HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2014-07-30 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
of
• IN Q9▪ IEP 99 i
�YD
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 30, 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:
819 NW 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835
www.miamicra.com
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
FINANCIALS
RESOLUTIONS
1.
14-00711
Present: Commissioner Sarnoff, Commissioner Suarez, Vice Chair Gort and Chair Hardemon
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
On the 30th day of July 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: 25 p.m., and was adjourned at 6: 33 p.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Clarence Woods, Executive Director, CRA
Barnaby L. Min, Deputy General Counsel
Todd B. Hannon, Clerk of the Board
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENTS, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING
RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-12-0061 ADOPTED BY THE AGENCY ON
SEPTEMBER 17, 2012, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY
RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-13-0025 ADOPTED BY THE AGENCY ON MARCH
25, 2013 AND RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-13-0039 ADOPTED BY THE
AGENCY ON JUNE 24, 2013, WHICH RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-12-0061, AS
AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED (THE "RESOLUTION"), PROVIDED FOR
THE ISSUANCE OF TAX INCREMENT REVENUE BONDS OF THE AGENCY
TO FINANCE OR REFINANCE THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREAAND
PROVIDED FOR AND AUTHORIZED THE ISSUANCE OF THE INITIAL
SERIES OF TAX INCREMENT REVENUE BONDS THEREUNDER (THE
"SERIES 2014A BONDS") FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING CERTAIN
GRANTS TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR REHABILITATION OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION OF
OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; FOR
THE PURPOSES OF AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL BONDS AND
PARITY OBLIGATIONS TO IMPROVE THE MARKETABILITY OF THE SERIES
2014A BONDS; MAKING CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE SERIES 2014A BONDS;
AUTHORIZING A NEGOTIATED SALE OF THE SERIES 2014A BONDS IN AN
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000,000;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY TO AWARD
THE SALE OF THE SERIES 2014A BONDS TO WELLS FARGO BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; DELEGATING CERTAIN AUTHORITY TO THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY FOR THE AUTHORIZATION,
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH
RESPECT THERETO, AND FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FINAL TERMS
AND DETAILS OF THE SERIES 2014A BONDS; APPOINTING THE
City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT, AUTHENTICATING AGENT AND FUNDS
TRUSTEE FOR THE SERIES 2014A BONDS AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT;
AUTHORIZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF A PRELIMINARY LIMITED
OFFERING MEMORANDUM AND THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A
FINAL LIMITED OFFERING MEMORANDUM WITH RESPECT THERETO;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A CONTINUING
DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
BOOK -ENTRY SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION FOR THE SERIES 2014A
BONDS; ADOPTING POST -ISSUANCE COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES FOR
TAX -ADVANTAGED BONDS PURSUANT TO CURRENT GUIDELINES OF
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WHICH WILL APPLY TO THE SERIES
2014A BONDS AND TO THE AGENCY'S TAX -ADVANTAGED BONDS
HEREAFTER ISSUED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
File # 14-00711 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 14-00711 Legislation.pdf
File # 14-00711 Exhibit B.pdf
File # 14-00711 Exhibit C.pdf
File # 14-00711 Exhibit D.pdf
File # 14-00711 Exhibit E.pdf
File # 14-00711 Exhibit F.pdf
14-00711-Submittal-SEOPW CRA-Cover Memo.pdf
14-00711-Submittal-SEOPW CRA-Tax Increment Revenue Bond Schedule.pdf
File #14-00711 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
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-1 4-0051
Chair Hardemon: At 5:36 [sic], July 30, 2014, I'd like to call this most historic meeting to
order. As we can see on the agenda, there are no minutes to approve until September's meeting,
so we're going to move on to RE.1, and I'd just like to record for the record the presence of
Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff
Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 1 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of
the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency with attachments,
amending and supplementing Resolution Number CRA-R-12-0061, adopted by the Agency on
September 17, 2012, as amended, and supplemented by Resolution Number CRA-R-13-0025,
adopted by the Agency on March 25, 2013 under Resolution Number CRA-R-13-0039, adopted
by the Agency on June 24, 2013; which Resolution Number CRA-R-12-0061, as amended and
supplemented, "The Resolution, " provided for the issuance of tax increment revenue bonds of
the Agency to finance or refinance the acquisition and construction of Community
Redevelopment projects in the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency area, and provided for and authorized the issuance of the initial series of tax increment
revenue bonds thereunder, the "Series 2014A Bonds, " for the purpose of financing certain
grants to be used for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing and financing of
the construction of other capital improvements in the redevelopment area for the purposes of
amending certain provisions of the resolution relating to the issuance of additional bonds and
parity obligations to improve the marketability of the Series 2014A Bonds; making certain
covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance of the Series 2014,4 Bonds;
City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
authorizing a negotiated sale of the Series 2014A Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $60 million; authorizing the executive director of the Agency to award the sale of the
Series 2014A Bonds to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association; delegating certain authority to
the executive director of the Agency for the authorization, execution and delivery of a bond
purchase agreement with respect thereto, and for the approval of the final terms and details of
the Series 2014A Bonds; appointing the registrar, paying agent, authenticating agent and funds
trustee for the Series 2014A Bonds, and authorizing the execution and delivery of a fiscal agent
agreement; authorizing the distribution of a preliminary limited offering memorandum and the
execution and delivery of a final limited offering memorandum with respect thereto; authorizing
the execution and delivery of a continuing disclosure agreement; authorizing the establishment
of a book -entry system of registration for the Series 2014A Bonds; adopting post -issuance
compliance procedures for tax -advantaged bonds pursuant to current guidelines of the Internal
Revenue Service which will apply to Series 2014A Bonds and to the Agency's tax -advantaged
bonds hereafter issued; and providing an effective date. Commissioners, I guess to sum it up -- I
wish I could have made it shorter -- but basically, what we're here for is to approve the
parameters for our issuance of the Southeast Overtown/Park West revenue bonds, which you
guys -- which you Commissioners have authorized for the Agency to seek for the redevelopment
of projects. On the memorandum, it basically spells out those provisions in the first line or the
first bullet, really. It says: The amount of the 2014 Series `A" Bond will not be less -- I'm sorry
-- will not be now [sic] less than $43.5 million, and not to exceed $60 million in aggregate
principal amount. The aggregate underwriting discount, including management fee and
expenses shall not exceed .9 percent of the aggregate amount of the 2014 Series "A" Bonds. The
aggregate interest rate with respect to the Series 2014A Bonds will not be more than six and a
half percent, and the maturity date will not be later than March 31, 2030. Those are the
parameters set. It is our intent to go to market at some point in August. I have an actual
schedule here that will detail the final -- I mean the last stretches of where we are in the process.
Once we actually have an approval from you guys tonight, the intent is to go to market at
mid -August to close on the bonds.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. At this time, I'm going to open up the floor for public
hearing on this item. If there's anyone who'd like to speak on the item, please step forward to the
mike. You're recognized, sir.
Al Crespo: Show biz, pal.
Unidentified Speaker: I hear; you're standing right there.
Mr. Crespo: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board. My name is Al Crespo.
I'm neither -- I'm not here to speak for or against the bonds, themselves. I am here, though, to
speak about some expenditures related to the bonds. I got the packet of information on the
bonds, and I found a page in that packet that described all the attorneys who were involved in
the process, and they were the City Attorney; special Agency attorney, Holland & Knight; Bond
counsel Foley and Lardner; associate counsel, Law Offices of Richard Cooper; disclosure
counsel, D. Stettin & Associates, and I submitted a public records request to the CRA
(Community Redevelopment Agency), and yesterday, I went to the offices, spoke to Mr. Woods.
He provided me a four page memorandum that he had received either Monday or yesterday from
Foley & Lardner, Law Office of Richard Cooper and D. Steson -- Stettin & Associates, which
was a four -page description of the services they had provided the CRA, and in the last page,
there's a paragraph, and it had a significant quote in here that: "We believe the appropriate fee
for bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the bonds is $430, 000, plus expenses, and
that the appropriate fee for disclosure counsel in connection with the issuance of these bonds is
$301,000, plus expenses." I asked Mr. Woods whether or not he had any documentation that
accompanied this memorandum, either billing fees, invoices, or receipts for expenditures, and he
told me he had not received any. So I'm asking, you know, are there going to be any invoices
and/or receipts? Secondly, I asked Mr. Woods the question about the payment of Mr. Cooper
City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
with Foley & Lardner, and why wasn't there a separate breakout of cost for each of these
individuals; you know, Foley & Lardner get so much money; Mr. Cooper gets so much money.
And it was explained to me -- and correct me if I'm wrong -- that it was all going to be one
payment, and Foley & Lardner would pay the -- Mr. Cooper; am I correct in saying it?
Mr. Woods: Well, we didn't have that --
Chair Hardemon: Before we move on --
Mr. Crespo: Okay, so --
Chair Hardemon: -- your two minutes have expired.
Mr. Crespo: -- that's -- so I'm curious about that and --
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo --
Mr. Crespo: -- I'm concerned about this, because in addition to these $430,000 --
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Crespo.
Mr. Crespo: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Your two minutes have expired.
Mr. Crespo: Can I have two minutes? Thank you. There's also the $301, 000 for the disclosure
counsel, and there's also the cost of $131,134.80 that was paid out last year to Holland &
Knight, and the reason that Holland & Knight was paid off last year in this instance I was told is
that they provided the former Chairman of this committee with what was excellent advice on how
to proceed with this bond offering. She rejected that excellent advice and they decided that they
could no longer support and go forward with the CRA on this issue, so the CRA paid them off.
So in effect, you've got a situation where $562,134 has been paid or will be paid in legal fees;
$301, 000 for this disclosure counsel. That's $863,134.80. You haven't sold a bond yet, right?
And that's a considerable amount of money, and I think it's an amount of money that should be
explained, and there should be some receipts. And there's also the issue of -- you know, for me,
I'm curious about the breakout of why there needed to be an associate counsel when Foley &
Lardner is a national law firm with 40 lawyers in their Miami office, and why did they have to go
outside of their law firm to find Mr. Cooper to become a lawyer and assist in this process? And I
did some research and discovered that Mr. Cooper is the executive director of the League of
Cities. He gets paid $100, 000 a year, $25, 000 in benefits, and 70,000 -- and $7, 000 in expense
account. Isn't that a full-time job? That's more than you make, Clarence, right? So here's a guy
who's -- can I have another two minutes.
Unidentified Speaker: No.
Chair Hardemon: I'm not -- I will not allow you to have another two minutes yielded to you. It's
the decision of the Chair to allow someone to take an additional two minutes. It's a procedural
issue, and I do it out of courtesy to give people more opportunity to speak; however, I will not
allow the compounding, continual compounding of those minutes, so you asked your questions.
I'm going to ask Mr. Woods to address them; then we're going to move forward.
Mr. Crespo: Okay, so in closing --
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Mr. Crespo: -- I'd like to say that all of you people here want to know why, after 30 years, the
CRA has gone over -- through $100 million plus, and why this community looks like it was
bombed out five years ago, and all these empty lots are burnt, and grass has grown in all these
empty lots regardless of this money. Everybody wants a piece of the action. Everybody wants a
taste of the money.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Crespo: And this is the first of it. There's going to be everybody picking on this money.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Mr. Crespo: You're welcome.
Chair Hardemon: Do you remember any of the questions?
Mr. Woods: First, with respect to how money would be disbursed between bond counsel and
their associates, we didn't have that conversation, but we are in conversations with bond counsel
as well as disclosure counsel in working on some more documentation to substantiate their
payment, so that is happening. But the other thing is he suggested that we've paid out all of this
money and we haven't sold a bond yet. We actually haven't paid out this money. This is -- this
money would be a part of the cost of issuance, which comes with the sale of the bonds; that's
taken out of the transaction. I don't remember what the other question was, but the thing is, I
mean -- I think the other statement that he made that we've gone through $100 million and
nothing has -- that's totally inaccurate. We have our history here of how much money the CRA
has received in its existence; it's nowhere near $100 million, so that's totally inaccurate.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort, you have something?
Vice Chair Gort: I think the attorney should explain the process, how long it takes to put this
document -- not only this document, but the whole document, the -- and all the procedure the
attorney had to go through, so I think it's important for people to understand that.
William Bloom (Special Counsel/Community Redevelopment Agency): (UNINTELLIGIBLE
INAUDIBLE)
Chair Hardemon: But before we move on, let me just acknowledge Commissioner Suarez. One
second.
Board Member Suarez: Well, you know, I think -- well, let's answer his question and then I'll --
Chair Hardemon: Okay, Mr. Bloom.
Mr. Bloom: I think this is -- this has been a very complicated transaction; there are a lot of
unique legal questions. You know, there is a fee structure that was previously negotiated with the
City Attorneys Office dealing with what the fees would be and the disclosure counsel is supposed
to be a percentage of what the bond counsel's fee is. The bond counsel is Foley, Lardner and
Richard Cooper's firm combined, so there's just one fee, and between the two of them will split it
up; it's not like there's an additional layer because of that representation. There is a fee
agreement negotiated between the CRA and Foley & Lardner as far as how their fees would be
calculated. And at this point, I believe the executive director is reviewing those issues with bond
counsel due to various changes in the transaction, and the length of time, and the complexity, to
see if the fee structure is fair to bond counsel and changes are fair to the Agency. And
everything has been done to get the transaction completed as expeditiously as possible, given all
the twists and turns that are involved in the transaction.
City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Mr. Woods: And --
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Mr. Woods.
Mr. Woods: Let me just -- Mr. Bloom spoke of the complexity of the transaction. We also started
this transaction with Foley & Lardner in the very beginning in that there were several incidences
that required for us to start and stop. At one point, when we were -- when we initially started this
transaction, the City asked for us to stop, go out and seek our own counsel; they would not be a
back -stop to this transaction, "Go and get your own counsel." That's when the executive
director at that time chose to work with our special counsel; that's why there's a bill for Holland
& Knight. And, of course, there was some disagreement about how we would proceed with the
transaction, but this has been from 2011 up until this point. The amount of time that has been
spent on this transaction and the twists and the turns, we're proud to be here at this point tonight,
and, you know, we will be working with bond counsel, as well as disclosure counsel to get more
information, and to try to justify their cost. But I don't want to limit, you know, the importance of
getting a good understanding and making sure that their fees are properly represented, but I
think the larger issue here is the fact that we're at this point after four years, and we're ready to
do something that is --
Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Mr. Woods: -- I think is going to be --
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner Suarez; and then I'll come back to you,
Commissioner Gort.
Board Member Suarez: You have a --
Vice Chair Gort: Well, I think you should also explain, because what's been stated in here, it's
very important to state the disclosure of counsel, why it's needed for a bond transaction. Also,
you need to explain what you had to go through, a validation procedure, because people need to
understand that, okay?
Mr. Bloom: One of the issues was at the timing of the transaction there was a question, because
of the unique legal issues of how the funds were going to be disbursed to private developers, or
to the homeowners, private homeowners in the Park West community that the bonds be validated.
And there was a -- you know -- in the engagement letter, there was a fee set for $30, 000 for doing
the validation, but there was also issues with the City as far as the SEC (Securities & Exchange
Commission) investigation and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) investigation that consumed
an awful lot of time with the disclosure counsel dealing with the City Attorneys Office, getting
explanations, and updates, and then the -- just the issues with the tax increment revenues coming
from the County, and issues with respect to the alleged cap on those revenues and how we were
going to deal with those issues, you know; created variations and had to constantly redo the
schedules. It took a lot of hard work, particularly on the part of disclosure counsel to make sure
that the documents accurately reflect the state of affairs so that there's no question about the
accuracy of any of the representations being made by the Agency as part of the sale of the bonds.
Again, you know, this is not an easy transaction. You know, you'll recall in the interlocal
agreement that was signed in 2007 with the County that there were 10 projects that were carved
out starting in 2017 where the City and the County were each obtaining shares of those tax
increment revenues that hadn't been paid in the past, and again, was trying to interpret those
documents and come up with schedules so everyone would understand it, and to make sure that
the revenues coming to the Agency were not overstated in those documents again. I think
disclosure counsel did a fabulous job in analyzing those situations, and understanding them, and
being able to properly document, based upon the input from lots of different people.
City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Vice Chair Gort: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You have something, or you want me to continue the public hearing?
Board Member Suarez: You know what? No, let me -- let me say -- let me chime in a little bit on
this issue, and I hesitate whenever you're talking about lawyers, 'cause it's always a touchy
subject, 'cause it's hard to defend it sometimes. You know, in this particular case, you're also -- I
think we're losing sight of the fact that we are issuing bonds within the ambit of two SEC
charges; one is a charge and the other one is an investigation, which heightens the scrutiny,
heightens the risks that are taken by the law firms that are involved and makes it generally much,
much more difficult to issue bonds under those conditions. From what I know about the
transactional world -- and I do mostly real estate, not as much lending -- two -- less -- it seems to
be less than two percent of the entire cost of the issuance, which, to me, sounds reasonable in my
world. I would ask the executive director whether that's standard and normal, an acceptable
range, because it would suggest that 98 percent of the funds are going to be used for whatever
costs are remaining and its intended purpose.
Mr. Woods: Two percent, I've heard that number before.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah. I mean, the number that I'm looking at here is, I mean, based on
Mr. Crespo's estimation, is close to 800,000 in cost, and on the low end, if you're bonding out
$40 million, that's two percent.
Mr. Woods: Yeah.
Board Member Suarez: So you're -- you know, and so I think it's important that we mention that
this entire issuance is happening not only under the specter of a potential lawsuit with the
County, but also two looming -- one pending SEC investigation and charges that have been
formally levied against the City of Miami, so I don't think that's something that should be -- By
the way, the $800, 000 in disclosure counsel and in bond counsel pales in the comparison to the
two -- over $2 million or close to $2 million that we've had to pay in outside legal counsel fees to
defend the SEC investigations. So, you know, I think the hope is that when you pay these kinds of
lawyers, you avoid those payments in the future.
Chair Hardemon: To me, I mean, when I see -- the fact that we're making this issuance in the
climate that we're making it in today, it shows that this CRA is serious about some development
within the Overtown community. This community has been promised so many different times, so
many different ways, these projects and other projects that are yet to be determined, and this is
symbolic; that's why this day is so important, because it shows that even with all of these issues
that could be, we've done our due diligence enough to present a responsible document to this
community where we can get started on the development that we've promised and that we've
already started on Town Park North; now Town Park Village; Town Park South and any other
projects that are set within this bond issuance. Are there -- is there anyone here else that would
like to speak on this matter from the public? You're recognized, ma'am.
Shoshana Lincoln: To the panel, Reverend Lincoln from People Helping People. Actually, I can
concur with Crespo on some of his point. We, the people in Overtown, we suffer immensely, not
having an environment, killing, and a lot of wrong things are going on in Overtown, and we have
ample amount of monies to be spent in Overtown wisely, not bureaucratically, and not
technicality, but practically to spend that money in Overtown, we will bring Overtown less than
five years somewhat as other communities are making progress. Please do, Commissioner, bear
with me. I am not critiquing anything here, but we do want to have a dignified community in
Overtown. Doing so, we need to start streetscaping Overtown to beautify Overtown that our
shopping center can work, and we don't have homeless people drinking beer in the bus stop
City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
when NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office don't care about that.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. And just in comment to that -- and Reverend Lincoln,
this is part of the reason why, even in your project, in your apartment complex, while we were
assured to make sure that we did everything that we could to beautify the section of the
community that you live in Overtown, and that your apartment complex is in Overtown, because
normally -- Reverend Lincoln, Reverend Lincoln, no, no, no, don't respond, don't respond. But
this is -- that's what we're doing, so we're making sure that -- you're going to respond anyway,
aren't you?
Ms. Lincoln: Commissioner, you got my sincere profound gratitude for what you have done for
our building, and for People Helping People. My aspiration has been shattered for what I came
to Overtown to do, but I am profoundly grati -- giving my profound gratitude to all the
Commissioner who have ratified that resolution.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you so very much. You're recognized, sir.
Willie Williams: Pastor Willie Williams, 1133 Northwest 3rdAvenue in Overtown.
Commissioner, you know, it's not -- it's no doubt in my mind that you want to build a better
community in this district, but we just need clarity. The people in Overtown need clarity when it
comes to going about, you know, the bonds, as well as spending money on the behalf of the
people of Overtown, because we are the only one affected by the spendage [sic] of the
Commissioners, you know, on our behalf. So we just want things clear, and we just want to be
more involved in what is going on, what is being decided on our behalf. Crespo was quite clear,
you know, when he stood up here a minute ago, and he spoke about the transparency that need to
be when it comes to this community, and I just concur that we need to also make sure that we
walk and not run, you know, 'cause we can pay $5 for a breakfast instead of $50, you know, for a
breakfast. I think, you know, the $5 would be suitable for us, because what we're trying to do,
what we're trying to do in this community. I'm here in this community, and I'm fighting every day
to try to make a difference through my presence, as well as the actions that I do, you know, in
this community. So again, you know, I'm here to work with you all to make this a better
Overtown, and I just believe that we can. Just be more transparent when it comes to the issues
that we try to attempt to make on the behalf of the people in Overtown, and I believe you'll have
less friction from Crespo, as well as others that is willing to speak tonight.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. And I will say that this Board has been as
transparent as possible when it comes to the issuance of these bonds. When I became Chairman,
immediately, I wanted to clarify what was happening with the bonds, so from the very beginning,
it's always about informing and educating this community about the bond issuance that was --
that could have been pending and that many people were trying to delay. But here we are today,
because we have those -- we have these documents. These documents are not elementary school
documents; they take time to read; they take time to understand; and even with explaining them,
there are still questions that come not to just the community, but to even some professionals. But
at the end of the day, we know that with our professional staff, with the lawyers that we've hired,
and with the smart Commissioners that we have that we were presented a product that I think is
good for this community. And when it comes to $5 for breakfast, my brother, in Overtown, we've
been starving. We haven't had any money to buy breakfast in a very long time, right? So it's
time for us to have something to eat.
Unidentified Speaker: Amen for that, Commissioner.
Deborah Roberts: Hi. My name is Deborah Roberts. I'm from 1804 Northwest 5th Place. I'm
Board of Directors of Town Park Plaza South, and I just want to speak on behalf of the funding
that we're looking forward since 2011. Just like you say, I totally -- I want something confirmed
today, because we are in need of this money to facilitate our neighborhood and our community,
City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
and we was really looking forward to this money, and we really is thankful in advance for you
approving this today, because it's a long time coming. And I'm quite sure all three Town Parks
know that it's a long time coming. Now, let's stop and let -- yeah, we want to eat. We tired of $5
dinners. We want the $50 dinners, 'cause we haven't had any. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. You're recognized, sir.
Nathaniel Wilcox: My name is Nathaniel Wilcox. I'm executive director of PULSE, People
United to Lead the Struggle for Equality; offices at 150 Northeast 19th Street. My comments will
be very short. I feel that it's Overtown's time now for Overtown to grow and to prosper. And I
hear a whole bunch of complaints about this problem, and that problem, and about funding and
all these kind of things. Well, when you look at the stadium, they had problems, they had
investigations going on. They had a whole bunch of other things going on when it was time to
build the Marlins Stadium, and things are still not right. They're still not a world champion
team, but the stadium sitting up out there. We got a deep hole in the ground called the tunnel; all
these things. You got museums that have gone up out of that world trade agreement, that world
agreement that the City has with the County and et cetera. All these other projects are going up
all around us. All these projects had problems, too, but the thing about it, those problems were
worked out with the funding and everything else; the investigations and all these type of things.
So I don't -- in the back of my mind, I don't want to hear nothing about no investigations, nothing
about, you know, bonding. The projects need to go forward, because Overtown deserves it, and
the people of Overtown has been waiting for very long -- a very, very long time. Money has
always been taken away from them, and I think about years ago when they had the tunnel -- not
the tunnel -- they had Bayside. Money was promised for Overtown, but it went to Bayside, okay?
So now, let's not sit around the table and grovel about 60 million or $45 million when hundreds
of million dollars have been spent all around this County for communities that don't look like me.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, ma'am.
Jackie Bell: Jackie Bell, 1600 Northwest 3rdAvenue. October 23, 1973, a group of Overtown
community people and myself started New Washington Heights Community Development
Corporation for the purpose of where we are today. Even though New Washington Heights is not
in any one of these particular projects, it is a pleasure for me to not be crying, but to be happy
that today, we are going to move forward on redeveloping the promises that have been made to
that community, and God bless -- I know Gwen must be turning over in her grave, shouting,
saying, "Hallelujah, somebody have come along and we are doing something." So today, I am
very happy. And to you, Mr. Wood [sic], I'd like to say this to you, and to you, Commissioner
Gort: Thank you for working so hard and so diligently to attempt to bring to this community
something. The only problem I have with it is that we are not a part of it, but -- because of the
work we have done -- but that doesn't matter now; it is going to happen. And thank you,
Commissioner Gort. You have been around a long time with me, andl know you must be happy
too, 'cause you have seen us cry and beg. And to Frank Castaneda, I know he must be happy,
also, because he has been a part of this. So thank you, and maybe next time, New Washington
Heights will be a part, but thank you.
Agnes Morton: Good evening. My name is Agnes Morton. I live at 1454 Northwest 43rd Street.
I call myself a displaced resident from Overtown. Monday was the 118th birthday of the City of
Miami, and one third of the men who signed the City Charter were black men; mostly Bahamian
immigrants. So we have been around since the City became a City from a wilderness. My family
was displaced from Overtown in the mid-1960s by eminent domain, and our community was
uprooted; business destroyed; our folks separated. Many of us are still grieving this loss.
Overtown has always been treated like a stepchild when it comes to getting its fair share of
resources in all areas. There have been many broken promises from the powers to be in terms of
revitalizing this community for its current and future residents. I am hoping that these political
maneuvers regarding the funding for redevelopment will cease, because Overtown is continuing
City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
to suffer. I applaud the work of the Commissioner and the CRA for moving ahead with this
development process. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone else from the public that would like to comment? Seeing
none, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time.
Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a second?
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve RE.1. Commissioner
Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I'm going to try not to be longwinded but I
have to say that this is a watershed moment for the people of Overtown. I remember the
Commission meeting where it was very contested and very tense, regarding whether we were
going to bond out these funds. And the reason why we got here -- I think sometimes, people have
to understand the reason why we're here and the reason why we wanted to bond this money out
was, first and foremost, because there is a lot of people, unfortunately, that don't believe that
CRA's should exist, and that believe that the money should not be going to this community, but
should instead be going to the general fund of the City of Miami to pay for police, and fire, and
any other general expenses. So what the former Chairperson saw was an attempt to essentially
take the money from the CRA that was promised to this community by and through the CRA
agreements and the establishment of the CRA, and decided that the safest thing to do was to
borrow money against those future revenue streams so that no one could ever take those funds;
that's why we're here. So I don't disagree with someone who -- from the public who might have a
question about some of the cost involved in borrowing this money, because that's a legitimate
question, you know, and it is two percent or less than two percent of the total amount. But I don't
think we should lose sight of what we're doing here today, which is, we have a Chairman who,
once he arrived, I issued him a challenge, and I think at the moment, he probably didn't
understand where I was coming from, but he was very kind enough not to physically assault me,
and took it as a challenge. And I think the challenge was that as a CRA Board Member and as a
Commissioner, one of the most frustrating things for me has been knowing that we have monies
in reserve, knowing that we have this bondable capacity, and seeing that in stark contrast with
the poverty that we see in Overtown. And the other day, our former Chairman of the
Commission, Commissioner Sarnoff and Chairman of the Omni CRA brought up a very good
point about policing in our City, and the discussion revolved around hiring more police officers.
And this gentleman to my left, the Chairman of the Overtown CRA said, "Wait a second. There's
another cost for crime that we are glossing over, that we're not really paying attention to, and
that's poverty." And, you know, it kind of stopped me in my tracks, and made me -- you know,
we do listen, believe it or not. We do contemplate; we do make decisions on the basis of what we
hear you say, what we hear each other say, and what we experience on a day-to-day basis.
We're human beings, and we have hopefully hearts and souls, and are moved by -- that's why
we're public servants; otherwise, we should get into some other line of work. But anyhow, you
know, I think what he's done here is not allowed society, not allowed the things that want to stop
you, the naysayers, and we have a community, and a City, and a County and a region full of
naysayers; they're always telling you what you can't do. He has not allowed that to diminish his
spirit, to slow him down, and he has pushed through it. He's accepted the challenge, and he's
risen to the challenge, and I'm very proud to support him on this. You know, I hope that at some
point soon, we talk about the lawsuit, because I feel like at the last meeting, I wasn't fully
prepared and my position after having listened to some of the legal arguments has changed in
ways that I think you'll be satisfied with. So I hope we do take on that challenge, 'cause I think
it's a challenge that we need to meet head on, and I think the County -- you know, I suppose that
City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
the County will allow us to do it in a fair, quick -- hopefully -- and judicious way, because that's
the other side of this discussion. But I think we should be proud of what we're doing here today.
I think the bottom line is that, you know, we're going to have the ability with this money to make
significant, significant investments and significant changes in the community. And it wouldn't
have happened but for the Chairman's bullishness and leadership on this issue, I promise you, I
promise you, because it would have been very easy for him to say, "Now we're stuck in another
litigation, just like we were with Sawyer's Walk for how" -- 'for over a decade. We're just stuck
in another litigation mess."
Mr. Woods: Longer than that; longer than a decade.
Vice Chair Gort: Twenty years.
Chair Hardemon: Twenty years.
Board Member Suarez: Right.
Vice Chair Gort: Twenty years.
Board Member Suarez: Two decades; my apologies. That's why Commissioner Gort's here, to
remind me exactly how long it's been. But the bottom line is that it's very easy to become jaded
in this position. It's very easy to let the powers that be slow you down or stop you, and it's very
difficult to push through all that and get things accomplished. So I'm very proud of this
achievement, and that's why I not only was thankful that he let me make the motion, but I'm fully
in support of it. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is there any other discussion from the dais?
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah. I would like for the information of the public that it sits here; the
projects that are going to be financed by this bond transaction.
Mr. Woods: I'm sorry, Commissioner Gort, I didn't quite hear you.
Vice Chair Gort: My understanding is there's four projects that are going to be financed -- to
help finance these four transactions.
Mr. Woods: Yes, four new construction projects.
Vice Chair Gort: Four new, yes. I'd like for you to state it so the public is aware of it.
Mr. Woods: One of the projects is Lyric Place Development, which is 158 units; another project
is Island Living Apartments, 70 units; St. John Plaza Apartment, 90 units; and Courtside
Apartments, another 84 units.
Chair Hardemon: And the --
Vice Chair Gort: How about the -- go ahead.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Gort: The rehabs that are going to be taking place.
Mr. Woods: The rehabs are: Town Park Village, 147 units and Town Park South, 116. Town
Park North, we're undertaking already, but we're using our fund balance for that.
City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Vice Chair Gort: All right. This is because of the bond issuance. How about the two or three
major projects that's taking place not being financed by CRA?
Mr. Woods: Those --
Vice Chair Gort: But we helped a lot.
Mr. Woods: -- projects are Overtown Gateway, which is 270 -- up to 400 units of residential
apartments, of which 60 of those units have to be affordable housing. It'll also consist of a
minimum of 125 key hotel; 75,000 square feet of commercial space to include parking, to --
parking as required by zoning; that's one project. There's another project, which is the All
Aboard Project, that -- where they'll house their base, their home office. That will be -- I think
that's additionally 75,000 square feet of commercial space to -- well, I'm sorry -- office. It'll also
have a thousand units of parking and some other retail on the ground floor.
Vice Chair Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Woods: Those are the two that you're talking about.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah. I was just going to say very briefly that one of the things that two
of my Board Members to my left have convinced me of -- again, sometimes, you get very focused
on one thing, and I think we're focused here in those bond issuance a lot on affordable housing,
in redevelopment, which are obviously the principal concerns of the CRA, but Board Member
Hardemon and Board Member Sarnoff have both always reminded me that you have to take a
holistic view on trying to redevelop an area; it's not just about affordable housing; it's not just
about policing. It's about jobs; it's about training people; it's about educating people. It's a
holistic approach from the ground up, which is why I think the cap issue is so significant,
because the cap issue will limit or un-limit the future funds of the CRA to continue to do some of
these things that will allow us to have a very holistic approach to the redevelopment of the
Overtown area.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion; any other concerns? Hearing none, I'd like to
have a roll call vote on this issue.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Roll call on item RE.1. Commissioner Sarnoff.
Board Member Sarnoff Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Gort.
Vice Chair Gort: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Emphatically, yes.
Mr. Hannon: Chair Hardemon.
Chair Hardemon: Congratulations, Overtown. And just briefly, I'd like to say to my Board
Members, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank you on the behalf of everyone here in
Overtown. I thank you on the behalf of any Commissioners ever done this before; anyone that
saw a vision in revitalizing this community. What you did here today was help one of your most
struggling communities get to the point of where we can be proud of like every other community
City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
2.
14-00695
in the City of Miami that is not struggling, and you all did it unselfishly, and to that, I really do
thank you.
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE
ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT OF $150,000, FROM THE
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF ATLANTA ("FHLB-ATLANTA") FOR USE IN
CONNECTION WITH THE REHABILITATION OF TOWN PARK PLAZA
NORTH, 475 NW 19th STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA (FOLIO NO.
01-3136-083-0870); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
EXECUTE THE COMMITMENT LETTER WITH FHLB-ATLANTA, ATTACHED
HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A," AND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT
WITH FHLB-ATLANTAAND FLORIDA COMMUNITY BANK, ATTACHED
HERETO AS EXHIBIT "B;" FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
SAID PURPOSE.
File # 14-00695 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 14-00695 Legislation.pdf
File # 14-00695 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Board Member Sarnoff, 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
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-14-0052
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.2.
Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 2 is a resolution of -- with attachments -- of the
Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency authorizing the acceptance of a grant in an amount not -- an amount of $150,000 from
the Federal Horne Loan Bank of Atlanta for the use in connection with the rehabilitation of Town
Park Plaza North at 475 Northwest 19th Street, Miami, Florida; authorizing the executive
director to execute the commitment letter with FHLB (Federal Horne Loan Bank) Atlanta,
attached hereto as Exhibit "A," and the Affordable Housing Agreement with FHLB Atlanta and
the Florida Community Bank, attached hereto as Exhibit "B"; further authorizing the executive
director --
Chair Hardemon: Decorum, please; let nie have some quiet, decorum, please.
Mr. Woods: -- to execute all other documents necessary for said purposes. Commissioners, if
you remember, you had challenged the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agencies) to find
other ways to leverage the funding that we utilize in redeveloping the community. Here again is
another grant, in addition to the $600, 000 that we received, for $150,000 that will go towards
the rehab of Town Park Plaza North. He's not here now, but our grant writer, Xavier Vega, has
worked diligently, and he has proved his worth. I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that I
acknowledged him publicly, but he has been valuable, a valuable asset to the Redevelopment
Agency.
City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Chair Hardemon: Has he earned his salary yet?
Mr. Woods: Maybe like 10 times over.
Chair Hardemon: At this time, I'm going to open up this -- the public hearing for this item; is
there anyone who would like to speak on it? Seeing none, I close the public hearing.
Commissioners, is there any discussion?
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Board Member Sarnoff- So move.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve RE.2, accepting the
Federal Home Loan Bank grant. And, ma'am, although we did close the public hearing, do you
want to speak briefly? I'll let you say one thing, sure.
Tammy Cannon: Good evening, everyone. Thanks --
Chair Hardemon: Can you state your name --
Ms. Cannon: -- for the redevelopment --
Chair Hardemon: -- and address for the record?
Ms. Cannon: -- community -- I'm sorry?
Chair Hardemon: Can you state your name and address for the record?
Ms. Cannon: My name is Tammy Cannon. I'm speaking on behalf of my mother, Ms. Emma
Norelin. She's a 40-year resident of Town Park Plaza North, and a owner of one of the -- you
know, we stay there, raised there, that's home. We just got a question. Everybody received their
packets. Everybody received what they needed to do in Town Park North. The only thing that a
lot of the residents are -- a lot of the owners are concerned about is the forgivable loan; that's
not really clear. It gives them the definition of what it is. The main thing that we would like to
know is what are the requirements, 'cause it states there that it's going to be forgivable by the
lenders if the owners meet requirements, and they want to be clear on what those requirements
are. Also, it was not given in their packets how much per owner, if they're -- you know, which
they are qualified; they want to know that amount. I know my mom, she's very concerned about
that, and the requirements that the owners need to meet in order to be eligible for that forgivable
loan at the end of that five-year term.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. And I don't think the acceptance of the Federal Loan [sic] Home Bank
grant has anything to do with that; however, I now the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
will be having more informational sessions within the community. You'll get notice. Martha
Wisby (phonetic) usually is the CRA liaison. She goes out in the community to make sure that
everyone is informed about the meetings and things of that nature. So with that being said, you
can look forward to having a meeting within Town Park North, like we had last time. Hopefully,
you all come out, plus more; maybe we'll need a bigger room this time --
Ms. Cannon: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: -- so that we can discuss all the different issues that are involved with the
renovation. Okay?
City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Ms. Cannon: Okay, thank you very much; that's our only concern.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further concerns or questions, all in favor, indicate so by saying
aye.
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
3. CRA RESOLUTION
14-00696
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.00, TO THE BLACK ARCHIVES, HISTORY AND
RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. TO UNDERWRITE
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE WARD
ROOMING HOUSE GALLERY CULTURAL TOURISM CENTER FORA
PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS
DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS,
UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY
DOCUMENTATION; 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 # 14-00696 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 14-00696 Financial Form.pdf
File # 14-00696 Backup.pdf
File # 14-00696 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 Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-14-0053
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.3.
Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency): Commissioner, Resolution Number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of
the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the issuance
of a grant in an amount not to exceed $50, 000 to the Black Archives History and Research
Foundation of South Florida to underwrite costs associated with the continued operation of the
Ward Rooming House Gallery Cultural Tourism Center for a period of one year; authorizing the
executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose; further authorizing the
executive director to disburse funds at his discretion, or on a reimbursement basis, or directly to
vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the
City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
executive director to approve budget modifications under the grant provided that all -- the
overall amount of the grant funding approved herein is not exceeded. Commissioners, this
particular item is a recurring item that we do every year, and Commissioner Sarnoff did ask for
some statistics on the visitors that have come throughout the center, and I do have Tim Barber
here, who actually -- from the Black Archives -- is overseeing the gallery and space, and maybe
Tim can speak to some of those questions.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Mr. Barber.
Timothy Barber: Sir, thank you. You have to excuse me; dental work, major root canal that I
should have got redone a couple of months ago, but the Ward Gallery, what we're doing is -- has
come online in 2012, I believe it was, and we've been facilitating rotating exhibits in the Ward
Gallery. Now that the Lyric is online now, we're just trying to create and continue to create
places that people can go in the Overtown area. Just this past week, we did a van camp, and
during that van camp, I had a family reunion come through on a bus, and was able to go to the
Ward Gallery, and Police Precinct, and the Lyric Theater, and this is just one of those projects
that we want to keep open, because the more activity, the more we can keep these facilities open,
the more people will have a reason to come over, and the more people will come and sit down to
eat at Jackson Soul Food, House of Wings, Jackie's House, and things like that. So we definitely
need this to keep this facility open. The numbers that he asked between 2013, for the whole
year, we have a count of -- in this book alone, registration book is 522 names from January 1,
2013 to December 2013. That's not even including the guests that we had when we started the
Expressions; that was the evening event we used to do once a month of poetry. And we went to
Eventbrite, and we got those documentations down, and that's like another 350 people that come
to the Expressions event that we was having there. But again, what it is, is trying to create
positive traffic. I'm pleased to announce that I just -- if you go to YouTube, I just got a email
(electronic) from Visit Florida. They were here and I walked them through the Overtown area.
We walked through Jackson Soul Food -- ate at Jackson Soul Food, and they just released a
video -- you could see it on YouTube -- that say, "A Historic Walk through Overtown"; just came
by email about 4:30 that they did, and it's a great video that talks about the walking tour that we
do in Overtown, and advertise the food that you can eat in Overtown. So all this is designed just
to keep things going until the help comes, and that's what we're doing.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Is there anyone from the public would like to speak
on the item? Commissioners, is there any discussion about the item; any questions?
Board Member Sarnoff- My --
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Sarnoff
Board Member Sarnoff. Yeah. It isn't a significant amount of money. I'm not saying -- it's not
that significant, but my question is -- and there's a budget here for the 50,000. I would have
expected it to be laid out a little differently, and I thought it would have been -- a person would
have been paid "X" dollars to spend "X" number of hours in the Ward Rooming House as a
reception -- whatever it is.
Mr. Woods: Well, we did talk about a report, but Tim had been quite busy with the van camp,
and he did promise me that he'll probably get something for me. He does have all of the
statistics in this book, but he doesn't have it in report fashion, and we probably will get that frorn
him in a report fashion at some point.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Barber, when I look into the sight Administration, the Black Archives
administrative support that -- it says 2014 year cost $8, 000, but it also reads that it's an in -kind.
So does that mean that the administrative support that you provide to the Ward Rooming House
is not a cost that you associate with the $50,000?
City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
4.
14-00719
Mr. Barber: No, no. Initially, when we first started the grant, to get it up and going, we had to
do a lot of modifications to the building to make it -- get it museum ready. That was install solar
shades and bring in a networking of things that we did the first year. If you look at the second
year that -- those amounts for preparation were reduced. If you look at this year, there's no
administrative dollars at the Black Archives. That's what -- what we're doing now is bringing in
the artists that will rotate, create that Gallery. So, yes, what we're doing is in -kind; we're not
asking for anything else. We just want to make sure we can bring the exhibit in, and we also
have in there a dolson that would -- that is stationed. In the past, we've had a dolson stationed
there that -- they open the Ward House from Tuesday through Saturday, and some Sundays.
We've opened for special events and things like that just to keep activity going. So we do have in
place a dolson that we hire that stays at this facility and keeps it open during those times.
Board Member Sarnoff. What -- I'm -- what is the word you're using? Doe?
Chair Hardemon: Dolson.
Mr. Woods: Dolson.
Chair Hardemon: Dolson. Can you explain to us?
Mr. Barber: A dolson is a tour guide, so --
Board Member Sarnoff. Oh.
Mr. Barber: -- it's a tour guide, someone that knows the facility that walk around, and we do
train dolsons periodically to give the tours, so I'm not -- either myself or Dr. Fields not
available, we're getting other people that they learn the history and take people through the
facility.
Board Member Sarnoff. Thank you.
Mr. Barber: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: The Chair would entertain a motion.
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Board Member Sarnoff: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve item RE.3. Is there
any further unreadiness? 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 ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING
THE CRA'S PROPOSED GENERAL OPERATING TAX INCREMENT FUND
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2014 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 SET FORTH IN ATTACHMENT "A";
City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF SAID
BUDGET TO THE CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.
File # 14-00719 Cover Memo.pdf
14-00719-Legislation (Version 2).pdf
14-00742-Exhibit-S U B. 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, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Suarez and Commissioner Sarnoff
Absent: Commissioner Carollo
CRA-R-1 4-0054
Chair Hardemon: 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, with attachments,
approving and adopting the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency) proposed general
operating Tax Increment Fund budget for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2014 and
ending September 30, 2015; set forth in Attachment `A "; directing the executive director to
transmit a copy of said budget to the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County. Commissioners, I
want to include, and which I've already given the Clerk, a copy of the actual resolution, which
was left out of the printing when we delivered the agendas to you.
Chair Hardemon: 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 on this item? Seeing none, I close the public hearing.
Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion.
Board Member Sarnoff Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve RE.4. Commissioner
Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll be -- I'll try to be brief. I think it's significant
for the public to understand that while there's an uptick on the legal services last year, because
of these transactions, now we're seeing the corresponding reduction, which is that our legal
service line item is going from 365 to 194, which is a significant decrease; almost a 50 percent
decrease. You also have other professional services that are decreasing. You also have
obviously debt service increasing for obvious reasons, because now, we're going to have to pay
the bond that we just authorized its issuance. So you see also regular salaries going down
somewhat significantly, even though that's not a line item breakdown; that's an overall. I think
it's important whenever we look at the difference between what -- where the money's going, and
how the money's being spent -- is it being spent on salaries or is it being spent on projects? Is it
being spent on programs? -- et cetera, and that's a significant line item. That's -- those are my
basic comments on the budget. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Is there anyone for discussion; anyone else? One thing I also want to note,
and it's even in the revenues, and we can see the impact of the variance from the revenue from
the tax increments from the County, where you see the decrease in 611,186 plus the expanded
bond, which is 120, 738. So we noted that these are -- this -- these will be the dollars and this --
especially because this past year, they took those monies from us -- that we expect to be taken
away until we solve this issue.
Mr. Woods: Exactly.
City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Chair Hardemon: So we look to see that seven hundred and nearly forty thousand dollars to be
re -- to be put back into the budget basically.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Board Member Suarez: And I just want to say, Mr. Chair, to be clear for the record that nothing
that we've done here today, including issuing the bond is in any way, shape or form an
admission or waiver --
Mr. Woods: Absolutely, absolutely.
Board Member Suarez: -- of our rights to fully prosecute what the CRA believes that they're
owed by any entity.
Chair Hardemon: That is correct. Any other discussion?
Vice Chair Gort: Question.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Gort: The other grants and aids, 36 -- as an expenditure -- 36 million, what is that?
Mr. Woods: Miguel, other grants and aids.
Miguel Valentin: Yes, sir. Could you repeat your question?
Vice Chair Gort: The question is, when you look at the development and expenditure --
Mr. Valentin: Yeah.
Vice Chair Gort: -- you look at the other grants, and thirty-six million dollars, one hundred and
eight thousand.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah. There was --
Chair Hardemon: Can you please announce yourself for the record? Announce yourself for the
record, please.
Mr. Valentin: Yeah. Uh --
Chair Hardemon: What is your name?
Mr. Valentin: Miguel Valentin.
Vice Chair Gort: Who do you work for?
Mr. Valentin: CRA financial officer. Commissioner, I cannot tell you in detail why that decrease
is being reflected, but what I'm able to tell you is that even though that amount looks substantial,
I will tell you that 90 percent of that amount is already encumber through resolutions for projects
that we have obtained your approval.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Valentin: And I think we need to do the exercise of looking at each line item. I think we
City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
NON AGENDA ITEM(S)
NA.1
14-00777
have like 40 -- let me see how many grants do we have -- we have more than 15 -- 61, 61 grants
in total. And one of the grants that we are contemplating here is the fi{nds that we're going to be
using in order to rehab Town Park North. We have $10 million here --
Vice Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. Valentin: -- that we put aside for that.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay. Now, the reason I'm ask is 'cause I don't have the backup material for
that.
Mr. Valentin: We forward --
Vice Chair Gort: And I think it's important to state where that money is being spent.
Mr. Valentin: Okay, then. I have some copies, but I forwarded some copies to your office.
Mr. Woods: We'll get you a copy, but I know it was delivered.
Mr. Valentin: I have the breakdown with me.
Mr. Woods: I know it was delivered, I mean, with the full breakdown.
Vice Chair Gort: I just want to make sure we have the breakdown and we can show it.
Mr. Woods: We do, we do.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. If there is no -- I'll give my fellow Board Members
an opportunity to review the document. Is there any further unreadiness? Hearing none, all in
favor, indicate so by saying "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
CRA DISCUSSION
REQUEST MADE BY BOARD MEMBER SARNOFF TO EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, CLARENCE E. WOODS, FORA STATUS REPORT ON
BLOCKS 45, 55 AND 56; DETAILING WHETHER ANY CONTRACTORS
HAVE FULFILLED THEIR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND/OR MADE
ANY MODIFICATIONS. SAID REPORT IS DUE AT THE NEXT SEOPW
CRA MEETING.
DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: And --
Vice Chair Gort: Adjourn.
City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 8/18/2014
SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes July 30, 2014
Chair Hardemon: -- if all minds and hearts are clear --
Board Member Sarnoff Mr. Chair, before we adjourn --
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Board Member Sarnoff- -- can -- Mr. Director, would you at the next Southeast Overtown/Park
West meeting report back on the status of Blocks 45, 55 -- what's the other one?
Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment
Agency): Forty-five, 55 and 56.
Board Member Sarnoff Fifty-six. I'd like to know whether any of the various contractors have
fulfilled all the obligations; what the other contractors have fulfilled and where the differences
are. And if it requires a legal memorandum, so be it; if it doesn't, that white paper will do just
fine.
Board Member Suarez: What about blue?
Board Member Sarnoff . What's that? Or it could be blue paper.
Chair Hardemon: And let's be clear so we know exactly what we're looking for. You want a
report back on 45, 55 and 56, and what items; what about them?
Board Member Sarnoff Whether everybody has fulfilled their contractual obligations.
Board Member Suarez: Kind of a status update, essentially.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Board Member Sarnoff- A little more than status.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah, I know, I know, I got you.
Board Member Sarnoff- I want to know what we were supposed to have gotten by -- based on
the words.
Board Member Suarez: Understood.
Board Member Sarnoff Has anybody made any modifications?
Vice Chair Gort: Status report.
Board Member Sarnoff- Okay, status report.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I conclude this meeting at 6:34.
The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 8/18/2014