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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2014-03-31 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Di • IN Q9▪ IEP 99 i �YD Meeting Minutes Monday, March 31, 2014 5:00 PM Camillus House 1603 NW 7th Ave., Building B Miami, FL 33136 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Keon Hardemon, 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 March 31, 2014 AM. 14-00292 PRESENTATION 1. 14-00260 Present: Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Suarez, Vice Chair Gort and Chair Hardemon Absent: Commissioner Carollo On the 31 st day of March 2014, the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Camillus House, 1603 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Hardemon at 5: 07 p.m., and was adjourned at 9: 25 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Clarence Woods, Executive Director, CRA William Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Jessica N. Pacheco, Special Counsel, CRA Barnaby L. Min, Deputy General Counsel Todd B. Hannon, Clerk of the Board CRA REPORT APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING. REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2014. Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo Chair Hardemon: Good evening, everyone. We'd like to call this meeting into order at 5:07p.m. First, I'd like to recognize the Commissioners that are present for the record: Commissioner Suarez; myself the Chairman; Commissioner Gort and also Commissioner Sarnoff. The first item of business is the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) report, the approval of the minutes following the meeting, the regular meeting of January 27, 2014. Is there a motion? Board Member Suarez: So moved. Board Member Sarnoff: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve the January 27 meeting, 2014. Any unreadiness? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. CRA PRESENTATION PRESENTATION OF OVERTOWN / WYNWOOD BICYCLE'S PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY PLAN. File # 14-00260 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00260 Backup.pdf 14-00260-Submittal-Bicycle Pedestrian Mobility Plan.pdf City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 PRESENTED Chair Hardemon: The next item that we have is a presentation, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) presentation of the Overtown/Wynwood Bicycles, Pedestrian Mobility Plan. Are we ready; are they ready on that? Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, Commissioners. It's actually an item of the City's Transportation Department. Stewart Robertson: Thank you, Board Members. I have a presentation for your perusal. We wanted to give you an update on the Overtown and Wynwood Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which is an -- Mr. Woods: Your name and who you're -- Mr. Robertson: I'm sorry? Mr. Woods: -- name and organization that you're -- Mr. Robertson: Oh, sure, yeah. Stewart Robertson with Kimley, Horn & Associates, the consultant firm on behalf of the City of Miami's Transportation Department for the Overtown and Wynwood Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan. The project -- the purpose of the project is to enhance the -- and further the City's goals regarding complete streets to implement bicycle and pedestrian mobility and safety improvements in these areas where it is much needed. You have some information in your agenda packet which is a draft of our recommended improvements. That map is also included in this presentation that I passed out here, and Ali is setting up a board of those improvements here. Just want to give you a brief overview and then allow time if you do have any questions of me that you can ask those questions. But for the sake of time, just wanted to give you a little bit of an overview of the plan. We have identified locations where we have sidewalk gaps within the community. We've identified seven different projects that we'll be installing new sidewalk to fill in gaps. We've identified 33 different projects that we'll be installing new crosswalks. Essentially, we've looked for locations where signalized intersections with the traffic lights, if they don't have a crosswalk, we've identified those locations to install them; also looking for locations to identdy crosswalks to connect to bus stops, as well. What we found is that a lot of the bus stops are actually located far away from the crosswalks, and so we want to try to improve the mobility of the bus passengers to be able to access those crosswalks. We've also identified a number of projects that are called "road dais. " Essentially, that is where we are able to go out and identify some excess roadway capacity within the network, and remove some of the travel lanes, and repurpose that space within the public right-of-way for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Some of those projects include along Miami Avenue where we've identified the ability to go down and remove lanes to go down to two lanes instead of three in the area between 14th Street and 5th Street. We would be able to build bike lanes and wider sidewalks with that area; also along 29th Street, along 5th Street and along 3rd Court, as well. In addition, we've got some projects recommended for resurfacing of the roadway to allow smoother conditions that are more attractive for biking and walking. We've also identified some improvements that will connect to the City's bike share that is coming along to try to enhance the bike routes and bike paths that are provided for the City. One of those is to connect the Overtown greenway phase one to the 9th Street linear park, which is a wonderful asset within the community; weekly events held there. We'd like to be able to connect Overtown greenway phase one to 9th Street linear park by recommending a new greenway underneath the Metrorail corridor between 2ndAvenue and 10th Street. And finally, we've identified a series of improvements that we're calling neighborhood slow zones. Essentially, this is to try to calm traffic within certain residential streets to try to lower the motor vehicle speeds and make them more inviting for people to walk and ride their bicycle, and this can be done by providing neighborhood gateway treatments, entry features, pavement markings and just general more green space and more trees, a nicer tree canopy within the right-of-way, so those are the City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 improvements that are called the neighborhood slow zones that you see there. We are in -- beginning to wrap up the project. We have a draft report that is underway that will be submitted to the Transportation Department; and Collin Worth, from the City's Transportation Department, is our project manager that will include these improvements that you see here. We've also had a series of public meetings associated with this project to gather input from the public, and we have also had an online survey that has been posted on the City's website where people can actually go online and give us their ideas about biking and walking within the Overtown and Wynwood areas; got a lot of good comments about what people like about biking and walking, what they don't like, and what they would want to see more of and we've developed some improvements included within this set of improvements, specifically geared toward what the public has commented on. So that wraps up the prepared remarks that I had. I would like to engage any questions or comments that you may have or any issues that you're aware of within the community that we would be able to incorporate within the Overtown and Wynwood Bicycle Pedestrian Mobility Plan. Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, any questions that you have for this gentleman? Board Member Suarez: A few brief comments, Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized. Board Member Suarez: First of all, I like the brand. I like the branding, the image that you have, and obviously, I think -- I probably speak for my colleagues when I say that we all want all our neighborhoods to be more walkable, more pedestrian friendly, more bike friendly. I think we've all, in our own way, tried to push for that. What happens oftentimes with these very beautiful, very intelligently thought through plans is that they just remain plans, and so I guess my question to you is: How do we -- how are we going to make this -- convert this from a plan to reality? Mr. Robertson: I think it's going to be through partnerships within the City, within the community; other agencies, as well; working with the County and the State for installing the improvements that are on County or State roadways; in search of grant funding to be able to implement these projects, or trying to implement them in the course of normal roadway maintenance projects, like resurfacing, as well. It's going to take a plethora of different strategies to be able to improve the community in an efficient way, and to try to make sure that the plan doesn't sit on the shelf. You're exactly right; I agree with you a hundred percent. We've got to try to make the project happen and not just be another plan with a good brand. Board Member Suarez: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Gort: Have we had any discussions with the County or the State? Because there's a lot of -- they have a lot of supervisions in those areas. Mr. Robertson: Yes. We have an inter -agency coordination committee that's up that has met three times on this project that does include representatives from the State DOT (Department of Transportation), as well as from the County Public Works Department, as well, to try to get them onboard with the improvements that we're recommending. The County does have authority over traffic control devices, so it's very important for us to have them onboard and have them buying into the complete streets, and the inter -agency coordination committee is a good first step for being able to implement these projects on their streets, as well. Chair Hardemon: Any other questions? Seeing none, thank you very much, sir. Mr. Robertson: Thank you, Commissioners. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 RESOLUTIONS 2. 14-00262 Chair Hardemon: I appreciate your time. Mr. Robertson: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Before we move on to our resolutions -- not on this; no public, because we're not taking any action on it, so we don't have any public comments just yet. Willie L. Williams: Okay, I'd just like for them to meet with the community. They said they had several meetings with the community, and I never, you know, seen him in any of (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Let me say this: Right now, this is just a discussion item, so we're not making any movement on it, whatsoever, but I'm sure that you would like to meet with people in the community. What you can do is contact the CRA, and we're going to start the process of actually bringing back the Overtown Oversight Board, so through that entity also, we'll be able to have some participation through the Overtown community involved in this process. But then again, you also have your NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) offices, your homeowners associations; all those are really involved in Overtown and the Wynwood community, and I'm sure want to share their ideas and not just have you present yours. No, we're not accepting any public comment right now, Reverend Lincoln, okay? Please have a seat. Thank you very much. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), RATIFYING THE AMENDMENT TO, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF, THE CRA'S EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2013. File # 14-00262 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00262 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00262 Exhibit.pdf File # 14-00262 Signed 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 Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0023 Chair Hardemon: Now we can move on to item number 2. Go ahead. Unidentified Speaker: Go ahead, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Suarez: That was interesting. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 2 -- Chair Hardemon: Decorum please. Mr. Woods: -- is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 West Community Redevelopment -- Chair Hardemon: Ladies and gentlemen in the back of the room, please, I need your silence. It's a very large room and we need to be able to hear. Mr. Woods: Item number 2 is an item -- is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, rat Eying the amendment to and implementation of the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency) Employee Handbook, in substantially the attached form, effective October 1, 2013. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Board Member Sarnoff. Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we accept CRA RE.2, what's listed as RE.2. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to make a comment about this? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. Any discussion? Hearing no discussion from the Commissioners, all in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00265 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $600,000.00, CONSISTING OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF NEW YORK'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM FOR THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND COMMONS AREAS AT TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH CONDOMINIUMS, 475 NW 19th STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA (FOLIO NO. 01-3136-083-0870); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE DIRECT SUBSIDY AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ATTACHED HERETO; AUTHORIZING 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; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH. File # 14-00265 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00265 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00265 Exhibit.pdf File No. 14-00265 Signed Legislation.pdf File # 14-00265 Signed 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 Hardemon, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Carollo City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 CRA-R-14-0024 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) RE.3. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 3 -- Chair Hardemon: I'm -- please, if you are leaving the building, please refrain from speaking. We still have our meeting going on. We need silence, please. For the record, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). RE.3. Mr. Woods: RE -- item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, accepting funds in an amount not to exceed $600, 000, consisting of a grant award from the housing -- from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's Affordable Housing Program for the renovation and rehabilitation of residential units and commons areas at Town Park Plaza North Condominiums, 475 Northwest 19th Street, Miami, Florida; authorizing the executive director to execute the direct subsidy agreement and memorandum of understanding attached hereto; and authorizing 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. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Board Member Sarnoff.- Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we accept RE.3. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this agenda item? Lewis William Hill: Yes. Chair Hardemon: Come forward, sir, please, and make sure you announce your name for the record. Can you remove your cap, please, sir? Can you remove your cap, please? Thank you. Mr. Hill: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Lewis William Hill. I am the pastor of Second Timothy Service and Worship Center. I'm an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army Ranger Corps. Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please. Mr. Hill: I was born in what was then Coleman Filling Station on Northwest 3rdAvenue and 5th Street. I only have one question as opposed to this grant, which would lead to the same question to a number of other grants you have on your agenda today; the conditions of these grants or of this grant. Will this grant give us, as members of this community, per se, local unions, labor halls, will it make provisions for that some of this labor that's being used to perform such renovations on such said properties, does this grant provide jobs for us or a way that the local union, like the union -- I'm a member of Laborers International 1652, andl would like very much well to know if, in fact, there will be a provision in the grant that some of this employment, some of this money be used for some of the local employees, such as myself and others, from local labor halls or local labor unions? Will it ensure that we get a chance to do some of this work and make some of this money, provide for our families in this community? Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much for your question. Mr. Woods? Mr. Woods: Sir, I'm sorry, I -- your name again? City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Hill: My name is Lewis William Hill. Mr. Woods: Mr. Hill, it is the policy of the CRA that we include local participation, local jobs with all of the development projects that we are doing. It's not just that there is participation, but we look to monitor and enforce the local participation requirements that we have with these development projects that we're undertaking. Mr. Hill: Okay, to what percentage or what degree? Mr. Woods: We don't have any percentages, sir. What we have is a written policy within the development agreements that we actually -- or the grant agreements that we actually sign up with contractors or developers that there is a mandate for hiring. Now, that's -- with this particular project, which is Town Park North, we're only asking for a contractor to come in and provide the contracting, but there are other instances where we do require 20 percent of the subs to come from the local area, then 40 percent of the labor to come from within the local area, so there is a percentage with certain contracts. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Mr. Hill: Thank you. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Seeing no other persons here for public comment, I'm going to close the floor at this time. Any discussion by the Commissioners? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, speak so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00266 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $63,000, WITH JUDD K. ROTH REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INC. ASSISTANCE WITH GRANT APPLICATIONS MADE TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS OF THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF NEW YORK AND THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF ATLANTA IN CONNECTION WITH THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH CONDOMINIUMS, 475 NW 19TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND ENTITLED, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.531000.0000.00000. File # 14-00266 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00266 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00266 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00266 Signed 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 Hardemon, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Carollo City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 CRA-R-14-0025 Chair Hardemon: Now moving on to RE.4. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $63, 000, with Judd K. Roth Real Estate Development, Inc., assistance with grant applications made to affordable housing programs of the Federal Horne Loan Bank of New York and the Federal Horne Loan Bank of Atlanta in connection with the renovation and rehabilitation of Town Park Plaza North Commons [sic] at 475 Northwest 19th -- Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please. Remember, this is a meeting that is being recorded, and we cannot hear and the camera cannot capture our words if everyone is speaking in the back. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Mr. Woods: -- at 4 -- Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved. Is there -- Board Member Sarnoff. Second. Chair Hardemon: -- a second? It's been properly moved and seconded that we accept agenda item RE.4. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. At this time, any discussion from the Commissioners? Hearing none, all in favor of the item, speak so by saying "aye. " The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00267 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH NANCY BEAUTY SUPPLY, INC., AS THE SOLE PROPOSER IN RESPONSE TO RFP NO. 13-007, FOR THE LEASE OF COMMERCIAL SPACE AT THE OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, 1490 NW 3RD AVENUE, UNIT 109, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. File # 14-00267 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00267 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00267 Signed Legislation.pdf File # 14-00267 Exhibit pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0026 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.5. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 5 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, authorizing the execution of a commercial lease agreement, in substantially the attached form, with Nancy Beauty Supply, Inc., as the sole proposer in response to RFP (Request for Proposals) Number 13-007, for the lease of commercial space at the Overtown Shopping Center, located at 1490 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Unit 109, Miami, Florida; further authorizing the executive director to execute all other documents necessary for said purpose. Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved. Is there a second? Board Member Sarnoff.- Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we accept this item. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. At this time, any discussion from the Commissioners? Board Member Suarez: Just very brief. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I just want to say that, you know, we have several items here that talk about the revitalization of the Overtown Shopping Center, and I think when we talk about things happening or not happening, I think it's important to give credit where credit is due. And it's been a long time coming that we have a shopping center that's vibrant and active on 14th and 3rd, and I commend you for your leadership on it. I know you've worked really hard on this, and I know that your staff has worked you know -- and the staff of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) has worked very, very hard to get this and a variety of other items. So I'll just make the comment on this one item, but they apply, really, to all the items that are going to have a direct impact in revitalizing that shopping center, which is in the heart of Overtown, and we're hopeful that that will -- we know that that will be the beginning of a tremendous revitalization that will come very, very quickly, God willing. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the items [sic], speak so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00145 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 FORM, WITH TWO GUYS RESTAURANT, INC. ("TWO GUYS"), AS THE SOLE PROPOSER IN RESPONSE TO RFP NO. 13-007, FOR THE LEASE OF COMMERCIAL SPACE AT THE OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, 1490 NW 3RDAVENUE, UNIT 108, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000, TO TWO GUYS TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TENANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE UNIT PROPOSED TO BE LEASED; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00145 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00145 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00145 Backup.pdf File # 14-00145 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00145 Exhibit.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 4-0027 Chair Hardemon: RE.6. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, item number 6 is a companion item. It's a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, authorizing the execution of a commercial lease agreement, in substantially the attached form, with Two Guys Restaurant, Inc. ("Two Guys"), as the sole proposer in response to RFP (Request for Proposals) Number 13-007, for the lease of commercial space at the Overtown Shopping Center, 1490 Northwest 3 rd Avenue, Unit Number 108, Miami, Florida; further authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $150, 000, to Two Guys to underwrite costs associated with the tenant improvements to the unit proposed to be leased; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds, at his discretion, on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors, upon presentation of satisfactory invoices and documentation; further authorizing the execution -- the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone from the public that'd like to comment on this item? Willie L. Williams: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir. Mr. Williams: Pastor Williams. I just want one question: And how much would the lease be to rent there, the square footage? How much would these new businesses be paying a month? Mr. Woods: It's -- for Two Guys, I think the all -in rent is going to be about $8 -- a little -- almost $9 per square foot, for a total amount of a thousand dollars per month. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Williams: And the beauty salon? Mr. Woods: We're not on the beauty salon as of yet. Oh, you -- well, we did just pass the beauty sal -- the beauty salon is -- it's around the same, $9; a little more with (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and I think they're all -in is just a little over $9 at $1,200 a month. Chair Hardemon: Yes, Ms. Lincoln. Shoshana Lincoln: Clarence, I would like you to detailize [sic] the money, how it will be spent. It's close to half a million has been given to Two Guys, and all the components that need to bring back in the Overtown Shopping Center is there. I don't understand why should Two Guys be get 150,000; to do what? Mr. Woods: To build out the space, the commercial space that they're going to be leasing. It's a part of a tenant improvement grant. Ms. Lincoln: Well, the space has been done by the CRA, and to put in the hood and put in the equipment that she has over there already would not take 150, 000. I built restaurant before. Mr. Woods: We should have gotten -- Chair Hardemon: Can we stop for a moment? Because he has to change the tape on the recording device. Ms. Lincoln: Yeah, but he doesn't have -- Chair Hardemon: One second, Ms. Reverend. Ms. Lincoln: -- proper quotation -- Chair Hardemon: One second, Reverend Lincoln. Ms. Lincoln: What? Chair Hardemon: One second; we just need him to change the tape. Ms. Lincoln: What? Unidentified Speaker: I'm changing the tape. Unidentified Speaker: He's changing the tape. Ms. Lincoln: Oh, I see. Sorry. Board Member Suarez: We can't get your lovely face on camera if we don't wait to change the tape; can't see you. Ms. Lincoln: Actually, there should be some more -- no, I am speaking opposite of the mike. Unidentified Speaker: Okay. Chair Hardemon: You can go ahead now, Reverend Lincoln. Ms. Lincoln: Actually, from what I understood, with some money that is coming into Overtown CRA, we have a stimulus here in Overtown, but the money from me, from what I perceive, it's City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 being misspent. Now, for instance, let me just go back quickly to 14th Street, a project. When Sarnoff stop his project in One Miami Avenue there, Clarence didn't continue, because God knows where the money goes, one. Two, I don't see any objection on how the money is being spent. We have ample amount of money in Overtown, even the amount of money that I see is coming in for administration and for spending, our Overtown should be booming. We should already have a burgeoning economy in Overtown. But I don't understand. If Clarence have this visual acuity for bringing this Overtown quickly, as Sarnoff and his recipe put down with Midtown. Chair Hardemon: Okay, thank you very much. Mr. Woods: Commissioner Sarnoff -- Chair Hardemon: All right. Mr. Woods: -- I think that was a compliment to you, Commissioner. Board Member Sarnoff.- Should have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Diaz' accolades. Derek Cole: Hi. Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street. I was wondering, on the renovation of the shopping center that we're talking about, how many people from the community -- construction companies and independent contractors -- are going to be working on that. Mr. Woods: Well -- Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods? Mr. Woods: -- we've competitively bid the renovation of the shopping center. We have selected a contractor. We are working with that particular contractor to make sure that there is inclusion from the community in rebuilding the shopping center. Mr. Cole: It's a shame that nobody from the community put in on the RFP to do this. Why -- Mr. Woods: Yes, and -- Mr. Cole: -- no one from the community did that is amazing. Mr. Woods: -- you and I had this conversation right before this meeting, and I told you why. Al Crespo: Well, tell everybody why. Unidentified Speaker: Yeah, I'd like to know the plan. Mr. Crespo: Tell everybody why. Chair Hardemon: Unless you are speaking at the mike when you have your two minutes, do not raise your voice in this meeting. If you have a question, you do what everyone else here has had the respect for each other to do; walk to the mike, use your two minutes, and ask your question. Ms. Holmes. Renita Holmes: Thank you, sir. Commissioner, I'd like to know what the impediments were to everyone else in the community locally. I'm a contractor, paralegal, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) technician, all taught by local funds. You're a great leader, and I know you from the very beginning, and Commissioner Gort, very innovative. I'd like to see that type of leadership extended on my behalf as a taxpayer. When we create community reinvestment, it's City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 quite clear what the rules and guidelines ethically are, spiritually, holistically, and as far as the community reinvestment. And so here lies my questions: How much does the community get back from Nancy? Since when do we spend that much more? Totally, all over, how much more are we investing in it? Because I've seen best practices, innovative practices where we've used local supermarkets and local bills and put them together. We create our own policy. I find it insulting as a member of the community that passes by there every day and throughout that we continue to invest in people that are not local more than we invest in creating an innovative build that we are. I went to school with this gentleman right here. I know what he's capable. I'm capable myself, and it's not that I haven't made myself available, but I don't know the reinvestment numbers. I am allowed as a taxpayer and as a public to request that. And Commissioner Hardemon, I'd like to know before that is done and this deal is made. And if you're making decisions based on logic, facts, what is the actual return to the community? What is the reinvestment job? What is the minimum amount offered? Because not all of us can access media; not all of us can access -- and most -- look at the people out here. Not all of my citizens and my neighbors actually have a computer access to this. And I can't make it to the mall, and I know this gentleman that -- we have pain also -- as a community education and outreach person can't possibly make it to every one. I'm hearing that; that's all well and good, but it's getting too easy to tell me trust you when you give me no facts and no data and give me apparent -- leadership is transparent. And that's not under the sunshine, having conversations with people out there, so let's stay within the law. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Ms. Holmes: And I know you'll get me that answer. Chair Hardemon: Well, I mean, your question was -- I lost your question. Ms. Holmes: Here's my main question. My main question, though, if you could -- and I know, and since he did answer and have that conversation: What is the actual amounts and digits in the community reinvestment out of this deal? How much are we getting back for spending 150,000 on someone else way out there? I could do a rebuild with community service hours ex felons and Camillus House people. Open it up again and see. Chair Hardemon: All right. Okay, I think I understand your question. Ms. Holmes: Yes. Chair Hardemon: And from the layman's perspective -- 'cause I consider myself to be a layman when it comes to construction, but what it appears to be is that we have a business that is located in Overtown that was disrupted by the 395 when they started to make the improvements on the building that they were initially leasing in. That structure, that building, which you now see on 14th Street and 3rdAvenue, where it says "Two Guys" up there, that business now -- the actual operating of the business has to be moved from a building that it is in that the CRA currently owns that needs tremendous repair. So the place where that business is now being transferred to will be the shopping center, which is where the CRA home is now. In order for a restaurant to operate within the shopping center, there has to be some accommodations to be made so that they can cook and prepare food properly under the law in that space. So that $150, 000 is putting a business to be -- able to be operated within the Overtown area; a place that I've eaten at; that I'm sure the majority of the people here have eaten at, and we want to continue to encourage investment in our community. If we don't make the investment in our communities, who else will, especially when it comes to local restaurants and businesses and things of that nature? We understand that there are other developments happening -- Applause. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: We understand there are other developments happening, but those developments are typically residential and some other commercial space. But here we are with a business that is already operating, that wants to move to a place so that it does not go out of business and that could service the people who live in Overtown. Sir. Al Crespo: Al Crespo. As far as Two Guys go, the building on 14th Street and 3rdAvenue has stay -- has been empty since there was rehab. It's never been occupied by a restaurant, because at the time that the contract was let out, nobody bothered to inquire or find out about the fact that the gas lines and the water lines didn't hook up to that building. A year ago -- matter of fact, January and February of last year, I asked Mr. Woods, "Why was that building continuing to be empty?" and he told me, "Well, we had a problem, because the contractor didn't know about the gas lines being disrupted when they redid 3rdAvenue, and the water mains don't hook up to the building." So that building has never been used, but that was a $260, 000 grant that was given by the CRA for the rehab of that building, and that building was never used. In March of last year is when the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) came along and said, "Hey, we want to buy the property." So even though you're going to get money back for the property, you're not going to get the money back that you've already spent in the rehab of that building, so you've net lost whatever amount of money that went into the rehab of that building because of the incompetence of whoever let the grant out to begin with and the contractor who didn't do the job right, because Two Guys could have been in there for at least a little while, but they've never been in there at all. So now, you've got another situation where now you're giving $150,000 more. And I have no objection, you know. That's -- they're going to need money. But, you know, you spent an awful lot of money with no results, whatsoever. There are no deliverables with you people, you know, and I'm going to be back to talk about deliverables. But when you talk about you've eaten in their restaurant, you might have eaten at the little one over here on 3rdAvenue, you damned sure ain't never eaten in that building, 'cause it's never been open. And for Mr. Woods, you know, when you say, "Oh, ha, ha, ha, we talked about that before the meeting, " you need to talk about -- let everybody know what you talked about before the meeting. Give everybody that explanation, all right? Chair Hardemon: Thank you very -- Mr. Crespo: You can't do this stuff on the sly and on the backroom or whatever. Chair Hardemon: -- much, sir. I really appreciate your comment. Would you like to --? Mr. Woods: Yes, I definitely would. You know, if I hadn't been involved myself, I'd think everything Mr. Crespo said is -- and it is actually factual; some of the stuff that he said is factual. What appears to be the vacant -- and it is vacant -- Two Guys Restaurant where they were supposed to go in, the issue that he's speaking of regarding the water main and the contractor not realizing that it was three-inch -- three -quarter -inch pipe and it needed to be one -inch pipe, I'd just offer that in construction, there are some inevitables or some unforeseen, and you always, you know, meet some unforeseen, you know, contingencies that you have to react to. Just to be clear, that happened at the same time that FDOT was looking at taking Two Guys. The way you made it seem as if that issue with the water happened one year prior to the issue of FDOT taking -- wanting to take that building. It happened all last year around February, at the same time, to be clear about that. The other issue regarding -- and we can get into why they're not actually occupying the building, but it's not because of any malfeasance or, you know, lack of knowing about the -- from the CRA side -- what actually happened and I've given this explanation many times before. I sat on FDOT's project advisory group for over three years, sir, for over three years, and we vetted the options for takings in the Overtown area. I have the documents, so I can show them to you. FDOT, themselves, admitted that there was no way for us to know that they would be taking -- we would not have given a grant to rehab that building had we known that FDOT was planning to take it; we did not know that. And when it came to light, it was after it was already done; like you said, just about -- around March of last year. So the intent for City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 putting Two Guys into that particular restaurant, I mean, it was an earnest intent. We've been working with Ms. Meadows for some time in order to relocate her into that space so that she can get out of the current location, because that is where another potential project will be going. As far as the conversation that I had with Derek today at my office -- and I'm not an elected official, so, you know, you're talking about, you know, violating some sunshine law. I'm not an elected official. I can talk to -- Mr. Crespo: I'm sorry; I did not make that allegation. Mr. Woods: I said "Derek." I didn't say you. But for you, what you need to understand is that the CRA proactively seeks to find local, local contractors to do its work. We established a database of contractors at the Business Resource Center that's in the shopping center where we are. We put out advertisements for this work. We can only deal with those that respond. In this particular case, we did put it out; we did have a local contractor to respond. His price was 300 and something -plus dollars; whereas the other guys was 130. Were you -- are you suggesting that we not be prudent with the funds that we have? And let me be clear about this. Even though we had to choose someone that had a lesser price, we are still being vigilant to make sure -- and we had this conversation with that particular contractor -- we wanted some local participation as far as the jobs and even subs, which they have agreed to do, and we're going to be monitoring that. So as much as we can, we try to find -- and we actively -- we proactively do this -- try to find contractors, developers, whomever. We believe it's very important, so it's not something that I take lightly, and -- you know, because I laughed with Derek, it was only because we had that conversation at my office earlier today. It's not something that I take lightly. I am very serious about finding local participation to do the work in the CRA. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, Mr. Woods. Mr. Crespo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: Your time is expired. Unless there's a motion from -- Mr. Crespo: Mr. Chairman -- Chair Hardemon: -- unless there is a -- Mr. Crespo: -- he's raised issues that require -- Chair Hardemon: Sir -- Mr. Crespo: -- a response. Chair Hardemon: -- unless there is a motion from this Board to extend your time to speak. I don't hear one, so your time is expired. Mr. Crespo: I'll be back. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much. I know you will. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may? Chair Hardemon: Yes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. I think the issue here is, you know, that in another -- and I think you're right, Mr. Executive Director, that -- and I know you're right, actually -- your emphasis was pure, your motives were pure. Nevertheless, as we've talked before -- City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- we find ourself in a situation where we would be granting funds to an organization that has already received and has not been able to use grant funds. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And so, you know, whether it's Crespo or whomever that brings up the point, you know, I think it's -- it merits discussion, and it merits an answer, a response as to how we're going to recuperate those funds, and I think that's something that's -- it's worth discussing. Chair Hardemon: I think we can get into a discussion after we close our public hearing. Board Member Suarez: Agreed. Chair Hardemon: Is there another person from the public hearing that'd like to speak? J. A. Alex: My name is J. A. Alex. I'm the executive director of the Black Justice Coalition, and I'm also the chairman of the National GROGIN, and the National GROGIN stand for "Get Rid of Ghettos in America. I was not, you know, really intending to speak at this meeting, but then when I found out it was about the allegation -- or the allocation of government funding for inner-city economic development, I felt it was my duty to speak. And the reason I thought that way is because billions, hundreds of millions of dollars are continually being poured into the inner-city poor communities to help those communities who are struggling with poverty, deprivation, suffering, and very little effect is being felt by the citizens of that community. This happens year after year, again and again, and we keep giving what you might call shadow promises that, "Oh, yes, we are looking at ways to make sure this happen. We're making sure they're involved" But I appreciate the comments of our sister, Renita. She says there's a ethical, moral responsibility. That was some deep words, in case you didn't miss [sic] it. It doesn't matter whether it's on the book, in the letter to us, because we have a higher person to answer to so -- when we use those words. But getting back down to the government level -- Chair Hardemon: Sir -- Mr. Alex: -- we would like to -- we'd just like -- I'm wrapping it up now -- we would like to see a change in the way business is being done so that black businesses are developed and black jobs are developed, and we appreciate it if you all can look at those considerations. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Seeing no other persons here for a public hearing, we'd like to close the public hearing. Now here for a discussion, I believe Mr. Woods was -- put forth a question by Commissioner Suarez. Would you like to address it now? Mr. Woods: Currently, the situation with Two Guys is in litigation, because there's a condemnation. FDOT is taking the property. They are working with the owner of the property, who is St. John's Church. We have talked to the pastor who was here -- I don't know if he's still here now -- Unidentified Speaker: Yes, I am. Mr. Woods: -- and you know, we are working out a situation to where we are looking to get some of that money back so -- Board Member Suarez: Why are you hiding back there? Why are -- City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Woods: At six -foot -seven, he can't hide very much. Board Member Suarez: -- you hiding back there, man? Don't worry about it. Unidentified Speaker: I (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Woods: Don't worry about it. Board Member Suarez: Don't worry about it. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion from the Commission? You know, and the one thing I'd like to echo -- and I know him as "Black Justice, " so the one thing I'd like to echo, what Mr. Justice said, was that we want some development for the black businesses in our community, and to me, that's exactly what this does. It's unfortunate that the funds in the last allocation were put into -- they were -- I would like to say "put in jeopardy" -- but the business can't benefit from those funds. But here we are with an opportunity to have a business that has been operating in Overtown to continue to operate, and I think that is a good thing, despite the fact that we lost some funds to building out that project and not being able to be in a place where they can operate their business. And for me, it's just -- although someone stated earlier I know nothing about Overtown -- it reminds me of when the -- Board Member Suarez: I knew you weren't going to let that one go. Chair Hardemon: -- I can't let it go. I can't believe that. Oh, my God. So -- but it reminds me of when the 395 and the expressway came through Overtown. This is exactly what happened, you know. There was a -- Board Member Suarez: His predecessor wouldn't let it go, either. Chair Hardemon: -- business, and there was a taking, and we lose out as a community. So we (UNINTELLIGIBLE) opportunity to do something right by putting that person into a place where they can operate a business and be successful within Overtown with a facility that we can invite our friends who come from around the country to visit and be proud of. So that's just my position on it. What -- right now, though, we do not have a motion on the floor in regards to this -- Board Member Suarez: I move it. Chair Hardemon: -- so is there a motion? Board Member Suarez: Move it. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any further unreadiness or any discussion? Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Director, for the clarification. Chair Hardemon: Hearing none, all in favor of the item -- Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Chair, I'm sorry, who was the seconder? Chair Hardemon: The seconder was by Commissioner Gort, and it was moved by Commissioner Suarez. Hearing no further discussion, all in favor of the item, say so by saying "aye." City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion passes. 7. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00146 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH VSMD FOOD CORP., AS THE SOLE PROPOSER IN RESPONSE TO RFP NO. 13-007, FOR UNIT 101 AT THE OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, 1490 NW 3RDAVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. File # 14-00146 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00146 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00146 Backup.pdf File # 14-00146 Legislation.pdf 14-00146-Exhibit-SUB.pdf File # 14-00146 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice -Chair Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez Noes: Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0028 Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 7 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Over -- it's another item regarding the Overtown Shopping Center -- Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments, authorizing the execution of a commercial lease agreement, in substantially the attached form, with VSMD Food Corp. as the sole proposer in response to RFP (Request for Proposals) Number 13-007 for Unit 101 at the Overtown Shopping Center at 1490 Northwest 3rdAvenue, Miami, Florida; further authorizing the executive director to execute all other documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone from the public that'd like to comment on this? Seeing none, I'm going to close the floor for the public hearing. This would be a good one, I mean, especially to see that we're bringing a grocery store to Overtown, but -- Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Woods: Well, I guess we should say that this is for -- Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Gort. Board Member Suarez: I'll second it for discussion. Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Is there any discussion from the Commissioners? City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Suarez: There is, there absolutely is, and this goes to one of those issues where we've been trying to do this for four years, and that's why, you know -- I guess I did say at the beginning that I was not going to repeat my comments over and over again, but I'm backing -- I guess backing out on that promise. No, I think of all the projects that we're doing, this is the most significant by far. I think one of the things that in my travels through Overtown that's been glaringly missing, that is in every other community, every other community, regardless of socio-economic background, regardless of ethnicity, et cetera, is a shopping center, a real shopping center. And I think, you know, we've been discussing this for a long time, and I'm glad that it's finally coming to fruition, and I'm honored to be a part of the board that is approving this. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion from -- Board Member Sarnoff.- Yes, Mr. Chair. Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff. Board Member Sarnoff.. Mr. Woods, who put this contract together? Mr. Woods: Pardon me? Board Member Sarnoff Who put this contract together? Mr. Woods: It was our attorneys, along with our management and leasing -- Board Member Sarnoff Did you carefully review it? Mr. Woods: Yes, we reviewed it. Board Member Sarnoff Did you check to see your exhibits are correct? Chair Hardemon: I believe he's pointing out to the same thing that I had the discussion with you about earlier. Mr. Woods: Okay. Chair Hardemon: If you look at the shopping center lease, the supporting documentation -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Hardemon: Am I right, Commissioner? Board Member Sarnoff You are. Chair Hardemon: Yes. The shopping center lease, where it has a stamp of supporting documentation -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Hardemon: First is that, that is included in the lease -- Mr. Woods: Right. City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: -- where it indicates similar but not the same information. Mr. Woods: Well, what I think -- this is the cover. This isn't the actual lease. This was -- came from the last -- Chair Hardemon: Can you -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) be clear with what you're referring to, please. Mr. Woods: This -- the shopping center lease is like an executive summary. It's an executive summary that's basically the cover for the item, and what happened is, is that when we packaged the agenda, staff used the item from the last time it was on the agenda. The actual lease and executive summary is in the lease that's included here, but that's a cover -- that's executive summary that's on the cover. Board Member Sarnoff- Yeah, let me be a little clearer, 'cause one of the things I like to look for is, what is the effective rent and who's guaranteeing it. I think those are important terms. Mr. Woods: We have -- Board Member Sarnoff . So when I -- Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff. Board Member Sarnoff- -- went to look at who the guarantor was, I saw it's Milanio A. Diaz. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff- And it says for me to go look at Exhibit "F." When I go to Exhibit "F," it's the acknowledgement form; all it is, the effective date of the lease. Board Member Suarez: It's not the guarantee. Board Member Sarnoff. What you meant to say was "Exhibit 'E. "' So -- and then I looked into some of the other verbiage of your contract, and I noticed that some of your tenses are not correct, as if somebody cut and paste. I merely bring this to your attention, 'cause if it's important to you that this lease be honored, it may as well be correctly done at the inception. Mr. Woods: And I accept that, Commissioner. Obviously, I didn't have the same -- Board Member Sarnoff. I don't blame you; you're not a lawyer. Mr. Woods: Yeah. I didn't -- Board Member Sarnoff- Who are the lawyers that looked at this? Mr. Woods: I have my attorney here, Mr. Bill Bloom, actually, that -- William Bloom (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, the lease was negotiated originally using the same lease form that the broker had used with Off -Street -- Board Member Sarnoff- It wouldn't matter to me if he used a Winn -Dixie lease. It -- Mr. Bloom: -- Parking, so -- Board Member Sarnoff- All that matters to me -- City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Bloom: -- to the extent that it was pasted together, it was pasted together with their form, and then it was modified to reflect -- it wasn't completely rewritten in the terms of economic -- Board Member Suarez: I think he makes a good point, nevertheless. Board Member Sarnoff: Mr. Bloom, I'm sure you want your verbiage to be correct. I'm sure you want your exhibits to be correct. I'm sure you want your guarantees to be correct. And I'm just suggesting to you be -- look at them; I don't think they are. You have singular uses when you mean to use plurals. You have plurals when you mean to use singular. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion? There was a mover and a seconder, right? Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Yes, sir. Board Member Suarez: Yeah; I moved it. Mr. Hannon: If you want to amend it -- Board Member Suarez: I moved it subject to the grammatical corrections of Commissioner Sarnoff. Chair Hardemon: And that's a friendly amendment that Commissioner Sarnoff would be gladly -- would gladly accept. Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the item, indicate so by saying "aye." Board Member Suarez: Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Board Member Sarnoff: Just going to register a "no, " 'cause I think it should be put together correctly. Chair Hardemon: Okay. Mr. Woods: Thank you, Commissioner Sarnoff, for your -- Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. Board Member Suarez: Talk about losing sight of the forest for the trees. Board Member Sarnoff: What's that? Board Member Suarez: Talk about losing sight of the forest for the trees. 8. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00264 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 HEADLINER MARKET GROUP, INC. TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRODUCTION OF THE 2014 OVERTOWN MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL, SCHEDULED TO OCCUR ON JUNE 14, 2014; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 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; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS NOT INCREASED; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND ENTITLED, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 13-00264 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-00264 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-00264 Backup.pdf File # 13-00264 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00264 Signed Legislation.pdf 14-00264-Submittal-Overtown 2014 Music &Arts Festival.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 4-0029 Chair Hardemon: Agenda item RE.8. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Commissioner, item number 8 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $75, 000, to Headliner Marketing Group, Inc., to underwrite costs associated with the production of the 2014 Overtown Music & Arts Festival, scheduled to occur on June 14, 2014; 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; further authorizing the executive director to approve budget modifications under the grant, provided that the overall amount of the grant fimding approved by the Board of Commissioners is not increased. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Board Member Sarnoff. Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve agenda item RE.8. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to make a comment about this? You are recognized, sir. Willie Williams: Pastor Willie Williams from the Overtown Business Association. I have a question: Who is the Headliners Market Group, Incorporated; who is that? Who is that, the company, and where did they --? Mr. Woods: They're -- the gentleman -- one of the principals in Headliners is standing right behind you. Chair Hardemon: And we'll get him to explain exactly -- please, I want you to explain exactly who they are. Is that your only question, as to who they are? Mr. Williams: Yes. And how did we go about, you know, selecting the Headliners? Did you -- City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 did we put out a RFP (Request for Proposals), or what did we do? Mr. Woods: No, we didn't. It's a grant. Chair Hardemon: Yeah, this is a grant. Like any other grants that come before this Commission, there was no RFP process for this grant. But what I'd like to do is I'd like to yield the floor, if you would allow me to, to representatives from Headliner Marketing Group, so they can explain exactly who they are, what business they have in Overtown, what they've done for this community, et cetera, et cetera. Musaddiq Muhummad: Good evening, body of Commissioner [sic] and residents of Overtown. My name is Musaddiq Muhummad. Not only am I business owner in Overtown; I'm a resident in Overtown, as well as a property owner in Overtown. One of the things that I try to do or me and my fellow comrades try to do is uplift, enlighten, inspire our people. I've been in business for over 25 years, and Commissioner Sarnoff can bear witness, in Coconut Grove, where I've established many businesses, employed many businesses [sic]. Board Member Sarnoff- I also want to say he's my next door neighbor, and he's a great neighbor. Board Member Suarez: You live in Overtown, too? Board Member Sarnoff- (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Suarez: Oh. Mr. Muhummad: Headliner Market Group was founded over 15 years ago -- Board Member Suarez: Must have missed something. Mr. Muhammad: -- with the inspiration of my cousin who played basketball for the University of Miami, and what we've done is for 15 years given some of the most successful big events in Miami. If everyone knows the Fontainebleau and Club Live, they said that Club Live gives out -- well, is responsible for 25 cent of every dollar that Club Live -- I mean, that the Fontainebleau makes. This gentleman right here, Michael Gardner, my younger cousin, established this, and we got the biggest party in the world. So what we wanted to do last year, we said, "Listen, we would like to take this event and bring some notoriety and good fun to Overtown," because they say Overtown was the place where everything used to happen, so Overtown come alive. And for most people here, this event -- the CRA (Community Redevelopment Aegncy) is saying we asking for $75, 000. This event is going to cost us in excess of 175, 000. So what are we saying? We're putting in our money because we believe in our community. Unidentified Speaker: That's right. Mr. Muhummad.- These young guys right here, I'm employing them, say, "Listen, every time we make some money, we going to invest right back in our community." That's what we doing. If you see, House of Wings is established; it's been there for over two years now. I signed my lease in 2007. I wasn't deterred, because 3rdAvenue is where I wanted to come, and I've been successful. Maverick's Barbershop -- most people don't know, by trade, I'm a barber -- was open in the next month with no City funds. I have another partner right there. We will be opening up a DM Clothing Store on 3rdAvenue. It's one more thing would love to tell everybody that we're about to do, but we have to create an atmosphere where people want to come and enjoy Overtown. So if anybody have any questions, I'm here to answer anything. And Michael Gardner, please come up here. And let him say a few things, and thank you for my time. City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Mr. Gardner. Michael Gardner: I'm Mike Gardner. I'm the CEO (chief executive officer) of Headliner Market Group, and as he said, I've been doing this for 15 years. I graduated from the University of Miami. I was starting point guard there when we brought basketball back, back in '91. We haven't been doing so well, but same -- the same vigor and consistency I stayed with as a University of Miami basketball player, I'm here as far as, you know, doing special events and marketing, and I'm trying to bring back to the city that raised me and that's been supporting me over the 15 years. So I'm just here to try to lend my expertise, my knowledge, and everything that I've gathered here in the City of Miami and give it back. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Are there any -- well, right now we're in the public hearing section. I know, pastor, I gave you the opportunity to speak. If you'd like to make another brief comment, I will give you that, considering that you just heard who they are. Mr. Williams: Yes. I honor, you know, especially black businesses coming back to Overtown, and Zeke (phonetic), I -- you know, I respect you very highly, but I just -- you know, we have things and people and -- that has been established in Overtown, and as the newcomers come, we ask that you recognize those things and people that been established in Overtown, and let's, you know, join the force, like you and the County -- the City and the County is trying to do -- join a force and make things happen. We have the Overtown Business Association, and, you know, I know it can be impact if we come together and make it happen. But I'm looking forward for new businesses to come in the area, because together, we can stand and make a different [sic] in Overtown. And again, you know, I welcome, you know, the -- everything that you're getting ready to do. But I just wanted to ask one question about the vending. How are you going to do the vending? Chair Hardemon: Tell us just a little bit about you, Mr. Deke (phonetic). Tell us a little bit about the actual event that you're trying to produce. Mr. Muhummad: The event will encompass art, music, and just a different variety of that which you see like in Calle Ocho, that that you see -- Jazz in the Garden. We want Overtown to come alive. When it comes to vending, what we would do is those businesses on 3rdAvenue -- and forgive me, I know I have to come and I would like to talk to you, but we want to bring all the vendors and basically just give them a space, 'cause I think that's what they've done in the past, - am I right? Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Muhummad: So like I said, we're taking on the bulk of this, but I believe in the project so much that I'm willing to put my dollars, my own dollars behind it. So the vendors, I will definitely get with you next week, and we can sit down, and we definitely can work together to strategize for a very, very successful event. And right now, Clarence, one of our Headline acts that we definitely trying to bring, and we're very, very close, is -- Mr. Woods: Don't say it. Unidentified Speaker: Don't say it. Mr. Muhummad: Okay, all right. Board Member Suarez: That was a good cliffhanger. That was a good cliffhanger. Mr. Woods: There's some good ones. We're looking at some really good national talent. City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, madam. Renita Holmes: Yes. Thank you, Commission. Again, Madam Holmes. Finally comes an item that I'm pretty sure that the integrity of the person that is chosen has met my standards of participation, because I pass by. This gentleman I know is investing a hundred thousand of his money, but I know that most of my brothers -- and Selah -- are going to stick to that irregardless, because they do represent a nation attitude, you know. And I think what we're seeing and what he's doing and -- he's made a commitment; he can't go nowhere, you know, 'cause, you know, we love them chicken wings, and that can start a riot alone. So, you know, we don't want to have a chicken wing fight, you know, because whenever we pull this wishbone on this one, all of us are intending to win and make a big wish. But speaking of wishes, to my CRA director, that linking -- I set standards based on what other people have done successfully. And I'll close with this request for reinvestment: That there are some fine photographers, and there are some fine artists, and we are some fine marketeers. Just once, can we just hold our fist together, stand our ground, and say that this local film industry, entertainment marketing function will be definitely one at no cost to local vendors; definitely 50 percent inclusive to reinvest in the businesses of those photographers that are here; and that afterwards, that we can continue to market this event along with Folklore, because one thing that a poor community needs is someone that has that expertise to do promotions. Again, I always ask when we start doing these grants that we have written documation [sic] beforehand so that I can review it and not take two minutes at least to find out what is the actual community reinvestment and benefit from this expense. Thank you so kindly. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Is any -- would you like to make another comment? Is there anyone else from the community like to comment? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. There is a motion and a second on the floor. Is there any further discussion from the Commissioners? Hearing none, all in favor of this is agenda item, say so. The Board (Collectively): Aye. Board Member Suarez: I just want to see who it is. I can't wait till -- he left us hanging there. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. Board Member Suarez: That was pretty good. 9. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00263 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY AT 224 NW 16th STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, 1900 NW 2nd COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AND 1624 NW 1st COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $570,000, PLUS CUSTOMARY CLOSING COSTS, ADJUSTMENTS, AND PRORATIONS; AUTHORIZING SUCH INSPECTIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY AT 1611 NW 3rd AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI, SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE CITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONVEYANCE OF SAID PROPERTY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "LAND," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.661000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 File # 14-00263 Backup.pdf File # 14-00263 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00263 Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, we're asking to continue item number 9. Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion -- Board Member Sarnoff. So move. Chair Hardemon: -- for continuance? Chair Hardemon: Is there a second? Board Member Suarez: Second. Chair Hardemon: RE.9. Vice Chair Gort: Yes, second Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we continue this item to the next CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. Any further discussion from the Commission? Hearing none, all in favor; say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. 10. CRA RESOLUTION 13-01215 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 $850,000, TO J.E.J. PROPERTIES, INC. TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE DUNN AND JOSEPHINE HOTEL, 1028 NW 3RDAVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA (FOLIO NO. 01-0101-040-1020); 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; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS NOT INCREASED; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND ENTITLED, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 File # 13-01215 Cover Memo.pdf File # 13-01215 Financial Form.pdf File # 13-01215 Backup.pdf File # 13-01215 Legislation.pdf File # 13-01215 Signed 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 Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0030 Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to RE. 10. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, item number 10 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 850,000 to JEJProperties, Inc., to underwrite costs associated with the renovation and rehabilitation of the Dunn and Josephine Hotel, 1028 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds, at his discretion, on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purposes; further authorizing the executive director to approve the budget modifications under the grant, provided that the overall amount of the grant funding approval by the Board of Commissioners is not increased. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Board Member Sarnoff.- Second with discussion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve agenda item RE .10. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to make a comment about this agenda item? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. Commissioners, discussion. Board Member Sarnoff Yeah. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff. Board Member Sarnoff. Mr. Woods, I note your -- you briefed me on this and that you wanted to take -- I think you called it a rooming house -- and convert it into a hotel. Mr. Woods: It's actually a -- it has a license for a hotel right now, and it is a rooming house, about 20 to 29 rooms with like 4 bathrooms. The idea is to transform it into a bed and breakfast where we would remove some of the rooms and add bathrooms to all of the rooms, and it'll be about 16 to 18 rooms with bathrooms. Board Member Suarez: Can we do that at City Hall, too, for our Commission offices? Board Member Sarnoff.- So let's say I'm attracted to the argument, but it's an awful lot of money. What assurance do I have from documentation that this, then, is operated as a bed and breakfast or a hotel versus what it's being operated as now? Mr. Woods: Well, we will have a restrictive covenant that will provide for certain stipulations with regards to the funding; a restrictive covenant will be proffered. City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Madam Pacheco? Jessica Pacheco (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): One more point to make on that restrictive covenant. Typically, we also are requiring any grantee that receives funding associated with the renovation of their property that in the event that they sell that property within a period of time that the funds be reimbursed from the sale of that. So it's -- it addresses two issues: the issue of the use, as well as the issue of any transference of that property. Board Member Sarnoff.- May I continue? Chair Hardemon: Yes, Commissioner. Board Member Sarnoff So -- and I appreciate the fact in the event of a transfer, I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that -- you know, you have that particular provision in there, but I think that's kind of standard. My question is a little nuanced, a little more nuanced, and that is: How do you take the -- because the attraction I have is you take the operation as it is now and you say, "We're going to enhance their property, but it's going to be operated differently." Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff.- And how do you do that? Mr. Woods: Well, as a condition of receiving the grant, we would, inasmuch as we possibly can, seek to have some assurance from the actual hotel owner that it would be operated as a bed and breakfast. Short of any contracts, or like we said in the grant agreement, that there be restrictive covenants, if they would choose to operate a rooming house or some other type of -- Board Member Sarnoff.- My question is a little different. Mr. Chair, may I? Chair Hardemon: You are. Board Member Sarnoff.- So have you drafted any kind of criteria or legal language that I could look at to ensure that $850,000, which I think is a lot of money for a private entity, is being spent for your vision? Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff- And your vision, I guess, is to operate it more like a hotel or a bed and breakfast. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff- But have you drafted anything to establish that criteria? Mr. Woods: That will come once we do the grant agreement, and we can bring that back for you to see it if you desire. Board Member Sarnoff- You know, it's a lot of money, Mr. Woods, and I want to make sure that you capture whatever the criteria is you can capture to make something into a hotel, and I mean by that not a rooming house, and I also mean by that not an hourly hotel. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. As an attorney, I definitely would defer to you. If you have some way of helping us with that, I definitely would ask that you provide us some guidance. Board Member Sarnoff- No, I don't, but as a policymaker, I want to make sure what I vote for -- City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 and I do share your vision -- or if it's the Chair's vision. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff I do share that vision. I just want to make sure that vision gets implemented, because I think it's a very, very slippery slope here. I think it -- unless we see something very carefully and artfully written, I don't know that -- it could slip one way or another. Board Member Suarez: And even sometimes when it is artfully written, it's still -- Board Member Sarnoff. Correct, fair enough Board Member Suarez: -- kind of (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Commissioner -- Mr. Woods: I'm sorry, say that again, Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: No, I was going to say that even sometimes, despite our best efforts to draft something tight, a tight agreement -- and we talked about this at the Commission meeting the other day, you know. Our job, I think, is to go a little further and to make sure that -- to ensure compliance, not just to accept people at their word, or if we have a tight, well drafted agreement, say, "Okay, well, this covers it." You know, we have to go -- I think we have to take another step, and I think we're all in agreement on that. Chair Hardemon: I will say, Commissioner Sarnoff, your request is reasonable, and so my question would be then to the attorneys. Is this something that we need to draft before we vote on this item, or is this something --? Considering that there's -- obviously, there's going to have to come another time for the construction agreement to come before us to -- well, I'm sorry. Mr. Woods: But we already have it. Chair Hardemon: Well, yeah, yeah, yeah, we already have that. So is this something that we need to address before we vote on this item? Ms. Pacheco: No, you don't have to. This is the way that you could resolve the issue and address Commissioner Sarnoff's concerns: You -- the passing of this resolution, all that does is it allocates the funding, and it authorizes the executive director to execute those documents necessary. What we can do is, prior to him executing, we can distribute that language so that you are all comfortable and can add comment, if you choose to, and look at the actual language that would exclude such uses as an hourly, you know, hotel/motel or some kind of rooming house. That way, the uses established in those documents, you'll see it before he signs it. All this does is it allocates the funding so that you don't have to come back and reallocate it again. Mr. Woods: Commissioner -- and I'm just thinking -- as a way to maybe deal with the issue that you're talking about -- and I don't know. I think I could -- I'll talk to the attorneys, but would something like a monitoring provision that would allow for us to monitor exactly how they 're renting the rooms, and if there is -- if we see rentals being operated in a way in which is not consistent with what we intend, then we can exact some sort of penalty. And I'm not sure if that does it, but I know you're looking for something more than just a restrictive covenant. Maybe you -- that's something that we can actually add to the grant agreement. Board Member Sarnoff. Mr. Chair. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff. Board Member Sarnoff.- I think it's actually -- it's a reasonably tough thing to do. I'm sure somebody has done this before, because, obviously, people have converted less desirable use -- let's call them "overnight" or "monthly" or "weekly" stays to a much more desirable state with the use of government funding. And I'm sure you could probably go around to other CRA's or other agencies; see how they did it. How you monitor it, I don't know. I truthfully don't know, Mr. Woods, but what my concern is, it's just about a million dollars, and I want to make sure that your vision, or the Chair's vision, is implemented and somebody doesn't just take this large amount of money and operate it as they're doing now, 'cause that's not your vision. Mr. Woods: Right, absolutely. Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Gort. Vice Chair Gort: I think while you're at it, part of the things you can do is some kind of a business plan. You're going to have the change of use in this property. It's a fairly new use they're going to have, and marketing plan and sort of a business plan that's put together; how are they going to -- what kind of revenue they're going to get, what the expenditure and so on. Chair Hardemon: Okay. Any other discussion? Mr. Williams: Yes. I -- Chair Hardemon: The public hearing has been closed Mr. Williams: Okay. I just -- Chair Hardemon: The public hearing session -- Mr. Williams: I mean, I just wanted to know -- this is my community, and this is where I live, and I just want some clarity. Going -- a million dollars, you know, who is getting this million dollars? I mean who -- Chair Hardemon: Okay. Mr. Williams: And then how it's -- how is it going to benefit Overtown? That's the two questions I just wanted to know. Who -- Chair Hardemon: And I understand that. Mr. Williams: Who's getting it? Chair Hardemon: Before we move on, I want to say this -- Mr. Williams: Eight hundred and fifty -- Chair Hardemon: -- no matter how we put things, when things are out of order, just like ifI walked into someone's church and I did something out of order, then the church in their procedures and how they do things would reprimand me in some type of way -- right? -- some type of way. And so when we are here, this is not church, but this is the house that we're doing this business in, and I ask that when we have established a procedure that we follow it, because if one does it, someone who is especially so respected in this community, and I give everyone the City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 same respect no matter if they sweep streets or they save souls, but if you respect the procedures, that will make life a lot easier for all of us who are here to conduct this business. There's more than one way to skin a cat, and you know personally people here. If there's something that you have -- there's always a way to get around something. So if there's a question that you have that's pressing and the public hearing has been closed, refer to someone who's on the CRA staff, and they can refer it to me, and I will be sure to take care of their concern and your concern, the community's concern. Is that fair? Can we agree to that? Mr. Williams: Yes. I agree with everything you said, 'cause I'm very respectful. I just -- Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir. Mr. Williams: I speak on behalf -- not only myself but the community, you know. I know they want to know, as well, and I just wanted to know. Chair Hardemon: And we respect that. And so what we will do is we will address the issue or the question that you had. Mr. Woods. Mr. Woods: The funding goes to the property. It's for the transformation of one of the last vestiges of old Overtown, what was, you know, an area that had many hotels. This is the last hotel that's in operation or that can be in operation. Right now, it's not in operation. It is what we call a rooming house. The owner has put a significant amount of money into rehabbing it, and her idea was to, you know, get it back operating and make it a rooming house. We suggested that we find the higher and better use, because that's not consistent with what the vision is for the transformation that we're trying to bring throughout the community. So when you ask, "What will it do for the community?" it will -- it would serve to have another type of business, if you will, within the community that's not a rooming house, because we do have quite a bit of that right now, and it's not that a rooming house is so bad, but where this particular structure -- it's the last remaining hotel, you know, from the eras past. I think Tim Barber called it the last of the art deco style buildings that dotted the landscape of Overtown back in its heyday. So we believe that it would accentuate exactly what we're doing and probably keep away some of the negative influences that have come with, you know, that hourly stay or nightly stay type of establishment. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other person -- well, is there any other Commissioner that'd like to make a comment? And Mr. Woods, I echo your statements. This is an opportunity to have -- this is historic preservation at its finest, and rarely do we have opportunities within black communities to really and truly restore historic properties to some type of grandeur that we see happen in other communities. So this is not the HEP (Historic and Environmental Preservation) Board making this decision, but the CRA, and so I'm excited about this. And -- Board Member Suarez: Ditto. Chair Hardemon: But I am just as concerned as Commissioner Sarnoff is with what he stated, because we have a responsibility to spend these dollars wisely. I like the fact that it is a -- it is close to a million dollars, but this is something that we'll definitely -- we can see being owned and operated by people who work and own property and businesses within the Overtown community. So this looks like what we've all envisioned for Overtown, and to me, that's exciting. Board Member Suarez: Agreed. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 11. 14-00141 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ATTEMPT TO NEGOTIATE A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH OVERTOWN GATEWAY PARTNERS, LLC ("OVERTOWN GATEWAY"), AS THE HIGHEST RANKED PROPOSER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLOCK 55; FURTHER DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PRESENT ANY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO THE BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDERATION AND, IF SATISFACTORY, APPROVAL AND AWARD; CLARIFYING THAT THIS RESOLUTION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN AWARD OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OR TO OTHERWISE CREATE ANY RIGHTS WHATSOEVER IN ANY PROPOSER REFERENCED HEREIN. File # 14-00141 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00141 Backup.pdf File # 14-00141 Legislation.pdf 14-00141-Submittal-Avenue G Marketplace -Letters of Support.pdf Motion by Chair Hardemon, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez Noes: Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0031 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE. 11. Clarence Woods (Executive Director/Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 11 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency directing the executive director to attempt to negotiate a development agreement with Overtown Gateway Partners, LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) ("Overtown Gateway) as the highest -ranked proposer for the development of Block 55; authorizing that, in the event a development agreement is unable to be negotiated with Overtown Gateway, the executive director is authorized to attempt to negotiate a development agreement with BDB Miami, LLC as the second highest -ranked proposer for the development of Block 55; further directing the executive director to present any proposed development agreements to the Board for its consideration and, if satisfactory, approval and award; clarifying that this resolution is not intended to be an award of the development rights or to otherwise create any rights, whatsoever, in any proposer referenced herein. Chair Hardemon: Okay, this floor is open for public hearing. Is anyone would like to make a comment? At least when all you stand up, I feel safe; you need to realize that I feel safe. You're recognized, sir. Leroy Jones: Good afternoon. My name is Leroy Jones. I'm the executive director of Neighbors & Neighbors Association, 1490 Northwest 3rd Avenue. It's a beautiful, beautiful time for Overtown. We got all the developers interested in building in Overtown, so it's beautiful. Some good things are about to happen in Overtown. But the last time we was here about the same contractor, developer, Overtown Gateway, they was forced -- we're saying they was forced to split their project, they $500 million project. They was asked at the end of the day to split the project with All Aboard. Now, here we have a black developer, first time in the history in City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Overtown, to build a major development in Overtown; first bid best bid. I -- won straight up; I mean, left dust with the other people who participated in the project. At the end of the day, we feel he was forced to split that project. Now, here we got a time when all the people in Overtown can get a chance to see a major development take place in the black community by a black developer; hundred percent black -owned. Now, here we here again, Overtown Gateway with the second bidder, DNB [sic], second place, just in case Overtown Gateway don't come through. This happened the same way the last time. It came up. You know what? We'll put the second one in there. You vent [sic] the second one just like you vented [sic] the first one, even though the vent -- the first one had all the qualifications and all the money they needed to do that project, you going to squeeze a second -place person in there. We see it again. Here it go -- it started the same way; you know it. Hey, black man, we know you won the bid, but you know what? You got to take some partners in that ain't black. You know what? They going to be second place, but you know what? Let's squeeze them in there. So it's fixing to happen again, right? It's fixing to go down again where y'all fixing to take somebody else who, based on the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) records, total assets and money is $900 in the bank; $900 in the bank -- this ain't something I pulled up -- $900 in the bank -- Chair Hardemon: Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones: Hold on, hold on, hold on, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: I know you have a -- Mr. Jones: Commissioner, please, Commissioner, I'm going to be -- Chair Hardemon: No, no. Listen, hear me out. Mr. Jones: -- brief and I'm going to leave it alone. Chair Hardemon: Give me -- Unidentified Speaker: You can't argue with -- Chair Hardemon: Exactly. What I -- Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: And this is what I'm referring to. Hear me out. There is a process, and everyone has to be treated properly. Mr. Jones: Yes. Chair Hardemon: Right? So I can yield the floor to the next speaker. If you want to yield it to him for your additional two minutes, please do so. Brian Dennis: Brian Dennis; address, 1373 Northwest 55th Street, yielding my time. Chair Hardemon: He yields. Mr. Jones: All right. So tax -- so total land asset is $20 million; a vacant piece of land they own in the Overtown CRA. They been had it since 2005, 2006, ain't done nothing with it, but yet and still, we feel proper enough to put this company in second place again to come and probably in a few months, we'll -- the developer which won the bid, which happens to be African American, which proven that he got the money to develop a project in Overtown, that's fixing to invest $155 million on Lot 55. But the second -place person was only going to invest 20 million; the City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 second -place person only going to build a shopping center. The first place winner going to build housing and commercial retail. The second -- the first place -- the second place, African -American ownership, none. First place, hundred percent. Hey, man, we tired of this going down like this. You know what? In y'all community, y'all do a hundred percent of the work; that mean from the developer; that mean from the laborer, the general contractors; a hundred percent. In our community, we'll be lucky if we get half a percent. It ain't going to go down in Overtown like this this time. It's not going down, man. We going to watch this. This man was given this hundred million -- that was given this project, first place, he going to invest $155 million, that's the way we going down. We sure that giving this black developer this project, it's going to be black people working there. The other people, we not sure, man. We don't see our people working on projects. We don't see them, not even in our own community. Come on, man; this got to stop, man. Y'all stood up when Commissioner Edmonson say, "You know what? We need jobs. Don't you want Overtown beautiful?" All y'all stood up. All y'all stand up now for the black developer that was picked number one for this project and make sure he get it. That's what I -- I got confidence in y'all. I know y'all can do it. Just like y'all say y'all want to see Overtown develop and y'all want to see black people work, now we got a chance to do it. Let's do it, please. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Applause. Board Member Suarez: I like that, kind of like committee; that's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) official. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir. Oliver Gross: Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development, LLC and affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami. I am also the recently appointed chair of the newly formed 79th Street Corridor CRA in Miami -Dade County. And first off, I want to applaud the CRA, both staff and Board for, one, entertaining the motion to accept the respondent as the highest bidder. I echo, I think, some of the same sentiments that Mr. Jones and those who stood behind him in terms of maybe what is on the horizon or appears to be on the horizon as it relates to this particular bid and process. I think that, again, it is important that you have a monumental opportunity to make a very prodigious statement about your commitment to Overtown, this community, diversity and fairness and inclusion. I would suggest to you that, again, you would move with expediency in, one, approving the recommendation of the selection committee to negotiate a development agreement. But I also -- one of the things that troubles me about this resolution today is that you will negotiate or attempt to negotiate a development agreement without negotiating or conveying development rights. That tends to be or seems to me to be sort of empty, an empty process. And again, it is something that I think that puts a bottleneck and slows down a process that could, as the evidence has been set before us, be something that begins to move and to be the cornerstone of redevelopment in this community. Again, I encourage you to do that which I think is expedient, which is righteous and which would be not just courageous, but the right thing to do for this community. Thank you for your time. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Shoshana Lincoln: May I say one thing, please? Chair Hardemon: Before you speak, time out; we need to change the recording. Board Member Suarez: One more time. Ms. Lincoln: Just give me one second, please. May I have a second? City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: That's it. Ms. Lincoln: Huh? Okay. Chair Hardemon: I'm going to come down and give you a hug. Board Member Suarez: Go for it. She would like that. Unidentified Speaker: They're changing the tape. Ms. Lincoln: They're taping again? No, Commissioner, you need to hear something here, my dear. Chair Hardemon: Okay, but one second, one second. Ms. Lincoln: Listen, I -- Chair Hardemon: One second. Ms. Lincoln: Taping every time I'm up. I'm breaking up that thing there. Chair Hardemon: We're good; you may proceed. Ms. Lincoln: Yeah. See, Leroy Jones is a very good friend of mine, and his concern for Overtown is immense; so am I. What I just ask in here just now, that I believe strongly in intergenerational social mobility. And now Keon is (UNINTELLIGIBLE), a young millennia, and this group to mobilize socially, and we can do wonders. Gateway, I realize they applied first for that land, but when our vote came in -- I don't know how long ago they had their plan to bring in this fast train thing -- they come in with all the money that we need in Overtown, and we do need that, and Gateway wants money from us. Fine, we need to help people who don't have money, but we do need Gateway investor to come into our Overtown, as I had to mention, because I do admire what Sarnoff is doing. When he build Midtown, he invite all the investors to come in. I didn't see any people from Wynwood open store there from what I know, so I beg kindly, remember intergenerational, Sarnoff and Gort and our young millennia to integrate well, socially mobilizing our thoughts, and we'll do well. If we fight for black -and -white business, we'll never get anywhere. We are all God's children, made in the same image. If we cultivate our cognitive ability to the capacity, believe me, black or white, all can make it. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Commissioner Sarnoff, I think you paid her today. I think that's like your seventh praise today. I need to change my haircut or something. What's going -- You are recognized. Renita Holmes: I'm Christian Muslim, you know. You slap me on one side of the cheek, I'll turn the other one. You slap me again after that, it's jihad. And so -- and while some people consider that a bit S&M (sadomasochism), I'm not into pain. See, we need a laugh. All 32; they white, too. Honestly, though, I appreciate the tactfulness. My focus is that everything must expand, and diversity is right, but we all, when we're talking about accounting, when we're talking about value, or talking about keeping things in the black -- okay? -- so I'm just going to keep it in the black; not just the ink, but on that side of the tabulations that says there's a positive number in the reinvestment. We spoke about this one, and just like this one, I just want to make sure that we understand what this Gateway project means in reinvestment to the community, and to underline something else. In the contract, Mr. Woods, I invoke my rights as a taxpayer to ensure that there are ex felons hired; not just non felons hired. I know respectively that people can say one thing, you know, and it's a thin line. But these men that you saw stand up here have young men and boys that have skills, that have paid their cost to society; even I, myself. So my question is: In City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 this contract -- and even in the other contracts -- is there speculation that the hiring locally as well from this one will be not -- will be felons and ex felons? And second, I commend that, because as we look in balance of it, there's this saying -- and I'm going to close -- there's a song, it says, "I'm a little teapot, short and stout. You are my handle, he is my spout." When you pour out the funds of a CRA, it's important that it's indicative of the culture according to the language of the State of Florida. The culture of this community is quite consistent of having those who have felony charges and who are now trade skills men. That question needs to be answered by the developer and by the CRA. Will you be hiring ex -offenders? 'Cause Camillus House is a great place to be, but if you're sincere about keeping the people here, some of these guys coming off this brick got some things behind them and some women that really need them to have some jobs. Unfortunately, the police and unions don't always use that; they overlook that. Is that in the language, Mr. Developer? And can that be enforced, CRA? Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is it currently in the language? Mr. Woods: At this time, we have no agreement at this point in time, but if it's something that is the will of this Board to include language that includes hiring for convicted felons or ex -offenders -- let's say ex -offenders -- you know, we can look to have that language added Chair Hardemon: Right. I mean, I don't know how the legal ramifications are for certain requirements, but an agreement is an agreement is an agreement. So, I mean, I don't think I'd hear any objection if one of -- if the developer wants to hire people who have been convicted of felonies. Mr. Woods: Well, and let me say this: As a part of our effort to proactively go out and find a labor force for the development projects, I'll tell you right now, we have the Overtown Business Resource Center. One of the partnerships that we've made is with Transitions. Transition actually -- and I'm not sure if everybody, you know, is aware of who Transition is and whether or not Transition actually touched the population that Ms. Holmes is talking about, but I know that they do deal with ex -offenders, and we do have a relationship with them, and we're trying to make sure that they are actively represented when we have these jobs that are going to come about. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff -- Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just -- I want to commend you for this. A few months ago, or maybe close to a year ago, I went and -- it's not in Overtown -- but I went to visit Pastor Gaston Smith's church in Liberty City, and a young, good-looking, very articulate young man got up there and started speaking about how he was an ex -con, and how he had ultimately become a lawyer, and he had worked in the State Attorney's Office and then became a State representative. Chair Hardemon: I know that guy. Board Member Suarez: And that young man is Keoni McGhee. He's a dear friend, he's a great person, and a lot of the genesis of that discussion that night was about how many -- however you want to call it -- people who have had criminal issues, the sheer number of them in the State of Florida is significant. And the fact of the matter is that, as we all know, when you go to a job interview, it's one of the questions that is always in the job interview. And you can bet that if you happen to check that box and are honest and explain, you know, what has transpired in your life that you're less likely to be hired for a job as it compares to someone else potentially. So I think it's a very, very good objective for the CRA to look at this and to look at it very deeply, and, you know, I support your efforts in that regard. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Any other comment from the dais? If -- I mean, clearly, there's no objection City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 to it from the CRA. The gentleman that stood up here earlier, I mean, are examples of the workforce that we have that's available to us in this community, and you will find that they are multiplied by the many, the number of people who need jobs and who are willing to work; not rob, not steal, not beg, but work. So that is a conversation and a part of the negotiations that you need to have in earnest, and we look forward to your response on that. Any other public -- persons from the public that'd like to make a comment on this? Mary Louise Williams: Good afternoon. My name is Mary Louise Williams. I live at 269 Northwest 7th Street, Unit 320. I'm -- been living at Poinciana Village for 22 and a half years, and I'm in favor of a grocery store near where I live. I'm tired of having to go so far to get a loaf of bread, so I would -- I'm really for the grocery store to be near us. We need it; we've been needing it for a long time, and there is so many apartments and everything around us; everything but grocery stores. We don't have any place to shop for grocery. We shop for everything else but grocery. So I would appreciate it. I'm for the grocery store. Okay, thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much. Applause. Chair Hardemon: Please, please keep your applause to a minimum. J. A. Alex: I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that the National GROGIN (Get Rid Of Ghettos In America) Coalition would like to sign on in -- to make Mr. Jones' comments, Mr. Leroy Jones, officially the position of our organization in regards to the fact that ostracism upon black contractors and of that nature and subcontractors, for that matter, and also to say that that same criteria needs to be done with the banks, and there's no guidelines there where we can qualify, over -qualify for projects with the banks and still be denied access to the work, the capital to develop our community where other less -qualified applicants can come up to that same bank and get the funding. So these are things that I -- that cause me to want to come up and make sure my word, my voice is joined in that discussion, and I'd like to summarize it by adding that the cities I was born in, like Chicago and the cities I've lived in, like New York and Atlanta, it was the multi -ethnic makeup and collaboration that made those cities great. It was not one group coming in there and say, "We want everything" -- okay? -- and rule everybody out. But they worked together as -- and that's what made America great, and so we should make Miami great by duplicating that. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. You're recognized. Timothy Barber: Good evening, Commissioners. Timothy Barber, executive director of the Black Archives Lyric Theater. I just want to say, first of all, for the record that I applaud everything that you're doing today. It is very important. And I'm glad Mr. Leroy Jones mentioned the situation with making sure we hire ex -cons; and thankful to your support, the past three months, we've had about 45 to 50 people working at the Lyric Theater doing events, and it's amazing, because I've met some of the nicest people that has been ex -cons -- Chair Hardemon: Ex -offenders. Mr. Barber: -- that you can ever see that lives in Overtown, you know; some amazing guys, from the guys that are parking to the guys that are working in security and concession. It's been effective, very effective, and it's important that we give them chance, 'cause a lot of people, that's all they want is a chance. So we have to put this parameter in place to make sure that we're able to give them a chance, because they can't go anywhere else and get a chance, but at least here, we're able to give them a chance, and what you're doing allows us to support the people in this community. One thing I want to say is that we must stop fighting over the petty things and start pushing these issues, you know. The infrastructure for the hotel is needed, because what it does City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 is it provides -- just like Harlem. When I first went to Harlem in 2004, I stayed at a bed and breakfast, and it was a nice bed and breakfast. When I went the second time, I stayed at the Allah Hotel. So people in Overtown, if you know the history of Overtown, Overtown was about hotels; it was about bed and breakfasts; it was about strengthening economy through a circulation of money. So what you're doing today is important. I just want the public to say stop -- "Let's push a lot of these issues. Let's stop fighting over the little thing and help support and not pull down"; that's very important, as well as Block 55. We got to make sure that we support the advancement of development, because the Lyric Theater is opening. We are open, and we need this development to happen in order for us to survive, or we going to be back where we was 30 years ago, with nothing again. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Applause. Derek Cole: Hi. Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street. With all these good wishes to hire people from the community, I think it might be a good idea for the CRA to require the developers to fund an oversight committee to make sure that these jobs are being done that way, or the CRA should fund it. There should be somebody or some organization that goes to all the job sites and make sure all this is going on. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Ellis Cantey, Sr.: Good evening. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir. Mr. Cantey: My name is Ellis Cantey. I represent the International Longshoremen at 816 Northwest 2ndAvenue. Just for the record, with Block 55 and the other blocks that's in that community, we want to put on the record we've been saying we getting some parking agreements, this and that. Onlyest [sic] thing, we want to make sure that we don't be disenfranchised, nor tickets, 'cause we been here for some time, and that lot -- well, some lots around the corner -- when all that redevelopment comes, it's -- have not sit down and talked about when the development start, what we going to do about parking and what else, alternative plans went in development from the two blocks there and even that one from there, when all that construction come about. So for the record, I would like to know -- or just like you said -- a mediator or what have you for where ILA (International Longshoremen's Association) is going and what they need to do for parking. We need to sit down and talk to someone for the record, and we want the Commissioner and this Board to oversee it. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods, let's -- we'll sit -- you'll sit down about this, all right? Mr. Woods: Yes. And as a matter of fact -- Chair Hardemon: You can explain exactly -- I understand what -- the position. I understand what is happening, but just for the people who are listening here, just briefly give the facts of who ILA is, what parking they have now, and what parking they want in the future. Mr. Woods: ILA is the International Longshoremen's Association, Local 1416, whose building is located on the corner of 8th and 2ndAvenue. They have traditionally parked either on Block 25 and -- as well as Block 45. You know, I don't know if these numbers mean anything to anybody -- Chair Hardemon: Do they own those properties that they're parking on now? Mr. Woods: Yes, it's the properties that they're parking on now. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: No. Do they own the properties that they --? Mr. Woods: Oh, no, they don't; no, no, they don't. It's owned by the CRA. Actually, Mr. Cantey is speaking to parking, and this is Block 55. There is in place right now -- well, there's an agreement that they're working on with the Block 45 developers who have taken the responsibility of building at least a minimum of 200 parking spaces for the longshoremen. So that issue, the parking for the longshoremen, is an issue that we've exhaustively dealt with, you know, with respect to Block 45. This Block 55 has no bearing on the longshoremen's part. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir. Ted Weitzel: Okay, Ted Weitzel, Poinciana Village, 201 Northwest 7th Street. I'm here for two reasons. Number one, the survey at Poinciana among the residents there would like to have a grocery store. I mean, they do have to go quite a ways for a grocery store, so they would like a grocery store on 55. And number two, as the developer of the rest of Block 46 building more units, I think it would help us sell the units if we had a grocery store. So that's a personal thing, but the other is a survey of the Poinciana residents; that they would like a grocery store there. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Weitzel: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Glad we have a grocery store coming, right? Mr. Weitzel: What? On 55 I'm talking about, yeah. Chair Hardemon: Oh, okay. Mr. Weitzel: Yeah, on Block 55, which is what you're talking tonight, I just said -- Chair Hardemon: No, no, I completely understand. I -- Mr. Weitzel: Okay. Chair Hardemon: You were very clear, and I was very clear. Mr. Weitzel: Okay. Chair Hardemon: So I understand exactly where you're coming from. Mr. Weitzel: Okay, thank you, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Weitzel: Mm-hmm. Christopher Norwood: Good evening. Chair Hardemon: Good evening. Mr. Norwood: My name is Christopher Norwood. I represent BDB Miami, who is the second -ranked proposer on Block 55. I have with me parents from the Overtown Youth Center who are here. Please stand up. I have some other people from Poinciana Village that are here; one has already spoken, and some other ladies that are here. Before Igo into my prepared City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 remarks, many of them have signed up to speak. You can sit down. If I can have more -- some of their time, if I may consume that, but before I go into my prepared marks, I want to -- the conversation that you had about hiring people locally, we share that, and the discussion about making that a part of the development deal, Mr. Chairman, Commission, on page 52 of our proposal, we have a first -source hiring agreement signed by the developers as a part of our proposal. You need not start from scratch. We put that in our proposal, not because it was asked by staff,- because we believe in it. Jeff, you want to pass out the material. We also applaud the work that you passed earlier regarding the grocery store. Overtown is what's called the food desert. It's been designated that by -- the Federal Government has designated Overtown as a food desert, and what that means is that people cannot find quality grocers at a reasonable price that is convenient for them to get to. So although there may be grocery stores, you know, in the general area, people don't have cars; it's not fathomable for them to get there, and therefore, it's been designated a food desert. That's why this -- the senator from this community, Senator Bullard, has a bill in Tallahassee that recently -- he's the vice chair of the agriculture committee -- and recently passed the agriculture committee as a democrat, got a bill passed through committee, which is unheard of, and that's why he passed -- he passed the bill to create tax incentives for food deserts, and that's what we're asking you to do; provide an opportunity and incentive to bring a major grocery store here. We have with us a representative from Senator Bullard's office, Mr. Nixon. Chair Hardemon: Can we pause for a moment, please? We need to change the tape. Mr. Norwood: Okay. Chair Hardemon: I don't know if -- we get the shortest tapes in the City of Miami. Board Member Suarez: There's got to be a problem there, 'cause it hasn't -- Chair Hardemon: It has to be something. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's never been that way. Chair Hardemon: Does it -- I don't get it. I don't get it. Unidentified Speaker: Commissioner, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: One moment. So what I will do is this: In -- as we know, I'm a stickler for procedure, right? It just so happens that BDB is actually included in on this piece of legislation, this resolution, so he has taken the mike, and I'm going to give him a little bit of latitude to speak, and then I will give you latitude to speak, and I'm sure the public hearing session has not been closed yet; that's the only -- you know -- well, so the public may still have some comments that they want to make, those who have not made their comments just yet, and I will allow them to do so. And then I'm sure the Commissioners will want to make some comments, as well, so you may continue. Mr. Norwood.- I'll shorten my presentation, and I -- and thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The will of the community is very important. I applaud the gentlemen who stood up who were demanding that the community is involved. But again, as in our proposal, we did what other people talk about doing, but never really do. We actually went out into the community and talked to people. In the package that you have, you will see a petition signed by over 40 people who live at Poinciana Village supporting this project. You will see over 40 parents who live in Overtown who signed this petition, who are a part of a parent group at the Overtown Youth Center. When I say "Poinciana Village," I'm talking about the overwhelming majority of their board, which is the neighbor directly across the street from all of this development. And again, when we went to them in September and I asked them, "Have any of these other developers come City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 and talked to your board," the answer was "no." We also have a signed letter -- a signed petition from the people at the Town Park North Resident Council. So we have gone in the community and talked to people. I, too, believe that procedure is so important, so important. That's why we believe that both proposers was stated by this Administration, which represents this Board that both contra -- the top two proposers will be presented to you in a negotiation; that both -- I'm sorry -- proposals will be negotiated and presented to you so that you could vote on. This is an e-mail (electronic) from the CRA that states in detail that based upon the selection committee's ranking, CRA staff intends to negotiate with the top two ranked proposers and present negotiated development agreements to the CRA Board of Commissioners at a date to be determined. I believe in procedure, and it takes a partnership of business and developers who want to believe in government to do that. And when representatives of your Board make statements like this, that does not provide faith in the process that we are undertaking. What we are asking today is that the top two proposers, as this procedure outlines -- I remind you -- let me just state a little bit from the beginning. In the beginning, they outline the procedure -- who met at the selection committee; what the rankings were; and then the statement that I read. That is procedure. We are asking that this item be amended to actually follow the procedure that was presented to all of the developers that was never communicated back to the developers that this process was not what was presented to you. And so that is our desire. We hope you agree with us, but more importantly, the people in the -- we want competition, 'cause that -- what that entails. And when there is competition, the community is well served. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Good evening, sir. Barron Channer: Good evening, Commissioner. To start off, may I be given the courtesy of having the same amount of time as Mr. Norwood, please, sir? Board Member Suarez: Yes. Chair Hardemon: You may speak. Mr. Channer: Thank you; I humbly appreciate it. First, I want to say if we are, indeed, talking about procedure -- and I do agree with Mr. Norwood; we should honor procedure, but we should honor procedure that has actually been reinforced and validated by the Board and not procedure that is invented and concocted by developers who parse individual words, because you can parse a lot of things. I think we've seen throughout this process -- and this process started in June of 2 -- June of 2013, the RFP (Request for Proposals) was submitted; a selection panel was empanelled, which included three individuals, independent individuals who individually have more than 10 years' worth of experience with either the City of Miami or the County. I believe, to my knowledge, a couple of them are actually close to retirement, so they may actually have 20-plus years of experience. They met for two hours. I do not believe Mr. Norwood, who is the lobbyist for BDB, was employed by them at that time, but the actual developers -- and by the way, my name is Barron Channer. I have Mr. Don Peebles joining me. I am the co -developer; he is my co -developer for Overtown Gateway Partners. We are the team that was ranked number one, and we were ranked number one that day in that room. And in that room, they deliberated for two hours in public, a rare exercise in the City of Miami for RFP procedures. And those individuals parsed through. None of the developers were allowed to speak. Again, I don't believe Mr. Norwood was there, but I can relate this as fact, and I believe it was recorded; correct, Mr. Woods? Mr. Woods: Yes, it was. Mr. Channer: Thank you. After those deliberations, they voted secretly, delivered their votes, and their response was a decisive response. That was that Overtown Gateway Partners -- the bid that we proposed for Block 55 was the superior bid. And I believe -- even though I've not had the benefit of talking to them -- that their response and their vote came from -- and actually, City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 we heard some of their deliberations, and it's actually on tape -- their response came from a couple of things. One, with Overtown Gateway, the bid chosen as number one, they saw a substantially higher economic development opportunity; $155 million development being proposed for three and a half acres of land. If we're about procedures and economic development for this neighborhood, this community, we have to care about the dollars. Economics revolves around dollars, not around concepts and ideas. A hundred and fifty million dollars versus a twenty million dollar development being proposed -- let's ignore the individual abilities to execute -- but $155 million from individuals who have done it before versus $20 million being proposed by a team; a team that is known -- the only thing they are known for as it relates to this City of Miami is for failure in their ability to perform in the one opportunity they were presented before. And I think Commissioner Suarez said earlier today that it -- you have to be mindful, when someone is given an opportunity to perform and they fail, that issue has to be relevant to you. I don't know if, procedurally, you are compelled to do so, but certainly, your wisdom calls for it. Let's step back a little bit. We're talking now about a grocery store. I think it's very, very important -- I wish I could take the mike off -- I think it's very important for us to appreciate -- Chair Hardemon: You can actually hold the mike. Mr. Woods: You can. Mr. Channer: I can? Chair Hardemon: You have the ability. Chair Hardemon: But Madam Holmes cannot hold the mike, wherever she is. Mr. Channer: Okay. I think -- and I want to get into this because I think it's important. When we have this forum here -- and I'm humbled by the audience that we have -- it's critical that we have these discussions, because sometimes, it looks like Houdini magic and guys in suits are just here bombasting [sic] and speaking above the head of the crowd. It's important that we talk reality. If you're talking about a grocery store, you have to ask yourself -- There are relatively few grocery stores that operate within each individual region -- Publix, Winn -Dixie, Bravo, Presidente, and I'm sure there are a host of others. I've heard a lot of talk about grocery stores. I actually had the benefit this weekend of speaking to one of the principals -- not Mr. Norwood -- but one of the actual principals who would be investing, who confirmed to me -- and if things have changed in that time, they can certainly state so -- that at this point in time, they have no -- I mean zero -- commitments, no substantial expressions of interest from any enterprise that we would identf as a supermarket. So what supermarket are we talking about? Is it the same kind of supermarket that was intended to be on the other block that Mr. Jones spoke about earlier, that they've had since 2005, and not one inch of dirt has moved as of yet? So that's one point. When we're talking about supermarkets, don't talk about concepts; talk about reality. What we have proposed is a residential project with ground floor retail that is amenity retail. I don't think anyone in the City will argue that we have an affordability issue as it relates to living in and around downtown Miami, and that's -- that goes beyond just simply affordable housing, but even teachers, even fire fighters, even policemen have dill culty finding places to live. So there's no argument about the viability of our concept and our ability to execute, so that's one. Two, we've heard reference earlier today to a grocery store going to 14th and 3rd. That is all of seven blocks away. What we've also not heard, but is true, and in the works right now, is that All Aboard, at their train station, which is two blocks away, is intending to have a grocery store. And now, ifI'm going to bed -- I don't know if they happen to have a grocery store confirmed -- but if I'm going to bed on who can get a grocery store, since we know that BDB currently has no grocery store, I would say that All Aboard, being positioned closer to the courthouse and their pedestrian traffic; being able to generate independently its own traffic through the train station would be poised to get a grocery store. Now, do we need a grocery store at 4th Street and -- City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Northwest 1st Avenue, 14th Street and Northwest 3rdAvenue, and then we're going to place another grocery store on Block 55? And that's assuming the concept is real. Again, I posit to you that I have seen nothing, and you have seen nothing. We heard references to their balance sheet today, $943 of current assets. For those who don't know what that means, that means stuff you can actually use now -- not in the future, not maybe, not potentially -- now, $943. We had the displeasure at that time, but fortunately for us it occurred, of having the County send its top financial officer -- and you saw him here today, Mr. Ed Marquez -- the CRA sending its top executive officer in Mr. Clarence Woods to our office to go through financial records, inquire of our accountants, inquire of our CEO (chief executive officer) who and where the money belongs to, and they confirmed that our money was good, and they confirmed it was good for Block 45 and 56. Block 45 and 56 collectively represented a 300-plus million dollar project. And that's not something new for us. If you want reference -able proof of what our team can do, I direct you to the Royal Palm Hotel, third largest hotel on Miami Beach; I direct you to the Lincoln Office Building, to my knowledge, the highest -selling office building in Miami Beach; I direct you to the Bath Club, 5959 Collins Avenue; all three buildings that were built by Mr. Peebles, my partner, who also happens to be my mentor, who was formerly my employer, so someone who I have an experience working with, and we have confirmed evidence in ability to deliver. Again, we have run the process. And Mr. Norwood spoke eloquently about process. The process suggests -- and we heard, the last time we went through Block 45 and 56 -- in the nine plus, ten -- nine years or eight years that Commissioner Spence -Jones was in office, there had never been at this Overtown CRA level a situation where you had a panel of judges rank a team number one, rank other teams not number one, two, three, four and others, and then to have the number -one team compelled to have to be subjected to negotiation with the number -two team. The last time around, for the grace and for the benefit of progress for the CRA, we were willing and we accepted it, even though we felt offended that we had to go through it, we accepted a brokered agreement at that point in time. At that point in time, that was an exceptional situation, and that was because the County was involved And as you saw earlier today, the County's opinion certainly matters when there are issues. And there were tensions at that point; clearly, there are still tensions that exist. We accepted it, because we wanted to give to the process and yield to progress. In this situation, the CRA owns this land outright. Why is it in eight or nine years we would ever even have a consideration? The only two times it's ever been done happens to magically been when we've won. I'm not sure if it's where we're from; I'm not sure if it's the name of our company; I'm not sure if it's the schools we went to, or what it is, but there's something wrong when the team that wins exceedingly -- $155 million versus $20 million; the third grocery store that would be in an area, and there's no one professionally who would suggest to you three grocery stores can operate in that area at this point in time; no LOI's (Letters oflnterest); no commitments; no proven capacity to deliver; second place on the score cards of every single judge. It should not even be a consideration. I think you've seen today the community has spoken. You've heard Mr. Norwood speak eloquently about having gone everywhere. I'm there, as well. The difference is I am a principal in my company. The decisions get made in my company. I have a say. Mr. Peebles has a say. I've been there. There's no lobbyist working for me. There's no one being sent out to speak on my behalf. When I've gone to Town Park South, they speaking to me. When I've gone to the brotherhood, they're speaking to me. When Igo to every single CDC (Community Development Corporation) in Overtown, they're speaking to me. When Igo to the Lyric Theater -- excuse me -- the Black Archives Lyric Theater, they're speaking to me. When we talk about Mr. Cantey and the ILA, they're speaking to me, because I think it's important that as a principal, you respect the process; not pay people to talk and make up stories. Mr. Jones: That's right. Mr. Channer: To show up and be there and take the hard fall, right? Applause. City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Charmer: So I yield, Commissioner. I know you're a stickler for process, and I certainly sometimes break process, but I'm passionate about this, and I think it's important. And sometimes I get indignant when I end up in situations where despite all that we've done over literally nine months' worth of effort, despite having shown that our concept and our team is far superior, not to the individuals, but certainly in concept, certainly in aspirations, and certainly in proven ability to execute, when we show all of that, and still, we have to end up fighting for the ability to possibly partner with them, I have a lot of passion. And so, Commissioner, thank you. Commissioners, please, all Board Members, forgive me for the long-windedness, executive dir -- I'll welcome any question. I'll welcome the opportunity to speak again, but I'll yield to the process this time. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much. Applause Chair Hardemon: So the community forum, public hearing is still open, so, sir, you have two minutes. Robert Wiggins: All right. How y'all doing today? My name Robert Wiggins. I'm a product of Miami -Dade County. To the Commissioners and to the developers, all we ask for, fairness and honesty; that's all we ask for. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Applause Chair Hardemon: Now, understanding -- and I understand -- so this process will become passionate, but let us remember, keep our applause to a minimum, okay? Sir, you're recognized. James Adams: Commissioners, I am neither a lobbyist or a developer. I speak solely on the basis of principle. I've competed in sporting events and other things, and I have never been asked to negotiate when I've won to acquiesce to the fellow who comes in second. I think it defeats the process, and I respect people on all sides. I have friends on either side. Hopefully, no love will be lost, but this is a matter of principle at this point, and that is if the winner won, then let the winner be the winner. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Applause Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir. Jeffrey Weil: Commissioners, my name is Jeffrey Weil. I am a participant and a partner in BDB Miami. First of all, I'd like to correct a couple things that have been said, talking about the financials for BDB Miami. The RFP required had four requirements under the financial area, which was 25 percent of the evaluation of the RFP. We put a balance sheet in the RFP that did show the $900 in cash, but that was the balance sheet item. It also showed $28 million worth of net worth and no debt. The other group did not even put a balance sheet in. They didn't put any financial information in on their entity; yet, they rated higher. So we asked some questions of the CRA as to how that could be when they didn't even respond to the evaluation in the RFP. We never got a response, but we trusted, we trusted that the format and the -- what do --? Clarence laid out was going to be followed as far as how this process was going to go, and that's not exactly what happened. Commissioner Hardemon, the newspaper, when they endorsed you -- and congratulations on your election -- pointed out that one of the most important things that needs to happen in Overtown and Liberty City is the addition of basic goods and services -- City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 grocery stores, basic goods for the people; that they can get to them in a convenient way. That's what we're offering for Overtown. We're offering to build an anchor store on the corner of 6th Street and 2nd Avenue to be an anchor for Overtown, to provide basic goods and services; fresh fruit, fresh product for the people that live in Overtown, and we think it's important that those goods be available. I heard tonight that All Aboard is going to put a grocery store in. This afternoon, we talked to All Aboard. No grocery store; they're going to do a grab -and -go. It was described as a typical grab -and -go store that you would see in an airport or a train station; not what you need to find your shopping goods for your home, but a grab -and- go store that you would find in a typical train station or airport. As far as comparing a 40,000 square foot, 45,000 square foot full -service supermarket with a pharmacy to a 14,000 square foot neighborhood food store, not much of a comparison. They can't be competitive with the prices, with the range of merchandise. It just can't be competitive. And I heard Reverend Williams earlier tonight talk about -- you don't want to be -- you don't want second best. You want the best and you deserve the best, and we want to provide you the best. We offered $2.4 million. We put our pro forma in the RFP for the property. The other group offered zero. If they're going to invest so much, why zero? Why do they want it for free? We put the real pro forma in; we put our financials in; we showed you what it was going to take to make the property happen. We spent the last seven months talking to residents of -- all over Overtown. Chair Hardemon: Sir, you have an additional minute. Mr. Weil: And to a person, anybody that lives in Overtown, that works in Overtown wants the grocery store; they want the business; they want the traffic; they want an economic generator that'll really kick start 2nd Avenue and 3rdAvenue and create some foot traffic for the businesses that are coming. And that's what it takes, and that's what we're offering, and we're committed to doing that. We put a first source hiring agreement in our RFP -- the other group didn't -- outlining our hiring commitment to the community. We have committed to leasing a majority of our small shops to residents in the community, and put money in so that those people can start businesses and own their own businesses. Ignacio Garcia, one of my partners, and I are with -- we're with the Rouse Company. We spent a -- we did Bayside Marketplace together 30 years ago. He's responsible for Merrick Park happening in Miami. We've been involved in some of the most significant urban retail development in the United States; not just in Miami. Our commitment to Miami, our commitment to Overtown is heartfelt, is to provide the basic goods and services, groceries that you need for the market and for the community to continue to grow, and we'd like to be part of the community as it continues to grow, and we appreciate your help. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. And I do recognize that the public hearing -- is there anyone from the public -- one second, Mr. Peebles -- is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak at this point? Seeing no other persons -- well, if you're here for the public, please step forward now. Deborah Roberts: Good evening. My name is Deborah Roberts. I know I'm short. Yes, I live in Overtown all of my life, and I work with the Overtown Youth Center, as well. But what he's saying is we really need a supermarket in our area, because it's hell trying to get the local stores to give us a bargain for a loaf of bread. We paying $2 for a bottle of soap -- one bar of soap in our neighborhood. And we are the poorest little circle around. Why they prey on the poor people like that? We need something to come in to give us good deals. And I applaud anybody, any development that's going to make it better living and spending for the poor people, our poor, and I would like to see them -- a supermarket from anybody, anywhere to come in here and give us where we can buy fresh products, we can buy dairy products that's reasonable, we could be able to have -- like myself -- diabetes to get the proper nourishment that we can afford for our bodies, and I really, really would love that. That's me, and I tip my hat to anybody that comes here, and Commissioner, to you, to approve any one of them; I don't -- you know, it just -- I'm just one person. I want to be able to see a supermarket there, okay? City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Shoshana Lincoln: To the Board, actually, I don't know if the audience is aware of the supermarket that we are building here, Shopper's Price, and we do have a trolley to take people back and forth, and if the trolley is not going to that direction, I'm kind of now requesting that we do have a trolley that will go down there and affiliate, help people to go to the Lyric Center, that's one; to the County have -- provide a bus for -- to go back and forth to Winn -Dixie, in which Winn-Dixie's quite a reasonable store. We do not need another supermarket in Overtown. It will jeopardize this supermarket here, and it would only be about eight blocks away. So that's my concern. And I affirm the statement of Peebles' people not to have a supermarket there. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Rose Watts: Good evening, Commissioners. Chair Hardemon: Good evening. Ms. Watts: My name is Rose Watts. I'm a homeowner in Poinciana Village for the past 18 years, and when I considered in purchasing a home, I lived at Town Park Plaza South for about three years. When I thought of purchasing, I thought of a neighborhood that would have grocery stores -- and this is one of the things that we were promised -- cafes and all these things. The 31st of next month will be 18 years. Not one grocery store has appeared. Andl support any group that you have before you today that will have us a major grocery store, because I drive at least three to five miles to a grocery store to -- for my family. And my husband, a pharmacy would be very good for him to be nearby. So whatever your decision may be, I'm not just saying black -on -black, just to have someone to do a business because they're black, but whoever can qualify, and I do implore that you do include all minorities as a part of the workforce. Thank you very much for your time. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Yes, ma'am, you're recognized. Anitrice McKinnis-Jackson: Good afternoon. My name is Anitrice -- excuse me, I have a cold -- and I live in Overtown. I'm the new kid on the block. I've been in Overtown for now for five years. I'm a Habitat homeowner, and I do a lot for the community. I like Mr. Woods. And I do a lot for the community, and I was the one that I always say I want -- I used to be in Overtown back in the days, but now, I want Overtown to come alive, and we need a lot of things besides -- we need grocery stores, we need things -- 'cause I live right on 16th Street and 3rdAvenue, in the heart of the City. But it's not where you live at; it's how you live. So I done heard all what everybody's doing and what everybody, you know, saying what needed, but what we need, we need to come together as a family to bring Overtown back alive. It doesn't matter who's chosen for the job. It's just you got to be reasonable, 'cause where I live at on the corner, I pay $3 for some milk, so that's not good. But I have my grandkids, and I want to see Overtown come alive. And I'm active in Overtown, because they call me "Mama Joyce." And just like a lot of boys, they need jobs to go to who had -- you know, everybody had a past. We had -- y'all had pasts. But now, we got to come together. Every -- even though this meeting is for to better Overtown. And by I say I'm the new kid on the block, I'm going to make it. I'm a praying woman of God, and I want to see Overtown come alive, and I know for a fact that it is going come alive, because you're having this meeting. And we do need grocery stores; we do need things for the kids for over the weekends. We just got to come together, and I thank God for you, because I heard so much about you, and you met my daughter, Jamie, when me and my family did a Overtown, you know, come -- we did a family for giving back to the community, and we did a give-away, a toy give-away on William Park, and we gave 200 kids toys. So that's what I'm about; I'm about bringing the kids and bringing things back to the community. So y'all going see my face pretty often. I'm going fight for the community, and I just want to just thank you for the opportunity for City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 my friend to stand up with her, as well. So I thank y'all for just even having this discussion. It doesn't matter who gets to, you know, get the deal and get the property. It's for to better the community -- Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much. Ms. McKinnis-Jackson: -- and let it be reasonable. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much. We appreciate your time. Ms. McKinnis-Jackson: Okay, God bless y'all. Thank y'all. Chair Hardemon: Well, I just -- what I want to do is I want to let -- no, no, not for you -- the people who are from the public have an opportunity to speak so we can close the public hearing. Yes, ma'am. Pauline Brathwaite: Good evening, Commissioners and members of the CRA. I must thank you all for the job that you're trying to do for the people of Overtown. It's not easy, seemingly, and listening here tonight, it is not an easy task, but I do pray for you all, and may God continue to give you the strength and the blessings and the love to take care of the people in Overtown. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Vice Chair Gort: She lives in Overtown? Iris Escarra: Good evening, Chairman. Iris Escarra on behalf -- Board Member Suarez: I think he wants to close the public hearing first. Chair Hardemon: Excuse -- right. Excuse me, are you with BDB? Ms. Escarra: I am with BDB. I can reserve it? Chair Hardemon: Okay. Well, at this point, seeing no other persons from the community -- well, one other person from the community, and I will say this -- well, you go ahead, sir. Willie Williams: Pastor Williams, the Overtown Business Association. I just want to see the best project towards this community. We're relying on our Commissioners who have been elected to serve us to make -- to do they homework; do your homework and get us the right information so we can make the right decision. I know that you depend on your help to bring you the right information to make the right decision, but, you know, please, this is very important for us. We have to live here; we live here, and we just need the very best product that you can bring towards this community so we can live and, you know, have the dignity that others have that's around -- that's abroad. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Seeing no other persons from the community, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. In reference to who is going to speak next, I believe BDB started. I believe that the Gatehouse [sic] had an opportunity to speak; you had equal time. I then also remember that another individual from BDB had an opportunity to speak, and so what I'm going to allow is Mr. Peebles to address us in fairly the same amount of time, and I am closing the floor as to discussion for that once that is done. If the Commissioners have questions for each individual firm, they are free to ask those questions, but Mr. Peebles, you have the floor. City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Don Peebles: Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board. I'm also the executive director. I've had an opportunity to sit here this evening and hear the comments, and one comment, by the way, that I -- that resonated towards me is the lady in the kind of reddish -orange sweater who indicated that it should be based on the merits, simple. I agree; couldn't agree with you more. Let me tell you, first of all, how I got here. Barron Channer has worked with me, worked for me, starting as an intern, and worked as I built our company down here in South Florida, and has grown tremendously as an entrepreneur, himself. And when he came to me with the opportunities to invest and to support his efforts in Overtown, it was a unique opportunity for me as an entrepreneur and as an African American and one who has been a part of this community for over 14 years and who this community has done a great deal for. And so I felt it was a tremendous opportunity to, one, invest in a community that sorely needed economic redevelopment and job generation for its community members and its small businesses; and also support someone who's born in this community, grew up in this community, and reflects the upward mobility of what our society should be about. And so it was with that that we invested in this project and support Barron Channer. To give you a flavor of the scale of our business today, when I came down here to Florida in 1996 to work on the Royal Palm, our company was less than a hundred million dollar company. Today, our pipeline is over three and a half billion dollars, so we are one of the larger developers in the United States, with investments in New York City -- in fact, I was awarded the largest single building sale from the City of New York, which I closed on in December for $160 million. I was just awarded about a month ago by the Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, the right to redevelopment and convert the Family Court Building on Ben Franklin Boulevard to a Kempton Hotel. We are short-listed for a development for another Kempton Hotel in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia). We are one of the finalists to develop the Long Island College Hospital site in Brooklyn, New York, that's one million square feet and $1 billion, and our offer is $260 million. So the scale of our company is relatively large. So capacity -wise, I don't think we have many peers, and certainly, these gentlemen, I'm sure are very talented people, but in terms of our ability to perform, we can. We are supporting Barron's efforts, because it's the right thing for this community. We're talking about a grocery store, which is a wonderful amenity to have, but it's not a great job generator, and it's certainly not the type of job generator that we should want for our young people and what we should be aspiring for. We should be teaching our young people skills in terms of construction jobs; we should be teaching them opportunities, how to work in hotels; we should be teaching them how to become entrepreneurs, so we can have more Barron Channers. And so what we are here to do is to support the effort that will help continue to transform Overtown for all of Miami and for the residents of Overtown. And what Barron just hasn't -- you know, he's younger and from a different generation than some of us, especially me. And so I know that Commissioner Gort knows exactly what it's like to go into an environment and have to compete and have to be twice or three times as well. Commissioner Suarez, I know your dad knows it; he's my contemporary. And so Barron doesn't quite get it, that you can be -- you have a project that's creating hundreds of jobs that the economic impact in the community is at $150 million, and he's puzzled as to why a $20 million project is being compared to that one, and I do, too, because -- but I understand it differently, because I built a company in an environment that deals with that. And quite candidly, we do business -- I just listed out to you now -- New York City, the building I competed for is called -- it was the original headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company Building. That New York Life Insurance Company Building, they had over 80 bids for it. The Mayor of New York did not decide to tell me or the New York City Economic Development Corporation didn't say, "Hey, the number -two bidder, you should deal with." I didn't get a call from a single City Councilmember asking us to talk to the number -two, number -three, number four bidder. They negotiated with us, signed a deal with us, and sold it to us. Philadelphia, the Mayor of Philadelphia didn't say, "Hey, before we announce this, we want you to sit down and talk to an inferior proposal, because we think it's in the global best interest, or for whatever reason we think you should do that; they didn't. Washington, D.C., they didn't ask it. By the way, I have to tell you, it is unique to this City; it is unique to this CRA where I have ever seen a circumstance where it happened once; twice is astonishing. Now, we've done probably more public private partnerships around the country than probably any other City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 entrepreneurial developer of our scale. I have yet to see it. So Barron doesn't understand why; I don't understand why, but I encourage you to pick who you think is the best, who's going to provide the most jobs for Overtown, who's going to generate the most property tax revenue for your City, who's going to create the most payroll taxes for your City, who's going to create the most jobs for the residents of Overtown, and who's going to have the biggest economic impact to help create a greater demand for more grocery stores. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much for your time. Mr. Peebles: Thank you. Applause Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, is there any discussion from the Commissioners at this point? Hearing none, I know we don't have a motion on the floor just yet. Since there is no discussion from the Commissioners, I'm -- Board Member Suarez: I have discussion. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: I listened to everyone who spoke here today, and first of all, it was interesting to see Mr. Peebles. I don't know where you -- I don't know if you're still here. Mr. Peebles: I'm here. Board Member Suarez: Oh. It was interesting to see you beaming with pride as your mentee was up there giving a very capable presentation on the proposal from your company. So I kind of lived a little vicarious moment there, so it's really nice to see that. Look, maybe I'm from a different generation and maybe I see things slightly differently, but I look at -- I don't look at the face of the proposers, you know. I -- to me, that's, you know, just like what Clarence was saying earlier today: If somebody wants to build at 300 bucks a foot and they're from Overtown and someone wants to pay $133 a foot or build at $133 a foot and they're not from Overtown, I think our ultimate responsibility is to the people of the CRA; that's it. You know, when you look at grocery stores and you talk about whether, you know, Overtown -- we just did one, thankfully. By the way, it's taken us four years to do -- at least since I've been here -- maybe longer -- and I hope that that company does locate there and that everything happens smoothly. But I was listening to Leroy, and he was talking about, you know, "What happens in your neighborhood, Commissioner, " you know, and you were kind of like addressing us. And, you know, in my neighborhood, I live on 32ndAvenue and 16th Street; not a very wealthy neighborhood by any stretch of the imagination; very, very middle of the road. And I have a Publix on 37th Avenue and 16th Street, five blocks away; a Winn -Dixie on 32ndAvenue and 22nd Street; a Publix on 27th Avenue and 22nd Street; and a Publix on LeJeune, one block north of Coral Way. That's four convenient stores within a very, very short distance from my house. In fact, one of them is a convenience store with a building on top of it. You know, when I spoke to Clarence -- and I've spoken to both sides; I have people on both the sides that I respect. By the way, I have nothing against Wharton School graduates; I think they're very, very, very talented and very gifted. You know, we talk about what is the highest and best use for this property, and I think, you know, he's been very clear that this is the last piece of property that we're entitling as a CRA Board, and I think that's significant. From my perspective, it's not about -- you know, we can debate as to who's the best or the strongest. I remember -- I do remember this, Leroy, by the way -- in the last go -around with the two lots that, you know -- and Barron may have a separate -- different recollection. But that Barron came to me and said, "Look, the other side's not returning my phone calls; I need your help." And I did reach out to the other side at the time, and they did sit down, and then, you know, they came to some sort of an agreement that they presented to the City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board, and we accepted it. I find it a little offensive to say that they were forced into it. I don't think anybody was forced into it. I think it was, you know, what they presented to us as a compromise; whereas there could have been -- and there could still be in this case. I don't know what's going to happen in this case -- you know, bid protests, lawsuits, litigation. We have Mr. Weitzel -- God bless your heart -- who was in the audience that held up the two lots that we're talking about, the two prior lots for how many years, Mr. Weitzel? Mr. Weitzel: Fifteen. Board Member Suarez: Fifteen years in litigation; 15 years. So, you know, my perspective is simply that I think the two projects happen to be -- this is just my opinion. I'm not a developer. I certainly don't have your -- I'm a real estate attorney, but I don't -- you know, I certainly don't have your experience in development. I think the two projects are not incompatible. I think they're very compatible. That doesn't necessarily mean that they will work together. It doesn't necessarily mean that either party can assure each other or the CRA Board or anyone, for that matter, that they can perform. The issue of performance is funny, because I remember very clearly in that first RFP that the other side, the number -two bidder was saying that the number -one bidder couldn't perform, and that was the contention. So I think there's always -- in a large procurement, there's always claims of nonperformance, there's always claims of faults or flaws in the RFP. We had an RFP for a very, very large piece of waterfront land that fell through; had to do it twice. And the second time, what we did was interesting. We actually forced the developer to put up half of the money -- half of the money -- to make sure that the property went up. And by the way, there was -- only ended up being one bidder, 'cause one person -- only one person could come up with half of $17 million, and that was a far smaller project. So I would love to know if any of the two proposers, to be honest with you, could put up half of the money that they need right now to do their project. But in any event, those are kind of my thoughts. I've met extensively with both parties. I've shared my thoughts very candidly with both parties, and I do agree with something that Clarence and I have spoken about, which is that we have to get the highest and best use of this property, and I've conveyed that to both of the parties. So, you know, from my perspective, you know, those are my thoughts on it. I'd love to hear what my colleagues have to say and what their thoughts are on it, and we'll go from there. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort. Vice Chair Gort: Let me tell you, I know people in both parties, and I think they both talked and I talked to both of them. But my understanding, the resolution in front of us today is requesting the executive director to sit down with the number -one selection, work out a deal. If they cannot work out a deal or they cannot come up with an idea or some kind of -- what do you --? Mr. Woods: An agreement. Vice Chair Gort: -- the agreement -- Mr. Woods: Then we -- Vice Chair Gort: -- then you deal with the second one. I personally think -- and I know both parties very well. I know them both very good, but I think the best thing is to see right now to the maximum use of that property that be the residential areas. Mr. Woods: Yeah. Applause Chair Hardemon: Please hold your applause. Commissioner Sanf. City of Miami Page 51 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Sarnoff.- Yeah. I guess I look at everything -- you can't help but be a lawyer for 25 years and not look at everything as a lawyer. And understand, I always try -- when there are committees put in place, you always want to respect that people took time out of their day and respected what the committee had to say. But what I do do is I check to see if the committee acted arbitrarily or capriciously. And I have to admit, you know, in this RFP, it required a balance sheet. Avenue G [sic] provided one; Gateway did not. They did provide one after the fact, but they didn't provide one to the committee. Another thing that I came up with is that I wanted the developer to indemnify and hold harmless the CRA, and the reason I did that was 'cause of Mr. Weitzel. He certainly showed an ability to hold us up for a better part of a dozen years, and I saw that Avenue G was willing to give us a hold harmless, an indemnity, but Overtown Gateway was not. And then I think to myself, "How could the committee have come up with the results they came up with when 25 percent or more of that" -- Board Member Suarez: Scoring. Board Member Sarnoff- -- "scoring, weighting average would be that?" So I then questioned and asked myself, "Did the committee act arbitrarily and capriciously? " And I have a suspicion they did. And let me be candid; I've told Clarence, `Maybe what we need to do is just send out another RFP," 'cause we certainly do now know what those two blocks look like that were under the RFP before. Look, the ends don't justify the means. You know, I'm not going to lie to you. Would I love to see the $155 million project get built? Yes. But in the process that they went through to get here, I don't think they should have been able to get out of the committee the way they did if everybody weighted it correctly. So I think the committee did act arbitrary and capriciously. And that's how I see life. Was the process fair? Did they go through the process fairly? And I just don't think so. And while I happen to like their project, and I make no missives about that -- Mr. Peebles is a very engaging man. Barron Channer is an extremely articulate, well-thought-of man. And let me just say this with regard to the black, white, Hispanic. Let me say it the way I'd like to express it. I voted for Barak Obama, not because he was a black man. I voted for him 'cause he was the smartest man in the race, and it had nothing to do with his color. And with all due respect to anybody here, I won't vote for somebody because they are of color, and I won't vote against somebody because they're not of color, and that's just the way I see life. I think a white man, a Hispanic -- let me say this -- an Asian -- I want to say it correctly, politically correct -- are all as capable of anyone else as performing. So I don't think color comes into play here, whatsoever. And, you know, my suggestion would be now that we know what the other two blocks are going to look like, we go out to a new RFP. That's just my thinking, 'cause that -- because I'm having difficulty seeing how this committee scored this. And if I do take Gateway now, it would be sort of agreeing that the ends do justdy the means, because there was -- they didn't comply with two major requirements; that the committee just never scored them correctly. So that's where I am. I think this needs to be a new RFP. I think it should go out for a very short period of time and see how it comes out. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner. Vice Chair Gort: Let me ask a question. Was the response noncompliant? Mr. Woods: No, it wasn't. It was in compliance. We have the ability to waive technicalities, the CRA does. Chair Hardemon: And I'm just -- I'm glad it's -- Mr. Woods: And we also did issue an addendum. Board Member Sarnoff- I don't think that's a technicality. Chair Hardemon: I'd like to have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Suarez: Wow. Chair Hardemon: -- to speak in this matter. It is not, by any means, something that is not typical, not normal, not regularly done. Without any shadow of a doubt, if there are things that are missing from procurement processes, the procurement team or whoever is working with the -- whoever is receiving the -- Mr. Woods: Proposals. Chair Hardemon: -- proposals, they will determine whether or not responses are not responsive or unresponsive and whether they are responsive. And there are small things -- what we will call technicalities -- that they can receive and further on the process; that is a fact. So the team, the committee, whoever it's comprised of when they receive that information, they make that decision, and there are many, many, many, many times where things are not received and they are requested and they're requested. Now, if it is so substantial as to render the contract or the RFP, that response unresponsive, then it would identified as so, because it would be inherently unfair. Now, you never heard any statement from BDB saying that they were unresponsive. You never heard any statement -- and I'm speaking in far as what that term means. Yes, a balance sheet may not have been missing. I have no dog in this fight, except for making sure that the processes that we use in the City of Miami and the CRA are respected. So I disagree with Commissioner Sarnoff and his choice of words as far as "arbitrary" and how this process went forward. I don't think that the Commissioner has enough information to make that decision for himself today. I think, and my position is, that what I see before me is a bid that went out, a process that went out. There was a committee. That committee reviewed these -- the documents that were submitted to them, and after reviewing those documents that were submitted to them, the people were ranked. And in that rank, one was number one, one was number two, and one was number three. And so what I see now is an attempt to usurp that process, and that, to me, gives me great sadness and trepidation. Why? Because although I was not a Commissioner, I watched like many of you did, what happened with the negotiation; it just so happens that it's the same firm, but with the other blocks. And me, personally, I was not happy with it, but there are times when, as Commissioners -- 'cause I have no blame on these Commissioners -- where Commissioners are faced with situations where they have to act one way because of the situation at hand, i.e., what may happen with the capping ordinance in the County. But here, I don't see that conflict; here, I don't see that problem; here, I don't see a bid protest. In fact, if you listened closely to the arguments that are being made, one party is saying, "Why should we have to negotiate with the number two when, in actuality, the legislation says that we negotiate with number one, and if it doesn't work out, then the number two should be negotiated with?" But the question is, "Why do they feel that way?" Because based on past actions in this Commission -- I'm sorry -- on this Board, we've seen where this company or this firm has had to negotiate with the number -two bidder. So I question as to why that language is even included in this. When I looked at the $6.5 million contract that was in the City of Miami going out for the Hadley Park, it was for number one. Number one couldn't do it after all that time, and then they went back to number two, but it was never included in the language of the resolution. So I share the trepidation that the firm has; not because I met with them or I know them or this person did this or this person did that. No, no; based off of what we've been talking about all night, which are the sheer processes that we follow. So I don't accept an e-mail (electronic) from Mr. Woods that says what he intends to do as a way that we can legally usurp the process that the City of Miami and its Procurement team has created for best business practices in the City of Miami. That's why it was created, to ensure transparency, to ensure that we're going what we're supposed to do, and that no one is getting paid under the table, over the table, however which way; not saying that it's being done, but just saying that no friends benefit when a process has determined who is to be number one. It is clear to me that number one was identified by a group that I had nothing to do with. It is clear to me, and uncontested, even from the number two, that the number -one's project is best fit -- I'm sorry, let me restate that -- that the number -one project has the most City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 economic impact. I'm looking at a trend where I'm being forced to negotiate where I don't think there should be any negotiation, and when the Commissioner -- I'm referring to Commissioner Sarnoff -- talked about a slippery slope, I can't see any slippier [sic] than this. The fall has already started, and unless I see -- and which I don't -- any true protest to the process, to the fairness of that bid process, I don't see any problem with moving forward; not even with the item as it's proposed, but striking the language, modifying the resolution where you would only be negotiating with the number one; not because it takes any rights away -- Applause Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please. -- from the number two, because it does not, but it at least gives the assurance that when you have national builders who've done projects within this region and in this State that -- doing business in Overtown is a worthy investment, because I can tell you this: If this is how we conduct business in Overtown, why improve it? Why improve it? Let the people die, let the people not have this or that; let it -- just let it happen. And when there's blood on the streets, then buy the property. But if that -- if what we want in the City of Miami and in Overtown is a better community, we have to respect the processes that we have laid forth. And I know from the comments set forth before me, I don't have the support in this, but I stand by what I believe in. And does color matter? Mr. Jones: Tell the truth. Tell the truth. Tell the truth. Just tell the truth, man. Tell the truth. Tell the truth. If the other way was around, it would not be as a problem with a black developer. Chair Hardemon: Let me just -- Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones -- Mr. Jones: It would not be -- Chair Hardemon: Mr. Jones, hear me out. Mr. Jones: -- 'cause this just ain't right man. Chair Hardemon: Hear me out. Mr. Jones: This ain't right. Chair Hardemon: Does color matter? Mr. Jones: Yeah, it matters. Chair Hardemon: One second, one second, one second, please. Mr. Jones: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Let's have some decorum, please. You know, in this instance, color didn't matter. You know why color didn't matter? Color didn't matter because the firm was ranked number one, despite what color they were. And in my humble opinion, the fact that it was a firm that had done business in a number of different cities and within the South Florida community and they just happen to be people of color, that made me happy. And when I voted for President Barak Obama, I voted for him because he was the smartest man, had the best plan, and he was black. Applause Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? So what I would propose, 'cause there's no motion on the floor right now, I would like to -- City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: No, I cannot make a motion, but I would like to -- Board Member Suarez: Of course, you could. Chair Hardemon: Okay. Board Member Suarez: Pass the gavel. Chair Hardemon: And I will pass the gavel. I move that we strike the language in the resolution that asks to negotiate with the second agreement -- with BDB and approve the modified resolution in its state. Vice Chair Gort: Would you read the resolution, please? Chair Hardemon: The resolution would then read: "A resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency directing the executive director to negotiate the development agreement with Overtown Gateway Partners, LLC, as the highest -ranked proposer for the Development of Block 55." Mr. Bloom: As deleted in Section 4 of the existing resolution that's in the packet. Chair Hardemon: Then to continue: "Further directing the executive director to present any proposed development agreement to the Board for its consideration and, if satisfactory, approval and award, claming that this resolution does not attempt to be an award of development rights or to otherwise create any rights, whatsoever, in any proposal referenced herein." Vice Chair Gort: Is there a second? Take it back. 171 second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any further unreadiness? Any further discussion? Roll call vote. Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Commissioner Gort? Vice Chair Gort: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Sarnoff? Board Member Sarnoff. No. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Hardemon? Chair Hardemon: For. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Suarez? Board Member Suarez: Yes. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes -- Applause 12. CRA RESOLUTION City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 14-00298 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 $280,000, TO FILM LIFE, INC. TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTINUED OPERATION AND PROGRAMMING OF THE MIAMI FILM LIFE CENTER AND FILM INSTITUTE JOB TRAINING PROGRAM; 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; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS NOT INCREASED; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND ENTITLED, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00298 Cover Memo.pdf File #14-00298 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00298 Backup.pdf File # 14-00298 Legislation.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Gort: Twelve. Item 12. Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please, decorum. Decorum, please. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): We got one more. Chair Hardemon: We have one more agenda item. We have one final agenda item, and if you are a resident of Overtown, if you are a member of Brothers in -- decorum, please. If you are a member of Overtown, you care about -- Mr. Jones, I would recommend that you stay for this last item. Decorum, please, decorum. Board Member Suarez: Gentlemen, please keep it down. Chair Hardemon: We appreciate everyone's patience in waiting with us, but we ask that you sit through the last agenda item for us as a courtesy, please. Mr. Woods. Mr. Woods: Yes, Commissioner, item number 12 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 $280, 000, to Film Life, Inc., to underwrite costs associated with the continued operations and programming of the Miami Film Life Center and Film Institute Job Training Program; 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; further authorizing the executive director to approve budget modifications under the grant, provided that the overall amount of grant funding approved by the Board of Commissioners is not increased. Chair Hardemon: All right, at this time, I'm going to open the floor for public hearing. You are recognized, sir. City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Al Crespo: My name is Al Crespo, and I turn around and ask, is there anybody here who will give me an extra two minutes? Renita Holmes: I'll give you mine, Al. Mr. Crespo: Thank you. This September, I will have been a member of the South Florida Film Industry for 30 years. I have worked in the capacities as a production assistant, a location scout, a location manager, an assistant director, a production manager, and a producer. I have worked in countries around the world, including Tahiti, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Germany, Switzerland, and I have worked all over the United States -- New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami -- and I have done everything from producing music videos, over 150 of them; I have produced corporate films; I have produced television commercials; I have been an assistant director in eight feature films. I have been in the film industry for 30 years; it's what I do for a living. And like some of you all, I'm an ex -con; I used to rob banks. Unidentified Speaker: No. Mr. Crespo: Yeah. I spent 20 years in prison. I spent time in Leavenworth, Raiford. I was in Raiford back in the day when Cool Hand Luke -- well, I was on the road. I can tell you about what Cool Hand Luke did, 'cause I was at that prison camp, okay? So I know what I'm talking about here. I'm not opposed to a film institute. What I'm opposed to and why I'm here tonight to speak on this issue is this: You have talked eloquently tonight about process, and you have talked eloquently tonight about jobs and job creation, and that's what this is supposed to be about. You have given this outfit, this Film Life group $350,000; you're prepared to give them another $280, 000. It is common when public agencies give money to groups like this -- and there's a thing called job development and job creation -- that the agency sets up a criteria of deliverables. I'm going to give you money; you, in turn, are going to do certain things and take certain steps to ensure that the money I give you produces the results that we want to see achieved by the money we give you. This is the material that is in the books that all of you were presented. There are no deliverables in here. Your contract -- your contract, not what Film Life has told you they want to do -- but your contract has no deliverables built into it. You didn't have deliverables in the first year contract; you didn't have -- because after the first year contract, you want to review the deliverables and see whether or not they were successful, whether they were met; and in a future contract or an additional contract, you want to make sure that whatever was done the first year is improved upon on the second year and any subsequent years. That has not occurred in any of this. Here, you're talking about dinner and a movie as one of the supposed benefits of this $350, 000 you spent the first year. You know, you talk about jobs. I've been concerned about this project because the gentleman who started this, this Mr. Jeff Friday, is he here? You're giving money to a guy who's not even here. Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) representative. Mr. Crespo: Huh? Unidentified Speaker: I'm representing him. Chair Hardemon: Okay. Mr. Crespo: Well, that's good, but he's not here. So the thing is this: What kind of outreach have you done -- or what kind of outreach was done with the film community in this town, all right? How many people were hired as a result of what you did? How many people, you know, were reached out? Were the unions talked to? Were the people in, you know, production companies talked to? All of these things are things that should have been incorporated and City of Miami Page 57 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 brought into this project. None of those things were and -- Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. I appreciate your comments. Mr. Crespo: One moment. Can I have another two minutes? Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Crespo: All right. Chair Hardemon: Listen -- Mr. Crespo: No, no, no, you gave everybody else time. We talk about process; I'm here for process. Chair Hardemon: Let me explain first to you, I and this Board, we create the rules, we create the procedures, and -- Mr. Crespo: Well, then, you do it right. Chair Hardemon: -- let me further say this: And there is no other person that received more than four minutes that was here on -- Mr. Crespo: That's because they didn't ask for it. Chair Hardemon: -- a public hearing matter. So I allow an additional two minutes for speakers who want to speak; that is true, but that is not -- I'm not allowing more than that. So that is a procedure in and of itself. I appreciate your comments, sir, but I will be consistent with how I run this meeting for the benefit of all of us, fair? Mr. Crespo: Fair. So I've got two minutes. Chair Hardemon: No. You have -- you've completed your four. If you would like to speak for two minutes -- Derek Cole: Can I give him my two minutes? Mr. Crespo: Hey, process is process. Process is process. Mr. Cole: Let him speak. Chair Hardemon: If you don't have a problem, I will allow him to use your -- okay, all right. Mr. Crespo: So my concern has always been, you know, about this. And again, this is Mr. Jeff Friday, who was also the person who bought the American Black Film Festival to this community, or actually, he brought it to Miami Beach. When Commissioner Spence -Jones announced that she was not going to run for re-election because of the court case, Mr. Jeff Friday announced that he wasn't bringing the American Black Film Festival back to Miami, and I think that's a significant thing that needs to be concerned or considered when you want to give this guy money, because as soon as Ms. Spence -Jones was no longer the Commissioner, he took his film festival back to New York City. So the people who are being screwed, if I can use that word here, are the people in this community who might want to be in the film industry but who are not being provided the opportunity to really work with people in the film industry in this community, because if you're going to work in the film industry in South Florida, you need to be -- make connections with the people who can hire you. And Jeff Friday in New York City is not City of Miami Page 58 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 going to hire anybody in South Florida and fly you up to New York City to be a production assistant, all right? So I don't say you don't have this type of program, but what I do say is if you're going to have this kind of program, then you tailor it and make sure that it benefits the people in this community and that it actually is a program that has deliverables so that you can measure where your money is going to, because right now, you can't measure anything with any degree of certainty or with any degree of fact that what you spent money on actually accomplished anything. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Yes, ma'am. Agnes Morton: Good evening, Commissioners and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). My name is Agnes Morton. I live at 1454 Northwest 43rd Street. I consider myself a displaced Overtown resident, born and raised in Overtown but displaced when eminent domain took my family home during the 1-95 expressway. A great opportunity -- I see the Film Life -- Miami Film Life Center as a great opportunity for the historical and cultural legacies of Overtown to be documented, filmed, and shared with the community and others. How many people know that more than a third of the black -- more than a third of the men that signed this Charter to make Miami a city in 1896 were black men? The Chapman House, itself has a wonderful history, and that's where the Miami Film Life Center is housed. Dr. William Chapman, one of Overtown's early medical doctors, was the first black physician hired by the Florida State Board of Health. His daughter, Ms. Wilhelmina Chapman Radder, who passed away a couple of years ago, taught me Latin, social studies, and was my homeroom teacher in 10th through 12th grade at Booker T. Washington High School. Dr. Chapman's son, who was a dentist, deeded the house to the Dade County Public Schools, in collaboration with the Black Archives, to be a student learning center. I would like to see collaboration between the Film Life Center, the Black Archives, and the Lyric Theater to plan and implement programs that will display this great history and legacy of Overtown. Our stories need to be told. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Albricka Gordon: Hello everyone. My name is Albricka Gordon. I am the vice president of eyeopentv.com. We are a local digital media company based in Overtown, 1490 Northwest 3rd Avenue. I would just like to speak on behalf of the Film Life Center. I heard the comments that were made today in terms of the dollars and how they were well spent. Well, I can just vouch for us. As a company, we have been able to utilize the resources at the Film Life Center in great depth, including being able to host an event there that benefited our company tremendously. As a film company, it's very direly needed that we have these resources in place so that we'll be able to continue to provide the services that we do to this community, which is helping to rebrand, market. We have a lot of the business here that we help with their marketing in terms of being able to get the name out there. We work with the Black Archives in branding the Lyric Live event and bringing life back to Overtown. So the Film Life Center is desperately needed, and I'm here to say that we support it 100 percent, and we will be working handedly with the Film Life Center from this point forward to ensure that those funds are utilized within this community. Thank you. Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, office in Overtown. We support Film Life Center, we do. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir. Is there any other person for public hearing? Yes, ma'am, you're recognized. Michelle McKoy: Good evening, Commissioner. Good evening to everybody else here from Overtown. My name is Michelle McKoy, and I'm the program manager for the Miami Film Life Center. I'd like to shed some light on the concerns regarding Mr. Crespo, regarding deliverables. I'd like to make it very clear that the Miami Film Life Center had a set of -- a scope of work that was presented, and every item on that scope of work was met deliberately. Every single thing that we ever programmed was in connection to the scope of work that was presented City of Miami Page 59 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 to us. In moving forward, what I'd like to briefly say is that our objective is to be in alignment with the current Commissioner and make sure that what we're doing meets his goals and objectives in reaching out to the community and getting more community participation involved. Is there a need for Miami Film Life? Yes, there is. If you ask anyone who's a member of the center, they get regular e-mails (electronic) that informs them about the activities that we're doing, and you can find out from them, themselves, or hear from them, themselves, about the need that we are meeting on a regular basis. This is only a platform to grow and move forward, and we're open to any other questions or concerns anyone may have. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Barber. Timothy Barber: Just briefly. Timothy Barber again, Black Archives Lyric Theater. What we have today is several entities that are seeking support and trying to create a synergy in the Overtown area that will rebrand this area and make this area viable. The problem is that everything is being done in a parallel line or a serial line, one behind the other. There hasn't been a synergy where everything has come into place all at the same time. So over the years, with the past Commissioner and what you're doing, things have been put into place to try to bring back Overtown. Now, one thing about the Film Life, why it's important: The Lyric Theater was not online at the time to work with the Film Life the way that it was envisioned. But now, with the Lyric Theater coming onboard, there is a synergy that we're able to make happen from the hotel to the development to the Film Life. I say give this thing a chance so that we can work together to create the synergy in Overtown that will strengthen Overtown economics. Sarnoff, you said many years ago -- I've never forgot -- "What's the base economy of Overtown?" Remember that question? And the base economy of Overtown right now is cultural heritage. And for us to allow us to be able to build this synergy around tourism, the dollars, the heads and bed tax, creating reasons why people want to come to Overtown, that would begin to spark the reason to where developers won't ask -- they won't ask the CRA for money; they'll be giving the CRA money to build their buildings, because the Lyric and Miami Film Life and the other entities have the funding that they need in order to move forward. We've been talking with Jeff Friday from the Lyric in terms of doing programming to bring -- even though they moved to New York, we still had been talking with him about sending a lot of his films through the Film Life to the Lyric so that we can have film screenings. We're talking to the Greater Miami Visitors and -- Convention & Visitors Bureau about the Miami Film Month, which is in June. There are several screenings we're going to have during the Miami Film Month, so -- just giving an opportunity to survive so that we can put these things together and really create a matrix for entertainment and culture in Overtown. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Madam Holmes, you yielded your time to Mr. Crespo. Ms. Holmes: No. Actually, Mr. -- what's his name -- Chair Hardemon: You yielded -- Ms. Holmes -- gave up his time to Mr. Crespo. Chair Hardemon: -- your time to Mr. Crespo and then -- Ms. Holmes: Could I just have ten seconds to tell you the benefit of this, though, really, that we didn't even know? Was that right across from public housing -- Chair Hardemon: Why must you do this to me? Ms. Holmes: Because it -- Chair Hardemon: Why must -- why must you --? City of Miami Page 60 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Ms. Holmes: -- I could have finished saying -- Chair Hardemon: No, no. let me say this. But if you could -- Ms. Holmes: Please -- Chair Hardemon: -- finish saying it -- Ms. Holmes: Yes, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: -- then that means that every other person is going to just finish saying it. Ms. Holmes: I don't think anybody else wants to say it, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: I'm asking you to respect the procedure. Ms. Holmes: I just wanted to -- Chair Hardemon: That's what I'm asking you to do. You were the first to yield your time. Ms. Holmes: No. Actually, it was three of us that yielded our time, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: You yielded your time. Don't do this to me. Don't do that to me. Ms. Holmes: It's okay, it's okay. But I know my kids at Rainbow -- Chair Hardemon: You support it? You say you support it? Ms. Holmes: No, my kids at Rainbow say it links up, 'cause they don't get any at that free trade zone, so I think it's a great way for us to link up. It's okay for us to link up like that. Now, I'm through with it. It's even more positive. You know, we -- Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much. Ms. Holmes: It's even more positive; know what I'm saying? Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much. Is there anybody here in the public hearing that'd like to continue to speak? You yielded your time, sir. Mr. Cole: I thought you said four minutes. Chair Hardemon: No, no, no. You yielded your time. Mr. Cole: I just wanted to say I'm in support of it. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other person here from the public that would like to speak? Seeing no others, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. Now, before we entertain any motions, is there any discussion from the Commission? Board Member Suarez: Yeah, I just want to -- if you don't mind, Mr. Chair? Chair Hardemon: No, go ahead. Board Member Suarez: My only discussion is how would you articulate the deliverables, Mr. City of Miami Page 61 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Executive Director? I think -- Mr. Woods: Well -- Board Member Suarez: -- you know, I mean, I think it's a legitimate question. Mr. Woods: -- what -- I think there's two things I probably need to clear up. Again, Mr. Crespo has a lot of facts. Sometimes, you know, when you state facts, if they're not presented in the right way, it can give the -- a bad picture. But it is fact that Commissioner Spence -Jones didn't run. It is fact that ABFF (American Black Film Festival) is not coming back to South Beach. But it is totally incorrect, if he was suggesting that, one had anything to do with the other. The reason that ABFF is not coming back is because Mr. Fridays sponsors threatened to pull out if he would come back to Florida, because of the Trayvon Martin Situation; had nothing to do at all with Commissioner Spence -Jones. The issue relative to the deliverables: This was not a jobs program. This was a training program. This was about exposing young people in the redevelopment area to careers within the film and entertainment industry, so this was really about exposure. It was about giving them a platform to be able to get involved in the creative industries. That's what it was about. We did train folks from Booker T. Some students from University of Miami were trained, as well. They did receive stipends, so for that part, they did get paid But primarily, that was really about training and cultivating skills that could be used in the film and entertainment industry. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Point of -- you know, I'm a big believer in Commissioner Sarnoffs vision for the Miami Entertainment Complex and his vision for trying to bring the movie industry to the City of Miami as a base industry. My question to you is -- andl know we just recently approved an allocation, and we're getting that hopefully started and finished, and it's going to be done. But I think that there's a synergy here where we can have, you know, children that are trained in an industry that otherwise didn't exist in the City of Miami, you know, participating with our neighboring CRA, you know, in a facility that we spent a significant investment in to not only, you know, teach the kids, but also for them to actually work on projects. And I think, you know, what we're seeing in the technology industry is that a very, very fledgling industry has sprouted almost sua sponte, and now we're starting to see major conferences and things of that sort that are coming down to Miami that are aimed at really growing that industry. But the fact of the matter is I think the catalyst is you on the entertainment front. I think the catalyst on the technology front was Manny Medina, and, you know, hopefully, when my son, who is a couple months old, is old enough to go to the Wharton School of Business where Barron graduated from, hopefully, he can also partake of a thriving, you know, entertainment industry here in the City of Miami. So thank you. Chair Hardemon: Any other discussion from the dais? Vice Chair Gort: Well, I don't think it's only the -- what Commissioner Sarnoff has done. I think he's done a great job in trying to bring the movie studio and film studio in that area, because we can see all the energy that it's taking right now, all the individuals working together to bring the film industry to down here to Miami, and especially to South Florida; not only for the American movies, but now you got -- we have something coming up in June, and we have a Chinese productions that coming to Miami, 'cause they want to use Miami and they want to invest in Miami and the film industry. As we see all these soap operas that taking place in the different places from South and Central America, they beginning to do the recording in here, and that's very important. But I think what we need is when we're finished with a task, let's make a document to show what was accomplished by that -- what do you call them? -- by that grant. It's very important that people knows what effect did that grant -- those grant has had in the community and the benefits that it have brought to the community. City of Miami Page 62 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff, do you have a comment? Board Member Sarnoff.- I would echo exactly what Commissioner Gort had to say. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. I would just finish by saying that I think you should reach out to Mr. Crespo, because I think he's 30 years of experience in the business, he could -- Chair Hardemon: We got to change the tape. Board Member Suarez: Oh, no, no, no, I'm not changing the tape for that. I'm not changing the tape for that. We'll adjourn. Chair Hardemon: No, no, no, we got to change the tape. Board Member Suarez: I think you should reach out to -- I could say this off the record -- I think he should reach out to him. He clearly has a lot of experience. Mr. Woods: We asked Mr. Crespo to -- you know, if he would be willing to get involved with us. Board Member Suarez: I think he should. Mr. Woods: I think he -- Board Member Suarez: I think he should. I think it's -- Mr. Crespo: No, you never did. No, you never did. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo, come on. Mr. Woods: Yes, we did. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo. Mr. Crespo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo, Mr. Crespo. Mr. Crespo: Don't you say that. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo. Board Member Suarez: Okay, listen, he clearly has 30 years of experience in the business, and he's very passionate about this issue. He's been -- on every single time -- Mr. Woods: Yes, I did. Board Member Suarez: -- we've talked about it, he's come up and said something about it, so I don't think it would make -- it would be too much trouble to reach out to him and get his ideas on what he considers to be deliverables. I think what you articulated as deliverables clearly are to me, and that's why I'm going to support the item. But I don't think it's a bad idea to reach out to people who have a demonstrated history in the business and see what their perspective is. City of Miami Page 63 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Mr. Woods: You got a short memory, buddy. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: All right, this is my opportunity to make a few statements, all right, just a few. Is that okay? Board Member Suarez: Yeah, go for it. Chair Hardemon: One thing about me: Sometimes I'm with you; sometimes I'm not, but it's all based on principle. And I think the Film Life Center is a good project. I think it's a good project. I think that it needs to divers its funding source. I think that if their relationship with the school system is so great, they should be receiving funds from the school system. I think with American Black Film Festival, their profit arm being so great, they should have some grant funding from the American Black Film Festival to help fund this major, major project, because when I look at the item, I mean, it's striking to me that it's -- 57 percent of this grant is for salaries, and in -- 86,000 of it is for a salary for someone who lives -- or two people who live in New York, and I'm going to say it, I'm just -- just for the record, because it is what I have to do so that I can sleep at night, and the vote can go however it wants to go but -- 'cause I've stayed up many, many nights in Miami and in D.C. (District of Columbia) about this one item. And so in regards to this item, I went for a site visit, because I heard within the community that Overtown wasn't benefiting from this; there was other people benefiting from this. And when I visited the site and I heard all this talk about -- I think it was an editing class, something of that nature, and I walked into that editing class, and I asked every single person, "Where you from?" and not one of them said Overtown. One said Tamarac, one said North Miami Beach, one said -- all these different things. And it draws me back to, what are you doing for the community of Overtown? Because I want the people from Overtown to benefit from the discredit they've been going through. And when I read the CRA resolution, the second "whereas" clause states that -- it lists the creation of jobs within the community and the improving -- and improving the quality of life for its residents as the redevelopment goals. And that is the auspice in which we are giving this money for this organization. And so when I think about that, I asked, "Well, how many jobs did it create?" Well, I know it created a job for Jeff Friday. I know it created a job in New York. I know it created a job for another individual -- forget her name off the top of my head -- but in New York. And I know it created a job for a young lady that's here before us within the Overtown community. But I don't know that you have created any other jobs for any other person within this community the way that the Lyric Theater did. The Lyric Theater, they came before us and talked about how as a -- how he's hired felons with -- I think $570, 000? Mr. Woods: Seventy-two. Chair Hardemon: Seventy thousand dollars, and how many residents from that community you can -- when the theater open, you can watch the people walk in from the community to the Lyric Theater; the most beautiful thing you've ever seen within the community of Overtown. They're walking to a job, and I've never seen anyone walk to this facility that's on Booker T.'s campus. I think that it is a good program; that's me, personally. I just don't think that it does what we need to be doing within Overtown. Maybe I would feel a little bit different if -- because -- and I will say that -- Commissioner Sarnoff, you're -- at 12 million -- I think it's $12 million we're spending on the facility? That is an economic generator. It's beautiful. It will be here. We will benefit from it, and we need people to work that area, right? But as it currently stands, from what I've seen from the deliverables from last year -- 'cause we gave money last year -- I haven't seen one -- I haven't seen the people from Overtown, despite when people tell me there's a thousand members and 33 percent of them are from Overtown. Show me one, two, three, four, five, six, seven in this room right now that can tell me they're from Overtown, and they're in this program, and it's benefiting them. The one person that I do hear about, her -- well, he is the son of someone who works for the CRA, and that's not enough. I mean, is that what it takes to make City of Miami Page 64 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 NON AGENDA ITEM(S) NA.1 14-00364 success in this community, $300, 000 per child? I mean, I don't agree with that. But I will say that if it was different, maybe I would feel a little bit better, 'cause I think we all have to compromise, right? That's what this is all about, compromise. Maybe if there wasn't a salary for someone who was based in New York, two people who are based in New York, I would feel a little bit better. Applause Chair Hardemon: Wow, and that was from people who are actually supporting the item. That was support from people who are supporting the item, because what that tells you is that there is -- there are people here within this community that are watching as people come into this community and take from it what is supposed to be used within it, and that is my fear; that is what keeps me up at night; that is what I worry about, and I don't want to be a part of that, because at the end of my term, if I've spent one point something million dollars on something in this community, it better be keeping people from being shot and killed, it better be bringing economic development, it better not get up and walk away. Well, tell me in a meeting, "We can be here" or "We cannot be here." And that, my friend, is the absolute truth, because the people that are sitting here every single day, they are here, and they would never tell me, "We cannot be here." That's just my two cents, and I'm done. Vice Chair Gort: Well, this item shouldn't be here then. Board Member Suarez: Exactly. Unidentified Speaker: That's my point. Chair Hardemon: Oh, whether this item should be here? Listen. And this is the next thing. So with that being stated, I want the position to be -- and that's why I asked this to happen before the motion came up. So I didn't want this on this agenda, and so we could deal with that however we want to. So there cannot be a motion or there can be a motion; it could be to accept it or it could be to decline it. I'd say to decline it or we can just move to adjourn. Vice Chair Gort: Move to adjourn. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. Applause CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") REQUESTING THAT MEDIATION OCCUR WITHIN 30 DAYS BETWEEN THE CRAAND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY") AS TO THE PENDING DISPUTE REGARDING THE COUNTY'S IMPOSITION OF A CAP ON ITS CONTRIBUTION OF TAX INCREMENT FUNDS TO THE CRA'S REDEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND; FURTHER REQUESTING THAT THE MEDIATOR BE ANGELA. CORTINAS; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR CONSIDERATION. File # 14-00364 Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 5,21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 4-0032 A motion was made by Commission Suarez, seconded by Vice Chair Gort, which failed by the following vote: AYES: Chair Hardemon and Commission Suarez; NOES: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff ABSENT: Commission Carollo; to reconsider agenda item NA.1 Chair Hardemon: Before I move on to our first resolution, I'd like to first acknowledge our County Commissioner, Audrey Edmonson, who is in the building. Thank you so very much for coming; we appreciate your time. And if there is anything that you need, be sure to let us know, and we'll go from there, okay? County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson: I'd like to speak. Chair Hardemon: You would like to speak? All right, sure, you can have an opportunity to speak as of right now. County Commissioner Edmonson: Thank you, Commissioner Hardemon. And to the entire Board, thank you for giving me this opportunity to come before you, especially when we're not on the agenda. I do have some citizens, as well as workers, sitting out in the audience, who will be in support of you in the future helping us get something done in Overtown. There have been some concerns, and I've received so many calls from residents, as well as the developers in the Overtown area, who is wondering and asking questions about the developments that have already been approved, and when they will occur. So far, right now, we have no idea. We approached the director of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) at first, and asked what was the concerns. His concern was the cap that was put in place in 1982 with the original ordinance for the creation of the CRA. We addressed those concerns. We have given each one of you an alternative, as well as the director, from the County that should be able to make everything viable that Clarence had with concerns. Over the past three years, the City, the CRA, and the County, we have had a very good relationship; it has really blossomed. I would like to see that relationship continue to blossom. Instead of us having a lot of friction between us, I would like to see us be able to work out our concerns, our issues, and our plans, and get something finally done in the Overtown area. I think this is the time, and I'm asking you all to please get together and let's get something done, because we have come up with an alternative that will work, and I think all of you do have those alternatives before you, or we have presented them to you. Again, this community is looking forward to something happening. I would like to see something happen, and I'm just here to get something done in Overtown. Now, I have a lot of people here who wants to see something get done in Overtown. Just stand up and show yourselves. Chair Hardemon: I think we should stand up, too, then. Ms. Edmonson: Okay, everybody. So thank you guys. So, please, let's get something done. Let's get it done soon as possible, because some of the developers will be losing their finances if you really don't get it done. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. And -- would you like to make a comment? Sure. Board Member Sarnoff I -- but if you want me to yield, I will. Chair Hardemon: No, go ahead, Commissioner; go ahead, Commissioner Sarnoff. City of Miami Page 66 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Sarnoff.- You know, obviously, there is something of a dispute between some people for the CRA and the County. And what I would strongly urge us to do -- and I know I must be sounding a little bit like a -- Board Member Suarez: Broken record. Board Member Sarnof- -- broken record to some degree, because we've had some success recently in mediation -- is for us all to sit down in a room, whoever those people need to be. And when I say, "those people," if it needs to be you, Mr. Chair, and it doesn't need to be the rest of us, that would be acceptable, I think, or it could be all of us in a room. I would also recommend it be Angel Cortinas, who has done yeoman's work for the City in the past two mediations. And everybody put on -- as we call it, "white -boarding" it -- what are the issues and what are the potential solutions, because if we don't all sit together and do this, we're really not going to get to a place of a satisfactory resolution. And I suspect, if we properly notice it, we can all sit down and put out what we think is important, and I think we would come to a resolution within a day of mediation, and I think the County would see their -- we -- you know, their position well presented; the CRA Board's position would be well presented. And I want to echo one thing that Commissioner Edmonson said. I was here when we didn't get along with the County, and I've been here when we do get along with the County. And, you know, it's much easier to get the County's cooperation than it is to get their -- to feel their ire, so to speak, and I just want to make sure we explore every opportunity we can to maintain that relationship. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized. Vice Chair Gort: Thank you. I agree, we been promised the changes in Overtown for the last 20, 25 years. I think for the last three years, we have really improved quite a bit. We have come a long way, but I believe we still -- a lot to go. And like Commissioner Sarnoff recommended, when attorneys get together and all that, it's who's going to speak the best, and who's going to do the best proposal. Mediation works, and I tell you, in the past, every time we had these people not agreeing to certain issues, you'd be amazed when -- the one thing that happened here today, everybody stood up. Everybody stood up, which means we all want to do the same thing. How are we going to get it? We're going to sit down and talk, and come up with the ideas. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't know that I can say it any better than my colleagues to the left have said it. I think I've expressed in many occasions before the Chair was here, and even when the Chair first arrived, you know, my frustration being a CRA Board Member, and how I feel at times that the resources that are available and the resources that will become available, in combination with the need, is so stark that it's embarrassing at times, to be honest. And I think I was very proud of the Chair, who just turned to me and said, "We should all standup." And he's absolutely right; we all need to stand up, and we all need to work together to make it happen sooner rather than later, and I'm very encouraged by having a Chair that has what I feel is a very clear vision for Overtown, and the energy, the enthusiasm, and also the ability to get those projects started. And I think my colleagues to the left are absolutely right. I welcome the Commissioner and Ed, who came and made a very, very sophisticated presentation to me particularly, and I think we have to stop -- and we've done a great job, by the way, with the County, as the Commissioner said, of not fighting anymore; like looking past the issues, and looking towards what's most important, which is all those people who are in the crowd that stood up, and want us to not argue with each other, but to get things done. So I thank you for coming. I thank you for -- I thank you, Chair, for giving the Commissioner the opportunity to speak, even though it was not an agenda item. And I look forward to working with you, Commissioner, and Ed, and all -- everyone else at the County, and with my Board City of Miami Page 67 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Members, and with the Administration to finally put this money that we have to work. Thank you. Applause. Chair Hardemon: Please. The first thing I'd like to -- you want to say something? Ms. Edmonson: Just to end it all, can we get something done and get these jobs ready to go within the next month? I would like to see us sit down. I gave the alternatives; you all saw them, you went over the finances. As a matter of fact, it gives the City a lot as far as the County even paying for Gibson Park, given the funds out for Gibson Park, as well as your administrative cost, your organizational charges, everything we're offering. I think it should not matter what is coming to the County, but that the CRA can survive and sustain itself. So I would just like to see it get done and get these developments done in Overtown. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Ms. Edmonson: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: And for the listening audience, I want you to truly understand that there is no friction between the County and the City. There is no friction between the County and the CRA. Where we are is at a point of disagreement. So for some context, and without getting too far into the legalities of things, because, of course, we don't know where this could go -- we know where we want it to go and all of it ends with the building of Overtown -- but the part of what we're looking at is that there is a part of an ordinance that the County has that gave birth to the CRA that we believe is not legal; is inapplicable to the CRA in Overtown. And if the County exercises this part of the ordinance that basically caps how much money they give to the CRA each year at a certain number, if they utilize that, then the CRA would effectively be giving up on some modest projections, $35 million, and it could be higher than that, especially if there is significant development that happens in Overtown, and especially if the number of years that the CRA exists is extended. So you could have a situation where -- effectively where a lot of money, millions of dollars the CRA would be giving up to the general fund of the County. And so our position that is -- my position and the position of the CRA attorneys is that that provision of the ordinance is not legal, and the County wants to enforce it. Now, where we talk about the $60 million, that is the part that we were first concerned about; whether or not we were going to be able to bond that amount of money to get the projects completed. So Commissioner Edmonson is correct. Commissioner Edmonson presented us a plan that will allow us to bond for that $60 million. And that is all well and good, but my concern as the Chairman and as the District 5 Commissioner is the viability of the CRA and the community of Overtown, not just in those few projects, but in the projects that could happen thereafter. So I'm thinking long term versus short term. What happens if they enforce this cap versus if they do not? And so where we are -- and we've met, Commissioner Edmonson and Marquez, we've all met to discuss this issue and work on different scenarios that could possibly settle this issue without us going to court and having the judge decide if -- who is right or who is wrong. Now, I will tell you that if we negotiate -- and I'm not trying to go into any details, Mr. Marquez -- but if we negotiate, obviously, there is going to be a loss to the CRA, because we have to give up something. Now, when I consider the fact that nothing has -- well, there's been very few projects -- well, there have been -- the projects that have really gotten done in Overtown have been with the help of the County, and we appreciate that, because for a long time in Overtown, there was no money in the CRA. It took really some time to really generate the type of capital that we need to get something done. So it sounds good when the County says, "Well, let's get things done," because we all agree, we need to get things done. But the question is: Do you get it done at all costs, or do we exercise some type of financial prudence on the CRA's side to make sure that we get the final -- we get not just those projects, but then much more for the Overtown community? So no one wants a lawsuit; I certainly do not. What I would like simply is for the County not to enforce that provision of the City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 ordinance that we believe is illegal. But that probably is far and fewer from -- that probably would not happen, you know; it just probably will not. Does that stop the CRA from bonding? It does not. Maybe we don't bond the $60 million [sic], but I can guarantee you that Town Park, Town Park North, Town Park Village, everyone, especially who are residents of Overtown, they will see their projects come into fruition, because we have stated that the community of Overtown, the residents of Overtown, the voters of Overtown, those people have first priority in getting this revitalization done. We're looking at a situation where it is those residents that have lasted the test of time; those residents who have suffered the most; those residents who have gone through so much, you are the reason why we have a CRA. So in my eyes, you benefit first, not developers, not someone who comes in to build new projects that bring new people in it while you still look at them and you're still suffering, no. You benefit first. So we plan on -- and that's just my opinion. I don't know if I speak for -- I can't speak for the Board, but we plan on developing Overtown. We plan on doing what we need to do for the residents of Overtown. The Commissioner, Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, and I, we're just at a different point at this day, at this time. But we are working for -- towards a solution to this. My community may say to me, "Commissioner Hardemon, I understand that you're trying to save us $70 million in the end, but I'd rather not you fight this and give up that $70 million just so we can get this done now "; my community may say that to me. But if they do say that to me, I want them to understand, you all, what our choices are. And there will be a time that we have an opportunity to really lay it out. And this is not politics. This is not -- we're not playing with your future. We're really discussing what we need to do to make sure that this community thrives and gets what it deserves. Commissioner Edmonson and I have the same goal, we have the same interest, we believe in the same things, and we believe in the same people. The bottom line where we are is just how we get there. And I know that we will get there, and at the will of this body, it will determine exactly how we get there. But know that this is not a fight, this is not friction, this is not a spat. This is Business 101. Board Member Sarnoff.- Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Yes, you're recognized, sir. Board Member Sarnoff.- I don't know that when two people have two different points of views that the end of the day they don't want the same thing; they may get there in different ways. I strongly urge, so much so that I want to make a -- present a motion, and that is for us to mediate with the County in the next, let's say, three weeks, so that at least you can learn whether there can be a mediated resolution of this. And if you're going to litigate against them, if that's the place you want to be, you're still going to need this Board's approval to do so. So I'm going to make the motion -- whether it gets seconded or not is entirely up to the Board, but I'm actually going to name the mediator, and it's because I've seen him at work, and I am a mediator, and he's light years better than me. And I'm going to make the motion that we mediate with Angel Cortinas within the next -- I'll put it within the next 30 days. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Board Member Suarez: Second for discussion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we mediate with the recommended person. Now -- and I will take the time to say this: It's so interesting to me, it is so interesting to me that on January 1, $750, 000 was taken from the CRA, $750, 000. And it was taken not just on that day, not -- it was not something where -- me be more clear: Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars was taken from the CRA on that day because of this provision that we think is illegal; $750,000 that, if the County believed was legal, they would have taken from us three years prior each year, which would have accumulated to more than -- Board Member Suarez: Two point one.. City of Miami Page 69 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: -- two million dollars. And so we are the victims in the CRA. You are the victims in Overtown, because the money is gone. So when we talk about a rush to mediate, there is no rush, there is no impending deadline. The only thing that could have happened has already occurred. The money is already gone. And so when I consider the fact that we're trying to get this thing mediated within the next 30 days without giving us the opportunity to really sit down as players, it troubles me. Would you like to say something, Ms. Pacheco? Jessica Pacheco (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): No. I was just saying that we should just entertain the motion and kind of -- Chair Hardemon: This is discussion. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, and I want to discuss it, too. Ms. Pacheco: -- be careful with the comments, given that there might be some pending litigation if the motion William Bloom (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners -- Ms. Pacheco: -- succeeds or -- later on. Mr. William: -- given there's a pending dispute -- Ms. Pacheco: You should limit the conversation. Mr. Bloom: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) mediator at the appropriate (UNINTELLIGIBLE) a shade meeting -- Ms. Pacheco: An executive session. Mr. Bloom: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) be able to meet with the mediator and counsel representing the CRA in connection with the dispute in private to discuss the options. Board Member Suarez: May I? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Look, I think the Chair is entitled to his opinion as to what occurred on January 1, and I don't think that that necessarily hurts or helps the City's legal position. I think we have -- and from my understanding, the CRA's position is essentially that the cap is not in existence because it was superseded by a resolution, the global agreement, if I'm not mistaken. Chair Hardemon: No. Board Member Suarez: Is that not correct? Chair Hardemon: That is not correct. Board Member Suarez: Okay. Well, I apologize. Can someone correct me? Sorry. Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: No, get in too much detail but -- Ms. Pacheco: Right. I mean, this conversation is better -- Board Member Suarez: I don't think it's -- right, right, right. City of Miami Page 70 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Ms. Pacheco: No, no, no. I mean -- Board Member Suarez: I don't think it's getting into too much detail to articulate what our legal position is. Ms. Pacheco: No, you're correct. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. Ms. Pacheco: And essentially, the position is as follows: The CRA's position is that -- Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please. Ms. Pacheco: -- the ordinance was enacted -- Board Member Suarez: Right. Ms. Pacheco: -- contrary to State law -- Board Member Suarez: Okay. Ms. Pacheco: -- that governs the funding and distribution of tax increment financing. Board Member Suarez: Okay. Look, just for the record, I'm a CRA Board Member, and this is the first time that I hear that legal argument. Ms. Pacheco: Okay. Board Member Suarez: And I don't know why that's the first time I hear it, but, you know, that's not what I was told. Ms. Pacheco: Okay. Board Member Suarez: So regardless of what our legal position is at this precise moment, mediation, in my humble opinion, rarely does anything negative. I don't know how the other Board Members feel. It rarely does anything negative, even if it results in nothing, which it oftentimes does result in nothing. So, you know, it could be simply we get to the table and we say, "Okay, we feel that you took $750, 000 from us on January 1 pursuant to a legal theory that," like the Chairman said "is not" -- "we don't know yet whether it's tested, whether we're right or wrong on that theory." And I'm sure that the lawyers, our lawyers, you will make an articulate argument as to why that should have never been done. And they'll have whatever arguments they have in favor of their position. That may be the end of the mediation, I don't know. But -- Mr. Bloom: Commissioners -- Chair Hardemon: Mr. Bloom. Mr. Bloom: -- you shouldn't have any mediation before the Commission is educated on the facts, meeting with the mediator, meeting with their attorney, and then after that and there's consensus among the Board how to proceed and how to direct through the mediation, how to handle that. Chair Hardemon: So we -- may -- we accepted the motion that was presented by Commissioner Sarnoff, because he did, in fact, present it and the motion was seconded. But if this were the City of Miami Page 71 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 world that I would expect us to operate in, we would have at least an executive session or shade meeting where we discuss these ideas before moving forward, something like that. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may? Chair Hardemon: Yes, Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Look, I don't have a problem having a shade meeting. Look, I don't have a problem having a shade meeting at all. I think what's happening here a little bit is the fact that -- I was elected on November 9, 2009 -- I'm sorry -- November 17, 2009. And Willy -- sorry -- Commissioner Gort was elected very shortly thereafter, and Commissioner Sarnoff has been there much longer than I have. And so the frustration from our side is the lack of projects. So for us, you know, I understand the argument totally; I totally understand the argument. I just -- you know, it's just the frustration that we feel. So we have been beset by obstacle, you know, after obstacle after obstacle after obstacle as CRA Board Members, and I think the manifestation of wanting to get something resolved with the County is simply our expression of wanting to move forward, you know. So I have no problem having an executive shade meeting. We should have been briefed -- if this issue was going to come up, we should have been fully briefed, and I understand -- Chair Hardemon: Well, they -- Board Member Suarez: -- it wasn't brought up, I get it. It was a non -agenda item. But nevertheless, if there's something going on that's of a legal -- you know, this supposedly -- we were -- the money was taken on January 1, okay? It's March 31, it's March 31, and we've never been briefed on not -- we've never had a full briefing, have we? Mr. Woods: Commissioner, you guys -- we've delivered that same packet to you guys previously, months ago. Board Member Suarez: I understand. Mr. Woods: Months and months ago. Board Member Suarez: But we get thousands of e-mails (electronic). Mr. Woods: Yeah. Board Member Suarez: Have we got briefed on it? Mr. Woods: No, not an e-mail; we actually gave it to you in -- Board Member Suarez: Have we gotten briefed on it? Mr. Woods: Yes. Actually I -- Board Member Suarez: I wasn't briefed on it. Mr. Woods: -- sat with Mike Llorente -- Board Member Suarez: That -- well, I wasn't briefed on it specifically. Chair Hardemon: All right. So with this being said, you know, I -- in allowing Commissioner Edmonson to speak, I anticipated that it could go one way versus it just being a discussion or -- this could have just been a session where we said, "This is what's going on; we're working on it, City of Miami Page 72 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 we're moving forward," but obviously, now it's turning from a discussion to some type of action. And the bottom line is this: We're not in a position where the CRA has not been doing anything. The CRA has been working. The CRA has been attempting to find a way to settle this issue, and this is just where we are; we're still in that process. And I will say this: That I was not elected when you were -- Board Member Suarez: Right. Chair Hardemon: -- and most of the people here were not elected, but all of us feel the same frustration of broken promises in Overtown. But the question then becomes philosophical, but that has real impacts upon the community. So where we are now is this: I asked from my legal team, "What is the best route that you recommend we move forward?" Should we move for some type of mediation now, " understanding there's a motion on the floor, or "should we have a shade meeting to discuss where we are and move from there?" Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair -- Vice Chair Gort: Can I vote? Board Member Suarez: -- I think we can do both, which is I think what the Vice Chair just said. I think we can have -- we can set a mediation, and we can have an executive session prior to the mediation where we can be briefed on it -- sorry -- but we can be re -briefed on it if you think my chief of staff -- unfortunately, what got filtered down to me was not what -- you know -- the legal argument that you're talking about. You know I have the utmost respect for you and -- Mr. Woods: Right. Board Member Suarez: -- and you, Jessica. And then if we decide that in the executive session it's not worth going forward with the mediation, then we can cancel the mediation; it's not the end of the world, you know? Chair Hardemon: Attorneys? Mr. Bloom: I think having an executive session to educate the Board about the issues, talk about the options, have the mediator who the Commissioners feel is appropriate to mediate the dispute on behalf of the CRA with the County, and based upon that executive session, then give the mediator direction on how to proceed in those discussions is the appropriate way to go. And it should be something done relatively quickly, because the mediator's going to have to be educated on the issues anyway. Chair Hardemon: So then are you recommending then within these 30 days that we do that? Because the motion on the floor is within 30 days. Mr. Bloom: There's no reason that within 30 days there can't be an executive session, and then depending on the date of the executive session, plan a meeting with the County and the mediator to discuss the issues. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion from any other Commissioners? Commissioner Sarnoff? Commissioner Sarnoff You know, I -- reading -- you know, Commissioner Suarez got about one half of the issue correct. If you just let him read Ms. Pacheco's report or recommendation or action plan or whatever you want to call it, I'm sure he could grasp it in about 25, 30 minutes. Board Member Suarez: No doubt. City of Miami Page 73 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Sarnoff.- What I can tell you as a pretty experienced litigator, the last time we went against the County in litigation, we were litigating promptness; who acted promptly. Six years later, the court had not determined who acted promptly. So I've been here a long time, and I can tell you that nothing with regard to the City and the County will be accomplished quickly. I know there are those sitting to my right that think it's a three-month dispute. I could tell you nothing in a court of law is three months, nothing. And I suspect the person that gets it wrong or thinks they got it wrong, or if the court rules against them will probably want to get the Third District Court of Appeals' opinion on that. That is an 18-month process. So anybody that thinks this is going to be a quick process, it is not. And with all due respect, I've read the opinion. It's a good argument, but do you know what the judge would say to me? "Counsel, it's an argument." Chair Hardemon: Vice -- anyone? Vice Chair Gort: Let me tell you, I welcome the shade meeting; the reason being, I was told way before to work together with the Administration to come up with the bond transaction that we're going to come up with original, the $60 million. All of a sudden, I was told we cannot longer do it, we can't do it anymore, but I have not received any more information that I should have -- I've asked the information from my financial advisor to please come out, give me the number, tell me why not and what we can do. I have not received that. That's why I would welcome to have this meeting. Chair Hardemon: Well, when it comes to -- Commissioner Sarnoff, you're right in the sense that litigating something is not a quick process, because, of course, like you just said, there are things that are not substantive that you may end up having to litigate that may take time before you can get to the substantive items. But one of the things that I know is that the pot of money that we're speaking of is only the County's pot of money. So even -- and I want the community to understand that -- even if there is litigation that there is still a pot of money, i.e., the City's pot of money that we could use to bond to get projects done. So however -- Board Member Sarnoff- But does the County have to sign off? Board Member Suarez: Right. Vice Chair Gort: Say it again. Chair Hardemon: Wait a minute. You just -- you said it (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Board Member Sarnoff- Right. So my concern is I don't think that's completely accurate, because in order for us to bond, the County has to sign off on it. If you wanted to continue in litigation, the County has to approve our budget. I suspect -- Mr. Woods: Sir, the County has already signed off on it. Chair Hardemon: They already signed off on it -- Board Member Sarnoff.- Okay. Mr. Woods: -- on the bond issuance. Chair Hardemon: So that alleviates a lot of the concern that we have for that. And I mean, I've been saying from the very, very beginning that if all we get to bond with -- and this is just my personal opinion -- but if all we have to bond with is $25 million, that $25 million is going to be used on the people who live in Overtown. So if anyone gets scared, "Wait a minute, the money might not come, " no, no, no. If you live in Overtown, if you live in Town Park North, if you live City of Miami Page 74 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 in Town Park South, if you live in the Village, you will get the projects that you were promised out of that money that we just (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Applause. Chair Hardemon: So -- and that's even considering the litigation. The litigation really comes about with the rest of the money with the newer developments that will come in that we want to see happen. But just understand -- and we -- and this is -- the motion will go how it will go, the motion will go how it will go. But I just want you to understand that what we're talking about is greater than four projects, five projects; we're talking about something greater than that. We're talking about something that will exist for the life of the CRA as of today. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: For the life of the CRA. Yes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. First of all, I appreciate your passion on this issue, and, you know, I remember when you first got here that I told you this was the major challenge. You know, I have no issue with there being an executive session and us calling for both an executive session and a mediation in the future. I suspect in the executive session, we'll be better educated on what the issue is, and then we can make a decision at that point whether it's worth mediation, whether that enhances or detracts our position, et cetera. And again, I don't want to get into the nitty-gritty of the details of what was told to me by the County as far as what the, quote/unquote, remaining funds would be used for, but my understanding is that they would also be reinvested in the Overtown area. So, you know, again, I don't want to get into all the specifics. We can discuss it, you know, in executive session. I just think, you know, from our perspective, I don't know that the bond could be done without -- and maybe it can be done -- without -- Mr. Woods: It can. Board Member Suarez: It can. Well, then, why haven't we done it, you know? Huh? Mr. Woods: Well, we were deferring to the Board. I mean, it's actually something that we can do. Board Member Suarez: Guys -- Mr. Woods: We actually can do ahead and do it. Board Member Suarez: -- let me ask a question: When did I pass the gavel at the City Commission as Chairman to approve the bond for the CRA; what was the date, does anybody know? Mr. Woods: That was in -- I think the first time it came was in 2012. Board Member Suarez: I'm sorry? Mr. Woods: It was in 2012, May 2012. Board Member Suarez: May 2012. Mr. Woods: Mm-hmm. Board Member Suarez: In May 2012, no other Board Member, okay, wanted to make the motion to indebt the CRA to the tune of $60 million. I passed the gavel as the Chairman and made that City of Miami Page 75 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 motion. It was seconded, and I think it passed unanimously, okay? That was two years ago, guys; two years ago. Mr. Woods: Yes, but remember what happened in the interim. We had to go through a bond validation, which took about nine -- almost a year. It took a year to go through validation to validate the use of the funds. Board Member Suarez: Let's do this in the executive session. Chair Hardemon: No, no, no, no, no. I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- right. And the bond validation issue is something that many people, including myself, think that the CRA should not have gone -- had to go through, but it was forced to go through, so that is what it is. So right now, where we are, now that we've had this discussion, there is a motion on the floor, there is a second. What I'm looking for is a friendly amendment to that motion that we have. Board Member Suarez: Yes, I will accept. Chair Hardemon: Okay, and the friendly amendment is, for the record, going to add the executive session. Can we establish a date; do we have a date? Board Member Suarez: Sure, yeah. Later... Chair Hardemon: Okay. So then -- for clarification then, this motion would be for the CRA to engage in a mediation session with -- Commissioner Sarnoff? Vice Chair Gort: Shade meeting to take -- Chair Hardemon: No, no, no. Board Member Sarnoff.- Shade meeting. Chair Hardemon: This was the -- this one is the mediation with the attorney -- I mean the judge or attorney. Board Member Suarez: Angel Cortinas. Ms. Pacheco: Angel Cortinas. Chair Hardemon: Within 30 days. So that's what this motion is, all right? Board Member Suarez: And I seconded that motion. Chair Hardemon: Right. Any further unreadiness? Board Member Suarez: And we're changing the amendment, right? 'Cause we're going to do a separate motion. Chair Hardemon: Right, right. Board Member Suarez: Okay. Chair Hardemon: Any further unreadiness? City of Miami Page 76 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Suarez: No. Chair Hardemon: Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. Later... Chair Hardemon: There was -- and I'm -- at this time, I'm going to close the public hearing, seeing I see no further persons. There was one comment that was made earlier, and I don't know if the Commissioners want to entertain this as a motion or not, but as far as putting more mediators on the table to be chosen from -- I mean, there are a number of mediators who have been connected with the Overtown community who are lawyers, who do this -- who have done this for a very long time. I don't make -- I don't do the sound checks, so don't kill me about the mike. But there are other attorneys who could also do the mediation, so, I mean, there could be -- yes, sure. Board Member Suarez: No, I -- Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: -- I'll just echo your concern, and echo the -- I think it's the reverend or the bishop's concern. Is it something that we can decide in the executive session? Vice Chair Gort: Yeah. Board Member Suarez: Is that okay with you, Mr. Chair? Chair Hardemon: Ms. Pacheco. Ms. Pacheco: Yes. There is a motion by Commissioner Sarnoff recommending a mediator, but if you would -- you're free to decide. Chair Hardemon: I believe -- but I believe in the motion we did mention -- Vice Chair Gort: The motion was -- Chair Hardemon: -- Mr. Quinones. Okay, I never -- I always mess his name up. Board Member Sarnoff.- Cortinas. Ms. Pacheco: Cortinas. Board Member Suarez: Cortinas. Ms. Pacheco: Angel Cortinas. Chair Hardemon: Angel Cortinas. Ms. Pacheco: And that motion passed, just so you -- Chair Hardemon: Right, and the motion passed. So, I mean -- at this point, I mean, the motion -- we could readdress the motion to make it just a mediation, and we could decide during the City of Miami Page 77 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 shade meeting who we want to move forward with, with some suggestions. Ms. Pacheco: You're free to do that. You can reconsider the motion. Board Member Suarez: Okay, I'll make the motion that we -- we have already a scheduled mediation -- that we leave the mediation -- the mediator open. I understand why Commissioner Sarnoff is pushing that mediator, because he's performed a minor miracle a couple weeks ago. But you have to -- you know, I do understand the pleas of this community, and this is a community that, obviously, clearly wants to be a part of the process and be involved, so I have no issue with that. Chair Hardemon: Is there a second? Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we -- Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Chair. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Mr. Hannon: The motion is to reconsider. Chair Hardemon: Right. Mr. Hannon: You want to state that motion first and you can make another motion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we reconsider our initial motion to name Mr. Cortias [sic] -- Ms. Pacheco: Cortinas. Chair Hardemon: -- Cortinas as the mediator. Ms. Pacheco: Right. Board Member Sarnoff.- Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff.- You know, the selection of a lawyer or a mediator or a doctor, can you imagine somebody here saying, "Let's put a bunch of cardiologists in a bowl and we'll determine who the best cardiologist is"? I just -- I think it's -- this is a man who I think has a unique talent and uniquely could get -- he's also a Third DCA (District Court of Appeal) judge that brings an extreme amount of ability to the table. I'm not going to vote for the reconsideration, to be candid with you. Board Member Suarez: That's fine. Board Member Sarnoff.- Because when it comes to hiring a lawyer, a doctor, that's a very -- that's a choice that should not be left to consensus; it should be left to precision. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion? Board Member Suarez: No. City of Miami Page 78 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: And I will say that it doesn't hurt us to present the names and -- Board Member Suarez: Of course not. Chair Hardemon: -- as we discuss this further, so hearing no other discussion, I make it a roll call vote. That makes it -- well, actually, no, we could just -- Board Member Suarez: No, that's fine. Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye." Board Member Suarez: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff.- No. Chair Hardemon: All against? Board Member Sarnoff. No. Board Member Suarez: This is a motion for reconsideration of the item. Chair Hardemon: It's a motion for reconsideration of the item. Board Member Suarez: And I'll make a motion that -- Chair Hardemon: Wait. It's been properly moved -- Unidentified Speaker: Bear with me for just a second. Chair Hardemon: Well -- Board Member Sarnoff. I don't think you got it -- Chair Hardemon: All in -- Board Member Sarnoff.- I don't think you succeeded. Chair Hardemon: Let me finish. All in favor -- Unidentified Speaker: Correct. Board Member Suarez: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that. Chair Hardemon: -- state so by saying "aye." Board Member Suarez: Aye. Chair Hardemon: And aye. Count me as on the "aye." All against? Board Member Sarnoff- No. Vice Chair Gort: No. Board Member Suarez: Okay, it didn't -- City of Miami Page 79 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 NA.2 14-00365 Chair Hardemon: Motion fails. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, that's it. Chair Hardemon: So we will have Mr. Cortin"as -- Ms. Pacheco: Cortin"as, yes. Chair Hardemon: -- as our mediator, so hopefully, everyone looks him up so they can learn more about him. If there are no other motions on the floor -- CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION BY THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, SCHEDULING AN ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSSION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 10, 2014, AT 5:00 PM OR THEREAFTER, AT MIAMI CITY HALL, FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING MIAM-DADE COUNTY'S OBLIGATIONS TO THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. DISCUSSED A motion was made by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Vice Chair Gort, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioner Carollo absent, scheduling an attorney -client session to be held on April 10, 2014, at 5:00 PM or thereafter, at Miami City Hall, for the purpose of discussing Miami -Dade County's obligations to the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency. Ms. Pacheco: If I can just read something into the record for a second for the executive session. Just so I'm clear, pursuant to the provisions of Section 286.011 Sub -Section 8 of the Florida Statutes, the Board is requesting at -- the date to be determined -- an attorney -client session, closed to the public, for purposes of discussing the pending dispute and potential litigation between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and Miami -Dade County in connection with the applicability of the cap sought to be imposed on the County's contribution to the tax increment received by the CRA in its redevelopment trust fund. The subject of the meeting will be confined to the settlement negotiations and strategy discussions related to the anticipated litigation. Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): We also need the names of the individuals who will be -- Ms. Pacheco: We will -- once we have a date; let's establish a date first. Board Member Suarez: I agree. Mr. Hannon: Name two separate motions. Ms. Pacheco: Yes. Mr. Bloom: One for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Vice Chair Gort: The maker agrees? Ms. Pacheco: We can make it -- City of Miami Page 80 Printed on 5'21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Board Member Sarnoff.- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) not technology. Chair Hardemon: Now we're looking for a date. Board Member Suarez: Whatever you guys want. Let's do this. Ms. Pacheco: Typically, it's usually -- when you do these kinds of sessions at the City Commission level, you do it at the next scheduled City Commission meeting, so if you'd like to have it at the next CRA Board meeting -- Board Member Suarez: That's fine with me. Ms. Pacheco: -- given that you already block out that time -- Board Member Suarez: It's on the 10th. Ms. Pacheco: -- that's up to you. Chair Hardemon: The shade meeting requires it to be a resolution? Mr. Hannon: That's the way we normally (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Later... Chair Hardemon: Now -- Board Member Suarez: You want me to make another motion? Chair Hardemon: Yes. Board Member Suarez: Okay. I'll make a motion that we have an executive session to discuss the potential litigation as articulated by the attorney for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board at the next Commission meeting, to be advertised by the Clerk and hopefully attended by all the Board Members. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Jessica Pacheco (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): It's not advertised, - that's the whole point of me announcing that the date -- Board Member Suarez: Then we're announcing it -- Ms. Pacheco: Yeah. Board Member Suarez: -- and we're advertising it now. Ms. Pacheco: We're going to announce the date. Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): We do put a notice out regarding this meeting -- Ms. Pacheco: Right, but it's not advertised in the normal -- Mr. Hannon: -- but the executive session -- correct. Board Member Suarez: Okay, my apologies. City of Miami Page 81 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Ms. Pacheco: Correct. At the next CRA Board meeting. Board Member Suarez: Did you second it, somebody? Board Member Sarnoff Second, second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly seconded. Board Member Suarez: Okay. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we have the -- Board Member Sarnok It'll be April 10. Chair Hardemon: -- executive shade meeting -- Board Member Sarnoff April 10. Chair Hardemon: -- for -- is it April 10? Board Member Sarnoff- April 10. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: For the April 10 meeting. Board Member Suarez: Sounds good. Ms. Pacheco: Those in attendance at the -- Board Member Suarez: I promise you, I'll have this memorized by then. Ms. Pacheco: -- executive session would be Clarence Woods, who is the assistant director, and Neil Shiver as the -- I'm sorry -- executive director and -- Board Member Suarez: I might give Mike a hard time too. Ms. Pacheco: -- Neil Shiver as the assistant director; myself Jessica Pacheco; Bill Bloom -- Board Member Suarez: He's fired. Ms. Pacheco: -- Barnaby Min of the City Attorneys Office, Victoria Mendez of the City Attorney's Office, Kevin Jones of the City Attorneys Office, and Henry Hunnefeld of the City Attorney's Office. Mr. Bloom: The mediator should also come. Ms. Pacheco: No, this is -- Mr. Bloom: Our executive session. Ms. Pacheco: If you choose to invite the mediator, Angel Cortinas. Chair Hardemon: No, I -- City of Miami Page 82 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Vice Chair Gort: No, no. Mr. Bloom: The mediator is a separate -- Chair Hardemon: Yeah, I wouldn't -- Board Member Suarez: Absolutely separate, separate, yeah. Chair Hardemon: The mediator should not be there, right. Vice Chair Gort: Separate. Ms. Pacheco: Those that I just -- Board Member Suarez: We're talking amongst ourselves. Ms. Pacheco: -- mentioned on the record. Unidentified Speaker: What time though? Ms. Pacheco: And -- what -- we're doing it at 5 o'clock. Was it 5 o'clock that we decided that we were going to have it at the next CRA Board meeting? Board Member Suarez: That's fine. Chair Hardemon: Yeah, that's fine. Ms. Pacheco: Given that you already have that time set aside in your schedules. Board Member Suarez: That's fine, whatever you guys want. Chair Hardemon: Five o'clock is fine. And I want the community to be aware that this is the only way when we have our shade meetings that we can actually talk about these issues, so when we have Commissioners that are giving their opinion as to what is happening right now, I would have never had an opportunity to speak to -- Board Member Suarez: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: -- the Commissioners about this issue before this just happened. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may. Chair Hardemon: So this is a way that we can talk about it now and move forward; hopefully mean something, right? So it's been properly moved and seconded. The motion is on the floor. Ms. Pacheco: Commissioner -- Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? Board Member Suarez: Just very briefly. Ms. Pacheco: Commissioner -- I'm sorry, just keep in mind that you're taking action on an item, and you're required to allow the public to comment, according to the City Attorney. City of Miami Page 83 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: So I'm going to open the floor for a public hearing concerning this item where we are now. Remember, the item is whether or not we are going to -- Board Member Suarez: Have an executive meeting. Chair Hardemon: -- executive session concerning this item. If we can keep the comments tailored to the executive session, that would be in the best interest of all of our time here. Mr. Marquez. Edward Marquez: How do you do? My name's Edward Marquez. I'm Deputy Mayor of Miami -Dade County. From our Administration's point of view, I just want to -- since you're going to go into executive session, it was said earlier that you disagree with the validity of our ordinance. Well, as an Administration, we're trying to enforce an ordinance that exists on the books. You mentioned earlier -- Chair Hardemon: Not the ordinance, sir; just the provision in the ordinance. Mr. Marquez: Excuse me? Chair Hardemon: Not the ordinance entirely; just a provision in the ordinance. Mr. Marquez: We're trying to enforce a provision within the ordinance. We also said that we did not enforce our own ordinance; therefore, now that's proof that the ordinance was not enforceable. I became aware of the ordinance and immediately said the ordinance needed to be enforced, and it's -- you know -- and from our way of thinking, you guys are going to talk about it in an executive session, and we look forward to ultimately talking with you all on this issue, trying to resolve things. We are very -- as an Administration, we have two former City Managers working in the County right now; myself and the Mayor, okay? We want to see the City prosper, but at the same time, you know, it's got to happen now, and it's a shame that you're talking potential litigation. Potential litigation is a bad thing to occur between the County and the City. And unfortunately, you know, I've been around when times have been strained in the past, okay? And you -- none of us want that. So I wish you luck in the discussions, and I -- hopefully, you see the light to work with us and realize that the alternatives that we have been offering accomplishes a lot. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, Mr. Marquez. You are recognized, sir. Willie Williams: Pastor Willie Williams, business owner, residence [sic] of Overtown as well as the president of the Overtown Business Association. I just want to -- I notice that, you know, we have funding. I know we're fighting for funding to complete projects in Overtown, but we -- you said earlier that you can put your hand on 25 million, and why don't we start with the 25 million and just -- you know, why do we have to wait until all the money is in place when we are negotiating or we're mediating for the rest of the money? Why can't we just, you know, start with the money that we already have? You know, we've been, you know, waiting for so long, and nobody have been a victim of Overtown like I have. I've been here over 40 years, and 40 years, I have seen a lot, felt a lot, and you know, I'm tired and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. We got to move forward, you know, because people are dying; people are, you know, are leaving, and we just need to move forward with what we have. You know, I love -- you know, I heard Commissioner Suarez. He mentioned that, you know, he love information. We love information, too, you know. I love to be informed about what is going on in Overtown. My heart is here, my money is here, and my action is here. I just need to be informed so I can better, you know, talk to my people that is in Overtown. You know I run -- I'm a pastor of a church over here. You know that I'm a business owner for a long time, and I talk to people all the time, and I just need to be informed before we make any final decision in this community. You know, I want to be informed; I have that right. I just need to be informed, so I -- my -- City of Miami Page 84 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Williams: You know, I stand here today to say we need to move forward with what we have, and as you all are fighting -- not fighting -- but negotiating or mediating for the rest of the money, but we need to start with what we have -- Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Mr. Williams: -- so we can go forward. Chair Hardemon: I appreciate your time. Renita Holmes: I am Madam Renita "Biggy Mama" Holmes, the executive director of the Women's Association Alliance Against Injustice and Violence, education, as well as our homes or projects; opportunities for united restoration. I'm glad I made it. There are three hearings, public hearings today, and as a person with disability or as those who are most impacted stakeholder, I'm concerned that the accommodation has been taken advantage of I can recall being here several meetings ago and -- oh, by the way, good afternoon, Commissioner and the rest of the chairs. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. And Madam Holmes, we're asking that we stay on the issue. Ms. Holmes: I'm staying on the issue, but allow me to qualify, sir, okay? Chair Hardemon: You can qualify. Ms. Holmes: And I've only -- huh? Chair Hardemon: You can qualify. I'm just -- I just ask that you stay on the issue, that's all. Ms. Holmes: Do I get those 20 seconds back? Chair Hardemon: No. Ms. Holmes: But, yes, I'm staying on the issue, and as I said, now -- losing more. You know, when citizens come forth to a meeting, accommodation is first. Any item -- all of these items must face the law of '88 and citizen participation under the Sunshine Law 51. So I can talk all day long, the same thing every day, about citizen participation, but here is how this appeals to this one specifically: It wasn't on the agenda. I am so sick and tired of rules of engagement that violate constitutional rights of citizens' economic opportunity issues that come about in the CRA. Community reinvestment has this meaning: It says, "reinvest." I give up a whole lot more to get anywhere. However, I'm glad this argument has happened; I get off on intellect. But we knew this was going to happen. Now, to take it further to town hall or City Hall in Coconut Grove displaces us even further. I think the next time we have an off -the -item agenda that we should ask the permission of the community as a whole and then consider us; that's within the most feasible accommodation for us. I want -- I have a question to leave: Will this item be furthered at this location, or will this item be discussed at City Hall? Five o'clock is not the opportune time for any resident, the average working citizen in Overtown or anywhere else gets off. So I'm asking for fairness, equal access and feasible accommodation, and to answer this question on a public request. Will this meeting be held here, and this time, will it be adequate time for us to get here, all of us? Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. City of Miami Page 85 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Ms. Holmes: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Any -- please -- Unidentified Speaker: Okay. Chair Hardemon: Well, one second ma'am. I need to address her question; one second Ms. Holmes: Yes. Chair Hardemon: The meeting is a shade meeting, so what that means is that this is a meeting that the Commissioners have along with the lawyers in regards to this item that we're talking about, so this is not a meeting that public can come to. This is a meeting that we have so we can talk amongst ourself [sicJ, because there's the -- there could be potential litigation, so it is a strategy meeting, so there is -- no one violated anyone's constitutional rights today. I allowed -- one second -- I allowed Commissioner Edmonson to speak because I have respect for my County Commissioner. Although she is not on the agenda, I wanted her to have an opportunity to talk. Did I know that she was going to go and that this was going to happen? No. So this is not something that was intentionally done by the CRA or by the City to do anything. We're talking about this openly, in front of our community, and that's what I've always done and I will continue to do. So thank you very much, and I'm going to allow her to finish her comment. Ms. Holmes: And thank you. However, just realize there's been 45 minutes of colloquy on this issue, and I want you to have this conversation, but already, it has had an impact on us, because we are citizens here, are working and still attending -- Chair Hardemon: Okay. Ms. Holmes: -- and I just want you to know -- Chair Hardemon: Trust me -- Ms. Holmes: -- we would like to have it next hearing. If you would ask, Commissioners -- Chair Hardemon: No, no, it's not going to happen that way. Ms. Holmes: -- could -- any way that we can persuade you to have that here? Because that question wasn't answered. Chair Hardemon: I need you to listen to me. I need you to listen to me. Ms. Holmes: I didn't hear the answer I asked. Is this next meeting going to be here? Chair Hardemon: What I need you to have is respect for -- Ms. Holmes: I've got that. Chair Hardemon: -- the Board. Ms. Holmes: My mama taught me that. Chair Hardemon: No, no. I need you to listen to me. Ms. Holmes: I just want some, Commissioner. City of Miami Page 86 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: I need you to listen to me. I have known you for a very long time, and I do not want -- Ms. Holmes: I appreciate that. Chair Hardemon: -- to get in the back and forth with you in this manner. What I am telling you is that the shade meeting will not happen here because the public is not allowed to be there; that is the first thing I'm telling you. The second thing that I'm telling you is that when this item comes up before the Commission again as an item that is actionable, you will have the adequate type of notice, and it will be placed on the agenda. So no one is trying to throw anything over anyone's eyes. Ms. Holmes: I didn't -- Chair Hardemon: Actually, everything is happening -- Ms. Holmes: I didn't make that statement. Chair Hardemon: Hear me, hear me; I'm making this statement. Ms. Holmes: Okay, good. Chair Hardemon: So everything is happening in the open, and thank you for your time and for your concern, but I'm now going to turn the mike to the next young woman that likes to present her question, okay? Ms. Holmes: Oh, that was so nice with the `young" stuff,- I'm old. You the man. Lilian Slater: Commissioner -- Chair Hardemon: Can you state your name for the record, please? Ms. Slater: My name is Lilian Slater, and I'm sure you know. Chair Hardemon: Absolutely, Ms. Slater. Ms. Slater: Yes. For many years, I've been down to City Hall; they know. And you are new on the block, okay? And this is the problem: You all know that money was gone already, long time ago. I know, 'cause I go to City Hall. They know I know. Ain't no need to bringing up 'bout January; they knew that money was gone long time ago; ain't no need to bringing that up. You start from what you got. They told lies over and over in CRA -- you wasn't there; you wasn't even elected -- about this money. Commissioner Spence -Jones, she knows, but she's out and gone. She know where the money went I know it. The money is gone; we forget about that and find this money, okay? And Commissioner Gort, you all know, I know. I was down there long years when Acker was going, and I know what it is, you know? And the County has their things; the City has theirs. The County has the last say-so. But the idea is, Commissioner, you don't come in the community, you don't send out flyers. How you get to know Overtown? You don't know Overtown; no, you don't. You don't even know how Overtown got built, do you? No. The Bahamians come down there in Coconut Grove and got off the boat; my mama and the rest of 'em. Let me tell you one thing: The money, you better find it. That's all I got to say. Town Hall Village is the first one. We been running a long time, every [sic] since Teele was in there, long time back. I know you heard about it. I don't care nothing 'bout it, but let me tell you, Commissioner, you better get out here and try to see who in the community, 'cause if you ever try to run again, it's over, okay? City of Miami Page 87 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much, ma'am. Please announce yourself for the record, please. Karen Cartwright: Good afternoon. My name is Karen Cartwright, and I live at 1770 Northwest 5th Avenue in Town Park Plaza South. My question is not about the 60 million you promised, the 50 million bond. I want to know, how much money do you have, actual hands-on now, for Town Park Plaza South? Don't care about anyplace else. Just how much money do you have in your account that can be used to put in impact windows, doors, fix drains, fix electrical, fix plumbing? I just want to know, how much money do you have on hand, Mr. Woods? Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Woods. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Well, Ms. Cartwright, the way in which we were anticipating funding the rehab of Town Park Plaza South was through the bond issuance, but this particular Commissioner has made it his priority, even if it means using money that's in our current fund balance, to fund the rehabilitation of both -- of all three: Town Park Village, North and South. Ms. Cartwright: Mr. Woods, Mr. Woods, Mr. Woods, I said "Town Park Plaza South." Chair Hardemon: Okay, you asked your question. Ms. Cartwright: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: He pro -- Ms. Cartwright: But he's talking 'bout three. Chair Hardemon: -- provided you an answer. Allow him to explain his answer, and then we're done with it, okay? Ms. Cartwright: Mm-hmm. Mr. Woods: Now, as far as any poten -- any dollars specifically, I think what has to happen -- and we're going through the process now with Town Park North -- is we need to see how much it's going to cost to totally renovate and do all of those things that you're talking about. What I'm saying to you is this Commissioner has made a commitment to fund the rehab regardless as to what the cost is, and, you know, I don't want to say that there's a blank check, but he's committed to funding the rehab out of our fund balance. We don't know what that cost is going to be at this time. We have to do the assessment -- Chair Hardemon: And that's the worst -case scenario. Mr. Woods: Right. Chair Hardemon: So -- but thank you very much for your question. Ms. Cartwright: Jessie. Chair Hardemon: Hello, sir. James Adams: Bishop James Adams is my name. I'm the pastor of the Historic St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church. I want to stand and address this Board, as I think the issue at hand is trying to get through this process. I think all of us can sense the tension and the anticipation that people want to see something done, and I do think that the suggestion to take City of Miami Page 88 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 this offline to have the discussion is beneficial. I think also that whatever findings come out should be made public, and should be a very transparent process. And in order to keep from having even the appearance of evil, I think that even the mediator should be chosen out of a concession, out of a gathering of the minds, and that should not just be simply taken at face value. I'm sure that all of you in the legal profession have -- and with all due respect, Commissioner Sarnoff -- and I'm certain that you wouldn't have offered somebody that you weren't confident in. However, for the community to have a sense of confidence in this process, I think that it should be -- it should come by way of consensus. And I want to encourage you, and I understand that maybe there are a lot of things that you don't know about Overtown, and that's all good and well, but I hear -- Chair Hardemon: That's not just -- Mr. Adams: I -- Chair Hardemon: I know. Mr. Adams: Yeah. But what I'm -- Vice Chair Gort: We all been here. Mr. Adams: -- hearing personally, what I'm hearing from you is that you're making this a priority, and I think that we ought to give our Commissioner at least the benefit of the doubt to do his job. Thank you. Applause. Shoshana Lincoln: Please permit me to address all the Commissioners, elected and un-elected. How long will we be -- Chair Hardemon: Can you announce your name for the record, please? Ms. Lincoln: -- have a war zone here in Overtown? Why can't we just social -mobilize our thoughts as to bring this town -- as to any other neighboring region in this greater Miami. Peace can be obtained with proper dialogue, intellectually, and not fighting for money here or fighting for money there or take money from what belong to this project and send it to another project; that's not how we can build Overtown. Overtown needs, as to all the Commissioners, the County, and the City, to sit down and understand this matter of litigation peacefully, because it's all recorded, it's in the ordinances, it's -- are stipulated is not to fight over this kind of money. And I get tired hearing about this war zone here in Overtown. When will this stop? This is holding back Overtown to make progress. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much, Reverend Lincoln. Board Member Suarez: That's fine. Later... Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Commissioner. Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Hardemon: But we've already approved the shade meeting, right? Mr. Woods: No, no, we did -- they approved it, yeah. City of Miami Page 89 Printed on 5/21/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes March 31, 2014 ADJOURNMENT Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Commissioner Suarez moved the item and Commissioner Gort seconded for an executive session to be held on April 10 at 5 p.m. at Miami City Hall. Board Member Suarez: Beautiful. Mr. Hannon: I just need a vote. Chair Hardemon: All in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. City of Miami Page 90 Printed on 5/21/2014