HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - 2013 Annual Board ReportsCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable City Commission DATE: February 4, 2014
SUBJECT:
FROM: Johnny Martinez, P.E.
City Manager
2013 Annual Board Reports
and Presentations
Pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 (Annual report of City boards and committees), each board
chairperson shall submit a written report, approved by the board, to the city manager setting forth
the following information concerning the board:
1) "Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.
2) Whether the board is serving current community needs.
3) A list of the board's major accomplishments.
4) Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the board.
5) Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the board to
serve the purpose for which it was created.
6) Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
7) The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board."
Furthermore, Code Sec. 2-892 stipulates that during the month of March of each year in which a
board is to be reviewed, the chairperson shall make an oral presentation, based on the report
set forth in Code Sec. 2-892 above. The following boards are scheduled to make oral
presentations before the City Commission on March 13, 2014:
1. Arts and Entertainment Council*
2. Community Relations Board*
3. Education Advisory Board*
4. Historic and Environmental Preservation Board
5. Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement Bond Program Oversight Board
6. Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust*
7. Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority*
8. Overtown Advisory Board/Overtown Community Oversight Board*
9. Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board
10. Waterfront Advisory Board
*report not submitted as of the date of this memo
Enclosed are all the written versions of the oral Annual Reports which have been received to
date. Copies of all other board reports received are on file with the City Manager's Office. If you
should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
C: Honorable Mayor Tomas Regalado
Todd Hannon, City Clerk
Julia D. Hernandez, Agenda Coordinator
Attachments
January 9, 2014
Johnny Martinez, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: 2013 Historic and Environmental Board Annual Report
Dear Mr. Martinez:
The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board is pleased to present this annual
report in satisfaction of City Code Section 2-890-892., specifically responding to the
following questions:
Is the board servingthe purpose for which it was created?
The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) is the city's authority on
historic preservation and environmental matters for designated historic sites, resources,
and historic districts. The board feels we have fulfilled our responsibility under Chapter
17, Chapter 23, and Chapter 62 of the City Code. Throughout the year at our monthly
meetings, the Board has reviewed applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for
alterations to designated historic places and tree appeals regarding intended decisions
to remove trees throughout the City. The Board also has the authority to review
Certificates to Dig for major ground -disturbing activity in an archaeological zone, and
Certificates of Approval for tree removal or construction activity in an Environmental
Preservation District or Scenic Transportation Corridor,
This year the Board designated four historic buildings and two archaeological sites
based on criteria set forth in the Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 23), and
reviewed proposals to designate five historic buildings and three archaeological sites. A
proposal to designate a sixth building (First Church of Christ, Scientist: 256 NE 19th
Street) was not able to be considered, as it was found to have been denied by the City
Commission in 1988. The Board also reviewed and approved six pre -construction
applications for Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions for rehabilitation of historic properties
within the City, and three parking waivers to allow for the rehabilitation of historic
buildings, In addition, the Board has advocated for preservation through its discussion
items regarding demolition of historic properties without a permit, enforcement of the
City's Demolition by Neglect Ordinance, Unsafe Structures and Historic Properties.
Finally the Board has served a proactive role in overseeing the archaeological
discoveries at the Met Square site in Downtown Miami, as required by Chapter 23 of the
City Code and by previous resolutions for development at that site.
Is the board serving current community needs?
The HEPB is responsive to community needs by addressing petitions for construction
activity in historic sites and districts, environmental preservation districts, scenic
transportation corridors, and archaeological conservation zones, balancing the need for
progress with the need to preserve Miami's heritage. The Board responds to requests
by neighborhood associations and interest groups for historic designation of sites and
districts. It also is the official board for all of the City's tree removal permit appeals.
The HEPB has worked diligently this year to address the evolving needs of the City's
designated resources. Demolition withouta permit, Demolition by Neglect, and Unsafe
Structures violations are threatening the integrity of many historic sites and historic
districts, impacting property values for the surrounding neighborhood and putting the
City's existing constructed heritage at risk. The Board has directed staff toenforce
current policies and procedures for Demolition by Neglect and Unsafe Structures and to
coordinate with Code Enforcement and the Building Department to the greatest extent
possible. The Board has also directed staff to make strategic updates to current
policies to better address these threats to designated places.
A List of the board's major accomplishments:
During 2013, the HEPB held 11 meetings and a site visit and made Resolutions for the
following items:
1. Five Preliminary Reviews to designate Historic Sites
• St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church: 1501 Brickell Avenue
• Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: 4020 Virginia Beach Drive
• Dade Commonwealth Building: 139 NE 1st Street
• Scottish Rite Temple: 471 NW 3rd Street
• Tower Theater: 1508 SW 8th Street
2. Four Final Historic Designations
• Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: 4020 Virginia Beach Drive
• Dade Commonwealth Building: 139 NE 1st Street
• Scottish Rite Temple: 471 NW 3rd Street
• Tower Theater: 1508 SW 8th Street
3. Fifty-eight Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations to Historic Sites and
Districts
4. Six Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Pre -Construction Applications
5. Three Parking Waivers for Historic Sites
6. One Preliminary Approval to designate Archaeological Site
• Simpson Park: 85 SW 17 Road
7. Two Final Designations of Archaeological Sites
• Santa Maria West: 1814. Brickell Avenue
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• Mary Brickell Park: 501 Brickell Avenue
S. Three Tree Removal Permit Appeals
9. Resolution of support to nominate Shenandoah Historic District to the National
Register of Historic Places
Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the board?
No other City board's members have the professional knowledge and experience in the
fields of history, architecture and planning to review projects pertaining to the Secretary
of the Interior's historical criteria and the City's environmental preservation and
archaeological criteria. The HEPB continues to meet the City's goal of creating a vibrant
world class city and delivering an objective non -governmental review of proposed
projects within these sensitive historical, archaeological, and environmental areas.
Should the ordinance creating the board be amended to better enable the board
to serve the purpose for which It was created?
Chapter 23 of the City Code was amended in August 2009 and greatly expands the
opportunities the Board has to assist owners of historic properties. There are several
planned amendments to the Preservation Ordinance, which include updates to the
following sections: Transfer of Development Rights, Unsafe Structures, Special
Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition, and Historic Designation. Each of these
amendments will give the Board clearer guidance as to their role in overseeing the City
of Miami's heritage.
Should the board's membership requirements be modified?
The City of Miami was designated a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the State of
Florida in 1986. The program was initiated by the Congress to transfer some of the
federal government's responsibilities to qualified local .governments. In order to become
a CLG the unit of government must meet strict standards of performance, records
maintenance, and perhaps most importantly, the professional composition of the historic
board reviewing applications. The CLG regulations call for the membership to include
professional members from the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history,
planning, and archaeology. The City of Miami's requirements for membership on the
HEPB follows this mandate, however it would be prudent to require an archaeologist to
serve on the Board, a position that is not currently listed as required.
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Should you need further information, please contact me through the Planning and
Zoning Department, Historic Preservation Section at 305-416-1400.
Sincerely,
William E. Hopper, Ph.D.
Chairperson
Respectfully submitted this 9th day of January 2013.
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CITY OF MIAMI
Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement
Bond Oversight Board
MEMO
To: Johnny Martinez, P.E., Cit anager
From: Jose Solares, Chairman
Date: January 15, 2014
RE: Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement Board Oversight Board (BOB)
Annual Report for the Year 2013 as per Sec.20890 of the City Code
cc: Board Members, City Commission, Alice N. Bravo, P.E. (Assistant City Manager.), Todd B.
Hannon (City Clerk), Victoria Mendez (City Attorney), and Mark Spanioli, P.E. (CIP
Director)
Pursuant to City Code Section 20890 (Annual Report of City Boards and Committees), please
accept this Memorandum as the Annual Report of the BOB for the year 2013 in the manner and
format prescribed in the City Code as follows:
City Code Question No. 1: Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created?
BOB Response:
Miami's first ever BOB was created in 2001 by the City Commission
to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission to oversee
and monitor implementation of the proceeds of the $255 Million in
Bond Funds for Miami's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The
BOB continues to diligently fulfill its purpose.
As of December 31, 2013, year to date, eleven (11) projects were
presented to the board. Out of these eleven (11) projects, eight (8)
were approved, two (2) not approved by the board, and one (1)
project was presented as an "lnformationaP' item because it was
approved by City Commission prior to the board review. In
addition, a total of eleven (11) projects were added to the 2013-
2014 Capital Plan prior to BOB approval.
City Code Question No.2: Whether the board is serving current community need?
BOB Response:
Keeping in mind the fairest interests of the entire community and
with an eye on Miami's shortfall for Capital Improvements Program,
the BOB stays on -track by observing the prudent guidelines we
established for all CIP's brought before the Board, such as: (1)
City Code Question No.3:
BOB Response:
City Code Question No,4:
BOB Response:
whether the projects and their budgets are on the list specifically
identified by the City Administration and set forth in informational
pamphlets and media release; (2) whether all available matching
grants have been applied for and the funds secured; (3) whether
the CIP and its budget been approved by the CIP Department and
secured approval of all the City's Boards having an interest and by
the BOB Audit Committee; (4) whether the CIP will purchase,
implement and/or construct within the time frames established.
List of the Board's major accomplishments:
in addition to the needs addressed above, the major
accomplishments of the BOB have been: (1) more projects going
into the bid process instead of the previous utilized method, i.e.
JOC, etc.; (2) we have reduced the cost by working together with
CIP personnel during the Audit Committee Meeting, .challenging
contractor's estimated proposals, designers estimated proposals,
etc.; (3) board member participation has increased.
Whether there is any other board, either public or private which
would better serve the functions of this board?
To our knowledge, no other board, either public or private, has
been created and educated to specifically address the CIP
programs.
City Code Question No.5: Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to
better be able to serve the purpose for which it was created?
BOB Response:
City Code Question No.6:
BOB Response:
City Code Question No.7:
BOB Response:
Board needs to be continued until all bond financed projects are
completed. On December .12, 2013, City Commission amended an
Ordinance to extend the Board until December 31, 2014.
Whether the Board's membership requirements should be
modified.
In our opinion, no condition exists that would warrant any change
at this time.
The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the Board?
Membership on this. Board is on a volunteer basis. Staff is provided
by the City and provides excellent service.
pb
HOMELAND DEFENSE / NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT BOND OVERSIGHT BOARD
2013 PROJECTS
2/26/13 Blanche Park Master Plan.Improvements — Construction Services $ 830,124 FYI B-75883
2/26/13 New Fire Station No. 14 - Design Services $ 796,877 Y B-60454
i�.4 � d-+i"ssa�i�,5�`.��a-�uT�^-c.—'�'v-.�ars:c51'..._ , '.'.t�,.mmr—as-_'''.", tea_ =x� r.:F,a'-.""o-n, �__�. ...' •-' �-� �.c--;-...�-'eH�
3/26/13 NW 62nd Street West of 1-95 Roadway Improvements Design Services - Additic $ - Deferred B-30884
3/26/13 Peacock Park Improvements — Construction Services
_ _ $ 97,919 Y B-75883
�3-Y^
5/21/13 Antonio Macey Community Building Addition — Design Services
5/21/13 West End Park New Community Building - Additional Funding
5/21/13 East Flagami Roadway Improvements— Design 'Services
5/21/13 Miamarina Pier A, B & C Fire Line Repairs - Additional Funding
5/21/13 Kinioch Park Building Addition — Design Services
5/21/13 Oakland Grove Park Upgrades
8/27/2013 Kennedy Park Restroom Building Improvements - Construction Services
8/27/2013 Robert King High Fencing & Misc. Improvements — Construction Services
=Deco
$
65,722
635,051
51,553
130,000
47,843
44,887
79,737
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
B-40456
B-30690
B-30961
B-30696
B-40457
B-30981
B-35838
B-30962
NIA
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
NIA
N/A
Duarte Park Building Renovation, Splash Park - D1
Rockerman Canal Improvements - D2
Spoil Island E Restoration and Floating Dock - D2
Robert King High Fencing and Mlscelaneous Improvements - D4
Bay of Pigs Memorial Park Lighting - D4
Modification of Speed humps on SW 11 St, between 30 Ave and 31 Ct.
SW.2nd Street and SW 40th Avenue Traffic Circle
15,000
65,000
105,000
102,468
20,000
25,000
50,000
FYI
FYI
FYI
FYI
FYI
FYI
FYI
B-35812
B-30680
B-30721
B-30962
B-30963
B-30964
B•30779
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Traffic Circle - SW 18th Ave & SW 13th St.
Roadway, Drainage & Traffic improvements
La Pastorita Traffic Calming and Miscellaneous Improvements
Coral Gate Speed Humps
10,000
10,000
50,000
53,000
FYI
FYI
FYI
FYI
B-30778
B-50706A
B-30960
B-30965
APPROVED 8
NOT APPROVED 2
FYI 12
January 2014
Johnny Martinez, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: 2013 Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Annual Report
Dear Mr. Martinez:
As chairperson of the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB), and pursuant to
City Code Sec. 2-890 regarding the annual report requirement of City boards and
committees, I am pleased to provide you this annual report by answering the following
questions listed below. As you may know, the PZAB was created under Section 62-27
of the Miami City Code, Ordinance 13158, In May of 2010. The PZAB is an integral part
of the total process of planning and zoning for the future development and growth of the
City. The PZAB is to serve as an instrument of advice and recommendation to the City
Commission in all phases and aspects of the comprehensive planning program. It shall
also serve for the hearing of zoning applications for specific properties, as set out in
Article 7 of the Miami 21 Code, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami. The PZAB
consists of twelve members, ten of which are appointed by the City Commission, and
the Mayor shall appoint one regular and the alternate member. In 2013, the PZAB
usually met on the first and third Wednesday of every month, except in August. The
Board also had one workshop and two special meetings. All meetings were held at
Miami City Hall and began at 6:30 pm.
Is the board serving the purpose for which it was created?
Yes, the PZAB serves the purpose for which. it was created by responding to the need
of making determinations and recommendations on planning and zoning items due to
changing conditions in the City. The PZAB generally acts under the applicable laws and
regulations of the State of Florida and the City of Miami. Its purpose is generally;
1) To act as the local planning agency pursuantto section 163.3174, Florida
Statutes; 2) To make recommendations to the City Commission concerning
amendments to Miami 21 (Rezonings, Covenant Modifications, Special Area Plans
and text) the Miami Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (Land Use Changes and
text), text amendments to the Miami City Code, and vacation and closure of streets,
alleys and easements; and
3) To make determinations on applications for Variances and Exceptions under the
Miami 21 Code. The PZAB is also charged with hearing, de novo, and making a
ruling on an appeal of:
(a) An administrative determination by the Planning Director;
(b) The decision of the Zoning Administrator regarding a Waiver;
(c) The decision of the Planning Director regarding a Warrant;
(d) A zoning interpretation by the Zoning Administrator; and
(e) The decision of the Zoning Administrator regarding zoning approval. In
performing its appeal authority, the board shall serve as a quasi-judicial body and
observe the requirements of quasi-judicial procedures as set out in Miami 21 and
under applicable state law.
Is the board serving current community needs?
Yes, PZAB is serving current community needs by being responsive to amending
planning and zoning items due to changing conditions in the City of Miami.
What are the board's maior accomplishments?
In 2013, the PZAB held 20 regularly -scheduled meetings. A total of 75 items were
heard. The PZAB also held one workshop where amendments to sign regulations were
discussed. The PZAB works closely with the community, encouraging participation at its
hearings with developers and constituents when conflicts arise and offers staff support.
The PZAB is highly respected by the community, experts and various department
personnel, who work in conjunction with it.
Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the board?
The functions of the PZAB are unique. No other board, whether public or private, would
better serve the function of the PZAB. Commissioner appointees are electors of the
City and knowledgeable of the Board's needs, serving as intermediates and facilitators
between groups in order to achieve harmony and optimum results. The PZAB looks at
each application individually and judges it by its merits. It is believed that no two cases
are the same, although some situations may resemble. Members of the PZAB are
provided each agenda item in order to thoroughly study it in advance, taking into
consideration - amongst other things - the following, at the time of the hearing:
1) The merits of the application;
2) Whether the application is properly in front of them;
3) Whether the petition would be beneficial to the neighborhood and the City of Miami;
4) Whether the immediate neighbors are present and taking part in the process;
5) Whether the immediate neighbors are in support or in opposition of the petition;
6) Whether there are any code violations;
7) That each applicant be afforded the same opportunities presenting an application to
the PZAB.
The foregoing is part of the consideration given to each application and assures all
individuals the same rights, no matter where in the City said construction or
development is being proposed. The manner in which the PZAB has been created
makes itpossible to rule in fairness for or against an application when there is both
opposition and support in a neighborhood. The work the PZAB conducts is distinctive
and a valuable resource for the City of Miami and its constituents.
Should the ordinance creating the board be amended to better enable the board
to serve the purpose for which if was created?
No.
Should the board's membership requirements be modified?
No, it is intended that members and alternate members of the board be persons of
knowledge, experience, mature judgment, and background; having ability and desire to
act in the public interest; and representing, insofar as may be possible, the various
special professional training, experience, and interests required to make informed and
equitable decisions concerning preservation and appropriate development of the
physical environment. To that end, qualifications of members and the alternate member
shall be from the electorate of the City of Miami with demonstrated knowledge and
interest in the appropriate growth and development of the City.
. Should you need further information, please contact me through the Planning and
Zoning Department, Hearing Boards Section at (305) 416-2030.
Sincerely,
•
nice 1. Tarbert
hairperson
,,<Viek
Respectfully submitted this
day of January 2014.
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January 8, 2014
Johnny Martinez, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: 2013 Waterfront Advisory Board Annual Report
Dear Mr. Martinez:
As chairperson of the Waterfront Board (WAB), and pursuant to City Code Sec.
2-890 regarding the annual report requirement of City boards and committees, I
am pleased to provideyou this annual report by answering the following
questions listed below. As you may know, the WAB is charged with the
responsibility to review and evaluate issues related to the use and development
of city -owned waterfront property and shall provide advice to the city commission
concerning those issues and only such other matters as are referred to it by the
city commission in regard to city or public land abutting water. In 2013, the WAB
met on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm at Miami City Hall.
Is the board serving the purpose for which it was created?
Yes.
is the board serving current community needs?
Yes, the WAB has acted in a professional and honorable manner in proceeding
to meet the needs of the community relating to waterfront issues. Much of the
value of the WAB continues to be the public forum it provides for the presentation
and discussion of waterfront issues — both in person and via the City of Miami
television broadcasts of the meetings.
What are the board's maior accomplishments?
Between January 2013 and December 2013, the WAB addressed the following
significant items:
1. Review of Implementation Activities for the Coconut Grove Waterfront Master
Plan:
A. Reviewed plans for expansion of the dock at the Grove Harbour Marina
(multiple meetings)
B. Reviewed plans for the implementation of a swimming area / no
watercraft zone adjacent to spoil Islands B/C
C. Reviewed plans for the new dockmaster building at Dinner Key Marina
C. Reviewed plans for the demolition of the Dinner Key Exhibition Center
and preliminary conceptual plans for the creation of "Regatta Park" at
Dinner Key
D. Reviewed proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Chart House
and Scotty's Landing properties and adjacent lands, ensuring that the
facts regarding the proposed development were made clear prior to the
public referendum on this matter
2.. Review of Implementation Activities for the Miami River Greenway and
publicly -accessible waterfront walkways along the River:
A. Reviewed proposed plans for development of new pavilion buildings on
Lummus Park
B. Received information from the City Plahning Department regarding the
City's efforts to bring non -compliant public walkways into compliance with
planning, zoning and MUSP requirements
3. Other Items
A. Reviewed the proposed Coconut Grove Sailing Club Lease Modification
B. Reviewed issues related to the installation of new channel marks
related to the Grove Harbour Marina planned dock expansion
C. Reviewed issues related to boats anchored in or near the Grove
Harbour Marina Channel
D. Received an update on FIND grant procedures form the Miami -Dade
County FIND commissioner
E. Received information from the Biscayne National Park Superintendent
regarding the potential location of a National Park facility at Dinner Key
Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve
the function of the board?
No, the work the WAB conducts is distinctive and a valuable resource for the City
of Miami and its constituents.
Should the ordinance creating the board be amended to better enable the
board to serve the purpose for which it was created?
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I do not believe the ordinance creating the board needs to be modified at this
time.
Should the board's membership requirements be modified?
I do not believe the membership requirements need to be modified at this time.
Should you need further information, please contact me through the Department
of Hearing Boards at 305-416-2030.
Sincerely,
C. Alyn Pruett
Chairperson
7)),'et.
Respectfully submitted this 8th day of January 2014.
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