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Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
5:00 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, 2015
Present: Commissioner Suarez, Vice Chair Gort and Chair Hardemon
Absent: Commissioner Sarnoff and Commissioner Carollo
On the 30th day of September 2015, 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: 00 p.m., and was adjourned at 5: 48 p.m.
APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, to APPROVE PASSED by
the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, to APPROVE PASSED by
the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, to APPROVE PASSED by
the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
DISCUSSION ITEMS
15-01268
Chair Hardemon: Good evening. I'm going to call -- testing -- I'm going to call this September
30, 2015 Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting to
order. First, like to acknowledge the presence of my fellow Board Members: Chairman, the
Commission, Commissioner Willy Gort, present; and also, my good friend, Francis Suarez,
Commissioner from the third -- fourth district.
Board Member Suarez: Keeps thinking it's the first district, but 1 think Commissioner Gort
would be upset ifI try to take his number.
Chair Hardemon: We all share that responsibility. So with that being said, I'd like to move on to
the agenda. The regular minutes of July -- of June 29, 2015; July 9, 2015; and July 27, 2015, is
there any motion to approve those minutes?
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to approve those meeting minutes. Is
there any unreadiness? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
CRA DISCUSSION
UPDATE ON MARRIOTT CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION HOTEL.
File # 15-01268 Cover Memo.pdf
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SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes September 30, 2015
DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to our first item, which is a discussion item; discussion on
Marriott Conference and Convention Hotel by MDM. Is their representative from MDM -- is
present today? MDM? Is it the good looking guy named Javier; is that his face turning red thus
far? Because I know MDM knows we start on time.
Javier Fernandez: Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the Board. Javier Fernandez with
Stearns Weaver Miller, here on behalf of MDM. Thank you for the time. Commissioners, we've
discussed offline we are very anxious to advance this project. Our client is ready, willing, and
able to make a $750 million investment, predicated on the execution of a potential incentive
agreement, which, obviously, necessitates a number of other prerequisite steps. At this point, we
would just be eager to see if we could actually start formal negotiations with your staff and try
to bring back an agreement next month or the month following to -- for your consideration.
Chair Hardemon: If I may?
Board Member Suarez: Of course.
Chair Hardemon: I'm happy to hear that this project is something that we're about to discuss
moving forward. Of course, before this comes back on the agenda during our next Board
meeting, we want to make sure that we have met with our community.
Mr. Fernandez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: If we can have two meetings with them, that would be great; one to introduce
at least the ideas that you have and that we, together, propose, because, of course, we're looking
for a number of different things. We're looking for responsible wages; we're looking for -- what
did I mean? We're looking for responsible wages and we're looking for small business
opportunities. We're looking for a number of different things that you've seen in previous
agreements that I think would be instrumental in these types of agreements moving forward, so I
know that MDM seems to be open to that discussion. If they haven't been scared away by now,
considering all the things we've been doing with them, that's a good sign, and so, we look
forward to having those types of discussions with the community, and also with the board in your
organization, because there are some things that, of course, we know are deal breakers, and
there are some things that we see that we need within our community that I think that we can
agree to happily, and this be a win if we move it and do it in the right way. Commissioner
Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, I mean, I'm excited to see that this process
seems to be moving forward. Obviously, as a Board Member, one of the things that I've tried to
support is the hospitality industry. We've had a robust -- one of our wonderful working programs
with our hospitality industry program where we train people, and I think what's great about the
hospitality industry is that it has a tremendous amount of upward mobility, so it's an industry
where you can literally start as, you know, the valet, and you can be the general manager. So,
you know, obviously, convention and conference center space is direly needed in the City of
Miami. We just recently demolished a convention center to do a park, which, I thought was a
wise move, given the way that mega convention centers are being built across the country and
the world. I recently went to Atlanta. They have a three -million -square -foot convention center.
This is, obviously, about 600 or so, from what I'd heard, but certainly, I think we should have a
footprint in that space, and it's good for our community, it's good for Overtown, and I look
forward to seeing what, you know, what comes of this, absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Vice Chair Gort: Let me tell you what I'd like to see, and I think this was discussed -- I discussed
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Meeting Minutes September 30, 2015
RESOLUTIONS
1.
15-01192
this with Clarence yesterday morning. We have a lot of qualified individual that can perform
jobs, but they don't have the corporation to get it to do the subcontract. I think somehow, we got
to work with and try to bring these individual in Overtown together. They can perform, they
know how to do the work, but they need somebody to help them and put together the
administration and the paper works [sic] that are necessary for -- to get a corporation going, and
I think that's -- because my understanding is we don't have enough subcontractors within certain
areas. Somehow, we have to create those subcontractors.
Chair Hardemon: I agree to that.
Vice Chair Gort: And some of the funds that come from the people cannot comply should be
utilized for that.
Chair Hardemon: As long as we have good penalties involved, we can use some of those funds.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah. And I was just going to say, you know, I mean, we've come a long
way, you know. We've come a long way in terms of the way we negotiate these deals. I think one
of the things that we've all realized is that there's not going to be any deal that's free from
criticism to some respect, but I think in another sense the proof is sort of in the pudding. You
know, I drove myself over here, and as I was driving through Overtown, I realized how many
projects are, you know, almost completed, you know. You had almost half a dozen projects that I
counted that were in a very advanced stage of construction; not to mention projects that are
starting. So, you know, look, we welcome everyone's input; the community's input; obviously,
the stakeholders' input as this process unfolds, and we'll see where it takes us.
Mr. Fernandez: Commissioner, we're excited to get started on all those objectives. We've
already had extensive conversations with community groups, and have some partnerships
already formalized with institutional partners to do many of the things that you're speaking of so
I'm happy to continue that conversation, and we'll work with your staff and identify some dates
for some public meetings to discuss the project.
Chair Hardemon: Sounds good.
Board Member Suarez: Great.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: All right, thank you very much.
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT AND MORTGAGE, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED, IN FAVOR OF UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION ("EDA") TO SECURE THE CRA'S OBLIGATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH A $900,000 GRANT FROM EDA IN CONNECTION WITH
THE REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORIC EBENEZER CHURCH, 300 NW 11
STREET, MIAMI FLORIDA; AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENT NECESSARY IN ORDER
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TO IMPLEMENT THE GRANT.
File # 15-01192 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01192 Backup.pdf
File # 15-01192 Legislation.pdf
File # 15-01192 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0036
Chair Hardemon: I'm going to move on in the agenda to RE.1.
Clarence Woods, III (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, authorizing the executive director to execute an agreement and mortgage, in
substantially the attached form, in favor of United States Department of Commerce & Economic
Development Administration -- EDA -- just to secure the CRA's (Community Redevelopment
Agency) obligation in connection with a $900, 000 grant from EDA, in connection with the
rehabilitation of the Historic Ebenezer Church at 300 Northwest llth Street, in Miami, Florida;
and authorizing the executive director to execute all other documents necessary in order to
implement the grant. Basically, what this is, Commissioners, is -- it's basically common for EDA
to insist that there be some sort of mortgage on the property that they invest in. Our property is
free and clear, so the mortgage that they are insisting on our having would be the only lien
position on the mortgage, and it's what's necessary in order for us to be able to get the grant
funds that they've committed; the $900, 000 that they've committed.
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to approve RE.1. I'll open the floor
for public input. Is there anyone from the public that would like to make a comment on this item,
RE.1? Seeing none, I'll close the public input session. Is there any further discussion on this
item?
Board Member Suarez: No.
Chair Hardemon: Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye. "
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
2. CRA RESOLUTION
15-01151
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
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Meeting Minutes September 30, 2015
ONE-YEAR PERIOD, WITH RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC. D/B/A
PUBLIC RISK INSURANCE AGENCY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$109,486; ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM SEOPW ENTITLED "GENERAL
OPERATING FUND", ACCOUNT CODE NO.
10050.920101.545000.0000.00000.
File # 15-01151 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01151 Financial Form.pdf
File # 15-01151 Backup.pdf
File # 15-01151 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 and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0037
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.2.
Clarence Woods, III (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 2 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 $109,486; allocating funds from general operating fund. This is the
-- this is insurance for the CRA's properties, as well as our health insurance.
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved --
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded that we approve item RE.2. I open the floor for public input.
Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak at this moment on this item, RE.2? Seeing
none, I'll close the public hearing.
Vice Chair Gort: I think he wants to speak, Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: On this item, sir; to speak on this item?
Unidentified Speaker: No, sir. I (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Okay, just give us a moment and let us get through the business.
Unidentified Speaker: I thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the items?
Mr. Woods: Commissioner, let me make a clarification. It's not health insurance; it's the
general liability insurance.
Board Member Suarez: Commercial.
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Mr. Woods: Yeah; not health insurance. I'm sorry. You approved that already.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Mr. Woods: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, indicate so by saying "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
3. CRA RESOLUTION
15-01193
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF THE CRA TO EXECUTE A LOAN AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, BY AND BETWEEN THE CRA AND
VSMD FOOD CORP. ("VSMD"), FORA LOAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $400,000, TO ASSIST WITH CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF "TOP
VALUE SUPERMARKET" AT THE OVERTOWN SHOPPING CENTER, 1490
N.W. 3RDAVENUE UNIT 101, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CRA TO EXECUTE A SECOND LEASE
AMENDMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH VSMD;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS
DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS,
UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY
DOCUMENTATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS,"
ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
File # 15-01193 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01193 Financial Form.pdf
File # 15-01193 Backup.pdf
File # 15-01193 Legislation.pdf
File # 15-01193 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0038
Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to RE. 3.
Clarence Woods, III (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency): Resolution Number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of
the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with attachments,
authorizing the executive director of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to execute a
loan agreement in substantially the attached form, by and between the CRA and VSMD Food
Corp. for a loan in an amount not to exceed $400, 000, to assist with construction cost of a Top
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Meeting Minutes September 30, 2015
Value Supermarket at the Overtown Shopping Center, at 1490 Northwest 3rdAvenue, Unit 101;
further authorizing the executive director of the CRA to execute a second lease amendment in
substantially the attached form with VSMD, 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. This item is in regards to Top Value Supermarket, which
was selected by a review -- well, actually, it was our property manager, NAI, to operate a
supermarket at 1490 Northwest 3rdAvenue, the Overtown Shopping Center. When we originally
did the solicitation, they went out and got three bids or three prices for the construction of a
supermarket. Since then, prices have increased, and we believe that, you know, there may not
have been all of the scope fully priced at that time, so what we have now is a shortfall of about
$800,000, in order to get the supermarket built out. They've agreed to fund the other 800 -- the
other $400,000, and they're asking the CRA to give a loan for the remainder of the balance.
They've started with the construction, and this loan would be a loan that would be for the
duration of the CRA's existence; about 14 years, at four percent. They would start to make
payments on this loan, should you approve it, not next year, but the following year. They are --
they will be tasked to open the supermarket in April of next year, so the following year is when
they would start making payments on the loan. This would help them to survive during the
beginning stages, to help with cashflow, and from that point on, they believe that they would get
their footing, and they would be able to make their payments on this loan.
Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved. Is there a second?
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded that we approve item RE.3. I open up the
floor for public input. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Hearing
none, I'll close the floor. Commissioner Suarez.
Board Member Suarez: Just briefly, Chair. I just want to, you know, commend the CRA that the
shopping center looks fantastic. You know, obviously, it's important -- I think one of the things
that you've done as Chair is sort of take a holistic view of our mission. I think sometimes, we
hyper focus on one thing or another -- maybe affordable housing, whatever the case may be --
and I think you've sort of really taken a more holistic approach, and it's important that we get
this finalized so that there is the first -- I think it'll be the first supermarket in Overtown, and
that's an important component of the fabric of what every neighborhood should have and does
have, you know, in their neighborhood, so I support it.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Vice Chair Gort: Well, let me ask a question. I had a little problem with this, but I can see we
need to finish the shopping center. How are we going to make sure that they're going to be able
to support? What's the experience? My understanding is they have two or three different
markets.
Mr. Woods: Well, I'm sorry. I didn't get the first part of the question.
Vice Chair Gort: My understanding is they got two or three different markets, so they should
know what the cashflow should be, more or less, and they're not going to do any payment until
the next following year; in other words, you're going to give the loan. There's no interest
payment or anything for a whole year.
Mr. Woods: Right, yes. There is no -- there is an abatement on the payment of the loan for the
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Meeting Minutes September 30, 2015
first year, which will allow them to ramp up, begin to get their sales going. We believe that it
was prudent, after consulting with our management and leasing company, and they felt like that
was one of those incentives that they see all the time that helps with getting a shopping center in
and stabilized so that they can become sustainable.
Vice Chair Gort: To me, it would have been very difficult approving any other area, but I think
that we need that anchor store in there. I remember one time when they existed about 20-some
years ago, there was -- it worked out very well, so I hope it's very successful. And my
understanding is you're going to be approving all the expenditure before any payment is made.
Mr. Woods: Yes. And our money will go into the hard cost of construction. It's not going to go
into anything that could be moved or taken away from the shopping center.
Vice Chair Gort: So this is --
Mr. Woods: This is the hard cost of construction.
Board Member Gort: -- for construction.
Mr. Woods: First money in.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Woods: This is the first money in.
Chair Hardemon: The Overtown community -- when we opened up the -- or reopened, rather --
the Overtown Shopping Center, one of the things that we told the Overtown community is that
they were getting a grocery store.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: And I've grown frustrated, like I'm sure many of the residents have grown
frustrated that there was no sign of a grocery store at that complex, even though it was more than
-- what? -- 17,000 square feet that was dedicated for that space.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: I'm heartened to see that we have now begun the construction to actually
implement a grocery store or put a grocery store into that facility, so let this -- and I'm really, in
a way, begging on the behalf of this community to let this be what it takes to open this grocery
store. We have a lot of new development. We're going to have more residents coming in, and
those residents will need a grocery store to attend, and it's no reason that they should have to
leave Overtown, you know, to go to any other place to have fresh fruits and vegetables. So in
this $400, 000 note, which we made a loan --
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: -- for a reason, we want this grocery store to be opened April 2016.
Mr. Woods: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: That's what we expect.
Mr. Woods: Absolutely.
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Chair Hardemon: So just know that I know the Commissioners here will hold your feet to the fire
when it comes to that to make sure that they're doing what they're supposed to do, because we
waited way too long. I mean, that grand opening there was maybe opening a year ago, or maybe
about a year ago. So, I mean, a significant amount of time has passed for them to learn that they
need additional dollars, because the forecast was incorrect.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah, that's a good point.
Chair Hardemon: All right?
Board Member Suarez: It's a legit point.
Chair Hardemon: So it's just about that time.
Mr. Woods: Yes. And I'd also say one of the other benefits of having this store here, which the
owner has made commitments to, is the hiring. This supermarket will bring jobs. And when I
say, "a significant number of jobs," 30 to 40 new jobs will be created by having this supermarket
in the neighborhood.
Vice Chair Gort: That's why we need to open as soon as possible.
Mr. Woods: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion on this item? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
4. CRA RESOLUTION
15-00927
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $80,000, TO THEURBANCOLLECTIVE, INC. TO UNDERWRITE
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH A THEMATIC ART EXHIBITION WITHIN THE
REDEVELOPMENT AREA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING AN EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000 FOR CRA EXPENSES
RELATED TO THE PROGRAMING OF ART -RELATED EVENTS WITHIN THE
REDEVELOPMENT AREA DURING THE 2015 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;
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF THE
GRANT FUNDING APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS
NOT INCREASED; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX
INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT
CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
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File # 15-00927 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-00927 Financial Form.pdf
File # 15-00927 Backup.pdf
File # 15-00927 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Vice -Chair Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0039
Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to RE.4.
Clarence Woods, III (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 4 is a resolution of the Board of
Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency
authorizing a grant in an amount not to exceed $80, 000 to the Urban Collective, Inc., to
underwrite costs associate with the Thematic Art Exhibition within the redevelopment area;
further authorizing an expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for CRA
(Community Redevelopment Agency) expenses related to the programming of art -related events
within the redevelopment area during the 2015 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; authorizing the executive director to
execute all documents necessary for said purpose; further authorizing the executive director to
approve budget modifications under the grant, provided that the overall amount of the grant
approved by the Board of Commissioners is not increased. This grant is again for our Art Basel
event. It's a total of $100, 000. $80, 000 will go towards the exhibit, Art Af -- is it Art Africa?
Yeah, Art Africa; which we do every year. And we will also have $20, 000 for the CRA to do
programming in -- programming exhibits in the Lyric Theater and other areas within the
redevelopment area.
Vice Chair Gort: And this event will take place here in Overtown?
Mr. Woods: Yes; every year.
Vice Chair Gort: I think it's very important.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Vice Chair Gort: Because it's going to attract people, and they'll see what is happening in here.
Mr. Woods: Yes.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Board Member Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded that we approve item RE.4, and I open
up the floor right now for public input. Is anyone from the public that'd like to discuss this item?
Seeing none, I'll close the floor on public hearing. Is there any further discussion from my Board
Members? Seeing none, all in favor, say so by -- indicating by saying "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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5.
15-01194
CRA RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $150,000, TO HORIZON INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. TO
UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIRST ANNUAL"REVOLT
FILM FESTIVAL" BEING HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015 AT THE
LYRIC THEATER; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS
OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND
SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID
PURPOSE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE GRANT, PROVIDED
THAT THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF THE GRANT FUNDING APPROVED BY
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IS NOT INCREASED; FUNDS TO BE
ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER
GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.
File # 15-01194 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01194 Financial Form.pdf
File # 15-01194 Backup.pdf
File # 15-01194 Legislation.pdf
Motion by Vice -Chair Gort, seconded by Board Member Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0040
Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to RE. 5. Now, as I understand, RE. 5, you also have a --
Clarence Woods, III (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency): Yes, a presentation.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Woods: Let's have the presentation before we read into the record the exhibit -- or the
resolution.
Video presentation of Revolt Film Festival.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Woods, can you please introduce the item?
Mr. Woods: Yes. Commissioners, Resolution Number 5 is a resolution of the Board of
Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency
authorizing a grant in an amount not to exceed $150, 000 to Horizon International Group, Inc.,
to underwrite costs associated with the First Annual Revolt Film Festival, being held on Sunday,
October 18, 2015, at the Lyric Theater; authorizing the executive director to disburse funds at
his discretion, on a reimbursement basis, or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and
satisfactory documentation; authorizing the executive director to execute all documents
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necessary for said purpose; further authorizing the executive director to approve budget
modifications under the grant, provided that the overall amount of the grant funding approved by
the Board of Commissioners does not exceed -- or is not increased.
Chair Hardemon: All right. First, I'd like to invite to the lectern Revolt TV (Television), so it
won't -- Mr. Clinkscales, please make yourself acquainted to the body here, and we can begin the
discussion about this item.
Keith Clinkscales: Well, first of all, I want to say thank you to the Commission for taking a look
at us today, and we are very excited about the opportunity to potentially do this film festival. It's
something that has generated a tremendous amount of energy, not just in this area, but across the
country. The main thing that we are trying to do is we put on a very successful conference last
year in the Miami area, but it is always important to find ways to extend that reach and really get
into the community. As somebody who has went to Florida A&M University, I grew up and I
understand Overtown. I understand what it means. I understand what's happening, and what
we need to be about is opportunity. How do you get young people motived; how do you get them
excited; how do you get them to take the extra step? I caution to think about this: 500 entries;
these are not pieces of paper people sent in. These are 500 films that were sent in for this
contest, and many of those films were from the Miami area, so that's something that we're very
excited about. And this gives us the entre to do more things. This is a great area for us to not
only do filming, but editing. There's other companies -- I formally worked at ESPN
(Entertainment and Sports Programming Network). ESPN does quite a few things down in this
area from a production standpoint. There's no reason why we can't do thing in the Overtown
area and do things regards to music and regards to culture. We're familiar with the area. We've
done things at Art Basel, so to be able to come over here and do different things in Overtown is
no stress, no strain, and it kind of fits what we're trying to do, so it's something that we're excited
about, and we're pleased about it. And most importantly, Commissioner, I want to thank you for
your help with us early on in just talking with us about the opportunity, so I think, you know,
Keon did a -- Commissioner did a wonderful job of letting us know and informing us of the
opportunities here. So it is something we're excited about, and I wanted to make sure I take the
moment to thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Board Members, the one thing I want to express to you all is that we're not in
this alone. The GMCVB (Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau) has also given a grant
to Revolt Music TV to ensure that this programming involves our cultural heritage
neighborhoods, so this a -- this is something where Revolt came last year to the Miami Beach
area, and they brought their conference for the first time, and it was a huge success. I had an
opportunity to visit it and see what they were doing over there, but they weren't doing on our side
of town.
Board Member Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: And so I think that we find ourselves in a unique opportunity where we can
have some energy from national and sometimes international television production; a TV
channel where we can showcase not only the redevelopment area, not only the talents of the
people who are here within our community, but the Lyric Theater, itself. And so if you think
about something like the Apollo, and you think about how many of us -- raise your hand if you've
heard of the Apollo. And if you didn't raise your hand, you're just too tired to raise your hand,
but everyone here has heard of the Apollo. And part of the reason everyone has heard about the
Apollo is because it's been aired on television so many times, because people made it a point to
-- well, it was a show, and they made it a point to highlight that place in that special city. And
so, here we are with our very own Apollo. Here we are with an item, a jewel that we have within
the Overtown community that's supposed to be a beacon of light, and this opportunity with not
only the film festival, but the activities that will occur afterward will give us an opportunity to air
what we have in the City of Miami, which is the Lyric Theater, and attract more people not only
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to program it, but to come visit it and use our community as a cultural destination, and so that's
why I'm excited about it. Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Gort: I have to tell you, I been doing work in the film industry with the Chamber of
Commerce for a while now. I think Miami is becoming very attractive. We have all the soap
operas, a lot of novelas that coming down from Latin America. And people need to understand,
we sit down and we watch TV we watch the films, and we don't realize this is a
multi -billion -dollar industry; a very clean industry. It takes very little training to get people to
be able to work on it, and I think that it's very important that we continue to work as a team. We
have a seminar that we do every year; we're going to be doing it for the sixth years. We bring
producers from all over the world, and the local people, they get an opportunity to present their
scripts and some of the films. And what's taking place today, if you go into the TV and you had
Netflix, start looking at the movies they have there. They're very small production; very, very
small production being done by producers. They're very small and very local producer with very
low budget, and that's the start of it, and that's a great industry, so I move it.
Mr. Clinkscales: Look, if I could say one thing, that I --
Board Member Suarez: Second.
Mr. Clinkscales: -- agree with the Vice Chairman, but more importantly, we had a chance to do
this film festival in a number of places. We wanted to come to the Lyric because it's an
opportunity to do just what you said with the Apollo; to find something that you can build
around, put a name on it, you know, and make sure -- you know, here, we're coming straight out
of the Lyric, you know, and that area that surrounds it, the community that's behind it, that
becomes part of the lure of what's going on. For us to get involved in other types of
developments down here -- we're not down here just to hit and tape; we want to find different
ways to invest, to put our name down here, find different ways we can attract things down here so
we can expand what we're doing with this conference. This conference is just a start, but it was
extremely successful. This year, it looks like it's going to be successful. I think to really make it
great is to find ways to have the community be as excited about it as we are to come down here.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. It's been properly moved and seconded that we pass
the agenda item RE.5. And one thing I'd like to add I know that many of us don't get an
opportunity to read the documents that actually started the CRA (Community Redevelopment
Agency), but in every piece of legislation or resolution that we put forth, we have justification for
each one of our expenses, and this one, I believe, is right on par, because one of these things that
we have to do -- and it's written right in here -- is promote and market the community and the
redevelopment goals; promotion of local events, institutions and businesses, and restoring the
sense of community, and unfing the area culturally, as stated in the redevelopment principles,
and the goal of making capital improvements within the redevelopment. In order for us to do
these things, we have to highlight our community in the best light, and I think that when you
partner with entities like this, it allows us to do that. So at this point, what I'd like to do is open
the floor for any public input. Is there anyone from the public that'd like to participate -- make a
public comment? If you want to, please step to the lectern. And I'm sure somebody like -- I don't
know -- someone who's in the entertainment industry, Overtown-born; maybe an ambassador of
Overtown probably wants to say something. So those of you who are from Overtown know who
I'm talking about, so say his name, please.
Unidentified Speaker: Johnny Knowledge.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. I know he has something to say.
Mr. Smith. I think it's a great idea --
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Chair Hardemon: Can you state your name for the record, please?
Johnny Smith: My name is Johnny Smith, a/k (also known) Johnny Knowledge. Excuse me,
y'all. I think it's a great idea, because I'm full of energy, and I'm one of the -- I am Miami, so I
agree. I got -- I do a lot of the stuff that this program is qualified to do, so I'm fixing to sit down
and talk to the man, because I think it's a great idea. And I been running the streets for more
than 30-something years, and the energy that's in Miami is beyond the average person
understanding. Remember, y'all, we have to calm these beasts down, down here. Y'all know
what I mean when I say it like that; and I agree. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir.
Ira Walden: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'm a Overtown resident. My name is Ira
Walden. My stage name is "YD." I'm a music -- musician; also, the -- do acting, and I'm into
the music industry as we speak. I'm a -- I run two record companies right now. I think the
opportunity is great, not only for the community, but for the whole City of Miami. We have a lot
of sports, sport, particular activities that go on -- football, basketball -- which is great. The
music -- I love the art district. I love the way we're seeking the creativity of the communities, like
Overtown, Wynwood, Little Haiti, Little Havana, and this film thing with the Revolt, it's a great
opportunity for not only the community, man; for everyone to come together and show their
creative side, whether you're a director, or producer, you make beats, you make music, or you
sing, you rap, or you're a actor. I mean, I think it's great for the new generation to come and to
express their selves in more of a positive way, due to the fact we have a lot of violent things that's
going on in our City that we're trying to seek a cease to, and I'm a positive speaker, and I would
like to see kids express themselves at this festival. I think it's great. I would like to be a
entertainment at this festival; hopefully, I'll get that opportunity. The Overtown Festival was
great. Keon Hardemon, you brought that to my community. I saw a lot of smiles. We partied in
the rain, we danced, we had a great time. We -- I saw a lot of hugs, and I seen different race of
people coming together and partying, and not worrying about my light bill. It was that day that
we brung spirit to not only Overtown, but other people from different neighborhoods were able to
come and join us, and that was great. And I think the Revolt and the CRA, you make this a
possibility, you bring this to life, it would be great for our community.
Chair Hardemon: Let me ask you a question. Did you participate in Revolt last year?
Mr. Walden: I wasn't a part of the -- as a entertainer, but I did go out there and promote my
business, and promote my music.
Chair Hardemon: Did you have an opportunity to go to each -- like panels discussions and
such?
Mr. Walden: No, I wasn't -- I didn't have the passes to go to all of the events but I --
Chair Hardemon: What kept you from participating besides -- what about the passes?
Mr. Walden: They had different requirements that I didn't reach towards the time frames that
they had, and I didn't have the know-how of the people that were involved into the Revolt, so I
didn't have that connection, you know, that know somebody that know some -- I didn't know -- in
this, coming to my backyard, this is the opportunity, and I would like to say it's very appreciative
to actually just have the opportunity to be speaking about the situation.
Chair Hardemon: So what I'm asking, then, that -- because this makes sense, right? We have a
gentleman that's from the Overtown community that went out to Revolt last year at the
Fontainebleau and didn't -- I know you didn't perform or anything of that nature, but -- and did
not have an opportunity to participate in the panel discussions. So what I would like to ask --
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and this is something that I'm sure my Board Members wouldn't mind -- is that, Mr. Clinkscales,
is there any way that we can have two passes for -- at least for YD, so that he can be there and
participate in the panel discussions? And then, you could start to at least have that
conversation, and say, "This is" -- and I'm sure, because we have some performances that are
happening, also, here in Overtown, in addition to the --
Mr. Woods: Film --
Chair Hardemon: -- film --
Mr. Woods: -- screenings
Chair Hardemon: -- screenings. So, I mean, there's probably some opportunities there, also; is
that correct?
Andy Ingraham: Yeah. The answer is, yes, we'll be happy --
Chair Hardemon: Well, who -- what's your name, sir?
Mr. Ingraham: My name is Andy Ingraham. We'll be happy to provide some passes to him; but,
yes, we do have both national and international artists, recording artists that will be performing
at the Lyric Theater, so that would be a great opportunity for young people, upcoming talent to
showcase on that Sunday at the Lyric Theater.
Chair Hardemon: And most importantly, I know that the -- we must not forget, this is a
convention, so there's a lot of education that goes on about the business, and so that's something
unique that I think people like YD can partake in so that he can better prepare himself for what's
happening in the industry. So these are the types of connections that we want to make sure that
we have. So congratulations, brother. I mean, I just hope that you take the information that you
learn there and do a lot with it, because I think Overtown is watching. And you've been doing a
great job here, so, I mean, we applaud you for that. So, please --
Applause
Mr. Walden: I appreciate it. Y'all keep doing it, keep doing it.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further public input? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing.
Is there any further discussion from the Board Members? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
6. CRA RESOLUTION
15-01195
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
$280,000, TO MOUNT ZION DEVELOPMENTS, INC. FOR THE REPAIR AND
RENOVATION OF MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH LOCATED AT 301 N.W.
9TH 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;
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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 # 15-01195 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01195 Financial Form.pdf
File # 15-01195 Backup.pdf
File # 15-01195 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 and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-15-0041
Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to RE.6.
Mr. Woods: 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 $280, 000, to Mount Zion Development, Inc., for the repair and
renovation of the Historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 301 Northwest 9th
Street; 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 executive director to execute all documents necessary for
said purpose. Commissioners, this is for the 40-year recertification of the building, of the
structure, and it is a part of our mission to stabilize and secure all of historic structures within
the redevelopment area. The church is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and as such,
this falls right into our mission of securing those historic structures.
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to approve item RE.6. Is there anyone
from the public that'd like to speak on this item? Anyone from the public? Hearing none, I close
the public hearing at this time. Does any of the Board Members want to say anything? This is a
no-brainer. I mean we --
Board Member Suarez: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: -- we're tasked with ensuring that we renovate these types of structures within
our community, so this is something that we ensure, that we take care of and it's our pleasure to
do. So without further discussion, all in favor, say "aye. "
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
7. CRA RESOLUTION
15-01200
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
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AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE ASSIGNMENT
OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 18, 2013
("DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT") FROM ST. JOHN PLAZAAPARTMENTS,
LLC ("ORIGINAL DEVELOPER') TO SJP APARTMENTS, LLC, A FLORIDA
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ("DEVELOPER") AND AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ("AMENDMENT") , SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH DEVELOPER.
File # 15-01200 Cover Memo.pdf
File # 15-01200 Legislation.pdf
File # 15-01200 Exhibit SUB.pdf
Motion by Board Member Suarez, seconded by Vice -Chair Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Gort and Commissioner Suarez
Absent: Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Sarnoff
CRA-R-1 5-0042
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to RE.7.
Clarence Woods, III (Executive Director, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency): Commissioners, Resolution Number 7 is a resolution of the Board of
Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, with
attachments, approving the assignment of the development agreement dated as of January 18,
2013, from St. John Plaza Apartments, LLC (Limited Liability Company), to SJP Apartments,
LLC, a Florida limited liability company; and authorizing the executive director to execute an
amendment to the development agreement, in substantially the attached form, with the developer.
Board Member Suarez: So moved.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: And seconded that we approve this item. At this point, what I ask is for the
representatives from -- who are representing RE.7, please come to the lectern. I know this is an
item that we had before us before, and so what I'd like is for -- well, first, for CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) counsel to explain what are the changes, because I know we're getting
passed this in our hands right here on the dais, so I want to make sure that we understand what
the changes are, and the community understands what the changes are, and then you can explain
why these changes were made.
William Bloom: The primary changes from the last -- the approval of last month is extending the
closing date, outside closing date from November 2 to November 30, because there's a hearing
on November 16, so the developer needed an extra 30 days to accomplish his closing, number
one. Number two, the developer was complaining that penalties in the prior agreement were too
high. What we've done is changed penalties, so there's a maximum penalty. If the developer
doesn't hire any subcontractors within the City, the maximum penalty is $500, 000. If the
developer does not hire any laborers from within the City, the maximum penalty is $500, 000.
That's broken down in different levels at different stages, but those are the aggregate penalties if
there's a total failure on the part of the developer to comply.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
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Javier Fernandez: Commissioner, again, Javier Fernandez, with Stearns, Weaver, Miller, on
behalf of SJP Apartment, LLC. First, let me thank staff, yourself; you, the Members of the Board,
for your assistance with claming these two very important issues. We requested the
modifications, not because we disagree with the prerogative on the penalties, but simply because
the total potential exposure made the deal un-financeable. We've now, in conjunction with your
staff, worked on an amount that allows us to finance the project and move forward, compliant
with the agreement we previously had negotiated. So we thank you for allowing us to move
forward in this fashion.
Chair Hardemon: One of the things I'd like to say about this is that this is one of the projects
that had not gotten off the ground, and as we understand it, when we're signing this, we're
moving into a different developer for reasons that many of us know. And so this deal is different
from the rest that we've been building for just that very reason; we're assigning it to someone
else. And there are a number of things that the community demanded to have. This is one of the
first agreements that had the new penalty structure involved or put into it, and it's where I see a
lot of our contracts going, you know, as best as I can have it. And so when we lower these
penalties, I just want you to understand that I'm doing it because I think that we have to have the
development within our community, and those of us who are involved with this development are
of this community, and St. John is a part of this community and -- for many reasons. And so I
support St. John's in their mission, no matter what has happened in the past, and some of the
disagreements we've had on other issues; not necessarily that -- from the St. John -- the
development organization, but at the same time, this is important for us to get done. And so,
hopefully, with this, there are no further excuses to getting this project off the ground and getting
some people some affordable housing in Overtown. Yes?
Mr. Fernandez: Commissioner, with this, we can proceed fully. And again, just to make sure the
record is clear, while we're reducing the penalties from the prior version, these are still about
$910,000 more of exposure to the developer than any other deal you've negotiated previously, so
it's a substantial step in the direction you want to take these agreements in terms of making sure
there's actual teeth in -- behind these employment guidelines you're setting forth.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion?
Board Member Suarez: Move it for discussion.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved --
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded. Is there -- Commissioner.
Board Member Suarez: Yeah. No, I commend you for working hard, you know, to get this deal
done. I think this is the last of the deals, so it's important that we get this started, and I think
we're all excited about it. At the same time, you know, these penalties would not be enforced if
everything is done appropriately.
Mr. Fernandez: Correct, right.
Board Member Suarez: So that's the key component there. And, you know, obviously, we never
want to structure a deal so aggressively that it's not financeable, and so there's that balance with,
you know, obviously, wanting to get the project started and done, and wanting to make sure that
the residents of Overtown, by and through the CRA, are protected. So, you know, again, I
commend you on it. I commend you for working hard to make this happen, and I think at the end
of the day, it's the community that's going to benefit.
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ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Gort: I think our goal is not only to provide affordable, which is much needed, but
workforce housing, also. But at the same time, we need to create subcontractors. This is
something we need from Overtown, where they can not only do the work here in Overtown, but
they can expand and do work throughout the City of Miami, and that's what creates job and
maintains job. Our second goal is make sure we put people to work, because that's what we
need; to put people to work.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion?
Board Member Suarez: No.
Chair Hardemon: I believe I opened up the floor for public hearing. If not, the floor is open for
public hearing. You're recognized, sir.
Ola Aluko: Thank you, Commissioner. Ola Aluko, president and CEO (chief executive officer)
of St. John CDC; co -developer of the St. John Plaza Apartments, 1324 Northwest 3rd Avenue.
Commissioners, you've pretty much taken the words out of my mouth with regards to: One, St.
John CDC being a community developer as opposed to a developer coming from outside within.
We know what the needs are in Overtown. We've known what the needs are in Overtown, and just
by what we've been doing thus far, we can prove that this development will ensure that we get
Overtown laborers and subcontractors, whoever they might be, within the town. We've already
started conversations with the workforces; we've started conversations with the existing -- some
of the existing contractors who started the first three projects. And again, we just want to
refortify our promise, our mission to ensure that we meet the goals within this new agreement.
We did have some challenges in the beginning, and we're happy to say that the challenges are
over with, and according to the agreement that you're looking at right now, in approximately 60
days, we will be closing this project -- I mean this deal -- and the groundbreaking will
commence. So, again, we'd like to thank you; we'd like to thank the CRA staff- their attorney,
staff attorney; and also, the community, just for their support of this project. And we will see you
in approximately 60 to 90 days for the groundbreaking. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is there any further discussion? Any further -- well,
first of all, anyone else from the public would like to speak? Hearing none, I close the public
hearing. Any further discussion from the dais? Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Board (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Chair Hardemon: As amended The meeting concludes at 5: 48 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 5: 48 p.m.
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