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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 29, 2012
5:00 PM
FREDERICK DOUGLASS ELEMENTARY
314 NW 12TH STREET
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Michelle Spence -Jones, Chairman
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Vice -Chairman
Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
Francis Suarez, Commissioner
CRA OFFICE ADDRESS:
49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835
www.miamicra.com
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes March 29, 2012
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
FINANCIALS
1.
12-00303
Present: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Suarez and Vice Chair Gort
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
On the 29th day of March 2012, 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, 314 Northwest 12th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to
order by Chair Spence -Jones at 5:23 p. m. and was adjourned at 6:01 p. m.
Note for the Record: Vice Chair Gort entered the meeting at 5:25 p. m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Pieter Bockweg, Executive Director, CRA
Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA
Maria Chiaro, Assistant General Counsel, CRA
William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA
Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board
Chair Spence -Jones: We'd like to officially call the meeting to order. At this time, I'd like for
everyone to please stand to their feet. I'd like for our Clerk to lead us in prayer, and I'd like for
Commissioner Sarnoff to lead us in the pledge.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
CRA REPORT
SEOPW CRA FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING
FEBRUARY 29, 2012.
File # 12-00303 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 12-00303 03-29-12 Financial Summary.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: Before we fully get started, I'm going to ask for Miguel to give us our
financials.
Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening,
Commissioners. On page 1, we have the combined statement of financial position as of
February 29, 2012. We are disclosing the cash amount of 31, 702, 771. And for the month of
February, there is no reportable condition.
Chair Spence -Jones: Just give Commissioner Gort a chance to -- Any questions at all, guys?
Commissioner Sarnoff No.
Chair Spence -Jones: No?
Commissioner Suarez: No.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Thank you.
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Meeting Minutes March 29, 2012
RESOLUTIONS
2.
12-00307
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A QUIT CLAIM DEED FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY"), FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1490 NW 3RD AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA
("OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER"); AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CUSTOMARY CLOSING
COSTS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE FROM THE BUDGET RESERVE OF
AN AMOUNT, NOT TO EXCEED $100,000, FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND INSURANCE
OF THE OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION
OF ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND,
ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
File # 12-00307 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 12-00307 03-29-12 Financial Form.pdf
File # 12-00307 03-29-12 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Vice -Chair Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-12-0018
Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to the next item.
PieterBockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, item
number 2 is the conveyance of the Overtown shopping center, which was approved by City
Commission, I believe last week it was. As we stated on the record at the Commission meeting,
our intent is to use the space as a retail and commercial space. We are currently drafting the
RFP (Request for Proposals) to issue for a grocery store in that facility, so we are -- have the
same item on this agenda as before to occupy that space.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Spence -Jones: We have a --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Spence -Jones: -- motion and a second and discussion. Before -- I just want to just say
thank you guys. I want to thank the City Commissioners for supporting this issue. This is
definitely going to be a great job creation for the area. For those that are here in the audience
watching, what they're speaking in reference to is the -- I guess it's the -- I would say it's the
original grocery store that was -- What was the name of it, Commissioner Gort? You were --
Vice Chair Gort: Crown.
Chair Spence -Jones: Crown Grocery store --
Vice Chair Gort: Crown Grocery.
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Chair Spence -Jones: -- on 3rd Avenue and about 14th, 15th Street, so we're finally getting that
moving. The only thing that I ask the administration to do outside of putting it out to bid -- we
talked about making sure we have a management -- maybe perhaps REP is more of a
management REP that goes out for them to handle that process because I'm very concerned
about the CRA collecting rent and trying to manage and operate. So I'm asking for them to make
the RFP more of a management RFP to find a company that can come in, find the proper grocery
store, find the proper retail stores, just to make sure that that is handled properly. So I just want
to make sure on the record, Mr. Executive Director, that is something that we can do.
Mr. Bockweg: No problem.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, so we had a motion and as second. All in favor?
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Spence -Jones: Very good.
3. CRA RESOLUTION
12-00306
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXTEND THE
REVERTER RIGHT CONTAINED THE IN THE SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED
TO ST. JOHN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR
PROPERTIES 243 NW 13TH STREET, 235 NW 13TH STREET, AND 1311
NW 2ND COURT, FOLIO #'S 01-3136-036-0100, 01-3136-036-0090, AND
01-3136-036-0070, RESPECTIVELY, FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DESIGN
AND CONSTRUCTION OF A MIXED USE PROJECT FOR 8 YEARS, FROM
JUNE 12, 2009; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL.
File # 12-00306 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 12-00306 03-29-12 Backup.pdf
File # 12-00306 03-29-12 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-12-0019
Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to go ahead and move on to number 3 on the agenda.
Clarence Woods: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Clarence Woods. I'm the assistant
director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Item
number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West
Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to extend the reverter right
-- excuse me, development rights contained in the special warranty deed to St. John Community
Development Corporation, for properties at 243 Northwest 13th Street, 235 Northwest 13th
Street, and 1311 Northwest 2nd Court. Commissioners, this conveyance of land to St. John CDC
(Community Development Corporation) came as a result of a settlement agreement between the
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Meeting Minutes March 29, 2012
4.
12-00333
CRA and the -- and St. John's Development Corporation. They were supposed to have had the
project at least underway by 2009. There were several extenuating circumstances which
prohibited that and we are at the point right now where St. John CDC as well as the CRA are
looking to do a public private partnership in developing that land. So it would be advantageous
to go ahead and extend the reverter so that we can go ahead and get the land developed.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Clarence. Any questions on the item? Do we have a motion or
a second? Okay, do we have a motion and a second?
Commissioner Sarnoff. So move.
Chair Spence -Jones: So move. We have a mo --
Commissioner Suarez: Second,
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, all in favor?
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Spence -Jones: I just wanted to -- Is anybody from St. John's here at all? Oh, Bishop -- I
mean, Dr. Adams, definitely, and any other people representing the -- St. John's at all, just stand
where you are. And Dr. Adams, you know, you really didn't have to really put anything in
record, but we do want to say that, you know, we are extremely excited to see St. John's moving.
I know that you have a very active bishop that's really doing a lot of great things in the
neighborhood and you have a real solid team that is now finally moving these things ahead. And
we just wanted to make sure that there's no issues. I don't know if you want to say anything
quickly on the record.
Nelson Adams: Simply thank you and we realize that to whom much is given much is required.
We look forward to a meaningful relationship. And suffice it to say that there are four C's that we
stand by, Commissioner. First, we've got to be competent. We've got to be committed. We've got
to be compassionate. And I think the spirit of this motion speaks to the notion that collaboration
is key. So thank you so very much on behalf of the St. John CDC, the St. John institution and
missionary Baptist church, and the community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Dr. Adams. And as he leaves, I just want to just mention that
I'm very excited about this project. This project is actually right across the street -- or this area
is right across the street from the Overtown Youth Center. And one of the things that they're
focused on, which is one of the things we're lacking in Overtown, will be senior housing, which
we know is something that we truly, truly need in the area so I'm very excited about those
possibilities.
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$50,000, TO THE OVERTOWN RHYTHM & ARTS FESTIVAL, INC. TO
UNDERWRITE COSTS AND IN -KIND CONTRIBUTION FOR THE 2012
OVERTOWN RHYTHM AND ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD WITHIN THE
REDEVELOPMENT AREA ON JUNE 23, 2012; AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A
REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON
PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION;
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SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes March 29, 2012
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 # 12-00333 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 12-00333 03-29-12 Financial Form.pdf
File # 12-00333 03-29-12 Backup.pdf
File # 12-00333 03-29-12 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-12-0020
Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to move on to item number 4.
Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item
4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West
Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant in an amount not to exceed $50, 000, to
the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, Inc., to underwrite costs and in -kind contributions for
the 2012 Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Spence -Jones: I have a motion and a second. Discussion.
Commissioner Sarnoff: Second.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. The motion and second exists. I wanted -- the individuals that have
been very much involved, if you can please stand. And I want to say fellow -- is it -- what is it,
the organization again? What's the name of the organization?
Mario Bailey: Leadership Miami.
Chair Spence -Jones: Leadership Miami. I knew it was something like that. Leadership Miami. I
want to at least commend these individuals. These are -- I'm sure you guys know who
Leadership Miami is, you know But what I would like to say about them and acknowledge them
quickly -- I was not involved in the event last year, but apparently it was very successful in the
heart of Overtown, the jazz festival. It brought in people from all over, which is very positive.
We know that jazz and music definitely can help transform a neighborhood. We've had a lot of
people come out for it. And the mere fact you guys are working people that decided that even
after, you know, the Leadership Miami program -- project -- or your project was over, you
remained committed. And I love the idea of seeing the diversity in the group of people that --
young people that decided to make Overtown a big part of that. I wanted to introduce to you
guys the new Miss Overtown and Miss Teen Overtown.
Applause.
Chair Spence -Jones: I would like to thank the City Commissioners for their support, the CRA
staff for their support. Definitely, Martha and Madam Mozelle's Boutique and all of the
members of your organization. This past Saturday we had our competition. This is the second
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Meeting Minutes March 29, 2012
annual -- Stephanie's not here. She's been the firehouse [sic] behind this whole thing. But this is
just excellent. These two young ladies will go on to compete for Miss Florida, representing our
area, and we're very excited about that. And we're just -- I just wanted to make sure that you
guys got a chance to physically meet them today. And this is what it's all about, empowering our
young ladies to know that they are beautiful and that, you know, they should be supported in a
wonderful way. So I wanted you to meet the representative -- and thank everyone for supporting
them. Let's give them a hand.
Applause.
Chair Spence -Jones: And last but not least, the Overtown Jazz Festival will take place in June,
on June -- Put it on the record.
Mr. Woods: Twenty-third.
Chair Spence -Jones: June 23, which is a big weekend for us because that's also the same
weekend as American Black Film Festival, so we have a lot of people coming over from the
beach hopefully to not only enjoy the great sites but to spend money in the Overtown area. They
did a great job. This year we want to increase the numbers this year. And I have to say I'm very,
very proud of them. They also received a grant from the --
Mr. Woods: Knight Foundation.
Chair Spence -Jones: -- Knight Foundation. So the funds that we're doing is --
Mr. Woods: Is a match.
Chair Spence -Jones: -- actually a match to what they've -- the work that they've already done.
And they have several sponsors all involved. And this is what we need to do. When we start
funding programs and funding festivals and events, we have to look at these things from the
perspective of other people putting money in as well because that's the only way we're going to
build a sustainable community. So I just want to tell you thank you. Any other Commissioners
would like to say anything to the young ladies or to the coordinators of the event?
Commissioner Suarez: Congratulations. We have to vote on it.
Chair Spence -Jones: We voted.
Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): No.
Commissioner Suarez: She says we haven't voted.
Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Do we have a motion on this?
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, we have a motion and a second.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Spence -Jones: And a second. All in favor?
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, guys.
Applause.
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5.
12-00165
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING AN
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 FOR DIRECT COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2012 COMMUNITY SHOWCASE OF THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM
FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA FROM JUNE 20, 2012
THROUGH JUNE 24, 2012; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 TO FILM LIFE, INC., TO SUPPORT THE 2012
COMMUNITY SHOWCASE, PROVIDE NETWORKING, REFERRAL, AND ADVERTISING
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ITS MEDIA AND FILM INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS TO
PROMOTE FILM RELATED OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA ;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE THE GRANT ON A
REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF
INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX
INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
File # 12-00165 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 12-00165 03-29-12 Financial Form.pdf
File # 12-00165 03-29-12 Backup.pdf
File # 12-00165 03-29-12 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Vice -Chair Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-12-0021
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We're going to move on to item number 5.
Chelsa Arscott: Chelsa Arscott, program administrator for the CRA (Community Redevelopment
Agency). Item number 5 is a resolution authorizing $15, 000 for direct costs associated with the
2012 community showcase of the American Black Film Festival, which is scheduled to be held in
the area from June 20 through June 24, 2012. In addition, the resolution authorizes the issuance
of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $50, 000, to Film Life, Inc., in support of the 2012
community showcase, as well as providing networking referral and advertising opportunities
through its media and film industry partnerships to promote film -related opportunities within the
redevelopment area.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Any --
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion. Do we have a second?
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Is anybody from ABFF (American Black Film Festival) ? If you
could just stand representing. I just want to say this -- We had a motion. Let me go ahead and
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6.
12-00334
vote on -- Motion, second. All in favor?
The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. The item passes. I just want to simply say, ABFF, American
Black Film Festival, brings producers and directors from all over. Everybody from Denzel to
Spike Lee have participated. Three years ago when we did this event, it was very successful. We
highlighted, I believe, Eugene's space. This year we're hopefully going to be highlighting a new
space. And I'm assuming Pieter -- and where's Bert? Oh, Pieter and Bert will work on, along
with Chelsa, making sure that we can welcome the new filmmakers. We did attend an event
recently -- Do you want to just put it on the record? -- for the producer of the American Black
Film Festival, which was very successful. I don't know if Bert wants to officially put something
on the record.
H. Bert Gonzalez: Good afternoon, board. Bert Gonzalez, assistant director for the Omni CRA.
Yes, I was privy to a group of professional actors and business leaders in the community. And we
were also able to have a very nice dinner at the new Miami Dade College of Culinary Arts. And
from there, we were -- and attended Robert Townsend's premiere film of The Hive, which was
really touching. And it is a very worthwhile event that we are helping to assist the American
Black Film Festival.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Bert. The only thing that I would want to add before we go on
to the discussion items is, Yvette, I did get a chance to tour -- Robert Townsend, on Saturday,
wanted to tour all the neighborhoods in the district and was very, very impressed with it. The
University of Miami -- I don't know if there's any University of Miami people here -- Okay. J. C.
-- the University of Miami has a great film school there and Robert Townsend has a very big
interest in doing some sort of film -based summer program for the kids. So hopefully, through
University of Miami and their students, we'll be able to pull together a great summer program
that will piggyback this film festival. Thank you.
CRA DISCUSSION
LOAN FOR FUNDING CAPITAL PROJECTS.
File # 12-00334 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: Let's move on to discussion item number 6. I'm going to turn it over to my
Vice Chair, which has been heading up the whole loan for funding capital projects, but I also
know we have our FA (Financial Advisor) here as well.
Vice Chair Gort: We've had several meetings. We're looking at different options to help finance
Chair Spence -Jones: Can't hear you. Is that on?
Vice Chair Gort: Can you hear me? Hello?
Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah.
Vice Chair Gort: Soft voice. What can I tell you? We've had several meetings. And we're
looking at the different options that the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) could take in
order to be able to bond or get loans for at least 50 to $53 million. And then after we are sure
that we can cover all the debt services, we're looking at the different options and what's best for
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the CRA to become (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 5:38:33 with a lower debt service and the best rating
for the CRA. At the same time, this is a -- the fundings [sic] that we will be able to provide -- the
allocations of the funds that going into the project, I believe that's -- a selection's going to have
to be made by all of us putting priorities to the best projects that we want to build. I think the
financial advisor has been working on it quite a lot. Yes, sir.
Sergio Masvidal: Sure. Sergio Masvidal, Public Financial Management, financial advisor to
the City and the CRA. We've been working on this over the last several months with some
members of the Commission, obviously the CRA staff. I think we're in a position now just
document review and looking back at the CRA's existing obligations, cash flow needs going
forward, and we -- I think you have a memo in front of you that you received last night on kind of
the process going forward So more than anything, if there's any discussion or questions from
you all, we'll come back before this board a couple times before any financing's put in place.
Obviously, the RF5 still needs to go out so.
Chair Spence -Jones: It's kind of -- I don't know why, but it just seems like it's extremely hard to
hear. Maybe it's the air condition.
Vice Chair Gort: The air condition doesn't help.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. It's just hard to hear.
Mr. Masvidal: I could try to speak up, too.
Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Any questions you guys have for the FA on this issue? Okay. What
is the time frame that we're looking at? That's one of the questions we have.
Mr. Masvidal: Sure.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you.
Mr. Masvidal: Oh, thank you.
Vice Chair Gort: That sounds better.
Mr. Masvidal: In the memo that was circulated last night, there's a time frame on the -- page 3,
which has us in a position to close on a loan about mid -June.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, one second.
Vice Chair Gort: We don't have that.
Chair Spence -Jones: Pieter, do you have a copy of that document that he's speaking of that was
circulated?
Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I circulated the
document last night, late. I forgive -- I forgot --
Chair Spence -Jones: Did you have a copy of it today for us?
Mr. Bockweg: I do not have it today with me, the copies to provide you. I apologize about that.
That's why I asked Sergio to come by also and just make sure that we lay out the --
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay.
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Mr. Bockweg: -- proposed schedule for you so that we're all aware of where we have to go. The
other thing that I also wanted to point out is that I would need some directive from the board to
ultimately put out that RFI (Request for Information) that we are drafting, and we have finished
a draft and it will be issued on Monday for the proposed projects. And then also to go ahead and
give the directive once we had that RFI and that has been vetted through as far as all the projects
that are available for funding, that we put out the RFP (Request for Proposals) for the banks.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so I think that one -- We're not voting on an item now, so at this
point you're just briefing us anyway. But because we don't have the document that Pieter -- that
you're speaking of it's kind of hard for us to speak off of anything else. But I'm assuming our
Chair -- our Vice Chair, which is chairing this whole issue, is comfortable with the information
that you have shared with us. But I think that we definitely need to be individually briefed to
make sure whatever the next steps are, we're clear on them.
Vice Chair Gort: I think it's important. I mean, we've been looking at the legal part of it, legal
portion of doing this issue. At the same time, the -- trying to find the best way to finance this
whole transaction.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, so as soon as you -- I guess you'll brief us afterwards
before we make any next steps.
Mr. Masvidal: Yeah. If I may, just a couple last words. There's --
Chair Spence -Jones: Sure.
Mr. Masvidal: -- a couple steps that still needs to be taken. What you have -- and what you'll
see eventually in that memo is a high-level schedule of the big steps that need to come forward
'cause -- and there's a couple more CRA, City approvals, as well as the County process that
needs to be gone through here, but we'll certainly keep everyone abreast of the progress. Bottom
line is we're -- on this ambitious schedule, we're looking at being able to close the loan in
mid -June.
Chair Spence -Jones: Mid -June. Okay, no problem. Any other questions on that? And
Commissioner Gort is still the lead person on that. Thank you. Appreciate that, Sergio.
Mr. Masvidal: You're welcome.
Chair Spence -Jones: Only thing that I want to say and I'd like to at least put on the record, we
know that two of the projects already was things that went through a formal process for support.
So I want to make sure, Commissioner Gort, any additional projects that are out there, there's an
actual process, even if there's a two- to four -week or four -week process. We need to make sure
that it remains open so that if there's anything else out there in the Overtown area, whether or
not it be new construction or rehabs, we want to give everybody the opportunity to participate
because we want to make sure it's a transparent process. So I'm asking for you and Clarence to
make sure you guys are on the same page about doing that.
Mr. Bockweg: Absolutely, Commissioner. Without a doubt. And that's why we have drafted the
RFI, which will be issued on Monday.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. No problem.
Mr. Bockweg: The request for information.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, no problem. So anything else on that?
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Vice Chair Gort: No.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay.
7. CRA DISCUSSION
12-00335
8.
12-00336
CARLISLE DEVELOPMENT GROUP/ PALMETTO HOMES DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT FOR 1201 NW 3RD AVE.
File # 12-00335 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: R7 [sic], Vice Chair. This is -- I think staff wants to give us an update.
But all of the redevelopment stuff is really what the Vice Chair is pushing to get stuff built so --
Pieter A. Bockweg (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I have asked Bill
Bloom to give a brief summary as far as where the status is. We have been actively negotiating
with discussion item 7 and 8, which is Carlisle 1201, as well as Gatehouse, which is Block 25
and 36. We are very close to finalizing that. And if I'd --
Chair Spence -Jones: Bill.
Mr. Bockweg: -- give it over to Bill to give us exactly where we are.
William R. Bloom (Special Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): We've gone through a
number of drafts in negotiating sections with the people from Gatehouse and also from Carlisle
Development. Affiliates of both those companies are proceeding with these projects. The
Carlisle project, they're asking for a $9 million contribution for the project. The project will be
approximately 70 units. They will have 450 days from the time we sign the development
agreement to get all the permits and approvals and financing in place so they 're prepared to go
forward with the project. They'll have 16 months from the time we close to complete the project
or there will be penalties involved. There'll be restrictions as far as subcontractor participation
and unskilled laborer participation, affordable housing requirements. The goal is to not give
them the land until they're in a position to actually break ground and proceed so everything is in
place. And if they don't meet those requirements, then they lose the right to proceed with the
project. The concept at this point is for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to audit
the expenditures at the end so that the developer doesn't make any greater development fee as a
result of the CRA contribution than they normally would on a similar housing project.
Vice Chair Gort: Can you bring the mike up a little bit?
Mr. Bloom: Sure. Again, we're still negotiating the affordable housing requirements that will
apply to Isle of Living project.
CRA DISCUSSION
GATEHOUSE GROUP DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR BLOCKS 25 AND
36
File # 12-00336 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
DISCUSSED
William R. Bloom (Special Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): The Gatehouse project
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is more complicated. It involves Block 25 and Block 36. Block 36 is subject to the reverter
lawsuit with the County, and so the developer isn't in a position to go forward with that project
until that litigation is resolved. The Gatehouse project would involve a $10 million grant for
phase one. That project would be between 90 and 100 affordable units in the first phase. Again,
they would have 450 days to be in a position to be able to break ground with all their financing
in place, and they'd have to complete it within 16 months thereafter. Similar requirements as far
as subcontractor participation and local laborer participation in the project, and again,
affordable housing restrictions which would apply to phase one. Now phase two would be they
would have six years to be in a position to break ground with phase two. The reason for the
longer time period is they'd have to go through a number of bond cycles to be able to find the
funding sources for that project. There would be no CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
contribution for that phase other than providing the land for phase two. Phase three would be a
parking garage, 300 parking spaces that would be on Block 36. It would provide, you know,
needed parking for the longshoremen, as well as the Lyric Theater and for the project. The CRA
would be contributing up to $3 million for that project. And we're looking for the developer to
pay for any additional costs above the $3 million. That's one of the points being negotiated.
And again, the time frame at this point would be five years from the time that the reverter
settlement occurs for the developer to break ground. Phase four of the project would be between
25,000 and 37,000 square feet of commercial space on Block 36. And again, they would have
five years from the date of the reverter settlement to be in a position to break ground. And other
than the land contribution for phase four, there would be no financial contribution. Again, in
each one of these phases, they'd be required to go through community organizations to review
their plans and specifications to make sure it's consistent with the neighborhood. And you know,
the executive director would have approval rights over their final plans and specifications and he
would take into account the input that he received from the community organizations. It's our
goal to finalize negotiations and have final development agreements to present to the board at
the April meeting.
Chair Spence -Jones: Great. I want to commend you, Bill, for, you know, just working with us on
the issue between the County and the City and getting this stuff resolved. I just do want the
board to know that I did get a chance to speak with the County Commissioner, Audrey
Edmonson, regarding the Block 36, and I know that the County officials are already working to
address that issue of bifurcating it so that there should not be any delays. So I just wanted to at
least make sure you knew that. Thank you, Bill. Any questions for him?
Commissioner Sarnoff Bill, did you say that they would have five years?
Mr. Bloom: Yes. If this --
Commissioner Sarnoff.- Why would you give somebody five years to break ground?
Chair Spence -Jones: Not to break ground. You're talking about the --
Mr. Bockweg: Five years is phase three and four, not one and two.
Chair Spence -Jones: Not the first phase.
Commissioner Sarnoff- Five years from when?
Mr. Bloom: Five years from the reverter settlement agreement at this point is the proposal.
Chair Spence -Jones: He's talking about Block 36, not Block 25.
Mr. Bloom: Again, you know, the big push on both these projects is the first phase, which is
providing the affordable housing. And in each of those phases, the CRA is making a significant
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9.
12-00337
contribution for them to be able to proceed immediately with the projects instead of going
through the normal cycles to try to get the competitive bond financing, which is very diff cult to
obtain.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Any other questions? All right. We're going to -- Thank you,
Bill.
CRA DISCUSSION
ROOTS IN THE CITY / URBAN GARDEN PROJECT
File # 12-00337 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 9, which I believe is Roots in the
City. Is anybody here from Roots in the City? Clarence, I don't know if you want to step up to
the mike for a minute. I know that this is something -- I just wanted to make sure that at least my
fellow Commissioners know that I was truly in support of Dr. Dunn's initiative to at least keep
those lots clean and to at least have some sort of life happening on those lots. I've asked the
Administration to at least get with Dr. Dunn to work on -- especially the one on 3rdAvenue --
and I believe that's what, 9th Street. As you ride into the Overtown area, those lots look really,
really bad. At least when we have vegetation happening on them and people working on them, at
least there was life with them. So we're working along with them to hopefully put together a plan
to address that lot along with -- there's a lot -- I believe St. -- I don't know if St. John's is here
still, but we've also asked for them to work along with us 'cause you guys own a separate lot on
11 th Street where at this point a lot of people are just hanging out in the lot. So what we want to
try to do is, again, keep that space green and at least keep it with people working on it. So,
Clarence, is there anything you want to put on the record before we move on?
Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Well, yes,
Commissioner. We've sat with Dr. Dunn and we look at a three prong approach to our
engagement with Dr. Dunn. As you mentioned, there will be the urban garden that's on 3rd and
9th Street. Along with the urban garden is -- there will be a farmer's market component. The
farmer's market component will allow for him to be able to sell some of the -- well, some of their
plantings. The other aspect would be a training component for the Overtown beautification
team, which we already -- we fund now. We want to kind of moddy their scope. Right now
they're basically just doing cleaning, but what we want to add to that -- to their particular scope
is horticulture. They'll do some plantings. They'll learn how to take care of the plantings and
really beaut 3rd Avenue, as Dr. Dunn was doing before he left. So those are the three different
aspects of the garden, the farmer's market, and then the training for the Overtown beautification
team.
Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Is -- also, is Miami Dade College here? Okay. I want to also
add -- just commend them as well. We have started a partnership with Miami Dade College from
the standpoint of looking at key partnerships to do enterprise businesses in the area. I know that
we're talking about -- one of them was taking -- through the partnership with Winn -Dixie,
something we started almost three years ago to at least get those products in the Winn -Dixie
stores. I believe they have about 500 in the southeast region that the president was very much
interested in doing some sort of partnership at one time or the other. We want to bring that
relationship and partnership back for the urban greens, which is their concept of bringing those
greens into the Winn -Dixie stores at least in the southeast. But I know that we're also working
with the college from the standpoint of doing the Jackson's biscuits that go in the grocery stores
and also, I believe, Frasier's barbecue sauce.
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Mr. Woods: Barbecue sauce, yes.
Chair Spence -Jones: So those are the three things that we'll be working along with Miami Dade
College to kind of do. All right.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Clarence.
10. CRA DISCUSSION
12-00338
UM LIFE SCIENCE CENTER ECONOMIC INCENTIVE
File # 12-00338 03-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: All right, move on to the last item, item number 10, which is the University
of Miami Life Science Center economic incentive. The only thing that I want to -- Mr. Dotson,
you can -- I guess you can make it to the mike. Clarence, I think you probably as staff need to
present on behalf as well. You can come to the mike as well. Let me just say this. This is an
initiative that actually was started while I was gone. This is the University of Miami biocenter
that's already on 20th Street and 7th Avenue. I know that my office, along with the CRA
(Community Redevelopment Agency) staff, has been going back and forth on finding an
agreement that everyone can be comfortable with. Where is Power U? I got a chance to meet --
Where is Power Uas well? Are they here? Okay, you can come on up, too. I just wanted to say,
first of all, to Power U that has been on the frontlines of keeping everybody at the table and
making sure the main issues are being addressed. As we know, this is always a work in progress
trying to find a happy medium between both parties. Is the other party, University of Miami,
here too -- as well?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes, they are.
Chair Spence -Jones: Where are you guys, guys? Okay, is that J. C., okay, from the president's
office. I had a lot of concerns with what was happening from the neighborhood side of it, but I'm
assuming that Mr. Dotson has been -- I'm seeing you guys shake your head, which is really great,
that you guys are at least coming to some sort of agreement so that the neighbors in the
surrounding community, Overtown community, feels comfortable with where we are, but I would
like for you to put something on the record and at least give us some sort of time frame as to
where we are with the overall project.
Al Dotson: Sure, Commissioner. First, Al Dotson, with Bilzen Sumberg, 1450 Brickell Avenue.
It's a pleasure to be here again before the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA. Want to just go
back to something, Madam Chairman [sic], that you shared many meetings ago, the importance
of looking at economic incentives from multiple directions. You have asked us, as part of the UM
(University of Miami) Wexford Life Science project, to look at the community benefits not only
from what we can do in direct support of community organizations, which we are doing, but how
we can actually help businesses expand, provide a pipeline for young people who are interested
in this type of industry, and also providing permanent jobs. As you may recall, we came to you
prior to commencing construction --
Chair Spence -Jones: Yes.
Mr. Dotson: -- and we made certain commitments before the CRA was prepared to make
commitments to us. And we said we would go forward with that without an agreement, without
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any funding, and without the CRA signing on the dotted line, that we would meet with the
community to understand what those needs were and we would try to respond to that. So you
should be proud to know that the building that is built was built understanding that it had to
include residents from the CRA district, as well as the City of Miami, that we could document it,
that we could provide you with independent verification that we had high percentages of not only
laborers but businesses that participated in the construction of the first building, but more
importantly, that in that first building we would look for permanent jobs beyond the construction,
which we also did, and reached out to the community to find places within our existing building
where businesses in the community could come and become tenants to take advantage of what
was taking place. So you've asked us to touch on many different areas and we have done that
with respect to building one, and we are also committing to do that with respect to building two.
But we didn't do that in a vacuum. We did it based on input from community organizations, a lot
of meetings between University of Miami and the community, Wexford and the community, and
we look forward to coming back to you at your next meeting with a finalized agreement. And
we'll be happy to brief each of the members of the CRA board individually if you would have --
like for us to do that in advance of the next meeting.
Chair Spence -Jones: Are we looking at this coming back in front of us in April? We should be
prepared?
Mr. Dotson: We will be prepared to do that.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Power U, I know that you guys have been with them from
-- working on this thing, so I just want to make sure -- and I know -- you know I came to visit you
guys to make sure that you guys were on the same page.
Keith Ivory: Yes.
Chair Spence -Jones: You want to give us any updates?
Mr. Ivory: Yes. We'd like to thank Al Dotson --
Chair Spence -Jones: Put your name on the record.
Mr. Ivory: Okay, Keith Ivory, 164 Northwest 20 -- 26 -- 20th Street, Power U Center. We'd like
to thank Al Dotson, Clarence Woods, and J. C. De [sic] Valle, for keeping the community at the
table and staying engaged. And we'd just like to say we're at a point where we're just about to
wrap things up and really make this agreement sustainable. As you know, this agreement -- we
looked at this agreement from different angles from other cities around the country where
biotechs have been built near low-income communities, like in East Baltimore, West Harlem and
different places. So we really want to do the right thing and make this sustainable. And also in
that time frame within the next 30 days, as we just spoke here that we're looking forward to bring
the information to the community as far as what this community benefits will be. Thank you.
Chair Spence -Jones: Great. And J. C., do you want to say anything from the president's office
before --?
J. C. Del Valle: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Just that the University of Miami is very
happy to be here and a partner to a lot of the programs and activities that we're going to be
implementing in the community. And we look forward to having this in front of you next week
and explaining the different programs that are available to the residents.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, great.
Mr. Del Valle: Thank you.
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Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, Al.
Mr. Dotson: Madam Chair, I forgot something very unique about this economic incentive
package. We hope that it'll become a model for future development within the CRA. One of the
things that you mentioned the University of Miami as being a landowner and a part of this
development. The University of Miami has reached out, as has Wexford, to Miami Dade College
and Florida Memorial University. All three organizations will be coming to the table probably
at our next meeting talking to you about some very substantive and sustainable efforts that we'll
be doing as part of our funding package that we'll be bringing back to the CRA. So I just wanted
to put that on the record as well.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Al. Does any Commissioners have any questions or any
thoughts? Okay. Well, that means they like it. Let me just say this. This is exactly what we need
to see happen in our neighborhoods. When we talk about community benefits agreements and
you see builders and developers just go crazy, here's two groups that were able to sit down and
make something happen. You're still working out the, you know, kinks, but this is possible and
that's all I ever ask is, you know, if you ask for the CRA or City government to support you with
your initiatives and businesses, Javier, these are the kind of things that we want to see happening
in the neighborhood is to make sure that both communities, the community that lives there and
the new community that's coming there, they're engaged. So I thank you guys for working
together to make that happen. Okay, with that being said --
ReginaldMunnings: I'd like --
Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. You can go ahead and put something on the record, sweetie.
Mr. Munnings: I just wanted to make a comment to the --
Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Name.
Chair Spence -Jones: Sure.
Mr. Munnings: -- Commissions that --
Ms. Thompson: Name.
Mr. Munnings: -- I'm also --
Chair Spence -Jones: Name.
Mr. Munnings: -- I'm a concerned -- oh, name. Reginald Munnings, 1000 Northwest 1st
Avenue. I'd just like to voice some concern. I'm a member also of the OCOB (Overtown
Community Oversight Board) Board.
Chair Spence -Jones: Yes.
Mr. Munnings: And I would like to ask that you would meet at some point in time with the
OCOB --
Chair Spence -Jones: No problem.
Mr. Munnings: -- concerning the things that are happening in the community, the developments,
things going up, things not going up and whatnot.
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NON AGENDA ITEMS
NA.1
12-00396
Chair Spence -Jones: No problem.
Mr. Munnings: Stuff like that. Okay, thank you. And Commissioner Sarnoff, we'd like to have
you as well.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- Oh, I'd be glad to be there.
Mr. Munnings: Being that you hold a portion of the community as well, I consider you part of
Overtown.
Chair Spence -Jones: Yes.
Commissioner Sarnoff.- Thank you.
Mr. Munnings: Thank you.
Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you so much. With that being said, we're going to officially adjourn
this meeting. Do we have any additional questions? And --
Ms. Thompson: And --
Chair Spence -Jones: -- Madam City Clerk, I know you need a minute to turn over.
Ms. Thompson: Yeah. Just two minutes, please.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay.
Ms. Thompson: Don't go too far. We'll be right with you.
Chair Spence -Jones: We'll be right back.
CRA DISCUSSION
CHAIR SPENCE-JONES THANKED THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION FOR HOSTING THE CRA
(COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY) MEETING AT THEIR
SCHOOL.
DISCUSSED
Chair Spence -Jones: I'm going to start officially I guess with the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting?
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Spence -Jones: I mean, with the Overtown --
Commissioner Suarez: Overtown.
Chair Spence -Jones: -- meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, let's do Overtown.
Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, cool. Let me first start by thanking, once again, Douglass
Elementary for hosting us. I don't know if there's any administration that's here. We appreciate
you hosting us once again.
Meeting adjourned at 6: 01 p.m.
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