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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2008-04-28 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Monday, April 28, 2008 5:00 PM Frederick Douglass Elementary (in the cafetorium) 314 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 April 28, 2008 Minutes are transcribed verbatim. Periodically, agenda items are revisited during a meeting. "[Later...]" refers to discussions that were interrupted and later continued. INVOCATION Present: Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Regalado and Chair Spence -Jones Absent: Commissioner Gonzalez and Vice Chair Sarnoff On the 28th day of April 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 in the Cafetorium of Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Michelle Spence -Jones at 5:00 p. m. and was adjourned at 6:41 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: Welcome to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) agenda for Monday, April 28. I think we do have a quorum; waiting for Commissioner Regalado to join us. And I'm going to do something a little different this time. I'm going to ask our City Clerk to at least open us up with a small prayer. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Good afternoon to all of you, and welcome to our CRA meeting. If you can, please bow your heads. Prayer delivered. FINANCIALS 1. 08-00456 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008. Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to go ahead and get started -- thank you, Madam Clerk -- with our financial summary by Miguel. Miguel Valentin: Good afternoon. Miguel Valentin, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) financial officer. On page 1, we have the combined statement of financial position as of March 31, 2008. On the first item, we are reporting the amount of 115,000 for Overtown as cash unrestricted; and for Omni, we are disclosing the amount of 634,148. Then for the rehabilitation and construction low-income workforce housing in Overtown, to this date, we are budgeting the amount of 4, 519, 693. Out of this amount, we have encumbered 2,386,269. Out of that amount, we have expended 1,047,565; leaving an available balance of 2,133,424, which we consider that unrestricted for this project. As far as the reportable conditions are concerned, there is no reportable condition to disclose to the Board. Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions, Commissioners -- board members? Commissioner Regalado: Nope. City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions, Commissioner? Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Excuse me, Chair. If we can, can you please turn off your cell phones or put them on vibrate? We are recording, and it's all picking up on the recorder. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Miguel. RESOLUTIONS 2. 08-00457 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH SHARP BUSINESS SYSTEMS, A DIVISION OF SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, FOR THE LEASE OF A COLOR PHOTOCOPIER, INCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLIES, FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS, AT A BASE COST OF $388.45 PER MONTH, PLUS AN ALLOWANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,000.00 PER MONTH, AS REQUIRED, FOR EXCESS COPIES; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS, "RENTALS AND LEASES," ACCOUNT NO. 10030.920101.544000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0016 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 2. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number -- Chair Spence -Jones: Jim. Mr. Villacorta: -- 2 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies, authorizing the executive director to execute a lease agreement with Sharp Business Systems for the lease of a color photocopier, including maintenance and supplies, for a period of three years. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. 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 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 Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-001 7 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to number 3, which is the PAC (Performing Arts Center) lights. James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yeah. Item number 3 is a resolution of the Boards [sic] of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency, ratifying the executive director's issuance of a work order, in an amount not to exceed $11, 313, to Under Power Corporation for emergency repairs to street lights on the PAC super block. Commissioner Sanchez: So this is basically on an emergency base [sic], and we're basically ratifying it, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second for discussion. Chair Spence -Jones: You have the floor. Commissioner Regalado: Thank you. Jim, these lights, are they the responsibility of Florida Power & Light, the City, CRA, or the PAC? Mr. Villacorta: They're the responsibility of the City. They are not FPL (Florida Power & Light) standard light fixtures. They're a unique fixture that was chosen to give that area a unique look. But the CRA agreed to fund the necessary maintenance above standard items -- for City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 the nonstandard items that were put in, which would be the pavers and the landscaping and the lighting. Commissioner Regalado: So by agreeing to maintain the super block, we are assuming liability. If somebody falls on that street, what happens? Who gets sued? Mr. Villacorta: Everybody within a mile. Commissioner Regalado: The CRA -- Commissioner Sanchez: Or two. Commissioner Regalado: -- and the City and the PAC? Mr. Villacorta: Well, the CRA, as you may recall, spent five and a half million dollars upgrading the super block area with pavers and additional landscaping and these unique lighting fixtures. We agreed to fund, with the City, their cost of maintaining those items. The City didn't -- knew that there would be an added expense. And we don't have a formal agreement in place yet, but we've been working on that to write them a check every year for the cost of maintaining those pavers and the lighting and the landscaping. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but still -- so we are supposed -- you are supposed -- or CRA is supposed to send an inspector every day to the super block just in case a paver is not off, right? Mr. Villacorta: Well, the -- Public Works has been monitoring this, and you know, we're agreeing to fund Public Works' added cost for the pavers and the lighting. Public Works had someone out there Friday night examining where the police have been parking on the pavers on the south side of the PAC, and the PAC has been using a ramp system to take cars from the valet across the pavers into the parking lot on the south side. So Public Works is monitoring it, as it is City property, and the CRA will fund whatever cost the nonstandard improvements incur. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but the police is County police, not City police. Mr. Villacorta: Actually, they were both on the pavers. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: They had both on the outside. Commissioner Regalado: Because City police doesn't go into the PAC. Mr. Villacorta: No. My understanding is they don't, but they are in the area surrounding the -- on the outside of the PAC. Commissioner Regalado: No. The reason I'm asking all these question [sic] is because, you know, they broke -- the Performing Art [sic], they did broke [sic] a lot of pavers and -- when they -- Have they paid that already to you? Mr. Villacorta: They haven't. We are negotiating, you know, what that amount is. There were some light fixtures that had to be replaced before -- or during construction. There was [sic] some pavers that were damaged during the grand opening. We've been working with them. Ola is their -- was their project manager and has that base of knowledge. So when he came over to the City from the PAC, they kind of lost some of that institutional memory, and so we're working with them to arrive at a number that is acceptable to both sides. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: So this is forever, every time a light goes out? Mr. Villacorta: The CRA will fund the replacement of the nonstandard improvements. Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair? Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. And I have -- you're recognized. Commissioner Sanchez: I'm a bit confused on this. This item pertains only to emergency repairs to street lights in the PAC super block, so just lights. This has nothing to do with pavers. Mr. Villacorta: No. Commissioner Sanchez: It's lights. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: Stay focused on the lights. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. I went back and I looked at the agreement. The agreement clearly states -- and we all voted in favor of it -- that the CRA would be responsible, not Public Works. So in the agreement, based on public safety, the lights being off, being dark, we have a liability and a responsibility to the citizens that visit the PAC and walk through our streets to make sure that all the lights are on and they feel safe. So based on this item, I have no problems with this item. I'm prepared to move -- to vote on the item. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I just have a comment and a statement real fast. Jim, are we doing -- are we repairing any other lights anywhere else -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- in any one of the districts? Mr. Villacorta: We maintain the lights on the Grand Promenade, on the 9th Street Mall, on Sawyer's Walk. There's a number -- anywhere there's a nonstandard fixture that we placed -- Chair Spence -Jones: So this is not an unu -- Mr. Villacorta: -- within the CRA. Chair Spence -Jones: I just want to make sure it's not an unusual practice. So we're already repairing them in -- Mr. Villacorta: No. Chair Spence -Jones: -- other places, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We have a vendor that we got through a competitive process, which is this vendor, and he charges a set amount per light per month. If the light needs repairs -- if it doesn't need repairs, he makes money. If it -- if somebody hits the pole and knocks it down, he has to replace it. These lights were added after that contract was in place, so we just had him repair them on an hourly basis. They had been under warranty. The warranty ran out in '07. And now, in '08, some of the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) failed, and some of the bulbs were burned out. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I just want to make a comment, and then we're going to just -- we already had a motion and a second for discussion -- a second and then a discussion. I just -- you mentioned the three other areas where we have the same -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- arrangement. I just would like to see the same level of interest and participation in getting those lights fixed on 9th Street and in the other areas in which we have the same kind of issues not taking so long with getting those repaired or replaced. Mr. Villacorta: We do monitor the lights. You know, I believe in the main -- they're working. Actually, part of the 9th Street Mall is under reconstruction right now, and we've removed some of the older fixtures and we'll be replacing them with an FPL standard fixture, which can then be maintained under the City's contract. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. So I had a motion; I had a second. Commissioner Regalado: I just want to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Regalado: -- make a brief -- Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. Commissioner Regalado: -- comment. This is written about lights, and I support this. Not only I support this, I think that the CRA mission should be lighting. When there is light, there is no crime, there is no blight. But the thing is about maintenance. And the whole maintenance issue should be revisited because if we don't get the information about something that is going on on the super block and something happen -- if somebody breaks the paver, somebody fells [sicJ, the CRA will be liable because it is written -- Board Member Sanchez said that's the contract. So the CRA is the primary responsible for the liability in that super block. And I just think that, you know, we should be aware that this could happen. The lights, I don't have a problem, although these people don't pay the CRA and they expect the CRA to be the guardian there. Well, that's fine. It's -- they do what they do. So I just say that we need to understand, Madam Chair -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Regalado: -- the level of liability that the CRA has, just in case, in the future, something happens. Chair Spence -Jones: Thanks for putting your thoughts on the record. Mr. Villacorta: And I'd have to go back and look at exactly the transcript surrounding the passing of the PAC super block improvements. I think it was our intention that we would fund the maintenance, not that we would be responsible for it, but that we would write a check for whatever the increased costs were. Again, we've been working with Public Works to make that happen. In the meantime, the lights went out and we paid to have a contractor fix them. Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. Commissioner Sanchez: Fifteen minutes on changing light bulbs. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Commissioner Sanchez: This is going to be a long CRA meeting. Chair Spence -Jones: No, it's not going to be a long CRA meeting. 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; RATIFYING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ISSUANCE OF A WORK ORDER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $17,500, TO OLMEDILLO X 5, INC. TO PREPARE A FINDING OF NECESSITY STUDY FOR EXPANSION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT AREA; 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 Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0018 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Item number 4. Commissioner Regalado: Well, you know -- Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Chair Spence -Jones: Wait, wait, wait, wait a minute. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to have order tonight. We have people that have come out. Guys, we have had people come out of their houses tonight to listen to what's going on in the areas. Last time that we had our CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, we were not able to, you know, continue business as usual. And I really, really want to be able to get -- there's some very important items. We can hold the discussions 'til the end of the meeting. I'm City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 more than happy to do that, but I'm asking both of you -- I'm sitting in between the both of you -- to please allow for us to get through the meeting. So -- Commissioner Sanchez: So move item 4. Chair Spence -Jones: -- I want to -- Commissioner Regalado: Let's move forward. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. -- move to item number 4. Commissioner Sanchez: So move. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 4 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Agency, rescinding Resolution CRA-R-07-0028; and rating the executive director's issuance of a work order, in an amount not to exceed $17, 500, to Olmedillo X 5, Inc. to prepare a finding of necessity study for the expansion of the boundaries of the Southeast Overtown/Park West redevelopment area. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I had a motion and I had a -- Commissioner Regalado: I have a second. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I just have a statement, but -- Commissioner Regalado: I voted yes, but a question to Jim and the attorneys. In the last County Commission meeting, County Commissioners say that they do not want CRA money in the Museum Park, and they would reject any attempt to do that. How that affects the expansion? Mr. Villacorta: This resolution deals with the Overtown CRA, which does not fund -- Commissioner Regalado: I understand that. Mr. Villacorta: -- the museums. The Omni CRA is also -- has a finding of necessity study in the works, and that necessity study expands the boundary down through Bicentennial Park and then out to Watson Island. The boundaries of the CRA have to be contiguous; you can't have a gap. So the CRA could be extended through that area; you wouldn't necessarily have to fund the museums with TIF (Tax Increment Fund). That would be a separate resolution. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And just so that we're clear and for the public listening and those that may be watching, this will now allow us to go beyond the 14th Street boundaries, at least in the Overtown area. One of the major concerns I had after getting, you know, in office was, you know, the fact that we end at 14th Street and there's so -- there's such a great need before -- beyond 14th Street. So this will now take us all the way to 20th Street, which will assist -- correct? Mr. Villacorta: Correct. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Well, hopefully, after we come back with the study -- we need to find out whether or not there's a necessity for it, but the issue, though, this will allow us to now at least assist your Town Parks that greatly need assistance. A lot of those buildings that are actually multi families in the area, we'll now be able to provide them with some sort of support in order for them to maintain and remain in those locations, and at least in buildings that have been revitalized; correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. The current boundaries encompass only a very small part of Overtown, the southeast section. It's about 20 blocks, and it's limited by the 1-95 right-of-way and the 1-395 right-of-way, but there is a lot of need just outside those boundaries. Town Park, Town Park Village, Town Park North, all of those -- Chair Spence -Jones: The businesses on 3rd Avenue that really need help -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- beyond 14th Street. Mr. Villacorta: Yes, all the way up to 20th. And we submitted a plan in 2004 to pick up some of those areas. The County asked that we update that plan, and we're seeking to further expand the boundaries over to Northwest 7th and come up to 20th. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And I think it also takes us beyond I-95 going east, correct -- or west? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Take you to Northwest 7th, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: So we'll be able to pick up in that area also by Culmer. 5. 08-00458 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL, TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CITADEL ARENA CORPORATION FOR THE CRAS' OFFICE SPACE AT 49 NORTHWEST 5TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, TO PROVIDE THE CRAS WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW THE TERM FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE-YEAR PERIODS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXERCISE THE OPTION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 AT THE RATE OF $14,819.20, OR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $177,830.40 ($17.78 PER SQUARE FOOT), INCLUDING TAXES, UTILITIES AND 16 PARKING SPACES; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM GENERAL OPERATING FUND, ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.544000.0000.00000, ENTITLED "RENTAL AND LEASES." Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0019 Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We're going to move on to item number 5. Thank you so much on item number 4. Let's move on to item number 5, extending the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) office lease. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Item number 5 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni redevelopment areas, authorizing the executive director to execute an amendment, in a form acceptable to General Counsel, to the lease agreement with Citadel Arena Corporation to provide the CRAs with the option to renew the term for two additional one-year periods; and authorizing the executive director to exercise the first option for a period of one year. And this is the lease that we procured through a competitive process. It was originally for two years, with 3 one-year renewals. We are asking to extend that with two more option years at the same increase as in the original -- Commissioner Sanchez: Which is a three percent increase. Mr. Villacorta: It's a three -percent increase. And -- Commissioner Sanchez: So moved, Madam Chair. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. 6. 08-00459 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXERCISE THE CRAS' OPTION TO EXTEND FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL YEAR ITS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CREATIVE IDEAS ADVERTISING, INC. AND ED O'DELL & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES. Cover Memo.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0020 City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 6 on the agenda. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 6 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment Agencies, authorizing the executive director to exercise the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) option to extend for one additional year, its professional services agreement with Creative Ideas Advertising and Ed O'Dell & Associates for marketing and public relations services. This was a one-year contract that we entered into in May of last year, and the funds under that contract have not been exhausted. The companies are still finishing their update of the CRA's Web site, and this just allows us to exercise the option to extend the agreement with no additional funding. Commissioner Regalado: But when the contract was finalized? When they -- when did the contract was ready to --? Mr. Villacorta: It was actually signed in December. Commissioner Regalado: So it was approved May, but -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- they couldn't start until December? Mr. Villacorta: It had a retroactive date because there were some public relations things that they had undertaken. The contract was delayed in getting signed as the vendor acquired the requisite insurance coverages. Chair Spence -Jones: So some of the delays were based upon -- Mr. Villacorta: They needed to acquire the City -- Commissioner Sanchez: Insurance. Mr. Villacorta: -- insurance requirements, yes. Commissioner Regalado: So, actually, they started in December? Mr. Villacorta: I think they had performed some work earlier in May that they were asking to -- some press conferences -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Actually, this -- Mr. Villacorta: -- were held that they organized. Chair Spence -Jones: -- was -- remember the launch in the area of "Something's Happening in Overtown." I believe, in one of the Commission meetings -- or CRA meetings, it was stated because we had BET (Black Entertainment Television) at the time in town and we were doing this whole big TV (Television) show that actually aired about three or four times nationally on BET, the jazz channel, that it was, I think, recommended by one of the -- it might have been you, even, Commissioner Regalado -- that we at least have some backup press support to do it properly. And I think that that's the reason why they got started earlier on it. If I'm not also mistaken, even after they started, it still took a while to get through whatever needed to happen from the CRA's stand -- side of it and then the insurance side of it. So the delays were not actually all on Creative Ideas. I think it was a joint thing, ifI -- correct me if I'm wrong. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Mr. Villacorta: I think we discussed that at a meeting at the Ice Palace that the City has -- we send our contracts through Risk Management, and they do have a minimum level of insurance that they require, which is rather extensive, and the vendor wasn't use -- didn't have those insurances in place, and we had to show them the reasons we were asking for that. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. And we all do know how important it is for us to have the PR (Public Relations) marketing firm. I believe that's Mr. Ed O'Dell; he's here, and also Maritza Gutierrez from Creative Ideas. And I'm going to be working hand in hand with the CRA staff to make sure we get this done properly as far as the Web site and other things that we need to get moving. These banners need to be changed. There's a few other things that need to happen, and I think that they've been working also with Chelsea [sic] to at least tighten up the Web site. We need to have an active Web site happening regarding the CRA. So are there any questions, Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Regalado? Commissioner Regalado: I move the item. Commissioner Sanchez: Second for the purpose of discussion. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. I have a motion and a second. Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Executive Director, are you satisfied with their services and their performance? Mr. Villacorta: We've been working with them. The Web site and some of the press releases have been a lot of work in the beginning. I think we've seen some progress being made lately. But you know, it was a little frustrating to not get that contract up and running as quickly -- Commissioner Sanchez: Jim, just a yes or no. Simple, yes or no. Are you satisfied with their service? As the executive director, I'm asking you are you satisfied with their service; yes or no? I don't need a ten-minute -- Chair Spence -Jones: Dissertation. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. I would continue to use the services of this company. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. This is a one-year, and it expires May 14, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: How much have be paid them to day [sic]? Mr. Villacorta: To date, in the pipeline -- I don't think the check has been cut --, about $9, 000. Commissioner Sanchez: Nine thousand out of a fifteen thousand dollars -- not to exceed fifty thousand dollars. Why is that? Mr. Villacorta: We received -- the billing for the Web site was 5,000 to start and then two five thousand milestones. I don't think that we hit the second milestone yet. And on the press releases and the press events, only some of those have -- I've just been corrected. We have 19,000 in payment -- in process, and we've paid about 6,000 so far. Commissioner Sanchez: So you still have $29, 000 that you haven't used from -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: -- the previous --? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. That's correct. I mean, we've been working with the vendor. I mean, they've been responsive. We just -- we have had certain issues getting the vendor up and running or the whole project up and running. Commissioner Sanchez: So you support this resolution? Mr. Villacorta: I would extend the date, yes. I mean, we're in the middle of revising this Web site. There are some press things they're working on for us. I don't think it would make sense to let the contract expire and waste the money that we've put into the Web site so far. Commissioner Sanchez: All right. Call the question. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. 7. 07-01500 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $187,500, TO BRENDA KILLENS EVANS, TO REHABILITATE SIX (6) RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNITS AT 160 NW 11TH TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS, OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.670000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0021 Chair Spence -Jones: We move on to number 7. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 7 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $187,500, to Brenda Killen [sic] Evans, to rehabilitate six residential units at 160 City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Northwest 11 th Terrace; authorizing the executive director, at his discretion, to disburse the grant funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors, upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. This is part of the rental rehab program, and these units are currently vacant. We will be rehabilitating them. We've got three quotes provided by the owner, and the construction will result in six units being placed back on the rental market. She's agreed to execute a restrictive covenant, which would limit the rents for a period of five years. Commissioner Sanchez: Limiting rent to how much? Mr. Villacorta: To 80 percent of the AMI (Area Median Income). Someone making 80 percent ofAMI -- Commissioner Sanchez: Which is how much? How much would that --? Mr. Villacorta: -- could only spend -- Commissioner Sanchez: People who don't know what 80 percent ofAMI or -- I mean, English. How much? Mr. Villacorta: They can only -- a person making 80 percent could only spend 30 percent of their income -- Commissioner Sanchez: Right. Mr. Villacorta: -- on rent. Commissioner Sanchez: And it's subsidized by who? Mr. Villacorta: The building owner can only -- Commissioner Sanchez: The building owner. Mr. Villacorta: -- charge that much. If she can get Section 8 vouchers to make up the balance,3 she can, but if she doesn't, then that's the limit. Someone -- Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry. And I just want to also add real fast -- I'm sorry, Commissioner Sanchez -- this building -- currently, there's no one living in them right now, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Right. Yes, currently. Right. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so this is actually an abandoned -- a vacant property that we're definitely going to be able to put more units back into Overtown. The Killens family has been respected in the Overtown area. It's a -- actually, the front building, I definitely know is a historic building, so this is going to allow us the opportunity to put more units back in the area; correct, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: Excuse me. I missed that, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. As a part of this whole initiative that I know Commissioner Regalado -- we started with this homeless issue and addressing some of the vacant properties in the Overtown area, this was one of the buildings that I believe we even identified as a rehab. I don't now if the Killens family or any of the members are here -- okay, wonderful. I'm glad to see you guys here. I don't know if you want to put -- state anything for the -- or put your name on the record or say anything to the family, but we wanted to at least -- I know that you've been working hard, along with Clarence and along with Jim, on getting this building rehabbed so that City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 it can become something that's available to the residents of Overtown. And I know our NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) director would truly prefer not to have it boarded up and no one not living in it. It's one -bedroom apartments, correct? Unidentified Speaker: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair, could I be recognized for the record? Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Yes, you can, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair, when we backed your initiative was -- which was $30 million for housing -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: -- over the -- for the -- next five years, your priority was rehabbing a lot of these properties in Overtown. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: And my vote for that was in favor because I believe that if we stretch our dollars, that is the best way to go. So I don't have a problem with that. This gets six units rehabbed where people can move in and have a place of their own. You can't buy a house nowadays for $187, 000, so you're going to give hardworking, decent people an opportunity to have six units where they could, you know, call it their home. So this is -- overall, I think it's a good investment. I'm not against this. I just think that when we are here in the public and we have people here -- and this is televised -- when we talk language that people don't understand, such as 30 percent median -- AMI or whatever, all those things, people don't know what that is. So there may be somebody out there who might be in a situation looking for a unit and may be interested in one of these six units. What is it that they would pay? Would it be $200, 150, maybe subsidized by the County on Section 8? They don't know. Mr. Villacorta: A person making the area median income, a single person, would not pay more than $560 a month. Chair Spence -Jones: For a one -bedroom? Mr. Villacorta: For a one -bedroom. Commissioner Sanchez: For a one -bedroom. Chair Spence -Jones: Totally rehabbed gut rehabbed; everything new; appliances, everything. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. It's going to be taken down to the bare walls and rebuilt. Commissioner Sanchez: But let me just add. I'm in favor of this. I just think that we have to have - we need to establish a safeguard to make sure that once this money is used -- and I know that we're going to be reimbursing vendors. We've learned from mistakes in the past where we don't give property owners the money anymore and we don't follow through with it. We have to follow through to make sure that once the job is done, it is our responsibility because it's our money -- when something negative comes out in the paper, it isn't about the property owner, or it isn't about you. It's about this board, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). So we need to make sure that there is a system where if the job is done and if it's done to our standards, we City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 pay those vendors and we pay them quickly. The other issue that I have is that we also need to follow up to make sure that we work with these property owners to make sure that they have maybe what's considered a professional property management company in place to follow through and give us a report as to what are the conditions of those properties. Because I could tell you this much, we could put 187 million -- $187,000 -- forget it. We could put 50 million out there, and if we don't do this right -- if we don't do this correctly, we're not using the money in the proper manner. So therefore, there has to be a system in place where we have ways to track it to make sure that the property's being well taken care of and we stretch our dollars as much as we can. And I say that because, you know, we have some crisis coming down from the state and federal government. As they continue to cut our budget, we need to be very prudent on how we spend our money. And we can't certainly just pass the responsibility to the property owners. Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioner Regalado, you -- Commissioner Regalado: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- want to be recognized? Commissioner Regalado: Thank you, Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Regalado: The federal guidelines for public housing or subsidized housing is that a person with a median income and below poverty level cannot pay more than 30 percent of their income, regardless. If that person gets a Social Security check for $700, but that person pays only 30 percent. That's the federal guidelines, and no one can deviate from that. I commend the family because, you know, they -- getting Section 8 voucher at this moment, it's, I think, impossible, if not very difficult. The -- that department is in transition, and what we are doing here today is more -- just one item -- than the County has done in three or four years because they haven't come up with one single unit for people to rent or live. And I'll tell you something. I don't know if the Board would ever consider this, but some time when we have time, I will try to place on the agenda because we need to find out with the new bill that is in Tallahassee for the CRA if the CRAs are able to subsidize housing 'cause -- because if the CRA is able to subsidize housing, then we will be able to house dozens of dozens of families within the CRA boundaries, even -- and if we get expanded, much better. I will tell you that the list of Section 8 on Friday was 69,853 person [sic] waiting for Section 8, and it hasn't opened yet, and the public housing is like the same. So we should take the initiative and, you know -- these people are very courageous; I mean, taking the responsibility that if they don't get vouchers, they will subsidize themself [sic] is commendable. And six families are going to be living in a decent place, thanks to this initiative, thanks to you. And I just hope that we can figure out if we can be like sort of a little HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) that we had in Miami many years ago when we subsidized the public housing because the County will take years to do that. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I had a motion -- and did I have a motion? I had a motion and a second. Commissioner Sanchez: There was a motion and a second. Chair Spence -Jones: No. Madam Clerk said no. Do I -- Commissioner Sanchez: All right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- have a motion? Commissioner Sanchez: So I move it. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: With -- and the only thing that I would put in there as a friendly amendment -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: -- Jim, is that somehow we need to create that safeguard to have a professional property management company that can provide us -- when we give money out to protect the property owner and protect our interest, to come back maybe twice a year with photos showing us the conditions inside and outside of those properties to make sure that they're well maintained. Mr. Villacorta: Commissioner, right now the deed restriction that she will be signing authorizes the CRA to do annual inspections to make sure that -- Commissioner Sanchez: Then I'm okay with it. Mr. Villacorta: -- the building's up to housing standards, and she'll be required to have a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) every year. Commissioner Sanchez: I'm just protecting our interest. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Exactly. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I just want to add -- the item's already passed -- two things on -- just adding comments. Commissioner Sanchez: We haven't voted. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. Just real fast so that at least the board members know. One of the things we're really trying to focus our attentions -- attention on, at least -- I know in the last, at least, 90 days is that there are several Overtown property owners, like the Killens, like the Jacksons, various people that are in the Overtown areas that have had these buildings for a very long time and have -- really need assistance with rehabbing their buildings. And one of the things that our executive director and Clarence had been doing is literally going out door-to-door and knocking to talk to people that live in these buildings, talk to people that own these buildings to see how we can rehab them. There's such a big fear of people being gentrified out of Overtown that we thought that it was really important to at least help maintain the people or the families that have been here for God knows how long to protect them so that they would be able to stay here. Being able to be able to stay here means them taking the existing units that they have and rehabbing them so that they are, you know, good, comfortable living environments for the people that want to stay in Overtown. So we thought that it was important to at least push to help the Killens. That building has been boarded up and we really wanted to make sure that we put these units back into the market. The Jacksons have just did that with another building that they also own. And then to add to Commissioner Sanchez, we are doing a housing summit. And part of that whole housing summit not only deals with preparing people for homeownership, but also -- City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: Item 8. Chair Spence -Jones: -- to assist people like the Killens and like the Jacksons on how to manage your properties. And it's an ongoing process that the CRA is going to do in order to make sure that they're able to sustain themselves and maintain themselves in the community, so we're already working on that right now; and I just wanted to make sure that you guys were aware of that. We're going -- we are going to move on to the next item, which I believe is -- Commissioner Regalado: Before you do -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Regalado: -- this is the good story about today's meeting. And there are two media persons here, one or two. This story must be told The Killens story must be told because six families are going to be housed. And you know, everything you read cannot be bad. It's not bad. The media is not the message; it's the messenger. I think that this story should be told, and I hope that, with professionals, we can tell this story all around not only the CRA area, but around the City. Chair Spence -Jones: The City. All right. Thank you, Commissioner Regalado. 8. 08-00461 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE, OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, TO UNDERWRITE A PORTION OF THE COST OF THE HOUSING FORUM TO BE HELD MAY 31, 2008 AT THE HILTON MIAMI DOWNTOWN HOTEL IN THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.534000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0022 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to the next item, which is the -- brings us to the -- I believe this is the housing summit. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Item number 8 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency, authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $15,000, to underwrite a portion of the cost of a -- the housing forum, to be held May 31, 2008 at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel in the Omni redevelopment area. Commissioner Sanchez: So moved. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. Just so that everyone knows, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) -- and hopefully, our marketing firm will be on board with this to assist us. This is going to be an awesome housing summit. I believe this is the first one I know that we've done that's going to really focus on the areas that really need attention to provide not only housing, homeownership workshop trainings, but trainings for our CDCs (Community Development Corporations). We really wanted to make sure that, you know, we don't continue giving monies to CDCs and organizations in the community and they're not trained or prepared to really address the communities or making sure that they're able to even manage and operate their own CDCs. So this will allow them the opportunity to do this, and we're very excited about this housing summit. And Jim, along with the whole CRA team, will make sure that you have information regarding the housing summit. I believe it's on May 31, correct, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: May 31. And it's also open to the whole City, not just -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: -- District 5. Chair Spence -Jones: Right. And every CDC, I would suggest, even to my fellow Commissioners, if you have CDCs -- we have HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) that's corning in. The Community Development Department is working along with us on that. We have some national speakers that are actually corning in. Please, by all means, encourage the CD (Community Development) Department to refer some of your local CDCs to participate in these workshops. It's not just for one particular district. 9. 08-00463 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR A POLICE CAMERA PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/ PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0023 Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to move on to item number 9. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 9 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $500, 000, to the City of Miami for a police camera pilot program for the Southeast Overtown/Park West community redevelopment area; further authorizing the executive director to issue the grant funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I don't know -- I see the Police Department. We also see our new commander, Commander Jones. I think this is our first official time actually meeting you at the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting, so welcome. We also see our new major, Major Gomez, that's joining us, and of course, our Chief Fernandez that's joining us. I don't know the other gentleman that's with you, but welcome. Okay. Chief you want to --? Assistant Police Chief Frank Fernandez: Madam Chairman -- or Chairwoman, thank you very much for entertaining us here today and our request for the funds. Commissioner Sanchez and Commissioner Regalado, thank you again. We're coming before you to request the additional funds for the camera system for the Overtown/Park West area. This camera system will allow us to put cameras in the entire area, which will have a 360-view of everything. It'll all be viewed from our communication center, which is our 911 system, along with the cameras in downtown, Coconut Grove. We're also hooking up to the Liberty Square neighborhood up in Model City. All these cameras will be monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week from our communication center. And I apologize, but this is Commander Ray Secora (phonetic) from downtown that you had asked for. I'm here -- I also have citizens that are present here today in support of the project, so I'm here -- present for any questions you may have. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Do we have any questions on the item? Commissioner Sanchez: I would make -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Commissioner Sanchez: -- a motion. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Commissioner Sanchez: Discussion on the item. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: Commissioner Regalado -- Chair Spence -Jones: I have a motion and a second. Commissioner Sanchez: -- I'll yield to you. You want to yield --? City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Thank you, Commissioner Sanchez. I think the presentation that you made several month [sic] ago was very convincing. I think the issue that had been raised about this intruding on privacy or whatever is a nonissue because the majority of the people want to be safe. The majority of the people want security, and this has been implemented in hundreds of cities throughout the United States and the world as it is. The only question that I have, chief is what are we -- what would you do with the information? I mean, is it so precise that you can get a license tag, or you just trust on the respond time of the units around when there is a crime or a potential crime to be committed? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Commissioner, in response to your question, the cameras are very sophisticated. As we showed you the last time around, we can actually look at several hundred yards away and pull a tag off of a vehicle. That's how technologically advanced these cameras are. In addition to that, we will release information immediately to our patrol officers. The reason why it's going to be monitored through our 911 center is so that we have the added addition of someone who calls the police for someone that we may have missed from the camera system, then that person at the camera location can probe that camera and immediately respond via the cameras, providing intelligence information, specifics on that call. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: You're recognized, Commissioner Sanchez. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Chief I'm sure that these ten cameras that you will be installing will be installed in areas that you have the proper documentation as to areas of high crime, illegal drug activities in those areas, and I'm sure you know what those areas are. Deputy Chief Fernandez: I do. Commissioner Sanchez: Taking into consideration the half a million dollars and the ten cameras and the monitoring, those cameras will be vandalized. We're at a war. If you think that you're going to be able to put a camera in an area and not think that camera's either going to be destroyed or vandalized it will happen. So how do we make sure that these cameras are not vandalized? How do we monitor it from the command center? Will this be monitored from the police station, the command center? Deputy Chief Fernandez: From the police station, the 911 center at headquarters. Commissioner Sanchez: At headquarters. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: And you'll have ground units on the floor, of course -- on the street to respond to those areas? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Yes, sir. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. Do you think that this is enough money for this project? Because you can't put a price on safety, and the only way you're going to clear some of those areas is going to be by having 24/7 surveillance. I was in Chicago not long ago, and one of the things that I went to see was their center, which is a unique center. They have cameras all over Chicago, in schools, subways, the river, everywhere. When it comes to violating somebody's right, let me tell you something. When you're a victim of a crime, you're not going to think about that. You're going to think about the police getting there as quickly as possible and you receiving the attention or the assistance that you need. So I just want to make sure that if the ten City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 cameras are put forth, you having one police officer -- Is it going to be just one police officer or there are going to be other police officers that are going to be working? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Commissioner, let met try to answer all the questions. I hope I don't miss any of the questions you had asked me. But, first of all, in terms of the area, it's our Zone 5 in Overtown. Zone 5 is -- you could contribute to -- attribute to a significant number of homicides in the last 20, 30 years. Just to give you a kind of an example, if I were to overlay homicides in a mapping software, in that zone, it would cover the entire area. That's how many homicides we've had there. So in terms of crime and violent crime, it is significant. It is one of our main areas. Just alone this past week, we initiated Operation Ownership under the leadership of Commander Jones. We took the direction from one of our ground troop's officers by the name of Ferguson. We actually called it Operation Ferguson. He's out there. He's a beat officer on patrol, and we gave him a number -- a different number of resources. That is being backed up today by a 24/7 stationary patrol in that area above and beyond the regular 911 calls, patrol services that we provide. That is a sustainable force that we're going to have there. Now the cameras that'll be monitored are going to be monitored to sustain that even further. They'll be monitored through our 911 center. One officer could theoretically view up to 10 to 20 cameras. Commissioner Sanchez: Right. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Now when the call comes in, he'll obviously be monitoring for intelligence and for tags, as the -- Commissioner Regalado is saying, or description of vehicles or offenders. But in a proactive mode, the cameras also go on patrol on their own. They actually patrol a neighborhood; they go back and forth. But they could also be manually monitored or maneuvered by an officer on our bridge. Commissioner Sanchez: And they would be under warranty. If they're vandalized either shot down or hit -- or destroyed in any way, they would be replaced quickly? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Well, that's a different actually issue. They are under warranty for up to two years for anything that goes wrong. That's part of the contract, which is fine. If they're shot down, if they're broken, they are not, obviously, part of the contract. Could that happen? Yeah, it could happen. That is not part of our cost right now. It's -- we're not -- we haven't factored that in, if you will. But I can give you one example. In Liberty Square, which is the largest housing project in the state, we have cameras everywhere that were put in there by the Department of Justice; not one has been damaged, not one. So if -- we're hoping that they neighborhood takes ownership -- Commissioner Sanchez: Well -- Deputy Chief Fernandez: -- helps us out, help them, help you out, help us help you, and that's the initiative which we're taking it, but we do not have it in our budget to replace a camera that's shot down. We have looked at Chicago, New Jersey that have ballistic shields on them. It comes at a significant added cost, and they're not bullet resistant. They are bullet -- they're not bullet proof,- they're bullet resistant, which means if you fire at it with a rife round, it's going to go through it. Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah. All right. My question has been answered. Commissioner Regalado: Don't worry. If they break one of those cameras, we won't pay the PAC (Performing Arts Center) and buy you a new camera because it's more important to have a camera than the light in front of the PAC. Deputy Chief Fernandez: I won't worry. City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: So don't worry about it. Chair Spence -Jones: Chief I am -- is there insurance that's -- that could be made available for these cameras, at all? Deputy Chief Fernandez: The insurance is -- Chair Spence -Jones: Is it coming --? Deputy Chief Fernandez: -- part of the package -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Deputy Chief Fernandez: -- that is the two-year warranty on the cameras. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, cool. All right. I just -- first of all, did we have a motion and a second on this item? Commissioner Sanchez: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: Great. I just want to make one comment before we move on to number 10, and that is definitely -- the Overtown community has definitely been asking for cameras in the area. We know the big issue, hands -down, in Overtown is the drugs. You know, whether or not it's the selling of it or the using of it -- I mean, we can walk right out the -- right outside and see that there's definitely a drug issue happening in Overtown, so I think that, for the most part, you will have -- you have a lot of support with having the cameras there to address the crime issue. I just wanted to make sure, in the midst of all of this -- because at the end of the day, our office will be the ones that receive calls in the end regarding the outreach efforts that we want to make sure that the community knows that these cameras are going up, you know, and not the same people that come to meetings. And those people are very valuable, but the people that have to work two and three jobs don't have time to come to these meetings. So we just want to make sure that there is -- and hopefully, we can address that further down in the agenda, but it's -- I think it's extremely important that the people of Overtown don't feel again that we're now trying to find another way to push them out of Overtown, you know. So I think it's just simple education in making sure that people are informed about what's happening and not feeling as though these cameras are put here with the wrong intentions. It needs to be really communicated to the public that we want and we expect kids that are coming to Frederick Douglass, kids that are coming to our parks to be able to come to our parks and not have to worry about either being affected one way or the other by drugs or crime. So I think that -- I'm hoping that there is some great synergies that can be created with other groups in the area to make sure that we communicate that message before the cameras even go up. Because people will say it's okay, and then all of a sudden, it becomes another issue. But for the most part, I think that this is going to be great for the area, and I'm sure that it's definitely going to detour people from doing drugs or either selling drugs in the area. But I also can say this, and we know this, is that once we put cameras in this particular area, only in the CRA area, it's only going to push out above 14 Street and west ofI-95. So, you know, while we may be addressing the problem immediately right now, we're only making the situation worse in other areas. So I think that we need to definitely have some sort of plan of action put in place. We can't just push the crime from one community to the next 'cause I know that my people over at Town Park and the other new facility that's there now is going to -- St. Agnes -- it's all going to become an issue for them because people are going to -- City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 now the crime is going to start moving more north. So I just -- I'm just hoping that there's some plan put in place because this will become an issue. But from my perspective, I definitely support the cameras coming in. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Commissioners, thank you again very much for your support, and we truly appreciate it. I can assure you that you're putting the cameras in the nucleus of the problem. That, I could assure you based on past history, on data, and on bodies that have laid there dead. I could assure you that that community needs a reprieve from those issues. Commissioner Sanchez: And that community must take ownership of those cameras -- Deputy Chief Fernandez: Absolutely. Commissioner Sanchez: -- because the cameras are going to help, you're going to help, but if you don't have the homeowners association, the churches, the residents involved in this process - - you have all those ingredients, I think you have all the tools to succeed. Deputy Chief Fernandez: And just want to reassure all the Commissioners that we have a significant amount of initiatives in that area and throughout. This is just going to further enhance this. Each camera is a force multiplier, and I could assure you that it's not just a one-way communication, Commissioner, and we want that synergy to be there. We will communicate with the public. We want them to know that these cameras are for them as well so they look after it because, as Commissioner Sanchez alluded to, they can be broken, and we don't want that. It comes at a very expensive price. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, chief. I think we've already voted on the item. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: The item has officially passed. Thank you so much -- Commissioner Regalado: Question. Chair Spence -Jones: -- for -- Sure. Commissioner Regalado: Question for counsel. Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioner Regalado. Commissioner Regalado: What does the bill going through in committees in Tallahassee on CRA restrictions say about police equipment? Gail A. Dotson (Assistant General Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): The House -- Commissioner Regalado: The House bill. Ms. Dotson: -- bill? I don't have it with me right now, but -- I don't have it with me right now to give you that answer, but I will be happy to look into it and contact your -- contact you tomorrow Commissioner Regalado: I think -- Ms. Dotson: -- with that information. Commissioner Regalado: -- it regulates use of funds for police, but I'm not sure about police City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 equipment. Ms. Dotson: And also the session ends the end of this week, so I'm not -- Commissioner Sanchez: Friday. Ms. Dotson: -- sure where -- yeah -- Commissioner Sanchez: Friday. Ms. Dotson: -- how far it's going to go anyway. And there have been a couple of amendments -- I think there was some type of amendment on last Friday. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but it's in a committee in the Senate already, and they might -- Commissioner Sanchez: Won't see the day of light -- Commissioner Regalado: -- vote -- Commissioner Sanchez: -- the light of day. Commissioner Regalado: -- or not, so -- Ms. Dotson: But I'll be happy to -- Commissioner Regalado: I'm just -- I'd just like to understand and, of course, bill cannot be retroactive, but just want to understand just in the case the police needs more funding, that we need to understand that, you know -- Ms. Dotson: Well, I'll be happy to contact your office tomorrow. I just don't want to comment about something that I'm not looking at 'cause I want to give -- Commissioner Regalado: I'm just -- Ms. Dotson: -- you the proper information. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. 10. 08-00464 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $343,392, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR A POLICE VISIBILITY PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT AREAS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO THE CITY UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: $202,304 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000 AND $141,088 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0024 Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to move on to the next item. The agenda is definitely moving. Item number 10, which is chief again. Yes. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 10 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies, authorizing the issuance of a grant, in an amount not to exceed $343, 392, to the City of Miami for a police visibility pilot program for the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni redevelopment areas; authorizing the executive director, at his discretion, to disburse the grant funds on a reimbursement basis or directly to the City upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Chief you have any comments on this, too? Deputy Police Chief Frank Fernandez: Commissioners, once again, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to come before you again on a different item. I'm available for any questions. I think we outlined it the last meeting. And once again, we want to use the overtime funds to enhance our presence in that particular neighborhood as it relates to the entertainment district and the surrounding neighborhoods. Chair Spence -Jones: Any comments? Commissioner Regalado: I mean, it makes sense. Chair Spence -Jones: I mean, I just want to see if the other board members have any questions. Commissioner Sanchez: I will move the item. Commissioner Regalado: Second. And -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in -- Commissioner Regalado: -- in terms of the entertainment district, I know that you are in a no -win situation. There was another murder there, and you know, that's what the media focused on. But has the policy of non police officer work, or has it affect --? What do you think, chief? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Commissioner, at this point, it hasn't affect us in terms of the ability to police it. We have an incredible -- and l have two officers here from the downtown, which are our NROs (Neighborhood Resource Officers), have done a phenomenal job of putting together City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Operation Safe Clubs. And they've educated every club, and they've actually brought them all up to compliance. I couldn't tell you how proud I am of the efforts they put forth because this is probably one of the few instances throughout the country where we have this type of initiative in place. And every club, I could tell you right now, in the entertainment district is in full compliance and are participating and cooperating with the police to enhance safety. Having the officers working at the clubs was a detriment to us. It comes at a significant liability. We have actually enhanced our on -duty patrols outside of the club. This particular initiative that we're requesting funding for will further enhance that. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Chief I just had one -- everyone's -- Commissioner Sanchez: I just -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- any other questions? Commissioner Sanchez: -- have a question, since you touched on it. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Go 'head [sic]. Commissioner Sanchez: On crime stats, are the crime stats -- statistics low -- have they been reduced in the entertainment district? Deputy Chief Fernandez: The actual fights inside of the clubs have remained less than before, but nothing majorly significant, so I would say about average, but we're still working with them. The only impact to us is that we have an on -duly officer go and respond to their call. Commissioner Sanchez: No, no, outside of the club, which is our responsibility. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Outside of the clubs? No. They remain about the same. We still have a couple of thefts to motor vehicles, but I do want to bring to light that even before we had officers there, as you had mentioned, Commissioner Regalado, we did not have them on the outskirts. The outskirts were patrolled by on -duty officers. This initiative will allow us to increase the patrols -- you know, direct the patrols in that particular neighborhood. Commissioner Sanchez: How much would this last, these $343,000? How much would this last? Would it be a year? Deputy Chief Fernandez: For one year. Commissioner Sanchez: A whole year? And what is the staffing? Is it 24/7? Deputy Chief Fernandez: On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, we'll have a sergeant and four, and then throughout the week, it's actually scattered. It is now 24/7. We're basing it on the population, the highest increase of population because of the entertainment district. Commissioner Sanchez: I got no questions. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Chief just -- again, I just want to make sure that we're also very clear. It's about $202,000 coming from the Southeast Overtown/Park West portion of it, I'm assuming, to target the areas that we're having at least the most trouble, correct? Deputy Chief Fernandez: Correct. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And then the other 141 will target, I guess, the entertainment dis --- City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: Omni. Chair Spence -Jones: -- Omni -- the Omni area -- Deputy Chief Fernandez: That's correct. Chair Spence -Jones: -- in the entertainment --? Okay. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Again, I just think it's extremely important -- these are questions that are going to come up later, so I want us to be ready, you know, for all these issues that may arise. We're already having a issue with getting police officers to work period overtime. Yeah. So, I mean, do you see that this is going to be an even bigger issue? Deputy Chief Fernandez: I do not foresee that being a problem in terms of officers signing up to work it. Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Deputy Chief Fernandez: I don't foresee that being a problem, at all. Chair Spence -Jones: Not at all. Deputy Chief Fernandez: No. I think what you're referring to, Commissioner, is that about two years ago, we did have a problem with officers signing up to work special events. Since then, we've actually -- we have a mutual agreement with numerous agencies throughout the County -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Deputy Chief Fernandez: -- where they come and assist us. We have not drafted an officer in the last 19 months. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Deputy Chief Fernandez: So I mean, that's a significant difference. Chair Spence -Jones: So you're not having a problem with getting people to work overtime? Deputy Chief Fernandez: No. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Deputy Chief Fernandez: No problems. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Just want to make sure. Deputy Chief Fernandez: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We had a motion -- Commissioner Sanchez: Motion and a second. Chair Spence -Jones: -- on this item, second. All in favor? City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. 11. 08-00465 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000, TO PROGRESSIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL, INC. FOR ITS OVERTOWN PEACEMAKERS PROJECT PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST REDEVELOPMENT AREA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, ENTITLED "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Back-up.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0025 Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 11. And that moves us to the Peacemaker. This is something that has also been on the agenda for the last couple of meetings. And just so that I'm really clear on this issue, one of the things that I've been trying to make sure is as we bring the cameras and we bring more officers, we also work on creating a better alliance between the community and between the officers. Whether or not we want to acknowledge this, you know, we do have an issue that needs to be addressed. So while we have the Homeless Assistance Program that has helped us from the homeless assistance portion of it, we need to also address other issues that are affecting the Overtown residents. One of the individuals sitting out in the audience, Mr. Ben Crump (phonetic), just made statements -- or made a statement in reference to, you know, the harassment that some of the residents are already feeling, you know, and these are some people that have never done anything wrong. And now the Parks Department and the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) office and different people are receiving these complaints. And it's only going to get -- it's only going to intensify when the cameras and more police get on the streets. What we do not want to have happen is a situation where it does not appear as though the community is very much involved in this process. And I think one of my fellow colleagues up here just mentioned how important it was to make sure that your churches, your local organizations and individuals are very much involved in taking back their own streets. So I wanted to at least give Minister Rasul the opportunity to address a project that I think is -- would be great for the area. Already I know in other cities across the country, the Nation has done some wonderful things to bridge the law enforcement and the community together, and I just wanted to give them the opportunity to City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 express their project. Rasul Muhammad: Thank you, Commissioner. First, I'd like to start by thanking God for life, thanking him for the opportunity to serve our community and our fellow brother and sister. And I'd also like to thank you, Commissioner, Michelle, for having the idea to even reach out to us. What we do, we've been doing for 77 years, and our work is well-known around the country, and even here in Miami, goes back to the late 1950's, when we first started. And it's not really a campaign or movement for religious propagation. It is, in truth, service to our community. Crime rates are going up. Violence is going up high everywhere in America today. I just few in from Detroit. We have right now -- this same program that you came to us with, we're actually doing right now in Detroit, Michigan. A young man just got his brains literally blown out in his own bakery, at his business. Somebody came in, blew his brains out, and ever since then, what we have done is we have grabbed men not just from the mosque, but I'm talking about men from the church, men from other organizations to join forces and literally just walk up and down that business street of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and Seven Mile, and it's made the whole community feel at ease. We did it in Washington; we do it in Philadelphia. We do it in New York. We do it in Chicago, and we want to continue doing it here. And I want to say very clearly it's not contingent on whether or not we get paid to do it. We've been doing it, and we will continue to do it. That's our conviction. But I'm excited and I'm thankful to God that you thought enough about us to give our people a chance to get paid a little bit for their time so that we can increase the amount of people that we can put on the streets in the terms of the word peace service workers, where we're taking men from the community that live here to begin to walk up and down the street, knock on doors. You know, you've got elderly citizens who are afraid to come out of their apartments. Some actually die in their apartments because nobody cares enough to go by to check on them. Our peace service workers will be knocking on doors as they walk up and down the street. We're talking about, I think, initially working -- what is it, from -- Unidentified Speaker: Third Avenue. Mr. Muhammad: -- 3rd Avenue from -- Unidentified Speaker: Eighth Street to 14th Street and 1st Avenue east. Mr. Muhammad: Just as a pilot program, as you presented it to us, just to be able to see the effect that we can have as we've already had it in other cities and even in parts of this very city. That not only the elderly, but I think you all saw a moment ago 15 youth had to leave because at 6 o'clock, they had to get back; but they were here to show their support of this because they like to see the men in the bowties, the men in their suits; and not just to see them dressed, but to see them address their needs. Our community lacks care. All of us talk a lot, but what the community needs is an organic presence, somebody that can talk to them, somebody that's demonstrating care. That's what our program is all about, in essence. And we're just extremely excited over the opportunity to make it known. We also have members of the police force that are even right here right now from the Progressive Officers Club, President Mr. Harrison. We have also James Dixon. We've all worked together on other communal realities before, and they're here showing their support. Also, the Overtown Optimist president, Emmanuel Washington, the Overtown Youth Center. That's where you saw the youth -- the 15 youth that had to leave that were sent over by the director, Carla Penn. Also, New Providence Masonic Lodge, Richard El'Amin and Mr. Sherman Bullard have agreed to work with us on this program, and we will be conducting training of the peace service workers at this particular place, at the Masonic lodge. We also have present with us and very proud, the City of Miami Police Department. We have Major Gomez here, and actually, some of us are already on the force. So in many respects, this program enables you to have a link -- or allows the community to have a link from their residents to the services that the community provides, like for senior citizens or the elderly, for the sick, for those that are homeless and are sitting outside of businesses, and you know, providing an eyesore for the businesses, but there are agencies that can help them get out City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 of that condition, so the peace service workers will be finding the condition that each one of the residents are in and linking them to other services that, in many cases, they don't even know are there. So we're extremely excited, and I thank you so much for the opportunity. If there are any questions at all, I'm -- be more than happy to entertain them. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Minister. And I think that we also have the NET office here that's been also working along with the peace service workers to kind of put the whole concept -- and you know, put things in order for the project. I don't know who else is here, but we've really been trying to come up with something creative to address this issue. We also have Charles Cutler here, that have all been offering their insight to, you know, creative things to do to address this issue. This is going to become -- and I just want to say this to my fellow Commissioners. As the times get tougher in this city and the crimes begin to get out of control, we need to figure out a way to address these issues as they arise. In the last week or so, or two weeks, at least, in my district; can't speak for another district -- at least in the -- in Liberty City, we've had at least two or three shootings, major shootings take place. And we got to figure out something to address the other side of the coin, you know. It's -- every person living in Overtown is not a criminal, you know. And just because a person's made one mistake in their life doesn't mean that they're on that same track. And unfortunately, when one individual gets whatever -- if they're standing out in front of their mother's house -- I've had an event at -- I think it was at Gibson Park. We was [sic] doing a workshop on creating this whole new sports complex, and I had -- we weren't even meeting on this issue. Someone stood up in the audience, said, "Commissioner, I hear all this. I'm glad we're getting a new Gibson Park. But the reality is, you know, I'm standing out in front of my grandmother's house, you know, not doing anything wrong, and I'm being harassed." You know, and -- you know, we got to find a balance between the both, and I'm hoping that -- I saw my commander. I don't know where she disappeared -- Is she here still? Okay. I need her to step in. Mr. Muhammad: Commissioner, if I could mention also that we intend to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Mr. Muhammad: -- under this program -- because Gibson Park, we've gone to several times giving out food, free clothes, and talking to the people. And under this program of the Peacemakers, we want to, every few weeks, have like a little town hall meeting that helps to bring the community together, regardless to their creed, class, race, color; it's irrelevant, but bring the community together and talk about communal issues. The more involved we know that the residents are in the program, the more successful it will be. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Thank you, Brother -- Minister. And then we have our Police Department. To me, this does not -- one second, Charles -- one second, Mr. Cutler -- work unless it -- law enforcement is working hand in hand with it. It cannot work without that. And I've been very clear from day one that there needs to be some synergy happening with the commander and the major in the area to make sure that there is, you know, not -- you know, this miscommunication thing happening because I'm telling you, when them [sic] cameras go up and them -- the additional police go in the area, the people are going to -- I mean, they're going to feel as though they're being invaded on. That's the truth, whether or not we want to hear it or not. One or two people have sent comments up, so I know it's true, and it's only going to get worse. We want to eliminate the crime. We want to address those issues, but we don't want to hurt the people that are living here trying to get their lives back on the right track. So what I want to do right now, ifI can, if you don't mind, Mr. Cutler, I would like to at least allow for my fellow Commissioners, if they have any comments. And I definitely want to make sure from my police force that we don't have any issues with you guys working hand in hand on the issue of the Peacemakers. Commissioner Sanchez: Question. City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: I'm bringing it back to the dais. Commissioner Sanchez: Madam Chair, on this, would this require -- executive director, would this require a memorandum of understanding of some type clearly identEying -- they're going to be focused on public service, which I'm glad to see that, but you've mentioned a wide scope of services that you're going to be providing. I support this. I want you to know that I support the cause. I think it's great when you reach out to the community and you're able to provide another role model instead of somebody driving a Testarossa with a Rolex on. There is hope, as long as you're able to reach somebody and guide them in the right direction. I just want to know -- you said organic presence -- Mr. Muhammad: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: -- andl like that word -- Mr. Muhammad: What I mean by -- Commissioner Sanchez: -- organic presence. Mr. Muhammad: I got copyrights to it now. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. Mr. Muhammad: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: Well, you could have it. How much of the $150,000 will be going towards organic presence? Mr. Muhammad: We have what are called the peacemakers and then the peace service workers. The peacemakers would consist of -- we have nine -- no, five peacemakers, and who the peacemakers are, these are the actual trainers. Commissioner Sanchez: Right. Mr. Muhammad: And if you want to say in military terms, if you understand that structure, they are the squad leaders -- Commissioner Sanchez: Right. Mr. Muhammad: -- and trainers. Then you have what's called peace service workers. The peace service workers would be identified by a T-shirt and a cap that has -- it'll have a little dove on it and it says "Peace Service Worker," so that people can identify who they are. They will be forming the squads. There'll be nine of them, and they will be paid for their time, working roughly six, seven, even -- Commissioner Sanchez: All right. Mr. Muhammad: -- as much as eight hours a day. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. So this program, you already have established in Detroit? Mr. Muhammad: Absolutely. Commissioner Sanchez: So basically, you don't need to reinvent the wheel. The wheel's already City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 been invented. Mr. Muhammad: absolutely. Commissioner Sanchez: So that program, you're basically going to establish here? Mr. Muhammad: Absolutely. Commissioner Sanchez: And the question maybe -- Mr. Muhammad: I would -- word wise, I would say the service. Commissioner Sanchez: Service. Mr. Muhammad: Because the program, actually, and the idea is the brainchild of our Commissioner, Michelle Spence -Jones, but the service is what we're already doing. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. And Executive Director, we will have, in writing, for the sake of liability, the scope of services that they will be providing? James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): The agreement would be a grant to Progressive Land Development, Inc., and they would -- it would have a scope of services that they would be providing under the grant, and they would have -- with regards to liability, they'll be required to carry the insurance that would be acceptable to the Risk Management Department. Commissioner Sanchez: Okay. And once again, the question that I wanted to ask you is, how much of this -- how much of these -- money, 150, 000, will be going towards administrative costs? Mr. Muhammad: I have it broken down here, if you'd like to look at it. Chair Spence -Jones: Did you turn in -- did we ever turn -- Jim, did you provide this to --? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. The complete proposal is a backup to this item. It follows right behind the financial form, and the budget is about seven pages back. Commissioner Sanchez: Seven pages back? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. It says Peacemakers Community Safety Project, three-month pilot. Commissioner Regalado: So it's up to Risk Management to say how much insurance they need to know? I mean, they need -- Mr. Villacorta: What we do is we usually run our contracts through the Risk Management Department at the City, and then they opine as what -- Commissioner Regalado: But -- Mr. Villacorta: -- would be necessary. Commissioner Regalado: -- this program has never been done in the City of Miami, so there is no history. There is no precedent, so how can they determine the amount of liability? They do not represent the City. They just doing this because they want to help the community. Mr. Villacorta: The -- City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Mr. Muhammad: May I ask you a question? What do you mean, we don't represent the City? Commissioner Regalado: In terms of liability, you are not an official of the City of Miami, so my question is, why should you have insurance? You should not have insurance. Because they are doing that with a grant, they are working with the police -- what I'm saying is they would not be saying, okay, we are from the NET Office; okay, we are from the Police Department. They will be just out there in the streets making peace, informing people -- Mr. Muhammad: That's right. Commissioner Regalado: -- offering the service that they serve -- Mr. Muhammad: That's right. Commissioner Regalado: -- saying look, this camera is good for you. But they could have done that -- and he said from the beginning, without even being -- getting paid. Mr. Muhammad: That's true. Commissioner Regalado: So my question is, are we going to complicate things with going through the insurance? And if we go through insurance, why they should be liable? I mean, they're not doing anything that could be a liability for the City. That's my point. They're doing a good thing. I mean, what can they do, like --? I mean, they going to broke [sic] down the door or something to talk to somebody? Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Let me -- Commissioner Regalado: That doesn't make sense to me. Mr. Villacorta: Commissioner, I know you were concerned about the pavers -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- over at the PAC a minute ago. The -- this is a grant -- Commissioner Regalado: And the liability. Mr. Villacorta: -- yes. And this is a grant to this group, so we would not consider them agents or under our control. However, when things happen and the lawyers get going, it's best to have an insurance policy -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: I understand that. Mr. Villacorta: -- and it's provided in the budget. Commissioner Regalado: And I understand that. My only question is, we know that the insurance issue complicates many things, not this contract, but many contracts. And the point is that they should be out there before even the cameras are being installed. Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: Because -- City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Mr. Muhammad.- Exactly. Commissioner Regalado: -- if they -- if, you know, the Risk Manager says we'll meet you next month, and in three month [sic] from now -- so the cameras go on. They cannot walk the streets. They cannot talk to the people. It is an exercise in futility because the point is -- and I think that I understand what you mean -- that they will be out there long before the cameras are installed, long before the police presence is there to say, look, something good is coming; something different is coming, something that you may not have seen before, but this is going to be good for you. This is going to be good for the children. The children can -- going to be able to walk to this school without being shot at. So my point about the insurance -- the only thing about the insurance is, if you can expedite it, fine, but if you can fight Risk Management and City Hall, I -- you know, I would congratulate you, but my concern -- Mr. Muhammad: And we would say -- Commissioner Regalado: -- is that they don't -- that one month from now they don't have the contract signed; cameras go up. That's all. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Commissioner Regalado. Let me just add -- and I don't know if you have another comment, Commissioner Sanchez. First thing first, I think it's extremely important to have insurance. I think it's -- you know, we need to figure out a way to work through it to make sure -- and I think you guys have already started down that road for insurance. I want you to have insurance just from your perspective, I think it's important for you to have insurance, that's number one. Number two, I think that also it's important that before those cameras go up, as Commissioner Regalado stated, that before they even remotely hit the streets, that there's some sort of outreach campaign already happening so the people know. I don't want to see -- and I want to make sure that I officially put this on the record, chief -- that the cameras should not go up before the public and before the -- at least the Peacemakers -- if this is voted on today -- some active public outreach campaign happens for the residents so they at least know what's happening in their community before they're bombarded with cameras and more police because that -- if you're talking about the residents not trusting the CRA and city government, here's a great way, a great start of that happening. So I'm hoping that my men and women in blue -- Or is that black you guys got on? -- can work, you know, hand in hand to make sure we put together a comprehensive plan to really address the children of this community, the families of this community so that they feel that there's another voice -- and the reality is -- and I have to say this -- and not saying anything negative about our police, but sometimes the residents don't want to talk to the police. Sometimes you can get more out of you know, a resident when you're just a common person just trying to make a difference in a neighborhood. And we all know -- and most people sitting out in this audience know that. So we have to, you know, look at other ways to address the issue of this crime getting like out of control. So I just want to make sure there's a coordination between by NET, between our officers, and if the -- we're able to form this Peacemakers group, all of that is put in place before we launch any project. I think it's important for me to say this. And Madam Clerk, I know you told me ten minutes ago -- but I need you to put your name on the record. Mini -- yeah. Mr. Muhammad: Oh. My name, Rasul, R-A-S-U-L, Muhammad, M-U-H-A-M-M-A-D. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): Thank you. Mr. Muhammad: And you can see on the itemized -- Commissioner Sanchez: I got the -- I saw it already. Mr. Muhammad: -- paper I gave you, we already have a proposed insurance of $12, 500. It's in City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 there. Commissioner Sanchez: Just on the insurance. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. You're recognized, Commissioner Sanchez. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Not only is it important to have insurance; it's a City requirement. So it would be absurd for anyone to tell anybody out here that you don't need insurance. For your sake, as well as our sake -- and we're here to protect the CRA -- it is required that everyone that comes in front of this Board and has an agreement or a contract or a binding contract with this Board has to have insurance. And I do -- I did look at your budget, and you have allocated for insurance $12, 500 -- Mr. Muhammad: That's correct. Commissioner Sanchez: -- which will definitely cover the one -million -dollar insurance that you're required. So -- and you know what, Jim, twice I have stood here and somebody has said that we don't need insurance and you have not come out and said we are required by law to have insurance. And it is your responsibility to protect the CRA, as it is our responsibility to protect the CRA. Mr. Villacorta: Commissioner -- Chair Spence -Jones: Well, if he didn't say it, I was going to definitely say it because I know, in the end, where the heat's going to lie. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: So I'm going to make sure that we ask for it because, you know, we just don't want to have any issue in the end on both ends. We're trying to do something beautiful and positive, but we know how when something goes wrong, it becomes a whole pother scenario. So I'm going to definitely recommend that, but I do agree with both parties. I agree with Commissioner Regalado that before them [sic] cameras hit the streets, before the police officers hit the street, there needs to be an active campaign happening to address this issue. Mr. Villacorta: Commissioner -- Commissioner Sanchez: Congratulations. Mr. Villacorta: -- if I can just speak about the insurance. The other contract you were speaking of it was in the RFP (Request for Proposals) that went out and required you to initial that page, and I did not let that contract get signed until we had the insurance that was promised. In this proposal, we worked for a few months with this group to make sure that they got the quote for the insurance and that we got the proposed specifications for that insurance. And I would not have let it come in front of you without the insurance being an element. Chair Spence -Jones: And I just want to be very clear that the Peacemakers will not be acting in the capacity of law enforcement -- Commissioner Sanchez: Oh, yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- or trying to enforce law in any way, so we want to be very clear about that. That's not the whole purpose of the group; and that they will be working along with other churches in the area -- City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Mr. Muhammad: Absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: -- to make sure that -- All right. Loren, would you like to put anything on the record for me, Mr. Loren? And I'm -- does any -- Clarence -- Charles, you have something you want to put on the record? Loren Daniel (Overtown Neighborhood Enhancement Team Administrator): Just quickly -- good afternoon, everybody. I just want to just make it clear -- Chair Spence -Jones: Your name for the record. Mr. Daniel: Loren Daniel, Overtown NET Administrator, City of Miami. Just want to make it clear that we've been in this process in discussions for a long time, and the brothers from the Nation have been walking the community long before this conversation had really even came up. We had several brothers that was coming out and walking the community. I have walked with them to discuss how the role that they can play in this. I just want to just put out the importance of having them out there. This community is lacking men of some stature. Our kids don't get a chance to see people that looking responsible, that have a responsible conversation. This is more than just about a grant from the CRA. This is about us trying to get back our community and take it back because we in a war here, and any resources that we can get to have some positive people that look like the people that live here is going to be a worthy cause. And this is going to be a great tandem with the police and what they're doing with -- they're bringing with the cameras, and I'm hoping that there is some synergy there. I want to work with the police to get the word out about getting the neighbors informed as much as possible. But this is going to bring another element to Overtown that our kids don't get a chance to see. I just wanted to share that. Thank you. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Daniels [sic]. Mr. Cutler, you had a comment? Charles Cutler: Yes. My name is Charles Cutler, 706 Northwest 4th Avenue. I'm the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Veterans Employment Transition Service. We're in total support of this program, and it's good to see that churches and the ministry -- and I've been knowing Minister Muhammad for a while. I just want to make sure that -- I live in Overtown, and I raise my family here in Overtown, and I know a lot of young people in Overtown, and it's a lot of stuff that happens in Overtown. We've been losing them -- I -- at -- one morning, I got up. I saw a young man just laying out on the sidewalk, had been shot to death. Had to work with the Police Department just to get the blood cleaned up because the kids have to go out there to play, just blood and guts on the street. A few weeks later, another young man got shot; then the same day, somebody came back and retaliated, so you know, we definitely need some help to control or hopefully eliminate the murders in Overtown. And I just want to make sure that whatever process that we put together, number one, is community friendly because we don't want our regular citizens that's in Overtown to become victims of what we're actually trying to accomplish, so I think that -- but I -- and I also understand how dangerous it is at some times in Overtown because, you know, I can walk out there and they know me, but you know, I know how to fight too, you know what I'm saying, so I can go out there, and being a combat veteran, I know how to get around and do things that I have to do because I've been trained to do that. But it can get very dangerous out there on the streets on the Overtown, and I want to make sure, number one, that the brothers know what they getting themselves into, and I want them to know that it's definitely got to be a strong relationship with our Police Department. Commander [sic] Gomez, he's a real diamond. He's really, really, really done a lot to help us to move things forward in Overtown, and I think that we should continue to build on that relationship because I don't think this project is going to be successful unless we definitely build a vehicle where the brothers can help the community and work along with the Police Department so that we can, City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 number one -- because some of the people in the community think the police is the enemy and we need to change that image. You know, they're here to help us. They're here to protect us, and I think that that's the message that need to go out -- even with the cameras, you know, some people say, well, they're violating our rights. But that's not it. It's just that things are starting to get crazy over here with all the homeless. We got people just coming in here from all over the country, especially when it get cold up north. They just -- this is just a haven for them, so we end up with all kind of people in our community. So it comes a point that we got -- we just got to control this. Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Charles Cutler. I think we have another -- Mr. Muhammad: Yes. He's a teacher, Tony Ugalde, at Booker T. Washington High School. He wanted to just say a brief word, if that's all right. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Antonio Ugalde: Yes. Greetings to everyone. I just wanted to say that I'm in support of every -- anything -- any kind of proposal, any kind of initiative that is beneficial to the children. Everyday in the classroom, I see more and more of my babies absentee [sic] and many times it's due to some kind of violence that takes place in their communities, whether it took place on -- if it -- they, themselves, were personally affected, directly affected, rather, or they were affected because one of their family members or one of their friends were shot or killed by something that took place in the community. I, myself, am very much in support of what is being proposed. One thing about the nation of Islam is that, from my own experience, whenever youth see them, they immediately just -- their demeanor just completely changes to a much more respectful one, as opposed to -- and I -- you know, it's very sad to say this -- just dealing with police. Many of them have a fear of police. Many of them don't trust the police. Finding a good medium ground, I think, is the way to go. Thank you. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Last comment. Rev. Willie Williams: Good evening. My name is Pastor Willie Williams, from Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church. Also, I am the president of the Overtown Optimist, and Emmanuel Washington is my executive director. Also, I am the president of the Overtown Merchant's Alliance, as well as the person that many of the young men come to in the community to voice their opinion on what is going on and how we -- what we can do to make a better community. I've been in Overtown over 25 years, since 1983, and I was born over here, and I never seen a move such as these young men who is [sic] coming in the community today. I'm looking forward and seeing them walk around and make a presence in the community. This is something that our young men and women need to see; people who care about this community; people who will be walking around showing a presence like never before. We need this type of movement, and I'm hoping that you consider having these men in the community as they grow, and who knows, you know? It will spread, you know, to other communities, but right now, we need to make history. We need to make a mark. We need to make a presence. And just -- I'm also in agreement with the -- with Major Gomez. He's been showing great leadership in this community, and I just thank God for him as well. And the cameras, I'm well -- I'm supportive of the cameras. I'm looking forward and seeing greater things and greater works in this community from the cameras because cameras don't lie. It's going to tell everything. So, therefore, for our young people, if there's harassment going on, the cameras will tell, okay? All right. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Thank you, Rev. I think that we've heard -- Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Do we have a motion and a second? Okay. Do I have a motion on this item? Commissioner Sanchez: Yes. There's been a motion, correct, Madam --? So move. Commissioner Regalado: Second Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item officially passes. Just want to say, in closing, I think it's really extremely -- it's extremely important that the CRA, along with chief looking for your leadership on this, along with Loren -- Where did Loren go? -- along with his leadership on this, and of course, the Nation, for you guys to put together a spectacular program that's really going to make a difference in the lives of the people that live here in Overtown. We will make sure that that insurance is in place, and if there's anything that we need assistance with, we definitely will reach out to you. And please, before the cameras -- I want to make sure I put this on the record - - go up anywhere and before any detailing happens, there needs to be a campaign that's put together to communicate to the residents of Overtown what's happening in their community. Mr. Muhammad: Absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: With that being said, we're going to move on to the -- this item passed. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- next item. DISCUSSION ITEMS 12. 08-00462 CRA DISCUSSION RFP FOR PARKING LOT P-2. Cover Memo.pdf Back-up.pdf MOTION A motion was made by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and was passed unanimously, with Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez absent, to direct the Interim Executive Director to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) for parking lot P-2. Chair Spence -Jones: We're moving on to number 12, which is the RFP (Request for Proposals) for parking lot P-2. Commissioner Sanchez: I don't have a problem with that item. I would move that item. James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): This is just a -- yeah, requesting direction that it be put out for -- Commissioner Sanchez: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: -- a bid. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Regalado: Move the item. Chair Spence -Jones: All in -- got a motion and second. All in favor? Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): It's a discussion. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, it's just a discussion. Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: Just a discussion, so -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We've -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- Jim, please -- Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but it's giving the executive director a -- Chair Spence -Jones: Directive. Commissioner Regalado: -- authority to -- Mr. Villacorta: To issue an RFP. Commissioner Regalado: -- issue an RFP, so you should want to have some official direction or Mr. Villacorta: Yes. A -- Commissioner Regalado: -- you just want --? Mr. Villacorta: -- direction of the Board to issue the RFP. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. That's why -- Mr. Villacorta: We've been working with developers. Commissioner Regalado: -- I moved the item. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- Mr. Villacorta: A motion. Chair Spence -Jones: -- I have a motion and a second. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Mr. Villacorta: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. Mr. Villacorta: Item number 13 -- City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Let's get it out as soon as possible, Jim. 13. 08-00466 CRA DISCUSSION SALE OF WMBM BUILDING. Cover Memo.pdf Back-up.pdf DISCUSSED (13.) 08-00466a CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF TITLE TO THE PROPERTY AT 1163 NW 3 AVENUE, MIAMI FL., FOLIO NUMBER 01-3136-037-0530. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GRANTORS RIGHT TO REPURCHASE SET FORTH IN THE DEED RECORDED IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF MIAMI DADE COUNTY AT BOOK 19516 PAGE 3891. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez CRA-R-08-0026 James H Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 13 is a discussion regarding the sale of the WMBM building at 1163 Northwest 3rd Avenue. We're required to do that under the deed which we required -- which we acquired the property through. The previous owner had the right to repurchase. They've chosen to exercise that right. We have a resolution prepared. Chair Spence -Jones: Who has a reso --? This is -- you're passing it out -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- now, right? Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Authorizing the sale. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Any questions on this particular item? Mr. Villacorta: And -- Charles Cutler: I just want -- got one question. Chair Spence -Jones: Sure. Mr. Cutler: Do we already have a prospective buyer in place? Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): We need to know the name for the record, please. Chair Spence -Jones: Name for the record. City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 5,14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Mr. Cutler: Charles Cutler, 706 Northwest 4th Avenue. Mr. Villacorta: I'll let special counsel, who's been dealing with this item. William R. Bloom (Special Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): There -- when the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) acquired -- Chair Spence -Jones: I think your mike is off. Mr. Bloom: When the CRA's agent, GMN (Greater Miami Neighborhoods), acquired the property, there was a restriction in the deed giving the prior owner the right to repurchase the property at the appraised value, and they've exercised that right. So the CRA is legally obligated to reconvey the property at the appraised value. Mr. Cutler: Okay, but I'm talking about the discussion in terms of the sales. Do you actually have somebody that you're going to sell this property to now? Mr. Bloom: The former owner was Shirlene Ingraham. Chair Spence -Jones: From Jackson Soul Food. They owned the building -- Mr. Cutler: Oh, okay. Chair Spence -Jones: -- originally. I think that she's here. Shirlene. Mr. Cutler: Yeah. She's here. Mr. Bloom: Right. And so she is repurchasing the property, pursuant -- Mr. Cutler: Okay. Mr. Bloom: -- to the provision in the agreement. Mr. Cutler: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: And this is based upon a deed restriction. Mr. Cutler: Okay. Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Any other questions on the item before --? I'm assuming we're voting on -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. You need a resolution -- Commissioner Sanchez: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Mr. Villacorta: -- authorizing it as part of the sale. The buyer wants to see -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes, Commissioner Sanchez. Commissioner Sanchez: The property was -- Mr. Villacorta: -- a resolution. City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Commissioner Sanchez: -- appraised at how much? Mr. Bloom: One hundred and forty thousand dollars. Commissioner Sanchez: One hundred and forty thousand dollars. Mr. Bloom: Right. We acquired it for $85, 000. Commissioner Sanchez: I don't have a problem, whatsoever, so I would make a motion or second it. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. This item passes. This meeting is officially adjourned. Mr. Villacorta: Thank you. 14. 08-00372 CRA PRESENTATION PRESENTATION BY DOWNTOWN MIAMI MALL, LLC REGARDING RENOVATION OF THE OMNI MALL. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf Cover Memo.pdf Cover Memo.pdf Motion by Commissioner Sanchez, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be CONTINUED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Chair Spence -Jones, Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sanchez Absent: 2 - Vice Chair Sarnoff and Commissioner Gonzalez Chair Spence -Jones: Item number 14 -- Commissioner Sanchez just brought to my attention -- and I know that the Downtown Miami Mall folks are here. Are they still here? James H. Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): I think they left. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez, your recommendation is that -- Commissioner Sanchez: My recommendation is that we have a full CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board to address that issue. So therefore, I would respectfully make a motion to continue the item. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. And that's -- I have a motion to continue number 13 [sic]. Commissioner Regalado: Well -- Mr. Villacorta: 14. Commissioner Regalado: -- yeah. I -- what is 13, the sale of the --? Mr. Villacorta: No, 14. The Omni Mall. City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, I'm sorry, 14. Commissioner Regalado: Oh, you said 13. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry, 14. Commissioner Regalado: Okay, 14. I second the motion, but when do we know -- how do we know when we have a full board? Chair Spence -Jones: Well, I -- my understanding, the only reason Sarnoff -- Commissioner Sarnoff could not make it today -- well, you said the full board or the Commissioner from that area? Commissioner Sanchez: I would at least like to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Want the Commission -- Commissioner Sanchez: -- have the Commissioner from the area on the -- Commissioner Regalado: No. I -- and I understand that, and I appreciate that. I just don't understand how you can print the agenda and know in advance that the five board members are going to show. So you cannot defer an item until there is a full board because somebody may have something to do. I mean, we have deferred this like three or four times. Chair Spence -Jones: Three times. Commissioner Sanchez: Not -- Commissioner Regalado: It's unfair. Commissioner Sanchez: -- at our request. Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Commissioner Sanchez: Not the Board's request. Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: One time at their request; one time at our request at the last meeting. Commissioner Regalado: Right. I remember. Chair Spence -Jones: This would be the third time. But -- I mean, I do hear both sides, and I think that Commissioner Sanchez, from the standpoint -- Commissioner Regalado: No. I agree with him. I just think that it's impossible to predict when there is a full board because the agenda has to be printed. This item should be advertised, and you cannot say in advance the five -member board is going to be there, so I'm just saying, you know -- unless -- I'll give you an idea -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- you call maybe on a -- City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: A special meet -- Commissioner Regalado: -- slow Commission day, when the Chairman would allow you, to have a presentation and you have the five -- Chair Spence -Jones: Commissioners there. Commissioner Regalado: -- members there. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. We'll definitely take that into consideration. You're recognized, sir. I'm sorry. Steve Wernick: Thank you, Commissioner. Steve Wernick, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. I'm on -- I'm here on behalf of Downtown Miami Mall, Downtown Hotel Mall, LLC (Limited Liability Company). We would just ask that -- this is Commissioner Sarnoffs district, and we would -- we understand you know, a continuance so that Commissioner Sarnoff could be here. Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you. Mr. Wernick: And that's -- Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Thank you, sir. All right. We're going to move on to item number 12. These last two items should be pretty quick -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Chair Spence -Jones: -- which is a CRA discussion on parking lot -- Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I'm sorry, Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: -- P-2. And I think that only thing we were looking at doing is putting -- Ms. Thompson: You didn't vote. Mr. Villacorta: You didn't -- Chair Spence -Jones: Oh. Mr. Villacorta: -- vote to defer. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Sanchez: Continue to the next -- Mr. Villacorta: Continue. Commissioner Sanchez: -- CRA meeting. Chair Spence -Jones: I have -- do I have a motion? Commissioner Sanchez: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: Second. City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 5/14/2008 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes April 28, 2008 Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: The item passes. City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 5,14/2008