HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard ReportsJanuary 2011
Johnny Martinez, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
!?P .2011 Pla r ir+ ;.:Zoning and.. Appeals Board mival Report
Dear Mr. Martinez:
As chairperson of the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB), and pursuant to
City Code Sec. 2-890 regarding the annual report requirement of City boards and
committees, 1 am pleased to provide you this annual report by answering the following
questions listed below. As you may know, the PZAB was created under Section 62-27
of the Miami City Code, Ordinance.No. 13158, in May of 2010. The PZAB is an integral
part of the total process of planning and zoning for the future development and growth
of the city. 'The PZAB is to serve. as'an instrument of advice and recommendation.to. the
City Commission in alf phases and a'spects of the comprehensive planning program. -It
shall also serve for the hearing of zoning applications for specific propertie.s,as set out
in Article 7 of the Miami 21 Code,..theZoning Ordinance of the City of Miami. The PZAB
consists of twelve members, ten of which are appointed by the City Commission, and
the Mayor shall appoint one regular and the alternate member. In 2011, the PZAB
usually met on the first and third Wednesday of every month, except for the month of
August. The meetings were held at Miami City Hall at 7:00 pm during the months of
January through October 5, 2011 with the exception of September 26, 2011 where the
meeting commenced at 6:00 pm. As of October_ 19, 2011, the PZAB voted to hold
meetings et 6 30, pm.
Is the board serving the purpose for which it was created?
Yes, the PZAB serves the purpose for which .it was created by responding to the need
of making determinations and recommendation on planning and zoning items due to
changing conditions in the City. 'The PZAB generally acts under the applicable laws and
regulations of the State of Florida and the City of Miami. -Its purpose is generally.: 1) To
act as they local planning agency pursuant to section 163.3174, Florida .Statute8;.2) To
makerecommendations to the CityCbrrimission concerning amendments to Miami.21
- r(Rezonings, Covenant,Modifications, Special Area Plans and text) and Ordinance,No
`11000 (Major Use.Special Permits), the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan •
'' (Land'Use:Changes and text), text amendments to the Miami City Code, and vacation-
and closure oT streets, alleys and easements; 3) To make determinations on
applications for Variances and Exceptions under the Miami 21 Code and Variances and
Special Exceptions under Ordinance No. 11000. The PZAB is also charged with
hearing, de novo, and making a ruling on an appeal of: (a) An administrative
determination by the Planning Director; (b) The decision of the Zoning Administrator
regarding a Waiver; (c) The decision of the Planning Director regarding a Warrant; (d) A
zoning interpretation by the Zoning Administrator; and (e) The decision of the Zoning
Administrator regarding zoning approval. In performing its appeal authority, the board
shall serve as a quasi-judicial body and observe the requirements of quasi-judicial
procedures as set out in Miami 21, Ordinance No. 11000 and under applicable state
law.
Is the board serving current community needs?
Yes, PZAB is serving current community needs by being responsive to amending
planning and zoning items due to changing conditions in the City of Miami.
What are the board's major accomplishments?
In 2011, the PZAB held 17 regularly -scheduled meetings; two of which had no quorum.
A total of 66 items were heard. The PZAB works closely with the community,
encouraging participation at its meetings with developers and constituents when
' conflicts arise and offers staff support. The PZAB is highly respected by the community,
experts and various department personnel, who work in conjunction with it.
Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the board?
The functions of the PZAB are unique. No other board, whether public or private, would
better serve the function of the PZAB. Commissioner appointees are electors of the
area and knowledgeable of its needs, serving as intermediates and facilitators between
groups in order to achieve harmony and optimum results. The PZAB looks at each
application individually and judges it by its merits; it is believed that no two cases are
the same, although some situations may resemble. Members of the PZAB study each
agenda item thoroughly inadvance, taking into consideration, amongst other things, the
following at the time of the hearing:
1) The merits of the application; _
2) Whether the application is properly in front of them;
3) Whether the petition would be beneficial to the neighborhood and the City of Miami;
4) :_Whether the immediate neighbors are present and taking part in the process;
=-5) :Whether the immediate neighbors are in support or in opposition of the petition;
6) Whether there are any code violations;
>7)•_That each applicant be afforded the same opportunities presenting an application to
the PZAB.
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The foregoingis part of the consideration given to each application and assures all
individuals the same rights, no matter its where in the City said construction or
development is being proposed. The manner in which the PZAB has been created
makes it possible to rule in fairness for or against an application when there is both
opposition and support in a neighborhood. The work the PZAB conducts is distinctive
and a valuable resource for the City of Miami and its constituents.
Should the ordinance creating the board be amended to better enable the board
to serve the purpose for which it was created?
No.
Should the board's membership requirements be modified?
No, it is intended that members and alternate members of the board be persons of
knowledge, experience, mature judgment, and background; having ability and desire to
act in the public interest; and representing, insofar as may be possible, the various
special professional training, experience, and interests required to make informed and
equitable decisions concerning preservation and appropriate development of the
physical environment. To that end, qualifications of members and the alternate member
shall be from the electorate of the City of Miami with demonstrated knowledge and
Interest in the appropriate growth and development of the City.
Should you need further information, please contact the Planning and Zoning
Department, Hearing Boards Section at (305) 416-2030.
Sincerely,
dhanice I..Tarbert
airperson
Respectfully submitted this f day of January 2012.
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO :
FROM:
Johnny. Martinez
City Manager
DATE:
SUBJECT: Annual Report
Miami Commission on the
Status of Women ("MCSW")
rleyE. Richardson, Senior Specialist, EODP REFERENCES:
Staff Liaison to the MCSW ENCLOSURES:
January. 6, 2012
FILE :
Pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890, each City board and committee must present its annual
report to the City Manager by January 15 of each year. As such, attached please find
the 2011 Annual Report for the Miami Commission on the Status of Women that was
approved by the Board during its meeting on January 4, 2012.
Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding this report. I
may be reached at (305)416-1990.
cc: Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk
Elvi Gallastegui, Agenda Coordinator
MIAMI COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN ("MCSW")
2011 Annual Report
Presented to:
Johnny Martinez
City Manager
Board Members:
Allyson Warren, Chair
Constance ("Connie") Johnson, Vice -Chair
Yomary Calderon
Lyse Cuellar -Vidal
Gwendolyn Dickson
Liliana ("Lillie") Dones
Sira Galan
Constance Gilbert
Maria Mascarenas
Maud Newbold
Anna Zambrana
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs Staff:
Amy Klose, Administrator
Shirley E. Richardson, Senior Specialist, and MCSW Staff Liaison
Lisette Perna, Administrative Aide
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Introduction
Pursuant to Section 2-694 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida (the "Code"), the Miami
commission on the Status of women ("MCSW") is comprised of (11) members, one (1) appointed
by the Mayor and ten (10) nominated by the City Commission. Currently, the Senior EODP
Specialist for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs ("EODP") serves as liaison to
the MCSW and provides technical and administrative assistance. In addition, the Office of the City
Attorney provides legal advice and related support when requested.
Purpose and Function of the MCSW
Pursuant to Section 2-694 the Code, the MCSW is legislated to:
(1) Serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission, including advising on any possible
barrier which may impede the participation of women in City sponsored programs and
activities;
Support legislation in granting women equal rights and equal opportunities;
Inspire in women the desire for self-improvement and pride of being, regardless of age,
marital status, race, color, or creed;
Seek for every woman the opportunities equal to her potential and responsibility;
Seek opportunities for and to encourage the active involvement of women in matters
relating to community progress; and
Encourage capable women in roles of leadership.
The Miami Commission on the Status of Women is actively performing its responsibilities for the
purpose in which it was created. The MCSW has addressed a number of issues related to the
rights and enhancement of opportunities for women, and recognizes the significant contribution
women make towards improving the quality of life for women in the City of Miami.
There is no other board, either public or private, which serves the same function as the MCSW.
Major Accomplishments of the MCSW
1. Maintained the Julia Tuttle Statue, and secured the renaming of Biscayne Boulevard Way,
between SE 2nd Avenue and U S 1, to Julia Tuttle Way. Secured concrete and bronze
base to identify the statue.
2. Researched and honored accomplished women within Miami -Dade County on March 24,
2011, as a part of Women's History Month activities.
_3. Secured sponsors for a Christmas Toy Give -Away for God's Resurrection Ministries,
("Church"), adopted in 2010. (Donations consisted of toys, gift cards, and clothing items
for over 50 youths.) Also, conducted needs assessment survey and implemented plan to
.focus -on the cultural, social, medical and economic needs of the families that comprise the
ministry.
4:::Partnered- with ;various elected officials, community, and private organizations/groups to
secure resources for the members of the Church.
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5. Held .a Spring Family Gathering at the Church to disseminate information, program
materials and develop short and long-term goals for the ministry.
6. Held ongoing meetingsor follow up communications with the Church members to stay
apprised of activities and offer assistance as needed (i.e. computer training, tutorials,
cultural/social events).
MCSW's Fulfillment of Community Needs
MCSW members reside, work, maintain a business, or own real property within the City of Miami.
Members keep City officials apprised of community concerns related to issues that affect women,
inform and educate the community on issues that impact women.
Ordinance Revisions/Membership Modifications
The MCSW does not recommend amendments to the ordinance creating the MCSW; nor does it
recommend modification to the membership requirements.
Costs
The MCSW does not have its own budget, but operates using the EODP staff liaison. Therefore,
any costs incurred through staffs time, and other related expenses will be incurred as part of the
general budget of the EODP.
Conclusion
The MCSW was created to serve as a direct link between the City of Miami and its citizens on
issues that affect women. Members continue to involve themselves in activities that positively
impact and empower women of all ages within the City of Miami and Miami -Dade County.
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To: Priscilla A. Thompson, City lerk
From: Mr. Gene Tinnie, Chair
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
. Date: January 19, 2012
Re: 2011 Annual Report
Pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 (Annual report of city boards and committees) I have attached the
following document.
Virginia Kej beacti
f'arkl ru5t
2011 Annual Report to the City of Miami
Virginia Key beach Park Trust
M155ION 5TAT .MINT
Our mission is to carry forward the vision for the development and use of
Virginia Key Beach Park, promoting and maintaining absolute public
ownership and access, fostering its perpetuation as a passive open green -
space that includes nature trails, recreational facilities and museum
structures appropriate and compatible with the nature of Virginia Key;
preserving it as a valuable resource to be enjoyed for posterity, and to honor
the rich historical legacy of the social and civil rights history of South Florida.
Virginia Keck 5eack Park Trust
Annual Report to the City of Miami
1) Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.
Since its inception the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust has continued to fulfill its charge to
restore Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and upgrade its facilities for public use. Historic,
cultural and environmental interpretation through events, activities, lectures and general
programming have taken the lead in response to public demand and community use.
Planning and design of the cultural center at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is underway.
Outdoor exhibits and interpretive signage for the Historic Beach Park is in the fabrication
phase.
2) Whether the board is serving current community needs.
The Trust has continued to strive for the highest level of recreational, picnic and public
facilities in South Florida. Success has been seen in the increasing number of families and
community -based organizations that have partnered with and use the Historic Beach Park
facilities on a regular basis.
The Trust has continued to embrace diverse public use of the Historic Beach Park property
for recreation, education and enjoyment. Historic and cultural education is a central theme in
the interpretation of the Historic Beach Park's future development and programming; the
community's desire to see the rich cultural history of the Historic Beach Park preserved is
paramount to our purpose. The Trust is working to fulfill public demand for bike and walking
trails, additional recreation features and facility upgrades.
3
3) A list of the board's major accomplishments.
Major accomplishments during FY 2010-2011:
The Trust reinvigorated its fundraising efforts and worked to build more partnerships with
local corporate and environmental partners. A new lead sponsor of the Virginia Key Beach
Park Trust Larry Little Legends Golf Classic (Calder Race Track & Casino); the successful 2nd
Annual Florida Renaissance Festival, Kick -Off to Calle Ocho, Kiwanis Camaval Run at
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, and Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising Walk and a new multi -year
agreement with the Grassroots festival of Music & Dance highlighted 2011.
Historic, cultural and environmental interpretation took a step forward during the planning and
design phase of the comprehensive interpretive signage and outdoor exhibit project
conducted by Haley Sharp Design.
The Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Miami agreed to complete the Virginia Key
Section 1135 Ecosystem Restoration Project which will transform more than 20 acres of the
Historic Beach Park landscape into a native hardwood hammock and recreation park space.
A new contractor selection process and construction timeline has moved this multi -year Army
Corps project closer to completion.
The Trust completed the construction of a new playground on Historic Virginia Key Beach
Park. The playground project was completed with the help of a matching grant.
The Trust strengthened and expanded its partnerships and programming with the Biscayne
Nature Center Sea Grass Adventures, cultural tours from HistoryMiami, the 5th year of the
YMCA Marine Biology Summer Camp and a programming prospect in Nature Links for
Lifelong Learning.
4) Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve
the function of the board.
The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust has continued to gather support and praise from
community members and local leadership. Partnerships with neighbors on Virginia Key and
surrounding communities are a testament to the Trust's ability to provide leadership and its
appropriateness as the only entity that should lead this project.
5) Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the
board to serve the purpose for which it was created.
The criteria set forth by the ordinance that created the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust have
served the Trust well, however; at this stage of the master plan it is necessary for the Trust to
create a true non-profit foundation to build an endowment fund for park operations, museum
sustainability and additional programs.
4
6) Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
The existing membership eligibility requirements for Trustees should allow for the inclusion of
at -large Trustees that may not reside, work or own property in the City of Miami but reside in
Miami Dade County and have a strong bound with the Historic Beach Park. The criteria set
forth by the ordinance that created the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust have served the Trust
well.
7) The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board.
The Trust board's purpose, powers and duties charged it with a great responsibility to the
community. The unique financial difficulties that struck the nation during the fiscal year have
made the cost of operating the Trust property of great importance. The Trust requires an
annual direct contribution from the City of no less than $250,000. The City contribution would
provide for and guarantee appropriate administrative and park maintenance facilities,
concession stand operation, park attendants and life guards, maintenance equipment and
supplies, additional programming and administrative staff and an independent annual audit.
Qr.
From: Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
CITY OF MIAMI
FIITER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: All Liaisons and Chairpersons of Boards Date: December 7, 2011
Subject: Annual Report Due January 2012
References:
Enclosures: Code Sec. 2-890-892
Please be advised that pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 (Annual report of City boards and
committees), by January 15th of each year, ALL Boards' Chairpersons shall submit a written report,
approved by the Board, to the City Manager setting forth the following infonnation concerning the
board:
1) "Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.
2) Whether the board is serving current community needs.
3) A list of the board's major accomplishments.
4) Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the function
of the board.
5) Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the board to serve
the purpose for which it was created.
6) Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
7) The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board."
By February 15, 2012, the City Manager shall deliver to the City Commission the report submitted
by the Chairperson of each board, together with any recommendation or comments the City
Manager desires to submit:
In addition to the written report as stated above, Code Sec. 2-892 stipulates that the Chairpersons of
the following Boards shall make an oral presentation, based on the report set forth above, to the
City Commission during the month of March, 2012:
1. Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board
2. Street Codesignation Review Committee
3. Committee on Ecology and Beautification
4. Commission on the Status of Women
5. Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
•
At —the conclusion --of. .the --oral presentation by the Board's Chairperson, any individual
Commissioner_may. request the formation of a special purpose board, consisting of five members
appointed by the City Commission. This special purpose board shall evaluate the chairperson's
Page 1 of 5
report, the City Manager's recommendations, and any other information it deems relevant to
determine whether the Board being reviewed shall continue in its present foam. The Special
Purpose Board shall ,make .a report to the full Commission within 90 days.
Please be advised that , at the conclusion of this review process, the City Commission shall
deteiuune whether to abolish, continue, consolidate or modify the Board for the ensuing four years
thereafter.
This memorandum is to remind you that January 15th, is fast approaching. Therefore, pursuant to
City Code Sec. 2-890, each City board and committee must present its report to the City Manager
in the manner prescribed above.
PAT
C: The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
Johnnie Martinez, City Manager
Julie 0. Bru, City Attorney
Elvi Gallastegui, Agenda Coordinator
Page 2 of 5
Sec. 2-890. Annual report.
Commencing with the year 1995, each city board and committee shall report in the
following manner:,By January 15, .1.995, and thereafter by January 15 of each subsequent
year, its chairperson shall submit a report, approved by the board, to the city manager
setting forth the following information concerning the board:
(1) Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.,
(2) Whether the board is serving current community needs.
(3) A list of the board's major accomplishments.
(4) Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve
the function of the board.
(5) Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the
board to serve the purpose for which it was created.
(6) Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
(7) The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board.
(Ord. No. 11130, § 5, 3-24-94; Code 1980, § 2-434)
Sec. 2-891. NET administrator as liaison to boards.
Each NET (neighborhood enhancement team) administrator of the city shall be a
city administration's liaison to boards which operate within his/her geographical area of
responsibility. This provision does not preclude the appointment as liaison of any other
person which the city commission or the city administration may wish to appoint to serve
in said capacity.
(Ord. No. 11130, § 5, 3-24-94; Ord'. No. 11188, § 5, 10-27-94; Code 1980, § 2-435)
Sec. 2-892. "Sunset" review of boards.
Commencing with the year 1995, each city board shall be reviewed in the following
manner:
(1) By February 15 of the year in which a board is to be reviewed, the city manager shall
deliver to the city commission the report submitted by the chairperson of each board
pursuant to section 2-890 hereinabove, together with any recommendation or comments
the city manager desires to submit.
(2) During the month of March of each year in which a board is to be reviewed, the
chairperson shall make an oral presentation to the city commission. Said presentation
shall be based on the report set forth in section 2-890 above. At the conclusion of the oral
presentation by the board's chairperson, any individual commissioner may request the
formation of a special purpose board, (hereinafter referred to as the "SPB"), consisting of
five members appointed by the city 'commission. The SPB shall evaluate the
chairperson's report, the city manager's recommendations and any other information it
deems relevant to determine whether the board being reviewed shah continue in its
present form. The SPB shall make a report to the full commission within 90 days..
(3) • At the conclusion of -this review process, the city commission shall determine
whether. to. abolish; ,continue, consolidate or modify the board for the ensuing four years
thereafter. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to authorize the abolition,.
:consolidation or modification of any multijurisdictional board.
Page 3 of 5
(4) The following boards shall initially be reviewed in .the following years and shall be
reviewed every four years thereafter:
a. 1995:
1. Bayfront Park management trust. '
2. Citywide community development advisory board.
3. Civil service board.
4. Code enforcement boards.
5. Equal opportunity advisory board.
b. 1996:
1. Planning advisory board.
2.. Zoning board.
3. Street codesignation review committee.
4. Committee on ecology and beautification.
c. 1997:
1. Reserved.
2. Audit advisory committee.
3. Urban development review board.
4. Nuisance abatement board. '
d. 1998:
1. Historical andenvironmental preservation board.
2. Miami sports and exhibition authority.''
3. Waterfront advisory board.
4. Reserved.
5. Community relations board.
e. 1999:
1. Little Havana Special Events District.
2. Commercial solid waste management advisory committee.
f. 2000:
1. Commission on the status of women.
2. Virginia Key Beach Park trust.
g. 2002:
1. Homeland defense/neighborhood improvement bond program oversight board (to be
sunsetted December 31, 2011).
2. City of Miami arts and entertainment council."
h. Reserved.
i. 2003:
1. Mayor's International Council.
Page 4 of 5
j. 2007:
1. Community Technology Advisory Board,
k. Reserved.
I. 2010:
1. Overtown Advisory Board/Overtown Community Oversight Board.
2. Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust.
3. Education advisory board.
m. 2011:
Parks and recreation advisory board.
n. Reserved.
o. 2013:
District 1 housing advisory board.
Housing and commercial loan committee.
(5) All boards created after the effective date of this division shall be placed in the
appropriate area under subsection (4) hereinabove, and shall be reviewed in accordance
therewith.
(Ord. No. 11130, § 5, 3-24-94; Code 1980, § 2-436; Ord. No. 11722, § 3, 11-17-98; Ord.
No. 11716, § 2, 10-27-98; Ord. No. 11710, § 2, 10-13-98; Ord. No. 11735, § 2, 12-8-98;
Ord. No. 11742, § 2, 1-12-99; Ord. No. 11797, § 2, 5-11-99; Ord. No. 11800, § 2, 6-8-99;
Ord. No. 11833, § 2, 9-21-99; Ord. No. 11849, § 2, 10-26-99; Ord. No. 11857, § 2, 11-16-
99; Ord. No. 11982, § 2, 10-26-00; Ord. No. 11995, § 2, 11-16-00; Ord. No. 11998, § 3,
11-16-00; Ord. No. 12003, § 2, 12-14-00; Ord. No. 12077, § 2, 6-14-01; Ord. No. 12082,
§ 2, 7-10-01; Ord. No. 12086, § 2, 7-10-01; Ord. No. 12177, § 2, 1-10=02; Ord. No.
12192, § 4, 3-7-02; Ord. No. 12227, § 1, 5-9-02; Ord. No. 12234.1, § 2, 6-13-02; Ord. No.
12235, § 2, 6-13-02; Ord. No. 12356, § 2, 4-10-03; Ord. No. 12386, § 2, 7-17-03; Ord.
No. 12404, § 3, 9-11-03; Ord. No. 12408, § 2, 9-25-03; Ord. No. 12564, § 1, 7-22-04;
Ord. No. 12623, § 7, 12-9-04; Ord. No. 12698, § 1, 6-23-05; Ord. No. 12748, § 2, 12-15-
05; Ord. No. 12858, § 3, 10-12-06; Ord. No. 12859, § 3, 10-12-06; Ord. No. 12938, § 2,
8-1-07; Ord. No. 12967, § 4, 2-14-08; Ord. No. 12982, § 2, 4-10-08; Ord. No. 12994, § 2,
5-8-08; Ord. No. 13012, § 2, 7-24-08; Ord. No. 13030, § 2, 10-16-08; Ord. No. 13059, §
2, 3-12-09; Ord. No. 13066, § 3, 5-14-09) ;
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