Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2006-05-11 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 Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:00 AM (10:00 AM or thereafter) 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, Commissioner Joe Sanchez, Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Commissioner ************************** 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 May 11, 2006 Present: Chair Winton, Vice Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Gonzalez, Commissioner Sanchez and Commissioner Regalado On the 11 th day of May 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 Chair Johnny L. Winton at 4: 32 p. m. and was adjourned at 5:20 p. m. ALSO PRESENT: Frank Rollason, Executive Director, CRA, City ofMiami James Villacorta, Assistant General Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Pamela E. Burns, Assistant Clerk of the Board RESOLUTIONS 1 06-00681 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-05-0049, AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-06-0002, ESTABLISHING THE OVERTOWN SMALL BUSINESS GRANT INITIATIVE, TO INCREASE FUNDING, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000.00, FROM $200,000.00 TO $250,000.00, TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED SMALL BUSINESSES IN OVERTOWN; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 689001.550108.6.940. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Chair Winton, Vice Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Sanchez and Connnissioner Regalado Absent: 1 - Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-06-0017 Direction by Vice Chair Spence -Jones to the Executive Director of the CRA to coordinate a meeting with Arena Square, the CRA, Tools for Change, and the other key partners to determine the costs for the build -out of the pilot project for new businesses moving within the CRA. Chair Winton: Like to call to order the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Community Redevelopment Authority board meeting of Thursday, May 11, 2006. Mr. Rollason, are you ready? Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Just about, just about. Chair Winton: Let's not be going so slow. You're still too young for that kind of slow motion up there. City ofMiami Page 2 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Rollason: Well, you're right. There are agendas up here on the dais for any of the people, the public that would like to have a copy. They're sitting up here. Being that we combined this meeting at the same time as the Commission, we have -- we do not have a financial report for you. We'll bring that up when we -- Chair Winton: Fine. Mr. Rollason: -- bring the next one up, so item number 1 on the agenda is a resolution whereby I'm recommending that we increase the Overtown small business grant initiative from the original 200,000 by another 50,000 to 250, 000, and the reason being for that is we are diligently giving these grants and awarding the grants, and getting money out into the public, and there's other grant applications that are coming, and I think, come probably next budget year, I'm going to be coming back, if this program is successful as it has been, to probably kick in some more, but right now, I've been able to come up with another 50, and I'm recommending that we put this in. To date, we have -- the amount of the program was 200, 000. We have awarded grants in the amount of $145,000, and of that amount, we have already disbursed 100,000, and this was as of April 25, and that has dwindled down somewhat since then. Chair Winton: But what's the end result then? It's always easy to give money out. That's never - Mr. Rollason: It is. Chair Winton: -- a bit of a problem. Mr. Rollason: At the last board meeting, you'll recall, Mr. Chairman, that you requested we put a report together for you, and we are -- got a very detailed report that's coming, but it is being successful. People are getting jobs. Pieces of equipment have been bought that have helped the businesses that have been in business in the community for long terms, and you know, we feel it is a successful program. Chair Winton: Well, there's probably going to be, principally, two measures of success. The primary two; the first one being jobs; the second one being gross revenues for the business because gross revenues ultimately translates to jobs also, so -- Mr. Rollason: Yes. Chair Winton: -- I'm going to assume that you're going to be bringing us a report in the not -too -distant future that shows a change in the historical number ofjobs, new number ofjobs since the program went into effect, historical gross revenues, new gross revenues. I'm not looking for net revenue because that's a -- you know -- Mr. Rollason: I understand. Chair Winton: -- I don't care about their -- I don't want to know about profit. I just want to know about -- watch revenues. Commissioner Sanchez: Executive -- I just -- Executive Director, $50, 000, are they for applicants that are in the process now, or they're just --? Mr. Rollason: No. It would be for new applicants. Commissioner Sanchez: For new applicants. Mr. Rollason: In other words, I still have not tapped out the full 200, but I know that it's going City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 to he -- Chair Winton: That it's coming. Mr. Rollason: -- rapidly approached. Commissioner Sanchez: So by what you're gathering now and the people that are applying for the services, you foresee -- Mr. Rollason: I am anticipating that we're going to be (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- and also, keep in mind that we entered into the agreement with Tools for Change, and within that is -- I'm anticipating some build -out work to happen in one of the buildings on 3rd Avenue, as those businesses get up to speed, and again, this fund would allow us to help those businesses to build out the facilities. Vice Chairman Winton: Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Sanchez: I'm done. Commissioner Spence -Jones: OK. Commissioner Sanchez: I'm ready to move it. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. By all means, you know that I'm in support of making sure that whatever is necessary happens for the businesses that are in the area. Again, this is an item -- a project that was initiated before I got on board. When I came on board, we kind of expanded the scope of what we wanted to see happen by attracting new businesses to the area and supporting the existing ones that were there and to help market the area. I just want to make sure that we do not -- I want to really make sure we fully think this whole thing out because I don't want to have a situation where you're coming for 50, and then later on, you have to come back for more because we did not take into account that we're having to do build -out as a part of it. I don't have a problem with moving this item now. I just would like to see, especially for the pilot project that we're doing for the new businesses that are moving in, a meeting that takes place with the -- Arena Square, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), Tools for Change, and the other key partners that are trying to make sure that the build -out happens for the pilot program, so that when you come back, you can give us real numbers so that it's not seen -- or it appears as though we have not thought this -- the whole thing through, so I would move it now, but I'd like to see the next time that we have a meeting that you can come with additional information, Frank, from a meeting that you've had with all of the individuals that I mentioned to give us a real number for that build -out cost for the new project because I know originally when it was created, we didn't have those things in mind, and I just don't want the businesses to suffer or the community to suffer because it appears as though we didn't think it all the way through. Commissioner Sanchez: Second. Mr. Rollason: Well -- Chair Winton: We have a -- Mr. Rollason: -- let me comment on that. Chair Winton: OK We have a motion and a second. Please comment. Mr. Rollason: Yes. Let me comment on that. The reason that we're sitting here at 50,000 is that's what I've been able to glean and put into the project, recognizing that I'm going to start to City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 run short before the end of the budget year, but I fully anticipate, depending on what the pleasure is of the Board, to put into the budget that will come to you again in June for FY (fiscal year) '07, to have additional funding in for this that we'll identify from next year's TIF (Tax Increment Fund) revenues that we'll receive. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: For next year, meaning October 1, right? Mr. Rollason: That would be October 1. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right, so I just want to make sure between the summer months -- we don't -- it doesn't have to be a true big discussion. I'm just saying, the next time we come back, hopefully by this time, we would had a conversation with the groups that we talked about to really know what the price is because I don't want to have a situation -- I want -- by -- going into October, I'd like to see at least some of those spaces be built out, so it would be nice to be able to have you guys sit down and work out what the true number is so it doesn't appear as though we did not think it all the way through, and that's my only comment on it. Mr. Rollason: All right. I've had that discussion with Elaine Black this morning -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Um -hum. Mr. Rollason: -- and she tells me that she is working on numbers to bring to us, and I'm waiting for those numbers to come. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Chair Winton: Well, I'm going to echo what Board Member Spence -Jones said because I'm not crystal clear here. I know that part of our mission, we have some new businesses that we've convinced to come into the community, which is just absolutely outstanding. That's going to cost "X" I know this program started, not with the focus on new businesses, but to promote existing businesses, so that's going to cost "Y," and some way or another, these two need to get -- because they're really working on economic development. They need to be melded together so that we -- and I think that's what she's saying. Meld these things together so we know how much total money we have in the till over here and how much we need to do both of these things, and if we don't have enough, we've got to make the tough decisions up front about what we will do versus what we won't do, and I think that's what she's saying, and I wholeheartedly support that - Mr. Rollason: I agree. Chair Winton: -- so maybe at the next meeting -- at our next meeting, you can bring us that bigger picture. Mr. Rollason: We will have -- it'll be included with the budget that's presented to you for the June meeting. Chair Winton: OK, great. Thank you, so we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this item? If not, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. 2 06-00760 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI, BY QUIT CLAIM DEED, OF REAL PROPERTY, IN "AS IS" CONDITION, LOCATED AT 142 NORTHWEST 11TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN "EXHIBIT A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED. Cover Memo.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Chair Winton, Vice Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Sanchez and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 1 - Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-06-0018 Chair Winton: Number 2. Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): All right. Item number 2 is the acceptance of a small piece of property on 11 th Street that was -- came to the City. We were asked if -- off the list of lands from the County -- we wanted it before the City obtained it. We said we'll take any land within the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) that can be deeded to us. They got it; they passed it onto us in November, and this is to accept that through a quit claim deed -- Chair Winton: Need a motion. Mr. Rollason: -- for the CRA. Commissioner Sanchez: Second -- move. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Second. Chair Winton: Got a motion and second. Any other discussion? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I just wanted to ask -- is this the green --? Is this where we're creating more green space in the Overtown area? Is this what we're getting -- taking the property to do? Mr. Rollason: Well, this is along 11 th Street. It can be used for that, or it can also be used if there is to be any development on that side -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. Mr. Rollason: -- to where you could become a player in that in saying what you'd like to see developed. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK, because I remember when we did a tour with the residents -- Mr. Rollason: Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- we talked about it become Clyde Killens Park area. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Rollason: That's right across the street from Clyde Killens house. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So this is the space, right? Mr. Rollason: That is a little piece of it -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Rollason: -- right there on 11 th Street, yes. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Chair Winton: OK. Motion, second. Any further discussion? If not, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. 3 06-00761 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $163,000, FOR A SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE CITY MANAGER'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE, OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF 1,050 HOUSING UNITS ON BLOCKS 45, 46, 55, AND 56 IN OVERTOWN; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - OTHER," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 689001.550108.6.270. Cover Memo.pdf Back-up 1 .pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Chair Winton, Vice Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 1 - Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-06-0019 Chair Winton: Item number 3. Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): All right. Item number 3 is an issue that we're coming to you that kind of dovetails with the item that you voted on today in RE.2 with the City Commission, and it's dealing with providing the funding for the environmental assessment that we have decided that we want to update from the existing environmental assessment that was done in 1982, and we're looking to update it on those blocks in Overtown. Chair Winton: The environmental assessment. This is the -- City ofMiami Page 7 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Rollason: This is the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) environmental assessment that's required along with the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) that was done, and this is the EA (Environmental Assessment) to update that EA. Chair Winton: OK, so we need a motion. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chair Winton: We have a motion and a second. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Chair Winton: Is this a public hearing, Mr. City Attorney? James Villacorta (Assistant General Counsel): No. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I would like to -- Mr. Villacorta: No, it's not. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- at least afford them with the opportunity to speak on it, though. Chair Winton: OK Eileen Ma: My name -- Chair Winton: Yes, ma'am. Ms. Ma: -- is Eileen Ma. I'm with Power U Center for Social Change, 1633 Northwest 3rd Avenue. I believe there's two of us. We have two brief statements. Chair Winton: OK, great. Ms. Ma: One is we just want to say we wholly support the supplemental environmental study. We're actually very excited that it's going to be done. We just are a little concerned about the funding source for the study. We're concerned that money is coming out of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for the study, and -- Chair Winton: So are we. Ms. Ma: -- I guess part of the question is whether the responsibility, financially or otherwise, of the study should be wholly on the CRA, and so, I guess we'd like to suggest that maybe some alternative and appropriate sources of funding should be looked at and considered. Chair Winton: We don't necessarily disagree with you either. Ms. Ma: OK, shocking. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And I definitely agree with that. Can we look at that as another alternative? Chair Winton: Well, we're going -- yeah, we're going to talk about it as soon as -- City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK, they finish. Chair Winton: -- the public comments are -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. Chair Winton: -- done. It's on my notes to talk about. Beatrice Gilbert: I'd like to agree with what she just said about finding -- Chair Winton: Need your name and address on the record. Ms. Gilbert: I'm sorry. Beatrice Gilbert, 275 Northwest 10th Street. Again, agree with what she said by finding an alternate source for the funding, and also to make -- we want to make sure that the assessment that you do do for it is open to the public -- is an open and public process, and since I'm pretty sure you all are aware that we have -- Power U has submitted comments, but as a community resident, I also want to stress my concern, as well as other community residents, about what happens to the lots, what happens on the lots. Basically, that's all I want. I just want to make sure that we have public forums, something that -- so that the CRA, that the Board, understands what exactly the community needs to be put on these lots. Chair Winton: Mr. City Attorney, I don't know if this is a -- I understand the question she asked. I don't understand -- I don't know if the process -- because this is a technical, legal process, so I don't know if it calls for that or doesn't call for it; if it's allowed or not allowed, so would you clarify that for us? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. There's a -- federal statutes that lay out the procedure, and they do provide for public comment. Chair Winton: There you go. Ms. Gilbert: OK, and I also wanted to say that because, in the past when there was studies going on, when the projects were first done, we want to make sure that it's the community that's here today, not 20 and 30 years ago because people change and needs change. We want to make sure that everything is assessed for today and not 20 and 30 years ago. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Can we get your commitment to make sure that we get people out to participate in that study -- I mean, to participate in -- Ms. Gilbert: Yes. You have -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- pub -- Ms. Gilbert: -- my commitment that I will help in any way I can to make sure that -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That happens. Chair Winton: Great. Ms. Gilbert: Yeah. Chair Winton: Thank you all. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: All right, so see y'all -- City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Chair Winton: OK. The -- we have a motion and a second on this, right? Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Yes. Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, sir. Chair Winton: The -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, we do, but I want us to -- Chair Winton: -- suggestion on the funding is that we -- what we don't want to do is jeopardize the funding, and so I think we would like to -- I think we ought to go back to the City and try to strike a deal with them to do it 50/50. The reason I say 50/50 -- my initial reaction was all of it. You know, they ought to pay for the whole damn thing, but the fact of the matter is that the TIF (Tax Increment Fund) and the way the TIF was created 15 years ago, or whatever it was, all of the revenue that's collected by the County and the City comes to the CRA, none to the City, so they don't really have a revenue source to pay for these things, any of the kind of things that are going on in the CRA, which is the reason they're always looking at us to do it, but -- so I understand their argument. Our argument is that we need every dime we could get because we really are focused on making, for the first time ever, these neighborhoods better neighborhoods, so we could pass a resolution encouraging them to do all of it or a portion of it, but my sense of fairness says it ought to be 50/50, but if y'all vote something else or support something else, I'll probably support that, too. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I definitely, again -- you -- we're -- we just talked in item -- two items prior to this about being able to make sure we have revenue to support things happening in Overtown, and here we have, you know, $163,000 being utilized to do a study, and to me, I just -- and I think we've had this conversation, too, Frank. I mean, Frank, I think we're in somewhat -- we're in agreement on this one, right, Frank? Mr. Rollason: We hit an agreement now and then. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. It's like, you know, I'd like to see that $163, 000 go to the people, you know, so my -- we find monies to do stuff for environmental studies all the time from different sources. I mean, why can't we do it for this one, so while I appreciate you, Mr. Chairman, say 50 percent, but I'm going to say all of it, and you said you'd agree with me if I said all of it. Chair Winton: So we have a motion and a second. We need -- and the motion and the second didn't speak to that issue, so you need to -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Amend. Chair Winton: -- modem the motion, and see if we get a -- who made the motion, Commissioner Sanchez? Ms. Thompson: Yes. Chair Winton: Where is he? Commissioner Gonzalez: He's gone. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, he's gone, so what you guys are proposing is a hundred percent paid by the City for -- City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Chair Winton: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- the study? Chair Winton: For the -- yes. Commissioner Regalado: And where that money will be coming from? Chair Winton: Out of the -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I guess they -- Chair Winton: -- District 4 budget. Commissioner Regalado: OK. That's fine. Chair Winton: We have no idea where it would come from. Commissioner Regalado: But that's my point. Chair Winton: It's up to them to figure that out. Yeah. That's a good -- and that's a -- that's part of the point. Well, let me -- Mr. City Attorney, you -- or CRA attorney, or whatever you are. Mr. Villacorta: Or Assistant City Attorney. Chair Winton: We all recognize we need to do this. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Chair Winton: This study has to be done, and what we don't want to do is throw, you -- the law of unintended consequences here, we do not want to go into effect, so you need to give us some guidance here. You know what we want to do. We also don't want to do the wrong thing. Mr. Villacorta: The City did an environmental impact statement when this project was first proposed, and -- to receive the funds from the Urban Mass Transit Administration. That study was completed in 1982, and the Power U group objected, saying that it was too old. Our -- Chair Winton: Sounds like it. Mr. Villacorta: -- position was that the project was not substantially different, but the City agreed -- the City and the CRA agreed to do a supplemental, not through any requirement, but because of our magnanimous nature, and that is why we're doing the supplemental environmental. Chair Winton: OK, but if -- Mr. Villacorta: Who pays for it -- we've got a resolution from the CRA. Whether the City would consider paying for it instead -- Chair Winton: Well, what happens -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Have we --? Chair Winton: -- if we pass a resolution here that says we're all in favor of doing the environmental assessment and you pay? I mean, what happens then? City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Villacorta: We could request the -- well, we could pass a resolution requesting the City Manager to fund the environmental study for those blocks; that the City find the funds. This is authorizing us to contribute -- this resolution authorizes us to contribute those funds to the City Manager's Capital Improvement and Transportation Office, but we could ask that -- or we could amend the resolution to ask the City Manager to try and find the funds and, barring his ability to do that, we could -- we would contribute. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I mean -- Chair Winton: Now the maker of the motion isn't here for mod Eying it. What do we do about that? Mr. Villacorta: I guess we would -- hopefully, he'll come back. If not, we'll -- we can vote it down and -- Ms. Thompson: Would your sec -- Mr. Villacorta: -- bring it back. Chair Winton: He's not coming back. Ms. Thompson: Would the person who seconded like to withdraw the second so that then it would die? Chair Winton: Yeah. Who seconded it? Commissioner Gonzalez: I will withdraw the second. Chair Winton: OK, so the second has been withdrawn. Therefore, the -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Motion dies. Chair Winton: -- motion dies, so now we need a new motion, so your motion is going to be to agree with the City that this environmental assessment needs to be done, and that we encourage them to use all their great creativity to find the $163,000 that they're requesting from us to do that. Mr. Rollason: What I would recommend is that we don't get in a position that we have a problem with this going forward over the money. I have identified the money. We have it. I agree with the Commissioner that we would certainly have better uses of the money within the CRA than for this, but by the same token, I wouldn't want to be in a position that we passed it with no funding, and then find the City saying they don't have the funding, and then we're coming back another month or two trying to get this thing moving because we would like to move expeditiously on this. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: But Frank, let me ask you. I mean, eventually, the idea is to definitely have housing on those lots, right? I mean, that's kind of what the -- I mean, housing is going to go on those lots, correct? Mr. Rollason: Well, the environmental assessment is going to look at that, and that is what is being discussed today is housing is going on that lot -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: On those lots. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Rollason: -- but I really wouldn't want to put something on the record ahead of time of what is anticipated to be on those lots. I don't know what that EA is going to come back with. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. I'm just saying, I mean, can like maybe this come from Affordable Housing Trust funds, which the -- Chair Winton: No, I don't think so -- Commissioner Gonzalez: No, I don't think -- Chair Winton: -- and I don't think we can decide what the -- where the City's funding source is going to be. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right. I mean -- Mr. Rollason: Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I -- my point is, I think the $163,000 needs to stay in Overtown. Mr. Rollason: I understand that. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's -- Chair Winton: Overtown/Park West. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Overtown/Park West. Commissioner Regalado: But at the same time -- Chair Winton: Yeah, the -- you -- Commissioner Regalado: -- Mr. Chairman and Vice Chairman, this is an issue that if a -- great interest to a large group of people. If we go back and forth, you know, do you find the money; you haven't find the money. No, we'll look for, you know -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: But it was their suggestion. Commissioner Regalado: I'm sorry? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: It was their suggestion. Commissioner Regalado: I understand it's their suggestion, but they have had a sense of urgency for this study, and if they are willing to wait and we are willing to wait month and month, and maybe, you know, what's going to happen is that, eventually, they going to say, well, why don't we wait for budget time, which is, by the way, coming up in July, and we will find the money, and we'll budget it for the study. I'm just saying that we're here stuck because Frank already identified the money, and we're asking the City to consider please do try to find -- probably, they'll find it, but not as fast as some people will wish to see this study being done. Chair Winton: I think that's right, so I think we ought to go back to -- I'm sorry. Yes, sir. Commissioner Gonzalez: I do have a concern. I have a question and I have a concern. How much does this environmental study cost when they did it back in '82? Commissioner Regalado: Ten dollars. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Commissioner Gonzalez: Probably. Chair Winton: Probably a million. Mr. Villacorta: The one in 1982 was performed by a consortium of people; partly the City's departments, partly the County, UMTA (Urban Mass Transit Administration). There was a number of agencies that contributed. What the cost to the City was at that time, I can't tell you. Commissioner Gonzalez: Did we request bids on this study or on this update? Chair Winton: Request what? Mr. Rollason: He's asking -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: For the cost. Mr. Rollason: -- if there were bids. Commissioner Gonzalez: A bid from different companies, or we just -- Mr. Villacorta: The City Manager's -- Commissioner Gonzalez: -- want -- Mr. Villacorta: -- Office of Capital Improvements was able to find a way to bring it to Gannett Fleming under an existing contract. Ms. Ma: I wonder if I may comment to clarify our concern about it? May I? Commissioner Gonzalez: I'm not finished. Chair Winton: I don't think so. Ms. Ma: It'll -- Chair Winton: The public hear -- you know, there -- Mr. Villacorta: There -- this isn't a public hearing. Chair Winton: I think this is really -- Ms. Ma: Oh, I just wanted to -- I was -- Chair Winton: This is a debate between us about -- Ms. Ma: Oh. Chair Winton: -- a policy issue, so -- Ms. Ma: 'Cause I think he was referencing our concerns, and I just wanted to be sure that those are clearly stated. May I? I mean, it'll be 30 seconds. Chair Winton: OK City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Ms. Ma: I promise. I mean, our concern is that we want the study done, and we want it done right. Already, there's been too much that we feel has gone on those lots that has been a little unclear and a little vague, and so our interest is to make sure that the money comes from the right place, and we'd hate to see that this study that needs to be done takes away from any other efforts that are, you know, going to improve Overtown. Chair Winton: Well, that's what life is, a series of tradeoffs, so -- Commissioner Gonzalez: My other concern about funding is that now that, apparently, things are going to start to happen in Overtown, every time you're going to do a project, you're going to need an environmental study, so is the intention of the CRA to have the City of Miami pay for all of these studies, or are you working --? Mr. Villacorta: These blocks are unique in that this environmental study is required by the National Environmental Policy Act, which is a federal statute, and involves -- it flows from federal agencies taking action. Prior to taking an action, they have to conduct the study. The United States Urban Mass Transit Administration, which is no longer around -- it's been absorbed into US (United States) DOT (Department of Transportation). When they agreed to fund the purchase of these four blocks, they had to perform an environmental study before they took that action. That study was performed. This was found to be a proper use of the funds. We're saying that the project that we're contemplating now, Crosswinds, is substantially the same, but we have agreed, without being compelled to, to perform a supplemental environmental. Chair Winton: This is a socioeconomic environmental analysis -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. Chair Winton: -- not -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Winton: -- like a phase I environmental. Commissioner Gonzalez: Oh, it's not? Chair Winton: This doesn't have anything -- Mr. Villacorta: No. Chair Winton: -- to do with -- Commissioner Gonzalez: Oh, OK. Mr. Villacorta: It looks at -- Commissioner Gonzalez: All right. Mr. Villacorta: -- impacts of the project on the neighborhood, on traffic, on noise, on dust. Mr. Rollason: Environmental species, environmental impact. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Winton: OK, so, we've got to make a decision here. City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Commissioner Gonzalez: My suggestion is, if it is something that is -- has kind of urgency, and you have identified the funds, my recommendation is that, you know -- and it's only me -- you move forward because going through the process of the City, I agree with -- Chair Winton: It's going to go -- Commissioner Gonzalez: -- Commissioner Regalado, they might say that they don't have the funds at this point, and it's better to wait for the new budget to see if they can allocate the money. You never know what could happen. Commissioner Regalado: And if you -- Commissioner Gonzalez: If you say you don't have the funds, then you have no alternative but to go to the City. Commissioner Regalado: -- do the study, which is what the people in Overtown want to know, the results of the study, the sooner, the better, you know what you want to do there in terms of the socioeconomic impact, so I mean, the sooner, the better. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And I'm not disagreeing. Again, I'm just going to put, you know, my statement on the record. I just really feel that if the funds have to come from Southeast Overtown/Park West to do this environmental study, I think that -- I honestly feel and believe that it should come from a different source to pay for it, because already, you know, Frank has said it in a very nice way, but it's going to be a struggle to find money to do things that we really, really need to do to help improve the immediate needs of that community right now, and it -- again, it is in -- within my district, and either -- whatever goes on that -- those particular lots are in my district, and I think that it's really, really important for us. I don't want us to have to revisit this item, and then we're scratching trying to find additional dollars to support the people that are living there right now, so all I'm asking is that we try to find a creative way, or ask the City Manager, find a creative way -- this item itself dovetail another item that we had earlier anyway that was in regards to a study that we used money -- we had found money to do that with, so I just -- you know, I -- Chair Winton: What other item was that? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: During Frank's presentation, he talked about this particular item dovetailing an item that we had earlier, which was a -- Chair Winton: Well, that was a City Commission item. Mr. Rollason: Well, that was a City Commission item that -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. I know it -- Mr. Rollason: -- identified the contractor for this -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right, but he was saying -- Mr. Rollason: -- so -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- it dovetailed that other -- it dovetailed that particular item, so there was money attached to do that project, correct? Mr. Rollason: Yes, they had it -- they had money identified with the extension or extending that City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 contract. They had money identified for that. Chair Winton: Well, someone needs -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And again -- Chair Winton: -- to make a motion. We've argued this enough. Somebody needs to make a motion; see if there's a second. If that motion fails, then make another motion and second it. We know the issues. Someone make a motion. 'would make the motion, but I'm the Chairman, so need a motion on the table. Mr. Villacorta: Perhaps you want to consider amending this motion to request that the City Manager attempt to find alternate funds, and -- to the 163 that you're authorizing, and that way, whichever -- whatever happens, we can go forward, and you can ask the executive director to report back on the City Manager's efforts at -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And I'm fine -- Mr. Villacorta: -- the next CRA meeting. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- with that. Chair Winton: OK Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I can live with the item -- with us passing the item, but also adding to it that we ask the City Manager to do -- Chair Winton: Great. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- whatever it takes to find an additional source, even if it's coming back saying half. Chair Winton: That's the -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I mean, I don't mind -- Chair Winton: -- that's your motion. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- being reasonable. You know, I just -- Chair Winton: You have a motion on the table. We need a second -- Commissioner Gonzalez: I second -- Chair Winton: -- to that motion. Commissioner Gonzalez: -- the motion. Chair Winton: We have a motion and a second on the table. Any further discussion on the item? Commissioner Regalado: Fifty/fifty, right? Chair Winton: No. She's saying -- we're saying that -- asking the Manager to find alternate funding for the entire amount -- City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Um -hum. Chair Winton: -- but authorizing this amount, but asking the City Manager to find an alternate - - we're authorizing this expenditure, but asking the City Manager to find an alternate funding source -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: So it could be 50 -- Chair Winton: -- so it's good faith -- this is a -- Mr. Villacorta: Good faith. Chair Winton: -- good faith effort here, and I think we all need to put pressure on the City Manager later to step to the table, and that's how this is going to work, so that's the motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all in favor, "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Winton: Like sign, opposed. The motion carries. That's the end of -- now you have -- Commissioner Regalado: Do you want me to put pressure on the City Manager? Chair Winton: Well, maybe you should leave that to us. We might be a little more effective. OK Mr. Rollason: Don't help me. Chair Winton: Yes. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And -- I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. Chair Winton: Yes, ma'am, and I'm leaving in ten minutes -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Well, this will be -- Chair Winton: -- because I've got -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- in less -- Chair Winton: -- my son's got a -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- than ten minutes. Chair Winton: -- baseball game. Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry, Chair. Just to make sure, on that motion on that resolution, the resolution is being adopted as is, is that correct -- Chair Winton: That is -- Ms. Thompson: -- with no modifications? Mr. Villacorta: No, as amended. Chair Winton: No, with a modification that we're encouraging the Administration to find an alternate funding source. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Ms. Thompson: Thank you. NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 06-00875 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION CONCERNING EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CONSTRUCTION. DISCUSSED Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. These are the items that I actually had on the earlier agenda, which was supposed to be on this agenda. The first one is discussion concerning the emergency relief for business impacted by Performing Arts Center construction. As you know, Commissioner Winton, not even a week ago, with all the construction that's happening with the PAC (Performing Arts Center) and the 14th Street construction projects -- Chair Winton: Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I think you have a couple of businesses -- not in my district. They're actually in your district, but I thought that it was really, really important that we do whatever it takes to support these businesses that are, you know, struggling because of lack of business because of all the construction, so the discussion was really with -- was to find out from Frank if there's -- if he's identified any dollars that can maybe perhaps assist these businesses during this rough period because I'm understanding that they're losing money and they're suffering at this point. Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): That -- those particular businesses, of which there are really two that have been shut off on 14th Street that were highlighted in the Herald article, I've reached out to them. We have assisted them in several ways. It has been a great benefit to them. Namely, we got the sidewalk schedule changed, and the subcontractor went in there through the efforts with -- certainly, with CIP (Capital Improvements Program) and they did that segment of sidewalk in front of their places because every time they were opening a door for a customer to come in, all the dirt would blow in all over the food that was out and so forth, and it became untenable in there, so that was taken care of. The next thing we took care of was that they could not get their people in close to be able to pick up the take-out orders, and we worked again with the PAC and with our subcontractors, through CIP, to allow a place where they could come in off of Biscayne Boulevard, park directly in front of their two businesses, and -- so that has helped them tremendously. On the financial side, both businesses are putting together documents for me now from their accountants that will show the precipitous fall as 14th Street was closed, and we're getting a comparative of several months ago. We had the advantage of one of them being in business for 12 years at that same site, and one being in business only since January, so it was a little bit of different numbers that we're looking at, but they're putting those together, and the numbers that we've been talking about are not huge numbers that we're looking for that will help them make it through those couple of months where they've pretty well have been -- Chair Winton: But you'll bring that back to us? Mr. Rollason: -- shut down. Yes, sir. Chair Winton: OK Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 NA.2 06-00876 Chair Winton: OK. Anything else? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I'm fine with that item. Chair Winton: OK Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK. CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION CONCERNING AN UPDATE ON JACKSON SOUL FOOD LITIGATION. DISCUSSED Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And then the second item is a discussion concerning an update on Jackson Soul Food litigation. As you know, we've targeted the area of 10th through 11 th as a pilot area. We're doing the Arena Square area already with -- you know, working with Frank to get new businesses in there, but Jackson Soul Food is a staple in our community, and I would hate to see nothing or -- not happen, and I'm asking for just a quick update, and I think you've already given it to me already, Mr. Villacorta, but I want to make sure we're all on the same page regarding it. I understand that we've been dealing with the overall Jackson Soul Food renovation since 1998. It is now what, 2006, and no renovations has hap -- have happened in that building, and I just want to get an update as to where we are with this lawsuit and moving this issue because we really need to make sure at least one of the strongest businesses that we do have in Overtown gets the necessary support in order for us to move it to the next level. Chair Winton: Well, let me add something there. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Chair Winton: Because I made the motion some time ago when we had a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, and I was quite clear and the Board voted. We told the representatives of Jackson Soul Food, you only -- you do two things: remove the billboard and drop the lawsuit; we'll do our piece that we committed a long time ago immediately, and that's where it stands. Now -- so in my mind, the question is, has the billboard been moved? Commissioner Regalado: No. Chair Winton: Is the lawsuit been dropped? Commissioner Regalado: No. Jim Villacorta (Assistant General Counsel): And the answer to the -- both of those questions is no. Chair Winton: So -- and so, the final point, as long as we're in litigation -- I don't care who it is -- the City of Miami is in litigation with somebody, unless it's part of a negotiated settlement, there isn't a lot for us to talk about, and we would love to -- this Board stated over and over again how much we wanted to help, and back in those days, everything was a total mess and we all know it. It was very difficult to get things done, but that changed, and some of the commitments that we made, those things moved forward very, very quickly. This could move forward just as quickly. Jackson Soul Food restaurant is an institution. We would spend that money in a minute. We can't spend money on an entity where we've got a lawsuit going on, and so, move the billboard, drop the lawsuit, we go spend the money. City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right. I just -- the whole purpose of me bringing up this as an issue because this is something that's been brought to my district -- I mean, to my office often by neighborhood residents and people wondering why this has not happened with the Jackson Soul Food, so my point of really having this on as a discussion item was to really make sure public viewing it know that we are trying to do whatever it takes to really make sure that we support Jackson Soul Food, you know, expanding and becoming, you know, a great restaurant in Overtown, but there's a lot of you know, fear, not just in Overtown, but throughout my whole district that this is, you know, just another way of trying to move out, you know, an old black establishment that has been in our community for a very long time, so I needed to have the City Attorney at least state for the record exactly where we are, so not just the people sitting in here, but the community folks understand exactly where we are with this issue regarding Jackson Soul Food, and I just needed to also make sure that I added to this -- I mean, I have concerns when I look at the fact that there was a bid done for this, I don't know how many years -- three, four years ago. How many years ago, Frank? Mr. Rollason: Talking about when we awarded the -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: The monies for the rehab of the restaurant. Mr. Villacorta: 2002. Mr. Rollason: Right. That money has been set aside now for several years. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: What's several? How many years? Mr. Rollason: Well, I would say -- 2004, we were coming back to the Board, in August of 2004 - - or November of 2004, to approve the guaranteed maximum price to go forward with the project when the billboard became an issue -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK, Frank -- Mr. Rollason: -- and so that money -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- it was 1998 when the monies -- I was told that it -- that's what -- can you give me the date that the money was approved -- Mr. Rollason: All right. I can tell you -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- to do the renos. (renovations) ? Mr. Rollason: -- that in -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Mr. Rollason: -- 2001, the first written record we can find of this project, was when there was an original grant agreement executed for $280, 000, with a match from a MMAP (Metro Miami Action Plan) grant of 58,500. That was in February of 2001, and when we started reviewing this when the push was on to try to get this done, and that started in 2003 when I came there, and Commissioner Regalado will remember that there were three projects that this Board told me to kick-start, and it was Jackson Soul Food restaurant, Just Right Barbershop, and Two Guys restaurant, and we did exactly that, and the barbershop has been completed. Two Guys was not done because of a landlord/tenant dispute that we could not get resolved, and we were sitting on issuing the go-ahead to go forward with the work with all the plans done. We had spent $128, 000 on Jackson Soul Food when we came to that meeting to date with the design work, the permitting, ready to go to construction to approve the guaranteed maximum price, when the City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 billboard issue came forward from Reverend Ross, and the Board took the position it did to get that resolved before we went forward with the issue we had with that billboard not being properly installed, or not -- being installed on the lot that we'd sold that had the covenant on it not supposed to have a billboard, so from the budget, where it was finally approved to put the total amount of money -- and by the way, that number went from 280,000 to $920, 000 approved by this Board, and that cash still sits -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's my point. Mr. Rollason: -- ready to go forward with that project. Chair Winton: We're not doing anything -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, but I'm not saying, though -- Chair Winton: -- until the billboard's moved. You're not -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: But -- Chair Winton: -- but my -- you're not getting a vote from me -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: No, no. I don't -- Chair Winton: -- until that billboard's removed -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I'm not asking for your vote on that. Chair Winton: -- and the lawsuit's gone. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Right. I'm not asking for a vote regarding, Mr. Chairman, us spending the money on that. I mean, I've been very clear with the folks from -- again, it's not just for the people sitting in here. Chair Winton: Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: It's for the people out in the audience that -- I mean, that are looking at this on TV (television) so that they understand that we're not trying to stop progress from happening with Jackson Soul Food. There's an issue around moving -- literally moving the current billboard from one space to another space that will really eliminate this whole issue; that will allow for the -- Chair Winton: And drop it. Right. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- monies to be available, and that they still sit there -- Chair Winton: Ready to go. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- ready to go. Chair Winton: Ready to go. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: That's really what my -- the point is -- Chair Winton: OK City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- of the item, and the only reason why I mentioned the whole 973, and this is what Frank and I had a discussion on, and my concern was when I started asking real questions about the bids that went out, I think there was only really two people that came back on the bids. One was a group that did roadways, and the other one was -- I don't even know the -- I think DBI, or the other -- that was the other company. My concerns was are we spending $973, 000 to renovate a restaurant, one restaurant? Chair Winton: Could build a whole new one. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, so my point was then, I would rather see -- and again, this happened with you guys. It didn't happen with me, but it falls up under my leadership now, and if I'm going to take responsibility in good consciousness, I can't say spending $973, 000, at this point, is really the wisest thing to do, so my point on all of this was to say, Frank, can we put this thing -- since we're working out whatever we got to work out with them, can we at least put it out to bid again, and this time with people that actually build restaurants, because to my understanding, these aren't even people that really -- that's not their profession, which means, if it doesn't cost that amount of money, I might be freed up now to have available dollars to assist other businesses in the area, if it's not going to cost me that full amount. Chair Winton: I know understand her point. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thanks. Mr. Rollason: All right. Let me try to bring you up to speed just a little bit. When we went out for this to begin with, the CRA used a process called construction managers at risk, and there were -- went out -- and it went out to bid, and there were three -- and there was a committee that was put together of what -- the Commissioner has asked for the list of those names, which we are providing to her -- but there was a group put together to make a recommendation to the Board as to who the CM (construction manager) at risk contractor should be. There were three that were selected and were allowed to be CM at risk contractors for the CRA. At that time, the CRA did -- if -- when it -- if and when it ever did anything, it was to use these three. I came on board, and at that point, we were to issue the letters to them that they'd been selected, and one of them turned out to be in the midst of one of the investigations that was going on, and I never issued a letter for them to proceed; the other two, I did. One of them was, as the Commissioner says, primarily designed with roadwork, and they did the Grand Promenade, and they did a fine job on that project for you. The other one was DBI, who does restaurants, rehabilitations, small businesses. They did Just Right Barbershop, and they rebuilt the Ward Rooming House, which had historical components -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Don't mention -- Mr. Rollason: -- which -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- that one though, OK? Mr. Rollason: Oh, OK. Anyway, this was brought to the Board, with my recommendation that DBI be selected as the CM at risk to do this project, and that was approved. Since that time, DBI has held their price on that project that they committed to us through October of last year. Chair Winton: Well, that ought to -- Mr. Rollason: They have since increased the price nominally that they're willing to hold it again Chair Winton: -- tell you something. City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Mr. Rollason: -- so when we talk about 970, let's talk about just the construction costs. Chair Winton: Hold on. OK. Mr. Rollason: OK. Chair Winton: I think we're in an arena where -- there isn't anything we're going to do here, so I don't know why we need all this detail, number one -- Commissioner Gonzalez: All this discussion. Chair Winton: -- but number two, just to make (UNINTELLIGIBLE) her point, the fact that they could hold their price while everybody else in the marketplace has had to raise their prices by 20 to 25, 30 percent in that same time frame, suggests to me they're not doing this because they're Santa Claus. They're doing it because there's a very significant margin built in because the real price of materials has gone up, so I think that the con -- that Board Member Spence -Jones is making a point that she would rather see us, at the appropriate time, go back to bid with some additional general contractors because she thinks -- and I'm not sure she's wrong at all -- that there may be a better mousetrap out there to get this thing built. That's her point. Now that said, I don't -- are you looking for an action right now? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah, I just want to move to engage TYLin/HJRoss, which is the engineers that created the plans for the restaurant, to draw up specifications for those plans in order to facilitate the bid process because a lot of work did go into that, so I think that it's im -- I'm just -- Chair Winton: I -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I just wouldn't feel good about -- Chair Winton: OK, I'm with what you don't feel good about. I am not in favor of spending another dime on this project until the issues that are in front of us are resolved. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: OK, but let me ask you. To my understanding, I was given THN/HJ Ross [sic] by Frank, meaning that they already -- we already have the specs (specifications) already for these plans, correct, Frank? Mr. Rollason: No. We have the plans. What we would have -- if we were going to put it out to bid -- because the CM at risk project works with the contractor working with the architect and engineer, so you save on having to put those bid specs together, so if we're going to -- Chair Winton: Well, you don't save much -- Mr. Rollason: -- put it out to bid -- Chair Winton: -- because the bids specs aren't that dramatic. Mr. Rollason: Well, we're probably talking around 10 to $15, 000 to put together the specs off of Chair Winton: Right. Mr. Rollason: -- the plans, so that's the cost that we'd be talking about doing now. City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I just would rather -- if it comes in cheaper, I would rather use the money to help people right now -- Chair Winton: I'm with you. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- so I mean, that was the only reason for putting it out to bid. Chair Winton: But as soon -- if it looks like we're getting close to resolving the issues, then I would be OK with bringing this back, and we'll authorize spending that money to do that, but right now -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: And I'm fine with -- Chair Winton: -- I don't -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- that. That's reasonable. Chair Winton: OK Mr. Villacorta: At the time that the CRA would be ready to move forward, the selection of the contractor would have to come back to you. That's what was happening when this whole billboard issue came up. Chair Winton: But the thing that may take a little bit of time is just getting specs done, and so that could come back before us if we're close to getting every -- all these issues resolved, and we'll authorize that expenditure, and you can get moving while you're working on the final details. Mr. Villacorta: And we have communicated to the attorneys for Jackson Soul Food that we are ready to go ahead with this project at a moment's notice as -- but the billboard has to come off of the property -- Chair Winton: Got it. Mr. Villacorta: -- that has the deed restriction. Chair Winton: Next item. Commissioner Gonzalez: And the lawsuit has to be dropped. Chair Winton: Right. Mr. Villacorta: And the lawsuit dropped. NA.3 06-00877 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION CONCERNING AN UPDATE ON THIRD AVENUE STREETSCAPE AD HOC COMMITTEE. DISCUSSED Chair Winton: Next item. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: The other item was concerning the 3rd Avenue streetscape, but we don't really need to get an update on that. They're starting this weekend. I only had a pocket item, which is what you said -- what do you call it, a mushy pocket item? Which is the -- so that City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 the number three -- I'm just -- they've already given me an update, so we can just -- Chair Winton: OK, fine. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- not even deal with it. NA.4 06-00878 CRA DISCUSSION AUTHORIZE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000 FOR CONFERENCE FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN TO BE HELD ON MAY 20, 2006. MOTION A motion was made by Vice Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez, with Chair Winton voting no, and Commissioner Sanchez absent, to authorize the CRA Executive Director to grant payment, in the amount of $7,000, for a conference for girls and women on May 20, 2006, at the Radisson Miami Hotel. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: The last one is -- was the -- was a motion -- was a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) item for us to authorize to pay a grant in the amount of 7, 000 for a conference that's happening for girls and women on May 20, 2006, at the Omni CRA, at the Radisson Miami Hotel, and that was the last item I had. Commissioner Gonzalez: Second. Can you -- is that authorized to get money from the CRA for that purpose? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Frank told me -- Frank Rollason (Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I -- this is from the Omni CRA. I have money, and the event ties into the existing plan in the Omni CRA. Commissioner Gonzalez: Perfect. I'll second the motion. Chair Winton: We have a motion and a second. As Chairman, I will tell you all that this is -- this very kind of item is something that I've been opposed to since I've been on the CRA. Commissioner Gonzalez: It's going to open a can of worms. Chair Winton: It's -- yeah, and I'm not going to support it tonight. I haven't supported them in the past. I don't like supporting all these groups, organizations, entities, agencies, whatever they are, that come in the CRA and think we ought to be funding them, and so, Michelle, I love you, but -- Vice Chair Spence -Jones: I -- and -- Chair Winton: -- I haven't been there in six years, and I ain't getting there today. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- I'm not asking you to, sir. I just appreciate whatever support you can lend. Chair Winton: Thank you. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Chair Winton: OK We have a motion and a second. Roll call. City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 5/30/2006 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 11, 2006 Priscilla Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Roll call. Commissioner Spence -Jones? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Gonzalez? Commissioner Gonzalez: Yes, ma'am. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Regalado? Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chairman Winton? Chair Winton: No. Ms. Thompson: The motion has been passed, 3/1. Chair Winton: OK Any other business? We are adjourned. Commissioner Gonzalez: Thank you. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 5/30/2006