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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2009-05-18 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Monday, May 18, 2009 5:00 PM Frederick Douglass Elementary (in the cafeteria) 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 May 18, 2009 ORDER OF THE DAY FINANCIALS Present: Commissioner Regalado, Chair Spence -Jones and Vice Chair Sarnoff Absent: Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez On the 19th day of May 2009, 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 cafeteria of Frederick Douglass Elementary, 314 Northwest 12th Street, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Michelle Spence -Jones at 5: 05 p.m. and was adjourned at 5:59 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Pamela E. Burns, Assistant Clerk of the Board Chair Spence -Jones: Good evening. We're going to go 'head [sic] and get started with our May 18 meeting. First of all, I want to acknowledge Frederick Douglass. Is anybody from the administration here? I know we have a new principal now at the school, and Jim was going to get the name, but we'd like to, first of all, say welcome to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) board meeting. And we'd like to also welcome the new principal for Frederick Douglass. I understand we have a new one. Ms. Lowsmith. Thank you for having us. We're going to go 'head [sic] and get started. I just wanted to mention -- hopefully, we can get through these items. I know there's two Commissioners, Madam Clerk, that will not be attending tonight's meeting. Let the record reflect that Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez will not be attending. So in attendance, of course, you have Commissioner Regalado and Commissioner Sarnoff. I'm going to ask that we kind of get through this meeting rather quickly. I do have a vigil happening in the heart of Little Haiti for the Haitians that were lost at sea. So I'm hoping that we can get through it rather quickly. 1. 09-00523 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY THROUGH MONTH ENDING APRIL 30, 2009 Financial Summary.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. We're going to go 'head [sic] and get started. Let's start with item number 1. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): It's the financial summary for the month ending April 30. Chair Spence -Jones: Miguel. Miguel Valentin: Miguel Valentin, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) financial officer. For the record, we are presenting the combined statement of financial position as of April 30, 2009. For cash unrestricted, we are disclosing the amount of 100, 000, as well as 100,000 in Omni CRA. For the workforce affordable low-income housing project, to date we are -- we have budgeted 8, 593, 398; of this amount, we have encumbered 7, 612, 683, and then 2,728,752 has been expended, leaving an available balance of 980, 715. As far as reportable conditions are City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 concerned, there is none for the month of May -- for the month of April 2009. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Miguel. Any questions from the Commissioners? Commissioner Regalado: No. Vice Chair Sarnoff.. No. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. RESOLUTIONS 2. 09-00525 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A ONE -MONTH EXTENSION OF "FOLKLIFE FRIDAYS," AN OPEN-AIR MARKET HELD ON THE 9TH STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. Cover Memo.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-09-0030 Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director to encourage corporate sponsorship of the Folklife Fridays events. Chair Spence -Jones: We're going to move on to item number 2. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 2 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a one -month extension of Folklife Fridays, an open-air market held on the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall, and authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. We received a grant from Miami -Dade County, which has allowed us to continue this event for one more month. The Board had authorized six months in November. Chair Spence -Jones: Any questions on this item? Okay, Commissioner Regalado, you're recognized. Commissioner Regalado: From where is the grant? Mr. Villacorta: We received a grant from Miami -Dade County. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, but is it Cultural Affairs or --? Mr. Villacorta: Yes, the Cultural Affairs, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: TDC (Tourist Development Council), I believe, right? City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 6/2, 2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: The Department of Cultural Affairs. Commissioner Regalado: And it's only for one month? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. It was only -- Commissioner Regalado: Do you know how much money they have? Mr. Villacorta: It didn't even fund the whole month, but we had a little left over from the previous six. Commissioner Regalado: I mean, I would rather that you applied for more because that's what Cultural Affairs is for, to promote -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- this kind of culture throughout the county. It doesn't matter if it's in a municipality or not. Mr. Villacorta: Well, the event's been pretty well attended. We're drawing larger crowds at lunchtime. And we have a lot of vendors and invite the public to come out. It runs from 11 to 3 on the first Friday of each month. Chair Spence -Jones: Any other questions on this item? Okay. I want to acknowledge Jackie Bell and the whole team, Jim's team, for their support on this item. This is something that's been going on for the last six months. It's been very successful. We have been able to get people from outside of -- out of the Miami -Dade County Transit building and several other surrounding buildings to actually come participate in the lunchtime open market. It also has included not only the local businesses in the area, but it's also attracting new businesses to want to come to that particular area. So I think that it's going extremely well. Over the summer, Jim -- I just want to be correct on this statement. We will not be doing the events over the summer, at all, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Right, during July, August, and September. We'd start back again in October. Chair Spence -Jones: Right, and we'll reevaluate where we are with it at that -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: -- point. But one of the things that I know that I had a conversation with Ms. Bell about that it's extremely important that we try to find corporate sponsors as we go into the next one to help match some of the funds. Our monies was just start-up monies. Is that correct, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Just to see how well it went. But I just want to at least thank you and say kudos for doing a job well done. And our last one -- I would like to encourage the Commissioners to at least come to the last one as we close out, which is the first Friday in June. Please at least try to attend that one before it closes, okay. All right. Thank you, Ms. Bell. All right. We're going to move on -- Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): Madam Chair -- City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: I need -- you're right -- a motion. Commissioner Regalado: Move it. Chair Spence -Jones: Do I have a motion? I have a motion. Do I have a second? Vice Chair Sarnoff. Second. Chair Spence -Jones: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. This item passes. 3. 09-00530 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 CREATION OF A YOUTH SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $220,000; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS, 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: $110,000 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000, AND $110,000 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.883000.0000.00000.. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Commissioner Regalado, seconded by Vice Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-09-0031 Direction by Chair Spence -Jones to the Interim Executive Director to provide a report to the Board at the next Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, currently scheduled for June 29, 2009, including a list of the organizations that will receive funding as a part of the Youth Summer Employment Program and the services they will provide. Chair Spence -Jones: We move on to item number 3, Jim. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 3 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing the creation of a youth summer employment program, in a total amount not to exceed $220, 000; City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 6/2, 2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 authorizing the executive director to disburse funds at his discretion on a reimbursement basis or directly to businesses and organizations upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Do -- first of all, do we have a motion on this item? Commissioner Regalado: Move it. Chair Spence -Jones: I have a motion. Do I have a second? Vice Chair Sarnoff Second for discussion. Commissioner Regalado: Question. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Second for discussion. You're recognized, Commissioner Sarnoff. Vice Chair Sarnoff Jim, what can you tell us about the program and how you're going to implement it? Mr. Villacorta: We are looking to work with local organizations to have them place young people from the ages of 14 to 24 in -- with businesses and to give them summer jobs. We're in the process of working out all of the details of that, and we'd bring any agreements back for ratification. Vice Chair Sarnoff All right. I thought this was to authorize you to disburse the funds. Mr. Villacorta: To the organizations, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: And that's going to have to -- Vice Chair Sarnoff So -- Chair Spence -Jones: I'm sorry. That has to come back -- I just want to be clear. That -- whatever the organizations, they still have to come back to us to vote and approve, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. If you -- Chair Spence -Jones: I want to make sure you include -- Mr. Villacorta: -- yeah, if that's the way you'd like to do it, yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Just want to be clear. Vice Chair Sarnoff I'm lost because -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. It authorize -- Vice Chair Sarnoff -- I thought we're giving you $220, 000 to exercise your discretion to -- Mr. Villacorta: Well -- Vice Chair Sarnoff And I just want to know what you'll be doing with that discretion. Mr. Villacorta: We had talked about making grants available to small businesses to, if they City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 hired someone from the community, a business in the community or were a business in the community, that we would make grants to them up to, say, $3, 000 to give a student or a young person a job for ten weeks over the summer. And we also have another avenue that we're looking at is to work with some of the local organizations to have them do training for children or for youth and then place them in businesses. And finally, to have them work maybe on a stipend, cleaning up in the area, doing things in the redevelopment areas, and they would receive a stipend rather than a wage. Vice Chair Sarnoff I mean, I think it's a laudable goal, but I'm not hearing from you any criteria, any -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- purpose, any -- for instance, if you were to say to me the intention of which is to hire 20 youth to make sure that Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni were clean Chair Spence -Jones: Clean. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- I would say that's certainly a laudable goal and certainly something I could support. And I don't ultimately mind giving you some discretion, but I'm not hearing much in terms of where's the beef. What are we going to do with this? Mr. Villacorta: Part of the problem is if the CRA were to hire the youth, we'd incur the worker's comp and the unemployment compensation liability. So we're looking to work with a community group who will issue stipends to youth to do community projects in the area, to train the youth and counsel them as to get them ready for jobs. And some of the organizations that we've been exploring with have a two -week training period, and then they put the youth at different locations, whether it's working in the community, you know, outside cleaning, picking up trash, whatever, or with other businesses. And those parameters are still being worked out. But we're trying to at least get the funding authorized so that we could get this moving -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Well -- Mr. Villacorta: -- in time for summer. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- let me put it to you like -- I can support this, but not the way it's presented. Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Well -- Vice Chair Sarnoff I can support this in terms of the funding amount. I can support this if you were to tell me that after you -- you know, the youth were to go out there and they're going to clean the streets and -- there are, that I know of, five different agencies that do this kind of work that would not require you then to have to pay the worker's comp or the unemployment or any of those things that no one wants to get into. I just want to -- and I wouldn't mind giving you the authority if you gave us exactly what they're going to be doing and how they're going to be doing it. So I'm okay with this if you bring it back. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Regalado: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: I just want to add on -- but before I do that, I want Commissioner Regalado to make a comment or a statement on -- regarding the issue. City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Commissioner Regalado: Oh, Jim, you're going to contract with those groups or -- not business, but groups, right? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Well, another option was to actually just give grants to businesses, say, along 3rd Avenue or in the Omni area, some of those one -- the new businesses that are opening on Biscayne Boulevard to allow them to have a summer job -- Commissioner Regalado: Right, but my -- Mr. Villacorta: -- for the youth. Commissioner Regalado: -- question is, the ordinance, the living wage ordinance applies to CRA. Mr. Villacorta: I'd let the Law Department opine on that. Commissioner Regalado: Well, Law Department, the living wage ordinance applies to CRA. Mr. Villacorta: I'd have to review the ordinance. It's been a while since I looked at it. Commissioner Regalado: Because if it does, it changes the whole thing because you have to pay living wage to those young -- Chair Spence -Jones: Students. Commissioner Regalado: -- people. Mr. Villacorta: Well, I think the minimum wage now is -- Commissioner Regalado: It's seven. Mr. Villacorta: -- seven and -- Commissioner Regalado: And the living wage is ten or eleven. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Again, I'd have to read that ordinance to see whether it applied -- I mean, we're a separate -- legally a separate entity from the City, the Community Redevelopment Agency. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. But since we approve your budget -- Mr. Villacorta: I think you're more familiar -- Chair Spence -Jones: Madam City Attorney, do you have any comments on this or --? Commissioner Regalado: We got a bunch of attorneys. Mr. Villacorta: Squirming. Chair Spence -Jones: Let me just say this. Commissioner Regalado: Well, I mean, you know, that's not (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Sarnok You have hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: Let me just make a comment on this real fast. First of all, do you have any other comments outside of the living wage issue? Commissioner Regalado: No. I still think that he -- we need to know because it changes the numbers. It changes -- Chair Spence -Jones: The number of kids that can be served. Commissioner Regalado: -- the number of -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- kids; although, it would help more of the kids. Gail A. Dotson (Assistant General Counsel): I just want to say that's something that we can look into, but as I understand it, they are giving a grant to particular -- Chair Spence -Jones: Organization -- organizations. Ms. Dotson: -- organization, andl think -- and PH look into it -- it's that organizational -- organization's responsibility to make sure that they comply with the living wage ordinance. And then the grant agreement, the CRA would say that, "Organization, you must make sure that you comply with the living wage ordinance." I think that is how it works, but I will verifir that for you. Chair Spence -Jones: And if I can say to both my fellow Commissioners, I think one of the reasons why this item is on the agenda is because we are slowly approaching summer. Summer's in June, and one of the things that we're trying to do is avoid the mad rush in the end by not having a program in place. The City Parks Department is very far behind with their whole hiring of people in the community, not just -- I'm not talking about Overtown. I'm talking about throughout the whole City of Miami. And that's going to be a madhouse in the end. And what we wanted to do is make sure with so many kids being on the streets because there's no summer school, you know, this opens the door up for a lot of kids to be in the midst of trouble. So what we're trying to do is provide them with an opportunity not just to provide them with support with -- and workforces within this redevelopment areas, but also giving these same kids that live in these particular communities to experiences -- experience something outside of the areas. What I've asked Jim to do is at least let's get the -- get this item passed, and then to bring back to the Board itself -- and I'm hoping we'll get that done by June -- the organizations that will be a part of the summer program. But we need to at least pass the item, at least get it moving so that Jim can continue to -- I think it's at least three or four different organizations that he's looking at to come back with proposals on what can be done and what they can provide. I just want to make sure that it's just not summer jobs. I really want to make sure that these kids are being trained on everything; how to speak, how to walk, how to talk. I mean, you'd be amazed how many kids, you know -- you might be able to provide them a job, but they have so many social skills that they need to work on in order for them to even remain or even get a job. So part of this is also about training, like we've been doing with all the institutes that we have within the district, especially in the CRA areas, to make sure that people are trained and prepared to work. So -- I mean, I don't have a problem if you want to table the item, but I would like for us to at least pass it with the understanding that Jim will come back at the next CRA meeting outlining exactly what organizations will be a part of the summer program so that -- as I believe, June 8 is when we wanted to start this whole initiative, and we're going to be losing time if we don't at least have it in order. Commissioner Regalado: I -- you know, I support totally the concept, and I understand what the City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 chairperson is saying, and I think we need to do it now. But I do also understand Board Member Sarnoff question. And to me, that's a fundamental question because it would look really good to have, you know, those car washes that ten people go into your car and take care of your car. It looks good. It would be very good for the area to see ten, fifteen young men, you know, dressed with T-shirts going block by block. So, fine, they cannot do all the blocks, that's fine. But they will give the community the sense that these young mens [sic] are doing something. But if you have one over there, one -- Chair Spence -Jones: And young women. Commissioner Regalado: -- over here, one -- Chair Spence -Jones: And young women. Commissioner Regalado: So -- Chair Spence -Jones: And young women. Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. But anyway, I think it's important that you see exactly what they going to do and how they going to do. Mr. Villacorta: Well, we've been exploring with a number of different organizations, and some of them are proposing to do training a couple days a week and then community service projects. And the young people would receive a stipend rather than a salary, and that might answer the living wage question. Chair Spence -Jones: Well, the issue for us in the whole job -related portion of summer jobs is that we wanted to make sure while we are making sure these kids are working and while we are making sure these kids are also providing training for social skills, we also wanted to make sure they understand the power of giving back. So part of their responsibility is two days per month they have to do something in the neighborhoods, whether or not it's, you know, painting graffiti on walls, whether or not it's picking up trash, whether or not it's painting a tree, whether or not it's helping at the homeless shelter. They have to do something to give back because that's one of the things that we're not including with the whole development of a young person is they have to understand that there's every aspect to being a whole person. So that is -- these are all the things that we're looking at as a part of the summer program. I do not want it to be another, you know, summer job program where the kids come through, and then after that, they're forgotten or they didn't learn anything. So I'm asking -- or I asked Jim and I asked the whole CRA staff to make sure that we put together a, you know, serious youth summer program that's going to build a whole person. And I'm hoping that, you know, like I said, before we actually -- we vote on the dollar amount today but bring back the programs. Who are the organizations that are going to be involved in this and what kind of services they're going to provide. But at least everybody can begin to work on -- you know, work in the direction of creating something that makes sense. Yes, you're recognized, Commissioner Sarnoff. Vice Chair Sarnoff Thank you, Madam Chair. Jim, I don't know if you're aware of this -- and it's one of the few areas that I am aware of -- and just to divert a moment. I take it, Commissioner Regalado, you might have seen some of the County memorandum that are coming out with regard to the use of stimulus money coming from the federal government. Commissioner Regalado: Right. Vice Chair Sarnoff I know we don't have that in the City. I know I've asked the Manager to develop a memorandum so that we, as Commissioners, are better prepared and better understand where the use of stimulus dollars are coming into. But one of the areas that I do City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 know we're getting stimulus money is for summer programs -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- for the Parks Department. Is there any way that we would qual for any of the stimulus dollars for summer programs? Chair Spence -Jones: I -- I mean, I could answer because I've been working with Rick Beasley, which is the person that's over the South Florida Workforce. And most of those dollars are, you know, going through the Parks Department or they're going through different divisions, and Hector's working on that. The issue somehow is on certain -- whether or not we want to understand this or not, but there's so many criterias [sic] attached to whether or not a kid can be hired that a lot of times you -- you know, you lock out kids being able to participate. Now, for instance, I'll give you one of the requirements. While there are a lot of people in the Overtown area and the surrounding areas that do meet that $17, 000 a year requirement, there's some working families that live in the heart of Overtown that make more than $17, 000 a year. It's kind of like you're encouraging people to do better in life, but yet and still, you tell them, okay, if you're doing better than $17, 000 a year, then we're not going to help you. So I just -- I want to provide every kid with an opportunity that really wants to work. I mean, this past Friday night I had another killing in my district. On every -- it's like every week I have somebody being shot and killed in the heart of my -- in Overtown. And I was at the park on Saturday, you know, with Duane Starks; had a beautiful event. Retired NFL (National Football League) player, really wants to do positive things for the kids in Overtown. He's come every year and spent his own money trying to help the kids in Overtown. But I had three or four young people come up to me, 19, 20 years old, saying, "Commissioner, you know, I lost my friend just last week -- this Fri -- last night, you know, in the streets of Overtown, and we just need a job. Do you have any jobs available?" I mean, to hear young people that are saying to me, at 18, 19 years old, that really feel like there's no hope but at least in the midst of all this saying we want to work, we want to do something. We need to be able to provide them with an opportunity. And then I had another Parks worker -- and I'm not going to say the person's name 'cause I don't want them, you know, to get in trouble behind it. But they said, Commissioner, the South Florida Workforce thing is great, but I have a parent that's, you know -- is a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or, you know, a -- is a working parent. She makes more than $17, 000 a year, but her kid is a good kid. Why can't he get a job as well? So it's those kind of things that, you know, we have to be able to provide some sort of you know, hope for those people that are really trying to get out of a rut. And I just don't -- I know how the City Parks thing goes, and I've been doing it for four years, and those kids will be waiting and waiting and waiting while our kids here right here, you know, that they see hope around them -- they just ride down the street and they see something going on. For them to have a job is going to go a long way with them, and that's what this is all about. It's about saying us, as a board, here understand how important it is to keep these people working, and that's really what it is. Commissioner Regalado: If I may, on that point -- well, on the stimulus money. I will deliver to your office -- your offices tomorrow the package that I got at the board meeting on Friday of the Homeless Trust. And let me tell you that this is not about homeless. The stimulus money that Miami -Dade County is getting and the City of Miami, also, is getting a share, could be used to pay utility bills, rent, programs for schools and parks. It's the most liberal program of federal money. There is no -- I know that the staff in the City is going to say to us, "Oh, this is HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) regulation. This is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or this cannot be used" I will tell you that we can pay electricity, water bills, to individual, not to condominiums association, but rent, and we don't have to follow the strict HUD guidelines. So I think that we can even use part of that money to supplement that program. And it's just there for the taking. You know, we must realize something, that there is no need to lobby Tallahassee. Tallahassee is broke. The lobbying is in Washington. The money for the next five years is in Washington, D.C. And if we don't understand that then, you know, we won't get the share that City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 we deserve. But I'm telling you that here in this area many people will benefit from that stimulus money. And you can also use that money to supplement that program, so I -- Chair Spence -Jones: Well, I definitely think we should definitely try to make sure that we do match and do, you know -- Commissioner Regalado: But Madam Chair -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- I was there on Friday. And the package that I have and you will get tomorrow and Commissioner Sarnoff and Sanchez and Gonzalez, was approved by the County Commission Tuesday. There was nobody from the City on the Tuesday meeting. Although the City's getting from that package three more million dollars -- Chair Spence -Jones: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: -- that we don't know of. And at the Homeless Trust, no City staff too. So I'm just saying that we need to be more -- Chair Spence -Jones: Engaged. Commissioner Regalado: That's a diplomatic word. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Let me just say in closing -- so -- just so that we're clear, the only reason -- I mean, there're definitely going to be jobs that are going to be made available by way of the stimulus through the South Florida Workforce. And I'm sure that's going to be a great project. There's just so many stipulations on the money that by the time it trickles down, I don't even know how they're going to spend the money over the summer. One of the criterias [sic], for instance, is that you have to register on-line for the job. Well, you know, you're telling kids in my district, you know, you -- first of all, you got to get to a computer to even register on-line to even get the job. They won't even take an application unless they do it on-line. So it's all of these things that we're putting major, you know, loopholes that children have to jump through just to get a job. So I don't want to go back and forth on the item. I think that it's very clear, Jim, that you need to bring back to us, you know, the programs and the partners that will be involved in this. I would like for my fellow Commissioners to at least let us pass this item, but with the understanding that, at the next CRA meeting, Jim -- Mr. Villacorta: Report back. Chair Spence -Jones: -- yeah -- just report back what organizations are a part of the summer youth program so that we can at least get that moving. You got to talk. Vice Chair Sarnoff Yeah, with that amendment, I can accept it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: So I had a motion and I had a second, but I -- it was -- Mr. Villacorta: With -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- amended Madam City Clerk. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: Or how about with just a direction and we don't have to amend the resolution? A direction to report back at the next CRA meeting what organizations are -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- involved. Chair Spence -Jones: So no amendments, but to report back at the next CRA meeting, which is to be held on May 28? Mr. Villacorta: Well, that's a special meeting to -- Chair Spence -Jones: Can --? Mr. Villacorta: -- take up the finding -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so at the next meeting when, in June? Mr. Villacorta: That would be in June. And I would report back -- give you a report as to what organizations were being funded Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Bloom -- we got three attorneys over there. Wow. All this is Legal over here. Vice Chair Sarnoff Four. Chair Spence -Jones: Four. Mr. Villacorta: Four. Chair Spence -Jones: Do you have --? I hear you -- your mouth was moving. Did you want to say something? William R. Bloom (Special Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): No. I think Jim said how he wants to do it. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff He was doing his ventriloquist stuff. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, at -- for June. So we had a motion; we had a second, asking for Jim, at the next CRA meeting -- Mr. Villacorta: Regular scheduled CRA meeting -- Chair Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Villacorta: -- to report back. Chair Spence -Jones: -- that you would report back what -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: -- organizations will be -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- involved. Okay. I'm sorry about that, Madam City Clerk. Well move on to the next item. All -- wait. All -- Mr. Villacorta: You got to vote. Chair Spence -Jones: -- in favor on this item? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): Madam -- The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. 4. 09-00533 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, FOR A MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE BUSINESSES, CULTURAL FACILITIES, AND RESTAURANTS WITHIN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREAS; ALLOCATING FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: $25,000 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - OTHER," ACCOUNT CODE NO.10050.920101.531000.0000.00000, AND $25,000 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - OTHER," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.531000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-09-0032 Direction by Vice Chair Sarnoff to the Interim Executive Director to provide the Board with information on the Community Redevelopment Agency's (CRAss) marketing campaign strategies to promote businesses, cultural facilities, and restaurants within the redevelopment areas. Chair Spence -Jones: We move on to item number 4. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 4 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, for a marketing campaign to promote the businesses, cultural facilities, and restaurants within the redevelopment areas. The CRAs are seeking to launch a shop, dine, and explore marketing campaign to promote the businesses, cultural facilities and restaurants within the redevelopment areas, and this campaign would enhance existing programs, such as the beautification, business development, and banner City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 6/2, 2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 programs to attract visitors to the redevelopment areas. Chair Spence -Jones: I'd like to move it. Vice Chair Sarnoff All right. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Sarnoff All right. Any discussion on the item? Commissioner Regalado: I mean, it's -- Vice Chair Sarnof Commissioner -- Commissioner Regalado: -- fine, but I don't know that a banner will do. Mr. Villacorta: What we were thinking was, for instance, with the film festival that's being held in Miami Beach, that we might want to run a shuttle to -- Commissioner Regalado: I was going to say that. Mr. Villacorta: -- Overtown. Commissioner Regalado: You would rather -- you know what? You would rather spend the money in transportation -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Regalado: -- and advertise the -- a certain restaurant with a certain -- with the tour included. Chair Spence -Jones: Well, ifI could just add to your statement. That is exactly what this is going to do. Part of shop, dine, and explore is to really highlight all of the areas, not just in the Overtown -- Southeast Overtown/Park West area, but also in the Omni area. And the idea is to put together an overall package so that when people, conferences and conventions come in, they're -- they can experience this whole shop, dine, explore marketing cam -- be a part of this whole experience. Through the Convention and Visitors Bureau, I spoke to Mr. Talbert. He's working on putting together a shop, dine, and explore marketing piece that will be made available to all of the local hoteliers not only here in Miami -- in the City of Miami, but also in Miami Beach as well. And this is just one of the additional things to kind of promote what's happening already in our areas. Commissioner Regalado: I think it's great, but have you seen how many hotels we have in the redevelopment area that pay most of the budget of the Greater Miami Conventions [sicJ and Visitors Bureau? They owe us. Chair Spence -Jones: That's why we asked them to pay for it. Commissioner Regalado: Huh? Chair Spence -Jones: Pay for the brochure portion of it. Commissioner Regalado: Well, I mean -- but we get the money. I mean, the City of Miami -- Chair Spence -Jones: I know. Hey -- City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Commissioner Regalado: -- pays -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- you're speak -- you're preaching -- Commissioner Regalado: -- 40 percent -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- to the choir. Commissioner Regalado: -- of the budget. Chair Spence -Jones: You're preaching to the -- and that's the reason why I asked. Commissioner Regalado: Hey. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. Vice Chair Sarnoff Who's -- can I ask, Mr. Manager [sic], who's the marketing company? Mr. Villacorta: The CRA would -- staff would handle the logistics of it. Chair Spence -Jones: They're doing it all in-house. Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. Mr. Villacorta: We'd do it in-house. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We had a motion -- oh. Vice Chair Sarnoff So these -- I'm sorry. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- are all pretty much costs? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. As events came up -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- we would say well, we want to cross promote Overtown or Omni with -- redevelopment area with your event. We'd be willing to pay for a shuttle to bring people to Jackson Soul Food or go to a show at -- Chair Spence -Jones: The PAC (Performing Arts Center). Mr. Villacorta: -- the PAC or go to some of the restaurants that are opening up on Biscayne Boulevard north of the PAC. Chair Spence -Jones: We just provide the transportation. Mr. Villacorta: Or we put together brochures to be distributed, make that information available as part of the package. Vice Chair Sarnoff Would you make sure you make that available to the Commissioners so we could see what you're doing? City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Okay. So we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Hearing no other further discussion, all in favor, please say "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Okay, that passes. 5. 09-00534 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000, FOR PRODUCTION OF "LAST SATURDAYS," A MONTHLY MOVIE SCREENING TO BE HELD FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, AT MARGARET PACE PARK; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO.10040.920101.883000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf INDEFINITELY DEFERRED Chair Spence -Jones: Before we get started, though, I know we have some items that we want to - - you want 'em [sic] deferred, Commissioner Sarnoff, or you want 'em [sic] withdrawn? James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item -- I think he wanted 'em [sic] deferred. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm asking the district Commissioner that -- Vice Chair Sarnoff. Right. Chair Spence -Jones: -- what he wants to do. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Well, for right now -- why don't we withdraw them for right now? Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- Mr. Villacorta: Withdrawing kills the file. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Oh, okay. That's fine. Mr. Villacorta: So -- Vice Chair Sarnoff. Then just defer them. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 6/2, 2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: Defer item -- Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Board): Commissioner, we can't hear you on the record. Vice Chair Sarnoff Sorry. Then let's defer them. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Can you state the number so that at least the Clerk can --? Vice Chair Sarnoff Sure. Mr. Villacorta: I think we're speaking about items 5, 8, and 9. Vice Chair Sarnoff 5, 8, and 9. Ms. Burns: And I heard to defer. Is that to a date specific, or is that indefinitely defer? Mr. Villacorta: Indefinite. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm going to ask the district Commissioner. Vice Chair Sarnoff Yes. He's correct, indefinite. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnok Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. I just wanted to make sure. Okay. So we're going to go 'head [sic] and move on with this agenda. And I'm going to start -- Martin Fine: Did that motion just pass (INAUDIBLE)? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm assuming we have to do them as motions. Thank -- Madam Clerk, we have to do these as motions? Ms. Burns: You don't require a motion. It's up to you how you want to -- Mr. Villacorta: The Chair. Ms. Burns: -- address that. Chair Spence -Jones: I mean, district Commissioner, do you want me to do it as motion form? Mr. Villacorta: No. Chair Spence -Jones: It doesn't matter. Vice Chair Sarnoff I prefer you not. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. He's requesting -- Mr. Villacorta: Typically, we haven't used a motion in the past. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Just the Chair -- Chair Spence -Jones: So they don't do it by motion. Okay. Mr. Fine: Can I have a moment to ask a question? Chair Spence -Jones: Usually, we do all of our questions towards the end of the agenda but because you're speaking in reference to the District 2's -- Commissioner's item, I'm going to really defer to him to see how he wants to handle it. Vice Chair Sarnoff. I would prefer not to have any discussion on this. Mr. Fine: Well (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Ms. Burns: And we need your name for the record. Mr. Fine: My name is Martin Fine, of Holland & Knight, and I'm here on behalf of the applicant. I'm not ready to discuss it, but don't know how long indefinitely is. Is that to the next meeting? Mr. Villacorta: No. Vice Chair Sarnoff. No. Why don't we meet in private? Mr. Fine: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. The district Commissioner's asked that you guys sit down to work out whatever the additional details -- Mr. Fine: Of course. We would always be happy to sit down and try to work it out. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you, Mr. Fine. 6. 09-00524 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000, TO BOTEQUIM CARIOCA BRAZILIAN BAR & GRILL, LLC TO UNDERWRITE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PERMIT AND IMPACT FEES, THE INSTALLATION OF ADA-COMPLIANT RESTROOMS, LIFE -SAFETY ITEMS, AND SIGNAGE FOR THE RESTAURANT AT 900 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AT HIS DISCRETION, TO DISBURSE THE GRANT 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, "OTHER GRANTS AND AIDS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.883000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 6/2, 2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-09-0033 Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We didn't have -- we don't have number -- James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yeah, 5 was with -- Chair Spence -Jones: Withdrawn. Mr. Villacorta: -- deferred. Chair Spence -Jones: Number 5 is withdrawn. And then number 6. Did we withdraw that as well? No, no. This is -- Mr. Villacorta: Item number 6 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $100, 000 to Botequim Carioca Brazilian Bar & Grill to underwrite costs associated with permit and impact fees, the installation of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) -compliant restrooms, life -safety items, and signage for the restaurant at 900 Biscayne Boulevard; authorizing the executive director, at his discretion, to disburse the grant on a reimbursement basis or directly to vendors upon presentation of invoices and satisfactory documentation. This is a new restaurant that's opening along Biscayne Boulevard, kind of catty -corner to the arena. In exchange for the grant, they are required to create jobs, and they are to work with the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) hospitality institute and culinary institutes to draw the new hires from. Chair Spence -Jones: I'm going to defer to the district Commissioner. This is actually in your area, but anything -- Mr. Villacorta: And -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- that has jobs is great to me, but it's really -- I don't know if you've -- Mr. Villacorta: -- we've attached the budget. They've spent over $750,000 of their own money. And this would cover the cost of some of the impact fees and life -safety items, ADA items that are required. Vice Chair Sarnoff So, Jim, how much skin of their own do they have in the game? Chair Spence -Jones: Seven hundred some -- Mr. Villacorta: Over $750,000. Vice Chair Sarnoff And how much is the total amount that they're asking for? City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: One hundred thousand dollars. Vice Chair Sarnoff So at a more than seven and a half to one ratio. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. And they anticipate hiring 30 people right off. We have a representative of the firm here. Vice Chair Sarnoff And how many would come -- and if you want to speak, please do -- but how many would come from either particular -- either Omni or from Southeast Overtown/Park West? Andrei Quintan: We're going to be targeting initially to -- Vice Chair Sarnoff.- Just need to state your name for -- Chair Spence -Jones: Name. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- the record. Mr. Quintan: Well, my name is Andrei Quintan. I'm coowner of the new restaurant that we're building. And -- well, first of all, I'd like to thank you for allowing us to speak before you tonight. Well, we are going to be approaching -- initially hiring from the west, since we're going to be in the middle of the new residential area in Miami downtown, at the Park West. We are right at the front of the problem where it's really needed to be hiring. And we're going to be focusing on working with the CRA on the training program and the culinary institutes and also the college. And we're going to see if we can approach the young people as well to introduce them into the working market to see if we can build a better future for the region, economically speaking, because we're going to be the first ones also to start in the area. There is no other business, no other retail there. And we also hope that as soon as we start, we're going to be bringing other businesses along with us and then we're going to start increasing the flow of the economy there. Vice Chair Sarnoff How many residents exist in any one of the four buildings? I guess, really -- I guess Marquis's not up and running. But of the three buildings that are up and running, how many residents exist right in that area? Mr. Quintan: Yeah. Well, each one of them has approximately 3,000 residents in total. Marina Blue is a hundred percent occupied from the last news from the real estate. The 900, where we are, is already over 50 percent, and they're going to be closing most of it this month. And the other one, the 10 Museum Park, is fully occupied. It was the first one to be delivered, and Marquis is the last one. That's going to be right after. I'm also a resident in the area, and I'm an owner also, a property owner at Quantum on the Bay. It's right after the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. And that area also has four or five new buildings that are completely occupied. That's a very large residential area that we're going to be serving as well. Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Regalado: You know, the Lofi -- Chair Spence -Jones: You're recognized -- Commissioner Regalado: -- II is 100 percent, but we need to understand that these are renters and -- Vice Chair Sarnoff They still eat. City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Commissioner Regalado: -- it's a -- no, no. And this is why it's good for this restaurant because I've seen much of the people in one of the buildings. They are, most of them, young professionals who would -- a couple, they both work. So the law of probability say that they're going to go eat. And if you have reasonable prices, not very high end, you will have a very local clientele. Mr. Quintan: And if I may say, we have two main objectives. The first one is, of course, to help (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the economy. We are residents. I'm an owner also, property owner. So I want to see it developing. So we want to hire -- we're going to hire from the west. We're going to hire at least 30 employees in the beginning. But the other objective we had is also to provide for something that is missing in the area. Right now you have either the very high -end restaurants for over $100 a person, or you have the very low -end restaurants. You don't have a restaurant for the -- Chair Spence -Jones: In between. Mr. Quintan: -- new resident in the area that cost -- we're going to cost on average check of $25. Where instead of going either once a month as the high -end or you don't want to go to the very low end, it's a place where you can really start going every week, and you can have a place in your community where you can really meet people and you can create a nice social life. Commissioner Regalado: You open for business already? Mr. Quintan: We're going to be open in June, probably 30 days from now -- 30 to 45 days from now. Commissioner Regalado: And (UNINTELLIGIBLE), right? Mr. Quintan: Yeah. Commissioner Regalado: You have a (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. We had a motion and we had a second, right? Pamela E. Burns (Assistant Clerk of the Boarc0: No, we do not, Madam Chair. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Do we have a --? Vice Chair Sarnoff I'll so move. Commissioner Regalado: Second. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: This item passes. Once again, welcome to Southeast Overtown/Park West, and -- Mr. Quintan: Thank you. Chair Spence -Jones: -- definitely, we look forward to your restaurant opening and the businesses -- excuse me, the residents actually working and being a part of what you're doing. Mr. Quintan: Thank you. City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: We need more -- Mr. Quinton: Thank you for your support. Chair Spence -Jones: -- jobs, so we like these kind of requests. Vice Chair Sarnoff I'll make a prediction to you. I think you're -- in ten year's time, you're going to see the most expensive city block in all of the City of Miami right there. Mr. Quinton: I believe so. And we're going to be expanding -- hopefully, in ten years, we're going to be hiring even more people in the area, so -- Vice Chair Sarnoff.- Good luck. Mr. Quinton: Thank you. Mr. Villacorta: They expect a payroll of $50, 000 a month, and -- Chair Spence -Jones: Wow. Mr. Villacorta: -- their overall project investment is in the range of a million dollars. Vice Chair Sarnoff I hate to ask this question. Have you looked into whether there's adequate capital? Mr. Villacorta: We've -- they gave us one of the most complete proposals that we've seen cross our desks and -- Vice Chair Sarnoff So they'll survive a number of months? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff I have a good head going (UNINTELLIGIBLE) back behind you, Jim. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff Somebody's looked at it. Mr. Villacorta: And they're located at 900 Biscayne Boulevard Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. It's a great building. It really is. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. 7. 09-00528 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,800,000, FOR STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN N.W. 3RD AND N.W. 1ST AVENUES, AND N.W. 10TH AND N.W. 14TH STREETS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 SAID FUNDS, AT HIS DISCRETION, DIRECTLY TO PROJECT VENDORS SELECTED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI OR TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF MIAMI TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS TO PROJECT VENDORS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.670000.0000.00000. Cover Memo.pdf Financial Form.pdf Legislation.pdf Motion by Chair Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Regalado, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Vice Chair Sarnoff, Chair Spence -Jones and Commissioner Regalado Absent: 2 - Commissioner Gonzalez and Commissioner Sanchez CRA-R-09-0034 Chair Spence -Jones: So we're going to move on to item number 7. I believe that's the last item 'cause number 8 and number 9, correct, is -- James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Correct. Chair Spence -Jones: -- we deferred, okay. Mr. Villacorta: Correct. Chair Spence -Jones: So number 7. Mr. Villacorta: Item number 7 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $1.8 million, for streetscape improvements between Northwest 3rd and Northwest 1st Avenues and Northwest 10th and Northwest 14th Streets; authorizing the executive director to disburse said funds, at his discretion, directly to project vendors selected by the City of Miami or to authorize the City of Miami to issue purchase orders to project vendors. Chair Spence -Jones: So moved. Vice Chair Sarnoff All right. We have a -- Commissioner Regalado: Second. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- motion and a second. Any discussion on the item? Hearing no discussion, all in favor, please say "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Chair Spence -Jones: Thank you. Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. Mr. Villacorta: If I just might clam. The total budget for this project is in excess of $3 million, but we're pulling the first amount, 1.8 million, from this year's budget, and we'll be coming back next year to fund the second half of the project. Chair Spence -Jones: And this is the completion of what we started on 3rd Avenue. City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: This is a part of the overall -- Mr. Villacorta: It's a -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- plan. Mr. Villacorta: -- continuation of what we've done on 3rd Avenue eastward, above 11 th -- Chair Spence -Jones: Towards the tracks. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. And we'll be rebuilding all those streets and sidewalks and repaving. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Thank you, Jim. 8. 09-00526 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH DOWNTOWN MIAMI MALL, LLC AND DOWNTOWN MIAMI HOTEL, LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE OMNI SHOPS PROJECT. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf Legislation.pdf INDEFINITELY DEFERRED [Note for the Record: For minutes related to Iteni 8, see Iteni 5.] 9. 09-00527 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH HOTEL DE L'OPERA, LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE MIKADO PROJECT. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf legislation.pdf INDEFINITELY DEFERRED [Note for the Record: For minutes related to Item 9, see Iteni 5.] DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. 09-00529 CRA DISCUSSION UPDATE REGARDING PARK AT FDOT PROPERTY ON N.W 3RD AVENUE. Cover Memo.pdf Backup.pdf City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: The last item is a discussion item, guys. And I understand from the executive director there's still some issues that need to be worked out. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. This is regarding the proposed park on the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) property on Northwest 3rdAvenue, just south of Mount Zion Church. We were speaking with FDOT, and there's a matter of having them review the project for conflicts with the right-of-way. And there's also Mount Zion CDC (Community Development Corporation) is applying for funding from Miami -Dade County. We're also seeking the City to provide some funding. So those issues are moving forward, but we don't have resolution of them at this time. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I know that I see Mount Zion at the podium, so we're closing out, but any comments that you have -- I think you're just asking to have this moved to the next meeting, right, Jim? Mr. Villacorta: Well, we wanted to report on it and to let you know that we're working on the outstanding issues and we'll bring it back as soon as we can get those resolved. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Did you want to put something on the record at all? Don Patterson: Yeah, just real briefly. My name's Don Patterson, president/CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Mount Zion Developments. As the director has indicated, there are some outstanding issues to be resolved with regards to the conveyance of the property. However, in conversation with Alice Bravo, who is, in fact, the director of FDOT in this particular region, she's made it crystal clear that she supports the project and any activities or issues related to how the project comes to -- come together is simply a matter of format. Example, currently there is a licensing agreement that's held by the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for the sign that's positioned on their property. According to the director, she simply has agreed -- or I'm sorry, she's agreed to simply create an extended licensing agreement to include the improvements as we proposed. We met with her as early as October of last year. We had actually met with staff several times during the course of the year up to this point. And quite honestly, you know, I think -- I thought we had answered all of the questions. And I'm here at the podium with the idea that if there are any outstanding questions as it relates to whether or not this project will go forward, I'd like to hear what they are so that we can move forward with this. Chair Spence -Jones: Does anybody have a comment? I do have a comment, but I want to make sure my fellow Commissioners -- Do you have any comments on this, Commissioner Regalado? Commissioner Regalado: No. I just think that any project for a passive park is an important project. But my understanding is that that belongs to FDOT. This is right next to 1-95. Mr. Villacorta: Most of it is owned by FDOT. There's a strip that's owned by the City of Miami, and that raises certain procurement issues because, you know, we'll be hiring architects and contractors and -- you know, under state statutes, we're required to issue RFQs (Requests for Qualifications), and we can't get around that statute by giving a grant to somebody else to do construction on our property. So there is procurement issues. Mr. Patterson: Can I respond to that? You know, I want to try to be able to answer each of the concerns. As it relates to procurement, during our last meeting, who -- let's see, we had Capital Improvements in the meeting, Ola Aluka [sic], as well as the CRA's attorney, and several of my board members. That issue, in fact, came up, and we agreed to work with CIP, or Capital Improvements, to make sure that if there were any procurement issues, that they would actually be run through CIP. So -- with the idea -- the idea of our organization being a part of the City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 procurement essentially went away. Mr. Villacorta: The current budget shows $19, 000 for architectural services. And again, CIP isn't sure they have the funds, if they're able to obtain the funds. They don't think that they're able to give them to a grantee to do the construction work; that they would do the construction. Chair Spence -Jones: It just seems like this needs to be hammered out more. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. It's still -- Chair Spence -Jones: I mean, is another month going to be an issue, another --? By that time, you have at least all of the stuff in order. I mean, I do know that in the beginning in the Overtown area, there was about $250, 000 that FDOT did not spend that we were using it for green spaces in Overtown. What we've asked for them to do is utilize those dollars towards the overall project 'cause I think the gateway on 8th Street is important. When people get off the expressway or they're on their way to the expressway, or whatever the case may be, it would be great to have a beautiful entrance going into Overtown. Mr. Patterson: Absolutely. Chair Spence -Jones: I think we all agree with that. All the Commissioners, the ones here and not here, agree with that 100 percent. I agree and I support it as the district Commissioner. I just want to make sure that we have all of the things in order so that we don't have any confusion around the item. And what I'm hearing Jim over here hem and haw, you know, about the issue, meaning he's not all that comfortable with it as of yet, we just need to hammer it out. I think you have the support, so it's not even the issue of the support. Mr. Patterson: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: We all think it's a great idea. Mr. Patterson: Sure. Chair Spence -Jones: But the issue is how do we work through it so that it makes sense? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. I think, as they're applying for funding from the County -- and we'll see if those funds come and what strings those have attached, if we can obtain the funding from CIP, what parameters are -- or criteria are attached to that funding. And as we -- I mean, there wasn't a resolution at this time because we have no -- Chair Spence -Jones: So can we have this come back to us the next -- Mr. Villacorta: -- finality as to how we're funding this, you know, who's doing what and what procurement issues need to be resolved. So we're working on it. And aren't you expecting to hear from the County, whether they're funding half of the project -- Mr. Patterson: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: -- at the end of the month? Mr. Patterson: The funding that the director's referring to is Miami -Dade County has an RFP (Request for Proposals) out -- or had an RFP out for easy grant monies, which was through the Empowerment Zone. We made application for the tune of 50 percent of the total cost of the project. I'm very confident that we submitted a successful application or a winning application, but we won't know that for sure until some time in June. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Patterson: And you know, I'm -- you know, we're delighted to be able to make those funds available, but on the side note, the project that we're proposing is not unlike the type of projects that the CRA is involved in on a regular basis to the tune of 100 percent. So I -- you know, I can -- you know, I'm happy that there's an opportunity to actually bring 50 percent of the dollars to the CRA and the community for the project. But I don't -- and I hope that everyone would agree with me that it shouldn't be a requirement for approval of this particular project. Chair Spence -Jones: Any comments, Commissioner Sarnoff? Vice Chair Sarnoff I don't. I -- the only thing I'll say is I know how important it's going to be for you to bond out as much money as possible for Southeast Overtown/Park West. And every time we do a -- you might think on a moment -by -moment basis is a good idea, we chip away at that bondable amount, and you chip away at your future plans and your master plans. And I know you get barraged with good ideas, but sometimes it's tough to say I have a vision and you want to maintain that vision. So, you know, that's why I think it's more -- I think it's very important to find every other funding source that you can achieve what you want to achieve and that leaves you with the ability to create, I hope, in an excess of 100 million, and I certainly hope it's in excess of 300 million. I don't think it will be, but of that future plan that you have for Southeast Overtown/Park West. So I always -- whenever I see increments of $100, 000, I always think to myself, that chips away a little bit at that bondable amount that you have in mind. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay, so he's -- Mr. Villacorta: So -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- made a statement. Is there --? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We'll work to iron out the -- Chair Spence -Jones: Can you make sure that coming --? Mr. Villacorta: -- funding sources and -- Chair Spence -Jones: No problem. Mr. Villacorta: -- the criteria that are attached to them. Mr. Patterson: Okay. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay? Mr. Patterson: Very good. Thanks. Chair Spence -Jones: All right, thank you. NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 09-00576 CRA DISCUSSION BRIEF DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE FINDING OF NECESSITY STUDY FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST BOUNDARY EXPANSION. City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 DISCUSSED Chair Spence -Jones: With that being said, I just want Jim to make an announcement quickly. I know that -- Clarence, you want to give an update on the County meeting today, TIF (Tax Increment Func. ? James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): We met with the County's -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- Tax Increment Committee, and they approved -- the board voted to approve the finding of necessity study for the Southeast Overtown/Park West expansion -- Chair Spence -Jones: And then the -- Mr. Villacorta: -- of the boundaries. Chair Spence -Jones: -- next step is what now? Mr. Villacorta: The redevelopment plan will be placed -- for the Southeast Overtown/Park West expanded boundaries will be placed on the City Commission meeting as a special item on May 28. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: And then that will be forwarded -- the finding of necessity study will go to the County Commission, and the revised redevelopment plan will then go to the same committee, and then to the County Commission as well. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I'm seeing my staff member shake his head in the back. Is there confusion about --? Okay. Okay, he's saying that it goes to Commissioner Edmonson's Committee of Housing and Economic Devel -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. There's -- yeah, it goes through the Housing and Economic Development Committee. Chair Spence -Jones: That goes in May, correct? Mr. Villacorta: Not sure exactly when that committee is meeting, but yes, shortly. It's -- and then it'll go into the County Commission. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I don't know if we got a full answer. So is it just two more steps --? I'm just trying to say -- Mr. Villacorta: No. It needs to go -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- is it two more steps? Mr. Villacorta: -- to the Housing Committee as well, subcommittee at the County, and then it'll go to the full County Commission. Chair Spence -Jones: So we're looking at having this all done by -- Clarence Woods (Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Right. City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 6/2/2009 SEOPW and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Chair Spence -Jones: -- July? Mr. Woods: Well, once it -- I'm sorry, Clarence Woods, City of Miami CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) -- leaves us, then it's in the hands of the County. Hopefully, it'll get done by July. Chair Spence -Jones: That's what we're pushing from our perspective, correct? Mr. Villacorta: We are asking them to move with all due haste. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Chair Spence -Jones: All right. And then the Omni's FON (Finding of Necessity), how are we coming with that? Mr. Villacorta: That should be on the May 28 special CRA meeting as an approval, and then it'll be submitted to the County's TIF committee. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. Have you run that by the district Commissioner, at all? Mr. Villacorta: It's being finalized I think the text is complete. We're waiting for some maps from the City's GIS (Geographic Information System) Department. And hopefully, by Wednesday, we'll have those and we'll send those over to you. Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. I just want to make sure that you at least -- before it goes to -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We'll -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- the County, at least you work through the issues to make sure -- 'cause there might -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We -- Chair Spence -Jones: -- he may have some other ideas. Mr. Villacorta: No. We've met with the Commissioner's office on more than one occasion -- Chair Spence -Jones: Okay. All right. Mr. Villacorta: -- and received their input. Vice Chair Sarnoff Usually you come out scarred, right? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. I have this bruise. Chair Spence -Jones: With that being said, I'd like to thank you, Jim, and thank you, all the staff at the CRA. I'd like to officially adjourn this meeting. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 6/2/2009