HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2011-05-12 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
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Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 12, 2011
9:00 AM
REGULAR
City Hall Commission Chambers
City Commission
Tomas Regalado, Mayor
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Chairman
Frank Carollo, Vice -Chairman
Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner District Two
Francis Suarez, Commissioner District Four
Richard P. Dunn II, Commissioner District Five
Tony E. Crapp Jr., City Manager
Julie O. Bru, City Attorney
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
CONTENTS
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
AM -APPROVING MINUTES
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
PA - PERSONAL APPEARANCES
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
RE - RESOLUTIONS
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
PART B
PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
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...J'fefers to discussions that were interrupted and later continued.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
9:00 A.M. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 PRESENTATION
11-00419
Honoree Presenter Protocol Item
National Travel & Mayor Regalado Proclamation
Tourism Week
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
EMS ALS Fire Rescue Awards presented by
The Fire Department.
11-00419 Protocol Item.pdf
PRESENTED
1. Mayor Regalado presented a proclamation in celebration of the Twenty-eighth Annual
National Travel and Tourism Week,' joining the The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors
Bureau in this special observance because tourism is among the largest private -sector
employers in the United States, with over 100, 000 tourism jobs in Greater Miami, and serves as
a critical engine of the City of Miami's economic stability.
2. Commissioner Suarez paid tribute to the spirit of civic engagement of the Thirty-second
Class of Leadership Miami, a team experience sponsored by the Greater Miami Chamber of
Commerce which focuses on preparing the next generation ofMiamians to address vital issues
affecting Miami -Dade County.
3. Commissioner Sarnoff extended appreciation to Nzeribe Ihekwaba for his outstanding
commitment as Director of Public Works, applauding Mr. Ihekwaba for his outstanding
persistence in the resolution of an issue involving historic preservation in Coconut Grove and
the importance of caring for the City's sacred sites.
4. Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren presented EMS ALS Fire Rescue Awards to nine honorees
who excelled in the provision of Emergency Medical Services to the residents of the City of
Miami.
Chair Gort: At this time, we'll have the proclamations.
Presentations made.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairman Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chairman Carollo, Commissioner Suarez
and Commissioner Dunn II
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
On the 12th day of May 2011, 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 Gort at 9:31 a.m., recessed at 12: 53 p.m.,
reconvened at 2: 58 p.m., recessed at 3: 51 p.m., reconvened at 4: 07 p.m., and adjourned at 6:14
p.m.
Note for the record: Vice Chair Carollo entered the chambers at 9: 33 a.m., and Commissioner
Suarez entered the chambers at 9: 35 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Julie O. Bru, City Attorney
Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
Chair Gort: Welcome to the May 12 City ofMiami Commission meeting. The member [sic] of
the City Commission is at this time Richard Dunn, Commissioner Sarnoff, and myself,
Commissioner Willy Gort. With us also is Tony Crapp, Jr. -- he's here somewhere -- City
Manager; Julie Bru, the City Attorney, and Priscilla Thompson, the City Clerk. The meeting
will be open by a prayer by Commissioner Dunn and the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner
Sarnoff.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
MAYORAL VETOES
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chair Gort: Madam Clerk, do we have any mayoral vetoes?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No. There are no vetoes.
APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING:
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, to APPROVED
PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
ORDER OF THE DAY
Chair Gort: And is there a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So moved.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez.
Any discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
END OF APPROVING MINUTES
Chair Gort: We'll now begin the regular meeting. City Attorney will state the procedures to be
followed during the meeting.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning, members of the
Commission, Madam City Clerk, Mr. Manager, Mr. Mayor, members of the public. Any person
who is a lobbyist must register with the City Clerk before appearing before the City
Commission. A copy of the code section regarding lobbyists is available at 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 any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record
of the item. No cell phones or other noise -making devices are allowed in the chambers. Please
silence them now. Any person who becomes offensive or makes offensive remarks or becomes
unruly in the chambers will be barred from attending further Commission meetings. Any person
with a disability that requires auxiliary aids, please see the City Clerk. The lunch recess will
begin at the conclusion of deliberation of the agenda item being considered at noon unless the
Chairman indicates otherwise. There are some items in this agenda today also that are
Planning and Zoning items and those items will be taken up after 2 o'clock p.m. Thank you,
Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Thank you very much.
[Later..]
Chair Gort: Do anyone -- any of the Commissioners would like to remove any of the items or
withdraw or defer? The Administration?
Tony E. Crapp, Jr. (City Manager): Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission. The
Administration would like to defer item PH. 3 to the May 26 Commission meeting. The Mayor
would like to continue item M.1 to the June 9 Commission meeting. And PZ.4 will be
withdrawn.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Anyone else?
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Give me a second. I was under the impression that there was going to be
another item deferred for two weeks. I believe it's RE.6. I want to vernj, that. And if not, I
would like an additional two weeks anyways so --
Chair Gort: You'd like to defer --?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. I'll defer to the next Commission meeting.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Vice Chair Carollo: RE. 6.
Chair Gort: RE. 6.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Commissioner Suarez: I'd like an extra two weeks on RE.7 as well.
Chair Gort: RE.6, RE.7. Okay. Any other items? Any other Commissioner? Madam Clerk,
you have the --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): IfI just may read them back because I want to make sure
of the dates.
Chair Gort: Please.
Ms. Thompson: PH.3 will be deferred to 5/26. M.1 is continued to the June 9 meeting. PZ.4 is
to be withdrawn when we get to the PZ (Planning & Zoning) agenda. RE.6 is to be defer -- I'm
sorry, continued for two weeks so that's the -- I'm sorry. Two weeks?
Vice Chair Carollo: Either way, until the next Commission meeting.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Then if it's the next Commission meeting, it is going to be deferred to
May 26. And then RE.7 is deferred to May 26.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Chair Gort: That's correct.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Gort: Motion by Commissioner Suarez, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any further
discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
CONSENT AGENDA
CA.1 RESOLUTION
11-00348
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
Attorney DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND ON BEHALF OF JOHN ANTON,
SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA
STATUTES, THE TOTAL SUM OF $35,000, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE CITY OF
MIAMI, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT ADMISSION
OF LIABILITY, UPON EXECUTING A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, ITS PRESENT AND FORMER
OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
05002.301001.524000.0000.00000.
11-00348 Memorandum Office of the City Attorney.pdf
11-00348 Memorandum Financial Signoff.pdf
11-00348 Legislation.pdf
City ofMiami Page 6 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0187
CA.2 RESOLUTION
11-00334
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING THE BIDS
Purchasing RECEIVED MARCH 14, 2011, PURSUANT TO INVITATION FOR BID NO.
258233, FROM EMERGENCY VEHICLE SUPPLY CO. LLC AND DANA
SAFETY SUPPLY, INC., THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE
BIDDERS, FOR THE PURCHASE OR INSTALLATION OF EMERGENCY
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT, 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.
11-00334 Summary Form.pdf
11-00334 Award Recommendation Form.pdf
11-00334 Tabulation of Bids.pdf
11-00334 Detail by Entity Names.pdf
11-00334 Invitation for Bid.pdf
11-00334 Legislation.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0188
CA.3 RESOLUTION
11-00335
Department of Police A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MUTUAL AID
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE
MEMBER AGENCIES OF THE CHILD ABDUCTION RESPONSE TEAM AND
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, FOR AN
ADDITIONAL PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2011 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,
2012, TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AND EXTEND MUTUAL AID IN THE
FORM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES TO
ADEQUATELY RESPOND TO CONTINUING, MULTI -JURISDICTIONAL
INVESTIGATIONS OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT AND MISSING/ABDUCTED
CHILDREN, SO AS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY, AND
PRESERVE THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF THE CITIZENS, AS DEFINED
IN PART 1, CHAPTER 23, FLORIDA STATUTES.
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
11-00335 Summary Form.pdf
11-00335 Legislation.pdf
11-00335 Exhibit 1.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0189
CA.4 RESOLUTION
11-00382
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DECLARING NO
OBJECTION AND SUPPORTING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY RESOLUTION NO.
224-11, ADOPTED APRIL 4, 2011, CODESIGNATING NORTHWEST 2ND
AVENUE FROM NORTHWEST 30TH STREET TO NORTHWEST 36TH
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS "DOROTHY QUINTANAAVENUE;" FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICES.
11-00382 Legislation from Miami -Dade County.pdf
11-00382 Map of Dorothy Quintana Avenue.pdf
11-00382 Legislation.pdf
SPONSORS: HONORABLE MAYOR REGALADO
COMMISSIONER SARNOFF
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0190
CA.5 RESOLUTION
11-00386
Department of Police A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING A
CONTRIBUTION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,000, TO THE 26TH
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREVENTING CRIME IN THE BLACK
COMMUNITY, SPONSORED BY THE FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERALS
OFFICE, TO BE HELD MAY 18-21, 2011, IN MIAMI, FLORIDA; ALLOCATING
SAID FUNDS, PAYABLE TO THE URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MIAMI,
INCORPORATED, FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND, AWARD
NO. 1169, PROJECT NUMBER 19-690001, AND ACCOUNT CODE NO.
12500.191602.531000.0000,WITH SUCH EXPENDITURES HAVING BEEN
CERTIFIED BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE AS COMPLYING WITH SECTION
932.7055, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED.
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
11-00386 Summary Form.pdf
11-00386 Affidavit Letter - LETF.pdf
11-00386 Certification of Applicant. pdf
11-00386 Memo - National Conference on Preventing Crime.pdf
11-00386 Letter Office Attorney General. pdf
11-00386 Conference Schedule. pdf
11-00386 Legislation.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0191
Adopted the Consent Agenda
PA.1
11-00336
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, including all the
preceding items marked as having been adopted on the Consent Agenda. Chair Gort:
Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. Oh, wait. Before I take it, Mr. Mayor, let me ask you a
question. Nobody -- Can we have a motion on the consent agenda?
Commissioner Sarnoff: So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn.
Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Chair Gort: Mr. Mayor, you have the floor. Oh, wait. Before I take it, Mr. Mayor, let me ask
you a question. Nobody -- Can we have a motion on the consent agenda?
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn. Any
further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
PRESENTATION
PRESIDENT J.C. BERMUDEZ TO ADDRESS THE CITY COMMISSION
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
REGARDING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES.
11-00336 Email Request President Bermudez League of Cities.pdf
PRESENTED
Chair Gort: Mr. Mayor, you're recognized.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. I understand that
there was a time certain, but I also see Mayor Bermudez here, if you want to --
Chair Gort: Personal appearance, yes.
Mayor Regalado: -- take him before as a courtesy.
Chair Gort: Mayor Bermudez of the beautiful city of Doral, also the president of the
Miami -Dade League of Cities.
Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez: Thank you very much.
Chair Gort: You're welcome.
Mayor Bermudez: I'm here as the president ofMiami-Dade County League of Cities. Thank
you, Mayor Regalado, for that courtesy. First of all, thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chair,
members of the Commission for giving me the opportunity to be here. As I promised this year
when appointed as the new president of the Miami -Dade County League of Cities, I was going
to visit every municipality. There wouldn't be a Miami -Dade County League of Cities without
the City ofMiami, so it's important for us to come to see you as one of the first ones that we
visit, not only because of the fact that almost 60 years ago the organization began in large part
with the largest municipality in our county, which is this fine city, the City ofMiami.
Obviously, the Chairman has been the past president of this organization also, so I thank you
for your past work, and Commissioner Suarez happens to be one of our newest board
appointees and our treasurer, the guy who takes care of the money, so it's very important that
we make sure we come and visit him too. I want to, first of all, like I said before, thank you for
participating in being a member. And second -- the second issue I wanted to touch upon is to
let you know a little bit about what we've been doing and the efforts to continue to work
together with all the other municipalities. I know that this goes without saying in this city, but
52 percent of the residents of this county today live in municipalities. And in a time when we're
seeing some serious changes with our largest government, which is the Miami -Dade County
government, I think it's more important than ever for the municipalities to not only stick
together on issues that make a difference, but also to work together to bring about changes that
are positive for us. A time of reform can be very positive and it also can be very dangerous, in
particular for us as we sit on this side of the local government table, so to speak. We do a
number of things, many ofyou participate on our boards andl welcome you to go through the
list of our boards if you have an interest in participating. Be more than happy to certainly sit
down and talk to you about how you could help us. We have in particular a budget committee
that's going to be very active in looking at the County budget this year and hopefully we will
get that information to all of you. We also do a number of different things. I think Richard
Cooper, the executive director, who without him we could not -- I know all of you know him --
do our day-to-day work, has placed think on the dais some of the materials that we've come up
with, including an elected officials guide. And we're looking forward to in September or
October of this year, for the first time doing a best practices seminar for all the municipalities
of our county in which we will sit down and be able to discuss not only with elected officials but
also with other individuals that are experts in the field what are best practices so we can share
ideas and move forward. I do want to thank you all for participating -- Mayor Regalado was
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
kind enough, probably immediately after getting elected, to participate in one of our task forces
that dealt with an issue that is so important to all of us, which is the transportation tax, the
County transportation tax, which as you know is a hot button issue for all of us. Andl think by
sticking together we will get the result that I think we merit, which is that traffic is a regional
issue, it impacts all of us and we are part of the solution, not part of the problem. And second
of all, obviously on a number of issues that are important to you and some of the other larger
municipalities, including the community development block grants, we have certainly worked
and sent the documentation to our representatives in Washington to make sure that that gets
protected. I know for the City ofMiami that's of utmost importance. So whatl wanted to do
today was basically thank you first and foremost for being the largest municipality in Dade
County and being a part of our group. Thank you also for letting your past and present leaders
be leaders of our organization. And third of all, let you know that we are there for you and as a
organization this year in particular, it is my responsibility to make sure that we stick together
because I do believe that this next year will be -- regardless of who the County mayor is or who
the new County Commissioners are, it'll be important for all of the municipalities to understand
that the issues that are going to be discussed impact us. So I'm here to let you know that on
behalf of myself, Richard, the rest of the board, we are there for you and we thank you. And if
you any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them, and thank you for your time.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Appreciate you being here and making the presentation.
A privilege, I'd like to recognize Richard Cooper because he has really brought the League of
City [sic] a long, long way. Richard, thank you. You've done a great job. Thank you.
Applause.
Mayor Bermudez: And Chairman Gort, by the way, a product of the City ofMiami, so I just
want --
Chair Gort: We train them here. Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: No. I'll yield.
Commissioner Suarez: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Bermudez, for coming here
today and addressing us. Andl am one that truly believes in the word team and working as a
team, so I appreciate your words letting us know that we can count on you, the organization,
and we could work together. Andl do want to point out one issue that the City ofMiami
currently had to deal with, andl think it was also to a detriment to a lot of municipalities in the
state of Florida, and know we reached out to you through a resolution, butt would like to see
if in the future, whenever we have issues of this magnitude, we could somehow work a little bit
closer together. Andl don't know if you know or not, but I'm speaking about the billboard
issue.
Mayor Bermudez: Yeah. I would -- yeah, I know. As a matter of fact, actually, I don't think we
have a difference of opinion on that, you know. Our believe has and always will be that
municipalities should have the flexibility to be able to not have any particular issue which is
local, such as the billboards, be mandated to them by Tallahassee. Andl can tell you that even
though we didn't pass a resolution, we shared your point of view and we directed our
representatives in Tallahassee to essentially support the position that the City ofMiami and
other municipalities had. Obviously, I'm being a little bit biased as the mayor of the city of
Doral. But collectively as a group of cities, anything that is what we consider a mandate that
comes from Tallahassee that should be under our purview, we will always be -- as the League of
Cities, I believe we should always be together in Tallahassee making sure that any legislation,
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
for whatever reason, that anyone tries to pass that impacts us negatively, we stick together and
fight against.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. And I just want to, you know, point that out. And you know,
afterwards, after the presentation, I'll probably ask for a point of order, Mr. Chairman --
Chair Gort: Sure.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- to discuss that a little further.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, apologize for my failing health. I
just want to say that as a member of the board, as a newly appointed member of the board, I
want to thank the executive director and our new president for their hard work. From what I've
seen -- the very little that I've been, you know, exposed to the League, you know, in the
transitional period, I see a mayor and a president who is laser focused on trying to get the most
out of the organization. And you know, from his speech the night he accepted the presidency of
the organization, he's been pushing the members to wake up and to pay attention because the
things that are happening are very, very important and have a tremendous impact on our
community. So I just want to thank you for being that strong voice. You know, as the Vice
Chairman said, we're here to support you and we are here as a city to do everything you can to
be effective in your advocacy on behalf of us, our city -- you know, the biggest cities in the
County. So I just want to thank you again. I want to thank the executive director, and it's been
a pleasure working with you both.
Mayor Bermudez: Thank you, Commissioner.
Chair Gort: Anyone else? Thank you, sir, appreciate it.
Mayor Bermudez: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
PA.2 PRESENTATION
11-00337
9:00 A.M.
PH.1
11-00338
MR. WILLIAM TALBERT, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE GREATER MIAMI
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU TO ADDRESS THE CITY
COMMISSION REGARDING THE STATE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM
INDUSTRY.
11-00337 Email William Talbert State of the Travel Tourism.pdf
PRESENTED
Note for the record: Item PA.2 was presented during the Presentations and Proclamations"
portion of the Commission Meeting.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCES
RESOLUTION
PUBLIC HEARINGS
City ofMiami Page 12 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
Community AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
Development GRANT FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 AND $410,000 FROM THE
DISTRICTS 2 AND 5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESERVE ACCOUNTS,
RESPECTIVELY; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM, FOR AWARDS TO FOR -PROFIT
BUSINESSES LOCATED IN DISTRICTS 2 AND 5, TO RETAIN OR CREATE
JOBS FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM POLICIES;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS FOR SAID PURPOSE.
11-00338 Summary Form.pdf
11-00338 Public Notice.pdf
11-00338 Legislation.pdf
11-00338 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0192
Chair Gort: (INAUDIBLE) City ofMiami Commission meeting. At this time, I think we have to
being with Public Hearing 1. Yes, sir.
George Mensah: Good afternoon. George Mensah, director of Community Development.
PH.1 is a resolution of the Miami City Commission authorizing a transfer of CDBG
(Community Development Block Grant) funds in an amount of $100,000 and $410,000 from
District 2 and District 5 economic development reserve fund account, and this is for the
Community Development Economic Development Loan Fund program.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Chair Gort: It's been moved. Is there a second?
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Second. It's a public hearings [sic].
Mariano Cruz: Yes. Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26 Street. I agree with that. It's a good
use for the money because District 2 needs the money there. I know the -- Rafael Hernandez
Colon doing good. And they -- in District 5, Neighbors and Neighbors, with Leroy Jones, they
doing real good and that's a good (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F). Seventh Avenue, that corridor there
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). Like today I am going there because we have a rally to stop the -- they
want to close the post office, the financial place at Edison Center; been there for
forty -something years, the post office. You know, the (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F) said --
Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. Cruz: -- they don't cut the big salaries of the postmaster that make over a million dollars a
year. No, no. They want to cut the little service there for the old people that don't have a car
in Edison Center. I'm going to be there at 4: 30, and that's a good use for that money. Thank
City ofMiami Page 13 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PH.2
11-00339
Department of
Community
Development
you.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: For that district, yeah, I agree with that.
Chair Gort: Anyone else (UNINTELLIGIBT,F) the public that would like to address this issue?
Being none, close the public hearing. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it
by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NO. 09-0022, ADOPTED JANUARY 15, 2009, RELATING TO
THE CONVEYANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OWNED PARCELS OF
LAND LOCATED AT 400-420 SOUTHWEST 8TH AVENUE, AND 430
SOUTHWEST 8TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
THE TEATRO MARTI PROPERTY ("PROPERTY") AND RESOLUTION NO.
09-0089, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 26, 2009, RELATING TO THE ASSIGNMENT
OF THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH BISCAYNE HOUSING
GROUP, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TO TEATRO MARTI
APARTMENTS, LLC.; AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF THE
PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF MIAMI FROM TEATRO MARTI APARTMENTS
AND THE EXECUTION OF A NEW 50 YEAR LAND LEASE FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A MIXED USE, TWENTY-SEVEN (27) UNIT ELDERLY
RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE 50 YEAR LAND LEASE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
11-00339 Summary Form.pdf
11-00339 Public Notice.pdf
11-00339 Property Information.pdf
11-00339 City Deed.pdf
11-00339 Pre-Legislations.pdf
11-00339 Legislation.pdf
11-00339 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Suarez
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Dunn II
R-11-0193
Chair Gort: PH.2.
George Mensah (Director, Community Development): Mr. Chair, PH.2 is a resolution of the
Miami City Commission rescinding resolution number 09-0022, which was adopted in January
15, 2009, relating to the conveyance of the City ofMiami parcel at 400-420 Southwest 8th
Avenue and 430 Southwest 8th Avenue, Miami, which is commonly known as the Teatro Marti
property; and also resolution number 09-0089, adopted February 26, 2009, relating to the
City ofMiami Page 14 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
assignment of the purchase and sale agreement with Biscayne Housing; authorizing the
conveyance of the property to the City of Miami from Teatro Marti Apartments and the
execution of a new 50-year land lease for the development of a mixed -use, 27-unit elderly
rental housing project. And we have a -- making a small amendment to this resolution.
Ninoshka Reyes (Assistant City Attorney): Yes. We'd like to amend the resolution to change
with attachments, deleting that, and to amend authorizing in a form --
Vice Chair Carollo: In a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
Ms. Reyes: -- acceptable to the City Attorney as opposed to in substantially the attached form.
Chair Gort: I'm sorry. What was that again?
Ms. Reyes: The last sentence, where it says Ih substantially the attached form, 'to change it Ih a
form acceptable to the City Attorney."
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Let's hear from the public first and then -- Public hearing. Yes,
sir.
Mariano Cruz: Yes. Mariano Cruz, again, 122726 Street. I am glad to see something done in
that lot because I go by there every time andl see the empty lot, what the Marti Theater used to
be. Andl remember that because in the early '70s I fumigate the building of termites. It was a
big building there (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I don't know what he paid to the City, but don't think
he paid anything to the City at the time. And Biscayne Housing is doing good, real good
because I went -- I have seen the properties there in Carver House and the 71 Street, what they
are doing there. What they found there was a cemetery there (UNINTELLIGIBLE) they took
care and changed the way -- the park and everything. So there is a company with a heart. So I
agree that my federal taxes go for that. Not the City taxes because I don't pay City tax, but the
federal taxes, yes.
Chair Gort: Thank you, sir. Anyone else would like to address PH.2? Being none, we'll close
the public hearings [sic].
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Chair Gort: It's been moved and second. Moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by
Commissioner Suarez. Any further discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Quick discussion --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- Commissioner Gort. Thank you. I just wanted to state that this is a
project thatl've been working close with because originally the City ofMiami was going to be
contributing $4 million andl, as long as -- along with the Administration, the former City
Manager and so forth, spoke with the developer, Biscayne Housing, and we were able to come
to a negotiation where instead of $4 million, it's going to cost $3 million and it's going to be in
essence the same exact building. So we were able to save a million dollars which now can be
used for more affordable housing. So it's a project thatl've been working closely with and I've
been very active andl'm really glad that it's going to move forward, andl really believe that
Biscayne Housing is a reputable company that has been around for a while. They've done very
good work andl'm very optimistic and looking forward to working with them in this affordable
housing project. Thank you.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PH.3
11-00340
Department of
General Services
Administration
Chair Gort: Okay. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: PH.3.
Tony E. Crapp, Jr. (City Manager): PH.3 was withdrawn, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: It was?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Deferred.
Chair Gort: Deferred, okay.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -FIFTHS
(4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 (A)(1) AND
(3) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AFTER
AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGERS FINDING OF A SOLE SOURCE;
WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING
PROCEDURES AND APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES AND
REPLACEMENT PARTS/EQUIPMENT FOR THE AUTOMATED
COMPUTERIZED FUEL FACILITY SYSTEM (FUELOMAT SYSTEM), FOR THE
DEPARTMENTS OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AND
FIRE -RESCUE, FROM AHA ELECTRONIC AND FUEL SYSTEMS, INC., THE
SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, ON AN AS -NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS,
FOR A ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD, WITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND FOR TWO
(2) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIODS, WITH PRICES FIXED AND FIRM
FOR THE THREE (3) YEAR PERIOD; 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.
11-00340 Summary Form.pdf
11-00340 Memos - Sole Source Finding.pdf
11-00340 Notice to the Public.pdf
11-00340 Letter - Orpak USA Inc.pdf
11-00340 Letter - Parts List and Labor Rate.pdf
11-00340 Email - FuelOmat System.pdf
11-00340 Legislation .pdf
11-00340 Summary Form 05-26-11.pdf
11-00340 Sole Source Findings 05-26-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Note for the record: Item PH.3 was deferred to the Commission Meeting scheduled for May 26,
City ofMiami Page 16 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
2011.
PH.4 RESOLUTION
11-00341
Department of Police A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BYA FOUR -FIFTHS
(4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 (A)(1) AND
(3) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AFTER
AN 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 PURCHASE OF HAENNI PORTABLE
ANALOG VEHICLE SCALES, FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, FROM
LOADOMETER CORPORATION, THE SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, IN A
TOTAL ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,320; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND AWARD NO. 1019, PROJECT
NO. 19-690002, AND ACCOUNT NO. 12500.191602.664000.0000.
11-00341 Summary Form.pdf
11-00341 Letter of Loadometer Corporation.pdf
11-00341 Memos - Sole Source Finding.pdf
11-00341 Notice to the Public.pdf
11-00341 Email Review of Sole Source Findings.pdf
11-00341 Legislation .pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Suarez
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Dunn II
R-11-0194
Chair Gort: PH.4.
Major Steven Caceres: Commissioners, this is Steve Caceres, major for the Police Department.
On PH.4, it's approving, confirming the City Manager's finding of a sole source requirement of
sealed bids approving the Haenni Audible [sic] Analog Vehicle Scales from Loadometer
Corporation in total amount not to exceed $70,320. These funds will be coming out of DOJ
(Department ofJustice), LETF (Law Enforcement Trust Fund) funds.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Chair Gort: It's a public hearings [sic].
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: Anyone in the public --? Motion made by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by
Commissioner Suarez.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PH.5
11-00342
Vice Chair Carollo: I have one question. I'm sorry. Public hearing is open and closed?
Chair Gort: Public hearing is open and none come forward, so public hearing is closed. Yes,
sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I have one question. Why do we need a four fifth vote?
Major Caceres: It's a sole source --
Chair Gort: Sole source.
Major Caceres: -- vendor. Purchasing can provide information on that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, Major Caceres.
Kenneth Robertson: Kenneth Robertson, Purchasing director. Any purchase greater than
$25, 000 from a sole source provider requires a four fifth affirmative vote of the Commission.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair Gort: Any further questions? I have one, andl know you came in late. But my
understanding is, I have a letter here from the ChiefExposito that requested this November 15,
2010. It's been over six months. And one of the things we discussed and we talked about it; we
need to expedite some of the things.
Mr. Robertson: Correct. Purchasing received the request on November 16. We immediately
began researching comparable scales that would be considered for purchase in response to this
request. We sent specifications to the Police Department on December 14 for their review and
consideration. That piece of equipment was deemed to be not approved equal for varying
reasons, some of which were due to profile height of the scales, whether they were electric,
battery operated or digital versus analog. Additionally, on January 5 we sent five -- four
additional models for their review and consideration. And on March 3 the Police Department
also came back and said that they are not equal for varying reasons. So we had been working
with the Police Department diligently to process this. Our initial feeling was that this was not a
sole source finding, but after significant research we do feel that this is warranted.
Chair Gort: Because one thing we've been discussing here is the -- we need to expedite some of
the transactions that we do in the City. Sometimes we make a decision in here and it takes six
months to -- before anything is implemented. And right now with the situation the way it is, we
can't afford to do that. So Mr. Manager, one of the things we talked about -- not only about the
procurement; we also talked about the ability or expedite the permits, that people want to go
get a permit so we can have all our computers talking to each other so we can expedite that. I
think that's something we requested and we haven't received any report back on that, so I'd like
to get that as soon as possible.
Tony E. Crapp, Jr. (City Manager): Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying
aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Department of Public
Facilities
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT OF
EASEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, TO FLORIDA
POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, A FOR -PROFIT FLORIDA CORPORATION,
FOR A PERPETUAL, NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY
FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY (450) SQUARE FEET OF CITY OF MIAMI OWNED
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1717 NORTHWEST 5TH AVENUE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA (ALSO KNOWN AS WILLIAMS PARK), AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC UTILITY
FACILITIES, WITH THE RIGHT TO RECONSTRUCT, IMPROVE, ADD TO,
CHANGE AND REMOVE ALL OR ANY OF THE FACILITIES WITHIN SAID
EASEMENT.
11-00342 Summary Form.pdf
11-00342 Notice to the Public.pdf
11-00342 Legislation.pdf
11-00342 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0195
Chair Gort: PH.5.
Madeline Valdes (Director): Good afternoon. Madeline Valdes, Department of Public
Facilities. PH.5 is a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a grant of easement
with FP&L (Florida Power & Light) for the City -owned property located at 1717 Northwest 5th
Avenue. This is also known as Williams Park. It's to feed energy into the existing building.
Chair Gort: Okay, it's a public hearing. Anyone in the public would like to address this issue?
Mariano Cruz: Yeah, public hearing. Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26 Street. I am going to
say now whatl didn't say before because I thought it was discussion item, but since it's a public
hearing, public hearing -- I am with FPL -- anything that FPL want to do, I am for. You know
why? Because if we don't do all these things and all whatever, they're going to supply us with
candles, candles and then we have to shut off the air condition, the lights, and we have to have
candles. And you know, I am trained electrical engineer specialist, and the transmission of
power from the power plant to the substation hasn't changed since -- maybe you know the name
-- Kirchhoff in the nineteenth century. He was the one that got the grid system. It haven't
changed, the grid -- the transmission of power by grid. Now you got the smart grids on the
computer, but the transmission of power haven't change, unless you have built or you invent or
discover a super conductor. That way, you can put a power plant 10,000 miles away. You got
to have -- all the electricity they got. Magnetism. How you produce electricity? By
magnetism, okay. Now that's theory of electricity, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I mean, the whole
thing. Everything there. And you know, base -- I like to have that easement for the power
company because if FPL, it want was the only company around here that got the Deming
Award. You know who Deming was? You know Mr. Deming, the one that show the Japanese
how to work to get the problem before becomes a problem, okay. Then you get Toyota, all that.
Toyota (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Toyota now better than GM (General Motors), on top of the
world, okay.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
SR.1
11-00372
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mr. Cruz.
Mr. Cruz: So -- okay. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Anyone else would like to address this issue? Being none, close the public
hearings [sic]. Board members. Commissioners.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. We move it. I'll move it.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll second.
Chair Gort: -- Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. Any further
discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Okey-doke.
Ms. Valdes: Thank you.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES - SECOND READING
ORDINANCE
Second Reading
District2- AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioner Marc ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CHAPTER 50/ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF
David Sarnoff THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "SHIPS,
VESSELS, AND WATERWAYS/OPERATION OF VESSELS," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO ESTABLISH AN
EXCLUSION/SAFETY ZONE WHEREBY NO MOTORIZED BOATING, NO
MOTORIZED VESSEL, AND NO OTHER MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT
ACTIVITIES MAY TAKE PLACE IN AND AROUND CERTAIN AREAS OF THE
WATERS OFF CITY OF MIAMI OWNED AREAS OF BISCAYNE BAY AND
DINNER KEY SPOIL ISLAND, AS SET FORTH IN "COMPOSITE EXHIBIT A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, AND DESIGNATING SUCH
EXCLUSION/SAFETY ZONE AS A "VESSEL EXCLUSION ZONE";
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO UNDERTAKE AND TO EXECUTE
THE NECESSARY APPLICATIONS WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, THE STATE
OF FLORIDA, AND UNITED STATES AGENCIES TO ESTABLISH THE
PROPOSED BUOY LINES FOR SAID EXCLUSION/SAFETY ZONE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00372 Legislation.pdf
11-00372 Legislation SR (Version 2) 05-12-11.pdf
11-00372 Exhibit 1 SR 05-12-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
City ofMiami Page 20 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Carollo
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Suarez and Dunn II
SR.2
11-00297
Department of
Building and Zoning
13263
Chair Gort: Second reading.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I guess I -- Do you want to do this Robert? You want me to do it? I'll
do it. This is an ordinance City ofMiami amending Chapter 50/Article II of the Code of the
City entitled Ships, Vessels, and Waterway [sic]/Operations [sic] of Vessels,'described therein,
whereby no motorized boating and no motorized vessels and no motorized watercraft activities
may take place in and around certain areas of the waters off City ofMiami owned areas of
Biscayne Bay and Dinner Key Spoil Island set forth in composite A. What it is is a vessel
exclusion zone, andl would move this.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. To -- public
hearings [sic]. Anyone in the public would like to address this issue? Showing none. Any
discussion? Roll call.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your roll call.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 3-0.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
ORDINANCE
Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, AMENDING CHAPTER
2/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS/PLANNING,
BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT," MORE PARTICULARLY BY
ADDING A NEW SECTION 2-211, ENTITLED "DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF
CERTIFICATE OF USE," CREATING AND IMPLEMENTING A PROCESS FOR
THE DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF A CERTIFICATE OF USE; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
11-00297 Summary Form. FR/SRpdf
11-00297 Legislation.pdf
11-00297 Legislation SR (Version 2) 05-12-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Suarez
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Dunn II
13264
Chair Gort: Second Reading 2.
City ofMiami Page 21 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Barnaby Min (Zoning Administrator): SR.2 -- Barnaby Min, on behalf of the Office of Zoning
-- is an amendment to Chapter 2 of the City Code to establish for procedures or the revocation
or denial of certificate of uses.
Chair Gort: Okay. It's a public hearing. Is anyone who would like to address this issue?
Showing none, we'll close the public hearings [sic]. I have a question. My understanding,
since I first got elected last year, I've had problem with a terminal located at 22ndAvenue and
11 th Street and 14 Street. I'm -- Code Enforcement had been there so many times. I'm positive
that they don't have in compliance with the original plan that they established maybe ten or
fifteen years ago andl keep getting complaints about the oil dropping in the river and so on
and we inform (UNINTELLIGIBLE) about it. Can we do anything with this?
Mr. Min: The -- this -- the purpose of this ordinance is to give a little more teeth to the City in
order to prevent illegal businesses or businesses that are not complying with the City's
regulations and ordinances from proceeding any further. Whether there's guarantees that laws
will not continue to be broken, I cannot state that. But like I said, this will at least give the City
a little more teeth in addition to the Code Enforcement proceedings that currently are
occurring.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Move it.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff second by Vice Chairman Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second for discussion, though.
Chair Gort: Discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Is there a definition of good cause?
Mr. Min: No, there's no definition of good cause. The way the ordinance is written is that --
although the five items listed under Section 2-211, subsection B, are examples of a good cause,
that is not an all-inclusive list of what good cause is.
Chair Gort: Okay. My understanding is it's being request by Commissioner Suarez office to --
he'd like to discuss this, but at this time he's back. It's all yours. You finish, Vice Chairman?
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If -- well --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll yield to Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Vice Chairman. I think my issue has to do with adding
a different substantive thing to it, so if you want to talk about what's already existing, you can
go ahead and do that. My issue has to do with -- the last time we were here before this
Commission someone asked us what are we trying to do to better other parts of the community
that we don't represent. And you know. We were put in a very uncomfortable situation and -- for
a variety of other reasons. And one of the things that I'm exploring is the revocation of CU,
Certificates of Use, for convenience stores that are found guilty of violating electronic benefits
transfer laws. And what's happening is in certain parts of the City is that people are cashing
out their electronic benefits, their food stamps in essence, for cash and that's fueling a lot of the
drug trade in some of our inner cities. So one of the things that I'd like to add before passing
this on second reading, we could add it or we could -- I could bring it separately, which is fine
City ofMiami Page 22 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
as well. I mean, whatever the Commissioners prefer. But I'd like some language in there so
long as it complies with federal and state regulations that if someone is found guilty of -- if a
convenient store is found guilty electronic benefits transfer fraud that their CU be
automatically revoked and they not be able to conduct business at that location.
Mr. Min: Although I have a problem with the suggestion, I'm not quite sure necessary it's
necessary for two reasons. Number one, as we were discussing earlier with -- based on
Commissioner Carollo's statement, the basis for the revocation of the CU would be if there's
good cause. So if there is wire fraud occurring or an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) fraud
occurring, in my opinion there's good cause for the revocation of the CU. Additionally,
pursuant to 2-211(b) (4), the specific language is if there's a violation of the law that's
committed by the CU holder, that is also a basis for the revocation of the CU. So although the
legislation does not say convenient store or EBT fraud or anything along those lines because
this is more general for all business holders throughout the City, I believe there's enough teeth
to -- in the ordinance, proposed ordinance to address your suggestion.
Commissioner Suarez: I think that sounds good. I think -- I guess we'll see how it plays out in
practice, andl think that if it continues to be a problem, maybe it's something that can be
addressed specifically rather than generally because I understand your arguments and they
make sense, so that's it. I guess we'll see how it plays out. And if it continues to be a problem
and these CUs are not being revoked in areas where this fraud continues, then we can readdress
the problem at that time.
Chair Gort: Let me ask a question. The Nuisment [sic] Abatement Board is becoming very
active once again. What is the procedure? My understand was the -- ifI recall, any one
facility that has more than three police complaints or type of complaint, it should go in front of
the Nuisment [sic] Abatement Board and they have the rights to close the place.
Mr. Min: Unfortunately, I do --
Chair Gort: Can somebody tell me what the procedure is for that? 'Cause we have a lot of the
ordinance, a lot of laws, but they're not being complied with.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): The Nuisance Abatement Board deals with specific conduct in the
premises and they're set forth by state statute. I think it deals with three or more instances of
prostitution, dealing drugs and dealing, I think, in stolen property. So it's specific to those
kinds of illegal activities, not generally speaking. So if there was a will on the part of this
Commission to augment the list of occurrences that we can, you know, site to, we can -- we need
do that at the level of Tallahassee at the Legislature. We wanted to add other kinds of illegal
activity so that the Nuisance Abatement Board can prosecute those, we would have to add the
list to the state statute.
Chair Gort: I really would like to do that because we had Code Enforcement going -- this one
place Code Enforcement goes about every other day. We had police going every other day. We
had Fire Department going every other day. And there's nothing we can do. I mean, it's
ridiculous. I mean, they're making fun of us. And the neighbors is within a real nice residential
area, they're very upset and you can't blame them. That's been going on for years. I'd like to
see something on that, please. Okay.
Ms. Bru: And we can consider that as a directive by this Commission to make sure that we put
that in our legislative agenda for next session.
Chair Gort: Yes. Any further discussion? Ordinance.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your 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.
END OF ORDINANCES - SECOND READINGS
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
11-00343
Department of Public AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
Works 54/ARTICLE V OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS/CONSTRUCTION,
BASE BUILDING LINES," TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY COMMISSION TO
PERMIT PREVIOUSLY PERMITTED ACCESSORY STRUCTURE BUILT
PRIOR TO MARCH 24, 1983, WITHIN THE DEDICATED RIGHT-OF-WAY;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00343 Summary Form FR/SR.pdf
11-00343 Legislation.pdf
11-00343 Legislation SR 05-26-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Chair Gort: FR.1.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Director): Good afternoon. Zerry Ihekwaba, Public Works. FR.1 is an
ordinance to authorize the City Commission to permit previously permitted accessory structures
within the public right-of-way. Currently Chapter 54 of the City code provides a procedure for
long-standing encroachments to be permitted by the City Commission. However, it applies to
only fences, walls, and hedges. The current legislation will allow previously accessory
structures that had been permitted by the Building Department, such as awnings, swimming
pools and other structures, to be grandfathered under this ordinance change.
Chair Gort: Thank you. First reading. Public hearing. Anyone in the public would like to
address this issue?
Mariano Cruz: Yes. Mariano Cruz, 1227 26 Street. I agree with this ordinance in principle,
you know, especially since people now sometime they built a lot of things there in the -- by the
way and without asking permission or anything. So the swale belongs to everybody to the City,
whatever you -- actually, the property owner is giving that to the City and they come and put all
kind of triangles or rock or the whole thing; it shouldn't be there. It should be allowed for the
people to park. I agree with that. And also, the one thing I'd like to say -- because this give me
the time, public hearing -- to remind the people out there listening. Zerry is a good public
servant because I call him and he return the calls. Other director, you call them, they don't
bother to. They call ASAP (As Soon As Possible). I don't know what means ASAP, or as soon
as previous, whatever it is, you know. Andl know the system. If that happens to me what
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
happen to John Doe out there. No. Their inspector -- now, they harassing and they practicing
-- you know what doing, MBI, management by intimidation. They come and get there. The old
people, the widows with the batch, enter the premises, and you can't do this. No. No. That's
bad because -- the minute I get the specifics -- I cannot name names because I don't have
specifics. But when I get specifics, I'm going to come here and name names. And they don't
intimidate me, not at all.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Yes, sir.
Tony Recio: Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. Tony Recio, law office at 2525 Ponce de Leon
Boulevard. 171 be very brief. We're in support of this ordinance. It would require a showing
that there is a permit issued way back when. I've actually -- this was prompted by a client who
has a permit going back to 1952. It was permitted certificate of occupancy, and everything,
and then only with a recent survey was it discovered that it was actually slightly into the
right-of-way. So that's the purpose of this ordinance, and would urge you to pass it. Thank
you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Being none, we close the public hearings [sic].
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So moved.
Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Suarez. Any
further discussion? Being none, ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Your 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 Gort: Thank you.
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
11-00344
Department of Public AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
Works 54/ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS/CONSTRUCTION,
EXCAVATION AND REPAIR," TO INCLUDE A WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES
PROCEDURE FOR CERTAIN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
11-00344 Summary Form FR/SR.pdf
11-00344 Letter of Request for Waiver FR/SR.pdf
11-00344 Legislation .pdf
11-00344 Legislation SR 05-26-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
City ofMiami Page 25 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Director, Public Works): FR.2 is an ordinance to provide a waiver of permit
fees and a procedure for construction reconstruction and maintenance ofMiami-Dade County
Public Works Department improvement projects within the City ofMiami. What has happened
is that when the County intends to reconstruct or improve their right-of-ways [sic] that are
located within City limits, the City code requires that they pay for permit fees. This amendment
would allow the City Manager a procedure and a process to waive such permit fees. It is going
to be contingent on a commitment to reciprocate by Miami -Dade County. The package has a
commitment letter from the County Public Works director, as well as the stipulation codified in
the County Code in Chapter 2, Article 14 of the County Code, Section 2-103.4 that allows the
County to waive permit fees for governmental agencies. So this is going to be a reciprocal
legislation by the City.
Chair Gort: Thankyou. Public hearings [sic]. Anyone would like to address this issue?
Mariano Cruz: Yes. Mariano Cruz, 1227, 26th Street, Miami, Florida 33142-7639.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code the way the letters come straight to
my house there. I agree with this because Department of Public Works, the only thing they have
to do in a way, provide the people with a lot of service that they provide that are free. Because
I hate to see these people that go there, they like buzzards, you know, trying to get the money
from people, runners. I know a lady, they told me, that sell hot dogs. You know, a little cart
there. Over 65. That's free. I -- just to apply at Public Works and that's it. And somebody
charge her $1, 000 to fill a paper. You know, that's abusive what some people do. I have to
solve a lot -- ABDA (Allapattah Business Development Authority) solve a lot of people their
licenses of the people that they don't know how the system. Andl like to see something like that
expediting the service because they -- people of the City, the workers, especially now on this
kind of problem, especially the ones that are nonclassified, you know -- the cemeteries are full
of important people. There are no important people, important position. You will be important
when you are in that position. The minute you're not -- you are a nonclassified and they throw
you out -- they can throw you out five minutes, okay. Think of that. And we are in that kind of
time now. Not me. I am not expendable because all my income is safe. It's federal.
Chair Gort: Thankyou. Anyone else would like to address this issue? We close the public
hearings [sic]. I have a question. The --
Mr. Ihekwaba: Yes.
Chair Gort: -- only thingl would like to see -- andl don't mind waiving the fee, butl would
like to see -- to make sure that before they get the developer, whoever does that work, they get
the -- their funding or their payment for the final -- that we get a final inspection from the City
ofMiami. 'Cause we seen a lot of the work that's being done and it's not in accordance with the
-- our regulation and our procedures and our standards. I just want to make sure that we --
whatever work they do in the City ofMiami, when they finish, they're in compliance with our
standards.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Agreed.
Chair Gort: All right.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Okay.
Chair Gort: Ordinance.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
RE.1
11-00345
Department of
Fire -Rescue
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Now, Chair, I just need a mover and seconder, please.
Gort Chair: It's been moved by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any
further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
Ms. Thompson: No, no, no. I have to --
Chair Gort: (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F). Ordinance. Read.
Ms. Thompson: Yes. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Sony.
Ms. Thompson: This is your roll call for your ordinance.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 4-0.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
ADDING THE VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
AND THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES AS PARTICIPATING AGENCIES IN THE
MIAMI URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE ("UASI") GRANT PROGRAM
FISCAL YEAR 2009, PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 10-0290, ADOPTED
JULY 8, 2010; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM(S), SETTING FORTH THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE FISCAL
YEAR 2009 UASI PROJECT, ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE -RESCUE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR HOMELAND
SECURITY EXPENSES PURSUANT TO THE UASI GUIDELINES, FROM
UASI PROJECT NO. 18-180022, SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY APPROVAL.
11-00345 Summary Form.pdf
11-00345 Pre-Legislation.pdf
11-00345 Legislation.pdf
11-00345 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0197
Chair Gort: RE.1.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren: Good afternoon. Reggie Duren, deputy fire chief
Department of Fire -Rescue. RE.1 is a resolution of the Miami City Commission adding the
Village of Key Biscayne, the City ofMiami Beach, and the City of Coral Gables as
participating agencies in the Miami Urban Security Initiative grant program, fiscal year 2009.
Chair Gort: Okay. Do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Dunn: So moved. Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn.
Discussion. I have a couple of questions. My understanding, in the past -- and I'm looking
through the contract -- my understanding, this is going to be a $10 million that we're going to
receive to comply with the -- andl was looking through all the documents in here and there's
quite a -- quite -- lot of requirements that needs to be complied with in order for us to get
reimbursed. My understanding, in the past we had paid for the purchases and then we were
paid later on when the procurements -- or whenever the federal government and the state
decided to -- that we complied with all their requirements and all the -- and my understanding
right now, we have outstanding X'=- how much we have outstanding?
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Currently it's right in the area of $7 million.
Chair Gort: Seven million dollars. And this is from which fiscal year?
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: It's through several fiscal years.
Chair Gort: Okay. My understanding is you are working on this transaction, make sure we get
all documentation so we can get those funds back.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Yes, sir. We're doing everything we can to expedite getting those
reimbursements completed.
Chair Gort: Also, in reading the contracts in here, my understanding is the City's willing to
comply that they will not get paid until the City ofMiami gets paid -- reimbursed.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: That is correct. And that's what should greatly continue to diminish
that outstanding debt, and that is the fact that we don't front for any municipalities or the
County presently moving forward.
Chair Gort: Thank you. I just wanted to put that on the record. Also --
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Yes.
Chair Gort: -- we get three percent administration.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Yes, sir.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
RE.2
11-00346
Department of
Fire -Rescue
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you sir. Thank you, chief.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Okay.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
ADDING BROWARD COUNTY AS A PARTICIPATING AGENCY IN THE MIAMI
URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE ("UASI") GRANT PROGRAM FISCAL
YEAR 2007, PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 08-0196, ADOPTED APRIL
10, 2008; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ("MOA"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, SETTING FORTH THE PARTIES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE UASI
PROJECT ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF
FIRE -RESCUE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $287,424.37;
ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS, FOR HOMELAND SECURITY EXPENSES
PURSUANT TO THE UASI GUIDELINES, FROM UASI PROJECT NO.
18-180011-AWARD NO. 1564.
11-00346 Summary Form.pdf
11-00346 Modification #3 to Grant Agreement.pdf
11-00346 Modification #2 to Grant Agreement.pdf
11-00346 Modification #1 to Grant Agreement.pdf
11-00346 Pre-Legislations.pdf
11-00346 Legislation.pdf
11-00346 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0198
Chair Gort: RE.2.
Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren (Fire -Rescue): RE.2. RE.2 is a resolution of the City of
Miami Commission adding Broward County as a participating agency in the Miami Urban
Security Initiative grant program, fiscal year 2007, in an amount not to exceed $287,424.37.
Chair Gort: Okay. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Dunn: So moved.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Dunn.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Second by Vice Chairman Carollo.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman, I just want --
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: -- to ask a question. By adding them, that strengthens the application?
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Oh, no, sir. This grant we've already received and accepted.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: So basically what we're doing is they had an expense that occurred
in a previous year; they didn't complete the project, so this allow them to be reimbursed. And
we did expend that grant which they were involved in previously.
Commissioner Dunn: I remember, I remember. Okay.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Yes, sir.
Chair Gort: Now as I understand also, when I look at the budget was put together, the -- you
already put a budget and so everyone is going with that budget. In other words, all the
purchases and all those services in accordance to the budget that was presented here.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Yes, sir.
Chair Gort: And then you're going to divide it among the different cities. Who decides what
gets who?
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Well, what happens is they have a group, a committee within the
UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative) called an Urban Area Secur -- I'm sorry -- called the
UAWG, Urban Area Work Group. And what they do is they get together and they determine
which projects meet the needs of the community of this specific region on an annual basis.
Chair Gort: All right. Thank you. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: Okay.
RE.3 RESOLUTION
11-00347
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
Fire -Rescue AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE MODIFICATION #1 TO
THE GRANT AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT,
IN ORDER TO REINSTATE, MODIFY AND EXTEND THE MIAMI URBAN AREA
SECURITY INITIATIVE ("UASI") GRANT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2008,
WHICH EXTENDS SAID AGREEMENT FROM MAY 31, 2011 TO AUGUST 31,
2011; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND
SUBSEQUENT MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, OR
MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENTS, AS NECESSARY, FOR SAID UASI GRANT
PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2008 ON ALL MATTERS EXCEPT THOSE
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
DEALING WITH FUNDING CHANGES.
11-00347 Summary Form.pdf
11-00347 Pre-Legislation.pdf
11-00347 Legislation.pdf
11-00347 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0199
Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren (Fire -Rescue): RE.3 is a resolution of the City ofMiami
Commission authorizing the City Manager to execute modification number one to the grant
agreement in substantially the attached form with the State of Florida/Division of Emergency
Management in order to reinstate, modify and extend the Miami Urban Area Security Initiative
grant program, fiscal year 2008, from May 31, 2011 to August 31, 2011; further authorizing the
City Manager to extend subsequent modifications, amendments, extensions or memorandum of
agreements as necessary for said UASI (Urban Area Security Initiative) grant program, fiscal
year 2008, on all matters except those dealing with funding changes.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Is there any -- motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: So moved.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. This
means we're going to get all $7 million this year?
Deputy Fire Chief Duren: That's our goal.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you, chief.
Deputy Chief Duren: Thank you.
RE.4 RESOLUTION
11-00349
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE
Attorney DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND ON BEHALF OF LEONARD
WATSON, SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440,
FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TOTAL SUM OF $110,850, IN FULL SETTLEMENT
OF ALL CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE CITY
OF MIAMI, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT
ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, UPON EXECUTING A SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, ITS
City ofMiami Page 31 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PRESENT AND FORMER OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, FROM
ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 05002.301001.524000.0000.00000.
1-00349 Memorandum Office of the City Attorney.pdf
1-00349 Memorandum Financial Signoff.pdf
11-00339 Legislation .pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0200
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): RE.4. This is a proposed settlement in the case of Leonard
Watson versus City ofMiami. It's a worker's compensation. This would settle all claims
against the City by the above -- by Mr. Watson in the amount of $110, 850.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. Any
discussion?
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: I'm following the lead of my Vice Chairman. If he's okay with it, I'm okay
with it. That's true.
Vice Chair Carollo: Don't cause us to have a shade meeting now.
Commissioner Dunn: All right. I'll leave it alone.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll yield to the attorney here.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved. Co moved.
Chair Gort: Well, it's --
Commissioner Dunn: No. We had already --
Vice Chair Carollo: No. We already did that.
Chair Gort: -- been moved and second.
Commissioner Dunn: -- we already (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Gort: Further discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: You know I'm not --
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's a good settlement.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- crazy about settlements ever --
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's a good settlement.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- you know.
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's a good settlement.
Commissioner Dunn: That's why I said that.
Vice Chair Carollo: But --
Chair Gort: It's a good one.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- exactly. You know I'm not crazy about settlements, but you know, after
some extensive conversation with City Attorney's office, I do believe it's a good settlement.
Chair Gort: Okay. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RE.5 RESOLUTION
11-00403
District2- A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
Commissioner Marc AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY
David Sarnoff DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS, IN THE TOTALAMOUNT OF
$157,000, FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESERVE
ACCOUNT; ALLOCATING SAID FUNDS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT DEPARTMENT, SPECIFICALLY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $140,000 TO LEGION PARK AND $17,000 TO DOUGLAS
PARK, AS SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED,
FOR ELIGIBLE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTACTIVITIES;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS FOR SAID PURPOSE.
11-00403 Legislation.pdf
11-00403 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0201
George Mensah: George Mensah, director of Community Development. RE.5 is a resolution of
Miami City Commission authorizing a transfer of additional CDBG (Community Development
Block Grant) funds in the amount of $157,000 from the District 2 economic development
reserve account and allocating those funds to capital improvement for specifically Legion Park
and Douglas Park.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
RE.6
11-00299
Department of Capital
Improvements
Program
RE.7
11-00408
Office of the City
Attorney
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay, it's been moved and second. Public hearing. Nobody wants to speak. No.
We close the public hearings [sic]. Any further discussion? All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: RE.6.
Vice Chair Carollo: And 7 have been deferred.
Chair Gort: -- have been deferred, okay.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY"), A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE
STATE OF FLORIDA, REPLACING THE INTERLOCALAGREEMENTTHAT
WAS EXECUTED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 07-0272, ADOPTED
MAY 10, 2007, TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE CITY OF MIAMI TO RECEIVE
ITS PORTION OF MUNICIPAL SHARE FUNDS FROM THE CHARTER
COUNTY TRANSIT SYSTEM SURTAX ("SURTAX") FOR TRANSPORTATION
AND TRANSIT PROJECTS, AND TO ALLOW THE USE OF THE SURTAX
FOR ON -DEMAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, PRE -ARRANGED
TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN ADVANCE, FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS WHO
ARE AGED 65 YEARS OR OLDER AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
11-00299 Summary Form.pdf
11-00299 Pre-Legislation.pdf
11-00299 Legislation.pdf
11-00299 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Note for the record: Item RE.6 was deferred to the Commission Meeting scheduled for May 26,
2011.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S),
AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $113,439.40, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPRESENTING
FORMER COMMISSIONER MICHELLE SPENCE JONES IN CASES STYLED
STATE OF FLORIDAV. MICHELLE SPENCE JONES, CASE NOS. (1)
F10-06571 AND
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.1
11-00139
(2) F10-32859; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE NON DEPARTMENTAL
ACCOUNT NO. 00001.980000.549000.0000.00000.
11-00408 Memorandum City Attorney Office.pdf
11-00408 Memorandum Financial Signoff.pdf
11-00408 Legislation.pdf
11-00408 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Note for the record: Item RE.7 was deferred to the Commission Meeting scheduled for May 26,
2011.
RESOLUTION
END OF RESOLUTIONS
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE ARTS AND
ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FORATERM DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
11-00139Arts CCMemo.pdf
11-00139Arts Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Chair Gort: Board.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Commissioners.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: All right. We have board items. I do have names proffered by the Mayor, so is
it your pleasure that go through each one of these?
Chair Gort: Go right ahead.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Ms. Thompson: Okay. BC.1, we have an appointment due by Vice Chair Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: I am going to continue.
Ms. Thompson: That's your motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll make it as a motion then.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you. And we need a second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Gort: All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.2 RESOLUTION
11-00228
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.3
11-00229
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Francis Suarez
11-00228 Audit CCMemo.pdf
11-00228 Audit Current_Board_Members.pdf
NO ACTION TAKEN
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.2, Commissioner Suarez is not here.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE BAYFRONT PARK
MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commission At Large
11-00229 Bayfront CCMemo.pdf
11-00229 Bayfront Current_Board_Members.pdf
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.4
11-00371
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.3, we need a 5-5 on one of those, but we do have
on BC. 3 for the Bayfront Park Management Trust, Commissioner Suarez has an appointment,
and there is an at large seat. Currently, the person in the at -large seat is Ms. Elena Carpenter.
If Ms. Carpenter should be reappointed, because of her length of term, she would need a 5-5
term limit waiver.
Vice Chair Carollo: So let's just continue.
Ms. Thompson: And we don't have 5-5 here so.
Vice Chair Carollo: Exactly.
Chair Gort: Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Can get a motion, please?
Vice Chair Carollo: I move to continue BC. 3.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second.
Chair Gort: Moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any further
discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
Clerk APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE
CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
City ofMiami Page 37 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
11-00371 CIP CCMemo.pdf
11-00371 CIP Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-00371 CIP Nominations.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Suarez
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Dunn II
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.4, the Civilian Investigative Panel, the Mayor has
proffered the names from the list of candidates submitted by the Civilian Investigative Panel, of
Mr. Ellis Berger and Mr. RolandoAedo.
Commissioner Dunn: So moved.
Vice Chair Carollo: Question.
Ms. Thompson: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: As far as those names, are -- and I'm sorry; I just received the information
-- do they have to be within certain districts or so forth because it appears like the vacancy's
from District 3?
Ms. Thompson: Okay. According to what I have here, if it's the Mayor's appointment, as far
as I know, they're citywide. And it's -- right now it's the Mayor who's making those
appointments. And if I'm not mistaken andl -- if I'm not mistaken, the previous appointments to
the board were not necessarily by districts.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Right. And didn't -- as -- can we just table this and just pick it up later,
the BC.4 item?
Chair Gort: No problem.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, we'll just table it and -- thank you. That way I can --
Chair Gort: We'll come back.
[Later..]
Chair Gort: Okay, we're back. We got PZ (Planning & Zoning) items.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I -- after discussing with the City Clerk, you know, in looking at some of
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
the materials I had, we actually did change the makeup of the CIP board and two -- there
should be a makeup of two members from each Commission district for the CIP board.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: However, it seems like all the old members are still there and -- as
members, andl don't know which is from what districts and so forth. And what I'm afraid that
it's going to be filled up andl won't have my nomination for -- my two nominations for each
district, so whatl recommend is that we continue BC.4, if possible.
Chair Gort: Okay. There's a recommendation to continue -- what was it?
Vice Chair Carollo: BC. 4.
Chair Gort: BC.4. Moved by Commissioner --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Gort: -- Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, state it
by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
BC.5 RESOLUTION
11-00365
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
BOARD FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Pierre Rutledge Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00365 CEB CCMemo.pdf
11-00365 CEB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0203
A motion was made by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, and was
passed unanimously, with Commissioner Suarez absent, to appoint Pierre Rutledge as a
member of the Code Enforcement Board; further waiving the employmnet restriction of Section
of 2-884 (e) by a four/fifths (4/5ths) affirmative vote of the members of the City Commission, as
it relates to Pierre Rutledge as a member of the Code Enforcement Board.
Chair Gort: BC.5.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.5, we have appointments to the be made to the
Code Enforcement Board, Commissioner Dunn and three appointments for mem -- the
Commissioner [sic] at large.
Commissioner Dunn: Code Enforcement. I have an appointment?
Ms. Thompson: Yes, you do. The individual who's currently serving, Mr. Anthony Cantey, he
has extended absences for the year 2010 and 2011. If you should wish to reappoint him, you
would need a four fifth waiver.
Commissioner Dunn: How many absences has he had, ifI may ask?
Ms. Thompson: Yes. In the year 2010, he had six. And in the year 2011, he has six.
Commissioner Dunn: And what is the cap, maximum?
Ms. Thompson: According to the Code, anyone who has three consecutive ab --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, I'm good. I want to proffer the name of Pierre Rutledge.
Ms. Thompson: Pierre Rutledge.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Before we move on, if Mr. Rutledge is an employee of Metropolitan Dade
County or some other municipality, he will need a four fifth term waiver.
Commissioner Dunn: He's a School Board. That's -- is that considered a -- it's not a
municipality. That's part of the --
Ms. Thompson: It is a district.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Chair Gort: Four fifth. We have four --
Commissioner Dunn: Four fifths, okay.
Ms. Thompson: So Commissioner Dunn, you're proffering the name ofMr. Pierre Rutledge,
with a four -fifth employment waiver, if necessary.
Commissioner Dunn: That's correct.
Chair Gort: Right.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. I'm sorry; who was the seconder?
Chair Gort: Vice Chairman --
City ofMiami Page 40 Printed on 5/31/2011
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Commissioner Dunn: No second.
Vice Chair Carollo: Oh, I made the second.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: I second it.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah, yeah.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: I thought you asked if there was a second --
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: Then you want to move from there and not make any Commission at large
appointments?
Chair Gort: At this time I'm not ready.
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
Chair Gort: I don't know if any of the Commissioners would like to make --
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
BC.6 RESOLUTION
11-00369
Office of the City
Clerk
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE
STATUS OF WOMEN FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Maria Mascarenas Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
Liliana Dones Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
11-00369 CSW CCMemo.pdf
11-00369 CSW Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0204
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.7
11-00235
Office of the City
Clerk
of women. Appointments to be made by Chair Gort.
Chair Gort: Waive.
Ms. Thompson: Then Vice Chair Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff, ifI might, I do have a sheet from your office.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. You do?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Who is it?
Ms. Thompson: You -- according to your sheet, you would be reappointing Ms. Maria
Mascarenas and Lillian [sic] Dones.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay. We'll make that motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay. It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman
Carollo. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS
BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
11-00235 CRB CCMemo.pdf
11-00235 CRB Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-00235 CRB Liaison Memo.pdf
11-00235 CRB Resumes.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
Commissioner Francis Suarez
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.7, your Community Relations Board, appointments
are scheduled to be made by Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Continue.
Ms. Thompson: And then Commissioner Suarez is not here, so ifI can get a motion, please.
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. All in favor,
state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.8 RESOLUTION
11-00231
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD FORA TERM AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
11-00231 CTAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00231 CTAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): As we move to BC.8, BC.8 would be an appointment to the
Community Technology Board. Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Continue as a motion.
Chair Gort: There's a motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. All
in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.9
11-00232
Office of the City
Clerk
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING THE
TERM LIMIT BY A FIVE -FIVE UNANIMOUS AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AS IT
RELATES TO MIRIAM URRAAS A MEMBER OF THE EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY BOARD.
11-00232 EOA Term Waiver CCMemo.pdf
11-00232 EOA Waiver Current_Board_Members.pdf
NO ACTION TAKEN
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Because we don't have five members on the dais, we'll
have to pass on BC.9 because that would require five five term limit waiver.
BC.10 RESOLUTION
11-00241
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
Clerk INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY
BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
11-00241 EOA CCMemo.pdf
11-00241 EOA Current_Board_Members.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
AFSCME 1907
IAFF
FOP
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.10, your Equal Opportunity Advisory Board. We've
not received any recommendations from the unions for their appointments. Then we have
appointments to be made by Chair Gort, Commissioner -- I'm sorry; Vice Chair Carollo and
Commissioner Sarnoff.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.11
11-00333
Office of the City
Clerk
Chair Gort: Continue.
Vice Chair Carollo: Continue.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Can I get a motion, please?
Chair Gort: Motion by Vice --
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: -- Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Sandor Lenner Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
Carol Gardner Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Diana Gomez City Manager Tony E. Crapp, Jr.
11-00333 Finance CCMemo.pdf
11-00333 Finance Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
R-11-0205
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then we move on to BC.11, the Finance Committee. Chair
Gort, you have an appointment to be made, along with Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner
Suarez, Commissioner Dunn and the City Manager. Commissioner Sarnoff, I do have your
sheet.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Sandor Lenner.
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'd like to appoint and re --
City ofMiami Page 45 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Ms. Thompson: Is your mike on?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Like to reappoint Sandor Lenner.
Ms. Thompson: Sandor Lenner, okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Ms. Thompson: Well, can we --?
Commissioner Dunn: Still got some more.
Ms. Thompson: Yes, we have some more to go.
Vice Chair Carollo: Sorry.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Dunn?
Vice Chair Carollo: Carol Gardner.
Ms. Thompson: City Manager?
Tony E. Crapp, Jr. (City Manager): Diana Gomez.
Ms. Thompson: Then we would need the motion.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So moved.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo. Any
further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.12 RESOLUTION
10-00766
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES
AUTHORITY BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
10-00766 Health CCMemo.pdf
10-00766 Health Current_Board_Members.pdf
City ofMiami Page 46 Printed on 5/31/2011
City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On our BC.12, your Health Facilities Authority Board,
there is an appointment to be made by Vice Chair Carollo --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd like --
Ms. Thompson: -- and Commissioner Dunn.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- to continue this one and the rest of the --
Ms. Thompson: Can get a separate motion from you then for your remaining ones? Can we
--? Okay. All right. Commissioner Dunn? Do you want to do yours now or --?
Commissioner Dunn: I -- if you -- apologize -- what's the criterion for --?
Ms. Thompson: They must be a resident of the City ofMiami. This is a state board, so they
have -- their residency cannot be waived or anything like that. We can't give any waivers that
we would normally give for this particular board because it's --
Commissioner Dunn: Got it.
Ms. Thompson: -- set up by state statute.
Commissioner Dunn: I have to continue that one.
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair Gort: Okay. For this one, we have a motion by Commissioner Carollo and second by
Commissioner Dunn. All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: And now I'd like to make a motion to continue the rest of my appointments.
I'd like to continue the rest of my appointments, yes.
Chair Gort: Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. All in favor,
state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
BC.13 RESOLUTION
11-00233
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD FOR TERMS AS
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.14
11-00246
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
AP POI NTEES/CATEGORI ES:
(Business/Finance/law - Category 6)
(Architectural Historian - Category 3)
(Architect - Categoryl )
11-00233 HEP CCMemo.pdf
11-00233 HEP Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-00233 List HEP applicants.pdf
11-00233 HEP Applications.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Chair Gort: BC.13.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): If you would bear with me as I go through. We're having a
technical -- We move on to BC.13.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: BC.13 is your Historic and Environmental Preservation Board. This is a board
where you have to make your appointments from advertisements. We do have listed
appointments -- Vice Chair Carollo have been continued and Commissioner Suarez are not here
so we'll be passing on that one.
RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE HOMELAND
DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT BOND PROGRAM
OVERSIGHT BOARD FORATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Albena Sumner Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00246 Homeland CCMemo.pdf
11-00246 Homeland Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
R-11-0206
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC 14, this is your Homeland Defense/Neighborhood
Improvement Bond Program Oversight Board. Then there would be an appointment left for
Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: On 14?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Albena Summer -- Sumner.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, Albena Summer [sic].
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Gort: There's a motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in
favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.15 RESOLUTION
10-01396
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE LIBERTY CITY
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TRUST FORATERM AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Roy Hardemon City Manager Tony E. Crapp, Jr.
10-01396 Liberty CCMemo.pdf
10-01396 Liberty Current_Board_Members.pdf
10-01396 Liberty Applications. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
R-11-0202
Chair Gort: BC.15.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.15, this is an appointment to be made by the City
Manager on the Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust. Mr. Manager, your appointment
has to be made from the names of the eligible individuals who applied.
Tony E. Crapp, Jr. (City Manager): Mr. Roy Hardemon.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Ms. Thompson: No. Well, hold on. That's the Manager's making his, so we need --
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
BC.16
11-00366
Office of the City
Clerk
Commissioner Sarnoff.. There is no one else.
Chair Gort: We need a motion.
Commissioner Dunn: So move.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second.
Commissioner Dunn: Moved by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in
favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: We can't let him make motions. We'll get in trouble.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL ASAMEMBER OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND
EXHIBITION AUTHORITY FORATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort
11-00366 MSEACCMemo.pdf
11-00366 MSEA Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
R-11-0207
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Okay. On BC.16, this would be the Miami Sports and
Exhibition Authority. Chair Gort has an appointment.
Chair Gort: I have one appointment.
Ms. Thompson: Yes. In other --
Chair Gort: I'll reappoint an individual.
Ms. Thompson: You're going to reappoint yourself?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Right? Okay. Will someone want --?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. We're glad to have him. Seconded.
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BC.17
11-00367
Office of the City
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BC.18
11-00202
Office of the City
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Commissioner Dunn: So moved.
Chair Gort: Moved by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor,
state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT
BOARD FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
11-00367 NAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00367 NAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): BC.17 is -- would be Vice Chair Carollo and he's
continued his. Just one second, please.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE OAB/OVERTOWN
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
(Youth Member)
11-00202 OAB CCMEMO.pdf
11-00202 OAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-002-2 OAB Applications.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
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BC.20
10-00918
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Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): BC.18, we have appointments to be the Overtown Advisory
Board/Overtown Community Oversight Board to be made by the District 5 Commissioner --
Commissioner Dunn: Continued.
Ms. Thompson: --from the names of the qualified applicants so listed. Do you need me to run
-- go through --?
Commissioner Dunn: I want to continue it, please.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. So that's your motion to continue.
Chair Gort: There's a motion by continue by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner
Sarnoff. All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS MEMBER OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD FORATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
11-00368 PRAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00368 PRAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Okay. Then we move to BC.19. BC.19 would be for the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. We won't take any action on that one because that is for
District 3.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND
APPEALS BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Ernest Martin Commissioner Richard Dunn II
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BC.21
11-00250
Office of the City
Clerk
10-00918 PZAB CCMemo.pdf
10-00918 PZAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
10-00918 PZAB Applications. pdf
10-00918 PZAB Substitution CCMemo 05-12-2011.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
R-11-0196
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.20, these are appointments to be made to the
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board on -- for this particular board, all appointments must be
made from the list of eligible applicants that we receive. This is one thatl sent you a substitute
memo on because when we went to print, we only had the names of the eligible applicants as
listed. We didn't have enough applicants so we had to go out for a second advertisement. From
that second advertisement, we got one more applicant so we now have two applicants for the
positions that are available. And we have appointments to be made by Chairman Gort, then
Commissioner Dunn.
Chair Gort: Continue it.
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: I want to nominate Ernie Martin.
Ms. Thompson: So you're going to reappoint Mr. Martin?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Is that your motion?
Commissioner Dunn: That is my motion.
Chair Gort: There's a motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any
further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW BOARD (UDRB) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
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Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00250 UDRB CCMemo.pdf
11-00250 UDRB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): So we move now to BC.21. BC.21 would be appointments
to your Urban Development Review Board. We have appointments to be made by Chair Gort
and then Commissioner Dunn.
Chair Gort: I nominate Robin Bosco.
Ms. Thompson: Now he is already serving. According to our code, he cannot be reappointed at
this time. So if you want him to continue to serve --
Chair Gort: Continue.
Ms. Thompson: Then Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: Again, ifI may ask, what's the criteria?
Ms. Thompson: This one on the Urban Design [sic] Review Board, you have to be an architect
or landscape architect. Those are the areas that you must qualify in.
Commissioner Dunn: Must you be a resident?
Ms. Thompson: Resident, own property, or live -- work --
Chair Gort: Or work.
Ms. Thompson: -- own property, or resident.
Commissioner Dunn: Got it. Continue.
Ms. Thompson: So is -- that's your --
Chair Gort: There's a motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Gort: -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state
it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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BC.22
10-00919
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.23
11-00252
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
PARK TRUST FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commission AT -LARGE
10-00919 Virginia Key CCMemo.pdf
10-00919 VKBPT Current_Board_Members.pdf
NO ACTION TAKEN
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.22, which is the Virginia Key Board Trust, then we
are -- because Commissioner Suarez is not here, we are still awaiting a memo from the Trust for
their recommendation on the at -large appointment, so there'll be no action taken on that one.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE WATERFRONT
ADVISORY BOARD FORA TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Ashley Chase Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
11-00252 WAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00252 WAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
R-11-0208
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And lastly, on BC.23, there are appointments to be made
by Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Move for Ashley Chase.
Chair Gort: We have a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn. All
in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
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DI.1
11-00417
City Manager's Office
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: And that's the end of your board appointments. And thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Let's do a real ten; see if we get the full board back.
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, sir, I didn't hear you.
Chair Gort: Let's do a ten-minute break; make sure we get the full board back.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
UPDATE ON UPCOMING BOND TRANSACTIONS.
11-00417 Summary Form.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: Gentlemen, I have one item that I was requested if we could hear before lunch,
which is the discussion about a proposed refinancing on some of the bond issues that we have.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's going to be long.
Chair Gort: It's just for discussion. Yes, sir. Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: You're not doing this on purpose right before lunch so we don't have too
much discussion?
Commissioner Sarnoff. You know, that bowtie makes you -- there's a famous --
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) makes you look like, but he's very famous.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Larry Spring (Chief Financial Officer): Thank you. Larry --
Chair Gort: State your name and address and why we need to hear it before lunch.
Mr. Spring: All right. Larry Spring, chief financial officer. I'm here to present a discussion
item about a bond financing transaction that will be brought before the City Commission for
approval on May 26. The reason why we want to do it before lunch is because I have our lead
underwriter from Tampa in town, as well as our FA (Financial Adviser) here to get into any
questions that the Commissioners might have. So I thank you for your indulgence.
Commissioners, earlier, I guess last week, we sent out a memorandum that was also presented
to the City's Finance Committee detailing a bond transaction that will be broken into two
series, the purpose of which would be to refund or refinance our $68.5 million of sunshine state
loans and to also refinance the $50 million Wachovia loan that this Commission approved a few
months ago. The transaction, one, is being combined into one transact -- into one large
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transaction for a couple of reasons. With regards to the sunshine state, the Sunshine State
Commission's liquidity provider, Dexia, has pulled out of their variable rate program and will
no longer provide that letter of credit to that program. As such, after -- andl know this wanted
to be addressed by one of the Commissioners -- having gone out for an RFP (Request for
Proposals) to secure a new liquidity provider, they were unsuccessful and at that point
requested that all municipalities that had a loan from the pool pay off the loan immediate -- or
pay off the loan by August 1. And thus, the City is doing its own financing to be able to
accomplish that goal by -- within the deadline parameters, which is August 1. With regards to
the refinancing of the $50 million Wachovia loan, that was something that we had presented to
the Commission as our intention the entire time. The loan was a two-year loan with a $5
million first -year payment and a 4 to $5 million balloon note that had been intended to be paid
backfrom a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) bond issuance that we are currently
working on. After having done some analysis with regards to where the TIF (Tax Increment
Fund) presently stands and looking at doing it as a stand-alone issuance predicated solely on
the TIF revenues based on debt service requirements, having a debt service reserve and some
other factors, we've been able to determine that the capacity would not be sufficient in order to
satisfy that note. So we are -- what we will be requesting of the City Commission is that we do a
credit wrap, i.e., a City covenant to budget and appropriate that will allow us to issue an
amount or obtain proceeds sufficient enough to pay off that debt. However, our analysis also
shows that the TIF that will be available is more than sufficient to satisfy the debt service
payment. As part of this transaction, we will need to have the City Commission, the CRA, and
Miami -Dade County approve an amendment to the existing Omni interlocal that will provide
for this payment, this debt service payment, and we'll be requesting that the debt service
payment go directly to our paying agent for that -- for this particular bond series. Cash flow
wise, we are attempting to even out our cashflow. So the -- with regards to the sunshine state,
the City had intended to do a refinancing of that debt in -- over the next couple of years.
Because of the deadline, we've been pushed to make it happen sooner. From a cashflow
perspective, the City would, over the short term, realize a cashflow -- I guess a cashflow in our
favor, going over the next three years, 6 million, 10 million, 10 million, and 12 million, which I
guess, in my opinion, would look favorable when the rating agencies look at our cashflow
flexibility and our ability to pay our debt.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may, just stop him real quick and ask him a
question?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Springs [sic], let me just make sure thatl understand what you just
said correctly. Did you just say that the refinancing of this debt would save the City ofMiami 6
million this upcoming year?
Mr. Spring: No.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Mr. Spring: It does not save us $6 million.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Mr. Spring: What it does is it restructures our payment amount for these -- for the next couple
of years. In year 2012 we were expecting to have a debt service payment on the sunshine state
loan of 9.9 million. With this restructuring and based on our estimates, the payment that we
will have relative to this will be $4 million, so we'll be saving -- we'll have a cashflow savings
this year of 5.9 million. On the overall, though, we will be paying more interest over the life of
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the loan. That's why I don't say it's a savings.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: But what I said was next year, we're going to be --
Mr. Spring: Right. Next --
Commissioner Suarez: -- saving $6 million. A year after that, we're going to be saving $10
million.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: A year after that, we're going to be saving 10.
Mr. Spring: On the debt service payment, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, but it's going --
Mr. Spring: On the debt service payment, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Correct. But mean, we're going to -- we, the City ofMiami, is going to
be saving next year in our budget $6 million, the following year, 10 million, the following year
after that, 10 million, and the following year after that 12 million.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Just wanted to clam that 'cause I wasn't sure it was --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- clear.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Grassie -- I mean, Mr. Spring -- some of y'all don't know Mr.
Grassie. Mr. Grassie used to be the City Manager. He wore bowties. Check the history out. I
understand that this bond finance will have an impact on the CRA sunshine fund payments, so I
would like for you to get with Mr. Bockweg and also with my office to determine how we could
lower the cost to the CRA.
Mr. Spring: We absolutely will. And just for the other Commissioners so they can understand
that, if you recall, the City Commission approved an allocation of $8 million of sunshine state
loan for the Gibson Park project, which was intended -- which is a CRA project. As part of that
agreement, the CRA agreed to pay the City the debt service on that portion on that note. Well,
that debt service, as you know, has been at 1 percent for the last few years. With us fixing it
now, we're probably looking at something that will be in the area of 5.5 percent. So just off the
top, we know that, but we will get with Mr. Bockweg and determine what the actual cost is
before we get into the Southeast Overtown/Park West deal to see how we --
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Commissioner Dunn: And as to the other concerns, I'm pretty much satisfied with the -- your
answers that you've given during the briefing.
Mr. Spring: Okay. A couple of things I do want to put on the record again --
Chair Gort: Now, my understanding is this is going to be refinance. It's going to be fixed. It's
not going to be a variable.
Mr. Spring: That is correct. Both of these -- that was one of the things I was going to put on
the record. Both -- there is no new money in these two -- in this bond transaction. This is all a
refinancing. It will be fixed. There will be no variable rate.
Chair Gort: And our payment to Dexia, how much was it?
Mr. Spring: Nothing. That -- Dexia was the credit facility provider to the Sunshine State
Commission, not to us directly.
Chair Gort: Not to us, okay.
Mr. Spring: The other -- well, the other thing thatl wanted to add with regards to the -- just the
update in general, the City continues to look for savings, cash flow savings, as Commissioner
Suarez pointed out, particularly as it relates to us trying to rebuild our reserve balances. We
have had some meetings with our -- members of our underwriting team, and we may modin, the
item that comes before the Commission by adding a small cash flow refinancing of our debt
service payments for the next three years. It will allow us to save, in addition to what we're
talking about here, another -- it was about $25 million over the next three years. That $25
million could find its way back into the general fund reserve if we're able to do this refinancing.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're talking about the blue capital?
Mr. Spring: No, no, no. This is a traditional bond refinancing. We would refund our 1995
taxable pension bond, our 2002 A Series tax exempt special obligation, our 2002 C Series tax
exempt special obligation and our 2009 taxable pension bond for the next -- just the debt
payments for the next three years and potentially inure benefit of about another $25 million of
debt service payment savings over three years.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes. Sir.
Commissioner Suarez: So that's in addition to the savings on this particular refinancing?
Mr. Spring: Yes, that would be in addition to the savings of this financing.
Commissioner Suarez: And is that $8 million a year? Or is that spread our evenly or is that
going to be different?
Mr. Spring: The way it would breakdown, it would be 11.9, 11.7, and 2.8 million.
Commissioner Suarez: So it's going to be front loaded?
Mr. Spring: Yeah. It would be a front -loaded savings.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. I just want to establish for the record that both -- I'm assuming
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both of these bonds are going to go to market and the rate will be set by the market?
Mr. Spring: The rate would be set by the market --
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Mr. Spring: -- based on what's happening on the day we price.
Commissioner Suarez: And your analysis that you've given us is what your assumption is and
what the market will buy the bonds at right now.
Mr. Spring: Yeah. The analysis that's included in the packet that we provided is based on
March pricings. Our FA and our banker are here. If you want, they can give you kind of a
sense of what's happening in the market.
Commissioner Suarez: Let me just --
Chair Gort: Now --
Commissioner Suarez: -- ask one more follow-up question, which is basically I just want to --
'cause this is important. And we haven't really focused too much on next fiscal year, but I'm
assuming we're going to start focusing on it real soon --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- I hope.
Chair Gort: Very soon.
Commissioner Suarez: But what we're talking about here in savings alone, just from
refinancing
two trans -- or from -- yeah, refinancing two transactions, which were -- and the first one we're
legally bound to refinance --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: -- because we were being called on the 50 -- on the $68 million sunshine
state obligations, and the $50 million refinancing is an obligation that was incurred before we
got here --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- which was the global agreement'br whatever.
Mr. Spring: And the port tunnel, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Right. So you're saying that on these two restructurings we're going to
save approximately $18 million next year?
Mr. Spring: Potentially. We still have to -- I can't lock you into that specific number, but
potentially.
Commissioner Suarez: Six plus twelve.
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Mr. Spring: Yeah, the additional 12 is we do the additional --
Chair Gort: Refunding.
Mr. Spring: -- refunding that we're looking at, that we're still --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- researching right now.
Commissioner Suarez: Six plus twelve is eighteen.
Chair Gort: No.
Commissioner Suarez: It's not?
Chair Gort: More or less, that's what they're projecting.
Mr. Spring: Yes.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Mr. Spring: Six plus twelve is eighteen, but in addition to that, you have the twelve million that
I just -- that's not in your packet. The twelve million that I just stated is not --
Commissioner Suarez: No, no.
Mr. Spring: -- in your packet.
Commissioner Suarez: I said 6 million, which is from the refinancing of the 68 and the 50,
okay, that's 6 million for the next fiscal year.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. And then 12 from the repackaging or the first -- the next three
years of -- which is essentially a refinancing our already existing debt --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: Those series of bonds that you mentioned.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: So 11.9 plus 6 is 17.9. I rounded it off to 18.
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: So we're going to be saving next fiscal year approximately $18 million?
Mr. Spring: We could if we include this other piece. This other piece -- this new piece --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- we're still researching --
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Commissioner Suarez: I'm just --
Mr. Spring: -- if we can include it in this transaction.
Commissioner Suarez: The reason why I'm saying this is because we've talked a little bit about
our projected deficits already and we've said that it will be somewhere in the vicinity of 15 to 25
million, depending on where the tax assessor comes in at. Is it more than that, 25 to 40?
Mr. Spring: I'd have to get the budget director to give me a specific number, but yes, we are
expecting a further reduction in our tax --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- taxable --
Commissioner Suarez: But I'm trying --
Mr. Spring: -- value by at least 10 percent, so yes.
Commissioner Suarez: What I'm trying to get at is I'm trying to figure out to what extent this
alleviates or solves the problem of our projected deficit next year.
Mr. Spring: Given --
Commissioner Suarez: Why are you shaking your head no?
Mr. Spring: -- the fact that it's a one-time revenue, we cannot use it to pay recurring
expenditures because it's not a recurring revenue source.
Commissioner Suarez: It's not a --
Mr. Spring: So --
Commissioner Suarez: What do you mean? Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. It's not a revenue? This
is a reduction in expenses.
Chair Gort: In expenses.
Mr. Spring: It's a reduction in our --
Commissioner Suarez: Our debt service expense.
Mr. Spring: -- debt service. But remember, our debts -- the money that we use to pay our debt
service is collected in a special revenue fund. Each year after that debt payment is satisfied,
the remaining balance comes into the general fund as a revenue.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: So the savings that I'm achieving via this restructuring, you know, we have to be
careful that -- it's not a recurring savings. This is going to be like a one-time, for a couple of
years, depending on how we package it, savings to the general fund.
Commissioner Suarez: But wait, wait, wait.
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Mr. Spring: Yes, it will bene --
Commissioner Suarez: I'm talking about next year. I'm not talking about --
Mr. Spring: Commissioner, I just want to make sure that I'm stating it --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- properly on the record.
Commissioner Suarez: I think you are stating it properly --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- andl think I'm understanding it properly, which is you said
essentially that on the refinancing of the 68 plus the 50, the savings on an individual year basis
are going to be 6 million for next year, 10 million for the year following, 10 million for the year
following that and 12 million for the year following that.
Mr. Spring: Yes, I did.
Commissioner Suarez: And then you said that if you were able to refinance those bonds that
you --
Mr. Spring: The other piece.
Commissioner Suarez: -- identified, that we would realize a savings of 11.9 for next year --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: -- 11.7 for the following year --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: -- and 2.8 for the following year after that.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: And I'm -- what I'm talking about is I'm worried about next year's deficit
and how we're going to -- You're still shaking your head. I'm talking about next year's deficit
and how we're going to balance our budget. And so we had to make some very, very difficult
decisions here last year, and so I want to know how the impact of this -- these restructurings are
going to have on our decisions that we have to make in the future.
Mr. Spring: These restructurings improve our financial situation and will help in making the --
easing a little bit the policy decisions that you will have to make as we deal with the budget.
Because we're -- we were -- we are going to be putting more money into the general fund to be
used.
Commissioner Suarez: We're going to be putting 18 more -- 18 million more?
Mr. Spring: Correct. If we -- if we're able to accomplish this, next year we'll put another $18
million into the general fund next year.
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Commissioner Suarez: So if we had a projected deficit of 15 million or 25 million, if it were 15
million, we wouldn't have a deficit next year; and if it were 25 million, we would have to find $7
million additionally?
Mr. Spring: Essentially, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Diana, you're okay with that?
Diana Gomez: Diana Gomez, Finance director. The issue that -- the concern that I'm having is
that -- as his -- as Mr. Spring started to say was that these are not recurring revenues, so
therefore they cannot be used to cover or balance a budget for its recurring expenditures. So to
say that we are going to offset our expenditures next year by this revenue, I don't agree with
that. It can go into the fund balance to start building up fund balance --
Mr. Spring: Or deal with -- which is my point.
Ms. Gomez: Okay.
Mr. Spring: We do have -- in every budget we do, we do have one-time expenditures, so it can
be used to offset those costs, those one-time costs. So -- and the projected deficit had one-time
costs built into that -- the scenarios. The ones that you saw last year have one-time costs. So
as we analyze the budget, we add this revenue in, but we just have to make sure it is properly
matched with a like kind expenditure, if you will.
Commissioner Suarez: I got it.
Chair Gort: My suggestion is since this is only a discussion, you get together with each one of
us --
Mr. Spring: Absolutely.
Chair Gort: -- and make sure you explain and all the questions that we have because I have a
lot of questions. I understand also you're going to try to get insurers.
Mr. Spring: Yeah. As we get closer to the transaction, we will seek to get insurance, but it --
that decision always depends on cost versus savings --
Chair Gort: Versus the savings.
Mr. Spring: -- and the benefit.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Spring: Other couple of items, you know, justl guess for the sake of the record, is that the
assumptions that we used in coming -- determining that the CRA portion would be sufficient to
cover the debt service, we used the 4 percent inflationary growth factor in our assumptions, but
we also assumed that the taxable value would decrease next year by 10 percent, then we would
see no growth for 13 and 14. So for instance, the Mikado project, which I know has been
approved, was not added into our assumptions. Thus, I would say it's conservative. The
Finance Committee, though, did ask that we do two additional runs, which was a 2 percent
inflationary growth, same assumptions on the taxable value changes, and a 0 percent growth,
inflationary growth for 30 years. While I feel the last one is impossible, the second one was
clearly a reasonable assumption to make, and even in that scenario, we have sufficient debt
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
service coverage to make this -- the CRA to make those payments over the 30 years in every
year, I think except for one, andl think it was 96 percent. So I just wanted to make sure that
the Commission had that for the record for the benefit. We will be advancing -- and matter of
fact, I think we have a call tomorrow to go over a lot of the stuff -- advancing the POS and the
resolution so that we can get it before you so that you -- it's a pretty big volume to read so --
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: I just want to -- thank you, Mr. Springs [sic]. I want to -- I just want to
say that this is part of what it means to be transparent, is to talk about these items, bring them
up, discuss them, debate them even before any action is --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: -- necessitated or needed before -- long before so that we don't come
into issues. Yeah, yeah, preferably after lunch, but whatever. We'll --
Mr. Spring: Sony. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Suarez: The Vice Chairman is hanging in there.
Mr. Spring: Right. And --
Commissioner Suarez: But no, honestly, I think the key here is that we don't have -- we don't
run into time deadline issues, that we're not feeling pressured into getting into a complicated
deal without having the time to really analyze it and know all the facts. And that's why I'm glad
that it's been brought as a discussion item first --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- for us to vet it.
Mr. Spring: I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Carollo: And ifI may. And, Commissioner, I'm glad you stated that because that is
something that I think from the very beginning that we, I, and so forth, we've been pushing for.
Andl think we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It's actually happening. So, you
know, I appreciate it and also commend, you know, the Administration for, you know, seeing
that, you know, we constantly are requesting this and you're making it happen. So thank you.
Mr. Spring: One last thing timing wise. Because of that strict deadline, because of the
sunshine state piece, we do need to -- when we bring this up for consideration, our -- you know,
our window is tightening. We would have to have everything approved before July so that we
could price and give our notice to sunshine state that we'll be closing the deal. The two deals,
while they're being approved as one, Series A and Series B, there's a possibility that there may
be a few weeks' difference between the pricing of Series A and Series B. And want -- and
that's due to the fact that we would need to still go to the County and get the interlocal
approved. So I just wanted to make sure that the Commissioners understand that while this is
approved as one transaction, we may price the two pieces at separate times.
Commissioner Suarez: And l just want to say for the record, Mr. Chairman, that they indicated
to me that they've already started that process of discussing with the County and that --
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Mr. Spring: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- they've received a very favorable --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- response from the County.
Mr. Spring: And they understand it's in the context of the global agreement and that this is
what we collectively agreed to do some years ago. So we will be bringing forth also a similar
update for the Southeast Overtown/Park West financing as well as the marina modernization
that we've been working on, which is a transaction that we'd like to see the proceeds go a
hundred -- or predominantly to rebuild the reserve back. So we'll give you a full briefing on
that as well.
Chair Gort: Okey-doke. Thank you.
Mr. Spring: Thank you.
Chair Gort: And any questions, let's make sure that you contact every one of us.
Mr. Spring: Yes.
Chair Gort: You sit down with every one of us and have your financial advisor and so on, okay.
Mr. Spring: We certainly will. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Come back at 3?
Commissioner Dunn: What time? Three?
Chair Gort: It's I o'clock already. What do you guys want to do?
Commissioner Dunn: It's up to you. I'm fine. Whatever you --
Chair Gort: It's up to you guys. I can be back in a half an hour.
Commissioner Dunn: No, no. I'm -- no. Forget that. Two -thirty, three?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Let's do 2: 30.
Commissioner Dunn: Two -thirty?
Chair Gort: Two -thirty.
Commissioner Dunn: All right. Yeah, that's good.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. 'Cause let's get it done.
DI.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00418
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Department of
Building and Zoning
(DI.2)
11-00418a
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SITE CERTIFICATION FOR THE TURKEY
POINT PLANT UNITS 6 & 7 AND THE OFFICIAL FPL PROPOSED
CORRIDOR FOR THE TRASNMISSION LINE AND THE DIFFERENT
MUNICIPAL PROPOSALS FOR ALTERNATE CORRIDORS.
11-00418 Summary Form.pdf
11-00418 Turkey Point Units 6 & 7 Transmission Lines.pdf
Memo - Office of the City Attorney-FPL Sitting along US 1.pdf
DISCUSSED
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO WITHDRAW THE ALTERNATE
CORRIDOR FILED ON MAY 2, 2011, AND TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTIONS
NECESSARY TO PREVENT FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT FROM
PLACING [OVERHEAD] TRANSMISSION LINES THROUGH THE CITY OF
MIAMI, UNLESS UNDERGROUNDED, IN THE MATTER OF FLORIDA
POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, TURKEY POINT UNITS 6 AND 7 POWER
PLANT SITING APPLICATION, CASE NO. 09-003575EPP; IN ADDITION TO
LOOKING INTO ANY POSSIBLE REVOCATION AND/OR SUSPENSION OF
SITE CERTIFICATION.
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0209
Chair Gort: At this time we have a time certain that I'd like to bring up, which is the corridor
for FP&L (Florida Power & Light). And I'd like to welcome Mayor Stanford [sic] of South
Miami and also Mayor Lerner from Pinecrest. Mayor.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. This is a time
certain and this is a discussion item. However, it doesn't mean that we have to don't do
legislation. We could do legislation out of this discussion item. As you all know, I have met
with both mayors, Mayor Lerner and Stoddard from Pinecrest and South Miami, and I'm sure
that what they have to say will be interesting in terms of the proposed corridor of FPL. This is
an important issue. It's an issue that has -- that was neglected by the City ofMiami by past
Administrations for several years and now it's on your lap. But I do think it's important that we
analyze the impact on the residents of the City ofMiami. As you will hear, several cities have
gone on record on their legislation opposing the US I corridor. And those cities, I believe, are
Pinecrest, South Miami, and Coral Gables. But now we have in front of us an alternative
corridor. And like always, the City ofMiami is in the eye of the storm because whatever
corridor is proposed or approved will go through the City ofMiami. Personally, I believe that
the best case scenario will have all the cities working together with FPL to have underground
lines, and that is something that could be discussed. I believe that this is a long process. I
believe also that the alternative corridor would go through several residential areas of the City
ofMiami and that is something that you should consider. I hope that there will be legislation
maybe pulling the City's proposal and just wait out the process. But I would like to hear the
members of the Commission and the Administration and of course FPL and of course our
neighbor cities' mayors that have done a lot of work. But we should be very careful in
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protecting the neighborhoods of the City ofMiami. Thankyou, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thankyou. The -- let me just make a little statement. The City ofMiami was the
first city established in Miami -Dade County. I think we're all very proud of the growth of Dade
County and we have come a long way. But unfortunately, it's a sacrifice for the City ofMiami.
I mean, we began with 1-95. We had a beautiful neighborhood, Overtown, the northeast and the
northwest area that was ruined by 1-95. Then we had the 112. The 112 was created to take
people from the airport directly to Miami Beach. But Allapattah, that whole area there, 36th
Street -- Northwest 36th Street was ruined. And then we had 836. 836 ruined Little Havana,
Grapeland, Flagami; divided a city and created problems for us. Andl can understand we
need to continue the growth, but it seems that the City ofMiami has always had the burden of
the growth that's taking place in Miami -Dade County. Andl don't like to see my neighborhood
-- the alternatives that we're looking at is going to affect my district quite a bit, andl really
don't want to see it there so -- Commission Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thankyou, Mr. Chairman. Andl don't know if maybe we should let
them make their presentation first.
Chair Gort: Let's -- If you don't mind, mayors, we'd like to hear from FP&L first and then -- or
you'd like to speak first? I mean, it's up to you.
Mayor Cindy Lerner: It's your preference. Whatever is your --
Chair Gort: Okay. FP&L, you make your presentation.
Eloy Villasuso: Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission.
My name is Eloy Villasuso, with offices at 9250 West Flagler Street, from FP&L. I would like to
ask Virginia Dailey, our attorney, to make a short presentation to let you know the process,
what we have done to get where we're at and what we'll be moving forward into the future.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Virginia Dailey: Good morning, Mr. Chairman and fellow Commissioners. If you'll give me
just a moment to take care of the technical side of plugging things in.
Victoria Mendez (Assistant City Attorney): Ms. Dailey, when you're finished with that laptop,
could you leave it there because I think the other presenters need to borrow it as well?
Ms. Dailey: Of course.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Okay, here we go.
Ms. Dailey: Okay. Mr. Chairman, with your permission?
Chair Gort: Yes. Go ahead.
Ms. Dailey: Okay, thank you. My name's Virginia Dailey. I'm an attorney representing
Florida Power & Light. I am pending -- my lobbyist registration is pending while I wait to
complete the ethics course. The next one is not available until next month, so I just want to
state that for the record to be clear. We're here to talk to you about FPL's Turkey Point 6 and 7
project and the associated transmission lines that are involved with that project. FPL is
proposing a 230 kilovolt transmission line that will go from the Davis substation to the Miami
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substation in the City ofMiami. It is proposed to meet future needs as part of a larger plan
associated with two proposed nuclear power plant units at the Turkey Point site. FPL
underwent a detailed route selection process beginning with establishing the connection points,
gathering and collecting data, and gathering and collecting input from the public and the
government agencies involved. We engaged in significant public outreach over the last several
years involving this project, and we ultimately chose what is now referred to as the FPL east
preferred corridor. We found that the primary considerations supporting that corridor were
collocation with existing FPL facilities and other major linear facilities, including US 1 and the
busway andMetrorail system and minimizing impacts to residential and other properties, as the
Chairman and the Mayor have mentioned already.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Could you go back to that slide?
Ms. Dailey: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair, is that all right?
Chair Gort: Yes, go ahead.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You have an underground power supply on US 1 right adjacent to that,
correct?
Ms. Dailey: I'm not certain. IfI could ask our technical expert, Daniel Hronec, to join me up
here, he could tell us exactly what the location of that facility is.
Commissioner Sarnoff. 'Cause I've been asking that question of FP&L for about a year and a
halfandl've gotten an answer of yes and I've gotten an answer of maybe and I've gotten an
answer of flee can't tell."
Ms. Dailey: Commissioner, I believe I was at a meeting where we gave -- we showed you a map
that has a map of all of the underground and overhead facilifies. I'm just not as familiar with
this area --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Ms. Dailey: -- so I can't answer with respect to this photo.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Andl could be wrong too, not usually, though.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Daniel Hronec: Yes. My name is Daniel Hronec, from Florida Power and Light. I'm not
personally aware of any underground facilities at that particular location. We do have
underground transmission and distribution lines in numerous places in the City ofMiami, but
I'm not particularly aware at that specific location.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So you have done a diligent search, correct?
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And your diligent search reveals there is no parallel undergrounding on
US 1 on the west side of the property?
Mr. Hronec: No, sir. What I said was I'm not aware that there's an underground facility at that
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specific location. There are other places.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Oh, I'm not just asking about that particular picture. Here's my
question. Are you aware of any underground activity for FP&L parallel to US 1 on the west
side of the property?
Mr. Hronec: Yes. There's a short section of some underground facilities along the US 1
corridor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Where is that and how long is it?
Mr. Hronec: I don't know the exact length of the run, sir, but there is a line that comes --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Would you get back to me with that answer?
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir, I will. I can get back to you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And would you get back to me with a diagram as to exactly where it is?
Mr. Hronec: Excuse me?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Would you get back to me with a diagram as to exactly where it is --
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- the exact size of the line --
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- and the dimension of the undergrounding?
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anything else?
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. Thank you. Sorry, Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Ms. Dailey: Thank you, Mr. Chair. So as I mentioned, FPL chose a corridor and has proposed
that in its permit application that was filed. It's been undergoing a review process, as many of
you are aware, and now a new process within the power plant siting process has begun and that
is with respect to alternate transmission line corridors. Monday, May 2, there were four
alternate corridors proposed, including two that go within the City ofMiami; one proposed by
the City and another proposed by the Village of Pinecrest and the City of Coral Gables jointly.
The map that is shown on your screen is the map of the alternate corridor that was proposed by
the City ofMiami. The process for alternate corridors is a multi -step process mirroring the
process undergone by the FPL corridor; an initial submittal, public notice, including notice in
the newspaper and mailed notice to adjacent property owners, detailed submittal and review,
including responding to agencies' questions and it culminates in a certification hearing before
an administrative law judge here in the area, and then a final hearing before the governor and
cabinet in Tallahassee. In addition to all of those processes involving the alternate corridor,
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the final step in the City's role in reviewing FPL's corridor is to file your City's agency report
on the FPL corridor. The deadline for that report was June 1 but has been extended at the
City's request by order of the judge to June 13. So the other key dates relating to the alternate
corridors are also shown on the screen. That comprises my presentation and I'm available,
along with our team, to answer any questions you might have, and we can take those now or, if
you want to, after other speakers have made their presentations.
Chair Gort: I'd like to hear from the public first, and then you can answer afterwards. Mayors.
Mayor Lerner: Good morning. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to inform you of what
the community and the municipalities along the US 1 corridor have been doing since the
announcement was first made by Florida Power & Light. I'm Cindy Lerner, mayor of the
Village of Pinecrest. And I'd like to first set the stage by explaining the larger regulatory
process that we are all being players in. It's not just the state, but there are also federal
considerations. The application that Florida Power & Light has made for licensing for two
additional power plants at Turkey Point is still pending. That is a federal determination and
there is a separate process that they must go through and those of us who have concerns about
the transmission line corridor or the siting of the plant have -- are, in fact, having impact and
engagement in that process as well. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is obliged to conduct an
environmental review study. They were in Miami -Dade County last summer. They had public
hearings in Homestead and many of us were down there to present our concerns. The
environmental review study does in fact include a review, not just of the plant, but of the
transmission line siting and the corridor that's been proposed. So, at that time, myself, the then
mayor of Palmetto Bay and mayor of Cutler Bay, the three of us went down and did a
presentation with our concerns for the siting and the concerns were predominantly the adverse
-- significant adverse economic impact that we would, all of us along the US 1 corridor, face if
this siting were to be approved. It was interesting because we had not been advised by Florida
Power & Light previously and until we went to this public hearing did not realize that they are
still in this environmental review process looking at other sites in South Florida for the power
plants, so it is not a final determination whether the plants will in fact be approved to be
located at Turkey Point, and with the consideration now of what's occurred in Japan, I think
they are going to take an even more careful look at the siting. What is problematic for all of us
is that the state Transmission Line Siting Act is advancing in a much faster pace than what is
occurring with the ultimate application and approval or non -approval of the power plants
themselves, so we are all being forced -- my residents are being forced to pay twice on both
sides of this issue. They are paying what all customers of Florida Power & Light, your
residents as well, are paying early cost recovery for the analysis and the work that is being
done by Florida Power & Light to try to get approval for this transmission line cor -- all of the
corridors that they are applying for. And then my residents are also paying in tax dollars for
engineers to propose an alternate corridor and attorneys to represent us in Tallahassee in this
DOAH (Division of Administrative Hearings) proceeding. So we are all being -- investing in
fighting for a proposal by Florida Power & Light, which in fact may never come to be so that is
very problematic and concerning to me at the outset. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
continues to review various aspects and Village of Pinecrest has intervened. We moved to
intervene in that proceeding as well because we are so concerned about not just the
transmission line siting, but as I said, the economic impacts and how adversely they would
impact our municipality and, I would offer to you, every municipality along that corridor. We
have been granted status in the environmental review proceeding as a local municipality to
have input into that proceeding. I believe we are the only municipality in Miami -Dade County
that has been granted that status. So that's --
Commissioner Sarnoff. What status is that?
Mayor Lerner: To have input and make recommendations to the environmental review study
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that's being conducted in regards to the transmission lines.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That review is not completed, right?
Mayor Lerner: And that review is not completed. That is ongoing.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And you're the only municipality that then can have input into that
right now --
Mayor Lerner: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- because you have --
Mayor Lerner: Because we --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- timely filed?
Mayor Lerner: Yes. We moved to intervene, raised considerations. We are working -- there are
several organizations that have also intervened andl believe two of them have been granted
status. They have considerations that were approved of to be reviewed by the study team as
well. So that is --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can I ask you a question? Is that all right to just --?
Chair Gort: Yes, go ahead.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there any potential that the power lines could be granted, but the
nuclear power plants not granted?
Mayor Lerner: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. There is? That is the --
Mayor Lerner: That is a concern too.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- scenario that could happen.
Mayor Lerner: That is a concern. In fact, I was -- I met with the South Florida Regional
Planning Council the other day. Right now it's an assumption. Their assumption -- I asked that
same question -- is that if the licensing of the power plants is not approved, they could not go
forward, but it's just an assumption. We have no clear determination that's the case. My
assumption is that they could still go forward because they are still seeking to harden their
system and in fact, obliged to do so. So that's my concern that there is in fact no need that will
be determined for delivery of additional power. We are all paying for that now through early
cost recovery, but we may risk having the determination made that the plants won't go there but
the corridors approved and they might well be allowed to go forward with it. I don't have a
final answer or determination on that.
Mayor Phillip Stoddard: Mayor Lerner, may I add something here?
Mayor Lerner: Um -hum.
Mayor Stoddard: All appear -- Phillip Stoddard, mayor of South Miami. All appearances are
that's exactly what they're attempting to do. FPL has requested that there be no further delays
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in the transmission line approval process, although they're willing to see additional delays in
the nuclear power plant process. And by following that sort of procedure, they're able to obtain
early cost recovery monies for a power plant that may never be built. And in fact, CEO (Chief
Executive Officer) Lou Hayes said they don't have the financing to build it. But nonetheless, by
keeping the process alive indefinitely of licensing, they could get early cost recovery monies
allowing them to put through the transmission lines for other infrastructure needs, so I think
that's exactly what they intend to do.
Mayor Lerner: So since the initial announcement, the Village of Pinecrest, Village of Palmetto
Bay, Village of -- the Town of Cutler Bay, City of South Miami, we all passed resolutions back
in 2010 opposed to the transmission line being placed down the US 1 corridor. And last year
during the legislative session of 2010, that was our focus going up to Tallahassee, meeting with
members of the Cabinet at that time, understanding that they will ultimately have to make this
approval once we get through the administrative hearing. We have now this year done the same
thing; all of us visited with members of the Cabinet to ask for their consideration. In addition,
because my previous life in the Legislature and understanding that what we are facing now with
this -- with Florida Power & Light as a utility and the kind of influence that they have before
the Legislature, looking at the Transmission Line SitingAct, the burden is on us. It used to be
-- prior to 2007, the burden was on a utility to come forward to the Public Service Commission,
to DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and to have to substantiate what the
rationale for their choice was. That legislation, the Transmission Line SitingAct, was rewritten
in 2007 and they no longer have to substantiate. It is now pretty much rubberstamped when
they submit a proposal, but for somebody coming forward and opposing it and submitting an
alternate corridor. It is a mammoth, mammoth task to substantiate now and for us to meet the
burden which we now and our residents will have to pay to do to substantiate that our corridor
should be the preferred corridor. So the other thing that I requested going before the
Legislature this year, we met with the energy committees in the House and Senate, was that they
take the time between sessions to conduct an interim study. Interim studies are an opportunity
for the legislative staff to go out and gather data and do analysis and come back during that
timeframe before the next session to better guide and advise our Legislature on what policy
should be in the future. And we're asking them to take a look at two things. One is the
Transmission Line SitingAct itself and how it precludes any municipality or local government
from engaging in what should be collaborative planning with the utility for what works best for
us as well as for the utility. That does not exist anymore. And the second is to take a look at
undergrounding because that is such an important and significant issue all throughout Florida
and because the Legislature has given direction to Public Service Commission, do it the
cheapest way possible, the utilities have taken that to heart and prevented and precluded
consideration of undergrounding. And what they have said to us is, oh, if you're opposed
because they're characterizing it as aesthetics and it couldn't be further from the truth, and you
just don't want to look at those monstrosities, which is what I call them, you are free to pay.
Any municipality can pay the cost of undergrounding. And if you look at what's going on
around the country, the cost benefit analysis would dictate that our state would invest in
undergrounding on a going forward basis. So that's as an aside so that you can appreciate the
significance of what this issue really revolves around. US 1 is the major gateway to downtown
Miami from the southern suburbs. All of us are looking at urban infill, at development along
transit corridors. That is the future of this county, and one look at what these lines look like --
and we have our engineer here with a presentation -- will tell you that it would absolutely
destroy not only current, but all future economic development. What -- part of our submission
is a economic analysis that the City of South Miami has engaged an economist and Mayor
Stoddard will talk to you about that. So I ask that you take a look at the presentation. Our
alternate corridor is, in our estimation, the least impactful and intrusive way of -- if this had to
occur, it would occur in an existing corridor and it would dictate significant improvements,
such as undergrounding and other infrastructure improvements that, from what I understand,
area of the City ofMiami, which has both residential and commercial and is tightly packed,
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there has been no improvement for 30 years in much of that infrastructure. So if they were to
have a proposed alternate corridor being the existing corridor, it would oblige some significant
upgrades and improvements to those areas. We are not trying to impact further neighborhoods
that have never been impacted before, and that's what they're looking at is impacting
significant additional new neighborhoods. I'm going to turn it over --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Before you step down -- Is it all right, Mr. Chair?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Let's say cost aside and let's say FP&L were to jump up and down and
say, we agree, we will underground on US 1. Would your position change?
Mayor Lerner: It would depend on whether development could still occur. If the
undergrounding of this level of a utility would not interfere or dictate against any --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. In other words, your TODs (Transit -Oriented Developments) could still
occur?
Mayor Lerner: Pardon?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Your transit -oriented development could still occur.
Mayor Lerner: If it could still occur with it going underground, then, yes, we'd much prefer
that.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Mayor Lerner: But we don't know the answer for sure. But certainly, if they're above ground,
nobody's going to go anywhere near it. And even now they're --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And is --
Mayor Lerner: -- reconsidering.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- Mayor Stoddard going to address the heat that's generated from
these above ground -- whether it's 230 or 520. Would you address that -- make sure that you
address that?
Chair Gort: Thank you. Vice Chairman, you had a question?
Vice Chair Carollo: Actually, no. Commissioner Sarnoff hit it right on the head. That's
exactly where I was heading, so yeah.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: We're on the same page.
Mayor Stoddard: Phillip Stoddard, mayor of South Miami. Honorable Chair, members of the
Commission, thank you. Mr. Mayor, thank you for inviting us here today. So what's being
proposed then, so we are all on the same page, is coming up from Palmetto Bay through the
side of Pinecrest, right through the very heart of South Miami, through the Gables, and into
Miami -- City ofMiami are transmission poles that may be as high as 105 feet, 4 feet in
diameter at the base, with three sets of side conductors. In some places, they'll have an
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additional three to carry the existing 230 -- sorry, 138 kV (Kilovolt) lines that are there now.
So our city is in the process of conducting an economic study. We've contracted with an
economist, and his analysis at this point is still preliminary. I have a draft of it, but it's not the
final draft, so some of these values may change. But I'd like to give you a sense of what we're
looking at. The first thing our economist has done is done a survey of existing studies, of what
happens when you put transmission lines through an area, what are the effects on values,
property values, economic activity and so forth. Most of the studies have been done in -- over
rural transmission lines. They're not really applicable to what happens here in Miami. But
there's one study -- oh, and there's another interesting thing. A lot of the studies have been
done by academics with no particular horse in the game. Other studies have been paid for by
utility companies, and I'm going to just dismiss those right off the bat because I think there's a
conflict. So we're just going to consider the ones done by parties with no particular interest in
the outcome. There's one study that stands out because it was done in an urban area and this is
a study in Montreal. And in Montreal they found that a transmission line cost 34 percent of the
land values and economic activity over about a two -block region to either side of the
transmission line. And so if you go and you look at the property values along the proposed US
1 corridor and you look at the economic activity there, and you subtract off 34 percent, which
would be the immediate hit over a few years' time, that comes to about one and a third billion
dollars lost. And so even if we were to take FPL's upper estimate for undergrounding the lines
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Is that your city or is that all cities?
Mayor Stoddard: That's the whole corridor --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Mayor Stoddard: -- shared with the City ofMiami. So even if we were to take FPL's upper
estimate of undergrounding costs at 200 million, that's still a small fraction of the total
economic hit. Andl mentioned these figures to Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, who -- ofDuany
Plater-Zyberk, who, of course, is involved with urban planning, the Miami 21 plan, and her
immediate reaction was, well, you haven't taken into account the future development that's
supposed to happen. I was looking at the paper this morning at your Miami 21 plan again
that's up for some thoughtful consideration. And the idea, as you've already raised to us, is that
there'll be transit -oriented development all along this corridor. So what I've only addressed
here with my 34 percent discussion is the existing development, to say nothing of the future
development. So what could happen to future development is you could lose maybe 20 times
that one and a third billion dollar loss. So this would be a tremendous loss of economic activity
and potential for our area. And we already have one example of this, of what's happened. If
you look at the State Road 441, 7th Avenue corridor, there's a transmission line along part of
that and nobody has ever been able to revitalize that corridor. And there have been a lot of
attempts and so forth. They've never succeeded. And it seems that people really just don't want
to embrace an area that has a transmission line down the center of it. And so we might ask,
what's the basis for this. And so -- you know, yes, we recoil aesthetically from transmission
lines, but there's fears on the part of residents. I had a family call me and they asked about a
particular house in South Miami, and they said is this house under the proposed transmission
corridor that we've heard about. Andl looked on the map and said, yeah, it is. They said,
okay, thanks. Well, we're not -- they walked away from the deal. They wouldn't close on the
house. And they said we just don't want to raise our kids there. So there's been a whole suite of
epidemiological studies that have been done --
Chair Gort: Excuse me. Let me ask you a question.
Mayor Stoddard: You may.
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Chair Gort: What was the distance of this house from the proposed line?
Mayor Stoddard: It was -- would have had it, I think, pretty much in the front yard. It was on
Southwest 80th Street.
Chair Gort: I mean, it was right next to US 1, the house?
Mayor Stoddard: No. There's a wide section in the proposed corridor where they're not quite
sure how -- they have to get around Dadeland and so they've cut a --
Chair Gort: I just wanted to get an idea of the effect it would have on the -- how far the effect,
according to you, it goes.
Mayor Stoddard: Well, what we've heard is that, you know, a block or two. Essentially sight
lines; if you can see it, it affects you. Once you can't --
Chair Gort: Thank --
Mayor Stoddard: -- see it, it no longer affects.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mayor Stoddard: So there's been -- if you -- just go on the Internet and look, you'll find that
there's some controversy about whether or not magnetic fields from transmission lines affect
health. There have been a number of new studies that are typically not cited in those reviews.
There have been two in particular which have been associated with a doubling in childhood
leukemias. But the one that scares me the most is a 2009 study showing a doubling in
Alzheimer's rates. I mean, all of us sort of worry about this. You get past the age of 40 and you
start thinking about these things. Doubling in Alzheimer's to people living within 50 meters;
another 50 percent elevation in other senile dementias, and it worries me. So when we talked
about undergrounding the lines and you asked about some of the above -ground effects, power
lines should not only be placed underground, but they should be shielded. And there are
geometric configurations and shielding configurations that can be only achieved through
underground lines. And if you do that, you can significantly reduce the magnetic fields and the
potential health risks. Andl should also mention another study which is rarely brought out in
public. There's a new study on lab rats showing that by exposing lab rats to the maximum
legal, US legal magnetic field intensities, they double cancer rates in these rats in six months.
So, yes, we're concerned about the aesthetic effects, but we're just concerned really about
people's impressions and their willingness to develop their businesses there. Are you going to
build an elegant building and a showcase with transmission lines right in front of it? I think the
answer is no. And we've got evidence of that already in the City ofMiami and we don't need to
repeat the experiment. You have any questions for me before I turn it back over?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I do.
Chair Gort: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. What is the heat that is thrown off within a 10 foot radius on a 230
kilovolt and a 520?
Mayor Stoddard: The heat itself.
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Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right.
Mayor Stoddard: Andl don't know the answer to that. The heat is said to be the key issue in
undergrounding the lines --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right.
Mayor Stoddard: -- because the higher the voltage, the greater the amount of power,
particularly resistance is what you're looking at. The greater the power, the more you have to
go through in order to dissipate that heat. And so typically the volts for a 230 kV line are
larger than -- and deeper than the volts for a 138 kV line because of heat dissipation issues.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. It's my understanding that within a 50-foot radius that the temperature
will be 10 degrees higher just as a result of the heat that's dissipated from these 230 k [sic]
lines.
Mayor Stoddard: For this you'd have to consult with an engineer. That would --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Mayor Stoddard: -- be outside my area of expertise.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Whereas if you shield them underground, you'll use -- andl suspect
you've seen how the FP&L has shielded in the past?
Mayor Stoddard: I've seen pictures of the vaults.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right, the big vault they put there with the large amount of -- I think it's
fluid, andl think the fluid happens to be oil, and it's got -- and the idea behind that is
dissipating the heat in a more engineered manner versus letting it just go off into the
atmosphere.
Mayor Stoddard: That's my understanding.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Mayor Stoddard: Heat dissipation is the key.
Chair Gort: Thank you, sir.
Mayor Stoddard: Yes.
Chair Gort: Ms. Hernandez, former City ofMiami -- City of Coral Gables city attorney.
Elizabeth Hernandez: Good morning, Mr. Chair, Commissioners, Mr. Mayor, Madam City
Attorney. It's a pleasure to be here this morning. Elizabeth Hernandez, with the law firm of
Akerman Senterfitt & Eidson. And with me today is our new city attorney, Mr. Craig Leen, who
is here on behalf of the City Commission as well. We also have our expert, Ramon Castella,
who is the expert as well for the Village of Pinecrest and has been working on the issues of
alternate corridor and he has a brief PowerPoint presentation, so I will keep my comments
extremely brief. Suffice it to say that we echo Mayor Lerner's statements in all material
respects. What you have right now in the City ofMiami is you have a corridor. What FPL is
proposing is a second corridor. And you're right, Mr. Chairman, the City ofMiami is going to
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be hit twice if you follow the route that FPL is proposing. What we are saying as a collection
and a collective of cities is, let's stick to the one corridor, let's impress upon FPL the need to
improve it, to bring about appropriate offsetting measures, and make sure that Miami is
impacted once because you're already impacted. You cannot undo that train. That train left the
station 30 years ago and you have been living with that burden and your citizens and your
residents have been living with that burden. So we believe that there is an opportunity with this
alternate corridor to help the City ofMiami and help the Miami -Dade community. We're here
only on the alternate corridor today and so my comments (UNINTELLIGIBLE) as to those.
Andl have Ramon Castella and we want to present this PowerPoint to you which will, I believe,
tell you the story in a better fashion. Thank you.
Ramon Castella: Thank you, Liz. Good morning. Ramon Castella, C3TS (Corzo Castella
Carballo Thompson Salman). I'm here on behalf of Pinecrest and Coral Gables. Mr. Mayor,
Commissioners. As Liz said, we have a short PowerPoint presentation which we'd like to show
you. Just bear with me for a second. Okay, what we're showing here is the -- in red, if you'll
look to the monitor screens, is what the FP&L's proposing as their route. As you can see, it
passes by Pinecrest, goes through South Miami, goes through Coral Gables, and then right
through the City of Miami. It follows the US 1 Metrorail corridor. And you can see where it
impacts the City ofMiami, where it's proposed. As Commissioner Sarnoff was asking about the
underground power lines, according to FP&L there is a 138 kV buried line in part of that US 1
corridor from Coconut Grove in the City ofMiami and apparently it's been there for about 60
years. This is --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Do you know where it is? I mean, do you know how long it is? I've
been asking this question --
Mr. Castella: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- ofFP&L for about two years.
Mr. Castella: Right. They sent -- in a correspondence they sent one of your project managers
back in 2009, they said that there was one 138 kV transmission line between Coconut Grove
and Miami and the Miami substation. The pipe was installed approximately 60 years ago and
it's located almost entirely within existing roadways, including US 1 and Southwest 1 stAvenue.
It goes on to say that it's not capable of carrying the load that's needed for the new lines, but
that's the detail that they gave on it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Mr. Castella: But it's just a little blow up of -- as it goes through the City ofMiami. We asked
-- the City of Coral Gables asked FP&L, you know, show us what this would look like, and they
gave them a rendering, kind of like some of the ones you've seen as well. And Liz said, well,
that's not good enough. We want to see -- physically touch one of these poles, what do they
look like. So they did a little field trip to Boynton Beach in a wide open roadway, and you can
see some of those poles that Liz Hernandez took pictures of. You can see on that shot there,
that's a full-grown man standing next to --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And he's not thin, either.
Mr. Castella: Right. That's a big boy. And --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can you imagine Dunn up against --? No, I'm just --
Mr. Castella: Well, they're -- these are very large poles, and it has been said some of them are
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as large as 105 feet in height and over 4 feet in diameter. So the City of Coral Gables asked us
to do simulations of what these poles would look like. That's what's there now. There are some
minor transmission lines in certain areas of Ponce De Leon Boulevard where it parallels US 1.
Those are the poles that are there now, and that's what FP&L intends to replace it with. It's just
another example looking down Ponce De Leon Boulevard, and you can see where they're
double circuiting there. The poles would go typically from 60 to 80 -- going up to about 80
feet. And then the worst cases -- for example, here the poles are maybe 50 feet tall. They
would go to as high as 100, and that's where you have the really large 4-foot diameter poles.
What the City of Coral Gables and the Village of Pinecrest is recommending, as Liz was saying,
was an alternate route, and the alternate route is essentially the existing route. That's the way
that the power gets to downtown Miami today and it has been for the last at least 40 years. Not
sure exactly when those power lines were built, but it probably was at the same time that Turkey
Point was built and the lines were brought up from the south. As you can see, there's a -- the
green line represents coming up from the south up to where it says Sweetwater. There's a big
substation there called Flagami. That's all -- that whole north -south leg occurs within an
existing FP&L right-of-way. Now the part where it gets a little trickier is going -from there to
downtown Miami. It goes through county streets and city streets, City ofMiami streets. As you
can see, approximately two-thirds of it goes through the City ofMiami. Within that corridor
today, FP&L has both overhead and underground lines. According to FP&L, there are two 230
kV underground lines there that have existed for at least 40 years. They were put in probably
again when Turkey Point was built and they go through city streets, ranging from 5th Street --
Southwest 5th Street, Southwest 5th Terrace, 6th Street, and Northwest -- Southwest 4th Street.
So they're in there today. FP&L is not sure who paid for them. At least officially they're not
saying who paid for them and why they paid for them if they did. But regardless, they say the
rules have changed and the laws have changed and they don't need to pay for it now. But the
fact remains that there are buried lines in that corridor today running through the City of
Miami, two of them, 230 kV. And again, there's also multiple overhead lines in that corridor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Could you go back for sec?
Mr. Castella: Yep, sorry.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Is that all right, Mr. Chair? You're saying -from the Sweetwater station
all the way to the FP&LMiami substation --
Mr. Castella: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- all that power is underground?
Mr. Castella: No, some of it is.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Some of it is.
Mr. Castella: Some of it is overhead, some of it is underground. They have both types. They
have probably three overhead major lines and two underground major lines.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Does the proposed alternate route intersect or cross into
either South Miami, Coral Gables or Pinecrest?
Mr. Castella: No. It goes through the County, through unincorporated Dade County and it
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goes through the City ofMiami, but it -- as you can see, it comes close to Coral Gables at the
north end, probably within about a block or two, and then it pulls away because we're basically
following the corridor that exists today. The alternate that's proposed, as I said from the
beginning, is the existing. So we're -- as Liz Hernandez was saying, why create two corridors,
the red and the green, through the City ofMiami. In the case of the City ofMiami, why not
keep it to the one existing where the power already goes today and has been for at least the last
40 years. Looking at what this corridor looks like, the north -south leg or the little skinny green
line going from north to south, as I said, is a big, wide existing FP&L right-of-way that exists
today. You have the big poles. They're all coming up from Turkey Point. Those are the big
wooden and concrete trestles coming all the way north. They're very big lines, you know, high
voltage transmission lines. And then when you get to the west leg, the east -west leg, which is
the part that goes through your streets and the County's streets, you can see sometimes it goes
between developments. These are some of the overhead lines that exist there today. Some of
them go down streets. You can see very large poles there today. Some of them go over houses.
It's kind of a mixed bag. You have wood poles. You have concrete poles. You have double
lines. You have single lines. You have, you know, whole rows of very old wooden poles that are
there, which is what Liz Hernandez was saying, that there's an opportunity here to fix up some
of this, underground some of this, and this is what exists through your streets today, how the
power gets from Turkey Point to downtown Miami, down to main -- minor streets, major streets,
you know, over highways, over houses, you know. It's been there for a long time and this is
where it goes down into a little substation just north of the 836 and Northeast 19th -- Northwest
19th, where it goes into a little substation, and then it disappears. Everything goes
underground from there to downtown, and that's it. That's my presentation. If you have any
questions, I'll answer what can.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else in the public like to speak? We'll get back to you in a
minute.
Ms. Hernandez: We have nobody else from any of the three cities to --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Hernandez: -- speak. Thank you very much. We appreciate the opportunity.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Eloy. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: I just wanted to raise a question that -- andl may be a little bit off on
this, but I noticed in our newer cities, in our newer communities -- just a thought, and correct
me if I'm wrong -- mostly all of the power lines -- and this kind of came up -- are underground
in most of -- a lot of the unincorporated areas. Is it that we don't have the full capacity to do
everything underground or what is that --? 'Cause I noticed --
Mayor Lerner: To the best of my knowledge, Village of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay has no
underground facilities --
Commissioner Dunn: I'm talking about north, like in Miami Lakes. Yes. Okay, there's
someone.
Chair Gort: New developments, they're required to.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah, new developments. Yeah, like Miami Lakes and different places,
they --
Mr. Castella: Right. The County requires new develop -- the County requires that new
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developments have their distribution lines underground because of you know, hurricane --
Commissioner Dunn: Precisely.
Mr. Castella: -- protection. So they are doing that, and it's much cheaper to do it when --
Commissioner Dunn: Precisely.
Mr. Castella: -- it first goes in as opposed to trying to retrofit it later. But yeah, you're right,
all the new developments are underground.
Commissioner Dunn: Right, because I remember the last few -- couple of hurricanes. You
know, those of us who are in the city in older developments --
Mr. Castella: Right.
Commissioner Dunn: -- we were complete out of power and it took us longer --
Mr. Castella: Weeks.
Commissioner Dunn: -- because lines were down and that kind of thing andl was just --
Mr. Castella: Trees and everything else.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. Okay.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Any other questions? Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll let Chairman -- or I'll let Commissioner
Sarnoff talk about how the proposed corridor -- whether the City is in favor of the proposed
corridor or not in favor of the proposed corridor and let him handle that. My concern is with
this alternate corridor that was -- and by the way, I want to thank the mayors for coming and
making their presentation. We -- just so you know, we were not aware and were not briefed
about this alternate corridor. The City somehow filed some sort of a document supporting an
alternate corridor without any direction from the City Commission, and without me personally
being consulted. The alternate corridor, I can understand why your cities would prefer the
alternate corridor logically. Certainly, if there was an alternate corridor that took all the lines
out of the City ofMiami, we would be in favor of that alternate corridor as well, so it's perfectly
logical that you would want to have a corridor that's going to minimize or eliminate the impact
on your city. Unfortunately, that alternate corridor goes right through the heart of my district
and you know, while we as a Commission try to avoid parochialism and it -- the way our city's
set up is differently from other cities. We don't run at large. I represent a certain area. We
have done things to protect specific districts from things that we feel would not benefit the
quality of life of those districts. Recently in District 3, we carved out an area for -- to prevent a
billboard company from erecting a billboard in that area because we felt that it would be very
detrimental to the quality of life. And just as your studies have shown that increasing the size
of the poles that already exist would have a detrimental impact on the economic benefit of your
cities and the quality of life of your cities, I feel similarly about how those poles would affect
the residents of my district. Andl cannot, under any circumstance, support the alternate
corridor going through District 4 without having extensive -- without having done extensive due
diligence, without having spoken to my residents, which I have not had the opportunity to do,
and I'm a little bit concerned that a document was filed without it having come to the
Commission for Commission approval and without me having known about it until three days
after it was filed. You know, other than that, I mean, I appreciate the time and the energy and
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the expense that your cities have gone through to study this issue and the impact that it has on
your cities. I think you're right that it's unfortunate that your taxpayers have to bear the
additional burden additionally from the -- their electric bills to actually have to study this and
propose new ideas. And I'm sympathetic somewhat to your argument that it already -- there is a
corridor, an older corridor, but it seems like the size of most of those transmission lines are
similar in size to the ones that we see everywhere. And so to increase them to 80 or 100 feet I
don't think would be palatable in my district, just like it wouldn't be palatable in your cities. I
would encourage the Commission, our body, and the Mayor and the City to find other ways to
get this capacity done if it has to be done. Andl think you've made very persuasive arguments
that it may not need to be done immediately or anywhere in the new future. Andl know that
there's two parallel things going on. There's the reactors and then there's the need for the
additional transmission lines or the -- supposedly for the -- you know, for the additional
transmission lines. Butl can tell you that on the basis of what I've seen and on the little
information that have, that cannot support the alternate corridor going through my district,
andl hope you would both understand that.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mayor Lerner: Okay. If I could just respond very briefly.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Mayor Lerner: Two things. The -- my request to you today is to consider taking action at least
in the nature of a resolution to oppose the FPL proposed corridor, which would create a second
infrastructure being impacted upon the City ofMiami. That, in my opinion, would weigh
heavily to support what we all want, which is no corridor --
Chair Gort: Alternatives.
Mayor Lerner: -- whatsoever. The way I see the context of this determination that's going to be
made in the administrative hearing and the burden being on us, the silence amounts to
acquiescence, in my view. So having at least a resolution that would oppose the corridor even
if -- andl understand your concerns about any additional infrastructure being imposed on your
residents. Again, what my very first request to Florida Power & Light was two years ago was
tell me you will underground it and we won't -- you know, we're okay. We won't go any further.
That is not a consideration at this point. The conditions of the corridor are not a part of the
administrative hearing officer's capability to say, well, we'll only grant you the corridor along
US 1 if it's undergrounded. They give them the preference of one corridor or the other, and
then it's up to us to either negotiate or for the Cabinet to then say, well, if it's not underground,
then we're not going to approve it. So undergrounding is something that think we all want to
push for, which is why I'm asking the Legislature to take a look at it. But my request to you is
to consider, at a minimum, to go forward with a resolution to oppose the proposed corridor
down US 1. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mayor. At the same time, I'd like to thank you all for being here and
giving us all information. I think that's very important. As Vice Chairman Carollo stated
before, it's very important to receive all the information and hear all the sides. But at the same
time, the second suggestion affects four out of the five districts in the City ofMiami. So as you
have fear for your residents, those lines will go right through our residential area and we will
not want to see it. So I myself -- and I'm sure Vice Chairman Carollo want to speak on this --
will not support a second corridor. Anyone else? Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Well, let me --
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Chair Gort: Then we -- Let him finish and --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Oh, okay.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Mr. V llasuso: Mr. Chairman, if we could take a couple of minutes. We don't want to address
all the issues --
Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. V llasuso: -- 'cause we understand, but there was a lot of inaccurate information,
especially about the process. Andl want you to rest assure of the opportunities, ifI can have
Ms. Dailey please respond.
Ms. Dailey: Mr. Chairman, with your permission?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Dailey: Thank you. I just want to address a couple of statements made by some of the
other speakers this morning and try to answer those where possible and explain some of the
procedural ramifications of where we are. First, with respect to a question from Commissioner
Sarnoff. Commissioner, you asked about the heat related to above -ground or underground
lines, and I've spoken with FPL subject matter expert who is an electrical engineer and he
explained two comments. One, with respect to overhead transmission lines, the ones that are in
the air, they are air-cooled --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right.
Ms. Dailey: -- so there is heat on the facilities when they are in operation, but there is no, to
our knowledge, change in the ambient temperature around those facilities. That's on overhead
facility. With respect to underground facilities --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Wait a minute. Wait, wait, wait. If they're air-cooled and if the air
dissipates off of it, just like the old Porsche engines, the -- if you get within two inches of the
engine, your hand starts to burn, so when you're three inches away, a little less, it dissipates
away. By definition, almost by principle, you have to have ambient heating. That's exactly
what you're having is ambient cooling.
Ms. Dailey: Yes, you're right, Commissioner. I suppose I should be more precise in my
comments. What I'm talking about is the ambient temperature at areas outside the clear zone of
these facilities. These facilities, when they're built overhead, have a clear zone where nothing
else is within that zone. So I'm talking about a change in ambient temperature outside the clear
zone.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right. What's the clear zone? What's your distance?
Ms. Dailey: To that, I would have to defer to our expert.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. You're Daniel, right?
Mr. Hronec: Yes, sir. Sir, the conductors on an overhead line are elevated very high off the
ground so --
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Commissioner Sarnoff. I understand.
Mr. Hronec: -- they are at a minimum 20, 30, 40, 50 feet or higher off the ground so there's not
an ability to measure a perceptible change in temperature on the ground in the vicinity of the
overhead transmission line conductors.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I don't think that's where you should measure. I'm asking you ten feet
away from your lines, how do you change the ambient temperature. And by the way, I would
then ask you 20, 30, 40, and 50.
Mr. Hronec: I don't know specifically what the temperature change is ten feet away --
Commissioner Sarnoff. It would seem to me that FP&L would know that --
Mr. Hronec: -- from an overhead conductor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- pretty quickly, especially on a 230 k [sic] and especially on a 520,
that you would know exactly what the ambient temperature change is.
Mr. Hronec: Well, what we know is that the ambient temperature change on the ground is not
measurable.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So a man that's 6'6'has a different feeling than a man that's, what, 4'2?
Mr. Hronec: I can't answer that question, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. My point is that's not where you would measure from. Common sense
dictates, although maybe this isn't for FP&L, that if you have ambient cooling, you have
ambient heating. The reverse is the inverse of the other. So what I'm asking you to get to me at
10 feet, at 20, at 50 feet, how much am -- I was told that if a bird flew within 5 feet of one of
your power poles, it would be fried.
Mr. Hronec: I'm not aware of that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's what I want to learn.
Mr. Hronec: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So that's why I'm asking this question.
Mr. Hronec: We understand the question.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Ms. Dailey: Okay. So that -- with respect to the heat question, we'll get back to you with more
details from our experts. With respect to Mayor Lerner and Mayor Stoddard's representations
about the NRC proceeding, of course FPL disagrees with many of those statements and we're in
the middle of litigation with those two cities and other parties with respect to that discussion,
that that proceeding is ongoing and we anticipate there'll be an opportunity for the evidence to
be aired on both sides in that proceeding. In the state proceeding that we're talking about
today that you all are actively involved in, there is the opportunity -- and we have allowed for
the inclusion of alternate corridors in the process. That process will go forward and you all
will have the opportunity to participate. There'll be opportunities for opinions and evidence to
be aired for pros and cons to come out through that process. You all have the opportunity to
ask questions about the application for the alternate corridor that Pinecrest and Coral Gables
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have proposed, as well as submit an agency report. You will also have the opportunity to
participate at the certification hearing before the judge and the governor and cabinet to state
your preference among the corridors on the table. That has -- that relates to the arguments by
Mayor Stoddard about economic impacts. We believe, of course, he is cherry -picking among
the evidence that's available. There are plenty of examples, including downtown West Palm
Beach where there has been urban development in the area of transmission lines. With respect
to EMF, electric and magnetic field impacts, again we believe he is cherry -picking among the
studies and evidence that's available. Of course we care about the safety of our community.
Tthis is where our families live and work, and we care about safety. We will and always do
comply with the safety standards applicable to our facilities. The Department of Environmental
Protection has the jurisdiction to regulate public health and welfare. In doing so, they have
regulated and set standards for electric and magnetic fields with transmission lines and this
transmission line and all of FPL's transmission line complies with those DEP standards. So we
just wanted to reiterate that the process that we're in right now involves an agency report from
the City on FPL's corridor coming up in the next several weeks; and then separately moving
forward, you'll have the opportunity to do the same thing on all of the alternate corridors that
have been proposed.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. We'll now close the public hearings. Comments --
Ms. Mendez: Mr. Chairman, couldl ask one question, just to clam something, of Ms. Dailey?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: It is -- it's my understanding, and obviously you're the expert on this when it
comes to transmission lines, but there's the NEPA Act, which is the National Environmental
Policy Act, that has to do with the environmental licensing and just impact studies that have to
do with the nuclear reactors. It's my understanding that there needs to be that -- a process
done with respect to that and usually that should happen or -- first before there is licensing or
state licensing with regard to transmission lines, and has that happened yet?
Ms. Dailey: The answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, there is a NEPA process. That's
the National Environmental Policy Act that requires environmental review of all federal actions
or other significant actions by federal agencies. Because FPL is seeking a federal government
agency approval of the two power plants, there must be, under NEPA, environmental review of
that proposed action. That process has already begun. FPL has submitted what's called a
COLA, Combined Operating License Application, and that is undergoing review at the federal
agency. It is typically -- the no part of the answer is the order in which the review takes place.
Typically, the federal agencies seek to have the state processes completed before the federal
process gets completed, not the other way around. So it is ongoing, it is proceeding, and it is --
it's not out of order.
Chair Gort: Let me ask a question. Maybe I missed it. I'm sorry.
Ms. Dailey: Sure.
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Ms. Mendez: With regard to the determination of need that was started at the very beginning,
unfortunately without the City being involved, but that determination of need basically stated
that the -- that FPL needed to have two nuclear reactors at Turkey Point, and then to do the
transmission lines that are related to that. So let's say that the nuclear reactors don't come
online, that -- wouldn't that change everything having to do with the determination of need and
also wouldn't that change things with regard to the policy act that would maybe not necessitate
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these transmission lines?
Ms. Dailey: Commissioner --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Dailey: -- or Chairman, may I respond?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Dailey: The answer is I'm not sure. The answer is that FPL has submitted an application
and under the Power Plant Siting Act, you first -- the first step is you seek a determination of
need from the Public Service Commission. Then when you have that, you undergo the siting
process that says where the facility should be built, and then it all goes again to a hearing
before an administrative law judge, and then final approval before the governor and cabinet, so
all of that is part of the same project. So if the need for the power plant changes over here, if
the power -- the Public Service Commission makes a change in the determination of need, that
would necessarily involve some changes in the proposal that we have on the table, I believe.
Ms. Mendez: So then that's when a city can seek to either suspend or revoke the certification
process based on those changes?
Ms. Dailey: Well, I suppose that's hypothetical. I'm not sure what the City's opportunities to
participate would be, but if FPL sought a change in its determination of need and opened a
proceeding at the Public Service Commission, any party can participate there. And if we
sought to amend our certification application, obviously the City is already involved in that.
Ms. Mendez: Okay, thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Yes, Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I think -- let me just reiterate the process as you explained
it. And again, I may not know the technical terms as well as you stated them, but you said the
first step was for there to be a determination of need. The second step seemed to be for you to
determine whether the sitings were appropriate. Is that correct?
Ms. Dailey: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. How can you determine where the lines are going to go if you
haven't determined whether the site and where the site is appropriate?
Ms. Dailey: If I understand -- Sorry, Mr. Chairman. May I respond?
Chair Gort: Sure, go ahead.
Ms. Dailey: IfI understand your question, Commissioner Suarez, you're asking how can we in
the determination of need?
Commissioner Suarez: No. You've established a need for additional capacity, okay, and in the
form of two additional power -- nuclear power plants. You still have not determined where
they're going to go, the siting.
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Ms. Dailey: We have.
Commissioner Suarez: That was step two.
Ms. Dailey: We have. We are currently in the middle of step two. We have proposed a location
for siting those two power plants at Turkey Point.
Commissioner Suarez: Right. You are -- you have proposed a location --
Ms. Dailey: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: -- so you haven't -- you don't have a determination as far as where
they're going to go. You said -- I'm pretty sure you said a few seconds ago, a few minutes ago
that you were considering alternate sites.
Ms. Dailey: No, I'm sorry. That was a statement by one of the other speakers and that is not
an accurate statement of the process.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. So you're only considering one site?
Ms. Dailey: We are currently proposing one site. As part of the environmental review --
Commissioner Suarez: That's fine.
Ms. Dailey: -- of the proposed site, there are -- we have to demonstrate that the site we chose is
the best alternate available.
Commissioner Suarez: Makes sense. That site has not been approved?
Ms. Dailey: No.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Ms. Dailey: It is the same process for the plant location siting as the transmission line siting.
They're currently operating on parallel but separate paths and they'll come back together again
before the administrative law judge.
Commissioner Suarez: But that doesn't make sense to me on two levels. One, you initially said
that that was step two, siting was step two, and what if you're denied your siting? Then --
Ms. Dailey: It's all together. It comes back together before the certification hearing before the
judge, all together; as the plant and transmission lines, all together.
Commissioner Suarez: So you're saying is that you -- the lines cannot be built without the
siting approved?
Ms. Dailey: The way FPL has submitted its permit application right now, those lines are
associated with Turkey Point 6 and 7 --
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Ms. Dailey: -- so when the governor and cabinet make a decision on this line within the City of
Miami and the power plant, it will be all one decision all together.
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Commissioner Suarez: That's not really the question that asked. The question that asked is
-- what you're saying is that the lines cannot be built if the site is not approved.
Ms. Dailey: That's right.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Chair Gort: In other words, you're stating that if the site is not approved, you will not build the
lines, the corridor?
Ms. Dailey: No, I'm not saying that FPL would never build --
Chair Gort: Well, that was --
Ms. Dailey: -- a line --
Chair Gort: -- the question.
Ms. Dailey: -- in that location.
Chair Gort: I mean, that is the question. The question is, if the site is denied, what happens to
the corridor?
Ms. Dailey: Okay, then let me clam my response.
Commissioner Suarez: I said the question twice.
Ms. Dailey: The answer is these lines proposed as part of the Turkey Point project would not
be built in that location if the Turkey Point project is rejected or denied. If ultimately later, for
example, FPL's transmission planning studies demonstrate an independent need for this
transmission line from the Davis to Miami substation, then FPL may seek to have that line built
again going through a similar process.
Commissioner Suarez: But that process hasn't begun and that's not part of this process --
Ms. Dailey: No, hasn't begun --
Commissioner Suarez: -- is that correct?
Ms. Dailey: -- not part of this process.
Commissioner Suarez: So in other words, just going -- reiterating for the third time. If -- under
the current process that we're in, if the -- if there is no determina -- see, that's the thing. I don't
understand why -- I guess I kind of understand why from a timing perspective, it has to be done
at the same time, but it almost feels like you're trying to put the, you know, chicken before the
egg, you know. You don't have the site approved, and yet you already want to approve the way
you're going to get to that site, and that to me doesn't -- I mean, I understand you're doing it
because you want to save time, in essence, and if you get a site approval, you want to have a
way to get there approved already, but when it's creating so much resistance at so many
different levels, you know, don't you think you should maybe do it a little differently and get the
site approved first, and then come back to that issue or at least take your time on doing -- on
dealing with some of these issues. Give the cities the time that they need to propose different
alternatives, you know, have the -- allow the city to lobby the state Legislature, to maybe lobby
the PSC (Public Service Commission), and you know, as far as different alternatives to pay for
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undergrounding. I mean, wouldn't that make logical sense?
Ms. Dailey: I can see, Commissioner, the point you're making, but I think the electrical
engineers would say why build a power plant if you don't have the ability to turn the power
plant on because you don't have lines. Why site a power plant ifyou don't have that done?
Now, the reason within the process that the transmission line process goes a little ahead of the
plant progress is because FPL has allowed for the inclusion of alternate corridors. So in order
to complete the whole review process ofFPL's corridor and then the alternate corridors within
the same time that the plant review process is completed, the transmission process has to go at
a little faster clip in order to allow for alternate corridors to be in the process.
Chair Gort: Okay, thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: And that -- If I just may, just kind of -- just finish it up. And that's -- I
think that's the problem here. You first started saying that step one is the need, step two is the
siting, and then step three is the lines. Then you said step one is the need, step two, which runs
parallel with step three, is the siting and the lines, and now you're saying that the lines are
actually coming before step two because of the benevolence of FPL in allowing for alternate
corridors. So now we've gone from step one is the need, step two is the lines, and step three is
the siting.
Ms. Dailey: Step two is the siting of the plants and the transmission lines.
Commissioner Suarez: But you just said that the transmission lines are coming quicker -- are
being done -- that process is being done quicker than step three -- than step two.
Ms. Dailey: Within the process, the city's agency report on FPL's proposed corridor has come
more quickly than the city's deadline for a report on the plant, and the reason for that sequence
of events is because there needs to be time in the process to allow alternate corridors to be
proposed in order that all of the local governments and parties participating who have
concerns can participate fully.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Now we close -- the public hearing is being closed. Comments among
board members.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, can I ask her a question?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Because it follows -- I thinkl can interpret what he's trying to say andl
think can interpret what you're doing. You're saying we're going to run a parallel track of
siting the power lines and we're going to run a parallel track of siting a power plant. If we
don't get the power plant, we still need to harden our grid, correct?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Dailey: What I'm saying is ultimately that may be needed. I can't tell you today what our
transmission plans would show.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But I think the reason he's getting stuck is because you're intending on
going forward. Let's say tomorrow, I don't know, we determine that there are 100, 000-rads of
radiation emanating from the Japanese power plant and it becomes untenable to put a nuclear
reactor anywhere in the state of Florida. Oh, that's right, that happened. But let's say that
does happen and it becomes untenable for political or whatever reasons to go forward with
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nuclear power down there or to add to what we already have. You're saying you're still going to
go forward with hardening the grid?
Ms. Dailey: What I'm saying is that I don't know the answer to that question. I'm not a
transmission planning engineer. FPL on an annual basis does --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay, let me ask it --
Ms. Dailey: -- planning studies.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- a different way. Won't the result of which the way you're going
through this methodology still have a hardening of the grid, which is running alternate
corridors?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Dailey: FPL --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Here's Daniel. He always gives me good answers.
Mr. Hronec: I try my best, sir. I think the term the hardening of the grid'fs an entirely different
set of circumstances where Florida Power & Light, under state mandate, has been rebuilding
existing infrastructure to strengthen its capacity. And I think we're kind of mixing metaphors
here and mixing apples and oranges --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Mr. Hronec: -- between a systematic reconstruction of the existing system over a long period of
time with the development of new generation infrastructure.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But -- stay there, Daniel. 'Cause let's say for instance somebody out of
wisdom determines that FP&L wants to sell its power to like, let's say Georgia. Oh, that's right.
You do that. And let's say for instance it's determined that you want to have a power plant up
north, fewer people. And let's say for instance through a process, it's determined that the best
place to put a nuclear power plant is somewhere in the north, let's say a little way, say
northwest section of just south of Georgia, which puts you in a extremely advantageous position
of power line transmission to, oh, that's right, Atlanta. And let's say, for instance, that occurs.
Would you still be putting power lines as you're describing here today in and around the Miami
area?
Mr. Hronec: I'm not sure I can relate your scenario to planning in the Miami area. But the
Florida Power & Light transmission system is evaluated for load flow across the entire system
and there are improvements made all over the service territory of Florida Power & Light.
Chair Gort: Let me see ifI can get this straight.
Mr. Hronec: Yes.
Chair Gort: My understanding, the question is if you need to do improvement, you need to
create new facility or you're going to improve the existing facility. I think that's the question.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Chair Gort: You will improve the existing facility or you create a new facility with the addition
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of the existing facility? That's the question.
Mr. Hronec: There's not a one -size fits -all answer to that question. There's a need to transmit
power between sources.
Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. Hronec: Sometimes that can be done with construction of new lines, sometimes it can be
done by incremental increases on existing circuits. Every study is independent.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. V llasuso: Let me try to clear that up. Eventually we'll have to build the line to bring the
power that is needed. I mean, whether the plant is built at Turkey Point or at some other
facility, there's a need for power --
Chair Gort: (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F)
Mr. V llasuso: -- and we need to bring the lines in. Now, is that going to happen in 2014,
2015, or 2017? We don't know. We have a five-year plan that we're looking for transmission --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And Eloy, whether you call it hardening or not hardening, you still
want to bring this line in?
Mr. V llasuso: You need the line in the City ofMiami to --
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right.
Mr. V llasuso: -- provide electric service to the --
Commissioner Sarnoff. IfI used the word hardening and --
Mr. V llasuso: -- residents.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- I shouldn't have used the word hardening, your grid needed to be
rehabilitated.
Mr. V llasuso: Yeah.
Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. V llasuso: Right.
Chair Gort: Okay, thank you. Any other questions? Thank you. Discussion, board members.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, let me start because I've been at this for the better part of three
years and it's disappointing that -- it was disappointing how the previous Administration dealt
with this. It's disappointing that a lot of Commissioners are only learning of this sort of right
now. Andl don't think there's a more complicated set of circumstances that could come to us
andl mean complicated politically, I mean complicated engineering -wise, andl mean
complicated in terms of what the best outcome is. It seems to me that this community -- if you
ever walk around -- and Coral Gables is certainly beautiful and so is South Miami -- if we ever
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walked around and really were honest with ourselves and said how could we improve the quality
of life, all you'd need to do is look at new communities and see that there are no power lines.
And I'm from Brooklyn; trust me, I know what power lines are because they ran -- and they were
only in wooden poles and nobody would even consider undergrounding in Brooklyn and that's
where I was brought up. And we didn't have trees to cover them, which you do in Miami. So
this community has always been short-changed. You know, when I looked at your community,
Commissioner Suarez, andl saw how it seemed to be acceptable to even have what's existing
there even as opposed to what they're intending to do or what could be done as an alternate
one. You know, sitting in your shoes, I certainly wouldn't want that. And know you also share
what I call the -- whether it's -- I'm not a good Boy Scout -- northern or western part of south --
of US 1. There's a part of your district that will touch that and concern that as well. And to the
Vice Chair, you certainly fought like a -- well, you used your diligence to fight a billboard. I
would think you'd use your diligence to fight mega power lines which inevitably it goes right
through your neighborhood in the Roads, and there's no intention of undergrounding right
there. And yet in my heart of hearts, I guess what I really believe is US 1 is an appropriate
corridor to bring these power lines up and down, but not above ground. They should be done
below ground. Oh, but, Commissioner, the cost. Are you kidding me? FP&L says it's $500
trillion, and that's if they give you a discount, and that's if you also buy the used car they're
selling. And you know, I don't know if it's 500 trillion and I don't know if it's really only 200
million 'cause it's very hard to lock them down. And the reason I kept on asking don't you have
underground power on US 1, and now I have confirmed there is underground power on US 1, is
simply to tell me that there is a right-of-way there, that they have the ability, the land mass
necessary to do so. I know FPL's not going to come up to me -- it's not a 230, whatever. What
-- is it 230 -- Mr. Stoddard, is it a 230 k [sicg? Is it a 230 DGB, or is it a --?
Mayor Stoddard: The existing line right now is a 138 kV.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But what's the 230?
Mayor Stoddard: (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F).
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right, so let's just use 230. And I've also heard they want to do 520,
okay. And that was two years ago they were talking 520. Let's just say it's a really big power
line that's going to generate a lot of heat. You know, the right thing to do is to bring this down
US 1 and to underground it, as they did 60 years ago, with just a tube and a pipe. But the
question is how do we get FP&L to do what we want it to do when -- I think the Vice Chair will
concede this -- they probably have the ability to change the laws pretty well as much as they
choose, and in '07 they made a law change that was significant to them and didn't get any
publicity. Where was channel -- you know, who's here today? Well, where was the Miami
Herald, Chuck? Where was, you know, Channel 4? Where was Channel 10? I think Channel
10's here. Where were you guys when they were changing this little law that was a great big
help to them? The answer was you didn't notice it. We didn't notice it because they knew what
they were doing 'cause they had a plan, and they were going to follow that plan. Now, the
question we have to ask ourselves up here -- and understand the parochial nature of this
argument and there's an old saying in the county. You know, what is it, you can count to -- if
you count to seven, you win. On this Commission, if you can count to three, you win. And it's
not hard to figure out that we're in danger or certainly I'm in danger of not being able to get
three votes because of the parochial nature of the argument, which is NIMBY, Not In My
Backyard. And to be quite candid with you, I would never present a set of circumstances to any
Commissioner up here that would say I have a proposal for a brand-new state-of-the-art
highway system, but it's going to go right through your neighborhood. I don't think any of us
would have the audacity do that. But we have to ask ourselves what is the best way to deal with
FP&L. And let me use an analogy, the way the Russians fought the Germans in World War II.
The way the Russians fought the Germans in World War II is they presented nine lines of
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defense. They didn't go after them with laser beam accuracy because they knew the German
Army was a better equipped, better trained army. I submit to you FP&L is a better equipped,
better trained army than the City ofMiami, probably the City of Coral Gables and probably the
City of South Miami combined. So I present to you a scenario, as the Russians did, which is
they'll break our first line, they'll break our second line -- and by the way, they got to the sixth
line, which was inside of Moscow. What happened is, the other ends of the lines collapsed and
surrounded the German Army. Now, that is certainly a valid way of doing things, especially
when you're outmanned and you're outgunned. Some of you may want to present a laser beam
approach, but I don't think there is a laser beam here. And I think what Mayor Lerner and
Mayor Stoddard were saying to us is join with us, fight them every step of the way so that FP&L
equally has to expend its energy and its resources in a very complicated process so that
inevitably I think the end game here -- andl hope everybody would join me -- is to underground
on US 1. And of course, Mayor Lerner is right. Make sure that we can build TODs,
transit -oriented development so that the footing of these buildings are not affected by the
undergrounding. Now if you've attended any of these FP&L seminars -- andl was with
Commissioner - I was with then State Representative Commi -- I keep wanting to call him
Commissioner. Maybe he's going to run someday. -- Lopez-Cantera, and we had all the
meetings in his office. And they brought us a PowerPoint presentation and a description and
photographs of what these underground lines look like. I mean, it's an impressive
undergrounding of what looks like an underground city where these actual lines go and exist
'cause they're encased in oil and the oil dissipates the heat. So whatl would ask my fellow
Commissioners to do is join with me. Let's adopt what the City of South Miami and the City of
Cutler Bay and the City of Pinecrest has done, not with the intention of placing it there, but
with the intentions of keeping a line of defense against FP&L so that we can continue to
somehow convince them that when they go to sell this power to Georgia, when they go to sell
this power north -- because it's like mercury. Once you put mercury in a bottle together, you
can't discern the piece of mercury you put in there. Power is like that too. Once you put power
in the grid, if there's ample power to the south, you can sell your power to the north and
transfer your power from mid Florida to North Florida. And the reason I say that is, there's no
way the City ofMiami, the City of Coral Gables, the City of South Miami should bear the cost,
the expense, and the burden of undergrounding. That is a cost burden and expense that should
be borne certainly in the South Florida region, more impressively and more appropriately in the
state of Florida. It's something that, if it's distributed correctly, would be less than $18 a year.
And this number that they give us, whether it's 500 trillion -- and of course I'm being facetious,
so any newspaper reporter should not write 500 trillion with a used car, but it would have been
a Bentley -- that they would have required -- you know, let's get them to that place that they
need to be. And the place they need to be is undergrounding. And then I submit to you that for
the next ten years, this community should find a way to force FP&L to go wherever and
whenever it can undergrounding 'cause there's no better quality of life than to do away with all
of these overhead power lines. Take it from a kid from Brooklyn. We didn't even have the trees
to cover up the power lines. You know, when you look at these guys cut the trees in a great big
V and you think to yourself, that's acceptable practice in Miami. Let me close with one thought
as to how we find ourselves in the position that we're in. You andl are forced to have one
power company, Florida Power & Light, that is wholly owned by Florida Power Company, that
is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Do you think they expect to make a profit so that
their shareholders can continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange? Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Chair Gort: Let me --
Ms. Mendez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: -- inform people. It's very important, the four of us in here. I've been here maybe
about a year and a half so a lot of this process that the City and Commissioner Sarnoff are
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going through, we have not. And one of the questions that I've askedFP&L is this lines, this
power, how many people it's going to be serving? How many people are going to be benefitting
from this power going out? That -- the cost of all that should be shared by everyone who's
going to receive the benefits. That's something that I stated from the --from first. Andl think
it's very important andl want to thank all of you for being here. I think we ourselves got a lot
of information that we didn't have before, so we are very appreciative. And any further
discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. I agree with Commissioner Sarnoff. I think that any further
power lines should be underground. I could not support the alternative route especially now
not having enough information and studies and so forth. And at the same time, I'll be totally
honest, I cannot support it because of the detriment it's going to be -- that it's going to have on
our neighborhoods. And yes, and just like I've made strong arguments when it was going to be
a detriment to my district, to my neighborhoods, at the same time I understand clearly andl
thinkl expressed that if it would be to that same type of detriment to your community, I'd be
there with you. So I could not support an alternative corridor. However, I do agree with
Commissioner Sarnoff 100 percent. I think the way this needs to be done is underground and
we should explore every possibility to make sure that, first, if it has to be done, and second, that
if it is -- that if it does have to be done, that it's underground. And you have my support. And
you know, that's where I stand. With that said, I'm always welcome to new information, any
information that you feel thatl or any Commissioner here needs to see, review and analyze
before we make a final determination, but I could tell you, Commissioner Sarnoff, you're right
on. The way this needs to go is underground.
Chair Gort: Mr. Mayor, you're recognized.
Mayor Regalado: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, what I ask from you is that before you end the
discussion on this issue, you might want to have either a resolution or a direction to the
Administration to withdraw what was filed in terms of the alternate corridor. That way, we are
a part of the process. I will say to you that I'm totally in favor of suggesting undergrounding
the corridor if there is a need for the corridor. You can also have legislation not only directing
the Administration to withdraw that because they need that direction to withdraw what was
filed, but you can also have legislation to oppose, as it is, the FPL proposed corridor on US 1
overhead. So -- but we sort of need some direction from you to -- at least to withdraw what the
City filed.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. And Mr. Chairman, I'd like to add to what the Mayor said.
You know, Mr. Mayor, I have always spoken about accountability, andl continue to so much so
that even mentioned today when I spoke the accountability of our Administration on two
separate occasions, strongly recommending for us to support something that I felt andl think
has been seen was a bad deal for the City ofMiami. With that said, at the same time, you know,
I want some accountability. How was this somehow filed without any of our Commissioners
being given a heads up? I think in all fairness, you know, it's only reasonable and it's fair to
ask how can this happen, and more importantly, how can we prevent this from happening in the
future so --?
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Chair Gort: Yeah.
Mayor Regalado: Well, if I may, Mr. Vice Chair, I would defer to the Administration and the
City Attorney's office to explain. My understanding is that there was a deadline order by court
where the City had some timeline that it had to follow and we didn't have a Commission
meeting. Now, accountability, yes, you're totally right. The problem that we have is -- and
Marc knows this because I was sitting over there -- we tried three years ago, two years ago to
do something in terms of resolution of the US [sic] corridor. The Planning Department at that
time and the City Manager always asked to defer that, saying that they would be taking care of
and then we know what happened after that. And you're right, we need to be on top of the
things. Nothing can fell [sic] through the cracks anymore because this is a very, very
important issue for the residents of the City ofMiami. Actually, I remember that -- when we
discussed that, I presented some mail that I -- that we received in our District 4 office of people
that have gotten letters from FPL asking about that opinion and they forward us those letters
with their comments that they didn't want, at that time I don't know why, lines through Flagami.
So it is important to make a statement in terms of directing the Administration to withdraw that
and, of course, directing the Administration to give you an update of the process and whatever
process that is, to bring it back to the City Commission for discussion in the sunshine.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: First of all, I'd like to make the motion as stated by the Mayor.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Chair Gort: It's moved by Commissioner Suarez, second --
Commissioner Suarez: Andl think, again --
Chair Gort: -- by Vice Chair.
Commissioner Suarez: -- andl don't want to harp on this and I'm not going to call anybody
out, andl think -- I appreciate the Vice Chairman for not doing that either, specifically calling
anybody out. But I think the concern is that in the future no documents are filed without the
expressed authority of the City Commission or without us being consulted. Andl think that's
the -- that was the key reinforcing thing.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: And just to add what Commissioner Suarez said. And you're right,
Commissioner Suarez. As you noticed, I didn't call anybody out, but at the same time, there
needs to be accountability. And my intent was so this doesn't continue, you know, we have to
mention it because if we're going to fix a problem, we got to make sure that we mention, hey,
there is a problem. And again, my intention was that this does not happen in the future. Thank
you.
Chair Gort: We all want the same.
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Ms. Mendez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Commissioner -- wait a minute. Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Let me just explain why I'm not going to join you in this, and it's
not because I want the alternate corridor. I want this City to stay engaged in this process. I
want this City staying engaged in this process just like Coral Gables, just like South Miami, and
just like Cutler -- Old Cutler. Andl think we should oppose FP&L at every juncture that we
can until they prove the need, until they prove everything that you brought about, and that's
why I'm not going join in this because I want the City engaged. I don't want to hear that we
missed a deadline for the development as to, all right, the corridor has been set but now the
conditions as to where the corridor's going to go -- oh, City ofMiami, you missed it by 14 days.
So that's why I'm not going to join in this. Andl tried to give you the analogy of the Germans
with the Russians or the Russians with the Germans by saying think the way to deal with this --
andl give you my pledge. When it comes time to release the alternate corridor, I would vote
with you to say it's time that the City ofMiami change its position on the alternate corridor
because I don't intend on putting a problem in any one of your neighborhoods when it belongs
down US 1 underground. But I want to stay engaged in this process. And that's what the other
Administration, when you sat here with me, did not do. And that was I think a huge detriment.
The only way I stayed involved was through Carlos Lopez-Cantera, the state rep, in the
meetings with that office. And we ended up missing a deadline by the way. We missed the
needs deadline. So I want -- that's why I'm not going to join with you. I know for political
reasons you may need to do this and it may be something that you want to still bring forth. I
want to fight like the Russians fought. I want to oppose them every step of the way. I don't
want to give an inch of land andl want FP&L to prove the absolute need, resolve, and
necessity for them to come down US 1 and when they do finally come down US 1, I want that
undergrounded, andl don't want the City ofMiami bearing the expense of that when it belongs
throughout the state of Florida.
Mayor Regalado: Mr. Chairman --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Mayor Regalado: -- if I may. That is why, Commissioner, I asked first your direction to
withdraw the alternate corridor. But second, if you want to add to the motion the fact that we
oppose FPL corridor on US 1 as it is now and recommend that this will be underground. And
that is symbolical, but it's a message.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right. I think it would -- Mr. Mayor, I think it would be symbolic andl
think it might be premature ifI was reading these documents correctly because -- but do get --
you're right to say symbolically, it is a good place to be. I just want to fight like the Russians.
Mayor Regalado: Okay.
Chair Gort: Ms. Mendez.
Mayor Regalado: But they lost.
Chair Gort: Commissioner --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. They -- no, they won. They -- Moscow --
Chair Gort: Commissioner Dunn.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. -- they surrounded.
Commissioner Dunn: I believe -- and that was my next question I was going to ask from a
parliamentarial [sic] procedural way, what way could we --? Because I will go on record, I will
be voting with my colleagues to protect the integrity of neighborhoods. That's something we've
all been big on, but then how can we stay engaged. Andl don't if there's a way -- I'll yield to
my legal -minded colleagues.
Chair Gort: Well, I got to let my --
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: -- I'm going to let our attorney -- yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I don't really want to get too much into the substance of the
resolution in terms of arguments about what we 're doing and what we're not doing because I
feel that it -- well, look. I think we should bring this back on a regular basis. This is something
that we should discuss more instead of less, andl think part of the reason why we got to this
point is because there's been a resistance, for whatever reason, to discuss this, andl think it
should be the exact opposite. We should be discussing this more often and we should be
engaged in the process, like we're engaged in our finances. We're engaged in a lot of different
things for the City and we should be engaged in this. And instead of -- we shouldn't have any
fear to talk about this. On the contrary, we should be talking about this on a regular basis,
where are we at today, where are we at tomorrow, what can we do, what's the next procedure.
What can -- And as you've seen, when we get engaged in a fight, for lack of a better word, we
are pretty successful. I mean, we haven't lost one in a while, so -- you know, the fact of the
matter is I think the City does have a lot of credibility with its legislative delegation in
Tallahassee and a lot of it comes from the unanimity in the way we do things and the
collegiality in the way we treat each other. So, you know, it's very hard to divide us. And we
represent a lot of different demographics and so that makes us even more powerful in that
sense. In any event, I think it's something that we should bring back maybe in two or three
months or maybe on a quarterly basis until, you know, we're satisfied with the fact that our
efforts are constant and continual 'til we achieve our goal.
Chair Gort: I'd like to hear from the Attorney, our attorneys.
Ms. Mendez: Basically, there's been a few motions andl just wanted to see ifI can articulate in
one motion that the Commission would be happy with so that we can have a little direction
moving forward on this. Basically, it's a resolution of the Miami City Commission directing the
City Manager and the City Attorney to withdraw the alternate corridor and take any and all
action necessary to prevent FPL from placing overhead transmission lines through the City of
Miami, unless undergrounded, in the matter of Florida Power & Light Company Turkey Point
Units 6 and 7 plant siting application, in addition to looking into any possible revocation or
suspension of the certification.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd like to respectfully ask my colleague, Commissioner Sarnoff, would he
support that motion because like I stated, I am definitely against the alternate corridor, and at
the same time, I really pledge my support --
Chair Gort: (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F) to fight.
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- to be part of the fight, part of a team and make sure that it does go
underground. But at the same time, I would like to see if this Commission, once again, is united
in this fight and that's why I respectfully ask you if you could support this because -- see, I don't
think that not voting against or continuing with this alternative route necessarily means that,
yes, we have a better position as far as underground, and that's where I'm having difficulty with.
And at the same time, my goal is for all of us to once again walk out of here united because I do
believe that we all have the same intentions, and it's just how we're going about it, so I think if
we could, you know, have a little further discussion and make sure that, you know, we stay
united in the way to get to the same solution or the same goal, then maybe we'll have even a
stronger position.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Here's my --
Chair Gort: I believe the suggestion by the Mayor -- Yes, Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Here's my concern. I want to make sure that the City ofMiami is
engaged at every process, at every deadline, at every moment. You know, I'd like to give --
there are going to be arguments laid. It's almost like an amicus curiae, which I think
Commissioner Suarez would know. That's called a friend of the court, where we would file on --
in support of what South Miami's doing. I'm not supporting, and understand this, the alternate
corridor. I am supporting some of the arguments they're making about these power lines
because what they're really saying is the above -ground lines -- andl think South Miami knows
what it's doing andl don't think they really believe or -- I don't think for a moment -- maybe I
shouldn't speak for them -- whether they believe they're really going to get an alternate corridor
or not, I don't know. But most of the arguments they're making is about above -ground power
lines. And I want us engaged in the argument in front of an AIJ, administrative law judge, the
whole time, where sometimes it's not a motion to compel; it's a motion to dismiss, but you're
really setting them up for a motion to compel. That's why I want us engaged the whole time.
And if our resolution allows and affords our City Attorney and our planning and engineering
personnel, as broadly said as I can say it, are allowed to attend and at least sit and hear all the
various meetings so that they can have some degree of input, that is what I want.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may.
Chair Gort: Well, my question to the attorneys is, if we pass this motion --
Commissioner Suarez: Of course.
Chair Gort: -- it doesn't mean we are being disengaged. We'll still continue to be engaged. At
the same time, I think we need to know from now on the whole process that's going to be taking
place, the dates it's going to be taking place, and we got to make sure we don't miss any of the
timelines that we --
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. --
Chair Gort: -- that were imposed on us.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Mayor Regalado: Mr. Chairman, we have a June 13 deadline to file. So the resolution could be
the direction that they have to file. You have until June 13 now.
Ms. Mendez: For instance, the resolution that I just read to you trying to put everything
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together, it would allow the City Manager and the City Attorney to take any and all action
necessary, so I think that addresses your concern, Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. But I want to make sure -- what I want to make sure is that this ALJ
sees us as having standing.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Stand -- well, let me just explain it so that if you're wrong, I can at least
say there's a problem. I want to make sure that we have standing to be in attendance for the
alternate corridor arguments.
Ms. Mendez: Correct. So that's why we need to withdraw the alternate corridor and you also
need to allow me to make any arguments against it, so that would be probably afriendly
amendment by you, if you like. But the point is we would be engaged in every part. The other
thing is that on June 13 we have to submit an agency report, so this is going to come back to
you on June 9 to discuss the agency report, which is another part of this process.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Initially, when I found out about this alternate corridor, the
rationale was that it would strengthen somehow our argument with FP&L. And I, to be honest
with you, think it does the exact opposite. I think it weakens our position tremendously because
as the Vice Chairman demonstrated when we were first negotiating the billboard agreement, it's
very simple to say, oh, this is your proposed alternate? Let's go with it. And then where are
you? You know, so -- you know, I think as long as we can stay engaged in the process of
understanding what's going on without having to take a position -- well, without having to take
an affirmative position on the alternate corridor, I think we're good to go. I cannot support the
alternate corridor under any circumstance.
Ms. Mendez: Just for us to be able to do a couple of things that are coming up, for instance, if
we do nothing on the alternate corridor, that means that on May 31 it'll die because we didn't
properly notice, we didn't give any data, and we didn't file anything that needs to be done by
May 31. So in that regard, let's say that the Commission decides not to do anything with the
alternate corridor, the notice of filing dies. But then there's another process, the same process
that has happened with the US 1 corridor which has to do with completeness and whether the
application is complete and any recommendations, that is going to happen now with the
alternate corridor that was provided by two other cities, so this Commission needs to advise the
Manager and the City Attorneys office how we want to address that, which is do we want to
oppose it, do we want to make recommendations for it, et cetera, et cetera. So now starts a
second prong of -- it's simultaneous to what's happening now, but it's just a second prong of
filings that we have to make with regard to the alternate corridor that's filed by two other cities.
So that's why we need direction with regard to withdrawing an alternate corridor, which, again,
I said it can -- it'll die on the 31 st if we do nothing, or opposition to an alternate corridor . We
do need to make a decision as to that, which the opposition to the alternate corridor we don't
have to make today. It could be done at the June 9 because our deadlines are a little later, but
I just want this Commission to know, if we do nothing else today on the alternate corridor, it'll
die on the 31 st for us.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: There's still two other --
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Chair Gort: Right.
Ms. Mendez: -- cities that --
Chair Gort: My question, once again, is we pass this motion, we can still stay active?
Ms. Mendez: Yes. If we pass the proposed motion that I made trying to, you know, put
everything together, yes, we're still engaged.
Chair Gort: Right. But it's very important that we're aware of the guidelines and the dates that
we have coming up, and make sure that you sit down with the Commissioners and you keep us
informed of everything that is taking place.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. I --
Chair Gort: I don't want you the day before, you got to follow the guidelines. Hey, I had to do
it.
Ms. Mendez: Correct.
Chair Gort: All right? Okay. Any further discussion on the motion? Do you want to change
the motion? Okay. All in favor --
Ms. Mendez: Do you want me to read it again just in case or --?
Chair Gort: It was his motion.
Ms. Mendez: Oh, okay.
Chair Gort: Or you want to approve her motion?
Ms. Mendez: Which --? Yeah. I just need to know --
Chair Gort: Which motion are we going with?
Ms. Mendez: -- for the record which --
Chair Gort: She recommended a motion, and the maker of the motion, I don't know if -- what
you want to do.
Commissioner Suarez: I think the Mayor had mentioned --
Ms. Mendez: Right. I just --
Commissioner Suarez: -- something and then I think you rephrased what the Mayor had said. I
don't have a problem accepting your language, which is essentially that we reject the alternate
corridor and we also reject the proposed corridor in essence and will only accept it if it's
underground. Is that --
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- a clear synopsis of --?
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Ms. Mendez: But ifI could just read it because I want to be --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Ms. Mendez: -- perfectly clear that we're --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Ms. Mendez: -- on the same page and that it --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: -- captures everything that we've discussed. A resolution of the Miami City
Commission directing the City Manager and the City Attorney to withdraw the alternate
corridor and take any and all action necessary to prevent FPLfrom placing overhead
transmission lines through the City ofMiami, unless undergrounded, in the matter of Florida
Power & Light Company Turkey Point Units 6 and 7 power plant siting application, in addition
to looking into any possible revocation or suspension of certification.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Wait. What does the Ih addition'fnean?
Ms. Mendez: The Ih addition'fs basically if we -- based on all the things that we've discussed
today with NEPA or the determination of need, it's basically to look at any possible revocation
or suspension of the certification. So basically, suspending the application and no power lines
come through the City, period, or at least suspend it until we figure out what's happening with
the nuclear reactors or just postponing everything in some way or fashion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're using that as a catchall.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Chair Gort: Okay, thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: I will accept that version of the motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: I also accept as the seconder.
Chair Gort: Okay. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor,
state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Thank you all for being here. By the way, I don't look at this as
fighting. I'm looking at this all coming together and come up with some solutions, what's best
for the City. Sometimes we try to use the easiest way out.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
PART B: PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
PZ.1 ORDINANCE
11-00022zt
Second Reading
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS," ARTICLE 3, ENTITLED
"GENERAL TO ZONES," AND ARTICLE 7, ENTITLED "PROCEDURES AND
NONCONFORMITIES", TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING BY PROVIDING INCENTIVES INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS OF
ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN STANDARDS AND PARKING REDUCTIONS
IN CERTAIN TRANSECT ZONES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00022zt CC SR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
11-00022zt PZAB Reso.pdf
11-00022zt CC Legislation (Version 4).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval.
PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommended approval with
modifications* to City Commission on January 19, 2011 by a vote of 8-1.
*See supporting documentation.
PURPOSE: This will facilitate development of affordable housing by providing
incentives including modifications of architectural and design standards and
parking reductions in certain transect zones.
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Sarnoff
13265
Chair Gort: PZ (Planning & Zoning) items. We're ready.
Francisco Garcia: Commissioner Gort and Commissioners, for the record, Francisco Garcia,
Planning director. Item PZ.1
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry. I am so sorry. Chair, are we going through the
PZ order of the day so that can swear in anyone who's going to testify?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): I don't think anyone has to be sworn in today. I think all the
maters before the Commission are legislative in nature.
Chair Gort: Discussion.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you. Once again, as pertains to item PZ.1, I believe Commissioner Suarez
had wanted to be here since he has been actively involved in the --
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Chair Gort: He's here.
Mr. Garcia: Oh, very well. So I will simply say a couple of words to introduce the item and
then yield to Commissioner Suarez. PZ.1 is before you as the second reading of an amendment
to Miami 21 zoning ordinance to provide for certain incentives for the construction and
development of affordable housing in the City ofMiami.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We were fortunate enough to pass this
unanimously on first reading with some concerns that were expressed from my colleagues. One
of them had to do with making sure that there were mixed -income projects that were being
contemplated by the City, and I've assured Commissioner Sarnoff that I'm actively working on
those issues as well. Andl think he had also brought up some additional items. I don't know if
he has resolved those questions or if he has any additional questions or, you know, any of the
other colleagues do.
Chair Gort: IfI may, my understanding is at this time Planning Department's not ready to
make any recommendations or -- and mainly this is going to be a discussion items with the --
it'll be open to the public and the public can speak on behalf of --
Mr. Garcia: As pertains to --
Chair Gort: -- different issues.
Mr. Garcia: I'm sorry. As pertains to PZ.1 -- from PZ.2 on, that will be the case, Chairman
Gort. For PZ.1, since this is second reading and you've considered this item before, we would
recommend that the Commission take action today.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: I mean, I move the item like I did before. I don't know anyone has any
Chair Gort: Motion --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll second.
Chair Gort: -- by Commissioner Suarez, second by Vice Chairman Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Discussion.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Yes, sir. I know we try to do everything in unison and we try to do
everything by consensus and -- well, I'm moved to some degree by some of the things you've
done. I have tried to verify some statements that were made up here. For instance -- and you
turn out to be right, 50 percent of the City ofMiami is susceptible to affordable housing. As it
turns out, that's a formula. Everybody sitting to my left here is a City employee and would
probably be susceptible to affordable housing. You take a percentage of your gross income and
if it's above 33 percent in the City ofMiami, you are considered eligible for affordable housing.
That means a person making $120, 000 a year that has three children can be subject to
affordable housing in the City ofMiami. I don't know about most people, but think if you're
making $120, 000, you should feel pretty fortunate and three children aside. I just question
especially the 50 percent number that was registered, which really piqued my interest in this
whole thing. Whether --
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Commissioner Suarez: Can I --?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- in fact post 2008 -- 'cause our housing crises have come down, I
believe the number's 36 percent, and don't think anybody's ever factored in the 36 percent
reduction, so what was a thousand a month is now 740 a month, you know, and on and on. Or I
should say 648 a month. One of you should have jumped on me real fast for that.
Commissioner Suarez: Can I jump in real quick?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Yes.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: I just want to -- I think the way I understand it -- and maybe I under --
maybe I don't understand it right -- is that the formula is based on area median income and it --
if you have somebody that's 60 percent of area median income, they would qualin, for
affordable housing under some of these type of programs. And median income is the average
income in essence, but there -- but the -- in this case -- we're getting into kind of mathematical
technicalities, but the median is different from the mean. The mean is how many people are
above the me -- you know, the median income, and that number is very, very small because
wealthy people, even -- they push up the average, but there's not that many of them. There's an
aggregation and accumulation of wealth. So there's an enormous amount of people that would
be 60 percent area median income because they -- because less peo -- more people that make
less money, essentially. So the more people make -- the less people that make more money
drive up the median income, but there's more people that make less money and that's why that
number is so high. It's not something that you think -- mathematically you would think why
would 50 percent of the people qualin, for affordable housing? And the reason why is because
we have a lot of poor people in this County, in this City.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Well -- andl -- to use your numbers, and instead of arguing that we
have a very liberal use of what is affordable housing simply because if you go above 33
percent, the first criteria of you being eligible for affordable housing you're now susceptible to
that. And if you have three children and then your AMI (Area Median Income) is 120 above
that or within 120, you can then theoretically become eligible for affordable housing. My only
point, use the math how you want, I think that considers a great number of people that don't
really need affordable housing. Now let me comment on a more 20, 000 feet -above issue and
that is the way your statute is written or the way your ordinance is written, you're going to have
80 percent of your building filled with 60 percent ofAMl. That means you really are, in my
opinion, and think the opinion of most planners, you're warehousing the poor because you are
putting buildings that are extensively filled with low-income people. It really should be called
low-income housing because it's really not affordable housing. Sixty percent ofAMl in the City
ofMiami, in the County -- Miami -Dade County can be as low as $18, 000 a year for a single
person, and 60 percent of your building could be filled with people making 18,000 a year and --
I'm sorry; 80 percent of your building could be filled with that. Until those formulas change,
your housing practice is that of the 1950s and -- you may be shaking your head no, but it really
is. That practice no longer exists in Atlanta, Georgia. That practice no longer exists in
Montgomery County, in Maryland. It's practices that I think are no longer in existence in some
of the quicker thinking and maybe far-ranging cities. I'm not going to make a popular
statement here because, you know, saying you're against affordable housing is like saying
you're against Santa Claus. Everybody has just decided affordable housing is the word they
want to use and gosh, gee, that's great. And how could you be against affordable housing, you
know. How could you not want to feed the homeless, you know. It's all those kind of words.
But when you really drill down into this, what you're really doing is you're creating incentives
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to put 80 percent of very low-income people in one unit versus mixed income. Andl know I
said to this -- you to this before -- or I said this to you before. I apologize. I think the proper
planning of tomorrow is to create mixed -income opportunities. Now I know you said the way
the state of Florida does things, it doesn't allow for that type of product. You know, I would
suggest that we would be better suited to change the means that we create the affordable
housing versus creating the low-income housing that is proposed and living with that for the
next 30 to 40 years because that's what we'll be doing. And you know, ifI was a different
Commissioner and my skin wasn't so light, it wouldn't sound so harsh, what I'm saying. I know
this has been said by Mayor Gibson and it comes out different from her when she says it. But
this is something thatl think is something we really need to look at. I'll probably be the only
one vote against it and only history will tell us in the future how it plays out. But I don't think
you can load a building up with 80 percent of the people making 60 percent of what the average
person makes in the City ofMiami. I think that's really the warehousing of the poor.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I don't think the two kinds of housing are mutually
exclusive. I don't think you either have to build one or have to build another one. I think we
need to create incentives to build both. I think we need to create incentives for people who are
in low-income circumstances so that they can live in places that they can feel proud of. When
you go to the buildings, you'll see that people can live in a building that looks like it should be
in Brickell for 2 or $300 per unit, and think that's kind of the point. When you go there, you
see little kids who wouldn't otherwise have access to computers playing in a computer room or
wouldn't have access to a beautiful, you know, self-contained swing set -- playing in a
self-contained swing set. And when I compare those projects to projects that were built in the
'60s and '70s, like Smathers, for example, which is a public housing project, you can't compare
the two projects. I mean, one of them looks like an insane asylum. The other one looks like a
building that should be on Brickell. And so for me -- I understand where you're coming from,
andl think you aspirational goals are true and good. Andl think that's why, you know, I sat
with the Planning Department and started focusing on -- I got the message, which was we need
to focus also on workforce and medium -income housing, and we're trying to do a project like
that with everyone's support that hopefully we'll be able to introduce soon. Andl think you're
right; we need to bring in wealth into certain areas so that it can support commercial -- big -box
commercial industries in that area and it completely uplifts the area, andl would just argue
that they're not mutually exclusive. You can still do both at the same time. And to support
these kinds of projects, which is what the state of Florida has -- you are tremendously benefiting
people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to live in the way that they do in these
buildings. And you can see -- you can ask any of the people who own any of these buildings
that their occupancy rate is like 99 percent and their waiting lists are tremendously long. And
it's one of the calls that we receive the most of. I mean, we're constantly being pushed to do
more for affordable housing because our family members and members of this community just
can't afford to pay what they're paying right now.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Can I just respond?
Chair Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Two responses to that. I think if you look carefully at your ordinance
that you prepared, I think once you take away the wrap around of the garage and you just put
screening on there, I think that is exactly what Brickell has. Brickell has this livability, this
screening -- I use the word screening and that's what yours uses, just screening, but it
completely shields the parking pedestal, and you take that away and you allow just for screens
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to be put up there, and I've seen what the screen looks like, and that completely takes it away
from this modernistic Brickell-looking building wherever you might put it. The second response
I'd say to you is most of these will be built in DI (District 1) and D2 (District 2) simply because
that's where the land exists. Most of the DI and D2 probably exists most likely District 2 and
secondarily District 5. As we absorb all of our DI and D2 land, which -- let's call it what it is,
industrial, where are the jobs? Where are these places going to be left for industrial uses for
any kind of jobs that we come up with? You know, I still kind of marvel at the way things
happen in Miami, you know. I suspect most of you started out, you had a paper route and then
you got a bicycle and then you got a car and then you got your job and next thing, you got your
home. In the City ofMiami, the first thing you do is you get an affordable house; then only if
you need to do you get a job. I just think we kind of have it backwards.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: I don't know. I had my paper route and --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. You still have it?
Chair Gort: -- I sold papers. Yes, Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: Certainly, I -- you know, this is a tremendously engaging debate and
there are a lot of philosophies. And I know -- to both of my colleagues, Commissioner Suarez
as well as Commissioner Sarnoff -- this has been one of your positions even prior to my coming
up here in terms of affordable housing versus economic development. I remember that question
you posed some 15 months ago when I was sitting out there. You remember that. And it's kind
of does -the -chicken -come -before -the -egg issue, andl guess it depends on how you look at it,
what vantage point you're looking at it, what lenses you're looking at it from. I will say this
much in District 5. This was during the days of Mayor Regalado when he was a Commissioner.
The former Commissioner, the late Arthur E. Teele, Jr. There was a absentee landlord on -- I
can't remember the guy's name. It's probably goodl don't remember -- who had a plethora of
monstrous, ugly apartment buildings on 60th Street, around -- I guess between 15th Avenue to
13th Avenue. You remember that, don't you? I remember -- well, I remember the guy's name,
andl -- maybe I shouldn't do that. Martinez was his last name, and I'll leave that alone. And
he had a whole lot. I mean, it was just horrific. And the late Commissioner Arthur Teele
championed to get those buildings knocked down. You remember that? I'm sure you remember
that, Mr. Mayor. And many people were displaced because the community pretty much said in
unison we want to rid ourselves of this blight and povish -- impoverished type of construction,
which lend -- or loaned itself to drug havens. People would -- it was conducive for criminal
activity. It was almost like a New Jack City type of atmosphere. You were here too,
Commissioner Gort. You remember that, I'm sure. And then just to the northwest of that area,
just slightly out of City limits, you had the James E. Scott housing projects. Hope 6, if you will.
Similar kind of thing, but James E. Scott was a little bit more better contained than on 60th
Street, far much better, but it was time for a makeover, if you will. I wish that we could have a
tour just to see what they're doing. Have any of you seen what they're doing right now? You've
seen it? You see -- on 22ndAvenue -- it's outside of the city limits. And we have yet to do
anything we were supposed to do, andl want to get back into all of that. But at the time the
Model City Trust was supposed to replace a lot of that blight and plight and poverty with
quality affordable housing that did not look like your normal concept of housing projects, if you
will. This was to give a higher standard. Andl think the -- we have several models now in the
City that reflect that. If you did not know that you were in a certain area of town, you would
almost swear that you might be on Brickell Avenue. And so I think the challenge is for us is
how do we balance that. But certainly, when those buildings were knocked down, it left a void
for affordable housing. So you wanted to try -- the challenge is to try to provide quality
housing, but also many people who lived in James E. Scott and lived in Orange Heights, in my
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area -- unfortunately, the name of the area used to be called Germ City. That's just how bad it
was and -- you remember that, don't you? And thanks to T. Willard Fair, he changed the
concept and called it by its actual name that's on the plats and it's Orange Heights. And many
residents were forced to move all the way down to Homestead, and some of them never -- I don't
-- if I'm not mistaken, some of them never came back. And so it is a need. And so how do we
balance those two? I would venture to say that affordable housing -- it probably needs to be
done simultaneously. It's just like what we're broaching the idea now with Overtown in the CRA
with the school. And you know, one of the things I didn't get a chance to say the other day,
which has been said by representatives from the School Board, when people look at a
neighborhood, they look at housing, they look at schools, and you're right, they look at
businesses, but they sort of all go hand-to-hand. And if -- I got a prime example. If you look at
Broward County, if you look at Miramar, which is the fastest growing metropolis areas --
metropolitan areas in the country, you look at Pembroke Pines -- if -- andl can remember it
vividly -- they built the housing first, then came the schools, then came the strip malls and the
economic. So I agree; you need a job so I'm not disputing that. But there's a criteria now that
says you have to show that you have employment, but it's at an affordable level. So I think what
we need to do is try to find a balance. But I can say this for District 5, the need is still great.
And I'm all for improving the area because many people will not move. You got -- you have
African Americans who are saying it's no way that I'm going to move back in Liberty City
because there's nowhere decent for me to live, so that's the challenge. And Overtown and we
can go on and so forth.
Chair Gort: There's a difference between public housing and affordable housing, andl have
them both in my districts [sic]. And the difference is affordable housing, they're very strict,
they have rules that you have to follow, and if you don't follow those rules, you're out.
Unfortunately, public housing you don't have that. So that's the difference between that. And
one of the bigger example I gave you -- and within my districts [sic] I have vacant lots that
have been vacant for 20 years and nothing has taken place, so something needs to be done.
Now you look at the affordable housing was built on Northwest 17th Avenue and 26th Street, the
combination of the affordable housing, YMCA (YoungMen's Christian Association), child care,
gym, and that's a beautiful facility. The whole neighborhood, the businesses, the
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) in that area have improved because of the buying power of the people who
live there and they consume. So affordable housing not only can afford and give someone that
is working and cannot pay -- because let me tell you, they're still charging for two -bedroom
about $1, 200, and there's a lot of people that cannot afford. I mean, my understanding is -- and
somebody stand [sic] me if I'm incorrect -- the average salary within the City ofMiami, the
whole City, I believe it's about $25,000.
Commissioner Dunn: Twenty five nine.
Chair Gort: Twenty five nine. This is the whole City.
Commissioner Dunn: Oh, you talking about (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F). Oh, I'm sorry.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I believe it's 38,000.
Chair Gort: Thirty-eight thousand. I can tell you, within my District 1, it probably comes
down to about 20,000 and -- I don't have any problem with affordable housing. Andl think
we're seeing the mixed -use within affordable housing, especially with the new development.
The restrictions and the people have to comply with and they keep it very well. Any further
discussion? Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman, thank you. First of all, thank you that we deferred last
Commission meeting for the additional two weeks, andl was able to review a lot of the
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substance due to this issue. I'm going to be looking at this from an optimistic point of view
because I still have some reservations. First of all, I also do get a lot of calls for affordable
housing in my office. However, if the large majority of those calls, I let them know that the
affordable housing will be 60 percent ofAMI, they're still priced out. They can't afford it. So I
guess what I'm saying, I don't know if this ordinance would necessarily bring in additional
affordable housing. And even if possibly it would, would it actually remedy the problem that I
have in my district, which I don't think it would. I looked at the parking issue. Although I
would agree that there needs to be some incentive with regards to the parking, I don't know if
these percentages are the adequate ones or exact. However, with that said, I am looking at it
from an optimistic point of view. I'm willing to go along and support it. I know the hard work
that you've done, Commissioner Suarez. But at the same time, I would like to possibly -- andl
don't know ifI need to do it in the form of an amendment. I'm just going to, you know, throw
out there what I'm thinking. Possibly after the first or second building that has been built with
these requirements, a year after that building's been built and then two years after that
building's been built and then three years after that building's been built, if someone from the
Planning Department can come back to this Commission to give us some type of report as far
as how's it, you know, coming along, whether it's working or not. Just in case there are issues,
we can, you know, address it right away so we don't cause another problem with regards to
parking and so forth. So I don't know if to make that as part of an amendment or how to, but --
and, you know, we could definitely ask the City Attorney and the City Clerk. But I think that
will give me a lot more comfort where by trying to fix a problem, we don't create another
problem. And if it's not exactly what we need, then maybe, you know, we're within time to fix
the problem right then and there and, you know, before it becomes something that -- you know,
it's a domino effect.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, no. I'm open to that suggestion, andl think that makes absolute
perfect sense. I appreciate the fact that you took the time in that two -week period to do more
due diligence on the legislation and -- so I think that's absolutely correct. And I think what we
wanted to do was continue to monitor the impact of the legislation. I think -- you know, I think
it's a complicated -- to a certain extent, complicated piece of legislation because it involves a
lot of moving parts and -- for example, there is a presumption that the building -- a building
that is -- will be built with -- 80 percent of the building will be 60 percentAMl. That's not
necessarily the case. That just means that that's the ceiling. In other words, you have to build
at least 80 percent of the building 60 percentAMl. You can build 100 percent of the building
30 percentAMl, which is where I think you're -- what you're talking about in terms of the people
who would really qualify under --
Vice Chair Carollo: Exactly.
Commissioner Suarez: -- that live in District 3.
Vice Chair Carollo: And actually call my office and call my your office and so forth.
Commissioner Suarez: Exactly. You can build a building 100 percent, 30 percent AMI. You
can build it, you know, elderly affordable housing, et cetera. So you know, there are things that
will address the specific needs in our district. I think this is just to make sure that we don't have
a situation where people are not building affordable housing and taking advantage of the
bonuses, and so I think that's why we wanted to have some of those protections in place. And
then maybe look at mixed -income housing, which is like between 60 and 120 percent, a little bit
differently, and maybe try to do something that's a little different and more comprehensive in
that sense. But I understand that this is very complicated. I very much appreciate your due
diligence and support and your trust in this legislative piece. We have worked very hard on it.
We've reached out to the neighborhood groups, Miami Neighborhood [sic] United and our
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homeowners associations. We've collaborated. We've bent. We've -- you know, this has not
been drafted by one person. This has been drafted by everybody. And this is not something
that's going to benefit one district. This is something that should be beneficial to everyone.
And that's why I'm proud of it andl think it will address a very critical need in our City. Andl
hope and pray that in a year or two years and three years that we're talking about all the
different successful projects that have been built and that have taken advantage of this
legislation.
Chair Gort: Okay, this is a public hearings [sic] open to the public. Anyone would like to
discuss it? PZ.1.
Grace Solares: Grace Solares, Miami Neighborhoods United.
Chair Gort: Excuse me. Before I start, my understanding is, in this one we're going to make a
decision, so you're going to have to swear people in.
Ms. Thompson: That's what I was trying to make sure with the --
Ms. Bru: This is a legislative act. Nobody is testifying for purposes of preparing a record for
an appeal.
Chair Gort: All right.
Ms. Solares: Grace Solares, Miami Neighborhoods United. Yes, indeed. We sat down with
Commissioner Suarez. He invited us several times, and we thank you for that. That was not the
norm before. However, I do think -- Commissioner Carollo, right now for the amendment he
just made, which I would ask, Commissioner Suarez, that you adopt it, that it come back to you
one year, two years, three years with respect to the parking --
Commissioner Suarez: I accept that.
Ms. Solares: -- because you know full well that --
Commissioner Suarez: I accept it.
Ms. Solares: -- Miami Neighborhoods United's concern with regards to the reductions of the
parking was very great and that it was at the beginning 65 percent. And you, working with the
developers, came back to 35 percent, although you have the ability to come back however with
a warrant, which means we will know, and we'll be here. It will not be an automatic thing. But
Commissioner Carollo, I really thank you for this amendment, andl ask you please to adopt it.
Commissioner Suarez: I do.
Ms. Solares: Thank you, Commissioner.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next.
Vice Chair Carollo: And -- I'm sorry. Give me one second, Mr. Cruz. And l just want to make
certain. Once a building is built with these requirements, then a year after, you come before
this Commission, explain, you know, what's going on, is it working or not; then two years after
that building has been built, then you come back to this Commission and, once again, give us
an update; and then three years after that building has been built, you come once again back to
this Commission and give us an update just to make sure if we need to tweak our ordinance or
not to make sure that we're not causing a bigger problem or that we actually, you know, did
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something the correct way and solve it or we may just have to tweak it, so --
Commissioner Suarez: Andl completely agree. I remember mentioning in the last meeting that
the transit -oriented development part of the ordinance, which we self -regulated down from 65 to
50, was something that really doesn't have precedent. So, you know, I think it's absolutely
prudent to do exactly what you're saying; is come back here after a year, after a second year,
and after a third year, if necessary, to tweak and make changes. Absolutely, absolutely.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, sir.
Elvis Cruz: Thank you, gentlemen. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street. Also,
Commissioner, add my voice to those thanking you for allowingMNU (Miami Neighborhoods
United) to participate on this. One of the issues specifically towards parking that came up was
of course spillover parking. Since those meetings -- and I'm sure you remember that showed
you photographs of a number of buildings, one in particular that had a lot of spillover parking.
I spoke to some of the residents of that building. Why would they not park in the parking
garage if there were vacancies? It turns out that that building will allow you to have one
parking space but then charges for additional parking spaces. This is a problem that is not
simply endemic to affordable housing. This happens throughout the City in any sort of
residential high-rise structure. The result of course being that instead of having to pay extra
for another space, they park in the neighborhood. I would strongly urge you to amend this to
require all the parking spaces in that garage to be free to the residents. How they would decide
which resident gets the secondary parking space, maybe by lottery, whatever, but the idea that
they're charging for those extra spaces is only hurting your constituents in the neighborhoods
behind the buildings. Thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: I just want to address that 'cause I think there's two important points
that he made there, one of which was there had been a representation in the last Commission
meeting that there is no charge for the parking spaces, so I think a representative of the owner
of that building is here and can address that. The second issue is -- andl think we talked -- I've
talked about it very briefly before is -- my understanding of that buiding is that it abuts a
single-family residential neighborhood.
Mr. Cruz: It's duplex, I believe. Mostly duplexes.
Commissioner Suarez: So what's the T zone on that?
Mr. Cruz: I think now it may be T4? T3? Yeah. Whatever the zone is, it's mostly duplexes
behind it.
Commissioner Suarez: But it's important because if it's a T3 zone, it's not eligible. If a
building abuts a T3 zone -- and that's again, sometimes this gets confusing and it's -- it has --
got a lot of moving parts. But it says here an affordable housing development that abuts a T3
zone are not eligible for the provisions in this section. And if they abut a T4 zone, they shall
require a warrant for consideration --
Mr. Cruz: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- so -- but that was also put in at the suggestion of --
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Mr. Cruz: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- I think both of you and I think it was a very prudent suggestion --
Mr. Cruz: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- that that protects --
Mr. Cruz: I thank you for accepting it.
Commissioner Suarez: -- the neighborhoods to make sure that a building with parking
restrictions is not going to be built or may not be built next to potentially a single-family
residence because we've seen the impact of that --
Mr. Cruz: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: -- you know, historically.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you. Yes. Very good point, Commissioner. This particular building was built
before Miami 21. But having said that, regardless of whether the neighborhood behind it is
single family, duplex, or even multifamily apartments, they still -- any building likes to have
whatever parking is available on its streets available for the abutting residents and by charging
for parking -- and again, that information came from people who live in the building, so there
you have it. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mr. Cruz. Yes, ma'am.
Eileen Bottari: Eileen Bottari, 505 Northeast 76th Street. Commissioner Suarez, I'm sure you
remember me. I was the first one to speak out at the MNU meeting about the parking issue.
And I'm going to state right now that don't believe that 35 percent is enough of a reduction. I
think something like 20 percent would be a lot better. If you're building an affordable housing
unit that's going to be hundred units, that means 35 cars are going to be out on the street. I've
seen it, just like Elvis said, the spillover, andl'm very concerned about it. Second of all,
Commissioner Sarnoff, what you said about warehousing the poor, even though it doesn't sound
very nice, it's absolutely true. Commissioner Dunn, you have two high-rises on 79th Street and
Northeast 2ndAvenue that were built over the last couple of years. And since those buildings
have been opened, the crime in my neighborhood has increased unbelievable. We have had
gunfire every weekend, so where is that coming from. All of these people have moved into the
neighborhood -- andl'm not saying that every person that has moved into those buildings is
responsible for the crime, but there is an element there. When you create high density in poor
neighborhoods, this is the outcome. These buildings are 20 stories tall. This is a single-family
home neighborhood that was built. Not only that, but when they were built, they were built with
the reduction in the parking. So now all these cars are parked out on the street, and you what
the City did. Mr. Noriega came in and he put parking meters all around, so you have poor
people that this affordable housing is for having to park out on the street and the City put
parking meters in so now they have to pay for parking out on the street. Not only did you put
them in front of the affordable housing, but you also put them in front of the public library,
which is right next door.
Commissioner Dunn: May I just --?
Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am.
Commissioner Dunn: --friendly -- no. I wanted to just --
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Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: --friendly respond. I don't know if we could say for sure that all of the
crime is directly related. I don't know. I can't dispute you.
Ms. Bottari: I don't know either, but --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. But I just wanted to --
Ms. Bottari: -- I can just tell you that since they opened, we have had an increase in crime.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah, but -- now that area was tough anyway, historically speaking. I do
know of one case where it was a lover's quarrel type of thing. Now that could happen
anywhere. But I don't -- we'll check it out. I mean, you might very well -- but I don't want it to
go on record without at least acknowledging that I don't know.
Ms. Bottari: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: If you're right, guess what? You're right, and I won't dispute it. But I do
know the area has always been a tough area, regardless.
Ms. Bottari: Are you aware that they put the parking meters in?
Commissioner Dunn: I'm not aware of that.
Ms. Bottari: Okay. Well, I find that to be an issue. If we're going to support the poor and the
affordable --
Commissioner Dunn: Agree.
Ms. Bottari: -- why would you put parking meters in?
Commissioner Dunn: I agree, I agree. You're so right.
Ms. Bottari: Those parking meters need to be taken out not only in front of the affordable
housing --
Commissioner Dunn: I agree.
Ms. Bottari: -- but also in front of the public library.
Commissioner Dunn: I agree.
Ms. Bottari: I do tutoring there and I think it is outrageous that I have to pay to park to go into
a public library.
Commissioner Dunn: I agree.
Ms. Bottari: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Anyone else?
Peter Ehrlich: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. I would also add -- like
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to add a few comments. I'd like to thank Commissioner Suarez very, very much as the sponsor
of the item a few weeks after the first reading.
Chair Gort: And you are?
Mr. Ehrlich: Sorry, Mr. Chairman. Peter Ehrlich. My address is 770 Northeast 69th Street.
My comments are that we -- a group of us from Little River and Lemon City came to see
Commissioner Suarez. He was very open-minded and took notes and listened to all our
suggestions and it was very, very refreshing and beneficial. I would like to make a few
comments on Commissioner Sarnoffs comments as it relates to warehousing the poor and the
categories of the residents that will be in these projects and the economics. I'm very familiar in
the Upper East Side, where I live, and the condos are now selling for 50, 60, $70, 000 a piece.
When you look at the affordable housing projects and you analyze them based on the cost -- the
acquisition cost of the land and the construction cost for the units, they're not affordable to the
taxpayers. The taxpayers are 275,000 to $300, 000 per unit, and this is in an environment
throughout the City. Any buyer with cash or with ability to get financing can buy a condo for
50, 60 70, $80, 000. You can buy condos for $100, 000 on Brickell Avenue. But affordable
housing projects, which are strongly advocated by the affordable housing community and the
land -use attorneys for the affordable housing developers, they are costing the taxpayers up to
$300, 000 per unit so they're very, very, very, very costly in an environment where it's possible
to buy a very nice, well -located condos for $50, 000. So thank you all very much for the
discussion.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next.
Nathan Kurland: Good afternoon. Nathan Kurland 3132 Day Avenue. I would like again to
also thank Commissioner Carollo for his amendment to Commissioner Suarez proposal for
affordable housing. I would just like to ask for extreme specificity in that amendment because if
we wait for one, two, three years down the line before we take a look and review what the first
building is doing, there could be several buildings throughout the permitting and construction
process by the time we realize that we didn't go the right route. It might be more than just
liveaking'that is necessary. So I would like to see and request that that specific language
regarding the review of the project that you build be absolutely specific. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Close the public hearing.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Kurland, could you elaborate as far as specific? And the reason why I
said a year after it's built is because until it's built, we really don't know, you know, what affects
it could have. That's why I said one year after it's built, we could start seeing what are the
affects. I understand within that time frame, you know, maybe some other units, you know,
applied for permits and so forth, but it's not like everyone's knocking down the door to build
affordable housing, so I think there is that window. But unless it's built and then we check it --
you know, we give at least a year to see -- you know, for an update, see how it's going, you
know. So when you say a specific, could you elaborate a little bit more?
Commissioner Suarez: No. I was going to say is maybe we can start the analysis a little
sooner, andl think that may be what you're worried about. Maybe we can do it six months after
the building opens so that we're -- we know if there's a problem, if there's an immediate problem
and there needs to be an immediate solution, maybe we could start at six months or three
months. That doesn't -- I mean --
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Mr. Kurland: I agree. Commissioner Sarnoff has voiced some very, very valid concerns. Mr.
Ehrlich voiced some very, very valid concerns. IfI were -- think back to the building boom
back in two, three and four -- one, two, three, and four -- by the time many of us realized what
was happening in terms of the demand upon our natural resources and water and solid waste
and sanitation, it was almost as if there was a runaway train because three years down the line
was just too late because during that three years, all of those permits and all of those cranes
and all of that construction was in the process. And so the comment by Commissioner Carollo
and you, Commissioner Suarez, to ifveak, 'ft's too late to tweak three years down. So that what
I'm asking for -- yes, you're exactly correct -- is a very specific as -we -go -along review of what
exactly it is that we're doing.
Commissioner Suarez: I have no problem mod4ing and doing the review process earlier and
continuing it. In other words, we can still -- we can do the first review after three months,
second review after six months, a year, and so on and so forth, you know.
Mr. Kurland: I think that would add more protection for all of us.
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Mr. Kurland: And address --
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Kurland: -- Commissioner Sarnoffs concerns as well.
Commissioner Suarez: That's reasonable.
Mr. Kurland: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: And Mr. Chairman, I just want to verify. You want a first review after
three months the building has been built, the second review after six months the building has
been built, then the year?
Unidentified Speaker: Two.
Vice Chair Carollo: Then two and then three. Okay, yeah. Andl accept.
Mr. Garcia: IfI may?
Chair Gort: Any further discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: As amended.
Mr. Garcia: I would like to suggest perhaps using a slightly different benchmark in measuring
the time frames from the issuance of the certificate of occupancy as opposed to the actual
building permit since -- or when it is actually built so that we allow the building to first be
occupied and then measure the performance of the building over time after that happens.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Chair Gort: So there's an amendment. Would you read it?
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The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Victoria
Mendez.
Ms. Thompson: Your roll call.
Chair Gort: And you incorporate an amendment.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: As amended.
Chair Gort: As amended.
Ms. Mendez: As amended.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: This is your roll call, second reading, as modified on PZ.1. Commissioner
Dunn?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. No.
Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Suarez?
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner -- I'm sorry. Chair Gort?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first -- passed on second reading -- I'm
sorry -- adopted on seconding, as modified, 4-1.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: I just want to thank all my colleagues for the diligence that they put into
it. I even want to thank Commissioner Sarnoff for voting no because I know that he did it for
the -- what he thought were the right reasons. Andl think the beauty of the Commission that we
have here is that we believe in each other. We understand that we're all acting in good faith in
trying to do what's best for this community. And you know, really appreciate the Vice
Chairman's extra due diligence and extra comments and the community's because I think it
made it a better ordinance, so I want to thank you for coming and participating and being part
of this process. And we welcome you to continue to do that on any other legislation that we
proffer. Thank you.
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Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: IfI may just add to that. I do want to verify what my colleague,
Commissioner Sarnoff, said regarding the Mayor ofMiami Gardens. It is a true and correct
statement, so I have heard her say that. So I just wanted to say -- and you're right. It's just like
in family, you know. Some things a family member could say about another family member, but
if you're outside that family and you make that statement, you'll be in a world of trouble. So I
just wanted to say that on the record. But no, you stated your convictions, so I respect that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You know, I come from a unique background. Most of you are from
Miami for most of your lives. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and the Bronx. I lived
amongst and in the projects. I know what they're like.
Commissioner Suarez: And I've read all the books on them too, and tenement housing is, you
know, horrible; and it created, you know, like an urban wasteland for people who -- and I've
seen those projects. I've seen pictures of them. Andl could tell you that what I've seen is
nothing similar to those projects and -- but I can understand the concern, having grown up and
seeing that your whole life.
Chair Gort: Yeah. I went to school in New York, so I'm aware of it. But at the same time, that's
why I brought up the idea, the difference between public housing and affordable housing. There
is a difference. Public housing, unfortunate there's no rules, there's no regulations, and no one
-- there are, but no one enforces. In affordable housing, there is rules and people have to
comply with it. And if they don't, they're out. Okay, PZ.2.
Mr. Garcia: I also wanted to make a brief statement to the Commission for your greater sense
of comfort that we don't, by any stretch, consider the matter on affordable housing closed. We
understand that with this amendment, we've only addressed one segment of the population, and
there are other amendments that are necessary and we will continue to pursue those legislative
efforts as well with your consultation and cooperation, of course.
PZ.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
10-00289zt
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, TO REPLACE THROUGHOUT THE
MIAMI 21 CODE, THE TERM "BY RIGHT" WITH THE TERM "PERMITTED",
WHERE APPLICABLE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00289zt CC SR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00289zt PAB Reso - REVISED.pdf
10-00289zt CC Legislation (Version 5).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
on March 17, 2010 by a vote of 5-3, to replace the term "By Right" with
"Allowable".
PURPOSE: This will replace, throughout the Miami 21 Code, the term "by
right" with "permitted", where applicable.
DISCUSSED
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Commissioners, items PZ. 2 through PZ.8 are all part
of an initiative originally sponsored by the Miami Neighborhood [sic] United --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Excuse me, Chair, andl do -- I apologize for interrupting,
but --
Chair Gort: PZ.2 is second reading.
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry?
Chair Gort: PZ.2 is second reading.
Ms. Thompson: No, no. I just wanted to make sure our record is clear. At the morning session
-- because we had not entered into the PZ (Planning & Zoning) items yet, there -- the statement
was made that PZ.4 would be continued at the PZ zoning portion, so I want to make sure that
the record shows if you're going to take a vote now to withdraw it so that the discussion will not
include PZ.4.
Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, I believe that that matter still needs to be addressed because you are correct;
this morning, since it was prior to 2 p.m., we were not able to address that. IfI may complete
my introductory statement, then perhaps we can address that issue? So anyway, by way of
introduction, what I'd like to say is that these amendments to the -- proposed amendments to the
Miami 21 zoning ordinance are all grouped together because they are part of an initiative set
forth originally by Miami Neighborhoods United and they have been deferred a couple of times.
And in working with them, we certainly agree with Miami Neighborhoods United and other
groups like them that there is a need to reassess some components ofMiami 21 and to address it
in particular as pertains to low -density residential neighborhood protection. Having said that
and, again, having met with them a number of times, we have, I think, come to an agreement
that the amendments, as written presently, are not perhaps optimized or idealized and could
benefit from a serious of revisions. So what would suggest to you, and have discussed with
them, is the possibility of actually having them -- all of these items before you for consideration
today. I have also discussed with them the possibility, if it suits you, to have them all discussed
as one single presentation that they will make to you to represent their concerns as captioned in
these items and that -- and our recommendation as staff to you is that no action be taken on
these items today, but that they all be considered simply for feedback and input, and then we
will go back to committee and work on them further.
[Later...]
Mr. Garcia: And having said that, I will yield then to you, Commissioners, of course, and to
anyone else who wants speak on these items. I believe thatMNU (Miami Neighborhoods
United) has a presentation they want to make to you.
Chair Gort: Well, let me ask you a question. I don't know if everybody's here aware of what's
in front of us and maybe you should read all of them, then we'll go ahead and discuss it.
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Mr. Garcia: I'm happy to do so, sir.
Chair Gort: Please. Thank you.
Mr. Garcia: Once again, there are six items and I'll read them quickly. Item PZ.2 is an
amendment to zoning ordinance Miami 21 and it seeks to replace the term "by right" with a
term 'Permitted" Item -- as pertains to uses in the City ofMiami. Item PZ.3 is also an
amendment to Miami 21. They will all be, so I will stop saying that. But this amendment in
particular is to modify the measurement of stories in zoning designations T4, T5 and T6-8. Item
PZ.4 is an amendment that would result in the reduction of the expiration date of special
permits and variances citywide. Item PZ.5 is an amendment that proposes to amend Article 7
as pertains to appeals of waiver to City Commission -- providing for an appeals of waiver in the
City ofMiami to the City Commission. Item PZ.6 would add a -- the possibility of appealing
building permits in T5 and T6. Item PZ.7 would limit the second story lot coverage in T3-O or
duplex zoning -from 50 percent to 30 percent it would reduce it. And item PZ.8, the last one of
them, is a proposal to modify the zoning regulations in CI to provide that it revert as a result of
a rezoning to the most restrictive abutting zoning designation as opposed to the second most
restrictive abutting zoning designation. All of these would have citywide affect as proposed
presently.
Chair Gort: Thank you. It's a public hearings [sic]. Yes, ma'am.
Nancy Liebman: For the record, my name is Nancy Liebman. I am here today representing the
MiMo (Miami Modern) Biscayne Association. We are the -- you don't have a quorum, so I don't
Chair Gort: Yes, we do. You don't need a quorum.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You have the most intelligent Commissioners.
Elvis Cruz: We need her address, Chairman.
Ms. Liebman: The address of the association which I'm representing is 7100 Biscayne
Boulevard. The Association is here today to, first of all, support the Planning Department's
request to defer these amendments until some of the language has been clarified and
straightened out. I would like to express our concerns and why we are opposed to several of
these amendments. We would like the historic commercial district, the MiMo historic district,
which is 50th to 77th Street on Biscayne Boulevard, to be carved out of two of these
amendments, file number 10-00380 and file number 10-0379, for the following reasons.
Existing historic buildings should not be limited to artificial floor heights as required by that
amendment modifying story heights in T5 and T6. This historic district is made up mostly of
those two transects. The result of these amendments may render new historic infill buildings in
the historic district unable to adhere to the historic district guidelines that had been approved
by this Commission. There are guidelines for that area because they are in a historic district.
It would also preclude them from the Secretary of Interior's guidelines for new additions in
historic districts. The Secretary of the Interior standards are some -- is the organization that
looks at historic districts and gives tax credits to people in those districts, so by amending and
allowing these stories to adhere to some artificial requirement as written into this ordinance
will preclude possible credits and it precludes your own guidelines for that MiMo district.
Number two, the amendment that modifies the measurement of stories should also be carved out
of the historic commercial district because it is a contrived story height, contrived with no
professional input that we can recognize, and it will create an adverse effect on the ability for
people to add to their historic buildings, and it will render great a problem to improve the
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historic streetscape pattern. Historic districts are different than other areas of the City and
they should be treated differently. There are compatibility issues that will be wiped out with this
contrived story height. I think it's time for the City Commission to recognize that it should not
allow tampering by way of these contrived amendments and leave it to well -qualified
professional historic preservation experts, and you certainly have a staff of two so far in the
City; to leave it to them to develop the proper kinds of amendments that will affect the historic
district. As you know, we have been saddled by the last Commission with -- at 35-foot height
limit. That is a totally regressive way of treating a historic district, to have one flat line, and
now there is this urge to sell off all the property rights. This will not do anything for this
historic district and other commercial historic districts that will come along because I believe
that the 35 feet will be attached to all of the historic. It is contrived --
Chair Gort: You need to conclude.
Ms. Liebman: -- and it is tampered with historic regulations. I appreciate the time to talk to
you about this because I know that you will probably defer the item, and we would like to have
input with the Planning Department as these issues go forward. But I wanted to put it on the
record today since you are discussing it. And --
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Ms. Liebman: -- thank you for your time.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Mr. Cruz.
Mr. Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Elvis Cruz, home address 631 Northeast 57 Street.
Gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity. As you know, Miami 21 began about six year ago.
MNU was very heavily involved with the whole process. We came up with about 33
amendments to a five pound document. We narrowed those down to about seven. We finally got
before the Commission 13 months ago. They were continued. We've been waiting patiently or
for a long time. It's been disappointing to say the least. Nevertheless, we're very glad we're
finally here before you again. We did meet with Francisco recently and I'm happy to say that
the Planning director agrees with MNU's purpose and philosophy of neighborhood protection.
He had some very good ideas on how we can make that happen. He suggested a number of
modifications and a number of them do seem very good to us as well, so we are in agreement to
postpone final judgment on these amendments, pending a little more tweaking, modification.
Nevertheless, he urged that we do make some presentations today so you understand where
we're coming from; won't be too long. I'm not going to speak to all of the items. I did want to
mention, by the way, regarding the building heights -- excuse me, the floor heights and the
35-foot height limit. On several occasions I have told the MiMo people that I'd be very happy
to show them exactly where that came from and make a presentation. They have never agreed
or -- agreed to have me make that presentation. If I'm wrong, I'm happy to make that request
again. Let me know any time --
Chair Gort: Mr. Cruz.
Mr. Cruz: -- any place; be happy --
Chair Gort: You're addressing --
Mr. Cruz: -- to show you.
Chair Gort: -- us, please.
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Mr. Cruz: No problem, sir. Okay. Anyway, so let me go ahead and get started very briefly on
a few of the items. One of them is, as you can see on your monitors, regarding by rights and we
have asked that "by right" be changed. Instead of the word 'Permitted" -- "by right" and
`permitted" both convey a false sense of entitlements to the general public who reads the
zoning code. As you know, from Miami 21 the code is a set of maximum limitations and
minimum requirements, so really nothing is by right even though they use that term. We request
the term "allowable" or "may be allowed" instead of `permitted. " Permitted implies that a
permit has already been granted, past tense. And here's the definition of allowable: that may
be allowed. And here it is, as I mentioned, permitted falsely implies permission is already
granted. So we feel `permissible" or "may be permitted" would be more appropriate.
"Permissible" that which can be permitted. Remember, we're all here to serve the public, and
the public doesn't really speak legalese. They speak plain English. I've had this slide here
because one of the issues we've had with procedures in Miami 21 is that of notice and notice
has been a big issue. Sadly, starting in about January, the City started sending out an e-mail
(electronic) -- and if you can look at the column toward the right -- every day at 4: 30 a
computer in the City ofMiami automatically sends an e-mail to those on the list notifying us of
a final decision of special permits. Whether it's Saturday or Sunday, every day they send an
e-mail, and it's always the same e-mail. And here it is saying in compliance with the comp
plan, Ordinance 11000 and Miami 21, notice is hereby provided. That's somewhat cynical at
best. Simply sending us an e-mail each and every day telling us go look at these ten Web sites
because one of them may have an approval that has been granted. Let me go back just so you
can see. There it is. Each and every day, you go down the calendar. At 4:30 today -- unless
my words have some sort of effect -- an e-mail will be sent again telling us to go look at ten Web
sites. Please, gentlemen, have the City send specific notice on a specific project instead ofjust
telling us go look at a Web site each and every day. Thank you. Okay, let me go on to the next
item. Okay, here we go. Regarding appeals, appeals of projects that were permitted. A system
of checks and balances is an essential part of any transpareeny and healthy democracy. Now
under 11000 we had a lot of transparency. And 11000 -- here's a very brief excerpt from it --
talks about the magnitude of projects, the substantial effect that they have, and it required
consideration and authorization by the City Commission for MUSPs (Major Use Special
Permits) so the public had input to our elected officials under 11000 for MUSPs. And with
Class II Permits, the same thing, in the sense that we could appeal a Class II Permit. But now
under Miami 21 -- here's the flowchart. If you look on the left, they call it by right, and it goes
straight down and they get a building permit and the public is shut out of being able to appeal
to our elected officials if there is a building that has been permitted that we feel is harmful to
the neighborhood. Miami 21 essentially granted a gigantic citywide Class II or MUSP without
the possibility of appeal. It appeared that that was an attempt to prevent the public from being
able to speak to our elected officials, a right that we had under 11000. For example, you know
Miami 21 will now allow an eight -story building next to a single -story single-family home
without any possibility of appeal if it's zoned T6-8. And here is an example of where you have
that, R-1 right next door to T6-8. This is your district Commissioner Suarez, and I've shown
you this before. Those neighbors, like most neighbors in the City, they don't really go down to
City Hall. They're not crazy like us at MNU and put in the time. But one day one of them may
suddenly find out what, they're going to put up an eight -story building, which currently under
Miami 21 could be 123 feet tall next to their house. And this slide is a computer -generated
example. One of those buildings already exists. It was duplicated to show you what could
conceivably happen with T6-8. Now this building is only seven stories, so it's actually lower
than what would be allowed under Miami 21 with T6-8, and that could conceivably happen
right in front of a single-family home. So again, please allow us to make the appeals. And that
ends that one. I think have one last one, and then I'll be out of your hair. This is regarding
the extensions, andl thank you for continuing that to some other time. But it's important to
know that there's two separate issues here. The first one was the length of the extensions and
the second issue is who decides whether an extension should be allowed. MNU has agreed on a
compromise. We say go ahead and keep the extension times as they were in 11000. One of the
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objectors from, I believe it was the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), said that it's not
fair to change the rules halfway through the game. After they already have their MUSP, it's not
really fair for MNU to come along and say we need to change that rule. And we think he has a
point. We're open-minded people, and we agree that it's not fair to change the rule during the
game. So we say go ahead, fair enough, keep the extensions as they were in 11000, but we
should have the City Commission decide whether or not the extension should be granted
because under 11000 and under Miami 21, it was the Planning director who unilaterally would
decide whether an extension would happen without any objective criteria whatsoever. Again,
you need a system of checks and balances. What was to prevent any sort of impropriety,
nothing. One of the reasons given for these greater extensions is because of economic
conditions, but there's nothing in our zoning code that talks about allowing or not allowing any
sort of project because of economic conditions. Besides, what caused our current economic
conditions? Was it overdevelopment? Of course it was. Is more development the cure for
excessive overdevelopment? Probably not. And if the City starts making allowances for
economic conditions, where will it end? So again, let yourselves, our elected officials, decide
on whether or not extensions should be granted. I thank you for listening.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next?
Grace Solares: Grace Solares, Miami Neighborhoods United. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for
putting these issues on the agenda today. Greatly appreciated. There are other -- about two or
three others that are not before you today; one, the one that was withdrawn or actually not
heard, not voted on. It'll be back. We'll be discussing that issue with Mr. Garcia. We've
already preliminarily discussed it andl think we're going to reach some kind of a consensus on
those. Another one that is also have -- we did not bring only because he was instructed -- the
Administration was instructed to come up with a T -- new T4 for development on 27th Avenue,
so we requested not to have a change on the T6-8 in the area to T4-O because maybe the T4
that he's going to be coming up with will be even better for the strip on Coral Way, so that also
we did not bring before you either. But we're here to present to you -- we presented to you the
issues that we have issues with. We do recognize that they maybe need some tweaking possibly,
and we want to actually sit down with the Planning Department and come back to all of you
with a consensus, the people, the Planning Department, the Administration, all together to
present it to you. You will make the last decision, but at least we will all come as a unit with the
presentations to you. So thank you so very much for taking your time to listen to us. Thank
you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next?
Barbara Gimenez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Barbara Gimenez, andl am
proudly one of those MiMo people that Elvis describes. I live in the MiMo District. I work
there. I own property on Biscayne Boulevard. I walk to work. I walk back home. I frequent all
the businesses. I know all the property owners. Andl would urge this Commission to carve out
an exception regarding further restriction of new construction as it pertains to the floors. We
have enough to work with as it stands. And it would be a great idea if everything would be
deferred, and we would ask that we be made part of the discussion, particularly with those
ordinances that impact the MiMo District directly. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else?
Cesar Garcia -Pons: Good afternoon. Cesar Garcia -Pons, representing the Miami Downtown
Development Authority, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard. We'd like to agree with the Planning
Department's recommendation to defer the items so we could have some more time to continue
to discuss with them the language. As per the proposed amendments, we would like to read into
the record the DDA board's strong opposition to three of the items which are in today's
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(UNINTELLIGIBLE) PZ.4, PZ.5 and PZ. 6, and that we have been talking to the Planning
Department and would like to continue to do so in order to come up with an acceptable
resolution.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Garcia -Pons: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Anyone else? Anyone else? Okay, we close the public hearing. Commissioners.
Discussion? That's it?
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, I just want to say --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- I want to thank the Planning Department and the members of Miami
Neighborhoods United who have worked in good faith to try to resolve these issues. Andl think
one of the things that has been demonstrated by this Commission is that we will listen and we
are open to -- we don't feel like we have all the answers. I think it's a collaborative process,
and I think we have a very, very good Planning director, and he is someone who I wanted to
thank when my issue came up, andl thinkl was so caught up in the heat of the moment thatl
failed to acknowledge his participation in the process of being a constructive person and
finding solutions and just someone with an incredible amount of knowledge and that people
respect him. I think all the communities respect him, so I think it's a credit to our City.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think we should -- I also echo the comments of Commissioner Suarez,
and I think we should give our Planning director the Zerry Award, which is the new award for
the City ofMiami, for a great Planning director. I think you've done a great job, Francisco,
andl think you continue to do a great job, so thankyou.
Chair Gort: I'll second that motion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. We have to come up with a Zerry award, though.
Chair Gort: Anyone else? Mr. Mayor, you're recognized.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to thank you, Commissioners,
for hearing the arguments that Miami Neighborhoods United had presented to you. I like to say
also that the fact that these amendments are in the agenda, and they will come back in the
agenda, is because I believe that the City should right the wrong. During the Miami 21 process
the neighborhoods association would not heard or nobody pay attention to them, and here we --
in this hall, there are only two elected officials that were here and so it's -- this is a new
Commission, so it is important that we listen to the residents. That was actually at least the PR
(Public Relations) purpose ofMiami 21, to have a friendly -- a resident friendly code. Andl
think that it's important that they have input. It's important that this be heard. Andl agree with
all of you; Francisco is working with them, and it would be, I think, a great compromise to
come back to this board for this amendment, and hopefully this will be done soon. I know that,
you know, we have many, many, many things to do and you have many things on the agenda,
but hopefully, it will be soon because it's been too long for the residents to have a voice. So I
want to thankyou. Andl would like to ask the Administration to move forward in this
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PZ.3
10-00379zt
conversation with the residents so we can bring it back. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thankyou. Andl also would like to thank Francisco and the people for being
here today. I think it's very important. A communities [sic] involve everyone. A lot of times
we make decisions or we come with ideas without knowing what the impact is going to be. Now
when we present these ideas to other people and they come up with the different impacts, the
causes, I think it's good that we get together and we discuss it because I think we all want the
same thing. We want a better Miami. I think we have a beautiful and a great city and this is
time to work as a team, and that's what we have here. And that's why I'm so proud to be part of
this Commission. I think this is the best Commission the City ofMiami has ever had. So thank
you all for being here andl appreciate it. Thankyou.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, I just --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- want to say one thing, andl probably should have said it earlier and,
you know, I thought about whether or not I should say it. But I just want to clarify for the
record, since something was put up there that had to do with my district, thatMNU requested
two atlas changes in my district, andl did my due diligence andl agreed with them and those
two atlas changes were granted. And so I just wanted to -- lowering the density on certain
corridors. So I just wanted to put that on the record because it gave almost the impression that
something was up there in my district that is incoherent with what the neighbors want, and so I
just wanted to put that out there because what was requested and what was asked for of District
4 was given.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, thank you.
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE III, SECTION
3.5 ENTITLED "MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT" TO MODIFY MEASUREMENT
OF STORIES, LIMITING HEIGHT OF STRUCTURES IN CERTAIN
TRANSECTS TO A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT MEASURED IN FEET,
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00379zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00379zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00379zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 5-3.
PURPOSE: This will amend the Miami 21 Code to modify measurement of
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
stories in the T4, T5, and T6-8 Transect Zones, limiting the height of structures
up to a maximum building height, measured in feet.
DISCUSSED
PZ.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
10-00391 zt
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, SECTION
7.1.3.5 ENTITLED "MODIFICATIONS TO APPLICATIONS REQUIRING
PUBLIC HEARING" REDUCING THE EXPIRATION DATE OF SPECIAL
PERMITS AND VARIANCES APPROVED UNDER A PREVIOUS CODE, AND
REQUIRING CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL FOR ANY EXTENSION;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00391zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00391zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00391zt CC Legislation (Version 4).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval with modifications
to City Commission on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 8-0, as follows: In the
legislation, 4(b) shall be modified to two (2) years for original permit approval
with one (1) time extension for twelve (12) months to be given administratively
and one (1) time extension for twelve (12) months to be approved by the City
Commission following a public hearing.
PURPOSE: This will modify the Miami 21 Code by reducing the expiration date
of special permits and variances approved under a previous code, and require
City Commission approval for any extension.
WITHDRAWN
Note for the record: Item PZ.4 was withdrawn from the agenda by the Administration.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Now, having said that and to address the matter
appropriately brought up by the City Clerk, there was this morning mention of the fact that item
PZ.4 in particular should be removed and that no action should be taken. Again, our
recommendation is that no action be taken today on all of the items, but in particular I believe
it is in order for a motion to be made to withdraw PZ.4 from consideration today.
Chair Gort: Doesn't have to be by motion. An announcement by you is sufficient.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No. Actually -- andl apologize.
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Chair Gort: Do you want a motion?
Ms. Thompson: And if I'm wrong, I will be corrected. PZ -- if you're saying you're withdrawing
PZ.4 and it is on your agenda, okay -- you're withdrawing it. It's not coming back. Is that
correct? Because I heard you just say today. So I just want the record to be clear because once
we enter the action, I just want to make sure it's correct. So is PZ.4 going away completely or
it's just being withdrawn from today? Clarification.
Mr. Garcia: So I will say two things. The first thingl will say is that from PZ.2 through PZ.8
our recommendation is that no action be taken on any of these today. However, because there
was a desire expressed earlier today that PZ.4 be removed altogether, the effect, I believe --
andl stand to be corrected by the City Attorney. I'll defer to her certainly. But PZ -- there was
an express -- an intent expressed earlier today that PZ.4 be withdrawn altogether. And if that's
the case, now would be the time to actually withdraw it officially. Otherwise, if no action taken
on any of these, the effect be essentially the same. And what we are hoping for in the end what
we would recommend is that you give us, staff specific instruction to go back, meet with
community, address these issues, and bring back to you at some later time specific items to
address these concerns.
Chair Gort: Okay. The question in front of us, my understanding is, the City Clerk believes
that she needs a motion and we're saying -- the City Attorney says we do not need a motion for
withdrawing PZ.4.
Victoria Mendez (Assistant City Attorney): In essence, what Mr. Garcia has said is fine. If this
is only going to be talked about as a package and discussed and fleshed out and no action is
taken, it's effectively the same thing so we could do that, which is fine.
Chair Gort: OK, so PZ.4 is withdrawn. We're not at -- okay.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
PZ.5 ORDINANCE
10-00363zt
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED
"PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES", ADDING A PROCESS FOR
APPEALS TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR WAIVER PERMITS,
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00363zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00363zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00363zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 8-0.
PURPOSE: This will add to the Miami 21 Code a process for appeals to the
City Commission for Waiver permits.
DISCUSSED
PZ.6 ORDINANCE First Reading
10-00380zt
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED
"PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES", ADDING A PROCESS FOR
BUILDING PERMIT APPEALS IN CERTAIN TRANSECTS, CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00380zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00380zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00380zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 6-2.
PURPOSE: This will amend the Miami 21 Code to add a process for appeals
of building permits to the City Commission in the T5 and T6 Transect Zones.
DISCUSSED
PZ.7 ORDINANCE First Reading
10-00377zt
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE IV, TABLE 2
ENTITLED "MIAMI 21 SUMMARY" AND ARTICLE V, SECTION 5.3 ENTITLED
"SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONES (T3)" LIMITING SECOND STORY LOT
COVERAGE, CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00377zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00377zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00377zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 8-0.
PURPOSE: This will amend the Miami 21 Code to limit second story lot
coverage in T3 Transect to include a 30% second story lot coverage maximum
for the T3-O category.
DISCUSSED
PZ.8 ORDINANCE First Reading
10-00376zt
M.1
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY AMENDING ARTICLE V, SECTION
5.7.2.6, ENTITLED "CIVIC INSTITUTION ZONES (CI)", AND ARTICLE VII,
SECTION 7.1.2.8 ENTITLED "AMENDMENT TO THE MIAMI 21 CODE",
MODIFYING THE REZONING REGULATIONS FOR CIVIC INSTITUTION (CI)
PROPERTIES, CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
10-00376zt CC FR 05-12-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
10-00376zt PAB Reso.pdf
10-00376zt CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
LOCATION: Citywide
APPLICANT(S): Tony E. Crapp, Jr., City Manager, on behalf of the City of
Miami
FINDING(S):
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: Recommended approval to City Commission
on April 7, 2010 by a vote of 8-0.
PURPOSE: This will amend the Miami 21 Code to modify the rezoning
regulations for Civic Institution (CI) properties.
DISCUSSED
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
CITYWIDE
HONORABLE MAYOR TOMAS REGALADO
ORDINANCE
First Reading
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
11-00245
D1.1
11-00406
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
62/ARTICLE XIII OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED "ZONING AND PLANNING/ZONING APPROVAL FOR
TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT REQUIRED, MORE
PARTICULARLY BY CREATING A NEW DIVISION 8, ENTITLED "
TEMPORARY VACANT STOREFRONT WINDOW SIGNS" TO DEFINE
TEMPORARY VACANT STOREFRONT WINDOW SIGNS AND TO ALLOW
FOR TEMPORARY VACANT STOREFRONT WINDOW SIGNS IN CERTAIN
TRANSECT ZONES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00245 Legislation.pdf
11-00245 Legislation (Version 2) 04-14-11.pdf
11-00245-Submittal-Inwindow Outdoor.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
END OF CITYWIDE ITEMS
DISTRICT 1
CHAIRMAN WIFREDO (WILLY) GORT
DISCUSSION ITEM
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION REVIEW THE
POSSIBILITY OF ANNEXING THE MELROSE AREA. THIS AREA IS BEING
DEFINED IN THE NORTH BY 112 EXPRESSWAY, 42ND AVENUE ON THE
WEST AND THE CITY BOUNDARIES ON THE EAST AND SOUTH. THIS
ANNEXATION HAS BEEN STUDIED IN THE PAST SINCE THERE IS AN ARM
OF THE CITY THAT GOES ON NW 36TH STREET ALL THE WAY AND
INCLUSIVE OF JAI ALAI. THE ANNEXATION OF THIS AREA WOULD
SIMPLIFY POLICE ENFORCEMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
AREA SINCE ALL PROPERTIES ON 36TH STREET ARE ONLY IN THE CITY
FIRST 100 FEET, AND EVEN THOUGH JAI ALAI IS IN THE CITY THE
SURROUNDING PROPERTIES ARE NOT. JAI ALAI IS PRESENTLY GETTING
READY TO BE REDEVELOPED AND THIS ANNEXATION WOULD ASSIST IN
THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
11-00406 Email - Melrose Area Annexation.pdf
NO ACTION TAKEN
D1.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
11-00407
IN AN EFFORT TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT FISCAL DEFICIT WHILE ALSO
ADDRESSING THE MAYORS INITIATIVE TO MOVE THE CITY FORWARD IT
IS PROPOSED THAT DEPARTMENTS AND BOARDS THAT DO NOT
PRESENTLY HAVE A COMMISSIONER ASSIGNED TO IT BE DIVIDED
AMONG THE COMMISSION FOR REVIEW IN ORDER TO MAKE
RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING WAYS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY,
MAKE RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING ELIMINATION OF FUNCTIONS
AND CONSOLIDATION OF DEPARTMENTS IF WARRANTED. THIS
RECOMMENDATIONS WORKING WITH THE MANAGER WOULD BE MADE
TO THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION.
11-00407 Email - Departmental Review.pdf
11-00406-Submittal-District 1 Office -Email -Departmental Review by Commissioners.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: Does -- any other pocket item or blue page? I do have one. And this is mainly in
discussion among ourselves. And in an effort to address the current fiscal deficit while
addressing the Mayor's initiative to move the City, it is proposed that departments and boards
that did not presently have Commission assigned to it be divided among the Commission for
review in order to make recommendation concerning ways to increase efficiencies, make
recommendation concerning elimination of function and consolidation of department if
warrant. This recommendation, working with the Manager, will be made to the Mayor, the
Commissioner, and to staff. Now, as you can see, the grouping that was put together, the way
the grouping was selected was the size of the budget per departments, the extent to which some
of the departments worked together, the possibility of similar efforts being performed, the need
for communication among the group departments, the responsibility, the possibility and
consolidation of efforts, the task performing parallel on directed effect timely completion of
task, the review of the criteria used in in the grouping of this department we put together. In
addition, it will not be overwhelmed by any individual office with a global task. The intent is to
provide the Manager with information and finding in an effort to give him more flexibilities and
ideas from any information the Commissioners provided. This by no means will indicate a
mandate, merely constructive analysis and feedback to the Manager. The process going in and
out will be -- flow through the Managers [sic] and his staff. And mainly, as you can see, this is
-- I brought this as discussion to you all. I read some of the task that was performed by Blue
Ribbon Committee a long time ago, and a lot of the recommendation by the Blue Ribbon
Committee, I think we all agreed with it and we all talked about it but unfortunate, did not
implement it. We have a lot of studies. We have a lot of ordinance that exist that can make this
City a lot better, but unfortunately, they're not being implemented. So this is just food for
thought for you guys to look at it, let me know what you think, and get back to me . And in the
mean time, I would like to work with the Administration and try to come up with some ideas. If
you all have any additional idea, suggestions -
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: -- please -- Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: So in essence, we'll be like subcommitting [sic] it or -- I know it's
departmentalizing it, but it's like a subcommittee. I mean, I'm in favor of the concept. Sort of
how -- well, I don't mind saying it -- how the County appoints -- the Chair usually appoints
certain Commissioners to oversee sub -- but except, we'll be dealing with but budget. Is that --?
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I just want to get the concept.
Chair Gort: Well, the idea is that Commissioners will select which grouping -- of the grouping
can be changed that you and your staff would like to work with.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Chair Gort: And let me tell you what the basis is. Back in 1997 or '96 we had a similar
problem. I got together with a group of directors at the Orange Bowl. We had meetings for
three days and we were able to reduce the budget by $20 million without really --
Commissioner Dunn: IfI may?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: It's (UNINTET,T IGIBT,F) -- it's kind of what Commissioner Sarnoff did
with Commissioners Carollo and Suarez last year, tried to -- it's a little different when they were
signed to look at certain department directors, sort of kind of?
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: No. It's very different because what Commissioner Suarez and myself did
was review and evaluate --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Chair Gort: A person.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- the -- yes -- two out of the three positions that are -- what is the correct
terminology? -- directly are --
Chair Gort: Appointed by the Commissioners.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, they're appointed by the Commissioners, but --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Direct reports.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, they --
Commissioner Suarez: Report to us.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- are --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Direct employees, direct reports.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- directly report to us. It's different. This is all the departments. What
I'm seeing -- andl definitely welcome any of my colleagues reviewing and going through any
departments' budget and so forth, but I, for one, do not want to be limited to just these three or
four departments. I want to be able to as time -- come budget time, you will see that I will be
going through many of these departments. As a matter of fact, some of these that are here, like
Miami Parking Authority and some of the other ones -- we actually, for the first time -- I don't
know ifI want to say ever, but for the first time, everybody, I think, saw a big difference in the
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
budget process as far as we were actually going through their budget. We -- it wasn't just a
rubberstamping. So I, for once, do not want to be limited to any grouping of departments or to
any department.
Commissioner Dunn: IfI may one more chance?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Let me -- I don't believe the concept or principle that you're trying to
implement would preclude us from -- because, as Commissioners, we got to bring it back to
everybody in the first place --
Chair Gort: Of course.
Commissioner Dunn: -- for approval. But what it does, it helps to streamline, if I'm not mis --
sort of kind of. I'm just trying to -- I know they did it before years ago in a -- no? This wasn't
done be --? I'm sure it was.
Chair Gort: I don't recall what I'm recommending -- in reality --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, help me out. Let me shut up and let me hear what you got to say.
Chair Gort: Well, if we look at it, a lot of times we have different departments here and
somehow we find that departments are not talking to each other.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Chair Gort: In other words, they're not -- lack communications. We have problems, and then
one department will -- it's not my problem; it's somebody else's problem, and this is something
that we need to work on. I think we need to -- for example, we asked, I think it was about four
meetings ago, the -- expedite the permit, and they were going to come back to us with some
plan, how they were going to do two things, one for the demolition of the properties. I'm still
waiting for that report. What is being done to go through the process? How we going to
demolish the different properties that we looked add. I mean, we've talked about it. And this is
-- gives you an idea -- and doesn't mean it limits you to anyone. What it's asking is we get
together and -- to our staff and we will sit down with the Administrations [sic] and talk to them,
analyze them, look at them, and come up with suggestions. Look, I think maybe you can
improve if we do the following, if we adopt this. That doesn't mean we mandate it. We bring it
back to the Manager and the Manager will have to bring it back to us.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You know, two comments on this, maybe three. But first one, is there
any issue or problem with the Charter with the Commissioners getting involved at this level and
asking direction? I thought there might have been. So the second thingl came up with --I'm
not saying -- well, let me just say it. PFM (Public Financial Management), when we got the
PFM reports last year, I had a better understanding than I ever had how this government
operates. So I thought to myself, maybe what we should do is ask the Manager to retain PFM
and give us an analysis of how the City ofMiami operates, any efficiencies it deems or finds
that it can create. I know it's done it with the City of Cleveland. Everything from efficiencies
that could be created and inefficiencies it observes. And I'm only picking PFM because I've
never seen -- well, we spent a long time with them; we got to know these guys, we got to see
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their work. And understood their work and so I was comfortable with them. So the thing that
came to mind with me is is there going to be a charter violation by us doing this? And then is
there a better mechanism to do this than having me sit down with like, say, Fire, MPA (Miami
Parking Authority), Purchasing, Public Facilities? Also learning whether I'd live through that
process would be another issue too. But is that maybe an issue that we would want to do?
Chair Gort: Well, my understanding is -- and I'm not an attorney, but the Charter says we
cannot direct or give orders to any employee, but we can ask questions and we can make
recommendations as long as we don't order them. That's my understanding. I'm not an
attorney, so I'll let the attorneys address that.
Ms. Bru: Okay. You know, your Charter envisions a form of government that sets out duties
distributed amongst --
Chair Gort: Sure.
Ms. Bru: -- the executive, which is the Manager, and that he has the control and supervision of
all the departments and all the employees in the cities [sic], except for the City Clerk, the City
Attorney, the independent auditor. The Mayor has certain duties with respect to preparing a
budget, presenting the budget, appointing a City Manager, so forth and so on. And the
Commission is the policymaker, the legislative body. Now in the Charter you do have -- the
City Commission does have the authority to create new departments or discontinue
departments. You have that authority. So one can ask, well, in order to exercise that authority,
you have to understand what the departments do and you have to be assessed as to why you
should create a new one or discontinue or consolidate. So I think that one can say that in
carrying out the authority that you have with respect to the creation and discontinuing
departments, you would necessarily have to somehow understand, observe. The problem comes
because you are strictly prohibited from giving directions to any subordinate of the City
Manager. And what I fear is is that you would have to construct your mission in a very, very,
very, very tight way so that you don't cross that line, andl don't know logistically how efficient
you will be able to perform that mission with the criteria that you can't cross the line.
Chair Gort: Well, my statement was whatever we -- research that we do, that we looked at it.
Whatever recommendation we can come up with, we sit down with the Manager and the Mayor
and we talk to them and tell them, look, this is what we think could be done so it's not us
directly making the changes. It's just suggestions to Administration, then the Administration
comes back and says yes or no.
Ms. Bru: Right, but what question is -- and perhaps the Manager should be the one really
asking the questions 'cause it's -- it affects, you know, his role and responsibility in the City.
But what I question is how are you going to go about carrying out that task?
Chair Gort: Well, like right now we request from any Administrations [sic] or any department,
we request questions. I mean, we've had questions here from the different departments, from
Code Enforcement, from the Building, and ask them questions. They got to come back and
answer it. And if we see some deficiencies, we can ask how can we fix this. I mean, we're not
telling them fix this, give us some suggestions, tell us what you believe.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But I -- the difference, I think, is that when we sit as a Commission and
when we sit as five people, we're allowed to do that, but when -- you know, it's just like
somebody say would you sign this letter for me, and you always wonder to yourself what does
that mean; it's one Commissioner. It has no force and effect. You know, it's obviously a
non -significant issue, but when we -- when we're out there individually, we're sort of powerless,
and therein lies the Charter provisions. When we act as three, 'cause most times three pretty
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much governs the day, you are the three in charge of the City ofMiami.
Chair Gort: Well, this is -- mainly, I brought it up for discussion. And once again, we go to the
bottom line. Do we want to do it or we don't want to do it? And this is what I ask all the time.
If we want to do it, we'll find a thousand ways how to do it and how to structure it so we comply
with the status and everything else.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's true.
Chair Gort: If we don't want to do it, just let's say it and that's it.
Ms. Bru: I think that if it's -- if the Commission is interested in pursuing such an inquiry, I can
sit down with the City Manager and try to -- and with your staff and see what you have in mind
and see if there's a protocol, if there are -- if there's some guidelines that can be adopted by this
Commission and tasks identified and the manner in which the tasks are going to be performed
described that would be compliant with the Charter restriction. So if you would like to do that,
we can do that. We could sit with the Manager, myself your staff yourself.
Chair Gort: I would love to do that, if my Commissioners agree with it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman, let me ask you something, you know, and I just throw it out
there. Do we even need something like this to be able to request information on certain
departments? I mean, I know for a fact I did it during the budget process. I reviewed. I
requested information from certain departments. As a matter of fact, you know, I'm looking at
this list right away. The first one I'm seeing is the City Manager. How come the City
Manager's office isn't here, you know? So again, you know -- and then one of the things that I
saw that we're going to be recommending to the City Manager and the Mayor and so forth, but
right off the bat I'm saying, okay, I don't know who did this list, but don't see the City
Manager's here, andl know for a fact I went through the City Manager's, and there's room to
cut there. I know for a fact there is because I -- as you all know, I went through this budget
process pretty good and, you know -- so I just don't see why we would need a structure like this
in place to actually do what you want to do.
Chair Gort: In reality, it's not only the budget but the efficiency of departments. I believe
there's a lot of changes that can be made in some departments, suggestions that can come up
that can improve the performance of the department.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But -- and that brings up the PFM and I'm -- let me use them
euphemistically because I don't know another firm. What are the best practices? Who -- what
city in the United States is employing the best practices and what are those best practices? And
then why won't those best practices work here? And there may be some very good reasons why
they won't and there may be some reasons why they should, but I don't -- I truly don't know the
best practices right now in 2011 and 2012. I sort of knew the best practices in 2008 'cause we
went through an exercise. Trust me, things have changed as to what the best practices were in
2008. So could we do this, could we bring this back for a discussion and --
Chair Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- maybe have the Administration drill down this? Bring it as -- not as
a blue page item but as an item with some background from the City Attorney telling us what we
could do, how we could do it, and maybe some element from maybe PFM and maybe two others
that do the same kind of work to say how they've helped other cities in the past and what is the
cost? And then, inevitably, what's the return on that investment for that cost?
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D2.1
11-00381
Chair Gort: Is that all right? Okay, we'll follow your advice. Okay. Thank you. Is there any
other business? Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Commissioner Dunn: So move.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Have a good one, guys.
END OF DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
COMMISSIONER MARC DAVID SARNOFF
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION ABOUT THE DREDGING AND MANGROVE TRIMMING AT
THE ROCKERMAN CANAL.
11-00381 Email - Dredging and Mangrove Trimming Rockerman Canal.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: We go into blue page.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think have a blue page, right?
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm first, all right. Andl apologize for the quantity, but I'll be very
brief. The first discussion item, gentlemen, is the dredging and mangrove trimming at the
Rockerman Canal. Mr. Manager, to the extent that I can rely upon Lynn Westall's May 11,
2011 e-mail (electronic) to me, I would be more than satisfied with that response, but I just want
to bring to your attention that the mangroves need to be trimmed together with that entire
project; otherwise, you're not going to be able to do the deep dredge that you need to have
done. So if somebody could just give me a little acknowledgment, yes, we understand,
Commissioner; yes, we completely agree, or something to that effect, I will move on to the next
blue page item. Failing in that, I will hold this -- Bravo, always good to see you.
Alice Bravo (Director, Capitallmprovements): Good afternoon.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're very close to the Zerry Award.
Ms. Bravo: I aspire to that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You understand that we believe there will be an issue with mangrove
trimming?
Ms. Bravo: Well, we -- Alice Bravo, Capital Improvements director. Just today we signed the
application to DERM (Department of Environmental Resources Management) for additional
mangrove trimming, and so we'll be submitting that expeditiously. Our dredging project is
anticipated to start in about three weeks.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. And our concern, so you understand, is that we believe the mangroves
will prevent you from getting in with your dredging operation.
Ms. Bravo: That is not what we are foreseeing. We've --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Ms. Bravo: -- procured the dredging project. We're proceeding with the dredging.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're the expert. I'm the amateur. I'm bringing to bear to you what
some other people have brought to us. You're telling me it's not an issue, Commissioner; don't
worry about it. I accept that.
Ms. Bravo: Great.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Fair enough?
Ms. Bravo: Fair enough.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
D2.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00383
DISCUSSION HOW C BAND PULSE IS NOISE.
11-00383 Email - C Band Pulse is Noise.pdf
DISCUSSED
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. The second discussion item, Mr. Chairman and fellow
Commissioners, is how C band pulse is noise. Now this comes back each time downtown or we
have venues that have live music, the Ultra Festival, a number of things, inclusive of as we
build buildings -- happens to be Icon -- and one of the actual towers has a bar that's on the
30th floor, how that noise travels to another condo tower, and you could say they chose to live
there. They knew what they were getting into. I'm not even talking about the same condo
tower. I'm talking about another condo tower just to the side of them. And somebody from this
City wrote an e-mail (electronic) that said I'm not sure that -- C band is that low pulse that you
hear, that boom, boom, boom --
Vice Chair Carollo: That's called the bass.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Bass, there you go. We'll call it bass for this discussion. -- that that is
not noise. Now I have seen from our director of Code Enforcement that he considers that to be
noise. Am I right?
Sergio Guadix (Director): Or it would be considered -- I'm sorry. Sergio Guadix, from Code
Enforcement. It would be considered to be noise if it breaks the noise ordinance or it goes
above the decibels that's required in the noise ordinance or if it's played at a time that is not
allowed in the noise ordinance, but it is not really defined in the noise ordinance specifically.
C band is different than any other noise.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So long as you are the requisite distance away, so long as you're the
requisite time away, so long as you hear the bass, you will treat that as a noise problem?
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Mr. Guadix: I believe I have to, yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Because there are others in this City that don't agree with you,
and I'd like the City Attorney or someone's position on what is bass.
Vice Chair Carollo: What is bass?
George Wysong (Assistant City Attorney): What is bass? Bass is a --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Come on, Warren. First, I want to hear your definition, and then I want
to hear how you're going to apply it.
Vice Chair Carollo: It sounds like --
Mr. Wysong: Well, unfort --
Commissioner Sarnoff. There you go.
Mr. Wysong: -- unfortunately --
Commissioner Sarnoff. He's pretty good at that.
Mr. Wysong: That's bass.
Chair Gort: He's got it.
Mr. Wysong: As --
Commissioner Sarnoff. He was at Ultra, by the way. He was there.
Mr. Wysong: -- Mr. Guadix --
Commissioner Sarnoff. They couldn't stop him till 2. No.
Mr. Wysong: Yeah. As Mr. Guadix indicated, they -- there are no definitions in our noise
ordinance in all references to decibels are what they call the A -weighted band, so what you're
really talking about is the C-weighted band. I did a little quick research on cases relating to --
if there's any Florida cases relating to C-band noise or bass noise and there are only really two
cases that came up. One case was a Second District opinion and it related to a club that was
having a lot of noise and the distance requirement for that particular club or that particular
city was 50 feet. Any noise plainly audible within 50 feet of the establishment was unlawful
noise. They cited the establishment a couple times. The establishment did some stuff. They put
in insulation, they sound -proofed their building. The next complaint that came was from a
gentleman who said he could hear the club's music during the operating hours and that he
could regularly hear a bass boom beat, which physically vibrated the pillow in his bedroom, so
it sounds very similar. Unfortunately, the Second District invalidated the ordinance, saying it
was an unreasonable standard, way too subjective, void for vagueness. That's the plainly
audible standard. Commissioner, we've had discussions on this item frequently. This is a
Second District opinion. There's a Fifth District opinion that finds a 100-foot noise ordinance
plainly audible to be constitutional, so the Florida districts are all over the place. So that was
the one relating to noise. The other one relating to the bass noise was a local case, D.A.
Mortgage versus City ofMiami Beach where it had to do with Club Amnesia on Miami Beach,
an open-air club. You could hear noise all over the place. Miami Beach had -- when they were
challenged, they repealed their noise ordinance and specifically adopted by reference the
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County noise ordinance. So now the case was whether the County ordinance was
unconstitutional, and they attacked it from all different stances. One was content -neutral or
content -based, and they talked about it was not con -- it was content -neutral because it does not
distinguish between excessively loud singing, thunderous classical music recordings,
reverberating bass beats, or television broadcasts of the World Cup soccer finals. So there it
only related to content -neutral. But there are no reported decisions defining what noise is. I
think Sergio Guadix' position is that usually when they go out and they inspect these premises,
in addition to the booming of the glass, they can hear the noise coming from the club as well so
it's plainly audible from further than 100 feet, which really isn't much of a distance. So he can
enforce it without requiring a definition of bass noise or C-weighted noise.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. City Attorney, the reason I brought this up, to my surprise, I saw
from a police department, a police officer, an e-mail that said is bass noise andl was quite
surprised. And all want is the City Manager to -- unless this Commission deems otherwise --
should bass be considered noise and part of the noise ordinance? And think it's pretty clear.
I'm even surprised we're talking about this.
Mr. Guadix: IfI may, Commissioner -- andl don't mean to sound funny, but you know, most of
our inspectors, I think, we're going -- we're not going to be -- we're going to be tone deaf. I
mean, we don't know if it's C-band orA-band or whatever band. We know that we can hear it.
And part of our ordinance, I feel, the one that does not talk about decibels, talks about if you
hear the noise -- and it doesn't differentiate between C, A or D or whatever -- if we hear the
noise within 100 feet, you're in violation. I -- maybe once we get into the decibel, which has to
do more with machines and, you know, some mechanical machines and stuff, maybe we'll go
wrong there if we don't take the C-band or we don't take that definition into consideration. But
as I see it right now, if we hear it, it's in violation, within 100 feet.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. And Chief Blom, I see you out there. Chief or -- I've had that
conversation with Chief Blom so I'd like him to go on the record. Chief oftentimes noise is
going to fall in the purview of a uniformed officer.
Assistant Fire Chief Richard Blom: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And it was a uniformed officer that wrote is bass really noise?"
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Okay. Well, you know --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Is it -- now I'm going to ask you, is bass going to be --
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: If it disturbs somebody, we get a call, we would look at it as noise,
but again, we would defer to the, you know, zoning or code to let us know, but we get calls all
the time. People say boy, this noise is disturbing me, so you know, we treat it as noise if you
can hear it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And that's the policy of our department, right?
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Well, the policy of our department is to take Code's lead and they
would let us know if it's a violation, and we'd go ahead and take the enforcement action. You
know, once in a while we can't get a hold of them, so we try to take our own action.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And the reason I brought you up here is come late at night, more times
than not it's going to be the uniformed officer that's going to take care of the noise.
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Right.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. Andl know the way you ordinarily do it is you give them the
opportunity to turn down the noise. Failing in doing that, you could even confiscate their
equipment.
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Yeah. We've done that to our own peril at times. I remember I did
that years ago, even at Monty's, and kind of got admonished for it. But you know, what -- when
you have people that can't sleep at night and you clearly can hear the noise in their apartment,
you want to go ahead and at least take care of them for that night. But again, we try to vouch
to the Code inspectors, and we did have something worked out where we could call them and
have somebody on call come out with their meter, if you will, and then tell us if it was a
violation and we'll take the enforcement action then.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. I just want to -- I want to make sure the Code and uniform are
on the same page and we're --
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- all enforcing it the same.
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Yeah, we enforce it, but we're just -- we don't define it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I want to make sure that -- happen to be a police officer from your
-- obviously, you're chief or one of the chiefs, andl want to make sure that your position is that
bass is noise.
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Noise is noise.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. I'm done with this.
Assistant Fire Chief Blom: Thank you.
D2.3 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00404
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY
MOUNTAIN BIKE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
11-00404 Email - Virginia Key Mountain Bike.pdf
DISCUSSED
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. The other discussion, gentlemen, I think is a good
discussion. As you all know, we opened up -- and know that Commissioners Suar -- excuse me
-- Commissioner Carollo was there -- the Virginia Key mountain biking trail. Andl think we
have a great missed opportunity there. I mean, if you would look at the number of mountain
biking magazines that the City ofMiami is presently in as the -- I don't want to say preeminent,
but we almost are the preeminent mountain biking trail in a city, and yet, right now there are a
couple of issues. One, it's all voluntary, meaning that out there on a Saturday or a Sunday are
volunteers out there doing whatever -- that we think needs to be done. Two, there are no
waivers, and that's just an accident waiting to happen. Somebody's going to go out there get
hurt, there's not going to be a waiver, and you know, it's going to be RE.6, you know, City of
Miami settling; and you're going to go well, is this a good settlement, a bad settlement versus
wait a minute; did this guy sign a waiver. Three, every place -- I shouldn't say every place.
Broward County, Oleta State Park charges $5 to get in there, so what we had done is we
actually askedArquitectonica just to give us a draft of what we said was a very quick,
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inexpensive gateway, if you will, to get into the park, and that, of course, require people to go
through a certain gate, a certain procedure. This would be paid for by and in and of itself with
the $5 or whatever you determine the appropriate amount would be. Now this has a picnic
area. It's got restrooms, a bicycle rental storage locker, limited bike repair. Just think of the
opportunities we have, and this whole thing -- and of course, 'cause it's Arquitectonica, they do
it with all, you know, solar panels so no electricity. It's all very green. And what I'd like to get
is support from my fellow Commissioners, is to get our Parks Department to get behind this
project and to put a person there minimally on the weekends and, if possible, all the time
around so that we always have waivers, or at least a sign up there that says proceed at your
own risk. This is a high -risk, you know, venture because we have something great out there.
Just 'cause it's great doesn't mean it's not dangerous. Andl -- Mr. Burkeen, I know we've had
this conversation, but I wanted you to see that there would be support from the other
Commissioners. I'd like anybody to say what they think about this.
Chair Gort: We agree with you. I mean, at least do.
Commissioner Dunn: Beautiful.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So can we get moving on this not at the pace we usually move, but can
we move on this?
Ernest Burkeen: Ernest Burkeen, director of Parks and Recreation. We can get started on the
planning process. I mean, I don't have money in the budget to do this right now, but certainly
the planning process we can start moving on that. Andl imagine it'll be part of the budget
process.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, the point that I want to bring is this will pay for itself with the
admission fee, you know. And two months ago I asked for a pro forma on what $5 would bring.
I never got that back. I'm not going to wait for the pro forma.
Vice Chair Carollo: Welcome to my world.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right. I see what you're saying. And I'm not here to criticize. I simply
want to -- I am offering you -- I'll tell you what, work with Arquitectonica; take these plans, see
if they'll get design plans going for us. I think they'll do it as a pro bono project. Most of this
stuff is so easy, it's incredible. Andl will devote some quality of life money to this, just to get
you started so you don't feel like you're left -- but I do -- but I'm going to require that there be
an admission fee out here just so that this is a zero -cost item to the City ofMiami at a minimum.
All right?
Mr. Burkeen: Will do.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Commissioner, we will look at the issue of whether or not he can
just unilaterally work with Arquitectonica. We do have a procurement code. I know it's
frustrating, but we --
Commissioner Sarnoff. If it's pro bono?
Ms. Bru: Well, we have to check. I have to check to make sure because we do have the CCNA
(Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act) law, state statute, andl don't know whether there's
any waiver just because you're receiving it pro bono. So we'll take a look at that.
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D2.4
11-00405
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah, that would only be common sense, but why would the City do
that? Okay.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT
3883 BISCAYNE BLVD.
11-00405 Email - Status Property Located 3883 Biscayne Blvd.pdf
DISCUSSED
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mister -- I guess I need Mr. Garcia. I've been getting complaints at
3883 Biscayne Boulevard, and the complaints that I'm getting -- well, you know what they are.
And essentially, an Educating Hands school has been operating in a T6-12L. I could read you
what they are, butt think you could easily do the -- do you have the e-mail (electronic) up on
your screen?
Francisco Garcia: I don't have -- my apologies. Francisco Garcia, Planning director. I don't
have the e-mail itself, but I certainly have a list of all the issues that have been forwarded to us
by your office, and I'm prepared to address them.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Would you address it issue by issue?
Mr. Garcia: Certainly. And with the assistance of the audiovisual department, I will show you
a PowerPoint presentation that I think will address all the issues at hand and then I will answer
any questions you have -- you may have additionally. Just to provide the Commissioners a
sense of the context, there are two properties that were involved in the referral we received.
One -- and once again, to provide context, what you see north to south or top to bottom on the
screen, the major corridor there is Biscayne Boulevard and the intersecting street in question is
Northeast 39th Street. To the north you see a large parcel which is 3901 Biscayne Boulevard,
and to the south of 39th Street, you see a smaller parcel which is 3883 Biscayne Boulevard, and
there are some issues pertaining to each of these properties. By way of additional information,
I will give you briefly that the two parcels in question abut Biscayne Boulevard as T 6-12L, as
you correctly mentioned, Commissioner Sarnoff, but in particular the property to the north,
3901 Biscayne Boulevard, also enters into the T4-R zone that is to the west of Biscayne
Boulevard. First, the simpler one perhaps, and that is 3901 Biscayne Boulevard. The issue
there was that originally, as approved, the project contained the plans for a container that was
located on the southern end of the property, immediately facing single-family residential
properties to the south. And as a result of meetings with the applicant, we managed to have
that moved to the north of the property where it now more appropriately abuts another
commercial property. And just to show you that, in fact, that has been accomplished, this is a
photograph of the site as built. There is the enclosure for the container. When the building is
ready to be occupied, the dumpsters will be there in that enclosed -- sort of wall enclosure will
be closed up by a gate and the dumpsters shall disappear from view. So we mark that as an
issue that has been addressed, and we believe that the people who were originally concerned
with this matter have expressed that they are satisfied by the resolution achieved. As pertains
to 3883 Biscayne Boulevard, there are four issues we are aware of andl know that some others
have come up since we were originally approached about these, but I'll cover theses and
perhaps then the others. The first issue refers to hand painted signs and whether or not they
were appropriately permitted. The second issue pertains to an existing set of propane tanks
located adjacent to Northeast 39th Street. The third issue, ingress and egress came before the
property involved. And the fourth issue, compliance with the landscape ordinance. Here is a
site plan for 3883 Biscayne Boulevard, and some of these issues can best be shown on the site
plan. And what we are first indicating in the orange arrows is the fact that one of the
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conditions of the warrant that has recently been approved -- but I should emphasize is still
within the appeal period -- so that warrant, when it comes into effect, will require the property
owner to have ingress to the property or access to the property only from 39th Street. And the
condition also indicates that exits from the property or egressfrom the property shall be
through a service alley that is located to the south of the property. Now here is a slight
difficulty that we've run into. Because that service alley is shared with the commercial building
to the south of the property and because some of the service entrances that service that building
are along the alley, from time to time there are delivery trucks and other service vehicles that
actually obstruct the exit from 3883 onto that alleyway. So although the condition in the
warrant, as issued, states that exits should be through there, we are not prohibiting exiting
through 39th Street because we understand that from time to time there will be a blockage there
and we could not otherwise prohibit proper egressfrom the property. We understand that that
may require some monitoring, but we have every assurance from the property owner that they
have every intent to comply, and there will be signs on the actual parking that will indicate that
that is the preferred means of egress and people tend to follow arrows when they are drawn on
the side. So that is frankly the best we can do to address that particular issue. As pertains to
the enclosure of the propane tanks that are located, that is the rectangular sort of box that you
see there dashed in red on the north end or on the top end of the property. That's the location
of that. As pertains to the dumpster for the property -- and will show you images in a moment
about that -- as pertains to the dumpster and where it's going to be located for this particular
property, right now it sits in the middle of the parking lot. They're not done with construction.
When they are done, one of the conditions of the warrant issued is that the container be placed
on the bottom right-hand corner of the property, which you see there also in the box. And as
pertains to landscaping issues, you see that captioned in the rectangular box top to bottom that
is along Biscayne Boulevard. I'll show you images in a second. First, I wanted to address
briefly another issue that was brought to our attention, and that is that presently the business
known as Educating Hands is operating as a school. We know that to be the case. We should
say the following. The applicant originally came in to the City ofMiami wanting to have both
a therapeutic massage establishment and also a school that would teach (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F)
how to perform these therapeutic massages and both of those uses are allowed. It so happens
that therapeutic massage establishment is allowed as of right, so to speak, and the school
component is allowed only through a warrant. And what you see there in that list is that in
T6-L along the top, which is the zoning for the property, the special training or vocational
school use, which is what they have, is allowed through a W'br warrant. They were originally
advised that they did not need the warrant and they could operate under the certificate of use
for a therapeutic massage parlor. Since then we've understood that that is not the case, given
the character of the operation, and subsequently, a violation was issued by the Code
Enforcement Department, and by applying for the warrant that they have recently obtained,
they are seeking to correct the code violation item that is still open until the warrant is actually
finalized. I say this again because as I mentioned earlier, there are still ten days to go for the
appeal period of the warrant. If it is appealed, then the conditions cannot be demanded by us.
If the appeal period elapses and the warrant takes effect, then we will follow up to make sure
that all of those conditions are actually abided by, and we can do that through code
enforcement efforts. Now as pertains to signs -- and I'll be quick --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Did you address the propane tanks? I know I -- I see them right there.
Is that allowed?
Mr. Garcia: I will address that in a moment.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'm sorry.
Mr. Garcia: Yeah, that's the next item actually down the line, but I'll address this. As pertains
to the painted signs, these are them, and you see them there. What happened here was that they
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came in with a permit application or a sign permit application to paint the signs, and the signs
were checked by the City for compliance with size requirements and so forth, and so these are
fully compliant with all the size and location requirements of the zoning ordinance. However,
once again, change of code. Painted signs in -- under Miami 21 require a warrant. They were
not directed to obtain the warrant. They actually obtained a sign permit, painted the signs, and
by the time it was brought to our attention that those signs in particular would have required a
warrant, the signs were already painted. We felt, frankly, that the signs were done tastefully.
They're very much in, you know, compatible with the district and we would have approved them
anyway, so to actually require a warrant after the fact, which would have made them subject to
an appeal, et cetera, we thought was too onerous and we have deemed these as approved sites.
Here are the propane tanks. And although this is an existing condition, this was not done by the
present property owner or by the present occupant of the building. It was brought to our
attention that their appearance was perhaps objectionable or unsightly, although they are very
well maintained and painted. And so what we've done in condition number two of the warrant
is required the following: That the existing propane gas tanks shall be screened from view with
landscape hedge behind the existing CBS (Concrete Block Stucco) wall along 39th Street at the
north side of the property. So in order to come into compliance with the warrant, they will have
to plant some shrubbery that conceals from vision those propane banks and, once again, the
occupant of the building has expressed every desire to comply. Should they not do so, we can
follow up through Code Enforcement to make sure that they do and we will do that. Here is
where the dumpster is presently located, and here you also see that it is blocking egress to that
service alley I was describing earlier. Once again, as I showed you on the site plan, when all is
said and done, the warrant is in effect, that dumpster will be located on the southwestern corner
of the property and out of the way and properly concealed, and here's the condition that
requires that. Entrance to the parking lot shall be access only through Northeast 39th Street
and exit through the alley at the south boundary of the property. You notice that the word 'hall"
is used before be accessed,'but is not used before exit, and that is for the reasons that
previously described. Finally, as pertains to the landscaping on the property, there -- what
we've required is a new planting scheme, and one of the conditions that addresses it is number
four, which says a landscape plan shall be submitted for review and approval and compliance
with the landscape ordinance prior to the issuance of a certificate of use showing new street
trees on private property along Biscayne Boulevard. And until that new landscape plan is
approved and the trees are in place, they will not be issued a certificate of use. They have
every intent to comply, and once again, we can always follow up through Code Enforcement
efforts to address that. Lastly, this is the warrant that has been issued containing the
conditions. Once again, it was issued on the 5th of this month. It will be effective, unless
appealed, on the 20th of this month. One last item that was brought to our attention is the fact
that their parking may not be sufficient. These are the calculations that have been made for the
property showing that they will be required 26 parking spaces to comply with the applicable
zoning ordinance, and they are actually providing onsite 27 parking spaces, so they are one
over minimum requirements and, thus, they are fully entitled to obtain a certificate of use.
That's all I have by way of presentation, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Thank you very much, andl do appreciate you getting -- oh, the last
thing was going to be there was a great big mound of debris -- I don't know what you call it -- in
the back of the property. Would you have Code Enforcement -- or would Code Enforcement go
out there and look at that 'cause that is --? We provided a photograph to you.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir, we have that photograph, and we will refer it to the Code Enforcement
Department.
Sergio Guadix (Director, Code Enforcement): And that is already part of our existing Code
enforcement case.
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NA.1
11-00438
Commissioner Sarnoff. So there's no --
Mr. Guadix: But it's not -- we have -- it's part of our notice of violation.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Gotcha.
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Thank you very much.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Is that it?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes.
Chair Gort: Conclude yours?
END OF DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 3
VICE-CHAIRMAN FRANK CAROLLO
END OF DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONER FRANCIS SUAREZ
END OF DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER RICHARD P. DUNN, II
END OF DISTRICT 5
NON AGENDA ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
VICE CHAIR CAROLLO THANKED THE COMMISSION, AND EVERYONE INVOLVED
WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI'S VICTORY IN DEFEATING FLORIDA HOUSE OF
RESPRESENTATIVES BILL 1363; A BILL THAT POSED A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT
UPON THE NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING A BILLBOARDS SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT.
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: Mr. Mayor.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
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Meeting Minutes May 12, 2011
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Could -- would you allow me a point of order?
Chair Gort: Sure.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. And I'm going to be brief but at the same time, I think it
merits, you know, stating what occurred just a few days ago because in the past several weeks,
months, we have been consistently -- hope I'm not getting a cold now -- under threats that if we
don't settle a lawsuit with a potential or future billboard company, it will be extremely
detrimental to the City ofMiami. This is to the tune of two special Commission meetings. And
yes, even though one wasn't a special Commission meeting, the bottom line is that we actually
met on a separate day just to discuss the settlement and billboard issue. Numerous, numerous
amount of misinformation and administration that on two separate occasions strongly pushed
for the settlement, and let's not forget; for the first time ever, we had to invoke the five-day rule
with regards to an emergency ordinance regarding the settlement. I think that it merits saying
that the language that would have been drastic to the City ofMiami did not take effect andl
think we can all learn a great deal from this occurrence. Number one, that this City
Commission will not be pushed around. Number two, I think it's extremely important that
everyone realizes that this Commission does debate, does analyze the issues, and at the end we
all come together as a collegiate team. I also think that it merits stating that the five-day rule
works and it works very well. And the five-day rule isn't about giving power to any one
Commissioner. It's about the Administration giving the information needed for each
Commissioner to analyze, have time to think, have time to, again, simply put, analyze the issues
so they can understand it. And we clearly saw how just a few days, just a few days meant such
a difference. It made such a difference. Andl am very proud of this Commission that, once
again, we have proven that we stick together. You know, we do it in a professional manner, and
we move the City forward. So I think it's a great victory for the City ofMiami. And now
should in the future this Commission choose to settle or not, the bottom line is we don't have a
cloud hanging over our heads, that cloud of potential blackmail or so forth. So thank you. I'd
also like to thank everyone that was involved in making sure that the City ofMiami could move
forward and we will not be detrimentally affected, drastically affected. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Commissioner Carollo. But at the same time, I'd like to thank all of
you that worked on this. Andl know a lot of us made phone calls and talked to a lot of
legislative [sic] and that's -- we were able to do it. And we all come united. Sometimes we
disagree, but when we make a decision, we carry it on and we work for it. Commissioner
Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Can I just -- I just want to just say one thing. Andl agree with
everything the Vice Chairman has said. I think we have demonstrated time and time again our
good faith in terms of our desire to want what's best for the residents of the City of Miami and
to debate it sometimes in a heated -- I wouldn't say even heated fashion, but in a strong fashion
with strong opinions. And yet, many, many, many times or most of the time come to the same
conclusion after actually listening. Because I think what happens is a lot of times people don't
listen. After actually listening. But I do want to touch upon something that the Chairman said,
andl want to thank particularly our legislative delegation, state representatives and state
senators. I know State Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, at the critical moment, stepped up
and even said, which is not something that a lot of legislators often want to do, you can quote
me, you can put it out there, you can say whatever you want, I'm going to do whatever I can on
the senate side -- which is, by the way, where this died -- I'm going to do what I can on the
senate side to make sure that this doesn't go forward. I also want to thank majority leader
Carlos Lopez Cantera, who also assured me privately that this would not go through. And so,
you know, I think we need to give credit when our legislative delegation steps up and does the
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right thing. We need to give them the credit because just like we give ourselves the credit for
making the right decision, we need to give them the credit for helping us have bargaining
power.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would certainly be remiss ifI did not thank
our colleague on the dais, Vice Chairman Carollo, for his staunch position and standing, you
know. I know it was a little head butting there, which it's good. Every now and then when you
have a position, it proves when you feel strongly about something. Andl guess from my
perspective, I have to, in terms of state legislation, rely on your relationships in Tallahassee
because, quite frankly, I have some but they don't really amount to a whole lot because of the
makeup. But I -- but more importantly than that, I want to thank you for standing firm on your
position and it proved -- you know, it was a -- it was -- you know, from where I was looking from
-- I guess from every -- it was a risk. But then there's an old adage in business; the greater the
risk, the greater the profit. So -- and the profit for us is the respect level. And you stood and we
differed some, but then we came together. And so I just -- I would be remiss ifI did not thank
you because I was prepared to kind of go with the flow, so kudos.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. Andl appreciate those words. I do want to state though that
although, yes, there were some risks, I can assure you they were calculated risks. I will assure
you that there were calculated risks. You know -- and sometimes I look at analogies and so
forth. For instance, even in the courtroom, you know, hearsay. In the courtroom, hearsay is
not really -- right, it's not evidence. It's not valid. Andl heard a lot of hearsay, a lot of
misinformation. Yet, when I went straight to sources, I heard something totally different. When
I spoke to the Senate president, I heard something totally different. When I spoke to Senator
Latvala, the chairman of the transportation committee in the Senate, I heard something totally
different. When I spoke to Senator Diaz de la Portilla, I heard something totally different.
When I even spoke to some of our legislative team, I heard something totally different.
Therefore, you know, you have to say, hey, all this misinformation and hearsay, how valid is it?
And in the court -- and in court of law, would it be admissible? Therefore, even though it may
have been perceived like maybe, you know, we're taking great chances and so forth -- and if you
noticed, I even brought up in the past where this group, individuals, so forth, have had great
success in the Legislature. However, that doesn't mean they would this time and again, it was
calculated risks. It wasn't just, you know, based on misinformation, based on hearsay. So
again, I'd like to thank everyone that was involved. You know, I appreciate the confidence that,
you know, once again, everyone has shown when I bring up a subject and we debate it and so
forth. You know, it seems like there's a lot of validity when I speak and you all trust my
judgment, soI truly appreciate that. And again, I think it's great for the City ofMiami, it's
great for the residents of the City ofMiami, and once again, we don't have to worry with regard
to losing any amount of money, so thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
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Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I was going to not say anything because really it has, to some degree,
been said andl certainly have to give credit to the Vice Chair because he obviously stood at a
dragon and believed he could slay that dragon. But as long as he brought up the court of law, I
do understand a courtroom. I understand there are rules, Florida rules of evidence and federal
rules of evidence, andl just want to explain myself a little bit. Unfortunately, I couldn't find
that rule book with the Florida Legislature, and unfortunately, I couldn't find that rule book
when it came to speaking with these folks. Andl spoke with most of the representatives. I did
not speak with many of the senators andl think we owe a great debt of gratitude to Mike
Haridopolos andl think we owe a great debt of gratitude to Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and a
number of others.
Vice Chair Carollo: Senator Latvala.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Senator Latvala. Andl guess part of the reason -- andl think you've
also brought something out that is worth looking into as we move forward in this Commission,
and that is lobbying efforts. How we lobby, who we lobby with, what is a conflict of interest,
what is not a conflict of interest? Do we hire somebody that has 70 issues going before a
senator so that he doesn't take one issue and maybe not push it to bear as far as he would
because he's concerned the other 69 issues may not get passed? I think what we've done
two fold is you've certainly demonstrated a measured validity to the five-day rule that I've
never seen, andl certainly was the only one that voted against the five-day rule. So you've
certainly demonstrated that it has its place, but I think going forwardfrom this day forward, we
should think about our lobbying team, who they are, how they act for us, and who else they
represent because we may want to be a little more lasered in our efforts and a little more
precise in who we retain because I wonder if in all their lobbying efforts, we were just one issue
of 70 and if the other 69 took precedence over ours. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. And I think that you're so right on that. I think we discussed that
during our discussions.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6: 14 p.m.
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