HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Request for Waiver FR/SRPublic Works
111 NW 1st Street • Suite 1610
Miami, Florida 33128-1970
T 305-375-2960 F 305-375-3070
miamidade. ov
April 1s1, 2011
Mr. Nzeribe lhekwaba, Public Works Director
City of Miami
444 SW 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130
Re: Request for Waiver of City of Miami Permit Requirements
Dear Mr. lhekwaba:
As you are aware, Miami Dade County (County) is involved in, and has accomplished in the
past, numerous infrastructure improvement projects within the City of Miami (City). These
projects, which are being funded and achieved by the County on both our and City roads, have
benefited the residents, businesses, and the City, allowing City funding to be allocated toward
other efforts. These projects include roadway reconstruction, drainage, resurfacing,
landscaping, traffic signalization and other intersection improvements.
However, and as we have discussed, there are two critical issues that are seriously impacting
the ability of the County to continue with current and future projects within the City. The first is
the permitting fees being imposed on these projects, considering these are County funded
projects which directly benefit the City. These permitting fees create an additional expense of
approximately 20 — 30 % of the project cost, which is a direct impact to the County's capital
funding and our capacity to implement needed infrastructure improvements. Please note that
other municipalities welcome our commitment to their communities, and as such waive
permitting fees for all projects being funded and implemented by the County. As we have done
in the past, we are committed to a reciprocal waiver of permit fees for City projects.
The second issue that is threatening the County's ability to continue with these projects is that in
order to issue a permit, the City is requiring additional insurance and bond. As we explained,
these contracts already include special provisionary language that requires contractors to
restore all impacted public and private property to its previous condition or better (See
Attached). Therefore, this should satisfy the intent of the City's policy to ensure liability
protection and final restoration of any impacted areas.
Should you have any questions please contact me at (305) 375-2930.
Sincer
Y.
Esther alas, P.E., Director,
Miami -Dade County Public Works Department
c: Mr. Johnny Martinez, P.E., Deputy City Manager
Ysela Llort, Assistant County Manager
Alice Bravo, P.E., Director, City of Miami Capital Improvements Program
Antonio J. Cotarelo, P.E., PWD