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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOMNI CRA 2010-06-28 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Monday, June 28, 2010 5:00 PM Frederick Douglass Elementary School 314 N.W. 12th Street Miami, FL 33136 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marc David Sarnoff, Chairman Francis Suarez, Vice -Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner Frank Carollo, Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II, Commissioner CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 RESOLUTIONS 1. 10-00788 Present: Commissioner Dunn II, Chair Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Gort On the 28th day of June 2010, the Board of Commissioners of the OMNI Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, 314 N. W. 12th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sarnoff at 6:10 p.m. and was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk Pamela L. Latimore, Assistant Clerk of the Board CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH AN EXPANDED POLICE VISIBILITY PROGRAM WITHIN THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. File No. 10-00788 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00788 Financials 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00788 Backup 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00788 Legislation 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00788 Legislation 6-28-2010 (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Dunn II, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Gort, Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Carollo Absent: Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0052 Chair Sarnoff. Resolution number 1. Mr. Director, can you please state number 1? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Chair -- James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 number 1 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners -- Chair Sarnoff Hey, folks. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Sarnoff Show this place the respect it's due. If you don't -- want to -- going to continue talking, you can take it outside. It's not a problem. Mr. Villacorta: Item number -- Chair Sarnoff You're recognized for the record. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Item number 1 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $500, 000, to the City of Miami to underwrite costs associated with an expanded police visibility program within the Omni redevelopment area; further authorizing the executive director at his discretion to disburse the funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation, and authorizing the execution of all documents necessary for said purpose. This is a companion item to what was just done in Overtown. It allows us to fund additional police operations and -- in the Omni redevelopment area. Chair Sarnoff All right. Jim, this came to us, if I'm not mistaken, at the last meeting, and I think it was for $250,000? Mr. Villacorta: Correct. Chair Sarnoff And I opened up my big mouth and said, well, why not five. And they came back and they said, okay. Now -- Mr. Villacorta: I think we may have gone as high as a million, but five is halfway. Chair Sarnoff Well, why -- what -- let me ask you this. Let me be the Vice Chair for a moment. What am I getting for my $500, 000? I mean, why did I suddenly see $250, 000 more and why can we confidently say this is going to make the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) a more protected community? Mr. Villacorta: Well, this fund's an expansion of an innovative community policing program which provides enhanced police services, including increased patrols, special operations, traffic details, club checks, criminal sweeps, prostitution details, and undercover narcotics details. And there's also a component that reaches out to the homeless and tries to assist them, so it's not all enforcement. But the more you're able to commit to it, the more services we're going to be able to draw from the City of Miami Police Department. So at 240,000, we received a certain level; at 500, 000, we will hopefully receive twice that amount and have more officers, more feet on the street. Chair Sarnoff My curiousness is what is that level? I mean, when we were talking about 250,000 -- and I understand why police officers don't want to necessarily tell you how many police officers are patrolling or how many they intend to patrol. But we as the budgetary -- in the budgetary process and the legislator, you're really trusting and asking us to fly blind. They asked us to fly a little bit blind at 250; they ask us to double fly blind at 500. And I should have made the comment with the other CRA, and I think we could, if we needed to, fix it. But I need some level of comfort to know that -- I'll give you a for instance. In the BID (Business City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Improvement District) in Coconut Grove, I can actually tell you how many police officers we hire and how many we see. Here I don't have that same level of certainty. And what I'm trying to understand is, give me a level of comfort. Give this board a level of comfort. Why $500,000 is that number? I mean, I realize I threw out that number and suddenly it came back at me and instead of having a boomerang, I'd like to know what we're getting. Mr. Villacorta: Sure. We pay for these increased police services at an -- on an hourly rate. So depending on which officer is working, you know, how many command officers are working, these funds will be divided into that hourly rate. I believe we have some officers here that may be able to speak on -- Chair Sarnoff Batman and Robin -- Mr. Villacorta: -- exactly -- Chair Sarnoff -- here they come. Mr. Villacorta: -- how that might translate. Chair Sarnoff Please state your name for the record. Officer Wanda Mendez: Okay. Good afternoon, everybody. I'm Officer Wanda Mendez, with the City of Miami Police Department. Officer Jeffrey Glasko: Officer Jeffrey Glasko, City of Miami Police Department. Chair Sarnoff Can you put some meat on the bones for us? I mean, Pm sitting here with a former law enforcement officer who's about to vote on an appropriation request. Why did it double? What do we get double for our services? Why should we double this? How can we measure what we're getting? Officer Glasko: With the previous grant, we were able to actually reduce crime in both the Omni and the Overtown/Park West redevelopment areas significantly. I think we had actually presented a PowerPoint last time. Again, with the previous grant, we were actually able to reduce crime significantly in both redevelopment areas. Unfortunately, with that amount of money, we were only to be able to put sporadic operations out there. So whether we're doing quality of life sweeps or prostitution sweeps, we were not able to cover seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Ultimately, we'll be able to put more officers out there for more time to try and reduce those figures even greater. I know you're looking at finances. We're looking at a police officer on the street overtime $29 an hour. Chair Sarnoff Commissioner, you're recognized. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'm obviously in support of it, but let me ask a question. What was the, I guess, a guesstimation or breakdown or a rough estimation of the breakdown of what you're requesting now for last year compared to this year? What is the difference? I think that's what the Chairman is getting at. Not -- I know you can only answer from a law enforcement side of it. I do know that the green shirts who deal with the Homeless Trust who go with the Partnership for the Homeless, they certainly have an impact in this. But what is a -- you know, just a rough estimation of what -- what's the difference now? How will this enhance, embellish, improve the quality of service from last year to this year in terms of dollars and cents and in terms of hopefully the reduction of crime as it has been. I know the trend is -- you gave those figures at the last meeting. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Officer Mendez: Okay. Like Officer Glasko said, unfortunately -- and thank you for everything the CRA did for us for last year. We were able to do our details and enhanced police presence out on the street. This year we'll be able to enforce with more officers out on the street the truancy detail that we're beginning to work not only in Overtown but we want to pass it over to our downtown area. We got the grant for the graffiti detection system, so now we want to have more officers out there where we could actually catch the people who are actually tagging our buildings in the downtown area. If you know with graffiti, it takes a matter of seconds, and the offenders area gone. Now when we have the graffiti detectors on place, we'll actually have officers -- more officers on the street and be able to arrest these people because the damage that's done to all of these property is really large. And also, the property owners are cited also, so we have them being victim twice. Once because they're getting graffiti on their property and twice because next they will have code inspectors doing their job and citing them for not painting out the graffiti they got the night before. Besides that, like you said we'll continue our attention on (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and assist of the homeless population with more officers out there. As you know, our population grows during time periods, so come October or September, by the time we have the grant in place, we'll have all the snow birds that are being sent from the north of the country down to Florida because we have better services, more shelters, and our numbers increase also. And those are just a few of the things we'll be enhancing. And just the mere fact that we have more officers out there -- this is something we cannot measure. But just having police officers going this way or going the other way, how do we -- we can't qualify that and say we could reduce these numbers. But just the mere presence of the uniform officers reduces crime, and that's what the people want to see out on the street. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Chair Sarnoff You're recognized for the record, Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Let me ask a question. I think statistics speak for themself [sicJ. I think if you can show us your statistic before you started this, what's happening now -- like for example, what's happening with the narcotic, with prostitution, with homeless, panhandlers. And I understand the entertainment district is also creating their own force to work with you. Officer Mendez: Yes. Commissioner Gort: So what you're doing is increasing all the police throughout the whole area which was so much needed because that area has always had so many problems. And hopefully Camillus House getting out of there soon, that'll be very helpful too. But I think what the Commissioner is looking for is the statistics. Look, we've been able to drop the crime, this type of crime. Let's face it. We pay about $175,000 because people are taking lamps, stealing the lamps and stealing the wire -- the electrical wire and that costs money. And if you were able to drop that quite a bit, then you can show the savings that you're providing. Officer Glasko: Yeah. We do have, obviously, some statistics here from the previous meeting. And we showed that from 2009 to 2010 in the Southeast Overtown/Park West redevelopment area, we reduced crime from 193 part one crimes to approximately -- and it's going to be estimated -- to 156. So that would be a significant reduction if we carry it through. We're currently at 65. And also in the Omni area from 2009 to 2010, we went down from, again, part one crimes, from 101 to actually 20, which was a significant reduction. We estimate approximately 48 if we carry it through to the same timeframe. I do want to point out also that these officers are not calls -for -service officers. The calls -for -services officers are running from call to call to call to call. It's tough for them to be proactive. In order to be proactive in these areas to reduce those elements of crime that actually bring in the blight and disrepair of the areas, the graffiti, the robbery suspects that are committing a robbery at that time, the footprint of major events that we're unable to cover. Those major events that are downtown or in the City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Omni area, the CRA redevelopment areas, they have off -duty officers that are paid for by those events. However, there are people coming and going. We usually don't take into consideration the fact that these people are parking somewhere else and a potential victim as they're going or leaving those events. We have to cover them with on -duty personnel. And sometimes that's tough to do without, you know, such help from such grants. Chair Sarnoff All right, Commissioner -- or Vice Chair, sorry. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question. These $500,000, these half a million dollars, will they be paying regular salaries or overtime salaries? Because you just said that they're not your regular road officers or the officers on duty. So then what officers are you going to be using and are they going to be paid by overtime? Officer Glasko: Yes. It would be an overtime rate. Again, that's $29 an hour is the average rate for a regular patrol officer. And I think for every four officers, we need a sergeant. Commissioner Carollo: That's the average rate, but there could be officers that are charging much higher than that per hour, correct? Officer Glasko: Again, that would be the average. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. You understand that, right, Mr. Chair? Chair Sarnoff I do. What I understood you to ask is that we're going to get our ordinary complement of police officers, but the additional complement we're going to get is at an overtime rate, and the average of that overtime rate obviously is going to be 29. And I think what you were saying was if it's a sergeant or above, it could be $41 an hour, whereas a regular patrol officer might be $21 an hour, but they'll average into 29. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Chair Sarnoff Can -- I'll move this forward 'cause I think you have to be able to trust your police. But is there a way that we can get a full accounting so that when we review this next year not only do we see crime stats reduced, but we equally see what it is we paid for? Officer Glasko: Absolutely. Every operation we do under the CRA grant for the previous grant is documented. The effects -- the results of those operations are documented. Chair Sarnoff I understand your -- I understand the effects, but I jokingly said to Commissioner Dunn, I said if I'm down to 20 part one crimes, maybe I should go back to my $250, 000 offer since you guys have it under such control. But I won't do that for right now. I won't make that motion to change it, but I think everybody here wants to believe that they understand what they're voting for and they want to be accountable for it. So I'm asking you that not only do you give the results of how we did with the additional officers -- and hopefully we get down to one or no crimes. But equally, how many police officers did we hire? And I think the Vice Chair's dead right. How many sergeants? How many just patrol officers? How many lieutenants did we use? So that -- Officer Glasko: That is a part of every report we do so -- Chair Sarnoff. Sorry? Officer Glasko: That is a part of every report we do. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Chair Sarnoff Okay. Officer Glasko: So those figures, those numbers, the expenses, it's all part of the reports and they are obtainable at any time. Chair Sarnoff Well, I'm asking you, if you intend on coming before the board again, and I hope you do 'cause I hope it's successful, that you show us that we were successful. Officer Glasko: Absolutely, sir. Chair Sarnoff Okay. I'll open up to a public hearing. I'm going to open this up to a public hearing. Anybody wishing to be heard on CRA resolution number 1, please step up to the podium. Mr. Joseph, you're recognized for the record. Fred Joseph: Fred Joseph, 1717 North Bayshore Drive, also the Omni Advisory Board. We're highly in favor obviously of this, and it enhances our area. As you and I have had the discussion before, we have an internal -- we pay taxes for the City taxes and the County taxes for police protection, but we have our own police force or security force inside. We used to have one before Mr. Villacort [sic] where that system was on our walkie-talkie radios so when we could call out, we had a system that we enhanced whatever the -- our City of Miami did. If we could expand on that in these funds would be greatly appreciated. As you notice more buildings coming up, these officers are doing the best job we've ever seen in the past -- and I'm now there 20 years. This also will be -- yourself Chairman, and myself were at a meeting where while we were at the meeting, someone stole about $140,000 worth of light pole, so that -- if this -- any of this can help from costing our cost -- every time we turn around, it costs us twice. If you in your wisdom can expand -- I appreciate your 250 to 500. It's our money in the Omni. We would like to see -- go back to the higher number, even up to a million, if you're going to get the results. Thank you for asking. But we need that, and we're willing to pay for it. We do our own landscape; the City does none. We do our own trash; the City does none. We do our own police; the City -- we need these men and women out there on the street. I'm sorry it's overtime, but if that's the only way you can achieve it, that's what we have to do. You go to park four blocks away or a block away from the Adrienne Arsht Center and walk there on a given evening, your wife's handing you all her jewelry to put in your pockets 'til you get there. That's not comfortable. And so anything you can help enhance that, we thank you. Chair Sarnoff Thank you. Anyone else in the public wish to be heard on CRA resolution number 1, please step up. Hearing none, seeing none, the public hearing is now closed; coming back to the Commission. Is there a motion? Commissioner Dunn: So moved. Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Sarnoff Motion by the Chair, second by the Vice Chair. All in favor, please say Eye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. 2. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00795 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY("CRA") RATIFYING THE EXERCISE OF THE FIRST ONE (1) YEAR City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 OPTION TERM UNDER THE AGREEMENT WITH SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP TO PROVIDE EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES TO THE CRA, AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $11,000, WITH AN OPTION TO INCLUDE SINGLE AUDIT SERVICES, IF REQUIRED, FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE NOT TO EXCEED $7,000 PER YEAR; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.532000.0000.00000. File No. 10-00795 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00795 Financials 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00795 Legislation 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00795 Legislation (2) 06-28-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Dunn II, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Gort, Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Carollo Absent: Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0053 Chair Sarnofff. All right, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) resolution number 2. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): CRA resolution number 2 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency ratifying the exercise of the first one-year option term under the agreement with Sansone Kline Jacomino & Company to provide external auditing services to the Omni CRA at a cost not to exceed $11, 000, with an option to include single audit services, if required, for an additional fee not to exceed $7,000. Chair Sarnofff. All right. Let me open up a public hearing. Does anybody wish to be heard on CRA resolution number 2? Hearing none, seeing none, the public hearing is now closed; corning back to the Commission. Is there a motion? Commissioner Gort: Move it. Commissioner Dunn: Second. Chair Sarnofff. We got a motion, and we got a second. Any discussion, gentlemen? Commissioner Carollo: Mr. -- Chair Sarnoff. The Vice Chair is recognized. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question. And I apologize. I was at another event prior to corning here, so I was -- I ran behind schedule for the Overtime [sic] CRA -- Overtown CRA. The question I have is, why is this audit costing $11,000, where the audit of the Overtown is costing $33, 000? Mr. Villacorta: This contract was put out for bids and this was the low bidder that responded. The difference between the two CRAs is that the Omni CRA pays roughly 39 percent of its income to the Performing Arts Center, so it's a easier audit trail. We just sent a check for almost $6 million to the PAC (Performing Arts Center), and this CRA has larger grants and projects than the Overtown CRA did, just as a consequence of the amount of funds that it has. For instance, North Bayshore Drive is a $5.3 million project. The Miami Women's Club is $4.3 million. And so there's -- the projects are larger and the grants are easier to audit than what's City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 3. 10-00793 being done in Overtown. Roots in the City, there's the payroll every week of all those employees making sure that -- there's just boxes of paperwork. We go out there and document that they've come to their classes, that they've shown up for work, the different social security numbers and what have you to document those various grant programs is more labor intensive than in Omni. Commissioner Carollo: So you're saying that Southeast Overtown is more labor intensive than Omni? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Three times as much? Mr. Villacorta: I mean, typically, Overtown has required more work. And actually, Overtown contributes more to expenses than Omni because of the nature of the grants that are being given in Overtown versus -- and projects that are undertaken in Overtown versus Omni. Miguel Valentin: Commissioners, Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. The main reason is that in the Overtown CRA, the auditors, they are auditing our debt service, our general operating fund, as well as our capital project fund and the special revenue fund. In Omni CRA audit, they are auditing only the special revenue fund. That explain why they are charging us more. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Overtown CRA has also issued bonds in the past, in 1990, and to audit those accounts as well and to put their name on it, they need to go through all of those records. Commissioner Carollo: I don't know if they need to do three times as much, butt wasn't here for the Overtown and I'm here for the Omni. So I guess 11 -- voting for $11, 000 is much better than voting for 33,000, so with that said, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chair Sarnoff You're welcome. Mr. Villacorta: We'll speak to them. Chair Sarnoff We have a motion and we have a second. Gentlemen, all in favor, please say aye. The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DOUG BRUCE AND ASSOCIATES FOR GOVERNMENTAL REPRESENTATION AND LOBBYING SERVICES IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, FORA TWO-YEAR PERIOD, COMMENCING JULY 1, 2010, IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $28,800 PLUS APPROVED EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED $2,500, FOR A TWO-YEAR TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $62,600; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 10040.920101.531000.0000.00000. File No. 10-00793 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00793 Financials 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00793 Backup 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00793 Legislation 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00793 Legislation 6-28-2010 (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Dunn II, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Gort and Chair Sarnoff Noes: Commissioner Carollo Absent: Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0054 Chair Sarnoff. All right, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) reso number 3. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Resolution number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the execution of an agreement with Doug Bruce and Associates for governmental representation and lobbying services in Tallahassee, Florida, for a two-year period commencing July 1, 2010, in an annual amount not to exceed $28,800, plus approved expenses not to exceed $2,500, for a two-year total not to exceed $62, 600; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. Chair Sarnoff All right. Vice Chair, do you wish to say some --? Commissioner Carollo: Of course. I wasn't here, once again, for this part in the Overtown, and you may have discussed it, but I have a simple question. Why does the Omni CRA need a lobbyist in Tallahassee? Mr. Villacorta: Mr. Bruce and Associates brings our needs to the attention of the legislators in Tallahassee. This past year he was able to assist us in a year when there were no (UNINTELLIGIBLE) grants, community issue -based funding request grants. He was able to assist us in getting $100,000 towards the rebuild of North Bayshore Drive. And it's those sorts of things -- he's also expressed our interest in seeing the film funding legislation that the State just passed being passed and bring forth the needs of the redevelopment areas and the media entertainment district. He was very instrumental in representing us and making these needs known to the legislatures -- legislators. And he has also facilitated meetings. He's had alcohol beverage and tobacco, facilitated them coming down and touring the redevelopment areas to help us with some of the alcohol problems that we're having in the area. I think this is something that's been worthwhile for the CRA. And in your materials is a copy of the $100, 000 check that I feel he was very instrumental in getting us -- getting through the budgetary process. Commissioner Carollo: And I'm not going to go back to the Overtown because we're talking, what, 28 and 28 plus expenses, so let's 30 and 30, so 60,000, and he brought 100, 000, so I guess it was cost-effective for last year. But you feel it's going to be cost-effective for this year? And none of the members in this body could go up there and successfully lobby for the CRA? Mr. Villacorta: You could if you had it in your budgets to travel to Tallahassee. I mean, we could have staff on hand that would travel to Tallahassee and try and -- you know, stay in a hotel, fly back and forth. I would pay their benefits, but -- City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: I think for 30,000 we could have quite a few flights back and forth and quite a few nights of hotels, but that's just me. I'm an accountant. I'm not sure about that. But for $30, 000 -- and you know we could piggyback and if you add the Overtown, it'd be $60, 000, and you know, we could do two for one up there and lobby both CRAs at the same time. Mr. Villacorta: Well, that would certainly be an option. The -- I think we've been getting value for the services we received. You weren't able to meet with some of the representatives from Tallahassee that came down, but I think the Commissioners that were able to attend the meeting were very impressed with what we're doing. We have Alcohol Beverage Tobacco working very closely with our police officers. They actually want to bring this methodology to the International Association of Chiefs of Police meeting in Orlando to talk about the way that we have instituted a program to try and curb some of the abuses with alcohol licensing and operations in the CRA areas. And I think that's a direct result of the knowledge that Mr. Bruce was able to bring to the area. We're also working with the school boards to rebuild Frederick Douglass Elementary and are hoping that he will be able to help us get funding, but he's been instrumental in helping us maneuver through the legislative maze and move these projects forward. Chair Sarnoff Mr. Vice -- Mr. Chair. Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and also to Commissioner Carollo. I definitely respect your aptitude as it relates to the accounting, and you brought so much to the table to this Commission. However, I do know that with a lobbyist, it does become sometimes time consuming and there's always a conflict of scheduling. Because I had -- we had intentions of going to Tallahassee to join with them, and we found out that it was during the time that we had Commission meeting. And I know that the process can be very arduous at times. Also, we -- I was able to be a beneficiary or at least be privy to the meeting with Alcohol -- Mr. Villacorta: Beverage. Commissioner Dunn: -- Beverage and -- Mr. Villacorta: Tobacco. Commissioner Dunn: -- Tobacco where he brought in representatives from the State as well as the County representatives, and it was very fruitful and very informative. So while I do believe that there are some things that we perhaps in the future can look at cutting with our involvement, I do know that the time element is a major factor, and so he brings that expertise. And I was very, very pleased with the result so far. Mr. Villacorta: As well, Camillus House, he's making sure that at the state level, they're aware of our needs with the homeless population and what we're trying to do in moving that facility to a better location. We're also working to get what's called a super enterprise zone, which we've managed to get a bill introduced each of the last two or three years where the redevelopment areas would be able to -- the State would waive sales taxes within the redevelopment areas, and we've gotten pretty far in the last two years. And hopefully this year we'll be able to get it all the way through. Chair Sarnoff I think the one thing we need to impress upon Mr. Bruce is that there's going to be an ROI here, so we're going to hold his feet to the fire and make sure that whatever we pay, we get back something in return, a return on our investment. I will tell you, I think it's extremely difficult to lobby in Tallahassee, and I don't think it's -- it's not something I'd ever enjoy doing. And if you have a busy schedule, you'll be able to provide two or three days up City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 there, but I think he spends I think the entire session -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Sarnoff. -- up in Tallahassee. And while we like to think we could do it as Commissioners -- and I think there's an absolute time and place to close the deal -- I'm not sure we can set the table quite as well. So -- and not that I'm going to say it's unfortunate you need a lobbyist, but I think when you get -- Tallahassee becomes so large, so complicated as we become a larger and more complicated city and state, you simply need some navigation help, and I think he's your navigator. And it's unfortunate it's come to that, but I don't know a different process of going through it. So with that, 171 call the question. This is on CRA number 3. All in favor, please say aye." Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I'm sorry, Chair. We don't have a mover or -- Commissioner Dunn: We don't have any? Chair Sarnoff Oh, we don't -- we didn't? I thought we did. Ms. Thompson: No. Chair Sarnoff I'm sorry. Commissioner Dunn: So move. Chair Sarnoff Wait. Let me open a public hearing. Does anybody wish to speak on CRA number 3? Hearing none, seeing none, the public hearing is closed; corning back to the Commission. Commissioner Dunn has proffered the motion. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Sarnoff And Commissioner Gort has seconded it. All in favor, please say aye." Commissioner Dunn: Aye. Commissioner Gort: Aye. Chair Sarnoff Aye. Commissioner Carollo: No. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00786 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $120,000, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $240,000, TO KEEP MIAMI BEAUTIFUL, INC., FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE SUMMER YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. File No. 10-00786 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00786 Financials 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00786 Backup 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00786 Legislation 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00786 Legislation 6-28-2010 (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Dunn II, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Gort and Chair Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0055 Chair Sarnoff Okay, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) number 4. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing additional funding, in an amount not to exceed $120, 000, for a total amount not to exceed 240, 000, to Keep Miami Beautiful, Inc. for the expansion of the Summer Youth Environmental Employment Program; authorizing the executive director to disburse the funds at his discretion on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. This item was brought at the last meeting as a direction to try and increase funding for the student -- for the summer youth employment program. And by increasing these fundings [sic], we'll be able to increase employment from 80 students -- 80 youth to 160. Chair Sarnoff. All right. Let me open a public hearing on CRA number 4. Does anybody from the public wish to be heard on CRA number 4? Hearing none, seeing none, corning back to the Commission. Is there a motion? Commissioner Dunn: So moved. Chair Sarnoff Motion by the Chair, second -- Commissioner Gort: Second for discussion. Chair Sarnoff -- by Commissioner Gort. You are recognized for -- Commissioner Gort: What's the cost per student or for employee? Mr. Villacorta: Pardon me? Commissioner Gort: What's the cost per employee? Mr. Villacorta: It varies depending on age. From roughly the minimum wage -- Commissioner Gort: An average. Mr. Villacorta: -- up to $10 an hour, so about $9. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 5. 10-00797 Commissioner Gort: How many hours -- just for the summer? Mr. Villacorta: Let me flip to the budget. The participants that are 14 to 18 year olds will be working 10 weeks at 20 hours per week for 7.25 an hour. A second group will be working the same. And the participants that are 19 to 24 year olds will work 10 weeks $26 -- 26 hours per week at $9 per hour. So it'll be 200 hours per week for the 14 to 18 year old and 206 -- I'm sorry, 260 hours a week over the summer -- 260 hours total over the summer for the 19 to 24 year olds. That's in the budget that's contained in your materials right behind the financial form. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Chair Sarnoff All right. So we have a motion and we have a second. Any further discussion, gentlemen? All in favor, please say aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye . CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,200,000, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,200,000, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SKATE PARK AT BISCAYNE PARK, 150 N.E. 19TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. File No. 10-00797 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00797 Financials 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00797 Backup 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00797 Legislation 6-28-2010.pdf File No. 10-00797 Legislation 6-28-2010 (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Gort and Chair Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez Note for the Record: CRA Item #5 was deferred to the next OMNI CRA Meeting scheduled for September 2010. Chair Sarnoff Okay, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) number 5. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of additional funds, in an amount not to exceed $1.2 million, for a total amount not to exceed $2.2 million, to the City of Miami City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 for the design and construction of a skate park at Biscayne Park, 150 Northeast 19th Street, Miami, Florida; authorizing the executive director at his discretion to disburse the funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the execution of all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. The CRA has previously authorized the million dollars for this project. Parks has been working in concert with the City's Capital Improvements Department and is currently projecting a funding need of $2.2 million. This resolution would allocate the additional funds. Chair Sarnoff Have we selected the actual person that would build it? Mr. Villacorta: We have someone here from CIP (Capital Improvements Program) that could give you the -- Chair Sarnoff Mr. Mayor, you want to be recognized for the record on this item? Mayor Tomas Regalado: Oh, okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, board members. Thank you. I'm here because I was a little confused when I saw this in the agenda. Several month [sic] ago, we met with members of the synagogue and we ask the CRA executive director about this program and project actually, and we were told that it was on hold and -- because of the synagogue having some issues that they needed to resolve. And being also a historic place next to the historical cemetery, we believe that this project was on hold. And we now saw this item. I'm just here to say that I think that we should wait and understand what is the synagogue's issue because I see a lot of people here. I have -- since the last meeting that I have with them, I have learned more details about the parking issues and the different activities that they have. And I'm just here to express my concern. I know this is a CRA funded project. This is a CRA board decision, but I'm just here, Mr. Chairman, to voice my concerns about moving forward right away with this park. Chair Sarnoff Okay. Mayor Regalado: Thank you. Chair Sarnoff Thank you. Why don't we open up to a public hearing. Any ladies and gentlemen from the public wish to be heard, please step up. You're recognized for the record. Doug Jacobs: Good afternoon. My name is Doug Jacobs. I'm president of Temple Israel of Greater Miami, 137 Northeast 19th Street. I wanted to thank you all very much for letting us be heard today. With me is Mr. Ben Kuehne, who will give us a little overview in regard to our temple's position in regard to the potential placement of a skate park across the street from our facility. Thank you. Ben Kuehne: Good evening, Mr. Chair and Commissioners. Ben Kuehne. My address is 100 Southeast 2nd Street, Miami, Florida. I'm here as a lawyer and as a member of the board of Temple Israel. As Doug Jacobs explained, located at 137 Northeast 19th Street, our 88-year-old institution is directly across the street from the proposed to be funded skate park. What we're asking today with the CRA's permission is to defer this matter for one or two meetings to allow the temple, an institution that has had a long history of working not just with the greater community, but particularly this community in which we live through organizations and programs and activities, a community that is very important to us for such a long time. Most of the history of the City of Miami, we have been a major institution of leadership, of culture, of religious activities, and what we believe more importantly is a community that -- a religious community that has fostered much of our diversity in this community. We believe that a deferral of this matter for one or two meetings would allow us to do two things, two things City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 that are very important. One, we'd like an opportunity to more thoroughly discuss positioning and location issues with Chairman Sarnoffs office and other members of the CIP and the Parks program. We had committed to the CIP in meetings when we had thought this matter was going to be deferred and then realized only recently that it was back on the CRA agenda for funding. We had committed that we would help the CIP and the Parks Department try to locate a place that we thought might be a better location for a skate park, not directly across from a religious institution, not directly adjacent to the City of Miami's historic cemetery, a cemetery that we view ourselves as the moral protector of and for which we have had programs over the years. We think that a brief delay will allow us to work with the City, work hand in hand with the City on something that we think is a suitable project but not particularly well placed. We believe that there are other suitable locations. In fact, it's almost somewhat ironic, one of the locations that we had been looking at trying to tee up to see about suitability was the area that was on the Overtown/Park West CRA agenda, that being the Village Green location since that seems to be a rather open prospect with some opportunity for programming. We don't know if that's a real possibility, but it was something that we were gearing toward. We think that there are some significant considerations for the CRA. One, we have tried over the years, and particularly now, to build up our area into what we consider to be a cultural and educational oasis. The CRA may be aware that we are with a charter school planning to open in September a K-5 elementary school at the temple facility. We are located in the area where Biscayne Park currently is as a passive park. There is another school in the area. And of course, as we know, we've heard the historic cemetery. There are issues about the impact of a skate park and how that impact would be with the $2 million, 54,000 square foot facility, by the way, a facility that comes close to the Temple's entire facility of about 70,000 square foot. And we believe that concerns that the CRA might have regarding use of the funds for a productive purpose could be better discussed giving us a brief additional amount of time; that we want to emphasize is not meant to, in any way, end up having no skate park in the general region. We think we can help the City find a more suitable location for it, and at the same time help with our ongoing efforts to develop better, more responsible programming in the park. The park is currently slated to be used for a soccer field, a use that we have thought has long been needed in that area and something that we think would help with the programming that we believe we can utilize in that area for the community. The financial issues aside, a park that originally was estimated at $500, 000 now up to $2.2 million, things that may be beyond the scope of the Temple's concern, but it does give us some interest in discussing with the City the real long-term use of that area as we see that area expanding and we want to continue to be a significant presence. We have brought a number of members of the Temple community, members of the community who are active in the City of Miami and its leadership and development. I'd like to identify for the members of the CRA, ifI'm able to, those people who are in attendance, a few of which I'd like to call to offer brief remarks. Marty Margulies is here. Stanley Tate, Peter Bermont, Henry Wolf Annette Eisenberg, Jane Cohn Jacobs, Howard Goldstein, Jack Schillinger, Bob Waxman, Judith Landy, Michelle Krinzman, Joan Schaffer, and Joe (UNINTELLIGIBLE), all people who -- all members of the community who aren't here just because this is a CRA funding matter, but are here because we all believe that we participate in this community. We're not NIMBYs. We're not Not In My Backyard institutions because we do significant programs that benefit the entire community and particularly in our area. I would call on -- if the CRA authorizes it, Marty Margulies to offer his comments. Chair Sarnoff Well, Mr. Kuehne -- Mr. Kuehne: Yes, sir. Chair Sarnoff -- we're going to, of course, cooperate with you and we're going to, of course, grant you a deferral. However, there have been three meetings at the temple regarding this issue. I believe those meetings were over eight months ago. We met with -- I believe it was a Debbie Hirschfeld from New York -- City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Mr. Kuehne: Yes, sir. Chair Sarnoff -- and we -- and she was the person who is developing a master plan for you. We had four separate meetings with her at our District 2 office. More importantly, I think there was a meeting where I believe Mr. Brahman sent a representative. Mr. Goldman was there. Mr. -- I believe Mr. Margulies sent a representative. Essentially, every major person from the Jewish community was present at that meeting. And one of the things I made very, very clear -- and I know City staff was there and I know that our Parks Department was there -- if you did not want us to build the park right there, we would be amenable to a land exchange. The reason I brought that up is two or three of your board members own substantial real estate that is vacant and not being used in that particular area. That was back -- so that was last year. I'm going to grant you the deferral. However, just so you understand why this is back. This came up on the Mayor's expedite list and that's how it got here. This is an expedite project. I think you all have to make a decision and that is, if you don't want a facility of this nature across or within the vicinity of the temple -- 'cause I think you know we could move this to the west and put it a little further away -- then I think it's incumbent upon the Temple to enter into a land exchange with the City so that our property that is a justified use -- I think it's a great use, and I'll explain to you how we first came up with this concept. We had a number of Iraqi war veterans approach us with the idea of creating a skate park. When our research was done, we learned how beneficial skate parks are to the youth population of various cities and how beneficial it could be to the youth population of Miami. Now there were some concerns expressed as to the operational nature of that facility, which really is the cart before the horse 'cause we're not even there yet. I mean, you can put certain restrictive uses in terms of hours and time and loudness and sound and things like that. But to simply say, no, not in my backyard or no, there's no way this can work is an all right statement to make, but give us a substitute. Have one of your board of directors step up and say, you know what, you don't want to build it here, but here is a substitute piece of land. With all due respect to this Commissioner sitting to my left, it'd be a great idea to have a skate park in Southeast Overtown/Park West. I don't think he can afford it. I believe only the Omni can afford that park simply 'cause -- of its budgetary constraints. And I can't give Omni money to Southeast Overtown/Park West. I don't think that's a legal basis upon which to do that. So we were looking quite strenuously -- Mr. Brahman has quite a bit of land around that area, around parking lots that would disturb no one. And when we put the ball, so to speak, in your court -- and I know you weren't there, Mr. Kuehne -- we got back this. Dead silence. Now I'm going to -- I'll be the mover and give the gavel to Commissioner Dunn, but this will come back on the agenda in September and you all have a decision to make. And you're more than entitled to oppose this, and you're more than entitled to say this is not the nature of a facility I want, but I don't think that justifies or suits anyone's ability -- if you wish to move it, I think it's a perfectly good move, but you're going to need to give us a substitute piece of land so that we can build a skate facility. 'Cause I will tell you this as the District 2 Commissioner, we will build a skate facility somewhere in Omni. So -- Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Chairman. Chair Sarnoff -- you're recognized for the record. Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Just, Mr. Kuehne -- Mr. Kuehne: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Dunn: -- I do not have the historical backup that the Chair has in this issue, but I am privy to the skate park. I do know that this item was a discussion item some time because I served as the past president of PULSE (People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality) and we have a building -- well, that's where the skate park right smack dab is going to be proposed City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 to be built. So we were at the time told about this -- I don't know -- I would estimate some two, three years ago and it may be a little bit longer than that. So I'm just -- my only question would be at what point -- wait a minute. Two questions I probably would like to raise and I don't -- you don't have to answer today. Is the temple, whom I respect greatly -- I respect any house of worship. That goes without saying -- do -- are you saying you don't want it there? You don't have to answer that today, but that's something I think that needs to be discussed. And the second question is, how long has this been -- if the response is no, we don't want it because of the fact that we have some other plans or we would like to see the land used for better purposes, how long have you had this -- or the Temple had this particular position because I know plans have been drawn and et cetera, et cetera. And so I guess the third question would be, what would be the alternative so --? Mr. Kuehne: Yes. Commissioner, thank you. And briefly, I do want to address with a close. And Chairman Sarnoff, I appreciate the historical overview. I do want to reiterate that the Temple believes that we're partners with the CRA and the City in the improvement of our City, and we are not adverse to the concept of a skate park. We agree with Commissioner -- with Chairman Sarnoff that skate parks have very valid uses. Whether that's the proper location with constraints, we're not quite certain. But we have been working actively, based on the entre that Chairman Sarnoffs office gave him, to finish our version of a master plan and study that has just finished. We've been doing a lot of work, and our probably fault, Chairman Sarnoff, is that we did not keep your office advised that we were actively working on this. We had recently met with CIP and had been told that this had been deferred not at our request, but it was consistent with our view that we would continue to work on many of the ideas that Chairman Sarnoff has raised and you have as well, Commissioner Dunn. We think that we're team players and we'll certainly work with you to answer those questions and work in a way that it's a win -win for the CRA, the community, and all concerned. And we do appreciate your willingness to allow staff to deal with us as we help bring about positive change. Chair Sarnoff All right, so I'll make a motion to defer this to the September CRA meeting. Commissioner Gort: I'll second it for discussion. Commissioner Dunn: It's been properly motioned and second by Chairman Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gort for -- Mr. Kuehne: Vice Chairman Dunn, I need to make one correction and clarification. I do apologize. While -- and Chairman Sarnoff, I just wanted to make certain the record is corrected -- Mr. Brahman is an active member of the Jewish community, Mr. Brahman is not on the board or in any way associated organizationally with Temple Israel. He's very much a leader in the Jewish community. He's not a member of our temple, and I did want to -- Chair Sarnoff And I don't know if I said that, but what I did say was he was at -- he sent a representative to the meeting. Mr. Kuehne: Oh, I understand, sir. Chair Sarnoff Okay. Mr. Kuehne: We don't disagree with that. I just did not want the Temple -- the CRA to think that -- Chair Sarnoff Understood. Mr. Kuehne: -- he was on the board or a temple member. He's not. Thank you, sir. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Commissioner Dunn: Commissioner Gort, you're recognized for the record. Commissioner Gort: No. Like yourself, this is the first time I hear about a skate park. And I don't know much about skate parks. I mean, I've seen them in some other cities and they work. And if this is to be done, this will be funded by the CRA funding, but this become a City of Miami park. Chair Sarnoff Correct. Commissioner Gort: It'll be operated by the City of Miami Parks Department. Chair Sarnoff You know, the answer to that question is yes, although it may go beyond that. It may be that we can -- an RFP (Request for Proposals) -- I don't think we have the pure concept of knowing exactly how operational (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Gort: Because I don't know if we ready to operate in that type of park. My understanding is they're very complicated. There's liability issues. I mean, a lot of people get hurt in those parks quite a bit, a lot of broken bones and so on. So that's some of the things I think I need to look into it. Thank you. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. There's a motion for deferment by Chairman Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gort. Ready to call the question. All in favor, let us hear by saying "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Sarnoff Okay. I think we're -- Annette Eisenberg: I want to speak. I want to speak, please. Thank you very much for delaying -- Chair Sarnoff There's -- Annette, there's nothing to speak on. Ms. Eisenberg: Pardon me? Chair Sarnoff There's nothing to speak on. Renita Holmes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) public hearing was closed Mr. Villacorta: It's been deferred. Chair Sarnoff There is no public hearing. There is no issue before the board. Ms. Holmes: No, I mean (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Ms. Eisenberg: Can I ask a question? Chair Sarnoff There is no issue before the board. Ms. Eisenberg: Thank you. Ms. Holmes: I wasn't sure because after -- when he spoke, you asked -- you opened a public hearing, but he was -- City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Chair Sarnoff There's -- Ms. Holmes: -- the only one that spoke. Chair Sarnoff -- no issue before the board 'cause it was deferred. Ms. Holmes: Okay, but I didn't know that the public was not allowed to speak on this before you deferred it. Chair Sarnoff What is there to speak on? There's no issue before the board. Ms. Holmes: May I ask a question, Mr. Chair? Chair Sarnoff No. We're done. Ms. Holmes: I mean, if it's going to be a public hearing opened just for the sake of it with the City Clerk, I just want to know how it goes from now on 'cause I really stayed to speak on this issue, but I just wanted to know is the public hearing -- I didn't hear the public hearing was closed before the deferment. Or was it deferred now so now we consider that there will be no more hearing? Chair Sarnoff There is no pub -- the public hearing is closed. Ms. Holmes: Okay. Chair Sarnoff There is nothing before this board, other than a motion to adjourn. Do I hear one? Ms. Holmes: Was that not a public hearing opened? Madam Clerk, was it not the public hearing closed on this item? Was the public hearing closed on this item, Madam Clerk? Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I get my direction from the Chair. Ms. Holmes: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: We've lost a quorum anyway. Chair Sarnoff There's no quorum anyways. Ms. Holmes: Well, I mean, that's convenient. I just want to know if the public hearing was closed. I didn't -- I wasn't sure. Just for the record, is it closed? It would be yes, Mr. -- Are you saying the public hearing was closed before the deferment, sir? Chair Sarnoff There's nothing before this board to comment on. Ms. Holmes: That's not my question, Mr. Chair. My chair -- my question to you -- Gail A. Dotson (Assistant General Counsel): There's no entitlement to -- Ms. Holmes: -- Mr. Chair. Ms. Dotson: -- a public hearing anyway. Ms. Holmes: I'm sorry. I didn't hear -- City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 3/28/2011 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes June 28, 2010 Chair Sarnoff. Madam, I'm not going to respond to you. Ms. Holmes: No. I'm just -- I know you're not going to respond, but is that meaning no, that you're not going to respond to was the public hearing closed? I mean, it's a matter of citizen rights. I just wanted to know if the public hearing was closed before the deferment or not. Under the Freedom of Information Act, it's just a blank request, I guess. Chair Sarnoff Well, the Freedom of Information Act wouldn't even pertain to this so -- Ms. Holmes: It doesn't look like you're entertaining much of citizen participation either. Chair Sarnoff You're asking for a document. Ms. Holmes: That's okay. Mr. Sarnoff, we'll have another hearing. I mean, it's deferred it's good. Chair Sarnoff Exactly. You'll have your chance to comment as you wish. Ms. Holmes: No. I know you and I go through this quite often. It's just a matter of citizens' rights of participation. Normally public hearings are closed before there's a deferment or there's a motion because you called it open. Thank you for allowing me to participate. Ms. Dotson, that's a good law degree you got there. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. I'm going to move -- This CRA meeting is acjourned. City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 3/28/2011