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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard Reports 03.27City of Miami Arts and Entertainment Council Annual Report 2013 The City of Miami Arts and Entertainment Council was created in June 2002 to advise the Mayor and City Commission of Miami on arts and entertainment -related matters. The board's mission .is to encourage,. coordinate and enhance the development and promotion of quality art and entertainment of every variety and will foster creative endeavors throughout the community to position Miami as a leading international center for art, culture and entertainment. Is the board serving the purpose for which it was created? The City of Miami A&E Council is currently serving its purpose by - promoting quality art and cultural events within the City of Miami through the involvement of the board and its members in the art community within the city. Several projects have been proposed to the board by both board members as well as community members in an effort to enhance the City of Miami'sposition as a center for art, culture and entertainment. Is the board serving current community needs? The board is currently meeting the needs of the community by holding regularly scheduled public meetings in the City of Miami City Hall where the art community's involvement is encouraged in an effort to better understand the needs of the art community and the way in which the council, its board members and the City of Miami can aid the development of future art, cultural and entertainment events. Major accomplishments of the board Through the involvement of the board, its members and the art and entertainment community, the A&E Council in 2013 was able to accomplish: • The Council organized Paint Me Miami for the third year in a row, with the purpose of recruiting local artist to exhibit their work and be recognized through certificates and awards based on the panel of jurors recommendations. • The Council maintained and updated the Facebook page dedicated to the Council as well as assisted the City's IT department in updating the City of Miami website with relevant information. • The Council organized and sponsored, along with the Portrait Society of America, "The Portrait Society Academy" in which 100 artists participated in a two- day conference and painting workshop at the gardens in Vizcaya. • The Council created a scholarship fund created for Miami residents and awarded, through National Arts Foundation, sponsorship in Art Fairs during Art Basel. • The Council approved the funding of senior citizens art classes in Senior citizens centers within the City of Miami. • The Council sponsored YoungArts 2013-2014 and created a press release campaign witha total of 690 media placements in local, national and international media outlets. • The Council sponsored YoungArts by awarding them a scholarship of $3,000 per year for 2 years. Is there another board, public or private, which would better serve the function of the board? Several boards, both public and private, are involved in the emerging art community within the City of Miami. The City of Miami A&E Council is successfully involving the City and its community members with the art community by promoting events and cultural affairs. Should the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the board to serve the purpose for which it was created? At this time there is no recommendation for an amendment of the ordinance creating the board. Should the boards' membership requirements be modified? The current membership requirements of the board are sufficient to serve the mission of the board and we make no recommendation for an amendment at this time. Sincerely, Michael Margulies, Chair Arts & Entertainment Council CITY OF MIAMI EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD 2013 ANNUAL REPORT Presented to: Daniel Alfonso City Manager Board Members: Luis Mata, Chairman Marta Zayas, Vice Chairman Charles Auslander Eileen Bottari George Cabrera Iraida Mendez-Cartaya Christopher Norwood Rev. Guillermo Revuelta Evelio Torres Dr. Jose Vicente Daniel Yoder Edelma Zuniga Board Liaison: Esther Balsera 1 Introduction: Pursuant to Sec. 2-1311 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida ("Code"), the Education Advisory Board ("EAB") consist of twelve (12) members, seven (7) who shall be voting members, and five (5) ex-officio members. One (1) voting position currently remains unfilled. The City's Education Coordinator serves as liaison to board and the Office of the City Attorney provides legal advice and related support when requested. Purpose and Function: Pursuant to Sec. 2-1309, the Education Advisory Board was created to oversee matters related to the city education compact; improve and enhance communication between Miami -Dade County public schools and the city; recommend projects to improve and enhance school facilities; and advise the city commission regarding matters relating to education, health, safety, transportation and quality of life issues that affect students. The board shall provide written recommendations to the city commission regarding any matter relating to education impacting the residents of the city. The EAB met four (4) times with quorum out of (12) twelve times this past year. Major Accomplishments of the EAB The EAB voted on the priorities below and will be working on these projects in 2014: Inviting City public, private, and charter schools to present/speak before the board. Promoting early learning initiatives. Opening school playgrounds. Identifying City park needs and services. Opening a safe haven for suspended students. EAB's Fulfillment of Community Needs EAB's members reside, work, maintain a business, or own real property within the City of Miami. Members keep City officials informed of community concerns related to issues that impact the education and well being of children. Ordinance Revisions and Membership Modifications The members of the EAB do not recommend amendments to the ordinance creating the EAB; nor does it recommend modifications to the membership qualifications. Costs 2 The EAB does not have its own budget. Conclusion The EAB was created to serve as a direct link between the City and educational entities and organizations. Our members are continually involved in events and activities that play a major role in the education of our future leaders. There is no other board, either public or private, that serves the same function as the EAB nor could provide the knowledge and expertise represented through our board. 3 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 serving the 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 2 • Mary Brickell Park: 501 Brickell Avenue 8. 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. 3 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. 4 znitiwire (dbotty Cfty Cvmmnitytkvilalsxciiloo. T»AM TO: Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk FROM.: Elaine H. Black, President/CEO Liberty City Community Revitaliz,tjop rust DATE: January 15, 2014 RE: Annual Board Report Pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 (Annual report of City boards and committees), the Liberty City Trust Board of Directors is comprised of five (5) members that include one (1) youth member. The Board has actively engaged in ensuring that the Liberty City Trust keeps the mandate of the agency's mission for which it was formed. The Board engages in maintaining the fiscal integrity of the agency's operations and records, and the needs and desires of the community it serves. Its vision is to empower those who live, learn, work and play in Liberty City. The following information addresses concerns whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created and is serving current community needs. The Liberty City community is a community that lacksin affordable housing, commercial businesses, quality education and full-time employment. The Liberty City Trust board is determined to work for the community in meeting its needs. Therefore, committees were formulated to address the key issues of concern in the community. Each board member oversees their respective committee in developing strategic plans to accomplish its mission in housing, jobs, economic development, anti -crime Initiative., and youth and seniors. Housing As the Board continues to address adequate housing for community residents, to date five out of the eight single family in -fill houses have been completed. The Liberty City community now has five new families residing within the area. We have conducted several workshops for homeownership and are getting clients approved to buy existing houses in Liberty City. Job Training In its partnership with FIU to develop job training programs, a 10 week career employability training program was implemented. There were 13 participants from the community that completed the program and participated in a graduation exercise at FIU. Todd B. Hannon City Clerk January 15, 2014 Page 2 Five of those participants are presently full-time employees because of completing that program. We are continuing to work with the others to get jobs. Economic Development We are actively pursuing and creating a tourism attraction by focusing on upgrading restaurants in the greater Liberty City area. Workshops and events have been conducted to help highlight their menu and business. The internal operations of the businesses are being reviewed to determine how they can qualify for loans that would provide them the financial resources to upgrade and improve their business operation. Anti -crime Initiative Mentoring and door to door outreach in Liberty Square is ongoing to encourage the residents, specifically targeting the youth, to reach for greater goals and stop the gun violence that has been plaguing the community in which they live. Youth and Seniors Youth and senior events and activities were held that included maintaining the Sherdavia Jenkins Park and conducting a senior's program at African Square Park. There is no other Board, either public or private, which would better serve the function of the Board. Its members are comprised of individuals that either live, work and/or look like the residents in the community. The Board members are knowledgeable about the community and they each bring their skills, talents, and access of resources that can benefit the Liberty City Trust and the area in which its serves. The cost,both direct and indirect, of .maintaining the board is basically born by the Board Members themselves. sports February 5, 2014 Mr. Johnny Martinez, P.E. City Manager City of Miami 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, Florida 33133 Dear Mr. Manager, exhibition authority Pursuant to City Code Section 2-890, attached please find a copy of the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority's (MSEA) annual report. Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, r eAttelA Mayor Tomas P. Regalad Chairperson cc: file enc TPR/ts 3500 Pan American Drive., Miami FL 33133 (305) 250-5474 Fax (305) 400-5391 Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority's Annual Report to the City Manager February 2014 Is the Board serving the purpose for which it was created? The Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MSEA) was established in 1983, pursuant to Florida Statute 212.057, as an independent and autonomous agency and instrumentality of the City of Miami. MSEA was created to promote sports, conventions and exhibitions and to strive to generate community support to achieve this purpose. It was further given the authority to exercise any power usually possessed by private corporations performing similar functions that are not in conflict with the Florida constitution or law. Pursuant to that mandate, MSEA continues to serve the community as the landlord of the Miami Children's Museum and the Chalk's seaplane operation on Watson Island. It also has a primary role in the Watson Island heliport. Is the Board serving current community needs? MSEA no longer receives CDT funds, and as a result has no recurring revenue stream with which to fund its operation: the result is inarguably a reduced role for the organization. Nonetheless, MSEA's broad authority allows it to act in ways that can prove a great benefit to the City of Miami and the community. It may assist in projects and developments that are not apparent at the moment,, but will become necessities as we move into the future. While MSEA's role in the community has been diminished, it is not without importance. List some of the Board's major accomplishments. MSEA continues to serve the comma ity as the landlord of the Miami Children's Museum andthe heliport and. Chalk's seaplane operations on Watson Island. At the October 15, 2013 board of directors meeting, the board approved funding in the amount of $10,000 to U.S. Olympic Sailing for the 2014.IS.AFSailing World Cup in Miami. At the December 18, 2013, board of directors meeting, the board approved funding in the amount of $10,000 to Big Orange New Year's Eve Celebration), a Miami tradition marking the new year for the past 27 years. These instances demonstrate MSEA's commitment to our vibrant and diverse community. Is there any other Board, either public or private, which would better serve the function of the Board? Pursuant to State of Florida Statute and existing inter -local agreements between MSEA and the City of Miami and Miami -Dade. County, no other Board can serve MSEA's purpose. Should the ordinance creating the Board be amended to better enable the Board to serve the purpose for which it was created? 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami FL 33133 (305) 250-5474 Fax .305) 400-539L The founding ordinance for MSEA is sufficient for its current purpose. Should the Board's membership requirements be modified? The Board's membership requirements are sufficient to meet its current needs. The cost both direct and indirect of maintaining the Board The MSEA annual budget totals $66,000 sufficient to cover all direct and indirect costs of the organization. [Type text]