HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2006-07-13 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 13, 2006
9:00 AM
REGULAR
City Hall Commission Chambers
City Commission
Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor
Angel Gonzalez, Chairman
Joe Sanchez, Vice Chairman
Linda M. Haskins, Commissioner District Two
Tomas Regalado, Commissioner District Four
Michelle Spence -Jones, Commissioner District Five
Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager
Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
CONTENTS
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
AM - APPROVING MINUTES
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
M - MAYOR'S ITEMS
D1 - DISTRICT 1 ITEMS
D2 - DISTRICT 2 ITEMS
D3 - DISTRICT 3 ITEMS
D4 - DISTRICT 4 ITEMS
D5 - DISTRICT 5 ITEMS
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
RE - RESOLUTIONS
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
Minutes are transcribed verbatim. Periodically, agenda items are revisited during a meeting.
"[Later...J" refers to discussions that were interrupted and later continued.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
9:00 A.M.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairman Gonzalez, Commissioner Haskins, Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner
Regalado and Commissioner Spence -Jones
On the 13th day of July 2006, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular
session. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Angel Gonzalez at 9: 29 a.m., recessed at
11: 00 a.m., reconvened at 11:18 a.m., recessed at 12:15 p.m., reconvened at 2: 34 p.m., and
adjourned at 5: 21 p. m.
ALSO PRESENT.
Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney
Joe Arriola, City Manager
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
Pamela Burns, Assistant City Clerk
Chairman Gonzalez: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the July 13, 2006
meeting of the City of Miami City Commission in this historic chambers. The members of the
City Commission are Joe Sanchez, Vice Chair, Tomas Regalado, Michelle Spence -Jones, Linda
Haskins, and myself, Angel Gonzalez, your Chairman. Also on the dais are Joe Arriola, City
Manager, Jorge L. Fernandez, the City Attorney, and Priscilla A. Thompson, the City Clerk. The
meeting will be opened with a prayer by Commissioner Sanchez and a pledge of allegiance by
Commissioner Regalado. Please rise for the invocation.
Prayer and pledge of allegiance delivered.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 06-01207 CEREMONIAL ITEM
Name of Honoree
Sgt. Kent Padmore
Miami International Airport
Noise Abatement Task Force
Captain Eduardo Ferrer
Charles Flowers
Tory Jacobs
Patrick McCoy
Frank Rollason
Ronald K. Smith
Joseph W. Underwood
District 3 Greening of the City Campaign
06-01207 Cover Page.pdf
06-01207 Protocol List.pdf
PRESENTED
Presenter
Mayor Diaz
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Regalado
Commissioner Sanchez
Commissioner Sanchez
Protocol Item
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Commendation
Certificates of Appreciation
1. Mayor Diaz presented Certificates of Achievement to the principals and assistant principals
of 35 City of Miami schools with dramatic improvement in their FCAT scores.
2. Mayor Diaz presented a proclamation to the Honorable Lucita Moenir Alam to honor the
genius of Rembrandt and in recognition of Holland's observance of the 400th celebration of his
birth.
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The Honorable Lucita Moenir Alam presented the Mayor and City of Miami Commissioners with
a book and a keyholder as a token of appreciation for the City's recognition of Holland's 400th
celebration of Rembrandt.
3. Vice Chairman Sanchez presented Certificates of Appreciation to City employees and other
individuals who participated in the District 3 Greening of the City Campaign by planting trees in
the City of Miami.
4. Commissioner Regalado presented commendations to Miami International Airport Noise
Abatement Task Force members Captain Eduardo Ferrer, Captain Patrick McCoy, Captain
Charles Flowers, Tory Jacobs, Frank Rollason, and Ronald K. Smith, in recognition of their
success in establishing new flight patterns for some flights going into and out of Miami
International Airport.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK Now we're going to go to the presentation and proclamations. I
believe the Mayor has some presentations.
Presentations made.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
MAYORAL VETOES
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chairman Gonzalez: So now let's continue with the agenda. Do we have any vetoes from the
Mayor?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No, we do not.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING:
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, to APPROVED
PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Chairman Gonzalez: We need to approve the minutes of the following meeting, the regular
meeting of June 8, 2006.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Is that the bell for the first round?
Chairman Gonzalez: Do I hear a motion?
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Hey, Pete, welcome aboard.
Chairman Gonzalez: We need a motion to approve the minutes of June 8, 2006.
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second, Mr. Chair.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. City Attorney, will you please read the rules of the meeting?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yes. Any person who is a lobbyist must register with the
City Clerk before appearing in front of the City Commission. A copy of the Code section about
lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's office. The material in connection with each item
appearing on the agenda is available for inspection during business hours at the Clerk's office.
Formal action may be taken on any item discussed or added to this agenda. All decisions of the
City Commission are final, except that the Mayor may veto certain items approved by the City
Commission within ten calendar days of Commission action. The Commission may override
such veto by four -fifth vote. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City
Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of the item on
which the appeal is based. Absolutely no cell phones, beepers, or other audible sounds or
ringing devices are permitted in the Commission chambers. Please silence those now. Any
person making impertinent, slanderous remarks, or who becomes unruly while addressing the
Commission, shall be barred from further attending Commission meetings, unless permission to
continue or again address the Commission is granted by a vote of the Commission. No clapping,
applauding -- perhaps, there is an exception for that today -- is permitted. No signs or placards
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are allowed in the chambers. Person exiting the Commission chambers shall do so quietly.
Persons may address the City Commission on items appearing on the `public hearings " portion
of the agenda and on items where public input is solicited. Persons wishing to speak should
inform the City Clerk as soon as possible, giving the City Clerk their names. At the time the item
is heard, persons who will speak should approach the microphone and wait to be recognized.
Any person with a disability requiring auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may also
notes the Clerk. The lunch recess will begin at the conclusion of deliberations of the agenda
item being considered at noon. The meeting will end either at the conclusion of deliberation of
the agenda item being considered at 10 p.m., or at the conclusion of the regularly scheduled
agenda, whichever occurs first. The items will be heard in the numbered -- will be heard in
numbered sequence on the agenda, and turn it back to you, Mr. Chairman, for consent.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you, Mr. City Attorney.
CONSENT AGENDA
CA.1 06-01106 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
Police CONTINUED FUNDING OF PROTRACTED COMPLEX INVESTIGATIONS, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND, PROJECT NUMBERS 690001, 690002
AND 690003, WITH SUCH EXPENDITURES HAVING BEEN APPROVED BY
THE CHIEF OF POLICE AS COMPLYING WITH THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENTS OF JUSTICE AND TREASURY'S, "GUIDE TO EQUITABLE
SHARING," AND WITH SECTION 932.7055, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS
AMENDED.
06-01106 Legislation.pdf
06-01106 Summary Form.pdf
06-01106 Affidavit.pdf
06-01106 Summary Fact Sheet.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0415
Direction by Commissioner Spence -Jones to the Administration to provide funding
recommendations and the necessary resources to continue to support programs through the Law
Enforcement Trust that prevent violence in the City of Miami.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. I -- is Chief Timoney around?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes, he is.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just really -- I really have no issue with the actual item, but I do -
- I would like to at least bring something to the attention of my colleagues that are sitting on the
dais with me this morning, and it's a blessing to have the County also here in the audience, too.
As you know, we've been talking back and forth, Chief, regarding this issue of the Law
Enforcement Trust, and the number of dollars that we're losing every year regarding the Trust,
and in the past, many of those dollars have been -- have gone to supporting local organizations
to prevent violence and crime in many communities. As you know, my community has been
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rocked with this whole issue of gun violence. I mean, we just -- I just lost -- I say "I" -- I'm not
going to say "we" -- well, we -- we all just lost a young girl, not even two weeks ago, to this
whole issue of gun violence, and one of the things that I'd like to see happen, or I'd like to at
least address to you this morning, if there's any way that we could look at -- or do you have any
suggestions of things that we, maybe, perhaps could do, from an administration standpoint, to
assist you with providing additional resources to assist you with the Law Enforcement Trust. I
mean, I just need to get your input because --
Chief John F. Timoney (Police): Yeah.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I know this is a very sensitive issue for you, and you've been
trying to address it, and every year, the dollars keep getting --
Chief Timoney: Yeah.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- cut every year --
Chief Timoney: Right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- so can you just speak to that so at least my colleagues
understand, because I really need to address this issue with so many kids dying on the streets in
my district.
Chief Timoney: Good morning. I'm Chief of Police John Timoney, along with Assistant Chief
Adam Burden, the chief of Administration. By way of background, the Law Enforcement Trust
Fund -- the City of Miami, on an annual basis, up to a few years ago, received about $6 million.
Places like New York received about 26 million and so on and so forth. As a result of some court
decisions and other things, over the last four years, the Law Enforcement Trust Fund has been
reduced significantly, so for example, last year, the City of Miami got less than $1 million; this
year, it's projected about $700, 000. When you look at a place like New York City, it went from
$26 million down to slightly under $6 million last year, so it's not just Miami. It's the entire
nation, as a result of some legal decisions. In the past, the Miami Police Department had been
in a fortunate position to be able to give some of the money to community -based groups to help
prevent violence. We are required by the law to give upwards of 15 percent. Right now -- or
over the last -- since I've been here -- four years, that -- more than 15 percent has been given,
but it's been given to two main programs; one, Do the Right Thing, which is a very successful
program run by the Miami Police Department that rewards children for good behavior; and
then, two, upwards of half a million dollars a year to help run the PAL (Police Athletic League)
program, which services thousands of kids in Miami. Unfortunately, last year, as a result of this
reduction, we've now had to reduce our commitment to the PAL program, and we've gone out on
a very aggressive campaign to get private donations. We just had -- about a month and a half
ago, and we gathered over $100, 000 from a breakfast with the police chief, where we had some
business people come in. I, myself, any time I give a speech and I'm paid for it, that money goes
to PAL. I do not keep that money; the same thing for Chief Fernandez. However, there is a need
for these community -based programs to somehow be able to get some of the funding that we
provided in the past. We have no capacity whatsoever. We give more than our 15 percent, and
clearly, we also need some money for training and for equipment, which is the money that we do
spend right now, but you're absolutely correct to point out that there has been a huge void
created in the LETF (Law Enforcement Trust Fund) funding over the last three or four years.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I just would want to bring this to my attention -- to my --
really my colleagues on the dais. I mean, I attended the funeral last Saturday, and I'm telling
you, we have to do something. I mean, we -- the funds that we do have to support programs for
arts and culture is great, but if we're losing the lives of so many young people, it's not going to
really make a difference. I don't want to see another young person buried in my district, so
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whatever we need to do from an administration side -- and I guess, I'm looking for my budget
side, Mr. Larry -- I don't know where he is -- and City Manager. We just need to figure out a
way to continue to provide support to these programs because we cannot continue to have so
many -- 67 kids, I've lost -- we've lost, I'd say, over the last year and a half to gun violence.
That's a lot of kids -- from 18 months to 21 years of age, so I just wanted to -- I don't have an
issue with this item, but I do want to make sure that I at least raise the consciousness that this is
a true problem in my district and throughout all of our districts that we need to begin to address,
and whatever way we can -- whatever we need to do from an administration side of it, and
hopefully, through the County, whatever type of efforts to provide the necessary resources to the
Law Enforcement Trust so that we can continue to support programs. That's the only thing that I
wanted to bring to your attention and to my colleagues' attention.
Chief Timoney: Thank you.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No discussion on that item.
Chairman Gonzalez: Huh?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No discussion on that item.
Chairman Gonzalez: No discussion? All right. Any discussion from the Commission? All right.
Did you pull an item for discussion? Commissioner Regalado.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Why don't we vote on this item? Makes it much easier for the --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- City Clerk.
Chairman Gonzalez: Let's vote on the item. All --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So move.
Chairman Gonzalez: We need a motion.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
CA.2 06-01107 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, ESTABLISHING A NEW
Fire -Rescue SPECIAL REVENUE FUND ENTITLED: "EMS COUNTY GRANT #C5013
AWARD (FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006)," IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$95,286, CONSISTING OF A GRANT APPORTIONED BY MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY, FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,
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BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ("EMS") PROGRAM
ENTITLED, "FLORIDA EMS GRANT PROGRAM COUNTIES;" AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT SAID GRANT AWARD AND TO EXECUTE
THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, TO IMPLEMENT ACCEPTANCE OF SAID
GRANT.
06-01107 Legislation .pdf
06-01107 Summary Form.pdf
06-01107 Letter .pdf
06-01107 Letter of Understanding .pdf
06-01107 Pre -Attachment .pdf
06-01107 Pre -Attachment 2.pdf
06-01107 Pre -Attachment 3.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0408
CA.3 06-01109 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
Fire -Rescue PROCUREMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
FIRE RESCUE, FROM CARDINAL HEALTH 103, INC., F/K/A CARDINAL
SOUTHEAST, INC., UNDER EXISTING STATE OF FLORIDA CONTRACT
NO. 268-000-98-2 RENEWAL CONTRACT #1, ON AN AS -NEEDED
CONTRACT BASIS, EFFECTIVE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2008;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED UTILIZATION THEREOF
BEYOND SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, BASED ON ANY EXTENSIONS AND/OR
REPLACEMENT CONTRACTS BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA; ALLOCATING
THE CONTRACT ANNUAL AMOUNT FOR EXPENDITURES, FROM THE
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS OF THE USER DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT
TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED.
06-01109 Legislation.pdf
06-01109 Summary Form.pdf
06-01109 Memo. pdf
06-01109 Contract Renewal. pdf
06-01109 Pre-Legislation.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0409
CA.4 06-01112 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Police ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
ENTITLED: "FY 2006 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT (JAG) PROGRAM," CONSISTING OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE
PROGRAMS, BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
$435,731; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT SAID GRANT
AWARD AND TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, TO IMPLEMENT ACCEPTANCE
OF SAID GRANT.
06-01112 Legislation.pdf
06-01112 Exhibit.pdf
06-01112 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01112 Summary Form.pdf
06-01112 Award I nstructions. pdf
06-01112 Letter.pdf
06-01112 Letter 2.pdf
06-01112 Letter 3.pdf
06-01112 Summary Fact Sheet.pdf
WITH DRAWN
CA.5 06-01110 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, APPROVING THE
Purchasing CONTRACT FOR AGGREGATES, TOP SOIL AND SAND, FROM AUSTIN
TUPLER TRUCKING, INC., AND FROM TENEX ENTERPRISES, INC.,
PURSUANT TO SOUTHEAST FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
COOPERATIVE BID NO. 2006-004, EFFECTIVE THROUGH MAY 31, 2007,
WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR
PERIODS, SUBJECT TO ANY FURTHER EXTENSIONS OR REPLACEMENT
CONTRACTS BY THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL
PURCHASING COOPERATIVE GROUP, TO BE UTILIZED ON AN
AS -NEEDED CONTRACT BASIS, BY THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS,
SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL
AT THE TIME OF NEED.
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06-01110 Legislation.pdf
06-01110 Summary Form .pdf
06-01110 Letter .pdf
06-01110 Letter 2.pdf
06-01110 Agenda Item Fact Sheet .pdf
06-01110 Pre -Legislation .pdf
06-01110 Memo .pdf
06-01110 Memo 2.pdf
06-01110 Bid -Tabulation. pdf
06-01110 Firm Information.pdf
06-01110 Letter 3.pdf
06-01110 Schedule of Bid Prices.pdf
06-01110 Bid Sheet.pdf
06-01110 Qualification Statement. pdf
06-01110 Cover Page. pdf
06-01110 Fee Receipt. pdf
06-01110 Notarized Document.pdf
06-01110 Reference Sheet.pdf
06-01110 Refrences .pdf
06-01110 Non -Collusion Affidavit. pdf
06-01110 Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Act.pdf
06-01110 Drug -Free Work Place Program Form.pdf
06-01110 Firm Information 2.pdf
06-01110 Letter 4.pdf
06-01110 Schedule of Bid Prices 2.pdf
06-01110 Bid Sheet 2.pdf
06-01110 Pre-Attachment.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-041 0
CA.6 06-01111 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, APPROVING THE
Purchasing CONTRACT FOR PLUMBING SUPPLIES, PARTS, FIXTURES, WATER
HEATERS, PVC PIPE, TUBING AND RELATED ITEMS FROM BEST
PLUMBING SPECIALTIES, INC.; HUGHES SUPPLY, INC.; INTERLINE
BRANDS, INC., D/B/A SEXAUER; LEHMAN PIPE AND PLUMBING SUPPLY,
INC.; NATIONAL WATERWORKS; AND PLUMBMASTER, INC., PURSUANT
TO SOUTHEAST FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASING
COOPERATIVE BID NO. 26-084R, EFFECTIVE THROUGH MARCH 31, 2009,
WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR
PERIODS, SUBJECT TO ANY FURTHER EXTENSIONS OR REPLACEMENT
CONTRACTS BY THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL
PURCHASING COOPERATIVE GROUP, TO BE UTILIZED ON AN
AS -NEEDED CONTRACT BASIS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED.
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Legislation. pdf
Summary Form.pdf
Memo. pdf
Recommendation Tabulation.pdf
Tabulation Sheets.pdf
Summary of Bid Rejections.pdf
Invitation To Bid.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet .pdf
Additional Information Sheet.pdf
Invitation To Bid 2.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 2.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 2.pdf
Invitation To Bid 3.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 3.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 3.pdf
Invitation To Bid 4.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 4.pdf
Additional Discounts.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 4.pdf
Invitation To Bid 5.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 5.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 5.pdf
Invitation To Bid 6.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 6.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 6.pdf
Letter. pdf
Cooperative Purchasing.pdf
Letter 2.pdf
Table of Contents. pdf
Invitation To Bid 7.pdf
General Conditions.pdf
Special Conditions.pdf
Bid Summary Sheet 7.pdf
Additional Information Sheet 7.pdf
Pre -Attachment. pdf
Pre -Attachment 2.pdf
Statement of no Bid.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
CA.7 06-01113
Department of
Public Facilities
R-06-0411
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR THE ORANGE
BOWL, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, ENTERED INTO
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND BOSTON CULINARY GROUP,
INC., A WISCONSIN FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, ON AUGUST 16, 2003,
TO PROVIDE FOR A REDUCTION OF THE PERCENTAGE FEE ON
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES UP TO $2.6 MILLION, FROM FIFTY
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
PERCENT (50%) TO FORTY-FOUR PERCENT (44%), FOR A ONE-YEAR
PERIOD, COMMENCING AUGUST 16, 2006 AND EXPIRING AUGUST 15,
2007, WHILE MAINTAINING THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE REQUIREMENTS;
PROVIDING FOR THE CITY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE SAID AGREEMENT
FOR CONVENIENCE UPON PROVIDING NINETY (90) DAYS PRIOR
WRITTEN NOTICE.
06-01113 Legislation .pdf
06-01113 Exhibit .pdf
06-01113 Summary Form .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be DENIED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On CA. 7, it's a resolution to execute an
amendment to the concession agreement on the Orange Bowl. What I don't understand is why
are we trying to help this company? Do they have problems?
Laura Billberry: This comp -- Lori Billberry, director of Public Facilities. This company, when
they initially bid on the RFP (Request for Proposals) for this project at the Orange Bowl, the
revenues were generally in the over two million range of gross revenues in concessions. Last
year, because of the hurricanes and the uncertainty with some of the capital improvements that
needed to be done, that -- we didn't book quite as many events, and their revenues dropped to 1.8
million in gross, so this -- they will still guarantee the minimum guarantee, which for this game
season -- of the seven -game season, is 905, 000, and we also capped that if their receipts do go --
since we will have a good season -- above 2.6 million, they won't get to continue to reap a
benefit, so this is just giving a small break to try and do a workout. They did invest 420,000 in
the premises when they moved in, so this is to try and allow them to still recoup on that
investment.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. The only question I have, have they lay off employees?
Ms. Billberry: No, not that --
Commissioner Regalado: Because --
Ms. Billberry: -- I'm aware of.
Commissioner Regalado: You're not aware or you don't know? No. I mean, because if we're
going to help them by giving them a break, it's fine, but if, because of what you mentioned, they
had some issues and have lay off some people that they hired, then they shouldn't get a break, so
that was my point, so we don't know.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chair.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: If I may add. Were any of the UM (University of Miami) games
canceled?
Ms. Billberry: They were not canceled. One of them was postponed.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And they played -- it was Georgia Tech, and we played in --
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Ms. Billberry: It was played a couple --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- Georgia.
Ms. Billberry: -- weeks later.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK.
Ms. Billberry: All the games were played, although it was not attended as highly as usual.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And their discussion on -- well, their concern is that because of the
lights that were torn down by the hurricane -- it's not like we went out there and broke them
ourselves -- they're saying that that hurt their business?
Ms. Billberry: Not that the lights hurt their business, just that the attendance overall has hurt
their business. Additionally, the year prior, there were many repairs going on in the upper bowl,
and the City was limited in the number of events we could book because we were uncertain in
Public Facilities how long those repairs were going to be required to take, so we had to be
cautious in what we booked and guaranteeing what uses could be placed in the Bowl.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: But here's my point. I want to make it very clear. I don't think that
this philosophy is good business for the taxpayers of Miami, the philosophy in itself. If we -- and
they knew that we are committing to putting a lot of money into restoring the Orange Bowl,
which is our obligation -- it's a global issue, the Orange Bowl, and I say that so the County could
hear me on that because it's -- the Orange Bowl's not only the residents of the City of Miami, but
the County also use it for events. If they knew that we were going to be doing a lot of capital
improvements on the Orange Bowl, why aren't they -- like any other business that take it in the
chin when a hurricane comes -- why don't they have insurance? The message that we're sending
out there is you're better off doing business with the government because, you know, you have
those types of deals where you're protected, so it's just the wrong message to have, and I think
that we need to be proactive in negotiating these contracts so we're better protected.
Ms. Billberry: Well, the improvements that were contemp -- I don't know that the -- and pardon
me because I wasn't involved in the initial contract negotiations, but I don't know that they were
aware that those structural repairs were going to be going on and could impact what we were
going to be able to book in the Bowl. The renovations now going forward is something,
obviously, that's -- everyone aware -- is aware of.
Commissioner Haskins: Lori, is there a cancellation provision? Can they cancel the contract?
Ms. Billberry: I don't -- I'd have to double-check, I'm sorry. I know we had a right -- and part of
this amendment actually increases our right, as far as canceling for convenience. They don't
have to -- I'd have to double-check. They do have a cancellation. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Haskins: So did this come up -- come about as a result of them saying they were
going to cancel because of the loss in revenues, or --? I mean, how did it come up?
Ms. Billberry: No. I think they want to work with us. They approached us because they did take
a beating during the last season, as far as what they were able to recoup on their investment,
their initial investment, and they were contemplating making that up over the initial term of the
agreement.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Any --
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, I will move to deny CA. 7.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion to deny --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- CA. 7, and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. All right. That
concludes the consent agenda. Now we're going to go into blue pages.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Fernandez: You also pulled consent item number 4. Is that correct, Madam Clerk?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes. They already pulled it.
Mr. Fernandez: Oh, so --
Ms. Thompson: He --
Mr. Fernandez: -- pulled, not to be discussed?
Chairman Gonzalez: Just pulled it completely.
Mr. Fernandez: OK, all right.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes. All right, so that concludes the consent agenda.
CA.8 06-01105 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Finance ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE "MASTER SWAP
POLICY," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, GOVERNING INTEREST
RATE SWAPS BY THE CITY OF MIAMI; PROVIDING THAT THE MASTER
SWAP POLICY SHALL NOT SUPERSEDE ANY APPLICABLE PROVISION OF
THE CHARTER OR CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED.
06-01105 Legislation.pdf
06-01105 Exhibit.pdf
06-01105 Summary Form.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0412
CA.9 06-01022 RESOLUTION
City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 8/2/2006
City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Department of
Public Facilities
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF IN -KIND SERVICES
VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $250,000, FROM THE TURKEL RESOURCE
FOUNDATION, INC. ("FOUNDATION"), CONSISTING OF IMPROVEMENTS,
AS DESCRIBED IN "EXHIBIT A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, TO
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 100
NORTHWEST 17 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE
"DORSEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY;" AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND TO EXECUTE A REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS AND
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM, FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE
ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR TERM, SUBJECT TO THE FOUNDATION
PROVIDING INSURANCE DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE CITY'S
DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT.
06-01022 Legislation .pdf
06-01022 Exhibit .pdf
06-01022 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01022 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01022 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01022 Exhibit 5.pdf
06-01022 Summary Form .pdf
06-01022 Pre -Legislation .pdf
WITH DRAWN
CA.10 06-01140 RESOLUTION
Department of
Public Facilities
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND
AFTERLIFE SERVICES, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION D/B/A THE
ATLANTIS REEF PROJECT, FOR THE USE OF 10,000 SQUARE FEET OF
CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3501 RICKENBACKER
CAUSEWAY, KNOWN AS MARINE STADIUM PARKING, MIAMI, FLORIDA,
FOR USE AS A STAGING AREA FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING
CONCRETE SLABS TO BE LOADED ONTO A BARGE TO CREATE THE
ATLANTIS REEF PROJECT, WITH PAYMENT OF A USE FEE EQUAL TO
$4,000, PER MONTH, PLUS APPLICABLE STATE OF FLORIDA USE TAX,
WITH OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS MORE PARTICULARLY STATED
IN THE AGREEMENT.
06-01140 Legislation.pdf
06-01140 Exhibit.pdf
06-01140 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01140 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01140 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01140 Summary Form.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0413
City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 8/2/2006
City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
CA.11 06-01194 RESOLUTION
Office of the City
Attorney
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION SUPPORTING THE
INTERNATIONAL MUNICIPAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION ("IMLA") AND
URGING THE ORGANIZATION TO HOLD ITS 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION
IN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"); FINDING THAT SUCH AN EVENT HAS A
SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON AND BRINGS PRESTIGE TO THE
CITY AND ITS BUSINESSES AND HIGHLIGHTS THE IMAGE OF THE CITY
IN A POSITIVE WAY; AUTHORIZING A DONATION OF FUNDS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000, TO THE "2009 ANNUAL IMLA CONFERENCE" IN
MIAMI, A WORLD -CLASS EVENT; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM AN
ACCOUNT TO BE IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY MANAGER.
06-01194 Legislation.pdf
06-01194 Memo.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0414
Adopted the Consent Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, including
all the preceding items marked as having been adopted on the Consent Agenda. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Gonzalez: Now we're going to move to approve the consent agenda. Are there any
items that the Commission needs to pull?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yeah. Mr. Chairman, while you're thinking through that,
the Administration is pulling consent item number 9.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. I also have an item that I want to defer.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to also pull CA.1, just for discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: CA.1 ?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Um -hum.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. OK. I want to defer CA.4 and also RE.2.
Joe Arriola (City Manager): Mr. Chairman, also PH.1.
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.1.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, also CA.9. I just have a discussion on it.
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.9?
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Vice Chairman Sanchez: C.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, sir, CA.9.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: CA.9.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: CA.9, I'm sorry.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK The -- these items that you're pulling on the consent agenda, are you
pulling them for discussion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- or --?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- for discuss -- just for discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: Just for discussion. All right.
Mr. Fernandez: No. Mr. Chairman, the Administration is pulling from consideration consent
agenda number 9.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. All right. We need a motion to --
Commissioner Regalado: CA. 7 --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: -- to dis -- for discussion. Pull CA. 7for discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: CA.7?
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Very good. Now we need a motion to approve the balance of the consent
agenda.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER'S ITEMS
CITYWIDE
HONORABLE MAYOR MANUEL A. DIAZ
M.1 06-01195 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,353,
FROM THE CHILDREN'S TRUST TO PROVIDE ENHANCED SERVICES FOR
THE 21 ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER MIAMI LEARNING
ZONE AT HOLMES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MIAMI, FLORIDA;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE OF SAID GRANT
AWARD.
06-01195 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0416
Chairman Gonzalez: Now we're going to go into blue pages. Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members of the Commission, I have two
items for your consideration. The first is a -- Holmes Elementary, as you may remember, was
here earlier this morning. Holmes is a school that, for three consecutive years, had been an
F-rated school, and this year, I'm proud to report they are now a C-rated school. This item
accepts a grant of almost $110, 000 from the Children's Trust for the 21 st Century Community
Learning Center at Holmes Elementary. I would ask for your approval.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved.
Mayor Diaz: What?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
Mayor Diaz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and --
Chairman Gonzalez: M.2.
Mayor Diaz: -- thank you, members of the Commission.
M.2 06-01205 RESOLUTION
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, RATIFYING,
APPROVING AND CONFIRMING MAYOR MANUEL A. DIAZ'S
APPOINTMENT OF PEDRO HERNANDEZ AS CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA.
06-01205 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-041 7
Mayor Manuel A Diaz: On the second item, I would like to make a brief statement. It has been
said that service to others is the supreme duty of life. Today, we are here to celebrate the service
to our City of two men; one that formally ends today and another that begins. A little over four
years ago, we set out to alter the course of our City's history, to set it on a path towards
greatness. To achieve this goal, we knew we had to work together as a team, led by you, our
City Commissioners, our Administration, and City employees, and at the helm, Joe Arriola.
Much has been written and said about this remarkable turnaround of our City, perhaps, the
greatest renaissance of any city in America in such a short period of time, and make no mistake,
it is the dedication of this team to serve the residents of our City that has made all of this
possible. In his office, Joe kept a framed, ancient Hebrew teaching about a dying rabbi found
weeping by his nephew. When the nephew asked why it is that this great teacher wept, the rabbi
replied, "Perhaps I shall be condemned because I was able to lead, but chose not to." Well, Joe
chose to lead. He chose to leave the comforts of retirement in order to give back ingratitude to
the community where he lives, ran his business, and raised his family. Joe, today it is we who
owe you a debt of gratitude for all that you have done for our City, for helping to bring us to
where we are today. Thank you, Joe.
Applause.
Mayor Diaz: We continue to build on this record of achievement by naming a new leader to our
team, a man who is a consummate servant, who has dedicated his professional life to the service
of others and to our community. It speaks volume of the level of where we are that we have been
able to attract a person with the talent and the dedication of Pete Hernandez. Pete has chosen to
join our City after a distinguished three -decade career in Miami -Dade County government,
where he achieved the post of deputy county manager. He, therefore, not only brings a wealth of
knowledge of the public process, but the spirit that will give continuity to our achievements. Mr.
Chairman, Vice Chairman, and members of the City Commission, it is with great pleasure that I
urge your approval of my appointment of Pete Hernandez to serve as City Manager of the City of
Miami.
Applause.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I would accept the nomination and move for appointment.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, first of all, I -- Mr. Mayor, congratulations. It was a
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
very, very good choice. I had the fortune of, before this was made public, meeting Mr.
Hernandez, and I'm sure that the residents of the district that I represent will be very well -served
because he understands that we all work for the residents, and that the City is not us. The City is
the people, the residents, the taxpayers, so I am very, very happy to support the appointment of
Mr. Pete Hernandez.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: If I may. Mr. Hernandez -- because you're not yet the City Manager --
if I may. Whoever thought that small child from Camaguey could come to this great country of
ours --
Mayor Diaz: I didn't know you were from Camaguey.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and really accomplish the American Dream. What a life of a
gentleman who has continued to struggle and really has made it to, I think, one of the things that
he really wanted to accomplish, and that was to, one day, be a City Manager somewhere. For
thirty -some years in public life of service, he has been blessed not only by a beautiful family, but
by so many friends that are here today to honor what accomplishments he's going to do today.
Pete has the qualities of a great City Manager; took him thirty -some years and he never given
up. I have heard about Pete, and at many times, had an opportunity on foresight to really just
get to know him a little bit. I took an opportunity to meet with him in my house for an hour and a
half, and I really got to see the qualities of a gentleman that deserves to be the next City
Manager of the City of Miami.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just have two things to say. First, the first thing that I would
want to say -- and I'd like to actually direct this to our City Manager that is leaving us, on behalf
of all of us. First of all, I got a chance to work with Joe over the last four or five years, and -- in
the City govern -- through my work with Mayor, and I have to say this. I don't think anyone else
could have got -- taken the City, at that point, where we were, and I'm saying this just out of true
love for you, Joe, because you took us from really a really, really bad point to -- and it took
somebody strong like you to put things back in place and back in order, and I don't ever want
you to think for a minute that that's not appreciated or valued. I know that my colleagues feel
the same way, and we know that if we didn't have, you know, that bull and that muscle pushing to
make many of these things happen -- I mean, I'm seeing things in my district, for the first time,
happen that has not happened for God knows how long because of your commitment to try to
make something happen, so I wanted to at least -- you know, before I acknowledge the new,
definitely acknowledge someone that has really put a lot of time, energy, hard work, just trying
to make the City a better place, so I wanted to at least publicly acknowledge you for that.
Second --
Applause.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- of all, I would like to acknowledge our new City Manager that's
coming in, and I don't have the history probably, perhaps, as my other colleagues, but we did get
a chance to share a great evening toget -- great afternoon together, and he appears to be -- and
just by the show of support from the County that's here, your colleagues -- or our colleagues
from the County, is, to me, an affirmation that this is a good candidate because it seems like we
have the whole County Commission, including the Mayor, in the chambers, which, to me, says
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
that we're moving in the right direction because we understand the importance of your
relationship with our government to help us move our projects to get things done, so already,
you haven't even started working yet, and you're showing that you have the ability to bring
people together, and I think that's what we really, really need to have happen, and I'm so
thankful and grateful that you're here, and just know that, you know, from a District 5
perspective, you can count on my support, all right? And thank you guys for coming. I really
appreciate it. Welcome aboard.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: I had the opportunity of working for Joe directly for several years, so --
andlknow for afact --
Joe Arriola (City Manager): Don't hold it against me.
Commissioner Haskins: -- that we wouldn't be where we are today if it had not been for Joe. A
lot of courage, a lot of tenacity; sometimes we got beaten up over it, that's OK, but it was the
great leap forward for the City, without a doubt. We -- and it was because of Joe and the
management team that he put together, and Pete, you have a great management team. You're
inheriting a wonderful management team, a city that has real direction, a city that really does
look at goals, objectives, and how we move forward in an organized way. Joe, we're really
going to miss you. It's going to be a lot quieter around here. I mean, we may need a little more
caffeine or -- going to be a lot quieter, but Pete, you have our support, and welcome aboard.
Unidentified Speaker: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. What am I going to say? I have so many things to say, but
basically, you and I have been friends for many, many years, so -- and I believe that friendship is
a cult that we should all try to preserve. Our relationship as Commissioner and Manager, it has
been wonderful. I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of all the
residents of District 1, for everything that you have made possible for that district. Allapattah,
which is part of District 1, was neglected and abandoned for many, many, many years, and what
we have seen happening in Allapattah now is unprecedented, so personally, you know how I feel
about you. Our friendship goes back thirty -some years, and I foresee -- continue for many,
many, many more years. You're not going to be the City Manager, but you're going to still be my
friend. I will be your friend forever. Me and my family really appreciate you. We know how you
are. We know that you're a person that cares, and you have proven it many, many times, so all I
can wish you is good luck. I know you're going to be fine. This is not the end of the world for
you.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: It's the beginning.
Chairman Gonzalez: You're going to be out there making a lot of money, which is going to make
a lot of people unhappy, but -- because that's life, you know -- we, your friends, are going to be
very happy to see you succeed once again, because people that know you from when you start
with your printing company, know what you did back then, and we know that whatever you're
going to start doing now is going to be the same track, so I wish you all the best. We will keep in
touch. We will be seeing each other. Well be having lunch each other, so you know, God bless
you --
Mr. Arriola: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- you and your family.
Mr. Arriola: Thank you.
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Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I --
Chairman Gonzalez: As far as -- excuse me. Let me finish. I allow everyone a time to speak.
Pete, welcome.
Pedro G. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All I can ask is that I have the same type of working relationship that I had
with Joe Arriola, and you're not my friend. I'm not a liar, you know. We're not friends. We just
met each other a couple of weeks ago, but I hope that during the process of our relationship
working together, we develop a friendship, which is basically, you know, we should work as a
family, try to work together for the benefit of the City of Miami. After all, that's what counts, OK
God bless you, too.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. Vice Chairman, go ahead.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I think that we will be presenting a protocol item to the
City Manager, and I would yield my time to say some kind words about you when we do that.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Now we need to vote on the appointment of Pete Hernandez --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: We did.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- as our new City Manager.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Roll call.
Chairman Gonzalez: You want to do a roll call, please?
Commissioner Regalado: Roll call.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The appointment has unanimous approval.
Applause.
Note for the Record: At this time, Pedro G. Hernandez was sworn in as City Manager of the City
of Miami.
Applause.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK, now you could sound the bell.
Chairman Gonzalez: We're going to be taking a ten-minute recess so Pete can say hi to
everyone and --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: (INAUDIBLE) say something.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, he's got to say something.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Hernandez: If you allow me, my daughter told me this morning to be short and sweet, but
it's very difficult in this environment. First of all, I would like to, you know, thank Mayor Diaz
for the honor of thinking of me and nominating me for City Manager for the great City of Miami.
I need to also thank the Chairman of this Commission, Commissioner Gonzalez and all the City
Commissioners for their confirmation and support on this day. It is a highlight of my life. It's a
day that is extremely significant because, after being in public service for 33 years, you seldom
get an opportunity to be honored to the place that I'm going now, the City of Miami, and also to
be honored by the presence of my County family here. I was telling Commissioner Gimenez this
morning that I didn't think the County could stop a couple of hours for this event, and he says,
"Why not?" I've always been humbled, and I'm really, really overwhelmed with joy. From
Mayor Alvarez -- I don't know if the Chair was able to make it; there's all that flooding outside,
but I know we have Commissioner Gimenez, Sorenson, Heyman, Barreiro, Sosa --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Moss.
Mr. Hernandez: -- Moss --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Who else?
Mr. Hernandez: -- and I know that I have --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Heyman.
Mayor Diaz: Heyman.
Mr. Hernandez: Heyman.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Sorenson.
Mr. Hernandez: I have my dear friend, the City Manager, George Burgess. George and I go
back, I don't know, 20, 25 years --
George Burgess (Miami -Dade County Manager): As long as I've been with the County, Pete.
Mr. Hernandez: -- and George and I, I would say, have lots of things in common. We like to do
the right thing; right, George?
Mr. Burgess: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hernandez: Those are yours words.
Mr. Burgess: Yes.
Mr. Hernandez: You know, to the Mayor and to the City Commissioners, I feel that I'm at the
peak of my life, in the sense that I have wisdom accompanied by a lot of energy. I'm passionate
about what I do. I'm passionate about serving the public. I still like to get into the office at 7
o'clock in the morning, and I feel good, and I smile, and I look at the challenges of the day.
That's wonderful. I'm also surrounded by a lot of people that have made me successful because
it's not just one person; it's the team, and the team is also out there. You know,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) there; Roger Carlton, Roger Hernstadt, Alice Robinson, Renfroe,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), Vega, Wendy -- I'm sorry, Wendy. George, I miss GSA (General Services
Administration). I never had GSA. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- the aviation guy is here. The
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
aviation guy and I go back to, I don't know, '73 or so, and I'd like to think, in a selfish way, that
maybe I had something to do with him being a star, OK, and you can still -- on days when the
planes are not flying, right? -- you can call me. We can always talk. I have -- well, besides my
family here -- who else is here? From the Mayor's office, Deli and Jerry Hall, Amy -- the GSA
guys, thank you for being here. The family, in essence, in a way, have always contributed to my
success. I'm one -- hopefully, I've been leading by example and setting the tone, but I couldn't be
where I am without your help, and honestly, for a person to be successful, you need to have the
internal comfort that support at the house gives you, and the lady back here is really the one that
gives me that push that you need to get it going. My two admirers are my kids -- isn't that great?
-- Patricia and Pedro Raul, and my mother, from Florida, Camaguey.
Applause.
Mr. Hernandez: She was always after me, you know, to study, to work, to study, et cetera, et
cetera, and through my Hialeah roots, it paid off. When I was 16, I remember working in an
aluminum factory in Hialeah, and that was kind of the incentive to do some other things in life. I
have two people in the back that sort of run my life on a daily basis, and that's Lynn Westall --
you don't have to stand; you're tall, but raise your hand.
Applause.
Mr. Hernandez: -- and my secretary, Rosalie (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Raise your hand, too.
Applause.
Mr. Hernandez: And there's a bunch of other people back there; Edgar and
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), and Eric (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Martinez. My
friend --
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you to have you here.
Unidentified Speaker: My pleasure.
Mr. Hernandez: Today they're giving me the leniency to sort of express myself.
Unidentified Speaker: Thirty seconds.
Mr. Hernandez: Also -- where did Joe go?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: He's here.
Mr. Hernandez: Joe.
Mr. Arriola: Yes.
Mr. Hernandez: Is --
Mr. Arriola: I want you to know, Pete, you're not as funny as I am, OK? I already know he's
going to be boring.
Mr. Hernandez: Boring, boring, boring.
Mr. Arriola: He's going to be boring.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Mr. Hernandez: But Joe, Joe, understand, I can play the straight man, and I can do a few jokes,
but you have set a tone -- you, the Mayor, the Commission --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's a high tone.
Mr. Hernandez: -- have set a tone for this dynamic city. You have set a blueprint, and I do
appreciate it, and my job is going to make sure that we carry through, that we implement all
those plans.
Mr. Arriola: Thank you, Pete. Thank you, sir.
Applause.
Mr. Hernandez: And I think, with all that said -- Mr. Chairman, I think that I've abused my --
the time allotted to me today. What I -- yes -- have to tell you all is that I don't have a magic
wand. What I do have is passion for what I do. I have a strong commitment. I'm very
passionate. I love public service. This position gives me the opportunity to lead what I think is a
very good team and continue on upward. The City is on its way up. People are coming back
into the City, and I love to be part of your team. What I promise you is my commitment, my
ability to, hopefully, have my friends and walk into, you know, County Hall and talk and sit
across the table, dialogue and solve problems, even though, at the County, I've been told at
times, that's a problem you don't want to solve. A certain Commissioner tells me that I'm -- you
know, I try to solve everything, and says, "No. There are things you don't solve, " so I'm really
happy to be here, and I'm committed to working with every one of you because I know that,
through you, I'll be serving the residents of the City of Miami, and if I serve the residents of the
City of Miami, in essence, I'm serving the County because the City is like an image of the County.
The City does well, the County does well, and vice versa, so I'm here, very happy, and thank you
to my County family. I love you all.
Applause.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. Mayor. Mayor Diaz.
Mayor Diaz: Pete, I heard you were a quiet guy. What's with the long speech, man?
Unidentified Speaker: You haven't seen anything yet.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: What happened?
Mr. Hernandez: It's when I get excited.
Mayor Diaz: OK, OK. (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Getting carried away here, and -- jeez,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). I didn't know you were from Camaguey. I mean, I --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, no, no. Florida, Camaguey.
Mayor Diaz: Florida, Camaguey.
DISTRICT 1
CHAIRMAN ANGEL GONZALEZ
D1.1 06-01190 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $8,708.15,
FOR THE PROVISION OF CITY OF MIAMI SERVICES, FOR THE "DESFILE
DOMINICANO, " THE FIRST DOMINICAN FESTIVAL AND PARADE TO BE
HELD AT DUARTE PARK ON AUGUST 20, 2006; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS
FROM THE DISTRICT 1 SPECIAL EVENTS/FESTIVAL ACCOUNT NO.
001000.921054.6.289.
06-01190 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Chairman Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0425
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. Vice Chair, would you please chair for a minute? The item on my blue
page is a resolution -- it's a resolution of the Miami City Commission authorizing the allocation
of funds, in the amount not to exceed $8, 708.15, for the provision of City of Miami services, for
the "Desfile Dominicano, " the first Dominican festival and parade to be held at Duarte Park on
August 20, 2006; allocating said funds from District 1 special event/festival account number
001000.921054.6.289. So moved.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Commissioner Haskins: Sec --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: There's a motion on the floor; it is second. The motion was presented
by the Chair, second by Commissioner Spence -Jones. The item is under discussion. Hearing no
discussion on the item, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion
carries.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you.
DISTRICT 2
COMMISSIONER LINDA M. HASKINS
D2.1 06-01141 ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE VI, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ENTITLED "PARKS AND
RECREATION/VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 38-232, TO REFLECT VIRGINIA
KEY BEACH PARK'S NEWLY REVISED NAME AS THE "HISTORIC VIRGINIA
KEY BEACH PARK;" CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01141 Legislation.pdf
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez and Regalado
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Spence -Jones
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins, you have two items on your blue pages.
Commissioner Haskins: Yes. The first item is at the request of the Virginia Key Beach Park
Trust, and they have officially change -- recommended a name change to the Historic Virginia
Key Beach Park, so the resolution is making that change.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All
in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Regalado: It's an ordinance.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): This is an ordinance.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh.
Commissioner Regalado: Ordinance.
Ms. Thompson: It's an ordinance.
Chairman Gonzalez: It's an ordinance?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Oh, OK. I'm sorry.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: It's an ordinance on --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Fernandez: It is an ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This requires a public hearing. Anyone from the public that
wants to speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing
is closed. Roll call, please.
Ms. Thompson: Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 4/0.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
D2.2 06-01201 DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION CONCERNING VACANT AND ABANDONED LOT IN THE CITY
OF M IAM I .
06-01201 E-mail.pdf
MOTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to direct the Administration and City Attorney's Office to research
legal issues and propose an ordinance requiring registration of vacant and/or abandoned
properties, determine appropriate fees to ensure that inspectors can be sent out to properties,
including a requirement that facades of vacant buildings be secured, but also aesthethically
pleasing from the street, to be brought back at the City Commission meeting currently scheduled
for October 12, 2006.
Chairman Gonzalez: D2.2.
Commissioner Haskins: D2.2 is an item that's been near and dear to my heart, and what I'd like
to do here is have a direction to the Administration and the City Attorney's Office -- I learned
that, didn't I? -- to work on something that's been near and dear to my heart, and that is the City
has, over the years -- there're a lot of properties in the City, vacant properties and abandoned
buildings throughout the City. A lot of these properties are held by speculators and they're not
taking care of the properties properly. It's cost us a lot of money in Code enforcement issues.
Talking with the Police Department, there is a significant cost to the City in the way of
additional crime attached to these properties, so what I would propose to do is try to take a
carrot and stick approach on abandoned properties and vacant buildings in the City, and it has
no intention of trying to acquire properties for the City, but it does have the intention of trying to
address cleaning up our neighborhoods and being able to rehabilitate homes for low-income
and moderate -income people, and what I'd like to do is have them come to the City Commission,
by the first meeting in October, to address a policy where we would require registration of
vacant or abandoned properties, and the appropriate fees attached to that to assure that we can
send inspectors out to the properties; that we require for vacant buildings that the facade of the
building not be covered with plywood anymore; that it be -- the building be secured, but that it
look good from the street, and that's the stick. The carrot from this, the vision for this is that
once we have registered our vacant and abandoned properties in the City, we can then bring in
the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) resources, Affordable Housing Trust
resources to try to convince owners to rehabilitate their properties and either sell or rent to low -
to moderate -income people so that we achieve two goals, and that is we clean up the streets, we
clean up our neighborhoods, and we provide more affordable housing, and that's my request.
Chairman Gonzalez: Is that a motion?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
aye.
Commissioner Regalado: Discussion, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Discussion, all right. Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Recently, Linda, the County commissioned Cynthia Curry to do a
story -- study about a -- the empty lots. Out of 600, they came up with a number that -- about
400 were like entangled in court battles --
Commissioner Haskins: Um -hum.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Commissioner Regalado: -- but I think that your idea has to circumvent whatever legal hurdles
they have, you know, like people fighting, family fighting amongst each other because they want
the land or that, because -- and then we go back to what Commissioner Spence -Jones was asking
about one Commission ago. Empty lots are the ideal place for illegal dumping, and I would tell
you again and again neighbors do not do illegal dumpings [sic] next to them. These are the
people that get paid to do that, and the facade -- if we can at least use some of the resources of
CDBG, for the people that are doing already the facade, to at least make that abandoned
building, which is in a court battle, a -- more nicer. It's -- it helps everyone because, you know,
when -- we have an abandoned building on 27th Avenue and 2nd Street that's been there forever.
It's on a court battle, and the merchants in this side and the other side, they tell us, eh, we're not
going to do anything because, after all, this is, you know, an eyesore. We are not going to paint
this and that because people come in -- homeless come in; you know, the crackheads go into the
building, so -- you know, the reason I'm saying this is because they going to come to you and
say, oh, this lot is in the middle of a legal case in the court so we cannot do -- yes, we can, you
know, and that's my point, just to -- because I think it's going to help everyone in the City. That's
what I think.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I'm sorry. You're suggesting we use facade money to --?
Commissioner Regalado: No. I'm suggesting that we use the people doing facade money with
another special fund from Community Development, like the fund to clear lots, that we can use
already the people doing facade, at least to board a more -- in a more nicer way. We don't touch
the facade money because that's for the merchants who are already in line. We have a waiting
list, but we have lot -clearing money that we can use also to board up, in a better way, the
facades of those abandoned buildings.
Commissioner Haskins: And the other thing is, the idea with this would be to have some sort of
continuing revenue source so that you -- the fees should take into consideration, you know,
perhaps a -- funding this sort of activity, the clean-up activity. Certainly, we want a deposit
large enough to handle lot clearing without having to record liens, and we can look at other
things down the road, like setting aside taxes, and incremental taxes coming out of these
properties since they're cleaned up, to set aside for a continuing program, but what I'd like is for
staff and the City Attorney's office to research the issues. I know there are legal issues. There
were some concerns on the part of Legal, but I think we're pretty well on --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Yeah.
Commissioner Haskins: -- the same page now, and bring something for discussion, first meeting
in October, or bring a proposed ordinance for discussion in October.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
DISTRICT 3
VICE CHAIRMAN JOE SANCHEZ
DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONER TOMAS REGALADO
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
D4.1 06-01199 DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION ABOUT EXPANDING THE EFFORTS TO NOTIFY RESIDENTS
OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A PUBLIC HEARING.
06-01199 Memo.pdf
MOTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to direct the City Attorney to draft an amendment to the ordinance
outlining distance requirements for notification of Planning & Zoning items to exempt highways,
parks, public facilities, and water in order to inform more individuals; further directing the
Administration to place said proposed amendment on the next available agenda of the Planning
Advisory Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: (INAUDIBLE) 13, 2006. We did some of the blue pages. Commissioner
Regalado, I believe that you do have some blue pages, too.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It's an item that actually
just need to be referred to the City Attorney and bring back legislation, and to Administration to
bring the legislation up to the Planning Department. This is not a new idea. This is just I pick
up on some of you -- Commissioner Spence -Jones said, several weeks ago, that there was a need
to inform more of the people about planning and zoning issues, and then I saw two cases that
really caught my eye. One, if you measure the 500 feet that you have to notes residents, this way
or that way, or the other way, in some cases, no one gets noticed. For instance, they were going
to do some change of zoning on -- around Flagler and 29th. in District 4, and if you measure
Miami -Dade County Auditorium plus St. Michael's Church, there you have your 500 feet. If you
are going to do something in the bay, you go to the water and -- or if you have a six -lane
highway, so my proposal is to send to the City Attorney and the Administration, with a request to
expand the ratio of informing residents for planning and zoning purposes, not expanding the 500
feet, but exempting highways, parks, water, public facilities; by that, you get more people. What
I mean is that you jump over any public facilities, any park, any four-way -- four -lane highway,
or six -lane, or whatever the case is. Everything that is public will be exempted to count the 500
feet, and I think that's a simple process you can -- it has to go, of course, through Planning, and
PAB (Planning Advisory Board), and the Zoning Board, I guess, so that would be my motion, to
send the request to the City Attorney to draft the legislation, and the Administration to place it on
the next available agenda at the PAB.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second, and I just want to have a discussion on it. Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chair --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion, and we have a second for discussion. I believe
Commissioner -- Vice Chairman Sanchez wasn't here when you --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. He just wants a clear --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- was doing your --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- understanding.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- presentation --
Commissioner Regalado: Briefly.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so I think we need to repeat it --
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so he is aware of what we're voting on.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. Briefly, it's a motion to direct the City Attorney to draft an
amendment to the Planning and Zoning ordinance to notify people within the 500 feet radius,
but exempting highways, parks, public facilities, water so we can, within those 500 feet, notes
more residents so the people could be notified, and I mentioned some of the cases like, for
instance, in Flagler and 29th, when they measure the 500 feet, Miami -Dade County Auditorium
and St. Michael's Church, off they go. There's no more 500 feet, so that is, in essence -- not to
change the 500 feet ratio, but to exempt public facilities, parks, and water, and highways, in
order to expand the ratio of more residents being informed. That's basically it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, Mr. Chairman. I do just want to somewhat add on to that
because I do think that that is a big issue, you know, in all of our districts. A lot of the
complaints -- once these projects are approved, neighbors that are very close to projects --
because whether or not it's 500 feet or not, you know, you're still impacted by whatever the
development is. The people surrounding it will be affected one way or and the other. No, we
can't do the whole neighborhood, but I like the idea of trying to expand it, and I just had this
question for the City Attorney. I know the County has something similar to this, and their -- isn't
that their footage -- isn't it much more than what we -- isn't it like 1,400 -- they have to notify
people 1,400 --?
Mr. Fernandez: I really don't know the particulars of --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I --
Mr. Fernandez: -- the County --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I'm almost sure that I'd asked the -- if you can verb because I
think it would be great to look at other municipalities as to what they're doing. I think we have
the least amount of footage that, you know, requires the notice, so -- and my -- then my question
becomes, who proposed the 500? Was this --?
Mr. Fernandez: It's been in the books for a long time, and it's really pretty much a policy
decision. You can have 300, 500, 1, 000; it's just all whatever you determine to be relevant --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Mr. Fernandez: -- and important, and then you also need to -- because ultimately, at the end of
the day, it becomes a cost to the applicant because all of the cost of publication and
disseminating gets transferred to the applicant, but there is really no rule. There's no law that
really applies. You can do whatever you deem important --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Mr. Fernandez: -- and relevant. Now what's important is, as Commissioner Regalado was
saying, to have clear definition, so what we have heard him to say, Commissioner Regalado, is
that you want to exempt from the 500 feet, or you want the 500 feet to be redefined to exclude
highways, parks, public facilities, anything which, otherwise, is not really --
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Residents.
Mr. Fernandez: -- to be considered --
Commissioner Regalado: Residents.
Mr. Fernandez: Right, exactly.
Commissioner Regalado: You jump over.
Mr. Fernandez: You jump over them, and you continue, right --
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah.
Mr. Fernandez: -- and we're going to have to work on that because that's -- depending on the
circumstance, or depending on the arrangements, or the geography, it would certainly no longer
be a radius. Now it will be -- you know, a radius in a circumference -- or in a circle, all the
radiuses are the same. Here, because you would have a public facility, or a park, or a high --
expressway in the middle, you may have a much longer distance requirement, and then, when
you don't have any obstruction, you would be to the 500.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. I'm not discussing the 500 feet. I'm just saying that we should
jump over either highways, parks, public facilities because the fact of the matter is that no one
lives there --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Call the question.
Commissioner Regalado: -- and that's --
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Any further discussion? We had a motion and we had a second.
All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. The motion carries.
DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER MICHELLE SPENCE-JONES
D5.1 06-01204 ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CHAPTERS 2 AND 12.5 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THE
CHAPTERS ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION" AND "COMMUNITY
REVITALIZATION" WHICH CREATED THE MODEL CITY COMMUNITY
REVITALIZATION DISTRICT TRUST ("MODEL CITY TRUST") PURSUANT
TO ORDINANCE NO. 12082, ADOPTED JULY 10, 2001, BY REPEALING ALL
SECTIONS RELATED TO THE MODEL CITY TRUST, AND SUBSTITUTING
IN LIEU THEREOF NEW SECTIONS ESTABLISHING THE LIBERTY CITY
COMMUNITY TRUST BY DESIGNATING THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY
First Reading
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
TRUST'S JURISDICTIONAL AUTHORITY AS A LIMITED AGENCY AND
INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, SETTING FORTH THE
LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY TRUST'S PURPOSE, POWERS AND DUTIES,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: TO SUE AND BE SUED, PLEAD AND
I M PLEAD, CONTRACT AND BE CONTRACTED WITH, AND TO OWN AND
DISPOSE OF REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR COMPOSITION AND
APPOINTMENTS AND PROCEDURES, TERMS OF OFFICE, VACANCIES,
MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS, ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS,
OFFICERS; OATH, QUORUM AND VOTING, MEETINGS, ABOLISHMENT,
AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF, COUNSEL, BUDGET APPROVAL
AND ANNUAL REPORT AND PROVIDING FOR "SUNSET" REVIEW; MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 2-892 AND DIVISION 2 TO
CHAPTER 12.5, OF THE CODE; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01204 Legislation.pdf
06-01204 Exhibit.pdf
06-01204 Submittal.pdf
DISCUSSED
Direction by Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones to the Auditor General to meet with the past
and present president/CEO of the Model City Trust, the current staff of the Model City Trust, and
the current board of directors of the Model City Trust, to prepare a response to the audit of the
Model City Trust prepared by the Auditor General of the City of Miami.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. It's almost 12 o'clock. Let's see if we can take a couple of more
items. Let's do the blue pages. Commissioner Spence -Jones, do you have any items on your blue
pages?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. You're starting with my dis -- you want to start with District
5, first?
Chairman Gonzalez: Pardon me?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: You want to start with my district?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, sure.
Chairman Gonzalez: Go ahead with your blue page. It's D5.1, right?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Actually, I only had one item, and actually, what I'm asking
to have happen at this point is to really defer this introduction of this ordinance until all of my
colleagues have had the opportunity to really read the final version to give it the kind of
consideration that it really deserves. As you know, I've been in office almost seven months, and
I've had many challenges, and one of the main challenges that I've had is the Model City Trust. I
did not create the Trust. You know, I inherit it -- inherited it, and you know -- and as everyone
knows, the challenge has been to really make sure that the vision for the Liberty City area is
really realized. One of the biggest issues that I have to deal with in my district, just -- from all
different perspectives, but when I'm talking about Little Haiti and Overtown, and of course,
Liberty City, is there's a serious feeling of no hope that things will change, and people not
believing that leadership really wants to see things happening within those areas, and I can say
that from being in office for the last six or seven months, I've had the support that's necessary to
move some of these projects to get some things done, so today I'm not going to actually have this
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
ordinance be read or deal with the ordinance itself. I just wanted to have a discussion with my
colleagues. The first thing that I wanted to do -- I'm going to ask the new chairman and the new
CEO (chief executive officer) to at least join me at the podium real fast, and I'm going to have
them at least make a statement, but I do want to say this. You know, since being in office and
looking at the Trust, we've not only hired a consultant to evaluate its mission. We've established
a ad hoc committee to survey the residents to see kind of what they wanted to see happen in the
district. We've gotten a new chairman, as you see here now, and we've got a new president and
CEO. Despite what you may have heard in the past about the Trust, I can honestly say to you,
you know, this recent article that took place by -- that was in the Miami Herald regarding the
audit, that there were several things in that audit that really need to be addressed, and I want to
allow for the new chairman and the board to at least address that because I think it's really
important to do that because sometimes we only hear one side of the story. My colleague, Mr.
Sanchez, I just want to make sure you're with me because this is a very important issue for the
folks in the Liberty City area -- so I just wanted to at least be able to say that the auditor's
reports -- you know, there are definitely some issues that need to be addressed. When we looked
at the audit -- I had a very tough meeting last night. I think it was probably the toughest meeting
that I've had with a board since being in office, and it -- you know, to have residents from Liberty
City come out, you know, very upset, you know, very disturbed at what had happened and not
hearing, you know, both sides of the story was very challenging for me, so I just wanted to say I
think that -- even the auditor agrees, and we've had conversations about the audit report -- the
actual audit itself was really done from a one-sided standpoint, which was only looking at what
the Trust did wrong, but looked at nothing the City did wrong in the process, but this is not a
conversation to point fingers because once I took office and I began to address the issues of the
Trust, I didn't want to place the blame on anybody else. I wanted to focus on moving the
community to the next level. I'm asking -- or I asked the board members last night during the
Trust meeting to at least prepare their own report. Mr. Auditor General, I would like to make
sure that you sit down with the past CEO and the current staff there, and the current board to at
least prepare a report. I think that I'd like to have my colleagues -- once that report is prepared,
I would like to have the chairman come by and talk to every single last one of my colleagues so
that you can hear, from their perspective, the response to what was -- what came from the audit,
and you're going to be amazingly surprised when you do read it because I was, and I was very
stunned to see that it was only from one perspective, so I just -- I think that the biggest issue for
me in Liberty City or Model City, or whatever you decide to call it today, is that there's a sense
of hopelessness that's, you know, felt within my district there, and whatever we need to do to
move that community to the next level is what I'm trying to do to create a new beginning. I do
want you to understand, so that once you get the documents, you have a clear understanding --
and I told the residents this last night because a lot of people just don't have information. They
don't understand that this Trust was created before I got here. Five years ago, I guess you got --
those that are here voted for this Trust to go from one community to the next, and basically, in
2007, there'll be a sunset, and it would then move to another community. I believe my -- the
Chairman, which is Allapattah, which will -- which is where it would go next, and I tried to
explain that to many of the residents last night because I wanted them to understand that this
was not a vicious or malicious attempt to, you know, do away with Model City or not allowing
for things to happen in the area, and I tried my best to explain that this was agreed upon by the
sitting Commissioners at the time, and what's fair is, you know, at this time, after it's been in a
particular area, for it to move to the next district. Fortunately, over the last seven months, there
has been a lot achieved, and we've worked very hard because we've repaired, once I got in
office, our relationship with the Community Development Department to really make sure some
of these projects moved, and quite frankly, Joe Arriola and, at the time, Haskins worked very
hard to make sure that these projects moved, so we got a lot of houses built, so the report in the
paper really was a little unfair, and it was really biased, and it was really not showing really
what happened in the area, and I thought that it was, you know, unfair look at -- from the Trust
standpoint of what they've really been able to accomplish. I do want to say to you that the new
Trust, which -- as we look at abolishing the old Trust -- the focus of it would be a completely
different mission and purpose. The focus will be driven on promoting economic development,
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
supporting those businesses in the area; will be focused on attracting new industry. I have a lot
of -- in my particular community, some industrial areas that I'd like to attract new
industry -related jobs in the area, which I think the Trust can be helpful for that because we can't
build these houses if people don't have jobs to work on to even live in these houses, and then
also, more importantly, I think one of the things that the Trust really needs to focus their energies
on, with all the large lots that I have left, is to look at providing homebuyer workshops and
workshops on how to repair their credit, so that once these houses are built, we are able to have
people to actually move in them, so I just wanted to really say that I think we need to really look
at the Trust from the standpoint of being almost like advisors to us, from a development
standpoint, and to really stay away from developing, stay away from actually trying to build or
purchase land, or any of those kind of things because I think that that's where the question came
up and where the issues were.
Chairman Gonzalez: That -- I wanted to ask you, what was --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the concern of the community with Allapattah?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, I think what -- it wasn't necessarily with Allapattah. What
happened last night was there was a discussion that came up -- and I think Kirk is here, the City
Attorney -- about it sunsetting on 2007, and the next community that it would go into would be
Allapattah.
Chairman Gonzalez: The homeownership zone?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Homeownership.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, the homeownership zone.
Chairman Gonzalez: No. It was supposed to go to Little Havana, right, and it --?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No. I already have it.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: You already have it, and I was supposed to have it two years ago --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and still --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- I don't see it, so I don't know what their concern is --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and why they want to get concern about Allapattah. You know, what
they should be focused on is on their issues and their problems and trying to get them resolved --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: -- without comparing themselves with Allapattah or anyone else.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I think, Mr. Chairman, what --
Chairman Gonzalez: Because whenever I have a problem --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- I don't compare my district with anybody else's district. I don't say
because Linda Haskins district has so many millions of dollars, I should have the same amount
of millions of dollars, you know?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, but I think --
Chairman Gonzalez: I should try to go and fight for it and try to get it.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. I think what it is, Mr. Chairman, is the community has
been so misinformed, and never really had a full understanding of what the whole purpose and
mission of the Trust and how this whole thing was set up and how it was supposed to move from
one particular --
Chairman Gonzalez: And let me tell you --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure.
Chairman Gonzalez: I'm sorry for interrupting you --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- but I need to say this, OK?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: No problem.
Chairman Gonzalez: I know that there may be some rumors out there, but let me tell you. My
position with the homeownership -- with the Model City Trust, in the past, was that they were not
building homes. They were not doing anything, OK? That was my concern --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and I know that was the concern of the community. No. The people that
want to work for a salary out of an agency without doing anything, OK, because we had a lot of
that all over the City of Miami. People that worked for an agency; they were receiving a salary
every year and producing zero. That was my concern. I think that Trust was created to build
homes, to build affordable housing for the poorest people of that community, and that was never
done, at least in the years that I've been here as a Commissioner --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so my vision, as a Commissioner -- it's your district --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- but my vision, as a Commissioner, is that what needs to be done is they
need to start building homes --
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right, and --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we're here -- we need to be here to support them and to give them
the tools so they can build the homes, but they need to start building.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: I mean, you know, they can't continue on the same train of having, you
know, an office full of people getting salaries, and some of them, very huge salaries; salaries as
high as some of the people that are directors in the City of Miami, with maybe one -tenth of the
responsibility of a City of Miami director --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so -- and then when you look at their report, no production --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- nothing been built; more plans and talking about more studies, and
more studies, and more studies, and spending money on consultants, and spending money on
attorneys, and spending money on everything except on what the money should be spent, which
is to build homes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: It takes -- let me tell you. A little -- I know a little bit about building homes
because I have done it, not because nobody has told me how to do it. I have done it. It takes 90
days to build a house. All right, so there is no excuse. If you have the land and you have the
money, there is no excuse why you cannot turn around and bring new houses to the district.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Chairman, again -- and I agree with -- I just want to
clear up -- so that you understand from last night's meeting. It was not saying it from a negative
perspective, Allapattah, period. As a matter of fact, I think one or two of the residents that were
in the room was commending the fact that you were able to get Ralph Plaza and some other
projects moved without even having the homeownership zone --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but the question really came up in the room -- people were just -
- it's my responsibility, as a leader for the district, to tell you the truth, and as I looked at the
audit report and as I began to compare -- and even the City Attorney can tell you this, too -- and
the auditor can tell you -- it only came from one perspective, and when we talk about things not
being able to be built and things did not get done, there was a -- we all know that there was a --
not a good relationship between City of Miami and the Trust, for whatever reason. It happened
before I got there, and guess what? That wasn't my issue anymore. My concern is making sure
houses and homes get built to improve the quality of life for the residents that live in Liberty City,
and for me, you know, that's what my focus is, and today, you know, I asked for the chairman to
at least come, and I asked for them to at least pass you out -- because the article that was in the
paper -- even the numbers, were incorrect, so I would like to at least give Ms. Black a chance to
at least pass out the information, and at least allow for the chairman of the board to at least
address you before I close out.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
David Chiverton: Thank you, Commissioner. David Chiverton, the board of directors of the
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Model City Trust. Commissioner, first, I would like to say that, last night, it wasn't, as the
Commissioner said, about any particular district. It's about us moving forward. That's the
charge that we've taken on --
Chairman Gonzalez: And that's what it should be about.
Mr. Chiverton: -- and since this year, my appointment to the board and my new colleagues on
the board, we've already completed five homes. By the end of September, it'll be twelve --
Chairman Gonzalez: Great.
Mr. Chiverton: -- and we're looking to have the people that build on the behalf of the Trust truly
have the capacity to be able to move forward and not have the problems that we've had before.
The audit, for us, and the discussion of the audit, we did feel did not express the views from the
Trust and the City because there were some things, over the years, that were not in the authority
of the Trust, and did not work, as a result of the lack of communication between the Trust and
the City, not blaming anyone, and so, we want to move forward with that. We ask for that
information to be provided for you today so you can see some of the improvements and changes
that have come about. In addition to that, after my colleagues and myself have completely
reviewed the audit, along with the independent standard audit that we complete, at that time, we
will -- I will put together a formal letter, and I hope to meet with each of you, addressing our
concerns, but in very short, we're moving forward, and as the Commissioner said, whatever
happened before, it's our problem to correct, and we're prepared to do so, but just know that the
community is on an upswing, and we need your support to continue doing that. Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I just wanted you to at least take a look. These are all the
things, whether or not they be new homes that were built in here, which goes against this whole
Herald story about nothing happening in the auditor's report because, as you look through this
book, you see that there's a lot has happened regarding the overall Trust. I just want to close
and then move on to the next thing. Is that -- part of this is restoring hope and believing in
leadership, and understanding that the issues -- I can't deal with what the past was, and that's
the reason why my decision to, after getting the information, abolish the Trust and to create a
new -- with a different type of mission that will focus strictly on really promoting the area and
the other things that we talked about, is something that's definitely needed for the Liberty City
area. I don't want the community to see that here's one more thing that they've lost again, and
again, I think we all should take responsibility because it should be on both sides of the track,
but I would ask that the board members please prepare that -- your response to the audit, and
please brief every single Commissioner so that we could all be on the same page. I don't know if
the Auditor General had a comment or a statement, but I would definitely appreciate if you
would.
Victor Igwe (Auditor General): Yes, I sure do. This is Victor Igwe, the Auditor General for the
City. The audit that was -- that we were directed to do was for the period starting 2002 up until
2005, so whatever that was viewed subsequent to that is not reflected in the report, and the
specific direction that was given to the Auditor General was to look at Model City's financial
transactions. We were not told -- well, we were not directed to look at the City's portion of the
entire transactions, so whatever we did was strictly -- we looked at, you know, Model City, you
know, financial transactions, and all the numbers that we have and all the findings that we have
was responded to in writing by the current interim director, so all the findings that we have in
this report, we have the written response --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Mr. Igwe: -- so you know, again, the direction was to look at Model City's financial
transactions. It didn't tell us to look at community development or anything that happened from
the City's portion. Obviously, there -- you know, like the Commissioner pointed out, the two
sides had a lot of issues, and those issues probably contributed for most of the problems here.
I'm not going to, you know, be pointing fingers that it's strictly Model City, or that it's community
-- the City, but the charge that I was given to look at the financial transcations.
Chairman Gonzalez: And let me ask you, who directed you to do that audit?
Mr. Igwe: The Commission.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: This Commission.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. We did it on --
Chairman Gonzalez: For three years?
Mr. Igwe: Yes, sir.
Chairman Gonzalez: And let me tell you the way I feel about it, after hearing you -- what you
just said, I believe that, if going through the audit or going through the process, you recognized
that there might have been some faults at the City's side, then I think it was the time to stop and
say let's go back five years instead of three years, but produce an audit that is fair because the
Herald pick it up, and right away, they, you know -- the Herald. You can't expect anything else.
Right away they wrote an article, you know, blasting the Trust and blasting everybody in the
Trust, and maybe there were some faults at the City, so you know, if they're going to get fault,
they going to get blasted, well, both should get blasted; the City --
Mr. Igwe: Right. Well, Commissioner --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- for their contribution to --
Mr. Igwe: -- right.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the --
Mr. Igwe: Commissioner, my response to that is that the longer -- if you talk -- if you're talking
about five year's audit, it's going to be much longer than you -- you know, you're changing the
scope, and I know the Commissioner in the district wanted to do something right away --
Chairman Gonzalez: Listen, there shouldn't be --
Mr. Igwe: -- so --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- a time limit on finding fairness.
Mr. Igwe: Well, originally, we were given 90 days to do it, but we couldn't do --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, and again -- and I take responsibility because that was one
of the items when I first came on board, learning from this whole experience, that I brought as
an issue for 90 days because we were trying to move things for the Trust, so I actually put the
90-day time frame on it, not realizing that it was going to take actually more than 90 days. I
believe it took them almost 120 days or more --
Mr. Igwe: Right.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to actually get it done, but we --
Chairman Gonzalez: Let me ask you -- I'm going to ask you another question because --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- I used to work for a CBO (Community Based Organization), and I was
the executive director for a few years, and I had to -- we had to do an audit every year. Were
they doing an audit every year?
Mr. Igwe: Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes.
Mr. Igwe: They do. They have an external auditor. I believe it was Sharpton.
Chairman Gonzalez: And did their audit reflected the problems?
Mr. Igwe: Well, the type of audit they do is different. They do a strictly financial statement
audit, which means they don't -- they look at -- they don't look at -- they don't do as much
in-depth analysis as we do, and also, we do a little bit of -- you know, a little bit of, you know,
operational compliance, and sometimes, a little bit, you know, forensic audit.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I just want to -- I want to close out on this issue real fast. As
far as the audit is concerned, to -- your response toward the response that came from the Trust
was really the interim director that was there, and I think that it was really important, if you're
talking about all these findings and this information that came out, the right thing to have done
was for them to really talk to the past CEO, along with the present, to really make sure that they
give you a better find -- to at least somewhat explain some of the occurrences that came in the
report, but I don't want to make it a big discussion now because we already realize that it is truly
a big issue --
Mr. Igwe: Right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- that was not looked at from the City's side and only from the
Model City side, but I would like to make sure that the Chairman gets with the Auditor General,
along with the new CEO, along with the past CEO to look at preparing a response so that my
colleagues can hear the difference.
Mr. Igwe: Right, and also to -- the past executive director, or the president, Marva, she did
provide written response as it pertains to certain issues, so we did interact with her, and
actually, one of the responses that she wrote is also a part of this report --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, so I --
Mr. Igwe: -- so I'm --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I'm just --
Mr. Igwe: -- ready --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, to sit down with him.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Mr. Igwe: -- whenever they are, to discuss whatever issues they have because I have my
supports -- the support -- we have working papers to support everything that is in here.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Mr. Igwe: We have written responses. We just didn't put out any report without, you know,
substantive, you know, audit evidence to back it up. We have it, and I'm very prepared, and able,
and ready to meet with them and talk about them.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you, so much, Victor, and thank you, board members and
Elaine for joining us. We appreciate it, and well move to the next level.
Mr. Chiverton: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. It's 12:15. We're going to recess for lunch. We should be back
by 2:30.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
PH.1 06-01114
Department of
Public Works
10:30 A.M.
PH.2 06-01115
Department of
Community
Development
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND TO EXECUTE A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH PIVOTAL UTILITY
HOLDINGS D/B/A FLORIDA CITY GAS, PREVIOUSLY NUI UTILITIES, INC.,
D/B/A NUI CITY GAS COMPANY OF FLORIDA D/B/A FLORIDA CITY GAS,
FOR A TERM OF FIFTEEN (15) YEARS WITH UP TO THREE (3) OPTIONAL
FIVE (5) YEAR EXTENSIONS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01114 Legislation.pdf
06-01114 Exhibit.pdf
06-01114 Summary Form.pdf
06-01114 Memo. pdf
06-01114 Notice of Public Hearing .pdf
06-01114 Text File Report.pdf
WITH DRAWN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS, IN THE
AMOUNT $175,000, FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI REVOLVING LOAN
PROGRAM; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A SURFACE PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 240 NORTHWEST 11 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN "EXHIBIT A," ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
06-01115 Legislation.pdf
06-01115 Exhibit.pdf
06-01115 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01115 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01115 Summary Form.pdf
06-01115 Public Notice .pdf
06-01115 Text File Report .pdf
06-01115 Legal Description .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Haskins and Sanchez
R-06-0418
Chairman Gonzalez: OK PH.2.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director): Barbara Rodriguez, Department of Community
Development. PH.2, we're requesting the approval to transfer funds in the amount $175, 000
from the City of Miami revolving loan account to City of Miami Department of Off -Street
Parking for the construction of a parking lot at 240 Northwest 11 th Street.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants to
speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is
closed. We need a motion.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
PH.3 06-01116 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF EMERGENCY
Development SHELTER GRANT ("ESG") FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT $50,000, FROM
BETTER WAY OF MIAMI, INC.; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS, TO SUNDARI
FOUNDATION, INC., FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER AND TRANSITIONAL
OPERATING COSTS AT THE LOTUS HOUSE, A FACILITY LOCATED AT 217
NORTHWEST 15 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, WHICH HOUSES THIRTY (30)
HOMELESS WOMEN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AN ESG AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR
SAID PURPOSE.
06-01116 Legislation.pdf
06-01116 Exhibit.pdf
06-01116 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01116 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01116 Summary Form.pdf
06-01116 Public Notice.pdf
06-01116 Text File Report.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Sanchez
R-06-0419
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.3.
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): PH.3, we're requesting
approval to transfer emergency shelter grant funds in the amount of $50,000 from Better Way of
Miami, Inc., and allocating said funds to Sundari Foundation, Inc., for an emergency shelter and
transitional operating costs.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This is also a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants
to speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
closed. Do I hear a motion?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. I'd like to move this item, and I just want to make a comment
after. I'd like to move it.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner
Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just wanted to at least acknowledge the Lotus House. This is a
program that's supporting the homeless women in Overtown. They're doing a outstanding job,
and these dollars are definitely needed to help rehab the new building that they would have, so
congratulations.
Chairman Gonzalez: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed, say "no."
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: PH (public hearing) --
Chairman Gonzalez: The ayes have it.
PH.4 06-01117 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF 30TH YEAR
Development HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS ("HOPWA")
FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,900, FROM CENTER OF INFORMATION
AND ORIENTATION, INC.; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS, TO CENTER OF
INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION, INC., TO PROVIDE LONG TERM
RENTAL ASSISTANCE, TO AN ADDITIONAL TWELVE (12) HOPWA
PARTICIPANTS, INCREASING THEIR CURRENT CONTRACTED
CASELOAD; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AMENDMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, TO THE
EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH SAID AGENCY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
06-01117 Legislation .pdf
06-01117 Exhibit .pdf
06-01117 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01117 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01117 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01117 Summary Form.pdf
06-01117 Public Notice. pdf
06-01117 Text File Report .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Sanchez
R-06-0420
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): PH.4 --
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.4.
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: -- we are requesting approval on extending a con -- of Housing
Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) funds, in the
amount of $18,900 from Center of Information and Orientation for an additional 12 months.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This is also a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants
to speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is
closed. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion, we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All in
favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. The ayes have it.
PH.5 06-01118 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE MULTI -FAMILY REFINANCING
Development GUIDELINES, AS SPECIFIED IN "EXHIBIT A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED.
06-01118 Legislation .pdf
06-01118 Exhibit .pdf
06-01118 Summary Form.pdf
06-01118 Text File Report .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0421
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.5.
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): PH.5, we are requesting
approval to amend our multifamily refinancing guidelines, and the change will be, number one,
on the repayment requirements, we have changed -- the City loan will be for a -- instead of a
maximum, will be for a minimum of 15 years, and also, the repayment to the City of Miami loan
will commence six months after loan closing.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Public hearing.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants to
address this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is closed.
Is there a motion?
Commissioner Regalado: I'll move for comment, Mr. --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner
Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This is important because the
guidelines are needed for restructuring the way that we are serving the community, but there's
also another issue. Most of the people that we help with the single rehab program are elderly,
people retired, with a fixed income. Most of them have their old, little homes that already they
paid for --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- so if the home is paid for, there's no need for you to have insurance,
but when the City comes in and tries to help these people, the City, of course, demands
insurance. As a matter of fact, State Farm and Nationwide, yesterday, asked for a 70 percent
increase in their rates for South Florida. With the rates as they are, it's impossible for a person
with fixed income to access insurance, and then it would be impossible for that person to access
the money from the City to help them --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: That's true.
Commissioner Regalado: -- redo the roof, or the house, or whatever, so Barbara, I -- you know,
I'm troubled because this is like, you know, a closed circle. We go around and around, and they
don't have the money, they cannot get the money, and to get the money, they have to go broke.
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: It is a true statement. We've been looking at it. We even wrote to the
State to determine if we could waive the insurance requirement. The State has basically told us
we could, as long as the City Commission approves it. We have an item coming to the City
Commission in September to address the issue of the elderlies [sic] and our single-family rehab.
We are aware, Commissioner, and we talked about it, that some of the elderly, especially, have
had to -- they would have to get $200 a month to pay just for the insurance, so we will be coming
back to the City Commission to request that, on the elderly, we will not be requesting insurance
coverage.
Commissioner Regalado: OK, good.
Chairman Gonzalez: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
PH.6 06-01191 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANNUAL
Development ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE
CITY'S ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007, TO THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
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06-01191 Legislation .pdf
06-01191 Exhibit.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 5.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 6.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 7.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 8.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 9.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 10.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 11.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 12.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 13.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 14.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 15.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 16.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 17.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 18.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 19.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 20.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 21.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 22.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 23.pdf
06-01191 Exhibit 24.pdf
06-01191 Summary Form.pdf
06-01191 Text File Report.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0422
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.6.
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): PH. 6, we're requesting the
approval of the City of Miami Annual Action Plan for fiscal year 2006/2007, and incorporating
all of the funding recommendation that you have approved up to now for 2006/2007.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. This is a public hearing.
Anyone from the public that wants to address this item, please come forward. Seeing none,
hearing none, the public hearing is closed. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
PH.7 06-01192 RESOLUTION
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Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE, WITH PARCEL
Development REVERTER PROVISIONS, OF CERTAIN CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OWNED
PARCELS OF LAND, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED ("PROPERTY"), TO MADISON HOUSING, LTD., FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL AND/OR
HOMEOWNERSHIP UNITS ("PROJECT"); REQUIRING SAID DEVELOPER'S
ASSUMPTION OF THE CITY'S TOTAL INVESTMENT IN THE PROJECT AND
THE PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENT(S) FOR SAID PURPOSE.
06-01192 Legislation.pdf
06-01192 Exhibit.pdf
06-01192 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this
matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0423
Direction by Vice Chairman Sanchez to the Administration to ensure that organizations are not
funded to fail and that the organizations are completing the work they have committed to do.
Chairman Gonzalez: PH.7.
Barbara Gomez -Rodriguez (Director, Community Development): PH. 7, we're requesting
approval to convey City -owned parcels of land with partial reverter provisions, and I would
have to make two changes on the floor to the resolution. Number one, in the resolution, we want
to make the change where it says, "Whereas, Madison Housing, Ltd consists of a partnership
controlled by the Gatehouse Group and Mt. Zion Development, Developer," and the other
change that we want to incorporate is "Whereas, the Developer will have 39 months from the
date of conveyance of the Property to start construction, and 57 months to complete the first
phase of at least 75 units," and this is -- it's needed due to tax credits. They will be applying for
tax credit. We hope to get it, but in the event that we don't get it in that cycle, they will have
enough time to go again and compete, so we feel very comfortable that that is the type of
changes that we will need to do to this resolution. This is basically the parcel of land that, on
May 11, 2006, the City Commission approved to rescind to come back to the City. It used to be
handled by Rockwood Properties, and this was the 40 single-family affordable housing units we
were going to build It also says that there is an existing debt of 1, 650, 506.60 that we will leave
on the property, and again, it will be rental units; applicants at 80 percent of median income. It
is also going to have homeownership units, and those homeownership units will be for people up
to 120 percent of median income.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. This is a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants to
speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is
closed
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, is the Clerk clear on the changes between
the item that was admitted through the agenda and the new item?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes, we are. We were given the amendments.
Mr. Fernandez: OK
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
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Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We need a motion.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. I'd like to move it, but I'd like to also make a comment.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second --
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- for the purpose --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- of discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: First of all, I want to say at least -- I'm so glad that Community
Development has been able to really, really move this project to the next level. As you know,
these -- this aban -- really, I would say, abandoned shell property --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- has been vacant for a very long time, and we -- I think it's
almost been ten years --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: Correct.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- we've been trying to get this project moving, and I'm glad to
know that we were able to bring in Historic Mount Zion CDC (Community Development
Corporation), along with the Gatehouse Group. As you know, we have a great project that we
just unveiled three months ago, and now we're getting ready to do another one off 7th Avenue
and 5th Street, called Tuscan Place, and I'm so proud of these buildings, and this is -- this will
be in addition to those buildings that are already up now, so I just want to commend Community
Development, Gatehouse, historic Mount Zion for a job well done, and making sure that we have
housing in Overtown. Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Vice --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: On discussion, Barbara, this piece of property that we are discussing
has had a bad history when it comes to providing affordable housing to those needy in the area.
Ill tell you what I like about this resolution, and it's where the developer will have 39 months
from the date of conveyance of the property to start the construction, and 57 months to complete
the first phase of all of at least 75 units, and we need to make sure that not only do we provide
assistance to make sure that people -- we don't fund them to fail, that we do everything that we
can for them to be able to accomplish what they want to accomplish, but we need to hold these
organizations, their feet to the fire --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: Yes.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- so as the executive director, which you are, of Community
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Development, we need to make sure that we not only develop that land, but we get it done as
quickly as possible, all right?
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: We will.
Chairman Gonzalez: Any further discussion? Hearing none -- did I open a public hearing?
Yes, I did.
Ms. Thompson: Yes, you did.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion --
Ms. Gomez -Rodriguez: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- carries.
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ORDINANCE - SECOND READING
SR.1 06-00465 ORDINANCE Second Reading
Department of AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
Police 42/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "POLICE/TOWING AND
IMMOBILIZATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES/POLICE TOWS," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 42-119 OF SAID CITY CODE BY
ADJUSTING THE MAXIMUM TOW RATES ALLOWED FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING
DISPATCHED TOWING AND WRECKER SERVICE FOR PRIVATE
VEHICLES, AS SPECIFIED IN THE AMOUNTS SET FORTH IN THIS
SECTION ; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-00465 SR Legislation.pdf
06-00465 FR Legislation.pdf
06-00465 Summary Form FR/SR.pdf
06-00465 Email FR/SR.pdf
06-00465 Text File Report FR/SR.pdf
06-00465 Summary Fact Sheet.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
12828
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Let's move to SR.1.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Are we doing PH.1 ?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Huh?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: We're not going to do PH.1 ?
Chairman Gonzalez: SR.1.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: SR.1.
Commissioner Haskins: It's police towing.
Chairman Gonzalez: It's an ordinance.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Is that the towing? So move.
Chairman Gonzalez: This is from the Police Department.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: This is on second reading.
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second. It's an ordinance. This is a
public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants to speak on this item, please come forward.
No? Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing is closed. Discussion. I only have a
question. I know there was a concern from the industry relating to the rates that they were
charging, and they made quite a few points regarding the cost -- additional cost of insurance
and the additional cost of fuel and everything else. My question is, have their rates been
increased? Yes, Major. No. I'm talking to you.
Assistant Chief Adam Burden (Police): Oh, not me?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Assistant Chief Burden: Yes. The rates have -- since it passed --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Your name.
Assistant Chief Burden: -- and it will be increased.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Your name.
Assistant Chief Burden: Oh, Assistant Chief Adam Burden, City of Miami Police Department,
and yes, they have been increased with the --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Assistant Chief Burden: -- passing of this ordinance, yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, chief. I see nobody from the industry getting up, so you're OK
All right. Roll -- Mr. City Attorney, read the ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chairman Gonzalez: Roll call, please.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 5/0.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
FR.1 06-01202 ORDINANCE
Office of the City
Attorney
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
10/ARTICLE I/SECTION 10-5 ENTITLED "BUILDINGS/IN GENERAL/WAIVER
OF FEES," TO EXEMPT SENIOR CITIZENS FROM THE PAYMENT OF FEES
UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; CONTAINING A REPEALER
PROVISION, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01202 Legislation.pdf
06-01202 E-mail.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to provide a flyer, when code enforcement letters are issued, detailing the
program available for qualified individuals in the City of Miami that waives payment of building
permit fees.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. FR.1.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : FR.1.
Chairman Gonzalez: FR.1.
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Lima will make a presentation on FR.1.
Hector Lima: Thank you. Hector Lima, director of the Building Department. As per your
request, we went ahead and presented to you a very similar ordinance that the County have --
had done; it's almost identical. As far as your fiscal impact request, there was no way that we
could find the relationship between those exempt people and the violations and the
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), so at this time we don't have a number.
Commissioner Regalado: No, but the only thing we need is whenever any Code Enforcement
inspector issues a violation, that a note will be attached saying, the City of Miami recently
approved an ordinance stating that senior citizens who qual for the second $25, 000, which
brings them to the neap poverty level, will not have to pay the permit, in case that they want to
get their house up to code. That's all that there is to it. I mean, they don't even have to explain.
Just add to -- like a small bulletin or something like that.
Mr. Lima: We can actually do a flyer, and when they come to apply for the permit, we'll go
ahead and proceed with that.
Commissioner Regalado: It's the same, but you know, it's better to let them know before they are
going to apply for the permit, because that way, you eliminate the hassle of these people trying to
get some money because they think that they have to pay, in case that they want to be up to code.
Mr. Lima: Correct. We're going to waive permit fees. Every other fee that they have to pay, the
architects, et cetera, they will have to pay those.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, of course.
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Chairman Gonzalez: Of course.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Just on legal opinion on this issue. Now, we talked about
clear definition. It's a clear definition as to the ordinance in itself --
Mr. Lima: Yes.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- who qualifies? All right.
Mr. Fernandez: We believe there is sufficient clarity; it's limited, but the -- it has -- the way it's
drafted, it's very clear as to who can benefit from this program, people who are -- perhaps, you -
- would you walk through --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Mr. Fernandez: -- the exceptions to make it clear that it has to be someone on fixed --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Age --
Mr. Fernandez: -- income --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- and all that.
Mr. Fernandez: -- they have to be of a certain age, all of the criteria that we have placed on the
ordinance?
Mr. Lima: Sure.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. I'm comfortable with it. I believe, Commissioner Regalado,
you're going to make the motion; I'll second it.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I'll move it, and you know, you don't have to even explain;
whoever qualify for the second --
Mr. Lima: Correct.
Commissioner Regalado: -- $25,000. It's been qualified already. We don't have to even
investigate.
Mr. Lima: That's correct.
Commissioner Regalado: If you have a second homestead exemption, you qualms because you
have to send the County, you know, all the details of your income and social security and income
tax, if you do a report every year, and if you don't, you send checks and all that.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So this ordinance is basically a cookie cutter from the County?
Mr. Lima: Exactly. Let me ask you one question, though, Commissioner. If they are not exempt
from the previous year and they do qualms --?
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, absolutely, they qualms.
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Mr. Lima: They qual fr, OK
Commissioner Regalado: They qualms.
Mr. Lima: So they don't have to come with the County's --
Commissioner Regalado: They don't have to come --
Mr. Lima: OK
Commissioner Regalado: -- because they qual.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. City Attorney.
Mr. Fernandez: Yeah, and perhaps, what you need to do, Commissioner Regalado, is break up
your motion, the motion for this item, separate from the direction you -- I understood you to give
that when Code Enforcement does the actual citation, that it be accompanied with a notice of the
existence of this program, because this ordinance doesn't contain that reference at all --
Commissioner Regalado: No. I understand.
Mr. Fernandez: -- so -- I mean, just to make sure that, by passing this ordinance, there is no
further execution of what you would have liked to see done.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Why couldn't this ordinance be amended on the floor?
Mr. Fernandez: Because it's best for the ordinance just to deal with the program itself, and then
what Commissioner Regalado brought up is really an issue that pertains to Code Enforcement,
so it'd be much more appropriate for directions to be given to the City Manager to instruct that
Code Enforcement, upon giving citations, include some sort of notice or reference to this
program.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right, so you want to separate them? All right.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Let's vote on the ordinance, and then we'll bring it up, and then we'll
make a motion directing exactly what you stated on the record, all right.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. It's a public hearing.
Anyone from the public that wants to speak on this item, please come forward. Seeing none,
hearing none, the public hearing is closed. Mr. City Attorney, read the ordinance.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chairman Gonzalez: Roll call, please.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5/0.
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Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. The second motion is to direct the Administration, especially
Code Enforcement, to include, whenever this ordinance is enacted, beginning on that time, a
note when Code Enforcement letters are sent saying that the City has a program for senior
citizens who qual for the second -- a homestead exemption, and that they should check with
the Building Department when they decide to get their house up to code --
Mr. Fernandez: In compliance.
Commissioner Regalado: -- that they will be exempt from any payments of permits, and we
include the payment for variance, if they have to do it, right?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And waive variance?
Commissioner Regalado: No, no, waiving the payment for variances.
Chairman Gonzalez: Well --
Mr. Fernandez: Well --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Wait a minute. Hold, hold.
Mr. Fernandez: -- I don't know that variances --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- that is an expensive --
Mr. Fernandez: -- are included.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, no, no, no, no.
Commissioner Regalado: That's the County's.
Mr. Fernandez: Lima --
Commissioner Regalado: Remember --
Mr. Fernandez: -- I don't --
Commissioner Regalado: -- that we talk, that you said there are other departments that have
permits, right?
Mr. Lima: The Building Department, when they -- when we issued a permit, there are fees
associated with other departments, just like the County has.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Mr. Lima: OK. Now, as far as variances, that is a separate entity that is handled separate from
the Building Department.
Commissioner Regalado: No, I didn't say waive variances.
Mr. Lima: OK
Commissioner Regalado: II said to waive the payment for -- in case that they want to go to a
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
FR.2 06-01206
Office of the City
Attorney
variance.
Mr. Lima: But, again, like --
Mr. Fernandez: But this ordinance does not take care of that.
Commissioner Regalado: It doesn't, OK --
Mr. Lima: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- so -- OK. That -- I'm --
Mr. Fernandez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: Fine, fine.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I mean, if it's -- look, very clear. This is very clear. Let's not confuse
the issue here. If it's a motion directing the Administration, which I think is the proper motion to
make, to clearly provide all those that qual i, through Code Enforcement, the proper
notification, I am all in favor of it, but when you start adding stuff to it, that you're going to be
waiving this and waiving that, don't count me in it, so is that the motion you're making?
Commissioner Regalado: That's the motion.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I will second the motion, as long as it doesn't speak about waiving any
fees or whatever, all right. Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. Any further discussion
on the item? Hearing none --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Call the question.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE SCHEDULING AN ELECTION TO FILL, SUBJECT
TO DISPLACEMENT, THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT
NO. 2; SETTING NOVEMBER 7, 2006, AS THE DATE OF SUCH
ELECTION, AND ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 8, 2006 THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 23, 2006, AT 6 P.M. AS THE TIME TO QUALIFY
THEREFOR; FURTHER, SCHEDULING A RUN-OFF ELECTION TO
FILL THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 2, SAID
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006, UNLESS SAID
OFFICE HAS BEEN FILLED BY THE ELECTION OF A CANDIDATE
AT THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006;
DESCRIBING PERSONS QUALIFIED TO VOTE IN SAID
ELECTIONS; DESCRIBING THE REGISTRATION BOOKS AND
RECORDS TO BE USED FOR THE ELECTIONS; DESIGNATING
AND APPOINTING THE CITY CLERK AS THE OFFICIAL
REPRESENTATIVE WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF SUCH
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REGISTRATION BOOKS AND RECORDS; DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO GIVE NOTICE OF THIS ORDINANCE'S ADOPTION AND
TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; CONTAINING A REPEALER
PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01206 Legislation FR/SR.pdf
06-01206 Cover Memo FR/SR.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Let's move to FR.2. Madam City Clerk, I believe that's your
item.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Actually, it's the one on the election. Both the City Clerk's
Office and the City Attorney's Office is working on that, and it is to establish our special election
for the District 2 vacancy, if we should have to have one, and that's all the information
pertaining to that.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so --
Maria J. Chiaro (Assistant City Attorney): And --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- this is an ordinance.
Ms. Chiaro: -- in addition, it changes the date of the runoff election to two weeks from the date
of the general election.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so it's an ordinance, right?
Ms. Chiaro: Yes, it is.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yep. So moved.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. This requires a public hearing,
I'm sure.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: Anyone from the public that wants to speak on this item, please come
forward. Seeing none, hearing none, would you please read the ordinance?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Maria J.
Chiaro.
Chairman Gonzalez: Roll call, please.
Ms. Thompson: Roll call.
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A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5/0.
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RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 06-01119 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Capital ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO THE PROFESSIONAL
Improvement SERVICES AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 30, 2004, WITH THE
Programs/Transpor CORRADINO GROUP, INC., PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR
tation QUALIFICATIONS NO. 03-04-131 APPROVED BY RESOLUTION NO.
04-0792, ADOPTED DECEMBER 9, 2004, FOR THE PROVISION OF
CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING OBSERVATION SERVICES ON A
CONTINUING BASIS FOR MISCELLANEOUS HORIZONTAL PROJECTS, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $310,000, INCREASING THE CONTRACT
FROM $750,000 TO $1, 060, 000; ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR SAID
INCREASE, FROM VARIOUS FUNDING SOURCES, INCLUDING THE
APPROPRIATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM PROJECT;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
SAID AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
06-01119 Legislation.pdf
06-01119 Exhibit.pdf
06-01119 Summary Form.pdf
06-01119 Master Report.pdf
06-01119 Table of Contents.pdf
06-01119 Professional Services Agreement.pdf
06-01119 Definitions.pdf
06-01119 Certificate of Authority.pdf
06-01119 Scope of Work. pdf
06-01119 Pre -Attachment. pdf
06-01119 Work Order.pdf
06-01119 Consultant work Order.pdf
06-01119 Estimate of Work Effort.pdf
06-01119 Pre -Attachment 2.pdf
06-01119 Pre -Attachment 3.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez and Spence -Jones
Noes: 1 - Commissioner Regalado
R-06-0426
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. RE.1.
Gary Fabrikant (Assistant Director): Gary Fabrikant, Department of Capital Improve to
Transportation [sic]. RE.1 is requesting a change to the professional service agreement with the
Corradino Group, who are providing construction engineering and observation services for the
Flagler Street Marketplace project. This increase will allow Corradino Group to provide these
services through the duration of construction, and this increase is being made in direct
proportion to the construction duration time frame.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Is there a motion?
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Haskins: Second for discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner
Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: You know, I know that we've got to move the capital improvement
projects, but this is a pretty significant increase in the contract, nearly 50 percent increase. Was
there a thought to rebidding, sending out new RFQs (Requests for Qualifications) to fill the need
for this sort of services, or is this a situation where you wanted to keep the same company on
through the construction phase? What's happening here?
Mr. Fabrikant: In this instance, for providing the construction engineering observation services,
it's in the best of the City to continue to use the Corradino Group. If we go out to bid now or
change the firm that's providing these services, we'll have sufficient delays while they have a
learning curve for the new firm, and it actually will also increase costs due to those delays and
due to the cost of a new firm coming in and having start-up costs associated with their learning
curve.
Commissioner Haskins: Why wouldn't it have been bid out as that, in the first place, as a
continuation?
Mr. Fabrikant: Well, the CEO (Construction Engineering Observation) services were actually
bid out over a year, year and a half ago, and they were bid out as miscellaneous professional
service agreements.
Commissioner Haskins: Um -hum.
Mary Conway (Director, Capital Improvements & Transportation): Mary Conway. I'd like to
also add, the use of the word "bid" may not be the most appropriate. These are professional
services. The selections of the firms for these services are made based on qualifications, so when
Gary's stating that there was a solicitation over a year ago that brought on a group of 23 firms
to provide inspection services for both street projects and vertical projects, this is one of those,
and the reason that you're seeing this before you is this is a firm that's out there now doing the
work, and it's really an issue of continuity to be able to just let them complete this project, and
then this contract will be done.
Commissioner Haskins: I think the only issue here -- and I under -- I mean, I really understand
the need to have continuity and all of that, but we start out with a contract of 750, and then we
change it without a new RFQ, or you know, via Commission resolution, by nearly 50 percent.
We have -- the next item is a similar sort of item, so it would be nice to have more of an
explanation of why we need to do that rather than doing a new RFQ or why we are anticipating
that in the first place.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: Linda, you are so nice. You say the things, but you do it in a nice -- in
a very nice way. Gary explained to me the three items that they have. I only have a problem
with this one. I do have a problem. I understand that if we're talking about construction -- steel
has gone up, cement has gone up, everything has gone up. Construction -- and fine -- you know,
if we need to appropriate more money, I'm fine, but to supervise, to look, it's -- for me it's too
much, and I -- you know, I am very uncomfortable with this, especially because we have to follow
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the same philosophy. We did that in -- with the Orange Bowl this morning. I mean, when you
get into a contract, you know that there could be hurdles, and there's going to be some problems,
but you cannot expect us to pay for the problems that you encounter, and I understand.
You explained to me the utilities and all that. I'm fine with the other issues that CIP (Capital
Improvements Program) have, but this one, I do have a problem because I can -- I still don't
understand why do they charge so much just for supervising a project that is so limited. It's only
Flagler. I mean, it's not that we're building the whole Biscayne Boulevard. It's only a few blocks
on Flagler Street, so that's what I wanted to say on this matter.
Ms. Conway: Mary Conway. In response to those comments, this contract, like the other
professional services contract, is negotiated based on job qualifications and hourly rates, so we
negotiate whether we need a senior inspector, an inspector, a technician, a project manager, and
the appropriate hourly rates for those positions based on their level of effort, similar to what we
do for any staff positions that the City would have. In the case of the Flagler Street Marketplace
project, these are people who are out there in the field at night when the contractor is out there
making sure that the project is being built according to the plans and specifications. This
project initially was intended to have been completed by Thanksgiving of last year. We've been
before you with contract increases for the construction contract because there were problems
with the underlayment material under the existing pavers that weren't discovered until they were
removed. There were also issues associated with some storm delays, but utility conflicts with
signals. Because of those delays, these people have to be out there. We don't want to have the
contractor working without supervision and making sure that the work's being done, so it's not
really an issue of additional costs; it's a project that, unfortunately, is in downtown. It's very
complicated area to work, and difficulties were encountered that delayed the project, and this is
proportionate to that.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I may?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, Mr. Vice Chair.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Thank you. I don't want to be put in this situation, and I'm certain that
the Commissioners do not want to be put on this situation. This is not the first item that's in front
of us that is -- basically, this is a change order. You're asking for more money for a project that
was bidded out for that price and, apparently, it can't be done, and you have to come in front of
us for more money. If this was the private sector -- when someone bids on a job and they get
awarded that contract, they are responsible for that amount. In other words, if you don't
complete my project with the money that you have, you've got to get it done; or it's your
responsibility, not ours, OK On the issue itself, you're talking a significant increase, and as I
stated before, this is not the only project that's come in front of us that have -- you had to bring
in front of us for a change order, you know. I don't think it's best practice when we start doing
this, you know. In the private sector, if you do a job and you finish before the date of
completion, people are rewarded. Now, if you don't finish, people are penalized, and those are
the things we need to be starting here to do, because we have too many projects that are coming
in front of us with, one, either over budget and we have to approve, and then there are all kinds
of excuses, but at the end of the day, those excuses, I certainly don't buy. Downtown is not a
lively 24-hour downtown, so after 5 o'clock, it's a ghost town. There's an excuse why you can't
be working out there. The only viable excuse that I could really accept, maybe both hurricanes
that came through, but I just want to continue to -- I want to make sure to emphasize, Mr. City
Manager, through you, that --
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- capital improvement projects, which are very important to our City -
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- you know, we need to start putting down some type of rules that once we bid out a job, you try
to do everything you can to make sure that amount completes the job; don't come back to us,
unless it's a dire emergency that we need a change order, because it's not best practice, and we
need to change the culture in our City today as we continue to move forward to improve the
quality of life in our community, and it's not happening, so maybe you want to elaborate a little
bit on that on your first day as the City Commissioner -- City Manager.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you, thank you. Mr. Chair, if I may?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hernandez: I'm not totally familiar with the specifics. However, I do have a lot of
experience in this type of issue. We're dealing with two elements here; one is the construction
contract. The construction contract itself, from what I've -- my understanding, is that it has been
extended because of unforeseen conditions in the field, et cetera, et cetera. The item that we
have before you here today is an item that deals with the inspection of the construction, not the
construction itself, but the inspection. Since the construction contract is taking longer, then we
need to provide inspection for a longer period, and that's why this inspection contract needs to
be extended in order to provide the inspection. My first concern here would be to look at the
construction contract. If we can keep the construction contract within the originally prescribed
period, then we wouldn't have to spend additional monies in inspection, so --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's what I'm trying to get at. How do we --
Mr. Hernandez: -- and --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- get to that position?
Mr. Hernandez: -- so I think that we have to be vigilant on both. We have to be vigilant on the
construction contract and try to have a reasonable construction period to start with and hold the
contractor to that period the best we can. If we ensure the time period for construction, then
we'll keep a cap on the inspection dollars that this item refers to. I'll be more than happy, I
mean, to work with Capital Improvements. I'm very familiar in these issues, and help you
whichever way I can to take care of your concerns. Your concerns are valid. If we engage in a
contract for a certain amount of money, why now being faced with paying an additional 50
percent? But it's important to know that this deals with inspection, not the construction contract,
so
Commissioner Regalado: Precisely.
Mr. Hernandez: -- my first commitment or my first item here is that --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Hold on.
Mr. Hernandez: -- I'll take a look at it, definitely.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. City Manager, to prevent this type of incident from ever happening
again, does the City have in place or would entertain maybe in the future such an initiative
program as to companies when they finish their -- they bid out a project, and if you finish within
"X" amount of time, you know, you're given a bonus, but if you don't finish at that time, then, you
know, you have to pay us?
Mr. Hernandez: Right. Normally, that's -- there are liquidated damages whenever they exceed
the contract time. There are contracts that allow for bonuses if they deliver and complete the
project in advance. I don't know what are the particulars in this contracts, but there are
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mechanisms that allow for that, and I think that in working with the County Attorney's Office, we
could look at, you know --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: We --
Mr. Hernandez: -- potential contracts in the future that have that
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- should explore that --
Mr. Hernandez: -- a plus and a minus.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and let me tell you why. Capital improvements throughout the City -
- and let me -- it's a monumental task. I don't care how you define it. I don't care how you do it.
You're talking $255 million projects. You're -- I mean, money -- you're talking about hundreds
and hundreds of major projects in the City, so I mean, it's hard to get a grasp and control
everything to get it done, but what is happening, and we see it with different types of projects --
because we see it in my district, and I -- maybe I could -- since we can't talk about this under the
Sunshine, maybe now is the appropriate time for some of the Commissioners -- a lot of the
companies bid on a job; they get that job; they start working on that job, and then, boom, they
have other work in the private sector, and then they start emphasizing their resources to the
private sector because, in the private sector, if you don't get it done, you're penalized. In the
City, whenever you finish it, it's perfectly fine with us, and it puts us in a bind, and CIP needs to
have teeth to prevent those types of inconveniences and changes of orders and bad practices
happening in the City.
Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, if I may. It even happens among governmental entities. I know
of a governmental project by the County --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I was going to -- I was --
Mr. Hernandez: -- that it was actually delayed because the FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) had a project on Biscayne in which they had a bonus on that contract, so the
project that the County had on Coral Way was delayed because of exactly the same problem.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And Mr. City Manager, I just want to add, because while I do
realize that we definitely have some issues that we need to work on, and I'm glad that you're
going to be here to help us work through some of those issues, but I do want to add -- because
sometimes, you know, when we start comparing -- and not saying anything about where you
came from, a County perspective --
Mr. Hernandez: Right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but I got two projects in my district right now that are
County -related projects that, you know, have changed three or four different times, not saying
that it was your responsibility. I'm just simply making a point. I think, from a CIP standpoint,
our CIP Department, one in particular project, three, four years I've been working on trying to
get done, which is the MLK (Martin Luther King) Boulevard project, and I'm --
Mr. Hernandez: Right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- sure you're aware of that particular --
Mr. Hernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- project. It's taken crazy amount of time to get it done, you
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know, from the County's perspective, but from our CIP Department's perspective, we were able
to move that project along rather quickly because we just couldn't wait on, you know, another
municipality to make it happen, and my point in all of this -- and I'm not disagreeing, because I
have other issues on -- there's something that's going to come up later regarding, you know, one
of my parks, which is a CIP-related project, but I want to have a understanding from Mary and
her team regarding when was this project supposed to start and when was it supposed to end.
Can I at least know like -- because you mentioned three hurricanes, which were three hurricanes
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Two.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- did take place -- two -- three.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Two that I'm aware of.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Rita, Katrina, and what's the other one?
Commissioner Regalado: Wilma.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Wilma.
Ms. Conway: The project started --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I must have missed Rita.
Ms. Conway: -- in February of 2005, and the original desire and intent was for the project to be
completed by Thanksgiving 2005. The contract does include provisions for liquidated damages.
The contract also included a provision for a bonus, if the contractor had been able to
successfully complete the construction by Thanksgiving of 2005. Unfortunately, unforeseen
circumstances that could not have been known or were not known contributed to the delays in
this particular instance --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I wanted --
Ms. Conway: -- and it --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I just wanted to make sure you put that on record, and you
brought it up, my wonderful colleague over here, about the hurricane situation. I think it's
important to say that that was a part of the delay in all of this, so I just think this -- and I'm not
making any excuses up for anything else that's not moving, like my parks, but I just simply want
to say, you know, I think it's important to at least acknowledge, you know, why there might have
been a delay and why we're -- now needing to hire a company to oversee, you know, making sure
the work gets done.
Ms. Conway: And I can assure you that, at the end of this construction project, that there will be
a complete assessment with Capital Improvements and the Law Department to make sure that
whatever appropriate next steps need to be taken are taken.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: The Manager that is an expert on those things said, well, the problem
here is the construction, and I think he's right, but the second -- the other part of the story is that
the people that we are paying to supervise are the one that should be on top of the construction
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problems, and you know, if we pay some people to make other people work, why do we have to
pay these people more money so the people can keep fixing what they did wrong or what they
didn't do? They should have done it from the beginning. I mean, that is a company that is
supposed to supervise, so if there is some fault in the construction timeline, the supervisor should
have been aware, so that's my whole problem, and I just think that it looks really bad that we
have to do this in public, but it needs to be done. I cannot support this.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Chairman Gonzalez: Any further discussion? Hearing none, do I have -- do we hear a motion
or --?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I thought we did a motion already.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: They already did.
Chairman Gonzalez: No.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Just a roll call --
Chairman Gonzalez: There was a motion and a second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- on this because I don't think it's going to pass the way it is.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. It's a resolution, so you want to do roll call because --?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Well, if -- before you take a vote, I think that you need to
allow Ms. Conway to perhaps try to persuade those of you who are not so inclined to vote in
favor of this, the consequences of terminating would mean that not having any more allocation,
the inspectors or the people who are keeping this project, although belated and everything else,
would literally walk out of the job, putting us in a position of further delaying the actual contract
and the termination -- and the completion of that project, and so I am not trying to advocate for
a situation, but by your voting this item down, you will prolong the termination date of that
project because we will have to go out and procure another services to finish the inspections.
Commissioner Haskins: And I think your point is really well taken, and that's -- that wasn't my
intent in raising this issue. It's -- when we -- when you read these things -- these items coming in
and you see these kind of increases, perhaps we can get better explanations, we can get better
warning on it so we know that it's happening, so that we can see it in the context that you see it.
Mary, you and your folks have just done a great job with capital improvements --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Truly.
Commissioner Haskins: -- and I understand, as well, that a lot of these capital improvement
projects have turned out to be longer because the City hasn't done capital projects for so long,
we don't really know what we've got underneath our streets and sidewalks and all of that other
stuff, so I'm prepared to support this, but if we could, in the future, and try to deal with this issue
on more of a communication front, it would be great.
Ms. Conway: And we heard that message loud and clear at one of the prior Commission
meetings, which is why we're in the process of scheduling monthly briefings for the Mayor and
each district Commissioner regarding capital projects so that you will know, and it won't just be
an agenda briefing, but you'll know the status of every project in your district on a monthly
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basis, and what the issues and concerns are, because I can guarantee you, unfortunately, that
there will be issues and concerns on the vast majority of projects. It's the nature of this business,
but at least you'll be fully informed and have an understanding, if there is a problem, what
caused it and what we're doing to remedy it.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mary, once again, as I stated, I don't want to be put in this situation. I
don't think any of my colleagues want to be put in this situation, and I just want to break away
from this pattern of constantly coming in front of the Commission with change orders. It's just --
it's not good, and I -- and it's not to hammer you. I think you've done a good job, but it's a
department that, you know -- with all the projects that are out there, you need to have a grasp of
all these projects to make sure that, one -- I've always said it. They need to be three things:
time -certain, cost -certain, and project -certain, and it's just bad government when you start
having all these change orders.
Ms. Conway: And we certainly --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: It concerns me.
Ms. Conway: We understand and appreciate that, and I'm very confident and hopeful that
examples like the MLK project that Commissioner Spence -Jones managed, which was started
with design and construction under the new Administration, will be the example, and that some
of these older projects that were done under old business practices will become a thing of the
past.
Mr. Hernandez: Mr. Chairman, if you allow me.
Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. City Attorney. I'm sorry. Mr. City Manager.
Mr. Hernandez: It's -- I have to be totally forthright, candid; this is my job. From what I know,
we really don't have another option on this one --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yeah.
Mr. Hernandez: -- and I have to state it that way. Even though it may be ugly, at this point, with
the construction contract running late, we need to have the inspection there, and we need to
cover it for our own good, so even though it's not the ideal situation, I don't think that we have
another option with it today, and we need to, in essence, move forward, and that will be my
recommendation. Now, I hear your concerns loud and clear. I'll work with Mary, see how we
can -- I would like to look at the CIP, see -- try to be proactive in spotting these kind of problems
where, if we see that we're going to have more construction time, maybe we can start an RFP
(Requests for Proposal) process earlier so we don't get into a box of not having inspections, so I
do understand. I think it's one of the priorities that I'm charged with right here today, and I'll
follow up on it, but on this one, I don't think that we can do much more.
Chairman Gonzalez: That's --
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the way I understand it. We don't solve any problems by voting against
it now and stopping the project, but I know exactly where my colleague, Vice Chairman Sanchez,
is coming from because -- Mary, would you please come to the podium? I want to ask you a
couple of questions, and I'm not going to beat up on you. I just want to ask a couple of
questions.
Ms. Conway: It's OK.
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: Don't beat her up.
Chairman Gonzalez: How long ago did we approve the water park and the -- the Grapeland
project? More than a year ago, right?
Ms. Conway: From the standpoint of the design, yes, more than a year ago.
Chairman Gonzalez: How long ago did we select the company and sign their contract?
Ms. Conway: Two year -- we selected the company two years ago. The contract followed four
or five months later.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK, so we're talking a year and a half, more or less. It doesn't make any
sense to me that, first of all, the company was sold to us as the best company in the world, the
company that will deliver a project on time and in budget. Well, they're not delivering the
project on time, and they will not deliver the project on budget. I know that for a fact. When I
had a meeting -- and this is something -- this is what -- Mr. City Manager, you need to
understand why we feel the way we feel. When I had a meeting with this company two weeks ago
trying to find out what was going on, why don't they start this project -- I know there was a
problem with the land that needed to be cleaned up and everything, but that was done, and that
was being done, and the representative from this company tells me that one of the problems that
they have is that they are trying to acquire the materials. It made me feel really, really bad
because, first of all, they knew, 15 months ago, that they had a contract, a substantial contract,
OK, and they should have, at that time and point -- point in time, they should have started
locating the materials that they were going to need to for the project and securing the
subcontractors, which they also claim that they having problems finding the subcontractors, OK.
I mean, that's something that they should have done 15 months ago, when they signed a contract,
and they promised that they were going to deliver on time and in budget, all right, so I'm told
now that we are -- they are trying to buy the materials. Well, I don't know how much the cost of
materials have increased the -- on a year and a half, but I bet you, there is some construction
materials have increased more than 40 percent and others 20, 25 percent, so that's an additional
25, 40 percent that the City of Miami is going to have to pay on this project because this
construction company didn't had the precaution back then to secure and freeze the price on their
materials, and that is something that is done on the private sector everyday. There are general
contractors today that they going to start building six months from now and they buy the item,
and they buy the blocks, and they buy everything today at the price of today, so -- to prevent cost
increases, but you know what the problem is? The problem is that all of these companies, they
feel that the City of Miami have deep pockets, so you know, why worry? It's not their money. It's
the taxpayers' money, and if there is a problem with these companies, I also believe that there is
a problem with the consultants that we are paying, and we're paying huge amount of dollars on
consultants here, and those consultants should be on top of all of these company, OK,
supervising what they're doing, having -- maintaining a schedule of construction, and being on
top of it, you know. Did you budget materials? Do you got your subcontractors? Do you have
this? Do you have that? Are you going to be ready to start on the day you're supposed to start?
But apparently, we're not doing that, and that is the problem that I'm having on my projects.
That is the problem that he's having on his projects. I'm sure that you're having the same
problems at Little Haiti Park, and I'm not sure if any of the other Commissioners are having that
problem, but we need to start taking these things seriously. I mean, if we are paying -- whatever
amount of millions of dollars we're paying in consultants, I mean, they need to be on top of the
ball. I don't know if the way that you handle the consultants are handled in these projects are
projects assigned to each individual consultant or each consultant has two projects to supervise,
or they're all over the city. How does that function?
Ms. Conway: Whether it's a City employee or a consultant, each individual is assigned to a
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certain number of projects and are responsible for those projects.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK, so my question -- my next question is, what happened with the
consultant that was responsible for making sure that this contractor had everything in place that
they needed to start this project?
Ms. Conway: That's typically the contractor's responsibility. The contract has provisions that
do not allow for additional costs associated with material mark-ups. Those costs are borne by
the contractor, not by the City, and in this instance, it's an issue of availability and lead time. If
material is acquired too far in advance, there are costs associated with stockpiling the material,
where it's going to be held, because vendors very typically will not stockpile materials for
contractors, so there are a lot of other issues that relate in this particular instance, but they are
out there now and making fairly good progress, from what I have seen.
Chairman Gonzalez: You're thinking -- you think that they're --
Ms. Conway: Well, with the exception, unfortunately, of the rain that we've had in the last
couple of weeks --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- but you really --
Ms. Conway: -- which makes it difficult.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- think they're making progress? Have you gone by that park lately?
Ms. Conway: It's not to the extent that we would like to see, but within another week or so,
you're going to see a lot more activity out there.
Chairman Gonzalez: But, Mary, that is the problem. That's what I had been told. Every time I
speak about the item, I'm told, within two weeks, you're going to see progress. Within two weeks.
Pretty soon I will be leaving office, and I will be hearing, you know what? We will invite you to
the opening of the park, even though you're not going to be a Commissioner, but we will invite
you. I mean, you know, it's a game, and let me tell you. I was tempted to vote against the
contract for the consultants. I'm telling you right now, today, mark the date today. If the
situation with these consultants and these projects doesn't improve, I'm telling you right now,
this Commissioner will vote against any more allocation of money for consultants. I'm telling
you right off the top --
Ms. Conway: I understand.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and you know that I am -- I'm a straight shooter. I don't -- I'm telling
you right now, so it's your department, it's your people, so you -- see how you handle it, because
next time you come here with an allocation of money for consultants, I'm going to be voting no,
unless I see a drastic improvement on the CIP projects. Thank you.
Mr. Hernandez: Mr. Chairman, I'll take a look at the project itself with Mary, and I'll report
back to you within the next seven to ten days as to what the situation is.
Chairman Gonzalez: Right. Thank you, sir. All right, so we had a motion and we had a second,
and we had our discussion. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Regalado: No.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed -- OK. We register one "no" and four "ayes."
RE.2 06-01120 RESOLUTION
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Capital ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO THE PROFESSIONAL
Improvement SERVICES AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 20, 2004, WITH GANNETT
Programs/Transpor FLEMING INC., PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO.
tation 03-04-087, FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON A CONTINUING BASIS FOR
MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000,
INCREASING THE CONTRACT FROM $2, 300, 000 TO $2, 500, 000;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR SAID INCREASE, FROM VARIOUS FUNDING
SOURCES, INCLUDING THE APPROPRIATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
PROGRAM PROJECTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO SAID AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
06-01120 Legislation .pdf
06-01120 Exhibit .pdf
06-01120 Summary Form.pdf
06-01120 Professional Services Agreement pdf.pdf
06-01120 Text File Report .pdf
06-01120 Pre -Legislation .pdf
06-01120 Table of Contents .pdf
06-01120 Professional Services Agreement 2 pdf.pdf
06-01120 Definitions .pdf
06-01120 Certificate of Authority .pdf
06-01120 Pre -Attachment .pdf
06-01120 Pre -Attachment 2.pdf
06-01120 Work Order .pdf
06-01120 Pre -Attachment 3.pdf
06-01120 Master Report .pdf
06-01120 Pre -Attachment 4.pdf
WITH DRAWN
RE.3 06-01108 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Capital ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CAPITAL PROJECTS APPROPRIATIONS
Improvement RESOLUTION NO. 05-0689, ADOPTED NOVEMBER 17, 2005, AS
Programs/Transpor AMENDED, TO REVISE CURRENT APPROPRIATIONS, INCLUDING
tation HOMELAND DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT BONDS, AMONG
APPROVED PROJECTS, AND TO APPROPRIATE NEW FUNDING.
06-01108 Legislation.pdf
06-01108 Exhibit .pdf
06-01108 Summary Form.pdf
06-01108 Project Names .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0427
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.3.
Commissioner Regalado: RE.2.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: No, RE.2 --
Pedro Hernandez (City Manager) : RE. 3.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- was deferred this morning.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, OK I'm sorry.
Gary Fabrikant (Assistant Director): Gary Fabrikant, Capital Improvements and
Transportation. RE. 3 is a allocation of additional funds and a reallocation of funds between
projects. There's additional allocation of park impact fees for two projects, and also a
reallocation of funds from projects that are currently not ready for construction that are being
reallocated to projects that are ready to proceed with construction.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. It's a resolution.
Commissioner Regalado: Move it.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second, but I --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- just want to make a comment.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- a --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'll --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- motion and -- do I hear a second?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, second. I have a comment.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- we have a second. Discussion.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Just real fast. I know that I saw the allocations and what's going
where. I just wanted, for clarity sake -- I know that we've been pushing very hard for the
Seybold/Wagner Creek, and finally, it seems like something is moving. Can you just give me --
just to make sure that I understand and the folks watching understand, what does this mean now
for the Seybold/Wagner Creek issue?
Mr. Fabrikant: OK. What happened is we received a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency) grant to go towards our Avalon Storm Sewer project, which is currently under
construction. We've been able to take that money and reallocate it to the dredging of the Wagner
Creek and Seybold Canal, which is currently out to bid.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, good, and do you know when the bids are expected in?
Mr. Fabrikant: They should be due in in approximately two weeks.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Do you think we're going into the fall starting on the --?
Mr. Fabrikant: Our anticipation is to bring that award back either the first meeting in
September. If we can't make that because of the timeline, we would have to wait till the first
meeting of October, unless the Chairman be willing to place that on the last -- the P&Z
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
(Planning & Zoning) agenda at the end of September.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, great. I just want to -- I know the people over in Spring
Garden has been pushing very hard to get this whole Wagner Creek thing, and I'm glad that
we're moving in that direction. Gibson Park, which has also been a thorn in my side, I am
seeing a little activity happening there, Mary, so thank God, and people -- a lot of the residents
are now saying that at least things are moving in Overtown, and I really appreciate. This
additional -- these -- now that the dollars are being shifted -- the purpose of shifting the
additional dollars would be to?
Mr. Fabrikant: The -- some of the additional dollars are being shifted to the Orange Bowl to
complete the Light Tower project, which must be completed --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah --
Mr. Fabrikant: -- before the middle of August to allow --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but the dollars for the Gibson -- that's being shifted to the --
some of the --
Mr. Fabrikant: The -- what we're having there is the park impact -- we have additional park
impact fees available --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Um -hum, OK
Mr. Fabrikant: -- so we're able to bring money into that project --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So do you know --
Mr. Fabrikant: -- from those --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- when they're going to actually physically get back -- I know
they're -- they've started moving some of the stuff, the fence that was down and all of that. Can
you just give -- just so that the folks watching it know --
Mary Conway (Director, Capital Improvements & Transportation): Certainly.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- that we're moving in that direction?
Ms. Conway: Mary Conway. The work associated with the pool fence is being done by the
Parks Department --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Ms. Conway: -- through a separate contract, and what is in the appropriation ordinance before
you is moving money into the Gibson Park project from the impact fees for phase II of the park
improvements that should be starting within the next month or so.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Isn't that RE.3?
Ms. Conway: Yes, RE.3.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, we're on RE.3.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.3.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Aren't we in RE.2?
Ms. Conway: No. That --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, they didn't do it.
Ms. Conway: -- was deferred.
Chairman Gonzalez: No. That was deferred.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Oh, OK.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Wake up.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Sorry.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Need some more coffee?
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.2 was deferred.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And then last, but not least -- I'm sorry. I just want to make sure
my -- Buena Vista. Now, I did see that we took money away from the Buena Vista area, correct?
Mr. Fabrikant: That is correct.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And you know, I know that --
Mr. Fabrikant: That --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- this is a --
Mr. Fabrikant: -- that --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- big issue for them of, you know, things that they want to see
happen in the Buena Vista area. I've asked in our meeting that we had on a one-on-one to at
least ident some -- the dollars that we're losing now. I would like to make sure that we find
those dollars to assist them with their gateway initiative.
Ms. Conway: And we could address that. The reason that those dollars are moving is because
we can't spend them now. We --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Ms. Conway: -- already are spending the dollars associated with the design. The construction
will be funded through the streets bond that was approved as part of the capital plan on May 25
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Ms. Conway: -- but we will work with you to see if we can ident some funds to do some
gateway treatments.
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Thank you so much, and that's all -- my only con --
Chairman Gonzalez: Mary, I have a question. This resolution is going to affect the bathrooms
at Sewell Park, right --
Ms. Conway: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- in my district?
Ms. Conway: Yes, and that is an issue associated with Miami -Dade Water and Sewer in being
able to make the sewer connection for that --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Ms. Conway: -- project.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK No problem, so -- but later on we'll find the allocation of money?
Ms. Conway: At -- we're continuing to work on the --
Chairman Gonzalez: No problem.
Ms. Conway: -- with Water and Sewer so that that project?' move forward as soon as the second
series dollars are available.
Chairman Gonzalez: No problem. All right. We had a motion and we had a second, right?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Um -hum.
Chairman Gonzalez: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
RE.4 06-00987 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Finance ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE COMPENSATION
AMOUNT OF THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
("AGREEMENT") WITH RACHLIN, COHEN AND HOLTZ, LLP, PURSUANT
TO RESOLUTION NO. 04-0458, ADOPTED JULY 8, 2004, FOR THE
PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $60,000, FOR THE SECOND YEAR OF THE AGREEMENT ONLY,
FROM AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $370,000 TO $430,000, AND
SUBSEQUENTLY, TO THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT FROM AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,109,000 TO $1,169,000; ALLOCATING
FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE GENERAL OPERATING
BUDGET, ACCOUNT CODE NO. 001000.260201.6.280; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID PURPOSE;
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 04-0458, TO REFLECT SAID INCREASE.
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06-00987 Legislation.pdf
06-00987 Exhibit.pdf
06-00987 Summary Form.pdf
06-00987 Master Report. pdf
06-00987 Pre -Legislation .pdf
06-00987 Memo. pdf
06-00987 Letter.pdf
06-00987 Memo 2.pdf
06-00987 Tabulation Sheet .pdf
06-00987 Evaluation of External Auditing Services.pdf
06-00987 Acceptance of Recommendations. pdf
06-00987 Professional Services Agreement. pdf
06-00987 Pre -Attachment .pdf
06-00987 Pre -Attachment 2.pdf
06-00987 Pre -Attachment 3.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0428
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.4.
Diana Gomez (Director): Diana Gomez, Finance Department. This item is to amend Resolution
04-0458 and the professional service agreements for external auditing services with Rachlin,
Cohen and Holtz, in the amount of $60, 000, for additional work necessary to complete the '05
audit.
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. I just want to make sure that you --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I know that you and I had a briefing on it --
Ms. Gomez: Um -hum.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- which I'm very happy with the briefing, but I do -- I would like
you to -- for you to put on record, as we go ahead on -- I know this is a new firm that we decided
to use, correct?
Ms. Gomez: This is the second year of a three-year contract.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, and I just would like for you to at least bring some sort of
comments -- your thoughts on -- you know, we're talking about expanding their contract --
Ms. Gomez: Right.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
RE.5 06-01121
Office of Strategic
Planning,
Budgeting, and
Performance
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- you know, extending it -- you thoughts on their services and just
things that you think, from a Commission standpoint, we need to just kind of somewhat be aware
of as we move to the next level regarding firms that we decide to use.
Ms. Gomez: Well, I guess, for this year -- second year of the audit, I was brought in kind of late
in the game, so I wasn't involved in the whole audit. However, I am happy with the results of the
audit. We were able to get through, you know, a lot of difficult issues, and you know, it was
delayed obviously because -- and there was several reasons, and I had sent to the Commission a
listing of the reasons for the delay. The auditors are here, if you would like to talk to them,
themselves, as far as that goes, but I am happy with the results of the audit, and you know, going
forward, I think that, you know, this year it'll be a good indication of a start to finish from -- at
least from my perspective.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Now I have no questions.
Chairman Gonzalez: We had a motion and a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion --
Ms. Gomez: Thanks.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION COMPUTING A
PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), FLORIDA,
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2007; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT SAID
PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER AND THE TAX COLLECTOR, TOGETHER WITH THE DATE,
TIME AND PLACE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AT WHICH THE CITY
COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND THE
CITY'S TENTATIVE BUDGET, FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR.
06-01121 Legislation.pdf
06-01121 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0429
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to schedule a special budget hearing on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at 5
p.m., to be held in the City Commission Chambers of the City of Miami City Hall.
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.5. Mr. Larry --
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- Springs [sic].
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, while --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes.
Mr. Fernandez: -- Larry's coming up, let me put things in perspective for you. Items RE.5, 6, 7,
and 8 are all of the same ilk. These are items which are being brought to you so that today you
determine the rate at which we will instruct the County to do the advertising. Once you do your
budget hearings and the like, you can go at or below --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Or below.
Mr. Fernandez: -- that rate, but you cannot exceed it --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- so the significance of these items today is just for the purpose of setting the
highest ceiling that would be considered, and from there, when you do budget, you can fall
anywhere below that.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Larry Spring: That means that -- Larry Spring, Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting &
Performance. RE.5 is the resolution establishing our millage cap for the upcoming fiscal year,
ending September 30, 2007, and setting the proposed tentative budget hearings. I do need to
make a change on the floor. Due to a scheduling change or scheduling conflict with the Mayor,
who does present the budget at the first hearing, we're respectfully requesting the Commission to
allow us to host our budget hearing on September 12, which will be the Tuesday before our
normal Commission meeting day. It would begin at 5 o'clock, and it would only include those
budget -related items that we would need to consider --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Spring: -- so that would be the floor change that I have.
Chairman Gonzalez: Is everybody all right with the September 12, 5 p.m.?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Spring: All right --
Chairman Gonzalez: You got it.
Mr. Spring: -- so I respectfully ask for your approval of the resolution.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: Took a note of that, Madam City Clerk?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): If I'm not mistaken, because that is a special meeting,
maybe we do have to have a separate motion approving that date for that meeting --
Mr. Fernandez: Yeah.
Ms. Thompson: -- separate from the resolution?
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct. That would be appropriate. You should consider that a
separate resolution from the one that you have in front of you that actually sets the --
Chairman Gonzalez: OK Why don't we do it now? Who's going to make --
Commissioner Haskins: I'll make --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- who makes the motion for the --?
Commissioner Haskins: -- the motion to have a special budget hearing on December -- I mean,
on September 12, at 5 o'clock.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Time certain, 5 o'clock.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Five o'clock.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Let's go back to discussion on RE. 5.
Mr. Spring: RE. 5, yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Spring: So that being the case, I just respectfully request that you approve the millage cap.
The millage cap is being set at the same millage rate as the previous year, which is 8.4995.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Do you have the knife ready?
Mr. Spring: Say it again.
Chairman Gonzalez: The knife. Do you have the --
Mr. Spring: Oh, yes, yes --
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RE.6 06-01122
Downtown
Development
Authority
Chairman Gonzalez: -- knife ready?
Mr. Spring: -- the knife is ready to go. I got my big scissors.
Chairman Gonzalez: Very good, and big scissors, too. All right. Do we have a motion on this
item?
Ms. Thompson: No.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move. You're setting -- what's -- state it on the record, what's the --
same?
Mr. Spring: The millage cap is the same as last year --
Chairman Gonzalez: The cap.
Mr. Spring: -- which is the 8.4995, with the intention, I think as I've told you, to reduce it in our
budget proposal that will be coming forth.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And that's for the trim notice?
Mr. Spring: Yes, this is --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK.
Mr. Spring: -- for the trim notice.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. All right. All in
favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("DDA"), TO LEVY AN
ADDITIONAL AD VALOREM TAX AND TO ESTABLISH A PROPOSED
MILLAGE RATE OF ONE-HALF (1/2) MILL FOR THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2007; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING COMMUNICATION OF SAID
PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER AND THE TAX COLLECTOR TOGETHER WITH THE DATES,
TIMES AND PLACE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS, AS STATED HEREIN, AT
WHICH THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSED
MILLAGE RATE AND THE DDA TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR SAID FISCAL
YEAR.
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06-01122 Legislation.pdf
06-01122 Cover Memo.pdf
06-01122 Article 1. pdf
06-01122 Pre-Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter
be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0430
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.6.
Larry Spring (Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): RE. 6 -- and I'll give the
benefit of the presentation -- is the same millage cap -setting process for the DDA (Downtown
Development Authority). Again, I need to put on the record that we would change the hearing
date from September 14, as it is listed in the legislation that you have, to September 12. Their
millage cap is being set as the half -- at the half a mill, which is the same as the previous fiscal
year.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Hearing no
discussion, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman --
Chairman Gonzalez: RE (Resolution) --
Mr. Fernandez: -- and I think for purposes of clarification, the change date applies to all of
these items --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): All of them, yes.
Mr. Fernandez: -- because by voting on it the first time --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- you reset the public hearing for the budget once and you don't need to.
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Ms. Thompson: Correct.
RE.7 06-01123 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Fire -Rescue ATTACHMENT(S), RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF FIRE SERVICES,
FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA;
ESTABLISHING THE ESTIMATED ASSESSMENT RATE FOR FIRE
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006;
PROVIDING FOR NEW DEFINITIONS; DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF
AN ASSESSMENT ROLL; AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
SEPTEMBER 12, 2006; DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE
THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01123 Legislation.pdf
06-01123 Exhibit.pdf
06-01123 Exhibit 2 SUB.pdf
06-01123 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01123 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01123 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter
be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez and Spence -Jones
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Regalado
R-06-0431
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. RE.7.
Larry Spring (Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): RE. 7 --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Yes.
Mr. Spring: If you want to -- go ahead.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK.
Mr. Spring: -- is the same -- of the same ilk as the City Attorney has explained. You're receiving
now a substitute on the RE. 7, because we will be setting the fire fee rate at the same rate as the
previous fiscal year.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. You also have ready the scissors for this, right?
Mr. Spring: I have ready my scissors, yes, sir.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Very good. All right. Do I hear a motion on this?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So moved.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. The Clerk --
Chairman Gonzalez: No discussion.
Mr. Fernandez: -- the --
Chairman Gonzalez: All in --
Mr. Fernandez: -- is clear that the motion is being made with a new schedule that has just been
distributed at the same rate as this year.
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Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That is correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Ms. Thompson: We have that already.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank you.
Ms. Thompson: That --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
"aye.
If
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. The motion carries.
RE.8 06-01124 RESOLUTION
Department of Solid A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Waste ATTACHMENT(S), RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE
SERVICES, FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA; DESCRIBING THE METHOD OF ASSESSING SOLID WASTE
COSTS AGAINST PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI;
DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL;
AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2006;
DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
06-01124 Legislation.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 2.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 3.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 4.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 5.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 6.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 7.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 8.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 9.pdf
06-01124 Exhibit 10.pdf
06-01124 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0432
Direction by Commissioner Haskins to the Administration to provide an analysis of all solid
waste fees and bring back a recommendation for restructuring said fees to make collection
easier.
Chairman Gonzalez: RE.8.
Larry Spring (Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): RE.8, Commissioners, is
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setting the residential Solid Waste fee. As you know, this Commission set that fee at 325 per --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Mr. Spring: -- household.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second.
Commissioner Haskins: Can I --?
Chairman Gonzalez: Discussion on the item.
Commissioner Haskins: I just want to bring -- ask for one thing on this. In the Solid Waste area,
there have been, over the years, a lot of fees added -- supplementary Solid Waste fee, franchise
fees, all of that -- and when you look at the internal audit reports, there's a real difficulty in
collecting some of these fees; just the way they've been structured and added on, so I would like
to ask the Administration to work on an analysis of all the Solid Waste fees to come up with a
way of restructuring the -- not this one, but all the other fees so that there's a bet -- an easier and
less expensive way of collecting the fees, with the notion of staying neutral to the budget so that
revenues, less expenses, are close to the same.
Mr. Spring: And we will do that during our budgeting -- budget prep process, and as we go into
the next fiscal year.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, on the Solid Waste. Years ago, when we passed --
when we went out there and sold the bond issuance to the public, we committed to the voters of
Miami that we would, for five years, freeze the Solid Waste fee at 325 --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: And we have done that.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and we have done that, so we have committed to what we said that
we would be doing now. We also need to emphasize for the budget that Solid Waste, every year
we have to subsidize millions of dollars to meet the cost of that, but in that aspect, we're still
reducing. Not only are we reducing the millage, as we've been able to do for the last eight
years; we're also reducing the fire fee, and we'll continue to reduce as much as we can on the
fees that the taxpayers are paying, but the bottom line is that we have kept our word, that for at
least five years -- and I believe we still have three more --
Mr. Spring: We --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- Solid Waste will stay --
Mr. Spring: -- until --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- at 325.
Mr. Spring: -- 2009. Until -- and in fact, if you will allow me, this year we are giving back to
the citizens approximately $5.5 million in the area of Solid Waste fees, because based on the
rate, we should have been at 405 per residential household, based on the rate that was approved
initially.
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Chairman Gonzalez: Very good. We had a motion and a second on RE.8. All in favor, say
►►aye.
If
Any --?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
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BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
BC.1 06-00081 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Carol Gardner Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
Richard Berkowitz Mayor Manuel Diaz
06-00081 memo.pdf
06-00081 members.pdf
06-00081 castillo vacancy.pdf
06-00081 appointment.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0436
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Carol Gardner and Richard Berkowitz as members of the
Finance Committee.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. BC.1, Finance Committee. Commissioner Spence -Jones --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- you have one nomination.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I do have an appointee for the Finance Committee. My appointee
is Carol Gardner.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Is there a second to --?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): If I may, are we going --?
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Madam --
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Because the Mayor also has an appointment, he has sent the memo.
I wanted to state that for the record, and I wanted to see if you wanted to handle all of them with
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one motion. I mean -- I'm sorry, one mover, one seconder, one vote; is that OK?
Chairman Gonzalez: For all the boards?
Ms. Thompson: Well --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: No.
Commissioner Regalado: No, for this board.
Ms. Thompson: For this one right here.
Chairman Gonzalez: Oh, for this board, OK.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: For BC.1.
Ms. Thompson: OK
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Ms. Thompson: The Mayor has submitted the name of Mr. Richard Berkowitz.
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
Ms. Thompson: OK. Chairman, you have an appointment.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: You have an appointment.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. I'm going to defer mine --
Ms. Thompson: OK
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so we have a motion and we have a second, right?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Um -hum.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Do they need any type of waivers?
Ms. Thompson: No, not on this one.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. So move.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
BC.2 06-00645 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD FOR A
TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
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APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Ileana Hernandez -Acosta Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
06-00645 memo.pdf
06-00645 members.pdf
06-00645 Applications.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0437
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commisssioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Ileana Hernandez Acosta as a member of the Zoning Board;
further waiving the attendance requirements in Section 2-886 of the Code of the City of Miami,
as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the members of the full City Commission, as it
relates to past absences on record for Ileana Hernandez -Acosta as a member of the Zoning
Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.2.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: BC.2, Mr. Chairman, I have an appointment, and really it's a
reappointment. It's Ileana Hernandez -Acosta. She requires a waiver --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That's correct.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- so I would like to move her for reappointment, to include a waiver.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Commissioner Spence -Jones, you --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring this item.
Chairman Gonzalez: Pardon me?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring this appointment.
Chairman Gonzalez: Deferring, OK.
BC.3 06-00848 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Torrence Mack Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
06-00848 memo.pdf
06-00848 members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0438
A motion was made by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Torrence Mack as a member of the Community Technology
Advisory Board.
Commissioner Haskins: I'm deferring my appointment on BC.3. Is that where we are?
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. BC.3.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I have an appointment. My appointment is Torrence Mack.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: I'm deferring mine.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK, and the Mayor has one --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): He did not turn --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so --
Ms. Thompson: -- in any names yet.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- he's probably --
Ms. Thompson: He didn't give me any names yet.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
BC.4 06-00849 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW BOARD (UDRB) FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Todd Tragash Commissioner Linda Haskins
06-00849 memo. pdf
06-00849 members. pdf
06-00849 application.pdf
06-00849 Application for Urban Development Board .pdf
06-00849 Legal Inquiry.pdf
06-00849 Resume of Experience. pdf
06-00849 Letter.pdf
06-00849 Resume Information.pdf
06-00849 Resume Information 2.pdf
06-00849 Organization and Community Activities.pdf
06-00849 Article. pdf
06-00849 Photos. pdf
06-00849 Photos 2.pdf
06-00849 Article 2.pdf
06-00849 Urban Development Board Official Nomination Form.pdf
06-00849 Resume Information 3.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0439
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Todd Tragash as a member of the Urban Development Review
Board; further waiving the term limits of Section 2-885(b) of the Code of the City of Miami, as
amended, by a unanimous (5/5) vote of the members of the full City Commission, as it relates to
the appointment of Todd Tragash as a member of the Urban Development Review Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.4, Urban Development Review Board. I have two nominations, and
I'm going to defer.
Commissioner Haskins: I have one nomination that needs a unanimous waiver for five
consecutive terms. I'd like to renominate Todd Tragash.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK
Vice Chairman Sanchez: What board is that, BC.4 or 5?
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.4.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: I just need to understand, Mr. Chairman, if we can -- if we have to
follow the criteria on this, because we have a person that has been missing meetings, so I'll defer
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
this for next time, and I'll talk to the City Clerk.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): OK
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so we have a motion on one appointment. We need a second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: And that's an appointment of Commissioner Haskins.
Ms. Thompson: And that is with the five -five waiver --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Ms. Thompson: -- term.
Chairman Gonzalez: With a waiver.
BC.5 06-00851 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES/CATEGORIES: NOMINATED BY:
Lourdes Solera
(Restoration Architect)
Anthony Parrish, Jr.
(Business/Finance/Law)
Jane Caporelli
(Citizen)
Enid Lorenzo
(Citizen)
06-00851 memo.pdf
06-00851 members.pdf
06-00851 application. pdf
06-00851 resignation.pdf
Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Linda Haskins
Commissioner Linda Haskins
Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
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Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0440
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Lourdes Solera as a member of the Historic and Environmental
Preservation Board; further waiving the term limits of Section 2-885(b) of the Code of the City of
Miami, as amended, by a unanimous (5/5) vote of the members of the City Commission, as it
relates to the appointment of Lourdes Solera as a member of the Historic and Environmental
Preservation Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Anthony Parrish, Jr. and Jane Caporelli as members of the
Historic and Environmental Preservation Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Enid Lorenzo as a member of the Historic and
Environmental Preservation Board; further waiving the residency requirements of Section
2-884(a) of the Code of the City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the
members of the full City Commission, as it relates to the appointment of Enid Lorenzo as a
member of the Historic and Environmental Preservation Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC. 5, Historic and Environmental Preservation Board. I'm deferring
mine. Commissioner Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I would like to reappoint Lourdes Solera, and she is
going to require a five/fifth waiver because she is serving her ninth term --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Correct.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- and my other appointment, I am going to defer at this time --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- so maybe we should vote on this one --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- because she requires a --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Unanimously.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: Yes. For the business/finance/law category, I want to renominate Andy
Parrish, and for the citizen, Jane -- renominate Jane Caporelli.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Thank you. Madam City Clerk, I need to reappoint.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Enid -- well, you have two appoint -- you have an
appointment for --
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah.
Ms. Thompson: -- Enid --
Commissioner Regalado: Right. We -- OK.
Ms. Thompson: -- but she -- if you're reappointing Enid Lorenzo, she has absences, so she'll
need a waiver --
Commissioner Regalado: OK. I will reappoint Enid Lorenzo, with a waiver --
Ms. Thompson: -- and --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- and defer the architect, right?
Ms. Thompson: OK. Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring mine.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK
BC.6 06-01074 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT
BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Shane Graber Commissioner Linda Haskins
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06-01074 memo.pdf
06-01074 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
BC.7 06-01075
Office of the City
Clerk
R-06-0441
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Shane Graber as a member of the Nuisance Abatement Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.6.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I'm deferring mine.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: Yes. I'd like to reappoint Shane Graber.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, I'm deferring that.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second the nom -- reappointment or is it --
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- nominee?
Chairman Gonzalez: -- Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Deferring.
Chairman Gonzalez: Deferring, OK.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Is it --?
Chairman Gonzalez: You need -- we need a second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I'll second it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say
"aye.
If
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI STREET
CODESIGNATION REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
APPOINTEES:
06-01075 memo.pdf
06-01075 members. pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
DEFERRED
Chairman Gonzalez: Miami Street Codesignation Review Committee. Commissioner Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Defer.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Defer.
BC.8 06-01076 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Rebecca Alvarez Mena Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
06-01076 memo.pdf
06-01076 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0442
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Rebecca Alvarez Mena as a member of the Equal Opportunity
Advisory Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.8, Equal Opportunity Advisory Board. I'm deferring one appointment
that I have here. Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Which is that one, 7?
Chairman Gonzalez: 8
Commissioner Haskins: 8.
Commissioner Sanchez: 8.
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Chairman Gonzalez: Equal Opportunity Advisory Board.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I would like to appoint Rebecca Alvarez Mena.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Deferring it.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We need a second on Vice Chairman nominations.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.9 06-01077 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY
BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
06-01077 memo.pdf
06-01077 members. pdf
06-01077 applications.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Linda Haskins
Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
DEFERRED
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.9, Planning Advisory Board.
Commissioner Haskins: I'd like to defer mine.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Which item is that now?
Chairman Gonzalez: Planning Advisory Board. Commissioner Haskins has one nomination,
and Commissioner Spence -Jones has one nomination.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Madam Clerk --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I just want to be clear. The -- I only have -- who was my
appointee the last time?
Ms. Thompson: Just one -- I'm --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. I just want to double -- verify to make sure I have the right
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name.
Ms. Thompson: Just one second for me, please. On BC.9 --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Um -hum.
Ms. Thompson: -- currently, you have David Wilson, who's on the board, and the problem there
is he's exceeded the number of absences, so if you wanted him to remain, you would just need to
approve him with a waiver.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. I'm deferring it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Haskins, you're deferring or --?
Commissioner Haskins: I'm deferring mine.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
BC.10 06-01078 RESOLUTION
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND
EXHIBITION AUTHORITY FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Oscar Baisman Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Allen Rubin Commissioner Linda Haskins
David Kubiliun Commissioner Tomas Regalado
06-01078 memo.pdf
06-01078 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0443
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Oscar Baisman as a member of the Miami Sports and Exhibition
Authority (MSEA).
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint David Kubiliun as a member of the Miami Sports and Exhibition
Authority (MSEA).
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Allen Rubin as a member of the Miami Sports and Exhibiton
Authority (MSEA); further waiving the elector requirements in Section 53-123 of the Code of the
City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the members of the full City
Commission, as it relates to the appointment of Allen Rubin as a member of the Miami Sports
and Exhibition Authority (MSEA).
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Chairman Gonzalez: BC.10, Miami Sport and Exhibition Authority.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman --
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- I would like to appoint Oscar Baisman. Madam Clerk, you'll be
provided a resume, and he does live in the City. I believe Brickell?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: We'll provide all that to you.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring it.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: David Kubiliun.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: I'd like to reappoint Allan Rubin. We need a waiver on him.
Ms. Thompson: That's correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion with a --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- waiver, and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
BC.11 06-01079 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE ORANGE BOWL
ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Dr. Laurinus Pierre Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
06-01079 memo.pdf
06-01079 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0444
A motion was made by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and
was approved unanimously, to appoint Dr. Laurinus Pierre as a member of the Orange Bowl
Advisory Board; further waiving the residency requirement of Section 2-884(a) of the Code of
the City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the members of the full City
Commission, as it relates to the appointment of Dr. Laurinus Pierre as a member of the Orange
Bowl Advisory Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: Orange Bowl Advisory Board.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. I'm reappointing -- Pierre Rutledge is my appointee,
correct?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): He's -- that's not a problem. No, he's all straight.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Ms. Thompson: What we have is Dr. Pierre, and he would need a waiver of his residency, if you
want to reappoint him.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'd like to reappoint him.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion with a waiver and we have a second. All in favor, say
"aye."
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
BC.12 06-01080 RESOLUTION
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND
ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Seth Gordon Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Katt Brown Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Carla Harris Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Sandy Dorsainvil-Volmar Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Marya Meyer Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
06-01080 memo.pdf
06-01080 members. pdf
06-01080 appointment.pdf
06-01080 Appointment Memo.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0445
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Seth Gordon as Chair, and Carla Harris, Katt Brown,
Sandy Dorsainvil-Volmar, and Marya Meyer as members of the Arts and Entertainment
Council.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.12, Arts and Entertainment Council. I'm deferring mine.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And the -- Commissioners, the Mayor has submitted names
for his appointments. He's reappointing. He has new appointments. Do you want me to read
those into the record for you?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: OK. The Mayor has reappointed Carla Harris, Kate [sic] Brown, and Seth
Gordon, and Seth Gordon is to serve as the chair. New appointments, Sandy Dorsainvil-Volmar
and Marya Meyers [sic].
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Do I have a motion for the Mayor?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So moved.
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: Go ahead.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
BC.13 06-01081 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HOMELAND
DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT BOND PROGRAM
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Robert A. Flanders Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Louis De Rosa Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Dr. Laurinus Pierre Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Walter J. Harvey Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Jami Reyes Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
06-01081 memo.pdf
06-01081 members. pdf
06-01081 appointment.pdf
06-01081 Appointment Memo.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0446
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Robert A. Flanders as Chair and Dr. Laurinus Pierre, Louis De
Rosa, Walter J. Harvey, and Jami Reyes as members of the Homeland Defense/Neighborhood
Improvement Bond Program Oversight Board; further waiving the attendance requirements in
Section 2-886 of the Code of the City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the
members of the full City Commission, as it relates to past absences on record for Louis De Rosa,
Walter J. Harvey, and Jami Reyes as members of the Homeland Defense/Neighborhood
Improvement Bond Program Oversight Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.13, Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement Bond Program --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- Oversight Board. The Mayor has five appointments.
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Ms. Thompson: -- and he has submitted names, if I can read them into the record, please? Mr. -
- he's reappointing Mr. Robert Flanders to serve as chair. You have Luis De Rosa, who needs a
waiver for absences; then we have Dr. Laurinus Pierre, Walter Harvey, who will also need a
waiver for absences, and Jami Reyes, who also will need an absentee waiver.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We need a motion with a waiver.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So moved with a waiver.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion with a waiver and we have a second. All in favor, say
"aye.
If
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
BC.14 06-01082 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Raquel Dawson Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Richard Berkowitz Commissioner Tomas Regalado
06-01082 memo.pdf
06-01082 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0447
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Raquel Dawson as a member of the Audit Advisory Committee.
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Richard Berkowitz as a member of the Audit Advisory
Committee.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.14, Miami Audit Advisory Committee.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yo tengo.
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Chairman Gonzalez: I have one nomination, which I'm going to defer. Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, on the Miami Audit and Advisory Committee, I would
like to appoint Raquel Dawson --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- a certified accountant.
Chairman Gonzalez: We need a second.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: I'm deferring.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: I have a question for the City Clerk. I -- I'm reappointing Richard
Berkowitz, but the Mayor appointed him on the first --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On a different board, so we would need to find out from the
City Attorney if there is any conflict of interest with him serving on the two boards?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : We --
Chairman Gonzalez: This one is an --
Mr. Fernandez: -- would need to look at --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- this --
Mr. Fernandez: -- what is the other board.
Ms. Thompson: OK
Chairman Gonzalez: Because this one is an advisory.
Ms. Thompson: Right. The --
Commissioner Regalado: Audit --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I think it's --
Commissioner Regalado: -- Advisory Committee, and then the first board was --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Finance, I believe.
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Ms. Thompson: Finance Committee.
Commissioner Regalado: -- the Finance Committee.
Mr. Fernandez: I would need to read the ordinances that creates both of those committees to see
if, in fact, there is a disclosure requirement and the level of decision -making or the level of
authority that either of those boards have. There may be a dual office -holding conflict; I would
need to make that analysis, and frankly, without knowing in greater detail what the functions of
both of these boards are, I wouldn't dare to opine with "yes."
Ms. Thompson: Other than the fact that on the first board, that was a reappointment for Mr.
Berkowitz, and this would also be a reappointment, so it appears that he's already been serving
on both boards.
Mr. Fernandez: I wasn't aware of that.
Ms. Thompson: OK
Mr. Fernandez: To the extent that that's already happened presumptively, there wouldn't be a
conflict then, presumptively.
Chairman Gonzalez: Presumptive.
Commissioner Regalado: OK. I reappoint Richard Berkowitz.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries. Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
BC.15 06-01083 RESOLUTION
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MAYOR'S
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Eduardo Padron
(for a term ending July 12, 2010)
Ramon (Ray) Flores
(for a term ending July 12, 2010)
Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert
(for a term ending July 12, 2010)
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Linda Haskins
Commission -at -Large
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Dr. Guy Rudolph Moise
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Dwayne Wynn
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Edgardo Fortuna
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Julian Linares
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Luis Lauredo
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Luiz Augusto Rocha
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
Steven Bandel
(for a term ending July 13, 2007)
06-01083 memo.pdf
06-01083 members. pdf
06-01083 appointment.pdf
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0448
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was
passed unanimously, to appoint Eduardo Padron and Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert as members of the
Mayor's International Council; further waiving the residency requirement of Section 2-884(a) of
the Code of the City of Miami, as amended, by a four/fifths (4/5ths) vote of the members of the
full City Commission, as it relates to the appointment of Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert as a member of
the Mayor's International Council.
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Ramon (Ray) Flores as a member of the Mayor's
International Council.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commmissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Dr. Guy Rudolph Moise, Dwayne Wynn, Edgardo Fortuna,
Julian Linares, Luis Lauredo, Luiz Augusto Rocha and Steven Bandel as members of the Mayor's
International Council.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.15, Mayor's International Council. Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I would like to reappoint the incumbent Eduardo
Padron, and I would also like to appoint Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): As the Commission at -large?
Chairman Gonzalez: But you only have one nomination.
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Vice Chairman Sanchez: She requires a four -fifth residency waiver.
Ms. Thompson: She's --
Chairman Gonzalez: But you also have -- you only have one.
Ms. Thompson: She's currently serving as a Commission at -large appointment.
Chairman Gonzalez: Oh, OK. All right. I'm sorry. All right --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So I would proffer --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so we have a motion --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- both names.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: And --
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
Ms. Thompson: -- that is with a waiver.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Four -fifth waiver --
Chairman Gonzalez: With a waiver.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- Madam Clerk.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: I'd like to reappoint Ray Flores.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries. Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm deferring mine.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, and the Mayor has seven appointments.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That's right. If you would like, I can read those --
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Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: -- names into the record. Basically, he has reappointed all of his existing
members; Guy Moise, Dwayne Wayne [sic], Eduardo [sic] Fortuna, Julian Linares, Luis
Lauredo, Luiz Augusto-Rocha, and Steve Bandel.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: What, Dwayne Wade's going to be serving on this board?
Ms. Thompson: No, no, no.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah.
Ms. Thompson: Dwayne Wynn. Did I say --?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Oh, OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: Wynn.
Ms. Thompson: Oh, I'm sorry.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: You said Dwayne Wade.
Ms. Thompson: Dwayne Wynn.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Oh, OK.
Ms. Thompson: I apologize.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Haskins: No. It's really Wade -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Huh?
Commissioner Haskins: Really Wade -Jones.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Oh, Wade -Jones.
Chairman Gonzalez: We need a motion on the Mayor's --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So moved.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- appointment. We have a motion -- and we hear a second?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
BC.16 06-01091 RESOLUTION
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Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Michael Waltman Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
06-01091 memo.pdf
06-01091 members. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0449
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, was seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Michael Waltman as a member of the Code Enforcement
Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.16, Code Enforcement Board. Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I would like to appoint Michael Waltman. He is a
resident of the City of Miami.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right.
BC.17 06-01197 RESOLUTION
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE
PANEL FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Hector F. Sehwerert Civilian Investigative Panel
(term expiring January 25, 2008)
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06-01197 memo.pdf
06-01197 members.pdf
06-01197 Resu me. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0435
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Hector F. Sehwerert as a member of the Civilian
Investigative Panel.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.17, Civilian Investigative Panel.
Commissioner Regalado: Move it.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: OK We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
[Later.]
Chairman Gonzalez: Now we'll go back to BC.17 --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- Civilian Investigative Panel.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- the Civilian Investigative Panel.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That is correct.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. There's one appointment by Commission at -large, correct?
Ms. Thompson: That -- the Board has proffered a name, that is correct.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And the name that I would like to proffer is Hector F. -- and I'll spell it
for you SEH WER ENT, right?
Ms. Thompson: That is the name that's listed, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, we voted on them.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: You voted on that already?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, we voted already on him.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right, then you're done with the nominations for --
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah.
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Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- board appointment?
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
BC.18 06-01198 RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS
BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Tonja E. Carter Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones
06-01198 memo.pdf
06-01198 members.pdf
06-01198 Applications.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0450
A motion was made by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Tonja E. Carter as a member of the Community Relations
Board.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.18, Community Relation Board.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Spence -Jones.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Ton -- I'd like to nominate Tonya -- Tonja Carter.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: And I --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Well, let's all do 'em -- let's do 'em all together.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): We only have the one.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: You have one, too?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: There's only one?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's Civilian Investigative Panel?
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Chairman Gonzalez: Um-num.
Ms. Thompson: No, no. On --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: BC.18.
Ms. Thompson: -- B --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : No, no, 18.
Commissioner Regalado: No. It's Civilian -- we voted on Civilian Investigative Panel.
Commissioner Haskins: It's Community Relations Board.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm on -- I thought --
Chairman Gonzalez: This is Community Relations Board.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- we were on Community Relations Board.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: We already voted --
Chairman Gonzalez: Communi
Commissioner Sanchez: -- on that one?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. Community Relation Board.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Which is BC (Boards & Committees) what?
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.18.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm the only one --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Oh, no. I --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- that has an appointment.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- need to go back to BC.17.
Chairman Gonzalez: BC.17. Well, let's finish with BA -- B --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Go ahead. We'll go back to BC.17.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- BC.18 first, and then we'll go back. OK. We have a motion on Tonya
[sic] Carter. We need a second.
Commissioner Haskins: Second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: And we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
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DISCUSSION ITEMS
D1.1 06-00998 DISCUSSION ITEM
Department of DISCUSSION CONCERNING A FINANCIAL UPDATE AND BUDGET
Finance OUTLOOK.
06-00998 Summary Form.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Let's go to DI.1. Mr. Larry Spring.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Financial update and budget.
Chairman Gonzalez: Larry.
Mr. Fernandez: Larry.
Chairman Gonzalez: DI 1, Financial Update and Budget Outlook.
Larry Spring: Actually -- Commissioners, Larry Spring, chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting
& Performance. Regarding the financial update for this month, we're still closing out our May
financials, so I'll bring that financial update to the next meeting, but I think we already had the
discussion. What I wanted to put on the record today was --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Spring: -- that we will be hosting our fiscal year 2007 budget workshop on July 31, now
currently scheduled at 2: 30 p.m., in the Commission chamber. We will send out public notice of
the public workshop, and of course, like last year, the workshop will include a presentation of
our forecast for the year and to solicit feedback from the Commissioners. Also, at that time, we
will be presenting the City's comprehensive financial -- annual financial report, the CAFR
(Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) report, by the Finance Department, with our CPAs
(Certified Public Accountants) that were just here a few minutes ago, so as -- so that you won't
have to reconvene a bunch of times; just get all that done at once, and that's all I want to put on
the record today.
Chairman Gonzalez: Any questions from the Commission? Thank you, sir.
D1.2 06-01020 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Attorney
06-01020 E-mail .pdf
DISCUSSED
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, it's hard to believe that two
years have already gone by. In September, it will be two years that I became your City Attorney,
and this report that I'm making to you is long in coming. It should have come to you several
months ago, but finally, we're here, and so, in essence, what you would see is a report that really
combines two years. I had the privilege of meeting with each of you and with the Mayor and
giving all of you a substantial in-depth analysis of what we have done. The only thing I intend to
do today for the public, for your constituents to see the efficiencies and the tasks that we have
carried out on your behalf, is to make a very brief Power Point presentation. I promise to keep it
in less than 15 minutes. I think it will be showing also in your screen; and to the public, you can
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see it on the screens up here. The Office of the City Attorney has as its logo, "Committed to
serve the City and dedicated to excellence." This is the logo that the City Attorney's Office has
had for a long, long time. My very first time here, that was the logo, and they have -- we have
been serving you with that in mind. There is a mission statement that drives everything that we
do, and it's very important that you're aware that we're here to provide the full range of legal
services and representation to the Commission, the Administration, authority boards, and
committees, and the three operative words are "timely, efficient, and cost-effective." The core
values, that which we hold very dear and we strive to meet on a daily basis, are transparency.
We want everything that we do for you and for the residents of Miami to be transparent and
clear. We're accountable. We hold ourselves accountable to the penny, to the minute on every
item that we work on your behalf, and then we can only accomplish all of this if we work as a
team internal to our office, but also a team with all of you -- with the five of you, with the Mayor
and certainly with the entire Administration. The average numbers of years of experience and
expertise. I believe that this is a very critical chart for you to understand. In September 2004,
when I arrived here, there were 29 attorneys. Today, because of attrition and because of
changes that have been made in the office, we have 22 attorneys, and we'll talk about that in a
moment. Of these 22 attorneys that we presently have, you need to know that we have a
combined average of 19 years of experience as practicing attorneys, which means that what we
bring to the City, the value added that we bring to you is representative of attorneys who, on the
average, have been practicing law for 20 years. Of those, 11 years have been in local
government, and 8 years serving the City of Miami. I believe that if you take a careful look at
these numbers, you can't help but be impressed with the quantum of knowledge and expertise
that your attorneys bring to you. We practice in the following areas. There are 13 areas in
litigation that we practice; transactional, land use, employment/labor. Altogether, we practice
law in 43 different areas, distinct, discreet areas of practice. Who are our clients? First and
foremost, our client is the City Commission, the Mayor, and City Commissioners individually,
and that makes seven of you. Then the Administration, the top-ranking Administration, as it was
comprised up until today, where six. There are 27 departments, and there are a total of nine
authority boards and committees that we provide legal representation; therefore, we have 49
distinct clients. The theme that we've explained to you of accountabilities best seen by the intake
form that we have -- everything we do -- all the legal work we perform is pursuant to a request
by one of these clients to do a specific task, and this form that we have here is resident in our
computer database and it's -- you know, every time we do something for anyone, one of these
forms gets filled. Any time that an attorney works on a matter, it's accounted for, and this is
what is called in the private sector -- in private law firms, "time sheets." We record everything
that we do for each of our clients on the basis of 15-minutes increments, and this is the work
codes of the different things that we do for the client. We keep track of time. There is an
expectation that every attorney in our office would bill for 2,000 hours of billable work, that is,
legal research, writing, representation in court, hardcore, if you will, legal work, but that's not
all that we are responsible. We're also responsible for what we call "nonbillable work" We
keep track of that time. That is time that we spend attending seminars or keeping ourselves
current with Florida Bar, professional organizations, activities in the office. Community service,
this is a very important component. We have an expectation in our office that every attorney
must be involved in some form of community service, and when you add all of that, we tally that
also, and then we keep track of what we call "vested time." Everyone is entitled to take vacation,
holiday, ill, but we also keep track of that, and this is on an ongoing basis how we monitor the
billable, nonbillable, and other time of every attorney in our office, making us extremely
accountable and responsible to you. We have here a sampling of number of hours by clients,
and I call this a sampling because I couldn't list all 49 clients that we have; it would be too much
for this form, but for example, here you see that for the first six months of this fiscal year, with
Code Enforcement, we spent 942 hours. Look at the Police Department; 6,580 hours. The
second column is where we have annualized that, simply multiplied it times two, and we're
predicting that by the end of the fiscal year, we would have spent those hours there. The next
column, you see the percentages, and at the bottom here, you can see that we are predicting that
we would bill for all our legal services over 46,000 hours to our respective clients or including
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all of those clients. We -- here is a sampling of open files. We keep track not only of the time
that we spent per client, we also keep track of the number of matters or files that are assigned to
us, and here is a sampling of the client base with a number of pending matters as of July 1. We
have a computer program in place now that, on a daily basis, gives us an accurate read of the
status of every single file and how many files we have and how much time we have spent on
everything. It's a computer program that you authorize us to obtain last year, and now the
program is fully implemented. Again, we have totals, and you can see that, as of July 1, we had
over 1,600 matters that we were handling for the City. Number and percentages of open files by
areas of law practice. This is a proverbial pie chart. Here, you can see that in litigation, we had
977 files. The bulk of what we do for the City is represent the City in litigation. That 62 percent
of all the files we have in our office are litigation matters, and there you can read the pie chart
where, in the area of transactional work, which is contracts, procurement, real estate matters,
we had 354 files. It's self-explanatory. We also do the same thing by hours -- the pie chart by
hours. We spent over 50 percent of our time litigating on behalf of the City, defending or
prosecuting on behalf of the City, and there is the rest of the pie chart, which is self-explanatory.
Our ability to keep track of our time and of our matters in this way is unprecedented in the City.
When I came two years ago, there was no way of getting your hands or getting your arms around
the quantity of work that we did, and now we certainly have the ability to do that. It's much
easier to evaluate and assess the quality of work that we perform when we understand the
quantity and how it's handled. The cost of legal services. Here is a chart that it's incomplete
because it's come to my attention that our budgetary process does not reflect to the individual
departments certain hidden costs. For example, the numbers that you would see here, this $5.5
million that was the budget for the City Attorney's Office last year, does not reflect the health
costs, health insurance, or the pension costs. That's an additional approximate 40 percent of the
salaries, and this amounts, basically, to another $1.5 million, so the math that I have just done
here for you is really not accurate, because what I have done is I have divided the budget into
the number of hours that we would put in on behalf of the City and came up with a cost per hour
of legal services. This is inaccurate, now that I know that the budget that I work with does not
include these hidden costs, so really, you need to add approximately another $30 to these
numbers to approximate and get very close to that. What I want to impress upon you is the fact
that the reliability factor of all of these numbers and these figures is something that challenges
us to get it more precise. We have just started. We don't have a history. We don't have anything
to benchmark against. Next year, when you get this report, you would see greater accuracy and
greater accountability, perhaps, but when you look at -- well, then moving into outside counsel,
because I like to make a comparison between the costs of us providing services to you versus the
cost whenever we go to outside counsel. In 2004, there were 25 law firms representing the City
in -- and today there is only 12. In 2004, these 25 firms were handling 64 distinct and discreet
matter on behalf of the City. Today there is only 14 matters being handled by these 12 law firms.
Last -- oh, the fiscal year 2004, the City spent over $700,000 in outside counsel. This year, in
eight months that we have so far accounted for, we have spent 640. That's an inordinate large
number because of very peculiar situations that we have with certain litigations that we're being
represented by outside counsel. Again, I have goals and objectives of reducing these numbers
considerably, as well as reducing the overall fiscal impact of the City Attorney's Office and the
City. Outside counsel. When we go to outside counsel, we basically pay anywhere between 250
and $350 per hour. In-house counsel, this number now should more accurately reflect the 150,
rather than 120 because I wasn't taking into account all of those hidden costs otherwise, and I
think that the comparison is very fair and very clear of the efficiencies and the value added that
we bring to the City, but what if all of that were true and still, in results, we were not able to
deliver to you quality results? Here is a quick summary that shows, in the area of litigation, the
results we have achieved. In fiscal year '04/'05, we settled 101 cases. We went to court and we
obtained 65 positive rulings for the City, and we had 13 unfavorable rulings, or 13 cases that we
lost. This year, through March of '06, for the first six months of the year, we have settled only 14
cases; we have gone to court and obtained 24 verdicts or favorable rulings to the County -- to
the City, and we have received four unfavorable. I think these results speak very loudly of the
quality of legal work that your attorneys perform for you. Maximizing resources. Attorneys
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track all time. There is an expectation of 1, 800 to 2,000 hours of billable hours per year. We
have started, in the last two years, utilizing law clerks, interns, apprentices, paralegals, and
legal trainees for litigation support. This is the way that we have been able to make do or do
more perhaps with fewer lawyers and a great advantage to the City in terms of the costs of
providing legal services. We are really exploring the potential and the ability of
paraprofessionals in assisting us in doing that work. Precise allocation of legal resources for
City boards and committees and authorities. We have streamlined our involvement with all of
the City's boards and committees and authorities, and we're much more resourceful and much
more careful of the time that we spent and the services we provide to these voluntary boards, and
then there is a transition from reliance on print media to online legal research. We have become
thoroughly computerized in the office. We have literally closed down the library, in terms of
books and periodicals and the like. We have become -- in the last two years, we have made great
strides in becoming technologically on the -- being on the cutting edge. These are some of the
goals that I hold out to you for accomplishment for next year. The first goal that I have is to
develop different areas of practice, but the one that I'm focusing in because we're spending a lot
of money with outside counsel, is in the area of eminent domain. We have a need to have the
sophistication in-house to be able to practice eminent domain as, from time to time, the City,
over the next several years, would be exercising that power. We want to reduce the number of
matters referred to outside counsel responsibly. Whenever it is in the best interest of the City,
because of the magnitude of the case or because there is a conflict of interest, or because we
don't have the expertise in-house, I would be the very first one coming to you, as I have done in
the past, seeking your approval to retain outside counsel, but on a general basis, we should be
doing in-house a lot more of the work that before was farmed to outside counsel. Restructure the
budget for fiscal year '06/'07. This, I will work very closely with the Administration. It is very
difficult for me to keep a handle on all the expenditure of legal expenses. Because legal expenses
are not paid from my budget, whenever we retain outside counsel, there is any number of
budgets or departments that would pick up or accounts that would pay for those. I would
recommend to the City Manager that, in the future, we would have the opportunity to really look
at all the legal expenses of the City in a global way and all placed either under my budget or
have the ability to really track and report on those so that you understand the full cost of doing
legal -- of representing the City or of the City taking care of its legal needs. Another goal that I
have that I am very serious about is to continue aggressively to reach out to attract and retain
minority professionals. This has been an issue that has me very disappointed, and I haven't been
able to be as successful as I wanted to. I have -- we have had some successes. We have several
members of our summer team of interns and paralegals, and clerks that are minorities, that are
African American, and other minorities, but I haven't been able yet -- and we're working very
hard at -- for the positions that we have vacant to attract more minority, particularly
African American black attorneys, a redundancy there. Also, the last item here is a goal that I
will need to discuss in greater depth with all of you at some future time, but I just want to put it
out there for you to know that we need to modify the applicable regulations to provide that the
Office of the City Attorney personnel and all of our operations are fully autonomous. We are
unable to compete in the legal marketplace with the big law firms that we're litigating against on
a daily basis because of our inability to hire legal secretaries or litigation assistant. It takes us
over six months from the time we have the need until the time that we have a register ready to
interview. Paralegal. We have been trying to hire a paralegal through that process for the last
18 months, totally unsuccessfully. I cannot undertake the representation of major cases, like the
Lodal case, the fire trucks that had -- the garbage trucks that are burnt, and we're suing that
provider. We're in court. We're in court like 10 hours a day, and we will be in court for the next
month and a half because the trial is going to be that long and that protracted. Our ability to
have the resources to really do that have become very -- thank you, Maria. That -- she's telling
me that I've exceeded my time. So we need to discuss how we could creatively make sure that the
Office of the City Attorney is positioned, vis-a-vis personnel issues, at least to be able to compete
in the marketplace so that we're not handicap or at a disadvantage. That concludes my
presentation. That's a copy of our web page, and we invite everyone to look into it. We keep it
updated with all kinds of tidbits and good information. It's my privilege to have served you. We
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-- I believe that we have redirected the course of the City Attorney's Office. We are in sync. It's
a interesting day that, for the first time, I sit with my new City Manager, but for the last two
years, it was my pleasure to work with Mr. Arriola and with his Administration in making great
strides and in making great improvements to the way that we deliver legal services to all of you.
Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you.
DI.3 06-01196 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City
Attorney
DISCUSSION REGARDING A REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
ATTORNEY IN REFERENCE TO THE WATSON ISLAND/MIAMI CHILDREN'S
MUSEUM PROJECT.
06-01196 Email.pdf
MOTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, with Vice Chairman Sanchez and Commissioner Regalado absent, to direct
the City Attorney and the Administration to meet with the Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority
and the Miami Children's Museum to create legislation and an outline of future legislation
needed to address the issue of a charter school on Watson Island, and that such information be
brought back at the City Commission meeting currently scheduled for September 14, 2006.
Commissioner Haskins: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez. Yes, ma'am.
Commissioner Haskins: There is a -- I'd like to ask if you would consider taking an item out of
order. There's a discussion item, DI.3, on the Children's Museum, and we have representatives
here, and they have some commitments, and I was wondering if you would consider taking it out
of order.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. DI.3.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: DI (discussion item) ?
Chairman Gonzalez: No, D.3 [sic].
Vice Chairman Sanchez: D.3 [sic].
Commissioner Regalado: D2.3, right?
Commissioner Haskins: DI.3.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : At the very end of the agenda.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh.
Commissioner Haskins: DI.3.
Chairman Gonzalez: Oh.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: This is add -- this is a new thing added?
Chairman Gonzalez: The very end of the agenda.
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Commissioner Haskins: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: I thought it was in blue pages.
Commissioner Haskins: It's very end of the agenda.
Chairman Gonzalez: I thought it was a blue page. All right. DI.3.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, this is pursuant to a City Commission
directive initiated by Commissioner Winton; that we report to you on the status of the pending
request by the Miami Children's Museum to be able to establish a charter school within their
premises. We have had significant number of communications and meetings between the
interested parties and all of the players within the City, and I am able to give you a status report
at this time. I don't know if the Miami Children's Museum would like to open up, or it's the
pleasure of this Commission how you would like us to proceed.
Chairman Gonzalez: Let them --
Adrienne Pardo: Hello.
Chairman Gonzalez: --open up.
Ms. Pardo: My name is Adrienne Pardo, with offices at 1221 Brickell Avenue. I'm the president
of the Miami Children's Museum, that's why I'm before you today. With me here today, as well,
is Debbie Spiegelman, our executive director, and Gary Reshefsky, who's also a board member.
The Children's Museum, as you know, is located on Watson Island, and we lease the land from
the City of Miami. We have an existing facility, and we've been there from 2003, when we were
built. We are before you for a request for a charter school within the museum. There's nothing
in the lease that prohibits a charter school within the museum, but staff has determined that they
believe a lease amendment is necessary. There were also some other issues were brought up
with regards to having liquor being able to be sold on the island and being within a certain
distance of the -- of a school. We feel very comfortable that that's not an issue. We've drafted
legislation. There is a state statute that says you can't have a school within 500 feet. However,
it says within it that as long as the municipality passes legislation that it's in the general benefit,
then you can, so we've prepared legislation. We've submitted it to the Law Department. We're
very comfortable. We don't see this as an issue. We're willing to work with the City with regards
to any other issues. The Law Department had sent an e-mail to us with regards to several issues.
We feel very comfortable that we can work through all those issues, and we think that it's very
important to have schools, obviously, in the City of Miami. Here you have this opportunity
where we have a brand --new facility, schools are needed in this community. We've had huge
amounts of development within the City of Miami. We've approved, you know, thousands of
units. I've worked on that myself, I know, and we need schools, and we need new schools. This
is a free school. There's no charge to the children, and it's very important. It's limited to only 25
children per class, and here you have the opportunity to have these children have the benefit of
learning in a brand --new facility, a wonderful opportunity, and so we'd like your support, and
we'd like to move it forward, and that's what we need here. At the last meeting, just so I can
mention -- there was a motion made at the May 11 meeting that Commissioner Winton had
brought up, and it was unanimously passed by the Commissioners that were here, and that was
to direct the City Attorney to work with staff and bring it back and address any impediments and
solutions, and we're willing to work with the Legal Department on that and staff, and we would
request your support on that, and we could go forward. I don't know if it's necessary for the Law
Department to go through all those items, if you want to hear every single one, but if we could --
we would request if we could get a motion that we work with them, and perhaps, come back the
second meeting in September with, you know, the ability -- the approval and the lease
amendment. That's what we would request.
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Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman, I would like to give you a brief update, while they're here, to
make sure that we're all singing from the same --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Sheet of music.
Mr. Fernandez: -- book, right. Ms. Freisner -- Ms. Pardo -- I knew her when she was Freisner -
- is correct. We -- you can pass a resolution waiving the statutory requirements for distance, and
that is done. The Planning Department also is recommending that there be a Code amendment -
- or a section of the Code 4-11, which deals with our own distance requirement. Here you're
talking about the State has its own, and we have our own, and in order to deal with both, we
need to have the amendment to the Code, and that would require an ordinance, so now you're
talking a resolution, then you're talking about an ordinance, and all of this is doable, and most
of it is already drafted and ready to proceed with you, but you need to be very much aware of the
fact that we have -- that there is another player involved, MSEA (Miami Sports & Exhibition
Authority). When they said that they have a lease with the City, they really meant to say that they
have a lease with MSEA, and MSEA has to become a party to this because there is a need to
amend that lease to fully contemplate this use, and to be able to impose conditions and
restrictions on that use, and that has to be properly done through the MSEA lease. Then the City
of Miami and MSEA -- actually, that's a sublease between MSEA and MCM (Miami Children's
Museum), and then the interlocal agreement between MSEA and the City would need to be
modified. Furthermore -- and here are some of the details that we're still waiting to hear --
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. City Attorney, before you proceed, for the record, as the vice
chair of MSEA, we had a discussion about this item at the last board. There was a motion in
support of the charter school that failed because the second one was withdraw after the assistant
city attorney said that there were some issues to be discussed. My understanding of the lease
with MSEA is that it does not even have to be modem because it calls for auxiliary uses; charter
school being an auxiliary uses, and probably, Tim, as the executive director, will address that in
the future, but I just don't -- if this City Commission moves forward, I cannot see the MSEA
Board --
Mr. Fernandez: Objecting.
Commissioner Regalado: -- objecting --
Mr. Fernandez: I agree.
Commissioner Regalado: -- to that --
Mr. Fernandez: Exactly.
Commissioner Regalado: -- because, after all, we have, in this dais, three members of the board
and the Mayor in that board, so -- but I have -- I tried to understand the lease agreement, and
legally, I don't think that there is a need to amend because, in other leases, auxiliary uses mean
charter schools.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, could be, Mr. -- Commissioner Regalado, and then again, could not be.
Commissioner Regalado: Well --
Mr. Fernandez: The preliminary opinion that we have given -- and we gave it at the time that
MSEA held its meeting and took that vote -- was that it would require a modification to that
sublease agreement between MSEA and MCM. Now we would further reflect upon that, and
clearly, MSEA would do very well to heed the direction that the City Commission is heading, but
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you know, the determination that has preliminarily been made by our office, as also being
counsel to MSEA, is that this lease or sublease needs to be modified. Furthermore, the -- we're
looking for MCM-- that's Miami Children's Museum -- to indemn and hold harmless the City
and MSEA from actions or claims from existing or perspective leases in Watson Island relating
to the effect of the school in their ability to use their lease properties for the purposes authorized
or contemplated in their leases. In the case, for example, of Flagstone is their agreement to
lease. We're also looking at a number of other issues. There is anticipated to be substantial
construction activity in Watson Island if the port tunnel, in fact, goes through, and we all know
that that's a real possibility. We want to make sure that Miami Children's Museum and the
charter school understands all of the limitations, not only the liquor and the 500 feet distance
and the like, but all the other related uses that we have already allowed or permitted, and
therefore, we want, as a condition of this permit, the ability that, in case there is a problem, in
case there is a lawsuit, we would retain the right to actually terminate the use of a charter school
as being an impediment to the long-term plans that the City has put in place for Watson Island. I
believe that they are amenable to language that would speak to that concern. As you well know,
there is also the use of a flight pattern. There is a use of aircraft taking off and landing in very
close proximity to a school.
Chairman Gonzalez: To a school.
Mr. Fernandez: You know that there was a serious accident not too long ago. This is a
contemplated use, a permitted use for that island, and so we want to make sure that FAA
(Federal Aviation Administration) and all the other authorities will have no problem with
introducing now into the formula children, 250 children on a daily basis. I think it can be done,
but these are hurdles that have to be addressed and overcome in order to ensure not only the
City's position, but also to ensure that the Miami Children's Museum and the charter school have
a solid, binding lease, so we're doing this for mutual protection, if you will. I'm not just only
looking at protecting zealously the interest of the City. I'm looking at a viable lease, at
something that could really work and keep everybody going in the right direction.
Commissioner Regalado: And we also need the National Hurricane Center because, in this
hypothetical, we could have a tsunami. We're talking hypothetical here --
Mr. Fernandez: No.
Commissioner Regalado: -- everything.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, no, no, no, no. There --
Commissioner Regalado: The tunnel is a hypothesis.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, you know, it's not --
Commissioner Regalado: You cannot --
Mr. Fernandez: -- so hypothetical --
Commissioner Regalado: -- say it's going to be built because, after all, we are fighting the
tunnel.
Mr. Fernandez: Well, correct, but let me tell you. For example, the County have -- already has -
Commissioner Haskins: Mr. City Attorney.
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Mr. Fernandez: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Haskins: I mean, I think that the process that you're going through in looking out
for the City's best interest is absolutely the right thing to do. We -- I know that this item is being
discussed today as a result of a request from Commissioner Winton two months ago. I think
we're probably at the point now where those conditions have been determined --
Mr. Fernandez: Addressed.
Commissioner Haskins: -- what we need to address, and what I would ask is for you to work
with MSEA, with the Children's Museum, and -- do you believe that something could be done in -
- by the first Commission meeting in September?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. By September, first Commission meeting in September, we will have to you
all the relevant legislation, and we would procure to have all the changes made with MSEA. We
will request the Mayor -- or ask the Mayor to convene a meeting of MSEA so that we can, you
know, line up all of our ducks in proper order. The Planning Department also suggests that
there must be a MUSP (Major Use Special Permit) modification, so this is another item,
legislatively, that has to come into play, and last, but not least, we need to make a finding that
having a charter school in that premise is, in fact, consistent with our comprehensive plan, and
these are, again, all issues that we need to do ad seriatim, if you will. We have identified all of
the hurdles that need to be jumped, and we're ready to start the race to jump them, and reporting
to you today is merely to show that we have carried through with your directives. We met; we
had a summit meeting, if you will, with everyone from Miami Children's Museum, and the like,
and everyone that's a player in the City, and we put together a game plan or a roadmap to follow
to bring to you in the first meeting in September, if not all the legislation, certainly, all the
legislation that can be passed then.
Commissioner Haskins: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Before you do that, was your statement in form of a motion?
Commissioner Haskins: It wasn't in form of a motion, but I would like to make a motion that, by
the first Commission meeting in September, the City Attorney's Office come back with legislation
to the extent they can, and an outline of further legislation that is needed in order to address the
issue of a charter school on Watson Island.
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman --
Commissioner Haskins: That will entail, OK, as well, working with all the other uses on the
island --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Haskins: -- including the helicopter operations, the seaplane operations, the
island gardens operations, so part of that process should include making sure that the concerns
are addressed for all.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second for the purpose of discussion.
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. --
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Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. Yes, Mr.
City --
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. I -- if that motion also contemplates not only directing the City Attorney,
but directing the Administration. After all, I cannot give directions to all of the departments that
are significantly involved. I can only coordinate effort, so the motion needs to be to the City
Manager also.
Commissioner Haskins: I'm still learning, so I'll say -- I will amend the motion to include the
Administration.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second, as amended.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion and we have a second, as amended. Yes, Mr.
Prieguez.
Manny Prieguez: Thank you very much, Commission. Manny Prieguez, 4000 Malaga Avenue,
Coconut Grove, Florida. I represent Mr. Paul Dudley, who owns and operates Linden Airport,
and who will be a leaseholder, and have a lease with Watson Island, MSEA, and the City of
Miami to operate a heliport on Watson Island. When I saw today's item in the agenda, we, quite
frankly, felt that it was going to be more of a discussion of pros and cons, and what have you, but
it seems to be taking a more definitive course of action, and Mr. Dudley was going to be here --
he's probably stuck in traffic coming over from Miami Beach -- but I'd like to put some things for
the record that I think are important for the Commissioners to keep in the back of their minds as
this procedure begins in earnest. I think that the general character of Watson Island, including
Parrot Jungle in front of it, is a tourist -centric sort of location, or area, or zone. You have the
Parrot Jungle. You have a world -class hotel with a mega yacht marina. You have a heliport
that's going to be flying around taking tourists on tours of the City of Miami, and so forth, and
you have, obviously, the seaplane, a lease that is currently, you know, still in vigor and can very
well start anytime soon. We're not convinced, as one of the leasees over on Watson Island, that a
school is necessarily the best place to put -- a charter school is not necessarily the best place for
it to be on Watson Island. The museum itself is an attraction; Parrot Jungle's an attraction.
This is something that -- this is an area of the City that has a lot of movement in and out because
it's a tourist -centered environment, and we question the compatibility of a school with that kind
of environment, and we think that there are a lot of issues that can come up that, perhaps, have
not even been contemplated by your good legal work, Mr. Attorney, and others, so I welcome the
fact that we all should be brought in to discuss the potential pitfalls and what have you, and just
to be just a little bit more specific, you know, there can possibly be impacts on insurance for the
other leaseholders on Watson Island. There are still the outstanding issues of the liquor license,
which seems to be, you know, developing a little bit better. It seems to be heading in a direction
of resolution, and again, there -- the attorney mentioned the construction site. The hotel has not
been built yet; the mega marina has not been built yet. There is at least three to five years in
construction. That's going to be a humongous construction site, and then you add on top of that,
the tunnel, which can last -- God knows how long it could last. I mean, just ask the folks over in
Massachusetts how long their big dig lasted. I mean, it could be anywhere between five and ten
years to execute that kind of project, so you kind of put all those things, you know, together, and
it just creates an environment of concern for businesses that are going to need to be profitable
for the City, that are need -- going to need to be successful. You know, let's not even speak of,
God forbid, any kind of, you know, accidents or what have you. Notwithstanding the fact that we
believe that our flight zones for the heliport will not necessarily be -- you know, going over the
school, and what have you, which is obviously a positive, but you can never -- you know, you can
never protect against every kind of situation that may arise, so in summation, I just, you know,
thought it was important for my client that these issues be put forward for the record, and just
the mere fact of -- the basic question: Is this the right spot? Given all the activity that's around
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it, is this the best spot for a school with children? If you think about what the character of this
place is -- and we look forward to working with the Children's Museum. I'm not here to say that
we're going to categorically be against it, but I thought that, for the time being, it was important
for my client to reflect very real concerns that could affect, you know, his business operations
there. You know, we've been at this for about four years, you know, to get this heliport going.
He has spent a lot of money, and we would hate for something to happen now that can somehow
undermine our ability to be successful for the island.
Commissioner Haskins: Manny -- and the City is well aware of all these concerns --
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Haskins: -- so we need to take all of this into consideration. Today is -- no one's
in a position, I don't think, to present pros and cons; that time will come before the MSEA Board,
and I think that you've raised valid concerns. I don't think the Children's Museum folks disagree
with the fact that there are other concerns on the island, so if we could work together on this and
see if your concerns can be allayed -- if they can't be, then present your cons to it when the item
comes up, but I think right now the best thing for the City is to move forward, ident those
concerns, and let the dialogue begin.
Mr. Prieguez: Thank you very much for your time, Commissioner. I appreciate it.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so --
Mr. Fernandez: We --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- we had a --
Mr. Fernandez: -- have a definite --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- motion and we had a --
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- second. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries.
Ms. Pardo: Thank you very much.
DI.4 06-01203 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City
Attorney
DISCUSSION CONCERNING 2 YEAR RESTRICTION ON EMPLOYEES'
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT WITH COMPANIES THAT RECEIVE NO -BID
CONTRACTS FROM THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000.
06-01203 Email.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. If you allow me, we still have another -- one more item, which is
DI.4. It's related to two-year restriction on employees' future employment with companies that
receive no -bid contract from City, in the amount of 100, 000. I don't know what this means,
where this came from. Who had some -- who had this put on the agenda?
Maria J. Chiaro (Assistant City Attorney): Yes. This report was to be presented by the City
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Attorney. The legislation that was requested is still being researched. We are looking at the
various issues so that we can provide an ordinance that will mirror some of the restrictions that
are in federal statutes and --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so --
Ms. Chiaro: -- state statutes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- that means that you're not ready; you're still researching?
Ms. Chiaro: Yes. We'll --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Ms. Chiaro: -- bring this back --
Chairman Gonzalez: You'll bring it back.
Ms. Chiaro: -- the first meeting in September.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Thank you so much.
NON -AGENDA ITEMS
NA.1 06-01254 DISCUSSION ITEM
RECOGNITION OF COUNTY OFFICIALS PRESENT.
DISCUSSED
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. That concludes the presentations and proclamations. Before
continuing with the agenda, I would like to recognize Miami -Dade County Mayor Carlos
Alvarez. Welcome, sir.
Applause.
Chairman Gonzalez: Also, I would like to recognize and welcome some of our colleagues at the
County Commission. Welcome this morning to the City of Miami City Hall. County Manager,
welcome, sir. Jose (UNINTELLIGIBLE), a long-time friend, welcome to City Hall.
NA.2 06-01255 CEREMONIAL ITEM
PRESENTATION TO JOE ARRIOLA, FORMER CITY MANAGER OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI.
PRESENTED
Mayor Manuel A. Diaz: It's -- I have been blessed, since I decided to do this crazy thing of
running for office, and I have been blessed because, when I first got here, I had a City Manager
like Commissioner Carlos Gimenez, who has joined us here today, and now working for the next
three and a half years with Pete Hernandez, but I've also been blessed because I made a friend
that actually campaigned hard to beat me the first time I ran, and brought to the City something
that is very special, and brought to the City something that, in years to come -- because
sometimes people in these positions tend to focus too much on today and tend to focus too much
on what might get some attention today, and fail to understand the importance of what the future
is going to look like, and what the -- more importantly, what the future should look like, and that
is the spirit and the energy and the vision that has come to this City over the last few years
because we've had a person like Joe Arriola, who is not about today, but who is about leaving a
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legacy and leaving, for future generations of Miamians and South Floridians, a city that is a city
on a hill, a city that will be a spectacular hill that people have already started writing about, but
there's much more to come. The dramatic turnaround that has occurred over the last three and a
half years, I will tell you, speaking to my colleagues around the country, is unprecedented in
modern city history in America, and it has occurred because of Joe's commitment and Joe's
dedication to make things happen, to have a can -do attitude. No longer was the typical answer
in government: "Well, we're doing it this way because that's the way it's always been done," or
"No. We can't do it because we just can't do it." It was a can -do attitude; that we were going to
turn this around, and we were going to make things happen, as Commissioner Spence -Jones
said, in District 5, and we were going to make things happen in Allapattah, and we were going to
make things happen everywhere in this community, and we could only have done that because
we had a City Manager like Joe Arriola, so as I've said earlier in my statements -- and I know my
colleagues want to say some other things as well, Joe -- thank you for your time. We all owe you
a debt of gratitude. God bless you and your family.
Applause.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to take the opportunity with the
protocol item to recognize Joe for his accomplishments. I was just thinking, how do I sum it up,
Joe's tour of duty here at the City, with two words? I think those two words would have to be
"courage" and "heart." Courage to grab the bull by the horn, which he did many, many times,
and you know, city managers are like baseball managers. As long as you're winning, he's a
hero. When you're losing, you're a bum; get rid of him, and it's sad because I could tell you this
much. The changes that we have made in the City -- and I think, as the Mayor explained it, the
great accomplishment we've been able to do here -- have been because of an individual who
came in at the right time for the City of Miami, with the right attitude, and that attitude was to
run this city like a business, and he didn't care whether people liked it or not. He was here to do
his job, and it wasn't based on personality, and based on the history of Miami -- and I looked
back -- I don't think we've ever had a flamboyant city manager as Joe Arriola in the City. He
called it like it was, and if you didn't like it, it was tough. Well, today, you're seeing a transition
in government, and that's what democracy is all about. Local government -- and the beauty of it
is that we're going from one style of manager to another style of manager, and how could I be
able to describe that? It would be a pitcher that's pitching a hundred -mile -an -hour fastball, and
we call the bullpen, and we get one that could come out and throw a good curveball, or a
spitball, or a "Peteball," and it's just great. The beauty of it is that -- look at so many people
that are out here from the County, and if there's one thing that this City needs to do -- and I think
we could all agree on that -- is that we need to work together. We need to work together for the
betterment of the City and the County, and today, we have that opportunity --
Applause.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- with that leadership. Joe, in closing, thank you so much for
entertaining us, and thank you so much for working for the City of Miami and really committing
your soul to us for years. We wish you the best. It has been a pleasure for me to work with you.
I've learned a lot from you, and I look forward to learning now from the City Manager. Our
friendship will go for a long time. God bless you --
Joe Arriola (City Manager): You want me to take the microphone?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Absolutely.
Mr. Arriola: Oh, my God.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Here you go. Y'all are ready?
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Mr. Arriola: My last time. No. I will tell you -- first of all, before I get funny or not funny, or
whatever, I will tell you that I've been blessed with the greatest staff that I've ever worked for in
private life --
Applause.
Mr. Arriola: -- in public life. I was blessed from the very first person I hired here, that was --
where's Rosie Mark somewhere? She was here. I was blessed that everybody we hired -- it was
better and better and better, and one day, I woke up and I said, "My God. I really have
assembled a dream team," and these people have worked together, and if you've ever seen our
meetings -- well, they were funny at times because I had to make it funny, but most of the time,
the way they work together, it was an amazing -- no jealously, no pettiness; nothing but let's be
one unit, so the first thing I want to say to my staff, I'm never going to forget you. You guys are
the greatest, the very greatest ever assembled. Thank you.
Applause.
Mr. Arriola: Second, I will tell you that I had a conversation with Mayor Diaz, I think, about a
week or two after I had started, I'd been the manager, and I said, Manny, we -- with your support
-- we're going to make changes that people will not appreciate today, tomorrow, probably not
during my tenure, probably not during your tenure. The changes that you want to make and I
want to make will be appreciated seven, eight, nine, ten years from now, two or three city
managers, and probably a couple -- and Linda, you were -- I think you were in that meeting -- a
couple of mayors from now, when people say, damn, this thing works. We can balance budgets.
We can cut taxes. We could build things. Look at our streets. We've got money to fix our
streets. We've got things going on, and I said, and everybody's going to take the credit then, but
you know what? I'm going to go to bed, and you're going to go to bed, and people are going to
say, you know, that fat guy and that funny -looking mayor really knew what the hell they were
doing. Well, the ears, Mayor, the ears, them ears, and by that time, they'll be more bigger and
more pointed as you get older. He thinks he's handsome, so that's why I had to say that, OK?
Yeah, and I could really tell him now, right? Yeah, hell with him.
Unidentified Speaker: Hey, you gave him the mike, Joe.
Mr. Arriola: Yeah. You gave me the mike -- but I will tell you that that was my goal. I think that
a lot of things you could touch and feel now, but one day, when all our kids go running down our
water park and we have some of the best facilities in Model City and in Liberty City, in
Allapattah, and Little Havana, when you have your gymnasium and things like that, I know that
I, and Manny Diaz, and this group, and this group touched it and started it, and that's all I care
about, and when this wonderful Coconut Grove, the master plan, is finished and Coconut Grove
looks totally different, and you drive through -- you could actually see the water for the first time
in 50 years, I know I had something to do with it, and when we have our wonderful park on
Biscayne Boulevard, when we have our museums, when we have all those wonderful things, I'm
going to look back and say, you know what? I touched that. I planted that seed, and nobody's
going to care at that time, but I'm going to care because I'm going to remember it, and you're all
going to remember that you were the people that planted that seed and allowed me to be the --
kind of the farmer of that seed, so I'm very, very proud -- why are you smiling, George? You got
that little smile in your face. You know, he's got all your dirty secrets. He's even got dirty
pictures about you. You thought I was tough. You thought I was tough, wait until your time. I
mean, he told me, George is not a problem. I've got him under control, and now we know why,
so in parting, this has been the greatest, greatest opportunity. I came to do this for a year; been
four years now between, you know, the time I was helping Carlos and the time I became
manager. I will not exchange this for anything, anything, anything in the world. My wife would;
my kids would, but I wouldn't, you know, so I still have a wife and kids after this four years. She
told me, after one year, you're out. On the second year, she said one more year, and now, she
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finally said, let me tell you something, buddy. I've got your checking account. You're going to
be out if you don't quit and go out and earn some money, so that will be on Monday, so I want to
thank you all. I want to thank everybody that's here. You guys been wonderful. I've had a great,
great, great time. You're getting a wonderful leader -- boring, but wonderful, but we can see
that he likes the microphone, so you know, we can work a little bit on his personality, and maybe
he'll become -- he'll come alive, so I -- yeah, I'm not going to do the Nixon baloney about you're
not going to have me to kick around anymore. Somehow, I'll resurface and I'll be kicking this
time. I'll be able to criticize for a change, and that's great. I'll go to the County Commission
and says, "Mr. Manager, how dare you present that budget to us?" So again, thank you. Thank
you all. This has been a wonderful -- I've had a -- I really have had a great time. My wife says
you go to work in the morning with a smile on your face, and I say, I have a great time. You
know, I laugh. Everybody talks about George and I not getting along. We talked every morning,
and all we did was -- every morning we laughed at each other, and we said, boy, you got 13
mmm, and I said, I've got 5 mmm, and -- I told you I was going to get even, Georgie. I told you
my time was going to come. Well, you guys misinterpret that. "mmm" means mmm-wonderful
people, mmm-wonderful people, and that's what I meant about my five, mmm-wonderful people,
so keep going, George. Thank you. Thank you all for this wonderful time. I really appreciate it.
Applause.
Chairman Gonzalez: We are in recess. At this time, we are in recess.
[Later... ]
Chairman Gonzalez: We're going to resume the Commission meeting.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Are you going to time certain --
Chairman Gonzalez: Pardon me?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- Barbara's items, first, time certain?
Chairman Gonzalez: I think I have -- we have to go to Barbara, yeah. All right. We have to go
with the PH (public hearing) items. They're time certain items.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yes. Mr. Chairman, time certain items are PH.2 through
PH. 7 --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- and PH.1, which is the franchise agreement with Pivotal Utility Holdings, has
been pulled from the agenda by the Administration, so being after 10: 30 for sure, you may call
the public hearings on PH.2 through PH. 7.
NA.3 06-01252 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CLASSIFYING
THE ITEM LISTED HEREIN USED BY JOE ARRIOLA DURING HIS
TERM AS CITY MANAGER AS "CATEGORY A" SURPLUS STOCK,
AND PROVIDING SAID ITEM TO THE CITY MANAGER , FOR THE
SUM OF $1.00; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ANY
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE ACCEPTANCE.
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
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Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins and Spence -Jones
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Sanchez and Regalado
R-06-0424
Chairman Gonzalez: I have a resolution here that I needed to pass when the transition was done
this morning for the City Manager, and if you allow me. It's a resolution of the Miami City
Commission classing the item listed here, used by Joe Arriola during his term as City
Manager, as category of surplus stock, and providing said item to the City Manager for the
amount of $1; authorizing the execution of any necessary documents related to the acceptance,
and I think that what we're talking about is the personal computer, right?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Correct, correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: So that's the resolution. Is anybody willing to move it?
Commissioner Haskins: I'll move it.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
NA.4 06-01205a RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT, COMPENSATION AND
EMOLUMENTS FOR CITY MANAGER DESIGNEE, PEDRO HERNANDEZ, AS
CITY MANAGER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA.
06-01205a Exh i bit. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0433
Chairman Gonzalez: Another thing that we didn't do was to approve the compensation package
of the new City Manager --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Correct.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so can we take that up now, or --
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- should we have all five Commissioners on the dais?
Mr. Fernandez: You should have all five --
Chairman Gonzalez: Let's --
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Mr. Fernandez: -- Commissioners --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- wait to --
Mr. Fernandez: -- present.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- in the afternoon, so we can have all five Commissioners.
Mr. Fernandez: We will distribute it now, the resolution and the attendant -- the attachment --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- so that you would have it and it can be brought up.
Chairman Gonzalez: Very good.
[Later...]
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. I think it's very important that we take -- we have a resolution of
the City of Miami Commission that has to do with the -- with our new City Manager, and it is to
approve the compensation package, is that correct?
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yes, correct. It's a motion of the City Commission rating,
approving, and confirming the salary, and that has been distributed to you. You should have a
copy of that; it was put on your desk just before lunch, and it's appropriate, now that he's your
employee, that you pay him.
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
NA.5 06-01256 DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUE IN DISTRICT
2.
DISCUSSED
Chairman Gonzalez: Hector, I have a question, now that you're here. It's not related to this, but
I want to use the opportunity that you're here. I was approached by a resident of the City of
Miami who, throughout the years, have acquired three different property, and each property is --
one is four apartments in one lot, four apartments in another lot, and three apartments on the
other lot; different folio number, different everything. This person was visited by a Code
Enforcement inspector and they were told that they were required to have a Certificate of Use,
an occupational license, where I told them that's normal, they needed to have, but this person
was told that these three separate buildings, according to the City, were considered one
building, and they have to name the building, like "Beautiful Miami" or "How Dark The Days,"
or whatever. You have to put a name to the building. Is there such a law in the City of Miami
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that --?
Hector Lima (Director, Building Department): There is no such a law in the Building code.
Chairman Gonzalez: Because my quest -- my point is that if this person acquired, throughout
the years, these three different properties that used to belong to three different owners, there're
different folio numbers, different everything, and the City considers that it is one building and
the building has to be named, I told the person, I don't see a problem with it, but what I really
have a problem with -- and I'm going to ask the Building and Zoning director -- is that if it is one
building, you should not be required to get three Certificate of Use and pay for three Certificate
of Use and pay for three occupational license, you know. If it is one building, it should be one
Certificate of Use and one occupational license --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I see what you're saying.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and you're going to be saving yourself probably a thousand dollars --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Good point.
Mr. Lima: Right, but --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- so I don't know how the City want to play it, but you know, if that's the
kind of game that they want to play, I'll tell you, it's fine, but then they're going to have to play
the game with the same rules; one building, one Certificate of Use, one occupational license.
There cannot be one building with three Certificate of Use and three occupational license, so is
there such a new law in the City that we haven't approved here, because I know that, in the past,
we never had such a law?
Mr. Lima: You're correct, Commissioner, there is no such a law. If you could provide us with
the address, we'll find the inspector, and make sure that the inspector is instructed properly.
Every building stands on its own when there is a folio and a legal separate. You would have to
have a unity of title to group all of these buildings together, and at that time --
Chairman Gonzalez: But you have to do a unity of title.
Mr. Lima: Yes, sir. Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: You have to do a unity of title --
Mr. Lima: In order to tie all the properties together.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and they haven't done a unity of title. The buildings remain the same
way they were built. They were built, I don't know, maybe 40 years ago, 47 or 50 years ago is
the, you know -- as a matter of fact, it belong to three different owners, and this person acquire
one building, then acquire the other building, and then acquire the other building, so you know,
that -- and let me tell you, Mariano, so, you know, because you're paying attention to the -- to
this discussion. The inspector was very polite. As a matter of fact, this person is going to write a
letter commending how they were treated by this inspector, the professionalism and everything,
but we -- when they told me that, I said, now, wait a minute. You know, something got to be
wrong here, and you know, we got to be careful what we're telling people out there because --
like I say, I told them, I said, listen, don't worry about it. If you have to put a name on the
building and they consider that it is one building, fine, you put a name to the building because
that is going to help you save maybe a thousand dollars a year on Certificate of Use and
occupational license, so --
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NA.6 06-01257
Mariano Loret de Mola: Commissioner, Loret de Mola, Code Enforcement director. You are
correctly. I mean, if they got three different folios and three different addresses, should be one
for each one of them. I don't --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Loret de Mola: -- I never heard of that one before, right.
Chairman Gonzalez: Me neither.
Mr. Loret de Mola: You're completely right. If you give us the address, we will check into that,
all right?
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We'll get together later on then.
Mr. Loret de Mola: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Thank you very much.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING SCHEDULING OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
JULY 25, 2006.
MOTION
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, with Commissioner Haskins absent, to schedule an executive session
on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at 2: 30 p.m., to be held in the City Commission Chambers of the City
of Miami City Hall
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We are going to board appointments.
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, while you're shifting gears, if you may. I
have a request to make, and that is relative to the call for a shade meeting, to take place on the
27th, and let me comply with the statutory requirements and specifically read to you what the
statute requires. I, as your City Attorney, am requesting a private meeting, pursuant to Florida
Statute Section 286.011(8), for an attorney -client session between the members of the
Commission, the City Manager, the City Attorney, a deputy city attorney, an outside counsel, to
seek advice concerning litigation in the case of Carl L. Masztal -- that is the fire assessment case
-- versus the City of Miami, case number 98-11208, in court 01. I'm requesting that this meeting
be held at City Hall, on Thursday, July 27, 2006, immediately after your lunch break. I estimate
that the meeting should last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It's critically important that
you hold this session. We're vigorously working on a settlement, as instructed by the
Commission to try to find a solution to this case, and it's imperative that we have a shade
meeting at this time on this case, so you need to approve that and vote --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move.
Mr. Fernandez: -- my recommendation.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: So moved --
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Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- to accept the Attorney's recommendation.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in -- we have a motion and we have a
second. All in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes. Discussion. Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Remember what you said the other day. That day in July, we're going
to be packed with all the controversial items.
Chairman Gonzalez: Um -hum.
Commissioner Regalado: There's a lot of people been waiting here. I would suggest to do that
either other day, or you know, early in the morning --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. That's --
Commissioner Regalado: -- because I'm telling you --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- a good idea.
Commissioner Regalado: -- there's going to be a lot of people here, hundreds of people, because
all the projects that we stack up on the last meeting before the August recess.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: What --? Why --? What about on the day that we're having the
budget --? Larry, aren't you having another budget meeting happening in July?
Mr. Fernandez: Thirty-first.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Is there enough time?
Chairman Gonzalez: No.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager) : July 31.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I mean, can we do it, since we're going to be togeth --? We're
going to be here, and then we're going to go to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), so
can we do it --?
Larry Spring (Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): Well, if you will allow
me --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Spring: -- Mr. Chair.
Chairman Gonzalez: You're recognized.
Mr. Spring: Larry Spring, chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance. We are in --
we're having a -- I've already sent out the notice that we are scheduled to have our budget
workshop on July 31 at City Hall. A issue popped up with the CRA, because they were going to
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
be have -- hosting a presen -- a special presentation for the CRA boards, so they requested that
we try to work out maybe change of location to their location, but the intent is that you will be
together from 2: 30 until the end of your last CRA meeting, so that's fine.
Mr. Fernandez: It doesn't have to be on the 27th. It could be the 26th, the 25th. It could be any
other date. We were just not trying to bring you back to City Hall --
Chairman Gonzalez: Why don't you --? How --? Why don't you schedule it for the 25th? Is
everybody all right with the 25th?
Mr. Fernandez: The 25th is a Tuesday --
Chairman Gonzalez: Tuesday.
Mr. Fernandez: -- 27th is a Thursday, so a Tuesday, at -- it has to be a time certain. Would you
say 2 o'clock, 10 o'clock?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Two o'clock is perfectly fine.
Commissioner Regalado: Two -thirty for me.
Chairman Gonzalez: Two -thirty.
Mr. Fernandez: Two -thirty on Tuesday, the 25th --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- it will be, so it needs to be a motion passed and approved by the --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Motion to --
Mr. Fernandez: -- City Commission.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- accept the Attorney's date for the shade meeting of date stated on the
record.
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And the location is?
Mr. Fernandez: It will be --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: City Hall.
Mr. Fernandez: -- here --
Chairman Gonzalez: City Hall.
Mr. Fernandez: -- in City Hall, and it would be in the conference room -- in the Manager's
conference room upstairs.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. All right. We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
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Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right, so we're set. Mr. City Attorney, do
you want to do your presentation now, before we do the board appointments, or you want to do it
later? What --?
Mr. Fernandez: I'll do it later. You can go ahead with appointments --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- while I set up quickly a minute.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
[Later...]
Chairman Gonzalez: DI.2, Mr. City Attorney --
Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney) : Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- annual report.
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, before we get to that one, allow me a point of
privilege. Madam Clerk, I need your attention on this, because a statutory requirements for the
shade meeting that you have called are very precise. I need to make sure that the record is
clear, that what is happening is that a special meeting of the City Commission is being called for
the 25th of July, at 2: 30 p.m., here in this chambers, because the meeting has to be open and
certain formalities have to be observed. The Chairman will announce that we will immediately
proceed, and it's just a special meeting for the purposes of having a shade meeting, but we have
to convene here as a special meeting of the City Commission. Then you announce that we will
go into a shade meeting and conduct a meeting there. Then, from there, we have to come back
here and then declare the special meeting closed --
Chairman Gonzalez: OK
Mr. Fernandez: -- so those are the protocol, and I just wanted to make sure that the record is
clear that it is a special meeting of the City Commission that is being called for purposes of
holding a shade meeting on that date.
NA.7 06-01286 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE LITTLE HAVANA
HOMEOWNERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Robert Smith Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
Milli Memblela Vice Chairman Joe Sanchez
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0451
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and
was passed unanimously, to appoint Robert Smith and Milli Memblela as members of the Little
Havana Homeownership Advisory Board.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Well, on the Little Havana Advisory Board Affordable Housing [sic], I
have to make two appointments because of vacancies to the board that are paramount for us
moving forward, so I would request from the Chair that I would be granted the opportunity to
take it out of order and proffer the two names to be --
Chairman Gonzalez: Go ahead, you're recognized.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- voted on, and that is Robert Smith and Millie -- and I'll spell the last
name -- I think it's M-E-M-B-I-E-L-A [sic]. Those are the two names that I'm proffering for the
Little Havana Advisory Board Affordable House -- Homeownership [sic].
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries.
NA.8 06-01251 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE COMPENSATION AND
EMOLUMENTS FOR CITY ATTORNEY JORGE L. FERNANDEZ,
ESQUIRE.
06-01251 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sanchez and Regalado
Noes: 2 - Commissioner Haskins and Spence -Jones
R-06-0434
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you very much. I am -- as you know, I -- all of us received the
briefing, and as you remember, you directed me to come back to the City Commission with an
evaluation. I sent that to your office last week, and of course, also the compensation package for
the City Attorney, since we should have done this several weeks ago, but because of other issues,
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
we have not done it, so I don't know if my colleagues have any problem at all with the
compensation package. If you want to make any comment or if you want to make any comment
on the evaluation that I sent you, which is basically taking some of the issues that the City
Attorney explained. It is important that we understand that, at least to me, the best thing that
could happen for us as policy makers is to understand where are the problems in the different
departments of the City of Miami, and problems and issues and legal cases; at least let us
understand the time that the City Attorney's Office spend with each department, the issues that
we have. We just got today the folder with cases that are being litigated by the City Attorney,
and you know, to me, it has help me understand. For instance, when there is several cases in
terms of trip -and -fall in broken sidewalks in the City of Miami, you understand that we have to
address this in the budget process because it's cheaper to fix a sidewalk than to pay $50, 000 for
a broken hip. We need to address the Police Department with the issues of accidents and cases
and thousands of hour work of the City Attorney's Office, so having said that, I sent all of you for
your consideration, and of course, with plenty of time to make a decision to, if you want, proceed
with the legislation approving the compensation for the City Attorney, Jorge Fernandez.
Commissioner Haskins: May I speak, Mr. Chairman?
Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Jones [sic] -- I'm sorry, Haskins.
Commissioner Haskins: Rosalie Mark, what, under the pay per performance, was the maximum
percentage increase for people at the chief level for last year?
Rosalie Mark (Director, Employee Relations): Well, Linda, I don't have the exact number, but I
don't believe -- I'm looking at a list right now of the highest increases that were granted this
year, and there aren't any chiefs on it, and that cut-off is at seven percent, so I'd say it's probably
about six.
Commissioner Haskins: And the package that was presented is in ex -- I think it's around 15
percent, excluding the value of the increased vacation and the guaranteed severance change, but
Jorge, could you put back up the number of hours worked, and how much is done for the
Commission versus the rest of the departments of the City?
Mr. Fernandez: I don't know that the Commission would show -- I don't know that in this
PowerPoint -- in the book that I gave you, the Commission --
Commissioner Haskins: Yeah. I think --
Mr. Fernandez: -- shows.
Commissioner Haskins: -- it's, you know, substantially for the rest of the departments, and I
think it's very difficult to --
Commissioner Regalado: I have four hours.
Commissioner Haskins: -- I think it's very difficult for us, as Commissioners, to judge the
performance of a department that really performs most of its work and has a client -- a
lawyer -client relationship with really mostly people that we are not involved with on a daily
basis, and the one thing that I really liked about Jorge when he came in and he did his
presentation, he said that he was looking to achieve client delight, client delight, and I think that
we should take a look at this and say, for those -- for this sort of department where we really --
we can get one view, totally separate and apart from the people that are dealing everyday with
contract reviews and litigation, and all of that, that there really should be some way to have a
customer satisfaction survey. Did you achieve delight? Because when we did pay per
performance -- and I know that you're not in the City Attorney's Office using that -- but you're
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still goal -oriented, and the pay per performance for the rest of this City says this is my goal --
these are my goals, and did I achieve those goals? And I believe that compensation should be
based on achievement of those goals, and the big one that I remember was client delight, and
that's not to put anybody on the spot or be critical, but it is an important component because
there is a chance for even improving the City Attorney's Office more. If we could get to the point
where there really was active feedback and dialogue between departments and the City
Attorney's Office on what's not being -- what the City Attorney doesn't feel departments are
doing properly and what departments feel the City Attorney's Office is not doing properly, so I
would have a problem with this proposal on two basis. One, I think it's very high. I think it's
very high, but second of all, I can't determine how high it is or where my feelings would be with
it without having some sort of evaluation of is there client delight.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I have a -- Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I mean, I just have a -- first of all, I wanted to acknowledge
the City Attorney for putting together a well put -together presentation. For me, you know, being
a novice in this whole, you know, government, you know, world, being able to sit down with you
and go through each one of these things so that I fully understand kind of, you know, when you
have a City Attorney working on it, what does that really equate to, and sometimes you take it for
granted because of where you're sitting, but the million and one times that I know that I called
my person, Maria, for assistance, I call her any time of the day because I want to make sure that
I stay on the right track and I'm not doing anything that's violating anything, so those -- you
know, just having, you know, that kind of support from your team, I think that it's, you know -- I
think that the way you laid it out was very, very good, was great, excellent. I also want to
acknowledge -- because I think it's important to acknowledge people that go the step beyond just,
you know, asking for compensation, but also making sure that we fully understand what you do
because sometimes it is -- I think sometimes it could be taken for granted all of the work that you
guys do and the countless number of hours. I also want to at least be able to acknowledge you
on the fact of including -- because I think the first day on the dais, my first big issue was I don't
see enough minorities and the number of minorities that have left the department that are no
longer there, and to see that you've now included it in as your goal and that you have hired --
you know, or you're working on hiring even more. I definitely want to commend you for at least
moving in that direction. One of the things I need to be real clear on -- because we were all
tasked, as City Commissioners, to evaluate the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City
Auditor, and I don't know who the other -- I think that was -- was it three?
Mr. Fernandez: That's it.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, three. I -- myself, was charged with evaluating the City
Clerk, and I'm not taking away your issue. I just -- it -- when I got the presentation, I really was
thinking was the presentation really understand what you do, you know, and I didn't know that
this is all based upon the compensation issue, Rosemary [sic]. I didn't know, so my question
then became, after hearing the presentation again today and looking at the compensation
package, and me having to evaluate our Clerk, which I'm -- we did. You know, my question
becomes then, does this same type of, you know, effort or presentation, will this be also afforded
to the others, like the Clerk to do the same and the auditor? I'm just trying to understand how
did we get -- because my colleague, Regalado, mentioned in the very beginning -- and he did
send a memo, and I did read it, you know, and I was assuming that it was your evaluation based
upon what we are charged to do, and you were reporting to us on that. I, however, didn't do that
because I didn't know that, based upon my conversation with you regarding this, we were kind of
taking a different direction, so I'm a little -- the reason why I would have any back off on voting
on an item like this is that I want to make sure that everything I do from where I sit is fair and
balanced, and I'm just trying to understand how did we get from --
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Commissioner Regalado: If I may?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to -- I mean, I don't know if I'm making the right point,
but I think it's important because, you know, you have people that do serve -- I mean, the Clerk is
here, and you know, and the auditor. I mean, where are we with that process, if that's the case?
And not taking anything away from you; I just want to make sure. If this is afforded to you, I
think it should also be afforded to the other ones.
Chairman Gonzalez: Of course. Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Regalado: If I may. I understand Commissioner Haskins' concerns. She wants to
understand more about the City Attorney's Office, and I understand what Commissioner
Spence -Jones said. My point is that I follow what the Chairman asked me to do. I did not seek
or wanted input from Rosie Marks [sic] --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- because the City Attorney doesn't work for her --
Chairman Gonzalez: Exactly.
Commissioner Regalado: -- because the Auditor General doesn't work for the Administration,
because the City Clerk doesn't work for the Administration. We have to make that decision. We
made the evaluation. We decide, not them, you know. They run the City and all the employees,
but we have a responsibility, and I am not about to give away the few powers that this City
Commission have, so when you have your decision on the City Clerk, we don't need the input of
anybody from the Administration because they don't work for them. Yes, granted, they -- the City
Attorney gives more service to all the City departments than to us, of course. I mean, we don't
go around with 800 police cruisers with lights on crashing in intersections, or you know -- or we
don't fix or not fix sidewalks and people falling in, or we don't file suit against the City, so it's all
well. I mean, they have to work. The inspector general of the Congress of the United States
works for any of the agencies of the United States, but responds only to the Congress. I have no
problem in any members of the Commission having input, fixing, changing, moving around the
resolution and the compensation package. I do have a problem if we have to consult with the
Administration because this is our decision and our decision only, so you know, I am willing to
even defer this so Commissioner Haskins can sit down and think about this. I asked the members
of the Commission to send back input, which was legal, before the meeting, and this is why I'm
bringing this today, and I just hope that we do it today or next -- I mean, you know -- Jorge's
mortgage is not going to be like affected if we don't do this today and we do it next -- in next
meeting, and we get time. My only thing is that, with all the respect to Rosie and her staff, this is
our call. It's nobody else calls.
Commissioner Haskins: And I apologize --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I just want to add on --
Commissioner Haskins: -- greatly of --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- after that --
Commissioner Haskins: OK
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- Commissioner Haskins.
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Commissioner Haskins: OK. I want to apologize for not speaking clearly on that, on how I feel
about that, because that's not -- I don't want Rosalie Mark to do the evaluation of Jorge and of
the City Attorney's Office, certainly not.
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Commissioner Haskins: I don't -- I am not in favor of giving away --
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Commissioner Haskins: -- the Commission's authority to do the final evaluation, but I -- but my
perspective is that I think it is important -- he probably does very little work direct -- they
probably do very little work directly for Rosalie. There's a lot of work done for Police, but I
would like to know, as a Commissioner, how do the various departments feel? Their needs have
been responded to. Because in the end result with the issues that we deal with, whether it's a
union con -- union challenge or it's a lawsuit for a police shooting, the FTAA (Free Trade Area
of the Americas) matters, all of those things are very important or the daily contracts that are
dealt with everyday that we give to -- you know, the Community Development contracts that we
give, foreclosures that we deal with, all of those things need to get processed through, effectively,
and in the end result, they make us look good or not, and I think it is important, you know -- and
it's probably because of where I came from that I feel this way, but I do think it is important
because the vast majority of that work is spent not with us, but with the various departments, and
for me, I would like to have an understanding of how does staff feel on both the City Attorney's
side and the department's side on the service delivery, and their response.
Commissioner Regalado: If I may --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- just if I may -- just one final thing. When we're talking about
percentages, the City Attorney came here two years ago with a salary and nothing has happened
in these two years, so there's no percentage of last year or this year, so this is a two-year thing,
just to clam.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Commissioner Haskins: It's not -- it's a retroactive to '98, so it does go back.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Yes, Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to really add to the both of my colleagues over there.
First, definitely, understanding that because Commissioner Haskins came from the
Administration, like myself from the Administration, we do see things a little differently because
we've worked it from both ends, and so I want to at least acknowledge that because that is true,
but what I do want to make sure to -- you know, and I don't want to have mixed signals. If I'm
charged with something -- and I'm glad -- we never have a chance to have these kind of
conversations, unless we're on the dais, and my impression, even though you gave us a direct
order to do something, was to, you know, evaluate -- and I'm -- I don't keep meaning to bring up
the Clerk; only because the Clerk was my person that I --
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Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- had to evaluate. I thought that that's what I was supposed to
do. Now, somewhere down the line -- I'm going to be honest with you -- it changed, and I don't
know why it changed, but it was communicated -- yeah, it was communicated that it needed to be
-- I don't know if Rosalie wants to speak to it, but it changed, so --
Chairman Gonzalez: But it shouldn't change because you were assigned with the task of --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: It changed.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- of evaluating the Clerk's performance in order to come up with the
proper compensation, and that is what Commissioner Regalado said. The only three persons
that responds directly to this Commission is the City Attorney, the City Clerk, and the auditor,
and I'm also not willing to concede that right that we have, and I will not. It's up to us to decide
if they're doing a good job, if they're doing the right job, and how much we're going to
compensate them. Is that --? That's the way it is. I mean, you know --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, Mr. Chairman --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and that's the way it has been.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I'm -- because you know I'm always going to be a straight
shooter, just like you --
Chairman Gonzalez: Sure.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- so it somehow got lost in -- I'm going to let you -- I just want to
make sure that I'm clear, Rosalie. We love you to death, and you do a great job, so this is not
about you.
Ms. Mark: I'm --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm just trying to make sure --
Ms. Mark: I understand. I just want to clam.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: When you have people in limbo -- and this is the question, you
know, and I couldn't really understand the frustration, you know, from the person that maybe
perhaps I had to evaluate because they're in -- they've been in limbo about making a decision on
what their evaluation is, and my thing was we did our evaluation; I've turned it in, so to me, at --
you know, that should be the end of it. I mean, that's the thought. That did not happen that way,
and I have to put that out. I have to literally apologize to the Clerk because just -- and not take
anything away from Jorge, because Jorge, you did your -- you did what you were supposed to
do, but I think that if we're going to make a decision on this, we need to be fair, and being fair
means, if you're telling me, Mr. Chairman, that it's our responsibility --
Chairman Gonzalez: It is our responsibility.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to make a decision -- and I gave my evaluation, I don't know,
about -- almost what, six weeks ago? Then if we're going to bring one up, we need to bring them
all up at the same time and get them done with.
Commissioner Regalado: Absolutely.
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Chairman Gonzalez: Absolutely.
Ms. Mark: May --
Chairman Gonzalez: And it is --
Ms. Mark: -- I speak, please?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, you may.
Ms. Mark: Michelle -- Commissioner Spence -Jones, this was an assignment Commissioner
Gonzalez gave to three different Commissioners to follow up, and I was asked to assist. I did not
ever have the impression that I was responsible for saying what the increases should be. I met
with the three Commissioners that were assigned this. Each one indicated concern about being
responsible solely for the evaluation of these people because they didn't work day in and day out
with these individuals, and in one case, there was even a feeling that the work that the individual
did was such that maybe some other experts needed to be involved in the evaluation, and that
went on hold. That was Commissioner Winton, so when I was asked or when I met with you, we
went with a recommendation about what you could do, which was to ask the City Clerk to
provide input on what she believed she had accomplished in the way of goals or any other
initiatives in the last year, and then you could use that as a basis for evaluation, and we offered
the use of the form that the City had been using, and from that there was also input given as far
as what the increases and how the increases worked in the pay for performance plan, with the
notion that even though they don't report to the City Manager, that there was a program in place
that seemed to adequately reward people that were doing excellent work, so that is where I left
off. If anything, I'd have to say that because the three parts did not come back together in one
approached use, it's now appearing that --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: It's splintered.
Ms. Mark: -- so we can rescind that. You know, you can pull back the one that you did and
decide on whatever approach you want and give whatever amount of increase because you can,
so -- and if our input was seen as a directive, it wasn't.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Ms. Mark: It was purely input in an effort to try to recognize these people in a way that we've
recognized other hard-working members of the staff through the --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right.
Ms. Mark: -- pay for performance plan, so that's really what happened.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And Rosalie -- because I don't want to be on it forever -- I don't
want to take anything away from you and your staff and your team, and you did an excellent job,
and you're right, you did provide us with input, but I'm just telling you, somewhere along the
way, my staff and my team, we got a little confused about what our role was, you know, from the
standpoint -- because even you know it was even communicated even the way that we decided to
grade, and I -- and my response was, I'm -- I graded it based upon what I thought the Clerk was
doing and how well she did, and if I was charged by my Chairman on that -- and I'm not saying
that it was necessarily you. I'm just simply saying the communication was, you know, how did I
basically, you know --
Ms. Mark: The communication was how did --
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Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- get to that point --
Ms. Mark: Yes. Excuse me. The communication was how did we apply this program in the City,
and you did follow what that input was, and I apologize. If I had anything to do with giving you
the impression it had to be that way, then I apologize, but I really -- you know, I really think that
the coordination of this probably got fractured over the last month or so, and I think that it can -
- as far as whatever you all want to do, you can do.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. That brings up another question. I assigned the review of the
Auditor General to Commissioner Winton. Commissioner Winton is not here now.
Commissioner Haskins: It was not completed by --
Chairman Gonzalez: Are you --
Commissioner Haskins: -- by Commissioner Winton. I don't --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- working on it?
Commissioner Haskins: -- think it was started. I was going to ask to be relieved of that
responsibility because I was -- I didn't think it would be fair, since areas of mine were subject to
the internal audit in the past year.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right, so then let's take --
Commissioner Regalado: I think --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the opportunity to --
Commissioner Regalado: -- it's -- I think you're very, very fair --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: That's the fair thing to do.
Commissioner Regalado: -- in saying that.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Let's take the opportunity then at this point -- because if we want
to bring the three compensation packages at the same time, then we need to start moving things
up. I'm going to -- yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: I'll do it.
Chairman Gonzalez: Pardon me? No, I don't think it's fair because you already did --
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Hey, he wants it.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the City Attorney, so I'm going to assign it to Commissioner Sanchez --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: What have I --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- to Vice Chairman Sanchez.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- done to you?
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Chairman Gonzalez: Because, you know, you're my friend.
Commissioner Regalado: Because you have to earn your salary.
Chairman Gonzalez: Exactly, so --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Well, hey, if there's anybody that earns his salary here, it's me
Chairman Gonzalez: Right, so I'm -- I need you to get on it, so you know --
Commissioner Regalado: And the purpose of this --
Commissioner Sanchez: I'll never speak to you again.
Commissioner Regalado: -- is to bring back the three together --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- next meeting or --?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. If we can move -- I mean --
Chairman Gonzalez: That's --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- since I've already done mine -- my evaluation, I'm ready to go
with what I have --
Chairman Gonzalez: That's what you're suggesting --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- and Mr. City Attorney --
Chairman Gonzalez: -- right?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I mean, I have really no real issues at all, so if we -- I just
would like to be fair and bring them at the same time. If we can bring it up for the July 27
meeting, I'm more than OK with that.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Chairman Gonzalez: No. We are not going to be able -- let me clear --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, yeah, I remember.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- we are not going to be able to do this in the second meeting in July
because it's Planning and Zoning, and as it is --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: It's crazy.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- I don't know what is going to happen that day, so we're talking
September, all right?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Let --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
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Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- me just elaborate on the responsibility you have given me, OK --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- because I have heard each and every one of you raise your
concerns. I'll do it, but I will need written recommendations as to your dealings with the
individual that I'm evaluating, all right. I'm not going to base this on just myself, but basically
on each and every one of you, and on the record, I would only bring that evaluation up once I
receive from each one of my colleagues what they believe that he has done, and basically, I just
want to see what I get from you, whether it's favorable or nonfavorable [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: That's a good point.
Commissioner Regalado: That's what --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- I ask from you, when I sent the memo.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I would do the same. I will ask for the Clerk -- you know, I
would do the same to ask for you guys to give me your input, too, because I think that is a great
way -- see, you made a positive contribution already.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: That's very fair.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: But --
Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- if we don't --
Chairman Gonzalez: So -- yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- vote on --
Chairman Gonzalez: I'm sorry.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- the issue -- let me just say something.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I'm not in favor of bringing everyone at the same time.
Mr. Fernandez: No.
Chairman Gonzalez: Me neither.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: They're all apple and oranges.
Chairman Gonzalez: Me neither.
Commissioner Sanchez: They all have different responsibilities.
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: Exactly.
Commissioner Sanchez: We can't compare them as to what they do. They all play a very
important role to this legislative body --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- so I am against bringing it all together at one time. It is just -- it'll
open up Pandora's boxes for arguments that shouldn't even be made in the public, OK. I have
the utmost respect for our City Attorney, I have the utmost respect for our City Clerk, and I
certainly have the utmost respect for our auditor, but the issue that's in front of us today is the
City Attorney --
Mr. Fernandez: Correct.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and let me just say that in the eight years that I've been here -- and
those that have been here with me -- we have gone through a lot of things pertaining to city
attorneys. I have never seen one that is most professional and dedicated and will give you an
opinion whether you like it or not, and that is very important to us. Why? Because he is our
legal advisor. You would not make a decision in the private sector of your life when your
attorney tells you not to do something. We have the same responsibility. We may not agree with
him, and we have every right, under the power that is given to us, to seek another opinion, but
let's talk about professionalism. Let's talk about accountability. Never have I seen a
presentation such as this one where we're able to hold attorneys accountable, hour by hour.
This program that was presented to us -- a Pro -Law, I believe it is --
Mr. Fernandez: Pro -Law.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- something that is used -- it is used in the private sector. You can't be
an attorney in the private sector and not bill hours, all right, so I just want to state on the record
that I have had advice from the Attorney that I have agreed with. There's some that I have not
agreed, but I have respected, and I can honestly tell you that the compensation package that's in
front of us is something very reasonable. This man can leave tomorrow and go to a big law firm
and make much, much more than this, so based on the presentation that's given to us, I am
prepared to vote on his compensation today.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I just want --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Do you want to do a roll call on the compensation?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: If it fails --
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- it fails, and it --
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- you know.
Commissioner Regalado: But it's a resolution. It's a resolution.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Well --
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Chairman Gonzalez: It's a resolution, but anyways --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I move the resolution of the City of Miami Commission, with
attachments, approving the compensation and -- for the City Attorney Jorge L. Fernandez,
Esquire.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- and I just have a --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- discussion before I --
Chairman Gonzalez: OK, but we have a motion.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: Wait a minute. Wait a minute, please. Wait a minute.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: We should -- listen --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have time. We have time.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- we should always make a motion and a second --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have time. We need to --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and open it for discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- make a motion, make a second, and then open it for discussion, so we
have a motion.
Commissioner Regalado: I will --
Chairman Gonzalez: Does anybody second?
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I second it --
Chairman Gonzalez: We have a second.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but I was -- just had a discussion.
Chairman Gonzalez: Now we're going to open for discussion, and now we'll recognize you.
Commissioner Jones [sic].
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. All I want to be able to do -- just -- because you made the
recommendation, that -- for the auditor and for the City Clerk, that we all give letters --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah.
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Unidentified Speaker: Um -hum.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- based upon our recommendation.
Chairman Gonzalez: Exactly.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I think that it's more than fair that we do the same thing for -- to
Commissioner Regalado respond because I think you need to hear from each one of us what our
viewpoints and opinions. As I stated early, I think this is -- in fact, I don't have any problems
with Jorge. We have a good old time. I get a lot of great things done. I have no problems with
your team. We get it done. That's not what this is about. It was about just being fair, OK, so
since you made the statement, my wonderful colleague sitting on the -- to my right that it was
important for us at least -- because you didn't want to make a decision based upon what the
auditor -- without -- on the auditor without having our opinion, I think that it's more than fair to
make sure that we at least give you that in writing if we're going to do it for the others. That's
my only statement.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: But hold on. He sat down with me and gave me a presentation. Did
he offer you the same presentation?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: But that's not the point.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Then what is the point?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: You just made the statement that you'd like to have it in writing,
our opinions, not his state -- I'm not talking about a presentation. You asked for each one of us
to give you something in writing before you made a decision after -- off of the Auditor General,
and all I'm saying is I would like to be afforded the opportunity -- I don't know if Ms. Haskins
would like -- at least be able to give Regalado our viewpoint.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: But I don't deal with the attorney gen -- I don't -- the auditor, I don't
deal with him on a daily basis. He doesn't come in front of me --
Chairman Gonzalez: Exactly.
Commissioner Sanchez: -- for --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: But the --
Chairman Gonzalez: Different. It's completely different.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: It's apples and oranges. I mean, I -- listen, I respect -- you want --
whatever -- it's the will of the Commission.
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: What I want here is harmony and the will of the Commission.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I just don't want to mix apples and oranges.
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Chairman Gonzalez: -- have a motion and we have a second. Roll call, Madam City Clerk.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call. Commissioner Haskins?
Commissioner Haskins: No.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Spence -Jones?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: No.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Regalado?
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Vice Chairman Sanchez?
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Chairman Gonzalez?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Then the payment package has been approved, 3/2.
Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you.
NA.9 06-01259 RESOLUTION OF CONDOLENCE
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSING
DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND SINCEREST CONDOLENCES ON BEHALF OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI AND ITS CITIZENS TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF
LUIS PENELAS, JR. UPON HIS UNTIMELY DEATH.
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-06-0477
A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chairman Sanchez, and was
passed unanimously, to direct the City Clerk to complete a resolution of condolences to be sent
to the family of Luis Penelas, to be signed by the Mayor and the Commissioners of the City of
Miami.
Chairman Gonzalez: Next item, DI.4.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, if I can --
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: -- just mention something. I think it's fitting that the City Commission
directs the City Clerk to write a resolution of condolence to the family of Luis Penelas. Luis
died, and he served on several boards of --
Chairman Gonzalez: That's right.
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NA.10 06-01260
Commissioner Regalado: -- the City of Miami; was a very active member of the Buena Vista
Homeowners Association, so if I can have the City Clerk maybe for the signature and to send it
to his brother, the former Mayor Alex Penelas --
Commissioner Haskins: That's a wonderful idea.
Commissioner Regalado: -- so so moved.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second, and the only amendment, that it be signed by the Mayor and
all the Commissioners.
DISCUSSION ITEM
BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING MEDICAL CONDITION OF HUGH
RYAN.
DISCUSSED
Commissioner Regalado: And the other thing is that one of our most active community leaders
in the City of Miami and member of the Code Enforcement Board, Hugh Ryan, the president of
the Shenandoah Homeowners Association, was involved in a very, very bad car accident --
Chairman Gonzalez: Wow.
Commissioner Regalado: -- and he's at ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at Jackson Memorial
Hospital --
Chairman Gonzalez: Wow.
Commissioner Regalado: -- and we -- our prayers are with his family.
Vice Chairman Sanchez: I have been trying to get a hold of someone close to him to see --
Commissioner Regalado: I saw --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- what his conditioner --
Commissioner Regalado: -- his wife Erin (phonetic), and he -- today he was being operated. He
will be at least a year --
Vice Chairman Sanchez: In rehab?
Commissioner Regalado: -- in rehab because of the -- this tragic accident in 1-95 that happen
last week.
NA.11 06-01261 DISCUSSION ITEM
BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY CLERK PRESENTATION TO
THE CITY COMMISSION.
DISCUSSED
Direction by Commissioner Spence -Jones to the City Clerk to create a presentation highlighting
the accomplishments of the Office of the City Clerk, to present to the City Commission at the City
Commission meeting currently scheduled for September 14, 2006.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. That concludes the agenda. Do we have any pocket items?
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Meeting Minutes July 13, 2006
Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. I --
Chairman Gonzalez: No pocket items.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- just want to just make a comment, though, if I can?
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, ma'am, of course.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Just because we had this very lengthy discussion on this whole
issue of the compensation package, I would like to at least afford the City Clerk the opportunity
to put together a presentation so that we can also make that available to my colleagues on the
dais, and I will ask for also -- I would ask that all my City -- my colleagues on the dais to please
provide for me in writing your comments or suggestions because I would definitely like to have
them; I think it's important, and as soon as we -- I know that -- we hate to have you wait till
September, Madam Clerk. I know you've been so -- oh, so patient -- that we would definitely
make sure we address your issue first thing in September.
Commissioner Regalado: And why do we have to wait until September?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Because we have to vote on -- I mean, we don't see each other in
August, right?
Commissioner Regalado: Well -- but we have a budget hearing, a regular meeting, and a
second meeting.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Can we do it then?
Larry Spring (Chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting& Performance): No, no.
Commissioner Regalado: After --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: Do you mind?
Commissioner Regalado: -- the budget hearing --
Mr. Spring: No.
Commissioner Regalado: -- it could come up as a pocket item.
Mr. Spring: No. The budget hearing is -- sorry. Larry Spring, chief of Strategic Planning,
Budgeting & Performance. It is a workshop. It is not a regular Commission meeting --
Commissioner Regalado: No.
Mr. Spring: -- on the 31 st.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, I'm sorry.
Mr. Spring: Yeah.
Commissioner Regalado: I -- but I was talking about the real budget hearing.
Mr. Spring: The real --
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Chairman Gonzalez: That --
Mr. Spring: -- budget hearing is --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: That's September, though.
Mr. Spring: -- in September.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, that's September.
Mr. Spring: Yes.
Chairman Gonzalez: That's September, right.
Commissioner Regalado: That's September.
Commissioner Spence -Jones: So I'm saying we won't deal with it in September.
Commissioner Regalado: So it's only the last --
Mr. Spring: It's a workshop --
Commissioner Regalado: -- meeting of July.
Mr. Spring: -- and you can't deliberate. You only can give me feedback.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
Mr. Spring: All right.
Chairman Gonzalez: So we're going to --
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, I'm sorry.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- bring it back in September, right?
Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to make sure she knows and she's confident that we're
going to take care of --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I have no problems with that.
Chairman Gonzalez: I would say --
Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- the first meeting in September, which is --
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- going to be light because the second meeting will be budget, right?
Mr. Spring: Well --
Ms. Thompson: No. Both --
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Mr. Spring: -- once given the date of the budget hearing now, which will be two days before --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- the first budget hearing, your second -- that meeting will only have your CA
(consent agenda) --
Chairman Gonzalez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- maybe a couple of public hearing items, and it probably will be light, you know --
Chairman Gonzalez: OK
Mr. Spring: --SO--
Chairman Gonzalez: Very good.
NA.12 06-01264 DISCUSSION ITEM
BRIEF DISCUSSION BY THE NEWLY -APPOINTED CITY MANAGER,
PEDRO G. HERNANDEZ, THANKING THE CITY COMMISSION FOR
THEIR SUPPORT.
DISCUSSED
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Any further -- other business?
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We need a motion to adjourn.
Mr. Hernandez: Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hernandez: If I may, I would like to thank you and the Commissioners. It's been quite a day
for me today, and thank you for your collaboration and support here this agenda.
Chairman Gonzalez: Sure.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: My pleasure.
Commissioner Regalado: And in the County, you stay there for about 3 or 4 a.m. in the
morning. Here, you get to go home early, you know. One of the perks.
Mr. Hernandez: Well -- but, you know, you take it with you, and if not here, at the house. You
know, with today's technology, you're always on --
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you.
Mr. Hernandez: -- but it's a pleasure to be here and to be a part of the team. Thank you.
Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Haskins: So moved.
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Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye
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