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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2017-09-28 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 5:05 PM Second Budget Hearing 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 September 28, 2017 SECOND BUDGET HEARING 5:05 PM CALL TO ORDER NOTE: SECOND BUDGET HEARING TO DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 FINAL BUDGET. ORDER OF THE DAY Present: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Suarez On the 28th day of September 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, for its second budget hearing session. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Russell at 9:14 p.m. and adjourned at 10:27p.m. Note for the Record: Chair Hardemon entered the Commission chambers at 9:23 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager Victoria Mendez, City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk Vice Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the September 28, 2017 second budget meeting and related hearings of the City of Miami City Commission in these historic chambers. The members of the City Commission are: Wifredo "Willy" Gort, Frank Carollo, Francis Suarez; me, the Vice Chair, Ken Russell; and Keon Hardemon, Chairman. Also on the dais: Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager; Victoria Mendez, the City Attorney; and Todd Hannon, the City Clerk. Do we need another prayer and pledge? No. Okay. We'll now begin the second budget hearing. The City Attorney will state the procedures to be followed during this meeting. Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Vice Chairman. This evening the City is holding a second budget meeting and related hearings for the purpose of fixing the property tax millage rate, and to adopt a budget for a new fiscal year. 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 the 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 City Code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office, or online at wwwmunicode.com [sic]. Any person making a presentation, formal request or petition to the City Commission concerning real property must make the proper disclosures required by the City Code in writing. A copy of this Code section is available in the City Clerk's Office, and online at municode.com [sic]. The material for this agenda is available at the City Clerk's Office, online and 24 hours a day at miamigov.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. The Chairman will advise the public when the public hearing may have City of Miami Page 1 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 -- when the public may have the opportunity to address the City Commission during the public comment period. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 12D17.005, anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission for any matter considered at this second budget meeting does not need a verbatim record of the item, but a video of this meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications, or viewed online at wwwmiamigov.com [sic]. No cell phone or other noise -making devices are permitted in chambers; please silence those now. No clapping, applauding, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to the 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, banners, or placards shall be allowed in City Commission chambers. Any person with a disability requiring auxiliary assistance, aids or services for this meeting may notify the City Clerk. The meeting will end at the conclusion of this second budget meeting agenda. Please note, Commissioners have generally been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on the agenda today. Thank you. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR BUDGET ITEM(S) Chair Hardemon: And ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we have the public comment section for the DDA's (Downtown Development Authority) millage rate, the City of Miami's millage rate, the DDA's budget, as well as the City of Miami's budget, both capital -- what is it called? -- operating budget. And so, if you are here to speak on any item that is on this agenda, but especially those items, now is your opportunity to make a public comment, so if you'd like to speak on these items, please approach one of the lecterns. You will have two minutes, where you state your name, first and last; and then, you may state your address. So the floor is open. Eveline Pierre: Good evening, everyone; honorable Chair and Vice Chair and Mayor, and the rest of the Commission. My name is Eveline Pierre. I'm the executive director of the Haitian Heritage Museum, 4141 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida. We're here to talk about the budget this coming year. And the Haitian Heritage Museum been in the community for 13 years, providing high - quality programs. We're the first Haitian museum outside of Haiti, and we're also the first black museum here in South Florida. So we would like for your continued support to help us continue to provide these excellent programs in the community, and also help us galvanize State funding. Serge Rodriguez: Good evening, honorable Chair and Board of Commissioners. My name is Serge Rodriguez, located at 4141 Northeast 2nd Avenue, and I just wanted to briefly follow Eveline's sentiments; just to share that our cultural heritage is one of the biggest assets here in Miami. People visit Miami, not just because of the beautiful weather, but because they want to experience our communities. So we started the museum over 13 years ago, really to, you know, establish and preserve the heritage in Little Haiti, help to revitalize the community, and create equitable development that reflected the identity of the community. Museums play a very important role in that, and I think it was evident a few months ago, right here in these very halls, when the community came together and galvanized to save the identity of Little Haiti. This very board made history that day when you voted unanimously to keep Little Haiti as a neighborhood, and not change its name. So we're asking that you help us, you know, continue our program so that we can help create that legacy -- help sustain that legacy and give Little Haiti an opportunity to create -- to contribute to the cultural diversity of this community. We ask your support. Thank you. City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Chair Hardemon: Quick question. What type of programs do you have, and where do you operate your programs from? Mr. Rodriguez: We do programmings in Miami -Dade County public schools. We're part of the museum magnet schools in Miami -Dade County. We also have a satellite museum; the very first satellite museum that's in one of Miami -Dade County public schools. So in addition to school programming, we do a lot of community programming. We do exhibitions. We do a lot of professional development that helps corporate companies engage with the minority community, as well. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Rodriguez: Thank you. Florence Nickels: Good evening. My name is Florence Nickels. I am from Carrie Meeks Apartments at 330 Northwest 19th Street. My apartment is 408. I'm here to represent Curley House for the good things that she has done -- they have done for us at the senior citizen buildings. They have given us food, water, mostly everything. And I am so proud of the Curley House, of the things that they're doing for the seniors, and we appreciate it to the highest, what they're doing for the seniors, and I thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. James Chatfield: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is James Chatfield. I live in the City of Miami. My address is 600 Northwest 74th Street. I'm here representing Curley's House. I been affiliated with them for almost nine years now. I'm here, not because I want to, but because I have to. Curley have not only helped me, but my family. I'm married for 16 years, I have three daughters, and I'm employed. But sometimes, it's embarrassing to say that I cannot provide food for my family. Curley have never turned me away. Our leader, Ms. Laverne, she's dedicated to the cause. She have never turned away black, white, gay, lesbian; she have always been there. Curley's is made up of different people, but we speak with one voice, and together, we say that we need Curley. I have lived in my community for the majority of my life. I have respected the laws of this land. I have raised my children according to those laws. But sometimes, as a man -- I won't talk about as a father -- as a man that obey the laws that sometimes, I cannot bring in any food to my family. I remember one day, we was passing out commodities, and I seen this lady here got in the line, got her hands dirty, and met with the people and dealt with the people. I say to you, we need Curley. I need Curley, so please consider that in your decision. Thank you. Rosa Hill: I'm Rosa Hill. I been with Curley House over 15 years, and he have served for my kids, as well so other seniors in the community, and I ask you for your support in helping Curley House, because they not only give you food, clothing; if you need counseling, they there for you. Please help them. Thank you. Brutus Austin: How you doing? My name is Brutus Austin. Wow, I don't really know what to say. I been to prison when I was in -- 18 years old. I got out when I was 41 years old. So when I got out, I never knew how this world changed. When I went to prison -- before I went, never had computers; no phones. They only had on phone, but the big block ones and the battery. Chair Hardemon: If you had that, I already know. Mr. Austin: You had to be somebody real important if you had that. City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Chair Hardemon: Yeah. Mr. Austin: So I really don't know really what to say, but this young lady back here saved my life. Now, I give back. Everything I did wrong, I'm doing right. So, really, it's like I'm speechless, and if I stay up here too long, I'm going to cry, so I'm trying to keep it real with you. But please keep supporting them. Commissioner Gort: You're doing good. Mr. Austin: Thank you. Garnell Williams: Hello, everyone. My name is Garnell Williams, and I live at 330 Northwest 19th Street; Carrie Meeks Apartment Building, residence, and I would like for you to take time, take a little pretty prayer and bless Curley House, because, you know, without Curley House, we have nothing. And, Lord, I know that you are the only one that could help all of us in your hour of need. And thank you, Lord, for this day, because, you know, without all of you, we would have nothing. And I thank you all for giving us this time to talk and to listen to each and every one of us this day, because with you, all things are possible. And I want you to please help Curley House, because they help all of us. And the seniors at Meeker [sic] Manor, we thank you for them. We thank God for them, because they help us. In the storm, they was there for us. They gave us something to eat, something to drink, when no one else was there. And I want you to please bless them. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you this day. Amen. Laverne Scott: Good evening, everyone. I am Laverne Scott, the executive director of Curley's House. Y'all know I want to thank each and every one of you all for your support, because everybody here helps us tremendously, and we been in business for over 20 years, because this is our passion. What we do, this is our passion. Like she said, when the lights was out, we was in each and every one of those senior buildings. Those buildings was without lights for four days. They lost all of their food. So when we came through there, we came through with hot meals, as well as canned foods. This is what we do. With a lot of our seniors, like I always say, they receive less than $5 a month in food stamps, and a lot of them receive less than $400 a month income. So we really need your help to continue what we do. We're a citywide agency. We serve all of the City. We have a open-door policy. Anybody that come to our place that need the help, we help them. But we do need a larger building. We need a larger space; it's entirely too small. So we are asking you all once again to help us serve the people. We are there. This is what we want to do, this is our passion, but we need your help to continue doing this. Thank you very much. Elvis Cruz: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street; speaking to you this evening as the president of the Morningside Civic Association. I only have one picture tonight; you can see it on your monitor there. This is a photograph of the sign that was put on Morningside Park back in 2001 for the last bond issue, and you can see we were promised swimming pool improvements. Long story short: That didn't happen, and the pool has been closed for two summers now, and we would like to get it reopened. The Morningside Board voted at its last meeting to ask the City to please repair and reopen Morningside Pool. We have found out from the City that the pool cannot be demolished and rebuilt in that location because of new flood zone laws; however, it is grandfathered in for repair, and that is what we're asking. Commissioner Russell, please do what you can; get this money budgeted. We would love to have this pool fixed and reopened in time for the 2018 summer season, so we've got about nine months to go. Hopefully that can be made to happen, and that should do it. Thank you very much, gentlemen. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir. Tommie Gaines: Yes, sir. Good evening. My name is Tommie Gaines. I'm a resident of Nehemiah Apartments, Overtown. I'm here to represent Curley's House. I am a recovering addict of 15 years. I was once homeless; I overcame. During that time, Curley House fed me, and I was able to stand up and become a man. And I'm a registered voter. I say this, and I say it from my heart: A hungry man is a dangerous man. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Get this man something to eat. Brian Dennis: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, and Mr. Chairman. I'm here on behalf of -- tonight to implore you to go out with Officer Bernat and the OPO [sic] Program that he has. Myself, Ms. Laverne and Pastor Thomas, they're not here right now; they left. We went out one night -- and I think it's a issue that -- with the beds and everything. If you actually saw it up close, you would understand what it is. I'm a minister in the Church of Miami Gardens, but my office is in Liberty City. One of the things that I understood about that program is seeing something up close is different than riding by it. When you see things up closely, you see the help and you see what it goes through. The old solution was lock everybody up. That solution doesn't work when you have people that are mentally ill, drug -addicted, and locking them up just to take up a space. The bed space and what goes on in the City of Miami is unique. There's an opportunity for the City of Miami to do something that may be a model for other areas in the country to take a look at and to follow through with it. I'm also in support of Curley's House. I been an activist in the City for many years, and understand what Ms. Laverne them do; also, with Miami Powerhouse Church, I see what they do, as well. Your efforts and your guidance, and your leadership is well needed. Ezekiel 22 and 30 said, God -- paraphrased, it said that he looked for a man to stand in the gap, and he found no one. Well, here's an opportunity for God to find a man in the gap and create a Nehemiah and a Jonah out of you all. Have a good evening. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir, you're recognized. Lamont Finch: Good evening. My name is Lamont Finch, pastor of Miami Powerhouse. We came down today just to kind of share who we are and what we do inside the church. We offer live-in homes for men and women to come in, get off the drugs, alcohol, gang violence, homelessness, what have you. The program's nine months to a year, but you can stay as long as you like. I have people that's been there three to five years, until they, you know, make a decision on what they really want to do with their life. Our goal is to make them productive, law-abiding citizens, once again, which will decrease crime, of course. It would bring families back together, because if a man is sane, he'll go back home. And then also, we teach work ethics. So we came down today just to ask for some support. We work closely with Curley House, too. We're located at 638 Northwest 62nd Street. She's right down the street. There's times we run out of food. She gives us food. There's times she runs out; we give her, and vice -versa. You know, people call her. If we got it, we give it to her. If we need something, we call her. So we kind of network in the community to try our best to fill the less fortunate. We're just asking for some support. Thank you. Edward Cooke: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. I thank you for your work. I learned today how much time you put in, and I'm very appreciative of your service to the City. My name is Ed Cooke. I live at 2121 North Bayshore Drive, Apartment 419, right next to my -- Margaret Pace Park. I'm here to -- I ask us to look closely at the Downtown Development budget. The newspaper, the Herald City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 published that they have increased their budget by $1 million. I would ask assurance from the Commissioner and from their staff that -- The people of Edgeworth -- Edgewater are not included in that taxing district. There was some kind of meeting, but it doesn't represent -- I'm here to represent hundreds, if not maybe thousands of voters who were not given the information that this would be anywhere from 80 to $100 per condo unit. We are a condo area; we are not a business area. But while I address that and ask you to tread carefully, really do your homework on that issue, I would ask you -- the flip side. Downtown Development Association -- I can -- I live down here and know the area. I ask you why there's such a group of 50, 100 homeless people right next to the library in that area. That's in there (UNINTELLIGIBLE) area. Why is it --? That closed down police sub -station that hasn't been used for years, Southwest 2nd Avenue and Southwest 2nd Street, that could be rehabbed for the veterans that were mentioned; could be rehabbed for a place for homeless women; although Lotus House might be taking over that. But that area, it's very unkempt. It's not -- the Public Works does not address its cleanliness. So what is this great million dollars that the Downtown Development Authority is going to give to us? Any city provides that on its own. Well, that's also a truth. I would ask the Downtown Development Authority be present on a Sunday, when hundreds and hundreds of people down by the new railroads area come flocking to the people giving out food. I mean, it's a sight that's bewildering to see people in wheelchairs rushing out there for this food, and not enough garbage cans. Not -- The people I've talked to that distribute, they said, hey, they'd rather give out sandwiches. But if you would provide for them or the Downtown people would provide these big black bags, they would come around and collect the garbage, and bring it back to wherever they are. That's something I believe -- You know, before you give them a million dollars extra, hey, that's it. Another thing, and a last thing: It's Downtown Development. I would have thought that the Downtown Development would have been the first people to go after the County about the -- Anybody who reads the letters to the editors, every day, they're talking about the falling apart -- no air conditioning in the Metrorail. That should -- Downtown -- they come here, and yet, there was no clarion call from the Downtown Development Authority. There are feasibility studies; you can have them. We need people who are actionable and consider -- ask them where that million dollars is going to be going. Thank you very much for your service. Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Cindy Lotmore: Good evening. My name is Cindy Lotmore, and I'm here on behalf of Miami Powerhouse Women's Home. After becoming homeless with my kids, and trying to find a place to stay, all the doors basically went, "No, we don't have any space," or they couldn't accompany -- You know, they didn't have space for kids. And Miami Powerhouse took me in with my two girls, and it's given me an opportunity to get on my feet, to be able to start life again. And so, I believe in this organization so much that I want to be a part of it. And so, I've made it -- made efforts in helping where they need help, and also be able to speak on behalf of women like me, who are single and raising kids. And it's a positive outlook on my life, as well as them; teaching them how to have respect; not to look down on anyone, but to always have a giving heart and a loving heart to help those who are less fortunate. So I'm asking that you guys please support Miami Powerhouse Women's Home, because they really need it. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Amy Thorne: Hello, good evening. My name is Amy Thorne. I'm here on behalf of the Miami Powerhouse Women's Home. I was in need of a place to live. I had came to Miami and, you know, quickly got lost in the night life. I found myself needing a change. I found Miami Powerhouse. They accepted me with open arms. They didn't City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 ask me anything except for, "Do you need something to eat and do you need a shower?" They -- I felt like I knew them forever. You know, quickly, my pastor and first lady became my mom and dad. I graduated the program after nine months. And my family, who I haven't seen in six years, came and flew down here to see me for my graduation, which was so amazing for me. During my time, I was quickly escalating into leadership and running the women's home, so I was able to give back what was given to me: A new life, a new outlook on life. And now, I can do that for other women. I made a decision to stay. I've been here for 16 months right now, running the women's home, helping women who need help; just loving them and just helping, you know, give a positive outlook on life that, "You know you can change, and there's people who do care." And it's really, really amazing. It's a really amazing feeling. I just recently enrolled in school, so I'm definitely locked in for some more time now. So I just enrolled in school. I'm going to be going to school from the home, and I'm really excited, so I'm very excited about that. So within a year or so, I should have my diploma as a wedding consultant. So, I mean, from going from the life that I had or the life that I lost to where I am now, I mean, it saved my life, and I'm so grateful. And it's an honor to be up here and to be able to share with you. So I really hope that, you know, I really hope you take in consideration what we're doing here for the City, what we're doing for the community and who we are, and I thank you for your time. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Dewey Johnson: How you doing? My name is Dewey Johnson, and I'm a ex -gang member; also, I'm the chef at the Miami Powerhouse. I feed all of them and -- Chair Hardemon: With your right hand, not your left hand. Mr. Johnson: -- but -- Chair Hardemon: Because the last time you made something, you did that with your left hand. Mr. Johnson: No, but I mean, really, if I -- if anybody know that they need help, it's me, because I'm there with him all day, and I hear some of the phone calls he make. And sometime, I don't even have enough food to even feed everybody, but I make it happen, you know. And sometimes, Curley House help us, you know. So, you know, I'm here to ask, you know -- From my heart, I know what they did for me, you know. I came -- I was -- I did 15 years in prison, you know. I been on the street a year now. That's the longest I ever stayed on the street, and it was because of them, you know. And he done helped other people the same way, you know. And I'm asking, you know, help me with the kitchen, you know. Just, you know, take them into consideration. They good people, you know, and we do help the community out a lot. I feed a lot of homeless people, you know. They come into the church, you know; and also, my brothers and sisters, you know. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Jonathan Thompson: Good evening, sirs. My name is Jonathan Thompson. I'm the men's home director of Miami Powerhouse. We reach the lost at any cost. I was a drug addict in the City of Chicago. I'm a product of the home. I gave my life to this, and I came here to Miami to reach the lost. We help people get off drugs, alcohol, gang violence, you know, to change their lifestyles, you know. We are working all over the City of Miami. We go out to Kendall area. We reach people all over. We reach people of many nations. And one thing about it, we on 638 Northwest 62nd Street, right down the street from Curley's, so we kind of network, you know. People come into Curley's that's lost, a lot of homeless people. She send -- I have went City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 down there and got people out of there to come to our home. And our graduation rate is up there. A lot of lives are being changed in the City of Miami, and we're just help -- asking for a little help. We're not government funded. We grind. We started this from the bottom; from the bottom. We came down here with eight men; eight men, and the pastor's family, and we started this program. And we just asking for some help, and I wish y'all would consider. Amen. Kimberly Davis: Hello. Thank you tonight, Commissioners. My name is Kimberly Davis. Although I am no longer a Coconut Grove resident, when you are -- I'm sorry, can you hear me? Chair Hardemon: Yes. Ms. Davis: Obviously, I don't do this all the time. Although I'm no longer a Coconut Grove resident, when you are born in the Grove and you grow up in the Grove, the point is you will always be from Coconut Grove. My husband and I volunteer in Coconut Grove as much as we can. We just volunteered at your event, where you gave ice to Coconut Grove. We took our personal vehicle to go back and forth from here to West Grove to deliver ice and to deliver water, so thank you for providing that; it was a great need in the community. This past season, as you already know, it's the first time that we -- well, not the first time -- but in a long time -- that we haven't actually had a football program there. And it's bigger than football; it's actually a local outlet for the youth to have fun; and most of all, to stay out of trouble. There has been room made for soccer and lacrosse, but we cannot forget about track and field, football, and basketball that are also great additives to the community. In addition to athletics, the children in Coconut Grove need an annual community pool and academic support. The Start Program has done an excellent job in providing that service, along with the Barnyard and other programs. I ask that you please do not forget about the children who actually reside in West Grove when it comes to this budget. With your support, those programs will have the ability to cater to these children and to their daily needs. Thank you. Manuel Gomez: Good evening. My name is Manuel, and I'm here to speak in behalf of Miami Powerhouse. It's -- I was going through struggles, you know, with drug, and I was homeless, too. So they help me and they been a real support to me, and I would like for you guys to help them the same way they help me. So that's the only thing I can say. Thank you. Barry Smith: Barry Smith, 6025 Southwest 6th Court; that is Curley's House. Curley's House is known for feeding people, but they do much more than that. There's quite a few ancillary services that perhaps you're not aware of. One is -- you've heard a lot of people talk about -- homelessness is an issue. And we've partnered with Officer Bernat -- his name has been mentioned once -- in trying to eradicate homelessness and actually make a difference. Well, we've -- we do have a plan that can do that without even offering new infrastructure. We have about 85 home -- private home facility shelters scattered throughout the State itself. That's a start where it doesn't cost a huge amount; not to say, you ask -- You have not, because you ask not. You have not, because you ask not. And we're asking for the help at Curley's, and we're asking for a lot of help, because they're servicing a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. We're doing -- since we're feeding folks, they get food stamps, but like Laverne said, on an average, 7, 8, $16 a month. We're partnered with Department of Children and Family, and we help people to increase their food stamps; on average, to about $72. There's a lot of folks whom just can't afford eye care or vision or refraction or frames, or anything. Curley does that now for free with partnership of American Vision. Curley's is also doing and also offering well care services, HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) testing, high blood pressure, low blood pressure; all City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 those things Curley's are doing now. And it does take a toll, because it costs money. In essence, basically, what we're saying is that Curley's has become an institution over the past 20-something years, and people have come to us not just for clothes, but they've been so much indebted or appreciating Curley's now, they want us to help them with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). There's so many things just springing from what Curley's originally stood for to where they're going. And basically, where they're going is a plethora of services for the people, of the people, by the people, and we need you all, as the people, to help the people. Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Seeing no further persons here for public comment, I'm going to close the public comment at this time. I want the record to reflect that we have -- The public comment would satisfy BH.1 and BH.2. BH.1 DISCUSSION ITEM 2898 Office of Management and Budget DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED FY 2017-18 MILLAGE RATE AND FINAL BUDGET. RESULT: DISCUSSED Chair Hardemon: I believe the Mayor would like to say a few words. Mr. Mayor. Mayor Tomas Regalado: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. This is the second half of the last budget speech here for me in City Hall, but I want to thank you and -- first of all, thank the City Manager, all the employees for all the work that they have been doing in the recovery after Irma. I encourage you to vote for this budget; of course, with the recommended amendment. It is a solid budget; a budget that includes the seventh year in a row of a lower overall property tax rate; a budget that maintains and even increases services; a budget that responds to the need of the residents; and, of course, the elected officials that will be running this great city. At the first hearing, we spoke about the need to approve some of the things in this budget. For instance, I'd like to remind you, if you consider voting in favor of the new Department of Veteran Affairs and Homeless Service. We believe it's a good idea to elevate the homeless functions and veteran service to a new department; a department that will be able to work directly with the Homeless Trust of Miami -Dade County; which, by the way, I am a member. I have been a member for 10 years. Commissioner Suarez is now a member, and will be, I'm sure, representing very well the City of Miami. So working with the Homeless Trust, this department will be able to have this natural synergy of service that a single elevated department can provide. And finally, I want to remind you that although it's not on the agenda tonight, it should be in the agenda of the minds, on the hearts of everyone that has the ability to vote in the City of Miami, and I want to encourage you and all voters of the City of Miami to vote in favor of the Miami Forever Bond Program on the ballot November 7 of this year. The residents will be able to approve $400 million in capital construction projects without raising their property tax rate. And we have all seen in the last two months two examples that can mirror the future of the City of Miami if we don't act: Flooding prevention and addressing sea level rise. We have experiences ourselves here at City Hall, in Brickell, in the Upper Eastside. And affordable housing and economic development, Civic Towers was an example of how we need to work for affordable housing with decorum for the residents. So with that, I thank you very much. I think that this is a great budget. This has been a great year City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 BH.2 2885 Downtown Development Authority for the City of Miami, and I know that the best years of the City will come. Thank you very much. Chair Hardemon: Mr. Manager, you're recognized. Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, since we last met, our department director for Budget and I think myself have met with some of you. We listened to the things that you mentioned at the last budget meeting. We put those into our budget changes memorandum, and we're here to present this budget to you. Chris has some official things that he has to read into the record, but before he does that, I just wanted to again thank all of you and thank our staff for all the wonderful work that they've been doing in putting this budget together. So, Chris. Christopher Rose (Director): Good evening. Chris Rose, Office of Management and Budget. The proposed general operating millage rate for the City of Miami is 7.4365 mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2018. That operating millage is 4.84 percent higher than the State -defined rollback rate of 7.0934 mills. Thank you, Commissioners. DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND FINAL BUDGET FOR THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. RESULT: DISCUSSED Alyce Robertson: Good evening. Alyce Robertson, executive director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority. The proposed operating millage for the Downtown Development Authority is .4681 mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2018. The operating millage is 4.86 percent higher than the State -defined rollback rate of .4464 mills. I'm joined here tonight by the treasurer of the Miami DDA (Downtown Development Authority), Alvin West. Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 BH.3 2887 Downtown Development Authority RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ("COMMISSION"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FORTH -FIFTH (4/STHS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER A DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING, RELATED TO TAXATION, DEFINING AND DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ("DISTRICT") OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"), AND FIXING AND ADOPTING THE FINAL MILLAGE AND LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL AD VALOREM TAX ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE DISTRICT AT THE RATE OF 0.4681 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF TAXABLE VALUE OF SUCH PROPERTY IN SAID DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE OPERATION OF THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018; PROVIDING THAT SAID MILLAGE SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO THE MILLAGE ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE VII, FLORIDA CONSTITUTION, AND SECTION 166.211, FLORIDA STATUTES (2016), AS WELL AS ANY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS IMPOSED BY THE SAME; PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED AS REPEALING OR AMENDING ANY OTHER RESOLUTION OR ANY ORDINANCE FIXING MILLAGE OR LEVYING TAXES, BUT SHALL BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION THERETO; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0472 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez Chair Hardemon: So we're going to move directly on to BH.3, which is the approval of the final millage for 2017/2018 DDA (Downtown Development Authority). Is there any discussion regarding BH.3? Seeing no discussion, is there a motion regarding BH.3? It's been properly moved -- Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded to approve BH.3, the approval of the final millage for the DDA. Any further discussion on the item? Seeing none, all in favor of the item, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes. Commissioner Suarez: It's been a long process. Chair Hardemon: You heard it, right? Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 BH.4 2886 Downtown Development Authority RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE FINAL ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("MIAMI DDA") OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"), ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $11,940,683.00, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AD VALOREM TAX LEVY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS INCOME FOR THE Miami DDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018; AUTHORIZING THE Miami DDA TO INVITE AND ADVERTISE REQUIRED BIDS; PROVIDING FOR BUDGETARY FLEXIBILITY; PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE DEEMED SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN ADDITION TO THE RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE CITY. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0473 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez Chair Hardemon: BH.4, adopting the final budget for the DDA (Downtown DevelopmentAuthority) 2017/2018. Is there a motion to approve? Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it. Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; and seconded by Commissioner Suarez. Discussion. Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: You're recognized. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just want to say for the record, in the past, I've been critical of certain aspects of the DDA budget. I'm going to hold my comments to myself today, and I'm going to yield to the Chairman of the DDA and his judgment, so I'll be voting in favor of it. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? All in favor of the motion, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Alyce Robertson: Thank you. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. BH.5 RESOLUTION 2899 Office of Management and Budget A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION PROPOSING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE FOR AD VALOREM TAXATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES (2017), DEFINING AND DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"); LEVYING AN AD VALOREM TAX ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY AT A TOTAL FINAL RATE OF 8.0300 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF THE TAXABLE VALUE OF SUCH PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSES OF FUNDING THE GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET AND PAYMENT OF DEBT SERVICE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0474 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Suarez Chair Hardemon: BH5, the final millage rate for the City of Miami. BH.5. Commissioner Suarez: Move it. Chair Hardemon: Properly moved by Commissioner Suarez. Commissioner Gort: Second. Chair Hardemon: And seconded by Commissioner Gort. Discussion regarding that item. Commissioner Carollo: This is BH.5, the millage, correct? Chair Hardemon: That is correct. Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the motion, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 BH.6 RESOLUTION 2900 Office of Management and Budget A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO OPERATIONAL AND BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2017 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018; RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER AND DESIGNATED CITY DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS, PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS, ACCOUNTING ENTRIES, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AND FOR GRANTS IN PROGRESS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-17-0475 MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s) RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S) MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner SECONDER: Francis Suarez, Commissioner AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Suarez NAYS: Carollo Chair Hardemon: And the show, BH.6. Christopher Rose (Director): Good evening, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office of Management and Budget. BH.6 is the City's appropriation item; the budget for fiscal year '17/18. Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion regarding the budget before we move into anything, or is there a motion? Commissioner Gort: Move it. Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved -- Commissioner Suarez: Second. Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded. Any discussion? Commissioner Suarez: Nobody else has anything? Chair Hardemon: Any discussion? Vice Chair Russell: Yeah. I wanted to offer one amendment, based on something that was done earlier today. I need some planning and design change money for Jimbo's, and if this is the appropriate place to make that amendment, I'd like to do so. That would be 75,000, according to CIP (Capital Improvements Program). Commissioner Suarez: I accept as the seconder. Daniel J Alfonso (City Manager): Okay. Commissioners, just for the record, any changes that we make to the budget will just simply be reduced from the monies that City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 were allocated for the reserve. You know, in the last budget, we had received about $1.3 million of revenue, and we have -- 1.6 -- and we have spent roughly 600, 700,000 of that money with the changes that we made; 726, to be exact -- Mr. Rose: We have that amount remaining. Mr. Alfonso: -- or we have that amount remaining. So, you know, if we do 75, we'll just take it from that amount, or any other funds that are allocated here today. Commissioner Suarez: And just to be clear, that's a variance from one -- the last meeting to this meeting or --? Mr. Alfonso: Correct. Commissioner Suarez: Okay. Can I offer an amendment, as well, Mr. Chair? So I've been a big proponent of a technology called ShotSpotter, and ShotSpotter, we originally covered the -- you know -- four square miles of the City that are most -- where there -- the highest incidents of gunshots. We started it in 2015, approximately, and our homicide rate has dropped roughly by 30 percent, approximately. Our gunshot incidents, our gunshot activity has been reduced approximately by 50 percent in the same period of time. And I know that the Administration, the Police Department have been working with this company. They originally proposed 10 additional square miles, which would have essentially covered all the areas where there are -- where there have been incidents. I think it kind of came to a conclusion that what the City could afford right now was five additional square miles, which would cost $325,000. My understanding is that they've talked it over with the Administration and that everyone's okay with that expansion of the program; and so, I'd offer that as a -- an amendment as well. Chair Hardemon: Where would it be expanded to; what areas? Mr. Alfonso: I -- If we can get the representative here that they've been talking to the Police, and we can talk about that. I wanted to say that, actually, originally, we had looked at 10 miles. Commissioner Suarez: Right. Mr. Alfonso: I believe there was a discussion of either doing five or 10. If we do the 10, but we stretch out the cash flow, so 325 would be done in this coming fiscal year, and then the following 325 the next fiscal year. I'm not sure right now where that discussion has gone. But, certainly, the 325, we can take out of these funds that we identified. But if the rep from the company wants to mention, which version is it that we've discussed? Commissioner Suarez: Let me just say -- to answer a little bit of the Chair's question, and then, please, you can come up, Mr. Dailly, if you want to come up. Philadelphia Dailly: Yeah. Commissioner Suarez: But the four square miles, if you remember, was done in conjunction with the Overtown CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), as well, and the City, and it covered areas of Overtown and Liberty City that were based on the data that we had prior to the areas that were chosen -- selected. This would -- Well, the original proposal was 10 additional miles, and I think the reason why is because that essentially covered almost all of the gunfire incidents in the City, if I'm not mistaken. City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Mr. Dailly: That's correct. So that 10 square miles would actually represent, I believe, about 99 percent of those areas that are responsible for all the homicides; about 90 percent of all the aggravated assaults, gun related; and about 90 percent of all gunfire -related calls for service. Commissioner Suarez: And so, I mean, obviously, my original intent was to do the entire 10 square miles for that precise reason, but we've been talking about it for a long time, the Administration, the Police Department, the company, and I think what we settled on was to do five additional miles, which they haven't yet determined, because their determination was to do 10, which would have covered 99 percent of essentially all the incidents. So I don't think you've -- you all have determined where the exact additional five miles would be, if -- Mr. Dailly: That's correct. Commissioner Suarez: -- it's approved, but -- Mr. Dailly: So I think when -- The conversation we had was doing a 10-squre-mile expansion, but maybe doing it in two phases. So the first phase would concentrate on the (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Discussion. Mr. Dailly: Is that okay? Mr. Alfonso: Right. So the last conversation -- Commissioner Suarez: Go ahead. I'm sorry I interrupted you. I apologize. Mr. Alfonso: I'm sorry, Commissioner. The last conversation -- Commissioner Suarez: My apologies. Mr. Alfonso: -- that I had was that we could do the 10 miles in two phases, with the first phase going in this coming fiscal year; we'd put the 325. And then, October of the next fiscal year, we'd do the other 325 for the other five miles. Is that --? Mr. Dailly: That's correct. And -- Mr. Alfonso: So that way, we'd do the entire 10 miles, but over the next year and a half or so. Mr. Dailly: That's correct. Mr. Alfonso: Okay. Mr. Dailly: And Chairman Hardemon, just to answer your question about where the coverage area would go, so it would actually touch all the districts, actually, except for Commissioner Suarez' district, but all the other districts would benefit from the added coverage area. Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Commissioner Gort: It's my understanding you're going to be covering East Little Havana and East Allapattah? City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Mr. Dailly: I'm sorry? Chair Hardemon: He said, Will it touch East Little Havana and East --? Mr. Dailly: That's correct. So the -- some of the areas that would be impacted by the expansion would include Coconut Road -- I'm sorry -- Coconut Grove, Little Havana -- what is it called? Unidentified Speaker: Allapattah. Mr. Dailly: -- Alabama [sic] -- Chair Hardemon: Allapattah. Mr. Dailly: -- Overtown, Model City -- Commissioner Suarez: Alabama, also known as "Allapattah." Commissioner Gort: That's going to be pretty good if you cover Alabama. Mr. Dailly: I'm from North Carolina, so I'm having a little hard time with some of the names, sir. Mr. Alfonso: He's from the Carolinas. Let's not hold it against him. Mr. Dailly: Model City, Little Haiti, some parts of Upper Eastside, and some of the downtown area, as well. Chair Hardemon: Okay. It appears that the mover and the seconder agree. Any further discussion or unreadiness? Vice Chair Russell: One non -monetary change, please. There's a reference in the change memo to Camillus House Mat Program, but there is no such thing. There's a Camillus House Bed Program, and I wanted to make sure that our budget reflects it - Mr. Alfonso: Correct. Vice Chair Russell: -- appropriately. Thank you. Oh, and you needed me to make -- empower the Manager to move that Jimbo's money to the capital budget; not the operating budget. Mr. Rose: Yes, sir. And I should say, we're requesting that you adopt all the changes in the change memo, as well, if we hadn't said it; but, yes, we would ask that the Commission delegate to the Manager the authority to change the capital budget to reflect the Jimbo's transfer out to capital. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please. And I had thought that the change memo was already adopted into the legislation, so if it's not -- I would have to amend that right now on the floor, to ask that it be included? Mr. Rose: Yes, please. Chair Hardemon: Friendly amendment. Mr. Rose: Yes, please. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Vice Chair Russell: Friendly amendment. Thank you. Chair Hardemon: Seeing no objection to that friendly amendment, any further discussion? Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair. Chair Hardemon: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to begin by saying that after seeing how many hours we passed to get to this budget hearing, I actually feel like going like I've done in the past and go department by department, and really do a type of analysis that I usually do, but I'm going to spare this Commission that. However, there's a couple of things that I really do have to mention that -- and I'll be honest with you -- trouble me. You know, when the Mayor began his speech, he thanked the employees for the hard work they did during Irma and the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. And I'll be honest with you. That's what the City does; we provide services, and the backbone of that services is our employees. However, two out of our four unions do not have a contract. I appreciate that, for Public Safety this year, we showed monies in the reserves, so when they do have a contract, the money is there, allocated -- or at least reserved -- for it to go to their increases and so forth. However, for Public Safety, it was not taken into consideration that in the current year, they received zero for budget reserves, so you're only taking into consideration the coming year, but not this past year. Additionally, you're showing no budget reserve, whatsoever, for the general employees, and I find that to be unreasonable, because if you're really grateful to them, I think actions speak louder than words, and you should have a reserve, because I think it's unreasonable that they're going to maintain their status quo and you're not going to provide a contract. So those two things really, really bother me. There's other items that we're not going to come to an agreement. Chris and I have friendly disagreements on methodologies, and one that I think will be corrected in the future budgets, as we spoke. We ask for more information -- or for our other agencies to provide more other -- more information than we require our own City to do. And discussing with Chris today, you see the importance of that additional information, you know. It went down to whether your methodology was better or my methodology was better, but we didn't have the information to prove whether yours was right or not; yet, most likely, if the City would show their budget in the same way that we require our other agencies to show their budgets, we could probably come to some conclusion. So we discussed that in the future, it will be shown that way; however, for right now, I am not comfortable, and I will be voting against it. Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort. Commissioner Gort: Let me ask -- My understanding is, in your projection of the budget, you took in consideration the increases in salary that will take place. Mr. Alfonso: I'll let Chris answer that question. But, Commissioner, I do want to say that we give every elected official, early on in the proposed budget process, a link to the data that has multiple years, line item by line item, personnel by person, for every department. So I don't want it to be said that we're not giving enough data. You know, the book, obviously, is not big enough to list all 4,000 City employees, one by one. So the data that we give you -- Commissioner Carollo: I'm not saying -- City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Mr. Alfonso: No, I know, I know. So this is aggregated in the book. But the data that we give you -- Commissioner Carollo: It's aggregated in the book. Mr. Alfonso: -- to study and dissect has years of historical information and -- ad infinitum. Chris can answer the question as to -- The budget for next year has some assumption of growth. I think that what Chris is telling me is that the negotiations with the Fire Department, in particular, have dragged on a significant amount of time, and I think all of you here know from our sessions all the discussions that we've had. So at this point, as we go into next year, there is some reserve for additional expenditures. But is there enough if we fully pay a year's worth of retro, plus whatever growth may be there? There may not be enough for all of that, but that's something that you'll have to consider. Commissioner Carollo: No, there's not. You didn't take this current year that I've mentioned at various times that you've allocated zero dollars, which I thought was unreasonable from the beginning. You did not take that into consideration in the following year's budget. Additionally -- Mr. Alfonso: Yeah, but a lot of -- Commissioner Carollo: -- you're taking zero -- Mr. Alfonso: -- but Commissioner -- Commissioner Carollo: -- for the general employees. Mr. Alfonso: Right. So -- Commissioner Carollo: That's not right. That's not right. Mr. Alfonso: -- Commissioner, I want to point out to the extent -- Commissioner Carollo: That's unreasonable. Mr. Alfonso: -- that there has been no agreement reached with the union this year, there has been no additional expense this year, according to the contract. So therefore, the year-end surplus will be a higher surplus. Now, next year, if you reach an agreement with them at some point, then you can use the prior year additional surplus and fund it so that then, you'll be fine in your budget. Commissioner Carollo: For the general employees, you're not showing that amount, and you're -- and in the year starting October 1, you're not showing that reserve for that. So you -- Where are you going to get that money from? Mr. Alfonso: For the general employees, their contract didn't expire yet, so there's normal growth projected into next year. There is no additional reserve for additional things that may be worked out, but we don't know what those are at this time. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. But you reserve a certain amount, just like what you did with Public Safety, for the following year starting October 1, but you did not do it for the current year. Mr. Alfonso: Right. But there's a difference -- City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Commissioner Carollo: So what I'm saying is that that's the same thing you should be doing -- Mr. Alfonso: -- the difference -- Commissioner Carollo: -- for the general employees. Mr. Alfonso: -- with the Public Safety, Commissioner, is that the Public Safety Group's contract already expired in the previous year. So there's some assumption that, in the discussions that we've had with them, which have been at length, there's things that we have already tentatively agreed to that we know are going to have an additional fiscal impact. The other union, on the other hand, we are significantly apart in the numbers -- you know that from the discussions that we've had -- so that the assumption that we can make at this time is that it would be a normal growth, as per the existing contract, and that is in the projections. What is not in the projections is if the City Commission decides to give additional benefits to the employees that were not contemplated in the existing contract right now as a status quo growth. So you're right; that is not in there. Now, the budget does have about $14 million of unallocated revenue to the expense. The -- you have the nine -- roughly $9 million of unallocated shortfall reserve, and you have the $5 million of (UNINTELLIGIBLE). So to that extent, there are 14 million in there that give you some flexibility. Commissioner Carollo: Right. However, that -- it would be -- how do I say it in a kind way? Commissioner Suarez: Irresponsible. Commissioner Carollo: It will not be prudent. It would be irresponsible to use emergency reserves for -- Say we have another hurricane next year. And consider that we're going to use those funds to pay for a contract that we know for a fact should happen, and we're going to use emergency funds to pay for that. That is irresponsible. So what I am saying is exactly how I started. If your belief, just like you did this current year, that for the whole year, the Fire Department does not have a contract, you don't fund anything extra; they stay status quo, as it did September 30 of the previous year, you know. And now, you want to do the same thing for the general employees in the following years. That is incorrect. Mr. Alfonso: You're right; that is incorrect, Commissioner. What you have said is incorrect. There is an assumed growth in that salary number; it is not zero. It is a 5 percent per employee, on their anniversary, so it is not zero. It's just not 6 or 7 or 8, or 9. It is 5 per employee, on their anniversary date, as per the contract calls, status quo. Commissioner Carollo: So it's -- So what you're saying is that they're going to stay status quo, as their contract that they agreed to two or -- two years ago -- I think with the general employees, it was two years ago, and with the firefighters, it was -- I don't know -- three or four -- four years ago, because they had a three-year contract or a two-year contract. They had a two-year contract. But the bottom line is there's been a whole year without a contract. They've been a whole year without a contract, and under your assumption, they should stay that way, you know? And with -- and the general employees that do not have a contract -- Mr. Alfonso: Explain that to him. Why don't you -- ? City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Commissioner Carollo: -- starting October 1 -- Oh, I understand it very well, Mr. Manager; you know I do. But I think it's unreasonable to expect that they're going to continue without a contract. Mr. Alfonso: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: You are, because the general employees, you have -- Mr. Rose: Sir, if I -- Commissioner Carollo: -- the general employees, you have zero allocated -- Mr. Alfonso: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- for un -- for reserves. Mr. Alfonso: That's incorrect, sir. There is no reserve needed. We are assuming a growth in the salary number. But I'll give -- I'll let Chris explain it. Commissioner Carollo: No. I -- Mr. Rose: In each budget, in each bargaining unit -- Commissioner Carollo: I'm not talking about step raises. That's what they agreed to; that's what this City agreed to, previous contracts. I'm not talking step raises. Mr. Rose: May I? In each budget, in each contract that is expiring, which is AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) General and AFSCME Sanitation, we have continued the budget, normal step progression. So that works out to about 5 percent per employee, if they're eligible. I'll go a little deeper and say some have gaps in between; instead of a one-year, they have a two-year in between. But that amount is in -- built into each budget. As well, all of the contract increases in the Fraternal Order of Police are built into the Police Department budget. Their budget does not expire -- Commissioner Carollo: Right. Their budget's not expired. Mr. Rose: -- until next year. And then, non -bargaining unit employees, as well, have an increase built in. So there are raises for every employee -- Commissioner Carollo: Step raises. Mr. Rose: -- that is due a raise today, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Per their previous contracts. Mr. Rose: Per the current contract. Commissioner Carollo: Well, the general employees, for the current contract, which expires September 30, going into the new contract, which is October 1, you are showing zero. Mr. Rose: We do not know -- Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) step raises. City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 Mr. Rose: -- we do not have anything above -- I'm going to borrow your words, sir. It would be imprudent to put in something that has not been bargained yet. Commissioner Carollo: You did that for Fire -- or for -- Mr. Rose: We did for Fire; yes, sir -- Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. So -- Mr. Rose: -- because -- Commissioner Carollo: -- it's imprudent for one and not the other? Mr. Rose: Yes, sir; there's a reason for that. What we put in non -departmental, the reserve for Fire, is what we have agreed on thus far. We have not agreed on an entire contract, but there are a number of line items that we have agreed on thus far Commissioner Carollo: If you -- Mr. Rose: -- and that's what's in. Commissioner Carollo: Right. And in that agreement, it was for two or a three-year contract, correct? Mr. Rose: Three. Commissioner Carollo: But you're not taking into consideration the current year, which is what was year one. Mr. Rose: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: You didn't take that into consideration; no, you did not. Mr. Rose: We have not. Commissioner Carollo: Exactly. Mr. Rose: We have next year's budget taken into consideration. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Mr. Rose: We do not have two years of budget in next year's budget; no, sir. Commissioner Carollo: But you didn't take into consideration this year that you didn't budget anything in the reserves. Mr. Rose: That's correct. Commissioner Carollo: You know, and I think that is wrong. And they're not going to accept a contract that, for a whole year, they didn't receive anything. It needs to go retro. Mr. Rose: Did I answer your question, Mr. -- Commissioner Gort? Commissioner Gort: Yes. City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 10/19/2017 City Commission Meeting Minutes September 28, 2017 ADJOURNMENT Mr. Rose: Thank you. Commissioner Gort: Where are we at? Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the motion, say "aye." Commissioner Gort: Aye. Vice Chair Russell: Aye. Commissioner Suarez: Aye. Chair Hardemon: All against? Commissioner Carollo: No. Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. Commissioner Carollo: That's it? Chair Hardemon: Meeting adjourned. Commissioner Carollo: Meeting adjourned? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended. Commissioner Suarez: As amended. Vice Chair Russell: Good night, everyone. Commissioner Gort: Good night, y'all. END OF SECOND BUDGET HEARING The meeting adjourned at 10: 27 p.m. City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 10/19/2017