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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2014-04-28 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, April 28, 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 April 28, 2014 Present: Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort and Chair Hardemon On the 28th day of April 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: 08 p.m., and was adjourned at 6: 07 p.m. Note for the Record: Commissioner Suarez entered the meeting at 5:10 p.m., and Commissioner Carollo entered the meeting at 5:12 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 AM. - APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETING. RESOLUTIONS 1. 14-00410 Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, to APPROVE PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Chair Hardemon: I call this CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting today on April 28, 2014 in order at 5: 07 p.m. First order of business is the regular meeting of February 24 through February 27, 2014 agenda meeting minutes approval. Is there a motion to approve? Board Member Sarnoff. So move. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve the agenda meeting minutes. Any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY AT 224 NW 16th STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AND 1900 NW 2nd COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI, PROVIDED THAT THE CITY ACQUIRES SAID PROPERTIES FROM THEIR CURRENT OWNER; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY AT 1611 NW 3RDAVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THAT ALL CONVEYANCES PROVIDED FOR HEREIN MAY BE SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE CITY; City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PERFORM SUCH INSPECTIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE DEEMED NECESSARY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; File # 14-00410 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00410 Backup.pdf File # 14-00410 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00410 Signed Legislation (versionl) .pdf File # 14-00410 signed legislation (version 2).pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-1 4-0035 Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution 1. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, CRA Resolution Number 1 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the acceptance of property at 224 Northwest 16th Street, Miami, Florida; 1900 Northwest 2nd Court, Miami, Florida; and 1624 Northwest 1st Court, Miami, Florida, provided that the City acquires said properties from the current owner; further authorizing the acceptance of the property at 1611 Northwest 3rdAvenue, Miami, Florida, from the City of Miami; further authorizing that all conveyances provided for herein may be subject to any restrictions deemed necessary by the City; further authorizing the executive director to perform such inspections and due diligence deemed necessary; and further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purposes. Commissioner, there's a couple of modifications to this particular item, one being that we'll have to delete one of the properties, and that's the property at 1624 Northwest 1st Court. And in the reso, at the bottom, we are not buying this property; it's going to be conveyed to us. So in the bottom line where it talks about funds to be allocated from the SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) Tax Increment Fund, entitled "Land," we're not -- that needs to be striked [sic] as well, and we do have a modification of the resos that the Clerk is going to hand out to you right now. Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, do you have any discussion about this item; any questions about it? Vice Chairman Gort: The CRA purchased the property or the City of Miami? Mr. Woods: It's property that the City of Miami will have conveyed back to them from the developer who is Overtown Condominiums. Vice Chairman Gort: Right. Mr. Woods: And they're going to work out whatever remuneration that the City is asking for or either sue the actual owner of Overtown Condominium, but once all of that takes place, then that will -- the properties will be conveyed to us for the purpose of doing affordable housing and some mixed -use development on the one that's going to be conveyed to us outright from the City. Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, is there a motion? Board Member Suarez: So moved for dis -- yeah, just real quick discussion. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Vice Chairman Gort: Second. Board Member Suarez: I just want to say that I actually -- if I may, Chair -- I actually like the way you red -lined this. I know it's kind of a procedural thing, but we don't often get stuff this way, and I think it makes it very clear as to what's being changed and I'd really love it if the City actually did this on their stuff, as well, so maybe somebody over there -- maybe the Chairman can -- Mr. Chair, you think we can get the City to do it this way, too? Vice Chairman Gort: Sure. Board Member Suarez: 'Cause I think it looks a lot better, and it's a lot clearer as to what's being changed, so thank you. Jessica Pacheco (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): You're welcome. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we pass this item as modified. I'd like to open up the floor for public hearing at this time. Sandra Forges (Legislative Services Supervisor, Office of the City Clerk): Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone(UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Yes. Ms. Forges: We just need to know who's the seconder on this item. Chair Hardemon: The seconder was Commissioner Gort. Ms. Forges: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: You're allowed to speak, sir. Al Crespo: Good afternoon. Al Crespo, 689 Northeast 92nd Street. So for clarification purposes, last month when this item was withdrawn, the proposal at the time was to spend not more than $500, 000 for these properties. So is it now that the CRA is not going to spend any money, but the negotiation and the money transfer will take place between the developers and the City of Miami? Mr. Woods: Exactly. Mr. Crespo: Well, does that go before the City Commission for a vote? Mr. Woods: It would have to. Once the City works out its situation with the current owner of the properties, it would have to go to the City Commission. Mr. Crespo: Okay, I'll be back. Chair Hardemon: Okay, is there any other person here for public hearing? Seeing that there are none, I'm going to close the public hearing. And if you read within the legislation, it does state that `provided that the City acquires said properties from the current owner, " so this is if that is to happen -- Mr. Woods: Right. Chair Hardemon: -- then this CRA will allow for the receipt of this property, so I think that it is properly -- it appears to be properly captured within the resolution. Is there any other discussion City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 2. 14-00403 from the Commissioners? Board Member Carollo: Commissioner, just give me one second, because since I just came, there was, I guess, a floor amendment -- Chair Hardemon: No problem. Board Member Carollo: -- where a couple of things have been -- Board Member Suarez: Modified. Board Member Carollo: -- modified. And real quickly, the executive director go over some of these modifications? I see here 'from the City ofMiami"? Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Carollo: As opposed to just the address? Mr. Woods: The -- well, what's being stricken there, Commissioner, is that one of the properties is not actually in the Overtown CRA; it's actually just on the other side of the street, in the Omni CRA, so we have to -- we can't accept that. That's not -- Board Member Carollo: Accept? Mr. Woods: Right, mm-hmm. And the other is just the line where we would allocate funds if we were going to purchase it. Addition -- well, at the last meeting, the idea was that we would buy the property, but CD (Community Development) is looking for a way to work it out to where we wouldn't have to purchase it. They are going to get the property conveyed to them from the current owner, which is Overtown Condominium, and then once they work out that situation, it'll be conveyed to us, so there wouldn't be any cost to the CRA. Board Member Carollo: So there will not be any cost to the CRA? Mr. Woods: Right. Board Member Carollo: And this will come ultimately to the City Commission anyways for approval, correct? Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Carollo: Okay. Chair Hardemon: Is there any further unreadiness from the Commissioners? Hearing none, all in favor, indicate by so -- indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. CRA RESOLUTION 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 $30,000, FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO THE SECURITY City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 AND MAINTENANCE OF 925 NW 2ND COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA SECURING; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.670000.0000.00000. File # 14-00403 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00403 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00403 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00403 Signed Legislation.pdf File # 14-00403 signed legislation (2).pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-1 4-0036 Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Item Number 2. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 2 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 $15,000, for expenses related to the security and maintenance of 925 Northwest 2nd Court, Miami, Florida, securing; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose; allocating funds from the SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) Tax Increment Fund entitled "Construction in Progress. " What this particular item is, Commissioners, as you know, we purchased some land within the redevelopment area. In particular, there's one building or one structure that has been an eyesore within the community for some time. You guys authorized the purchase of this property maybe about two years ago. It was tied up in bankruptcy court. We finally were able to execute on the purchase of the property. What we want to do now is secure the property, clean it up, and then paint it. So that's what this particular item is for. Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone here from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. Is there any discussion from the Commissioners? Board Member Sarnoff- Yes. Chair Hardemon: Well, Commissioner Sarnoff, you're recognized. Board Member Sarnoff.- Well, the only thing I would say is this is a -- $15, 000, which I -- correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Woods -- this was to put -- and if your vision is to maintain this building, I'm not getting into your vision. But correct me if I'm wrong. This is going to be to put up plywood and then to have somebody put a mural over the plywood? Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff.- And all I would say to you, what I know of this building is there are people that actually live there illegally. Mr. Woods: Yes. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Board Member Sarnoff My suspicion is that they will continue to do so, despite the fact that you put plywood up there. Mr. Woods: That is a possibility. Board Member Sarnoff f So what I would recommend to you is what the Omni CRA did; is to go out to contract with VPN or VPS -- and I don't remember -- Mr. Woods: VPS. Board Member Sarnoff -- VPS. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff And for so much a month -- and I imagine that your vision would be matured in 18 months? Mr. Woods: Less than that, hopefully. Board Member Sarnoff. In one year, let's say. Mr. Woods: Okay. Board Member Sarnoff And why not just pay a smaller amount, have VPN -- VPS have the responsibility there, too. And their window -- the way they close up the windows is substantially different than plywood. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Sarnoff- And as you know, the more it gets broken into, the better the deal you made. Mr. Woods: Absolutely. As we talked about when I briefed you on this, Commissioner, we did actually go out and get a quote from VPS. The quote was about -- and Brian is here -- $900 to install the protective devices, but where we had some consternation was with respect to the monthly monitoring, or the monthly rental fee, because it's actual -- you're actually renting those shields. We felt like it was probably a little costly, and we felt like maybe just boarding it up would, you know, serve as a deterrent, but if you're suggesting that we go ahead and move forward -- we do have the quotes -- with securing it with VPS Shields, we can -- we absolutely can do that. But this cost is for securing it and cleaning it up and then actually painting it, as well. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. What was the monthly quoted amount? Mr. Woods: The monthly monitoring was -- it was $700 a month. Brian is the -- Brian Zeltsman: Good evening. Brian Zeltsman, CRA. There were two quotes, and because of the nature of the building, we thought it was a good idea in this particular case to do the first and second floor windows, and that brought the total to 31 windows. I believe the monthly cost was actually in the neighborhood of 1,300. Mr. Woods: Oh, okay. City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Zeltsman: I can -- Board Member Suarez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Mr. Zeltsman: I don't have those numbers in front of me. Board Member Suarez: Seven hundred times twelve is eighty-four hundred, so even thirteen hundred -- here's the thing -- and I'm sure Commissioner Sarnoffs doing the math in his head, as I am -- what happens a lot, and I'm sure my colleagues can concur, is that the wooden ones get taken down. Board Member Sarnoff.- Yeah. Board Member Suarez: And so even if you put the -- even if you put this as -- if you compare it as a one-time expense to a one-time expense, then maybe the wooden ones are cheaper, but if you have to do the wooden ones three times in a year or four times in a year, then it could become more expensive, and I think that's the issue. I mean, the issue is: Do you do it once the right way or do you do it four times or five times in a way that you constantly get the calls? The district Commissioner will get the calls, you know, and you'll get the calls of people breaking them down and that kind of stuff So I don't know how you guys feel about that, but, you know -- Chair Hardemon: Well, then -- so my question then would be: What would it cost to do it, as Commissioner Suarez said, the right way? To put -- what is it, VPM, I believe? Mr. Woods: VPS. Chair Hardemon: VPS. -- to put VPS on there for the amount of time that you need it to be there? Mr. Zeltsman: Well, that all depends on the amount of time. I mean, it's -- like I said, it's -- initial cost is low. I believe it was $900. But the monthly cost, around a thousand or close to 1,300, ifI recall correctly. So if you multiply that by however many months -- 18 months we're talking about. Vice Chair Gort: I thought you said 700 a month? Board Member Suarez: Right. Mr. Zeltsman: No, there were two options -- Mr. Woods: No, I said 700 a month. Maybe I was mis -- misspoken. Mr. Zeltsman: There was another -- there was a less expensive option with only the ground floor windows being addressed and doors. The problem with that is that the second floor windows are not terribly high, and we felt that people could -- Vice Chair Gort: Right. Mr. Zeltsman: -- make an effort to get inside, so it would be beneficial to do the first and second floor. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, ifI may? Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Vice Chair Gort: So you're talking about $15, 000? Board Member Suarez: Yeah; a little bit more. Mr. Zeltsman: No, not -- Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Mr. Zeltsman: Sorry. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, and my math here, it's 16,500 when you consider the $900 installation fee and the $1,300 a month, so it's slightly more than what we would be authorizing here. I think the issue is -- and again, I don't know how much it cost to do the wooden ones, but I can tell you that in my district, when you put up wooden shutters, and particularly in a home that's already being occupied by squatters, sometimes you have to put up those wooden panels two, three times a year, because it's not in the squatter's best interest that those windows be covered. So whatever your costs are could be multiplied within a given year. Chair Hardemon: So, Board Members, I would like to -- if there's a motion to increase -- modify this legislation by increasing the amount, because this is to grant funds for up to a certain amount. If you would like to increase it to a certain number, I'm willing to accept that. Board Member Suarez: Yeah, I think it makes sense. I mean, I think it makes sense. I don't know what you think, Commissioner. I think it makes sense to do it that way. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff. Board Member Sarnoff No, I think -- what I don't want to see -- this is an authorization for an expenditure, and ordinarily, we don't -- Board Member Suarez: Come back to us. Board Member Sarnoff. Right. I think the -- I think we can maintain the expenditure. You could always come back in a year's time or 18 months' time and say, "You know what? I need more money and my vision's not being realized" or whatever it is, you know, you're -- Mr. Woods: Right. Board Member Sarnoff -- coming back with. But I think we should go with -- and I'm not saying it's got to be VPS, but a VPS-like system. Mr. Woods: Yeah. We dealt with them, and as I stated, we reached out to them specifically for that -- for this purpose, and we felt like they would be a good company to, you know, secure the building. So it's not like, you know, we didn't consider them, so if it's your desire or your wish, Board, that we do enter into a contract with them, we can definitely do it. We've already gotten the quotes. But now, let me be clear about this. The 15,000 wasn't just for the security. It was also for cleaning up and painting it and whatnot, so if you're going to authorize me to do the expenditure of the shields monthly, it would be the 15,000 -- or $16, 000, as you just calculated, plus the additional $15, 000 to do the mural and the painting. I'd also mention that the mural and the painting, we were looking to partner with a gentleman who has a grant for $10, 000, and he needed a match, so we wanted to kind of include that in this reso as well, so. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: But there has to be a cost to board up the windows, so I'm assuming -- City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Woods: Right. Board Member Suarez: -- you have to deduct that cost from the -- Mr. Woods: Exactly. Board Member Suarez: -- 15,000 -- Mr. Woods: Right. Board Member Suarez: -- before adding the 16,500, so I would think it -- probably with 25, you're probably good to go. Mr. Woods: I would say about 30. Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion, Commissioners? Vice Chair Gort: I would like to see a breakdown on the expenditures and how we going to be using it. Mr. Woods: Sure, absolutely, absolutely. Chair Hardemon: So is there a motion to continue this to the next agenda? Board Member Suarez: Look, I think -- This is your district. I would suspect you want it boarded up immediately. Chair Hardemon: Well, what I would like to see is this, if you don't mind: If we -- I would love to entertain a motion to increase it to $30,000. This is a resolution -- Board Member Suarez: 171 make that motion. Chair Hardemon: -- that would give the CRA an opportunity to spend up to that amount -- Board Member Suarez: 171 make that motion. Chair Hardemon: -- but does not exceed. Board Member Suarez: 171 make that motion. Chair Hardemon: So it's been properly moved by Commissioner Suarez. Is there a second? Board Member Sarnoff.- Second. Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none -- I opened and closed the public hearing already on this agenda item, so all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes as modified. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00402 City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000, TO NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION, INC., TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE BUSINESS INCUBATOR AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED HEREIN IS NOT EXCEEDED; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00402 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00402 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00402 Backup.pdf File # 14-00402 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00402 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-1 4-0037 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Item Number 3. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, to Neighbor [sic] and Neighbors Association, Inc., to underwrite costs associated with the continued operation of the business incubator and development program; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds, at his discretion, on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors, upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. Commissioner, this is the continuation of the Business Resource Center. We've worked with Neighbors and Neighbors, and we've had a good relationship. The Business Resource Center has been quite successful, but what we want to do here is we want to add a component to what they've been doing. We've had the opportunity to have some of our grantees, those that have been requesting funds for rehabs, to actually go to other sources and leverage our money, and what has happened is, because they have not had the capacity to do it, we've lost out on three different opportunities. Neighbors and Neighbors, actually, they do provide that technical assistance. Actually, we were trying to help the grantees, ourselves, and it really was just -- it was an overwhelming task. So what we want to do is add that particular task to the Neighbors and Neighbors Business Resource Center scope so that we can hopefully not forego on opportunities when they come about again. Mr. Leroy Jones is here. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Jones. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, Neighbors and Neighbors Association, the Overtown Resource Center, 1490 Northwest 3rdAvenue, Suite 110. As Clarence said, they wanted to -- us to broaden our scope to help with RFAs -- RFPs (Request for Proposals), help with certification, help with licenses, helping with zone issues, and that's something that we do in our main facility, so we would love to take that on. You know, I think everybody could vouch for this: That right now, even before the construction start, the Resource Center is like the draw for the whole company. Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Jones: And so if you putting businesses in there, I think it would be kind of wise to keep us there, because we get a lot of foot traffic in the Resource Center. We're like the draw of the shopping center. So I'd just like to thank you all for y'all support. I know that we looking forward to this, 'cause this what we do. We looking forward to it. Chair Hardemon: Are there any questions or concerns? Board Member Suarez: I have a motion for discussion. I'll make the motion and -- Vice Chair Gort: Second. Board Member Suarez: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) discussion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Suarez; seconded by Commissioner Gort. Now we'll have time for discussion. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, Leroy, as always, I really appreciate you breaking down your budget the way that you do. You know, you always do a good job of it, and I like the scope of services -- Mr. Jones: Thank you. Board Member Suarez: -- the way that you drafted it up and I think -- you know, I appreciate the fact that you're willing to expand that scope of services. You've often talked about your bona fides. You know, you've come here, and you've told us how many people you've helped. Mr. Jones: Right. Board Member Suarez: You know, and I think that's always a good thing to include in the backup -- Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. Board Member Suarez: -- because, you know, we are comparing that and analyzing in conjunction with the people that you help, and I think that's significant. And, you know, I just -- my only concern -- I'm going to give you one concern -- is, you know -- and I don't know how the Chair or any of my other Commissioners feel about it. Because you are a contractee [sic] of the CRA, it worries me to see you appear on a bid, whenever there's a bid, okay? So just because -- you know, we're -- you're our contractee [sic], you're our vendor, you're doing work for us, and I just don't want to give the appearance that you're taking sides on any sort of a procurement; you understand what I'm saying? So I understand you feel very passionate about certain procurements, and I love -- we love your passion. I don't think there's anybody that doesn't love your passion. I just -- you know, it concerns me when you're our vendor, and it kind of doesn't look good, okay? City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Jones: But I want to say this, Commissioner: I'm also a citizen. Board Member Suarez: I agree. Mr. Jones: So I still have the right -- Board Member Suarez: I agree, mm-hmm. Mr. Jones: -- to support what I want to support. Board Member Suarez: You do. You're absolutely right. Mr. Jones: So when I was here that night speaking on a business project, I was here as Leroy Jones, the citizen. Board Member Suarez: Agreed, understood. Mr. Jones: Okay, all right. Board Member Suarez: All right. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort. Vice Chair Gort: Leroy, let me -- what I would like, if possibly, the reports and how many people you're able to help, how many people are staying in business because of your assistance, especially people in Overtown, so people can see that the funds are going to help the people in Overtown and improve the business in Overtown. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. 171 tell you what we're doing, Commissioner. We actually breaking out in our reports, separating the people that's in Overtown from the people that's not. So everything that we're doing for every project or every service that we offer, we breaking it down to show the impact of the Overtown residents and, of course, we get people that's not in Overtown, that don't live in Overtown, come for our resources. Vice Chair Gort: You have other resources (UNINTELLIGIBLE) people in the other areas. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir, Commissioner, but I mean, if they come in -- if someone from Wynwood come to us for services, I mean, if we got the time to help them, we'd rather help them. I mean, we don't want to just turn them away, but of course, we know we need to help the people in Overtown. Vice Chair Gort: No. Mainly, what I want the people Overtown to know the benefits that they are receiving. Mr. Jones: Yes, sir, we do that. Vice Chair Gort: Okay. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Any other -- Board Member Suarez: Just to finish. Chair Hardemon: Yes, Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: You know, I've not heard anything but good things about what you do -- City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Jones: Thank you. Board Member Suarez: -- and have never heard a complaint. Mr. Jones: Thank you. Board Member Suarez: So I think that's significant, because, you know, we do give out a lot of money in terms of grants, and we get feedback; sometimes it's not good you know. And in your case, it's always been good, so I urge you to continue doing what you're doing; keep putting forth your passion and your effort, because it's come back in a good way to us. Mr. Jones: Okay. You know, I'm a resident in Overtown. I'm not now, but I lived in Overtown as a child, you know. I moved from Georgia to Overtown, so I was -- I lived in Overtown when it was real, real rough. So -- but giving me the opportunity to have a resource center in Overtown, I'm going to do everything that I can, based on the resources and the services that I offer, to help as many people in Overtown as I can, 'cause I lived in Overtown. This was the -- man, it was like the difference between night and day. I'm originally from Georgia, so can you imagine me moving from Georgia to Overtown in the '60s? Board Member Suarez: Great choice. Mr. Jones: That's it, man. So, you know, I love Overtown. I'm here. We're here to serve. I thank you all for y'all support, and I promise you, we won't let you down. We going to go above the board. We going to do as much as we can. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Jones: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: The community supports you -- Mr. Jones: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: -- and I think that you understand that. Is there any further discussion from the Commissioners? At this time, I'm going to open up the floor for public hearing. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak? Yes, sir, you are recognized. Derek Cole: Good evening. Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street. I support the program wholeheartedly. What I'd like to see happen, possibly, when the CRA relocates to new facilities, that the hub can move into their offices which are ready to move into, and it would be cost-effective and people could have private businesses. Their little office would be their business instead of open. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Yes, sir. Andre Williams: Good day, Commissioners. My name is Andre Williams. I have a company called EYEURBANTV. COM that's located in the hub, and we've been there since May of last year, and I'm going to say, since we've been there, we've had a actual -- a place to actually facilitate our business and run our business. It has been a tremendous help for us. We're growing as a company because of that, and we work with several other community partners here, providing them with HD (high density) visual media and internet broadcasting. So I'm in support of it. I just want you guys to know the good that comes out of the Overtown Business and Resource Center. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Vice Chair Gort: It's good to hear that. Chair Hardemon: Please come forward, ma'am; come forward. Theresa Brice: Hello. I am from here, and when I first got here, I only planned on staying here for six months. Chair Hardemon: And can you state your name for the record, please? Ms. Brice: Theresa Brice. I think y'all heard of me. He's right, he's right, this man here is. Overtown -- and there's people over there that could tell you it's a real bad neighborhood. That's why I moved out and moved somewhere else right around here, and I stay here sometimes in the building here. All they want to do over there is fight and argue; the drugs is real bad over there. I've seen people physically fight and argue. I'm breaking up fights myself. They picking on me and bothering me and attacking me over there; that's why I moved from this City. And I had told them over there that I'm trying to leave here and go to my other area; that I was just here temporarily to get my life together. And my life is still messed up. It's terrible; haven't gotten anything together yet like I wanted it. And all that arguing and fighting over there, drugs. They're not trying to better themselves over there. I tried to better them -- pick some of them up to better their life. None of them want to get better. They don't want to stop using that cocaine, and they think everybody is on cocaine. I ain't never used cocaine. And you got a lot of people like this, so I don't know, you know, how long, you know, you all are going to try here, because people here come tell me they been in prison, penitentiary, and you got people here that ain't trying to do nothing for they self, ain't trying to better they life. All they want to do is argue and fight all day. I been through a lot myself and I just want you all to say that, you know, I wish you luck on your lives and trying to better this city, but I don't think it's going to get any better. The termites is tearing part of this building up right here. As you can see, if you go outside and look at the ground, it's splitting the ground up. Those are the termites doing that. And maybe you could try to save this building, I don't know. That's all for now. Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much. I appreciate your time. Yes, sir. Vincent Beasley, Sr.: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Vincent Beasley, Sr. I'm a new resident at the Overtown Center, 1490 Northwest 3rdAvenue, Suite 110. I'm very, very -- first of all, I'm the senior promoter for the Jazz in the Gardens. I'm very excited about being in Overtown. I actually consider Overtown my new baby Jazz in the Gardens. And through Leroy's hub, it's going to offer me an opportunity to secure a contract, procurement to provide a variety of entertainment options -- gospel stage plays, international talent search -- and more other ventures are going to simply entertain and bring some quality entertainment to the City of Overtown. I'm a resident of Liberty Square Housing Project. That gives me a -- I'm very excited of being a part of Overtown, all its facets. Just recently, through Leroy's efforts, my brother-in-law has been incarcerated for 13 years. I called Leroy up. Within less than two weeks, my brother-in-law that's been incarcerated for 13 years has a job driving trucks. Not only is he excited, he's exuberated, so the same exuberance that Leroy helped me out for my brother-in-law, I share the same exuberance for the City of Overtown. It gives me an opportunity to give back to the community where I grew up. So I think that Overtown will be a great opportunity for me to propel my business and secure major contracts for entertainment, gospel stage plays. Had I not had the Overtown hub, I wouldn't be afforded an opportunity to do so. And again, like I said, Overtown is -- I consider my new baby Jazz in the Gardens. I told them that eight months ago, so I'm very excited and for -- to have the opportunity to be a part of Overtown, thanks to Leroy and his hub and the CRA, Nathaniel, and all these people that are very instrumental in me implementing my entertainment facet to Overtown. I'm super excited. I'm exuberated. I mean, for my uncle to be -- my brother-in-law to be in jail for 13 years, and City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 less than two weeks, for Leroy's people to secure a job for him, he's super excited. So they do truly make a difference. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is there any other person here for public hearing? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. There's currently a motion and a second to approve CRA Resolution Agenda Number -- Item Number 3. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00401 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 $180,000, TO URGENT, INC. FOR THE 2014 SUMMER YOUTH TRAINING INSTITUTE; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING APPROVED HEREIN IS NOT EXCEEDED; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00401 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00401 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00401 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00401 Signed Legislation( Version1).pdf File # 14-00401-Backup-SUB.pdf File # 14-00401-Submittal-Urgent, Inc. Fact Sheet.pdf File # 14-00401 signed legislation (Version 2).pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0038 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Number 4. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 4 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 $205, 000, to Urgent, Inc. for the 2014 Summer Youth Training Institute; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds, at his discretion, on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 purpose. Chair Hardemon: And Commissioners, I want you all to be aware that the item that you are now receiving is a revision of -- and I'm sure Ms. Nelson will speak to it -- but it's a revision of the current ordinance, so it's been reduced from 205,000 to 180, 000. It's actually an increase in the salaries; all the numbers go down. It's an increase in the salaries of the children that are participating and a decrease to some of the more -- Mr. Woods: Administrative expenses. Chair Hardemon: -- administrative. So the administrative expenses have gone down, and the salaries for the children have gone up, and in addition to some community service that's been added to the program. So, Ms. Nelson, can you please go further into it? Saliah Nelson: Hi. Saliah Nelson, 1000 Northwest 1st Avenue, Suite 100, 33136, and I'm here on behalf of Urgent, Inc. I am hopeful that the Chair, the Vice Chair, and this lovely Board will help us empower young people to enter the workforce in a meaningful way. Again, this summer, if we are successful with your approval tonight, this will be our third year being able to provide this service for young people in the community, and I do have a colorful handout that I'd like to just share. (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Hardemon: Just want the record to indicate that one has been provided to the Clerk so it can be entered into the record. Ms. Nelson: One of the things that I would like to point out is that the industry areas that we are building skills this year are targeted to the emerging industries that have been identified by the Beacon Council/One Community One Goal, and those particular are in Creative Design, Tourism & Hospitality, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship. And so we have been very strategic in aligning our process to create that gateway of building talent from the young people here in Overtown. And the one thing that I think that you guys should be very proud of is that this is one of the only funding sources in this community, outside of juvenile justice, that invests in the development of young people before they get in trouble. So that is very exciting as a youth development professional that you guys are progressive in that way, and I'm happy to be a part of it. And if I could answer any questions, I'm more than happy to. Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Suarez. Is there a second? Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Gort. Is there any discussion that the Commission would like to have? Board Member Suarez: Yes, just very brief. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I got to say that there are few -- I don't know that I can be as effusive in my praise for an item as this item which is presented to us, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, I really want to thank the Chair for kind of getting into the numbers and making sure that the balance of the monies are being spent much more towards the children, you know, who are the proponents and the beneficiaries of this program than anyone else. And I also want to commend you for going to the Beacon Council -- and the Beacon Council, which doesn't often get praised for dovetailing its initiatives -- on the initiatives that we, as a CRA City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Board, have been pushing, 'cause it just so happens that this Commission and this Board has been investing a lot of money in the film and entertainment industry; we've been investing a lot of money in the technology -based industry. So, to me, the fact that you are also focusing on those industries just makes imminent sense. It, you know, fits with what we're doing, and it's obviously done in a very sophisticated way, so I wish you the best. I hope my colleagues feel likewise, and I hope that I can have an opportunity to go by the program and say hello to the kids. Ms. Nelson: Absolutely. And as part of the program, we are including the community service. It would be absolutely wonderful if each of our Commissioners would pick a week and come out and perform service with the kids; that would be absolutely a lovely opportunity. The other exciting thing this year that we are adding is a opportunity youth conference that will be taking place in July, and we have partnered with a number of organizations that are in your packet, where you see Hack for Youth Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship where we're going to be putting together design challenges around how do we overcome the obstacles of entering employment, improving quality education, and promoting entrepreneurship among urban youth? And so what makes this so exciting is that the young people are actually going to be in the conversation with key stakeholders -- philanthropy, government stakeholders, community -based organizations, academia, and technology folks. And so this is going to be very exciting. It would be wonderful if all of you could play a role in the conference, and as soon as we pass this hurdle today, I will be making official invitations to all of you to participate. Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? Board Member Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: Yes. You are recognized, Commissioner Carollo. Board Member Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for the updated material. I see that the salary rate did go down for the case manager. But my question is the duration. It seems like -- especially in the youth employment and training, it seems like the duration was longer before, and now it's going to be cut a week. You know, I'd like to see this go on as long as possible. Is there much different from six weeks as opposed to seven weeks? Ms. Nelson: The program is still seven weeks; however, they will be paid the same amount as six weeks, because we've included the community service component. Chair Hardemon: And if I may, Commissioner, so what I did was when I first received the information, I saw that we were paying the children to do the work, and I felt like -- just like Ms. Nelson said -- we're one of the only bodies that actually provide resources to children before they get in trouble. If you get involved -- anyone who knows about the juvenile justice system,- the parents -- when I was there, the parents complained about the child, but we have to tell them, "Well, we can't do anything for them until they get in trouble." And so once they get in trouble, then we give them all the resources they need for counseling, we give them the resources they need for school and studying and things of that nature, and we give them community service. So what I've been seeing is that community service has been used as a punishment in our community instead of a reward, and so part of this program, I'm trying to show the 60 kids that are involved that when you have a benefit, such as having a summer job, and you're not in the street, and you're doing something positive, we expect something from you also; so not just learning, not just job training, but an opportunity to give back to the community that's given to you. So what I did was I took out a week of pay for them, and what they will have to do is volunteer at least one day a week, and that volunteerism is a direct benefit of the Overtown community, and it reduced the amount of -- well, that's why I said -- Board Member Carollo: Pay week. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Well, not to them. The kids actually get paid the same amount, so they're still getting paid, but they're getting paid for less days. So actually, the amount of money they make per hour is increased, except now they're learning some responsibility by giving back to the community through community service. So we want this to be a program that's holistic, and I think community service is one part of the animal that we were missing in this program to make it move forward in a positive light. Ms. Nelson: And if I could also note that everyone took a week pay cut when I had to reduce the budget, so that came from the top to the bottom. Everyone lost a week of pay. Chair Hardemon: So the way that we reduced the numbers was to -- for the workers, the actual people who are giving their time, for them to actually volunteer also. So it wasn't enough for me just to see the children volunteer, but also the beneficiaries. So if you're working in this program and this is about service and you're about doing something for the community, then you will sacrifice a day a week to volunteer in the community with the children, and that was my vision for it, so that's how you saw the numbers reduced. Vice Chair Gort: That community service is very important, 'cause they get an opportunity to know about other individual, what's taking place in the community and how they can improve themself and get them ready for jobs when they come out of school. Ms. Nelson: Absolutely. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion from the Commissioners? At this time, I would like to open up the floor for public hearing. Is there anyone making comment? You're recognized, sir. Derek Cole: Derek Cole, 1010 Northwest 11 th Street, 33136. I support this program wholeheartedly. It's a very good program. Everything they do is wonderful. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is there anyone else? Yes, ma'am. Andrea Fleming: Good evening. My name is Andrea Fleming. I'm a resident of Overtown since 2001. I support the program for Urgent, Inc. Actually, I'm a member of their grand -parenting program, and my daughters that are sitting here with me are part of Urgent, Inc. They started out with the Rite of Passage, and they both last year worked with the program as being employed, and it turned out very well, at least for my two young ones. It's a very good experience. I don't think you have to wait for a child to get in trouble or anything like that. It's a very good program to put your kids to get them ready for the future, and I know at least for my daughter here -- sorry; I'm nervous -- it has worked for them. And I think you should support the program and really come out and work with us. It's a really good program for you to see how the kids react, what they learn, and just come by and help. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Yes, sir. Please state your name for the record. Malik St. Louis: My name is Malik St. Louis, a sophomore at Booker T. Washington High School right down the street, and I think Urgent, Inc. is a very positive program. It taught me life lesson values, how to work in bigger fields when I get older; major responsibilities with the time sheets and stuff like that, and always coming in, and it also brought me as in -- like a young man in this community, with all -- like bringing me to meet new people in this community that I never knew, and I think it's a great opportunity that I'll be enjoying ifI get a chance to do it again; take a major, major part in that. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Board Member Suarez: It's too bad you guys don't have a good football team. Just kidding. Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir. Talmadge Frazier: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Talmadge Frazier, 201 Northwest 7th Street. I don't only live in Overtown, I've taught in Overtown, and I found out one thing that's very important. During my tenure as a counselor at Douglas Elementary, we used Spring Break to take our kids on a trip. They went from here to New York; got a chance to see New York, not only read about New York. They also went to FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University) Homecoming, Fort Valley State Homecoming. They went to Washington to see the Capitol. And the most important thing in that trip, they got opportunity to see the changing of the guards, Arlington National Cemetery, where people have paid the ultimate price for the convenience that we live under. I would like to see the program add a component to it. Our kids know nothing about outside of Overtown. They need to go see something. It's one thing to read about New York, read about Washington, read about how government is formed. Dear God, they don't have a clue, a actual visual part of it. So I support Urgent, Inc., but I would request the Commissioner to put back that week, not during the summer, but during Spring Break. Let's take some of our youth, let them see the things they read about. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may. Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir. Board Member Suarez: We had a thing in high school called "Close Up, " and I'm sure many of you experienced it as well, and that was an opportunity in high school to go to Washington and to go to other cities and see things that were remarkable in this country -- there's a lot of remarkable things around the world -- but remarkable in this country, and I think the gentleman has a very good point, which is that sometimes, members of our community don't have the same abilities to see some of those remarkable things that really are life -changing experiences, life -altering experiences and give you a tremendous perspective on what's out there, and it really helps you dream, you know, and have a goal and think that, you know, you can be successful and have an opportunity to participate in those things, as well. So I mean, I think it's something worth looking at. I don't know if it has to be done through this program or through some other one, but it certainly is something worth thinking about for sure. Chair Hardemon: I'm sure Mr. Woods would probably be open. I'm sure he will also get a request about this -- about the information that was just shared with us. Is there anyone else that'd like to speak on public hearing at this time? Hearing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. Any further discussion? All in favor of this measure, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. Later... Chair Hardemon: And Madam City Clerk. Sandra Forges (Legislative Services Supervisor, Office of the City Clerk): Yes, Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: I just want to make sure that CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Item Number 4, we passed it as modified from 205,000 to 180,000; is that correct? City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Ms. Forges: Correct. Chair Hardemon: Thank you vet y nnich. Ms. Forges: Thank you, Mr. Chair. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00400 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, UP TO $200,000 FOR THE PROVISION OF SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - LEGAL," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.531010.0000.00000. File # 14-00400 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00400 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00400 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00400 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff Noes: Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-14-0039 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Agenda Item Number S. 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 authorizing the expenditure of fiords up to $200, 000 for the provision of specialized legal services; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose; allocating funds from the SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) Tax Increment Fund entitled `Professional Services." As you know, Commissioners, for the last year and a half almost two years, we've been heavily engaged in a lot of legal issues: The settlement with Miami -Dade County, all of the development agreements in conjunction with the bond resolution; quite a bit of legal work that we've undertaken. And this item will just provide for the continuation of us being able to pay for our legal services. Chair Hardemon: I'm going to open up the floor for public hearing at this time. Is anyone from the floor -- or anyone from the community that'd like to speak? You are recognized, Mr. Crespo. Al Crespo: Al Crespo, 689 Northeast 92nd Street. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, you have three lawyers here. You have a lawyer from Holland & Knight; you have Ms. Pacheco there, who's a lawyer, she's outside counsel; you have the Deputy City Attorney. That's a lot of money sitting right there already. You're going to spend another $200, 000 on top of all the money that's being spent for these folks? Holland & Knight, how much money does Holland & Knight receive from the CRA, from this CRA? Lots of money. Do you really need even more money? These folks can't do the job for the money you pay them; you got to pay more? City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Woods: This isn't more and to be -- Mr. Crespo: That's $200,000. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods. -- Mr. -- hold on one second. Mr. Crespo: Okay, I apologize. Chair Hardemon: I will allow Mr. Crespo to say his comments. Once he's finished his two minutes, then we can respond to his questions. Mr. Crespo: Mr. Crespo gets treated special. So I have one last question as I leave. I just would -- it dawned on me, 'cause I'm kind of slow sometimes. You know, I'm old. And this Resolution Number 1, you all voted to approve the acceptance of these -- of this -- these properties, but they haven't been bought by anybody yet. So how can you approve the acceptance of something that none of you all own, the City or the CRA? Seems like you would have bought -- the City would have bought the property and then you would have accepted it from the CR -- from the City. That's kind of a confusing thing. It just dawned on me. It's like, wait a minute. You're accepting it, but you don't own it. What's up with that? Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods. Mr. Woods: The item is contingent upon the City settling whatever legal matters they may have with the current owner of the properties. If the City can't settle that issue, then there won't be a need to accept properties. Board Member Suarez: I just think it's funny we have to pass a resolution to accept the thing in the first place. Chair Hardemon: Yeah, that is an interesting point, but that's the -- and -- Board Member Suarez: You say you don't have to do that. Chair Hardemon: To speak directly to what he said, that was why I made the comment earlier about the form of the resolution. I believe Mr. Crespo was walking away at the time I made the comment. Is there any other discussion from the Commission, though, about this item? Board Member Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: Yes, you're recognized. Board Member Carollo: I have been one that, over the years, have been vocal about the CRA actually having too many attorneys. As a matter of fact, I think in the past, I've even asked, "When was the last time we went to an RFP (Request for Proposals) with regards to our legal services?" Mr. Woods: We did -- well, actually, we hadn't gone to an RFP for legal services. It's not required that we do an RFP for legal services, but to be clear about the three attorneys and the reason for the three attorneys: We utilize the City for litigation. Litigation is an expensive form of legal work, so we utilize the City for litigation. The City doesn't necessarily do the complex real estate transactions that we get involved in; that's what Bill Bloom does for us. As far as Jessica, our outside counsel, Jessica does all the grant agreements, contracts, and she's the one that does the agenda and a lot of other legal work that's not necessarily complex real estate transactions, which we don't want to have Bill do. So there's a reason for the three different attorneys; it's not that, you know, we can have one that does all of them. City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Board Member Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Carollo. Board Member Carollo: Understood but we don't have any complex real estate issue in this meeting today, do we? Mr. Woods: At this meeting today? No. Board Member Carollo: But we still have Mr. Bloom here, and I remember from two years ago, when I asked him if he was here for free, he said "no "; he was charging by the hour. So we're -- he's getting paid right now, and we don't have any complex real estate issue going on right now, correct? Mr. Woods: No, not at this time, but -- and we can curtail Mr. Bloom coming to the meetings; it's just that we don't know when those issues might come up. We've had instances where things are not on the agenda, and, you know, people come and they want to talk about some of the issues that we may have on an agenda, and having him here helps to provide the answers right here on the spot. But, you know, we can have him come if there aren't any issues -- Chair Hardemon: But I would like to say, though, Commissioners, that one of my jobs is to make sure that our meeting moves as expeditiously as possible, so as Chairman, I would definitely feel a lot more comfortable if we have personnel here that can handle the more complex questions, because a lot of the issues may be legal issues that deal with the property that we're either buying or that we own or even with the contracts that we have that are currently here. So my job is to make this meeting go quickly so he can get off the clock, and I take that very, very seriously, and I try to do that in the way that I govern this meeting. So we all -- you're not the only person, 'cause my gentleman to my left is not an attorney also, but we understand that lawyers are involved a lot of times, especially with real estate transactions. And considering the fact that we have the amount of money that we have and we deal with the transactions that we deal with, I personally believe in my -- I personally believe that the lawyers, for their perspective [sic] reasons, are necessary to be here. The question then becomes: Are we utilizing them the best way that we can? Board Member Carollo: Efficiently. Chair Hardemon: Right. Well, sometimes, you have to do things effectively, as well as efficiently. So if there is any sign of abuse -- and that's something that I chime in -- I don't allow -- and as you can see just with the previous items or any item that's come before this Board, I always go through the item and make sure that the monies are spent the way they should be spent. I made that promise in the first meeting that we had, and I continue to hold that dear, because I want the people in the community to have confidence in us, and I also want to have confidence in what I present to the community. Board Member Carollo: Mr. Chairman, just real quick. I want to make sure I point this out. This has nothing to do with Mr. Bloom, okay? This has nothing to do with him or his legal skills. This is just something that I've been seeing over the years, and I've -- this is not the first time that I mention this. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, you know, I think this item could have been better presented, you know, and I think -- City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Mr. Woods: Absolutely. We talked about it. Board Member Suarez: -- I expressed it to you in our briefing. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: So I think, to a certain extent, Commissioner Carollo has a point in that, you know, we do have a budgeted amount, and that is on our budget, and we do approve our budget. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And this is requesting an additional allocation. And I'm not saying that that is inappropriate in any way, shape, or form, 'cause I know we have been doing a lot of work. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: We have had a tremendous -- which is a good thing, by the way, because the bottom line is, as the Chair indicated, the work is related to the projects that we hope to be engaging in, and you -- you know, in our briefing, you kind of reminded me of all of the development agreements that we've been involved in in the last -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: -- really six to nine months. Mr. Woods: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And those -- that's all good, you know. It is a lot of work, and it has been, you know, things that we've discussed here at length and things that we have had to debate and go back and forth and negotiate, et cetera. But I do think that it could have been presented a little bit better, you know, in terms of what we've spent money on and what we anticipate spending money on as, you know, to kind of educate us on why we think we need the additional expenditure. I think having Mr. Bloom here -- I understand the Commissioner's concern, but I think it's ultimately a good thing, because we do get questions that deviate from what we think might be on the agenda and do delve into specifics about things. We hash things all the time, and, you know, there's probably no one here that has any of those contracts memorized like he does, you know, kind of backwards and forward. But, you know, I agree that the item could have been presented in a more -- in a better way. Mr. Woods: I take that under advisement, Commissioner. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Woods: Let me also say that this is an amount -- this is almost like a retainer. We only bill against it. It's not that there's $200, 000 that goes to him directly. Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? Is there a motion to accept? Board Member Suarez: So moved. Vice Chair Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve agenda item 5, CRA Resolution Item Number 5. All in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 Commissioner Sarnoff. Aye. Board Member Suarez: Aye. Vice Chair Gort: Aye. Chair Hardemon: Aye. All against? Board Member Carollo: No. No. Chair Hardemon: Please let the record reflect there was one -- Motion passes. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00405 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 $175,000.00, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, TO CAMILLUS HOUSE TO UNDERWRITE A PORTION OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAMILLUS HOUSE MAT 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; 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 # 14-00405 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00405 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00405 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00405 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0040 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to the final resolution number, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Resolution Number 6. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, item number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing -- excuse me -- the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $175, 000, subject to conditions, to Camillus House to underwrite a portion of the cost associated with Camillus House Mat Programs; 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. Board Member Sarnoff: Move it. Board Member Suarez: Second. City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 NON AGENDA ITEM(S) NA.1 14-00434 Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve item number 6. Is there anyone from the community that'd like to speak on this item? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. Commissioners, any discussion? Board Member Suarez: Briefly. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez, you're recognized. Board Member Suarez: Again, with the summer program, I think this is one of the better expenditures that this Board has authorized or hopefully will authorize. You know, it -- with the changes that have been made ofPottinger, I think it allows for this institution, which has been an institution that has been, you know, a pillar of our City to continue to do its work, and a very difficult job that it has in trying to make the homeless in our society that are often marginalized into productive citizens. So I wholeheartedly support this, and I thank them for their mission. Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Vice Chair Gort: Well -- Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort. Vice Chair Gort: -- my understanding, this is part of a total agreement. I mean, the CRA's putting funds, the Omni CRA, Overtown CRA, the City of Miami, and other individuals, the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), so it's about close to $800, 000, something like that? Board Member Sarnoff Yeah. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff Board Member Sarnoff. Mr. Chair. I think it's $700, 000, Commissioner Gort. And I think I still have to raise, I think, 70,000, private funding, if I'm correct, to get to the right number. And we are committed to doing that, and hopefully, we'll have that raised within the next four weeks. Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion about it? No? All in favor of the agenda item, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. CRA DISCUSSION ELIJAH WELLS, 16 YEAR OLD OVERTOWN RESIDENT, INVITED BOARD MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO A PLAY HE PRODUCED TITLED "THE GIFT," WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE HISTORIC LYRIC THEATER ON MAY 11, 2014. DISCUSSED Chair Hardemon: I'd like to ask for a little bit of discretion, a little bit of privilege to allow a young man named Elijah Wells, who's from the Overtown community, to address the Board and City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 6/4/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 ADJOURNMENT also the community to make an announcement about an event that he's having. Elijah Wells: Hello, everybody. Like Commissioner said, my name is Elijah Wells. I'm a 16-year-old filmmaker in Miami, in Overtown area. First announcement I want to make is I am doing a play. It's actually a short film that I did for American Black Film Festival when I was 12 years old, and I switched it into a play called "The Gift," and it's going to be on Mother's Day at the Little -- not the Little -- sorry -- the -- Chair Hardemon: Lyric Theater. Mr. Wells: -- Lyric Theater -- sorry -- the Historic Lyric Theater. It's on May 11, Mother's Day. It's -- you know, to give the play, it's $20 for admission, I believe 25 for arranged seating, and 35 for the top, you know, VIP (Very Important Person). Anybody who want to come out, support, you know, a young man in Overtown, I'm right here. Thank you, guys. Board Member Suarez: Thank you. Applause. Mr. Wells: And one more thing: I just want to say the star in the play -- Chair Hardemon: Not the star. Mr. Wells: -- is our own Commissioner Keon Hardemon. I just want to say that. You know, it took me a lot to get him, but -- you know, he's so busy, but I got him. Thank you, guys. Chair Hardemon: He let me hold the lights in the film, so I'll be changing those lights. But if all hearts and minds are clear, I'd like to adjourn this meeting at 6: 06 p.m. Vice Chair Gort: Very good. The meeting adjourned at 6: 07 p.m. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 6/4/2014