HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2011-06-09 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 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 11, Commissioner District Five
Tony E. Crapp Jr., City Manager
Julie O. Bru, City Attorney
Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
CONTENTS
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
AM -APPROVING MINUTES
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
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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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
9:00 A.M. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1
11-00646
PRESENTATION
Honoree Presenter Protocol Item
Miami Firefighters Commissioner Dunn Certificates
of Appreciation
Daniel Duharte Chair Gort Certificate
of Appreciation
E. "Ray" Simpson Commissioner Sarnoff Commendation
PRESENTED
1. Commissioner Dunn presented Certificates of Appreciation to Miami Fire Fighters Steeve
Augustine, Carlos Garcia, and Collin Johnson, paying tribute to their outstanding service during
a critical life emergency involving Mrs. Daphne Dunn on February 25, 2011, further
acknowledging with great pride and gratitude their performance as highly -trained specialists.
2. Chair Gort expressed his sincerest appreciation to Daniel Duarte for his outstanding service
to the people of the City of Miami by helping to maintain the hammock at Pablo Duarte Park as
a member of the Hands On Miami AmeriCorps Team.
3. Commissioner Sarnoff honored Raphael Ray'Simpson for his outstanding commitment to civic
responsibility and special services to tourists as a Volunteer Ambassador who amassed over
2,550 hours of service to passengers at Miami International Airport.
Chair Gort: At this time, we're going to make the presentations.
Presentations made.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairman Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chairman Carollo, Commissioner Suarez
and Commissioner Dunn II
On the 9th day offune 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 9:24 a.m., recessed at 12: 14 p.m.,
reconvened at 3:48 p.m., and adjourned at 6: 32 p.m.
Note for the record: Commissioner Suarez entered the chambers at 9: 27 a.m., and Vice Chair
Carollo entered the chambers at 9: 30 a.m.
Chair Gort: (INAUDIBLE) Miami June 9, 2011 meeting of the Miami -- of the Commission at
this historic chambers. The members of the City Commissions [sic] with us right now is
Commissioner Richard Dunn, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. Also on the dais with us is Johnny
Martinez, acting Manager, Julie O. Bru, the City Attorney, and Priscilla Thompson, City Clerk.
Commissioner Dunn, could you do a prayer for us, please?
Commissioner Dunn: Let us stand.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Chair Gort: And Commissioner Sarnoff, the pledge of allegiance.
Commissioner Dunn: before we -- after the invocation, I'm going to yield to my colleague,
Commissioner Sarnoff. He would like to offer a moment of silent meditation, then we'll proceed
with the prayer.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. For those of you that don't know, the -- Coconut Grove just lost a valued
member of its community, Camilo Salazar, who was a fine man. He was a church -going man
who raised money for St. Stephens. By all accounts, he and his wife, Daisy Lewis, and their baby
girl, Skylar, who was just born three weeks ago, had a wonderful life that was shattered recently
by the senseless slaying of Camilo Salazar, who was found murdered this week. Our thoughts
and our prayers go out to Daisy, Skylar, and Camilo other daughter, Ava, in this time of grief.
For those of you who would like to help the family, the Salazar Family Trust has been set up for
the two daughters. You can contact my office for more information. I have requested that
Commissioner Dunn do a special prayer for the Salazar family.
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, sir.
Invocation and pledge delivered.
MAYORAL VETOES
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chair Gort: Madam Clerk, do we have any veto, Mayor's veto?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No, Chair. There are no mayoral vetoes.
APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING:
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, 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: Do you have any minutes to be approved?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes. We have the minutes for your approval for the regular
Commission meeting ofMay 12, 2011.
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Chair Gort: It's been --
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: -- moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. 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. Madam Attorney.
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Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Good morning, Mr. Chair, Vice Chair, members of the
Commission, Mr. Manager, City Clerk, members of the public. Welcome to the Commission
meeting. Any person who's a lobbyist must register with the City Clerk before appearing before
the City Commission. A copy of the Code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's
office. The material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the City
Clerk's office and online at www.miamigov.com. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made
by the City Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of
the item. No cell phones or other noise -making devices; please silence them now. Any person
who makes offensive remarks or who becomes unruly may be barred from attending future
Commission meetings. Any person who requires an auxiliary aid, please see the City Clerk. The
lunch recess will begin at the conclusion of deliberations of the agenda item being considered at
noon, unless the Chair indicates otherwise. And at this time, the Chair or the Administration will
announce the items that are being withdrawn, deferred, or substituted after the City Clerk deals
with the minutes of the prior meetings. Thank you.
[Later...]
Chair Gort: Does any Commissioners would like to withdraw any items? From the consent
agenda?
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I would like to pull CA.1 for discussion.
Chair Gort: Okay. Anyone else?
Vice Chair Carollo: And --
Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): Regular agenda.
Chair Gort: Administration.
Mr. Martinez: SR.1, defer indefinitely; RE.4, withdraw.
Chair Gort: Wait a minute, wait a minute. SR.1.
Mr. Martinez: Defer indefinitely. RE.4, withdraw. RE. 6, withdraw. And DLL defer to June 23.
Chair Gort: What was the last one?
Mr. Martinez: DI.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: First of all, I was going to ask for a point of privilege, but we'll do it after
we finish what we have. I have questions with regards to the deferral ofSR.1.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Andl don't know how you want to handle it. If you want --
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Chair Gort: We'll take it right after consent agenda.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. But what I'm asking is not to defer it until we discuss SR.1.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): If in fact, we are going to move on, then we do need some
action on these requested items, okay. Do you want me to review them?
Chair Gort: SR.1 will be left out of this motion.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. So what is happening is CA.1 is being pulled for dis -- from the CA
(Consent Agenda) agenda for discussion. RE.4 is withdrawn. RE.6 is withdrawn. AndDll is
deferred to June 23, 2011.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: 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.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
CA.1
11-00425
Department of Parks
and Recreation
CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS FROM THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $16,000, FOR THE PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF A RUBBER SURFACE FOR THE NEW OUTDOOR
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AT MARGARET PACE PARK LOCATED AT 1775
NORTH BAYSHORE DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUGMENTING THE
ORIGINAL CRA GRANT OF $50,000 TO THE CITY OF MIAMI, AS
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 10-0366,
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 16, 2010; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID
PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
11-00425 Summary Form.pdf
11-00425 Pre -Legislation CRA.pdf
11-00425 Pre -Legislation .pdf
11-00425 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0232
Chair Gort: Okey-doke. DI [sic].
Vice Chair Carollo: CA.1?
Chair Gort: CA.1, I'm sorry.
Ernest Burkeen: Ernest Burkeen, director of Parks and Recreation. CA.1 is a resolution of the
Miami City Commission accepting additional grant funds from the Omni Redevelopment District
Community, in the amount not to exceed $16,000, for the purchase and installation of a rubber
surface for the outdoor exercise equipment at Margaret Pace Park.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. Mr. Burkeen, I'm not necessarily against CA.1. However, a few
meetings ago I gave the heads -up to this Commission that was going to start getting into more
details regarding the City overpaying for items. And although I am not against CA.1 -- I will be
voting in favor of it -- I am using it as a sample because here you're paying $9.86 for a
rubberized surface. Yet, when I asked for a simple swing set in my district, simple -- just like this,
when you calculate how much you were going to pay for a rubberized surface, it was
approximately $22 a square foot, more than double. So I don't know why the disparity, but I am
questioning it, andl want answers because I think that for a simple swing set, paying $23, 000
and the majority of it, 17 point something thousand of that is the rubberized surface. And now
I'm seeing that in other playgrounds it's much, much cheaper. I don't know why there's a
disparity, andl want to see how we could remedy this.
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Mr. Burkeen: Commissioner, the swing set is different than the exercise. In the exercise, you're
not looking at maybe an inch, two-inch at the most for the surface. In the swing set, you're
looking at a much greater size. I think said in a conversation with you that there are safety
regulations here. As the swing goes up, you have to be able to cover the entire arc of where the
swing is in case the child falls out. That means that you have much more space in which to pay
for, and that's the bids that come in.
Vice Chair Carollo: Now --
Mr. Burkeen: And we don't have anything to do with that.
Vice Chair Carollo: I understand that, so it might be a little unfair that you're actually the one
answering the question. So it might -- so I will admit that it might be a little unfair. And you
know what, your argument sounds pretty good. However, for the exercise equipment, you have
total space -- square footage of 2,436. For my swing set, you have total square foot of $800
[sic] -- I'm sorry, 800 square foot. So you're comparing 2,436 to 800 square foot. The
difference in price is that for 2,436 square foot, you're paying roughly 20 something thousand
dollars, 23,000. Yet, for mine, 800 square foot, we want to pay 17 thousand something. So even
though your argument sounds great, it doesn't hold substance when you really compare this
because the exercise equipment is actually a much larger area and we're paying pretty much the
same. And in essence, what I'm saying per square foot for this swing set, we're going to pay
more than double for this rubberized surface.
Mr. Burkeen: Andl can't disagree with that, but I think at the end of the day, as I've said before,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 9: 57: 40 value for the safety of a child.
Vice Chair Carollo: Right. I understand. You want the rubberized surface. However, why are
we paying much -- we're paying for rubberized surface much less for the exercise equipment than
for the swing set. I mean, yes, I understand the safety part of it, but we're talking apples and
apples, a rubberized surface and a rubberized surface. We're paying double on one than on the
other.
Mr. Burkeen: You're talking about two different --
Chair Gort: Prices.
Mr. Burkeen: -- apparatuses. You're talking about exercise equipment where falling is at this
level, where a swing falling is at this level. That's two different pieces of apparatus. And again,
you know, it's what the bids come in at.
Chair Gort: HI may.
Vice Chair Carollo: I don't know. I just -- again, I'm baffled by it, andl don't know if the bids
come in at it. I don't know if it's one of these -- I don't know if you call it HOC or JOC (Job
Order Contract) contracts or what it is. I'm just amazed at the disparity between one rubberized
surface and the other, especially when one is more than double the space of the other and it
costs, you know, half as much.
Chair Gort: My understanding is the question is why the different of prices. What you're saying
is different criterias [sic] for each of the materials. Can you please provide him the differences
to all of us, why the difference in prices. And it might be in the calculation of the material or the
material being used. It might be different materials, okay.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. Mr. Chair, may I?
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Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: I just want to ask, Mr. Burkeen, is it that one has more rubber or cushion
because of the --? I don't know. I'm not -- that's not what do, but -- is it --?
Mr. Burkeen: It is. But I think that perhaps we can bring someone in to help explain it for you,
ifI can identf someone and make arrangements through the Manager's office.
Vice Chair Carollo: I would appreciate that.
Mr. Burkeen: Okay. I can do that.
Chair Gort: I'd like to see that information given to everyone, please.
Mr. Burkeen: Okay.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Burkeen: Not a problem.
Chair Gort: So people will know and they don't have --
Vice Chair Carollo: And I move CA.1.
Mr. Burkeen: Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay, it's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn.
Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
CA.2 RESOLUTION
11-00426
Department of Police A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING
FUNDING OF THE "DO THE RIGHT THING" PROGRAM, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $110,000; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND, AWARD NO. 1169, AND
PROJECT NUMBER 19-690001, ACCOUNT CODE NO.
12500.191602.883000.0000, WITH SUCH EXPENDITURES HAVING
BEEN APPROVED BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE AS COMPLYING WITH
SECTION 932.7055, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS AMENDED.
11-00426 Summary Form.pdf
11-00426 Affidavit Letter - LETF.pdf
11-00426 Certification of Applicant.pdf
11-00426 Annual Review & Evaluation.pdf
11-00426 Survey Results.pdf
11-00426 Top 10 Winners.pdf
11-00426 Financial Statements.pdf
11-00426 Legislation.pdf
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
CA.3
11-00427
Department of
General Services
Administration
CA.4
11-00483
Department of
Information
Technology
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0229
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING THE BIDS
RECEIVED APRIL 8, 2011, PURSUANT TO INVITATION FOR BIDS NO.
267253, FROM TOWER PEST CONTROL, INC., FOR GROUPS 1, 2, 4, 5,
AND 6 AND FROM APEX PEST CONTROL, INC., FOR GROUPS 3, 7, 8, AND
9, THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDERS FOR PEST
CONTROL SERVICES CITYWIDE, FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR,
WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR THREE (3) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR
PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF
FUNDS FROM THE USER DEPARTMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED.
11-00427 Summary Form.pdf
11-00427 Award Recommendation and Approval .pdf
11-00427Addendum No.1.pdf
11-00427 Award Sheet.pdf
11-00427 Tabulation of Bids.pdf
11-00427 Invitation for Bids. pdf
11-00427 Legislation.pdf
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0230
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-82(A) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, CLASSIFYING FOURTEEN
(14) DELL LATITUDE C840 LAPTOPS WITH ADAPTERS, WITH AN
APPROXIMATE VALUE OF LESS THAN $1,400, FROM THE DEPARTMENT
OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AS "CATEGORY A" SURPLUS STOCK;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF TEN (10) OF THESE
COMPUTERS, TO THE CURLEY'S HOUSE OF STYLE INCORPORATED,
TWO (2) TO THE CAROL MANOR CENTER AND TWO (2) TO THE MARTIN
FINE VILLAS COMMUNITY CENTER, ALL OF WHOM COLLECTIVELY
AGREE TO ACCEPT SAID DONATION AND BECOME THE SOLE PROPERTY
OWNERS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO LAPTOP COMPUTERS TO
CITY OF MIAMI RESIDENTS IN NEED, UPON THE EXECUTION OF THE
APPROPRIATE RELEASE DOCUMENTS.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
11-00483 Summary Form .pdf
11-00483 Disposition of Inventory. pdf
11-00483 Legislation.pdf
11-00483 Exhibit 1.pdf
SPONSOR: COMMISSIONER DUNN
This Matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0231
Adopted the Consent Agenda
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, including all the
preceding items marked as having been adopted on the Consent Agenda. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Gort: Okay, do I have a motion on the remaining consent agenda?
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I move CA. 2, 3, and 4.
Chair Gort: CA.2, 3, and 4 --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: -- has been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Suarez.
Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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9:00 A.M.
PH. 1
11-00420
RESOLUTION
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -FIFTHS
Fire -Rescue (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 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 SEALED BIDDING
PROCEDURES, AND APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF REPAIR
SERVICES FOR THE Q-9 FIRE -RESCUE TRUCK, FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF FIRE -RESCUE, FROM TEN-8 FIRE EQUIPMENT, INC., THE SOLE
SOURCE PROVIDER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $79,089.91;
ALLOCATING FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,807.09, FROM ACCOUNT
NO. P-40-B72809, T-05, A-1105, E-EQUIPMENT,0-181000 AND IN THE
AMOUNT OF $54,282.82, FROM ACCOUNT NO. P-40-B72809, T-05, A-1017,
E-EQUIPMENT, 0-181000.
11-00420 Summary Form.pdf
11-00420 Sole Source Findings.pdf
11-00420 Notice to the Public.pdf
11-00420 Letter of Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc.pdf
11-00420 Proposal for Repairs.pdf
11-00420 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-11-0233
Chair Gort: PH.1.
Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren: Reggie Duren, deputy Fire chief. PH.1 is a request by
Fire -Rescue of the City Commission to pass a resolution by four fifths to confirm the City
Manager's finding of a sole source, waiving the requirements of competitive sealed bidding
process and approving the procurement of repair services for Quint 9 for the Department of
Fire -Rescue from Ten-8 Fire Equipment, in an amount not to exceed $79,089.91.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Any questions. Public hearings [sic]. It's open to the public. Anyone
like to discuss PH.1 ? Being none, we close the public hearings [sic].
Vice Chair Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Vice Chairman Carollo, second by Commissioner Dunn. Any
further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Deputy Chief Duren: Thank you.
PH.2 RESOLUTION
11-00169
Department of Public A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Facilities ATTACHMENT(S), DECLARING SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A QUIT CLAIM DEED, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, CONVEYING AT NO COST TO THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 480
NORTHWEST 11 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, IN "AS IS" AND "WHERE IS"
CONDITION, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A",
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO
EFFECTUATE SAID CONVEYANCE AND TO COMPLY WITH
REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED, AND THE CITY'S HOMELAND DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BOND PROGRAM SUBJECT TO AN APPROVING
OPINION OF BOND COUNSEL.
11-00169 Summary Form.pdf
11-00169 Notice of Public Hearing.pdf
11-00169 Pre Resolutions.pdf
11-00169 Legislation.pdf
11-00169 Exhibit 1.pdf
11-00169 Summary Form 06-09-11.pdf
11-00169 Notice to the Public 06-09-11.pdf
11-00169 Pre -Legislations 06-09-11.pdf
11-00169 Legislation (Version 3) 06-09-11.pdf
11-00169 Exhibit 1 06-09-11 SUB.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0234
Chair Gort: PH.2.
Madeline Valdes (Director): PH.2. Good morning. Madeline Valdes, Department of Public
Facilities. PH.2 is a resolution declaring surplus city -owned property located at 480 Northwest
11 th Street. This property, you may know it as the old black police precinct, is being conveyed to
the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) under a quitclaim deed. Certain restrictions are
included in the deed as it pertains to funding that took place to construct the facility. It's
attached to your legislation should you have any questions regarding the deed, and this is simply
to convey that at no cost to the CRA. Are there any questions?
Chair Gort: Thank you. This is a public hearing.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: It's open to the public. Does anyone like to discuss this item from the public?
Being none, we close the public hearings [sic].
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Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: I'd like to move this item.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second for discussion.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Dunn, second by Vice Chairman Carollo.
Discussion. Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to veri certain things. First of all,
if the CRA sells the property, can they sell the property because of the different grants that have
been obtained over the years and so forth? Should they sell it -- and does the City get any
revenues? Can you explain that a little bit?
Ms. Valdes: Sure. There was different funding sources that took place to construct the property,
one being CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding, others being a grant fund,
historic preservation grant fund and bond obligation funds. So should the CRA decide to sell the
property in the future, they would obviously have to pay off those funding sources so that the City
is in compliance with those restrictions. No, the City would not be eligible for any revenues
generated from the sale, other than the payment of those bond obligations and any of those
restrictions that are funding restrictions.
Vice Chair Carollo: Is -- andl want to open it up to my colleagues to see how they feel. Is it
possible for the City to receive some type of you know -- and I'm not saying it has to be 100
percent -- or some type of percentages should the CRA in the future sell that property? Or -- and
I'll go a step further. Not only sell the property, but even if it generates revenue, is there a way
for us to -- the City to obtain a percentage since we're giving the property?
Commissioner Dunn: Well -- may I? Basically --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: -- the -- let's look at it from the programmatic aspect of the precinct. Right
now the precinct does not have any real income, so it's really a building that's standing dormant.
And so what -- the idea of the CRA was was to come in and try to help them with that. But my
understanding is that if in fact the property was sold, that the CRA would have to pay that off
and in that -- from that, any monies or funding that would be available would go to the City
before -- In other words, we -- the CRA could not receive any money until after everything was
paid, and of course, the City would benefit from there. In other words, it's almost like -- I
apologize. I got to get some Coca-Cola or something. I don't -- in other words, we would get --
the City would get something from it from -- if the CRA were to make a sale because the CRA
would be responsible for paying it off.
Vice Chair Carollo: Paying off all the grants.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry. Paying off all the grants.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: But is it possible that we pay off all the grants and then have profit where
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we could sort of -- Should we take a recess?
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. I need a Coca-Cola --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. Let's --
Commissioner Dunn: -- or something. I don't know what's --
Chair Gort: You want to table this?
Commissioner Dunn: Go ahead. I'll be all right.
Vice Chair Carollo: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can somebody get him a Coke?
Commissioner Dunn: Got indigestion. I don't know why.
Vice Chair Carollo: If someone don't bring you a Coke, I'm going to run out there and grab one
for you, man.
Commissioner Dunn: Go ahead. I'll be all right.
Ms. Valdes: The way that it's structured right now, any excess monies do not go to the City, no.
What happens is there are a lot of funding sources that have taken place in the past and those
funding sources do need to be repaid should a conveyance take place.
Chair Gort: What's the outstanding debt on this property?
Ms. Valdes: Well, there's different funding sources, and I'm not sure what the total amount is. I
would ask that maybe the CIP (Capital Improvements Program) Department --
Chair Gort: Give me a ballpark, five, six --
Ms. Valdes: I'm looking at over a million five.
Chair Gort: How much?
Ms. Valdes: Over a million five.
Chair Gort: My understanding is we can amend this where you can -- if there are any excess
revenues, they could be split between the City 50/50 with the CRA. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair. I'm not sure -- look, you have -- andl was here for it -- a
precinct or you have a historic structure that pretty much sits vacant, and it is probably not large
enough and probably not -- I don't want to use the word significant enough, but it's probably not
going to attract enough people ever to bring in enough revenue to make it a viable entity. But
what I propose and what thought -- I still think this andl actually ran some numbers -- what I
think should happen is treat this as a laboratory. The very top of this particular building
actually has a courthouse. If one of the County court judges were to use this as their courthouse,
they would be bringing -- obviously, their part of the County salary, if we're -- I don't know if it's
state and County. I don't know how that works. But the judge would actually be part of the
County or state salary. They would bring their personnel in there, and the only expense that
would be borne really would be the air conditioner bill, maybe the tax -- the insurance. It's a
very minor amount of money. And what they should do is treat the upstairs as a laboratory. And
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if you partnered with Miami Dade College, which has a paralegal program, that could serve as a
laboratory for the judges so they could teach the paralegals exactly what it is that goes on in a
courtroom. And it would seem like it's a win -win. The downstairs could then be dedicated to the
more historic functions and associated uses of being a historic structure. I don't think anybody's
going to jail anybody. I know the jail exists downstairs. But it just seems to me this is a very
viable and very attainable goal. If you just -- if you got a judge, a County court judge that took
an interest in this, if you got a -- Miami Dade College to allow a number of their paralegals to
simply go over there as a laboratory, get credits and work the actual judge's docket and agenda,
it would seem like this would work. I don't foresee -- andl don't know that you do either,
Commissioner Dunn -- a sale, I don't foresee -- even if it went to a 501(c)3 -- the problem is
drawing people into the building itself. You can't have these historic places with nothing
surrounding them, nothing of major interest surrounding them. But I'll tell you what does
interest a person. When you're compelled to go to a courthouse, that becomes a magnet. Andl
really strongly believe, although I have no authority to do so, that if you could get a judge
interested, the cost associated with just managing the building would work its way out because
ever other personnel would simply be a part of that particular program.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, I feel better. Thank you so much. I don't -- that never happened to
me. I don't know what was going on. I think there are a couple of points that are well taken. In
terms of it being a historical building, I don't -- andl think Commissioner Sarnoff mentioned -- I
don't foresee -- we don't know what could happen, but I don't foresee a sale because this building
is a historical -- or it will be a historical designation in terms of it being the black precinct, and
it was the black courthouse where the former judge, the first black judge in the south, Judge L. E.
Thomas, presided over. So there's a lot of history there thatl doubt it very seriously -- that'll be
like -- I'm trying to think what -- that'll be like selling the Statue of Liberty building. I don't think
that's ever going to happen to -- now, I mean it's a different comparison, but in terms of
principle -wise, it means a lot to the black policemen in this city historically. And what we
wanted to do from the CRA's perspective was to assist them. But to answer the question at some
point if there are some revenues, we have no problem sharing the revenues, if that will be some
comfort to this body, to the Commission. But in terms -- we really wanted to try to see how we
could help them to make, as you were saying, Commissioner Sarnoff, the building and make the
black precinct and all of its history viable.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Is it possible to do -- without it getting too complicated, is it possible to do
something like that where if there's any revenues after the fact, it's shared 50/50, maybe 50
percent to the CRA, 50 to the City?
Commissioner Dunn: We can -- I mean, I don't want to do it on the cuff --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Commissioner Dunn: -- but will give you my word that will work to see what we can --
Ms. Valdes: There are folks here --
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Commissioner Dunn: -- work it out.
Ms. Valdes: -- from the CRA. And the only thingl suggest is that we ask them.
Vice Chair Carollo: Pieter, please.
Chair Gort: Well, can that be a condition -- an amendment to the contract? Come on.
Ms. Valdes: Yes, of course.
Chair Gort: This is very simple, guys.
Ms. Valdes: As far as the City's concerned, yes.
Chair Gort: She has to make a motion to amend --
Ms. Valdes: We would approve --
Vice Chair Carollo: That's right.
Chair Gort: -- the --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. And --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- all I'm asking, any revenues that are made or any revenues from the sale
or any revenues that we start generating, you know, if we could share -- as long as it's a net
profit -- 50/50; 50 percent to the CRA, 50 percent to the City, since we're giving the property.
Commissioner Dunn: Now when you say profit, that's a -- thank you. That's a tricky way.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, right.
Commissioner Dunn: You're talking about over and above the operational cost amount.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, all right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Dunn: That's fair.
Pieter Bockweg: Pieter Bockweg, executive director, CRA. I don't foresee a problem with that at
all, Commissioner.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Mr. Bockweg: No problem.
Chair Gort: Does the maker of the --
Mr. Bockweg: Net.
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SR.1
11-00328
Department of
Building and Zoning
Chair Gort: -- motion accepts the friendly amendment?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, I do.
Chair Gort: Second?
Vice Chair Carollo: I do. And again, 50 percent for CRA, 50 percent for the City.
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And it is being adopted as modified
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Chair Gort: As modified.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES - SECOND READING
ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CHAPTER 62 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ZONING AND PLANNING",
BY AMENDING ARTICLE XIII, ENTITLED, "ZONING APPROVAL FOR
TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT REQUIRED", BY
AMENDING DIVISION 6, ENTITLED, "BILLBOARDS"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
11-00328 Summary Form.pdf
11-00328 Legislation .pdf
11-00328 Summary Form 04-21-11.pdf
11-00328 Email -Billboards 04-21-11.pdf
11-00328 Legislation (Version 3) 04-21-11.pdf
11-00328-Submittal-Grace Solares-Map Of Area To Be Affected By Proposed Legislation.pdf
11-00328-Submittal-Administration-Update By Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison On HB 1363.pdf
11-00328 Summary Form SR 06-09-11.pdf
11-00328 Legislation SR (Version 5) 06-09-11.pdf
11-00328 Exhibit 1 SR 06-09-11.pdf
11-00328-Submittal-Ashley Chase -Official Statement By The Miami River Commission.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
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Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Sarnoff
13272
Chair Gort: SR.1.
Madeline Valdes (Director, Public Facilities): Thank you.
Chair Gort: Is this the one you were going to defer? And Commissioner, you had a question.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. Let's go back to this a little bit because I'm not seeing the reason why
there should be a deferral. This is -- this came from quite a few hours. I think it was over seven
hours of this Commission deliberating and actually coming up with something that was actually
better for the neighbors -- better for the neighborhoods. It was -- and we all took part of it.
Commissioner Sarnoff, you mentioned as far as an applicant for a billboard must show proof
that they either own the location site or that they have the right to the lease and so forth. I
thought it was very good, you know -- it was excellent participation from all of us. And at the
same time, it was great for the neighborhoods and so forth. And for us to defer this indefinitely, I
think there needs to be an explanation. And I'll go a step further; I think it needs to be a very
good explanation.
Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Mr. Martinez: I'll give it a try and a very good explanation. Parallel to when we passed our
ordinance on first reading with some amendments, the County was also passing their billboard
ordinance or sign ordinance. They passed on first reading. It's going to their committee in June,
mid -June, and then after that it have to wait 30 days and it goes to second reading. Between
committee and second reading, there could be changes for the opt -out ordinance which allows
municipalities to regulate themselves without the County criteria. So I just thought it was a good
business decision to propose postponing this 'til all the comments are made at committee, by the
County, and then finally at second reading in front of the Commission. And if we have to make
any adaptations or bring forward to this Commission any changes that we would recommend, do
it all at once. It was my logic.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: First of all, what the County is going to pass, I don't think affects this at all.
And if it does, it's going to affect our whole ordinance, so I don't see why we just don't make our
ordinance better and then see what happens with the County. As a matter of fact, I know there's
been hundreds of thousands of dollars that we have approved subject to what the County does.
And let me ask you -- I mean, in all fairness, let me just say this is really an irony because for, I
don't know, my whole year and a half here, it seems like so many stuff is rammed down our
throat that we have to pass and we have to pass, and for the first time, something that's good for
the neighborhoods, oh, no. You know what, we could take it slow now. Let's see what the County
does and then, you know, we could act on it. I don't think it's right. I think, you know, after
seven and a half hours of this Commission deliberating, of all putting our little part, you know,
into this ordinance to make it better, to protect our neighborhoods, now to, you know, defer it
indefinite -- and again, you know, I welcome the City Attorneys office to chime in if really what
they pass on second reading is going to affect us that much. And if it does, if it does, wouldn't it
affect our original ordinance anyways?
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Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Isn't this the discussion that we had, Madam City Attorney, where you
had said none of the County's sign ordinance applies to us?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): That's the position that we've taken.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right. And that's the position you continue to maintain?
Ms. Bru: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And your position is regardless of whatever the County does, it is legally
irrelevant to you.
Ms. Bru: The position that we have expressed is that we believe that we have opted out with
respect to billboards of all County regulations, not just along the expressways. It's just we've
opted out.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right. And that was the discussion that I tried to promote a motion, I
think, where I asked our board to pass a resolution asking the County attorney to give its opinion
as to whether we opted out. Is that correct? Andl couldn't get a second on my motion, ifI recall
correctly.
Ms. Bru: Well, we can't get an opinion from the County attorney is the bottom line. He's not
going to give it.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, you -- if you had a resolution, I would think -- now Commissioner
Suarez or Commissioner Barriero or -- I could think of a lot of Commissioners who might take
up a City Commission's resolution of the largest city in the state of Florida where they might be
able to tell us whether the County attorney, him- or herself -- I don't know who it is right now --
whether he or she thinks the City has opted out. Now this could all be irrelevant 'cause I think
what the Manager's position is -- if in fact the County does relinquish municipalities from the
sign ordinance -- and don't -- I truly don't know the process or the procedure or where that
stands. I just wanted to get a footing as to where this is. And you know, Commissioner -- I'm
sorry; the Vice Chair, you know, reminded me of some of the provisions we put in this. But you
continue to take the position we don't need the reso. We don't need to wait. We don't need
anything from the County because you have made the determination that we could do whatever
we want sign -wise, correct?
Ms. Bru: We've taken the position that we -- the City ofMiami has opted out completely.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: There --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry. I don't want --
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's all right. I'll yield.
Vice Chair Carollo: Therefore, I think we should continue with this that took seven and a half
hours that we all put our little piece of opinion on it, and you know, it was protecting the
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gateway of a neighborhood, it was protecting our neighbors, our neighborhoods. It was -- you
know, again, we had our Planning director here with regards to the T5. I mean, we vetted this
out pretty thoroughly. And just to put it away now because of you know, something the County
may or may not do when it's different from the opinion of our City Attorney, I mean, I think, in all
fairness, we should talk this out and actually -- I'm not going to make it, but would want to
make the motion to move it on second reading. Let's pass this. This is good for the
neighborhoods.
Chair Gort: Let me ask you a question. My understanding is --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: -- the statement you have given, do you believe that some changes that it takes in
the County might take -- might change this. Our attorney is saying that is not going to bother us.
My understanding also is there's not going to be any change to this document. I mean, you're
not asking for a deferral because you want to make a change to this document. As it is right
now, where we took the seven hours deliberated and talking about this --
Mr. Martinez: Correct.
Chair Gort: -- my understanding is the only reason you want to defer is because of the County.
You wanted the County to come up with whatever they're going to come up with and see if there
was any changes to be made here. I think our attorney has spoke, has made those statements,
and --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm making a motion.
Chair Gort: -- I understand, but I want to make sure you and everyone understand that the
reason Administration for deferral is not to change this document --
Mr. Martinez: Correct.
Chair Gort: -- as it is. Okay.
Mr. Martinez: Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: And I'm making a motion to approve.
Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: I second.
Chair Gort: It's been move and second
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): All right.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: It's an ordinance.
Ms. Thompson: Public hearing.
Chair Gort: Public hearings [sic], yes. Open to the public. State your name and address,
please.
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Nathan Kurland: Nathan Kurland 3132 Day Avenue. Commissioners, last night many of us
who are opposed to some of the items that were not mentioned in this particular resolution were
told that this was being postponed. As a result of that postponement, several people from Scenic
Miami are not here today. Several people from Miami Neighborhoods United are not here today.
Andl find that bringing this issue up after the public notice went out that it was being postponed
is somewhat unfair. Andl would like to ask you please to defer this motion.
Chair Gort: Okay, thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Actually, you were all present when we deliberated on this.
And as a matter of fact, everybody was in agreement that this was actually to the betterment of
the neighborhoods. This was going to have the gateway in the Seventynine [sic] site and so
forth. It was good that we actually have something in our ordinance saying the person that
wants to put a billboard actually owns the property, actually -- or leases the property. So this
was all real good items to make our ordinance better. Andl think you were all, you know, in
front of us at that time. It was as special Commission meeting.
Mr. Kurland: Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: And this is something that it's actually to protect neighborhoods.
Mr. Kurland: Commissioner --
Chair Gort: Let's hear from the public, and then we can discuss it among ourselves.
Mr. Kurland: -- the one item that's not in here -- that many of us wanted to address that's not
here is the omission of the -- I don't like using the term "media towers" for gigantic billboards,
but be that as it may. One of the items that is not here is that -- is the omission of media towers
as billboards. And that's why so many people from the public wish to come out here and speak
today, not about all of that which was hashed out by all of you. We're in agreement with many,
many aspects of that resolution. However, the omission of the media towers is why several
members of the public wished to be here today, but were informed last night that this was being
postponed.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Kurland: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Grace Solares: Grace Solares, the Roads Association. I ask that you actually vote on this issue,
pass it, ratifi, it. The protection of the Roads is pending upon this second vote. I please ask you
do not defer. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next.
Barbara Bisno: My name is Barbara Bisno. I live at 1000 Venetian Way. I'm the one that's -- I
was told that a Commissioner had informed the -- I'm going to be completely honest with you
and tell you exactly how it happened. I was told by the Miami Herald, a reporter, that
Commissioner Sarnoff had called and said that the item was going to be deferred. I checked
with his staff who checked, they said, with Mr. Min, Zoning director. I called this morning and
talked with your office, Commissioner Gort, talked with Mr. Castaneda, who told me the issue
was being deferred. And people -- it's a work day, so I sent out a notice to hundreds, maybe
thousands of people. You all know that you got -- I know I had no right to do that. I was relying
on the best information we had that it was going to be deferred. I strongly support those parts of
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the ordinance that protect the neighborhoods. Andl -- we called Grace right away to say they're
deferring it. But the issue that people are riled up about, that got you all the e-mails (electronic)
that were going to have a lot of people here was an additional amendment. Because -- andl
hope you'll give me the time to explain this, Chair. When this ordinance was passed in 2010, in
June of 2010, and it in -- and it had the language that a media tower is not a billboard, we didn't
have any idea what a media tower was. We were just reeling -from the unveiling of the project by
Mark Sn that was -- that are 50-story billboards. And that got through. We had no -- we were
-- what's a media tower? We didn't know. But now we know. And so that's why when this
ordinance came back up, was our opportunity to let you know that we know what a media tower
is now and to exclude it from the definition of billboard by ordinance. I mean, can any of you
say with a straight face that what Mr. Siffin -- the only project the City has -- proposed to it as a
media tower is not a 50-story billboard, four faces of electronic digital billboards? Can you say
that? Can you say it's not a billboard? Can you not --? So we're asking that if you don't defer
it, please recognize the strong public you've heard from but isn't here because I sent out a notice
based on the best information we could get, the people we've relied on in the past, and add the
amendment that the language at the end of the definition, that sentence should be struck, that a
media tower is not a billboard, or be more positive and say a media tower is clearly a billboard.
There's language in there that codes your settlement agreements, which is very upsetting to us
as well. I'm not rendering any legal opinion, but it seems to me that you could withdraw any
language that legalizes digital billboards because it's our position, in contradiction to the City
Attorney, that you've only opted out of a small portion of the County ordinance. You're still
under the County ordinance having to do with digital signs and they're all illegal and you
shouldn't be codifying a legalization that's ill -- that is contrary to current law. So thank you
very much.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Anyone else?
Peter Ehrlich: Good morning, Mr. Chairman. My name is Peter Ehrlich. I live at 770
Northeast 69th Street. Andl would just like to also continue a few of the comments you've
already heard regarding this item. We did think that this item was being deferred, and we had
checked with the staffers and department heads. I think many more people would be here to
discuss the item and be in favor of the neighborhood aspects of it, but be very much opposed to
the aspects that benefit the outdoor advertising industry. And I'll be very brief. I just want to
bring your attention to the language in the legislation, which is on page 2 of 6, under the
definitions of billboard, and this was on the Internet and it's probably in your packages. But
under billboard, it says, however, a media tower, as defined in Section 10-2 of this Code, shall
not be considered a billboard. And as Ms. Bisno mentioned, I think we all know by now that
media tower just means monster billboard, monster LED (Light Emitting Diode) billboard, 40-,
50-story billboard. And it was just really sort of a ruse to get approval last year. But I think --
it's 2011 now and we're a lot more educated and we would all -- proponents of you know, people
that are opposed to visual pollution. We would love -- we would like to see a Commissioner
recommend that that phrase be stricken, media tower shall not be considered a billboard because
we think media tower is really just a monster billboard.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Ehrlich: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Next.
Ashley Chase: Good morning, Commissioners. Ashley Chase, of the Miami River Commission,
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with offices at 1407 Northwest 7th Street. Our chairman, Mr. Horacio Stuart Aguirre, wasn't
able to attend today's meeting, but asked that I read the following into the record. On October 6,
2008, the City ofMiami Administration made a presentation to the Miami River Commission,
which passed a recommendation of 8-3, to deny the City's proposal to allow the installation of
new billboards at the riverfront Jose Marti Park and at South Fork's Fern Isle Park, as it is
inappropriate and inconsistent with the Miami River Greenway Action Plan and that position
still stands. Thank you so much.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Anyone else? Anyone else? We'll close the public hearings [sic]. Yes,
sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think there's three things that appear to be
at issue here with reference to this ordinance. The first is what is, by many, a conflict between
the way we interpret the County code and the way others interpret the County code, andl think
that will be resolved or may be resolved, depending on what the County Commission does in the
next month or two. The second issue has to do with our discussion and our improvement of this
ordinance based on all the series of discussions regarding another billboard agreement. And the
third issue has to do with what consider -- I suppose a new issue that we have been receiving,
like Ms. Bisno said, e-mails on recently regarding some other aspects of the ordinance itself.
What I would like to do simply because we did spend a lot of time and energy improving this and
it's the reason why I seconded the Vice Chairman's motion. I think that there is nothing that
prevents us from bringing this back when you have oppor -- and gives you an opportunity to fully
inform all of your members, everyone who wants to opine as to the different aspects of the
ordinance. As you all know, ordinances are changed constantly and can be changed constantly.
I don't think there's anybody up here that has any problem with us bringing this back to discuss
it. Andl am sympathetic to the fact that you've actually told all your members not to come. And
so I think it would be unfair for us to even discuss that issue when there 's a lot of people who
were told that it wasn't going to be brought up today. So I think what we should do is -- I believe
we should pass the very positive aspects of this ordinance today that protect the neighborhoods
and that create other very positive changes to our billboard ordinance. At the same time, we can
commit to bringing back the ordinance for the discussion on other items and other issues relating
to the ordinance. Meanwhile, the County, hopefully, will take some sort of an action which will
clam the potential discrepancy. Andl know that there probably will be opposition at the
County level to them doing that, but we are both legislative bodies. And so our hope is that the
County does something to clam the issue because we don't want to be operating -- And by the
way, I have, Ms. Bisno, asked the Planning director of the County to clam a letter that he wrote
regarding whether or not some of our billboards are in compliance with the County code or with
the City code. I have not -- I received a verbal statement that contradicts what he wrote in a
letter, which I find to be a little odd, and then have not gotten confirmation that will receive
that verbal opinion in writing. So I guess some of that is for naught because I guess it's being
discussed at the County level and it's going to committee and so you'll have -- and your group
will have an opportunity if you decide to, for whatever reason, oppose cities having the ability to
legislate, to opt out fully so that it wipes out that potential discrepancy with how the City
Attorney has interpreted in the opt -out currently with some members of the group that you
reference. So I think we should pass the, you know, changes to the ordinance today. We can
commit to bringing it back at some convenient time for this body and for you all, for your group.
Chair Gort: Okay. Excuse me. Public hearing is closed.
Mr. Kurland: We're talking about one sentence.
Chair Gort: Public hearing is closed. Sorry.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. And whether it's one sentence, a paragraph, several paragraphs, I
think the fact -- I understand -- is that it should be discussed and everyone should have the right
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
to discuss it. The people from your group should have the right to discuss it and -- what -- I
understand. And we got your e-mails andl got your e-mails andl read your e-mails. But I think
one of the issues that you were brining today is you wanted this to be deferred because you felt
like you had given your members -- that's what you said. You said that you want it to be deferred
because you had told your members this morning that this was going to be -- it was not going to
be heard. I understand. And nobody likes to wait here -- and we try to do everything that we
can, believe me -- as Commissioners, we try to do everything we can with the public to avoid you
having to sit here for 12 hours or 10 hours and listening to things when something may not come
up. Having said that, we don't know what the body's going to do. I mean, there's -- we have an
idea of what may happen. We have indications from certain people, but we have no idea what
the body's going to do so we cannot predict what our colleagues are going to do, we can't predict
what people are going to say. So what I'm trying to do is I'm trying to accommodate you. I'm
trying to bring this back in such a fashion so that you can opine on it and your members can
opine on it and then a decision can be made. I understand you want your action to be done right
now. And what I'm saying is I don't think that's going to happen, but what I think is going to
happen is the positive reforms to this ordinance which have been discussed by the public, have
been discussed by this body and have been strongly advocated for by the neighborhoods should
be implemented and then we will bring back to discuss thoroughly all the -- it's not going to be
done on a whim, you know. Andl understand we've gotten e-mails, but we've been focusing on
these reforms. This issue came in -- I hate to say this -- kind of at the 11 th hour in the sense that
we were focusing on something completely separate. I understand the issue. It's a valid issue.
It's a valid concern. I'm not taking anything away from that, but it's not germane to what we
were originally discussing. So in fairness to your members, in fairness to everyone who's here
who cares about this issue, I think we should re -advertise to discuss this ordinance and we'll
discuss your concerns with it, which I think are very valid concerns.
Chair Gort: Excuse me. Let me -- point of clarification. I don't want to sound like I'm rude, but
we have still a lot of people waiting. We still have a big agenda. I have given the opposite -- the
people that want to speak in the public plenty of time to speak. I don't want to have debate
between yourself and the opinion -- while you were debating, I didn't allow the Commission to
debate with you, so that's why I'm doing this andl gave you extra time. So Nathan, I'm sorry,
but I got to rule in here. Thank you. Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman. I agree with Commissioner Suarez. I think, you know,
there's issues here that we all agree should be passed, andl think we should pass the -- this
ordinance as -is right now because, you know, it was vetted. However, that -- once again, that
doesn't mean -- yes, in the future, let's bring back and see about deleting that sentence of
billboards or so forth. However, before we do anything, yes, we are cautious. We want to debate
it. We want to speak. We want to hear from you all. Andl think that's what Commissioner
Suarez is saying. I mean, what he's saying is -- andl don't want to put words into your mouth,
but I think we're on the same page -- you know what, this is three, four very good things that
we're going to add to this ordinance. And you know what, let's pass them and then we'll bring it
back and we'll see if we can make it even better. But for right now, let's pass what we have. The
one question I do have -- and always with the utmost respect to my colleagues and so forth and
because it was mentioned -- Commissioner Sarnoff, did you want this issue to be deferred at all
or anything?
Commissioner Sarnoff. It was my understanding it was going to be deferred andl did
communicate that to everyone, so I have some -- I bear some responsibility in that
communication. And I'm having difficulty -- I know the end result of what everybody wants andl
have one last substantive question and I'll yield back to you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. And the reason why is because -- and I'm just trying to decipher
what exactly occurred. And again, going back to what said previously, transparency. And not
only that, if we're going to fix a problem, we need to know that there is a problem, what is the
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
problem. Because it seems to me like the Administration made the decision that -- because of the
County or whatever -- we are going to defer this indefinitely -- maybe possibly told you, and then
you actually --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, there's --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- transmitted that information to everybody.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Let me just point this out straight. I believe, as a prophylactic measure,
that this Commission should have gotten an opinion, one way or another, from the County
attorney. Parallel to that, I think it's Commissioner Barriero, if I'm not wrong --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- I think passed legislation that will opt us out. This group obviously
believes we haven't opted out. I have no intentions of going around or criticizing our City
Attorney. However, I was just saying prophylactically, let's see what the County attorney says.
I've seen the letter that was provided by a director of Public Works from the County. I don't think
it quite says exactly what they'd like it to say. They were opining on whether the County's
American Airlines Arena electronic -- I'm not going to put this in a bad light -- display was legal,
and somehow they determined it was legal, but that the City couldn't have that as well. Now that
to me stands the world on end. I have no idea how theirs could be legal, but nothing we do is
legal.
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And also, on a good note, if I'm not mistaken, last Tuesday about 12,000
people watched the Heat basketball game from that electronic display, andl think that was a
good thing, not a bad thing. So I may not share everybody's comments or concerns with regard
to electronic display, especially at that particular venue. I do feel andl bear some guilt andl
bear some guilt with the Administration because I did communicate that believed this would be
deferred. So, you know, having said that, I feel somewhat responsible. But I have one
substantive question I want to ask the City Attorney. Can I continue?
Chair Gort: Sure. Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. Correct me if I'm wrong, all the settlement agreements, and
especially not the one that we were successful in not achieving, but all the settlement agreements
predate this ordinance, correct?
Ms. Bru: I believe they do. And if they don't, we have acknowledged them in this ordinance and
we acknowledge that the terms of this ordinance do not affect the settlement agreements.
However, one of the changes that we are proposing today, which was a change that was
recommended by my office, is that settlement agreements that are amended then will -- the
amendment will have to comply with the provisions of this ordinance.
Commissioner Sarnoff. But as they stand right now, you could not impair the contract of those
settlements?
Ms. Bru: No. And we acknowledge it in this ordinance.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So as much as we like to think the gateways are protected, if somebody
came in and presented something in one of the gateways right now and they didn 't need an
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
amendment, they could do so?
Ms. Bru: That would require us to look at the particular settlement agreement and whether or
not that particular settlement agreement had some sort of right to a particular gateway. And if
not, then this new provision would apply.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So the reason you wrote in that any further amendments would be then
subject to this ordinance was to try to catch or grab anyone that intends on doing something
external of their settlement agreement, correct?
Ms. Bru: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Chair Gort: Further discussion? Okay. It's an ordinance.
Ms. Bru: Has it been moved already and seconded?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Read it?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Okay.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Thompson: Roll call. Commissioner Dunn?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'm voting no not substantively, just because I -- my office communicated
that this was going to be deferred, and I think that that's -- I have trouble voting for something
that believe in substantively but communicated something quite contrary to.
Ms. Thompson: Continuing. Commissioner Sarnoff -- I'm sorry. Commissioner Suarez?
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Carollo?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Chair Gort?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been adopted on second reading, 4-1.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
SR.2
11-00422
District 5 -
Commissioner
Richard Dunn II
ORDINANCE
Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 7 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION/ BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/OVERTOWN ADVISORY BOARD/OVERTOWN COMMUNITY
OVERSIGHT BOARD," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION
2-1052(2)(F), ENTITLED "MEMBERSHIP", TO ALLOW FOR AN ALTERNATIVE
METHOD TO FILL BOARD VACANCIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00422 Summary Memo FR/SR.pdf
11-00422 Legislation FR/SR.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, 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
13273
Chair Gort: SR.2. SR. 2. This is --
Vice Chair Carollo: I think this is Commissioner Dunn's --
Chair Gort: Commissioner Dunn. Could somebody come up --?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- with board -- something about --
Chair Gort: Anyone from staff going to address this?
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. That's what I was waiting on.
Commissioner Carollo: I think it has to do with the advisory -- Overtown Advisory Board.
Commissioner Dunn: Right, right.
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Dunn: I mean, I could go ahead and -- Mr. Chairman -- I mean, I was waiting on
-- but I can go ahead and --
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, move it.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. You be the presenter.
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: It's open -- public hearing. Is anyone in the public would like to address this, SR.2?
Anyone in the public? Being none, we close the public hearings [sic]. It's a motion -- made a
motion?
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
FR.1
11-00434
Department of
Purchasing
Vice Chair Carollo: Commissioner Dunn made the motion.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Dunn made a motion --
Vice Chair Carollo: I second.
Chair Gort: -- second by Vice Chairman. Any further discussion? Being none, it's an
ordinance.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam City Attorney.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Well, if somebody could read the title for me. I don't -- I seem to
have that missing from my book.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Commissioner Sarnoff.
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, 5-0.
END OF ORDINANCES - SECOND READINGS
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION AMENDING CHAPTER
18/ARTICLE III OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, ENTITLED "FINANCE/ CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE", MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 18-85(A),
TO INCREASE THE LOCAL PREFERENCE FOR SEALED BIDS FROM 10%
TO 15% AND TO DEFINE A SECONDARY BEST AND FINAL OFFER
PROCEDURE FOR ALL BIDDERS WITHIN THIS 15% LOCAL PREFERENCE
THRESHOLD; AMENDING SECTION 18-86(C)(1), TO PROVIDE THAT, FOR
CERTAIN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS, REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST ORA REQUEST
FOR QUALIFICATIONS MAY SPECIFY A 5% LOCAL PREFERENCE AS AN
EVALUATION CRITERION; AND AMENDING SECTION 18-89(B), TO
INCREASE THE LOCAL PREFERENCE IN CERTAIN PUBLIC WORKS
CONTRACTS FROM 10% to 15% AND TO DEFINE A SECONDARY BEST
AND FINAL OFFER PROCEDURE FOR ALL BIDDERS WITHIN THE 15%
LOCAL PREFERENCE THRESHOLD; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00434 Summary Form SR.pdf
11-00434 Legislation (Verison 2) 07-14-11.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Chair Gort: First reading.
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Kenneth Robertson (Director): Good morning, Commissioners. Kenneth Robertson, Purchasing
Department. FR.1 is an ordinance of the Miami Commission, amending Chapter 18/Article III of
the Code of the City ofMiami, entitled "Finance/City ofMiami Procurement Ordinance, " more
particularly by amending Section 18-85(A) to increase the local preference for sealed bids from
10 to 15 percent; amending Section 18-86(C) (1), to provide that, for certain personal and
professional services, a request for proposals, a request for letters of interest, or a request for
qualifications may specify a 5 percent local preference as an evaluation criterion; and amending
Section 18-89(B) to increase the local preference in certain Public Works contracts from 10 to 15
percent.
Chair Gort: Thank you. It's a public hearing. Does anyone like to address this issue? Yes, sir.
Mariano Cruz: Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26 Street, Miami, Florida, in the neighborhood
of Allapattah neighborhood. Andl wasn't going to say nothing, but since -- want to refer --
mention every politic -- everything is politics. (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F) 11: 30: 25 say all politics is
local, okay. That's it, that's one, everything. You got politics in the office, politics at home, every
place. And what's happen when a political solution fail? Now you mentioned about protecting
the neighborhood. Mayor Regalado mentioned about the bond issue for that. Well, I'm going to
refer -- all this about business, local business. When I am on 17 Avenue andl look at the Cemex
trucks going by, Cement ofMexicano with Texas license tag, I wonder, what, we don't have any
more concrete companies in Dade County? Rinker? Where is Rinker? (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
11: 31: 07, Supermix (phonetic). Where are they? And we paying for those because that concrete
is going to the garage, that we paying for those garage there at the Marlins garage. Now
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 11: 31: 23 Aluminum lose the -- they never give the contract to Raul
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 11:31:25, no. I don't know why. Why? Because (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F)
11: 31: 28 get a super majority in the County, they decide who the subcontractors are and who
they buy the concrete from or anything. Texas. Do we get any money from Texas? No. That
goes to Texas, the Cement ofMexicano. Now, you mentioned about --I don't care about the 5
percent or 10 percent. You can make it 50 percent, but if you don't enforce the ordinance,
enforcing the ordinance, be it 5 percent or 10 percent, 15 or 20 percent, that local business get
the business, okay, not just in paper there 'cause that's the way to do. Because look at how many
businesses are closing in Allapattah, subcontractors. They don't get anything because
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 11:32:10 protecting the neighborhood. You're talking about protecting the
neighborhood. Oh, sure. And why the Miami Parking Authority is putting all parking meters
there in Allapattah, all over the place. No, no, no. That's -- he mentioned protecting the
neighborhood, okay. You know what is that? Payback. They revenging because we were
endorsing to eliminate the Miami Parking Authority. And they didn't follow proper protocol.
They put on 17th Avenue, which is County major arterial, 36th Street, which is Highway 27, and
then inside there. They have to go to the Public Works Department and the Public Works are the
property owners, if they want the parking meters or no. No. They just impose
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 11: 32: 53 --
Chair Gort: Mr. Cruz, I need you to conclude.
Mr. Cruz: No, no, no, no.
Chair Gort: Come on.
Mr. Cruz: I have to have my time because he mentioned protecting the neighborhood and that's
to protect the neighborhood because when you go on 17Avenue past 36th Street, they don't have
a parking meter in Liberty City. No parking meters in Liberty City. How come they have them --
all of them in Allapattah? Why? That's payback, revenge against the neighborhood. I am
saying that -- I don't care where Noriega is or anything. I am independent.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Cruz: They don't pay my salary. The City don't pay my salary. All of my salary is federal
money, so I don't have to worry about anything. I can say whatever I want to say.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Mr. Cruz.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you.
Chair Gort: And as you know very well, as chairman of the District 1, I've been taking care of
that and meetings have been --
Mr. Cruz: I know.
Chair Gort: -- taking off and that has been brought up forward. Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: But you know they send -- I send an e-mail (electronic). They don't care about the
e-mail.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Cruz: Okay.
Chair Gort: Any further -- anyone else from the public? We'll close the public hearing.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Mr. Chair.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Gort: Yes. It's been moved by Commissioner Suarez. Do I have a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second for discussion.
Chair Gort: Second for discussion by Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. The way I understand this is that any person that claims to be local,
which would include -- and correct me if I'm wrong -- by just maintaining an office in the City of
Miami -- if the bid from the lowest bidder was $100, but the bid from the local contractor --
again, who would just have to maintain an office in the City ofMiami -- would be 110 or $115,
that person has the opportunity to match that bid. Okay. What about -- and I'm going to take
the direct -- because I'm going to dovetail on something that the Vice Chair said this morning,
which is we're paying too much for products and services. What if -- andl looked at what is
considered the best practices in the United States -- all participants are then allowed to submit
the best and final offer? And what that does is everybody would then be allowed to rebid and
come in with their final best offer. You want to explain that a little more?
Mr. Robertson: That practice is used for several local municipalities. Miami -Dade County has
a best and final offer local preference within a 10 percent threshold where any bidder that is
within 10 percent of the lowest bid amount would have the opportunity to submit a best and final
offer, the lowest of which would then be awarded regardless of local preference. That same
policy is also followed by the city of Daytona Beach and Broward County.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So what I'm suggesting is that your number of 15 percent is your kick -in
threshold --
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Vice Chair Carollo: It's the kick in --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Right, but now it's final and best offer, and that makes it very, very
competitive and that to me is how you start lowering the costs associated with some of the things
we're talking about.
Commissioner Suarez: I amend my motion to include that language.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Actually, that's very good. I actually feel more comfortable now with that
in. The other thing that I want to make sure is that everything else is equal. In other words, as
far as their, I don't know, technical knowledge, their capacity, their ability to actually do the
project or so forth is equal, and then the only difference is as far as the money -wise.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You want to make --?
Commissioner Suarez: Do you amend your second?
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'll amend my second, yes.
Chair Gort: Okay. The motion has been --
Mr. Robertson: Commissioner Carollo --
Chair Gort: -- amended.
Mr. Robertson: -- to address that, for bids, all bidders need to meet the minimum qualification
requirement. For a request for proposal process, this ordinance revision is suggesting that we
establish a 5 percent evaluation criterion specifically for local preference. So out of a hundred
base points, if someone is a local company, they would be awarded 5 of the 5 points for local
preference. The other 95 out of the 100 points would be for technical merit and price
consideration.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. It's still first reading, so we could always --
Chair Gort: We could always amend it.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- look at it. But I think with that amendment, it makes it just much better.
And yeah --
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think it's going to achieve your -- what you want.
Vice Chair Carollo: I think so. I need to study it, but I think you're right. I think you're on the
ball. I think --
Chair Gort: That'll do it. What I'd like to look into is, I see in all our RFPs (Requests for
Proposals) and bids there's always a component for minority firms and so on, and the only place
where we don't have is in finance. Now, let's go back a few years --
Mr. Robertson: IfI -- I'm sorry, Commissioner, ifI may correct you. The City does not have a
minority business ordinance.
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Chair Gort: Not minorities. I mean, disabled and small businesses.
Mr. Robertson: We don't have a small business ordinance either.
Chair Gort: Okay, I'm going to show you -- not the ordinance, but I'm going to show you the
RFP where you request --
Mr. Robertson: For certain construction contracts that may have state or local federal funding
requirements, they may require small disadvantaged business percentage.
Chair Gort: Okay, the state -- the US (United States) federal government requires that.
Mr. Robertson: Correct, for projects that are --
Chair Gort: And we cannot require that?
Mr. Robertson: We could if we enacted an ordinance or a program that would define that.
Chair Gort: 'Cause let's go back to -- a few years back and you had all the major firms in the
bond business going down. And the minority -- or the small firms, they're the one that kept it up.
Andl think Larry can attest to that. And now all those people that (UNINTET,TIGIBLE)
11: 38: 20 and cost a lot of money to municipality and so on, they're back and they're doing all the
business and then the original firms are not. Andl really -- we talked about this before andl
really like to see something in there. Okay. Any further discussion?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): I'd like to clam something. The amendment concerns competitive
sealed bids or also RFPs?
Mr. Robertson: Just the competitive sealed bid --
Ms. Bru: Okay.
Mr. Robertson: -- portion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Ordinance.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Been moved and seconded?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Okay.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Thompson: This is your roll call on your modified first reading ordinance.
A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above.
Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
FR.2
11-00193
ORDINANCE
First Reading
Districts - AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, AMENDING CHAPTER
Commissioner 2, ARTICLE II, SECTION 2-33 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
Richard Dunn II FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION/MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION/ORDER OF BUSINESS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE, TO
PROVIDE FOR SUSPENSION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA ITEMS
RULE ONLY BY A MAJORITY PLUS ONE VOTE OF THE CITY COMMISSION;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
11-00193 Summary Memo.pdf
11-00193 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Chair Gort: FR.2.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: I'm going to defer this item. I want my staff to look at other local
legislative bodies beyond Miami -Dade County, just to be on the safe side.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Do we have a --?
Chair Gort: It's been move. You're asking to --
Commissioner Dunn: To defer.
Chair Gort: -- defer FR.2.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Chair Gort: Okay, it's been --
Vice Chair Carollo: To a date?
Chair Gort: Certain date or --?
Commissioner Dunn: No, just until they have an opportunity to look at it, so we'll --
Commissioner Suarez: Withdraw it.
Ms. Thompson: So we'll do -- we'll make it indefinitely deferred then?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: Is that better?
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
RE.1
11-00429
Department of
Employee Relations
Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you. So we have the mover as being Commissioner Dunn, and the
seconder as being Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying "aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam City Clerk.
Ms. Thompson: Yes, ma'am -- I'm sorry. Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Indefinitely -- hold on, indefinitely deferred, does that come back in six
months?
Ms. Thompson: That's -- the normal time period is at least six -- it gives you up to six months.
Vice Chair Carollo: Up to six months.
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: And after six months, it comes back automatically or --?
Ms. Thompson: That's the normal process, yes, unless we are advised something differently. But
yes, normally we automatically -- when I say we, in conjunction with what we've recorded and
the Agenda office, our systems notifies us that it's time for this to come back up, and we put it on
the draft agenda and then we go from there.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: That's why I always ask you for what date.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY
MANAGER APPROVING THE FINDINGS OF THE EVALUATION
COMMITTEE, PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ("RFP") NO.
243229, THAT MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER, IS THE HIGHEST -RANKED
FIRM, IN THE BEST INTEREST, AND MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY
OF MIAMI TO PROVIDE ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION SERVICES FOR
FIRST RESPONDERS, FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE -RESCUE AND
POLICE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA"), IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR A PERIOD OF TWO (2)
YEARS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS
OF THE USER DEPARTMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, SHOULD NEGOTIATIONS FAIL WITH
THE HIGHEST -RANKED FIRM, TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PSA WITH
THE SECOND -HIGHEST RANKED FIRM, MERCY MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT
D/B/A MERCY OUTPATIENT CENTER, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM, FORA PERIOD OF TWO (2) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW
FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL TWO (2) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS OF THE USER
DEPARTMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER, SHOULD NEGOTIATIONS FAIL WITH THE
SECOND -HIGHEST RANKED FIRM, TO REJECT ALL PROPOSALS AND
REISSUE AN RFP SOLICITATION.
11-00429 Summary Form.pdf
11-00429 Letter Evaluation Committee.pdf
11-00429 Legislation.pdf
File 11-00429 Exhibit 1 SUB.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 2.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 3.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 4.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 5.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 6.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 7.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 8.pdf
11-00429 Exhibit 9.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0242
Chair Gort: RE.1.
Beverly Pruitt (Director): Beverly Pruitt, Department of Employee Relations. This is a
resolution to accept the recommendation of the City Manager approving the findings of the
Evaluation Committee, pursuant to request for proposals, number 243299 -- 229, excuse me, that
Mt. Sinai Medical Center is the highest -ranked firm, in the best interest and most advantageous
to the City ofMiami to provide annual physical examination services for our first responders.
That would be for the Department of Fire -Rescue and Police. It also authorizes the City
Manager to negotiate a professional services agreement for a two-year period with renewal, two
renewals for two-year periods. The funds for this services agreement will be from the user
departments.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Questions?
Commissioner Sarnoff So move for purposes of discussion.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved, Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'll yield to the Vice Chair.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Well, I mean, there's -- I mean, we could go all over with this. One question
-- or not question but statement I want to make is, you know, how do you define local 'cause here
we're going from Mercy Hospital, which is local here in the City of Miami, to Mt. Sinai Hospital,
which is in Miami Beach. You could say local, Miami Beach is still local, but at the same time
it's not the City ofMiami, which I think has more meaning to us as far as being local. So I'm just
throwing that out there.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's -- I guess there's a little irony involved here. Mt. Sinai outbid the
next most competitive bidder, Mercy Hospital, by $108, 000. Andl think there's no one that's
going to, especially in light of all the discussions we've had today -- we could use every $100, 000
that we can find because that's a full-time City ofMiami police officer --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yep.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- and that's a lot of money. What I might suggest is let's give them the
contract for one year so that maybe Mercy could rebid this the following year. We all want to
see, I think, a City of Miami hospital -- you know what? The former City Manager, now CEO
(Chief Executive Officer) of Jackson, Carlos Migoya, might want to take a very good look at this
contract --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- because it would -- it's a good -paying contract, and I'm --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- sure he hasn't had time to react to this. I certainly believe we should
get the best, most responsible bidder. I'm going to support this, but instead of two years, maybe
one year so that we give Jackson a chance, we give Mercy a chance to come back and rebid this
so that -- I know nothing we've done with the sealed bids would change this, right, Mr.
Procurement?
Kenneth Robertson (Director, Purchasing): I was actually going to recommend that you
consider an award for two years. The original advertised contract term was for two years. The
renewal options are optional. I would recommend strongly that we stick with what was
advertised in the original RFP (Request for Proposals) with the original contract term of two
years.
Chair Gort: Well, we always have the right to reject it and go out for bid again.
Mr. Robertson: Correct. That's also an option, but I would not recommend that we revise
substantively the terms of what was in the RFP.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You're doing that for legal reasons or for --
Mr. Robertson: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- bid validation reasons?
Mr. Robertson: To change the -- correct. To change the original contract term --
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Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: In light of -- I mean, I'm just throwing this out -- the fact that we're talking
about now two Miami -- possibly two or three, maybe four Miami hospitals versus Miami Beach,
are we bound by -- we're not really bound by the recommendation. How would -- what would
that do if we -- could we re -- put it out to rebid or something like that?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. In essence, you're saying is it possible to throw everything out and
put it out to rebid.
Commissioner Dunn: Exactly.
Mr. Robertson: I would also not recommend that option, given the fact that the City has a need
for these services that are obligated under union contract. We would need some authority to be
able to provide these services to the Police and Fire Departments.
Chair Gort: Question. Who's presently providing the services?
Mr. Robertson: Currently, we are using a bridge contract with Mercy and a bridge contract also
with Mt. Sinai.
Chair Gort: With Mt. Sinai. Now my understanding, in the past, when we have come to these
situations, we have been able to extend it for a month or two, the existing contract, and go out
for rebid. We've done it a whole bunch of times already.
Mr. Robertson: The prior contract with Mercy cannot be extended because they will not honor
their current contract pricing.
Chair Gort: Okay. Then the existing contract with Mt. Sinai?
Mr. Robertson: Is -- we don't have an existing contract with Mt. Sinai above and beyond a
limited award of 25, 000. IfI could read the section of the RFP that talks about the term of
contract. The term of the contract shall be for two years with an option to renew for two
additional two-year periods. Continuation of the contract beyond the initial period is a City
prerogative. So I would humbly recommend that if we award, we should award the full two-year
term. The renewal options are our discretion.
Chair Gort: Madam Attorney --
Commissioner Dunn: Great legal minds on the dais.
Chair Gort: -- do we have a disclaimer -- don't we have a disclaimer in all the RFPs?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): I would suggest the following. Why don't we table the item, let me
have the --
Chair Gort: Please.
Ms. Bru: -- contract attorney review the RFP over lunchtime, and then when you come back, I
can give you a better legal opinion as to whether or not you can modnj, the two-year term to a
one-year term without risking any kind of legal implications.
Chair Gort: 'Cause my understanding, all RFPs have a disclaimer (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
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11:47:38 --
Ms. Bru: I'd like to review --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Bru: -- the documents.
Chair Gort: Thankyou. We'll table this. Thankyou.
[Later..]
Chair Gort: Next, I think you want to bring the item we deferred to -- the Alt. Sinai --
Mr. Robertson: Good afternoon. Kenneth Robertson, Purchasing Department. After
consultation with the Law Department, we offer the following information. The RFP was
advertised with a two-year term that was using the following language. The term of the contract
shall be for two years with an option to renew for two additional two-year periods. The opinion
of the City and the Law Department is that we may remove the renewal options because they are
discretionary to the City.
Chair Gort: Sure.
Mr. Robertson: But we may not unilaterally reduce the original term of the contract from two
years to one year. This would be a material variance from that which was solicited. The City
does retain its ability to reject all proposals. That was in the RFP document. The City also does
maintain a termination for convenience clause. So at the City's discretion, we're recommending
that you award the contract for the two-year period. If the City desires to terminate the contract
for convenience, we can always pursue that option.
Chair Gort: Thank you. I think you need two more Commissioners in here because I'm not
going to vote for this.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Madam City Attorney, while we may be -- we're waiting for two other
Commissioners. What is termination -- does termination convenience mean exactly what it says?
Ms. Bru: This agreement does have a termination for convenience clause with 30-day business
- - 30 business days' notice prior to the effective date of the termination, the City could terminate.
The only expense would be whatever services were provided that are owed. So it's really almost
- - the discussion that we're having is almost academic because you can enter into the contract,
and if you want to go ahead before the year expires, which is what you're saying -- you want this
contract only to last for a year -- you can start the new solicitation process in time to have a new
vendor in place for the second year --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Without --
Ms. Bru: -- and terminate for convenience.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So then termination of convenience is sort of like a revocable license?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You just revoke whenever you want?
Ms. Bru: Well, it's a 30-day notice, and that's the way the contract was solicited. It's perfectly
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
legal. Lots of government contracts have termination for convenience clauses and this one has
it.
Chair Gort: That makes a difference.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Chair Gort: You're telling me that part of the documentation that we have, we have the right to
terminate a contract within 30 days' notice?
Mr. Robertson: Correct.
Chair Gort: No matter what the RFP -- it's part of the RFP?
Mr. Robertson: It's part of the RFP and the special conditions, termination for convenience and
also termination for cause.
Chair Gort: Does the -- for convenience, is there a --
Mr. Robertson: Thirty days' notice.
Chair Gort: -- description of what's for convenience?
Mr. Robertson: The City acting by and through its City Manager shall have the right to
terminate this agreement in his/her sole discretion at any time by giving written notice to the
provider at least 30 business days prior to the effective date of such termination.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Why would you have a termination for convenience and a termination
for cause clause? Why would you need both?
Mr. Robertson: Because we can seek punitive damages for termination for cause.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm sorry. You can seek punitive damages?
Mr. Robertson: I mean charges to the contractor for the City's --
Commissioner Sarnoff. For the breach.
Mr. Robertson: -- re procurement of those services.
Commissioner Sarnoff. For the breach. Okay.
Mr. Robertson: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right, I moved it; I'll continue the motion.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. You want to table it and come back when there's a full
Commission?
Chair Gort: Yeah. Bring it up later on.
Commissioner Sarnoff. All right.
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Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair. I didn't hear you.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: I didn't hear what you said.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think we're going to --
Chair Gort: We're tabling.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you.
Chair Gort: We need the full Commission.
[Later..]
Chair Gort: RE.1.
Mr. Robertson: Good afternoon. Kenneth Robertson, Purchasing Department. RE.1 is a
resolution accepting the recommendation of the City Manager approving the findings of the
Evaluation Committee pursuant to Request for Proposal 243229 that Mount Sinai Medical
Center is the highest -ranked firm to provide annual physical examination services for First
Responders for the Departments of Police andFire-Rescue. There was a prior motion to
approve this resolution with modifications, that the term would be for only two years with no
options to renew.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, here it is, $108, 000 savings to the City and yet, the closest city
hospital would be $108, 000 away. I don't know -- did Jackson have the chance to --?
Mr. Robertson: They were invited to participate. They did not submit a response. Equally
invited was Baptist.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, $108, 000 is a lot of money to the City, so I'm going to maintain my
motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Which is?
Chair Gort: There's a motion --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Motion to approve for the two-year period in accordance with the RFP
(Request For Proposals).
Vice Chair Carollo: And after that two-year period?
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's our option --
Vice Chair Carollo: Whose option?
Commissioner Sarnoff. City Commission's option, correct?
Mr. Robertson: Well, you're approving the resolution without any renewal options, so we would
re procure.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. No renewals.
Chair Gort: Now my understanding -- and maybe I understood wrong -- that this Commission
within 30-day notice can cancel the contract.
Mr. Robertson: Correct. That contract has a termination for convenience clause. That
termination can be initiated either by you, the Commission, or the City Manager, or the
Purchasing Department.
Chair Gort: At any time during those two years?
Mr. Robertson: At any time.
Chair Gort: Okay. All right. Is that understood? I need a second?
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Second by Commissioner Dunn. Any further discussion? Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: Chair, I just want to make sure thatl record this properly. I would --I think
that means we now have a modified resolution because you've taken out the 'for a period of two
additional years with the option to renew" dah, dah, dah, dah, right? Is that correct?
Mr. Robertson: Correct. The language stricken --
Chair Gort: The option to renew is out.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. So that modify-- I just want to make sure.
Mr. Robertson: Um -hum.
Chair Gort: Now my understanding is that the RFP was stated that the -- at any one time the
City within 30 days' notice can cancel this contract.
Commissioner Dunn: True.
Chair Gort: Correct?
Mr. Robertson: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Chair Gort: Okay. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Robertson: Thank you.
RE.2 RESOLUTION
11-00431
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING A GRANT
Fire -Rescue AWARD, IN THE AMOUNT OF $656,464, FROM THE FEDERAL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY, GRANTS PROGRAM DIRECTORATE, WITH A
REQUIRED MATCHING FUND FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), IN THE
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
AMOUNT OF $164,116, FORATOTALAMOUNT OF $820,580,TO PURCHASE
PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT; ALLOCATING THE CITY'S
REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS, FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
B-70411, ENTITLED "FIRE -RESCUE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PROJECT"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND
COMPLIANCE OF SAID GRANT.
11-00431 Summary Form.pdf
11-00431 Letter of FEMA& DHS.pdf
11-00431 Budgetary ImpactAnalysis.pdf
11-00431 Email from Dept. of Homeland Security.pdf
11-00431 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Suarez and Dunn II
Absent: 2 - Commissioner(s) Sarnoff and Carollo
R-11-0235
Chair Gort: RE.2.
Deputy Fire Chief Reginald Duren: Reggie Duren, deputy Fire chief. RE.2 is a resolution of the
Miami City Commission accepting a grant award, in the amount of $656, 464, from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, with a required match of
$164,116, for a total amount of $820, 580, to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus and
exhaust extraction systems; further authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary
documents in a form acceptable to the City Attorney in order to implement the acceptance and
compliance of said grant.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chair, move it.
Chair Gort: Been moved by Commissioner Dunn. Is there a second?
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: Second by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion. Being none, all in favor, state it by
saying "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Deputy Chief Duren: Thank you.
RE.3 RESOLUTION
11-00432
Department of Public A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Facilities ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
LEASE AGREEMENT ("LEASE"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI, ("CITY") AND THE COCONUT
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GROVE SAILING CLUB, INC., A FLORIDA NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
("LESSEE"), FOR THE USE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
2990 SOUTH BAYSHORE DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PROVIDING SPACE FOR THE LESSEE'S OPERATION, COMMENCING
FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE, WITH THE LESSEE TO PAY A MINIMUM
ANNUAL RENT TO THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF SEVENTY-ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($71,000), PLUS STATE OF FLORIDA USE TAX (IF
APPLICABLE), WITH ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS MORE
PARTICULARLY SET FORTH IN SAID LEASE.
11-00432 Summary Form.pdf
11-00432 Pre -Lease Agreement. pdf
11-00432 Legislation.pdf
11-00432 Exhibit 1.pdf
11-00432-Submittal-Coconut Grove Sailing Club.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0236
Chair Gort: RE.3.
Madeline Valdes (Director): Good morning. Madeline Valdes, Department of Public Facilities.
RE.3 is a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement between the City
and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. This is a nonprofit corporation for the use of City property
located at 2990 South Bayshore Drive. This lease agreement provides for one 5-year term with
two 5-year options with a lease payment of $71, 000 annually, or 10 percent of gross, whichever
is greater. The Club has been for sometime without a lease arrangement at this facility due to
some issues with the State regarding its public purpose. In your packet you will find that the
State has approved the use of the Club's submerged lands and that public purpose has been met.
Are there any questions regarding this lease?
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I would move this item with the following amendment to it, that the
resolution be approved subject to a June 8, 2011 letter by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, which
requires them to take down the fence and replace it within three months so that it is -- has a more
attractive appearance. They will also take down the hedge so that there will be better sightlines
to the Club. I'll get a copy to each Commissioner and I'll get one to the Madam Clerk, andl
would move that subject to the June 8, 2011 letter.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second for discussion.
Chair Gort: It's been moved, Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Vice Chairman Carollo.
Discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: One thing that I want to bring up to my colleagues is that if they actually
relocate, the City bears the costs. And know that's in the master plan. Is there a way that we
could maybe put a cap to that relocation instead of being open if they relocate? I don't know
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how much money it will cost to relocate, but is there a way we can somewhat cap it? I know it's
in the master plan, so I'm not trying to -- you know, but I just want to get a little bit more comfort
that it doesn't cost, I don't know, $50, 000 or $100, 000 or God knows how much to relocate. So
I'm -- you know, is there --? You know, and I don't know what the amount is, but I kind of --
Ms. Valdes: I'm not familiar with the amount otherwise either. This relocation discussion
occurred when the master plan was first approved by this Commission, and it was promised of all
the sailing clubs.
Vice Chair Carollo: Gotcha.
Ms. Valdes: So if you want to propose an amount, we'd be happy to incorporate that.
Chair Gort: But do we know the cost?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. I mean, I usually don't --
Ms. Valdes: Let me ask the Club. Maybe the Club might know. I have Alyn Pruett andl have
also the Club treasurer, which is Ron Canizares, and if they'd come up to the podium, maybe they
know what their costs might be.
Chair Gort: Let me ask you a question. Besides the costs and what they think, if you could
please provide information for the public that is here, the services that you provide on behalf of
the City and so on?
Charles Alyn Pruett: Surely. Let me address the question first. Alyn Pruett, 2901 South
Bayshore Drive. I'm the commodore of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Thank you for hearing
this item today. First, in regard to your question of the cost and how much it would be, I have no
idea. We had some very preliminary discussions back during the course of the master plan about
what those facilities would consist of but we never, as far as I recall, incorporated any of that
detail in the master plan. So I think it would be inappropriate for us to put a number forward.
We'd be happy to work with you to create such a number, but that's going to take some time. In
regard to the Chair's question, I know each of you will have your own ways of evaluating this
proposal before you. Let me offer you my four criteria that I hope you will consider. First
question is, does the sailing club qualf for a lease? Andl think if you read at least the first few
pages, you will see in the recitals that per the City's Attorney's opinion, we do qualin, under
Section 29(d)of the City Charter for that lease. Second question is, is there sufficient public
access to the property, to your point. First of all, as Madeline has already mentioned, our
mooring field is now open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. Our adult and youth
sailing programs in which we accommodate over 2,000 persons, kids and adults a year, are open
to the public. Our facility is completely open for the use of any public entity. In fact, the Village
Council now calls our meeting room "home" for their meetings. We partner with schools,
various schools at different times for after -school programs. And of course we -- as part of our
lease and what we have been doing for many years, is we offer at least $10, 000 in scholarships
for disadvantaged youth to participate in our summer camp. Third point is, will the lease
provide the appropriate financial return to the City? And Madeline has spoke to some of this,
but first to point out that the numbers that are in our lease were arrived at by two independent
appraisals conducted by the City. They both came in within a thousand or $2, 000 at 70, 71,000,
which is the base rent in the lease. That is an increase over our previous base rent in the lease
that expired in 2000, which was $30, 000. We're also going -from the old percentage rent of 7 and
a half to the new proposed percentage rent of 10. That's the third. And the fourth and final
criteria I have for you to consider is does this proposal have community support, and the answer
is clearly yes. We have been before the Waterfront Advisory Board and received their agreement
that this should move forward. We appeared before the Waterfront Master Plan Implementation
Committee and got their agreement it should move forward. And at their last Village Council
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
meeting, we appeared before the Cocoanut Grove Village Council and received their support for
the lease as well. Michelle Niemeyer, the chair of the Village Council, was in the room a few
moments ago. She has in her hand the resolution passed by the Village Council supporting this
action. So those are my criteria for this. And if you do pass this, it will be a historic milestone
for the Coconut Grove Sailing Club as we move forward to partner with the City and make good
things happen. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you, Commodore. Any further discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: In order to avoid making it too complicated, maybe we could put
reasonable, whatever reasonable is, but you know, for relocation. You know, amend it to be a
reasonable amount for relocation?
Ms. Valdes: We'll go ahead and make those changes, yeah.
Chair Gort: Okay. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Maker accepts.
Chair Gort: Maker accepts the amendment. Second --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Chair Gort: Okay. All in favor, state it by saying "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: As amended.
Vice Chair Carollo: As amended.
Ms. Valdes: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. RE.4.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): RE.4 was withdrawn.
Chair Gort: That's right.
RE.4 RESOLUTION
11-00445
Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Purchasing ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICERS
RECOMMENDATION TO DENY THE PROTEST OF J.B. BUILDERS &
CONTRACTORS, INC., D/B/A BALLARENA CONSTRUCTION, AND
UPHOLDING THE CITY MANAGERS RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD
MEMORANDUM DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2010, TO AWARD THE
RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF HISTORIC FIRE STATION NO. 2,
PROJECT B-30579, TO EDGEWATER CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC., AS
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER IN RESPONSE
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TO INVITATION TO BID NO. 09-10-018.
11-00445 Summary Form.pdf
11-00445 Legislation.pdf
11-00445 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
WITHDRAWN PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
RE.5 RESOLUTION
11-00479
Office of the City A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO SEEK ALL RELIEF
Attorney AGAINST RESPONSIBLE PARTIES RELATING TO THE FAILURE TO PAY
AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE MEDICAL STOP LOSS INSURANCE POLICIES
ISSUED TO THE CITY OF MIAMI.
11-00479 Memorandum - Office of the CityAttorney.pdf
11-00479 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, 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-11-0237
Chair Gort: RE.5.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Mr. Chair, this is my request to the Commission to -- for authority
to seek all legal remedies available against certain insurance companies and other companies
with whom the City has been doing business for purposes of obtaining stop -loss coverage. Don't
want to get into the details right now. We're still doing the due diligence, but there appears to be
some payments that are owed to the City under various insurance policies going back as far as I
think 2005/2006.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Chair Gort: It's been -- motion --
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: -- 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.
Chair Gort: RE.6.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): That had been withdrawn.
RE.6 RESOLUTION
11-00409
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Office of Strategic A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Planning, Budgeting, ATTACHMENT(S), ADDING CAPITAL PROJECTS APPROPRIATIONS TO
and Performance THOSE LISTED IN RESOLUTION NO. 11-0183, ADOPTEDAPRIL28, 2011,
AND REVISING CURRENT APPROPRIATIONS AMONG APPROVED
PROJECTS; FURTHER APPROPRIATING FUNDING FOR THE ADDED
PROJECTS.
11-00409 Summary Form.pdf
11-00409 Legislation.pdf
11-00409 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, that this matter be
WITHDRAWN PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
RE.7 RESOLUTION
11-00474
Department of Solid A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Waste ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THREE (3) COLLEGE LEVEL EDUCATIONAL
SCHOLARSHIPS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 PER SCHOLARSHIP, FOR
THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBLE STUDENTS: ZSANAI A. MCKNIGHT, GINA
MARTIN AND ANQUAN MCBRIDE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO DISBURSE THE SCHOLARSHIPS, UPON DISCRETION,
WITH THE PRESENTATION OF SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION FROM
THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AS STATED HEREIN; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE AND CITY ATTORNEY; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
OPERATING FUND ENTITLED, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES,"
ACCOUNT CODE NO. 13000.212000.534000.0000.00000.
11-00474 Summary Form.pdf
11-00474 Legislation.pdf
11-00474 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0238
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): So we're in RE.7.
Chair Gort: RE.7, right.
Frederick Hobson: Fred Hobson, director of City ofMiami Solid Waste Department. This is a
resolution approving three college -level educational scholarships, in the amount of $3,000 per
scholarship, for the following eligible student [sic], Zsanai McKnight, Gina Martin, andAnquan
McBride.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
RE.8
11-00301
Department of Capital
Improvements
Program
Commissioner Dunn: I'd like to move this item.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Discussion. Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Just want -- yeah. I wanted to just add a --
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, Commissioner. Is your mike on?
Commissioner Dunn: Pardon me?
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: You couldn't hear me?
Ms. Thompson: Right.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Just wanted to add a footnote, that this is certainly a beneficial
program in that it helps I guess the children of the workers for the Solid Waste Department, and
it's a program that's done -- that comes out of the recycling program, andl was pleased to see
that the recipients of these scholarships would be awarded $3, 000 apiece, one to Howard
University, which is one of the strongest HBCUs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, in
Washington, D.C., and two homegrown at FIU (Florida International University) University. So
I think it will be well spent and it's a solid investment.
Chair Gort: The funding, where does it come from?
Commissioner Dunn: Recycling.
Chair Gort: I just want to put it on the record, please.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Oh, from the recycling program. Yeah, thank you.
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state by saying "aye.'
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hobson: Thank you.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO THE CONTRACT WITH
GIANNETTI CONTRACTING CORP., FOR THE NORTH BAYSHORE DRIVE
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, B-50658, FOR PAYMENT OF THE
FINANCIAL INCENTIVE AS PER THE CONTRACT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $76,968.26, THEREBY INCREASING THE AWARD VALUE FROM
$1,539,365.24, TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,616,333.50;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR SAID INCREASE FROM CAPITAL
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. B-50658; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE CONTRACT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
11-00301 Summary Form.pdf
11-00301 Letter - Drainage Project CIP B#50658.pdf
11-00301 Pre - Legislation.pdf
11-00301 Legislation.pdf
11-00301 Exhibit 1.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, 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.8 was deferred to the Commission Meeting scheduled for June 23,
2011.
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
RECONSIDERED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Suarez
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, 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: RE.8.
Albert Sosa: Good morning, Commissioners. I'm Albert Sosa, assistant director of Capital
Improvements. RE.8 is to authorize an increase to the contract with Giannetti Contracting
Corporation, in a not -to -exceed amount of $76, 968.26, thereby increasing the contract value to
$1.539 million -- from $1.539 million to $1.616 million for the North Bayshore Drive Drainage
Improvement project, B-50658. The reason for this is pursuant to addendum four of the contract.
It does contain a financial incentive bonus in the amount of the $76,000. It is in the opinion of
CIP (Capital Improvements Program) that the contractual provision for the bonus payment has
been met or had been met at the time, and this amendment is necessary in order to increase the
contract value so we can pay that bonus pursuant to the contract. We -- like I said, our
interpretation of the circumstances surrounding the status of the project at that time indicate that
it was substantially complete as to the parameters that were set forth by the CIP administration
that was managing that contract at the time.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Suarez: No, but I do have questions and comments.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. All right. Let me make a motion then.
Chair Gort: A motion by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there a second for discussion?
Commissioner Dunn: Oh, second for discussion.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Chair Gort: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: For discussion.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez, you're recognized.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Sosa. Last time this item
came up, I asked for a deferral because I had requested certain documents that were required in
the contract relating to how this bonus was supposed to be earned and paid. Those documents
were not given to me because I was told that those documents do not exist. We then -- I kind of
followed up and said -- or I was given other documents that were supposed to evidence what
those documents mean, I guess, and they were supposed to show that there was substantial
completion. And what received and what was given was a weekly construction progress
report, dated December 13, 2009, and that was supposed to demonstrate to me that there was a
substantial completion of the project. I looked at the pictures that were attached to that
construction report and it was pretty clear to me and to my staff that it was not substantially
complete, the project itself. I was then later told that -- and it's the way that Mr. Sosa explained
it. He explained it very, very carefully and very well, which was that the substantial completion
was not necessarily as the contract required it to be but as it was told to the contractor by a prior
member of -- a prior employee of the CIP Department. And so I know we had a very similar
situation to this regarding, I believe it was our training, police training station where it seemed
like CIP had told the contractor something and it was not authorized, and you know, part of the
issue that have -- that had then and that have now is that everyone here should know better.
I think in that particular case, the contractor agreed to lower their price and maybe something
can be negotiated with this specific contractor that maybe they don't receive the full bonus, but
receive a partial bonus on the basis of the fact that, you know, the proper procedures were not --
andl'm not blaming anyone who's here before me now andl think that's what was flushed out in
this whole process of me requesting documents and then getting documents, and then not getting
documents, and then getting certain documents that didn't really comply with the documents that
I was requesting. So, you know, I think we should kind of go back to the drawing board with this
company and try to see if we can negotiate a reduction on the basis that the proper procedures
were not implemented, were not done. Andl don't want to give the impression that this kind of
activity is okay when it's not. Andl know that it hasn't happened under the new CIP director or
under Mr. Sosa's leadership. And I'm very happy with their performance and the way that
they've been handling the Department since they've been charged with it. They've, you know,
done an excellent job of cleaning up all these items, and then also getting our bond money to
work for us and getting these improvements in our neighborhoods that our residents so
desperately are asking us for. So I don't want it to seem like it's a negative reflection on what
they're doing. I'm very, very happy with what they're doing andl know that there -- you know,
these things happened prior to their arrival, but the fact of the matter is this was a very, very
similar situation to what we had to deal with in that other instance. And in that other instance, I
believe the contractor -- because the contractor wanted to have a good relationship with the City
ofMiami and didn't want to damage its relationship. I was told in the course of this process,
well, you know, we want to have -- we don't want to upset our contractors or we don't want to
lose the confidence of our contractors. But the fact of the matter is that there's an incredible
amount of work -- I mean, there's an incredible amount of contractors that are dying to do work
for the City ofMiami and the, you know, economy is not doing well. And so I think, you know,
from that perspective, that argument to me is not all that persuasive. So I would probably vote
against it under the way that it's structured currently. If it's -- you know, if our body would not
mind it being deferred so that the Administration could go back and negotiate with the
contractor and maybe the contractor would be willing to take a lesser bonus in recognition of the
fact that certain procedures were not properly followed and that technically the contract has not
been complied with, technically, bottom line. So I think we have a strong argument that
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technically -- even though they may have some sort of an estoppel argument just like what
happened in the police training facility case, you know, I think to do the right thing here would
require that, you know, they come to the table, as did that contractor in that case, and negotiate
in good faith with us.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I have to admit, I must have gotten a different briefing. All the stuff you
just brought out was not briefed to me, and this is something that was in my neighborhood in the
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) when I first got elected here. For those of you that
don't know, '07 was a very wet year in Miami, one of our better rain years, as was '08, and we --
they had just completed Opera tower andl was watching, during the rainstorm, cars float. We
had a Volkswagen Beetle floating it was so -- the water was so deep. So we immediately learned
--first we tried to determine whether we could somehow claim that the high-rises built there had
caused this flooding because of the rain runoff. And CIP said it would be a very difficult
argument to make. So then we went and we actually got a contractor to tell us what we needed
to do. It didn't involve a deep drain, which is my first time I learned what a deep drain was, and
learned that it was going to be a gravitational pull, et cetera, et cetera. We entered into a
contract. As a matter of fact, it was my first experience with the CBIRs (Community Budget Issue
Requests) grant, and that came from the State Legislature, and that came from -- her name is
escaping me. She's a very famous African American legislator down south.
Commissioner Dunn: Bullard?
Vice Chair Carollo: Bullard.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Bullard.
Vice Chair Carollo: Larcenia.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Larcenia Bullard was the one who got the $150, 000 CBIRs grant. And
of course, we used CRA money 'cause it was an appropriate use of the -- of that. But the first
time I'm hearing anything that you're suggesting is right here, right now. And pretty much the
City Attorney and Mr. Sosa have told me these people have earned the contractual right under
which they've contracted for and that they finished within timeframe, so I will withdraw my
motion and I'd like to have a briefing -from the City Attorney as well as Mr. Sosa 'cause I'd like to
know why I didn't get the documents that you looked at.
Commissioner Suarez: I think --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: -- if we can -- to move this forward, I think we should defer this item for
at least another couple of weeks --
Vice Chair Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: -- to give the Administration an opportunity to go back to the contractor
and negotiate the bonus structure. And again, I want to reiterate, this is not -- one of the things
that very much value in Mr. Sosa and Ms. Bravo is that they have not done this. This is the
kind of stuff that was happening beforehand, which was, you know, kind of on a wink and a nod,
you know, go forward with extra scope or with this or with that, and they have completely
stopped that and have reintroduced a formality that is necessary to have a functioning
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
department that handles millions and millions of dollars so that there are not mismatching of
funds, funds being transferred inappropriately, or contract funds being given without there being
a contractual obligation. I move it for deferral.
Chair Gort: So it's -- well, the --
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: -- maker of the motion -- it's motion and second. And there's a motion now to --
Vice Chair Carollo: Defer.
Chair Gort: -- defer.
Commissioner Suarez: Move to defer.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Do we have a date that you are interested in having it come
back?
Commissioner Suarez: Whenever the Administration -- two weeks, a month, whatever you think
you need.
Unidentified Speaker: The 23rd is fine.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: June 23, thank you.
Chair Gort: Okay. Moved by Commissioner Suarez, second by --
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: -- Commissioner -- Vice Chairman --
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'll second.
Chair Gort: -- Carollo. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
[Later..]
Chair Gort: Okay, what's -- investigative panel. Yes, sir.
Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): Mr. Chair, do I need the full
Commission to ask the Commission to reconsider RE.8?
Chair Gort: To consider who?
Mr. Martinez: Reconsider RE.8. That's the Giannetti contract with the bonus. I would like to
ask for it to be continued to the July 14 meeting instead of deferred to the June 23 meeting.
Chair Gort: Bring it up.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm sorry. You said you wanted it for the what meeting?
Mr. Martinez: The July 14 meeting. I want --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And it's presently coming back at the what meeting?
Mr. Martinez: The previous action was to be deferred to the June 23 meeting, and I'm asking for
it to be continued to the July 14 meeting.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I move to reconsider the --
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- previous --
Mr. Martinez: Item.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- item on RE.8.
Mr. Martinez: Right.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay, it's been moved and second. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor, state
it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I move to continue RE.8 until the July 14 agenda.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: 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.
Mr. Martinez: Thank you.
RE.9 RESOLUTION
11-00475
Department of Risk A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Management ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH AON CONSULTING, INC., (A/K/AAON HEWITT
CONSULTING), FOR THE PROVISION OF HEALTH BENEFITS CONSULTING
SERVICES AND ACTUARIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RISK
MANAGEMENT, FORA CONTRACT PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR, WITH THE
OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD, AT
A FIRST YEAR CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000, WITH A
COST INCREASE CAP NOT TO EXCEED 3% FOR THE SECOND YEAR;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS THE
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USER DEPARTMENT SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED.
11-00475 Summary Form.pdf
11-00475 List of Pre -Qualified Firms .pdf
11-00475 Scope of Services.pdf
11-00475 Tabulation of Bids.pdf
11-00475 Legislation. pdf
11-00475-Exhibit 1-SUB.pdf
11-00475-Memo-City Manager Explaining Substitution for Item RE 9 - Changes to PSA.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0239
Chair Gort: RE.9.
Calvin Ellis: Good afternoon. Calvin Ellis, interim director of Risk Management. RE.9's
actually a substitution item requesting the authorization for the City Manager to negotiate and
execute professional services agreement with Aon Consulting, Inc., also known as Aon Hewitt
Consulting, for the provision of health benefit consulting services and actuarial services for the
Risk Management Department for a contract period of one year with the option to renew for one
additional year, at a first year contract not to exceed $150, 000, with a cost increase cap not to
exceed 3 percent for the second year; allocating funds from the various sources of funds of the
user department, subject to the availability and budgetary approval at the time of need.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Motion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So moved.
Chair Gort: Questions. It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner
Dunn. Discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I have a couple of questions.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: First of all, I didn't get a chance to pull the budget. Is this amount in our --
in your budget for this current year?
Mr. Ellis: Yes, Commissioner. It's actually for continued services. And in the prior three years,
I believe we've spent in the 2008-2009 period, 372,000 with GRS, and then in the 2009-2010
period, 329, 000. I believe 300,000 is currently in this year's budget. Thus far, we've expended
$126, 000 year-to-date.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry; say that again.
Mr. Ellis: We've expended 126, 000 for the current fiscal policy -- period.
Vice Chair Carollo: So you -- do you foresee by the end of the year that'll be -- that you'll be at
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
150 or somewhere around that range?
Mr. Ellis: It's -- normally their billings lag a couple of months, so it's hard to say. It'll probably
be in the neighborhood of 175 to 186, 000.
Vice Chair Carollo: But we've budgeted about 300,000 you're saying?
Mr. Ellis: Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: So come budget time, we'll know where we could adjust it a little bit?
Mr. Ellis: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Any further discussion? In looking at the scope of services, it's going to be quite a
bit. Can you go a little bit into what are they going to be doing?
Mr. Ellis: Yeah. Their services are going to be directed towards helping the City optimize its
plan design with regards to the health benefits program. It's a key issue. It's a large cost item
for the City, and with Medicare, you know, reform -- healthcare reform on the horizon, it's
probably going to increase somewhat over the next several years. So it's for this reason that
we're requesting the continued engagement of professional services to help us with not only
optimizing our plan design, but developing strategies for cost containment, such as establishing
a critical disease program and also an effective wellness program.
Chair Gort: Thank you. My understanding is in the past that was done at a cost of $300, 000.
Today this will bring it down to 150, 000.
Mr. Ellis: That's correct. But please understand, part of that 300,000 was also for actuarial
services, including our OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefit) and GASB (Government
Accounting Standard Board) requirements. So we're looking at assigning that to an actuary at a
later date.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And it is adopted --
Mr. Ellis: Thank you.
Ms. Thompson: -- as modified. You do have a substitution.
Chair Gort: As modified, yes. Now, what time you guys want to come back? This is -- that's it.
Later on we have a couple ofPZ (Planning & Zoning) item and the board appointments. Three?
Vice Chair Carollo: Three.
Chair Gort: Three o' clock?
Vice Chair Carollo: Three? That's fine.
Chair Gort: Okey-doke.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. I'll tell you when I come back. No. I just want to say as far as
the finances that got deferred, we need to obtain the single audit report and the management
letter that we haven't obtained yet, but I'll mention it again --
END OF RESOLUTIONS
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam City Clerk?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I will continue all of my other appointments.
Ms. Thompson: All right. And while we're there, at this point, may I ask the other
Commissioners is anyone else continuing all of their appointments?
Commissioner Suarez: I'll continue all of mine.
Ms. Thompson: So this motion would be for the continuation of all the appointments for Vice
Chair and Commissioner Suarez.
Vice Chair Carollo: So moved.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: Any discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.1 RESOLUTION
11-00139
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 FOR TERMS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
James Quinlan Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
11-00139Arts CCMemo.pdf
11-00139Arts Current_Board_Members.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, Suarez and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo
R-11-0244
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then would you like for me to continue with the rest of
them, Chair, or --?
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Chair Gort: Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Then we will go back then to BC.1.
Commissioner Suarez: BC.1.
Ms. Thompson: On BC.1, it is the Arts and Entertainment Council. Vice Chair Carollo and
Commissioner Suarez have already continued their appointments. Commissioner Sarnoff, you
have an appointment.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Reappoint James Quinlan.
Ms. Thompson: James Quinlan?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: Would that be your motion?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes, ma'am.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: That's it? That's the only appointment?
Ms. Thompson: That's the only one. That's the only one, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Chair Gort: Okay. All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.2 RESOLUTION
11-00228
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk 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
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then on BC.2, that one has already been continued by
Commissioner Suarez.
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BC.3
11-00229
Office of the City
Clerk
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you.
Ms. Thompson: On BC.3, we have appointments to be made by Commissioner Suarez, which is
already continued, and you have an at -large appointment for that Bayfront Park Management
Trust.
Chair Gort: My understanding -- what were the names --?
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, sir.
Chair Gort: The one at large, they were nominated last time?
Ms. Thompson: There is no nomination process for this. The person who is currently serving as
one of your at -large individuals, whose term has expired, is Ms. Elena Carpenter.
Chair Gort: We moved it last time we were here.
Ms. Thompson: No, sir, you didn't.
Chair Gort: We didn't? Okay.
Ms. Thompson: And we're at -- well, because with her, if you go ahead and renominate her
today, since -- because she has served since May 10, 2001, she would need a five five term limit
waiver.
Chair Gort: So she cannot be nominated or she can?
Ms. Thompson: It is -- you know, you can really determine if you want to go ahead and go
through with the reappointment and consider the five five term limit waiver at another meeting
or leave her there and she continues to serve.
Chair Gort: Okay.
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
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
BC.4 RESOLUTION
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
11-00371
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:
Alvin Bullard Civilian Investigative Panel
(District 5)
Ducosse Delve Civilian Investigative Panel
(District 5)
Ellis Berger Civilian Investigative Panel
(District 2)
11-00371 CIP CCMemo.pdf
11-00371 CIP Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-00371 CIP Nominations.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0243
Chair Gort: Do we have CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel) on the agenda or --?
Vice Chair Carollo: We have --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah, it's under board. I think it's under boards.
Chair Gort: Under boards. Oh, okay. The -- at this time I'm going to take board appointments.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Can we take BC.4, which is the CIP item or the CIP board nominee out of
context -- out of the agenda and address that first, 'cause I'm going to continue probably the rest
of mine. So I would just like to address that for a second --
Chair Gort: Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- if possible?
Chair Gort: PZ.4?
Vice Chair Carollo: BC (Boards and Committees).
Commissioner Dunn: BC.
Vice Chair Carollo: B'as in bravo --
Chair Gort: BC.4, okay.
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- C'as in --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Charlie.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- Charlie.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. I have -- well --
Chair Gort: BC.4.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. I think each -- and that's something that I wanted to speak on last time
and we deferred some of this. Each Commissioner gets to appoint from the list that they provide
to us, two from each district. The two from my district that, so far, has been provided is Daniel
Suarez and Rolando Aedo. I've had my office try to reach out to Daniel Suarez to get his resume
so we know more about him. And Rolando Aedo, I've tried to meet with him andl guess our
schedules have conflicted or so forth. I actually even went by his house last night andl didn't
see him. So I am going to, you know, defer my two until meet with these two individuals, and
go from there, so --
Chair Gort: Okay. There's two additional individuals so -- District 3, 2 and 5. District 5, you
have Alvin Bullard.
Commissioner Dunn: That's -- I have no -- yes, I'm ready to move forward with that.
Chair Gort: You move forward?
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. I find that's fine that we --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: -- move forward. Yes.
Chair Gort: District 2.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry. Chair, District 5 actually has two listed there.
Chair Gort: But this time he have only one person being recommended.
Vice Chair Carollo: And Madam City Clerk --
Ms. Thompson: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I'm going to continue all of my other appointments.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Can -- I'll ask if we can, when we finish this one --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Ms. Thompson: -- we'll do those -- all that other -- okay.
Janet McAliley: Mr. Chair.
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Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. McAliley: I'm JanetMcAliley, a member of the CIP, and I'd like to speak to this issue. And
with me is Charles Mays, our attorney, and Carol Abia, who is our acting interim director. We'd
like to speak to this.
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Charles Mays: Most respectfully, with respect to -- I'm Charles Mays -- the issue of the
appointments, the appointments are not necessarily made by an individual Commissioner, but
instead the appointments are made by the entire Commission. And the intent of the ordinance
amendment from the standpoint of making sure that there were at least two members from each
district was for the purpose not necessarily of conferring upon a particular Commissioner, if you
will, an appointment, per se, but rather to make sure that it was indeed diversity with respect to
the appointments. We respectfully urge you to consider these matters. The candidates have been
vetted extensively. We've been here on many, many occasions. We have people whose terms
have long expired and yet and still they serve. We urge you to move forward, with all due
respect.
Chair Gort: All right. Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. I -- the two names that wanted to proffer -- andl think that's what
we were trying to do, if I'm not mistaken, counselor -- was Alvin Bullard andDucosse Delva in
District 5. Those were the two names.
Vice Chair Carollo: If you move it, I'll second.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, so move.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Ms. Thompson: Sorry.
Chair Gort: Wait, Wait, wait.
Ms. Thompson: IfI might --
Chair Gort: Excuse me a minute
Mr. Mays: But actually --
Chair Gort: Excuse me a minute. My understanding is we're to send a recommendation to the --
to their board. Their board has a process where they interview the individuals and they come
back with a recommendation. My understanding is, and correct me if I'm wrong, we can only
vote for those individuals that are on the list that had been recommended, that had been
interviewed by them, and has been recommended. That's what my interpretation.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
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Mr. Mays: And --
Commissioner Dunn: Madam Clerk, help us. I mean, is that -- I mean, I'm not doubting you,
Mr. Chairman, but I just want to kind of --
Ms. Thompson: He's -- Chair Gort is absolutely correct. When the -- it's my understanding,
when the discussion took place to amend the ordinance, there was much discussion. The
advertising process or collecting of names process didn't change. I remember Commissioner
Gort says well, we can recommend people to put in their applications and they can be
considered, right, and virtually have said yes, and that's what happened. Individuals -- the
advertisement was sent out. The notification sent out. People picked up applications from our
office, from online, the whole process. That information turned over to the CIP. They went
through their process. And it's my understanding, after that vetting process, these are the five
names that we have before us at this point in time.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Rolando Aedo's from District 3, 1700 Southwest 12th Avenue; Ellis
Berger from District 2, 550 Northeast 53rd Street; Alvin Bullard, District 5, 4761 Northwest 11 th
Avenue; Ducosse Delva, District 5, 7835 Northeast 2ndAvenue; Daniel Suarez, District 3, 3600
Southwest 16th Court, and that's my motion.
Ms. Thompson: Excuse me.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Ms. Thompson: I am so sorry.
Commissioner Dunn: To recommend to the --
Ms. Thompson: Because the Mayor had requested and wanted to actually proffer the name of
Mr. Ellis Berger as the Mayor's appointment citywide options.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman --
Chair Gort: Wait a minute.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- here's the thing.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: If these two are going to represent my district, I want at least the courtesy to
be able to meet with them.
Mr. Mays: May I speak, sir?
Vice Chair Carollo: I did not recommend these people. You know, these are the names coming
to me, and there's a reason why they have District 3 next to them. So if these are going to be the
representatives from District 3, I want the courtesy to be able to meet with them to at least see a
resume because I don't know who this Daniel Suarez is from, you know, Pepe Suarez, so I --
Commissioner Suarez: (UNINTET,T IGIBT ,F)
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- you know. I need to at least see a resume. I need to -- you know, I think
it's an important board and, you know, at the very least, there's a reason why there's a District 3
next to these two names.
Mr. Mays: May --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And, Commissioner, I'm not disagreeing with you, andl didn't vote for
this change. The way you're doing it is the way we used to do it. I didn't vote for this particular
change, andl think this change may have come before you guys were here. I'm not sure. But
this is the process that a Commission voted for by taking it away from Commissioners as to how
they appoint people to the board.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, here's the thing. There's a reason why we have to ratify this or vote
for this. There is a reason. And l just don't see if we don't vote for the two members or the two
nominees from District 3, how they become CIP members, so no. You know, it's not like it's taken
out of our hands. Andl think what I'm requesting is, you know, extremely reasonable because
surely, if there was someone from District 2 and you didn't know about it and you asked for that
courtesy to at least get to know this person, I wouldn't vote for that.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I don't know Ellis Berger, I'll be honest with you. I'm literally left
with a process I didn't vote for, one that I think became politicized in its own way and one that
took some of our ability to vet candidates out of our hands.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, not necessarily so 'cause like I'm saying, right now I want to meet with
them. If for some reason -- I mean, realistically, I don't know who this Daniel Suarez is.
However, he's representing District 3. I didn't nominate this person, like, you know,
Commissioner Gort mentioned. You know, I don't know who he is. I want, at the very least, to be
able to see his resume to see who he is. I mean, unless you're telling me this board is really not
that important and anyone they name is fine, you know. All we need is a name in there to -- you
know, someone that lives in your district. I don't believe that. I think this board is extremely
important and I'd like to have the courtesy of knowing who is being there with the District 3 title
next to them.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman, I -- just so -- ifI may. I'm just trying to get clarification. I
know we've been kind of dealing with this. I just -- what is -- I'm -- Madam Clerk, what is the
process 'cause I'm still --? I'm -- think -- one minute I thinkl understand it and then the next
minute -- go ahead, Mr. Chairman, if you -- what's the process?
Chair Gort: My understanding, what this Commission voted on was that each one of us was to
try to send applications or applicants to the -- to their board of director. Their board of directors
is independent, voted by the people of the City ofMiami. They were to interview the individuals
and make their recommendation. I, myself, I've only been able to send one person that was
already serving that board. My understanding is we're supposed to send individuals to them so
they can be interviewed by them and recommended to us.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. IfI may, (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F) 4: 29: 59 -- So just trying to -- I'm not
a lawyer, but I'm learning from these guys. So Madam Clerk, is that the process, just basically
what he just said? I'm going somewhere.
Maria J Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: The attorney.
Ms. Chiaro: HI would just add to what the Chairman said. In addition to the names sent to the
Civilian Investigative Panel to be interviewed for possible recommendation --
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Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Ms. Chiaro: -- to the City Commission for appointment, the Civilian Investigative Panel
advertised itself and interviewed names that came to it from various organizations or just
members of the public. So not only the names from the City Commission went to the Civilian
Investigative Panel Nominating Committee, but other names from the community, at least in
terms of the ordinance where part of the process to receive the nominations back to the City
Commission for appointment by the City Commission.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. I'm 'bout to get there.
Chair Gort: Commissioner.
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for my [sic] indulgence. So now, if
I'm not mistaken -- 'cause this really speaks -- so that I hear you saying, colleague -- Vice Chair
Carollo, that you didn't have any involvement whatsoever in this process that we're given. Is that
what hear?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. I did not nominate these people. I did not provide these names. They
provided these names to me, which now, in turn, I -- okay. They provide these names. They
could be qualified individuals. However, I want the opportunity, since they're going to be
representing District 3, to be able, at the very least, you know, receive a resume and know who
they are. Andl --
Commissioner Dunn: Now --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- think, in all --
Commissioner Dunn: -- let me just say --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- fairness, that's --
Commissioner Dunn: I'm going to say. That's what -- I don't -- now, that's -- now I don't know.
That's Madam Attorney -- because I don't want to -- I don't -- within the means of the law, okay,
of the guidelines for the CIP -- certainly as a Commissioner you don't want to abdicate your total
responsibility at least in being able to have some input. The final decision rest with the CIP,
clearly understand that.
Vice Chair Carollo: The final decision rest with us.
Commissioner Dunn: Oh.
Vice Chair Carollo: And that's why --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- if we don't vote for these two individuals, then they don't become CIP.
Commissioner Dunn: Got it.
Vice Chair Carollo: So that's why I disagree with Commissioner Sarnoff that we did not give our
right up.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, if I could just -- first off I actually have a lot of respect for your
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position. Your position, very simply, is when it says approve, it means that you're going to have
vetted that person, understood that person, and part of your vote for that approval process is
your -- well, is your approval of that person, and that you simply, as you like to say, don't
rubber-stamp things. I get that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yep.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And you know what, I think agree with you because there's a number of
times -- things are going to fall on our shoulders in the next couple of weeks, months, maybe
days, and it's going to say "with the approval of the City Commission. "And the question just
bears in mind, principally, what does it mean for the City Commission to approve something.
And inevitably, things are going to fall on us because the Charter's going to say, you know, you
are the inevitable arbiter of what is going to be right and what is going to be wrong; that our
approval should mean something. So you know, I certainly -- I agree with you. I didn't agree
with the changing of the process. And you're right, to do it any other way would mean a rubber
stamp.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah.
Chair Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So I will withdraw my motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: What -- Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Motion withdrawn. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Now -- andl withdraw my second. But the question is if the other
districts are -- district Commissioners are okay, could the motion be modified to include those
that are okay, with the exception of district --? Would you have any problems with that, Vice
Chairman?
Vice Chair Carollo: Right. In other words, if you want the two from District 5 and --
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- so forth, yes.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: We -- this isn't a grouping. We could, you know --
Commissioner Dunn: Got it.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- choose individual ones --
Commissioner Dunn: Got it.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- and so forth. It's not a grouping. Yes, absolutely.
Commissioner Dunn: So I'd like to make a motion with -- to move with the names that were
submitted with those --
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Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Commissioner Dunn: -- said names, with the exception of -- let me just read it. Ellis Berger,
District 2. Okay, there it is. Alvin -- okay. Alvin Bullard, District 5, Ducosse Delva, District 5,
and Ellis Berger, District 2. There's a motion on the --
Chair Gort: Okay. There's a motion. Is there a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: Been move and second. Moved by Commissioner --
Commissioner Suarez: I just want to say for the record that I'm not related to Daniel Suarez.
Didl say that already?
Chair Gort: Yes, you did.
Commissioner Suarez: I don't even know who he is --
Vice Chair Carollo: That he is not related.
Commissioner Suarez: -- as far as I know.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: I don't know. I mean, Suarez is a very common name. And maybe
somehow there's some --
Chair Gort: Okay. We have a motion --
Commissioner Suarez: Not that I'm aware of at least.
Chair Gort: -- and a second. Discussion. Yes, ma'am, I'll allow you.
Ms. McAliley: Thank you, Mr. Gort. The applications and -- have been -- of all these five
people have been sent to your offices. In fact, Rolando Aedo, one of our most outstanding
applicants, has tried -- you -- we've offered his name to fill some of the vacancies last fall, Mr.
Carollo, and we sent his resume, which is extensive, and he tried numerous times to get an
appointment with you and never was able to do that. Daniel Suarez also has gone to your office
seeking an appointment with you and has not been given an appointment. There are eight
individuals on the CIP now who are past their sell -by date or their time when they're allowed to
be there, but the ordinance provides that we can -- that we will stay until we're replaced. I'm
ready to be replaced. But I really believe in the importance of civic involvement and the good
law enforcement in this City, and that's why I've put in eight years of a lot of hard work on this,
andl am tired of coming down here on CIP issues and been treat -- being treated -- the process
being treated with contempt because we have done our work and our staff has done the work.
And we have tried to get good applicants, and we have two very good ones from your district.
But the whole process was not meant to be that individual Commissioners can pick their
members of the CIP. The process was to get good people through a wide ranging advertisement
also seeking input from all of you and your offices and that these appointments would be made
as a committee of the whole, not individual political appointments, and that's what you're turning
this into. And I must say you have done a disservice to a lot of hard work from really good
people.
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Chair Gort: Thank you, ma'am.
Vice Chair Carollo: Ma'am -- and Mr. Chairman, ifI may, I need to answer.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: First of all, I disagree with what you're saying. I think that if someone's
going to have a District 3 next to their name, then I should, at the very least, be able to meet with
that person and, at the very least, in the case of Daniel Suarez -- and you notice, I've never
mentioned the resume with Rolando Aedo 'cause we did receive that. We just kept missing each
other. For some reason -- I've called him several times, my office has; he was out of town,
couldn't meet with me. Even last night I went by his house. I mean, I know his house by heart,
you know. I know his address by heart, you know, so I have tried. We've missed each other for
some reason. And with Daniel Suarez, I don't even have a resume, so we've reached out to him.
And the truth of the matter is, they may be very good individuals. I don't know that. And until I
know that, I cannot vote for them. That's my position. So I disagree about any disservice or --
you know what, I'm not even going to keep speaking on that matter.
Ms. McAliley: It's been eight months --
Chair Gort: There's a motion and a second -- excuse me, ma'am. We're in the process of a
motion. There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state
it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Mays: Thank you.
BC.5 RESOLUTION
11-00446
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
BOARD FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Mike Butler Commission -At -Large
11-00446 CEB CCMemo.pdf
11-00446 CEB Current_Board_Members.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, Suarez and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo
R-11-0245
Chair Gort: Let's go to the next one.
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Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Okay. On BC.4, you've already done that one. BC.5 would
be your Code Enforcement Board. You have three at -large appointments to be made by the
Commission. You have two individuals who, of the at -large appointments when you make those
appointments, they will be alternate members.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Not going to be making an appointment, but I do have a
question. Does a representative of your staff attend Code Enforcement meetings?
Ms. Thompson: No, sir. Those are covered by the Hearings [sic] Board [sic] office.
Commissioner Suarez: So no one from the Clerk's office attends that meeting, that specific
meeting?
Ms. Thompson: That's correct.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Who then would be the person responsible for educating the
members on the process and the procedure that they have to follow because obviously, you do
that for us. But who would be the one entrusted with doing that for them? Because there's been
some issues that have been brought to my attention about the operation of that board and --
specifically, relating to procedure.
Ms. Thompson: Our Planning director, Mr. Francisco Garcia. The Hearing Boards falls under
his department. The person who's over that area would be Mr. Anel Rodriguez.
Commissioner Suarez: But my question is if -- let's say, for example, we had a question on
procedure, we would ask you.
Ms. Thompson: Correct.
Commissioner Suarez: Right? In this -- when this board is ongoing, if they have a question on
procedure, who is the person that they should ask at that board hearing?
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): Commissioner, ifI may?
Commissioner Suarez: Please.
Ms. Chiaro: The Code Enforcement Board --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Ms. Chiaro: -- has its own attorney --
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Ms. Chiaro: -- who is retained to advise that -- the board on its procedures.
Commissioner Suarez: I'm aware of that.
Ms. Chiaro: The City Attorney's office prosecutes in fronts of board, but questions regarding
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procedure are either answered by the attorney advising the board --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Ms. Chiaro: -- or by the person -- andl don't know who is assigned to take the minutes from the
Code Enforcement Board. It's Hearing Boards. It's the Office of Hearing Boards.
Commissioner Suarez: But the person who's taking the minutes, is that person -- should that
person be the one that's entrusted with or that's required to advise the board procedurally on
how to conduct their meetings in a proper procedure?
Ms. Chiaro: It -- that person who is taking the minutes serves in the same capacity for that
meeting as your City Clerk --
Commissioner Suarez: As the Clerk.
Ms. Chiaro: -- does.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Ms. Chiaro: But again, there is an attorney who is there to advise --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Ms. Chiaro: -- the board solely on procedures and questions of law for the board.
Commissioner Suarez: Right. But what I'm getting at is like rules of order and procedural
questions, not having to do necessarily with legal questions, and I'm not sure -- maybe she --
maybe that person is required to have a dual role. I don't know.
Ms. Chiaro: It would be the board's attorney.
Commissioner Suarez: So you're saying that the Hearing Board officer would not be the one that
would advise them on the rules and regulations?
Ms. Chiaro: Generally speaking --
Commissioner Suarez: It would be the Board --
Ms. Chiaro: -- no. With the Hear -- the attorney for the board itself would advise on procedures,
what kind of evidence can be admitted, you know --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Ms. Chiaro: -- those kinds of things.
Commissioner Suarez: I'll give you -- I'll explain to you what's going on. What happened is
apparently there's an at -large member who is an alternate and there's been some questions about
whether that at -large member can second a motion, cannot second a motion. Andl think the
issue is just having clarity and consistency, you know, so that the rules are clear and that
whether -- if that person cannot second a motion, if they're an alternate and the full board is
there, then that person cannot -- my understanding of what an alternate means is that person -- if
we had an alternate and all five of us were here, the alternate would have to sit on the sideline --
Ms. Chiaro: That's correct.
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Commissioner Suarez: -- or go home.
Ms. Chiaro: That's correct. And the --
Commissioner Suarez: Unless --
Ms. Chiaro: -- board attorney would advise the Code Enforcement Board of that.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Ms. Chiaro: But --
Commissioner Suarez: So I just want to make sure that that person is -- I don't know to what
extent maybe we can issue a directive or what, but you know, there's been complaints about the
way that the procedure's been handled at that board and so I just want there to be consistency
and clarity, you know, when -- I don't know if you can communicate that to the board attorney or
Ms. Chiaro: Yes. We have communication with the Code Enforcement Board attorney and,
apropos of this discussion, we will discuss the procedure --
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you.
Ms. Chiaro: -- of the Code Enforcement Board.
Ms. Thompson: So then we're still at that point where the Commission at -large still has three
appointments to make to that board. Commissioners, your pleasure.
Chair Gort: The -- what are the names at large and who's --?
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry.
Chair Gort: Who --
Ms. Thompson: Currently serving at large, you have Mr. Mike Butler, whose term expired on
May 12.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Ms. Thompson: And then you also have Ms. Marta L. Zayas. She is an alternate member. And
then you have a vacancy. Now, if we reappoint Ms. Zayas, her -- she would require an absentee
waiver because she had five absences in 2011.
Chair Gort: Who else?
Ms. Thompson: Those are the only ones whose seats would be up --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: We have a vacancy.
Chair Gort: There's only a motion for one, and it's been made by --
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Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: -- Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Suarez. Any further discussion?
Being none, all in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: So that is your appointment ofMr. Mike Butler, your reappointment ofMr. Mike
Butler.
Chair Gort: Um -hum.
Ms. Thompson: Didl hear from Ms. Zayas as well?
Commissioner Suarez: No.
Ms. Thompson: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. No, you did not.
Ms. Thompson: That's what I thought. Only one for Mr. Mike Butler.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Correct.
Commissioner Dunn: Right.
BC.6 RESOLUTION
11-00447
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION ON THE
STATUS OF WOMEN FORA TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Maud Newbold
11-00447 CSW CCMemo.pdf
11-00447 CSW Current_Board_Members.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
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-11-0246
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then we have BC.6.
Chair Gort: I'll pass on mine.
Ms. Thompson: On BC. 6 then we would have remaining would be Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. I'd like to proffer the name of Maud Newbold.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
BC.7
11-00235
Ms. Thompson: Ms. Maud Newbold, okay.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, that's correct.
Ms. Thompson: That's your motion. We have a second?
Chair Gort: 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.
RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
RELATIONS BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Carlos Morales Mayor Tomas Regalado
( Term ending December 9, 2012)
Juana Amanda Vargas Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort
(Term ending June 9, 2013)
11-00235 CRB CCMemo.pdf
11-00235 CRB Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-00235 CRB Liaison Memo.pdf
11-00235 CRB Resumes.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, 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-11-0247
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then we have on BC.7, this is the Community Relations
Board. The Mayor has proffered the name of Mr. Carlos Morales.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So move.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Ms. Thompson: And -- okay. All right. Then of course Commissioner Gort, you have two
appointments.
Chair Gort: Reappoint Juana Amanda Vargas --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Second.
Chair Gort: -- and Barbara Rodriguez.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
BC.8
11-00231
Ms. Thompson: Can we do one motion, please?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Yeah. We'll just -- we'll call it a serial motion.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. So so far we have for the Mayor, Carlos Morales; for Chair Gort, Juana
Vargas. And did you say, Chair --?
Chair Gort: Barbara Rodriguez.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, and Barbara Rodriguez would need a four fifth attendance waiver.
Okay. And then Commissioner --
Chair Gort: We need a Commissioner here.
Ms. Thompson: -- Sarnoff, do you have anyone?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I will not be appointing, ma'am.
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Chair Gort: Okay. So we go with Carlos Morales and Juana Amanda Vargas.
Ms. Thompson: Yes. So your mover, seconder.
Chair Gort: There's a motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any
discussion? Being none, all in favor, indicate it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY BOARD FORA TERM AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Vivian Walters, Jr.
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00231 CTAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00231 CTAB 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-11-0248
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.8, our Community Technology Advisory Board, there
is an appointment now to be made by Commissioner Dunn.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
BC.9
11-00232
Office of the City
Clerk
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. I would like to proffer the name of Vivian Walters.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Ms. Thompson: Vivian --
Commissioner Dunn: Walters.
Ms. Thompson: W-A-L-T-E-R-S, okay.
Commissioner Dunn: That's correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Gort: Been moved and second. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
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 Term Waiver Current_Board_Members.pdf
NO ACTION TAKEN
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.9, we can't take that up because we need a five five.
Chair Gort: Okay.
BC.10 RESOLUTION
11-00241
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
ADVISORY BOARD FORA TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Albena Sumner
11-00241 EOA CCMemo.pdf
11-00241 EOA Current_Board_Members.pdf
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
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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R-11-0249
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.10, BC.10 would be our Equal Opportunity Advisory
Board. We have appointments to be made by Chair Gort, then Commissioner Sarnoff, and
Commissioner Dunn. We have no names being -- no new names or any names proffered by the
three bargaining units listed.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I will not be making an appointment.
Commissioner Dunn: I will be proffering the name ofAlbena Summer [sic].
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Dunn: Sumner.
Chair Gort: Pass.
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Aye.
Commissioner Dunn: Aye.
BC.11 RESOLUTION
11-00448
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Francis Suarez
11-00448 Finance CCMemo.pdf
11-00448 Finance Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): All right. Then we move to BC.11, the Finance Committee.
On BC.11, Chair Gort, you have an appointment.
Chair Gort: Pass.
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.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commissioner Richard Dunn II
10-00766 Health CCMemo.pdf
10-00766 Health 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): Okay. Then we move to BC.12. On BC.12, Vice Chair
Carollo and Commissioner Suarez have already continued theirs.
Commissioner Dunn: I'll --
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Dunn --
Commissioner Dunn: -- I'm going to continue that one.
Ms. Thompson: -- you have an appointment.
Commissioner Dunn: Continue.
Ms. Thompson: So that's -- okay. Do I -- get a second on that one for me because you're
continuing it.
Commissioner Dunn: I'm continuing it.
Ms. Thompson: Yes, you're continuing yours.
Chair Gort: No, no. Their --
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Chair Gort: He's --
Ms. Thompson: So that's Dunn/Suarez, 3-0. That's what you're saying? Because that was my
last one there for -- to take the action. Yes?
Chair Gort: I'm sorry. What was that again?
Ms. Thompson: Okay.
Chair Gort: He doesn't want to take a decision today.
Ms. Thompson: Right. So he's continuing his, so I'm listing his motion as -- to continue.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think he wants it brought up the same time as everybody else's. So
whenever you would bring this back, he would -- that's what he wants.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
BC.13
11-00233
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.14
11-00460
Office of the City
Clerk
Ms. Thompson: And all need is --
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm his attorney today.
Ms. Thompson: -- a seconder and the vote on his motion.
Chair Gort: We never had a motion before on this.
Ms. Thompson: Yeah.
Chair Gort: Okay. Moved. 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
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES/CATEGORIES: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Vice Chairman Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
(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
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Ms. Thompson: On BC.13, those have -- that would be continued because of Commissioner
Suarez and Vice Chair Carollo.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE HOMELAND
DEFENSE/NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT BOND PROGRAM
OVERSIGHT BOARD FORATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
David R. Berley Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
11-00460 Homeland CCMemo.pdf
11-00460 Homeland 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-11-0250
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.14 is your Homeland Defense.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'd reappoint David Berley.
Ms. Thompson: Mr. David Berley. That's your motion, sir?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. It is, ma'am.
Chair Gort: It's been moved --
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: -- Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn. All in favor, state it by
saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.15 RESOLUTION
11-00462
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND
EXHIBITION AUTHORITY FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Nathan Kurland Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
Walter Frazier Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00462 MSEACCMemo.pdf
11-00462 MSEACurrent_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-11-0251
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Then on BC.15, you have your Miami Sports & Exhibition
Authority.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Vice Chair Carollo: I would reappoint Nathan Kurland.
Commissioner Dunn: Andl want --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. That is my motion.
Commissioner Dunn: -- second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved and second.
Ms. Thompson: And then --
Commissioner Dunn: Then I -- we should have done it all at one time, right? I -- okay.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I'll amend my motion.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. I -- okay, will you amend it? And I'll amend it to include Coach
Walter Frazier.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Is that Walt?
Commissioner Dunn: That's who it is.
Ms. Thompson: Walter Frazier.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. No way.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, it is.
Chair Gort: Great.
Commissioner Dunn: He was at the meeting.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Okay.
Chair Gort: Okey-doke.
Ms. Thompson: Okay, so --
Chair Gort: There's a motion and there's a second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in
favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.16 RESOLUTION
11-00367
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT
BOARD FOR ATERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Milton Hall, Sr. Commissioner Richard Dunn II
11-00367 NAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00367 NAB 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-11-0252
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.16 that would be your Nuisance Abatement Board.
Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: I want to proffer the name Milton Hall, Sr.
Ms. Thompson: Mr. Milton Hall, Sr.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Ms. Thompson: That's your -- okay. And your vote.
Chair Gort: It's been moved and second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state
it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
BC.17 RESOLUTION
11-00202
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE OAB/OVERTOWN
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED
HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Marlon Moore Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Shamar Robbins Commissioner Richard Dunn II
Deborah Breedlove Commissioner Richard Dunn II
(Youth Member)
11-00202 OAB CCMEMO.pdf
11-00202 OAB Current_Board_Members.pdf
11-002-2 OAB 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
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
BC.18
11-00368
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.19
11-00250
Office of the City
Clerk
R-11-0253
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.17, you have your Overtown Advisory Board.
Commissioner Dunn.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. I believe I have Marlon Moore, Shomar Robbins, and Deborah
Breedlow [sic].
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved and second. 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 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 Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Ms. Thompson: BC.18 is continued based upon the earlier motion.
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
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commissioner Francis Suarez
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
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): BC.19, you have for the Urban Development Review Board,
UDRB. We have appointments to be made by Chair Gort and Commissioner Dunn.
Chair Gort: I'll pass.
Commissioner Dunn: I'll continue as well.
Ms. Thompson: Okay. Can I get a --?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second the motion to continue.
Chair Gort: All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Just trying to help.
BC.20 RESOLUTION
10-00919
Office of the City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING
Clerk CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH
PARK TRUST FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
BC.21
11-00466
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Francis Suarez
Commission -At -Large
10-00919 Virginia Key CCMemo.pdf
10-00919 VKBPT Current_Board_Members.pdf
Motion by Vice Chairman Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): On BC.20, we don't have anything yet coming in from the
board itself for the Commission at -large.
RESOLUTION
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.22
11-00471
Office of the City
Clerk
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:
Charles Pruett Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
11-00466 WAB CCMemo.pdf
11-00466 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-11-0254
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): BC.21, we have the Waterfront Advisory Board.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I would reappoint --
Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- Charles Pruett as my motion.
Ms. Thompson: Charles Pruett.
Chair Gort: It's been moved --
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: -- and second. 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
THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AS
CHAIRPERSONS, VICE -CHAIRPERSONS AND/OR MEMBERS ON
VARIOUS TRUSTS, AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND
AGENCIES FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTED AS CHAIRPERSON:
Commissioner Carollo of the Bayfront Park Management Trust
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Commissioner Sarnoff of the Downtown Development Authority
Commissioner Dunn II of the Commercial Solid Waste Management
Advisory Committee
Commissioner Suarez of the Midtown Community Redevelopment
Agency
Commissioner Sarnoff of the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency
Commissioner Dunn II of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency
APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIRPERSON:
Commissioner Carollo of the Mayor's International Council
Commissioner Gort of the Midtown Community Redevelopment Agency
Commissioner Suarez of the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority
Commissioner Suarez of the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency
Commissioner Suarez of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency
APPOINTED AS MEMBER:
Commissioner Dunn II of the Florida League of Cities
Commissioner Suarez of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors
Bureau
Commissioner Suarez of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Commissioner Suarez of the Miami -Dade County League of Cities
Commissioner Gort of the Miami -Dade County Tourist Development
Council
Commissioner Carollo of the Miami River Commission
11-00471 Commissioners as Members of Boards CCMemo.pdf
11-00471 History Commissioners as Board Members new.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
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
R-11-0255
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): And then lastly, Commissioners, as per the code, in June
you all go through the process of making nominations and voting on appointments to certain
boards where you sit as chair or either vice chair or either members. Those boards are listed in
your agenda. We did send to all of you the historical appointments to those boards so that it is
up to you if you want to consider those at this time.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I make a --
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- I'll make a motion to keep everybody just where they are.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay. There's a motion and there's a second. All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. That's what I call progress.
Commissioner Dunn: That's it.
[Later..]
Commissioner Suarez: I have one real quick, which is -- I promised to do this through my
father's campaign when I was approached by a reporter, and what my promise was that because
I'm a board member for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, appointed by this body, and
because my father's an ex-officio member of that same board, meaning that he is automatically a
member of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) and cannot resign as a member of
the MPO, that I would bring up for discussion with our body, if they felt comfortable with me
serving as the MPO member for the City ofMiami; if they felt that it was in any way a conflict or
that couldn't perform the sunshine law obligations that requires and -- I would gladly resign
and allow the board to appoint someone that they felt capable.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Here's my question.
Chair Gort: Commissioner, my understanding is, a motion -- while the two of you were out of
here, a motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff and you're still on the same board.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I didn't know that.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And I just want to know, can you be your own man?
Commissioner Suarez: Absolutely. I mean, I'm here to represent --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Can you say no to your dad?
Commissioner Suarez: -- this board. I think you know the answer to that question.
Vice Chair Carollo: And obviously, you can't speak about any transportation issues that may
come to the board with your dad.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
DI.1
11-00396
Department of
Finance
DI.2
11-00480
Commissioner Suarez: Of course.
Vice Chair Carollo: So you can't seek any advice for anything.
Commissioner Suarez: Just like I can't speak to you all about matters that are going to come
before this board.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: You guys are like family already to me too, so it's --
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: I have no problem.
Vice Chair Carollo: I don't have a problem. Actually -- but I still thank you for bringing that up
to us 'cause, you know --
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- that's -- and you know -- and that directly, you know, says a lot, you
know, and this is what this board says.
Commissioner Dunn: Transparency.
Vice Chair Carollo: You know -- exactly, transparency. And, you know, we -- exactly. And we
speak to our colleagues and so forth and, you know, this is -- you know, so I commend you,
Commissioner Suarez. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Transparencia, so everybody can understand it.
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION BY THE EXTERNAL AUDITORS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.
11-00396 Summary Form.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Carollo, 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 DI I was deferred to the Commission Meeting scheduled for June 23,
2011.
DISCUSSION ITEM
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Department of
Building and Zoning
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SITE CERTIFICATION FOR THE TURKEY
POINT PLANT UNITS 6 & 7 , THE OFFICIAL FPL PROPOSED CORRIDOR
FOR THE TRANSMISSION LINE, THE SUBMITTAL OF THE REQUIRED
AGENCY REPORT, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTION FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION AND THE LEGISLATURE.
11-00480 Summary Form and Proposed Draft Legislation.pdf
11-00480-Submittal-City of Miami Agency Report on FPL Turkey Point Units 6 and 7 Project.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: Okay. Now we go back to DI 2.
Vice Chair Carollo: We're on PZ (Planning & Zoning), right?
Chair Gort: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. Now we're back to DI.2.
Chair Gort: DI 2.
Vanessa Acosta (Assistant Director, Building): DI 2 is FPL (Florida Power & Light).
Chair Gort: FPL.
Commissioner Sarnoff. FPL.
Vice Chair Carollo: Oh, gotcha.
Victoria Mendez (Assistant City Attorney): Commissioners, this item has to do with the agency
report for Florida Power & Light that needs to be filed by June 15. The agency report has the
Administration's recommendations with regard to FPL's preferred corridor. The Administration
is recommending denial of certification. And also if, for some reason, that denial is not accepted
by the administrative law judge after of course we do all -- we litigate the matter and such, the
City also prepares all of the conditions that the City would like to see regarding zoning
regulations, trees, planning, of public works, and right-of-way issues and such. So that is --
what's here before you today is the acceptance of the Administration's agency report. Also
before you are two other resolutions that you don't have to deal with today if you choose not to,
but I wanted to propose -- and we've discussed it in the past -- that it has to do with asking the
Public Service Commission to look at the way they assess rate payers in order to consider
sharing the rates with all Floridians that deal with FPL and pay into FPL; for those projects that
are more than ten miles and start with nuclear power plants so that undergrounding can be
something -- undergrounding the power lines could be something that is shared between all the
rate payers and that's a resolution that you can also entertain so that we can send it to the Dade
League of Cities, the Legislature, and the Public Service Commission. And then the other
resolution, which is a third resolution that's before you today, is to send also a resolution urging
the Legislature to look at their Chapter 403 of Florida Statutes that has to do with the Power
Plant Siting Act and to make sure that they look into undergrounding as an alternate corridor.
We had discussed previously that other municipalities are doing alternate corridors, but
undergrounding is not an alternate corridor. It's supposed to be a -- just something that's borne
by the municipalities and something that we would have to do on our own. But in places such as
Miami that is dense and built out, alternate corridors should be suggested for undergrounding.
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So those are the three resolutions you have before you; one, accepting the agency report, one
about the Public Service Commission and rate sharing, and one about changing Florida Statute
403 to allow undergrounding to be considered an alternate corridor. The only one that we need
to really truly discuss today is the one having to do with the agency report. The other two I
brought before you for your consideration. Since session is going to be starting and committee
meetings are going to be starting in September, I wanted the City to really have an opportunity to
try and ramp up and try to actually change the statutes and such early.
Chair Gort: As stated before, I want to make sure that the City -- andl stated before -- the
growth ofMiami-Dade County is being at the expense of the City. Now two alternative cities --
andl don't want to go into this -- recommended alternative routes because they don't want to go
in front of their cities, and so it's not in my backyard, but it's good in yours. The alternative
routes that are recommended, I'm completely against it. I think we all voted against that because
it goes to one of the most populated areas within the City ofMiami.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. We made sure, after the last Commission meeting, that we discussed the fact
that an alternate corridor, which is -- was similar to the other two cities. We withdrew our City's
application with regard to an alternate corridor and now in the process on those alternate
corridors, the City has an opportunity to opine and do an agency report as well with regard to
those, and we will make sure that we vehemently oppose that --
Chair Gort: Well --
Ms. Mendez: -- those alternate corridors as well.
Chair Gort: -- I don't know if you're aware, but residents within that corridor received letters
stating --
Ms. Mendez: Yeah.
Chair Gort: -- that that corridor -- so the amount of calls that I received from people asking
what's going to happen --
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Chair Gort: -- is tremendous, so --
Ms. Mendez: As part of the public process, the cities, which are South Miami, Coral Gables, and
I believe Pinecrest, they -- as a part of the Florida Statutes, they have to provide notice of their
proposed alternate corridor, so they sent letters to all the affected homeowners and property
owners within that area. So that is -- and that was due on June I was when they sent out all
those letters and the notices and that's why you're receiving all those calls.
Chair Gort: So we know where to forward those complaints to. Okay, thank you.
Ms. Acosta: Gentlemen --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Acosta: -- this agency report is a --
Chair Gort: And who are you?
Ms. Acosta: Vanessa Acosta with Building and Zoning.
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Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Acosta: -- was a draft report. We're trying to finalize input from all of the departments. The
City ofMiami, as opposed to other cities, chose to in-house our report. So all of the departments
are providing feedback and input and we're trying to finalize it before it's due to FPL. What we
did maintain with consistency was the request of the Commission that we recommend denial
vehemently, that this is not of interest to the City, that it go through us in this preferred corridor
as FPL is proposing it.
Ms. Mendez: The agency report that's before you today, it's substantially in the attached form is
how it's going to be transmitted, but we still have to do minor edits on the formatting. And if we
have any other last-minute things that we want to add that will strengthen our argument, we
might do that as well. But there's only one paragraph that's in there twice; we have to remove
that. But other than that, that is pretty much the meat and potatoes of all our conditions that we
want to put forward. We also added in there Mayor Stoddard, who spoke -- of South Miami -- to
you at the last time this came up. Had -- they had commissioned an excellent report on the
economic impacts of these type of power lines in areas such as ours, and we made sure that we
added that information as well. The other municipalities have been assisting. We've been trying
to work mutually together in those areas that we can for now, and so that is where -- whenever
we have information, we do share it as much as possible. So that was a great addition to our
agency report with regard to the economic downfalls of these power lines.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Could you show me where that is in the report?
Ms. Mendez: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Can you show me where it is in the report?
Ms. Mendez: His report? The -- in the attachments.
Ms. Acosta: It was attached.
Ms. Mendez: It's attached --
Ms. Acosta: It was attached to the agency report.
Ms. Mendez: -- that I can -- I have it here.
Commissioner Sarnoff. It's not referenced in your report?
Ms. Mendez: Yes. We referenced it in --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Give me the paragraph and the page.
Ms. Mendez: It should be on the first few pages. If you just give me one second. It is on page 1,
which is the last paragraph. Not there, but right above it, the last bullet. We have to properly
save the name of it, which is one of the minor edits because I didn't have it at the time that we
were editing it. But that's where we show it as ExhibitA --
Commissioner Sarnoff. As exhibit --
Ms. Mendez: -- on page I.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Where's ExhibitA?
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Ms. Acosta: It was attached.
Ms. Mendez: If not, I have an extra copy, if you need it. Does he have it? If not, I could give
him mine.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. How wouldl know that's Exhibit A?
Ms. Acosta: We didn't make it Exhibit A. That was one of the minor edits that we have to do to
make it --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Oh.
Chair Gort: Speak in the mike, please.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Sorry.
Ms. Acosta: Since we were working cooperatively with other municipalities and with all the
departments, there are certain edits in terms of form and properly referencing different items that
need to be better addressed. We just wanted to make sure that the Commission, prior to
submission date, had the most complete document possible with all of the information attached.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. And ifI were to highlight in this report any and all discussions about
undergrounding the lines, where would l find that in the report?
Ms. Acosta: The reality is that undergrounding the lines pursuant FPL's mandate is not an
alternate corridor. We can request it as something that is the only way it will be feasible, but
they will not consider it as an option.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So when you write on page 2, paragraph 4, variance of standards, the
City requests that should the corridor proposed by FP&L go forward, that FP&L be required to
underground and shield the transmission lines regardless of the cost. FP&L is entitled to
reimbursement for construction expenditures as the lines benefit the entire estate. FP&L should
be required to protect the electrical power for all residents of the state by ensuring -- then you go
on and repeat that. Is that an undergrounding statement?
Ms. Acosta: It is wishful thinking in part because currently, they're not allowed, pursuant their
mandating body, to do it. It was the will of the Commission that we specifically express in our
agency report that this was what our City wanted if we were going to be forced to have it go
through.
Ms. Mendez: We just wanted to make sure that we put it in there, that that is -- we will be helpful
as much as possible with FPL if it is undergrounded, but of course, that's our request. Right now
there isn't a mechanism.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Is it all right to continue?
Chair Gort: Yes, go ahead.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Let -- I'm trying to -- your two other resos, which I actually like, which is
-- I think heard you say Commissioners, you may want to pass a resolution number 2, which
would be a nuclear power undergrounding that requires at any time you come off a nuclear
power plant, that the transmission lines associated with that volume or that carry of load would
be underground.
Ms. Mendez: Right.
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Commissioner Sarnoff. That's just our reso recommending that they do that.
Ms. Mendez: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And then the third reso is a reso asking the Florida Legislature to amend
Florida Chapter 403, Power Plant Signing [sic] Act, by undergrounding as an alternative
corridor.
Ms. Mendez: Right. That would be to actually do as Ms. Acosta had suggested, that it would
actually be considered an alternate route, that it could be -- that it could come through the
process like it is coming through now for other alternate routes. Actually, it would be
incorporated in the process and that's -- would have to be changed in the statute.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I like that. Where we are in this process, hasn't that train already
left the station?
Ms. Mendez: Well, this is -- right now with regard to trying to change process, I don't think --
right -- how can we say it? We're going to start session early next year, so -- I mean, the actual
session. Committee reports, everything is -- I mean, now in September. So if for some reason the
City ofMiami is able to get the ear of certain legislatures and -- legislators and actually
effectuate some of this change, I think that we can in the meantime while we're going through
this maybe be able to change the direction of how this is going. I know that it's wishful thinking,
but I don't think it's something that's left the station. I think it's something that we can actually
try and form. And we are also in a litigation posture, so when we start going to the certification
hearings and such -- and there are also certain things that are being delayed with regard to
deadlines -- we might coincide and actually get some things done, so --
Commissioner Sarnoff. But hasn't the alternate corridor time frame already run?
Ms. Mendez: I think Alice wants to say something. But yes.
Chair Gort: Alice -- I think she's trying very -- Yes.
Alice Bravo (Director): Good afternoon. Alice Bravo, Capital Improvements Department. The
state approval process is one element of this moving forward because the power lines are also a
subset of the nuclear plant expansion, and that needs to be approved by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission. For that federal agency to take an action, then that process also has to
follow NEPA, National Environmental Policy Act. So you know, the technical considerations
that have been put forth so far have to do with just physical construction restrictions. But
involving the environmental aspect also brings in aesthetic impacts, community impacts,
environmental impacts, which is a further level of analysis, and we do cite that in this document
and that will be brought into the discussion as these other approvals go forward. So we make it
quite clear that because of those environmental aesthetic impacts, the overhead lines are actually
not feasible option within this corridor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So correct me if I'm wrong. I think you didn't answer my question,
which is yes, Commissioner, the alternate corridor time frame to provide is over. However, ifI
bring this up now, I might be able to stop the federal acceptance for federal approval --
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- of the Nuclear Power plant, thus doing away with the need for the
large power lines overhead.
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Ms. Bravo: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Is that a correct statement of what you said?
Ms. Bravo: Correct, and the fact that this is the corridor. How it is designed within that
corridor is a subsequent step.
Commissioner Sarnoff. The -- I understand they're going to do a NEPA study, and the NEPA
study is for the power lines for the nuclear power plant. And know this is a chicken -or -egg
analysis, which is if you don't build the nuclear power plant, you don't need the power lines.
Correct?
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Chair Gort: Let me interrupt for a minute. My understanding, we asked the same question --
Commissioner Sarnoff. We got a different answer.
Chair Gort: -- and we were told even if it's not built, we'll have the power lines.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Because they wanted to harden --
Ms. Acosta: There is a --
Chair Gort: That was my understanding. And I'm getting confirmation from over there.
Ms. Acosta: The reality is that this process has various outcomes. This now goes to an
administrative law judge who renders an opinion and then the final say is the Cabinet. So what
we attempted to do in our report was create enough doubt for the administrative law judge or
maybe later the Cabinet to be able to say, slow down, stop, go back to the drawing board and
figure out how this best suit the needs of the different areas which you're transecting. So even
though it may have left the station already in some respects, we still have an administrative law
judge and a state Cabinet who can turn around and say slow down; you're adversely affecting
the population of one city more so than the rest to the detriment in both economic terms and
potentially health terms. Wishful thinking.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I almost called it ear candy. Right.
Ms. Acosta: Willy Wonka.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I think we're getting ear candy is what think we're getting.
Ms. Acosta: The City gets it no matter what. FPL is going to put a corridor through us, no
matter what.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah. It's just -- what is the best way for the corridor to be underground
on US 1 or I should say adjacent to US 1 ?
Ms. Acosta: We win the Powerball.
Ms. Bravo: Well, this route that we're taking here laying out the factors for which the
administrative law judge could consider making that a requirement, for that to be the feasible
option within this corridor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. So correct me if I'm wrong -- I mean, the route you're going is trying to
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win an appeal in front of an ALJ, administrative law judge. You're also going a route of trying to
get your Legislature to do what FP&L is extremely good at doing, which is change the law,
which good luck on that one, and the -- no.
Ms. Bravo: The ALJ is not an appeal. It is an official part of the process in approving this
action.
Ms. Acosta: This is -- the ALJ is the first --
Ms. Mendez: The DOAH hearing, Department [sic] of Administrative Hearings.
Ms. Bravo: They basically set the parameters for consideration of the Cabinet.
Ms. Acosta: The Cabinet's the final say. They receive the recommendation of --
Commissioner Sarnoff. The ALJ?
Ms. Acosta: Yeah.
Ms. Bravo: So the ALJ is receiving all this information from FP&L and the various agencies --
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Ms. Bravo: -- (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F) 5:17: 28 process.
Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): Just want to add one little
comment. I think we're speaking of a corridor almost like --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Need to go to federal court.
Mr. Martinez: -- a little skinny line on a map. In actuality, it's all of the US 1 corridor. So
whether you're above or under, it's still the same corridor, in my opinion. It's -- just because
you're going underneath, it's not a different corridor. It's the same corridor; you're at a different
plane.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Mr. Martinez: And it's not just a little skinny line on a map.
Chair Gort: No.
Mr. Martinez: It's got the entire US 1 corridor. It's got -- I don't know.
Ms. Bravo: The overhead and the underground is a design detail within that corridor.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well -- and the only reason I'm hedging on this is because we were told
that the time and the place to discuss undergrounding wasn't now. And you know, I don't want to
go on record in any respect or any shape or form -- I don't want to go on record suggesting in
any way, shape, or form that I think it's a good idea to put power lines up and down US 1. On
the other hand, I deferred to the other Commissioners on a NIMBY (not in my back yard) basis
because it was going to go in someone's back yard. The proper thing to do, cost be damned --
andl could make a very good analysis that it's cheaper to go underground, but you'd have to
factor in a couple of hurricanes, you'd have to factor in other criteria that I'm sure nobody wants
to, but as you live life, life teaches you; things happen. You could -- you definitely want to go
underground when you start building 520 lines. I mean, they're monsters. And the only place
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they really exist are in rural areas, andl don't know how Miami's being treated as rural area.
It's just -- it'll be one of the first cities in its very central corridor to have such a power line, and
that's something FP&L doesn't seem to want to be telling anyone else. I'd like for them to
demonstrate one other city in Florida that has a power line of this volume that goes right down
the heart of the city. They couldn't show you that. It's never happened before. But they treat
Miami as it's a Third World country.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Acosta: So at this juncture we need for the Commissioners to give us direction with regards
to the agency report recommending denial, the resolution with regards to that, and whether you'd
like us to move forward with starting our processes with working with the Legislature and other
departments on the criteria that exist.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I'd move to approve the actions taken by the City. I'd also move to
approve reso number two and I'd also move to approve reso number three.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: Okay, there's a motion by --
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Okay. I'm sorry. I need to find out from the City Attorney,
is that proper, that we're handling three separate resolutions? He's making three votes, three
separate resolutions all at the same time, or should they not be handled separately?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I may not --
Ms. Mendez: Madam Clerk, what I'm going to do -- ifI may, Mr. Chair, can I read the two?
Chair Gort: Go right ahead.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. The first resolution that was moved by Commissioner Sarnoff.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Victoria
Mendez.
Chair Gort: Okay. You want a separate motion so you can -- all being brought up in one.
Ms. Mendez: And the second motion is --
Chair Gort: Wait a minute.
Ms. Mendez: Well, if we --
Chair Gort: The City Clerk --
Ms. Mendez: -- can do this one --
Chair Gort: Let's make a motion on the --
Ms. Mendez: It would be -- can we do this one first?
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Chair Gort: Read it.
Ms. Mendez: The one that I just read is the first one.
Chair Gort: You want to do that one first. Okay, it was moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second
by Commissioner Dunn. Any discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Mendez: The second one was the -- Commissioner Sarnoff, just to be sure, is it the Chapter
403 one?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Resolution is that any nuclear power -- any time -- when there's a
nuclear power plant and the lines are coming off --
Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Commissioner, we're not recording you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Really. I thought my voice was so robust that it carried.
Ms. Mendez: The one having to do with the Public Service Commission?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I understood it to be that any time -- it is a resolution to the
Nuclear [sic] Power [sic] Service Commission that any time a nuclear power plant is sited, that
the power coming from the nuclear power plant should be undergrounded.
Ms. Mendez: That is a good resolution as well. The one that I had proposed is slightly different.
But that one is a great resolution, so we could go --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Will it work as well as yours? Because if yours works better, I'll take
yours.
Ms. Mendez: The one that --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Author, author, author.
Ms. Mendez: -- I had suggested is similar to yours, and what we could do is combine them.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Go ahead.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Victoria
Mendez.
Ms. Mendez: That --
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's better than mine. But you might want to add to that where FP&L
will allow power sharing to go on both north, south, east and west of that particular facility so
that it gives it logical basis upon which to require that -- the cost sharing. I'll make that motion.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved and second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state
it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Commissioner Sarnoff.. Want to work on reso three together or you want to --? Author, I'll take
yours.
Ms. Mendez: The --
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Victoria
Mendez.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Takes a city, not a village.
Chair Gort: It's been --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So moved.
Chair Gort: -- moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Dunn. Any
discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you, Commissioners.
(DI.2) RESOLUTION
11-00480a
(DI.2)
11-00480 b
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ADOPTING THE
AGENCY REPORT PREPARED BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED THEREIN, TO BE FILED
BY THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY IN THE MATTER OF
FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, TURKEY POINT UNITS 6 AND 7
POWER PLANT SITING APPLICATION, CASE NO. 09-003575EPP.
11-00480a-Submittal-City of Miami Agency Report on FPL Turkey Point Units 6 and 7 Project.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-11-0256
Note for the Record: Please refer to file number 11-00480 for minutes referencing this item.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REQUESTING THE
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ("PSC") TO REVISIT ITS DECISIONS
WHICH CALLED FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE
UNDERGROUNDING OF TRANSMISSION LINES TO BE PAID DIRECTLY BY
THE MUNICIPALITY REQUESTING SUCH UNDERGROUNDING, AND FOR
THE PSC TO CONSIDER A COST SHARING SCHEME AMONG ALL RATE
PAYERS IN FLORIDA FOR UNDERGROUNDING TRANSMISSION LINES
FOR SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS WITH MORE THAN 10 MILES OF
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(DI.2)
11-00480c
TRANSMISSION LINES IN HIGHLY DENSE, URBAN AND BUILT OUT
COMMUNITIES, BUT MOST PARTICULARLY, FOR THOSE PROJECTS
RADIATING DIRECTLY OUT OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES OR IN THOSE
PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPGRADE OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE MIAMI-DADE DELEGATION, TO THE MIAMI-DADE
LEAGUE OF CITIES, TO THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TO THE
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
11-00480b-Submittal-City of Miami Agency Report on FPL Turkey Point Units 6 and 7 Project.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-11-0257
Note for the Record: Please refer to file number 11-00480 for minutes referencing this item.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO AMEND FLORIDA STATUTE CHAPTER 403 TO ALLOW
UNDERGROUNDING OF TRANSMISSION LINES TO BE CONSIDERED AN
ALTERNATE CORRIDOR UNDER THE STATUTE IN ORDER TO
AMELIORATE THE VISUAL BLIGHTAND ENVIRONMENTAL AND
AESTHETIC IMPACTS IN HIGHLY DENSE, BUILT OUT, AND URBAN CITIES;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE MIAMI-DADE DELEGATION, TO THE MIAMI-DADE
LEAGUE OF CITIES, TO THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TO THE
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
11-00480c-Submittal-City of Miami Agency Report on FPL Turkey Point Units 6 and 7 Project.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-11-0258
Note for the Record: Please refer to file number 11-00480 for minutes referencing this item.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
PART B: PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
PZ.1 RESOLUTION
11-00318sc
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), CLOSING, VACATING, ABANDONING AND
DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE THAT PORTION OF A STREET
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LOCATED ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF NORTHEAST 2ND AVENUE
BETWEEN NORTHEAST 38TH STREET AND NORTHEAST 39TH STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA.
11-00318sc CC 06-09-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
11-00318sc PlanningAnalysis.pdf
11-00318sc Miami 21 Map.pdf
11-00318scAerial Map.pdf
11-00318sc Public Works Analysis. pdf
11-00318sc Public Works Letter.pdf
11-00318sc PZAB Reso.pdf
11-00318sc CC Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
11-00318sc Survey and Sketch.pdf
11-00318sc CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
11-00318sc Exhibit A. pdf
11-00318sc-Submittal-PowerPoint Presentation. pdf
LOCATION: Approximately along the West Side of NE 2nd Avenue between
NE 38th Street and NE 39th Street [Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II - District
5]
APPLICANT(S): Steven Gretenstein, Vice -President, on behalf of McCroy
Design Associates (Del) LLC, Miami Avenue (Del) LLC and Dacra Miami (Del)
LLC
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Recommended denial.
PLAT & STREET COMMITTEE: Recommended denial on March 3, 2011 by a
vote of 9-0.
PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommended approval with
conditions, which failed, constituting a denial to City Commission on May 4,
2011 by a vote of 4-4.
PURPOSE: This will allow for the vacation of right-of-way connecting NE 38th
and NE 39th Streets midblock between NE 1st and 2nd Avenues, said right of
way to revert back to corresponding property owners abutting it.
Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Dunn II
R-11-0241
Chair Gort: PZ.3.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): PZ.1. PZ.3 was --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): PZ.3 has actually been withdrawn. It was withdrawn
earlier by the appellants. PZ.1 is the one item remaining in the PZ (Planning & Zoning) agenda,
sir.
Chair Gort: Oh, I thought it was -- PZ. 1 is the one that was -- I'm sorry. PZ.1.
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Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. PZ.1 is a resolution. It is actually a request for the closing, vacating,
abandoning and discontinuing for public use the alley located between North Miami Avenue and
Northeast Miami Court, in between Northeast 16th Street and Northeast 7th Street, Miami,
Florida.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Thank you.
Mr. Garcia: I'm sorry. I'm reading item PZ.2. Would you -- are you intending to take up PZ.1?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: Because PZ.1 is the item that they are the applicants for.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move it.
Chair Gort: My understanding is we approved PZ.2. We're now on PZ.1.
Mr. Garcia: My apologies, sir.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I second Commissioner Dunn's motion.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. PZ.1 then is a resolution -- it has -- has it already been moved?
Commissioner Sarnoff. There you go.
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: Very well. I would --
Chair Gort: Wait a minute.
Mr. Reshefsky: -- once again --
Chair Gort: PZ.1 has been -- motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Sarnoff.
Open to the public hearings [sic]. Is anyone would like to address the Commission, PZ.1. Show
none has come forward, so we close the public hearings [sic]. Any discussion among the board
members? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying --
Mr. Garcia: IfI may, sir, there are about six conditions I do need to read into the record --
Chair Gort: Isn't that part of the record already?
Mr. Garcia: -- with your indulgence. I'll be quick about it. They are important.
Chair Gort: Okay. The motion is with the conditions that being in place by the --
Commissioner Sarnoff. Seconder accepts. I'm sure --
Commissioner Dunn: Second. Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- Commissioner Dunn accepts.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
PZ.2
11-00320ac
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Chair Gort: Go ahead, please.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Being his lawyer today.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you, sir. I will be quick about this. The conditions are as follows and they
are set forth by the Fire Department for security reasons. Condition number one, the street shall
not be closed until the start of construction of the new buildings; condition two, a comprehensive
life -safety plan for the entire property shall be provided indicating the buildings within the block
not owned by the owner as not a park; condition three, an interconnected sprinkler and stand
pipe system for all owner buildings for the entire block; condition four, a single alarm system for
all owner buildings for the entire block; condition five, water mane and hydrant improvements
around the entire block in order to meet WASA (Water and Sewer Authority) and fire flow
requirements for the construction; and condition six, access to the remnant portion of the closed
street will be made available for emergency responses at all times in the form of a dedicated
emergency lane. The lane may be blocked from all other vehicular access by a bollard or other
similar system. With that, we recommend approval of the item.
Chair Gort: Okay. The --
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
Chair Gort: That was part of the motion so that's included. All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Brilliant argument.
Chair Gort: Good speech. I mean, that was great. That was the best presentation I ever seen
you do. That was great.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I saved the day.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), CLOSING, VACATING, ABANDONING AND
DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE THE ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN
NORTH MIAMI AVENUE AND NORTHEAST MIAMI COURT AND BETWEEN
NORTHEAST 16TH STREET AND NORTHEAST 17TH STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
11-00320ac CC 06-09-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
11-00320ac Planning Analysis.pdf
11-00320ac Miami 21 Map.pdf
11-00320ac Aerial Map.pdf
11-00320ac Public Works Analysis. pdf
11-00320ac Public Works Letter.pdf
11-00320ac PZAB Reso.pdf
11-00320ac CC Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
11-00320ac CC Survey & Sketch.pdf
11-00320ac CC Legislation (Version 2).pdf
11-00320ac Exhibit A. pdf
LOCATION: Approximately between North Miami Avenue and NE Miami Court
and between NE 16th Street and NE 17th Street [Commissioner Marc David
Sarnoff- District 2]
APPLICANT(S): Ryan D, Bailine, Esquire, on behalf of Jersy Ltd., Filing Station
Lofts, LLC and Federal Aviation Administration [FAA/United States of America]
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval with a condition*.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Recommended approval subject to a
provision.*
PLAT & STREET COMMITTEE: Recommended approval subject to a
provision* on February 3, 2011 by a vote of 9-0.
PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Recommended approval with a
condition* to City Commission on May 4, 2011 by a vote of 7-0.
*See supporting documentation.
PURPOSE: This will allow for the vacation of right-of-way connecting NE 16th
and NE 17th Streets midblock between North Miami Avenue and NE Miami
Court, said right of way to revert back to corresponding property owners
abutting it.
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-11-0240
Chair Gort: PZ, Planning and Zoning. PZ.2.
Maria J. Chiaro (Deputy City Attorney): PZ items shall proceed as follows. All those wishing to
speak shall be sworn by the City Clerk. The staff will briefly describe their requests. Today the
requests are both vacating public right-of-ways [sic]. The petitioner will then present the
request. Members of the public will be permitted to speak, and the petitioner may ask questions
of staff. The City ofMiami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must
disclose before the hearing anything provided to anyone for agreement to support or withhold
objection to the requested action. The City Commission may accept documents that have not
been part of the agenda materials at their discretion. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Will you swear in?
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Ladies and gentlemen, if you are here today and you're
going to be speaking on any of the PZ items that are left, I do need you to please stand and raise
your right hand so thatl can swear you in.
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those giving
testimony on zoning issues.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
[Later...]
Chair Gort: PZ.2.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it. I move it. Does anybody -- you want to talk about it? Do I
have a second?
Chair Gort: PZ.2 has been moved by Commissioner Suarez. Is there a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Second. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor --
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
Chair Gort: Yes. Wait a minute.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Aye. Let's do PZ.1 --
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): IfI may --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- while we're doing PZ.2.
Chair Gort: No. PZ.1 was deferred.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Oh.
Mr. Garcia: IfI may, sir. Regarding PZ.2, can I request that the conditions that had been
attached to the report be included in that motion?
Chair Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Chair Gort: That's part of the motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Do we need to do a public hearing?
Commissioner Suarez: You may want to open it up and close it to the public just for clean-up
purposes.
Chair Gort: PZ.2, anyone who would like to address the -- open up the public hearing for PZ.2.
Anyone would like to address PZ.2? Being none, close the public hearings [sic]. Do the motion
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
again.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair Gort: Moved by Commissioner Suarez, second by Chairman Carollo.
Commissioner Suarez: With --
Chair Gort: All in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
PZ.3 RESOLUTION
07-01428x1
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), DENYING OR GRANTING THE APPEAL, AFFIRMING OR
REVERSING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS
BOARD, THEREBY GRANTING OR DENYING AN EXCEPTION AS LISTED IN
ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3, OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TO ALLOW AN
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITY IN A CIVIC INSTITUTION
(CI) TRANSECT ZONE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 2805 SOUTHWEST 32ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
07-01428x1 CC 06-09-11 Fact Sheet.pdf
07-01428x1 Analysis
07-01428x1 Miami 21 Map.pdf
07-01428x1 Aerial Map.pdf
07-01428x1 PZAB Reso.pdf
07-01428x1 Application & Supporting Docs.pdf
07-01428x1 Plans.pdf
07-01428x1 CC Legislation (Version 3).pdf
07-01428x1 CC Legislation (Version 4).pdf
07-01428x1 ExhibitA.pdf
07-01428x1-Submittal-Letter From Juan Dalla Rizza Regarding Appeal.pdf
LOCATION: Approximately 2805 SW 32nd Avenue [Commissioner Marc David
Sarnoff- District 2]
APPELLANT(S): Juan Dalla Rizza, Adjacent Property Owner
APPLICANT(S): Iris Escarra, Esquire on behalf of Greater Miami Boys and
Girls Club Foundation, Inc., a Florida Non -Profit Corporation, Owner and Mater
Academy, Inc. a Florida Non -Profit Corporation, Lessee.
FINDING(S):
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Denial of the appeal and approval with conditions*
of the original request.
PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD: Approved the Exception with
conditions* on April 20, 2011.
*See supporting documentation.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
PURPOSE: The approval of this appeal will not allow an elementary and
middle school facility.
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be
WITHDRAWN PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Suarez and Dunn II
Absent: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo
Commissioner Sarnoff.. All right, let's go. Come on, we got PZ (Planning & Zoning).
Chair Gort: Okay, PZ -- DI.2.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. PZ.1.
Commissioner Dunn: Oh, I'm sorry. We're not -- on the D --
Chair Gort: DI. 2.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. DI. 2. What about the PZs?
Chair Gort: FP&L (Florida Power & Light), where's the lawyer?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. He went home?
Tucker Gibbs: Mr. Chair, may ask you a question?
Chair Gort: Yes. I'm in a good mood; go ahead.
Mr. Gibbs: I'm -- good. I'm -- and this would probably make you in a better mood 'cause you
won't have to hear from me. I'm here on PZ.3, and l just want to announce our withdrawal, and
I just want to be able to be heard on the withdrawal of my item.
Chair Gort: Okay, let me ask a question. Do you have to change any of the -- to go into PZ?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): No, sir. No, we don't.
Chair Gort: Okay. Anyone that would like to withdraw any of the PZ items, please come
forward now.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Come on, we're having a sale. Ten percent off.
Mr. Gibbs: All right.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. All right, 15 percent off right here, right now.
Mr. Gibbs: The line starts here.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. All appeals fees are reimbursable.
Mr. Gibbs: Filene's basement? Oh, okay. My name is Tucker Gibbs. I'm here on PZ.3, andl
represent Juan de la Rizza and his wife, Dorothy de la Rizza, who are the appellants in this
matter, and we would like to withdraw our appeal. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Does anyone would like to -- this is a public hearing. Any --
close the public hearings [sic]. Do I have a motion?
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Dunn: Second.
Chair Gort: It's been moved by Commissioner Suarez, second by Commissioner Dunn. All in
favor, state it by saying iiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Suarez: We don't have to do that, do we?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. You do? You have to do --
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Chair Gort: She wants a motion for this?
Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes, yes, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: For them to withdraw?
Ms. Thompson: Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's under Robert Rules?
Ms. Thompson: Yes, yes, yes, yes. Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff. A motion to withdraw?
Chair Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F) 4:58: 49 withdraw. Okay.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
CITYWIDE
HONORABLE MAYOR TOMAS REGALADO
END OF CITYWIDE ITEMS
DISTRICT 1
CHAIRMAN WIFREDO (WILLY) GORT
END OF DISTRICT 1
DISTRICT 2
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
D2.1
11-00424
COMMISSIONER MARC DAVID SARNOFF
DISCUSSION ITEM
UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS FOR THE COMPLIANCE OF PUBLICLY
ACCESSIBLE RIVERWALKS.
11-00424 Email - Publicly Accessible Riverwal ks.pdf
DISCUSSED
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I don't know if there's any other items in the agenda. I do have a pocket
item.
Chair Gort: Go right ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: IfI may, I need to put -- set up the computer, so I don't know if it's going to
take a few minutes or so forth. I don't know if there's another --
Chair Gort: Yeah. I'm going to have to learn to do that for my presentation.
Vice Chair Carollo: Quick. It's going to be short, trust me. It will be short.
Chair Gort: Yeah, but I think --
Vice Chair Carollo: But I don't know if there's any other --
Chair Gort: -- it's good.
Commissioner Dunn: I have a pocket item.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Sarnoff. I have one, too --
Commissioner Suarez: I have one small --
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- but go ahead. I'll yield.
Commissioner Dunn: Let's go. Let's go, Heat.
Chair Gort: Is that your pocket item?
Commissioner Sarnoff. That's your pocket item.
Commissioner Dunn: I heard something in the air. You heard that?
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Chair, just so I can call your attention, we do have the
district items left --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
Ms. Thompson: -- on the agenda.
Chair Gort: That's what we're doing now. We call them pocket item now.
Ms. Thompson: Actually, the pocket items are different from the district.
Commissioner Dunn: Can we -- what are you saying now? We're going to do with this now or
just going --?
Chair Gort: District item. What district item is missing?
Commissioner Sarnoff.. I have a district item. Can I --
Chair Gort: District items.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- proceed with mine?
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Mr. Toledo, my question to you is -- I'm not looking at you. I just
happen to know you're the person that has the answers to this -- update on the progress for the
compliance of the publicly accessible river walks.
Orlando Toledo: Orlando Toledo, director of Building and Zoning. Commissioner, I went ahead
andl appeared at the Waterfront Advisory Board. I also went ahead and attended the Greenway
Subcommittee meetings in regards to the river. There is ten properties that presently exist that
are either in the process of TCO (Temporary Certificate of Occupancy) or have been TCO'ed and
are looking for their CO (Certificate of Occupancy). What the Administration has established as
a guideline so that things that were passing -- things that were being approved in the past doesn't
happen again is that we're going to have a team final inspection prior to CO. When I say a team
final inspection, Building will be going out there at the same time as Planning, Code
Enforcement, and Public Works. The four departments will actually go out there, sign it off at
the same time to make sure that what was approved either through the process of a Class II or
through the MUSP (Major Use Special Permit) gets done the way that was promised by the
developer. And that's where it stands right now.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Well, I understand what you're going to do going forward, but there are
ten properties right now that are out of compliance. And the idea behind the river walk was that
you theoretically never had to get off the river walk and you can continue on it all across the City
ofMiami. You can't do that presently.
Mr. Toledo: No, you can't.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So tell me what the strategies are for the City ofMiami to complete the
river walk.
Mr. Toledo: In some instances, the river walk is completed because in many instances, instead of
going through the Riverside, you'll have to go through the street side, in which is the greenway
plan. What -- the reason why is because some properties have not actually been built. I mean,
right now there is a connection between, let's say, Latitude and (INAUDIBLE) 5: 39:16. That
connection exists, but it doesn't continue on because of the Metrorail Station, the day care, and
what used to be the Big Fish. So that area, until it comes into -- foreseen that the economy gets
better, those properties will be little by little built. On the other side where you have Wind and
Mint, the issue there has been that Wind is done, but because Mint is in the process of
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
foreclosure, they did not build their river walk. That building is in foreclosure. They are
presently not going to build it. All we could do is not give them a CO until such time that they do
build what was promised back then. When you look at the river a little further north where
Terraza's and River Oaks is at, same thing. River Oaks is divided by a presently condominium,
which is maybe 40 years old. Until such time that condominium doesn't come down, you ain't
going to be able to connect Terraza's with river walks. All could do presently is to make sure
that prior to them getting COs is that at least their side gets built the way it was promised.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Are there presently any District 2 properties that don't have proper river
walks?
Mr. Toledo: Yes, on the Wind side.
Commissioner Sarnoff. On the Wind side. But not on the south side?
Mr. Toledo: No.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And Wind you said the only strategy there is --
Mr. Toledo: Hold them up to -- hold them for the CO. Sometime in the future, the bank is going
to come in and I'm sure they're going to try to revive the project. At that time we're going to tell
them, it ain't going to be phase III, it's going to be phase now. That's the only thing could do.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And you're saying the City will never let this happen again?
Mr. Toledo: No. Again, if the four departments, like we have all agreed go out there and do the
in -- it will never happen again.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay.
Mr. Toledo: Not only that, Commissioner, also the process should be that as part of the
conditions that we place on projects, it needs to say no TCO until such time that the river walk
gets done. Then automatically, you will never have that problem again.
Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): Orlando, weren't we going to
look at --
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Mr. Martinez: -- making it as part of a first phase instead of leaving it toward the end --
Mr. Toledo: Yes.
Mr. Martinez: -- when they had the money?
Mr. Toledo: Well, that's the reason why I'm saying. If it's part of that condition, there's no way --
if part of the condition is Building Department, you can add issue with TCO until the river walk
is completed, that will be the end of people trying to leave it till the end.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Thank you.
END OF DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 3
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Meeting Minutes June 9, 2011
D4.1
11-00397
VICE-CHAIRMAN FRANK CAROLLO
END OF DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONER FRANCIS SUAREZ
DISCUSSION ITEM
UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND
VACANT/ABANDONED PROPERTIES.
11-00397 Email - Unsafe Structures Vacant Properties.pdf
11-00397-Submittal-Map Of Unsafe Structures Demolished By Owner Or City.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez, you had an item that -- like to bring it up?
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think we have some members here from the
Building Department and the City Manager's office who want to give us a briefing on the
progress that they've made since the last time that we spoke about streamlining the demolition
process. Actually, they show -- what they showed me was incredibly -- was incredible in terms of
just how extensive the problem is, number one, and how much they were able to collapse the
process. I mean, it was an incredible process. And they have charts that maybe some of you
have seen that show what the process was before we started really looking at this in depth and
what the process is now. And so I think they wanted to make a presentation to the Commission.
They've really worked very, very hard, and you know, I'm very, very proud of the work that
they've done, you know, Orlando, Johnny, and everyone who's come to the office. But I'd like for
them to explain exactly how they've collapsed the process and what we expect in the next few
weeks.
Orlando Toledo: Orlando Toledo, director of Building and Zoning. What I'm going to do is just
give you a small presentation and then I'm going to go ahead and hand it off to Mariano
Fernandez -- I'm losing my voice -- to Mariano Fernandez, which is the Building Official, so that
it shows exactly how the process has changed. As you can see in the map, we -- what we did was
- - we're showing you exactly how many sites are out there, which is about 650 sites. In addition,
with little stars we're showing you what has presently been demolished as of today. He's going to
- - in his presentation, he's going to tell you how this process has changed from what it was to
what we're doing now that if we open a case today, in 45 days we're going to demolish.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Is it okay ifI interject from time to time?
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Suarez: I just have a quick question. When you say what has already been
demolished as of -- in what period of time?
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Mr. Toledo: They -- in the pro -- since we began this process when you brought it up to
Commission.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Toledo: In that time.
Commissioner Suarez: In that -- so these stars that I'm seeing here on this map have been
demolished since we first brought this item?
Mr. Toledo: Some have been demolished by the City. Some have been demolished by --
Commissioner Suarez: The property --
Mr. Toledo: -- the property owners.
Commissioner Suarez: -- owner themself [sic]. Okay.
Mr. Toledo: Okay. So I'm going to just hand it off --
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Mr. Toledo: -- to Mariano Fernandez.
Mariano Fernandez (Assistant Director/Building Official): Mr. Chairman, Commissioners,
we're here to present you and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 3: 51: 38 to answer any questions you have.
Chair Gort: And you are?
Mr. Fernandez: Mariano Fernandez, Building Official, City ofMiami. Originally, we started
the program taking 677 cases because they were, over the years, accumulated in the Building
Department due to the lack of funds in the past years, but the Commission has assign some of the
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program)
funds available to the Building Department to try to implement a program and help some of the
districts with all eyesore cases and abandoned buildings, due to the situation on the economics,
that some of the owners cannot bring back to the normal condition. As part of that, we
implemented a new program, at the direction of the City Manager, dividing the City into three
different teams because we have a large city with a lot of cases. Andl have here the three
captains of my teams, Rene Diaz, Ray Benitez, and Cedric Mar, who is the head of the section;
that he needed some help and we provided two additional inspectors. We originally presented to
you the 677 cases that they were open for the last ten years. And if you want, I can go by
Commission districts so every Commissioner knows how many cases we had. The Chairman has
90 cases open. Mr. Sarnoff -- Commissioner Sarnoff, he had 172. You have a big district.
Commissioner Carollo, you got 86 cases open. Commissioner Suarez, you have 90. And
Commissioner Dunn, he now have 239 cases open. Unfortunately, the poor sectors in the City,
they have a lot of cases. But I think it's in the benefit of the community and the City of Miami for
us to implement the program and continue working. As part of that, we have been working
diligently in the last two or three weeks, and the inspectors went and inspect one more time all
these old cases because some of these cases, they have ten years or more in the books. We
produce new set of pictures. And we determine in every district everything that we consider it
was an emergency and thanks to the Law Department support and help -- all those who maybe
don't agree with me, but -- we have proceed with all the cases that we think that we need to move
immediately because of the neighbors or because of the unsanitary conditions, grants, therefore
of the declaration under chapter ofMiami-Dade County, it's an emergency. In those cases we
don't need to go in front of the Unsafe Structure Board because of the life safety condition that
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exists. And in a common effort with all the departments, we have translated from six months to
seven months that it was the old procedure that we have implemented in the City ofMiami to a
45 days from start to end, work with the cooperation of all the departments. We can bring any
case of an unsafe structure to demolition effort and produce a lien or have the owner, if he
doesn't want the City to make the demolition, to demolish it himself to clear the violations and
the neighborhood. With that, Commissioner, we presented to you the first effort of the last three
weeks. That's the little chart that we had passed to everybody where you can see in the first, I
would say, month of effort we got 35 cases of demolition, total demolition. The 35 cases include
too those that the property owner or the bank had decided to demolish themselves. The reason
that they decide to move is because, like I explain before, if the City go ahead and demolish the
property, incurs some expenses that by Chapter 8, we entitled to recover and we're going to lien
the property. So it's in the best interest in some of the owners to go ahead and proceed directly.
With that, Commissioner, I would like to come back to you to another Commission meeting and
bring you an updated on how we're doing. I calculate that in approximately two months we're
going to get all these cases off the books either by the owners or because the owners have
decided finally to pull the necessary permits and bring the houses to a normal livable condition,
which, with that, we remove the unsafe structure cases or we can clean the site.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Fernandez: You're welcome.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. I really commend your efforts on this
initiative and on, you know, really listening to what this Commission had to say. Can you -- do
you have, by any chance, that chart that you showed me that had the process as it was --? You
explained that it went from a seven -month process to a forty five-day process. You don't have, by
any chance, that --?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes, sir, I have it.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. The other thing wanted to say -- I wanted to put out there was --
andl told you this privately in our briefings. But if either District 2 or District 5, if it comes to a
point where they run out of money and we have -- andl have money left over from -- after
demolishing my 90, I'm willing to help to get them down, the ones -- you know, all of them down
in those areas because I think it's part of what we're trying to do here, which is, you know -- first
of all, every neighborhood should be treated the same way. And we know that in those areas in
particular crime is becoming centered around those properties, and I've seen it firsthand. And
part of the reason why I got so passionate about this initiative is because I saw it firsthand in
some of those districts, which are not my district. So I just want to put that on the record for the
other Commissioners to know.
Commissioner Dunn: Well, if I may, I want to say thank you and God bless you and God bless
America.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I have a question. Can you define open cases?
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Mr. Fernandez: Okay. Open cases is any violation that we receive a complaint either by
referral from another department, from the County, or from the 311, or any inspector, or any
open permit that gets expired automatically under Chapter 8 is considered an open unsafe
structure case. We give then the owner the opportunity to comply, giving them 90 days, then we
issue a second letter giving them another additional 90 days. And if they do not comply, we
bring it in front of the Miami -Dade County Unsafe Structure Board for a demolition or repair
final notice.
Vice Chair Carollo: And open cases is anywhere within that process? So --
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- let's say like in Commissioner Suarez's district, he's got 90; I have, I think
you said, 86. Those 86 doesn't mean that we're going to tear those homes down or so forth.
Mr. Fernandez: That's --
Vice Chair Carollo: They could be somewhere in that process.
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: It could actually, you know, end up being, you know, a lot less that we tear
down. I just, you know, reached out to my staff and they said that you brought the 86 today to
my office. Is that correct?
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so I have to review it and so forth. And what you brought is you
brought the locations and so forth. Did you also provide how was that obtained? Was it through
311? Was it through --?
Mr. Fernandez: We have been trying -- because we received a call from your office requesting
that information --
Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Mr. Fernandez: -- to determine that. But the 311, 99 percent of the calls are considered
anonymous and we don't get the source. But we're going to try to identify and give you a
percentage on how many came through the 311 call, how many are from the business system in
the computer where the permit gets filed. We're going to provide it to your office, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. And I'm sorry. I always -- I want to make sure those 86 are solid and
where are they in the process and so forth. And you know, again, I'm just -- I want to make sure I
do my due diligence, you know, to make sure, you know, that --
Mr. Fernandez: I understand.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- there are solid 86 or whatever they are. And it's not that, you know, we're
going to tear down 86 homes or 86, you know, structures; that they are somewhere in the process
and maybe, you know, the owners do pay up or whatever it takes. I just want -- I just -- you
know, 'cause that -- I don't want to say if it's higher or not, but at the same time, I want to make
sure I do my due diligence.
Mr. Fernandez: Commissioner, you have our commitment that we do our due diligence and we
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give every single owner and every single mortgage bank every single opportunity in the book and
additional opportunities try to make it comply because we're not here in the business to remove
houses.
Vice Chair Carollo: Exactly.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yeah, and l think it's a good point and l think
it's something good to know that 80 percent of the properties that have been demolished in the
last -- since we've started talking about this have been demolished by the property owner
themself [sic].
Mr. Fernandez: That's correct.
Commissioner Suarez: And so I think you have those two factors. If you are being aggressive
about notification and if you are being aggressive about -- and if you're also giving the
impression that hey, if you're -- if you are -- if you're not diligent as an owner and if you think
we're not going to do it, we will do it if we have to do it. And so the message has to also get out
to the community that if you don't take care of your property and you let your property get into a
serious state of disrepair, it will be demolished by the City if it has to. Right now it's only 20
percent of the actual properties that so far have been demolished but, you know, it will happen
and that message will be sent. Andl think that's another part of the issue here.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sarnoff. First, I want to thank Commissioner Suarez for bringing this to -- to
frame the issue so that the issue became such that the City could start to understand how it could
start dealing with this. I think there's no better use of NSP money, which is neighborhood
stabilization money, than to see your neighborhood stabilized by three fourths -- or better than
that -- let's say 89, 100 per -- 95 percent of the people paying their property taxes, paying their
mortgage, and then there's this house that sits there either partially vacant, partially abandoned;
people living there, people not living there. Because nothing more you can do for a
neighborhood than to say, you know, this particular structure needs to be removed and this -- the
people that are coming in -- the element that's coming in and squatting, or whatever you want to
call it, is equally removed. So from that perspective, I think it's great. I think all the inspectors
should get the Zerry. Everybody knows what the Zerry is. That's that highest award the honor
the City can give. Of course, I'm making this up as I go along. But I really want to thank you
guys for doing what we thought was an insurmountable job because when I first came on the
Commission and we had created this special assessment situation, it was going nowhere. Andl
think -- I don't think we're there yet 'cause I'm not sure we're specially assessing. But it's
something that we need to be looking at in great detail. Every time that you are doing a property
owner's function, there should be a consideration put to we should be special assessing this
property so we recap whatever it is we're doing that that property owner should be doing,
inclusive of removing the home if need be. And Madam City Attorney, I just want to say to you, I
continue to be the person that brings you the most work, as we have two injunctions against the
houses that we want to bring down in District 2. Andl just ask you to bear in mind when you go
in front of these judges that the lawyers who made representations to you three years ago that --
or four years ago that something was going to happen and it never happened, that that judge be
made fully aware of the misrepresentation and/or lie that that attorney made on behalf of his
client so that the judge is well aware of the facts and circumstances of each of these respective
houses where they have granted an injunction.
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Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Victoria Mendez (Assistant City Attorney): Yes.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Ms. Mendez: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Suarez: No. I was going to say that he made a very good point -- Commissioner
Sarnoff made a very good point about the use of NSP dollars. And NSP is a stimulus -- they're
stimulus dollars and they're given to us -- they were given to us for two years, maybe three years.
And they're probably not going to continue to be given to us. And again, this is a problem. And
this kind of goes also to Commissioner -- Vice Chairman Carollo's comments, which is we expect
that this is going to be a somewhat temporary problem, to a certain extent. In other words, the
market will solve a lot of this as the economy improves. We expect the market to solve a lot of
this problem. But there are certain pockets of our city that are plagued with abandoned
buildings and abandoned homes and it becomes a haven, whereas in maybe my district, it's
unsightly and it can be a haven for some illegal activity. In other districts it becomes extremely
dangerous.
Vice Chair Carollo: Crack houses.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. It becomes very, very dan -- And there are some that -- I think
there was one in particular in District 5 that was next to a school.
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. That's correct. We have two schools, one Commissioner Dunn brought,
that it needs to be demolished because it's being used as a crack house behind the school.
Commissioner Suarez: Exactly.
Chair Gort: Let me tell you. First of all, I want to thank all of you because this is teamwork and
this is what we need to do through all the departments within the City ofMiami. We had a
problem where we had a process that took about 45 to 50 steps. We brought it down to maybe 15
to 20 being accomplished at the same time. I think that's very important, all of us working as a
team. At the same time, abandoned homes, unfortunate because of the situation within, a lot of
the mortgage holders of the banks don't want to deal with it because it's bad asset in their
accounts. They don't want to deal with them financially so when they -- because they believe
they can get away. They don't have to do anything. Since we started doing the work and putting
fine into it and -- I think they realize they need to do it. It's going to be cheaper if they do it
themself [sic] than if we do it. And let's face it, I think we should also look -- like there's a place
within your district, but I'm sure you have noticed and you -- on 17th Avenue, right next where
the new stadium's being built, a duplex there has being taken apart. I don't know where that
process is at, but I think that's one because I go through there every day, every morning. That
one's got to come down as soon as possible. And with your permission, if you don't mind me
bringing that up, because I hate to see it every morning when I drive by. But once again, thank
all of you for the work you're doing, working as a team. Community Development is going to
provide all the funds necessary to do the -- these events. Thank you all.
Ms. Mendez: Commissioners, ifI could just bring one point to your attention, and I'm sure some
of you know, with regards to unsafe structures and the foreclosure process and banks. What's
happening is because of funding that is being either withheld from the court system or funding
that is played with and allocated sometimes and not with regard to foreclosures, right now
foreclosures are taking even longer because there isn't enough judges, staff and everything to
assist with that. If the foreclosures take long, it takes longer for the banks to -- because what
they -- banks have been doing -- or at least the bank attorneys have been saying is oh, this case
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has been tied up in foreclosure for so long, we haven't been able to address this matter. The --
we can't get a hearing. We can't get a date. So now that session is going to ramp up again in the
Legislature earlier with committee meetings happening in September, I think that this
Commission should also try and make sure that South Florida, especially Miami -Dade County,
gets as much funding with reference to their courts as possible because, if not, we're the ones that
get hurt, especially when it comes to unsafe structures. So it's just something to keep in mind
now for --
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Andl think that actually reminds me of another issue that we were
discussing in our briefings, which had to do with us potentially selling the liens once they are
placed and imposed so that we can essentially relieve ourselves of the delay and the expense of
having to prosecute these liens, andl know it's something that has been -- you all have been
working on. I'm assuming we'd have to sell them at some sort of a discount because why would
anybody pay 100 percent when that's where their profit is? But that's how tax liens are sold.
That's how properties are sold in foreclosure. And if -- it would obviously be -- could be an
auction just like it is, you know, for tax liens. It could be an auction of special assessment liens
where people get to bid on our special assessment liens. We get the cash so it doesn't drain our
cash. And then they can go, you know, through the legal process which could take months or
even years, as you've mentioned. And obviously, you know -- obviously to the extent that we can
get more funding for the court system, it's great. But you know, we have to, you know, do what
we can to make sure that our cash flow is in its best position as well, even though these are
restricted funds and NSP funds, et cetera, but then they allow us to continue to do, you know, the
work, continue to stabilize our neighborhoods.
Ms. Mendez: Actually, Commissioner Sarnoff did research with regard to the special
assessments, and we've been following up and it looks like it is a viable process. The only thing
is that in-house with the Administration, we -- our office and the Administration needs to see how
this could come to fruition, but it's something that we are definitely looking into.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Commissioner, we could --
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- sell the special assessment liens and you would see more money
flowing to us than you would know what to do with, but we have to get an entrepreneurial idea
behind us. And they are better than buying tax deeds because it's a one-year redemption and the
ability to move quickly. We think you could sell them above par value because that's how fast
they'll move. And we've been contacted by two hedge fund managers that are interested in
buying all of our special assessments. What we've got to do -- I was going to bring this up as a
pocket item. I was told by our director of -- I guess it's director of Code Enforcement -- that their
computer doesn't have a section for special assessments and they're not special assessing.
Ms. Mendez: The Code Enforcement liens are not special assessment liens. However --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Some of them can be.
Ms. Mendez: Right. The ones that we start through the Code Enforcement process, like for
instance, the lot clearing liens, vacant, opened and abandoned property registration, and a
couple of other liens that we've described that start through the Code Enforcement process, what
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we have been doing is the Code Enforcement process starts and simultaneously we send out
notice for them to come into compliance, either clear the lots or fix the property or register the
property. If they don't do that and the City has to go out and do something, then a separate lien
is created. So it comes out of a process. We don't consider it a Code Enforcement lien because
then we wouldn't be able to call it a special assessment lien. A process -- a separate process has
been created to provide for the notice and everything and those are a separate portfolio of liens.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Who's in charge of that process?
Ms. Mendez: In -- well --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Special assessment. Who's in charge of the special assessment process?
Ms. Mendez: The special assessments, right now Code Enforcement is doing the Code
enforcement part; and then the liens that get, I think Code Enforcement is still the one that is
addressing that; and then Hearing Boards records the liens, which is what's always been the
case.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. If -- look, I was going to bring a pocket item. It's right on this subject.
And we continuously -- anybody been down Bird Road and you see the ex -car lot, I guess it's
called, where they used to sell cars and it's completely graffitied and it's entering into the
Gables, and we are out there continuously lot clearing. We're out there continuously painting,
taking out the graffiti. To me, when you've done it five, six, seven times, you might want to try
something else. Because you know what the definition of insanity is? Okay. So why don't you
consider special assessing that property? That is valuable property. That is property that
someday somebody's going to say you got 2, $3, 000 of special assessments, I'll buy them. I'll
give you 5,000 thousand for them. Why? Because I prime the bank. And the bank's going to
have to take me out at my bid, and the bank may not do it, and this guy's going to start
assembling parcels on Bird Road. And guess where Bird Road parcels are? Pretty valuable.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Mr. Toledo: Well, the last thing want to add so for your information, one of the things you need
to remember, if the property is considered historical, then we cannot use federal money. And it's
just as an information. Because there will be instances in which we can't knock it down because
we don't have the funding, and the reason is it's historical, so that's really the last comment.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Thank you, all.
END OF DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER RICHARD P. DUNN, II
D5.1 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00481
DISCUSSION REGARDING MIAMI DREAM HOMES INVESTMENT GROUP,
INC., REGARDING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT CONSISTING
OF SEVEN (7) UNITS FOR LOW INCOME PERSONS LOCATED AT 1525 NW
60TH STREET.
11-00481 Email - Miami Dream Homes Investment Group, Inc.pdf
INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
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Chair Gort: Any other pocket items?
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman, yes. I'm going to defer D5.1. But D5.2, we have some
representatives from Bayside Foundation. Since the new composition, I want to give a brief
activity report regarding its loan and scholarship program. But I will defer the Miami Dream
Homes Investment Group project.
Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Chair, may I -- I'm sorry. Commissioner, you're deferring
that D5.1. Do you have a date certain or --?
Commissioner Dunn: Indefinite.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
D5.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00482
BRIEF ACTIVITY REPORT FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI
BAYSIDE FOUNDATION, SINCE ITS NEW COMPOSITION, REGARDING ITS
LOAN AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS.
11-00482 Email -Activity Report - Miami Bayside Foundation.pdf
11-00482-Submittal-Miami Bayside Foundation.pdf
DISCUSSED
Bob Powers: Good evening, everyone. My name is Bob Powers, and I'm the chair of the Miami
Bayside Foundation. I want to thank you very much for allowing us to speak to you and bring
you up-to-date on this foundation. It's actually -- one of the reasons to talk to you about this is
that we want to just remind the City that we are a tool and we want to remind all the rest ofyou
in your different Commission districts that we serve you for small businesses and small loans to
small businesses, so that's really our -- that's what we're supposed to do. I took over the
chairmanship a year ago in June. The Foundation had been in business for 23 years. It gave
out two loans in 23 years. And we took over the Foundation. And of course, we've given out
four loans in that first year. We essentially rewrote everything, and we are here to better serve
the community, the City ofMiami. That's all can tell you. I do have --I have my educational
chair, who's Nathan Kurland, and also have -- from my loan committee, I have Ms. Correa,
who's going to speak to you about the loans so that you'll know what loans we put out and who
they went to and what -- 'cause we've also -- yeah, because we've done a bunch of stuff, and
really -- well, you know that, Commissioner Dunn. We've done a lot of things. So the thing is is
that even though I'm the chair, really it was left up to the different chairs of the different
committees to undertake and do what they needed to do, and must tell you that they did a
remarkable, stellar job. Andl will also tell you that it is an entirely volunteer organization. So
all the people that you guys supported and gave us then were able to take the raw material and
create really something that's worked very well, and -- so without further ado, I'm going to turn it
over to Nathan and he's going to talk to you about the educational committee, and then Ms.
Correa will come up and talk to you about the loan and what we 've been doing with the loans.
So without further ado, Nathan, it's all yours.
Nathan Kurland: Thank you. Nathan Kurland 3132 Day Avenue. I started this day with you,
Commissioners, and it seems appropriate that can end the day on something exceedingly
positive for all of us, for you as Commissioners and for us as citizens and for the recipients of the
scholarship and loan and programs that are offered by Miami Bayside Foundation. A very, very
quick recap 'cause I know you are all very tired, as am I We reinvigorated our scholarship
endowment at Miami Dade College, which has now reached over $1 million. We gave away the
first nine scholarships this term. And for the next however many years, $50, 000 a year, 25 per
term will be given away to citizens, Miami -- City ofMiami resident minorities. This foundation
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only serves City ofMiami resident minorities. So with Miami Dade College intact, we then
turned our attention to programming. We partnered with a group called SCORE (Counselors to
America's Small Business), which is a very, very active group that has professionals in almost
every aspect of how to begin and finance and keep a business -- a small business running. They
offer over 20 programs per month, and programs are free to people who apply through the
Miami Bayside Foundation. We will on Monday -- and we have extended in each -- an invitation
to each and every one of you. We'll be endowing a scholarship at FIU (Florida International
University). On Monday at 3: 30 at Bayside Marketplace, president Rosenberg will be there to
accept our check for an endowment for two separate scholarships; one a general endowment and
the other is for first -generation initiative scholarships, which awards scholarships to children of
first generation. Finally, we are in discussions with FMU (Florida Memorial University). We
had the honor of having a lunch with Dr. Lewis at FMU. Hopefully by next year we will
establish a program there to again create an endowment for citizens ofMiami minorities to
further their education. Education empowers and we can't think of a better way to keep that
going. Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
Josie Correa: Good afternoon. Josie Correa. And actually, I wanted to take this opportunity to
introduce some of the other board members that we have here: Mr. Cisneros, Pam Weller, and
Maria Korge. Actually, I'm not on the loan committee, but I'm the treasurer of the Foundation.
And like Bob said, we started about a year ago looking to make sure that we redid the whole
Foundation from the bottom up. We've got an investment policy. We're looking at investing 33
percent of the monies that we found that we have that have been collected over the past couple of
years. And in regards to the loans, although I'm not on the loan committee, we've given out four
loans. The first one was to The Stage in the Design District. We also gave one to Panther Coffee
in Wynwood, Avenue D, in downtown Miami, and Doors in the Upper Eastside section ofMiami.
Obviously, this is open to any type of businesses in the City ofMiami so we would like to
encourage you to send people our way. We have an office in downtown Miami. We meet with
applicants, then we refer them to SCORE. And then we have a very good loan committee made
up of different members of the community. There are bankers that are CPAs (Certified Public
Accountants) and they're able to really look and do their due diligence and make sure that those
loans are being given out to good applicants and that we're doing the right thing. So we really
come a long way. And we just want to let you know that we're available there to give out loans
to the people in your districts, and so feel free to send them our way. Thank you very much. And
I know you all received this. Nathan passed this out a couple of days ago to each one of your
offices. We also have a great web site, which is wwwmiamibaysidefoundation [sic]. org, and you
can go and download the applicant right online. And we're, you know, at the disposal of your
residents.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes. One question. Very -- I'm very pleased with it. I'm looking at
number five as one of the criterias [sic] of the organization; must be a for profit corporation, no
sole proprietorships. I just wanted to know why the sole -- why that was inserted in there. That's
just a question.
Mr. Powers: That, to answer your question, is part of our bylaws and it's also part of the initial
Foundation that was set up in 1988 --
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. So it --
Mr. Powers: -- by the City Commission.
Chair Gort: Got to speak in the mike, please, sir.
Mr. Powers: Beg your pardon? Oh, did -- okay.
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Chair Gort: You got to speak in the mike.
Mr. Powers: It's actually the way that the -- how it was written initially in 1988. So what I think
they don't want the money going to is to an individual. They need it to go to a corporation or a
company, and they -- and that's one of the reasons why they did it like that.
Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. And then I don't want to get technical. I just -- but only thing was
just questioning if it is a corporation that has a sole owner, then that's -- see, and that's -- that
could create a problem. That could -- 'cause in District 5, most of the businesses are solely
owned but under a corporate umbrella, so I'm -- that's what I'm -- I had a question -- concern
about. That's --
Mr. Powers: Well, you know, I can't answer that for you. I don't sit on that loan committee. I
can tell you that CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce), Lewis --
Chair Gort: Cuervo.
Mr. Powers: -- Cuervo and -- I mean, we have some very educated people who sit on that board.
Commissioner Dunn: You know, I'm familiar. I'm just -- just a question 'cause I don't want
anybody to be precluded because of that, andl know that's in the bylaws, but I just want us to
take a look at that.
Ms. Correa: I think that's more in the status of the corporation, what's considered a sole
proprietorship. But some of these businesses that are corporations that we have funded, maybe
there is only one owner, but it's not considered a sole proprietor. They have a corporation and
they've established a corporation --
Chair Gort: Corporation.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Well, that's --
Ms. Correa: -- which is the business.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Got it. I got it.
Ms. Correa: I see where it could be confusing.
Commissioner Dunn: You understand what, though -- it --
Ms. Correa: But it's a different status in terms of how you classify that business. But it actually
is a corporation, even if it only has one member. There could be a corporation which is the
business.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. And --
Ms. Correa: I guess what it was trying to say maybe was no individuals.
Commissioner Dunn: Understood, understood. But I'd like at some point -- I know I've -- my
staff person -- chief of staff been meeting just to kind of get updated and maybe we can set up a
meeting just so I -- but I appreciate the hard work that you've put in. I really do.
Mr. Powers: And you know how much work went into this.
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Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Mr. Powers: I know you personally know how much.
Commissioner Dunn: I know.
Mr. Powers: Do we have any other questions?
Chair Gort: First of all, I'd like to thank you. I think that all the time that I've been here, the
first time I have the board come here and give us a report, so I want to thank you very much. I
know there was a lot of funds that were going through you all. A lot of thing -- good things
they're supposed to be doing, the foundation, but unfortunate, I think in the past you all had
some problems and I'm glad you have taken care of it. Thank you.
Mr. Powers: Thank you. It's our -- we serve at your pleasure.
Chair Gort: Any questions for any --? Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff. No. I just want to take my hat off to you guys. You had a really tough
job to do because you had to find the money, you had to locate the books, you had to look for
what was going on. And for 20 years nobody asked a question --
Commissioner Suarez: It's unbelievable.
Commissioner Sarnoff. -- nobody asked what was going on, nobody took it upon themselves.
And Bob, you're a wrecking ball, but this time you wrecked the ball the right way.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Mr. Powers: Well, we found $1.6 million of your money and --
Chair Gort: That's right.
Mr. Powers: -- also of Ms. Weller's money because that's where, you know, our funding -- I have
to -- you know, the other thing that -- ifI -- if we're going recognize people, I really need to
recognize Pam Weller, because you know what, without her -- as much as my tenacity, as much
as -- with her tenacity and not only that, her singleness of purpose, for lack of a better word,
really kind of kept everything on focus and like kept us going where we needed to go, andl really
have to recog -- because any time that we've needed something or come up -- you know, where
we needed some help, Pam was there to help us, and I'm so glad that she's my co-chair on this.
So you know, I -- you know, I have -- listen, you're really put together and you allowed us to
really assemble. Andl asked you all about a -- nine months ago to just give us some time to let
us put this all together and get it up and running before you started asking too many questions
and we appreciate that. So thank you very much, gentlemen.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: You want to go?
Commissioner Dunn: Okay. I just want to thank you, as well, all of you. You know, I was there
in the very beginning. But I do want to state for the record that it's because of this collective
Commission -- because I was informed prior to my being in this seat, that the District 5
Commissioner did ask questions in the past, so -- but it was because of the concerted effort of all
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NON AGENDA ITEMS
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of us here that empowered you to go forward. And I -- and certainly, I want to thank my
colleagues and thank you for the wonderful job.
Mr. Powers: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I really, really think this is one of the best
boards now in the City ofMiami. And you have turned around an agency that can do a lot of
good and you did it in a very difficult way because a lot of times you don't -- as a board, you
don't want to challenge the executive director of your agency, you don't want to rock the boat.
But you know, one of the things that makes this board so special is that every single member that
I've seen here and the ones that I've appointed and the ones that have constantly communicated
have not accepted the past practices of the way things were being done and have been dogged in
their pursuit of putting these -- finding these funds and then putting them to good use . So I just
want to commend you all and thank you for being persistent.
Mr. Powers: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Let me tell you, I had Pablo come into my office just about every other day getting
information.
Mr. Powers: Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Mr. Chair.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. That's it, right?
Commissioner Dunn: That's it.
END OF DISTRICT 5
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION BY VICE CHAIR CAROLLO PERTAINING TO AN EMAIL
SENT FROM THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE REGARDING
DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION TO THE DISTRICT 3 OFFICE.
DISCUSSED
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I would like to request a point of privilege.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. Mr. Manager, it comes as no surprise my stance on
transparency and that action speak louder than words. In other words, while some speak about
transparency, I actually act on it. And therefore, it has come to my attention that there was an
e-mail (electronic) sent from your office to all the department heads regarding something about
information to my office or -- could you elaborate a little bit about that?
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Johnny Martinez (Assistant City Manager/Chief of Infrastructure): I don't recall sending any
e-mail. Yes. We asked staff not to just drop miscellaneous paperwork in your office without
running it through the Manager's office first.
Vice Chair Carollo: Gotcha. I -- so you were doing it to help me out?
Mr. Martinez: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: However, you failed to CC (Carbon Copy) me on that e-mail. As a matter
offact, I'm going to read you what that e-mail says, even though I wasn't CC'd on it. I actually
obtained a copy because I think there's a lot of department heads that were a little surprised by
it. And I'll read it to you because obviously, I believe in transparency so I'm bringing it up in
front of everybody. Dear Directors, please be advised that no -- and now this will be underlined
-- documents of any nature, whether agenda -related or otherwise -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
10: 01: 54 underlined -- should be provided to the District 3 office directly. Any information,
documents, et cetera, need to be provided through the Office of the City Manager and the
Agenda Office, when appropriate. Please make sure your immediate staff is aware. Now, I'm
just -- again, want clarity on this because it specifically says District 3. I don't see any of the
other districts, so I would like, if possible, for you to clarify why this was sent, why only District
3, you know. In all fairness, especially with regards to information, again, in light of
transparency, I remember when the former City Manager -- well, he's not former. Well, we don't
even know if he's former or not. He's told some of us that he's leaving and others that he hasn't.
And don't know what's going on, to be honest with you. But the bottom line is when Mr. Crapp
came before us, one of the questions that I asked -- and as a matter offact, just to make sure it
was transparent and everybody will be on the same page and there wasn't any misinformation, I
asked with regards to being able to speak to directors and, you know, being more functional. As
a matter offact, I asked for a legal opinion from the City Attorney, and I think we were all on the
same page. And now this occurs? I don't get CC'd, even though it was, you know, to help
District 3 out? So could you shed some clarity on this?
Mr. Martinez: The intent was not to stifle any information or anything like that or make it a
longer process. It was just reacting to what I thought -- what the Administration thought that we
were just putting paperwork on your desk without it being routed through the City Manager's
office. There was no intent to delay the process or insinuate that we're not allowed to -- you're
not allowed to communicate with us for general information. That was not the intent. We were
just reacting to someone putting a pile of paperwork on your desk without any cover letter,
without any explanation, without anything like that.
Vice Chair Carollo: You know, I -- and you know, it's funny because I never had this issue with
Mr. Crapp, never had this issue with Mr. Migoya, never had this issue with Mr. Hernandez. And
all of a sudden, this occurs. I don't get CC'd on it. Various directors are -- you know, I could see
their jaw dropping and kind of asking me, Frank, what went on? And I'm surprised. I'm like, I
have no idea what you're saying. I have no idea what's going on. And all of a sudden, you know
-- obviously, they won't even print the e-mail. I don't know if it's because they're intimidated or
what. They won't even print the e-mail. I mean -- andl see this. Andl -- it's pretty strongly
worded. I mean, it is underlined that no documents of any nature, whether agenda -related or
otherwise -- I mean, that -- it's underlined -- should be provided to the District 3 office. So I
mean, it's not like all Commissioners. It's my office. And as a matter offact, already, you know,
whether it's police reports, stats on crime, whatever it is, guess what? We can't get it now, you
know. And have actual residents that want to meet with me with regards to crime and so forth,
and I'm here saying -- blinded.
Mr. Martinez: My understanding is that we were reacting to someone dropping the FP&L
(Florida Power & Light) agency report on your desk without any cover letter, without anything
like that, and that your office was not happy about having that dropped off. So this is just a
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measure to make sure that that didn't happen. There was no intent to preclude you from getting
information one on one and that type of thing. It was just people dropping things off on your
desk without the proper cover letter, with making sure that it's what the Administration wanted to
disseminate to the Commissioners.
Vice Chair Carollo: So in essence what you're telling me is that this instability changes
uncertainty are noticeable and taking its toll even at the Commissioner level. That's in essence
what you're telling me because I never had this issue with Mr. Crapp. I never had this issue with
Mr. Migoya. I never had this issue with Mr. Hernandez. So what you're telling me is all this
uncertainty is actually starting to take its toll -- noticeably taking its toll even at the
Commissioner level, you know, and this is why I commend all the department heads because I
know it's going to be hard now with more uncertainty. It -- obviously, it hits the Commissioner
level already. You know, I want to commend all the employees of the City because, in all
fairness, I know they are very concerned, you know. There's a budget that guess soon enough
we'll start discussing it. But realistically, you know, with the CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
leaving, the uncertainty with the City Manager, you know, I'm hoping that someone will address
this today. You know, they're afraid whether they're going to get cut again in their salaries,
benefits, and so forth. You know, in all fairness, I commend my colleagues, you know. This last
year and a half, it hasn't been easy. And the truth of the matter is we've band together, we've
gone through some tough times. We've gone through some tough decisions, and you all know
we've gone through some tough decisions. But the bottom line is, you know, we have stuck
together. We have done it in a prudent manner. We have actually debated, debated
professionally, the way it should be. And ultimately, we have come together to tackle any
problem that has come before us. You know, however, I would tell you, we still have a lot of
work to do and there's going to be some tough times. You know, there's going to be some difficult
decisions. And in order to fix a problem, the truth of the matter is we need to realize that there's
a problem and see what the problem is. You know, listen, I don't have to tell you all 'cause you
know it. This is a beautiful city, a sexy city. I mean, from sports -- you know, we got a great
sports team, one so hot that they even call it the Heat. But I mean, the truth of the matter is, you
know, we're one of the best-known cities in the world --
Chair Gort: That we are.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- one of the most important cities in the world, and we're going to have to
come up with questions and answers why can't we keep a City Manager. We're going to have to
address issues like this. And you know, I also -- I pray for our Mayor. I hope he makes wise
decisions. And you know, I ask clarity in all this that's happening. I mean -- and again, I bring
it here before my colleagues because I truly act on transparency. I mean, there's a lot of
uncertainty. There's a lot of concerns, andl think that, you know, at least this Commission needs
to have some answers, and at the same time, needs to have dialogue. And Mr. Martinez, I guess
you know it was some type of miscommunication, but again, it's showing that all this un -- all this
instability, all these changes is taking its toll.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Can I --
Chair Gort: Thank you. Yes, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Regalado: -- just make a comment. First of all, I heard that your staff was not happy
when they delivered the FPL report without a cover memo, and that's what the staff -- your staff
-- said to whoever delivered that. And that's why I think -- I don't know about the e-mail. And of
course, you should have been copy, and I apologize in behalf of the Administration, Mr. Vice
Chair. But I would like, first of all, to say that number one, this -- there is no instability in the
City ofMiami. And there is no instability in the City ofMiami because at the end of the day, the
City Manager will be coming back on Monday. Whatever decision he takes, it would be a
decision that will be informed to you first and to the public. Larry Spring leaving has nothing to
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do with this other issue of the Manager. He has been working on this for several month now,
and the Manager knew about it, and he's preparing to bring someone -- actually, yourself with
your expertise, you're talking to people to recommend to the Manager; you told me so. And --
Vice Chair Carollo: We have to, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Regalado: Andl -- we thankyou.
Vice Chair Carollo: We have to.
Mayor Regalado: With your expertise, you are talking to people. So -- because you are trying to
help in filling that gap, and we thankyou. We -- because you have the expertise in the
accounting. But you know what, at the end of the day, the numbers are the same with this person
and that person. We are 100 percent that we will finish the fiscal year without going into the
fund reserve. Now that might look something that is not important, but it's been happening for
seven years in a row. So if we achieve that, that will be your victory. That will be our victory.
That would be the Administration victory. Number two, the Manager already has spoken to all
department directors to have a budget with a certain reduction so we can create a budget. The
Manager has been working in the budget for several month already. Parallel, he has been
working with the unions. We have a good feeling about some of the contracts. And we have the
commitment from you and from me and from the Administration that this budget will have no
taxes increase. And that might sound, you know, political, but it will be the first time probably in
ten years that we can say that for two years in a row real taxes are lower in the City ofMiami.
Because in the past, we, as Commissioners, never raised the millage, but the value of the
property went up and up and up and people were paying taxes. You gave the people ofMiami a
gift last year. It was a very hard decision. It was even conversation here in the dais about a
rollback and this and that, and that conversation never became a resolution, never a motion
because the five of you took the hard decision. Andl really commend you for doing that. And
this year, we're going to do the same. We probably are going to have to tighten our belts a little
more. Thank God that the property appraisal [sic] has come up with figures that are under the
projection that we were doing. But I think that we are in good shape. I think there is no stability
in the City, there is no uncertainty other than, well, if this person is leaving or that person is
leaving. But we have in place the professionals to move forward. And you know, like you said,
Mr. Vice Chair, we have a beautiful city. We have now the possibility of celebrating with a team
that is bringing worldwide attention to the City ofMiami. The skyline of the City ofMiami,
regardless of what happen in the championship, has been shown throughout 43 countries in the
world with a marketing price of millions and millions of dollars. Tomorrow we have, at Miami
International Airport, the biggest plane in the world landing here. We have a lot of energy in
downtown, in Midtown, in Wynwood. Next Saturday we will be launching the shuttle for
Wynwood Art District. We just have tourists bus stop installed in Mary Brickell. We got to be
proud of the city that we are -- and you are the people that is making this possible. I would tell
you, Commissioners, thatl am really, really energized about the future. And you know, whatever
happens in the County or whatever happens in the state and the cuts and this and that, we are
delivering services. We are lowering taxes. We are bringing a new business to the City ofMiami,
and we're good. We're really good. And you know, all I can say is, look, I'm working full-time,
and I'm available if anybody -- I know I don't have the authority to direct this and that, but I
want to keep the conversation with all of you, andl have a great relationship with all of you I
think. I think I'm the first Mayor to have a great relationship with the five members of the
Commission in several years. So I just want to say that. It's philosophically. I know it probably
won't address some of your issues, butt give you my word that will be working side by side with
the Administration to present a balanced budget, to offer the residents of the City ofMiami
another year of low taxes and great services and, of course, a great future.
Chair Gort: Mr. Mayor, I think the -- this Commission demonstrated to you last year that we're
willing to work with you all in the budget andl think all of us, what we stated here, we're ready
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to continue to start working on the budget, andl think we need to start right now. Andl believe
you should start talking to all the Commissioners and come up with some of the ideas that you
and the Administration are working with. I think it'll be important for every one of us to know
what's going on and what's the projections. At the same time, Mr. Acting Manager, my
understand is, in talking to the lawyers and to the attorney, request that we cannot order or ask
any department head to do anything, but we can ask for information and that information can
come to us. So I want to make sure that that is clear, that the -- our office have the right to
request information from all the departments and we have the right to receive that information.
Am I correct? Thank you. Yes, sir.
Mayor Regalado: Totally.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chair -- Mr. Mayor, I believe -- in all candidness, I think probably the
biggest issue that might be looming -- and I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but will we know
for certain next week at some point whether the Manager either will be leaving or staying or
we'll know some time that -- will we know? You don't know?
Mayor Regalado: I don't know. I really don't know. It's public that the City Manager has an
offer. He said that he will tell me and you immediately if he accepts the office, and then we could
start a transition. The minute I know, the minute you know because -- so I consider you --
Chair Gort: Before he knows.
Mayor Regalado: -- equal. Before him.
Chair Gort: Before Chuck, okay. I don't want to hear the news from Chuck.
Mayor Regalado: Right. You -- I promise you that you won't be reading breaking news, but the
Manager will --
Commissioner Dunn: I think that --
Mayor Regalado: -- but you know --
Commissioner Dunn: -- would bring a level of comfort at least knowing where we -- where we're
possibly headed, you know.
Mayor Regalado: But you know, who am I to stand in the way of someone? I cannot force a
person, but I don't know. I'm telling you, I don't know. We may know next week or next week or
next two weeks. I don't know. But the meantime, the Manager is the Manager and he continues
to -- as a matter of fact, last night he met for 40 minutes -- he was here in town. He met for 40
minutes with someone to talk about the CFO (Chief Financial Officer). And this is interim. This
is interim of -- because we need time to get your input, to get your input, to get everybody's input.
So we will know when we know. But I can assure you that the numbers won't change. The
numbers that we have now won't change and the numbers that you'll be working on it won't
change. Would it be a hard season -- budget season? Yes. But you know, last year you did the
extraordinary, you know. You confronted many challenges. You did what some people consider
not the political thing to do. And you know -- and you were right. The courts have just upheld
the fiscal urgency status. And there are cities in the state of Florida that wants to follow the City
ofMiami. I mean, even the County is now trying to find out whether the fiscal urgency is
something that they could use. So I am really excited about the next few month because I know
that you are going to do the right thing. Probably, this is the strongest Commission that we have
had in many, many, many years. You know, I was elected citywide, but I want to be part of all of
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your district. I am visiting different neighborhoods. I try to engage the people. I think it's really
important. I think that this period of time is the time where we are having more meetings with
the residents than ever before. And I have gone to yours, and I have gone to yours. And so I --
I'm just offering myself to go with you in the evening, in the morning, in the afternoon, in a
Saturday, in a Sunday. I just want you to understand that we are certain about Miami, that we
don't have any doubts, that there is no crash and burn situation; that we are sound and that we
are working with you all.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: A couple of things. And by the way, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for
addressing us. I truly appreciate that. Several things. I know you're saying that the numbers
will not change. However, it goes beyond that. It goes into union negotiations. It goes into our
bond ratings, would it be lowered. It goes to -- we just approved a bond offering for $140
million. We're going to have to disclose in the POS these changes. We're going to have to
disclose who's our new CFO or that our CFO left. I would imagine we also have to disclose
what's happening with the City Manager, if he's staying or not. And listen, I'm not here to
contradict you, but I think some of us are pretty certain -- and again, I'm not going to contradict
you, but some of us are pretty certain that Mr. Crapp is leaving. And again, I'm not going to
contradict you. I'm just sayingl think some of us are even acting as if we're going to have a new
City Manager. And in all fairness, you know, you've already seen -- I just showed the perfect
example where, you know, this confusion and so forth has affected, you know, my office. There's
not, that I know of any of these department heads that want to give me any information or so
forth, no matter how minute it might be. So you know, these are things that although you're
saying the numbers will stay the same, we can't be oblivious to the fact that, listen, it's affecting
us. And not to mention that you are 100 percent correct. We live in a beautiful city. We have so
much opportunity, and this is going to be our fourth manager in a year and a half, I don't know,
15 months, 17 month, whatever it is. And we need to address why aren't we able to keep a City
Manager. So I -- and again, I'm just putting it out there, you know. I feel that it needs to be
transparent. We need to discuss it. I'm telling you, a reporter comes to me and asks me, you
know, Frank, is the Manager leaving or not? You know, the Mayor has told me he is not leaving.
He has not officially given his resignation. And you know, I'd rather not comment. I rather -- I
end up saying, listen, I'd rather not comment. I'd rather, you know, not be on the record. I don't
want to speak. You know there was rumors that, you know, the CFO actually left because there's
a new administration coming and you know, there's been so many administrations and so forth.
I don't know. Listen, all I'm saying is I would like some transparency. And to be honest with
you, I'd like to know, you know, where do we stand. You know, we're going into budget season.
We don't have a CFO now. I'm not sure we have the same City Manager. There's two very key
positions. So you know, all I'm saying is, you know, I will deal with whatever comes our way. As
you know, I'm concerned about the CFO position. I'm not even going to discuss the Budget
director, but I am concerned, you know. I am genuinely concerned. And yes, that's why I
reached out in the private sector and even the public sector and spoken to various people that
could be CFOs or are CFOs and potentially, you know, may have an interest in the City because
-- you know, and again, in all fairness, that -- I'm doing it because of my concern because in all
fairness, that's the City Manager's job. And I'm not even sure if the City Manager is the City
Manager or who's going to be the City Manager. So again, I bring this to light and especially
with what happened with this e-mail that wasn't even CC'd on and it was supposedly to help my
office. And you know, it's just a way of working now that, you know, I mean, in all fairness, it
might be perceived as, let's just say, different but --
Mayor Regalado: And I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. I don't want to prolong this, but I think it's
important. Well, number one, like I said, last night the City Manager, Tony Crapp, met with
somebody for help in terms of the CFO. But you mentioned the bond issue. You know, the first
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thing that sign as Mayor in the City ofMiami, I think it was late November, the first official
document was the bond issue for the Marlins garage. As a Commissioner, I didn't vote for it. As
Mayor, I sign it with the disclosure that two days before the Securities and Exchange
Commission has launch -- had launched a full fledge investigation on years 207 [sic], 206 [sic],
208 [sic], and then they expand it to 209 [sic]. That is the worst -case scenario, a city under the
scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission. I refuse to sign the bond issue until it was
disclosed that we were under the investigation. And by the way, I think that we had -- at the
time, we had not been notified, but there was an article that raised the issue that we were under
investigation and the City Attorney confirmed that. And the City Attorney diligently added the
disclosure to that bond issue. So we risk, you know, the possibility of higher interest because we
were under investigation, but we didn't. The bond issue is -- where the garages are -- been built
and all that. My understanding is that the bond issue has already been done, that the only thing
that is missing is for me to speak to the ratings agency, which was the thing that didl think in
early December about this bond issue of the Marlins garage. Andl understand that we going to
do that, Madam City Attorney, very soon, but this is done. And if any disclosure has to be made,
I think that this disclosures will be less damaging than the disclosure that we made that we were
under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I mean, is that a fair
statement?
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Yeah. The --
Vice Chair Carollo: And we're still on the investigation. It still hasn't concluded.
Mayor Regalado: Right, the investigation is still on. And you have been brief about the
investigation and all of you.
Ms. Bru: No, no. At this time, the Commission has already authorized the issuance of the bonds.
We are still in the process of finalizing the preliminary official statement. Over the next couple of
weeks, that statement will be finalized, appropriate disclosures will be made with any new
significant material information. We have also some additional good news to include in the
disclosure regarding some of our labor matters, so those disclosures will be made. And some
time -- I believe that sometime in July is when we plan to go to market with the bonds so --
Chair Gort: Commissioner.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Mr. Chair, the Vice Chair has a very good knack for putting a white
elephant out and saying here's the white elephant, here it is. And the Mayor -- you know, we
have to thank you for what you're doing in terms of dealing with this issue, but I think -- and I'm
trying to remember myself, andl thinkl speak for many of us up here. Last year at this time, we
had a good understanding of what we were facing, the numbers we were facing, and a strategy
that was going to be put in place. Andl think the concern -- or at least my concern -- and I'd
hope the other Commissioners share my concern. I don't feel like I know that -- I don't think
know the numbers andl don't think know the strategy that's being implemented or being
considered, and it's very difficult to sit up here year in and year out and continue and persistently
take from the employees. Now while they make up 85 percent of our budget, it's not always easy.
They have taken reduction after reduction. Last year was not their first reduction. It was their
second reduction. Andl think what the Vice Chair is saying is what are our strategies? What
are our options? What are the real numbers? What are we trying to grab for? It's excellent
news that we're going to finish this year in the black. Andl think we all know that now. Even
with, without red-light cameras, whether it's constitutional or unconstitutional, take that out of
the equation, we'll still end up in the black. But our projection's going forward, what are our
strategies because what has the reduction in ad valorem, though not as severe as we anticipated,
is nonetheless a reduction. There was some very good news, Mr. Mayor, you're right. In
downtown Miami, I believe the real estate values increased by 10 percent.
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Chair Gort: They did.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And that's an extraordinary thing to say. And that's an extra -- that's
what the Vice Chair is saying. That's what the Mayor is saying. This is a great city. This is a
city that's on the move, and this city will continue to go on the move. But I think what everyone
is saying here, last year at this time -- this is what, June 9? -- we had a pretty good idea where
we were going to be. And we knew the number that we had to tackle. We basically knew the
strategy we needed to employ, and we were having meetings on it. Certainly, in August we met
extensively, you know, about it, andl guess there's a concern that we just don't know is the
number 10 million, it is 20 million, is it 30 million, is it 40 million, is it 55 million? And we just
don't -- I haven't been apprised of that. I've heard -- I guess we all do numbers in our own head,
andl don't -- I'm not a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and Commissioner Suarez, I think,
should be a CPA the way he can do numbers in his head, but I've always had the number 20
million stapled in my mind. Now I might be right andl might be wrong, but that was 20 million
predicated upon I think it was a 5 or 6 or 7 percent reduction in ad valorem. Now I know the ad
valorem's in much better condition. I thought I heard the -- Larry Spring, the CFO, I thought I
heard him say to Commissioner Suarez -- I don't know if it was at the last meeting or the meeting
before -- that he could get a $16 million reduction -- 18 million, but I'm not sure that's accurate.
I'm not sure that that's truly accurate. Now if there is really an $18 million reduction, good
strategy in place. I will yield to Commissioner Suarez.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think the concern that we all have is that we
were talking about this frequently on a monthly basis, on a bi-meeting basis. And it seems like,
for whatever reason, this particular year we haven't been doing that. And so, I mean, I think
that's a concern that I have. I've tried to introduce the topic at the last few Commission meetings
when we were talking about the refinancing of that $140 million bond. I tried to bring it, you
know, back to the issue of the budget, back to the issue of what is going to be our anticipated
shortfall next year. We did get the good news that it was going to be less than what we originally
-- actually, it was going to be less than our best -case projection. We had a projection of
anywhere between 5 and 10 percent. I had spoken to the property appraiser and he had said
between 5 and 8 percent, and this was actually better than the best -case scenario. Andl think
the concern that we all have is that's good news, so what does that mean, you know, exactly or
more or less, you know. Does that mean that our deficit has been reduced from 15 million or 20
million to 12 million or 10 million? What does that mean? There was some initial discussion the
first time that we brought on the bond offering as a discussion item, which I had suggested that it
be brought on as a discussion item before it being voted on so there was transparency, so that it
could be aired out. There was some discussion about the savings from that bond offering and
whether that could be used to balance our budget or whether it could not be used to balance our
budget; whether it could not be used to balance a recurring deficit or whether it had to be used
to replenish our reserves. And those are all issues that need to be discussed. In addition to that,
I think part of the problem is and part of what -- the sentiment that's being expressed here today
is that we don't really have a very clear understanding of where we're at with our union
negotiations. I mean, I don't know where we're at with our union negotiations. We took some,
you know, decisions last year. They were difficult decisions. I think part of the reason why we
decided them is because we felt like it was the only option that we had at that point, and it was
kind of avoiding what could otherwise be a catastrophe in the City, but we're not out of the
woods yet, and so, you know, we have to have the same, I think, intensity and scrutiny coming up
to this upcoming budget year. Andl just -- I think we're waiting for that to happen, all of us.
Andl don't know to what extent we're going to continue to wait. Hopefully, we won't have to
wait much longer for that information to start flowing our way and for us to start discussing it
because we don't have that much more time. And we -- I don't think we should be in a situation
where we're in a time crunch when there's no real reason for us to be in a time crunch. As for the
other issues that have been discussed, the CFO, the City Manager, et cetera, et cetera, I think the
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fact of the matter is we all here believe in the City ofMiami. We all love the City ofMiami. We
all think that despite ourselves, the City of Miami's an incredible city, and despite our
government and at times its inability to get things done, we have a remarkable city that's resilient
beyond imagination. But the City, as a government, deserves the best. It deserves the best and it
deserves the best and the brightest. And whatever action we're going to take in the future,
however we're going to replace these positions, we have to get the best and the brightest in here
to help us tackle these very, very difficult decisions as we move forward. That's what I'm going
to be pushing for andl hope that, you know, our colleagues support each other as we have. We
support the Administration, and hopefully they engage us in that process of finding those people
so that we're not in a situation where there's excessive turnover, so we're not in a situation, you
know, where we're questioning the ability of the people who are here helping us run the City.
Chair Gort: Thank you. That's why I stated at the first -- at the beginning we need to start
working on the budget. I don't want to hear the numbers now. I want to make sure because you
might say some numbers now and that might change next week. I want to make sure you all sit
with all of us, let us know where we're at, what the plan. At the same time, we'd like to know
what's the negotiation with the unions, where we're going. I think the people, what -- the
problem they have, they got all these rumors going around that it's going bankrupt, that we
going to cut salaries and all that. None of that has been addressed. And my understanding is
we're talking about producing reoccurring revenues. We also talking about reducing some of the
expenses that we can reduce and certain things that we can do. So I'd like to get an information
and all that to all of us, sit with us and let us know where we're at, what are the real numbers are
'cause I'm seeing numbers anywhere from 40 to 10, and I'd like to get the real number and what
are the plan that we're going to do. And we need to start working like we did last year. Thank
you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman, I wanted to close. Andl originally asked for the point of
privilege, andl wanted to close, if possible.
Chair Gort: I beg your pardon?
Vice Chair Carollo: I wanted to close my point of privilege and --
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- if possible.
Chair Gort: Sure.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. Again, I brought this for discussion for various reasons, and as
I've always said it, I think debate, discussion is healthy. I think that's the way I've prided myself
here in this Commission andl think we have always done so in a prudent manner and a
professional manner, and we've always come together at the end for the best of this City. So I
thought that it was important to bring some of these issues into the light. And now to conclude, I
just want to make sure, Mr. Manager, Mr. Assistant Manager, Mr. Martinez, that that e-mail that
was sent, in no way does it mean that my office, I can't contact any of the department heads --
For instance, I had a complaint from a resident -- actually, various residents, that the crime was
going up. I contacted, you know, someone from the Police Department to give me some of the
stats, what's going on. Well -- so I just want to make sure that the way it used to be is and that no
department head feels intimidated from giving me any information. Or, as a matter of fact, let
me make sure I word it correctly. Any information, documents, et cetera, you know, so that I
could work as a Commissioner for the best of the residents in my district.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
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NA.2
11-00508
Mr. Martinez: First, I apologize for you not being CC'd on the e-mail. That's our bad. I was
CC'd, andl didn't react to the information. But the intent was not to stifle information that
Commissioners request from the Administration, not at all. It was more information that the
Administration owes the Commission, and we just wanted to make sure it was in the right form
and timely and that type of thing. I will send -- this time I will send it. I was just CC'd on the
other one -- an e-mail claming that this in no way should impede any information that the
Commissioner should ask of the Administration.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. I think all the department heads are here watching and so forth, if
not present, andl think it will be clear. And again, I just -- once again, I think everybody knows
I am extremely cautious with everything. I am transparent. I -- you know -- so you know, I act
within the rules. I actually -- you know, like I said, when Mr. Crapp was here to ratifi, his
appointment, I actually brought it out in a public view. I actually requested a public [sic]
opinion in front of everybody to make sure that we're all on the same page. So I just want to
make sure that things don't change and we can move forward working hard like we're doing.
Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you. Just one more point. Andl work with the rating agency. Disclosure,
disclosure, disclosure is very important and what is the backup plan that you have for whatever
you're disclosing. I think that's what's important. Thank you.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION BY VICE CHAIR CAROLLO REGARDING ROADWORK IN
DISTRICT 3 IDENTIFIED AS PROJECT B-30715.
DISCUSSED
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd like to proceed with my pocket item, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you. As you all know and I have mentioned here quite a few times
my belief in transparency and how I bring everything to the public eye. And in all fairness, due
to that e-mail (electronic) that was sent out, I didn't even feel comfortable going to the director of
Public Work -- or, I'm sorry, CIP (Capital Improvement Programs) because the truth of the
matter is I didn't know what reaction I was going to get. Everything had to go through the
Manager. I'm not really sure what manager because I've been working with -- I don't even know
if to say former Manager, current Manager, or the Manager Tony Crapp, on my CIP projects.
As you all know, I have not approved my CIP five-year plan and so forth because I have
mentioned how, you know, we can't reconcile and there's errors and so forth. And l just want to
point something out, more than anything, for clarity. I want to know what's going on. You could
clearly see here by this picture -- and if you see here on your right-hand side, it's Southwest 24th
Road and up there is 9th Avenue. Okay. There's obviously some work being done here on 9th
Avenue, in between 24th Road and 25th Road. And more work being done. The problem is that
neither I nor my staff can find this roadwork in any of our CIP schedules. So what we did is we
went to the actual bulletin board and we looked for the project number. The project number is
B-30715. The problem is that project number B-30715 is for a project at Northwest 24th Avenue,
in between Northeast 3rd Street and Northwest 6th Street. It has no place here in the Roads.
And l just -- I want clarity to see why this cost of 227,000 for project B-30715 is in the Roads
when, in reality, it should be somewhere in Northwest 24th Avenue, in between 3rd Street and
Northwest 6th Street. So I'm looking for clarity. And this is something that B-30715 and
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Northwest 24th Road is one that I've asked for, let's say -- I think it's about year now, which we
actually went there personally and the tadpoles were swimming around. Something similar to
this, except this was a year -- I'm sorry. This was a week after it had rained and tadpoles were
swimming around. So that's actually what I've been trying to fix for the past year and to no
avail. And now the project number to fix this, I find it's here on Southwest 24th Road in be -- I'm
sorry, on 9th Avenue in between Southwest 24th Road and 25th Road and, again, I'm seeking
clarity.
Alice Bravo: Good afternoon. Alice Bravo, CIP (Capital Improvement Program) director. And
yes, when we went out and created these projects, there were several small locations that were
lumped together into a single B number, and we have sent some e-mails to your office regarding
the status of this project, and specifically one stating that B-30715 included both locations, 24th
Avenue and the one in the Roads, and that the project is under construction.
Vice Chair Carollo: I haven't seen that. As a matter of fact, I have 24th Avenue in between
Northwest 3rd Street and Northwest 6th Street. That's where we went. We saw tadpoles. Well,
you saw from the water there was tadpoles swimming around. It's been since June of last year.
We've gone by that location; nothing has occurred.
Ms. Bravo: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. There is -- not even a rock has been moved. However, when I go to
Southwest 24th -- Southwest 9th Avenue in between Southwest 24th Road and Southwest 25th
Road, it seems like this construction is being done there. We don't know what it is. We don't see
a "B" number for it. And where the issue was, where we actually physically went, not even a
rock has been turned in a year.
Ms. Bravo: Right. And per that e-mail that I had sent previously, we described that both
projects were being done under B-30715 and that the contractor was going to do one. And when
he was done with that one, he'd move to the second location.
Vice Chair Carollo: Which project -- which two projects?
Ms. Bravo: The 24th Avenue and the one in the Roads.
Vice Chair Carollo: Now, the one in the Road [sic] is actually Southwest 25th Road, in between
4th and 5th Street. It's not 9th Avenue. And that is project number B-30720.
Ms. Bravo: Right. There are several locations in that "B" number.
Vice Chair Carollo: No. B-30720. And again, listen, I just want clarity because, you know, I'm
-- it's obvious I'm a little frustrated because it's been at least a year since we have physically
gone there, looked at it. I mean, I've taken time. I've gone with you personally so you see --
you've even met some of the neighbors. You've met some of the people. And the truth of the
matter is, you know, no, it's not that they're all mixed up. B-30720 is for Southwest 25th Road in
between 4th and 5th Street. And where this work is being done, it's on 9th Avenue in between
24th Road and 25th Road, and we can't find this work anywhere in our schedule.
Ms. Bravo: Right. And as I mentioned before, both numbers -- both locations were included in a
single "B" number and --
Vice Chair Carollo: That's not what I'm showing in your latest schedule.
Ms. Bravo: Okay. Again, we provide that further detail in an e-mail, andl apologize it's not on
the table.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Right. I have the schedule.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm looking at it. And B-30715 clearly states it's for Northwest 24th
Avenue, in between Northwest 3rd Street and Northwest 6th Street. Not a rock has been turned
there, and that's where all those tadpoles were seen after --
Ms. Bravo: That location and several others are being addressed through that project number.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, that's not what it says here, okay. B-30715, like I said, we've gone
there; nothing is happening.
Ms. Bravo: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: However, B-30715 on Northwest 9th Avenue is where that construction is
being done. I don't see it in the schedule. I don't see that address here.
Ms. Bravo: I'll send you a full listing of all the locations being addressed in that "B" number.
Vice Chair Carollo: But I thought that's what we've been doing for the past month.
Ms. Bravo: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: And I have it here.
Ms. Bravo: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: And don't see it, so I need clarity.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: You know, that -- I have it here.
Ms. Bravo: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: I mean, if you could point it out -- I've studied this. My staff has studied
this. We've made sure we're, you know -- and again, you know, I'm just looking for clarity. And
I'm -- and yes, I'm fighting for the residents of my district that, you know, I was hoping that a
year goes by that they'd be able to have, you know, this problem fixed prior to the next rainy
season, which is now. Now in all fairness, in all fairness, I would say this is something that was
created in the past. You know there was a project done. Apparently, it was done erroneously and
now we have all these pockets of water and so forth. So it wasn't created by, you know, this CIP
administration. But at the same time, I can't let it be gone, you know, blindly that -- it's been
over a year andl still have not seen any movement there and now I see the "B" number, which is
supposed to address -- andl have it here andl can show you -- Northwest 24th Avenue between
Northwest 3rd Street to Northwest 6th Street in the Roads, and the location in the Roads that
you're thinking about is B number 30720 Southwest 25th Road, improvement project, which is
not an improvement project, but let's say it is, okay. The bottom line is, I don't know what that is
on 9th Avenue is. I don't know what work is being done there. I don't know if it was a mistake. I
don't know what it is. But if you can show me in my schedule --
Ms. Bravo: Yes.
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- and this is the latest schedule that was given, I think, two weeks ago or so
forth --
Ms. Bravo: Correct. And often, when we have a project that addresses multiple small locations,
they get lumped together into one and the name gets shortened and some other locations drop
off so I will gladly edit this to provide that additional detail. All these projects, as you may
recall, were appropriated in October -- I think the October 14, 2010 meeting. So as soon as that
appropriation occurred, we brought designers on board to start the design. Some projects
required survey. Any project requiring drainage requires a drainage permit from both local and
state agencies, and we've gone through that process and that's why, under that "B" number,
we've broken ground in one location and we'll follow with the second. So there -- unfortunately,
a timeline for this process that if we're going to follow the rules, both state and local, we have to
follow.
Vice Chair Carollo: Excuse me, Ms. Bravo. We have not broken ground on any locations that
dealt with the tadpoles that we physically went to see. We have not broken ground. Where we've
broken grounds on 9th Avenue in between 25th Road and 24th Road, that -- I don't know where
this project came from.
Ms. Bravo: I guess I will -- we'll list --
Vice Chair Carollo: That's where --
Ms. Bravo: -- out the multiple locations.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's -- well, the multiple location, I don't know where this multiple
location's coming from. I specifically remember 25th Road in between 4th and 5th Street, andl
specifically remember 24th Avenue -- Northwest 24th Avenue, in between 3rd and 6th.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: And again, we physically went there. We saw the tadpoles a week after it
rained. And again, I just want to make sure -- I mean, I could tell you the names of the residents
that it affects. I could -- I think you've met some of them.
Ms. Bravo: Yep.
Vice Chair Carollo: And we're still with this. However --
Ms. Bravo: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I'm seeing construction. You see one of these "B" numbers somewhere
else where I can't even find it in this schedule.
Ms. Bravo: Yes. I was advised by Public Works that this "B" number actually addresses 11
different locations, so we'll --
Vice Chair Carollo: If that's the case --
Ms. Bravo: -- list that out.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- why isn't it in our schedule? And that's why I have not approved the CIP
five-year plan because supposedly, this is what it is and it's wrong. It's not accurate.
Ms. Bravo: Okay. We'll provide additional detail.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Were we going into that -- and let me tell you what happens on 14th Avenue and
26th Street, we don't get tadpoles. We have goldfish in there when it rains.
Ms. Bravo: Yes.
Chair Gort: And this is something that happened six years ago.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd rather have gold fish than tadpoles, though.
Chair Gort: Let me tell you, it's --
Ms. Bravo: And we have an issue throughout the City that -- in the mid '80s there was a
regulatory change where before that, shallow wells were allowed for drainage, but it was
discovered that shallow wells actually allows the run-off to go directly into the drinking water
level. And as such, in the '80s that regulation was changed requiring any type of drainage
improvement to go down to a deeper level or using a French drain. Unfortunately, the City has
many that were constructed after that date. And in some places, the shallow well was capped
and so some of our drainage projects are actually remedial projects.
Chair Gort: The one I'm talking about, we've been complaining for the last five years. It was
just built recently and it's not working.
Ms. Bravo: 14th Avenue.
Chair Gort: I think you all look at it right across from 2660 --
Ms. Bravo: Okay.
Chair Gort: -- Northwest 14th Avenue.
Ms. Bravo: Okay, we'll take a look.
Chair Gort: Because it happens to be my -- where I live, and the neighbors have been going
after me. We've been complaining for the last four or five years.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Chair Gort: And now that I'm a Commissioner, they're saying what's wrong with you.
Ms. Bravo: Right.
Vice Chair Carollo: And by the way -- ifI may, Mr. Chair?
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm not trying to be aggressive with the amount of projects I'm doing in my
district. I mean, I'm just following these two and maybe another one and so forth. In other
words, before we walk, you know, I'm just trying to crawl with you. I'm just trying to -- you
know, all I've gotten in a year and a half is one guardrail that, these law few months, I just -- I
went to the Manager and said, Mr. Manager, what's going on? It's supposed to -- if you go by
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this schedule, it's supposed to have been done in, you know, January.
Ms. Bravo: Well, I've only been here a year, so --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, okay. But anyways -- so again, Ms. Bravo, my point is, you know, I'm
definitely want to work with you and so forth, but obviously, you can tell in my voice I'm a little
frustrated. And then, realistically, I don't know where that project is. So we're going to have to
reconcile and see where that project is and the "B" numbers because --
Ms. Bravo: I understand. We'll --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Ms. Bravo: -- make sure that anything that addresses multiple locations is spelled out clearly in
the project description so that there's no ambiguity, and we can even produce a map that goes
with this so that it's color -coded, what's being accomplished under each "B" number, because
just for economies of scale, in some cases, it makes sense to group multiple improvements
together.
Vice Chair Carollo: I understand that. However, one thing is --
Ms. Bravo: We'll make it clear.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- economies of scale, one thing is grouping and not letting anyone know.
Andl am taking your wordfor it, if that's what occurred. I'm not, you know, saying that's what
occurred and this is all correct. I'm just taking your wordfor it. Remember, I always -- I told
you one of my favorite words is professional skepticism. I learned that, you know, as an auditor
and, you know, fraud detective in the police department and so forth, so I always use
professional skepticism. So again, you know, going back, my point is, you know, I -- you know,
let's see if we can move forward with some of these projects and, you know, move on for the
betterment of the City.
Ms. Bravo: That's what we're working on. Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Gort: Thank you.
NA.3 DISCUSSION ITEM
11-00509
DISCUSSION BY THE CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING THE PROVISION
OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR POLICE
CHIEF MIGUEL EXPOSITO AND MAJOR ALFREDO ALVAREZ.
DISCUSSED
Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Mr. Chair, before you --
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Bru: -- adjourn, I have a pocket item.
Chair Gort: Okay.
Ms. Bru: Okay. As the Commission knows, back in April two of our employees, the Chief of
Police and Major Alvarez, were sued in connection with certain statements that were made in a
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TV (Television) show. The case is Orlando Cordoves versus America Teve Network, Inc. versus
Miguel Exposito, Alfredo Alvarez and Pedro Sevcec. As is the practice of the City and as is my
duty under the charter, I examined the conditions under which the occurrences that are alleged
in the complaint occurred. I consulted with the City Manager to make sure that the Manager felt
that the conditions were such that these employees were acting within the course and scope of
their duties. The Manager instructed me that they were. And as is our practice, I identified an
attorney to represent them because I did feel that because of the allegations, that there was a
potential conflict with my office representing these individuals. Some of the issues that are being
discussed in the complaint involve certain meetings that were held wherein was a member andl
was involved in drafting certain laws that have become the subject of the discussions that have
led to this complaint, so my office has a potential conflict. We consulted with the Florida Bar.
The Florida Bar advised that notwithstanding the fact that my office has a conflict, that I have a
conflict, that I can still select outside counsel. Initially, there was a disagreement between the
chief and Major Alvarez as to whether or not could select the outside counsel or whether they
were entitled to select their own counsel and the City pay for it. I disagreed. We did the
research. I believe strongly that as a matter of public policy, it should be your City Attorney that
selects outside counsel whenever there's a conflict because otherwise, potentially we open up
ourselves to have any employee who is sued wanting to hire their attorney and there's no way to
ensure that we are getting somebody who is competent and whose fees are reasonable. Having
said all that, I was under the impression that the chief and Major Alvarez were going to go ahead
and get their own attorney. I warned them that if they did, then they would not be entitled to
reimbursement. And today, just a few minutes ago, they came to see me; and it is urgent now,
andl apologize, but that is why I'm bringing it up as a pocket item. There is a hearing scheduled
for July 5. I think that they, pro se, had filed a motion to dismiss, and now they've asked me to
go ahead and finalize their representations through the attorney that l've selected, which is
Oscar Marrero, with whom we have had great success representing City employees whom we've
had a conflict with. We have negotiated a rate of $200 an hour, which is a very reasonable rate,
and they both want to accept the offer that was extended to have Oscar Marrero represent them.
There's a hearing scheduled for July 5. I wouldn't have been able to bring this up, you know,
with sufficient time to have them prepare for the hearing.
Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Dunn: I just have one question in terms of the -- is this a -- is this unprecedented
- - what is the guidelines -- what are the guidelines in terms of a pocket item? Is it a pocket item
- - can we vote on a fiscal matter a -- a financial matter on a pocket item? I -- on the principle of
the item, I know that we support within the guidelines. But if this is something that is not the
norm, I would prefer that this be on the regular agenda as other items because I don't want to set
a precedent if this is, in fact, the case. That's what I -- that's all need to know.
Ms. Bru: Okay. Well, let me address that. First of all, does it have a fiscal impact? Yes, it does.
Has money been budgeted for these purposes? Yes, it has. As a matter of fact, this Commission
in the NDA (Nondepartmental Account) account from where the funds to pay for this
representation would come from, you have budgeted $2 million to date. I believe that for legal
services, we have spent maybe somewhere in the vicinity of $700, 000. So there is money
budgeted for these purposes. And number three, is it an issue that is an emergency? Well, if we
don't -- and again, quite frankly, the money was budgeted for legal services for these kinds of
things. I discussed this with other attorneys and there's a -- you know, there's an opinion of -- as
to whether or not we even have to get further authorization, but I have always, as a matter of
custom and practice, come to this Commission any time that I've hired outside counsel, not for
you to approve the individual whom I have selected but to approve the expenditure of funds
because I take a very conservative approach, that I don't have the specific authority to spend
money on a contract -- and hiring an outside counsel would be a contract -- unless you've
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approved it. So even though you've approved a budgeted amount from where I can draw funds, I
don't believe that I have the specific authority to pay someone unless you give me that authority.
Now it is an emergency because, as I said, there is a hearing scheduled for July 5. If we don't
bring this attorney on board now and give them sufficient time to prepare, I think that, you know,
both of these individuals would be in jeopardy of not being able to be fully and adequately
represented.
Commissioner Dunn: Just -- andl understand it. When was the -- I remember seeing a letter or
something. The chief received this letter at what date?
Ms. Bru: I don't have the exact date, but shortly after, let's see -- I think the letter went out
sometime at the end of April.
Commissioner Dunn: And so -- and we're in June now. And he just told you this afternoon?
Ms. Bru: Initially, there was a disagreement. And quite frankly, the law regarding the
representation of employees and elected officials is not that clear. There was a disagreement as
to whether or not the chief andMajor Alvarez could select their own attorney. We researched.
We went back and forth. We discussed it back and forth. I was under the impression that they
had decided to go on their own, but it appears as if now they are accepting our offer. Let me say
to you that the way thatl interpret the law, this Commission has the authority to provide counsel,
authority. If you don't provide counsel -- and that's what the law says. If you fail to provide
counsel, then he has the right to come back and get reimbursed for whatever expenses he's
incurred. So if -- you know, either way, you know, I believe that it is most fiscally prudent for us
to select the counsel because that's the policy and practice that we have. And if we treat him any
differently than we treat all the other officers and employees, then we may start a precedent that
employees go ahead and they select their own counsel and they come back with huge bills, such
as in the case where -- remember where Officer Lozano came back and Roy Black had a --
almost a million dollars worth of attorney's fees that they sought to be reimbursed.
Commissioner Dunn: And I'll yield to my colleagues, but I just have problems -- the chief
waited. He waited. That's not our problem. Andl think we, on this Commission, need to send a
message that we are the Commissioners. Andl think that -- I have no problem supporting him.
He's entitled to legal representation from the City. We just voted on a matter not too long ago. I
want to be consistent. But at the same time, I mean, he can't, you know, just do it the way he
wants to do it. Andl think that's been the message that we've been sending in allowing him. So
at some point we need to send a message he'll go by the guidelines that everybody has to go by in
the City ofMiami. And I'm prepared to let's bring it back on the consent agenda. If he want to
get his lawyer and then we reimburse him, like we did Michelle Spence -Jones, I have no problem.
But that he waited; not us. That's how I feel.
Chair Gort: My question is, you're telling us that the City Manager represented that they went to
the TV program -- representing the City, authorized by the City.
Ms. Bru: Let me --
Chair Gort: No?
Ms. Bru: Mr. Chair.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Yes, I had sent a memorandum to the City Manager describing the allegations and
asking the Manager to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to represent the chief
andMajor Alvarez with the explanation that the City's authority to represent would only be if
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they were acting within the course and scope of employment. The Manager, in writing,
responded to go ahead and represent the chief.
Commissioner Dunn: I don't know how -- we need to vote on this? I'd like to make a motion that
we bring it back on the regular agenda the way it's supposed to be done. He waited. He had it
in April. I don't think we should be the ones being pressed with a gun to our head now to make a
decision. And think it describes -- and I'm not going to get into that. I don't mind representing
him as a City, the part that we're supposed to do, but I think we need to send a message on this
Commission that the guidelines are the guidelines and we need to follow the guidelines. That's
what I think. That's my position.
Commissioner Suarez: Second for discussion.
Chair Gort: Been moved and second for discussion.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My issue is not -- I want to be consistent with
the way that I acted when this issue essentially came before us, slightly different. I wanted some
extra time to look at the issue. I think clearly the $200 an hour fee is extremely generous to the
City and extremely reasonable, so that's not the concern that have. I think, you know --I don't
know what you've gotten in writing. I don't know -- you said you put -- you know, you put the
offer out to the chief and to Major Alvarez in writing. Have you recei -- you said initially you
had some sort of communication that they did not want to accept that attorney. Now you're
saying that they did --
Commissioner Dunn: Today.
Commissioner Suarez: -- did they give that to you in writing? I have not seen that writing.
Have you -- we haven't gotten a copy of that.
Ms. Bru: I can provide a copy. Initially, their communication was their interpretation of the
law, and their interpretation of law was that they were entitled to select their counsel; that
because our office had a conflict, it would represent the conflict to select counsel. We checked
with the Florida Bar to make sure that, you know, that position was not correct and indeed, we
got an opinion from the Florida Bar, and that's when I wrote back to him saying that we didn't
have -- you know, that we could select the counsel and that's -- and now here's where we are a
month later.
Commissioner Suarez: And did you receive something in writing today that --
Ms. Bru: No.
Commissioner Suarez: -- specified that they --
Ms. Bru: He --
Commissioner Suarez: -- were going to accept that counsel?
Ms. Bru: -- came to see me in person, and Major Alvarez came to see me just a minute ago. And
we communicated with Mr. -- my deputy, Warren Bittner, to make sure we got the ball rolling
because --
Commissioner Suarez: I think it's a little bit unreasonable to assume that someone can come to
your office, make an oral communication, and then you're going to rush down to the City
Commission, put on a pocket item for an unknown expenditure without any comprehensive
analysis, anything given to us, to the Commission, to analyze. And I'm just being consistent with
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the way that I acted -- and so I agree that it should be on the consent agenda so long as none of
the Commissioners have a problem with it. If somebody wants to pull it from the consent agenda
because they have an issue with it in the next Commission meeting -- I'm not sure that they're
going to be prejudiced in any way, shape or form because of the hearing is in the beginning of
July and it's on a motion to dismiss. Is that correct?
Ms. Bru: It is. It's a motion to dismiss.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. So then that now would mean that -- our next Commission
meeting is on the 23rd?
Ms. Thompson: Yes.
Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Bru: Twenty-third.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. So between the 23rd and the 9th, that is 7 plus 9; that's 16 days to
prepare for a motion to dismiss. That seems to me to be far more than ample time. In fact, I
know in a recent case where County Attorney turned over an appeal in 24 hours, so I think to be
prepared for a motion to dismiss -- I just think it's a little bit unreasonable given the
circumstances.
Chair Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: And I -- it's not that I'm against voting in favor of --
Commissioner Dunn: I'm not either, for the record. I'm not either.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. And I'm -- and again, I voted in favor of paying, you know, Ms.
Spence -Jones legal fees. I just wanted to have the time andl want to be consistent. I think it's
unfair for me to vote this way today and not have voted this way, you know, two weeks ago. So
that's just why I seconded the motion and that's why I'm going to vote in favor of the motion and
hopefully, you know, my colleagues agree.
Chair Gort: Further discussion.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, having been the only Commissioner probably up here that had
been sued personally, I guess I have a different feeling than Ms. Bru and I've always had a
different feeling than Ms. Bru. I happen to believe the doctor that you choose to take your wife
to when she's under life -threatening conditions is your choice. I equally believe that the attorney
that you choose when your financial wealth is at stake is equally your choice. While I think Julie
is -- I'm sorry -- while Ms. Bru is reading Florida Statute, there is ambient footnote for -- to that
statute that says this in no way obviates Florida jurisprudence on point. Florida jurisprudence
on point, I think, allows a person to select their own attorney. Now -- so my -- I never liked to
disagree with you on the record, but this is something that happened to me as a Commissioner
and you graciously allowed me to select my counsel of record.
Ms. Bru: That was Mr. Fernandez, not me.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay, Mr. Fernandez allowed me to select my counsel of record. And
you know, I was being sued by a billionaire, so I thought maybe I should be a little careful about
who I choose. I just don't -- I don't think that you get to select who it is that represents the chief
or I guess Major Alvarez, and they're coming now and they're agreeing to your acceptance. I
sort of agree with Commissioner Suarez. I mean, you can decide this on June 23 and it's not
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going to prejudice anyone because I guess they're accepting your appointment of Mr. -- what's
his name?
Ms. Bru: Oscar Marrero.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Marare?
Ms. Bru: Marrero.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Marrero. So Oscar Marrero. And you know, that, I guess, is -- I mean,
$200 an hour -- what's that?
Vice Chair Carollo: No. I said, no. Oscar.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Oh. I don't know how a lawyer does anything for $200 an hour, so I'm a
little -- I'm actually concerned that that's how cheap he is because it would be like you going to a
dentist and saying can you fill that cavity? Yeah, it's four bucks. Well, at four bucks you really
can't fill a cavity. At $200 an hour, it's very difficult to represent somebody. So having said all
those things, I will agree to the extent that don't think they're prejudiced on a July 5 hearing
that somebody would learn of it June 23. And by the way, the date you set a motion to dismiss is
merely the first setting. You can always have that reset two weeks later, a month later, and a
judge is going to entertain and understand that completely. And it sounds like --
Commissioner Suarez: Particularly given the circumstances.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. Right. -- it's his motion to dismiss.
Commissioner Suarez: To justifiable -- it would be a justifiable --
Commissioner Sarnoff.. So --
Commissioner Suarez: -- extension.
Commissioner Sarnoff.. -- right. So I'm not going to vote against bringing this back for a
consent agenda item. I just want to go on record having said I've been sued as Commissioner
andl really think it's important that you get to select your own attorney.
Commissioner Suarez: Andl think we're going -- I mean, it appears to me just based on those
statements that have been made that we're going to approve that, but I think just from a
precedent perspective and for me, personally feeling consistent about the way that I acted
several weeks ago, I think it's only right that it be done in this fashion.
Ms. Bru: Okay, so I will prepare an item. Again, my only motivation is --
Chair Gort: You're not going to say anything? I mean --
Ms. Bru: -- number one, I don't want to advocate --
Chair Gort: -- (UNINTET,TIGIBT,F) 6:27: 58.
Ms. Bru: -- a policy that's going to open up the door --
Chair Gort: No paper, no documentation.
Ms. Bru: -- to every employee that get's sued to show up and say I want to pick my own attorney
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because I think that that's sets us up for a very dangerous precedent with respect to cost and
overseeing the quality of work that gets done. You have a general counsel that the charter
dictates. It's my responsibility to make sure that any employee or official that has a lawsuit is
represented, and the Florida Bar doesn't preclude me from selecting outside counsel for anybody
that needs representation.
Commissioner Dunn: And --
Ms. Bru: Number two, I brought it up as a pocket item because I felt that we do need to prepare
the letter of engagement and so forth and so on. Andl don't want to delay representation when
there is a hearing pending, but we will --
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Bru: -- prepare a packet and bring it back in the consent agenda.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. What I would like to see in our agenda for the consent
agenda, if it so goes forward, is that engagement letter and whatever analysis, factual and legal
that you have made your determination on the basis of which is exactly the same thing that you
provided us in the other circumstance. I'd like to take a look at that, please.
Ms. Bru: Okay.
Commissioner Dunn: Just one last thing.
Chair Gort: Okay. There's a motion --
Commissioner Dunn: There's a motion, but one last thing for the record too. I would really --
andl mean, it may be a mute [sic] issue at this point. But do remember a -- and see, I don't
mind talking about it. I'm like you, Commissioner -- Vice Chairman. I do remember the
Manager saying that no one should be speaking without it being -- him being noted. And then
all know, even as recently as this week, the chief has been all over the radio -- and mean at
some point -- either you got guidelines or you don't have lines [sic], so I don't know. I just
wanted to put that on the record. Because we can't allow any individual to just run roughshod
the way they want to and then we be held accountable at the end because they did not follow
guidelines or orders. I -- that just, to me, doesn't make sense.
Chair Gort: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. -- and that's part of analysis. I mean --
Commissioner Dunn: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: -- I think that's part of the analysis.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, yes.
Commissioner Suarez: The analysis of the facts --
Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. You're right.
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ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Suarez: -- surrounding, you know --
Commissioner Dunn: You're right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- the circumstances surrounding the incident and the legal analysis, the
combination of those things, which is exactly what we got --
Commissioner Dunn: Absolutely.
Commissioner Suarez: -- in the other case --
Commissioner Dunn: Absolutely.
Commissioner Suarez: -- and then we make an -- what we feel is an intelligent decision.
Commissioner Dunn: Absolutely. Thank you. Okay.
Chair Gort: Okay. Any further discussion? Being none, all in favor, state it by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Thompson: Chair, I'm sorry. I -- again, for me to record this properly, I am recording the
motion made by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, to place this item on
the consent agenda for the June 23, 2011 meeting. Is that correct?
Chair Gort: That's correct.
Ms. Thompson: Thank you.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay.
Chair Gort: Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Commissioner Dunn: So move.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Gort: Before we go, go Heat.
Commissioner Dunn: Go Heat.
The meeting adjourned at 6: 31 p.m.
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