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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVirginia Key Advisory Board Annual ReportVIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD 2023 ANNUAL R EPORT Peter Erlich, Vice Chair Virginia Key Advisory Board Annual Report 2023 Introduction The following report is being submitted to the City Manager pursuant to Section 2-890 of the City of Miami Code of Ordinances, as amended FI, Through this document, the Virginia Key Advisory Board ("Board" or "VKAB"} is reporting on its mission, service, and operation over calendar year of 2023. Board Purpose Is the VKAB serving the purpose for which it was created? Much like the City and other governmental entities, the Board got back to work following the COVID19 Pandemic which took root in the United States in late March 2020-21. In light of these challenges, the Board was able to uphold its purpose and mission to implement the 2010 Virginia Key Master Plan by reviewing important development projects across the island. VKAB members provided feedback on the Miami Marine Stadium project, Mangrove Restoration project, Miami Marine Basin Trail project, and the Restroom Ocean Rescue Facility at North Point Beach, and Marine Stadium Boat Launch. The Board has continued to express frustration with the lack of transparency with development projects, delays with the Marina, Marine Stadium operator selection process, delays with the Flex Park design development, the future success of these facilities hosting potentially new events, the activity generated near environmentally sensitive areas, the dissolving of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust and other items coming before the Board days before the City Commission is voting on them. This gives the Board no time to review and give feedback to the City on projects being contemplated on Virginia Key. The Board has also expressed concern for the management and integration of the 16+ active projects across Virginia Key. The Board acknowledges that many of the organizational concerns have been addressed by assigning staff to consolidate all the projects into a portfolio and closely coordinate with other City Departments involved in the improvement projects on Virginia Key. Although Steve Williamson has since left the City, the Board recognizes Hector Badia, Director of the Office of Capital Improvement (OCI), and the OCI staff are continuing to nurture this process and working diligently to strengthen their relationship with the Board. The Board also recognizes the complexity of the Virginia Key development projects which involve the Department of Real Estate Management, Planning Deportment, Office of Zoning, and Parks and Recreation Department. The Board wishes to see the continued cooperation and integration for the successful realization of the 2010 Master Plan. 2 Board Service to the Community Is the Board serving current community needs? The Board is continuing to serve community needs by regularly accepting extensive public comments on all the issues before the Board. Additionally, the Board also hears from interested stakeholders of Virginia Key. The Board is in the process of developing and expanding a list to invite input from longstanding groups, many of which work quietly to improve Virginia Key's attractiveness to different users. Board Accomplishments Balancing Competing Interests The Board continues to serve as the principal place where serious discussion occurs and works to balance the competing interests that grant access to this gem of the City. The Board serves as a referee in balancing various interests or stakeholders that want to develop certain areas, preserve environmentally sensitive areas, and encourage the public's active and passive enjoyment of this tremendous City and regional resource. The Board is here to analyze and provide viable solutions to all facets in the Master Plan and often feel blindsided when projects are heard about in the paper or the day of meeting before coming before the Advisory Board. Forum for Integrated Thought and Discussion The Board continues to provide an excellent public forum where residents and stakeholders can provide valuable input on island wide planning and development topics. Public comment always takes place during meetings. The Board encourages the public's thoughts and suggestions on all projects and takes them into account when debating the merits of all projects. Fostered Stronger Relationships with City Staff Building on momentum from the previous year, the Board has continued to work closely with City Staff when reviewing the ongoing projects on the island. The Board has been able to supplement expertise, experience, and guidance to ensure the implementation of the 2010 Master Plan. The Board's review process has served as a second set of eyes for the ultimate review and approval by City Commission. Additionally, the Board has encouraged the consolidation and management of the projects to ensure successful execution. The Board acknowledges the efforts made by City Departments and City Administration to make the 2010 Master Plan a reality. The Sole purpose of the Board is to assure that the 2010 Master Plan is executed as presented and the Island can become what it was always intended to be. 3 Board Alternative Is there any other board, public or private, which would better serve the function of the VKAB? The Board's array of membership (detailed below) provides a wide representation of stakeholders and experts to oversee the implementation of the 2010 Master Plan. The Board makes sure the public and frequent users are able to participate in the planning, development, and ongoing activities on Virginia Key. No other entity can achieve the purpose and intent of the existing board. Board Enabling Ordinance Should the Ordinance creating the Board be amended to better enable the Board to serve the purpose for which it was created? The Board is established pursuant to Chapter 2, Article XI, Division 1 3.5, Section 2-11 90 of the City of Miami Code of Ordinance and governed by subsequent sections. The Legislation was promoted by Commission Francis Suarez and unanimously approved by the City Commission in January 2016. The Enabling Legislation allows the Board to implement the 2010 Master Plan through oversight of improvements, development, recreational activities, and advisement to City Commission and the City on governance of Virginia Key. At this time, the ordinance is effective enabling the Board to successfully implement 2010 Virginia Key Master Plan. Board Membership Composition Should the Board's membership requirements be modified? The Board is composed of 13 members appointed by City representatives and external, stakeholder organizations. Membership for 2023 was as follows: 1. City of Miami Commissioner — Vacant 2. Mayor of the City of Miami Appointee — Lamell McMorris 3. Director of Real Estate and Asset Management — Andrew Frey 4. Director of Parks and Recreation — Chris Evans 5. Village of Key Biscayne Village Appointee — Robert Vernon/Currently Vacant 6. Miami- Dade County Commissioner — District 7 appointee — Nicolas Lopez -Jenkins 7. Dade Heritage Trust Appointee — Vinson Richter 8. National Trust for Historic Preservation Appointee — Lynn Lewis 9. At- Large Appointee — Monty Trainer 10. Urban Environment League of Greater Miami — Peter Erhlich 11. Tropical Audubon Society Appointee — Gary Milano 4 12. Sierra Club Appointee — Steven Leidner 13. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Appointee — Charles Weyman/Currently Vacant The Board believes the wide representation provides an extensive perspective on the unique challenges facing Virginia Key and the implementation of the Master Plan's vision. Board Operating Expense The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the Board. Per the VKAB's Ordinance, there is a member of the City staff who serves as the Board's liaison. The Board Liaison transitioned from Kevin Martin (Planner II, Planning Department) to Lance Larios (Park Planner, Planning Department) in the fall of 2021 the board was reassigned to the Parks Department, where LaCleveia Morley was the board Liaison and in September 2023, Rafaella Aleixo became the current board liaison. For legal counsel, an Assistant City Attorney Thomas Fossler is assigned to the Board. The Board estimates the City expended approximately $5,000 for incidental expenses of the various VKAB meetings held in calendar year 2020. Conclusion The Virginia Key Advisory Board continues to serve its purpose to the City of Miami by overseeing the planning, development, and activities taking place on Virginia Key. The Board pursues the implementation of the 2010 Master Plan by coordinating with City staff, encouraging public comment opportunities, and providing guidance to City Management and City Commission. The Board looks forward to advancing its purpose and the vision of the 2010 Master Plan into calendar year 2024. On behalf of the Board, Peter Erlich, Vice Chair, respectfully submits this report in response to Section 2- 890 of the City of Miami Code of Ordinance for the consideration of the City Manager. 5