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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1984-08-20 MinutesCITY OF Ml Ml COMMISSION MINUTES August 20, 1984 OF MEETING HELD ON -- (SPECIAL) PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CITY HALL FIALPH G, ONGIE CITY CLERK I INDEX MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA AUGUST 20, 1984 ITEM SUBJECT LEGISLATION PAGE 20. 20. 1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF JAMAICAN DIGNITARIES AND 26 JAMAICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN. DISCUSSION 1 2 REMOVE STRAW BALLOT ON PROPOSED STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT FROM SEPTEMBER 49 1984 ELECTION. 2-84--961 1-7 3 MISS. UNIVERSE PAGEANT — RATIFY CONTRACT. R-84-962 7-11 4 ►PPOINT COMMITTEE FOR EXPANSION A IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIAMI BASEBALL STADIUM. DISCUSSION 11-14 5 REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO MIAMI CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL. DISCUSSION 14-15 X X n 7 � - MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA E 0 0 * # On the 20th day of August, 1984, 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 9:58 O'Clock A.M. by Mayor Maurice A. Ferre with the following members of the Commission found to be present: Commissioner Joe Carollo Vice -Mayor Demetrio Perez, Jr. Mayor Maurice A. Ferre ALSO PRE3ENT: Howard V. Gary, City Manager Lucia Allen Dougherty, City Attorney Ralph G. Ongie, City Clerk Matty Hirai, Assistant City Clerk ABSENT: Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. 1. PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF JAMAICAN DIGNITARIES AND 26 JAMAICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN. Ms. Lorna Leslie representing the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Jr. Joe Merriweather and Mr. Charles Justin of the Committee for Christian Education of New York and Mr. Lincoln Morgan made a personal appearance with twenty-six school children from Jamaica who were visiting the United States and were welcomed to Miami by Mayor Ferro. An invocation was delivered by Mayor Maurice Ferro who tbon led hose present in a pledge of allegiaoee to the flag. 2. REMOVE STRAY BALLOT ON PROPOSED STIONG MAYOR FORM or GOVERNMENT FROM SEPTEM$91 R, 19E4 ELECTION. .rrr..r�..wa.+.�w.�.rw•-ww� �.rprwwriw�s�s�r.-�s���wi�ww.ww.MNl��►�.�R�.►I�sMUM�wE Mayor Ferro: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, this is a Special City of Miami Commission Meeting. As I have already read ono of the members of the Commission is on vacation and Commissioner Dawkins has sent us a letter explaining why hf cannot be here. Commissioner Plummer is in court on this occasion on a personal matter and, therefore, has also seat regrets for not being with us. I was in Washington and I was on my way, also on vacation to Veroont but came boot hore because of unfinished business and a 000vorastiom that. I hod with Mr. Hannibal Cox and previous to that with other representatives of the Urban. League and also an organization. called Miami United which I have been meeting with over the past week. I would like at this time to recognize the Chairman of the Miami Urban. League, Mr. Hannibal Cox. Mr. Cox. Mr. Hannibal Cox: Mr. Mayor, Mr. City Manager, members of the Commission, I am Hannibal Cox, Chairman of the Urban. League, Chairman, of the Jobs for Miami and I am joined here today by the United People of Miami. It is our considered opinion, based on a consensus of a number of community leaders that the straw ballot being offered at the Special Election on September 4, 1984, is a mistake. This straw ballot is perceived by a great majority of the black community as a method to either dismiss or to emasculate Mr. Howard Gary, our present City Manager. Now, I want to reassure you, Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, that we understand that the executive form of government, if the community approves it, will not be effective until 1987. However, before I asked the community's opinion, I believe and we all believe that an education process needs to take place so that the community can be made aware of the objectives of this process and to understand the benefits and/or short -comings of this form of government. Gentlemen, I pray that you seriously consider our concern and the concerns of the community and that your decision will address these concerns. Mayor Ferre: Thank you very much, Mr. Cox. Let me say, so that we understand each other, that we had, and with your colleagues I had 2 meetings and 1 brief one with you and several phone conversations. You rightfully expressed to me that the Urban League was neither for nor against a strong mayor form of government, it was concerned rather with the timing of the September ballot because August was a vacation time and people were not focusing on issues and the day after Labor Day they were confronted with having to vote on a very important issue even though it was only a straw ballot. I asked you if you thought that between now and November we would have sufficient time to educate and if it would be better to take the straw ballot off the September and leave it on in November and you indicated to me that you thought that would be an improvement. Mr. Cox: Yes, I indicated to you, Mr. Mayor, in our course of conversation that this certainly will be an improvement in the process, that certainly between now and November would not, in my opinion, be the optimum length of time to go through this education process, however, it is for greater an opportunity to educate the community than trying to do it in September. Mayor Ferre: Let me first of all thank you and share with you, and I thank you also for your expression that you personally did not see this necessarily as an onerous matter, this Question of an Executive Mayor. As a matter of fact, I think it is, of course, well known and documented that the Urban League of Miami took an official position in 1982 in favor of the Strong Mayor Form of Government in Metropolitan Dade County and to that end wrote a position paper which is part of the record. And I as sure that the Urban League would again revise, will review the issue and it is my hope that it will conclude as it did two years ago that a Strong Mayor Form of Government is healthy for both Metropolitan Dade County and the City of Miami as it did for Metropolitan Dade County in 1982. Mr. Cox: Mr. Mayor, let me reinforce what you just said. At this point we are taking a non -committal approaoh to this for the simple reasOf%. that in spite of what some people might think, that there is no one particular person that can speak for the Urban League until there is a consensus of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has not met to consider the Executive Form of Government at this time for this period. We have gone on record, as you suggested, that we are in favor. But for this present situation we have not as the Board of Directors met to endorse it. Mayor Ferre: Let's correct that. The Board of Directors went in favor of a Strong Mayor Form of Government for Metro. Mr. Cox: Yes. Mayor Ferre: I don't think you've addressed the issue of the City of Miami. Mr. Cox: That's exactly what I'm saying. We are taking a non -committal view as far as the City is concerned and when we meet we will address this issue and then come forth with our position. Mayor Fe--c: I would be most grateful if when you meet if you would give me the opportunity. Frankly, the presentation that was made by T. Willard Fair on behalf of the Urban League before the Charter Review Committee chaired by Dan Paul in 1982, which I have a copy of, I have just struck the word Metro and substituted the word Miami and I think it is a very valid statement for a Strong Mayor for both Metro and the City of Miami and I plan, to use that as the basic document in favor of strengthening the form of government. I might point out that I think it is very very important that we take the issue of the present City Manager out of the debate because should it pass in November it would rot be implemented until November of 1987 and so, therefore, we are more than 3 years away from that occurring. So I don't think that that is an issue by itself and I think it is very dangerous for people to be trying to Imply that that is an issue or that this is motivated by racial reasons or connotations or power take-over or any of these other things that people like to get into and their Implications. I might say to my two colleagues on the Commission, and then turn it over to them for statements or questions, that we have a very serious matter in our hands and I think in September 6th we will be voting on the Charter Change itself to be placed on the ballot in November and that really is the key issue. I think it is very dangerous for us to put this on a straw ballot. At first I thought it was a great idea because it would test the sentiments of people before we proceeded on the main issue. But the problem is that once it comes out, and in my opinion, it will pass if we leave it on as a straw ballot in September, but once it comes out there are going to be clear out patterns in the way people vote and then I think it will make more difficult and more complex the passage in November of this important amendment because people will have fixed in positions without having had a great deal of thought or debate on it. I think it is a healthier situation since this matter has not been greatly debated other than one rather nasty editorial in one local newspaper, that we open this up for a series of discussions and to that end I would hope that we would have space during our regular September and October Commission Meetings to give it a little tine so that people who wish to present their positions could do so and I would welcome at that time, Mr. Cox, the input of you and your organization. I think if we have the opportunity in September and in October to debate the issues and to talk about the pro* and the cons it is my opinion that we will have strong proponents from all walks of life, blook and white. It is my intention to invite a series of mayors, IT 3 dll+4 black and white to Miami to address the issue and several of them have tentatively accepted and I think it is important that people understand that this is something that cuts through racial barriers and it has nothing to do with black, white, Spanish, English, young, old, male or female and it is something that we need to discuss on the merits of it rather than on the scare tactics or racial aspects of the issue. Mr. Cox: Mr. Mayor, if I may make one comment, to be absolutely sure that you understand and that the Commissioners understand our position, we are not trying to inject any of those issues into the concerns that we all have. Our concern primarily is with the educational process and to bring before the Mayor and the Commission the perceptions of the community and this is our total objective at this time, sir. Mayor Ferre: All right, members of the Commission.? Mr. Carollo: Mr. Cox, I appreciate you coming before the City Commission this morning and I think what you have reques+.ru, to r,ulo tnis off until a later date has a lot of merit. However, I'm sure that since in the past the Urban. League did come out in favor, in fact, very strongly in favor of the Strong Mayor for Metro Government, you could only do the same for the City of Miami. Otherwise, some like myself might look upon it as a possible double standard, in fact, possibly hypocrisy on the part of some of the members of the Urban League. But nevertheless, I think what the bottom line is is that we only have less than three weeks before the election for September 4th and frankly, the election is going to involve a straw question, a non -binding resolution.. I think that if we're going to proceed with this it should be done in a way that it is going to be binding. The November election of this year is going to be probably the election that has had, that is going to have the largest turn out in the history of Miami percentage -wise of voters and I think that between now and November we have several months that would be plenty of time for the issue to be discussed. So I, for one, Mr. Mayor, am willing to make a motion at whatever time you see fit as appropriate, to take off the ballot question for September elth and just go ahead and proceed with having a binding Charter change in the November election. Mayor Ferro: All right, thank you. Commissioner, I have a note here from our City Attorney that reminds NO that legally it must be, the binding Charter Amendment must be passed on First and Second Reading by September 7th. Now, our first meeting, as I recall, is September 6th. Is that correct? And then we will be meeting on the 7th again? Ms. Dougherty: You have a Special Meeting on the 6th. Mayor Forre: We will have to then. meet... Can we pass it on First and Second Reading on the 6th? Ms. Dougherty: 60 days prior to that election which is the 7th is the last day. Mayor Ferro: So in other words if we pass it on First and Second Reading on the 6th we're all set. Ms. Dougherty: Yes. Mayor Ferro: All right, so I just for the record want to put that in. Now, I would like to point out that even though we passed on First Reading and ordinance dealing with this issue, the ordinance itself has not been perfected. I would be very grateful, Lucia, if you would make that ordinance, as you perfected it, I would appreciate your calling the different members of the Commission. I would be happy to consult with you on this and then put out whatever it is that you're recommending in its simplest form so that we will have it at least 5 days prior to the 6th. Ms. Dougherty: I'd be happy to. Mayor Ferre: That means that it must be out by the 31st, and I would like for it to be delivered stamped so that there is a clear record this matter has been delivered 5 days prior to the 6th. And I will, at this point now, expand the meeting of September 6th to specifically include, on First Reading, now, Lucia, so that we don't get caught up into technical areas of procedures, if there are three votes on First Reading on the 6th, when can we have the Second Reading? Ms. Dougherty: We will notice the second meeting for either the 6th if you want to do it on the 6th, or the 7th. Mayor Ferre: Is it legal to have the First Reading in the morning and the Second Reading in the afternoon? Ms. Dougherty: Yes, under your Charter. Mayor Ferre: Under our Charter and under the State Law. So, in other words, as I understand it, it would be passed on a simple majority basis on First Reading in the morning and on Second Reading in the afternoon. Is that correct? Ms. Dougherty: Yes. Mayor Ferre: All right, would you then so, would the Clerk so advertise it and all the legal requirements that need to be met so that this matter can be voted upon on the 6th day of September. That meets the legal requirements of putting it on the ballot in November as a Charter change. Ms. Dougherty: That's correct. Mayor Ferre: Commissioner Perez? Mr. Perez: The only thing, Mr. Mayor, I want to second the motion of Commissioner Carollo. I think it is reasonable to listen to the arguments of this group but I don't think we can use this issue to try to have a controversial issue in this community. I don't think that this is an issue that tries to polarize the community of Miami. I think that is something that tries to unite the City and tries to present us the same concept of government that they support in Metro Dade County. For that reason, I second the motion of Commissioner Carollo to have a formal referendum in November. Mayor Ferro: So you're making the motion now, Commissioner Carollo. Mr. Carollo: That's correct, Mr. Nsyor. Mayor Ferro: As I understand, the motion is that we not place a straw ballot referendum on the issue of (1) a Strong Mayor, (2) an expanded Commission and (3) on districting in the September ballot but rather put it on the November ballot in what will be a Charter change and by-pass the straw ballot. Mr. Carollo: That's correct, Mr. Mayor. E Mayor Ferre: All right, is there further discussion? Mr. Carollo: One additional area of discussion, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Cox, are you in favor of majority rule in South Africa? Mr. Cox: Commissioner Carollo, we don't have, I think, enough time, and you've got a lot of business to take care of this morning and that is a question that I would not want to answer with a yes or no answer. It would take a great deal of qualification, I think you understand that. Mr. Carollo: Well, I could certainly appreciate your not wanting to answer that so I think you can also appreciate where I'm coming from. The fact is, sir, that I'm sure that, of course, it would only be natural for you to be in favor of the majority rule in South Africa. It is only right. That's why I can't understand how someone that is in favor of majority rule in another country in another area of the world then can come and be demanding and asking for minority rule here in Miami because the fact is that a majority of Miamians want a Strong Mayor Form of Government, an Administrative Mayor Form of Government like the vast majority of American cities, major American cities around the country. Why? Because that is the closest government to the people. Mr. Cox: May I make one comment, sir? Mayor Ferre: Yes, sir, of course. Mr. Cox: I would like to say and point out to the Commissioner that my appearance here and the concerns of a representative group of a minority group population in Miami is not to circumvent the democratic process. My purpose -{ here, Commissioner Carollo, is to address some concerns of the total community so that appropriate deliberations and decisions car. be made by this august body to address those concerns, sir. Mr. Carollo: thank you, Mr. Cox. Mayor Ferre: All right, thank you very much again, Mr. Cox and members of your Committee. Are we ready to vote? All right, call the roll, please. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Carollo, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 84-961 A RESOLUTION RESCINDING IN ITS ENTIRETY RESOLUTION NO. BL4-927, ADOPTED JULY 31, 1984 WHICH CALLED AND PROVIDED FOR A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 4TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 19849 FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THEIR APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL THE FOLLOWING THREE (3) STRAW BALLOT QUESTIONS: (1) CREATION OF A STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI TO BECOME EFFECTIVE IN 19;87; (2) EXPANSION OF THE CITY COMMISSION FROM FIVE TO NINE MEMBERS; AND (3) ELECTION OF FIVE CITY COMMISSIONERS ON THE BASIS OF SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS WITH FOUR CITY COMMISSIONERS BEING ELECTED ON AN AT - LARGE BASIS. Upon. being seconded by Commissioner Perez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Commissioner Joe Carollo Vice -Mayor Demetrio Perez, Jr. Mayor Maurice A. Ferre NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Commissioner J. L. Plummer. Jr 3. MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT - RATIFY CONTRACT. Mayor Ferre: Mr. Manager, on Friday I was told that you had had some preliminary discussions on Miss Universe and that you would like, you wanted that this thing should be expandea, this Special Commission Meeting be expanded to cover the Miss Universe issue. Mr. Gary: Mr. Mayor, pursuant to the direction given to me and the City Attorney on August 16, 1984, to work out an agreement for the Miss Universe Pageant with authority to expend up to $250,000, I am pleased to inform you that - You have copies before you - that we met with Mr. Glasser and members of the Host Committee and we found that it was in, the City's best interest to negotiate an agreement between. the City and the Host Committee versus a contract between the City and Mr. Glasser for the mere fact that the Host Committee is the body which establishes a contractual relationship with Mr. Glasser. To that end, we negotiated an agreement which took into consideration all of the conditions that the City Commission espoused to us on August 16th with some additional protection clauses that were also espoused by the City Commission. That is we allowed them $250000, a check was issued to them with the condition that only $100,000 of that could be expended immediately which would have been enough money to firm up the two years of pageants and the other $150,000 be put in an escrow which could only be authorized by the city as a condition for meeting those conditions established by the City Commission which were namely to secure matching funds from Dade County, the State of Florida and some other sources by time certain; provide a detailed budget for the use of the City's contribution as well as verification of the expenditures for those contributions; hold the City harmless and indemnified against all claims, liabilities or suits, request that the pageant consider Miss Free Cuba Contest and prohibit the participation of a contestant from South Africa and any other country that has a governmental policy of discrimination. The contract further states that the Host Committee will be responsible for reimbursing the City for all City services including Police, Fire and Sanitation, including the use of the Knight facility or any other public fooillty, Mr. Mayor. And also in the event that the Host makes a profit that they would return the City the pro -rate share of their profit based on the City's contribution. We think that the agreement between the Host Committee, Mr. Mayor, addresses all of your concerns and protects the City and that agreement was to be utilized as a guide for the Host Committee to negotiate with Mr. Glasser. Mayor Ferro: Mr. Manager, there are several things that I would Bite to include in the contract between the City of Mimi and the Host Committee and these are things that I IT have previously mentioned to members of the negotiating team In the original committee that was chaired by Ted Arison and expanded because of the circumstances of things that have occurred here. In the first place, I do not, and let me put the legislative intent into the record so we understand. Mr. Manager, I have no problems with the City expending $100,000 on a gamble with the full realization and recognition that if the State and the County and other governments do not participate, we could, in effect, lose $100,000. I am not, however, willing to expose the taxpayers of Miami to a gamble of a quarter of a trillion dollars. That is a bit much to put on top of the table and to take a chance on. And therefore, those moneys beyond $100,000 cannot and should not and will not be released until we have a commitment from Metropolitan Dade County to do absolutely the same thing or a similar thing that would be acceptable to the administration. Mr. Gary: That is included in the contract, Mr. Mayor., Mayor Ferre: I want it clearly understood from the legislative intent of this that before we put out any more money F;c�ivpolitan Dade County has got to put up $100,000 to match us or somebody has to do that, and that they agree to a process similar to our's in some way where we are equally taking whatever chances need to be taken. That is number one. And I think it is essential. I will not put the State in that category because I think that is unreasonable. But if Metropolitan. Dade County and the City come to an agreement I think that is sufficiently strong that we will have enough invested to commit us to carry it through to its ultimate conclusion. The City of Miami just simply does not have the money to do this alone. The second series of qualifications which are not dealt with here at all are things that I told Mr. Harrison to try to get in there. For example, the ability for the City of Miami to use, the Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teenage Pageant in some of our advertising and publicity; the ability to use representatives of the Miss Universe Contest once they are released from contractual obligations with Miss Universe to represent the City of Miami if we so desire and come to a contractual agreement with that representative. For example, it could be very well that we would want to use Miss Universe after her year at the Miss Universe Pageant at certain functions around the world and I think we need to have that kind of authority; the use of theme songs, for example, they have developed some songs that I felt were very nice and we could probably use that as part of our advertising. I see that they are offering to sell us for $60,000 a documentary film. I think that is something that should be negotiated too, you know, it cannot be all a one- way street. The document that was presented to us by Mr. Monty Trainor which I have read over the weekend in Washington several times is totally unacceptable to me. It has things that in my opinion make absolutely no sense like, for example, if there should be any legal problems it will be adjudicated, it would be determined in the State of New York. This is Miami and we are in the State of Florida. There is absolutely no logic or reason for the State of New York to have jurisdiction over any disputes in this contract. That is a minor item but I just wanted to point out the inconsistencies. That contract is a 100% Miss Universe favored contract and it is not a reasonable middle of the road deal. It reminds me of a Joe Robbie contract where it is all for them and nothing for us and I would certainly hope that we would not end up with another Joe Robbie contract. That is all I have to say. Mr. Gary: Mr. Mayor, in response to that for the first three statements you made, it is included in the contract 0 particularly as it relates to the $150,000 being held in escrow based upon the conditions that were established there, one of them being that money had to come from Dade County and from other sources, Miami Beach. We made an exception for the State of Florida in terms of its time frame for meeting which is around December or January so, therefore, they could not meet the deadline in order for us to consumate the agreement. With regard to the use of Miss Universe and Miss Teen in our advertisement, Mr. Odio has told me that Mr. Glasser has agreed to the', as well as to represent the City at various functions. We will look at the theme songs as well as the issue of the films. I might add, Mr. Mayor, that our position is basically to convey to the Host Committee what the directions or the suggestions of the City Commission in view of the fact that we have established a contractual relationship with the Host Committee with the Host Committee establishing one with the Miss Universe and thereby minimizing our liability strictly to our $250,000 and not for the total pie or total responsibility. Mayor Ferre: But you see, for example, Mr. Manager, some of the clauar5 you have in this contract that they shall return $250,000 if they don't do this and that. But you know, the Host Committee is just a piece of paper. They don't have any assets, there is nothing and so we've got to have... Cesar, I'll tell you, there is nobody here that wants Miss Universe more than the three members of the Commission that are sitting here but we've got to be responsible, you know, and I've got to say that or the record because I wart to make sure that it is clearly understood that what the legislative intent and I don't mind jeopardizing or risking $100,000 of these moneys. I do mind risking $250,000 which in my opinion is just ;too much even for Miss Universe. I wouldn't risk that much for anything including a Super Bowl. So I think we have to understand that this is a small city and we have our limitations and if it is not clearly understood then I'm afraid Miss Universe will have to go somewhere else. I want them badly here but there has to be a limitation as to how much we're willing to expose ourselves to get Miss Universe. Mr. Manager, there is one other issue that has not been brought up and I Just want it clearly understood. It is certainly my hope that the deficit of last year's Miss Universe will also be covered and certainly I would hope that the Host Committee would deal with that issue before it goes onto the usage of our other $150,000. I'm not putting that down as a condition, I'm just putting it down on the record as a warning to them through the administration. Other comments? Mr. Manager, do you want us to vote on this? Lucia? Ms. Dougherty: Yes, we would prefer that you ratify a contract that was entered into between the Manager and the Host Committee pursuant to your direction. Mayor Ferre: As modified. Mr. Carollo: As modified right now. Mr. Mayor, I so move the motion. Ms. Dougherty: Excuse me, Mr. Mayor, are you talking about the modification of the songs and the documentary.... Mayor Ferre: Everything that I put into the record. Ms. Dougherty: The other one had been dealt with already, the $100,000 in escrow. Mayor Ferre: Well,, Lucia, you know, we are a legislative body. You are the City attorney. I think what we do around IT 9 here is we put into the record the legislative intent of this Commission. It is up to you as the chief legal officer of this City to make sure that what we have put into the record is carried out in law. So you put our words into law. If you feel that what has been said is sufficiently covered by this document then that is fine. In my opinion, you need to amend this signed contract. Mr. Gary: Mr. Mayor, if I might. On August 16th the City Commission gave me authority to finalize a deal utilizing $250,000. Now, I would suggest that the motion that is made be made based upon to the extent that it can be accomplished because you gave me the authorization, I've signed a contract and literally I don't have any leverage now and they can say no, this is the contract. I doubt if they will say that. Mayor Ferre: You've signed the contract. Mr. Gary: Yes, you authorized me to go ahead and get the deal here in Miami and do what is reasonable and we have done that. Mayor Ferre: Why is the copy that is before me not signed? Mr. Gary: Mr. Mayor, this is a copy that was made, we made this before I signed the original. Mayor Ferre: When did you sign the contract? Mr. Gary: The contract was signed by Mr. Trainor on Saturday and me or. Sunday, at least Saturday right after he signed it. This was made before that time. Mayor Ferre: All right. Well, certainly we can't go back on what you've already signed and authorized by the Commission. I just want to make it clearly understood, and I think there are ways of accomplishing all of this safeguarding the City's money. Mr. Gary: Correct. Mayor Ferre: And I think those were your instructions on Friday and I'm just reiterating those instructions today. Mr. Gary: We've done that part, we safeguarded the City of Miami. My only concern was the other aspects with regard to Miss Universe and Teen in advertising and Miss Universe and Miss Teen representing the City. Those things were not included in the contract and I've got to look at what the Host Comalttee i;as signed with Mr. Glasser and hopefully Mr. Glasser will agree to that. It is more on their end than ours. Mayor Ferre: I understand. The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Carollo, who moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 84-962 A RESOLUTION RATIFYING AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S EXECUTION OF THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE GREATER MIAMI HOST COMMITTEE, INC. FOR THE MISS UNIVERSE/MISS U.S.A./MISS TEENAGE U.S.A. PAGEANTS IN THE YEARS OF 1985 AND 1986 TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF MIAMI WITH FUNDS THEREFOR ALLOCATED IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000 FROM SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ACCOUNTS, CONTINGENT FUND; FURTHER EXPRESSING THE CONCERNS OF THE CITY COMMISSION AS A GUIDE FOR THE HOST COMMITTEE IN ITS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SPONSOR OF SAID PAGEANTS. (Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Upon being seconded by Commissioner Perez, the resolution was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Commissioner Joe Carollo Vice -Mayor Demetrio Perez, Jr. Mayor Maurice A. Ferre NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Miller J. Dawkins Commissioner J. L. Plummer, Jr. N----------------------------------!l------------------- ! 4. APPOINT COMMITTEE FOR EXPANSION A IMPROVEMENT OF THE MIAMI BASEBALL STADIUM. -------- 1,--------------- ------------------ l---------�a�l-w� Mayor Ferro: Mr. Manager, I went Friday afternoon to visit Edward Bennett Williams, the owner of the Orioles and at the end of the conversation he was very enthused about remaining in Miami which had been in question. He offered to participate in the payment for the new roof and the new press box, that the Orioles would pay part of it. I told his that I did not think that that was appropriate, I did not think that was really the role of the Orioles, that I would prefer to take that same amount of money and put it into a special account which we may even match so as to get the Orioles involved in the community so that they can go into the inner city and other places where kids play softball and baseball around the parks of Miami and to get this community involved. If they were to do that, in my opinion, I think they can greatly enhance their image in this community. They are concerned that they don't hit the average of 6,000 audience which is what other clubs in Florida are hitting for their spring training games and they would like to get up to that 6,000 average. In my opinion, and I told them, that they have not done a very good job in reaching out to the community and that if they reached out Into Liberty City and Little Havana and they approached this taste in an aggressive and intelligent way, if they participated in forums and park activities, if their playsrg were present in the City that they could do a great deal of good for the City which Mr. Edward Bennett Williams says he is very fond of, and the Orioles have been here for a long long time. Mr. Edward Bennett Williams has a home here in Miami and spends a lot of time to my surprise, I didn't know that. He seems to spend a lot of time in the community. He has some very important clients here which is going to bring him here even more. It seems to me that we ought to take advantage of that. I would like to ask that a committee be set up and I would like to ask Commissioner Joe Carollo to head that committee and for, just like we did on that Michael Jackson thing to ask Commissioner Demetrio Perez to be co-chairman of it. And if you would each submit some names of people so that when Mr. Edward Bennett Williams comes here in another couple of weeks we can sit down and bring this to a head. I am not being critical of Mr. Golby who is a fine gentleman and a good manger, but Mr. Edward Bennett Williams told me that that was the only person he had talked to in the City of Miami and that he was kind of sorry that he hadn't talked to the Manager and the Mayor before that time. I think we need to get this kind of communications at a higher level so that we can move along and aesign a program not only to make the Orioles happy in Miami, but to make them a lot more effective because the name of the game in my opinion is if we can get some more enthusiasm for the Orioles is a baseball franchise in Miami. Now everybody is worrying about football and the Dolphins and the USFL and what have you. In the meantime we're putting all of our eggs in the Joe Robbie basket. I hope that Joe Robbie makes it and that that football stadium will provide for baseball. But what if he doesn't? What if it doesn't provide for baseball, what if he has enough money Just to put up a football stadium and will not put up a baseball stadium for five years? Then we can't go for a franchise. Mr. Williams says that the City of Miami has the best baseball stadium in the State of Florida. I couldn't believe it when he told me that. He says it is such a junky looking stadium from the outside but when you walk in and you go in through the gate it is the best stadium in the State of Florida. He says it is a beautiful little stadium. He says that we should use that as the base and try to get some designs to expand it and I think what I would like to do, I would like this committee to come back, Mr. Carollo and Mr. Perez, and recommend to the City to dust off all the old Mel Reese plans and all the other plans that we have had for years and years about expanding that baseball stadium. As I understand it, technically, you can build bleachers above the tier that is there now and you can also build it on the sides and if we can get it up to a 50,000 seat stadium, and I realize we're talking about a $45000000 expenditure, but if we can get the enthusiasm of the Orioles up and the participation of the people of Miami we may end up being a participant. My goal is this, I would like to share this with you. As you know, there was a meeting this weekend of the ownership of the baseball owners and I understand that it is their intention to expand the league so that there will be two franchises in one - I forget whether it is the American League or the National - and four in the other, a total of six. I understand that they are seriously considering one team in Florida which is the Tampa Bay/St. Pete controversy that is going on, but that there is a strong possibility of their looking at another part of Florida. I would like to head for a direction, CO=issioners, where the City of Miami would commit itself to the new baseball commissioner and to the owners that if they grant Miami a franchise that we will build a stadium and since I think we have one leg up by having a quarter of a stadium► now, what we need is to close Off sOme streets, improve the parking, open. up I-95 which Secretary Pappas has told me would be difficult but possible, right directly into the stadium so that when you get off of I-95 you're right at the stadium and 1 think we could be in one feld swoop into the baseball world and even though I know we have a lot of other dishes on top of the table and a lot of things cooking on the front burner such as the coliseum I don't think that we can just idly sit by and permit this not to occur. I wish to make two other statements about that. One is the fact that we have failed in the past doesn't mean that we will fail forever and (2) I once again, although I realize that this always get me into hot water with Merritt Stierheim and my friends at the County, challenge Metropolitan Dade County to not sit around waiting for lightning to strike or for others to solve their problems and to join with the City of Miami or separately on their own to also address the issue of a much needed baseball stadium. There is nobody in this town working to that end. If you go to Tampa or St. Petersburg every bank president, every chamber president, every major business leader in that town is doing everything they can., one on behalf of Tampa and the other on behalf of St. Petersburg. The Miami Herald Editorial Department has a penchant for putting all the blame on the City of Miami and if you notice, they never never puL any blame on Metropolitan Dade County for anything. The apologetic editorial in. the Miami Herald Saturday or Sunday about Cordis was disgusting. That is the only word I can. use. I cannot believe that their commitment to Metropolitan Dade County goes so far that they wiggle - and they use all types of illogic. This has nothing to do with the City of Miami. How does the Miami Herald Editorial Department explain, if they can now justify Cordis' expansion into France, how do they explain Racal Milgo and their moving out of Dade County to Broward County? How do they explain the misuse of Industrial Development Bonds to move people out of downtown Miami into the unincorporated areas, how do they explain the total lack of action in all of these fronts? You see, anything that has to do with Metro, and I put it to you very simply; anything that goes wrong in the City of Miami is immediately reported, it is front page, it goes down to the State Attorneys Office, they churn it and they push it and they write twenty stories and twenty editorials. When was the last time you saw a serious critical editorial on anything that has been done in Metropolitan Dade County? When did you see any coverage dealing with the campaign similar to the type of coverage that they give the City of Miami every time there is an election? And look at this, here is none other than Robert Sanchez, Baseball Miami is a victim of Bush Leaguers. Well, who does Mr. Sanchez blame? Who does Mr. Sanchez blame, wouldn't you believe it? Miami's obvious problem, of course, is its lack of major league facilities. Two years ago Dade Countians muffed... and so on and so forth, but when it comes down he puts it right back to the typical Miami fashion announced the other day that they will sue to block the stadium. It is always when it is good news it is Dade County, when 1t is bad news it is Miami. Unless they do, Miami may be consigned to the bush league well into the 21st Century. Well, I once again, as I did before M.M.A.P. and as I did before we got into this whole question of facilities in this town both for sports, coliseuis, football, baseball stadiums and tourism and conventions challenge our Dade County sister government to stand up and do the job that the regional government of this community is supposed to be doing. And in the meantime, the City of Miami will once again continue its valiant efforts to get a coliseum going to, get a baseball stadium going, to get exposition halls and the other things that are so desperately needed in this total oommunity going. And if we can do it alone we'll do it like we did Miss Universe and if wwMetcan't we'll i� just haver to take a chance. By the way, did Univ+°t�s+ f tend Rtde, Qounhi pay us our $100,000 for Miss Mr. Carollo: Mr. Mayor, can I make a request from the Manager? If he can assign Assistant City Manager Cesar Odio to work with the Baseball Committee. Is that all right, Mr. Manager? I think we need some input from your office on that. Mayor Ferre: Mr. Manager, I would also recommend or to you, Joe, Commissioner Carollo, I would recommend that you, there is a fellow that used to work at the DDA by the name of Lipkin... Cesar, what is that fellow's name, Lipkin; he used to work at the DDA and he is now ... Mr. Gary: Mr. Mayor, you should get the Sports Authority .invoiveu in Ln15. Mayor Ferre: He is one of the key guys knowledgeable, obviously Rick Horrow is the person that has to be involved in all of this. But I want this directly to the Commission. I'm not trying to bypass the Sports Authority, Commissioner Carollo, all I'm trying do is asking you to deal with the issue. I didn't say who should be appointed and who shouldn't. Mr. Carollo: Mr. Mayor, it is obvious that some of the names that you mentioned should be invited to participate, that's why with having Assistant City Manager Odio he could do a lot of the leg running for us since he has a lot more time that we do available. Mayor Ferre: Well, the Sports Authority that we have appointed, as you know, has a special baseball committee, and I think you need to incorporate that. And I don't mean to bypass Rick Horrow but Rick Horrow I think has to understand and the Sports Authority, that if we're going to be dealing with this at the Commission level there has to be input directly from ■embers of the Commission. Okay? 5. lEA"IM CONNITMErT TO MIAMI CRBISTIAN BOSPITAL. Mayor Ferre: Mr. Manager, in Washington on Friday I spent a lot of time on the Issue of Christian Hospital. I just want to, on the record, re-emphasise to you that this is one of the main priorities that the City of Miami has. I think we have gone on record, I'd be happy, if you would like, to offer a resolution to that effect, I don't think it is necessary. There seems to be a misunderstanding as to our commitment to Christian Hospital and I have assured the staff of Congressman Pepper that this has top priority and that we are totally committed to it. But I would just like to on the record state that Christian Hospital really needs a lot of help and attention so that we can salvage that UDAG. 14 gl3g THERE BEING �ETINGFURTHER GiAS ADJOURNEDTATCOM10E52BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION, THE M ATTEST: Ralph G. Ongie CITY CLERK Natty Hirai ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Maurice A. Ferre M A Y 0 R 0 R 8/20/44 a 1% CITY Fo MIAMI fl(%- " RA r filr 4p�, OHO MEETING BATS: PUGUST 2.0, 1984 NDEX DOCUMPff IDENTIFICATION COMMISSION RETRIEVAL ACTION. An NO RESCINDING IN I'T'S ENTIRETY RESOLUTION NO. 8U-927, 84-961 ADOPTED JULY 31, 1984 WHICH CALLED PND PROVIDED FOR A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HrLD ON TII 4TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1984, FOR THE PURPOSF. OF SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THEIR I+PPRCVF.L OR DISAPPROVAL THE FOLLOWING THREE (3) STRA4' BALLOT QUESTIONS- (1 ) CREATION OF A STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT FC) THE CITY OF MIAMI T(_) BF('0775 FFFECTTlVI' IN 1987; (2) EXPANSION OF T11F CITY COMM I S:= ION I`ROM I' 1 VF T(> NINE n^FNBF-PS; ANI) (3) VIT' 'TION (�I` I'IV1' CI"'Y Ct)MMI SSI ONFRS ON THE Iii SI ;= ()F SI NCIA' Mlf"IPFF I)I Q— TRICTS >; 1 1111i FOUR CITY C(�t�Lf1I ; S I �)NI� R,' HI' I'��; FI:I'("TI I- ON AN P,`T—L,AFGI' BA 1 kATI FY/P,PP'30%'h THY CITY MANT(_'ER' :I,X?::C't"l (1, CAI' 'I'1 AGREEMENT W1 TH GREATF;R. MIAMI HOS'i' C�_�M7�11 ""I'I�.F , INC FOR MISS UNIVERSE/MISS U . S . T . j'7I S;S TEF,N7,J F PAGEANTS IN THE YEPRS OF 1985; 1986 TO BF' HFLD IN THE CITY OF MIAMI WITH FUNDS PLLnCATFD IN AN AIOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000; EXPRESS THE CON- CERNS OF CITY COMMISSION PS P GUIDY FOR THE HOST COMMITTEE IN ITS 14EGOTI7, T'ION WITH THE SPONSOR OF SAID PAGEANTS.