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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2012-10-29 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Di • IN O9▪ IEP 19 1i? Meeting Minutes Monday, October 29, 2012 5:00 PM Williams Park 1717 N. W. 5th Avenue SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Michelle Spence -Jones, Chair Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Vice Chair Marc David Sarnoff, Commissioner Frank Carollo, Commissioner Francis Suarez, Commissioner SEOPW CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 1490 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 105 Miami, FL 33136 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 www.miamicra.com SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FINANCIALS 1. 12-01232 RESOLUTIONS Present: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort Absent: Commissioner Sarnoff On the 29th day of October 2012, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Williams Park, 1717 Northwest 5th Avenue, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Spence -Jones at 5:01 p.m. and was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Note for the Record: Commissioner Gort entered the meeting at 5:16 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Clarence Woods, Executive Director, CRA Veronica A. Xiques, Assistant General Counsel, CRA Dwight S. Danie, Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: All right. What we're going to do is -- because I want to be mindful of the time. I do know that Commissioner Gort is on his way, and I know that I have a prior engagement, so I'm going to have to leave, so I don't want us to lose quorum, and there are some key issues that I definitely wanted to talk about before I leave on the discussion items side of it to make sure we're moving, so I want to kind of bring those items up. So let's do this first. Let's open with prayer, and then after that, we'll do the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Carollo. Prayer, Clarence, would -- you want to do prayer for us? Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Sure. Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered. CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 File # 12-01232 10-29-12 Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: With that being said, we're going to move right into the agenda, and some of these items I really kind of want to make sure that Gort is around to vote for them, so I may skip around a little bit, if you don't mind, just so we could have a discussion on some of these things. So let me start first with the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) financial report. Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening, Commissioners. As we're doing every month, we're presenting the combined statement of financial position as of September 30, 2012. We are disclosing the cash amount of 27,233,965. I just -- I wanted to make an announcement. The external auditors, they are going to be commencing the audit next week, meaning that we are going to be having the financial statements early January 2013. And if you have any question, I will be more than happy to answer it. Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions on the --? Okay. Any questions? All right. Thank you so much, Miguel. City of Miami Paget Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 2. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000, TO EMMANUELAND SANDRA WASHINGTON, TO REHABILITATE NINE (9) RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNITS AT 155 N.W. 10TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; 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; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 12-01233 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf File # 12-01233 10-29-12 Financial Form.pdf File # 12-01233 10-29-12 Backup.pdf File # 12-01233 10-29-12 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-12-0072 Chair Spence -Jones: We will proceed Again, I'm going to take a few items out of order, so let me start with the first one, which is item number 2, though, first. Let's get that out of the way. Clarence, you want to update us as to what this item is? Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 2, Commissioner, is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency. It's for the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $300, 000, to Emanuel and Sandra Washington for the rehabilitation of nine residential units, located at 1 55 Northwest 10th Street, in Miami, Florida. Commissioner, this is for -- this is one of the projects that, if you recall, the board setting aside $500, 000 for rehab of projects within the redevelopment area. As we are looking forward to doing a lot of new projects, you know, it was the board's wish that we set aside some money for existing projects or existing buildings within the area to do some rehab on those projects. We -- the owner of the building did get three bids. The lowest bid was 340, 000. We have made a commitment to fund up to 300, 000. They're going to put, you know, the additional 40,000 in as their leverage, as well as the building. They will be signing a restrictive covenant that would restrict all of the incomes to an area -wide median income, which is below 60 percent. Commissioner Suarez: Move it. Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: Great. Let me just add on this, just for those that are listening out. As Clarence mentioned earlier, our biggest concern is not only the new buildings that we do have corning up in the area, but to make sure the property owners that have been here for -- in Overtown for God knows how long, that have stood the test of time to make sure that they have the opportunity to also participate in these programs. So I know that we put the process out 'cause we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to participate. But more so for me, one of the biggest concerns I have, as we begin to rebuild the area and rehab many of these units, one of the reasons why I'm, you know, in the forefront of making sure that we had some of these buildings is to keep those rents to -- at a certain level. And this particular building, I know that one of the things that I've communicated to them on -- and I believe that's Emanuel. You're standing here, and you've been in the struggle for a long time for Overtown -- is to make sure our seniors -- one of the biggest issues -- our seniors just can't afford to pay these rents, you know. Some of these buildings come up, 8, $900, you know, $1, 000. They just can't afford it. So, you know, to be in a position where we can rehab a building, keep the rents low enough for them to afford to still live in Overtown I think is a blessing. So I just want to congratulate Emanuel and his family on this particular project. So we want to make sure that local people are working, so as soon as we can get this whole thing moving, we want to make sure that the local contractors in the area have the opportunity -- and laborers have the opportunity to make sure that they're a part of what's happening. Any other questions on it? Unidentified Speaker: No. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 12-01234 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") RATIFYING THE EXERCISE OF THE THIRD ONE (1) YEAR OPTION TERM UNDER THE AGREEMENT WITH SANSON, KLINE, JACOMINO & COMPANY, LLP TO PROVID EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES TO THE CRA, ATA COST NOT TO EXCEED $33,000, ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING," ACCOUNT CODE NO.10050.920101.532000.0000.00000. File # 12-01234 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf File # 12-01234 10-29-12 Financial Form.pdf File # 12-01234 10-29-12 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-12-0073 Chair Spence -Jones: All right, we're going to move on to item number 3. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioners. Item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency ratifying the exercise of the third one-year option term under the agreement with Sansone Kline Jacomino & Company to provide external auditing services to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) at a cost not to exceed $33, 000. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 3,8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 4. 12-01235 Commissioner Suarez: Move it. Commissioner Carollo: Move it. Second. Chair Spence -Jones: We had a motion and a second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. And just so that everybody in the audience knows, this is the -- basically, the external auditing that we're about to engage in, so we wanted to make sure that got passed. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO SUITED FOR SUCCESS, INC., TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING TRAINING AND FREE PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE TO JOB -SEEKERS FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; 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 TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 12-01235 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf File # 12-01235 10-29-12 Financial Form.pdf File # 12-01235 10-29-12 Backup.pdf File # 12-01235 10-29-12 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-12-0074 Chair Spence -Jones: Item number 4. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency in the issue -- authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, to Suited for Success, Inc., to underwrite the costs associated with providing training and free professional attire to job seekers from the redevelopment area. Commissioners, as you know, we have funded this program for the last two years, three years. This is the third year. And what Suited for Success does is it works hand -in -hand with the Hospitality Institute in providing not only clothes, but they also do some other services, like interviewing skills, some of the things that the Hospitality Institute doesn't actually get into. They actually provide those additional services, which helps our residents to not only put on a good face, but sharpens their skills as well when it times -- when it comes time to go for an interview. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 3,8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Did we have a motion on this item? Commissioner Suarez: Move it. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. I just want to mention -- I know I see Sonya. Sonya, you can wave your hand. Sonya's been doing a great job. They actually operate out of the heart of Dorsey House. They've been doing an outstanding job with all of our hospitality/culinary training type programs and also the beautification team, making sure that those individuals have the opportunity, you know, to be prepared to go and do interviews and all of that great stuff. I know that we're looking at future relationships with them to open up a consignment shop and do some other things in the area when we're completed. One of the things that I do want to at least officially put on the record, we're trying to look at other ways to kind of begin to match the funds that we put into these projects because the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), as time goes on, we're not going to have the dollars to continue to fund these type of programs so what we're doing -- and items should be coming to you guys rather soon -- is to begin to look at an outside grant writer -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- so that we can begin to match the dollars that the CRA's in. Because what I don't want to have happen is that we continue to build these programs and then when our money starts, you know, going lower, we don't have enough money to continue all of the good work. So I think it's essential for us to begin to now get a part-time grant writer or somebody like that that can go after these federal and national and state dollars to help us offset whatever we put in or match whatever's being put in so that you can continue to provide great services. But the CRA, you know, we see the dollars sitting here, but we know in a matter of less than, you know, six months, these dollars are -- right, Miguel? -- going to start shifting out and that number's going to go down. So we just don't want you to ever be in a position where you have to leave because you don't have the resources to provide the great services. So we just want to know -- want you to know that you're valued and appreciated. Okay. Mr. Woods: And Commissioner, ifI might add, just to say that one of my focuses has been to begin to try to find leverage or a match -- matches to the funding that we're providing. We will be taking a trip coming up pretty soon -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Woods: -- to look at a project or a program that operates somewhat like our Hospitality Institute, but they receive federal money from EDA (Economic Development Administration). So we are going to be looking at finding other streams of income that can leverage what we're doing so that our dollars can go a little further than what they've been going at this point in time. So that's something that we look forward to doing and we will be putting that in place. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, Clarence, you may need to talk louder because I see Ms. Wims over there moving her head. So I know you got your Barry White voice on and everything, but -- Mr. Woods: Okay, I'm sorry. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. That's the real Barry voice. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Mr. Woods: I'm sorry. Okay. Show you right. Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: So just real fast, just to repeat what he said so that you could hear me -- you know I have a big mouth, so I don't have a problem talking loud. What he's mentioning is -- and so that my fellow colleagues know -- I'm really pushing hard on Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) to do a lot more than what it's doing for our communities, and I'm pushing on our lobbyists to make sure they're working to bring monies to our area. So our last visit, I went for the Black Caucus, but while I was at the Black Caucus meeting, our lobbyists set up several meetings and one was with -- what is that, the Department of Commerce. Mr. Woods: Commerce, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And for those that don't know, Willie -- is it Willie Ramos? Mr. Woods: Willie Ramos. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Ramos actually is on the ObamaAdministration. Mr. Woods: He actually heads the Department of Commerce. Chair Spence -Jones: He heads the Department of Commerce. He's actually from Miami. Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And he worked for Miami -Dade County for a very long time. And I've been really on him about, hey, look, you're from Miami. We need you to do more for the Miami folks. So there's a -- there's actually a couple of big grants coming up -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- from EP -- with EPA? Mr. Woods: EDA. Chair Spence -Jones: EDA, I'm sorry -- that focus on economic development. And the main guy that actually runs the programs and stuff and the grants -- Mr. Woods: Is in Atlanta. Chair Spence -Jones: -- is actually from Florida as well, and he'll be here I think the last week before Thanks -- the week before Thanksgiving to tour some of our areas. And not just our areas, 'cause we also are asking him to visit other areas for other projects that, you know, you guys may have, the City itself even though it's a CRA, you know, lobbyist that they've been pushing hard to help Miami. But I wanted to mention -- because the project that he felt that we would definitely be able to get some support and funding from is for the culinary hospitality institute because -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- there's several other projects that they're funding across the country like this or similar to it. So they wanted us to come check the one out in Atlanta -- Mr. Woods: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- to see how -- City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Mr. Woods: There's one in -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- they're running their project. Mr. Woods: -- North Carolina. Chair Spence -Jones: And we're going to be actually applying for that particular grant think before -- at the beginning of January. Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: So we have to get it all in order. So these are the kind of things that we want to make sure -- and they only fund capital improvement -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: --projects? Mr. Woods: Yes, right. Chair Spence -Jones: So whatever dollars we may have allocated for capital projects, we can now shift them to go into programming or other things that we want to get done. Mr. Woods: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: So these are the kind of things that we have to start doing with the CRA in order to make it happen. All right, thank you, Clarence. Mr. Woods: Item -- Chair Spence -Jones: So we had a motion and a second on this item? Dwight S. Danie (Clerk of the Board): Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 12-01236 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, UP TO $125,000 WITH HOLLAND & KNIGHT, LLP, AND UP TO $40,000, WITH JESSICA N. PACHECO, P.A., BOTH TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES TO THE CRA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - LEGAL," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.531000.0000.00000. File # 12-01236 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf File # 12-01236 10-29-12 Financial Form.pdf File # 12-01236 10-29-12 Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 3,8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 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, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-1 2-0075 Chair Spence -Jones: All right, so we're going to move on to item number 5. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the expenditure of funds up to $125, 000 with Holland & Knight, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) and up to $40,000 with Jessica N. Pacheco, PA (Practicing Attorney), both to provide specialized legal services to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Commissioners, as you know, in our last budget, we -- well, in all of our budgets, we allocate $125,000 for legal services, special legal services. This is basically encumbering those monies, putting a resolution to encumber those funds, and they'll be used as needed, as always, with Holland & Knight. The $40, 000 is -- as you -- well, as you now know, for what was normally in-house counsel, we no longer have in-house counsel. Instead of hiring someone full-time as an in-house counsel, we're going to do a contract with a young lady who was formerly at the CRA for over two years and did all of the CRA's legal work. That's what these -- this particular item is for. Chair Spence -Jones: And let me just be clear on that. You know, we do have William Bloom. We do have Veronica from the City Attorneys office already, you know, working on a lot of the legal items that we have. As you know, Carmen -- if you don't know, Carmen is no longer with us. So one of the things we're trying to do is save on some of those resources since we have, you know, counsel on all levels that's kind of helping us. So we wanted to at least keep those dollars down for now, and we needed somebody that had kind of the expertise or that has worked with the CRA in the past. And Jessica kind of knows how the system works in the CRA, so we wanted to make sure that we didn't have any downtime. So we just -- I wanted to make sure that we were clear on that. Any questions on item number 5? Commissioner Carollo: Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I have a question. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: Are we going to RFP (Request for Proposals) for these legal services? How long has it been since we've RFP'd for legal services? Mr. Woods: Well, we don't necessarily have to RFP for legal services. The Code doesn't provide that you go through that type of procurement process. And we've actually -- there was a process where we did select William Bloom. You know, whether or not we want to bring that back and, you know, go out again, I mean, that's at the will of the board. But we don't necessarily have to and -- Commissioner Carollo: When was -- I'm sorry, when was the last time that it was RFP'd? Mr. Woods: Miguel. Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Well, Commissioners, City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Bill Bloom is working with us I think since 1988 or 1990. But what Clarence I think is trying to say is that legal services are exempt according -- Mr. Woods: Yeah, from procurement. Mr. Valentin: -- to the City Code. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, one thing is something that we have to do; some thing is something that we may want to do. So maybe it is exempt, but why not RFP it? We have the same attorney since 1988, you're saying? And here's what I'm saying -- and this is nothing against Mr. Bloom. You know, sometimes in companies, especially in the private sector, after X" number of years -- and you see it with our auditors -- you know, they go out and bid again to see what's out there. And sometimes, you know, some of these professional services, they get too comfortable with the organization. And I could -- I can briefly give you a few examples. When Mr. Bloom was here and I asked a question and he wasn't prepared because, in all fairness, we never asked him to look at those items, but he was still here billing us when the item that he was here had passed over an hour ago. With the tunnel, if you remember -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- I'm sorry, not the tunnel, the $15 million bond issuance. He couldn't wait at my office past 6 p.m. 'cause he had to go somewhere, and that was very important. That was the day before a Commission meeting, very important, you know, issue. So sometimes I wonder, hey, wait a second, you know, are some of these attorneys in Holland & Knight maybe a little too comfortable here? I mean, you know -- and I throw it out there because I don't want this to be a sure thing that, yes, every year they're -- you know, they should count on $125, 000 from the CRA. No. I mean, they need to work for their monies because the truth of the matter is, whatever money we spend on them doesn't go out there to the public. So I'm throwing it out there because I think it's a valid argument. Mr. Woods: Well -- Chair Spence -Jones: Can I just respond? Mr. Woods: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: First of all, I agree with you 100 percent. If -- you know, if this is the will of the board for us to put out an RFP to see if there are other attorneys out there that may have an interest, I'm more than open to do that. My only question and concern right now in the midst of all of this is all of the negotiations that's going on with the County and Bill Bloom is knee-deep in it. And right now, what I would not want to do is now change that cycle, especially when we've worked so hard and he understands all of the issues regarding some reverter related issues that have taken us forever to get done and not on our side, but on the other -- Mr. Woods: Yeah, right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- side of the aisle, on the County side. So I just want to be very careful about at this time pulling anybody out because we need to close out on some of these existing contracts. So I am open to def -- that was one of the questions I asked when I first got elected as to, you know, whether or not, you know, we can open that up, you know, to provide other people with an opportunity to at least apply. But so you know, it's just been a long -- you know, Bill Bloom has been entrenched in a lot of these deals, so I just don't want to have a situation where now I have to get someone else to rev them back up to even know what's actually going on. But I think that if this is the recommendation of the board, that we should definitely look at the possibilities of doing that, but I would just like to make the recommendation, please let us finish City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 these key things that -- Mr. Woods: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- have taken a long time to close out on. Mr. Woods: Commissioner, ifI can. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Mr. Woods: I would say there's two reasons why, and the Commissioner just spoke to one. One is the institutional knowledge that Bill has with some of the really important -- Chair Spence -Jones: Issues. Mr. Woods: -- special real estate issues that we have. The other is his actual fee. Mr. Valentin: It's 295. Mr. Woods: For somebody with his experience and with the caliber of a real estate attorney that Bill is, I don't think we would be able to get somebody that's lower than him. He has not raised his rate since I don't know how long. Mr. Valentin: Since 2007, and his rate is 295. Mr. Woods: And you're not going to get too many attorneys with his, you know, level of skill. Chair Spence -Jones: But let's take this as a recommendation, you know. Mr. Woods: But we can, absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: You could take it as a recommendation. What I would like for you to do, though, Clarence, is all the existing agreements and contracts that he does have, that he's working on, if you can at least provide each one of the Commissioners, including myself just an update as to what they're working on presently so that at least everyone's -- everyone has a sense of what the workload is. And like you said, you know, the fact that they do have institutional knowledge on some of these issues would be helpful. And I'm going to just give you a perfect example. I'm not saying anything about Carmen. I think Carmen was a great attorney, but part of the challenges we had, at least when I got back in office, was because she didn't really understand the system, you know. It was difficult, you know. And even with the new person that we wanted to bring in, Clarence wasn't all that comfortable because you got to get that person back up to speed and we have all these major deals happening right now, the bond -- I mean, so Mr. Woods: Yeah, it's a lot. Chair Spence -Jones: -- we cannot afford to have any mix-up on someone trying to learn how to do it. So -- but let's take that recommendation. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm open to that. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: And you definitely -- Chair Spence -Jones: You're recognized. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. -- bring a valid point, you know. And by the way, I'm one that I always said, you know, why does the CRA have three attorneys and so forth, so you know Mr. Woods: Can I answer that? Commissioner Carollo: And as a matter of fact, we don't even have any of them present here. Mr. Woods: Can I answer why? Commissioner Carollo: So with three attorneys, and we have zero attorneys here. Mr. Woods: Can I answer why? Commissioner Carollo: Sure. Mr. Woods: Would you like to know? Commissioner Carollo: Sure. Mr. Woods: We have -- well, we have three attorneys because I think there's three different -- or three levels of attorney work that we need. The reason we have the City Attorney as our general counsel is because they perform the litigation services for us, which you know, as you know, is quite costly. Our special counsel does not do any litigation. Special counsel only deals with special real estate transactions, which the City doesn't do itself. The in-house counsel, we don't want to have Bill Bloom doing the in-house counsel stuff, which is contracts, agreements, and all those -- Chair Spence -Jones: Agendas. Mr. Woods: -- different things. So -- and agendas. That -- he's too expensive to do that type of work. So though it -- although it seems like we have three different attorneys, but there's three different levels of service that they provide for us, which I think we get in an economical way. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, Madam Chair. And I don't want to take the whole time just dealing with this, you know, so I'll say a few more things. And then, you know, if -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: -- I don't have a problem moving on. Can't the City Attorney also do the agenda and stuff, what Carmen used to do? Mr. Woods: Well, what has happened is, you know -- really, the City Attorney doesn't prepare the agenda or anything like that. And they wanted to talk to us about -- they wanted to come here and put this on the record. Actually, I had a conversation with Julie Bru during this last agenda process. We prepare all of the agenda and all of that stuff and we take it over to them and they just make sure that it is -- City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: Legally -- Mr. Woods: -- approved for form and correctness, that's it. They asked -- even at the City, the City Attorneys office don't prepare resolutions. They actually just correct them and make sure that they have the proper form and whatnot, and correct -- they're approved for form and correctness. So we actually prepare the agenda and they just approve it. Julie's comments to me was that, you know, Listen, if you guys are hiring your own counsel, you don't need to come to us for this, you know. You really don't need to have us to approve the resolutions because you're doing it; you have an attorney that's doing it, in-house counsel. This is just an extra step for you. So she was talking about coming here and having this conversation that -- Chair Spence -Jones: And so that you know, Commissioner Carollo, I just like to have -- honestly, I just like to have another set of eyes look over it from the City Attorneys side of it just to make sure, so that's one of the things that Julie has provided support with. And quite frankly, I'm a lot more comfortable with that so I know that in the end that whatever goes out, at least I've had, you know, some clean eyes look at it. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, and then -- and again, it's nothing against Mr. Bloom. Chair Spence -Jones: You love Mr. Bloom, but go ahead. Commissioner Carollo: Well, it seems like he's got twenty -something years of experience, and again, it's just that, you know, in the private sector, even with that experience, you know, at times we question, you know, are they too comfortable in the organization. And you brought a very valid point, and I will respect that point 'cause it truly is valid and we'll continue. But I think in the near future, we should also look at that and see, you know, if there's other firms that would be interested. Chair Spence -Jones: No, I agree. Mr. Woods: We will take that under -- Chair Spence -Jones: You're recognized, Commissioner Gort. Vice Chair Gort: As of right now, I will not recommend before the bond issue is done any changes because, like you stated before, if you look at the history of the CRA, there's a lot of transactions that been in court and back and forth -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Vice Chair Gort: -- and with the County and with the private sector. And you need someone that's really aware and knowledge of what's taking place. And I would not make any change before the bond issuance. But after the bond issuance, I believe then you can go ahead and go for an RFP. Chair Spence -Jones: Any comments? Commissioner Suarez: No, it's okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Did we have a motion and second? Dwight S. Danie (Clerk of the Board): No. We need a first. Chair Spence -Jones: Do we have a motion on this item? City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Vice Chair Gort: Move it. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion and a second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 12-01237 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, UP TO $131,134.80, WITH HOLLAND & KNIGHT, LLP FOR LEGAL SERVICES RENDERED IN CONNECTION TO THE NON -RECOURSE BOND ISSUE LOAN SOUGHT BY THE CRA TO FINANCE REDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - LEGAL" ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.531000.0000.00000. File # 12-01237 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf File # 12-01237 10-29-12 Financial Form.pdf File #12-01237 10-29-12 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-12-0076 Chair Spence -Jones: The next one is item number 6. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the expenditures of funds up to $131,134.80 with Holland & Knight, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), for legal services rendered in connection to the nonrecourse bond issue loan sought by the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to finance the redevelopment activities. What this is is -- as you know, initially, we started out with bond -- with Holland & Knight being bond counsel for the transaction. Holland & Knight withdrew as bond counsel because they felt that there were some perceived conflicts. This was for the work that bond counsel performed, as well as Bill Bloom, in connection with getting us to where we are with the loan process. We are looking to go for a validation, which is work outside of this whole process. But this money is just for that -- for the work that has already been done. Now we will be able to recoup this money once the bond issuance goes out and we receive the money. This is money that can be refunded back to us for those services. Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions on this item? Any questions? Okay. Commissioner Suarez: Move it. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 3,8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. 12-01239 Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. I'm going to get through this meeting then, huh. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION ITEM POLICE VISABILITY PROGRAM File # 12-01239 10-29-Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: All right, the other two items are discussion items. And I want to start -- instead of starting with the -- well, let me go ahead and start with the police visibility program. I thought we would take longer to get through the agenda. I know I have police here. If I could have them come up to the front. Actually, you know, when I first started one of the things I've asked for all the Commissioners to do -- and I thank each and every one of you for your support. Commissioner Suarez has taken the leadership on this whole issue for University of Miami and still beating them up to get more money out of them. Commissioner Suarez: Trying, I'm trying, I'm trying. Chair Spence -Jones: Trying. Commissioner Suarez: I'm the fifth lawyer. Chair Spence -Jones: Right, trying to get it done. So you know -- 'cause I think it's important for us all to share in on the responsibility, so I thank you for that. Commissioner Gort is actually taking on the responsibility of really helping us hammer through and making sure that this issue around the bond is correct so that, you know, the projects that we need to see happening in Overtown for the first time in how many years? Long time. Vice Chair Gort: Long time ago. Chair Spence -Jones: So finally, Commissioner Gort's going to have stuff coming out of the ground and projects actually getting rehabbed, which I'm so excited about. Commissioner -- I know -- and I was going to kind of try to somewhat turn it over to you, Frank, on this. I know Frank has taken up the leadership to kind of help us with this police visibility program. And I know that you've done some sort of assessment on it already and still working along with Gomez. I just want to officially put some stuff on the record so we're all on the same page. I know that police worked very, very hard. I'm not going to chew y'all out. Y'all got that look like, Please don't embarrass us at this mike. I'm not going to do that 'cause I appreciate and value all of the work that you guys do, and I know all of us do up here. I just really wanted to express my concerns -- and you know this already -- with what I'm seeing happening in the heart of Overtown. I know that we're putting more emphasis on the evening, so we do see a decrease in some of these things. I thank y'all for the rideabout you guys did in the evening with all those broken lights in Overtown, so now FP&L (Florida Power & Light) has fixed all of those, and that came from you guys going out there and making sure all those dark spots are now, you know, as City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 not dark -- as dark as they were. But my concern is, you know, the amount of money that we are spending on the visibility program and I'm seeing an increase of you know, this activity in the mornings. And I don't know it's -- you know, a lot of it has something to do with homelessness, that we see an increase of that happening in the overall area. But the drug activity is almost like now they know that we're out at night fighting crime, now the shift is working at 10 o'clock in the morning. And literally -- I know -- and we have it on -- I have it on my phone where I, myself you know, was sitting there and three other staff members outright videotaping people selling narcotics early in the morning, you know, like it was nothing. So we can't be spending these resources to kind of address the crime and address these issues and we're not really focused on, you know, ridding it. So I really wanted to have you put something on the record. But before that -- I don't know if Commissioner Carollo -- at least so the community knows that you did have the meeting and at least give them an update as to where you are on that part of it. But I would like, before we close out on all of this, once you make your presentation, for us to really come up with a plan. And I talked about maybe, you know, the option of doing a citizens on patrol that -- you know, that concept with the peacemakers so we can have extra eyes just walking around on the streets and talking to the residents and talking to the individuals, because I'm really concerned about our kids walking to -- back and forth to school and having to walk between all of that. So at least if there's a certain amount of level of respect from the citizens that live in the neighborhoods, you know, that can kind of tell, you know, people that are out there doing wrong stuff that we can't have that happening when our kids are going to school. So just, if you can, in a nutshell, at least let the community know what you have done already on -- Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner. Yes, as you very well know, I have met with Major Gomez and Commander Ferro several times now, as a matter of fact. And they are doing -- first of all, let me tell you something. They really want to tackle the problem. They really -- these are two sworn officers that really care about the community. They really care about their jobs. And that's why we also have met several times and followed up to see exactly what's been happening. And I can tell you that they have been addressing the issue quite a bit. However, I think I couldn't do their presentation or their discussion justice, so I will yield to them and let Major Gomez actually address the board. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Major Jorge Gomez (Police): Commissioner, thank you very much. We have met Commissioner Carollo at length and discussed the program. But I assure you, without the help of these dollars, I think we have accomplished a lot. And one thing that I can tell you, your passion and the way you work Overtown, you make us better. You know, what you demand from me and from our troops makes us better every day because we know the passion that you have and I seen how Overtown has progressed with you at the helm. But I really appreciate -- you make us better every day and everything that you demand from us every day. The way we have used these dollars is for several operations. We have tweaked it at night 'cause at night, it's basically where we had most of the problems, with shootings, and that's a situation that's really -- it's happening in Overtown. It's the narcotics problems and the shootings problems. And lately, we had some of the homeless situations happened. And we have divided this monies in tackling the narcotics situation. We have established walking beats in Overtown, and we use a lot of quality of life. When we do this quality of life, a lot of times we use it to tackle minor crimes that occur in Overtown, like the homelessness issue, making referrals, people just hanging out on the corners, drinking illegally and people that are really becoming a nuisance and make our neighborhoods worst neighborhoods. And lately, we've been using some of the monies to provide security for some of the football games. But we had had some shootings, which they're lower a little bit since last year when it comes to the homicides, which one homicide is one too many, but without this help, we wouldn't be where we're at. And I can assure you, when it comes to part one crimes, Overtown is the lowest when it comes to overall part one crimes citywide in any NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team). When you mentioned the part of the peacemakers, the program -- I think was in '09 -- I think it was a very successful program. We worked with them. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 And anything that you could bring to the community to make this -- the community thrive at a better place, you're more than welcome. And like I always assure you, we'll work with anybody that has a plan and wants to help us that has the same goals that we have. Commissioner Carollo: You also got the HotSpots -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- program working. Chair Spence -Jones: You wanted to say something? Vice Chair Gort: Yeah. Citizens patrol at one time was very useful. I understand it's not being used as much anymore or -- Major Gomez: The citizens on patrol, Commissioner, we're still trying to tweak the program a little bit. I've been in Overtown a long time, and we didn't have many citizens on patrol in Overtown. I understand some of the citizens were afraid 'cause, as you know, the citizens on patrol wear their T-shirts and some people were afraid to really step out. But we do have a lot of people here in Overtown that really help us a lot. Without the help that I'm getting from a lot of the community members and business owners here in Overtown, I won't be able to accomplish what we're accomplishing. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. I just want -- when I mentioned citizens on patrol, I was really speaking, more or less, to the peacemakers, the proj -- program that we created where we did have -- you know, it was a combination of law enforcement and the Nation that was working along with us, and they were posted on 3rdAvenue and Northwest 2ndAvenue, which it went beyond just, you know, providing security 'cause that's not what they do, but really about talking to the residents and making sure that kids had a safe space to walk back and forth to school and to make sure that they build relationships with individuals so that they know that there are certain kind of activities would not take place in certain zones. Major Gomez: Commissioner -- Chair Spence -Jones: So that's kind of what the Peacemakers were doing, in concert with the police, so we had a great -- the numbers were down, you know. There was a great spirit in the community around it when it was happening, and I just feel like we need to maybe rethink how we're doing this. I'm not saying we want to take anything away from you. I'm simply saying, we need to figure out a way to enhance it because I can't keep building up the neighborhoods and putting new parks in and, you know, getting, you know, support to businesses and then people are afraid because they go to -- I'm just using Jackson Soul Food, for instance -- for a jazz event and then they walk out of there -- out of the restaurant and then, all of a sudden, they hear gunshots down the street. I'm never going to get anybody to come back again that may not have lived in this community before. So people have to feel safe. And you know, I think that that -- honestly, out of all the things we do, safety should be the number one priority. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Major Gomez: You're absolutely correct, Commissioner. I'm behind you 100 percent. And I did -- in the Peacemakers program, I walked with them. And I know at times they would talk to them instead of talking to police officers and they would open up to them, and they were actually out there mentoring and trying to talk to -- especially the kid, the youth, let them know which way to go, provide resources that they can go and get help if they needed help, and we really worked hand in hand and it was a very worthwhile program while it lasted. And also, the HotSpots campaign was very helpful too. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: Right. I just wanted -- and I'm going to say to you, Commissioner Carollo, I know that you're working with them, but I really want us to come up with a real plan. I know that right now you've been assessing it with them, and I know that there are certain things that they've put in place. But I'm letting you know for a fact, in the mornings, it's hot on the streets. And it's because I think everybody knows that at nighttime, you know, certain places, you know that it's -- you know you guys -- the heat is there. In the mornings, from like 9 to like 11, it's off the chain. Major Gomez: And that's one thing, Commissioner, that I -- as a matter of fact, I discussed it with the Commissioner and Commander Ferro. A lot of times when we had that -- the CRA patrols out there, things didn't happen. So that's why I could tell you the dollars are very successful. And a lot of times, we had to spread the money 'cause we really didn't have the resources of the money to put it out 24 hours. But I -- it was really -- it came to light and it helped us out, the money that we got. But like you said, we need to re -tweak the program. Maybe they might be afraid to come out at night and tweak it to the morning. That's what we're doing. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. And I think one of the biggest issues -- I know that we also discussed, in closing on this item, was really making -- just making sure that at least the -- that the -- I know that one of the issues that we hear a lot from on the businesses, there are officers now that are actually walking on Northwest 2nd and Northwest 3rd that are new officers, not my beat officers 'cause they've been doing a great job. But the new officers that we're putting in the areas, they have to also become a little bit more friendlier to the businesses in the area because they can help also address the issue, but that can -- line of communication has to happen. And we just had a big business association meeting, and there are a lot of different police officers that are now working the area. And one of the things that they brought up, Major, was, you know, we have new officers and they don't even speak to us, you know. So I just really want to make sure that we build on that relationship because Overtown is oh so -- it's not so big, so it's not like they can't establish this relationship. So I do want to make sure that we work to address that. And so that my fellow Commissioners know, we did have a shooting about two weeks ago -- Is it two weeks ago or three weeks ago now? -- on 3rd Avenue at about 10 o'clock on a -- Mr. Woods: It's been about three weeks. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Sunday night. Major Gomez: Correct. Mr. Woods: About three weeks ago. Chair Spence -Jones: And we -- Major Gomez: That was two Sundays ago. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. And want to be clear that it was not gang -- it wasn't borne out of Overtown. It actually was coming from Liberty City actually. Mr. Woods: Liberty City. Chair Spence -Jones: Is that correct? Major Gomez: There were -- we really don't have that much information right now. We're work -- currently working the case. But the person that -- the victim in the case, he did live in Overtown on 2nd Avenue. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, so they were -- it wasn't -- Major Gomez: They were travelling on a vehicle when they were shot from another vehicle. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, and they were from -- was the vehicle from Overtown? Were the --? Oh, you can't really talk about it. Major Gomez: Commissioner, we don't have that information -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Major Gomez: -- right now. Chair Spence -Jones: Right, I understand. That's your way -- Major Gomez: But -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- of telling me you can't divulge the information. Major Gomez: Okay, but the victim is -- unfortunately, he's a resident of Overtown and he lived on 2ndAvenue. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. So I just wanted to make sure -- Commissioner Carollo, can I count on you working along with them to at least put together a real plan that's going to address this issue? Commissioner Carollo: I will continue to work with our police department and move forward 'cause, you know, I agree with you. There has been too many shootings. And you know, if anything, at the very least, we need to make sure that all of our residents feel safe. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: So I will continue to work with our police department, the major -- or the commander, and everyone there from the area and see how we could curb the shootings, if not stop it. But you know, again, some of this is -- and I don't want to start putting things on the record, but some of it is gang related, it is drug related, and it's a lot further along than what, you know -- just, you know, a little extra patrolling will do. And the funding is needed, you know. If they're putting manpower at night, then they're starting in the daytime, well, guess what. Do we have the funding to now put manpower at night and on -- you know, at daytime? So these are things that we need to look at and I think that's what the Major was alluding to. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Major Gomez: Basically, on this, Commissioner, it's just not going to be about dollars and cents. We need everybody to buy into our program. We need the business owners, the residents, the parents, everybody that are stakeholders in this community to be involved with us. Whether we bring the peacemakers, the HotSpots, we all got to be together for the plan to work. And I can assure you, if everybody buys into the plan, the plan will work. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, thank you, guys. Major Gomez: Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you for having us. Chair Spence -Jones: The last -- no problem. Last item I have up -- 'cause I'm going to have to City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 leave -- is Black Archives, so I want to make sure that I get them in before I leave. You can put a comment on the record, Grady. Black Ar -- Tim, you guys coming up? Grady Muhammad: Less than 30 -- less than 60 seconds, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, sure. Mr. Muhammad: Not only was the Peacemakers and the peace service workers a job creation -- Dwight S. Danie (Clerk of the Board): Can I get a -- your name? Chair Spence -Jones: Can't hear you. Mr. Muhammad: Grady Muhammad, president, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Miami -Dade First -- Mr. Danie: Thank you. Mr. Muhammad: -- 5424 Northwest 7th Avenue. In a nutshell, the peace service workers and the Peacemakers worked hand in hand with the police department because you had to have that eyes and ears on the streets. The police can only do so much. And with the fear of the people or the police sometimes, they don't want to go to the police or be seen, so they go to another line. And that other line is the peace service workers and then the Peacemakers. But as long -- with the HotSpots, we was able to reduce crime in that area -- in that strategic area. There was no murders. There was -- crime was reduced within that specific area, and we need to broaden it along -- in conjunction with expanding -- working with the police department because their job is to protect and serve and to enforce. You have to have that line to be able to have that -- working with the community -- that hands on working with the community, more or less, like the Commissioner talked about, the proper handling of the community 'cause you have to have proper handling of people, and people need to be properly handled and respected. And I think that's what the peace service workers and the Peacemakers did along with the police department. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Shoshana Lincoln: Commissioner Jones [sic] -- Chair Spence -Jones: Dr. Shoshana. Ms. Lincoln: Yeah, I -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Lincoln: Please let me -- Chair Spence -Jones: Let me finish first. Are you speaking in reference to the police officers? Ms. Lincoln: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, good. Because what I want to do is make sure that -- see the ladies behind you, Dr. Fields? Ms. Lincoln: I do know. I won't take much time. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Can I --? I just want to make sure I'm able to deal with her item City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 before we -- before I leave. They can continue to -- the other Commissioners can sit and continue with the additional part of the meeting if there's comments. Ms. Lincoln: Commissioner, permit me to -- Chair Spence -Jones: But I want to make sure it has something to do with police. Ms. Lincoln: Yeah, with the police. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, good. Ms. Lincoln: Commissioner, please permit me to be candid to the situation -- Mr. Danie: Excuse me. Ms. Lincoln: -- in Overtown here. I -- Chair Spence -Jones: You got to state your name for the record. Ms. Lincoln: Reverend Lincoln, from People Helping People, from 210 Northwest 16th Street -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Lincoln: -- a citizen here for over a decade. Commissioner, I feel strongly in my heart that I do know Overtown better than some of you Commissioners here and the police too. I spoke with Commander Ferro and I spoke with the police chief. You know, the police chief have a big problem with the judicial system. These police will lock these boys up, and in no time, they're out. And all the paperwork and the resource that has been spent to have police is too much. Our people here in Overtown do need to take an example of what Sarnoff is doing in the Omni. He has security guards in every corner there if you walk during the night. I come in late from seminars. I walk down from the People Mover there. I see what's going on in Sarnoff community. That's a good example to be. We do have peaceful security people to work in Overtown, which will be -- to bring the costs down. And then if they cannot handle the situation, then they call the police because it's quite costly to have police in every corner there. And indeed, we do have shotgun going off twice, thrice a week, but if you harass these young men, they become worse. And the police sometimes can terrorize them because I watch them. Once I argue with the police, they handcuff me and lock me up for a night, and that's not the proper way to treat the citizens because we, the citizens, are paying your salaries. So I beg you kindly, as you are representing us here in Overtown, is to have peaceful security guards, which are working for 9, 10, $12 an hour. And that will save us much better. Once they're in this uniform, the boys are terrified because they can call the police. Chair Spence -Jones: So your recommendation, I think, is -- I'm assuming you're saying let's not do away with the police. You're saying we should utilize them, but we need to have another arm put in place, like we just talked about, which was the Peacemakers. And that's the group that we were just speaking of now, something similar to that, which would be more of a citizens -- more of a community -driven group that will work along with the police to kind of address those issues. That's exactly -- that's kind of what we talked about before you got on the mike. Ms. Lincoln: I know. But what I do want is to have security guards in uniform that these boys when they see that, that scare them. They know that they can call the police. We don't want some peaceful security that are coming from a religious group or something. Indeed, you can have them if they have their license -- security guards. And take example Sarnoff. Sarnoff is doing a wonderful job. He have moved his boundary all the way into our territory and pretty soon he going to take over Overtown, I presume. But Commissioner Jones [sic], I know you're a City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 woman working very hard. I sent you a fax and I mentioned what the City of Miami have told nie about you, and I don't know if you have read the fax. The girl say she have scanned it and send it in your e-mail (electronic). And kindly work with me because, believe me, I'm telling you from my heart and my intuition is telling me. I do know Overtown so well that I have the solution to the problem. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Ms. -- Dr. Shoshana. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Appreciate it. Thank you. Ms. Lincoln: Please kindly, I beg for you to cooperate with me. Chair Spence -Jones: I got -- no problem. Got you. 8. CRA DISCUSSION 12-01240 DISCUSSION ITEM BLACK ARCHIVES File # 12-01240 10-29-12 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Executive Director to bring back a plan to the next Community Redevelopment Agency meeting detailing how the agency can work along with the Black Archives. Chair Spence -Jones: Black Archives. So I wanted to at least make sure we put it on -- Thank you, Dr. Fields. -- wanted to make sure we had this item on the agenda for us to have a discussion regarding the reopening of the Black Archives. As you know, Tim and Dr. Fields have been working very hard to get things back on the right track, and we've asked for them to kind of submit some paperwork regarding -- or proposals regarding the reopening of Black Archives. I know that we have received some comments regarding our level of participation and support for the Black Archives and the Lyric Theater, and I just wanted them to know that there is a strong commitment from the board to support them. But I would like for them to at least make sure they give a quick update on where we are because, as you know, that -- was it almost two years ago now, Tim? Dr. -- there was a state investigation that was going on about the Black Archives and I wanted them to at least officially put it in on the record as to where they are with the current state investigation and where they want to go now in order to get everything ready to go. Dorothy Jenkins -Fields: Yes. Thank you for the opportunity to do this. Our executive director, Timothy Barber, is going to give you an update. Timothy Barber: Thank you, Commissioner, and members of the board. We currently -- as you know, we ran into a problem with the project. The project actually was scheduled to be completed February 1, 2012. It was ahead of schedule and we were halted because of an investigation by the State Attorney, who told Miami -Dade County, who was funding the $10 million GOB (General Obligation Bond) of the expansion of the Lyric, that there was some misappropriation of funds going on at that time. It was January 13, 2011. I will never forget that day because I had to go down to the Lyric and lock the doors and ask everyone to leave. I should have took a bodyguard, but I didn't. But since then, we've been able to do internal investigations. We've been able to assess the finances of the project. We have been able to seal the roof and do some other things and some other work. Found that we were within budget to complete the building. Since then, a state attorney has cleared the general contractor on the project, and we're in negotiating currently with the general contractor to complete the Lyric City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 expansion. We hope to get started in the next month or so. You'll see work begin to complete it. The building is about 85 percent complete, if you drive by from the outside. It's just a lot of internal things that need to be done, some internal work in the theater. But we're looking -- pushing to end it. We're -- been working with Clarence Woods with the project as well about some easements that we need to address. And we hoping that the facility will be completed in the latter part of 2013. Chair Spence -Jones: And I just want to just put this officially on the record 'cause, you know, people make comments and -- you know, about, you know, projects and about things that are taking place and not have all the information. And I just wanted to make sure my fellow colleagues understood, you know, a couple things. One, the investigation wasn't on the Lyric or the Black Archives. It was clearly on the contractors. Mr. Barber: Yes. The invest -- oh, I'm sorry. Chair Spence -Jones: Right, correct. I just want to make sure because people need -- people make comments centered around the fact that the Lyric has gotten all this money and nothing has happened. Well, we just need to be very clear that this has ab -- the monies actually had absolutely nothing to do with your operation. It had everything to do with the contractor that was hired to do the work, correct? Mr. Barber: Yeah, definitely. The monies in the investigation was not centered around the Black Archives. The Black Archives and our dealing with the money has been appropriate and has been cleared. There was never an investigation into the Black Archives on the funding. And we also -- with our due diligence, it was -- they were continuing the work and we have had meetings and talks on whether we would have enough money to complete the project, the physical construction of the project, and we have been able to assess and understand that we're able to complete the project within the budget that the County has done for the physical work on the building and the construction. Chair Spence -Jones: And I just want to also add how important it is, the Lyric and the Black Archives. It is the -- for the Af -- from our experience, the African -American experience, it's extremely important that the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and that the City itself supports the preservation of our history. And I think that what Dr. Fields has done to -- with really with shoestring budgets to make it happen and Tim, you know, same thing with you, you know, it's just time for us to really take it to the next level. I just wanted our -- my fellow colleagues to know where we are on the investigation and that we have moved past it and that you will be bringing -- and I would like to direct the -- Clarence, the director of the CRA, to come back for the next agenda with some sort of plan as to how we could work along with you. We did have a great meeting with the mayor of Miami -Dade County and the Adrienne Arsht Center to make sure that you have the support to get things rolling. I know the Adrienne Arsht Center is working along with you to do that, but there's some clear things that you have already in order. And even in the midst of all of the drama that you guys have had, you've opened up the Ward Rooming House -- Mr. Barber: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- you've started the Shop, Dine & Explore tour, which you were very much involved in making sure that that happened, not only for Overtown, but other areas throughout the City. So it's just time for the Black Archives to really have the resources it needs in order for it to operate. But I want to make sure that this body, you know, is in agreement with us moving ahead. Mr. Barber: Well, thank you. Thank you so much. And we appreciate it. And just the theater itself -- Miami does not have an iconic landmark like this. It's in other cities; Birmingham Civil City of Miami Page23 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Rights Institute, the Schomburg in New York, DuSable in Chicago. And we're just hoping that the theater will itself will be for the people. We -- even now to this day, sometimes there's a gift and a curse because with this time span that we've had, we had the opportunity to look at the layout of the building and been to some other institutions and found ways to knock down a few more walls so that we can have bigger meetings in the area. You know, where we have smaller rooms, make larger rooms so that we can be accessible to the community and also training, training at the theater, you know. We're really pushing to be able to offer sixty plus jobs at the facility and we just need that kick start to get it going. And we want to be able to be able to hire Overtown residents, and that's very important. And we want to be able to do that now, and we just want to get the infrastructure together so that we can start programming and bring a different level of traffic into here that we can boost -- help boost the economy in many ways. So thank you, and I have -- if anybody have any questions or Dr. Fields -- Chair Spence -Jones: Just so that they'll know when we're looking at an open date on the theater. Mr. Barber: Well, we're really -- truthfully speaking, the construction is about four months away physically. We have an issue I don't know if I'm at liberto to talk about. There's a plat issue where the plat is not done yet. We had a moment in time where we had -- was able to vacate the alleyways to be able to do the platting on Block 36. Thank God that the CRA came along and officially took up that cross to bear, and that may be the major issue was the plat because there are some things that are going to come forward where we're really going to need the help of the Commission to push the plat issue. We've been told that it takes about 12 to 18 months to complete. And the issue with the plat is that if the construction is four months away and we can't push the plat faster than 12 months, there's going to be an issue with the GOB because you can't release retainage to the general contractor without having a plat. They can't -- we can't get a CO (Certificate of Occupancy). So really, the City of Miami, you know, we really need your help with this because we can't get a CO or a TCO (Temporary Certificate of Occupancy) if we don't have the plat done, and we need to find a way to get this happening. Chair Spence -Jones: I was going to ask Commissioner Suarez -- I know that you're so busy working with University of Miami, negotiating with them to get this stuff done. I would like to see if you can help Dr. Fields and be the -- and Tim -- to push -- and you're the real estate guy. You're the only real -- Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- estate guy on here that can help push to get this replat issue. Commissioner Suarez: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: Like take the leadership -- Commissioner Suarez: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: -- and make sure that Black Archives and the Lyric actually gets opened. Mr. Woods: Expediting -- Chair Spence -Jones: So -- Mr. Woods: -- the plat process. Commissioner Suarez: I would love to help you with that. I think you have my contract information, but if not, after the meeting, we'll share it and we'll get started right away. City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Chair Spence -Jones: So we can just kind of push it through. I just want to have a body or, you know, a -- at least a fellow Commissioner helping move it along -- Mr. Barber: We appreciate that. Chair Spence -Jones: -- outside of myself so that we can make sure it happens so -- Mr. Barber: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- any other comments or questions for Black Archives? Okay, so we have Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- they have our full support? Okay. Vice Chair Gort: They always had it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Jenkins -Fields: We have worked with Commissioner Gort many years ago, and he had talked about some ideas. We'd like to work with -- I'd like to be able to talk with you, if you remember those ideas from 20 years ago. Vice Chair Gort: Yes. Ms. Jenkins -Fields: Some of them are still good because I see you using them at Calle Ocho. Will you work with us on that? Vice Chair Gort: I sure will. Ms. Jenkins -Fields: All right. Commissioner Suarez: Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Suarez: No, and I think it's important. We see from our census numbers that District 5 is losing a lot of population. And one of the things that we did in last Thursday's Commission meeting was trying to preserve parts of Coconut Grove. And I think it's important for us to make that same investment in Overtown in preserving the history of Overtown because we don't know what it's going to look like over the next 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. So it's really on us now to do whatever we can to make sure that we preserve the history -- the rich history of Overtown. So just, you know, reach out to me and I'd love to help you with the replat. Ms. Jenkins -Fields: Thanks very much. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, guys. Ms. Jenkins -Fields: Thank you, Commissioner. Mr. Barber: Thank you so much. Chair Spence -Jones: So it's on you guys now. City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 12-01347 NA.2 12-01348 Ms. Jenkins -Fields: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. CRA DISCUSSION CHAIR SPENCE-JONES RECOGNIZED THE NEW CITY OF MIAMI CITY CLERK AND NEW COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY STAFF ARCHITECT IN ATTENDANCE. DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, I think -- I just want to make some quick, little announcements. I know that we do have a new City Clerk joining us. I'd like to give Mr. Dwight Danie a hand for joining us. Applause. Chair Spence -Jones: He's our Clerk that is taking on -- Dwight S. Danie (Clerk of the Board): Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Priscilla, so you look a little different over there -- Mr. Danie: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- but glad to have you with us. And we have a new staffer that is also joining us as well that's taking over Mark Spanioli's place. And I'm going to say your name wrong, so I'm going to ask Clarence to say your name. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Brian Zeltzman. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And he does? Mr. Woods: He is our new staff architect. Chair Spence -Jones: Very good. Thank you. So welcome, welcome, welcome. Applause. Chair Spence -Jones: And you have a lot of projects to do so. CRA DISCUSSION BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF BONDS FUNDS IN RELATION TO THE TOWN PARK COMMUNITY. DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this is our last comment, Gertrude. Gertrude Clyde: Good evening. How are you all doing today? Chair Spence -Jones: Good. City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 3,8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Ms. Clyde: I'm Gertrude Clyde, from Town Park Plaza North, and I'd like to ask a question -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Ms. Clyde: -- just to be reassured because, you know, it's been a long journey for us over here. The funding that's been allocated because of you all, thank God, are we secured? We don't have anything to worry about? Those funds are secured for the three Town Parks, for the renovations upcoming? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, Gertrude. They're -- as he stated earlier on the -- Ms. Clyde: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- bond issuance, they're now -- it's going through a process -- Ms. Clyde: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- and that's what Commissioner Gort has been working on, outside of the new buildings, your buildings as well, but it has to go -- Ms. Clyde: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- through the process. It was like a 90-day process, correct? Unidentified Speaker: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: So we're like in maybe day maybe 60 or day 50. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): No. Once we start the -- once we go ahead and file the motion for a hearing, then from that point we'll -- it'll be about 90 days. What we're doing now is we're getting all of the agreements together before -- so that we can go to the validation. It's a whole lot of agreements that have to be done and -- Chair Spence -Jones: So -- Mr. Woods: -- we've come before the board with development agreements already, so we are in the process of getting that together -- Chair Spence -Jones: So just so that Gertrude know and she's clear, that -- I'm assuming your management, whoever is managing your facility, correct? Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- is working along with our attorneys to -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Henry -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- make -- Mr. Woods: -- Mirenez (phonetic) is the receiver for Town Park North. And actually, as a matter of fact, I got a call from him while I was out last week, so I'll be calling him, you know, just to catch up with him on where we are in the process. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. So it's moving through the process. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 3/8/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 29, 2012 Ms. Clyde: Yes. Thank you all. Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. Ms. Clyde: And we're all so grateful 'cause like I said before, it has been a long journey. Chair Spence -Jones: It's coming. Ms. Clyde: Thank you all. Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: With that being said, this meeting is officially adjourned. City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 3/8/2013