Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2010-12-06 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Di IN O9P 9I#i1i? Meeting Minutes Monday, December 6, 2010 5:00 PM RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2010 Frederick Douglass Elementary School 314 N.W. 12th Street 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 December 6, 2010 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FINANCIALS 1. 10-01362 RESOLUTIONS Present: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Gort Absent: Commissioner Carollo On the 6th day of December 2010, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, 314 N. W 12th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dunn at 5: 09 p.m. and was adjourned at 6: 08 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Pieter Bockweg, Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Veronica Xiques, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Pamela L. Latimore, Assistant Clerk of the Board Chair Dunn: (INAUDIBLE) Overtown as we prepare for our Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. I am joined currently by my colleagues, Chairman Marc Sarnoff, both of the Commission and the Omni CRA, as well as Commissioner Willy Gort. We do have a quorum, and so with that being mind, we'll prepare to start this meeting. I would ask that if you have a cell phone, that you would please either cut the cell phone off or place them on vibrator or something where it won't interrupt with our meeting. With that in mind, we're going to stand for -- I'm going to ask Commissioner Gort to lead us in our pledge of allegiance, followed by a meditation or invocation by Chairman Sarnoff Pledge of allegiance and invocation delivered. CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR THE PERIOD ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2010. File 10-01362 11-29-2010 Financial Summary.pdf PRESENTED Chair Dunn: We're going to now ask for the financial summary to be given by our CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) finance director. Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer): Good evening, Commissioner Dunn and Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Gort. Miguel Valentin, CRA financial officer. On page 1, we are presenting the combined statement of financial position as of October 31, 2010. The cash balance that we're going to be disclosing is 17, 615,183. And for the month of October, there is no reportable condition to report to the board. Chair Dunn: Are there any questions? Commissioner Sarnoff No. Chair Dunn: Okay. City of Miami Paget Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 2. 10-01318 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RATIFYING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,540.03, FOR THE PAYMENT OF 2010 AD VALOREM TAXES ON THE PROPERTY AT 1201 N.W. 3RDAVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CURRENT CHARGES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.549000.0000.00000. File 10-01318 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01318 11-29-2010 Financial Form.pdf File 10-01318 11-29-2010 Backup.pdf File 10-01318 11-29-2010 Legislation.pdf File 10-01318 11-29-2010 Legislation (Signed).pdf 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 and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0098 Chair Dunn: Okay, we'll prepare now for item number 2 to be given by Miguel. Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. A resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency ratifying the expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $12,540.03 for the payment of 2010 ad valorem taxes on the property located at 1201 Northwest 3rd Avenue. This is the property that is right across -- Chair Dunn: Excuse me. It's a little bit -- I can't hear. Please respect the person that's speaking, please. Thank you. Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Just to give you more information about this resolution, this is the property that is located across this school. And we are intending in the near future to demolish that property for any intended future development. And this is only for the property taxes that we need to comply with. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone from the public that would like to speak on this item? Hearing none, seeing none -- Commissioner Sarnoff. So move. Chair Dunn: It's been moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gort. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: Ayes have it. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01347 City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 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 $15,000, FOR APPRAISALS OF PROPERTIES WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; 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, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.531000.0000.00000. File 10-01347 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01347 11-29-2010 Financial Form.pdf File 10-01347 11-29-2010 Legislation.pdf File 10-01347 11-29-2010 Legislation (Signed).pdf 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 and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0099 Chair Dunn: Next item, item number 3, or resolution number 3. Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good afternoon, Commissioners. Item number 3 is 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 $15, 000 for appraisal of properties within the redevelopment area; further authorizing the execution of all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel; allocating funds from Southeast Overtown/Park West increment fimd, professional services. What this is Commissioner -- Commissioners, is an item that will allow for us to conduct appraisals on properties that we strategically looked at that we believe would further the redevelopment efforts in the Southeast Overtown/Park West redevelopment agency. Now most of the appraisals fall within the authority that's granted by the executive director, under the $4,500, but since we have multiple appraisals that will go beyond that, we felt that it would be best, in the interest of disclosure, just to bring an item that would cover all of the appraisals that we intend to conduct. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone from the public that would like to speak on this item? Hearing none -- seeing none, hearing none, back to the Commission [sic]. Commissioner Sarnoff. So move. Commissioner Gort: I have a question. Chair Dunn: Question. Commissioner Gort: Second for information -- Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: -- purpose. My understanding is with $15, 000, you're looking at maybe doing seven to eight appraisals? Mr. Woods: Yes, exactly. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Commissioner Gort: Okay. Chair Dunn: Okay, there's been a motion. Any other questions? There's been a motion. Is there a second? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Second by Commissioner Gort. Chair Dunn: Okay. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Ayes have it. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01080a A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000, UNDER THE PARK WEST BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-10-0087, TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PLANTERS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE PARK WEST AREA WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; REALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000 TO SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File 10-01080a 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01080a 11-29-2010 Financial Form.pdf File 10-01080a 11-29-2010 Backup.pdf File 10-01080a 11-29-2010 Legislation.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 and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0100 Chair Dunn: Resolution number 4. Mark Spanioli (Director of Engineering and Construction): Good afternoon, Commissioners. Mark Spanioli, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Item number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA authorizing the issuance of a grant in an amount not to exceed $75, 000 under the Park West Beautification Program, authorized by resolution number CRA-10-0087 to the Downtown Development Authority for the City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 purchase and installation of planters in the public right-of-way of the Park West area within the vicinity of the American Airlines Arena. Basically, this is a $75, 000 expenditure from the $250, 000 that was allocated back in October for the pedestrian beautification in the Park West area. Basically, this would be the implementation of 75 street planters just like the ones that are installed in downtown on Flagler Street. The planters would be installed on Northeast 7th and Northeast 8th Streets just west of Biscayne Boulevard. And the installation of these planters would begin in the middle of January, and we got a written commitment from the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) that they would maintain the planters once they were installed. So if you have any questions, I'd be happy to entertain them. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone that would like to speak from the public on this item? Seeing none, hearing none, back to the Commission. Is there a question or a motion? Commissioner Gort: We're saying $1, 000 per planter? Mr. Spanioli: That's correct. That includes the planter, the plant materials, the soil, and the insulation of the planter. That's correct. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Move it. Commissioner Sarnoff: Second. Chair Dunn: Been properly motioned by Commissioner -- Commissioner Gort: Gort. Chair Dunn: -- Gort, second by Commissioner Sarnoff. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: So moved. Mr. Spanioli: Thank you. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01357 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DESIGN BUILD INTERAMERICAN, INC., THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER FOR DESIGN -BUILD SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN, RENOVATION AND INTERIOR BUILD -OUT OF TWO GUYS RESTAURANT (236 N.W. 14TH STREET, MIAMI, FL), IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $231,556; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File 10-01357 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01357 11-29-2010 Backup.pdf File 10-01357 11-29-2010 Legislation.pdf File 10-01357 11-29-2010 Legislation (Signed).pdf City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Motion by Board Member Samoff, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-01 01 Chair Dunn: Next item, resolution 5. Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, resolution 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the execution of an agreement with Design Build InterAmerican, Inc. for the lowest responsive bidder for the design -build services for the design, renovation and interior build -out of the Two Guys Restaurant that will be located at 236 Northwest 14th Street, in an amount not to exceed $231, 556; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purposes in a form acceptable to the general counsel and allocating funds from Southeast Overtown/Park West tax increment fund, other grants and aid. Commissioners, what this particular resolution addresses is one that we authorized previously in March 15, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) resolution 10-0016, where we put out the resolution -- where we put out an RFP (Request for Proposals) for design -build services and you guys passed a resolution for a not to exceed of $260, 000. We put the res -- we subsequently put the resolution -- well, put the resolution [sic] out and we receive proposals back. We had two bidders -- two responsive bidders -- actually, not responsive; only one responsive bid. And this is the actual GC (General Contractor) that will go ahead and design and build Two Guys. And their price is the $231,000. It's not in addition to what was proffered at the last -- well, the last resolution regarding this item. It's just the $231, 000 that it's going to take to design, build and rebuild Two Guys. Questions? Chair Dunn: Is there anyone from the public that would like to speak on this item? Please come up. State your name. Mr. Woods: For your reference, we have -- Mark Spanioli (Director of Engineering and Construction, Community Redevelopment Agency): Just for reference, we passed out what the facility looks like today, as well as -- Chair Dunn: Right. Mr. Spanioli: -- exactly where it's located so you get an idea of where it's at. Reginald Munnings: My name is Reginald Munnings. I live at 1130 Northwest 2ndAvenue. And this building is what you're talking about? Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Munnings: And you're going to relocate the Two Guys Restaurant here? Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Munnings: What's going to happen to the barbershop business in the other building? I'm asking you, the -- Mr. Woods: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) you want me to respond? Mr. Munnings: Yeah, if you could. City of Miami Pagel Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Mr. Woods: The barbershop -- we've been in talks with Mr. Kelly, and he's indicated to us when we're ready to go ahead and move on that, he's going to retire. Mr. Munnings: You've answered my question. Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Munnings: Just concerned, that's all. Mr. Woods: Okay. Chair Dunn: Anyone else from the public? Behind you. Jackie Bell: I'm Jackie Bell. I'm with New Washington Heights Community Development Corporation. And Two Guys Restaurant have been one of the better restaurants in our community, and they have been very patient. And the gentleman passed away and this was promised to them for a very long time. And every time something is promised to us in Overtown, it just takes so long. So would y'all please pass this and work with Shirley and get her restaurant because she needs you to do that, and the community needs you to do that. Thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Anyone else? Hearing none, seeing none, any comments or is there a motion from the Commission [sicJ? Yes. Commissioner Sarnoff Clarence, I'm a fence -sitter on this one. Mr. Woods: Okay. Commissioner Sarnoff. And I want you to try to convince me how I can authorize $231, 000 for a proprietor. Why would I do that, so much money for a single proprietor? Tell me the benefit to the community. Mr. Woods: Well, first of all, that particular building right now is pretty much an eyesore, if you will. It's abandoned. It's not on the tax rolls because it's owned by the church and it's tax-exempt. What we will be doing is we'll be fixing up an abandoned building that this particular business will hire more people from the community. They're going to hire about five or six more -- five to six more people. And it'll put it back on the tax rolls. Commissioner Sarnoff Is that part of the agreement, that there would be employment of six people? Mr. Woods: Absolutely, yes. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Is there any way I could look at that in writing? Mr. Woods: We can get that lease agreement -- the -- actually, it's a grant agreement that she has -- she's already executed so that -- Commissioner Sarnoff So in the event they don't employ six people and they just employ one person, what would happen? Mr. Woods: Well, there are measures within the grant agreement that will address that, and I don't have those specifically on -- in mind right now or on hand to be able to address that -- Commissioner Sarnoff.- So -- City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Mr. Woods: -- but we can get that for you. Commissioner Sarnoff -- in theory, it is a employment issue. Mr. Woods: Yes. Commissioner Sarnoff. It is an eyesore issue. What else? Mr. Woods: And it's a increasing -the -tax -base issue. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I think, Commissioner, ifI may. The location of where Two Guys Restaurant is today is a property owned by the CRA itself. We have future plans of developing that piece of land to allow for rental apartments and additional commercial space on the bottom. This location we found to be perfect to relocate the Two Guys Restaurant. Like Clarence had mentioned, it is an eyesore, as well as it is not on the tax roll today. It's in a major corridor within the Overtown area, and we want to make sure we utilize that street and also get that piece of property back on the tax roll. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So where they presently are, they're a renter of CRA property? Mr. Bockweg: That's correct. Commissioner Sarnoff This is a place that you visited, correct, Commissioner? Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. I've visited them, and we actually authorized the expenditure of these funds several CRA agendas ago -- Commissioner Gort: March. Vice Chair Suarez: -- or several CRA meetings ago. And this is -- my understanding is this is just the actual awarding of the contract, which actually came in $30, 000 less than what we originally allocated for the total expenditure. And we did -- I did go visit them. It's a much bigger space than the one that they have currently. The one they have currently is in pretty bad shape. It reminds me of Jackson's in many ways because it's like the other side of that same avenue on the other corner. So it will -- it's kind of like another anchor tenant, which would be nice for that corridor. I'm going to vote for it. We have already approved the allocation. So you know, I think from my perspective in this particular -- this particular issue is just assuring that we're getting the best deal possible for the CRA and I'm sure you feel comfortable with the request for a proposal process. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. Vice Chair Suarez: There was no bid protest or anything like that? Mr. Woods: None whatsoever. And Mark just reminded me that this particular contractor has agreed to use a lot of the local workforce and he's done that before. So we feel confident that people within the areas would -- within the area will get jobs. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Mr. Woods: So it accomplishes several of our objectives. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Gort. City of Miami Page Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Commissioner Gort: My understanding when we originally approved this in March, that the reason -- main reason was we needed the building and we needed for them to move, so this is one of the options that we gave them in order for them to move and create a new restaurant. I think it's very important for the economic development of the whole area. I mean, we want to bring tourism here. We're trying to create activities in here so people will visit and they need a nice place to -- where they can sit down and have the -- some meals or something like that. I myself am in favor of it too. But my biggest frustration is we took -- we passed it in March -- and I have the same problem with the City of Miami. When I first got elected in January, I was supposed to have X'amount of million dollars to do work, roads, streets, and sidewalks and so on, and I'm still waiting for design and all this. Why do we take so long in getting things done? I mean, we need to put people to work. If we don't put people to work (UNINTELLIGIBLE) improve this economy. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. I agree with you, Commissioner. You want to know why -- Chair Dunn: Anyone else? Vice Chair Suarez: Mr. Chair. Chair Dunn: Yes. Commissioner Gort: We got to move fast. I mean -- Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner Suarez. Vice Chair Suarez: Just one last thing on this particular item. I think one of the other things that intrigued me about it when first -- when I first got elected was learning about the CRA process and understanding how the money is supposed to work in the community. And initially, I didn't really understand the economics of the deal because we were investing $260,000 and the person who was going to be benefiting from it was, in essence, a private entity and they were going to be also -- their rent was not going to be substantially increased. But the idea was that we're kind of leveraging these funds to create a product that you wouldn't otherwise be able to see in the strict private sector sense. And because of that, the community's going to benefit because -- since the rent is lower, then that means they can hire more employees. They can also offer their prices at a more reasonable rate than they would be able to if you weren't, in effect, subsidizing the build -out. And that's why the community's supposed to benefit from it. So, for me, this was one of those first projects that I remember when it first came me. I think I actually asked for a deferral because I wanted to kind of do a little bit of investigation, actually go there and meet the proprietor and do some due diligence. So I'm glad that now it's here finally before us. I agree with Commissioner Gort's frustration on getting projects going, and I think the CRA and each particular CRA has like $30 million of pent-up projects and I think that's something that, you know, we all want to see getting going. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. Chair Dunn: Anyone else? Is there a motion? Commissioner Sarnoff 171 move it. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Dunn: Okay. It's been properly moved by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Gort. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 6. 10-01343 Chair Dunn: Passed unanimous. Let me just say for the record, we are grateful for the due diligence and the longevity of Two Guys, and certainly, we're excited about this project. Thank you. Applause. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,500,000, FOR THE INTERIOR DEMOLITION AND BUILD -OUT OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 300 N.W. 11 TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE SAID FUNDS DIRECTLY TO VENDORS OR THROUGH PURCHASE ORDERS ISSUED BY CITY OF MIAMI CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM ("CIP"), PROVIDED THAT CIP HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO SAID VENDORS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.670000.0000.00000. File 10-01343 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01343 11-29-2010 Financial Form.pdf File 10-01343 11-29-2010 Backup.pdf File 10-01343 11-29-2010 Legislation.pdf File 10-01343 11-29-2010 Legislation (Signed).pdf 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 and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0102 Chair Dunn: All right, resolution 6. Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, resolution 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $1. S million for the interior demolition and build -out of the property located at 300 Northwest llth Street; authorizing the executive director to disburse said funds directly to vendors or through purchase orders issued by the City of Miami Capital Improvement Project program; provided that CIP (Capital Improvements Program) has demonstrated its compliance with all applicable rules and regulations governing the award of contracts to said vendors, allocating funds from Southeast Overtown/Park West tax increment fund, construction in progress. This particular item, Commissioners, as you know, as -- has come before you as well. The last time it was here, it was for the purchase of this historic church located at the address mentioned here in the resolution. Now what we're looking to do is to go ahead and do the demolition and build -out of this particular property -- of the interior, I'm sorry, not the property. I don't know if you remember; one of the conditions was that -- I think Commissioner Sarnoff proffered -- this particular building would operate or function with some sort of training for -- and education for the local community. Well, that's exactly what we're looking to do. It's going City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 to be a multipurpose facility; multipurpose in that it would be a community meeting space. It would also function as a banquet facility, providing some opportunities for revenues to come back to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and that would be on the first floor, or I guess, the main floor. In the basement would house -- the basement would house the training facility that would have a computer lab and what other -- whatever other training institutes that we might want to program in that space. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone from the public that would like to speak on this item? If so, please come to the podium, state your name and your address. Keith Ivory: Okay. Good afternoon. Keith Ivory, Overtown resident, 160 Northwest 1st Court. Also, we're coming by -- and we just want to know how -- on projects like this, how can local folks in the community -- we have a gentleman here today, Mike Anderson. He's one of the applicants in those applicants that I turned into Pieter last month at the CRA meeting that was at Culmer. And we've been trying to let local residents know about these meetings or also know about the employment process. As we look at your Web site on the CRA, we see that there are Hospitality Institute, different types of possible employment things. So that's what we trying to do, just bring the folks in the neighborhood, as we speak about how can this generate income inside of the community as well. And so we're here to find out, you know, how -- a project like this right here, how can a local person who has skills in construction and what have you can tap into those services. Chair Dunn: I will ask Mr. Bockweg. Could you --? Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): As part of the process to move forward with the actual interior demolition of this property, we will be putting out to get the qualified applicants to bid on that process. Anybody from the public is open to submit an application for that RFP (Request for Proposals), and that would be a perfect opportunity for not only local residents to apply or local companies to apply for that interior demolition, but as I stated before, if a local bidder does not win the actual application, I will make sure that whoever wins does employ local residents to do the work on the interior demolition of that building. Mr. Ivory: So whoever like, you know, gets the RFP, gets the contract, per se, how can we get a connection with -- that we can send --? For example, if so-and-so company wins the contract to do that work, how can we tap in to send our folks who are qualified in Overtown to that employer? Mr. Bockweg: Usually what happens is that once all the bidders submit their bids to do the interior -- in this particular case, the interior demolition, then we will send notices out to those quali -- to those bidders that did not win the contract. And we will make sure to not the people and also in our newsletter, and we will put it on the Web site to let everybody know who did win the bid. We will include it in our newsletter. As you know, I come to the Overtown Advisory Board regularly. I will notdy the people there. And as I expressed to the Overtown Advisory Board, the newsletter that we distribute amongst the community, I have -- we are putting in different places -- or placing them in different places within the district that people will be notified through the newsletter. And if that doesn't work, you could always call the office directly and we'll be more than happy to provide you -- Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chair. Mr. Bockweg: -- the information. Chair Dunn: Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Let me give you a suggestion. We've been giving a lot of training for City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 people with the hospitality and also for the construction. I want to let the individual -- I don't think they're talking about answer an RFP. They're talking about getting the job with the people that get the contract. Why don't you get the application from the individuals and the qualifications and you introduce it to -- whoever wins the bids, give them those information? I think it'll be a lot easier. Mr. Bockweg: I'll be more than happy to take any of the applications -- Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Mr. Bockweg: -- that come in and then forward them to the appropriate agency to make sure it gets distributed and in touch with the qualing bidder. Mr. Woods: Commissioner, what we have been doing is depending on the skill level and what job seekers are looking for, we have been telling them to go over to the Hospitality Institute to put them in place to get jobs. We are now entertaining a construction institute that we're looking at creating through Camillus House. Obviously, that is probably more appropriate for someone that's looking for a job in construction. So at some point in time, we'll have a construction and training institute up and running, but there are other grassroot [sic] organizations who qualify persons that are looking for jobs in the construction industry. They do certifications and whatnot. The more grassroot [sic] -- Commissioner Gort: Well, that's what they want. Mr. Woods: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Commissioner Gort: They want information. Mr. Woods: Right. Commissioner Gort: Where to go to get that information, make sure they get a job. Mr. Woods: And we can put them in touch with the Hospitality Institute. Should we get the contractors or the construction institute going with Camillus, we can make that available to them, as well as the grassroot [sic] organizations that are doing that already. Chair Dunn: Yes, sir. State your name and address for the record, please. Michael Anderson: My name is Michael Anderson. I'm a resident of Overtown, 1999 Northwest 5th Place. I put in several application when they had job openings and job fairs here at -- Chair Dunn: University of Miami? Mr. Anderson: -- the building over here. Mr. Woods: The 9th Street Mall? Mr. Anderson: No. Right here -- Mr. Woods: Culmer Center? Mr. Anderson: Culmer Center. And I put it in September, October, and I've been looking for employment for a long way before that, and I put in with the company, the CRA, and I haven't had an answer or nothing. I'm trying to find out where can I get employment at. I'm a skilled laborer. I do many, many trades, you know, landscaping, construction and all. And I'm here to City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 wonder how could I get hooked up to -- Mr. Woods: Can I just work with him? And then -- Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Mr. Woods: -- we'll -- Chair Dunn: That's what I was hoping you would say. Mr. Woods: -- provide -- I'll provide you some -- Mr. Anderson: Okay, thank you. Mr. Woods: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Dunn: All right, thank you so much. Mr. Woods: I'll just work with you, all right. Chair Dunn: Is there anyone else from the public that would like to speak on this item? Hearing none, seeing none, from the Commission [sic]. Commissioner Sarnoff So moved. Chair Dunn: Moved by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: I'll second for question. Chair Dunn: Second for question. Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: You know, the way the construction business is today and we only receive two bids and one was not conforming -- Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that was for a -- Commissioner Gort: -- that was noncompliance -- Mr. Bockweg: -- different item -- Mr. Woods: Yeah. That was -- Mr. Bockweg: -- as far as the bid. That was for the Two Guys Restaurant. Commissioner Gort: The Two Guys Restaurant, okay, right. This one -- how about this one? Mr. Bockweg: This one is still to go out to bid. This is the -- Commissioner Gort: This is going out to bid now? Mr. Woods: Yeah. Mr. Bockweg: Yeah. This is for the approval to us -- Commissioner Gort: All right. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: -- to move forward to go ahead and bid it out. Commissioner Gort: Let's make sure we get it out to everyone so that everybody gets an opportunity. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Gort: The more people that bid, the better it is. Mr. Bockweg: Absolutely. Mr. Woods: We using CIP and all of their resources that they bid out projects. They have a real exclusive list, I guess. Commissioner Gort: All right. Chair Dunn: Okay. There's been a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Gort. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: So moved. 7. CRA RESOLUTION 10-01180a A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE NEW LOGO FOR THE CRA; ACKNOWLEDGING THE WORK OF ALEX E. ALEXANDER; PROVIDING FORA POST -SECONDARY SCHOOL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,500, IN CONSIDERATION THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE THE SCHOLARSHIP, AT HIS DISCRETION, UPON PRESENTATION OF SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW GENERAL OPERATING FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.534000.0000.00000. File 10-01180a 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf File 10-01180a 11-29-2010 Financial Form.pdf File 10-01180a 11-29-2010 Legislation.pdf File 10-01180a 11-29-2010 Attachment A SUB.pdf File 10-01180a 11-29-2010 Legislation (Signed).pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Chairman Dunn II, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0103 Chair Dunn: Next item, I'm very delighted -- it's really a -- resolution 7, and it involves the CRA City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 (Community Redevelopment Agency) new logo. I guess I'll pass the gavel to my colleague just to -- I don't really -- and it's really -- I'll ask for a motion, but I definitely want to comment on this so -- Commissioner Sarnoff So move. Chair Dunn: Moved by -- well, you got it. Go ahead. Vice Chair Suarez: Moved by Board Member Sarnoff. Is there a second? Chair Dunn: Second. Yes, sir. Commissioner Suarez: Second by Chairman -- Chair Dunn: With -- for discussion. Commissioner Suarez: For discussion. Chairman Dunn, you're recognized for discussion. Chair Dunn: Thank you, acting Chairman Suarez. I'm honored -- I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the 17-year-old Booker T. Washington student, Alex Alexander. Applause. Chair Dunn: We also have joined with him -- and we were trying to make sure for a time certain, and I think we're going to be able to do that. We have Felix Alexander, his father -- Applause. Chair Dunn: -- and his mother is here, and she left work to be here. Applause. Chair Dunn: I do want to acknowledge both the principal of Frederick Douglass Elementary. She's moving back and forth. She stepped out. But on the last meeting on last Monday, we did not have a quorum, and we stated we had legitimate reasons as to why. But the principal of Booker T. Washington, Mr. Aristide, was also here, so I would like to state that for the record that he was in fact here. Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor. We want to -- and I'll yield to the CRA staff, Mr. Bockweg, to unveil the new logo for our CRA, your CRA, and this is exciting. And I'll yield to you, Mr. Bockweg, if you -- Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Briefly, what we had decided to do was to reach out to the only school here within the CRA and petition the students of that school to come up with a creative, new logo that represents all the CRAs. Mr. Alexander is the winner. He will be receiving a first place prize of $2, 500; $500 upfront -- Applause. Mr. Bockweg: -- and then $500 a year thereafter for continued education that will go towards a scholarship. Some very exciting news as well, that I actually had a meeting with the Adrienne Arsht Center this afternoon. I told them about the logo. They loved it, and they have committed to inviting the entire family to the presidential box of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Alvin Ailey dance troop in February. Applause. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Mr. Bockweg: So without further ado, Commissioners, please, if you'd like to join me up -- and show the new logo. Chair Dunn: Do we need to --? Well, let's see the unveiling first. Applause. Chair Dunn: On behalf of the Community Redevelopment Agency, which entails both Southeast Overtown/Park West, as well as Omni, I need to share this with my colleague, Chairman Sarnoff as well -- this is a $2, 500 prize to Mr. Alex Alexander for his participation. And I'm going to ask him, because I had the privilege this past week of -- thanks to all of my colleagues, especially Chairman Sarnoff. I'm acquiring an appetite for art, and I had the opportunity to go to the Art Basel in Wynwood, and I was really pleased. And I said, you know, we've got to have that in Overtown. And it was just an overwhelmingly successful event. So I'm going to ask you to tell us what is that rendering saying. You're the artist, so you tell us what it's saying, Mr. Alexander. Now I didn't prep him for this, so this is impromptu. Alex Alexander: Good evening. The hands means is like people are uniting, like -- yeah, people uniting for the CRA, the Community Revelopment [sic] Agency. You have the Omni Station, which represents the Omni, and then you have the Overtown -- you have the hammers provides unity and strength, and the music is like, you know, for back then when Overtown was like music and stuff with the culture. And the buildings and houses for Overtown. Then like a skyline here and the shaking of the hands. Applause. Chair Dunn: I couldn't have said it better. Let's give him a hand. This is wonderful. Applause. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Vice Chair Suarez: So moved. Chair Dunn: Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Second, by everyone. Chair Dunn: Second. All right. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Ayes have it. And I'm sure, as we would say -- I won't say that in here, but certainly no one would oppose someone who is diabolical. Let's give him another hand. That's wonderful. Applause. Chair Dunn: And I believe it really truly depicts what the vision is. I want to commend our CRA staff, Mr. Bockweg, executive director, for the leadership in this, and it certainly is timely because we are joining the communities together and for the cause of bringing together a better community. And I feel the sense of unity right here on this dais with our fellow Commissioners. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. 10-01348 Thank you, Mr. Bockweg. Mr. Bockweg: Thank you, Commissioner. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 GENERAL OPERATING AND TAX INCREMENT FUND BUDGETS. File 10-01348 11-29-2010 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Vice Chair Suarez: Next item. Chair Dunn: The last -- Vice Chair Suarez: Oh, you want it back? Chair Dunn: No, no, no, no. Go ahead. You got it. Go ahead. Vice Chair Suarez: No, no. Go ahead. Chair Dunn: No, no. You got it. Vice Chair Suarez: Next item is a discussion item. It's the last item on the agenda. Chair Dunn: Yes. Let me start off by addressing -- in our last board meeting in the month of October there were some issues that came up regarding the budget of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). And one of the things that we talked about is that -- the desire to be fair and to be consistent. As many of you well know, we have undergone probably one of our most excruciatingly painful budgetary processes in recent years at the City of Miami, and I believe we did a wonderful job in terms of trying to do the best with what we had. Many people took sacrifices, our unions, and I do want to state that for the record. No Commissioner on the dais, none, took pleasure in trying to reduce salaries and pensions so that we could come to a level of balance as it relates to our budget. But one of the things that I sort of overlooked and I thought that needed to be brought out for discussion was the fact that the CRA, unlike any other agency in the City of Miami, salaries and benefits only comprise about 2 percent of the budget. And the CRA was very gracious in giving back to the City or being a good partner with the City as it related to the budgetary constraints that we faced. Commissioner -- Chairman Sarnoff was willing to give so much back from a portion of the Omni side. We gave so much from the Southeast Overtown/Park West side to the tune of about $10 million plus. No other agency in the City was asked to do that, and of course, one would argue, well, it was a loan that was made some years ago or the City fronted the money years ago and then it's now -- you know, since times are hard, it's a need to repay that money. But nevertheless, we willingly complied. There was never a time in probably both of our minds and as chairmans [sic] that we would not do what had to be done in terms of trying to balance the City's budget. That was the most important thing. Many of you took issue with this Chairman and this Commissioner and rightfully so because you felt like we were giving away the money that was earmarked for this community to do those kinds of things that we just witnessed. But on the other hand, we also realized that if there is no City, then there will be no CRA. And so we wanted to try our best to do that and we were able to do that in a way that it would not detriment -- be detrimental to the budget for this year. We will be able to do all the things that are online, for the most part, in both parts of the CRA, both the Omni and the Southeast Overtown/Park West. Additionally, we're in position and City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 we're preparing right now to, and rightfully so, assist the Bayfront Trust to the tune of some forty -plus thousand dollars because of some things that they'll be doing that will have a direct or indirect impact on the CRA boundaries and the City of Miami as a whole. One thing that I wanted to bring out was as it related to Mr. Bockweg's salary, and I wanted to relate to that because I believe there was an oversight on our part. One was his salary was adjusted retrospectively [sic] to July when perhaps it should have been done retrospectively [sic] or moving forward to October 1, like all of the other directors. The impact that was felt in terms of reductions for salaries and what have you for all the directors, all of the workers, all of the unions did not actually become effective until October 1. And so it's somewhat, in my opinion -- my humble opinion, it's unfair to penalize him for July when in fact it should perhaps have been done for October and not for July. The other issue is the staff. The staff probably is one of the -- we have some of the probably lowest paid staff of all agencies. And you say, well, it's important that we don't -- we're not talking about people who are in that 100,000 plus bracket. We're talking about underneath that. And the last thing I think that you would want to do -- and I wish that my colleague, Commissioner Carollo, were here. I know he's out of the country, so -- because this is something that I understand that he takes at heart and I respect that, truthfully and sincerely. But you don't want to punish an organization or punish an agency that has demonstrated good fiscal responsibility, at least in the last few years, come under budget, and even in terms of giving back over $10 million to the City. No other agency could say that. And what happens -- you say, well, what does that have to do with the agency? How can that have some connection or connectivity? Well, what it does or what it would do, it can destroy the morale. And the last agency that needs low morale is an agency that's been charged with doing the kinds of things that the CRA has been charged with doing. And so I would like for us to revisit that. If there was an adjustment of the travel, the adjustment with the car allowance, adjustment with the cell phone allowance, all of that would only equal about $46, 000. So we're not talking about a substantial amount of money that will have any major consequences as it relates to the overall budget, as well as some of the salaries. So I want us to discuss that honestly, openly, but I'm prepared to move for discussion that we look back at this and make the necessary adjustments, especially as it relates to the salaries and especially as it relates to the salary of the executive director, which was actually done in July instead of it being applied in October 1. Vice Chair Suarez: Does any other board member have anything to say? Commissioner Gort, you're recognized for the record. Commissioner Gort: Yes, I do. I think it's important -- the -- when the CRA, my understanding, first began, neither one of the CRAs had any funding at all. For that reason, the City of Miami had to provide a lot of the funds to get the CRA going with the general funds. And one of the things that the CRA is doing now is returning some of those funds that the City gave to the CRAs to create the CRAs. So that's something I think is very important for people to understand. Number two is I'm not ready to take a decision on this. I need information, and the impact -- I mean, we took this decision in a full Commission meeting, when there's a major public hearing, where there's a lot of people there. And Mr. Chairman, with all respect, and I respect you very much, but I cannot take a decision on this or vote on it today. Vice Chair Suarez: Is there -- ? Mr. Chairman -- Board Member Sarnoff do you have anything to say, any comments? You're recognized. Commissioner Sarnoff: I guess I see salaries somewhat differently than I maybe see benefits because what a person works for inevitably is a decision that they come to with an employer. With regard to things like cell phone allowances and car allowances, that really does come out of a person's pocket. And I've always been intrigued -- in my private life, so as an attorney, we hand everybody cell phones and we give them big allowances 'cause we want to know where they are all the time and we call them all the time because we think it's important that they be available to us all the time. With regard to car allowances, there is no reason that anybody that City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 has to get around -- and I mean the car insurance, the gasoline, the depreciation to their car -- it should be -- it should never cost them money to have to do their job. It should never come out of their pocket. And as for the salaries, I see it a little differently. I agree with Commissioner Gort. I think this is something that we need to debate on a full -- either full board or full Commission 'cause I think Commissioner Carollo has every -- Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Commissioner Sarnoff.- -- you know, certainly should be heard and certainly should be, you know, addressed with regard to this. But I am very much amenable to people not having to come out of pocket at all for their cars and not having to come out of pocket at all for their cell phone allowances. I'm not sure we hit the mark on those two. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Board Member Sarnoff. Do you have any other comments? Commissioner Sarnoff- No, that's it. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay. Let me -- Do you have anything else -- Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Vice Chair Suarez: -- before I finish, wrap it up? Chair Dunn: Well, let me just -- Vice Chair Suarez: Sure. Chair Dunn: I would also like us to look at -- because there was -- especially with the salary, not -- applying the 12 percent, as all directors have, but I believe the timeline was not correct for July. It should in fact been October 1. I think that's pretty basic because no other person -- no other director had to endure that type of -- as well as looking at the other salaries. I'm willing -- as my colleague, Commissioner Gort, said, I have no problems in waiting to have the full Commission because it definitely is not my intent or any of our intent to try to do anything from a secret perspective or that type of thing. But basically, I do want to bring these issues to bear because I think that, you know, in our desire to show consistency, sometimes we -- and it was a long meeting and we were trying to get a whole lot of things in, there were some oversights. And I do believe we need to look back at them as soon as possible at the next board meeting, at least before -- hopefully, before we can -- before -- at the next meeting possibly. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Chairman Dunn. My comments are -- on this particular item are several. I very much sympathize with Commissioner Gort in that I think we should have the full body if we're going to revisit this issue. I think Vice Chairman Carollo has expressed a lot of issues over some of the specific line items. I, myself, have expressed some issues. This was a very painful meeting when we deliberated on this budget. I'm not 100 percent certain it's a good idea for us to revisit the pain, but if, you know, you, as the Chairman, think it's a good idea for us to do it -- you know, I'm concerned about the fact that it's listed as a discussion item and then, you know, about a second ago, I get an actual line -by-line, you know, breakdown of what we're looking at here. I would have liked to have gotten this earlier and any other specifics that would be up for action in the next meeting, I think we should get it. For example, I had no idea about the executive director, whether he got started on July or October or whatever. Whatever specific things are to be debated, I think we should get them. And I don't know that the CRA abides by a five-day rule like the Commission does -- Ms. Xiques, does the CRA abide by a five-day rule? They don't? Well, it's probably a good idea for us to at least strive to get things to us within five days as we do regularly in the Commission meeting just so that we have the time to analyze things and debate them intelligently. Again, I mean, I'm very sympathetic to your arguments. I City of Miami Page20 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 know that the CRA is different from the City of Miami in many ways and it's been a very, very painful process, the budget for the City of Miami, dealing with labor unions who are suing the City of Miami, you know, and all of the -- all the difficult decisions that we've had to make. And so, you know, kind of revisiting this issue for me almost feels like opening up a wound that was already closed and I thought was behind us. But, you know, it's your prerogative as the Chairman to revisit it, and I'm sure the Vice Chairman will have some thoughts, as well as I will. And I guess once I have more details, I can, you know, express on the record what my thoughts are relative to those specific details. Commissioner Gort -- Board Member Gort. Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you. I don't have any problem going retroactive as long as we use the budget that was put together, the 2009-2010. Chair Dunn: Yeah. Commissioner Gort: If you use the numbers of that budget, I don't have any problem going retroactive, but those are the numbers you have to look at. Vice Chair Suarez: I'm not sure I understand. Oh, you mean -- Commissioner Gort: Okay, you -- we had a budget -- Vice Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Gort: -- that was passed and approved by the CRA before we were in it -- Vice Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Gort: -- and we should base -- if we're going to go retroactive because of the other agencies, then we should go according to that budget. Chair Dunn: That's what I'm talking about. Vice Chair Suarez: I'm a little confused there because what I understand happened was we, in essence -- in our last board meeting, we, in essence, reduced salaries, we reduced some allowances, et cetera, et cetera, beyond what was previously there. And I think there was some difficulties because we were trying to compare apples and apples with certain new members and certain people that had been there before, and I think that's where there was, if you could say, unfairness. There was some unfairness in the process there, but the decision was made and it was made on the basis of you know, what we thought was best for the agency and what we thought was adequate for people to do their job. I mean, if we want to revisit that all and have everyone kind of -- Commissioner Gort: No, no. Vice Chair Suarez: Then maybe I'm confused. Commissioner Gort: What I'm saying is the budget that we worked on and that we approved was in 10000 [sic] - '11 -- from 2010 to 2011. Vice Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Gort: I'm saying if we're going to go retroactive -- since this was implemented in October 1, if we're going to go retroactive, we have to go according to the budget that was approved '09 to 2010 -- 2009 to 2010. City of Miami Page21 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Chair Dunn: Before we were here. Commissioner Gort: The existing -- budget that was in existence. Vice Chair Suarez: Okay, but I'm confused. This says here discussion item regarding the fiscal year 2011. Chair Dunn: Right. See -- Vice Chair Suarez: Am I confused? Chair Dunn: Let me see ifI could do this. Commissioner Gort: That one I have a problem. What he's -- Chair Dunn: Go ahead. Commissioner Gort: -- my understanding was that he wanted to -- not to penalize the agencies by the motions that we made for the 2010-2011 budget; that we should go retroactive and let them get the funds coming to them from the budget of 2009-2010 until October 1. Vice Chair Suarez: I'm not sure I get it, but that's okay. Chair Dunn: So -- Vice Chair Suarez: I can be briefed between now and the next one. Chair Dunn: Let me -- okay, let me just say ifI -- Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah. Chair Dunn: -- just for the -- and help me if I'm -- you know, these are the veterans on the dais. What happens when we actually do the budget, it's done really a year in advance, so the budget for 2009 and '10 was approved before you and I were here. Vice Chair Suarez: Right, right. Chair Dunn: So that's what he was saying, that it should be based on that, and we -- instead of -- and then that way run the clock -- Commissioner Gort: We're not talking about changing 2000 -- 2011. Vice Chair Suarez: Let's do this. I think we've all kind of agreed that we're going to do this and hear this in full Commission. Chair Dunn: Okay. Vice Chair Suarez: So we have until I think whatever the next meeting is in January, and if you guys can actually sit -- I know that you came to meet with me and we didn't actually get a chance to meet, but if we can meet on this specific item, get as much specificity as possible so that I can understand it. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I'll be more than happy to sit down with you, Commissioner, but just so that you know, this particular item is not the Administration's item. It's the Chairman's item. So I'll be more than happy to go through City of Miami Page22 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 10-01437 these numbers, exactly what these numbers mean from a budget standpoint, and I'll be more than happy to do that. Vice Chair Suarez: Ms. Xiques, in whatever way that doesn't violate the Sunshine Law, if there is a method by which it can be communicated to me what the specificity of this item and what it relates to and how it applies. Can I have someone brief me on it between now and the next meeting? Commissioner Sarnoff.- Why don't we just bring this up, if you would, Pieter, either bring it up as a discussion item in the Commission -- we could either recess the Commission and bring it up as a CRA item, or you could bring it up at a Commission level, or maybe we could do it at the same time. I don't know if that's even possible. Mr. Bockweg: The acceptance of the budget is on the CR -- is on the City Commission agenda for the 16th. Commissioner Sarnoff.- Okay, so -- Mr. Bockweg: The acceptance of the original budget is on the agenda for the 16th. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So it can be discussed in part and parcel with that. Why don't you -- Mr. Bockweg: Absolutely. Commissioner Sarnoff -- as a precaution, why don't you also call for a CRA meeting right after the Commission meeting? Mr. Bockweg: We have the Omni CRA. The notice will go out tomorrow morning that we have the Omni CRA meeting on the 16th as well. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So why don't you open up a Southeast Overtown/Park West discussion item for this as well. Mr. Bockweg: We can do that. That's not a problem. Chair Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: Just got to be discussed in both CRAs. Commissioner Sarnoff: Right. Chair Dunn: Absolutely. Commissioner Sarnoff.- I just want to make sure it's noticed. Commissioner Gort: Right. Chair Dunn: Yeah, that's good. CRA DISCUSSION CHAIR DUNN RECOGNIZED PAMELA SANDERS -WHITE, PRINCIPAL OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS ELEMENTARY. City of Miami Page23 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: Before we dismiss, I did want to recognize -- and I'm going to ask her 'cause she's been so gracious -- the principal of Frederick Douglass Elementary, if you'd come and introduce yourself for being so kind and hospitable to us. Applause. Chair Dunn: And Emanuel, if you would quickly get behind -- walk behind her as she makes her introduction. Tell us what's happening with the Overtown Optimist. Pamela Sanders -White: Well, good evening, everyone. Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff. Good evening. Vice Chair Suarez: Good evening. Ms. Sanders -White: Welcome to my home. Andl invite all of you to come visit our school at any time of the day you so chose [sic]. We have teachers who are actually in the building who will be here probably until 8 or 9 actually training. I want you to know that Frederick Douglass is moving up. I am here to change the way we educate children. I am here to ensure that -- Applause. Ms. Sanders -White: -- we have the best teachers, we have the best custodians, we have the best security monitors because at Frederick Douglass children are number one. I say to my staff all the time together we can. So I encourage you to watch us. We're moving up. When that FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) comes around, I'm confident that our students will, for the first time in a long time, show what they truly know and what they've had an opportunity to learn. This is our school. Come visit. I'm in the classrooms every day. You won't see me in one place too very long because in order to evaluate and improve teaching and learning, you've got to observe it on a regular day [sic]. Okay, so welcome. Come any time, and thank you. Chair Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Applause. NA.2 CRA DISCUSSION 10-01438 BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING OVERTOWN COMMUNITY OPTIMIST CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION. DISCUSSED Emanuel Washington: Good afternoon, Commissioners, gentlemen, ladies from the community. My name is Emanuel Washington. I'm the executive director for the Overtown Community Optimist Club. That's one of many hats that I wear in this community. But today I come before you just to -- and I thank you, Commissioner, for allowing this moment to say to you that the Overtown Community Optimist Club have 160 pound midget football team that's competing for a national title in Orlando, Florida, this week. Applause. City of Miami Page24 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Vice Chair Suarez: A hundred and sixty pound midget doesn't sound like a midget to me. Mr. Washington: A little man so -- Vice Chair Suarez: Oh, goodness. I weigh about 160 pounds. Mr. Washington: But Sunday -- Commissioner Gort: A hundred and sixty is pretty big. Mr. Washington: -- they played the first round of the national championship and they won 34 zip. Commissioner Gort: Great. Mr. Washington: And Wednesday, they'll play the second round and of course the result is going to be the same. And they'll compete Saturday for the national title. So after Saturday we'll be coming home for the tickertape parade and all that good stuff. Applause. Chair Dunn: And last but not least, thank you, Mr. Washington -- Mr. Washington: You're welcome. Chair Dunn: -- for all the great work and all the -- something good is happening in Overtown. [Later...] Chair Dunn: I yield to my colleague on the -- chairman on the Omni side, and then we'll ask for a motion of adjournment. Commissioner -- Chairman Sarnoff. Commissioner Sarnoff- Well, I -- just so Overtown's aware, Coconut Grove is also undefeated and has gone to the national championships. Vice Chair Suarez: There you go. Applause. Commissioner Sarnoff- And if you read in the newspaper, they needed $5, 000 to get out there, and we raised $5, 000 in less than one half-hour from all the community members in Coconut Grove. Applause. Commissioner Sarnoff.- So we're going to be meeting them tomorrow, and they're going to be coming back undefeated as well. I don't know if they're going to be going head to head against each other. Chair Dunn: No, no. They don't play each other. They don't play each other. No. Commissioner Sarnoff 'Cause it'd be a tough one, I agree. Chair Dunn: And Overtown, please allow me to say this. We have -- City of Miami Page25 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Vice Chair Suarez: Where's the game? Chair Dunn: -- Liberty City -- in Orlando. -- Optimist as well who -- they're competing for the national championship, all in different weight divisions. Vice Chair Suarez: Wow. Chair Dunn: So that means from the City of Miami, we have Coconut Grove Optimist -- Vice Chair Suarez: Overtown and Liberty City. Chair Dunn: Wait a minute. Who do we have? Vice Chair Suarez: Overtown and Liberty City. Mr. Washington: Four; Overtown, Coconut Grove, Liberty City, and -- that's the three. Chair Dunn: Yeah, three. So we have Coconut Grove Optimist, Liberty City Optimist, and Overtown Optimist who are all competing for the national championship in Orlando. And I want to thank -- I want to say for the record because people don't know, because of the efforts of my colleague who's in Coconut Grove, District 2, the one on Omni side, he was instrumental in helping us to raise some dollars for Overtown and Liberty City because they had already reached their goal and we were still trying to get ours. Applause. Chair Dunn: But everybody got the goals that they needed. Thank you. Vice Chair Suarez: Why isn't UM (University of Miami) winning more championships? We got all these teams winning football championships. UM should be winning all the championships. They should be getting all these kids. I don't know what's going on here. I don't know. Chair Dunn: Is there a motion? Commissioner Sarnoff All right, motion to adjourn. Commissioner Gort: Move to adjourn. Chair Dunn: It's been motioned to adjourn. Vice Chair Suarez: Second. Commissioner Gort: Second. All in favor, say "aye." Chair Dunn: All in favor, let's hear by saying "aye.' The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Dunn: Good evening. Commissioner Sarnoff Thank you. NA.3 CRA DISCUSSION 10-01439 City of Miami Page26 Printed on 1/11/2011 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes December 6, 2010 Motion to Adjourn BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING TREE -LIGHTING CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN OVERTOWN. DISCUSSED Chair Dunn: And I do want to let you know on next Monday there will be a tree -lighting ceremony here in Overtown. Y'all put your hands together and clap. That's a good thing. Applause. Chair Dunn: As you -- I want to thank Mr. Pieter Bockweg and those for the great work with the lighting that you've done throughout -- if you go down 3rd Avenue, it's real Christmassy and gives us a spirit of Christmas. A motion was made by Commissioner Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioner Carollo absent, to adjourn today's meeting. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 1/11/2011