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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2010-07-22 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:00 PM or thereafter Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, Florida 33133 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies 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 Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE FINANCIALS 1. 10-00864 RESOLUTIONS 2. 10-00872 Present: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Gort Absent: Commissioner Carollo On the 22nd day of July 2010, the Board of Commissioners of the SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan Amerian Drive, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dunn at 9:57 p.m. and was adjourned at 10:37p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Pamela L. Latimore, Assistant Clerk of the Board CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010. File # 10-00864 Financial Summary 07-22-2010.pdf PRESENTED Chair Dunn: At this time we're going to ask for the financial summary. We're going to ask the financial director to come. Miguel A. Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): I'm going to be presenting the combined statement of financial position as of June 30, 2010 for Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). The cash balance is 24,947,468. For the low-income affordable workforce housing, to date we have budgeted 14, 089, 566 has been budgeted. Of this amount, 10, 627, 658 has been encumbered and 3,648,613 has been expended, leaving an available balance of 3,461,908. And again, for the month of June 2010, there is no reportable condition to report to the Board. Chair Dunn: Thank you very much. Are there any questions? CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $ 13,161.78, FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $ 59,663.78, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), TO OFFSET ADDITIONAL COSTS INCURRED IN THE DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF THE BUILDINGS LOCATED AT 163 N.W. 11TH STREET, 1020 N.W. 2ND AVENUE, AND 1024 N.W. 2ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, PENDING THE CITY'S RECEIPT OF THE PROCEEDS FROM ITS DEMOLITION LIEN; City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 10/15, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 10-00872 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00872 Financials 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00872 Legislation 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00872 Backup 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00872 Legislation (2) 07-22-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0058 Chair Dunn: At this time, I'm going to ask the executive director to lead us in our resolution two, item number -- actually, item number 1 [sic], demolition costs for reimbursement. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): It's actually reso -- item number 2 -- Chair Dunn: Number 2, yeah. Mr. Villacorta: -- is a resolution of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the advance of additional funds, in an amount not to exceed $13,161.78, for a total amount not to exceed $59, 663.78, to the City of Miami to offset additional costs incurred in the demolition and removal of the buildings located at 163 Northwest 11 th Street, 1020 Northwest 2ndAvenue, and 1024 Northwest 2ndAvenue, Miami, Florida, pending the City's receipt of the proceeds from its demolition lien. These are the three buildings on 2ndAvenue and on 11 th Street. We had previously received an estimate from the City of $49,600 approximately, and they incurred an additional $13,161 in costs of demolition and they're asking us to advance those costs, pending their collecting the lien. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion or is there anyone --? Yes. Vice Chair Suarez: I'll second the motion. IfI just may ask a question, Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: We have a motion by Chairman [sic] Sarnoff, and a second by Commissioner Suarez -- Vice Chairman Suarez. You have the floor. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So we would be advancing this money today and then, if and when we collect the lien, we would get our money back? Is that -- am I understanding that correctly? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We would advance it to the City so they could pay the demolition contractor. They're placing a lien on the property, and when that property is sold or if they choose to foreclose the lien, we will be repaid from the proceeds. Vice Chair Suarez: Is the -- who would be the one enforcing the lien? Would it be the CRA's attorney or would it be the City Attorney? Mr. Villacorta: It would be the City of Miami. The City of Miami would have to make the decision to go ahead and foreclose that lien and carry forward the case. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 Vice Chair Suarez: Why -- how come, if we're using our money -- I mean, our money -- now I'm speaking about the CRA 'cause I'm speaking in my capacity as a CRA board member -- why, if we're using CRA money, would the City be responsible for enforcing the lien? Can you enlighten me a little bit more on that? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. The City normally would identify a decrepit property, go through the process, and then advance funds from a fund they have to demolish the building. That fund is -- has to cover the whole city. A number of properties in the CRA areas don't seem to rise to the top of the list. We contacted them, reported these properties or -- yeah, asked why no demolition was moving forward on the properties. Some of them were crack houses, others -- two of them were crack houses; the other one was a commercial building that was falling down. The City said they didn't have the funds to perform the demolition. We said we would advance the funds, pending being repaid when they collected the lien, and the Board voted at the time to advance $46, 000, which was the estimate. An additional $13, 000 was incurred. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. I just wanted to know 'cause we've been talking about that a lot in our Commission meetings, and I'm following this process by whatever entity it gets done just to see, you know, what the follow-through is and if we're recapturing those dollars and -- I want to establish a track record 'cause I want my colleagues who are not attorneys to understand the process and to believe in the process, so that's why I'm asking so many questions. Mr. Villacorta: There are properties within the CRA which have accrued substantial liens, and we've asked why aren't our properties being put on the list of properties in line for foreclosure or for enforcement of those liens. And it's been a problem in the CRA, lax code enforcement. And we were able to get these three buildings demolished on 2ndAvenue and 11th, close to the Lyric Theater. And once these were demolished -- and we tried to impress on the City's Code Enforcement and their -- you know, the Manager's office, the need to go ahead and move on these properties. At the time, they were concerned they didn't have the funding. We said, well, we'll advance you the funds, pending a guarantee that you'll repay us once you collect the lien, and they were willing to do that. Chair Dunn: Are there any other questions from this --? Any comments from the Board? There's been a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Suarez. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying i ye. " The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: So moved. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00874 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 $65,000, FORA TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $165,000, TO MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, FOR ITS HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE JOB TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 10/15, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 10-00874 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00874 Financials 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00874 Backup 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00874 Legislation 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00874 Legislation (2) 07-22-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0059 Chair Dunn: Resolution 3. 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 65,000, for a total amount not to exceed 165,000 to Miami Dade College for its Hospitality Institute job training and job placement program; further authorizing the executive director to disperse funds at his discretion on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the execution of all documents necessary for said purpose. This is an ongoing grant program we have to train people for jobs in the hospitality institute -- hospitality industry. The -- when they came to us for funding at the beginning of the year, they were asking for substantially more. The Board said they would consider further funding further on in the year. We have worked with them to make sure that they are applying for other grants and will be able to eventually wean themselves off of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) funds. We have Ms. Westphal from the Hospitality Institute here. Chair Dunn: Ms. Westphal. Jeanne Westphal: Thank you, Commissioner -- Chairman. My name is Jeanne Westphal, 245 Northwest 8th Street. I'm the director of the Hospitality Institute, Miami Dade College, and we're located in the Greater Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Overtown. The request that we are making is to hire a case manager to help us with the counseling, mentoring, and for the operation of the office as well. At present, our staff consists of myself and one part-time person, 20 hours a week. We also are planning to provide some industry certification courses for our alumni in food and beverage, housekeeping and other industry -related skills, and we're asking for funding for that -- for those courses which are certified by the American Hotel and Lodging Association and also by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. So we will be providing additional training for these alumni. Chair Dunn: Do you have any questions or --7 Vice Chair Suarez: I move the item for discussion. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Dunn: Okay. It's been moved by Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Gort. You have the floor. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had the distinct pleasure of going to the program and visiting the program and participating and being a speaker. It's a program that City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 works. It's a program that is giving the members of our community -- the most needed [sic] members of our community the skills to be successful in an industry where right now if -- I get a monthly job report. I don't know if you all as well receive that monthly job report. It's about thirty something pages. I've gone through -- we've actually audited the report to make sure that the jobs actually exist 'cause the first thing people tell you is, yeah, there are all these jobs, 30 pages of jobs, but they don't really exist, you know. We've audited them and we're very confident that those jobs exist. It's a flowing thing, but I would say about 70 percent of those jobs are in the hospitality industry, okay. Seventy percent of those jobs are in the hospitality industry, so what we're training people in the CRA area is to perform the jobs that are available. And it's obviously an industry that's very near and dear to my heart, you all know that. I've been kind of championing this cause from the first day. And I spoke to Ms. Westphal and she was very, very happy that we're taking this up. And I thank the executive director for listening when I asked for the additional allocation. And then she started working on me for next year's funding, so I told her that, you know, I would start advocating for next year as well, but let's see if we can get through this year. But I really -- we talk a lot about what CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding -- and I don't mean to rant on -- we've been here -- it's 10:10 at night. You know, we talk a lot about economic development, social services, things of that nature, and spurring development in our most impoverished areas. This is a program -- and I've seen it with my own eyes -- it works, and it will transform people, give them the skills to do the jobs that are available right now. And we're a tourist -based -- it's one of our economic engines. As the Chairman always likes to ask, you know, what are our economic drivers, what are our main economic engines. Tourism is -- if not the first, it's the second. And with the advent of all of the things that are happening in our community right now, it's just going to get -- you know, we're actually -- not to get into the politics of the Marlins deal, but we're actually getting more revenue from our CDT and TDT, I think it is, than what was anticipated at this far along in the process because we're doing better in our hospitality industry than what we thought we would be. And that's probably a consequence of the Super Bowl. It's probably a consequence of LeBron James. It's probably a consequence of the World Cup, you know, all these incredible things that are happening in our city. So I just -- I wanted to say my piece. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone --? Thank you. Commissioner Gort: That was very good. Commissioner Sarnoff. Who's the number -one -- Commissioner Gort: Are you for it? Commissioner Sarnoff. -- employer in Miami -Dade County? Vice Chair Suarez: Who's the number -one employer? Commissioner Sarnoff. Yes. What industry? Vice Chair Suarez: It's probably the tourist -- I mean, it's probably the hotel industry. It's not -- Chair Dunn: Miami -Dade County School Board? Commissioner Sarnoff. No. It'd be government. Ms. Westphal: It's government. Vice Chair Suarez: Well, yeah. Chair Dunn: The government. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 Commissioner Sarnof Government. Ms. Westphal: Government. Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnof That's a dangerous (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Suarez: That's not surprising. But this is -- we're equipping people to get jobs in the private sector, not in government. Government, as far as I know, doesn't do hospitality. So what we're equipping people to do is to change that formula, change that model. Instead of having -- training people to become government workers, we're training them to fill the jobs that are available in the private sector. Commissioner Sarnof Whereas they say you're teaching a man to fish as opposed to handing him a fish. Ms. Westphal: Thank you. Chair Dunn: Anything else you'd like to add, Ms. Westphal? Ms. Westphal: No. I just want to thank all of you very much for your support and hopefully continued support. Also, we are seriously and aggressively looking for other funding because we recognize that we do need to find additional funding. We're contacting foundations. We're looking at public and private sector foundations as well as the government -- the US (United States) Government, so we have a list of about 20 organizations that we're contacting for the funding. So we still would like to have a little support to keep us going, but we promise. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Ms. Westphal: Yes. Chair Dunn: Yes, Mr. -- Ms. Westphal: Commissioner. Chair Dunn: -- Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Convention and Visitors Bureau, have you tried them? Ms. Westphal: Pardon me? Commissioner Gort: The Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ms. Westphal: We're working closely with them, but -- and we are trying to see if we can get some funds from them for special projects that we will be -- Commissioner Gort: Because it would be ideal for them -- Ms. Westphal: -- developing from Bill Talbert. Commissioner Gort: -- to fund your program and at the same time, it could be a source to place the individuals. City of Miami Pagel Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 Ms. Westphal: Well, they are participating in the program very aggressively -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Ms. Westphal: -- but they are on the list, yes. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Ms. Westphal: Definitely. And the Downtown Development Authority. The people that you recommended are all on that list. Commissioner Gort: All right. Ms. Westphal: Okay. Vice Chair Suarez: And I will bring that to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. I'm the nominee, so I will bring that to them. Ms. Westphal: Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: That's a great suggestion, Commissioner. Ms. Westphal: Thank you. Mr. Villacorta: The CRA provided a list of entities that we would like to see them apply for grants from, and the Greater Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau was on that list. And in the report, they give you a status saying that they've scheduled a meeting to discuss those items. There's 23 different agencies and entities, and a letter dated July 6, 2010 explains the status of each of those requests. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Is there anyone else from the public that would like to speak on this item? Hearing none, seeing none, we have a motion and a second by Commissioner Savnoff -- no, by Commissioner Gort -- by Vice Chairman Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Gort. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: At this time, I want to pass the gavel to you, Vice Chairman. Ms. Westphal: Thank you very much. Chair Dunn: You're welcome. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 10-00875 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500, TO EACH BUDGET OF THE OFFICES OF SEOPW CRA BOARD MEMBERS, WITH AN ADDITIONAL TRANSFER OF FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 (FORA TOTAL OF $22,500), TO THE BUDGET OF THE OFFICE OF THE SEOPW CRA BOARD CHAIR, FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE DISCHARGE OF DUTIES; REALLOCATING $52,500 THEREFOR FROM SEOPW GENERAL OPERATING FUND, "BUDGET City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 RESERVE," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.896000.0000.00000 TO SEOPW GENERAL OPERATING FUND, "INTERFUND TRANSFER," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.891000.0000.00000. File # 10-00875 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00875 Financials 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00875 Legislation 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00875 Legislation (2) 07-22-2010.pdf Motion by Chairman Dunn II, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo Direction by Chair Dunn to the CRA General Counsel that a memo be prepared addressing the legality of the transfer of funds from the Community Redevelopment Agencies budget to Board Members and Board Chairs. Chair Dunn: Resolution 4 was the ratification of expenses for Chair and Board. This morning the Miami Herald raised concerting questions about the legality and propriety of using some of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) administrative budget to reimburse the Chair and the board members for the time spent on CRA matters. Consequently, I believe it is important for me and for us to address this concern. I do not want to give or ever give the impression to the public that we would do anything illegal or improper. There's been a great deal of commentary and controversy concerning this item. So with that in mind, Madam City Attorney, I'm going to ask that you would prepare a memo and distribute it to the board members that addresses the legality of this resolution, and we will act when you provide us with the guidance. And also with that in mind, I would like to entertain a motion to defer this item. Commissioner Sarnoff. So move. Vice Chair Suarez: The Chairman has made a motion to defer item number 4, seconded by the chairman of the City Commission, Board Member Sarnoff. All those in favor, sign by saying "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): IfI might add, the City's Auditor General did call and express his concerns, and three weeks ago, the CRA provided the Law Department with a legal services request requesting such an opinion. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, can I just --? 'Cause Ms. Solares has been sitting here for about 12 hours, so if you have something to say, I think after sitting here for 12 hours, you've earned the right to speak for a few minutes. Grace Solares: Thank you, Commissioner. No. I was coming to address the issue. Now that it has been continued, I'd like to see the memo when they prepare it 'cause I have a different opinion and I brought the Bible, the law of the State, and I was going to address the quote from Mr. Villacorta on this one allowing you to get those expenses for you, but since the matter has been continued, no problem. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Ms. Solares: Okay? Chair Dunn: Thank you. City of Miami Page Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 5. 10-00865 Ms. Solares: The importance is to be heard. So if you continue to another day, I'll come back another day. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you for your patience. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CRA'S PROPOSED GENERAL OPERATING BUDGETAND TAX INCREMENT FUND BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2010 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2011; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSMITA COPY OF EACH BUDGET TO THE CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY. File # 10-00865 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00865 Legislation 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00865 Attachment 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00865 Legislation (2) 07-22-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0060 Chair Dunn: Item number -- James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): 5. Chair Dunn: -- 5. Mr. Villacorta: Item number 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, approving and adopting the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) proposed general operating budget and tax increment fund budget for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2010 and ending September 30, 2011; and directing the executive director to transmit a copy of each budget to the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County. Some of the new Commissioners may not be aware that our budget is prepared in July so that when the City, which normally doesn't meet in August, comes back in September, they have a budget that they can incorporate into the City's CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). Using this July timing, we are required to estimate the TIF (Tax Increment Fund) revenues. This budget is amended once we receive the actual TIF funds in January. So you will receive another chance to look at this budget in January, after we know the actual numbers and the fund balances as of the end of the year and the TIF revenue received. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Commissioner Sarnoff. So move. Vice Chair Suarez: Second. Chair Dunn: Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chairman Suarez. Is there City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 10/15, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. 10-00876 7. 10-00810 anyone here to speak on this item? I should have asked that question first. Hearing none, seeing none, public hearing is closed. All in favor of resolution 5, let us hear by saying tiye. " The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: So moved. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING MIAMI WORKS COMMUNITY LOCAL BUSINESS AND WORKFORCE PROGRAM. File # 10-00876 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Direction by Chair Dunn to the Executive Director of the SEOPW CRA to bring this item back at the next meeting in a sufficient form allowable for funding. Chair Dunn: We have discussion items, DI [sic]. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 6, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) discussion item, is a discussion item regarding Miami Works Community Local Business and Workforce program. Chair Dunn: The Miami Works program has had a long period -- a gestation period. In 2004, Commissioner Winton sought to start such a program. It was resurrected again with CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding in 2005 to solely focus on creating employment. Around 2009, a resolution was adopted by the Commission that referenced Miami Works as a program that would act as a conduit for creating job opportunities. I met with many in the community who are frustrated that they cannot avail themselves of the job opportunities of the many construction projects around the CRA. My office, working with experts in the industry, have created a Miami Works structure that will not only ease the facilitation of job opportunities but also create accountability that jobs are indeed coming from local workforce. I would therefore like to direct the executive director to bring this item back to the Board in a sufficient form for funding. Mr. Villacorta: We've received the materials. I know the City had a Works Miami program, which I don't think is funded. We've contacted the employees in that program and have spoken to them about what we could do to provide a grant to provide those services within the CRA area, the Overtown CRA area, and be happy to bring something back at the next meeting. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CRA'S AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE IDEAS ADVERTISING, INC. FOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES. File No. 10-00810 Cover Memo 6-28-2010.pdf File # 10-00810 Cover Memo 07-22-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: D2 [sic], this item has been deferred. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 10-00895 James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I can just give you an update that we met with the principal of Creative Ideas. You know, we didn't agree on everything. We have prepared what we think is an acceptable solution to close out the contract, get the deliverables and permit Creative Ideas to come back to the Board and explain their position as to whether those items we feel were outside the contract should be funded. And you should receive the letter. If you didn't receive it today, it should be delivered to you tomorrow morning explaining the terms. Chair Dunn: Thank you. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") APPOINTING PIETER BOCKWEG AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CRA. File # 10-00895 Legislation 07-22-2010.pdf File # 10-00895 Legislation (2) 07-22-2010.pdf Motion by Chairman Dunn II, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Gort and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0061 Chair Dunn: I have a pocket item that I've really been tolling with the last few weeks, and it's very, very difficult sometimes in leadership because in leadership you have to make difficult decisions and sometimes they're not always popular. Sometimes it's excruciatingly painful, but I -- as the Chair of the Southeast Overtown/Park West, I would like to move the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) in a slightly different direction. And as such, I would like to select a new executive director. No doubt, Jim has served with distinction. He -- you have done a marvelous job in keeping CRA out of negative headlines since late 2006, and in many ways, I have and many of us have been the beneficiaries of -- the community has, rather, of some of your efforts. Your service to the CRA has been greatly appreciated. But I would like a chance to select someone that all of us here are familiar with in the personage of Pieter Bockweg. I've watched him tirelessly negotiate complex deals and move them from concept to reality. I understand, Madam City Attorney, that the executive director serves at the pleasure of the Board. Is that correct? Gail A. Dotson (Assistant General Counsel): That is correct. Commissioner Dunn: I would therefore like to make a motion -- and I hope that you would support me -- I would like to make a motion supporting me in selecting Pieter as the new executive director. While I recognize that I cannot direct him on personnel matters, it is my hope and belief that Pieter will provide a smooth transition for Jim. Vice Chair Suarez: There is a motion by Chairman Dunn. Is there --? Let me open up the -- for the public. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) speak on this item. Mr. Joseph. Fred Joseph: Fred Joseph, 1717 North Bayshore Drive, Suite 3856. I feel like this is a very crucial time for the CRA. You have major issues in the budget coming before you. You have -- many, many of my 20 years with you had executive directors that you have tried to bring on and City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 groom, and they were not successful. You have a gentleman now with you that serves you and serves you well. He has known this CRA functioning from the state level. He has brought great respect from the state level and also the local level. I feel like this dais is making a major mistake bringing a new face in who's a very nice person. There's no doubt. I think you're kind of leading a lamb to the slaughter with the budget crisis. I think you've got a -- if you want to bring him in, I think, as an assistant, for a year, get him trained, get him into place. The CRA is a complicated item, gentlemen. It is an item that is preserved by us, the taxpayers, and us, the people in the CRA that contribute and voted. You didn't grant it. We voted ourself [sic] a tax, and we did it in the Omni for one reason, to bring the Performing Arts Center and to bring the Boulevard where the prostitutes and the crack houses were. I moved in there and said how do we do this. We voted to tax our own wallet. You didn't give us anything, nothing. You never contributed. You don't give us a police department. We have our internal police in the Grand. You don't give us garbage pickup. We have our own garbage pickup in the Grand. You don't even clean our -- front of our street. We have a process of going out, as my great-grandfather and grandfather did and sweep our own street every day. We pick up our own trash out in your curbway. When Clinton and the rest of the presidents came, you paved every street around us, but not Bayshore Drive. You made them all nice and black and shiny. This was done through directors, executive directors of the CRA who we felt like did not have to answer other than to -- did not have to answer to your other hat, the City Commission. They only answered to the hat you were wearing as CRA directors [sic]. Commissioner Dunn -- Chairman Dunn, Commissioner Suarez -- Chairman Suarez, you have been here. These two gentle -- Commissioner Gort, you came and helped me -- Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Joseph, I'm going to ask -- Mr. Joseph: -- get this movement -- Vice Chair Suarez: -- you to wrap it up. Mr. Joseph: Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: Please. Mr. Joseph: -- you helped me get this movement back into that area. We always had to come here and grovel. Now we're back -- we had meetings -- where's the CRA people that live in that area? You're not having your meetings there and now you want to change (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Joseph. Mr. Joseph: Thank you. I think you're making a drastic mistake. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Joseph. Mr. Joseph: I believe you'll have another meeting on the Omni part too as well. Vice Chair Suarez: Yes. Does anyone else from the public wish to opine on this matter? The public hearing is now closed; coming back to the Board. Is there any discussion or second or --? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Well, let me just speak 'cause (UNINTELLIGIBLE) been here long enough to get a feel for a lot of things. There's never a good time ever to change directors or ever to make a change. Every budget in our foreseeable future will be a difficult budget, period. That's the nature of the budget. You just watched a meeting here that was not even an hour ago, and if you thought that was easy -- I thought Commissioner Dunn had a lot of courage to actually address the firemen because they're a tough group of guys to address. Their attorney did a very eloquent job of saying essentially give them what they want. And budget's not easy. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 So, Mr. Joseph, budgets will be here and budgets will go. I'm not addressing you; I'm speaking. And I think Commissioner Dunn, as the director [sic] of a CRA, has the ability to bring on people that he thinks he can work with, and I think that's something I'm going to respect. You know, I certainly have cautioned some counseling in going a little slower, but things have fallen where they've fallen, and Pm going to support him. And if Pieter Bockweg will be the director of the Omni, that's going to be fine as well. Everybody's going to break -- it's a tough breaking period of the CRA. I commented that sometimes the CRA's biggest job is to keep us all out of the paper, and sometimes the CRA director's biggest job is to say no to Commissioners, and that's not an easy thing to do, to say no to Commissioners. I applaud Jim. Jim -- I don't know if he's ever directly said no to me 'cause hopefully I've not asked for too many inappropriate things -- I think to other Commissioners has said no. And I think when you see a report coming from him, you're going to see what happened when he said no. And I congratulate Jim for his work, but I think it's not ever appropriate for what we do up here, Mr. Joseph, to turn around and say how dare you. Do you know what it's like to sit on this side of the dais? Do you know what it's like to look at the volume of paperwork, the volume of accounting and be able to come up with a number off the top of your head to address a room filled with irate, angry people? And it's only going to get worse for us in the next 12 weeks. And other than Commissioner Gort, they've never been through it. It's the fastest paced process you'll ever see in your life. People will negotiate from the dais. I think Commissioner Dunn has earned the right to choose who he wishes to lead his CRA. And for you to say it's not appropriate, sit on this side of the dais. There'll be an election in '011 [sic]. Sit on this side of the dais. See what it's like. See how much you have to put in. See what it feels like to have to say no to somebody when they say Ihy children won't survive because of that pay cut,"cause that happened today. I think he's earned the right, I think he's earned the privilege, I think he's earned your respect to let him have the ability to determine who he wishes to work with. Because the one thing I will tell you as Chairman, you have to work with probably three times the number of people than you do as just being a Commissioner. And I got to tell you, Mr. Joseph, I actually think you owe him an apology because I think it's not appropriate for you to come up and say what a grave mistake. If it turns into a mistake, it will be all of our mistakes. And I congratulate Jim on the job that he's done, and if Jim wants to stay on and help out with the transition, then that's great, but I'm going to support this. Mr. Joseph: You indicated you weren't addressing me. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Joseph. Mr. Joseph: I would like to be -- Commissioner Sarnoff No. I wasn't addressing you. I was merely stating what I -- Vice Chair Suarez: He's asking rhetorical questions. Mr. -- go ahead, Mr. Joseph. Mr. Joseph: As I was stating, I said that I believe if you brought this other person on as a second hand to Jim and be able to learn on the job instead of throwing him into the job. I never said -- the gentleman may be qualified. I'm sure he's qualified. I think you're taking the CRA -- and as far as the dais -- as the CRA is a lot different than the dais as your hat as the chairman of the City Commission. I appreciate it. But as you know, I'm here every time trying to be and watch as these things unfold. And again, I had no disrespect for the Commissioner. I made a pure statement that I believe you are making a mistake at this posture. That has nothing to do with the respect. I have great respect for the reverend. That has nothing to do with disrespect. Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Joseph. Board Member Gort, do you have anything you'd like to --? City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 Commissioner Gort: My question is, the director's going to serve both the Omni and the Overtown? Oh, I hate to lose Pieter, and I don't know if he really wants the job, but you know, I guess I have to support the chairperson of the board. You've been working with the individual. I mean, I hate to make this decision, but I will support you guys, but I hope you're doing the right thing. Vice Chair Suarez: Yes, Board Member Dunn -- Chair Dunn: Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: -- Chairman. Chair Dunn: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to say -- and one of the things that we -- there still is an opportunity for that smooth transition, and that's what we're hoping that Jim would consider doing. The opportunity -- I cannot direct Mr. Bockweg in -- with what to do, but I hope that he will strongly consider that in leading to some type of smooth transition because we do know that we're in the middle -- but I'll just -- as the Chair, it is a privilege that I have because there is a responsibility as well if I decide that I want to go in another director and the support of the Commission is there. That's one of the things that comes with the territory. I respect your opinion, but I respectfully disagree with it. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Board Member Dunn. I have mixed feelings about this. First and foremost, I haven't been here very long, and the time that I've been here and the experiences that I've had with Mr. Villacorta have been positive. You know, we've toured the CRA areas, and he's worked with me on very limited things, as the Chairman said. I haven't really asked for much, and in the little that I've asked, the Chair -- the executive director's been nice enough to work with me on it. But I do also -- as I was thinking about it in this issue, I do agree with some of the sentiments that the other Commissioners have expressed, which is that, you know, whoever is leading -- the political leader of an organization should have the right to choose or direct the management of that organization. I don't know if you all remember when my father was mayor in 1997, he had a little bit of trouble with choosing the manager, a city manager. Chair Dunn: I remember. Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. So -- and I've always kind of been ingrained with the notion that you need to have someone of your confidence because ultimately the responsibility is going to fall on you as the elected official. So I know Pieter as well. I have positive -- just as much as I have positive working experiences with Mr. Villacorta, I have positive working experiences with Mr. Bockweg. I find him to be very capable, very smart, someone who's fought for the City. You know, so it's a tough position for me to be in, but ultimately, I think I will support the will of the Board. I'd love for Mr. Villacorta to consider staying on for whatever period is necessary to properly transition from one person to the other. I think it makes sense. The CRA is a big entity, as we've seen -- you know, we saw our financial report. It's an entity that has a lot of money, and it's, in essence, another government that we have here. So I guess there's nothing else to say. We'll call the roll. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): No. We -- I'm sorry. We don't have a seconder yet. Vice Chair Suarez: I'm sorry? Ms. Thompson: We don't -- Vice Chair Suarez: Okay, so then -- City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 10/15/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes July 22, 2010 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Sarnoff. I'll second. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: We have a motion by Chairman Dunn. We have a second by Board Member and Chairman Sarnoff. All those in favor, sign by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Suarez: Madam Clerk, there's -- it's a unanimous vote. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff.- All right. I think you have a CRA of your own now you have to run. Ms. Thompson: Excuse me. We need to adjourn this meeting. Commissioner Sarnoff Oh. Motion. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion to adjourn? Commissioner Gort: Move to adjourn. Commissioner Sarnoff So moved. Chair Dunn: So move. Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, aye." A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioner Carollo absent, to adjourn today's SEOPW CRA Meeting. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 10/15/2010