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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2006-03-27 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.ci.miami.fl.us * IMCORP GROTED lEmSIE Co l 11, • Meeting Minutes Monday, March 27, 2006 5:00 PM MEETING LOCATION: CITY HALL 3500 PAN AMERICAN DRIVE MIAMI, FLORIDA SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Johnny L. Winton, Chair Michelle Spence -Jones, Vice Chair Angel Gonzalez, Board Member Joe Sanchez, Board Member Tomas Regalado, Board Member ************************** CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Present: Board Member Sanchez, Board Member Regalado and Vice Chair Spence -Jones Absent: Board Member Gonzalez and Chair Winton On the 27th day of March 2006, the Board of Directors of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Districts of the City of Miami met in regular session at the City of Miami City Hall, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Spence -Jones at 5:15 p.m. and was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Frank Rollason, Executive Director, CRA, City of Miami James Villacorta, Assistant General Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Pamela E. Burns, Assistant Clerk of the Board ABSENT: Chair Johnny Winton Board Member Angel Gonzalez Invocation and Pledge Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Like to start first with the prayer from Commissioner Sanchez and the pledge by Commissioner Regalado. Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered. FINANCIALS 1 06-00276 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH END FEBRUARY 28, 2006 Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Vice Chair Spence -Jones: First item on the agenda, number 1, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) resolution, financial summary. Frank. Board Member Sanchez: Frank. Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): This is Miguel Valentin, the CPA (Certified Public Accountant), the financial officer for the CRA, and he'll give the update for -- through February. Miguel Valentin (Chief Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening, Ms. Jones and Commissioner Sanchez and Commissioner Regalado. Well, on page 1, you will find the combined statement of financial positions as of February 28, 2006. I want you to refer to item Cash -Unrestricted. In February, we were reflecting 576,042 for Southeast Overtown, and in Omni, we're reflecting 795,914. Below you will have a breakdown of -- as to how the items were made of -- in summary, the CRA finances are sound, and there is no reportable condition to disclose to the Board. If you want any further clarification, I'm more than happy to answer you. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Does anybody have any questions on the budget at all, on the summary? Board Member Sanchez: Yes, I do. On the -- thank you, Madam Chair. Just on the first item of City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 RESOLUTIONS 2 06-00274 the day, which is the financial summary through May -- February 28. Mr. Valentin: Twenty-eighth. Board Member Sanchez: It's a common practice for me to ask you is there anything out of the norm or anything that we should be made aware of or any reporting conditions? Mr. Valentin: There is no reportable condition as of now -- Board Member Sanchez: OK. Mr. Valentin: -- to report to the board. Board Member Sanchez: All right, and I want to praise Frank Rollason and the staff -- Mr. Valentin: Thank you. Board Member Sanchez: -- and yourself for getting a good clean bill of health on your finances. All right. No further questions. So moved. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK, we're going to move to the next item. Board Member Sanchez: Don't we have to vote? Mr. Rollason: Well, there is -- it's just a financial report. Board Member Sanchez: Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. Rollason: It doesn't require any action on behalf of the board. Board Member Regalado: But it says "resolution." Mr. Rollason: Well, it shouldn't. It's just -- it should be just a financial report. I mean, you can accept it if you'd like to accept it, but I mean, there's no resolution with it. Board Member Sanchez: It's just an update. I mean, you want to -- Mr. Rollason: It's an update. You're correct, Commissioner. It should not -- but it should not say resolution. It's just a financial report. Board Member Regalado: OK. CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXERCISE THE CRAS' OPTION TO RENEW THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CITADEL ARENA CORPORATION FOR THE CRAS' OFFICE SPACE AT 49 NORTHWEST 5TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, COMMENCING City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 SEPTEMBER 1, 2006, AT THE RATE OF $13,968.52 PER MONTH, OR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $167,622.24 ($16.76 PER SQUARE FOOT), INCLUDING TAXES, UTILITIES, AND 16 PARKING SPACES; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW/OMNI TIF GENERAL OPERATING ACCOUNT, "RENT/BUILDING," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 689004.550010.6.620. Cover Memo 06.00274.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Sanchez, seconded by Board Member Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Board Member Sanchez, Board Member Regalado and Vice Chair Spence -Jones Absent: 2 - Board Member Gonzalez and Chair Winton CRA-R-06-0013 Board Member Sanchez: All right. Item Number 2. Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): All right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Item -- Mr. Rollason: Item Number 2 is a resolution, which is basically -- I'm asking for you to give me the authority to renew the lease on our existing building. It doesn't come up until August, but if we're not going to do that, I need to know that now so I can start making other plans. We have three renewable options for us to renew. There's a set increase on them, and this will give us the office space for an additional year. It includes the power and it includes 16 parking spaces for us in the facility. Again, this was a -- we went out to bid for this several years ago. The original contract was for two years, and then three additional one-year periods to renew, and this gets us into the renewal period, so we've got a couple more we can go for if we have to. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I just have one question, Frank, regarding the item itself. It's not really a big deal, but I just want to have some clarity because we're spending almost a hundred and six -- well, almost $170, 000 on rent per year, and I'm sure we all know that CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) -- the building itself is not the most conducive place to really park. You know, it's very difficult for public and folks to even come to the building. Is there a five-year plan or some sort of plan that you have in place or you have in mind to transition out of this -- I mean, we have so many -- you know, we have facilities ourselves that can help accommodate and even reduce on some of this cost. Do you have a three or five-year plan in mind or something regarding transitioning from that building to another space? Mr. Rollason: We have funding which is available through the bonds in the purchase of the MRC (Miami Riverside Center) building. At that time, the Chairman of the CRA, Commissioner Teele, was able to negotiate that approximately $2.3 million was set aside for office space for the CRA. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Um -hum. Mr. Rollason: That has grown now to about 2.7 million. It has not been my position to -- for the CRA to go out and build its own building. We -- I would prefer that we partner with somebody doing something within the CRA areas, that we're a meaningful piece of that; we get our office out of it, and we're able maybe to get some housing or so forth. There is a project that's under discussion now that the Chairman is considering, which has to do with the project that's being done with Off -Street Parking, which is down by the courthouse in the -- that City View project City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 that is coming on-line, and there is an element in there of affordable housing and workforce housing -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Um -hum. Mr. Rollason: -- so there has been some discussions about us partnering with that one. There's also been discussions about partnering with an office building directly behind where the clubs are. There's a big space there that a developer has that has approached us to enter in with a deal with him to, again -- we would have office space. What we would get out of that project is what's called an environmental hotel, and that would be a place that all of the clubs would be able to deposit their garbage and trash because there is no place on the Grand Promenade for that, and that project has been discussed. That hotel would belong to us. We would convey it to the City, and Solid Waste would -- the thought was that Solid Waste would run that and -- through a contractor so that we would have control over that, but there is nothing concrete at the moment, but there are many options that we could look at. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Rollason: When we move to the location that we currently are, our objective was to get within the CRA because before we were at the Dupont Plaza and it wasn't anywhere close. At least where we are now, especially in the Overtown area, many residents and businesspeople are able to come to us and walk over to us, or park there on 6th Street, but you're right. It's not very conducive for big meetings. It doesn't have a big meeting room, and one of the things I've talked to Art Noriega about, if we go in there, is that we would want a room of big enough size to be able to hold our board meetings with the public, and also you have to keep in mind that whatever we do eventually inures to the City because as the CRA goes away, that property would belong to the City, so something that was closer to downtown, even though within the CRA, may be more conducive for the City to have afterwards than something that's further located away from the MRC. Here we'd be fairly close to the courthouse and the downtown area, so those are just things we're thinking about at this time. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right. I'd just like you to add -- have you add to it, though, Block 36 as a possible option because -- Mr. Rollason: There's no problem -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I think that they definitely need to -- this would give them the boost in order to really make that project happen, too, so if you can consider that as an option, that'd be greatly appreciated. Mr. Rollason: Sure, we can do that. Board Member Regalado: Madam Chairman. Frank, you mentioned that you have like 2.7 -- Mr. Rollason: It's about 2.7 now. Board Member Regalado: OK If the County were to extend the life of the CRA, which they probably would in the near future because it's the right thing to do, not because we enter into other agreements, but if they do that, CRA is going to be there longer than -- Mr. Rollason: Well -- Board Member Regalado: -- we are, all of us -- Mr. Rollason: That's true. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Board Member Regalado: -- and -- Board Member Sanchez: Speak for yourself. Board Member Regalado: Well -- Board Member Sanchez: Speak for yourself. Board Member Regalado: -- 27 -- in 2027. Board Member Sanchez: I plan on being around. Board Member Regalado: You know, baby boomers, we are like -- but anyway, look, the CRA must be, should be in the area it serves, but it also should be a signature place, and you know, one thinks, well, what about the Ward Rooming House? We're always looking for money for that, and it could be a museum and the office of the agency that is doing the redevelopment in the area, so what about the fire station? It could be a museum on the first floor, and then you know, you have your second floor with the office, and it is a place that anyone would identify with the City, and it would interact with the community, so you know, think about this because -- I mean, you mentioned like trash, like recycling. I mean, you don't want your office in an environmental hotel. I mean, the title is nice, but we're talking about trash here. You know, it will be trash all over the CRA office, so you know, I think the chairperson, which is the Commissioner for the area and -- Michelle and the Chairman and all -- and you, Frank, and all of us should think about this. I mean, there is this possibility of killing two birds with a shot, you know. You build your office and you have a museum, and you know, your headaches about looking for money to put more on the Ward Rooming House or the fire station are gone, so I wish you could look into that. Mr. Rollason: We can certainly do that, and I think you bring up some good points. We had talked about the fire station several years ago. At that time it was looking to be a museum, and the chairman at that time did not want our offices in with the museum. Some of the areas you have to think about is parking, if we're going to have -- be able to have the public come and actually have the meetings there, but listen, we're getting ready to launch into this CIP (Capital Improvements Program) committee that's going to be dealing with all of it, and this can be a piece in with that, with the project and you know, certainly your thoughts will be considered. Board Member Sanchez: Well, I like one thing, that you have many options. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Rollason: Yeah. Board Member Sanchez: All right. So move. Board Member Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We're going to go into Number 3. Mr. Rollason: All right. Number 3 -- Board Member Sanchez: No. We got to vote on it. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, we got to vote on it. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Mr. Rollason: -- is the -- Board Member Regalado: Need to vote. Board Member Sanchez: We got to vote on it. Board Member Regalado: Vote. Mr. Rollason: Oh, they -- Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Vote. Mr. Rollason: -- didn't vote? Oh, I'm sorry. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor, say "aye." The Board Members (Collectively): Aye. Board Member Sanchez: All those in opposition have the same right, say "nay." Motion carries. Mr. Rollason: We always have to vote, you know. I always -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Rollason: -- hate that part. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Commissioner Sanchez, for your help. Board Member Sanchez: No, no. You're doing a great job. 3 06-00354 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO REMIT TAX INCREMENT REVENUES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,430,000, TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO PAY DEBT SERVICE ON THE BONDS ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT AREA; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM OMNI TIF FUND, "INTERGOVERNMENTAL CHARGES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 686001.590320.6.905. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Board Member Sanchez, seconded by Board Member Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Board Member Sanchez, Board Member Regalado and Vice Chair Spence -Jones Absent: 2 - Board Member Gonzalez and Chair Winton CRA-R-06-0012 City ofMiami Page 7 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Number 3. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right, Item Number 3. Mr. Rollason: All right. Item Number 3 is the annual payment to the County of the $1.43 million for retiring the construction bonds on the Performing Arts Center. It is contained within the interlocal agreement with the County. It is an item that I come to you annually to, you know, get your blessing to release the check and give the check to the County. Board Member Sanchez: So move. Board Member Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? Board Member Sanchez: Say "aye." The Board Members (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All those opposed? Passes unanimously. NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 06-00656 CRA DISCUSSION A motion to direct the Executive Director to (subject matter: provide $25,000 grant to Tools for Change for technical assistance for businesses within the CRA boundaries.) Motion by Board Member Sanchez, seconded by Board Member Regalado, PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Board Member Sanchez, Board Member Regalado and Vice Chair Spence -Jones Absent: 2 - Board Member Gonzalez and Chair Winton Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): All right. That -- what we should do now is close this meeting, adjourn the meeting of the Southeast -- All right. What -- how do you want to handle it, Madam Clerk? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Actually, we -- I have an item before -- because we're getting ready to go to -- Mr. Rollason: Oh, OK. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- Mid -- yeah. Let's not forget this one, Frank. Mr. Rollason: No, no. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: This will be the second time we forgot. I don't want to -- Mr. Rollason: You're right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- forget again. OK, as you know, the last time that we were -- we had our Commission meeting -- excuse me, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, there was an item that was passed or was directing the director to get with Tools for Change to work with these businesses in Overtown. As you know, we've been very aggressive about all of 3rd Avenue projects, and I believe that Frank has met with Tools for Change. You know, this is City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 in reference to the plaza that is the Arena Square Apartments that have been vacant for at least about two years now, and we were trying to push to get people in that space. I think we have seven -- six or seven new businesses lined up to go into that space, which I'm very excited about, and I would like at least to have Elaine Black at least give us a two -minute update. Two minute, Elaine. Elaine Black: Hi. My name is Elaine Black, executive director of Tools for Change, located at 6015 Northwest 7th Avenue. I'm very happy to say on Friday we had 20 businesses and 5 people from the City out to attend our noon meeting. At that time, we had presentations by our local NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) giving the businesses all their requirements for being in compliance with the government regulations, a discussion by Mr. Yuken on leasing the properties. Overall, there is a lot of excitement. Right now we have about nine people who are interested in going into the spaces. We only have five to six spaces available. We have identified other spaces within the area for those businesses to go in. The excitement is there. Our focus is definitely going to be to ensure that not only the businesses at Arena Square, but other businesses in the area have an opportunity to relocate in that area. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Elaine, could you just let us know real fast those businesses so that we know? Ms. Black: Oh, we have Hardaway's Wings. We have the newspaper, the Metro newspaper. We have George Williams drop-off cleaners. We have a pharmacy. We have Rudy's. We have another catering company. I even have a client who is a construction company -- Ms. Brenda Wiggins, she's interested in the second floor of the New Providence building, so we have -- A Touch of Class clothing store, which has been located on 54th Street for a number of years, so we have businesses that are interested in coming. In addition, we have businesses who are already there who attended the meeting, and like the man who's owned the shoe store for the last 20 to 30 years, he's interested in painting and fixing up his store, so we're getting cooperation on behalf of the -- not only the Arena Square property owners, but other property owners in the area. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Elaine. I just want to -- Ms. Black: Thank you. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- add real fast, I do know that -- and Frank has briefed me on this -- the Board is really trying to get away from doing items like this from a pocket standpoint -- pocket item standpoint, and we're really trying to make sure that we stick to what we agreed we're going to do throughout the whole year, but to me, you know, seeing the people that are suffering in Overtown and having businesses have a willingness to really come there to provide them with jobs -- we don't have a pharmacy at all in Overtown. They have to go all the way to Allapattah just to go to the pharmacy, you know. Don't have a dry cleaner in the area. I mean, these are basic, you know, essentials that neighborhoods have that we don't have in Overtown, so now we have this happening, and we passed this item two -- we actually brought this up two CRA meetings ago. The last one we got, it passed and it wasn't an issue, and I thought that when we got back together today, then we would be moving this so that they could provide these businesses with the technical support to get the projects done. We want them in there, so I appreciate your work on this, Elaine Black, and Frank, thank you for working with them to get what is needed, so hopefully, I can have support on this item today. Board Member Sanchez: Executive Director, you're recognized. Ms. Black: Thank you. Board Member Sanchez: Thank you, ma'am. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Mr. Rollason: I support the project wholeheartedly. I have no problem with it, but my issue is with the process -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Um -hum. Mr. Rollason: -- and I can tell you that it has taken us several years to get the CRA to the point that it's looked at within the community of a level of trust and openness and transparency that we all talked about, that the audit spoke to and so forth. The Chairman of this board has directed me, as you know, that he does not want me bringing pocket items to this agenda, especially those dealing with the expenditure of funds, and that being said, that has been the policy and this is how we have operated. In the past, as you may recall, there were many times that items were brought at the last minute that the board members were not fully aware of or fully briefed of -- and I'm not saying that's not -- that's the case in this time, but I'm saying that those things happen, and it gave the perception that we were -- at the last minute we were spending the taxpayers' money. The people in the community did not have the opportunity to speak on those issues, and there were many things that were raised, as you remember the past histories of the CRA, and the only thing I'm asking -- and I've certainly asked of the Vice Chair -- that we try to curtail these as much as possible because it does start to lead to the belief that we're sort of slipping back to how things were in the past. If there were a way to do this another way, I would certainly like to do it another way from -- just from a procedural standpoint, and perhaps, if Tools for Change could be engaged with us, I don't see any problem at the next board meeting that they would not approve this going forward. They've already approved it and given me direction to bring back a resolution. I'm just looking at the timing standpoint, and you know, that being said, I'll turn it back to the Chair, and you -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I'm going to recognize my colleague, but I do want to say this. If this was not the case, based upon the last meeting directing it to come back, I would agree with that, but at this point, we have everyone moving to make these projects happen, and we already know that there's been times when we have CRA meetings and it's times that we don't have CRA meetings, so I don't want to be in the situation that April 24 comes around, then we have to wait until May, and then we have people in limbo when we have businesses that are ready to go, so that's the only reason that I really wanted to make sure that this was going to happen in this meeting, and for me not to see it on the agenda today was really shocking for me, so I would ask that we move this item and we all -- and we will -- I know, from my office perspective, I will take that in consideration and make sure that this kind -- these kind of actions will not take place from a pocket item standpoint. I recognize my colleague. Board Member Sanchez: Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Executive Director, I don't think you're going to get an argument from any of us here as to the process in itself, and I certainly am in agreement a hundred percent with the Chair as to not bringing out any pocket items that have a fiscal responsibility to the CRA. However, I think that Commissioner Spence -Jones has made a good argument as to -- this was supposed to be on the agenda. It was approved by the Commission. It was not on the agenda for whatever reason, and her heart's in the right place. Your arguments -- well, your statements are taken in perspective -- I think that we could somehow, maybe through a policy decision -- which we are the policymakers -- direct you to start the process, and maybe bring it back at the next Commission; maybe if it's to ratify it, not in -- so we don't take any action here that it is a pocket item, but I think that we could make a motion directing you to start the progress -- the process, and if you do get it done before then, basically, bring it back to the Commission for ratifying -- to ratify the item. That's the only way that I could see it going through, but I do want say that the Commissioner heart is in the right place. You know, it is through our fault and bureaucracy that these businesses are suffering, and at the end of the day, we are the ones that are here to provide assistance to those businesses, so I think that we could have a happy medium here where we could get this done without -- not violating anything or getting you in an awkward situation or position, or having the Chair come City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 back later on and say that, you know, it was a pocket item, so I'll yield at this time to Commissioner Regalado, and then I'll take the floor back. Board Member Regalado: Thank you. Thank you, Board Member Sanchez and Madam Chairman. Did they were present when we didn't have quorum in the Grand several weeks ago? Mr. Rollason: No. This item did not come -- this item came the first time back on March 9, and it came as a direction to me to put together the resolution to bring back to you at the next available CRA Board meeting. What's happened is the package was not put together. We were so close between March 9 and this cutoff for March 27, the package was not put together to make the cutoff in the distribution that I have Chairman Winton review that he signs off on before the agenda goes out. Board Member Regalado: Well, I mean, it is true that we need to have a process, but it's also true that there is a sense of urgency in Overtown, and with all the thing going on with, you know, the problem with the County, and the paper saying, you know, that project is going to die, and this problem is going to be looked at it, I think it's unfair to deny right now the possibility of starting the whole real process with these people because for us -- I mean, for us, we can wait. We don't -- I mean, we have all the time in the world. We have years. We can cut back next month, but for the business, it could mean a make or break situation, and you know, sometimes pocket items with fiscal impact do get approved -- Mr. Rollason: I understand. Board Member Regalado: -- and $25,000? Mr. Rollason: Yes. Board Member Regalado: There was one approved for more than $25, 000 a few months ago in the City Commission, so I would ask the executive director to convey to the Chairman the fact that this was an urgent plea from the board members, and you know -- Mr. Rollason: Maybe we can hit a happy compromise here because I'm certainly not opposed to this. Board Member Sanchez: I don't think anybody's opposed to this. Mr. Rollason: I can just do it, as the executive director. I can do it, sign the agreement, front the money, and bring it back as a ratification to whatever board meeting is the next appropriate board meeting to do, and that way this resolution doesn't have to even be acted on, and I think I hear the sentiment of the Board -- Board Member Sanchez: Frank, that -- that's -- Mr. Rollason: -- and I can just go forward with it and do it and bring it back as a ratification. Board Member Sanchez: -- the best thing we could do. Let's not pass it as a pocket item, but you, as the executive director, under your power, can execute this and bring it back on the 24th, which is the next meeting, for ratification, and I'm sure that, you know, if it comes back with your recommendation, I don't see any reason why we couldn't rates it, so -- Mr. Rollason: No, I agree. Board Member Sanchez: -- having said that, as the directive that you put on the record -- and I certainly don't want to repeat it again, but I would move that directive to you. So move. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Before -- I just want to make sure, OK. I don't -- what I don't want to have happen is their actions to stop after April -- until April 24. I want to be very clear that whatever needs to happen with Tools for Change to get this -- because they're already working -- Mr. Rollason: I understand. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- so I want to make sure that that's communicated and moving ahead in -- Mr. Rollason: No, that's -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- that direction. Mr. Rollason: -- that is exactly what would -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Rollason: -- happen. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's -- Mr. Rollason: It would be the same as if we had it scheduled and it had been passed. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. Mr. Rollason: The only thing is is I will bring it back to ratify my actions based on the emergency that's been presented by this Board. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. Board Member Sanchez: There's -- need a second. Board Member Regalado: I would -- Board Member Sanchez: Second it. Board Member Regalado: -- second it, but I have to say that we don't need the window dressing because it's got to be done, and I continue to say that this Commission has passed recently pocket item with a huge financial impact, so I don't see the problem being that this is an issue, but you know, I will go along, you know, as long as they get the money; as long as they get the help. That's -- if we want to make it look good, that's fine by me, but it is bad policy to keep people in need waiting. It is very bad policy because, you know, sometime we rush and approve things, and then when it's the needs of the people, then, you know, we have a long process and long debates and all that. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And -- Board Member Regalado: I remember that we didn't even have a discussion on that pocket item at the City Commission level, but that's OK by me. I'll second it and I'll go for it. Board Member Sanchez: All in favor, say -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 5/2/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 27, 2006 The Board Members (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All opposed? Board Member Sanchez: Passes. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Passes unanimously. Board Member Sanchez: Now, do we have another item? Mr. Rollason: Now, we have another board meeting. We have a meeting of -- Board Member Sanchez: OK. Mr. Rollason: -- the Midtown CRA, so I think what we need to do is to adjourn this meeting and call the -- Board Member Sanchez: So move to adjourn. Mr. Rollason: -- Midtown now. Board Member Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: This meeting is adjourned, right? Mr. Rollason: Right. Board Member Regalado: Yeah. Mr. Rollason: This meeting's history. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 5/2/2006