HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2020-04-23 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 23, 2020
9:00 AM
City Commission Meeting
City Hall
City Commission
Francis X. Suarez, Mayor
Keon Hardemon, Chair, District Five
Ken Russell, Vice Chair, District Two
Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner, District One
Joe Carollo, Commissioner, District Three
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla,
Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Reyes.
On the 23rd day of April, 2020, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida,
conducted and broadcasted a virtual meeting from its regular meeting place in City Hall,
3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular session. The Commission Meeting
was called to order by Chair Hardemon at 9:22 a.m., and adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Carollo joined the virtual meeting at 9:33 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
ORDER OF THE DAY
PART A - NON -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair Hardemon, if you'd like to begin with your
opening statement?
Chair Hardemon: Pursuant to an executive order issued by the Office of Governor
Ron DeSantis on March 20, 2020, municipalities may conduct meetings of their
governing boards without having a quorum of its members present physically or at any
specific location, and utilizing communications media, such as telephonic or video
conversing technology, as provided by Section 120.545B(2) Florida Statutes.
Procedures for the public will be explained by the City Attorney shortly. The members
of the City Commission appearing remotely for this meeting will be Commissioner Alex
Diaz de la Portilla, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes; Ken Russell, the Vice Chair; and me,
Keon Hardemon, the Chair. The meeting will begin. Madam City Attorney, please
state the procedures to be followed during this meeting.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Any person who is a
lobbyist, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must register with the City
Clerk and comply with related City requirements for lobbyists before appearing before
the City Commission. A person may not lobby a City official, board member, or other
staff member until registering. A copy of the Code section about lobbyists is available
in the City Clerk's Office or online at municode.com. Any person making a
presentation, formal request, or petition to the City Commission concerning real
property must make the disclosures required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the
City Code section is available at the Office of the City Clerk or online at
municode.com. In accordance with Section 2-3302 and (g) of the City Code, the
agenda material for each item on the agenda for this virtual meeting (INTERRUPTION
IN VIDEO RECORDING) made available to the Mayor, members of the City
Commission and the public at least five full business days in advance of the meeting.
The material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the City
Clerk's Office and only 24 hours a day at miamigov.com. Any person may be heard by
the City Commission through the Chair and upon registering pursuant to published
notice for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the City Commission
unless modified by the Chair. Since this is a virtual meeting authorized by the
Governor of the State of Florida, members of the public wishing to address the body
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
may do so by visiting miamigov.com/virtualmeeting to upload their video comments or
to submit their written comments via online comment form. Members of the public may
also call 305-250-5353 to provide comments via the dedicated City of Miami public
comment voicemail. Members of the public may also preregister to provide live public
comment by phone during the meeting. You may, preregister by phone by calling 305-
250-5350 or online at miamigov.com/government/live-public-comment. All comments
submitted will be included as part of the public record for the virtual meeting, and will
be considered by the City Commission prior to any action taken. The City will
accommodate any speakers desiring to appear in person, subject to all applicable
emergency measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Speakers
who appear in person will be subject to screening for symptoms of COVID-19. Any
persons exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter City Hall.
All interested parties are required to abide by all State, County, and local emergency
orders, and are urged to remain at home and practice social distancing. If the
proposition is being continued or rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be at
such later date before the City Commission takes action on such proposition. When
addressing the City Commission, the member of the public must first state his or her
name, his or her address, and what item will be spoken about. When the City
Commission takes action or votes on any proposition before it, it shall do so by a roll
call vote, which shall be recorded by the Clerk and included in the record. Anyone
wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission for any matter
considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of the item. A video of this
meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications, or viewed online at
miamigov.com. Please silence all cell phones and other noise -making devices. Any
person with a disability requiring assistance or auxiliary aids and services for this
meeting may notify the City Clerk. Please note, Commissioners have generally been
briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on the items on the agenda today. The City
of Miami is using Zoom to hold its April 23, 2020 virtual regular City Clerk meeting.
Zoom is a cloud platform for video and audio conferencing collaboration, chat, and
webinars across mobile devices, desktops, cellphones and room systems. In order to
ensure that the public has the ability to view the meeting, the City Communications
Department will broadcast this meeting through all usual channels and avenues that
are provided when a City Commission meeting is held within Commission chambers at
City Hall. The meeting can be viewed live on Miami TV at miamigov.com/TV or the
City's Facebook page, through YouTube and through the City's Periscope page --
channel, or on Channel 77 of Comcast. The broadcast will also have closed
captioning. Additionally, the City has not selected a virtual platform that requires the
public to purchase or download any additional software or equipment to watch this
meeting. Aside from the Zoom platform and that the participant would be appearing
remotely, the public will have no discernible difference in their ability to watch the
meeting. The City has developed new methods of ensuring public comment for virtual
meetings. It has established four new options. The first new option allows the public
to provide public comments via the dedicated City of Miami public comment voice mail
by calling 305-250-5353, where the individual will be able to leave a two -minute
message which will be played during the virtual Commission meeting. The second
option allows for the public to submit a two -minute video to be played during the
virtual Commission meeting. The third option allows the public to submit comments
via the City's online comment form. The comments submitted through the comment
form have been distributed to the elected officials and City Administration throughout
the day so that the elected officials can consider the comments prior to taking any
action. Additionally, the online comment form will remain open during the meeting to
accept comments and distribute to the elected officials up until the Chairman closes
public comment. The fourth option allows the public to pre -register to provide live
public comment by phone during the virtual Commission meeting. For all of the
aforementioned options, all the comments received will be included in the public
record of the meeting. For these four new options, the City also created a simple set of
instructions explaining how the public may submit their comments for either option.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
Those instructions were provided in the notice to the public and published online at
miamigov.com/virtualmeeting. Additionally, like any other City Commission
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) the public may, provide public comment at City Hall. The City
has set up a terminal in the event of members of the public travel to City Hall to
provide public comment. However, due to COVID-19, all speakers desiring to appear
in person will be subject to all applicable measures in place to prevent the further
spread of COVID-19. Speakers who appear in person will be subject to screening for
symptoms of COVID-19. Any person exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will not
be permitted to enter City Hall, but will be able to participate through the remote
options described earlier. These five public comment options established and provided
Jr,ofor the virtual regular City Commission meeting comply with Section 26.0114 and
Section 120.54 of Florida Statutes. The City has published an agenda, as well as
included the notice to the public, pursuant to our City Code, and the items and topics
to be discussed through the virtual regular City Commission meeting. Additionally, the
public has been given the opportunity to provide public comment during the meeting,
and within reasonable proximity in time before the meeting via the public comment
voicemail, online public comment form, the public comment video, and live public
comment by phone. Moreover; Section 286.0114, Section 4, (6) of the Florida -- (c),
I'm sorry -- of Florida Statute specifically authorizing the City to prescribe procedures
or forums for an individual to use in order to inform the board or Commission of a
desire to be heard to indicate his or her support, opposition or neutrality on a
proposition. The City, through its five public comment options to provide five different
procedures or forums to indicate among other things his or her support, opposition or
neutrality on the item and topics to be discussed at the virtual Commission meeting.
The City provided information on how to submit comments in the notice to the public
on a dedicated web page and via social media channel. Commissioners, please
confirm you are comfortable with the notice provisions set forth in these uniform rules
and procedures we have established for this virtual meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Min: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Manager, do you have any items on the agenda that need to be
continued or withdrawn, deferred?
Art Noriega (City Manager): I do, Mr. Chair. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Mr.
Vice Chairman, Commissioners, Madam City Attorney, Mr. City Clerk. At this time,
the Administration would like to defer and/or withdraw the following items: To be
deferred to May 14, PH6, which is to approve the right-of-way access for Illumination
Technologies; to be withdrawn, RE.2, which is a piggyback with the St. Louis RFP
(Request for Proposals) for information and emergency kiosks; to be indefinitely
deferred, RE.3, which is in relation to Melreese Golf Course; to be deferred to May 14,
RE.5, pilot program, electric cargo bikes; to be indefinitely deferred, RE.6, which is to
allocate API (Anti -Poverty Initiative) funds for Muce Educates Corp.; to be deferred to
May 14, FR.1, which is to amend the Code of Chapter 62, the repeal of special area
plan process; to be deferred to May 14, FR.2, which is to amend the Code, Chapter 38,
Maurice A. Ferre Park Conservancy; to be deferred to May 14, FR.4, which is to
amend the Code, Chapter 23, Historic Preservation. I also have some PZ (Planning
and Zoning) items. PZ items to be deferred to 6 -- I'm sorry -- June 25, PZ.1, which is
the HEP (Historic and Environmental Preservation) decision appeal, 2167 South
Bayshore Drive; to be deferred to June 25, PZ.2, which is also a HEP decision appeal,
2167 South Bayshore Drive; to be deferred to May 14, PZ.3, which is Zoning text,
marinas in CS, civic space; to be deferred to May 14, PZ.4, which is also a Zoning text,
public storage facilities, district zones only; to be indefinitely deferred, PZ.5, which is
a Zoning text, NCD (Neighborhood Conversation District) rewrite; and to be
indefinitely deferred, PZ.6, Zoning text, auxiliary park. That concludes the items.
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Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, are there any of you that want an item indefinitely
deferred, withdrawn, or continued? Hearing none, is there a motion in accordance
with what's been stated on the record?
Vice Chair Russell: So moved.
Commissioner Reyes: I move it -- second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded to defer, withdraw, and
indefinitely defer the items that were spoken of on the record. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ALL ITEM(S)
7397 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City
Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
PUBLIC FOR THE APRIL 23, 2020 VIRTUAL CITY COMMISSION
MEETING.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Mayor, do you want to be recognized?
Mayor Francis Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to again commend the
Administration for their exemplary work throughout this COVID-19 crisis. And I want
to thank individually each and every Commissioner that have rallied around us to
really come up with a unified strategy, and every single Commissioner has really
differentiated themselves in different areas. And so, I just want to commend everyone
again for unity and for continuing to put the people first.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Mayor.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair? Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Could you please sit up a little bit? I only see the top of your
head.
Chair Hardemon: I'm short.
Commissioner Reyes: No, it's not that. I think that you're too close to the -- And also,
I also want to join the Mayor in recognizing the work that the Administration and every
single Commissioner is doing. And we -- I think that everybody has stepped up to the
plate, and it is an honor to serve with such a group of people that really put people
first. I mean, I'm real proud to be part of this Commission, and having this great
Administration that has been doing fantastic; doing a fantastic job. Congratulations,
Art. Congratulations.
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Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: I apologize. I meant to mention during the order of the day, I
would just like to be noted as a sponsor and/or co-sponsor on CA.4, PH.2, 3, 4, and 5,
as well as PH10.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. All right. So I'll open the floor for public comment at this
time. IT (Information Technology), if there are any pre-recorded public comments, can
you have them played now?
Manuel Otero (Web Administrator): We have actually live comments, so phone
operator one, you're live.
Unidentified Speaker: Ma'am, you are now live with the City Commission.
Kathy Suarez: Good morning. My name is Kathy Suarez, and I would like to speak on
RE.7, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for the West Grove. In January
2018 -- January 11, 2018, we had a unanimous plan where all the Commissioners
agreed that the West Grove deserved and needed that; a big celebratory luncheon in
Commissioner Russell's office to follow. We have not had any movement following
that. It needed to go to the County. The City Manager had already done his job with
finding of necessity. It took many months to get it assigned; April 2017, months, and
months, and months. We finally get all that approved. We get a unanimous approval
from the Commission and the City. January 11, 2018, what happened? Nobody took it
to the County, and that wasn't anybody else's problem or job but Commissioner
Russell's; instead, he was running for congress. This is important. Now we want to do
a whole new CRA that'll take years, and years, and years to find the money. We have
to stop over promising and under -delivering to this community. It is absurd. Thank
you, and have a nice day. I hope everyone stays well.
Mr. Otero: Phone operator 2, you're live.
Unidentified Speaker: Mr. Cannon, you are on.
Unidentified Speaker: Yes, I'm here.
Unidentified Speaker: You are alive on Commission. Please speak.
Unidentified Speaker: I'm sorry?
Unidentified Speaker: You are on, sir. Go ahead and address the Commission.
Unidentified Speaker: Okay, fine. Thank you.
Edwin Pierre: Good morning. Thank you for your time, folks. My name is Edwin
Pierre. I'm at 3631 Florida Avenue. There is an item on the agenda today that just
captured my attention, and this relates to the beautification improvements on State
Road 90. And the reason why it caught my attention is because I live in a community
in the Grove, which is actually very close to the train station, very close to the
downtown, and yet it seems (UNINTELLIGIBLE) miles away from the reality that is,
that I see on a daily basis. What am I referring to? I'm referring to lack of
infrastructure, the blatant lack of infrastructure that exists in the area where I live; it's
the West Grove. Simple things such as street trash bins -- right? -- and streetlights.
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All these things are somewhat missing, which translates into the streets being dirty,
which translates into increased crime -- right? -- because of the lack of lighting. And
these are things that I've brought up to both the Commissioners' office and to -- City
NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) I think this thing is called. I'm new to the
area, so I'm trying to better understand what do I need to do to sort of help, I mean, or
contribute to helping, I mean, with incorporating these things? I mean, I heard earlier
a person dropped in and talked about the CRA, which I welcome. I also called the
Commissioner's office -- or I sent an email to the Commissioner's office about this, as
well, and welcomed this. But then again, I do not know what is happening. Appears to
me as this is dying down, but this would be a welcome improvement, if you will. Thank
you.
Mr. Otero: Phone operator 4, you're live.
Unidentified Speaker: Okay, caller, you're live with the City Commission.
Michael Mach: Good morning. My name is Michael Mach. I live at 3543 Plaza Street
in the West Grove. I'm here to ask for a deferral of Resolution 1 and Resolution 7.
Resolution 1 regards a programmatic agreement with the State Historic Office. That's
a bad idea, because that's going to remove standards for documents. It means that the
Historic Department will not have to request surveys, and it will require less contact
with property owners. That's decreasing the quality of our historic designations, so 1
do not approve of the changes that they made to the procedure for Resolution 1, the
programmatic agreement. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Resolution 7, because 1 don't think
we're ready for a new CRA, especially during a time of quarantine. 1 can't believe that
was put on the agenda during a quarantine meeting. Please defer both RE. 1 and RE.7.
Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: Phone operator 1, you're live.
Unidentified Speaker: Hello, ma'am. Now you're live with the Commission. Go
ahead.
Jacqueline Indacochea: Good morning. My name is Jackie Indacochea, 3130
Elizabeth Street, and I am asking for a deferral of the new CRA, RE.7. I own several
properties in the Grove since 1995, and I've been fighting some of these issues for some
time now. As property owners, we have the right to be informed as to what changes
have been proposed or made before that decision is made. Property owners have the
right to be properly noticed, and to be heard by you, the Commissioners. I was not
given proper notice for this virtual meeting. I heard it from a friend. There surely is
never a problem notifying me when it's time to pay all the property taxes to the tax
collector. There must be a check and balance. As property owners, we are always told
by the powers that be that our best interests are considered. It is that same group who
decide who gets what. And if you are one of the special chosen ones, you are in luck.
There was an air conditioning give-away right after Hurricane Irma, intended for the
elderly or those without ACs (air conditioning) or in need. One of my tenants used his
-- my address and was given an air conditioning. Here's the problem: The property,
which I own, has a great central AC system. And from what I am told, that AC was
sold on the street. So, you see, not all our interests are being looked after; checks and
balances. The fact that you are bringing back these extremely important items by
virtual meeting during a time of a pandemic and quarantine is not only ridiculous, but
flat out insulting. Please defer Item RE.7. I thank you for your time.
Mr. Otero: Phone operator 1, you're live.
Unidentified Speaker: Sir, you are now live with the Commission. Go ahead, sir.
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Lyle Muhammad: Yes. My name is Lyle Muhammad; address, 7515 Northwest 14th
Court, Miami, Florida. First, I would like to thank each of you for all of the work that
you've done to keep our City and community safe dealing with this current world
pandemic. We're grateful to have leadership in place that understands the value of
that. My comment today is dealing with violence and crime. We've been meeting with
officials from the City of Miami, Miami -Dade County, and the City of Miami Gardens
over the past two years to put in place initiatives that could help combat gun violence
and inner city violence particularly. And while we've been able to move ahead with
actual programs and contracts with Miami -Dade County and actual program and
contract with the City of Miami Gardens, we have not yet finalized that with the City,
and it's causing a problem, because we know crime overlaps in many of these areas.
As we're wishing the Chief of course, recovery from dealing with the coronavirus,
we've also met in the past with the Chief and we know that the Police Department is
onboard to work with us. And when I say, "us, "1 mean the Circle of Brotherhood, and
the community outreach work that we're doing in this area. Right now, there's been a
spike in a rash of shootings that have taken place in city limits that spill over into the
County. And we're just not effective and able to deal with the situation, having a
program in one place and not being in the other when they can sometimes be right
across the street. Our work, our peacemakers program has proven to be effective, and
we just hope that we can take a look at it, particularly since there's a rash of crimes
that are taking place now, even under this pandemic, including an increase in
shootings, as well. We just want to go on record to say that we'll make whatever
information we need available to show our track record and our work, because we do
want to see our streets to be safe and free of gun violence. That's my comment.
Mr. Otero: Okay. We're ready for the podium. If there's anyone live at the podium,
you're live.
Edward Martos: Good morning, Commissioners. Thank you all for all your hard
efforts. For the record, my name is Edward Martos; office at 2525 Ponce de Leon
Boulevard. I'm here today to discuss -- well, first, to thank you for deferring RE.2, and
second, to discuss PH9. Each of you and your respective offices have received letters
from my client, Smart City Media, on three occasions now. At the last publicly -held
meeting -- well, not publicly held, but the meeting here at the day -- when you were on
the dais on March 12, on April 9, and again this week. The reason for our letters have
been very frank. We can provide an offer that is superior to the offer that's been put
before you, and if given the opportunity to present a All detailed presentation -- Pin
prepared to do it today if you'd like to hear one. It will only take maybe five minutes,
tops. We're prepared to match -- correction -- exceed the offers brought to you by IKE.
Specifically, we provide better equipment. I'm just going to run through the first four
bullet points, Commissioner Hardemon. The IKE offer currently is for 40 percent for
the first five years of gross revenue. We are offering 42 percent for the first five years.
In the subsequent six -- year six through 10. we would provide 45 percent gross
revenue. IKE is only offering you 40 percent gross revenue. And then, in subsequent
years, IKE hasn't specified what they would offer the City. We are willing to make the
commitment right now that in years 11 through 20, we will offer the City 45 percent
gross revenue. Furthermore, IKE has offered you 50 thou -- up to $50,000 in
administrative costs of the City's. We will bear 75,000 in administrative costs that the
City may have. And so, simply on financial terms alone, you can see in a time when
you are looking at budget shortfalls because of this pandemic, we are offering you a
superior financial offer. Commissioner Hardemon, Mr. Chair, if you will give me an
additional two minutes, I will run through this PowerPoint so you can see some of the
hardware and software features that my client can provide, and how they would exceed
IKE's proposal. Can I have that allowance, sir, Commissioner? I'm going to proceed
then. Can I have the next slide, please? IKE is throughout Florida. We provide kiosk
services in Fort Lauderdale. We are -- Smart City Media is in Florida. We have --
we're very close to securing a contract in Orlando, as well, and we are in multiple
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other states -- 14, to be exact -- with 18 contracts, and over 2,000 kiosks. Next slide,
please. Thank you. You know, this service we're providing is really about content. It's
about ads. It's about servicing the community with information. Our content is
unmatched. And one key point that I wanted to highlight for you is that IKE -- the bid
that's been proposed, the offer that's been made to you currently, they have made a
offer of small business ads during the pandemic for the period of the pandemic. Our
company, we're proud to support small business throughout every city that we're in,
and we provide free advertising 365 days a year. It's part of our business model. It's
part of our giving back to the community. It's not something we do just during a
pandemic. Next slide, please. You know, there's been talk about -- you know, I've
heard from some people in the City about this concern that we haven't had an
opportunity to see all the different place -making designs that we could provide, all the
equipment that we could provide. Very frankly, the first that the public learned about
IKE's proposal was on -- at the March 12 meeting -- or in the lead up to the March 12
meeting. And, of course, we've had a pandemic since. If given the opportunity through
a proper RFP (Request for Proposals), we'll present to you all the various models that
we could provide. One that's really got my attention, for example, is a brand-new
technology that would allow some of these kiosks to serve as electronic vehicle
charging stations. So if they're near the right-o f=way, near a parking space, an
electronic vehicle could take advantage of that. Next slide, please. Yet another key
point is that, you know, you've had offers recently for installation of 5G towers in your
rights -of -way. Our company again has a solution for this problem. Our -- we have a
design that provides unmatched Internet of Things connectivity, and that includes 5G
internet service. So what you see on the slides, provides all the same information you
might find that also has 5G -- has a 5G tower attached, and also serves for street
lighting and cobra lighting. This is an outstanding solution to minimizing the amount
of furniture that you have on your right-of-way, and really, it's just one more example
of how Smart City Media's equipment and designs exceed IKE's. Next slide, please.
Chair Hardemon: Sir.
Mr. Martos: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Your additional time has expired. You've been speaking for more
than four minutes now.
Mr. Martos: Okay. Well --
Chair Hardemon: And we're going to move on with the public comment. If -- hear me
out. If there's someone from the Commission that wants to hear from you further,
during the time, especially when we may address the item, we will let you know.
Mr. Martos: Okay. I understand. I appreciate that very much. And just to conclude,
again, we're in a pandemic. You need this additional revenue. It's what the City needs.
Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Otero: We're ready jbr the -- do we have any more live comments? You're muted.
Alex Uribe: Can you hear me, Commissioners?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I can hear you.
Mr. Uribe: Good morning. Alex Uribe, with offices at 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
I just wanted to quickly thank you and also express my support for PH 10. We have a
lot of restaurants in this city who would love to participate in the voucher program as
it's coming -- as it's being presented. And, of course, we -- they would love to do more
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if more is possible. 1 think you'll find that working with local businesses, small
businesses, restaurants, you'll find that they are more than flexible, and more than
willing to provide a great deal for the City of Miami in order to help ends meet with --
you know, get the -- both people who need to eat, fed, and local jobs here. I represent
a bunch of them, but I'm here today, not on behalf of any one of them, but just as a
resident here who sees these businesses are suffering. And I'm glad to see this. Thank
you very much.
Mr. Otero: Any more live comments?
Unidentified Speaker: That's the end of them.
Mr. Otero: Okay. We're ready for the recorded comments.
Fabian Garcia Diaz: Fabian Garcia Diaz, 3121 Southwest 22nd Avenue, Miami,
Florida 33133. This message is for Mayor and City officials to please defer the appeal
to allow Carrolton School to change the zoning for Villa Woodbine. There are many
reasons why this should not be allowed. Definitely, we need to be present in any public
hearings and allow residents to be voiced. We are all concerned about the impact of
traffic, the impact on the canopy, the tree canopy, the lifestyle that we have in our
village, and also the tax, the real estate tax, money that is not going to be collected if
the use is changed to a school. So please defer the appeal, and when the time comes to
vote, please say, "no." Thank you.
Zelalem Adefris: Hello. This is Zelalem Adefris. My address, 3000 Biscayne
Boulevard, Miami. And 1 am the vice president of policy and advocacy at Catalyst
Miami, and I'm commenting on Item FR.1, the repeal of the special area plan process.
At Catalyst Miami, we serve many communities across the City of Miami, in particular,
low wealth communities in the City, and we've seen the adverse effects that special
area plans can have on working class communities in Miami's most historic
neighborhoods and beyond. So we ask that you support this repeal of special area
plan processes, and at the same time, include more community benefits agreements,
more community control and feedback over development in Miami, but as a first step,
to support this measure would be incredible for our communities. Thank you so much.
Bye.
Steve Phillips: Good morning. My, name is Steve Phillips; address, 4020 Woodridge
Road. Thank you for this opportunity to make some comments. I'm calling about
Agenda Items PH2, 3, 4, 5, and 10, as well as PZ.1 and 2. As it relates to the PH
(Public Hearing) items, I'd like to ask each Commissioner, as well as the City
Manager. to ensure the City of Miami taxpayers that each and every agenda item
include independent oversight to ensure that our tax dollars are being used properly,
including the determination of any conflicts' of interest that may be quite obvious.
We're dealing with a lot here. We need to be careful how we spend it given the
potential financial crisis the City will face yet again. Be smart. Don't think we're
stupid. Thank you very much.
Francisco Diaz: Hello. My name is Francisco Diaz, and I'm a resident at 2965
Washington Street in Coconut Grove. I'm calling regarding the Villa Woodbine issue
for tomorrow's Commission meeting. I am totally against approving the school for the
Villa Woodbine site. It will just create more traffic on a road that is really, you know,
a single -lane road going north and single lane coming south. And during school days,
the traffic at around 3 p.m. and in the morning, it's unbearable. So you will make it
even worse if you approve that and allow another school to go there. Okay? Thank
you.
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Kathy Parks Suarez: Good morning. My name is Kathy Parks Suarez. 1 live at 4035
Battersea Road, Miami 33133. I'm here to speak about Item PZ.5, and the NCD-2 and
3. I am here to ask for PZ.5, NCD-2 and 3 to be withdrawn. We already have NCDs
(Neighborhood Conservation Districts) in the Miami 21. When we are able to enforce
the current legislation successfully, we can review and/or discuss further changes.
NCD-2 is specific to West Grove, was never -- and has never been executed; as a
matter of fact, more demos and development and displacement. 130-plus units have
happened under Ken Russell's watch. Thank you. Have a good day. Stay well. Bye.
Barbara Mills: Hi. My name is Barbara Mills, and 1 live at 3637 Florida Avenue, and
1 also own a small business in West Grove. I'm here to speak on the RE. 7 West Grove
CRA creation to let you know that we need your help. We need your help. Each and
every one of you on the CRA Board as a member, we need your help. This was passed
and agreed upon to help us at the City level for the City Commissioners, and we waited
Jrothe County Commissioners to give us a meeting, which never materialized.
Meanwhile, nothing has happened. Everything seems to be at a standstill. So I'm here
to let you know. And if you can possibly have compassion in your heart, because God
have placed you in a position where, as he said, "The poor will be with us always."
But he also said, "Help ye one another," the ones that are in need. That's us. We need
your help. We used to have multiple three-story buildings. They're all gone. The
developers have come in here and they have purchased up the properties, residential
and commercial, and have raised rents so high for both places till it's unbearable, and
unbelievable, and unaffordable. Can you believe that they would want to conie in, take
over our community that our forefathers built from the ground up? That's what's
happening, and that's what has happened, and it will continue happening unless we're
able to do something. I'm only asking that you help us to help ourselves so that we can
put a stop to a lot of things that's going on here, build houses where people can afford
to live, and build back up this community, which is a Bahamian -cultivated community.
So I'm asking you, have compassion in your heart. Help us. We need your help. We
desperately need your help. Thank you for listening, and I hope you heard and listened
to every word that I said. Have a blessed one. Bye-bye.
Richard Tardanico: Richard Tardanico. I'm a professor of sociology at FIU (Florida
International University). I'm calling to comment on Item 5131 in support of the
repeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. SAPs (special
area plans) have not served our City and our residents, and instead, threaten our
communities and the affordability of our City. Their adverse effects can be devastating
for working class communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods. The SAP
process is deeply flawed in all kinds of fundamental ways. SAPs have become a tool
for investors to speculate rather than to develop the community for the best of its
residents. Developers are not proposing SAPs for the benefit they can produce for the
City, but rather to boost their speculative profits, especially in this current COVID-19
crisis. We need to protect the affordability, the living standards of the masses of
people in our cities. Thank you.
Carolyn Donaldson: Good evening. This is Carolyn Donaldson, a board member with
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3515 South Douglas Road. And I
am calling on behalf of Macedonia, and would like to start by saying I thank the City of
Miami Commission for your unanimous acceptance of approving and adopting
Resolution Number 180010 back on January 11, 2018. We, the members of
Macedonia, support the Agenda Item RE.7, which is the resolution to direct the City
Manager to take any and all necessary steps to advance the process of creating a CRA,
which is the Community Redevelopment Agency within the West Grove neighborhood.
We also further authorize the City of Miami to execute any and all necessary
documents and submit those documents to the Miami -Dade County Board of
Commissioners for review, approval and acceptance. These are things that we have
discussed in the past, and we're looking forward to advance this process without any
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additional necessary. delay. 1 want to thank you this evening for your consideration.
And again, this is Carolyn Donaldson.
Reynold Martin: My name is Reynold Martin. I own property in the City of Miami in
Coconut Grove at 3325 Percival Avenue. I'm calling to -- in support of Item Number
RE.7, sponsored by Commissioner Ken Russell. As representative of the Community
Action Human Services (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the executive board of the Coconut
Grove Community Advisory Committee, otherwise known as the CAC, hereby gives its
support of the resolution for the creation of a Community Redevelopment Agency for
Coconut Grove Village West, as is stated in Agenda Item (UNINTELLIGIBLE). The
Miami City Commission, who also represent the Omni CRA Board voted on April 9 to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) did not provide an alternative or substitute proposal, and
certainly had no (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Please note, the Miami City Commission voted
two years ago in January 2018 for Omni CRA expansion, and subsequently adopted
the findings of necessity study that was conducted, and met all criteria for the
adoption. Now that we've learned that the West Grove CRA will be formed, we will
again state our expectations in this proposal, and urge the following assurances: The
creation of the Coconut Grove Village West CRA in that valuable time has lapsed to
the detriment of our community the methods to proceed with the Coconut Grove
Village West CRA establishment would be given top priority. The establishment
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) and the advisory board will include members of the residential,
business or community organizations or the selection of an executive director will
include endorsements from trustworthy community members. 5: That it be made clear
our intent and understanding for the preservation of a community that is not only
deserving, but required in order to sustain stakeholders and their families. 6: The
adoption of the Coconut Grove Village West CRA not be overtaken by foreign or
domestic developers with the interest of negotiating for their priorities as it relates to
attainable affordable housing projects and/or overdevelopment.
Nathaniel Robinson: Good evening. This is Reverend Robinson from Greater St. Paul
African Methodist Episcopal Church. I'm the senior pastor. The address is 3680
Thomas Avenue. On behalf of Greater St. Paul AME (African Methodist Episcopal)
Church, I would like to thank the City of Miami Commission for unanimously
accepting, approving, and adopting Resolution Number 18-0010 on January 11, 2018.
Greater St. Paul supports Agenda Item RE.7, which is the resolution to direct the City
Manager to take any and all necessary steps to advance the process of creating a
Community Redevelopment Agency in the West Grove neighborhood, and further
authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all documents, and submit all
necessary documents to the Miami -Dade County Board of County Commissioners for
review, approval, and acceptance. Thank you for your consideration.
Ruth Ewing: My name is Ruth Ewing; address, 3620 Percival, City of Miami. I'm a
resident of West Grove. I'm calling in regards to Agenda Item 7E -- RE.7. I'm calling
in support of Item RE.7, the -- and also as the president of the Elizabeth Virrick Park
Committee. I am concerned that more attention needs to be paid to the needs of the
residents of West Grove. The Commission already has approved and accepted a
findings of necessity study that was conducted earlier in the West Grove a few years
ago, and established that there were areas of blight in this area, and that there was a
need for urban renewal, and had approved this, and found this to be true. Now it is
time for the City of Miami and the Commission, the Miami City Commission to stand
up and actually support, and make difference, and change, and accept, and do a CRA
for West Grove. Thank you.
Brax Tinkler: Hi. My name is Brax Tinkler, at 631 Northeast 72nd Terrace, Unit 1,
Miami, Florida 33138. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, in support of the repeal
of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. The Item 5131 and
repeal of SAPs from Miami 21 should be both brought together. I don't think the SAPs
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have served our communities; instead, they threaten our communities and the
affordability of our City. There's adverse effects that SAPs can have on working class
communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods, and it's impossible to ignore
at this point. The SAP process is greatly flawed due to minimal or nonexistent
requirements and ensuring for preservation. There's lack of meaningful processes to
gather public input and negotiate community benefits. There's lack of inclusionary
affordable housing requirements, and there's lack of study on the impact to the
surrounding neighborhoods, such as traffic displacement. I don't think developers are
proposing SAPs for the benefits they can produce for the City. They do it because they
can see opportunity for enormous gain. And this is just really an issue in Miami -Dade
County as I've been living here since the '80s, and the cost of living and rent is just
getting worse, and people are being pushed out. Please, please, please take this
comment seriously, and repeal the Item 151 -- or the -- repeal SAP and reference to
special area plans. So thank you. Bye.
Adele Tallman: My name is Adele Talhnan; 1906 Tigertail Avenue, 33133. I'd like to
have the Carrollton Woodbine issue deferred. Thank you very much.
Laura (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Aguirre: Hi. My name is Laura (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
Aguirre. I live at 121 Northwest 97th Avenue, Apartment 31, Miami, Florida 33132,
and I am calling in support of Agenda Item 5131 to repeal references, special area
plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have not served our City and our residents,
and instead, threaten our communities and affordability of our City. The SAP process
is unacceptable, because it doesn't include meaningful processes for public input and
negotiation of community benefits. These projects haven't been proposed for the good
of the community, but for private gain, and unfortunately, have been approved
although they've only met the minimum legal requirements. Given our affordable
housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be approved without mandatory inclusionary
zoning for instance. Instead of being for the good of the community, they've become
tools for speculation by investors distorting our housing and real estate markets and
deepening our affordability crisis. It's particularly important we fight the crisis even
given the economic crisis we're entering, and thus, must repeal SAPs. Thank you.
Anthony Vinciguerra: Good afternoon. My name is Anthony Vinciguerra. I reside at
3325 Charles Avenue in Coconut Grove. I'm leaving this message today just to
encourage the Commission to support RE.7, to move ahead on the creation of a CRA
for the West Grove. As I'm sure you all know, the West Grove has an incredible
history, with the first Bahamian immigrants in the West Grove helping build not only
the Grove, but really the creation of the City of Miami. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you
also know, the West Grove has experienced severe segregation historically. The
segregation wall is just 700 feet from my house. And that marginalization of the West
Grove has been seen throughout history, and its legacy is still seen today in the lack of
infrastructure investment in the West Grove, and the need for affordable housing due
to the historic marginalization of its residents. And so, again, I'd just like to encourage
the City Commission to move ahead with the creation of a CRA for the West Grove.
We were sad to see the West Grove taken out of the Omni CRA, but hope that the
creation of a CRA specifically for the West Grove can help support this amazing
community, and particularly its low-income and historic residents so that they're able
to stay in the West Grove, so that there can become affordable housing available in the
West Grove, and that it can retain its amazing character, and the support that this
community needs. So thank you again, and -- Anthony Vinciguerra from 3325 Charles
Avenue.
Danielle Goodman: Good evening. My name is Danielle Goodman; 43 Northwest
85th Street, Miami, Florida. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, to support the
repeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. This 5131 and
also the repeal of SAPS from Miami 21 should both be brought together, because it's a
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racial justice issue. The adverse effects SAPs can have on working-class communities
of color in Miami in our historic neighborhoods is becoming impossible to ignore
because the process is deeply flawed. There are minimal requirements to ensure
neighborhood preservation. There's a lack of meaningful processes to gather public
input and negotiate community benefits, a lack of inclusionary affordable housing
requirements, a lack of study of environmental and displacement impact. Instead,
SAPs are a tool for investors to speculate instead of developing the community for the
best of all City of Miami residents. They distort the land and real estate market, they
inflate housing costs, and do not add to our affordable housing stock. Since we are in
an economic crisis, protecting the affordability of our City and the ability of our
residents to stay in communities and to make sure that development serve its resident is
even more repeal special area plans. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), 1800 North Bayshore Drive, Miami
33132. My comment is regarding unemployment. I don't know who else to reach out
to. The Governor's office isn't doing anything. DEO (Department of Economic
Opportunity) doesn't pick up the phone. We're not getting paid. Specifically, I would
like information on the federal 600 weekly dollars. We're now in the fourth week of
this funding, and not one penny has been sent out. That's $2,400. That could make a
real impact on my financial situation. Please get the federal monies out to the
unemployed people. This is completely unfair that they can't figure out the system.
This is not the Wild, Wild West. We have technology. Yes, I'm very angry, even most
angry of the fact that there is no transparency. There's no one to ask questions to.
We're not getting any information. All we're asked is to be patient, and accept an
apology. 1 don't want an apology. 1 want to feed my children. This situation needs to
be corrected. They keep saying they're working on it. They're obviously not working
on it hard enough. I'm sorry, it's not that difficult of a concept. Get our $600 that's
accumulating week after week to us. People are desperate. I think you guys can figure
this out. Please stop continuing to hold the federal money. If you need help figuring
this out, give me a call. I'm sure I could give you some good ideas. And it's shameful
that all the emails and telephone calls that I have sent to Governor, local
representatives, Mayors, the Senators, the congressmen. No one in
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Justin Pinn: Hi. My name is Justin Pinn. I live at 329 Northeast 76th Street, Miami,
Florida 33138, calling in support of Agenda Item FR. 1 to appeal references to special
area plan in our City of Miami Code. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and instead threaten our
communities and the affordability of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable,
because it doesn't include meaningful processes for public input and negotiation of
community benefits. These projects haven't been proposed for the good of the
community, but for private gain, and unfortunately, have been approved although
they've only met the minimum legal requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis,
these projects shouldn't be approved without mandatory inclusion zoning for instance.
Instead of being for the good of the community, they become tools for speculation by
investors, distorting our housing and real estate markets and deepening our
affordability crisis. It's particularly important we fight this crisis, given the economic
crisis we're entering, given COVID-19, and thus, we must repeal SAPs.
Alexander Moskovitz: Good morning, Chairman Hardemon and Commissioners of the
City of Miami. My name is Alexander Moskovitz; 2185 South Bayshore Drive,
adjacent to the Villa Woodbine property, sharing 144 feet of property line. I will be
adversely impacted more significantly than the general public by the proposed
development under consideration, and therefore, request formal recognition of my
intervenor status by the City of Miami. Please note, this request is not a last ditch
effort. Instead, I've been truing to get my status ,formally recognized since August
2019, more than eight months ago. I first tried at the HEP (Historic and
Environmental Preservation) Board, and was told only the City Commission could
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grant it to me. 1 then tried with counsel to get it done at the City Commission, and was
told it would only be heard contemporaneously with the underlying natter today. I
won't delve more into the detail and history. Instead, I'm going to offer 'bur very real
direct reasons why intervenor status should be granted to me. Number one, my
property has 144 shared feet. Number two, the proposed exit from the school onto
Bayshore Drive would add a real safety harm that has not yet been studied on my own
single family residence's entrance and exit onto South Bayshore Drive. Number three,
the significant massing of the auditorium and pool structures proposed would add
significant water runoff; erosion, and potential intrusion onto my property, or the
foundation of the wall between our properties. Number four, the main building,
comprising over 30,000 square feet will add additional water runoff that will enter my
property throughout my western edge. Therefore, I implore the Commission to do the
following two actions: Number one, grant me intervenor status in this matter as it
relates to the property referred to as Villa Woodbine. And two, either deny
Carrollton's appeal outright or at a minimum, defer this action until a later date --
September -- by which time I hope to be allowed to engage directly with my own
experts. In the alternative, I should be allowed to participate in today's hearing.
Thank you.
Norma (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Norma (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I live at
444 Northeast 130th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161. I'm calling to comment on
Item FR.1, in support of the repeal of references to special area plans in the City of
Miami Code, because special area plans haven't served your City or our residents and
they threaten communities and the affordability of your City. The adverse effects some
special area plans can have on working-class communities of color in Miami's historic
neighborhoods is becoming impossible to ignore. The SAP process is deeply flawed
due to minimal and nonexistent requirements in ensuring neighborhood preservation,
the lack of meaningful processes to gather public input and negotiate community
benefits, the lack of inclusionary affordable housing requirements; lack of study on the
impact to the surrounding neighborhoods, such as on traffic, the environment,
displacement. They've also become a tool for investors to speculate rather than
actually develop the community for the best of its existing residents, distorting the land
and real estate market, and inflating housing costs. Developers are not proposing
special area plans for the benefit they can produce to the City. They're doing it
because they see an opportunity for enormous gain in a political and legal environment
that favors developers, and because they are rarely held to a standard that is higher
than the bare minimum requirements under the law. Given that we have entered an
economic crisis, protecting the affordability of our City and the ability of our residents
to stay in their communities, as well as ensuring that development
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) serves its residents is even more important, and we have to
repeal special area plans. Thank you.
Jennifer Mesidor:• Hi. Good afternoon. My name is Jennifer Mesidor. I currently live
at the residence of 9835 Northwest 13th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33147. I'm calling
today to represent and talk about the 5131, in support of the repeal of reference to
special area plans in the City of Miami Code. The adverse effects they can have on
working-class communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is becoming
impossible to ignore. SAPs have become a tool for investors to speculate rather than
develop a community for the best of its residents. Distorting the land and real estate
market (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and do not add to our affordable housing stock. Given
that we've entered into an economic crisis (UNINTELLIGIBLE) our City and the
ability of our residents to stay in their communities, as well as ensuring that
development in this City (UNINTELLIGIBLE) residents is even more important, and
thus, we must repeal special area plan.
Unidentified Speaker: Hi. M_y name is (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I live in 3815 Southwest
18th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33155. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131 in support
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of the repeal of references to special area plan in the City of Miami. The special area
plans have not served the City or the community and the affordability of the City. 1
request that the City (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and 1-- you know, 1 have worked there, and
I have a lot of folks who live around there, and I know that, you know, these plans are
not positively impacting the working-class community, the community there in those
neighborhoods. There's minimal to nonexistent requirements to ensure neighborhood
preservation, you know, to ensure that the dignity of the neighborhood is preserved.
There's a total lack of process to gather public input and negotiate community benefits.
You know, the community that lives there, their opinion and their thoughts matter, and
not enough is being done to consider those thoughts and feelings. There's a lack of
inclusionary affordable housing requirements. You know, there's a lot of working-
class and poor people that live in that area of Miami. You know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
people to be able to put up with paying higher rent, the least we can do is, you know, at
least raise the minimum wage and pay them more, but that's not being done, so it's not,
you know, logical. And there's a total lack of study on the impact to the surrounding
neighborhoods as on the traffic, or the environment or displacement. You know, the
special area plans are just a tool for investors to speculate on and it isn't actually
helping the community for the benefit of its residents. It's just become a tactic for
profit. The land is getting distorted and the real estate market, the -- like it's the cost of
the real estate of the market is inflating, and it doesn't add to the affordable housing
stock in the area at all.
Anthony Witherspoon: Good morning. My name is Anthony Witherspoon. I reside at
3629 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove 33133. I am voicing my support for the RE.7
resolution directing the City Manager to move forward with the establishment of a
West Grove CRA. I would like to know, what is your plan going forth regarding the
West Grove receiving CRA support? Why haven't this matter received the full attention
it deserves? This community is not going away regarding this issue, and it cannot be
swept under the carpet like it's never been brought to recognition. It has been
politically overlooked and underserved. I'd like to thank all the Commissioners who
are in support of this resolution, and I hope all Commissioners do the right thing
regarding West Grove. Thank you, and may God keep everyone safe during this time
that we are experiencing.
Steve Dutton: Hello. I'm Steve Dutton, founder of Avenue 3 Miami, an urban initiative
that aims to be a catalyzes for downtown's transformation, beginning with the two -
block street of Northeast 3rd Avenue photographed behind me. Our three objectives
are street beautification, homeless outreach, and crime prevention. Today we're proud
to announce that launch of 1,000 Miami Stories. Did you know that in Miami there are
over 1,000 unsheltered homeless people? They all have human stories nobody knows
about. With this initiative, we want to help the Citv's homeless, and with more support,
it could be expanded to all neighborhoods. A short video was taken voluntarily of
persons living on our streets who wish to participate. Their story explains briefly how
they became homeless and what they want those persons who watch it to know about
them. Connecting the rest of us to their very, different stories might encourage good
Samaritans to offer financial and other kinds of assistance. Knowing that nobody
chooses that their life's journey will include a period of extreme poverty and
homelessness, their story might just result in a helping hand from someone who
realizes that could have been them. Please meet Kevin.
Alana Greer: My name is Alana Greer, and I live at 2462 Southwest 20th Street in
Miami, and I'm calling today about FR.1, the agenda regarding special area plans.
For years we worked with communities that are most vulnerable to displacement from
Little Haiti to West Coconut Grove to Allapattah. And what we've seen over and over
again is that special area plan has been an unfortunate catalysts of displacement. This
body has considered impact of displacement before the financial crisis we are entering
into, and we worry that that will only get worse. We know it's necessary to repeal
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special area plans and require real meaning (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in exchange for
upzoning that enriches developers while putting our community in more vulnerable
positions. We've got to make sure that our communities thrive even in these difficult
times, and that requires taking steps like repealing the special area plans. I ask that
you consider this Agenda Item FR.1 not only today, but consider it alongside its
companion agenda item that fully repeals SAPs and pass those together. Thank you for
your time and commitment to our community. We really hope you all continue to keep
this as a priority as we move through this crisis.
Elvis Cruz: Hello. This is Elvis Cruz, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Street. I'm speaking about
Item FR.1, which is the special area plans. That seems to be only half of the equation.
There should also be an item repealing special area plans in their entirety from Miami
21, and those should be brought together before the Commission. I don't have to tell
you how many times I've spoken to the Commission and the PZAB (Planning, Zoning
and Appeals Board) about how terrible special area plans are, how they encourage
massive overdevelopment (UNINTELLIGIBLE) out of scale developments. And the
City is already over zoned to allow eight times more housing than counted in the 2010
census. So please do the right thing. Appeal special area. Thank you.
Maria Gonzalez: Hi. My name is Maria Gonzalez, and my address is 436 Northeast
77th Street Road. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, in support of the repeal of
references to special area plan in the City of Miami; this Item 5131 and repeal of SAPS
from Miami 21 should be both brought together. SAPs have not served our City and
our residents, and threaten our communities, and the affordability of our City. It has
grave adverse effects, and is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for our community and the benefits,
and people cannot afford what happens through these SAPs. So, please, again, thank
you very much. Bye.
Rachel Cardello: Rachel Cardello, and reside at 2175 Tigertail Ave., adjacent to Villa
Woodbine. I'll be adversely affected more significantly than those of the general
public. My financial interests and property rights will be negatively impacted by the
project, and therefore request intervenor status. A hundred and sixteen of the 173
mature trees are planned for removal. Villa Woodbine is an environmental
preservation District 60, and the Code recognizes these sites as needing, quote,
"preservation and protection because of their environmental importance to the welfare
of the general public," and says, quote, "They provide important environmental
functions to the community which include setting soil, preventing erosion, giving shade
and cooling, protecting (UNINTELLIGIBLE) increasing property value and add to the
beauty of the City. Allowing the decimation of an existing canopy and
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) will negatively impact my financial interest and livability of my
home. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) erosion and runoff will (INAUDIBLE) retention
(INAUDIBLE) intrusion to my home. The canopy provides protection from
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) winds, and it removes' (UNINTELLIGIBLE) general wind speed
to my property increase, wind tunnels created at the proposed wide-open drive lanes,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). I'm at risk for higher utility and cooling costs, insurance
premiums, property damage and reduced property value as a result of these
environmental issues. The removal of the tree canopy (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Tigertail
Avenue, and is not in compliance with the intent of NCD-3. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) each
of those features will be preserved, protected and remain in place. Property values
remain consistent when there is consistency of a neighborhood character. This loss of
character will certainly result in reduced real estate marketability and home value.
My property rights are in jeopardy if this project proceeds. Thank you.
Gilbert (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Gilbert (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I live at
600 Northeast 36th Street, and I am calling in support of Agenda Item 5131 which
references to special area plan and our City of Miami Code. SAPs do not improve our
City and our residents, and our communities, and the affordability of our City. The
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SAP process (UNINTELLIGIBLE) public input and the negotiation of community
benefits. These projects that are being proposed aren't being proposed for the good of
the community, but for private gain. And unfortunately, they've been approved even
though they've only met the minimum legal requirements and haven't actually been
something for the good of the public. Given our affordable housing crisis, these
projects shouldn't be approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance.
Instead of being for the good of the community, they've become tools for speculation by
investors (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's particularly important we (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
this crisis given the economic crisis we are (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the coronavirus, and
thus (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Thank you.
Deborah Dolson: My name is Deborah Dolson. 4205 Lennox Drive. I'm here on
RE.7, which is the creation of a CRA in West Coconut Grove. I would like to urge you
to vote "yes" on RE.7, to create the Community Redevelopment Agency
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). The need for the CRA was proven (UNINTELLIGIBLE) finding
of necessity study completed in October 2017. That's almost three years ago. In
January 2018, the Commission unanimously approved the findings of the study
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) to advance the process creating this West Grove CRA. Now,
over two years later we are again revisiting this issue. It's time to create a West Grove
CRA and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Coral Gables residents. Vote 'yes" on RE.7.
Renee Schafer: Renee Schafer, 1698 Tigertail Avenue. 1 would like the discussion of
Carrollton School delayed until we can physically meet in person. I don't believe this
is the correct way to handle it. Most items have been postponed. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and 1 am calling in support of Agenda
Item FR.1 to repeal references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs
have not served our City residents, and instead threaten our communities and the
affordability of our City. The SAP process isn't acceptable, because it doesn't include
meaningful processes for public input and the negotiation of community benefits.
These projects haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private
gain, and unfortunately, have been approved although they've only met the minimum
legal requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be
approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the
good of the community, they've been tools for speculation by investors, distorting our
housing and real estate markets, and deepening our affordability crisis. It's
particularly important we fight this crisis, given the economic crisis we are entering.
Thus you must vote (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for SAPs. Thank you.
Stacy Cheryl: Hi. My name is Stacy Cheryl. I live in Miami Florida, 33133, District
2, and I am sending this message so that you understand that I am extremely, unhappy
with the idea that the CRA is not going to expand to West Grove. I currently run a
business out of Virrick Park, which offers gymnastics programming for the kids in the
community. We're doing that at no cost or low cost to children that are there at risk.
We've seen our program in the last two years grow to the point where the Grove is
integrating, and the people are coming into a park that normally would not get
serviced. Without the funds that you're trying to take away by not expanding the CRA,
we are going to be limiting the opportunities that we can give to these families that are
in need that need services, that need help, that need money to be able to repair their
neighborhood. I think it's a huge disservice to continue to support other at -risk
neighborhoods, but we're continuing to no longer support West Grove. The CRA
expansion needs to happen. It is a priority for these families to be able to have
opportunities like what we're offering at the park, and it's really, really sad to think
that if this money is not expanded that our program may actually close, because we
will not have a facility or an opportunity to be able to continue offering the
programming. I really sincerely hope that you will listen to our pleas, and know that
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
we need to have the CRA expansion and the monies that were promised to us two years
ago to continue to follow through. Thankyou.
Cvndee Levy Angulo: Hi. My name is Cyndee Levy Angulo. I am at 3096 Blaine
Street, Coconut Grove, 33133. And I am calling in regards to the Agenda Item P2.2
[sic], 69828-BPB, the Villa Woodbine property being converted to another school. I
would love you Commissioners to vote "no." We have too many schools. We have
way, way, way, way, way too much traffic, and I will be impacted by that on Tigertail
and on Bayshore. It's just too (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to put another school. It's just
wrong. We don't need it. No one -- most people don't want it. And already, with all
the new high-rises that have gone up, the tax base, I would say, has increased
considerably, as has the traffic. So please consider my opinion and my "no" vote on
anything that is concerning that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Woodbine School. Thankyou.
Unidentified Speaker: Hi. My name is (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I am member of
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) Miami, which is located at 7000 Northeast 2nd Avenue. I'm
calling to support Agenda Item F-5131, to repeal references to the special area plans
in our City of Miami Code. It's so obvious that, especially for us young people, SAPs
have not served our City, our residents, and instead, actually threaten our communities
and the affordability of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it doesn't
include meaningful processes for public input and the negotiation of community
benefits (UNINTELLIGIBLE). (UNINTELLIGIBLE) projects for the good of the
community private gain, and unfortunately have been approved although they've only
met the minimal legal requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis, this process
could not be approved without (UNINTELLIGIBLE) exclusionary zoning for instance.
Instead of being for the good of the community, they've become tools for speculation by
investors, distorting our housing and real estate markets, and deepening our
affordability crisis. It's particularly important we fight this crisis given the economic
crisis we are entering, and thus, we must repeal SAPs. Thank you so much, and
hopefully, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of these people living here. Have a great rest of the
day. Good-bye.
Joseph Martinez: This is Joseph Martinez at 520 (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 82nd Street,
Miami, Florida 33138. I'm calling to comment on Item FR.1, 5131, in support of the
repeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. This Item FR.1,
5131, and the repeal of SAPs from Miami 21 should be brought together. SAPs have
not served our City and our residents, and instead, threatened our communities and the
affordability of our City. The adverse effect SAPs can have on working-class
communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is becoming impossible to
ignore. The SAP process is deeply flawed due to minimal to nonexistent requirements
in ensuring neighborhood preservation, lack of meaningful processes to gather public
input and negotiate community benefits, lack of ixclusionary affordable housing
requirements, lack of study on the impact to the surrounding neighborhood, such as on
traffic, the environment, or displacement. SAPs have become a tool for investors to
speculate rather than develop the community for the best of its residents, distorting the
land and real estate market, creating housing problems, and do not add to the
affordable housing stock. Developers are not proposing SAPs for the benefit they can
produce to the City. They are doing it because they see opportunity for enormous gain
in a political and legal environment that favors developers, and because they are
rarely held to a standard that is higher than the bare minimum requirements under the
law. Given that we have entered an economic crisis, protecting the affordability of our
City and the ability of our residents to stay in their communities, as well as ensuring
that development in the City serves its residents is even more important. And so, we
must repeal the special area plan.
Thelma Gibson: This is Thelma Anderson Gibson. I live at 3661 Franklin Avenue in
Coconut Grove. All my early life childhood and early life was -- adult life was spent at
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
3382 Charles Avenue, so Coconut Grove is my hometown, and 1 love this place. And
so, this afternoon, 1 just want to say to say good afternoon to Commissioner --
Chairperson, Commissioner Hardemon, members of the Commission, City Manager,
Mr. Mayor, and my former Mayor who I worked with back from 1997, Commissioner
Carollo. I call him "Mr. Mayor." So I'm here asking you -- I'm speaking in favor of
Resolution RE.7, about (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the creation of a CRA for West Coconut
Grove. It's so much needed. Commissioners, you don't know. I'd like to bring all of
you down here one day just to see what it's like in West Coconut Grove; an area
founded by the Bahamians, and, of course, you know 11111 a descent. And so, it's the
love for me to want to continue to save something for us here in this area. I think
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) for us at this time. I know other areas would love to have a CRA,
but West Grove has been neglected for so long, and I just believe it's so important at
this time all of you Commissioners there on the Commission to vote for this resolution.
It was passed two years ago to ask the City Manager to do whatever it is he could to
help us get this; to work with the County, and help us get this done. I'd like to have
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) in the Grove. I'd like to show you what it is, the lands are,
because Christ Episcopal Church is (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Affordable housing
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) wanted to do some affordable housing. The Thelma Gibson
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) has land that we'd like to buy, purchase, because it's so important
that we continue to have something. And you could just see for yourselves. Macedonia
Baptist Church has a property (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ken Barnes: My name is Ken Barnes, and I live at 1111 Biscayne Boulevard,
Apartment 1804, Miami 33181. 1 am calling to comment on Item 5131 on the agenda
tomorrow evening. I want to register that I support the repeal of references to special
area plans in the City of Miami Code with Item 5131 and the repeal of SAPs from
Miami 21 (UNINTELLIGIBLE). SAPs threaten the very existence of our communities
and the affordability of our City. Do not ensure neighborhood preservation, as
promised, and negatively impact the working class, especially communities of color.
This process is flawed from the beginning due to minimal -- to non-existent
environments (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's lack of accountability to those in communities
it purports to serve. It's lack of community process where needed community benefits
can be negotiated, such as affordable housing (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the Brooking
Institute Innovation Districts, like Magic City and Eastside Ridge don't have to have
destructive impacts on poor residents. Its 2017 report suggests we need to flip the
switch, but not focusing on who might get squeezed out by the innovation economy, but
rather on how greater numbers can connect in. A University of Texas study says some
studies that implemented the right of return policy that focused on residents who have
been displaced or current residents most at risk. This allows us to pay particular
attention to the racial and ethnic groups most (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Economic decline
and (UNINTELLIGIBLE). There are places in the United States, such as Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, Detroit, Baltimore where innovation just created with the inclusion of
participation of nearby distressed neighborhoods. What has been seen are
regeneration of neighborhoods, truly affordable housing, creation of jobs, and
employment development for low-income residents. (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Special
area plans must be repealed. Thank you.
Hill Blackett: Hi. My name is Hill Blackcett. I live at 5824 Northwest 5th Court,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) Miami, Florida 33127. I am here to -- I'm calling to comment on
Item 5131, in support of the repeal of references to special area plans in the City of
Miami Code. So the SAPs have been a big problem. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
development requiring them to provide any affordable housing. They have a big
negative impact, particularly as they are spreading into the working-class
neighborhoods of Miami and can -- you know -- throwing gentrification into hyper
drive. So please review the SAPs and replace them, you know, with a system that
actually is -- actually works, and can provide housing that regular people in Miami
can actually afford. Thank you.
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Jasmine Louis: My name is Jasmine Louis. The address is 126 Northwest 73rd in
Miami. 1 am calling to comment on Item 5131 in support of the repeal of references to
special area plans in the City of Miami Code; this Item 5131, and repeal of SAP from
Miami 21 should be both brought together. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and instead threaten
our communities and the affordability of our City. The adverse effects SAPs can have
on working-class communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is becoming
impossible to ignore. The SAP process is deeply flawed due to minimal to non-existent
requirements in ensuring neighborhood preservation; lack of meaningful processes to
get both input and negotiated community benefits; lack of inclusionary affordable
housing requirements; lack of study on impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods,
such as on traffic, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) speculate rather than develop the community
Jrothe best of its (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and real estate market and inflating housing
costs, and do not ask (UNINTELLIGIBLE) benefits they can produce to the City. They
are doing it because they see opportunity for enormous gain, and a political and legal
environment that favors developers, and because (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to a standard
that is higher than the bare minimum requirements under the law. Given that we have
entered in this economic crisis, protecting the affordability of our City and the ability
of our residents to stay in their communities, as well as ensuring that development in
the City serves its residents it is even more important. And thus, we must repeal
special area plans. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I mean, I'm living in the same emotional
moment every. day. It's knowing that 1 have an opiate addiction, and knowing that I
have done what I've done to my family as far as financially, as far as emotionally. I've
put everybody through something that they didn't have a choice over. I chose initially
to be homeless. I chose it because I wanted to experience life, and 1 wanted to see
what was out there. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) use it as a crutch and an excuse to go back
and what became later a drug problem. I wish that when you see me, you would just
show the same love that you would show anybody else, and not look at me as somebody
that's, you know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or an eyesore.
Lena (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Lena (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and I live at
6630 Southwest 57th Street in Miami. And I'm calling (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Item
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) repeal references to SAPs in the City of Miami Code. SAPs
haven't hasn't served the City and the residents, and instead threaten our communities
and the affordability of our city, something that I care deeply about as a college
student. And the process is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) historic neighborhoods. Its
nonexistent requirements deter neighborhood preservation. There's a lack of
meaningful initiatives to gather public input, and a lack of inclusionary affordable
housing requirements. SAPs have also become a tool for investors to speculate rather
than develop the community for the best of its residents; distorting the land and real
estate market and inflating housing cost and do not add to our affordable housing
stock. Given that we've also entered an economic crisis with the situation going on,
protecting the affordability of our City and the ability for residents to stay in their
communities, as well as ensuring that the development in the City (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
to serve residents, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) must repeal special area plans. Thank you.
Anthony Witherspoon: Good morning. My name is Anthony Witherspoon. I reside at
3629 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. I'm calling in reference to voice
my support for RE.7 resolution directing the City Manager to move forward with the
establishment of the West Grove CRA. I would like to ask, what is your plan going
forth regarding the West Grove receiving CRA support? Why hasn't this matter
received the full attention it deserves? The community is not going away regarding
this issue, and it cannot be swept under the carpet like it's never been brought to
recognition how this community has been (UNINTELLIGIBLE) misunderstood many,
many, years. I would like to thank all of the Commissioners in support of this
resolution, and hope all Commissioners do the right thing regarding the West Grove
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
CRA. Thank you, and may God keep everyone safe during this time that we are
experiencing.
Morgan (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hello. My name is Morgan (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I'm
at 5811 Southwest 58th Terrace. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, in support of
the repeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. The special
area plans do not serve our City or its residents and they threaten our communities and
the affordability of housing in the City. They have adverse effects on working-class
communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods, and it's becoming impossible
to ignore. The process is flawed. The special area plan process is flawed in that
there's minimal to nonexistent requirements in ensuring neighborhood preservation.
There's lack of a meaningful process to gather public input and negotiate community
benefits. There's lack of affordable housing requirements. There is no study of the
impact to surrounding neighborhoods or communities how development projects are
going to affect traffic, the environment, or displace people. It's pushing people out of
their communities and it's -- you know -- exacerbating the lack of affordable housing,
and it's really just serving as speculation in the real estate market. Developers are not
proposing special area plans for benefit that they can produce for the City.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) because they see opportunity for gain in political and a legal
environment that favors the developers, and they basically are (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to
develop any standards above the bare minimum requirements under the law. Given
that we're in an economic crisis, protecting the affordability of our City and the ability
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) communities, as well as ensuring that development in the City
serves its residents is more important now than ever. And so, 1 ani putting my public
comment in favor of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the special area plan and having a more just
process that includes the communities being affected by these development projects.
Thank you.
Isaac Kodsi: Hello. My name is Isaac Kodsi. I reside at 2131 South Bayshore Drive.
The purpose of this video is to request for intervenor status against at petition filed by
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) School of Carrollton (UNINTELLIGIBLE) pertaining to Villa
Woodbine and requesting the permission to build an elementary school for 350 kids.
Clearly, I'm looking to object. First of all, I share 400 -- if you can see behind me --
478 feet with this property. This property will affect perhaps the most important thing
in the Grove, and that is its landscaping, lush landscaping, and protecting this
community and the fabric of this community. So, again, I find this project to be
completely incompatible with the area. My, home, which is behind me here, is 110
years old. It was built by John Peacock, a founder of Coconut Grove. Villa Woodbine
is also a historical home. And it was never the intent for this property, which is a
residential property, which was given commercial usage for the purpose of a private --
to turn into a private club, and now that they're going to try to use this as an exception
to build a school. This school is unnecessary at this time. It is in the wrong location.
It does not serve the actual immediate community. Very few children from the Grove
will be attending this school, and the price we're paying for this school is actually
unfair from the sense of what it's going to do to the community, the traffic impact it's
going to create, but more importantly, the environmental impact that it's going to
create. All of those trees that you see behind me -- okay? -- are just going to be torn
down, and whatever cost of mitigation is not going to replicate the amount of trees, the
shading, the protection that I receive and the community receives from (INAUDIBLE).
Unidentified Speaker: Hello, City of Miami Commission. My name is
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) Gabriel, and this is son, Terrance (UNINTELLIGIBLE). We're
calling on behalf of PH.7, FOCAL (Foundation of Community Assistance and
Leadership) Moore Park Learning Center. My son has been attending FOCAL since
the age of five. This program is a great help for working parents like myself Terrance
has help with homework. He is given a balanced dinner while learning the necessary
things he needs to get ahead in life. FOCAL takes our kids places they may never get
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
to experience, such as college tours, space camps, Key West, et cetera. In all, FOCAL
has been a huge help to myself family, and community, and 1 hope that you keep
supporting PH.7. Thank you.
Megan (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Megan (UNINTELLIGIBLE). My
address is 275 Northeast 18th Street, Apartment 708, Miami, Florida. And I am
calling to speak on Item FR.1. I'm calling in support of the Agenda Item FR.1 to repeal
references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have not served our
City and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the affordability' of
our City. This process is unacceptable, because it doesn't include meaningfid
processes for public input or the negotiation of community benefits. These projects
haven't been proposed for the good of communities, but rather for the good of a select
private few. Given our current affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be
approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being the
good of the community, they become tools for speculation for investors that have
definitely distorted our housing and real estate market, and deepened our affordability,
crisis. It is particularly important we fight this crisis given the current economic crisis
we are entering. And thus, we must repeal SAPs. Thank you so much, and have a
good day.
Jessica St. Fleur: My name is Jessica St. Fleur. I live at 155 Northwest 64th Street.
I'm talking on Agenda Item FR.1, in support of the repeal of SAPS. It's no secret that
SAPs are -- like the process of SAPS are deeply flawed. We are talking about a process
that has minimal to no input from the community. We want more inclusionary
affordable housing and lack -- it continuously [sic] to lack all of these things. We need
more impact studies, a meaningful process to getting our development needs. And
SAPs are now a tool for developers to come into our communities and just take
everything, and build luxury condos. These -- more affordable housing should be for
the community, by the community, and we need to have that conversation. Thank you.
Carolina Ruiz: Hi. My name is Carolina Ruiz, and I live at 11895 Southwest 6th
Street, Miami, Florida 33184. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, in support of the
repeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. This Item 5131
and the repeal of SAPS from Miami 21 should be both brought together. SAPs have not
served our City and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the
affordability of our City. The adverse effects SAPs could have on working-class
communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is becoming impossible to
ignore. The SAP process is deeply flawed due to minimal to nonexistent requirements
in ensuring neighborhood preservation, lack of meaningful processes to gather public
input, and negotiate community benefits, lack of inclusionary affordable housing
requirements; lack of study on the impact of the surrounding neighborhoods, such as
traffic, the environment and displacement. SAPs have become a tool for investors to
speculate, rather than development the community for the benefit of its residents,
distorting the land and real estate market, and inflating housing costs, and do not add
to our affordable housing stock. Developers are not proposing SAPs for the benefit
they could produce to the City. They are doing it because they see opportunity for
enormous gain in political and legal environments that favors developers, and because
they are rarely held to a standard that is higher than the bare minimum requirements
for the law. Given that we have entered an economic crisis, protecting the
affordability of our City and the ability of our residents to stay in the communities, as
well as ensuring that development in the City serves its residents is more important,
and thus, we must repeal special area plans. Please care about your community.
Please care about the people here. Please care about the blacks, the browns, the
indigenous, the poor, the queer; everybody that is not rich white Cubans in Miami. We
need to protect our culture. We need to protect our communities. We need to protect
our people. That's all we ask, and that's all we need, and that's all we deserve --
respect.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
Catherine Madrid: Good evening. My name is Catherine Madrid, and I'm here with
my son -- with one of my kids, my oldest -- Elijah Oliver, and he's going to express to
you the importance of FOCAL, and what does FOCAL means to him, and the reason
why we are supporting PH 7.
Elijah Madrigal: Hello. I'm supporting PH 7, because we need this program. We
work hard, and we play hard, and that's what it's all about. We work hard. We have
some -- we have tutors, which is like our personal teachers that help us with writing,
and math, and for the high-schoolers on the SATs (Scholastic Aptitude Test), and all
type of stuff that like we need help to like improving in school. So we need that. They
provide us food. So like if -- let's say you're not like finance there. It's like -- that's like
a little help --
Ms. Madrid: Financially stable.
Mr. Madrid: -- financially stabled. Eating that dinner is help, because its like --
Ms. Madrid: It's a blessing.
Mr. Madrid: It's a blessing, because not everybody gets that every -- after -school. It's
beneficial for me and my mom, because it works for -- with her job schedule, and they
stay with your kids for like until your parents come. And they take you on fun trips to
like -- I went to Alabama for space -- it was a space camp trip. And 1 went to Rapids
and Disney. And it's just very fun, and you can tell they really love their kids. They
always tell us that.
Ms. Madrid: They encourage you.
Mr. Madrid: They encourage us.
Ms. Madrid: They even ask -- I'm going to reiterate the fact that they really love our
kids, and they really show it, because not only do they get rewarded with the field trips,
but they also care about their grades. Like Ms. Jamila don't play that. She wants to
see report cards. Right, Elijah?
Mr. Madrid: Yeah.
Ms. Madrid: And this program is very -- it's -- I mean, it's a blessing. Like I don't even
know what else to say, because it's just -- like we need this program.
Unidentified Speaker: I'm (UNINTELLIGIBLE), a member of Engage Miami, 7000
Northwest 2nd Avenue. I'm calling in support of Agenda Item 5R.1 [sic], to repeal
references to special area plans in our City's Code. They haven't served our City's
residents; instead, they threaten the affordability of our City. The SAP process is
unacceptable. It doesn't include meaningful processes for public input and negotiation
of community benefits. These projects have been proposed and approved for private
gain rather than the good of the community. Although they've been -- they've only met
the minimum legal requirements. We have an affordable housing crisis, and these
projects shouldn't be approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning. Instead of
being for the good of the community, they've become tools for speculation by investors,
distorting our housing and real estate markets, and deepening our affordability crisis.
It's important we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we are entering right now,
so we must repeal SAPs. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: Hi. My name is (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and I live at 1600
Northeast 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132. I'm calling in support of Agenda Item
FR.1 to repeal references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have
not served our City and our residents, and instead threaten our communities and
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
affordability of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it doesn't include
meaningful process for public input and the negotiation of community benefits. These
projects haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private gain, and
unfortunately have been approved, although they've only met the minimum legal
requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't he
approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the
good of the community, they've become tools for speculation by investors, distorting
our housing and real estate markets, and deepening our affordability crisis. It's
particularly important we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we're entering, and
thus, we must repeal SAPs. Thank you.
Julia Florentine: My name is Julia Florentine. I'm calling from Engage Miami;
address, 7000 Northwest loth Avenue. I'm calling to comment on Agenda Item FR.1,
in support of the repeal of the special area plans in the City of Miami Code. SAPs
have not served our City and our residents, and they do threaten our communities and
the affordability of our City. The adverse effects SAPs can have on working-class
communities are countless, and it is becoming impossible to ignore. The SAP process
is deeply flawed due to minimal to nonexistent requirements in ensuring neighborhood
preservation, and a lack of inclusionary affordable housing requirements in these
plans. There is also a lack of study on the impact of the surrounding neighborhoods,
such as on traffic, the environment, or displacement of people that have lived in the
community for a number of years. SAPs are also particularly dangerous given our
economic crisis. Protecting the affordability of our City, and the ability of our
residents to stay in their communities and in their homes is becoming even more
crucial than it already is. Thank you so much for allowing me the time to speak, and
have a wonderful day, and stay healthy.
Jihad Rashid: My name is Jihad Rashid. I live in Coconut Grove. I am a community
developer. I've worked in Coconut Grove for more than 30 years. I've built
successfully affordable housing, and contributed immeasurably to economic
development. Most of what has been accomplished has been accomplished by the
private sector, and I'm at this time urging this Commission, and imploring this
Commission to move forward with the approval for a CRA for Coconut Grove Village
West, also known as the West Grove. We found many reasons not to take the initiatives
that were at hand. This is an opportunity to provide foundation for us to successfully
turn the tide against the disinvestment and neglect that has plagued this community for
over five decades. Do not not support this unless you have something here and now.
The people has voted for this. This is government for the people, by the people. We
ask for this. We appoint you to do our bidding. We want you to do what we ask you to
do. We are the citizenry. We don't want you to think too much about it. And frankly,
we want you to do what we ask you to do. Pass this measure, and let's build upon it. If
there's something that you don't feel comfortable about, about this measure, let's pass
it and let's tweak it, but do not let this meeting go by without its approval. Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: My name is (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And live at 100 Northeast
84th Street, Miami, Florida. And I'm calling in support of Agenda Item 5131, to repeal
references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have not served our
City and our residents; and instead, threatened our community and affordability of our
City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it does not include meaningful
processes for public input and the negotiation of community benefits. These projects
haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private gain, and
unfortunately have been approved although they have met the minimum legal
requirements. The affordable housing crisis. These projects shouldn't be approved
without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the good of
the community, they have become tools of speculation by investors, distorting our
housing and real estate markets, and deepening our affordability crisis. It is
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
particularly important that we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we are
entering, and thus, we must repeal SAPs.
Ms. Jean: Hi. My name is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Jean. I live in 1115 Northwest 129th
Street, Miami, Florida, and I'm calling in support of Agenda 5131, to repeal references
to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have been -- have not served
our City and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the affordability
of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it doesn't include meaningful
processes for public input and the negotiation of community benefits. These projects
haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private gains, and
unfortunately have been approved although they have been -- only met the minimal
legal requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be
approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the
good of the community, they have become tools for speculation by investors, distorting
our housing and real estate markets, and deepening our affordability crisis. It's
particularly important we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we are entering,
and thus, we must repeal SAPs. We want the SAPs to be repealed. Thank you.
Suzy (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Suzy (UNINTELLIGIBLE), of 100
Northeast 84th Street, Miami, Florida. I am calling to comment on Item 5131, FR-
5131, in support of the repeal of references to the special area plans in the City of
Miami Code. This item and the repeal of SAPS from Miami 21 should both be brought
together. SAPs have not served our City and our residents, and instead, threaten our
communities and the affordability of our City. The adverse effects that SAPs can have
on the working-class communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is
becoming impossible to ignore. The SAP process is deeply flawed due to the minimal
nonexistent requirements in ensuring neighborhood preservation, lack of meaningful
processes to gather together public input and negotiate community benefits, lack of
inclusionary affordable housing requirements; lack of study on impacts to the
surrounding neighborhoods such as traffic, the environment, or displacement. SAPs
have become a tool for investors to speculate, rather than to development the
community for the best of its residents, distorting the land and real estate market, and
inflating housing costs, and do not add to our affordable housing stock. Thank you.
Courtney Berrien: My name is Courtney Berrien. I'm sending this video to talk about
the proposed CRA for the West Grove. I live at 3325 Charles Avenue in the West
Grove. Since the West Grove was removed from the Omni CRA, it's incredibly
important that the Commission continues to protect this community. We all know this
is a historic community and the families that call this area home, and that have for
about 100 years; in particular, have been subject to the discriminatory practices
promoted by the City at one time, including redlining and lack of loans, lack of
infrastructure; other evils, really, that plagued the West Grove black community during
the time of segregation. Today you can still see the fallout from that history, and it's
really up to the City Commission to make things right by helping to provide the small
business owners, homesteading families, renters, the fragile community that still exists
here and is trying to hold on as the developers try to harass some residents, and in
other cases, not harass, but, you know, offer incentives for people to leave, offers that
they can't refuse, and there isn't a protection for those residents to stay in homes that
they struggled to keep as they were struggling to help build Miami as a new city. So I
think it's very important that the government invests in the infrastructure that will
allow small businesses to stay here, that will attract small businesses on Grand
Avenue, and allow some of the historic black communities to have businesses on Main
Highway and other areas that historically were niore prosperous. And that won't
happen if residents can't keep their homes, if there aren't good schools here, if there
aren't good roads, and so forth. So I strongly urge you to promote a CRA for the West
Grove. Thank you.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
Marianne (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Marianne (UNINTELLIGIBLE). 1
live at 154 Northwest 54th Street, and I am calling in support of Agenda Item 5131, to
repeal references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have not
served our City and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the
affordability of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it doesn't include
meaningful processes for public input and negotiation of community benefits. These
projects haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private gain, and
unfortunately, have been approved although they've only met the minimum legal
requirement. Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be approved
without mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the good of
the community, they've become tools for speculation by investors, distorting our
housing and real estate market, and deepening our affordability crisis. It's particularly
important that we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we are entering, and thus,
we must repeal SAPs. Thank you for listening.
Truly Burton: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and City Commissioners. This is Truly
Burton, executive vice president with the Builders Association of South Florida, with
offices at 111 Northwest 183rd Street, in Miami Gardens, Florida 33169. I'm leaving
messages today, comments regarding FR.3. It should be coming before you today,
regarding seawalls and flood controls. BASF (Builders Association of South Florida)
is pleased to support this item. It is important to ensure that, you know, properties are
protected properly. And your Public Works and Resilience Director Alan Dodd came
to speak to our legislative committee last month. He explained the ordinance in detail,
and just wanted to let you all know that we endorse this ordinance for ensuring
safekeeping of property and to reduce impacts from sea level rise. Thanks so much.
Bye-bye.
Linda Williams: Good afternoon. I'm Linda Williams, first vice president of HOTA,
Homeowners and Tenants Association, Village West. My message or statement: The
executive board of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants
Association (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of a CRA for West Grove, sponsored by
Commissioner Ken Russell. The Miami City Commission voted in its April 9 meeting
to terminate all negotiations to expand the Omni CRA into the West Grove. This action
was carried out in the absence of an alternative substitute proposal. Please remember
that the Commission voted unanimously two years ago for the Omni expansion and
adopted the findings of necessity study that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and met all criteria.
We urge the following assurances: The creation of the Coconut Grove Village West
CRA (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to the detriment of our community and the mechanics to
proceed with the CRA establishment to be given top priority; the composition of the
board and advisory board includes members of the community from the residential and
business sectors; selection of an executive director includes endorsements from such
worthy community members; the community be given periodic updates on the CRA's
projects and their status; that the adoption of the West Grove CRA not be overtaken by
foreign or domestic developers with the intent of negotiating for their priorities as it
relates to attainable affordable housing. Coconut Grove Village West is still awaiting
for fulfillment of long overdue promises for attainable affordable housing, economic
viability, and overall community revitalization. Let the passage of this resolution be
the driving force that could steer our community from further neglect and decline, and
on to the road of pro.sperity. Again, I'm Linda Williams, 3517 Hibiscus Street. Thank
you. Our president, Clarice Cooper of Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and
Tenants Association and its entire executive board.
John Cardello: My name is John Cardello, and I live at 2175 Tigertail Avenue,
adjacent to Villa Woodbine. My financial interests and property rights will be
negatively impacted by this application, and therefore, I request denial. Villa
Woodbine and the single-family homes at 2180 and 2190 Tigertail are consistent with
the scale of the single-family neighborhood as it currently is. The intent of Miami 21
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
NCD-3 is to protect the unique single-family neighborhood that comprises Coconut
Grove. NCD further states in Section 3.6: "The single family residential districts
intended to protect the low density residential and prevent the intrusion of additional
density, uses and height." The school development lacks compatibility with the existing
neighborhood and height massing use. Tigertail Avenue is treated as secondary
frontage with an 18 foot 9 setback. Tigertail Avenue is a principal frontage for all
other properties facing Tigertail Avenue, and requires a 30-foot setback, therefore
creating a disadvantage to the neighborhood. The design drawings and configuration
are not permitted by Miami 21, are not permissible by other property owners, placing
me at a further disadvantage. The building's eaves are at 28 feet while Miami 21 NCD
allows a maximum of 25 feet. The driveway is 24 feet while two-way
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) Tigertail Avenue drive is not indicative (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
regardless. 2,000 -- our home is 2,800 square feet, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) square feet,
10 times the size of my home directly across the street. The school proposed by
Covenant of the Sacred Heart (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the fabric of the single family
neighborhood and puts my personal commitment to my community, financial
investments and livability in my neighborhood at risk. I thank you for your time, and I
hope that you deny this application.
Mariana (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Hi. My name is Mariana (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and
I'm a member of Engage Miami, with the office located at 7000 Northwest 2nd Avenue,
in Miami. I'm calling in support of Agenda Item 5131, to repeal references to special
area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs have not served our City or our residents,
and instead, threaten our communities and the affordability of our City. In fact, this
repeal is extremely important to me, because it allows developers and developments
like MCID to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) off our community and (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and
offer no affordable housing option or community benefits. These developments should
not continue to happen in our communities without our say-so. These projects haven't
been proposed for the good of the community, but for private gain, and unfortunately,
have been approved, although they've only met the minimum legal requirements.
Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects should not be approved without
mandatory inclusionary zoning for instance. Instead of being for the good of the
community, they've become tools for speculation by investors, distorting our housing
and real estate market, and deepening our affordability crisis. It's particularly
important we fight this crisis given the economic crisis we are entering, especially
given the pandemic, and thus, we must repeal SAPs. Thank you.
Rebecca Pellam: Hi. My name is Rebecca Pellam, address is 7000 Northwest 2nd
Avenue, 33150. And I am speaking on Item 5131, regarding special area plans. I
believe strongly that special area plans do not serve residents of the City of Miami.
They prevent public comment. They prevent community -based housing that really
works for the needs of the City of Miami residents. We're a community that is one of
the most cost -burdened in the entire nation and SAPs really are a loophole to get
around the Miami 21 area plan. They do not serve our community. They do not serve
our city, and I hope that the Commission moves to end SAPs. Thank you.
Lauren Fernandez: My name is Lauren Fernandez. I live at 16255 Northwest 64th
Avenue, in Miami Lakes, Florida 33014. I am calling to comment on Item 5131, in
support of the appeal of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code.
This Item 5131 and the repeal of special area plans from Miami should be both
brought together. The special area plans are not serving the City, particularly in black
communities and communities of color and low-income communities. It is affecting the
rate of affordable housing in our community as well. So I believe that there's a lot of
deep flaws. There's a lack of inclusion of thinking about affordable housing
requirements. There's also an environmental impact thinking about what would
happen with housing that doesn't consider what it's doing to the environment. So I am
leaving that message and I hope that you will consider what I have to say. Thank you.
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Susanna Munoz: Hi. My name is Susanna Munoz, and these are my children, Jada,
Kimberly, and (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And we've been part of the FOCAL program for
the last six years. And here are some things that my kids really enjoy about FOCAL.
Unidentified Speaker: What I enjoy about FOCAL is the people there having helped
me improve my grades.
Unidentified Speaker: What I enjoy about FOCAL is whenever I need help with my
homework, I always get it.
Unidentified Speaker: What I like about FOCAL are the fun activities and the
educational field trips.
Ms. Munoz: FOCAL really helps us, and the community, and the students with a lot of
different things. I'm thankful for FOCAL. Because of them, I could go to work, and I
am at ease that I know that after school, my kids have a fun and safe place to go to.
Pin thankful for the staff. I'm thankful that they even offer dinner. I'm grateful for the
fact that every summer, they go on fun field trips, and they go on educational field
trips, as well. If it wasn't for FOCAL, different things, like going to Key West, and
going snorkeling, or going to Disney trips wouldn't come as easy to families like us. So
we really are asking fbr you to please help and support PH.7 so many families could
benefit; the fun facts about FOCAL, like education, and fun things, and just emotional
support. So again, we ask that you please support PH.7. Thank you.
Catherine Brennan: Hi. My name is Catherine Brennan. 1 live at 774 Northeast 20th
Street, Miami 33138. I'm calling on Item 5131. I'm calling in support of Agenda Item
FR.1, to repeal references to special area plans in our City of Miami. SAPs haven't
served our City and our residents; instead threaten our communities and the
affordability of our City. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it doesn't include
meaningful processes for public input and the negotiation of community benefits.
These projects haven't been proposed for the good of the community, but for private
gain, and unfortunately, have been approved although they've only met the minimum
legal requirements. Given our affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be
approved without mandatory inclusionary zoning. Instead of being for the good of the
community, they become tools for speculation by investors shorting our housing and
real estate markets and deepening our affordability crisis. It's important that we fight
this crisis given the economic crisis we are entering. Thus, we must repeal SAPs.
Thank you for your consideration.
Brianna La Fortat: Hi. My name is Brianna La Fortat. I live at 1444 Northwest 14th
Avenue, Miami, Florida. I'm calling in support of Agenda Item FR.1, 5131, to repeal
references to special area plans in our City of Miami Code. SAPs haven 't served our
City and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the affordability of
our city. The SAP process is unacceptable, because it neither includes meaningful
processes for public input, nor the negotiation of community benefits. These projects
haven't been proposed for the good of the community but for private gain. Given our
affordable housing crisis, these projects shouldn't be approved without mandatory
inclusionary zoning, for instance. It's particularly important we fight this crisis given
the economic crisis we're entering, and thus, we must repeal SAPs. Thank you.
Manny Castillo: Hi. I'm Manny Castillo, and I reside at 1053 Northwest 30th Street,
Miami, Florida 33127. I'm calling to comment on Item 5131, in support of the repeal
of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. This Item 5131
(INAUDIBLE) repeal of (INAUDIBLE) froni -- SAPs froni Miami 21 should be both
brought together. SAPs have not served our City and our residents, and instead,
threaten our communities and the affordability of our City. The adverse effects SAPs
can have on working class communities of color in Miami (INAUDIBLE) is becoming
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
impossible to ignore. SAPs are deeply flawed due to minimal to nonexistent
requirements (INAUDIBLE) neighborhood preservation, lack of meaningful processes
to gather public input and negotiate community benefits, lack of study on the impact to
the surrounding neighborhood, such as upon traffic (INAUDIBLE) environment or
displacement. SAPs have become a tool for investors to speculate rather than develop
the community for the benefits of its residents (INAUDIBLE) land and real estate
market and inflating housing costs, and do not add to our affordable housing
(INAUDIBLE). Developers are not proposing SAPs for the benefit (INAUDIBLE).
They are doing it because they see an opportunity for enormous gain in a political and
legal environment that favors developers, and because they are barely held to a
standard that is higher than the bare minimum requirements under the law. Given that
we have entered an economic crisis (INAUDIBLE) affordability of our City and the
ability of our residents (INAUDIBLE) as well as ensuring that the development
(INAUDIBLE) and the City serve its residents is even more important, and thus, we
must repeal special area plans.
David Winker: This is David Winker and I live at 2222 Southwest 17th Street. Pm
commenting on item FR.1 and in support of the repeal of references to special area
plans in the City of Miami Code. I know that FR.1 references a nonexistent sister item
regarding the repeal of SAPs from the Miami 21 Zoning Code. Hopefully, this item is
postponed until both items can be heard together, because this is a critical issue for
our community. And the current economic crisis brought on by the COVJD-19
pandemic makes protecting the affordability of our City and the ability of our residents
to stay in their communities more critical than ever. SAPs have not served our City
and our residents, and instead, threaten our communities and the affordability of our
housing. While poor neighborhoods need and want the revitalization that new private
investment brings, existing residents must be able to have a meaningful voice to
promote participatory development instead of predatory development. This is the
foundation of building equitable and inclusive communities that respond to the needs
of all residents. The Miami 21 Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Neighborhood
Plan which govern the planning of the City of Miami both explicitly include language
aimed at ensuring that all residents have a place in the future of the City. This
language is not purely aspirational; it is the law. We must empower residents to be
able to express their desires for what happens in their neighborhoods to build a Miami
for everyone.
(INAUDIBLE) Bromba: (INAUDIBLE) Bromba, 3000 Biscayne Boulevard. I'm
calling to comment on FR.1, in support of the repeal of reference to special area plans
in the City of Miami Code. This item and repeals of SAPs from Miami 21 should both
be brought together. SAPs have not served our City or our residents, and instead,
threaten our communities and the affordability of our City. SAPs have become a tool
for investors to speculate rather than develop the community for the best of its
residents with distorting the land and real estate markets, and inflated housing costs.
(INAUDIBLE) do not add to our housing stock. Developers are not proposing SAPs
for the benefit that they can produce to the City. They're doing it because they see an
opportunity for enormous financial gain in a political and legal environment that
favors developers, and because they are rarely held to a standard that is higher than
the bare minimum requirements under the law. The SAP is deeply flawed due to its
minimal to nonexistent requirements in ensuring neighborhood preservation, their lack
of a meaningful process to gather public input and negotiate community benefits, their
lack of inclusionary affordable housing requirements and the lack of study on the
impact to the surrounding area, such as traffic, environment or displacement. The
adverse effects of SAPs can have on the working community -- working class
communities of color in Miami's historic neighborhoods is becoming impossible to
ignore. Given that we've entered an economic crisis protecting the affordability of our
City and the ability of our residents to stay in their communities, as well as ensuring
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
the development in the City serves its residents, (INAUDIBLE) and thus, must repeal
special area plans. Thank you.
Brianna Pelazolo (phonetic): Hello. My name is Brianna Pelazolo. I'm a member of
the organization, Engage Miami; address, 700 Southwest 2nd Ave. I'm calling to
express my support for Agenda Item FR.1 that has to do with repealing special area
plans. I believe that special area plans have antagonized working class areas,
predominately areas of color, by enabling these mass development projects that only
serve to further entrench us in an affordability crisis. Preserving our neighborhood
affordability should flat out be of paramount importance, and SAPs have failed the
people in more ways than one. They lack inclusionary affordable housing
requirements. They fail to garner public input, and they exclude a meaningful process
that would allow for community negotiation for true real community benefits; the type
that would actually help real working-class people. So SAPs not only fail to recognize
the growing affordability crisis, but they plunge us further into it, and that is why I
believe they need to repealed. Again, my name is Brianna Pelazolo and I support
Agenda Item FR.1. Thank you.
Jean Lucas (UNINTELLIGIBLE): Jean Lucas (UNINTELLIGIBLE), 3000 Biscayne
Boulevard, Miami. I'm calling to comment on Item FR.1. I am in support of the repeal
of references to special area plans in the City of Miami Code. This item and repeal of
SAPs from Miami 21 should both be brought together and both be approved. SAPs
have not served Miami or her residents, and instead, threaten communities and the
affordability of the City. Most importantly, SAPs have not proven to add to the City's
affordable housing stock. On the contrary, SAPs don't have substantial requirements
to preserve neighborhoods. SAPs don't have meaningful processes to gather public
input, and negotiate community benefits. SAPs don't have inclusionary affordable
housing requirements. SAPs have not produced adequate studies on the impact to the
surrounding neighborhood, the environment or displacement. For those reasons and
many, more, SAPs should be repealed. Thank you.
Samantha Walker: Hello, City of Miami Commission. My name is Samantha Walker.
I'm calling in support of PH 7 for FOCAL Moore Park Learning Center. This program
has been great to my family, my kids, my community for many years. My kids have
been a part of this program for years now. They've always helped my kids with
homework, taking them on special field trips. They also give them a great dinner every
day. My daughter, she's one of the middle school students. She was taken to Key West
for a special water adventure field trip. They also have been to Orlando to Magic
Kingdom, many different (INAUDIBLE), as well. I would love for this program to
continue to stay around, because it is a great program for the community. I would also
refer this program to family members, neighbors and anybody else that is in need of
help, because this program is very good for helping families out, especially parents
that have to work that's not able to always come home and go straight to doing
homework with their kids. This program helps with all of that.
Yasmine Wilkerson -Young: Good afternoon. My name is Yasmine Wilkerson -Young. I
am the parent of three children: My son, Christopher Young, Cyrus Young and Neveah
Young. My son, Christopher Young, has been at the park for the past nine years.
FOCAL Moore Park has really helped me out as a parent. When I'm at work, my
children goes to aftercare. And also, in the summer, they have a place to go for the
summer. So it really is a safe haven for me as a mother, and for my children as my
children. Please support FOCAL Moore Park.
Christopher Young: My name is Christopher Young. I done been there for nine plus
years. FOCAL Moore Park help me with my homework. They give out free dinner,
and they also -- anything you need -- if you need to go to the staff to talk about
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
personal things or whatever going on, they will talk to you, no problem. So please
support PH. 7, District 11, FOCAL Moore Park. Thank you.
Ms. Young: Thank you. Have a great day. Bye-bye.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing that there are no further public comments, I'm going to close
the public comment section at this time. It's a bit more difficult, because, of course, we
had a bunch of continuances, and a lot of the public comment was referencing the
continuances but (INAUDIBLE) they were just best just to, you know, see right through
to ensure that we didn't lose anyone and their public comments, because we
anticipated these -- this discussion about the continue -- about the -- for instance, the --
what was it? -- Item Number RE (Resolution) -- FR.1 to be continued, so -- but either
way, here we are. So I'll close the public comment at this time.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Let's do public comment now.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): I believe there may be no public comment. Let me
confirm that nothing else has come in. IT (Information Technology), can you confirm,
please?
Manuel Otero (Web Administrator): Nothing here.
Ms. Mendez: Okay, thank you. And I wanted to confirm, also, Chairman, for the
record that in addition to the videos, the real-time calls, you also received all the email
comments that are also part of the record that you've been receiving throughout, so
thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
NO MAYORAL VETO(ES)
(Pursuant to Section 4(g)(5) of the Charter of Miami, Florida, Item(s) vetoed by the Mayor shall be placed by the
City Clerk as the first substantive item(s) for City Commission consideration.)
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
Chair Hardemon: Mr. City Clerk, are there any minutes to be approved?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there are no minutes to be approved, and there
are no mayoral vetoes.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
CA.1 RESOLUTION
7280
Department of
Procurement
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED
APRIL 29, 2019 PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
("RFP") NO. 702383 FROM ASHBRITT, INC., A FLORIDA PROFIT
CORPORATION, CERES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC., A
FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT
BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, CROWDER-GULF JOINT
VENTURE, INC., A FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION, D. & J.,
ENTERPRISES, INC., A FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION
AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF
FLORIDA, DRC EMERGENCY SERVICES, LLC, A FOREIGN
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT
BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND T.F.R.
ENTERPRISES, INC., A FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION
AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF
FLORIDA FOR THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY DEBRIS AND
DISASTER RECOVERY SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
("CITY") DEPARTMENTS OF SOLID WASTE, PARKS AND
RECREATION, AND RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS FOR AN
INITIAL PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS WITH AN OPTION TO
RENEW FOR THREE (3) ADDITIONAL TWO (2) YEAR PERIODS
ON AN AS -NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A NEGOTIATED PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA") WITH EACH OF THE QUALIFIED
PROPOSERS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS AND TO ADD ADDITIONAL QUALIFIED
PROPOSER(S) TO THE CONTRACT WHEN DEEMED IN THE
BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
RFP, SUBJECT TO ALL ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS,
PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVALS, COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE
CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT,
AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE
DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 9/17/2021
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item CA.1 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City
Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Carollo: Let's take a deferment, and then we'll come back to the rest
of the CA (Consent Agenda) agenda.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved to defer Item CA.1.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So I would move that we defer CA.1 to the next
Commission meeting.
Commissioner Reyes: And I would second that.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion on the motion on the floor? Hearing
none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion on the CA agenda?
Commissioner Carollo: Motion.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Commissioner Carollo, I think, had the motion to
accept the CA agenda, CA.2, CA.3 and CA.4; if not, I'll move it -- I'll second it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Joe Carollo; seconded
by Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla. Any discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: Nope.
Chair Hardemon: Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Mr. Hannon: Chair, just for the record, Mayor Suarez would like to cosponsor
CA.4.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
CA.2 RESOLUTION
7296
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
PERPETUAL SIDEWALK EASEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, FROM RIVER LANDING DEVELOPMENT, LLC,
A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR PUBLIC
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO PORTIONS OF SIDEWALK
CONSTRUCTED ON NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE PERPETUAL SIDEWALK
EASEMENT, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO RECORD SAID INSTRUMENT IN THE
PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0116
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
CA.3 RESOLUTION
7299
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MAINTENANCE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
("MMOA") BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND THE
STATE OF FLORIDA'S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
("DEPARTMENT") FOR BEAUTIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS ON
STATE ROAD 90 ("SR-90"), SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET
(EASTBOUND PAIR) AND SOUTHWEST 7TH STREET
(WESTBOUND PAIR).
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0117
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
CA.4 RESOLUTION
7305
Office of
Resilience and
Sustainability
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU"), IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND NATURAL RESOURCE DEFENSE
COUNCIL, INC., A NEW YORK NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION
("NRDC"), FOR THE CITY ENERGY PROJECT ("CEP"), A JOINT
PROJECT OF THE NRDC AND THE INSTITUTE FOR MARKET
TRANSFORMATION THAT PROVIDES FOR RESEARCH,
GUIDELINES, AND ASSISTANCE WITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
TO AID THE OFFICE OF RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY IN
CREATING WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY BENCHMARKING
REGULATIONS FOR LARGE EXISTING BUILDINGS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE ANY AND
ALL OTHER NECESSARY AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSES.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0118
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.4, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Consent Agenda."
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Hardemon: What I'd like to do is ask for a motion to approve some agenda
items. If there's anything that you want to make any modifications to, you can do
that within the motion. If there's any item that you wish to be pulled from the --
what's being considered for consideration individually, if you want to vote "no" on
something, you can also do that. But the Chair will request of what's left on the
agenda to approve the CA (Consent Agenda) agenda, the PH (Public Hearing)
agenda, and the RE (Resolution) agenda.
Commissioner Carollo: Chair, if we could go by groups, because you've thrown
there around 20 items or more. So I want to be sure that I'm not missing anything.
That's a lot of items. So if you could go with the CA, then go with the PH and then
go with the RE.
Chair Hardemon: Is that your motion, to approve the CA agenda?
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me?
Chair Hardemon: Is that your motion to approve the CA agenda?
Commissioner Carollo: I believe so.
Commissioner Reyes: I second it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You know, well --
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve the CA
agenda. Is there any discussion?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Mr. Chairman, for the record, Mayor Suarez
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I have discussion.
Mr. Hannon: -- would like to cosponsor --
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you. I'd like to take out CA.1. 1 have
some concerns that I haven't really done my complete due diligence on the six
companies that are getting this emergency debris and disaster recovery contracts.
I'd like to go through the companies that get these contracts and make sure that
they're good companies, in good standing. We saw what happened after Hurricane
Maria and Hurricane Irma. A lot of these companies were leaving -- I don't know if
these particular companies -- other companies were leaving the State of Florida to
go to Georgia, to go to other sites. I want to make sure that we get it right. I know
hurricane season is upon us and we have an urgency to this, but we can maybe defer
it as a courtesy to me till the next meeting and we can --
Commissioner Carollo: 1 have no problem.
Commissioner Reyes: I have no problem, either. As a matter of fact, let me add,
during my -- the agenda prep, 1 had some questions about it. In particular,
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, if these people, they were capable or they had the
proper equipment to recover all those debris, because I know with the experience we
had with Irma, there were some of them that they got contracts, and when the time
came to pick up the trash, they didn't have the equipment here. They had to bring it
up -- I mean, bring it from other states and other areas, and sometimes they were not
available. And some of them left other states -- I mean, South Florida -- and that's
why, as you remember, we had so much debris on the streets of Miami for such a
long time. That's a good idea. Let's vet them.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So maybe I can move to defer that item now. I
think we all have had bad memories of what happened in 2016 and '17, and those
years and I think it's better just to get it right this time.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would move the --
Commissioner Carollo: If could do this then; if I could withdraw my motion.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH.1 RESOLUTION
7328
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, APPROVING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") FIVE
(5) YEAR PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ("PHA") PLAN FOR FISCAL
YEARS 2020-2024; FURTHER APPROVING THE ADMINISTRATIVE
PLAN IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY'S SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE
VOUCHER AND MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
("ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO SUBMIT THE FIVE (5) YEAR PHA PLAN, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN, ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED, FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT ("U.S. HUD") FOR THE CITY'S CONTINUED
PARTICIPATION IN SAID PROGRAMS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSES.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0120
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.1, please see "End of
Public Hearings."
PH.2 RESOLUTION
7364
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE BUSINESS CONTINUITY
MICRO -ENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, FOR ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") IN RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC INJURIES CAUSED
AS A RESULT OF THE CORONAVIRUS ("COVID-19");
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0121
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
PH.3 RESOLUTION
7376
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE SMALL BUSINESS
EMERGENCY LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, FOR ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI IN RESPONSE TO THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACED
BY SAID BUSINESSES AS A RESULT OF THE CORONAVIRUS
("COVID-19"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0122
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
PH.4 RESOLUTION
7377
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
SPECIAL GRANT FUNDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $6,598,623
FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS IN THE FOLLOWING
AMOUNTS: (1) $3,281,526.00 TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, (2) $1,633,034.00 TO
THE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS PROGRAM, AND (3)
$1,684,063.00 TO THE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
PERSONS WITH AIDS PROGRAM, ALL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS AID,
RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT ("CARES ACT");
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS,
ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR
SAID PURPOSES, SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND
LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0123
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.4, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
PH.5 RESOLUTION
7378
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS
WITH THE ORGANIZATIONS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE PROVISION OF
EMERGENCY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESSES
IN THE CITY OF MIAMI IN ORDER TO ENABLE THEM TO APPLY
FOR ALL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO SMALL BUSINESS
OWNERS UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND
ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT ("CARES ACT") AND THE SMALL
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ("SBA"), SUBJECT TO THE
APPROVAL BY CITY COMMISSION OF THE PROGRAM BEING
FUNDED WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS AT A FUTURE CITY COMMISSION MEETING; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0124
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record:• For minutes referencing Item PH.5, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH.6
6505
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
MAY BE DEFERRED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-
85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE
SEALED BIDDING METHODS AND PROCEDURES AS NOT BEING
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
RIGHT OF WAY ACCESS AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
("AGREEMENT"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," WITH ILLUMINATION
TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, A FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
REGISTERED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF
FLORIDA ("ILLUMINATION TECHNOLOGIES"), INCLUSIVE OF
BONDING AND INSURANCE APPROVED BY THE CITY'S RISK
MANAGER, TO ALLOW ILLUMINATION TECHNOLOGIES ACCESS
TO CERTAIN RIGHTS OF WAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF
MULTIPURPOSE POLES FOR THE PROVISION, AMONGST
OTHER THINGS, OF A VIGILANCE SECURITY NETWORK,
INCLUDING A VIGILANCE VIDEO CAMERA NETWORK, FLOOD
SENSORS, AND TAG READERS, ALL AT NO COST TO THE CITY,
FURTHERING THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH,
SAFETY, AND GENERAL WELFARE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL AMENDMENTS AND EXTENSIONS THERETO, ALL IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item PH.6 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PH.6, please see "Order of the Day."
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH.7 RESOLUTION
7363
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY A
FOUR FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER AN
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," THAT COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID
PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT
FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF
THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") IN A TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($250,000.00) TO FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY
ASSISTANCE AND LEADERSHIP, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR
PROFIT CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), IN SUPPORT OF THE
GRANTEE'S FOCAL MOORE PARK AFTERSCHOOL AND
SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0125
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.7, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH.8 RESOLUTION
7373
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY A
FOUR FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER AN
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," THAT COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID
PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT
FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF
THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") IN A TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($135,000.00) TO MARTIN LUTHER KING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, A FLORIDA NOT
FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), IN SUPPORT OF THE
GRANTEE'S MLK WHEELS TO WORK PROGRAM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0126
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.8, please see "End of
Public Hearings."
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH.9 RESOLUTION
7392
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A", PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-
85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"); WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING METHODS AS NOT BEING
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") FOR THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION AND
EMERGENCY KIOSKS WITH IKE SMART CITY, LLC, A FOREIGN
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT
BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ("IKE"); AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND IKE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO
ALL ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVALS, COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE PROVISIONS
OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING THE CITY'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18 OF
THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS,
RULES, AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY
FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0119
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PH.9, please see
"Public Comments for all Items."
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Clerk, do we have a motion already on the floor?
Commissioner Carollo: If I could give some input on that.
Chair Hardemon: You're muted, Mr. --
Commissioner Carollo: I think it's a good amendment.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to withdraw something from this particular item.
We had a list of agencies that were going to get 25 percent. I'd like to withdraw
Bayfront Park from that and let me explain to you all why. When I originally started
having conversations with the owners of this firm -- and it was some time ago -- they
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
were looking at the land that Bayfront Park manages, and it was going to be a
separate deal that we were going to he bringing up to the City Commission.
Somehow, a lot of things have changed since then. 1 don't want to get into it all. 1
think the Manager's done a good job in making a better deal from what was
presented to us at the last meeting. But I want to withdraw Bayfront Park from that
and have it as a standalone that I can bring it back later, and let me explain to my
colleagues why, and I'd like to get some input. Unlike CRAs (Community
Redevelopment Agencies), unlike BIDs (Business Improvements Districts), unlike the
DDA (Downtown Development Authority) that doesn't manage any of its own land,
doesn't have its land that they're putting these kiosks in there, Bayfront Park does.
And Bayfront Park, from now in the fixture to whoever's chairman, should be able to
keep, like it always has, the activities that it has done in Bayfront Park. The only
deviation that came throughout the years was Ultra, and that was for other reasons.
But outside of that, that's how Bayfront Park is able to provide the services to that
huge area of property that it manages without -- not requiring one penny from the
City. On the contrary, with me as Chairman, for the first time, we gave $3 million
back to the City. So what I'd like to do -- and I want for all of you to know what my
intentions are, so you could speak on it if you so wish -- is to take this out. I will
negotiate with this firm or other firms for the best deal possible, and bring this back
to you with some additional projects that I would like to negotiate so that the money
will stay in Bayfront Park. Now if Bayfront Park doesn't use that money after a
reasonable amount of time, and we have, you know, an overabundance of monies --
which is not going to happen any time soon with everything that's happened --
obviously, 1, as long as I'm there -- and I hope that whoever follows me as Chair will
do the same -- would return that money to the general fund. And that's a
(INAUDIBLE) that I've had not just for Bayfront Park but for any of our lands that
are City -owned but have been put in trusts. So if my colleagues would be okay with
that, then I would like to withdraw Bayfront Park from the overall contract that we
have before us, and come back to you at a future date with this, and maybe some
additional items.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Before we move forward --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: -- Mr. Clerk, is there a motion on the floor? I thought there was
a motion for the approval of the PH (Public Hearing) agenda, and now we're making
changes.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, there's' no motion. Great. Okay, Commissioner Alex Diaz
de la Portilla and then Commissioner Ken Russell.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you. Then I would like to move that we
change the breakdown of the terms to seven, seven -- seven years, seven years and
six years ,and that we exclude Bayfront Trust -- Management Trust Fund out of the
agreement, and we leave the other organizations in so that would incorporate Mr.
Carollo's -- Commissioner Carollo's idea and my idea together into one motion, and
that would be my motion. Thank you.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, I just also
wanted to remind everyone that this was -- this is nonexclusive, so it's a nonexclusive
contract. So the -- all the issues that came up in public comments and now the fact
that Commissioner Carollo's bringing up that he can negotiate with others, that that
is allowed, because this is nonexclusive, and I wanted to make sure that that was
very clear for the record.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Clear. So that's my motion.
Chair Hardemon: All right. It's been properly moved. Is there a second?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I second it.
Chair Hardemon: Second by Commissioner Reyes. Commissioner Russell.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to clam if carving
Bayfront Park Trust out of this agreement is -- would that give the existing -- the
remaining -- the kiosks that do go into Bayfront Park Trust into the DDA portion, or
would it be actually a carveout so that Commissioner Carollo and the Bayfront Park
Trust can work directly with that vendor and/or other vendors, because 1 think it
should be clamed a bit. If it's just withdrawing Bayfront Park Trust from this
current legislation, it would then be encompassed by the DDA.
Commissioner Carollo: I --
Vice Chair Russell: I just wanted to understand where you're going.
Commissioner Carollo: I appreciate that, Commissioner, because I think we do
need to clam that. Obviously, it's a carveout so that anything that is managed or in
front of Bayfront Park Trust is carved out for Bayfront Park Trust.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Carollo, you mean that any kiosk that it is placed, as
they said, in whole Bayfront Park, which is -- also is inside the DDA -- that the DDA
will not receive a single penny out of it?
Commissioner Carollo: That's correct. Bayfront Park Trust was given that land to
manage it, and to do whatever it could there as long as it did not receive any monies
from the City of Miami to be run. If we now are going to start carving out different
items that will be the only ones that Bayfront Park Trust can bring money in, then
Bayfront Park is going to reach the point -- it certainly will be there now if we can't
have any gatherings -- where it won't be able to maintain itself any longer, and that's
the difference between DDA, CRAs, BIDs and Bayfront Park Trust. We actually
have land that this could go on in. All the other City agencies, you're using the
City's land to get that 25 percent. And just like we've done in other things inside the
park property and has not been carved out for DDA for any other organization,
that's all that I'm asking; to keep status quo like it's been.
Commissioner Reyes: Well --
Chair Hardemon: Right, Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. And this would only -- Commissioner
Reyes, maybe to assuage some of your concerns, this is only for the land that's
Bayfront Trust Management land. This is not the rest of Downtown Miami so --
Commissioner Carollo: No. That's --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- you'll still have a majority. The DDA will still
have a majority of those kiosks throughout downtown will be placed under the
DDA's carve -- percentage.
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Commissioner Reyes: But how many kiosks are going to go in that land on Bayfront
Park? I mean --
Commissioner Carollo: I can't imagine that there would be more than eight
(INAUDIBLE) --
Commissioner Reyes: (INAUDIBLE) every single Commissioner is going to provide
-- I mean is going to generate very -- it cannot be eight, because we have a distance,
a separation to -- there is a separation on -- that they have to be -- I don't know, a
hundred -- 500 feet or something.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, whatever it is on the separation in the clause, that has
to be abided to.
Commissioner Reyes: It have to be abided to. But I know that you are a very, very
hard negotiator, but so am I. I would like to share some of those funds with you for
DDA in certain aspects, because when you have your activities in Bayfront Park, you
see, it's all kept by Bayfront Park. And we have a lot of work to do at DDA, and we
have to work together. And by the way, Commissioner Carollo, I mean, this comes
to my mind now. And now that we have a new Chairman of the Omni CRA, have
they paid the $2 million that they owe you?
Commissioner Carollo: This is not a discussion, now and I'm sure that
(INAUDIBLE) --
Commissioner Reyes: I'm just asking. It's just for my information.
Commissioner Carollo: The -- it's more than $2 million, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes. Oh, okay, okay. No, no, I just wanted to know.
Commissioner Carollo: That's not a discussion now, and I'm not looking for a tit for
tat on this one.
Commissioner Reyes: No, sir. I'm not looking for a tit for at that time, also. It's just
a question that is a valid question, because I am concerned about your finances.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah but --
Commissioner Reyes: And this is -- I don't know, it's, you know, keeping them -- not
only now -- keeping the funds away, not only from DDA, but from the federal -- I
mean, from the general fund, it is also a concern of mine, because we are keeping
only 25 percent of the revenues that generates for these institutions. But the rest
goes to the general fund and our general fund has been depleted. And as I
understand, we're going to have -- we are up to, I guess, 19 million or 20-some
million dollars in deficit. And keeping it in Bayfront Park, or DDA, or anybody
keeping all the revenues without sharing with the general And is a concern that I
have.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, Commissioner, let me explain this to you. The
(INAUDIBLE) can only generate funds by either the activities that it has there,
which for the foreseeable future, probably for the next two years, we're not looking
to make any money; maybe longer with the way this is going, because we're not
going to be able to have the type of concerts and activities that we had there once
before for at least two years, maybe more.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
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Commissioner Carollo: This is a reality. Maybe nobody wants to hear it, but this is
a fact of life that we're moving forward with Coronavirus. Now, if that was the bulk
of the activities that the park would generate funds from, 90, 90 plus percent of its
fund -- and where you -- instead of you using -- all of us using general fund monies
to keep that park going and maintain it, then we have to be able to use the park like
it always has been, or with those dollars. I have some additional things that I'm
going to bring forward. This is why I want to make this clear. And I've stated
already that if we have surpluses for any reason, I will return that money. No
chairman ever of Bayfront Park has ever given a penny back to the City of Miami. I
did; 3 million to the general fiend. Now your other question on monies from the
Omni CRA, let me say this to you: That that money can only be used in the Ferre
Park, and only for new projects; not for any of the repair, any of the upkeep that we
have to do there.
Commissioner Reyes: Maintenance and anything. I have a suggestion. Maybe you -
Chair Hardemon: Well, before you respond, Commissioner Reyes, Commissioner
Diaz de la Portilla has his finger up, so I want to recognize him.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I just wanted to make a suggestion, that's all. It's very
simple. Can we do -- can 1 suggest that we do a trial for the next three years and
that you -- at Bayfront Park, or we could revisit this -- I mean, this exception every
four years -- three, four years and see how are we doing and if it is needed to
continue the way it is because Bayfront Park is not generating any revenues and then
we can share revenues from the kiosk?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, you're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, let's keep it in perspective, okay? We're
talking about 150 kiosks. Commissioner Carollo, I think that you said eight. I think
it's not even that many; it'll probably be six.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm not sure.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But -- well, because of the distance requirements
between them. So I don't see it more than eight out of 150. But you're correct that
Bayfront Park has -- will lose a lot of -- has a lost and will continue to lose a lot of
its activities. COVID-19 is a reality for many months, maybe a year, and people
having events and revenue generators for the park. So I think it's a fair compromise
that you're offering. I think Bayfront Park is unique in its nature. It's different than
these organizations. It owns land. And I think it's only a small percentage of
downtown, Commissioner Reyes. I don't think it's taking away from where the
majority of the kiosks are going to be throughout downtown, because people are
going to be looking for information. Once they get to Bayfront Park, they know more
or less where to go. But downtown is where they're going to be using the kiosks to
go to the different Metrorail stations, and different businesses, and everything else.
So you're going to have probably the majority, -- I can't speak for them, but I will
guess just, you know, it makes sense that the majority of these kiosks will be outside
the area of the park, and I think that you'll be okay. I like the agreement the way it
is, because I think it's been negotiated very strongly by our Manager. We discussed
it at our last meeting. I reviewed it with the Manager. I think he takes it from 20
percent to 40 percent every year; first in year two. So I think it's a great revenue
generator for our City. And more importantly, what happens is that we have to
understand the tremendous revenue impact that COVID-19 is going to have on our
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
City; not so much felt in the next four or five months, but next year's budget, and the
following year's budget, and we have to account for that. And we have to begin to
think like a business. How do we generate dollars for our City? How do we
generate more dollars to fill those holes that we're going to have down the line? So I
think Commissioner Carollo's request is reasonable. It's not a big bite. It's a really
small bite, and a deserved bite, I think, because only -- it's a park that's owned by the
Front -- by the Trust, and I think it's important that we just move this item forward,
and not go back and forth with something that we've been going back and forth now
for --
Commissioner Reyes: I do agree with -- through the Chair. And 1 do agree with you
that we have to move this item forward, and now more than ever because of the state
that we are. But I mean, I also want to state my concern about revenues to the
general And, and also DDA and -- which I'm the Chair and I'm concerned with the
revenues that they're going to receive. And I think that Commissioner Carollo has --
his point is well taken. And in the future, the way that I foresee Bayfront Park, and
given the amount of residents that are going to be moving over there, and you know
that we are going to have -- many of them are going to pull back on any concerts, or
any activities that is going to happen there. We might be losing that income also.
The part that -- I want a commitment that has to be not only his word, because it's
going to be there until, I mean, maybe four more years or five more years he's going
to be Chair. But whoever comes after him should be committed, also; that any
additional revenues -- and if it is a surplus that that will be given, as you did before,
Commissioner Carollo, should be returned to the general fund.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, I think we can probably -- Mr. Chair, if I
may.
Commissioner Reyes: Sure.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We could probably just incorporate that into my
motion that any surplus revenues would go -- and Commissioner Carollo, you're
okay with that? You already stated it anyway for the record --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- any surplus dollars will be returned and I'll
make that part of the motion -- of my motion.
Commissioner Reyes: And I accept that as your seconder.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, sir.
Ms. Mendez: Commissioners, I need to clarify a question since we're removing the
Bayfront portion. I need to clan* if the kiosk that abuts Bayfront and --
Commissioner Carollo: This is what it means, because you can't have kiosks in --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Inside the park, of course.
Commissioner Carollo: -- inside the park and also have them in the sidewalk. It
includes both, those -- and that's why I said parkland or land in front of the park,
which means the sidewalks.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. So I just wanted to clarify that then it'll be amended to include
the abutting sidewalk.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Immediately in front.
Commissioner Reyes:
(INAUDIBLE).
Immediately in front; not across the street from
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Immediately in front of Bayfront Park.
Commissioner Carollo: Immediately in front.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: 1 got you, Commissioner Reyes. 1 understand.
Immediately in front of the park.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. And by the way, Commissioner Reyes, there is a
portion where Bayside is --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that is not managed by --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's true.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Bayfront Park that DDA would get monies for that, also.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I was thinking about that, yes. Okay, Commissioner.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, so we understand the modification that has been made to
Item PH.9. The motion is inclusive of the rest of the PH agenda as well; is that
correct?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's correct. And I move -- yes, inclusive of
the rest of the PH items that we had -- I want to add to the motion that we also
approve all remaining PH items.
Ms. Mendez.: We need to make a few amendments. I'm sorry. I apologize but --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, then we won't do that. What we'll do then
is --
Chair Hardemon: Well, you could make -- you could still make --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (INAUDIBLE) PH.9 -- let's do this: Let's move
PH.9, and then well do the other ones with anything else that --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: I understand. You can --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I move -- the motion is actually just for PH.9
Chair Hardemon: All right. It's been properly, moved.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (INAUDIBLE) I think by Commissioner Reyes.
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Chair Hardemon: Is there a second on PH.9?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, 1 did.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve PH.9.
Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Mendez: As amended.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: As amended. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, I have that vote as 5-0, as amended.
Chair Hardemon: Correct. The motion carries --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: -- with modifications.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PH.10
7391
City Manager's
Office
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS)
AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC
HEARING, RATIFYING, CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING
THE CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND
WRITTEN FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
AS EXHIBIT "A", PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 18-85 AND 18-
121 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"); WAIVING THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING
METHODS AS NOT BEING PRACTICABLE OR
ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR
THE PROVISION, ESTABLISHMENT, AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY EMERGENCY MEALS
PROGRAMS ON A DISTRICT BY DISTRICT BASIS AS SET
FORTH BELOW IN A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT
OF TWO MILLION DOLLARS ($2,000,000.00)
(COLLECTIVELY, "EMERGENCY MEALS PROGRAMS")
DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-2019 PANDEMIC
("COVID-19 PANDEMIC") FOR AN INITIAL TWO (2) MONTH
PERIOD HAVING COMMENCED ON APRIL 6, 2020 AND
ENDING ON SUCH EARLIER OR LATER DATE
DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MULTIPLE
FEDERAL AND STATE OF FLORIDA ("STATE") ENDING
DATE(S) FOR DECLARATIONS OF DISASTERS AND
EMERGENCIES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
MAKE SUCH NECESSARY ADDITIONAL DECLARATIONS,
FINDINGS, AND UNDERTAKINGS FROM TIME TO TIME
FOR SUCH EMERGENCY MEALS PROGRAMS TO
COMPLY, IF POSSIBLE, WITH SPECIFIC FEDERAL AND
STATE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR
REIMBURSEMENTS OF CITY FUNDS EXPENDED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUCH EMERGENCY MEALS
PROGRAMS SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH SERVICE
PROVIDERS ON A DISTRICT BY DISTRICT BASIS;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO EMERGENCY MEALS PROGRAMS
GUIDELINES AND ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
MODIFICATIONS, SUPPLEMENTS, SUBSTITUTIONS, AND
EXTENSIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVALS, ALLOCATIONS, AND APPROPRIATIONS, IN
COMPLIANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE,
INCLUDING THE CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE,
ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
PRINCIPLES, AND FINANCIAL AUDIT STANDARDS AND
BEST PRACTICES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, AND COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS AS MAY
BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM A FUND AND ACCOUNT
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
CODE NO. TO BE DESIGNATED BELOW AND HEREBY
AMENDING THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020
OPERATING BUDGET ACCORDINGLY TO UNDERTAKE
THESE EMERGENCY SERVICES ON AN EXPEDITED
BASIS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0127
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH10, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Public Hearings."
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the PH (Public Hearing) agenda?
Commissioner Reyes: 1 have a question on the PH agenda, and I want to make
clear what my opinion is. On the Microenterprise Assistance Program, we are
hiring three companies; that they are the ones that are going to process the loans.
And 1 want -- first of all, I want to make sure that the total amount that they are
going to receive is $50,000. It is not 50,000 for the loan, or 450,000 for the loan or
600, 000. And also, given the economic problem that we have now and trying to
protect our employees, I was -- I am in favor that instead of hiring outside
consultants that we do it in-house. I think that we have the ability, the capability of
doing it. For example, at DDA (Downtown Development Authority), we have a
very well -trained, I mean, group of employees and people that they have donated
their time, you see, they are volunteers, that they were ready to help our businesses
when the federal stimulus package came out. And we -- as a matter of fact, we did
and they were willing to help, because if you -- and this is not going to be more than
probably 50, 60 applications, and why we have to pay 50,000. And that's what I
heard, that it was 50,000. But the way that I read it -- I mean, it confuses me,
because it seems that it is 50,000 for the 400,000 micro loans and for businesses
that they have five or less employees, and 50,000 for the 600,000 -- I mean, for the
other loans, that it is up to 20,000 for -- I mean, yes, that is for people that have
businesses that they have up to 20 employees. And it is kind of confusing, and I
believe that now that we might, given the shortage that we have in our general fund,
that we might contemplate the probability of either leaving people out, or
furloughing, or taking time; that we can very well do this in house, and use those
funds in other activities that we can do. That is my only concern about this. I agree
with the loans. I agree with the concept. I congratulate you for the concept. But
it's a question that I have in my mind.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Ken Russell.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Commissioner
Reyes. I think these three items are being conflated in what Commissioner Reyes is
discussing. There's three separate programs, and he's talking about the
microentefprise assistance but then talking about the three $50,000 assistance
programs. They're completely separate. I do agree about keeping some in-house
work. So my recommendation on these -- and I believe that the City Attorney's
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Office has already given the same to Mensah's department -- is to not have an
outside committee doing the selection process hut do that in-house, do that within
the department. But for Item PH.5, I am in support of it, as written, to do the
emergency technical assistance for small businesses through these third -party
companies that -- and not -for profits that specialize in this, that already have set up
an outreach in the community.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, what I was referring to PH.5, that is going to be
assisting the businesses on PH.2 and 3, you see. I mean, it's allocating -- or
assisting businesses that are going to --
Vice Chair Russell: But --
Commissioner Reyes: -- that assistance is the one that -- I agree with both PH.2
and 3. But on PH.5, what I -- my opinion is my very honest opinion and I always
speak my mind. It is that in -- I mean, we have a deficit that -- and there's a budget
deficit, and that is going to affect our employees. And I think that we should keep
this in-house and use our employees in -- as the ones that are going -- as assisting.
Vice Chair Russell: Sorry, Mr. Chairman, I wasn't finished.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Just want to clam. PH.5 is not technical assistance to PH.2
and 3. They're completely separate items. PH.5 is to help small businesses apply
to the federal programs and such, and everything that's available to them. PH.2
and 3 is meant to fill the gap where the federal programs --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. No, no.
Vice Chair Russell: And Mr. Mensah can probably clarify.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. According to what we have here, there are three
companies that they're going to assist the businesses. If you go to Exhibit "A" of --
and you have three companies that I don't know who they are. I mean, let me tell
you, I don't know who they are, and I don't know where they come from. I never
heard of them. And I don't have any companies that I want to -- I mean,
recommend on anything. We have three companies that they are going to have
50,000, 50,000, 50,000 and 150,000 to assist in the application of --
Vice Chair Russell: But not for PH.2 and 3, the application for the CARES
(Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, then I have to be -- that have to be clarified. Mr. City
Manager, am I right or wrong? Because we discussed this the day before
yesterday.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): We did. And remember that I said the programs
that they are going to assist with go beyond our own internal programs. They are
for federal and state programs, as well, so they're providing a number of -- or
playing a number of roles in terms of small business assistance, and it goes beyond
just those two grants that are --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir, but --
Mr. Noriega: -- in the prior items. It is for the overall package --
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Commissioner Reyes: -- you said go beyond --
Mr. Noriega: -- to provide assistance to (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Sir, through the Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Only one person can speak (INAUDIBLE).
Mr. Noriega: I lost you for a minute there.
Commissioner Reyes: Through the Chair. You said it will go beyond. And what
Commissioner Russell is saying, that they are not going to assist in these loans; I
mean, the businesses to obtain these loans; that there is going to be only for federal.
1 mean -- and according to you now, what you're saying is that they are going to be
assisting within the loans that we are proposing from the City of Miami. And in
addition, they are going to also provide assistance with federal loans, okay? I
mean, that's what you're saying, and that's totally different than what Commissioner
Russell is saying.
Vice Chair Russell: You know, the title is clear i f ;you read the title of PH 5. It says
very clearly what they are assisting with application for. "All programs available
to small business owners under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security
Act and the Small Business Administration, subject to the approval by City
Commission." So it seems very clear that PH.5 is for application to the CARES Act.
PH.2 and 3 is our own internal program that will be helping small business and
micro business with our CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds. So it
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Noriega: But remember that those --
Vice Chair Russell: That would be from our City employees.
Commissioner Reyes: That is funded through the CARE. Let me tell you -- let me
ask you something and that's what I need clarification, because I asked for that
clarification on Tuesday, and I was informed that our internal loans, the loans that
come from the City of Miami, they are -- the businesses are going to be assisted by
these three companies, and they are the ones that are going to fill out the
applications and by doing -- I mean, for doing that, they are going to receive
$50, 000 each, which they told me it was total, not per loan. And probably I
misunderstood, but to me it was very clear that these three companies are going to
assist. Later on, I received a communication that says that they going to be
assisting beyond the three -- the two loans that we are -- the two types' of loans that
we are offering. Then they're going to be assisting on federal loans also. And they
went even beyond that into assisting on business practices, blah, blah, blah, blah,
okay? But what I understood when I had it, it was -- it is PH.2, 3, 4 and 5, it is --
are going to be assisted by these three companies.
Mr. Noriega: May I, Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes, please.
Mr. Noriega: Okay. So -- and Tin going to ask that the host actually put -- tap
George Mensah onto the meeting. So let me try to frame it in a smaller way. 2 and
3, so that you're -- so everybody's crystal clear -- is actually money we received as
part --
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Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. Noriega: -- of the CARES Act.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Mr. Noriega: Okay? So that money is available. Beyond that money, there is the
additional programming that we're accepting approval of now -- right? -- which is
PH.4 -- right? -- of which we're having a special meeting next week -- right? -- to
actually allocate how that money gets spent. All of that is one pool. In addition to
that, small businesses are eligible to apply for money at the federal level and the
state level that are separate from the allocations we received. These companies are
going to assist with all of those various --
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Mr. Noriega: -- opportunities. It is not just the PZ (Planning and Zoning) items we
have in -- on this agenda. It goes beyond that; that is the reason why we've
engaged these companies. It is for a much more global process, and we have a
number of small businesses in the community that don't have the internal expertise,
or the understanding, or depth of understanding to be able to submit fbr these
programs without some assistance, and that's what these three non profits are
going to engage in.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you. They are all.
Mr. Noriega: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: And it is $50, 000 per entity. It does not go beyond that.
Commissioner Reyes: It doesn't go beyond --
Mr. Noriega: Not by -- 50,000 by program. It is $50, 000 --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: -- in totality.
Commissioner Reyes: I got that.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Mr. Chair. With -- and I'm risking
having a debate. We're trying to get on the individual PH items, but I think it's
important to point out in my -- our meeting with -- my meeting with the City
Manager, and Ms. Bridgeman and the City staff,' we discussed PH.2 and PH -- we
discussed them all, but in reference to PH.2 and PH.3, we talked about -- Ms.
Bridgeman said it was first come, first served. And my concern with that was that
these programs probably should be merit -based and not first come, first served. So
have we talked -- have we done anything with that? Have we reached a conclusion
on how we're going to, you know, dispense these dollars or disperse these dollars?
Mr. Noriega: Can we patch George in?
George Mensah (Director, Community Development): Yes.
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Mr. Noriega: George is on now. George, could you jump in?
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Can you answer the question?
Mr. Mensah: Yes. This is George Mensah, Department Director for Department of
Housing and Community Development. There are two programs. On the business
side, the small business side, it's by merit. It's not just by -- because we are --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Oh, okay.
Mr. Mensah: -- required by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban
Development) to do underwriting.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's what I thought.
Mr. Mensah: So, yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But it was originally told to us that it was first
come, first served, okay. And the other one?
Mr. Mensah: The other one is a little different. The other one is a grant. And the
other one, we are not required to do underwriting because of the low income. That
is the one that we are doing by first come, first served. So it should be by merit,
also, because if don't qualify, you obviously will not get it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course. You have to be under a certain
income and all that.
Mr. Mensah: Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Okay, that's all. I just wanted
clarification. I'm okay with the rest of the items, except -- Mr. Chair, if I may just
take the opportunity -- I have the floor. I'm okay, also, with PH.9. That's been the
subject of some conversations. I just have a very tiny amendment.
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Chair Hardemon: Mute your --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If I may.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Mensah, thank you. You're recognized, Commissioner Diaz
de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chairman, on PH.9, I have a slight
amendment. I discussed it with our City Manager a little while ago, and I think he's
okay with that. He's negotiated a very good contract, I think. I think the Mayor
agrees that we're in a good place with this contract. We've been working on it for a
while. But I have a slight amendment on PH.9, so if we could take it out of order, if
we could take up PH.9. It's just an amendment on the timeframe. Instead of being
two 10-year -- a 10 year --
Chair Hardemon: You can propose the amendment now.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Fonda- Okay. So instead of a 10-year and 10-year, I
want to do a seven-year, a seven-year and a six -year. They still get their 20 but --
for the financing purpose, their financing purpose, but the seven -- first of all,
technology is quickly outdated. The seven gives us more time, and also gives some
of us an opportunity to revisit this contract instead of having all of us being gone in
ten years, and then having no institutional memory as to the new process. At least
the seven years, it gives some of us an opportunity to look at this contract, their
performance, what they've done, and whether they merit, you know, an additional
seven years. So it -- all it does is instead of making it ten with an option for ten, it
makes it seven, seven and six.
Commissioner Reyes: Is that a motion?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's a motion.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: What amendments do you need to make to any other items on the
PH (Public Hearing) agenda?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Okay, so, sir, PH 10 -- for PH 10 in the title,
Commissioner Carollo wants an amendment to clarify the dates on which the meals
program is working on. So the amendment will be for an initial two -month period,
having commenced on April 6, or whenever after each district commences its
program, and extending or ending such earlier or later dates as determined in
accordance with the multiple federal or state ending dates for the declarations of
disasters and emergencies, as notified in writing by the City Manager to the City
Commission. The clarification is because some of the districts have started earlier
or later than others. And also, some of the districts will be more frugal with the use
of their monies, and will last longer. So that's why it encompasses that the two -
month period can be longer or shorter, depending on the emergency date of
declarations, and based on the date that each district starts. So that is the change
for PH 10 that was requested by Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Reyes: I move it.
Sandra Bridgeman (Assistant City Manager): There are other substitutions if you
would indulge me.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Ms. Bridgeman: For Exhibit "A," under Section 3, just to make sure, District 1 will
get an amount not to exceed $382,000 for the services to the particular categories
of eligible recipients, and with the service providers as set forth in Exhibit "B."
District 2 will have -- not to exceed $311,000 for the services to the particular
categories of eligible recipients, and with the service providers as set forth in
Exhibit "C." District 3 will have an amount not to exceed 399,000 for the services
to the particular categories of eligible recipients, with the service providers as set
forth in Exhibit "D." District 4 will get an amount not to exceed 441,000 for the
services to the particular categories of eligible recipients, and with the service
providers as set forth in Exhibit "E." And District 5 will not exceed 467,000 for the
services for the particular categories of eligible recipients, and with the service
providers as set forth in Exhibit "F." In Section 6, this program will be paid under
the general fund, and it's, again, for $2 million, allocated from the emergency
contingency reserve in the non -departmental account, Account Code 00019800089
(INAUDIBLE) for the fiscal year 2019/2020. Exhibit "B, "for District 1. District 1
has identified persons who are in need. for senior meals, as well as vendors and
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restaurants for the voucher program. The district will continue to identify new
(INAUDIBLE) as the crisis continues. (INAUDIBLE) may change from time to time
to accomplish the goal of feeding eligible individuals as per the program
guidelines. Currently, District 1 (INAUDIBLE) food distribution, meal delivery and
the proposed voucher program with the intent to increase the number of
partnerships to provide further assistance. District 2 has identified so far
approximately 300 residents with food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
As in other programs, the number of residents will increase. In order to help fill
gaps, the district will work with vendors to provide a combination of prepared
meals and groceries to residents in need. Food will be distributed via pickup
and/or delivery via partnerships with community organizations. District 2 is
utilizing ILS Food d/b/a Classic Caterers, Inc. for meal and deliveries. The office
has identified the following vendors, but they may change based on the need
throughout the life of the program. You have Milam's Market --
Chair Hardemon: Ms. Bridgeman, it's not necessary that you go through each and
every program. I mean, those are not changes that we're looking -- I mean,
whatever it is you've included for attachments is fine, and we can see it. You don't
have to go through it and amend everything. I do have a question I want our board
members to consider. The -- I have the meal coupon program and this latest
rendition of documents that the City wants us to ,fill out, they include where there's
a signature for a person that the person has to actually sign for. We had, of course,
collected all of their information as far as their name, their address, their phone
number, the email address and things of that nature. But this additional line for a
signature for the head of the household is problematic, because it encourages that
of -- now we have to actually interact with every single person that is getting a meal
coupon versus the plan that we had, which was to gather their information, to make
sure they're available for them to pick it up, and they could pick it up. And so, I
was wondering if we could make an adjustment where we do not have to get a
person's actual signature for them to participate.
Ms. Bridgeman: Point well taken. The information that's required is the important
thing itself
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Ms. Bridgeman: The name of the person, the address and where the person is
identifiable.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Ms. Bridgeman: So we can make that (INAUDIBLE) --
Chair Hardemon: Now, Commissioner Russell, I saw you had your hand up.
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, you had your hand up.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, thank you. On PH 10, Commissioner Carollo's
amendment gives more flexibility with regard to the dates, but I'm a little worried
that it actually would limit us, because we don't know when these emergency orders
are going to be lifted. And as we go into phase one, two or three of reopening, that
may happen sooner than expected. I just want to make sure we have the flexibility
to spend this as needed for the next few months. I don't know if two months is -- if
we should be at a race to exhaust it all within two months, or if we want to give
ourselves the freedom to give it a little more time as we identify people and people
have need. So I definitely appreciate the opening up of the dates, but I think we
should open it up even more.
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Ms. Mendez: You mean past; you want it past the time that the emergency orders
are lifted?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, because it's not related to how many infections are
happening. It's really related to job loss and senior needs --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: -- which will continue beyond.
Chair Hardemon: I want to recognize our City Manager. I know he has something
to say; then Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Mr. Noriega: So for purposes of clarification, that's absolutely acceptable, because
we're using general fund money to allocate this, not bound by any other HUD
regulations or guidelines. So we have a lot of flexibility with this money, much
more so than we would if we were doing anything else, since it is general And
money.
Ms. Mendez: So then there will be no end time basically is what you're asking?
Commissioner Carollo: No end time.
Vice Chair Russell.. Okay. So Commissioner Carollo amended his amendment, if I
understand correctly.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree. I agree with Commissioner Russell;
very astute observation, Commissioner. And I think we have no deadline on it, and
we simply spend it when we think our community -- we know our districts better
than anyone else, any Administration member. So I think it's important that we
have that flexibility that you talked about, Commissioner Russell; that we have
more time to allocate the dollars in the places that we think they need to be
allocated at the timeframe they need to be allocated in, and during. So I agree with
you and I agree with Commissioner -- I think Commissioner Carollo has accepted
that amendment to the motion.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chair?
Commissioner Reyes: Chair?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Russell; then Commissioner
Reyes.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And furthermore, if' the Administration could help
us -- and I believe I mentioned this before -- in identifying any criteria that might
allow us to be reimbursed for these funds, whether from the USDA (United States
Department of Agriculture) or others, that would be helpful in guiding us as we
craft these programs. I believe we're pretty much set on how we want to do them,
but if there are ways we can get this money reimbursed into our general fund, you
know, it'll be helpful down the road.
Ms. Bridgeman: (INAUDIBLE) this is why we provided guidelines. The minimum
requirements that we can possibly gather under these programs.
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Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: I do agree that we should have an open-ended program until
the money lasts because as Commissioner Russell said that this doesn't -- shouldn't
end with the emergency which is based -- state of emergency, it is based with the
amount of new cases of how many people have been infected. The economic
recovery of the area is going to take time. There's a lot of people that have lost
their jobs and being the way that our economy is -- 1 mean, our economy is an
economy based on services. And heaven knows when are we going to keep on --
start receiving the influx of tourism and the different activities that we have here.
So it is important that we have this program in place to assist those people that
have not been part of the recovery. I think the economic recovery -- I think it is an
excellent idea.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair?
Ms. Bridgeman: May I add one more thing please?
Chair Hardemon: All right. Yes.
Ms. Bridgeman: So, the vote that you all got to take is for the -- all the documents
that you've received today, the substitution that was made today on these
documents. The original one did not have all the numbers.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, and also I want to include -- is that we have a lot of
people that work in hotels and restaurants and particular hotels and those people
are out of work, out of a job, and we have to be very supportive of them and try to
help them as much as we can. And I commend Commissioner Carollo and
Commissioner Russell for the observations that they have done.
Chair Hardemon: Question. And that does include the nominal amount for
advances. Like if a company needs some money to get started, they're giving
products away. I think it's like $5, 000 that we've included.
Ms. Bridgeman: That's correct.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Look, I'm fine with opening up for additional
time, which is my -- that was my intention to begin with. And the way that I am
looking at this, any which way we cut it, we're going to be under a lot of these
emergency orders for some time. Miami -- Greater Miami as a whole is very
tourist -dependent. We're going to be taking a hit for quite some time, because I
don't care if you could open up hotels tomorrow, open up (INAUDIBLE) tomorrow,
they're going to be empty. A lot of our restaurants that were dependent on tourists,
they're not going to have those tourists, which means that they're going to have to
provide better food, better service and cheaper food, not at prices for tourists, if
they're going to want to survive now, because they're going to be dependent on us,
the locals. So I have no problem with that, because we're going to have to extend
this as far as we can, because the need is going to be tremendous. Hotels and a lot
of the people that work in hotels are going to be -- even once they open -- at
minimal occupancy. A lot of the restaurants that were tourist -oriented at tourist
prices, they're not coming back, unfortunately. You know, I mean, any of you don't
think that what I'm saying is correct, then I'll tell you what, how many of you would
like to get a free airplane ticket for yourselves and spouse or partner to New York,
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to Paris, to Madrid, to Milano, Italy? I don't think there's going to be any takers.
And this is going to be going on for some time.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: People are petrified to fly, and it's not going to change in a
month or two. It might take a year and a half two years, and frankly, until there is
a vaccine, either --
Commissioner Reyes: Or a cure.
Commissioner Carollo: -- or not that comes into the market. And I'm going to tell
you even more from what I've been researching, according to one of the studies that
1 was reading, that study shows that there's 31 -- as of when the study ended last
week -- variations -- in other words, mutations -- for the Coronavirus. In the east
coast, we've been hit mainly by the European variations. The west coast has been
hit by the Asiatic variations, which means that even once they come up with a
vaccine, you might not be able to have a vaccine for all. You might have to have
different vaccines for different variations and mutations. So we're going to be
living with this for some time, and this is not going to be in a few months we're back
to normal. It's going to be a long, long time before we're fully back to normal as we
were used to.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, the economic recovery, Commissioner, is going to take
a long time. It's going to take a long time.
Commissioner Carollo: It will.
Commissioner Reyes: But particularly, in our economy -- an economy like ours,
which is -- it is service -oriented. It's --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, it's service/tourist oriented.
Commissioner Reyes: Tourist -oriented, but you service the tourists, and I mean
service -- you know, restaurants, the people that work in hotels making beds, or
bartenders, and all of that, that service.
Commissioner Carollo: This is going to be worldwide --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- for many of the cities, economies that are tourist -
dependent.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: And that in itself is going to create other bigger problems
that I don't even want to get into or consider right now. So we better, you know,
brace ourselves, because it's going to be a very rocky road ahead.
Chair Hardenion: Okay, gentlemen. So what I want to do is I want to make sure
that we move forward. So the motion has been captured on the floor that includes
all the changes to PH 10.
Commissioner Carollo: One last question that I have for staff
Chair Hardemon: And it's for the -- it's the entirety of the PH agenda, as well.
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Commissioner Carollo: Right. But 1 have one more question for staff.
Ms. Mendez: And there's one more change, also.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, let's get it on the record.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. The question that I have to staff is, this allows
each district to spend those dollars in the different ways that we think will be best
within our district? In other words, this is not going to be one -size -fits -all.
Ms. Bridgeman: You're correct, sir. The flexibility exists; that's why the exhibits
are different for each district, correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, okay.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. Thank you, Chairman. There's also changes to PH.2 and PH3,
which is that HCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) is going
to be the reviewer of the applications for those programs, for PH 2 and PH 3.
Chair Hardemon: Any other changes? Seeing none, any further discussion? All in
favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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RE - RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 RESOLUTION
6457
Department of
Planning
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT
FOR AN ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) YEARS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE FLORIDA STATE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION OFFICE, THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AND ANY OTHER AGENCY, AS
REQUIRED, TO EXPEDITE THE CITY OF MIAMI'S FULFILLMENT
OF ITS HISTORIC PRESERVATION RESPONSIBILITIES, AS A
RECIPIENT AND ADMINISTRATOR OF FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER
SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ACT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0129
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.1, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Resolutions."
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RE.2 RESOLUTION
6827
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-111 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), AUTHORIZING THE
ACCESSING OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI'S ("ST.
LOUIS") REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 2018.08.27 FOR
INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY KIOSKS ("KIOSKS") WITH IKE
SMART CITY, LLC, A FOREIGN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF
FLORIDA ("ISC"), UTILIZING THE COMPETITIVELY SOLICITED
AND EXISTING CONTRACT WITH ST. LOUIS, SUBJECT TO ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS, NEW, OR
REPLACEMENT CONTRACTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY")
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH ISC; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS SUBJECT TO ALL
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND PRIOR BUDGETARY
APPROVALS AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE, INCLUDING THE CITY'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL
APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE
DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for all ltems. "
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RE.3 RESOLUTION
5757
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER, CITY ATTORNEY, AND INDEPENDENT
AUDITOR TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY
REGARDING ANY IMPROPER OCCUPANCY OR USE OF ANY
CITY OF MIAMI OWNED PREMISES BY UNAUTHORIZED
BUSINESS ENTITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
MELREESE GOLF COURSE LOCATED AT 1802 NORTHWEST 37
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.4 RESOLUTION
7277
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, AFTER A
DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING, AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO INSTALL TRAFFIC
CALMING DEVICES IN CERTAIN ENUMERATED LOCATIONS IN
DISTRICT 4; FURTHER AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY
TO EXPEDITIOUSLY INSTALL TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN, WITH FUNDING TO
BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE IDENTIFIED OFFICE OF
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS AS DESCRIBED HEREIN;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0130
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see "End of
Resolutions."
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RE.5
7265
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
MAY BE DEFERRED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A ONE (1) YEAR PILOT
PROGRAM FOR THE USE OF ELECTRIC CARGO BICYCLES ("E-
CARGO BIKES") FOR DELIVERY PURPOSES AS AN
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND CONGESTION -REDUCING
ALTERNATIVE TO LARGE DELIVERY TRUCKS IN THE
DOWNTOWN AREA, BRICKELL AREA, AND CORAL WAY AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER PROVIDING MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION,
INCLUDING OBTAINING A CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") BUSINESS
TAX RECEIPT, INSURANCE, AND FURNISHING A SIGNED AND
NOTARIZED HOLD HARMLESS FORM TO THE CITY.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item RE.5 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
RE.6 RESOLUTION
7367
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AUTHORIZING
THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ANTI-
POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00) TO MUCE
EDUCATES CORP., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), IN SUPPORT OF THE GRANTEES
"MUCE EDUCATES WITH TOOLS FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM";
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0128
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MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
RE.6 RESOLUTION
7367
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AUTHORIZING
THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ANTI-
POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00) TO MUCE
EDUCATES CORP., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), IN SUPPORT OF THE GRANTEE'S
"MUCE EDUCATES WITH TOOLS FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM";
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0128
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
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RE.6 RESOLUTION
7367
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AUTHORIZING
THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ANTI-
POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00) TO MUCE
EDUCATES CORP., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), IN SUPPORT OF THE GRANTEE'S
"MUCE EDUCATES WITH TOOLS FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM";
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0128
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see
"Order of the Day" and "End of Resolutions."
Chair Hardemon: Board members, there was a mistake in the Order of the Day.
There was an Item Number RE.6 that was indefinitely deferred. I'd like to request
that this board hear RE.6 today. Is there a motion in accordance with that? So
instead of being indefinitely deferred, we hear it today.
Commissioner Reyes: So move.
Chair Hardemon: Been moved; seconded by the Chair. No discussion? Seeing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Against? Motion passes. Okay. So --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorne)): I apologize. Todd, did you take -- were you able
to accurately capture that without a roll call vote?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes. I have 4-0, absent Commissioner Carollo, and
that was to reconsider the indefinite deferral. And so ifI could --
Chair Hardemon: Todd, isn't it possible to have the item heard today? So the
motion will be for the item to be heard today, because it was indefinitely deferred to
another day, so now we're putting it back on today.
Mr. Hannon: Yes. You're just reconsidering the vote on that particular item. And
then now it's in play.
Chair Hardemon: Right, okay. Great.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Do we have to --? I have a question. Do we
have to now move that it be heard today? We just moved to reconsider it, right? It's
a question.
Chair Hardemon: It's already on the agenda, so we haven 't addressed the item yet.
We will address the item, though, but not right now. We're going to do the agenda.
Mr. Hannon: And I think through unanimous consent, as well, the Commission has
agreed through the reconsideration that they're now going to hear it today.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
RE.7 RESOLUTION
7382
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE
ANY AND ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ADVANCE THE PROCESS
OF CREATING A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
WITHIN THE WEST GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD ("WEST GROVE
C.R.A.") PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1969 AS NECESSARY
AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY,
MORALS, AND WELFARE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE WEST GROVE C.R.A., IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSES; AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
TO SUBMIT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING A
COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR REVIEW,
APPROVAL, AND ACCEPTANCE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0131
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.7, please see "Public
Comments for all Items" and "End of Resolutions."
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RE.8 RESOLUTION
7393
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AUTHORIZING
THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE MAYOR'S
SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE IN
A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY ONE THOUSAND
FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS ($41,425.00) TO
AGAPE 4 ORPHANS INTERNATIONAL, INC., A FLORIDA NOT
FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, IN SUPPORT OF THE AGAPE
ENRICHMENT SUMMER ACADEMY 2020; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0132
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see "End of
Resolutions."
END OF RESOLUTIONS
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the RE (Resolution) agenda?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to approve the RE
agenda.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: There is --
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Mr. Chair. On RE.7, I have some
language that captures both the ratification and adoption of the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Number 20-003 from the April 9 meeting,
specifying the removal of the expansion of the Omni CRA's boundaries to the West
Grove, and direct City Manager to proceed with the necessary actions to advance
the process of creating the West Grove CRA on its own. So it decouples the Omni
CRA from West Grove, and it also moves that we adopt the West Grove CRA as a
stand-alone entity.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
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Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Everybody knows that -- how I feel about extending
CRAs. But creating new CRAs and the process, I agree with it. And I'm a person
that always been in favor offollowing the processes, and this is to start the process
to create a CRA in the West Grove. And I don't have anything against it. Now
extending, that's another thing.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And I want to commend Commissioner Russell.
1 know this is something he's been working on for years I think (INAUDIBLE) city
and his district but our city, because it impacts our entire city.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It needs its own CRA, and its own development,
and its own drive to get the people that live there in a better place. So I want to
commend you, Commissioner Russell, jrowhat you've done for that community; not
only your district, for the entire city in creating the CRA.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much, Commissioners.
Chair Hardemon: Absolutely. Seeing no further discussion -- well, I'm sorry. Has
it been --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We have to accept the amendment to FR (First
Reading) -- to RE.7.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): It was moved by Commissioner Carollo; seconded
by Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes.. Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Hannon: Do you accept the amendment to RE.7?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: It's good to go.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor of it, say
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
Mr. Hannon: And that was for RE.1, 4, 6, 7 and 8.
Chair Hardemon: Correct.
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FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
5131
Department of
Planning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 62 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "PLANNING AND ZONING",
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, SECTION 62-17,
TITLED "PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS
BOARD/PROCEEDINGS OF PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS
BOARD"; AMENDING ARTICLE VI, SECTION 62-22, TITLED
"ZONING AND PLANNING FEES/SCHEDULE OF FEES"; AND
REMOVING ARTICLE VI, SECTION 62-24, TITLED "ZONING AND
PLANNING FEES/FEE PAYMENT DEFERRED", TO REMOVE
REFERENCES TO SPECIAL AREA PLANS; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item FR.1 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item FR.1, please see "Order of the Day" and "Public
Comments for all Items."
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FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
6588
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 38 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "PARKS AND RECREATION" MORE
PARTICULARLY BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE VII ENTITLED,
"MAURICE A. FERRE PARK CONSERVANCY", PROVIDING FOR
POWERS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF A CONSERVANCY FOR THE
MAURICE A. FERRE PARK FOR THE PRESERVATION,
MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE MAURICE A.
FERRE PARK; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: item FR.2 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see "Order of the Day."
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FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
7338
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "FLOOD DAMAGE
PREVENTION;" MORE PARTICULARLY, BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 20-1, TITLED "DEFINITIONS," SECTION 20-3, TITLED
"DEVELOPMENT IN EITHER SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS,
OR NONSPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS," AND SECTION 20-4,
TITLED "DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
AREAS", TO CODIFY THE NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM
OF 1988 ("NAVD 88") AS THE APPLICABLE VERTICAL DATUM
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
("CITY") FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION REGULATIONS;
FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 29 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"LANDFILLS AND WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS;" MORE
PARTICULARLY, BY AMENDING SECTION 29-81, TITLED
"DEFINITIONS," SECTION 29-82, TITLED "PURPOSE OF
ARTICLE," SECTION 29-83, TITLED "PERMITS FOR
WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS —REQUIRED," SECTION 29-84,
TITLED "SAME —APPLICATION", SECTION 29-89, TITLED
"DESIGN," SECTION 29-91, TITLED "CONSTRUCTION," SECTION
29-92, TITLED "MATERIALS," SECTION 29-93, TITLED "REVIEW
OF PLANS; DUTY TO INSPECT," SECTION 29-94, TITLED
"PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTIONS," AND SECTION 29-95, TITLED
"MAINTENANCE," TO ESTABLISH NEW STANDARDS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, AND REPAIR OF
SEAWALLS AND BULKHEADS; ESTABLISHING A NEW MINIMUM
HEIGHT OF SIX FEET (6") NAVD 88 FOR NEW AND
RECONSTRUCTED SEAWALLS AND BULKHEADS CITYWIDE;
PROVIDING FOR A DEFINITION AND PERMITTING
CONSTRUCTION OF LIVING SHORELINES; IMPOSING A DUTY
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS TO MAINTAIN SEAWALLS
AND BULKHEADS IN GOOD REPAIR AND TO PREVENT TIDAL
WATERS FROM FLOWING OVER OR THROUGH SUBSTANDARD
OR DAMAGED SEAWALLS OR BULKHEADS TO ADJACENT
PROPERTIES AND PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY; PROVIDING FOR
ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS THAT FAIL
TO DO THE SAME; PROVIDING FOR COMPLETE MITIGATION OF
CODE COMPLIANCE FINES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS WITH
SUBSTANDARD OR DAMAGED SEAWALLS OR BULKHEADS
FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION THAT UNDERTAKE STEPS TO
CORRECT THOSE VIOLATIONS WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME
FOUND HEREIN; CREATING A NEW SUBSTANTIAL REPAIR
THRESHOLD THAT PROVIDES FOR SEAWALLS AND
BULKHEADS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED TO PRESENT
SPECIFICATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS UNDER CERTAIN
QUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES; MODIFYING THE MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR PERMITS
IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, AND
RECONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS AND BULKHEADS; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE COMPLETE MITIGATION OF FINES FOR
VIOLATIONS RELATED TO THE DISREPAIR OF SUCH
IMPROVEMENTS UPON ADHERENCE TO CERTAIN
PRESCRIBED TIMEFRAMES; FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER
54/SECTION 54-46 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "STREETS AND
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SIDEWALKS/AGREEMENT AND BOND AS TO PAVING AND
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS BY PERSONS SUBMITTING PLATS,
REPLATS, ETC., TO COMMISSION," TO ESTABLISH A NEW
MINIMUM HEIGHT OF SIX FEET (6") NAVD 88 FOR NEW AND
RECONSTRUCTED SEAWALLS AND BULKHEADS FOR
APPLICABLE PROPERTIES SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S
EXISTING PLATTING PROCESS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see
"Public Comments for all Items."
Chair Hardemon: We have ,first reading ordinances, FR.3. Madam City Attorney,
can we have it read into the record, please?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): FR.3, correct?
Chair Hardemon: Correct.
Ms. Mendez: Chairman? FR.3.
Chair Hardemon: Correct.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: So moved.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved --
Commissioner Reyes: I second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded. Any discussion on the item? You're recognized,
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I have -- maybe for
Commissioner Russell is a question. You talk about seawalls at six feet, but they can
be modified to meet standards for 2070 -- right? -- within the language here, so they
have to be -- they're actually more expensive to build. I think it's about $1,500 a
linear foot for a seawall. What's the difference in cost between the modified -- the
ones that are going to be modified to higher than six feet versus just a six-foot
seawall?
Vice Chair Russell: I'll defer to Director Dodd. He's got the very specifics on the
differences.
Alan Dodd: Good morning -- or good afternoon, Commissioners. Alan Dodd,
Director of Department of Resilience and Public Works. In order to build the
seawall stronger so that it can support that two -foot cap on top, they have to
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basically strengthen the structural support in it, so it would add probably 5 to 10
percent to the cost of the seawall per linear foot. For a $1,500 per foot seawall,
we're probably looking around 1,650 to $1, 700 per foot.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. And my, concern about that is the cost to
the homeowner, the cost to the person who buys a condo. You know the developers
are not going to swallow these costs, right? They're going to pass these costs on. So
why the need to have a more expensive seawall if the only recommendation is that
we're to do six feet? Why the additional cost per linear foot?
Mr. Dodd: Commissioner, we did it based on the Southeast Florida Climate
Compact projections --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Mr. Dodd: -- which show that we're going to have somewhere between 21 and 40
inches of sea level rise between now and 2070, 50 years from now, which is the
natural lifespan -- or expected lifespan of a seawall.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Mr. Dodd: If we construct to that lower 21 inches, then with king tides and a little
buffer for surge, that gets us up to the six foot level. If for some reason as we're
moving along higher on that curve closer to the 40 inches of sea level rise, that is
when we would need to put a (INAUDIBLE) and raise it up to the eight foot NABD
(National Association of Builders and Developers) elevation. So it's (INAUDIBLE) -
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Mr. Dodd: -- flexibility to adapt to the future.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. It's built flexibility to the future, 2070,
and it's also built additional costs to the people that are buying land -- buying
condos or buying property in 2020.
Mr. Dodd: Yes. That is true, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: But that's oceanfront. That's oceanfront. That's waterfront.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course, it's waterfront but it's something --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. Yes, yes but what I want to make sure is -- but do
they have to -- now this is for new buildings. That's your main concern,
Commissioner? The new construction is the one that they have to comply with it
right away.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's not only new construction. It's also if they
remodel 50 percent or (INAUDIBLE) correct, Mr. Dodd?
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, that's right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If they remodel 50 percent of the house, or the
condo (INAUDIBLE), or whatever, then they have to build this new seawall and then
-- this modifiable seawall that you can add two more feet by 2070 -- assuming the
projections are correct -- it's going to add to the cost of that homeowner, or the
condo owner. And we know that the way the economy's suffering now that we don't
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want to he in the business today of adding an additional $10 or $15 per square foot
to every condo or more perhaps that people purchase, because we know the
developer's not going to pay for it. We know developers are going to pass on the
cost. So now the property that that person's buying, or the condo that persons
buying, or the home the person's buying will cost more. And do we really want --
and I understand the importance of building a six-foot seawall. I've advocated for it
for years. But the idea that we now have to make it even more expensive so we can
modify it by -- in 2070 to eight feet on a projection that's made in 2020 at a cost
that's going to be felt now, people that are hurting -- and by the way, it also applies
to people who rent, because the person renting that builds the condo building is
going to rent it and they're going to make sure they cover all their costs. So all
additional expenses the developer has in meeting a Code that -- an idea of what it's
going to be in 2070 to eight feet, that just concerns me that we're just putting
additional burdens on homeowners and homeownership, which concerns me.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Let me ask you something.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: This is -- I know that the main concern that we have now is
that we have witnessed during king tide, we have witnessed what's happening on
Brickell Avenue, what is happening in other streets, even 7th Avenue Northwest, by
the river. During king tide, we have water coming over into the streets, and that is
my main concern now. Now, what can we do is we can stage this in a way that it
goes -- I mean, we solve the problem that we have now, and the future problem as it
arises is going to be solved.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And the reality -- if I may, Mr. Chair -- is that a
ten -foot seawall is not going to stop a king tide. So the height of a seawall doesn't
impact king tide at all. So I don't want to get into an environmental argument here
but I --
Commissioner Reyes: I don't know about that, because I am not an engineer. I'm an
economist. And you have a great point. Your point is very well taken.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But I'm big on the cost, and, you know, imposing
additional costs on homeownership, even on renters, actually, frankly, when we add
all these additional burdens that have to be met and government adds these burdens.
And then on top of that, we say, "Well, in 2070, it's going to be eight feet so let's
build it in now," because the person that's going to pay for it is not going to pay for it
in 2070. They're going to pay for it in 2020, and that's just my concern.
Chair Hardemon: So I'm going to recognize our City Manager.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Alan, can you point out -- for purposes of this
particular aspect of the discussion -- what goads the decision to expand to the eight
feet? What kind of criteria's established? When is that expected to happen? And
talk a little more about that so that the Commissioner understands the "when" and
"how" that happens versus -- because right now you're setting a minimum standard
with the capability of going to eight feet. How do you make -- when do you make
that determination, and how is that determination made to go to eight feet? Explain
that.
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Mr. Dodd: Yes. And right now we -- as 1 said, we are planning on 21 to 40 inches of
sea level rise. And so, we are setting a minimum standard based on the lower end of
that. As we move -- we will see gradual sea level rise. Right now we're seeing --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I know that.
Mr. Dodd: -- it occurring every year. Well see whether we're trending more
towards that higher end. And probably in 25 to 30 years is when we'll know if it's
going to be at the point where it will be overtopping or threatening a six -foot -high
wall, and we can start talking with developers or with the property owners about the
need to cap. The way we have the ordinance written, they would not need to bring it
up to the higher standard unless we have them overtopping the seawalls where it's
flooding properties or flooding the right-of-way. Otherwise, they would be able to
maintain the standard that they have right now.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So I have a question for Mr. Dodd, if I may.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So when you build it at six feet, do you add
additional reinforcement and additional expense to make -- eventually make it eight
feet? Does it cost more -- you said 10 to 15 percent -- than if you just build it at six
feet and leave it as is?
Mr. Dodd: It is 5 to 10 percent more to build it stronger- so that you can put the cap
on top, which is an additional weight of the concrete (INAUDIBLE) --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course.
Mr. Dodd: -- (INAUDIBLE) also the ability to withstand the force (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But the cost is incurred today because you have
to build it a certain way so you could put the additional two feet 50 years from now
or 40 years from now or 35 years from now. So the -- it's an additional 5 to 10
percent of the actual linear foot cost today.
Mr. Dodd: That is correct. And then if they do put the cost on, it would be in the
range of 100 to $l50 per foot to put a cap on it versus at that point they would need
to completely replace it if it's not designed to be able to be raised.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: A hundred and sixty dollars per foot. How many linear feet
are there in front of -- let's say, in a standard building, you know. There are how
many? 40?
Mr. Dodd: A typical waterfront property lot is maybe a hundred feet wide. When
you get to some of these developments, you're talking three, 400 or longer, but those
are typically Pr the large high-rise buildings. Single-family properties are more
along the range of a hundred feet.
Commissioner Reyes: At a hundred feet. And that's going to be another $1,500 -- I
mean, $50, 000.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): Commissioners,
good afternoon. This is Zerry Ihekwaba. An additional advantage to this ordinance
is that you're going to at least have to increase the property values (INAUDIBLE)
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has been improved. And also, it's going to reduce damage to abutting property
owners that have a higher seawall already; and for those that have adjacent
seawalls that are lower, the discharging storm surge, storm water runoff onto the
adjacent properties creating damage to their property. So you are having a
wholesome full-fledged rehab of the City's shoreline. And, of course, the insurance
rate by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is going to be reduced,
because you've already enhanced your properties. So there are additional benefits
to the property owners. And keep in mind, the City is not going to go out willy-nilly
imposing these new regulations. Like I have stated during our briefings, the majority
of the property owners that need these additional enhancements will kick in when
they have to reconstruct over and beyond the 50 percent threshold. So folks are not
going to go out today and be required to increase the height of their seawalls unless
you're doing improvements, as authorized by the Code.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If I may, Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm always very concerned whenever we have
discussions about private property rights and about imposing restrictions on private
property rights, no matter Ors a dollar or a million dollars. That always concerns
me when government steps in and says (INAUDIBLE). I understand that government
has the responsibility to say, "We need to have a six-foot seawall, because it's" -- you
know, it's happening and it's a reality. That 1 understand. Government has to
protect the City, and its land, and its people. But when we come in and say, "Oh,
and by the way, there's an additional" -- 'you have to do this on top of that, because
in 2070 this is going to happen, " and you're a private property owner and you want -
- and you don't want to do it, and government says you have to do it. That's why you
purchased your property. That's why you invested a substantial amount -- Pm
talking about just individual property owners now -- in your property. You have to
have a right to that property to do things that you want in that private property.
That's the only concern. Whenever people tell me about limiting property rights, I
always get concerned.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, please.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. It's a question for Zerry or Director Dodd. When
these improvements do take place on the private property, have we studied what the
impact on savings to their insurance or their insurability will be that can offset this
investment? Is there any knowledge of that?
Mr. Ihekwaba: Yes. We don't have a study per se. The City has not conducted a
comprehensive study on the reduction of insurance rates. However, it's a known fact
that if your seawall height is below the mandate and the regulations that your
insurance is usually one of those high ones. So what the City has tried to do actually
in terms of studies is to align with the Army Corps of Engineers. They're doing -- as
we speak, they're doing what we call a back base study on the entire shorelines of the
City of Miami, as well as the map of Miami River. This is a wholesome
(INAUDIBLE) approach that the federal government is taking to find a more
proficient and effective way to protect downtown Miami, because it's the financial
hub of South Florida.
Vice Chair Russell: So -- but I do recognize that when one property in Brickell
changed their seawall, it changed the insurance rates for an entire area around them
based on a change from VE to AE listing in the floodplain map. So I was wondering
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if there's been any studies on how that -- or not studies, per se, but if there's been any
analysis of how that is affected on a private -- or like a smaller private property
when they do that and how that affects. I'm very cognizant and want to be sensitive
to what Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla is saying about private property rights,
and we want to make sure on that. So I'm happy to study this further if we could
pass it on first reading and work on this to see what triggers that additional two feet,
what additional cost that may, you know, bear, what benefits it brings for them and
whether it's something we should be doing or not.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Reyes. And then Commissioner Alex Diaz de la
Portilla.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Another thing that I agree that property rights have to
be protected. And since my first day on the dais I've been protecting that and
fighting for property rights. But this is a problem that is going to -- we have at this
moment that we have to protect downtown Miami, we have to protect Brickell
Avenue, and we have to protect other the properties. And that's not only, as I stated
before, you know, and the river and properties along the river, when king tides come
in, they have been flooded. And we have to protect them. But I am thinking about
what Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla had said. This will bring a cost, and it's a
monetary cost, and we are imposing a monetary cost on a property -- on the owners.
But we can also be able to provide some assistance by not charging impact fees or
permits in order for them to build those walls. Since we are mandating it, then I
think that we should also be part of the solution and by to help them in waiving
certain permits, and costs, and impact fees, so they can -- they wouldn't be so
economically affected. It's an idea and I think that I'm throwing out for you guys to
consider.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And Commissioner Reyes and Commissioners,
I'm talking -- a lot of people are thinking that we're talking about luxury oceanfront,
you know, bayfront property here. There's a lot of property along the Miami River
that's not luxury that people have to have seawalls. I represent the biggest part of
the Miami River here in the City of Miami. So that concerns me that (INAUDIBLE)
40, 50 years and now have to build not only a six-foot seawall or river wall, but
make it better -- make it possible for it to be eight feet in 50 years from now. And I
think people have the ability to determine -- and I'm also a big believer not only in
private property rights but individual responsibility, individual determination -- that
people have the ability for themselves to determine how their property value is going
to increase, whether they want to invest now or invest later. It's their property. It's
their right to do with it what they want. And for government to come in and
(INAUDIBLE) do this and do it this way, and then in 50 years, this may happen or
we think it's going to happen, but so -- make it ready so what's going to happen in 50
years, to me, that's just an intrusion on private property rights, an unnecessary
intrusion. The six feet, I understand. Remember that property values are also
dictated by views and the higher you put the seawall, the worse the view. So at the
end of the day there's a number of factors that go into the determination of the value
of a property. And Zerry was correct; there is no study. And on the flood insurance
issue, well, yeah, people -- these individual owner can make his or her decision as to
whether they're going to save on their insurance or not save on their insurance
based on whether they do it or don't do it. That's why we live in a free country; for
them to make a decision, not for government to come in and say, "Oh, this is your
property. Now you've got to build a six-foot wall and then make it ready for eight
feet in 50 years from now." And then on top that, we do this. On top of that, we do
that. I'm not a big believer philosophically in doing that, but, you know, that's just
me. I'm just one vote here.
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Mr. Ihekwaha: So if I may,1 think we need to get a proper perspective. 1 don't think
the Department is proposing a six -foot -high seawall. We're proposing an adjustment
of the base (INAUDIBLE) reference to the seawalls. That's what he's proposing to
you. So Alan, if you want, expatiate on that, please.
Mr. Dodd: Yes. And really, there's two criteria that would cause the six-foot
elevation to come into play. The first one is if a property owner was replacing their
seawall in due course. They're coming in, it's in disrepair; it needs to be replaced.
And they would normally be spending this money anyway, and they would have to
come into compliance with the new standard. The second one is if they hit a trigger
where it's causing flooding on the public right-of-way, or they're impacting their
neighbors with flooding, which then it becomes a Code Compliance issue and they
would have to come up to the new standard. The six-foot minimum provides us the
protection from the sea level rise that would be incrementally phased in throughout
the City, hopefully, as people are replacing seawalls; not because we are directing
them to do it right now. And there is no mandatory date that they have to come into
compliance with the higher standard. It would occur, like I said, as they're replacing
in due course, or were starting to have those negative impacts. Some seawalls may
not ever have to come up to that six-foot standard if they're up on the Miami River
and they're not having any flooding impacts.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question. I have a question.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: IfI have -- I mean, Pm living along the coast and my neighbor
has a lower seawall than mine. And when the tide comes in, his backyard is getting
flooded, and it floods mine. That will be the trigger to make them raise their
seawall, right? That would be the trigger. If that is not happening, they don't have
to raise the seawall.
Mr. Dodd: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. That's what -- because if it comes -- I mean, if it's -- I
mean, the size of -- the height of the seawall, I mean, allows seawater to come into
his yard, and then it will be flooding my yard, too. That is not only his problem; it is
my problem too. It's a social problem, and it affects the community. And in that
case, I see that we could mandate that, listen, you have to raise your seawall,
because you're affecting the whole neighborhood. And that's the only way that I
could see that we can mandate this.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So it's been properly moved and seconded to approve this
item. Any further discussion on it?
Commissioner Reyes: This is going to be first reading. And from now on we were
going to do all of the analyses that was requested, and all the studies that
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla requested? I mean, we can continue, and on
second reading, and we can either vote for it on second reading, we can -- after we
analyze it and reanalyze it, we can either vote for it or not. And I mean, try to make
it better or whatever and -- or we can approve it with all the different adjustments
that have been made.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I have a question for Commissioner Russell.
Commissioner, will you commit to working with us to sort of try -- obviously,
through the Manager -- maybe try to address some of these concerns that we have
between --?
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Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely. I really would like to understand which properties
this could affect in a negative way from a financial perspective to see how much
they're at risk, how they affect their neighbors, and I'll be very flexible on it. I'm
backing the director on his intention here for updating our Code and improving our
resilience towards storm surge and sea level rise. We got to do it in a smart way. So
I'm very happy to work together to make sure we do it right.
Commissioner Reyes: Because we have to take -- but we have to take into
consideration also the economic impact that it's going to --
Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely, agreed.
Commissioner Reyes: -- that this is going to create and also why --1 mean, who are
-- we have to define who has to raise their walls or not has to be decided and what
will be the effect of -- long-term effect of it.
Chair Hardemon: All right. All in favor of the motion, say 'a
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, thank you.
Vice Chair Russell.: Mr. Chairman?
Commissioner Reyes: First reading.
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FR.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
7185
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 23/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "HISTORIC
PRESERVATION/HISTORIC PRESERVATION"; MORE
SPECIFICALLY, BY AMENDING SECTION 23-4, TITLED
"DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES, HISTORIC
DISTRICTS, MULTIPLE PROPERTY DESIGNATIONS, AND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND ZONES", SECTION 23-6, TITLED
"TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND DENSITY FOR
HISTORIC RESOURCES; PROVISION FOR A DETERMINATION
OF ELIGIBILITY PROCESS, AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR
RESOURCES WITHIN THE MIAMI MODERN (MIMO)/BISCAYNE
BOULEVARD HISTORIC DISTRICT; PROHIBITING CERTAIN
USES; AND ESTABLISHING A 35-FOOT HEIGHT LIMIT", AND
SECTION 23-6.2, TITLED "CERTIFICATES OF
APPROPRIATENESS", TO PROVIDE THAT PROPOSALS FOR
DESIGNATION MADE BY THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HISTORIC
PRESERVATION BOARD, THE CITY COMMISSION, THE CITY OF
MIAMI'S ("CITY") HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD ("HEPB"), THE CITY'S PLANNING,
ZONING, AND APPEALS BOARD ("PZAB"), AND ANY
ORGANIZATION THAT HAS BEEN A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT
CORPORATION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR AT LEAST FIVE
(5) YEARS WITH A RECOGNIZED INTEREST IN HISTORIC
PRESERVATION WILL REQUIRE A SUPERMAJORITY VOTE; TO
MODIFY THE TIME TO APPEAL DECISIONS REGARDING
HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS TO THE CITY COMMISSION TO SIXTY
(60) DAYS; TO MODIFY THE TIMING OF NOTICE; TO PROVIDE
THAT THE NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS OF PROPERTIES
DESIGNATED AS HISTORIC WILL CLEARLY ADVISE THE
OWNERS OF THEIR RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE CITY
COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE TIMING FOR SCHEDULING
APPEALS; TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS FOR SPECIAL CERTIFICATES OF
APPROPRIATENESS; TO PROVIDE UPDATES; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item FR.4 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item FR.4, please see "Order of the Day."
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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BU.1
6741
Office of
Management and
Budget
BU - BUDGET
DISCUSSION ITEM
MONTHLY REPORT
I SECTION 2-497 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
(RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET)
II SECTION 18-502 (CITY'S ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT)
III SECTION 18-542 (FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES)
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: All right. So let's move on then to the next item. So we have
BU.1.
Commissioner Carollo: Don't we have two pocket items left; yours and mine?
Chair Hardemon: Right. I think we were allowing a little bit -- well, I guess -- can
we take public comment now?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): If -- I believe Mr. Rose can do his budget
presentation just to give a little more time and then we could take public comment
after.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Christopher Rose: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Chris Rose. I'm
the Budget Director for the City of Miami. The projections sent to your office this
morning are very similar to the ones that were presented to you two weeks ago.
They're based on data from the month of March this time instead of February. And
during the month of March, around half of the month was affected by the COVID-19
pandemic. It still presumes a two -month reduction in revenues, roughly halfway
through March to halfway through May, but it also presumes that revenues are
going to increase after that timeframe. And as I said last time, that really is anyone's
guess. And I've heard the discussion earlier today about how it is likely not but that
is the presumption that we have in the projections at this time. I should also point
out that hard data regarding revenues is lagging right now. Folks are -- revenues
normally come in a little later, whereas expenses are much more real time. But the
data is even a little later than normal right now. So just a vet), few revenues have
been updated since the last time. And I will tell you right now, we're still projecting
a deficit at the moment of $19.7 million in the City's general fund and internal
service funds, combined. As you discussed at the last meeting, we are looking for
savings associated with COVID-19, but they are few and far between right now. So
we're watching for that, but it's not materializing at the time that we're looking. So
you can see the detailed reports that were attached to the email sent to your offices
this morning, and (INAUDIBLE) any questions that you may have.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, Mr. Chair?
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Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: I just received it, Chris, and I haven't been able to look at it.
You will have my comments as soon as I can read it. And I think we have to tighten
our belts, and I know that hard times is coming. I know that.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Chris, once 1 read it, 1 will speak to the Manager on it. If I
have any further questions, 1 will give you a call so you could explain them or have
the Manager do it.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
END OF BUDGET
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PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PZ.1 RESOLUTION
6981 MAY BE DEFERRED
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Planning GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY THE CONVENT OF
THE SACRED HEART OF MIAMI, INC. AND
REVERSING/AFFIRMING/MODIFYING THE DECISION OF THE MIAMI
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD'S
DENIAL PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 17, ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, OF THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL FOR
DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT TO SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL
FEATURES ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2167
SOUTH BAYSHORE DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, WITHIN THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT— 60 AND THE SOUTH
BAYSHORE DRIVE SCENIC TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item PZ.1 was deferred to the June 25, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see "Order of the Day" and "Public
Comments for all Items."
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PZ.2
6982
RESOLUTION
MAY BE DEFERRED
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Planning GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY THE CONVENT OF
THE SACRED HEART OF MIAMI, INC. ("APPELLANT") AND
REVERSING/AFFIRMING/MODIFYING THE DECISION OF THE MIAMI
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD'S
DENIAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-6.2(B)(4) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, OF THE
APPELLANT'S APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE DEMOLITION, RESTORATION,
ALTERATION, AND NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A PROPERTY
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2167 SOUTH BAYSHORE DRIVE,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, A LOCALLY DESIGNATED HISTORIC SITE
KNOWN AS VILLA WOODBINE WITH FOLIO NUMBER 01-4115-010-
0111.
PZ.3
6797
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item PZ.2 was deferred to the June 25, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see "Order of the Day" and "Public
Comments for all Items."
ORDINANCE
MAY BE DEFERRED
Second Reading
Commissioners AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
and Mayor- PZ ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3, TITLED "BUILDING FUNCTION:
USES", TO REQUIRE AN EXCEPTION FOR MARINA USES IN "CS",
CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONES; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item PZ.3 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PZ.3, please see "Order of the Day."
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
PZ.4
6930
ORDINANCE
MAY BE DEFERRED
Second Reading
Department of AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Planning ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; MORE SPECIFICALLY, BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 6, TABLE 13, TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL
REGULATIONS," TO DISALLOW PUBLIC STORAGE FACILITIES IN A
"T5," URBAN CENTER ZONE, AND "T6," URBAN CORE ZONE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
PZ.5
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item PZ.4 was deferred to the May 14, 2020, City Commission
Meeting.
ORDINANCE First Reading
3001 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
and Mayor- PZ ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING
APPENDIX A, TITLED "NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
DISTRICTS", BY REPLACING SECTION A-2: "VILLAGE WEST
ISLAND DISTRICT AND CHARLES AVENUE (NCD-2)" AND SECTION
A-3: "COCONUT GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
DISTRICT (NCD-3)" WITH NEW REGULATIONS, STANDARDS, AND
GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE COCONUT
GROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICTS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.5, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for all Items."
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PZ.6
ORDINANCE First Reading
4237 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
and Mayor - PZ ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"); MORE
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.6, TITLED
"OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS", TO ALLOW
PARKING FACILITIES THAT ARE INCIDENTAL AND SUBORDINATE
TO A PRINCIPAL USE IN CERTAIN T5, "URBAN CENTER ZONE," OR
T6, "URBAN CORE ZONE," TO BE PROVIDED ON AN ABUTTING
PROPERTY IN A T3, "SUB -URBAN ZONE," IF THE PARKING
FACILITIES ARE LOCATED IN AN AUXILIARY PARKING AREA AND
SATISFY OTHER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR AREAS ON CORAL
WAY, BETWEEN SOUTHWEST 27TH AVENUE AND SOUTHWEST
17TH AVENUE BY PROCESS OF EXCEPTION; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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Meeting Minutes April 23, 2020
NA.1
7405
City Commission
NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION BY VICE CHAIR RUSSELL REGARDING MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY'S PROPOSED RESOLUTION WHICH DIRECTS THE
COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR'S DESIGNEE TO SEND ALL
REGISTERED MIAMI-DADE COUNTY VOTERS WHO HAVE NOT
REQUESTED VOTE -BY -MAIL BALLOTS FOR THE 2020 PRIMARY
AND GENERAL ELECTIONS.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Russell.
Vice Chair Russell: I have a pocket item whenever you believe it's the appropriate
time.
Commissioner Carollo: I do have one also, Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Can you -- can we all read the pocket item titles into the
record?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Shall I go first?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Mine's been emailed around by the City Attorney, so you should
have a copy of it. It just needs a little bit of an adjustment on a date. Basically, the
County is considering on May 5 a resolution urging the County Mayor to issue vote -
by -mail request forms to every resident; not actually register every resident, but
simply mail out a postcard on the County's dime to every resident to allow them to
choose to vote by mail, and that's on their May 5 agenda. So my resolution would be
just in support -- us being in support of the County doing that. And so, to read it for
you, it says --
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Vice Chair Russell.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion for all the items?
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question to Mr. Russell.
Chair Hardemon: Yes. Oh, additionally, we're going to have public comment on the
items, so what we're going to do is now that they're all in -- for everyone to discuss,
we're going to move on with the agenda and allow people to call and comment if they
need to. But you're recognized, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Chair, yes, I have a question for Russell's pocket item. Mr.
Russell, this -- you are referring to an action that is going to be taken by the County,
but it has not happened yet?
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Vice Chair Russell: It has already passed at the committee level and it's on an
agenda for the (INAUDIBLE) --
Commissioner Reyes: Committee level but -- and then -- but it hasn 't come to the
floor yet and it has not been voted.
Vice Chair Russell: Correct. It was to urge (INAUDIBLE) yes.
Commissioner Reyes: What we are (INAUDIBLE) --
Vice Chair Russell: To support the item was my hope. And 1 do understand that it
should have bipartisan support throughout.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: But I obviously don't know specifics.
Commissioner Reyes: I really hope that we have bipartisan support, but that is not --
I mean, trying to get -- and you're referring to registered voters, right?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. So it would be --
Commissioner Reyes: Just registered voters not everybody?
Vice Chair Russell: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Because I heard you say that it's sent absentee ballot request to
everybody.
Vice Chair Russell: It's not a voter registration drive. It is meant to send a postcard
offering someone to register for vote by mail --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. It is absentee ballot voting.
Vice Chair Russell: -- if they're not already done -- if they've not already done so.
Commissioner Reyes: If they're not already done.
Vice Chair Russell: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: And my only concern also is that we are getting our nose in
County business, and we don't want County to get their nose in our business. And we
are telling them, "You do this on your dime. You have to spend money doing this,"
and when we don't -- I don't like them to get their nose in our (INAUDIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell .• Of course.
Commissioner Reyes: You see.
Vice Chair Russell: It would affect our election, as well, and that -- and I also believe
Commissioner Reyes: It's not the matter of it's affecting our election. It's -- this is a
County -- I mean, it's our -- we telling them, "You got to do this, " you see? And, I
mean, I don't know. I'd rather wait until it passes and then we'll support it, or you
want us to support it now before it goes to the full board, the County board?
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Vice Chair Russell: Yes. I'd like to give them the hacking and some momentum that
we would be in support of them doing this if they choose to go this direction. It's not
trying to impose something they haven't thought about. It's something that's already
passed at their committee, and so just chiming in to say, yes, there are elections and
may -- people going to the polls, they -- obviously there's concerns and who knows
where this goes down the road. But I think them sending out a postcard just offering
voters to vote by mail is a good thing.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I have a question.
Vice Chair Russell: And just to follow up, I believe in the last CARES (Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security) package, there is also money from the Federal
government being brought down to the State to encourage vote by mail; and so, they
should be able to tap into that, which should be helpfui.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I have a question, Commissioner. What was the
vote in that committee? Do you remember?
Vice Chair Russell: I don't. I can find out.
Later...
Vice Chair Russell.: 1 don't have it (INAUDIBLE), Commissioner, I'm sorry, about
what the vote was at their committee level.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): We're trying to look for it, as well.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I believe -- Chair, if I could speak?
Chair Hardemon: Yes, of course.
Commissioner Carollo: I believe Commissioner Russell said that this would affect
our elections, also. We don't have elections until November 2021 that I know of so I
don't know what elections he's talking about in the City of Miami.
Vice Chair Russell: The presidential election, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, president -- well, actually before the November
presidential elections, you have the statewide, and County and judicial elections.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. If I misspoke, I meant elections that will be taking place in
the City of Miami, where City of Miami residents will be going to the polls.
Commissioner Carollo: My only thought is -- and especially a time like this -- why
should any government be spending money in sending something out that every
campaign is going to do and is going to cover?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Why should we be spending additional dollars that could be
spent in other productive things that are so badly needed now when every campaign
that you could think of is going to be doing that now? That's the only thing that I'd
like to say.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And 1 share the same concern. And I don't think
government should be in the business of elections. I think campaigns are for
campaigning and the individual campaigns can do their own absentee ballot requests.
I don't think the taxpayers should be paying for a massive government participation in
an electoral process other than holding the election sites and, you know, or the
election, itself. So, to me, for a government to get involved and especially government
to be mandating -- that's why I asked you what the vote was on that particular
committee.
Vice Chair Russell: It was an 8-0 unanimous vote.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: 8-0, okay. So they saw -- in their wisdom, they
think that that's something that government should be doing. They want to spend
taxpayer dollars in that way, especially to me -- and I'll go back to anything that we
spend taxpayer dollars on today that are not impacting or helping the people that
really need it either with meals, or employment assistance, or business, employment
assistance or business assistance. To me, that's just not money, well spent. That's just
my thoughts.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, I agree with both of you, Commissioners, that the
campaigns and as -- I mean, we all know, we've all been in campaigns and we have
been elected. And it is our role to try to send and request absentee ballots and people
-- request people to vote absentee. And that's --1 mean, that happens in every single
campaign. And correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Senator; that you have more experience
than 1 do. But every single campaign engages in an absentee ballot request.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Every single winning campaign engages in --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. Well, those are the ones that convince the people
more, but every single campaign has an absentee ballot -- I mean, activities in the
campaign.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Because -- if I may, Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: What would the cost be? How many registered
voters do we have in Miami -Dade County? What would just the mail cost alone and
postage alone? What would that cost be to taxpayers if you know, hundreds and
hundreds of thousands of people will be getting --? I think in postage alone, we'd be
paying like $300,000 or something like that.
Commissioner Reyes: Maybe more.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Or maybe more. I think, you know, but, you know,
they get a discounted rate, Pin sure, and all that. But it's -- between printing and
mailing, I mean, it's got to be close to halfa million dollars. And to me, I would love
to have that half a million dollars spent on people that really need it right now; not
spent on sending people, you know, applications to vote by mail. That's their
responsibility to vote, and to seek ways to vote, and they have many different ways of
voting, and access to information. They could request it online. They can --
campaigns will mail it to them; multiple campaigns at the same time, especially if we
have a number of campaigns. I think we have like seven people running for Mayor.
We have -- I don't know how many County Commission candidates. So, I mean, they
have probably two dozen campaigns, and then all the judicial campaigns on top of
that. I mean, you're probably talking about 40 or 50 campaigns taking place in Dade
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County in August and November, and 1 just don't -- I think it's a bad message to send
during these times. Try to save those dollars for people that really need it.
Commissioner Carollo: And you're looking at -- I believe it's 1,300,000 voters, and
that's going to be no less than halfa million dollars.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I did the calculation. I'm pretty good at these kind
of calculations, on mailing costs and all this stuff, so I kind of do it off the top of my
head. But, yes; you got it right, Commissioner. About half a million dollars is what it
would cost to hit 1.3 million voters; something around there.
Vice Chair Russell: Well, my math's not that good, but my math's good enough to
count to three. So if I don't have the support here 1'd rather just withdraw the item
than see it voted down, because 1 certainly don't want to affect them in a negative way
if they do have momentum currently for it. Maybe you're right, Commissioner Reyes.
We just don't weigh in at all. It's their decision to make. I do believe in it. I do
believe it's a good idea to have as much vote by mail as possible, especially this year.
I think -- I don't want to discourage people from voting, and I want to make it as easy
as possible, but I understand your concerns. So if I'm hearing correctly -- I see three
votes that probably would not be in support of this at this time, so I'll withdraw the
item.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE
MAYOR OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO TAKE ANY AND ALL
APPROPRIATE ACTIONS WITH REGARD TO PROTECTING THE
RESIDENTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BY ASSURING THAT ALL
ARRIVING PASSENGERS AT MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARE
SCREENED FOR THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS ("COVID-19") TO
CONTROL THE FURTHER SPREAD OF COVID-19 INTO OUR
COMMUNITIES; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE
OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0134
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Can -- Commissioner Joe Carollo, can you read yours into
the record, please?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. This is a follow-up to the resolution that we all
approved at the last meeting asking the Governor to send the National Guard to
screen at the airport. Since then, I've done a little research, and I'd like to inform all
of you what I have found. While Greater Miami -Dade County -- all of Miami -Dade
County -- has only 12 and a half percent of the population of the state of Florida --
State of Florida has 22 million people. Miami -Dade County has approximately
2,750,000. That's 12 and a half percent of the population. However, we have 36
percent, 3 to 1, of the overall State cases of Coronavirus. And let me give you some
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additional information. As of April 13, some 10 days ago, out of all the cases that
have been reported statewide of people acquiring Coronavirus, based on the
information that I have been provided, there's at least 900 of those individuals that
acquired Coronavirus after they had been or came from New York, the State of New
York. Almost 200 acquired it after they had been or came from the State of New
Jersey. There are other significant numbers also for other international countries
that are out there. But 1 think if you combine the 3-to-1 ratio that we have, we have
12 and a half percent of the State's population, but we have 36 percent of the cases.
And you have a very significant number, I think, of cases that clearly point to New
York and New Jersey, and others outside of the country. I think you could see that
there's a direct correlation to the airport. And up to this date, we keep getting
information that plane loads of people are coming and no one is being checked or
screened at the airport. Just a few days ago, Univision did another report that was
televised. In this case, one of their own reporters that works for the international
chain of Univision flew from New York to Miami, and he wasn't checked in New York,
he wasn't check in Miami, nor was anyone else in the airplane. So I think that while
this is not a hundred percent proof it's very indicative that the problem that we're
having here is the airport. And no matter what we do, if we keep having an open door
into our community where people will be coming in and flying in, where no one is
checking them, we're never going to be able to gain hold of this situation until some
kind of oral or injection is found. So my resolution is thefollowing:
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Miami -Dade County, as we've been told, is the entity, the
governmental entity in charge and responsible for the airport. While the State is
figuring out what, if anything they're going to do or can do, it is the responsibility of
Miami -Dade County to take action there. And this is affecting all of us. This is not
something that we could decide upon ourselves; if we could've, this would have been
done already. But we are dependent on Miami -Dade County. And again, I think we
all expressed the willingness to assist with that in manpower, but they run the airport,
they are responsible for it, and we need something to be done, because, if not, we're
going to be seeing this spread into our communities; City of Miami and all throughout
Miami -Dade County, even more so.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chair (INAUDIBLE).
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Is there a motion to approve the remaining two pocket
items that were (INAUDIBLE)?
Commissioner Carollo: So moved.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Seeing no further
discussion, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion carries.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Clerk, can you make sure that this is sent out at least to
the County; if not today, at the very least, tomorrow?
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, sir. As soon as it's in the system and approved
through its normal process, I'll be able to send it out immediately.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but I don't know about the system approved or
anything else. I'm talking about if you could send it at the latest tomorrow.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. I'll work with the City Attorney's Office to make sure we can
get that done.
Commissioner Carollo: Obviously, you could speak to the Mayor to make sure
there's not going to be any vetoes, and I don't think there will be.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING
THE EXTENSION OF TIME TO THE ARK OF THE CITY,
INCORPORATED, A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, TO
COMPLETE THE REHABILITATION AND COMMENCE THE JOB
TRAINING PROGRAM AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1302
NORTHWEST 54 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, AND TO COMMENCE THE JOB TRAINING
PROGRAM AT THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 551 NORTHWEST 71
STREET AND 7142 AND 7148 NORTHWEST 5 COURT, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED (COLLECTIVELY, "PROPERTIES")
FOR TWENTY-FOUR (24) ADDITIONAL MONTHS; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO GRANT FURTHER EXTENSIONS OF TIME,
IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES STATED
HEREIN; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, AND
EXTENSIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE(S), SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH
FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-20-0133
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
Chair Hardemon: Are there any other items? I have one item that I want to read into
the record.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Chairman Hardemon.
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Chair Hardemon: Basically, this is just a resolution that is extending for an
additional year the opportunity that we've already previously granted one of our not -
for -profits to provide job training. We have to make some renovations to the space
and then provide the job training, so this is making sure they have the time to do it.
That's all.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: And --
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, are you able to help with that?
Chair Hardemon: -- our City Attorney wrote me it was supposed to be an additional -
- not 12 months but 24 months in what 1 read into the record into the title.
Later...
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, I wanted to clarify something for the
record for your pocket on the addresses. You read 551 Northwest 71st Street, 7142
and 7140 Northwest 5th Court, and you also read 1302 Northwest 54th Street.
Because there's all -- these are all the properties involved with Arc of the Covenant
and the training program, so 1 wanted to clarify all those addresses for the record.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION BY THE CITY COMMISSION REGARDING
UPCOMING FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENTS IN ADDITION TO
ESTABLISHING FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENTS THAT CAN
ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT HAVE CARS.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would like (INAUDIBLE) --
Chair Hardemon: You know, there's still one more item that we have on the PZ
(Planning and Zoning) agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: What? No, I thought that all of them were deferred.
Chair Hardemon: PZ.3. Was PZ.3 deferred? Did I miss that?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): (INAUDIBLE) all of the entire PZ agenda is
deferred.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, so it was deferred.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes.
Chair Hardemon: All right. Is there any other business?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would like -- Mr. Chair?
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Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would like to say I have a food drive tomorrow
at 10 a.m. (INAUDIBLE) if any Commissioner wants to join me or the Mayor wants to
join me.
Commissioner Reyes: Where is that going to be at?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Corpus Cristi Church on 7th.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, Corpus Cristi. Oh, yes, yes, okay.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: On 7th Avenue tomorrow. It's right at the border
of your Commission -- with your district, Commissioner Hardemon. If you want to
pass by tomorrow, you're more than welcome. Obviously, every Commissioner is
welcome.
Commissioner Reyes: With Father Menendez, right?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Father Menendez. And Commissioner Reyes, you
can get some sun. I need some sun, as you told me.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We could both get a little bit of sun and get some
color. We've been indoors.
Commissioner Reyes: We're too white, man.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's a great opportunity to do good, and get sun at
the same time.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) for the residents that might be able to get this
information, we have one on Saturday, at 9 a.m., at Jose Marti Park. Well be
providing some 800 boxes of fruit and vegetables, 20-pound boxes. So any residents
that can hear this can come. And obviously, if the Mayor would like to join or any of
my colleagues, you're certainly more than welcome.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to make some clarifications. This is going to be drive -
through, right?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mine is drive -through.
Commissioner Carollo: This will be drive -through. But frankly --
Commissioner Reyes: No, because I want people to know, because sometimes, they
come walking and --
Commissioner Carollo: This will be drive -through but we're planning -- and I want
to share this with you. In keeping distances, we're planning to see how we can come
up with food lines that people can come and walk up and get food where we don't
have to give it to them. We could place it for them in a place. They get it --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- they go. The area of Little Havana is just too condensed of
people, and many people don't have vehicles.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: So that's the only way that you could get food to the most
needy. We're trying to figure out a way of doing that. But for Saturday, it will be
through the car --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and well put it in the trunk.
Commissioner Reyes: Whenever you figure it out, please let me know, okay, because I
have the same problem in certain areas in my city -- I mean, in my district that there
are people that don't own automobiles; they are being left out.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And I have the same issue. I discussed it with our
City Manager also -- we figure out working obviously with the police and figure out a
way that we can do it, because we all have -- in all our districts --
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- we have people that don't have automobiles and
are probably the neediest people that we have.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. You're absolutely right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And those are the ones that -- we had a situation
in my food drive that people -- drive -through that people walk up, because they're in
the building next door. And so we want to address that issue, and I plan to do one as
soon as possible, also, in the district that I represent, and maybe everybody can do the
same thing as we put a plan together through our Manager that could actually hand
out directly to people by standing six feet apart. Maybe putting -- it's kind of like how
I get my FedEx packages from my building. They put them there and they walk away
and then I walk up and pick them up and walk out, you know. And something like that
that could work and keep the six-foot distance.
Commissioner Carollo: I need -- I think we need to come up with a plan --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree.
Commissioner Carollo: -- for all of our districts that we could do maybe one mass
mail -out if we know dates ahead of time that we could do so that maybe within that
mail -out, there will be some kind of coupon that people from our districts from the
City can come in and get food, because the main responsibility we have with the
money that we're spending from the City of Miami is our residents. And I'm
concerned that the more we advertise, the more we're doing, because I don't think any
of us could just (INAUDIBLE) with our own dollars. We're going to be having people
from all over other parts of the County come in, and it's going to take away from our
own residents. So I'm -- Mr. Manager, maybe if you could speak to each of us, the
Mayor, so that we could all give you input maybe on how to do this, because as much
as we might want to help others outside of the City of Miami, we don't even have
enough to take care of everyone in the City of Miami.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And that's a great point. And maybe, perhaps,
Manager, you can come up with some allocations, some dollars to help us inform
people. They could come in with a coupon. That's a great idea, Commissioner
Carollo. So we serve first and foremost -- it's a shame kind of doing it the way we're
doing it but that's their responsibility. But I think that we're doing it so effectively --
every Commissioner here has had these drives. What I've seen in mine is that people
from Hialeah and people from other parts of the --
Commissioner Reyes: Hallandale. I have people from Hallandale.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, 1 had people from Broward County come to
nine.
Commissioner Reyes: Broward County coming.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And sometimes, people come in very expensive
cars, you know, so we --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- have that going on too. So I think the needs of
our residents are the ones that need it. So 1 think a direct mail campaign may be a
good idea to kind of tell them, "Hey, you know, you bring a coupon," and we know
where it goes to. It goes to our neediest people, particularly in our low-income
buildings and particularly for the walk-through event. And I think we'll really be
talking to people that really -- and helping people that really need the help.
Commissioner Reyes: And what time is going to be yours, Mr. Diaz de la Portilla?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: At 10 a.m. tomorrow morning at Corpus Cristi.
It's drive -through. In conjunction with Farm Share, we're feeding 600 (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: I have a meeting, a DDA (Downtown Development Authority)
meeting. As soon as I finish, I will drop by and (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I would love to have every Commissioner there;
come tomorrow and spend some time and (INAUDIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And Commissioner Carollo, at what time is yours
Saturday?
Commissioner Carollo: It will begin at 9 a.m.
Commissioner Reyes: 9 a.m., okay. Okay, I think I'm going to get some sunshine with
you guys.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You're going to get a lot of sun this weekend.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I have one -- I'm scheduling one for next week, okay.
Chair Hardemon: We're going to adjourn. Thank you very much for all your time.
All hearts and all minds clear?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hardemon: The meeting is adjourned.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, guys. Be safe.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, everyone.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Bye. Thank you.
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
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