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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2012-09-13 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 13, 2012 5:05 PM FIRST BUDGET HEARING City Hall Commission Chambers City Commission Tomas Regalado, Mayor Francis Suarez, Chairman Marc David Sarnoff, Vice -Chairman Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner District One Frank Carollo, Commissioner District Three Michelle Spence -Jones, Commissioner District Five Johnny Martinez, City Manager Julie O. Bru, City Attorney Priscilla A. Thompson, City Clerk City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 CONTENTS Present: Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Sarnoff, Commissioner Carollo, Chair Suarez and Commissioner Spence -Jones BH-FIRST BUDGET HEARING TO DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET BEGINNING AT 5:05 P.M. BH. 1 THROUGH BH. 18 FIRST BUDGET HEARING 5:05 P.M. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Order of the Day On the 13th day of September 2012, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, for its first budget hearing session. The meeting was called to order by Chair Suarez at 6: 33 p.m. and adjourned at 8: 57 p.m. Chair Suarez: Let's see, we have a couple of requests. Do we have to do -- we have to do BH 1 first, correct? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): It is my understanding -- and you can check this with the City Attorney -- as far as the state statute requirements for the budget meeting, we have a scripted introduction. Chair Suarez: Okay. I don't have that, so I hope she has it. Ms. Thompson: Well, actually, the Budget director does. Chair Suarez: Then good; somebody has it. That's good. Ms. Thompson: So it's my understanding, yes, you're supposed to go into -- Chair Suarez: Okay. Ms. Thompson: -- the budget discussions, right, Danny? Daniel J. Alfonso (Director, Strategic Planning, Budgeting, and Performance): Yes. Chair Suarez: Mr. Director, you're recognized -- Mayor Tombs Regalado: I think -- Chair Suarez: -- for -- go ahead, Mayor. Mayor Regalado: -- it's the budget message, the Manager, and the Budget director. Chair Suarez: That sounds like a good plan to me. Commissioner Carollo: And by the way -- one second, Mr. Chairman. City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.1 Chair Suarez: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: I just want to, you know, mention a couple of items that we're going defer and maybe later, but if there's people here -- like for instance, MPA (Miami Parking Authority) is one that I would want to defer. I need the extra two weeks. And then the -- I think the Coconut Grove BID (Business Improvement District). We didn't have the information before, and I mentioned it during the Commission meeting. I'm just saying it. I don't know how you want to do it, but -- Chair Suarez: Mr. Manager and Mr. Mayor -- Commissioner Carollo: -- I just want -- Chair Suarez: -- are you okay if we did deferrals before starting? Commissioner Carollo: -- them to know so they're not here all day and -- or all night. Chair Suarez: Would that be okay with you? Mayor Regalado: Sure. Chair Suarez: All right, let's see. What items would like -- would you like to defer, Commissioner? Commissioner Carollo: I would like to defer the Coconut Grove BID, which is BH.6, to September 27; and MPA, which is BH.9, to September 27. Chair Suarez: Is everyone okay with that? Is there a second? Vice Chair Sarnoff Second. Chair Suarez: Second by the Vice Chair. Any discussion? Commissioner Gort: Wait a minute. Six is the -- Commissioner Carollo: It's the -- Commissioner Gort: -- Coconut Grove BID. Commissioner Carollo: Right/ Commissioner Gort: And 9? Commissioner Carollo: Is MPA. And MPA, I just -- you know, I just want a little bit more time to look at it, you know. And 9. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And 9. Chair Suarez: Okay, there's a motion to defer BH.6 and BH.9 to the September 27 meeting. Any further discussion? All in favor, signifir by saying aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. DISCUSSION ITEM City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 12-00918 Department of Management and Budget FIRST PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED MILLAGE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013. THE PROPOSED GENERAL OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF 7.5710 FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. CITY COMMISSION LISTENS AND RESPONDS TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE. ACTION BY THE CITY COMMISSION: 1. AMEND THE TENTATIVE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY 2. RECOMPUTE THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, IF NECESSARY 3. ADOPT THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE 4. ADOPT THE TENTATIVE BUDGET OR THE AMENDED TENTATIVE BUDGET AS NECESSARY 12-00918 Proposed - Millage.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Suarez: Mr. Mayor. Apologize. Mayor Tomas Regalado: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Spence -Jones. On behalf of the Administration, I'm pleased to present to you a tentative balanced budget for the fiscal year 2012-2013. First, I want to thank the City Commission because we have come a long way in the last few years, and I will give you a brief historical perspective. Second, I wish to thank our Administration team for the extraordinary work that they have done balancing the budget and for fixing some of the problems that we all inherited from previous years. Third, I wish to commend the unions because despite the noise, this year has been a year of cooperation and compromise. Especially, I would like to commend our City Manager, Johnny Martinez. The City Manager led our team hands on in all details and all these days of unions negotiation. I wish to commend assistant City Managers, Luis Cabrera, Alice Bravo, Janice Larned, for the many, many extra hours of work every day, for Saturdays and Sundays, working on the budget and with the union; to our Finance director, Steve Petty, and to the Budget director, Danny Alfonso. Danny has created an early budget, as early as July, as requested last year by the City Commission, and especially for making a budget which everyone could understand' a budget that is totally transparent for the first time in many years. Not to dwell on the past, but please allow me to take a few minutes to remind everybody the conditions that this Administration found the finances of the City of Miami. First, we like to remember the year -- fiscal year 2006-2007. The revenue for that year was $553 million, while the budget was $578 million. This means that there was more than $20 million in deficit, and that was a good year. For the fiscal year 2010-2011, this Administration and this City Commission were able to fill a gap of $110 million in the budget. The first budget in five years to show a positive balance in the general fund was fiscal year 2010-2011. Fiscal year 2011-2010 also looks very positive. For the fiscal year 2012-'13, we have reduced the budget gap to $34 million. And this proposed budget assumes no service reduction, no layoff, no furlough days for employees, and it includes the purchase of needed equipment, funding for previously deferred capital needs, and of course, there is no property tax increase. In a few minutes, you and the residents of the City will receive a detailed report on the number. But I just wish very briefly to address history and perception. Our Administration and this Commission have been able to break the City's bad habit of living above our means. We have been able to increase our reserve fund from $13.4 million in 2010 to $27 million in fiscal year 2012. More important, we have City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 started an area of cooperation with the union. As of today, we have agreed contracts with FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) and AFSCME (American Federal, State, County, and Municipal Employees) 871. We're still talking in good faith with Fire andAFSCME 1907. If we are able to reach agreements with our four bargaining units, we will have a balanced budget as presented to you in July of this year. Given the state of the economy in our nation, this budget does not come without sacrifices, but it does serve our bosses, the residents of the City of Miami, and protects our employees. We all know that balancing a budget without raising property taxes is a difficult task, but it is one that our Administration and the City Commission have accomplished. It is necessary for the economic growth of the City. Instead of complaining about budget difficulties, we all -- you, unions, and the Administration -- found solution. This budget provides, we believe, short- and long-term solutions for everyone. I would like to ask the City Manager, Johnny Martinez, to start the formal presentation to you. Thank you. Johnny Martinez (City Manager): I don't have a whole lot to say. Last year at this time I was your City Manager just for a few months. And I think 1 started the conversation by acknowledging former manager, Migoya, and Mirtha for handing over a budget to us that ended up in the positive. This year I want to thank Danny and the entire team and every employee of the City of Miami for ending up with a budget that's going to produce a fund balance, which I know is music to your ears, to the tune of about $8 million, giving us about 26 point -- $27.6 million of fund balance. And like the Mayor just said, you know, without -- the proposed budget has no service reductions, no layoffs, no holidays. And like he just said, we're very close with two unions. We're going to resume conversations tomorrow, and it'll -- as long as it takes, we're going to try to hammer it out. And I believe that we're presenting to you a budget that's stable and sustainable for two years, so maybe we don't have to give this for at least -- next year and in February, the second year, we'll be having this discussion again; we're going to be starting earlier. And with that, I'd like to just dive into the budget. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Manager. Mr. Alfonso. Daniel J. Alfonso: Danny Alfonso, director of Management and Budget, City of Miami. It is required for the record that we read the following statement. The proposed general operating millage rate is -- excuse me -- the proposed general operating millage rate of 7.571 for the City of Miami fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2013, that rate is 6.7 percent higher than the rollback rate of 7.0978. The City Commission then has the opportunity to open up the discussion and talk about the budget or public speakers. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Director. This is a public hearing item. Anyone from the public wishing to speak on BH.1, the proposed millage and tentative budget? Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Mr. Chair, if I may. You can open up the public hearing for the public to ask questions and make statements as to both budget hearing item 17 and 18 at the same time, because you have adopting the tentative millage and then adopting the tentative budget. So you might just want to take the comments for both items at once. Chair Suarez: I agree. It's -- Ms. Bru: And let the public know. Chair Suarez. Right, BH.1, BH.17, and BH.18, all at once. Thank you. Mr. Cruz. Mariano Cruz: Yes. Mariano Cruz, 1227 Northwest 26th Street. I have no reason to talk about, in a way, the millage, in a way, because I don't pay taxes to the City, I don't pay debt service, or anything, but I am impacted by the service of the City. I pay -- the main thing I pay is the $380 of Solid Waste fee, because I receive already the bucket for the recycle, the blue bucket. But I don't mind. I don't mind. When I was paying taxes to the City, I never mind paying taxes City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 because I receive good services of the City, good service. And I mean all services, Police, Fire, Solid Waste, general administration. And people don't realize the service -- the people that live in the City. Because I got family that live in the County and they don't get the service that we get in the City, especially fire and rescue. You call here, the response time, the rescue is right there. I have to call rescue once. About two years ago they called me six blocks to my home. I was ride -- they took me right to the VA (Veterans Administration) hospital and that's very important and to me. Police service, I don't worry. I got Commander Laberdesque there in the neighborhood. We go around and we check, and we see Commissioner Gort, too, checking the neighborhood. The other day, about two weeks ago, we saw you by the produce market. See, because hands on. We check everything. So I -- to me, it doesn't bother me what the millage rate is. This is a good millage in a way, but the main thing is like you're not cutting any services and that's it. I'll be talking later on tonight, but this is -- Chair Suarez: Thank you, sir. Mr. Cruz: -- just in the mileage -- in the millage there. Chair Suarez: Thank you for getting warmed up. I appreciate it. Mr. Cruz: Yeah. And I see the people of the -- my Greater Miami Service Corp. They were at the County hearing. I was at the County because -- Chair Suarez: That's a great organization. Mr. Cruz: Good. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Cruz: Thank you. Chair Suarez: Next. Albio. Albio Castillo: Yes, sir. Good evening. Chair Suarez: Name and address for the record, sir. Mr. Castillo: Yes. Do I have to? Chair Suarez: Yes, you do, sir. Mr. Castillo: I live at 2345 Southwest 16 Street, Apartment 3. My concerns tonight is the Marlins, the way we were treated with the -- trying to get a job and the housing, but when those houses go kaput. My question is this, I applied for -- with the Marlins when they first started and it seems like the Marlins don't care about the people that apply for the jobs. They really didn't care. And I was well qualified for the job that I applied for, customer service. I found it to be very rude when you try to talk to them and I couldn't get any answer on the phone. We'll call you later. I'm still waiting for it. The other question is when these houses start to go abandoned and they start to be fined at 250,000 -- excuse me -- 250 and $500 fine and then the Fire Department has to go, and that is an issue that it has to be taken care of with the County and the City because it is both problems, I believe so. The other thing is, I'd like to thank the employees of the City of Miami from the Mayor's office all the way down to everybody's office for the well job they have done and the conditions they have worked for three years. And I'd also like to know is how is the City going to handle the projects of the Solid Waste, Police, and Fire with the equipment that is going to be outdated shortly? Any questions from the Commission? Any question from the Administration? City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Thank you, Albio. Any -- does -- is there any question in particular? I think the questions related to the Marlins, you know, don't involve our government, so you know, I -- you know, you have to take that up with that organization. But, you know, we have an open-door policy, so any time you want -- Mr. Castillo: The reason I say that, because we provided the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) with the capital bonds. That's why I said it. Chair Suarez: I know, I know, I know. Thank you. Mr. Castillo: And that's why I said that, sir. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Albio. Mr. Castillo: You're welcome. Chair Suarez: Appreciate it. Madam, you're recognized. Mr. Castillo: Likewise. Wilheminia Gibson: Hi. My name is Wilheminia Gibson, and I wanted to talk on behalf of Greater Miami Service Corp. And just wanted to discuss with the City of Miami why it's important for them to get behind programs like Greater Miami Service Corp. Recently, about a -- maybe last week on the News, I heard about a incident at Gibson Park where somebody opened fire at a kids' game where it was a bunch of seven -year -old playing football. And I remember seeing this on TV (Television), and I remember saying to myself, like, whoever did that had to be really evil. What person would do that? And a week later they showed his face. And when I looked at the screen, I remember saying, I know that boy. I know him. I seen him. I talk to him. I had conversations with him. What if I was to tell you that that young boy had a baby when he was 15? He dropped out of high school when he was 16. He got kicked out of his parent's house and he was homeless for almost a year. What ifI told you that a month ago this year, that young boy lost four of his closest friends, who he called his brother. They was brutally murdered, shot in the head and in the body 40 times. What ifI told you that a week before they was murdered, that little -- that young man saw his friends kill him and he did nothing, and every day he talk about what if he would have did something; would his friends still be alive? What if I told you that his friend's murderer got released because of lack of evidence? And that day at that park, he seen that face one more time. Now, I'm not telling you this to justdy what he did; I'm telling you this because this is what goes on with the youth in our City, and we need to do something about that. It was important for us to get behind programs like Greater Miami because Greater Miami, they get to the root of those youth. 'Cause me, myself I dropped out of high school, but with the help of Greater Miami, I was able to get my GED (General Education Diploma) and graduate from Miami -Dade with my Associates, so I know that the program works, and I know that it need -- we just need for you guys to get behind us too and to give us those contracts and to fund us so that we can get more people, more young folks like myself in that program so we could prevent incidents like this. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Ms. Gibson: Thank you. Chair Suarez: Mr. Roche. Manny Roche: Vice Chairman and Chairman, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Spence -Jones. My name is Manny Roche, 3101 Northwest 19th Terrace. I stand City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 here before you today because I want you to picture what we saw in the News recently, which was a few months ago actually, Deep Horizon. If you remember that oil well that was spewing out crude oil into the Gulf, which part of the coast of Florida was affected, as well as Louisiana and Alabama and so forth. Well, imagine that picture in our bay when our 60-year-old pipes burst. I experienced the debate here about the taxes, how maybe a cup of coffee would have earned an additional $14 million and that would have made enough for the budget and so forth. Our infrastructure is actually in great need of the tax dollars. There is -- and I know Commissioner Spence -Jones always has a Bible with her. In Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verse 1, says there's a time for everything under the Sun, and there's a time to tax as well. I'm not saying that -- I'm so glad that we don't have to tax. And you know what, thinking about it very much, I agree with the Honorable Mayor: we didn't have to raise the taxes. But we do have ways that we need to reduce our spending, because there are a lot of ways -- wasted ways in which we are spending. And yet, we need to ensure that our infrastructure -- for example, the Englewood project was cut back because of funding, and yet, that community suffers floodings every time it rains. Our businesses, like (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which Mr. -- Chair Suarez: Commissioner Suarez. Mr. Roche: -- Mr. Camacho basically owns the business for many years and his area gets flooded. It's affecting the businesses in the community. So we know that we need money at times. If you explain it to those citizens, we'll gladly be willing to pay not only for that cup of coffee but maybe ten gallons of coffee in taxes. And definitely, you're doing a great job. We greatly appreciate your hard work. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Roche. It means a lot coming from a City employee as well. Thank you. You're recognized. . Angelica Stanley: Good evening, honor -- Chair Suarez: Go, shoot. Ms. Stanley: -- Honorable Mayor, City of Miami -- I mean, City Manager and City Commissioner. Hi. My name is Angelica Stanley. I reside at 1440 Northwest 67th Street. I'm speaking on behalf of Greater Miami Service Corp. My experience so far here have made a big impact on my life. Growing up in the Liberty City area, things wasn't as perfect as it should have. Losing my mother at a early age, my whole life went from being humble to destruction. I didn't care how my life was headed. Hanging around the wrong crowd, friends who I thought was friend led me into some negative situations. Getting in trouble with the law for the first time, I knew that wasn't the life I wanted to live. Being a high school drop -out at the age of 18, nobody seems to want to reach out a helping hand. I thought my chance of becoming somebody was over until I found Greater Miami Service Corp. Joining this program was my biggest accomplishment. It wasn't easy at all. Coming into the program with a attitude, blaming everybody for my downfall, my aspect of this program was just like any other program, just selling young adults like myself dreams, but I was wrong. Greater Miami showed me that it was okay to fall down and get back up. They gave me the courage to let go of my past and start making excuses for my future. Having someone to inspire me to get enrolled back in school is something I needed, and I thank Greater Miami Service Corp for pushing me to getting an education. Now I have obtained my high school diploma, enrolled in college, and I'm so proud of myself. Without Greater Miami Service Corp, I won't [sic] be who I am today. And I would like for another young adult to experience what I had gained from Greater Miami Service Corp. And with the help from City of Miami, we can make a change within the Liberty City area. Greater Miami is the program that allows second chances, regardless of your background, your race, history, or education level. This program offer job training in various areas and certifications. These benefits will keep a lot of young adults off the streets. Within the program, our young people get back in school and give back to the community by removing litter along the City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 street. Greater Miami Service Corp is not just a program; it's a life -changing experience that our young people need. And, again, thank you for your time and consideration. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Now, this is my favorite guy all night. Tell them your name for the record. Francisco Suarez: My name is Francisco Suarez. Chair Suarez: I like this guy already. Mr. Suarez: Good evening. I graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School in 2008. You could say 2008 was an important year for me. I received my high school diploma and my daughter was born that same year. So what came to my mind was forget about going to school and get a job. I started getting seasonal jobs, including working for the Elections Department. After that, I worked for Miami Beach maintenance. When the seasonal jobs were over, I was working in construction throwing bricks and building scaffolds. My coworkers told me I was too young for that job and encouraged me to get a better job. Then one of my friends told me about Greater Miami Service Corp. The Corp will put me in the payroll and help me get into school and help me get a county job. That was music to my ears. Greater Miami Service Corp help me out a lot. I'm in school now. I'm working. I received certifications: CPR, First Aid, construction safety and health safety training. I am currently working on the sidewalk projects through the Quality Neighborhoods Improvement program. Without the technical training provided, I'm not sure what I'll be going. The Corp taught me how to fill out an application correctly, how to dress and conduct myself for a jobs interview. And through the help of the Men's Warehouse, I have a suit to go on jobs interview. Greater Miami Service Corp is the best program that ever existed. They help young adults prepare for life. Even when you in the hole and can't find your way out, they are that helping hand to get you back on your feet. Thank you for your continuous support for young people like me. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Tocayo 65850. Tocayo in Spanish means person with the same name. So thank you, Tocayo. Deborah Dorsett: Good evening, everyone, Mayor, City Manager, Commissioners. My name is Debbie Dorsett. I'm director of Greater Miami Service Corp. And the reason why we're here is really to share -- in Allapattah, 810 Northwest 28th Street, right within the City of Miami, serving the young people in the community. And you probably see them different places doing different activities. They need your support. We do a number of things with our young people. We have a dropout recovery high school that's on our premises. We give them national, industry, vocational training. It's good to hear about the things that are in the works with the City with the film and entertainment industry that will even broaden the opportunities for our young people. The only thing that hinders how many young people we can support, of course, is finances. And I like to tell people we work for our food. It's -- every project that we get, it provides funding and revenue for us to support the young people through stipends, educational scholarships, transportation, and the training that we provide. So it's good to hear that the budget -- that no taxes are being raised, et cetera. But as you were looking at the budget, there are definitely service areas where you're providing services, whether it's sidewalk, maintenance, office support, et cetera, and we could look to our young people. They're a talent pool that's available. If I could only tell you the waiting list of young people that need services. So we're here really for the young people to share their testimony, and they wrote those on their own. I was not involved. I told them express how they feel. But to really let you know there are other young people who need services, so we would appreciate your support. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Ms. Dorsett: And thank you very much. Have a good evening. City of Miami Page Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Thank you so much. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Let -- Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to add to -- I was going to wait for everyone else to speak on behalf of the group. First of all, I want to commend the leaders, you know, of your organization. You know, these are the kind of things that our young people have to be exposed to. This process itself, for them to sit through it and understand how it works, this is going to go a long way with them, just in life in general, and beyond that; for them to be able to get up in front of the mike and communicate. I mean, the young -- the first young lady that got up and spoke about the incident and really broke it down from -- you know, really put the human side of the person, you know, in front of all of us -- in front of all the Commissioners by stating who he was as a person first and how he got to the situation where he's opening up -- you know, going into a park and pulling out a gun. There's a lot of reasons why young people get to that point. They're not animals. They don't get -- you know, it's not like they don't have a heart. It's all of their life experiences that put them in, you know, positions, in situations where they don't make the right decisions, so it's great. And I commend you guys for -- the leaders of the organizations for really sticking with these young people and believing in them and exposing them to this kind of atmosphere. I would suggest a couple things. We all have a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) process, and I'm sure you are a nonprofit organization. I know your organization is actually based in Allapattah, right? It's in Commissioner Gort's district. But I'm sure we share -- yeah. I'm sure we share. Definitely, I know that we had a little -- a few dollars left over in our community service dollars through the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) application process, and what I've asked for the few dollars that I do have left to open up the process for new organizations so that we could do special little pilot projects. So I would suggest that if you can, before you leave today, at least go back to my office and speak to either Jonelle or either George Mensah is actually here today too. But you can go to my office and leave your information so when we put that process out, you'll have the opportunity to apply for it as well. All right, but I under -- we all totally get it, you know. Today is a very tough day. Our main objective was to not see any City employees lose their jobs, you know, and make sure we maintain services first, and I think that that was the primary objective but -- in whatever way we could support or be supportive in you -- with you guys and the young people, we will. No problem. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Anyone else from the public wishing to be heard on these items? Hearing none -- I'm sorry? Commissioner Gort: The millage. Chair Suarez: No, no. What I'm saying is -- if anyone from the public that wishes to -- just to close the public hearing. Public hearing is closed on BH.1, 17, and 18. Coming back to the Commission, is there a motion? Oh, there's no motion on this? It's just a discussion? Ms. Thompson: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: It's a discussion item. Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): Right. Chair Suarez: You can tell I'm a rookie. Ms. Bru: Right. At this time you're going to discuss the proposed tenta -- City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.2 12-00930 Downtown Development Authority Chair Suarez: Got it. Ms. Bru: -- the proposed millage and the proposed budget, and then later on you -- it appears in the -- Chair Suarez: I stand corrected. Ms. Bru: -- agenda at the end of the evening, 'cause then you'll take up the other budgets. Chair Suarez: I get it. I get it now. Right. I guess we're not going to do -- we're not going to just go to BH 17 and 18 now. We're going to actually keep going. DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN MILLAGE OVER ROLLED -BACK RATE. RESPONSE: 12.58%(0.478 IS THE PROPOSED RATE, 0.4246 IS THE ROLLED -BACK RATE) CITY COMMISSION LISTENS AND RESPONDS TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED MILLAGE AND EXPLAINS THE REASONS FOR THE INCREASE OVER THE ROLLED -BACK RATE. ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION: 1. AMEND THE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY 2. RECOMPUTE THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE IF NECESSARY 3. ADOPT THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE 4. ADOPT THE AMENDED TENTATIVE BUDGET 12-00930 Proposed Millage - DDA.pdf DISCUSSED Chair Suarez: So BH.2, which is the DDA (Downtown Development Authority). Commissioner Carollo: DDA. And this is also a discussion item. Then the voting items will be BH.3 and -- Chair Suarez: Yeah, beyond them, right. Alyce Robertson: Good evening. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry. Chair, if I might? Chair Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: I apologize. I'm sorry. If I might just point out on our agenda, the -- you have your discussion item for DDA is BH.2, then you also have BH 3 and BH 4. So I don't know if City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 you want -- when you start your discussion, if you want to lump the discussion together. Chair Suarez: Yes, let's lump the discussion for 2, 3, and 4 into this item. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Thank you for saving some time. Ms. Robertson: For the record, Alyce Robertson, executive director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. I am required to read the following item into the record for the discussion of the proposed millage rate and tentative budget for the Miami Downtown Development Authority. The percentage of increase in the millage over the rollback rate is 12.58 percent, which is above the rollback rate of .4246. And after the Commission listens to the public hearing and the -- we'll discuss the proposed millage and then amend the budget, if necessary, recompute the proposed millage rate, if necessary; adopt the tentative millage rate, and adopt the amended tentative budget. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Anyone from the public wishing to speak on BH.2, 3, and 4? Seeing none and hearing none, the public hear -- Al West: Al West. Chair Suarez: Yes. Mr. West: I'm a board member and also chairman -- treasurer of the DDA. Chair Suarez: Yes, sir. Mr. West: And -- it's late. Chair Suarez: It's early for us. We still got a ways to go. Vice Chair Sarnoff I was going to say -- Mr. West: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- when was the change. I'm always the last to know. Mr. West: I really won't do a -- thank you for the opportunity to speak before you this afternoon. If you go back four years, the DDA, through the leadership of the Commission and through the Chair and through the Mayor, was in dire straits, needed reorganization. The board came on, reconstituted and, I should say, did a marvelous job in turning the DDA around. And so much so to the point that this evening, the DDA is going to be recognized -- and I should say your DDA is going to be recognized for the wonderful work that it has done over the past year. The South Florida Chapter of the America Society of Public Administration has identified the Downtown Development Authority, your Downtown Development Authority, as the organization of the year, and we'll be making an award to them for the progress and for the leadership that they've exhibited over the past year in public administration. So I would -- if you don't mind, point of -- if we could give the DDA a little recognition. (Applause) Mr. West: So -- but getting back to the business of the millage, the finance committee has reviewed all of the budgets and the revenue that would be produced from the millage and so forth, and we feel that, very strongly, we can live within the millage that is approved by the City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commission. Chair Suarez: Thank you, sir. Is there anyone else from the public wishing to speak on BH.2, 3, and 4? Seeing none, hearing none, the public hearing for those items is closed. BH.3. Commissioner Gort: Can we clarify this is the -- a tax imposed by the property owner of the region, please? Ms. Robertson: Correct. There's a district that has drawn -- and in fact, it's identified within the item in its legal description. And the DDA has been around since 1965, and it's a tax that is on the residents of that district. Chair Suarez: Thank you. BH.3 ORDINANCE First Reading 12-00931 Downtown AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Development ATTACHMENT(S), RELATED TO TAXATION, DEFINING AND DESIGNATING Authority THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA; FIXING THE MILLAGE AND LEVYING TAXES IN SAID DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, AT .478 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF NONEXEMPT ASSESSED VALUE OF ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN SAID DISTRICT; PROVIDING THAT SAID MILLAGE AND THE LEVYING OF TAXES WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AS REFLECTED IN THE CITY'S MILLAGE LEVY ORDINANCE FOR THE AFORESAID FISCAL YEAR WHICH IS REQUIRED BY CITY CHARTER SECTION 27; PROVIDING THAT THE FIXING OF THE MILLAGE AND THE LEVYING OF TAXES HEREIN SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED AS REPEALING OR AMENDING ANY OTHER ORDINANCE FIXING MILLAGE OR LEVYING TAXES, BUT SHALL BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION THERETO; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12-00931 Memo - DDA SR.pdf 12-00931 Legislation - DDA FR/SR.pdf 12-00931 Pre -Legislation FR/SR.pdf 12-00931 Legislation FR/SR.pdf 12-00931 Exhibit 1 FR/SR.pdf Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Please refer to Item BH.2 for minutes referencing item BH.3. Chair Suarez: BH.3, is there a motion? Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner Spence -Jones. Is there a second? City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Second by Commissioner Carollo. Vice Chair, you want to speak on it or --? Vice Chair Sarnoff I just -- I was going to make a funny speech and probably not going to be funny this time of the evening. I never thought getting a County employee, who would be director, would have done such a great job and -- you know, 'cause she's a County employee after all. Ms. Robertson: Thirty-year County employee. Thank you very much. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Right. And you know the handicap that brings with you being a County employee, 'cause obviously they start out just on the other end of the spectrum. But Alyce Robertson has done a fabulous job at the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) and should be commended, because she has brought a work ethic and a sense of proportion that certainly this award could certainly have been the best CEO (Chief Executive Officer), if you will, of any down -- of any public agency in the state of Florida. But thankfully so, the rest of us get to share in this 'cause it went to the DDA. But really and truly, the day in, day out functions of the DDA are served by its director, and Alyce has done a great job, and she's done it despite the handicap of having been a 30-year County employee. So I just wanted to extol her virtues and just say, Alyce, I actually got to spend a little time with you over -- not overseas. I guess it's down under, I guess, 'cause it was down in South America, and she did a beautiful job of representing the City of Miami, where she is a resident and she is a constituent of mine, as well as representing the DDA and showing to Itajai, Brazil, exactly who the City of Miami is. And we are creating a sister city initiative with Itajai, and that is the folks that actually had the leg of the Volvo race down in Brazil that came up to Miami. And for those of you that don't know, Alyce is fluent in English, obviously, Spanish, as well as Portuguese. Chair Suarez: I didn't know that. Chair Suarez: And she had no trouble communicating down in Itajai, Brazil, in Portuguese, although a couple times we didn't get the food that we ordered 'cause I think they thought you were speaking Spanish. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, I also want, once again, to echo Al, echo Jay, it takes a real team to make, you know, DDA happen. And we know we've had a lot of challenges over the years getting things in order. And, you know, every time I see something coming out from the DDA, I'm just so amazed, whether or not it's the promotional materials that you guys do, the marketing efforts that you guys have. I mean, really, honestly -- and I said this, we have a meeting set up, I think, next week. Because I think that even our CRAs (Community Redevelopment Agencies), you know, that we have, we -- the way that the DDA's doing it should be exactly -- we should be reflecting the same thing. So I look forward to sitting down with the organization to work along with our CRAs to take the CRAB to the next level 'cause, clearly, you guys are doing an outstanding job with what you're doing. So I wanted to at least be able to acknowledge you and your work. And -- Ms. Robertson: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I just think that everything you guys are doing is really good. Vice Chair Sarnoff. And, Commissioner, just so you know, that's something that the DDA would be well adept at helping the CRAs with. City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff. And I believe all the CRAs are in the DDA's jurisdiction. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, I know. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Vice Chair Sarnoff So if you want to lean on them for that, that's a good thing to lean on them. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: I just want to -- with regards to helping out, I'm also looking at Gusman. Maybe the DDA could help out with the efforts with Gusman again. You know, I know that for the next Commission meeting, we should be thoroughly briefed, but that's something in the area. And, you know, Commissioner Sarnoff mentioned, you know, how important Gusman is to the downtown area, so that's something that possibly the DDA could get involved and maybe help out. Vice Chair Sarnoff I think every year we have provided Gusman with a stipend. Ms. Robertson: Last year we provided $100, 000. And we're working with them twofold. One is a direct stipend to them, but also, we bring our concert series into there, and we also underwrite other kinds of shows that are at Gusman. We'd like to actually have it tied to the programmatic aspects of it so that you're drawing in the bodies and it's helping our downtown businesses. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So let me -- I'm just -- Commissioner Carollo: Go ahead. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So this year, how much would you say you actually have given or even underwritten for programs and events? Ms. Robertson: In the current fiscal year, I believe about $50, 000; last year, it was $100, 000 in that bridge year when they were still working out their agreement with the City -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Ms. Robertson: -- of Miami. And so we are a big supporter of those efforts to restore. Gusman is a very important historic resource on Flagler Street. We also have a separate Flagler Street task force that is looking at issues of how to renovate Flagler Street and make it vibrant. Unfortunately, we lost our consultant yesterday. Tony Goldman passed away. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Ms. Robertson: And that's a big loss because he had such a vision for what Flagler Street should be. But we are working very hard to make that a vibrant corridor, commercial corridor there. And I really appreciate the comments of the Commissioners on my work at the DDA. I want you to know that I couldn't do it without a very supportive board. I have a great board of volunteer, you know, board members; and our chairman, of course, is -- we had our issues in the City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 beginning, but -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Everybody has an issue with me -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: He loves you -- Vice Chair Sarnoff -- in the beginning. Commissioner Gort: Everybody has issues with him. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- now so. Vice Chair Sarnoff As Jay would say, until you learn my way is the right way, you know. Ms. Robertson: And we really have learned -- you know, they were working on our master plan, our downtown master plan that was passed two years ago. There's a lot of really great things in it, walkability, livability. And I think downtown Miami -- for the first time that world -- the 24/7 global city we're having it, it's happening, and it's happening before our eyes. We had Richard Florida talking about that. You know, it just is spectacular what's happening on an international level with the reputation of Miami. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We want to be invited to Brazil the next time too, okay? Ms. Robertson: And I'll be your translator. Vice Chair Sarnoff (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Ms. Robertson: I'll be your translator if you would like. Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you, all you have -- Chair Suarez: Go ahead, Commissioner. Commissioner Gort: -- to do is look at a picture of downtown Miami 20 years ago and look at it today, you can see the benefit. The other thing a lot of people don't realize is downtown Miami DDA region pays 33 percent of our taxes -- Ms. Robertson: Now it's 37 percent. Commissioner Gort: -- ad valorem taxes. Mr. West: Thirty-seven percent. Commissioner Gort: Thirty-seven. It went up, okay. Mr. West: Yeah. Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you. Chair Suarez: I couldn't disagree with any of my colleagues on anything that they've said. And I think you not only are an organization that's accomplished a lot in the present and in the past, City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 but you have a vision for the future, a detailed vision for the fixture that I think, you know, when things get better in the City financially, it's going to be one that you're going to be able to effectuate and I think will really, really make that area just incredible. I mean, it's already incredible, but it'll just -- it'll continue that meteoric rise so. Ms. Robertson: One of the things, if you notice on the tax roll, our tax roll increased 6 percent this year and almost double what the City's tax roll grew. So we're adding value to the City in helping support the neighborhoods, and I think that's a -- the proper role for the downtown area, but it is a very vibrant downtown thing that's happening. And I appreciate all your support over the years. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Thank you so much. It's a motion and a second. All in favor, signify by saying aye." Ms. Thompson: No, it's a first reading ordinance. Veronica Xiques (Assistant City Attorney): This is actually an ordinance, Commissioner. Commissioner Carollo: 'Cause this is for the actual millage. Chair Suarez: Right, right, right. Commissioner Gort: The millage, yes. Commissioner Carollo: For their -- Chair Suarez: Read it. Commissioner Carollo: Right. The ordinance was read by title into the public record by Assistant City Attorney Veronica Xiques. Ms. Thompson: Your roll call. A roll call was taken, the result of which is stated above. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 5-0. Chair Suarez: Thank you. BH.4 RESOLUTION 12-00932 Downtown A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ADOPTING A BUDGET Development AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Authority DISTRICT AD VALOREM TAX LEVY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS INCOME FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("DDA") OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"), FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; AUTHORIZING THE DDA TO INVITE AND ADVERTISE REQUIRED BIDS; PROVIDING FOR BUDGETARY FLEXIBILITY; PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION TO THE RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, FOR THE City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 OPERATIONS OF THE CITY. 12-00932 Memo - DDA.pdf 12-00932 Legislation - DDA.pdf 12-00932 Certification Taxable Value.pdf 12-00932 Millage Levy Calculation.pdf 12-00932 Legislation.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0321 Note for the Record: Please refer to item BK2 for minutes referencing item BH.4. Chair Suarez: BH.4. Commissioner Carollo: Now, this is the revenue and expenses. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Is there a motion on the budget? Vice Chair SarnoffSo moved. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Discussion. Chair Suarez: Moved and seconded. Commissioner Carollo, you're recognized for discussion. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. And the only thing I'm going to say is -- and Ms. Robertson knows that I may not be in total agreement with some of the expenses. You know, some of the salaries I still think are high. But with that said I will yield to the decision of the chairman of that board and the whole board that agrees with it and does have a plan, so I will be voting in favor of it. Thank you. Chair Suarez: So there's a motion and a second. All in favor, signify by saying aye." " The Commission (Collectively): Aye. BH.5 RESOLUTION 12-00866 Bayfront Park A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Management Trust ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,890,000, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF MILDRED AND CLAUDE PEPPER BAYFRONT PARK, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. 12-00866 Memo - Bayfront Park.pdf 12-00866 Legislation.pdf 12-00866 Exhibit 1.pdf City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 10,9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0322 Chair Suarez: BH.5. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Bayfront. Commissioner Gort: Bayfront Park. Tim Schmand: Good evening, Commissioners. Tim Schmand, Bayfront Park Management Trust, 301 North Biscayne Boulevard, downtown Miami, Florida. I'm here today asking you to approve our budget for the next fiscal year in the amount of $3, 890, 000. And if any of you have any questions, I would be -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Madam Clerk, is there a -- Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: -- does there need to be a public hearing on this one? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): It's entirely up to the Commission. We -- Chair Suarez: Is there -- required? Ms. Thompson: -- understand -- no. Chair Suarez: Okay. Ms. Thompson: No, not on these. Chair Suarez: Perfect. Okay. Ms. Thompson: We marked them for you. Chair Suarez: Okay. It's been moved and seconded. I only have one issue, which I brought up in my briefing with Mr. Schmand, and it's kind of a -- they're a victim of their own success -- Mr. Schmand: Yes. Chair Suarez: -- you know. Mr. Schmand has done a phenomenal work, and I think our nominee, who's the chair of the Bayfront Park Management Trust, has also done a wonderful job stewarding that organization. What I did notice when I went through their budget is that whereas a healthy organization has reserves to expenses in -- somewhere in the vicinity of 20 percent reserves to expenses, which is what our ordinance requires, I think your organization has 250 percent reserves to expenses, which is what we had agreed was the number. So what I had asked you, if you would indulge me in the conversation of whether you would be willing to provide the City with a million dollars, which is a portion of the reserves that you have. You said to me that in the past, that -- actually, you cited one specific example in the past where you -- where the organization had given the City half a million dollars and it was used on two assistant City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 City Managers. Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: This was a while ago. Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: And so I assured you that if your board and the chair would indulge that conversation, that it would not be used for anything of that sort; that it would be used to purchase, for example, capital improvements at the City, like two -- for example, two rescue trucks which are very, very, very sorely needed. We could buy -- I think they're somewhere in the vicinity of a quarter of a million dollars, each one. So you could buy two rescue trucks, and then spend the other half a million dollars on police vehicles, which I know we've been trying to find ways to buy police vehicles. It would probably -- I don't know how much each vehicle cost us, but assuming it cost 10 or 15,000 -- Commissioner Gort: No, no, no. Chair Suarez: Okay, let's assume it cost 20, just to -- just for the math to be a little easier. At 500, 000, that would be 25 police vehicles, more or less. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So if we're going to -- if time -- if Tim is more than willing to -- now that you've found a million dollars -- Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But Tim hasn't said yes yet. He's -- Chair Suarez: I know. Mr. Schmand: I'm merely a functionary -- Chair Suarez: Yeah, Yeah, I know. Mr. Schmand: -- you know. I mean, it requires a -- Chair Suarez: Yeah. Mr. Schmand: -- vote of my board and, you know, a general agreement from people. Chair Suarez: And by the way, if we -- if they did give us a million dollars, it would still be over reserved. I think the factor was -- it was over 100 percent to 1. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: There's different issues that I need to take into consideration, and you know we've had SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) issues with this as far as transferring money. I don't know what the amounts are, but many of those monies have been City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 used from ticket surcharge. There is a ruling from the Attorney General that we cannot use ticket surcharge money to give to any organization; that it's not -- any other organization. It has to go within the same organization. So we would have to look at the legality of that. Chair Suarez: Of course. Commissioner Carollo: At the same time, I raised that issue. And, again, this is a double standard. Didn't I raise that issue about reserves not too long ago? And I thought Commissioner Sarnoff had mentioned as it's good to have reserves and -- As a matter of fact, I wasn't here for the vote 'cause it went so quick. But even the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Midtown -- Chair Suarez: Midtown, yeah. Commissioner Carollo: -- if you look at the majority of their expenses, it was reserves. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: And, you know, I -- Chair Suarez: No. And I -- and by the way, I don't -- Commissioner Carollo: And listen -- Chair Suarez: What I'm trying to say is I think you have been well stewarded, and that's the reason why you have reserves. Now there is a certain level where you start to think maybe the organization is over reserved. Because if you have 20 percent of your expenses in reserves, that's a healthy level of reserves. If you have 40 percent, that's extremely healthy. If you have 60, that's very healthy. If you have 100 percent, that's extremely healthy. When you're at 250 percent of your reserves, that's when somebody looks at it and says, Well, if there's a need in the City that we can address with that money, a capital need, not -- you know, not growing a bureaucracy necessarily, which was the example that the executive director gave at the time, which I think is perfectly valid, and I agree with him 100 percent. I think it's something that the organization should explore. They are, if Pm not mistaken, a subsidiary, in a sense, of the City. Mr. Schmand: We're a limited agency of the City. Chair Suarez: A limited agency of the City. So as the Miami Parking Authority, for example, offshoots $7 million a year to the City -- Commissioner Carollo: Not seven. Chair Suarez: Whatever. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Whatever the amount is, yes. Commissioner Gort: Six. Chair Suarez: Whatever it does. Six million. Commissioner Gort: Six million. Chair Suarez: Sorry. Six million to the City. I'm not saying that you have to give any money on an annual basis. I'm just saying when you've gotten to a point where you're 250 percent reserve to expenses, that -- you know, I think it would be something where at that point, you might -- we City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 might be able to look and say, Look, if you're still 100 percent reserved over expenses and you give us a million dollars that we can use to buy police cars and two fire -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Or whatever -- Chair Suarez: -- rescue trucks -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- items we feel are important. Chair Suarez: -- or whatever items. I'm just using that as an example -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Chair Suarez: -- because I -- 'cause he did -- his counter argument to me was also a strong example. It was, Look, the last time we did that, we hired two City -- assistant City Managers. And -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: But can I ask this question: How were they able to do --? If Commissioner Carollo is mentioning that there is an issue from -- I guess from the SEC -- Commissioner Carollo: No. I'm just using an example, how we -- there -- you know, due to transfer of funds, we had an SEC issue. Now what I am saying is that -- Commissioner Gort: No. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So not on this issue. Commissioner Carollo: -- first of all -- Commissioner Gort: No, no, no way. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So there was not a issue with the -- Commissioner Carollo: Not with the Bayfront Park Management Trust -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- not -- there was no -- Commissioner Carollo: -- but we did have with transfers of funds twice. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, okay. Oh, you're talking about the transfer funds, not from Bayfront -- Commissioner Carollo: Not necessarily -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- transfer. Commissioner Carollo: -- from Bayfront. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: I mean, we did have arrests in the past, but that was before our time and before, you know -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Before you got there. City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, before I got there and before Tim got there. As a matter of fact, before I got there, every year the City of Miami funded the Bayfront Park Management Trust. But anyways -- and I also want to point out -- And by the way, Commissioner Suarez, what you're saying is nothing that Tim and I have not already have spoken about. Chair Suarez: Well, I would figure. Commissioner Carollo: 'Cause we have spoken about it. But at the same time, you know that I'm always very conservative, and the way I proceed is always very prudent. I do want to point out that Bayfront Park does have its issues. However, we have been able to overcome a lot of it. For instance, if you notice in our revenues, $871, 000 is actually from reserves. So we are actually having more expenses than reserves for this year. What's happening is that, unfortunately, things like the museums have taken away our ability to, you know, do shows that we usually had done and make profits. As a matter of fact, realistically, last year it was, you know -- and I think it goes to credit, even though it doesn't -- it's not stated much. Ultra almost didn't happen, and the reason being is because, once again, that area was from the museum. We actually negotiated very heavily with the people from Ultra, and they actually invested 3 to $400,000 into the park, which is a City venue, which did not cost the City anything in order for us to, you know, be able to do that event there, and that's where, you know, we've been creative. But the truth of the matter is, we, this year, are looking to make a lot less revenues than last year, which, realistically, we're using 871,000 from our reserves in order to, you know, balance our books. As a matter of fact, if you net the 1 million with the 871 that he has in reserves -- And by the way, and he didn't have to, you know, put that there in the reserves, but I believe in having a strong reserves. Realistically, you know, it's a lot less money than showing, not to mention -- And by the way, I have spoken to Tim about this, you know, where maybe in the near future we can do this, but I need to make sure that also, you know, we are acting in a prudent matter [sic] and any monies that we give to the City is, you know, actually vetted by attorneys and vetted by our auditors. Because, realistically, why give money to the City one year and then in the next year say, Hey, listen, guess what; we need money from you guys, you know. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: If you remember correctly, the first year since -- in its -- Tim, 1987 was when the Trust was created? Mr. Schmand: 1987. Commissioner Carollo: Since 1987, every year since then the City of Miami has given monies to the Trust in the tune -- let's go back from 2000 -- of one -point -something million. Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Carollo: Back in -- and help me, Tim. Chair Suarez: We used to (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: When was it when it was cut to 580 --? Mr. Schmand: '07/'08 the first -- it was cut by half a million dollars, so we were getting 585, and the next year we got 585, and in the follow year the economy slid off the table and that's when -- Commissioner Carollo: And that's when -- in '09/'010 [sicJ, which was the first year that the City did not fund Bayfront Park at all, which happened to be the first year that I was chairman. And we worked very hard in order to not only be successful but actually start building up a reserve, 'cause I think that's healthy. Unfortunately, we're also having, you know, our City of Miami Page23 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 difficulties. As -- if you remember -- and Commissioner Spence -Jones, you were not on the dais at that time -- but the remediation that we spoke about with Mr. Bockweg. I fought very hard for -- to make sure that we can use that area when the construction [sic] was not being used. In other words, I don't want the construction to start or remediation. All of a sudden, it stops; that land is vacant and we can't use it, we being Bayfront Park. So I fought very hard. And I came back to the Board and I said, thanks to this Board, we were able to earn an additional $100,000 or something, you know. So with that money, yes, we are not only paying for all the maintenance; we're also providing at least $100, 000 in fireworks shows during New Year's Eve, in which, realistically, I think a lot of times it gets advertised a lot, but no one really knows Bayfront Park really has budgeted $100, 000 for that event, not to mention the Fourth of July. And a lot of these reserves have been, you know, us being very, very prudent with our money. At the same time, our staff, our staff has not gotten a raise in -- actually, they've gotten a reduction in pay, which, in all fairness, for an organization that is doing good, they shouldn't have gotten the reduction. And this year again, again, we did not give them a raise. So we've been very, very prudent, the way we spend our money. And, again, I need to point out that if you look at our revenues -- and it's going to be the fourth line -- you will see that part of our revenues that we're showing is 871,000 from our reserves, and that needs to also be pointed out 'cause I don't want everyone to think, oh, we're flushed with money and monies keeps coming in. Because in all fairness, we're looking into, you know, our next two- or three-year, four-year plan; and realistically, as revenues start dipping within a year or two, we might be in, you know, trouble. And I'm not saying that's what's going to happen because, in all fairness, we're looking at additional events and how to, you know, grow and make it successful. But at the same time, I don't want everyone to think, hey, listen, they have all this money and, you know, let's just run through it, you know. And honestly, that's been the problem with government. And I've always said it: Government cannot keep money. Every time that government has some reserve, some money, everyone's looking to spend it. And, you know, I do believe -- and what Commissioner Suarez is saying. It's not far from the truth. As a matter of fact, I've spoken to Tim a lot about this. But I think at this present time, I don't think it's the appropriate time. Chair Suarez: No. And I -- let -- Commissioner Gort: Tim, how much has the City of Miami has spent in creating Bayfront Park? Mr. Schmand: You know, I wasn't -- you know, you'd have to go back to like 1919 when they spent a million dollars buying the land from the FEC (Florida East Coast), and then how much they spent on the Noguchi redesign -- Commissioner Gort: Creating the new park and all that. Mr. Schmand: Yeah. -- I don't have that number. I -- you know, I wasn't there in '87, and I haven't seen the numbers. But I know, you know, throughout -- over time, the City has helped us, you know, make the park what it is. And by that same token, we've reinvested as well. Commissioner Gort: Right. Mr. Schmand: You know, our capital budget; you know, the trees that we've planted, the changes to the amphitheater. Commissioner Carollo: But look -- Mr. Schmand: You know, we do, you know, $800, 000 a year in -- Commissioner Gort: Right. Mr. Schmand: -- capital improvements over time. City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Gort: I think you all have done a great job in the management, but at the same time, we have to give some credit. The City of Miami, I think, have put more than $10 million in creating that park or a little bit more than that. Mr. Schmand: You know, the City of Miami -- we're partners in Bayfront Park with the City of Miami. Commissioner Gort: Right. Okay. Mr. Schmand: We are the City of Miami. We just -- you know, we're just sort of outside the umbrella. Chair Suarez: Maybe I didn't understand it when we briefed on it, Tim. The way I looked at it -- and, again, it's not in any way, shape, or form an indictment on anyone's management. I think you guys have managed it extremely well, particularly given the recent adversity that you've had. What I looked at -- and I'll ask a question on what the Commissioner said in a second. But I looked at roughly a budget of 2 -- well, it's 2.3 -- $2 million and, from what I had seen and what we had talked about in the briefing, an aggregated reserve of $5 million. Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: Right. So that is -- so if it would have been a one -million -dollar contribution to the City -- this is just the way -- my logic, okay -- you would still be reserved 200 percent. In other words, you would still have 200 percent of your expenses against reserves. I'm sorry, your reserves against expenses. Mr. Schmand: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Like $4 million. Chair Suarez: Correct, they would have $4 million. So what I didn't -- what did not surface in our briefings -- andl don't know if this is what the Commissioner is getting at -- is that -- and this does concern me, if this is the case. Are you guys saying now that this thing -- that this entity is running at an $871,000 annual deficit? Commissioner Carollo: We -- Mr. Schmand: Go ahead. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. We -- well, yes and no. We are being conservative with our number. But, yes, unless we have shows booked, we do not show them as revenues. So, realistically, for this current year, yes, we have an $871,000 that we're going to use from our reserves. Now, with that said, we are also looking to be able to make up these 871. Chair Suarez: But wait, wait. Let me ask the question very directly. Commissioner Carollo: Uh-huh. Chair Suarez: Are you saying that at -- that you were running an $871, 000 deficit, annual deficit? Mr. Schmand: In the next fiscal year. Chair Suarez: Because that's not prudent -- City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Mr. Schmand: I know. Chair Suarez: -- financial (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Mr. Schmand: In the next fiscal year -- Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Schmand: -- we only show shows booked that we have booked. Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Schmand: And we don't have shows booked sufficient to cover the 871. We believe, as we have for the past four years, booked sufficient number of shows, but at the moment, we don't have signed contracts. Chair Suarez: This is for your proposed budget for next year? Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: But for -- now what about last year? Mr. Schmand: For this year we're going to probably net, after depreciation, $20, 000. Chair Suarez: What do you mean, net $20, 000? Mr. Schmand: Net -- be above -- Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Schmand: -- our expenses by -- Chair Suarez: So in other words, you had to take -- Mr. Schmand: -- $20, 000 net of depreciation. Chair Suarez: So you're replenishing the reserve? Mr. Schmand: By about $20, 000. Commissioner Carollo: Chairman Suarez. Chair Suarez: No, no. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Let me just -- You are replenishing the 871, plus -- Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: -- $20, 000? Mr. Schmand: Correct. Chair Suarez: So you're not -- that's why you're accumulating reserves every year. Mr. Schmand: Correct. City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: That's why you're at 250 percent reserve. Mr. Schmand: Well, we're accumulating reserves every year, 'cause we're very cost-effective -- Chair Suarez: No, and I agree. And that's -- Mr. Schmand: -- you know. Chair Suarez: -- what I said at the beginning. My opening statement was you're almost a victim of your own success. It's been well stewarded. And because you're accumulating cash, now you're at a point where you have 250 percent reserve. At what point do we look at it and say are you over reserved? At 500 percent? At 1,000 percent? I mean, this is a city that has capital needs as well. Mr. Schmand: You know, the way we've worked in Bayfront Park is we try to accumulate enough money to undertake major capital projects. Chair Suarez: I understand. Mr. Schmand: And, you know, one of the major capital projects that's out there for us, and I think is out there for the entire community, is the issue of the fountain. You know, the fountain is currently using about 60 percent of our electrical costs, and it's an embarrassment. I mean -- Chair Suarez: It is. I agree. Mr. Schmand: -- you can't touch it. Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Schmand: You can't get close to it. And it needs to be something. And it's been my goal over time to, you know, renovate the park slowly and to build up the reserves that'll allow us to do this. This -- Chair Suarez: And you've done a wonderful job. Mr. Schmand: Right. And this $5 million gives us the opportunity to examine what presents itself at the fountain. Could we shrink the fountain? Could we make it more interactive? Could we do something that --? You know, I think we were -- when we built Bayfront Park, we were overexuberant in our belief of what that fountain was going to be. Chair Suarez: I think you're quite right. Mr. Schmand: And, you know, for the past 20 years or so we've been trying to figure out what to do with it. Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Schmand: And the more money I get in reserves, the more likelihood it's going to be that I can fix it. Chair Suarez: And by the way, you've also had -- and the Commissioner has been a staunch advocate of the board. You've had a lot of issues lately, in particular, things that have been changing. Obviously, the Museum Park and -- you know, and an aspect of what you generate a lot of revenue on, particularly being in limbo, if not unavailable. So, I mean, I understand all that. The only thing I ask -- let me just -- let's just see if we could sum it up. City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: And -- Chair Suarez: The only thing I ask is that, you know -- I know you have to do it by board anyways. It's not like something we can do now, regardless. I think it's something that I would request, respectfully, that you guys look into from a legal perspective, number one, from whatever your capital -- future capital needs are, number two, and understanding the current obstacles that you have and that you've had to face particularly recently. And if after having done that analysis, you still think, you know, you can give back half a million, two hundred and fifty, seven hundred and fifty -- you know, we're a city that obviously needs fire -rescue trucks. I've been to fire -rescue stations where the trucks are constantly out of service. You know, they're -- they don't have air conditioning, you know, so that's a big problem. We've chronicled the whole issue with police cars, and we're taking out half of the budget to buy police cars this year, so obviously, you know, to the extent that we can replenish that fleet quicker will be better for the people who are serving our city, you know, basically in the police cars all day long, in the fire trucks all day long so. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman, I just want to add if you don't mind? Chair Suarez: Yeah, of course. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I know we -- I think we've talked about this a lot. Chair Suarez: I'm ready to move on. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So, Commissioner Carollo, I guess -- Chair Suarez: I'm sorry. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- the recommendation is, at the end of the day, let's look at the budget to see if there's any way there's any kind of contribution that can come back into the City, 'cause we need the help. My only comment that I would like to make -- and this is just something that I want us all to think about, is -- and the Chairman said it from the very beginning. Obviously, Tim Schmand is doing something right. Chair Suarez: Absolutely. Both -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. And -- Chair Suarez: -- Commissioner and Tim. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- the reality is we have a lot of venues. Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We have a lot of parks. We have a lot of spaces in the City of Miami that should be generating revenue. And I think that we need to look at what Tim is doing to see how we can duplicate it with some of the existing assets -- Chair Suarez: Very true. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- in properties, parks, whatever it is. You know, Virginia Key Beach, I know they're working hard to get things done. Let's see, what is Tim doing that's successful to see if it could be duplicated so that everybody can win. So that's the only statement that I would like to make. Because if he's doing, what, 240 percent -- what'd you say? City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Yeah, his reserves are 250 percent of his expenses, which is fantastic. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah -- Chair Suarez: It's great. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- which is great. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So, you know, we want to make sure we commend you on that. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But we also like for you to share some of that knowledge so we could utilize it as well -- Chair Suarez: He really is the consummate professional. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to make sure that he duplicate it in other places. Now I agree with you totally that we should focus our energies -- if we come back and there is a dollar amount that can go back to help the City. I would just want to make sure that it's open beyond police cars -- And I support Police and Fire. Chair Suarez: Oh, yeah. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But there are also some other needs. You know, 'cause on this end, I'm going to be pushing for people, I'm going to be pushing for programs for parks, I'm going to be pushing for those kind of things that I know are also just as valuable to support. So whatever that number is, if we can figure out, you know, wherever our shortfall is from the Manager's side of it, Mr. Manager, to maybe assist with some of the things we had to cut out because of it. Chair Suarez: Sounds good. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. And I think you said it from the very beginning. And I'll explain what's happening. What's happening is that we have a very, extremely conservative budget. I mean, if you see it -- I mean, you talk as transparent as can be, this is it. And we're extremely, extremely conservative. And I'll be the first one to admit. Do you -- do I think we're going to make more revenues than this? Yes, I do. However, unless I am absolutely sure and we have it booked no, we don't show it. Chair Suarez: I think it's prudent budgeting -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: -- the way you're doing it. Right. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. And that's why we have to build our reserves. Remember, for the past three years since I've been chairman, not one cent from the City. We've actually -- we City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 haven't even sustained; we've actually succeeded. But at the same time, just like -- You know, earlier today we spoke about, you know, the City obtaining federal dollars and having certain requirements and so forth. A lot of the surcharge and stuff that we do have certain requirements and it has to be reinvested into the Trust. At the same time, listen, a lot of things you've mentioned we've already spoken about. We've spoken about the potential of giving money back to the City. We've spoken about large capital plans that we may need. However, we've been so conservative -- and I don't want to do what I have mentioned. I actually -- I'm more of a doer instead of somewhat of a sayer. Instead of booking something and showing a large capital and having it go year after year and, you know, it never gets done and you kept getting carryovers -- oh, no but this is for -- I haven't -- I -- you know, we haven't booked it. We haven't shown it as an expense. And the truth of the matter is, there are plans for large capital projects, but at the same time, we're building our reserves. Now with that said, that doesn't mean that in the near future, potentially, there could be monies that once it goes through the attorneys and the auditors, the accountants, could possible go back to the City. I just think right now the prudent thing is to approve it as is and we'll see in the future, maybe next year. Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So we had a motion and a second anyway. Chair Suarez: There's a motion and a second. I just would like to digress for one more second, which is just to say, if we were to put it in the same terms of our city, for example -- It's like having -- as if we had -- right now we have, I think, as the Mayor said, 27 million in reserves at the end of potentially, this fiscal year -- it would be as if we had 1.5 billion in reserves. Commissioner Carollo: You let Tim and I run the City, I think I will be there, man. Chair Suarez: Point well taken, point well taken. Ms. Thompson: Chair. Chair Suarez: But -- Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. Chair Suarez: Go ahead. Ms. Thompson: Before you vote, I just want to ask a question, please. Chair Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: I'm sorry. I did not get your mover and seconder of your motion. I think I was talking -- Chair Suarez: I think the mover -- Commissioner Carollo: Mover. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I think I was the mover. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Mover, seconder. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Then seconder. City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.6 12-00888 Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) Board BH.7 12-00886 Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Suarez: All in favor, signift by saying aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Mr. Schmand: Thank you all. Commissioner Gort: By the way, I want you -- Commissioner Carollo: You set yourself up for that. Chair Suarez: Touche, touche, touche. So we're going to get a million bucks or not? Commissioner Spence -Jones: You're not going to let you take any of that money. You see that, right. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, no, no, no, no. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE COCONUT GROVE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ("BID"), TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BID, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. 12-00888 Memos - BID.pdf 12-00888 Legislation.pdf 12-00888 Exhibit 1- SUB.pdf 12-00888 Additional Back-Up.pdf Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Vice Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones SEOPW Community Redevelopment Agency Note for the Record: Item BH.6 was deferred to the September 27, 2012 Budget Hearing. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE BUDGET OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENTAGENCY, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, AS APPROVED BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 12-00886 Memo - SEOPW CRA.pdf 12-00886 Legislation.pdf 12-00886 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Suarez and Spence -Jones Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo R-12-0323 Chair Suarez: BH.7, accepting the budget for Overtown. Yeah, I was doing good right up until there. Clarence Woods: Good evening, Commissioners. I'm Clarence Woods, the executive director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). And before you is a resolution accepting the budgets for the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, commencing October 12 -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner Spence -Jones. Is there a second? Commissioner Gort: Second. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Second by Commissioner Gort. All in favor, signs by saying Eye." Commissioner Spence -Jones: Aye. Chair Suarez: Aye. Commissioner Gort: Aye. Commissioner Carollo: No. Chair Suarez: Register Commissioner Carollo as a "no." Commissioner -- Commissioner Carollo: And you see here how much carryover and stuff and -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I don't -- I have nothing to say -- Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- to you right now, okay. Chair Suarez: All right. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, let's just keep going. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I -- Chair Suarez: All right. City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Let's just keep going. Chair Suarez: BH.8. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair. I wanted -- Chair Suarez: Sony. Ms. Thompson: I didn't hear a 'yes " from the Vice Chair. Chair Suarez: Vice Chair, are you a -- Vice Chair Sarnoff. Yes -- Chair Suarez: -- `yes" on --? Vice Chair Sarnoff -- yes, yes. I said 'Yes." Chair Suarez: Okay. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Suarez: I'm sorry. BH.8 RESOLUTION 12-00885 Community A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Redevelopment ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE BUDGETS OF THE OMNI Agency (CRA) REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, AND MIDTOWN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, AS APPROVED BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. 12-00885 Memo - Omni & Midtown CRA.pdf 12-00885 Legislation.pdf 12-00885 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Suarez and Spence -Jones Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo R-12-0324 Chair Suarez: BH.8. Is there a motion? Vice Chair Sarnoff. So moved. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Moved by the Vice Chair, second by Commissioner Spence -Jones. All in favor, signify by saying aye." City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.9 Chair Suarez: Aye. Vice Chair Sarnoff Aye. Commissioner Gort: Aye. Commissioner Carollo: Question: Is this Omni and Midtown? Chair Suarez: Yes. Pieter Bockweg (Executive Director, Omni Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Both together? Mr. Bockweg: Yes, sir. They're together. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, no then. I thought they were separate. If they were -- if it would have been separate, I would have voted "yes" for Midtown and "no " for the other one but -- Okay, if they're together, no. Chair Suarez: It's all right. Vice Chair Sarnoff What are you doing right in Midtown that I'm doing wrong in Omni? Commissioner Spence -Jones: I know. Chair Suarez: We don't have any money. That's what we're doing (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Sarnoff Okay. Commissioner Carollo: No, you have a large reserve. And ifI start doing the percentage -- Chair Suarez: So if you let me run the City, then we'll be in good shape too, right? Mr. Bockweg: It's a reserve. Commissioner Carollo: I don't know about that. It's only $20,000. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All I'm going to ask for is for you to become more engaged on the Southeast Overtown/Park West, because we're doing a lot of great work over there. Commissioner Carollo: I got you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I know that -- Where's Miguel, 'cause I got on Miguel? I guess he went to the office. But I -- you know, to make sure he got with you to make sure we didn't have any issues, any concerns. He said they had a hour conversation with -- but it's okay. Chair Suarez: BH.10. Commissioner Carollo: We'll get there. Mr. Bockweg: Thank you. RESOLUTION City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 12-00851 Miami Parking A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Authority ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,845,461 EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION, AND OTHER NON OPERATING EXPENSES OF $7,333,354. 12-00851 Memos - Miami Parking Authority.pdf 12-00851 Legislation.pdf 12-00851 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Vice Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be DEFERRED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Item BH.9 was deferred to the September 27, 2012 Budget Hearing. BH.10 RESOLUTION 12-00882 Virginia Key Beach A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH Park Trust ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $566,000, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. 12-00882 Summary Form.pdf 12-00882 Legislation.pdf 12-00882 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0325 Chair Suarez: BH.10. Commissioner Carollo: BH.10. Chair Suarez: That's you guys, Virginia Key. Guy Forchion: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Manager. My name is Guy Forchion. I'm the executive director of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. There is a resolution before you asking you to adopt our annual budget for the Trust. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner Spence -Jones. Is there a second? Commissioner Carollo: Second for -- I'm sorry. Chair Suarez: Second for commitment. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: For discussion. Chair Suarez: Second for discussion. Commissioner Carollo, you're recognized. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Mr. Forchion, the problem I have with this budget is -- Again, when you heard me speaking, you heard how conservative I am with the budget. And the problem I'm having with this is the projected revenue. Your current year revenues are about 380 Mr. Forchion: Correct, 381 is -- Commissioner Carollo: Right, 381. And I'm seeing a jump to 544. That's more than a $150, 000 jump. I mean, if it happens, it's great. However, if it doesn't, I -- you know, and you actually go through your expenses, then we're going to have to cover you 'cause you don't have any more fund balance or very little. Mr. Forchion: Understood, and I'll be happy to speak to that. And we've talked a lot tonight, as I've heard other presentations, kind of doing a brief history, and I will as well. In 2009/2010, we had revenues of $115, 000. In 2010/2011, we had revenues of 282, far over 100 percent increase. And in being fair in that, again, the Trust was supported by the City of Miami from its inception right up to the economic downturn in the 2009 fiscal year. And our focus changed a great deal, as did our staff size. But we did focus in on what was needed in terms of gaining revenue and moving the project forward. And unfortunately, that downturn took place not even a year after the park opened having been closed for 25 years. But we still were able to show far over 100 percent increase from '09 to 2010. And in this current year, we're reaching our 381 goal, again, an increase this time of 99,000, essentially $100, 000. But it is a 35 percent increase in revenue from the prior year. And though it has shrunken from well over 100,000 and we're at 35 percent, we have many more bookings planned and many other partnerships also planned. I feel completely confident, as I build our budget, it was a much larger projection in terms of revenue, but very, very similar to the way the Bayfront Park Trust moves forward: you have to look at real bookings and real engagement for events. And we have a lot more interest in events and activities at the park, rentals and programs taking on that bring us revenue. Even with that said, I'm very confident we will achieve this number. But again, if those numbers are not reached, we have different methods that we would use to scale back some of our expenses and costs in the second half of the year. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And can I ask you something? Guy, are you getting any money from the City of Miami? This is all -- this is your money, right? Mr. Forchion: This is all our money. This is all based on projections that we create. This is the Commissioner Gort: Nine thousand. Mr. Forchion: -- third year and we have not -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Huh? Commissioner Gort: Nine thousand from the City. Mr. Forchion: -- fallen into a deficit since the '09 turndown where we've gotten a zero contribution from the City. Commissioner Carollo: The thing is, Commissioner Spence -Jones -- and you're going to get mad City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 at me. I know you are. But listen, I got to do my due diligence. I -- I'm a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). I can't just look the other way and -- Chair Suarez: I love it when he says that. Commissioner Carollo: -- pretend that -- you know. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Is it -- will we have a second reading -- Commissioner Carollo: At the same time -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- on this? Commissioner Carollo: What's that? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Are we going to have a second reading on this? I can't remember. Commissioner Carollo: No. I think -- Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): It's a resolution. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Is this final? Commissioner Carollo: -- this is the one shot. Commissioner Gort: This is it. Ms. Thompson: It's a resolution. Commissioner Gort: It's final. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Huh? Ms. Thompson: It's a resolution. Commissioner Carollo: It's a res -- it's a -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: -- one shot. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- Commissioner Carollo: They -- the City also provides a lot of services to them that they do not in Bayfront Park. Our Parks Department does go and do a lot of maintenance and stuff like that. Mr. Forchion: Correct. Commissioner Carollo: So there's an expense to that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I understand. Commissioner Carollo: And they're requesting $9, 000 from the City in this budget. Now you know, you -- Mr. Forchion, you said something that catches my eye. You're requesting $9, 000 from the City, but at the same time, you're saying you could reduce some of your expenses. So City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 I'm saying, well, wait a second. So why should the City then --? You know, forget about the Parks Department. We'll put that aside. But what -- Mr. Forchion: Under -- Commissioner Carollo: -- can we then cut out the $9,000? And what's worrying me is your revenue projections are very high. Now the problem with that is that -- and the bigger problem is that your expenditures are even higher. So year to year, your expenditures are growing larger than your revenues. So, you know, it's like a double concern. Mr. Forchion: Well, I would say again, and something to pay close attention to, when we moved into the '09/2010 year, we carried over $109,000; and our budget last year was actually higher than it was this year. We did carry over dollars, but again, we are trending forward that last year, the completion of this fiscal year, was with zero contribution from the City and also zero carryover. We held back some of our dollars -- I believe it was twelve thousand some odd dollars that were in reserve -- to begin to create a reserve. And this budget does intend to have a very small reserve. There's a $17, 000 line of reserve. To your 9,000, we had hoped for a greater contribution, and that is to buy a piece of machinery that we do need on the property that as we bring out interested individuals who view the property, we could move them around it as such to see the area as it needs to be displayed. Commissioner Carollo: And Mr. Forchion, I'm sorry. Where's your $17, 000 of reserve? I don't see it. I see $17,000 aid to -- Mr. Forchion: It's -- Commissioner Carollo: -- private organization. Mr. Forchion: Exactly. And -- Commissioner Carollo: But aid to private organization is not a reserve. Mr. Forchion: Well, again, as we -- we were also fortunate to have a visit from Mr. Alfonso, who helped us, one, trim down some of the items that we were -- Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Alfonso, come back here. Could we trim a little more? Mr. Forchion: He did work on us and have us trim some of the different lines down. But when we asked him about how our agency would move dollars into reserve, it was expressed as a line that was aid to private organization. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. I do want to mention something really quickly. I know -- and I don't know where Keith is. I guess he's back in my office. But I know that we are actually going to be working along with Parks -- I don't know where Juan -- is Juan -- did he go back --? Yeah, with Parks and with Solid Waste to generate some additional revenue. Keith, if you're anywhere around and you hear me talking -- Commissioner Carollo: There's Mr. Pascual. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah, I see Juan, but Keith is the one that's actually putting together a plan, and that is to kind of help offset some of their additional costs. Is he coming out? Is Keith coming? Okay. Anyway, my point is that there are -- we're looking at other ways to offset some of those costs that will at least help them with their bottom line. But this is something that I know in the last budget hearing, Commissioner Sarnoff and I have talked about trying to figure out a way to at least get Virginia Key Beach, the projects actually moving, you City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 know. We got -- you know, for the most part, you guys have been doing a great job with kind of holding it down, but it's really time for the project to go to the next level. I mean, it's -- you know, this is -- for me, it's almost going on seven years. So I just really, really want us to try to figure out, beyond this budget cycle, what are we going to do to move the project to the next level. And we don't have to explain it right here and right now. Gene Tinnie: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But I do know -- I wanted to let you know, Commissioner Carollo, we are looking at other things to do that would generate revenues. And between the Park -- there's Keith. Keith. Commissioner Carollo: And Commissioner Spence -Jones, when you say to move the project to the next level -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, meaning -- Commissioner Carollo: -- could you --? Commissioner Spence -Jones: You're only talking about the park portion of it. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But there's monies that have been sitting in Miami -Dade County and I have been -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes, yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- meeting with Commissioner Suarez's father -- Commissioner Carollo: For the remediation. Chair Suarez: District 7. Commissioner Carollo: For the remediation or -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, no, no, no, no. Commissioner Carollo: -- the environmental of that land. Commissioner Spence -Jones: This is for the African -American museum that was prom -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Fifteen million, right? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Vice Chair Sarnoff Is it -- 15 million, I think. Mr. Forchion: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right, 15 million, which is the -- which is really the major project for them. What they're doing now is just kind of maintaining and at least keeping the park going so -- but it is really time. Seven years, it's time for us to transition. And if that -- when that project gets built, a lot of those revenues, for whatever we're going to create there finally, can help also feed into, you know, the -- just the organization itself for it to be maintained on its own. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 So I -- right now I know -- you guys okay over there? You sure? You want to wait? You don't want to mention it right now? So I know we're working on something to help -- Keith Carswell: Right. Keith Carswell, director of Department of Solid Waste. A couple of months ago -- well, as some of you may know, to go out to Virginia Key, there is a gate. There are a number of trucks that go out to discharge at the water and sewer facility. The road is actually owned by the City of Miami. We're responsible for the road. And there was some thought and preliminary discussions about perhaps charging an access fee to support the -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: General operations. Mr. Carswell: -- activities and general operations out at Virginia Key. So we looked at some preliminary numbers in terms of the number of private vehicles going out to discharge at the wastewater facility. The only other facility there is is there's one in Broward and there's one in South Dade for discharging. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And they charge, right? Mr. Carswell: There -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: One of them does, right? Mr. Carswell: We currently don't charge -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Carswell: -- through the gate and that gate is -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, I'm saying the other one -- the other facilities. Do they charge to dump? Mr. Carswell: They charge -- yeah, they charge for disposal at the facility. And so we had had some preliminary discussions. I think there would need to be some improvements at the gate if we were to move forward with that so. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And the only reason I mention it -- it's still in the early stages, but my point is to try to figure out ways so that they're at least able to manage and operate the Trust so that they don't have any issues. So I wanted -- that's the only reason why I wanted to kind of somewhat mention that. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes. I'm sorry. We ready? Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Can I make a suggestion? Chair Suarez: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: This is what I suggest -- and I guess it'll be more of a leap of good faith. I'll take your revenue projection, you know, even though normally I wouldn't 'cause I'm -- I am very conservative. But anyhow, with that said, however, where I see City of Miami contribution, $9, 0000, offset that by the -- where you have aid to private organization, you're saying it's a reserve fund. So instead of reserving 17,000, reserve $8, 000 and offset the $9, 000 so the City City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 does not have to contribute the $9, 000. I'm hoping that you do make the revenues and then offset the $9, 000 that the City now will not be giving to you with the aid to private organization, which you're actually saying is a reserve fund. Is that something that --? Mr. Forchion: Yes, it is. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm just trying to understand why we're going through all this over $9,000. Commissioner Carollo: I don't know. I mean -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Come on, now. Commissioner Carollo: -- they're the one -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Come on, let's -- come on, now. Commissioner Carollo: -- they're asking for it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I understand that, but $9,000? Commissioner Carollo: But then they're doing a reserve. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I mean, but we're going through all this over $9, 000? I could see if he said 90 or 900. Commissioner Carollo: Well, the thing is, realistically, they're projecting from -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: They haven't been asking for any -- Commissioner Carollo: -- they're projecting an additional hundred and sixty some thousand dollars that they're going to make. Are the bookings done already? Have you done those bookings? Is there signed contracts? Mr. Forchion: There are signed contracts on many of them -- Commissioner Carollo: But not all. Mr. Tinnie: Not all. Mr. Forchion: -- but of course, not all. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Forchion: Again, we function very much like -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Very much like him -- Mr. Forchion: -- a private organization and go -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- like Bayfront Park. Mr. Forchion: -- on trends of how our business has been conducted. Chair Suarez: Can I ask -- City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Mr. Tinnie: IfI may -- Chair Suarez: -- let me ask a question. 'Cause since I've been here since 2009, we've never had to make a contribution for you to cover your budget, at least not that I can remember. Have we? Mr. Forchion: Not in that time period. The years before that, the City has contributed to -- Chair Suarez: Right, but not in the last -- Mr. Forchion: And again, the park was not open and was not in a position to create revenues until February 2008. Chair Suarez: Right. I just wanted to get that on the record, because I understand what the Commissioner is saying -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. We're starting the trend -- Chair Suarez: Yeah, and I understand what he's saying. Commissioner Carollo: -- of giving funds to them. Chair Suarez: 'Cause in his particular case in the agency he's the chair of they have their reserves so that if they don't meet bookings, they have money -- what he's saying is they have money they can pull from. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But they're trying to get to the point that they are -- they can have reserves. Chair Suarez: Right, and what I'm trying to say is, they have had enough of a track record since I've been here that they've never missed their budget since I've been here. Mr. Tinnie: Right. Chair Suarez: So that's where -- that's why I give them deference, you know, but it's -- I think -- Commissioner Carollo: And this is the first year that they've requested because they've been using carryover funds from previous years -- Mr. Tinnie: Right. Commissioner Carollo: -- but this is the first year that they're coming before us and saying, listen, in our budget, we want $9, 000 from the City. So I'm saying -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, we can take 9,000 out of the million you're going to give us, so that will cover that. Chair Suarez: All right. Is there a motion? Commissioner Carollo: I didn't even hear, guys. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you for your donation. Commissioner Gort: And it's from Parks Department. City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: All right. I'm going to call the question. Is there a motion on this? Commissioner Gort: From Parks Department. Yes. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): You have -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So -- Commissioner Gort: This was moved and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Chair Suarez: We have a motion and a second, okay. Commissioner Carollo: Hold on. Is it as amended with the --? Commissioner Spence -Jones: With the $9, 000, are you serious? Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. They have a reserve. They can cover the $9, 000. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You have one, too. You got a million in yours. Can we have some of that? Chair Suarez: Actually, it's five. Commissioner Carollo: It's not the same. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Five. Commissioner Carollo: It's not -- Chair Suarez: Five million. Commissioner Carollo: -- the same. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Anyway, whatever. Chair Suarez: Okay. All in favor, sign by saying liye. " Commissioner Carollo: Hold on. What are we voting on? Commissioner Gort: Wait, wait. Wait a minute, wait. What's --? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Amend it with his $9,000. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Chair Suarez: Okay, as amended. Okay, as amended. All -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: As amended -- Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- with the 9,000. Chair Suarez: -- in favor, signift by saying liye. " City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Suarez: Thank you, guys. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I would just like to officially put on the record, when we go through the $1 million contribution by the wonderful chair of the Bayfront Park, I would like to make a recommendation to make a donation to the Virginia Key Beach Trust to assist them with their -- Chair Suarez: Nine thousand dollars. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- offset that $9,000. Chair Suarez: I think that's wise. Commissioner Gort: Also, my understanding, I'd like to add that some of the venues they're going to be losing at Bayfront Park because of construction, they can be sent over to -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Can you send some events that they can't do at Bayfront Park? Commissioner Carollo: Well, let's talk about that. Let's talk about that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, no, not tonight. Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no. Let's talk about -- Commissioner Gort: Not tonight, not tonight. Commissioner Carollo: -- that. That's why so many times I have said, you know that area in Watson Island and the Flagstone and all of that, you know, realistically, we could have made a lot of revenues with that property, you know. And that's why I keep saying that we have not maximized our revenues. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, I'm not talking about -- Commissioner Carollo: So in all fairness, yes. Commissioner Gort: He's going to work with you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Chair Suarez: I don't want to get too far off -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I'm not talking about Watson Island. Chair Suarez: -- on a tangent 'cause I don't -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Commissioner Gort was talking about the events that you guys are not doing over there, you could just send them -- Chair Suarez: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- on over to Virginia Key Beach. That would help us -- you know, help them meet some of them costs. City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.11 12-00928 Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Spence -- Chair Suarez: I don't know if anybody wants to party on the tunnel dirt in Watson Island, but hey, I don't know. Maybe that's the next Ultra. The next Ultra will be on the tunnel dirt. Commissioner Carollo: No. Actually, no. We're trying to work something out with them so -- Chair Suarez: All right. I'm just giving you -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right. Chair Suarez: -- a hard time. All right, let's go. Commissioner Carollo: Let's move on. Chair Suarez: Let's move on. Thank you, guys. Mr. Forchion: Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Suarez: Thank you so much. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Thank you, guys. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY ("MSEA"), ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,000, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF MSEA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. 12-00928 Memo - MESA.pdf 12-00928 Legislation.pdf 12-00928 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chair Sarnoff, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0326 Chair Suarez: BH.11. Commissioner Carollo: Oh, gee. Commissioner Spence -Jones: See. Come on, now. Kirk Menendez: Good evening. Commissioner Spence -Jones: This is $66, 000. Mr. Menendez: Kirk Menendez -- City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Per year. Mr. Menendez: -- executive director of Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority. Commissioners, you have before you the proposed 2012-2013 budget -- operating budget for the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority for your consideration and approval. Chair Suarez: Thank you, sir. Is there a motion? Vice Chair Sarnoff So moved. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Chair Suarez: There's a motion by Commissioner Gort, a second -- Commissioner Carollo: Discussion. Chair Suarez: -- by the Vice Chair. Yeah, you can discuss it. Commissioner Carollo: Listen, I'm not going to get into details, but does this organization really need to be operating? It's costing us $66,000 a year and what does it really do? Chair Suarez: Listen, I am completely open to entertaining that discussion, not right now, but I'm open to entertaining that discussion. Commissioner Carollo: You know, $25, 000 in insurance, 15 -- you know, I mean, it's $66, 000. You know what, it may not be much, but you know what, it would have covered Virginia Keys, you know, 9,000 or a lot more. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, no, don't you throw in Virginia Key on that. Commissioner Carollo: What I'm saying is, you know, in the grand scheme of things, maybe 66,000 isn't that big of a deal. But at the same time, if we really start adding up -- And by the way, it's not just our events in Bayfront Park. It's actually being just conservative, you know, and going through our expenses and saying, Tim -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: No, I agree. Commissioner Carollo: -- do we really need to spend this much on this. And maybe it is three or four thousand here, ten thousand there, two or three here. Next thing you know, we're talking hundreds of thousands. So you know, do we really need to keep this open and spend $66, 000, I guess is -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well -- Chair Suarez: Look, I have no problem entertaining -- Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: -- that discussion. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But I guess at this point we have a lot of projects that are coming through MSEA (Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority) right now -- Chair Suarez: Right. City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- correct? Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So, I mean, how are we going to just like say we're not going to fund it when you've -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Yeah. I was -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- got projects. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- going to say -- I mean -- Chair Suarez: Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: I think we have to do a little history. If today we have the Miami Heat, we owe it to Sports Authority. It was created in order to bring the basketball to Miami. And they were very function at the time. When Overtown was being created, the Southeast Overtown -- I mean, the Southeast -- this organization, Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority, was very instrumental in creating and helping to get that done. So that's the reason why I moved this. Chair Suarez: Okay. Vice Chair Sarnoff And Mr. Chair, I don't mean to -- Chair Suarez: Yes. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- pile on, but I've been pretty good tonight, I think. Chair Suarez: You have. You had your moments, though. Commissioner Carollo: Don't blow it. Vice Chair Sarnoff. You know, MSEA affords us an opportunity to do things. You know, I've been sitting on that board that I want to thank Commissioner Gort for putting me on and having all those meetings. I just want to thank him for all that time I'm -- and efforts. But if we're going to do some things with some land and if it's the will of this board -- if it's the will of that board -- and I believe it's taking in some revenue from the helicopter operation -- and I'm sure you all have been visited by the new folks who are going to be doing the -- Chair Suarez: Chalks (phonetic). Vice Chair Sarnoff -- or trying to take the Chalks (phonetic) operation over. It's all going to run through MSEA. So, you know, it's kind of cool, I say, in a budget hearing to say let's defund them and let's do away with them, but then we'd have to operationally figure out what it is we're going to do. Chair Suarez: But let me -- Can I just say something? Vice Chair Sarnoff Sure. Chair Suarez: I think, you know, the Commissioner has a point. I think we should, maybe in October, just look at this issue because I'm not saying that MSEA doesn't have a function. I'm saying that maybe -- you know, and he has issues related to the Charter, which I think are also City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 important, which I told him at the time I would be willing to work with him to advance, you know. I think we should just take a look at where we're at with MSEA as a board -- you know, us, as a discussion item, take a look at where we're at, what the future holds for MSEA, and whether it has value, which way we're going to go, what direction. Are we going to go one way? Are we going to go right? Are we going to left? Are we going to fake right and then go left? You know, what are we going to do? So -- Vice Chair Sarnoff I think you're right. I think MSEA should make that call, and then when MSEA makes that call -- 'cause if it thinks it has value, well, let the MSEA board make its own -- Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Vice Chair Sarnoff. We -- three of us sit on that. Chair Suarez: Yeah, yeah. Vice Chair Sarnoff Let's just have a soul-searching moment and say, hey, what's our future. Chair Suarez: I don't have a problem. I think the discussion needs to be had. I think, at some point it has to come back to this Commission for us to have that discussion. Andl think, in fairness to the Commissioner, it's something we should do and it's something I agree with, sooner rather than just kind of like putting off. Vice Chair Sarnoff.- I agree. I'm the one sitting on that -- I'm the one that's getting on -- I'm the one that's having those monthly meetings so. Chair Suarez: Same here. Commissioner Carollo: Is there a motion? Chair Suarez: Yeah, there's a motion -- Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Chair Suarez: -- and a second. All in favor, sign by saying "aye.' The Commission (Collectively): Aye. BH.12 RESOLUTION 12-00912 Civilian investigative A RESOLUTION OF MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), Panel APPROVING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL, IN THE AMOUNT OF $464,000, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. 12-00912 Memos - CIP.pdf 12-00912 Legislation - CIP.pdf 12-00912 Legislation.pdf 12-00912 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Spence -Jones, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 R-12-0327 Chair Suarez: BH.12, Citizens [sic] Investigation [sic] Panel. Thank you for waiting patiently. I know it's getting late. I appreciate it, Horacio. The great Stuart Aguirre. Horacio Stuart Aguirre: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. You have two options right now. You can either listen to me read a presentation or you can just approve it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Well, that was -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Second. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Suarez: -- the smoothest presentation I've heard -- Mr. Stuart Aguirre: But now -- Chair Suarez: -- all night. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: -- but I didn't finish making my proposal. Chair Suarez: There's a motion, a second, and a third. Mr. Stuart: Aguirre: The proposal is that ifI don't read my presentation, you can't ask any questions. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Chair Suarez: There's a motion, a second, and a third so -- Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Suarez: Yes, of course. Commissioner Carollo: The only thing I'm asking is that we abide what -- by what we stated last time that we were here. Remember the 80,000 and whatever was leftover in your budget, that that money now gets offsetted [sic] with the 464 so that you could have -- still, you'll get 464; however, the money that you have left over comes back to the City, which is -- Chair Suarez: Unless they spend it. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Well, you can do it any way. Commissioner Carollo: -- over 200,000. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: We fully agree. The City of Miami Human Resource process takes a little longer than -- Commissioner Carollo: I got you. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: -- the private sector. So hiring our two additional investigators took a lot longer. So we do have right now for fiscal year just about to end of surplus -- City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: Right. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: -- and I don't care how you -- whether you do it. By statute, I believe we roll that back to the general fund. Commissioner Carollo: Not by statute. But anyhow, I spoke -- Chair Suarez: We'll amend the motion. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Or process. Chair Suarez: Amend the motion to reflect that. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I'll -- I spoke to Danny already about this. We already have spoken about this and I said that I will bring it up because it's not just your leftover from here. It was the $80, 000 and whatever was left over from last year also. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Well, I believe that's already been rolled back to the general fund. Commissioner Carollo: Not that -- not from what Danny and I spoke, but we'll make sure that it is -- Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Holy cow. Commissioner Carollo: -- so it'll offset whatever. Chair Suarez: Okay. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: All right. Chair Suarez: So -- Commissioner Carollo: Is Danny here? Chair Suarez: Yeah, he's right here. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: He's right over there. Chair Suarez: He's hiding behind the podium. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Stage right. Commissioner Carollo: Danny, how do you want to handle it? Daniel Alfonso (Director, Management & Budget): What we anticipate doing, Commissioners, is that for the '12/'13 budget, the budget will remain at 2 -- 464. We're just going to budget a lower transfer in so that they get to burn off that excess cash. Commissioner Carollo: Which what'll happen is that you'll receive only two hundred and some thousand because you already have two hundred and some thousand. So you'll get your 464, but at the same time, the City's going to save 250, 000, two hundred and some thousand. Don't worry. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Terrific. City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Carollo: You'll get your 464. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: I got it. Terrific. Commissioner Carollo: But the City will have a savings of 254 also. So don't worry. It'll work out. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Terrific, terrific. We got it. Commissioner Carollo: Do I need to amend the motion somehow? Chair Suarez: Can I make a motion to --? Mr. Stuart Aguirre: No. The motion -- we're still getting our 464. Commissioner Carollo: You're still getting your 464. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: The rest is internal. Chair Suarez: Okay, wait. Does he need to amend his motion to include it being done in that fashion? Mr. Alfonso: No, Commissioner. Chair Suarez: You'll take care of that internally. Mr. Alfonso: You're approving his expenditure budget. His revenue is on our side. We just transfer less. Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: I just want to make sure that this -- it does get done this time. Chair Suarez: Okay, guys? Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Okay. Chair Suarez: Is that fine? Madam Attorney, does he -- do we need to do anything with the motion? Is that fine? Do you agree with the Budget director's characterization? Mr. Stuart Aguirre: You know what I would like to do, though, is I would like to make just a friendly recommendation, not on behalf of the CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel), just as a citizen. We heard from the Greater Miami Service Corp kids. Why don't you give a little bit of the money that we're giving back to you to some of those kids? That would be a really wonderful thing. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I second. Is that -- was that a motion? Mr. Stuart Aguirre: You can consider that. Thank you, ma'am. Chair Suarez: Well, everybody's just going away with going -away presents. Commissioner Carollo: It should be about 250,000 so just -- City of Miami Page 51 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Mr. Stuart Aguirre: Just a little. Give the kids a little bit. Chair Suarez: All right. Ms. Thompson: Excuse me, Chair, before you vote. I need to make sure, okay -- Chair Suarez: What we're voting on. Ms. Thompson: Now we're actually -- I want to make sure that it was Commissioner Carollo that moved the motion -- I'm sorry, moved the item; Commissioner Spence -Jones second. There was discussion about an amendment which did not come to fruition; is that correct? So it's as is? Commissioner Carollo: It's as is -- Commissioner Gort: As it is. Commissioner Carollo: -- 'cause -- it's as is because we do not need an amendment. Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: But it's understood what's going to happen. Vice Chair Sarnoff With instructions. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And then -- Chair Suarez: Danny, have you amended your -- Mr. Alfonso, have you amended your job title to include -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: And the savings -- Chair Suarez: -- Budget director for all these other agencies as well? Commissioner Carollo: I just find the money and you spend it. Mr. Stuart Aguirre: All right. Thank you very much. I'd like to recognize Ms. Carol Abia, an outstanding lawyer, the executive director; Mr. Charles Mays, our independent counsel, another outstanding lawyer. And thank you very much. Ms. Thompson: Vote. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Alrighty, we're almost there. Ms. Thompson: I need -- Chair, you have a motion and a second. Chair Suarez: Yes. There's a motion and second. All in favor, sign by saying "aye.' The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Aguirre. BH.13 RESOLUTION 12-00850 City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Fire Fighters and Police Officers Retirement Trust A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MIAMI FIRE FIGHTERS' AND POLICE OFFICERS' ("FIPO") RETIREMENT TRUST FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, TO PROVIDE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FIPO RETIREMENT TRUST FUND, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,044,488, WITH THE AMOUNT AMORTIZED IN ACTUARIAL NORMAL COST AS STATED IN THE ACTUARIAL REPORT DATED JUNE 16, 2012. 12-00850 Memos - FIPO.pdf 12-00850 Legislation.pdf 12-00850 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Spence -Jones, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0328 Chair Suarez: Okay. We're moving along here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes, we are. Chair Suarez: Adopting and approving the annual FIPO (Firefighters Police Officers) budget. Is there a motion? Commissioner Spence -Jones: So moved. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner -- Commissioner Carollo: Second, discussion. Chair Suarez: -- Spence -Jones, second for discussion. Mr. Gabriel, how are you, sir? Tom Gabriel: Good, sir, Mr. Chair. Chair Suarez: It's good to see you, sir. Commissioner Gort: Nice to see you in uniform. Chair Suarez: Yes. Mr. Gabriel: Once in a while, I do work. Thank you. I'd like your approval of this budget. We've worked -- I've come around to see either staff or yourselves to show you that we've saved money this year. We've cut some things back. Chair Suarez: Bless you for that. Mr. Gabriel: And we're working our hardest to be efficient. Chair Suarez: Bless you for that. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Yes, I think Mr. Gabriel will agree this year that it's much, much different than last year, and I have to say that. You know, I appreciate it, I truly do, because last year we said you know, your budget was too high; and actually, this year you took the initiative and actually reduced it from last year so -- I still have some issues with some of the items, as you very well know. Commissioner Gort: It's been moved? Commissioner Carollo: But with that said, you know, I really appreciate -- Commissioner Gort: Has it been moved? Commissioner Carollo: -- your initiative. And, you know, if -- and I'll leave it at that. I appreciate your initiative, and I will be voting in support of your budget. Thank you. Mr. Gabriel: Thank you, sir. Chair Suarez: And I'd like to say that I think it's a very strong indication of the character of the people you have on your board -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: -- because I think you understand that whatever monies we're paying your board, we can't pay your members. Commissioner Carollo: That's right. Chair Suarez: And that's really what it comes down to at the end of the day. So, you know, I wish I could say the same thing for all the other boards, but I thank you for actually taking the initiative and doing that. Mr. Gabriel: Thank you, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Very good And by the way -- and you see it's a change of cultures. It's a change of -- Chair Suarez: Sure is. Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, so I truly appreciate that, Mr. Gabriel. Chair Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Gabriel: No problem. Chair Suarez: It's been moved and second. All in favor, signifir by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. BH.14 RESOLUTION 12-00933 City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' & SANITATION EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT TRUST ("GESE RETIREMENT TRUST FUND") FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,468,250 EXCLUDING NORMAL COST, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE RETIREMENT TRUST FUND. 12-00933 Memos - GESE Retirement Trust.pdf 12-00933 Legislation.pdf 12-00933 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be DENIED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Suarez: BH -- Tom Gabriel: Thank you. Chair Suarez: -- 14. Okay, BH.14 is the GESE (General Employees Sanitation Employees) operating budget. Does anyone want to make a motion to approve the GESE operating budget? Commissioner Gort: They're not here. Vice Chair Sarnoff. Make a motion to deny. Chair Suarez: Motion to deny. Is there a second? Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: There's a second Any discussion? All in favor, signify by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Suarez: Passes unanimously. BH.15. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, is there -- Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- any direction that we should give the GESE Trust? I could get into details -- Chair Suarez: I could get into details too. Commissioner Carollo: -- and I'm sure we all can get into details. Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: I don't know if we need to give them any directions, but obviously, their budget is way, way too high. City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: And, you know, I don't want to just vote against it and say, okay, what happened. Chair Suarez: Yeah, no. Look, I could -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I think we all -- Chair Suarez: -- I think maybe we can give them some direction on what it is that's causing heartburn for us. First of all, from my perspective, it's the opposite of the FIPO Trust, which is it's significantly higher. For example, there's an additional $30, 000 with a 29 percent increase in consulting actuary costs; 19 percent increase in investment consultant costs; 51 percent increase in repair and maintenance services; and 466 percent increase in machinery and equipment. You know, those are my -- that summarizes my -- Vice Chair Sarnoff But you could take those into consideration and you figure the increase they did over the year before, they more than took over the increase simply by their expenses. Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: I'm just -- I'm not going to get into all the details. I'm just going to say real brief and real general. The FIPO Board or FIPO Trust handles $1.3 -- Commissioner Gort: Billion dollars. Commissioner Carollo: -- billion -- not million -- dollars. GESE Board handles slightly over, let's say, $515 million, big difference. Now, when it comes as far as expenses, the FIPO has a $2 million administrative expense, while GESE has 3.4 administrative expense. So it's way higher and they handle a lot less money wise or financially. So that's a start. So they really need to see what they're doing wrong. FIPO is operating with four employees; they're operating with over 10. I think it's 11. And we can just go on and on. So -- Chair Suarez: Yeah, I agree. Commissioner Carollo: -- the bottom line is they really need to take a close look at their budget and they need to cut. They need to reduce, they need to cut. Because they are not -- saying that they're not being efficient is an understatement. Chair Suarez: And going to the point that I made in the FIPO but taking it from the other perspective, the monies that we're spending on the management of the entity that manages the fund is money that essentially comes out of their own members' pocket because -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: -- it's less money that we can pay to our employees. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: So I think, you know, one of the interesting things about the FIPO Trust -- and there have been times when I've been critical of both trusts in the past. Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely. Chair Suarez: You know, I think they get it or, you know, at least they understood the message City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 BH.15 12-00934 General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust BH.16 12-00927 Department of Solid Waste that we were trying to send to them. So I -- Commissioner Gort: Are they here? Chair Suarez: I don't know. Commissioner Carollo: They left. Chair Suarez: Are they? Commissioner Carollo: I think they left as soon as we voted no. Chair Suarez: Oh, okay. Well, they have some work to do. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' & SANITATION EMPLOYEES' EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN ("GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN") FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $109,307, EXCLUDING THE ACTUARIALLY DETERMINED ANNUAL BENEFIT PAYMENT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN. 12-00934 Memos - GESE Excess Benefit Plan.pdf 12-00934 Legislation.pdf 12-00934 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Vice Chair Sarnoff, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be DENIED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones Chair Suarez: So we have now -- we're on BH.7 -- I'm sorry, BH.15, my apologies, which is the GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees) excess. Do you guys want to vote the same way or --? Vice Chair Sarnoff: Motion to deny. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Motion and a second to deny. All in favor, signify by saying "aye. " The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Suarez: Same direction. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICES, FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA; City of Miami Page 57 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 IMPOSING SOLID WASTE ASSESSMENTS AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012; APPROVING THE RATE OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12-00927 Summary Form.pdf 12-00927 Legislation.pdf 12-00927 Exhibit 1.pdf Motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0329 Chair Suarez: BH.16. Is there a motion? Which is the solid waste fee. Commissioner Carollo: Question. Is this -- not increasing the solid waste fee, right? Chair Suarez: Correct. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Commissioner Carollo: Maintaining it the same -- Chair Suarez: Three eighty. Commissioner Carollo: -- maintaining it flat? Chair Suarez: Yes. Commissioner Gort: Move it. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Second by Commissioner Carollo. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Public hearing. Chair Suarez: Okay. There's a public hearing on BM 16. Anyone from the public wishing to speak on BM 16? We still can beat the County, by the way, guys. There's only 13 minutes. All in favor, signift by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. BH.17 ORDINANCE First Reading 12-00864 Department of AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DEFINING AND Management and DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR Budget THE PURPOSE OF TAXATION; ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE AND LEVYING AD VALOREM TAXES IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, FOR THE City of Miami Page 58 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2012 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; CONTAININGASEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 12-00864 Summary Form SR.pdf 12-00864 Legislation FR/SR.pdf Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be PASSED ON FIRST READING PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Carollo and Suarez Noes: 2 - Commissioner(s) Sarnoff and Spence -Jones Note for the Record: Please refer to item BH.1 for minutes referencing item BH.17. Chair Suarez: BH.17. Is there a motion on BH.17? Is this also a public hearing? Commissioner Carollo: So move. Priscilla A. Thompson (City Clerk): Yes. Chair Suarez: Moved by Commissioner Carollo. Is there a second? Commissioner Carollo: It's the millage. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Suarez: Second by Commissioner Gort. This is a public hearing item. Julie O. Bru (City Attorney): You had the hearing. Chair Suarez: Oh, we did. I'm sorry. My apologies, Mariano. We already had the hearing. You spoke on it. Mariano Cruz: No, no, no, no. This is the ordinance. The other one was -- Chair Suarez: No. We combined it all into one. We combined them all into one. Can you -- Mr. Cruz: The other one -- this is the ordinance. Chair Suarez: You're making it hard for us to break the County's record, man. Come on. You really want to get your licks in on this, on the millage? Commissioner Carollo: You'll get a second shot. Chair Suarez: Yeah. By the way, Mariano, we're going to be talking about this in two weeks. Commissioner Carollo: September 27. Chair Suarez: (Comment in Spanish not translated). Mr. Cruz: That's all right. No, no. Chair Suarez: All right. Mr. Cruz: The only thing -- Mariano Cruz, 1227. You have to make sure that money go to the police department, all that. City of Miami Page 59 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: Thank you. Mr. Cruz: My daughter -- my youngest granddaughter happen to be the granddaughter of police officers. Make sure that her future is taken care. Thank you. Chair Suarez: Thank you, sir. All in favor, signifir by saying -- Ms. Thompson: No, no. First reading. Chair Suarez: I got to close the public hearing. Commissioner Gort: It's ordinance. Chair Suarez: Sorry. Anyone else from the public wishing to speak on BH.17? Seeing none, the public hearing is closed. Ms. Thompson: A first reading ordinance. Chair Suarez: For a first reading ordinance. Thank you for timely jumping in there. Madam Attorney. The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney. Ms. Thompson: Roll call. Commissioner Spence -Jones? Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. Ms. Thompson: Vice Chair Sarnoff? Vice Chair Sarnoff No. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Gort? Commissioner Gort: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Commissioner Carollo? Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Ms. Thompson: Chair Suarez? Chair Suarez: Yes. Ms. Thompson: The ordinance has been passed on first reading, 3-2. Chair Suarez: Thank you. BH.18 RESOLUTION 12-00865 Department of A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ADOPTING A Management and TENTATIVE BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO Budget OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2013. City of Miami Page 60 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 12-00865 Summary Form.pdf 12-00865 Legislation.pdf 12-00865- Submittal - Sept.l3th Changes Memo.pdf Motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote. Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Sarnoff, Carollo, Suarez and Spence -Jones R-12-0330 Note for the Record: Please refer to item BH.1 for minutes referencing item BH.18. Chair Suarez: BH.18. Mr. Alfonso, you're recognized on BH.18. There's no public hearing on this. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And Mr. Chairman, we are able to speak on the different departments now, right? Chair Suarez: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: After he -- Chair Suarez: This is our time. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Chair Suarez: Now what we did last year -- let me just say what we did last year. What we did last year was we -- well, there was a lot of reasons why we did what we did last year. I think we got our -- a lot of our budget information at the last minute and Mr. Alfonso had just gotten here. But what we did last year was we passed it and then we saved a lot of our commentary for the next meeting, but -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Chair Suarez: Yeah. And that one went 'til 3 in the morning. But we also -- the first year -- Commissioner Carollo: 3:30. Chair Suarez: -- they both went 'til like 2 o'clock in the morning. So -- I mean, if we, you know Commissioner Spence -Jones: But we've gotten so much better than that, right? Chair Suarez: We have. I think we have. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Chair Suarez: I think we have. Commissioner Carollo: We could beat the County. Chair Suarez: Plus, we have a great budget director so -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. City of Miami Page 61 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Chair Suarez: -- you know. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We are putting -- we're saying by 11 o'clock, we're going to be wrapping anyway, right, Mr. Chairman? Chair Suarez: I'm hoping -- we have nine minutes to beat the County. That's what I'm hoping for. That's what I'm hoping for. I mean, fake right, go left, you know. No? Okay. Mr. Alfonso, we have nine minutes. Daniel Alfonso: Commissioners, I presented the budget to the Commission back in July. It was put online. I think we delivered hard copies to all of you. Last night, we made some -- what I would consider minor changes. They were sent out in a memorandum. This resolution would adopt tentatively the budget as presented with the amendments. If there are any questions, the information has been out there for a month and a half, I'm more than willing to assist in answering. Chair Suarez: I'll be honest with you, if I may. I'm just going to say I put a lot of my questions in writing beforehand and you've been very, very interactive with my office in answering a lot of our questions. I kind of learned -- I've learned that one, Commissioner Spence -Jones, in the last couple of years. And you've been incredibly responsive. Even -- I think the last e-mail (electronic) I got from you was at 9:40 on Sunday, so I appreciate that level of responsiveness. I just -- the only thing I want to say is when you vote on a budget of five -- I think the amendment you sent last night was slightly over 500 million. There is no way that I am in agreement with every single aspect of a $500 million budget. There's just no way. And I think I presented one earlier which was the $900, 000 in Finance, which I don't agree with. Having said that, I don't want to happen to me what happened to me last year, which is there were some things that happened and I voted against the budget last year because I wasn't clear -- you know, perfectly satisfied with certain aspects of it. And last year was different because we were at 3:30 in the morning; we hadn't even discussed revenues, and we had revenue categories that were off by $8 million in the prior year's budget. So, you know, that was the reason why I was very -- you know, one of the main reasons why I voted against it, and it was, you know, 3:30 in the morning, you know, and we were really, really tired. But I just want to say this year that there are things that I probably wouldn't agree with, but you know, overall, I think the budget has been done in a very competent manner, and not only that, you have worked with my office that has scrutinized this book incredibly -- by the way, reproduced [sic] the book and you produced it fast and you produced it well. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: And it's -- everything ties, which is something that one -- you know, the Commissioner was concerned about in prior years. So, you know, I just have to commend you for that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And you're going to get the special Believe award, which means -- Chair Suarez: Yeah. I think he should get one. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- the Chairman is going to take you out to lunch. Chair Suarez: I'm in. You got it. And I know -- Commissioner Carollo: Count me in. Chair Suarez: -- I think Commissioner Carollo did it last year, and I think I need to do it this year. So I have to commend your staff for all the work that they've done as well. City of Miami Page 62 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: So now he's going to take your whole entire lunch -- Chair Suarez: That's -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- staff to lunch. Chair Suarez: -- true. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You hear that? How many people in your department? Mr. Alfonso: There's only 12 of us, Commissioner. Chair Suarez: Thank the Lord. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right. And tell him you don't want any pizza. Chair Suarez: Thank you, Lord. Commissioner Spence -Jones: You don't want no pizza. Chair Suarez: There's only 12. Thank you. Appreciate that. Mr. Alfonso: But I do want to point out -- if I may take just a second so we could still beat the County. Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Alfonso: About half of my department is here, and without them, there's -- none of this information would be in front of you and then this work would not be possible, that's for sure. Commissioner Gort: Good to hear that. Chair Suarez: Okay. And wait, I got to commend the Manager as well. I got to commend the Manager because, you know, not only because -- and really, when you've been able to mind the ship -- it's very different from last year. And I think that's the key here. Last year was pretty chaotic. And as you are steadying the wheel of the budget, he's been, you know, steadying the wheel on the union negotiations and everything looks positive so far; so far, so good, so we'll see. Vice Chair Sarnoff Yeah. Let me just say this, Mr. Manager. First to you, my hat's off to you. Great job of bringing us home. And to Danny Alfonso and his team -- Chair Suarez: Seventeen days. We can't our chickens before they hatch. Vice Chair Sarnoff -- I spent a lot of time with you, Danny. You're the first guy, since I've been here in six years, who could explain the budget of the City of Miami. Unidentified Speaker: Yes. Mr. Alfonso: I want to say one more thing. Commissioner Carollo: We're still on time. Mr. Alfonso: It is going to change for the next meeting because once we resolve all the labor City of Miami Page 63 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 contract issues -- Chair Suarez: Right. Mr. Alfonso: -- there are some expenditures that will be taken out, some revenues will be put in, so don't be surprised if there are some -- another memo that will follow with some changes. Chair Suarez: Do you guys want to adopt the tentative budget now and then deal with the scrutinizing later? Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, I have a couple things in here thatl definitely want to go through, so are we --? Chair Suarez: Do you want to do it now? 'Cause we can do it in the next meeting before we adopt -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I want to make sure -- Chair Suarez: -- the final budget. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- we address them because if we -- right, but -- so then if we adopt it, then I can make -- Chair Suarez: Just a tentative, yes. You can make whatever changes you want in the next -- Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Chair Suarez: -- hearing. That's how we did it last year and we saved a lot of time. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, but I can put these on the record today? Chair Suarez: If you want to or -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Chair Suarez: -- you can just send him an e-mail. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No. Chair Suarez: That'll work too. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Well, actually, I wanted to make sure he responded to them at the hearing. Chair Suarez: Okay. Commissioner Gort: You want to move it and -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So we can move it. Commissioner Gort: -- second it for discussion? Chair Suarez: Okay. City of Miami Page 64 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Gort: Move it. Chair Suarez: There's a motion. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Chair Suarez: Second. Discussion. Commissioner, you got four minutes and forty-nine seconds. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Four minutes? Commissioner Carollo: It has to beat the County. Chair Suarez: We're trying to beat the County at 8:30. Commissioner Spence -Jones: What I really wanted to say, though, before we -- it's going to be longer than the four minutes, so you might as well be prepared. There's a couple of things that I do want to say, and then I want to go through the departments that I've highlighted just to make sure -- and Danny already knows what the items are, but I think it's important for my fellow colleagues to know the things that I've also highlighted because I don't know if you have identified those as issues as well. But I do want to say this to the City Manager -- and yes, the book. It was great to have, you know, a full proposed book. As you know, this is actually my -- couple of weeks ago, this is my anniversary, my one-year anniversary coming back. And you know what I walked into when I got back. So to have an actual book and to be able to actually go through it was great. But what I do want to respond to first -- and I think it's important -- and the Chairman kind of hinted on it a little bit, but -- is the Manager's opening message in the proposed booklet. And basically, you know, part of Mr. Manager, your opening statement addressed the reorganizing of the City financing. On page 200, however, one of the things that I just really want us to think about when we come back the next time is this five-year financial plan. In the last paragraph, you stated the overall revenues are projected to grow by approximately 2.2 percent annually, while expenditures are projected to grow by 4.0 to 4.6 percent. Now, as you know, I'm sure you guys saw me in North Carolina with Bill Clinton and the crew. I had my Believe sign. You saw the Believe sign, right? Chair Suarez: I saw it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I was representing. Chair Suarez: I thought it was pretty cool. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But one of the things that Bill did say on that day is, you know, what about the arithmetic, you know? What about -- how are we going to address those numbers, you know? And I said from day one coming back and I've always said, you know, that it is extremely important -- you know, we're talking about if our expenses are going to grow, right, you know, and our revenues are not changing, then to me that means, to a certain extent, we are structurally unbalanced. And I said this during the last budget hearing. It's like what are we going to actually do to begin to address, you know, increasing the revenues. And I'm very concerned about when I see the budget and I see, you know -- you guys have been able to at least -- and I want to thank the unions. I think we all want to thank the unions, the City Commissioners sitting up here, because you guys, you know, really stepped up to the plate at the end of the day to really make it happen for the folks that you represent. And I think that it's really important for us as Commissioners to acknowledge that. And I know that we're still negotiating with some of you guys, but I understand how difficult this was. And I think that if we're going to thank anybody, we need to definitely make sure that we acknowledge you in this process. I also, again, thank Danny and the Manager for working through those issues so that City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 we can work on them. But I'm just -- I'm concerned with, you know, every time we look at how we're going to address the City budget, we're looking at, you know, the backs of City employees and not looking at other ways to find revenues to balance our budget so -- especially if it's in your booklet, Mr. Manager, where you make the statement that already we know going into it that, you know, we are going to have a revenue -generating issue, then I think that there needs to be a serious plan put together by the Administration to work on increasing revenues so that we don't find ourself in this situation once again. I want to say this as well. You know, when I came back, you know, one of the things I was harping on all the time was, you know, what additional thing can we do to, you know, generate revenue. And every single item that I brought up up here about generating revenue so that we wouldn't find ourself in this position as we entered into a budget hearing, there was always an issue with it. One was the elections, where we could have all -- saved almost $2 million dollars. We had an issue with that. That was $2 million that we could have kept. The surcharges, so that at least we didn't have to pay for the events that, quite frankly, in some of our neighborhoods, the only events that these kids will ever see are the events that we present, you know; had an issue with that. Then we had the issue on the millage where we could have at least got anywhere between 10 and 14 million; didn't want to deal with that. So the only options we ever have is on the back of the employees, and I have a real big issue with that. So I'm going to say this -- and as we prepare ourselves to get ready for, you know, October 1, every single time somebody steps up to that mike, Mr. Manager, and they talk about some land or they talk about a building or they talk about any City asset and we talk about trying to figure out a way to give it to them for free or for nothing, I'm going to remind you of this -- in your own budget statement about the fact that we're going to have an issue around the revenue. We cannot go into next year not trying to turn over every rock, you know, go under every crevice or in every crevice to find dollars to make sure that we don't have, you know, an unbalanced budget because I'm very concerned with the -- not even unbal -- I'm not going to even say unbalanced. I want us to start focusing our energies on surplus. What are we going to do with all the assets that we have in order to address it? There are several agreements that are already out there, you know, that quite frankly, we're not getting the full value off some of these leases. I've been asking since I've been back what are we going to do to assess the leases that we do have out there to see if we're getting a true value from that; haven't gotten a report on that yet, you know. I keep asking about RFPs (Requests for Proposals), if they're going to be put out on certain projects, and that hasn't happened yet. So to me, while we did get through this period and we did not have, you know, a lot of bloodshed from this period, I'm still going to at least press on the fact that we need to do more to figure out a way to generate revenues. And I just don't feel that we're doing enough to address the bottom line, especially in our -- if it's in your own opening statement as it become -- as it being an issue. So I'm not going to harp on that, but I felt it was important for me to say that before Igo to each one of these departments. So I'm going to start off with the first department and I'm not going to be long. I'll do it really fast. Danny has answered most of my questions. But the first one I have is actually for the City Manager. And it is the transfer of the special events coordinator position and the information clerk from Parks to the Office of Film and Entertainment. I just want to be clear. Danny, do you have --? I understand that we're now forming an -- Chair Suarez: Page? The page that you're on? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, I'm sorry, 54. Danny, I understand that -- I don't know if you have a response to this now. I understand that we're now forming a new film and entertainment division that will be up and running and all of that, right? Mr. Alfonso: Commissioner, that office already existed. We're augmenting it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so are these -- this additional 77,000 we're putting in there? Mr. Alfonso: It's moving 77,000 that is currently in Parks and moving it over to the Manager's office. It's the same 77,000. It's not a new 77,000. City of Miami Page 66 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so it's just -- so I just want to have clarity on it. Mr. Alfonso: Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I know that I asked you the question about -- because that particular position, the special events coordinator, was one of the positions that was a part of the Little Haiti -- what is it? So this is -- that has been resolved and that's no longer an issue? Mr. Alfonso: If -- Juan, can you step up for a second? The Little -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just want to make -- Mr. Alfonso: -- was that the one position that was the Little Haiti Cultural Center coordinator? Commissioner Spence -Jones: 'Cause right now we have nobody over there in Little Haiti speaking Creole, which is crazy to me but -- Juan Pascual: Juan Pascual, director of Parks and Recreation. Commissioner, in answer to your question, what we did was we took the money of the vacancy of that position, which is the special events coordinator -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Pascual: -- and at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, we hired a temporary employee. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: That temporary employee has just recently, within the last few months, resigned. And we're in the process of replacing with another temporary employee that does the events over there -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: -- because the special -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: But it's not going to come from this bottom -- it's a different amount of money altogether? Mr. Pascual: Their whole budget, the whole cost of operations for Little Haiti Cultural Center is going to be moving over to the Public Facilities Department -- Mr. Alfonso: Right. Mr. Pascual: -- with all the personnel and all the expenses. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: Okay. So we will have -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So that -- I just want to make sure that position was not being lost for that. So you're saying that it's not. Mr. Pascual: No, no. City of Miami Page 67 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, I just wanted -- Mr. Alfonso: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- that answer. Okay, thanks. My next one is CIP (Capital Improvements Program). And I just wanted to make sure that I -- page 63. I see that there's a lot of eliminations on some key things here, you know. The elimination of construction manager and I'm fine with that. Danny kind of explained all that to me. The only one I did have is -- want to have a clear understanding -- it says funding for one senior assistant to City Manager position, transfer from the City Manager's office to assist in the project management of large CIP projects. Explain to me -- such as Museum Park. What are we doing now? Albert Sosa: Albert Sosa, director of Capital Improvements. And this predates, I think, the current Administration. But there was a specific individual in a specific position who was a large-scale project construction manager. His name is Robert Fenton. He was managing the Marlins garage project. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, I see. Mr. Sosa: And he lived in the City Manager's cost center -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Sosa: -- but he was working on CIP projects. So this just corrects that or changes that so that Robert now lives inside Capital Improvements. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So he's coming back to -- Mr. Sosa: That's correct. Mr. Alfonso: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, all right. That's what I wanted to be clear. And just really before you leave, on the trolley manager position to assist with the management of trolley program, and I just want to be clear because I know we put a RFP out for a trolley manager -- Mr. Sosa: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- a trolley company. Mr. Sosa: Sure. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So is this person hired to just work along with that trolley company; that's why we hired them or we're going to hire them? Mr. Sosa: Right. The idea is that -- and right now, as we begin to operate -- as we've begun operating the trolley system citywide, right now we only have two -- we just deployed the third line -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Sosa: -- out of an eventual five. And the day-to-day management of customer service issues with the public, dealing with special events, managing the invoicing from the vendor that we're dealing with, managing the grants that we have to -- because we're getting reimbursed for a lot of this on a grant basis, it's consuming a full-time individual. City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Sosa: So as -- and as it expands from 15 trolleys to 35 trolleys, there is a need for a full-time individual just to manage the program. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. No, I just wanted to have clarity on it. Thank you. I'm all -- guys, I just want to go through 'cause I want to be clear. The other one is Code Compliance, Haydee. And this is really a -- I want to just be clear because this is another reduction, and I think Danny kind of somewhat answered it. Mr. Alfonso: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: It was the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding for code compliance inspectors. Danny, you're saying that -- Mr. Alfonso: No. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- 670 is now being put -- Mr. Alfonso: Commissioner, the 670,000 is the same 670,000 that each of the last several years we used from CDBG to reimburse the Code Compliance Department costs. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Alfonso: It's not new. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So -- all right. And then on the six sanitation inspectors, transfer to Solid Waste, this is the individuals that are now leaving -- they will all fall up under Solid Waste under Code Compliance, correct? Mr. Alfonso: That is correct, Commissioner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right, cool. Chair Suarez: I hope we take seriously the change of the name of the department from Code Enforcement to Code Compliance. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Chair Suarez: And I think that's a huge distinction. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, Finance. I only had one question for Finance. Okay, you ready? Under -- Commissioner Gort: Page. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- the -- Commissioner Gort: Page. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Oh, I'm sorry. It's 94. And this is a reduction issue. Is he -- Finance here? Mr. Alfonso: I can answer that question, I believe, Commissioner. City of Miami Page 69 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, go ahead. No problem. You know the question already? Mr. Alfonso: Yeah. You're talking about the transfer of 572? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. The transfer of parking surcharge administrative fee to nondepartment. Mr. Alfonso: Right, okay. The Parks Department -- I'm sorry. I got it, Mr. Petty. The parking surcharge has a fee that is paid to a vendor of 3.95 percent. That historically has been budgeted in the Finance Department, the payment to the vendor. The revenue comes in to the general fund; the payment to the vendor historically has been made out of the Finance Department. We have moved that expense out of the department and into nondepartmental. That is not really an operating function of the Department of Finance. It is simply payment to a vendor. The reason why we put it in nondepartmental is because it has created a problem in the Department of Finance. When the revenues exceed the budget -- which is a good thing, and in the past year they exceeded the budget by over a million dollars -- it caused an additional $40, 000 in expense to the vendor that the department could not pay readily because it doesn't have the authorization in that line item. So by moving it to nondepartmental is an area that has all the reserves, et cetera, and it's much easier to just go ahead and pay the vendor what they have earned and it doesn't tie up funds in the Finance Department for paper, pencils, et cetera. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, all right. All right, so let me move on. Thank you. Grant Administration, this is one I had a concern with. I don't know if she's here. Is -- I didn't see Lillian today. Was she here today? Commissioner Gort: She was here. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. I was -- Commissioner Gort: What page? Commissioner Spence -Jones: I only had one issue. We all know that this department -- and I know that sometimes we don't really understand how much they do but when you -- I mean, I actually read this stuff. When we look at the accomplishments that this department has made and how it helps all of our -- not only our districts, but the City itself, they're doing a lot of work. And one of the concerns I had was -- Where's Lillian? Lillian. I just -- I'm trying to understand how we can afford to take somebody off the money lines. Here is -- where it says reduction of special project assistant position that is now being transferred to NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team). And quite frankly, that $75, 000, while it may not seem like a lot to everybody, but I know Lillian needs to have that body -- a body in there focusing on bringing grants in, focusing on managing grants, so I just wanted to understand, Mr. Manager, how -- is there any way that this particular issue can be addressed for the next City Commission meeting -- I mean, the next budget hearing? Because I think that Lillian needs -- Lillian is -- I'm not going to say you're overwhelmed, but you got a lot going on and you need help. So how do we take something from someone that is actually bringing money in? Mr. Alfonso: May I answer, Commissioner? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Sure. Mr. Alfonso: The position that is being moved out of the Grants owce is a position that is currently being paid out of the Grants office but is not performing a function for the Grants office. City of Miami Page 70 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: I -- Danny, I think I'm so aware of that. Mr. Alfonso: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I understand that that was a temporary situation; don't have a problem with that. But as we go into the new budget year, that body, you know -- and I know the body, so I have a decent relationship with the body. It's not about that. I just feel like we need to try to figure that out under NET, but we don't need to be taking that body that Lillian could have a person working to go out to find money, you know, not out there able to do that. So all I want to do is just -- we don't have to resolve it today -- Mr. Alfonso: I'm sorry, Commissioner. I do want to point out that we also added an additional 46,700 in salaries and 3,000 in FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Tax) for a special project assistant for the office. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I understand. But -- and what I'm saying to you is the position, though, that is -- that -- I'm saying if we have a position already there, why are we taking it away from her? And we don't have to work it out now. Again, this is my recommendations. Mr. Manager, when it comes back, I would like to make sure -- we need as many people as possible trying to go out and get grants and find funding. That's important. That's generating revenue. So I just want to make sure that we consider that as well, okay? All right, guys, I'm almost done. Building. I'm sorry. Mariano Fernandez: Mariano Fernandez, Building director. Commissioner Spence -Jones: I just had one little question, and it was under reductions again. You had promotional activities, the 32,000. I know I'd asked for clarity from Danny on that. What was the 32,000? 'Cause you actually took it out period, so -- Mr. Fernandez: I didn't like the name of promotional activities, so I talked to Danny. We just remove it. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, so -- but the -- so what was it being used for, though? What is Building do -- Mr. Fernandez: Pay temporary employees. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Huh? Mr. Fernandez: Temporary employees. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Temporary employees? Mr. Fernandez: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: We had it under promotional activities? Mr. Fernandez: Yes. That's why it's out. It's no longer there. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, but was that dollar amount moved to something else? Mr. Fernandez: The dollar amount was not necessary. We cut that amount. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So you moved the 32,000 to another item in the line -- City of Miami Page 71 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Mr. Fernandez: No, no. We didn't need the 34,000. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So you don't need the temporary employees anymore? Mr. Fernandez: No, ma'am. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, thank you. Mr. Fernandez: You're welcome. Commissioner Spence -Jones: That's what I wanted -- I didn't know what that was. All right, GSA (General Services Administration). My question was around the additions. I understand that under GSA, the only question I really had was the issue of the cafeteria. Mr. Alfonso: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: It says utility cost for newly opened cafeteria. Mr. Alfonso: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And you said this was the cafeteria where now again? Mr. Alfonso: The MRC (Miami Riverside Center) cafeteria, Commissioner, opened recently at the MRC. The utility expenses of the cafeteria are added to the GSA costs. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. And what I -- my question for you because I -- you couldn't give me an answer right then; that's why I'm asking you now. If we're paying $54,000 to keep the utility costs -- and I know that we actually put this thing out to bid and I guess somebody was Mr. Alfonso: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- selected. What are they paying annually again? Mr. Alfonso: I'm sorry. May I ask the Facilities, what is the rent on the MRC cafeteria, gentlemen? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Because -- Chair Suarez: I hear where you're going with that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Huh? Chair Suarez: I hear where you're going with that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. I just want to understand -- Chair Suarez: Yeah. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- are we at least covering our costs? Are we making a little money off of it? Henry Torre: Commissioner, Henry Torre, director of Public Facilities. They pay a base this year of $350, plus a percentage rent. We will probably start breaking even on that next year 'cause there is an increase next year. City of Miami Page 72 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Right now I just want to -- I don't want to have to try to compute it in my head. Mr. Torre: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So right now we pay $54, 000 for their utility costs. Mr. Torre: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: How much money annually are we getting from the revenue for the outside bid that we have on this? Mr. Torre: It will depend on their sales. For the first year -- there is an increase next year. For the first year, it is $350 a month, plus a percentage rent. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, can you give me an idea of what it was before? Give me -- you know, 'cause right now that's not really giving me -- Mr. Torre: Commissioner, I can get back to you. That -- I don't have that information. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. All I want -- and I don't have to have the answer -- this is something I had asked Danny for before we got into the hearing, but what I do want to know before we come back the next time is -- These are the kind of things that I'm talking about, guys. It's like -- if we're not going to cover our costs or make money off of it, we got to figure out -- Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- a way to do it differently. Because if we're spending money to make it happen -- Mr. Torre: Right. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- then why are we doing it? So, I mean, I -- and it's okay if we decide we're going to -- but I just want to make sure when I start talking about all these things to create revenue and you're -- Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- we're not telling me how we're doing that, then -- Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- I have a concern with it. But I wanted -- I had to ask -- Mr. Torre: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- about the 54. So if you could let me know -- Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- in the past what it's been -- Mr. Torre: Okay. City of Miami Page 73 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- you know, but if nothing else, we should be clearing at least, if nothing else, $54, 000. Mr. Torre: I agree with you. Commissioner Spence -Jones: And I understand that part of it is just being able to provide a service to our City employees, so I understand the motive behind it, but I don't think we should be losing off of it either. Mr. Torre: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Gort: Question. In the answer in the RFP, they had a projection of sales? Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. Mr. Torre: Yes, they did. And that would increase -- again, the first year -- and I'll get you the exact information. But the first year it was a much lower rent because they did have a capital investment. Commissioner Gort: Well, base rent is going to be $4,200 a year. The projections in sales -- did they mention a number? Mr. Torre: Yes, they did. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yeah. What are the pro --? Mr. Torre: Yeah, we do have that detail and I can send you guys an e-mail -- Commissioner Gort: Okay. Mr. Torre: -- on that. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Just make sure we have it for the next time -- Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- 'cause I just want to be clear of what it is. Mr. Torre: Absolutely. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right. Public Works. And Danny kind of explained this to me already, Zerry, but I just wanted to be clear on it. It's under -- you were the only one had kind of an idea remain unfunded for 2012. It's the other contractual services for $898,000. And I know that you wanted to do this as a -- you know, just to have cushion or to make sure that we didn't forget it was there. Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Director, Public Works): No. Madam Commissioner, these are some of the contractual expenditures that are anticipated to occur this fiscal year, which we are told to hold off on 'til perhaps midyear to see how the, you know, expenditure profile, you know, occurs. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. What I want to have clarity on is -- you know, and I understand why we're not putting it in, but when I see other contractual services for 898, I just want to be clear -- like, give me an example of an other contractual service. Would that be like City of Miami Page 74 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Coral Way, you know, doing their --? And I don't mean to bring up your -- I'll just use mine. Would that be like MLK (Martin Luther King)? Mr. Ihekwaba: No. That's actually -- one example is Biscayne Boulevard maintenance, which was contracted, I believe, for $300,000. We're not fully funding it yet because it requires additional improvements on Biscayne Boulevard -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Ihekwaba: -- so there's no need to front load the funding as of this time. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Commissioner Gort: It's not -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: So this is not really a hard number. Mr. Ihekwaba: No. Commissioner Gort: -- ready. It's not ready to be -- Mr. Ihekwaba: It's not ready to be spent at this time. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. I just want to make sure. All right, thank you. Parks and Recreation. Okay, I had a couple things on Parks, 'cause you know I love parks. I asked for Danny to -- under the reductions, okay, and I don't know what districts they are, but it's important for me to know it. The reduction of operation schedule at select pools by two weeks, I'm just -- I just want to know which pools are we looking at reducing. Mr. Pascual: Yes, Commissioner. Based on historical usage of our pool facilities, we have year-round pools, expanded seasonal pools, and the summer pools. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Right. Mr. Pascual: We're only talking with the summer pools. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: And those pools, typically when school starts, which is two, two and a half weeks before Labor Day weekend -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Mr. Pascual: -- our usage is drastically down 'cause the kids are now in school. Commissioner Spence -Jones: No problem. I just want to know what parks they are. Mr. Pascual: Okay. Those pools that are summer pools would be West End Park pool, Curtis pool, Range Park pool, Morningside pool, Williams pool, and Virrick pool. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: There are six pools -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. City of Miami Page 75 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Mr. Pascual: -- and it's approximately $10, 000 per pool. The savings is about $60,000. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, well, maybe our wonderful Commissioner down here that has the million dollar, you know, pot of gold can allow for the kids to play in the pool for two extra weeks, right? Did you hear that? Commissioner Carollo: I actually didn't, but that's okay. We can keep it moving. Commissioner Spence -Jones: All right. I'm going to move on. The other item I had is I wanted to have clarity on the $170, 000 for the utility service for the sports field lighting, the reduction of that. I just wanted to be clear what that meant. Mr. Pascual: Well, part of it is because of a historical that our utility savings -- historically, our bills have come in where there's some savings in what we've been budgeted, so that's just coming into the actual -- what our actual utilities are. The other portion is an initiative that we did two years ago is where we reached out to some of our youth groups that utilize our facilities. Typically in the summer, it's their downtime from their league, but they still are out there practicing. So what we've asked them to do at those facilities that they operate out of is to practice up until sunset. We have an extended -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Pascual: -- day in the summer. Usually, there's sunlight 'til about 8:30. Commissioner Spence -Jones: So that's the estimated number of what you feel you'll save? Mr. Pascual: So that's the estimated of what our savings are projected at those sports fields when we don't turn on the lights during the summertime. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. And I know that we got Gibson Park that is now open, but I wanted to have clarity on -- I guess it's Grapeland and Gibson, if I'm not mistaken. I asked for the breakdown of the amount for Gibson Park itself, the recreation building. It was at 150. And I believe the Grapeland -- remember, I asked -- I've asked you, Danny, about -- Mr. Alfonso: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- this. It's 1.5 million -- Mr. Alfonso: I have -- I did -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- dollars -- Mr. Alfonso: -- have the answer. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- for Grapeland Mr. Alfonso: Right, I did have the answer for you. The Gibson Park -- the $150, 000 that was being requested is only the additional funding that was needed. The actual total budget for Gibson -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: Is? Mr. Pascual: Three hundred and eighty-six thousand, nine hundred and seventy-four dollars. City of Miami Page 76 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, great. Mr. Alfonso: Okay. And then in terms of the Grapeland, the annual operating revenue that's in the budget is 1,164, 000, and they have a carryover of prior year, $385, 000. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. All right, thank you. And I just wanted -- you and I are going to talk later about the optimist club and the sports based programs to figure out ways to -- as you know, the issues we had in general to try to figure out how we can help those programs survive, so I'm going to be talking to Danny about how we do that. And Mayor Carollo is also going to make a wonderful contribution as well. Did you hear that, too? Public Facilities. I have one more and that's it after that. (COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD). Commissioner Spence -Jones: That's okay, but at least we make sure we have it. I just want to make sure, on your end I know that we're transferring -- Mr. Torre: Little Haiti Cultural. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- at this point we're transferring Little Haiti Cultural Complex to Public Facilities so that it can run as a facility and those dollars are now being transferred. Mr. Torre: Correct. Commissioner Spence -Jones: But I still don't -- do not see anywhere in here the Black Police Precinct, so I just want to make sure we figure out what we're doing with it. Mr. Torre: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: It's kind of in limbo, so I just want to make sure how we're going to handle that. Mr. Torre: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: That was my only -- Mr. Torre: Okay. Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- statement on that. And that's it. And then just general -- thank you -- for Danny. Danny, you know we have this discussion on your baseline forecast. There were several things that I really want to have a clear understanding on, for instance, the intergovernmental revenues. I don't really know that -- need to know that tonight. But -- and also the other revenues, the inflows, which is the -- well, intergovernmental revenues is like 47 million, and I know you're still trying to figure -- Mr. Alfonso: Right. We -- Commissioner Spence -Jones: -- out how we break that out. Mr. Alfonso: No. I -- actually, I gave to Neil the detail as to the intergovernmental revenue. It's basically the state revenue sharing, the MPA (Miami Parking Authority), and Key Biscayne. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay. Mr. Alfonso: And there's a breakdown in one of the tables in the book that shows exactly the City of Miami Page 77 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 detail of how that is. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Okay, and then the last one is other revenues. That was the only other question I had. So I guess you're going to give me all that. And that's it. I think I'm done. Yeah, I'm done. Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Danny, what I'd like to see is the -- your projections for the five-year plan. You have projections of revenue increasing by 5 percent and expenses by -- Mr. Alfonso: No. The revenue -- Commissioner, the revenue projection is already conservative at only 2.2 percent. Commissioner Gort: Two point two percent. Mr. Alfonso: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Gort: And expenditure is going to be -- Mr. Alfonso: At about 4 to 4.5 percent. Commissioner Gort: -- 4 percent, okay. Mr. Alfonso: So structurally, over the long term, there will be an apparent imbalance in the budget. Commissioner Gort: Well, I'd like to see -- show me the projections, how you calculated the projections and the expenditures. Mr. Alfonso: Sure. Commissioner Carollo: And -- Chair Suarez: Go ahead. Commissioner Carollo: By the way, without getting into too much detail, how much was the increase this year? Mr. Alfonso: I'm sorry. The property tax was 3.2 percent. Commissioner Carollo: But you're -- Mr. Alfonso: There were other revenues that also increased -- Commissioner Carollo: -- estimating 2.2 for future years? Chair Suarez: Very conservative, yeah. Mr. Alfonso: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: So that's why he's saying that he's being very conservative. Johnny Martinez (City Manager): Very conservative. Chair Suarez: Yeah. City of Miami Page 78 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 Commissioner Gort: Very, very conservative, yes. Chair Suarez: And look, I think, obviously -- Mr. Martinez: And the development that's going to come online. Mr. Alfonso: Right. One of the things that we did not take into account -- for example, we have a billion dollars -- Commissioner Carollo: Brickell Citi Center. Mr. Alfonso: Right. Would it be 15, 16, I mean -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. I got you. Chair Suarez: I hope the next hearing goes as quick -- you know, as well as this one. I don't know that it will 'cause my guess is the Commissioners will have more detailed questions, but I could tell you that one of the things I'm going to be looking at is if we do have multiyear contracts, which is what we're negotiating for, the second year in particular, you know, making sure that -- 'cause I can tell you -- and I've told you this time and time again -- I will not -- I should never really put myself in a box, but -- Vice Chair Sarnoff Likely not to. Chair Suarez: -- I'm very -- no, I cannot -- it would have to be a monumentally good reason for me not to want to honor a contract that we give. Commissioner Gort: Yes. Chair Suarez: And so what I'm going to be doing is scrutinizing to make sure that we will honor that contract because, you know, it's one thing to say when we got here, you know, that there was a staggered year and all that stuff, but you know, this is -- we can't look back on the past anymore. And, you know, this is our responsibility. We're doing the heavy lifting. We're scrutinizing it and we're making the obligation, so it's on us. Commissioner Gort: One question. State revenue share. Mr. Alfonso: Yes, Commissioner. Commissioner Gort: Do we audit that at all or do they just tell us what they want and that's it? Mr. Alfonso: The State pretty much tells us what that revenue's going to be. They have a formula that derives the funding. I don't believe we have audited the State. Commissioner Gort: 'Cause I can tell you, the sales tax are going to go up. The gas tax are going to go up. Utility taxes are going to go up, and that's reoccurring revenue that could be taking place. Mr. Alfonso: That is absolutely correct, Commissioner. As a matter of fact, the state revenue share for municipal and the half -cent in the change memorandum that we submitted last night shows a growth of $2.6 million above what had been stated by the State only eight months ago in their estimating conference. They revised that number upward significantly. However, we took a hit in the public service tax because one of the cellular phone companies -- Commissioner Gort: Right. City of Miami Page 79 Printed on 10/9/2012 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 13, 2012 ADJOURNMENT Mr. Alfonso: -- sued -- Commissioner Gort: That was two years ago, $4 million. Mr. Alfonso: No. There was another one, Commissioner. Commissioner Gort: Which one now? Mr. Alfonso: I forget the name of the company, but we have a letter that they took like a million four -- Unidentified Speaker: A million five. Mr. Alfonso: -- a million five off of our next year's estimate. Chair Suarez: I like him. He hasn't said much, but he seems like a nice guy. I've never met -- I'm going to be treating you to lunch; don't worry. We'll get to know each other. Don't worry about that, okay? Mr. Alfonso: As I -- Chair Suarez: All of you -- all you guys back there. I see you with your computers there. I don't even know where you're plugged into, but it's all good. All right, there's a motion and a second. All in favor, signifir by saying "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Suarez: Passes unanimously. Ms. Thompson: As modified. Chair Suarez: As modified. Ms. Thompson: Thank you. Chair Suarez: And I think that adjourns today's budget meeting. Commissioner Carollo: Yes. Commissioner Spence -Jones: Yes. Chair Suarez: And we will reconvene in two weeks. Mr. Alfonso: Thank you very much, folks. Applause. The meeting adjourned at 8: 57 p.m. City of Miami Page 80 Printed on 10/9/2012