HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2009-06-25 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 25, 2009
9:00 AM
PLANNING & ZONING
City Hall Commission Chambers
City Commission
Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor
Joe Sanchez, Chair
Michelle Spence -Jones, Vice -Chair
Angel Gonzalez, Commissioner District One
Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner District Two
Tomas Regalado, Commissioner District Four
Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager
Julie 0 Bru, City Attorney
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
CONTENTS
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
AM - APPROVING MINUTES
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
RE - RESOLUTIONS
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
PART B
PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
M - MAYOR'S ITEMS
D1 - DISTRICT 1 ITEMS
D2 - DISTRICT 2 ITEMS
D3 - DISTRICT 3 ITEMS
D4 - DISTRICT 4 ITEMS
D5 - DISTRICT 5 ITEMS
Minutes are transcribed verbatim. Periodically, agenda items are revisited during a meeting.
"[Later...]" refers to discussions that were interrupted and later continued.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
9:00 A.M. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Commissioner Gonzalez, Commissioner Sarnoff, Chair Sanchez, Commissioner
Regalado and Vice Chair Spence -Jones
On the 25th day of June 2009, the City Commission of the City ofMiami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular
session. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sanchez at 9: 34 a.m., recessed at 12: 48 p.m.,
reconvened at 2: 48 p.m., and adjourned at 3: 42 p.m.
Note for the Record: Vice Chair Spence -Jones entered the Commission chambers at 9: 37 a.m.
and Commissioner Gonzalez entered the Commission chambers at 9: 54 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Julie O. Bru, City Attorney
Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
Pamela Burns, Assistant City Clerk
Chair Sanchez: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Want to take this opportunity to welcome
you to the June 25, 209 [sic] meeting of the City ofMiami Commission in these historic
chambers. The members of the City Commission are as following: Vice Chair Michelle
Spence -Jones, Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, Commissioner
Marc Sarnoff, and myself, Joe Sanchez, as your Chair. Also on the dais you will have our City
Manager, Pete Hernandez, who is just getting here; our City Attorney, Julie O. Bru; and our
City Clerk, Priscilla A. Thompson. The meeting will be opened up with a prayer, and we will
have our City Clerk lead us into prayer, andl will do the pledge of allegiance. Madam Clerk,
you're recognized for the record for the prayer.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 09-00674 PRESENTATION
Honoree Presenter Protocol Item
Community Commissioner Salute
Relations Regalado
Board
Barbara Commissioner Salute
Bisno Regalado
09-00674 Protocol.pdf
PRESENTED
1. Vice Chair Spence -Jones presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following indviduals
for their commitment to raising the quality of life in the community and participation in the 2009
Seniors First - Hurricane Readiness Expo: Laverne Holliday, Lavern Scott, Michelle Frasier,
Loren Daniels, Von Carol Kinchens-Haynes, Chante Sweet, and Evelyn Jordan.
2. Commissioner Regalado paid tribute to the Community Relations Board for its outstanding
dedication and commitment to building bridges of understanding and mutual respect in the City
ofMiami.
3. Commissioner Regalado presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Barbara Bisno for her
critical oversight, conscientious support, and outstanding dedication to promoting amicable
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
MAYORAL VETOES
relationships in the City ofMiami.
4. Mayor Diaz presented a check in the amount of $8, 000 from Dream In Green and Home
Depot for a six-month program that will monitor home energy use for 50-80 homes located in the
City ofMiami and provide homeowners with methods on how to reduce energy consumption.
Chair Sanchez: Let's go ahead and do the presentations and proclamation. It is my
understanding that we have honorees. We have the 2009 Senior [sic] First Volunteers. That
would be presented by Commissioner Spence -Jones, and those will be certificates of
appreciation.
Presentations made.
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chair Sanchez: All right. As we continue the order of the day, there are no mayoral vetoes for
the record.
APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING:
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, to APPROVED
PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
ORDER OF THE DAY
Chair Sanchez: We need to approve the minutes of the Planning & Zoning meeting ofMay 28,
209 [sic]. Need a motion.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion.
Chair Sanchez: Motion by --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- Commissioner Gonzalez, second by the Vice Chair. No further discussion on
approving the Planning & Zoning meeting ofMay 28, 209 [sic]. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
END OF APPROVING MINUTES
Chair Sanchez: All right. We will now begin the regular meeting that was properly advertised.
The order of the day is the agenda. Before we go to the presentation and proclamations, Madam
Attorney, why don't you read the procedures to be followed during the meeting? You're
recognized for the record.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman; and good morning, members of the
Commission, Madam City Clerk, Mr. Manager, Mr. Mayor. Any person who is a lobbyist must
register with the City Clerk before appearing before the City Commission. A copy of the Code
section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's office. The material for each item on the
agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and online at
www.miamigov.com. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission for
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of the item. No cell phones or
other noisemaking devices. Please turn them off now. Any person making offensive remarks or
who becomes unruly in the Commission chambers will be barred from further attending
Commission meetings. Any person with a disability requiring auxiliary aids and services for this
meeting, please contact the City Clerk. And the lunch recess will begin at the conclusion of
deliberation of the agenda item being considered at noon. The meeting will end either at the
conclusion of deliberation of the agenda item being considered at 10 p.m. or at the conclusion of
the regularly scheduled agenda, whichever occurs first. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
[Later...]
Chair Sanchez: All right. Let's continue with the order of the day. Before we do that, Mr. City
Manager, are there any items that you would like to either withdraw or defer or substitute on this
agenda?
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Mr. Chairman and Commissioners, good morning. FR.1,
I ask that it be withdrawn. It requires quite a bit of work, and it will come back as a new item.
That's FR.1. I'm also deferringRE.6, and I'm withdrawingRE.7.
Chair Sanchez: RE. 7.
Mr. Hernandez: And --
Commissioner Sarnoff. How 'bout RE.3 -- 4? You okay with that one?
Mr. Hernandez: No. It's FR.1 to be withdrawn, RE. 6 to be deferred, and RE. 7 to be withdrawn.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: And also, Commissioner -- if you would allow me, Mr. Chairman. There is an
item in the Planning & Zoning agenda for which people are here today. However, that item
requires to go back to the Zoning Board, so we cannot hear the item today. Andl would like to
ask for the item to be deferred to a no time certain or a date certain so they don't have to be
here.
Chair Sanchez: We'll get to the PZ (Planning & Zoning) later on, but absolutely. I don't want
anybody to be sitting here when the item is going to be deferred. So what item is that so we
could clear it out of the agenda and then --? Twelve and thirteen? All right, so --
Mr. Hernandez: Yes.
Chair Sanchez: -- let's --
Mr. Hernandez: And it's not because of any concerns. It's the fact that the item has to go back
to Zoning Board before being before -- coming before you again.
Chair Sanchez: All right, so let's go ahead and have a motion and a second to continue those
items, correct?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can you name what you want to defer or whatever you're not having for
this agenda?
Mr. Hernandez: It's -- the one that I was making reference to is PZ.12 --
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Commissioner Sarnoff. And 13.
Mr. Hernandez: -- and 13, which is the Miami -Dade Community College item --
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Let's get --
Mr. Hernandez: -- that because of the compromise that they worked on, it has to go back to
Zoning.
Chair Sanchez: We understand. We understand it's got to go back to Zoning, okay. So let's get
a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion on the deferral.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion and a second for deferral of PZ.12 and 13.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): For a length of time, please?
Chair Sanchez: Excuse me?
Ms. Thompson: What length of time?
Mr. Hernandez: It will be to a no time certain because it has to go to Zoning Board, and we
don't know at what Commission meeting it's going to come back to.
Ms. Thompson: And we'll list that as an indefinite deferral, which is six months max.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Thank you, Madam Clerk. All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. All
right. I believe -- Commissioner Sarnoff, did you get the items that were withdrawn on the
regular agenda?
Commissioner Sarnoff. I didn't.
Chair Sanchez: All right. It's FR.1 that's being withdrawn, coming back with new language;
and then RE. 6 and RE. 7 are being deferred.
Ms. Thompson: No.
Mr. Hernandez: RE.7 is a withdrawal.
Ms. Thompson: And then I need a date for your deferral of RE.6.
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Mr. Hernandez: That will be to July 9.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right, so both of those items have been moved to one --
Ms. Thompson: What I have here on record, FR.1 withdrawn, RE. 6 is deferred to July 9, and
RE.7 has been withdrawn.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Then PZ.s 12 and 13 are indefinitely deferred.
Mr. Hernandez: Correct.
Chair Sanchez: All right. That should take care of that. We'll continue --
Mr. Hernandez: And also, Mr. Chairman, there is a substitute on FR.3 -- FR.2, I'm sorry, that
has already been distributed to you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. So all the Commissioners are in possession of that substitute? Okay.
CONSENT AGENDA
CA.1 09-00636 RESOLUTION
District4- A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CODESIGNATING
Commissioner SOUTHWEST 4TH STREET FROM SOUTHWEST 62ND COURT TO
Tomas Regalado SOUTHWEST 63RD COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS " JUAN MANUEL
'NANITO' VAZQUEZ WAY;" FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
INSTRUCT THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF
THIS RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICES.
09-00636 Legislation.pdf
09-00636 Exhibit.pdf
09-00636 Bio.pdf
09-00636 Codesignation Application.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0305
CA.2 09-00643 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Hearing Boards ATTACHMENT(S), RE -APPOINTING: 1) MARITZAALVAREZ, 2) JACK R.
BLUMENFELD, 3) JUAN C. CURA, 4) LISA A. GORDON AND 5) DARCEE S.
SIEGEL, AS SPECIAL MASTERS TO SERVE AS HEARING OFFICERS TO
PRESIDE OVER CODE ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER SIMILAR HEARINGS
AND PROCEEDINGS AND TO RENDER WRITTEN FINDINGS AND
RULINGS, AS MAY BE REFERRED TO THEM BY THE CITY MANAGER;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL SPECIAL
MASTER AGREEMENTS ("AGREEMENTS"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, ON AN AS -NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS, FOR THE
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
REMAINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW
FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIODS, IN A TOTAL ANNUAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000, PER AGREEMENT; ALLOCATING
FUNDS, IN THE TOTAL AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000,
FROM ACCOUNT CODE NO. 00001.311000.531000, FOR FISCAL YEAR
2008-2009, WITH FUTURE FISCAL YEAR FUNDING SUBJECT ONLY TO
BUDGETARY APPROVAL.
09-00643 Legislation.pdf
09-00643 Exhibit.pdf
09-00643 Summary Form.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0306
Chair Sanchez: Okay, consent agenda. Any consent agenda any of the Commissioners would
like to pull for discussion or the Administration? If not --
Mariano Cruz: I'd like to speak on consent agenda number 2.
Chair Sanchez: Well, we -- consent agendas are not open to the public.
Mr. Cruz: It's always -- I always spoke (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- before I spoke on consent
agenda number 2 because, you know --
Chair Sanchez: Consent agenda -- correct me, Madam Attorney, consent agendas are not open
to the public.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Technically, we do advertise it as something where anybody
wishing to speak during the consent agenda, can ask the Clerk to note it. That's the way we
advertise it.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. All right. Madam Clerk, did he register to sign?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes, he did.
Chair Sanchez: Okay, you're recognized for the record.
Mr. Cruz: Okay. Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26 Street. I was not going to come in here
today, but yesterday I heard Pedro Hernandez, the City Manager, in a radio program
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Chair Sanchez: Which item are you --
Mr. Cruz: Yeah.
Chair Sanchez: -- which item --?
Mr. Cruz: It's consent agenda number 2. But he was talking about the City asking how you're
going to cover the deficit. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) he say, well, we going to -- have to find new
funding sources, and here I look at consent agenda number 2 and I'm going to say this is History
101, American History 101, remind me of the Declaration of Independence. I'm going to quote
two paragraphs. Substitute the king for the Commission or the Manager. "He has erected a
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out
their substance." Okay. And another paragraph say "He impose taxes without our consent:"
taxes, fees, whatever you call them, okay. And also, it's in the special magistrate, it's like a
kangaroo court. They're supposed to raise money for the City. They get paid don't know how
much an hour, whatever, but the basic judicial premise of the judicial -- of the United States call
English Common Law, nobody is guilty till you got to -- everybody's innocent till proven guilty,
and here you got people -- andl mention two cases, 2144 Southwest 10th Street. Somebody drop
some material there. The Code inspector write a ticket to the person, to the house. He never
show the person -- he never show the thing. Then he goes to the kangaroo court. They say, oh,
we never fine you $500. You have to pay $200. Two hundred dollars? A man that make $800
and some dollars social security. That's 25 percent of that pension. What he's going to do the
month? Go without food, go without this, no, that's abusive power. Another one, 1861
Northwest 19th Street, an apartment building owned by a lady there. Somebody drop a sofa in
front of the building. Sanitation inspector come and give a ticket, $500. Now, a judge -- a
magistrate so powerful, he say magnanimous. Oh, we not going to give you $500, but you pay
$100. Oh, what he spend his own salaries, whatever he gets from the City? No. I am against
that --
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Cruz: -- because we -- no -- how come --
Chair Sanchez: Mariano.
Mr. Cruz: -- the judge prove that he's guilty?
Chair Sanchez: Thank you, Mariano.
Mr. Cruz: If somebody kill somebody and dump him in front of my house, I kill him?
Chair Sanchez: Mariano, thank you. You made your point.
Mr. Cruz: No, but forget that.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you. Okay.
Mr. Cruz: That's what I want on record.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: It's a lot of abuses going over there.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
CA.3 09-00666 RESOLUTION
District4- A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
Commissioner ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,000, TO
Tomas Regalado CO-SPONSOR THE SHENANDOAH PARKS PRYMUS ANGELS ALL-STAR
CHEERLEADING TEAM'S PARTICIPATION IN THE 2009 SUMMER CAMP TO
BE HELD AT EMBRY-RIDDLE UNIVERSITY; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS
FROM THE DISTRICT 4 SPECIAL EVENTS NON -DEPARTMENTAL
ACCOUNT CODE NO. 00001.980000.882000.0000.00000.
09-00666 Legislation.pdf
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
CA.4 09-00707
District 4-
Commissioner
Tomas Regalado
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0307
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,560, TO
SPONSOR THE LOS TOROS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD AT
JUAN PABLO DUARTE PARK ON SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009; ALLOCATING
SAID FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 4 SPECIAL EVENTS
NON -DEPARTMENTAL ACCOUNT CODE NO.
00001.980000.882000.0000.00000.
09-00707 Legislation.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0308
Adopted the Consent Agenda
PH.1 09-00635
Department of
Fire -Rescue
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, including all
the preceding items marked as having been adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Sanchez: All right, consent agendas [sic]. Any of the Commissioners wishing to pull any
of the consent agendas [sic] for discussion? If not, need a motion to approve the consent
agendas [sic].
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Motion by the Vice Chair, second by Commissioner Gonzalez. No discussion on
the consent agenda. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." All consent agendas
[sic] have been approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION BY A FOUR -FIFTHS
(4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92(A)(1) OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AFTER AN
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING OF A SOLE SOURCE;
WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING
PROCEDURES AND APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR SERVICES OF SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
EQUIPMENT, FROM DRAEGER SAFETY, INC., FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
FIRE -RESCUE, FOR A ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD, WITH THE OPTION TO
EXTEND FOR FOUR (4) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIODS, AT A
FIRST -YEAR COST NOT TO EXCEED $35,000, WITH OPTIONAL ANNUAL
INCREASES NOT TO EXCEED 4%; ALLOCATING FUNDS, FROM THE
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS OF THE USER DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT
TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED.
09-00635 2009 Legislation.pdf
09-00635 Summary Form.pdf
09-00635 Memo 1.pdf
09-00635 Notice to the Public.pdf
09-00635 Memo 2.pdf
09-00635 Memo 3.pdf
09-00635 Letter.pdf
09-00635 Letter 2.pdf
09-00635 2009 Contract Safety.pdf
09-00635 2009 Spare Parts.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0309
Chair Sanchez: Let's go to PH.1. PH.1 requires a four fifth vote.
Glenn Marcos: Good morning, Commissioner. Glenn Marcos, Purchasing director. The item
before you does require a four fifth vote, and it is a public hearing. We're seeking Commission
approval on a maintenance and repair services for the Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus.
This is a sole source purchase, and we're seeking a four fifth approval by the City Commission.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Can we get a motion?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion by the Vice Chair. Can we get a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Sanchez: All right, second by Commissioner Sarnoff for the record. Before we open it up
for discussion, it is a resolution. It is a public hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to
address this item, please step forward and be recognized. Seeing no one, the public hearing is
closed, coming back to the Commission for discussion. Hearing no discussion on the item, all in
favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
Madam Clerk, PH 1 was approved, 5-0.
PH.2 09-00634 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Parks and ATTACHMENT(S), AFTER A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING,
Recreation APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR
THE LUMMUS PARK HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL VILLAGE PROJECT
(THE "ORIGINAL PROJECT"), AS ADOPTED ON JULY 16, 1996, BY THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS BOND ORDINANCE
NO. 96-115, THEREBY DELETING RENOVATIONS TO THE WAGNER
HOUSE AND FORT DALLAS BARRACKS, AND INSTEAD, PROVIDING FOR
RENOVATIONS TO THE RECREATION BUILDING AND PROVIDING FOR
ANCILLARY SITE IMPROVEMENTS (THE "AMENDED PROJECT);
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO SUBMIT A
REVISED GRANT APPLICATION TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR SAID
CHANGES IN THE PROJECT AND TO ACCEPT ANY REVISED RELATED
GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED FROM MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN SAID AMENDED
PROJECT UPON ITS COMPLETION.
09-00634 Legislation.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 1.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 2.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 3.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 4.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 5.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 6.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 7.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 8.pdf
09-00634 Exhibit 9.pdf
09-00634 Summary Form.pdf
09-00634 Memo.pdf
09-00634 Notice of Public Hearing.pdf
DEFERRED
A motion was made by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, and was
passed unanimously, to defer item PH.2 to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for July
9, 2009.
Direction by Vice Chair Spence -Jones to the Administration to have the Preservation Officer for
Historic Preservation meet with the District 5 office to determine if an analysis was done
regarding the preservation of Wagner House and Fort Dallas Barracks before monies are used
to support other projects.
Chair Sanchez: PH.2 is also a resolution. That comes to us from the Department of Parks and
Recreation.
Ernest Burkeen: Ernest Burkeen, director of Parks and Recreation. This is a resolution
approving an amendment to the original scope of park for the Lummus Park Historical and
Cultural Village project, funded with -- through the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond program.
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Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, I --
Chair Sanchez: Let's get a motion and a second for the purpose of discussion. Can we get a
motion?
Commissioner Sarnoff Move it.
Chair Sanchez: Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Gonzalez. The item is under discussion.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, andl definitely have discussion. This project is actually in my
district --
Chair Sanchez: Okay. You're recognized for the record.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- so I really would like to appeal to my fellow Commissioners that
I'm not comfortable with this decision being made about these two historical houses that are in
the heart ofLummus Park. I'm sure we know what they are. They're houses that are there. And
I really haven't had a full understanding as to why this is not enough money to at least start on
the project or at least to do one of them, so I would ask for the maker of the motion or the person
that second it to reconsider it.
Chair Sanchez: For --
Commissioner Gonzalez: I'll reconsider my second.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. All right, so there -- the second withdraws his motion. There's no motion
on the table. So what is the intent, Commissioner -- Vice Chair? What is it, to defer it?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: The intent is to defer it.
Chair Sanchez: To defer it, okay. It's -- there's a motion to defer the item to the next --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second the motion.
Chair Sanchez: -- regular Commission meeting. It has been second by Commissioner Gonzalez,
so the item on the table right now is a deferral. Hearing no discussion on the item, before we
vote on that, it is a public hearing. Anyone wants to speak on this item, please step forward and
be recognized. I don't want to deny anybody due process on a public hearing. All right, no one
from the public wants to address the Commission, so the public hearing is closed, coming back
to the Commission. Once again, we're voting on a deferral. There's been a motion and a
second. No further discussion on PH.2. It's a resolution to defer the item to the next regular
Commission meeting.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I just have a statement for the City Manager.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Andl did state my concern about this. This is not the first time. So
what I would like to have happen -- I just spoke to Planning, but who's ever over historic
preservation, I would like to at least hear from them or have them at least meet with our office to
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FR.1 09-00560
FR.2 09-00637
Honorable Mayor
Manny Diaz
find out if there was an analysis done -- because my understanding, there was not as to why
these -- I believe this -- one of these particular houses, the Wagner house, was one of the oldest
slave quarters or something to that effect. And before we do not put monies to support the
preservation of that, I would really like to have the information first, so we're just going to defer
it until we do that.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): I'll have that information available to the full
Commission.
Chair Sanchez: All right. All in favor of deferring the item, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Five -zero for a
deferral.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER 18/
ARTICLE III, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE," TO ESTABLISH A CITY OF MIAMI
RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR PROGRAM, NEW SECTION 18-118 OF THE
CITY CODE; INCLUDING ESTABLISHING AN OVERALL HOURLY RATE OF
PAY, PLUS BENEFITS, PER SPECIFIED PROVISIONS OF THE MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY CODE REFERENCED HEREIN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ESTABLISH AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR
MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS
PROGRAM; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
09-00560 Legislation 6-25-09.pdf
SPONSORS:
CHAIRMAN SANCHEZ
VICE CHAIR SPENCE-JONES
WITHDRAWN
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
22.5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
ENTITLED "GREEN INITIATIVES," TO CREATE ARTICLE V ENTITLED
"INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT PLAN DURING CONSTRUCTION ORDINANCE" TO ADD
SECTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF MIAMI; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
09-00637 Legislation SR.pdf
City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
FR.3 09-00638
Honorable Mayor
Manny Diaz
Chair Sanchez: Okay, let's move on to -- FR.1 was withdrawn, so we move on to FR.2 that has a
substitution.
Robert Ruano: Commissioners, Robert Ruano, director of Grants & Sustainable Initiatives.
FR.2, which you have the substitution item, is an ordinance creating an article entitled "Indoor
Environmental Air Quality Construction Management Plan During Construction." Essentially, it
will require units during construction of over three residences or commercial residences to have
an indoor air quality plan in place during construction and prior to occupancy.
Chair Sanchez: All right, can we get a motion?
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Chair Sanchez: Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff. Need a second.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by the Vice Chair, so the item is opened. Before we do that, it is an
ordinance on first reading, requiring a public hearing. It'll come back to us on second reading,
giving you an opportunity to address this item both in first reading and second reading, so the
public hearing is opened for first hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to address this item,
please step forward and be recognized. Seeing no one, the public hearing is closed, coming back
to the Commission for discussion. Any discussion on this item? Hearing no discussion on the
item, Madam Attorney, read the ordinance into the record, followed by a roll call.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Sanchez: All right, roll call.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0.
Chair Sanchez: We just approved FR.2. We are moving -- FR.2 is approved, 5-0.
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
22.5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
ENTITLED "GREEN INITIATIVES," TO CREATE ARTICLE VI ENTITLED
"SOIL EROSION, WATERWAY SEDIMENTATION, AND AIRBORNE DUST
GENERATION CONTROL" TO ADD SECTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION, SEDIMENT
CONTROLAND DISCHARGE OF STORMWATER IN THE CITY OF MIAMI;
IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND ENFORCEMENT
PROCEDURES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
09-00638 Legislation SR.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Chair Sanchez: We move on to FR.3. It's an ordinance also on first reading. Need a motion.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Move it.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion by the Vice Chair [sic]. Need a second.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by -- I'm sorry. Motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez, second
by the Vice Chair. All right, the item is -- before we open it up for discussion, anyone from the
public wishing to address this item, please step forward. Seeing no one, the public hearing is
closed, coming back to the Commission. This ordinance is on first reading. Sir, you're
recognized for the record --
Robert Ruano (Director, Grants & Sustainable Initiatives): Okay.
Chair Sanchez: -- as to what we're voting on.
Mr. Ruano: Okay. Again, Robert Ruano, director of Grants & Sustainable Initiatives. This
article -- creates an article entitled "Soil Erosion, Waterway Sedimentation, and Airborne Dust
Generation Control. "Essentially, what it is doing, it is reducing the limit. Typically, what we
did in construction, the City did, is look at properties that were one acre; we're putting it at half
an acre and making sure that there's a plan in place to control dust, erosion, sedimentation, that
it has to be in place already; and it's also increasing the fine, increasing the fine from -- to
$1, 000 per violation, so this does require also a four fifths vote.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Any questions from the Commission? Any discussion on the item? If
not, the -- there's a motion and a second. The public hearing was opened and closed. Madam
Attorney, read the ordinance into the record, followed by a roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Sanchez: Roll call.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0.
Mr. Ruano: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. That takes care of those items.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 09-00640 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Public Facilities ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND
THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT, AN INDEPENDENT
SPECIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, FOR THE TEMPORARY
PLACEMENT OF DREDGED MATERIAL ON CITY PROPERTY LOCATED AT
VIRGINIA KEY ABUTTING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 3989 RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY, MIAMI, FLORIDA, ON AN
"AS -NEEDED" BASIS RESULTING FROM THE IMPROVEMENT AND
MAINTENANCE OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, WITH TERMS AND
CONDITIONS AS MORE PARTICULARLY SET FORTH IN SAID
AGREEMENT.
09-00640 Legislation.pdf
09-00640 Exhibit 1.pdf
09-00640 Exhibit 2.pdf
09-00640 Exhibit 3.pdf
09-00640 Exhibit 4.pdf
09-00640 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0310
Chair Sanchez: And we move on to RE.1. RE. 1 s [sic] are resolutions. Department of Public
Facilities.
Madeline Valdes (Acting Director): Madeline Valdes, Department of Public Facilities. RE.1 is
a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the Florida
Inland Navigation District for the temporary placement of dredge materials on the City property
on Virginia Key abutting the Miami -Dade County's water and sewer treatment plant. This
interlocal agreement allows a fine to place dredge materials for two years on the site with two
one-year options. The options are the City's sole option. This dredge material is coming from
Tallahassee, all the way down to Miami, and we have first option to use this dredge material
should we need it for the master plan implementation around the sewer plant. Any questions?
Commissioner Sarnoff. I do. Mr. Chair?
Chair Sanchez: All right. Let's get a motion and a second before we open --
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Chair Sanchez: -- it up for discussion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion --
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Regalado. The item is under discussion, okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. This material, this could be used as a berm to hide the water treatment
plant?
Ms. Valdes: That is correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. How will this come from Talla -- did they say Tallahassee in is that --?
How is this going to come from Tallahassee?
Ms. Valdes: It's my understanding, it will be brought in through a barge on the waterway on the
inlet.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Will that be allowed?
Ms. Valdes: I have the FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) commissioner here, and he
can answer that question.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Will that be allowed?
Chair Sanchez: Name an address for the record.
Spencer Crowley: Spencer Crowley, 1 Southeast 3rdAvenue, Miami -Dade County
Commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigation District. This material will be barged in from
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 2 of the intercoastal on Miami -Dade County, so it's not comingfrom
Tallahassee; it's comingfrom the intercoastal here in the County in the stretch that fronts the
City mostly, so --
Commissioner Sarnoff. But my point is you're going to allow them to barge it in up around the
north point?
Mr. Crowley: David Roach, my staff is here. He knows the logistics of it, how it's going to get
onto the site.
David Roach: Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity. We would actually have a
pump -out barge.
Chair Sanchez: Sir, name and address for the record, please.
Mr. Roach: Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: Good morning.
Mr. Roach: David Roach, 1314 Marzinsky Road, in Jupiter. We would actually be pumping the
material in through a pipeline, so we would not be driving a barge over sensitive habitat.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That was really my point because I think it's a turtle nesting area right
there.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Mr. Roach: Correct. There are all types of sensitive habitats in the area.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. That's my only question.
Chair Sanchez: And you're taking every precaution to protect them, correct?
Mr. Roach: Correct. The agreement provides the City with the authority to review, approve, or
deny all plans that we proffer. And we will be taking all precautions to protect all aspects of the
environment.
Ms. Valdes: Yeah. It even requires them to test the material before --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Ms. Valdes: -- they place it on the land.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Roach: Correct.
Chair Sanchez: Any further discussion on this resolution? Hearing no discussion, it's a
resolution; doesn't require a public hearing. Anyone -- there's a motion and a second already.
All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone the opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
Ms. Valdes: Thank you.
RE.2 09-00641 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING THE
Purchasing AWARD TO JAM ENVIRONMENTAL & VACUUM SERVICES, LLC,
PURSUANT TO INVITATION FOR BID NO. 110051,2, AND AWARDING THE
BID TO WORLD PETROLEUM CORP., THE SECOND LOWEST
RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF
WASTE OIL, ANTIFREEZE, NON -HAZARDOUS PETROLEUM IMPACTED
PRODUCTS, COLLECTION, DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING, ON A CITYWIDE,
AS -NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS, FOR AN INITIAL CONTRACT PERIOD
OF TWO (2) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO (2)
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS FROM THE USER DEPARTMENTS AND
AGENCIES, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
09-00641 Legislation.pdf
09-00641 Summary Form.pdf
09-00641 Award Recommendation.pdf
09-00641 Tabulation Bid.pdf
09-00641 Email.pdf
09-00641 Corporation.pdf
09-00641 RFQ.pdf
09-00641 Addendum No. 2.pdf
09-00641 RFQ 2.pdf
09-00641 Invitation for Bid.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0311
Chair Sanchez: All right. We move on to RE.2. No. RE.2 was deferred.
Glenn Marcos (Director, Purchasing): No.
Chair Sanchez: No. I'm sorry.
Mr. Marcos: Commissioner, Glenn Marcos.
Chair Sanchez: I do apologize. You're recognized for the record on RE.2.
Mr. Marcos: Thank you. Glenn Marcos, Purchasing director. Commissioner, this item is an
item that was presented to the City Commission back on March 26 of this year. We
recommended at that time for the award to be made to JAM Environmental & Vacuum Services
for the provision of waste oil antifreeze, non -hazardous petroleum impacted products, collection,
disposal, recycling citywide contract. Since then, we have been in communication with the
lowest bidder. And due to the fact that they're unable to secure the insurances required for this
contract, they have come back an advised us that they won't be able to honor the bid prices.
Before you is an item that we're seeking two actions from the City Commission. The first action
is to rescind the awardfrom JAM Environmental & Vacuum Services, LLC (Limited Liability
Company) and make the award to the next lowest bidder, which is Will Petroleum Corp. This
actual contract is for two years, with options for renew for two additional one-year periods. And
that's we're -- pretty much what we're doing. We're seeking -- in which the City Commission will
be rescinding the awardfrom one bidder and awarding it to the next lowest bidder.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Move RE.2.
Chair Sanchez: All right. There's a motion on RE.2. Is there a second for the purpose of
discussion?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by the Vice Chair for the purpose of discussion. All right, the item is
under discussion. I just have one question. Why can't they upfront show you that they do have
the one million insurance required?
Mr. Marcos: They won't do it until they are ensured that they're going to end up receiving the
actual award. In this particular case, they knew of the requirements as they were stipulated in
the IFB (Invitation for Bid). At that particular point in time -- and there is back-up
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
documentation as part of the agenda item -- that they thought that it was not going to be a cost to
them, so when they went back to the insurance provider and ended up asking them to increase
their insurance, their insurance provider came back and said that there was going to be an
increase to their policy. They're okay. I mean, they had no problem with increasing their policy,
except for the fact that due to the additional cost, they wanted for the City to increase the bid
prices, and we're denying that actual request.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Because it just makes business -- better business practice if these
companies that bid -- and you're required to have insurance to do anything with the City, first off
- - to start off with. So why can't we have a system in place to make sure that right off the bat
they must have the insurance, that you do have the insurance, whatever it may be to be able to do
business with the City? Because what happens here for the sake of time in the project -- now, we
resent [sic] this, it goes to the second bidder, and it's -- at times, you know -- times -- time is very
important.
Mr. Marcos: It does create a problem, Commissioner. We recognize that. We also recognize
the fact that in this particular case -- and we are working with the Risk Management Department
- - that some of our requirements might be a little bit too stringent also, and so that's something
that we're working with our Risk Management Department. The actual requirement here is a 1
million, $2 million policy, and most of your vendors do not carry a $1 million, $2 million policy.
And furthermore, another requirement that was stipulated herein is that you have a $1 million
requirement for automobile liability. Again, that's something that's not very, very common. And
unless these companies end up dealing with their insurance provider day in and day out, they
don't realize whether or not there's going to be a cost to that. In this particular point and case,
you had the bidder thinking that they would be able to go ahead and sustain their bid prices, but
not until they were advised by their insurance companies that there was going to be an increase.
That's when we ended up getting a feedback from them that they were going to be unable to
comply with the bid prices.
Chair Sanchez: Meet the requirements of the insurance. All right. Okay. Any further
discussion on RE.2? It's a resolution. If not --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can I just ask a question, Mr. Chair? What was --
Chair Sanchez: You're recognized for the record, Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- the size of the contract?
Chair Sanchez: Fifty thousand.
Mr. Marcos: This -- the actual size of the contract -- you're looking at a --
Chair Sanchez: Fifty thousand.
Mr. Marcos: -- an approximate total annual spend of $50, 000.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And Risk Management is requiring a one million policy?
Mr. Marcos: One million, two million. They look at it -- they look at --
Commissioner Sarnoff. A current CGL (Commercial General Liability) policy?
Mr. Marcos: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Sarnoff. CGL?
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Mr. Marcos: I believe so, yes. I mean, I'll -- I can't speak for Risk Management --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, one million CGL per occurrence policy?
Mr. Marcos: If you give me one second, I can tell you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Not a claims made.
Mr. Marcos: Hold on.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Commissioner, Risk Management is in the process of
reviewing their insurance requirements, especially with smaller projects and also taking into
account the type of risk to the City. This is normally a -- an issue when you're dealing with
contracts of this size that the one million appears to be excessive. Now here we're dealing with
environmentally sensitive issues that may require a higher insurance, but maybe not as high as
the one million, so the Department is taking a look at their policy to make it more realistic to the
contracts that we're dealing with, taking into account the risk.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I know you andl have had this conversation on a number of contracts.
There's somebody that just had a $6, 000 contract that was required to have 3 to $5 million of
insurance.
Mr. Hernandez: With a lot lesser risk than even this one.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think the most the -- yeah.
Mr. Hernandez: It was a marketing contract.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I would just hope that somebody from your office, Pete, that is familiar
with insurance and is familiar with risk. Is challenging our department as Risk Management in
requiring policies that far out -distance the am of money they're going to be making from the City
ofMiami. I mean, this all gets passed on to the taxpayer, and one way or another, it goes into
their bid. Either these folks who have a $6, 000 contract suddenly bid 12,000 because the 6,000
covers their insurance premium for having a $3 million policy, it makes absolutely no sense. So
I would hope that your -- and I'm just using this as a vehicle to talk about something that's a
problem, that you need to be thinking about -- you're passing all this on to the citizens. One way
or another, the taxpayers are paying for a requirement by Risk Management to over -insure
contracts in the City ofMiami.
Mr. Marcos: Commissioner, ifI may, I'll speak also. This is an issue that we will be addressing
in our small business ordinance also because of the fact that it does impact our small businesses
and realize that they're not going to be able to afford these insurances and be able to compete
for City contracts.
Commissioner Sarnoff. When will that ordinance come before us?
Mr. Marcos: We're currently working on it. There's an ordinance that was, I think, pulled
today. We want to allow for that ordinance to be provided and be presented before you and then
after that ordinance is presented, then we're looking into coming next with a small business
ordinance.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right. No further discussion on RE.2. It's a resolution. All in favor, say
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Madam Clerk, RE.2
was approved 5-0.
RE.3 08-01400 RESOLUTION
City Manager's A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING, SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF
LEGISLATION AMENDING THE MIAMI ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT
LED SIGNS, THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE FIRST AMENDMENT
TO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND
CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR, INC., IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM.
08-01400 Legislation 5-28-09.pdf
08-01400 Exhibit 5-28-09.pdf
08-01400 Summary Form 5-28-09.pdf
08-01400-Submittal-Photos-Commissioner Sarnoff.pdf
DEFERRED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, and was
passed unanimously, to defer item RE.3 to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for July
9, 2009.
Chair Sanchez: RE. 3.
Pieter Bockweg (Assistant to Senior Director, Planning & Zoning): Good morning. Pieter
Bockweg, project manager. This is an amendment to the settlement agreement with Clear
Channel and the City ofMiami to allow for three T,FD (Light Emitting Diodes) faces on existing
structures and the removal of 13 structures within the City limits.
Chair Sanchez: All right, we need a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, second by the Vice Chair. We are
on RE.3. It is a resolution. The item is under discussion. Before we open it up to the public,
anyone wishing to discuss this item?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes, sir, Mr. Chair.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Commissioner Sarnoff, you're recognized for the record on RE.3.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I'm not absolutely convinced that you have -- we have the
authority to go forward as we presently have this legislation or presently have the settlement
agreement without having some sort of an amendment to the sign code or an enabling legislation
with the County, but be that as it may. Some Commissioners here may be in favor of outdoor
advertising and may be in favor of billboards. I happen not to be one of them, but I think
certainly they are a reality, and if we're going to have them, we should be doing a better job of
actually having the structures and where we place them. And, Mr. Bockweg, exactly, for an T,FD
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sign -- an LED sign is a sign that allows you to display different faces. I believe it's seven per
minute.
Mr. Bockweg: It's a minimum of eight seconds, according to FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation), so --
Commissioner Sarnoff How many faces would they get per minute?
Mr. Bockweg: Seven.
Commissioner Sarnoff Okay, so I wasn't that far off.
Mr. Bockweg: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff Actually, I was dead on, but --
Mr. Bockweg: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff -- you don't have to say that. So they get -- where they would have had
one face, they now have seven faces per minute. So it's obviously a more lucrative sign to the
industry. How many signs do they remove -- so how many static signs do they remove to get an
LED sign?
Mr. Bockweg: For one LED face, they'll have to remove four structures, so that's eight signs.
Commissioner Sarnoff So four structures -- so it's a 4-1 ratio?
Mr. Bockweg: Pretty much, yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff Andl guess it's, in some respects, an 8-1 ratio because it's both sides,
correct?
Mr. Bockweg: No, no. One structure --
Commissioner Sarnoff Four structures, right?
Mr. Bockweg: -- which has two sides.
Commissioner Sarnoff Okay. Now, there's something called the "Gateway Boundaries"?
Mr. Bockweg: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff What happens -- the gateway boundaries, for our purposes, are what we
like to consider the pretty part ofMiami that we certainly preserve, if you will, for our tourist
community; fair statement?
Mr. Bockweg: Sure. Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff What happens to the existing structures in the gateway boundaries?
Mr. Bockweg: Under the amendment that we have in place, I believe there are four structures
that are coming down that are in the gateway map. The other ones will remain.
Commissioner Sarnoff The gateway map, for our purposes, happens to be everything in the
circles. And you provided this to each Commissioner, correct?
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Mr. Bockweg: That's correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So this is what you're trying to preserve -- could we call it a view
corridor?
Mr. Bockweg: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And the reason you're trying to preserve a view corridor is because most
people perceive a billboard to be disturbing their view corridor?
Mr. Bockweg: I guess you could say that. I don't know what they --
Commissioner Sarnoff. You have no idea why you would be preserving a gateway boundary?
Mr. Bockweg: Well, we prefer to have it on the main corridors, like I-95 and the highways as
opposed to inner streets like Biscayne Boulevard or the other avenues within the City.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right, because we're trying to preserve our views.
Mr. Bockweg: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. So -- and one more time -- andl apologize; I didn't hear you --
what happens to the existing structures in the gateway corridors, the circles? What happens to
them?
Mr. Bockweg: They will remain. If they're not the ones that are in the amendment to come
down, they will remain.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So we can't do anything under this -- or this agreement doesn't address
preserving the gateway corridors.
Mr. Bockweg: The amendment, no. In the settlement agreements, all the signs under Clear
Channel's itinerary has to be retrofitted according to the agreement, once per month or by way
of an affidavit saying they're not allowed to access the property from the property owner, but all
the signs under Clear Channel needs to be retrofitted to a monopole structure.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So, ifI understood you correctly, anything existing in the gateway goes
to a monopole?
Mr. Bockweg: Any billboard existing in the entire City ofMiami under Clear Channel has to go
to monopole.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Mr. Bockweg: And there will not be any more -- under Clear Channel's agreement, there will
not be any more structures in the gateways.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But those structures that are in the gateway remain?
Mr. Bockweg: That's correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. I'm going to hand something to my Commissioners. These -- this
is photographs that took when I was in Dubai -- on non -taxpayer dollars, I might add. I don't
want anybody thinkingl went there on taxpayer dollars -- and you'll actually see in Dubai how
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they do billboards. And you can see the billboard that they display on the first page
demonstrates what appears to be a very artistic and very well-done billboard. They don't use a
monopole. Equally, Arizona requires this very same structure. And it seems to me, if we're
about to change an agreement between a party who wants to get something as lucrative as an
LED display so they go from displaying one static image to seven static images per minute, we
should, at a minimum, require that they go to the Arizona or to the Dubai concept. These are
rated at 160 miles per hour. What is the rating for the City ofMiami?
Mr. Bockweg: I believe it's 150 or 160.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So these would fit the rating?
Mr. Bockweg: That's correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. What -- when you went to the industry and you asked them to go to a
Dubai concept or an Arizona concept, what was their response?
Mr. Bockweg: Their initial response was "that's something we'll have to look into." And we've
tried to negotiate to go to more of that kind of a structure, and ultimately, they had said no.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. So they said essentially, we want T,FDs, but we're not willing to
give you a structure that we could be proud of to look at?
Mr. Bockweg: Well, they had mentioned they would give us other alternatives, but not
particularly the Dubai example.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right. They offered to paint the monopole, right?
Mr. Bockweg: They offered to paint -- do some --
Commissioner Sarnoff. They offered to put bricks on the monopole, right?
Mr. Bockweg: Well, that was one of the examples they provided there. They also had agreed to
paint the pole in the same color as the building if it's adjacent to a building, plant some trees, to
that effect.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So they weren't willing to go to this particular Arizona or Dubai
concept?
Mr. Bockweg: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You know, I got impressed by my Commissioners. If we're going to
make profound changes in the City ofMiami, this is one of the ways, one of the easiest ways, one
of the simplest ways that we could require a minimum requirement for the folks who are putting
up T,FDs, to require them to put up the new structure in a format that the state of Arizona has
mandated, that Dubai has mandated; cities that are trying to become great cities, cities that are
in the process of being built, just like our cities is in the process of being built; and we should
mandate, if we're going to allow billboards, that billboards be aesthetically pleasing. I mean, all
too often we thrust upon neighborhoods, we thrust upon places billboards, which are bad
enough, and then we put a steel structure, which inevitably rusts, because we all can look at the
old structures, and they look horrible, and no one is proud to live near or around a billboard. I
think the other thing we can do, with disagreement, is require the distance arrangements to
change from going from 600 to a minimum of 1,200 feet so that we get a good distance
requirement, double what the industry friendly 600 they're looking for. I think we equally should
change the assignment language to the assignment language that we put in the CBS agreement
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because it's better for the citizens ofMiami. Now, I don't know that I'm ready to support this,
andl think this needs to go back to the drawing board. Andl hope another Commissioner would
join me in requiring this industry, whether it's legal or illegal, at least to get the best deal we can
get for the citizens ofMiami. Andl haven't even addressed whether the amount of money they're
coming up with is correct because I'm going to assume for the moment that requiring them to
create a better structure, a more aesthetically pleasing structure, a structure, ifI could be so
bold as to say, is almost like furniture that we can allow them to put that money into the structure
and not increase the payments to what I think it should be because I think an LED billboard is
probably worth three times what a static billboard is worth to the industry. So I would say to my
Commissioners defer this item. Let them come back -- force them to create a concept that other
cities are requiring of the advertising industry, and at least let's look at a city that we can be
proud of if we're going to allow these type of structures to exist; and equally, I implore you to
require the assignment language, as suggested in the CBS agreement that Warren Bittner has
provided.
Chair Sanchez: All right. For the record, there's a motion and a second on this resolution, so
the item is under discussion, okay. You want to proffer a motion to defer?
Commissioner Sarnoff. I do.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Is there a second for a deferral? All right, there is no second, so the
resolution stands on the table as approving the item.
Commissioner Regalado: I will second just to clarify, but --
Chair Sanchez: Okay --
Commissioner Regalado: -- I would like to make a comment.
Chair Sanchez: -- but hold on. So the deferral oversees [sic] the motion that's on the table, so
the proper motion right now that's on the table is for a deferral, okay. That's what we're voting,
all right. So Commissioner Regalado, on the deferral.
Commissioner Regalado: On the deferral. I think that, number one, it's important that we close
out this page with a settlement. I don't agree with the issue of increasing the charges to the
companies because the market now is not the same market that we saw several years ago,
several -- even month ago. My issue is not the amount of money that they're paying. I don't
know what went on. I know that you had mentioned that in a settlement or in other city, I think it
was Antonio, that there was a mistake on the information that you provided because it wasn't so
much as you thought it was; right?
Mr. Bockweg: Right. It -- I had misunderstood the ordinance. It wasn't $12, 000 that I had
stated a month ago. It's actually more like $2,379.
Commissioner Regalado: Right. So I don't think that we can just try to get more money because
the market is almost dead. I mean, I know that the market of advertising throughout the United
States is hurting more than any other industry, except the auto industry. So my issue is not about
the money. I would not support at this time more money for this. I do -- like to understand what
are the possibilities of the industry having a better pedestal for the T,FDs, and I think it's not too
much to ask. I think it's about aesthetics, about the way that it's located. I do support the
change of getting rid of some of the billboards and some of the corridors, Biscayne and Bird
Road and others, but I just think that you need to see -- or you need to talk to the industry to see
how this can be accommodated. We know that they have to be on a pedestal. That's the only
way to do an LED. Can't do it other way. So this is why I think we need just a little tweaking.
But I just want to be clear on my support of the deferral, that the industry now cannot afford.
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And you know, if you don't sell, you just cannot pay to the City. That's what it is. So I -- that's
why I support the deferral. I think that you should -- guys talk to the industry to see how they
come up with the -- sort of a better design.
Chair Sanchez: All right, so we're voting on the deferral. Let's see if we have a vote for deferral
or not.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Well, before I do that, I want to just piggyback on something that
Commissioner Regalado said before --
Chair Sanchez: You're recognized --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- regarding the deferral.
Chair Sanchez: -- for the record on the deferral.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Based upon the last time we had this discussion here, it was
based upon -- us deferring it the last time was based upon the rates and us not being clear about
whether or not some things were legal, so I thought that that's what the discussion was going to
be about today. Now, today we get in the hearing and the discussion is about whether or not it's
going to look aesthetically pleasing, and I want to piggyback off of what you're asking because
the question becomes -- so you're not -- we don't have a issue with the money because
apparently, staff, when they briefed me -- staff? When you guys briefed me, I was -- it was
communicated to me that our City Attorney didn't have an issue with it.
Mr. Bockweg: That's correct.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: It was communicated to me that the amount that was originally
proffered was -- needed to be corrected on the record, which I think we should do officially,
which was one of the thoughts or discussion points, but never was there a discussion point
around the aesthetics of what the poles or what any of that look like. So I want to just piggyback
off of Commissioner Regalado, if there's anyone from Clear or if staff can tell me now or tell us
now are they willing to make the adjustments so that the poles could look more aesthetic based
upon the recommendation that Commissioner Sarnoff was [sic] made?
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Only because I just think that that is one of the issues.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I just don't want you to think I just brought this up now. I've been
bringing this up through -- I don't want you to think I sprung this now on them. I didn't.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Because the only reason I ask --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And these --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- was because no one has men -- in none of my briefings has this
been mentioned, but it's fine. Let's just deal with this so we can move on. Can someone from the
company or from staff --
Mr. Hernandez: Mr. --
Chair Sanchez: Sir, you're recognized --
Mr. Hernandez: -- Chairman, ifI --
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Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- communicate it?
Chair Sanchez: -- for the record.
Mr. Hernandez: -- may, to clarify that point. The issue of aesthetic treatments is something that
has been discussed before; it's something that has been discussed with Clear Channel. Maybe
they haven't been too receptive to our requirements.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Can we just ask them --
Mr. Hernandez: I do --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- because they're here right now?
Mr. Hernandez: -- feel -- andl wanted to put this statement on the record so, hopefully, they can
respond to it -- that the item we have before us with some minor modifications that they are
willing -- if they were willing to accept it, would handle those issues. For any modifications to
existing billboards or whenever they have a new design, that it has to be subject to City ofMiami
design review with reference to structure, framing, color, texture, et cetera, so we can impose a
more aesthetically pleasing design because that's a component that is very subjective, andl think
that if we take it through design review process, that we can advance that.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So the only issue that my fellow colleague, Commissioner Regalado,
has is the fact that this whole aesthetically -- andl -- it should be aesthetically pleasing. Can
you or either one of you guys answer? Are you guys willing to make the adjustment?
Felix Lasarte: Yes, Commissioner. Felix Lasarte, with offices at 5835 Blue Lagoon Drive, on
behalf of Clear Channel Outdoor. I apologize for the laryngitis. But Commissioner Sarnoff, at
the last meeting -- andl wasn't here. I was not retained at that time, butt heard the tapes on
your website, and you did raise the issue of beautfing the signs. My client has informed me
that they are willing to come to the City and provide four or five different alternatives on
beautiing these LED signs where it's possible, and we're going to have to work with staff.
Some of these signs have been there for a long time, so obviously, we need to get very creative on
how we're going to be able to make them nicer or more aesthetically pleasing. But we will work
with staff and come with four or five different options to try to work on a plan that will be
acceptable to Mr. Toledo and the Manager and your Planning Department.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So, Commissioner Regalado, I mean, I would be fine with that if
you're fine with that. I just know that this is something that's been a long -- around for a very
long time. We've been trying to get to the bottom of this since I've been in office. Actually, this
started before I even got here, just the issues of trying to work out what was going on with Clear.
So I just want to be clear with Commissioner Regalado, if that would be sufficient so that we can
get past this issue so that we can -- because this is -- it just doesn't seem to die, so --
Commissioner Regalado: IfI may, Mr. Chairman. I just want to make the point again that these
are not the times to try to get more money from any industry. All the industries in the United
States are hurting, so I don't think -- I know -- I am sort of related very much to advertising. I
know that advertising has gone down more than 40 percent throughout the country. I know that
the advertising agencies are having difficult time placing their clients. So my issue is not the
money. It's only about aesthetics. I think that maybe when future, things go back to normal,
maybe if the industry goes back to what it was, maybe we can revisit the money or the income
that the City will get. But my point is not about the advertising. I just -- I second the motion for
deferral because I do understand that any kind of structure is very sensitive to many people, and
if you -- if we're going to have it and every city has structures, we should have it in a way that
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pleases the view. It's better for them. It's better for the residents. It's better for the City. I think,
too, what they done in getting some of the free-standing billboards is a step on the right direction
because it shows to the people that the City is willing to clean up. So I just have this issue about
aesthetics, and I think that Commissioner Sarnoff -- as a matter of fact, that's his area, most of
them, and he's right on asking for a more aesthetics manner to present this. But that was my
issue. In my case, money is not the issue because of the situation of the economy in the United
States. Thank you.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioner --
Chair Sanchez: Vice Chair, and then we're going to vote on the deferral, whether to defer it or
not.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So I just want to be clear. So what I'm hearing from my fellow
Commissioner, Regalado, that the amount is okay, so we should be fine with that because of the
market. And what I'm also hearing from here -- him that his support would be there if Clear has
agreed to make the necessary changes on the -- I guess the poles to make it more aesthetic. So
my question then becomes -- I just want to be clear, though, Commissioner Regalado, it seems as
though they've proffered on the record that they would do that. Does this mean that you're
withdrawing your second?
Commissioner Regalado: I just want to know what is the real issue with the maker of the motion
and --?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, the real issue is the aesthetics of the poles. I think you all should
consider whether they should be allowed to have 600 feet distance or 1,200 feet distance. I
think, especially with regard to LED signs, the more you're going to put LED signs up, the more
you're going to degrade what I think their intent is, and I think you're going to make them
valueless more -- and less valuable. But for my purposes -- and l feel the resistance on this
Commission -- it is to get to the aesthetically pleasing pole. I think you also should consider
putting the Warren Bittner -- and forgive me for not having a better expression -- assignment
language that was possessed in the previous agreement with CBS. I think it's better language,
andl think it would be clearer. Andl think the City Attorney -- I hope she supports it because I
know Mr. Bittner did.
Chair Sanchez: All right, so we're going to vote on the deferral.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Call the question.
Chair Sanchez: If we don't defer the item, then we'll --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: He keeps changing it.
Chair Sanchez: -- vote on it, okay? So there is a motion on the table for a deferral. All right,
roll --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Well, the --
Chair Sanchez: On the deferral.
Commissioner Gonzalez: There was a motion and there was a second.
Chair Sanchez: Yeah, but the deferral oversees [sic] the motion on the floor.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Okay.
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Chair Sanchez: So if it's voted down, then we'll -- the original -- we'll have the motion back on
the table to approve or -- all right, so --
Commissioner Regalado: Before -- Mr. Chairman, I just want to hear from the Manager and
Planning. So what about aesthetics? Are you -- counsel just put on the record something. Do
you know about this? Do you know -- are you -- what is the story with aesthetics?
Mr. Bockweg: Well, I'm aware of what Commissioner Sarnoff has provided as far as the Dubai,
but I can't comment on that until actually see their proposals that they'll provide to us.
Mr. Hernandez: Pieter, do you have some language that you have worked on to hopefully even
put on the record?
Mr. Bockweg: I mean, I have some language -- and I'm not an attorney, so --
Chair Sanchez: No one's holding you to that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That may be understandable.
Mr. Bockweg: I mean, the thing thatl came up with is that any new structure or retrofit of any
of Clear Channel's billboards are subject to design review by the City ofMiami and will include
both monopole and frame to be more integrated into the surrounding neighborhoods and be
more aesthetically pleasing, including color and architectural features to the structure and
frame. I mean, that's something --
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Mr. Bockweg: -- that had just -- which would address -- putting that into the agreement would
address making sure that they come to the City and provide us with their proposals.
Chair Sanchez: With that language, would it be going through design review?
Mr. Bockweg: We could have it go through design review.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. All right. Let's vote now on deferring it or moving it forward and voting
on it and amending it. All right. The motion --
Commissioner Regalado: Wait a minute. Is it included that it has to go to design review?
Chair Sanchez: No, it's not included.
Commissioner Regalado: So --
Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, it's not there now. This is just a proposed language that we had
been discussing to address the aesthetic issue.
Chair Sanchez: All right. We're voting --
Commissioner Regalado: Would it -- the company accept that, that it has to go through design
review? Is it something that you would accept within the settlement?
Mr. Lasarte: What is the process for the design review, Pieter?
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's why the deferral would be wise so that you could --
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Chair Sanchez: All right. Angel -- calling the question now?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Just call the question.
Chair Sanchez: Okay, the question has been called on the deferral. All right, roll call on the
deferral.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Spend so much time on this.
Ms. Thompson: Roll call.
Commissioner Regalado: So wait a minute. I had the floor. So if we vote to deferral [sic], we
then be able to have, Madam City Attorney, a conversation with them so they would accept going
to design review and it would be included in the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Is that difficult to do?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): I think there's a motion for deferral on the floor that --
Commissioner Regalado: No, no, no, no.
Ms. Bru: -- needs to be resolved, but --
Commissioner Regalado: I know what the motion is, but my second depends on what I'm asking
you.
Ms. Bru: I think that -- what I would suggest would be for you to -- if you don't defer this, to
table the item so that we can understand what it is that the Administration has in mind and what
it is that the industry would be acceptable to because I'm hearing a lot of different terms and
languages and it is always bad practice to be drafting on the floor. So if you table the item and
we can get together, perhaps we can come back with something that there's been a meeting of the
minds and that is acceptable to everyone.
Commissioner Regalado: I would agree with that.
Chair Sanchez: Okay, the question was called, okay. So we're going to vote on the deferral.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, then --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Roll call.
Commissioner Regalado: -- I'll withdraw my second so you can table the item.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Well, hold on. Your motion is withdrawn. There is no motion on the
table. The only motion on the table right now is the motion and the second to approve that was
motion by Commissioner Gonzalez and second by the Vice Chair. That's the motion that's on the
table right now to vote on. Now, with that motion -- that's the motion on the table, would you
like to add that language, which is the following language to include the recommendation made
by the Administration to include design review process?
Commissioner Gonzalez: No. Let me tell you what I would like to do. What I would like to do is
Chair Sanchez: You're the maker of the motion.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- to withdraw my motion and make a new motion to defer the item.
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And let me tell you --
Chair Sanchez: No. To table the item.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Table.
Chair Sanchez: Table, not defer.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Table it till the afternoon. You think they're going to solve this
problem from now till the afternoon? They won't.
Chair Sanchez: Table it till the afternoon.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: The only issue is design review.
Chair Sanchez: We don't have to table it till the afternoon. You could table the item and give
them ample opportunity -- and I think that's the best way to go in a process here -- to allow the
City Attorney and the Administration them to get together on the issues that have been proffered
here today, whether the aesthetics, whether it's more money, which I don't think it's an issue
already because we've clearly stated that, but I think it gives them an opportunity to come back
with a better defined agreement on this. So the proper motion would be the one that counsel
gave us to continue the item -- table the item and give them time to bring it back. Once you table
it, they could bring it back at the next Commission meeting --
Ms. Thompson: No, no. I'm sorry, Chair. In all due respect, when you table, it's tabled for this
meeting.
Commissioner Gonzalez: This meeting.
Ms. Thompson: It must be taken up at the meeting in which it was called, unless you continue it
or defer it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So maybe Commissioner Gonzalez will now second my motion. Maybe
he'll accept my motion to defer.
Commissioner Gonzalez: I will second the motion. Because let me tell you, the problem is that if
you knew that there were Commissioners that had a problem with this resolution or this
ordinance or whatever it is, I mean, you should have never brought it in to have it vote for
because that is a way -- why this Commission meetings become, you know, a nightmare. We
spend an hour discussing an item that should have been resolved before the item came before
this Commission because you know there were Commissioners here that had some concerns and,
apparently, nobody pay attention to the Commissioner's concern. You just want to push it
through the way you had it, so you know, hopefully, you will resolve all the issues or don't
resolve any of the issues and then let it die. Don't renew the contract. Let the company go
somewhere else with their billboards or whatever, okay, or we will have billboards in
accordance to the Commission will. But mean, this is a total, you know, fiasco. I mean, we
have seen this item maybe three times, and we continue -- and if we continue this way, we will
hear this item another 25 times before we finally decide one day that maybe pass it or kill her
forever, okay.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gonzalez: So, yes, I second the item.
Chair Sanchez: Can we defer the item, so we can continue with this agenda?
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Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Can I just add? I don't have a problem with deferring it, but
what I do want to be clear is every time the item comes, there's additional things --
Chair Sanchez: Something new in it.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- added to it. There's always going to be an item we vote on that
somebody's not in agreement with. I can think of a thousand of them right now since I've been
up here. So no matter what, there's always going to be that issue. The question becomes for
staff and for Clear -- and if you can answer the question, then that resolves what the issue is.
The question was can we add in this agreement that there needs to be design review? And then
the question becomes are you guys comfortable with that? Because that's the only issue some of
us are having up here.
Mr. Lasarte: Commissioner --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So if you can answer that question, to me, then that's when we can
make a decision as to whether or not it needs to be deferred.
Mr. Lasarte: Can I be recognized, Mr. Chair?
Chair Sanchez: Go ahead, sir.
Mr. Lasarte: Clear Channel will accept the proposed language from staff. We will accept it to
go through the design review committee process.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So I mean -- so, Commissioner Gonzalez --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- they're saying that they will accept. That's the only thing -- the
issue is is the design review.
Chair Sanchez: All right. What is the will of this Commission?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's the only thing we're saying.
Chair Sanchez: We got to move on, folks.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: They're accepting it.
Chair Sanchez: If they want to defer it, do you want to vote on it --
Commissioner Gonzalez: What?
Commissioner Sarnoff. There's a motion and there's a second. Let's just --
Chair Sanchez: -- to defer it. Okay. Call the question. Call the question.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right, call the question.
Chair Sanchez: All right, the question has been called to defer the item to the next regular
Commission meeting. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. The
item has been deferred. Thank you.
RE.4 09-00646 RESOLUTION
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Capital ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT OF THE CITY OF
Improvements MIAMI'S ("CITY'S") LIST OF EXPEDITED PROJECTS, PURSUANT TO
Program ORDINANCE NO. 13045, ADOPTED DECEMBER 11, 2008, BY REPLACING
THE CURRENT "ATTACHMENT A," WITH "ATTACHMENT A - 6/25/09
REVISED," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
INCLUDING CITYWIDE TREE PLANTINGS, ENERGY -EFFICIENT
RETROFITS OF CITY -OWNED BUILDING AND FACILITIES, AND
UPCOMING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS LISTED HEREIN.
09-00646 Legislation.pdf
09-00646 Exhibit.pdf
09-00646 Summary Form.pdf
09-00646 Memo 1.pdf
09-00646 Memo 2.pdf
09-00646 Memo 3.pdf
09-00646 Text File 1.pdf
09-00646 Text File 2.pdf
09-00646 Attachment A.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0312
Chair Sanchez: All right. RE.4, it's a resolution. Hopefully, by then, we could have a minimal,
maybe two- or three -minute discussion on the item and approve it because the issues have been
identified of concern. RE.3. It's a resolution.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: RE.4.
Chair Sanchez: I mean, RE.4.
Commissioner Gonzalez: It was deferred.
Ola Aluko (Director, Capital Improvements Program): Good morning.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: No. RE.4 has not been deferred.
Chair Sanchez: No. RE.4 is not -- correct me if wrong, Madam Clerk. RE.4 has not been
deferred.
Commissioner Gonzalez: No.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No, it has not.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
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Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: All right, there's a motion and a second on RE. 4.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Wait a minute.
Chair Sanchez: It is a resolution. All right.
Mr. Aluko: Ola Aluko. May I read it in for the record?
Chair Sanchez: Yes. Put it on the record, and then we'll vote on the item.
Mr. Aluko. This resolution is amending the City's list of expedited projects to include citywide
tree planting, energy -efficient retrofits of City -owned buildings and facilities and upcoming
capital improvement projects.
Chair Sanchez: All right. There's a motion and a second. It's a resolution. All in favor, say
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
Mr. Aluko: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: RE.4 was approved, 5-0.
RE.5 09-00542 RESOLUTION
District4- A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CODESIGNATING
Commissioner NORTHWEST 2ND STREET FROM NORTHWEST 22ND AVENUE TO
Tomas Regalado NORTHWEST 24TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS "ELIZABETH BRUTONS
WAY;" FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO INSTRUCT THE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICES.
09-00542 Legislation.pdf
09-00542 Exhibit.pdf
09-00542 Bio.pdf
09-00542 Codesignation Application.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this
matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0313
Chair Sanchez: Moving on to RE. 5. RE.5.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion by Commissioner -- Vice Chair, second by Commissioner
Regalado. Any discussion on the item? Hearing no discussion on the item, it's a resolution, not
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RE.6 09-00451
Office of Strategic
Planning,
Budgeting, and
Performance
RE.7 09-00511
Department of Solid
Waste
RE.8 09-00662
City Manager's
Office
requiring a public hearing. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. RE.6.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: 6 and 7 are --
Chair Sanchez: 6 and 7 have been --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Deferred, and then 7 withdrawn.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- deferred.
Chair Sanchez: Yes, 6 and 7 have been deferred.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION MAKING
APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.
09-00451 Legislation.pdf
09-00451 Summary Form.pdf
09-00451 Budget Adjustments.pdf
09-00451 General Fund Revenue Adjustments.pdf
09-00451 Expenditure Adjustments.pdf
DEFERRED
Note for the Record: Item RE.6 was deferred to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for
July 9, 2009.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF NEEDED EQUIPMENT
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE, IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $6.0 MILLION; STIPULATING THAT SAID AMOUNT WILL
BE REPAID AT AN ANNUAL INTEREST RATE NOT TO EXCEED 5.5%;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, UPON COMPLETION OF THE
SELECTION PROCESS, TO PRESENT A CONTRACT WITH THE SELECTED
PROPOSER TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR ITS CONSIDERATION.
09-00511 Legislation.pdf
09-00511 Summary Form.pdf
WITHDRAWN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONVEY TO
THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 345 NORTHWEST
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10TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY DEVELOPER
UDG V, LLC; SUCH CONVEYANCE TO BE BY QUITCLAIM DEED IN WHICH
THE CITY OF MIAMI WILL RELINQUISH ANY RIGHT OF REVERSION
CONTAINED IN PARAGRAPH FOUR OF THE JANUARY 9, 1996 WARRANTY
DEED, RECORDED ON JANUARY 17, 1996, IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS
BOOK 17064 AT PAGE 0152 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE CONVEYANCE DOCUMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, AND ALL ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE
NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAID CONVEYANCES.
09-00662 Legislation.pdf
09-00662 Exhibit.pdf
09-00662 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0314
Chair Sanchez: We move on to RE.8.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. RE.8 is a resolution. It's been moved by Vice Chair Spence -Jones,
second by Commissioner Gonzalez. The item is under discussion. Any discussion on RE.8?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: Discussion. Recognized for discussion on RE.8. Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Madam City Attorney, it seems like if we allow this to go as phrased, the
City ofMiami -- well, the concern is that the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) only has
a certain life expectancy. Even if we do the extension, the CRA will not have a 99-year life
expectancy. Isn't there a way that the City ofMiami can be a signatory to that lease so that the
property would revert back to the City ofMiami? I mean, aren't we in fear of losing a fee simple
property to the Jazz Village?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Commissioner, what we're doing with this resolution that's before
you is simply now quick claiming the property so that we can get rid of a prior provision that
was in the deed previously that would have constituted a reversionary interest on the part of the
City. Separate and apart from this item, you know, at the time that the conveyance takes place,
then the lease between the CRA and the developer, you could put some language in there at that
time that would protect the City's interest in the property. So, yes, I think you're correct that --
but this is not what's before you today.
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I understand.
Ms. Bru: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But if we vote on this today, we could be conveying a piece of property
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to a CRA, a CRA that is either going to have an '017 or an '032 life date, and there's going to be
approximately 60 years left on the lease that's going to have no entity -- no proper legal entity
still in existence, and you're going to provide somebody with a very plausible argument that they
have a fee simple interest in a property that they've never paid a penny for, and that's, I thought,
what the City ofMiami was trying to stop doing. In all the mistakes that we've made, we're
walking headlong into a bat. So before I vote for this and somebody can tag me with a mistake
made on this dais that I'm bringing to the four, I can't vote for this until somebody gives me an
assurance that the City ofMiami gets this property back when hopefully cars fly and pigs
you -know -what in the year 2000-whatever because it doesn't make any sense for us to do this.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Larry, you --
Chair Sanchez: Larry.
Larry Spring: Larry Spring, chief financial officer. Commissioner, as you know, this is an item
that is being proffered by the CRA to the City to modify this deed. The property has already been
conveyed to the CRA. We do have in place the interlocal between the City ofMiami and the CRA
at -- which states at the time the CRA ceases to exist, all those properties will be conveyed back -
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Revert back to the City.
Mr. Spring: -- to City possession. The -- when I was presented with this item initially, my
thought -- because it is an 99-year lease -- is why we're not necessarily handling it the same way
that we do all of the properties that we convey in our Community Development Department,
which is simply we convey the property outright. They're building housing on there, so giving
them the property outright with the condition that housing be built with the necessary affordable
housing restrictions, you know, or covenants could be another means of conveying the property.
I do know that it is HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) -- the developer is
seeking HUD financing outside of the City, and it is HUD who's saying because of the reverter,
we don't want to lend you the money because the City, when it gets the property back, could just
go and say remove your -- remove this housing from our property, and that's what they're trying
to prevent. So yes -- I assume there is another way to convey it, which would be an all-out
conveyance, and we have the covenants in place to say it's going to be affordable housing, it's
going to be in place for 30 years and blah, blah, blah --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah --
Mr. Spring: -- so --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- but my point, Larry, though, is for one reason or another, the CRA
board did not convey a fee simple absolute title.
Mr. Spring: No. They --
Commissioner Sarnoff. They decided, instead --
Mr. Spring: No, you did not.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- to give an estate -- well, I don't know the reasons behind it. I don't.
Mr. Spring: Right.
Chair Sanchez: I don't know whether -- there could be a thousand reasons why --
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Mr. Spring: Right.
Chair Sanchez: -- you don't give a fee simple absolute. What they ended up giving was an estate
in terms of a legal number of years, 99 years.
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Pretty valuable right, no doubt about it, since none of us will be here,
and maybe --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- even our grandkids won't be here, but my point being if, in fact, that's
the case, what are the protections afforded to get the citizens ofMiami their property back in
that 99-year period?
Ms. Bru: Mr. -- I'm sorry. Commissioner Sarnoff, I believe that what is being considered -- and
you will consider it when you sit as the board of the CRA -- will be for the City to join in in the
lease between the CRA and the developer so that the City will have rights to a reversionary
interest in the property whenever the CRA ceases to exist. So that could be handled that way,
and you will achieve the purpose that you intend, which is to safeguard the City's reversionary
interest in this property.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And does that mean, Madam City Attorney, we should just make
arrangements to have that put on the CRA agenda, the next one?
Ms. Bru: I believe that that would be the proper course of action, yes.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And ifI could just add, Commissioner Sarnoff, this is a project that is
-- hopefully, we're going to be able to provide some senior housing in the area, 202, and
happened to meet with the HUD administrators in DC (District of Columbia) when I went about
a month and a half ago, and before the 202 -- I guess the 2 -- they're preparing for the 202
application to go out now, and if we don't make this window, then that's a whole nother year that
we're going to miss, and quite frankly, the people in Overtown cannot afford to not have this type
of housing in the heart of Overtown. Two zero two housing is very inexpensive and most seniors
can afford -- truly afford -- it is real affordable housing, unlike some of the affordable housing
we talk about; a lot of people can't afford to live it in it. But this is 202 housing, and it's
something that we truly need. As a matter of fact, I, myself, went to DC, like I said earlier, to
really push to make sure that we got support on this item. So has Kendrick Meek -- Mr. --
Congressman Meek -- because we all know that we need to have this housing in the heart of
Overtown.
Chair Sanchez: And the bottom line is that HUD won't touch it with a reverter, correct?
Mr. Spring: No.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's --
Mr. Spring: In fact --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- that was the point.
Mr. Spring: -- if you recall, the UTD property --
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Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah.
Mr. Spring: -- it has that same 202 covenant, so that does afford us some protection because, as
you know in dealing with that, they're not releasing it for -- unless you're going to relocate
everybody and pay for them for the remaining period they're not releasing it, so we know the
property will be used for its intended purpose through the -- you know, the terms of the HUD 108
-- I mean, the 202 --
Chair Sanchez: 202.
Mr. Spring: -- but I know you're looking even further beyond that date.
Commissioner Sarnoff. My point, Larry, was simply that -- I don't even know why the CRA
didn't convey a fee simple and not have --
Mr. Spring: Right. No. I don't either.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- a covenant --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- but they didn't, and presume it happened before me, and presume a
conversation occurred and somebody said let's not give a fee simple absolute; let's give a
90-year -- 9-year [sic] provision. I just want to protect that.
Mr. Spring: And --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And maybe the CRA should rethink itself. I don't know.
Mr. Spring: -- on behalf ofJim Villacorta, they are at the TIF (Tax Increment Funds) committee
-- and that's why he's not here right now -- getting the Overtown and Omni plans approved right
now --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Wonderful.
Mr. Spring: -- so he's not -- that's why he's not here right now.
Ms. Bru: So let me suggest something to the Commission. So you authorize this quick claim
deed subject to the lease between the CRA and the developer containing a provision that upon
the termination of the CRA, the CRA's interest in the property would revert to the City, and that
would satisfy your concern, Commissioner.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Can --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Andl would be willing to -- if you want me -- does this -- Larry, does
this mean that we need to have this put on --?
Chair Sanchez: -- somebody make a motion with that amendment?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Sanchez: Motion has been made by the Vice Chair, second by Commissioner Sarnoff, with
the amendment proffered by the City Attorney. Once again, the reason why that we need to lift
the reverter is because if we don't, then HUD would not fund the project and we jeopardize --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Chair Sanchez: -- building affordable housing in Overtown. That's the biggest concern. So
based on the language that has been proffered, there are safeguards now, andl think we can
move forward with this, okay. So as amended, it is a resolution.
Ms. Thompson: You're voting on -- you have a motion on the floor to vote --
Chair Sanchez: Maker of the motion accepts the amendment, Madam Clerk.
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Chair Sanchez: Okay?
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
DISCUSSION ITEM
DI.1 09-00665 DISCUSSION ITEM
District 4- DISCUSSION ABOUT THE OPTIONS TO HAVE A SPECIAL ELECTION
Commissioner FOR DISTRICT 4 COMMISSION SEAT ON THE SAME DAY AS THE
TomasRegalado NOVEMBER 3, 2009, GENERAL ELECTION.
09-00665 Memo.pdf
09-00665-Submittal-PowerPoint Presentation -City Clerk.pdf
DISCUSSED
Direction by Commissioner Sarnoff to the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to change the
qualifying period for prospective candidates for elective office should the District 4
Commissioner resign resulting in a vacancy, and the City Commission fails to make an
appointment to the vacant seat within 10 days, to ensure that a special election for District 4
Commissioner would occur on November 3, 2009 in conjunction with the 2009 general
municipal election; further, to bring back the ordinance for City Commission consideration at
the next City Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 9, 2009.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: DJ [sic], special election.
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Chair Sanchez: Yes, DI -- it's just a discussion item on DI [sic], Madam Attorney.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman, can I say something before --?
Chair Sanchez: Okay. This is item DI [sic]. Madam Attorney, this is your item.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Yes. Well, it's actually Commissioner Regalado's item.
Commissioner Regalado: Yes. And thank you, Mr. Chairman. I ask this to be placed because,
as we all know, there are going to be election -- general elections in the City ofMiami in
November of this year. And the last scenario that is happening in this election similar happened
in 2001 when then -Commissioner Willy Gort gave two years of his term to run for a higher
position, and the Commission decided to have a special election on the same day of the general
election, and it all worked out perfectly. Commissioner Gonzalez was the elected representative
of the district that came out of that special election. Something happened, which is not clear yet;
somebody omitted or it was a change in the charter in 2001 that change the historic pattern of
the resign -to -run law in the City ofMiami; and recently, the City Attorney gave an opinion,
which was not requested by anyone, that there will not be an election on -- for District 4
Commissioner if the sitting Commissioner will not vacate their -- its position sooner than
November 3, 2009. We have been requesting information from the City Clerk, from the City
Attorney. The last briefing that we had on this item was on Tuesday by the City Attorney, but
then after a meeting with the City Clerk, she came back again to said [sic] that there were some
difference with the briefing and detail. I have been told that will be the deciding factor on this
matter. However, it doesn't seem that way. It seems that the Commission will be the deciding
factor because the only option for one fifth of the City ofMiami to have an election for
Commissioner will be to change some ordinance in the City ofMiami because the City has, as a
municipality, the power to do so according to Florida statute. And my appeal to this
Commission is that we do so -- that you do so because my commitment to the people ofMiami
and District 4, the district that we have represented for so many years, is that there should be an
election for district Commissioner in District 4 on November 3, 2009, so I am willing to do what
I'm told need to do, which is to vacate this seat sooner than November, but now it's up to the
City Attorney, to the City Clerk, and to the sitting Commissioners to decide if we want to have an
election for Commissioner in District 4 or if we just decide to have a special election someday,
which will cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars or not have an election at all and
appoint a person that will serve the rest of the term. So because of those changes is that this item
is here. We place it because of the people's right to know. The people need to know what the
City is doing in terms of the elections and the expectations that this election for a new
Commissioner in District 4 has created. I think it is important that it be discussed in public, so
that is what I wanted to say before the City Attorney has the floor. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Madam Attorney, can we go through this?
Ms. Bru: Yes, Mr. Chairman. We looked at the request that Commissioner Regalado made with
respect to this district item, which is a discussion about the options to have a special election for
the District 4 Commission seat on the same day as the November 3, 2009 general election. Andl
had previously looked -- examined our charter provisions and construed it along with the state
election code, and had previously determined that in 2001, when the City ofMiami amended the
charter for whatever reason, we deleted a provision that had been specifically in the charter
before, which would have allowed for a Commissioner who resigns to run for the Office of
Mayor to do so to continue to serve until the latest day that the state allows the Commissioner to
serve, and it would have allowed this Commission then to have called for a special election to
have -- to be held concurrently with the election for Mayor. That provision in the charter was
deleted. It was deleted in the 2001 vote, and it left us then with another provision that we have
in the charter, which is under charter section 12, that dictates how the remaining Commissioners
fill a vacancy when there is a resignation. And in looking at this scenario and now focusing on
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the specific question that Commissioner Regalado has is can there be an option available to this
Commission so that the election can take place? The election to fill the vacancy that he -- that
his district will have when he resigns, is there an option for this Commission to call for an
election to be held on the same day? And the answer is yes, but there's two things that have to
happen. One is within Commissioner Regalado's control, the other one is within this
Commission's control. And for that to happen -- and we have -- the Clerk has prepared an
exhibit that we have just handed out, you know, which clearly expresses -- and I'll just read it
into the record because it's very well expressed. If the Commissioner resigning to run for Mayor
declares his or her resignation -- in this case, obviously it's his resignation -- to be effective 60
days or more before the general municipal election -- and that would be September 4 -- and the
remaining Commissioners make an appointment of a person to the vacant Commission seat
within those 10 days that the charter requires you to take action, perspective candidates would
have at least five days in which to qualin, for a special election that would then be held on the
same day as the general municipal election, so --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Question.
Ms. Bru: Okay.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Let's say that Commissioner Regalado resigns 60 days before the
general municipal election.
Ms. Bru: No later than 60 days.
Commissioner Gonzalez: No later than 60 days.
Ms. Bru: No later than 60 days.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Can we appoint Commissioner Regalado to the seat for the remaining
time of the term?
Chair Sanchez: Yes.
Ms. Bru: He would be eligible for appointment to that vacancy, yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: So that's it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And there's an attorney general opinion exactly on that point, and this
has happened before.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Okay.
Commissioner Regalado: It happened with Willy Gort, but my point is not so much about me;
it's -- it is that am willing to follow the City Attorney, the City Clerk guidelines and resigning,
effective September 4. The question now is well, after I'm gone -- well, the Commission has to do
this and that, and we need also to modin, an ordinance to give flexibility because of the timing.
The timeline needs to be modified so it would fall on the third day of November because if we
were to follow the same timeline, the special election for District 4 Commissioner will be in
November 2.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Commissioner.
Chair Sanchez: Madam Clerk --
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, Commissioner.
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Chair Sanchez: -- you're recognized.
Ms. Thompson: Under the scenario that we just spoke of that's not -- that would not have to
happen.
Commissioner Regalado: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: That would not have to happen. If in fact, all of those steps are carried forth,
you do not have to have any kind of modification. It all lines up -- and we'll flip over to your
calendar -- everything lines up perfectly.
Commissioner Regalado: I understand that, butl was saying that in the case of a Commission
failing to appoint.
Ms. Thompson: Failing to appoint is a different scenario.
Chair Sanchez: Different thing.
Ms. Thompson: It's a different one. Do you want us to review that one?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah.
Chair Sanchez: But everything starts with his resignation.
Ms. Thompson: That is correct.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Commissioner Regalado: So I -- before you give the briefing to the members of the Commission,
I just want to be very clear with my fellow Commissioners that I have accepted the option that
the City Attorney has proffered and the City Clerk, andl would resign, effective 60 days or
more, before the general municipal election so the Commission can do what it pleases in terms of
the appointment or -- but basically, and more important, in terms of calling for an election
because we cannot disenfranchise one fifth of the City. So I'm willing to just leave in order to
have an election for District 4 the same day of the general election, and that's what I wanted to
say.
Commissioner Sarnoff Let me ask you. If it was the will of this Commission to appoint you,
would you accept the appointment?
Commissioner Regalado: I would.
Commissioner Sarnoff All right.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Okay. I do have another question. Can we place a question on the
ballot to correct this problem that we're having now for the next election?
Ms. Bru: I think there's still time to do that, but I think that if you're considering amending the
charter, we might want to take the time during this next -- you know, before the 2010 general
state election and really review it thoroughly to make sure that what we're doing is correct.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Ms. Bru: We have sufficient time to bring it on the 2010 election, andl would recommend that.
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There's other things that we would want to look at.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're looking at another general charter review.
Ms. Bru: There could be things that we could be cleaning up. Yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right, very good. Okay.
Commissioner Regalado: Can we have the -- Madam City Clerk.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioners, as we go through the PowerPoint presentation and that which
you have in your handout, what we tried to do was to just focus on the question that was posed
by Commissioner Regalado and look at the options. We had to take into consideration Sections
4, 7, and 12 of the charter to come up with this information. We worked very diligently with the
Law Department and it's all a matter of timing. If you look at the second calendar that's there,
that is the one that goes along with the first set of verbiage that shows you the options for having
that same -day election. Understand that we are bound by deadlines, okay, deadlines that are
set, and that's what we based this calendar on. So as we said earlier, if the resignation takes
place no later than September 4 and the Commission appoint -- Commissioners appoint by
September 14, then we are able to align this so that the qualiing period for the individuals who
want to run for the District 4 seat runs and aligns with our current qualifying period, we're able
to get that information over to Metropolitan Dade County Supervisor of Elechons for the ballot
and everything is straight. Now, the glitch, for lack of a better term, is if the Commission fails to
appoint, okay, then a second part of Section 12 now has to kick in, and that's the one that
requires a qualiing period, and the qualfing period under that section has to take place with
at least 38 days before the election. If we're zeroing in on a date, in this case November 3,
because of the 38-day requirement, we would actually have to have the election on the day
before, which is November 2, only because of the requirement of the 38 days, plus the qualfing
period, plus the 10 days expiration of not having appointed. As I explained to Commissioner
Regalado in my briefing with him, state law does provide for -- and if I'm not mistaken, it's
Florida State Statute 100.3605 -- does give municipalities the authority to change -- and I'll read
it here. This is 100.3605, Section 2, "The governing body of the municipality may, by ordinance,
change the dates for qualiing and for the election of members of the governing body of a
municipality and provide for the orderly transmission of office resulting from such a date
change." And it's my understanding that we can -- the municipality can follow that provision in
order to change the date for qualiing for those candidates for the special election that you
would like to take place on November 3. Okay, so that's one scenario. If they appoint and
everything works according to September 4, September 14, that's that one. If they fail to
appoint, you have another scenario that you can use. Thank you.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Madam Chair, I have another question from [sic] the City Attorney.
Madam City Attorney, I do have a question. Can Commissioner Regalado resign today and be
reappointed today?
Ms. Bru: I believe so, Commissioner, because the prohibition and the reason why you have to
resign to run is because you cannot have -- you can't be holding offices that have overlapping
terms, so the reason why he would be resigning is to run for the Office ofMayor and the term of
the Office ofMayor is going to be concurrent with the term of the office of the Commissioner in
District 4. Now, because -- if he gets appointed today because of our charter provision that says
that he -- the person that fills -- that -- an appointee fills a vacancy only until the next election --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right.
Ms. Bru: -- so long as he's not running for that office again -- I mean, technically, that doesn't
happen -- he wouldn't have a problem with dual office holding. So my answer is, he resigns, he
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can be appointed, and it would not be prohibited.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Are you willing to do that today and get it over with and then they can
advertise to the spec --?
Commissioner Regalado: That's not it.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- then they can advertise for the --
Commissioner Regalado: Commissioner --
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- special election in November?
Commissioner Regalado: -- I really appreciate this, and I think -- I would -- like I said, I would
do whatever it takes for the people of District 4 to have an orderly election in District 4. My
understanding is thatl have to tender a letter to the City Clerk, being irrevocable, so I would do
it. I would do it. If this is the will of the Commission by the next Commission meeting, I'll have
my letter ready and do it --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Maybe we'll reappoint you.
Commissioner Regalado: -- and then the Commission can do whatever it pleases in terms of
appointing a person for District 4. My only goal -- see, there is going to be a citywide election
for Mayor of the City ofMiami, which I am a candidate, so my concern is not so much about me,
but about the people of District 4 that are already having a campaign for another person to fill
that district and complete the two years that this office has given up, so I will be ready. Andl
really thank you for your idea. I think -- to give the Commissioners plenty of time, it's something
that -- it's important so you have the time to call for a special election and assure the people of
District 4 and the candidates that there will be a special election. So I can have it ready any
time.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Didl hear the City Clerk correctly, Madam City Attorney, that if we
change our ordinance pursuant to Florida Statute 100.3605 Subsection 2, then let's say there
was some shenanigans, then we didn't reappoint Commissioner Regalado; that there still would
be an election, not on November 2, but on November 3. Didl hear her correctly say that?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, she said that.
Ms. Thompson: That's what I said, because it says you can change the date --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Ms. Thompson: -- of the qualifying period.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So let's say Commissioner Regalado is not a trusting guy -- I think he is,
but let's say he's not. I'm not a trusting guy by nature; he is -- I would ask this Commission -- I'd
ask this Clerk -- excuse me, the City Attorney to draft legislation to fix the glitch. Let's call it a
glitch so that in the event something odd happen, he wasn't reappointed, that he would know that
there would be an election on November 3 regardless of what this Commission does. Actually, it
gives him a little bit of protection, if you think about it. Because if we bring the ordinance at the
next Commission meeting, and then we have it, I guess, at -- yeah. We'll get it done in July, he'll
know pretty much that he's got protection. So can we do that?
City ofMiami Page 47 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Ms. Bru: You know, the issue that Madam Clerk was referring to is a particularly timed issue --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Ms. Bru: -- and we looked at it assuming that -- if Commissioner Regalado's resignation was
effective September 4, we looked at it from the scenario of what would happen if this Commission
were to appoint someone and what would happen if this Commission were not to appoint
someone? And in the second one, if you were not to appoint someone is when we ran into a
timing problem because of some specific language in the -- in Section 12b of the charter that sets
specifically when the qualifying period is for a special election in the event that there is a
vacancy that does not get filled by an appointment. I can't tell you that just fixing that is going
to fix any other scenario because that was time specifically for a resignation that would be
effective September 4, so -- and obviously, that is something that -- you know, everything is
driven -- we're driving everything -- we're backing it into a particular date, the election of
November 3, but --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Candidly, you andl had a conversation --
Ms. Bru: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- and this November 2 versus November 3 issue never came up in any of
our briefings, correct? But I'm going to --
Ms. Bru: Because the other issue --
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I --
Ms. Bru: No. The other issue is when Miami -Dade County needs to have the language for the
ballot, and that is by September 19.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. I'm not faulting you. I'm just saying I don't want Commissioner
Gonzalez thinking, well, you're the lawyer up here; didn't you think this through; didn't you meet
with the City Attorney; didn't you come up with this? I just want to be candid. We never had a
discussion of a November 2 versus a November 3 date, whether we appointed someone or didn't
appoint someone.
Ms. Bru: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. This is brand-new to you, I think, as of yesterday.
Ms. Bru: Right. When we sat down on Monday and we looked at the calendar specifically and
we looked at the dates not only of our charter, but also Miami -Dade County Supervisor of
Elections telling us that by September 19, they have to have the information.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But if what Madam Clerk is saying is correct, then why don't we just call
it a glitch bill -- why don't we put a glitch bill on first reading, July, a glitch bill on second
reading, July -- Commissioner, ifI were you, I'd have my resignation letter prepared by the
second meeting in July in the event you don't get an ordinance change, and you control your
destiny.
Commissioner Regalado: Right. And what it really -- well, first of all, we had outside counsel
look at it, and outside counsel also agrees with the City Clerk that only by doing an ordinance
we can fix this glitch of one -day difference, andl will have the letter of resignation irrevocable,
so it's nothing can do so I'm out of the picture. The rest is up to the City Attorney. I don't know
why would not do this ordinance that will fix this. I mean, would it hurt somebody? Is it illegal?
City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Ms. Bru: We --
Commissioner Regalado: Why will you not recommend it?
Ms. Bru: I am not saying that I'm not recommending anything. I'm say --
Commissioner Regalado: No. I'm asking you --
Ms. Bru: Yeah.
Commissioner Regalado: -- can we do this ordinance in the next --?
Ms. Bru: Of course, you can. And what you will be doing by that ordinance would be changing
the qualifying period for a special election that is held pursuant to Charter Section 12b, which is
a special election that takes place when there is a vacancy and the Commission fails to appoint
someone within 10 days.
Commissioner Regalado: Right.
Ms. Bru: So whether or not by changing the qualfing period -- right now, how it reads is the
qualifying period for a special election shall be the five days prior to the 38th day, so it's a very
mathematical formula. We can change that to say the qualifying period will be no earlier than --
and then we have to look and see because it's a special election and the special election takes
place no earlier than 38 days, no later than 45 days after the expiration of the 10-day period. So
where we're going to fit in a qualiing period there will be something that we'll look at and we
will bring it back to you by virtue of an ordinance. But again, it only makes a difference if you
put it into context and you plug in a resignation effective date and November 3, and there you
really have a very limited universe to work with.
Commissioner Regalado: But Madam City Attorney, I am telling you from the beginning that I
will comply with your timeline of resigning, effective the day that you suggest. Why wouldl not
do it? I mean, I'm telling you live in color on the record that will have the resignation letter, so
the only protection for the district is to have the ordinance on first reading on the first meeting in
July.
Ms. Bru: Well, thus far, today, I can assure you that if you resign with an effective date no later
than September 4 and this Commission appoints someone, we will assure the people that they
will have an election for your district on the November 3. We will also look at --
Commissioner Sarnoff Yeah, but he's just buying some insurance.
Ms. Bru: Yeah. We're also -- we will look at an ordinance that will amend the qualiing period
in the event that even though you resign, effective no later than September 4, in the event that
this Commission fails to appoint someone and we have to go into the 12b scenario, we're going
to look at it and propose an ordinance to change the qualfing period so that we can fit it into
that very collapsed universe of availability.
Commissioner Regalado: And the reason we should do it is not because I want assurances, but
because -- you know what Forrest Gump used to say, 10 days to appoint; September, peak of the
hurricane season. So what if -- what happen here with Wilma? No lights. City Hall wasn't
functioning. We couldn't meet. We had to meet outside. So, you know, I'm just trying to get
assurances for the Commission because maybe, God forbid, you know, something, a storm or
something, and the Commission is able to meet on the 11 th day. So I'm just saying that it doesn't
hurt to have protection already. The letter will be done. That's no question about. But I'm just
City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
saying that it's important to have an assurance that just in case the Commission -- the remaining
Commissioners can change the qualfing day for one day so we don't have to like spend half a
million dollar the day before and create confusion with the voter all over the City. So I'm just
asking you, please, to bring the ordinance.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. So we're set for next month.
Commissioner Sarnoff. First reading in -- first meeting in July, second reading in July.
Commissioner Gonzalez: First meeting in July.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Have your letter of resignation prepared at the end of the second
meeting in July in case something goes wrong.
Commissioner Regalado: Right. I will have the letter.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Next?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so no more questions or comments on this issue?
Commissioner Regalado: No. Very clear.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEM
PART B: PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We're going to move on to the PZ (Planning & Zoning)
items. I'm going to ask -- this is the Planning & Zoning part of the meeting, and I'm going to ask
for the City Attorney to please explain the procedures, and followed by the City Clerk swearing
everyone in.
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Procedure for the Planning & Zoning items are that
the PZ items will proceed as follows: Before the PZ agenda is heard, all those wishing to speak
will be sworn in by the City Clerk. Staff will briefly describe the request, whether an appeal,
special exception, vacation, text amendment, zoning change, land use change or MUSP (Major
Use Special Permit), make its recommendation. The appellant or petitioner will then present the
request. The appellee, if applicable, will present its position. Members of the public will be
permitted to speak on certain petitions. The petitioner may ask questions of staff. The appellant
or petitioner will be permitted to make final comments. All those wishing to speak, please stand
and be sworn.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): If you are going to be speaking on any of the PZ items
today, I do need you to please stand up so that can swear you in, andl need you to please raise
your right hand.
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those giving
testimony on zoning issues.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
PZ.1 07-00345xc RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WITH ATTACHMENT(S)
APPROVING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION, REQUIRING CITY COMMISSION
City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
APPROVAL, AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401,
UNDER CONDITIONAL ACCESSORY USES ON PR -PARK, RECREATION
AND OPEN SPACES DISTRICT, TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN
OFFICE BUILDING FOR THE BOAT/BROKERAGE AND MARINA BOAT
ADMINISTRATION, PER THE LEASE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
WITH A TIME LIMITATION OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS IN WHICH A
BUILDING PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, FOR
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2640 SOUTH BAYSHORE
DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
07-00345xc Analysis.PDF
07-00345xc Zoning Map.pdf
07-00345xc Aerial Map.pdf
07-00345xc Letter of Intent.pdf
07-00345xc Application & Supporting Docs.PDF
07-00345xc Plans.PDF
07-00345xc ZB Reso.PDF
07-00345xc & 07-00345ww WAB Reso.pdf
07-00345xc & 07-00345ww Exhibit A.pdf
07-00345xc CC Legislation (Version 3) - NEW.pdf
07-00345xc CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2640 S Bayshore Drive [Commissioner Marc David
Sarnoff - District 2]
APPLICANT(S): Santiago D. Echemendia, Esquire, on behalf of Grove
Harbour Marina and Caribbean Marketplace, LLC, Lessee; City of Miami,
Owner
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval with a condition*.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval with conditions* to City
Commission on September 8, 2008 by a vote of 5-2.
WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval with conditions*
to City Commission on September 9, 2008 by a vote of 6-0. See companion
File ID 07-00345ww.
*See supporting documentation.
PURPOSE: This will allow the construction of an office building for the
boat/brokerage and marina boat administration for the Grove Harbour Marina
and Marketplace project.
NOTE: File previously known as 07-00345x.
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to indefinitely defer item PZ.1 for 12 months.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): I know, Madam Chair, that with reference to PZ.1 and
PZ.2, Mr. Echemendia is here.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Oh.
Santiago Echemendia: Yes.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So those are --
Mr. Echemendia: Santiago Echemendia --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- being deferred --
Mr. Echemendia: -- 1441 --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- as well?
Mr. Echemendia: -- on behalf of the applicant. Our client has -- my client has instructed me, in
light of the opposition from the neighborhood and the concerns expressed by Commissioner
Sarnoff, to "table" the item indefinitely. So with that, we would request that relative to PZ.1 and
2.
Mr. Hernandez: Would that --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Mo --
Mr. Hernandez: -- be an indefinite deferral?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well --
Mr. Echemendia: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- I got to tell you, I've heard from my constituency loud and clear, and
you simply don't need to build this particular building. I mean, you may have an entitlement to
build something. It does not need an office. It does not need to be the heights that it's at, andl
would like a commitment from you that this building would not be built.
Mr. Echemendia: Commissioner Sarnoff, I don't know that, on behalf of the client, I could
commit that the building will not be built. I could commit that, certainly, I think they've heard
you loud and clear. You've been vehemently opposed. They understand that. And think in the
spirit of collaboration with you and in light of the concerns with the community -- or by the
community, they're willing to reassess and look at the entire program and have heard you loud
and clear. I don't have the authority to say that, on their behalf, they would not build a building
or what they're going --
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. That's not whatl said.
Mr. Echemendia: -- to do. Understood.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm not saying to withdraw all sense of a building. I'm saying to you,
this particular building, as designed, you should not be building this building.
Mr. Echemendia: I understand that. I believe, as currently designed, that there is an intent to
revisit the design and certainly an intent to take it off the table indefinitely to have further
collaboration with the community to see what they would be willing to embrace.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's fine with me.
City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Chair Sanchez: All right. So you're asking for a deferral on PZ.1 and 2, right?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Table the item indefinitely.
Mr. Echemendia: Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: Well --
Mr. Echemendia: PZ (Planning and Zoning) -- it's an indefinite deferral.
Mr. Hernandez: -- we were --
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: -- trying to, in essence, determine what it is. It's six months? Is it a six-month
deferral?
Mr. Echemendia: We -- I don't know the --
Mr. Hernandez: Indefinite deferral?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): An indefinite --
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Ms. Thompson: -- deferral is six months.
Mr. Echemendia: We would be happy -- I don't know -- I'll defer to the Clerk on what the Code
says if the applicant is willing -- we'd even be willing to defer for 12 months. It doesn't have to
be six months. Not as a withdrawal, as a deferral. If the Code said six, then it's six. That's fine.
Ms. Thompson: Our policy, our instructions are an indefinite deferral is six months. If there's
anything else allowed in the Code, I really couldn't tell you. I would have to defer to our Legal
Department for that.
Chair Sanchez: All right. So --
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): You can defer for as long as you like. However, I have
a problem with a deferral for longer than six months, just in terms of keeping these petitions
floating. It's a control of your docket. You have -- or control of your agenda.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Does the Charter allow him to defer for 12 months?
Ms. Chiaro: Yes. There is no --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Then I'm going to make a motion for deferral for 12 months.
Mr. Echemendia: And we're fine with that, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- the motion.
Chair Sanchez: All right. There's a motion and a second to defer for 12 months. All in favor,
say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay. " Motion carries.
Mr. Echemendia: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: That takes care of --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Thanks.
Chair Sanchez: -- PZ.1 and 2.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: PZ.5, is that being deferred as well?
Chair Sanchez: What are the PZ items that are being deferred?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: 16 and 17.
Chair Sanchez: I got those.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: 1 and 2.
Ms. Thompson: According --
Chair Sanchez: 16 and 17 -- okay, 16 and 17 are being deferred?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. What else?
Ms. Thompson: We already had, per the Manager, PZ.11 and 12 deferred.
Chair Sanchez: No.
Mr. Hernandez: No.
Chair Sanchez: PZ.12 and 13.
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, 12 and 13. Per the Manager, 12 and 13 were already deferred --
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: -- and we've just deferred 1 and 2.
Mr. Hernandez: 1 and 2.
PZ.2 07-00345ww RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), MAKING FINDINGS AND APPROVING A MODIFICATION
OF THE REQUIRED WATERFRONT CHARTER PROVISIONS RELATING TO
City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
THE SETBACK, AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 3(mm)(ii-iv) OF THE CHARTER
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, FROM 50 FEET 0
INCHES TO 22 FEET 6 INCHES TO THE NEAREST POINT BETWEEN THE
NEW STRUCTURE AND THE BULKHEAD, FOR THE GROVE HARBOUR
MARINA AND MARKETPLACE PROJECT, TO BE LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 2640 SOUTH BAYSHORE DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
07-00345ww Zoning Map.pdf
07-00345ww Aerial Map.pdf
07-00345xc & 07-00345ww WAB Reso.pdf
07-00345ww Letter of Intent.pdf
07-00345ww Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
07-00345ww Plans.pdf
07-00345xc & 07-00345ww Exhibit A.pdf
07-00345ww CC Legislation (Version 1) - NEW.pdf
07-00345ww CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2640 S Bayshore Drive [Commissioner Marc David
Sarnoff - District 2]
APPLICANT(S): Santiago D. Echemendia, Esquire, on behalf of Grove
Harbour Marina and Caribbean Marketplace, LLC, Lessee; City of Miami,
Owner
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval with conditions*
to City Commission on September 9, 2008 by a vote of 6-0. See companion
File ID 07-00345xc.
*See supporting documentation.
PURPOSE: This will allow fewer setbacks than required for the Grove
Harbour Marina and Marketplace project.
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, to indefinitely defer item PZ.2 for 12 months.
[For minutes related to Item PZ.2, see Item PZ.1.]
PZ.3 09-00393xc RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUIRING CITY
COMMISSION APPROVAL, AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS
AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, UNDER CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL USES (4) OF
R-3 MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM -DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, TO ALLOW HEALTH
CLINICS IN THE R-3 DISTRICT, SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE CRITERIA,
FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 211, 217 AND 229
NORTHWEST 15TH STREET AND 226 NORTHWEST 16TH STREET, MIAMI,
FLORI DA.
City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
09-00393xc Analysis.pdf
09-00393xc Zoning Map.pdf
09-00393xc Aerial Map.pdf
09-00393xc Letter of Intent.pdf
09-00393xc Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
09-00393xc Plans.pdf
09-00393xc ZB Reso.pdf
09-00393xc Legislation (Version 2).pdf
09-00393xc Exhi bit A.pdf
09-00393xc CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 211, 217 & 229 NW 15th Street and 226 NW 16th
Street [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esquire, on behalf of The Sundari
Foundation, Inc. and The Lotus Endowment Fund, Inc.
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval with a condition*.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval with a condition* to City
Commission on May 18, 2009 by a vote of 6-0.
*See supporting documentation.
PURPOSE: This will allow a health clinic for the Lotus House.
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0315
Chair Sanchez: All right. Let's take up PZ.3 so we could get you out of here. All right. PZ.3,
it's a resolution. Let's get a motion and a second.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Chair Sanchez: There's a --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- motion by the Vice Chair, second by --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- Commissioner Gonzalez. Let's put something on the record from staff.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development): Yes. Good morning. For the records [sic],
Roberto Lavernia, with the Planning Department. PZ.3 is a special exception to allow a health
clinic in the R-3 district. We -- Planning Department recommend approval with one condition.
The condition is only related to the signs.
City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Vicky Garcia -Toledo: For the record, Vicky Garcia -Toledo, on behalf of Lotus House, and we
accept the condition. It just says that if we're going to have any signage, we need to come back
for a Class II.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Before we open it up for discussion, it is a PZ (Planning & Zoning) item
requiring public hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to address this item, please step
forward and be recognized. Hope everyone has been sworn in. Okay. Good morning. State
your name and address for the record.
Constance Collins Margalies: Good morning. My name is Constance Collins Margalies. I'm
with the Sundari Foundation, which operates the Lotus House transitional housing and resource
center for women and children who are homeless, situated in the heart of Overtown. It's our
application for special exception to add a health clinic to our facility. We'll be doing the health
clinic with largely volunteer doctors and Department of Community Service of the University of
Miami Miller School ofMedicine, volunteer nurses and other volunteers in the community. Over
70 percent of the women that we serve at Lotus House have untreated mental health, medical
issues or both when they arrive at our shelter. All of our homeless women who are pregnant and
their babies need regular and ongoing medical treatment. Few, if any of the women that we
serve, when they first arrive, have received any kind of regular medical -- mental health, dental,
or eye care. And we know that the stress of being homeless, of living on the streets, of wondering
where your next meal is coming from generates important needs for counseling and mental
health assistance after they arrive. It is essential for the women and children we serve to have
immediate assistance after they arrive, and we know that it is essential to their stability and
accomplishing their goals of building a safe, secure and better way of life. Stability is also
essential to truly break the cycle of homelessness and to prevent homelessness in our community.
This clinic will be an important resource for both the women and children who live at the shelter,
and we hope it will be an important resource for the women and children who live in our
Overtown neighborhood. Our goal is to reduce the barriers of access to good health care and to
ensure that all of the women and children in our neighborhood have an opportunity for safe and
healthy care provided to them. We very much appreciate your support for this proposal and
thank you for giving us this opportunity today.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you. Anyone else from the public wishing to address this item? If not,
the public hearing is closed, coming back to the Commission.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, I think we had a motion and a second on the item.
Chair Sanchez: Yes.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I just want to make a comment, if you don't mind?
Chair Sanchez: Please. You're recognized for the --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: First of all, I know that this has been a long time coming. I know that
Vicky and your whole team have worked very, very hard to really make this possible, and think
every single person up here on the dais knows how hard the Lotus House works for women that
are in need. I think all of us have at least visited your site. And I just want you to know that the
City ofMiami fully supports everything that you try to do to keep, you know, the program there
and to support women and babies. So you are a Godsend not only to Overtown, but to the City
ofMiami. So I just wanted to officially say that, and well done on finally getting it done.
Ms. Collins Margalies: Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Thank you. Okay. It's a resolution. All in favor, say "aye."
City ofMiami Page 57 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries.
Congratulations to you.
Ms. Collins Margulies: Thank you very much.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you for your patience, too.
PZ.4 08-00698sc RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), CLOSING, VACATING, ABANDONING AND
DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE SOUTHWEST 1ST STREET FROM
SOUTHWEST 24TH AVENUE TO SOUTHWEST 25TH AVENUE AND
SOUTHWEST 2ND STREET FROM SOUTHWEST 24TH AVENUE TO
SOUTHWEST 25TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
08-00698sc Analysis.PDF
08-00698sc Public Works Analysis.pdf
08-00698sc Zoning Map.pdf
08-00698sc Aerial Map.pdf
08-00698ac Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
08-00698sc ZB Reso.pdf
08-00698sc CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
08-00698sc Exhi bit A.pdf
08-00698sc CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately SW 1st Street from SW 24th Avenue to SW 25th
Avenue and SW 2nd Street from SW 24th Avenue to SW 25th Avenue
[Commissioner Joe Sanchez - District 3]
APPLICANT(S): Ana R. Craft, Esquire, on behalf of the School Board of
Miami -Dade County
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PLAT & STREET COMMITTEE: Recommended approval on June 5, 2008 by a
vote of 7-0.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission on May 18,
2009 by a vote of 6-0.
PURPOSE: This will allow a unified development site.
Motion by Chair Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0316
Chair Sanchez: All right. Let's take up PZ.4. PZ.4 is also a resolution.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): PZ.4 is closing, vacating
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
and abandoning and discontinuing for public use two alleys. One of the alley is -- both alleys
are for Miami Dade [sic] Senior High School, and the Planning Department recommend
approval. The Public Works Department recommend approval, and the Zoning Board
recommend approval on May 18.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Mr. Lavernia: Thankyou.
Chair Sanchez: For the record, I have passed the gavel to Commissioner Sarnoff. I would make
a motion to approve this.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. We have a --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Andl will second --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- mo --
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- the motion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- second. We have a second from Commissioner Gonzalez. Open to a
public hearing. Anyone from the public wishing to hear this -- to speak on this item? Hearing
none, the public hearing is closed; back to the Commission. Commissioner Sanchez.
Chair Sanchez: On this item, this is part of the construction and remodeling ofMiami Senior
High School, which is my alumni. It is a great school, but really, you know, it breaks my heart to
drive by Miami High and see the condition that it's in. Andl was there not too long ago when
we had an award presentation, and it affected me so much that I even went in front of the School
Board to address the conditions. They have basically allocated a lot of money to start the
remodeling process. For whatever reasons, they keep delaying it because of the financial
situation that the School Board is in. But really, it really reflects on the School Board and our
local government when you drive by such a historical, beautiful school and see the condition that
it's in. And it's truly a shame, andl think that there's been meetings and there's a lot of
involvement now from the alumnites [sic] that are getting forth and going to approach the
School Board to make sure that they do start some of the construction. And if anything, just get
it looking half decent again before they start remodeling. So this plays a very important role in
us turning the land over because if we don't turn the land over, they can't do the additions that
are so required for the renovation ofMiami Senior High School. So it's with great honor that I
support this --
Unidentified Speaker: Exactly. Thank you very much.
Chair Sanchez: -- and hope that it, quickly, is renovated.
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All
in favor, please say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: Thankyou.
PZ.5 07-00391cm RESOLUTION
City ofMiami Page 59 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO A DECLARATION OF
RESTRICTIVE COVENANT ("ZONING COVENANT) DATED JUNE 13, 2008
AND RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 26430, PAGE 1115-1121,
OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1252, 1262 AND 1272
SOUTHWEST 21 ST TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, IN ORDER TO AMEND
THE ZONING COVENANT TO INCLUDE THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 1249 AND 1265 CORAL WAY AND CHANGE THE
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ARCHITECTURAL PLANS TIED TO THE
COVENANT.
07-00391cm Zoning Map.pdf
07-00391cm Aerial Map.pdf
07-00391cm Letter of Intent. pdf
07-00391cm Amended Covenant.pdf
07-00391cm Original Covenant.pdf
07-00391cm Coral Palace Plans.pdf
07-00391cm Supporting Documents. pdf
07-00391cm CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
07-00391cm Exhibit A.pdf
07-00391cm Exhibit B.pdf
07-00391cm CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 1252, 1262 and 1272 SW 21st Terrace; and 1249
and 1265 Coral Way [Commissioner Joe Sanchez - District 3]
APPLICANT(S): Ben Fernandez, Esquire, on behalf of Ive Group One, LC
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: N/A.
PURPOSE: This will allow a modification to the existing covenant because of a
change to the previously approved architectural plans.
Motion by Chair Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez and Regalado
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Spence -Jones
R-09-0317
Chair Sanchez: All right. PZ. 5. All those have been sworn in addressing this item? How many
will be speaking against or for the item? One, two, three -- okay.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Against?
Chair Sanchez: Yeah. There'll be some against. Okay. Well, let's go ahead and get Planning
and Zoning, and then we'll have the applicant, and then we'll have the opposition speak.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): Yes. PZ.5 is an
amendment to a covenant. This covenant was offered as part of a zoning change petition for lots
facing Southwest 21st Terrace. They are -- the previous building was a residential building with
some offices. Now they want to put a hotel facing Coral Way, and they need to change the plans
that were part of the previous covenant. We reviewed the plans and covenant. All the conditions
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
of the previous covenant were placed in the new one, and they comply with all the previous
requirement that we asked the project to have; having the town houses in the back, the
landscaping condition, and the access to the town houses inside and all the loading and services
inside the building too. So the Planning Department have no objection to the change of the
covenant.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. So this is just an amendment to the covenant.
Mr. Lavernia: Yes, sir. It's an amendment to the covenant and amendment to the plans that are
attached to the covenant.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ben Fernandez: Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, Commissioners. Ben Fernandez, 200 South
Biscayne Boulevard, here on behalf of the property owner and the applicant. As Mr. Lavernia
indicated, this application is really a preliminary step. The proposed hotel will require a special
exception that needs to go before the Zoning Board and we fully intend to proceed with that
process if this modification to the covenant is approved. Without this modification, we cannot
even proceed to apply for the special exception. So as a preliminary step, we're bringing the
proposed restated and release of the prior covenant to you for approval.
Chair Sanchez: Counsel, let me ask you something.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Chair Sanchez: Why not bring both together, the covenant and the special exception?
Mr. Fernandez: Well, it's my understanding the special exception needs to go to the Zoning
Board first. The covenant that is currently recorded limits the development of the property
specifically to the office development. So unless we can demonstrate to the Hearing Boards and
to your Law Department that we have the ability to ask for a special exception to allow a hotel
use, they're not going to allow us to proceed. That's -- but I defer to counsel.
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): That's correct.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Mr. Fernandez: So this application, just to give you a preview of it, we think is going to provide
fewer impacts to the surrounding neighborhood. It is lower in height. It is approximately eight
feet lower in height. It will have approximately 50,000 square feet less of development because
the hotel requires considerably less parking. The impacts are spread out throughout the day,
rather than during the peak hours on Coral Way. And so -- and you know, more than anything,
it is a residential -- it is deemed to be a residential use or a quasi -residential use by your Zoning
Code, as opposed to the office project that was previously approved. You can see both here -- I
apologize. I don't have a microphone, but you can see the big differences. This area here, which
was the prior transition into the residential neighborhood from Coral Way into 21 st Terrace will
now essentially be removed, this entire block of parking, and the parking will be internalized
within the tower. We continue to provide the residential buffer along 21st Terrace that was very
important to you, Commissioner Sanchez, of townhomes. That is completely unchanged.
Chair Sanchez: So, Counsel, how much height do you lose on the rear end that is towards --
Mr. Fernandez: We lose --
Chair Sanchez: -- Southwest 21 st Terrace?
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Mr. Fernandez: -- this is approximately 60 feet in height, so --
Chair Sanchez: Sixty feet in height, so you've gone --
Mr. Fernandez: -- we lose --
Chair Sanchez: -- from sixty to what?
Mr. Fernandez: To approximately a two-story, 20-foot-tall townhome height, all the way back to
the tower. It was a considerable reduction in height in the middle part of the property.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Fernandez: But of course, these are all issues for the Zoning Board to consider. All we're
asking for at this point --
Chair Sanchez: That'll be addressed on the special exception.
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct. The owner of the site, by the way, Carlos Alaimo, operates a
hotel in Venezuela and in Cuidad Bolivar, Venzuela, and he's prepared to commence
development of the hotel himself although, he is entertaining offers from Hilton Gardens, as
well as Best Western for this site. There are very few hotels -- mid -priced business hotels in this
area. The Hampton Inn, which Commissioner Sarnoff would be very familiar with, is
approximately 136-unit hotel on a very residential street behind a -- kind of behind a shopping
center sandwiched in there. We think that this is a better location than that for a business hotel.
It's more accessible to Coral Gables, more accessible to Brickell.
Chair Sanchez: What's the closest one? Would it be the one on Brickell, the Extended Stay?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Chair Sanchez: Which is a hundred percent occupied --
Mr. Fernandez: A hundred percent --
Chair Sanchez: -- all the time.
Mr. Fernandez: -- because there's nothing affordable there.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Does that conclude your presentation?
Mr. Fernandez: That does.
Chair Sanchez: So this is only the covenant?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. That's correct.
Chair Sanchez: Everything else will have to come back through the special exception.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Open up to the public, the public wishing to address this item.
Luis Herrera: My name is Luis Herrera, president of Vizcaya Homeowner Association. In the
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
beginning, when he bring it up the project to you Commissioners, in front of you, the doctor, he
said they going to be office all the time, and they promised to us it going to be low -density. Now
I want to know how density it going to be, this hotel? How many floors?
Chair Sanchez: Could you address that?
Mr. Fernandez: It's smaller than the office building --
Mr. Herrera: No. But --
Mr. Fernandez: -- ten floors.
Chair Sanchez: Ten stories.
Mr. Herrera: Ten floor [sic].
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct.
Mr. Herrera: Okay. The covenant is going to still -- and the land only you going to do is
provide more space to the parking inside the building or whatever. But now you mentioned they
need less parking. When you rented a nice hotel, you need some more parking, not less parking
because it going to be more people renting in the place. Before it's less parking because it's
office, and that's not too many people in there. So if you can explain it to the Commissioner how
many parking going to be and you continue to have the town houses in the back, we don't have
no objection.
Mr. Fernandez: We --
Mr. Herrera: Okay?
Mr. Fernandez: -- we're providing -- Mr. (UNINTELLIGIBT,F), we're providing more parking
than is required by the Code for the hotel. We're providing 112 parking spaces -- I'm sorry, 121
parking spaces where only 112 spaces are required. So we're exceeding the requirements in the
Code. And the overall structure, the parking structure is going to be reduced because the hotel
use is going to be less intense overall than the office structure. You can see -- I invite you to look
at the plans. You'll see.
Mr. Herrera: Okay. In a second I'm going to look at it. But you said -- you mentioned too all
deliveries are going to be inside the building.
Mr. Fernandez: All the access to the hotel is via Coral Way.
Mr. Herrera: Okay.
Mr. Fernandez: There is no access on 21st Terrace.
Mr. Herrera: Okay.
Mr. Fernandez: Only the residential townhomes will have access on 21 st Terrace.
Mr. Herrera: Okay. Another question is, in the future -- or before the future, you mentioned
they going to give you the parking to ZuperPollo. Now you going to have some problems in
there, andl think (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by the parking permit we have on 21 Terrace, but since
you close in there and they can't use your parking and hotel, the ZuperPollo going to park in the
residential area. And the doctor, he promised here they going to use the parking in the office
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
that they had before. So you got to work it out what you going to do about the parking on the
next -- on ZuperPollo, commercial.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank you.
Mr. Herrera: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Any other speaker?
Zulema Rivero: Good morning. My name is Zulema Rivero. My address is 2121 Southwest
13th --
Chair Sanchez: Good morning.
Ms. Rivero: -- Avenue. And have a quick question. You mentioned that the park -- or rather,
the exit from the actual hotel will be on Coral Way and those of the town house will be on 21 st
Terrace. How is that going to be --? Is there going to be like a wall put up or some --? How's
that division -- how's that going to take place?
Mr. Fernandez: It's really -- the floor plan is virtually unchanged from the prior office building
plan, if you recall that plan. You have both plans here, and you'll see that they're virtually
identical. There's a wall that separates the townhomes from the hotel parking -- what was
previously the office parking area. There's no -- the entrance to the townhomes will have their
parking behind the townhome, and there will be no access from that parking lot to the
commercial parking lot for the hotel. So it's totally independent, totally separate.
Ms. Rivero: Independent. Okay. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Anyone else from the public wishing to address this item? If not, the
public hearing comes back -- the public hearing is closed, and it comes back to the Commission.
On -- it's important for you to understand that what you have there now is an empty lot. You're
not going to see development for a while. I know the area very, very well. This project, when
you compare the other project that was in front of us, this one is -- has less density on the Coral
Way side, so it should be pleasing you. It has less mass on the center part, which is always my
concern to have a smooth transition into the neighborhood. It has -- it went from what, from
80-some feet or 60-some feet to 40-some feet.
Mr. Fernandez: Right.
Chair Sanchez: All right. And you still --
Mr. Fernandez: Twenty -some feet --
Chair Sanchez: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- in the back.
Chair Sanchez: And the concern that you always had is that you didn't want any access onto
21st Terrace, which you didn't want people -- the traffic heading out there. The hotel, in itself,
based on what's presented to us, will have the entrance on Coral Way, and the town houses
basically stay the same. There has been no change to the town house on the 21 st Terrace of the
project in itself. So I'm still comfortable with the buffer for the area. I think it's going to
improve the quality of life along Coral Way, and I'm glad to see that you are in agreements [sic]
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
as to what's going to be built there. Now -- so having said that, I think that we -- we're just going
to be approving the covenant and it'll come back with a special exception giving you plenty of
opportunity to review the plans and have public input and address this Commission once again.
So having said that, I make a motion to approve the resolution.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. We have a motion and a second. Anyone from the public --
has already heard. Sorry about that. And we have the Commission. Any Commissioner wish to
comment on this? All right. We have a motion and a second. All in favor, please say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: All right. PZ.6.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
PZ.6 07-00216Iu1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES, SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED
HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 5265
NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL"
TO "MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES, TRANSPORTATION AND
UTILITIES"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO
AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
07-002161u1 Analysis.pdf
07-002161u1 Land Use Map.pdf
07-002161u1 Aerial Map.pdf
07-002161u1 PAB Reso.pdf
07-002161u1 Letter of Intent.pdf
07-002161u1 Application & Supporting Documentation.pdf
07-002161u1 CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
07-002161u1 & 07-00216zc1 Exhibit A.pdf
07-002161u1 CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 5265 N Miami Avenue [Commissioner Michelle
Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esquire, on behalf of Douglas
Gardens Holding Corp., Inc., a Florida Not -For -Profit Corporation, Holding
Company of Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on March 4, 2009 by a vote of 6-0. See companion File ID 07-00216zc1.
City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 7/13/2009
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "Major Institutional, Public
Facilities, Transportation and Utilities".
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
13074
Chair Sanchez: PZ. 6 is an ordinance on second reading. We should be flying through some of
these, and then we're going to break for lunch at 12: 30, coming back at 2: 30 to finish out the
remaining agenda.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Let's --
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's get something on the record on PZ.6,
and then we have a motion made by the Vice Chair, second by Commissioner Gonzalez.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): PZ.6 and PZ.7 are
companion items.
Chair Sanchez: Okay, PZ.6. Yes.
Mr. Lavernia: PZ.6 is a change of the future land use map for the remaining lot that has been in
front of Commission for the rest of that block, and this is the remaining lot that is going to
complete the same designation on the whole lot. The Planning Department recommend
approval. The Planning Advisory Board recommend approval, and it pass on first reading on
May 28. PZ 7, which is the companion item, is the same petition to change the zoning atlas.
And it was recommended by the Planning Department. The Planning Advisory Board
recommend approval and pass on first reading on May 28. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Applicant, you're recognized for the record.
Vicky Garcia -Toledo: For the record, Vicky Garcia -Toledo. Unless the Commission wishes me
to make a full presentation, we did that at the first reading, and we would urge you to approve
this ordinance.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I have a question, Commissioner.
Chair Sanchez: All right. There's a motion and a second. The -- it is an ordinance. Before we
open it up for discussion, it is an ordinance on second reading that requires a public hearing.
Anyone from the public wishing to address this item, please step forward. Seeing no one, the
public hearing is closed, coming back to the Commission. You're recognized for the record.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Vicky, what happens to the trees? Are they part of the plan, or are they
going to be take --? What's going to happen with them?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: If this is approved today, we will have to come back for a special exception
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
or for a building permit for that site, and a tree mitigation plan will be done at that time. I
believe with the locations of the trees, it just may be possible that the parking will be within the
inside of the -- most of the trees are on the perimeter. There was a house on this site.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: So they may all be able to stay as they are. But a mitigation -- full
mitigation plan will be done, if needed.
Commissioner Sarnoff. A mitigation plan is one thing. My only reason for asking is -- to the
Manager's credit -- you notice how he always perks up when someone says "to the Manager's
credit."
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Yeah, especially during the City Commission.
Commissioner Sarnoff. In a City Commission meeting, he's like good news is coming. To the
Manager's credit, he is saving, I think, almost all of the trees at the Orange Bowl site, and he's
replanting them pretty much throughout the City. And while we may have a mitigation plan --
and that just means we're going to count bark and we're going to try to replant the bark -- would
your client consider allowing the trees to be moved if, in fact, they need to come down? 'Cause
you have some very mature trees on that property.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Well, there are two mature trees on the perimeter that are really on
previous lots that were approved, and we kept them on site, and those will be kept on site --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: -- the two large ones.
Commissioner Sarnoff. If it's -- if they're not -- all I'm saying is if they're going to go down --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: They will be replanted somewhere --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: -- I'm sure, and we can commit to that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: We had a motion and a second, right?
Chair Sanchez: We had a motion and a second. We went through the entire process. Public
hearing was opened and closed, and we're back to the Commission for a vote on second reading.
It is an ordinance. Read the ordinance into the record, followed by a roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Our roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 5-0.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Chair Sanchez: All right. That takes care of PZ --
Ms. Thompson: 6.
Chair Sanchez: -- 6.
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): 6.
PZ.7 07-00216zc1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 16, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM
"R-2" TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO "G/I" GOVERNMENT AND
INSTITUTIONAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY
5265 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
07-00216zc1 Analysis.pdf
07-00216zc1 Zoning Map.pdf
07-00216zc1 Aerial Map.pdf
07-00216zc1 Letter of Intent.pdf
07-00216zc1 Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
07-00216zc1 ZB Reso.pdf
07-00216zc1 CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
07-002161u1 & 07-00216zc1 Exhibit A.pdf
07-00216zc1 CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 5265 N Miami Avenue [Commissioner Michelle
Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esquire, on behalf of Douglas
Gardens Holding Corp., Inc., a Florida Not -For -Profit Corporation, Holding
Company of Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission on April 13,
2009 by a vote of 6-0. See companion File ID 07-002161u1.
PURPOSE: This will change the above property to "G/I" Government and
Institutional.
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
13075
Chair Sanchez: We move on to PZ.7. It's an ordinance also on second reading.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Maria 1 Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): PZ.7 is the companion item to the land use change.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Put it on the record. All right. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion and second.
Chair Sanchez: Well --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion. I'm sorry.
Chair Sanchez: -- you can't make both. Commissioner Gonzalez makes the motion, and he
seconds it.
Commissioner Gonzalez: And he seconds it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Today he really matters.
Chair Sanchez: So motion is made by Commissioner Gonzalez, second by the Vice Chair.
Discussion on the item? Before we open it up for discussion, it is a companion and requires a
public hearing; also, ordinance, second reading. Anyone from the public wishing to address this
item? The public hearing is opened and closed, coming back to the Commission. No further
discussion on the item. Read the companion item on the record, followed by a roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Chair Sanchez: Roll call.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted, 5 -- I'm sorry, adopted on second reading,
5-0.
Vicky Garcia -Toledo: Thank you.
PZ.8 08-01086Iu ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES, SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED
HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 8055
NORTH MIAMI AVENUE AND 8102, 8112, 8128 NORTHEAST MIAMI COURT,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "OFFICE" TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL";
MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED
AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
08-0010861u Analysis.pdf
08-010861u Land Use Map.pdf
08-010861u Aerial Map.pdf
08-010861u PAB Reso.pdf
08-0010861u Miami -Dade County School Concurrency.pdf
08-0010861u Application & Supporting Documents.pdf
08-0010861u CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-0010861 u & 08-01086zc Exhi bit A. pdf
08-010861u CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 8055 N Miami Avenue and 8102, 8112, 8128 NE
Miami Court [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Kertch J. Conze, Esquire, on behalf of Josphine Mogene and
Erick St. Louis, Owners
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended denial to City Commission on
February 18, 2009 by a vote of 7-1. See companion File ID 08-01086zc.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "Restricted Commercial".
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
13076
Chair Sanchez: All right. PZ.8, also an ordinance on second reading.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): PZ.8 and PZ.9 are
companion items also. It's a request to change the future land use map of the Comprehensive
Plan. The Planning Department recommend denial, and the Planning Advisory Board
recommend denial, but it was passed on first reading on May 28. The --
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Can we get a motion?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Chair Sanchez: Motion by the Vice Chair. Can I get a second?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Gonzalez. Before we open up for discussion, it's an
ordinance on second reading. Anyone from the public wishing to address this item, please step
forward and be recognized. Seeing no one, the public hearing is closed, coming back to the
Commission. Discussion on PZ.8. Hearing no discussion on PZ.8, it's an ordinance on second
reading. Read the ordinance into the roll call -- into the record, followed by a roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your roll call.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Chair Sanchez: Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 5-0.
PZ.9 08-01086zc ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 10, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "0"
OFFICE TO "C-1" RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL, FOR THE PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 8055 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE, 8102, 8112
AND 8128 NORTHEAST MIAMI COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
08-01086zc Analysis.pdf
08-01086zc CC Zoning Map.pdf
08-01086zc Aerial Map.pdf
08-01086zc Application & Supporting.pdf
08-01086zc ZB Reso.pdf
08-01086zc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-0010861u & 08-01086zc Exhibit A. pdf
08-01086zc CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
Second Reading
LOCATION: Approximately 8055 N Miami Avenue, 8102, 8112 and 8128 NE
Miami Court [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Kertch J. Conze, Esquire, on behalf of Josephine Mogene and
Erick St. Louis, Owners
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission on March 9,
2009 by a vote of 4-3. See companion File ID 08-010861u.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "C-1" Restricted
Commercial. The applicant will proffer a covenant for these properties.
Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Sanchez
13077
Chair Sanchez: PZ.9.
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): PZ.9 is the companion zoning change for the land use
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
change that you just approved.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Chiaro: We have accepted a covenant and have reviewed and approved it to go with this
zoning change.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So moved.
Chair Sanchez: There's a motion. Is --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- there a second? Okay. It's a motion and a second. Before we open it up for
discussion, it's an ordinance on second reading. Anyone from the public wishing to address this
item, please step forward. Seeing no one, the public hearing is closed, coming back to the
Commission. Hearing no discussion, read the ordinance into the record, followed by a roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your roll call.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 4-0.
PZ.10 09-00457zt ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 10, SIGN REGULATIONS, MORE
PARTICULARLY, SECTION 10.2., DEFINITIONS, AND SECTION 10.4,
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS; TO ADDRESS DEFINITIONS AND ISSUES
AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE ILLUMINATION OF OUTDOOR
ADVERTISING SIGNS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
09-00457xt PAB Reso.pdf
09-00457zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
09-00457zt-Legislation-SUB-Version 4.pdf
09-00457zt CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City
Commission on May 6, 2009 by a vote of 8-0.
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PURPOSE: This will address issues and regulations related to the
illumination of outdoor advertising signs.
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Regalado and Spence -Jones
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Sanchez
13078
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All righty. We're going to move on to PZ.10.
Commissioner Gonzalez: 10. Move it.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion. Do we have a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All -- This is a public hearing. If there's anybody from the public that
has any comments on this item --?
Lourdes Slazyk (Zoning Administrator): I just need to put in for the record that the --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: You may officially put something in the record.
Ms. Slazyk: Oh, thank you. Lourdes Slazyk, Zoning administrator. After first reading -- you all
have the amended version of this ordinance that we put two definitions back in which are
required for the administration of the lighting of the -- the illumination of these signs. So it's just
putting definitions in.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. No problem. So --
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I believe we had a motion and a second.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Madam --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Read the ordinance.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Can you read the ordinance into the record?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Roll call.
Ms. Thompson: This is your roll call on your modified second reading ordinance.
Ms. Slazyk: Yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right.
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Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance -- modified ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 4-0.
PZ.11 07-00939zt ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 6, SECTION 627, CONCERNING
THE SD-27 MIDTOWN MIAMI SPECIAL DISTRICT TO CLARIFY THAT
MULTIPLE USES ON THE SAME BUILDING INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF
RESIDENTIAL, RETAIL AND OFFICE; EXCLUDING FROM THE DEFINITION
OF MIXED USES IN SD-27 THE COMBINATION OF ONLY RESIDENTIAL
AND/OR LIVE/WORK USES IN A BUILDING; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
07-00939zt PAB Reso.PDF
07-00939zt CC SR Legislation (Version 3).pdf
07-00939zt CC SR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: 1) SE Corner of the Intersection of N Miami Avenue & NE 36th
Street; 2) SW Corner of the Intersection of NE 36th Street & NE 2nd Avenue;
and 3) SE Corner of the Intersection of NE 34th Street & NE 1st Place
[Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff - District 2]
APPLICANT(S): Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval without exceeding the
approved Regional Activity Center (RAC).
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to the City
Commission on July 23, 2007 by a vote of 7-0.
PURPOSE: This will permit retail and office uses in mixed -use buildings at
intersections of the SD-27 "Midtown Miami Special District".
CONTINUED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, with Chair Sanchez and Vice Chair Spence -Jones absent, to continue item
PZ.11 to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 23, 2009.
Commissioner Gonzalez: PZ.11.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: PZ.11.
Commissioner Gonzalez: You want to put something on the record?
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Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): PZ.11 has been
continued on several occasions, on September 27, October 25; April 24, May 22, June 26, and
December 11, 2008. It is an amendment to the ordinance in order -- to change the definition of
mixed use for specific site ofMidtown, and that was presented at first reading, and there was a
discussion. There was not an agreement between the representation of both parts ofMidtown,
that they don't have any objection anymore, so I let the explanation for the applicant.
Iris Escarra: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Iris Escarra, with offices at
1221 Brickell Avenue. I'm here today on behalf of my colleague, Lucia Dougherty, who is not
able to be here today. We represent Midtown Equities, and we're in support of the modification,
as it would allow us greater flexibility in being able to market our uses. I'm here in case you
have any questions.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I do. I have a couple questions.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Is there a motion?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'll make the motion, but for discussion --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Is there a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- purposes.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Discussion. Commissioner Sarnoff, you're recognized.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And maybe it's to counsel and maybe it's to the City. What is the
financial impact of this ordinance to the City? This is the property that essentially has received
over $169 million of money to -- from the City and the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), I apologize. What is the financial impact? Has anybody done a financial
impact analysis?
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Commissioner, I don't believe so. The way that we look at
it today is that this is to, in essence, facilitate further, I would say, development of those two sites
by allowing a mixed -use approach. But we haven't looked at it from a fiscal perspective.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. But shouldn't we be looking at it from a fiscal perspective? I mean, are
we looking at it too much in the short run and not enough in the long run?
Mr. Hernandez: Well, in essence, Commissioner, what we have here is a situation that because
of the economic situation that we face today, they have been slowed down, let's say. And by
providing the ability to do mixed use, you're allowing them more flexibility in being able to move
forward with the project. So that's the way that we are focusing on it.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And ordinarily, Mr. Manager, it's not my business, but in this
circumstance, when somebody receives $169 million, in one manner or another, of a city or
county money, it becomes our business. My question to you is, really, was it anticipated that
there would be so many towers and so many residential units? I understand why you're not
building it. There's a glut of residential housing, no two ways about it. And that glut will take
quite a bit of time to fill, maybe three, maybe four years, whatever it might be. But if you let
people go forward right now with what was a planned, urban development -- I think it was by a
development agreement -- and if that development agreement is modified, will we continue to
match the TIF (Tax Increment Fund) -- 'cause this was a very structured project -- will we
continue to match the revenue necessary to pay for the bonds and has the citizens in the City of
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Miami gotten a good deal for itself? Because the difference and the distinction between, let's say
-- I don't mean to pick on any retailer, but let me do it for a moment. Let me pick on Best Buy.
Best Buy puts a facility of let's say, two stories, one story on that particular site, as opposed to
what was intended to be there, which would have been, let's say, a 400-unit condominium. Is
there a distinction and a difference to the City, and is that part of the development agreement?
Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, I think that we're dealing with two issues because the
development agreement continues to stand, and if they're in violation of the development
agreement, we can take any actions that are provided to us. This, in essence, is separate and
provides more flexibility to them in conducting their development, but it doesn't, I think, impact
what they're responsible for under the development agreement.
Commissioner Sarnoff If -- what this is doing, Mr. Manager, is allowing people to put -- andl
always sort of go back to London 'cause along Hyde Park, there's a number of residential units
that allow, on the bottom floor, to have retail. If this is what that's allowing to do, then I can
support this. However, if this is mod4ing the development agreement in any way, I don't know
that can support this. Because people contracted with the City to build something based upon
a certain TIF revenue being generated, and that TIF revenue was going to retire all the bonds.
Now if I'm mixing apples with oranges, tell me I'm mixing apples with oranges. If I'm not getting
it right --
Mr. Hernandez: Right. But I think that they're still responsible to the DA (Development
Agreement) requirements. No question -- development agreement.
Larry Spring: Larry Spring, chief financial officer. Keep in mind, Commissioner, that
development agreement and the agreement with the CDD (Community Development District)
and the CRA, if there's not sufficient dollars generated by the TIF to pay the debt, those
residential owners and those commercial owners are going to be assessed whatever the
difference is, and they're going to have to retire that debt. So --
Commissioner Sarnoff So am I putting an obligation --
Mr. Spring: -- you're --
Commissioner Sarnoff -- on --? Right.
Mr. Spring: -- covered from that perspective. I think you're --
Commissioner Sarnoff Well, Commissioner Gonzalez would yell at me, then all you're doing is
putting it on the residents.
Mr. Spring: But the residents that moved in and the residents that -- the commercial residents,
the people that own the retail, when they moved in there, knew that this was an obligation. I
think they've been assessed at least once initially, and we dealt with this amendment before the
City Commission before. To deal with the -- I guess, the inherent question, are we switching one
value for a lesser value, that's hard to answer, you know. Maybe we are. However, in this
development period right now, we know, A, they probably wouldn't be financed for residential
today to begin with; and B, are we --? The -- I guess, the goals of the Midtown development
were, yes, to generate TIF, but also, job creation, residential, and to create that fully functional
Midtown area on that huge site. So you are still meeting many of the --
Commissioner Sarnoff But here's --
Mr. Spring: -- requirements.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. -- my dilemma, and maybe you could convince me of your side. You still
have, on the DDR (Developers Diversified Realty) side, that's the retail side --
Ms. Escarra: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- site parcels that haven't been built upon. And now what you're doing
is, on your Equities side, I was told --
Ms. Escarra: The Midtown -- the residential side.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Resident -- I call it Equity; is that right?
Ms. Escarra: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. On the Equity side -- so let's just draw a line down the middle of
the project. That's about what it is. Now you have on the Equity side, the residential side, you're
going to introduce --
Mr. Spring: Retail.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- some commercial. If that commercial were part of a high-rise project,
I understand it and could agree with it, but if that commercial allows a very small big box or
something like that to go there, you have diminished your TIF revenue because there's still an
available part on the DDR side of the project. And again, this wouldn't be my business -- andl
want to stress this -- not my business who builds what, when, where and how. It is this
Commission's business on a very sophisticated deal -- these folks got $169 million of our money.
We are intimately involved with them and should be a part of this process.
Mr. Spring: You are.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So help me.
Mr. Spring: They're going to have to answer the question on their intent -- what their intent is
on that -- on -- with regards to --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Help me, counsel --
Mr. Spring: -- the zoning change.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- because I can't put -- and it's not because I'm in favor or against
somebody, and it's not because ofjob creation 'cause, you know what? DDR still has parcels
they could put commercial. But if you would convince me this was only to allow the next project
you're building, a residential, and your first floor was there for commercial, I understand what
you're doing. But if this is the intent or even the unintended consequence of allowing another
parcel to be strictly commercial, I can't support this.
Ms. Escarra: It is my understanding that the reasoning for this -- and this has been in the works
for a while -- was because of the downturn in the market. They wanted to have the flexibility
that, in the event that they were able to find an office/retail combination as opposed to your
traditional residential/retail combination, they would have that flexibility in order to be able to
introduce those uses. Any modification or anything that would be required would have to go
through an administrative approval in accordance with the district regulation. So if there would
be a change or if there would be a modification, they would have to go through the City process
in order to make that modification.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. So if what you've told me is that somehow this Commission gets to look
at what is built -- Do we get the MUSP (Major Use Special Permit) applications from over
there?
Ms. Escarra: I believe the SD-27 requires Class II administrative approvals with notice to
everyone.
Commissioner Sarnoff. The problem with that, though, it doesn't guarantee it comes back to this
Commission.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. I'm going to make a suggestion that your clients or yourself
meet with the Administration and answer all of the Commissioner's questions and then bring this
back before the Commission once you can give the Commissioner a clear answer on the
questions that he has on this ordinance or resolution.
Ms. Escarra: Okay.
Commissioner Gonzalez: So what I suggest that you do is that you ask for a deferral of the item.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's fine. And if you want to table it and they can explain it to me,
that's fine. But I happen to agree with Commissioner Gonzalez. I think it's going to require a
deferral 'cause I need to understand the building aspect of this.
Mr. Hernandez: Commissioner, I would support the deferral.
Mr. Lavernia: The answer to your question is, yes, they would need a Class II Special Permit,
not a Major Use.
Commissioner Sarnoff. They will need a -- so this Commission --
Mr. Lavernia: A Class II
Ana Gelabert-Sanchez (Director, Planning): A Class II Special Permit is administrative. It's at
the Planning Department. It does not -- it is not a MUSP (Major Use Special Permit), so it does
not come --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right. So it doesn't come --
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: -- in front of you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- to this Commission.
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: It does not. It's a Class IL It's administrative.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So if this administration decides it's in its, for whatever, interest to put a
box over there -- let's say -- just call it a two-story unit without residential, haven't we really
broken what our idea is over there? Haven't we kind of fragmented what we thought would be
built there?
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: Again, the thought was when we were introducing is allow more
flexibility of uses to be considered as part of mixed use.
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I --
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: But understand your concern. We still --
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Commissioner Sarnoff. Have you ever been to Hyde Park --
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- in London?
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: I have not.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Right around Hyde Park (UNINTELLIGIBLE) with a great many
apartment buildings, beautiful apartment buildings. On the first floor of those apartment
buildings -- they even have a BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) retail center for -- to sell cars.
There's nothing wrong with that. That creates a mixed use of -- an opportunity. But if you're
just going to put a BMW sales place on Equity's side, haven't you displaced and ruined the
concept in the plan? Have I made myself clear?
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: Yeah, yeah. No. I agree. I understand what you're saying, that you
would like to have the mixed use properly being a mixed use and not a freestanding commercial
or office in a --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Correct.
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: -- property that it should be mixed use.
Commissioner Sarnoff. 'Cause that was what DDR was intended to be.
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: It's the percentages. The percentages of uses, I understand.
Ms. Escarra: And it's my understanding, at this point, they haven't designed or modified or have
the intent to modifi, anything. They just wanted to be able to have the flexibility that they could
market and they could --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Andl --
Ms. Escarra: -- attract different tenants.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- and just -- and not to beat this horse to death -- I'm okay with that, but
I need to know, from a Commissioner's standpoint, it comes before us, as opposed to a Class II,
when I don't know the administration that will be here in four years and you decide you're going
to build, you know, a Mercedes car dealership, open lot, as opposed to what I wouldn't mind, a
Mercedes car dealership amongst a 30-unit residential tower.
Ms. Escarra: I know the Class II process does provide notice to the Commissioner of the
district, as well as it has the 30-day appeal period, which would come then before you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah. But then the Administration makes me pay $500 from my District
2 funds, and that's not fair. So I'm going to move to defer.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. We have a motion for a deferral. Is there a second? Is
there a second on the deferral?
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: There is a second. All in favor, say "aye. "
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): IfI can get a --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion carries.
Ms. Thompson: -- if we can get a date for that to be heard again? Do we know?
Commissioner Gonzalez: To the next meeting. I think that --
Mr. Hernandez: I would say to continue it, which, in essence, would be the next Planning and
Zoning meeting.
Ms. Escarra: In July?
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Okay. Continue to the next Commission meeting.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you.
Commissioner Gonzalez: That will give them ample time.
Ms. Thompson: July -- that'll be July 23, for the next --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right.
Ms. Thompson: -- P&Z (Planning & Zoning).
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you.
PZ.12 08-01084Iu ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED
HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2508,
2524, 2534, 2538, 2590, 2600, 2610, AND 2620 SOUTHWEST 5TH STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" AND "DUPLEX
RESIDENTIAL" TO "MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL, PUBLIC FACILITIES,
TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES," EXCEPT FOR THE NORTH
TWENTY-FIVE FEET PARALLEL TO SOUTHWEST 5TH STREET, WHICH IS
TO REMAIN WITH THE "SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" LAND USE
DESIGNATION; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO
AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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08-010841u Analysis.pdf
08-010841u Land Use Map.pdf
08-010841u Aerial Map.pdf
08-010841u PAB Reso.pdf
08-010841u Miami -Dade County Public School Concurrency.pdf
08-010841u Letter of Intent.pdf
08-010841u Application & Supporting Documents.pdf
08-010841u CC FR Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-010841u & 08-01084zc Exhibit A.pdf
08-010841u CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2508, 2524, 2534, 2538, 2590, 2600, 2610 and
2620 SW 5th Street [Commissioner Joe Sanchez - District 3]
APPLICANT(S): Tony Recio, Esquire and Gilberto Pastoriza, Esquire, on
behalf of The District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade Community College,
Florida
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on March 18, 2009, except for the North 25 feet parallel to SW 5th Street, which
is to remain with the "Single -Family Residential" Land Use designation, by a
vote of 7-0. See companion File ID 08-01084zc.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "Major Institutional, Public
Facilities, Transportation and Utilities".
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, and was
passed unanimously, to indefinitely defer item PZ.12.
PZ.13 08-01084zc ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 34, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM
"R-1" SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND "R-2" TWO-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL TO "G/I" GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL, FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2508, 2524, 2534, 2538,
2590, 2600, 2610 AND 2620 SOUTHWEST 5TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA;
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
08-01084zc CC Analysis.pdf
08-010841u CC Zoning Map.pdf
08-01084zc CC Aerial Map.pdf
08-01084zc Letter of Intent.pdf
08-01084zc Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
08-01084zc ZB Resos.pdf
08-01084zc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-010841u & 08-01084zc Exhibit A.pdf
08-01084zc CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2508, 2524, 2534, 2538, 2590, 2600, 2610 and
2620 SW 5th Street [Commissioner Joe Sanchez - District 3]
APPLICANT(S): Tony Recio, Esquire and Gilberto Pastoriza, Esquire, on
behalf of The District Board of Trustees of Miami -Dade Community College,
Florida
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended denial to City Commission on April 13, 2009
by a vote of 3-2. Also recommended to the City Commission that the Board will
not object to an "SD-12" Overlay to achieve the parking needs of the
Miami -Dade College, by a vote of 4-1. See companion File ID 08-010841u.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "G/I" Government and
Institutional.
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, and was
passed unanimously, to indefinitely defer item PZ.13.
PZ.14 08-01207Iu ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES, SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED
HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 190
NORTHEAST 71 ST STREET AND 185 NORTHEAST 70TH STREET AND
THE ABUTTING ALLEY TO THE EAST, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "DUPLEX
RESIDENTIAL" AND "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO
"RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING
TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
08-012071u Analysis.pdf
08-012071u Land Use Map.pdf
08-012071u Aerial Map.pdf
08-012071u PAB Reso.pdf
08-012071u School Board Concurrency.pdf
08-012071u Application & Supporting Documentation.pdf
08-012071u CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-012071u Exhibit A.pdf
08-012071u CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 190 NE 71st Street and 185 NE 70th Street and the
Abutting Alley to the East [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Estrellita Sibila, Esquire, on behalf of Niclas and Lisanne
Pierre, Owners
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended denial to City Commission on
February 18, 2009 by a vote of 8-0. See companion File ID 08-01207zc.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "Restricted Commercial".
CONTINUED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, and was
passed unanimously, with Vice Chair Spence -Jones absent, to continue item PZ.14 to the
Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 23, 2009.
Chair Sanchez: We move on to the -- let's take up PZ.14 andPZ.15. I believe the district
Commissioner -- this is her item. Is she okay with this item? Well, it's first reading.
Commissioner Gonzalez: She's not here.
Chair Sanchez: No. It is -- yeah, it is first reading. It is first reading. It'll come back in second.
Why don't we just, you know, get the applicant to give us a presentation, make it short. Is there
anyone in opposition to this item? There is no opposition. Maybe we could pass it on first
reading. You're still going to have to come back for second reading, so let's just do something
short. City Administration, could we get your recommendation as to --
Harold Ruck (Planner II, Planning Department): Okay.
Chair Sanchez: -- 15 -- 14 and 15 PZs (Planning & Zoning)?
Mr. Ruck: Good afternoon. Harold Ruck, with the Planning Department, and this is a
companion item PZ -- with PZ.15, but this one particularly is for an ordinance on first reading
amending the future land -use map of the Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan by changing the
land -use designation of properties located approximately at 190 Northeast 71st Street and 185
Northeast 70th Street and the abutting alley to the east from duplex residential and
medium -density multifamily residential to restricted commercial. Planning Department
recommended denial. Planning Advisory Board recommended denial. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Counsel, okay.
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Estrellita Sibila: Good afternoon. For the record, Estrellita Sibila --
Chair Sanchez: Hold, before you go on.
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): Yes. I just --
Chair Sanchez: You want to add anything to the record?
Mr. Lavernia: Yeah. I want to mention thatPZ.15 is a companion item to this one.
Chair Sanchez: We are --
Mr. Lavernia: It's the zoning change. That the Planning Department recommend denial to be
consistent, and the Zoning Board recommended approval to City Commission by a vote to 5-1.
Chair Sanchez: On PZ.15.
Mr. Lavernia: On PZ.15, which is the zoning change.
Chair Sanchez: Right.
Mr. Lavernia: Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Ma'am, you're recognized for the record.
Ms. Sibila: Thank you. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Estrellita Sibila, on behalf of
Mr. Niclas and Lisanne Pierre. Mr. Niclas is here accompanying me today. He's the property
owner for the sites that are -- we are seeking the rezoning and the land use change. What we're
asking to do is basically to move the district boundary line that you see one lot to the west so we
could rezone in these portions here. So we would be moving this boundary line one lot to the
west. Now this property's located on two major thoroughfares throughout the city; one is
Northeast 2ndAvenue, which connects the northern portion of the City to the south. There's
been a lot of activity and improvements that have occurred on Northeast 2ndAvenue. All of
those have occurred just south of us, south of 54th Street. There have been some new
improvements that have occurred with Little Haiti Park, and we're looking for the opportunity to
develop this site with a commercial project. When we've -- we started looking into this
particular site and the development of it back in March, and we've met with the Planning
Department on several occasions. In order to accomplish that, we have to go through the zoning
and the land use change process. We are -- we're required to show consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan. And for the record, I'd like to note that we are consistent with several of
the land use, capital improvements, and housing policies, as well. On this property is an urban
infill site. It's within a neighborhood development zone. It's also been identified by the federal
government as a census tract that's highly distressed, which means that they're qualified for a
program under the federal government for new market tax credits. Basically, with that
designation -- those designations of highly distressed are only given to properties that meet
certain unemployment rates, certain levels of medium family income and the poverty rate. What
we're looking at in this particular area is in a poverty rate of almost 49 percent; a family income
ratio that's only 36 percent in the national average. What we're trying to provide here is an
opportunity to bring in new jobs, bring in new commercial opportunities, bring in some retail
opportunities for some of the residential areas that are to our east, and over to our west is a
large industrial section. If you're familiar with the area, it's the McArthur plant. It -- has moved
to that area, as well, and there's some smaller industrial uses. This opportunity, though, would
give us some ability to look forward to provide an intersection that has been seeing some
changes and will provide a new opportunity for some commercial improvements. Throughout
this process, we've met with the Planning Department on the development of the site. We've also
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
met with Community and Economic Development, and they've been in favor of what we've been
proposing here. We've also talked to them about what kind of businesses that they would like to
attract to the area, and we've been working closely with them to be able to design something so
that we could serve those purposes. We're currently in talks with a bank, which there are no
banks in this area, and other sorts of services that we could bring that are desirable to this
community and to the members and residents that live in this area. The district boundary change
would be a logical extension. We were seeking -- what we're seeking is a C-1 with an SD-29
overlay. The SD-29 overlay requires that we would need to obtain a Class II Special Permit.
There will be a design review function, and the City will have oversight on the design review.
We have gone through that process with them on several occasions, but the actual permit that we
would need is a Class II, which we can't seek until our zoning would be in place, which is what
we're seeking here today. And again, when the City contemplates on the issuance of a Class II
Special Permit, they do take into account height, bulk, scale, transition, all of those issues that
are important to the neighborhood and are important to our Commissioners as well. We also --
when we went through the design process, we made Mr. Pierre and his architect aware of the
potential for Miami 21, and the design that has been reviewed by the City has been consistent
with the Miami 21 designations on the property, should they occur. And just another point. I
know that Miami 21 is not law and we're not sure where it's going to be, but what they have
contemplated in Miami 21 is all of those portions that are R-3 would be now a new designation.
That's medium -density residential -- or commercial/residential. So they would essentially be
bringing commercial uses along the 71st Street corridor, which is what we would be asking for
in our app -- in this application as well.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Is there --? We're going to open it up to the public. Is there anyone
here in opposition to this item or in favor of this item? The public hearing is opened and closed.
There hasn't been a motion or a second. We'll bring it back to the Commission for a motion and
a second. It's on first reading. It'll have to come back to second reading, and then we could
decide that. So can I get a motion or a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Are -- I mean, the Commissioner -- the area Commissioner is here? Is
she going to be here or what --?
Chair Sanchez: I don't believe -- she's not here.
Commissioner Regalado: She's not there.
Chair Sanchez: So what's the will of the Commission? I don't mind passing it on first reading
and addressing --
Commissioner Regalado: I don't -- I just don't want to make a motion and --
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- without her being here. I don't --
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- know what --
Chair Sanchez: Can I get a motion --
Commissioner Regalado: -- she's going to say either way.
Chair Sanchez: -- to defer --
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Commissioner Regalado: I would support whatever --
Chair Sanchez: -- PZ.14 and 15?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Move to defer.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. There's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff to defer. Need a second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: No discussion on the item. All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Sanchez: Anyone in opposition, having the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. The
item has been deferred to the next regular PZ agenda. For the record, that was PZ.14 and 15.
All right.
Ms. Sibila: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you. I believe we have one more, PZ.20.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair. Will we let that continuance show for both
14 and 15 'cause --
Chair Sanchez: Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: -- they're companion?
Chair Sanchez: They're companion --
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Chair Sanchez: -- items.
Ms. Thompson: All right. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: You're quite welcome. All right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I said both.
[Later..]
Chair Sanchez: All right. Are there any other items?
Commissioner Gonzalez: I believe Commissioner Spence -Jones wants -- Commissioner
Spence -Jones, her chief of staff is telling me that she would like a motion to reconsider the item,
PZ.14and 15.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Look, it's on first reading. It has to come back to us. She's requested
a motion to reconsider, so do we have a motion to reconsider?
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Commissioner Gonzalez: I'll move it.
Chair Sanchez: All right. There's a motion to reconsider. Is there a second? All right. I would
second, ifI pass the gavel, but it dies anyway. So the item is not going to be heard, okay. All
right. So that takes care of that item.
PZ.15 08-01207zc ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 13, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM
"R-2" TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND "R-3" MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM
DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO "C-1" RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL WITH AN
"SD-29" HISTORIC LEMON CITY/LITTLE HAITI VILLAGE SPECIAL OVERLAY
DISTRICT, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 190
NORTHEAST 71 ST STREET, 185 NORTHEAST 70TH STREET AND THE
ABUTTING ALLEY TO THE EAST, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
08-01207zc Analysis.pdf
08-01207zc Zoning Map.pdf
08-01207zc Aerial Map.pdf
08-01207zc Letter of Intent.pdf
08-01207zc Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
08-01207zc ZB Reso.pdf
08-01207zc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-01207zc Exhi bit A.pdf
08-01207zc CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 190 NE 71st Street, 185 NE 70th Street and the
Abutting Alley to the East [Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Estrellita Sibila, Esquire, on behalf of Niclas and Lisanne
Pierre, Owners
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission on April 13,
2009 by a vote of 5-1. See companion File ID 08-012071u.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "C-1" Restricted
Commercial with an "SD-29" Historic Lemon City/Little Haiti Village Special
Overlay District.
CONTINUED
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, and was
passed unanimously, with Vice Chair Spence -Jones absent, to continue item PZ.15 to the
Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 23, 2009.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
[For minutes related to Item PZ.15, see Item PZ.14.]
PZ.16 08-01320Iu ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS AMENDED, THE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI COMPREHENSIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES, SUBJECT TO §163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY
CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED
HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 629, 635,
645, 655, 665 NORTHWEST 23RD STREET, 636 NORTHWEST 26TH
STREET, 2451 NORTHWEST 7TH AVENUE AND 636 NORTHWEST 24TH
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "INDUSTRIAL" TO "RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS; DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO
AFFECTED AGENCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
08-013201u Analysis.pdf
08-013201u Land Use Map.pdf
08-013201u Aerial Map.pdf
08-013201u PAB Reso.pdf
08-013201u Public School Cuncurrency.pdf
08-013201u Application & Supporting Documentation.pdf
08-013201u CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-013201u Exhibit A.pdf
08-013201u CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 629, 635, 645, 655, 665 NW 23rd Street, 636 NW
26th Street, 2451 NW 7th Avenue and 636 NW 24th Street, Miami, Florida
[Commissioner Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Gilberto Pastoriza, Esquire & Estrellita Sibila, Esquire, on
behalf of Paradise Dairy Acquisitions, LLC
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on February 18, 2009 by a vote of 5-3. See companion File ID 08-01320zc.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "Restricted Commercial".
CONTINUED
A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, with Chair Sanchez and Commissioner Sarnoff absent, to continue item
PZ.16 to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 23, 2009.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Mr. Manager, are there any items that are going to be deferred or
continued? I know we mentioned them earlier, but you need to put them on the record.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Madam Chair, I know that -- I think it's PZ.16 and 17 we
would like to have deferred. I don't know if the applicant is here on that item.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Commissioner Regalado: Sixteen.
Mr. Hernandez: And 17.
Tony Recio: Hi. Tony Recio, 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. I'm here on behalf of the
applicant on PZ. 16 and 17. In terms of the deferral, we're prepared to move forward. Is there a
reason for --?
Mr. Hernandez: We do have some concerns --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Mr. Hernandez: -- with the fact of the impact that this proposed project has on the industrial
land in those areas. And since we continue to lose industrial lands, we wanted to be sure that
the project better addressed the area and minimize the impact on the industrial lands.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Andl ifI can just add because this is actually in my district.
Mr. Recio: Of course.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So if there's anyway that you guys can at least sit down with the City
Administration regarding the overall parcel. I know it's very close to the new biomedical facility
that University ofMiami's putting up. I just want to make sure that at least there's some sort of
understanding as to some key things that need to happen surrounding the facility and that's one
of my concerns. And I know that -- you know how -- for the last three or four years, I've been a
real stickler about losing any of my industrial land for anything else. So I'm going to just ask
that you at least sit down with the City Manager, kind of go through those concerns.
Mr. Recio: Madam Commissioner, if that's your will, we'll move forward with that.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. No problem. All right. Anything else, Mr. Manager?
Mr. Recio: I'm sorry. May I just clarify? Will it be deferred to a date certain?
Mr. Hernandez: I think it will be continued to the next Planning & Zoning meeting.
Mr. Recio: Which is July, right?
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: July, yeah.
Mr. Hernandez: July 23?
Mr. Recio: July 23.
Mr. Hernandez: Twenty-third.
Mr. Recio: Okay. Thankyou.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thankyou.
Mr. Recio: Thankyou.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Anything else?
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Madam Chair, we do need a motion.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Do we have a motion on this item?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion to defer --
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Do we have a second?
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- PZ.16 and 17.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item has been deferred.
Ms. Thompson: To July 23. Thank you.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: What about PZ.5? Isn't that --?
Mr. Recio: Thank you.
Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Okay.
PZ.17 08-01320zc ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 21, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "I"
INDUSTRIAL TO "C-1" RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL, FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2451 NORTHWEST 7TH
AVENUE, 636 NORTHWEST 24TH STREET, 636 NORTHWEST 26TH
STREET, 629, 635, 645, 655 AND 665 NORTHWEST 23RD STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
08-01320zc Analysis.pdf
08-01320zc Zoning Map.pdf
08-01320zc Aerial Map.pdf
08-01320zc Letter of Intent.pdf
08-01320zc Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
08-01320zc ZB Reso.pdf
08-01320zc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
08-01320zc Exhi bit A.pdf
08-01320zc CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2451 NW 7th Avenue, 636 NW 24th Street, 636
NW 26th Street, 629, 635, 645, 655 and 665 NW 23rd Street [Commissioner
Michelle Spence -Jones - District 5]
APPLICANT(S): Gilberto Pastoriza, Esquire and Estrellita Sibila, Esquire, on
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
behalf of Paradise Dairy Acquisitions, LLC
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
ZONING BOARD: Made a motion to approve, which failed, constituting a
recommendation of denial to City Commission on April 13, 2009 by a vote of
3-3. See companion File ID 08-013201u.
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "C-1" Restricted
Commercial.
CONTINUED
A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and was
passed unanimously, with Chair Sanchez and Commissioner Sarnoff absent, to continue item
PZ.17 to the Commission meeting currently scheduled for July 23, 2009.
[For minutes related to Item PZ.17, see Item PZ.16.]
PZ.18 09-00140zc ORDINANCE First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING PAGE NO. 40, OF THE ZONING ATLAS OF
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 4, SECTION 401, SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT
REGULATIONS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM
"R-3" MULTIFAMILY MEDIUM -DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO "0" OFFICE FOR
THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1028-40 SOUTHWEST
36TH COURT, 985-95 AND 1031-35 SOUTHWEST 37TH AVENUE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
09-00140zc Analysis.pdf
09-00140zc CC Zoning Map.pdf
09-00140zc Aerial Map.pdf
09-00140zc Letter of Intent.pdf
09-00140zc Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
09-00140zc ZB Reso.pdf
09-00140zc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
09-00140zc Exhi bit A.pdf
09-00140zc CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
09-00140zc-Submittal-PowerPoint Presentation -Steven Wernick.pdf
09-00140zc-Submittal-Steve Wenick.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 1028-40 SW 36th Court, 985-95 and 1031-35 SW
37th Avenue [Commissioner Tomas Regalado - District 4]
APPLICANT(S): A. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, Esquire, on behalf of I.H. Real Estate
Investor, Corp., a Florida Corporation
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
ZONING BOARD: Recommended denial to City Commission on March 9, 2009
by a vote of 7-0.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
PURPOSE: This will change the above properties to "0" Office. The applicant
has proffered a covenant for these properties.
Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez and Regalado
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Spence -Jones
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Let's take -- let's go back to the Planning & Zoning. We
have another 15 minutes to see what we could get done. We have PZ.18, which is in
Commissioner Regalado's district. PZ.18.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to understand this. This is a
duplex, but it will remain -- or is this R-3? I don't know if -- I guess Vicky --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Can anybody --
Commissioner Regalado: They don't have --
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- address the Commissioner?
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): I don't think that the
legal representation for the item is here because it was announced that at 12:30, we're going to
stop. However, I can tell you what the item is. It's a zoning change.
Commissioner Regalado: No, no, no. Might as well -- no, because the other applicant -- it's just
that the Chairman announced that we'll be breaking at 12: 30.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right. That's what happened. Okay.
[Later...]
Chair Sanchez: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. The City ofMiami Commission is back
in order after a lunch recess. We do have three Commissioners, constituting a quorum. So we're
going to continue with the order of the day, which was the agenda, which we were on PZ
(Planning & Zoning) items. We're going to go ahead and take up PZ.18 at this time. We do
have the City Attorney. We do have the City Manager, and we have three Commissioners. So, at
this time, we are on PZ.18. We'll hear the Administration on PZ.18, followed by the applicants,
and then we'll open it up to the public for all those that will be testifying on this Planning &
Zoning item. It is on first reading, so therefore, it has to come back to us again. Okay. So we're
going to hear PZ.18, which is on first reading. It'll be back to us again, so staff you're
recognized for your presentation --
RobertoLavernia (Chief of Land Development): For the records [sic], Roberto --
Chair Sanchez: -- or your recommendation.
Mr. Lavernia: -- Lavernia, with the Planning Department. PZ.18 is a change of the zoning
atlas. This do not trigger a change in the future land -use map of the Comprehensive Plan
because they already have the office designation in the Comprehensive Plan. So this is in order
to have the same designation. The Planning recommendation of the zoning change was for
denial, and the Zoning Board recommended also denial because this is an intrusion of more
intense uses, looking at the zoning atlas, in a residential, R-3, area.
Chair Sanchez: All right. So it comes to us across-the-board denial from just about everyone.
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All right. You're recognized for the record.
Vicky Garcia -Toledo: Good afternoon. Vicky Garcia -Toledo, with the law firm ofBilzen
Sumberg, and I'm appearing today before you on IHReal Estate Investor. This is a property
owner who has owned this property for a little over 25 years. The property and the app -- the
subject matter of this application is approximately an acre and a half. Most of that property is
fronting 37th Avenue. There are two lots adjacent to the rear that front on 36th Terrace [sic].
In reality, this application for a zoning change only and not a land -use change is due to the fact
that the City ofMiami, in its Comprehensive Plan, has identified this property with a land use of
office. What this means is that our request to change the R-3 to the office zoning is an effort to
clean up a discrepancy in the zoning atlas that is in violation of your Comprehensive Plan.
Further, and in order for the City not to have to give the property owner a blank check with the -
- which is the way the Planning Department usually says it, we are proffering a covenant that
ties itself to a specific project, which you have in front of you. We have submitted that project for
review to the Planning Department. The Planning Department Design Review Committee has
reviewed the project and has agreed with us that this project respects both the current Code and
Miami 21, and the proffering of the covenant means that this owner, if granted his request to
create consistency between your zoning and your land use, would only be able to develop this
site. I also would like to bring to your attention that right now these properties are R-3. That
means that today, as of right, the owner of the property could pull a building permit without any
other approval from the City and build, on 36th Terrace, on the two duplex lots, a five -story
building that would approximately put 97 vehicles on 36th Terrace [sic]. The project that we
are proposing and that is before you places the entire residential project on 37th Avenue, and
the lots that front 36th Terrace [sic] would only house a swimming pool and a recreation deck,
and there would be zero -- andl repeat, zero access from 36th Terrace [sic].
Chair Sanchez: And that's --
Commissioner Regalado: Thirty-six Avenue.
Chair Sanchez: -- proffered in your covenant?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Thirty-six Avenue. I'm sorry.
Chair Sanchez: And that's proffered in your covenant?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That is proffered in the covenant. The covenant says that we will only build
this project, and the project would have no access from 36 --
Commissioner Regalado: How old are the duplex?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Excuse me?
Commissioner Regalado: How old are the duplex? I mean --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: The duplexes are over 60 years old.
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. That's whatl --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: And --
Commissioner Regalado: And the property --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: -- they were built in 1948.
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Commissioner Regalado: -- in the back?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: The property in the back -- We're getting that information. Also, one of the
great concerns is that all of these properties together have a tax burden of about $60, 000 a year.
The tax burden on these properties -- the client is upside down in paying the taxes because the
profitability of these rental properties, due to their age and their location and how they relate to
this 37th Avenue, which has totally changed in trend, is just impossible to make it profitable.
During this period of time, since 1948, there's been a drastic change and a new trend on 37th
Avenue. And what I'd like to do for a moment is to ask my associate, Steve Wernick, to come and
share with you. Steve is not only an attorney, but he is also a graduate of the University of
Florida School of Urban Planning, andl would like him to share with you some of the details
and some of the things that have been happening and the trend that has been established.
Steven Wernick: Okay. Good afternoon, Commissioners.
Chair Sanchez: Good afternoon.
Mr. Wernick: All right. Douglas Road, obviously, creates the western boundary of the City of
Miami, as you know, for most of this part of the City ofMiami. What I'm focusing on, just
briefly, is Southwest 8th Street down to Southwest 12th Street, just to talk a little bit about some
of the changes and some of the changes that are contemplated by the Comprehensive Plan. The
current land -use designation is office, and that was done several years ago, many years ago.
And as Vicky said, we're trying to bring this property into conformance with the Comprehensive
Plan. Thirty-seventh Avenue is a five -lane traffic corridor. It's two lanes each way, and a
suicide lane in the middle. It's heavy traffic. It's high-speed traffic, and many of the uses
currently on the east side of the street are residential, but the access and the interrelationship
between the residential and the street is not ideal right now. And just to give you an idea of the
existing uses, you have, going south from Southwest 8th Street on the east side, a gas station, a
shopping center, a small office building, a five -story multifamily residential building. This is
down to about Southwest 9th Street. And then from there, you have a range of one- to five -story
multifamily residential dwellings. And as you go further south past this property, there's actually
an office building right on 37th Avenue. If you look at the west side of the street, which is the
City of Coral Gables, you can see that they've got multiple buildings that are over 20 stories tall,
some of which have 8-, 9-story parking garages. There's also office uses, and there's a mix of
different types of uses, but certainly, they're mainly much more intense than you have on the east
side of the street. They're also much newer buildings, andl think they represent the future of
37th Avenue. So just to talk briefly about the development trends that we're seeing. This is a
transition zone between commercial and office uses and more towards residential uses as you go
both south and east from 37th Avenue. It's also a transition between Coral Gables and the City
ofMiami. Along 37th Avenue, currently there's certainly an incompatibility of low -density
residential uses adjacent to the road. The City ofMiami defines Douglas Road as a major
thoroughfare, and I'll show you a map in a second that is defining all of the roads in Miami as --
which are major thoroughfares. The carrying capacity on Douglas Road currently -- and this is
according to the transportation element in the Comprehensive Plan -- it has a peak hour
roadway level of service standard "E, " but the current level of service standard is `D, " which is
unusual in a city like Miami that actually has quite a bit of capacity remaining. It's not an
over -congested roadway. Transit -oriented development. You have the 37Metrobus route, and
the buildings that are being built along Douglas Road, both sides of the street, are certainly
more intense and they -- the transportation and the land use interaction is becoming evident.
And to have lower density uses there, one story, two story [sic] tall, it's certainly not maximizing
the redevelopment potential of a major street in the City ofMiami. Here's a map that just shows
you some of the major thoroughfares, identifying 37th Avenue. The last trend -- new
development is going vertical. The EAR (Evaluation and Appraisal Report), which was done in
2005, calls for high -intensity buildings where services and infrastructure already exist. You
know, the City ofMiami is an older city that doesn't deal with sprawl issues like the County deals
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with often, but there's still opportunities to maximize development potential along major
corridors, major thoroughfares, and in areas where the trend has already started. So you can
see on -- you know, the City of Coral Gables on the other side is already going in that direction,
and it's not going to reverse itself. So I just wanted to call your attention to those few points, and
I'll turn it back to Vicky.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: The consistency required between your Comprehensive Plan, which already
has this property as transitional and designated as office, and the need to change the zoning of
the property to also office is legally required by your Comprehensive Plan as well as by case
law. City of Cape Canaveral versus Moisier (phonetic), that's at 467 So. 2nd 468. And
therefore, your own City, your own Planning Department, keeps a list of what they call
inconsistencies so that the City will undertake to bring the land use and the zoning into
compliance. And this is one of the properties that are [sic] listed in your own City's
requirements. We also invited all of the neighbors in the block to come to a meeting so that we
could, in fact, discuss the project. And Michelle Rhoda (phonetic), the daughter of the owner of
the property, went door-to-door and left an invitation. We were there. We waited patiently and
no one came. So if you're wondering why the Zoning Board denied this application was because
one of the board members said that he lived in Coral Gate and that he didn't believe that -- he
didn't want to see this building from his property. Well, Coral Gate is way away from this
location. So I would urge you to please approve this application, accept our proffered covenant.
Andl would like to save some time for rebuttal.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Thank you, Madam Applicant. This time the public can address the
Commission. Those who want to testify, please step up. State your name and address for the
record.
Juan Rodriguez: Yeah. My name is Juan Rodriguez. I live at 12000 Northwest 15th Court, in
Pembroke Pines. My father owned this house -- the house right next to it where they're going to
build and actually build a wall on the back. And on the -- going all the way to Northwest -- to
Southwest 36th Court and then continue on 36 Court for another about 60 feet, another wall,
and then going -- again, going west for -- 'til the -- to 37th Avenue, actually dividing the
Northwest 36th Court into the north of the wall and south of the wall. I'm calling this wall that
they have planned around my house, call it the Berlin Wall, one of those beautiful walls that was
taken down about a few years back at Berlin. You know, it's -- I notice they call it beautification
before. I don't think, if you live on -- depending on the side that you live, that it's a
beautification. Now going back to the development, the development is -- they talked about
Coral Gables, and they emphasized a lot about Coral Gables. We're not Coral Gables. We're
separate from Coral Gables, one. Two, the buildings you want to build on 37th Street -- or 37th
Avenue, not a problem. Why go and divide the Northwest 36 Court? Why extend it? It was
asked two months ago here, relook at that. Don't take Northwest 36 Court. Leave that section.
Don't disturb that area. Well, apparently, they brought a lot of legal people, a lot of
knowledgeable people to just try to convince that, in essence, I don't think they've done it, at least
not to me. I hope it's not to the Commissioners, that what they're doing is really trying to
circumvent some zoning area, putting a wall behind my house all the way to the east and then
around on 36 Court. That wall will become graffiti wall. I urge you to really consider that.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Rodriguez: If they would stay behind on 37th Avenue, I don't think have any concerns. It's
that area that they're trying to divide on 36th Court.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Yes, ma'am.
Cari Armbruster: Okay. I'm his sister.
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Chair Sanchez: Okay. Name and address.
Ms. Armbruster: My name is Cari Armbruster, 1020 Southwest 36th Court.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Armbruster: Okay. As I was going to say, I'm not a lawyer. I have no experience in public
speaking, so I'm just going to ramble on into what I think my important focus is. I tend to think
that this huge building is going to be aesthetically an eyesore. It's -- we've been in this area
since 1963, in that same little house. I'm concerned about if it is approved, the banging that it's
going to involve when building this building, and the piling (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is going to
affect my house, which is on top of bricks. The house sits on top of bricks. So I tend to think
that, environmentally, this is also going to obstruct light, wind, and it's going to be really a
disaster and unreasonable and unpleasant structure in the neighborhood. The neighborhood
has been for houses. We've been there for 40-some odd years, and this is going to split the entire
neighborhood. And maybe they have -- you know, they've been pointing out of some buildings in
the Coral Gables side, but this is the Miami side, and we don't have huge buildings like this in
this area. We mainly have, you know, houses in there, and most of the people that live there
have been there quite a long time too, so I tend to think that this is going to affect all of us.
Chair Sanchez: Thank --
Ms. Armbruster: And you know --
Chair Sanchez: -- you.
Ms. Armbruster: You're welcome.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Anyone else wishing to address this Commission on this item? If not, the
public hearing is closed. Counsel, you have some rebuttal, and then we're going to bring it back
to the Commission for a vote.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: I think that I heard that there is really no concern with the 37th Avenue
side, but it's really the 36th Court that presents a problem to the neighbors. And what I'd like to
do is concentrate a little bit on specifically the 36th Street [sic] portion of it. And this is the 36th
Street [sic] portion. It's these two lots --
Commissioner Regalado: Thirty-sixth Court.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Commissioner -- 36th Court, I'm sorry. There are two lots fronting 36th
Court. As you can see from this plan, we are not building anything on those two lots. First of
all, the wall that the gentleman is referring to is a requirement of the City ofMiami. It's not our
choice. If the City ofMiami would want to waive it because he doesn't want it, we would be fine
with that, but understand that that is a zoning requirement. If you look at those two lots, what
we have done is we have put the rec. (recreation) deck and the pool -- so there will be no
structure built next to the gentleman's building or structure that he's talking about. We are
required to put that wall, but even with the wall on 36th Street [sic], what we have done is we
have set back the wall 20 feet. And you may ask why we set back that wall. The reason for it is
that we want that wall to be flush with the front wall of all of the other existing structures on 36th
Court. The appearance of that wall -- even though it's a six-foot wall required by the City of
Miami Code, we have given it a structure to look like windows and doors, and then put
landscaping in front of it so it would look just like if there was -- the front wall of a house there
to maintain the continuity of the house. So we are maintaining the fabric of 36th Court exactly
the way it is. And this was the reference that I made early on, that right now on those two lots,
someone could come put a five -story building with up to ninety-seven vehicles coming on -- in
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and out from 36th Court. So I think the covenant preventing any traffic for this project from 36th
is an advantage.
Commissioner Regalado: Court. This is court. It's wrong.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So when it says "Southwest 36th Terrace," that's wrong?
Commissioner Regalado: No. It's --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That's wrong. I've just been corrected by the district Commissioner that it's
"court."
Chair Sanchez: All right. How much time are you going to need for rebuttal?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: The only other thing that I was going to say was that the concern about
graffiti on the wall, that's a Code enforcement issue, but we're fully landscaping, so it should not
be exposed to graffiti, but if there was graffiti, it would have to be maintained. And of course,
view, light, and wind are not protected in the state of Florida, and there is Supreme Court case
on that matter. With that, I would conclude my presentation. I would ask that you inquire of
your Planning Department if -- what their position would be on this matter with the covenant, if
accepted.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Before we do that, we bring it back to the Commission.
Commissioner Regalado, you're recognized for the record.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I am -- I know that area really
well. That's -- across the street from 36 Court is what they call Pastorita (phonetic). It's a
two-story building. I don't -- I know the construction and the duplexes fronting 37th Avenue, and
these are very old, very old, very old structures. I understand what the residents say, but this is
exactly the same scenario that happened on 30 -- on 26 Terrace and 25th Avenue southwest. It
was a lot that was zoned R-3, and they wanted to build sort of a town house, two stories, and
some people complained about the height, but it was zoned R-3 and somebody came and
proposed a seven -story building, which we then lowered to five stories, which is right next to
houses. I think that what you're proposing in terms of 36th Court, which is the residential area,
makes sense. I mean, 37th Avenue is a commercial corridor. And although it is across the street
from Coral Gables and Coral Gables does not recognize any of the zoning rules of the City of
Miami, people are building on 37th Avenue. So as long as we have a covenant, which exactly
says, Counsel, that there will be no egress or access on 36 Court -- because, remember, 36 Court
is not a very wide avenue [sic].
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Commissioner, the covenant, ifI may read, says the property will be
developed in substantial compliance with that certain site plan on files with the City ofMiami,
dated February 4, 2009 and prepared by Form Group, entitled `Proposed Residential
Building, " as the address which is deemed as being incorporated by reference herein. And the
plans are exactly what you see here that I've shown you that has no access from 36th. But if you
wish me to add an additional provision with -- just saying that there will be no vehicular access
of any kind, vehicular or pedestrian access from 36th Court, I'll be very happy to add that.
Chair Sanchez: But don't you have that already?
Commissioner Regalado: I think it's important for the reason that --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: It's in the plans.
Commissioner Regalado: -- it -- they need protection. The people on Coral Gardens
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Condominiums need protection from the traffic. Actually, we're in the process of trying to get a
traffic circle for 35th and 36th Avenue because of the traffic flowing from 16 to 8 Street. And so
we need to make sure that there is no traffic at all coming from that building on 36 Court
because that will flow into 36 and 35th Avenue and 9th Terrace and 10th, which is all the Coral
Garden [sic] Condominiums area and the residential. So that's -- I don't know if, Madam City
Attorney, it's -- can that be added to the covenant in case --?
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Yes. This is first reading.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: This is first reading.
Ms. Chiaro: So the covenant that is proffered will be accepted, if this Commission approves the
change in zoning. On second reading, we can, in the City Attorney's office, review the covenant
that is offered by the developer and assure that the items that have been stated to be added are
included.
Commissioner Regalado: Okay. This is first reading, so I'll make a motion --
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- to approve on first reading.
Chair Sanchez: With the covenant?
Commissioner Regalado: With the covenant.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. Can we just put --? Well, I'll tell you. We'll -- we got plenty of chance --
Ms. Chiaro: The covenant --
Chair Sanchez: -- we got plenty of time on second reading.
Ms. Chiaro: -- comes on second reading.
Chair Sanchez: Okay. So the covenant will come back. Okay. Need a second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Sanchez: Second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any further discussion on the item? This is
first reading. You will have an opportunity for second reading, based on the covenant that will
come in second reading. There's been a motion and a second. Question, Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Madam City Attorney, we were told that our comp. (comprehensive)
plan is illegal and not in compliance with our zoning, and the case of City of Cape Coral [sic]
467 So. 2nd 468 was cited. Is that a correct representation?
Ms. Chiaro: It is an incorrect representation. The comp. plan for the City ofMiami is legal, but
the zoning -- the comp. plan covers a broad land use category, and then the uses for the zoning
within that need to fit within the comp. plan category. They do not need to be exactly mirrored.
Planning Department can explain that even more, but --
Commissioner Sarnoff. What is the Cape Coral [sic] case say? 'Cause we've been -- a case was
cited to this Commission. I don't know what it says. I was told we're illegal.
Ms. Chiaro: Nor do I know what that is. We have a zoning scheme in the City ofMiami that
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requires, as I just told you, that we have broad land use categories and then --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Does anybody have the case?
Ms. Chiaro: -- the --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Yes.
Ms. Chiaro: -- zoning within it needs to be included in that land use category. And in the comp.
plan for the City ofMiami, the use that is currently in the zoning -- the zoning that is currently
on the property fits within the City ofMiami Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So you're saying to this Commission, don't accept any of the counsel's
representations about --
Ms. Chiaro: Absolutely not. I'm say --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. It'd be nice to hear that.
Ms. Chiaro: -- I'm saying that on this particular issue, counsel has characterized the zoning
incorrectly for the City ofMiami.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: I'm sorry, Commissioner. I didn't say illegal. I said inconsistent. There
was an inconsistency between the designation by the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning on the
property. In that case, in summary, says the comprehensive land -use plan legislatively sets a
zoning norm for each zone. After adoption of such a plan, zoning changes should be made only
when existing zoning is inconsistent with a plan and then only in the direction of making the
zoning more consistent with the plan, and I am reading from page 4 of 4, the second paragraph.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. 404?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Page 4 of 4.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Oh, 4 of 4. I'm sorry.
Chair Sanchez: All right. So it boils down to illegal or inconsistent.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Inconsistent.
Ana Gelabert-Sanchez (Director, Planning): It's not illegal or inconsistent.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: It's like the City Attorney explained. It is not -- first, it's not illegal, but
it's not inconsistent either. It's less. The category of the land use is the umbrella over the
zoning. The zoning can be less. The zoning is what is the ceiling, if you will, of what can be
built on that property. I don't know the case, andl am not an attorney. I will leave the City
Attorney's Office to read the case. I can just tell you from the comp. plan perspective.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Do you have the case, Madam City Attorney?
Ms. Chiaro: Counsel has just provided me the copy of the case. I can analyze this case, not in a
few seconds, but read the case and analyze it.
Chair Sanchez: Why don't you analyze it and bring it in second reading?
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Ms. Chiaro: Of course.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Commissioner, I would also call you to the standard of review and the
burden of proof in paragraph four, where it says the local comprehensive plans, which it
mandates are not --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. You want me to read where it says "Legal status of comprehensive plan
to be such that its adoption, all land development regulations enacted or amended must be
consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan"?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That's it.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And you're citing Florida Statute 163.3194(1)?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Actually, I think it's the court that cited that statute, not I.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay. Couldl have one more question, Mr. Chair?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Of course.
Chair Sanchez: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. What -- why is this consistent with Miami 21? I've heard so many
people say the two are absolutely inconsistent. Why is this consistent with 21?
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: The design of the building is consistent with the design elements that are
outlined in Miami 21. So this building, which meets the current zoning and could be built under
11000, when it comes to design, would also fit the design elements ofMiami 21. Is that
accurate?
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: It has gone through internal design review, and they have found that the
-- as Mr. Lavernia explained, the concern we had -- and that's why we have to also say denial --
the Planning Department does not have the authority to approve a covenant, therefore, a project.
Therefore, to us, it's denial. The proposed Miami 21 zoning classification is a T6-8(0), 0
meaning mixed use. I actually have met with the owner of the property several years
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) were in the process. We did not feel that just the office without a project
was appropriate because of the height and the intensity abutting a single-family res -- the
residential -- the R-3 that was --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: I agree.
Ms. Gelabert-Sanchez: -- the office was just -- the transition was not there. Therefore, that's
why we're waiting for Miami 21, and that's what we're proposing. Having said that, the
covenant that they're bringing, we don't have the authority to approve it; you do. So we could
not just approve a blank check on a zoning that we felt that it was inappropriate.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: And the project is specific --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Yes.
Chair Sanchez: -- with the covenant that'll be coming in second reading. All right. So we have
a motion and we have a second with -- well, the covenant will come in second reading. All right.
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Okay, it's an ordinance on first reading. So read the ordinance into the record, followed by a
roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney Maria J. Chiaro.
Chair Sanchez: Roll call.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call. Commissioner Gonzalez?
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff?
Commissioner Sarnoff You realize that you cited a concurring opinion. You did not cite the
case for its holding. I'll vote yes, but I'm concerned that you would bring that up for a
concurring opinion.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Regalado?
Commissioner Regalado: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Chair Sanchez?
Chair Sanchez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 4-0.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Counsel, can you reach out to some of the residents if they have
concerns? I think that they need to understand what the project specific is all about, about not
having --
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: -- five stories in the back, just having a pool deck.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: I'll be happy --
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: -- to meet with them.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Okay. So that takes care of that item.
PZ.19 09-00025zt ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 9, GENERAL AND
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, SECTION 907, IN ORDER TO REQUIRE
A CLASS I SPECIAL PERMIT FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL YARDS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
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09-00025zt PAB Reso.pdf
09-00025zt CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
09-00025zt CC FR 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
09-000252zt-Submittal-Orlando Toledo.pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on May 20, 2009 by a vote of 9-0.
PURPOSE: This will allow the requirement of a Class I Special Permit for
applications of special yards.
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter
be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff and Regalado
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Sanchez and Spence -Jones
Commissioner Gonzalez: Let me see PZ.19 -- if we can take PZ.19. What is PZ.19? It's an
Administration item. PZ.19, Mr. Manager, is your item.
Lourdes Slazyk (Zoning Administrator): PZ.19. This is a first reading ordinance in order to add
a Class I Special Permit requirement for the application of special yards. Special yards is
something that the Zoning Ordinance currently allows the Zoning Administrator to do without
notice. What I've handed out is a real -life case that we got in the Office of Zoning, which kind of
prompted some discussion about this. There are properties around the City that are either very
strange shapes or they're strange -- you know, abnormal situations around the property. This
one was one where the property was actually kind of the hole in a doughnut, and it's very
difficult to try to figure out how to apply the setbacks to a property like this because it is not a
normal situation. Typically, when you think of a lot, you think the front yard is the first 20 feet
along the street; the rear yard in the back, and then the sides are applied to the two sides of
your property. When a property is completely surrounded like this, the functional equivalent of
the front, rear, and sides is different than how it might actually be applied with a standard
application. So we apply special yards. I think, since I've been the Zoning Administrator, it's
been done twice. It's something that really doesn't happen very often. The concern of these
residents, once I actually sat with them and explained how these were applied, they didn't
really have a problem with it. They just said they wished they would have been notified So all
this ordinance does is add a Class I requirement before we apply special yards so that neighbors
will receive notice and have an opportunity to come look at the plans.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Commissioner Regalado: Second.
Commissioner Gonzalez: We have a motion and we have a second. It's an ordinance. Madam
City Attorney, please read the ordinance.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Victoria
Mendez.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Roll call, Madam City Clerk.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The item has been passed on first reading, 3-0.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair, would you --?
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. We're going to break for lunch because we have two items
here in Commissioner Spence -Jones district; she's not here. And we have another item on
Commissioner Sanchez district, and he's not here either. So let's break for lunch. We'll be back
at 2: 30. Thank you.
PZ.20 06-01657x1 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), GRANTING THE APPEAL, REVERSING THE DECISION
OF THE ZONING BOARD AND THEREBY GRANTING A SPECIAL
EXCEPTION AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 11000, AS AMENDED, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, ARTICLE 9, SECTION
917.7.2, REDUCTION IN PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WHEN LOCATED IN COMMUNITY
REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS (CRD), TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A NEW MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH REDUCED PARKING
SPACES, TO WAIVE 25 OF THE REQUIRED 61 PARKING SPACES,
PROPOSED 36, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 401
SOUTHWEST 17TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO PLANS ON
FILE AND SUBJECT FURTHER TO A TIME LIMITATION OF TWELVE (12)
MONTHS IN WHICH A BUILDING PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED.
06-01657x1 Analysis.pdf
06-01657x1 Zoning Map.pdf
06-01657x1 Aerial Map.pdf
06-01657x1 Letter of Intent.pdf
06-01657x1 Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
06-01657x1 Plans.pdf
06-01657x1 ZB Reso.pdf
06-01657x1 Appeal Letter & Supporting Documents.pdf
06-01657x1 CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
06-01657x1 CC Legislation (Version 4).pdf
06-01657x1 Exhibit A.pdf
06-01657x1 CC 06-25-09 Fact Sheet.pdf
06-01657x1-Submittal-Vicky Garcia-Toleda.pdf
Motion by Chair Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez and Regalado
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Spence -Jones
R-09-0319
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Roberto Lavernia (Chief of Land Development, Planning Department): Yes, sir. For the records
[sic], Roberto Lavernia. It's an appeal of a decision of the Zoning Board. There was an existing
special exception that was granted by the Zoning Board for the Aquarela project that the
timeframe elapsed and the applicant applied again, the same application, and it was denied by
the Zoning Board. This is the appeal of that decision.
Chair Sanchez: Out of curiosity, how many times have [sic] that ever happened in the City?
Mr. Lavernia: Lately, it's been happening often that they didn't --
Chair Sanchez: Lately?
Mr. Lavernia: -- extension of time or new application that it's the same application that has
been denied by the Zoning Board. Yes, sir.
Chair Sanchez: All right. I will go ahead and make a motion to extend the time --
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right.
Chair Sanchez: -- based on the tough economy.
Vicky Garcia -Toledo: Excuse me, but this is a new application that would have to be approved.
It's no longer an extension.
Chair Sanchez: I believe it is an extension with the application.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: For the record --
Mr. Lavernia: No. They had it -- the timeframe elapsed. They are -- this is a brand-new
application. It is the same request.
Chair Sanchez: Okay.
Mr. Lavernia: It's to grant the special exception.
Chair Sanchez: But it is the same request --
Mr. Lavernia: Exactly --
Chair Sanchez: -- nothing has been changed?
Mr. Lavernia: -- the same, and the same --
Chair Sanchez: All right. Go ahead.
Mr. Lavernia: -- project.
Chair Sanchez: I'll let you put something on the record.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: For the record, Vicky Garcia -Toledo, with the law firm ofBilzen Sumberg,
and I'm appearing before you on behalf of Aquarela, LLC (Limited Liability Company). And
Commissioner, you're quite right. In 2005, the Zoning Board approved the special exception
that is before you today unanimously. And by the way, just so that you know, all we did when we
reapplied now was changed the dates on the same set of plans, on the same survey -- well, a new,
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
updated survey, but the same land and the same application. 2005, it was approved by the
Zoning Board. In 2006-- by the way, special exceptions are only approved for one year, in
which you have to obtain a building permit. We came back in 2006 and obtained an extension of
one year, which is as much of an extension as is permitted by the City Code. Because of
financial situations, the project was not built. In 2009, we came back with the same subject,
same application and applied. In taking it to the Zoning Board, the Zoning Board denied. And
the arguments that were presented was that the chairman of the board -- and by reference, I
would askfor the inclusion of the transcript -- but he said, andl quote, "You want me to base my
conclusion or my inclination on something that you're holding yourself out to because of
something. Because it was an ordinance that was done eight years ago and we should follow
that rule?" I explained that this is in a special district based on the US (United States) Census --
andl would askfor copies of the US Census to be given to the City Clerk for the record -- the
average occupy -- owner -occupied or renter -occupied apartment in this particular census tract
is .8 or .7 of a car per unit. Using that census data, the CR -- this community revitalization
district was identified and allowed to have up to 50 percent reduction in parking via a special
exception. A special exception is a permitted use that has to be granted if all of the criteria in
the special exception is met. Your Planning Department, in 205 [sic], 206 [sic], and again in
209 [sic], has said that this project meets the requirements of your Zoning Code. And that same
Zoning Code is even more specific in that it tells the Zoning Board that the Zoning Board shall
give full consideration to the recommendation of the director of the Department of Planning and
Zoning and shall make written findings that the applicable requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance have been met. All this happened, and yet, they simply denied. I can continue to read
you a direct quote from the chairman of the department [sic] who explained that he's a broker;
that he walks the street everyday, that he knows how people live in condominiums and
apartment, but you know, I rather not.
Chair Sanchez: Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: I would ask you to reconsider this denial, please.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sanchez.
Chair Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, I would move to approve the appeal based on these are tough
times. It's often difficult for affordable housing development to get the financing, the permit.
This has no opposition from any resident. As a matter of fact, based on the time expiring, it's
something that we should support because I still believe this affordable housing project could be
done. And you know, I'm surprised because, in the past, this was done commonly. Now it's
gotten to a point now where every time that it goes in front of a -- PAB (Planning Advisory
Board) [sic], they're not extending it.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Zoning Board.
Chair Sanchez: Zoning Board, I'm sorry. So, basically Senate Bill 360 automatically now is
granting the extensions, so I don't see any problem, and therefore, would move to approve the
appeal.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. We have a motion and we have a second. Any further
comment? I'm just going to say one thing. I have not read nor have I thought -- so I don't want
it to be considered a part of the record that I reviewed anything said at the Zoning Board
hearing. Andl really don't like when counsel says "I'd like to move to include this as part of the
record" I don't base my decisions predicated upon when a lawyer comes in and says, "Here's a
bunch of documents. I want this part of the record" 'cause I haven't reviewed them, nor do you
expect -- and if you expect me to review them, please send them to my office four days in advance
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
of your hearing, and I'll review everything. But to turn around and say, "Here's a record. I
want this part of the record so in the event lose on appeal, I can say the Commission
considered this." This Commissioner did not. So we have a motion and we have a second. All
in favor, please say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Any opposed?
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Chair Sanchez: Commissioner --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry. Was there an --? Did you oppose? I'm sorry.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I didn't oppose it. I just said that I --
Ms. Thompson: Thank you, 4 --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- don't want it considered part of the record that I've reviewed.
Ms. Thompson: So that's 4-0. Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: All right.
Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Thank you.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER'S ITEMS
CITYWIDE
HONORABLE MAYOR MANUEL A. DIAZ
END OF CITYWIDE ITEMS
DISTRICT 1
COMMISSIONER ANGEL GONZALEZ
END OF DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
COMMISSIONER MARC DAVID SARNOFF
END OF DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 3
CHAIR JOE SANCHEZ
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
D3.1 09-00692 RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RECOGNIZING
SEPTEMBER, 2009, AS "NICARAGUAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI.
09-00692 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Chair Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez and Regalado
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Spence -Jones
R-09-0318
Chair Sanchez: Couldl be recognized for my discussion item, which I believe is the last item?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah. Go ahead.
Chair Sanchez: All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Do we have the gentleman here? Is he
here? Is David Gusman (phonetic) here? This is a resolution based on the diversity of our city,
which really is what makes Miami such a magical city, the diversity that represents our entire
city. I want to make sure that it's important to recognize what the Nicaraguan -American
community has done for -- David, could you --? Well, you can't speak on this item, but I know
you're here on this item. I just, once again, want to emphasize the importance that the
Nicaraguan community has played in Miami being such a diversified community. You know, the
Nicaraguan American constitute the second largest Hispanic community in South Florida, and
it's one of the largest Hispanics [sic] community in Miami. And we all know that the rapid
growth of population started in September of 1971, following the earthquake ofManagua,
Nicaragua. And based on that, a large group of Nicaraguan immigrants arrived here in the
States in 1979, after also escaping Communist regime in Nicaragua. They played a very
important role in not only making sure that the increase in trade between Florida and Nicaragua
has increased in the last years, but also the great significance that they have played through our
cultural diversity in the richness of our city. I think it is important to recognize the great effort
that they have put and made to this city, making Miami truly a world -recognized diversified city.
So we wanted to take this resolution that I'm presenting today, and hopefully, we could get the
complete support of the Commission to recognize that September 209 [sic] will be recognized as
the Nicaraguan American Heritage Month in the City ofMiami, and the people of this city are
called upon to observe the month by participating in programs, ceremonies and activities
celebrating the historical and cultural contribution of Nicaraguan Americans that have played to
Miami and the United States. So at this time, I would make a motion to approve this resolution
in the City ofMiami.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. All in favor, please say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All opposed? None.
Chair Sanchez: And also, it will be presented, I believe, in the next Commission meeting, when
we have representation from the Ruben Dario Foundation, which David is here. David, thank
you so much, once again, for what you do for our community and what the -- our Nicaraguan
brothers and sisters have done for our community. Thank you.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Unidentified Speaker: Thank you, Chairman.
END OF DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONER TOMAS REGALADO
D4.1 09-00713 DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION ABOUT A PROPOSED MARKETPLACE ON LEJEUNE
ROAD.
09-00713 Email.pdf
DISCUSSED
Commissioner Gonzalez: I notice some public that recently come into the Commission chamber.
Can anybody --? I don't know if it is one group, and if it is one group, could you tell me what
item are you here for?
Commissioner Regalado: Commissioner, I think that some of these residents are maybe here
regarding the marketplace, you know, that it was moved -- that is a discussion item in the
afternoon, but this is after the Planning and Zoning.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: So I don't know what you want to do. You tell us.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Well, you know, we don't want to keep them here until maybe 3 or 4
o'clock in the afternoon. So if you want, let's -- okay. Let me see. PZ.14 and 15 -- I'm going to
calla recess at 1 o'clock. PZ.14 is a first reading.
Commissioner Regalado: Commissioner, you -- do you want to do this item? It's a discussion
item.
Commissioner Gonzalez: It's a discussion item, right.
Commissioner Regalado: We probably --
Commissioner Gonzalez: We're not going to take any action on it because it's a discussion item.
Commissioner Regalado: Well, it's -- it was -- on the briefing yesterday it was recommended a
brief resolution for the extension of a special permit or something while they go through the
process, and with some conditions.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yeah. But the problem --
Commissioner Regalado: But --
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- is that, you know, we had never done that and we have always --
discussion items have always been --
Commissioner Regalado: Right.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- treated as discussion items, and then, if we want them to become a
resolution or an ordinance, we'll bring it back on the regular agenda as a resolution.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Commissioner Regalado: It could only be a discussion item and then bring it back in the regular
agenda on the next meeting.
Commissioner Gonzalez: I can tell you one thing right now, you know. I sympathize with the
people that work at the flea market, andl know their needs andl know their problems, but I'm
also hearing a lot of concerns from the neighbors, and I'm also hearing that there are neighbors
that are condominium association presidents that are collecting signatures against this item. So,
you know, if you want to discuss it, but --
Commissioner Regalado: Discussion.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- I'm not intending to vote, you know.
Commissioner Regalado: No, no. Discussion item only, no action.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Okay, let's bring it so they can participate and -- you know,
also, there will be no input from them because this will be a discussion item among the
Commissioners. So you're recognized on the item.
Commissioner Regalado: Thank you. And --
Commissioner Gonzalez: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Regalado: -- this is just to get an update. And the reason I placed it is because of
the old flea market was in District 4. Now the new marketplace could be on District 1, and this
is why, out of respect of the area Commissioner, I will not propose any action, but just to make
sure that people understand what is going on. Maybe Orlando Toledo --
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Commissioner, before you -- excuse me. We're
discussing D4.1. I just noticed that we didn't announce the item we're discussing. I'm sorry to
interrupt you.
Commissioner Regalado: Oh, okay.
Ms. Chiaro: It's D4.1, so that the public knows --
Commissioner Regalado: D4.1.
Commissioner Gonzalez: D4.1.
Ms. Chiaro: -- and --
Commissioner Regalado: D4.1. Well, just a discussion item, and maybe Orlando Toledo can
update us on what is going on and what is the process, and then I'll defer to the area
Commissioner for any more comments. My idea of placing this on the agenda is just to
understand what is going on because I didn't know. That's all.
Orlando Toledo: Orlando Toledo, senior director of Building Planning & Zoning. Presently,
they're at their last weekend, which is this weekend coming up. There have been -- they have
already submitted for their special exception, which will be going in July, and then it needs 30
days, so it will be coming back in September if it does get appealed. If the Zoning Board
approves it, then that would be the end of it, and that's where it stands.
Commissioner Regalado: So they understand, it's going through the process that -- for a special
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
exception --
Mr. Toledo: To be a permanent --
Commissioner Regalado: -- to be a permanent marketplace. And then there will be a public
hearing on the Zoning Board.
Mr. Toledo: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Regalado: Now they have an administration permit to go -- to keep doing while
they are going through the process; that's right?
Mr. Toledo: Yes. In addition, also, they're asking for a waiver of parking. They have secured --
and Teresita will correct me if I'm wrong -- a lease for three years so that they could park all
their cars in the Ocean Bank.
Unidentified Speaker: IfI may. We've made modifications to the special exception --
Commissioner Regalado: Wait, wait. Because the chairperson needs to allow whatever you
want --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yeah. This is a discussion item among the Commissioners. This is not
a public hearing. It's an item that was brought up by Commissioner Regalado just to discuss
among the Commissioners and the City Administration. Let me tell you, Orlando. When I first
was contacted in reference to this site, I think that my office told you and told everyone that
want you, the Administration, to follow the same rules and the same procedures and the same
things that you have done with anybody else and with any other property in the City ofMiami,
okay? And let me tell you -- andl'm going to be quite frank, okay? I'm going to be quite frank
andl'm going to speak publicly, okay, about it. This property belongs to Century. The owner of
Century is Sergio Pino. I don't want any interpretation or any misunderstanding that we are
doing anything special because this property belongs to Sergio Pino, who is a very influential
person in this community and very well political [sic] connected, okay. At least I'm not going to
be a part of that. I don't want anything to do with that, and that's what I told you, that want
this item to follow the same procedures that anybody else will have to follow in the City of
Miami.
Mr. Toledo: And, Commissioner, you're absolutely right, and it is following every single
procedure that everybody goes through.
Commissioner Gonzalez: So -- but what are we doing now? You know, we're not even taking
into consideration the concerns of the people -- of the property owners. I don't know if you're
aware that you have about four or five condominium buildings right behind this lot, okay, people
that have been living there for years and years and years. And these people are mobilizing now
and they're collecting signatures, andl'm hearing the rumors that they're going to come here en
masse, okay, to protest this -- whatever it is that's going to happen over there.
Mr. Toledo: From what understand -- andl have heard the rumors, but at least we haven't
received any calls yet -- at all, andl have Mariano de Mola here from Code Enforcement so that
he could say so. As I understand, there has been no calls to the Administration to let us know
that, even though I have heard the rumblings, yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: So, you know, I have a serious concern. I want this to follow the right
procedure. You know, if they have to go to -- before the Zoning Board on the 3rd, let them go to
the Zoning Board on the 3rd, and let the Zoning Board make their own decision based on the
public hearing and make on -- you know, and based on the testimony that they will hear. If if is
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
appealed, then they will have to come to the City Commission, but then there will be an open
public hearing when both sides will have an opportunity to address the Commission, and then
we'll have the opportunity to evaluate both sides and make an intelligent decision.
Mr. Toledo: Okay.
Commissioner Regalado: That's fair.
Commissioner Gonzalez: That is my position on the item.
Commissioner Regalado: And --
Unidentified Speaker: May I --
Commissioner Regalado: -- ifI may. On the public hearing -- so people know, on the Zoning
Board, there is a public hearing --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- so people -- anybody can speak their mind, so -- and the public
hearing will be -- Teresita.
Teresita Fernandez (Executive Secretary): This is what our -- My name is Teresita Fernandez,
from Hearing Boards. The meeting will be the 13th, not --
Commissioner Gonzalez: The 13th.
Ms. Fernandez: Yes.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Okay.
Commissioner Regalado: July 13.
Ms. Fernandez: July 13 --
Commissioner Gonzalez: July 13.
Ms. Fernandez: -- at 7 p.m.
Commissioner Regalado: Okay. That's it. That's --
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Commissioner Regalado: -- the end.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right, sir. Thank you very much.
Pedro G. Hernandez (City Manager): Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hernandez: Mr. Chairman, if you allow me to -- just to clear the record. I was just advised
by Code Enforcement that we have received at least 26 complaints through Code Enforcement.
And also, I wanted to put on the record that there was construction work going on without a
permit. They were cited, and that work was stopped, and there is also another pending case for
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
trees that were cut down without a permit. So all of that activity --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Listen --
Mr. Hernandez: -- is going on.
Commissioner Gonzalez: -- when I tell you that I hear rumors about problems, it's because I've
heard the rumors about the problems, you know. It's nothing that I invented. It's nothing -- it's
because I have been listening to rumors. I go to have Cuban coffee a block away from that
place, andl hear the people talking in the restaurant about the problem, so I know there is a
problem. So, you know, let it go through the process. Let them go before the Hearing -- both
sides. Let them present their cases, and let the Zoning Board make a decision. And then if they
have to come to the Commission, we'll hear the case, but we hear a complete case.
Ms. Fernandez: Mr. -- Commissioners, ifI may. When they apply, the only violation that was
open was a tree violation, and we are not planning to schedule it until the applicant complies.
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Thank you very much. It's the end of the discussion, unless -
- Commissioner Sarnoff, any comments?
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I'd listen to the area Commissioner. I --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Commissioner Regalado, anything else you want to add, sir?
Commissioner Regalado: No.
Mr. Hernandez: And Mr. Chairman --
Commissioner Gonzalez: All right.
Mr. Hernandez: -- if you allow me again, for the record. It is -- the Zoning Board will hear the
item on the 13th of July, and then if anybody appeals that decision, there is a 30-day appeal
period that follows that meeting to allow for anybody to appeal to the City Commission.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Very well.
END OF DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
VICE CHAIR MICHELLE SPENCE-JONES
END OF DISTRICT 5
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
NON -AGENDA ITEMS
NA.1 09-00751 DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF RAFAEL
CABEZAS.
DISCUSSED
09-00751a RESOLUTION OF CONDOLENCE
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXPRESSING
DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND SINCEREST CONDOLENCES ON BEHALF OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI AND ITS CITIZENS TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF
RAFAEL CABEZAS UPON HIS UNTIMELY DEATH.
Motion by Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter
be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner Gonzalez, Sarnoff, Sanchez, Regalado and Spence -Jones
R-09-0320
Chair Sanchez: Before we move on with the agenda, I do want to take a point of privilege as the
Chair to have a moment of silence for a dear friend that was well known in our community who
passed away. Rafael Cabeza was not only a member of the Brigade 2506, but he was also an
activist in Allapattah. His family is surely going to miss him. I know that a lot of us who ever
had an opportunity to meet Rafael Cabeza were touched by someone who was really not only
devoted to our community, but someone who really extended his hand to help all those that he
could; and he certainly played an important role in our community in what he did. And know
that Commissioner Gonzalez was a dear friend of Rafael Cabeza. And as we do a moment of
silence -- before we do that, I'd like to pass the mike to you so you, yourself, could pass on
condolence to his family on behalf of this Commission.
Commissioner Gonzalez: Thank you, Joe. In fact, Rafael worked very hard in the Allapattah
community and not only in the Allapattah community, but in the entire City ofMiami and Dade
County. He was an activist. He was a great human being. He was always open to help anyone
that will come to him for any kind of assistance. He was a great father, a great husband, a great
friend, a great man. He was a patriot. Being very young, about 19 years old, he went to fight
the Castro regime. He serve time in prison, he was the president of the Brigade 2506 in two or
three occasions, and he was a well -recognized leader in our community. I would like to propose
that we pass a condolence resolution and that it be signed by all the City Commissioners and the
Mayor so we can present it to his family. Thank you very much.
Chair Sanchez: All right. At this time please bow our heads as we have a moment of silence for
the dear loss of a dear friend to this community, Rafael Cabeza. Thank you.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Chair, if my -- ifI may ask for clarification. Commissioner
Gonzalez did ask that you pass a resolution, so that means that you do need to have a motion, a
seconder, and a vote, please.
Chair Sanchez: I think everyone makes a motion, everyone seconds that motion --
Commissioner Gonzalez: I'll move it.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you.
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Meeting Minutes June 25, 2009
Motion to Adjourn
Chair Sanchez: -- to direct the City Clerk to prepare a resolution of condolence to be presented
to his family.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Sanchez: Thank you.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, and was
passed unanimously, to adjourn the June 25, 2009 Miami City Commission meeting.
Chair Sanchez: Are there any pocket items? If not, a motion to adjourn is always --
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Chair Sanchez: -- accepted. There's a motion --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- to adjourn. The motion is --
Commissioner Gonzalez: Second.
Chair Sanchez: -- to adjourn has been second; made by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by
Commissioner Gonzalez. That concludes our Commission meeting. Thank you so much. Have a
wonderful weekend and thank you so much.
City of Miami Page 114 Printed on 7/13/2009