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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2006-09-28 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 28, 2006 5:05 PM SECOND BUDGET HEARING 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 September 28, 2006 CONTENTS Present Chairman Gonzalez, Commissioner Haskins, Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Spence -Jones BH - SECOND BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 TENTATIVE BUDGET BEGINNING AT 5:05 P.M. BH.1 THROUGH BH.15 City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 5:05 P.M. SECOND BUDGET HEARING On the 28th day of September 2006, the City Commission of the City ofMiami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida. The budget hearing meeting was called to order by Chairman Angel Gonzalez at 6:17 p.m. and adjourned at 8: 41 p.m. Note for the Record: Commissioner Spence -Jones entered at 6: 19 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk Pamela Burns, Assistant City Clerk BH.1 06-01551 DISCUSSION ITEM Office of Strategic FINAL PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE Planning, AND TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 Budgeting, and Performance THE PROPOSED GENERAL OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF 8.3745 FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 IS 19.69% HIGHER THAN ROLLED -BACK RATE OF 6.99675. SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR WHICH AD VALOREM TAX REVENUES ARE BEING INCREASED. RESPONSE: TO ELIMINATE THE ANNUAL STRUCTURAL DEFICIT MATCHING RECURRING ANNUAL EXPENSES WITH RECURRING ANNUAL REVENUES. PURPOSE: TO FUND ANNUAL MUNICIPAL SERVICES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO POLICE, FIRE, AND SOLID WASTE. COST $ 46,967,558 100% CITY COMMISSION LISTENS AND RESPONDS TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE. ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION: 1.AMEND THE ADOPTED TENTATIVE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY 2.RECOMPUTE THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE, IF NECESSARY 3.ADOPT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE 4.ADOPT THE FINAL BUDGET OR THE AMENDED FINAL BUDGET AS NECESSARY 06-01551 Discussion Sheet 9/28/06.pdf 06-01551 Millage Discussion 9/12/06.pdf City ofMiami Page 3 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.2 06-01552 Office of Strategic Planning, Budgeting, and Performance DISCUSSED Chairman Gonzalez: (INAUDIBLE) for the budget hearing. Does anyone needs a translator here for the budget hearing, either for Creole or Spanish? I see none and I hear none, Madam City Clerk. All right. I believe it is in order, Madam City Clerk, to recess the Planning and Zoning meeting, and then take -- open the budget hearing, right? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That is correct. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Mr. Spring, I think we're ready. Larry Spring: Commissioner, Larry Spring, chief of Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Performance. I'm going to read into the record item BH.1, which is official statement I need to read in the record on the budget discussion. Final public hearing to discuss the proposed millage rate and final budget for fiscal year 2006/2007. The proposed general operating millage rate of 8.3745 for the City ofMiami for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007 is 19.69 percent higher than the rollback rate of 6.99675. Specific purpose for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased, to eliminate the annual structural deficit, matching recurring annual expenses with recurring annual revenues. The purpose is to fund annual municipal services, including but not limited to, Police, Fire, and Solid Waste. Total cost, $46, 967, 558. ORDINANCE Second Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DEFINING AND DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAXATION; FIXING THE MILLAGE AND LEVYING TAXES IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, A REPEALER PROVISION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 06-01552 Legislation SR.pdf 06-01552 Legislation FR.pdf 06-01552 Summary Form FR/SR.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones Absent: 1 - Commissioner Haskins 12855 A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was passed unanimously, to reconsider Item BH.2. Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter be RECONSIDERED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones 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 Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): We need to pass BH.2, which is the ordinance adopting the millage rate first, and then pass BH.3 -- City ofMiami Page 4 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.3. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Mr. Spring: -- so I will read into the -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Move -- Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- BH.2. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion on BH.2 -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second, and we had a public hearing, and we had an ample discussion of -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Chairman Gonzalez: -- BH.2. Mr. City Attorney -- Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yes. Chairman Gonzalez: -- it's an ordinance. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney. Chairman Gonzalez: Roll call, Madam City Clerk. 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, 4/0. "[Later]" Commissioner Haskins: Yes. I want to vote "yes" on the budget. Ms. Thompson: Then we need to go back. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Need to go back to the -- Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. Mr. Spring: She never voted on the budget. Vice Chairman Sanchez: I need to state the motion again? Ms. Thompson: No, no. Commissioner Regalado: No, no. City ofMiami Page 5 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Haskins wants to vote on BH.2 and BH.3. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right, so I have to make a motion to reconsider? Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. I'm prepared to do that. Motion to reconsider BH.2 and BH.3, because I made the motion to approve. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion to reconsider BH.2 and BH.3. Ms. Thompson: Can we do -- Chairman Gonzalez: Do I hear -- Ms. Thompson: -- them -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- a second? Ms. Thompson: -- separately, please? Because we have to record -- Chairman Gonzalez: We can do it separately, yes. We have a motion to reconsider BH.2. Is there a second? Commissioner Haskins: Second. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: There is a second. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Move -- Chairman Gonzalez: Motion reconsidered. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- BH.2. Chairman Gonzalez: BH.2. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second -- Commissioner Regalado: It's an ordinance. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and it is an ordinance. Mr. City Attorney, will you read the ordinance? Mr. Fernandez: Let the record reflect he read it once already. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. OK. Mr. Fernandez: Commissioner Haskins, this is setting the millage rate -- Commissioner Haskins: I'm sorry. City ofMiami Page 6 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: Before 10 p.m., you might have to read it -- Commissioner Haskins: Yes, I know. Chairman Gonzalez: -- two more times, so you know -- Mr. Fernandez: It's a short one. We'll do that quickly. Commissioner Haskins: I did run. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney. Chairman Gonzalez: Roll call, please. Ms. Thompson: Roll call. A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance is adopted on second reading, 5/0. BH.3 06-01553 RESOLUTION Office of Strategic A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Planning, ATTACHMENT(S), MAKING APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO Budgeting, and OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR Performance ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. 06-01553 Legislation 9-28-06.pdf 06-01553 Legislation 9-12-06 .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 2 .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 3 .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 4 .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 5 9-28-06.pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 5 9-12-06.pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 6 .pdf 06-01553 Exhibit 7 .pdf 06-01553 Summary Form 9-28-06.pdf 06-01553 Summary Form 9-12-06.pdf 06-01553 Submittal Memo 09-28-06.pdf 06-01553 Submittal.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones Absent: 1 - Commissioner Haskins R-06-0567 Direction by Commissioner Haskins to the City Manager to schedule an executive session for the purpose of briefing the Commission on the status of union negotiations. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was passed unanimously, to reconsider Item BH.3. City ofMiami Page 7 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, that this matter be RECONSIDERED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones 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 Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): We can move to BH (budget hearing) -- the BH.3 item, ifyou will, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Gonzalez: BH.3. Mr. Spring: Commissioners, before you is the final proposed budget for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. For the sake of brevity, what I would like to put on the record is the contents of the change memo that was distributed to the Commissioners during briefing and again today. The original proposed budget for fiscal year 2007, which was considered by this Commission two weeks ago, was $501, 200,952. It was built with some underlining revenue and expenditure assumptions that included a reduced operating millage of 8.3745 from 8.4995, a reduced debt service millage of .621 from .765, a static solid waste fee of $325 per residential household, a reduced residential fire fee of $31 per residential household from last year's $46 per residential household, an increase in our ad valorem tax base of $7.1 billion to 34.1 billion, a 26.5 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, the use of $6.1 million of fund balance, and an additional 70 new FTEs (Full -Time Equivalents), which included 35 police officers, 30 firefighters, and five general employees. The final proposed budget, which is being presented for your consideration tonight, totals $508,136,186. It was built on the same set of assumptions that I just read into the record, with the exception of the following. Instead of $6.1 million of reserves being used, we are now using $13 million of reserves. The additional increase of $7 million will help the City acquire the following capital items: $2.4 million in replacement police vehicles and general fleet replacement;; $1.5 million for solid waste heavy fleet;; $2.6 million for the continuation of our major IT (Information Technology) initiatives, which include our land management project, our hardware replacement, and the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) project; and an additional $630, 000 toward roadway infrastructure required under the existing parking surcharge ordinance. In addition, we're adding an additional two FTEs to the Department of Employee Relations, which has a salary impact of $96, 000; one salary is 56,000, the other is $40, 000. Overall, this final proposed budget, as compared to last year, is generally static, growing merely 3.18 percent. When we consider the recurring expenses from year-to-year, they've actually gone down. Funds derived from the savings were reallocated to departments that provide direct service to the citizens; that would include Fire, Police, Public Works, Solid Waste, and Parks. Under the policy guidance of the Mayor and the City Commission, the City's millage rates, solid waste fee, and fire fee have either been reduced or remain static from year-to-year. We continue to be diligent about protecting the City's reserves. According to our estimates, with this proposed budget, we will be significantly over our required reserve -- our required -- our reserve requirement of 80 -- approximately $85 million. We expect our reserves to be, at a minimum, $95 million, and possibly as high as $100 million at the end of this fiscal year and including what we expect to use for the '07 fiscal year. Finally, this Administration was able to achieve a balanced proposed budget, even in the face of increasing healthcare costs, which I would like to state that we're within industry range for this year. The industry increase in healthcare costs has been going down from year-to-year over the last four years. The average for this year -- the average increase for this year was approximately eight percent. The City achieved a nine percent increase from year-to-year, and finally, of course, the pension contribution, which has increased approximately six and a half million dollars from last year, but totaling approximately 79.5 million for the 2007 fiscal year. Those being the full breadth of the changes that we put on from the last budget -- from the proposed budget to the final propo -- the final budget for your consideration. I would ask for your full consideration of our -- of the -- ours and the Manager's budget proposal. City ofMiami Page 8 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Vice Chairman Sanchez: Public hearing. Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We need to vote on BH.1 now, right? Mr. Spring: Actually, if you want to open your public -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. IfI -- Mr. Spring: -- the public hearing for the budget item. Commissioner Regalado: -- can -- Chairman Gonzalez: Right. Commissioner Regalado: Larry, good afternoon. This year, we have a 26 percent increase in ad valorem property or taxable property -- Mr. Spring: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: -- which means that someone is paying 26 percent more in taxes throughout the City ofMiami. The figure is 48 additional -- Mr. Spring: Forty-two mil -- the net figure in the budget that you're considering is $42 million of additional -- Commissioner Regalado: Forty-two -- Mr. Spring: -- tax -- ad valorem tax revenue. Commissioner Regalado: Right. When do we get that money from the County? Mr. Spring: Well, actually, the money does not come from the -- it gets paid by the -- most of it, I would say, 70 or 80 percent comes through -- from mortgage companies, that we'll get probably around November, December this year, and then it'll trick -- the remaining 30 percent will trickle in over the rest of the fiscal year. Commissioner Regalado: Right. No. The reason I'm saying this is, November 7, general election, Amendment 6 and Amendment 7, these two Amendment to the state constitution, according to the polls, will be approved. It is estimated that they will be approved by 65 percent of the vote in the state of Florida. Amendment 6 will take effect immediately on January 1, and it would increase, by $25, 000 -- Mr. Spring: The exemption. Commissioner Regalado: -- the homestead exemption -- Mr. Spring: Homestead exemption. Commissioner Regalado: -- to seniors with low income, which now have $50, 000 of homestead exemption. In the municipal limits of the City ofMiami, we have 8,115 property owners that claim double tax -- double homestead exemption. That means that, as soon as that Amendment triggers, 8,115 property owner will be paying less taxes to the County, $25, 000. Thank God City ofMiami Page 9 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 because that's a relief for many of those people who are the poorest of the poor. Amendment 7 is about veterans, disabled veterans, and it would reduce more the property taxes because it would -- the property taxes will be reduced according to the Department of Veteran Affairs of the state of Florida, so here we have this issue because they both kick in on January 1 of 2007, which is the time that you said that we get the money, so I just want to make sure that we know that this is going to impact somehow the budget, right? Mr. Spring: Actually -- I would have to look at the Amendment itself. I would assume that it won't affect the current fiscal year budget because it is -- the current fiscal year's budget is built on last year's -- Commissioner Regalado: Oh, no. Mr. Spring: -- ad valorem tax numbers. Commissioner Regalado: It will. Mr. Spring: It'll affect next year's budget. Commissioner Regalado: No, because according to this Amendment, it would kick in on this year ad valorem taxes, the ones that are being -- Mr. Spring: Assessed -- Commissioner Regalado: -- assessed now today. Mr. Spring: -- in No -- in October. The -- Commissioner Regalado: Today, in Oct -- Mr. Spring: -- total exemption will be approximately $217 million in assessed value. Multiply that times our -- you'd -- a thousand -- 20 million -- I guess -- Commissioner Regalado: I mean -- Mr. Spring: -- $16 million in the gross -- Commissioner Regalado: -- the reason I'm -- Mr. Spring: -- of change. Commissioner Regalado: -- saying this is for the following: There is a growing frend in the state of Florida, statewide, for reduction in property taxes and tax assessment. You know, we have promises from candidates for governor to increase the -- double exemption. The tax appraisals [sic] of most of the counties in the state of Florida just signed a letter requesting the state legislature this year portability of homestead exemption, so we're talking -- Mr. Spring: It's -- Commissioner Regalado: -- an aggressive campaign for property taxes. Mr. Spring: For this -- we just did a calculation. It's $1.8 million of tax revenue for -- if it -- if we're -- if it becomes retroactively -- Commissioner Regalado: It would be. City ofMiami Page 10 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Spring: -- effective -- Commissioner Regalado: It will be retro -- Mr. Spring: -- it's $1.8 million in change -- Commissioner Regalado: -- so you know -- Mr. Spring: -- to the current year's budget. Commissioner Regalado: -- the -- so I just think it's important that we know and that the people know, and hopefully, the people will vote for it now that we have this public forum. The other thing is, we still have in debate on the fire fee, you know, whether it's going to stay or not, so this -- I really have to congratulate you for having this sort of balanced budget, but we still have many questions unanswered. I mean, I guess nobody wants to talk about what happened outside today, but there's still issues with the unions, you know, and we don't know, so I have more comments, but thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Gonzalez: You're welcome. All right. This requires a public hearing. Anyone from the public that wants to address the Commission in this item, please come forward. All right. Mr. Cruz. Mariano Cruz: Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26 Street. I have no complaint with the millage, 8.3745. That's fine with me, but -- and the budget, but the main thing is do the employees know what they got to do? They work for the City, they work for us out there. Stop the abuse of the code enforcement with the old people. That's something that got to be stop because we had some complaints the other day, right? We got some complaints there -- Chairman Gonzalez: Right. Mr. Cruz: -- without anything; just give a ticket, and another thing, let the department here help like ABDA (Allapattah Business Development Authority). I know the affordable housing, some time ago, we built Ralph Plaza I, and then after everything is built, following the blueprints and the plans being OK'd by the Building Department, the Fire Department inspection service come and say, no, you need to put sprinklers now. I said, what (UNINTELLIGIBLE). No, you have to do it, retrofit. You know how much it cost? A lot of money, and the Public Works now with the drainage, same thing happen. Something that is not in the plans, they come and say -- because somebody say, no. You have to do it my way. That's not the way it is, but the main thing I'm here -- I wasn't going -- I was going to be short, but do they budget in this budget the bonus that they give you, that Mr. Arriola gave the people before he left? About what, 3 million? I don't know, $3 million. That's not budgeted. Well, unless he gave it from his own money. He's a millionaire. He got plenty of money he could give you, but there I see -- you know, I don't see any (UNINTELLIGIBLE). In the Police Department, I see only brass getting money. I don't see my daughter getting any money, but she's a police officer. She been there seven years. How come Miami is one of the poorest city and we give this bon -- unless this is done with the excess tax that we get with the 45 million extra that we get, but here is a lot of money, and it wasn't budgeted last year at all. It's a lot of money. People -- I know they're getting -- people getting bonus because -- oh, how it is based, performance? Friendship? Oh, going to play golf with the boss, you know? How is that based? They just give you the money. Well, thousand and thousand of dollar, pages and pages of that;; that shouldn't be. If -- the government should have credibility and transparency and this against all that, because I am very disappointed when I see this and see my tax money is going to where, to Nordstrom or to Garcia's Restaurant, or to what? You know, but that's the way it is. It shouldn't be. If they're going to give bonus, budget it. Put it in the budget and specify why the bonus, so now they say, no, there is no money to pay City ofMiami Page 11 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 the pension of the police or to pay the police. Well, here you got millions of dollars, millions of dollars. No. That's -- let's start thinking. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) money. I don't know where they found the money, but they found the money for this. Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you, Mariano. Good afternoon. Albio Castillo: Good afternoon, gentlemens [sic]. My name is Albio Castillo. I live in 2386 Southwest 5th Street, and as a long-time resident, and coming in here for many years, if you're aware of it, so here's my thing. I'd like to know is if -- what is the City going to do about municipal service, police and fire? As the City continues to grow, we need police, fire, and rescue; mainly, three fire stations, two in downtown and one in 3 and 4, including your area, sir, and how is the City going to handle that? Also, I'd like to know is how is the City going to handle the code enforcement? Which I have proposed an idea of starting a 10,150 cap and start collecting because code enforcement does not collect enough money. I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) it's usually about $12 million, and if you're lucky to collect $1 million. Chairman Gonzalez: Mr. Spring, would you please answer the gentleman -- Mr. Spring: I'm sorry, Commissioner. Could you reiterate that question -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- questions? Mr. Spring: -- for me? I'm sorry. Mr. Castillo: I'd like to know is how is the City is collecting on the code enforcement, which is usually about $12 million, and if you're lucky to collect 1 million. Mr. Spring: I think you're -- Mr. Castillo: They're about -- Mr. Spring: -- referring to the items that have been liened [sic]. What -- from a -- I guess, from a policy standpoint, what we've been establishing is making sure those liens are recorded, which would reduce the ability of the property owner to sell, liquidate that house -- Chairman Gonzalez: Or refinance. Mr. Spring: -- without paying our lien, so that's how we're addressing it. Those liens still remain, but we're -- we've legally addressed it, so at some point, the City will collect those dollars. Mr. Castillo: In other words, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the property is in foreclosure. Mr. Spring: If the property's in foreclose -- yeah. In essence, that's what would happen, yes. Mr. Castillo: I also would like to know is how is the City going to handle a housing issues like the scandal in the County for affordable housings in the City ofMiami? Chairman Gonzalez: We don't have -- I guess I can answer that. That know of we don't have any scandal in affordable -- Mr. Castillo: The County, not the City. Chairman Gonzalez: The County, but you said you want to know how the City is going to handle the scandal -- City ofMiami Page 12 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Castillo: The money -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- of affordable housing. Mr. Castillo: -- that you get from the County in affordable housing. That's what I'm Chairman Gonzalez: The money -- Mr. Spring: We don't get any money from the County. Chairman Gonzalez: I don't know what -- Mr. Castillo: You don't get any money from the County -- Chairman Gonzalez: No. We don't get -- Mr. Castillo: -- in affordable housing? Chairman Gonzalez: -- any money -- Mr. Spring: Not for affordable housing. Chairman Gonzalez: -- from the -- Mr. Castillo: Then I'll scratch that question, sir. Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Anyone else from the public? Seeing none, hearing none -- one more? Come on, sir. John Talamas: Good evening, Commissioners, City Manager. Thank you for the op -- My name is John Talamas. I live at 522 San Esteban, Coral Gables. I have -- I manage two commercial properties in the City ofMiami that belong to my family, and I would just like to read something Chairman Gonzalez: Is that housing or --? You say commercial. Are they apartments or -- Mr. Talamas: They're -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- shopping center? Mr. Talamas: -- commercial properties that have mom and pop operations in them. Chairman Gonzalez: Oh, commercial. Mr. Talamas: Commercial, with small businesses. Commissioners, City Manager, thank you for the opportunity to speak. I realize that you have a lot of issues to deal with. However, as you know, commercial property and residential rentals are not protected by Amendment 10. We cannot continue to absorb the soaring increases. Most owners are just regular people and families trying to make a living. We are not corporate conglomerates, as many may wish to think. Please work together to find a solution because it affects all small business owners and families renting homes or apartments. They, too, need some protection from rent increases as a result of soaring property taxes. Chairman Gonzalez: Can I answer that -- City ofMiami Page 13 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Talamas: Yeah. Chairman Gonzalez: -- in reference to commercial property -- Mr. Talamas: Yes, sir. Chairman Gonzalez: -- especially on rental apartments? Mr. Talamas: Um -hum. Chairman Gonzalez: This Commission took the leadership -- I introduced a resolution in this Commission to -- and took it to the Dade County, and the Commissioners of the County voted in favor of assessing the value of commercial properties according to income, not to compared values. Mr. Talamas: OK. Chairman Gonzalez: We passed that at this Commission. It was unanimous. All five Commissioners voted in favor of it. The County voted in favor of it. We went to Tallahassee under the leadership of our Mayor, Manny Diaz. He went to Tallahassee and he lobbied for this to become law in Tallahassee, a state law. Unfortunately, the state representative approved it, but the senate voted it down, so you know, we took -- we had the leadership of trying to do something, but it is out of our hands, actually. You know, hopefully, this is going to go back this year, and let's hope -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yep. Chairman Gonzalez: -- that the senate, this time, decides to approve it and think of the little people, of the people that you're mentioning on your words. Mr. Talamas: Well, I've spoken to the -- and I've read in the paper that the local cities blame the appraiser's office, and then the appraiser's office blames Tallahassee -- Chairman Gonzalez: Right. Mr. Talamas: -- and it's a vicious circle, and I guess what I'm trying to say to you is that we need your continued support because -- Chairman Gonzalez: We will. Mr. Talamas: -- we've got a long way to go, and -- Chairman Gonzalez: We will continue -- Mr. Talamas: -- something has to happen. Chairman Gonzalez: -- to work on it. Mr. Talamas: It needs to happen fast -- Chairman Gonzalez: Definitely. Mr. Talamas: -- because between the property taxes and the insurance, my family has not raised their rent in five years. We're just trying to pass on property tax and insurance, and it's sticker City ofMiami Page 14 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 shock for our tenants, and they're only mom and pop operations. They go home to their families. They have kids in school, and they have insurance issues just like we do. There's another issue out there. We've got higher deductibles -- in frying to keep our insurance premiums down -- and the premiums are huge. I -- not to mention that I've been cancelled on windstorm, but with our higher deductibles, we are -- we're -- we have less money to do repairs and maintenance, and we would like to keep our properties in good condition, and if there -- if a hurricane does come, I think it's going to hurt a lot of us, and I would just like to see you, the City, the Commissioners, get together. I spoke to Mr. Robaina. I had a 3:30 phone appointment with him. We had a great conversation today. If we work together, we can get something done, and I was -- and I also understand that Dade County has a special charter that we can push some buttons on our own here in Dade County that we do not have to wait for Tallahassee to tell us what to do. Chairman Gonzalez: Of course not. Mr. Talamas: We -- if the Commissioner -- if the County Commissioners, and if you all talk to the County Commissioners, I think we can get some things done, and I think we should do it before we break -- before the balloon breaks because, if people start going bankrupt, then --I know that ifI lose my tenants -- because I've done it before. I've done it here in City ofMiami. As I lost my -- as I went in Little Havana for many years without rent, every year I went down to the appraiser's office and I said, here it is. I can't rent it. We've been frying. Nothing's happening, and they lower my taxes, so that could affect the City, and it could affect the County if we have less taxes. On the insurance issue, if we cannot rebuild our properties, there's not going to be any taxes coming in for anybody -- Chairman Gonzalez: I know. Mr. Talamas: -- and all I'm asking is that you all just work on it, and in the meantime, the millage is -- I know is about the only thing that you can do right now tonight -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: And we're lower. Mr. Talamas: -- and I would -- Chairman Gonzalez: We're lowering it. Mr. Talamas: -- as much as possible because we need help. We really do. I won't finish reading the rest. I think we've spoken enough, and I appreciate your time -- Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir. Mr. Talamas: -- and your understanding. Thank you very much. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you for being here. Commissioner Regalado: IfI may something -- say something to you, and you really understand what is going on, and you touched in something that is very important for the people to understand. The state Supreme Court had a ruling that if you have empty space on commercial, by law -- it's not a favor -- they have to reduce the assessed value that you have. If some of the people like you and Mrs. Cimadevilla, who went to the County the other night -- I was watching, and she was very passionate -- get together and file suit on the way that commercial properties are being assessed in Miami -Dade County, because there is a case law, and it was before the Supreme Court, I'm sure that you will prevail because, by mandate, empty spaces are not taxable, and most of the people don't know this. Maybe you know, but most of the people just say, well, you know, it's death and taxes, and we have to pay it, but if some of the commercial, especially rental, get together and file suit as a class, I promise you that it would be quicker and City ofMiami Page 15 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 easier and cleaner than waiting for the legislature and -- Mr. Talamas: I understand, but to clarify that point -- and you're correct. What the County will do is they will reduce your building value to a token amount, but they will not touch the land value, if that's -- Commissioner Regalado: Well -- Mr. Talamas: -- the way the land values are -- Commissioner Regalado: -- but -- Mr. Talamas: -- being sold -- Commissioner Regalado: -- that's -- Mr. Talamas: -- and -- Commissioner Regalado: -- the key. Mr. Talamas: Yeah. I understand, but -- and it's worked in the past, but now it's not really working because the land values are going up so fast, and I do appreciate your point, but -- Commissioner Regalado: There -- they have to follow the state Supreme Court. They have to file -- Mr. Talamas: -- and they will work with you -- Commissioner Regalado: -- for -- Mr. Talamas: -- on reducing the building value -- Commissioner Regalado: I understand. Mr. Talamas: -- but they will not reduce the land value if the sale -- Just one last point. I haven't finished this, butt read this three years ago, here and in Dade County, and this is the first year that we noticed that County and City officials are listening, and I think it's because it's really hitting home, and the sooner we work on this and not let it be two years from now that something gets done. We do need your help in Tallahassee, and thank you very much. Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: We will go back. Mr. Talamas: Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: We will go back. Hi. Deborah Cimadevilla Taylor: Good evening. Hi, everyone, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Deborah Cimadevilla Taylor. I don't want to reiterate because, you know, pretty much what John said, I want to say too. As some of you know, I own some apartment buildings with my parents. They've been doing this for 40 years. Long story short, because we don't have caps on the apartment buildings, as you know, our property assessed values have gone up so much that we can't even afford insurance anymore on those apartment buildings, and there's so much going on about housing lately that I just want to stress the point that -- I know you guys are not in control of the tax law, butt want to stress the point that we need help to supply -- to be able to City ofMiami Page 16 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 maintain that affordable housing. I'm so thankful that you guys did that. I really am, and I really want to take the time to ask you, so that everybody else can hear it, what can we do to help you achieve passing that law? I -- you know, I know you guys have a million things on your plate, but what can we do, as constituents, to have that law passed? Because, you know, like he said, it's going to explode, and it -- there is no solution other than doing something about it. I know that you have your millage rate that you've brought down. Thank you for the fire fee coming down. I would love to see it go away, but -- Chairman Gonzalez: It will. It will go away soon. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Great. That'll be great, but the assessed value -- I mean, for example, real numbers. We're paying -- we own, let's see, 12 apartment buildings in Little Havana. We're paying over $300, 000 in taxes. Our taxes went up $60, 000 from last year to this year. To be exact, for example, an eight -unit efficiency apartment building that own, that could only rent out for $500 a month, went up $4, 000, from 10,000 to 14,000 this year. I can't keep raising the rent. I can't afford insurance anymore, you know, so it's ludicrous. It really is, and you now, the thing about it is that I'm not seeing the neighborhoods get any better. The people that could afford higher rents, they don't want to live in those neighborhoods. They don't. I know that everybody says that dah, dah, dah, it's going -- but these people don't want to live there. I mean, I had a guy call me the other day, he's a recent arrival from South America, and he said, no. That neighborhood? Oh, no, please. I don't want to live there. I'm like, hello, you know, so long story short, I have to increase the rent $50 just to pay the tax, so I really want to ask you, what can we do to help you pass those laws, and I also don't want to take anybody's cookie away, but is there any streamlining that can be done for, you know, County and City employees have privileges that -- I don't have a retirement pension, benefits, nothing; most people don't. Is there any streamlining that could be done? Any restructuring while, you know, the rest of our community is struggling so much? You know, because I know you guys have special needs to meet. You have increasing needs from a suffering community every year, but you also have rising costs, so it just seems like a vicious cycle. Is there any other relief other than property taxes for your revenue? That's all. Commissioner Regalado: I can tell you that there is a lot that you can do. You can just ask, in their own words, the people that you rent to and your brother in Little Haiti and in Little Havana Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right. Commissioner Regalado: -- just to write a letter to Mr. Politician or Mrs. Politician -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Who are the people that -- Commissioner Regalado: -- saying -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: -- vote, the senators? Commissioner Regalado: Well, no -- but you know, saying what would happen to them is -- if in the next five to six months or next year, you have to raise their rent $50 more or $100 more -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Regalado: -- because it's going to happen -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right. Commissioner Regalado: -- so I would -- you know, in their own words, and I'm sure that, in City ofMiami Page 17 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 their own words, those letters will be heartbreaking, and we need to have all these letters to create an environment where elected leaders will see that there is a crisis, that there is really a crisis, and that we're on the way to a major crisis. I mean -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Major. Commissioner Regalado: -- today in the City ofMiami, the last count, we have 849 homeless people on the street, not on shelter, on the street, and you know, if this thing keeps going, some of the people that live in efficiencies and in apartment building will be homeless -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Oh, yeah. Commissioner Regalado: -- come next year. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: People like that that just can't afford anywhere, and they have children and mouths to feed, and they're women working two jobs, single mothers, to, you know, pay the rent, butt want to ask you, Commissioner Regalado, who are the people that are voting that are saying no to this law? Who can we address? Commissioner Haskins: May I say something? Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Yes. Commissioner Haskins: I think that, you know, for some reason, the property appraiser in Broward County does what we've asked to do, and when we read the state statute, we believe that the County property appraiser has the ability to look at the income approach, rather than the relative sales value approach already, but our property appraiser's the only appointed property appraiser in the state. Our property appraiser is not elected. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right. Commissioner Haskins: Every other county in this state, the property appraiser is elected -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right. Commissioner Haskins: -- so I think one of the things that we could do is look at an elected property appraiser -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: But he's going to tell -- Commissioner Haskins: -- and then secondly -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Go ahead. I'm sorry. Commissioner Haskins: -- you know, to write not only, you know, our representatives in Tallahassee, but also our representatives at the County that there needs to be some relief because, for me, when I -- when you -- we hear these stories all the time, and for me, I live these stories in looking at -- in working with Community Development, when my prior life, and we put all these efforts into building affordable and workforce housing. We have had tremendous -- we've been very much blessed in this area to have some wealth created in property values, but what's happened with what -- the consequences of what's happened over the last few years is that people can't afford to keep rental housing -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: No. City ofMiami Page 18 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Haskins: -- because you can't increase the rents -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Right. Commissioner Haskins: -- for people that are on fixed income. We are -- the affordability gap for people, teachers -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Yes. Commissioner Haskins: -- nurses -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Yes. Commissioner Haskins: -- policemen, firefighters, the City employees, the affordability gap is huge because to buy a house now, you need to make a heck of a lot of money, and most of our resources, we can't use to help those people, so what's happening is, on the one hand, we say our public policy is to address workforce and affordable housing. That's what we say on one hand. On the other hand, we do all these things to kill it, and we need the help of everyone. We need the help of the County property appraiser, as well as our legislators, to really address it, and in my view, it's almost like the second house of lies. You know, we have this one house of lies where we have millions of dollars -- of surtax dollars that are wasted at the County, and then the second one is because there's a push for the property appraiser to appraise properties as highly as possible to maximize tax revenues. We're closing out -- we're having to close down affordable housing -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Exactly. Commissioner Haskins: -- and workforce housing. Not just affordable because, you know, really, affordable this day -- these days is not -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: No. Commissioner Haskins: -- affordable, OK? Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Exactly. Commissioner Haskins: So I mean, we need to have a real effort from everybody, from the elected officials, from the citizens, working together, and maybe some pressure too. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Ms. Haskins, I agree. I went with fullheartedly, excited. I went and I met with County Commissioners. I mean, I'm just little old me, butt met with County Commissioners, City Commissioners, state representatives. One state representative promised me he'd help me, that we would write a bill together; he would try to pass something. I -- when I called him, he never returned my call, but I'm not going to mention names. I even spoke Mr. -- to Mr. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) about this in Tallahassee, and everybody passes the buck, and I swear, I mean, I went and I begged. I took people. We took tenants, busloads of tenants. I mean, I -- but people just passed the buck, and the tax appraiser, he tells me it's the law. I got to follow the law, so at this point, I'm at the -- I come to the realization that think it -- what it takes is convincing these people that said no to this because that would have been great, you know, to -- I mean, we have to go directly to the point because, I mean, I'm serious. I met with all the County Commissioners. People just, you know -- I have to say, this year, they definitely reacted in a much more enlightened and positive, and much more supportive way, but you know, we need to approach these people that are voting no on this, and yes, you know, how are we supposed to value --? How are people supposed to become middle class when they can't afford to even pay the lowest of the lowest of the lowest of the rents and reach that American Dream? So -- but if City ofMiami Page 19 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 there -- is there anything else we could do, I mean, to reach these people that vote no? Commissioner Regalado: I mean, we could -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Compete with you guys. Commissioner Regalado: -- force a referendum. When Mayor -- Miami -Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez didn't get any support for his ideas of changing the charter coming from the Commission, he went out and looked for 110, 000 signatures. We can get those signatures. We can trigger a special election in Miami -Dade County and force the immediate election of the property appraiser, and I will tell you something. That will change -- at least will stop the increase of 20, 40 -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Oh, really. Commissioner Regalado: -- 30 or 50 percent of the property. I will swear to you that, if you look at county by county, as I have looked, the increase, 10 percent, 15 percent. That's it, in commercial. Here you have increases of 280 percent in commercial -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Oh, sure. Commissioner Regalado: -- and that's very atypical in the state of Florida. I will tell you, I -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: So you really think it would be beneficial? Commissioner Regalado: -- if people in the City ofMiami and in the County would really want to do this, we can do it. We can get 110,000 signatures and put it on the ballot, as simple as that. We don't just need any more thing, and we can -- I think that we can use the media. I will commit to yourself that in the media that work, we could start publicizing, and you know, talk to the County leaders. If they want to put it on the ballot by themself [sic], fine; if not, we'll trigger an election. That would send the message that the people are fed up, and they're not taking it anymore, and so -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: OK. Commissioner Regalado: -- I would commit to you that -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: OK. Commissioner Regalado: -- come January, if there's nothing in the ballot, I will start looking for signatures, and you know, people like your tenants could -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Yeah, sure. Commissioner Regalado: - participate because if we all don't pitch in, we're not -- Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Everybody has to play a part. Commissioner Regalado: -- going to go anywhere. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Exactly. OK. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Thank you. City ofMiami Page 20 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Ms. Cimadevilla Taylor: I'll be calling you, Mr. Regalado. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Anyone else? Yes. Judy Sandoval: Judy Sandoval, 2536 Southwest 25th Terrrace. I just had an idea sitting here listening. Why don't we raise some more money? Why don't we figure out a tax that would be legal, unlike the fire -rescue fee or something? A tax that would be legal on very rich people, whether -- tax if you have more than three cars in your family, if you've only got three people there, tax the cars. You know, I lived in New York City, and they've got all kinds of taxes that nobody else has -- Chairman Gonzalez: That's right. Ms. Sandoval: -- that even the state of New York doesn't have or the federal government. They drive you crazy. They've got a business occupancy tax. They've got all kinds of things that they invent. Well, maybe Miami could do that. I mean, everybody would like it that doesn't have a lot of money, and since most of our people are poor, most of the people would be in favor of it, and maybe you could do it -- Commissioner Regalado: Well -- Ms. Sandoval: -- in such a way -- Commissioner Regalado: -- Judy, in my -- Ms. Sandoval: -- that it wouldn't -- Commissioner Regalado: -- area, if you see three cars or more in a house, it's because they have illegal units, not because they're rich. Ms. Sandoval: Well, maybe we should just tax illegal units. Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. That's a good one. That's a good one. That's a good one. All right. This concludes the public hearing. I think it's in order to take a vote on BH.1. Vice Chairman Sanchez: It should be discussed by the Commissioners. Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): No. Mr. Spring: BH.3. Chairman Gonzalez: Pardon me? Mr. Spring: No, no. Vice Chairman Sanchez: It should be discussed by the Commissioners. Mr. Fernandez: BH.2. City ofMiami Page 21 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: Well -- Mr. Spring: BH.3. Chairman Gonzalez: -- yeah. Is there a motion on BH.1 -- Mr. Fernandez: What-- oh, BH.2, the ordinance. Commissioner Haskins: -- so we can discuss it? Vice Chairman Sanchez: I am prepared to make a motion on the item, as long as someone seconds it for the purpose of discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry. Chairman Gonzalez: Discussion. Ms. Thompson: I need to be clear on which item are you -- Chairman Gonzalez: BH.1. Ms. Thompson: BH (Budget Hearing) -- Mr. Spring: No, no, no, no, no. Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, no, 3. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We're doing BH.3. Ms. Thompson: There is no -- Commissioner Regalado: No, BH.2. Chairman Gonzalez: I'm sorry, BH.2. That's right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, B -- Mr. Spring: No, no. Chairman Gonzalez: No, no, no. Vice Chairman Sanchez: 3. 3 is the budget. Commissioner Haskins: Isn't it 3? Yeah, it's budget. Mr. Spring: It's -- BH.3 is the item that you were considering. City ofMiami Page 22 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.3, right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Is --? Chairman Gonzalez: Discussion. Vice Chairman Sanchez: I would yield -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, no. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- anyone who hasn't speak. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You go ahead. Vice Chairman Sanchez: You're done? Mr. Chairman, on the budget itself as I've always stated, the budget is one of the biggest responsibilities that we have to approve a balanced budget. I think the number one issue here is that our citizens need to know that their tax dollars are being utilized in a wisely and prudent manner. As we sit here, we are the true guardians of the public's trust, and I think that the issue that's in front of us today is what is the powers that we have pertaining to this budget that's in front of us today for approval. Some of the concerns that I have, and some of the things that have been brought forth is the power that we have. We have the power to reduce the millage. That is within our purview, as Commissioners, to reduce the millage. We have done that. We have reduced the millage. We have the power to reduce the debt service millage that we pay. We have done that. We have the power to either increase your solid waste, reduce it, or maintain it at the same amount that you're paying today, and we have done that. We have kept it at $325 per year, and I could honestly tell you, when you compare what we're paying for garbage pickup, we provide the best service in South Florida; no comparison to Gables, no comparison to the County or nowhere else, OK. We also have the power to reduce the fire fee, which we have done. We started at 61; we brought it down to 46, and today, ladies and gentlemen, for our approval is a reduction to $31, and hopefully, next year, I think there's a commitment here from all the Commissioners to do away with that fire fee. We also have looked at providing the best adequate service that we can provide, and that is to maintain a program -- a maintenance program on our parks and our City facilities. I need to know -- and I think when I speak, I speak for the voters ofMiami who have represented us -- elected us to represent them when it comes to the budget -- does the Administration fully understands that we are providing as much maintenance as we can on our facilities and our equipment and on our City buildings? I mean, we would like to put more money in, but I want to hear from the Administration saying I'm comfortable with the amount of money that we're putting towards the maintenance of our facilities. Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Commissioner, I would say that, you know, following the first budget hearing, we went back and we actually looked very hard at the budget and made additional cuts. I think that we have sufficient to maintain the operational level at every department. Of course, we would like to have more to improve the -- our facilities to the level that we would like to see them. However, I think it's prudent at this time -- and we're doing what we feel is necessary. Vice Chairman Sanchez: But Mr. Manager, we do have some fire stations that need attention. We do have City facilities for solid waste that needs attention. I think it is our responsibility to make sure that, in this budget -- and I know that it is in this budget, but you need to say that -- that we have allocated dollars to assure that we could fix those problems. Mr. Hernandez: Well, one good example would be solid waste, at the showers, a location that is in dire condition, and we felt that it was among our highest priorities, and even though we are City ofMiami Page 23 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 using a minimum of dollars towards those type of improvements, that's in there. Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I thank you for that one. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Larry, on this one, you might have to jump in. Are we meeting our responsibilities and providing adequate support and equipment and training to our employees? In other words, are we comfortable that they have the proper equipment to provide the best level of service to our taxpayers? At the end of the day, we are service providers. People want, if there's an emergency, to call fire -rescue and then be there to provide that service to their family and loved ones. They want their potholes fixed. They want to be able to call the police and the police be there in a reasonable response time. They want their garbages -- their garbage to be picked up. I want to make sure that you, as the Manager, based on the recommendation that you have given us, that you feel that we are meeting those standards. Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, we're using the dollars wisely because our money's going into the public safety areas, into Police, into Fire, additional vehicles, additional officers. We're also providing additional garbage trucks, additional equipment at Solid Waste, at Public Works, additional services at Parks, so I think that we're providing good services to our residents. Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK. Mr. Budget Director, what was the original budget request by department? Mr. Spring: It was approximately, I want to say about $525 million. Vice Chairman Sanchez: So since the start of this budget process, which is -- every year, it gets tougher and tougher -- how much have you been able to cut -- Mr. Spring: What we did -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: --from that amount -- Mr. Spring: -- from that original -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- that was presented? Mr. Spring: -- set of requests -- what -- we cut approximately $17 million from operating expenses, and then we were able to, you know, appropriately be more aggressive on our revenue estimates to shore up the gap, and then you have the recommended use of fund balance to get us the rest of the way to make those capital contributions. If you recall in our original briefing, we just discussed the operating budgets. I had left capital out altogether, so that -- I added the $7 tonight in the final proposed budget, so you -- that was added on top of that, so net, you're talking about 26, $27 million. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Twenty-seven million dollars that you've been able to cut to get to this Mr. Spring: Cut and -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- point. Mr. Spring: -- revenue adjustments. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Now, ifyou look at this budget and you look at the operating expense, City ofMiami Page 24 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 there's only a three percent increase in that. Mr. Spring: Right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: That is something that we should be very proud of because when you compare our budgets to other budgets -- and not to mention corporate America -- that is a very small amount increase on the operational side of this budget. Having said that, I'm still very concerned with the Parks Department as to the amount of money that they are getting, and the reason why I say that -- although we did provide more resources to the Parks Department -- we are creating world -class parks in our city. Our parks, when they will all be completed, which I think it's something that we could all be very proud of not only as Commissioners, but residents and City employees, is that we're going to have state-of-the-art parks that will be providing services, but these parks, if not properly maintained and not properly provided with the resources to have programs for our children -- Madam Clerk, I was going to say something, but I'm not going to say it -- it would be driving a nice car with bad rims, in other words, so -- and I -- that's just a joke between me and her, but what are we doing to make sure that we are providing the best possible service to our residents in our parks, based on the money that we've given? And I think it's not enough, butt know that I've pushed you to a limit where you may not be able to provide anymore, and I have pushed, and you have told me we can't anymore because we have to provide a balanced budget -- Mr. Spring: And I -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- and the Parks director's here. Mr. Spring: -- want -- before he speaks, I want to put something on the record, and that is, within the financial confines that we've been given, from a policy standpoint -- we've heard from the citizens tonight talk about reducing the millage rate, reducing our fees to help them deal with the ad valorem increase, to help them deal with the insurance costs increase. Internally, we also have our own financial constraint by way of the financial integrity ordinance, which this Commission and previous ones, after the financial crisis, agreed and committed themselves to make sure that the City, as it moved forward in the future, maintained the proper reserve levels so that we could have a better bond rating. We're able to go and get $255 million because of that commitment, because of that policy implementation and achieving those goals, so within those confines, I think we've done, as far as this budget presentation today, the best from an overall -- when I look at the large scope of the budget, we've done what we can to balance both of those needs. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Mr. Parks Director, I know that, asking you this, you're going to say no because I know how you operate the parks. Do you feel that the City is providing you with the adequate resources to provide a service -- a level of service that our residents who utilize our parks could be proud of? Ernest Burkeen: Ernest Burkeen, director of Parks & Recreation. Yes, I do. The Parks system, of course, has been underfunded for a very long time, and so there's a number of steps that you have to go to get to where you need, and part of what we have to do is that we have to manage our resources better and do just a better job of offering the services, and that's an internal thing. I think that the master plan that we've created -- or that will be delivered to you some time in October -- is going to go a long way towards getting us there, but right now, I'm fairly satisfied with where we're going and what we have to work with. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Do you feel that in summertime some children are being -- are left out because of the lack of resources for sporting programs, swimming programs, which is very important? There's no reason why we should have a child in Miami who does not learn -- who does not know how to swim. City ofMiami Page 25 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Burkeen: That's absolutely correct, and I -- butl think that one of the things that you want to look at is that you -- we have eleven pools, and only two of those pools operate year-round, and they only operate year-round because the only two have heaters. We've now began a process of looking at putting heaters in the pools so we can operate year-round. We're doing one at Shenandoah; going to do it at Virrick. We're going to do one at Gibson, and we're going to do one in Athalie Range. As we bring these heaters on, we will begin to operate year-round, and our goal, of course, is to teach every child in the City ofMiami how to swim. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Parks Director, I'm going to do something that did a couple of years ago, and of course, it's subject to the board approval of the Bayfront Park. As you know, Bayfront Park has had a very -- being well -run and managed, they have some resources, and I am going to champion this, and I will be asking the Bayfront Park management to identify half a million dollars -- of course, once again, it is subject to the board's approval, where I will seek half a million dollars from Bayfront Park to be presented to the Parks Department at the discretion of each City Commissioner for five district, divided 100,000 into five districts, for parks programs, not maintenance. Park programs, which the Commissioners will select because I know that we -- every summer, there's some kids that are being left out because the resources aren't there, so I'm going to go ahead and champion that, and I know that it's going to help you in the budget. Of course, if the board does approve it, it'll come back, and this Commission would have to accept that because it's a -- it would be like a donation, if I'm not mistaken, but having said that, let me tell you something. The budget, I am comfortable with. This has been a smooth process. It has been a pleasure to work with the Manager, with the director. The workshops have been very, very productive, and let me just say something. The greatest resources that we have in our City, ladies and gentlemen, are the people who work for this city. We should never forget that. Having said that, there are some crisis that lie ahead of this City, and I have been one that tend to have the philosophy that we need to grab the bull by the horn. We have been warned for quite some time now of an issue that is a crisis today; it will be a crisis in the next couple of years, and that is the pension, which no one has talked about. I want to emphasize, again, that this is not a city administration or elected officials against the people that work for our City. We need to sit down and put our differences aside and find a reasonable solution to this problem, and I could honestly tell you that, when the numbers are out and you have been -- and I know that some people are being misled. You know, you need to read the facts. You need to understand the facts. You need to study what's happening in the City. We cannot continue to put a Band-Aid on a fatal wound, and this Commissioner will not provide a remedy for two years, like we've done in the past, where we're faced with the same issue every couple of years, so we need to find a long-term solution. It is not going to be easy, ladies and gentlemen. You're going to see a lot of it in the news. I hope that our differences are respected. We may not disagree on the issue -- we may not agree on the issue, but we do respect our disagreements on the issue, so I am in support of the budget, and Mr. City Manager, along with all the unions that are here today, we need to work together to find a solution to this problem because, as I say every time, we cannot kill the goose that lays that golden egg. Thank you -- Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- Mr. Chairman. Chairman Gonzalez: Any further discussion on the item? Commissioner Haskins: Yes. Larry, under -- there's not a page in the book like there usually is. Out of the total budget of 508 million, how does that break down between operating expenses and all the other things that we do? Mr. Spring: Very easy number to give you. City ofMiami Page 26 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Haskins: OK. Hr. Spring: It's about a 30/70 split, 70 -- 70 to 75 is salaries and wages -related, and that 25, 30 percent is -- Commissioner Haskins: About three hundred -- Hr. Spring: -- other -- Commissioner Haskins: -- and fifty million and -- Hr. Spring: To -- Commissioner Haskins: -- a hundred and fifty million -- Hr. Spring: -- 50 million. Commissioner Haskins: -- is the rest. Hr. Spring: Correct. Commissioner Haskins: OK, and when we look at year-to-year -- because I'm looking at these schedules, and I get a little concerned, you know. I get a little concerned about are we putting the right amount into infrastructure. We've got a parks master plan coming down, hopefully, going to be approved soon, and do we have the resources to implement the suggestions here. We've got -- I don't see a lot of capital expenditures and improving parks facilities. I have a number of issues at Clemente Park. The clubhouse has been closed for a long time and that sort of thing, but when you look at the budget from year-to-year, it's not increasing that much, but there're a lot -- there're changes here and there. I see that -- but where I see the -- a change is in this nondepartmental, so I'm assuming that we're having less in capital contributions. Hr. Spring: That is -- Commissioner Haskins: Is that correct? Hr. Spring: -- significantly the -- that is exactly the drop in nondepartmental. It is the -- Commissioner Haskins: OK -- Hr. Spring: -- contribution to capital -- Commissioner Haskins: -- and for the City -- Hr. Spring: -- that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Commissioner Haskins: -- as a whole, that -- that's an issue -- Hr. Spring: Yes. Commissioner Haskins: -- because we have all sorts of City facilities, not only fire stations, the police stations, the park buildings, and the Solid Waste building, the GSA (General Services Administration) building; all sorts of buildings in the City that, you know, for lack of proper maintenance over the years, they're really -- you know, every year that goes by, it gets worse. This is the situation we're in with the Coconut Grove Convention Center, right? From year-to-year, there are -- built into our agreements -- automatic increases from year-to-year, not City ofMiami Page 27 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 every year for people, but I think for Fire Department and Police Department, they get a five percent increase every year for the first seven years, and -- Mr. Spring: The step increases, yes. Commissioner Haskins: -- then their step increases and the others for five years. How much of the increase in the budget is related just to step increases? Mr. Spring: Wow. I'm going to see ifI can get that number for you, Commissioner, right now. Commissioner Haskins: OK. Mr. Spring: One second. Actually, when I look at the -- when you look at the operating number right now for the year-to-year -- and I don't have my SPMM (Salary Projection Main Menu) run, which is the personnel run. I just have the solid numbers. I would imagine that increase is probably not signif -- necessarily significant from year to year because what impacts it is where the employees are in their longevity step. If you have -- and our workforce tends to be an older workforce, so a large part of them have probably already hit their -- that first five years -- Commissioner Haskins: I think when I was in -- Mr. Spring: -- first seven years. Commissioner Haskins: -- when I was the Budget director, I think it was around 10 million, something like that -- Mr. Spring: Right. Commissioner Haskins: -- a year, something around there, and then the pension costs are going up by how much? Mr. Spring: The pension costs are going up by -- the actual contribution is going up by six and a half million from -- Commissioner Haskins: Six and a half -- Mr. Spring: -- year to year. Commissioner Haskins: -- million dollars, so between those two, that's pretty much the increase in the budget. The rest is at -- what we've had to do is reduce -- Mr. Spring: It's nine -- the five percent is $9.1 million, so -- Commissioner Haskins: -- 9.1 -- Mr. Spring: -- yeah. Commissioner Haskins: -- million? Vice Chairman Sanchez: How much? How much? Mr. Spring: Nine point one million. Commissioner Haskins: That's about -- City ofMiami Page 28 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yeah. Commissioner Haskins: -- where it was when I was -- yeah, 9.1 million, so you know, we have significant increases there. You know, the City has got to -- we've got to get costs in line, and I've talked with a number of the union representatives, you know, and I know that they understand there are lots of things that we need to get done. We've come a long way on things like health insurance, but we need to really look at where we are with pension costs and other sorts of things, so we'd -- a lot of our employees are without a contract now for two years. We need to -- we really need to be sitting down at the table and talking about these issues, so I would like to propose that -- just to get an update -- if the City Attorney could brief me on where we stand on our union negotiations. I'd really -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yeah, that -- Commissioner Haskins: -- appreciate it, maybe have a shade meeting to discuss it. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Shade meeting. Mr. Fernandez: We work, as you well know, very close with your Manager, and your Manager should be the appropriate person to give you a status report on that. We serve him in that capacity, but you should hear from him on that issue. Commissioner Haskins: I -- you know, maybe we could have a shade meeting to discuss where we stand on our union negotiations and -- Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, that's -- Commissioner Haskins: -- just to get an update. Mr. Hernandez: -- it is a good idea, and something that we have -- we're in the works in frying to schedule. We have resumed negotiations with three of the unions, Fire, Police, and Solid Waste. I believe that, you know, some progress has been made. My goal is to be able to conclude all negotiations by the end of the calendar year. It's a challenge, but I think that, you know, if we work together, that we can make it. I'll proceed to schedule a shade meeting as soon as possible in order to provide you a more detailed update. Commissioner Haskins: You know, this problem is -- this -- the issue that we have with our budgets and looking at how do we provide really meaningful tax and fee relief isn't going to get settled by isolated decisions, and the critical thing to do here is to make sure that we look at this problem as a problem that we all have, employees, management, elected officials together, and you know, I would like to be able to see that we're really moving forward with discussing these issues. I can tell you several years ago, on the insurance side, there were a lot of very good discussions. I think the insurance committee has been reconstituted, and you know, I'd like to see some progress on that. I was going to ask you a question on parks. Is that OK? That's in there, right? Mr. Spring: Yeah. Commissioner Haskins: OK. Mr. Spring: Yes, yes. Commissioner Haskins: I had some -- Mr. Spring: Taken care of. City ofMiami Page 29 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Haskins: -- I'm trying to give you a break. Did you make the call? Mr. Spring: Not yet. You were supposed to give me the phone -- Commissioner Haskins: Oh, OK Mr. Spring: -- number, so -- Commissioner Haskins: I'm going to give him a break. There was just one sort of person I wanted in one of my parks, so as long as I have that, I'm happy with that, and I appreciate it. Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman. I just had -- Chairman Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado, then Commissioner Jones [sic]. Commissioner Regalado: Thank you very much. I'll be brief and Mr. Chairman -- and Mr. Manager, I know that it's a very difficult task and, you know, the wish list that you have is long, and you have to stretch and stretch the dollars, and you know, I would subscribe to all the needs that my colleagues have requested, you know, the need for parks and to expedite the contracts and all that, so I just will tell you my concern. My concern -- and this happened in the past adminisfration, and I'm tell [sic] you, I don't talk just for the heck of talking, butt have said it publicly and I have said it in private and public and everywhere, that I'm very grateful that you came to the City because you brought your professionalism, your experience, and your sense of balance and having to deal with the needs of the people, the needs of the money and all that, but there are some things that are of my concern, and I -- as I told you, it happened in the past adminisfration. Like for instance, consultants. Last years, we have spent millions and millions of dollars in consultants. We seem not to never end the hunger for consultants. Every time that we have a project, we need two consultant. Every time that we have a consultant, we need another consultant to consult -- Chairman Gonzalez: That other consultant. Commissioner Regalado: -- that consultant, and we -- sometimes, we have been going along with the request because, with a gun in our head, someone says, if you don't approve this, we will not finish this project, and then the hope and the idea of finishing the project is what makes the people tick, and then, you know, we hire the consultants. You know, we have a great staff. We have people that are very capable, and one would ask, well, why do we need so many people to consult the other people, and these are millions and millions of dollars. I have a serious problem, seeing that the unions don't have still a contract, to even consider more and more money for consultant, more change orders in projects. The -- I mean, I know that everything has gone up, but you know, the projects in the City ofMiami are like the properties in the City of Miami. They go up more than anything else in the City ofMiami, and then we have to keep changing one order to another order. The -- last Monday night, something that doesn't have to do with this Commission, but it does, at the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, you know, thanks to the Chairperson, Michelle Spence -Jones, and the Vice Chair, Linda [sic], and the presence of my colleague and my Chairman here, Angel Gonzalez, I was able to defer an item that seemed to me that symbolizes the way that the City is used to spend other people's money, and this was this block that we're doing in front of the Performing Arts Center that is supposed to cost $5 million, and now it's supposed to cost 550,000 more, like if we have curbs with gold plates. This is the culture that I'm afraid of because, at the middle of the year, you know, we have this change budget, and we start taking money. We have all these grandiose projects, you know, a streetcar that cost $200 million that we still don't know where the money is coming. We have the huge overtime for the Police Department because, simply, we don't have City ofMiami Page 30 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 police officers, and police officers are told to work double shift. This is the bad news. This is the concerns that have, and I -- you know, I trust that you understand because you come from a huge government that had huge expenses, but also had huge wish list. I mean, when you sat in the assistant County Manager, you had 13 wish list; now you have 5, although you have less money, but you know, I'm concerned. I'm concerned that the people think that we have money for a streetcar and we don't have money to pay the police officers. I'm concerned that the people see that consultants are getting millions and millions of dollars and we still are charging the fire fee, or we haven't give back the -- what the people believe is their on the fire fee, so I just wanted to tell you that trust you, and that understand that it's very difficult to balance the wish with what you have in reality, butt just will tell you something. I -- when you came, I personally was very happy, not because I didn't like the other Manager because he was rude or what, but because you bring afresh start of understanding the problems that we have. Hopefully, and thankfully, the Administration change because I will not change. I will continue to say what think, and will continue to question the things that think should be questioned, and think that's my role, and this is why I plead with you, Mr. Manager, in this budget that will support, that you consider starting from scratch, the barebones budget, and you know, if we have money left, then might as well, after all the savings (UNINTELLIGIBLE), you know, then we'll do some potholes and curbs and all that, but please, if we don't have the funding or -- let's not fry to be Beverly Hills because we're still the City ofMiami. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Manager, and what get -- what can I get from you? Mr. Hernandez: We're getting past this budget, hopefully, before the end of the night, and what commit to you and to the Chairman and the Commissioners, is that I'll give it my best in working on all those issues that you mentioned, from improving the recruitment of police, because that's very important to the residents, to improve the public safety component, to scrutinizing every project to see that we get the, you know, value of our dollar; to, in essence, look at every aspect of the organization to try to make it, you know, more efficient, and more than anything else, continue to listen to your concerns, and going out and taking frips with you in the community and fry to address those concerns. Now the basic things, like the potholes -- the little things that are significant because, if you don't take care of them, they become big issues -- those, we will take care of no question. Thank you. Commissioner Regalado: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Manager. Mr. Chair. Chairman Gonzalez: You're recognized. Commissioner Spence -Jones: This was actually my first budget, and I'm sure I drove -- Applause. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- Larry nuts -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: You'll never forget it. Mr. Spring: Not at all, Commissioner, not at all. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- and Pete nuts, but it was all good. I just have a couple things that want to at least make sure that we're on the same page with. First of all, I wanted to thank you, Larry, and commend you and Pete for working with me on the Solid Waste issue. As you know, it was a very important issue to me. I rode with those guys that morning, and I saw what they had to deal with with those type of trucks that they drive in and the conditions that they have to work in, and I really pushed hard to make sure that they had, you know, the trucks, and I appreciate you making sure that it was a line item in the budget. I also want to thank you -- City ofMiami Page 31 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 because I also got a chance to look at their showers, men and women -- not that there were any men in there while I was looking in the showers -- but the conditions that these guys have to work in every single day, picking up frash behind all of us, and then to have to come back to their headquarters and not have a decent, clean place to take a shower, so I appreciate you making those accommodations. I also want to just say real fast to my colleague on my right here, which always never ceases to amaze me with him providing the support, the additional dollars -- and again, I do understand that it still has to go in front of the Bayfront Park, but allowing -- or at least being willing to provide the additional resources that we, as Commissioners, need in our district to support our parks, and I will make sure that -- Ernie, and you know this -- the $100,000 that have will benefit the program for the kids that are 14 and up, which was a big issue in the last meeting that we had -- budget hearing, that not enough programs are identified for those kids, so I will utilize my dollars to support that, so those are my "thank yous, " so these are my concerns. First thing first was -- and I'm sure it was brought up earlier, but the number one thing -- or not number one. I'm not even going to put it in any particular order -- is the roadway improvements. As you know, we spend millions of dollars doing roadway improvements. Grand Avenue, Commissioner Haskins, is just completed. I think Flagler is in Joe's area, and of course, I've been talking about it since I've been in City Hall, which is MLK (Martin Luther King) Boulevard. I really want to make sure, from my Manager, that the dollars are allocated properly to make sure that, once we complete this beautiful boulevard or any of the streets that are -- we're paying these crazy amount of dollars to get roadway improvements done, infrastructure things done, that we can maintain them, and that is a huge, big concern for me, andl know thatl beat you guys -- Mr. Hernandez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- over the head about that, butt want to make sure that that happens, so I -- I don't know if you want to address it now, butt want to just make sure that that's not a problem. Mr. Hernandez: Well, I think that need to address it in a very general way, that we must take care of properly maintaining all our facilities, from roads to parks to buildings because once we put our money into it, if we don't take care of it, it'll go to waste. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Hernandez: It won't be properly used, so in the case ofMLK, we'll have, you know, the resources, and we'll insure that the resources are there to properly maintain it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you. I just wanted to make sure that was happening. Then the other thing, real fast, was regarding the parks. I mean, I praise the Parks on one end, but do want to at least say to Ernest and to -- I guess I say it to the Manager. I would personally prefer, Mr. BudgetMan, that the dollars that are associated with FACE (Film, Arts, Culture & Entertainment), which have really been in a different department or been shifted from that department, go back to parks, and the reason for my recommendation on that is I think that it's very important for us to leverage those dollars that we have through special events and activities with a department that has the ability to coordinate and do a lot of those activities and events in our parks, and I think having that in Parks is very valuable to us, so I would prefer for that item to be an item that is, Mr. Manager, a part of Parks because I think that -- and I commit myself to work along with the FACE in the process because I was a part of actually creating the grant process, and I will continue to work along with the Parks Department to make sure that it's done properly, but think it would be a big mistake not to keep it in a place where we can leverage those dollars to do more for our kids in the park -- and for our communities, so I would like to recommend that, and think may have mentioned that already, butt wanted to make sure, Mr. BudgetMan -- Larry, that -- and Mr. Manager, that we do that. City ofMiami Page 32 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Hernandez: I think that, in that case, I'll go back and take another look at it and set it up in the proper way so it can be efficient -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Mr. Hernandez: -- so we can do the job that we set out to do, you know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the proper leverage, so what I'll commit to you is that I'll take another look at it and structure it properly. Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, so does that mean that we will be able to put it where originally it was? Because I think that where it was was fine. We just needed to make some adjustments on the process. Mr. Hernandez: Allow me to take another look at it. In essence, I don't think it's an issue that it's so much budget -related -- Mr. Spring: It's not. Mr. Hernandez: -- but it's more -- Mr. Spring: Yeah. It's not an insurmountable issue. It's an issue of -- Mr. Fernandez: Of shifting funds. Mr. Spring: -- shifting funds and responsibility. Mr. Fernandez: Exactly, and that, Madam Commissioner, I would recommend that you would do soon after the new fiscal year begins, but that -- do not alter the budget as a document as it stands in front -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. No. I -- Mr. Fernandez: -- of you today. Mr. Spring: No, no, no, no. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- definitely don't want -- I'm not trying to do that. I'm just putting it on the record that that's something that I'm recommending to have. I'm not have -- I'm not trying to change the bottom line of any numbers in the budget. Vice Chairman Sanchez: It won't be balanced. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm not trying to do that. I just want to make -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: You'll disbalance [sic] it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- yeah. Right. We're not trying to disbalance [sic] it. I'm just making sure I put it on the record so that you know that it's something that's important to us. Mr. Fernandez: You know, throughout the year, Larry comes to you, at least two or three times every year, making certain budget changes and amendments reflecting the income from -- Mr. Spring: This one -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I got it. City ofMiami Page 33 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Mr. Spring: -- either way, would not require a budget amendment because the -- Mr. Hernandez: No. Mr. Spring: -- dollars -- Mr. Fernandez: Correct. Mr. Spring: -- are budgeted (UNINTELLIGIBLE) departments. Mr. Fernandez: They're already appropriated. Mr. Spring: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right, so I just want to make sure I put it on the record. Mr. Hernandez: There's no -- there is no impact on the budget. It's just -- Mr. Spring: Right. Mr. Hernandez: -- the organizational structure -- Mr. Spring: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Hernandez: -- where the function will lie. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. OK, and then last, but not least, which was the -- we talked about this earlier, and I think that Mr. Manager has addressed it already -- was, as you know, we got away from hurricanes this past season, which means we didn't really -- I don't -- hopefully, we won't get hit, but I've been talking about this since I've been on the dais about how important it is to make sure that we're prepared for the hurricane season. I was a little disappointed that we did not have anything in place to address the issue of any hurricane -related issues, but I'm glad to know that the necessary adjustments have been made, and we will, hopefully, work hand -in -hand with the Fire Department to make sure that each one of our districts will have something in place for either our seniors or disabled people within our district between that 72 hours because I know that main mission has always been -- what we've been promoting lately is 72 hours, prepare people for 72 hours, but the reality of the situation, that in many of our districts, many of the seniors and those folks are not even prepa -- able to be prepared for those 72 hours, so I want to make sure that that is -- Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, I believe we have it all covered for the -- Mr. Spring: A plan -- yeah. We have a plan to deal with that issue. We had originally talked to -- we had originally talked about, as part of our normal emergency process, we prepared 72 to 96 hours ahead of the storm in getting those packaged -- those -- the kits that you had -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Mr. Spring: -- referred to together. That was my recommendation -- recommended approach to dealing with that, not only for the fact that it will also enable the City the ability to get FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reimbursement associated with that because it'll be part of our preparation activities. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you, and then I -- on the pension thing -- again, I'm City ofMiami Page 34 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 learning all about the pensions, and the last time, I kind of-- when you -- when I got my briefing, I -- and you told me it went from four to eighty million, I fell out the chair because, you know, the reality in my district -- I mean, there's so many things that we need to have done, not taking anything away from the folks that have been on their jobs for God knows how long, because they deserve to have whatever they need -- deserve to have because of the time that they put in, butl just need to understand the breakdown, though, of it because -- from the Solid Waste, Police, and Fire. What is the breakdown between the three, the dollar amounts? Mr. Spring: When we look at the budgets, you have the GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees) -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: GESE (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Spring: -- pension trust, which is the general employees and sanitation, and then you have the FIPO (Firefighters and Police Officers) retirement frust -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's a big one. Mr. Spring: -- which is Fire and Police. When you look at this year's budget -- and I'm going to give you gross numbers here -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Spring: -- and that gross number includes two components. Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Spring: It includes both their -- what is referred to as their investment contribution and their non -investment contribution. The non -investment contribution is the dollars that the Administrative staff needs to be appropriated to operate, and then the investment piece. On both, as far as the non -investment piece, I will say they're, generally, with -- in line, when you look at the amount of assets that they're managing -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Spring: -- so we don't typically -- we don't have a major issue with that expenditure, but the FIPO retirement trust -- and they'll be here today to present their budget for final approval -- is - - this year's allocation is 56.7 million, and the GESE retirement trust allocation is 27.4. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Total of 79. Mr. Spring: Twenty-seven -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Total of them between both? Mr. Spring: No, no, no, no. GESE is one group, 27.4; and FIPO is one group, 56.7. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And FIPO is the combination between Police and Fire? Mr. Spring: Fire -- yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But there's no breakdown between the both of them. Mr. Spring: We prob -- we can get you that number, but it'd take -- City ofMiami Page 35 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. You don't have to give it to me now -- Mr. Spring: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- but do -- I would be interested in at least -- Commissioner Haskins: Michelle, but -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- knowing the difference between -- Mr. Spring: Yeah. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- both. Commissioner Haskins: -- I think the participation is very -- the number of Solid Waste workers in the GESE -- Mr. Spring: Is higher, definitely. Commissioner Haskins: -- plan is very small, the number of Solid Waste workers, so it's probably -- Charlie, probably what, less than five percent, right, of the -- Unidentified Speaker: (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Haskins: -- Solid Waste participation? And there -- isn't it like 12 -- it's a hundred -- two hundred Solid Waste -- yeah -- Mr. Spring: Yeah. Commissioner Haskins: -- but it's probably five percent of that number. Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK, and then I just wanted -- I'm closing out on this, Mr. Chairman, because I know that, you know, we have to move on, but just so that understand, Larry, we are required to have a certain amount in our reserves, right? Mr. Spring: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: What is the required amount, so that I'm clear on what that amount is? Mr. Spring: The required amount is a formula. That formula is equal to 20 percent of the last three-year average recurring revenues. Today -- and we -- that number approximates about $84 million. Each year that we move forward and we have enhancements in the ad valorem tax, that number goes higher and higher and higher. Right now, the budget that's presented not only protects that $85 million, but also gives us a cushion of an additional ten -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Good. Mr. Spring: -- and that has been one of my concerns that I'm putting forth to this Commission because we want to protect our bond rating, we want to stay committed to adhering to our financial integrity ordinance, so staying away from that number as much as possible -- and in fact, being able to put money back is where I would love to be, but right now, Commissioner, you're right. We need to protect that number. We have to protect it. We have to say away from it. For things like what you just put on the record -- God forbid, a category 5 hurricane comes through the gut of the City ofMiami, that money is what -- is the dollars that we use to take care City ofMiami Page 36 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 of our expenditures during that emergency time, and then we look to FEMA to give us 85 percent of our money back, not even all of it, so those reserves really need to be there. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you so much, Larry. Thank you, Pete. Mr. Hernandez: Thank you. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Call the question. Mr. Spring: The -- Chairman Gonzalez: We are -- Mr. Spring: Oh. Chairman Gonzalez: -- right now, I'm lost. I almost -- Mr. Fernandez: Well -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: We're on 3. Chairman Gonzalez: -- fall -- Mr. Spring: I'm sorry, Commissioner. Chairman Gonzalez: -- asleep. Mr. Spring: I wanted to make a correction. "[Later...]" Vice Chairman Sanchez: Move BH.3. Chairman Gonzalez: BH.3 is a resolution -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we need a second. We have a motion -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Mr. Chairman. Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries. "[Later...]" City ofMiami Page 37 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.4 06-01558 Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Chairman Gonzalez: BH.3. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Do I need -- Chairman Gonzalez: It's a resolution. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- to make a motion to reconsider BH.3? Chairman Gonzalez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Yes, sir. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. So move to reconsider -- Commissioner Haskins: Second. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- BH.3. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second to reconsider BH.3. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move BH.3. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion on BH.3. Commissioner Haskins: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a second. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Commissioner Haskins: And thank you for your indulgence. Vice Chairman Sanchez: No. Commissioner Haskins: I really wanted to vote on this, and I really -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Absolutely. Commissioner Haskins: -- I thought that you guys -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Did you read the --? Commissioner Haskins: -- were going to talk longer. DISCUSSION ITEM City ofMiami Page 38 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Department of DISCUSSION CONCERNING A FINANCIAL UPDATE AND BUDGET Finance OUTLOOK. DEFERRED A motion was made by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Haskins, and was passed unanimously, with Chairman Gonzalez absent, to defer Item BH.4. Chairman Gonzalez: OK. BH.4. Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): Commissioner -- Chairman Gonzalez: Vice Chairman -- Mr. Spring: -- I asked to have BH (Budget Hearing) -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- will you -- would you chair -- Mr. Spring: -- 4 -- Chairman Gonzalez: -- BH.4, please? Mr. Spring: -- be deferred until next -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. We need a motion for that, to defer BH.4. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So move. Vice Chairman Sanchez: There's a motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones. Is there a second? Commissioner Haskins: Second. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Haskins. 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" BH.5 06-01560 DISCUSSION ITEM Downtown DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET Development FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Authority PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN MILLAGE OVER ROLLED BACK RATE. RESPONSE NINETEEN AND 88th PERCENT (19.88%) SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR WHICH AD VALOREM TAX REVENUES ARE BEING INCREASED. RESPONSE: PURPOSE: DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS COST City ofMiami Page 39 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 $ 730,859.01 100 CITY COMMISSION LISTENS AND RESPONDS TO CITIZENS COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE INCREASE AND EXPLAINS THE REASONS FOR THE INCREASE OVER THE ROLLED BACK RATE. ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION: 1. AMEND THE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY 2.RECOMPUTE THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, IF NECESSARY 3.PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THE PERCENT BY WHICH THE RECOMPUTED PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE EXCEEDS THE ROLLED BACK RATE 4.ADOPT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE 5.ADOPT THE FINAL BUDGET 06-01560 Millage Discussion 9/28/06.pdf 06-01560 Millage Discussion 9/12/06.pdf DISCUSSED Vice Chairman Sanchez: We got to BH.5, which is the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) millage rate discussion. Sir, you're recognized for the record. Welcome. Dana Nottingham: Name is Dana Nottingham, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. We're -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Just state it for the record and -- the millage rate. Very brief. Mr. Nottingham: The millage rate is a half mill. Do you want me to read for the record the results of the last -- Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yeah. Mr. Nottingham: -- meeting? Vice Chairman Sanchez: Just put -- Mr. Fernandez: Mr. -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- something on the record. Mr. Fernandez: -- Chairman, I suggest that the script that appears be read because it meets statutory requirements. He needs to ask the rhetorical question and then give you the -- add the correct answer, so allow him -- Mr. Nottingham: OK. Mr. Fernandez: -- the, you know, courtesy of two minutes so that -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's what I'm doing. Mr. Fernandez: -- he can read BH.5. Mr. Nottingham: OK, I'll read it. Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's what I want. I want him to put it on the record. Mr. Fernandez: Oh, OK. City ofMiami Page 40 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.6 06-01561 Downtown Development Authority Mr. Nottingham: Discussion of proposed millage rate and tentative budget for the Downtown Development Authority. Percentage increase in millage over rollback rate. Response: 19.88 percent. Specific purpose for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased. Response -- Purpose, downtown economic development programs. Cost, $730,859. City Commission listens and responds to citizens' comments regarding the proposed millage increase and explains the reasons for the increase over the rolled back rate. Actions by the City Commission: Amend the budget, if necessary. Recompute the proposed millage rate, if necessary. Publicly announce the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled back rate. Adopt the final millage rate. Adopt the final budget. Date, September 12, 2006, discussed. ORDINANCE Second Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), RELATED TO TAXATION, DEFINING AND DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), FLORIDA; FIXING THE MILLAGE AND LEVYING TAXES IN SAID DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, AT FIVE -TENTHS (.5) MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF NONEXEMPT ASSESSED VALUE OF ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN SAID DISTRICT; PROVIDING THAT SAID MILLAGE AND THE LEVYING OF TAXES WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY AS REFLECTED IN THE CITY'S MILLAGE LEVY ORDINANCE FOR THE AFORESAID FISCAL YEAR REQUIRED BY CITY CHARTER SECTION 27; PROVIDING THAT THE FIXING OF THE MILLAGE AND THE LEVYING OF TAXES HEREIN SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED AS REPEALING OR AMENDING ANY OTHER ORDINANCE FIXING MILLAGE OR LEVYING TAXES, BUT SHALL BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION THERETO; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION, SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 06-01561 Legislation FR/SR.pdf 06-01561 Exhibit FR/SR.pdf 06-01561 Cover Memo FR/SR.pdf 06-01561 Memo FR/SR.pdf Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones Absent: 1 - Commissioner Gonzalez 12856 Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. It is an ordinance on second reading. Let's get a motion and a second, and then we'll open up the public hearing. Is there a mo --? Madam Clerk. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): We just went through BH.5. The ordinance is actually BH.6. Commissioner Haskins: This is real confusing. Dana Nottingham: Right. City ofMiami Page 41 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Vice Chairman Sanchez: OK, so it's BH -- Mr. Nottingham: Ordinance. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- 6. I -- yeah. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Dana Nottingham, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. It's an ordinance on second reading. Let's get a motion. Commissioner Haskins: So moved. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Vice Chairman Sanchez: There's a motion by Commissioner Haskins, second by Commissioner Spence -Jones. Before we go to discussion, it is a public hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to address this item, please step forward and be recognized. Seeing none, hearing none, for the record, the public hearing is closed, coming back to the Commission for discussion on the item. Hearing no discussion on the item, Mr. City Attorney, read the ordinance on second reading into the record, followed by a roll call. Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): The ordinance has already been read. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Roll call. Ms. Thompson: Roll call. Commissioner Regalado? Commissioner Regalado: Yes, but I have a question. There have been some complaints about the sidewalks in Flagler Street and Downtown Development is involved in that. I even received pictures sent by merchants who complain that the new pavers are worse than the old pavers. I guess that's -- that would be something that you would address, right? Mr. Nottingham: Yes. We were involved in the design management of that. The construction management of that is through the City CIP (Capital Improvements Program) Department, and there have been some delays for explainable reasons, in terms of closing out that job, and we are as anxious about closing that out as you are. Commissioner Regalado: Are you happy with that? Mr. Nottingham: No. Commissioner Regalado: Because the blame is going to be on you. Mr. Nottingham: The Downtown Development Authority -- when you say the blame is on me -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. I mean, the merchants and the visitors expect from you a downtown that was promised to them. Mr. Nottingham: Right. Well, the Downtown Development Authority works with everybody at the table to fry to get things done, and we do hear from the merchants everyday, and we work with the City's CIP Department everyday, who is responsible for managing that contract. The Downtown Development Authority does not manage that contract, and -- we don't. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. City ofMiami Page 42 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Haskins: And we are now giving everyone a weekly update on the status of the project. Had a meeting with merchants and Capital Improvements, and there will be more phases to this. We have still drainage issues and that sort of thing, so I don't think anybody's happy with it, but at least today we're getting regular updates on what the status is. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Roll call. Ms. Thompson: Continuation. Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Haskins? Commissioner Haskins: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chairman Sanchez? Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 4/0. BH.7 06-01562 RESOLUTION Downtown A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPROPRIATING Development FROM THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AD VALOREM TAX Authority LEVY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS INCOME FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA (CITY"), FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007; AUTHORIZING THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO INVITE AND ADVERTISE REQUIRED BIDS; PROVIDING FOR BUDGETARY FLEXIBILITY; PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION TO THE RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 FOR THE OPERATIONS FOR THE CITY. 06-01562 Legislation 9/28/06.pdf 06-01562 Legislation 9/12/06.pdf 06-01562 Cover Memo.pdf 06-01562 Memo.pdf Motion by Commissioner Haskins, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Haskins, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones Absent: 1 - Commissioner Gonzalez R-06-0568 Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Now we got to BH.7, is that correct? This is a resolution. Dana Nottingham: A resolution of the Miami City Commission appropriating from the Downtown Development District ad valorem tax levy and other miscellaneous income for the Downtown Development Authority of the City ofMiami, Florida, for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007; authorizing the Downtown Development Authority to invite and advertise required bids; providing for budgetary flexibility; providing City ofMiami Page 43 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.8 06-01566 Fire Fighters/Police Retirement Trust that this resolution be deemed supplemental and in addition to the resolution making appropriations for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007 for the operations for the City. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Is there a motion? Commissioner Haskins: So moved. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Motion by Commissioner Haskins. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Regalado. Before we open it up for discussion, it is a resolution requiring a public hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to address this item, please step forward and be recognized. Seeing none, hearing none, for the record, it comes back to the Commission. Any further discussion on the item? Hearing none, it's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. Thank you so much, sir, as always. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MIAMI FIRE FIGHTERS' AND POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT TRUST FUND ("FIPO RETIREMENT TRUST FUND") FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,907,082, EXCLUDING NORMAL COST, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FIPO RETIREMENT TRUST FUND. 06-01566 Legislation 9/28/06 .pdf 06-01566 Legislation 9/12/06 .pdf 06-01566 Exhibit .pdf 06-01566 Cover Memo .pdf 06-01566 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-06-0569 Vice Chairman Sanchez: BH.8 is a resolution. All right, and that is FIP [sic] retirement trust. Let's go. Tom Gabriel: Mr. Chair, Commissioners, Tom Gabriel, representing the FIPO (Firefighters and Police). Commissioner Regalado: OK. Do we ask --? Oh. Vice Chairman Sanchez: No. He's got to put something on the record. City ofMiami Page 44 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Regalado: OK. No, no. Mr. Gabriel: The budget's before you, Mr. Commissioner. It's been in your -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Hey, Tom, you're -- Mr. Gabriel: -- book. If you want me to go over the items on it, I'll gladly go over it. I just don't know -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Please do. Mr. Gabriel: -- how you want to proceed. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Please do. I don't think -- Mr. Gabriel: OK. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- your pretty face is going to get the votes here. Mr. Gabriel: Excuse me? Vice Chairman Sanchez: I don't think your pretty face is going to get the votes here. Mr. Gabriel: I just figured I'd get -- Commissioner Regalado: I -- Mr. Gabriel: -- with the same as the last person did. Commissioner Regalado: -- just want to ask something before you do that because it's been explain to the people that what is going on with the pension is because of five year cycles that our accountant -- and the stock market, as we all know, suffer a setback after 9/11. It's been now five years from 9/11, and probably three years and a half or four years of a better bullish market, so help me understand. If this is five-year cycles and if we only need one year or maybe two years of bullish market, which we have, and the economy seems to be going in the right direction, why are we told that, in the next six, seven, eight years, we will have to contribute 60 million, 80 million, $90 million to the pension plan? Mr. Gabriel: Mr. Commissioner, I can only speak to the FIPO portion of it, but whoever's telling you that the costs are going to continue to rise is patently wrong, and maybe you do need new advisors because the reality is, as you mentioned it, that we had three bad years, and that's on record, and I think pretty much anybody who had any money in the market pretty much had those three bad years. We had a couple of good years before then, so during the time that they came up, it was a slow process going from $1 million payment. We started moving up because we had some good years. We had one bad year, so we had two good years, one bad year, and so on, and we hit almost to three good years, and the City came to us and asked us to change it to five years, so then the process changed to a five-year process, so we've held on to two of those bad years a little longer than we should have maybe, or at least could have, but the five-year smoothing that's currently in effect right now, and currently what's in your budget, not necessarily the budget I'm here to talk about -- I'm here in the administrative side -- but nevertheless, so we're going to have this discussion, the -- those five years smoothing are about to start sending your pension payments, in the same way that they came up, it's heading down, especially since we've had a great last quarter. I expect that we'll be in the positive territory as long as tomorrow holds out, basically. We'll have three very -- three to four strong years, and we'll start dropping off some of those worse years, but we do understand the pain of the 60 City ofMiami Page 45 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 million, but think that you have plenty of knowledge here, and I look to Larry and maybe Commissioner Haskins to confirm that we do have some good years on record. I do have the returns in front of me, and I think if you look at the five-year return, which is -- that -- sort of that five-year. This is not exact because it comes from June. We haven't got to the end. We're at 6.9 percent over the five-year, but if you take the fifth year off and go to the four-year, we're at 10 percent; three-year, we're at 12 percent; the last two years, we're at 10 percent; and one year, as ofJune 30, 2006, we're at 9.4, all well above -- those years are all well above where we need to be, so get rid of the last year, which is the one that's costing you the money right now, and it starts heading to the -- heading south. Commissioner Regalado: So what you're -- Hr. Gabriel: FIPO only. I can't speak for the others. Commissioner Regalado: No, no, of course. I'm talking -- what you're saying in your pension is, if we continue to have a market where the Dow keeps going up, you know, three points --maybe today, twenty points; tomorrow, it falls ten points, but it's about the -- thousand level. It would reduce drastically the contribution of the City. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Of course. Hr. Gabriel: Yeah. The numbers -- although we can't certainly -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: It's based on the market. Hr. Gabriel: -- speak to the future, we can say that if we just broke even, which is -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but you see -- Hr. Gabriel: -- eight percent or so, the average, then -- Commissioner Regalado: -- but -- Hr. Gabriel: -- things will go down. Commissioner Regalado: -- here in this budget, we are in the future because we're still paying for the five-year cycle, so what the future will be is that, in the next five to six years, we'll be using the good years (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Hr. Gabriel: Correct. That's correct. Commissioner Regalado: OK, so -- Chairman Gonzalez: Excuse me. The City Attorney, I think, wants to interject. Jorge L. Fernandez (City Attorney): Yes. You can tell me to shut up, and I'll shut up, butt need to call your attention to the fact that you're only dealing with the operating costs -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Exactly. Hr. Fernandez: -- of this program. You have already dealt with the issue of your investment type of contribution when you did your budget, and to the extent that these are all issues that are at the table, presently being negotiated, subject matter of your blue-ribbon committee and et cetera, I would kindly suggest to you that you focus on the issue of the 1.9, which is what is operational and only in front of you, and all issues relative to the investment, and the market, City ofMiami Page 46 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 and the assumptions, and the actuarials [sic], and the like, interesting and fascinating as it is, and as desirous as you are of having all of that knowledge, this -- the budget process right now, my suggestion, ignore if you will -- Commissioner Regalado: Thank you very much. I'll be stupid and I will vote only on -- but I will tell you something. The people ofMiami deserve to know, and they don't vote. They don't vote; they don't negotiate, and we need to come clean with the people ofMiami because, you know, it's very easy to say, like it was said here, one said from that part, you know, somebody's bad; the other guy's the worst, and the end of the day, the people ofMiami don't have information. I, for one, am in the spotlight because I have to have open phones everyday in the radio and TV (television) programs, and then, you know, I'm exposed to the questions. I think it's unfair to ask me to vote in a budget ifI don't have all the information, so whether you don't like it or you like it, I will continue to try to get information because the only way to vote intelligent is -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: You have a resolution? Commissioner Regalado: -- with information. Mr. Fernandez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may. Again, the proper time to make all the inquiries with regard to the investment portion of the City's contribution to the pensions was during your main budget, which is where you find those, and you know, that was discussed. This resolution in front of you only deals with 1.9, which is their operations. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Can we --? Vice Chairman Sanchez: Go ahead and put the resolution in the record. Mr. Gabriel: Mr. Chair, do you want me to go over the budget at all or --? Vice Chairman Sanchez: I just need the resolution. Mr. Gabriel: A resolution of the Miami City Commission, with attachments, approving and adopting the annual budget of the City ofMiami Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Retirement Trust, FIPO retirement trust fund, for fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007, attached and incorporated, in the amount of $1,907, 082, excluding normal costs, to provide for the administration of the FIPO retirement (rust fund. Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. It's a resolution. All in favor, say -- Discussion? No discussion. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed, say "no." Motion carries. BH.9 06-01570 RESOLUTION Virginia Key Beach A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Park Trust ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,680,955 IN OPERATING FUNDS. City ofMiami Page 47 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 06-01570 Legislation 9-28-06.pdf 06-01570 Legislation 9-12-06 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 2 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 3 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 4 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 5 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 6 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 7 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 8 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 9 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 10 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 11 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 12 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 13 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 14 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 15 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 16 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 17 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 18 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 19 .pdf 06-01570 Exhibit 20 .pdf 06-01570 Cover Memo.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-06-0570 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.9. Vice Chairman Sanchez: PH.9 [sic], Virginia Key Beach Trust. Chairman Gonzalez: Virginia Key Beach. Mark Walters: Good evening. My name is Mark Walters, and I'm a member of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. I'm here on behalf of our chair, Athalie Range. She's unable to be here tonight because she is ill. We're here to request of the Commission -- it's a resolution of the Miami City Commission, with attachments, approving and adopting the annual budget for the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007, in an amount not to exceed $1,680,955 in operating funds. Chairman Gonzalez: Is there a motion? Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So move -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- discussion, though. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. City ofMiami Page 48 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Just real fast, and I know this is really Commissioner Haskins' district, but I know that Virginia Key Beach is very dear to the African American community. I would like for Larry and the Manager, real fast, to just make sure -- I know in our last discussion regarding this issue, the master plan that's being put together for the Key, I really ask that we come up with some sort of solution as to -- you know, or identifying someone that could work along with the Trust during that particular time that they're doing the planning study to make sure that we look at ways the Trust itself can generate revenue because I -- and I know that I keep saying it to you all the time, David Shorter. I'm supporting it, so it's not even like I'm not supporting it, but one of the things that I discovered -- I visited Detroit and Chicago. I went to actually the African Heritage Museum there a couple of weeks ago, and it's a beautiful museum. They spent about $30 million for that museum. It's the largest African -American museum, and the biggest concern that they had -- even with the funds that they had to build the museum -- was the operating of it, the operation of it, so I just -- I really, really want to make sure that we're looking at things, and this is a museum that had a whole bunch of support behind it, but they're struggling, and they barely can keep their doors open, so I just really, really want to make sure that there's some plan put in place that once the building is actually built, that it's going to be able to operate. The City of Detroit has totally cut the African Heritage Museum off. They no longer provide their million dollar operating fund for them to actually run their museum, so they're struggling just frying to operate it, and I just would hate to see us put a beautiful building there and not have the dollars to operate it, and that is the reality of museums, period, across the country, especially African Americans -- ones, so my question is -- andl really want to make sure that we're not setting them up for failure by giving them money every year and not having -- putting something in place for them to become stable, so I wanted to -- I -- Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Madam -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- asked for one of the planners to be brought on board to work along with the Key to come up with things that they could, perhaps, do to generate revenue. Mr. Hernandez: Madam Commissioner, as requested at the last regular Commission meeting, we are going to provide that type of coordination through our Planning Department -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Hernandez: -- in order to ensure that when -- once that master planning is done for Virginia Key, that we also provide the kind of support that they need for their -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. I'm saying -- Mr. Hernandez: -- development. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- there's a master -- and Linda, I don't know if you can chime in on it. Isn't there currently a master plan being done for Virginia Key Beach, period? Commissioner Haskins: It's a master plan for all of Virginia Key -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Commissioner Haskins: -- that's in the process of being done. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. In the last meeting we had on the budget, I asked that we identify someone from that -- the group that is on board to do that that could work specifically on -- with the Trust, not -- I'm not talking about a Planning staff member. I'm talking -- the group that you brought on board -- City ofMiami Page 49 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.10 06-01571 Civilian Investigative Panel Mr. Hernandez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to do the work because I -- Planning staff is already overloaded, and this is something that really needs attention because we -- it may not happen once I'm gone -- I mean, while I'm here, but after I'm gone, you know, I would hate to have this museum finally built, and then we have issues that it's struggling because it has no resource -- i.e., Lyric Theater; beautiful building. The County put 10, $12 million in, and you know, they're struggling to operate. Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, that has been taken into account, so that would be provided through the consultant that is providing the master planning for Virginia Key. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No problem. Mr. Hernandez: Got it. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Any further discussion? Hearing none, we have a motion and we have a second. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: I had my blood pressure checked, and it's fine, so -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: It's fine. Chairman Gonzalez: --I can continue. BH.10. Mr. Walters: Thank you. Thanks. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006 ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. 06-01571 Legislation 9/28/06.pdf 06-01571 Legislation 9/12/06.pdf 06-01571 Exhibit.pdf 06-01571 Cover Memo.pdf 06-01571 Memo.pdf 06-01571 Meeting Minutes.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-06-0571 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.10, CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel). JanetMcAliley: I'm JanetMcAliley, vice chairperson of the Civilian Investigative Panel. With me tonight are two members of the panel, Brenda Shapiro and Hector Sehwerert -- City ofMiami Page 50 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Brenda Shapiro: Good evening. Ms. McAliley: -- and we -- Chairman Gonzalez: Hi. Good evening. Ms. McAliley: -- would like to present our resolution. Chairman Gonzalez: OK. Ms. McAliley: A resolution of the Miami City Commission, with attachments, approving the proposed budget of the Civilian Investigative Panel, attached and incorporated, for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007. Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion -- Commissioner Regalado: I'll second. Discussion. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Discussion. Commissioner Regalado. Commissioner Regalado: I was disappointed that the presentation that we had scheduled today on the chairperson on the board was defer, but -- and I know that this is budget time and all that, butt wish that you discuss with the Manager the possibility of having a full presentation about -- not only the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) report, but the board itself. You know, sometimes we forget that this was approved by 76 percent of the voters in the City ofMiami, and you may not be elected directly, but you're accountable, not to us, but the people ofMiami, and I have been reading a lot about the board and the letters that you all send, and what the media has been publishing, and I think that the City Commission, and the Administration, and the people should know, you know, what really is going on with the board, and I would happy support the budget, butt would ask you to come to us in this public forum and give us a full report, if possible. Ms. McAliley: Thank you very much, Commissioner Regalado. I think that it is the sense of the panel that we're very eager to do that. The Chair is in trial, and I understand he would be here, except he has a jury out right now, and so we're here, but there's very sincere -- Commissioner Regalado: Well, the jury is out, too, on CIP. Ms. McAliley: Well, we are -- take our public responsibility very, very seriously. We've had very good participation from some very busy citizens in the City, and we want to make contact with you all. I hope you are reading the communications that we send to you and send to the City Manager, as well. There's a lot happening here that we're frying to do, and we want to be involved with you in that process. It's very important to us. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Any other comments? Hearing none, 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. Motion carries. Ms. McAliley: Thank you very much. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Thank you. City ofMiami Page 51 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.11 06-01575 Model City Community Revitalization District Trust RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE MODEL CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION DISTRICT TRUST FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. 06-01575 Legislation 9/28/06.pdf 06-01575 Legislation 9/12/06.pdf 06-01575 Exhibit.pdf 06-01575 Cover Page.pdf 06-01575 Pre -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-06-0572 Chairman Gonzalez: OK. BH.11, Model City budget. David Chiverton: Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission. David Chiverton, board of directors, Model City Trust, here before you today to ask you to approve the budget for the Model -- Chairman Gonzalez: We need you to read the resolution. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Read the reso. (resolution). Mr. Chiverton: OK. All right. A resolution of the City ofMiami Commission, with attachments, approving the proposed budget of the Model City Community Revitalization District Trust for fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Motion carries. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to make one -- have one quick question, Larry. Once the other -- or Mr. Manager -- once the -- because the Trust name will actually -- we'll be bringing up another item, and it'll be changing, so you'll just make the adjust -- Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. City ofMiami Page 52 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.12 06-01574 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Commissioner Haskins: Can I -- Mr. Chiverton: Thank you. Commissioner Haskins: -- ask a real brief question? I'm sorry. You have some revenue line items, and there's some from Community Development Block Grant. Is that a secured revenue source for you already? Mr. Chiverton: I don't believe that it's yet fully secured. It's what we anticipate to have. Commissioner Haskins: Homeland Defense Neighborhood Improvement Bond dollars? Mr. Chiverton: I think that is. Commissioner Haskins: OK. We need to make sure that you understand, under financial integrity ordinance, if that revenue source is not secured and you have expenses against that line item, you cannot incur those expenses until your revenue source is secured, just so -- Mr. Chiverton: We do under -- Commissioner Haskins: -- because I know that there's been a lot of changes and -- Mr. Chiverton: Right. Commissioner Haskins: -- don't want to have the same issues, OK? Mr. Chiverton: We've been briefed on it. Commissioner Haskins: Great, OK. Mr. Chiverton: Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE BUDGETS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST, OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, AND MIDTOWN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, AS APPROVED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 06-01574 Legislation .pdf 06-01574 Exhibit.PDF 06-01574 Exhibit 2.PDF 06-01574 Exhibit 3.pdf 06-01574 Summary Form.pdf Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, 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 City ofMiami Page 53 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 BH.13 06-01650 General Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust R-06-0573 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.12, Southeast Overtown/Park West, Omni, and Midtown CRAs (Community Redevelopment Agencies). Commissioner Spence -Jones: CRA? Chairman Gonzalez: The resolution. Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): I'll just put it on the record. A resolution is the Miami City Commission, with attachments, adopting the budgets of the Southeast Overtown/Park West, Omni Redevelopment District, and Midtown Community Redevelopment Agencies, attached and incorporated, for fiscal years October 1, 2006 -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Why Jim didn't read it? Mr. Spring: -- and ending September 30, 2007, as approved by the respective boards of directors, which happen to be yourselves. Chairman Gonzalez: Motion. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Commissioner Haskins: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S) APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' & SANITATION EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT TRUST ("GESE RETIREMENT TRUST FUND") FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,667,017, EXCLUDING NORMAL COST, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE RETIREMENT TRUST FUND. 06-01650 Legislation.pdf 06-01650 Exhibit.pdf 06-01650 Cover Memo.pdf 06-01650 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-06-0574 Chairman Gonzalez: BH.13. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Senator. City ofMiami Page 54 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: It's a resolution, Senator. Vice Chairman Sanchez: What -- Chairman Gonzalez: Welcome to -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- a great honor to have you here, Senator. Ron Silver: Well, thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: -- City Hall. Mr. Silver: For the record, Ron Silver, attorney for the City ofMiami General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust, 407 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. I must ask one favor of you, ifI could, before I read the resolution, and that is, tonight is my wife's birthday -- or today is my wife's birthday, all right, and if somebody could write me a note -- Chairman Gonzalez: So you -- Mr. Silver: -- just telling me that, you know, I'm here. Chairman Gonzalez: You should have said -- Commissioner Haskins: We'll write a note. Chairman Gonzalez: -- it earlier because I think now you're in frouble. Does she watch Channel 77? Mr. Silver: Yeah -- no. No, no, no -- Chairman Gonzalez: Oh, you're in -- Mr. Silver: -- no. I think she's out partying, quite frankly. Chairman Gonzalez: You're in trouble. You are in frouble. Mr. Silver: Thank you. This is a resolution of the City ofMiami Commission, with attachments, approving and adopting the annual budget of the City ofMiami General Employees' and Sanitation Employees' Retirement Trust for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007, in the amount not to exceed two million, six hundred and sixty-seven thousand -- two billion -- million? Vice Chairman Sanchez: No, no -- Chairman Gonzalez: Two million. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- not billion. Mr. Silver: No. Chairman Gonzalez: No. Mr. Silver: What is it? City ofMiami Page 55 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Unidentified Speaker: Million. Mr. Silver: Yeah, I thought million, yeah. Chairman Gonzalez: Yeah. Mr. Silver: See, I'm used to the State budget, OK. I'm sorry. -- 2, 667, 017, excluding normal cost, to provide for the administration of the GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees) retirement trust fund. I just -- we have our chief financial officer. We just want to bring one point to your attention. Chairman Gonzalez: Sure. Debbie Sears: I just briefly want to say that our bud -- Chairman Gonzalez: We need your name -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Name, name. Chairman Gonzalez: -- please. Ms. Sears: My name is Debbie Sears. I'm the chief financial officer for the GESE retirement trust, and I just briefly wanted to tell you that our budget this year is a decrease from last year of approximately $27, 000. Chairman Gonzalez: Great. Vice Chairman Sanchez: It's a start. Chairman Gonzalez: Great. Ms. Sears: Every little -- Chairman Gonzalez: It's a start. Ms. Sears: -- bit helps. Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move. Mr. Silver: Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion -- Vice Chairman Sanchez: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- and we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. BH.14 06-01651 RESOLUTION City ofMiami Page 56 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 General Sanitation A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION, WITH Employees ATTACHMENT(S) APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF Retirement Trust THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' & SANITATION EMPLOYEES' EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN ("GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN") FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,004, EXCLUDING THE ACTUARIALLY DETERMINED ANNUAL BENEFIT PAYMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN. 06-01651 Legislation.pdf 06-01651 Exhibit.pdf 06-01651 Cover Memo.pdf 06-01651 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-06-0575 Vice Chairman Sanchez: Senator always -- Chairman Gonzalez: BH.14. Vice Chairman Sanchez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Ron Silver: Yes. This is a reso. (resolution) -- I'm sorry. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Yes, yes. Chairman Gonzalez: Yes, sir. Mr. Silver: -- resolution of the City ofMiami Commission, with attachments, approving and adopting the annual budget of the City ofMiami General Employees' and Sanitation Employees' Excess Benefit Plan for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007, in the amount not to exceed 70,004, excluding the actuarially determined annual benefit payment, to provide for the administration of the GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees) Excess Benefit Plan. Vice Chairman Sanchez: All right. So move. Commissioner Haskins: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. Mr. Silver: Thank you very much. Chairman Gonzalez: Thank you -- Mr. Silver: Pleasure to be here. City ofMiami Page 57 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Chairman Gonzalez: -- sir, and make sure that -- talk to the City Clerk. She will give you a letter so you can go home. Vice Chairman Sanchez: Hey, Ron, next year, that 27, add some zeros to it. Mr. Silver: Yeah, OK BH.15 06-01701 RESOLUTION Miami Parking A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Authority ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE RECOMMENDATION AND PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE COCONUT GROVE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2006 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2007. 06-01701 Legislation.pdf 06-01701 Exhibit .pdf 06-01701 Cover Memo.pdf 06-01701 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-06-0576 Chairman Gonzalez: All right. BH.15. Mr. Art Noriega; is he around? Larry. Larry Spring (Chief Strategic Planning, Budgeting & Performance): I'll read it into the record. Chairman Gonzalez: It's a resolution. Mr. Spring: Resolution of the City ofMiami Commission, with attachments, approving the recommendation and proposed budget of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement Committee, attached and incorporated, for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2006 and ending September 2007. You have your chairman here. David Collins: Thank you. Vice Chairman Sanchez: That's the resolution you put on the record? Chairman Gonzalez: Do we have a motion? Vice Chairman Sanchez: Just to -- Commissioner Haskins: So move. Vice Chairman Sanchez: -- have him state -- just state your name. Mr. Collins: David Collins, executive director of Coconut Grove BIC (Business Improvement Committee). Vice Chairman Sanchez: So move. Chairman Gonzalez: We have -- City ofMiami Page 58 Printed on 10/23/2006 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2006 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: -- a motion. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Commissioner Haskins: Second. Chairman Gonzalez: We have a second. Discussion. No discussion. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chairman Gonzalez: Those opposed have the same right. Motion carries. Gentlemen -- ladies and gentlemen -- Mr. Collins: Thank you. Chairman Gonzalez: -- we have approved a budget, balanced budget. Yes, Madam City Clerk, you were about to say -- nothing? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Just wanted to make sure we closed out the meeting properly be -- Chairman Gonzalez: That's next, ma'am. That's next. Next. City ofMiami Page 59 Printed on 10/23/2006