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Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 28, 2011
5:00 PM
Villa 221
221 N.E. 17th Street
Miami, Florida
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
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 Agency
Meeting Minutes February 28, 2011
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
FINANCIALS
1.
11-00181
Present: Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and
Commissioner Gort
On the 28th day of February 2011, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park
West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Villa 221,
221 N.E. 17th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Dunn at 5:19
p.m. and was acourned at 6:15 p.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Pieter Bockweg, Executive Director, CRA
Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA
Veronica Xiques, Assistant General Counsel, CRA
Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board
Chair Dunn: Good afternoon. We want to welcome you to the City of Miami CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting. We'll deal with the Southeast Overtown/Park West, followed by
the Omni CRA and Midtown, in that order. I'm going to ask that if you have cell phones, that
you would, please, ma'am, please, sir, cut your cell phones off or at least put it on silence. We
will begin now this meeting. I'm going to ask my colleague, chairman of the Midtown CRA,
Commissioner Francis Suarez, to lead us in our invocation, also followed by our very own
chairman of the Omni CRA, if Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will lead us in the pledge of
allegiance.
[Later...]
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
CRA REPORT
FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 31, 2011.
File 11-00181 02-28-2011 Financial Summary.pdf
PRESENTED
Chair Dunn: We'll now have our financial summary report.
Miguel Valentin: Good evening, Commissioners. Miguel Valentin, CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) financial officer. As we're doing on a monthly basis, we're going to be
presenting the combined statement of financial position as of January 31, 2011. For cash
purposes, we're disclosing the amount of 29,520,814. Again, for the month of January, we have
no reportable conditions to report to the Board. And tonight, we are going to be having the
external auditors to attest that in fiscal year 2010 we did not incur in any reportable condition.
Chair Dunn: Are there any questions?
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner Carollo.
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Commissioner Carollo: I have a question. First of all, in community redevelopment expense,
we've budgeted 33, 407, 000 and we've only expend 72,000 thus far. Why is that? Did we budget
it too much?
Mr. Valentin: Remember that still there are some projects that they are in the planning stage. I
think this year many of those projects being managed by GIP (Capital Improvements Program)
Department, they are going to be breaking ground in the next month. Besides that, what I'm able
to tell you is I'm able to provide you with the detail of all those expenditures and --
Commissioner Carollo: Right, but the expenditures are only $72,000, yet we budget $33.4
million.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: So when are these projects going to get started or where are they?
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): IfI may,
Commissioner.
Chair Dunn: Mr. Bockweg, yes.
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, a lot of those projects that you're looking in the $33 million are
carryover from the previous year. I can provide you a list of all the projects that are in the
pipeline right now with the progress report as far as where they are. Most of the projects for
Overtown are moving forward with -- and some of them are in the planning stages, other ones
are in the RFP (Request for Proposals) stage, but the majority of that number, the 33 million, are
carryover from last year.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, yes. If you could provide that with --
Mr. Bockweg: Absolutely.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to me. And Mr. Chairman, I have another question.
Commissioner Dunn: Yes, sir. Go right ahead.
Commissioner Carollo: With the general government, I see that we actually budgeted 600, 000,
but it's showing as 620. Not only that, I see that we've had no expenditures to date. Is that
correct?
Mr. Valentin: Yeah, because as I said previously, our general administrative budget is being
handled in another fund. Remember, that transfer, the 600, 000, is going to be taking place by
ending the fiscal year. Still, we haven't transferred that money from a special revenue into the
general operating fund. If you want to have an idea as to how much we have expended in
administration, I'm able to provide that detail to you upon request. I'm able to tell you that as we
speak, a rough estimate, we have expended around half a million dollars between both CRAs for
administration.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, yes, it's deceiving because it's showing that we're budgeted at 620
even though it's really 600.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: So that -- the -- first of all, I disagree with the 620 there. But not only
that, it's showing that we've expended nothing 'til now. So I mean, somewhere we need to show,
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RESOLUTIONS
2.
11-00177
you know, so we could track from that 600,000 how much we're up to date spending.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah. What I'm -- maybe in the future what I'm able to do is to incorporate the GL
(General Ledger) pertaining to the general operating budget and you will see the fluctuation. In
the past, we weren't -- I wasn't doing it, but if you want me to do it from this point forward, I will
incorporate that.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I just need to know somehow where we are because this is
deceiving the way it's being shown. It's being shown that we have no general government
expenses, and I don't think that's necessarily true, right?
Mr. Valentin: No. No, because --
Commissioner Carollo: I didn't think so.
Mr. Valentin: -- we have been paying salaries and everything.
Commissioner Carollo: Right, exactly. Okay, thank you.
Mr. Valentin: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: That's all my questions.
Chair Dunn: Any other questions? Thank you very much.
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING
THE CRA'S AMENDED SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGET FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2010 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2011; FURTHER DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THE AMENDED BUDGET TO THE CITY OF
MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.
File 11-00177 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
File 11-00177 02-28-2011 Legislation.pdf
File 11-00177 02-28-2011 Legislation (Attachment).pdf
File 11-00177 02-28-2011 Legislation (Version 2).pdf
File # 11-00177 2-28-2011 Legislation (Signed).pdf
Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and
Vice Chair Suarez
CRA-R-11-0008
Chair Dunn: Okay, agenda item 2.
Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): A resolution of the
Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
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Agency, with attachments, approving and adopting the CRA's (Community Redevelopment
Agency's) amended special revenue fund budget for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2010
and ending September 30, 2011; further directing the executive to transmit the copy of the
amended budgets to the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County.
Chair Dunn: Is there a motion?
Commissioner Gort: Move it for discussion.
Chair Dunn: Moved by Commissioner Willy Gort. Is there a second? Second by Commissioner
Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Actually, it's Commissioner Suarez, but that's okay.
Vice Chair Suarez: Second.
Chair Dunn: Okay, you -- okay, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: I think the Chairman of the Commission made the motion for discussion,
so I'll yield to him.
Commissioner Gort: No, that's fine.
Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. I want to begin with professional services, legal. I see here
that that includes 125, 000 for legal services with no resolution.
Mr. Valentin: Not yet.
Commissioner Carollo: Why is that?
Mr. Valentin: This is in case that the CRA Board is intending to renew Bill Bloom's legal
services, then you have 125,000 available.
Commissioner Carollo: Right, but --
Mr. Valentin: Those 125,000 are not going to be touched without your approval. That has been
done in the past in this way. But I need to budget that amount of money in case we want to keep
Bill Bloom's services.
Commissioner Carollo: And couldn't we have that money in a reserve and in case we need it,
then we go there instead of already being a little optimistic and showing that we have $125,000
for legal services to this firm and so forth without even having a resolution coming before us and
a vote taking place?
Mr. Valentin: In the past, I used to allocate that amount of money because in this way we don't
need to go back to the CRA Board and request a budget transfer.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. And that's exactly my point. I want you to come back to the
CRA Board.
Mr. Valentin: But no matter what, Commissioner, even though you see that we are budgeting
this amount into this expenditure line item, we need to come to the Board and request
authorization to spend that money on his services. We need to pass a resolution; otherwise, we
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cannot expend any monies, any of the 125, 000.
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, any
monies or any item that is above $4, 500 needs to come before the Board for your approval. So
whether it's in this line item or the budget reserve, regardless, it would have to come before you
to -- for approval.
Commissioner Carollo: I would just like to be able to follow our reserves to see exactly how
much we have, where are we spending it or so forth than itemizing them all over the place
because I'll show you other examples where we've itemized our reserves for this. And by the way,
let me be perfectly clear. This has nothing to do with Holland & Knight, Greenberg and Traurig
or any law firm whatsoever. This is just that we are -- in our budget, we are approving a budget
with an amount allocated for 125, 000 for legal services and we even have the name of the firm
there and it has not come before us for approval so that's where, you know, I'm questioning it.
And again, it has nothing to do with any of the firms. I just feel that, if anything, it should be in
our reserves and make sure the money is there so in the future, if we want -- if we feel we have
the need for legal services or so forth, then you come before the Board and, you know, we could
clearly see in the reserves we have enough money where we could use it.
Mr. Valentin: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: That's -- you know. And I don't know how the rest of the members feel,
but that's my -- the first issue that I have. And I see this in the Omni also, so -- a lot of the stuff
that I'm going to be saying, it also pertains to the Omni. I don't know if there's a way to change
it to the reserves. And by the way, I see budget reserve here of 100,000. Are there any limits to
how much we could have there in the reserves?
Mr. Valentin: No, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: So there's no reason --
Mr. Valentin: But -- I'm sorry, sir, for interrupting you, but in -- for the sake of presenting our
budgets to the County, it's better off to allocate the funding to a particular purpose because if
they see that we have a huge budget reserve, they might start wondering, listen, you don't need
the money. Give me some of that money that you have.
Commissioner Carollo: I understand.
Mr. Valentin: And also, Commissioner, I cannot touch the 125,000 without having your consent
and approval and --
Commissioner Carollo: The other way I'm looking at it also -- and I understand your point and
I'm not saying it's not valid. You may have a valid point. What I'm also looking at is -- hey,
Commissioners or Board members, you already allocated $125, 000, just approve it and, you
know, whether we really need that legal service or not. That's the other way that I'm looking at
it. Like what happens if we don't need $125, 000? What happens to that money? Does it
carryover? Does --?
Mr. Valentin: No. We might allocate the remainder to another particular project that you're
intending to carry out. You know, you have the flexibility of reallocating those funds according
to your priorities.
Commissioner Carollo: When would that occur? Like let's say if we don't need this 125,000 or
let's say we only need 25,000, 50,000 --
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Mr. Valentin: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- when do we reallocate that money?
Mr. Valentin: Well, upon -- I think this is something that I need to relate to the director and
maybe in consultation with you, you determine your priorities.
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I would allocate that money immediately following the approval
of let's say in this particular case, Bill Bloom's contract. On that same agenda, I would then
also reallocate that money to the preference of the Board as far as the project is concerned. It
would happen simultaneously.
Mr. Valentin: And Commissioner, let me say something. Bill Bloom is not being compensated
through a retainer. We are using his services on as -needed basis. He doesn't have a retainer
with us, and I just -- I wanted to stress this out.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood, but for this budget year, we have 125,000 allocated. How
much of that 125,000 have we used?
Mr. Valentin: Nothing.
Commissioner Carollo: 'Cause I see him present here, so we must be paying him somehow.
Mr. Valentin: Well, because remember, there is -- still, there is an outstanding resolution that
was passed in 2010.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Valentin: It was passed for 75,000. Upon preparing the budget, the amount expended
before October 1, 2010 --
Commissioner Carollo: Six thousand.
Mr. Valentin: -- it was 6,000.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Valentin: But we have been drawing down funding against that resolution.
Commissioner Carollo: Gotcha.
Mr. Valentin: If you want me to provide the detail as of today, I will provide that to you too.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, you're showing to date 68 plus 125, more or less, about 193,000 --
Mr. Valentin: Yeah, but I'm --
Commissioner Carollo: -- budgeting to Holland & Knight.
Mr. Valentin: -- able to let you know that we have been soliciting his services quite often lately
because we have bought the church and some -- there are some complex -- Camillus House, for
instance, and he's being compensated against that resolution.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I don't have a problem leaving it there for now, you know. We
could always discuss it after the meeting and so forth with more detail. But it is something that,
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you know, I'm looking at it.
Mr. Valentin: Okay, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm not crazy about.
Mr. Valentin: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Moving on to other professional services. And I see here that in the
past, in '08 and '09, there was two resolutions passed; one for --
Mr. Valentin: Akerman.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, DRI (Development of Regional Impact).
Mr. Valentin: DRI. That was in --
Commissioner Carollo: In '08.
Mr. Valentin: -- 2008, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And then in '09, another 500, 000.
Mr. Valentin: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Now could you explain to me exactly what --? And this is why I'm
seeing those two. Out of the 974,000 in professional services, these two DRI make up about,
what, seven hundred and something thousand of it or eight hundred? So what -- could you
explain to me what the -- is it a development regional impact? Or what does DRI mean?
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, if I may. The DRI is a study for the Development of Regional
Impact. Currently, we are in Increment III of that study. Increment I was completed; Increment
II, and we're now in Increment III. And the DRI is basically a roadmap for anybody looking to
invest or come into a specific area which is being studied and really have the guidelines of what
is required in their development as part of our master plan -- redevelopment plan.
Commissioner Carollo: Question, Mr. Director. I see the name of one of the companies here,
and I'm going on memory now and I don't want to misspeak, but wasn't there an article or so
forth that they no longer were going to develop that area or --? Could you elaborate a little bit?
Mr. Bockweg: The area that is in reference here is the area that is -- andl was not intimately
involved in this, but it was -- I read the article and I heard about it. The company owning those
lots were in foreclosure and went up for auction. It is my understanding that the people that
have purchased those lots are continuing with the overall plan to develop that area, and that's as
far as I know, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. In the other contractual services --
Mr. Bockweg: And Commissioner, just to clarify, the DRI is not developer specific. It is just
based on the area. It's not for a specific developer.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, I just -- when I see here in the description, it actually has a name
that I believe was from a development so I could -- I mean, it's public records, I guess, 'cause you
all presented it to us. It says Miami World Center.
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Mr. Bockweg: There was a development order that was approved by the City Commission for
that area. They are the ones that are in control of that land -- well, used to be in control of that
land, I should say. But the DRI study is not specifically set up for them. That DRI study is -- the
framework is what is best for the area and the overall community. It's not what is beneficial to
them.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Okay, moving on to the other contractual services. Out of the
288, 000, I see 109 is available for contractual services. In other words, you have it there as a
reserve.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah. It's like a cushion because -- well, I cannot foresee how often we are going
to be replacing or fixing the lighting in the community. In the past, we were experiencing a lot of
copper vandalism in the area, and I was taking the money, as needed basis, out of this
contingency pocket that I have within that account.
Commissioner Carollo: Now let me ask you something. When you take the money on a
contingency basis out of that account, does it come before the CRA Board for approval?
Mr. Valentin: Everything -- Commissioner, we have that policy. Everything over 4,500, it
requires an approval from our Board.
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that wasn't the answer, I believe, to your question. I believe your
question was, once a project is approved or a contractual service for a certain amount, within
that approval is the scope of services. So any monies, regardless if it's under 4,500 or over
4,500, will not come before the Board as long as it meets the scope of services that come before
you when you approve the contract. The -- nothing will go past the amount that's approved that
it is approved for, but it's -- you -- and basically approve the overall budget and the scope of
services for that contract and then the money is being paid out, the invoices come to us and we
make sure it meets that scope of services, and then if it does, we pay them. Or if not, we do not.
Commissioner Carollo: Let me show you what I'm looking at and my concern. My concern is
that there is, for lack of better words, a contingency fund under the other contractual services for
109, 000. It's almost half your full amount. And what I'm concerned about is that that's just -- I
don't want to say a slush fund, but a pocket full of money that whenever you need to go to it, you
go to it and you use monies from that 109,000 and it doesn't come back for approval from the
CRA Board.
Mr. Valentin: No. That cannot be happening under my supervision because --
Commissioner Carollo: That's what I'm concerned.
Mr. Valentin: No, honestly, because in order to -- and the auditor is here. If we are going to be
entering into an agreement that it is over 4,500, the auditor -- and according to our policies, it
requires a resolution outlining all the services that that vendor is going to be providing to us and
everything related to that. And I need that resolution in order to substantiate my payments.
Commissioner Carollo: So any of these available for other contractual services -- any of these
available for others. Because in every -- it seems like in every separate description you have a
line item for -- available for other. So in other words, reserve/contingency. You could call it
many different things, but you have a large amount where, again, I want to make sure that before
you can use any of that amount you need to come before the CRA Board for approval.
Mr. Bockweg: That is for sure, Commissioner.
Mr. Valentin: I guarantee that.
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Mr. Bockweg: Absolutely.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, a few others. In construction and progress, I have here --
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, would you mind giving me the line item number or the --
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Mr. Bockweg: -- page number so we could follow along?
Commissioner Carollo: Number four, construction and progress, line item number 4, available
for other affordable workforce housing projects. I see a resolution here that was passed in '06
and '08 for $7 million and nothings been expended, so I'm wondering what's going on with this
project.
Mr. Valentin: Let me give you a little background and Pieter might continue with this. Back in
2006, the Commissioner from District 5, she passed a resolution where she was asking the CRA
to commit for over five years the amount of 30 million for affordable workforce housing. It's
been a priority for us to keep allocating money toward that particular purpose. As of now, we
have roughly $11.6 million for affordable workforce housing. As we speak, the CRA has been
receiving proposals for developments in the area. And I think that, Pieter, you might --
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, this money currently, as far as the workforce housing is concerned
for Overtown, we are looking into developing a piece of property that the CRA owns at 1201
Northwest 3rd Street [sic] to provide such affordable housing, as well as some commercial and
retail.
Commissioner Carollo: 1201 Northwest --
Mr. Bockweg: Third Street [sic].
Unidentified Speaker: Third Avenue.
Mr. Bockweg: Third Avenue. I apologize. It's directly across from Gibson Park.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, 'cause I see the resolution from '06, '08, and I still see no amount
being expended, so I'm questioning is this something that we need to look at for de -obligation or
is this something that is going through --
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that project is moving forward.
Mr. Valentin: And remember that we fund projects as pay as we go, right?
Mr. Bockweg: We want to make sure, Commissioner, that we have the funding in place prior to
the actual project commencing.
Commissioner Carollo: Line item 9, the 14th Street streetscape project, 2, 600, 000.
Mr. Valentin: Two point six.
Commissioner Carollo: No resolution.
Mr. Valentin: Not yet, sir. But I think that is coming.
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Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that is in conjunction with the 14th Street project that we're doing
on the Omni side, which is commencing next month, and then we will be connecting that past
further west all the way to 7th Avenue on 14th Street.
Commissioner Carollo: I actually saw it on the Omni financials also. I forgot what was the
amount.
Mr. Bockweg: Yeah, obviously, the line divides -- Overtown and Omni, the line divides up at a
certain place.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Give me a second, Miguel. Let me go back to --
Commissioner Gort: While you're waiting, let me ask you a question. The $7 million for
workforce housing, is that for a specific project or can you use that leverage to mix it with other
projects?
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, that could be used for any project as long as it has affordable
housing component within that project and can be used for leverage. And that is also one of the
reasons why we wanted to start off with the properties that the CRA owns so that we can include
that aspect of it in the negotiations for leverage.
Commissioner Gort: Because that could be real good matching funds to attract additional funds
into the area.
Mr. Bockweg: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Question. In grant -- other grants and aids, I see here the security
cameras. Is that properly accounted under grants and aids? It's line item 3, I'm sorry.
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, what line item are you looking at? I'm sorry.
Commissioner Carollo: Three, security cameras, quality of life, resolution 08-0023, $500,000;
amount expended, nothing.
Mr. Bockweg: The -- Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: Carryover fund balance, $500, 000.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah.
Mr. Bockweg: -- those are the police cameras that we are planning on installing within the
Southeast Overtown/Park West area. We have been following up on this and it's my
understanding that it is still within the City of Miami procurement department making sure that
we can move forward on that project, but that is something that we're very interested in pursuing.
Commissioner Carollo: It's a resolution from '08 and, again, I'm wondering is it properly
accounted for in other grants and aids?
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I'm sorry, but when I started at the CRA, I looked at the budget as
you are now, and I looked at all the projects that were '08, '07, '06, and we went through line
item by line item on all the projects that were completed. And if you recall, I had de -allocated --
we had de -allocated all those projects and used those monies for street beautification within the
Omni and within the Overtown CRA. We did go through all these line items. A couple of these
projects have not commenced even though they are from '08, and the reason why we ultimately
failed to keep them in there is because of the importance of those projects. And we are pursuing
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the police cameras very heavily from a, obviously, crime and safety standpoint within the
community.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Last thing I have is, once again, the interfund transfer,
administration. You have it at 620 and it really should be 600,000.
Mr. Valentin: Yes, because what happened is in the past, usually we were amending the special
revenue budget along with the general operating budget. Since that was amended on October
14, 2010, even though we have that slightly difference, it wasn't necessary to present that budget
again because for our purposes we are going to be transferring only 600, 000. This is what you
approved on October 14. And then the other 20,000, we might reallocating them according to
your preference.
Commissioner Carollo: When?
Mr. Valentin: Right now, if you want to.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Let's reallocate it to the budget reserve.
Mr. Valentin: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: So let's reallocate that 20,000 to the budget reserves.
Mr. Valentin: Then it's going to be 120,000. Okay, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: That's correct. And that's all I have.
Chair Dunn: Are there any other questions? Okay, there's a motion by Commissioner Gort,
second by Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry.
Chair Dunn: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Question. I have -- for the -- I don't want to say City Attorney, but
Board attorney, do I need to make it as a formal amendment --
Veronica Xiques (Assistant General Counsel): Correct. I was going to just say --
Commissioner Carollo: -- to the motion?
Ms. Xiques: -- for the record that you're voting on this as amended. Not only today, but after the
resolution went to print, our office made a couple of corrections on some typos, just changing --
amendments to amendment, budget to budgets or vice versa, is to an are. There were just
scrivener's error, nothing that changes the substantive reso, but it is going to be approved as
amended today and as amended by us.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so there's no --
Commissioner Gort: I accept.
Commissioner Carollo: -- material changes.
Ms. Xiques: No, Commissioner. There are no material changes.
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3.
11-00179
Commissioner Carollo: And if the maker of the motion and --
Commissioner Gort: I accept it.
Vice Chair Suarez: I accept.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Dunn: Okay, it's been motion and second by -- the amended motion by Commissioner
Gort, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. 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 RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-10-0039; REDIRECTING
PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$14,300, TOWARD THE UNDERWRITING OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE "CHILL THE VIOLENCE" INITIATIVE ORGANIZED BY THE OVERTOWN
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A
REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON
PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL
COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND,
"OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Backup (Explanation Letter).pdf
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Backup (Program Description).pdf
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Backup (Program Budget).pdf
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Legislation.pdf
File 11-00179 02-28-2011 Chill the Violence.pdf
File 10-00542 05-13-2010 Supporting Documentation.pdf
File # 11-00179 2-28-2011 Legislation (Signed).pdf
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and
Vice Chair Suarez
CRA-R-11-0009
Chair Dunn: Resolution 3.
Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners,
resolution 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West
Community Redevelopment Agency rescinding resolution number CRA R-10-0039, redirecting
previously authorized funds, in an amount not to exceed 14,300, toward the underwriting of costs
associated with the Chill the Violence initiative organized by the Overtown Community Oversight
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4.
Board; 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 executive director -- I mean, further authorizing the execution of all
documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. Commissioners,
basically, this is before you for two reasons. As stated, you guys approved this last year in April
for an event that was supposed to happen in May. There were some extenuating circumstances
which did not allow it to happen in May. They are back here now. The first reason they're here
is because the name of the event actually changed. It was actually Stop the Violence. So with
the new members of the committee, they actually thought it better to change the name. And then
also because it's now a year later, we wanted to make sure that this is still something that you
guys want to do. There is no change in the budget amount. It's still the same 14,300, and the
event will happen actually next Sunday. So they are ready to make it happen.
Chair Dunn: Is there anyone from the public that would like to speak on this item? State your
name for the record and your address, please.
Lamar Davis: My name is Lamar Davis. My address is 100 Northwest 11 th Street and 1st
Avenue.
Mycah Richardson: My name is Mycah Richardson. My address is 1622 Northwest IstAvenue.
Mr. Davis: The reason why we want to have this event, Chill with the Violence, is because it's
pretty much a lot of violence going on Overtown and shootings so we really want to let the
people know in Overtown what's going on to stop the violence and chill the violence. The reason
why we picked Chill the Violence is because it can really relate to people in Overtown and we
just want to stop the violence and shooting because like it makes no sense. Us kids can hardly go
to the park without shooting going on or murders. It don't make no sense so we want to have this
event to just get the word out to just stop with the violence.
Ms. Richardson: And if we can have your permission, we would like to pass out these flyers to
you guys.
Chair Dunn: Sure.
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, we
will also be placing this item on our events page on our Web site so that the public is notified.
Chair Dunn: Is there anyone else from the public would like to speak on this item?
Derek Cole: Yes, Derek Cole. I'm on the Overtown Community Oversight Board. And I think it's
time that we start including our youth in the community and funding some of the programs that
they come around with.
Vice Chair Suarez: I move it.
Chair Dunn: All right. Public hearing is closed. Moved by Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Dunn: -- second by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, by -- let us hear by saying liye. "
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Dunn: Thank you very much.
CRA RESOLUTION
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Meeting Minutes February 28, 2011
11-00175
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT
THE TRANSFER OF TITLE FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OF THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT480 N.W. 11TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA: THE
BLACK POLICE PRECINCT & COURTHOUSE MUSEUM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL.
File 11-00175 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
File 11-00175 02-28-2011 Backup (Property Photograph).pdf
File 11-00175 02-28-2011 Backup (Property Information).pdf
File 11-00175 02-28-2011 Legislation.pdf
File 11-00175 02-28-2011 Legislation (Version 2).pdf
File # 11-00175 2-28-2011 Legislation (Signed).pdf
Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and
Vice Chair Suarez
CRA-R-11-0010
Chair Dunn: Resolution -- agenda item 4.
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, this
item is the conveyance -- or accepting the conveyance of the historic black police precinct,
located on the Overtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). We -- it is currently owned
and operated by the City of Miami and we believe that it will be a great addition to our
Overtown CRA, as well as it was part of initial specific project within our redevelopment plan.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Dunn: Moved by Commissioner --
Vice Chair Suarez: Second.
Chair Dunn: -- second by Commissioner --
Veronica Xiques (Assistant General Counsel): Commissioner Dunn.
Chair Dunn: -- Suarez. Yes.
Ms. Xiques: To interrupt, I'm sorry. This item is also being adopted with modifications. Once
again, there were small typos that were corrected by our office after the item had gone to print.
It's, again, nothing substantive.
Chair Dunn: Okay. We have a motion by Commissioner Gort, second by Commissioner Suarez.
Before we vote, I just want to pledge my support. This is an opportunity to have some historical
representation in the Overtown area with the police department and as already stated, CRA
actually will be in a better position to assist and if not take away some of the burden from the
City's budget and this will be something that, hopefully -- just as the previous project, it does
show some corroboration between a community as well as with the City of Miami police, which
is so desperately needed at this point in time. So there is a motion and a second. All in favor, let
us hear by saying aye."
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Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Dunn: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Real quick. This is one of the items that I may vote in favor of it now. I
tried to reach our Public Facilities director, Madeline Valdes, and I wasn't able to speak to her
prior to the vote. So I will be voting on this now, and I will be voting in favor of it, but this is one
of those that I don't know, after I speak to, you know, our Public Facilities, I may change the
vote in the Commission. But at least for now, I will vote in favor of it.
Chair Dunn: All right.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Dunn: Thank you. All in favor, let us hear by saying aye."
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Dunn: Thank you very much.
5. CRA RESOLUTION
11-00180
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA") ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY")
RE -ALLOCATION OF APPROXIMATELY $3.1 MILLION, ORIGINALLY
INTENDED FOR THE PURCHASE/CONSTRUCTION OF A CRA OFFICE
FACILITY, TOWARD THE PAYMENT OF THE DEBT SERVICE OF THE CITY'S
SPECIAL NON -AD VALOREM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1995.
File 11-00180 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
File 11-00180 02-28-2011 Legislation.pdf
File 11-00180 02-28-2011 Legislation (Version 2).pdf
File # 11-00180 2-28-2011 Legislation (Signed).pdf
Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and
Vice Chair Suarez
CRA-R-11-0011
Chair Dunn: Agenda item 5.
Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): A resolution of the
Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency acknowledging the City of Miami's reallocation of approximately 3.1 million, originally
intended for the purchase/construction of a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) office
facility toward the payment of the debt service of the City's special non -ad valorem revenue
bonds Series 1995. I just -- back in 1995, the City of Miami -- I think it was Commissioner
Teele's request at that time. He wanted the City to allocate $2 million for the construction of the
CRA office. Since then, that amount of money has grown to 3.1 million due to interest revenue.
The CRA could not spend the monies within the three years' time period and now --
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Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): The --
Commissioners, under the terms of the bond issuance, the money needed to be spent within 3.1
[sic] years. That has obviously passed since 1995. So due to that, these monies will now be
used to pay off with the bond holders and will be going directly to the IRS (Internal Revenue
Service) to settle that bond. And we have Larry here to address any questions you might have
related to the bond.
Chair Dunn: Is there a motion for discussion and second?
Commissioner Carollo: So move.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Vice Chair Suarez: Second.
Chair Dunn: Okay, motion --
Commissioner Carollo: For discussion.
Commissioner Dunn: Okay, motion by Commissioner Carollo, second by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: I think you asked the chief financial officer to speak with regards to this.
I see him up at the podium so --
Larry Spring: I'm just here to -- Larry Spring, chief financial officer, City of Miami. I just came
to address any questions that the Board might have on the item. It's -- as stated in the resolution,
back in '95, Southeast Overtown/Park West, City of Miami issued bonds to purchase
administration -- administrative buildings. We purchased the MRC (Miami Riverside Center)
building and there was an intention to purchase a building or build a building for the CRAs.
That did not occur and those bond proceeds have been sitting unused for this length of time. We
did have a tax analysis done by bond counsel of record. We do not have any tax implications for
having not done the spend down. However, the money, the proceeds must be used to pay the
debt down going forward. So we're -- we've asked that the money be returned to the City, put in
our debt service reserve to continue the completed amortization of this debt. The City has been
paying the full debt service for -- you know, for the last 15, 25 years or 20 years now, whatever it
is, 15 years.
Commissioner Gort: Fifteen.
Mr. Spring: So we're just asking for this to be returned so that we can continue with bond
compliance.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: The biggest issue I have with this is that from a financial point of view
and internal control point of view, why hasn't anyone noticed this money in our accounts for
what, 15, 16, 17 years? It's just been there.
Mr. Spring: It has been noticed. The money is in the CRAss financials, and it has been listed as
these proceeds in their financials the entire time. So it's not that it's not been noticed.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. So why didn't -- five years ago, ten years ago after the three
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years that the time period expanded, why didn't that money go back to the City to pay our debt
service?
Mr. Spring: I can't answer that question.
Commissioner Carollo: That's exactly my point.
Mr. Spring: I can't answer that question.
Commissioner Carollo: That's exactly my point. Someone should have noticed and said, hey,
listen, let's return the money to the City so they could pay debt service instead of being in a, you
know, dire financial situation where now we're scrounging for money everywhere and now is
when we notice this.
Mr. Spring: Well, again, this money is not going to the City. It's going to pay debt.
Commissioner Carollo: To pay the debt service.
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: Same --
Mr. Spring: As required by bond compliance. This is not us getting -- this is not about the City
getting money back. This is about a bond compliance issue that came up that we did have
analyzed and presented to our board and is -- and now presenting to this Board.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood. Question, if this amount wouldn't be paid by the CRA, who
would be paying the amount?
Mr. Spring: The City.
Commissioner Gort: The City.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Exactly my point.
Mr. Spring: No, but -- Commissioner, I understand your point, but the real point is these are
bond proceeds. And in order not to have any tax implications whatsoever, this is just part of the
process so --
Commissioner Carollo: I understand. My point is, Mr. Spring, is that why 16, 17 years after the
fact.
Mr. Spring: Again --
Commissioner Carollo: Why not five years ago, ten years ago, fifteen years ago?
Mr. Spring: Again, I can't --
Commissioner Carollo: Someone should have caught that.
Mr. Spring: Someone should have.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Mr. Spring: It was caught, I guess, on my watch so I'm bringing it forth.
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Bockweg: Commissioner, I think it's very important -- and I want to make sure I put this on
the record. This 3.1 million is not TIF (Tax Increment Fund) revenue, okay. This is bond money
and it's not TIF revenue so I want to make sure --
Commissioner Gort: What was the pledge?
Mr. Bockweg: -- that's very clear.
Vice Chair Suarez: That's what I was going to ask.
Mr. Spring: The primary -- the -- you have the TIF pledge and a CBNA.
Commissioner Gort: So it had TIF pledge and what else?
Mr. Spring: CBNA. The primary pledge was a CB&A, the City's covenant to budget and
appropriate, so the City backed its bond issue a hundred percent, so we used our full faith and
credit to issue this debt.
Chair Dunn: Commissioner Suarez.
Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. But it was a special revenue bond, correct?
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Vice Chair Suarez: Which means that it never went to the voters or anything like that.
Mr. Spring: Yeah. It was a non -ad valorem debt issuance.
Vice Chair Suarez: I think the issue that -- I don't mean to put words in the Vice Chairman's
mouth, but I think the issue that he has is that we've been basically paying interest on this money
because it's borrowed money for, you know, two -- twelve years, in essence. If it would have
been put back -- if we borrowed the money in '95 and if it would have been put back in '98, then
we've unnecessarily spent 12 years -- I know we've generated interest and that's what we're doing
here --
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Vice Chair Suarez: -- we've generated a million dollars of interest. I don't know what the spread
is between what we paid and what we generated, but my guess is --
Mr. Spring: We didn't make any money.
Commissioner Gort: We didn't make money. That's for sure.
Vice Chair Suarez: -- I'm sure we lost money --
Mr. Spring: I assure you of that.
Vice Chair Suarez: -- on that deal. And I think, you know, that's the concern. And so the -- he
asked a question, which was what was the pledge, but I think my question is, what was paying
the interest? Where were we paying the interest from?
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Mr. Spring: We -- this bond has been -- is being paid by our CSTs (Communications Service Tax)
that are in special revenue, which is the cash source that we use to pay all of the City's debt.
Vice Chair Suarez: But where do we generate that money from?
Mr. Spring: That's communications service tax. I think you have about -- every year, 35, $40
million after debt service that comes into the general fund.
Vice Chair Suarez: So that's -- It goes into the general fund?
Mr. Spring: After it satisfies debt annually. After we pay all of our debt payments --
Vice Chair Suarez: So it's a special revenue, but you're saying that --
Mr. Spring: It's a special revenue --
Vice Chair Suarez: -- it can be applied to the debt -- to the general fund after --
Mr. Spring: After it satisfies the annual debt payment.
Vice Chair Suarez: Right. So I think, going back to his concern, we've paid a spread of interest
unnecessarily for 12 years that could have gone to the general fund. I think that's the concern.
Mr. Spring: Correct. I don't disagree.
Vice Chair Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: It should have been probably five years out if it was noticed that it was not -- the
building was not going to be built or purchased or whatever. We probably should have returned
the funds, but that was in --
Commissioner Carollo: I think --
Mr. Spring: -- 2000. I wasn't here.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, I think it was 1995, and I think there was some --
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- stipulation that it had to be built within three years.
Mr. Spring: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: So after --
Mr. Spring: Typically, yes. You would have a spend down -- a 36-month spend down.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. So after those three years, then --
Mr. Spring: Remember, the bond issuance was larger than this. The bond issuance was of a size
to purchase the MRC building and get this. So you have the predominance of the bond proceeds
being used to purchase the MRC building. This is a small portion of it, which is the reason why
we don't have the significant -- we don't have an IRS issue.
Chair Dunn: Commissioner Suarez.
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Vice Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is there a penalty for violating the bond
covenant?
Mr. Spring: There would be, but we haven't so --
Vice Chair Suarez: What do you mean we haven't?
Mr. Spring: There has been no violation of the bond covenant. That was what the legal analysis
that we had performed --
Vice Chair Suarez: So --
Mr. Spring: -- sought to ensure.
Vice Chair Suarez: -- the legal -- you're saying the legal analysis has stated that even though we
spent -- we haven't spent that money and it was due to be spent within three years and we haven't
paid it back --
Mr. Spring: You have to have -- No, no, no.
Vice Chair Suarez: -- although we've paid interest on it --
Mr. Spring: You have a spend down --
Vice Chair Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- of the predominance of the bond issuance --
Vice Chair Suarez: Got it.
Mr. Spring: -- not every --
Vice Chair Suarez: Not that specific --
Mr. Spring: -- single dime.
Vice Chair Suarez: I got it.
Mr. Spring: So what ends up happening is because we spent the predominance of the money --
Vice Chair Suarez: Got it.
Mr. Spring: -- on the MRC building --
Vice Chair Suarez: Right.
Mr. Spring: -- we don't have that tax penalty issue, so long as the proceeds are returned to the
debt service fund and used to amortize the debt.
Vice Chair Suarez: Are you saying here today -- is it your assertion that we have no other spend
down issues with that bond? In other words, that this is the only money that we have not spent
on that bond.
Mr. Spring: That is correct.
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Vice Chair Suarez: And what is the balance of the --?
Mr. Spring: Of the remaining debt?
Vice Chair Suarez: Yeah.
Mr. Spring: I apologize. I don't have that exact number with me. I know we're a -- maybe two
or three years from complete amortization of the bond so --
Vice Chair Suarez: So this would accelerate that process, obviously.
Mr. Spring: Yes, yes.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding, 'cause I was there when that decision was made, we
were renting spaces through all the different departments throughout the City of Miami and the
revenues that we put all those expenditures together and those were the revenue we pledged in
the general funds to pay --
Mr. Spring: In the CB&A.
Commissioner Gort: -- for that bond.
Mr. Spring: That would have made -- yes.
Commissioner Gort: Now it's very good that you have found that. Now our question is, is there
many more like that around? I mean --
Mr. Spring: When this one --
Commissioner Gort: -- maybe we have monies in places --
Mr. Spring: No.
Commissioner Gort: -- where we don't know we have.
Mr. Spring: Of course, when this one came up early -- it was last summer, we looked, and we
have not identified any other issues like this.
Chair Dunn: Commissioner Suarez.
Vice Chair Suarez: Is it fair to say that once -- if we approve this, that in essence we'll have three
million more dollars available for the general fund after the payment of those monies?
Mr. Spring: Eventually. Not tomorrow.
Vice Chair Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Mr. Chair.
Mr. Spring: Eventually.
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Chair Dunn: Yes, Commissioner Sarnoff.
Commissioner Sarnoff. Let me put this in terms I understand 'cause it's more complicated maybe
for me. You buy a big building downtown, you take out a bond. How much you take out?
Mr. Spring: Twenty-two million.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- Twenty-two million. That sounds like a good buy. And you buy that
building from FP&L (Florida Power & Light), right?
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- And I guess you had only to spend 20 million 'cause I think you said $2
million was going to be spent on a CRA.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- So you're saying predominantly you've spent the money correctly so
there's no tax implementations -- or I should say, no tax concerns --
Vice Chair Suarez: Consequences.
Commissioner Sarnoff- -- because you predominantly spent the money as you said you would.
Mr. Spring: Correct.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- Then for a course of 12, 15, whatever years, this $2 million doesn't get
paid back. Wait, I'm going to take that back. It does get paid back. It gets paid back through
the City of Miami CST money.
Mr. Spring: Correct. We're amortizing the debt and this -- these proceeds are just -- they're
sitting here, sitting at the CRA.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- And you cannot tell us the differential between what we -- Do you know
what the bond amount was? Was it a 6 percent bond, a 7 or 8?
Mr. Spring: I don't have those details with me.
Commissioner Sarnoff. And you couldn't tell?
Mr. Spring: But I -- no. But what I could put on the record is because of arbitrage, we would
not have made more money than the expense because then we would have had a tax implication
to the bond.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah. You're not allowed to.
Mr. Spring: You're not allowed to make more money on proceeds than the debt itself.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- But do you cover the debt? Do you know?
Mr. Spring: Well, you could, but it'd have to end up zero. But I can tell you that it wasn't 'cause
I believe this debt was probably greater than 8 percent when it was issued.
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Commissioner Sarnoff And for the past -- and you don't know what percentage you were getting
back on this $2 million so that it became 3.1 million?
Mr. Spring: Not over the last -- I'd have to go do an analysis over the last 15 years to see
actually --
Commissioner Sarnoff. And when Commissioner Suarez asked you does that free up $3.1 million
from the City, wouldn't that free up $3.1 million from the CST that could then go into the general
fund?
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Mr. Spring: Eventually, yes. That's what I said. Eventually it will.
Commissioner Sarnoff When you say eventually, what does that mean?
Mr. Spring: The money has to sit in the debt service reserve fund and satisfy the debt. This 3.1
has to sit there until all of the remaining debt is paid down.
Commissioner Sarnoff Can you prepay the debt?
Mr. Spring: I'll have to find out if we could 'cause we're -- because we're so close, I doubt it. I
think you'd probably have to amortize it to completion at this point.
Chair Dunn: Any other questions? There's a motion by --
Mr. Bockweg: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Dunn: Yes.
Mr. Bockweg: If I may. I want to make sure it's clear 'cause I want to make sure that the public
is not confused as to what we're hearing here. We are not supplanting or anything like that the
City's budget. This is money that was -- bond issuance money that is going to pay the debt. We
are not paying -- giving money to the City. We are not taking their obligations off their hands.
In essence, we were fortunate enough to have this monies available to meet that debt payment.
So I want to make sure that that's clear that, you know, people aren't thinking that we're giving
money just so -- to see --
Commissioner Gort: But you couldn't spend it.
Mr. Bockweg: Right. We could not spend it, and legally we --
Commissioner Gort: You can't spend it.
Mr. Bockweg: -- can't spend it now anymore anyway because we never did.
Chair Dunn: Point well taken. I believe this was something that was done years ago so it
precedes us. There's a motion by --
Veronica Xiques (Assistant General Counsel): Commissioner, this item you'll also be adopting
with modifications on version 2. Again, there were nonsubstantive modifications my office made
after the item went to print.
Chair Dunn: Okay. Thank you very much. With those modifications, there's a motion made by
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DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.
11-00170
-- Commissioner Carollo, yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: No. I'm just saying I made the --
Chair Dunn: Oh. Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Gort. All in favor, let us
hear by saying hye. "
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Spring: Thank you.
CRA DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE CAMILLUS HOUSE GRANT
AGREEMENT.
File 11-00170 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and
Vice Chair Suarez
Note for the Record: Item 6 was deferred to a special meeting to be scheduled for March 10,
2011.
Chair Dunn: At this time, we're going to do -- I'm going to defer item 6 on the agenda, agenda
item 6, and set it for a special -- request a deferral from my colleagues and set it for a special
meeting on March 10, which is the same day as Commission meeting. I understand that since
this transaction was only concluded on Friday and my colleagues and I need time to be able to
digest the information so --
Commissioner Carollo: So move.
Vice Chair Suarez: Second.
Chair Dunn: Been properly moved by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Vice Chairman
Suarez. You heard the motion, had time to consider. Are you ready to vote? All in favor, let us
hear by saying "aye."
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. Ayes have it.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
7. CRA DISCUSSION
11-00176
DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE PARK WEST PLANTERS.
File 11-00176 02-28-2011 Cover Memo.pdf
File 11-00176 02-28-2011 Backup (Project Photographs).pdf
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SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes February 28, 2011
DISCUSSED
Chair Dunn: Last but not least, we have a discussion item on the Park West planters.
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners and
Mr. Chair, I just want to bring before you a project that you all approved. Later last -- later -- at
the end of 2010, as part of the beatification monies that was designated by you all, the planters
that were installed on 7th and 8th Street between Miami Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, it is
completed now. They're all installed. And I know that Mark would want to present that item.
Chair Dunn: Go right ahead, Mark.
Mark Spanioli (Director of Engineering and Construction, Community Redevelopment Agency):
Good evening, Commissioners. Mark Spanioli, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).
Pieter might have said it all by now, but as you may recall, you allocated $75, 000 towards the
installation of 75 streetscape planters near the AAA (American Airlines Arena) Arena along 7th
and 8th Street. In your package, you have a photograph showing the before and after of how it
looks. There's a little bit more details to be done around the actual trees that were installed.
There'll be some flowering plants and so forth, but for the most part, it's about 95 percent
complete and all the planters themselves have been installed. So if you have any questions,
please let me know.
Mr. Bockweg: And we really wanted to provide this to you as a progress report to show you
what -- you know, I will be doing that coming in the future as something gets allocated, giving
you progress reports exactly where we are. And I know that one of the concerns when we passed
this was the police issue, but the police are here if you want to ask them any questions. And from
their standpoint, this is a huge success.
Chair Dunn: Go ahead, Commissioner Suarez.
Vice Chair Suarez: Just one question. This is permanent, I'm assuming?
Mr. Spanioli: As of now, they're going to be permanent. We worked out a deal with DDA
(Downtown Development Authority) for them to maintain them on a long-term basis.
Vice Chair Suarez: Okay.
Chair Dunn: Any other questions? Thank you very much.
Mr. Spanioli: Thank you.
Chair Dunn: I guess at this time, Madam Clerk, we have to recess for --
Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): You actually -- if you're finished, you'll be
acjourning this meeting, and then we will have to flip our tape and then we can start with the -- I
think Omni is next?
Chair Dunn: Yes.
Ms. Thompson: So if you would go ahead and adjourn.
Chair Dunn: Meeting adjourned.
NON -AGENDA ITEMS
NA.1 CRA DISCUSSION
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SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes February 28, 2011
11-00213
NA.2
11-00214
CHAIR DUNN THANKED THE CITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF
FIRE -RESCUE FOR THEIR PROMPT AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSE
DURING A PERSONAL EMERGENCY AT HIS HOME.
DISCUSSED
Chair Dunn: Before we do that, I do want to take this privilege, if you will, to publicly thank the
City of Miami Fire and Rescue. On Friday evening, I had a emergency at my home pertaining to
my wife in a very critical situation and they responded with promptness and professionalism, and
I will pen that in a letter to the Fire chief as well as to all -- the City Manager and all who need
to know because I was very pleased with the service that was rendered to my wife and to my
family at such a late hour, and it could have been a life changer. So I'm grateful and humbled by
the support that we received. And I know it speaks to the leadership of our Fire Department and
their professionalism, so I would not be remiss without acknowledging that. I would ask if you
would invoke her in your prayers as well.
CRA DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PIETER BOCKWEG THANKED VILLA221 FOR
HOSTING TODAY'S CRA MEETING AND ALSO THANKED THE OWNER
OF 18TH STREET CAFE FOR THE DONATION OF FOOD AT TODAY'S
MEETING.
DISCUSSED
Chair Dunn: I'm going to officially call this meeting to order. Prior to doing that, I'm going to
yield to the executive director of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), Mr. Pieter
Bockweg, and then we will have our financial summary report.
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Mr. Chair, thank you.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Villa 221 for hosting our CRA meeting. This is, I
think, a perfect example how the public and the private sector -- 'cause I know the CRA helped
fund some of these modifications and renovations to this building. Currently, this building is
being used for cultural events, particularly photo shoots and art expeditions, so I would like to
really thank them for hosting us here. I would also like to take this opportunity and thank Jeff
Stevens, the owner of 18th Street Cafe, for donating the food tonight. He is located within the
CRA boundary, and he is looking to relocate to a bigger place within the boundary itself, which
is, of course, always a good thing. So I'd like to thank them.
Applause.
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