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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2008-03-31 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Monday, March 31, 2008 5:00 PM Gibson Park 401 N.W. 12th Street Miami, FI. SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Michelle Spence -Jones, Chair Marc David Sarnoff, 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 March 31, 2008 ORDER OF THE DAY Minutes are transcribed verbatim. Periodically, agenda items are revisited during a meeting. "[Later...]" refers to discussions that were interrupted and later continued. Present: Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Regalado and Chair Spence -Jones Absent: Commissioner Gonzalez and Vice Chair Sarnoff On the 31 st day of March 2008, 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 Gibson Park, 411 Northwest 13th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Michelle Spence -Jones at 5:10 p.m. and was adf ourned at 6: 00 p.m. Note for the Record: Commissioner Regalado left the meeting at 5:25 p.m., at which time the Body lost quorum. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Clarence Woods, Assistant Executive Director, CRA Julie O. Bru, General Counsel, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Pamela E. Burns, Assistant Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: All right. I'd like to officially call the meeting agenda together for Monday, March 31. We have three Commissioners. Are we expecting any more Commissioners, Jim? James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): (INAUDIBLE). Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Thompson: If we could ask before the meeting starts that everyone turn their cell phones off or either on vibrate, we'd appreciate it because of the recording. Cell phones. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Madam City Clerk has asked that we turn off all your cell phones, please. I'd like to thank the -- our wonderful park director -- Where is he? -- Mr. Ben Krump -- where -- Mr. Krump, for hosting us tonight -- this eve -- Hanks. Ben Hanks. Ben, step out. This is your park. Let's give him a hand -- Applause. Chair Spence -Jones: -- for hosting us here tonight. One of the things that I wanted to make sure the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) does is definitely move these meetings around more in the neighborhoods to make sure that we, you know, stay grounded to what our true City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 mission is. This is a park that has had a lot of issues with -- from a construction standpoint, but hopefully, we're putting everything back on target with the CIP (Capital Improvements Program) Department to make sure that it becomes a state-of-the-art park. But on behalf of all of us, welcome, officially, to Gibson Park, and we appreciate those that are out in the audience with us here tonight. We're going to go ahead and get started. I'm understanding that we do have our Ms. -- our new City Attorney -- where is she? -- Ms. Julie Bru. I'd like to see if you could at least join us at the table somewhere. Just pull a chair up. This is the new City Attorney. We're going to try to get this meeting done in about an hour 'cause I know that I'm going to be leaving -- losing a quorum in a minute. Commissioner Sanchez has another engagement. FINANCIALS 1. 04-00597 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008. Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Commissioner Sanchez: Could we -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Sanchez: -- just do the financial update? I just want to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. We can do that. Commissioner Sanchez: -- know where we're at. It's important not to miss a meeting and not have a financial summary. Can -- is it --? Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Miguel, where are you? Okay. Miguel Valentin (Financial Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Valentin: On page one, the combined statement of financial position -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Valentin: -- as of February 28, 2008, we are disclosing the amount of 115,000 as cash unrestricted under Overtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency); and as -- under Omni CRA, we are disclosing the amount of 93,414. Also, I wanted to state on record that from the TIF (Tax Increment Fund) of -- from the TIF funds received in January 2008, 3.1 million has been budgeted for the purpose of the affordable housing project. As of this date, 245,186 has been encumbered, and 80,186 has been expended, leaving a remaining balance of $4,113, 031 budgeted for this purpose. Also, I wanted to state on record there is no reportable condition, and that's it. Commissioner Sanchez: Is there anything out of the norm that we, as Board members, should be made aware of from you? Mr. Valentin: No. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): IfI might add, since the closing date of this statement, we have used $962, 000 to purchase the Collin City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Center property that's needed for the Jazz Village project, as per -- Commissioner Sanchez: So that's a subtraction -- Mr. Villacorta: -- the direction of the Board. Commissioner Sanchez: -- of the four million, right? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. That will show up on the next month's closing, but between now and then, it's a significant amount and I wanted to let you know. Chair Spence -Jones: Can I ask a question about the 3.1 that's been budgeted for the purposes of low-income affordable workforce housing in the area real fast just so that you can also put it on the record? What -- how are we moving along with the units that need to be rehabbed, and how many units are going to be coming on-line now that we're getting ready to rehab those. Mr. Villacorta: The Jint Properties have begun construction on -- Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, you have begun. Mr. Villacorta: -- 1201 Northwest 2nd Avenue. They're out there painting and renovating those apartments as we speak. The -- that first building has 12 units. Ultimately, there's, I believe, 60 units -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sixty units. Mr. Villacorta: -- ultimately being rehabbed. We're in -- 66 -- discussion with St. Johns [sic], who -- Apartments, whose building we had begun renovations on to now move on to the roofing, and then they have 12 more units that need interior construction. We're examining the bids that have been submitted and putting that through the process. I expect to bring at least the roofing back to you shortly. Chair Spence -Jones: So altogether we have about how many units so I know altogether that are low-income rentals that will be -- Mr. Villacorta: Re -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- rehabbed for the community? Mr. Villacorta: Well -- Chair Spence -Jones: Low-income rentals. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We also have the Killens Apartments. It's six units on top of that, so that's 84 units that'll be -- Chair Spence -Jones: Eighty-four units. Mr. Villacorta: -- right -- in the process of -- Chair Spence -Jones: So we're talking about -- Mr. Villacorta: -- being rehabbed. Chair Spence -Jones: -- and our time frame for getting -- I mean, those being completed is City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 when? Another six months, Jim? Another nine months? Mr. Villacorta: The 12 units that are under rehab right now, the time frame for that is approximately four months. As that building is completed, other people will be moved into that building, and we can move on to the other apartments. But, you know, within 12 months -- 9 to 12 months, you should see the majority of those units renovated -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- assuming we get the bids. Let me also inform you that New Arena Square has tentatively started -- set construction to start on the retail units next week. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Any more questions, Miguel, before we close out? Any more comments? David Alexander: Commissioner -- David Alexander, from St. John CDC (Community Development Corporation). Jim spoke -- well, we did submit the bids to the CRA, but I'm going to ask if we can release the roof work because we can't wait for another cycle of meetings. The rains are going to start, and the roof bid is ready to go. We can't do the interior until we finish the roof as we discussed before, and the bids are all in. But I would like permission to go ahead and release the roof bids 'cause it's a 15-day startup, and then it's going to take them 30 days to do the roof. And we're coming into rainy season now, and you don't want to be working on a roof when it rains everyday. Chair Spence -Jones: And this is the building right directly across the street, right? Mr. Alexander: Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Alexander: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: I know you're unable to take any action tonight, but in -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. We can't take any action tonight anyway. We don't have a quorum, so we -- Mr. Alexander: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- couldn't vote on that issue anyway. Mr. Villacorta: But -- Mr. Alexander: But it is my understanding that Jim might have a solution for that. Mr. Villacorta: Right. In the past when this money was allocated for rehab -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: -- the Board directed that I go ahead and start some of these projects and bring them back for ratification. So, once we've confirmed all the bids and the contractors are licensed should that happen before the next meeting, I'll be able to bring -- to allow them to start and bring that item back for ratification. Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. All right. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Mr. Alexander: Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: So I don't have a problem with supporting that. Mr. Alexander: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: I do know -- I want to say this. I saw Loren just walk out the door, but we do need to work along with you, David, regarding the issues of things that need to be handled on the inside of the buildings. I mean, we can secure the roof but there are a lot of -- Mr. Alexander: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: Right. We did rehab a couple of those units before St. Johns [sic] went to foreclosure with the State. I know they've been working out that refinancing. We painted the exterior of the building. We resealed all the parking lots. We landscaped. They were in the process of getting bids for the interiors when this foreclosure and the refinancing came up. My understanding is that they are working with LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation) to work out their financing, and you know, I think whoever owns the building, the roof will need to be repaired, so we're trying to get that in line. As soon as we have the requisite bids and pricing, we should be able to move forward and I can bring that back as a ratification, as the Board originally discussed or decided in the resolution that authorized funding for the rehab program. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, so -- Mr. Alexander: The good news, Commissioner, is that we did secure additional funding for the project. If you recall, we were chasing some County funding. We do have money secured from the County, so we can put that together with the CRA and do everything now. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. As long as you guys get together and be prepared to bring it back -- and if this is your recommendation that we do that, Jim, I'm sure that we're all in support of it, but just mind you, Commissioner Sanchez's comment about it definitely -- you know, we don't have a quorum now, so bringing it back -- Mr. Villacorta: Right, right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- is necessary. After -- you can ratifir it -- Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: -- afterwards. Mr. Alexander: Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. No problem. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I'm sorry, Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, Madam Clerk. Ms. Thompson: I just want to make sure the record is correct. Are you all directing some action to be taken by the executive director? Commissioner Sanchez: Well, we can't make any -- City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Can -- we can't. Mr. Villacorta: No. Commissioner Sanchez: -- directions because we don't have a quorum. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Sanchez: But, apparently, the -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. Commissioner Sanchez: -- executive director can bring it back in a resolution form -- Chair Spence -Jones: And ratify it. Ms. Thompson: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Sanchez: -- without our direction. We can't -- as a matter of fact -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: -- and I do want to take the opportunity, Madam Chair, if you would allow me very briefly, to do apologize for all those of you that are here today. Your items are important. You're here to address the CRA, and apparently, you had one -- we do -- we didn't have all the Commissioners here, and you had one Commissioner who apparently showed up for just two items and he took off so I think it's a disservice to you, and I want to take the opportunity to apologize for that. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. On -- thank you. RESOLUTIONS 2. 08-00197 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS"), WITH ATTACHMENTS, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CRAS' AMENDED TAX INCREMENT FUND AND GENERAL OPERATING BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2007 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THE AMENDED BUDGETS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf NO ACTION TAKEN 3. 08-00199 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), RATIFYING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S ISSUANCE OF A City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 4/4, 2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 WORK ORDER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,313.42, TO UNDER POWER CORPORATION FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STREET LIGHTS IN THE PAC SUPER BLOCK; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TIF FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE N O.10040.920101.534000.0000.00000 . Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf NO ACTION TAKEN 4. 06-00232 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-07-0028 IN ITS ENTIRETY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO HIRE OLMEDILLO X 5 INC. TO PREPARE A FINDING OF NECESSITY STUDY FOR EXPANSION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000, FOR PREPARATION OF THE STUDY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM SEOPW TIF FUND, ENTITLED "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.5310000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf NO ACTION TAKEN DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 05-00412 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING AUTHORIZATION TO REMIT TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY $5,341,862 FOR DEBT SERVICE ON PAC BONDS. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf WITHDRAWN Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director, CRA Special Counsel, CRA General Counsel, and CRA Assistant General Counsel, to have a meeting to determine the rationale and necessary actions that need to be taken on Item S. Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director, the CRA General Counsel, and the CRA Assistant General Counsel to meet with the Chair tomorrow for a full briefing on the item to explain why it is absolutely necessary for the CRA to remit payment to Miami -Dade County tomorrow regarding the debt service on the Performing Arts Center bonds. Chair Spence -Jones: So that -- before we get started, though, there's a few items that I do want City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 to defer before we begin. First item being item number -- discussion item number 5 and 6. And it's my understanding by our City Attorney that it is within her opinion that 5 is not an item that we necessarily need to take up. Is that true, Ms. --? Julie O. Bru (General Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): Okay. I don't have the agenda open. Is 5 the discussion item regarding the disbursement -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Ms. Bru: -- of the -- Yes. We have a valid, legally binding agreement that is in effect between the parties, which require the payment. All the conditions subsequent have been met. There's no further authorization required to make that payment. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. So I want -- Commissioner Sanchez: Michelle, you asked the item be deferred? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. I'm asking for the -- these are the items -- Commissioner Sanchez: I would move item 5 and 6 for continuance or deferral? Are you continuing to the next CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) item [sic] or you're deferring it? Chair Spence -Jones: Well, number 5, I know that we're definitely -- Ms. Bru: Item 5 doesn't need a continuance or a deferral. It's not properly before you, in my opinion. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. So it's a withdrawal. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So I'd like to officially -- Yes, Mr. -- James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Could we just clarify that they expect the payment to be made today? Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. But -- okay. This is the confusion that I'm having, my fellow colleagues. When I get an opinion from my City Attorney's Office on how we should handle a situation regarding items on the agenda, I'm expecting for that -- and I'm going to ask my -- Madam City Attorney -- she's already given us her recommendation on what needs to happen, so I want to respect her recommendation. Commissioner Sanchez: If the item -- you, as the Chair, request that the item be withdrawn from the CRA agenda -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: -- I don't think we need a motion for it. You can just withdraw it from the agenda. After all, you control the agenda here at the -- Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Commissioner Sanchez: -- CRA, and if you require a vote, then I'm more than happy to make the motion on your behalf on that item. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Based upon the recommendation that my City Attorneys are giving City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 me, I am officially withdrawing this item, number 5. Commissioner Sanchez: All right. No discussion on that item. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Do you have a question, Commissioner? Commissioner Regalado: I have a question. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Regalado: I have a question. The question is, this payment that needs to be made today is not part of the redevelopment plan. The redevelopment plan calls for 1.4, so we haven't amend the redevelopment plan. So, in a sense, we are sending this money outside of the redevelopment plan. Is that a correct assumption? Ms. Bru: Commissioner, the payment that is due today is a payment that has -- it's an obligation of the CRA, pursuant to an amendment to the existing interlocal agreement. Commissioner Regalado: Okay, but -- Ms. Bru: And it -- and the authority for that payment is in pursuance of the redevelopment plan. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but the redevelopment, as we know, shows that we need to send to the PAC (Performing Arts Center) 1.4 every year; that's the plan. It has not been amended, at least not by this Board, so we might be in sort of a violation of the redevelopment plan. The other thing that I don't understand is the legal opinion, it says that it's a binding agreement. On the first opinion, the issue of the fire and police was considered to be a problem. But on this opinion given today, it's no longer a problem. Why was it changed? I mean, what changed that the issue of the police and fire in the stadium deal is no longer -- it was a problem before, but it's no longer a problem now. Ms. Bru: Commissioner, I'm not too sure what opinion you're looking at 'cause I think the -- my office revised the opinion, and there's a final draft that was just distributed now. The issue of the County and City public safety entities coming to an agreement is just an issue that is one of those definitive agreements that follows the baseball agreement. The only condition to the payment was entering into the baseball agreement. That has been met. And the opinion that Ms. Dotson has circulated addresses that; perhaps, you're looking at an earlier draft. Whether or not the parties enter into the definitive agreements that were negotiated and called for under the baseball agreement is a separate issue and does not waive or excuse the obligation to make the payment, which continues notwithstanding the success of the baseball project. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Let me just say this, and I want to respect Commissioner Regalado and his questions. I have a huge, big issue of items being placed on the CRA agenda without it being vetted out with the City Attorney's Office, and this is the problem that I'm having, not just with this item, but with a few other items on here. This should be vetted out prior to us getting here, you know, and I should not have to be dealing with this an hour before the CRA meeting. This is ridiculous. So I have a City Attorney that has given us her opinion about what needs to happen and how it needs to happen, and I want to respect that. So at this point, this item has been withdrawn, and I'm going to ask for everyone to respect that for right now. And if you have another item -- if it's an absolute emergency, if we have to call a special meeting for it, Jim, to make the payment, then let's do that. But let's not come here to vet that out. You guys should have -- the executive director and the City Attorneys Office should have been able to handle this before we got here tonight, and it's a shame that that communication is not happening. There is City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 a true break of communication between my executive director of the CRA and my Law Department. So I don't want to have -- if -- and this -- and I'm not disagreeing with what you have to say, Commissioner Regalado, 'cause I think that your points are valid. But I also want to say that I think there's some serious concerns I have with these items getting on the agenda and the Law Department not being at the table to discuss them. Commissioner Regalado: Well, I have some serious concern that we are disbursing $5 million without any action of the CRA Board, and to me, it's never ever happen. And I can understand the City Attorney, but I do -- to me, it's very difficult to understand why in one draft it was no and in one draft it's yes, and why we have not changed the redevelopment plan to include the -- so if you all want to go ahead, fine. I just think that I had a question that I think is relevant. Say the stadium deal collapses, do we get the money back? When? That's the question that I want to ask. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And what -- Commissioner Regalado, once again, respecting your viewpoint on it, for me, like I said to my executive director, if there's an issue where we have to call a special meeting to address the issue because the payment needs to be made, then let's do that. But at this point, I do not -- I want to withdraw this item until you guys sit and work out what the issues are, and that's really what I'd like to see happen. I have officially withdrawn this item. I'd like to re -- defer to Commissioner Sanchez. Do you have a question on this? 'Cause I know -- Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair, you are the Chair. The item has been withdrawn, and therefore -- You want 5 and 6 both to be withdrawn? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. I've asked for 5 -- Commissioner Sanchez: Then they're withdrawn -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- and 6 to be withdrawn. Commissioner Sanchez: -- and there's no need for discussion or questions or establishing of records on any side. Chair Spence -Jones: And I just want to officially thank you, Commissioner Sanchez. I just want to make sure that it's very clear to staff that you -- it's important that you guys work hand in hand with the City Law Department and flush out this stuff before we get here to figure out what's going -- I don't want to be dealing with it an hour before I head to City Commission -- I mean, to our CRA meetings. And I'm saying to you, Jim -- and I'm respecting the fact that you are the executive director and there's a reason why you felt it was important to bring it up, and I agree with Commissioner Regalado and his viewpoint on it, so I'm not even -- from this, I'm withdrawing the item. If there's a situation that you guys need to work out around the payment and what needs to happen based upon the questions that he has, then bring it back. But bring it back -- if we have to do it outside of the normal time that we have the CRA meeting, we'll do that, if it's a big issue. But I can't have you telling me -- I -- sometimes I can't figure out if you the attorney or they're the attorneys, which is a problem. So I -- so can I ask that we withdraw this item, move on to the next item on the agenda, and that we will hold off on whatever payments that actually have to be made? Mr. Villacorta: The City Attorney has opined that payment is due and all conditions have been met. The check is here. We're releasing it to be delivered to the County as we speak, unless you're directing me to do otherwise. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. What I'm simply saying is we do have a district Commissioner, Commissioner Regalado, that has brought up a valid viewpoint. And all I'm saying to you is if City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 this is a viewpoint for him -- I'm not saying hold on to it forever, but please sit down with the Law Department and figure out why they're saying one thing -- something different from what you're saying. Mr. Villacorta: I am not disagreeing with the Law Department. It is their opinion the payment is due; that all conditions have been met. I am prepared -- we have the check. We're prepared to release it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I'm going to ask you -- if we need to call a special meeting to address the issue, then we will, but I'm going to respect that -- what Commissioner Regalado's asking on this issue. Ms. Julie Bru, do you have a issue with sitting down with Jim to work out the issues and the concerns that Commissioner Regalado has regarding this? Ms. Bru: You know, Madam Chairperson, I am ready to deal with Commissioner Regalado's issue now. We have given the opinion in writing. There is a legally binding agreement, which is in full force and effect. All the conditions have been met. There is no further action required on the part of this Board to authorize the executive director to disburse the payment. Are there eventualities that are out there looming and pending? Yes. Can we predict the outcome of any lawsuit or any endeavor which the County may or may not take with respect to the definitive agreements that are just part of the BSA? No, we can't. But is there anything possible that will undo the current obligation that is due today? At this point, no. There's nothing else to do at this point but to disburse the money. Commissioner Sanchez: All right. Next item on the agenda. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Let's -- Stanley Krieger: Madam Chair, does that mean you won't hear any --? Chair Spence -Jones: No, not -- I've already withdrawn the item. I'm going to move on to 5 -- to make sure we're clear on number 6. [Later...] Chair Spence -Jones: We have dealt, basically, with all of our discussion items. I think I've already said something on item number 7. I'm just going to instruct Bill Bloom, along with our City Attorneys, Gail, along with Ms. Julie Bru, to please sit down and have a discussion with Mr. Bloom and the executive director to then officially bring back whatever is necessary regarding the overall item. I just -- my concern in all of this is that, you know, there is a serious break in communication, and that leads me to -- I guess when we come back the next time on the agenda, I am -- I do want to address the legal situation with the CRA and how we're addressing this from a representation standpoint because there's a serious breakdown of communication. And we had a Commissioner tonight we lost a quorum on just because there is confusion around what needs to happen, you know, prior to it getting to us. You know -- I mean, that's basic -- I mean, an hour before I show up to this meeting, I'm hearing one recommendation from one group and one -- it's just not right. So I know if that confusion, as the Chair, is being presented to me, you know, within hours before our CRA meeting -- and it's not for a lack of trying on the C -- I don't know what's going on between the departments, but I am going to definitely make a recommendation that we do have something being brought in front of us at the next CRA meeting regarding this legal situation. And I was, tonight, going to ask Commissioner Sarnoff, along with someone from our team, to work along with the City Attorneys Office to come back with some sort of recommendation on how we best handle legal work for the CRA because there's just too much head -butting going on between both groups, and it's not necessary. People in the Overtown area, people in the Omni area, they don't deserve to have the confusion. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair, there's a big difference between confusion and a total lack of respect for a community, with all due respect. Chair Spence -Jones: I hear you, Commissioner Sanchez. And I am trying to remain as diplomatic as possible, but -- and I know that you feel like you don't really have to at this point, but I'm going to ask that my City Attorney please -- and my executive director do that. [Later...] Chair Spence -Jones: In closing, as I close out tonight, I respect Commissioner Sanchez's viewpoint definitely about walking out on the meeting. You know, we do have a responsibility to serve -- service both sides of both CRA areas, regardless of whether or not we agree with each other or not. As the chairperson of the CRA, I have to respect what the Legal Department is telling me what we can and cannot do. And I don't want to put this -- as the chairperson of the CRA, I don't want to put the CRA in a bad situation when not necessary. So when I'm getting recommendations from my Law Department saying or stating to me that we cannot step into certain areas or create a bigger situation for us, I have to respect that. That's what their job is, and unfortunately, we may not agree with everything that they advise us of but if that's what is being recommended, we have to respect that. I am going to say, in closing, on this issue, though, I would like for Jim to at least give -- and both of our City Attorneys -- to give me a full briefing tomorrow on why it is absolutely necessary for us to make a payment tomorrow on this issue. I'd like to at least have a briefing from all three of you because I do want to respect my colleague, Commissioner Regalado. If it's something that he feels passionate about or he feels is not right - - and I want to be very clear. The district Commissioner of the area, of the Omni area, has been - - is totally in support of Omni dollars being utilized for the PAC. He's the district Commissioner of that area, and he is in support of that. Now those dollars -- and just by sitting here and listening and having the audience listen, you would think or assume that those dollars was coming from Overtown, and I just want to be clear because we get the wrong impressions by antics, you know. And the reality is those dollars were not being taken from the people in Overtown to be utilized for the PAC. Those dollars were coming from the Omni area, in which the district Commissioner has the right to support any project that he feels is necessary, and that's where those dollars were coming from. So I just want to be clear because we leave out and we get all emotional on -- oh, money's being taken away from the folks from Overtown, and that's clearly not where the dollars are coming from. And everybody knows my position from day one. Any dollars that's generated from the Park West area and the Overtown area stays in the area, and our focus is, of course, number one being affordable housing, and then the other areas that we've identified. So I just want to be clear 'cause I know -- I see media sitting there waiting, you know, to get us as we -- right, Mike? -- walk off the podium, but I just want to be very clear that I do understand and respect my colleague's position, and I'm going to ask for staff to get with us -- or with me, at least, tomorrow to make sure we fully understand what his position was, and he had a good position. We approved $1.4 million; why is it $5.4 million now that we're approving? So if that is his issue and his concern, you should be able -- or the staff should be -- He's not here, so you don't have to address it now. Let me know tomorrow when we meet, but my point is he has the right to ask that question and we have a right to respect that. but I just want my constituents to know what the situation is regarding the district Commissioner and him supporting the PAC and those dollars coming from the Omni. With that being said, this meeting's officially adjourned. 6. 08-00369 CRA DISCUSSION UPDATE ON THE OMNI BOUNDARY EXPANSION. Cover Memo.pdf WITHDRAWN City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 [For minutes related to Item 6, see Item 5.] 7. 08-00370 CRA DISCUSSION UPDATE ON THE JAZZ VILLAGE PROJECT. Cover Memo.pdf DEFERRED Chair Spence -Jones: And then the other one that I'd like to also defer is item number 7. Again, I'm going to ask for my executive director to hash out a lot of this stuff with the Law Department regarding these issues. I mean, I don't want to have to deal with it outside of an hour or two -- I should not be having viewpoints from both parties. Chair Sanchez: You lost quorum. You've lost quorum, so -- All right. So Commissioner Regalado leaves. That leaves us without no quorum. Can we just take some of the discussion items? Vice Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. We can -- Chair Sanchez: Get those out of the way. Vice Chair Spence -Jones: -- do that. 8. 08-00371 CRA DISCUSSION UPDATE ON COMMUNITY POLICING INNOVATIONS. Cover Memo.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Let's move on to item number 8. Is item number 8 prepared to speak in front of us today? This is the update on the community policing innovations. And this is -- policing innovations. I want to be very clear on this. Is the Police Department here at this point? Oh, okay. We did have -- I did have a meeting this morning with both chiefs regarding the issues of this item. We've already had a presentation on the cameras issues -- correct? -- in the last CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. Loren, I think all -- every -- so we don't have any more issues or concerns about the camera portion of this. I think this is something that everybody's in agreement with. And just want to say to the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office, I think it's important for us to vet out all of the key issues around making sure that the residents in the Overtown areas know that there is this process going to be put in place with the cameras. I'm assuming that the residents have already vetted out this, and this is something that's important to them, but I think that there needs to be some sort of campaign put in place to do that. My discussions with the chief this morning, Chief Timoney and also Deputy Fernandez, both agreed that we definitely need to have some sort of partnership with the local -based organization to work hand in hand. And I know that through the NET Office, we've been working on this for six to seven months regarding the Peacemakers and creating some on -the -ground communications with local residents to refer people that need services or support. So I wanted to at least give the Peacemakers the opportunity to come and at least speak on behalf of the project. And this is something that would have to go hand in hand with the Police Department 'cause we can't have an outside group policing the streets. The idea is to make sure that at least, if nothing else, our schools in the area, our parks in the area, that we have more foot patrol or more people walking on the grounds in the area to make sure our kids are getting back and forth safely. So I'm going to ask for Brother Gerald -- I don't know if Mt. Zion and the other churches that are here are here tonight to speak on it. I definitely would like to at least give you a few minutes to address the CRA. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Gerald Muhammad: Good afternoon. I'm Gerald Muhammad, 935 Northwest 3rd Avenue. First of all, I want to thank the Commissioner and Commissioner Sanchez for this opportunity this afternoon to brief you or give you an update on the Peacemakers proposal. It's been in the CRA for over four months now, and we have the proposal together. We have gotten -- first of all, we speak for Progressive Land Developers International, and also, Respect for Life, which is going to do the training for the service workers of this project. This project has been ready for over three months now, and we are ready to go because the crimes and the various things that are going on in the Overtown area, we have a solution. And we really don't like waiting around to get started, but if that's what it entails, then fine. But we are ready. We have community support. I've spoken to -- we've spoken to several organizations in Overtown, long prominent members of the Overtown community, business leaders, religious leaders, civic organizations. And there's an array of support for this project. We are very excited about it. We're interested to get started. We also have Muhammad Mosque #29 members on board and also, we're going to hire members from the Overtown community to do some of the things in this area that have -- that -- the way it used to be done. Overtown is the business center of the black community in the whole South Florida area, and we -- and with the right spirit and with your cooperation, we can return Overtown to the way it was and make it greater than it was before, and I believe that's the purpose of the CRA is to make this area -- to redevelop this area, so we -- we're anxious to get started, but we're also thankful for the opportunity that you're providing us. And Commissioner Jones [sic[, with your inspiration, we're truly thankful. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Gerald, can you please speak to what the project is? Because I think that's really important for people to understand that. Mr. Muhammad: Okay. The Overtown Peacemakers project is designed to provide the residents in Overtown with the services that's all around them, be it employment, entrepreneurial skills, health issues, drug problems; whatever the problem is, City services that are lacking in this area, business development that's lacking in this area. We have an opportunity to provide all of those services. And you may say, well, how are we going to do that? Simple. We have a proven solution that starts with self-improvement is the basis for a community development. And when you improve the condition of the individual, they automatically will improve their -- our community. So we -- we're excited about the opportunity because we know it works. And I'm a living example of it working, and we have several examples that you're going to see in the next several months and in the weeks -- this Peacemakers project is going to be in the CRA area from 9th Street to 13th Street, from 3rd Avenue to 1st Avenue on the -- which is east of here, and 3rd Avenue. So you will see the Peacemakers. You will see the service workers going door to door, getting information, giving them information and receiving information for any services that are lacking and any services that needs updating or improving, the Peace service workers and we are -- and the Peacemakers are designed to improve the community. So, life skills, health screening, referrals; we're going to work with Jefferson Reaves Clinic referring the residents that need to go there for services. So it's basically like a liaison for the community and the government to live up to the opportunity that they presented to the citizens -- that they supposed to present to the citizens. So that's basically what the Peacemakers entail. I'll be here. I've been here for over 12 years. My grandfather ran the jitney stand. We have several members in our mosque, this is their home. And most black people in Florida, this is where they started from, so we're -- as I going to say again, we're excited to come back to the neighborhood, and our goal is to bring more black men to the neighborhood to take responsibility for our community. So the Peacemakers is designed to employ some of the residents to take charge of their community, to be good examples. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Brother -- I mean, Loren, do you have anything that you want to add to this as the NET officer in the area? Loren Daniel (Overtown NET Administrator): Yeah. Thank you, Commissioner. Just want to City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 just reiterate -- Chair Spence -Jones: Put your name for the record. Mr. Daniel: Loren Daniel, Overtown NET Administrator. Just wanted to reiterate what Brother Gerald said. This has been a process that we've been working on for months now, and I think it's going to be something ideal, particularly for our children in this community that need to see some people that are aspiring to do something a little bit more positive. And it's been proven that what they do works in other cities, and just by them being out here and making linkages to people who are suffering out here is going to be a tremendous help to my office and also to the residents in this community. So -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Daniel: -- we're looking forward to it. Chair Spence -Jones: So, is it your recommendation that this is something that definitely is needed in the community? I'm understanding that the project is supposed to put more men on the streets walking back and forth -- Mr. Daniel: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- during the hours of the school time, kids going back and forth to school and on Saturdays. Is that correct? Mr. Daniel: I'm not sure about the Saturday just now. Mr. Muhammad: Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Muhammad: Monday through Saturday, yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I do know that, in the past, there have been concerns on the issues of liability and all of that. I'm assuming that all of that -- I don't want to make any assumptions (UNINTELLIGIBLE) say assuming. Mr. Muhammad: No, no. We have the liability insurance. Everything is covered. Everything that Commissioner Sanchez initially asked for in October has been satisfied, as far as we're concerned. We haven't gotten any negative feedback or any opposition in reference to this proposal. We've satisfied all of those concerns. We're thankful for your help also, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Mr. Executive Director, do you have any comments on the Peacemakers project? James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): This was requested to be put on this agenda by the Board at the last meeting, and you asked for -- Commissioner Sanchez: As a discussion item. Mr. Villacorta: -- an update -- Chair Spence -Jones: As a discussion item. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Mr. Villacorta: Yes -- a discussion of whether we had the legal authority to do community policing innovations. That's why we asked for a legal opinion, and that's what is attached; that the Law Department has come back and said we have the legal authority. At this point, I would expect that we would try and -- I would receive direction to bring back the various community policing initiatives that have been proposed, the cameras, the increased police presence, and the Peacemakers. The Peacemakers have submitted a number of proposals over a number of months. I'll be happy to give you copies of them. We've worked with them to try and get them to a level that would be acceptable to -- for presentation to the Board. Currently, we have provided them with the City's insurance requirements. Those -- the response does not encompass all of those. We're happy to work with them and bring them up to the level to where this is a matter that could properly be considered by the Board. We recently -- I know they recently met as recently as today with one of the Commissioner's office to explain the proposal. We have, within the last five days, received resumes on the principals in the project. One of your other Commissioners is asking for a business plan. I don't think we've received that. We do have a budget, but not a business plan. Another Commissioner has asked that they provide what other funding sources they've attempted to obtain other than just the CRA, but -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Since we're all sitting here and the public is here, we -- I'd like to know who those two Commissioners are. The first one said what now? Mr. Villacorta: Commissioner Sarnoff has requested that they provide a business plan and a list of other groups that they've reached out to fund this project. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And then the other Commissioner? 'Cause you said it was two. Mr. Villacorta: There was a Commissioner that they met with today. That was the chief of staff for Commissioner Regalado. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. All right. Mr. Villacorta: And so -- I mean, we've been working with them. I know they say it's been four months, but I'll be happy to provide you with the different drafts of the proposals, and you can see that, you know, we've worked with them to try to get the proposal up to a standard that would be appropriate for this Board to consider. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: And I believe we could have something for you at the next meeting, if that's what you would like to do. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez? Commissioner Sanchez: And I think that's the entire issue here. This item that's in front of us today is in front of us for a discussion. I think we need to separate the policing innovative concept of it and the services that the Peacekeepers [sic] are going to provide. Gerald Muhammad, who stated clearly in the scope of service that he will be providing, nowhere does he mention security, which is an issue because once we separate what the police is going to do -- and it's something that I have always supported which is to put cameras out there and get the police, the Miami Police, in uniform to work with the residents and the business to make sure that Overtown is a secure place, all right, where they've won over the confidence of the residents, and that's where the Peacekeepers [sic] could come in place with all the services they're providing -- Mr. Muhammad: Yes, sir. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: -- not in the security concept of it, as to where I could see somebody asking for a business plan and stuff because we need to be very careful the role that they play. Let me tell you why. One is the last thing that we want is a member of Peacekeepers [sic] to go out there and do something that they're going to get hurt or someone else is going to get hurt because then we fall under the scope of liability, and the liability will fall on the CRA in itself, and we would have to be placed with that burden. So if that agreement that's being ironed out as it is, in nowhere do they state that they're going to put their lives in danger or put anybody else lives in danger on the security aspect of it -- they could do community outreach. There's a lot of things they could do to the -- in the community. They could help the children have role models. They could help people with drug problems overcome that. They could work with community -based organizations, such as the homeowners association and provide levels of service where it doesn't require any type of security. So I want to make sure that we're able to distinguish both things here. One, I'm willing to support a hundred percent installing the cameras, getting Miami Police Department to come out here and work with the residents and provide more security. Ladies and gentlemen, we hear it every month. We have a situation out here much that not only does it tarnish the community, but it also puts fear in people coming to Overtown. I think what we want to accomplish is to one day have an Overtown where people, not only local people, but people that are traveling and tourists come to Overtown and enjoy what Overtown could truly be with the plan that we have in place. Now that said and done, I think that the other plan that should come in front of us, the services they're going to provide as long as there is no security, where you don't walk the streets with a security jacket or you take any type of actions that's going to put your life in danger, put somebody else's life in danger, and I think we could do that. I think the process is being moved forward We need to be careful and make sure that all the attorneys are signed on. And I think, at the end of the day, we could bring a resolution forth supporting the cameras and Police Department and providing the initiative that Peacekeeper [sic], the important initiative that the Peacekeepers [sic] can play in the development of Overtown. Mr. Muhammad: Right. But we never was a part of the police cameras and that aspect. They never asked -- Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah, but you -- Gerald, you got mixed in on all that -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Sanchez: -- because when I got briefed, they said, well, they're going to be providing security. I said, whoa, whoa, whoa, you know, I'm a little concerned on that. But that's been taken care of. That's why it's important to have these meetings and to have dialogue between the staffs to make sure that we ironed out where we're at to make sure that when we do bring a resolution, it's minimal discussion. Mr. Muhammad: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: 'Cause we shouldn't be debating an issue here for 25 -- Mr. Muhammad: Exactly. Commissioner Sanchez: -- minutes or coming here to establish record for other people -- Mr. Muhammad: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: -- but we should just do it quickly and vote on it once we have an opportunity to talk to all sides. Mr. Muhammad: Okay. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So, I'm going to ask that at least the CRA staff, along -- Commissioner Sanchez: We can't make any motions 'cause we lost -- Chair Spence -Jones: No, no. Commissioner Sanchez: -- quorum, so this really puts us in a situation where -- Chair Spence -Jones: Well, I'm not going to make a motion, but -- Commissioner Sanchez: There's a -- well, I would have liked to make a motion today. There's a couple of important items here that we needed to move, such as directing to bring back in a resolution to get the cameras up and going, get the Police Department going, as quickly as possible, and then also, when it's ironed out, bring their proposal to the Commission [sic]. There's a couple of items here that it's going to hold us back. And when you're talking about security and you're talking about improving the quality of life, we have a responsibility here. The CRA has a responsibility to the residents of the CRA and the business in the CRA to get things expedited and done quickly. Today, we've lost a quorum. Therefore, we could only go through discussion items. Chair Spence -Jones: I agree. Mr. Villacorta: Commissioners, subject to the will of the chairperson, I think we can bring all three of those items back on the next agenda. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So I just want to just add on the Peacemakers part real fast, as we close out and move on to item number 9, on item -- on this particular item, the Peacemakers, I really want to make sure that we work hand in hand with the NET Office, Loren's office, to make sure that there's some coordination between them and also the Police Department. Even though you will not be providing security services or any of those type of services, it's really important that there's some communication happening on all three levels. Hopefully, you can sit down and work it out with our executive director and be prepared to bring something back, and we should be bringing both items. But it's going to be extremely important that the Peacemakers, along with the NET Office, put together some sort of public campaign so that people know about the cameras coming up because that is going to be a concern that the community doesn't know what's happening with the cameras, so we definitely want to make sure that that happens. Mr. Muhammad: Yes, ma'am. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Brother Gerald Mr. Muhammad: Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to -- Mr. Muhammad: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- move on to the next item, and this is item number 9, which is the Downtown Miami Mall. 9. 08-00372 CRA PRESENTATION PRESENTATION BY DOWNTOWN MIAMI MALL LLC REGARDING RENOVATION OF THE OMNI MALL. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf CONTINUED Chair Spence -Jones: On that note, that brings us to number 9, real fast. I think that it's -- it only makes sense -- the district Commissioner for the area is not here, and we've lost one of the Commissioners in this particular meeting -- that we bring this item back up next month when we have at least a quorum and especially, the district Commissioner from the area. I know that I have been briefed about the project that's happening in the Omni area. I'm not sure if the other Commissioners have, but I know that there's support for it. But I would make a recommendation that we bring this item back in front -- okay, so -- Vicky Garcia -Toledo: For the record Vicky -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Ms. Garcia -Toledo: -- Garcia -Toledo. And, absolutely, Commissioner. That's exactly what I came up to the podium to ask, that you continue this matter. It is a rather lengthy and detailed presentation. I also would like to ask the executive director if he could bring up -- since we have given him a term sheet on this matter, if it's possible to bring it back for action next time. We will do a full presentation at that time, and then if the Board is so disposed, they can take an action on it, and that way we wouldn't be losing any time. Ultimately, what we're asking is for you to hear the proposal that we have and to take action on that proposal. Chair Spence -Jones: At the next meeting, you mean. Ms. Garcia -Toledo: At the next meeting, yes, of course. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Of course. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Not -- so we're going to address this -- Jim, this'll go on the next CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Speak. Ms. Garcia -Toledo: If that is possible. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah, yeah. If you're saying negotiate an agreement and have the agreement ready for -- Chair Spence -Jones: No. Mr. Villacort: -- approval -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: No, no, no. Chair Spence -Jones: No, no, no. She's not -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: No. Chair Spence -Jones: -- she's definitely not saying that. City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 Mr. Villacorta: Oh, okay. Well -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Just a resolution for approval or denial of the concept that we're going to present to them, and then that resolution would authorize you to negotiate an agreement, if the Board is so disposed. Commissioner Sanchez: Well, for the record, Counsel, I have problems with that agreement -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: -- so you know. Mr. Villacorta: I mean, typically, what would happen is you'd make the presentation -- Chair Spence -Jones: The presentation and then come back with -- Mr. Villacorta: -- and then the Board would say -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- the reso. Mr. Villacorta: -- bring a resolution with a grant agreement or a -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That's fine. Mr. Villacorta: -- whatever. Chair Spence -Jones: So, Ms. Toledo [sic] -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That's fine. I just -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- that's the way that we're going to recommend tonight is that you -- Ms. Garcia -Toledo: That'll be fine. Chair Spence -Jones: -- come back and do the full presentation for at least the Board that's here. Ms. Garcia -Toledo: Okay. That's fine. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. No problem. Thank you so much. NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 08-00392 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY'S UPCOMING CHARRETTE AT GIBSON PARK. DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: In closing, I do want to make a statement as we close out. Emanuel Washington is here. There is -- if you can stand, please, Emanuel. We are working on -- the reason I had this meeting here at the Gibson Park tonight is we're having a charrette here to create a better facility for the Overtown residents as a part of our CRA plan. Mr. -- our chairman of the board actually for the City Commission made a recommendation when we dealt City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 4/4/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes March 31, 2008 with this whole issue of the global agreement and breaking down of how much needed to spent for -- of those dollars needed to be spent for affordable housing, for green spaces, and all of that. And you have -- he had -- Commissioner Sanchez put together a wonderful plan of how we needed to spend the money in the area; a big portion of that was green space and parks -- or at least a portion of it, so I really wanted to make sure -- Emanuel is a former City employee, a fireman, that gives of his time daily for the optimist club here and is now chairing for me with the Overtown Oversight Board this new sports complex that we want to have happen here. There's been a lot of wasted money that has happened at Gibson Park, and we put in a lot of money from the bonds to make stuff happen, and you can see the condition of the park for the kids in this area. It's ridiculous. So I'm asking that the CRA staff is here for the charrette that CIP (Capital Improvements Program is having; that we sit down along with that team that's come up from the community, from the Overtown community to look at those dollars that can be identified based upon -- the chairman. I'm calling him the chairman -- Commissioner Sanchez's recommendation for green space to figure out what we can do to best utilize the dollars for the kids in the Overtown area. This park should be a state-of-the-art park in the heart of Overtown. So whatever we need to do on that end, we need to work along with you to do that. And thank you for coming out tonight, Emanuel, and I will be there on Saturday, and I'm asking for staff to also be there. City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 4/4/2008