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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2010-10-14 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com of IN O9P 19 1i: Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 14, 2010 3:00 PM or thereafter Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, Florida SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Richard P. Dunn II, 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 October 14, 2010 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE ORDER OF THE DAY FINANCIALS 1. 10-01192 Present: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Carollo On the 14th day of October 2010, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West 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 6:33 p.m. and was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Pieter Bockweg, Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Julie O. Bru, General Counsel, CRA Veronica Xiques, Assistant General Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Chair Dunn: Good evening. I want to apologize for the delay. We're going to call this portion of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Southeast Overtown/Park West meeting to order. I'm going to ask my colleague, Commissioner Gort, if he would lead us in a word of prayer. Invocation delivered. Commissioner Dunn: Followed by the pledge of allegiance by Vice Chairman Carollo. Pledge of allegiance delivered. Chair Dunn: All right. We're going to go to Item 2 or resolution 2, and then we'll come to the financial summary because there are issues such as the wage modification and budget review, which we'll actually take 7 before 6, and then we'll have the financial summary last because it will have an impact on the decisions that we make. CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. File 10-01192 Financial Summary 10-14-2010.pdf PRESENTED Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Well, the financial summary we've already discussed. Chair Dunn: Yeah. We need -- Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): No, no. Mr. Bockweg: No, we haven't? Chair Dunn: No. We need to -- financial summary and then -- City of Miami Paget Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, sir. Ms. Thompson: Okay. If might -- Mr. Bockweg: Oh, I'm sorry. Item 1. Chair Dunn: One second. Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, Chair. Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Madam Clerk. Ms. Thompson: I just want to make sure. You have gone ahead and deferred item 8. You're now on item 1. Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Sarnoff.- What happened to 9? Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Ms. Thompson: I don't think they've -- you've brought that up yet. Mr. Bockweg: It's coming, Commissioner, 'cause we -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Okay. Mr. Bockweg: -- skipped over item 1 on the agenda, the financial summary. Chair Dunn: So that will be 9, okay. Do we need to make a motion to defer that, Madam Clerk? No? Okay. Mr. Valentin: Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. I'm going to be presenting the combined statement of financial position for the Southeast Overtown/Park West as of September 30, 2010. The total cash balance is 24, 689,169. Aside from that, I wanted to put on record that in light of the fact that you ratified Pieter Bockweg salary since he was appointed up until today, then there is nothing else to report to the board. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Something that I want to point out. For 2010, we've budgeted what amount for community redevelopment expenses? Mr. Valentin: The carryover fund balance? Commissioner Carollo: No. What did we actually approve? And what I'm getting at is what we're approving and what we're actually using for projects and you now -- Mr. Valentin: You're looking at page number 2? Commissioner Carollo: Yes. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: Well, every -- this is the lump -sum amount, but the entire budget for fiscal year 2010 was for 27,321,927 in total. Commissioner Carollo: For projects. Mr. Valentin: For projects and everything. Commissioner Carollo: And how -- and out of those 27 million, how many was used, actually used for projects? Mr. Valentin: I will say at this point -- well, as you see here -- and this is -- those -- this number right here is not being audited yet. It's going to be 3.5 million. However, let me stress this out, most of that amount is being allocated toward projects either through resolution or through projects that still they are pending to obtain a resolution from the board. I'm able to provide you a breakdown as to how I've been allocating that amount of money. I think if you make reference to the budget that we attach at the very end, you will see -- Commissioner Carollo: I don't have it. Mr. Valentin: I think you do, sir. Let me -- Commissioner Carollo: Where? At the end of I ? Commissioner Gort: These are restricted funds. Am I correct? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: They've been allocated to different projects -- Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Commissioner Gort: -- that are still to be done. Mr. Valentin: Exactly. And if you want me, I'm able to come up with the entire list as to how I've been allocating those funds. As you know, CIP (Capital Improvements Program) Department is managing our projects. Still, they haven't exhausted all the funding that we have allocated. But if you make reference to the list that I just mentioned, you will see as to how I've been allocating the funding according to the resolutions that the CRA Board had approved. Commissioner Carollo: I'll review it. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: You know, I'm not going to hold up, you know, this board or -- I think we still have other items that we need to go over, not necessarily with this CRA Board but with the Omni and Midtown, so I'm not going to hold you over. But the bottom line is that, you know, we're approving a lot more for the projects than we're actually, you know, expensing [sic] or doing. And I guess with this additional information, I need to look at it, to be honest with you, but it's somewhat deceiving because I'm seeing the 27 million budgeted and I'm seeing actually expense 3 million or so forth. Mr. Valentin: Yeah. But the 27 million has been allocated accordingly. I will meet with you and I will show you everything -- Commissioner Carollo: Please do. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 RESOLUTIONS 2. 10-01189 Mr. Valentin: -- that you want. Commissioner Gort: Now make sure you send copy to all the Commissioners. Mr. Valentin: Will do, sir. Chair Dunn: That does -- Commissioner Gort: Need a motion. Chair Dunn: Yeah. Is there a motion? Go ahead, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Gort: Move it. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE CRA'S COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY, PROPERTY, AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE, FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIOD, THROUGH BROWN & BROWN OF FLORIDA, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,723; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW GENERAL OPERATING FUND, ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.545000.0000.00000. File 10-01189 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01189 Financial Form 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01189 Backup 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01189 Legislation 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01189 Legislation (2) 10-14-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0085 Commissioner Gort: Item 2. Chair Dunn: All right, resolution 2, reviewing insurance coverage. Unidentified Speaker: I'm sorry. Chair Dunn: Wait a minute. Did we do the --? We can do the financial summary, right? Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): No, we didn't. Chair Dunn: We need to do -- Mr. Bockweg: We need to do that as well. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 12,13, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 3. 10-01098a Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): I will do it at the very end. Chair Dunn: Okay, okay. Mr. Valentin: Okay. A resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the renewal of the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) commercial general liability property and worker's compensation insurance coverage for an additional one-year period through Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc., in an amount not to exceed 10, 723. Historically, we have been using Brown & Brown as our brokers in order to obtain our commercial liability insurance. And those -- this is one of the examples that I was referring to you previously that everything over 4,500, it requires board approval. Commissioner Carollo: So move. Chair Dunn: There's a motion by -- Vice Chair Suarez: Second. Chair Dunn: -- Commissioner Carollo. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Chair Dunn: Second by -- seconded by Commissioner Gort. Any discussion? All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF A WORK ORDER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,285.50, TO ROYAL FENCE & EQUIPMENT COMPANY, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NEW FENCING AT THE 9TH STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. File 10-01098a Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01098 Financial Form 09-20-2010.pdf File 10-01098a Backup 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01098a Legislation 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01098a Legislation 10-14-2010 (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0086 City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 12,13, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: Resolution 3. Mark Spanioli (Director of Engineering and Construction, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening, Commissioners. Mark Spanioli. Item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) approving an issuance of a work order in an amount not to exceed $5,285.50 to Royal Fence and Equipment Company for the installation of new fencing at the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall. As you may recall, this is a continuation of the funds that were transferred to us by the Public Works Department for maintenance activities related to the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall. This is another item that we needed to include, which is replacement of the dilapidated gates on the north and south side with new wrought iron fences. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Commissioner Sarnoff.- I'll make a motion. Chair Dunn: Oh, yes. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I'll make a motion for discussion. Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: Motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff.- How old is this fence and what is the disrepair to it? Is it just age? Is it Mr. Spanioli: This is the gate -- the entry gates at the north and the south side. I'm not familiar with how old they are. I would guess they're at least 15 years old Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, ifI may. The fence on the north and the south side of the pedestrian mall are chain -link fences that was the same as was on the west side of the mall that we had replaced in anticipation for Folk Life Friday and the renewed modification -- not modification, but cleanup work we did, the painting, the lighting and all that. This is just to come back to you so that we can finalize the fences on the north side and the south side of that pedestrian mall to match that one of the west. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Are we -- so we're not voting for chain -link? Mr. Bockweg: No, no, no. This is actually the exact same fence that's on the west side of -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- 'Cause I'm pretty much hell-bent never on voting for a chain -link fence in the City of Miami. Mr. Bockweg: I agree with you, Commissioner. This is just to match what's on the west side of the pedestrian mall. Commissioner Sarnoff And that will be a wrought iron -- Mr. Bockweg: Black. City of Miami Pagel Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff. -- picket fence. Mr. Spanioli: Correct. Mr. Bockweg: Correct. Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Any other questions? There's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Mr. Spanioli: Thank you. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01080 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000, FOR THE OVERALL BEAUTIFICATION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE PARK WEST AREA WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA; PROVIDING THAT ANY EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF $4,500 BE BROUGHT TO THE BOARD FOR APPROVAL OR RATIFICATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS, OR DIRECTLY TO CONTRACTORS AND VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 10-01080 Cover Memo 09-20-2010.pdf File # 10-01080 Financials 09-20-2010.pdf File # 10-01080 Legislation 09-20-2010.pdf File # 10-01080 Legislation (2) 09-20-2010.pdf File 10-01080 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01080 Financial Form 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01080 Backup 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01080 Legislation v2 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01080 Legislation v2 (2) 10-14-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-1 0-0087 Chair Dunn: Resolution 4. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 12,13, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Clarence Woods: Commissioners, Clarence Woods, the assistant director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). This is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $250, 000, for the overall beautification of the public right-of-way of the Park West area; providing that any expenditures in excess of $4,500 be brought back to the board for approval or ratification; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds at his discretion on a reimbursement basis or directly to contractors and vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. As you recall, this is the particular item that was deferred from our last board meeting regarding the beautification of the Park West area. Commissioner Gort had some concerns that we were looking at maybe doing improvements within the parking lots of the area right around that -- right around the American Airlines Arena. We're not doing it in the right-of-way -- I mean, we're not doing it on private property. We're doing all the improvements in the right-of-way. Those improvements would consist of sidewalk replacement, streetscape guidelines implementation to include street frontage, landscaping, and the like, lighting replacement, and it would go to expand the DET (Downtown Enhancement Team) team, the neat team, and the ambassador programs to better cover the area. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Listen, it's late and I'm just going to put it right out there. Okay, you know, there was rumor this is for the party for the Heat when, you know, their opening night and so forth. And you know what, it's late. I'm just going to put it out there. Is this for a party for the Miami Heat or --? Mr. Woods: No. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, ifI may. This item was before you on September 20, as Clarence was stating. There were some concerns brought up by Commissioner Gort and others as far as that money going to improvements on private property. This item is now before you in assuring you that the money used for the beautification of Park West will only be going into the right-of-way. What we're doing is we're contacting with DDA (Downtown Development Authority), who has a master plan of doing the modifi -- beautification within the Park West area. In essence, what we're going to be doing is we're just going to take some of the items that they want to beautify in their master plan and have the CRA do it. We're going to do it ourselves. It gives us more flexibility on what to do. It gives us more control, more efficiency to make sure it gets done right. In essence, that's why this item is back, and it will only -- money will only be placed in the right-of-way. It will not be used for private property whatsoever or a party. Commissioner Carollo: Question. The 4,500 -- anything in excess of 4,500 needs to come before this board. However, if it's 2,000 here, 3,000 there, 4,000 there, 5 -- well, not 5 -- another 3, so forth -- in other words, if you structure it where the sum of it is way over 4,500. Let's say -- I don't know, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,000, 100, 000. Is that possible? In other words, 2,000 here, 1,000 there. You pay an individual or individual company 3, 000 for this job, 2, 000 for that job, and you exceed the 4,500 when you structure it and you put it all together. Is that possible -- Mr. Bockweg: If you take a -- Commissioner Carollo: -- up to 250,000? Mr. Woods: The intent of this particular restriction, the 4,500, is to not circumvent, you know, paying more than $4, 500 for any one particular item. If they're small items that are less than City of Miami Page Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 $4, 500, it would probably go to one vendor for one particular area of this list here. For instance, if it's sidewalk replacement, it's just for that particular vendor to do sidewalk replacement. It's not for the vendor to do sidewalk replacement on North Miami Avenue and then because he's not -- because it's not over $4,500 on North Miami Avenue, then he can go over on Northeast 2ndAvenue and then do 4,500 -- less than $4,500. It's for one particular vendor for one particular item, for a specific expenditure, like sidewalk replacements. And then if we deal with lighting replacement, that's something totally separate. If it's over $4,500, then we would have to come back to you. We wouldn't separate it just so we can circumvent getting around coming back before you. Commissioner Carollo: Right, and that's my question. I'm not going to be seeing in the future $250,000 worth of a whole bunch of items under 4,500 -- Mr. Woods: No, no. Commissioner Carollo: -- correct? Mr. Woods: No. We don't want to get in trouble that way. Mr. Bockweg: No, Commissioner. You have my assurance that will not happen. Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: Yes. Go ahead, Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff.- The genesis, Mr. Vice Chair, of this was actually a little bit of Commissioner Suarez and a lot of the Mayor. Right after the Heat announcement, we formed a committee and the Mayor actually walked the streets with the CRA and the DDA and FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the County. And of course, in that walk, we all heard what the County couldn't do and then we heard what FDOT couldn't do. And the City was like, well, we need to do these things. And the Mayor has taken a personal interest in almost the entire Biscayne Boulevard and a little bit west of there issue. And there is an extensive list that the DDA has created that, you know, we're trying to relegate ourselves to City streets and not do FDOT streets and not do County streets. But the impetus of this was really this Commission when you said this is a big chance for the City of Miami to -- and I'm using -- I know it's 41 games, but hopefully we'll get in the playoffs -- 52 Super Bowls. So this money is supposed to be geared towards the specialist walking up and down that boulevard trying to figure out what improvement can be put in. Really, it was supposed to be before opening day, and I know we're getting very close. Mr. Woods: That list that the Commissioner spoke of is in your packet. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Suarez, I heard you went walking with the Mayor. Commissioner Sarnoff. No, no, no. He was one of the ones that said we need to get this right, we need to get it looking good. Commissioner Carollo: Oh. Commissioner Sarnoff.- But the Mayor actually did walk -- the Mayor was there, right? He walked up and down the streets. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, he did. Commissioner Gort: Anybody make the motion? City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: I was -- Commissioner Gort: I'll make the motion. I'll move it. Commissioner Sarnoff.- And I'll second. Chair Dunn: All right. The motion by -- Commissioner Gort: And the reason I move this is because you see a lot of the new buildings that are taking place within that area. Pretty soon Camillus House will be closing and knocking down the building and Camillus House, and you're going to see some additional buildings going in that area. That area is going to be developing quite a bit. And I understand what you're saying. You don't want to see multiples of 4,000 to go to 250, 000. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Commissioner Gort: I understand that andl agree with you on that. Commissioner Carollo: Look, I guess what -- listen, I guess what I'm saying is I'm up here, you know, listening to my colleagues, listening to the Administration, and out of good faith, you know, I'm listening and just want to make sure that, you know, if I do vote to approve this, that everyone's working in good faith in a list for something that we need and so forth and it's not some hidden agenda where, you know, it's -- you know, I don't even know where I heard it, but, you know, some party for the Heat or some -- you understand what I'm saying? So the bottom line is, listen, I'm up here, you know, showing good faith and I hope everyone is and there is no hidden agenda because still, it is a lot of money. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, this money will not be going to a party. It will be for beautification within the Park West area in the right-of-way. Mr. Woods: And Commissioner, while that may have been part of the impetus for establishing this fund for a streetscape beautification project, we do that pretty much throughout the Southeast Overtown/Park West area. I mean, our mission is to eliminate slum and blight. We get complaints all the time from residents within the Park West area about roads, streets, areas within the right-of-way that need cutting or dressing up. I mean, one of the members of the Park West area was here earlier today talking about the same issue. It's not just for the American Airlines Arena or a party for the Heat. It's for the area. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you for that, and thank you for the clarification. And I just needed to put that, you know, in the record -- on the record because, in all fairness, I mean, there's only so much that we could actually research and so forth before all these meetings. And therefore, I think there needs to be a little good faith from, you know, all parties and so forth because, again, there's only so much that I could research before a meeting, so thank you. Chair Dunn: All right, there's a motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor of this motion, would you sign by saying Eye?" The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: So moved. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01203 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE City of Miami Pagz 11 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE WARD ROOMING HOUSE AS AN ART GALLERY. File 10-01203 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01203 Legislation 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01203 Legislation (2) 10-14-2010pdf Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0088 Chair Dunn: Resolution S. Clarence Woods (Assistant Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, resolution -- this is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, authorizing the issuance of a request for qualifications for the operation of Ward Rooming House as an art gallery. As you know, Commissioners, we did a ribbon -cutting for the Ward Rooming House, which is a project that we've been undertaking for some time now. It has been completed and it is a wonderful building. And we are now looking for operators to actually program and operate this particular facility. Any time we have an -- any time we plan to convey an interest in property, we have to put out some sort of solicitation, and we're going to put out a -- or we're asking or seeking to put out a request for qualifications for proven art gallery operators. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Chair Dunn: Moved by Commissioner Gort -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Second. Chair Dunn: -- seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff. Any discussion? Commissioner Gort: In discussion, let me tell you. One of the reasons I moved this, I think art is one way to bring this community together and we established that in Little Havana with the Cultural Friday [sic], where now we have about 13 galleries in there and we have -- bring in visitors into that area. So I think that if we can get that to perform, it'd be great. Chair Dunn: Okay. All in favor, let us hear by saying -- The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01182 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MODIFYING SEOPW CRA STAFF WAGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011, AS STATED HEREIN. File 10-01182 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01182 Legislation 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01182 Legislation (2) 10-14-2010.pdf City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 12,13, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 WITHDRAWN Chair Dunn: We did 6 already, so we need to look at -- Commissioner Gort: We did? Chair Dunn: -- Item 2. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): No, sir. Chair Dunn: We did not do -- Commissioner Gort: We haven't done any. Chair Dunn: We haven't? Commissioner Gort: No. Ms. Thompson: According to my notes here -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: No. Ms. Thompson: -- we discussed Item 7, which resulted in two resolutions. That's what we have completed of the agenda right now. Chair Dunn: So let me ask this question, Madam Clerk. So with the modifications that were made relative to the wages which we -- which was a part of the overall budget, then we would be in order now to accept, if there's a motion, those modifications as it related to the wages. Am I correct? Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Are -- I want to be clear. When we originally discussed the modifications to the salaries -- Chair Dunn: Yes. Ms. Thompson: -- that was your -- the original motion that Commissioner Sarnoff made and then Commissioner Carollo seconded. He withdrew that motion, okay, and we now have a full resolution, title, that encompasses everything that you discussed. Chair Dunn: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Okay. So that completes item number -- Chair Dunn: 7. Ms. Thompson: -- 7. Chair Dunn: Clear. Ms. Thompson: Okay. That's all we've done on this agenda. Chair Dunn: Okay, I'm clear on that. Ms. Thompson: Okay. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: But I'm saying at this time, we need to -- I'm asking you -- accept a motion for the wage modifica -- No? We don't have to do it. Ms. Thompson: No. Commissioner Gort: They got to come back to us. Ms. Thompson: Just let me make sure. Chair Dunn: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Are you speaking --? Commissioner Sarnoff. We're covered. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: We're covered. They got to come back to us -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: -- with all the changes -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: -- that we added tonight. Chair Dunn: All right. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff: You just go through your agenda. Ms. Thompson: Now -- but I think I know what Chair is getting at. I think he is talking about Item 6. Chair Dunn: That's what I'm talking about. Ms. Thompson: Yes. He's talking about Item 6 that was listed as a resolution that did, in fact, modify the staff wages. Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Ms. Thompson: He is absolutely correct. And I would defer to the City Attorney as to whether or not that's necessary or that -- because you've already addressed it, I think, here. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): That item is not necessary 'cause we already addressed the salary reductions in the budget -- the amended budget that we just approved. Commissioner Gort: You don't have to move on that one. Chair Dunn: Okay. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. 10-01176 (7.) 10-01176a (7.) 10-01176b Ms. Thompson: So then what you'll be doing, I think, is just withdrawing that one? Commissioner Sarnoff. Do you need that? Do you need a motion to with --? Ms. Thompson: No. No, no. Commissioner Gort: No, no. Ms. Thompson: No. Just -- so we'll take no action on it. We'll show that in your notes. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 GENERAL OPERATING AND TAX INCREMENT FUND BUDGETS. File 10-01176 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01176 Backup 10-14-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Discussion on the item resulted in the resolutions below: CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (subject matter: compensation package for the executive director.) Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez CRA-R-10-0083 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("SEOPW CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENTS, ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED BUDGET OF THE SEOPW CRA, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2010 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 AS APPROVED BY THE SEOPW CRA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Suarez City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 CRA-R-1 0-0084 Direction by Commissioner Sarnoff to the Executive Director to provide the Board with a comparison of the City of Miami's health insurance plan benefits and the Community Redevelopment Agency's (CRA) health insurance plan benefits at the CRA meeting currently scheduled for November 10, 2010. Chair Dunn: So I'm going to ask now for the executive director. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, the -- item number 7, a discussion item related to the budget, was put on this agenda, of course, from the deferral that was done on September 27. I have taken a look at the budget that was presented to you by my predecessor, Jim Villacorta, and looked at the concerns that all of you had presented to me, not only during the actual board hearing, but also in my individual briefings with you. I know there was a lot of concern from all of you related to the 8 percent increase in salaries from year 2010 to 2011. So I would like this opportunity to at least clar, which was misrepresented by me on September 27, what that increase actually is. The 8 percent increase from the budget from 2010 to 2011 are related to anticipated hires from my predecessor -- that the -- my predecessor was anticipating two new hires. It also had included -- included in the 8 percent was the reserve. I misrepresented during the budget hearing, of course, you know, that they were hires and implied that certain packages were in there, which is not true. It was solely anticipated hires by my predecessor that he was anticipating to do in the year 2011. I have heeded to the concerns of all of you, again, not only in the budget hearing, but also in the briefings, and I have revisited the budget that was presented to you in July. I have a proposal to show an 8 -- to recoup that 8 percent increase by providing salary cuts for the top five earners of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), as well as the newly -hired staff members. And that -- with reducing their salaries, using the City's wage tier, we recoup that 8 percent. If you'd like, I can go specifically as far as the reductions of those five people that I'm proposing to show how I recoup that 8 percent. Chair Dunn: What is the plea --? Yes, Mr. -- Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I would like to know what exactly would be the -- each individual salary and the reduction -- or the proposed salary and reduction. Mr. Bockweg: Correct. The executive director, myself will take a 12 percent reduction in salary. The capital projects manager will also take a 12 percent reduction in salary. Commissioner Carollo: And 12 percent reduction from -- where's the starting point? Mr. Bockweg: One twenty -- Commissioner Carollo: From what salary? Mr. Bockweg: One twenty-three for the executive director and one twenty-two for the capital projects manager. The assistant director for Southeast Overtown/Park West will have a 9 percent reduction. The assistant director for Omni will also have a 9 percent reduction, and the media director will also have a 9 percent reduction. I think it's the responsibility of the -- not only the leaders but also the higher -paid personnel of the CRA to take the responsibility and the brunt of recouping that 8 percent. And not necessarily doing it over the entire -- not necessarily doing it through the entire employees of -- the staff of the CRA. So I took it upon -- we took it upon ourselves to take these cuts to recoup that 8 percent in salary that was presented to you in 2000 -- in July. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo, yes. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: What about cell phone allowance, car allowance, vacation days, sick days, holidays, pension? Mr. Bockweg: The cell phone allowance, car allowance, and all the other things you mentioned remains the same. They don't affect the 8 percent increase that was presented to you in the 2011 budget. The 8 percent increase that was presented to you was solely based on salaries, not on fringe benefits. And Commissioners, the budget now with this recoup of the 8 percent, the salary budget is identical to that of 2010. Commissioner Gort: What you're saying, your package is the same package they had -- the previous director? Mr. Bockweg: My package -- my salary right now is at 123 -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: -- and my cell phone is $150. Commissioner Gort: Vacations? Mr. Bockweg: Right now I'm not using -- I don't have any vacations 'cause I'm still on loan -- currently, I'm on loan from the City, so I'm using the hours that I accumulated from working at the City. Commissioner Gort: My understanding, once the -- you completely out of the City, the CRA will reimburse the City for your salary paid as a loan. Am I correct? Mr. Bockweg: The CRA will not -- in the past, my predecessor, as well as one of the staff members at the CRA, was on loan, and one is still currently on loan with the City. The CRA reimburses the City for all expenses related to those salaries. Currently, I -- we, the CRA, will also be reimbursing the City for my salary that I'm receiving from the City. Chair Dunn: Could you repeat that again because there was a great deal of misunderstanding about where money was coming from? And so I would appreciate that. Mr. Bockweg: Currently, Commissioners, I am still receiving the same salary in the City that I was receiving before. The only difference is that I am taking the incremental increase from my salary at the City and what the previous executive director was being paid. My salary at the City that I am receiving from the City will be reimbursed by the CRA back to the City. In essence, it's the same as what had happened with the previous executive director and the current staff member that is on loan who we all -- the CRA reimburses the City for that expense. Chair Dunn: So there is a president [sicJ? Mr. Bockweg: Yes, there is, sir. Chair Dunn: Okay. Is there a motion or any other questions? Commissioner Carollo: Hold on. What --? We are on which item? Discussion item? Chair Dunn: We -- he's on 7. Mr. Bockweg: This is discussion item number 7, Commissioner, related to -- The reason why this is a discussion item is because, technically, the budget was already approved in July, so we wanted to have a discussion item. I have a resolution ready to amend the budget that was City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 approved in July to show these changes in the recouping of that 8 percent, but that's why it's on the agenda as a discussion item. Commissioner Carollo: Now at the same time, I know we're discussing salaries, but there's other factors that we need to discuss, like I mentioned, automobile and phone and so forth. So I don't know if you want to do that separately. At the same time, I'm weary [sic] into moving forward just with this because of -- let's say, what was presented to us before was -- for the executive director was a whole package with future increases and so forth. And I want to know exactly if there's a motion, what the motion is for. Is it just for salary? Is it just this year's salary? So I'm a little skeptical. So, you know, excuse me if I'm going a little slow and at the same time, I'm going to be asking, you know, questions and even more questions. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, let me just explain to you and clam why my compensation package was presented in September. The reason why my compensation was presented in September, which I was fully anticipating for it not to be what was presented. I was anticipating for it to be -- come down significantly, but the main reason why I had presented that compensation package in September was because I was being asked by the Administration to resign from the City so that I can be off the City's books. And I have no problem doing that and I am willing to do that now. The reason why I put the compensation package on the agenda is because ifI don't have a contract with the CRA and I resign for the City, I don't have health insurance. Now I cannot have health insurance for myself and I'm okay with that for a couple months or however long it takes to accept my compensation package, but I do have a 3-year-old son, who I do have to think about, and I did not want to put him in jeopardy, God forbid anything happen, that he would not be covered with insurance. I understand the concerns, the anger about what was presented. I can tell you that it was not with any ill will or malice intent. It was simply, number one, to make sure that ifI was resigning from the City, that I would still have coverage for my son, health insurance, and I was fully anticipated to have that package that was presented come down. Chair Dunn: Mr. Bockweg, I think what my colleague, Commissioner Carollo, wants, I guess, to know what would your proposal be for your -- because --? So for clarification purposes, there was one number that was presented at the September meeting, and he needs to know in terms of -- and my colleagues need to know what is the exact amount that you will -- Mr. Bockweg: Okay. Commissioner Dunn: -- be presenting to be approved. Mr. Bockweg: What I was considering, Commissioners, was obviously right now I'm getting paid the same salary as the previous executive director. I will take a 10 percent cut, which is equal to that of the -- 12 -- sorry, 12 percent cut. My mistake. -- which was equal to the tier that was approved by the City Commission for the City employees. I was proposing $150 phone allowance, a -- Commissioner Carollo: Per month. Mr. Bockweg: That's correct, sir. -- $400 car allowance. Commissioner Carollo: Per month. Mr. Bockweg: Per month. That's correct, sir. I was -- as far as the vacation hours, I am willing to use the "use it or lose it," which is the same policy that the City employees have, and also an 8 percent deferred compensation contribution. As far as the sick time, I leave that up to you, the Commissioners. I think what was proposed and what I had mentioned, there was 180 hours vacation, use it or lose it, and 180 hours vacation -- sick time, I'm sorry, ill time. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: IfI may, Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: What was your vacation time when you were with the City -- or I guess you still are with the City? Mr. Bockweg: I had accumulated 240 hours, Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: Right, but I'm saying what was your yearly vacation time? Mr. Bockweg: I honestly don't recall what that exact -- Commissioner Carollo: More power to you, man, 'cause -- Mr. Bockweg: I -- to tell you the truth, Commissioner, I had not gone on vacation for well over a year, so I honestly don't know what's -- I might have taken days off, but as far as an extended vacation, I have not. That's why I had accumulated those 230 -- 240 hours of vacation time. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, unless you want me to do the calculation and see how many years have you been on and calc -- you know, divide it by 240 and so forth. I mean, 'cause I want to get a feeling of -- if you've accumulated, what, 240 hours and now you want 240 per year? Mr. Bockweg: No, no, no, Commissioner. That was what was proposed. Again, what I'm -- which was initially put on the agenda, which I was anticipating to come down. I'm willing -- remember that the benefits and -- the fringe benefits for the CRA is very different than of the City's. The -- I -- we don't have in the CRA the "use it or lose it" policy currently. I'm willing to do that in conjunction with what the City has approved and is using for their employees. And whether it's 240, whether it's 160, whether it's 100, I leave that up to you, Commissioners. Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to hear from my colleagues. However, 240, that's 30 days. I mean -- and if it's "use it or lose it," you might be gone for, you know, a quarter of the time and so forth, and I don't think that's just either. Mr. Bockweg: I agree with you. Commissioner Carollo: So I'd like to hear from my colleagues. And sick time is another 240 hours, so that's 60 days. Mr. Bockweg: But remember, Commissioner, that was the proposed. That is not what I -- that is not what I'm putting on out here now, and it could be fluctuated however you deem fit. Vice Chair Carollo: Not to mention 11 days of holidays, which make it 71 days. So I understand that was before. What are you proposing now or what do my colleagues want to do? And by the way, I know we're getting off track because we're dealing with your salary and your package because it's part of the salary here. So that's why -- I know some of this is getting comingled, but the bottom line is I don't want to make a motion and vote on, you know, the salary component and have things lingering with regards to the executive director. So that's why, you know, I'm asking questions. As far as -- so you know, I mean, I don't know how my colleagues want to do this. As long as we're thorough with it, you know, I'm open for suggestions. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Suarez. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have several concerns. I'm not sure what to do about the vacation or the sick in terms of how much time or days, certainly nowhere near what is -- was initially proposed. One concern that I do have -- and I'm not sure it was addressed and I'm not sure if it was clarified -- and I think the Chairman actually mentioned it, was this was originally presented to us as a three-year contract, so I just want to make sure that that's not what we're seeing here today. This is not a three-year contract, correct? Mr. Bockweg: No, it's not, Commissioner. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. The other thing was that contract had 9 percent salary escalators every year. That is not what's being presented here today, correct? Mr. Bockweg: No, it's not, Commissioner. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. What did the prior executive director have in terms of a car allowance? Mr. Bockweg: He did not have a car allowance. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. That's what I suggest that you do. Okay. As far -- what was the prior executive director's sick time and vacation time? Mr. Bockweg: He had, I believe, the same as the City's policy. Vice Chair Suarez: What is that? Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): To be honest with you, he -- Chair Dunn: State your name for the record now. Mr. Valentin: Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. He was acting as the City of Miami loan employee placed in the CRA. Basically, he was following whatever City's policy in that regard. Vice Chair Suarez: Well, what was it? Mr. Valentin: To be honest with you, he's been working for the City ten years. I don't know what is the rate that they have been applying to him. Commissioner Carollo: To him. And I don't think -- I'm sorry. Vice Chair Suarez: No, no. Go ahead. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Gort: Somebody from the City can -- Commissioner Carollo: And I don't think -- Commissioner Gort: -- what the policy is. Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Commissioner Gort, then Commissioner -- Commissioner Carollo: And I don't think Mr. Bockweg's been with us for ten years, so it would have to be less. City of Miami Page20 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: No. He has -- yeah, he's been working seven years, I think. Mr. Bockweg: I've been with the City for five years. Mr. Valentin: Five years? Mr. Bockweg: Five years. Commissioner Carollo: So based on the City then, what does a five-year employee get in vacation? Mr. Valentin: To be honest, Commissioners, I don't know about that because as I was telling the Commissioners privately, the City is processing his payroll check as we speak. Then at the very end of the fiscal year, the CRA is reimbursing everything, all his entitlements, except for the pension contribution and the health insurance contribution made by the City. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, is there someone from Employee Relations here that could help us, the director of Employee Relations or interim or someone that could help us? Julie O. Bru (General Counsel: Vice Chair, I know that there's a schedule that the City follows and HR (Human Resources) has it. And it depends on what your category is, whether you're an executive, whether you're -- you know, depending. And then you start to accrue -- I know that, for example, I think the executives, they accrue 15 days per year until you reach seven years, and then you start to accrue an additional day, and it all depends on your -- ifsomebody' s here from HR, there's a schedule. Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's why I'm asking. And you're saying 15 days? Chair Dunn: We have -- Carlos A. Migoya (City Manager): May I? Chair Dunn: Excuse me. We have the Manager. Mr. Migoya: I just called the ER (Employee Relations) Department. A five-year director would get 256 hours of vacation, and then he'd get 8 hours per month on sick days. It would be 96 hours of sick days. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: And you are? Mr. Migoya: Carlos Migoya, City Manager. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff Mr. Chair? Chair Dunn: Yes, Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Sarnoff I don't know that we should do business as we've done in the past, and I don't know that we should be tying anyone's salary to what was done in the past. So why don't we do this with regard to -- we already heard from Commissioner Suarez, what he thinks about the car allowance. What about two weeks "use it or lose it" vacation and seven days sick time? City of Miami Page21 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 That's -- does it have to be tied to anyone else's or any other things? At some point, are we not going to break from tradition? I mean, the director that preceded Jim Villacorta, in 37 months, accrued $88, 000 in 37 months of sick time and vacation time. So why are we even discussing what happened in the past? Why don't you just create a new slate today and just say it's a "use it or lose it" policy, it's two weeks, and I don't know if seven days is reasonable, but I don't know that it's not reasonable either. Chair Dunn: I'll follow the pleasure of this body. Commissioner Carollo: With regards to vacation, sick, and holidays, I'd be in favor of that, 14 days for vacation, 7 days for sick, and 11 days for holidays. That will make it 31 days, so it's over a month, so okay. I'd be in favor of that section, yes. Chair Dunn: Mr. Bockweg. Mr. Bockweg: That's fine with me, Commissioners. Chair Dunn: Are there any other questions? Commissioner Gort: My understanding is today our action is amending the budget that was passed previously with a reductions of 8 percent. At the same time, we're now also approving -- we have put together a package for the executive director as part of this budget, right? Mr. Bockweg: Those will be two separate items, Commissioner, that would have to be approved. The amendment to the budget -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: -- and then the compensation. Commissioner Gort: But the amendment to the budget will not affect the decision that we make on the -- on your package? Mr. Bockweg: It would affect it based on your salary -- on my salary -- what you're proposing on my salary. Commissioner Gort: I mean, what could happen, it could lower it. Mr. Bockweg: Exactly. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner Suarez. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to clarify for the record 'cause there hasn't been any talk of it, but there is no -- not going to be any severance either, whether for cause or for -- without cause or anything like that. Mr. Bockweg: No, Commissioner, there will not be. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Commissioner Gort: We are voting on the amendment to the budget which shows a reduction of 8 percent. Am I correct? City of Miami Page22 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: That is the -- well, that is what I'm proposing. Remember, Commissioner, it's a discussion item. So I'm proposing the salary cuts to recoup that 8 percent, and I have a resolution ready to amend the budget that was approved in 2011 [sic]. Then the package that you're talking about now would be a separate resolution that would have to be accepted. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Let's -- Mr. Chair, let me just -- let's finish his compensation. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Sarnof So the only other issues left are cell phone allowance -- Commissioner Carollo: Any retirement and -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Right. Commissioner Carollo: -- insurance. Commissioner Sarnoff Right, and health insurance. So anybody have any suggestions for cell phone and retirement and cell phone? Commissioner Carollo: I'm looking at this. What -- I'm seeing life insurance also. I don't know what's the norm. Mr. Bockweg: I think, Commissioner, ifI may. I apologize. It would really depend ifI continue to stay on loan with the City or ifI don't. That would depend -- for example, the health insurance would be the health insurance of the City. The life insurance would be the life insurance policy that I have currently with the City. If I choose to retire from -- retire. Sorry -- resign from the City, then I would obviously take the health insurance from the CRA and the health insurance would -- I'm sorry, the life insurance -- we do not have a life insurance policy at the CRA. So it would really depend if I'm on loan or ill resign from the City in that respect. Commissioner Carollo: And as far as loan or resigning from the City, can I get some more clarification, the pros, the cons, or at least hear from the City Attorney, hear -- see the difference? Mr. Valentin: I just -- I wanted to put on record -- Chair Dunn: State your name. Commissioner Sarnoff.- State your name. Mr. Valentin: Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. If Mr. Bockweg is placed on loan in the CRA, the CRA is going to be reimbursing the City for everything, except for the pension contribution and the health insurance, unless you are instructing otherwise. In the past, we haven't done this for the previous City of Miami loan employees in the CRA. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, I just -- again, I haven't studied this, you know, on either side, but I just see it so much cleaner if he comes to the CRA -- Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- and -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. City of Miami Page23 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: -- 'cause this loan -- I mean -- Mr. Valentin: It's up to you. Mr. Bockweg: I guess the biggest benefit, Commissioner -- I'm sorry, Miguel -- would be for me personally. If I'm on loan from the City and the board chooses to terminate me, then I could fall back to a position at the City because I'm technically still a City employee. If I am with the CRA and resign from the City, I don't have that option because I would just be terminated from my job. So it's more of a personal advantage for me to be on loan or not, and that's really the significant difference between the two. Commissioner Carollo: So in other words, more than anything, it's a risk factor that you're taking? Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: I think in the run run -- in the long -run, if he's hired by the CRA, the City will be saving money, your pension and your health. Commissioner Carollo: I agree. It makes it much cleaner also. Are you willing to resign from the City of Miami and become the permanent executive director then? Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir. I mean, don't get me wrong. I would prefer not to do that, obviously, but Commissioner Carollo: Obviously. Mr. Bockweg: And again, Commissioner, the CRA reimburses the City for everything, so there's no expense to the City. Commissioner Carollo: So should you resign from the City, how would then you -- then become part of the health insurance of the CRA? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: There is no life insurance in the CRA. Mr. Bockweg: Unless it's part of my package. I do currently have life insurance with the City. Commissioner Carollo: And then the accidental death and disbursement [sic] insurance, do you have that in the CRA? No -- Mr. Bockweg: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- correct? That's only with the City. So then we will eliminate that also. So we will be eliminating the life insurance, the accidental death and dismemberment insurance; and then the health insurance, you'll stay with the CRA. As far as retirement, you will go into the CRA's 401a? Mr. Bockweg: 401 k. Commissioner Carollo: 401k. Mr. Bockweg: But you do need to establish the percentage, Commissioner. The previous director, I think, was -- City of Miami Page24 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Had 10 percent, I believe. Mr. Bockweg: The -- not my predecessor, but before that -- and I'm just doing it as a comparison -- got both a 401 k and the deferred compensation. Commissioner Carollo: And what percentage did the CRA contribute to each plan? Mr. Bockweg: He -- they contributed 10 percent to the 401 k and 8 percent to the deferred compensation. Commissioner Carollo: And what percentage is the CRA contributing to all the employees of the CRA? Mr. Valentin: Five percent for the 401 a. Commissioner Carollo: Five percent to all the other employees? Mr. Valentin: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Assistant directors also? Mr. Valentin: Well, for the assistant director that is placed on loan to the CRA, he's not getting any 401 a. Commissioner Carollo: So the assistant directors, are they both on loan or is it one or --? Mr. Valentin: No. Bert Gonzalez is a CRA employee, and he's going to be getting the 401 a 5 percent contribution. Commissioner Carollo: Because he is leaving the City or --? Mr. Valentin: No. He resigned from the City. Commissioner Carollo: He resigned from the City. And I know there was another new -- Mr. Valentin: David -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, that's right. Mr. Valentin: -- Karsh, he's getting the 5 percent contribution and -- Commissioner Carollo: 401 a -- Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- 401k. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: So he also resigned then from the City? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I think the other thing -- if everyone's okay with the salary -- I'm City of Miami Page25 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 not sure if they are or not -- the other thing we have to discuss is as far as the cell phone and what you all think. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, if I may real quick. Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Commissioner. Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. I have an issue with the deferred compensation of 8 percent. I'm definitely not -- I'm not going to vote in favor of a package that has a deferred compensation of 8 percent, so -- on top of the 10 percent. So I mean, we can debate whether it should be 10 or 5 percent or what percentage it should be, but it definitely -- I'm not in favor of a deferred compensation of an additional 8 percent on top of that. Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Suarez, what do you suggest? Vice Chair Suarez: We eliminate the deferred compensation. As far as, you know, what percentage, whether he gets 10 percent or 5 percent, if everyone else is getting 5 percent, he should get 5 percent. If you want to make it 8 percent, just -- because he's the executive director, maybe a little bit higher, 8 percent, but -- Commissioner Carollo: Let me ask something. The actual employees get 5 percent on each or just a deferred compensation or what is the employees --? Mr. Valentin: The CRA staff, they are getting 5 percent contribution toward a 401a. In my case, when I was hired, they -- the CRA is contributing 8 percent toward my 401a. That was established in 2003. There is a resolution, a guideline that we were following at that time. The -- Jim's predecessor at that time, he was entitled to 8 percent for a 401 a and 5 percent for the deferred comp. Chair Dunn: If -- let me ask this question. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Chair Dunn: What is the executive package for the executives in the City? Mr. Valentin: In the City, I don't know. I'm able to tell you in the CRA. Chair Dunn: Mr. Migoya. Commissioner Carollo: Starting with your own. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. That's -- I'll make a motion. Commissioner Carollo: Starting with your own, Mr. Manager. Mr. Migoya: Mine's easy. Carlos Migoya, City Manager. The -- there are no employees of the City that have a deferred compensation. The only -- there's only -- Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Migoya: -- I believe the City Attorney, maybe the City Clerk; I believe, the auditor, and two assistant City attorneys, but no City -- no -- and historically, the only one that had it in the past was the City Manager, from a deferred compensation standpoint. City of Miami Page26 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: And what is that amount? Mr. Migoya: It was -- for the City Manager, it was $20,000 in deferred compensation. Chair Dunn: What percentage wise was that? Mr. Migoya: About 10 percent. Chair Dunn: Ten? I mean, if that's acceptable with a flat 8 or 10 percent, let's make a decision on it. Vice Chair Suarez: No. My issue is I don't think you should be getting -- Commissioner Gort: No deferred. Vice Chair Suarez: -- any deferred compensation. It should be zero. What we're talking about is there's two payments. One of them is the regular contribution. The other one is a deferred compensation that was on top of the regular contribution. I don't think you should get any deferred compensation, and I think what we're talking about now is whether he should get 5 or 8 percent of the regular contribution. Miguel has mentioned that he gets 8 percent by resolution. Maybe 8 percent is fair for the executive director, which, you know, is far below what anybody else gets anywhere here. So I'd be much more inclined to vote in favor of it at 8 percent. Certainly would not vote in favor of it anything beyond that. Commissioner Sarnoff: And what do we categorize that as? Vice Chair Suarez: It's a -- just a 401k -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- What is that called? Vice Chair Suarez: -- contribution. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff 401 -- Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff: -- k contribution. Chair Dunn: Mr. Bockweg, is that --? Mr. Bockweg: That's fine with me. IfI may, Commissioners, there's actually two things that I would like you to consider. The first one is life insurance. I have it currently with the City. I would like to have life insurance. And obviously, the family health insurance, which the -- I would like the CRA to do that, which was, again, not going -- not meaning to go back, but that was done in the past. And I understand no Beverage -- severance, and I'm okay with that. But if it's possible to include that termination with cause, I would appreciate that. But again -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Termination with cause? Mr. Bockweg: Oh, I mean without. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. City of Miami Page27 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: That I'm terminated for a reason, meaning, you know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) if I do something illegal or things like that. Commissioner Sarnoff. So you're looking for severance. Mr. Bockweg: No. No, no, no. That if I'm terminated, it's because I did something wrong, not -- there's not a dollar amount attached to it. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Then there's no financial benefit for you to do that unless you have a severance package. I mean, you're an at -will employee. Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff. You serve at the will -- Mr. Bockweg: Right. Commissioner Sarnoff- -- of this board. Mr. Bockweg: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff.- And unless you're asking for deferred -- I'm sorry. Unless you're asking for severance, you could terminate for any reason whatsoever other than for -- how do you say it? Right, illegal causes. Mr. Bockweg: That's true, Commissioner. Andl apologize (UNINTELLIGIBLE), but the most important thing for me is the life insurance, if you would consider that. Chair Sarnoff. So how much --? What kind of life insurance did you have at the City? How much? Mr. Bockweg: It was -- my salary was my life insurance. Commissioner Sarnoff.- One year's salary? Mr. Bockweg: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: Two times. Well -- I'm sorry. Commissioner Sarnoff.- No. I don't mind. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. I jumped the gun. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I don't mind. So it's two times -- Mr. Bockweg: My salary. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- your salary. And that's a term policy, not a whole life policy, right? Mr. Bockweg: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Term. Commissioner Sarnoff.- That's not expensive. And it's not really for you; it's for others. City of Miami Page28 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: Exactly. Commissioner Sarnoff So I think it's pretty reasonable. Mr. Bockweg: I'll be dead. Commissioner Sarnoff. I have not heard the number given for a cell phone, so I'm going to put a number out there of $150 a month. Mr. Bockweg: That's fine. Commissioner Carollo: What's the number? I'm sorry. Commissioner Sarnoff. One fifty a month for cell phone. I think we should give you family health insurance. You're probably the lowest paid CRA director in about 15 years, which is probably not a bad start. You could certainly move up from there. So what I'm going to do is I'm going to proffer a motion, and that is that -- Do you know what the 123 minus 12 percent is? Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, it's 108,240. Commissioner Sarnoff. So $108,240 for the next 12 months, 14 days of vacation, use it or lose it, 7 days of sick time, use it or lose it, no severance package, family health insurance, 8 percent 401 a contribution, $150 a month cell phone allowance. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may. I just want to clarify one thing in terms of what you said. You said it was a 12-month arrangement, and I just want to make sure that it's clear that there is no severance. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Correct. Vice Chair Suarez: The reason why I say that is because I don't want to give the impression that if you were to -- if the board decided in its discretion next month or whatever that they were not happy with Mr. Bockweg, that he would now somehow get 11 months or whatever's left on this -- Commissioner Sarnoff It's a fair clari -- Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff: I thought I said no severance, but -- Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. I just want to clarify. Commissioner Sarnoff.- -- absolutely fair -- Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff -- clarification. Commissioner Carollo: And -- Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Chair Dunn, I'm sorry to interrupt you. We've had a lot of discussion going back and forth on this. We were discuss -- item 7 was a discussion item. We've moved from item 7, the discussion item, and we've entertained a package. So I need to be clear that what the motion you're proffering at this point, is it the actual package, is it a direction City of Miami Page29 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 to draft the package and bring it back? Because all have here is a discussion item andl need to know how you want this shown in your record, and I apologize for the interruption. Chair Dunn: That's all right. We need clarity. This -- if it's the will of this Commission, I would like for it to be the actual package. Commissioner Sarnoff I'm sorry. I didn't hear you, Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: I said if this -- if it is the will of the Commission, what we're talking about now as a discussion item proffered with a motion, why not it be the actual package? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Right. I think I'm proffering a motion on what his terms and conditions of his employment should be. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: This is a discussion item. It's the budget. And part of the budget that we're discussing is his salary. So that money or that revenue expenses is part of the salary, so that could be incorporated into the amendment. That can be an initial amendment to this budget. Ms. Thompson: And I hate to be the skunk at the picnic, but we would have -- we would need two separate resolutions, okay. You'd be adopting one as the budget and then -- Commissioner Gort: Right. Ms. Thompson: -- one as the package. So I just need when you do your motion, that you let me know. Commissioner Gort: Right. Commissioner Sarnoff It's the -- Ms. Thompson: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff -- terms and conditions of the salary package. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Right. Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Commissioner Sarnoff. I think you were -- Commissioner Sarnoff I think I've covered his salary. I've covered his deferred compensation. I've covered his sick time. I've covered no severance and Commissioner Suarez has cleared that. I said that he should get family health insurance from the CRA, and I have equally put a cell phone allowance of $150 a month and Commissioner Suarez has equally -- and I accept the fact he does not get a car allowance. Commissioner Carollo: There's -- Chair Dunn: Go right ahead. Commissioner Carollo: -- some item -- I'm sorry. Chair Dunn: That's okay. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman -- some items that were not addressed in your motion; holidays, life insurance. Commissioner Sarnoff Oh, you're right. I'm sorry. And I would include life insurance of $100, 000 a year, a term policy. Vice Chair Suarez: And use it or lose it on the holidays, which would be no more than, I think, what, two weeks? Chair Dunn: Fourteen. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Yeah, use it or lose it, correct. Commissioner Carollo: On vacation, 14 days, use it or lose it; holidays -- I don't know what's the normal. I think it's like 11 days. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir, it's 11 days. I'm sorry. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And no severance, and he's an at -will employee. That's your motion? Commissioner Sarnoff. Correct, yes. Ms. Bru: Mr. Chairman, ifI may. Chair Dunn: Yes. Ms. Bru: Just because, you know, we've had these issues come up before. We have a litigation with a former City attorney. You did use the word 12-month term, so you're using -- you're giving him a term which implies that he has the right to continue to work for 12 months. So I would like some clarification on that. Commissioner Sarnoff.- All right. Let me withdraw the term. We will change his salary as we deem fit. Let me withdraw in the motion the term of 12 months. He's an at -will employee, and should this Commission ever decide to change the terms and conditions of his employment, it'll be done by resolution. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman -- Chair Dunn: Yes. Vice Chair Suarez: -- ifI may. And then I think I would add that, you know, we will readdress his salary a year from today. In other words, he's at this salary package and with -- given all the other factors, he's at will, and then his salary will be readdressed next year at this time, as we do normally. Chair Dunn: Okay, there's a motion -- Jamil Fraser (Staff Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): Mr. Chair, before you -- ifI may. Jamil Fraser -- Chair Dunn: State your name. Go ahead. Mr. Fraser: -- CRA staff counsel. Just to clarifir what you guys are -- what the Commission is City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 going to be doing at this moment, you mentioned that the annual salary will be $108,240, but what you'll be doing right now would only be Overtown's share, which will equal half, so the amount will be $54,120. And for drafting purposes, I'd like to just make sure, he will get the 11 paid holi -- 11 holidays paid. He'll get 14 days vacation. Is that correct? He'll get 7 days sick days? Commissioner Sarnoff Why don't you just read the record? Mr. Fraser: I'm sorry? Commissioner Sarnoff I mean, why not just read the record. Mr. Fraser: Sure, no problem. Ms. Bru: You know, I hate to interrupt when someone's speaking, but I don't think that that makes sense. I think there should be a resolution just setting forth the emoluments and salary of the executive director who has been previously already appointed, and then you can divvy it up in the budget. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Right. Ms. Bru: But there should be one resolution with the entire terms and conditions of this employment. Commissioner Sarnoff To be equally shared by each CRA. Ms. Bru: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. And correct me if I'm wrong, but when we approve the budget, it's all in one package, correct? It's all in one amount? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Chair Dunn: Okay. There's a motion on the floor by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: I'll second but continue discussion. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: The -- at one time, at the -- you were not here, but at the -- there was intent to approve some revenues that were going to be going to the Commissioners' office, which I voted against it. That's not in this budget, is it? Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I have -- the budget that is before you, I have removed that from that budget -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: -- only because that item has not been closed out; it is still open. But since there's no action, I have removed that from the budget. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Any other --? Okay, there's a motion by -- Ms. Bru: I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. Before you finalize the vote on this resolution, which is going to City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 memorialize the terms and conditions, salary, emoluments, I think we need to rat whatever it was that he was being paid since his appointment in July -- July 22. 'Cause he was appointed July 22, but there was no discussion as to specifically what the salary and emoluments were going to be. And I think he continued to get paid based on what he was getting paid in the City, but there was also some enhancement based on the new duties and responsibility and based on the past practice of being paid what the prior executive director was getting. So in order to make sure that the financial officer has, you know, the proper authorization, that should just be ratified at this time. Chair Dunn: So, Madam Attorney, that needs to go first, you're saying? Ms. Bru: Well, no. Just part of this resolution can be also rating -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Ms. Bru: -- you know, the compensation from July -- Commissioner Gort: Retroactive. Ms. Bru: -- 22. Chair Dunn: Would the maker of the motion -- Commissioner Sarnoff Well -- Commissioner Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) retroactive. Commissioner Sarnoff -- yeah, I'll -- Chair Dunn: -- and the seconder? Commissioner Sarnoff -- include that he should be paid his 73 thou -- whatever that was before. Whatever he was making from the City should be -- he's not going to get a bump up for the time that he was doing this. Ms. Bru: Well, I think the financial officer needs to address it then 'cause apparently, you know, that -- Mr. Valentin: Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. Commissioner Sarnoff, Pieter Bockweg has been making the amount -- he's being paid at 74,000 salary rate from the City, and then the CRA was paying the spread between 74,000 to 123, 049. In total, he's being compensated at a rate 123,000 rate -- salary rate. The -- still, I don't have the authorization to do so. We were intending to rat this at the last board meeting. It was deferred, the item, and still this is hanging in there and we need to rat that expenditure. Commissioner Sarnoff Well, I'm not going to ratify it. Ms. Bru: Mr. -- Chair Dunn: So now -- let me -- so I can get clarification. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair? Chair Dunn: Yes. City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: If I may, can we vote then on his package now and then go back and -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- address what occurred and what should have happened and not happened and so forth? Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: You know and take it by steps. Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Just a suggestion. Ms. Bru: Let me suggest something because if you're not going to rat fy any additional monies that have been paid, then you might want to consider when you adopt this resolution memorializing this package then to make it retroactive to the date when he first assumed those duties back in July. In that way, that is the only amount of money -- Commissioner Sarnoff. And then he'll get readjusted. Ms. Bru: -- that's being authorized. Mr. Valentin: And let me -- Ms. Bru: And they'll have to reconcile that. Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Whatever difference, he needs to reimburse the CRA. Commissioner Sarnoff Right. So let me amend my motion to retroactive to the date of his appointment. Chair Dunn: Is the seconder in agreement with that? Commissioner Gort: There's a motion? Second. Chair Dunn: Yeah. You already -- in agreement with the amendment? Commissioner Gort: Yes. Chair Dunn: Yes. Okay, there's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gort. Are there any questions? All in favor, let us hear by saying Bye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Okay, now we -- Mr. Bockweg: Thank you, Commissioners. Chair Dunn: Go ahead. Mr. Bockweg: Thank you very much. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: We still need to continue discussing the budget. Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Commissioner Carollo: And I think we should continue with the salaries. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: Question. I see here CRA legal counsel, $60,000. It was my understanding that we have an assistant City attorney that is either on loan or -- how -- could you explain that to me? Mr. Bockweg: Sure. We have -- our legal counsel is the City Attorneys office. They are our main legal counsel. We do not pay for our legal counsel -- the City Attorney's office. We do not pay her salary. She's just a regular City employee that is assigned to the CRA. We have a legal in-house counsel, which is Jamil, who handles most of the legal items within the CRA, agenda preparation, contracts, et cetera. We also have an outside counsel who specializes in complex real estate issues or deals that the CRA does. The outside counsel does not have a retainer. He is not on retainer. He is paid on an hourly basis at a rate of 295 only as needed so he's only paid as needed and he does not have a retainer, and that rate is 295. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And so I would imagine the 60,000 is for the gentleman here next to you? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: And at the same time, we use the assistant City attorney to --? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: Couldn't he do her job also? Mr. Bockweg: Well, it's my understanding that the resources available to me from the City Attorney's office are vast than what we have currently the capability in-house. And to tell you the truth, Commissioner, we would not -- one legal counsel would not be able to absorb all that work. Commissioner Carollo: We approved your salary. I see the reductions of the other executive directors. I don't know how this board feels as far as any reductions to any of the other employees, and I'm just throwing it out there to see what's the will of this board. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Dunn: I believe the executive director proffered a proposal that dealt with the top five employees, and I -- if we could entertain that at this time. Mr. Bockweg: Well, what I was trying to do, Commissioner, is heeding to your concerns and thoughts you raised in a briefing and the board meeting about that 8 percent recoup. I -- we took it upon ourselves to come up with a way to recoup that 8 percent increase that was provided in July budget to minimize the effect of the staff, particularly those that were paying a lower salary. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 So we took it upon ourselves to take that responsibility for those that were paying the higher salary and the newest members of the staff. Commissioner Carollo: Right. So it's my understanding that you're at the exact same level as last year? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: Or the exact same amount. Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: And I'd like to hear from my colleagues. Does anyone have an issue with that or should --? You know, 'cause it seems like all around everyone has cut their salaries. So I just -- I would like to hear from my colleagues, if possible. Chair Dunn: If I may. I was -- I thought you said it was -- wasn't it a 8 percent difference from last year or that's --? Mr. Bockweg: In 2010 budget, the total regular salaries was 800,900 -- 894,510. That was in the 2010 budget. In the 2011 budget that was approved in July, that number was increased by 8 percent, again, due to the anticipated new hires of my predecessor. To heed to the concerns of what I heard during my briefings with all the Commissioners and what was occurred during the board meeting, I wanted to recoup that 8 percent to make sure that that number goes back down to 894,510 because the budget -- in the budget that was approved in 2011 in July, the number was 966,135. Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Sarnoff I think what the Vice Chair is saying -- and I think he's just being very clear about it. He's saying, look, any employee in the City that made $120, 000 or more took a 12 percent cut; any employee that made 75 to 120 took a 9 percent cut; any employee that made 55 to 75,000 took a 7 percent cut; and I think we cut it off at 40,000 to 55,000, and that was a 5 percent cut. And what he's saying is I don't see you going down the list all the way to get those kind of cuts and he's trying to get some justification to why we're treating the CRA different than the City. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioners, the only reason why what I proposed before you is focused on those five people is because the focus of what my understanding was, speaking to the Commissioners in the briefings, was focus on that 8 percent. Now there's not -- that does not mean that I cannot make more room for cuts here 'cause there is obviously room. I also have a budget proposal here and one of the options is -- that has that reduction of all the employees, but I wanted to make sure that at least, at a minimum, came up to at 8 percent cut so that I am the same in the 2010 as 2011 budget. Chair Dunn: Mr. Bockweg, I believe what my colleagues are saying is that we just need to be consistent across-the-board. In that way, we won't have any problems. Commissioner Sarnoff- I mean, is there --? Commissioner Gort: Let me -- Chair Sarnoff I'll yield. I've said what I have to say. City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: -- ask a question. My understanding is the reason it went up to 966 'cause you're going to have some additional employees. Do you still have --? Chair Dunn: No. The former director. Mr. Bockweg: Right. The nine hundred -- Commissioner Gort: No. I understand. Mr. Bockweg: -- the reason -- right. Commissioner Gort: The former director. Mr. Bockweg: Was anticipating two new hires. Commissioner Gort: Are we going to still have those two new hires? Mr. Bockweg: No. Commissioner Gort: We're not? Mr. Bockweg: No, but I did hire two new people when I became executive director of the CRA. Commissioner Gort: So there is an increase in employer [sic]. Chair Dunn: Yeah. Mr. Bockweg: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, there is. Commissioner Gort: All right. Mr. Bockweg: There are two new hires that was anticipated by the previous director. Commissioner Gort: That answered my question. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Now it's been bought [sic] to my attention and just need to be clear on this. Did the same principle that we're talking about applying occur with the DDA (Downtown Development Authority)? If it did not, then we need to not do this with the CRA. So I -- if it occurred with the DDA, let's do it. If it didn't occur with the CRA [sic] and yet we're within, equal to, or lower than last year's budget, I think that's only fair. But if it did not occur with the DDA, then I don't think we should do it with the CRA. So I just need -- can someone answer that question for me? Commissioner Sarnoff Yeah, I can. The DDA did reduce its budget by a like amount. It did not do it on an across-the-board basis. Chair Dunn: Well, there we have it. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I could tell you -- well, I could tell you -- 'cause what we did was we let people go. We actually diminished our staff. What I could tell you, the distinction between the City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 CRA and the DDA is the DDA pays over and above and does not take any taxes away from the City of Miami. So what they're doing is taxing themselves over and above, so it's a little bit of a distinction with a difference. We met the 12 percent reduction by reducing staff. Chair Dunn: So, Commissioner Sarnoff, last year's budget with the DDA was 12 percent less than this year's? Commissioner Sarnoff. By a different mechanism -- Chair Dunn: But you still achieved that? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Right. Mr. Valentin: May I? I just -- I wanted to put something on record. And in fairness, most of the CRA employees, except for myself -- I got a raise two month before Mr. Villacorta left. But most of them, they haven't got a raise in the last three years, just to put it on record. Whatever savings we are going to be generating by implementing your policy, they are going to go to the budget reserve, basically, available for next year. This is what I wanted to tell. I think that people that they haven't got a raise in the last four years -- three years, it will be -- and also we have -- we are not entitled to any cost of living increase, and we don't have the same benefits that the City of Miami employees enjoy, but I understand whatever decision you need to make. I just -- I wanted to put it on record. Chair Dunn: Let me just say -- as long as we're fair and equitable, that's all I want. So I just want to say that on the record so -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. Chair Dunn: I said as long as we're fair and equitable across-the-board because that's what we want. But I think those -- Mr. Valentin: And -- Chair Dunn: -- comments that were mentioned need to be factored into our decision -making. I don't care what -- I just want us to be fair and equitable across-the-board. Mr. Valentin: And Commissioner, also we don't have the same budget issues that other entities might have. We're operating at 2 percent -- we're entitled to use 20 percent of the TIF (Tax Increment Func) revenue that we're receiving and we're using 2 percent for Omni and 3 percent for Overtown. We have been very frugal since I've been here -- that I was hired in 2003. And I understand the situation that you are in, but I just -- I wanted to put it on record in order to support my coworkers here. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Yes. Go right ahead, Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: With that said, let's just put it out there. Okay, has the program administrator -- is the program administrator one of those persons that has -- that did not receive a -- Mr. Valentin: No. She got a raise. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. How about the CRA legal counsel? City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: He got -- he was promoted. He was acting as assistant legal counsel and now he became the CRA legal counsel. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, we'll get back to him. And then you said you received a raise. Mr. Valentin: Yeah. I was making 91,000 two month before Mr. Villacorta left. Commissioner Carollo: And now you're making 95. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And the reason why I point out those three people because those sort of out -- right, outside of the executives and the ones that took the cut, those are the three highest paid. Everyone else is 30 -- I'm just going to say it out there -- 33,000, 44,000, 40,000, 35,000. So you know what, I think it's fair just to leave those four people out and let's talk about the program administrator at 77, the CRA legal counsel at 60, and then you at 95, which, from what you've told me, all three have received a raise, except for the legal counsel that actually got promoted. Mr. Valentin: Yeah, but also we -- in the CRA, we don't -- we are not implementing annual raises -- salary raises every year. That is not happening. And also, I incorporated a chart that was explaining the salary increases that we -- that the executive director was giving out to the employees. Commissioner Carollo: Well, those annual raises I don't think are being implemented in the City either. Mr. Valentin: No. Yeah, I understand that. I understand that. Commissioner Carollo: Well, the -- Commissioner Sarnoff -- Chair Dunn: Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Carollo: -- borrowed my calculator so I'm letting him go -- no. Go at it. Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff No. I -- Commissioner Carollo: What do you think? Commissioner Sarnoff. -- was going to recommend -- first off, I was going to recommend -- obviously, if we're doing what the City did, we shouldn't touch anybody below the financial officer, just on our list here. That's plainly obvious. The question now is what do we do with the program administrator, what do we do with legal counsel, and what do we do with financial officer. And I think what everybody is suggesting is we want to all somehow be a part of the process. We all want to have some reduction and, you know, if they were willing to give back their salary increases, to go back to the original 91, that would be acceptable to me. If legal counsel were willing to take a -- that's tough. I don't know how to do him. And you said the program administrator just received a raise? Mr. Valentin: Well, basically, she -- now somebody remind me -- was promoted. It was a promotion. Chair Sarnoff So that's a promotion. All right. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: It wasn't a salary increase, per se. Commissioner Sarnoff So yours -- Mr. Valentin: In my case was a salary increase. He gave me a raise. Commissioner Sarnoff. So you'd be taking about a 6 percent reduction -- Mr. Valentin: In my case -- well, yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff: -- if you went back to your 91,000. Mr. Valentin: If you decide that, I need to adhere to that. As I said, we are going to be putting those savings in the budget reserve, but it's okay. Commissioner Carollo: But that could be going to future projects. I mean it's -- Mr. Bockweg: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- not like you're banking them and they're going to go away. That could be going to future projects -- Mr. Valentin: It might -- Commissioner Carollo: -- to eliminate slum and blight. Mr. Valentin: Well, I think what I'm going to be doing with that budget -- well, I'm able to follow your lead in that, but basically that budget reserve might be used for the next fiscal year for administration as a carryover fund balance. Commissioner Carollo: Well, you're carrying over 900,000 for this year so -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. No. Because in the past, since 2005, we have been very frugal. Basically, both CRAs has been spending no more than 1.4 million for administration. Commissioner Carollo: Well, there's different ways of looking at that. Either you've been real frugal or you actually budgeted too much money for administration. Mr. Valentin: Well -- but what happened is when Mr. Villacorta was here, all the time he was contemplating hiring more people, but -- well, he didn't hire the people that he -- that we were anticipating upon budget preparation. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioners, also keep in mind that there are also car allowances and phone allowance -- Mr. Valentin: I don't have car allowance. Commissioner Carollo: Right. But there are also car allowances and phone allowances attached to some of these salaries, correct? Mr. Valentin: Yeah. In my case, I -- Commissioner Carollo: Where I think we're going to have to discuss also. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Chair Dunn: As I stated before, fair and equitable so -- Mr. Valentin: -- am taking a cell phone allowance, $100 every month, and my salary and the 401k--401a. Commissioner Carollo: Right. So just when you're contemplating now the salary, Commissioner Sarnoff, I just want to, you know, also remind everybody that there are car allowances and so forth and I'm sure we'll get to that. By the way -- Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- do you have fuel expense? Mr. Valentin: I'm sorry. Say that again. Commissioner Carollo: Fuel expense in the CRA. Mr. Valentin: Well, for the pickup truck that we own. We own two pickup trucks. Commissioner Carollo: Why does the CRA need a pickup truck? Mr. Valentin: Well, I think -- Commissioner Carollo: It seems like people have car allowances. Mr. Valentin: -- the people that are using those pickup trucks, they don't have car allowance, especially Mr. Mark Spanioli. He doesn't have a car allowance and -- Mark Spanioli: Good evening, Commissioners. Mark Spanioli. The cars -- the trucks that we own are not take-home vehicles. The vehicles are used within the CRA areas. We have a project inspector and myself. We have numerous site visits that happen throughout the week and none of the vehicles are take-home vehicles. They're strictly used for CRA business during CRA business hours. Commissioner Carollo: And could you explain a little bit more about those site visits? What are those site visits? Mr. Spanioli: As you're aware, we have numerous capital improvement projects, roadway projects, property that we own, buildings that we maintain, and they require us to be on -site at numerous times during the week. Commissioner Carollo: I'm just curious. I've seen the CIP (Capital Improvements Program) director for the City drive her own car here and there so -- she may have an allowance but -- okay. Just -- I see that there's car allowances and so forth, and then at the same time we just purchased a pickup truck sometime in the last fiscal year of the CRA. And then I see fuel expenses, and I'm saying, you know, hey, is it one or the other or both? And it seems to me like there's both so that's why I'm bringing it up. Mr. Valentin: Well, the car allowances, it just started with the new employees. Basically, the only one that was entitled to a car allowance was the assistant director for Overtown is the only car allowance that we were having. Commissioner Carollo: So it's something brand-new. Mr. Valentin: Yeah. City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: I don't know. I suggest then it'll be easy to eliminate. Anyhow, I was just -- I'm sure we'll get to that, but, you know, I'm just -- when you're considering the budget. Commissioner Sarnoff Yeah. But here's my -- Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry, the salaries. Commissioner Sarnoff.- No. Let me do my suggestion. My suggestion is the financial officer go back to his $91, 000; CRA legal counsel take a 3 percent reduction because if you try to factor in that he doesn't get the same emoluments that a City employee; and the program administrator take a 4 percent reduction. Commissioner Carollo: And I'm sorry, the program administrator? Commissioner Sarnoff- Program administrator would take a 4 percent -- Commissioner Gort: Four percent. Commissioner Sarnoff- -- reduction. Commissioner Carollo: And I'll round off. I have -- and I just did it quickly, so I'm going to have to recheck my numbers. Program administrator would then earn 74,618, and I rounded up, okay, so it's 618 rounded up. CRA legal counsel would then be at 58,200, and the financial officer will be at 91. And now we're going to have to recalculate this in order to have the total salaries for our budget -- for our -- Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, the reductions that you're proposing, when are you anticipating for those to take into effect, immediately, November 1, next pay period? Commissioner Sarnoff- Prospective. Mr. Valentin: I'm assuming October 1 forward, right, Commissioner? Commissioner Sarnoff- No, no, prospective. Commissioner Carollo: I -- Mr. Valentin: Prospectively. Commissioner Carollo: -- actually think it should be October 1 forward -- Mr. Valentin: Oh, forward. Commissioner Carollo: -- since we're talking the 2011 budget. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Okay. Mr. Bockweg: So it's -- you're going -- Commissioner Carollo: I mean, we're talking the 2011 budget. I think it should be from October 1 forward. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: So where are we at? Chair Dunn: So is --? Commissioner Sarnoff He's doing the math. Chair Dunn: Oh, he's doing the math, okay. Commissioner Sarnoff. He's not dawdling. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: And I did this quickly, but it seems to me then the total salaries should be 885, 601. Okay, so the difference should be -- the total salaries should now be 885, 601. And again, I did the numbers quickly, but pretty comfortable. Question. Other salaries, special projects. It might be a part-timer? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: Could you just elaborate a little bit on that? Mr. Bockweg: She is a special -- one of our duties is special events. She helps coordinate special events. She's very helpful with assisting the grant programs that we fund, in organization, organizing Folklife Friday, making sure graduations happen. She is restricted to 35 hours a day and she helps -- Commissioner Carollo: Thirty-five hours a week you mean. Mr. Bockweg: Thirty-five hours, I'm sorry, a week. That is her restriction, and I have to tell you, she's extremely helpful in her duties to the CRA. Commissioner Carollo: And $52, 000 though, as a part-timer. Mr. Valentin: Well, this is the maximum that she's going to be entitled to. She's entitled to work up to 60 hours every two weeks, and I think her hourly rate is like $35 an hour. But she's -- you know, we are paying her if we need her. She doesn't need to work the 60 hours every two weeks. Commissioner Carollo: But she's making $35 an hour? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: The thing is that we're budgeting her for 52,000 and I can see why, but I don't understand why we need a part-timer making 54 -- 52,000, I'm sorry. Mr. Valentin: She's been with us since 1999, if I'm not mistaken. Commissioner Carollo: Again, I don't know how the rest of my colleagues feel. I don't know if you want to cap it at an amount or not or -- Vice Chair Suarez: May I? What have [sic] she been traditionally costing the CRA? Mr. Valentin: Well, she's been making -- as Commissioner Carollo computed, she's making $35 an hour. Vice Chair Suarez: What has been her budgeted amount? I mean, what has been her actual City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 amount the last --? You said she's been working for several years. What has been her actual amount? I know you're budgeting on that. Mr. Valentin: Well, every two weeks she's making up to 2,100. Vice Chair Suarez: But for 2000 -- Mr. Valentin: No, for -- in 1998, I don't know how much she was making. I know that she has been at the same hourly rate since, I will say, since Frank Rollason was acting as the executive director. Vice Chair Suarez: But what I'm asking you is what was her actual last budget year? Mr. Valentin: I think it was the same amount, 52,000. Vice Chair Suarez: So -- Mr. Valentin: Yes. Vice Chair Suarez: -- you budgeted and that's what you used is what you're saying? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Mr. -- Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: I think her salary for the last year, if I'm looking at this correct, was about $43, 000. Does that sound correct or did she reach the 52? I'm going from what you provided. And it seems to me like -- I'm looking at other salaries and wages and I see 42,971. Mr. Valentin: This is the salary that she has earned in fiscal year 2010. Commissioner Carollo: Right. So she made last year 43,000. Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Vice Chair Suarez: So that's what we should reduce it to at the very minimum -- at the very most, I would say. Commissioner Carollo: Cap it? Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: I don't have a problem with that. Commissioner Sarnoff.- What's the number, 40 --? Commissioner Gort: What suggestion, cap it at what? Commissioner Carollo: Let's cap it at 43,000. She was at 42,971, so let's cap it at 43. So in other words, if you look at your -- I don't know how to ex -- say this sheet or so forth, and I don't know which sheet you have, but if you look at your other salaries -- it says the approved 2011, but that's not what we're doing. But anyways, if you look at the expenditures under other salaries, it shows 52. It should be 43 then. And Madam City Clerk, since we ultimately -- it City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 seems to me we will be approving some type of budget, how should we do it? We're going line items and pointing some of these out and seeing what we're -- what we want the budget to be. How should we do it? Should we just discuss it, state it like we just did? In other words, other salaries, a maximum of -- or budgeted for 43,000, and then someone make a motion and incorporate everything that we said or how -- ? What do you recommend? Ms. Thompson: Okay. Going back -- Chair Dunn: Go right ahead. Ms. Thompson: -- to my original statement when I was asking for clarity because we were commingling actions, all right, so what we have in front of us is a CRA discussion item. What is happening is as a result of the discussion item, you're making motions, all right, you're taking actions that we will then ident fy as resolutions, all right? Just follow with me. According to my records, you already have approved the CRA SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) budget July 22. You're on a discussion item, so I would think that whatever action you take, if you want to go line item by line item or advise the director of what you want changed, then they will incorporate that information in another resolution, which would then call for the amending, unless the City Attorney says that resolution has to be rescinded, okay, or -- then amending that previous resolution that was adopted July 2 [sic] to incorporate all the changes that you're making at this meeting today so the end result will be that the CRA has its approved adopted budget for 2011. So having said that, I'll go back and say this. If -- you decide whether or not you want to go line item for line item and give the amounts, or just say on this line item this amount, that line item that amount. But whatever you tell them to do, it has to be memorialized in a resolution. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So I could maybe take a shot at this. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Sarnoff, go ahead. Commissioner Sarnoff I move that the Southeast Overtown/Park West page 5, general operations budget, with regard to salaries, be amended as follows, effective October 1, 2010, that the reductions as stated are maintained with the exception of the program administrator, which shall be reduced from $77, 727 to $74,618; with the exception of the CRA legal counsel, reduction of $60,000 to $58,200; the exception of the financial officer, who was at $95,000 be reduced to $91,000; with the exception -- with the inclusion of the part-timer, special projects part-timer from $52, 000 to $43, 000; and the rest of the budget would be adopted as printed by the director of the Omni -- of the Southeast Overtown/Park CRA. And I will go on the record in saying I will make the same motion -- or ask somebody to make the same motion for the Omni. Chair Dunn: There's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there a second? Commissioner Carollo: My problem with it that you want to approve the rest of the budget, and there's still -- I still want to go over the rest of the budget. Commissioner Sarnoff Okay. Commissioner Carollo: So I agree with your motion on the salaries and on the other salaries, but the rest of the budget I think we still need to discuss. Commissioner Sarnoff Fair enough. Mr. Bockweg: And also for clarification, Commissioner, Mr. Chair, that in the -- in what you have in front of you here, a car allowance is contemplated for me, so that would have to be amended as well and taken out. City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Which we'll get there, and that's why I said that. Commissioner Sarnoff I didn't know that. Thank you. Ms. Thompson: So that -- if I may ask, Chair? Chair Dunn: Go right ahead. Ms. Thompson: The motion has been proffered by Vice Chair [sic] Sarnoff. We started off with a motion on a certain portion. There is no seconder. So is it your intent -- Commissioner Sarnoff- I recommend somebody second it and we'll add to it. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff And now we can build from there. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And your motion is, once again, for the salaries and then the other salaries. Commissioner Sarnoff. Correct. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, and then we could -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- We should build on that. Now you -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff- -- should be -- you should go. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Then if I might -- and I apologize. Understand, as you're building on it, you're making amendments -- Commissioner Sarnoff- Amendments. Ms. Thompson: -- to your motions on the floor, so is that what you want to do? Commissioner Sarnoff. I think he wants to talk. Chair Dunn: I want to find out -- Commissioner Sarnoff I think what he wants to do is talk -- Ms. Thompson: Right. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- and then he'll build an amendment to it. Commissioner Gort: Right. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. We have a motion on the floor for salaries and other salaries. And ifI understand correctly, Commissioner Sarnoff withdrew the rest of it, which was to approve the rest of the budget. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Correct. Commissioner Carollo: So the other thing that we -- his motion is on the salary and other salaries. I second that for the salaries and other salaries. We will now continue discussing and possibly add to his motion. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Fair enough. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Chair Dunn: Before we do that -- Commissioner Gort: So there's a standing motion, and what we're going to do -- Chair Dunn: Yeah. We got to vote. Commissioner Gort: -- we're not going to pass it, we're not going to move on it. We're going to keep adding to this motion. Commissioner Carollo: Until we finish at the end, and then we'll take the vote. Commissioner Gort: And then we put it all together. Commissioner Carollo: And we'll take the vote. Chair Dunn: But I would ask my colleagues again, percentage wise, let's make sure that we're fair and equitable. That's all I'm -- we dealt with the salaries, I think. That was the -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. Chair Dunn: -- main issue -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. Chair Dunn: -- that was a concern of everyone, so we don't want to start going into other areas if we've already met that -- Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Chair Dunn: You understand what I'm saying, right? Commissioner Carollo: I understand what you're saying, but -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- okay, let me be a little -- Chair Dunn: 'Cause at some point -- I mean, I think the issue, Commissioner Carollo, is that the salaries be -- that we show fair and equal treatment as it relates to the employees. City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: And I think we've done that, but there's other areas. And I'll be a little bit more specific. Other contractual -- other current charge. What are other current charges, you know? And I want to see -- I mean, realistically, is it meals? I mean, is it food for meetings? 'Cause if not, we're being shortchanged 'cause I haven't seen anyone bringing any sandwiches or anything. Chair Dunn: Well, we haven't had any meals since I've been the chair. Mr. Bockweg: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, but we're -- Chair Dunn: Okay, okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- well, we're allocating $11,500 for that. So -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- like I said, I think -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- we need to start going line item by line item and seeing, you know, exactly what are we approving -- Chair Dunn: Okay, all right. Commissioner Carollo: -- and that's my point. As far as salaries, I think salaries have been set. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: You know, I think salaries have been set and I think we just need to move on. I mean, obviously, with the consensus of my colleagues. With that said, I'm not going to do the calculation, but FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes should go down 'cause if salaries go down -- Chair Dunn: Oh, yes, yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- FICA taxes will go down. Chair Dunn: Yes. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: And I'm not going to calculate it, you know. I'm sure -- now life and health insurance. Life and health insurance. This is where, again, I think we should be fair. What is the health insurance of the CRA as compared to the City? And I know that's hard to calculate, I mean, apples and oranges, but at the same time, it lists $105, 000. So just, you know, what is --? Mr. Valentin: I will say at large that the City's health insurance is by far a lot better. Commissioner Carollo: Have you seen the new --? I mean, we're not talking when Villacorta was -- City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, have you seen the new policy? Mr. Valentin: Well, I think that still the -- including myself, I'm not taking the CRA health insurance because I consider that it doesn't cover too much. Commissioner Carollo: And I'm sorry, just a question. Have you seen the -- have you reviewed the new City of Miami health insurance policy? Mr. Valentin: To be honest with you, no. Commissioner Carollo: No, you haven't. So realistically you couldn't answer the question. Okay, and that's all I ask -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- for you to be straight forward with us. I don't want -- Mr. Bockweg, it seemed like you wanted to say something. Mr. Bockweg: No, no, no. I -- from my -- and again, I'm now -- now that my compensation has been approved, switching over to the CRA health insurance. From looking back -- I'm sorry, Commissioner. Vice Chair Suarez: I was going to say, Mr. Chairman, ifI can interrupt, that maybe what we could do is, to simplify things a little bit, to say that the plan can be no richer than the plan that was -- that is basically what the City -- the employees of the City of Miami are now faced with. Mr. Bockweg: Okay. Commissioner Gort: It might go up. Mr. Valentin: To be honest with you, I am not so acquainted with the health insurance coverage, but I am telling you I think that it's not as good as the one that the City's employee have. Commissioner Carollo: The thing is I don't know how you could actually, especially right now, put a number to it. Let's say -- you know, I think there needs to be some due diligence before we change something like that. And again, I brought it up, but I don't know if -- and I definitely don't want to just start throwing numbers up there. Like if there was a change, is there really a savings or not? What's the savings? And again, I just -- I always try to err on the side of you know, conservatism, and the truth of the matter is, I just hate to just start throwing numbers up there. So I don't know what the difference would really be should there be a change or so forth. I haven't been able to compare apples to apples and so forth and, you know, I couldn't tell you, but I thought it would bring it up. Commissioner Gort: Let me ask a question. My understanding these items be very difficult to bring up today and have the numbers. Also my understanding -- and tell me if I'm wrong -- that we can always amend this budget. We can always bring it back and amend it. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: Let me -- if you may -- ifI may, Commissioners, just to clam two issues so that we're clear. The way the budget process works -- and this was something that was, you know, new to me, so I wanted to at least clar it. The CRA budget is approved in July based on City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 estimates. Those are not actual [sic]. They're based on estimates for projections because we need to approve our budget prior to the City doing theirs. There is no meeting in August, of course, so that's why we do ours in July. We need to have our -- well, we don't need to, but the custom is that the CRA budget is then accepted by the CRA -- by the City Commission. We don't get the actual numbers until the end of October, beginning November from the County, and then the practice is that we then come back in January to make the amendment with the actual [sic] for that year's budget. Commissioner Carollo: Question, Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Go right ahead. Commissioner Carollo: Now that's on the revenue side, right? Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Commissioner Carollo: What does that have to do with the expenses and what we're doing right now? Mr. Valentin: Well, answering Commissioner Gort and your concern too, this budget is going to be presented again to the CRA board for approval. Commissioner Carollo: Right, but the purpose is for -- to get the actuals [sic] of TIF revenues. Mr. Valentin: Exactly, and the -- Commissioner Carollo: So it's -- Mr. Valentin: -- audited carryover fund balance. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so it's the audited carryover fund balance and the TIF revenues. It has nothing to do with the expenses. I mean, we could always adjust, but realistically, it has nothing to do with what we're doing right now so I don't know why we're commingling this now and bringing that up. Mr. Valentin: I think what he -- Commissioner Gort: The reason -- excuse me -- I brought it up because we were talking about the health insurance, if they should adapt to one of the same thing -- the benefit that the City has or keep theirs. We won't know the difference here today, so if there's a difference later on -- Mr. Valentin: Exactly, in January. Commissioner Gort: -- we can amendment [sic] later on. Commissioner Carollo: Right, and we could do that at any time is my understanding. Now what the executive director was speaking about is something that, yes, it's done in the CRA, but it has nothing to do with the expense part. It has to do with the revenues. You know, we estimate how much TIF revenues we're receiving now and then once we get the actual [sic], that's when, you know, we make the adjustment. However, that's on the other side. That's not on the expenses, which is what we're doing right now. We're seeing exactly what -- Mr. Valentin: I'm sorry, Commissioner Carollo. At least for the general operating budget, the expenditures, we don't have that problem. City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Right. Mr. Valentin: When we are addressing the special revenue budget, then the expenditures section might change. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, fair enough. Chair Dunn: In the -- so -- is there --? I mean, are we going to take the lead of Commissioner Gort? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Can I make a recommendation? Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Commissioner Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff. Why don't in 30 days you come back with a comparison of the City of Miami's health insurance policy and the CRA's health insurance policy on a line -by-line item. We can take a look at it. If we need to amend something, we'll amend something. But you're right, no one knows right now as we're sitting here what they are, and it's not like our feet to the fire. We can amend this in 30 days. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion to that effect? Mr. Bockweg: IfI may, Mr. Chairman. I apologize. Chair Dunn: Yes. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, one of the things that I did was, when I was appointed, I did want to know the difference between the City's health insurance plan and the CRA's. We have requested that information and we will do it again. We, as of yet, have not received that information, but we will do it again to make sure that we can come back in 30 days. But I just wanted to make sure that you know that I have already tried to find out the differences and see which one would best benefit the CRA staff. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Yes. Go right ahead, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Fringe benefits. What's included in fringe benefits? Mr. Valentin: The car allowances as well as the cell phone allowances. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so -- and we approved the cell phone for the executive director, which I believe was -- Mr. Valentin: One hundred fifty. Mr. Bockweg: One fifty. Mr. Valentin: Every month. Commissioner Carollo: Right, $1,800. But we have budgeted in fringe benefits 9,600. Mr. Valentin: Yeah, because remember, the budget that we -- that you approved in July, it wasn't contemplating the fact that Mr. Bockweg was going to be hired and the other two new staff members. As part of the compensation package that -- City of Miami Page 51 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Question. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Capital project manager -- the capital project manager, I see here $900. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: What --? Mr. Valentin: No, it's $900 for the year. I think it will be $75 every month. Commissioner Carollo: For? Mr. Valentin: For cell phone allowance. Commissioner Carollo: Cell phone allowance. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: In other words, what you're saying, fringe benefits is going to be dropping 'cause that was the projection for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) they had that -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, that -- Commissioner Gort: -- with their new numbers, it'll be dropping. Commissioner Carollo: In other words -- yeah. That's -- Commissioner Gort: With the reduction. Commissioner Carollo: -- where I'm getting at, Commissioner Gort. I think fringe benefits should be dropping from 9,600 to possibly 1,800 or whatever the will of this board is, but yes, that's ultimately what I'm getting to. I think fringe benefits should go down. Mr. Valentin: Do you want me to --? Which items will you like me to eliminate? Commissioner Carollo: Well, whatever is the will of this Commission or this board, but I am seeing -- and I lost my place going back -- so let me go back to it. Okay, it seems to me we have $3, 600, and I don't know what it's for. It doesn't say what it is. But I can tell you the amounts; 3,600, 1,200, 1,200, 1,200, 300, 1,200, and900. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, the $3, 600 is the car allowance for the Southeast Overtown/Park West assistant director. The $1,200 amounts that you are referring to are the cell phone allowances. Vice Chair Suarez: May I? You said before on the record that there were no car allowances before, correct? Mr. Bockweg: No. I -- Commissioner, I did not -- Miguel had mentioned that prior to -- I believe what he meant to say was prior to me being appointed -- Vice Chair Suarez: Right. City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: -- there was only one person who had a car allowance. Vice Chair Suarez: Which was? Mr. Bockweg: Which was the assistant director for Southeast Overtown/Park West. Vice Chair Suarez: And your car allowance is being eliminated? Mr. Bockweg: I -- yes. I do not have a car allowance. Currently now, after I was appointed, there are two more people that have -- that are budgeted here for a car allowance. That is the assistant director for Overtown -- Mr. Valentin: No. Mr. Bockweg: I'm sorry, for Omni, and the media director. Vice Chair Suarez: So why do they have car allowances if you don't have a car allowance? Mr. Bockweg: It was the will of the Commission not to give me a car allowance. Commissioner Sarnoff Well, if we -- sorry -- didn't give you one, do you think we're going to give them one? Mr. Bockweg: The car allowance for the Southeast Overtown/Park West assistant director was in place prior to me being appointed. The reason for the car allowance for the other assistant director was 'cause I felt it was in line with the other assistant director. As far as the car allowance for the media director -- and that is because of the amount of travel that he does in organizing events and setting them up and doing those types of duties. Other than that, there are no other car allowances. Commissioner Sarnoff And how much is the car allowance per person? Mr. Bockweg: Both assistant directors, I believe, make $300 a month. Mr. Valentin: A month, yes. Commissioner Sarnoff So 300 a month car allowance for the assistant directors, and how much for the media director? Mr. Bockweg: The same. Commissioner Sarnoff. So across-the-board --? Mr. Bockweg: No, I'm sorry. Mr. Valentin: Two fifty -- Mr. Bockweg: Two fifty -- Mr. Valentin: -- per month. Mr. Bockweg: -- I apologize. Two fifty for the media director. Commissioner Carollo: Question. How come I'm not seeing the 3,600 for the other assistant executive director? City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that is in the other item of budget reserve, which is on page 10. Mr. Valentin: Again, I needed to do it in this way because when we prepare the budget in June 2010, we were not contemplating that we were going to be hiring more people using a car allowance. However, when Pieter approached me and asked me whether he was going to be able to pay a car allowance to the new staffers, I told him it hasn't been budgeted; however, we do have money in the budget reserve. It is a matter of amending the budgets sometime in January 2011 in order to reflect that expenditure. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, okay. So you put in the budget reserve, which I see, which it really should be in the fringe benefits. Mr. Valentin: Exactly. As I said -- Commissioner Carollo: So now I'm seeing it, three -- an additional, to what I had said before, 3,600, 1,200, $3, 000, 1,560, and then the -- now I see it. Mr. Valentin: Yeah, and besides that, the other fringe benefits that I was referring to are the cell phone allowances. It's up to you if you want to eliminate that. Commissioner Carollo: I could do away with all of it, to be honest with you. I don't know what the will of this board is, but I could do away with all of it. Commissioner Sarnof I'm sorry? Commissioner Carollo: I could do away with all of it. Commissioner Sarnoff. Well, I don't do away with cell phones. I like people having cell phones. That's the greatest leash man's ever created. I mean, they're accountable immediately. But the car allowance -- Commissioner Carollo: I can compromise then. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Right. The car allowance, you might be right on. AndI don't know what they're -- what are they getting per month, cell phone? Mr. Valentin: In my case, I'm getting $100. I think most of them, they are getting $100 also, and Mark is getting 75, and Jamil is getting like 25. Commissioner Carollo: There's one at 100, one at 130, one at 150. Well, at the very least, do we -- can we say that we do away with car allowances? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So at the very least, let's write that off already. So that's an instant 9,600 -- well, no. Vice Chair Suarez: Ten thousand, two hundred. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, that's right, ten thousand, two hundred. That's -- now however, all these other 1,200, are those cell phones or --? Mr. Bockweg: Those are cell phones. City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: So on cell phone alone, we have 9,660 if keep it the same, which is more than the 9,600 we originally had for fringe benefits. Whatever you think. That's the number. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Does that mean it's double entered? Commissioner Carollo: No. What happens is we reduced the car allowances. What happens is that in fringe benefits there is X'amount and that equaled 9,600. However, they put the other ones -- the other car allowances and phone allowances in the reserve, and that was the additional amount. And when we reduce that and just get phone allowance in both areas, it's 9,660. So we actually reduced it from the budget reserve, not from the fringe benefits, and it's still a reduction though. I mean, in all fairness, it's still a reduction. And I don't know how you all feel about keeping them, you know, with their cell phone allowances and so forth. And like I said it's still a total of 9,660. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I'll comment. I like people to have cell phones. I think it's -- Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Dunn. Chair Dunn: They need a cell phone, yeah, because if they're out of the office, we're in trouble. Vice Chair Suarez: I could go either way. I mean, they could pay for their own cell phone. It's not like, you know, they can't get a cell phone. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Let's compromise. Commissioner Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) cell phone (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Let's compromise. How about half their amount? I mean, there's no reason why -- because it's my understanding you could do without it. I mean, I could do without giving them an allowance for cell phones too, but you know, they're at 100, 130 -- basically, for the most part, they're at 100. I don't know if you want to cut it -- I don't know. I don't know if you could get a cell phone for 50 bucks a month or not. I don't know. Whatever you all think. I'll go with the majority. Commissioner Sarnoff.- What do you think? Chair Dunn: I'm for the cell phones. Commissioner Sarnoff.- No. I want to make sure they keep cell phones. Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. 'Cause it -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- They seem -- there seems to be an issue on the amount, but I -- if you want to contact an employee, how many of you have their real --? I mean, in my Blackberry, I have people's cell phones. That's the quickest way of getting anyone, and I like being able to get, you know, directors. I like to be able to get the City Manager. I mean, how many of you call them at the office? You just don't. You call them on their cell phones. Commissioner Carollo: Hey, I got a question. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: And I'm going to just skip real quick. Under communications, you have City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 it for 8,900. You also have cell phone there. Mr. Valentin: That was when Mr. Villacorta was acting as an executive director. The CRA was paying his account directly. He wasn't taking any cell phone allowance. Commissioner Carollo: So -- Mr. Valentin: And remember, as I said before, this budget was prepared in June 2010; still he was acting as an executive director. Commissioner Carollo: So it's fair to say that that amount will disappear now also, right? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, and we'll get back to it. I just saw it. I went down a little bit and I see, hey, additional cell phone here. So I just -- you know, I guess we'll get back to it, but I -- it seems like -- look, I don't want to say buried, but it seems like, you know, there's -- Mr. Valentin: No. This is the one that we're paying directly. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Valentin: But I'm able to eliminate that too. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I think that's going to end up being -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- eliminated. Commissioner Sarnoff Sorry. Is it that he was getting -- is it that you annual -- sorry. Is it that you took an annual and then divided by 12 and his cell phone came out to $459 a month? Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Two -- Commissioner Carollo: No. That -- Mr. Valentin: We were paying -- roughly, we were paying like one -- Mr. Bockweg: No, Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I'm sorry. You're looking -- the 459 -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. Mr. Bockweg: -- is the BellSouth number. Commissioner Carollo: That's -- I would think that's landline. Commissioner Sarnoff Okay, okay. Commissioner Carollo: And -- City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: It's the one below that, which is -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Two hundred. Ms. Bru: -- $200. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: And you know what, let me not assume. Is that a landline, the BellSouth? Mr. Valentin: Yes. This is for our offices. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chairman, ifI may? Chair Dunn: Yes. Go right ahead. Vice Chair Suarez: Can I jump in there? I have an issue with the $8,000 travel expense for conferences and travel allowances. Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Yes, Commissioner, just -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. The only thing is can we --? Let's finish with the cell phone -- Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- and then we're going to jump to it 'cause that'll be the next item, and yes, I have the same issue. But let's see what we do with the cell phone and then we can continue down -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- which will be to travel. And I'm sorry, the only reason I jumped down was because I -- 'cause I saw the cell phone and I wanted to address that since we were addressing cell phones and then be back. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly, exactly. So I mean, what's the will of the Commission as far as cell phones? Do we keep it as is, which will be $9,660 in fringe benefits? Chair Dunn: For how many employees? Commissioner Carollo: That will be for -- give me a second so I could add them up. One, two, three, four, five -- let me go to the other -- six, seven, eight employees. Eight employees. Chair Dunn: Which would be 120 a month or something? That's pretty reasonable. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I mean, I think they should get a cell phone. What that number is --? To me, it's between 70 and 100. Chair Dunn: Let's go with -- let's round it off at $100 -- City of Miami Page 57 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff. Okay. Chair Dunn: -- a month. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry? Chair Dunn: Well, that'll be more, though, wouldn't it? Commissioner Sarnoff It'll be less. Chair Dunn: It'll be less? Commissioner Gort: Yes. Commissioner Sarnoff. Yeah. It'd be about eight -- if it's eight employees -- Commissioner Gort: They're paying 120 right now so -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, one of them is -- we've already set; that is the executive director, which was at 150, for a total of 1,800. So we got seven employees now. And mind you, you have seven employees that -- one, two -- two of them make less than -- well, receive less than $100 a month for phone -- cell phone allowance, so take that into consideration. So I mean, if you want to go that route, I will keep them the same and then everyone else that's at 1,000 -- well, what did you say, 100 a month? Chair Dunn: A hundred a month. Commissioner Sarnoff. So it's 1,200 a year. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. There's only -- there will be only one person affected that has $130 allowance because, as I said, the executive director, we already set his rate. Vice Chair Suarez: But -- excuse me. But there's -- everyone else is getting 1,200, except for the one person that's getting 300 and a person that's getting 900. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Vice Chair Suarez: What I'm saying is to reduce the 1,200 to 900 for all the other ones. Chair Dunn: Do the math. I mean, that's fine. Commissioner Carollo: Do the math. Vice Chair Suarez: That's an extra 300 for one, two, three, four, five, which is 1,500 savings. Commissioner Carollo: So we're talking a savings of 2,160. Okay, so we're keeping -- everyone that's under -- everyone that is 900 or under, the same; and then everyone else, for the exception of the executive director, will be at $900, correct? Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Since we are amending, instead of going to the reserves and back, can we just put everything in the fringe benefits then -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. This is what I will do. City of Miami Page 58 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: -- the way it's supposed to be? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: The way it's supposed -- Mr. Valentin: This is what I will do. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so then we will be bringing up three of the cell phone allowances up to the fringe benefits, correct? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: And again, I know exactly what we're doing. I just don't know how to make it as part of the motion to continue. Amend fringe benefits? Commissioner Gort: Yeah. What we do, we amendment [sic] each line item so -- Commissioner Carollo: So it -- well, I was the seconder so I don't know ifI could actually -- Commissioner Sarnoff. So amend the motion; I'll accept it. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I will amend the original motion then for fringe benefits to have everyone who is currently with a cell phone allowance that is not -- everyone who is currently with a cell phone allowance to have that allowance go down to $900, for the exception of the one person who is at $300. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff And then -- Commissioner Carollo: In addition to, there are three persons that had the phone allowance -- cell phone allowance in the budget reserve. I want to bring that up to the fringe benefits. The only exception is the executive director, which his cell phone allowance was already set at 150 a month, for a total of 1,800 a year. Mr. Valentin: Will do. Commissioner Sarnoff: Now what happens with that one right there? What happens? Commissioner Carollo: Well, we're going to go down and we're going to knock it down. Commissioner Gort: Question. Would it be a lot easier if we say we want to amend the fringe benefit by reducing it for so much? Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry? Commissioner Gort: Do we have the number? Commissioner Carollo: I could add the numbers if you -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- give me a little while but --- City of Miami Page 59 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: Then all you do is -- the amendment is reduce the fringe benefits by so much. Commissioner Carollo: I just want to make sure they know how they're divvying up that -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- sum amount. Mr. Valentin: What I will do, Commissioner, after coming up with all those savings, they are going to be included in our budget reserve. This is what I will do. And then, as I said, any expenditure over 4,500, it requires board approval and you might make policy as to how you want me to use that budget reserve. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. That's fair. So Madam City Clerk, I'm sure you heard how I stated the fringe benefits. Are you okay with that? And does the mover -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Maker. Commissioner Carollo: -- yeah, maker, accept? Commissioner Sarnoff Accept. Commissioner Carollo: I was the seconder, so I'm okay with it. Do we need to do anything else before we move on? Ms. Thompson: If I might, I think it'll be less convoluted and much easier to follow because what you're doing is continuing to amend the motion, amend the motion, amend the motion. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Ms. Thompson: And that's why I was suggesting getting all of your amendments together, all of your changes together -- Chair Dunn: Just make one. Ms. Thompson: -- and proffer all of those changes -- Commissioner Gort: Into one motion. Ms. Thompson: -- okay, as part of that one motion. Chair Dunn: Yeah. Ms. Thompson: Because like this, you'll be going back and forth, back and forth, and you may wind up with 16 motions, okay. So I -- because each time you make an amendment, understand, okay, you put a motion on the floor, you make an amendment; you have two motions on the floor. You make an amendment -- you keep making amendments. That's how it -- Chair Dunn: To the amendment. Mr. Valentin: Commissioner Carollo, may I say something? Maybe what we should be doing is take note of your changes. I'm going to be applying them accordingly and then in November, I'm going to be presenting the amended budget with all your changes, and in this way we are going City of Miami Page 60 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 to be getting your resolution. However, as I said, I'm going to be taking all the modifications that you have been proposing and I'm going to start implementing them since -- Commissioner Carollo: October. Mr. Valentin: -- October 1. Commissioner Carollo: Now let me -- and I have a question probably to the City Attorney. If we do that -- 'cause we were scheduled after the CRA meeting to also pass their budget or approve or rat their budget in a Commission level. Are you okay with them coming before us in November and then we approving at a Commission level? I mean -- instead of approving it today from the CRA level and then back in a Commission level? Ms. Bru: What I suggest is -- okay. You are making -- you are actually going line item by line item -- Commissioner Gort: Line item. Ms. Bru: -- and you're amending the budget. Commissioner Carollo: We skipped a few, but yeah. Ms. Bru: Right. So at the end of this deliberation, there'll be a motion to adopt all these amendments that you've discussed. We will prepare a resolution that will just simply be a resolution, you know, amending the budget as attached. And then Miguel will amend the budget to reflect all these directions that you have given us, and that would have been what happened here tonight with respect to this budget. Now with respect to it coming to the City, I would suggest that you defer it 'til the next meeting so that then you've got a clean reso with all these changes to then approve that budget. Commissioner Sarnoff.- And there's no impediment, correct me if I'm wrong. You can operate off last year's budget. Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Sarnoff So this is okay. We can actually -- at the end of this meeting, we're going to adjourn our Commission meeting 'cause we have an open Commission meeting right now. Ms. Thompson: That is correct, and you'll state that you're not taking any action or you're going to continue that item to the November meeting. Commissioner Sarnoff Correct. I think we're making this tougher on ourselves than we need to. I think you're doing fine. And I think this is going to be all -- they're going to scour this record. He's taking notes. It's going to come back to us. We're going to look at it. We shouldn't be working this hard. You should be putting out the general principles of what you want to see refined. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, and I'll continue to do that and then you legal eagles figure it out and -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Trust in those lawyers. Commissioner Carollo: Next thing I want to touch is what Commissioner Suarez said. As far as travel and per diem, what's this travel out of the City for conferences and travel allowances, City of Miami Page 61 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 $8,000? Mr. Valentin: Yeah. If you see -- I provided you, but I haven't provided the Commissioners the actual [sic] for 2010. We barely used that amount in 2010. However, it was always contemplated that if a chairman, along with the executive director, they need to travel, for whatever reason, to -- for a conference or something, then that amount is going to be available. But -- Commissioner Carollo: What type of conference? Mr. Valentin: In the past, the CRA -- Mr. Bockweg: I think one of the ones that they included was Dade Day in Tallahassee. Mr. Valentin: In Tallahassee, yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff Don't look at me. I didn't go. Mr. Bockweg: No. I'm just -- Chair Dunn: I didn't go either. Mr. Bockweg: Neither did I, but it was one -- that was -- that's an example of -- that the money is used for. Commissioner Gort: Dade Day CRA conference, I imagine, you all has -- Mr. Valentin: Well, usually, in my case, I don't travel at all. But the executive director, maybe he might go to any CRA convention that might be taking place in Florida. But if you want me, I will be eliminating that too. That's no problem. Chair Dunn: What -- let me ask this question before we move in that direction. Again, just so that we'll be fair and equitable across-the-board, what is the procedure that we've been using for other executives if they're not using --? Are they using any travel budgets? Do you know? Commissioner Gort: I think you can come up with an amount of 5,000. If, by any chance, they have to do more traveling and they have to do a lot more of the conventions, you can always amend it and add it later on, so -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: -- if you want to do that, you can recommend to bring it down to 5,000. Commissioner Sarnoff And if you recall, Commissioner Dunn, I think we were cutting travel out of everybody's -- Chair Dunn: Right, right. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- everybody director's budget this past -- Chair Dunn: I know. Commissioner Sarnoff But I think you need to have something in there. Chair Dunn: Okay. City of Miami Page 62 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: For how much? Commissioner Carollo: How much did you use this year -- this past year? Commissioner Gort: Okay, let me give you a suggestion. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I -- Mr. Valentin: No more than 1,000, I think. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so I think that 5,000 can go down then. Commissioner Gort: Well, let me give you a suggestion. Commissioner Carollo: You just heard that they didn't use any more than 1,000. That doesn't mean -- Commissioner Gort: Let me give a suggestion. Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, but -- Commissioner Gort: It's fine with me. We can bring it down to 3,000, 2,000, I don't have any problem. Commissioner Carollo: Twenty-five hundred. Commissioner Gort: But at the same time, what happens in a lot of other boards, what I hear is whenever they're going to take a trip, they'll bring it up to the board before because there'll be -- they'll acknowledge before with plenty of time where they can come and ask we're going to take this trip. We want to allocate X'hmount of funds for this trip. Chair Dunn: Okay, so 2, 500? Commissioner Carollo: Twenty-five hundred. Mr. Valentin: Twenty-five hundred. Commissioner Carollo: Twenty-five hundred. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: So again, we're not going to make it as part of a motion. We're just going to say that for travel, it's going to go down from 8,000 to 2,500. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: In communications, we already established that the cell phone there, that line item for 2,400 is going to be eliminated. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: Utility. Mr. Valentin: That, I think, should not be -- City of Miami Page 63 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Like I said, we're not going line item by line item, but -- Insurance. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Auto insurance. Mr. Valentin: That this is for the two trucks that we own. Vice Chair Suarez: May I? Seven thousand dollars for two trucks? Mr. Valentin: Yeah, because we have full coverage. I think -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, of course. Mr. Valentin: -- there is a new -- a brand-new truck that we bought in 2010, and there is one that we -- Vice Chair Suarez: That's like $300 a month per truck. That's a lot of insurance. Mr. Valentin: I'm able to give you the actual [sic]. I don't have it with me right now. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, what I'll do is I'll take a look at the insurance policies of both the trucks and then I will come back in 30 days, similar to what I did with the health insurance, and show you where I can make the reductions in there. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: If that's -- Commissioner Gort: In looking at the insurance, don't forget, they're not self insurance. And if you look at the documentation that we get from the amount of suits that we have and the amount that the City has to pay, I think the coverages have to be a very large coverage 'cause any action that they have, they're going to go after them and they're going to go after us. Vice Chair Suarez: And I'm assuming that they're also insuring multiple drivers too. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: Could be. Vice Chair Suarez: It's not just one driver so that -- Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Suarez: -- also increases the coverage -- Mr. Valentin: You are right. Vice Chair Suarez: -- because -- Commissioner Sarnoff It's a fleet policy. You know what a fleet policy costs? It's -- they're incredibly expensive. City of Miami Page 64 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: I promise you that I will give you the breakdown. I don't have it with me at this moment. Commissioner Carollo: Other current charges. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I'm sorry. Did you want me to come back in 30 days with those numbers? No problem. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Oh, go right ahead. I'm sorry. Commissioner Gort: Other current charges. Commissioner Carollo: Thanks. Other current charges, to include the cost of food associated to CRA board meetings and ribbon -cutting, $8, 000. The fuel, we already spoke about. You know, I don't know about you all, but I think we've gotten ripped off with the other current charges. I do see from the current year or the year that just passed a lot of meals -- Mr. Valentin: It hasn't been substantial, I think, because since Commissioner Sarnoff, he implemented the policy of holding the CRA meetings here, we have been saving money substantially. Commissioner Carollo: And this shouldn't be used to go out to various restaurants -- Mr. Valentin: No, no. Commissioner Carollo: -- or so forth. Chair Dunn: No. Mr. Valentin: I don't allow that, no. Chair Dunn: Is this --? This is mainly for like ribbon -cuttings and --? Mr. Valentin: Exactly. And also, if we are holding a meeting in Overtown and maybe we might -- we want to cater the public, we're able to do it by using the money from there. Commissioner Carollo: I'm not going to get into detail. I just want to be very specific for the record -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- that this is not to go out to have different meals, out to lunch -- Mr. Valentin: No, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- with any board member, with -- Mr. Valentin: No, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I can assure you, this is not an expense account -- City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: No. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: -- for that purpose. This is solely for purposes like ribbon -cutting ceremonies, board meetings, and anything -- such thing. I will not allow it to be used for anything else. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Valentin: And you are able to see the breakdown. Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's why -- and I don't want to get into details and so forth. I just want to make sure -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- that this is not for individual meals -- Mr. Valentin: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- with board members or -- Mr. Bockweg: No, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Valentin: No. Commissioner Carollo: And the $8,000, I don't know if everyone's okay with it or not, for a total of 11,500. Commissioner Sarnoff I'm sorry. What are we doing? Chair Dunn: What did we --? Commissioner Carollo: In other current charges, it's a max -- it's a total of 11,500 budgeted; 8,000 is for food associated with CRA board meetings and ribbon -cutting. I don't know if you're okay with that or not. Commissioner Sarnoff: (INAUDIBLE) take it out. Commissioner Carollo: No, I haven't. I'm just pointing it out. And the one thing that I did want to make specific, that that will not be used for individual -- Chair Dunn: Personal. Commissioner Carollo: -- meals, going out to a restaurant, even with a board member or anything of the sort. Commissioner Sarnoff So are we leaving the 8,000 in there? Commissioner Gort: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: It's up to you all. I mean -- City of Miami Page 66 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- I'm just pointing it out. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: You want to leave it? Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner? Okay. Mr. Valentin: Okay. Chair Dunn: I mean, that was the actual, right? Or was that --? Commissioner Carollo: No. That was not actual. Chair Dunn: What was the actual? Commissioner Carollo: I'd have to look it up. As a matter of fact -- and I think it might be convoluted with other things. Actual was 2,200 for last year, 2,200. Chair Dunn: Let's go with 5 then. Commissioner Carollo: I mean -- Mr. Valentin: I want to ver because I think that we have a food account there. Commissioner Carollo: Different from other current charge? Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Commissioner Carollo: So -- Chair Dunn: It was 8? Commissioner Carollo: -- we're act -- so it's actually two different -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. But in reality, Commissioner, we are not spending in caterings and in food. You might -- as I said, you might check the actual. Commissioner Carollo: Well, I've checked a little bit and -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- that's why I just want to make sure this is not for individual meals and it's -- Mr. Valentin: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- not for -- By the way, some of this information I just got, you know -- Mr. Valentin: Yesterday. Commissioner Carollo: -- last night. I read it this morning. City of Miami Page 67 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: And in all fairness, I mean, it's not just that they gave it to me at the last minute. At the same time, after budget hearings and so forth, I needed a little bit of a break and do other things, be in my district and so forth. But you know, this information -- a lot of this information I received -- it was e-mailed (electronic) late last night and I saw it this morning so bear with me. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Is the --? Is it all right to jump in? Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Is the --? 'Cause I'm looking -- you said -- you know, once you said 8,000 for food and then you said, no, it's somewhere else and I'm looking down the list. Is that the -- to include other supplies not office related? Is that the 8,000? Mr. Valentin: No. What happened is, I think in the GL (General Ledger) that he's looking at, I have fuel -- I am accounting the fuel separately and the food separately. For the purpose of preparing the budget, I'm putting everything all together. Commissioner Carollo: He's putting everything together under other current charges -- Commissioner Sarnoff Right. Commissioner Carollo: -- as it's happening, so that part is correct. In other words, then to include cost of food associated with CRA and so forth, he's putting all that in the same area. Hey, question. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: What is the difference between supplies and operating supplies? Mr. Valentin: Well, the supplies, I'm referring to the office supplies. Let me tell you that you are able to see the detail. I think it's quite accurate. We are spending -- in paper only for the agendas, we're spending a lot. We're using Office Depot, the same vendor that the City's using. For the operating supplies, those are -- I'm referring to maybe if we're renting tents for any press conference, if we need supply [sic] for any event that we might set up. It doesn't mean that we're going to be expending the 8,000. We have it available in case we need that kind of supplies. Also, if we go to Home Depot in order to buy something for the properties that we own, then we are using that money for that purpose. Commissioner Carollo: What are engraving? It seems like -- in supplies. There's a lot of engraving and so forth, so could you just -- Mr. Valentin: Engraving. Commissioner Carollo: -- elaborate a little bit? Mr. Valentin: I think maybe for the plaque that we created for Mr. Bockweg. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry? Mr. Valentin: This -- we -- you know, we have new staff and that's why -- City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: The plaque that's on the wall at the CRA. I'm assuming this, engraving that -- certain awards that are given out when we have them. We haven't had one yet since I've been the executive director, but I know that that's -- money has been used for those two instances. Commissioner Carollo: And look, I'm not trying to be petty. I just see -- Mr. Valentin: No, it's okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- I'm just seeing 180, 180, 180 -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- all for engraving; $200, $100, you know, so it starts adding up, so I'm not trying to be petty. I'm just -- I really want to know what's engraving 'cause I'm seeing it hit the -- you know, so many times. Subscription and membership, it's a small amount. The only thing I want to say, do you think I could get a copy of that ABCs of CRAB book? Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: Somehow you could lend it to me so I could learn about the CRAs also? Mr. Valentin: I will make a copy and I will forward that to you, yeah. Commissioner Carollo: Well, be careful 'cause of copyright infringement so -- Mr. Valentin: No, but I will give you a copy. Commissioner Carollo: But maybe you can lend me the book or -- Vice Chair Suarez: And the copies cost money too so maybe you could just lend us the book. Mr. Valentin: No. I will buy you -- a new one for you if you -- Commissioner Carollo: No, don't buy me one. Vice Chair Suarez: Just lend it to us. Commissioner Carollo: There's a reason why I know you -- there's a reason why I know that you all have that book. I mean, obviously it's been an expense, so don't buy me one. I just want -- once you're done with it or so forth, if you could, you know, lend it to me so I could read it and I could learn about CRA also. If it's okay with everybody, I mean, can we jump to rental and leases, if it's okay with everyone? That's a high -- that's a big amount. That's $207,661. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Question. Why two copiers? Mr. Valentin: Well, I think that Jamil -- that is the one preparing the agenda -- he might tell you better. Mr. Fraser: We have -- for your monthly agendas, all the packets that you have before you, those copiers are what we use mainly to do them. Recently, since Mr. Bockweg came on, we started switching to black and white, so the black and white copy is done faster. We can do it instead of going out to Kinko's to get things done. Also, we don't have individual printers at our desks, so those printers -- those copiers serve as printers for everyone in the office as well. One City of Miami Page 69 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 is color 'cause at some point we used to do a lot of reports. Your agendas used to be in color. They've been switched to black and white. And there's some other like -- I think some drawings and stuff that Mark may need to do that need to be in color as well. So the color one is used only like in those rare instances, but we mostly rely on the black and white for our printers since we don't have ones at our desks and for mainly agenda preparation once a month. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, I think I would invest in printers for all your desks because there's what, eight of you or so forth? 'Cause, I mean, this is costing us 16,661. Mr. Fraser: I don't necessarily know -- I remember recently, we had all received a letter from the City Manager's office advising everyone in the City to use the Sharp printers 'cause it's actually cheaper per page -- Commissioner Carollo: Of course. Mr. Fraser: -- to do it. But especially, like for the agendas, you know, to do the agendas, it's 35 packets for each CRA. You know, these machines are actually -- they're faster than to have me print it at my desk, which is actually not for -- it's more production -worthy than one at your desk. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, I'm just seeing this $22,000 in printers. I think it's, you know, very high. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I should check with, you know, the City's -- but I just know what I paid for the printer in my office and so forth. And just 22,000, more or less, 16,661, then 5,508, just seems high to me. I don't know what the other Commissioners think. If not but -- Mr. Fraser: I was just told that the rate that we got for the copiers was actually something that was -- we piggybacked on a City contract for all the Sharp printers that we're using right now. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Like I said, maybe I'm wrong. I'm not an expert in it. I just see some of these amounts and they seem rather high. Commissioner Gort: Can I ask a question? Some of those leases that you have, a lot of times they make you sign a contract for X'hmount of years. Are leases on a year basically or multi years kind of thing? Mr. Valentin: Three years, multi years. Commissioner Gort: Three years. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: In other words, are we in the last year or --? Mr. Valentin: We might get -- or enter into another lease contract. Commissioner Gort: 'Cause we might need to check into that because if you have a three-year contract, you could try to break out of it, you have to pay for it anyway so -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Gort: -- you have to check on that. Commissioner Carollo: Then you have -- Mr. Valentin: And upon renewing the contract, we're going to be presenting that to the board for authorization as well. City of Miami Page70 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Carollo: As far as the Citadel building -- Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- 180,000 a year -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- 15,000 a month, does that sound reasonable? Are we stuck in some type of agreement because I really do think that $180, 000 a year for rent is extremely high. Mr. Valentin: Me too. I think that Mr. Bockweg, one of his primary projects is to move the CRAs to the fire station number 2. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I completely agree with you that paying $180, 000 for CRA offices is ludicrous. Commissioner Carollo: Absurd. Mr. Bockweg: Not to mention, it's 10,000 square feet and we need maybe half of that. Unfortunately, for me that that -- that extension was approved right when I was appointed, so I need to wait one more year to either move out, find another place, or change the contents of that agreement. It is -- the contract is on a yearly basis -- Mr. Valentin: Yes. Mr. Bockweg: -- with the vendor -- Commissioner Carollo: I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Mr. Bockweg: -- with the landlord. Vice Chair Suarez: We approved an extension of that lease? Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Mr. Bockweg: Yes, you did. Commissioner Carollo: I know I wasn't part of that vote. Mr. Valentin: No. You were not -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. I know I wasn't a part of that vote. Mr. Valentin: -- there. Commissioner Carollo: So we're stuck with it at least for a year or is it multi years? Can you give me some --? Mr. Valentin: No. Mr. Bockweg: It's one year. Commissioner Carollo: One year? City of Miami Page71 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: One year. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff.- It's not much different than the DDA. The DDA is stuck -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, yeah. It's (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Sarnoff.- -- with a mega lease. That's why I had suggested -- and I know this does not work well for people's jurisdictions as you would, but I wanted to combine everybody together and have less pain -- 'cause the DDA lease, I think it's three years to go. Commissioner Carollo: All I'm saying is two wrongs don't make a right. The DDA's lease, that's Commissioner Sarnoff.- Oh, predates all of us. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff Predates all of us. I think it was like a nine- or a ten-year extension, and it was -- it's a bad lease. This is not a good lease either, but the good news is it's only what, nine months left? Commissioner Carollo: Okay. so with that said, contingencies, you have contingencies there for 5,400 or so. I'm not going to really get into details with that. However, I am going to ask interfund transfer -- Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- interfund transfer. You have here District 3 item deferred, $15,000. Mr. Valentin: Fifteen thou -- Commissioner Carollo: What is that? Mr. Valentin: Well, in July 22, 2010, we were intending to present a resolution where we were going to be funding your offices -- you handle this. Mr. Fraser: Back in -- on June 28, there was a discussion item in the Overtown CRA whereby -- it was -- there was a possibility of transferring some funds to the offices of the CRA Commissioners to help offset costs incurred as being Commissioners. We prepared a resolution and brought that back -- I'm sorry, members of the CRA boards. We brought that resolution back on the July 22 meeting, and that item was deferred and there's been no action on it ever since then. So what was included in this budget would have been 15,000 to each board member, with an additional 7,500 for the board chairs of that CRA. Commissioner Carollo: So in essence what you're saying is what the board didn't approve -- and if it did, I know it wasn't with my vote -- realistically, if we wouldn't have looked at this budget a little closer, we would be approving now in this year's budget. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner -- excuse me, Jamil. I'm sorry. Commissioner, that -- the revenue -- not the revenue -- the money that he is talking about is something that I had taken out of the budget as the amended budget because like I said in the beginning, there has been no action taken and it's just been sitting there so I removed that from the budget. I think, if you look at the City of Miami Page72 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 substitute that we gave you or the amendment, it is not in that budget. But if it's in the -- if you look at the budget in your packet, it is in there, but I did take that out. Commissioner Gort: If you recall, Commissioner Carollo, I asked that question at the beginning of the meeting and I was informed that it was not part of it. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I see what you're saying. No, no, no. Hold on, hold on, hold on. I don't know where the amend -- what you -- okay, I still see the 155, 000. Mr. Fraser: The 155 was in the original agenda packet that was distributed last week on Thursday. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Fraser: And what was handed out to you was the executive director's proposed amendments for fiscal year 2011. So if you'll turn, you will not see that interfund transfer to the Commissioners' offices. But the original agenda packet had the budget that was initially approved back in -- on July 22. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And -- Commissioner Dunn: No, not approved. Mr. Bockweg: I think I see what you're talking about, Commissioner, and let me clam for the record. Commissioner Carollo: And this is what happens when so many things are given, especially at the last minute and so forth, 'cause I'm still working with what you gave me during the week and this is all the updates and so forth. And now today -- and again, I know you're trying, but today you gave us something, you know, which is further amendments and we're working with, you know, different documents and so forth and, you know, it makes it somewhat, you know, difficult to follow -- not necessarily to follow, but to see exactly -- make sure that we're all on the same page. I'm still dealing with what you gave me during the week and I'm seeing this where if you would have told me, hey, I'm going to amend it, you know, don't worry about it, I wouldn't have wasted time with this. Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I apologize. I misspoke. The $15, 000 that you are referring to on that item, including the $35, 000 thing -- the $35, 000 amount that you are talking about, those are monies that we reimbursed the City Clerk for their services within the CRA board. And the $15, 000 is the money that we reimbursed to the Communications -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Audiovisual. Mr. Bockweg: -- Department for helping us film the CRA budget -- CRA board meetings in like, for example, Overtown -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, yeah, but hold on, hold on, hold on. Mr. Bockweg: -- on an as -needed basis. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, yeah, hold on. I could see those $50,000, but hold on. Let's not commingle this. We're talking from the original budget and even the budget that you gave me as of I don't know -- I don't want to say a few days ago, but yeah, a few days ago, whenever you e-mailed it to me. I clearly see interfund transfer, 155, 000, and I could go down the line and tell you exactly what it includes. And that's District 2 Omni CRA, item deferred, 30,000; District 5, City of Miami Page 73 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 item deferred, 30,000; District 1, item deferred 15,000; District 3, item deferred, 15,000, and District 4, item deferred, 15,000,- plus your additional 35 and 15 makes up that $155, 000. Mr. Bockweg: That -- you are correct, Commissioner, in saying that that was distributed to you in the beginning of the -- in -- when the agenda was passed out and distributed to all the Commissioners' offices. What was provided to you this -- Commissioner Carollo: Today. Mr. Bockweg: -- today is the amendments for the recapping of the 8 percent for the salaries. What is also amended in that is the interfund transfer -- those numbers that you just mentioned are taken out of that. They are not there anymore. So as part of this amended budget with the salaries and all the other line items that we're reviewing right now, that 155,000 is not in there. Commissioner Carollo: Right. I see that and I just want to make sure that for the record it is not in there. And the only amount that's in there is the 35 for the City Clerk and the other 15 for the audio and so forth. Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And again -- and that's why it was important for me during budget hearings not to pass this and to make sure that I have adequate amount of time to actually review this because, you know, I didn't make a big deal about it, but I did not need additional fundings [sic] for my office. As a matter of fact, I gave money back to the City, and I'll leave it at that. With that said, the only thing is I see the budget reserve at an additional $313,000. I don't know what we're building that reserve -- what's the reason? I mean, we're bringing in 900, 000 from the reserve of last year, so why do we have an additional 300? Mr. Valentin: Well, basically, I wanted to -- usually, we were leaving that cushion in case the executive director wants to hire more people or whatever, or maybe the board might consider other administrative expenses that we are not considering right now. But in reality is any expenditure over 4,500, it needs to be approved by the CRA board. It's not something discretionary that the executive director might be taking that budget reserve and start spending left and right. Commissioner Carollo: No, but he could start employing left and right. Mr. Valentin: I'm sorry. Say that again. Commissioner Carollo: He can start employing left and right. Mr. Valentin: But that will be with your consent as well. Commissioner Carollo: I don't think so. Can the executive director employ as many people as he want without our consent as long as he finds it within the budget and we approve the budget ? And I could see that you have a reserve of $313, 000? Mr. Valentin: Well, at this point -- Commissioner Carollo: Actually, can the executive director answer that? Mr. Bockweg: Yes. As far as the employment of the CRA, that is at the discretion of the CR -- of the executive director. Commissioner Carollo: Right. And that was my understanding. Therefore, that's why it's so City of Miami Page74 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 dangerous to have $313,000 -- Mr. Valentin: But -- Commissioner Carollo: -- just lingering there. Mr. Valentin: -- let me say something -- Commissioner Gort: Question. Mr. Valentin: -- Commissioner. He is going to be able to hire more employees if he has a reserve within the salary expense account. However, since that reserve has been exhausted, if he wants to move money from the budget reserve into the regular salaries budget expenditure account, then he needs to request authorization to the board to do so. Commissioner Carollo: And by the way, I'm sorry. There's a correction Commissioner Sarnoff just pointed out to me. I'm still looking at the old number, which was 313. That number was actually increased in this amended budget that we received from the executive director today to 373, 520. Mr. Bockweg: That's due to the cuts that were made from the salaries. Commissioner Carollo: So -- Mr. Bockweg: So our budget reserve just increased because of the cut -- the proposed cuts. Mr. Valentin: And it's going to increase further. What -- if you want me to reduce the budget reserve, we are able to do so as well. Commissioner Carollo: I think we should but -- Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- I think Commissioner Gort wants to speak. Mr. Valentin: Yes, sir. Commissioner Gort: Let me ask you a question. Is this reserve restricted? Mr. Valentin: Well, it -- I will say so because -- Commissioner Gort: What are the restrictions? Mr. Valentin: Any expenditure over 4,500, it requires -- Commissioner Gort: No. Mr. Valentin: -- board approval. Commissioner Gort: I understand we need to approve it, but I mean, if there's a project that needs additional funding, we can utilize those funds. Mr. Valentin: Well, I need -- what I need to do is to transfer back those monies into the special revenue fund. City of Miami Page75 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: In other words, there's no restriction. It's not a restricted fund. That reserve could be used as a will of the board of directors. Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Chair Dunn: Well, I'm in favor just trying to find a way to restrict it, so I mean, if we can leave it there and just -- how can we do that, or there's no way we can do that? Mr. Valentin: And as I said previously, Commissioners -- Chair Dunn: For employees as well, for everything, just that way -- I mean, is there a way we can do that? Commissioner Carollo: Or maybe -- and I'm not sure -- before that money can be used, it needs to come before this board -- Chair Dunn: That's (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: -- any amount, whether it's for employees -- Chair Dunn: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- whether it's for -- whatever it is. The bottom line is, before that money -- that reserve monies can be touched, it needs to come before this board -- Mr. Valentin: Exactly. Commissioner Carollo: -- for approval. Mr. Valentin: Expenditures over 4,500. However, let me be clear about this. If he -- Commissioner Carollo: Hold on, hold on. That's -- Mr. Valentin: I'm sorry. Commissioner Carollo: I don't think that's what we're saying. Mr. Bockweg: He means -- the Commissioner means all monies, no matter what the amounts -- Commissioner Carollo: From the reserve. Mr. Bockweg: -- from the reserve cannot be touched without coming before the board. Mr. Valentin: Well, you might implement that policy. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. AndI think that's what we're saying, that -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- before any monies from the reserve is touched, whether it's for a new employee, whether it's -- Mr. Valentin: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- it needs to come before us for this board to approve. City of Miami Page76 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: Okay. Chair Dunn: I'm fine. That's fine. I mean, is there --? Commissioner Carollo: I don't think so. I think what we established is that we were going to say all these things and then -- Commissioner Gort: Right. Commissioner Carollo: However, I think the City Attorney needs to speak. We may not be able to do this. Ms. Bru: No. I don't think that you even have to make a motion to establish this by way of policy because I think the statute already says that. Commissioner Gort: Yes. (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Ms. Bru: It is this board that determines who gets hired. So if you have a budget that has approvedx'humber -- and what I would suggest is these are the positions that are being approved in this budget. If you need to increase the number of positions, you have to come back to the board, and that's according to the law. The law says that it's -- the agency is the one that hires -- Commissioner Carollo: Madam -- Ms. Bru: -- so -- Commissioner Carollo: -- City Attorney, yeah. I think we have conflicting statements because it was my understanding the executive director can hire and fire. As a matter of fact, the executive director did hire and fire some personnel without coming to this board as far -- Mr. Bockweg: Hire. Commissioner Carollo: -- as my knowledge. Mr. Bockweg: Hire. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry, didn't fire. Mr. Bockweg: I haven't fired anybody. Commissioner Carollo: You didn't fire. But he did hire without coming back to this board -- Commissioner Gort: He doesn't have to. Commissioner Carollo: -- so it was done. So I -- there's conflicting now statements. Ms. Bru: Well, I can only tell you what it is that the state statute says, which is what governs the conduct of this board. And the state statute specifically says that -- Chair Dunn: Yes. Ms. Bru: -- it is the agency, and you are the agency, that hires the executive director and any assistants, whether technical, legal, whatever. So if in the past there was wide discretion City of Miami Page77 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 afforded to the executive director -- but you know, maybe it's because he hired based on what was approved in the budget. So indirectly, you can in the budget set forth the number of positions that are being authorized. It is the same thing with me, with the City Attorney. The City Attorney can only hire as many attorneys as you approve, and you approve it in my budget. You approve the number of attorneys that I have. So -- but -- Chair Dunn: But -- Ms. Bru: -- in my case, it's just by charter. The charter says the City Attorney shall have as many assistants as are approved by the City Commission. So every year when you approve my budget, I give you the number of positions in my office and that's how you're approving the number of attorneys that I can hire. The state statute says that it is the agency that hires the executive director and any other employees so. Chair Dunn: Madam Attorney, wouldn't it be that the executive director would have the authority to hire but with ratification from this board? Is that the way it -- is that the same? Because -- Ms. Bru: I can read you verbatim what it says, and if you want to do that -- Mr. Fraser: I can also do some research. There may be a resolution out there that gave the executive director the power to hire staff as he may see fit, and it may also be in our personnel policy and procedures manual. So I can double-check for that and just make sure -- and get you that answer as well, but he may be operating under a previous resolution. Mr. Valentin: Commissioner Carollo, just I wanted to give some clarity here. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Valentin: If the executive director has funding available within the regular salaries budget account, he is entitled to hire more people. However, in this case, under these new circumstances, that all the budgeted salary expense amount has been budgeted -- and if he wants to hire another person and he's going to be taking money out of the budget reserve, then he needs to request authorization to do so. Commissioner Carollo: I'll tell you what. You know what, you don't even need to answer me today. However, can we -- you know, once all these meetings are done, can we get together? Can we really see, you know, compare the notes, what the City Attorney is saying, what your legal counsel is saying and so forth and see exactly what it is? I have a feeling that -- I would strongly suggest that if the budget reserves are touched for an additional employee or so forth, it's not going to go very well with this Board. So I will foresee that, you know, Mr. Bockweg will not do that and, you know, it'll give sufficient time for us not to, you know, now at almost 9:15 at night, come up with an answer. I think, you know, there's time to research this and then come back with concrete answers. Mr. Bockweg: I will not touch the budget reserve, as amended. I will not touch it. Chair Dunn: If I could, though, I would like to just, for the record, hear what the actual ordinance is as it relates -- Ms. Bru: Well, for the -- Chair Dunn: Just for the record. Ms. Bru: -- Southeast Overtown/Park West, the City of Miami actually has an ordinance that City of Miami Page78 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 was adopted that specifically says that it is the Board who appoints the director and other staff members who shall be employed upon the recommendation of the director, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation. So we have an ordinance in place with respect to Southeast Overtown/Park West. There's also the state law that says that it is the agency, and the agency is this board, who appoints -- who employs the executive director, technical experts, and such other agents/employees, permanent and temporary as it requires, and you determine the qualifications. So, you know, we can prepare for you a memorandum of law that just describes the authority of this board and the authority of the executive director with respect to employees. Chair Dunn: So -- and that's what I was -- I said rat, but -- Ms. Bru: Yeah. Chair Dunn: -- the executive director would recommend -- Ms. Bru: Recommend -- Chair Dunn: -- yeah, that's the same thing -- Ms. Bru: -- and this board -- Chair Dunn: -- then we approve, yes. Ms. Bru: -- appoints and sets the compensation. Commissioner Carollo: But that's not what has happened That is not what has happened. It's my understanding the executive director has hired without ratification from this board, so that's why I want to make sure -- Chair Dunn: From this point -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, I want -- I just -- that's why I want clarity from all angles and so forth. And like I said I don't even need the answer, you know, today or right now, but I do want clarity because, in all fairness then, I guess the proper procedures hasn't been followed. And I'm not going to get into detail. I've already expressed it to the executive director. I have issues the way this whole thing has occurred and so forth and -- again, I'm not going to get into details, but the bottom line is that it seems to me that once again, you know, something occurred that shouldn't have because, at the very least, the two people named whether good or not or so forth, should have come before this board and that has not occurred. Ms. Bru: And again, Mr. Vice Chairman, it might have occurred by virtue of -- that -- the budget process. In the budget process -- if those positions were budgeted in the process, you are in fact approving the appointment and the positions. Vice Chair Carollo: I understand what you're saying, Madam City Attorney. However, we have not approved the budget, and in one case, it's a new position -- actually, in both cases, they're new positions. So I don't think we ever approved those positions, and I know we didn't approve the budget. Therefore, you know, I think the argument that you're making -- I understanding your argument -- it doesn't pertain to this particular case. Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you. I think it's good that all these things are taking place and all this discussion. Because like I stated before, I think we inherit a lot of things that were done in the past that maybe some of them were not done correctly and not because they were done with the wrong reasons, but I think we need to abide by the laws and what they tell us and -- City of Miami Page79 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Mr. Valentin: I just -- I wanted to say something. I'm going to be giving you my example. I was working for the City's -- for the auditor -- for Victor Igwe's office back in 2002. Frank Rollason approached me and I was -- because he was having a budgeted position for that purpose. Frank Rollason made that recommendation to the board -- basically, he was advising the board that he was going to be hiring Miguel Valentin to become the financial officer. The CRA board did not have to vote on that because he was having enough money to compensate -- Commissioner Gort: No. We all understand that, but our Attorney is telling us that the state law says even though it's in the budget, we have to approve it. That's my understanding. Mr. Valentin: We haven't practiced that in the past. Ms. Bru: I'm sorry. The state law talks about the agency appointing the executive director and such other assistants, but it doesn't mandate how it's done. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Ms. Bru: I mean, you could through the budget process, say -- Commissioner Gort: Through the budget process. Ms. Bru: -- we're going to budget X'humber of positions for these purposes and then through that process. I mean, we will look at this issue thoroughly both for the Omni and for the Southeast Overtown/Park West and prepare, you know, to respond to any questions that you have in the future. Commissioner Gort: I'm agreeing with you that the budgets will determine how many people you're going to put in. I mean, that's why you give a budget for different departments. Ms. Bru: I think that would be an appropriate way to deal with it, yes. Commissioner Gort: All right. Commissioner Sarnoff.- All right. Commissioner Gort: Next. Next item. Commissioner Sarnoff Are we pretty much done with the budget? Commissioner Carollo: From my part, I think we are. Commissioner Sarnoff. All right. I was told -- Mr. Chair -- that I need to -- and bear with me. This is -- I'm being instructed. I was told to withdraw my resolution and -- I'm sorry, my -- you're right. I was looking at the word resolution. I apologize. -- withdraw my motion and proffer the following. A resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agencies, Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, with attachments, accepting and adopting the amended general operating budget of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, attached and incorporated for fiscal year commencing October 1, 2010 and ending September 30, 2011, as approved by the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA Board of Directors -- I'm sorry; Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Dunn: There's a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor -- City of Miami Page 80 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: How about a discussion? I'm kidding, guys. Chair Dunn: All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: All right, I guess we would need to -- that was for item -- Commissioner Gort: 7. Commissioner Dunn: -- 7. 8. CRA DISCUSSION 10-01180 DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE CRA LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION. File 10-01180 Cover Memo 10-14-2010.pdf File 10-01180 Backup 10-14-2010.jpg DEFERRED Chair Dunn: Okay. There needs to be -- I believe that completes the Southeast Overtown/Park West -- Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): No. Chair Dunn: Oh, it doesn't? Ms. Thompson: You still have items -- Commissioner Sarnoff. Discussion item -- Ms. Thompson: -- 8 -- Commissioner Sarnoff: -- you have two discussion items. Ms. Thompson: -- and 9. Chair Dunn: 8 and -- Ms. Thompson: 8 -- Chair Dunn: -- 9? Ms. Thompson: -- and 9. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): 8 is deferred. Commissioner Sarnoff: CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) logos, right? Mr. Bockweg: Yes, correct. 8 is deferred and then -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- Deferred? Commissioner Carollo: Do we need a vote for -- City of Miami Page 81 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff. What about -- Commissioner Carollo: -- a deferral? 9. CRA DISCUSSION 10-01178 NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 10-01221 INTRODUCTION OF VERONICAA. XIQUES AS THE NEW ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. DISCUSSED Commissioner Carollo: I think we need to discuss item number 9, which is the new assistant City Attorney. Julie O. Bru (General Counsel): Mr. Chairman, ifI may. I just wanted to formally introduce you to Veronica Xiques. She has been with my office for a little bit over three years. And in those three years, she's really obtained an incredible amount of experience. She worked very closely with Olga Ramirez-Seijas, who was the lead attorney on the whole negotiations with the Marlins, and she's a wonderful transactional attorney. She's also worked very closely with the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), and she's become very knowledgeable when it comes to special assessment and taxation in general. So I think that she will bring a new sense of direction perhaps, legal direction to this agency, and she's going to be working very closely with Pieter to go over all the documents, all the ordinances, everything that has to do with the legislatively created body that this is. So I look forward to her providing excellent legal services to the agency. Commissioner Gort: Welcome. Chair Dunn: Welcome. Commissioner Carollo: Welcome. CRA DISCUSSION MOMENT OF SILENCE IN RECOGNITION OF RECENTLY DECEASED LUIS SOTO, CITY OF MIAMI MASTER CONTROL/TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS. DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: City of Miami and the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) lost an outstanding employee and true friend with the passing of Luis Soto. As many of you know, Luis directed the videotaping and airing of every meeting that took place in these chambers, including Commission and CRA meetings. Luis was always quick to offer a helping hand, and at the end of the last CRA meeting, he immediately offered to assist in the production of a video requested by Commissioner Gort, which details the achievements of the CRA. Unfortunately, Luis passed away before the video could be completed, but we are very grateful to him for his dedication to the City and our community, and he will be sincerely missed. Again, I'm going to ask that we will just bow our heads in brief moment for silent meditation in remembrance of Luis Soto. At this time, a moment of silence was observed. City of Miami Page 82 Printed on 12,13, 2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 NA.2 10-01222 Chair Dunn: Amen. CRA PRESENTATION AUDIOVISUAL PRESENTATION OF CRA PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. PRESENTED Chair Dunn: At this time, I'm going to request that we air the video before the start -- official start of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. At this time, an audiovisual presentation was made. Chair Dunn: I think we ought to give an applause for that. Applause. NA.3 CRA DISCUSSION 10-01223 BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING EVENTS THAT TRANSPIRED DURING THE SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 SECOND BUDGET HEARING OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION. DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: At this time, before we have the financial report by our Finance director, we are going to hear from our executive director, Mr. Pieter Bockweg. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, before we start on the agenda, I would like to address all of you personally for what happened on September 27 budget hearing. Unfortunately, my behavior that night was wrong. It was disrespectful and no disrespect was meant whatsoever. I was not aware that the item was on the Commission agenda. I found out after the fact. I understand you recessed, and I hurried over here as soon as possible. My frustration that was expressed was purely at myself, and it was completely misdirected at all of you, particularly, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez. I apologize sincerely and humbly to all of you. I have made the corrective actions with my staff so that we know that every item will be no -- I will be notified of every item that is on the agenda not only related to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), but even every item within the CRA boundary. Again, I apologize. If any disrespect was shown, it was not intended. It was my own frustration and being upset at myself. So I wanted to again apologize to all of you for that night, and I look forward to serving all of you in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bockweg. Is there any comments from the -- my colleagues? Commissioner Sarnof Apology accepted Chair Dunn: Apology's accepted. Commissioner Sarnof Apology accepted. Chair Dunn: Okay. Mr. Bockweg: Thank you, sir. City of Miami Page 83 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 NA.4 10-01224 CRA DISCUSSION BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES. DISCUSSED Commissioner Carollo: And -- Chair Dunn: Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, Mr. Chairman. One last thing. I guess it's -- I guess now it's after -the -fact, but just out of curiosity and procedures, just to know the procedures, do we usually have -- do we usually open up for the public for discussion? Or how usually in CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meetings do we -- you know, as a matter of procedure. Chair Dunn: Some -- Commissioner Carollo: I know it's after -the -fact now and, you know, so forth but -- Chair Dunn: -- meetings we do and some we've chosen not to depending on if we thought it would be a lengthy meeting. But it's pretty much, I believe, at the discretion of the Chair. And sometimes, given -- like tonight, you know -- andl think -- Commissioner Carollo: I gotcha. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, it's -- Chair Dunn: But that's -- I mean, if someone -- it's really at the discretion of the Chair, but sometimes we do it and sometimes we don't. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Chair Dunn: Good question. NA.5 CRA DISCUSSION 10-01225 BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF SAWYER'S WALK. DISCUSSED Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman, my understanding is we might have some good news soon about Sawyer's Walk? Julie O. Bru (General Counsel): I have to get briefed on that. I haven't heard anything lately. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Well, I'll keep quiet. Chair Dunn: All right. Okay. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. Could you repeat that again, Commissioner Gort? Chair Dunn: Okay, just something in the air. I guess it's -- at that time -- at this time, is there a motion --? City of Miami Page 84 Printed on 12/13/2010 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes October 14, 2010 Commissioner Gort: Something in the work that hopefully will be very beneficial for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and for the City of Miami. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion to adjourn? Commissioner Sarnoff So move. Commissioner Carollo: So move. Chair Dunn: The motion by -- well, meeting adjourned. City of Miami Page 85 Printed on 12/13/2010