HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2017-04-13 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2017
9:00 AM
Regular
City Hall
City Commission
Keon Hardemon, Chair
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner, District One
Frank Carollo, Commissioner, District Three
Francis Suarez, Commissioner, District Four
Tomas Regalado, Mayor
Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo
and Commissioner Suarez.
On the 13th day of April 2017, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular
session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Hardemon at 9:10 a.m.,
recessed at 12:12 p.m., reconvened at 3: 08 p.m., and adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:11 a.m.,
and Commissioner Suarez entered the Commission chambers at 9:30 a.m.
Also Present:
Nzeribe Ihekwaba, Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair Hardemon: And welcome to the April 13, 2017 meeting of the City of Miami City
Commission in these historic chambers. The members of the City Commission are W credo
Gort, Frank Carollo, Francis Suarez; Ken Russell, the Vice Chair; and me, Keon Hardemon,
the Chairman. Also on the dais are Daniel 1 Alfonso, City Manager; Victoria Mendez, our
City Attorney; and Todd Hannon, our City Clerk. The meeting will be opened with a prayer by
Commissioner Gort, and the pledge of allegiance will be led by the Vice Chairman. All rise,
please.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 PROTOCOL ITEM
2105 Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
National Community Develop Week
Mayor Regalado
Proclamation
3 Congress Representatives
Mayor Regalado
Certificates of
Appreciation
8 Non Profits CDBG Funding
Mayor and Commissioners
Salutes
At & T
Commissioner Suarez
Certificates of
Appreciation
City Fire -Rescue Alarm Office
Mayor Regalado
Proclamation
City Police Communications Unit
Mayor Regalado
Proclamation
Christine Bermudez
Mayor Regalado
Certificates of
Appreciation
Maritza Gutierrez
Mayor Regalado
Salute
122 New Year's Staff 12/31/2016
Commissioner Carollo
Certificates of
Appreciation
City of Miami
Page 1
Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RESULT: PRESENTED
1) Mayor Regalado proclaimed April 17-22, 2017 as National Community
Development Week.
2) Mayor Regalado presented Certificates of Appreciation to Congress members Mario
Diaz-Balart, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Frederica Wilson in honor of National
Community Development Week; furthermore, elected officials thanked them for their
ongoing support, in our nation's capital, of community development programs
including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and the HOME
Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program and recognized that their support has
been crucial to community development in the City of Miami during the last several
years.
3) Mayor Regalado and City Commissioners recognized and saluted 8 Non -Profit
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Funding Organizations, which
provide a wide range of social services to socially isolated and economically
disadvantaged families in the City of Miami; further commending them for their
spirit of compassion and laudable contributions to the community.
4) Commissioner Suarez presented a Certificate of Appreciation to AT&T who
sponsored the Miami FitZone Event. On behalf of AT&T, Mr. Alex Rodriguez
presented a contribution to the Miami FitZone program.
5) Mayor Regalado and City Commissioners presented a Proclamation to the City of
Miami Fire -Rescue Alarm Office in recognition of their dedication to excellent
public safety service and praised their work as unsung heroes on the other end of the
911 phone line; furthermore, Elected Officials paused in their deliberations to
observe `National Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week" and reflected on the
important role of the Public Safety Telecommunicators as the first `First
Responder", as they proclaimed April 13, 2017 as `Public Safety
Telecommunicators ' Day" in the City ofMiami.
6) Mayor Regalado and City Commissioners presented a Proclamation to the City of
Miami Police Communications Unit in recognition of their dedication to excellent
public safety service and praised their work as unsung heroes on the other end of the
911 phone line; furthermore, Elected Officials paused in their deliberations to
observe `National Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week" and reflected on the
important role of the Public Safety Telecommunicators as the first `First
Responder", as they proclaimed April 13, 2017 as `Public Safety
Telecommunicators ' Day" in the City ofMiami.
7) Mayor Regalado presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Christine Bermudez
and paid tribute to her twelve (12) years of excellent work performance, selfless
dedication, and high level of professionalism as an employee of the City of Miami
Department of Community and Economic Development; furthermore on behalf of the
citizens of Miami, elected officials paused in their deliberations to express their
gratitude for her commitment to public service, specifically for organizing and
preparing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) week each year.
8) Mayor Regalado saluted Ms. Martiza Gutierrez, founder and owner of Maru and
Friends, a line of dolls, designed and produced in Little Havana and recognized that
the story of Maru, as depicted in a storybook that accompanies some of the dolls,
mirrors Maritza Gutierrez's own journey: a young Hispanic girl is forced to leave
her native country and must learn to adapt to a new way of life in an alien culture.
Maru and Friends has received many awards and recognitions, among them the
DOTTY Award, the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, the iParenting Media
Award, Child Magazine's Toy of the Year Award, and Creative Child Magazine's
Toy of the Year Award, and others. Elected officials paused in their deliberations to
honor and commend Ms. Gutierrez for her inspiring success and thanked her for her
generosity in donating dozens of dolls to the girls of Lotus House.
City ofMiami Page 2 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
9) Commissioner Carollo and Mayor Regalado presented Certificates of Appreciation
to 122 Bayfront Park and City employees in recognition of their valuable
contribution to the success of Pitbull's Third Annual New Year Revolution held at
Bayfront Park and broadcast live nationally on FOX on December 31, 2016; further
recognizing that due to their hard work that more than 150,000 residents and
visitors who attended this highly anticipated event were able to enjoy a memorable
New Year's Eve celebration in a safe and fun environment that aired live to over 2.6
million TV viewers, simultaneously showcasing our one -of -a -kind New Year's Eve
experience while welcoming and encouraging future visitors to the Magic City.
Chair Hardemon: We will now make our presentations and proclamations.
Presentations and proclamations made.
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - Regular Meeting - Feb 9, 2017 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the City Commission meeting
minutes from February 9, 2017?
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Vice Chair Russell: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any discussion
about it? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All right, the motion passes.
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chair Hardemon: Are there any mayoral vetoes?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there are no mayoral vetoes.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
END OF MAYORAL VETOES
City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
ORDER OF THE DAY
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.8, please see item RE.8.
Chair Hardemon: We will now begin our regular meeting. The City Attorney will state
the procedures to be followed during this meeting.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman. Any person who is a lobbyist,
including all paid persons or firms retained by a principal to advocate for a particular
decision by the City Commission, must register with the City Clerk and comply with
related City requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A
person may not lobby a City official, board member, or staff member until registering. A
copy of the Code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office or online
on [sic] wwwmunicode.com [sic]. Any person making a presentation, formal request or
petition to the City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosures
required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the Code section is available in the City
Clerk's Office or online at wwwmunicode.com [sic]. The material for each item on the
agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and online 24 hours
a day at wwwmiamigov.com [sic]. Any person may be heard by the City Commission
through the Chair for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the City
Commission, unless modified by the Chair. If the proposition is being continued or
rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be at such later date before the City
Commission takes action on such proposition. The Chairman will advise the public when
the public may have the opportunity to address the City Commission during the public
comment period. When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public must
first state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be spoken about. A
copy of the agenda item titles will be available at the City Clerk's Office and at the
podium for your ease of reference. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the
City Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record
of the item. A video of this meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications or
viewed online at wwwmiamigov.com [sic]. No cell phones or other noise -making devices
are permitted in Commission chambers; please silence those devices now. No clapping,
applauding, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or his or
her remarks shall be permitted. Any person making offensive remarks or who becomes
unruly in Commission chambers will be barred from further attending Commission
meetings and may be subject to arrest. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the
Commission chambers. Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids
and services for this meeting may notes the City Clerk. The lunch recess will begin at the
conclusion of the deliberation of the agenda item being considered at noon. The meeting
will end either at the conclusion of the deliberation of the agenda item being considered
at 10 p.m. or at the conclusion of the regularly scheduled agenda; whichever occurs first.
Please note, Commissioners have generally been briefed by City staff and the City
Attorney on items on the agenda today. At this time, the Administration will announce
which items will be withdrawn, deferred, or substituted. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): Good morning, Mr.
Chair. The Administration would like to defer the following items: SR.1 --
Vice Chair Russell: SR.1.
Mr. Ihekwaba: SR.1 will be deferred indefinitely; SR.2, deferred to the second meeting in
May, May 25; FR.2 is going to be deferred to the first meeting in May, May 11; RE.4,
RE.4 will be deferred to the second meeting this month, April 27; RE.8, RE.8 will be
City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
deferred to the second meeting this month, 4/27. At this time, I would like to read into the
record that the City of Coral Gables Commissioner, Vince Lago, is requesting the
deferral of this particular item, in order to convene the subject task force in advance of
the April 27 meeting. I will also like to defer the item RE.9, indefinitely; and also, the
personal appearance, PA.2, of Stanley Foodman, the chair of the Audit Advisory
Committee, is being moved and reset for the first meeting in May, May 11, as well as his
presentation during the discussion item, DI.1. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I just want to be able
to go through them one more time to be able to confirm. And if you don't mind, Mr. City
Manager, if -- the RE.4 deferment, if-- instead of the last meeting in April, if we could
move it to the first meeting in May. I think it's going to give us the adequate amount of
time to review, okay? Zerry, you're good with that?
Mr. Ihekwaba: Yes. We would like to defer that, as requested, to the first meeting in
May, May 11, RE.4.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Can you repeat the --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: -- deferrals that you're asking for, for the Chair?
Mr. Ihekwaba: SR.1, SR.2, FR.2, RE.4, RE.8, RE.9, and PA.2, as well as the Audit report
in DL1.
Chair Hardemon: Are there any other items that Commissioners would like to defer or
withdraw? Seeing none, is there a motion in accordance?
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved. Is there a second?
Vice Chair Russell: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Any discussion? Seeing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR REGULAR ITEM(S)
Chair Hardemon: All right, if my colleagues will allow me -- will indulge with me, I'd
like to try to -- let's handle some business today. So what I want to do is I'm going to
open the floor for public comment. If you're here to speak on any item that is on the
consent agenda, the public hearing agenda, second reading ordinances, first reading
ordinances, the resolutions, this is your opportunity to speak. So, if you'd like to speak on
any item that's on the morning agenda, please approach the lectern, state your name and
your address, and which item it is that you're speaking about. You'll have two minutes to
address this body. You're recognized, sir.
City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
J. Phillip Tavernier: Yes, sir. Yes. First and foremost, I give thanks to God for the
opportunity to be here today and have a voice in something to say. My name is J. Phillip
Tavernier, 19821 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169. And on behalf
of the Circle of Brotherhood, whose motto is, `Black Men Solving Their Own
Community's Problems and the Employ Miami -Dade Program." I came to speak on
behalf of agenda item RE.10, which is a resolution to support the passage of SB-276 and
HB-275, bills that will create a tax credit for employers hiring and creating employment
opportunities to returning citizens, otherwise known as "ex -offenders." A basic duty of
government is to provide for the safety and positive growth of its individuals. Several
years ago, I sat on the Miami -Dade County Prison Reentry Task Force. And at that time,
it was known that it came together because there was a fact that Florida prisons were
overcrowded, and there was going to be a huge influx of citizens, particularly those
convicted of non-violent crimes, leaving incarceration and re-entering society,
particularly in Miami -Dade County. Well, we're in that time now. There are basically
three ways to make a living in this society: Either you own a business or work for
someone else, you rely on some type of welfare public assistance, or you'll resort to some
type of crime, or a combination of those three. Without the opportunity to provide for
yourself or family, an individual will resort to whatever means that they have. So this
beloved city has so much that is going for it; I'd like to encourage everyone. Lastly, as
Commissioner Suarez mentioned, we're in Holy Week. And in the reflection, it's written
of Jesus of Nazareth, "Whatsoever you do to the least of these my people, that you do
unto me." I implore you, please grant those well -needed tax credits to businesses that
hire returning citizens. Passing these bills is a matter of public safety, as well as means
to support local businesses. I implore you to do so. Thank you very much for listening.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. You're recognized, sir.
Peter Ehrlich: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. I'm here to speak on
SR.3, which is on, I think, page 12 of your agenda; be coming up in a little while. And
this item is sponsored by Chairman Hardemon. I'm a resident of the Upper Eastside. I'm
also on the board of the MiMo (Miami Modern) Historic District, and we object to the
City being a co -applicant with a speculator who cannot meet the nine -acre threshold in
order for them to do an SAP (special area plan). We're in favor of any legislation -- this
legislation and also the legislation that Commissioner Suarez has brought up several
months ago, and that should be coming back to you. We're in favor of any legislation
that will curtail some of the abuses of special area plans and special area plans being
used as a loophole to bypass Miami 21 and the City Zoning Code. We strongly object to
a speculator using land from Legion Park to up -zone land adjacent to the park. The
neighborhood consists primarily of one- or two-story buildings, and the speculator
proposes five or seven towers, with the tallest being up to 250 feet tall. So we look
forward to seeing this item passing, as well as the two items that Commissioner Suarez
brought up several months ago. We hope those two items will be on the PZAB (Planning,
Zoning & Appeals Board) agenda very shortly. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Sir, you're recognized.
Neil Shiver: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Board of City Commissioners. My name is
Neil Shiver. I live at 3095 Plaza Street. That's in Coconut Grove. That's on the
Goombay side of Coconut Grove. I've been a resident of Coconut Grove all my life;
born, raised, educated; George Washington Carver, Coral Gables Senior High,
University of Miami. If we were in a court of law, Mr. Chairman, I'll be considered -- I'll
ask you to designate me an expert; not only of the black community of Coconut Grove,
but CRAs (Community Redevelopment Agencies) as well. When Igo to speak to other
CRAs across the State on the successes of the Overtown CRA, I speak about two things:
leadership -- that's you -- and location. But today, with your indulgence, I'd like to give
special recognition, even though he's not here, to Ken Russell, for his leadership in
City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
bringing forth this resolution. My community is dying. Let me finish my last minute
telling you a story about when I graduated from law school. My first lawsuit, civil
lawsuit, was against the City of Miami. Xavier "the Savior" Suarez was the Mayor, and
I sued the City of Miami over affordable housing project called St. Hugh 's [sic] Oak
[sic]. St. Hugh Oak [sic], what the City did was took the statistics and demographics of
the black community of Coconut Grove, went and purchased land, and when it was all
said and done, they built -- they were supposed to build 45 town houses for the
community. When it was all said and done, they built 26 luxury condos that no one from
my community could afford. And my legal argument was simply that the affordable
housing project was inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, because nobody from my
community could afford it. I mean, my clients, one worked for the Post Office; one was a
clerk for the City of Miami, and one was an attorney. So what Isay is, when we lost that
suit -- Linda Kearson represented the City; not only was she beautiful, she was smart.
She qualified my clients, so we lost standing. But the City has an obligation, because
when we lost that development, Commissioner Russell, what you got today is a direct
result of that. So the City tried to do what you're trying to do, so I commend you. I don't
have to tell this board about the success of a CRA, because they do it every day. Support
Mr. Russell in this, because our only lifeline has been the County's Commissioner, and
anything that I can do to help you, I would. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. You're recognized, sir.
McKenzie Moore: Good morning, gentlemen of the City of Miami Commission. My
name is McKenzie Moore. I am a job development specialist for Bridges of America, the
Miami Portal. We are a transitional program for returning citizens from the State of
Florida Department of Corrections. I encourage you today to pass Resolution 10, which
supports the passage of Senate Bill 276 and House Bill 275, which create a tax incentive
for businesses not only in the City of Miami, but throughout Miami -Dade County to
incentivize them to hire returning citizens. This bill is not just about business
development, though. It is primarily about people, valuable people who, yes, have
committed crimes, who have -- who are currently or in the past have been incarcerated,
but they are valuable people who are eager for -- to -- for redemption of themselves, to
redeem themselves to their communities and their families, to utilize their dormant and
unused talents that they have just acquired to give back to our community and be
productive citizens, and most of all, they do not want to return to prison, but in order to
do that, they need an opportunity. This is -- this eliminates one of the blockages to
opportunity for them to succeed and to thrive in our community. So again, I encourage
you. This is an opportunity to benefit the businesses of our community, economically, but
also to improve the economic standing of these individuals and their families, as well.
Thank you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. You're recognized, ma'am.
Antaneshia Harris: Good morning. Giving honor to Christ, who's head of my life. My
name is Antaneshia Harris, and I'm here on behalf of the PULSE. (People United to lead
the Struggle for Equality) Youth Leadership Academy. I'm here to give a special thank
you to everyone who's here and who supported PULSE, but I would like to give a special
recognition to Commissioner Francis Suarez for helping us, for spearheading our
program, for funding us, for being there. He has interacted with us, you know,
financially and physically. He's come. He's talked to us. He's empowered us. He's
given us many opportunities. I'm one of the many people that he has helped. And we just
wanted to say thank you and that we're blessed to have you. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. You're recognized, ma'am.
Yraida Guanipa: Good morning. My name is Yraida Guanipa, president of YG (Yraida
Guanipa) Institute. It's a nonprofit organization dedicated to reestablish the family bond
City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
after incarceration. I'm also representing Florida Restoration Rise Coalition. I'm here
to support the RE.10, especially for those non-violent and non -sex crimes. I am one of
those people. I served a sentence as a non-violent, first-time offender. I'm currently
doing my Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy), and I cannot even get a job to do Obamacare,
you know, the -- to get the license in the State of Florida to help people to get into the
Obamacare marketplace. It's very hard for families, for children in our family, and we
are members of Miami, too. I know that the society sometimes have a rejection when it
comes to prisoners, but we have families to support, and we are part of Miami, too. This
will help all as a whole. And please remember that we are the first country that
incarcerate more people in the entire world. Florida State is one of the biggest one, and
the City of Miami, too. I'm here to support RE.10 for the benefits of all us. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, ma'am. You're recognized, ma'am.
Anaya Miller: Hi. My name is Anaya Miller. I give honor to Christ, who is the head of
my life. I'm here on behalf of PULSE. As my peer has already said, thank you guys so
much for backing up Commissioner Francis Suarez to help us with our program. As a
young teenager now, in the time that we're living in, it's hard to just be out in public. You
have to worry about something might happening to you. So knowing that I could be
somewhere safe, where I can talk about things -- and we learn little things of just how to
be leaders in school, getting out into our community, and Commissioner Francis Suarez
has really showed us that being out and getting involved in our community is very
important. So I really, really, really thank you guys for backing him on up that. Thank
you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Samuel Latimore: Good morning. My name is Sam Latimore, retired professor;
currently the president of the Hadley Park Neighborhood Association. I'm here to talk
about CA.6, which has -- finding out that there has been award for equipment for fitness
for the senior citizens that work, live in a area that I was. I want to thank the -- Mr.
Hardemon 's office and the rest of you in terms of supporting that. That will go a long
way in keeping the lives of those people meaningful and productive. I also would like to
thank the efforts of the City Manager's Office, as well as the Commissioner's office,
Commissioner Hardemon, for the outstanding job they did in providing some recreation
for the kids in our community. That park and those things are really working out well for
us. The last thing I want to do is to remind the Commission, last year -- if I could have
Kirk to help me pass out to the Commissioners. What I heard this morning was
something I came to do anyway. I just happened to have read the resolution, and thank
you for that. But last year, the -- I called around the City, and I called around Dade
County to see what groups and organizations were recognizing police officers during
National Police Appreciation Week, and I found out that we were one of the few groups --
and the picture that you'll see is a picture that we took of our Northside Station for the
City of Miami. Some groups got together, said, "We will not let this week pass" --
because there is so much talk about the negative aspects of what citizens feel. We wanted
to demonstrate that. I wanted to remind the Commissioner, and anybody else who here,
you have an obligation to the men and women who jeopardize their lives for you to sit up
in here, to live where you live, to be -- have these National Week recognize. This was
done in 1962, and May 15 was identified as a memorial day. I ask that you advise your
churches, your community groups, your civic organizations to recognize -- do something
during that week to say, "We appreciate what the men and women do to protect us from
the people who would hurt us." Thank you very much, and thanks again for the fitness
equipment.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. You're recognized, sir.
City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Rick Beasley: Good morning to the Chair, to the members of this Commission. My name
is Rick Beasley, the executive director of Career Source South Florida. My address is
7300 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 500, Miami, Florida. I'm here to speak and ask, and
urge the members of this Commission to pass the resolution, RE.10. It is an effort to
provide assistance to employers who happen to hire ex -offenders. As you know, Career
Source South Florida, our mission is to train citizens in this community, to help them get
a job, particularly those who have various (UNINTELLIGIBLE) employment; ex -
offenders, returning citizens, are one. And it's one effort of us affording resources to
train them, but we also need to look at the barriers that prevent them from getting
employed, and what better way of being able to help get them employed by having and
helping employers incentivize them to hire individuals. I also urge this Commission to
take a look that as an opportunity for your -- as you represent the City, to help those in
your community to get a job. Now, I will say this: The best way of reducing crime is to
get someone a job. And so, we're asking, again, for your assistance of passing this
resolution to urge our State representative to do it. But I also, in one breath, ask you to
take a look at maybe implementing your own local tax credit initiative, or some type of
incentive, to help small employers hire returning citizens. With that, again, I thank you
for your support. Please pass Resolution 10.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. You're recognized, sir.
Anthony Tate: Good morning. It's a thrill and honor to be here this morning. Want to
say good morning to all of our Commissioners. The Chair, this morning, just to
commend him for the work that he's doing in our community. I'm so proud of him;
Commissioner Suarez for his tentative [sic] in our community, continuing to support
various groups in our community. But I'm here this morning -- My name is Reverend Dr.
Anthony Tate. I'm the pastor of New Resurrection Community Church. I am the co-chair
of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) over
religious affairs. I am the secretary of the Circle of Brotherhood. I'm here this morning
asking that you will approve items RE.10, because this is a good resolution. Not only
will it help small businesses, but it gives the initiative and that would restore hope back
to families. By restoring hope, it engages individuals that have committed crimes and
returning back to our community, a positive introduction back into society. This
initiative gives hope; and not only that, but it produces unity in our community. It
restores self-respect to many who have paid their debt to society. It will put many
convicted feloners [sic] back to work. It will reduce crime, but more importantly, it gives
someone economic stability. This proves to be something that is -- would be very good
for the future of our community and the City of Miami. Thank you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. You're recognized, sir.
Gregory Pierre: Good morning. Gregory Pierre. I reside at 244 Biscayne Boulevard,
Unit 1409, Miami, Florida 33132. I think that you all would agree that one of your most
important or highest duties as Commissioners of the City of Miami is to protect and
support the safety and welfare of all of your constituents, and most particular, those that
are in the weakest states or weakest positions. There are certain members of your
constituency that have been labeled or brandished as felons; who, as a result of this label
or branding, are unable to obtain scholarships or funding for school; who, as a result of
this label or branding, are unable to access simple social programs; and who, as a result
of this label or branding, are unable to obtain employment. This label and branding has
dis-incentivized employers from giving these individuals jobs. And as the Commissioners
of the City, I think you would agree that you have a responsibility to incentivize the
individuals that do business in this City or -- excuse me -- the businesses in the City and,
of course, the businesses in the State, to reverse the ills that flow from this. It's not fair.
And as a result, I'm just asking that you show your support for Resolution 10. And not
just that, but even take it a step further and see what you could do as City Commissioners
City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
to further the effort to help those that are in the weakest position, whether it be ex -
convicts, the elderly, or the homeless. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. You're recognized.
Renita Holmes: Good morning, Commissioners. Madam Holmes, Women's Association
Alliance, Addressing Injustice and Violent Epidemia, executive director of WOW, and
also the executive director of Opportunities for United Restoration of our Homes,
initially coming out of public housing, and it was great to be a first -timer; you know,
being a first poverty person with disability to have the first business in the State of
Florida, the first woman to own it in public housing, and then to run a not -for -profit.
And I can remember when Mr. Rollins, who took further "The Walking Nonstop" --
which they called, "The Walking One Stop," which I created, because there was so many
corporations, not -for -profit, as well as for profit, who had monies to do line item
outreach and did not do it with the cultural competence that it was, so there was no
balance in equity. And so, we walked. We walked as volunteers, as peer supports, as ex -
felons, as mentors, ministers; some now become ministers and reverends, and pastors;
some now professionals in drug rehabilitation, which is now the new initiative in the
State of Florida for hiring those who are more challenged. My point being is that then
you did not know that, unless you opened up an Armoire and saw my licenses that I was
living in public housing or that I was an ex felon. You could say I still am, as far as the
system, but I paid my time. But what I could not understand was the white-collar crime,
because I was fellow, along with many veterans, who were dishonorably discharged,
because they had been charged with crimes, who came back home, who had no income,
and were disqualified the benefits, because they came back to children they did not even
know that they had and had -- the system has really penalized them for that. And so, I
urge you, because if it was not for the insight of some of us as consultants, strategists,
volunteers, organizers, lobbyists, legislators, and community servants that we would be
at this point that we've come. I think the gentlemens [sic] have said it, but for those
women that have sons and daughters who have to now take care of their own
grandchildren, we deserve a second chance. And the equity in corrective and
rehabilitative, comprehensive community, economic development creates policies like
this that support bringing a balance, policies such as this that bring -- that cover the gap,
and it shows great character. I'll close with this: Miami -Dade County has already
accepted it, and they stand as a Commission before a sign that says, "In God We Trust."
Truly, if we trust in that same God, we have that same accountability, that same
character, and those same principles will give a man a fish and pole and see if he can
fish again, and feed his family again, then truly the same God would be the God we trust
in this Commission to give these brothers and give these organizations and these
companies, such as companies like my own, who are even owned by ex felons, a chance
to hire our brothers and sisters, and do what God told us to do. Thank you so much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Sir, you're recognized.
Newton Sanon: Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the Commission. Newton
Sanon, president and CEO (chief executive officer) of OIC (Opportunities
Industrialization Center) of South Florida. We're a community -based workforce
development organization. Our way of contributing to improving conditions in the
community is helping people access credentials and get jobs, while dealing with those
things that might impede economic and credentialing success; one of those barriers
remain: folks returning from incarceration. You may know, but according to the
Department of Corrections, ultimately, 1,700 offenders will be returning to Miami -Dade
County in the next fiscal year. That's an average of 146per month. That does not
include State -- I'm sorry -- County and/or Federal inmates. Well, I'm here on support of
item RE.10, to urge you to give these folks an opportunity. Our organizations have the
pleasure and honor of serving and leading the reentry effort on the U.S. (United States)
Department of Labor for the past two administrations and the one current. And I will tell
City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
you, again, as our motto suggests, that a job is the best social service in the world. I will
tell you that, oftentimes, people come to our organization looking for an opportunity. If,
in fact, they have the will, the volition, and paid their debit to society, there is an
opportunity -- I will call it an "opportunity" -- as opposed to an "obligation" -- because
there's a different sentiment when you see it as an opportunity -- to give these folks an
opportunity to earn a wage to feed their families and not recidivate in the community.
Thank you so much for the consideration.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Ludnel St. Preux: Good morning, honorables. My name is Ludnel St. Preux. I'm the
deputy chief operating officer for Gang Alternative, a nonprofit in this community,
dedicated to serving the youth. I'm here to urge your support for the resolution to allow
the tax credit for those employers who are willing and ready to employ ex -offenders. In
our society, most of the time, in the name of safety, we have the tendency of locking
people up and throw the key, but for those who have paid their time, paid their dues, and
that are out and rehabilitated, we have an obligation to help them out. The -- giving
them the opportunity to have a job not only give them self-respect, but it also allows them
to feed themselves and feed their families, and therefore, not returning to the life that
took them to jail in the first place. So I'm urging your support for that resolution. Thank
you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Ma'am, you're recognized.
Ruth Ewing: Thank you. Good morning. My name is Ruth Ewing. I'm here as a
resident, Coconut Grove, 3620 Percival Avenue. Good morning to the Commission,
Chair, Vice Chair. I'm here in regards to Resolution 11-1941. I'd like to commend and
thank Vice Chair Commissioner Russell for putting this resolution forward, regarding the
identfing of funds to do -- conduct a finding of necessity study for the development of a
community redevelopment area in West Grove. I would like to ask and urge to please
further consider defining the boundaries, as defined in the study, that have West Grove;
more distinct identification of the boundaries. I would also encourage that
Commissioner Russell continue to educate the members of West Grove and the whole of
Coconut Grove and D2 (District 2) in regards to the importance of the necessity of the
study, as well as what a community redevelopment area would mean for Coconut Grove
and West Grove, specifically, now and in the future; as well as the potential positive
outcomes, as they are intended; and also, some of the pitfalls, as they could happen.
Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Jody Szabo: Good morning. My name is Jody Szabo. I'm a volunteer with and
representing Hope City Center, 2103 Coral Way, Suite 202, Miami, Florida 33145.
Hope City Center supports the City of Miami Commissioners, urging Governor Rick
Scott and members of the Florida Legislature to enact Senate Bill 276 and House Bill
275 that would create a State Work Opportunity Tax Credit for businesses to hire those
convicted of a felony. Hope City Center -- we're a faith -based nonprofit organization
that assists felons and those recently released with reentering into society. We have
concerns that the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Federal Bonding Program
are seen by potential employers as intrusive and cumbersome. This has proven more as
an enhanced barrier to gainful employment. When Hope City Center attempts to woo
employers, almost immediately, employers are reluctant to hire clients because of the
amount of paperwork that is required. Tax credits are not a big enough carrot to get
employers to purchase against this backdrop. According to a 2011 paper by the
Northwestern Law Bluhm Legal Clinic, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) forms indicate
that the estimated average time for preparing the IRS forms is 11 hours. This is
considered by many time-consuming. A feasibility study of the Miami -Dade County
City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioners approved -- this kind of work must be thoroughly examined to develop
suggestions and address about the stringent process of the Federal WOTC (Work
Opportunity Tax Credit). It's in the best interest of the State of Florida, the Miami -Dade
County, and City of Miami to approve this and to consider local incentives, as well; and
to consider hosting a workshop, educating nonprofits, employers, and community leaders
on the benefits of hiring formerly convicted citizens. One example is a upcoming summit,
held in Cleveland next week, the Northeast Ohio Reentry Business Summit, and this event
will focus on opportunities available for businesses to participate in reentry and will
provide guidelines, as well as legal advice, tax credit information, or real -life examples.
This kind of work summit should be performed here in South Florida. So there are many
examples that we can look at, such -- in other states, Illinois tax credit; California
enacted a new employment credit, and other places. There are cities like San Francisco
and Philadelphia. Philadelphia has the Employment Incentive Payment Program. So
Hope City Center is in support and available to explore solutions to this mounting
challenge, which negatively impacts our citizens on a countywide level, and it is our
support for these House Bill and Senate Bill. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, ma'am. Sir, you're recognized.
Williams Armbrister: Good morning to this body, and I greet you all, and every man,
woman, and child at the sound of my voice, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. On RE.11-1941, it's a bit late. It's about two decades late, but a late meal is
better than no meal at all, and we do thank you for your consideration in this matter,
because all the evidence is currently available to justift having a CRA in West Grove. I'd
also like to -- you to consider -- and I was told in communicating with people in the
community that, for once, I should come down here and not tell you what to do, but
humbly ask that you consider the eminent domain procedure, because we will need real
estate and funds in order to bring the magic back to this part of the City. What the
eminent domain will do would give us real estate, and we would be able to get the
funding in order to provide for homes and to retool the units on Grand Avenue. And if
you would rustle up your courage and convince our Mayor that he needs to meet with the
Miami -Dade County Mayor and see how this can be implemented, how we can use these
tools that are readily available. Of course, you know, at my first mention of it, there was
some repel or rejection of it, because of our City Attorney not being familiar with it and
how it could be utilized. And as you normally hire outside legal assistance when you
need it for issues that you're not readily tooled or familiar with dealing with, you could
do this, as well, when it comes to the eminent domain procedure, according to the United
States Constitution. I just want to thank you once again. And thank you, Commissioner
Russell, for your efforts on the Billie Rolle Park and presenting this resolution, and I'm
sure you have enough evidence to justift a CRA in West Grove.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Mr. Armbrister: God bless you, and have a wonderful day.
Chair Hardemon: Sir, you're recognized.
Carlos Gonzalez: Thank you. Good morning. My name is Carlos Gonzalez. I reside at
131 Southeast First Street, downtown Miami, a block from Flagler Street, but I'm not
here to talk about that. I would like to draw the attention to RE.5, Resolution 1906. I'm
here to represent the Kiwanis of Biscayne Bay, and I would urge everybody to support
this project, which I believe is sponsored by Commissioner Gort. Thank you. We have
experience with educational field trips to the zoo, to the Everglades, to Jungle Island, for
elementary school students in Miami -Dade -- actually, in the City of Miami. When the
resolution comes up, I can -- I'm here to answer any details that you may have,
information wise. So I urge you to vote for it. It's a good program. We have cleared
City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
everything with Miami -Dade County, the appropriate level in Miami -Dade County. We
could present, you know, those things in writing. We --
Commissioner Gort: Miami -Dade County Schools.
Mr. Gonzalez: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Gort: Miami -Dade County Schools.
Mr. Gonzalez: Right, right.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Mr. Gonzalez: Now, from our contact and negotiations with them, since it's only one
school, we don't need the superintendent's authority. It's basically the principal of that
school. It's his purview to approve it and do the writing and all that kind of stuff. And,
actually, he will select the seven students for the program, which will start hopefully in
the fall of this year, okay? Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no other persons for public comment, I'm going to close the
public comment section at the time.
PA - PERSONAL APPEARANCES
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
2001 PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY ALINA HUDAK, DEPUTY MAYOR
OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, TO PRESENT TO THE CITY
COMMISSION ON THE MOSQUITO ABATEMENT
PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Chair Hardemon: There are some personal appearances. I'd like to call the first
personal appearance, PA.1, Ms. Alina Hudak, from the Deputy Mayor of Miami -
Dade -- she's the Deputy Mayor of Miami -Dade County. Thank you very much,
ma 'am. Good morning.
Deputy Mayor Alina Hudak: There we go.
Chair Hardemon: Continue.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: Good morning, Mr. Chair, honorable Commissioners, Mr.
Manager, Madam Attorney, Mr. Clerk; certainly a pleasure for me to be here today,
at the invitation of the City Administration. For the record, I'm Alina Hudak,
Deputy Mayor of Miami -Dade County, and also serve as the director of our Solid
Waste Management Department. And I'd like to take this opportunity to give you a
brief overview of our mosquito control program and an update on our activities and
preparation for our 2017 season, and I'd like to just preface that by saying that I
think we've all come to realize that there is no such thing in Miami -Dade County as
City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
a mosquito season; it is a year-round effort, and we certainly appreciate the
partnership that we've enjoyed with the City of Miami. Your Administration has
been superb in supporting us on -- both on the Code enforcement front and
absolutely anything that we needed during the 2016 season. I think we all know and
experienced what the 2016 year and the active and -- arrival of many travel -related
cases and locally acquired cases of Zika to our community in the designation of four
zones, two in the City of Miami and two in the City of Miami Beach. As the first
community in the Continental United States, with locally acquired cases, all eyes of
the country, truly, were on Miami -Dade County s mosquito control efforts. I'd like
to give you a brief sense of the magnitude of the response and what it required, and
I'll highlight some key statistics. We have a video that I've chosen not to show
today, because we really developed it for purposes of the many forums and the many
opportunities that we've had throughout the State to tell our story. Most of us -- and
you lived with us, so you're very familiar with the effort. From January of 2016 to
December of 2016, our 311 Call Center handled over 18,000 calls for mosquito -
control inspections. Our County and contracted crews, mosquito -control inspectors
conducted over 300,000 property inspections. We provided larva site treatment to
152,000 public and private storm drains throughout the County. We did that
together with our Road and Bridge, and Public Works, and Transportation crews,
and we had the assistance of many municipal governments. We did that twice.
That's an unprecedented effort. It would normally take us about four years to get
through 150,000 drains, and we did that in three months' time. We performed 12
aerial adulticide treatments in two of the Zika transmission zones. We conducted
four aerial larvicide treatments. We performed 43 adulticide treatments by truck in
the transmission zones, as well as in other areas of Miami -Dade County, where we
saw that we had elevated counts. We conducted 154 truck larviciding missions in the
transmission zones, and continue to provide those services today. Our public
information staff received and provided interviews to over 160 local, national,
regional, and international media inquiries. So that gives you sort of a very broad
perspective of the massiveness of what was really a six-month response. These
numbers reflect the challenge and reflect, you know, what we hope and anticipate
will not be another repetition of that this coming season. Through our partnership
with the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Centers
for Disease Control, and the Federal Government, we are the only government in the
Continental United States, and really in the world, that has been able to break the
cycle of transmission, and we're extraordinarily proud of our efforts and the efforts
of all of this community in working with us. One of the critical elements of our
response was the creation of a Joint Information Center, where we shared
information on a daily basis early on, within the first month. Almost every day, at 4
o'clock, we were on the phone with all the jurisdictions, with the Convention Bureau,
with the School System, with any agency that had a need for information, and we
created a mechanism by which that information was shared. So I want you all to
know that, because, again, the collaboration was extraordinary. We continue to
prepare, and we know and we've seen the weather patterns since January. We've
had a very hot, humid -- it rained. Yesterday, you saw the rainfall in this community,
so we know that we have to continue to learn from the experience. I personally,
along with my team, have visited multiple mosquito -control districts in the State, and
the interesting thing that we've observed -- and we've seen districts that have
tremendous assets. I mean, we were in Collier County this past Monday and saw,
you know, three airplanes, four helicopters; massive capabilities. And they told us,
very frankly, that they're learning from us, that -- you know, what they knew a year
ago about the aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector that transmits disease, and
what they know today about resistance to treatment, about the different protocols,
and what works and what doesn't work, and they commended all of us for the
amount of ground inspection that we did. So I will tell you that it is a continuing
process. We are blessed that our Mayor has, in fact, authorized additional resources
for our mosquito control operation, and we are prepared and are in the process of
City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
enhancing that operation. We are in the process of recruiting a medical
entomologist to provide leadership. We do have currently an entomologist on staff
and we have biologists, and we have trained individuals, but we are -- we have
created a surveillance program that is, you know -- I don't think anywhere in the
State of Florida there is a surveillance program that has over 120 traps. That
surveillance program will now provide us significant information about the type of
species of mosquito that we're seeing all over Dade County, not just in the areas
where we had transmission. And we will have, hopefully within the next three
months, additional 40-plus positions on board, prepared to provide support to
anything that we face, and we have a lot of good surveillance information. Based on
that, we define our protocols on a daily basis, and we continue with a very
aggressive larviciding program. Part of what we want to do and what we have been
doing is obviously public education. And when I say, `public education," I don't
mean just having the opportunity to tell people to wear mosquito repellant. It's
really having the opportunity to spend quality time with homeowners, with
associations, with schools, with any forum that we're invited to talk about all the
different things that are the personal responsibility of the resident to engage with us.
I think it's -- you know, I think there's a perception that if you're not young, pregnant,
or about to become pregnant that Zika and disease is not your concern. And the
reality from what we've learned is that we, the human being, are the carrier. It's not
just the vector and the mosquito that's the carrier. If you have a family, or if you
have a friend who traveled to a country and potentially came back from a vacation
and is infected, the symptoms are very mild; you may not even know you have this
disease or any other disease. You attend a barbeque; there's mosquitoes in your
back yard; you haven't done what you needed to do in terms of prevention, and
therefore, you, yourself have a cousin who's attending, and that person is either
pregnant or about to become pregnant, and you 've created an environment that
potentially could lead to the transmission of this disease. So, you see before you just
one example of multiple iterations of our new campaign, our refreshed campaign.
We're calling it "Fight the Bite! Drain and Cover," and it has multiple message.
And, you know, the jury's out on community education and what works, and what
doesn't work, but we refuse to give up. And so, you know, I'm here to tell you that we
have resource available to you and to your staff, and we've made them available.
We have multiple collateral pieces. We've trained all of our enforcement officers in
Miami -Dade County, as well as offering the opportunity to the cities to participate in
refresher training. We did one last week. We had over 200 enforcement officers
participate in that. And our message is, again, we're here. We're a resource. We're
available to you and to the community for education purposes. Every single person
in our County that engages with the public has the collateral pieces, the information;
we have door hangers, and we continue to make sure that everyone understands not
only what we're doing programmatically from a prevention perspective and a
treatment protocol, but also what the public can do to make sure that their homes,
that they've drained, and that they've covered standing water anywhere, that they've
looked at their gutters, that they make sure that they protect themselves, because you
live in Miami you wear sunscreen; you need to wear a mosquito repellant. And there
are multiple things that the public can do to be our partner, and it's a very important
part of our overall program to make sure that we educate everyone. You've heard a
lot about emerging technologies, in terms of treatment plans, and we're monitoring
those very closely. We're watching what's happening in the Keys, mosquito control
district, with their deployment of the Wolbachia mosquito. It is something that we
are interested in understanding. There are regulatory -- there's a regulatory
framework at the Federal level that has to be finalized, and we're watching what is
happening. We are certainly open to understanding those technologies. We want to
make sure that we're in the forefront of knowing and being able to do whatever's in
the best interest of this community. So I'm here to tell you that we're ready. We
continue to be ready. I personally -- I mean, I'm a Deputy Mayor, and I personally
spend many, many hours of my time and my life committed to making sure that we
City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
are protecting the health of this community, and I'm extraordinarily proud of our
efforts, and extraordinarily proud of the relationship with both the City of Miami and
the City of Miami Beach; extraordinary effort during the height of our situation last
fall. So thank you very much for the opportunity. I'm available to answer any
questions you may have, and certainly look forward to the continuing exchange.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: I have to tell you, my house was visit three times, so that was
very good, going door to door. I think you did a job. And it's great that we 're
working together as a team. That's the way it should be.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much for coming and updating us. My favorite
part of what you said had to do with the education; that it's not about an infected
mosquito, but about infected people, because I think the red boxes that were created,
created a misconception about where the danger could be, and it created a false
sense of ease outside of the red boxes where everyone should be vigilant within the
entire community. So thank you, and I hope that part of the education really --
Deputy Mayor Hudak: Thank you --
Vice Chair Russell: -- takes hold.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: -- Mr. Vice Chairman, and that certainly was a struggle for
all of us, and a struggle for our Mayor. And in terms of messaging, you'll notice that
he ended all his messaging not only with talking about protection, but also sexual
transmission. It's an issue that was not discussed at length, and we felt that there
was probably more of that happening than we were aware. So I appreciate your
comments.
Chair Hardemon: A couple things. First, I know that this is creating lots of jobs,
and you 've stated that you're bringing another 40 individuals to help with this. I
think, when you start to match those jobs to areas of our communities that have
issues with employment, that'll be a great thing also, because what you can do, you
can give those individuals who may be there seeking jobs some temporary relief and
they can educate their neighborhood about what's happening with the mosquito
population. I think that that would be a great initiative, especially with the type of
resources that the County receiving to aid in mosquito abatement. So, if you can
help us with that, that'd be wonderful. And one thing I haven't heard a lot about
from the County is traps. You know, we've used traps within the City of Miami, and
we found them to be successful, and it gives individuals who are in those
neighborhoods some peace of mind, because they can actually see the type of insects
that are caught into these traps. They're not -- they're nonchemical based, so they're
not harmful to the environment; they're only harmful to the mosquitoes that get
caught inside of them, or any other insect that gets caught inside of it. And so, we
would love to see you invest into those, because if you can put a couple traps every
mile radius, you can give at least some comfort to that neighborhood that, okay, in
this neighborhood, we know we have 10 traps, so mosquitoes are being attracted to
those traps, and they're being eliminated in that fashion. What I've heard is that the
City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
State, especially, is more concerned with research about the type of mosquito that
has been found to transmit the disease, but like everything else, I mean, as we move
on, we find out that then another mosquito -- type of mosquito transmits, and then
another one, and then something else. So, you know, we -- especially, I believe that
it shouldn't necessarily -- research is important, but protecting people and their
peace of mind is also a great issue that we need to conquer. And so, if we're able to
put traps in those peoples' yards, I think it gives them that peace of mind. And I
know that there's the research out there about, you know, deployment of other types
of mosquitoes -- I've called them "super mosquitoes" or -- to help with it, but I think
that will cause panic in the neighborhoods, because -- I mean, all over the television,
we're being told, "Guard yourself against mosquitoes. Fight the bite." And then all
of a sudden, they drop, you know, a thousand new mosquitoes in the neighborhood. I
just -- I understand that it's supposed to control the population, but the peace of
mind of the people that live within these communities, and those of us who put traps
to catch the mosquitoes, I think they would probably feel better if we just try to give
them preventative methods and not, you know, test them with new technology that
isn't quite proven. So I'm one of those persons that was personally affected,
especially by the scare. My wife was pregnant at the time that we -- that the Zika
came into picture, and it took us more than six months to learn the results of her
testing. And so we didn't know until the baby was born whether or not she was
affected by Zika, and that's a scary thing. When your child is being born, that you're
thinking about whether or not they have Zika, that's not something that I think
anyone should have to worry about. And so, luckily for me, my child 's skull radius is
abnormal, is big. She has a big head, but, you know, that's not the same for
everyone. And so we just want to ensure that --
Commissioner Gort: More brain.
Chair Hardemon: -- the people in the neighborhoods have some peace of mind and
they're protected, and we can utilize ways of doing that that are just common sense
and are acceptable to the general population of people and not, you know,
experimental in nature, so much so that it causes hysteria in the neighborhoods.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: A couple just remarks based on your comments. And
congratulations on your baby.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: First of all, as it relates to traps -- and, you know, when I
spoke about our surveillance system, traps are obviously a part of our surveillance
system. That's how we're able to know what's happening out in the community. We
have at this point over 120 traps, and our goal is to deploy as many as necessary to
be able to make sure that we have that coverage of the one square -mile radius. For
purposes of what we're doing with those traps is, we're gathering -- and "research,"
I think, is probably not the right way to describe what we're doing. We're using
those traps to basically be able to detect and understand where the -- we know that
in this community, the aedes aegypti and perhaps the aedes albopictus are the two
species that are the vectors that transmit disease, so -- and it's the female
specifically, so we are -- when our scientists are looking at the information that's
coming back from those traps, we are, in fact, doing a dissecting of what types of
mosquitoes, and where we have those high counts. Immediately upon knowing that,
we are deploying resources. So we're deploying ground inspections, we're deploying
potentially, you know, treatment. So we're using that information not for necessarily
research, as it's been characterized, but for purposes of operational decisions
relative to treatment. I'm familiar with the traps that the City has deployed, and
those are, again, a tool that certainly is available to residents. It is not from the
perspective of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) a treatment or a protocol that
City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
can be used for purposes of determining treatment. And so we -- the traps that we're
using are what has been defined in terms of a protocol for purposes of being able to
deploy and to do the analysis necessary to deploy treatment. But I do believe that
what you're doing is a very effective way of homeowners -- The CDC has described
to us that in order for those to be effective, you would have to deploy about three
traps per home, and so you can imagine -- and the magnitude of the geographic area
of Miami -Dade County -- what it would take to deploy that type of trap to every
single home in this community. But we are very interested in learning more about
what you're doing, and they're available commercially. I've seen them at Bed Bath
& Beyond and at Home Depot, like many other tools that are available to residents,
and they should use them.
Chair Hardemon: So part of the issue -- and I appreciate your comments about the
CDC. The CDC goes about trying to educate all of us in the community about, you
know, the disease state, available treatment for it; and the State is certainly giving
money towards finding cures, if you will, or treatments for Zika. Unfortunately, it
doesn't do anything for the mental health of the individuals that live in these
neighborhoods, so -- and that's why I say, no matter how much you tend to learn
about it and say, "Okay, if I have this super mosquito and I put this one out, and that
kills only the female mosquitoes," then it does a good job, and you can sit at a very
high level. But in the neighborhood, they don't see that. All they see is they have
more mosquitoes now, and the person responsible for it is the County. The
constituent is not -- they can't tell the difference between -- we don't know what type
of mosquito that is. The constituent has no idea what mosquito just bit them. They
just know that they were bitten.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: No, I understand that.
Chair Hardemon: And most of the time they don't get a chance to really see the
mosquito; they may kill the mosquito.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: That's why --
Chair Hardemon: And so --
Deputy Mayor Hudak: -- treatment is such an important --
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: -- part of our protocol.
Chair Hardemon: So -- And moreover, the traps tend to be expensive. So if you
have a -- you described that they need about three traps per household. If a trap
averages $150, and you're in a neighborhood that's stricken by poverty, how do you
afford to protect your community? And so those are the things that we think that the
County can help assist in with those Federal -- those State dollars and -- that they're
receiving to put some assistance into those neighborhoods where they can't afford to
be as preventative as you would like. So not every neighborhood has tires with still
water in them, you know. They can clean their gutters, but it still may not protect
them from mosquitoes. And so that's what we're asking for. Those individuals who
don't have central AC (air conditioner), who have to open their windows, who don't
have proper screen doors; they have barred windows and -- of that nature, and they
need to keep fresh air, those are the homes that are suffering from mosquitoes.
Those individuals who have to sit outside because it's too hot, they're on fixed
income, and this is where they spend most of their time, those are the ones we're
talking about protecting. So I'm not telling you what to do, by any means. I'm not in
City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
a position to do that. All I'm asking is that you give some real thought to individuals
Deputy Mayor Hudak: We'd be happy to do that.
Chair Hardemon: -- who are in these neighborhoods, who live a little differently
than those of us who make decent salaries. They need extra protections, and I think
that we're in a position where we can help them if we work smartly. And so --
Deputy Mayor Hudak: We'd be happy to do that. And, you know, obviously, we'd be
happy to priori -- and we have prioritized those neighborhoods for purposes of
inspections and treatment, and so we'd be happy to continue to follow up on that,
Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Is there anything else? No? All right.
Deputy Mayor Hudak: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much.
PA.2 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
1953 PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY STANLEY FOODMAN, CHAIRMAN
OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGARDING
VACANCIES ON THE COMMITTEE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item PA.2 was continued to the May 11, 2017, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item PA.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
PA.3 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
2003 PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY FLAGLER DISTRICT
STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING DELAYS IN THE FLAGLER
STREET BEAUTIFICATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item PA.3, please see items
FR.3, RE.6, and NA.1.
City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: There's another personal appearance that we have on the agenda.
It's the personal appearance for the Flagler Street Construction Project. Is the
representative here? "Me llamo"Flagler. How you doing, sir?
Terrell Fritz: Good morning.
Chair Hardemon: Good morning.
Mr. Fritz: Regarding item PA.3, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, and Commissioners, my
name is Terrell Fritz. I reside at 111 East Flagler Street. I'm also working with the
Flagler property owners in the downtown Miami partnership to explore a new
business improvement district. And I love Flagler. On February 23, on behalf of the
Flagler Street stakeholders, I sent a memo to the Mayor and Commission, stating:
"When initially proposed that the Flagler Street Beautification and Reconstruction
Project captured the attention and excitement of business owners, property owners,
and residents in downtown Miami alike. As a result, and based on representations
made by the City, all three sectors galvanized to successfully lobby to be self -assessed
$1 million for the right-of-way infrastructure project that was long promised by the
City. A full year into delayed construction, we cannot sit idly by and watch as the
lack of progress destroys downtown district businesses, retail stores, and restaurants.
As stakeholders in the economic success of the most historic street in the City of
Miami, we refuse to be held hostage by a contractor failing to fulfill contractual
commitments to the City, its residents, property owners vested in the long-term
success of the Flagler corridor, and those conducting business within the Central
Business District. Unified, we demand a remedy to this problem, including a
comprehensive strategy to complete the Flagler Street project, a definitive project
schedule that provides transparency and predictability, and a project management
system that includes accountability." Forty -- we had 40 signatures to the memo. We
have nine of those stakeholders here who signed up to briefly address you,
representing the commercial property owners, downtown businesses, and downtown
residents. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
David Lederman: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is David Lederman,
offices at 318 Northwest 23rd Street, Miami, Florida 33127. I'm vice president and
in-house counsel for M Management, Inc., doing business as Mana Wynwood and
Mana Miami. Since 2014, Mr. Moishe Mana has purchased 26 properties within the
Flagler corridor, with a total assessed value of more than $150 million. We are
arguably the most invested party in the Flagler corridor in downtown Miami. Our
vision is a comprehensive revitalization and rebirth of the past and future epicenter of
downtown Miami, which is the Flagler corridor. Unfortunately, this vision is being
hindered by the delays in the Flagler Street Beautification and Reconstruction
Project. We were excited when the project first broke ground in January of 2016.
However, it's been more than a year that this project has only completed one short
Block in front of the Miami -Dade County Courthouse, as you might -- probably are
all aware already. It's nearly impossible for us, as such a large investor in the future
of downtown Miami and Flagler, to attract new tenants and re -- frankly, retain our
existing tenants during this construction, and the uncertainty regarding a completion
date for the construction is causing other ramifications; namely, it prohibits current
tenants from committing to more than one year lease terms; tenants have no defined
timelines when foot traffic will return; as property owners, we are unable to define
fair rental rates for our tenants; it is inhibiting us from completing our long-term
design and buildout of our vision for the Flagler corridor, which, by the way -- and
I'd like you all to please hear me out. We've already invested, as I mentioned, well
over $150 million. Our buildout and our vision will be hundreds of millions of
dollars. And this may sound a little corny, but I was born and raised in Miami; a
City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
third generation Miamian. And, frankly, I was driving over here today -- and I'm
going off script -- but, you know, Moishe Mana has invested probably $500 million in
the City -- jurisdiction of Miami, City of Miami. And much like Flagler, who this
street is his -- the namesake for Flagler Street -- Moishe Mana is risking everything.
He's betting on Miami. He's betting on my hometown, our hometown. And he's doing
it with a lot of people guessing, he probably -- he won't succeed. He's a visionary; he
puts his money where his mouth is, and we believe -- that's why we're wearing these.
We love Flagler, we believe in Flagler, we put our money where our mouth is, and
we're suffering. And lastly, again, as a native of Miami, it hurts me every week -- as
the attorney and in-house counsel, I work with every one of our tenants, and on a
weekly basis, I personally deal with mom-and-pop, small business owners, to save
them from closing and going bankrupt, okay? I see it all the time, and we try to work
everything out. Mr. Mana's worth a lot of money, but no one's worth infinite amounts
of money. And we try to save each and every business, and it hurts me personally
inside, because my father was a small business owner in Miami. He put me through
college that way. I put myself through law school, but that's another story. But we're
facing mounting losses every month, and it's getting worse and worse. So, to
summarize -- and thank you so much for your attention, because I know you have so
many things begging for your attention -- it's imperative that the City of Miami finds
some way -- and you are our City of Miami, Commissioners -- to work with the
current contractor or another one. If we have to get rid of the current one, let's get
rid of him. Whatever this is going to take to be a success for the future and, frankly,
the short-term future and the long-term future, we want to all -- we all in here, I think,
want to see a very prosperous Flagler Street, for so many reasons. So what do we
need to do? If it's not this contractor, there's another one, and you have the power
and the authority. That's why we come to you today, and we ask you, respectfully, to
utilize that power and authority to work with the City Manager, work with your
professional City Attorney law firm, if you will, to identify a definitive project
schedule that provides transparency, predictability, and most importantly, enforces
accountability, whether it's this contractor, another one, or multiple. Thank you very
much for your time and attention. I appreciate it.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
(Applause)
Sherman Canter: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Sherman Canter, and
I'm here today representing Sergio Rok, president of Rok Enterprises, 48 East Flagler
Street, Penthouse 105; Miami, Florida 33131. Mr. Rok is on -- out of town today, but
has asked me to read the following statement into the record: `I regret that I'm
unable to attend in person today, but I want to thank you for allowing the
stakeholders along Flagler Street to come before you. As most of you know, my late
father, Natan Rok, and I have invested and believed in the Flagler district of
downtown Miami for over 40 years now. Since the late 1970s, we have owned
commercial properties in the district, and I currently own 16 properties with a total
market value of more than $100 million. I understood from the beginning that the
Flagler Beautification Project would be challenging. Some of the infrastructure
beneath the street is approximately 100 years old. However, that" not -- "should not
come as a surprise to this City or the contractor that won the bid to build it.
Continually, since the project broke ground a year ago, the stakeholders have been
presented with conflicting information and shifting commitments to get the job done.
Existing tenants in downtown Miami have seen a steady decrease in foot traffic,
increasing vacancy in advance of the project, and all the blighting conditions that
come along with it. New tenants? Who would possibly sign a lease when there's no
plan in place to complete the project? Flagler Street is one of the most historic and
important streets in the City of Miami. We deserve better. The City must develop a
City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
comprehensive strategy to complete the Flagler Street project. Thank you. Sergio
Rok."
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Steven Klein: Good morning. I'm Steve Klein, representing Brickman Real Estate
Investors, with properties throughout the City of Miami, including Courthouse Tower
at 44 West Flagler Street. Since March of 2016, Brickman has invested more than
$70 million within the City of Miami, and specifically along the Flagler Street
corridor in the Central Business District of downtown Miami. Part of our investment
strategy is to work hand in hand with the City and other private sector owners to
bring value to the neighborhoods in which we invest, and we're a big believer in the
metamorphosis that's taking place in downtown Miami. That's the situation we
thought we were getting into when the Flagler Beautification Project broke ground in
January of '16. You cannot imagine our frustration with the current situation. The
City's management of the overall project, the contractor's seemingly lack of progress,
and the unbelievable lack of detail and commitment to get the job done are just
unacceptable. Frankly, it's a veritable war zone in front of our Courthouse Tower
property. We're investing more than $5 million in improving this property, and we
can't even get people to walk in our front door to consider leasing retail and
commercial office space. I want to thank the City Commissioner -- the City
Commission for this opportunity to appear in front of you to express our concern, but
as property owners of two buildings that will be directly impacted by this project, we
need a schedule that will provide predictability for future investment and
accountability. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Is there a representative of the group? I
thought that there was going to be a representative of the group that was going to
speak on behalf of everyone, because this is the personal appearance time, so we
typically use this as a way to address the body regarding an issue. And so, I don't
want to turn it into more of a public comment time, so if we can round it up, because I
know that many of the Commissioners feel exactly the same way.
Mr. Fritz: Mr. Chair, it should sum up pretty quickly. We are not a formal
organization, so there's no --
Chair Hardemon: I understand.
Mr. Fritz: -- no way that I can represent. So I've asked the property owners and
stakeholders to be brief. I'll come back at the end and be willing to take any questions
that you have.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Also, I mean, we have some items that deals with this issue; I
think it's FR.3 and RE.6, so maybe we could say that they're speaking on behalf of
those items, too.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: You know? So we could listen to everyone, because I think --
Chair Hardemon: All right, that's fine.
City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Carollo: -- if they came here, I think we should allow them to speak,
and we should be able to listen to them.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) public hearing.
Chair Hardemon: Well --
David Norton: Good morning, gentlemen. I'm here on -- My name is David Norton.
I'm the vice president of the Miami -- the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. We're an
association for downtown residential building and downtown residents. I myself am
on the board of One Miami, which is just between the Intercontinental and the river.
I'm speaking on behalf of President Amal Solh Kabbani, who couldn't be here today,
and the whole of our membership, and naturally myself. So I'd just like to say the
following on behalf of everybody: The economic health of downtown Miami is
absolutely key to a successful business district along Flagler Street, Miami's most
historic main street. It's also key to the quality of life for those of us who live
downtown, and the desirability of the area is a destination for visitors from around
the world. The delay in the current Flagler Beautification Project is creating a
serious threat to that economic health and damage to the image of downtown Miami.
Each month, more business -- more businesses close on Flagler Street, and the
neighborhood that was moving towards total revitalization just a few years ago is
suddenly deteriorating instead. Now, with such deterioration comes a complete lack
of activity during the day, and really frightening and unsafe pedestrian conditions at
night. As a result, our homes become less desirable places to reside, and less
marketable properties in which to invest. Downtown residents moved here to enjoy
the life -- the live, work, and play environment that an urban community can provide.
The Flagler district of Miami should be one of the finest. Please, do whatever it takes
to move this project forward, and to help us to realize the downtown Miami that we
all richly deserve. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Maria Gralia: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. My name is Maria
Gralia. I'm with the law firm of Stearns, Weaver, Miller, with offices at 150 West
Flagler, which is known as Museum Tower. I'm here today to address the concerns of
my firm, Stearns, Weaver, Miller, as well as the concern of the Gary Ressler, who was
unable to be here today. By way of background, Mr. Ressler is with The Tilia Family
of Companies, and they represent a significant investment in downtown Miami, with
two major properties in the Flagler district, which includes the Alfred I. Dupont
Building, at 169 East Flagler, a major historic asset in the City. Mr. Ressler
represents The Tilia Family of Companies as a board member of the Downtown
Development Authority. He is also the president of the Downtown Miami
Partnership, and annual active member of the Flagler Streetscape Task Force. Mr.
Ressler asked that I read the following statement today: "As a member of the Flagler
Street Task Force, it is impossible for me to overstate my frustration with the Flagler
Street Beautification Project. From meeting to meeting, over a period of years, since
approximately 2011, including design, procurement, and construction, stakeholders
have been presented with unfulfilled promises and misrepresented information. The
project finally broke ground in January of 2016, and since then, the situation has
continued to deteriorate. City staff has demonstrated a consistent inability to manage
the construction project, negotiate a schedule, or even communicate the most basic
understanding of current status of the project. As stakeholders were left misinformed,
confused, and frankly, deceived regarding the expectations, how can we possibly hope
to lease properties and support downtown businesses in an environment of complete
and utter neglect? Flagler property owners agreed to allow the City to assess
ourselves to help pay for this project, and then successfully lobbied the County for its
contribution. We are owed a project management system that includes accountability
City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
for all parties involved, including the City's contractor, FH Paschen, who has shown
nothing short of contempt for this project and our community, as well as the City CIP
(Capital Improvement Projects) Department, which has allowed the contractor's
behavior without impunity." I would also like to say a few words for my firm.
Although our office is located outside the property boundaries, we are directly
impacted by the extended disruption and concern over the lack of progress.
Coincidently, last Friday and this past Monday, one of my partners repeatedly passed
by the project site, and did not observe one worker -- two days, Friday and Monday --
and did not observe a worker. I passed by there yesterday; again, no workers. This
lack of progress is extremely concerning, and we are here to express our deep
concerns. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: As the Commissioner for the district and the Chairman of the
DDA, I can recognize that this sentiment is universal. I'm thinking maybe we can
move this along in a quicker way and address their actual issues by -- if it's the will of
this board -- moving both FR.3 and RE.6 during this PA (personal appearance) item -
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: -- so that these fine business owners can get back to Flagler
sooner and see that we have dealt with the issue. That way, they can also speak
directly to those items that they have a specific comment about them, if we pass those
issues now.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCES
City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
CA.1 RESOLUTION
1887
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE FEE FOR THE USE OF THE PARKING LOT AT THE
COMMODORE RALPH E. MUNROE MARINE STADIUM
PURSUANT TO SECTION 53-53(B)(1)(D) OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, ENTITLED "RENTAL RATES AND
ASSOCIATED CHARGES AND CONDITIONS/SPECIAL CHARGES,
TERMS AND CONDITIONS", FOR FINS WEEKEND, HOSTED BY
THE MIAMI DOLPHINS FOUNDATION, FROM MAY 15, 2017
THROUGH MAY 21, 2017.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0164
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.1, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
CA.2 RESOLUTION
1893
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE FEE OF THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
($3,500.00) FOR THE USE OF THE PARKING LOT AT THE
COMMODORE RALPH E. MUNROE MARINE STADIUM ("MARINE
STADIUM") PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 53-53(B)(1)(C) AND 53-
53(B)(1)(D) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
ENTITLED "RENTAL RATES AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES AND
CONDITIONS", FOR THE ORANGE BOWL PADDLE
CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT, SPONSORED BY O. B. FESTIVAL
EVENTS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND
SCHEDULED FOR THE BENEFIT OF BIG BROTHERS BIG
SISTERS OF MIAMI, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, ON JUNE 3, 2017.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0165
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
CA.3 RESOLUTION
1903
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WATER AND
SEWER DEPARTMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER AND
SEWER SERVICES FOR THE DORSEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY,
CAPITAL PROJECT B-30531.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0166
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
CA.4 RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
1907
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF DELINEATORS ALONG SOUTHWEST 22
AVENUE BETWEEN CORAL WAY (S.R. 972) AND US-1 (S.R. 5),
MIAMI, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0169
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Suarez
NAYS: Carollo
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item CA.4, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. In CA.4, I'm a "no."
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Show me, CA.4 a "no."
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Then we'll need to vote on that one separately, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah.
Mr. Hannon: So the idea would -- could be --
Chair Hardemon: No.
Mr. Hannon: -- the motion, Suarez/Carollo, 5-0 for CA.1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, and then
we'll vote on CA.4 separately.
Commissioner Suarez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) CA.4.
City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
CA.5
1962
Office of the City
Attorney
Chair Hardemon: Motion on CA.4.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I'll move CA.4.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Sure, second.
Chair Hardemon: I'm sorry. Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: No, no.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: He can vote against it, even if he seconds it.
Chair Hardemon: Right. That's true. All in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND
ON BEHALF OF YANEISYS TRIANA, SUBJECT TO THE
CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA STATUTES,
THE TOTAL SUM OF $110,850.00, INCLUDING $100.00 FOR A
SEPARATE GENERAL RELEASE, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE
CITY OF MIAMI, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES,
WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, UPON EXECUTING A
SETTLEMENT, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION
AGREEMENT, A SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND A GENERAL
RELEASE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI AND ITS PRESENT AND
FORMER OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM ANY
AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS; ALLOCATING FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $110,750.00 FROM INTERNAL SERVICE FUND,
INDEX CODE NO. 50001.301001.524000.0000.00000 AND FUNDS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00, FOR THE SEPARATE GENERAL
RELEASE, ALLOCATED FROM NON -DEPARTMENTAL ACCOUNT
NO. 00001.980000.531010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0167
City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
CA.6
1803
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.5, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A GRANT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY- THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED
SIXTY-TWO DOLLARS ($53,462.00) ("GRANT") FROM THE
HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA ("FOUNDATION")
TO THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") DEPARTMENT OF PARKS
AND RECREATION ("DEPARTMENT"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ALLOCATE AND APPROPRIATE FROM PROJECT
NUMBER B-173515 A NOT TO EXCEED TOTAL AMOUNT OF
EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN DOLLARS
($86,214.00) FOR WHICH INCLUDES (1) A CITY MATCH NOT TO
EXCEED SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($79,000.00)
("CITY MATCH") AND (2) CITY IN -KIND SERVICES NOT TO
EXCEED SEVEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN
DOLLARS ($7,214.00) ("CITY IN -KIND SERVICES") FOR THE
PURCHASE, CONSTRUCTION, AND INSTALLATION OF
OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT AND RELATED PARKS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, COMMENCING APRIL 1, 2017
THROUGH MARCH 31, 2018 FOR THE "CREATING MORE
ACTIVE CITY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM AT HADLEY PARK"
("PROGRAM"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE
A NEW CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER FOR THE PROGRAM, TO
AMEND THE CITY'S CAPITAL PLAN AS NECESSARY TO
INCLUDE THE NEW CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER FOR THE
PROGRAM, TO CREATE THE NECESSARY ACCOUNTING
STRUCTURE TO ACCOUNT FOR THE GRANT FUNDS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING
PRINCIPLES ("GAAP") AND TO COMPLY WITH GUIDELINES SET
FORTH BY THE FOUNDATION AS GRANTOR; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A GRANT AWARD AGREEMENT WITH THE
FOUNDATION, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY ("GRANT AGREEMENT"), AND TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
ALL OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, AMENDMENTS,
EXTENSIONS, RENEWALS, AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE
GRANT AGREEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE GRANT
AGREEMENT AND TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0168
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.6, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item CA.4, please see item
CA.4.
City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: Commissioners, I'd like to ask for a motion to approve the consent
agenda. That's items CA.1 through CA.6.
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Gort: I have a question in CA.4.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. It's been properly moved and seconded that we
approve CA.4.
Commissioner Suarez: Do you want to pull something?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I would like to pull CA.1 and CA.2 and CA --
Chair Hardemon: Is it that you want to just talk about it or you want to vote -- you
may want to vote against it?
Commissioner Carollo: I think I want to talk about it.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, then we can have a discussion. We'll still talk about it.
Commissioner Carollo: So we're going to go --
Chair Hardemon: Well, the motion is for CA.1 through CA.6, and now we're going to
open up discussion, and I'll allow you to discuss any item in there that you want to
talk about.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood. So we're not going to take a vote yet. We're
just going to --
Chair Hardemon: Exactly.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood.
Chair Hardemon: You have anything?
Commissioner Gort: Yes. CA.4, I had to go to the dictionary to find out what that
word meant, "the delineator." Let me see if I can even pronounce it. "Delineator."
Chair Hardemon: Delineator.
Commissioner Suarez: What is the question?
Chair Hardemon: He wants to know what "delineators" mean.
Commissioner Gort: I had to go, and they had to explain it to me.
Commissioner Suarez: So -- Mr. Chair, ifI may?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Suarez: We are redoing 22nd Avenue, between US 1 and Coral Way,
and it's a project that is a couple million dollars. And in the meantime, before we
actually start that project, the County has allowed us to essentially replicate that
project temporarily so that the condition that that project is going to create will be
replicated through this temporary project. And obviously, our residents are extremely
excited about the 22nd Avenue project, because it's going to cut off a lot of the cut -
through traffic that comes from 27th to 17th and from 17th to 27th, in the Silver Bluff
area. So what the County allowed us to do in the meantime, before actually doing the
full project, which will take time, is to mimic the project with delineators so that it has
the same impact, so that the community gets the impact immediately, rather than have
to wait a year or two for the project to be done and then get the impact.
Commissioner Gort: So my understanding is, the responsibility goes to the City of
Miami for the maintenance of the delineators, right?
Commissioner Suarez: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: I know in our community, I don't think -- okay -- they're going to
be lasting very much. They're going to be knocking down quite a bit, but -- all right,
okay. Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I'll speak on CA.4, since
that's the one that we're speaking on right now. When I first saw this, I have to admit,
I cringed a little bit, because it reminded me of when we were at a meeting -- and you
were there --
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- for 17th Avenue, and you saw how many people actually
complained about closing those streets and stuff like that.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: So when I saw this, I was like -- I cringed, because some like
this of closing -- and it's not closing of streets, but closing access to making various
turns. Again, I remember from the meeting we had for 17th Avenue, and there was a
lot of people against something like that. So I haven't been to any of the meetings for
22nd Avenue, so I'm very wary about voting for this. I will probably say that -- and
again, you know, I hardly ever get invited to the Silver Bluff meetings.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: You know, I did for that one on 17th Avenue; I have not for
22nd Avenue, butt will really want to know how the residents feel, because just like
we saw earlier today, a lot of residents could be all excited about a project, but once
it actually starts being constructed and stuff there's a lot of issues, so that's where my
hesitation is.
Commissioner Suarez: So I'll just explain a little bit more in detail. So on 27th
Avenue, the Florida Department of Transportation redid the medians on 27th, and
what they did was they blocked access to left turns. And we have another item, which
is restricting access to left turns during certain times, basically rush hour. And what
they did was they opened -- they left a couple of them opened, so they basically
City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
funneled all the traffic from 27th Avenue that's making a left to Silver Bluff into one or
two streets, where they blocked off three or four, and they funneled them into one.
What we're doing on 22nd Avenue is the opposite. And so, there is no advantage then
to cutting on that one street. You can't cut all the way through from 27th all the way
to 17th. I could tell you that I agree with kind of the sort of concern that you're
expressing. One of the hardest things to do as a Commissioner is find consensus on
traffic control devices. I've learned that over eight years of doing this. But I can tell
you, the 22nd Avenue project, which is a beautification project, in addition to a traffic
mitigation project, is one of the few projects that has been universally supported by
the Silver Bluff residents. In fact, they pushed for the delineators, because they
understood that the project itself was going to take time and could take -- you know,
as you know, could take -- let's just say --
Commissioner Carollo: Years. Years.
Commissioner Suarez: -- it could take a long time, and it's going to cost a lot of
money. What this does is it allows for the solution which it creates to happen
immediately versus waiting a year or two years down the road for that solution to
actually happen, and God knows how. In fact, I'll go a step further in saying the 22nd
Avenue project was fully funded a few years ago -- okay? -- but the County had not
approved it. They've had a change of administration in the County Public Works
Department, and they now look at projects differently in terms of traffic mitigation
and neighborhood preservation than they used to in the past. Before, they looked at
22nd Avenue as basically a thoroughfare, a way to move a lot of cars; and the
residents, particularly some that live on 22nd Avenue -- have to pull their cars out
and all that -- they're complaining constantly about the speed of the cars along 22nd.
What this project will do is it'll create two traffic circles, two big traffic circles on
22nd, which will slow people down. It'll have vegetation, similar to Segovia in Coral
Way -- in Coral Gables that goes from Bird to Coral Way, and it will undo a lot of
what 27th Avenue did, what that FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)
project did on 27th Avenue by restricting access. So on 24th Terrace, for example,
you can't cut all the way through from 27th to 17th. This would not allow that to
happen. So it would not allow for that unrestricted cut -through. I'm just giving you
the whole story.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood.
Commissioner Suarez: And so, we've spent a lot of time on this -- years, actually -- to
get to this point. And the delineators are really just an acceleration of what could be
a project that could take -- you know how long it could take.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: That's it.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Carollo: Following up, yeah, I think the circles will be great for 22nd,
and I have -- and I'll be -- I'll admit, I haven't seen the project. I just have the
concerns with certain --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: -- stopping, certain access to streets, because of -- we went
through this issue with 17th Avenue.
City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, I get it. I haven't been to these meetings --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so I do not know --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- but I'm hesitant --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and that's really the reason why. Now, beautification
project, the circles, hey, I'm all for that. But you saw the anxiety and outright chaotic
state of some of the residents when they knew that they were not going to have access
to cut or turn into their blocks.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: And that's why -- from that experience, that's why I'm so
hesitant with this, Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: And I will say this -- and I'll say this, Commissioner: There is
no mitigation plan -- and I think you saw this also in the Roads, as well. There's no
mitigation plan that I've ever seen, ever, in the eight years I've been doing this that a
hundred percent of the people agree with. I promise you. So the best you can do is
come up with a mitigation plan that the vast majority of the residents agree with. And
I think, you know, in Silver Bluff it's meant, this 22nd Avenue project, to undo what
27th did that we have no control over; and secondly, a traffic table plan. So -- and
some people, by the way, are not proponents of the traffic tables, and so what I've told
them is, "Look, with traffic tables, they require concurrency, neighborhood
concurrency"; meaning two/thirds of the block have to be on board with the traffic
table and a hundred percent of the homes that the traffic table touches. So, `If you
don't agree with a traffic table, I get it. I don't want to force my philosophy of what I
think is good traffic mitigation down your throat. You're my boss. So if you don't
concur with it, we won't do it." And there are some streets that have -- we have
concurrency. We have the ballots, you know, for those streets, and there are some
streets that we don't. And on the ones that we don't, we're not going to be able to do
it.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to touch CA.1 and CA.2
jointly to discuss it, and more than anything, bring it up to this Commission's
attention, because I know we've had various discussion regarding the Miami Museum,
the Marine Stadium, the flex park, and various events that we could host in the future,
and I think we discussed a lot of those events, because we're looking at revenues that
we're going to be able to pay for the maintenance, pay for the debt service, and so
forth. So I think the Dolphins organization is a great organization. I believe the
Orange Bowl organization is a great organization, but this is going to be a slippery
slope, because if we start waiving these fees for these organizations, which, again,
they're great organizations -- in the future, when Liberty City Optimist comes to us,
when Overtown Youth Center comes to us, there is no way that we're going to be able
to not allow them to get those fees waived. So it's going to start becoming very
City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
difficult for that event space to be self-sustaining, and I'm telling you from experience.
I mean, you know, I happen to be the chairman of the only organization that actually
is self-sustaining. And when you look at the whole County -- I don't know. Within the
State, we haven't looked at it, but, you know, when you look at PAMM (Perez Art
Museum Miami), and the museums, American Airlines Arena, even Zoo Miami, none
of those are self-sustaining. So if we really want to consider the Miami Marine
Stadium and that area to be self-sustaining, this is a slippery slope, because as soon
as we start approving these waiver fees, there's going to be a lot of organizations
that's going to come before us, and it's going to be very hard to tell them "no." So
again, I will do the will of this Commission, but I felt, at the very least, a need to bring
this forward, because I think that's a greater discussion that we really need to have
about this.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: I mean, I think it's a good point that he brings up. I think we've
given a lot of assurances, at least to -- well, maybe to both of these organizations that
this is something we're going to move forward with, but I would agree. You know, if
there's another organization that doesn't have the financial dexterity of these
organizations, priority possibly should be given to them for events to be had at an
event space like this. But I'm comfortable moving forward today where we are, but
I'm just glad that we're -- I'm happy that you brought up the discussion for us to be
conscious of it, because I'm sure many people would like to use this space; and so, if
we're going to waive costs, you know, you want to waive it for people where it could
possibly have a huge financial relief to them, instead of a small maybe --
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly, and that's exactly my point. Because a lot of the
conversations that we have had has been centered around this event space or park
being self-sustaining, but already, we're going down a slippery slope, and I just -- I
felt the need to at least bring it up to everyone's attention. If this is the will of the
Commission that we want to go this path, I just -- I could tell you right now, even
though these are great organizations, if I vote in favor of approving it, the waiver fees
for these organizations, I'm going to have a very hard time when other organizations
that are also very good in this community come before us for us not to waive the same
fees.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion on items CA.1 through CA.6? Seeing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Against? Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
PH.1
1954
Department of Fire -
Rescue
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AFTER AN
ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A", OF A SOLE SOURCE; WAIVING
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING
PROCEDURES AND APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF ONE
(1) AIRHAWK AIR QUALITY AND EXHAUST REMOVAL SYSTEM
("AIRHAWK EXHAUST SYSTEM") AT FIRE STATION NO. 12
INCLUDING INSTALLATION FROM GARRISON MECHANICAL
SERVICE CORPORATION D/B/A GARRISON MECHANICAL
("GARRISON") FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FIRE -RESCUE
("FIRE") FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $86,683.09 FROM
THE FIRE -RESCUE GENERAL OPERATING FUND, ACCOUNT NO.
40-B70184.05.1426; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA"),
IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE PSA,
IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0161
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion for PH.1 through 3, the PH (public hearing)
agenda?
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Any further discussion on
these items? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
PH.2 RESOLUTION
1968
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS ATTACHMENT "A", THAT
COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES
ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY"), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE
ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 4 SHARE
OF THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE IN A TOTAL AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00 TO MIAMI BRIDGE YOUTH AND
FAMILY SERVICES, INC., FOR THE OPERATION OF A TWENTY-
FOUR (24) HOUR SHELTER; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, TO COMPLETE THE ALLOCATION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0162
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item PH.2, please see item PH.1.
PH.3 RESOLUTION
2015
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -
FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED
PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING
THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS ATTACHMENT "A", THAT COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF
GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER'S
SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY
INITIATIVE, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.00,
TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MIAMI, INC. ("BBBS MIAMI")
FOR BBBS MIAMI'S MENTOR PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0163
City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item PH.3, please see item PH.1.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
SR.1
SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1173 TO BE INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AMENDING CHAPTER 6/ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
"ANIMALS/DOGS", PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL
DEFINITIONS, AND ESTABLISHING A NEW SECTION 6-46,
ENTITLED "SALE OR TRANSFER OF DOGS AND/OR
CATS"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item SR.1 was indefinitely deferred.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item SR.1, please see "Order of the
Day."
SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
1756
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS/PLANNING, BUILDING AND
ZONING DEPARTMENT" MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTION 2-212, ENTITLED "NONCONFORMING USE PILOT
PROGRAM", TO REINSTATE THE NONCONFORMING USE PILOT
PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE USES THROUGH AUGUST 1, 2017;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item SR.2 was deferred to the May 25, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item SR.2, please see "Order of the
Day.
SR.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
1921
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING A TWO HUNDRED FORTY (240) DAY
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF NEW
APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL AREA PLANS, ACCEPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.9 OF MIAMI 21, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
FOR SPECIAL AREA PLANS ENCOMPASSING PROPERTIES
ZONED AS CIVIC SPACE WITHIN FIVE HUNDRED (500) FEET OF
BISCAYNE BAY; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13675
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item SR.3, please see
"Public Comment for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: If we can move --
Commissioner Suarez: Move SR.3.
Chair Hardemon: SR.3.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It needs to be read into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further discussion on the item, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Against? Motion passes.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
1769
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 16 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ELECTIONS," MORE PARTICULARLY
BY AMENDING SECTION 16-6 TO ALLOW CANDIDATES FOR
CITY COMMISSION OR MAYOR TO QUALIFY THROUGH A
PETITION PROCESS; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION
AND A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: FR.1.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chair. FR.1 is an item that I'm bringing. It
proposes to amend Chapter 16, specifically by allowing candidates for City
Commissioner or Mayor to qualify through a petition process in addition to the
current qualfication fee requirement. Florida Election Law allows candidates to
qualify for nomination or election to a Federal, State, or Multi -County district office
by either paying a qualifying fee or by the petition process, as provided in Florida
Statute Section 99.095, or by paying both the fee and the qualifying by petition. In
addition, this amendment to Section 16-6, specifically 16-6(g), defines the petition
process that sets the amount of signatures or voters required. When signatures may
be collected, it appoints the City Clerk as authority over the format of the petitions,
specifies designations required to be stated on the petition and petition due dates.
The intent --
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: What's that?
Chair Hardemon: You didn't hear him. That was a second. And I think that suffices
as being read --
Commissioner Suarez: All right.
Chair Hardemon: -- into the record, as well.
Commissioner Suarez: Second. That's fine.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Is there any further discussion on this item?
Commissioner Suarez: No.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye."
City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Suarez: It's a --
Commissioner Carollo: It's a roll call.
Commissioner Gort: A resolution.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: Roll call.
Chair Hardemon: We don't have to.
Commissioner Suarez: No, it's a roll call. There's got to be a roll call.
Chair Hardemon: We don't have to.
Commissioner Suarez: Oh, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I don't know.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): My apologies. I didn't realize you read the title in the
record.
Chair Hardemon: No. We're saying, it doesn't have to be a roll call. It can be, but
it doesn't have to be.
Mr. Hannon: Yeah. The vote can be up or down.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: It doesn't --
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Sorry.
Chair Hardemon: So all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 40 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
1832
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 11.5/ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "CIVILIAN
COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AND REVIEW/THE CITY OF MIAMI
CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL", MORE PARTICULARLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 11.5-27, ENTITLED "PURPOSES, POWERS
AND DUTIES", TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY;
AMENDING SECTION 11.5-28, ENTITLED "MEMBERSHIP;
NOMINATION OF MEMBERS; TERMS OF OFFICE AND
VACANCIES; APPOINTMENT OF THE CITY OF MIAMI CIVILIAN
INVESTIGATIVE PANEL ("CIP") NOMINATING COMMITTEE", TO
PROVIDE FOR REVISED QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT, AND
NOMINATIONS OF MEMBERS; AMENDING 11.5-31, ENTITLED
"PROCEDURES", TO PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES FOR THE
INVESTIGATION OF DIRECT FILED CASES, INVESTIGATION OR
REVIEW OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS CLOSED CASES, TIMEFRAMES
FOR AND COMPLETION OF INVESTIGATIONS AND REVIEWS,
REVIEW OF POLICE POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES,
AND ISSUANCE OF REPORTS; AMENDING 11.5-32, ENTITLED
"SUBPOENA POWERS", TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVISED
PROCESS IN ISSUING SUBPOENAS; AMENDING 11.5-34,
ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE; INDEPENDENT
COUNSEL", TO PROVIDE FOR THE SELECTION AND DUTIES OF
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INDEPENDENT COUNSEL, AND
ASSISTANCE FROM CITY OFFICIALS; AMENDING 11.5-35,
ENTITLED "REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF ANNUAL BUDGET", TO
PROVIDE FOR AN ANNUAL BUDGET NO LESS THAN ONE HALF
OF ONE PERCENT (.5%) OF THE APPROVED GENERAL FUND
BUDGET OF THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH
EXCEPTIONS AND BUDGET REQUEST REQUIREMENTS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item FR.2 was continued to the May 11, 2017, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item FR.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
City of Miami Page 41 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
2012
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), WAIVING THE SIDEWALK CAFE FEES SET
FORTH IN CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE VI/SUBSECTION 54-224(B) OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/SIDEWALK CAFES/FEES AND SECURITY DEPOSIT",
SPECIFICALLY WAIVING SIDEWALK CAFE PERMIT FEES
ASSESSED UNDER SUBSECTION 54-224(B) OF THE CITY CODE
DURING THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
FLAGLER STREET BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT ("PROJECT")
UNTIL THE SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT AS
PROVIDED HEREIN FOR DOWNTOWN MIAMI SIDEWALK CAFES
ON OR NEAR FLAGLER STREET AND LOCATED BETWEEN
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD WEST TO SOUTHWEST/NORTHWEST
1ST AVENUE, NORTH TO NORTHEAST/NORTHWEST 1ST
STREET, SOUTH TO SOUTHEAST/SOUTHWEST 1ST STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS FURTHER DESCRIBED HEREIN;
PROVIDING FOR A SUNSET PROVISION; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item FR.3, please see items
PA.3, RE.6, and NA.1.
Vice Chair Russell: So first FR.3, I'd like to move, if that's --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: So it's FR.3 and --
Vice Chair Russell: RE.6.
Chair Hardemon: -- RE.6.
Vice Chair Russell: FR.3 is the sidewalk cafe permit waiver, and RE.6 is the MOU
(Memorandum of Understanding) between the City and the DDA (Downtown
Development Authority) to implement a different management system.
Chair Hardemon: So, it's been properly moved --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded. However, I do want to open the floor for public
comment from any individual that wants to speak on FR.3 and RE.6, you may join;
any individual that wants to speak right now. So if you're here and you want to
City of Miami Page 42 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
speak on those two items, this is your opportunity to speak. If not, then we'll
continue on with the vote. Yes, sir, you're recognized.
Brian Alonso: My name is Brian Alonso, 200 East Flagler Street. I'm here to speak
on support of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Miami and the
Miami DDA regarding the Flagler Street project. This is RE.6. I'm co-chair of the
DDA Flagler Task Force, with Neisen Kasdin, after my late father started the project
in 2011 with the DDA. Our committee started with the simple goal to revitalize
Flagler Street, and there were many ways to get there, including marketing, lighting,
connectivity, historic preservation, and streetscape improvements. The re -leveling of
the roadway, widening of the sidewalk, and planting of shade trees became our top
priority to achieve this goal. Our committee gave the design criteria to Curtis
Rogers, and worked with them to finalize the design. Our team created a budget of
$13 million, and convinced you, the City of Miami, to contribute $6 million. We
worked really hard with the County to get an additional $6 million. Then we
convinced the property owners along the street to contribute the final million dollars
by resolution of this body several years ago. At this point, the City of Miami Capital
Improvements wanted to execute the project, and this is where things took a turn,
when we were largely excluded from decisions and given misleading information of
completions. We were not permitted to be on the Selection Committee of the
contractor, nor the selection of the engineering inspector, nor the public information
officer; nor were we given information on engineering changes. Up until now, we
are noticeably frustrated with the execution and performance of this project and our
lack of involvement. Although our communication has improved lately, the spirit of
the MOU will bring the DDA Task Force back into the decision -making process. We
remain very excited for what is to come on the street, and we want to make sure this
is completed correctly. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Welcome.
Jose Goyanes: Jose Goyanes, 4 Southeast 1st Street, Miami, Florida. Mr.
Chairman, Commissioners, I took a little walk down three streets in the core of
downtown Miami yesterday, and we have over 110 vacant ground floor retail spaces
on 1st -- Flagler and 1st, and that does not include malls like Flagler Station, the
777 Building, or the Marshal's property. Last month at the DDA, we passed a
resolution, with the unanimous vote of the entire board, to request that the City of
Miami place a moratorium on fees and rents for sidewalk cafes until the completion
of the Flagler Streetscape project. We also instructed our director to reach out to
the Miami Parking Authority in asking them to provide parking at no charge during
weekends in the Central Business District area. The Flagler construction, which
hasn't really advanced in 1 year, 4 months, and 15 days, has affected most of the
businesses in downtown area beyond Flagler Street, and I say that because what
happens on Flagler directly affects all the other streets around it. Why? Because
every other street around it is a one-way Street. So you somehow have to come back
to that area if you want to go east or west or north or south. And I can tell most of
you that you have avoided construction in other cities when this has happened.
When Alton Road in Miami Beach was going on, you probably avoided that area.
Currently, Miracle Mile is going through the same thing. I have not visited the area
of Miracle Mile since they started breaking up that street. Today, Commissioners, I
ask for your support on item FR.3 with a slight change. We would like the
implementation of 2nd Street on the north and 2nd Street on the south as its
boundaries. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Gerhard Zimmerman: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Gerhard
Zimmerman, and I'm speaking on behalf of Kirk Jewelers, at 142nd East Flagler
City of Miami Page 43 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Street. My role is director of marketing. Kirk Jewelers is a family -owned and
family -run business since 1947. Today, it is managed by the fourth generation, by
the brother and sister duo, Jeff Newbauer and Allison Strongin. Jeff is out of town,
and Allison is covering the store, which is why I'm here today. Kirk Jewelers is the
only authorized retailer for Rolex and Patek Philippe in downtown Miami, two of the
most prestigious watch brands in the world, as you might know. This year is a very
special year for Kirk Jewelers. We are celebrating our 70th anniversary. Despite
tempting offers to move our store outside of downtown Miami, we always stayed
committed to Flagler Street. I presently heard the owner say many times, "The best
times for Flagler Street are still ahead." Based on this belief a few years ago, Kirk
Jewelers embarked on a multi -- a major multi -million dollar investment to create a
world -class retail store, to hire qualified staff, and to rebrand the business. The
result is a stylish boutique, where people say, "We never expected something like
this in downtown Miami." I think this speaks for itself. We were truly excited when
we finally learned two years ago about the Flagler Street Beautification Project.
Unfortunately, as my other speakers here, we have been disappointed and
disillusioned. What was anticipated to be a two-year project at most has now been
going on for more than one year, with only one short block completed. Despite
numerous inquiries, we have not been able to get a definitive completion date. The
result was that our foot traffic is significantly down, despite the fact that the
construction has not even reached our store. Flagler Street consists of mainly
smaller family -owned businesses. Since they don't have the deep pockets of
corporate America, many stores have already given up. If you walk Flagler Street
today, you see many closed businesses, and the area looks shabby and run down.
Moving forward, we ask for a comprehensive strategy to turn the Flagler Street
project around, with a transparent and definitive schedule. We still believe the best
times of Flagler Street are still ahead, but only if the City puts its full commitment
behind this important project. Furthermore, we ask that the City gets more creative
in providing support during these challenging times. For example, free parking on
weekends, promotions to draw people to downtown, subsidize happy hours;
something like that, very similar to what the City did in Wynwood after the Zika
virus. The timely completion of the Flagler Street renovation is not only critical for
the few thriving remaining business, but also for the image of Miami as a tourist
destination. Lastly, even the Empire State Building was built in just one year, so we
should be able to get the street done. Kirk Jewelers and its neighbors appreciate
your support in this important matter. Thank you very much for your attention.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir.
Randy Alonso: Good morning. My name is Randy Alonso. I'm the co-owner of Lost
Boy Dry Goods, at 157 East Flagler Street, in downtown Miami. Brian Alonso, who
spoke earlier, is my brother; and many of you remember my late father, Tony Alonso,
who was an active business leader in downtown Miami. Our newest endeavor, Lost
Boy Dry Goods, is a prototype fashion retail store in the historic Alfred I. Dupont
Building. When we decided to open up the store, my brother Brian and I were
looking forward to the revitalization promised by the Flagler Street Beautification
Project. However, more than a year has passed, and the project has only been
completed for one short block. Lately, progress has completely slowed down and
seems to be barely moving at all; the result for the stores and restaurants on the
street: the lowest foot traffic we have ever seen, transportation issues in an already -
congested region, and the uncertainty of the success for a project in which many of
us have both invested time and money. As a fashion retail store, forecasting
inventory needs is a central part of our operations. With no certain time limit
available or adhered to, I fear the effect these delays and difficulties will have on our
business community; in particular, the street level brick and mortar businesses,
which already have their own commercial obstacles to navigate. A project that is
meant to attract more business to the area can easily do the contrary if something is
City of Miami Page 44 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
not done immediately to remedy the current delay. Please, on behalf of business
owners, property owners, and the residents we all worked so hard to bring
downtown, I ask you take whatever steps are necessary to get this moving again.
Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Gabriel Hernandez: Good morning. My name is Gabriel Hernandez, and I reside at
111 East Flagler Street, in the historic Flagler's [sic] First Condominium. I'm a
native of Miami. My family moved here in 1959, and I'm one of those Millennials
you hear about. When I bought my unit in 2011, I was excited. It seemed like every
month there was something new happening in downtown; there was businesses
opening up and everything seemed very promising. When they told us that our street
was going to be improved, everybody was happy about it. I didn't hear a single
complaint. And improving the neighborhood was appealing to everyone. I braced
for the worst, assuming that the project on a historic street could take up to two
years, especially since no one had actually done anything to it for over 100, and then
it all went downhill from there. Every month since then has been worse. The project
didn't get off to a good start, and then it seemed to go nowhere fast. As a result,
businesses are closing. And because businesses are closing, there's less people
walking the streets that has brought in homeless people to the area. At night, two
years ago, I didn't think twice about walking down Flagler Street, and now I do. As
a resident, I really feel that, you know, the pride in that street, one of the founding
streets of this City, is just being left, you know, to ruins. No one's doing anything
about it. As everyone spoke here, it's been over a year and one block. It's shameful.
We need to do something about it, and we need to find a way to find this important
project to move forward. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Welcome, sir.
Ian Hagen: Good morning Chairman, Commissioners. My name is Ian Hagen. My
office is at 21 Southeast 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida. I've been involved in downtown
as a business owner and property manager for more than 25 years. I'm currently
managing two properties on Flagler Street: Flagler First Condominium at 111 East
Flagler Street, and Popular Condominium at 100 East Flagler Street. I proudly
witnessed the growth of downtown and to a thriving urban metropolis, with a
promise offuture development and prosperity. As residents and business owners, we
understood and accepted the assessments for improvement. The improvement has
yet to be realized. Daily, we face torn up streets that cause frustration and gridlock,
increased vacancies, and businesses going under, and growing concern for
economic blight that we believed was behind us. What is going on? Is there an
action plan for moving forward? If so, or if not, it is your responsibility to
communicate these plans to your residents and business owners, who are depending
upon you so that we can reclaim our vibrancy, our businesses, and our faith in the
future of Flagler Street. Thank you.
Carmen Rivero: Good morning. My name is Carmen Rivero, 312 Northwest 23rd
Street. I work for Moishe Mana. We're based in Wynwood and Flagler. I've been to
several of the Flagler Task Force meetings in the past and can attest to the need for
the DDA to be a strong decision -maker in the Flagler Beautification Project. So I'm
here to support Resolution 6 for the City of Miami and DDA MOU today. And since
there should be no barriers to business development in the Central Business District,
I'm also here to support FR.3, which is to abate those impact fees for cafes to open in
Flagler. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
City of Miami Page 45 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Fritz: Okay, that was much more than the personal appearance, but I
appreciate the economy of you bringing all three items together, because we did
have people to speak on all of those, so thank you. You know, let me sum up by
saying, you've heard from stakeholders that represent hundreds of millions in
investment and thousands of residents and hundreds of businesses, so we encourage
you on the two issues that are on your agenda and in this discussion to please find a
remedy, and I thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. I'm going to close the public hearing on
items FR.3 and RE.6 right now. You have any adjustments or --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Chair Hardemon: -- amendments to FR.3?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. I would like to amend FR.3, my motion, there to
include the businesses fronting 1st and 1st, so if -- in Section 2, in the last sentence,
we could remove the phrases, "but excluding sidewalk cafes fronting or located on
Southeast 1st Street," and as well remove the very last line saying, "but excluding
sidewalk cafes fronting or located on Northeast 1st Street." This would include all
cafes fronting both the north and south side of both those streets, which is more in
line with the spirit of the original DDA resolution. For sure, this is not the standard
growing pains of construction. This is meant to be a new open door for business on
Flagler Street, but if we don't do it correctly, it could be the nail in the coffin, so
we've got to get this right. And I think we can see here that the will of the business
community is galvanized, and they wouldn't take their time out of their day to come
here if it wasn't this important. So if the seconder would accept that amendment, I've
made to the motion --
Commissioner Suarez: I accept the amendment.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further comment from the dais? You're recognized,
sir.
Commissioner Gort: The question is, this will take place during the construction?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, waiver of the permits throughout the construction.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): And Mr. Chairman, only for clarification,
because this is a material change to the proposed ordinance, it would require it to go
through the whole process again, so it would have to come back for first reading, if
we're going to expand it to include both sides of 1st -- North 1st Street and both sides
of South 1st Street. So it would have to go through two more readings.
Vice Chair Russell: We could still vote on it today, though, correct?
Mr. Min: Yes, you may.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Seeing no further discussion, can you read it into the
record, please, Mr. City Attorney?
Commissioner Suarez: Can I --
City of Miami Page 46 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: You want something?
Commissioner Suarez: I have an idea, but I don't know if I want to -- I think maybe
we can put it on the next agenda as an emergency, where we can read it both first
and second, because I think this qualifies as an emergency. I mean, I think the
testimony of the business owners is such that, you know, this is -- I mean, this is
beyond an emergency. I mean, this is -- so, something to think about.
Vice Chair Russell: The fees are assessed in October, though, correct? So --
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. So there's -- so timing -- this is not a time issue.
Okay, got it.
Mr. Min: Correct. And (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of course, defer to the Administration,
but, yes, the fees are collected (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Suarez: Understood. If that's the case, if the timing is not a problem,
then that's fine. That's fine.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): I don't think
there's any time issue here.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay, okay.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Mr. Chair, if I may? The existing draft of this ordinance does not
reflect the fact that the security deposit is also being waived, because it's tied to the
permit fees. So, I will assume that we're waiving the security deposit as well?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. That was the intention.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Also, for the inspection of the properties, any property that fails
inspection, there is a re -inspection fee that also would need to be retained, so they
will still have to pay the re -inspection fees. The ordinance, as drafted, does not
reflect that, as well.
Vice Chair Russell: Re -inspection fees would not be included, but the initial security
deposit, yes.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Okay. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Would that need an amendment?
Mr. Min: The Clerk has some heartburn because of Accela, which is the computer
system that we utilize for legislation, so he has come up with a creative solution, if
the body wants to consider it. We can turn this particular matter into a resolution,
directing us to come back with the proper language for first reading at the next
meeting.
Commissioner Suarez: So --
Mr. Min: That way, it's not an ordinance that's read into the record three times, so it
would be one reso with one ordinance and two readings.
Chair Hardemon: We can adopt that suggestion. Without objection, we'll adopt
that. So then FR.3 will turn into a resolution, and the resolution would have the
same direction as FR.3, except for the fact that we're asking the City Administration
to come back with --
City of Miami Page 47 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Min: The increased boundaries.
Chair Hardemon: -- the increased boundaries.
Commissioner Suarez: With those amendments that were proffered on the record.
Chair Hardemon: Understood?
Mr. Min: So it's a resolution directing the Administration and the City Attorney's
Office to bring back for first reading at the next Commission meeting a proposed
ordinance, waiving the sidewalk cafe permits and modfing the boundaries, to
include both sides of North 1st Street and both sides of South 1st Street.
Commissioner Suarez: And the amendments that --
Chair Hardemon: So with that -- that will be a -- so this will be -- I'll do something
for the Clerk. This may help you out a little bit. So then, we should withdraw FR.3.
So let's with -- So, basically, the motion will be to withdraw FR.3 and to put a
resolution for the City Administration to come back with a direct -- well, come back
with an ordinance that includes the expanded boundaries and all the amendments
that was included on the floor and discussion of FR.3. Understood?
Mr. Ihekwaba: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: All right. No further objection to the motion on the floor?
Hearing none, all in favor, say --
Vice Chair Russell: I have to withdraw my motion.
Chair Hardemon: It was all in one motion, the withdrawal and the --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Right. Because initially, the -- Vice Chair Russell
and Commissioner Suarez, the motion was for FR.3. So, if you would just simply like
to transfer that motion now to the withdrawal of FR.3, and then the resolution
directing the City Manager, we can do so.
Chair Hardemon: So it's a two-part motion.
Mr. Min: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Seeing no objection to the motion, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 48 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
FR.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
1949
General
Employees' and
Sanitation
Employees'
Retirement Trust
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 3 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
"PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY OF MIAMI
GENERAL EMPLOYEES' AND SANITATION EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT TRUST"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: FR.4. Can we have it read into the record, please?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by Deputy City Attorney
Barnaby Min.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Gort. Is there a
second? Is there a second to FR.4?
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor,
say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, did someone read the title into the record,
FR.4?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: You read the title?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Okay.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Commissioner Gort: Great presentation.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
City of Miami Page 49 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE - RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 RESOLUTION
1902
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE TERMINATION OF THE JOINT PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
BETWEEN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY') AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY'), ENTERED INTO JULY 3, 2012, FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. B-30637A, WHICH RUNS
ALONG SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE FROM
SOUTHWEST/SOUTHEAST 12 STREET TO
SOUTHWEST/SOUTHEAST 10 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA; SUCH
TERMINATION BEING EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UPON
SIGNATURE BY BOTH THE CITY AND THE COUNTY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0170
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Russell, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: Going to call the meeting back into order. The -- we left off -- we
have RE.1.
Jeovanny Rodriguez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Jeovanny Rodriguez,
director, Office of Capital Improvements. RE.1 is a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to terminate a joint participation agreement between Miami -Dade County
and the City of Miami for the construction of drainage improvements along Miami
Avenue.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. This is -- drainage improvement is no longer needed.
Mr. Rodriguez: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly --
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: -- moved and seconded to approve. Any discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 50 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.2 RESOLUTION
1904
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A COVENANT RUNNING WITH THE LAND IN FAVOR
OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED
FORM, AS PART OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT
OF REGULATORY AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES, DIVISION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, APPROVAL OF
A "NO FURTHER ACTION WITH CONDITIONS" CLOSURE OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION
TO BILLY ROLLE DOMINO PARK, LOCATED AT 3400 GRAND
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, REFERENCED BY FOLIO NUMBER
01-4121-007-4620, WHICH REQUIRES BOTH INSTITUTIONAL
AND ENGINEERING CONTROL PURSUANT TO THE RISK BASED
ON THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PROVISION OF SECTION 24-
44(2) OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0158
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: So I just want to pick up on a few that won't have any issues, and
I know there's a few people here, so if we can, RE --
Commissioner Gort: RE.5 (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: -- 2.
Commissioner Carollo: Can we --?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, 2, 5, 10, and 11.
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Chair Hardemon: No, 2, 5, and 10, because I know you may want to have some
discussion on 11.
Commissioner Suarez: 2, 5, and 10, so moved.
Chair Hardemon: 2, 5, and 10. It's been properly moved to approve item RE.2, 5 --
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and 10.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a comment on RE.2.
City of Miami Page 51 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: You're absolutely welcome.
Vice Chair Russell: I just wanted to ask the management if they could move forward
with community meetings on Billie Rolle Domino Park with regard to further
improvements beyond the contamination remediation to see what other changes we
could make, including new benches, new Dominos and checkers tables, and the
possibility of removing the fence.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): So you're asking
the Administration to move the i -- defer the item to a future date?
Vice Chair Russell: No, to enact public meetings.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Sure, we can do that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Any further comment on any of the -- on any item on the motion?
Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. If we can come back for lunch
from lunch at 3 o'clock, that'd be great.
Commissioner Gort: We did pass RE.5 all the way to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 5?
Commissioner Carollo: We passed RE (Resolution) --
Chair Hardemon: RE.5 did pass, that's correct.
Commissioner Carollo: RE.2, 5, and 10.
Chair Hardemon: 2, 5, and 10 passed. All right. Everyone, we're in recess till 3
o'clock.
Commissioner Gort: When are we coming back?
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): 3 o'clock.
City of Miami Page 52 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.3 RESOLUTION
1923
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXERCISE THE
SECOND ONE (1) YEAR OPTION TO RENEW REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL ("RFP") CONTRACT NO. 295279 BETWEEN THE CITY
OF MIAMI AND KENT SECURITY SERVICES, INC. FOR THE
PROVISION OF SECURITY GUARD SERVICES, ON A CITYWIDE,
AS NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM
THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT TIME
OF NEED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXERCISE THE THIRD AND FINAL RENEWAL OPTION, AND
EXECUTE ANY OTHER AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0187
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modifications(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Chair Hardemon: Now let's go to -- I guess we could try to tackle RE.3.
Annie Perez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Annie Perez, director of
Procurement. RE.3 is exercising the option to renew for security guard services
citywide with Kent.
Commissioner Gort: Second year, according to the contract.
Ms. Perez: Second. And then there's also an authorization for the City Manager to
execute any amendment and any renewals, so the last renewal would also be under
his purview.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And that's where I have an issue. I think we take it one at a
time. Let's authorize the second; and then the third, when it comes up, you bring it
back. So that's my preference (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: And I know we've been getting some -- I know I've received on my
desk, so I assume that other Commissioners did, as well -- complaints about the
organization. It's a complaint; it's one-sided, but it doesn't have an opportunity in it
for a response from the corporation. So I think tackling it one year at a time is not a
Ms. Perez: Okay, of course.
Chair Hardemon: -- bad request.
City of Miami Page 53 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Carollo: So I make a motion to approve, but exercising the second
year, not the third year; let the third year come back at the proper time.
Commissioner Gort: That'll keep them in line.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by the Chair. Is there any other discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Commissioner Carollo: As amended.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah.
RE.4 RESOLUTION
1995
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A CITY OF MIAMI
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT HOUSING POLICY FOR SMALL RENTAL
DEVELOPMENTS ("GUIDELINES"), ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A" AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE GUIDELINES.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item RE.4 was continued to the May 11, 2017, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item RE.4, please see "Order of the
Day."
City of Miami Page 54 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.5 RESOLUTION
1906
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE BISCAYNE BAY KIWANIS CLUB
ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING A CIVIC INTERNSHIP
PROGRAM FOR 5TH AND 6TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE
PURPOSE OF INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO LOCAL
GOVERNMENT POLICY MAKING AND PUBLIC SERVICE,
CONDITIONED UPON AUTHORIZATION FROM THE MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR,
WITH OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR UP TO TWO (2) SUCCESSIVE
ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0159
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item RE.5, please see item RE.2 and
"Public Comment for Regular Item(s)."
RE.6 RESOLUTION
1931
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU"), IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE MIAMI
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, RELATING TO THE
FLAGLER STREET RECONSTRUCTION AND BEAUTIFICATION
PROJECT, WHICH ENCOMPASSES RECONSTRUCTION AND
MODERNIZATION EFFORTS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
UPDATES TO THE DRAINAGE, STREETSCAPE, SIDEWALKS
AND SIGNAGE, FROM NORTHWEST 1ST AVENUE TO BISCAYNE
BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN ORDER TO
ACCOMPLISH THE INTENT OF THE MOU.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0157
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
City of Miami Page 55 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.6, please see items
PA.3, FR.3, and NA.1.
Vice Chair Russell: Like to move RE.6, please.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded to approve RE.6. Any further discussion?
Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: No problem.
RE.7 RESOLUTION
1939
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO
REPEAL SECTION 403.7033, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO REMOVE
THE PREEMPTION AGAINST MUNICIPALITIES FROM
REGULATING THE USE, DISPOSITION, SALE, PROHIBITION,
RESTRICTION, OR TAX OF DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0173
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Russell, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: The -- let's tackle RE.7; that's pretty simple.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): I believe RE.7 is being sponsored by the Vice
Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, but it's -- the Chair will take the motion to approve.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
City of Miami Page 56 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RE.8 RESOLUTION
1701
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A COMBINED INTERLOCAL AND MUTUAL AID
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND THE CITY OF CORAL
GABLES PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A JOINT
ENFORCEMENT ZONE, PROVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
SERVICES AND CREATING A MULTI -AGENCY ANTI -
PROSTITUTION & HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE
PURSUANT TO THE MUTUAL AID ACT, CHAPTER 23, PART 1,
OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item RE.8 was deferred to the April 27, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item RE.8, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.8 RESOLUTION
1701
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A COMBINED INTERLOCAL AND MUTUAL AID
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND THE CITY OF CORAL
GABLES PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A JOINT
ENFORCEMENT ZONE, PROVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
SERVICES AND CREATING A MULTI -AGENCY ANTI -
PROSTITUTION & HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE
PURSUANT TO THE MUTUAL AID ACT, CHAPTER 23, PART 1,
OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.8, please see "Order
of the Day."
City of Miami Page 57 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: And if I may, during this time, let's also --
Commissioner Gort: Like always, good job.
Chair Hardemon: -- if we can have a motion to approve RE (Resolution) --
Commissioner Suarez: 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Well, I know that --
Mr. Ihekwaba: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mr. Ihekwaba: The Administration would like to have RE.8 reconsidered by changing
the date of the deferral from April 27 to May 25.
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: On the deferral, right?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Excuse me, Chair.
Commissioner Suarez: On the reconsideration, I think.
Mr. Hannon: We need to reconsider first.
Commissioner Suarez: That's what we're doing. I'm moving to reconsider.
Chair Hardemon: It's a motion to reconsider. All in --
Commissioner Suarez: He asked to reconsider.
Chair Hardemon: -- favor --
Commissioner Suarez: So I'm moving it.
Chair Hardemon: -- say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes to reconsider.
City of Miami Page 58 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.8 RESOLUTION
1701
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A COMBINED INTERLOCAL AND MUTUAL AID
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND THE CITY OF CORAL
GABLES PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A JOINT
ENFORCEMENT ZONE, PROVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
SERVICES AND CREATING A MULTI -AGENCY ANTI -
PROSTITUTION & HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE
PURSUANT TO THE MUTUAL AID ACT, CHAPTER 23, PART 1,
OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: Item RE.8 was deferred to the May 25, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.8, please see "Order
of the Day."
Commissioner Suarez: Move to defer, as specified by the request from, I think, Coral
Gables, or whatever. Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 59 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.9
1139
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
TO BE DEFERRED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE, WITHIN
CURRENT BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS, AN OFFICE
OF TRANSPARENCY, UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE CITY
MANAGER, WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGING
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS IN AN OPEN AND
TRANSPARENT MANNER, INCLUDING MAKING PUBLIC
RECORDS REQUESTS AND THE RESPONSES AVAILABLE
ONLINE FOR THE PUBLIC TO ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD;
FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PLACE
INFORMATION ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") WEBSITE ON HOW TO SUBMIT A
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST TO THE CITY; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO DEVELOP OR
PROCURE AN ELECTRONIC MEANS OR PLATFORM THAT
PUBLISHES DECISIONS RENDERED BY THE CITY
COMMISSION, THE PLANNING ZONING AND APPEALS
BOARD ("PZAB"), THE HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD ("HEPB"), AND WARRANTS AND
WAIVERS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
AND ZONING ("P&Z"), INCLUDING PLACING SAID
INFORMATION ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE CITY'S
WEBSITE; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
DEVELOP OR PROCURE AN ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION
SYSTEM WHEREBY THE PUBLIC MAY SUBSCRIBE TO
AND RECEIVE AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATION OF ANY
DECISIONS RENDERED BY THE CITY COMMISSION,
PZAB, HEPB, AND WARRANTS AND WAIVERS ISSUED BY
P&Z.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item RE.9 was indefinitely deferred.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item RE.9, please see "Order of the
Day."
City of Miami
Page 60 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.10 RESOLUTION
2055
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO ENACT SENATE BILL 276, HOUSE BILL 275
OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD CREATE A STATE
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT TO PROVIDE AN
ADDITIONAL CREDIT AGAINST THE CORPORATE INCOME TAX
FOR BUSINESSES THAT HIRE CERTAIN PERSONS CONVICTED
OF A FELONY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A
CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS
NAMED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0160
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item RE.10, please see item RE.2
and "Public Comment for Regular Item(s). "
RE.11 RESOLUTION
1941
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO IDENTIFY FUNDING TO HIRE ALL
CONSULTANTS NECESSARY TO PREPARE A FINDING OF
NECESSITY ("STUDY"), PURSUANT TO THE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1969, FOR THE CREATION OF A
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA FOR THE
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "WEST
GROVE"; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO HIRE
ALL CONSULTANTS NECESSARY TO PREPARE THE STUDY;
AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF SAID FUNDS, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000.00, FOR PREPARATION OF
THE STUDY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0171
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: Direction by Commissioner Carollo to the City Manager to
provide a status update on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) feasibility
study, completed by Miami -Dade County, pursuant to Resolution R-966-15.
City of Miami
Page 61 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.11, please see
"Public Comment for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: RE.11.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Vice Chairman, I believe this is the West Grove
item.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Thank you. Basically, we're looking to authorize the
Manager to initiate a finding of necessity to see if the West Grove would qualms for a
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). I've studied many different methods that
we could utilize in helping the community. The first step was to go to the community
and see what they want to do, and we brought up many options over the last few
months. This one has gained traction. If it is something that is possible, I would like
for us to be able to entertain it and study it. The City would bear the cost of the
study. It would be reimbursed by the CRA, if successful in expanding the boundary.
So I'd like to move the item.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: Second. Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved and seconded. You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I'd like to commend
the Vice Chairman for bringing you new ways of addressing the affordable housing
issue in the West Grove. The concept of having a CRA for a particular initiative is
something that I addressed in 2015, in corroboration with Commissioner Barreiro
and the County Commission, where we hoped to create a CRA to bring the people
moving to Little Havana, as well as provide additional workforce, affordable
housing, economic development and infrastructure to the area of Little Havana. The
last time I checked, we were waiting for our own feasibility study, manned by the
County. I'd actually like a status on those efforts, and I know a resolution was
passed unanimously by the County. Do you know where we are with that, Mr. City
Manager or Madam City Attorney?
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): We have not
received any report yet, and I think they're still working on it, and we'll provide a
report as soon as we know something.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So I would like to have a direction to the
Administration to receive the status update on the CRA feasibility study to have been
completed by Miami -Dade County, pursuant to -- I believe it's Resolution R-966-15.
R-966-15. As to the item before us today, I think a feasibility study is a good first
step; although, we don't want to oversaturate with CRAs, because, obviously, it takes
away from our general funds and limits us to the resources of Police, Fire, Public
Works. I think this is a good first step, and if we properly define the scope,
addressing the critical issues, I think it's something that I would want to consider.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: I want to make sure we let people understand the CRA is not
something that's going to happen illegally. The CRA -- and I have the experience,
the -- couple of CRA. It takes a while; it took us about five or six years in Overtown,
and we had to put the west side of the City in order to make it and be able to get
City of Miami Page 62 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
some funds. There are a lot of alternatives that we can do. We have a lot of
property owners, if we can create the incentive, especially here in Coconut Grove,
they can go a little higher, then the top floors are going to be looking at the bay, and
it can become very expensive. But like -- also, with the gravy, they have to set up
affordable housing and workforce housing in the building, also. We've done it at the
- - we did it in one building, and it works out very good. It was a rent -- affordable
housing. It was all rent and it was also market rate and it's all rented, and it's
working real good.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. In response, Commissioner Gort, thank you. That's
- - it's -- certainly, there's patience going to be involved, but we have to take the step
to make the journey. There's a lot of discussion in the West Grove, and there is a
fear of up -zoning. There's actually a fear that, potentially, the CRA could encourage
development in the wrong way, and that's why we're starting with meetings with the
community, to let them know that, with the CRA involved, we may be able to help
steer and control that development to encourage affordability, for example. Now, I
want everyone to be clear that what we're proposing is a potential expansion of the
Omni CRA; not the creation of a brand-new CRA, so that may help a little with the
timing; it may help a little with the TIF (Tax Increment Fund). And we went to a
meeting at the Frankie Rolle Center yesterday, at which the Omni CRA -- Jason
Walker, the executive director, presented to show that, just in this last year that he's
been involved there, we've already got plans now for over 500 units of affordable
housing in the Omni CRA area. That's something -- that type of tool is -- nothing is
as effective as a CRA, when managed properly and guided correctly, which I'd like
to see, you know, Miami continue to be a good example of CRA. So I'm hoping that
the community will be in support of this. I'm hoping that the finding of necessity
comes out and satisfies your issues, as well, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. First of all, I want to echo Commissioner
Carollo, and commend you for doing this. It takes courage to be creative. And I
think the risk is low in terms of extending the boundaries, because it will be a donor
extension, if you will. And I think your change in philosophy of the Omni CRA,
obviously, for me, and I'm sure for all of us, was very refreshing in terms of changing
from supporting and financing big projects to actually getting into affordable
housing, which is something that I think we're all very passionate about. We have
the highest rental market as a percentage of income in the US (United States), and
when you talk about numbers, like creating an additional 500 units, that's incredible;
that's great. You know, obviously, the need for affordable housing is far greater
right now than what we can deliver in terms of supply, but I think we have to keep
pushing the envelope, we have to keep pushing ourselves, and we have to keep
coming up with creative solutions. I want to commend Neil for his very impassioned
plea for the Grove. We've seen the Grove being cannibalized over many, many
years, and this is what I see as the first real effort, aside from some smaller efforts,
to really stem the flow of that cannibalization. I think there's been one affordable
project done in the entire West Grove area, which, you know, I'm very glad that we
participated in as a City; and my dad, as a County Commissioner, also participated
in. I will say this, and ask my City Attorney for this: There is a bill in Tallahassee
that is -- if it passes, and I hope it doesn't, because I think that CRAs right now are
the last hope for our government to stem gentrification in our community, and we've
done it. We have a track record. We have done it in both our CRAs, and you're
continuing to do it in Omni. We need to be -- The study that we approve here today
City of Miami Page 63 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
needs to be mindful of that piece of legislation, because there are timeframes in that
legislation, and if it, unfortunately, passes, and it, unfortunately, is signed into law, a
further expansion of the Omni will be very limited in time. So we -- what we do here
needs to be mindful of the fact that there is a possibility that they -- that the State will
restrict us from expanding Omni or Overtown, et cetera, and we need to build -- both
of us -- you know, all CRAs should be mindful of that; but I think this one,
particularly so because of this agenda item. And so, I would just ask the City
Attorney and our legislative -- Diana, our legislative liaison, to keep it on our -- the
forefront of our mind as we move forward in this process.
Ms. Mendez: We're monitoring, and we'll keep you posted.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I just -- I know that there's some specific deadlines in
terms of expansion, and I just want to make sure that -- You know, hopefully, it
doesn't pass; and hopefully, it dies. But if it does pass, you know, what we're doing
has to be mindful of that.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to advocate, actually, as well, rather than just a Post -It.
I think everyone here is in favor of not losing the potential ability of the CRAs to
function.
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Vice Chair Russell: And I don't believe that -- If that legislation passes, I don't think
it just limits our ability of the future expansion; it will actually cripple all CRAs in
general.
Commissioner Suarez: It sunsets all of them by a certain date.
Vice Chair Russell: I believe that we should be a vocal advocate for the good
example of CRAs.
Commissioner Suarez: Agreed.
Vice Chair Russell: And we should advocate to Tallahassee, either to amend the
legislation as is, because reforms are one thing --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: -- but really, a broad brush that wipes out CRAs, I think, would
be a negative where they're operating appropriately. So if there's a way we can
advocate -- us, as a Commission, for example -- we'd be glad to bring it.
Diana Arteaga (Senior Advisor to the City Manager): Diana Arteaga, City of
Miami. We are advocating against the bill. There have been significant changes
that are beneficial to the City. For example, the original language that called for all
CRAs to sunset by 2037 has been modified significantly to state that they may be
expanded beyond the life of their charter, if there is a supermajority vote of the
governing body. There's still a lot of work to be done. The -- there's one more
committee stop to go in the House. In the Senate, it has a considerable way to go,
and in my opinion, I don't think they have enough time to finish it this year; but,
certainly, if you're thinking about expanding the boundaries or creating any new
CRAs, I would seriously suggest that you think about that now or in the near future.
But we are advocating against that bill, and I know I have been speaking to your
office and Commissioner Hardemon's office about it extensively. So along the
City of Miami Page 64 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
process, you know, I'll obviously keep your office in touch as far as any Dade
Delegation members that are on the next committees, so you can engage as much as
you'd like to.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gort: Look, I commend the -- Commissioner Russell was trying to do
in the change of the policy of the Omni, going more into public housing and
affordable housing. I will agree with that. But at the same time, we need to
understand that the way we voted in the previous CRA, before you were the
Chairperson, we were following certain plans that was put together by the
community in the Omni; that they decided to have the tunnel; they decided to have
the museum, and they're the one that decided to do so. So I understand you want to
change it, and I agree with you a hundred and fifty percent, because that's -- our
goal is to get affordable housing and workforce housing, which is most important,
too.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion from the members of the board?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. City Attorney Ruiz mentioned that a amendment might be
necessary if the intention wasn't written correctly regarding the reimbursement
portion, so I would like to amend the one sentence that reads -- regarding the
reimbursement language, where it says currently, "Upon completion of a study," and
change that to, "Upon approval of a Community Redevelopment Plan." I just don't
want to put the City and the CRA at odds, if for example, the finding of necessity
doesn't pass.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. And I will pass out your substitution, based on that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you; if the seconder is okay with that amendment.
Chair Hardemon: If there is no objection from the seconder. Seeing none, is there
any further discussion from the board?
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): The seconder was Commissioner Carollo?
Chair Hardemon: He's silent.
Commissioner Suarez: Silence betokens consent.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. The mover, I'm sure, will say -- withdraw his motion and
present a new motion to include the changes, because he's doing the interview.
Vice Chair Russell: Gladly.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah. So the mover -- the Vice Chairman will rescind his initial
motion and he would like to move with the intent that was just passed out --
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- by the --
Vice Chair Russell: As worded.
City of Miami Page 65 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: -- as worded in the document that was just passed out by the City
Attorney's Office. Seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Seeing no further discussion
from the board, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. RE --
Chair Hardemon: That was --
Commissioner Carollo: -- 11?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: So RE.12 is a resolution of the City Commission directing
the Manager to conduct a feasibility study, based on the needs of Miami Police
Department -- I'm sorry, Mayor. Am I interrupting you?
Commissioner Gort: No.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: No, no. Go ahead.
Commissioner Suarez: I don't mind. I can go after the Mayor.
Renita Holmes: Excuse me, is this 11 or 12? Because I'm standing here --
Commissioner Carollo: We're doing 12.
Chair Hardemon: We're about to do 12.
Commissioner Suarez: We're on 12 but --
Commissioner Carollo: We just did 11.
Chair Hardemon: We just did 11.
Ms. Holmes: Because I was standing here for 11 -- but I was here for 11. I just had
a question.
Chair Hardemon: No. We -- You can ask your question.
Ms. Holmes: Because I did before we left. We had -- Thank you for the public
hearing, but this item was one that was -- not had much time, since you had such a
long FR.2, and I came back, specifically because I wanted to ask a question. As a
City of Miami Page 66 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
resident of the expanded -upon community, and as someone who holds interest in the
improvement -- and I'm all for more affordable housing. I heard the statement
regarding public housing and affordable housing, which I believe to be a significant
difference, and even you -- through the Chair, Commissioner Russell discusses how
we define affordable housing. One of the most impacted populations of the -- are
those of very, very low income. And while I understand that Federal funds have
come to a very decreasing level, there are those of us who are dependent upon them.
And so, as we reduce our per capita in Overtown, as we reduce our population of
low-income housing, I'm wondering if we -- I'm asking that we do a lot of oversight
and dialogue, which keeps it comprehensive, because, like Commissioner Suarez
said, they have the Comprehensive Master Plan, and I know that the former CRA
had his own ideas. We've done very well economically. There are those of us who
think that economics, as far as housing for very low income. But when you said
"public housing," those are the ones that I'm serving right now; those are the ones
that were gentrified upon the first expansion of the CRA. What happens,
Commissioner -- Chairperson Hardemon -- to the reduction of the size of our district
when this is expanded? What happens now in integration? Are there some type -- is
there some type of measurements or performance matrix that you can give us as far
as our concerns and foreseeable future about what we've already as a community
envisioned, but particularly for low-income families and those in public housing? I
mean, I've seen the boundary changes on 11 th and 3rd. Women have met at
Jackson's Restaurant. There's still a population of women that live there that are
moved. I've seen those who have come back to the housing that we have there
currently, and the demographics have changed quite a bit. So in anticipation that
it's going to get smaller and that there's going to be more economics, less
community, less women, less really affordable to low-income persons, can you give
me at least a little dialogue or understanding about what you concurrently will do to
ensure that that gentrification doesn't happen; that there's not the over -influence of
corporation and DOT (Department of Transportation); that there is a balance and
that there's still some comprehensive level of participation and concern to address
the housing needs of those of us who are going to be further squeezed out in this
expansion? What happens to District 5 as a whole? Because I never did separate
Liberty City from Overtown, and those of us who go back and forth know the more
businesses -- and not the small businesses and small business owners like us, what
we build may not have the language and the lease issues and all that are just -- I
think I've said enough without being redundant about what we have concerns with;
but yet, we make decisions that opposition that, if we choose to -- since you've
chosen to do the expansion. I could just say, "Fine, let's grow." But you always hear
me say, "I'm a firm believer in smart growth." And you don't hear many very low
income women and mothers talk about that, but we're the ones running around here
now that you're trying to address in West Grove. We're the ones that's moving
further, westward-ho and our businesses moving eastward-ho from Coral Gables,
and I'm feeling squeezed out. So I agree with Commissioner Gort, but I think out of
reasonability, out of fair housing, out of concern and out of real experience, tell me,
what are we going to do concurrently to make sure that my district doesn't get
smaller, we have less of a say, and poor women don't wind up being further
homeless? Thank you. Get the map.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Ms. Holmes: Thank you.
City of Miami Page 67 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.12 RESOLUTION
2068
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY
BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
("MPD") FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF ALL NECESSARY
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND RELATED MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR THE PROVISION OF MOBILE
FINGERPRINT SCANNERS FOR USE BY MPD PATROL UNITS;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO IDENTIFY SOURCES OF
FUNDS TO BE USED FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF THE SAME
IN FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY TO THE CITY
COMMISSION WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS RESOLUTION AND TO PROCURE, WITHIN THE
TIME FRAME ALLOWED BY LAW, THE PURCHASE OF THE
NUMBER OF MOBILE FINGERPRINT SCANNERS APPROVED BY
THE CHIEF OF POLICE, SUBJECT TO SAID FEASIBILITY STUDY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0188
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: RE.12.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, it's me. Sorry. So RE.12 is a resolution directing the
Manager to conduct a feasibility study, based on the needs of Miami Police
Department, for the procurement of all necessary hardware/software and related
maintenance and service contracts for the provision of mobile fingerprint scanners
for use by the MPD (Miami Police Department). The new technology is now
available to identf subjects encountered while on patrol, almost instantaneously.
These fingerprint scanners will provide ready access to vital data in challenging
environments, such as crime scenes. Like ShotSpotter, this technology will
modernize the way our PD (Police Department) is able to police our streets, and
more effectively and efficiently solve crimes; thereby keeping us safer, and
increasing our quality of life. Similar to an item that you all supported, which was
the Cell Tech technology, which allowed for the downloading of cell phone
information on scene, this is a tool that allows our Police Department to do its job in
a more mobile fashion, more effectively utilizing technology, and supporting
divisions of our Police Department. All of them are doing very, very well, but this --
the homicide is doing particularly well, and I certainly want to empower
investigatory agencies and sub -agencies like that with the tools necessary for them to
continue to be successful, so I move the item.
Commissioner Gort: Is this part of the $70 million bond issue?
Commissioner Suarez: Well, maybe we could make --
Commissioner Gort: And we going to deduct that from the bond issue, right?
Commissioner Suarez: I don't think it's going to cost anywhere near that amount,
but, yeah.
City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Thanks.
Chair Hardemon: Now, Commissioner Suarez, when I read this, I don't see it the
same way. What I see here is an ability for an officer in the field to take someone's
fingerprint, and then what you would do with that fingerprint, I would suspect, is you
would run it against an (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- so you run it against other
fingerprints that you already have in your system to see if they match any crimes that
were committed in the realm of the City of Miami or wherever. And so, to me, that's
a step that happens post -arrest. So if I -- for instance, if I get arrested for a felony,
the State -- or the arresting jurisdiction has the ability to take my DNA, right? And
they take that DNA and they run it through the whole system, and that's how they
know whether or not you come back as a hit on certain things that may -- that
everything may be saved in; similarly, in the fingerprint system, it's that way. They
keep a record of you, but moreover, what they also do is run your fingerprint and
compare it to thousands and thousands of fingerprints in the system to see if your
fingerprint comes on for something else. So, for instance, today, you may have been
arrested, and you give a fingerprint, and then your fingerprint comes back as a hit
on 30 other burglaries that happened maybe before. They had their fingerprint
before, but they didn't know who your identity was until you were arrested. And so --
which is different from an officer stopping me -- or a suspect, and saying, "Let me
see your identification." They run your identification to see if you have a warrant, to
see if you -- you know, if you even deserve to be on the street right now, but they
don't learn anything more than that. They -- Here, it's like we're expediting the
arrest procedure, and you're putting it on the front end. So my fear -- and, you
know, sometimes when you have tools, you can abuse them and you cannot -- but my
fear ultimately is that I have someone walking down the street. I say to that person,
"Hey, I suspect you have committed a crime." You grab that person, you give them a
mobile fingerprint scan, and once you do the mobile fingerprint scan, you realize
they're not hit for anything, but the one thing that you do have now is their
fingerprint in the system, and that's the part that -- you know, there are many
parents, there are many adults, there are many children -- there are many people
who do not want their fingerprint to be in a government system if there's no need to
be. Attorneys, you gave up that right; you gave up your fingerprints. I'm sure police
officers did, as well. And you give up certain rights in order to have certain
professions. But, certainly, if I have a child, I don't want my child's fingerprints in a
government system, just because you have the ability now to do it mobiley [sic].
Commissioner Suarez: Understood. Can I -- may I?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, sure.
Commissioner Suarez: So --
Rodolfo Llanes: If I can --
Commissioner Suarez: Sure.
Chief Danes: -- alleviate that fear, this system is an identification system. And so, if
you were to tell me that you name is John Doe and I said, "Let me see your finger."
And I put it on this machine, it will come back as Keon Hardemon.
Chair Hardemon: But let me ask you a question.
Chief Llanes: And so, it is not a capturing system; it is a check system.
City of Miami Page 69 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: But tell me, when does that matter? When does it matter that -- If
you stop me on the street, say I -- you -- I did not commit a crime, and you ask me for
my name, and I told you it was John Doe. So what? What happens next?
Chief Llanes: Well, because if Keon Hardemon has an arrest warrant and is
evading the actual name and date of birth in order to evade that arrest warrant, he
would give me a fake name of John Doe.
Chair Hardemon: But, see -- and that's the --
Chief Llanes: And so, on the scene there, it would prevent me from having to
transport you to the County Jail to run your fingerprints in the system.
Commissioner Suarez: And do the same thing.
Chief Llanes: I could get them right there on the scene and see exactly who you are.
Chair Hardemon: But, see, that's certainly my point. So if you were transporting me
back to the police station, I assume that you found probable cause that I committed a
crime.
Chief Llanes: On another issue, correct.
Chair Hardemon: A different crime.
Chief Llanes: Mm-hmm.
Chair Hardemon: Right? And so, I don't care if you caught Keon Hardemon or
John Doe. If that -- if person "A" committed a crime, that's the body that you're
taking back. And you're going to learn who the person is. And if they don't, it's
obstruction of justice anyway; it's another crime in and of itself. And so, you know,
that's the part that I'm kind of struggling with, because it's -- If the person didn't
commit a crime -- say the person didn't commit a crime, and -- So what's the reason
for them to scan, besides you want to learn faster than before who the person is?
Commissioner Suarez: Let me answer. Can I answer that question?
Chief Llanes: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: Let a couple lawyers go at it a little bit. So --
Chief Llanes: Absolutely.
Commissioner Suarez: -- there you go. Nothing that a technology provides -- right?
-- can waive constitutional rights that people have, period. So there's nothing that
you get out of technology that gets you any further able to violate someone's
constitutional rights, period. The only difference is a convenience of going to point
"A" or not having to go to point "A" to do the exact same thing.
Chair Hardemon: But that's what I'm saying. What you're saying is the only way
that an officer is going to take someone -- If I -- if they suspected me of something.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: What I'm talking about is the number of individuals who get
stopped by police on a daily basis.
City of Miami Page 70 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: You don't hear about them. The reason you don't hear about
them is because they're not, one, complaining --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- to Internal Affairs. And they're not, two, being registered as
stops or searches, or whatever it may be.
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: These are just people that an officer meets with on a daily basis.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: So my point is this: The -- if you're going to go through the -- as
an officer, if you're going to stop someone --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- and you're taking them to the jail, you're going to reflect in an
arrest affidavit --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- or in something that you have this person that you're
transporting, et cetera.
Commissioner Suarez: Correct.
Chair Hardemon: But -- and so, assuming then, when I give you my fingerprint,
you're booking me --
Commissioner Suarez: Whoa, whoa, whoa. But why would you assume that
anybody's going to give anybody their fingerprint? Why would you assume that --?
Chair Hardemon: No, when you -- If you're booking someone, you're going to --
that's when you --
Commissioner Suarez: If you're booking somebody, sure.
Chair Hardemon: Right. And so, my point is --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- that's when they typically get the information --
Commissioner Suarez: The fingerprint.
Chair Hardemon: -- that you get from the fingerprint --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- you get it then.
City of Miami Page 71 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: And so, when you're doing this mobile fingerprinting system up
front --
Commissioner Suarez: Right.
Chair Hardemon: -- you're getting the benefit of that fingerprint, the searching --
the knowledge that you're learning, but from someone that you're not transporting to
prison; you're not transporting to jail. You don't stop.
Commissioner Suarez: So let me just back up a little bit. First of all, let -- the intent
was not for every single officer in the City to have one of these things. I don't think
we could afford it. This was -- my intent was -- that's why it's looking at the
feasibility of it -- is potentially, you know, homicide, which is, you know, five or 10
officers. For example, let's say there's a deceased person on a scene and they want
to identify that person so they can notify the next of kin. They don't have to wait to
go back to the morgue. They can fingerprint the person, potentially ID (identify)
them immediately, and have that information. So I don't think there's anything -- I
understand what your concern is, but I don't think -- and I'll let the Chief answer for
himself -- but in terms of implementation of the technology, they're not going to
implement the technology in any way, shape, or form that's going to be inconsistent
with people's constitutional rights, period. That's just the way -- they couldn't do it,
anyways. Right? You and I both know that. They couldn't do it, anyways. So, you
know, I think, if we get -- if we bought three or two of these machines so that our
investigative services, whether it's robbery, whether it's homicide, have the access to
this technology, I don't think we're taking a big risk. And that's why it wasn't meant
to be like an -- on the scene, every single police officer, we pull you over, we get your
fingerprints for every single person. That's just -- it's not feasible; that's why a
feasibility is part of the resolution. I don't think that would be economic -- then we
would have to have a bond offering for that.
Chair Hardemon: No, I mean, it's just -- it's something that --
Commissioner Suarez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) like body cams.
Chair Hardemon: -- is of grave concern to me, because you're giving -- Any time I
have to give the Police Department identfing factors about me, even if -- my
identification card. If I'm sitting there as a passenger in a car and the car is stopped
for blowing a red light, and you ask me for my ID (identification), the first thing I
want to say is, "Why do you need my ID, officer? I didn't violate the traffic law, "you
know. There's -- because we all understand, there's -- officers can find all kinds of
ways to try to take your -- or make you give your identification. But, certainly, there
are times when an officer does not have to ident f who Keon Hardemon is. And so,
you know, part of my concern is, now I'm giving them more information up front, and
that's a big concern of mine. Similarly so, to me, it's akin to me giving you my DNA,
because I'm arrested for a felony or something of that nature; a cotton swab to the
mouth. You know, there's a lot of information that you learn about an individual by
learning more detail -- having more detailed access to their history. And so, that's
the real -- one of my big concerns about it. That's all.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I do share your concern. I'm open to
a feasibility study, but I do -- I did have concerns on this one, and I do think it needs
to come with a standard operating procedure that we -- you know, that falls in line
with what those concerns are, because what a tool on its own is, without context, is
harmless. What can be done with that tool is what matters. And how much that tool
costs also matters. So I'm open to a feasibility study, and we can go from there.
City of Miami Page 72 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you what my problem is. My problem is the system,
and I commend Commissioner Suarez (UNINTELLIGIBLE), coming up with the new
technology and all that, but I'd like to get this from the Chief of Police. I'd like for
the Chief of Police to tell me, "This is part of my budget. I requested this in my
budget. I did not request it. This idea came up, and this is how it's going to be
used," before it comes in here. I'd like to know why the Chief needs, how he's going
to use it, and so on.
Chief Llanes: This is not new cutting -edge technology. We've had different
iterations of this for a number of years. They are expensive, and that's why we're
doing a feasibility study; to see what it is that we can leverage. And, you know,
every iPhone has a fingerprint reader on it, so it's not that expensive, but how that
translates to our line of work is a little different. And so, I'm all for exploring this
and making the identification of either a death victim or somebody who is evading
actual identification to the officers, making that process easier. There's also that
same issue, you know, if your name came up. If somebody used your name and you
now have an arrest warrant, we could tell on the scene that it's not you, and so I
wouldn't have to take you in. So there are benefits. With every technology, there are
benefits and deficits that come with it, but I'd like to study the cost and see in what
application we can use it.
Commissioner Suarez: But I think -- Mr. Chair, if I -- just to kind of finish it up. At
the end of the day, what technology allows you to do is do it differently, because at
the end of the day, it's really the same. You go to the station, you get your
fingerprints. That goes into -- that gets scanned by a computer, and then it gets
analyzed to see is this the person or is this not the person.
Chair Hardemon: But you're arrested at that point. I just want to be clear.
Commissioner Suarez: But my point is this: Regardless of what that technology
allows you to do, it doesn't allow you to break the law. Right? It doesn't allow our
Police Department to break the law.
Chair Hardemon: No. I think it's -- to me, I take it as "breaking -law neutral" --
Commissioner Suarez: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Meaning that an officer can break the law with it. An officer can
violate your rights with it, because the technology is going to do what the technology
is trying to do.
Commissioner Suarez: No, but what I'm saying is that if the policy is that we only
fingerprint after an arrest, then we can only fingerprint after an arrest; that's not
going to change.
Chair Hardemon: Look, but -- I'll give you an example. That's like saying that --
Commissioner Suarez: The only thing that changes is where you can do it and how
you can do it.
Chair Hardemon: The law says you have to read your Miranda rights before you
take a statement.
Commissioner Suarez: Absolutely.
City of Miami Page 73 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: And people don't read the Miranda rights before they take a
statement.
Commissioner Suarez: Of course not. And then what happens --
Chair Hardemon: Or --
Commissioner Suarez: -- those convictions get overturned.
Chair Hardemon: No, not all the time.
Commissioner Suarez: Right?
Chair Hardemon: Or they'll --
Commissioner Suarez: Confessions get overturned.
Chair Hardemon: -- or they'll --
Commissioner Gort: That's what happens when you have two lawyers in here.
Chair Hardemon: -- or they will get a statement, then read the Miranda rights, and
then take the statement again, as if it was never done in the first place. So what I'm
saying is that things can happen. Look, like you said, this was a feasibility study.
Chief I've had my name used by family members, who've gotten arrested. I -- You
can check the Public Defender's records right now and look up Keon Hardemon; It'll
show one that's an attorney and one that has an arrest record. So, you know, it's
there. I understand in -- a long time ago, people in your generation and older and
younger were using other people's names, because they could, you know, get away
with things like that. Nowadays, it's much more difficult to do that. And so, I
understand the nature of wanting to identify a person, but what I'm concerned with,
of course, is when people try to step aside of common constitutional protections to
get a one-up on information. And so, the fingerprint, to me, it's something that is
synonymous with an arrest, and it's always been that way. And if you're giving a
fingerprint -- I've never been fingerprinted besides the time that I had to go to the
Florida Bar. That's the only time I've ever been fingerprinted in my life. And so, I
want to keep my daughter and my sons -- I want them to have that same --
Commissioner Suarez: Fingerprint free.
Chair Hardemon: -- you know, fingerprint free feeling. You know, it's not fun to
have to continually give your fingerprint, you know.
Commissioner Suarez: Let's keep the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It's not fun to
fingerprint.
Chair Hardemon: So -- but I understand the feasibility study, but, you know, this is a
conversation I think we should continue to have, especially with ACLU (American
Civil Liberties Union); especially with our Public Defender's Office, our State
Attorney's Office; people of that nature, who are doing this on a day-to-day basis, to
see what they're seeing; how, you know, information is going to be -- has been --
being used around the country; not just in the City of Miami, so.
Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you, just like when you brought the idea of the
helicopter, we had some officers come here, and they explain to us why there was a
need for it, how they were going to use it. I would like to have the same thing. I'd
City of Miami Page 74 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
like to have it come from you; sit down and let me know why we're doing it, how
you're doing it, and how it's going to help you be a better police officer.
Chief Llanes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion with the motion on the floor? Seeing none,
all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
RE.13 RESOLUTION
2136
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, APPROVING
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST'S ("TRUST")
APPOINTMENT OF JOSE GELL AS THE INTERIM/ACTIVE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRUST, UNDER THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AGREED UPON.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0189
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Commissioner Gort: RE.8 was deferred.
Chair Hardemon: Carollo, do you want to do --
Commissioner Carollo: RE.13?
Chair Hardemon: -- RE.13?
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, RE.13.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. A resolution of the Miami City
Commission, approving the Bayfront Park Management Trust appointment of Jose
Gell as the interim acting executive director of the Trust, under the terms and
conditions of employment agreed upon. And I would add a friendly amendment that
his salary would be increased from the current amount, an increase to have 10
percent during the pendency of position of interim acting executive director or until
changed during the regular budget hearing.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded.
City of Miami Page 75 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Commissioner Carollo: And, obviously, he'll have the authority for signature in --
for the board, signature on the bank account.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion on the matter from the board?
Hearing none, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RE.14 RESOLUTION
1964
Southeast
Overtown/Park
West CRA
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE AMENDED
BUDGET OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("SEOPW CRA"),
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A", IN THE
AMOUNT OF $48,708,155.00, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
2017, AS APPROVED BY THE SEOPW CRA'S BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0174
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort
NAYS: Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Chair Hardemon: The Chair would like to entertain a motion to approve RE.14 and
RE.15.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Vice Chair Russell: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded. Is there any further
discussion from the board?
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Real quick. The one with the Omni, I've had issues with
some of the items. And I'll be honest with you; we are spending a lot on attorney's
fees, and I keep saying we need to put it out for an RFP (Request for Proposals). So
Chair Hardemon: I think you're right on that.
Commissioner Carollo: You know.
City of Miami Page 76 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: So I think it's something that we should -- I foresee being in the
future.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I'm -- so I'm going to vote against, but I'm letting you
know, you know, as a courtesy, the reason that -- specific reason that, you know, I
just can't vote for it. And again, I've mentioned -- it's not the first time, but I really
think we need to go out on an RFP with the legal.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. All in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: No, on 14; yes, on 15.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): We'll need to do separate votes.
Chair Hardemon: So that's no problem. So let's clam the motion. The motion for
RE.14 has been -- it's been moved by the Vice Chairman and seconded --
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- by the Chair. Is there any discussion about RE.14? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 77 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
RE.15 RESOLUTION
2088
Office of
Resilience and
Sustainability
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
AWARD FROM THE ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY ADVISORS,
INC. ("GRANTOR"), IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $336,466.62
("GRANT"), TO FUND THE POSITION OF CHIEF RESILIENCE
OFFICER WHO SHALL GUIDE THE DELIVERY OF RESILIENCE
EFFORTS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE THE
NECESSARY ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE TO ACCOUNT FOR
THE GRANT FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY
ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, AMEND THE CITY'S
OPERATING BUDGET AT A FUTURE DATE, COMPLY WITH
GUIDELINES SET FORTH BY THE GRANTOR, AND NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE A REIMBURSEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
("AGREEMENT"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND ANY OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID AGREEMENT, IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO
IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF SAID
GRANT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0172
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item RE.15, please see item
RE.l4.
Chair Hardemon: And then --
Commissioner Carollo: Move RE.15.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by the Chair. No discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
City of Miami
Page 78 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
AC.1
1988
Office of the City
Attorney
AC - ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
UNDER THE PARAMETERS OF SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA
STATUTES, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION WILL BE
CONDUCTED AT THE APRIL 13, 2017 MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MEETING. THE PERSON CHAIRING THE CITY OF MIAMI
COMMISSION MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF AN ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION,
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING
THE PENDING LITIGATION CASE OF 1000 BRICKELL, LTD.,
F/K/A 1000 BRICKELL, INC., AND KAI PROPERTIES, LTD. V. CITY
OF MIAMI, CASE NO. 14-11755 CA 23, PENDING IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT OF THE 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WHICH THE CITY IS PRESENTLY
A PARTY. THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING WILL BE CONFINED
TO SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR STRATEGY SESSIONS
RELATED TO LITIGATION EXPENDITURES. THIS PRIVATE
MEETING WILL BEGIN AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 P.M. (OR AS
SOON THEREAFTER AS THE COMMISSIONERS' SCHEDULES
PERMIT) AND CONCLUDE APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR LATER.
THE SESSION WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COMMISSION: CHAIRMAN KEON HARDEMON, VICE-
CHAIRMAN KEN RUSSELL, AND COMMISSIONERS WIFREDO
"WILLY" GORT, FRANK CAROLLO, AND FRANCIS X. SUAREZ;
CITY MANAGER DANIEL J. ALFONSO; CITY ATTORNEY
VICTORIA MENDEZ; DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEYS JOHN A.
GRECO AND BARNABY L. MIN; DIVISION CHIEF FOR GENERAL
LITIGATION CHRISTOPHER A. GREEN; AND DIVISION CHIEF
FOR LAND USE/TRANSACTIONS RAFAEL SUAREZ-RIVAS. A
CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER WILL BE PRESENT TO ENSURE
THAT THE SESSION IS FULLY TRANSCRIBED AND THE
TRANSCRIPT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC UPON THE CONCLUSION
OF THE ABOVE -CITED, ONGOING LITIGATION. AT THE
CONCLUSION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION, THE
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE REOPENED AND
THE PERSON CHAIRING THE COMMISSION MEETING WILL
ANNOUNCE THE TERMINATION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT
SESSION.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: Item AC.1 was deferred to the April 27, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
Chair Hardemon: We -- the AC.1 and AC.2 have been deferred; is that true?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
City of Miami
Page 79 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: Did we do anything else?
Chair Hardemon: Boards --
Ms. Ewan: If we can have a motion just to defer those items --
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Ms. Ewan: -- that'll be great.
Chair Hardemon: The Chair would like to entertain a motion to defer AC.1 and
AC.2.
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Commissioner Carollo: To what meeting? Second.
Chair Hardemon: Is it to the next meeting?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): With regard to Headley, that one is withdrawn.
And then the 1000 Brickell, that one will be deferred, but I have to read into the
record when -- a little later when you give me the opportunity.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So --
Commissioner Carollo: Withdraw your motion.
Chair Hardemon: -- AC.2 is actually deferred. And then, AC.1 is -- I'm sorry. AC.2
is actually withdrawn. AC.1 is deferred until a time stated further into the meeting.
All in favor of that, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Against? The motion passes.
City of Miami Page 80 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
AC.2
1989
Office of the City
Attorney
ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
UNDER THE PARAMETERS OF SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA
STATUTES, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION WILL BE
CONDUCTED AT THE APRIL 13, 2017 MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MEETING. THE PERSON CHAIRING THE CITY OF MIAMI
COMMISSION MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF AN ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION,
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING
THE PENDING LITIGATION CASE OF WALTER E. HEADLEY, JR.,
MIAMI LODGE #20, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, INC. V.
CITY OF MIAMI, CASE NO. 1D12-2116, PENDING BEFORE THE
FLORIDA FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL, TO WHICH THE
CITY IS PRESENTLY A PARTY. THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING
WILL BE CONFINED TO SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR
STRATEGY SESSIONS RELATED TO LITIGATION
EXPENDITURES. THIS PRIVATE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT
APPROXIMATELY 3:00 P.M. (OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS
THE COMMISSIONERS' SCHEDULES PERMIT) AND CONCLUDE
APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR LATER. THE SESSION WILL BE
ATTENDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION:
CHAIRMAN KEON HARDEMON, VICE-CHAIRMAN KEN RUSSELL,
AND COMMISSIONERS WIFREDO "WILLY" GORT, FRANK
CAROLLO, AND FRANCIS X. SUAREZ; THE CITY MANAGER,
DANIEL J. ALFONSO; THE CITY ATTORNEY, VICTORIA MENDEZ;
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEYS JOHN A. GRECO AND BARNABY L.
MIN; DIVISION CHIEF FOR LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT KEVIN R.
JONES; ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEYS STEPHANIE K. PANOFF
AND BARBARA DIAZ; LUKE SAVAGE, ESQ.; AND MICHAEL
MATTIMORE, ESQ. A CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER WILL BE
PRESENT TO ENSURE THAT THE SESSION IS FULLY
TRANSCRIBED AND THE TRANSCRIPT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC
UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THE ABOVE -CITED, ONG
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item AC.2, please see item AC.I.
END OF ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
City of Miami Page 81 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.1
2111
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.2
2132
Office of the City
Clerk
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR A
TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Marvin Weeks Mayor Tomas Regalado
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0175
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Chair Hardemon: Boards and committees.
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Good evening, Chair and Commissioners.
BC.1, Arts and Entertainment Council: Mayor Regalado will be appointing Marvin
Weeks.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Maria Napoles Mayor Tomas Regalado
Rene Morales Commissioner Frank Carollo
City of Miami Page 82 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.3
2113
Office of the City
Clerk
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0176
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC2, Art in Public Places Board: Mayor
Regalado will be appointing Maria Napoles and Commissioner Carollo will be
appointing Rene Morales.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami Page 83 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.4
2114
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Ralph Duharte
(Term Ending April 13, 2018)
Frank Fernandez
(Unexpired Term Ending February
9, 2018)
Emilio Calleja
(Unexpired Term Ending September
8, 2017)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0177
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Adopt
ADOPTED
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
Francis Suarez, Commissioner
Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
A motion was made by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez,
and was passed unanimously, to appoint Ralph Duharte as a member of the
Bayfront Park Management Trust; further waiving the term limits of Section 2-
885(b) by a unanimous (5/5) vote of the members of the City Commission, as it
relates to Ralph Duharte as a member of the Bayfront Park Management Trust.
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.4, Bayfront Park Management Trust:
Commissioner Gort will be reappointing Ralph Duharte, with a 5/5 term waiver.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Ms. Ewan: Commissioner Carollo will be appointing Frank Fernandez and
Commissioner Suarez will be appointing Emilio --
Commissioner Suarez: Calleja.
Commissioner Carollo: Calleja. Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
City of Miami Page 84 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.5
2117
Office of the City
Clerk
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Fernando Paredes Vice Chair Ken Russell
(Term Ending April 13, 2018)
Patricia Pino
(Unexpired Term Ending January
12, 2018)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0178
Commissioner Francis Suarez
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.5, City of Miami Beautification
Committee: Vice Chair Russell will be appointing Fernando Paredes and
Commissioner Suarez will be appointing Patricia Pino.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 85 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.6
1070
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.7
2120
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CIVILIAN
INVESTIGATIVE PANEL FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
Civilian Investigative Panel
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Allyson Warren
(Term Ending April 13, 2020)
Charles McEwan
(Term Ending April 13, 2018)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0179
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commission -At -Large
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
Adopt
ADOPTED
Frank Carollo, Commissioner
Francis Suarez, Commissioner
Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
A motion was made by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez,
and was passed unanimously, to appoint Charles McEwan as a member of the Code
Enforcement Board; further waiving the term limits of Section 2-885(b) by a
unanimous (5/5) vote of the members of the City Commission, as it relates to
Charles McEwan as a member of the Code Enforcement Board.
City of Miami Page 86 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.8
2122
Office of the City
Clerk
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.7, Code Enforcement Board:
Commissioner Gort will be reappointing Charles McEwan with a 5/5 term waiver.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Ms. Ewan: And Commissioner Carollo will be reappointing Allyson Warren.
Commissioner Carollo: Move that, too.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Tomas Regalado
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Frank Carollo
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami Page 87 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.9
1711
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.10
1713
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Tomas Regalado
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Frank Carollo
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
(Ex-Officio Non -Voting Member)
(Ex-Officio Non -Voting Member)
(Ex-Officio Non -Voting Youth
Member)
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso
City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso
City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso
RESULT:
NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami Page 88 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.11
2123
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.12
2124
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Frank Carollo
IAFF
FOP
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Erica Paschal City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0180
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.12, Finance Committee: City Manager
Alfonso will be appointing Erica Paschal.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
City of Miami Page 89 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.13
1599
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.14
2125
Office of the City
Clerk
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES/CATEGORIES:
David Freedman
(Business/Finance/Law - Category
6)
Hugh Ryan
(Historian or Architectural Historian
- Category 3)
Todd Tragash
(Architect — Category 1)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0181
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
City of Miami Page 90 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.15
1979
Office of the City
Clerk
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.14, Historic and Environmental
Preservation Board: Commissioner Carollo will be appointing David Freedman to
the Business/Finance Law category and Hugh Ryan to the Historian category; and
Commissioner Suarez will be reappointing Todd Tragash to the Architect category.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it. Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
TRUST FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami Page 91 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.16
2126
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.17
2127
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY
FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort City Commission
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0182
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.16, Miami Sports and Exhibition
Authority: Commissioner Gort is requesting to be reappointed to the at -large
Commission seat.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Suarez: God bless you.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chair Ken Russell
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami Page 92 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.18
1875
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE PATRICIA AND PHILLIP FROST MUSEUM OF
SCIENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Joseph Falk
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0183
NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.18, Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of
Science: There is one at -large vacancy. Vice Chair Russell will be appointing
Joseph Falk.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Is this the person that the Vice Chairman initially wanted to
appoint?
Ms. Ewan: That is correct.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. And so, I had an appointment that I wanted to be
considered for that position. I had a chance to read the resume of the individual that
you had, and I just wanted to express to you -- because I think you're on the board,
as well, correct?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: What -- we were just concerned that we wanted to have someone
who could represent the interests of people who couldn't afford, necessarily, to be in
attendance to the museum, because I understand that the tickets are going to be kind
of expensive. So with your appointment, it seems like he does have an ear or some
concern for those types of things, but, I mean, you being the Vice Chairman of the
Commission, I just hope that you remember those voices, those kids who may not be
able to pay the $25 to gain entry, and just to have that type of voice on the board so
that we continue to have access to the facility.
Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you so much.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
City of Miami Page 93 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.19
2128
Office of the City
Clerk
Chair Hardemon: Is there any objection to the appointment? Seeing none, motion
passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD
FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Aaron Zeigler
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0184
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.19, Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board: Chair Hardemon will be appointing Aaron Zeigler.
Commissioner Suarez: Zeeka, with a "Z"?
Chair Hardemon: Ziegler.
Commissioner Suarez: Who?
Chair Hardemon: Aaron Zeigler.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
City of Miami Page 94 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.20
1083
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.21
1721
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD FOR A
TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chair Ken Russell
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE STARS OF CALLE OCHO WALK OF FAME
COMMITTEE FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Tomas Regalado
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami
Page 95 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.22
2129
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.23
2130
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
(UDRB) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Frank Carollo
Commissioner Francis Suarez
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE VIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Peter Ehrlich Urban Environment League of
Greater Miami
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0185
City of Miami
Page 96 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
BC.24
1603
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.25
1604
Office of the City
Clerk
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC23, Virginia Key Advisory Board: The
Urban Environmental League for Greater Miami is requesting the confirmation of
Peter Ehrlich.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Frank Carollo
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
William Riley, Jr.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0186
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Francis Suarez
City of Miami Page 97 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
SECONDER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): And BC.25, Waterfront Advisory Board:
Commissioner Suarez will be reappointing William Riley, Jr.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Ms. Ewan: Thank you, Commissioners.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City of Miami Page 98 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
DI.1
1992
City Manager's
Office
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION REGARDING A PRESENTATION BY THE
CHAIRPERSON OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS/COMMITTEES
CONCERNING THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS: - AUDIT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE - URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo
ABSENT: Suarez
Note for the Record: Item DI.1 was continued to the May 11, 2017, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item DI.1, please see "Order of the
Day."
DI.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
1994
Office of Grants
Administration
DISCUSSION REGARDING AN UPDATE ON PROGRAM
PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIALS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
CAREER CENTER.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, ma'am. No, James, you can't go home.
Lillian Blondet (Director, Grants and Sustainable Initiatives): I'm trying to run the
computer. It's not --
Commissioner Gort: Yes, ma'am, it's all yours.
Ms. Blondet: Okay. Good afternoon. Lillian Blondet. I'm the director of Grants
Administration with the City of Miami. Thank you for having us here today. As we
usually do every year, we come and update the Commission on the Career Center.
As you know, we're in the third year with this grant. This is a three-year grant, so
we'll be applying for a renewal through an RFP (Request for Proposals) process.
However, we like to keep the Commission updated. As Commissioner Carollo has
said before, this is highly restrictive funds, and we want to make sure that we keep
the Commission up to date on what's going on. There's no question that we need the
services of the Career Center. There's no need that there's a -- that we need the
Career Center. We've done a lot of good work with the community. We place people
throughout Dade County; a lot of them are in the City. In the last three years, we
have placed over 11,000 people. And we -- this past year, we opened a satellite
office at Camillus House that's doing a lot of work, serving directly the homeless
population that so much need assistance. However, there are other challenges that
we face with this grant that we wanted to bring to Commission, as sometimes we face
City of Miami Page 99 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
some of the shortage monies and some of the performance might not be up to par per
workforce requirements. And with that, I have with me today Willy Porro, who's
going to go and present some of the numbers regarding performance and revenues of
the center. And I also wanted to introduce Mr. Robert Sellers. He is the new
manager of the Career Center.
William Porro: Good afternoon, Commissioners. William Porro, special project
administrator for Grants -- oh, I'm sorry -- assistant director now. Sorry. Good
afternoon. Wanted to bring you up. It's a interesting grant. It has some challenges
to it, but we -- I wanted to go over basically how the grant is set up. You're looking
at this particular chart, which shows the red figure, which is our grant allocation,
our award each and every year for the past three years. What you see in orange is
our revenue that's generated by the center through workforce activities. And then,
the yellow is the expenses of the center, related to the -- that's correct -- 3,600 a
year.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Porro: Yeah, we'll get to the 3,700 each year. So, as Lillian said, the center, in
terms of productivity and what the staff is doing, is absolutely amazing, so there is a
need for this type of service. You will notice the decrease in the grant award over
the last three years in this particular grant cycle. So we've had conversations that
we would get reimbursed, and we're hoping that that will be the case in terms of our
cost to date.
Commissioner Carollo: Before you move on --
Mr. Porro: Please, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- with the placements, do you monitor, once they're placed,
how long they stay at that job?
Mr. Porro: If I'm not mistaken -- and if we want to get into the weeds, I have the
director here -- but as far as I know, that is one of the standards in the balance score
card; that they have to be retained, that's correct. For a year, we follow up on them.
Commissioner Carollo: For at least a year?
Mr. Porro: That's correct.
Commissioner Carollo: So all those placements have been retained at the same job
for at least a year? I just want to verify that.
Mr. Porro: They have to be followed up within that entire year, if I'm not mistaken.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. So my question is --
Mr. Porro: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of these placements, how many of them has maintained
there for a whole year, or at least a year?
Robert Sellers: Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Robert Sellers, interim director
for the City of Miami Career Center. As far as it's concerned with the follow-ups
and placements --
Commissioner Carollo: Retainment.
City of Miami Page 100 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Sellers: -- retainments and the follow-ups, the only ones that are really followed
up is the ones who are in WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). We
do track the placements and the retention rate for those individuals.
Commissioner Carollo: So out of these placements, how many have been followed
up?
Mr. Sellers: I don't have that exact number at this time, butt can get it.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Commissioner Gort: Let me ask a question. My understanding is in '16/17, we spent
$1.1 million. Right?
Mr. Porro: Correct.
Commissioner Gort: From the revenue funds. And we are going to reimburse
around 600,000?
Mr. Porro: That's correct.
Commissioner Gort: So it's a cost to the City of 600,000?
Mr. Porro: It's about 466,000 right now; that's per projection. And I'll get more in -
- a little bit more into it. It'll make a little bit more sense on the following slides. I
know this is a busy slide, but bear with me. The top portion of this slide, basically,
with the two years previous, we decided to have what is -- what I consider a
"dashboard report," where we actually physically look at each and every month.
The top portion, if you can read it there, is the revenues that are generated by the
workforce activities of the center. Underneath that are the expenses for that
particular month. And then there's either a surplus or a deficit. And underneath
that, it's a simple calculation of revenue to expenses. So right now, the City is
tracking at a 58 percent revenue -to -expenses; meaning that the City is subsidizing
about 42 percent, as it stands right now. Okay. Underneath that, the middle portion
is what is -- was changed from two years ago, which was a reimbursable grant to a -
- I call it "pay for performance" or a pay scale. It's broken out to the different
sectors of placement. They're veterans, ex -offenders, mentioned WIOA, disability,
and then TANF/CAP (Customer Assistance Program) and SNAP (Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program); those that are on cash assistance, and what it pays
for each one of those. Underneath that are the historical placements for the last two
additional years, previous years. Underneath that is just some staffing updates. You
can see that we're about four staff short right now that are vacant. And the last part,
right on the bottom, which is probably quite tiny, but I can get you copies of this, is
the regional performance of the entire Region 23, so we can compare to our own
center, so we know how it stands. This is one of the interesting things of the grant
that was not here previously. In 2004, you can see the cost per placement, how we're
now being paid for a particular placement. That $150 in 2014 dropped down to 100
to 75, and then 50 to 25. Understand, if we go back to this particular slide real
quick, the yellow is the total amount of placements. The red is what is called
"obtains," those that use level one services. And then the direct job placements is
anything that the staff physically refers to an employer to be placed. There's usually,
give or take, 75/25 split between the obtains and the direct job placements. So if you
go to this slide, it's obvious that the amount of revenue that we can generate by our
going rate of obtains to direct job placements has been reduced considerably. But at
the same time, in fairness to -- and I understand what they're doing -- is to place the
City of Miami Page 101 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
hardest -to -place individuals within our community; those that are ex -offenders, adult
dislocated workers, and then TANF/CAP and SNAP placements.
Chair Hardemon: So --
Mr. Porro: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: -- they receive a benefit for hiring these individuals. Give me an
example. Say I have a -- someone who was previously convicted of a felony in the
last three years. They are now free, and they apply for a job. Tell me how that
person -- how they interact with the company and how that company interacts with
you, and then how that person interacts with you, as well. How does that work?
What happens?
Mr. Sellers: Well, first and foremost, it depends on how that individual is
categorized, because of individualized services. It's different phases when you come
to the Career Center; if one individual is just looking for a particular job, or if
you're coming in for a training. And most individuals who come in with a skill set,
and if we have a particular opening for that individual, we'll just match the skill set
up with the individual who is hiring. Now, if it takes a little further and he need a
little bit more training --
Chair Hardemon: So what -- say -- let's start with that one. You're matching. So
when you match the skill set to a particular job, what is the benefit -- what benefit
does the employer get?
Mr. Sellers: Well, one benefit that having this grant at Career Source, we do have
hiring incentives as far as paid work experience and paid training incentives, which
is subsidized employment; wherein, in some cases, we'll subsidize 100 percent of the
salary for duration of the training period, or we can --
Chair Hardemon: How long is that training period, typically?
Mr. Sellers: It depends on what the skill set, the salary, and the title of the job is. If
it's an entry level, more likely, it's the paid work experience program, where we have
100 percent of the salary is paid for by Career Source.
Chair Hardemon: So that'll last for, what, three months, maybe?
Mr. Sellers: Give or take, because, most likely, the paid work experience for entry
level positions; where for -- you have the on-the-job training, it's up to six months
and/or $7,500 per individual, and that is reimbursed at the 75 percent clip.
Chair Hardemon: The reason I'm asking this is because I -- someone very, very
close to me had an experience where they were working for a company. The
company's out of -- well, they could have more than one place, but their physical
location, say it's in Miami Gardens. And this person did not -- they received the job,
not through any other organization. I think they applied directly with the company.
However, some -- for some reason, they sent the person to receive some sort of
training. I think it was like -- either it was training -- I think it was training. I'm
sorry, I don't have the facts straight in my head. But what I remember about it was
that when everything was complete, she realized that what she was receiving, it
seems to be it was something similar to this. Like, they were getting credit, and it
was 100 percent credit for her going to this program, even though that's not the way
that she actually came to the company; something -- it was something of that nature.
And so, what -- okay. This is what you want me to do. My employer told me to go do
City of Miami Page 102 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
this. I go and do this. I sign up. It didn't become clear exactly what was happening
until three months later, when she's out of a job, and then --
Commissioner Carollo: That's why I asked for the retention.
Chair Hardemon: Right. Because -- and then when she was out of a job, what I
learned -- and you may correct me if I'm wrong, because I could be -- but when she
was out of the job, then it puts her in a position now -- If she wanted to come to you
all, you all don't retrain or you don't hire for a certain amount of time because of a
certain reason. And so, effectively, what was going on was that this person
unknowingly was going to an organization to sign up for something that her boss
said was just a training and -- but what she was doing was being put into a program
that her boss was actually going to take advantage of her by -- and you and us by --
Mr. Porro: And the program.
Chair Hardemon: -- and the program by receiving free funds for someone to work
for three months. So, basically, the way that they're servicing their business is by
bringing in people at these three -months intervals, and they're basically keeping --
Commissioner Gort: Then they get rid of them.
Chair Hardemon: Right. And they're keeping their business going. And then that
person who is harmed is the individual. She didn't have a record or anything of that
nature, but, you know, imagine the guy that does have the record, that said, "Hey, I
got a job," right? You try to save for three months, you get you an apartment. Now
you have an apartment, now you have a car, you think everything is good. They fire
you, and you come back to the same place looking for help --
Vice Chair Russell: No help.
Chair Hardemon: -- and no help. So that particularly is something that -- and I
guess that's somewhat of a -- that's a fraud issue there. It all -- it kind of borderlines
criminality, if you will. So, I mean, I think that's something that you all really have
to take a real hard look at. So I don't know if it's someone -- maybe when you get
your staff together -- someone that you can really point to look at to see the patterns
of these organizations that are giving these funds, because, you know, the money is
there, great. It helps our people in the community, great. But it's a tool that could
really be used to hurt people. And in her case, it was a -- it put her in a position
where she unknowingly did a training she wasn't supposed to have, and put her in a
category where she couldn't receive additional help from you all if she wanted to.
Mr. Sellers: That's an unfortunate occurrence with that particular instance.
However, the way we conduct business over at the City of Miami is completely
different. Every party that's involved is very informed and well informed of the
parameters of the contract, what it is that you're entering into, and what is the
stipulations after that contract is completed. Now, all our training programs
guarantee -- it's not guaranteed, but it's contingent upon retention. So if you're
training somebody and if they make it successfully through the training, it shouldn't
take three months to know if you're going to retain the individual. If they're there for
three months, which means they're doing a great job -- and we do have evaluation
periods in between that time, so we would know prior to if that contract is going to
be voided or not. And after the training period, you know, the -- it's a good faith,
pretty much, because it's not penalty assessed to a company who says that --
Chair Hardemon: We don't want you no more.
City of Miami Page 103 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Sellers: -- they can't retain -- exactly.
Chair Hardemon: And that's what --
Mr. Sellers: Because --why? Because, now, give or take, the economy might be bad.
They might fall off (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: But I understand that. There could be some innocence to it, but
there could also --
Mr. Sellers: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: -- not be. There -- at the point where you've all paid what you
can pay -- that 100 percent, you paid it.
Mr. Sellers: Mm-hmm.
Chair Hardemon: Now, when it's time for that company to pay, what's happening --
what I personally experienced with this person was that the company doesn't want to
pay. They'd rather, you know, reach back into the pot, finding someone else to come
in and do that same type of job, and have them receive compensation for it.
Mr. Sellers: Well, that becomes -- right then that becomes a judgment call on your
behalf. You could either stop doing business with that company, because if you see
the inconsistencies with that company and you see that they're just trying to get over
in the long run --
Chair Hardemon: So -- but that's something that you -- and that's what I'm saying.
All I'm saying is that --
Mr. Sellers: Absolutely.
Chair Hardemon: -- you all take a serious look at that.
Mr. Sellers: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: So --
Mr. Sellers: Everybody is held accountable for what -- when you sign that contract,
you know the stipulations, so at the end of it, you are held accountable for the
retention and the monies that you are given at the end of that training. So not only
do they have the taxes in for ex -offenders for the 75 percent reimbursement, but they
also have the work opportunity tax credits also, which is another incentive to hire.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Porro: Let me go to the last -- there's not -- this is the last. It's really just some
challenges that we have faced with the grant, the three-year cycle, which is really,
you know, going from cost reimbursement to a pay scale, and then that pay scale
changing, even within a contract year is quite difficult to budget and to --
performance. It's not a criticism of the program or even the grantor, Career Source
of South Florida. I mean, I get what they're wanting to do. It's a matter if it's a
business decision now, what we want to do. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: I mentioned this when we first started.
City of Miami Page 104 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Porro: Operational expenses are a bit higher now, and that's because we've
brought the salaries of the employees up to where they need to be. Again, won't be a
dead horse, but we're about 42 percent of subsidizing right now. We've had some
employee turnover, and again, the low -- because of the low salaries, they left. And
there are some performance metrics, even now. We've already submitted our
renewal application for the new grant proposal, and we're going to see that. There
are some new metrics that were instilled in the last partners meeting, or prior to --
prior, which has to do with about four or five metrics, which I believe really we'll
make all of them, except one, which is the CAP participation rate, which is -- it's
something quite difficult with our clients, and that's where we're standing right now.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: I think the program is very good, but I think this deficit to the
City is something that we need to discuss, and I think I would like to sit down with
them and talk to them and the managers. And the program is very good; I think we
should maintain it, but we might have to come up with some other options. So
instead of the grant, there might be some other way that we can do it, because right
now, the way we're doing it, we're having problems.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. So money -wise, where are we for this year, and
what about for the following year?
Ms. Blondet: For this year, which the program year goes from June 1 -- no -- from
July l to June 30 --
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Ms. Blondet: -- we have a shortage.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So --
Ms. Blondet: So 450. However, we have met with South Florida Workforce, and
they have committed, and they have given us their word that they're going to pay us,
as our cost --
Commissioner Carollo: South Florida Workforce is the old name. It's Career
Source now, correct?
Ms. Blondet: Oh, I'm sorry; Career Source South Florida, yes. And Mr. Beasley --
Commissioner Carollo: And I see the executive director, Mr. Beasley, here.
Ms. Blondet: He has --
Commissioner Carollo: If he could come up and --
Commissioner Gort: Do you have it in writing?
Commissioner Carollo: -- make sure that --
City of Miami Page 105 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Ms. Blondet: -- committed that --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I want to make sure.
Ms. Blondet: -- he's going to work with the City.
Commissioner Gort: Let's put it on the record.
Chair Hardemon: The man --
Commissioner Carollo: By the way, I used to --
Chair Hardemon: -- is wearing a bowtie; you have to believe everything he says.
Rick Beasley: Again, to the Commission, good afternoon; good to see you all.
Again, I'm Rick Beasley, executive director of Career Source South Florida; address,
7300 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, Florida 33126. In terms of -- I had an
opportunity to meet with your assistant manager and with your staff regarding this
issue. We run into this issue every year, as you all know, and we've come back every
year to say we'll assist, to make sure; as long as your agency, the City, submits on
time, we'll be glad to reimburse. But the issue for us is that you're submitting on
time. Last year, I think there was an issue, and as I shared with the Chairman and I
shared with the Commissioner, that I could not open my books after submittal. We
close our books at a certain time, and so I think there was an issue there. But other
than that, we've always reimbursed. All right. The one thing I will say this -- is that
once we went to this model -- and our Commissioner Carollo was our Chairman -- I
don't want to say -- about 12 years ago -- and so, he knows how this program runs.
We changed our model. We changed our model to focus on performance -based
contracts, because a number of providers were not meeting the standards in which
we needed to be at in terms of the State. And so, we changed it to a performance
base. So, in essence, Commissioner Gort, if you don't get a job, they don't eat;
meaning, they don't get paid. The effort there is to ensure that the dollars that we
put into this community, that we invest in this community, people get jobs, and that's
the effort.
Commissioner Gort: That's the goal.
Mr. Beasley: Okay. And so, that's why we changed that model. We wanted to
ensure that the dollars we spent -- Last year, we invested about $49 million into this
community. We generated $1.6 billion of salaries back into our community. And so,
those are things that we look at. And so, Commissioner, you raised the issue about
the OJT (on-the-job training). We want to -- If we find an employer who is abusing
the system, we don't work with them anymore. We don't work with them, because --
and we also don't like what we call the reverse referral from an employer, okay? A
lot of our Career Centers were up front with the employer. They know who they're
working with. And so, they go through the process of discussing with them in terms
of the skill sets. And part of that contract, which Robert didn't go into great detail,
but a part of the contract is to go over the curriculum that will be trained on as
they're working on the job. And so, the employer has to sign off. When we find an
employer who's abusing the system, we don't work with them anymore.
Chair Hardemon: That's -- so you understand exactly what I was trying to describe.
Mr. Beasley: Oh, I know exactly what you were saying.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
City of Miami Page 106 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Beasley: When you said it, I said, "Okay, that's a reverse referral." I'm like,
"Okay, what Career Center accepted that?" because I would want to know. Your
sitting here -- we've asked -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) doing everything -- a part of the
contract is performance based. There's another part of your contract that is really a
cost reimbursement -- okay? -- which deals with -- employ Miami -Dade. You're
working with us to ensure that we work ex -offenders. We work with certain
populations of this community that others won't. And so, I make that commitment to
you, because this center has gone into the community. Both of you all know,
Commissioners, that we've gone into certain sections that my provider before have
never gone there. I've asked the City to do that effort for us. And so, we work with
them to make sure. As long as everything is submitted on time, we have no problems.
Okay?
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Mr. Beasley: I said it on the record, Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you. Thank you, sir. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) put it on
time, and they know their timeline.
Mr. Beasley: Yes. But they do a good job. I think there were some issues with an
invoice and something may have gotten messed up, because, I mean, you're a huge
city.
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Mr. Beasley: You know, we're just a small little, you know, rinky-dink little
workforce agency, although we're the largest in the State and largest in the South.
But, I mean, you know, things get kind of messed up. But they have done a good job.
The numbers have dropped off a little bit. I am so glad that you all have increased
your salaries, because what was happening is that you had other departments
raiding this department, and taking good staff. And so, you saw numbers drop
significantly. And I had to have a consultation with the City Manager last year to
say, "Hey, you need to do something, because your numbers are dropping and you
are here, and you're dropping." But they were taking folks. I'm sorry, I had to take
one of your own, as well.
Ms. Blondet: Yes.
Mr. Beasley: So I'm to blame, as well. I mean, since you all are doing it, I might as
well just do it myself okay? But you have a good center. They're committed to
serving this community. They're doing a good job, and we want them to continue.
Okay?
Commissioner Gort: I have one on my staff visit there every day, and taking people
to look for jobs.
Mr. Beasley: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: So I want to make clear, it wasn't the City of Miami's Career
Center --
Ms. Blondet: No.
Chair Hardemon: -- that they visited. It might have been the one in Hialeah.
Mr. Beasley: We'll take a look at that. If --
City of Miami Page 107 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Chair Hardemon: But I'll share with you, because I want to sit down and learn a
little bit more about how it all, you know, really works.
Mr. Beasley: We manage this every day. We have a report that I can see the
placements on a daily basis. There are tools that we have; we, on the Source Code.
No other workforce board in the State or in the country have what we have. But we
look at placements every day, so we know whether or not they're obtains. And the
reason we switched (UNINTELLIGIBLE) obtains, Willy, it showed you the decrease,
because we had a number of providers who were making their numbers or their
money just off obtain employments; meaning, you come into the Career Center. As
long as I provide you a staff -assisted service, but you find your own job, we -- you
know, we pay them. You know, that is -- it's allowable by the State. And so, we saw
centers making their money that way. No, no, no, we're going to drop that, because
what we want to do is get the ex -offenders. We want the veterans. We want the
moms who are on welfare. We want those who are receiving unemployment benefits.
Those are individuals we want to work with, so we dropped it. So it's okay. We'll
give you $50 if you get them placed in the first month or in the first 90 days. Then
I'll pay you $25 after the first 90 days. Okay? Same thing for every component. We
want to drive people to get placed faster, but in a high -wage paying job. And so, one
of the things that we are looking at is the retention. Now, on WIOA -- I think I saw
the measures for WIOA -- retention for the center was like 90 percent that have
retained after a year of employment. But again, you're looking at over a year
period. So their numbers are okay. I had the numbers -- it's about 90 percent. One
of the things we are concentrating to make sure -- now, we do include part-time, but
our part-time says it had to be of at least 30 hours, okay? And so, we look at that.
So last year, it was about 64,000. Now, the State of Florida said we placed 84,000.
We do not count second placements; meaning, if I place you two or three times, I
only count you one time in our system; one, that's it. We don't go into the multiple
placements or the multiple number. You know, our goal is to get you placed one
time and count that once. And we continue to provide you service, but we're not
going to continue to pay you for the multiple times you come in. So we're not trying
to, again, cheat the system. We want, again, to work with that hard core population.
But you're doing a good job. Okay?
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Leroy Jones: Commissioner, can I say something?
Chair Hardemon: Please, yeah.
Mr. Jones: So I'm here in support of Career Source.
Commissioner Gort: Who are you?
Mr. Jones: Leroy Jones, Neighbors and Neighbors Association, 180 Northwest 62nd
Street. So I came here because I'm in support of the City of Miami Career Source. I
just want you to think about how difficult it is to run a center that you trying to find
employment for people, and trying to get people, in some cases, trained and
retrained. And what I'm finding out is that we're having people 40 years old that
never had a job, that never had any training. You know what? We're seeing the
homeless cases of people that coming in for training increase where, in some cases,
half of the classes that are training are people that either live in shelters or
homeless. People come in there with mental problems, ex -offenders. So when they
come there, the Career Source become a social service program, as well, because in
City of Miami Page 108 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
a lot of cases, you have to deal with other issues that they have before you can even
place them or get them into training. So it's bigger than just them helping people
find jobs. It's the baggage that the people bring with all the issues that they have, the
mental illness that they have; and in a lot of cases, the criminal backgrounds that
they have, particular in these areas that we trying to help people in. So I can't say
enough how hard that Career Center work. And if you went there and stay there one
day, and see how many people come to that center, it's crazy, man. You know, I
know they short staffed. I know that. So they short staffed, they underfunded. I
know that. And to deal with the mindset of the people -- You know, you have to go
home and deal with that every day. Imagine that. Every day, you have to take other
people problems that they been dealing with all they life, and you know, it's -- most
people that mentally ill don't even know they mentally ill, because they been dealing
with it all they life. It's common for them. They don't know it. So I just wanted to
share that. You know, that is a good center. Those young people there work hard;
given on top of -- And you can tell they good employees, because you all done took
half of them. You got half of them working for you in top positions in the City. So I
just wanted to say that. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Is there any further discussion about the item?
Thank you all very much.
Ms. Blondet: Thank you.
DI.3 DISCUSSION ITEM
1896
Commissioners
and Mayor
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY'S NEXT GENERAL
OBLIGATION BOND.
r
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: A motion was made by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by
Commissioner Gort, and was passed unanimously, directing the City Manager to
initiate a full and extensive public process of information gathering from the
community to develop a detailed list of projects, including costs, in enough time for
the City Commission to work with to include in a resolution calling for a
referendum special election to be held during the November 7, 2017 General
Municipal Election declaring the City's official intent to issue one or more tax-
exempt and taxable general obligation bonds for capital projects and capital
improvements, subject to voter approval
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Okay. Thank you. Good afternoon. I -- this item was
deferred.
Renita Holmes: Excuse me. Have we gone now or was I -- I was just getting my say-
so? None of you will address me on the RE.11, because you're moving on to RE.12?
Chair Hardemon: Well, we're -- right now we're --
Ms. Holmes: You could tell me after you address RE.12 or it's closed or --? I mean,
just show me some respect.
Chair Hardemon: We were in the middle of something. We allowed you to speak, but
we were in the middle of addressing an item. But we'll come back to --
City of Miami Page 109 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Ms. Holmes: To address my public inquiry? And regarding that -- because I know
it's a matter of timing -- I just don't want you to think I'm here for nothing.
Chair Hardemon: I understand.
Ms. Holmes: I'm glad --
Vice Chair Russell: We're going to respond to you when the time is appropriate.
Ms. Holmes: I would appreciate that respect. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Gladly.
Mayor Regalado: Okay. Thank you. Last Commission meeting, we all decided to
defer this presentation, because of the long hearing on short-term rentals. So today,
I'm back, and this is for the second time. So they say the third is a charm, so it may be
a third one. But I think that this conversation is important, and we have Chris Rose,
our Management and Budget director, and we have Fernando Casamayor, our CFO
(Chief Financial Officer) and Assistant City Manager. It's about the possibility of a
bond issue to go before the voters in November, and I -- As we get old, we remember
things, and I was remembering the 2001 bond issue that was crafted and approved by
this Commission, and it went on the ballot in the mayoral election in 2001. And I
remember that it was Commissioner Teele, myself, Commissioner Sanchez,
Commissioner Winton, and Commissioner --
Chair Hardemon: You.
Vice Chair Russell: And you.
Mayor Regalado: Oh, Angel Gonzalez. So we had a deadline. Then -City Manager
Carlos Gimenez said, "We have a deadline. We cannot wait anymore if we want to do
something and put it in the ballot." It was after 911; it was about a week and a half
after 911, and the deadline to put it in the ballot in November was about three or four
days ago. And I remember that Priscilla kind of -- was kind enough to distribute
napkins, and we wrote projects in napkins, and we gave it to Carlos Gimenez. And
Mayor Carollo was here, and it went on the ballot. It was a mayoral election; it was
a very contested election. Commissioner Gort was here.
Commissioner Gort: I was here.
Mayor Regalado: Yeah, Commissioner Gort -- no, it wasn't Angel; it was
Commissioner Gort. I'm sorry. He confused me. And so you remember that. It was
interesting. And the name was Homeland Security, because it had a lot of money for
public safety, and the people of Miami voted on it, and it was approved. Those bonds
have been used. So the Administration, about a year and a half ago, came back, and
we recognized that the City has identified infrastructure projects of significant
magnitude that need to be addressed. But resiliency and climate change and sea level
rise is one of the priorities that we have in this City; not for this Administration, but
for the next Administrations. So just for your information -- and Chris will also give
you some details -- the City has been paying off previous debt, which makes possible
to do projects without raising the property tax rates. This is a GOB (general
obligation bond), so it goes into the property tax. The millage rate will not rise as a
result of the bond being issued, and may be, in fact, lowered over time, when the next
Administrations believe that is the case. So, you know, I'm not going to tell you the
world is going to end if we don't do this bond issue. I'm not going to tell you that this
is something that we really have to do, but it's something that we should do. It's
City of Miami Page 110 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
something that we should want to do, because it has money for sea level rise
mitigation and flood prevention. And the City Administration has placed the number
of $100 million; roadway improvement, $20 million; workforce housing, $20 million.
Okay. This morning, at 10 a.m., the secretary of HUD (Department of Housing and
Urban Development) was very gracious to have time with some representatives of
different cities of Miami -Dade County, and it was Mayor Gimenez and myself and
Vice Mayor of Miami Garden, Vice Mayor of Homestead, the Mayor of North Miami,
the director of Housing of Hialeah, and director of Housing of Miami Beach. It was
very interesting, because Secretary Carson unequivocally said, "Our philosophy is to
reduce the budget; to do cuts; that we cannot afford" -- and he said -- I'm quoting him
-- "to keep borrowing money and increasing the debt, so we will do cuts." And he
said that the only remedy will be to partner with the private sector, and he kind of
direct the idea of Liberty Square, because the private sector, as he said, has a lot of
money, and government doesn't have money. One thing is for sure: There will be
cuts. And he said it. There will be cuts on funding for housing and affordable
housing. And one thing that I continue to ask the secretary is about CDBG
(Community Development Block Grant) and social programs. And I explained to him
how Miami is unique, and how we needed this, and how the Commission has decided
to dip into the general fund to supplement the cuts of the past Administration and
potential cuts of this Administration in social programs. He said that those fundings
will -- most likely will not be cut. It may be another name, but not -- the funding will
not be cut. I don't know why they're going to name the programs another name. I
guess that they want to start, but I can tell you something. There was no way -- that
Miami Gardens and Homestead and Hialeah asked him for more funding for housing.
And I can tell you that he completely, unequivocally said that there will be cuts in the
budget, at least from HUD. So that's why affordable housing is so important, you
know. You know, he got stuck on the elevator in affordable housing building, but that
made the national news, but the fact is that Fire and Rescue of the City of Miami goes
every single week, several times, to rescue people in public housing, because
elevators get stuck. That's how old are those elevators. And so, this is why we
include workforce housing. Police and Fire equipment, so $17 million. And Police
and Fire Infrastructure, $20 million. Now, Fire and Rescue Training Center, $70
million. As you know, the Fire and Rescue Training Center in the West Grove is an
aging facility, and it's a huge land, and I know that Commissioner Russell has been
even talking to people that will be interested in doing something in that land in terms
of workforce and affordable housing. So, you know, the only thing that we need from
you is more direction. Should we continue with the public meetings? Should we
convene public meetings? Should we ask the people? If we ask the people what they
want, you're going to get a list of many things. And, unfortunately, some areas of the
City, the people do not participate in these meetings. I remember a hearing that we
had in District 4 in West End Park about Miami 21, and there were 20 people, and 19
were City employees. And there was a lady that came to me and said --
Commissioner Suarez: The 20th was a retired City employee.
Mayor Regalado: -- "Well, I'm here because they told me that you were coming, and I
don't know why I'm here." That was a meeting for Miami 21 --
Commissioner Suarez: The 20th was a retired employee, right?
Mayor Regalado: So, you know, we can do this. We can do the outreach. And the
timeline that the City has done is -- let's say June 22, after community meetings from
April to June, meeting with elected officials; on June 22, in the City Commission, vote
on the language; and then in November 7, the City of Miami general election. This
bond issue, I don't think it will be a distraction of the election; I think it will be an
incentive. And I do think that if we have money for sea level rise, for climate change,
we can go to Washington and not stand at the end of the line, but go on the front of
City of Miami Page 111 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
the line and say to the Federal Government, you know, "We have money approved by
the voters, so you guys have to come up with matching funds"; as well as we do on the
State. So basically, what we want from you -- and it's kind of a direction -- should we
proceed with that? Just recently, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, there is a movement
of residents of Coconut Grove not to save the playhouse. We know that there is
money allocated, but, by the way, it has been abandoned for many, many years. And
now, there is a group of people that really want a bigger theater; not a 300-seat
theater, and that is possible to be part of the bond issue. Look at the Olympia. The
Olympia is aging. In 2009, it was going to close. Herman Echevarria, who passed
away, came with a solution, and they are kind of stable now, but, eventually, repairs
have to be done. But I think the most important thing is sea level rise and resiliency,
and climate change will be, because that will impact the City. I don't live on the
water, and I don't think I'll be alive in 50 years, so it's not about me. It's about my
children and the children of my children. But I think it's important that we leave
something for them in terms of climate change and sea level rise. So if you allow
Chris to give you some details and just get your direction as to what we should do.
Should we just continue with the community meetings, or should we just forget about
it and focus on the budget? But I think that Chris has a lot of interesting information.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I will be very glad to bring a motion with
regard to this item, but I have a bit of confusion, because this is really round two,
right? Last year, we went for this, and when it did not get past this Commission, I do
distinctly remember Commissioner Gort giving direction to the Manager to bring it
back --
Mayor Regalado: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: -- to do it with the proper method of public inclusion, so that it
could, one, get past this Commission; and more importantly, get past the voters,
because at the end of the day, this is their dream, not ours. This is not our decision.
And I really feel like -- to say continue community meetings, I don't know of the
community meetings that have been happening, and I had thought they would have
been happening by now. I didn't realize that the management was waiting on a
further action from us to proceed with investigating this. I know there are mixed
feelings on the dais, but I really believe this is the decision of the voters, not us, and I
hope that we give this the chance to get to the voters. A couple questions really
quickly, because I had originally heard that, without raising our millage, we could
seek up to 270 million, which was the original ask last year. We're at 100 million this
year, is what you've mentioned now, or --?
Mayor Regalado: No, no.
Christopher Rose (Director, Management & Budget): No, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. I misunderstood, then.
Mayor Regalado: No, no.
Commissioner Gort: 200 --
Vice Chair Russell: It is -- it's the same then.
Mayor Regalado: It's the same, it's the same.
City of Miami Page 112 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Rose: 275.
Vice Chair Russell: Right. But what we decide to put in there -- We have a list of
needs that we know, through the Administration, that are necessary capital
improvement needs, but I really do believe that in order to get the public behind this,
for them to truly understand that this is the most efficient way; rather than to tax a
dollar and spend a dollar, to take that tax dollar and leverage that, to multiply that to
create the money that can, you know, complete our dreams in terms of resiliency,
historic preservation, affordability. These are things that we will be able to do with
this bond, like you said, that will last for generations. I do believe that the voters will
be there for it, but only if they are fully included in the process. So --
Mayor Regalado: I agree. I agree with you. And, of course, the timeline continues in
terms of community meetings until June 2, June 3; and then in June 22, have the
discussion at the City Commission; and then, you know, have the language and the
projects approved. As you know, the projects, all the projects have to be within the
language. So -- And, yes, the Commission -- For instance, Commissioner Gort talks
about infrastructure, which is about flooding in certain areas, and you certainly have
said a lot of things. And now, we are talking about the Playhouse, and we're talking
about even facilities for the Police and Fire. But I think you're right; the last word is
from the people, and then the people will decide. I do -- I really don't think that this
will be controversial; that's my take, because it is something that needs to be done,
and the people recognize. But maybe Chris can give more details as to which
information we have received as of now from the Commission and from community
leaders.
Mr. Rose: The Mayor has covered --
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rose: -- just about everything.
Chair Hardemon: Before you move forward, Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you, I think you have all the information from all our
office, requiring different demands in the infrastructure that we need in our
neighborhoods. I think you have plenty of that. But I think it'd be very important to
understand for us and for the people that are going to vote on this, number one, the
City is in drainage. There's a lot of people that are not aware what that is, and what
we need to do. And we got $100 million. I would like to know how we're going to
spend the $100 million and how is it going to improve the City facility, and how it's
going to avoid in the future any problem with the sea level. Roadways improvement.
I think we all need roadway improvement throughout the whole City. It's got to be
specific, how we're going to use those funds, and where they're going to be
implemented in. The workforce housing, I think we all agree to that. We all want it,
because this could be a matching fund for additional -- and this is where we can work
with the private sector; we put up so much, you have to put up the rest, and we have to
create that incentive for workforce. Police and Fire equipment. I'd like to know from
the Chief what is it the Police, what is it the Fire, that they want? What is the
equipment they need and for how long, and where are we going to spend it? Because
right now, we spending money in Police piece by piece. We'll have to have a whole
plan what the whole Police needs. Police and Fire infrastructure. We need to explain
to our self and to the individual what is it going to do and how is it going to benefit
them, because people are always going to say, "What's in it for me? What benefit am
I going to receive? I'm willing to pay, but how is it going to improve my life?" And
Fire and Rescue, the same thing. I think the -- we need to explain all these things.
City of Miami Page 113 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Citywide pool facility. How are we going to use it? Where are we going to use it?
People need to know that, because where there's no pool, people want to know, "Why
should I pay for something that's not within my neighborhood?" Historic
Preservation. I think the historic preservation, one of the things we talked about is
the building we just gave rent for 99 years; that there's something called "air rights"
that the City can sell on all our historic properties, and utilize those funds for that.
The citywide improvement and safety features. Where do we go to? Where is it going
to go? Community trails and bikeways. I think we need to understand how that funds
are going to be used, and the people -- when you go to the meetings, you got to let
people know how those funds are going to be used.
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gort: That's all.
Mr. Rose: I agree completely, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to make a motion directing the City Manager to come
back to us as soon as possible with a resolution declaring the City's official intent to
issue, subject to a referendum and voter approval, on November 7, 2017, one or more
tax-exempt and taxable general obligation bonds for capital projects and capital
improvements; and further, to go through a full public process of information -
gathering and education with regard to this bond.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Is there any further
discussion?
Commissioner Suarez: You go first. I think it's a little premature. I understand that
this is sort of a broad vision that you brought here today, Mayor, and that's why I
wasn't going to chime in too much, but some of the categories from like last year's
proposed project list -- For example, last year, the proposal was for $30 million in
sea level rise mitigation; this year. This year, it's a hundred million dollars, so that's
a $70 million increase; that's a significant increase from one year to the next. I don't
think our sea level rise problem became 70 percent bigger from one year to the next;
it's just a 70 percent increase in money. So the question is --
Mayor Regalado: Right. And Commissioner, if I may, what happened was that you
would think on sea level rise, well, it's -- you have to build a wall, a seawall or
whatever. But as we proceed, it was talk about -- like, for instance, not only water
pumps, but road repairs near the waterfront; also, small -- very small pocket parks,
on a level that is deeper than the regular -- That's how the experts have been advising
that the expenditure needs to be done in all these things that have to do -- You're
right. It's not that -- the concern has not increased 70 percent. It's that the needs that
the expert keeps telling -- The other day, there was a group from London that came
before the Sea Level Rise Committee, and they were talking of a dire situation in
terms of insurance and all that. So that's why you see the magnitude of the hundred
million dollars; which, by the way, it's less than Miami Beach has already spent, and
they're still struggling. But we are told that having that kind of money approved by
the voter is a good leverage at the State level and at the Federal level; that's why the
hundred million dollars.
Commissioner Suarez: So I appreciate the answer. I still think that I'd like to see a
breakdown of how --
City of Miami Page 114 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mayor Regalado: Yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: -- a hundred million dollars are going to be spent, number
one.
Commissioner Gort: I think we all asked for it.
Commissioner Suarez: Number two, I can tell you that roadway improvements, $20
million, I mean, that means, if you break it down by five, you're talking about $4
million a district for 25 to 30 years. $4 million of needs a district? I mean, there's --
Commissioner Gort: It's not enough.
Commissioner Suarez: -- that's nowhere near -- I mean, I have 44 million, 8 hundred
and 62 dollars -- I'm sorry -- $862, 445.73 worth of --
Vice Chair Russell: "B" numbers.
Commissioner Suarez: -- needs. Right, "B" numbers, exactly. And so, that's just one
district. I'm sure you guys have a ton in your district.
Commissioner Gort: I got plenty.
Commissioner Suarez: So I don't see anything here on transportation, for example. I
think one of the biggest issues that we're facing in our community, in our City is
transportation. You know, we've talked about a tunnel. We've talked about, you
know, a variety of things. At some point, you know, if we want to connect Biscayne to
downtown, FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) may come to us and say,
"We need you to do X' number of dollars," so that's something to consider. I just
think it's a little premature. I have no problem with tasking the Administration, as you
said, to go to the community and start having the discussion, and I don't have a
problem with --
Mayor Regalado: That's all we want.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. And I don't have a problem with continuing the
conversation, because we just put this together. I just got this from my own staff
yesterday, and I know that we've been trying to meet, so I don't -- You know, I want to
work with you. I mean, I think that there's a lot of work to be done.
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: That's -- those are my concerns.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair.
Fernando Casamayor (Chief Financial Officer/Assistant City Manager): Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I agree with what Commissioner
Suarez is saying. I think he's right on target. And I also agree with what
Commissioner Gort was saying, because some of these numbers, I would like to see a
-- more of a breakdown, to see exactly -- You know, a hundred million dollars, you
City of Miami Page 115 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
know, that's not pocket change. So, really, where are we going to be focused there?
The workforce housing, $20 million. Okay. Exactly how are we going to be spending
that money? Is it incentives? Is it purchasing property, like what you mentioned, and
then doing a P3? So again, I don't mind starting to go out to the community and
starting the process or continuing the process, if that's what your motion is, but I
agree with Commissioner Gort and Commissioner Suarez with regards to the details,
and really focusing on the needs and the real dollars. In other words, I've always
said, you know, a hundred million dollars, did you just throw that up in the air and
came up with a hundred? You know, we went from 30 to a hundred. How did you
come up with that number? You know, so I want the justification of that number, so I
could see -- Okay, I see how you're coming up with a hundred million. It's because
"X" million will cost this, and this will cost "X" amount, and then you see. So, in
other words, roadway improvements, how did you come up with that number? And
you could say, "Well, Commissioner Suarez has the list, and these are all the streets."
I gave you all the streets in District 3.
Mr. Rose: Yes, you did.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I have all these streets, and we did estimates.
Hopefully, the estimates are reasonable. But anyways, we did estimates, and our
estimates came up to this. Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Russell, Commissioner
Hardemon, he gave us this list of streets, and we got together with our CIP (Capital
Improvements Program), maybe the private sector, and we did estimates on all these
repairs for all these streets. Therefore, all these repairs, when you put them all
together, ends up being "X" millions of dollars. That's how we come up with this
amount. There, I feel more comfortable. But just saying $20 million there or $40
million there, a hundred, that's -- Here's my napkin, by the way. Here's my napkin.
That's -- I don't think it's going to fly with this Commission.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair. Yeah, I mean, I basically agree with everything
that Commissioner Carollo said. I think, you know, we have a lot of work to do.
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: And I think getting into the nitty-gritty -- By the way, I don't
think we're going to be able to solve all these problems in one bond issuance, so I
think we need to be realistic and think -- You know, all these are great objectives, but
sometimes, they come into competition with each other, right? Like, for example, for
me, because I have a very linear district, roadway improvements, very important.
And so, you know, to me, $4 million of roadway improvements is not going to work for
25 years; that's just my district, and that's the way that my district functions. So we --
you know, some of these things are going to have -- that's why it's going to have to be
a real difficult discussion of --
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: -- "How much do we put here? How much do we put there?
What's realistic? What are we going to be able to solve with this? What are we not
going to be able to solve with this?" et cetera.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort and then Vice Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: That's why I asked -- It's very important you tell us how you
came to those numbers, and we might want to change them, because the -- Let's say
the hundred million dollars, maybe it could be divided into 50 right out front, where
City of Miami Page 116 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
we can do immediate release. And then, like Commissioner Suarez stated, we might
need additional bond issues later on, and then maybe we can create revenue bonds.
There's all kinds of bonds that we can do to finance all these events, and it doesn't
have to be one, all the funds, because, first of all, we got to make sure that we can
spend those money, because once you do a bond issue, you got to spend it in three
month -- I mean three years. So you got to make sure whatever project you get
together, you can spend it within three years; if not, we're going to have problems. So
that's why we need the breakdown on all the issues that we have here. And I think it's
very important for us to understand, because if we understand it, we can sell it a lot
better. Also, it's very important that the press understands it, because we all know
how negative the press can be. They can say, "Oh, here we go again, $250 million.
What are we going to do with it?" this and that, and so on, so that -- and to inform the
people, it's important to let them know how we're going to spend it, and how they're
going to benefit.
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Mr. Casamayor: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Just a --
Mayor Regalado: All we are asking is the direction if we move to the next level,
which is the full community meetings and reporting back to the Commission. And I
think Fernando wanted to say something. I don't know if Jane want to say -- Go
ahead.
Commissioner Gort: When you go to the community, you want to tell them how
you're going to use it.
Mayor Regalado: Huh?
Commissioner Gort: When you go to the community, you have to tell them how you're
going to use this --
Mayor Regalado: Right.
Commissioner Gort: -- so they won't be confused.
Mayor Regalado: Right. And that's why you want to say and then Fernando.
Chair Hardemon: Before we have any comment from you, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, I appreciate your support
in my motion for this. I want your -- I want you to be assured that this -- these
numbers we're looking at now is a starting template.
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: This is not the final product by any means, because the public
process this needs to go through will make this completely different from what we see
today. We absolutely will have to pick our battles, because the asks will be far
greater than what we're able to produce with this, but I'd love to see that universal
participation; that participatory type of budgeting that brings in the demand from the
public for what they'd like to see as building and fixing and creating for the City. The
public process, though, needs to be way different than what we did last year. I really
do hope that Jane and Mike and Diana really work together with the community on a
communication method that isn't, "Here's what we're thinking about. Are you up or
City of Miami Page 117 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
down?" but really finds the way to open up the communication lines, draw them in,
and start giving examples, and getting that activation from the community that gives
us a usable list that we can then work with and feel comfortable that the voters will
then approve. So thank you.
Mr. Casamayor: Good afternoon, Commissioner. Fernando Casamayor, Assistant
City Manager. Thank you for your comments. We plan on piggybacking on several
existing meetings that we already have. Chris has a budget meeting scheduled
throughout the community as part of the budget process. We're also going to be
doing some virtual meetings this year. We're going to be utilizing our talents with our
CRO (chief resilience officer) and our chief innovation officer, as well, as part of this,
and what I'd ask for you all is if you would also let us know of any particular meetings
that you would like us to attend to do this. So if you know of an area or a group of
individuals in your district that need an additional meeting or some more information
or would like to comment and give us some more details and feedback, we would be
very willing to do so. We didn't want to go out to the public with a list of potential
projects and get some excitement up unless we knew that there was some approval
from this board, so.
Commissioner Gort: I'd like to give you a suggestion. Make sure you give all the
information to the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office. They're the one
that are in the street. They're the one can educate our community and questions
going to go to them.
Mr. Casamayor: Yes, sir.
Mayor Regalado: If we can get Jane --
Mr. Casamayor: Sure.
Mayor Regalado: -- to explain to you how this has evolved in terms of different asks
and different proposals. We're talking about the hundred million dollars.
Jane Gilbert (Chief Resilience Officer): So in terms of the hundred --
Chair Hardemon: Your name?
Ms. Gilbert: Oh. Jane Gilbert, chief resilience officer. In terms of the hundred
million piece of the bond template, as Commissioner Russell mentioned, is that that is
both for drainage improvement and hardening related to increased flooding risks
related to sea level rise. If we look at our 2012 Storm Water Master Plan, which
didn't even take into account sea level rise, we've made some improvements on that,
but that was 224 million. We've made some, so we've drawn down, but we have
additional needs on top of that that didn't even include any of our coastal areas. We
still have some very important priority areas of drainage improvements that are more
internal to the City, but now, we have additional ones along the coast and up the river
that are also needs. And so, a hundred million is far less -- it's a fraction of what we
would need to hit those priorities. But to the Mayor's point, we want to have money
ready so that we can go to Federal Government, State, private financing opportunities
to match it and leverage it. As soon as we get a new Storm Water Master Plan out,
we're going to be ready to hit the ground running with some real investments.
Commissioner Gort, you mentioned the concerns around bad press. I have big
concerns around the bad -- I get calls daily from not only local press, but national
and international. "What is the City of Miami doing to combat sea level rise?" Some
of it's not press; it's investors. And so, we need to be able to have a very strong
statement about what the City is doing in order to protect our future here and our
City of Miami Page 118 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
economic base. So that's how it went to a hundred million. That's -- those are our
thoughts. Any questions, I welcome.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Thank you. And thank you for that. I
appreciate that, because at the last bond request, I was the one who brought up $30
million to -- for sea level rise. We don't even have a Storm Drainage Master Plan;
not to mention that the one that we have is obsolete, because it didn't even take into
consideration sea level rise, so I understand. I clearly understand about the
investors. But I don't want to just say, "Well, we're investing a hundred million
dollars." So it's not just about we're throwing money at it. I want to see, hard core,
what are we doing, because I could tell you, what I don't want is later on, for people
in our community, residents in our community to say, "Can you believe a hundred
million dollars, and for what? With that kind of money, you could have bought a boat
for every resident of the City of Miami." So, you know, I say that, obviously, jokingly,
but really, a hundred million dollars is a lot of money, and we want to see, okay,
exactly what are we doing. What is the plan?
Ms. Gilbert: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: What is the long-term plan?
Ms. Gilbert: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: What is this money going to be spent on?
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: And I sort of piggyback off what he's saying, which is, again --
and it goes back to something I said a little while ago. I doubt that this $275 million
proposed GOB is going to solve all the issues that we have in the City of Miami,
right? And so, when you talk about sea level rise as the old Storm Water Plan called
for $220 million in upgrades -- and we haven't even done the new one to take into
account sea level rise -- so presumably, that number will go up, right? A hundred
million dollars is obviously not going to solve that problem. You know, our mass
transit system, depending on who you believe in the County, is going to cost 3.6 -- or
$6 billion to fix. The -- I think we're under consent decree in water and sewer, and I
think that's a multi -billion -dollar, you know, countywide --
Ms. Gilbert: 6 billion or something.
Commissioner Suarez: Right. So, I mean, the -- there are some huge issues that we're
grappling with. And, you know, I take a little bit of exception to the idea that this is
not a tax increase. Some people will say it's not a tax increase. If you're two years
away from paying your mortgage at your home and you're in year 28, and someone
says, "Hey, I got a great thing for you. You know, you" -- "We'll just extend your
mortgage for another 28 years or another 30 years," you got to now pay that
mortgage for another 30 years. So, you know, you're kind of -- some people are kind
of hoping, "Yeah, I'm going to retire, and I don't have to pay my mortgage anymore."
So it is a significant investment in our City. And the question is -- You know, sea level
rise is a huge issue, transportation is a huge issue, our infrastructure is a huge issue,
and that has different components. So I think the debate here is trying to get to a level
of specificity. Why? Because let's say, for example, of your hundred million, maybe
the inclination is to say, "We're going to spend a significant amount of that on the
coast," right? I mean, that --
City of Miami Page 119 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Ms. Gilbert: No.
Commissioner Suarez: -- maybe -- well, I don't know. But we don't know, because
we don't know where that's going to be spent. So, you know, I may have a resident in
Flagami who says, "You know, why should I pay the taxes for something that's going
to be somewhere else in the City?" So, again, that's why I think the blanket category
is -- needs to be broken down, because if you're going to talk to a resident in
Shenandoah, you're going to talk a resident, you know, in another part, you don't
want to give the impression that this is something that maybe will only benefit a
coastal area, but it's not going to benefit something that's a little bit more in the heart
of the City, in the internal part. So you're saying, "no," which I appreciate, and I'm
glad.
Ms. Gilbert: No.
Commissioner Suarez: Because I think, for example, in District 4, we have -- I'm not
exactly sure what the exact number is, but I know we have at least two or three
funding mitigation projects or pump projects that were never built --
Ms. Gilbert: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: -- that have not been built. And so, you know, again, that is
something that's important.
Ms. Gilbert: Needs.
Commissioner Suarez: Exactly. The needs are still there, and we have to do them.
Mayor Regalado: If I may?
Ms. Gilbert: And as groundwater rises --
Commissioner Suarez: It's a bigger need.
Ms. Gilbert: -- it be -- continues. It's -- to my point, it's not just a coastal issue.
Commissioner Suarez: And our -- just one second, Mayor. Our former CIP standard,
if I'm not mistaken, was a five-year rain event, or that's our current CIP standard. I
don't know if we've changed it; meaning, we build drainage to a five-year rain event.
The problem with that is, what I've seen in a lot of parts of the City is we have five of
those a year; not one every five years. So the rapidity with which the environment
and the weather has changed, I think, is very dramatic. And I could tell you that
we've had situations where we've had to pump water from an area in Silver Bluff to
27th Avenue, which is an FDOT project, because they have a standard that's rain
event every 25 years; a 25 year rain event. And so, that is a, you know, five times
greater capacity. And so, we have to decide as a city, should we be at -- you know, 10
years, 15 years? Where should we be in terms of our capital projects going forward?
Which is something that, you know, we really need to look at, and that's going to
influence that number, as well.
Mayor Regalado: I just want to add -- just memorializing history -- the "No -Name
Storm" in 2000. There was a storm that wasn't named, but it was a storm. And one of
the areas that suffered most in the City of Miami was Flagami; 62nd Avenue, 61st
Avenue, from Flagler to 7th Street. The water came to the doors and inside the
houses, so much so that Community Development at the time had to bring trailers for
people to fill applications to get grant from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
City of Miami Page 120 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Agency) and the Federal Government and the City. Because of the bond issue of
2001, we did two pumps in 62nd, and now flooding is solved; there is no issue.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Mayor Regalado: And Commissioner Suarez is right; Silver Bluff -- and if you go to
the Boys Club here on 32nd, which is not in the coast, it's a huge flooding, so much so
that the Fire Department had to use fare trucks to pump water to 32nd Avenue. So
this is a citywide issue, so -- and like we said -- like we are saying, the only thing we
need is the green light to just go in full force to the community and start bringing back
everything.
Commissioner Gort: I think what we're doing here today, we can give you the green
light, but I want to make sure that we are well informed. At the same time, when
we're talking about the sea level rising, I think this is a countywide, statewide issue,
and I want to make sure that we are complying with the Master Plan, because there
have to be a Master Plan. We're not -- can't continue to do piecework in different
city. It's got to be a Master Plan that's created by the State and is created by the
County, and we become part of that Master Plan. The same thing with transportation.
I mean, transportation -- and Commissioner Suarez, I thank you for all the work you
doing in the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), but at the same time,
transportation is a County obligation, and whatever we do, we need to combine it to
make sure that if we do anything, it's combined with the County. So I want to make
sure we have that, the Master Plan, and we are complying with that.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair, ifI may.
Commissioner Gort: And what you're getting here today is information from us. I
mean, you're asking us to -- the answer, and giving you -- and that's what we're doing
today; giving you a lot of questions that we need to have answered.
Commissioner Suarez: I think something that our chief resiliency officer said that is
absolutely correct is we want to find opportunities to leverage whatever dollars we
invest with other governments and with other entities, whether they be private --
sometimes transportation is done through private/public partnerships and sometimes
it's through leveraging Federal dollars. And so, we definitely want to be ready to
leverage to the maximum extent possible, you know, our dollars, so we can get the full
benefit for our residents.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, is there an
objection to the motion that was on the floor? Seeing none, the motion passes. All
right.
Commissioner Gort: You got the green light.
Mayor Regalado: Thank you.
City of Miami Page 121 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
DI.4 DISCUSSION ITEM
2056
Commissioners
and Mayor
DISCUSSION ON THE IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED
BUDGET ON THE CITY OF MIAMI.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Gort: I have a discussion item, which I think is very important.
Thank you.
Lillian Blondet (Director, Grants and Sustainable Initiatives): Thank you. Have a
good day.
Chair Hardemon: Yours is DI.4?
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, DI.4.
Commissioner Gort: I think it's very important for all of us to look at the Federal
budget, what's going to be happening to our social services and so on. These are
going to be projections, my understanding.
Christopher Rose (Director): Good afternoon, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office
of Management and Budget. Diana Arteaga set up a phone call yesterday with the
Whitehouse and the Federal OMB (Office of Management and Budget), and we had
a good discussion with them about what might be coming. We've been looking at the
President's proposed budget. This is what's known as the "skinny budget" up in DC
(District of Columbia) right now, and it's pretty high level at the moment; they're still
working out the details. But it falls into really three categories that we know of right
now. There are things in Community Development, there are things in the Fire
Department, and there are things in the Parks Department. There are a bunch of
"what -ifs" after that, but those are the ones that we're really focusing on at the
moment. So I'm going to --
Commissioner Gort: You got your projections?
Mr. Rose: George is up, so.
George Mensah: George Mensah,
director, Community and Economic
Development. As probably you've all heard, the President's budget is really very
hard on community development. Most of our programs are supposed to go for
2018, and the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Program was zeroed
out of the President's budget. The HOME (Home Investment Partnership Program)
Program, which is the one we use for affordable housing, was also zeroed out, and
ESG (Emergency Shelter Grant) was also zeroed out. The only funds that was in
place where they didn't do anything about it was the HOPWA (Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) Program, and we are not even sure -- they
weren't sure about whether that was cut or that they left it to the President. So,
basically, if the President's budget goes as it is, then there will definitely be no
programs for next year. Now, for this year, which is the continued resolution, the
President have requested that they reduce the CDBG funding by half and this is the
-- for us, this is the year that starts from 2017, October 2017, and they left the whole
program away. So -- which means that by October -- I mean, the budget that we are
discussing right now, that will short by at least $2.3 million if the President budgets
City of Miami Page 122 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
go through. We are only hoping that when Congress goes in session next week that
they will do a continued resolution for the rest of the year, which means that our
funding will remain in place, or they will do what is called "omnibus funding," which
will include both continuation and some actual -- what do you call? -- bills. So that's
what we are hoping for. If that -- the only thing that can have -- be good for us is
that all Congress -- every Congressperson that we've talked to have told us that
CDBG will not go away. So we know that it will stay, but at what level, we're not
sure. So we still continue to reach out legislators to -- for them to help us. We've
had a "Dear Colleague" letter that was signed by almost 140-something
Congressmen in the House, which is a very good number, to keep CDBG. So that is
where we are with those funds.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: Section 8, my understanding, is going to be cut?
Mr. Mensah: Section 8 has not been touched. What has happened is that they
include a reduced funding for Section 8, which means that if you have any increase
in the rental amounts, then we're going to have problems.
Commissioner Gort: How many Section 8 do we have, vouchers?
Mr. Mensah: We currently have about 400 and --
Commissioner Gort: 400 vouchers.
Mr. Mensah: -- for vouchers, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) about 126, but in all the City
program, about 416, also.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: Yes, sir. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. I haven't seen the numbers, but I would like to
see them when you get a chance.
Mr. Mensah: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: And unless I understood incorrectly, the Mayor said that he
just came from a meeting this morning with Secretary Carson, and that Secretary
Carson said that there will be no cuts to public services.
Mr. Mensah: I'm not sure -- I think I heard --
Commissioner Carollo: Unless I --
Vice Chair Russell: To social services?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, to public services. So, in other words, they give us --
let's say they give us "X" amount of funds; let's say it's a hundred, okay? 15 percent
of that hundred goes to public services, which is the ones that does the elderly meals,
the -- for the senior centers, and does the programs for the kids, daycare and so
forth. So when the Mayor says, "public services," that's what I'm looking at. And
unless I understood, you know, incorrectly, he said that Secretary Carson said that
they will not cut public services funds.
City of Miami Page 123 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Mensah: I --
Commissioner Carollo: Now --
Mr. Mensah: -- that might be true, but --
Commissioner Carollo: -- the issue is, if it's still 15 percent of an amount and that
amount is smaller, then public service does get cut, so I'm not sure; that's why I want
to see the numbers, and I want to see exactly what it is.
Mr. Mensah: Yeah. Yesterday, when the call with the OMB --
Commissioner Carollo: Unless we change -- like what I've tried to do -- I don't
know how many years ago -- which the Mayor briefly mentioned this, this morning --
we change the flexibility, so instead of 15 percent, it lets us go up to 25 percent; or,
even better, to whatever percent we think, and then that way, that's one way of
assuring that public services does not get cut, because what happens is that -- I
(UNINTELLIGIBLE)-- let's say -- and I'll use the same example of a hundred -- 15
percent or $15 goes to public services. Well, those $15 is not enough; therefore, the
City always subsidizes these programs, and has to use general fund dollars to
subsidize these programs; yet, for economic development, a lot of times, it's hard to
spend those dollars, and that's where we get into issues with --
Mr. Mensah: Timeliness.
Commissioner Carollo: -- timeliness. So if the Federal Government gives us the
same amount of money, but allows us the flexibility, so instead of 15 percent, to go
up to 25 percent or 30 percent, you know, then that way, we don't have to use
general funds in order to provide those services of public -- you know, public
services, and it's still not actually asking for more money. With that said, we'll need
to discuss it now to see where we're at, because if they cut any funding with CDBG
and we still apply that 15 percent, in essence, 15 percent of 90 is less than 15 percent
of a hundred, so then public services will be cut, and that's why I think we need to
have the discussion. And if -- next week -- won't be next week, but maybe the
following week, if you can come by my office and --
Mr. Mensah: They may -- Probably, the best thing to do is wait for the main -- the
May budget numbers from the President. That will have a detailed -- more detailed
amounts, so we can really talk about that.
Commissioner Carollo: Got you.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort?
Commissioner Gort: Yes. No, no, I'm fine.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you bringing this issue. It's -- it could be dire,
considering the cuts that HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) --
we've seen from HUD even last year. We need to study the numbers, but this may be
the dark side of making America great again. We need to be more creative in the
way we find funds and create funds. The private/public partnerships that we've been
coming up within the City to accomplish goals; looking at the bond issue; even the
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). Jason Walker and all of those hundreds
of units of affordability do not include Federal subsidy; that's all utilizing the power
of the CRA. And so, we need to be as creative as possible; and then, of course,
advocate for maintaining as much of the funding that we can for your department.
City of Miami Page 124 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
Mr. Mensah: That's true.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there any further discussion on this item?
Commissioner Gort: You want to make a statement, sir? State your name and
address, please.
Chair Hardemon: Right. Thank you very much. It's just -- I wanted to see myself on
camera from this point of view. Right.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
City of Miami Page 125 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
Chair Hardemon: DI.2. Discussion on the update on Career Center.
Commissioner Suarez: Oh, can I move -- can I defer something real quick while you
-- Before that happens, can I just defer? I need to defer PZ.1 and 2 to the P&Z
(Planning and Zoning) meeting of May.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Suarez: Sorry.
Nzeribe Ihekwaba (Chief of Operations/Assistant City Manager): Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Any further discussion
on the motion?
Vice Chair Russell: Do we have to wait till the P&Z agenda to defer a PZ item?
Chair Hardemon: No. It just has to be after a certain time, right?
Commissioner Carollo: After 2.
Commissioner Suarez: Not 5. What was that? Just after 2, right?
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Cool.
Commissioner Carollo: After 2.
Chair Hardemon: Right. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mr. Ihekwaba: The Administration would like to defer completely item DI.1.
Chair Hardemon: We've already done that.
Vice Chair Russell: We've done that.
Mr. Ihekwaba: Well, it was only the components of the Audit Advisory Board.
Chair Hardemon: Oh.
City of Miami Page 126 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
PZ.1
1030
Department of
Planning and
Zoning
Mr. Ihekwaba: The UDRB (Urban Development Review Board) --
Commissioner Carollo: We did that.
Mr. Ihekwaba: -- is not going to be able to (UNINTELLIGIBLE), so to May 25.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So there aren't any other annual reports of boards or
committees, besides the one that you just said?
Mr. Ihekwaba: Only two of them were applicable.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So I just want the record to proper reflect that the entirety
was deferred.
ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION OF THE ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN OF
REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 2610
SOUTHWEST 14 STREET AND 2611 SOUTHWEST 15 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, FROM "SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO "LOW
DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL"; MAKING FINDINGS;
DIRECTING TRANSMITTALS TO AFFECTED AGENCIES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: Item PZ.1 was deferred to the May 25, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item PZ.1, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item(s)."
City of Miami Page 127 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
PZ.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
1031 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning and
CLASSIFICATION FROM T3-R, "SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
Zoning RESTRICTED", TO T4-L, "GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
LIMITED", FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY
2610 SOUTHWEST 14 STREET AND 2611 SOUTHWEST 15 STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Frank Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: Item PZ.2 was deferred to the May 25, 2017, Planning and
Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item PZ.2, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item(s)."
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
City of Miami Page 128 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
M - MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
CITYWIDE
HONORABLE MAYOR TOMAS REGALADO
END OF CITYWIDE ITEMS
City of Miami Page 129 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
D1 - DISTRICT 1
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT ONE WIFREDO (WILLY) GORT
END OF DISTRICT 1 ITEMS
City of Miami Page 130 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
D2 - DISTRICT 2
VICE CHAIR KEN RUSSELL
END OF DISTRICT 2 ITEMS
City of Miami Page 131 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
D3 - DISTRICT 3
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT THREE FRANK CAROLLO
END OF DISTRICT 3 ITEMS
City of Miami Page 132 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
D4 - DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT FOUR FRANCIS SUAREZ
END OF DISTRICT 4 ITEMS
City of Miami Page 133 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
D5 - DISTRICT 5
CHAIR KEON HARDEMON
END OF DISTRICT 5 ITEMS
City of Miami Page 134 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
FL - FUTURE LEGISLATION
FL.1 ORDINANCE
1909
Department of
Planning and
Zoning
FL.2
2099
Department of
Planning and
Zoning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION TO AMEND
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, AS AMENDED, SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING
ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.5, ENTITLED "DEFINITIONS OF ART IN
PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM"; ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.16,
ENTITLED "PUBLIC ART REQUIREMENTS"; AND ARTICLE 11,
ENTITLED "ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM" TO PROVIDE
FOR PUBLIC ART REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE
DEVELOPMENTS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE XVI OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "PLANNING AND
ZONING / ART IN PUBLIC PLACES", TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC
ART REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR
AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF FUTURE LEGISLATION
City of Miami Page 135 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
NA.1
2207
Office of the City
Clerk
NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AND THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO DRAFT A PROPOSED ORDINANCE
TEMPORARILY WAIVING THE SIDEWALK CAFE FEES SET
FORTH IN CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE VI/SUBSECTIONS 54-224(B)
AND (D) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/SIDEWALK CAFES/FEES AND SECURITY
DEPOSIT", SPECIFICALLY WAIVING SIDEWALK CAFE PERMIT
FEES ASSESSED UNDER SECTION 54-224(B) OF THE CITY
CODE AND THE SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSESSED UNDER
SECTION 54-224(D), DURING THE REMAINDER OF THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLAGLER STREET BEAUTIFICATION
PROJECT ("PROJECT") UNTIL SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF
THE PROJECT AS PROVIDED HEREIN FOR DOWNTOWN MIAMI
SIDEWALK CAFES LOCATED IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY THE
WEST SIDE OF NORTHWEST/SOUTHWEST 1ST AVENUE ON
THE WEST, BY THE NORTH SIDE OF NORTHWEST/NORTHEAST
1ST STREET ON THE NORTH, BISCAYNE BOULEVARD ON THE
EAST, AND BY THE SOUTH SIDE OF SOUTHWEST/SOUTHEAST
1ST STREET ON THE SOUTH; DIRECTING THAT THE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE SCHEDULED FOR FIRST READING
AT THE APRIL 27, 2017 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0190
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez
Note for the Record: For further minutes referencing item NA.1, please see items
PA.3, FR.3, and RE.6.
City of Miami Page 136 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
NA.2
2191
Office of the City
Clerk
ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION
UNDER THE PARAMETERS OF SECTION 286.011(8), FLORIDA
STATUTES, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION WILL BE
CONDUCTED AT THE APRIL 27, 2017 MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MEETING. THE PERSON CHAIRING THE CITY OF MIAMI
COMMISSION MEETING WILL ANNOUNCE THE
COMMENCEMENT OF AN ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION,
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, FOR PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING
THE PENDING LITIGATION CASE OF 1000 BRICKELL, LTD.,
F/K/A 1000 BRICKELL, INC., AND KAI PROPERTIES, LTD. V. CITY
OF MIAMI, CASE NO. 14-11755 CA 23, PENDING IN THE CIRCUIT
COURT OF THE 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WHICH THE CITY IS PRESENTLY
A PARTY. THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING WILL BE CONFINED
TO SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR STRATEGY SESSIONS
RELATED TO LITIGATION EXPENDITURES. THIS PRIVATE
MEETING WILL BEGIN AT APPROXIMATELY 3:00 P.M. (OR AS
SOON THEREAFTER AS THE COMMISSIONERS' SCHEDULES
PERMIT) AND CONCLUDE APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR LATER.
THE SESSION WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COMMISSION: CHAIRMAN KEON HARDEMON, VICE-
CHAIRMAN KEN RUSSELL, AND COMMISSIONERS WIFREDO
"WILLY" GORT, FRANK CAROLLO, AND FRANCIS X. SUAREZ;
THE CITY MANAGER, DANIEL J. ALFONSO; THE CITY
ATTORNEY, VICTORIA MENDEZ; DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEYS
JOHN A. GRECO AND BARNABY L. MIN; DIVISION CHIEF FOR
GENERAL LITIGATION CHRISTOPHER A. GREEN AND DIVISION
CHIEF FOR LAND USE/TRANSACTIONS RAFAEL SUAREZ-
RIVAS. A CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER WILL BE PRESENT TO
ENSURE THAT THE SESSION IS FULLY TRANSCRIBED AND
THE TRANSCRIPT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC UPON THE
CONCLUSION OF THE ABOVE -CITED, ONGOING LITIGATION.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT SESSION,
THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE REOPENED
AND THE PERSON CHAIRING THE COMMISSION MEETING WILL
ANNOUNCE THE TERMINATION OF THE ATTORNEY -CLIENT
SESSION.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: There's no further discussion items. I know the City Attorney has
to read some stuff into the record, but other than that, the meeting's adjourned and
you all are free to go.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Absolutely. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission,
pursuant to the provisions of Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, I'm requesting
that at the City Commission meeting of April 27, 2017, an attorney/client session,
closed to the public, be held for purposes of discussing the pending litigation in the
case of 1000 Brickell, Ltd., formerly known as 1000 Brickell, Inc., and Kai
City of Miami Page 137 Printed on 5/18/2017
City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2017
ADJOURNMENT
Properties, Limited, versus City of Miami; Case Number 14-11755 CA 23, pending
in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Miami -Dade County,
to which the City is presently a party. The subject of the meeting will be confined to
settlement negotiations or strategy discussions. This meeting will begin at
approximately 3 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the Commissioners' schedules permit,
and conclude approximately one hour later. The session will be attended by
members of the City Commission: Chairman Hardemon, Vice Chairman Russell,
Commissioners Gort, Carollo and Suarez; the City Manager, Daniel Alfonso; the
City Attorney, Victoria Mendez; Deputy City Attorneys Greco and Min; Division
Chieffor General Litigation Christopher Green; Division Chieffor Land Use and
Transactional Rafael Suarez -Rivas. A certified court reporter will be present to
ensure the session is fully transcribed, and the transcript will be made public upon
the conclusion of the above -cited ongoing litigation. At the conclusion of the
attorney/client session, the regular Commission meeting will be reopened, and the
person chairing the Commission meeting will announce the termination of the
attorney/client session. Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Victoria, what is the date for this attorney/client
session?
Ms. Mendez: The date was April 27.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
The meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
City of Miami Page 138 Printed on 5/18/2017