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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEOPW OMNI CRA 2010-02-11 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 11, 2010 5:00 PM MIAMI CITY HALL 3500 PAN AMERICAN DRIVE MIAMI, FL 33133 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Marc David Sarnoff, Chairman Francis Suarez, Vice -Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner Frank Carollo, Commissioner Richard P. Dunn 11, Commissioner CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 49 NW 5th ST, SUITE 100, Miami, FL 33128 Phone: (305) 679-6800, Fax: (305) 679-6835 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Present: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Dunn II, Commissioner Sarnoff and Vice Chair Suarez Absent: Commissioner Carollo On the 11 th day of February 2010, the Board of Directors of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Districts of the City of Miami met in regular session at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Marc David Sarnoff at 6: 33 p.m. and was adjourned at 8: 02 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: James H. Villacorta, Interim Executive Director, CRA Julie O. Bru, General Counsel, CRA Gail A. Dotson, Assistant General Counsel, CRA William R. Bloom, Special Counsel, CRA Priscilla A. Thompson, Clerk of the Board FINANCIALS 1. 10-00159 CRA REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR MONTH ENDING JANUARY 31, 2010 File # 10-00159 Financial Report 2-11-2010.pdf DISCUSSED James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): We now would convene as the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Community Redevelopment Agencies. Item number 1 is a report of the financial summary ending January 31, 2010. Miguel Valentin (Finance Officer, Community Redevelopment Agency): Good evening, Chairman and Commissioners. On page number 1, we are presenting the combined statement of financial position as of January 31, 2010. As cash reserved for projects and operations, we are disclosing the amount of 26,124,171 for Southeast Overtown/Park West. For Omni, we are disclosing the amount of 43, 883, 786. I just handed out this report for your own benefit, which discloses all the allocations that we have made as to how we have allocated our current fund balance. And if you go to the last page, you will see that the amount disclosed under the remaining balance column, that amount tied up with the report that I just presented to you. And if you have any questions, feel free to make those questions. Then also I wanted to put on record that for the low-income affordable workforce housing in the Southeast Overtown/Park West area, to date we have budgeted 16, 695, 310; of this amount, 10, 612, 683 has been encumbered and 3,207, 677 has been expended, leaving an available balance of 6, 082, 627. Also, I wanted to put on record that there is no -- any reportable condition that the Board should be aware of. And if you have any question, please feel free to ask me. Commissioner Sarnoff Any questions, gentlemen? Mr. Villacorta: If not, we can move on to item 1 -- or item 2. RESOLUTIONS 2. 10-00144 CRA RESOLUTION City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 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 RENEW THE CRAS' GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WITH NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH PARTNERSHIP, INC. FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2010, AT AN ANNUAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $100,000; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM GENERAL OPERATING FUND, "LIFE, HEALTH, AND DENTAL INSURANCE," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10030.920101.523000.0000.00000. File # 10-00144 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00144 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00144 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00144 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00144 Legislation Version 2 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Commissioner Dunn II, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0001 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item 2 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agencies [sic] and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to renew the CRA's (Community Redevelopment Agency's) group health insurance coverage with Neighborhood Health Partnership, Inc. for calendar year 2010 at an annual cost not to exceed $100, 000. This provides health insurance for the CRA employees who are not City employees. They're employees of the agency. They don't receive City health benefits. They don't receive the City pension plan. And again, this is a routine housekeeping matter. Commissioner Sarnoff Is there a motion? Commissioner Dunn: So move. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff Motion by Commissioner Dunn, second by Commissioner Suarez. Any discussion, gentlemen? Hearing none, all in favor, please say "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Sarnoff Okay. 3. 09-01410 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXPEND UP TO $75,000 WITH HOLLAND & KNIGHT, LLP, CRA SPECIAL COUNSEL, FOR LEGAL FEES AND COSTS TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 TO THE CRA; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.531010.0000.00000. File # 09-01410 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01410 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01410 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01410 Legislation Version 2 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Dunn II, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0002 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 3 is a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing the executive director to expend up to 75,000 with Holland & Knight, LLP (Limited Liability Partnership), CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) special counsel, for legal fees and costs for specialized legal services. We use outside counsel for complex real estate matters, matters involving re plats, matters involving opinions of title, things that are not usually within the purview of the City Attorneys Office. This money would be spent on an as -needed basis. They're on call to us, and this allows us to use them as needed. Commissioner Sarnoff All right. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Commissioner Suarez: So move for discussion. Commissioner Sarnoff Go ahead. Commissioner Suarez makes the motion. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff Second by Commissioner Dunn. Commissioner Suarez, you're recognized for the record. Commissioner Suarez: I just want to commend you for managing your special counsel fees. Your entity has, as it was just reported, tens of millions of dollars in budgetary responsibility, and in comparison with the budget and the amount of money that you're administering, these legal fees or additional legal fees seem to be extremely frugal by comparison. And I think we've had other entities here that had half a million dollar budgets that have asked for two and a half times the amount of money for legal fees. So comparing a half a million dollar budget with a $40 million or $60 million budget, I just want to commend you. I think that's wonderful. Mr. Villacorta: Thank you. CRA staff works very hard to squeeze every dollar that comes through the agency, and I'd hope the Board would look favorably on this. Commissioner Sarnoff All right. Any -- gentlemen, any other discussion? All right. Hearing none, we're going to call the question. All in favor on CRA resolution number 3, please say ave. The Commission (Collectively): Aye. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Sarnoff. Unanimous. 4. 10-00147 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $46,502, TO THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF THE BUILDINGS AT 163 N.W. 11TH STREET, 1020 N.W. 2ND AVENUE, AND 1024 N.W. 2ND AVENUE, ALL IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, PENDING THE CITY'S RECEIPT OF THE PROCEEDS FROM ITS DEMOLITION LIEN; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 10-00147 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00147 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00147 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00147 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00147 Legislation Version 2 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Board Member Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0003 Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Item 4, I would ask that we would defer this because of the historical significance that's involved in this. And I would like for the parties to get together -- try to get together once again and see if there's some type of resolution that we can come to. I know that this has been an issue for some time and -- however, I would like to make one last attempt on the part of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to get together with the parties involved. And of course, if there're no -- if we're unable to resolve it, then we'll go forth with the recommendation. But I -- that's my pleasure. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): The item before you was to advance funds to the City's Unsafe Structures Depart -- or Building Department. They've already issued a purchase order and are moving forward with the demolition. This was just to advance funds to them while they waited for the lien to come back. And the building is in some pretty horrendous shape. Even the pictures that we provided in your materials don't show the full extent of the roof collapsing and the homeless people are living inside. It's got three feet of clothing. We're really worried -- there's been a fire. We're really worried that there'll be a, you know, death in there, in the building, especially in the cold weather. But in any event, all this resolution would do is just not advance the City the funds while they're waiting for the lien. That direction to stop would have to come from the City Commission to the Unsafe Structures. Commissioner Dunn: Have they been properly notified as it relates to --? Julie O. Brit (General Counsel, Community Redevelopment Agency): If it is before you for purposes of approving the funding of the demolition, all notice has been properly effectuated already. City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 3/3, 2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Mr. Villacorta: My understanding is they went beyond what is required in the Code of just notif -- registered mail to the property owner, but actually obtained personal service, I think before the end of the year back in December. Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Dunn, I followed this very closely. I can tell you that those folks have been notified two, three, four different ways to Sunday. And I know you know the area very well, and from a liability standpoint, you have a significant problem there. And the ownership does not seem to mind or care what's going on. Mr. Villacorta: I'm not sure -- Commissioner Sarnoff Enough to change -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff -- what they're doing. Mr. Villacorta: And I'm not sure the building could be saved -- Commissioner Sarnoff I agree with that. Mr. Villacorta: -- at this point. So taking the building down -- and if they want to have us meet with them about what plans could be done with the property, we'd be glad to do that. Commissioner Dunn: Is that something --? Can we hear from --? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Can we open it up for public? Commissioner Sarnoff Sure. Henry Nevin: Yes, sir. My name is Henry Nevin, 1024 Northwest 2nd Avenue. And to the Commissioners, I thank the Lord for you because you have been great towards us at St. John CDC (Community Development Corporation). But I do know that years ago we bought that building with the little money we have and the buildings are in good shape; all they need is to be restored. And I do not see by tearing down the building, demolishing the building is better for the community. I think if we could remodel the building, it would be much better. So I'm asking, just like Commissioner Dunn said, to table that for the time being and let's get with the Commissioner and the director and iron things out to see where it will be better fitting for the community than to demolish the building. Commissioner Dunn: Reverend Nevin, I -- and I hear what you're saying, but in front of me I see -- I do see a roof that's collapsing -- has collapsed. And I mean, if something is going to be done, it has to be done like yesterday because of the liability that the City of Miami faces. Are you willing to try to --? I mean, it has to be done because otherwise I cannot, in good conscience, vote for this knowing the risk factor. I mean, I don't know if you've seen it lately. I know you've been under the weather health wise, and that's one of the reasons why I wanted to give you an opportunity. But this is not -- it's not good. Look at this. It's not -- Mr. Nevin: Commissioner Dunn, years ago when I bought this building, I talked it over with the Commissioner. At that time, it was Commissioner Teele. And there was a big promise to me that I would get aid from the CRA to remodel and put in a business there that would be beneficial to the City and to the community. But it has never happened that way because when we get ready to do some things, I took sick. I had kidney failure and heart failure at the same day. I was City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 placed into the hospital. And even today, I am on dialysis three times a week, three and a half hours per day. And all of my money -- I still have mortgage on the property, still paying it, but every penny that I had went. And I could have put on the roof but I had that insurance that the City recommend and they gave me insurance $8,500 deductible. And when they came in after hurricane, they came in and examined the roof. They said it would cost $8,500 to fix, which I did not have. And up to today, except I get some aids from you, the Commissioners, I do not have a penny because when I took sick, I was dismissed of my job from the church. So today I'm penniless and I'm at your hands. With the aid that you would give, it would be fixed immediately. Commissioner Dunn: Can we hear from the City, please? Mr. Villacorta: Just so we're clear on what's before you -- I mean, the demolition is not within the purview of the CRA. That's the Building Department and the Unsafe Structures Board. This is -- the hearing was over a year ago. It's gone through the County's demolition board. All we were doing here was offering the City to replenish their accounts so that they would have funds to carry out their work. But this is not a vote on whether the building should be demolished. That's already done. My understanding is the contractor's hired. There -- they've obtained their permits. It's already in the works. All this motion was was to assist the City in replenishing their account so they could continue to do their work. Commissioner Dunn: Let me ask this question. I understand that. Is it anything that can be done after that's -- with --? Mr. Villacorta: I think we could meet with Reverend Nevins [sic] and talk to him about ways we could combine that property with the corner property and try and get a redevelopment going. This is right down the street from the Lyric Theater. It'd be a great venue for a restaurant or some sort of ancillary to that entertainment venue. Commissioner Sarnoff I'm going to move number 4 -- resolution 4. Commissioner Gort: Second. Mr. Villacorta: Call the question. Commissioner Dunn: Call -- Mr. Nevin: I brought my friend. This is my friend, Mr. David Alexander, and he's also the director of the St. John Community Development. Commissioner Dunn: All right. Mr. Nevin: So he has been talking at length to the Collins company, because they offered me to buy the property because they bought the lot at the corner of 10th Street. So I'm going to ask Mr. Alexander to come and -- Commissioner Dunn: But there's a -- Mr. Nevin: -- explain more. Commissioner Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in front of us. Commissioner Dunn: -- motion on the floor and a second. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I'm sorry, Chair -- City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Ms. Thompson: -- Dunn. Mr. Nevin: Oh, I'm sorry. Ms. Thompson: I didn't hear the seconder. Can you tell me who seconded? Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Gort, I heard. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Gort. Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Second. Ms. Thompson: Okay, thank you. Commissioner Dunn: Call the -- Commissioner Gort: Why don't you explain to him --? Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. The CRA would be willing to meet with you and discuss opportunities for redevelopment of the property whenever you'd like. I know we're in constant contact with Mr. Alexander, so we'd be happy to discuss with you what could be done with the properties. Or if you want to sell it to the Collin Center, that's something that we would have no problem with. But in the meantime, it's dangerous. There's a lot of people in that area. And you're not going to be able to do much with what's left there. You're going to have threshold expenses that are going to throw you to where you have to bring that whole building up to the Code, and it's going to have to have hurricane stable columns and windows. You're not losing anything by demolishing the building. I mean -- and again, it's not something that we're here voting on today. The hearing on the demolition was over a year ago. The appeals time has run. All this was was the City asked us to -- could we replenish their demolition fund. Commissioner Dunn: So I'm going to ask that you all would get together, Mr. Alexander, please. There's a motion and a second on the vote -- on the floor. Going to call for the vote, please. Commissioner Suarez: Aye. Commissioner Gort: All in favor. Commissioner Sarnoff Call the question. Commissioner Dunn: All in favor of this motion, state by "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: Nays have the same privilege. Mr. Villacorta: Yes, approved. 5. 09-01411 CRA RESOLUTION A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT OF FY 2009 TRUST REVENUES COLLECTED BY THE CRAS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $782,373, TO THE CHILDREN'S TRUST, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AN INDEPENDENT SPECIAL TAXING DISTRICT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: $251,439 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CURRENT CHARGES AND OBLIGATIONS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.549000.0000.0000; AND $530,934 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CURRENT CHARGES AND OBLIGATIONS," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.549000.0000.00000. File # 09-01411 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01411 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01411 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01411 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01411 Legislation Version 2 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0004 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 5 is a joint resolution of the Boards of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing reimbursement of fiscal year 2009 trust revenues collected by the CRAs (Community Redevelopment Agencies), in an amount not to exceed $782,373 to the Children's Trust of Miami -Dade County, an independent special taxing district; and authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose. Commissioner Sarnoff. Move S. Commissioner Dunn: Is there a second? The motion by -- Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: It's been properly motioned by Chairman [sic] Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. All in favor, let us hear by "aye" -- saying "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye Commissioner Dunn: Ayes have it. Mr. Villacorta: If I can just state a question from the District 5 office had been what amount is being spent by the Trust in the area. The C -- in Overtown, we're receiving back 172 percent of the millage that we're generating for the Children's Trust. So they're reinvesting money they receive from other areas into this -- into the Overtown CRA. And in Omni, we're receiving 124 percent of the amount that is being generated by the millage in the Omni CRA. 6. 09-01192 CRA RESOLUTION City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 3/3, 2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES ("CRAS") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDERS FOR: (1) CRA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $43,412; (2) CLEANING OF CRA PARKING LOTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $14,400; AND (3) CLEANING OF CRA SIDEWALKS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,000; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS AS FOLLOWS: $65,586 FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES -LANDSCAPING SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000, AND $12,226 FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND," OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES -LANDSCAPING SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 09-01192 Cover Memo 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01192 Backup 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01192 Legislation Version 2- 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01192 Cover Memo Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01192 Financial Form Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01192 Backup Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01192 Legislation Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01192 Legislation Version 4 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0005 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Iteni number 6 is a joint resolution of the Overtown/Park West -- Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies authorizing the execution of agreements with the lowest responsive bidders for CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) landscape maintenance services, in an amount not to exceed 43,000; cleaning of CRA parking lots in an amount not to exceed $14, 400, and cleaning of CRA sidewalks in an amount not to exceed $20, 000; further authorizing the executive director to execute all documents necessary for said purpose in a form acceptable to general counsel. These three maintenance items, these are to maintain the landscaping on properties we own or are required to maintain, to pick up trash in the parking lots we own, and to pressure clean sidewalks on an as -needed basis. Commissioner Sarnoff. Move 6. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: Again, motion by Commissioner Sarnoff, second by Commissioner Suarez. All in favor of this item, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. 7. 09-01182 CRA RESOLUTION City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 3/3, 2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), RATIFYING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S ISSUANCE OF TWO WORK ORDERS, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000, TO UNDER POWER CORPORATION FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO TRANSFORMERS, BALLASTS, CONDUCTORS, AND LAMPS ON STREET LIGHTS IN THE PAC SUPER BLOCK; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM OMNI TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10040.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 09-01182 Cover Memo 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01182 Financials 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01182 Legislation Version 2- 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01182 Cover Memo Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01182 Financial Form Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01182 Backup Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01182 Legislation Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01182 Legislation Version 4 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Board Member Gort, seconded by Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0006 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 7 is a resolution of the Boards [sic] of Commissioners of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency ratifying the executive director's issuance of two work orders in a total amount not to exceed $1 S, 000 to Under Power Corporation for emergency repairs to transformers, ballasts, conductors, and lamps on street lights in the PAC (Performing Arts Center) super block. This emergency order was made necessary as a result of theft of conductors and -- in the area -- Commissioner Gort: Move it for discussion. Mr. Villacorta: -- around the Performing Arts Center. Commissioner Sarnoff. Second -- Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff. -- for discussion. Commissioner Dunn: Moved by Commissioner Gort, second by Chairman [sic] Sarnoff for discussion. Commissioner Gort: My question is -- and this is mainly to the attorney. This is a problem we've been having through the whole City of Miami, people stealing cables. First of all, I'm surprised there haven't been more people being electrocuted taking all those wires from -- high-tension wires. Now my problem is the buyers. I mean, the buyers got to know that all these products that corning to them, they're stolen. I know in pawn shops we require -- certain requirement that the County has and I believe the City also have. Can we establish some kind of requirement? Because we understand our police officer have gone into these places and when City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 3/3, 2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 they ask them, do you know that's stolen, their answer is, I don't know. I don't care. Is there something that we can do to regulate this, the purchase of this --? Julie O. Bru (General Counsel): I know, Commissioner, that there are some state regulations that deal with some of these materials that are prone to be stolen because they're used in utilities. We can follow up and ask our police legal adviser to prepare a memo to the Board letting you know what is available and what can be enforced. And if you wanted to direct the police to enhance their enforcement activity, that would be appropriate. Commissioner Gort: I would love to see that. And then let those people know that if they buy those products, they're going to get in trouble. And maybe we need to work with the County in that. Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner Gort, we're going to have sort of a downtown powwow where every agency, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), DDA (Downtown Development Authority), all convene and -- you know, the PAC knows that the Omni CRA will pay for any damage done outside because it's their obligation. So there's no incentive for them to do anything exterior to the building. What I'm going to propose is that the PAC put some money in, the CRA put some money in, the DDA put their money in. Now all of a sudden you have three agencies that have an incentive to make sure that this doesn't happen. And by the way, to take -- Jim, if I'm not mistaken, to take this kind of -- to do this kind of crime is about a two-hour exercise. So for two hours somebody is breaking into and getting into one of these high-tension and high -voltage, very pretty -- Commissioner Gort: Power lines. Commissioner Sarnoff Yeah, exactly. And you know, it doesn't speak well for the City of Miami policing because it's -- that's a two-hour incident. You've got to believe somebody drove by. And as long as the Omni is seen as a big, deep pocket, there's not a lot of incentive to do anything. And Jim, I'm not faulting you at all, but I think -- correct me if I'm wrong, but you -- the next thing you're going to recommend is a pillbox [sic] be put around these things. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We had upgraded to tamper proof pull boxes. They were broken. Now we're putting in steel pull boxes. And just as an aside, the City is also paying -- we have bulletproof shields over the -- some of the street lights. Those are being shot out. The City's paying for that. Recently, just in the last week or so, along 7th Avenue, from 71st Street to 79th Street, the copper was stripped out. And in the last year, the copper was stripped out from 79th Street to 103rd Street along 32nd Avenue. FPL (Florida Power & Light) has a substation up in the Upper Eastside where they put fencing around and they made it of aluminum and they just came and cut the whole panels and took them. Commissioner Gort: There was a pole -- you showed me a picture where they cut one of those -- Commissioner Sarnoff Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Gort: -- large pole. I mean, how -- it takes a long time -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Gort: -- to cut one of those poles off. Mr. Villacorta: I know the police have been working -- and this is the next item coming up. They've obtained video surveillance from some of the businesses in the area and there's a guy City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 with a wrench unbolting the pole and taking it. Commissioner Sarnoff Well, I got to tell you. This is something that I think we all need to work at. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Commissioner Sarnoff It's just amazing to me that -- and no criticism with you, Jim -- Mr. Villacorta: Right. Chair Sarnoff -- but it's just amazing to me as long as everybody sees the Omni as the big payer, no big deal. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Well, we've gone out there a couple of nights since then, but -- and we've talked to the police and asked them to put a watch order on that area. And we fill out police reports for each incident. Commissioner Sarnoff At a certain point in time, it's going to be more cost effective to have a policeman standing out there than it is to continue to replace this. And maybe that's -- maybe you need to give us a cost benefit analysis. Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Commissioner Sarnoff And when it comes time for you to address the DDA downtown, I want to know those numbers. I want photographs of what you had to do, of what was broken into, and what you propose to show that the City of Miami's only solution is to create a bunker. Commissioner Gort: Pour more money in security. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Did we have a second? Commissioner Dunn: Can I close the item for -- Commissioner Sarnoff Call the question. Commissioner Dunn: -- discussion? Mr. Villacorta: Do we need a --? Commissioner Gort: Call the question. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): We need a vote. Commissioner Dunn: Call the question. Yes. Mr. Villacorta: A vote. Ms. Thompson: Yeah. We have a mover and a seconder. Commissioner Dunn: We have a motion by Commissioner Gort and second by Commissioner City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Sarnoff. Ms. Thompson: Correct. Mr. Villacorta: All in favor? The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. 8. 10-00149 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,250, FOR LIGHTING REPAIRS ON THE GRAND PROMENADE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.534000.0000.00000. File # 10-00149 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00149 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00149 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00149 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-10-0007 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 8 is in the same vein. It's a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency. Commissioner Sarnoff. Move item 8. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: Moved by Chairman [sic] Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: Ayes have it. 9. 10-001191 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RATIFYING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12,620, FOR THE PAYMENT OF 2009 REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAXES ON THE PROPERTY AT 1201 N.W. 3RD AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FUNDS TO BE ALLOCATED FROM THE SEOPW TAX INCREMENT FUND, "OTHER CURRENT CHARGES - PROPERTY TAXES," ACCOUNT CODE NO. 10050.920101.549000.0000.00000. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 File # 10-001191 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-001191 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-001191 Legislation 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-001191 Financial Form 2-11-2010.pdf Motion by Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Suarez, Commissioner Dunn II and Commissioner Sarnoff Absent: 1 - Commissioner Carollo CRA-R-1 0-0008 James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 9 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency ratifying the expenditure of funds, in an amount not to exceed $12, 620, for the payment of 2009 real estate property taxes on the property at 2001 Northwest 3rd Avenue. This is a building that the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) acquired with the idea to demolish it and construct an apartment building on that property and the lots we own behind it. A rendering of the proposed building is in front of you. The -- when we acquired the building, there were two tenants. The tenants pay approximately $24, 000 a year in rent, and this tax bill was paid in December so that we could take advantage of the discount. And we ask that you ratify the -- because it has a commercial use, it's taxable, even though it's owned by the CRA. And we'll be corning back to you with the results of an REP (Request for Proposals) we were about to issue for demolition and construction of a new building on the site. Commissioner Sarnoff. Move item 9. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: Motion by Chairman [sic] Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Suarez. All in favor of this item, let us hear by saying "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. 10. 09-01191 CRA RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING A GRANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $260,000, UNDER THE RENOVATION/TENANT IMPROVEMENTS GRANT INITIATIVE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION NO. CRA-R-07-0034, TO TWO GUYS RESTAURANT, INC. FOR TENANT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMMERCIAL SPACE AT 236 N.W. 14TH STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; 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 15 Printed on 3/3, 2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 File # 09-01191 Cover Memo 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01191 Financials 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01191 Legislation 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-01191 Legislation Version 2- 10-26-09.pdf File # 09-0119 Cover Memo Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-0119 Financial Form Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-0119 Backup Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-0119 Legislation Version 3 2-11-2010.pdf File # 09-01191 Legislation Version 4 2-11-2010.pdf DEFERRED A motion was made by Vice Chair Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Sarnoff, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioner Carollo absent, to defer Item 10 to the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting currently scheduled for March 11, 2010. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 10 is a resolution of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency authorizing a grant, in an amount not to exceed $260, 000, under the renovation and tenant improvement grant initiative authorized by Resolution CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) 07-0034, to Two Guys Restaurant, Inc. for tenant improvements to the commercial space at 236 Northwest 14th Street. Two Guys is one of the businesses that's in the old building. We'd like to move them to the corner, which is owned by St. John's Church, and we'll renovate the building to move her in there. It would be -- it would eliminate what is a blighting building on that corner, dress it up. It will allow us to move her out of the building. She has entered into a lease with St. John's at a reduced rent. She'll actually be paying less rent than she's paying to the CRA where she's at currently. And this is a business with a long history in the neighborhood. I don't think you have to worry that, as a new business would, three out of five fail in the first few years. This is a business with a large clientele that invested in the building the CRA currently owns but really couldn't fund redevelopment. The Board previously approved $500, 000 for these tenant improvement grants. We've used part of that money for the build -out of the spaces at New Arena Square, and we'd like to use the balance to fund the renovation of this site, which will allow us to move forward with the first new housing built in Southeast Overtown in 20 years. Commissioner Dunn: Is there a motion? Discussion. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. This is -- Commissioner Gort: Move it. Mr. Villacorta: Give your name for the record. Shirley Meadows: My name is Shirley Meadows. I'm the owner of Two Guys Restaurant at 1205 Northwest 3rdAvenue. Mr. Villacorta: We've also obtained estimates from CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) and from two independent contractors. Again, we'll be putting it out for bid and bringing the actual construction of the new building to you. But in the meantime, we'd like to get CIP started in moving her out as quickly as possible. The building is not in good shape and needs to be demolished. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): I'm sorry, Chair Dunn. Commissioner Gort: I moved it. Ms. Thompson: I heard Board Member Gort move, but I did not hear the seconder. City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Gort: There's none. Mr. Villacorta: Was there a second? Commissioner Suarez: I guess I'll second for discussion. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Dunn: It's been -- a motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Commissioner Suarez for discussion. Commissioner Suarez: We're -- this doesn't really make sense to me, Jim. Mr. Villacorta: We have pictures of the building where she's moving. Maybe we can -- this is similar to what we did for Jackson Soul Food. We went in, gave them a grant, rebuilt the restaurant -- renovated it. And just like the developers in Wynwood who will tell you I'm opening a new restaurant every year, I'm creating a buzz in that area. This will bookend the street with two restaurants that are icons in the neighborhood. I mean, if you go to Jackson Soul Food now on a Sunday morning, it's packed. And it's the kind of place where, 20 years from now, the children that are going there are going to say I remember coming here with my grandmother and my grandparents to have breakfast on Sundays. The -- Two Guys Restaurant is in that same vein. They've been on various locations in that street for 15, 16 -- Ms. Meadows: Sixteen years. Mr. Villacorta: -- years. They have a strong clientele, but it's our building that they're in now. And the building is -- the second story's been declared an unsafe structure. This is a grant to a business, something that the City has done for developers. We gave a grant to -- is it, Miami One? -- for four million to redo a baywalk as part of their development. We've given grants to the Marlins. We've given grants to -- Commissioner Sarnoff I think we gave the candy -- Mr. Villacorta: Though not everybody has voted. Commissioner Sarnoff -- store there. Commissioner Suarez: Could I --? Commissioner Dunn: Go ahead. I'll yield. Mr. Villacorta: Now I don't know if I'm moving the discussion in the right direction. Commissioner Suarez: Is this in your district, Commissioner? Commissioner Dunn: Yes, sir. Commissioner Suarez: If it's okay with you -- and I don't know whether we could defer this. Is this a deferrable item? Can it be deferred? Commissioner Dunn: I would really like to, Commissioner Suarez, move this item. I had the opportunity two weeks ago to actually visit the restaurant -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Dunn: -- and witness a thriving business. In the midst of adversity after adversity, Two Guys have demonstrated that they have the resilience that we would like to foster in the Overtown area. They are survivors, 16 years of thriving. And given the right venue or location, I can see them even expanding. And I want to commend the staff Executive Director Jim, and Clarence for even being there and insisting that we get an opportunity to see for ourselves hands on. I was very impressed -- Ms. Meadows: Thank you. Commissioner Dunn: -- with your operation. Ms. Meadows: Thank you very much. Mr. Villacorta: They've suffered from people coming and stealing the air condition equipment. Actually, the day we were there, they had made another attempt. We were out there to the welders -- with the welders 'til late at night and she had an unlicensed person rewire it, me. So we'd like to move her out of there as quickly as possible and allow this project to move forward. It's really an expense of constructing this apartment building. We could have included it in the RFP that they would have to relocate the tenant. It'll also clean up the corner on 14th and 3rd, which is right across from the Overtown Youth Center. Presently, that building is vacant. There's homeless people sleeping in the trash enclosure and doing the things that homeless people do, the bodily functions they do. And the children are coming to the youth center have to walk past this every day. Whereas, if we get this building up and running, when the optimists have their football games, I mean, it's packed. There's a lot of pedestrian traffic there. I think it's a good investment of the CRA funds. We have a lease of five years. The church has taken a reduced rent, lower than what she's paying the CRA for the same or more square footage. I think it would be an asset to the area. Commissioner Suarez: Commissioner, I just -- you know, this is my first CRA meeting. Unidentified Speaker: Sure. Commissioner Suarez: And I'm not sure that I understand everything and the way everything works and operates. And I have briefed with Jim. He gave me a -- Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. Commissioner Suarez: -- an excellent briefing on the CRAs generally. Didn't get a chance -- and it's not his fault -- Mr. Villacorta: No. Commissioner Suarez: -- to brief with him -- Mr. Villacorta: On this subject. Commissioner Suarez: -- personally on this agenda. It wasn't -- it's definitely not his fault. I'm not blaming him. But if it's okay -- I mean, if it's a super -- I mean, if it's not a time -sensitive thing, if it can wait 'til the next CRA meeting, I would appreciate an opportunity just to look through this. I mean, I'm looking at -- I just don't -- I mean, if that's okay with the other members. Commissioner Dunn: Well, the only reason that I would resist that or differ with that -- City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Dunn: -- is that the CRA was created for businesses such as Two Guys. That was the whole purpose, to give businesses an opportunity, the same thing that Leroy Jones was basically talking about. And when you find a business that has demonstrated 16 years -- this is not a gimmie. Commissioner Suarez: That's a big statement, yeah. Commissioner Dunn: Exactly. And against insurmountable odds. I think that we need to do whatever we can as expeditiously as possible because they -- she's been victimized with the air condition -- Ms. Meadows: Seven times. Commissioner Dunn: -- seven times. To put her -- that's just -- you know, that's just too much. And so anything we can do to expedite that, I -- that's why I would be -- Commissioner Suarez: And I completely understand and I agree with that. I think the first -- in the first Commission meeting when I was here -- in our first general Commission meeting, we deferred a couple of things just because, you know -- again, this is my first CRA meeting. Again, I didn't have an opportunity to be briefed by the executive director on these items. Not his fault, you know. And I would appreciate it ifI could have a little bit more time. One -- I mean, it's one -- literally, one CRA meeting. When would be the next CRA meeting? Commissioner Sarnoff Thirty days. Mr. Villacorta: The first Commission meeting in March. Commissioner Suarez: Would that be okay with you? Ms. Meadows: That's fine. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. And you know, I apologize to you, Commissioner, and I apologize to you. It's not your fault; it's my fault. I'll probably go by there and taste the place too in the meantime. Commissioner Dunn: I have to say -- and I understand what you're saying. Commissioner Suarez: Right. Commissioner Dunn: This is my district and I understand -- Commissioner Suarez: I understand. Commissioner Dunn: -- it. And I have to -- I just see this as an issue for her. And I'm respecting your request. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Dunn: I'm not disrespecting your request. Commissioner Suarez: No, andl appreciate that. Commissioner Gort: Let me see ifI -- City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Dunn: Go ahead. Commissioner Gort: If you yield to me. Let me see if I can bring some light to -- Of all the projects that I've seen taking place in the CRA districts, the only ones that have really worked have been the restaurants. I mean, we all have to eat. You have the People's Barbecue. It's been very successful and they're doing very well. You have Jackson (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which they're doing very well also, and I recommend their breakfast. It's pretty good. This is the one way that we can really help that neighborhood is to establish businesses, help them to stay in business. And I understand your point of view, you don't have the full scale, but there's been precedent that this has been used before and it's been very successful. Commissioner Dunn: Is there a motion? Ms. Thompson: You already have a motion and a second on the floor, Chair. Commissioner Gort: It's a motion and a second, but -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Gort: -- he's asking for a deferral. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I -- Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. I didn't -- Commissioner Dunn: No, for discussion. It was -- Ms. Thompson: That was -- Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Ms. Thompson: -- for discussion. Commissioner Dunn: The motion was for discussion. Am I correct? Ms. Thompson: That's correct. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Suarez: And it can be voted on or not. I mean, at this point, if it wasn't seconded by the Chairman, he may not vote in favor of it. I may not vote in favor of it under these parameters and it would die. So that's kind of where I'm going with it. I think it'd be best to defer it and, you know, give me an opportunity to -- I mean, I -- it's a month. I mean, it's a quarter million dollar investment and it's a month, and I'd like to sit with the executive director and -- if that's okay with you. And I understand. I know it's your district. And when we got here, you know, as a Commission, there were things that Vice Chairman Carollo, that were in his district and we kind of were very deferential to each other in allowing each other to defer things. On a kind of -- and I understand every -- a month or 30 days is consequential. There's nothing that's not consequential, but I mean, I don't think, at the end of the day, one month is going to -- Mr. Villacorta: Well, she -- City of Miami Page20 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Suarez: -- make or break -- Mr. Villacorta: -- has been waiting. We acquired the building over a year ago and she's been waiting the last -- I don't think we've had a meeting since October or September. Commissioner Sarnoff Well, look, it's pretty simple. A Commissioner is asking for a 30-day deferral. You give it to him, period because he is responsible for his vote as anybody else up here. I'm not going to vote for this because he wants the deferral. And he just needs to satisfy himself that everything is the way it is. And he has not been satisfied. And he's saying not through any fault of the Administration. He just needs to familiarize himself with it. He's going to be held as accountable as anyone else up here. Commissioner Dunn: Just understand -- and I will support that -- but we will -- that will be the president [sic] for all issues that we are not apprised on. Commissioner Suarez: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Sarnoff We have -- Commissioner Dunn: Just want to say that -- I want to say that for the record. Commissioner Suarez: No. And I agree with -- Commissioner Dunn: I want to -- Commissioner Suarez: -- you it has been -- Commissioner Dunn: -- state that for the record. That's all. Commissioner Suarez: Just so you know, it has been the precedent of this Commission -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Suarez: -- and I appreciate your deference to me in that sense. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Suarez: I appreciate it. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Commissioner Suarez: I apologize. It's not the Commissioner's fault, and I understand he's a zealous advocate for his district. It's -- I just need a little bit more time to examine it, and by the next meeting, I should be ready to vote. Commissioner Dunn: All right. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Villacorta: So we'll defer it 'til the next meeting. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. That's it. Commissioner Sarnoff I think you need a motion. City of Miami Page21 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Suarez: That's it. Commissioner Dunn: Do we need --? Mr. Villacorta: Motion. Ms. Thompson: Yes. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Is it --? Okay. Let's get a motion for -- Commissioner Suarez: I withdraw my second 'cause I think we have to -- Commissioner Dunn: We need to get a motion for it. Commissioner Sarnoff Withdraw the original motion. Commissioner Gort: I withdraw my motion. Commissioner Suarez: Right. And I move to defer to the next meeting. Commissioner Sarnoff Second. Commissioner Suarez: And it will be taken up at the next meeting and a decision will be made in the next meeting, which will be in -- Commissioner Sarnoff Second. Commissioner Suarez: -- a month, okay, guys? Commissioner Sarnoff Second. Commissioner Dunn: It's been properly motioned by Commissioner -- Commissioner Sarnoff Suarez. Ms. Thompson: Suarez. Commissioner Dunn: -- Suarez and seconded by Commissioner -- Ms. Thompson: Sar -- Commissioner Dunn: -- Chairman [sic] Sarnoff that this item be deferred. All in favor of this motion, let us hear by "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: Ayes have it. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Commissioner Dunn. I appreciate it. Commissioner Dunn: You're welcome. DISCUSSION ITEMS 11. 10-00151 CRA DISCUSSION City of Miami Page22 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 DISCUSSION REGARDING FUNDING OF THE HOSPITALITY TRAINING INSTITUTE File # 10-00151 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Commissioner Dunn: Item 11 (UNINTELLIGIBLE). James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Back to item -- Item 11 is a discussion regarding the Hospitality Training Institute. I know Commissioner Dunn was at their recent training. I don't know that the remainder of the -- I know Commissioner Sarnoff has been there and I'm not sure -- Commissioner Suarez: So moved. Mr. Villacorta: Well, we just wanted to have her present -- they'll be coming back a little later with a proposal for funding, but we wanted to introduce them to you. Commissioner Suarez: I was wondering why there was nothing in the supporting documentation part. Jeanne Westfall: Well -- Commissioner Suarez: I jumped the gun there. Ms. Westfall: I'm Jeanne Westfall, director of the Hospitality Institute. I reside at 1750 North Bayshore Drive, Miami 33132. What I would like to distribute quickly is a fact sheet regarding our program and then I have an overview of what we're doing and how we're using the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) funds and other funds that we've been able to obtain through leverage. So ifI can just -- Commissioner Suarez: I guess I jumped the gun because my wife is in the hospitality industry so anything for the hospitality industry -- Ms. Westfall: Yes, and I'm looking forward to contacting her to find jobs. Just to give you a short background on the Hospitality Institute. It was established as an initiative from Commissioner Spence -Jones in January of 2008, and a grant of $100, 000 was provided by the CRA for us to start a job training program to help the residents and the community -based organizations located in primarily District 5 to obtain jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry. As you know, this population is underserved and has high unemployment. And Commissioner Spence -Jones had learned that a number of hotels were going overseas to hire people and she spoke with some of the hoteliers asking that consideration be given to residents of that area and a job training program in customer service skills was developed, as I say, in January 2008 with a grant of $100, 000. In November of 2008, Miami Dade College School of Business who had been involved with the training program offered to have them -- have the program become part of Miami Dade College. So we then became part of the School of Business. Through that affiliation, we were able to obtain a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation of $100, 000 over a two-year period. The staff is limited. We have one full-time professional, myself, and a part-time person. And as a result of the Wal-Mart grant, we were able to hire an outreach coordinator who has experience in working with the population that we serve. We -- the participants in our training program, which is a two-day training in customer service and then followed by a mini job fair. We work with 13 community -based organizations in the area and they provide the participants, as well as residents who visit our office directly to register. Everybody must preregister and they must attend the two full days of training in order City of Miami Page23 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 to receive a completion certificate and to attend the job fair. At our recent training in February, Commissioner Dunn visited us during the graduation ceremonies when we asked the participants to tell us their impression. It can be very moving. As a matter of fact, one of the participants provided us with a card indicating the gratitude that she felt for this program, so we're very proud. At that training, we had 88 participants, the largest number that we've ever had. We're located in the Greater Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Overtown, and we use the Friendship Hall there for our training. Our office is also located there. Up to December 31, 2009, which is two years, we received a $100, 000 grant each year, in 2008 and 2009, from the CRA to operate our program. We have registered 1,154 persons. We have trained 628. Those are the people who attended the two days of training. And we have an estimated 223 graduates who have been hired by industry people. Not just the hotel industry because, again, our objective is to help people find jobs. And so we have expanded our reach and have obtained from a number of sources job opportunities. There are jobs out there. We get weekly postings from hotels and attractions and other participants in the industry. Are we successful? Not always. Because, again, the population that we're dealing with are very fragile. They need support. They need constant encouragement, which we try to provide by having them visit our office to see the job postings on a weekly basis. I think we are helping a number of them. We have formed an alumni association. And we're very proud and -- of what we have been able to accomplish. Last June the CRA Commission provided certificates to some of our graduates. Then -Mayor -- then -Commissioner Regalado, Commissioner Sarnoff, and Commissioner Spence -Jones provided the certificates. So we really appreciate the support we get from the CRA as well as from the Commission. Some of our accomplishments besides training the people that we have indicated is that in October 2009 at the annual meeting of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, we were commended for the efforts that we have done in training people. And one of our graduates who works in the Fontainebleau Hotel has been there since August of 2008. She was recognized by the chairman of the CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) as one of our graduates. Recently, the American Association of Community Colleges selected our program as a model for a job training program for the visit of the executive director of the Association of Community Colleges in Sydney, Australia. During his visit, he met with executive staff of Miami Dade College and we're hoping to develop some exchange programs. So we may be taking our program to Sydney, which would really be wonderful. Our future hopes and wishes. First of all, that the CRA continue to fund us so that we can then expand the training to include certification courses in food and beverage, lodging, and retail skills so our graduates can improve their skills and be promoted. Provide mentoring to the graduates. As I say, they're very fragile and they need constant encouragement. And we want to help them to maintain their jobs, but also to encourage them to take advantage of the educational opportunities provided by Miami Dade College to obtain GEDs (General Education Diplomas) as well as to obtain additional skill training in various segments of the industry. And also to partner with other agencies of the City and County to seek federal/state grants in workforce development and also to aggressively seek funding for -- from corporations and foundations. We're working very closely with the Miami -Dade College Foundation in presenting our program to corporations and foundations because, again, we look at the CRA funding really as seed funding for us to grow. We want this to grow and expand to other areas. We've had inquiries from other parts of the City, from Coconut Grove, from Little Havana asking for this program because they have similar problems. We have the model. We can expand it. And as I mention to anybody who asks, just bring me the money and we can move right in. We're very happy to do that. The other thing I wanted to mention as far as leveraging the funds, one of the hoteliers who is helping to found this program has made a contribution to the foundation of $10, 000 to start seed money for us to use that to leverage funding from other people. So we're -- we appreciate your support. We appreciate the support of the CRA in helping us to continue to grow, and we'll be back next month. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you very much. When is the next graduation of the certification program? City of Miami Page24 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Ms. Westfall: We do them generally every six weeks. So we would be looking to do the next one probably towards the end of March. We also need to be sure that we can obtain the participation of the employers. So we work closely with the employers to find out when they think is the best time to do it because -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Ms. Westfall: -- we want them to participate in our job fair. We also have cooperation from the South Florida Workforce in providing a mobile unit, which has 12 computers, and they attend our job fair so people can apply for jobs online. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you so much -- Ms. Westfall: Thank you -- Commissioner Dunn: -- for what you do. Ms. Westfall: -- very much. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Ms. Westfall: Thank you for all your support. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman, I have -- may I ask a question? Commissioner Dunn: Sure. Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Jane, does the -- Miami Dade has the -- I know they were trying to put together the tour operators classes? Ms. Westfall: Well, as a matter of fact, we have some very good news. Now the -- Miami Dade College has opened a new international hospitality center and the director, John Richards, is here. And this new school now will comprise a new program in culinary arts, the hospitality management program, and the travel and tourism program, all into one school, which is really very exciting, and Mr. Richards could give you some additional information about it. Commissioner Gort: No. As a past member of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, one of the things we were worrying about is like a -- creating the tourist attraction within the Little Havana area and also in Overtown area, that we need -- Ms. Westfall: Right. Commissioner Gort: -- we're going to need tour operators -- Ms. Westfall: Yes. Commissioner Gort: -- and tour guides to go by that can explain the history of the different places. Ms. Westfall: Absolutely, yes. Commissioner Gort: And I know they were trying to do that then. I'd like to see that, if it's possible. Ms. Westfall: I know there is one tour operator that has been developing some tours of City of Miami Page25 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Overtown. Commissioner Gort: Right. Good. Ms. Westfall: And so now that we have this combined program, we'll be able to move forward and offer a lot more. So thank you. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: So I'll move it. Mr. Villacorta: There's no action necessary. Commissioner Gort: No action? Commissioner Dunn: No action. No, no action. Commissioner Suarez: I move it. I move the item. Commissioner Gort: I thought we were going to give -- Commissioner Dunn: No. We got one more. Ms. Westfall: Just -- Commissioner Gort: You got to come back with your plan, okay. Commissioner Suarez: I move it. Ms. Westfall: -- remember me next month. Commissioner Suarez: I move it along. Commissioner Gort: It's been move already. Mr. Villacorta: Move it along. Commissioner Suarez: I move it. Commissioner Gort: You got it. Commissioner Suarez: I move it as well. I second your motion. Commissioner Gort, I second your motion. 12. 10-00160 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING FUNDING OF THE LANDSCAPE TRAINING INSTITUTE File # 10-00160 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf DISCUSSED James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 12 is a discussion regarding the Landscape Training Institute. We have Dr. Marvin Dunn here. Unfortunately, some of his employees look like they had to leave. This is another City of Miami Page26 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 initiative of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to provide training in the landscape field. They maintain the garden across from Mt. Zion and 14 locations up and down 3rd Avenue, different plantings and beautification where they take in people and train them. Marvin Dunn: Oh, they came back. Commissioner Gort: They're back. Mr. Dunn: My name is Marvin Dunn, 3530 Crystal View Court, Coconut Grove. I am the unpaid executive director of Roots in the City, and I have been for 18 years. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce to those of you who are not familiar with Roots in the City, what we do and why we do it. Eighteen years ago, I began bringing my FIU (Florida International Unviersity) college students to Overtown to give something back to Overtown. And we started planting the first garden, a botanical garden, at 3rd Avenue and 14th Street on property owned by the County. It was sort of a half-moon shaped lot there. And then of course the properly behind that belongs to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). And for 16 years, we took care of that property, landscaped it, brought in everything you see there, except a few trees. The County never paid for maintenance for that property. We took care of it without any compensation from the County. Two years ago, we had to stop doing that. We just didn't have the manpower to keep doing that. So that garden now is a mess, an absolute disgrace, but we simply had to abandon the property. We're hoping that if we are funded to the level that we're asking for next year that we will be able to add that site onto our landscaping obligations in Overtown and bring that garden back. Basically what we do is take people in Overtown who are interested in learning about landscaping and horticulture and train them in these areas and then try to assist them in job placement or we try to hire them ourselves in our project. Right now we have -- I think the obligation from the CRA to train four people a year in our institute. Next year we are being asked by the CRA to train 16 people per year in our program, which we have indicated we will meet that obligation. Hopefully, the funding will be there to allow us to do that at a larger level than we're now getting. But we simply take people that are interested in this area of work and plant on vacant lots in Overtown. The vegetable garden we started three years ago at 3rd Avenue and 9th Street was planted as an open garden to provide free produce to Overtown residents. And we started planting collard greens and other things were added since that time, again, as a way of providing fresh produce for people who could not afford to buy it. That is still one of our major missions. Because we've gotten support from the CRA, we don't have to sell what we grow to make a profit. And as long as we have CRA support, we'll be able to distribute a lot of our produce to schools in Overtown, churches in Overtown, and to senior citizens in Overtown. We also bring in hundreds of volunteers. I gave you a handout that has some photographs in it that shows the institute at work. But we estimate about 800 people come into Overtown a year to work in our garden. And they spend money when they come into Overtown at Two Guys, or other restaurants in Overtown. So we think we help the business community in Overtown by the work that we do. We have also drawn more money from other sources other than the CRA. Most of the money we take in now does not come from the CRA. We have private contracts to take care of vacant lots in Overtown. We just got a $50,000 grant from the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Foundation to help us with our project, and two or three other smaller grants that would allow us to maintain sustainability. And the last thing I'll mention about what we're doing is we're trying to move the Roots in the City project -- and this is very important, Commissioners and board members -- from a garden to an urban farm. We want to grow enough produce to be able to have produce to sell in the private sector. And in the handout that I gave you, there's a commitment letter from Norman Brothers. Now maybe you don't know Norman Brothers, but it's one of the high -end fresh markets that serves Pinecrest -- Commissioner Dunn: Wow. Mr. Dunn: -- and Palmetto Bay. So we're going to be growing vegetables and selling them through Norman Brothers, which has been there for 41 years; they're not going anywhere, and City of Miami Page27 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 we think that's going to help us keep people working in Overtown. We're now reaching out to Home Depot for botanical plants to be sold to them, Winn -Dixie, and other markets to sell produce and therefore sustain jobs for residents in Overtown. So, essentially, that's what we do, and we'll be back next month. And we put the CRA Board -- staff on notice. We cannot do this -- we can't expand from a garden to a farm with the amount of funding we've been sort of suggested we might have next year. So we're hoping that the Commission -- the Board will see fit to increase our capacity to serve the community and put more people to work. Basically it. Commissioner Suarez: Can I -- Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Chair Sarnoff Commissioner, can I -- Commissioner Dunn: Sure. Commissioner Suarez: -- may I say a few things? Commissioner Dunn: Commissioner. Commissioner Suarez: First of all, you have a wonderful last name. It's very, very familiar. I want to thank -- Mr. Dunn: So do you. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I appreciate that. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Suarez: I'm going to get to that. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Suarez: I think I'd like to, on the record, for the CRA record, commend you not only for -- and the Commissioner because you both started Roots, right? Commissioner Dunn: Yes. That's true. Commissioner Suarez: Okay. So I'd like to commend you both -- Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Suarez: -- for working for free. And that's truly what public service is about. It's not about the Benjamins, per se, you know. And I really -- it's a beautiful program. My father would be remiss if I didn't say what a beautiful program it is. From the first time you started the program, he was always telling me how incredible it was and how it had to be taken citywide. And I -- let me tell you. Not only do you have my full support with reference to expanding the concept -- I love the idea of an urban farm. I think that's incredible. Mr. Dunn: Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Suarez: -- and taking it district -wide and taking it citywide. If we can do anything like that in my district, I would love to do it. And it's a special -- it's been a special program as long as you've had it so -- City of Miami Page28 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Mr. Dunn: Thank you very much, Commissioner. Commissioner Suarez: -- I commend you both for that. Commissioner Dunn: Well, let me -- Mr. Dunn: Thank you. Commissioner Dunn: -- state for the record now I did not start the Roots program, but I'm -- I do have roots in Overtown. Commissioner Suarez: There you go. Commissioner Dunn: Just for the record. But thank you. Commissioner Gort: I have to tell you. My daughter was one of the one that worked in those gardens. In order for them to get their grade, they had to go there and work. And they loved it. They had a great time. Mr. Dunn: Thank you. We enjoyed having them too. Commissioner Dunn: I just have one last request from Dr. Dunn. Could you do some research and see if there's some kind of blood ties --? Mr. Dunn: People keep asking me about that. Commissioner Dunn: Me too. Mr. Dunn: Is that your brother? Is that your cousin? Is that -- Commissioner Dunn: Yes, yes. Mr. Dunn: -- your daddy? (UNINTELLIGIBLE). But I get the same thing, Commissioner, and - Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Let's see if we can resolve -- Mr. Dunn: -- that may be. Commissioner Dunn: -- that. Mr. Dunn: That just might be. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Dunn: All right. Thank you very much. Commissioner Gort: Go back in the tree and you -- Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Dunn: Thank you. 13. 10-00153 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S REQUEST THAT City of Miami Page29 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 A COUNTY COMMISSIONER SERVE ON EACH CRAS' BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS File # 10-00153 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00153 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf A motion was made by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Gort, and was passed unanimously, with Vice Chair Suarez and Commissioner Carollo absent, to defer Item 13 to the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting currently scheduled for March 11, 2010. Commissioner Sarnoff Commissioner, could we go to 13, 'cause I may need to leave and I just want to make sure that I'm here for that? Commissioner Dunn: Yes. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number 13 is a discussion regarding the County's request to have a County Commissioner serve on each CRAss (Community Redevelopment Agency's) Board of Commissioners. The Miami -Dade County Commission adopted two resolutions. The first, adopted December 1, 2009, requires a County Commissioner to serve on the boards of newly -created redevelopment agencies and it also directs that interlocal agreements between the County and existing CRAs be renegotiated. The County Manager has sent us a letter asking that we open negotiations for this process. Commissioner Dunn: Can I pass the gavel on this? I would like to -- I want to make a motion to defer this item -- Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Commissioner Dunn: -- because I haven't -- Commissioner Sarnoff All right. So there's a motion to defer. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Sarnoff All right, second for deferral. Any discussion, gentlemen? Hearing none, seeing none, all in favor, please say "aye." The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Priscilla A. Thompson (Clerk of the Board): My question would be -- Commissioner Gort: See if they want to do it with Midtown. Ms. Thompson: -- 'til what meeting, please, sir? Mr. Villacorta: Do you want to do it to a date certain or --? Commissioner Sarnoff Let's do it to the next -- Commissioner Gort: Next meeting. Commissioner Sarnoff -- meeting. Commissioner Dunn: Next meeting, yes. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: See if they want someone on Midtown. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. All right. 14. 10-00154 CRA DISCUSSION DISCUSSION REGARDING AMENDING EXISTING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS TO HAVE NET SURPLUS REVENUES REMAINING IN THE CRA TRUST FUND RETURNED TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AT THE END OF FISCAL YEARS 2009-10 AND 2010-11. File # 10-00154 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00154 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf MOTION A motion was made by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioners Carollo and Sarnoff absent, to direct the interim executive director to forward the will of the Board regarding the return of net surplus revenues to the Miami -Dade County Mayor. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Item number -- Commissioner Sarnoff If I get up, we're going to lose quorum, and I apologize for that, but I am so late for something, and I'm going to ask you, can 11 -- No, I don't. Mr. Villacorta: You got one back. Commissioner Sarnoff There you go. Mr. Villacorta: Maybe we can continue out of order and take the next discussion item, item number 14, which relates to the first one. It's a discussion regarding the Board of County Commissioners' request, which was adopted -- they passed a resolution adopted November 17, 2009 directing the County to amend existing interlocal agreements to have net surplus revenues remaining in CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) trust funds returned to the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County at each -- at the end of each fiscal year and to apply this to fiscal -- the current fiscal year, 2009 and '10 and 2010 and '11. What they're asking is that any funds that are not committed would be returned in proportion to the way they were paid in to the City and the County. They've asked the County -- they've directed the County mayor to initiate negotiations. Their analysis is that -- Midtown is exempt because we don't -- anything that isn't used to pay the bonds comes back to the City and County anyway. Omni, under their analysis, all County funds go to the PAC (Performing Arts Center), plus -- Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: -- City funds as well. And so the only -- and as a practical matter, the only CRA this would apply to would be Overtown. Maybe we want to -- the Board might want to direct the director and a Commissioner to meet with the Mayor or his representative and discuss this. It'd really be up to the will of the Board. Commissioner Dunn: Is there a motion? City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Gort: Let me -- no, no. Wait a minute. The County wants any fund that is not spend [sic] by us or utilized by the CRA to be given back to their general funds? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: I'm not for it. Mr. Villacorta: That's the end of negotiations. Commissioner Gort: I mean, I think we give enough. Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Well, I can convey the -- if that's the will of the Board, I can convey the will of the Board back to -- Commissioner Gort: I mean, at least that's my opinion. Mr. Villacorta: -- the County Manager. Commissioner Suarez: I'm not in favor of it either. Commissioner Dunn: Well, let's -- can we entertain it in a motion? Is that necessary? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. You want to make a motion to -- Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Mr. Villacorta: -- direct the executive director to forward the will of this Board to the County Mayor. Commissioner Gort: So move. Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: It's been motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Commissioner Suarez that we direct the executive director to -- Mr. Villacorta: To respond to the Mayor -- Commissioner Dunn: -- this request. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Commissioner Dunn: All in favor, let us hear by saying "aye. The Commissioners (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: I know we -- Commissioner Gort: By the way, and whoever talks to the County in the negotiation, tell them we've been very good. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) helping quite a bit with the CRA funds from the City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Omni to help the County, so we believe that the County should help us and the other CRAs. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Even in that CRA, I mean, we've been rebuilding some roads that are really County roads and the CRA has taken the initiative and moved forward 15. 10-00155 CRA DISCUSSION UPDATE REGARDING THE EXPANSION OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST AND OMNI COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES' BOUNDARIES. File # 10-00155 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf File # 10-00155 Backup 2-11-2010.pdf DISCUSSED Commissioner Suarez: Can we adjourn? James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): The last item was an update regarding the expansion of the Southeast Overtown and Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) boundaries. We've included the new maps of each CRA in your binders. In Overtown, the orange area is the additional area we'll be serving. And in the Omni CRA, the red boundary is the additional; with the yellow is the original. The agreements were executed for the Overtown CRA on January 22. Commissioner Gort: That's Northwest 7th Avenue? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We go to 7th Avenue -- Northwest 7th in Overtown and up to Northwest 22nd Street, and then come back on Northwest 1st Place. The Omni CRA now butts up against the Overtown CRA. That was a problem we had in the past is somebody would be one block outside or in between the two CRAs. Commissioner Dunn: So to the west, 7th Avenue? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Dunn: And to the north, 20 --? Mr. Villacorta: Northwest 22nd Street. And then we come -- Commissioner Dunn: And to the east? Mr. Villacorta: -- Northwest 1st Place, above 395 and Biscayne Boulevard, below 395. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: The -- part of the -- Gregory Gay (Plannerll, Planning Department, City of Miami): Pardon me. Commissioners, we have a larger map here -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay, thank you. City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Mr. Gay: -- for visual. Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We do have to acknowledge the efforts and support that Planning gave us in getting these two CRAs expanded. Part of the agreement for the Overtown CRA requires us to come up with a project for what in the past we've called the Crosswinds blocks, Blocks 36, 45, and 56, within 90 days. We're currently in litigation with the County. Those blocks were acquired with a UMPTA (Urban Mass Para Transit Authority) grant and the match was put up by the City of Miami -- 85 percent of the matching funds. When the blocks were cleared there was an eminent domain suit that the County handled The judgment against them was over $5 million and the City of Miami and the CRA paid that judgment. Those blocks are now -- the County has reverted them. There was an issue with the title. They reverted them. We're -- we sued them saying that they had not responded to our requests for approval of the development. We have 70 days to -- under the agreement to propose a plan; otherwise, the litigation would move forward. In the Omni CRA, the boundaries were expanded as of January 24, 2010, and the County has asked us to consider -- January 21, 2010 -- further including a heliport and the Children's Museum as projects within the CRA. We would have to expand that boundary a little further, as projects that they'd like to see us support. And that would be something for the Board to consider at a future date. Commissioner Gort: I have a question. Camillus House -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: -- is that going to come in front of us soon? Mr. Villacorta: The director of Camillus House, Dr. Ahr, has come to us and asked for a $10 million commitment, payable over five years. They'd like to see a resolution promising them $2 million. They believe that's all they need to move their project forwarg move them outside the CRA. So now that we've expanded the boundaries, we have to work with the City's Finance Department because they're talking about issuing bonds, and whether a resolution could be passed that said that $2 million payment would be subordinate to any debt owed the bondholders is an issue, and we need to meet with Camillus House and see if that resolution satisfies their bankers and allows them to move forward. But hopefully, we're planning to bring it at the next CRA meeting in March. Commissioner Gort: Well, I appreciate it, and I'd like to explain more on it. If we all look at the corridor of 7th Avenue, Northwest 7th Avenue, between 7th Avenue and the expressway, it's a dead zone. And the Camillus House is a project about $25 million, a beautiful architecture. And that -- at least they're going to get the development going in there. It's going to create jobs and it's going to bring people in the area. At the same time, I've been talking to Father Menendez who owns -- he's a priest at Corpus Christi, who is trying to create a cultural center and he's got enough land and a complex. If we could get these two projects going -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: -- and the -- Father Menendez, I understand, has the funding. We got to help him with expediting the permits and so on. Those two projects on the opposite side of 7th Avenue will be very helpful to that area, so I'd really like to see that come as soon as possible. Mr. Villacorta: I've been -- talked with the Chair about bringing it back on. We've had a meeting with Dr. Ahr, I believe, last Friday, and I know he's been reaching out to the Commissioners. Another aspect of the apartment building we hope to put on 3rd Avenue is you could live in that apartment building and bike to the new Camillus House if you worked there or to Jackson or to the Life Science Park, and it will help change the culture -- you know, the perception of that area. There's a lot of -- City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Gort: That whole thing is beginning to come together. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: The medical center, the -- Jackson and -- Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: -- and the University of Miami, and all of that has been coming together. Mr. Villacorta: Yes. Commissioner Gort: So all those developments will be very important for the whole area. Mr. Villacorta: And we hope to be rolling out the rebuild of Northwest 14th Street from the Performing Arts Center all the way to Northwest 7th Avenue, andl believe it includes a bike lane. So, I mean, all of these projects are really coming together in a way that's really going to further the productive use of the area with the residents that live there, allowing them to remain and have job opportunities. And that was a discussion. Commissioner Dunn: Okay. That -- so -- yeah. Mr. Villacorta: Just an update. If there's anything -- 16. 10-00156 CRA DISCUSSION PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO GRADUATES OF THE BUSINESS TRAINING INSTITUTE. File # 10-00156 Cover Memo 2-11-2010.pdf DISCUSSED James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): We actually have some presentations, and I know there's people here that have been working all day. And we have some certificates. And perhaps we could present them and not make them wait, if the Board -- move that item up? It's item number 16. Commissioner Gort: Which item? Commissioner Sarnoff 16 on page 5. Mr. Villacorta: Item 16. It's presentation -- we have a mom-and-pop grant program or a small business grant program, and these businesses have gone through training with Neighbors and Neighbors to be eligible to receive grants. Leroy Jones: Leroy Jones, Neighbors and Neighbors Association, 180 Northwest 62nd Street. First, I want to take the time to thank the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for allowing Neighbors and Neighbors Association to enter a contract to provide training for the businesses in the Omni area. The training was well attended, and the CRA staff did a wonderful job in making sure everything was accessible for us to have the use of the facility that we used for the training. Today we have some of the graduates. We did have more earlier, but some had to leave due to kids getting out of school and things like that. But Neighbors and Neighbors Association partnership with one of the local organizations to provide the training. And I'm going to let them come up and say a few words about the training, but it was excellent. And I City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 encourage -- and everything that I do, anything that has funding tied to it, I make sure training is a part of it because training is essential to the growth of small businesses, okay. So Hilda, you want to come up and --7 Hilda Hall Dennis: Good evening. My name is Hilda Hall Dennis, and I'm the executive director of the Carrie Meek Center for Business. We're a small business incubator in Homestead. We've been around for seven years, and to date, we've assisted more than 3,900 small businesses throughout Miami -Dade County. And we are so glad that we had this opportunity to come and work with the businesses in the Omni area. We had 23 individuals that actually completed the course, which was a nine -week course, and the business owners had the opportunity to come in the morning on Tuesdays from 10 to 1 or Thursdays from 4 to 7 so that they can take advantage of all the training. We brought in some industry professionals, and we actually went on site to some of the businesses to visit them and to give them pointers, and also to do some mystery shops to kind of give them a third -eye view of what the community sees when they come into their business. It was an awesome opportunity for us and the businesses. We covered business plans, customer service, marketing, human resources, just a lot of different areas. And the businesses all were thoroughly engaged, and we are so thankful for this opportunity, and we look forward to, you know, doing this some time in the future hopefully. At this time, I guess we'll be able to present the certificates to the businesses that are still here, and we thank them for waiting. My assistant, Joann Redmond, she's the director of outreach services. She's going to take care of that. Thank you. Joann Redmond: Thank you very much. As I call your name, will you please come forward. Catrina Cosme. Cecilia Woods. I believe I saw her husband here. Maybe he could take it, Mr. Willie Woods. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Eric Hundnell. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Fatima Johnson. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: She was here earlier. Franchel Gaitor. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Jessica Montanez. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Juan Santana. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Kelsey Dorsett. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Ken Knight. Applause. City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Ms. Redmond.: Laquisha Dansby. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Michael Correra. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Rudolph Hundnell. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Sandra Bryant. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Serena [sic] Minott. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Danielle Fraser. Applause. Ms. Redmond: Talmadge Frazier. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Maggie Boykins. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: And Veronise Wright. Applause. Ms. Redmond.: Congratulations. Applause. Veronise Wright: Wasn't expecting to have anything to say, but I appreciate the privilege of saying to -- of reporting to you, the Commissioners and the CRA Board, that being a small business, I really appreciate the exposure that was allowed me to encounter. As a result of the efforts of NANA (Neighbors and Neighbors Association) and also the Carrie Meek Business Center, I found this exposure to be very resourceful. I was very enthused. I gained a lot of knowledge as a result of some of the program participants that were invited to come and expose us to different, might I say, subjects that would pertain specifically to the business, such as income taxes or sources where we might be able to obtain grants, how to do it. In regards to time, I just want to say that I really, really appreciated the exposure, and I look forward to attending again, if offered. Veronise Wright, for the record. Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Miss? Ms. Wright: Yes, sir. City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Gort: May I have your name and your business? Ms. Wright: My name is Veronica Strong Wright. Commissioner Gort: Okay. Ms. Wright: My business is TWF (The Wright Family), Inc. We -- which has been operational for approximately 14 years. The TWF, Inc. is a short name for The Wright Family. Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Applause. Catrina Cosme: Hi. My name is Catrina Stuart Cosme. I own the Salad Creations at 19th and Biscayne, and I just would like to say thank you. As a Broward County resident, I chose Miami -Dade because of the growth to open my business, but this class really provided a networking opportunity as well as a wealth of knowledge of the resources that are available in Miami -Dade, as well as a chance to get to know a lot of the players and NANA and the key organizations within the area. So thank you. I certainly appreciate it. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Applause. Laquisha Dansby: Hi. My name is Laquisha Dansby. My business is (UNINTELLIGIBLE), located in District 3. And the classes offered me knowledge that even in school I couldn't obtain. I went to business school. No, I didn't graduate, but the nine -week course that I took with the Carrie Meek, the CRA, was very beneficial for me because at that time it was overwhelming for me in business knowing that the hump -- it was trying to get over that hump. And talking to the other participants that had been in business maybe more years than I, speaking to them has encouraged me to stay in business and strive to grow, and I thank them again. Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Applause. Talmadge Frazier: Good evening. My name is Talmadge Frazier. I'm the proud owner of Brother Frazier's Ribs. My address is 201 Northwest 7th Street, District 5. This class, when we started to take it, was opportunity for us to grow not only as businesspeople but as individuals. And we both know that -- we all know that the gap between us blacks running a business and running a business in the hole and running it the right way. The Carrie Meek Center and NANA has given us that foundation to not only be businesspeople, but to be enlightened businesspeople, which we all know that will sustain businesses if education is given. And what you see before you tonight with my fellow students is a cooperative effort between the City of Miami, NANA, and the Carrie Meek Center. And Brother -- on behalf of Brother Frazier Ribs and all those that I will serve, I thank you. Applause. Commissioner Gort: Didn't Leroy tell you you had to bring some samples for us? Mr. Frazier: Yeah. You know, I been -- you know something? I've been told that twice. But I'll City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 tell you what I will do. If you'll get it approved, I'll do one step better. I'll bring the trailer, put it outside and provide lunch for you. You get it cleared, I'm brining the trailer. Applause. Mr. Frazier: The only thing you got to bring is your appetite. Commissioner Suarez: I second that motion. Juan Santana: How are you doing? My name is Juan Santana. I am the proud business owner of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of Miami. I sell Mustang parts for a living. I knew a lot about Internet marketing, but I was lacking the knowledge that I needed for other fields that you need to learn, like paying your taxes and paying this. You know, you got to get permits for this, you got to get your occupational license, you have to get all this stuff to be considered a full business. And I learned there through networking with my fellow students and the teachers that came that it was very knowledgeable for us as new businesses as well as people that have been in business for a long time. And thank you to NANA, the Business Center, and the City of Miami. I did learn more, and I'm going to continue my knowledge to make my business grow in the City of Miami. Applause. Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Mr. Jones: In closing, Mr. Chair and Commissioners, I just want to thank you all for giving NANA the opportunity to provide a service to the business community in the City of Miami. And thanks again to the CRA staff for all their wonderful support and always there. Whenever we needed a question answered, it was always there. And the Carrie P. Meek Center did a wonderful job. And we're going to make sure each one of you -- Applause. Mr. Jones: -- get a completed binder that'll let you know the classes they took, the people that attended, and everything that they went through the process. And I just encourage you that if you can find it in your heart to continue supporting this -- trust me. This is a success story for the City of Miami. It really is. And it wasn't a color program. It was a everybody program. So I just wanted to thank you all for the opportunity, CRA and you, Mr. Chairman, and the City of Miami. Thank you so much. Applause. Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Jones? Mr. Jones: Yes, sir. Commissioner Dunn: Mr. Jones, I just want to commend you for all of the work that you do in the City and County as a whole. So I just want to give you kudos. Commissioner Gort: He's come a long way. Mr. Jones: But -- I'll continue to remember -- and this is something for everybody to take -- is that nobody can be successful alone. Nobody. Applause. Mr. Jones: Nobody can be successful alone. Thank you. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. [Later..] Commissioner Dunn: I'm going to recognize Mr. Reed. Mr. Villacorta: Sure. Commissioner Dunn: Just -- and then we'll prepare to close. Yes, Mr. Reed. C. C. Reed: Good evening. I'm C. C. Reed. I was supposed to be presented with a presentation from the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency with Neighbors and Neighbors and the Carrie P. Meek Center for Business. I believe it was item number 16 as of what information that I received in reference to the agenda for today. And I just received word that you already made the presentation? Commissioner Dunn: Yes, sir. Mr. Reed: Well, I was never notified. But that's why I went by the agenda. With the item being as number 16, which was the last thing -- Commissioner Dunn: Yes. Well, you have an opportunity now. Basically, what Mr. Jones did was give the graduates an opportunity just to make a statement. And so you're being recognized now. Basically, other than, I guess, receiving your certificate from Mr. Jones, that's basically the only thing that you missed. Mr. Reed.- Okay. So I am one of the graduates, right, and I just was here for that event. Commissioner Gort: What is your business? Mr. Reed: Right now it's at 145 Northeast 78th Street, Miami, Florida 33138-5088. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you, sir, and congratulations. Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. Sorry about that, the confusion with that. Commissioner Dunn: Yeah. Mr. Villacorta: I believe Leroy will have the certificate for you. Commissioner Gort: Leroy has your certificate. Commissioner Dunn: He has it. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Dunn: He has it. Commissioner Gort: Go after Leroy. Commissioner Dunn: And we (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Yes. Mr. Reed: Thank you. City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. NON -AGENDA ITEMS NA.1 10-00165 CRA DISCUSSION BRIEF DISCUSSION BY CHAIR DUNN REGARDING THE SELECTION OF VENUES FOR THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETINGS. DISCUSSED Commissioner Dunn: Before we close, I have one question about the venue of the meetings. I know hitherto fore it would be held in Overtown. What is the process for having that so it'll be convenient for the residents of that area? At least for the Southeast Overtown/Park West. I can't speak for the Omni. James Villacorta (Interim Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency): Traditioanlly, it's been the prerogative of the Chair to decide where the meetings are. The -- there's a statute dealing with community development districts that gives a ranking of where they'd like to see -- usually, it's in the redevelopment area. If not in the redevelopment area, in a county courthouse within the county of the redevelopment area, or the third choice is within a public building in the County. So that would be -- traditionally, that's the prerogative of the Chair. Commissioner Dunn: What's the time chair -- I mean, what's the timeframe or window time for notification? Mr. Villacorta: We usually notify the location of the meeting about two weeks before. But we not of the date of the meetings quarterly or -- actually, at the beginning of the year we usually give the dates for the meetings, but the statute requires that we do it either yearly or quarterly. Commissioner Suarez: Commissioner, maybe we should do it at the restaurant that --? Mr. Villacorta: Yes. We could -- Commissioner Dunn: Not a bad idea. No. I'm just kidding. Not enough room. Mr. Villacorta: We've had them at Club Space. I'm sure Jackson Soul Food would love to host us there. Commissioner Dunn: I know they would. Mr. Villacorta: And -- Commissioner Dunn: So that's something that can be done administratively? Mr. Villacorta: Yeah. We can meet with -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- you and -- Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- decide where you'd like -- City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 3/3/2010 SEOPW/OMNI Community Redevelopment Agencies Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010 Motion to Adjourn Commissioner Dunn: Okay. Mr. Villacorta: -- the next meeting to be. Commissioner Dunn: And we'll work with Chairman Sarnoff. Mr. Villacorta: Okay. Commissioner Dunn: Thank you. Mr. Villacorta: Thanks. Commissioner Dunn: Is there a motion to -- Commissioner Gort: Move to adjourn. Commissioner Dunn: -- adjourn? Commissioner Suarez: Second. Commissioner Dunn: Been moved by Commissioner Gort and seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Meeting's adjourned. A motion was made by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chair Suarez, and was passed unanimously, with Commissioners Carollo and Sarnoff absent, to adjourn today's meeting. City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 3/3/2010