Chief Judge. I guarantee you that. Mr. Dawkins: Where is the lady who told me she was from the Chief Judge's s_ office? Ms. Diana Ortiz Castro: I think we're talking about another Chief Judge. My -3' name is Diana Ortiz Castro. I'm from the Federal District Court. I'm the Court Executive and I was sent by the Chief Judge of the Federal Court to represent the Court at this meeting. Mayor Suarez: Why don't you tell us who that is? Who is the Chief Judge of the Federal Court? Ms. Castro: James Lawrence King. He could not make it tonight. He had other commitments, but I am here to tell you that the Court does offer you full support. Unfortunately, 85% of the criminal cases that we have pending in our courts are drug cases. We have a conviction rate of 98-1/2%, so when the cases get to us, those people do get convicted. My suggestion to you is write to your Congressmen and speak to your elected officials. We do need more institutions. We do have a lot of people that have to be released. We cannot warehouse people After all, no matter how bad they are, they are human beings, and we could not just lock them up in cells without seeing the light of day. So we do need to spend money on those institutions and on treatment and on rehabilitation. The Federal Court and all the Federal Agencies are committed to the fight against drugs. And you know that we have D.A. Department agents constantly on the streets of (AUDIO DIFFICULTY - A SHORT GAP) offer you our support in any way that we can. Miss Weldon: I want to ask conviction rate apply to? Ms. Castro: Drug cases. Most of the cases that come to our courthouse that 85% which happen to be drug -related offences - are convicted. matter of fact, my secretary was just saying that in the past three years, has only seen two people that were acquitted on drug charges. Miss Weldon: Thank you for coming, and I just want you to relay to the Chief Judge that I do not share his sentiment in the special treatment that these prisoners are getting. The jailhouses are treating people better than some people live, living on the street. There are victims out there, homeless victims that can't get the aid that a prisoner can get. I don't share the sentiment that you need more money for more jails. You just need to utilize September 4, I n r. what you have. Why should someone who's raped, maimed and murdered be guaranteed three meals when there's someone out on the street, not hurting anyone, trying to get by, doesn't even have that guarantee? I think that the j_ Federal system can put them away. Before we move on... y'- Mr. Dawkins: Can I respond to what's been said before you wipe us out? Miss Weldon: I just wanted to ask the Mayor, why doesn't the Chief have the manpower he needs? Mayor Suarez: Well... Mr. Dawkins: The Chief does not have the manpower that he needs because you do not want me to raise your taxes to pay for it. It's just that simple. Now, if you really and truly are desirous of having a policeman on every corner you pass a resolution saying that the City of Miami can levy a 4, 5, 6 t or 7 cent tax on every taxpaying citizen and use that money only for police, then you can get a police on every corner. But when you tell me, as an elected official that you are desirous that I do not raise taxes and that I provide you with the services that you need and that are required, then I have to do the best with what we have. Now, that's why you do not have the Chief with the resources that he needs and for those of you - just for your information - we've told the Chief today, in the budget hearing, that if he should come back to us and show us how he could use $1 million in reverse sting operations we would take the money from some place else. Now we're committed to that. So it's a matter of taking the resources that you have and providing the services that you can provide with it and that's why the Chief does not have the manpower that he would desire having. So... Mr. Jimmy Sir, let me ask you something. My name is Jimmy, but I want to ask you one simple question. Mr. Dawkins: And I'll give you a simple answer. Mr. Jimmy Are you with us or are you against us? Mr. Dawkins: Let me see how to answer. Bear with me one minute. Because I want to say some things I shouldn't say in a church, so let me get myself together. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Mr. Dawkins: That's right. Thank you, Reverend. That's why I'm getting myself together here. tip;'. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENT) `� j Mr. Dawkins: That's right, I'm going to respect them. Miss Weldon: OK, I've just... .w.. _ Mr. Dawkins: No, no, no. Let me answer him. a Miss Weldon: I apologize. Mr. Dawkins: No, no, no. Let me answer him. I am 61 years old and this is the first time I've had any Black ask me if I'm with you. That really annoys :- me - to have someone of color, like me, ask me am I with him. Where else can k I be? I live in this neighborhood. I'm not going any place. I'm going to be right here and when you ask me "am I with you?", I'm with you, but I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not made of lies. I am an elected official. I am not a politician. The difference is: a politician tells you what you want to K� hear to get reelected. As an elected official, I do what I think I have to do so that you will reelect me. And that is the difference. And that's why you have to ask me if I'm with you, because I'm not going to lie to you, OK? Y (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Mr. Dawkins: I'm one of us, that's all I can tell you. Now, I don't know Yva what you want me to be with... No, no, no., wait! 11 September 4, 1986 i Mr. Jimmy I don't ask you if you're one of us. I'm saying if you're with us or you're against us? Mr. Dawkins: I don't want you... I don't know what you want me with you for. That's the first thing. Now, if you are with me. I have enough character: me, Rev. Dunn - who else here is my age? We were taught character. If Rev. Dunn and Miller Dawkins were put in a room full of crack - I mean, right to the top - our home upbringing and training would not let us touch it because we were taught this was wrong. So now, are you asking me am I with you in that area? Yes. If you're asking me if I'm with you in something else, no. See, so clarify your statement when you say "Am I with you?" Am I with you for what? Miss Weldon: All right, we'd like to move on... Mr. Dawkins: The people who are arrested for purchasing drugs... I have been on stings - the Mayor, Sandy Hall - we have arrested people and taken them down the jail and in 35 or 40 minutes the same individuals are right back over here in my drug flea market. See, I got a drug flea market on 59th, 60th and 61st. There's a flea market. You can go in and purchase anything you want. We put them in jail and in 30 minutes they are out, selling drugs. Why? We found out that the drug pusher is only important to the drug supplier if he can push his product. So, therefore, the minute he's arrested, the supplier has to get him back out on the street so he can push his product. So, therefore, we keep arresting them and they keep releasing them. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) , brother Dawkins, I would like you to hold a recess. Mr. Dawkins: Yes, sir, brother Dunn. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Because this is important, this is very important. You may not believe it, but it is. This is where we're going to find the answer. The City Commission, the Chief of Police and the staff of the City Commissioners are all here tonight, all but the Commissioners - they're not here, but their aides are here. So you're telling me - I'm getting the impression that you're telling me that what we need to do is get rid of some of the juries downtown. Mr. Dawkins: That's right. Yes, sir, that's what I'm saying. Yes, sir. I have been... Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) At least we've got the solution. Now we've got to find out who arrests the dope pushers Mr. Dawkins: I have been in... Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) , Brother Dawkins, Mr. Dawkins: Go ahead, Brother Dunn. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) You know you're my friend and I love you. Mr. Dawkins: You're my friend, brother, too. Go ahead. Miss Weldon: We want to continue. I've just been informed by Mayor Suarez that the Police Department has a budget hearing on the llth and 25th... Mr. Dawkins: No, the City of Miami, not the Police Department. Miss Weldon: The City of Miami has budget hearings on llth and 25th and if we want more money delegated to the Police Department, we need to come down and express that. And we will. As far as raising taxes is concerned, if that's what it takes, why you don't just utilize what you do have more efficiently? Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Another thing, Sister Weldon, You know, I read the paper once in a while to read the news and the news says to me that they have confiscated X amount of dollars in boats and Cadiliacs and Eldorados - what's happening to that money? Why can't we put that money into crime and arrest these people? Am I out of order? Mr. Dawkins: No, Rev. Dunn, you're not out of order. 12 September 4, 1986 r Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Tell me this. Why can't we - that money is somewhere, isn't it? Because somebody got $100,000 the police to get it back but we're not talking about that. We're talking about all this money. I don't like this and said the building on 59th Street. They were going to foreclose it and they must have did. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) If they did, what happens to the money? Can anybody tell us? Is there anybody from the office that knows what happened to the money they confiscated? Mr. Dawkins: Yes, Rev. Dunn, I will let the City Attorney tell you why we cannot use that money. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Is she the City Attorney? Mr. Dawkins: Yes, she is, Rev. Dunn. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Mrs. Dougherty: I was just promoted by the City Manager, he says! That money is approximately $2 million in the Law Enforcement Trust Fund that has been collected by the Police Department in its sting operations and its forfeiture operations. That money can be used for law enforcement activity and I understand that the City Manager has put on the next agenda a resolution that would use that money and recycle it through for the sting operations. Miss Weldon: Is that the September llth meeting? Mrs. Dougherty: Yes, ma'am. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) But you don't have no policemen. Miss Weldon: We need to be at the September filth budget hearing to make sure those funds get allocated to the Police Department. The meeting is at City Hall? Mr. Dawkins: Yes. Miss Weldon: That's 3500... Mayor Suarez: 5:00 p.m. Very important. Miss Weldon: 3500 Pan American Drive. 5:00 p.m. Commission Chambers. Mr. Dawkins: So, as I was saying, we have made these arrests. I have been to Janet Reno's office. I have demanded that they not... No, first I demanded that we cut off the air conditioners in the jail because, as was stated, it's like at home. They got air conditioning. They have color TV. They have a nurse that brings them medicine every morning. They get along better in jail than they do at home. But, as was said, we can't take that because the do- gooders say that we're cruel. But, if he's in jail, he's supposed to be in jail - not supposed to be at a luxury camp. But Janet Reno said to me she is not going to let a rapist and a murderer loose to retain a drug pusher in jail. If the jail is full, you can bring in all the drug pushers you want. She's not going to turn loose no rapist and no murderer. So, now, you can deal with that. Now, the other thing is that at my drug flea market, 80% of the drugs that are purchased are purchased by white folks who do not live in my area. They come from Broward County, they come from Palm Beach County, they come from the place where the President's task force drove people out of - that's Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, all those white affluent areas, but they come in my area and buy drugs. So until we can stop them, then we've got a problem trying to stop us. The other thing is, I need more people like the lady who says "shoot them" because I believe in shooting them. And if she can't afford no bullets, let me know the size of her gun and I'll buy her some bullets, because when I ran the first time, everybody wanted to know: "you can't be for capital punishment!" I said why can't I be for capital punishment? I am. Of course I might have lost if they had been going along with capital punishment, but you can bet your sweet life that anybody they electrocuted did not commit another crime. You can sit up and talk all that you want, all that you want about how good it is and how wrong it is, but if you don't want to be electrocuted, don't do the things that you get electrocuted fort And all these drug pushers - I'm in favor of 13 September 4, 1986 j with it. And until you and me tell the electrocuting them. I have no problem drug pushers: "Anything above 15 you can have. Anything under 15 I catch you selling to I'm going to blow your brains out!" And mean it. Why, what are you doing there? Every year you've got a 15 year -old who goes to 16, goes to 17, goes to 18, who don't use drugs. But don't sit up here and tell me how many policemen you need, get up off your behind and do something yourself in the neighborhood! All of you. Miss Weldon: That's why we're here. Mr. Dawkins: Being here and getting something done is two different things. Miss Weldon: We're trying to find out who to get something done from. Mr. Dawkins: I don't need all that flowery, buttery stuff. Miss Weldon% Neither do we. Mr. Dawkins: Put your shoulders to the wheel and let's get the job done! Now, the Little Haiti task force - who was that money for? Is it for everybody or just Haitians? Mr. Frank Castaneda: (OFF MIKE) The $500,000? Mr. Dawkins: Yes. Mr. Castaneda: (OFF MIKE) I believe that is for the Haitians. Mr. Dawkins: All right, now, Rev. Dunn, listen to me. If the Haitians got $500,000 for Haitians, then I don't want the Haitians to get one American dollar. If we're not going to share and share alike, don't tell me you've got $500,000 over here for Haitians and the Haitians can come down to you and get some of my money. Rev. Dunn: But that money came from the Ford Foundation. Mr. Castaneda: From the Ford Foundation. Mr. Dawkins: I don't care... Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Mr. Dawkins: I don't care where it came from. Miss Weldon: OK, I wanted to know... The Chief answered my question about mounted patrols and a mini -station, and he would respond to that when he was able to. I'd like to ask again about loitering, from the City and from the Police Department. When you mention that when the drug activity is going on it's by someone from another neighborhood. Rest assured, if I was wandering around in Coral Gables right now I would be stopped. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENT) Miss Weldon: I wouldn't get a chance to wander. If I enter in their area I would be stopped. Now, you know that this is not an affluent white neighborhood and they shouldn't be here. Why can't they be stopped, questioned, and asked why they're here and escorted out if they have no business or arrested? (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Chief Dickson: We do a little more than that. 60% of the people - approximately 60% of the people that we have arrested in the sting operations have been people who are not Black and who did not live in the area - Anglos, Cubans and other ethnic groups. And it is true, people come from Broward County. They come from the deep south end of Dade County, Kendall. They come from Fort Lauderdale - all around - Miami Beach. And come to this area to buy drugs and we recognize this so that is why we had the reverse stings that we had where our police officers take over the street after arresting the drug pusher and they stay there and they are there to take on the people who come to buy drugs and then we bust the buyers. And 60% of those people that we've arrested so far has been other than Black. 14 September k, 1986 M A Miss Weldon: OK. Can we have more sting operations in this area? Chief Dickson: We've got one going on right now. Right on 56th Street. Miss Weldon: What about the loitering? (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Miss Weldon: Teenage loitering, drinking at public establishments, parks... Chief Dickson: Yes, loitering... The same goes for loitering. Each area, really, establishes their own priorities. The priorities for this area are the drug pushing on the streets and, as you say, loitering, drinking on the streets and that kind of thing. That can be handled, based upon the request that you are making to me right now. You have to make it known to us. We will dedicate certain manpower to handle things that we might not perceive as being a big problem. We might be going after burglars and robberies, which is a priority for us. On Biscayne Boulevard they don't like prostitution, so that's what we have to go after. In here, if it's drug pushing and loitering, then we have to adjust our priorities to what you perceive as priorities, so you have to let us know, and that's what you're doing now, and I appreciate that. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) I'd like to take that comment for just a second - that's one of my priorities. We believe if the guys standing on the corner like they do at night, right across the street, at the bus stand, sitting there, buses passing by, nobody's getting on the bus. It's obvious that some illegal activity is going on. At this corner - 58th Street, N.W. 2nd Avenue - the next corner at the laundromat, right here, they loiter Right on 2nd Avenue. Also, on 59th Street on the side of the laundromat, there's loitering. We want it stopped, and don't let me forget 56th Street between N.W. 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The guys have been hanging out. We believe, if they were constantly checked, constantly picked up that that would help deter some of the drug trafficking that's happening. They're just hanging out in the streets. Chief Dickson: OK, thank you very much, Rev. Dunn. I would just like to say one thing, that the Supreme Court ruling definitely - and I don't like to use this terminology - but it's definitely in respect to street loitering and hanging around on the street really has taken the right of the police officers away to really effectively handle that type of a situation. A person must be committing, in the presence of the police officer, a misdemeanor or a felony or breaking some County code or State statute before we can legitimately take him off the street and make an arrest. We really can't even approach him and give him an order to leave. If he says: "I'm not leaving because I'm not committing a crime. I'm just standing on the sidewalk." Even though we know that he is standing there waiting on some opportunity to do something, we just can't make him leave. And we are plagued with this situation. It's enough to really make you pull your hair out. Maybe that's why I don't have any left! But, you know, we do what we can and it's such a difficult situation for us to handle until I just don't know what to tell you except that we will do the best that we can. We will check these people out. We will let them know that we are watching them. We will fill these field cards out on them so that they may change their mind if they have anything that they want to do that might attract attention to themselves. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) We thank you so much, Chief. I have one more item. Miss Weldon: No, there's not time. I need to move on. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) I notice all the policemen are gone after 10:00. You need to talk to them about when they stop a car. they stop in the middle of the street. You know? And then create a congestion. You can't get by them. I know they mean well. You have a lot of nice policemen out there, but they forget to move their cars. Tell them to move their cars on the side. Miss Weldon: Rev. Dunn... Mr. Dawkins: Rev. Dunn, we've been through that and I tell you what they're going to say to us and that is, the policeman stays in the opening so that he 15 September 4, 1986 L I will not be ambushed. But, at least, I agree with Rev. Dunn, ask them to close the doors when they stop out there in the middle of the street. Chief Dickson: OK. So noted. Miss Weldon: We have assurance of more police presence, at least. Patrols? More stings? Mandatory crime watch? I'm trying to nail this down and move on. Chief Dickson: Mandatory crime watch will be very glad to come into the area and help to establish a crime watch program. Miss Weldon: Continue mandatory watch, to continue the order that we're under - we're under a mandatory watch order where we have a number to respond. That will continue? Chief Dickson: Yes. We're fully aware of that, yes. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENT) Miss Weldon: That's permanent. OK. We'd like to know... Did you have something to say, Mayor Suarez? Mayor Suarez: Just clarifying. Miss Weldon: We'd like to know if we can get better programs for our kids in the parks, in the area parks. We'd definitely like them cleaned up, rid of the alcohol and the drugs participation that's going on in them. We want to know about educational/vocational programs in the area and we'd also like to know what's happening with the funding in the Eisenberg Teen Center. Now, I asked a representative from Parks & Recreations to be here, which is City. They're not here. Mr. Odio: He's here. Miss Weldon: He's here? Mr. Odio: Jack Eads, my Assistant City Manager. Mayor Suarez: Jack, leave out, right off the top anything having to do with educational/vocational training. That's not the City's responsibility. That really is the School Board's. We will help you in any efforts to get the School Board to do more in that area. Mr. Jack Eads: Yes, and it's our purpose and our function that we're here to try to provide the kind of programs that you want. You let us know what you want in your parks and we'll try to provide them for you. I assure you of that. Miss Weldon: OK, I'll meet with you. (INAUDIBLE COMMENTS OFF MIKE) Mr. Eads: I'm not sure that the Eisenberg Teen Center is a City of Miami parks facility. I don't think that it is. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Mr. Eads: I can't respond to your question one way or the other right now. I don't know, but I'll find out for you. Miss Weldon: May I have your full name for the audience and your number so they can get in touch with you. Mr. Eads: My name is Jack Eads - 579-6334. Miss Weldon: OK, code enforcement - on building and zoning and sanitation. Like I said earlier, Mr. Ingraham has done a superb job in helping us clean up the area. We also realize that some problems are dealing with the County but we want to know what the City can do as far as abandoned buildings, zoning... 16 September 4, 1966 Mr. Odio: Ma'am, Assistant City Manager, Walter Pierce is here but while he comes in I can tell you that we have spent over $200,000 already this year in demolishing buildings that are in bad condition. We have... Walter can go into the code enforcement in even more detail, if you want. Mr. Walter Pierce: So far this year we have (AUDIO DIFFICULTY - A SHORT GAP) it was just allocated in June out of the community development process which was, I believe, a $75,000 figure. We've already spent that since June and we're going to be coming back to the Commission - the Manager and I spoke about it a few weeks ago - in October, asking for an additional appropriation. We have been very fortunate that we've gotten the State Attorney's office interest in pursuing this and it was the State Attorney's office that we'll give some credit to for the 61st Street building ceiling, and the City of Miami police identified it, and we were able to accomplish that, but we are also looking into some other features to add money into that and my object will be to out and shut down every building that we can that's been identified as being a drug house. Miss Weldon: OK, what about this area? We're talking from N.W. 79th Street, N.W. 39th Street, N.E. 2nd Avenue to N.W. 7th Avenue. _ Mr. Pierce: I don't walk around with those kinds of specific numbers in my head but I will be happy to look them up and advise you of what they are. My direct phone number is 579-6044 at City Hall. I will be most happy to get into the Building Department's Code Enforcement Division and tell you specifically what buildings we're looking at in this area. I do know that there are several buildings in that area that you've just described, from a month ago, I asked for a listing and there were a number of them. Miss Weldon: Can I get this list from you within a week, then? Mr. Pierce: You can get this list just as soon as I get to my office tomorrow. If you were to call me tomorrow and tell me where you'd like me to mail it, I'd be happy to see that it goes out to you. Miss Weldon: OK, see me right after the meeting. Sgt. Brooks: May I say something on the apartments? The street narcotics unit has started Operation Apartment Cleanup. That is done in connection with the Code Enforcement Board, Terry Role, specifically, James Hall with the HUD task force, and Kathy Randall from the State Attorney's office, along with myself. Basically what we do is, it's a combined effort. Code Enforcement, T. if they're having a problem with a building, they get together with us. We've been meeting almost on a weekly basis. We look at buildings that are >a r continuing sources of narcotic problems and we go and we mail a letter from Chief Dickson's signature, putting that owner on immediate notice. It's not something where we get bogged down in the court system. They are told immediately to correct the situation. If they do not do so then at that time we start doing our research and getting our statistics together and take it in front of the judge and get an immediate injunction placed against that building. We were successful in doing 1361 N.W. 61 Street. If you go over and look at the building right now, it's sealed with brick and mortar. There is no drug activity in that building right now. We are pledged - Chief Dickson has allocated the resources to me to continue to do this. We have six buildings that are currently under investigation, four of which are owned by the same person. �+ Miss Weldon: Is it between the district that I just mentioned - 79th to 39th ' N.E. 2nd to - ? Sgt. Brooks: One building, specifically, is in that location. That owner has t been mailed a letter demanding immediate compliance. If we do not hear from ffi him within three to five days we immediately begin researching that as far as taking that information over to Kathy Rendall from the State Attorney's office to proceed with closing that building down. But that is an active program. n�rrr' We've just started it. We were surprised ourselves by the results and we're pledged to continue it. Wit' v ,_ti J.. Mr. Dawkins: Rev. Jarvis Dunn, Rev. Richard Dunn, Miss Lori Weldon, members of your board of directors, and citizens, on behalf of the Mayor and myself, and other members of the Miami City staff, we want to tell you how grateful we are that you invited us out to let us know how you feel. It is only when you 17 September 4, 1986 I :-_ let us know that I cannot tell you that I don't know. I can never say that didn't know we had a problem out here because you invited me out and you told me about it, so we would like to say that don't let up, have some more meetings - constantly. And, remember, don't just target the judges and the �,. Commissioners. You have two people running for Governor. And you just ha a "do-nothing" Governor. Don't let another one come in. Bob Graham - tell him f: Miller Dawkins says he was a "do-nothing" Governor. He did nothing in the . y State of Florida. So don't let Padjic, or Smith, or get elected and you don't have some demands before you vote for them. You're also going to have some people running for the Senate. Make them come out here and that's where you're going to have to get something done about the release of the prisoners. They're either going to have to build some prisons or stop releasing them. So, again, on behalf of all of us, I want to thank you, again, for having us out here, and any time you schedule another meeting I will be here. Miss Weldon: So, we have from your office that there will be more... code enforcement will be stepped up in the area. Mr. Dawkins: No, ma'am. You don't have nothing from my office because I'm not going to sit here and lie to you. Miss Weldon: Mr. Dawkins, I wasn't addressing you. Mr. Dawkins: Oh, all right. Miss Weldon: Mr. Pierce? (INAUDIBLE RESPONSE OFF MIKE) Miss Weldon: I'm sorry, being upstanding behind your back, he didn't realize that. We've addressed code enforcement, parks and recreation and police presence. Mr. Dawkins: Miss Lori, let me say something. The City of Miami spent $13 million in a park downtown. Nov, they already spent your money for a park downtown called Bicentennial that nobody's using. Now, they went on the other end of Biscayne and they're building another one. They're also getting ready to put $6 million more on top of the 13 million. Rev. Dunn: That's downtown. Mr. Dawkins: Yes, sir. And when I raised saying and told them I would not... Miss Weldon: Whose decision was that? Mr. Dawkins: Four Commissioners, and Miller Dawkins was the only one to vote against it. That's who did it. And I said that before you can spend a dollar over there, you have to spend a dollar out here. But I want you to know $6 million will not meet our needs for parks, so when you come down there on the 25th, be sure that when you ask for money for police that you ask for money for parks and recreation. Having a park without somebody in it with a structured program don't help us at all. We got parks out here that we don't have nobody in who know nothing about recreational planning and how to conduct a park. So I just want to say, when you come down on the 25th, ask for some park money, too. Miss Weldon: And the llth. Everyone was given out numbers this evening, but those who missed some or did not exactly understand who they were to, the main number for you to call, if you have any questions or comments, is 579-6010. That's the number to the Mayor's office. You asked for itl There you can ask for Mercy or Jeff or Mario. (INAUDIBLE BACKGROUND COMMENTS) Miss Weldon: It's Jeffrey Watson - I know one last name, but give these numbers out. I want to thank everyone for coming and I want you to remember that these are elected officials. Keep in mind the ones that were too busy to be here. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) Everybody's busy. 18 September 4, 1986 f4r Miss Weldon: Be too busy to go to the polls. No, go to the polls and make sure he's out of there! I want you to keep in mind that as you turned out this evening, we must again show this force continuously to get the support we need from City officials, to get things moving, to have our shoulder to the wheel and not just smell pretty and look pretty and talk pretty, as we were told we were doing by being out here. I would like for you to become active participants in the Edison/Little Haiti Community Association which I am the Chairman of which we got together, along with some other people, to have this hearing. We're having membership in the rear for those that want to join and those who will join but are not sure this evening. Please just come back and leave your name and address so we can get in contact with you. We need your support. We need to make sure they follow up on what has been recorded here. The budget hearings, again, September llth and September 25th, City Hall. The next meeting of the Edison/Little Haiti Community Association will be September 15th. That's Monday, 7:30 p.m. at the Edison Middle School Library. The library is located on the second floor. Rev. Dunn: Don't leave, please. I have something I would like to say. Don't anybody leave. Miss Weldon: Again, we have people in the rear taking names for membership and if you don't want to become a member this evening, please leave your name and address so we can get in touch with you and be present at the next meeting. We need your help and your support to make sure that they did not come out here and just talk. We want action. Thank you. Rev. Dunn: (OFF MIKE) I want to give special thanks to Mr. Miller Dawkins, the Mayor, Chief Dickson and the assistant from the State Attorney's office and all of the staff who came out to help to give us some information and lead us in the right direction. I want to thank you very much, and God bless you. Let us stand and all of you repeat after me... Miss Weldon: Remember, there are people standing in the rear taking membership and I was just handed a number for crime prevention - in other words to get a Crime Watch - security surveys of homes in the area. The number is 579-6660 or 579-6518 or 579-6579. The contact people there are Wanda, Rambo or Officer Warren Barnes. Thank you, everyone, for coming. Rev. Dunn closed the meeting with a prayer. TMM BRING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:10 p.m. Xavier L. Suarez t N A T O R ATTEST: Natty Hirai CITY CLERK Walter J. Foeman ASSISTANT CITT CLBRR OINCO 18��:1TEIS 19 September 4, 1986 ri 4 i