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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2013-10-24 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com of • IN Q9▪ IEP 99 i �YD Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 24, 2013 12:00 PM Special SEOPW CRA Meeting Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American DriveMiami , FI. 33133 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 24, 2013 RESOLUTIONS 1. 13-01205 Present: Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Carollo Absent: Vice Chair Gort On the 24th day of October 2013, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in special session at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Spence -Jones at 3:15 p.m., recessed at 4: 53 p.m., reconvened at 9:16 p.m., and was adjourned at 9: 47 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Clarence Woods, Executive Director, CRA Jessica Pacheco, Special Counsel, CRA William Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Todd B. Hannon, Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: All right, we'd like to officially call the meeting to order. We're going to actually start off with the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. Mr. Chairman wanted us to take this right after lunch, because we had the swearing in for our new City Attorney, and we have three Commissioners -- at least two Commissioners on the dais; one more on his way, so we're going to go ahead and get started with the CRA meeting, but before we get started, I just wanted to really just kind of chat really quickly on -- I know that Commissioner Gort is actually out of town on Monday for the CRA meeting, so there is another additional meeting that was supposed to take place on Monday, but because he's out of -- not out of town -- actually, his wife is to have surgery on Monday. He's out of town today; that's why he's not here today. So the items that we had scheduled for Monday's meeting at this point with the CRA will not be happening, 'cause that's not a CRA -- unless -- I don't know, I thought that you were out -- you're also out of town, too; right, on Monday? Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): No. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Unidentified Speaker: I'm out of town Monday. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so you have a conflict for Monday? So at this time, we're going to deal with these particular items that we do have, and if something changes after November 5, then we'll address the additional items, because there's no way we're going to be able to get it done before then, all right? CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACCEPTING FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $900,000, CONSISTING OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION FOR THE ADAPTIVE RE -USE OF AND REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC EBENEZER CHURCH, 300 NW 11 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; RATIFYING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS EXECUTION OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARD AGREEMENT ATTACHED HERETO; AUTHORIZING City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL OTHER AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH SAID GRANT AWARD. File #13-01205 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01205 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, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0064 Note for the Record: Please see Item 7 for minutes referencing Item 1. Chair Spence -Jones: So let's start with item number 1, our resolution number 1. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioner. Resolution number 1 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency accepting funds in an amount not to exceed $900, 000, consisting of a grant award from the U.S. (United States) Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration for the adaptive re -use and rehabilitation of the Historic Ebenezer Church at 300 Northwest IIth Street in Miami, Florida; rating the executive director's execution of the financial assistance award agreement attached hereto. Commissioners -- Chair Spence -Jones: I think that we want to take both of them at the same time, correct, 1 and 7? Mr. Woods: Okay, this -- iteml and item 7 are companion items. Basically, what we'll do here is we'll accept the -- this is accepting the $900, 000 from EDA (Economic Development Administration), and item number 7 is setting aside -- actually appropriating that the funds, once we receive them from EDA, to go towards the Hospitality and Culinary Institute that would operate at the Ebenezer Church. It's the multi purpose facility, and that would be for a four-year period. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, one second; we lost quorum. Hello, we got quorum back. Mr. Woods: Yeah. That would be for a four-year period. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm just telling you what the Clerk just said. Board Member Suarez: Listen, listen, listen, everybody keep -- Chair Spence -Jones: He's here; he's good. Board Member Suarez: -- it together. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so let me just say this really quickly. We voted on actually this item earlier, accepting the grant from the EDA. This is the 900,000 -- Board Member Sarnoff.- So move. Board Member Suarez: Second. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? Board Member Sarnoff.- Aye. Board Member Suarez: Aye. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Sorry, Chair -- Chair Spence -Jones: But let's be clear so everybody understands what the item is -- okay? -- because even though we talked about it earlier, there are people that are listening that did not hear it earlier. So this is the EDA grant that we had received from D.C. (District of Columbia) for $900, 000 for the new cultural -- excuse me -- the new Culinary and Hospitality Institute that's actually happening in the heart of O.T. (Overtown), and that's the partnership with Miami Dade College. I'm not sure if they're here, if they're anywhere. Mr. Woods: Yes, yes, they are. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so you guys -- if you guys can just stand for a quick minute. All right, and I believe, if I'm not mistaken, actually, in the facility itself, it also will house the new PULSE (People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality) office, as well, right? Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Because I believe that you are now officially going to be knocking that part -- the part where PULSE is operating now across the street from -- Mr. Woods: Biscayne Park. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Biscayne Park. Board Member Sarnoff- Go ahead; what's going on there? Chair Spence -Jones: What I'm saying to you is the facility, that's where PULSE actually is operating. They're going to be in the neighborhood, and they're going to be actually located inside of the facility now, the new Ebenezer, so that you could free up your parking space -- Board Member Sarnoff- Ah, okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- because I know that's been a big issue for you -- well, not a big issue, but you need the -- Board Member Sarnoff- No, no, no, you're right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- space, you know, so I just -- Board Member Sarnoff- Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Correct? Board Member Sarnoff- Correct. Thank you. 2. CRA RESOLUTION 13-01207 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE MIAMI FOUNDATION, INC. FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THIRD PARTY DEVELOPERS AS A RESULT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO FOR LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PRESENTA FINAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO THE BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDERATION. File # 13-01207 Cover Memo'.pdf File # 13-01207 Backup.pdf File # 13-01207 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Suarez Noes: Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0070 Chair Spence -Jones: All right, we're going to deal with the last item and -- Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Commissioner, item number 2 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to negotiate a partnership agreement with the Miami Foundation, Inc. for the management of private funds received from third -party developers as a result of community benefit agreements entered into for large-scale development projects throughout the redevelopment area. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, I want to make -- Board Member Suarez: Move it. Chair Spence -Jones: Wait, wait, I want to make sure Commissioner Sarnoff is on here, but before a comment is made -- and I know we have a few comments made -- so I did get a briefing today that -- I guess from your meetings that they just had recently with the County Commission that according to the documents that those dollars from the Block 45 and 46 will be going into the trust fund for Miami -Dade County. That was my briefing during lunch break; correct, Bloom? So at this point, this has Block 45 and 46 -- Mr. Woods: Fifty-six; 45 and 56. Chair Spence -Jones: Sorry; 45 and 56. The City -- actually, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), from our side, there's no money that we're actually -- Mr. Woods: No money. Chair Spence -Jones: -- putting into the community benefits agreements, so there's no dollars set aside for that so -- Mr. Woods: That's correct. Chair Spence -Jones: So -- but we had a motion and a -- Board Member Suarez: Well, I mean I don't have -- City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: I just want to be clear, because I think that there's some confusion around this particular item, even on -- from my perspective. But based upon my briefing during the break -- Board Member Suarez: Let me -- may I? Chair Spence -Jones: Let me -- I just want to be clear -- Board Member Suarez: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- because I know that's what the comments are going to be next. I was actually briefed, and I found out from counsel that the way that everything was voted and approved that the City actually has no money to actually put into the community benefits agreement; all those dollars will actually be going to Miami -Dade County; from Miami -Dade County to Miami -Dade County for them creating their own trust. Board Member Suarez: And I think what you're saying is -- 'cause I just wanted to jump in on what you were saying, which is that the County is coming back to us today -- I think it's on our supplemental agenda if we take it up or not. Mr. Woods: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, that's right. Board Member Suarez: But they're coming back with revisions, or -- I don't know what the exact technical term is. I guess it's -- "variances," I think is the word. Mr. Woods: Variances. Board Member Suarez: Variances. And one of those variances is related to where they -- Chair Spence -Jones: Want the money (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Suarez: -- have decided they want the money to go to. So I don't have a problem with this subject to what you're saying, which is, basically, right now, we don't have anything. Mr. Woods: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Board Member Suarez: I think what you're saying is that we can do this and create the partnership, but there is no -- Chair Spence -Jones: There's no money going into it. Board Member Suarez: Before, there was an identified source -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- of funds that were going to go and fund this partnership. As of right now, according to the County, based on the County's variances of what we sent to the County for purposes of the lots that we just recently approved, there is not going to be any funding -- Chair Spence -Jones: Not on our side. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Board Member Suarez: -- at least not initially. Mr. Woods: Not on our side initially, right. Board Member Suarez: Not initially. Chair Spence -Jones: And special kudos out to Commissioner Edmondson and the team that worked along with her. They were able to double the contribution from the community for the community benefits agreement, giving the community a lot more money than what originally was in the agreement. So those dollars -- and I see the developers here now -- those dollars are actually going to stay with the County, and I'm assuming at that point, hopefully, the community will work to figure out how that money is going to be distributed. Richard L. Marquess -Barry: But the key here, Commissioner, initially -- Chair Spence -Jones: Mm-hmm. Mr. Marquess -Barry: -- that means somewhere down the line -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Mr. Marquess -Barry: -- the CRA could get monies for Overtown that Overtown will not get, and I'm still concerned that back in the meeting in September -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Marquess -Barry: -- this Commission voted -- Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry, Father Barry; you got to put your name on the record. Mr. Marquess -Barry: Oh. I thought everybody knew me. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, but you got to put -- Board Member Suarez: That's what I thought a few months ago. Mr. Marquess -Barry: I'm Father Richard Marquess -Barry. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, sir. Mr. Marquess -Barry: This Commission agreed in September to accept the Overtown Foundation and that whatever that meant, we put a lot of sweat equity into that, all inclusive. We brought everybody in Overtown on board to support that notion, and I just want to say this to you: Don't write the people of Overtown off. We are not stupid. You have some of your best educated people in Dade County in Overtown. Chair Spence -Jones: Of course. Mr. Marquess -Barry: And so whenever you start making these back -handed deals, be mindful that we are aware of what's going on. Chair Spence -Jones: Of course. Mr. Marquess -Barry: And I want to say this to you in no uncertain terms: We will fight the City City of Miami Pagel Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 of Miami at every turn if we discover that somewhere down the line, monies were given to you for that foundation and we don't get that money. Chair Spence -Jones: Well, actually, again, the item itself so that we're on the same -- First of all, I'm going to acknowledge that that's not going to happen. What this whole discussion was really centered around, the dollars that we would have been getting from our side of it to put into the overall foundation so that we can leverage those dollars so that we could do more in the community. But at this point during my briefing, which I was misinformed prior to this -- and that's why we had this last item that I'm going to bring -- I was informed that it is -- I guess the County Commissioner has renegotiated with the developers and their dollars are all going to stay at the -- in Miami -Dade County. Mr. Marquess -Barry: Yes, and that says some folks support the Overtown Foundation. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Now I -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: That, you need to get clarity on -- Mr. Marquess -Barry: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- because I do know that in our discussion, my briefings, the one thing that they did make clear to me is that it's not going to a foundation; that it's only going to Miami -Dade County for them to put in a trust fund. Mr. Marquess -Barry: For the foundation. Board Member Suarez: No. Mr. Woods: That will be determined like Commissioner said, over on the County side. Mr. Marquess -Barry: Well, they'll also catch hell from us, too. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, that's fine. Mr. Marquess -Barry: Okay, okay. Chair Spence -Jones: But I just want you to know -- Mr. Marquess -Barry: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- that we can't -- we don't make that decision anymore; that all is in the hands of Miami -Dade County. I'm glad that you're bringing it up, 'cause my fellow Commissioners really did not have the data or the updates on it; I just found out myself. Darryl Reaves: I'm Darryl Reaves, Mount Zion, 301 Northwest 9th Street. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Reaves: I think what we're doing here is establishing a very sorrowful and dangerous precedent. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Mr. Reaves: Because what you're saying is that the residents and the stakeholders of Overtown are not honorable enough, or smart enough, or clear of mind enough to set the agenda for their future; that you have got to take monies and establish a relationship with a foundation based outside of Overtown to deal with the development that's going to come through Overtown. This is wrong, and you're going to have many developers, such as you currently have, even though you say that, who are board members of the Miami Foundation, so all I have to do in the future, if I'm a developer for the next $7 billion that will go through Overtown is be party to the Miami Foundation. My community benefit trust dollars will then go, because of this resolution, to the Miami Foundation, so in effect, I'm greedy. I get the land, I get the help from the CRA to build, and then the monies I have to get back to the community I give to my own foundation to assist me in further development. We are smart enough to think for ourselves, and we do not need the Miami Foundation to come and pat us on the head and say, "Boys and girls, what do you need now?" This is vehemently wrong, and I implore you to think clearly and do not set this dangerous precedent that will affect all the future development for well over $7 billion. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent through the CRA, and when I stand on 3rdAvenue, I see nothing. The time has come to stop -- Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Reaves. Mr. Reaves: -- cheating our people -- Chair Spence -Jones: In conclusion. Mr. Reaves: -- and deal with us fairly. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Renita. Renita Holmes: Madam Renita Holmes, resident of Overtown. OUR Homes is a acronym for "Opportunities for United Restoration," but in my 37 years, Commissioners, I've never seen a process of charette occur. Now, I've said that a lot, but normally, when developing a community, you have little meetings with people, and they take out their little pieces and say what they want to get, but they keep using this under the CRA term, "local." I can't even participate, and I got more skills and knowledge than half of these guys in here. And then I say, "Guys, I got a problem, because everybody in Overtown is not Catholic or Baptist. Some are (UNINTELLIGIBLE); Muslim, too, but I don't see Muslim brothers in the churches and the synagogues in the area at the table." So what I feel like is a couple of guys came from another part of Miami and Miami -Dade County, turned their backs to me when I ask questions about environmental data, about charettes, about participation, about disparity, about women building their own doggone community, 'cause they're head of household, with community property that's being shuffled back and forth under interlocal agreements. So I say, "Shame on Miami -Dade County for sending us that direction, getting us started in charettes or fake charettes, then taking back that." I say, "Vulgar (UNINTELLIGIBLE) corporations involved in here that have some issues with the community on environmental that still need to be honed out." But I saw willing people come together, iron out their differences, and say they'll stick together, but I see some technicality, collusion, ethical questions, some issues of cronyism, nepotism, and so what I did get and what I'll do here is put on the record as a complaint that there is discrimination, ostracization [sic] of the very same residents, and misrepresentation. And Clarence, I love you, Mr. Woods. I've known you for a while, and you know I'm straight up, but my mission is to ensure that we, as women, mothers, and property owners get what -- our fair share, and the shuffle between this County process has not been well explained by the Community Economic Development and all those others, and our own Commissioner enough. So cease giving anything, cease and desist this and get the community involved and take my complaint -- Chair Spence -Jones: Renita. City of Miami Page Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Ms. Holmes: -- because my complaint goes to HUD (Housing and Urban Development) next. Chair Spence -Jones: Renita, and in conclusion. Ms. Holmes: So in conclusion, I thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, madam. Ms. Holmes: I thank you for the effort that you put in, but you need to stop this, because in my family, women can own property, and they been solely the developers since Culmer time in Overtown. Peace. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Al Crespo: Go ahead, sir. Chair Spence -Jones: No, no, you go next. Mr. Crespo: Okay. Al Crespo back again. So first off, a little side mention here: It's not an either/or process that I talked about earlier. It's not whether you give money to some people or no people; you know, you have to do it equitable. If it's going to be public money, then you make it available for everybody to know that there's public money available, right? You advertise, "We got this amount of money, and we can help however many people that money can help." You don't choose the people and then say, "Oh, well, we ain't got money for other people." But now, let me get to this other issue. This other issue is interesting, because doesn't this change the -- materially change the contract that you have with these folks? Isn't this just -- I think this changes -- this is a material change to the contract. I think it affects the contract in a very severe way, and while I certainly appreciate all the concerns about this and that, you know, this is property that was valued at $20 million for two -- you know, for these lots, and are being sold for $2.5 million apiece. And, in fact, after Mr. Peoples gives two and a half million dollars to the CRA for one piece of property, CRA is going to give him back a half a million dollars. How does that work? I give you two and a half million; you give me back five -- you know, you give me back -- well, it's three million. I make three -- I make a half million dollars on the deal. Mr. Woods: That's not exactly true. Chair Spence -Jones: Let him finish. Mr. Crespo: Well, I don't know. Chair Spence -Jones: I want to make sure (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Let him make his comments. Mr. Crespo: That's what was said at the meeting; that's what was explained here in this floor by that lawyer right there, right? So -- but more importantly is I think that what happened here with the County Commission today materially affects the contract. You're going to have to go back and revisit this. You just can't paper this over and say, "Oh, never mind. " I think you got a real problem. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Crespo. Mr. Bloom, can you please respond? William Bloom (Special Counsel, CRA): Sure. The terms that were discussed and voted on by the County Commission on the 22nd were approved with the consent, both Overtown Gateway Partners, LLC (Limited Liability Company) and All Aboard Florida Stations, LLC. Also, there is no contract yet that's been finalized with either the developers. We've been waiting, pending County approval of the developers and CRA approval of the variances passed by the County. City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair. So it's basically kind of like a counteroffer -- offer/counteroffer situation. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: So I don't think -- like you said, I don't think the contract has been finalized but what did the CRA pay for that property, for that area of property? Chair Spence -Jones: We didn't pay for it. Mr. Woods: The money was -- I mean, the property was purchased in a -- it was actually in a taking with Miami -Dade County and the CRA just providing a match. That was some time ago back in the '80s. I'm not exactly sure what the dollar figure was, but I think it was somewhere around $6 million for all of the properties. Board Member Suarez: Right. Mr. Woods: For all of the properties, not just those two. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, that's what I was -- that's what I thought. So getting to the direct point here, again, I don't have a problem creating a partnership. Obviously, it's an unfunded partnership, because of circumstances that are outside of the City's control right now, at least. I understand Mr. Reaves' argument. I think, you know, he's also someone who cares about the community, and he's very intelligent. I think what happens from our perspective is, you know -- and by the way, I'm negotiating with the help of the director the second phase of the life science agreement, which, by the way, you're welcome to come to my office, and we can talk about that, because that could have a community benefits -- that will have a community benefits component to it. That's another major project, so -- and that's not engrained or set in stone as far as what organization is going to handle that or deal with that. I think as Commissioners, we just want to make sure that it's a credible organization. We want to make sure that it's an organization that will handle things well. You know, obviously, if it's from the community, so much so the better, clearly. But, you know, again, I'm negotiating one right now, and so I'd be more than happy to sit with you and -- as I always have been. You know you have an open door there, and we can talk about that, because I think there are going to be a lot of opportunities, and that's just one major development that's coming. These are other major developments that are coming, but right now, as far as I could tell, I don't have a problem doing this, but -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Board Member Suarez: -- you know. Chair Spence -Jones: So I do -- what I would like to have happen is at least for Javier to at least bring comments -- put his comments on the record, 'cause there were a lot of things that have been said about the organization, and I think it's really important. Mr. Reaves: But I do want to say one thing to what the Commissioner is saying. Once this resolution passes, there's no need to come to see you, because this resolution says all major deals will automatically go to the Miami Foundation; it locks your hands. Board Member Suarez: Well, I can tell you that the deal we're working on doesn't spec that. Chair Spence -Jones: That's not what this says. Mr. Woods: That's not. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: At all. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. Mr. Reaves: Read it; it says all major deals in the future -- Board Member Suarez: No, no, no. Mr. Reaves: --there's to be a relationship between the City -- CRA and the Miami Foundation. You're locking yourselves in. They become the piggybank automatically. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, Darryl, one second. Jessica Pacheco: Just for the record, the resolution just authorizes them to negotiate something to bring back to the Board for consideration at a later date. This does not bind the CRA to anything. Board Member Suarez: And I think the idea in this particular case was for the specific project; in other words, this was the idea -- Chair Spence -Jones: Originally in the beginning -- Board Member Suarez: Right. Ms. Pacheco: Correct. Board Member Suarez: But I can -- Chair Spence -Jones: We tried to sit down with both sides -- All Aboard and also Gateway -- to try to figure out a way -- and Darryl was a part of these discussions -- that we could at least put it in one pot of money so that we could leverage the dollars so we were not just putting money into a particular foundation, not being able to leverage dollars that were already there in the foundation. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I -- Chair Spence -Jones: The other part of this was making sure that there was a community board that was put in place that would make the decisions as to how the money would be spent. The foundation would not be making those decisions as to how the money was going to be spent. The other part of this was making sure that there was transparency in the process so that, that would not be an issue; and not only that, the organizations that were going to be receiving funds as a part of our partnership with Miami Foundation, they would provide technical assistance to those organizations that needed assistance and that needed help. This had nothing to do with not supporting the Overtown Foundation, not believing in their ability to get it done. It was about making sure that we were able to leverage the dollars that we had. Mr. Javier, can you please speak? Mr. Reaves: I'd just like to say that what we're seeing is "That these people are not honorable enough, intelligent enough, or credible enough to think these things out; that we have to have some other community do the thinking for them." Chair Spence -Jones: Well, let me ask you something, Darryl. Mr. Reaves: That in and of itself is -- City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: First of all, let's be very clear; let's be very clear. All three of these Commissioners sitting up here know who the Miami Foundation is, correct? I don't know if you want to put something on the record with that. I think it's important. This is not an independent foundation that we're putting in place, and as a matter of fact, any of the -- let me finish -- dollars that would have been given out -- 'cause there's no dollars to give out now -- would have to be voted on and approved by the residents or whoever is put on this actual committee to give the money out. That was the whole thing, and Darryl was a part of us discussing this. Mr. Reaves: Well, why can't we have it where that we enter into negotiation with both the foundation and the Miami Foundation, and we talk to both simultaneously? Chair Spence -Jones: Repeat it; put it on the record again. Mr. Reaves: Why can't we have the same -- include in this resolution the Overtown Community Development Foundation and the Miami Foundation; we sit at the table and negotiate, just like you split the baby with All Aboard and Peoples? Chair Spence -Jones: I don't have a problem with that. Mr. Reaves: Amen. Board Member Suarez: I don't have a problem with that, either. Chair Spence -Jones: We can amend that. Mr. Reaves: Amen. Chair Spence -Jones: But make the recommendation of that. Mr. Reaves: Oh, I would like to recommend this -- Chair Spence -Jones: That's all. Board Member Suarez: We accept it. Mr. Reaves: -- my Commissioner and dear friend, that we include Overtown Community Development Foundation -- Chair Spence -Jones: That's a part of the scope, too. Mr. Reaves: -- along with the Miami Foundation, as a part of negotiations -- Chair Spence -Jones: Not a problem. Mr. Reaves: -- 'cause the Miami Foundation really is a very decent operation. We have no bones with them. Board Member Suarez: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Reaves: What we're saying is don't let the great overseer come take care of us. Board Member Suarez: And by the way, I'll just say, you know, I'll go a step further and say that City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 if that's a working framework -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Board Member Suarez: -- a framework that works, then I can -- then we can replicate it for a project like the Life Science Center. I see one of our attorneys back there. Chair Spence -Jones: But you do need to be briefed, 'cause there's no money to do that either, but that's a whole 'nother -- Board Member Suarez: Well let's -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- issue. Board Member Suarez: Come on. Chair Spence -Jones: That's a whole 'nother -- Board Member Suarez: We can only handle one thing at a time now. Chair Spence -Jones: One thing at a time. So -- but I would like -- because it's locked in (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Board Member Suarez: Is that why you were giving me the --? Ms. Holmes: No, I just want it to be -- and I just want you to take note to this. Chair Spence -Jones: Renita. Ms. Holmes: These are -- Chair Spence -Jones: Renita, Renita, Renita, Renita, you've already come to the mike. Ms. Holmes: So did Darryl, but -- Chair Spence -Jones: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Yeah but -- -- Ms. Holmes: -- I'm just saying I registered just like he did. Chair Spence -Jones: I know -- Ms. Holmes: And this is my point, Commissioner -- Chair Spence -Jones: Renita, Renita. Note for the Record: Chair Spence -Jones disengaged the public microphone; therefore, speaker Renita Holmes' comments were not transcribed. Ms. Holmes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Spence -Jones: Renita, I -- Note for the Record: Chair Spence -Jones disengaged the public microphone; therefore, speaker Renita Holmes' comments were not transcribed. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Ms. Holmes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Spence -Jones: I got you I got you. Note for the Record: Chair Spence -Jones disengaged the public microphone; therefore, speaker Renita Holmes' comments were not transcribed. Ms. Holmes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Spence -Jones: I got you. Thank you, Madam Holmes. You may be recognized. Javier Soto: I'm Javier Soto -- excuse me -- president of the Miami Foundation, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida. So I just wanted to clar5 how the Miami Foundation works. We are a nonprofit organization. We are a community foundation established in 1967. Since then, we have worked with hundreds of philanthropists in the community to help them do their philanthropic work and their charitable giving in the community. We provide basically back office support to philanthropists who want to invest in Greater Miami defined as the County boundaries. We have over 500 of these funds. Think of them as philanthropic bank accounts where the donors give us specific direction, or at times, general direction as to how they would like to invest those charitable dollars, and we follow the wishes of the donors. So in a situation like this, the partnership that we are talking about, what I have always assumed is that it would be built in partnership with the community and having those represented voices around the table suggesting and advising on how the dollars would be allocated in the community. The foundation handles back office support, the investment, the accounting, the regulatory compliance with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service); all of those back office functions, and works in partnership with the folks who are empowered to speak for the fund to carry out their wishes. Board Member Suarez: We're good. Chair Spence -Jones: Any other comments on this? We had a motion and we had a second? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: With the amendment. Mr. Hannon: So, okay, we're amending the legislation. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm seconding it with the amendment -- Mr. Hannon: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- of including the Overtown -- Mr. Woods: Foundation. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Foundation. Mr. Hannon: So I have the mover as Commissioner Suarez. Mr. Woods: Overtown Community Foundation. Chair Spence -Jones: Overtown Community Foundation. Mr. Woods: Overtown Community Foundation. City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 3. 13-01208 Mr. Reaves: Overtown Community Development Foundation. Mr. Woods: Overtown Community Development Foundation. Mr. Hannon: So the mover is Commissioner Suarez; seconded by Commissioner -- Board Member Sarnoff: I have not seconded it. Mr. Hannon: No. Commissioner Spence -Jones. Chair Spence -Jones: I seconded. Mr. Hannon: Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: So all in favor? Aye. Board Member Suarez: Aye. Board Member Sarnoff: No. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Board Member Suarez: You're a little ornery today, huh? Board Member Sarnoff: And let me just say the only reason for the "no," Commissioner and anyone out there -- Javier Soto -- first of all, I have profound respect for the Miami Foundation. I just -- if I don't understand something, I simply don't vote for it, that's all. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Board Member Sarnoff. And I don't see how the County can be throwing stuff back at us with two days' notice and I'm supposed to understand something that can have a significant effect here. I've heard nothing here by the Miami Foundation to disturb me or anything that Commissioner Spence -Jones has said to disturb me. My criticism is that of the County and their -- I don't want to say `five-day rule." I just don't understand exactly what we're voting for. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, not on this particular item. This particular item is the Miami Foundation piece; that's separate. Board Member Sarnoff: I understand. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH FLORIDA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FIRST SOURCE JOB REGISTRY AND HIRING REFERRAL PROGRAM; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PRESENTA FINAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT TO THE BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDERATION. File # 13-01208 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01208 Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 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, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0069 Chair Spence -Jones: All right, we're moving on to item number 3. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioner, 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 negotiate a partnership agreement with the South Florida Workforce Investment Board for the development of a first source hiring job registry and hiring referral program. Commissioner, this is just a resolution that would allow for us to work with Workforce to come up with some sort of partnership agreement that, as we start all of the development that's happening within the Overtown area, we can match some of their resources with the resources that we are designating for the redevelopment projects, and hopefully, we can get a significant amount of the residents within the area hired. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this is (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and just so we're clear, this is in reference to all of you know, the major development projects that we're getting ready to launch off in the area. One of the things that we wanted to try to do is make sure that we partner not only with local organizations that would provide training so that -- in the area of construction -- but we wanted to also make sure that we had a workforce agreement. Mr. Woods: Mm-hmm, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And I think we're actually modeling this off from Miami -Dade County. It's the same -- Mr. Woods: It's South Miami, actually. South Miami CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) actually has one similar to this. Chair Spence -Jones: And Miami -Dade County has one, as well. Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair, if I may? Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Board Member Suarez: Well, first of all, I move the item. Later... Renita Holmes: Madam Renita Holmes again, on behalf of the WAVE of education advocacy supporting (UNINTELLIGIBLE) our homes, but mainly as a citizen, like I said, resident, business owner that sits right there. But in my 26 years of experience as the creator of Section 3, and filing that federal complaint to assure that local hiring is done, I've had a lot of insight and experience, and having a catalyst that utilizes first source hiring is fine, but I just want you to recognize -- and I particularly say, particularly to Commissioner Sarnoff, 'cause I think he reads Federal Law 924.935 based on the funding sources and the locality issues, which most of them City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 don't -- Board Member Suarez: Would you read that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ? Ms. Holmes: -- and recognizing that Commissioner Monestine [sic] -- 924.935 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), which is Section 3, which is local hiring, recognizing that we had Bill 305 occur at the meeting the other day, and I know you weren't there, Commissioner Monestine, but I've watched you really champion this to make it effectful [sic]. There's a misunderstanding about it, butt in relevance particularly to Overtown, there are job servicers there; recruiters, like myself and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) my company that have yet -- South Florida has always had a memorandum of understanding in that particular area, Commissioner, but here is my concern: There's information that's provided in South Florida Workforce's itinerary -- I think it's the IMF or whatever that may be -- that kind of can leave somebody out of Pompano on a fast train coming through there to beat the guys that's already there to get there. There are qualification pinpoints in that analysis, and then the development of that data does not reassert or apply the priority, so say the job is right here. Pompano can be one mile away and local, or Brickell can be one mile away or local, and I need more specific information from South Florida Workforce before they make that referral or when they make that referral, either way, because this has always been the gap in making sure that local people -- when I say "local people," I don't mean local people from the business that's got a address in the area that says, okay, they came here, so they came to this business address 'cause it's in Overtown somewhere in one of the offices at Miami -Dade or Ebenezer. I mean local people from the area, from Camillus House that are re-entry that need those jobs. So we need South Florida Workforce before we begin to have any more memorandum of understanding to provide that data in the contract and covenants within that, that asserts local -- Chair Spence -Jones: Renita, in closing. Ms. Holmes: I am in closing, I'm sorry. In closing, you get this information for -- that's why you need me on that team, CRA -- local people that have experience, knowledge, education, and law, Madam Mendez, that has specific -- I like to call people name -- you the attorney -- that have specific abilities -- Jessica Pacheco: My name is not "Mendez." Ms. Holmes: I'm sorry. Madam Attorney, that has specific language that assures us that when the referral is done and when the hiring is done, that's connection, Commissioner Monestine, and we've been working on that a long time. And I don't want to have to file another federal complaint, because here on a local level, we keep giving general information and general descriptions and ordinances that miss the point. Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you, Madam Holmes. All right, we're going to take up item number 2. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Sorry, Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh. Mr. Hannon: We have the mover as being Commissioner Suarez; seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? Mr. Hannon: Thank you. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: The item passes. You want to -- Daniel Fils-Aime, Sr.: Yeah, I was going to say something. I'm Daniel Fils-Aime. I'm on the Board of South Florida Workforce, and I get the message, and South Florida Workforce work in the City for many years, and I just want to say -- let people know that I'm on the board, but I will relay the message to the board. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Mr. Fils-Aime: Thank you. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 13-01209 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,333,333, TO TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. FOR THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND COMMONS AREAS AT 475 NW 19 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA (FOLIO NO. 01-3136-083-0870); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; 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; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 13-01209 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01209 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-01209 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Suarez Noes: Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0068 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to go to item number 4, which is the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). This is for the Town Park. Finally, Town Park is moving. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioners, this is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA authorizing the issuance of a grant in an amount not to exceed $3,333,333 to the Town Park Plaza North Condominium Association for the renovation and rehabilitation of the residential units and common areas at 475 Northwest 19th Street, Miami, Florida. Commissioners, if you would recall, with our bond resolution, we included all three Town Parks, but upon the advice of bond counsel, we had to remove Town Park North from the financing in our bond resolution, because it was a condo. What we're doing is we're just providing a grant for the same amount that was reflected in the bond resolution that would actually come out of our fund balance. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: Do we have a motion and a second on this item? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm asking, do we have a motion and a second? Mr. Hannon: No. Chair Spence -Jones: Do we have a motion on this item? Board Member Suarez: Move it. Chair Spence -Jones: It's okay. Board Member Suarez: She's asking for a motion. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Do you have a motion -- do you have a second? Board Member Sarnoff I need to be brought along on this. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure, no problem. So we have -- so is that a second or do you just want to -- you need more clarity? You need more clarity? Board Member Sarnoff.- I need to be brought along. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Board Member Sarnoff- You got to somehow convince me that it is in the CRA's mission to give a private homeowner a grant. Mr. Woods: Well, Commissioner, as I stated before, it's not uncharacteristic or uncommon that we in government provide grant funds to homeowners; it's just like CDBG, the City of Miami Community Development Block Grant funds. This particular community is one that has been suffering from deferred maintenance for some time. They are, as you understand, homeowners, and there had been commitments made to deal with some of the deferred maintenance issues that they've had. Some of the residents within Town Park North have received grants from the City of Miami. We think that it would be prudent, because they're homeowners, they're residents that have been there for a long time, it was also a part of the three original co-ops, you know, the other two are co-ops, but when times were good, they converted into condo. I don't know if that was the best thing to do, because in converting, they took on all of the deferred maintenance issues that weren't addressed that had been systemic for some time. It was built in 1973, and there had been promises to help them with the condition of their units. Board Member Sarnoff- But let me debate on that, Mr. Woods. If CDBG gives a grant application, it goes through a significant process associated with qualifications, criteria -- Mr. Woods: Absolutely. Board Member Sarnoff- -- determinations are made. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. Board Member Sarnoff Have you done an identical criteria examination for each applicant -- City of Miami Page20 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Mr. Woods: We will do -- Board Member Sarnoff Let me finish. -- of each individual fee simple, absolute owner? Mr. Woods: -- probably a more extensive assessment in the determination period. This is just setting the funds aside. Once -- Board Member Sarnoff But what standards will you use? Mr. Woods: Well, actually, there is a situation that's happening right now. There's a receiver that is in charge of the association at this point. The receiver has all the documentation, the information on the standings of every member; whether or not they are in good standing with respect to the homeowners' association fees relative to their mortgages and any other issues that may be an impediment towards us being able to help them. Board Member Sarnoff So I think what you're telling me is the condominium association, which is a corporation -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff- -- forced into receivership by whom? Mr. Woods: It was forced into receivership by a judge where there was a management company that was charging some usury rates on funds that they gave to the association in order to deal with some of the issues. The management company sued the association, and the association didn't have representation, so the judge assigned a receiver to look over. Chair Spence -Jones: And if I could just add, 'cause I think it's important, I don't know if you know all the -- I see you over there. Board Member Suarez: He's a chair now, so he's got to recognize -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. You need to see him. Board Member Suarez: He's got to recognize (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Spence -Jones: But I just want to be clear, and I do understand, you know, the questions, and you should question, but I want to be very clear as to why we're definitely supporting all three Town Parks, 'cause this is just one, but we're supporting the other two. In O.T. (Overtown), you know, we are doing a lot of major redevelopment efforts with new projects, which is great. We need to support new developments that are happening. But we got to support the residents that have been there for God knows how long, and one of the issues and concerns with a lot of the new projects that are coming up is that we have not put the resources in to really rehabbing their units. So this gives us an opportunity to make sure that the people that have been there 30, 40 years that have had these units from day one, that they have an opportunity to also upgrade their units. And some of those units are -- especially in this particular development -- they have some serious issues that are going on from the standpoint of rehab, water leak; I mean, it's a lot happening with this particular unit, so I pushed very hard to make sure that all three Town Parks get support, because I don't want everything else being built around them and them not getting support. And then not to mention, Clarence andl have been to D.C. (District of Columbia). Thinking of D.0 -- speaking of D.C. -- Mr. Woods: Three times. Chair Spence -Jones: -- at least three times, because at one time or the other, the people in Town City of Miami Page21 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Park were being threatened to be put out, which would have been over 144 families. So literally, Clarence and I few to D.C., begged these people to give them an opportunity to get everything back in order, and both of the Town -- two of the Town Parks now are back on the right track. And sometimes, people just need a little help or a little assistance to get them back on the right track, but I would hate to see us not -- I would hate to see us supporting everybody else around them and not supporting the folks of Town Park. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair. Board Member Sarnoff- You're recognized. Mr. Woods: And just to be clear, there was support. You guys voted on our bond resolution and subsequent -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, it's already -- Mr. Woods: -- amendments to support them. This is just providing them support out of our fund balance instead of the bond money. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: I mean "Mr. Chair." Board Member Sarnoff.- Go ahead. Board Member Suarez: I think I'm pretty clear as to the history of this issue, which was that we were originally going to support them through the bond offering, and then it was -- we were advised by bond counsel -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- that it probably wasn't a good idea to do it that way -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- and that we had to do it through our accumulated funds. To me, I look at it slightly different. I actually think this is more compelling, and I'll tell you why. When you're doing affordable housing, you're subsidizing a private -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- okay? -- who's going to make a profit, and so they're going to complete their building, they're going to rent it out, and they're going to make their margins, and that goes -- whatever that margin is goes to them. This is to rehab, you know, people who are impoverished in many cases, you know, and in an impoverished area of our community, and it's not going to any -- there's no profit. It's just going to rehabilitate -- Chair Spence -Jones: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Suarez: -- to bring it up to standard, 'cause I think it's a 40-year certification issue, as well. Mr. Woods: Yes; all three have a 40-year recertification issue -- City of Miami Page22 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Board Member Suarez: Right. Mr. Woods: -- that will be dealt with through our financing. Board Member Suarez: I think the fact that the association is in receivership to me makes it even more compelling, so you're not -- you don't have like a profit, you know, maker; you don't have, you know, a healthy organization. You have a very sick homeowners' association, and these people have been -- I don't know if they're some of the people that are here today, but the residents of that community -- and I've seen it in other communities, by the way, that are not in the CRA -- have been defrauded, basically, by these management companies that they trust. I've seen it in other districts across the City, actually, and I'll be honest with you, these requests -- we're lucky that this is in the CRA and that we have the ability to assist this community, because other parts of the City, I can tell you these problems exist, but there is no vehicle -- the CDBG, as you said, cannot be used in a context similar to this. For example, I'll give you an example on District 1. There's a -- and the name of the community escapes me, but it's off 7th -- Northwest 7th Street between 47th and 57th Avenue, and they have a seawall issue, and their seawall is going to cost that community between $1 million and $2 million to fix, and their association is also in receivership. So they came to me and they said, you know, "Commissioner, it would be amazing if you can find a way to help us do this, 'cause we just can't afford it, and we're in the hole, we're in receivership, we're just trying to survive. We're trying to pay our basic expenses as an association, and we just cannot afford a special assessment to pay this, we just can't, you know, our owners can't do it, so we'll just be back in receivership, " because you special -assess them; the owners can't pay it; the association goes bankrupt again and you're back in receivership. So, you know, that is a much harder nut to crack, because there is no entity, there is no vehicle, unless you're able to find some very -- like the airport or something comes in and says, you know, the jetlag from the airplanes is creating a wave that is, you know, eroding the seawall at a faster rate, and the airport chips in the million dollars. In other words, you got to find -- you're very good at that, you know; you've got to be creative sometimes, and so I support this. I think there's an expectation on the part of -- I think we've created an expectation on the part of the residents, and I think we need to honor that. That's my -- Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry; you're chairing now, so you gave a motion. I'm seconding your motion, Mr. Chairman -- I mean, not Mr. Chairman -- Mr. Suarez -- Board Member Suarez: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Sarnof All right, so we have a motion; we have a second; all in favor, please say "aye." Board Member Suarez: Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: Aye. Board Member Sarnof I'm going to register a "no." Renita Holmes: You have a discussion. Chair Spence -Jones: You got -- Ms. Holmes: Public hearing. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. We need to -- City of Miami Page23 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Ms. Holmes: Comment, if may. Board Member Sarnoff.- Oh, sorry. Chair Spence -Jones: You forgot. Ms. Holmes: This is really important to me, because, as I established -- Madam Renita Homes of WAVE (Wisconsin Anti -Violence Effort). When you give poor women, impoverished women, impoverished communities property and land when there are large oriented -- transit -oriented development or development projects and give them no mainstream support services, which is my issue with the CRA, because I don't think it's gender -specific enough. We got a lot of guys, a lot of men, a lot of professionals even with this recent project -- well, I'll be staying over for that -- but none of them offer the mainstream services. A sister, a mother, a grandmother, a grandfather, a person with disability is the one that qualify for CDBG, and we know that that CDBG rule or funding guidelines says if you attach any of this money to any tax monies on a project, or a project that has any other type of tax monies, be it CRA or whatever that it has to meet those guidelines. But more (UNINTELLIGIBLE), the entitled folks need mainstream services. I see the cronyism, I see the nepotism, I see other cultures, I see other businesses, but the actual services that are needed by the disparate number of local people who are qualified based on their economic income or the status of their household needs to be supported. I'm also concerned -- and I'm going to leave you at the two minutes, and thank you, Mr. Chair -- is that you got women that are poor dealing with issues of environmental hazard, and I haven't seen FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), so when you going to put people up against fighting corporations like this, or needing more supportive services that everybody else gets because of their income, or their community, or culture, do the same for my sisters. And I been trying to offer that support services to them, Chairman Sarnoff; I hear you. It's like you setting people up; you give them land to lose. And this has been an ongoing pattern and trend that warrants some federal auditing, because you can't just give public housing people property and don't give them the supportive services that they need to manage. There's been some civil violations there, and I care to talk about it on the sidebar, and there have been some federal complaints filed. I'm wondering why it's not getting us even to that point. So before you sell it, make sure you secure them. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: I just want to make sure -- I have two attorneys sitting over there. We want to be very clear that when -- put it on the record -- that we're not selling anything, right? Put it on the record. Jessica Pacheco: We're not selling any property in this. Ms. Holmes: No, I'm just saying before you sell them out by setting them up. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Ms. Holmes: That's what I meant, Madam Mendez -- and I love your smile -- but I'm just saying that -- and by the record, Madam -- Ms. Pacheco: I'm not Mendez. Ms. Holmes: -- Commissioner and Mr. Chair -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Holmes: That's a complaint that is actually a vocal complaint to the CRA regarding this process with Town Park and the other ones. And I don't want to be redundant, but I want to City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 make it a matter of record and public record. This is a complaint about the cronyism, nepotism, and the denial of women or the proper support services that are local to participate. Provide them something that they're up against without proper qualifications. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Madam Holmes. Al Crespo: You don't have a quorum. Chair Spence -Jones: We're not actually -- Mr. Hannon: We're just having public discussions. Chair Spence -Jones: We're having just public discussion; it's not a vote. Mr. Crespo: Oh, okay. Al Crespo. So I want to try to get this clear in my mind. What you're saying is that you had public properties that you turned over to private ownership and created condos, right; is that what happened with this particular town? Mr. Woods: No. Mr. Crespo: But they're condos, right? Doesn't that denote private ownership? Mr. Woods: We didn't own them. Chair Spence -Jones: We didn't own them. Mr. Woods: We had nothing to do with that. Chair Spence -Jones: Helping them. Mr. Crespo: Oh. Chair Spence -Jones: We're just helping them, Mr. Crespo. Mr. Crespo: Oh. Mr. Woods: We're just helping. Mr. Crespo: Oh, I see. Chair Spence -Jones: We didn't own them. Mr. Crespo: So this was properties that were a co-op that became private units? Mr. Woods: They were HUD (Housing and Urban Development) co-ops, yes. Mr. Crespo: That became condos. Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Crespo: And so now, they're reaching the 40-year mark, and you're trying to provide them $3 million so they can rehab those units. Now, why isn't that available to everybody in the City of Miami? Board Member Suarez: 'Cause not everybody lives in the CRA. City of Miami Page25 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Chair Spence -Jones: Correct. Mr. Crespo: No, no, no. There's a lot of people live in the CRA that could qualify for that; not just those folks in that particular housing unit. If you give it to those folks, every single person that lives in the CRA district is entitled to that. Mr. Woods: Mr. Crespo. Mr. Crespo: Yes, sir. Mr. Woods: We actually -- Chair Spence -Jones: Are rehabbing a lot of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Mr. Woods: -- have rehabbed a lot of units within the CRA. Mr. Crespo: But you certainly haven't rehabbed all of them. Chair Spence -Jones: No. Mr. Crespo: And everybody who -- Mr. Woods: We don't have that much -- Mr. Crespo: If it's -- Mr. Woods: -- we don't have that many (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Mr. Crespo: -- good enough for one person, it's good enough for everybody. And if you go give one small group of people $3 million so they can meet these obligations -- and not only are they private ownership, but also, they were poor managers, because they had a management company, so they made a number of bad decisions, but now, you want taxpayer money to bail them out. Well, there are a lot of people would like to have that opportunity. I'll bet you everybody in this room, if they're coming close to a 40-year deal on their house, or their condo, or whatever would like to say, "Sure, give me the money to fix up my place." You know, I understand the concern in trying to help your fellow man, but you're not the government; you're just an agency that collects a specific amount of money, and if you're going to start doing that with that group, you should give it to everybody to do that. That's not right, because you're excluding the people who you haven't helped. And what if somebody stands up here now and says, `I live in the CRA District; how come I can't get money?" What are you going to tell them? "Oh, well, you know, you weren't part of the original bond issue"? I think there's a real problem that needs to be addressed here, and I think all you folks need to pay attention to this, because this is how public money gets spent. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Crespo. Your two minutes are up. Mr. Crespo: You're quite welcome, madam. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. So let me just -- let us be very clear. Town Park is one of the -- it's three major Town Parks that are actually taking place or they're actually in the heart of O.T. that we're providing the same assistance to, and as I stated earlier, these individuals have been in O.T. for a very long time, and it's time for them to get support, as well. It's not just these three Town Parks that are actually receiving assistance, but there's several other property owners. I have one property owner right here with the black hat, Rev. (Reverend), that's also get City of Miami Page26 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 -- there's several property owners in the heart of Overtown. If we have the resources, we are helping them rehab their units, as well. And outside of the three that we're getting ready to do, we've actually rehabbed several other buildings in the heart of O.T. So -- Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: No, I just want to say that, look, I mean, Mr. Crespo's a smart guy. Whether you agree with him or disagree with him, he's a smart guy. You know, he's a good writer. I think his particular argument in this case is logically flawed, because if you can't help everybody, then you should help no one. Mr. Woods: Nobody. Board Member Suarez: And that doesn't -- that to me doesn't make logical sense. Chair Spence -Jones: And the people in Overtown quite frankly have suffered long enough. Board Member Suarez: You have to help -- Chair Spence -Jones: And it is time for us to help the residents that have been there for God knows how long. It's time for us to spread it around to them, as well. Board Member Suarez: Government -- Chair Spence -Jones: And -- Board Member Suarez: May I finish, Madam Chair? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, you may. Board Member Suarez: Government is about making choices, and we don't have an unlimited budget; we don't have unlimited resources, so we have to choose, and choosing is based on needs; it's based on who comes and asked for help; the particular circumstances. In this particular case, you have a pretty compelling set of circumstances, and we can continue to use that money to build more affordable housing, or we can rehabilitate housing, which I've seen, you know, existing structures, a lot of ugly, dilapidated buildings in Overtown that have been renovated and made into rental affordable housing, so you're not building new construction. It's less expensive; you get a little bit more bang for your buck. In this case, you have a third scenario, which is people who are living their homeownership in Overtown, which is rare in some cases. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: Okay? And you are spending money to help them rehabilitate their homes, which, by the way, you do do with CDBG on businesses; not on personal homes, but you do do it with businesses, and you give grants for facades and other things to rehabilitate, and you actually do do it with single-family rehabilitation. So you do do it with homes -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- in the CDBG program -- Mr. Woods: Yes. City of Miami Page27 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 5. 13-01210 Board Member Suarez: So it's not that different. I mean, I understand his arguments, you know. He's a smart guy, but in this particular case, I don't agree. I just think that you can't make the argument that it's -- that's just government. Government's an aggregation of everyone's tax dollars and then you decide how you spend it. I mean, you can't, you know, you can't -- I mean, it's -- it would require very, very interesting results if you were to take that position. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO SUITED FOR SUCCESS, INC. TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROVISION OF TRAINING AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES TO JOB SEEKERS FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER 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; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 13-01210 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01210 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-01210 Backup.pdf File # 13-01210 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, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-13-0065 Chair Spence -Jones: Item number 5 is -- if you don't mind, we're skipping to that really fast -- Southeast Overtown/Park West -- can you read that -- which I believe this is Suited for Success, another training program. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioner. This is 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 the provision of training and other employment support services to job seekers from the redevelopment area. This is the continuation of a program that we've been in partnership with Ms. Sonia Jacobs, who's right here, who has been an institution herself within the community, and she receives those folks who are trained at the Hospitality Institute who need clothes for interviews. She also does interviewing techniques and all those other different things. I mean, she probably can best tell you exactly what it is that she has been able to effectively give to the residents within the redevelopment area, but it's a program that we have supported and we do recommend support again. Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion. City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Board Member Sarnoff.- Second. Chair Spence -Jones: We have a motion and a second. Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair, very briefly, I just want to commend you for your work; another program that I could tell you works. I've been there, also, and it's really something that we should -- I mean, certainly, us as Commissioners and Board Members, but members of the community, anyone who doubts what the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) does -- I know many people that doubt it -- go and see a program like this, because when you see, again, the big challenges, helping people help themselves, and you see a program like this, where you're basically giving them the most basic tools to get a job -- I mean, the most basic tools of you know, being dressed and being presentable; also the skills with the Hospitality Institute, but you have the skills in combination with the wardrobe, you know, and you can basically get a job pretty much doing anything anywhere. So you really -- those are like the basic ingredients, so I commend you again for your work, and I'm happy to support this. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, we -- Renita. Renita Holmes: Madam Renita Holmes. On behalf of the Women's Association, Mama Project and other projects, I think Suited for Success has been around for a long time, Ms. Sonia, and I've watched you come all the way from down here in Coral Gables now to my block, and I'm big on that. I found in that since the Wave and the Mama (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Keeper Project have been an organization that we all have struggled. I'm still a bit concerned that we have different cultures in the community, and I just want to extend to you a congratulations; however, I want to make a request. Not every woman is going to wear a skirt and a dress; not every woman can wait. We can't take two parts and in my work with over 20,000 women and cases throughout Miami-Dade's 32 years out of public housing, I've had some issues come about. Not all of us would get our hair done that same way. We need to have people that do dreads. We have to understand that some women like pants suits, and I'd like to continue to work or attempt to work with you all and get a solid relationship because of the culture. LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenders) have had some difficulties not just with Suited for Success, but LGBTs and African -American participants have had some issues, and I think that's just a matter of cultural competence and working out some formalities, or perhaps even some training, and I'd like you to take that in consideration. All I know is when that happens, we will have a great and even greater relationship and influence on women, so I look forward to speaking with you thereafter, and I'm hoping that the CRA will work to keep us glued together, because you're now in a community that has some significant others as cultural participants, and that just makes it easier; not saying that there's any discrimination; not saying -- but sometimes, you got to understand how to talk to people by learning their language, understanding their dress codes and being sympathetic to their immediate needs, but I really congratulate you on behalf of women, because we really need that, and I've seen the success stories come out that -- as a matter of fact, two or three years later when I was having a economic problem -- it wasn't about that -- I had to be there. So it's not a matter of being poor or homeless. It's also people that have issues with not being able to buy a new suit for a interview that maybe not just be able to afford it because of their budget. So you need it; it's just that you need to work with the people immediate and have the understanding of the gaps in the program, and the CRA is going to help us get there; isn't that right, Mr. Woods? Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Madam Holmes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Renny. Chair Spence -Jones: I'd like you to at least put something on the record. Sonia Jacobs: Good afternoon. I'm Sonia Jacobs, and I'm the founder and the executive City of Miami Page29 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 6. 13-01211 director of Suited for Success. And I just would like to thank the Commission for their support, their continuing support. Next year, we will be celebrating 20 years in Miami, and it's a milestone. We've seen almost 50,000 people that have come through our offices in the years that we've been here. Just to address what the lady said, we -- 52 percent of our clients are African -American and Haitian, and about 48, 47 percent are Hispanic, and 1 percent are other. So we're very well aware of the cultural differences. We moved into Overtown for that reason. We're now in our fourth year there, and we have volunteers that are African -American, and Hispanic, and Haitian. We do really take that into consideration in working with all of the clients in the City of Miami. So we are thankful that the CRA is continuing to support our program, and it's taken me four years in the neighborhood to finally get people to come and knock on the door and say, "We know you're here; can you help us?" And we don't turn anybody away. So again, I thank you for your support. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you so much, Suited for Success. I believe we had a motion -- did we have a motion and a second? Board Member Suarez: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. I just want to thank you once again. One of the things that we really have tried to do in O. T. (Overtown) is definitely make sure that we unify people along the way, and you have done an outstanding job with bridging all communities together and helping the women -- not just women -- women and men, because I've ran into people on the streets that, for the first time, they said, "Commissioner, I've never been in a suit, and since I went to Suited for Success, I had an opportunity to put on a suit for the very first time in my life." So we don't understand how powerful that is in the lives of people, so I want to thank you for your work that you do. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE SHOTSPOTTER FLEX GUNFIRE ALERT AND ANALYSIS SERVICE AS A PILOT PROGRAM THROUGHOUT 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. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 File # 13-01211 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01211 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-01211 Backup.pdf File # 13-01211 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, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0067 Directive by Chair Spence -Jones to the Executive Director to release data generated by ShotSpotter Flex Gunfire Alert and Analysis Service program to the Civilian Investigative Panel with the caveat that it is in accordance with Florida Statutes and best practices for police investigations. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, I want to move to item number 6, which is ShotSpotter -- Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- which has been really something that I know that my fellow Commissioner has really championed. I'm very excited about all that he's done with that. Do you want to put something on the record there? Mr. Woods: Yes, Commissioner. Resolution number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance of a grant in an amount not to exceed $75, 000 to the City of Miami to underwrite costs associated with the installation and operation of the ShotSpotter flex gunfire alert and analysis services as a pilot program throughout the redevelopment area. Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair, if I may. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, you may. Board Member Suarez: I just would like to reiterate briefly my support of this. We spoke earlier today in the Commission meeting about utilizing technology, and we procured tablets for our Code Enforcement employees to have better access to information and for a better free flow of information, and I think this is another example. I mean, we have a tremendous challenge in the Overtown area and in other parts of the City with gun violence, and we have to think outside of the box at the end of the day. We can continue -- and, of course, the obvious answers are always going to be obvious. I mean, if we could hire more police officers, like, you know, like we've all been trying to do, if we can double our patrolling force, that's clearly going to have a huge impact, but we also have, I think, a duty to explore nonconventional or technological solutions that could have a tremendous impact. And we've seen in other parts of the country this be very successful, not only in apprehending suspects, but in recovering ballistic evidence and in getting truer shooting data as to where shooting events are happening so that we can strategize around these kinds of events. So I'm really appreciative of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board's support, the Chairwoman's support, not only at the Board level, but also at the Commission level, and I look forward to having this three-mile -- well, this will be a one -mile program in Overtown, but, you know, to the successful conclusion at the end of the day of having, you know, the three square or four square miles of coverage that we need in the City of Miami for our most violent areas. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Madam Holmes. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Renita Holmes: Thank you. Through the Chair, the issue of guns, and violence, and death, you know, I've never left that. I recall being at this very same podium, Madam Renita Holmes, and almost being carried away, but my children are gone, and some of them are dying now, and they're not reporting, but particularly to guns, I've yet to see proper addressing to the survivors of the gun violence, and I would know there were many mothers who would like to be here, and so t is my request that we get more frequent monitoring and reports up to date, perhaps quarterly, because we're also within that four square miles, the most Negros that have been shot by City of Miami or a police department in several years, and I know that profiling occurs with people who possess guns, because some of those in my family members have been stopped. They have gun licenses, but they're treated as if they're about to be shot again, simply because someone fears for their life. And so I ask that you perhaps amend this resolution or ordinance and ask that they give these reports to the CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel), or extend it; that the CIP have some feedback on it within those four square miles of whether or not there have been any arrests or arrest of persons for possession of guns that have licenses. There's a lot, because there's a best practice behind this, and this is a pilot project. We want to remove all the human glitches that would allow for wrongful technical interpretations that lead to more profiling. That's my concerns, and I have a report that was submitted by WAVE (Wisconsin Anti -Violence Effort) and spoke to CIP. These are just ways to make this better, because our children are already dead, and we still have this extensive Department of Justice oversight consent decree that's occurring, and I'm on it. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Madam Holmes. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Holmes. I think it's going to be a public record, whatever is generated by the program, so certainly, it can be shared with the Civilian Investigative Panel, and it will also, I think, provide a clear, clear data -- whenever there's a discrepancy in testimonial evidence, it's going to be clear, because this has been proven to be used in court; and I'm saying that correctly, correct? "Yes," he's waving his head, "yes." This has been used in court as evidence; it's that accurate. It's within a five-foot radius, so, you know, I think this is something that's going to be very helpful. Board Member Sarnoff. Just so you know, I can't support that, because depending upon when this gets released, it cannot be released during an active police investigation. You'll find -- Board Member Suarez: And that's fine, yeah; I have no problem with that caveat to what I'm saying; absolutely, of course. Chair Spence -Jones: So -- Board Member Suarez: Understood. Chair Spence -Jones: -- this is not really an amendment -- Board Member Suarez: There's a State statute on that, I think. Chair Spence -Jones: This is not an amendment to this particular item; it is actually just a directive. Board Member Suarez: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: This item's already been voted and approved, correct? Do we have a motion and second on the item already? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): No, ma'am. City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Board Member Suarez: I move it. I move it. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Board Member Sarnoff. Second as stated. Board Member Suarez: Yes, agreed. Chair Spence -Jones: As stated, but I would like to make sure that we put on the record, providing them with a directive on making sure that CIP is actually in the loop, with the caveat that our Chairman -- Board Member Suarez: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- has stated that that is after the investigation has been completed. Board Member Suarez: Agreed. Board Member Sarnoff. Agreed; according to Florida statute. Board Member Suarez: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, put it on the record so we make sure we're clear. Board Member Sarnoff: As long as it's in accordance with Florida statutes and best practices for police investigation. Unidentified Speaker: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, thank you. Ms. Holmes: Thank you. Board Member Sarnoff: I think we have to say "all in favor," right? Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. 7. CRA RESOLUTION 13-01212 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO MIAMI DADE COLLEGE ("MDC") TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CURRENT OPERATION OF THE HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY INSTITUTE ("INSTITUTE"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF AN ADDITIONAL GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $900,000, TO MDC FOR OPERATION OF THE City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 INSTITUTE AT THE EBENEZER CHURCH, 300 NW 11 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA ("SITE"), FORA FOUR-YEAR PERIOD, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $225,000 PER YEAR, PROVIDED THAT SAID ADDITIONAL GRANT ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO MDC UPON REIMBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADAPTIVE RE -USE AND REHABILITATION OF THE SITE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER 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; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 13-01212 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01212 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-01212 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, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Vice Chair Gort CRA-R-1 3-0066 Note for the Record: Please see Item 1 for minutes referencing Item 7. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, so I just wanted to make sure that we were clear on item number 1 and item number 7, so we're combining them actually together, just so that they have clarity on -- we know that we've accepted the money, but the other issues, just making sure that the additional dollars are also reprogrammed to -- Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Exactly. Chair Spence -Jones: -- continue to provide support and training in the area of culinary. I just want to make sure the Commissioners know that. Mr. Woods: Yes. Once the EDA (Economic Development Administration) funds -- obviously, we set aside the money to do the whole project, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) has. We will receive from EDA on a reimbursement basis these grant fitnds. Once we receive those grant funds, we will set those funds aside. What this does is it allows us to appropriate the $900, 000 that we get from EDA. We can set it aside for four years for -- amount of $225, 000 for the next four years -- well, the four years after the center is open. Chair Spence -Jones: So I just wanted to make sure y'all were clear we just (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Okay. Board Member Sarnoff. You need to make a -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, we had a motion and a second. Board Member Sarnoff. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) done that. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Just a -- I'm sorry, Madam Chair, just so I can keep us all on City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 12,18, 2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 point, we've already -- for item number 1, we already had a mover and second, and we did vote on item number 1. We don't have a mover and second on item number 7 yet. Board Member Sarnoff- So move. Board Member Suarez: Second. Mr. Hannon: Now -- Chair Spence -Jones: Motion -- Mr. Hannon: -- we do have someone that would like to speak as well. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- I would definitely want to make sure to have that. Ms. Holmes. Renita Holmes: Yes, good afternoon. My name is Madam Holmes, a citizen and resident of Overtown; student of Miami Dade Community College, and basically, someone there when the Hospitality Institute began or it was just an idea and -- with similar ideas. I just wanted to add my support for it and to ask that any inhibitions, any impediments, any lack of forethought on the accommodations for our students to begin. I interviewed kids that come from Miami Dade Community College sometime, and I have a book, I don't mind sharing with you the pictures, right on the corner where Camillus is. They are so ready. When we ride the bus and the trolley there, they're there in their uniform. It's a wonderful program. I especially want it to begin, because every day when I'm on my way home or to the BCC [sic] or here, or wherever it may be, to the CRA meetings, I pass that church, and that church is empty. And when I look at the amount and that big sign says all this money is allocated, I'm going like, "Wow, the bank must be making a lot of interest on that alone." And so I applaud your efforts. I say if there's parking issues, if there's anything, remove them, because you have tons of children, and youth, and adults that are in that program that need to go ahead and begin to complete it, and there's a new group, and there's more extensive educational industries that we want to begin with you, as well. Again, I applaud you, but I beg of you, make it time certain, when they will be able to enter, no prolonged bureaucracy or propaganda on it, because it's a working program that has benefits, and there's money sitting there, and we really need to keep it going with the enthusiasm of those who already being slowed down by not having that quick access and that local access. Thank you so kindly. Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. I just want to agree with Renita. I'm a big proponent of the program since its inception or at least since I've been around. I guess I shouldn't probably (UNINTELLIGIBLE) it was around before I was. But it's certainly been a very successful program; it does a tremendous amount. I've been to the program many times, and I had an opportunity to speak at the program, and it's really interesting and neat to see a community redevelopment program that actually is working, and that is actually helping people find jobs, which is a big component of what our community needs, and it's in an industry that has two, I think, characteristics that are important. One is it's an industry that has a lot of turnover, so there's a lot of opportunity, and it also has a lot of upward mobility. It's an industry where you can start -- and I -- you hear the stories all the time in the hospitality industry where you start as a front door clerk, as a valet, and then you're the general manager in five or ten years, City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 depending on your work ethic. It really is a meritocracy. So, you know, I just -- I commend the organization. Keep up the good work. You're going to, you know, get more resources to make the program better and more comprehensive, so, you know, I look forward to being invited in the future to continue to speak there. Thank you, Renita. Ms. Holmes: Thank you. Mr. Woods: Commissioners, I -- Shoshana Lincoln: As an Overtown resident -- Reverend Lincoln -- actually, I'm a bit perplexed with the Commissioner giving in to another institution such as this culinary school in Overtown. I've mentioned this before: Of a radius of one and a half square mile in Overtown, does any of these Commissioners know how many children we have in Overtown? Then we have Lindsey Hopkins is offering the same course free of charge; so is Miami Dade. It's approximately walking distance from that new school you're opening for Overtown. I think it's a whole lot of wasted money. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Mr. Woods: Commissioners, I also want to clarify the $50,000 that's part of item number 7 is for support for the graduation of the Culinary Institute that is happening right now. Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair, if I may. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: I just want to say that the money that we're receiving and that we're investing is a grant -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- that we're receiving from the federal government, so that's issue number one. As to issue number two, I've been to the program many times, and I've seen and met the participants. The program the times that I've gone has been overflowing with participants. We've had the director come before the CRA Board and give statistics on the -- as the Chair would like to -- the City Commission Chair would like to say, "the deliverables" of the program, which is more than I can say for most of the programs that the CRA has funded since I've been here. So, you know, it really to me is right now the only program that I see that's actually working and benefiting people in the community, and I hope it continues. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Mr. Crespo. Al Crespo: Al Crespo. So it's funny you should say that's the only program that you've seen that's working, Commissioner Suarez, because the question that the lady raised, which I think is an important question, is duplication of efforts. If you have one program that's going on at Lindsey Hopkins and you have the same program going on at Miami Dade, does that in any way imply that those two programs aren't serving the community? Because if they are serving the community, then why do you need a third program? And I reference that because you also have a film institute. And clearly, I've written about the film institute, and I've written about all the money that went to Mr. Robert Townsend and how Mr. Townsend's movie I don't think has made a penny, and you expected to get money back in this community benefits program, and Mr. Woods over there wrote me two days ago and said he's not seen a penny of community benefit money come back from that little boon-daggle. And I think there's still probably money owed to some people from that project. So I think that, you know, rather than just brushing off that lady there and saying, "thank you," she raised a significant question that needs to be responded to, City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 which is: Is there a duplication of efforts, and is there a better way to use the money? In addition, isn't this a church? Is this a real, live church? Is this a chartered church? Mr. Woods: No. Chair Spence -Jones: No, no. Mr. Woods: No, it isn't. Mr. Crespo: Oh, it's not. Chair Spence -Jones: No. Mr. Woods: No, it isn't. Mr. Crespo: Okay, that's -- Chair Spence -Jones: But I was going to respond. I wanted to say thank you for her comment, and then I was going to allow for it to come back to the CRA Board and then respond to it. Mr. Crespo: Okay, thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: So what I'd like to at least have is to have Brandy or someone from the Miami Dade College, so you're clear of what the program is, 'cause there's two separate programs. Let me just say -- and I don't -- I know you have a statement, as well. Board Member Suarez: Go ahead. Chair Spence -Jones: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) you can make it. This is not just a hospitality or culinary institute from the standpoint of teaching people how to cook or how to be trained for customer service in the hotel industry. This particular program that we received the grant for is to help small businesses from the Overtown area create their own industry. So for instance, as we talked about earlier this morning, Ms. Moore, she cooks, or makes, or bakes these wonderful sweet potato pies. Well, part of the issue is she may be able to make only a certain amount of sweet potato pies in her facility now because it doesn't accommodate more -- enough space -- so part of what we're doing is providing little incubators for smaller businesses to have a community kitchen so that they can prepare these type of things, whether or not they be cookies, whether or not they be barbecue sauce, whatever the case may be, but have a facility in which to operate the program. Miami Dade College is providing the training, providing them the input as to how to actually take their businesses to the next level. We're taking the same model of a program that's being done in Atlanta -- Mr. Woods: The Edge. Chair Spence -Jones: -- and bringing it in Miami. Huh? Mr. Woods: It's the Edge. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Woods: The Edge. Chair Spence -Jones: Exactly, so it's not just doing another culinary program, like Cordon Bleu or the other one that we just mentioned This is really having more hands-on approach with dealing with the area -- City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Mr. Woods: Entrepreneurship. Chair Spence -Jones: -- of culinary arts and also hospitality. So I know -- Board Member Suarez: No, I just wanted to say that I don't think the fact that there are three organizations that cater potentially to the same kind of services necessarily implies that there's a duplication of effort. For example, in Dade County you have three colleges that I can think of. You have Miami Dade, you have FIU (Florida International University), and you have the University of Miami. That doesn't necessarily mean that we should eliminate two of them because we only need one college. There's obviously a demand for education, and there's plenty of students to fill those three colleges. I don't know much about the other organizations, 'cause I haven't visited the other programs, but I have visited the one in the Overtown CRA, and I can tell you from firsthand experience, and from participating in the program, and from understanding the deliverables that that is a successful program. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And so we are actually, number one, training people; and number two, getting them jobs, because it's one thing to train; it's one thing to find people jobs. The Lindsey Hopkins Job Center -- you know, in many ways, some of it is training, but a lot of it is helping someone find a job. In this case, they're doing both at the same time, and they're doing it in an industry that is the largest industry in South Florida that, like I said before, has a tremendous turnover rate, so there's a lot of opportunities, there's a lot of job openings. And it's an -- also an industry where there's a tremendous amount of ability to have upward mobility. So for me, I think it's the right industry to be focused on. So that's all -- I mean I just don't think -- I understand the concern of Mr. Crespo; it's a valid concern. I understand her concern; it's a valid concern, as well. I don't think that because there's more than one institute that does it that necessarily implies that there's duplication effort. Maybe there isn't enough; maybe the fact that there's multiple institutions means that there's a tremendous demand. Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And then I just have to say this, 'cause it's so important to say, and, you know, part of this new whole facility that we have, we're trying to make sure that we actually tie into some of the things that are actually going to be growing in the Overtown area. Perfect example: This now becomes a training ground for all of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Florida, so a lot of their workers will have partnered -- will partner with Miami Dade College to make sure that they are trained and that they are prepared so that when this development comes in the area, we're prepared for it; same thing with the hotels that are going to be coming into the area. We have almost 2,000 rooms that are going to be coming, I believe, as a part of the whole J. Marriott Conference and Convention Center. Our communities have to be prepared and ready. And quite frankly, when we're talking about the people that we actually serve in our community, we have so many different issues besides from just going to school. And I'm going to say this, because this has been great with us: It's not just getting them in school; it's all the other social issues that go along with it. For instance, they're providing the counseling so that those individuals that may have had, you know, a rough spot in their life or had an issue in their lives and they can't really get placed anywhere else, through Miami Dade College, they continue to provide them with the support services to make sure that if they don't have a place to live, there's support services. If they can't get groceries this week, there's support services for them. So it's beyond just them going to class; it's about building the whole person. And that's what we've been trying to do, really, with the institutes that we have in the heart of Overtown. So I think Miami Dade College has done an outstanding job, and I think Ms. Julie Grimes is a perfect example. I want to acknowledge her. Please, Ms. Grimes, the owner of Doubletree, please stand. I mean, here's a person -- please give her a hand City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 Applause. Chair Spence -Jones: We're done. We're done. You made your comments on the record, so we're officially closing out on that issue for now and I'm responding to it. So I want to acknowledge Ms. Julie Grimes for her commitment. She has given to this community out of her own pocket; actually helped support and fund this project in the very beginning for us moving it to the next level. So we appreciate -- that's what it's all about. It's not only just the public coming together, but the private industry coming to support our communities, so I want to make sure I acknowledge her. So with that being said, we had a motion and a -- oh, Randy, would you like to add something to the record? I think you should. Randy Wiscombe: I just want -- Chair Spence -Jones: Because there's been a lot of things said about what you guys do. Mr. Wiscombe: One thing I would like -- good morn -- good afternoon, actually, Commissioners. My name is Randy Wiscombe, and I'm the manager at the Hospitality Institute. And I know that what Commissioner Suarez brought up about the demand for jobs in this area, especially the hospitality industry, we offer different things than what other schools offer as well; is that we take individuals and give them training in financial literacy; we give them training in the front of the house and the back of the house for hotel work. All these things are going to be in demand, and, you know, it's going to take three institutions, quite honestly, to probably fill all those positions. The other thing is, is that I want to share with everybody here is that just from last year and this year alone, we have trained over 760 people. Chair Spence -Jones: Amen. Mr. Wiscombe Three hundred and sixty of those have been placed into jobs -- Chair Spence -Jones: Amen. Mr. Wiscombe: -- and 54 have been trained as culinary prep cooks. So as we look at what we're doing, and the work we're doing in the community, and invest in the community, and give to the community, I can honestly say that we're making an effect and we're having a good effect on what's going on in the community. When I came to the Hospitality Institute to become the manager, we used to have to do, continuously, you know, continuously, reach out to individuals and invite them into the program. Now, they're coming to us and seeking that help, and the word is out, and it's right there within the community. So I just want to thank you for all your efforts and the support you've given, and I would encourage each and every one of you to continue to visit and you know, invite anybody to come and see what we do, because it is effective. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. All right, so we had a motion and a second on this item, Mr. Clerk? Mr. Hannon: Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, all in favor? The Board (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right, this item passes. I do want to make a few statements really fast, and then I'm going to kind of deal with item number 5 and number 6 really fast. One, I want to -- I know that we had a 3 o'clock meeting scheduled with the Haitian community City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 NA.1 13-01286 regarding this item that they had requested support for, which is the Little Haiti District area, so I know that they -- I needed to make that announcement, 'cause they came at 3 with the expectations of having this discussion. I just want to be clear the reason why we're not dealing with this right now is that we had a CRA meeting in the middle of it; there was a delay in it. The second thing that I wanted to -- so I want to kind of get through the agenda so we can really deal with this overall issue, 'cause you can see there's a big turnout for this, so I know there's going to be a lot of discussion around it. The other thing that I wanted to also dispel, and I didn't get a chance to talk to you about it, but, you know, it's so easy to throw stones when people are really, really trying to do things to uplift people that have had so many struggles with issues in their lives. We create the training institutes, all of the training institutes to at least provide people with an opportunity to be exposed to a career or at least for them to have a second chance. Whether or not you like the program or not, you know, there's a program for every single person. So if you're interested in hospitality, or you're interested in culinary, or you're interested in landscape, or you're interested in -- you know, whatever it is you have an interest in, we try to provide that opportunity in the CRA. So we can point fingers all day about what we think works or not, but at the end of the day, it's our responsibility to not just build great buildings in the neighborhood, but it is also our responsibility to build people. That's what I've been charged to do, and that's what we've been doing in Overtown. So with that being said, I do want to move on to item number 5, because I want to get the training programs out of the way. NON AGENDA ITEM(S) CRA DISCUSSION COMMISSIONER SUAREZ RECOGNIZED MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTINE AND CITY OF NORTH MIAMI MAYOR LUCY TONDREAU IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS. DISCUSSED Board Member Suarez: Board Member Suarez: Madam Chair, if I may? Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Board Member Suarez: Well, first of all, I move the item, but I'd like to take a moment to recognize Commissioner Jean Monestime, who's here; and Yamilet Celeste -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: And Mary -- Applause Board Member Suarez: He's sit -- Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry. And Mary Lucie Tondreau, from the City of North Miami. Board Member Suarez: Yes. Applause Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. In the case of Commissioner Monestime, I think he still sits next to my dad on the County Commission, so -- Unidentified Speaker: Still there. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 12/18/2013 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 24, 2013 ADJOURNMENT Board Member Suarez: -- God bless you, sir. You're a very patient man. He would kill me if he heard me saying that. The meeting adjourned at 9: 47 p.m. City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 12,18, 2013