Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW CRA 2014-09-30 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com of • IN Q9▪ IEP 99 i �YD Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 30, 2014 5:30 PM Camillus House 1603 NW 7th Ave., Bldg. 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 September 30, 2014 Present: Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and Chair Hardemon Absent: Commissioner Sarnoff and Vice Chair Gort On the 30th day of September 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 5:55 p. m., recessed at 7:17 p.m., reconvened at 7:18 p. m., and was adjourned at 7:23 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 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: Chair Hardemon: We'll call this meeting to order, September 30, Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) agenda meeting at 5: 55 p.m. Our first order of business is approval of the minutes. I'd like the records to reflect first, though, that present with us is Commissioner Suarez, Commissioner Carollo and myself, the Chairman, Commissioner Hardemon. Board Member Suarez: You can clap now. No, I'm just kidding. Good joke. Chair Hardemon: You didn't like that one. Board Member Suarez: No, no, not much. Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the minutes from June 30 through -- Board Member Suarez: So moved. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: -- July 30? It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve the June 30 and July 30 meetings. All in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. REGULAR JUNE 30, 2014 & JULY 30, 2014 RESOLUTIONS 1. 14-00934 Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, to APPROVE PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA RESOLUTION City of Miami Paget Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE CRA'S COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY, PROPERTY, AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE COVERAGE, FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIOD, WITH RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC. D/B/A PUBLIC RISK INSURANCE AGENCY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $59,802.00; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW ENTITLED "GENERAL OPERATING FUND", ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.545000.0000.00000. File # 14-00934 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00934 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00934 Backup.pdf File # 14-00934 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00934 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0056 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to our first order of business, RE.1. 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 authorizing the renewal of the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency) commercial general liability, property and workers' compensation insurance coverage for an additional one-year period with Risk Management Associates, Inc., doing business as Public Risk Insurance Agency, in an amount not to exceed $59, 802; allocating funding from SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) entitled "General Operating Fund" This is just renewing our insurance for all of our properties and vehicles and our workers' comp insurance, as well. Board Member Carollo: Move it. Board Member Suarez: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we pass RE.1. I'll open the floor for public hearing. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to make a comment on this item? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. Is there any further discussion from the Commission or the Board, rather? Seeing no further discussion, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 2. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00932 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A PERPETUAL AERIAL EASEMENT, IN City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 11/17, 2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("DEPARTMENT") TO ACCOMMODATE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF A BRIDGE TO IMPROVE STATE ROAD 836/1-395, SECTION NO. 2516881; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE AND TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE TRANSFER OF SAID PERPETUAL EASEMENT. File # 14-00932 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00932 Backup.pdf File # 14-00932 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00932 Exhibit.pdf File # 14-00932 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0057 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, with attachments, of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to execute a perpetual aerial easement, in substantially the attached form, with the Florida Department of Transportation to accommodate construction and maintenance of a bridge to improve State Road 836 and I-395, Section Number 2516881; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose and to take all actions necessary to accomplish the transfer of said perpetual easement. Board Member Suarez: So moved. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve RE.2. I'll open the floor for public hearing. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to make a comment? Seeing no one, I close the public hearing. Is there any discussion from the Commissioners? Seeing no discussion, all in favor, say "aye. The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 3. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00935 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO THEURBANCOLLECTIVE, INC. TO UNDERWRITE COSTS FOR A THEMATIC ART EXHIBITION WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING AN EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000 FOR EXPENSES City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 RELATED TO THE PROGRAMING OF ART -RELATED EVENTS WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA DURING THE 2014 ART BASEL; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00935 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00935 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00935 Backup.pdf File # 14-00935 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00935 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Carollo, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-1 4-0058 Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.3. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, 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 Urban Collective, Inc. (Incorporated), to underwrite costs for a thematic art exhibition within the redevelopment area; further authorizing an expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $15, 000, for expenses related to the programming of art -related events within the redevelopment area during the 2014 Art Basel event; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds at his discretion, on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose; funds to be allocated from SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) Increment Fund entitled "Other Grants and Aid." Chair Hardemon: Is the Urban Collective representation here? Mr. Woods: Yes. Chair Hardemon: May you please take the time to introduce yourself and explain to us exactly what we are voting on today? Neil Hall: Good afternoon. First of all, my name is Neil Hall, 445 Northwest 88th Terrace. I'd like to thank the Chair and the Board and also the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for giving us this opportunity, once again, to provide what we believe is the importance of celebrating Basel in Overtown. This is our fourth year of hosting this event. And as you know, art and cultural is one of the most enduring means of developing communities. We have seen it in South Beach; we have seen it in West -- Wynwood and we've seen it all over the country, and it's very important that you have taken this initiative to recognize that. And this year, what we have done is we have teamed up with the Black Archives, Jackie Bell with Folklife Fridays, and the Urban Collective to make a collective effort to have a more substantive celebration during Basel, which happens during the first week of December. And we're encouraging all of you to City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Basel with us in Overtown this coming year, and I thank you very much for the opportunity again to serve. Chair Hardemon: And can you also make sure that the Commissioners actually get a -- I'm not sure in the past; I wasn't here in the past -- but an invitation to your various events that you have there so we can at least partake in it; and then possibly, once it's complete, some type of report about how it went, the number of attendants, the number of people that attended the event? It would be great so we can show the people of Overtown that we're using the money to attract people to Overtown to bring events like Art Basel to our community. Mr. Hall: Yes. That is a standard operating procedure for -- Mr. Woods: Yes. Mr. Hall: -- the CRA to provide a after -event report stating the benefits that has occurred and how many people attended, et cetera, et cetera. So we will continue to fulfill those requirements, and we'll do that again this year. And thank you again. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. And I'll open up the floor for public hearing. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this matter? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. Is there a motion? Board Member Carollo: So move. Board Member Suarez: So moved. Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Carollo; seconded by Commissioner Suarez that we pass RE.3. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 4. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00969 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (THE "CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 18, 2013 (THE "AMENDMENT"), SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH ST. JOHN PLAZAAPARTMENTS, LLC (THE "DEVELOPER"). File # 14-00969 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00969 Backup.pdf File # 14-00969 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00969 Exhibit.pdf File # 14-00969 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 11/17, 2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 CRA-R-14-0059 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, with attachments, of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to execute an amendment to the development agreement dated as of January 18, 2013, substantially in the attached form, with St. John Plaza Apartments. Commissioner, this is a development agreement -- an amendment to the development agreement of one of the four bond projects that we've received funding for, and now, basically, what this does is it cleans up some language, and it also brings us current with the current realities of you know, now we have the money, so we're providing for dates where the developer has to close, as well as the change in the legal description or the -- well, this one is the number of units. This one, St. John's, went from 200 -- well, not 200, I'm sorry -- 110 -- 112 units down to 90 units, and we had not approved that as a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board. It was approved by Miami -Dade County, as well as the City Commission, but the CRA Board had not approved that. Board Member Carollo: Didn't come to us. William Bloom (Special Counsel): There is also a change of control of the developer. Board Member Suarez: So move. Board Member Carollo: From Biscayne Housing to -- Board Member Suarez: CDB affordable housing (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Woods: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved. Is there a second? Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: Hearing the second, it's been properly moved and seconded that we pass RE.4. I'll open up the floor for public hearing at this time. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing. Any further discussion from the Board Members? All in favor, indicate so by saying "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. 5. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00940 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (THE "CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 15, 2013 (THE "SECOND AMENDMENT"), SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH AMC HTG I, LTD. (THE "DEVELOPER"). City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 11/17, 2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 File # 14-00940 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00940 Backup.pdf File # 14-00940 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00940 Exhibit.pdf File # 14-00940 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0060 Chair Hardemon: RE.5. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, RE.5 is a resolution, with attachments, of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to execute a second amendment to the development agreement dated as of January 15, 2013, in substantially the attached form, with AMC HTG Ltd. (Limited). This is another of the bond projects. This is Courtside Apartments with the Housing Trust Group, as well as the Alonso Mourning Charities. Some of the changes that are happening here: They had -- the location for this particular development has changed. You have within the amendment the new legal description for where this project will actually sit. We've solidified some of the language wherein developer -- who the actual developers are, as well as dates, as well, with this particular resolution. Board Member Suarez: So moved. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve RE.5. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak? Seeing none, close the public hearing. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. 6. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00933 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $450,000.00, TO AL D. DARRING AND STEPHANIE R. DARRING FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PROPERTY AT 240 NW 17TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 11/17, 2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 File # 14-00933 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00933 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00933 Backup.pdf File # 14-00933 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00933 Signed Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0061 Chair Hardemon: RE.6. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 6 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 450, 000, to Al Darring and Stephanie R. Darring for the rehabilitation of property located at 240 Northwest 17th Street, in Miami, Florida; 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. Board Member Suarez: Move it. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and second to approve RE.6. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this matter? You're more than welcome now, sir and ma'am. Al Darring: Al Darring, 38 Northeast 102 Street. Stephanie Darring: And Stephanie Darring, 240 Northwest 17th Street (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Darring: On behalf of the Chair and the Board and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and staff, we'd just like to say thank you for this -- granting our request and the confidence you're having in us and giving us, as we have much -needed repairs there that need to be done. The tenants there we've had, they become like family to us. And my feeling is that I wouldn't want to be somewhere and I wouldn't want somebody else to be there if I couldn't stay there, so this is going to really help us to bring things up to where it needs to be, and we could not have done it without you. We say thank you. Chair Hardemon: May I ask you a question, Mr. Darring? Mr. Darring: Yes. Chair Hardemon: Once this property is improved, what is your intention with the tenants that are there? Mr. Darring: These tenants will remain there. Like I say, they've been like family to us, and we work with them over the years. We're going to continue to provide affordable housing for the community. We're onboard with the goals of the CRA in doing whatever we need to do to help out with the community. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner. City of Miami Page Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Board Member Suarez: Mr. Chair, thank you. I just want to -- I don't know if this mike is on; I don't think it is. Mr. Woods: Yeah, it is; yeah, it is. Board Member Suarez: It's on? There you go. Anyways, I think, you know, over the last few years since I've been here, we focused a lot on new housing stock and a lot of our investment is in new housing stock. It's good to know that there is already existing housing stock that needs help, that needs a little bit of tender loving care. Mr. Darring: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And -- thank you. Yeah. -- and needs a little TLC (tender loving care), and this building obviously needs it, and I like the perspective that you take with reference to your tenants. Mr. Darring: Yes. Board Member Suarez: You know, that they're -- they've become for you like family. Mr. Darring: Yes. Board Member Suarez: And the bottom line is that, I think, we all feel, as elected officials up here and representatives of the CRA, that the members of our community are like family to us and that we have to take care of them in our own way, and so investments like this allow us to do that. And we just want to continue to be able not only to provide new housing stock, which is so needed, in addition to jobs and other things that are needed in the community, but also to rehabilitate the already existing housing stock, which is -- I know we're spending a lot of resources in this particular agenda doing, so thank you so much. Mr. Darring: Thank you. Ms. Darring: Thank you. Mr. Woods: Commissioners, I'd also like to put on the record that they are aware that we will be putting a restrictive covenant, as well as a rent regulatory agreement, which deals with the level of rent, so how much they can charge. They won't be able to now increase the prices for renting. So they have agreed to the rent regulatory agreement, as well as the restrictive covenant, which means they won't be able to just now sell it and flip it without getting us our money back if they do so. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Ms. Darring: Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? Oh, I'm sorry. You are recognized, ma'am. Shoshanna Lincoln: Board, are you folks aware of this property as to how much money has been spent, this money and that it has been stolen? Chair Hardemon: No, we don't understand what -- can you further explain yourself, please? Ms. Lincoln: Yeah. It appears, though, as if our money is being spent in this -- every time I come here, it's a lot of "yea" and I don't hear any "nay." The fact is that -- Suarez have mentioned it -- the community is our family. But it's only talk. We have an -- Overtown is still City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 descending for five decades, and when you come here, you see monies are being given out and it's still declining. And Commissioner Keon, are you aware, are you cognizant of my concern for Overtown? Chair Hardemon: For where? Ms. Lincoln: For Overtown; to build Overtown to have a dignified community that we could walk in pride. In front of the Black Archive, you have people cooking illegally on the street. Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln, I am aware of your goals for Overtown, and I think everyone in the community is fully aware of my goals for Overtown. The same way that we're giving out grant money in this to fix this housing stock, we gave grant money to you a few months ago to fix your housing stock. So what we're trying to do is give everyone the equal opportunity in Overtown, if they own property, to improve upon the conditions of their property so that we beautify that community, so once the new construction comes in, the people who are there feel like they have something to be proud of also. We don't want to be priced out of our own community, and that's why we want to make sure that we rehabilitate the properties; that we put the covenants on the properties so that people can still afford to live there. The one thing I sincerely believe, from the bottom of my heart, is that I will not be a person that will allow gentrification within my community. I know that I can't stop it, but I can surely slow it down, and the way that we slow it down is by improving the properties, putting the covenants on them, giving everyone an opportunity to live in conditions that are first class within all other communities, and not live like second-class citizens in a community that we have so much pride in. This is our time and so -- Applause Chair Hardemon: -- I'm not going to allow deterrents from the past to stop us today. Commissioner. Board Member Suarez: Yeah. And -- Applause Board Member Suarez: I don't want to rehash or reiterate too much of the discussion that -- Ms. Lincoln: Do you have an agenda for Overtown development to bring Overtown to a -- Chair Hardemon: Give us -- Reverend Lincoln -- Board Member Suarez: Let me -- Chair Hardemon: -- please give us a moment. Board Member Suarez: -- just give me one opportunity here. I don't want to rehash too much of what's been said here since our new Chairman arrived, but I remember when he arrived, I issued him a challenge, and I think at the time -- and I've said it a couple times since then -- I think he was a little startled by that, 'cause I think he took it in a way that was a little bit -- it was a little bit off-putting, to be honest with you, and I thought about it afterwards. But the bottom line is that he has risen to that challenge, and I think he has not only met that challenge, but in my opinion, he's exceeded my expectations in terms of his -- Applause Board Member Suarez: -- energy and enthusiasm for the community and really getting what we City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 have seen as a body that has potential, that has money, that has resources moving, and we haven't seen that happening for a long time, unfortunately. And unfortunately, Reverend Lincoln's criticism is somewhat well put, in a sense, but I think you're starting to see things change dramatically, and I think the fact of the matter is that these grant monies, particularly the one that we just did and the one that we're going to do now for Town Park West, are an indication of the dramatic -- Ms. Lincoln: Suarez, may I object for -- Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln -- Board Member Suarez: Let me just finish, let me just finish, let me -- I'm almost done, I promise. I won't talk much longer. I think you're going to see that this is us finally putting our money where our mouth is. And if you think about what a community redevelopment agency is, if you just think of those words -- right? -- it's not only about development; it's also about redevelopment; meaning that there are things that are already developed that have to be redeveloped -- Ms. Lincoln: All right. Board Member Suarez: -- and that need to be rehabilitated, they need to be fixed. And it's not fair only to build new things for new people; we also have to take care of the people who are currently there. And I think -- Ms. Lincoln: Suarez, the time constraint -- Board Member Suarez: Let -- I'm almost -- I promise you, I'm almost done. Ms. Lincoln: I must say something because that -- Board Member Suarez: And I think that the Chair -- Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln -- Board Member Suarez: -- has done a magnificent job of staying focused not only on the development part of the CRA, but on the redevelopment part, and I think we're doing a lot of it today, and I'm very proud to be doing it with him. Ms. Lincoln: Suarez, you're giving your opinion. You -- would you mobilize with District 5 -- Mr. Woods: It's "Commissioner Suarez." Ms. Lincoln: -- to come in and help us to get our community in a dignified status; will you do that? Board Member Suarez: Absolutely; anything that -- any time, of course. Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln, thank you so much. Ms. Lincoln: Listen. In our bus stop, that -- people drink beer there all day. Chair Hardemon: Reverend -- Ms. Lincoln: Nobody does anything. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Chair Hardemon: -- Reverend Lincoln -- Ms. Lincoln: Not even the police, not the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team), not the Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: Okay. Reverend Lincoln, my job is not to move people off of the bus stop -- Ms. Lincoln: No. Chair Hardemon: -- for having -- Ms. Lincoln: Your job is to -- Chair Hardemon: Just hear me out for a second. Ms. Lincoln: -- give us a dignified community since you start speaking for Keon. Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln, hear me out for one second. Part of my responsibility, Reverend Lincoln, is to make sure that we bring resources to this community. Ms. Lincoln: Listen, all I am asking for, a dignified community. I'm not asking for a whole hell of a lot. Our -- the objective -- the matrix of the CRA objective is to prepare proper infrastructure for Overtown. We have now infrastructure. We have no sanitation. Chair Hardemon: Yet. Ms. Lincoln: We have no protection; no, we don't. Chair Hardemon: We're developing all these different things. We have some and we're developing -- Ms. Lincoln: Listen, if you want -- you have -- Chair Hardemon: Reverend Lincoln, your time has expired. I'm not going to allow you to waste any more of the people's time here. Applause. Ms. Lincoln: No. I mean, I would think -- Chair Hardemon: I need you to take a seat. Ms. Lincoln: -- that the truth should be heard. Chair Hardemon: Please have a seat. Applause Chair Hardemon: Please have a seat. Please have a seat, Reverend Lincoln. And I'd like to also -- naw, don't worry about it. You're recognized, sir. Neil Hall: I think it's a disservice when an individual who have sought support for rehabbing of one's unit to criticize the idea that existing buildings should, in fact, be rehabbed. And I personally, as an architect and as a planner -- this is a long process, you know? We have been at this thing for many, many years, and this community has seen promises dashed away, but we City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 have -- we're seeing a new change where existing buildings are being rehabbed for those who have lived here, and I can assure you that within a few years, you are going to see a different attitude from people living in this place called Overtown, because it has -- what do you call yourself Old-Towners? Because -- Towners for Life. It's a community that has deep roots, and the things that you all are doing, which is rehabbing those existing buildings to bring it back to what it was with those individuals who are living there for 30 years, not seeing anything happen, I think it's commendable. And, you know, I -- with all due respect to Reverend Lincoln, she has a heart of gold, but still, to criticize the efforts that are being made by this Commission, I think, is a disservice. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Applause Chair Hardemon: Seeing no other persons here for comment, I'll close the public hearing. Is there any further discussion? I believe there was a motion that was put on the record. All in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. 7. CRA RESOLUTION 14-00939 A RESOLUTION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION TO SELECT ST. JOHN-MASTERMIND TOWN PARK NORTH AS THE TOP RANKED FIRM TO PERFORM THE RENOVATION AND REHABILITATION OF TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX ("PROJECT") AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE TOP RANKED FIRM; APPROVING A RELOCATION PLAN, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF RESIDENTS FROM THE PROPERTY DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,700,000.00, TO TOWN PARK PLAZA NORTH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. FOR THE PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. File # 14-00939 Cover Memo.pdf File # 14-00939 Financial Form.pdf File # 14-00939 Backup.pdf File # 14-00939 Backup (2).pdf File # 14-00939 Legislation.pdf File # 14-00939 Exhibit.pdf File # 14-00939 Signed Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Board Member Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez Absent: Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Sarnoff CRA-R-14-0062 Chair Hardemon: RE.7. Clarence Woods (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Commissioner, Resolution Number 7 is a resolution, with attachments, of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency accepting the recommendation -- Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods, can you speak more into the mike or push it closer to you? Mr. Woods: -- to select St. John -Mastermind Town Park North as the top -ranked firm to perform the renovation and rehabilitation of Town Park Plaza North Condominium Complex, and authorizing the executive director to negotiate with the top -ranked firm; approving a relocation plan in substantially the attached form for the temporary relocation of residents from the property during the performance of the project; further authorizing an additional funding, in an amount not to exceed 11, 700, 000, to Town Park Plaza North Condominium Association, Inc. (Incorporated) for the project; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds at his discretion on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; funds to be allocated from SEOPW (Southeast Overtown/Park West) Tax Increment Fund entitled "Other Grants and Aid." Board Member Suarez: Move for discussion. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded for discussion. I will open up the public -- the floor for public hearing at this time. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Please come forward. Pauline Brathwaite: Hello, everyone. My name is Pauline Brathwaite, and I reside at 1728 Northwest 5th Avenue. I am the president of the board of directors of Town Park Plaza South, and Deborah Roberts and Ms. Harriet McDonald are also a part of the board, and we are here to thank you and thanks for your support towards Town Park Plaza North, and we are here to personal thank you for your help and your support for Town Park Plaza South . Commissioner, you have been here just a short period of time, and within that time, your accomplishments are great; they are great. And Mr. Clarence Wood [sic], the director of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), thank you and your staff for all that you have done for us. It has been a long time coming for Town Park to be preserved and saved for the next generation. And even your colleagues, other Commissioners, they know the battle that we have been fighting for all this time, and thank you all very much. Today, we have Ms. Marie Wims. She has been with us and she was the one that got me started. She's no longer here with us, but may God help her to look down and smile at our accomplishments. We also would like to thank Ms. Martha, who recently came onboard with the Commissioner. She has visited our property; the first time in history that anyone from your department has ever visited our community, sit in the office and speak to the office staff. Thank you for that. And Mr. Wood [sic], your staff, every phone call, they never were rude or insultive [sic]. They were always very helpful. Thank you. And we have Ms. Roberts. She is going to say something on the behalf of the Commissioners, and also Mr. Woods. And Ms. McDonald will present an award to the -- a certificate to the Commissioner and also Mr. Wood [sic]. Thank you all very much, and may God always bless you. Thank you. City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Applause Deborah Roberts: Good evening. My name is Deborah Roberts. To God be the glory for the great things He have done and for the great things He's about to do for us. I would like to thank all of the Commissioners -- Applause Ms. Roberts: -- each and every last one of you, 'cause you all came as a team and made this happen with supporting the Commissioner. I would just thank all of you all from the bottom of my heart. While we have Town Park Plaza residents, please stand up; all Town Parks, please stand up; North, South, all Town Park, stand up. Applause Ms. Roberts: We are so grateful, grateful. I tell you, we grateful, because we have such wonderful, wonderful people that's backing us and looking out for us, including the Lord first, but He instills in you guys to watch over us. We are little people, but you know what? We have some big people got our back on this earth here. Mr. Joseph, Nathaniel Joseph, he's wonderful; I have to give it to him. Applause Ms. Roberts: I paved up and down -- I work for Overtown Youth Center, too, but I pave up and down in the hot sun and listen to a lot of our residents, what they have to say, what's on their mind. And I go to Mr. Joseph; he be walking with me, too, and we do our best to help our neighborhood. That's why it's good that we be on one accord, and we embrace this here, because this is a family. Overtown is a -- one big happy family. We don't want to lose that. Anything that we need -- you need us to do, Commissioners, by all means, just let us know; we'll be right there. Amen. Applause Harriet McDonald: If you guys don't mind, good evening. My name is Harriet McDonald and I'm the secretary of Town Park Plaza South. I would like Mr. Hardemon and Mr. Clarence, could you please come up, please, for just a moment. This is on behalf of Town Park Plaza South. Applause Ms. McDonald: We want to show our appreciation for everything that you guys have done for us. So this is a certification of appreciation, and this is to acknowledge that Commissioner Keon Hardemon has successfully -- the board of directors of Town Park Plaza South and the members would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the $5 million in grant funds towards the 40th year renovation of our units. For five years we have seeked [sic] help from our Commissioners to save and preserve our home. You fought a battle on behalf and won. Your accomplishments are great. Continue the wonderful work for the people of Town Park -- for the people of Overtown. May you and your colleagues be always blessed. Applause Ms. McDonald: And a certificate of appreciation that acknowledge that director of CRA, Clarence Wood [sic], has successfully -- the board of directors of Town Park Plaza South and the members would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the $5 million in grant funds towards the 40th year renovation of our units. For five years we have seeked [sic] City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 help from our Commissioners to save and preserve our home. You fought a battle on behalf and won. Your accomplishments are great. Continue the wonderful work for the people of Overtown. May you and your colleagues be always blessed. Applause Ms. McDonald: And that's from the bottom of my heart. Let me give you a hug. Nahkey Kleinhans: Good evening. My name is Jacqueline Kleinhans, and I reside at 1917 Northwest 5th Place, Town Park Plaza North. I first want to give honor to God and each and every one of us. I want to recognize our ancestors, who I know is watching and rejoicing. I am so thankful for the help that we're receiving from the CRA; Keon Hardemon, Commissioner, for your help; Clarence Wood [sicJ, you've been there since Spence -Jones, and I'm not sure if before, and just for everyone involved, I am -- we're very grateful for your efforts. We could not have done this on our own; if we could have, it would have been done long ago. So we are really thankful, again, for all your efforts. I know it didn't come easy. Again, I represent Town Park Plaza North, and -- Chair Hardemon: Take your time. Ms. Kleinhans: -- we're grateful. Applause Ms. Kleinhans: We're a community that's so enriched in all -- in diversity. We were -- you know, look at our history. We're a rich people. We've -- we were broken and we recognize that we're broken, so in all the development and building new houses, we also recognize the need for other help. We need jobs. We have to recognize that we are -- mentally, we're -- I mean, I don't want to be politically correct, 'cause then I get all twisted. We are a crazy set of folks, and we're rightfully crazy, so that also has to be addressed. We don't want to be judged; we want to be loved, because we are love. Again, check your history; it don't change. We are that people -- Applause Ms. Kleinhans: -- come back again, and we'll keep coming. Again, we -- we're thankful and we appreciate your hard work. Mr. Woods: Amen. Ms. Kleinhans: We appreciate you standing for us; for you being strong where we're weak. Thank you. Ms. McDonald: Thank you. Applause Willie Williams: My name is Reverend Willie L. Williams. I'm the pastor of Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church in Overtown, as well as the president of the Overtown Business Association; also the owner and operator of Just Right Barbershop, Just Right Beauty Salon, and now we have a wellness center called Just Right Wellness Center. I -- everything I have -- you know, I have put my heart into Overtown, everything I have -- my family, myself, my talents -- and I am very happy to see the progress and hear the progress that I'm hearing today. Commissioners, you know, I want you all to keep on building and redeveloping Overtown. I'm very, very, very elated to hear what you're doing. Town Park, those -- that crew been waiting a long time, and, you know, and it seem like the prayers has come through. So we ask that you City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 keep that engine going, keep it going, keep it going. We need to accomplish this mission in Overtown, and I'm glad to see that you have a staff -- that you have Clarence Wood [sic], one of the best; Nathaniel, you one of the best. These people, they -- I mean, they stands out, and they really make things happen in Overtown. It's nothing that I need to know that Nathaniel don't be to the door, saying, you know, "Pastor, do you know that you need to be to this meeting? You need to be to" -- I mean, it is very important that, you know, we be informed. And you got people on staff that really care about this community, and I just thank God for what you're doing, Commissioner Hardemon; just keep the engine going, keep it going. You got the support of Overtown. God bless. Applause Todd Jonas: My name is Todd Jonas. I'm an architect. I've been working with everybody on Town Park since about 2003, and I'm really happy to see finally this is coming to fruition. Clarence has carried this over a mountain. And we've had our differences, but I just wanted to congratulate everybody on it. And the other thing I wanted to say is that I've seen everybody being very concerned about having to be relocated and having to come back, and it seems to be a big issue with a lot of people. And I think the solution that is offered is one of the best, but I do think there's a possibility for some little bit more creative solutions on this; say, using the apartments that are on the site or even the possibility is building one new building and having people move in there in shifts; some -- a little bit more creativity than what's being offered at the moment. But I do want to make sure that everybody knows that I'm so happy to see this finally happening, because I started on this road with Marie Wims about 10 years ago, and it's really good to see things happening, and much success. Good-bye. Applause Chair Hardemon: Are there any other persons that want to speak on the public hearing? Ms. McDonald: She's coming down. Thelma Rigby: I'm coming down. Chair Hardemon: Yes, ma'am. Ms. Rigby: Give me time now. Good afternoon to all y'all Commissioners and secretaries and who -- all y'all in your impressive place. And ladies and gentlemen, my name is Thelma Rigby, and I'm so happy and glad that y'all give me this passport to catch that bus. Oh, God bless y'all children; God bless y'all from the bottom of my heart, and y'all have a blessed day. Thank you. Applause. Chair Hardemon: Any other persons? Seeing no -- well, one more. Isabell Garland: Good afternoon to everyone. God bless each and all of you. God bless King Harden [sic], and God bless Clarence Wood [sicJ, and I'm glad to be here to this meeting. And I want to say I live at 1975 Northwest 5th Place, Town Park Plaza North, and I want to say y'all doing a great job on giving us money to redevelop our place. And I want to let y'all know we are so happy that y'all is working hard for Town Park Plaza North and Town Park Plaza South and Town Park Village, and may God be with y'all to continue doing y'all work for Overtown. I was born and raise up in Overtown, and I love Overtown, and I want to see Overtown prosperous and give God the glory and the praise each and every morning I wake up. Like they say, once you wake up, you give God the glory and the praise. And I want to see Overtown flusterous [sicJ, because, like I say, I love Overtown, and like I want Overtown to become and just stand out. And I want y'all to work hard on what y'all doing and just bring Overtown to where it just City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 stands out, and everyone just comes in -- the tourists -- and say, "Is this Overtown? " And say, "Yes, this is Overtown." And give God the glory and the praise, and thank you from doing a great job (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Applause Chair Hardemon: Can you tell us your name? And tell us your name one more time. Ms. Garland: God bless. Chair Hardemon: Can you tell us your name one more time, please. Ms. Garland: Isabell Garland, as in Judy Garland. Applause Chair Hardemon: If there are no other persons that want to speak on the public hearing, I'm going to close the public hearing at this time, and I recognize Commissioner Suarez. Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I ask for a little bit of your indulgence and the audience's indulgence as well, because this has been a long time coming, and I had a couple of observations that I wanted to share with you and with the audience. The first is that certificate that you were just given. We, as elected officials, are invited to a lot of events, and we're given a lot of certificates, so much so that in my office, I created a box for all the certificates, and I call it "the ego box," and I just put them all in the ego box, you know, because most of them are just meant to feed your ego. But every once in a while, you get a very special one, and that one goes on my wall; doesn't go in the ego box. And I have a feeling this one's going on your wall and not in the ego box, because this is a very significant achievement, and it has a very special meaning, and it gets me to my second observation, which is that I know that this idea began a little while ago, and it began -- my recollection of it was a promise that was made by Commissioner Spence -Jones. And the second observation that I have is that -- it's one that I've made before on the Commission as well -- it's leadership matters. Who your leader is matters. It matters that you have this person versus someone else. Why? Because he has energy, he has intelligence, he doesn't quit, and he delivers. And that goes to my third point, which is this Overtown community has been promised a lot, and I often hear that a lot of promises are broken, and you're right to feel that way, and I think sometimes you're right to feel that way, but today, we should not feel that way. Today, we should feel like a promise was kept, and a promise will be delivered. And because of that reason, I can tell you that this is going to be probably one of the proudest votes that I make, not only as a CRA Board Member, but as a CRA -- as a City Commissioner. And I've often said that being a CRA Board Member has been the most frustrating part of being a Commissioner, because I felt like the help hasn't come fast enough, particularly given the resources that we have. But I'm finally starting to get the feeling that the help is coming as fast as it's needed, so I'm very proud of that. I'm very thankful to be a part of it, and I'm very grateful to be led by this gentleman here. So I think we should give him a round of applause. Applause Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Carollo. Board Member Carollo: That's a hard act to follow, and I, too, have been frustrated at times, especially every year once the audited financial statements come out and I see carryover funds year after year in the millions and millions of dollars, and then when we discuss the budget, I keep saying, "Hey, you have millions and millions of dollars there that aren't being spent. When are they going to be spent?" So, again, I am also proud to be here to see that, finally, it is reaching the community; it is reaching all of you. So it's a proud moment. I'd also like to thank City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Commissioner Hardemon for his leadership and, you know, making it happen, seeing it through, because you don't know, as an accountant, as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), how frustrating it is when there's tens of millions of dollars on the books year after year after year that are just carrying over and carrying over and carrying over, and at the same time, I know the needs out there, I see the needs out there, and it just doesn't reach the community. Well, it's finally reaching the community, so thank you. Applause Chair Hardemon: You all trying to make me cry. First, I'd like to say thank you so very much for the certificate of appreciation, because sometimes, when you fight, it seems like you're traveling up an uphill journey, and sometimes you feel like you're carrying a thousand pounds. And people ask me when I travel, people that have known me for a long time, "Well, what is it like being Commissioner?" And I say, "Well, it's great, because I get to help people." But the burden that you feel as a District 5 Commissioner is heavy. The burden that you feel is extremely heavy, because you feel like the history that's behind you that you're trying to preserve and improve upon the future of those people, they're depending on you. And there's nothing like looking into the eyes of people that you've disappointed, especially when they have the utmost confidence in you. And so like, for instance, as a criminal defense attorney, there's no greater joy that I feel as when I hear the words "not guilty," and my client looks at me, and their wife cries, and their children cry, and they walk out the front of the courtroom, when they've been arrested, when they've been in jail for two, three, four years. You see someone truly earn their freedom, and you see what it means to be someone who is in the community, but feel like you have no future, but for the two words, "not guilty." And so to me, going through this whole process, it's never about me; it's always about how it makes you feel. And it brings me so much joy to come to a meeting where the people who are here, in the short time that I've been here, are going from yelling at the CRA, telling us what we're not doing, what promises we aren't keeping, what things we haven't done to giving praise to the people that are here. Applause Chair Hardemon: We had a Town Park meeting, and I told Clarence that "One day, these people are going to come and thank you." And so for it to come so quickly, it means so much to me. And I will tell you -- and I probably never said this out loud -- but his job depends on this Town Park stuff, because Town Park means just that much to me, because I know what has happened to this community. I know what is going to happen to the future of this community, and I want you all to be a part of it, I really do. Applause Chair Hardemon: So this isn't about us; this is bigger than us. This is about you. This is what you deserve. I'm so happy that I have Board Members and Commissioners that support me in doing the right thing. And Commissioner Suarez was right -- yeah, you can clap it up for him, both. But Commissioner Suarez was right. When he first said to me, he -- when he challenged me on my first time sitting as Chairman of this meeting, it was shocking. And I thought to myself "This is going to be very difficult." But to see this Board move forward, to see the community start to feel better about what we're doing, to see the development and the agreements start to come together, to see the renovation start to happen should bring everybody joy. Applause Chair Hardemon: And I'm happy that I have the right mix of Commissioners and Board Members with me to move these projects forward. We're about to vote on an item that will provide about $14 million just for the renovation of Town Park North. Did you hear? Fourteen million dollars for the renovation of Town Park North. City of Miami Page20 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. 14-00930 Applause Chair Hardemon: That's just as much money as we give for the new projects that we bring about. That means that you will have a gut rehab of all the units. That means you'll have facade improvements. That means you'll have all the improvements that you need to make this a new building. And I want the people that are responsible for making that redevelopment, I want you to standup. Stand up. They're people. Everyone give them a round of applause. Applause Chair Hardemon: Because who they are, are people that are directly responsible to you, the constituents. They've been around, and it's about that time that we make and hold them accountable for the work product that they give us in our community. That's what this is about. Thank you very much. Applause Chair Hardemon: So this is a very serious matter for me. The first time I ever spoke about Overtown, I talked about promises broken. And every time that I'm on a dais and every time that I'm on the Board, I try to make sure that any promise that's made to my community is kept. That kept us till 1 o'clock in the morning yesterday, but it was worth it, it was worth it. So it's with great pleasure that we move forward and we address this item. It has been properly moved and seconded. Is there any further discussion from my Board Members? Mr. Clerk, roll call vote. Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Roll call on item RE.7. Commissioner Carollo? Board Member Carollo: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Suarez? Board Member Suarez: Yes, emphatically. Mr. Hannon: Chair Hardemon? Chair Hardemon: Congratulations, Overtown. Motion passes. Applause. CRA DISCUSSION PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING THE OVERTOWN BEAUTIFICATION TEAM HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. File # 14-00930 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Hardemon: We have a few more items that we need to take care of I would like to ask that everyone that's been here celebrating with us, just hear some of the updates about some of the projects and the resources that we're spending in Overtown. City of Miami Page21 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Neil Shiver: Thank you. RE.8. Neil Shiver, Assistant Director of Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). I'm honored, Commissioner and the Board, to be able to give this update on the programs that have received community -based grants from the CRA. Let me introduce Nathaniel Joseph. Nate, come on up here with me. Applause Mr. Shiver: Nathaniel is our job coordinator, business development assistant, and he works directly with these program recipients. So let me start out with the Overtown Beautification Team. This is a contract, a grant agreement with the Human Resources of Miami, in an amount not to exceed $220, 000, in furtherance of the CRA Redevelopment Plan. The grant is in accord with the objective of creating jobs and improving the quality of life for the Overtown residents. The Overtown Beautification Team was created to address the cleanliness and safety and the maintenance of the public streets and spaces. Overtown, the streets of Overtown are clean, folks, okay? Applause Mr. Shiver: And this is one of our most proudest programs, because they take recipients and people who need a second chance. And hopefully, Commissioner and the Board, that we -- the graduating members of these groups of this particular program hopefully can go on to get a job with the City or the County, because they have done just a wonderful job. The program provides street cleaning services Monday through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the business corridor, on the parks. There are 13 employees from Overtown area that are employed. Please be advised that the scope of services agreed to are being met. Mr. -- Nate, you can introduce the program director. Nathaniel Joseph: Shaneeka [sic]. Blue shirts, you guys can stand. Her team can stand. Applause Chair Hardemon: Those are our blue shirts. Board Member Suarez: Nice. Shaneetha Omoaka: Thank you so much. First, I would like to say thank you, Commissioner Hardemon. Thank you, Clarence Woods. Thank you. The whole entire team has been awesome. Thank you so much, Nathaniel. You've been right there with us the whole time, and we want to thank you for everything that you've allowed us to do as far as helping the community. This is your end result right here, and it's awesome, because a lot of them have never had a chance to have a job; had never had a chance to have opportunity. And to be able to give them this opportunity is a awesome, awesome thing, and I thank you for choosing us. Applause Mr. Shiver: Thank you. And thank you for the job that you're doing. 9. CRA DISCUSSION 14-00928 PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE'S HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY INSTITUTE HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. City of Miami Page22 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 File # 14-00928 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Neil Shiver (Assistant Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): Let me move on to RE.9. RE.9 is the Hospitality and Culinary Institute. It's a grant agreement between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and Miami Dade College, in an amount not to exceed $300, 000, for a two-year period -- so basically, that's $150, 000 per year -- in furtherance of the CRA Redevelopment Plan. The grant is in accord with the objective of job training and creating employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality industry, to residents of the redevelopment area. It was created to provide soft skill training to residents, particularly those who desire or are seeking employment in hospitality industry. I'm just going -- they have a four -day training program, and after the four -day training program, they have a job fair for new and existing graduates. They also have a -- expanded it to a basic culinary skills training program and those -- for those graduates who have completed the four -day job readiness program. And I'm just trying to cut it to the chase. There are 30 Overtown residents that attended the last training in the last funding period. Please be advised, Board, that the scope of services agreed to are being met. Mr. Nathaniel, you may want to introduce your program? Nathaniel Joseph: Yes. Ms. Laura and Frank. Applause Laura Drosdowech: We brought a few of our basic culinary students from Overtown, affectionately known as "The Ninjas. " Applause Chair Hardemon: And you have to allow that young man that's standing behind you to say something, too. I've known him since I was a kid so -- but I'll let you talk. Ms. Drosdowech: He actually pointed that out. He does want to say hello. So this is our current basic culinary skills, some of our students. They are graduating tomorrow -- Applause Ms. Drosdowech: -- and they are all going to find jobs. We are building new relationships currently with Career Source South Florida, with Transition, and with other employment agencies in the area so that we can ensure that all of our graduates go on and get employment, so we're trying to -- that's a whole other piece of the puzzle that we're working on. We just finished a job readiness training last week, which was very successful. And we have a new basic culinary skills class starting next week. Sixteen students will go into that class, and they'll graduate just before Christmas. Next year, we have some new plans as well. We're going to start some new trainings. We're going to do some track trainings, which are targeted workforce development trainings in the hospitality industry through American Hotel and Lodging, so some of those will be restaurant server, maintenance employee, guestroom attendant and front desk representatives, so a whole new range of trainings that's going to come to get people ready for all of these new jobs that are going to be coming in the restaurant and hotel industry. So that's our program. We're going strong and we're -- lots of plans for the future. Our life skills coach, Mr. Frank Ferrara, is with me today. Frank -- we also -- we train in hospitality, but we also train in employment and life skills, which it's the whole package, because it's so important for people who are going out to get employment. It's not just knowing how to cut food in a kitchen; it's knowing how to get along with your coworkers and how to follow instructions and the whole world of that, and I'm going to let Frank say a couple words on that. Frank Ferrara: We just work on people changing a lot of your past thinking and recreating a City of Miami Page23 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 new reality, and we do meditation before classes, and they love it, right? They've been warned. No. And also, I would just like to say that they made an II -week commitment to get to school punctually at 8 a.m. every morning, to finish at 2 p.m. They've been involved in volunteer catering events, as well, in the school to practice their networking and their catering skills, and they've really been fabulous, fabulous. And they are successful and will continue being successful, so thank you for your help. Applause Ms. Drosdowech: Yeah, just as what Frank said, we want to say thank you to the CRA for all of the support and all of the funding; we couldn't do it without you. Nathaniel's a great support. Commissioner Hardemon, I hope to see you tomorrow morning at our brunch. No, we really are very thankful. We look forward to working with the CRA in the future. Two Thousand Fifteen is going to be a great year, so we're very excited. And if -- any one of my ninjas want to say anything? Board Member Suarez: Your ninjas. Chair Hardemon: Yeah, they call them ninjas. Tourian Williams: My name is Tourian Williams. I've been -- I've known this man, Commissioner Hardemon, since we was in middle school, so I've known him basically all my life, basically. Board Member Suarez: You got the goods on him, huh? We'll talk later. Mr. Williams: As far as the position he in, I knew him when he was Mr. Northwestern at Miami Northwestern, and he did a phenomenal job then. He changed the whole atmosphere of the school. The school was like down, depressed, and what he did was he changed it. He gave -- he brought a spirit that used to be with the old Northwestern. He brought that energy to the new Northwestern, which is the reason why Northwestern is as big as it is now. When he was going for the position, I was like, "Okay, that's the best man for the job "; reason being is because I know him, and I know he'll -- I knew he was going to do a phenomenal job; I just didn't know it was going to come as fast as it was. But still, Keon, from the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of everybody's heart, we really do appreciate everything that you've done in the short time that you've been here, and you've done more for Overtown and for the community than everybody before you. So from the bottom of our hearts, we really do appreciate the hard work that you've done. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Applause Ms. Drosdowech: Thanks again, Commissioner Hardemon. And to all of the CRA, you guys are changing lives, and we're right there with you in that goal, in that mission. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Commissioner Suarez, I know you got something -- Applause Board Member Suarez: No, I just want to echo something I said at the Commission meeting. I'm a big, big believer in the Hospitality Institute for a lot of reasons, including but not limited to the hospitality industry itself being one of the most -- one of the largest and most prevalent industries here in South Florida. And I really do feel -- and I'm going to keep repeating it, because I think City of Miami Page24 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 10. 14-00931 that the success of the institute is so profound that I really do think we need to model that and create a construction institute, and I know I sound like a -- Applause Board Member Suarez: I sound a little bit like a broken record, because I keep saying it over and over again, so I'm hoping that at some point, if I keep saying it over and over again, it'll happen, because I know that there's a lot of outside agencies that want to do it, and they probably can do it, but I think we should -- I think the Hospitality Institute has proven that we need to have some level of control so that we can monitor the deliverables, which have been incredible in the institute. And I know for a fact, in my heart, that a construction institute will be as successful or more than the Hospitality Institute, and one that I think there's so many members in our community that can participate in making it happen and making it successful. So I just want to make sure that we follow through on that, because, as the Chair has indicated -- I'm not so sure that the community understands, because it's hard for me sometimes to come to grips with just exactly what is coming. The tsunami of economic activity that is coming, if some of these major projects get built in the next 2 to 10 years, is incredible, and we need to be ready, and we need to make sure that Overtown is ready so that -- we were debating yesterday in the project, and one of the things that we did is we required -- and this is thanks to the Chair's leadership -- that the hiring -- the hires for the construction jobs have to come first from the poor areas of our City first, and if and only if there are no more jobs available -- which is, as you and I both know, as we all know, that's not going to happen, because there's plenty of people that want to work and that are available -- then they can move on to the next category. But I think we need to make sure that we have a steady stream of education so that anyone who needs a job and who wants a job has the skills to get the job. Applause CRA DISCUSSION PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING SUITED FOR SUCCESS HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. File # 14-00931 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Neil Shiver (Assistant Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): And before Igo to RE.10, Commissioner, we -- Chair Hardemon: Excuse me. There are DI's (discussion items), DI1, DI.8, DI.9. It should be DI. 1, DI.2, DI. 3, DI4, DI5, just for the clarification on the record for those who will be reading it. Go ahead. Mr. Shiver: For discussion item, okay, DI -- before Igo to DI -- better put my glasses on -- before Igo to DI.10, Commissioner, we at the CRA really believe these community -based grants are just as important as those brick and mortar grants, you know. After all, how do we prepare the Overtowners for the development that is coming? And to that end, I'm going to DI.10, Suited for Success. Suited for Success Employment Skills Training Program is authorized under a grant agreement between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and Suited for Success in an amount not to exceed $50, 000. In furtherance of the CRA Redevelopment Plan, the grant is in accord with the objective of creating jobs and improving the quality of life for the residents. Suited for Success offer career guidance, technological skill training and job -seeking support for at -risk women -- men and women and youth -- from the redevelopment area, particularly those City of Miami Page25 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 11. 14-00926 residents who are actively seeking employment. There are 43 registered residents who reside in the redevelopment area that have participated in the program. Out of those 43, 20 under this current funding sought -- grant -- out of those 43, 25 have obtained jobs. Please be advised that the scope of services agreed to are being met. Mr. Joseph, you want to introduce the director? Nathaniel Joseph: Ms. Sonia Jacob [sic]. Sonia Jacobson: Good evening. My name is Sonia Jacobson, and I'm the founder and executive director of Suited for Success and Dress for Success Miami. I want to thank the CRA and the staff, Mr. Nathaniel, who's stopping by all the time. I can't seem to get rid of him, and he's done a wonderful job. He checks up on us to make sure we're doing well. We recently moved. I was at the Dorsey House for five years, and when I first came into Overtown, my friends called and said, "Are you crazy? You're moving into that neighborhood?" And I said, "Yes, I am, because they need us." And this next week on October 11, we're going to be celebrating our 20-year anniversary in Dade County, so we've been here for a very long time, and we've seen over 50,000 people countywide. But in the last six years now that I've been in Overtown, we've seen over 2,000, 3, 000 people, just from the Overtown neighborhood. And when my lease was up in June, I made a decision to stay in this neighborhood, so we are now at the Culmer Center, 1600 Northwest 3rdAvenue. We moved in there, and since we've been there, we've expanded our services to start providing one day a month, which is going to expand now to one day a week, training just for the Overtown community. And I don't think a lot of people are aware of the fact that we're doing that. We're only here a few months in that building, but the need is so tremendous here, and we've seen such creativity and such a wealth of talent in this neighborhood that I gave up having free rent in Wynwood, in Miami Beach and in North Miami to stay in this neighborhood. So I appreciate the CRA's support of us these last few years; I hope that it will continue. I'm very proud to be in this neighborhood and to be part of the community, because I see tremendous growth over the next couple of years, and we are here to support everybody in this neighborhood. So thank you all very much. Nathaniel, stop by any time again, and I thank you. We're going to be around for a long time. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Applause Mr. Shiver: And we will acknowledge that we received your grant proposal for additional dollars the other day. CRA DISCUSSION PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING THE BLACK ARCHIVES, HISTORY AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. File # 14-00926 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Neil Shiver (Assistant Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): DI.11, the Black Archives Cultural Heritage Tourism Institute at the Historic Lyric Theater, is authorizing the grant agreement between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida in an amount not to exceed $572, 000. In furtherance of the CRA Development Plan, the grant is in accord with the objective of the preservation of historic buildings and community heritage, as well as City of Miami Page26 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 providing support for local cultural events. The Black Archives offers both training and employment opportunities to residents of the Overtown community and promote cultural heritage and tourism within the redevelopment area. Apparently, there are 42 Overtown residents that are employed. The scope of services are being met. Nathaniel Joseph: Mr. Tim Barber. Applause Tim Barber: Commissioner Hardemon, CRA Board, we definitely want to say thank you to the CRA for what we've been able to do. It's amazing that I look over this crowd and I see so many people that we talk to on a regular basis. I just want people that currently work at the Lyric Theater to stand for me; and also seeing some people that are cross -trained around; you see them plugged in. And also, I see people that I just interviewed this week who will be getting a call back, you know, this week. But most importantly, you know, I wanted to show you -- I was telling Nate -- I don't know if anybody been able to see the Visit Florida feature that they did on Overtown, on walking tours in Overtown; it's on our website. We've been working very hard with the Greater Miami Visitors and Convention Bureau, as well as the Black Hospitality Initiative, Visit Florida. Just this last week, I took a group of journalists from all over United States on a tour through Little Haiti and Overtown, and we went and sat and ate at Jackson Soul Food, and one of their major things that they were saying that they didn't know, they didn't know that this history was here. They didn't know that they can come to Overtown and not be stabbed, shot or -- what's the saying back in the day? -- raped, anything like that. Remember that con -- remember that back in the day? You know the shirt that they made, `I came to Overtown and I Wasn't Raped, Mugged or Shot." And I say that all the time to everybody. We got to be real about that because of the perception that First 48 gave us nationally, and that was the conversation we have when I teach at school. Everything -- everybody points back to was the First 48. Overtown is bigger than the First 48, you know. Liberty City is bigger than the First 48, so I want to thank the City, first of all, for stopping that show that used to come in Overtown and exploit what was happening. But most importantly, we have to change the perception, and through this grant that we get from the CRA, we're changing the perception for people that come to Overtown. Every month, just for Lyric Live -- I'm plugging that -- if you haven't been to the amateur night at the Lyric Theater, please, we have one this Friday; come in. And the most important thing is that the subsidy that helps us keep moving the Lyric is needed, you know, in order to do more jobs. We need to keep this going. And I see a lot of cross -training from the -- our blue shirts, you know. Thank you, 'cause they keep everything clean, crossing over to Dressed for Success to First Friday, Folklife Friday; all of these things that we're doing is needed, because we're fighting; we're fighting the perception of people that don't live in Overtown. So we need this funding. And I heard -- I feel you, sister, because I had to interview people that they cried in front of me, because nobody else would hire them, because they had a simple arrest record from the 1980s or from the 1990s. You know, we're able to provide these jobs, and that supplement allows us to hire people who are second-chancers, you know, third-chancers, any -- whatever chancer you need, because I have people that work for me that they've been straight up with me. "Listen, I did this back when -- there," and I look at them and I say, `I don't care," you know. `It's what you're doing for us today at the Lyric Theater that counts." So the more and more we get paid events -- 'cause we need paid events in order to pay payroll to subsidize it, but the more and more we're able to have events at the theater, the more and more we'll be able to hire people; the more and more we're preparing them for when Gig House come through and when Miami Worldcenter and all these other things come through so that the residents can have jobs and they can no longer cry, because they're a part of whatever's happening. So I applaud you for your support. I applaud you for your help, and definitely applaud you for listening to these programs that create jobs in Overtown, 'cause nobody ain't going to do it for us, and the CRA is providing that and helping us. We really appreciate that, and we thank you for your support. Applause City of Miami Page27 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 12. 14-00927 CRA DISCUSSION PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING FOLK LIFE FRIDAYS HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. File # 14-00927 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Neil Shiver (Assistant Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): That takes us to DI.12, Folklife Fridays. Support for Folklife Fridays authorizes a grant agreement between the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and New Washington Heights Community Development Corporation in an amount not to exceed $80,000. In furtherance of the CRA Redevelopment Plan, the grant is in accord with the objective of promoting local cultural events and supporting businesses within the Overtown community with the goal of promoting and marketing the Overtown community as a cultural heritage tourist destination. New Washington Heights Community Development Corporation actively engage businesses within the redevelopment area to participate at their monthly event and to promote and sell cultural artifacts represented of the Historic Overtown. They hire five Overtown residents and many businesses get an opportunity to market their goods at their monthly affair. Please be advised, Board, that the scope of services agreed to are being met. Nathaniel Joseph: Ms. Jackie Bell. Applause Jackie Bell: Good evening. Jackie Bell. I have to laugh. I'm laughing because I know all of you have seen me for so long and are so probably tired of me, but I'm not tired, okay? I might be old, but I'm not tired. I thank you to the CRA staff, to my project manager, and I owe an apology too, publicly, because when they started to do the shopping center, it was horrible. But today, it is beautiful and -- Applause Ms. Bell: -- I am an honest person, and I do speak what's on my mind, as all of you know. So publicly, I wanted to take that minute to apologize, okay. But Folklife Friday is one of a unique plan. It gives the opportunity to small businesses that do not have a permanent home to come and sell its wares at the festival, and over the past few years that we have been doing this, we have been able to service over 500 small businesses. We have employed through the Folklife over 600 people, because on that one half a day, we have probably 20 to 25 small businesses there selling their products, and they employ one to two people to help them; plus the fact the people who put up the tents, 12 people are employed to put up and take down. The small businesses have made over a million dollars. I know everybody look and say, "That's not possible, " but if you count the number of vendors and you average it out to at least $200 a day that they have made and you count it over the years, you will get the figures. I know sometimes you come and it look like ain't nobody here, but it's not a festival for you to stay all day. It's a festival for you to come, purchase and go back to your job. And we have people coming all the way from Broward County every first Friday. There's five people who live in Miramar that comes every first Friday of the month. We have people come from Jackson; we have people come from Miami -Dade Junior College; we have people come from Opa Locka; we have people coming from all parts of this community. I was on the bus -- I don't drive anymore, and I'm on the bus; I'm on the bus, and a lady say, "Are we going to have first Friday?" I say, "yeah" So I thank you for the CRA. I thank you for you, the Commissioners, those of you who have been City of Miami Page28 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 with me for a long period of time, and for my new Commissioner, whom I couldn't be more proud of if he had've [sic] been my son, okay, and to my project manager. I wish y'all will tell him to stay away from bothering me. I thank you. I thank you so very much. Mr. Joseph: Thank you. Applause. 13. CRA DISCUSSION 14-00929 PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AN UPDATE REGARDING NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION, INC. HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. File # 14-00929 Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Neil Shiver (Assistant Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency): With the last DI (discussion item) item is DI.13, and with the Board's indulgence, after I announce the report, I would love to give the project manager opportunity to say a few words. You can tell by the response of this room that he's well deserving, and he's well -loved, and he's committed to what he does. DI.13, the Overtown Business Resource Center is authorized under a grant agreement between the Southwest Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Inc. (Incorporated) in an amount not to exceed $80, 000. In furtherance of the CRA Redevelopment Plan, the grant is in accord with the objective of creating economic opportunities, as well as attracting new businesses that provide needed services to the redevelopment area. The Overtown Business Resource Center offers a business incubator and development program that provides office space and direct technical assistance to small businesses within the redevelopment area. Participants in the incubator program have access to various business -related workshops and training, computer use, WiFi access, business advice and technical assistance. I'll cut through all those other five sentences and say: Please be advised the scope of services as agreed to are being met. Nathaniel Joseph: Mr. Leroy Jones. Applause Chair Hardemon: We're going to take a brief 30-second, one -minute break while we change the tape on the video. They bring us the cheap video tape. They think I don't know. I want the video tape that you bring to the City of Miami Commission. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Okay, we can call it back into order. Mr. Jones. Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, 1480 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Suite 110. I want to introduce Ms. Mindy, who actually the manager of the resource center, but before I do that, I just want to thank you, Commissioner. I want to thank this Commission. I want to thank Clarence Woods for his support and also Nate. Mr. Nate, thank you, my brother. Thank you for all the support and hard work you do. Nobody got the chance to thank Miguel. Miguel is important, too. Miguel is important. Applause City of Miami Page29 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 Chair Hardemon: Miguel. Mr. Jones: Thank you, Miguel. I want to thank you, too, brother, all right? So I just want to thank the whole CRA staff for all the years of support. I think this going on our second year at the Overtown Resource Center, so I'm going to let Ms. Mindy and some of the tenants of the center speak. Thank you. Mindy Wiggins: Hello. My name is Mindy Wiggins, and I'm the business manager at the resource center. I am proud to say that this is our second year serving the community, and we are so happy to see that so many of the people that have come through the doors have been trained, they have gotten jobs, they've learned how to do their resumes. A lot of them think they come in and we're just going to do it for them. That's not how it works. I'm going to teach you how to do it, because if we don't get funded and we're not here, we want to make sure that you know how to serve yourselves, as well. So we're not only here to provide a service, but we're also here to teach you, help you and motivate you. We do more than just the technical parts. A lot of days, people come in and they just need a positive word, so we try to give that to everyone that comes through the door. And please come see us. Construction is almost over, so we are there. It may be a little dark some days, but just come on in; we'll help you. Thank you. Applause Yolanda Brooks: How are you? My name is Yolanda. I am a new employee at NANA (Neighbors and Neighbors Association), and I'm happy to be on the team. Applause Ms. Brooks: Oh, and I'm also a Overtown resident. Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Okay. Elijah Wells: How is everybody? My name is Elijah Wells. I'm a filmmaker in Overtown. I'm 17 years old, and I am one of the tenants in the NANA hub. I would like to say thank you to Leroy and the CRA for actually bringing me along, because I am the youngest one there. And like Mindy said, you know, the opportunities that she give us; it's not just we go in there and get on the computers and that's it. You know, she really -- you know, when I was first getting into the film industry, I was more of the -- filming -wise, I didn't understand the business part of it. So when I went there, I started my business, Elijah Wells Films. I made invoices for people when I do different jobs. You know, I just got the real understanding of business, and it really help me out, and I got many jobs. People coming in there, maybe they come in there for different tenants, but then they'll see me, like, "Oh, my God, he's a filmmaker." So I did many jobs for different people, so I just want to thank you guys again and thank you for having me. Alweather Martin: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Alweather Martin. I'm one of the tenants at the NANA hub, and I'd just like to thank all of you all for giving us the opportunity to have a place for to have an office, because a lot of the administrative work in the type of business that I do, we need a hub, because there is a tremendous amount of things to be done when starting up a business, and the CRA has been a great help to us. Thank you very much. Mr. Shiver: Thank you, Commissioners. I'll bring up Nathaniel Joseph to make the final comments. I thank you for your indulgence. Jackie Bell just wanted to make you aware that she forgot to mention all the vendors, and she wanted to acknowledge all the vendors for Folklife Fridays, so I want to do that on her behalf. My project manager; baby, it's your show. Mr. Joseph: Hello, everyone. I just want to say, you know, I love you all. I love the community of Overtown. I was a educator here, coached here and Towner for life. Love you all. Good City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 11/17/2014 SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes September 30, 2014 night from me. Applause. Mr. Joseph: Oh, I'd be remised -- without my team, the leadership of Mr. Woods, Mr. Shiver and the rest of the CRA staff, without them, I wouldn't be able to be in the community traveling. We have staff meetings, and they tell me to hit the streets and see what the community want, so thanks to the CRA staff. Applause Chair Hardemon: Okay, I just want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I'm glad you all stayed to listen to the good words that are going on in the community. When you come, it makes a difference, because you keep our community informed about what's actually happening in Overtown, and all we ask that you do is you pick up the telephone, you tell a few people who'll tell a few people, and the next thing you know, everyone knows about what's going on in Overtown. So when people say that the CRA is not doing anything or the City of Miami Commission is not doing anything or our Board is not doing anything, you tell them, "No, we know different," okay? Thank you so much. Have a good night, andl close the meeting at 7:23 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 11/17/2014