Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2010-04-26 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com • IN O9▪ IEP 19 1i? Meeting Minutes Monday, April 26, 2010 5:00 PM Frederick Douglass Elementary School 314 N.W. 12th Street Miami, FL 33136 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Richard P. Dunn 11, Chairman Francis Suarez, Vice -Chairman Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner Frank Carollo, Commissioner CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ORDER OF THE DAY FINANCIALS 1. 10-00522 Present: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Gort On the 26th day of April 2010, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, 314 Northwest 12th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dunn at 5:10 p.m. and was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Tomas Regalado Carlos A. Migoya, City Manager James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Julie O. Bru, General Counsel, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Pamela L. Latimore, Assistant Clerk of the Board Chair Dunn: Want to call this meeting officially to order for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency. We certainly thank each and every one of you for coming out. We do want you to please, ma'am, please, sirs, put your cell phones on silence. We will follow the agenda as it is printed with a few exceptions that we will mention in a few moments. But in the interim of that, I'm going to ask if Vice Chair Francis Suarez will lead us in our invocation, followed by Commissioner Carollo in our pledge of allegiance. Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered. Chair Dunn: We're going to defer resolution 10. We want to make record of that. Resolution 10, we will defer that. And we're going to ask for a time certain, around 5: 30ish for the Miami Dade College Hospitality Institution. Maybe we'll be right there at that time. CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2010. File # 10-00522 Financial Summary 4-26-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: At this time, we're going to request that we receive our financial summary report. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): The CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) financial officer couldn't be here due to a family matter. We have the assistant director, Clarence Woods. Clarence Woods: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm Clarence Woods, the assistant director of the CRA, which the director just mentioned. For the month of March, we're reporting the amount of $25, 677, 911 in our carryover fund balance. The cash unrestricted is $100, 000. The City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 RESOLUTIONS 2. 10-00526 cash reserve for projects, to date we've allocated $14, 411, 033 that's been budgeted for affordable housing. Of this amount, 10, 627, 658 has been encumbered and 3,223,812 has been expended, leaving an available balance of $3, 783, 375. There are no reportable conditions to speak of. Chair Dunn: Thank you. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000, TO NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION, INC. TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING TO SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00526 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00526 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00526 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00526 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00526 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0021 Chair Dunn: We will now proceed with resolution 2. James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 2 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $30,000, to Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Inc. to provide technical assistance and business development training to small businesses in the redevelopment area; authorizing the executive director at his discretion to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. This -- Chair Dunn: Is there anyone here for a public hearing on this item? City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commissioner Gort: They're not here? Mr. Villacorta: I don't believe they're here. Chair Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: This item is a companion to our small business grant program. And as a requirement of obtaining a small business grant, which is a maximum of $5,000, the business owners have to go through a training program put on by Neighbors and Neighbors. And it's very comprehensive. It runs nine weeks. And this will allow us to fund 3 nine -week sessions. We may not need all of that because we may -- if we have enough attendees at the first session, they'll draw down the fund balance for that grant program. You may remember two meetings ago, we had the graduates come and speak and they were very complimentary of the program. And though we may have had to drag them into it, by the time they finished it, they were very impressed at the information they received. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Let me ask you a question. My understanding is this is to be given a loan of 5,000 -- or a grant of $5,000 to small businesses and they have to take to the course. This is to take within this district? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. This one is within the Overtown redevelopment area. There's a companion item doing the same training and grant program in the Omni program -- area as well. Commissioner Gort: But this will be applying to businesses in this area, in Overtown? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Dunn: Yes. We have -- want to recognize -- excuse me, ma'am. Mr. Villacorta: Ms. Green. Chair Dunn: Want to recognize you, Ms. Green. Rosa Green: Oh, thank you. Chair Dunn: Would you state your name and address for the record, please. Ms. Green: My pleasure. First, I want to say good evening to the two new Commissioners and the prodigal son who came back home, and welcome back. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Ms. Green: I don't know if we going to kill the biggest you know whatever but -- it's really great to see two young men, but you don't know me. My name is Rosa Green. I reside at 915 Northwest 1st Avenue, and I am a product, pioneer of Overtown. Love it. Live, breathe, eat, sleep. Had six children and all of them were born here in Miami, in Overtown, and they all are City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 here, all but one, and two are deceased. But I'm here right now about this article, and I know that's what y'all want to hear. After the $5,000 grant for the training, where do we go from there? Because I'm going to tell you. I retired from Dade County Schools in 1992, and I've been trying to come to these meetings and see how government work. Too much -- Mr. Carollo, I know your brother -- Mr. Suarez, I know your father -- money has come, gone, and went, and we don't have anything to show for it. I'm very proud of the Jefferson Reave [sic] 'cause I happen to be one of the founders. It's something you can touch, feel, and use, and that's what we need here in Overtown. Now when I watched that police academy go up, it didn't take 40 years. And I don't know -- and I'm sorry. I just got to get this out. Please, don't y'all stop me. But I don't know how long they been getting the community block grants, but we don't see anything for the money. And I want you to know, I have been paying taxes. I'm 80. I started working at 13, ever since. And my daughter said to me, you always told us to go to school, get an education and get a good job so you can make money. That's not what's happening. We got to get some accountability and a grip on this money. And I don't like the way when they give you the 5,000, sometimes you have to bring them an invoice. Everybody won't give you an invoice for stuff. They want you to buy the stuff 'cause I guess they feel you pick it out and then you don't come back, they've just wasted their time. So y'all need to meet and find out a better way to expedite that money, whether they have to bring you the receipts, whether you have to go to the place and look. And I know you talking about a training now, but people come every year to get the 5,000 to get training. Where do they go? Let me just tell you this and I'm going to sit down. Sears -- Do everybody know the department store named Sears? Sears? Is there anybody familiar with that store, Sears? Sears, where you get all your appliances, the department store? It used to be Sears Roebuck. And Roebuck was a black man, but Roebuck died and Sears now is one of the biggest stores in the world, I would say. But now every year small business, if you get the money and you don't grow, something's wrong. And I'm tired of my tax dollars -- 'cause I haven't gotten much back. As a matter of fact, IRS (Internal Revenue Service) saying I owe them 5,000 right now. And I'm tired of people who know how to work the system getting the money and not held accountable and we don't have anything to show. I'm so proud of the new Mayor 'cause when I heard his speech and he said things are going to change, they are not going to be worked out in a backroom and nobody knows. And they were laughing at me because they say I carry the black case -- Chair Dunn: Excuse me. Ms. Green: -- and somebody else get the money. Yes, sir. I'm going to stop. Chair Dunn: I got to wrap it up. Thank you. Ms. Green: But it's all filled up. I'm overflowing, Commissioner. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Ms. Green: And I'm glad to see you here, too. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Ms. Green: You know I told you that. But anyway, before y'all give that money, I want y'all to make sure you're going to have some kind of accountability, and I'm going to apply, and I hope my name be on the list. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you, Ms. Green. Thank you. Applause. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 3. 10-00531 Chair Dunn: Is there anyone else would like to speak on this item? If not, we're going to close it for public hearing. I do want to say before I yield to my colleagues, NANA (Neighbors and Neighbors Association) has a great reputation for deliverables in terms of what they have done with small mom-and-pop businesses in our community. Just recently, the president and founder, Mr. Leroy Jones, was recognized by the JMEnterprise for being one of the 2010 African -American achievers, and that's a very prestigious honor that only four people from this South Florida region, Miami -Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties has recognized. So with that being said, I'd like to turn it to my -- Is there a motion or if there's comments from --? We have a motion by Vice Chair Suarez. Vice Chair Suarez: So move. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: Second by Commissioner Carollo. You heard the motion. Yes. Mr. Villacorta: IfI could just add. There -- this is the second year we're doing this program. And last year in Overtown 12 people -- 12 businesses went through the training as a condition of getting grants, and they are your neighbors. They are the people from Overtown. James Forbes from Forbes Photography; Rudolpho Lorenzo from Jerry and Joees, who also owns Econo Meats; Melanie Jackson from Just Mellow Inspiration, Inc; Sydney Ferguson from Junkanoo Fest; Willie Williams from Just Right Barbershop; Derek Coleman from Remit Apparel. And you've seen four new businesses open on 3rdAvenue as a result of this training and this program. And yes, we do ask for invoices and -- before we make any payments against the grant. Chair Dunn: Thank you. We've had a proper -- it has been properly motioned by Vice Chairman Suarez and seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. So moved. [Later..] Chair Dunn: Any other comments before we move for adjourn --? Yes, Mr. Jones, please. Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, Neighbors and Neighbors, 180 Northwest 62 nd Street. I want to apologize for being late. I know I had a item on here. Y'all know I'm never late. I'm always on time 'cause I like the mike, so you know I'm always speaking. But been under the weather for the weekend, so I know that my item passed, the training in the Overtown area. I want to thank y'all so much for it, okay. Any questions y'all have -- thank y'all. I know y'all remember not long ago we had some of the people that graduated from the training spoke to the Commission about how much they got out of the training, so I just want to thank y'all on that resolution on Item 2. Chair Dunn: Thank you so much. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 4. 10-00543 EXCEED $50,000, FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC STIMULUS AND JOB CREATION GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING THAT NO SINGLE GRANT SHALL EXCEED $5,000; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ISSUE SUCH GRANTS AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, 'OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00531 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00531 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00531 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00531 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0022 Chair Dunn: Next item. James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing additional funding, in an amount not to exceed $50, 000, for the small business economic stimulus and job creation grant program providing that no single grant shall exceed $5, 000 and authorizing the executive director to issue such grants and execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. Chair Dunn: This matter is -- this item is open for public discussion or hearing. Is there one to speak on this item? If not, I will close it. Is there a motion on this item? Vice Chair Suarez: So move. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: It's been properly motioned by Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying i ye. " The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000, TO FILM LIFE, INC., TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE "2010 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL COMMUNITY SHOWCASE," HELD WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA FROM JUNE 25, 2010 THROUGH JUNE 27, 2010; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00543 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00543 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00543 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00543 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00543 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0023 Chair Dunn: Item 4. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $25, 000, to Film Life, Inc. to underwrite costs associated with the 2010 American Black Film Festival community showcase to be held within the redevelopment area from June 25, 2010 through June 27, 2010; authorizing the executive director to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. This is a continuation of a project we did last year. The American Black Film Festival was being held on Miami Beach. We brought them over to Overtown. They held a master class for students, some of the directors and actors, at the Lyric Theater. We had breakfast at Jackson Soul Food and we had a reception for them in the Omni area. This would continue that support this year. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone that would like to discuss this item? We open the floor for public hearing. Yvette Harris: Good afternoon -- good evening, I should say. Chair Dunn: Good afternoon. Ms. Harris: My name is Yvette Harris, and I am with the American Black Film Festival and Film Life, and I just wanted to thank you for your support. I'm excited because I live here in Miami. I'm their liaison for Miami. And for many years, the festival was only on South Beach, but we felt it was really important to come over into the community and give access to young people and young filmmakers that ordinarily wouldn't have access. So we look forward to working with you this year and throughout the years. And just to note that we have billboards that are going to be up in June with the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) logo on it. So we're very happy and we look forward to your continued support. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 5. 10-00532 Ms. Harris: And if you have any questions, I'm here for questions and answers. Commissioner Gort: Yes. What type of activities do you conduct during the film here in Overtown? Ms. Harris: We're going to have a -- we're going to continue the trolleys that are going to come over and bring people that come into the Miami area to attend the festival so that they're able to come over and shop and dine and explore and become familiar with this area 'cause most of the people that usually come, they come just for the beach. We're also going to have a film screening on that Sunday. It's going to be the best of the best of the film festival. We'll have a celebrity that will come over. We'll do a workshop. And also, we're going to have an event on that Saturday night, a closing event here in this area. Commissioner Gort: Good. Thank you. Ms. Harris: Okay. You're welcome. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Is there anyone else would like to speak on this matter? If not, we're going to close it for public hearing. Is there a motion from --? Commissioner Gort: Move it. Vice Chair Suarez: Second. Chair Dunn: Been properly motioned by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chairman Suarez. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. So moved. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, TO POINCIANA VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., TO OFFSET COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER FENCING AROUND ITS POOL LOCATED AT 269 N.W. 7TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID GRANT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 File # 10-00532 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00532 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00532 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00532 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00532 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0024 Chair Dunn: Item -- resolution number 5. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Resolution number 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $15, 000, to Poinciana Village Condominium Association, Inc. to offset costs associated with the installation of perimeter fencing around its pool located at 269 Northwest 7th Street, Miami, Florida; 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. This was a request from the -- this resolution came about as a request from the townhouse association at Poinciana Village. They were concerned that while Gibson Park is closed for repairs, people may try and use their pool. And since it's not -- it doesn't have a full-time lifeguard or someone there monitoring it, they requested our help in raising the fence height to discourage that sort of activity. I believe we have the president of the condominium association here. Dale Ayres: Good evening, everyone. My name is Dale Ayres. I reside at 269 Northwest 7th Street. Thank you for considering this item and putting it on the agenda, Commissioner. We have some residents here. It's kind of hard to get all the residents here at 5 o'clock with the working of their schedules. Again, what Jim said, I just want to reiterate. Last year we had over 21 calls to the City of Miami police station and -- kids that jump our fence or just walk through the front gate. We're a few blocks away and we wanted to secure the pool area. The pool is on the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) property, half of it, based on how it was built. And when I spoke to the attorney last time, she really gave me more information about how it would be important for the City to partner with us as it relates to liability issues and things. So if you have any questions, I can answer that, but we hope for your full support. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Excuse me. How tall is your fence now? Mr. Ayres: Our fence, it's a small perimeter fence. We took pictures. I don't know if it came out in your packet or not. Commissioner Sarnoff I see it. Mr. Ayres: But it's a block -- cylinder [sic] block in certain sections and then it goes about this tall so we have the basic Department of Health child lock on the front gate, but the rest of it's very small. So what happens is some of the youngsters, 7 and 8, can literally just climb right over it. And so per the Code, we were trying to do the seven -and -a -half to eight foot fence. Commissioner Sarnoff And what will you put up on top of the cinderblock? Mr. Ayres: The cinderblock will also -- it will raise it up to eight foot, so it would be the same City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 picket fence to match the whole perimeter. So they wouldn't -- we're actually going to have to remove a railing and add the disabled rail on the opposite side so they won't jump on the railing and jump on that as well. Commissioner Sarnoff.- And you have a bid for $15, 000 for this? Mr. Ayres: Yeah. It's that and the security cameras and also to put in the front gate. The estimates are in the packet as it relates to -- what happens is, unfortunately, like most associations, we have residents who do not like to comply, and so we have some youngsters within our property that we do not allow to use the pool because of certain issues around that. So we -- the security gate that would be at the front would also -- it'd be a keyless system so they'd have to use a card to get in and out, and that would help us control that access card. Commissioner Sarnoff And how much of the total cost to elevate your fence and put in security cameras and to -- what else did you say? Mr. Ayres: It's the security cameras -- Commissioner Gort: The gate. Mr. Ayres: -- the fencing, and -- I have to look here 'cause it was a while back. Commissioner Sarnoff.- How much of that is coming from the condominium association itself? Mr. Ayres: We did not put in any of our money for the -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Why is that? Mr. Ayres: Well, we originally had asked for a certain amount and -- based on Jim's experience to make sure that we don't go over budget to cushion to get the right amounts because we're using the City of Miami vendors and with the permits and everything. I had estimated a little less, and you know, at the discretion of the CRA, based on past projects, they said we should look at this number. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So are you saying that the CRA director recommended that you not match the grant or come up with a percentage of the grant? Mr. Ayres: We didn't talk about that because I didn't have direct conversations with Jim. I was working with the other staff members. Right now we have a high foreclosure rate, so we don't have the budget within it to do that. So if we did, you know, we have a couple that are going to be sold. If those get sold -- but again, Gibson Park's going to be closed, I think, in June, so to have this turnaround time and -- the 21 calls last year was just basically the City. There's several residents here that would love to speak to you about the complaints. Some of them are elderly, so they don't even feel comfortable about contacting the kids at the pool because they feel for their safety, so that's basically -- we wouldn't be able to match it right now. I'm not saying in the future that we could do like some type of repayment, but right now we wouldn't have the funding to match it, if that's what your request is. Commissioner Sarnoff- Well, I'm a little bit curious. I assume it's going to be a form of -- an affordable housing ownership project? Mr. Ayres: The Poinciana Village is a 64-unit condominium and it's all owners. Commissioner Sarnoff Right. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Mr. Ayres: And it was developed -- supposed to be under Sawyer's Walk, around that whole area. So -- and so right now we have -- you know, there's 64 units. There's about 10 to 12, I think, that are in foreclosure and we have, you know, many in arrears. And so we're actively, you know, pursuing that through legal methods, but they're all owners. I mean, they -- 85 percent work in the community, Jackson, other places. Commissioner Sarnoff So is it just free market? Is it just whatever the fair market value of your unit would sell for is what it will be purchased --? Mr. Ayres: Unfortunately, like for instance, Century Mortgage, we were actually trying to come up with some ways to get a cash flow to come in. So for instance, a fourth floor that used to sell for 210,000 three years ago, they're asking 125 and the bank doesn't even want to finance us. We were trying to see if they'd give us a zero percent so we could rent it out now for maybe a few years from now when World Center or any of those future projects come about. But they wouldn't even finance it. They don't want to finance in that particular area for whatever reason. And over the past, CRA has been very supportive, and we actually got a small business association loan to repaint the place. I don't know if anybody remembered. It used to be a Pepto Bismo [sic] pink and we painted the outside fence and it's come to -- you know, we've worked very hard. I'm out there almost every weekend with a red sunburn like you have on your face, so it's definitely -- you know, he might have already been to the pool and I didn't know it so -- Chair Dunn: You might have messed up. Mr. Ayres: I watch him all the time on TV (Television). If there was going to be any questions, it was going to be him. Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. You shouldn't have gone there. Mr. Ayres: And we are not employing lifeguards, but if you would like to help us train a lifeguard and support that, we would love that. Commissioner Sarnoff I'll see if my WSI (Wackenhut Services, Incorporates,, is still valid. Mr. Ayres: There you go. Chair Dunn: Any other questions or any further questions, Commissioner -- Commissioner Sarnoff No. Chair Dunn: -- Sarnoff? Any other questions? Mr. Ayres: Thank you for those questions. I appreciate it. Chair Dunn: I will say though, in keeping with Commissioner Sarnoff, we were informed of the history of the support that you've been given, and it's pretty much the last straw of it because, you know, we want to make sure -- but I do understand too the liability that can be incurred, and I don't want to get into it, but I know all too well the pain of children drowning. I have first-hand experience and that's probably what made me, you know, think, you know, in a positive way toward this. Any other comments? Thank you, sir. Any other -- Mr. Ayres: Okay. Thank you for your time. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: -- anyone else from the association, maybe one or two, that would like to speak? Lucille Newsome: Good evening, board members. My name is Lucille Newsome. I own unit 221 at Poinciana Village. I'd like to thank you personally for the help you've given us in the past. It has really been beneficial to all of us. I appear before you this evening to plead for your support of agenda item number 5 regarding the financial assistance for the installation of the fence and the security cameras. I have personally witnessed children climbing across the fence. And sometimes there have been times that the fence has almost flattened from the weight of kids coming -- going back and forth across. And they don't mind that you see them coming in, you know, 'cause what are you going to do, you know, except for chase them out or call the police, and we don't like to call the police on the kids. But our concern is that somebody's child may drown or get harmed, and we do have -- the condo association has the liability for that. So we would appreciate your support of agenda item number 5. Have a good evening. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Anyone else on this item? Talmadge Frazier: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Talmadge Frazier. I live at 201 Northwest 7th Street. I'm a resident of Poinciana Village. And last year on three occasions, I had to go down to the pool and forcefully almost remove teenagers. Don't only come -- the teenagers come, they bring their little brothers and sisters with them too. And some days you go out and you may have eight or nine kids in that pool. And I would appreciate it not only if they would come and do the $15, 000 for us. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) earlier about us putting a part of this -- I've been in Poinciana Village now for ten years. When I moved in, our condo fee was ninety -something -- about ninety dollars -- about ninety-five dollars or ninety-four dollars a month. The condo fees now are up to three hundred some dollars a month. And most of us work, like myself. I work. My wife is disabled. There are other disabled people in the building. Incur more funds is something we really can't do right now. So I would appreciate it if you would approve the $15, 000 not only to save the children, but to help us maintain the quality of life that we have at Poinciana. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone else? And we're going to ask -- Is that it? Is there --? Because we want to -- Anyone else that would like to speak, would you please come forward? If not then we can close this public hearing. Julia Williams: Good evening. Chair Dunn: Good after -- Ms. Williams: My name is Julia Williams. I live at 201 Northwest 7th Street, apartment 208. I've been there for ten years. Last summer was a disaster. Another senior citizen and I, we kind of keep trying to keep them out. And when we see the kids climbing the fence on 8th Street, pushing the gate open, coming through the entrance gate and they go in the pool and we go out and try to talk to them and tell them that this is a private pool, that they have to leave. We've called the police several times. But we have some teenagers that live there and they will tell all their friends, go to the pool. You can go to the pool. So we really would appreciate so much if you all would help us with this because I'm so afraid somebody's child is going to get drowned in there. Thank you so much. Chair Dunn: Thank you, ma'am. We're going to close this matter for public hearing. Is there any comment or motion from --? Vice Chair Suarez: I move it. Move the item. Commissioner Carollo: I second City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: It's been motioned by Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Noes have the same privilege. So move. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00533 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY AT 300 NORTHWEST ELEVENTH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000, PLUS CUSTOMARY CLOSING COSTS, ADJUSTMENTS, AND PRORATIONS; AUTHORIZING SUCH INSPECTIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO SPECIAL COUNSEL; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PURCHASE LAND," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.662000.0000.00000. File # 10-00533 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Cover Memo 05-13-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Financials 05-13-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Backup 05-13-2010.pdf File # 10-00533 Legislation 05-13-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez Chair Dunn: Item number 6, Mr. Executive Director. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the purchase of the property at 300 Northwest 11th Street, Miami, Florida, for an amount not to exceed $300, 000, plus customary closing costs, adjustments, and proration; authorizing such inspections and due diligence deemed necessary by the executive director and authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for the purpose. This building is currently vacant. It's on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 11 th Street. It was formerly a church property. It's tax-exempt, and we would like to acquire the property and turn it into a senior center or a community center in the area. Chair Dunn: Is there --? We're going to open this item for public hearing. Is there any here to speak on this item? Would you stand --? I'm going to ask everyone that's here to speak on this item, would you please -- Please state your name and -- Brad Knoefler: Hi. Brad Knoefler, 697 North Miami Avenue. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 3,28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 board members. I just wanted to make a comment. Ostensibly, this purchase of this property is to preserve a historic building, and I'd like to say, of course, anybody that knows me knows that I'm very, very passionate about the restoration of historic properties and not their destruction. But I do have three concerns that I'd like to air today before the board. The first one is regarding the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) ownership of property. CRA is the largest property owner in Overtown and none of the property the CRA owns, of course, is on the tax roll. Of all the properties that are owned by the CRA, I cannot think of one property that has actually been developed or had any kind of project come to completion. And I want to just question the logic of keeping on purchasing more and more property when the property that we -- the CRA already owns has not been developed. Second point is regarding the private sector. When you purchase a building, you do what we call due diligence. You evaluate the property, what kind of situation it's in. Is it structurally safe? What is the budget? All the backup materials related to this item have zero information about the total project cost, whether we're talking about one million dollars, two million dollars, five million dollars. You're essentially writing a blank check by simply purchasing the property, which would never ever happen in the private sector. And I'd ask you, as stewards of the taxpayers' money, to really look at that very, very seriously. Third point -- and I'm going to quote Commissioner Sarnoff on this who, last year, when he rightly opposed the financing of the Miami Women Center -- Women's Club, stated very, very clearly that Redevelopment 101 says you don't spend TIF (Tax Increment Fund) money on non-TIF generating properties. It's a zero percent return investment for the taxpayer. Now this property is not on the tax roll, it will not be on the tax role, and given the history of what's happened with other properties owned by the CRA, it probably won't be back on the tax roll for any time soon. So I would just simply ask that you defer this item until we have a proper budget, a very, very clear idea of the situation -- the status of the property. And in a sense, I would prefer personally that you spend the $300, 000 to create jobs as opposed to buy another property the CRA will own and not actually have any benefits to the community in the short term. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Rhonda Wilson: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Rhonda Wilson. I reside at 5608 Northwest 192nd Lane. I represent the board of directors of the House of God of Nazarene, Incorporated, which is the property located at 300 Northwest 11 th Street. I can say to you that my mother-in-law purchased that building. They had church services there. They would feed the homeless from there. The building can be used for a lot of purposes. At one time there was discussion of -- Chair Dunn: Excuse me. Could -- excuse me one second. We're getting a little bit of feedback. Could we respect the person speaking? Thank you. Ms. Wilson: There has been lots of discussion about the purpose of the building. I cannot say or can -- I don't have anything to offer as for -- as a structure regarding what the gentleman has said but I do know that engineers have been to that building several times. I have personally had two or three firms there to look at the construction of the building and to give us estimates for even attempting to do something or get some kind of funding for -- because of its historical nature and provide services for the community. But the building itself has a whole lot to offer. At one time there was even discussion of using that building permanently as a site for the item that we just discussed which was the Hospitality Institute. However, I would like to say that my husband and his sisters, who do comprise the board of House of God of Nazarene, are interested in selling the building. They would like to see something positive being done with it. The building being over 43 -- 4,500 square feet, and that does not include the basement that is there that also has plumbing and everything for a full kitchen and quite a few other things that are structured there. And it is listed as one of the first African -American churches in Miami -Dade County. We would like to thank you for putting this item on your agenda for City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 tonight, and we just appreciate and look forward to hearing your position. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Jackie Bell: My name is Jackie Bell, 1600 Northwest 3rdAvenue. I'm not in opposition to the CRA purchasing the building, but I would be in opposition if they decide to tear it down. It is a historical building and I'd like for you, Commissioner, to make sure that everything that CRA have listed, that you read it into the record so when anybody else come after you, they will know that it is historical and you have said or this Commission have said that it shall not be torn down. It shall remain as a historical structure, and somehow the CRA should come to the community and sit with the community and decide on how and what we should put there. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Timothy Barber: Timothy Barber, 819 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Black Archives. I echo Ms. Bell's sentiments regarding the building. It definitely is historic. And then I would also -- being a member of the City of Miami Historic Environmental Preservation Board, I don't know if any research has been done as to the inside of the building 'cause at one time I think the inside may have been designated as well, which was a few that they did when they first started designating buildings. I would ask you that you would look into seeing if the internal part of the building is designated as well as the outside. Also, the fact that the building -- I support the CRA in purchasing it -- purchasing the building if they will consider the public as well as make sure that we have (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Through your resolutions, I notice one stanza states that preserving historic buildings and community heritage by restoring older buildings that embody the area's cultural past should be restored, and stanza eight states that whereas the Board of Commissioners wishes to purchase said property for an amount not to exceed 300,000 plus customary closing costs, adjust [sic] and proration for historic preservations. I believe it needs to say for the historic preservation and not being general blanket statement. I think it needs to be directed strictly toward this particular building, that this building will be restored and maintained as well as not knocked down in the future after we are long gone because it belongs to the CRA. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Marva Lightbourne: Good afternoon, Commissioners, or good evening at this point. My name is Marva Lightbourne, and I am chairperson of Concerned Citizens Committee, and my address is 5561 Northwest 7th Court. And this is my other member. Robert Hyde: My name is Robert Hyde. Ms. Lightbourne: And we're talking in regard to the building at 300 Northwest 11 th Street. This is a historical building and it has a lot of significance in the black community. And my concern at this point is that we do not want it torn down. We would like for it actually to be in recognition of our late, great artist who passed here recently, Mr. Purvis Young. And we would like for this building to, well, be sort of like a venue for artists and for the community at large. And we don't have a plan, a budget or anything right now, but the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) artists, Dr. -- what's his name, Gene Tinney, and some of the other ones (UNINTELLIGIBLE), they couldn't make it tonight, but we knew that you all were meeting here tonight so we came on their behalf as concerned citizens. But please do not tear the building down in y'all decision of what you're going to do with it. And it's a blighted building that we all know. At this point it's historical and we do want it to recognize the late, great artist, Mr. Purvis Young, if it could be recognized that way. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: Thank you. Rosa Green: Rosa Green again, and I -- Commissioner, y'all going to have to tell me to shut up this time, trust me. But you know what, I'm kind of like sick and tired -- a lot of these people who are saying what they don't want and they do want, they don't care anything about Overtown. They don't live in Overtown and some of them have never lived in Overtown. Now about the building, right now it's standing there. It's been standing there for over 20 years, I think, with nothing going on. But every year or every other year they do a little Band -aid paint job. So if things are going to change -- and I think that's what we voted for for the president of the United States. Anything that remains constant doesn't change. Now for me to pass by there for 20 years -- and there's another building right across the street, St. John -- from St. John Church, another 30 or 40 years that they throw some paint. What we really need, Commissioner Dunn, please, and all the other Commissioners, is some building to train these people how to get a real job. They not going to be able to pay their rent talking about -- I hate to say this, Hospitality, and I know y'all voted on it. Hospitality is fine, but that comes with the program. They need career education, career awareness. I'd like to begin that. Some of y'all help me because I don't know the secret. I don't know how to write grants, and I have a master's degree in education, but I never wrote a grant, okay. And so now you might be -- went to fifth grade and you could help me and I can help you. I can teach your children how to read and write, but I can't write a grant. Now we need to stop planting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of darn collard greens, and I don't curse. I mean, this is simply a, you know, Mickey Mouse jungle, stupid behind thing. How many collard greens can you eat? Do we plant black beans and potatoes and all that crap? We can buy that crap with the food stamps that they give them. They won't give me none. They say my pension is too much, but I need some food stamps. Chair Dunn: Ms. -- Ms. Green: I mean, please y'all. Commissioners, please, whatever you want to do to change it, change it. I live in Overtown and I've been there and I have some authority over there, okay. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Ms. Green: Please, don't let nobody who comes here to raise sand tell you what to do in Overtown. Chair Dunn: Thank you so much. Ms. Green: Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Applause. Chair Dunn: Can we pause for a moment? Our technician needs to change the tape. Just can we pause for a moment, please? Please state your name and tell us where you reside or work. Willie Williams: Good evening, Commissioner, Chair, and all of the Commissioners who are here. My name is Pastor Willie L. Williams -- Chair Dunn: Just a minute, please. Please, can we respect the speaker, please? Thank you. Mr. Williams: -- pastor of the Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church, also owner and operator of Just Right Barbershop, whom served this community over 60 years at the same City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 location. I'm here right down the street from the building that you spoke of prior. And my view is we need to keep the facade. We need to keep that. And by me starting a merchants alliance in 1995 and we been working on it and I'm getting very strong -- stronger people who've become -- who now becoming a member, we'd like to put -- use it as an incubator for businesses, future businesses and businesses at large, to educate them, to bring them up-to-date with all the resources that is need to be known in order to run an effective business. And I would like to see that, you know, if we see anything. And then I like the way, Commissioner Dunn, how you're reaching out to the community and you're very visible, and you're listening to what the people are saying in the community. Now I know -- I understand that you cannot do everything in a short period of time that they have slated for you, but I believe that you're on the right track. You're getting information from the people at large. You're listening to them and seem to me you're not moving -- Chair Dunn: Even though you keep rolling, but the time -- I'm going to ask you to wrap it up, even though it sounds real good. Go ahead. Mr. Williams: Okay. No, no. It's the truth. It's the truth, and you know what I stand for and I'm just hoping that you and the Commissioners, you make the right decision when it comes to this building, particular building. Listen to the community. See what they want to have in this building, and I believe if you do that, everything would be all right. And again, we thank you again for your work and your effort. Keep doing the good job that you're doing and we'll see you real soon. Chair Dunn: Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, Reverend. Is there anyone else on this item? Derek Cole: There's a couple of us. Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street. There's no parking around that building, so no matter what you do in the building, there's no place to park. It's my understanding that the surrounding vacant lots around there are owned by the CRA? Through the Chair, Mr. Villacorta, is that CRA land that's right behind the church? Mr. Villacorta: About two years ago, the CRA purchased the lot immediately behind the church as part of the Jazz Village project, which ultimately didn't move forward. Mr. Cole: And my question is, are we going to tear this church down so the Jazz Village can do a big project like it did with the other church and the rooming house on 2nd Avenue to help the Collins Center with -- land bank over there? I mean -- are there plan to do something with the building for the community? Chair Dunn: That -- to answer your question, that's pretty much why it's on the -- Mr. Villacorta: On the agenda. Chair Dunn: -- agenda. Mr. Cole: I think that needs to be looked into. Chair Dunn: Yes, sir. Thank you. Anyone else? Talmadge Frazier: Talmadge Frazier, once again, 201 Northwest 7th Street. As a former teacher, in fact, in this very school, of over six years, the main problem that we have with the majority of people in Overtown cannot read and write. Think about this building. Yes, we have Lindsey Hopkins over here. Lindsey Hopkins has a program work at your own speed. Well, ifI don't read very well, you walk away, I have no speed. What I'd like to see you do with this City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 building is put in for young adults and older people a one-on-one tutorial program to work with them so they can take it from going from kindergarten level all the way until you become employed. With 64 percent of the people not having high school diplomas and less than these individuals have the ability to go and to read. Now to hear me talk, you would never guess that I am one of those people. I hold three degrees. I cannot read my own name on a piece of paper. Twenty years ago, at Miami Dade South, they made a decision about Talmadge Frazier, to throw me to the wayside or help me. Since they helped me, through this school when I taught here, we helped countless young people to make that next step, but we need a one-on-one facility to help the people here to go. As a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) program, let's take them in the center over here in this basement, teach them one on one, farm them out to Lindsey Hopkins for the final part of the program, but we got to start with basics. We need a facility to work with these young adults and older people who need the one-on-one type help. That basement over there is ideal for it. So not only let's remodel it, let's make this building a new sense of hope. Yes, we gave them the gospel. Now let's give them education. Thank you. Chair Dunn: I'm going to ask that we -- Yes, come -- you'll be the last speaker on this. Thank you. Charles Cutler: Good afternoon, gentlemen, and God bless y'all. I just want to make a brief statement in terms of the funding that's coming through Southeast Overtown/Park West and overall Overtown. With the projects and initiative that we're taking, we have to truly consider, since everything is about budgeting now, that a part of Overtown is in the Omni district. And I think that we're actually serving -- even through the Hospitality Institute, and I think that we need to start looking at some green jobs because there's a lot of opportunity that's starting to open up. And we really, just like Commissioner Sarnoff said, need to start focusing on this job creation piece. And what I think is that we need to bring some of the funding together, whatever that number is and whatever the number is in Southeast Overtown/Park West, and I think that we really need to start focusing on putting people to work that lives in these districts because that's where the real need is and that's really what we should be focusing on. And I think that we need to take a harder look at the programs that we're actually funding to make sure that we answer -- we ask ourself [sic] a pointed question. What impact is it really making on the community that we're actually -- that this is actually designed to serve? Because if you're hiring -- if people are coming in taking advantage of jobs and they live outside of the community, then I think that's a serious problem because with the Omni money and with the Southeast Overtown/Park West money, even when we look at our contractors and we look at the job opportunities coming available, what kind of impact is we really having on the economy, the local economy in the City of Miami when we don't really have a process even available to have any type of compliance to determine who gets the contracts and who's getting hired? Because the bottom line is -- and I'm telling you about me -- Okay, I'll wrap it up, sir. The bottom line with me, we losing too many. I done sang at too many funerals and a lot of these young kids -- I done been living in Overtown almost 40 years, and the only thing these young people want is jobs and we got to come up with some type of formula so that we can impact the ones that's coming out of school and the ones that's already out there because they got bills to pay. And we're supposed to be the ones to help them, so we got to come up with some type of formula. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you, Mr. Cutler. And we're going to close the public hearing. Are there any comments from --? Yes, Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff It's always fun to be quoted, especially when you actually went to a CRA school and the first thing you learn in CRA 101 is that you do not take a building and not have it on your tax roll if you're going to spend CRA money. What you're doing is you're taking the taxpayer money, you're putting it into a building, and you're not building up your TIF revenue. So even if you thought it was a Ponzi scheme, you've taken the Ponzi out of it. I think City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 more and more what you're hearing is that we need to create a job program. You know, I recently visited Yvonne McDonald's mother. It was her birthday two days ago, and she was describing to me how she had eight children and how she had planned on all eight children going to college. And she said, but what I learned was, as you have the eight children, not all of them are really equipped to go to college. And she said that as a loving mother. And I've heard of many different kinds of parents, you know, the helicopter parents and I have the best kid parent, but maybe not every child is designed and equipped to go to college. And I think one thing that America has really lost sight of is vocational training. What is a good plumber? What is a good electrician? What is a good bricklayer? And these were all -- and still are -- well-paid jobs, and they're jobs that you can have with maybe not the best background. You could even possibly have a felony, maybe even have that expunged and could still do these jobs. And think it's time that we come to the realization that as we take gym away from kids and we take woodshop, metal shop, and home economics away from kids, we are really putting out an entire class of students that are probably not equipped to go to college but being -- and telling them you can go to college. They don't do well in college or don't finally make it to college and they're left with no skills that were provided to them in high school. So I could support this and violate CRA 101 if in fact we were to put a vocational skills center in there. And a skills center -- and I'm talking about real jobs. I'm talking about the ability to learn how to be a plumber, an electrician -- Applause. Commissioner Sarnoff.- -- and all the things that we don't seem to do. So I can support this, but I can't support this any other way. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: Thank you, Commissioner Sarnoff. Anyone else? Is --? Yes, Mr. Villacorta. Mr. Villacorta: If I could just correct a couple of things that were said. The CRA is not the largest property owner within the redevelopment area; Miami -Dade County is. The -- we've had the City's engineering department out there and looked at the building on a number of occasions, as the owner stated. The estimate to refit the inside -- there's no mechanical systems, no plumbing systems. It's already -- demolition has already been underway on the interior of the building, so I'm not sure whether that's historic or not. The cost to put the building back into usable shape is -- CIP's preliminary estimate is $1.4 million. We're hoping that with proper design, we can get that number down to a lower figure, but it will be a significant cost to put the building back into operation. The CRA in the last year, as part of our improvement program for 3rdAvenue, sealed the building and painted it. The owner had previously put a new roof on the building, so no one is looking to demolish this building. Whatever -- there is going to be a business incubator immediately down the street from this building just to the south, so that's a -- that's something that we could move into this building, but another group has sought grant funding and is attempting to put a business incubator just to the south of this building. And it's not on the tax rolls now so -- it's possible that we could put this building into -- you know, renovate it and then have someone use it in a manner that would cause it to go onto the tax rolls. If it was used as a club just like, for instance, Monty's. It's owned by the City, but its use is taxable. It's not the ownership of the building. It's the ultimate use that decides whether it's taxable or not. Chair Dunn: I would at this time, if -- whatever the wish is of the Commission, entertain a motion maybe that -- to look into some study or perhaps even a deferment to see what it cost so that we could -- the total cost would be or we could --? Mr. Villacorta: Well, we've received preliminary cost of 1.4 million from CIP, and they figure that -- City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commissioner Gort: CIP? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: But they included contingencies in that. That number looks reasonable. You know, we have people looking at it as well. We've had contractors coming in there. I believe we can get it under that number. That would be the outside. The owners have put a lot of their time and money in the building, and I don't know how much longer they can really hold out. If we weren't -- and I doubt they're going to be able to keep keeping up the roof keeping the vandals out of it, keeping the building secure. They have no income coming in from that property. It's on a corner of 3 rd and 11 th. It's a very prominent feature. As you can see in the picture, I mean, we painted it. Before that, it was brown and it really brought the whole area down. This building at one point was for sale for over a million dollars, and we've managed to negotiate a price down to 300, but within the last two years, this -- the cost of this building was over a million dollars. They had offers close to that amount that they refused so -- Chair Dunn: Before we -- I ask for a motion, I wanted to -- want us to -- when could staff come back with some type of plan that we could -- that was already expressed by this Commission and even some of the residents that would be viable for that particular building and maintaining its historical significance? Mr. Villacorta: Well, right now we feel it would make a good community center or a senior center. We're not planning on altering the outside facade. There's a need for that in the area. You could have a -- business training as well. As the owner said, there's a basement down below. There's -- I think it would be a multipurpose building, but to have a full set of plans drawn up and -- I mean, you're going to end up -- it's going to be a year at least just to get that sort of planning done. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to move to defer until we have more concrete plans and that the executive director meet with each member of this Commission or this board in order to discuss some of those plans. Going through some of the material, it appears like the interior is going to need quite a bit of work. Therefore, my motion is to defer this. Vice Chair Suarez: I'll second the motion. Chair Dunn: It has been properly motioned by Commissioner Carollo and seconded by Vice Chairman Suarez that we defer this item until we can get more definitive planning and programming as it relates to this project. You heard the motion. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Noes have the same privilege. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman, at this time, you know, just to give some instructions to staff I've known people that will like to have some kind of a training. And like Commissioner Sarnoff was stating here, not everybody is able to go to college, but you can still make a very good living at being a mechanic, especially today where mechanics have to learn quite a bit City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 7. 10-00535 about computers and use it. At one time I know Brahman wanted to set up some kind of institute in here where they can teach people how to work with the cars and so on. I think what I keep hearing from everybody in this community, kids go to school here. They come out of school and what do they do? Some of them cannot go to college. They cannot afford to go to college, and I think they need some kind of a training. We used to have that at all our facilities way back. We used to train people for skilled jobs, which some of them make a lot more money than some of the other professions. I would like to see a program, and I'm sure we can get a lot of people in the private sector to come and try to help to establish those programs. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Chair Dunn: Okay. I'm going to ask that we limit our public speakers to -- during the public hearing. We have three items, resolutions 7, 9, and 11, and then we're going to adjourn for the Omni CRA meeting immediately following. So to -- in respect of time and to be fair in terms -- as it relates to the Omni CRA, I'm going to ask that if anyone has any comments, that we will limit it to two public speakers. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $325,000, TO THE DOWNTOWN MIAMI PARTNERSHIP FOR ITS "WRAP -AROUND BUILDING REHAB PROGRAM," TO ASSIST WITH IMPROVEMENTS TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00535 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00535 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00535 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00535 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00535 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0027 Chair Dunn: We're ready for resolution 7, I believe. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 7 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $325, 000, to the Downtown Miami Partnership for its wraparound building program to assist with improvements to residential and commercial properties within the redevelopment area; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. This is a project that we've supported for the past two City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 years. The -- this is the program that went down the 3rdAvenue and painted all those facades, that painted this church building, that assisted the tenants and the owners of those buildings in putting up awnings and hurricane windows and now has actually -- once we put the windows in, we had to go in and renovate some of the interiors so that you had a good-looking facade as you go down 3rdAvenue. We'd like to take that program and move it over into 2ndAvenue and 1st Avenue and keep that momentum going. And this is done through Downtown Miami Partnership, who I'm sure you're all familiar with. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone here to speak on this item? Do we hear anything --? Is there anything from the Commission? Vice Chair Suarez: Move it. Chair Dunn: It's been properly motioned by Chairman -- Vice Chairman Suarez. Is there a second? Commissioner Carollo: Second for discussion. Chair Dunn: Second for discussion by Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: I have a question for the executive director. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: It appears to me that -- this sounds very similar to facade program. However, some of these properties are not eligible for CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds. Is that correct? Mr. Villacorta: Correct. Commissioner Carollo: And why is the reason? Mr. Villacorta: Well, CDBG has certain rules and regulations. They have to be creating jobs. They have to be -- they have to demonstrate how many jobs that were created for every $30,000 or so they spend. They -- there's three national criteria of job creation, housing, and the third one escapes me. But unless they can demonstrate that -- I think they had the problem on Flagler Street, where they were renovating facades and then they couldn't come back and demonstrate the job creation and there was some funding that had to be refunded to CD (Community Development) is my recollection. This program is more trying to keep the neighborhood -- to upgrade the neighborhood. The City and the County have all agreed this is a blighted neighborhood. We have these funds available, and we're putting them back into that neighborhood. I mean, all you have to do is look at the before and after pictures of 3rdAvenue to see what this program is doing to the area, changing the attitudes of the people in the area, allowing people to feel comfortable to come back and patronize the businesses and to come back and live in the area, if that answers your question. Commissioner Gort: No. Let me follow up that question. Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Commissioner Gort: My understanding the facade program and Flagler, it depends where -- part of Flagler. If it's Flagler downtown, they don't qualify for community development funds. And I don't have any problem with the program, but at the same time, I believe this area does qualify for community development funds. At the same time, my understanding is for facade, City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 you don't need to create job or anything like that. I mean, this been doing -- all over the City of Miami it's being done, and it's not that -- that you want to expedite and make it a lot easier for the merchant here and go beyond facade, I don't have any problem with that, but let's put it the way it is. I mean, I think they can also use community development fund grants for that besides the money that you want to give them. I don't have any problem in improving the area. I think it's very important. I think they do a good job. But if we can use some additional funds, yes. Mr. Villacorta: We would have no issue with Community Development putting money into the pot as well. I think their funds are more restricted and we're able to move quickly and don't have quite the amount of paperwork that Community Development has. I know Ms. Correa has done a lot of work with the CDBG program and the facade program. Josie Correa: Yeah. I can add to that. Josie Correa, Downtown Miami Partnership, 25 Southeast 2ndAvenue, Suite 240. With the CDBG funding, number one, you're not allowed to go inside. You're not allowed to do any interior work. And the other issue as well is that you're not allowed to do anything where there's apartment buildings on top. And if you look at 3rd Avenue, a lot of the buildings that we have helped and that we've done these type of programs in have residential on the top. We wouldn't be able to just paint half the building. Chair Dunn: And let me just add to that. That is predominately what pretty much dominates 3rd Avenue. You have those -- Ms. Correa: That's correct. Chair Dunn: -- apartment buildings with businesses on -- Mr. Villacorta: Mixed use. Chair Dunn: -- the first floor. So it does -- and it has added -- it has beautified the area tremendously. Ms. Correa: Absolutely. Commissioner Gort: Let me clam my point. I think that the program is very good because they can do things that you cannot do with CDBG funds. But at the same time, if you can use CDBG funds, go ahead and use it and therefore you have more money to create more improvement. I'm trying to get you additional funds. Chair Dunn: Yeah, I understand Ms. Correa: Right. Chair Dunn: Any other comments from the --? Okay, there's a motion by Chair -- Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying bbye. " The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. So move. Ms. Correa: Thank you. 8. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00540 A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000, TO MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE FOR ITS HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE JOB TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00540 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00540 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00540 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00540 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00540 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0025 Chair Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacort [sic]. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 8 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $100, 000, to Miami Dade College for its Hospitality Institute job training and job placement program; authorizing the executive director at his discretion to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; and further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. This is a job training program that we're in our third year of funding. The college maintains an office over at Greater Bethel Church and people in the neighborhood are encouraged to -- actually, from anywhere are encouraged to come and get help writing their resumes, look at the jobs that are available, and we hold monthly or bimonthly training sessions as a means of encouraging them to get jobs with the hospitals that -- or with the hotels that the agency has partnered with. And I believe we have -- Chair Dunn: Yes. We have -- we're going to ask -- Is there anyone to speak -- Mr. Villacorta: -- some representatives. Chair Dunn: -- on this item? Please state your name and your address as well. Julie Grimes: Good evening, Commissioners and Mayor. Julie Grimes, 1717 North Bayshore Drive, Miami. I've been working with the Hospitality Institute now for three years, and I have to tell you, it's an incredible, incredible program. It is a way that we can connect our business community with those in the underprivileged area of the inner city of Miami. It is the key. The key to breaking the cycle of poverty, I believe, is providing education and job opportunities to those that don't have that access. We are providing that access through the Hospitality Institute. In partnership with Miami Dade College and many, many businesses here in Miami, City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 we are trained to break the great divide, that is, Biscayne Boulevard, which separates our city. It is time for our business community and leaders in our community to come over here and engage with the people of Overtown and other parts of our inner cities in Miami. This is just one model of how we can do it, but this model is working. I've seen over 800 people go through this program in three years with about a 30 percent hire rate, many of which we've hired in our hotels at the Doubletree Grand and the Hilton Bentley. Many of my colleagues are here tonight representing the industry. Hospitality is the number -one industry in this city. It is the key for many to start a career in hospitality. You can start as a bellman or a dishwasher and work your way up to a general manager. In fact, our GM (General Manager), Robert (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is here tonight and stands as testimony as starting as a bellman and ending up as a general manager of a hotel. So the other beautiful part of this program is not to -- not just providing the job opportunity and making it available, but providing the access to further education through Miami Dade College because this is the way that people in our community that typically fall through the cracks can come and touch hands with those that work in our industry and those that educate the people in our city. Those that thought they didn't have a chance, there's many of them that come through the doors at Greater Bethel that would never walk through the doors of a hotel. They've never been in a hotel, many of them. This is a way for us to find common ground in a non -intimidating environment to reach out and connect with each other. And I honestly believe that this is a national model that can be replicated and it can start to break the cycle of poverty in our inner cities in this great country because it's outrageous the level of poverty that we have, especially in Miami where we see the wealth dripping in wealth around this city, yet they turn a blind eye to what we just drove through to come over to this school today. And I stand here to tell you that I'm going to do everything I can to continue to connect over here, and I really believe that if we can bring more business leaders together to do this, we can break the cycle and we can stand as an example in this country of how everyone can live a better life. Thank you. Applause. Chair Dunn: Thank you. I'm going to ask so that we can get a feel -- come right ahead ma'am -- if those who desire to speak on this item, if you would kind of line up behind the podium, please. Thank you. Go right ahead. Bobbie Ibarra: Good afternoon. My name is Bobbie Ibarra, and the address I'm giving you is 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, Florida 33132. I am vice president of Jungle Island, and I am here today on behalf of the hospitality management program. As everyone here is very aware, Jungle Island has a major commitment and a responsibility to ensure that the citizens and residents of Overtown and Miami -Dade, the enterprise zone, and the empowerment zone find employment at Jungle Island. And we have been working also with Jeanne Westphal and the Hospitality Institute since its inception and we continue and hope to grow and expand our relationships with them. As Julie has already said to you -- and I don't want to be redundant -- employment for people in the inner cities is what's going to improve the situation in Miami. Hospitality is the number -one business in this community and we need to ensure that there is a connection from the citizens of our community to the visitors and to the residents who enjoy us. We urge you to support this program, to expand this program. It is through programs such as the Hospitality Management Institute that our community will surely strive economically and the City of Miami will grow as well. And I thank you for your time and support for the hospitality management program. Applause. Randy Wiscombe: Good afternoon. My name is Randy Wiscombe. I represent Better Way of Miami, 800 Northwest 28th Street. Good evening, Mr. Chair and board members. I remember not too long ago I was on your side. I am former Vice Mayor, Commissioner, and CRA board City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 member from the city of South Miami. I worked closely with the Hospitality Institute, Ms. Westphal and Ms. James and their staff This program is essential to the client base that it serves. Just recently eight of our clients participated in the Legacy Green Empowerment Program. All eight of these individuals have completed their eight -week training. They work -- as part of their work and part of their services, they work in the Overtown gardens, as well as the Coconut Grove garden. All eight participants have completed that. All these participants came through the Hospitality Institute. I can't tell you how important this program is. For us, we serve the community as -- in a different way. We are helping people come off the streets dealing with substance abuse and coming back and reentering into the work program. It is so viable to this community to -- and this particular program helps tremendously for us to do that. On the average, since July of2009, I have placed over 100 clients in work, in going back to work. An average of over 20 to 30 clients are participating, per training, and have benefited from the Hospitality Institute. To date that is more than close to 200 of my clients that are participated in this program. Most participants gather a sense of purpose and belonging to a new trade, reclaim a skill, or light a spark that creates the possibility for a new career. As you can see, the CRA funding is a viable working program that only enhances the goals of the CRA. Chair Dunn: I'm going to have to ask you to wrap it up, sir. Mr. Wiscombe: Okay, I'm almost finished. As new business and restaurants open, as Ms. Grimes said, we help staff those businesses and make them flourish in the community. Thank you for your time and consideration, and we hope you'll support this. Thank you. Applause. Monty Trainer: Monty Trainer, 2649 South Bayshore Drive. I feel like this is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) everybody up here. This is nice. Reverend Dunn, I think you're doing a nice job. I want to thank the Mayor for showing so much interest. And of course, the Commission has already shown their interest by their appearance today. I had a lot of notes here, but I guess a lot of people have said a lot of the things that I wanted to say. Julie, you hit it on the head when you said that the number -one industry in this Dade County is tourism, and we have to look after tourism. Not a history lesson, but I want to tell you how I first started in '69/'70. I used to sit out there waiting for the first bus to come in from the Camillus House and the Mission 'cause that's the only place we could find anybody to work in the restaurant to do dishwashing, cleaning and whatever. Now thanks to Jeanne Westphal, who has done a big job here -- and I remember her -- working with her when she was head of the division of tourism for Dade County. She was responsible for doing a lot of things with the Miss Universe and Miami Vice and all those things and helping out through Dade County. So you're in capable hands when you have someone like Jeanne Westphal having a program. I've personally attended some of our meetings, our presentations. The last presentation, Julie was one of the speakers and also the general manager of Macaroni Grill. And they gave words of encouragement. They also -- not only did they -- the only thing is Hospitality Institute doesn't go out and recruit these folks. These people are looking for a place to better themselves, to get a skill and be mentored, and that's what this Hospitality Institute's about. I mean, they're placing -- and as you heard before, they're placing all over town. I know that Dade County and Miami, the economy is -- the hospitality industry has been hurt so the jobs aren't really there. And just as the economy gets back, we'll need more professionals in the hospitality industry and this is where you look to get them. They're well trained and well mentored, and I'm pleased to be a part of that program. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Applause. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 TiQwillia McPerebo: Good afternoon to everyone in their respectable places. Thank you for joining us today. My name is TiQwillia McPerebo. I resign [sic] at 8701 Northeast 8th Court. I am employed at the Doubletree Grand Hotel on 1717 North Bayshore Drive. I entered the hospitality program two years ago. I've been employed with the Doubletree Grand for two years now. Nine months after me being at the Doubletree Grand, I was offered a promotion to be the night supervisor. And shortly after that, I became the front desk supervisor, which I am now. I would like to say that the Hospitality Institute is a really good program to help the kids or adults in the area to have a place where you can go and learn how to be hospitable. And also, the program -- the training, it teach you your resume, how to do interview skills, how to just basically sell yourself in the interview and that's basically it. I'm just excited I'm thankful for the program mostly because, like Julie said, I never would have walked inside of a hotel or thought I was working in a hotel. So I'm just grateful for the opportunity and I appreciate your support thus far. Applause. Saladin Mortimore: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Saladin Mortimore. I reside at 2020 Northwest 1st Avenue. I'm currently working at Five Star Laundry. That's the -- they do the laundry for the Diplomat Hotel. I went through a series of jobs, but what I like about the program is that they keep in touch with you. They let you know, hey, if you're not working, you can come down and have full access to our computers, a job search. And at the time, it really helped me out, this program, 'cause I didn't have any place to go. I needed something. I was missing something. It gave me a little hope, you know. It gave me the hope that I could -- I can find a job. I can make it, you know. You can't really look at a person and tell what they been through or where they come from, but this program is designed for the inner city and it's actually helping me, and I'm from the inner city. I'm actually still homeless. I live in a shelter, but I'm doing very well right now. I won't be homeless much longer, so I would appreciate it if you all -- Applause. Mr. Mortimore: Thank you. -- help the program out 'cause the program has definitely helped me and I still have access to their facilities and I can come back and call them any time so thank you. Applause. PatrickAltame: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is PatrickAltame. I live at 1640 Northwest 4th Avenue, a 30-year resident of Overtown. And I'm living proof that the Hospitality Institute does work. The first time I went through there was in March of 2008, and I have nothing but praises to sing for them. By staying in touch with them, they have more than helped me out. I currently am in the Legacy Green program that you heard of earlier and it's, again, through the Hospitality Institute that I was able to get this opportunity. They have referred me several times to jobs and, you know, were able to help me out of my current situation. I -- you know, I'm not a great orator, but I just want to let you know that they do help inner-city people, and I am living proof that the program does work. And once you stay in touch with them and they do their part, they make contact. They even have called me and -- out of the blue and have offered me assistance in my situation. So whatever you all can do to further their cause and to help people like myself, I would greatly appreciate you all doing that to help them along. Thank you. Applause. Luis De Rosa: Commissioners, my name is Luis De Rosa. I'm with the Puerto Rico Chamber of City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commerce, in Wynwood. That's where our office is at. And I'm here in support of this initiative for obvious reasons. We see this not only as a job creation opportunity for the City and for those who, for whatever reason, can't make it on their own, have been unable to make it on their own, but also as a way to increase your tax base, meaning money comes back into the City, it comes back into the inner-city neighborhoods. And of course this project is an outstanding project. It's a human relations project. So I implore you and I welcome your support, and I know you are going to be supporting this initiative today. Thank you. Applause. Vanessa Bartram: Good afternoon. My name is Vanessa Bartram. I'm representing Work Square. That's at 2525 Northeast 2nd Avenue. Work Square is a staffing recruiting firm focused exclusively on low -wage workers and moving them into permanent positions. We've been working with the hospitality fair for two years now and work at their recruiting fair each month. We've hired either on a temporary or permanent basis over 25 graduates of the hospitality program, and I've been continually impressed with how the program is managed and run cost effectively, very efficient. I would also point out that the graduates from the hospitality program, I interview probably 30 to 40 individuals each week who are unemployed and at the poverty level or just around it. There's a notable difference in the candidates that come out of the Hospitality Institute in terms of the polish and the professionalism. Hospitality Institute understands the soft skills that are really critical to making sure that these candidates get jobs. I would highly recommend continuing if not expanding funding. Applause. Frank Ferrara: Good evening. My name is Frank Ferrara, and at my age, I like to be part of meaningful institutions. I'm the food service director at Camillus House, and I've been part of Hospitality Institute since its inception. And it's really great to have people for three or four days and be able to touch their lives. And Miami Dade College has really enriched the program. And to see people get a second chance and to be able to touch them and move them and help place them on a job after three or four days is really an honor to be part of. So we really appreciate your support. It's an honor for me to be part of it, and I'd love to see it continue. Thank you very much. Applause. Derek Cole: Yeah. Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street. I really appreciate the hospitality center. It's doing good. I think we should consider doing some form of the Hospitality Institute related to trades and construction jobs. And the other point is is when we give a large facility that's going to be built in the City $10 million or several million dollars, why can't we require those facilities to pay back the community by creating jobs from current and past Overtown residents or people from within the CRA district, create those jobs? Chair Dunn: Thank you. Applause. Chair Dunn: Mr. Mayor. Mayor Tomas Regalado: Tomas Regalado, former CRA board member. And I had to say that because four of you were not here when the CRA began this project with Jeanne, and I think it's important. You all have seen the results, and I just wanted to tell you that it's a good cause. Thank you. City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Applause. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Fred Joseph: Fred Joseph, 1717 North Bayshore Drive. I'm a recipient of this program because I'm in the Grand Condominium where the Doubletree is, and we're seeing great results from it. Not only that, I'm on the Omni Advisory Board, and I had the opportunity of speaking at a conference of hoteliers and restaurant people. And they said where -- I was asking them how their staffing is going in other cities in this program. And Boston gets theirs from the laid off people from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Atlanta gets theirs from the Ford shut down of a plant. And even our little Orlando location where Mickey Mouse is, they get them from (UNINTELLIGIBLE). They get them from Martin. We have an opportunity to help our own citizens like that by supporting this even greater opportunity. This is one of the highlights of the CRA. Applause. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Orlando Velazquez: Good afternoon. My name is Orlando Velazquez. I'm the general asset manager for 316 Northeast 2ndAvenue as the Continental Bayside Hotel. Three things. I started as a desk clerk 25 years ago making $4.95 an hour, and now I'm a general manager for two properties. It is clearly defined that the hospitality industry gives opportunities to anyone that wants to work, anyone that wants to strive. It doesn't matter from what nationality or ethnic background you come. If you got a heart, you got a willingness to learn, you got a willingness to make a difference, you could -- I would like to have all the students from the Hospitality Institute please stand up, the graduates. Look at these individuals. Applause. Mr. Velazquez: Look at that. I mean, please stand up with pride because when they got there, they didn't look like that. When they came out of the three-day, they're hirable. They're professionals. And one of the things that we have -- as a community, and we all know that, is job creation. In order for this economy to get back on track, we need job creation. And we have plenty of jobs that are ten to twelve dollars an hour and these individuals are ideal for that. We need your help. I come here privately as a presenter. I participated in the three-day program. I'm involved with other programs in the community. Willie, when I was the general manager of the DuPont Plaza, which is historically (UNINTELLIGIBLE), we worked very closely together and -- through the DDA (Downtown Development Authority). Now we need you. I mean, this item before you, I know it's a no-brainer, you guys are going to pass it, but as a private citizen, 50 percent funding, it's not good. So please reconsider that. I'm speaking to you on my behalf as a private person. We have -- you have seen the results three years strong. Creating jobs. We need your support, so I just wanted to say thank you because I am living proof of what the hospitality industry could do for you. And these individuals with second opportunities are showing it to you. So, please reconsider not only doing what you're doing, but as -- in future meetings, getting it back at least up to par because it is a success. It is creating jobs and that's what we need. Thank you so much. Applause. Graylyn Swilley-Woods: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Graylyn Swilley, and I'm the executive director of the Visitor Industry Council. We are part of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. I think so much of this program. I just got off a flight 30 minutes ago and didn't go home because I thought it was more important to get here to speak City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 on behalf of the Institute. I'm one of the advisory board members. I've been with the program from the very beginning and I've seen the tremendous kind of impact that it's had on the students that we trained every quarter. And probably what's more exciting and impressive to me is the output and the outcome. You know, you may start with some raw material one day, but on the third day, the students are at a whole 'nother level of performance. Again, everyone has said that the industry is one of the largest ones in the County, $17 billion. We think it's important that this community really get a chance to cultivate the residents and get them to participate in this industry, to have a better quality of life. And I'm just here to really encourage you and ask you to continue funding this initiative. And not just that, but we hope that we can replicate this efforts in other neighborhoods because of the outcome that it's producing. So thank you and please consider our request to extend it. Applause. Chair Dunn: Okay. Ms. Westphal, and we're going to close this public hearing. Jeanne Westphal: Thank you very much, Commissioner Dunn and other Commissioners and Mayor Regalado. Thank you very, very much for all your support. And certainly, you've heard from presenters, from businesspeople and from our graduates the value of this program. The grant that we've received from the CRA has established our operation in the Greater Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church. We have always been in that church since January of 2008, and we appreciate the support of Reverend Samuel Sullivan, pastor of the church. Since we use his facilities -- not only the Friendship Hall where we hold our training, but also their computer lab to also get computer training. I'm not going to -- you've heard the statistics. I've met with most of you. I've given you the statistics. We have all the documentation to prove what our statistics are, but I wanted to mention what our objective is. Our objective is to grow the program, to enhance the skills of the almost 800 persons who have completed the training, with whom we try to maintain contact to make them aware of the weekly job postings that we get from the industry. We get jobs and we've been getting jobs on a weekly basis from our partners in the industry. We also want to expand the training to include retail skills. We've had requests from the National Retail Federation to look at including retail skills. Shopping is a major part of the hospitality industry, as you know, so we want to expand for retail skills. I'm also pleased to announce -- and in the room we have Christopher Hodgkins, who is directing the Miami tunnel project, and he came to our office to ask us to look at developing some specialized training for construction people. A number of our people, when we look at our records, have experience in construction, and so we're going to be working with Chris to move that forward and to develop other skills. However, definitely with the grant that we've received from -- and are receiving from the CRA, we'll continue to do the basic services that we're doing, but we also realize we need to find other funding because in order to do these other programs to enhance what we're doing, we need to find additional funding. And I would hope that perhaps we can look at some time getting additional funding. But at the moment, I recognize that the $100, 000 which we will be receiving, I hope, is definitely going to allow us to continue. Our next session is going to be the second week in January. I also, though, want to recognize our community outreach coordinator, Maria James, who is here. Without Maria -- as you've heard from our graduates, the mentoring and counseling that Maria provides is essential to helping them succeed. My role definitely needs to be finding money. And my goal is eventually that we won't have to come to you for any money, that we will be able to find funds from other supporters, federal, state, county, and foundations, and that's what we're planning to do. Again, I want to thank you for your time. If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer the questions. Yes. Commissioner Sarnof Did you say Chris Hodgkins was here? Ms. Westphal: Yes. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff: Where's Chris? Ms. Westphal: He was here. Right back here. Commissioner Sarnoff: Chris, can you come to the mike? I think we have a MSEA (Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority) meeting we need you to come to. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So I think I -- I need to invite him, Mr. Mayor, to the MSEA meeting. We've had a little trouble getting in touch with you. I think it -- Is it Thursday, Mr. Mayor? Could you come to the Mayor's conference room on Thursday at 1 o'clock? I apologize for bringing you up for this. We just had some difficulty getting in touch with you. Christopher Hodgkins: Oh, no. We confirmed that meeting last week. We're confirmed for 1 o'clock at City Hall with the Mayor for the Children's Museum. Absolutely. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Thank you. Mr. Hodgkins: Thank you. Chair Dunn: Excuse me, Ms. Westphal. You mentioned -- when is your next session? Ms. Westphal: Our next session is going to be the second week in June. Chair Dunn: Second week in June, okay. I just want to make sure. Okay. Ms. Westphal: Thank you very much. Chair Dunn: Thank you. We're going to close it for public hearing, this item. Applause. Chair Dunn: Any comments from -- Vice Chair Suarez: So move. Chair Dunn: -- the Commission? Commissioner Carollo: So move. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Okay, it's -- okay, properly motioned by Vice Chair Suarez and seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: I'd like to make the statement that this type of program really help because a lot of the individual, if they don't have the training when they go apply for a job, the impact they create at first is negative, so it's very hard for them to get a job. We had the same experience in DDA many years ago. We established -- I forget what you call them now -- the cleanup crew. We worked with the Miami school system in Miami -Dade and we took homeless and took them to a training to help them clean up the City of Miami. Later on those homeless became people that were working and they were making it for themself [sic]. I'm a great City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 believer in training the individuals. I think that -- and like people stating before, we not going to improve this economy until we put people to work. We have to put people to work and I'm all for it. And by the way, I have some suggestion. My understanding is that there's some additional funding. The type of service that you provide, I think you should go to DDA. You should also go to the Bayfront Park Trust, and you should go to the Omni CRA. Just a few suggestions. Chair Dunn: Before we take the vote, I do want to state for the record that I did have the wonderful privilege to attend a portion of one of the graduations as well as during the orientational [sic] process and I was tremendously impressed. I was moved because I do recognize the majority of the clientele, as someone stated earlier, it is a multicultural, multiethnic program that serves this metropolis that we live in called the City of Miami. I recognize many people because our ministry has worked with several of the outlets and ministries that serve our community, Camillus House, Homeless Assistance Center -- I'm going to forget someone -- Better Way. I even worked at Better Way as a night clerk. That's a long story, but it's a good one. And so I've been in touch with many of -- and to see the success stories and to see the transformations take place right before your eyes is really heart moving. There's a song -- and I close in saying -- that we sing in church. It says may the work that I've done, let it speak for me. Well, Miami Dade College Hospitality Institute, the work that you're doing is speaking for you. Applause. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: I'm going to call roll. All in -- Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, if I may. Chair Dunn: Oh, I'm sorry. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: I'm sorry, Vice Chair. Go right ahead. Sorry. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you so much. I just want to thank Ms. Westphal. She came and met with me and she knows how near and dear to my heart the hospitality industry is because my wife is a member of that industry as a catering manager for the Four Seasons Hotel. And I think one of the special things about the hospitality industry is that regardless of whether or not you stay in that industry, the skills that you learn and that make you successful in that industry make you a successful human being, regardless of whether you're working in a hotel or in a restaurant, et cetera. So I think the benefit of this program transcends not only making someone a successful employee, but it also helps make them a successful human being. So I think that's what we're supporting here today. And I spoke with the executive director earlier, and with the permission of the Chair, requested that we maybe later on in the year look to see if we can find some additional funding from the same source to try to help you guys. Applause. Vice Chair Suarez: And he agreed to do that -- with the permission of the Chair, he agreed to do that. So, hopefully, you know, come the end of the year, we'll be in a position to continue to help you. Thank you. Applause. City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: Any other comments? With that being said, we do have a motion by Vice Chair Suarez and seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. So moved. Applause. 9. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00545 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000, TO ROOTS IN THE CITY, INC., FOR LANDSCAPE TRAINING AND BEAUTIFICATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID GRANT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00545 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00545 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00545 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00545 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00545 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0028 Chair Dunn: Item 9. James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 9 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $100, 000, to Roots in the City for landscape training and beautification at various locations throughout the redevelopment area; authorizing the executive director at his discretion to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said grant in a form acceptable to general counsel. This is another ongoing grant program of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). We've used Roots in the City to train people in landscape work and to maintain various locations up and down 3rdAvenue and now moving over on 2ndAvenue. City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: Anyone here for public hearing? All right, we're going to close it. Mr. Cruz said close it, so we'll close it. Next -- well, let me just -- Is there a motion? I'm sorry. Is there a motion on this item or it's just for discuss --? Commissioner Sarnoff.- I'll move for discussion. Chair Dunn: For discussion. We have a motion by Commissioner Sarnofffor discussion. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: Second by Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Sarnoff- Jim, how many -- Chair Dunn: Commissioner -- Commissioner Sarnoff- Thank you, Mr. Chair. How many people have earned jobs and what has our funding been and what is our success rate and how have we done at this program and how long have we run this program? Mr. Villacorta: Since 2008 -- they received $110, 000 last year and -- or 100 -- yeah, 110 last year and 100 the year before. The program -- most of the money is spent on materials and wages for hourly workers from the area that are employed to maintain the landscaping and the gardens. There -- the participants have ranged from 19 in 2008 to 14 in 2009. The number that has been graduated and employed elsewhere is only four. Chair Dunn: Could you repeat that? I missed something. Mr. Villacorta: We've had 14 trainees in 2009; we had 19 in 2008. But people that have moved from the program to find jobs with outside landscaping companies is four over those two years . But again, most of the money -- Commissioner Carollo: Four? Mr. Villacorta: -- is being used -- Yeah, four. -- for materials and for salaries, you know, people making $8 an hour to work as gardeners on these various locations. There's 14 locations up and down 3rdAvenue, and there's a number of actual gardens that are (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Sarnoff- Is there a budget attached to this, Jim? Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Chair Dunn: According to the resolution, Jim -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Dunn: -- I believe you -- it says that we'll partially fund the payroll for about 16 trainees. Is that --? Mr. Villacorta: Right. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Chair Dunn: And one trainer and one supervisor. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. In the budget, they have a trainee payroll of 16. Chair Dunn: But -- oh, partially fund, okay. Partially fund. I stand corrected. Mr. Villacorta: This is a -- I mean, we check on them -- I mean, there are people who are making a living from this project, people that otherwise wouldn't have a job. It is something of a trek for them to, once they've gone through the program and graduate, go down to Homestead or -- that's where the major landscaping companies are. It's a -- it hasn't been as successful in weaning them to another private entity, but we are employing people to maintain these areas and to beautify the neighborhood. And it's a popular program with the residents in the neighborhood. There's food that's being generated, being grown and given out. Chair Dunn: What do you anticipate the lifetime expectancy --? I mean, I could, you know -- Mr. Villacorta: Well -- Chair Dunn: How long do you anticipate --? Mr. Villacorta: -- ultimately these properties should be developed as buildings, but I mean, we're not in the green business, but Dr. Dunn is working diligently to try and get supermarkets to take the produce that he's growing and try -- and there is some small amount of funds that are returned back to us as program income, but it's not significant. Chair Dunn: The individuals that have been employed in your experience through this program, would it be safe to say that perhaps otherwise they may not -- they would have difficulty finding employment? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. There have been times when they were out of funds and those people were out of work. And these are hard -to -employ individuals. They may have a criminal record. They may not have the automotive skills. I mean, mainly what they have is a willingness to work and a willingness to show up and be a productive worker. Chair Dunn: And let me state for the record to my colleagues, I feel (UNINTELLIGIBLE) from a disclaimer standpoint, I'm not -- Dr. Dunn is not my father or brother or uncle or cousin that I know of so I just -- let me put that on the record. But I have seen the enthusiasm that it has engendered, I guess, or endeared in the -- from the community. But I do believe that in the future, maybe we could get more for the 100,000 if we just saw an exemplary program in the Miami Dade College Hospitality College [sic] Institute. But I could -- since this is something that's been ongoing and kind of -- I could perhaps support it. And then at some point, if there are no more results in terms of getting people in a permanent employment, I think we got to really take a hard look at -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. Chair Dunn: -- you know, making sure that we get a good return on our investment. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Dunn: So that's my (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Villacorta: One of the other things it does is bring people from outside the neighborhood City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 in because there'll be outside groups that assist in maintaining those gardens, and that brings money into the area. Chair Dunn: It's a lot of -- Mr. Villacorta: They'll eat at Jackson Soul Food or they'll go down the street and patronize one of the shops. So -- and it's changing their perception of the area as well. So there's certain less tangible benefits from -- Chair Dunn: It's a lot of pride generated. Mr. Villacorta: -- the program and they also receive grants from other entities as well. Commissioner Sarnoff Well, Jim, I'm looking -- Mr. Chair. Right now just doing the math, it's $7,900 an employee, but that's not the way it's coming out because if you look at what the request and then the recommendations are, they're substantially different. And you know, I want to supportive and I want to make sure what I'm doing is the best use of the tax dollars to go around to everybody. And if it's having a tangible result -- and by the way, the place does look good, no two ways about that. But let me ask you this because it's a garden. Give me a different angle. What does this garden do to feed the community and how is it feeding the community? Is it feeding the community? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Every Saturday -- and now we're having Wednesdays farmer's markets as well. But every Saturday the produce from the garden is offered for, you know, a minimal donation just so that you won't take ten of everything, in the area. There's tomatoes, there's greens, there's Jamaican peppers, there's regular peppers. Commissioner Sarnoff And I get that, but here's my question to you. Can you tell me that an Overtown resident can anticipate, I don't know, ten pounds of produce a week at $2 or some number that would justifir this? Mr. Villacorta: I'm not sure how many pounds of produce they could anticipate, but they could certainly come every weekend and anticipate that there would be some vegetables there that they could have at a very minimal cost. Again -- but it's not just the feeding of the residents. We're also employing up to 16 people for some part of the year. They're not -- it's not always 40 hours a week because as the seasons change and they're planting, they may need to do more one month and less the next and as their budget fluctuates with the additional grants that they're getting. Commissioner Gort: Question. With this grant, you're saying you employed -- you provide jobs for 16 people? Chair Dunn: Partly. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. In the past, yes. With this grant, the trainee payroll would be 16. Commissioner Carollo: Partially fund. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Is this for one person or several persons? Mr. Villacorta: Sixteen people. City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commissioner Gort: In other words, the trainer -- how many trainers you have? Mr. Villacorta: Oh, the trainer. Yes. Everyone in the program is offered this training. There was 14 in last year and 19 the year before, and they meet at the Masonic Lodge in one of the rooms there and are -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- given training on proper ways to use fertilizer, proper pruning and planting of plants, proper handling of materials. And we have the documentation from that, and we can give you the dates and who attended which times. I mean, the alternative would be -- we would put this out as a landscape bid and we would spend money to have these lots maintained and they wouldn't necessarily be people from the neighborhood that were being hired, and there wouldn't necessarily be a garden that's generating some food for people in the neighborhood. Fred Joseph: Commissioner -- Chairman, Fred Joseph, Omni Advisory Board. Chair Dunn: Excuse me. I'm sorry, sir. The public hearing is closed, unless the Commission would give him --- okay, go right ahead. Mr. Joseph: Good point he's trying to make is you've -- we've -- the CRA's acquired these properties. Our alternative would be to hire Gomez Landscaping, no training and no locals going in learning anything about landscaping. These are monies -- if you drive by there -- go with me and you will be proud of what your 19 people in 80 -- in 90 -- 2008 and 2000 -- Commissioner, you and I walked that area and we were surprised how nice -- remember, we took our ride -around in our -- in the van with the Senator? If you don't keep this program, then you're going to have weeds growing out of the area and/or you're going to be landscaping it at $30 an hour. So your choices are very productive in what you're doing, and you've got four people that went to Homestead nurseries and got a better job than you're giving them at seven bucks an hour. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Any other comments from the Commission? Okay, there's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. 10. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00529 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,600,000, FOR STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ALONG N.W. 14TH STREET, FROM THE FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILWAY TRACKS (APPROXIMATELY N.W. 1ST AVENUE) WEST TO N.W. 7TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE SAID FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, DIRECTLY TO PROJECT VENDORS SELECTED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI, OR TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF MIAMI TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS TO VENDORS, PROVIDED THAT COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES AND REGULATIUONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO SAID VENDORS HAS BEEN City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 11. 10-00546 DEMONSTRATED; PROVIDING THAT THE CRA SHALL MAINTAIN NONSTANDARD UPGRADES INSTALLED AS PART OF THIS PROJECT; AND REQUESTING THAT THE CITY OF MIAMI WAIVE ALL ADMINISTRATIVE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT AS ITS IN -KIND CONTRIBUTION; ALLOCATING FUND FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.670000.0000.00000. File # 10-00529 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00529 Financials 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00529 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00529 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00529 Legislation (2) 4-26-2010.pdf CONTINUED CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT, DATED MARCH 31, 2003, BETWEEN THE CRA AND THE BLACK ARCHIVES HISTORY AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC., FOR THE PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE LYRIC THEATER AT THE CORNER OF N.W. 2NDAVENUEAND N.W. 8TH STREET, MIAMI, FL, TO FACILITATE THE EXPANSION OF THE LYRIC THEATRE BY REDUCING THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE TOA$2,000,000 GENERAL AGGREGATE LIMIT, AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENT TO DEVELOP THE LEASED PREMISES BY MARCH 31, 2009; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO SPECIAL COUNSEL. File # 10-00546 Cover Memo 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00546 Backup 4-26-2010.pdf File # 10-00546 Legislation 4-26-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0029 Chair Dunn: Last item, item 11. I believe we deferred -- James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yeah, we deferred -- Chair Dunn: -- 10. Mr. Villacorta: -- 10. Item number 11 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing execution of an amendment to the lease dated March 31, 2003 between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., for the property adjacent to the Lyric City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 3,28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 10-00564 Theater at the corner of Northwest 2nd Avenue and Northwest 8th Street to facilitate the expansion of the Lyric Theater by reducing the insurance requirement for the commercial general liability coverage to a $2 million general aggregate and waiving the requirement to develop the leased property by March 31, 2009; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. The CRA leased the parking lot immediately to the south of the Black Archives to the Black Archive -- the Lyric Theater to the Black Archives in March of 2003. That lease required a $5 million aggregate commercial liability policy and it required the property to be developed within six years. The property is currently -- the expansion of the Lyric Theater is underway, but technically that provision has been violated, and the Black Archives has asked that we reduce the liability coverage to $2 million, which is currently the City's standard. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Commissioner Sarnoff: So move. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: It's been motioned by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. CRA DISCUSSION CHAIR DUNN RECOGNIZED THE PRESENCE OF CITY OF MIAMI MAYOR TOMAS REGALADO AND CITY OF MIAMI CITY MANAGER CARLOS A. MIGOYA. DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: All right. We're right on time for the time certain item. I believe it was 6. Let me go back to my -- Commissioner Carollo: 8. Chair Dunn: 8, thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Carollo. Thank you so much. For the Miami Dade Community -- College Hospitality Institution [sic]. Before we do that, I want to recognize our Mayor, Mayor Tomas Regalado. Give him a hand, please. Applause. Chair Dunn: Thank you for -- and also we have City Manager Carlos A. Migoya. There -- yes, please. Applause. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Don't forget Mariano Cruz. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 3/28/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 26, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff Is he here? Vice Chair Suarez: Mariano's around here somewhere. Chair Dunn: Oh, Manuel [sic] Cruz is also a -- Vice Chair Suarez: Mariano. Chair Dunn: -- VIP (Very Important Person), and we certainly want to recognize him. Applause. NA.2 CRA DISCUSSION 10-00566 Adjournment VICE CHAIR SUAREZ COMMENDED CHAIR DUNN FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND OFFERED HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT OF CHAIR DUNN'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. DISCUSSED Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may. Chair Dunn: Yes, Vice Chairman Suarez. Vice Chair Suarez: IfI can have a point of privilege. I just want to say that in the four months that I've had an opportunity to serve with you, it's been a pleasure serving alongside you, and I just want to say that I can tell you're working very, very hard to improve this community. We've had an incredible amount of violence here in the last month and a half, and I stand committed to help you do anything needed to curb the violence in this community. So to the extent that I can help, please know that you can count on me. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Thank you, Vice Chairman. All right, we're going to ask for a motion to adjourn so that we can move into our Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Commissioner Gort: Move it. Commissioner Carollo: So move. Vice Chair Suarez: Second. Chair Dunn: Been properly motion and second that we adjourn by Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying &ye. " The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: All right. A motion was made by Vice Chair Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, and was passed unanimously, to adjourn today's meeting. City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 3/28/2011