HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2018-09-13 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 13, 2018
9:00 AM
Regular
City Hall
City Commission
Francis Suarez, Mayor
Keon Hardemon, Chair
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner, District One
Joe Carollo, Commissioner, District Three
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four
Emilio T. Gonzalez, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chair Hardemon, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo
and Commissioner Reyes.
On the 13th day of September 2018, 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 9:08
a.m., recessed at 12: 08 p.m., reconvened at 2:32 p.m., and adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Note for the Record: Vice Chair Russell entered the Commission chambers at 9:10 a.m., and
Commissioner Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:41 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Emilio T. Gonzalez, Ph.D., City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair Hardemon: Welcome to the September 13 meeting of the Miami City Commission in
these historic chambers. The members of the City Commission are Wifredo Gort, Joe Carollo,
Manolo Reyes; Ken Russell, the Vice Chair; and me, Keon Hardemon, the Chairman. Also on
the dais are Emilio T. Gonzalez, our 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 Commissioner Reyes will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. All rise, please.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
PART A - NON -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 PROTOCOL ITEM
4767
Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
Constitution and Citizenship Day
Commissioner Russell &
Mayor Suarez
Proclamation
EKG Screening Initiative
Mayor Suarez
Certificates of Appreciation
(22)
RESULT: PRESENTED
1) Mayor Suarez presented Certificates of Appreciation and recognized, honored and
expressed gratitude to the participants of the EKG Screening Initiative. The
varticivants played a prominent role in coordinating Electrocardiography
(EKG) screenings at five (5) City of Miami parks which positively affected the lives
of the community's future. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of
governance to pay tribute to the participants for their critical contributions to the
health and wellness of the youth of the City of Miami.
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2) Mayor Suarez and Vice Chair Russell presented a Proclamation in celebration of
Constitution and Citizenship Day and to bring awareness to the City of Miami
residents who have obtained United States citizenship; a milestone for immigrant
civic integration, engagement, and full participation in communities where
immigrants live, work, and raise their families. Constitution and Citizenship Day
commemorates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and recognizes all who have
attained the status of American citizenship. Constitution and Citizenship Day
highlights the value of citizenship and its significance to the democratic vitality of
our society. The City of Miami recognized Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC),
Catholic Legal Services (CLS), Center for Immigrant Advancement (CIMA USA),
Hispanic Unity, Florida Asian Services Center (FASC), The Immigrant Partnership
and Coalition Fund (IMPAC), the Office of New Americans (ONA), and the NALEO
Educational Fund for their role in promoting citizenship and supporting those
seeking to attain naturalization. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of
governance to proclaim September 13, 2018 a "Constitution and Citizenship Day"
in the City of Miami.
Chair Hardemon: We will now make presentations and proclamations.
Presentations and proclamations made.
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - Regular Meeting - Jun 14, 2018 9:00 AM
ORDER OF THE DAY
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the June 14, 2018 City Commission
meeting minutes?
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair. All in favor,
say "aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: That motion is approved.
Chair Hardemon: We will now begin the regular meeting. The City Attorney will
state the procedures to be followed during this meeting.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman. Good morning. 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
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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 wwwmunicode.com [sic]. Any person
making a presentation, formal request, or petition to the City Commission concerning
real property must make the appropriate disclosures required by the City Code in
writing. A copy of this Code section is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at
wwwmunicode. corn [sic]. The material for each item on the agenda today is available
during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and online 24 hours a day at
wwwmiamigov. corn [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 may 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. corn [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 Commission chambers. Any person
with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may
notify 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, if any, are either being withdrawn, deferred, or substituted. Thank you.
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice
Chairman --
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning.
Mr. Gonzalez: -- Commissioners, Madam City Attorney, Mr. City Clerk. At this time,
the Administration would like to defer and/or withdraw the following items: Regular
Item CA.2, to be deferred by the Chairman; PH.1, to be deferred by the Chairman;
PH.3, deferred to the September 27 meeting.
Chair Hardemon: Can you do me a favor?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir?
Chair Hardemon: Say the action first, and then -- wait, one second. Yeah, say the
action first, and then the item. And can you start over for me?
Mr. Gonzalez: I'm sorry.
Chair Hardemon: The action first, like deferral, withdrawn, continued --
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Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: -- and then the item.
Mr. Gonzalez: To be deferred by the Chairman, CA.2, PH 1; to be deferred to the
September 27 meeting, PH 3 and RE.8.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, for the record, for CA.2 and PH1, if I
could have the date that those items will be deferred to.
Chair Hardemon: CA.2, two meetings out.
Mr. Hannon: Sir, then that will be November 15. Is that acceptable?
Chair Hardemon: That's fine. It's the same thing for PH 1.
Mr. Hannon: Understood; November 15, PH 1.
Chair Hardemon: Are there any other items that need to be withdrawn, deferred,
continued?
Mr. Gonzalez: No. That's all have, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to --
Vice Chair Russell: Excuse me, just a moment.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by --
Vice Chair Russell: Do we have public comment (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Chair Hardemon: Not on deferral. -- been properly moved and seconded on the
deferral. All in favor, say "aye."
Samuel Dubbin: Mr. Chairman --
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries. Yes, sir.
Mr. Dubbin: There are a couple of dozen members of the public here, who reside in
downtown Miami, who appeared because the Ultra item was noticed on the
Commission agenda for the second time. It was deferred previously in July; evidently,
because Ultra didn't have the votes to prevail. So now it's been noticed again. It's
been discussed in the public. I'd like the people who came from downtown Miami to
speak on the Ultra item to please stand up. The community opposes a deferral, Mr.
Chairman. And if that issue is to be considered, the public has a right to address the
issue of deferral. These people have made arrangements to have a day off of work,
childcare, and taken considerable personal expense and effort to come down here to
talk about a matter of public importance, which was noticed, and which has been
extensively discussed, you know, by the participants, by Ultra, and by the members of
the community and members of the Commission, who have looked at all of these
issues.
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Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Dubbin: So I respectfully request that on the issue of deferral, the members of the
public who have come have a right to address that, because today is the day that
everyone's been noticed that this issue was corning up for a vote, and it should be -- it
should happen. And I respectfully also urge that the City Rule Section 2-33(c)(2)
certainly allow discussion of -- by the public of this issue, because it's a matter that
has been agenda'd [sic]. In the Miami -Dade County Citizens Bill of Rights, Section
A(5), under The Right to be Heard, allows members of the public to have the right to
speak to any matter within the municipal government's jurisdiction. This is within the
jurisdiction, so whether it's substantive, non -substantive, corning up today or not,
members of the public are here. I also want to introduce Mr. Bennett Brooks of
Brooks Acoustical [sic]. He's come down here from North Broward County. He is
the expert who was at the 50 Biscayne Building on -- at the last Ultra Festival in
March of 2018. He took sound recordings, which has been made a part of this record
previously, but we're going to put it in the record again, and he is here to testify
personally about the nuisance, the seriously harmful noise levels that are inflicted by
Ultra on the members of the residential community. So -- and he's come a long way,
and I think it would be important for this Commission to understand from him, who's
the expert, exactly what the consequences are of this festival on the local residents.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Mr. Dubbin: So we respectfully request the opportunity to speak. And I guess, Mr.
Clerk, if -- I have the items that I wanted to put in the record. If this is the time for me
to do it, I would like to do that, as well.
Chair Hardemon: You can still put those into the record. I want to say to you I
appreciate your recitation of the Citizens Bill of Rights, our governing documents
right here in the City of Miami, and particularly, the State statutes. But I will tell you
that when it comes to a motion for continuance, the members of the public do not have
a right to argue a motion for or against a motion for continuance. However, what
they do have a right to do is speak on any issue that's being voted upon by this body.
Today that issue is not being voted upon. They will have an issue to speak to this
body regarding the facts, regarding -- whatever personal statements they wish to
make regarding this item; just today is not that day. So we have a very full agenda.
That item has been continued; and so, what we're going to do is continue to move on
with our agenda, and then hear from members of the public when this item comes
about. That item, which is -- what is it? -- CA (consent agenda) -- oh, it's a PH
(public hearing).
Unidentified Speaker: It's a PH item.
Commissioner Gort: PH.3.
Chair Hardemon: PH.3. So PH 3 is not an item that's going to be -- it's not -- the
effect of that item cannot be come to without a resolution from this body; and so, the
members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on that.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Dubbin: Mr. --
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
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Vice Chair Russell: Absolute due respect, I would like to discuss the process, because
I did believe that it is our practice as a body to take public comment on all actions,
including the action of deferral --
Chair Hardemon: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- as long as the substance is not gotten into by the public
speaker, but the --
Chair Hardemon: No, no, no.
Vice Chair Russell: -- action of deferral, because I would like to hear what the
residents have come to say. These are all folks from my district, and I know that they
organized on their own to be here, because it was never mentioned that this would be
deferred. I think it all ties together with everything from the Bayfront Park Trust
budget that we're receiving today, our budget that we're enacting today. And, I mean,
I was okay with a deferral, but it -- on -- you know, if I could go back a few minutes,
which I can't, but I would really -- I don't think that we should be voting on this issue
before the Bayfront Park Trust itself weighs in on the issue, because the Bayfront --
the Ultra event is one giant contract in a sea of other contracts that the Bayfront Park
Trust holds; and so, for us to make a decision on that one contract without
understanding how the Trust is choreographing all of those events -- we're in the
dark, and our residents can be the ones that are left in the end showing -- holding the
short stick. So, you know, I was ready to vote actually "no" on this item today. The
fact that it's being deferred gives it another breath to get to the next meeting. But
these folks won't be able to mobilize every month that we defer this to come back. You
know, I respectfully ask that we hear from our -- hear from the residents on this issue.
Chair Hardemon: I think that there'll be enough residents of the downtown area here
to discuss this issue next time this issue is heard, and I'm not going to hear hours'
worth of testimony from anyone over the issue that I'm not going to be voting on. So if
we're going to hear this testimony, then we're voting on this item, and that's the only
way that see it.
Mr. Dubbin: Well, the --
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: I really understand what they're -- I mean, all the trouble that
they came through -- I mean, went through to be here, but we are not voting on this
item. But I know what you are -- I mean, I met with you guys and we talked about
this, and I heard all your concerns. But I side with the Chair; that we are not voting
now on this item, because we already -- there's no way that we can vote on this item.
And I also -- I believe also that our Vice Chair has a great point on it, that we have to
also be notified what is the intentions of the Bayfront Park Board. I mean, what's its
intention? But maybe we can find some sort of happy medium here. I don't think that
we will have the time to listen and hear all of you. And Mr. Chair, can we just let
them pick a couple of speakers and make your point, and make us aware of all of your
concerns is. And one of your concerns, which I spoke with you guys when you met
with me was about the amount of decibels that should be allowed, the hours of
operation, et cetera, et cetera, which I was going -- I was ready to address today, but
we can have just a prelude of what is going to be the next meeting. But I agree with
the Chair that since we are not voting on this item that we wouldn't have to listen --
hear all of your comments. You know, some of the comments, I agree that if the Chair
agrees to it.
Commissioner Gort: So --
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Chair Hardemon: So I don't --
Commissioner Gort: -- let me give you a suggestion. They can address during the
public hearing. They can address the reason why it should not be deferred --
Chair Hardemon: The --
Commissioner Gort: -- without going into the issue, because they need to understand
if you go into the issues here and we don't listen to the opposition, we can be -- end up
in court. You all know that, so we don't want to do that. But maybe we can give them
the opportunity -- I mean, I'm not a lawyer, but maybe we can give them the
opportunity to address why it shouldn't be deferred.
Chair Hardemon: I'm certainly willing to -- Look, this is about a continuance. I
want you to -- I want this to be very clear.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Hardemon: This is about a continuance. This is not about anything
substantive within that item. So if you have somebody -- and you've already stated
very clearly on the record, and you've spent this -- we've spent 10 minutes on this
already, regarding why there should not be a continuance. I don't necessarily see
why a layperson has to weigh in on whether or not there needs to be a continuance
when you represented them very well in saying that you need a continuance on this
item. And so, I just -- it just -- it does not make any sense to me as to why we should
allow other people besides yourself who you represented this group, to say why there
should not be a continuance.
Mr. Dubbin: I'll give you one example. Mr. Russ -- Commissioner Russell, who
represents my constituents and who I have a good working relationship with, he
suggested a proposition that the fiscal impact to this is a key element of the vote.
From the standpoint of the residents, that has nothing to do with the vote. This is a --
it's an illegal --
Chair Hardemon: That's not true.
Mr. Dubbin: -- conveyance of public land for a private use, which causes -- which
will cause a nuisance on the people who live downtown, and impose the cost,
supposedly, of a big, you know, advertising campaign for the City on them.
Chair Hardemon: But this won't happen unless we address the item, and right now,
we're not addressing the item.
Mr. Dubbin: Could I suggest a possible response to what Commissioner Reyes was
saying, which is it will be a public comment period? There are people here who've
come a long way. They may not be able to come to the next meeting. The rules
certainly allow the Commission to hear testimony; doesn't necessarily occur at the
same meeting at which the Commission will take official action.
Chair Hardemon: Now, so what that means -- and I'll be very clear what that means -
- it means exactly what we're doing right now. It's -- the statement that you just read
basically says that if we're taking action on an item that the members of the public
don't have the right to speak on that item on the day that the action is being taken.
What it says is that it can -- the people can speak about the item on any day prior to
that action item being taken, as long as they have the opportunity to speak on that
item. So, for instance, everyone who came here today, if they came and they spoke on
the record and I said to them, "Thank you for being here. You spoke on the record,
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and the next time this item is called up, you will not be allowed to speak on the public
item on that record, on that item, because the public comment is closed," we can do
that. That's exactly what that means. So in the City of Miami, we allow you ample
time to speak. We allow people to speak during PZAB (Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board). We allow people to speak during other board meetings. We allow people to
speak on first reading and on second reading. And so -- and we don't have to give
you that many times to speak. And so, basically, here, you're going to have an
opportunity to speak. We always allow -- for the most part, we always allow people --
every time an item comes up, if we vote on that item, you get -- you have the
opportunity to speak. But today we're not voting on that item.
Mr. Dubbin: May I confer with my client before you --
Chair Hardemon: Absolutely.
Mr. Dubbin: -- rule, sir?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: I do understand your urge to save time on a very busy day, but
considering this, I would move that we reconsider taking up Item PH.3 today.
(Applause)
Chair Hardemon: That means stop clapping, stop making noise. I'll be very clear
with you. It's not about the issue; it's not about who you are. It's all about efficiency
and respect in these chambers. In these chambers, as the City Attorney read earlier,
we do not allow any clapping. I understand that you may be in favor of one person
statement; someone may be in favor of another. And you have one side that's
clapping and you have another side that's clapping, and what it causes us is further
delay. So you've already caused enough delay, because you're not following the
procedures that are normally followed during this time period. So causing further
delay and having to explain this to you is not good for us to move forward, okay? So I
want you to understand that, because any sort of delaying of the procedures that are
being followed here or acts that are loud, et cetera, I don't care if they're clapping,
cheer, joy, tears, crying, you can be removed from the chambers. So I -- no one wants
to do that. We just want to follow the procedures that we've established. A motion
has been made. Is there a second to that motion?
Vice Chair Russell: And if I could, Mr. Chairman? In order to hopefully encourage a
second to the motion, my goal is actually to vote this down so it can be sent to the
Bayfi^ont Park Trust for them to review as a contract in context of all the other events
at Bayfi^ont Park Trust, and then brought back to us as a Commission once it has been
vetted by the body that actually manages those events. So my goal would be to hear
this today, "vote" no on it rather than deferring, let the Bayfi^ont Park Trust take it up,
and then it comes back to us, as it always has in years past.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved to reconsider. Is there a second? Seeing
no second, motion dies for lack of a second.
Mr. Dubbin: As far as seeing whether there are any people here who want to address
the deferral, as had been suggested, let me ask for a show of hands from the "Save
Bayfront Park Group," who will be -- Is there anyone here who wants to talk about --
address the question of deferral?
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Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Mr. Dubbins [sicJ?
Mr. Dubbin: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Unfortunately, a deferral is a procedural matter. The Chair has
already spoken on this matter. You know the Florida Statute allows that all these
people will have the opportunity to speak when this item is taken up.
Mr. Dubbin: I thought I understood one of the Commissioners to suggest a
compromise where some members here could address the question of the deferral and
that's --
Ms. Mendez: There wasn't a second to the motion.
Mr. Dubbin: I -- again, I didn't hear it as a motion as -- other than a conversation
where the public is trying to be heard, so --
Chair Hardemon: I think we've been more than fair in allowing you an opportunity to
plead your case. Maybe things will change when you -- when another Commissioner
comes to the dais. It looks like Commissioner Carollo is going to come, so maybe if
they sit tight, it may be a change in thought about all of this, okay?
Mr. Dubbin: Okay. Well, I suggest everyone stay for the time being.
Commissioner Gort: Sure.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: And public comment -- I'm sorry. Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Public comment obviously is allowed on both budgets that are
being considered today, but that's at 5?
Chair Hardemon: At 5.
Vice Chair Russell: That's at 5 p.m.
Chair Hardemon: Would everyone please have a seat. Well, here you can try.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Commissioner.
Chair Hardemon: Try.
Vice Chair Russell: Your ears were burning.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I wasn't going to let you all discuss this without me.
Mr. Dubbin: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You want further --? Good morning. Right now, the -- CA.2,
PH 1, PH. 3, and RE.8 were deferred. There was a motion that died for lack of second
to reconsider Item PH.3, which is the bid waiver for Ultra Music Festival. There was
an attempt to have people speak against the continuance, and then the Commissioner
of the second district wished to vote on the actual item today, so he moved to
reconsider, but it died for lack of a second. And so, what I -- the comment that I made
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was that if -- that we had another Commissioner conning, maybe he can get a second
from you about voting on the matter today, and that's where we are today.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: And Commissioner, the reasoning for my request to vote on this
today was actually to vote it down so it could be sent to the Bayfront Park Trust,
where I believe it can be vetted appropriately in context of all the events that are put
together, and then brought back to this Commission. In effect, it would be the same as
a deferral, but it would give more --
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, let me be very to the point. You fried to do
away with the Bayfront Park Trust. After the attorney from Ultra came to you and all
the minutes that they were transcribing at the time, she saw that I made a statement
that the Commission could do this. So she put the idea in your head so you could
have it in your back pocket, and this is why I brought the Ultra item up. This should
be decided here. I will gladly -- and I'll say this on the record -- follow through on
whatever the will of the Commission is. But this should be decided here. I don't want
this back and forth thrown. Let's find out what the will of this Commission is on the
item. Now, Mr. Manager, who asked for this to be deferred?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, I received a -- an email yesterday, late afternoon, from a Mr.
Albert Berdellans, who is representing Ultra Music Festival. I can read the email --
it's very short -- if you'd like me to.
Commissioner Carollo: I think it would be appropriate if you put it in the record --
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Mr. Manager.
Mr. Gonzalez: It says: "Dear Mr. Gonzalez: On behalf of the Ultra Music Festival
organizers, I respectfully request that Item PH.3 of the September 13 City
Commission agenda be deferred to the September 27, 2018 agenda. Thank you for
your prompt consideration in this matter. Albert Berdellans, Ultra Music Festival,
Ultra Worldwide." That was it, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Now you --
Commissioner Gort: But it wasn't the Commission that requested it?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir?
Commissioner Gort: It was not the Commission that requested it?
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I didn't request it.
Commissioner Gort: Make a motion.
Commissioner Carollo: You also told me, Mr. Manager, that the main elements that
had been worked out on the Trust for a contract to be voted on -- not that anyone was
going to vote on it or against it -- but the elements all of a sudden were changed; that
they wanted to pay some 250,000 more only. Now, based on all that, I'm going to say
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this to my colleagues; I will say this to the public that's here: I would be inclined to
give that deferral one time. I'm going to sit with you, Mr. Manager, the Trust director
and the City Attorney that represents the Trust also, and I'm going to make sure that
the elements that we put in there -- that was $2 million, a lot of guarantees, including
guarantees not like it's been in the past for the noise level, like there has to be -- in
case this Commission wants to vote for it are going to be put in that contract.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Obviously, the Commission could take everything away from
the contract and start anew, but at least from the Trust side, they're going to get
something that's businesslike; not the kind of contracts that Ultra got in the past. And
by the way, in the past, the five years that they've had recently, every one of those
years was done against our Code, because it was never brought for this Commission,
like I'm doing now, to approve, so that tells you a lot of what happened during those
years. So --
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, the attorney and I will be happy to sit with you and discuss this.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So that's my position, but it's up to this body to decide
how they want to deal with it.
Chair Hardemon: Right now, the item is being deferred, so.
Vice Chair Russell: I would like to hear it today, but it did not get a second, so,
Commissioner Carollo, it's up to you.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Russell, I think I was very clear. I am not
going to second it, because what I am not going to let happen -- that we play the
game, that you send it back; so then, whichever way it goes, you play "got you," and
then you want to come back here and blame us, so you could dissolve the Trust. Let
this body decide what it wants to do. The one thing that I will tell you and tell
everyone here, I am working very diligently so that for this corning fiscal year, we
either bring this year, or have contracts that will bring in some $10 million to the
Bayfront Park, Museum Park Trust that does not include these music festivals; that
will be more than sufficient for us to run the operations there. And anything that's left
over -- and there'll be quite a few millions of dollars left over -- will come back to the
City of Miami coffers, like it should. And for the record, that's why we sent $3 million
from the Trust to the City of Miami general fund this year, because there was money
way beyond what we needed. Even we didn't include Ultra in balancing our books for
this corning fiscal year, and we're still going to be able to balance it. And for next
year, we're going to be able to bring more dollars to the City of Miami. And this is
not something that I just came up with. This is something that I will -- always
believed in; this is why, when I was Mayor, for the first time in the City's history, the
Off -Street Parking Authority was forced to give all its additional revenue to the City's
general fund, and this is why we've been able to balance our books with that money
that's been corning, additional money from the Off -Street Parking Authority,
throughout all these years. I firmly believe in that; that whether it's Off -Street
Parking, whether it's Bayfront, Museum Park Trust and other trusts, these are
properties that -- and entities that belong to the residents of Miami; therefore, any
surplus funds should come to the general fund. They should not be left there so
whoever is the chairman of the board at the time, from time to time, could play king
and use all that money to throw away, and spend on who knows what, so I will not
second it for those reasons, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Well, I don't want to get in a fight with you, but it
seems that's exactly what's happening; that that trust is not -- that park is not a
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financial generator for the rest of the City. It is an amenity to the City as a park. And
these residents are here, because they're concerned. They're concerned that we're
voting on Ultra in a silo, and there are so many other events. They're concerned that
the funds are being swept out of the Bayfront Park Trust, and the reasons aren't clear
to them. So they're here to speak. They're here to oppose Ultra. And whether we
send it back to the Trust or not, that's why I wanted to reconsider it, because --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Vice Chair Russell: -- but it -- I'll just leave it at that. I understand there's no
second, and we will move on.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, I firmly believe that that park needs to be
kept open year-round. These are not my voters, but you know what? I have a
responsibility to them, too, and this is why I've been listening to them. I am one that
do not feel that this park should be kept closed two months out of the year, 45 days out
of the year, 30 days out of the year. That park should be kept open all the time for the
residents. And the kind of activities that we have there that can generate money, that
can generate millions of dollars between both parks, Bayfront and Museum, can be
activities that people can enjoy that are not going to create noise, disturbance to the
community, and are going to be shut down in appropriate times. So please do not try
to make my statements appear to be something else. The kind of activities that I am
looking to bring to the Trust are activities that I am sure none of the neighbors that
live in that area, none of the commercial retail places are going to have any problems
with. Their problem is that they have been having concerts until all hours of the
night. And, look, there's a big difference when you have concerts, that they might
have salsa at one time, then they have jazz the next; still loud, it's still going to bother
you, but this is not the same thing as everything you hear for four days -- because I'm
including the practice day -- is "tun, tun, tun, tun." I mean, you try that for an hour,
and you'll be hitting yourself against the wall with your head. You'll go batty. I
mean, frankly, when I went there on that one Sunday, we measured with what we had,
an app that one of my staffers had to measure sound, and what we got was exactly
what they came back with, with the experts that they had, that had put the professional
gear there. And I was there -- I don't know -- an hour and a half, two hours, and by
the time I left there, I had a headache already from, you know, that "tun, tun, tun."
You know, you can't sleep, you can't do anything. The only thing you could do is shut
your place down and leave until that's over. So I understand how they feel. And even
though they don't vote for me, I have a responsibility to them, because just because
we're elected to a district doesn't mean that --
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we don't represent all of the City, and we do have a
responsibility to all of the City.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: And I try to make my decisions based on that.
Vice Chair Russell: It sounds like we agree. Let's take it up and vote it down, then.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, before we get into that, there's three others
here. I don't know if you and I might be the only two in this; maybe not, maybe; that's
why I want to make sure that whatever comes before us here it's -- at least has the
best face on it. Right now, from what I'm seeing, this was rewritten by Ultra.
Chair Hardemon: Is there -- is --?
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Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner --
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- Carollo, I'm going to request that when you sit down and
you start working on the contract and how much you're going to -- and the conditions
-- I want you to stress the -- I mean, limit the decibels that it can be.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, we had that --
Commissioner Reyes: And also, we have -- I will suggest -- I also want you to do this,
take this into consideration, the hours of operation, and it shouldn't be past 10 at
night, and under no circumstances should go beyond that, and I don't -- we start --
let's start there and let's start lowering the noise, and let's see how we can find some
other place that they can go, or maybe we can start phasing them out.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, these are all the items that we had there.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you so much.
Commissioner Carollo: They seem to have disappeared; a lot of them have, and
others, I don't know. So I want to make sure, also, that before that final contract
comes up, the residents can have additional input on it. So I'm ready to start with the
Manager, the Executive Director of the Trust, and the City Attorney's Office right
tomorrow, and we could finalize this from our end by Monday, because we really had
it finished before. And then, we could send the residents a copy; we could send
Bayside a copy; we could send Ultra a copy.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Dubbin: Could the -- could a representative of the Downtown Neighbors
Association participate in the negotiations since the downtown residents are a real
party in interest to the entire event?
Commissioner Carollo: I -- let me say this: I have no problem from any input from
the residents, because I think you're the ones that have been suffering for years, and
you're the ones that have more right than anybody to give input. What I'd like to do
is, the minute that we finalize this, give it to you, then you come back and give us
input, and then I'll offer Ultra -- they could take it or they could leave it -- one more
meeting between a group of the residents and them to try to iron out -- I'm sure there
are going to be difference. I -- there are some that, you know, I just don't see how
they could be ironed out. But that I would do, and then we'll bring it up here. But we
basically have a short window between now and the next meeting. That contract,
really, from our side, we had the bulk of it done. From their side, it kept being
changed. So you'll have that opportunity. I mean, before we bring it up again, you'll
be able to give us input. And after you give us input, we'll set up a meeting that could
be between the residents; if you want, it could be with the Executive Director, myself,
and the City Attorneys Office, and I think the Manager's Office should participate.
And then, from there, we could have one final meeting with Ultra before it comes
here; the 23rd, right? The next meeting?
Mr. Gonzalez: 27th.
Commissioner Carollo: 27th. Okay.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
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Mr. Dubbin: Thankyou, Chair.
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Mr. Dubbin: Thankyou, Commissioner.
Chair Hardemon: You're very welcome, sir.
Mr. Dubbin: Thankyou, Mr. Chairman.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR REGULAR ITEM(S)
Commissioner Gort: Open the public hearing.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. We will now open for public
comments on the morning's agenda. This is any of the CA (consent agenda) items,
the PH (public hearing) items, the SR (second reading) and FR (first reading) items;
everything except Planning & Zoning and budgetary items. So if you're here to
speak on anything on today's agenda that is not related to this evening's budget or
our Planning & Zoning agenda, please come forward to the lecterns now. You'll all
be given two minutes to speak. Please say your name; you're free to state your
address. Mr. Bibeau.
Brett Bibeau: Thank you. Good morning, honorable City Commissioners. Brett
Bibeau, managing director of the Miami River Commission, with offices located at
1407 Northwest 7th Street. Mr. Chairman, if I can ask your indulgence, I do have a
comment on PZ.2, asking for a deferral. I know it's a PZ item. I'm unable to attend
this afternoon. Is there any way I could quickly read a letter into the record for the
chairman, please?
Vice Chair Russell: I will allow it.
Mr. Bibeau: Thank you, sir. I would like to distribute and read into the record a
letter from Chairman Aguirre, respectfully requesting a deferral of PZ.2 to the City
Commission's second meeting in November. "City Commission Resolution 00-320
requires any City Commission agenda item impacting the Miami River to first be
presented to the Miami River Commission in order to create an advisory
recommendation to provide the City Commission. The City of Miami did not notify
the Miami River Commission about today's City Commission agenda item PZ.2,
which would create a new potential for allowing, quote, 'gambling facilities' in the,
quote, 'D3 Waterfront Industrial and T6 Urban Core Zoning Designations,' both of
which have numerous parcels along both shores of the Miami River. Therefore, I
respectfully request deferral of the item, and cordially invite it to be presented to a
Miami River Commission Public Subcommittee meeting on October 15, 10 a.m.,
1407 Northwest 7th Street, followed by a public meeting of the full Miami River
Commission on November 5 at 250 Northwest North River Drive, at noon. Your time
and continued support for the Miami River District are appreciated. Thankyou."
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. At this afternoon's meeting, I will be asking the
Planning Department how the legislation directly relates to the river, and we'll make
a decision at that time. Thank you.
Nathan Kurland: Good morning.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning.
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Mr. Kurland: Nathan Kurland, 3132 Day Avenue. As many of you know, I'm a
professor at FIU (Florida International University), and I had a very strange
occurrence happen yesterday. I walked into my classroom, and there in the back
row was a young lady drawing with lipstick on her forehead. I walked up to her. I
said, "Excuse me, young lady. What are you doing?" She said, "Professor, I'm
trying to make up my mind." Ouch.
Vice Chair Russell: That was 30 seconds. You have a minute and a half more. Any
other good ones?
Mr. Kurland: This morning is one of those opportunities to speak about several
items, Commissioners. One of the items I'd like to speak about today is FR.7, the
increase of parking fees, almost 80 percent. The head of the Parking Authority is
quoted as saying, "That's not too much to bear for the citizens of Miami." Excuse
me. When you increase any kind of fee 80 percent, it's too much money. And the
people who are most vulnerable to those changes are the ones who can least afford
80 percent increase. I'd also wanted to speak about Ultra, in favor of Ultra, but not
going to speak about that today. As a past member of MSEA (Miami Sports and
Exhibition Authority) that you are hearing about today, disbanding, I think the end
result will be the same, but I truly believe the process should have been that the
board of MSEA meet, vote to abolish itself,• then bring that vote to you, as
Commissioners, to verb that vote by the members of MSEA. And finally, we have
had so many -- I see a lot of orange shirts here, and I appreciate the fact of what you
believe in. But quite honestly, the citizens of the State of Florida and we in the City
of Miami have voted ultimate -- with several referendums -- we have voted down
gambling each and every single time. I'm absolutely in favor of the 4/5ths vote, and I
hope that you will turn down more gambling in the City of Miami. Thankyou all.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Kurland. Mr. Ehrlich.
Peter Ehrlich: Thank you, Vice Chair. Peter Ehrlich, 720 Northeast 69th Street. I'll
speak briefly on three items. I agree with Nathan Kurland regarding MSEA. I hope
you do vote to abolish it, and I think if it -- the item had gone in front of the MSEA
Board, that board would have also voted to abolish themselves. I'm also -- I also
feel on FR.7, the parking fee increase, that maybe you could look at that a little more
closely. The projected increases might be a little high for the public. And I won't be
here in the afternoon, but I'm in favor of the 4/5ths vote on the -- regarding the
gambling. Thankyou very much.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, sir. Please feel free to line up at both lecterns, so
we'll go back and forth. That's fine.
Arnaldo Velez: Yes. Good morning. Arnaldo Velez, 35 Almeria Avenue, Coral
Gables, Florida, and I'm here to address FR.2. Historically, the main entrance to
the City has been the sea. The sea has been the main channel through which the
earliest inhabitants to the City came. It has allowed trade, tourism, the growth, and
provides the vitality by which this City has become the great city that it is. Without
the sea, one wonders if this City would be as prosperous as it is. January of 1926,
when the building boom was going on, a ship by the name of "PRINCE
VALDEMAR," loaded with lumber for the use in the boom capsized near Watson
Island. It blocked the channel and the turning basin and boats loaded with lumber.
Much of the lumber which was to be used for the boom could not get in, nor could
boats get out. It was blocked for six weeks, and it took the authorities in those days
that long to resolve the problem and clear up the mess. The result resulted in delays
of delivery of needed lumber, and historians agree that it caused a crash, an
horrendous economic situation to visit our city. From this, a lesson was learned:
Access to the sea and the need to oversee the sea with an appropriate overseeing and
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responsive agency was and remains important. With the recognized importance to
oversee, to promote the access, along with the desire to promote sports, conventions
and exhibitions, and to strive to generate community support, on July 28, 1982, the
Commission created the Miami Sports and Exhibit Authority. It's an autonomous
agency whose short name -- everybody calls it some other way, but it should be
"MC." MC consists of 13 members, one of whom is our Mayor, voting on an ex
ofcio, and the chairperson; the other are 12 learned people of the community that
are appointed by you. MC has a chief executive office -- officer -- who has, subject
to the directions of the agency, general supervisory powers; authority to retain
professionals, including lawyers and accountants, to assist it. Over the years, MC
has served its function well. It serves the community as the legal landlord of the
Miami Children's Museum, the Chalk Seaplane Air Base, and oversees the Watson
Island Heliport. It has leases, legal leases that could be called into question if you
abolish MC. MC is self-sustaining. It has a bank account into which revenues from
leases are deposited. It takes in $156, 000 a year. It also has reserve funds in excess
of a half a million dollars. MC's current Executive Director is Lourdes Blanco. She
was first appointed in December of 2014 as the interim director, and since of July
2015, has continuously, dutifully, and loyally acted as such; meeting its toils, its
obligations, serving its needs, as well as those of the City and its citizenry. She has
been watchful, overseeing its operations. Truly, MC has been responsive to the
purposes and objectives of its creation.
Chair Hardemon: Sir --
Mr. Velez: Long ago, I was taught that if something is not broken, well don't try to
fix it. MC is not broken. There is no need, reason, or sound basis to attempt to fix it
by erasing it. I implore you, and I'm here acting on behalf of Lourdes Blanco and
the citizens of this fair city to keep MSEA open, and let it remain. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Ma'am, you're recognized.
Marissa Amuial: Good morning. Marissa Amuial, with Akerman. Our offices are at
98 Southeast 7th Street. We represent eMiami Design District and Associates, and
affiliated entities with respect to the Miami Design District SAP (Special Area Plan).
We're actually here on item FR.7, regarding the increase in proposed parking rates;
particularly, the rates for the Design District would be raised significantly. The
monthly permits, for example would be -- would go from 75 to $110, and these
proposed increases for both on -street parking would significantly impact visitors,
and the monthly permit increase would primarily impact those that work in the area.
We've not been given the chance to provide our input or consider the significant
impacts of the proposed legislation, and would request a deferral at this time to give
stakeholders an opportunity to engage on the issue. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Sir.
David Polinsky: My name is David Polinsky. I'm a private developer in Wynwood
at 31 Northwest 23rd Street. I'm here to support -- to speak in support of FR.7, the
initiative to raise parking rates for on -street parking, citywide. Increasing rates
creates jobs and stimulates economic activity. When in the urban core, you can
encourage higher turnover in parking spaces and shorter stays in parking spaces.
You facilitate shoppers going down to shop, people going in to use the restaurants
for short periods of time, and you move drivers who are looking for longer stays into
parking facilities and monthly parking programs. In Wynwood, we take this very
seriously. We've been working hard to promote the creation of parking structures;
and most importantly, an employee parking program, which has now freed up 1,300
off -site spaces at low monthly rates. So I think raising the rates on -street is the first
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step in the direction of promoting economic activity and making our streets work
better. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Hello, ma'am.
Eileen Silio: Good morning. My name is Eileen Silio. I'm a resident of the city of
Allapattah [sic], and I am also a Florida real estate broker. The reason why I'm
here today is to show that I am in favor of implementing the Certificate of Re -
Occupancy Ordinance. Currently, there are six cities who have this ordinance in
place. Doral, Hialeah, and Miami Springs are some of the cities on that list. This
ordinance will ensure that properties being resold are being resold as their
respective property status. For example, if you are going to sell a single-family
home, but you have made additional construction additions without permits, then you
have modified that home to now be a duplex or a triplex. I believe that this is an
important ordinance, because it will help to preserve the single-family home nature
of many neighborhoods. If we continue to turn a blind eye to these illegal units
being added to properties without proper building codes, this will continue to aid the
deterioration of many of our neighborhoods. It is also a major life safety issue,
because many of these illegal units have kitchens and plumbing that have been
installed without proper inspections to make sure that these were built to Code. The
City of Hialeah, which is one of the cities that has this ordinance in place, has been
able to tame this problem, which was somewhat uncontrollable. I had firsthand
experience with how the process works when I sold a couple of homes in Hialeah.
Some may believe that this process can be a little bit cumbersome, because it's an
added step on your way to close a transaction and sell a home. However, I'm
confident that the City of Miami can find an innovative way to streamline this
process. In closing, I understand that there is an immense demand for housing in
our city, but allowing Miami to turn into a chop shop of illegal units is not the
solution. Thank you very much for your time.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
David Fleitas: Good morning, Commissioners. How are you all doing today?
Chair Hardemon: Fine.
Mr. Fleitas: I'm here in favor of the scooters for the City of Miami. I am a charger
for Bird, which basically means I am a self-employed person who goes out and picks
up the scooters at night, charges them and brings them -- sets them back out in the
morning. When you guys decided to take all the scooters away, I basically lost half
my income because of it. I have 34 other people that work with us in my charger
group. There's 34 of us that are not making any money at night anymore. Okay?
We used to pick them up at 8 o'clock at night, between 8 and 9 at night, and drop
them off between 4 and 7 in the morning. So the scooters were not randomly
scattered everywhere. They were not, you know, totally just -- you know -- just
randomly placed anywhere. I have a couple of chargers that are here with me today.
They don't feel comfortable speaking, but I'm speaking for them. I really would need
that, you know, if you guys would bring it back.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman, if I could just ask a question.
Mr. Fleitas: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Sir, what's your name?
Mr. Fleitas: My name is David Fleitas.
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. How much are you able to make on a given night
charging the scooters?
Mr. Fleitas: It varies. I usually do about 12 scooters a night, in a range of
anywhere between 5 to $20 per scooter.
Vice Chair Russell: Up to $20 per scooter?
Mr. Fleitas: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: All right.
Mr. Fleitas: So I usually do about 12; there are other guys that do 20. I mean, it
depends on how much you can put in your vehicle to take home and charge, and
have them ready to go in the morning. So, I mean, it's -- you know -- on an average
night, it's $90, you know.
Vice Chair Russell: That's good to know. Thank you.
Mr. Fleitas: You know, $90 times Jive, you know, it's a good chunk of change that
I'm not getting anymore.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Fleitas: Anything else?
Chair Hardemon: No.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Fleitas: Thank you. Have -- thank you for your time.
Chair Hardemon: Sir, you're recognized. The -- I know --
Dennis Dolton: Good morning, Commissioners. Thank you. Everybody from Miami
Jai Alai that's supporting us, please stand up.
Chair Hardemon: Now, I know you're here on a "P" -- it's a PZ item; is that
correct?
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Mr. Dolton: It's for Ordinance 13114.
Chair Hardemon: So what I'm doing is, I'm going to allow you all -- you two to
speak.
Mr. Dolton: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Because I know there are like -- for instance, the Miami River
Commission --
Mr. Dolton: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: -- they routinely come and speak on PZ items in the morning; they
do their two minutes, and they're gone. So what I'm saying is that I'm going to allow
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you two to speak to represent the group, because I know that you all
back during the 2 o'clock hour, so you're representing therm.
Mr. Dolton: Thank you, sir. My name is Dennis Dolton. I live
Projects in 22nd Avenue and 74th Street, in the City of Miami.
Hardermon, I think that's your district.
Chair Hardermon: It's outside, but --
Mr. Dolton: Oh, okay.
Chair Hardermon: But --
Mr. Dolton: It's right on the edge.
Chair Hardermon: -- it's just refreshing to hear you still call it that.
won't be corning
at Scott Carver
Commissioner
Mr. Dolton: All right. I'm a former University of Miami student athlete, having
played football, and I am now a professional jai alai player at Magic City Jai Alai. I
go by the name, "El Barba." I encouragingly invite all of you to watch us on
YouTube, or actually come down. It's a great time. I would like to speak against the
proposed change to Ordinance 13114 as it pertains to jai alai and a cardroorm. A jai
alai fronton in Edgewater would actually operate for two months of the year in the
summer months, and by the State statue [sic], a percentage of the cardroorm revenue
goes to jai alai prize money. This is estimated to be over $350, 000 in prize money
each year. Jai alai players receive a base salary and compete for prize money based
on performance. The prize money comes from cardroorm revenues only. Okay? We
get nothing from slot machines. And this facility would be only a jai alai fronton and
a cardroorm. This facility provides more opportunities for jobs, not only to former
University of Miami athletes like me, myself; hundreds of other jobs in the
cardroorms, security, food and beverage departments, and that's what we all
represent here. Thank you for your time, Commissioner. I hope this goes well, and
God bless.
Chair Hardermon: Thank you, sir.
Nate Brooks: Keon, Keon, what's happening?
Chair Hardermon: What's going on, brother?
Mr. Brooks: My name is Nate Brooks. I go by the name of "Nate the Great." I
promise I'm not going to talk about nobody from Cuba, blowing up ships at
gunpoint. This is a hell -- this is a real gangster meeting right here, y'all having in
here. I was like, "Man, hey, I just came here" -- "I come in peace, " you know what I
mean? But I will say this: You know, I play with the University of Miami
Hurricanes, so I had the opportunity to play with the 49ers, New England Patriots.
I'm from James E. Scott Projects. I went back to school, got my master's degree, and
I'm going for my Ph.D. I have seven companies right now. I'm going to read one to
you. What I think is, gambling on us, former Hurricanes -- since they're using the
word, "gambling," and I'm free -styling this, like a new Millennium, Marcus Garvey
or something, you know, but creating jobs as athletes. I talk to Warren Sapp. I wear
this ring all the time to remind me of Sapp. I have three rings. Talk to the Rock, Ray
Lewis, a lot of guys who -- who's millionaires now, and some of therm not. But I
guarantee you this: I don't hear no one speaking about the jobs they can create, the
way Nate the Great do. One of my drivers right now -- I'm going right into buying
semi -trucks, two of therm, you know. I'm talking about -- we talking about with 30
trucks and 30 trailers, that's making a million dollars a day. I met JZ personally. I
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know JZ. This is a different opportunity for me. You know, my dad marched with the
real Martin Luther King, you know. Keon, we know him. This is us now, you know,
whether it work or not. They can cry about their park. Scott Projects is gone
forever. The Orange Bowl, I can't even ride by and look at it. It's gone forever.
Things change. Toys 'R Us is gone. You know, the list goes on. But I guarantee
you, one of the ideologies that I have as a player is to continue to have fan
relationships, and the people here, one at a time, to guarantee -- I have a car
dealership. My son is Little Dre. Y'all probably heard the song, "Nice and Slow."
He's blowing up. Rick Ross is my homey. We have what we call "The Great
Government," which is my nonprofit organization, 501(c) (3). It's very important to
gamble on the 'Canes, us -- this the era right now -- so that we can create the jobs.
When will the athletes create the jobs? Well, right now, that what Nate the Great do.
We create the jobs. And the bigger this jai alai get, the bigger this will get for our
city and all over the country, because my company create jobs; that's what I do;
create 501(c)(3)'s. And from the nonprofit, they have the Manager Behavior
Program, you know. And you can order my book, "Black with no Excuses."
Worldwide, we don't blame the white man, the Cuban, the Jews, nobody. We don't
blame nobody; no excuses. So no guns, no taking no ships, none of that. You see
everybody in the orange, we come in peace, but if -- the bigger this get -- using the
word, "gambling," you put a negative stigma on it until you gamble on Great. Then
all of a sudden, you see us say, "Get them out of here," because every time we win,
we say, "Get them out of here." So the negative ideology on gambling, it changes
now. It's not the same gambling now, so get that out of your head. Get that out of
there. This is gambling -- And I talk to my kid. I tell him, black -on -black violence,
we challenge it, you know. Right on 15th Avenue -- Terry Elliott -- we live there --
Luther Campbell. We create each other. You understand? We love you, man. You
know what I'm saying? So if you thinking negative about gambling until this point,
you understand, highlight gambling on us, the 'Canes. And now, all of a sudden,
these little kids want to know, "Hey, what's a Cesta [sic]?" They want to know,
"Hey, where is Spain? What's going on?" And these -- it's not negative; it's positive.
But if they're going to -- hey, I'm not -- they crying about they, you know, building
something. What if they say, "Hey, we going to tear it down"? Then they could feel
our pain. They tore Scott Projects down. They tore out -- the tore the Orange Bowl
down. So we building this up and we creating jobs. And if anybody want to
challenge, if they can create -- everybody who got on a mike and be talking, right
now I done got three drivers. We buying semi -trucks. I call myself the Jimmy Hoffa
of the trucking industry. I love y'all, man. We trying to create jobs. We 're not
trying to; this what I do. If you want to see the bank account, come sit down with me
right now. You'll see my numbers, all right? And my mama always say, "Yo, don't
get in no politics." Like the Mayor say, "The best way to exist is for them not to
know you exist." But y'all want to talk about jobs and helping people, and creating
it, let's do it. But the truth is -- come on, man. You know, people who -- how they
living it, they really don't care, so, you know, they want to relax.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Brooks: But, if we want to make America great again, let's do it. You know
what I'm saying?
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Brooks: All right. I love y'all and y'all come check us out, and get 'em out of
here. All right?
Chair Hardemon: All right, brother. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
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Chair Hardemon: Is there any other person that's here for public comment? How
are you doing, sir?
Ignacio Vega Penichet: How are you?
Chair Hardemon: I might hold you to two minutes.
Mr. Penichet: I'm sorry?
Chair Hardemon: Nothing. Go ahead.
Mr. Penichet: My name is Ignacio Javier Vega Penichet, and I'm the president of
Chalks Airline, with offices at 1000 McArthur Causeway, Miami. I would like to
start by saying that Chalks will never oppose any proposal seeking to improve the
way in which the City runs its business. And if the City Administration has
determined that MSEA is no longer necessary and that its current functions may be
carried out more effectively and efficiently directly by the City, Chalks will not
oppose any ordinance by the City Commission in such regard as long as such
ordinance is not poorly drafted, configurated [sic], and/or adopted in a way that
could end up inadvertently interfering with or jeopardizing Chalks' or anyone else's
rights. In this regard, in a memo given in response to our City Manager's request
for advice on such a matter, Assistant City Attorney George Wysong assures that for
the City to assume or take over MSEA's responsibilities under MSEA's existing
leases, the existing interlocal agreement between the City and MSEA would have to
be terminated, and new agreements entered between the City and MSEA's former
sub -tenants. And we completely disagree with such statement, because nothing
refrains or prohibits the City, MSEA and our MSEA sub -tenants from voluntarily
agreeing to the attornment of all such subleases to the City without the need of
terminating the interlocal agreement, or without the need of entering into new
agreements; exactly in the same way, for instance, that the interlocal agreement has
been amended from time to time by the City of Miami and MSEA, and such
amendment never required the termination of the existing subleases or the entering
into new ones. Unfortunately, the proposed action or the City's proposed ordinance,
as currently drafted, contemplates the abolishment of MSEA, and that necessarily
produce a time gap, no matter how small it ends up being, between the termination
of the interlocal agreement on one hand, and the execution on the other hand of the
new leases, since the City, without MSEA, would not be legally in a position to
actually sign and execute the new leases until the interlocal agreement is terminated.
And regardless of how much time such process actually takes, we, Chalks, as a
public -use airport operator, would rather not be in such a position, since the matter
at stake is for the City to assume and take over MSEA's current responsibilities,
because such functions will be carried out more effectively and efficiently directly by
the City, which does not necessarily require the abolishment of MSEA. And on the
other hand, since there is no express willingness to interfere with existing sub-
tenants' rights as provided by -- in Article 22 of the existing interlocal agreement,
but to the contrary, the City seems to be willing to assume all obligations and
liabilities of MSEA, as indicated in the proposed ordinance, I would respectfully
request from the City Commission that any ordinance to be adopted on this matter be
subject to and conditioned upon, as a condition precedent, to the prior execution of
the relevant attornment agreements, and that MSEA's abolishment, which is not
required to achieve such purposes, be postponed to a later date until such time that
such attornments have been completed. And having said that, I will confirm to avoid
any doubts that Chalks is willing and able to immediately agree to attorn to the City,
so thank you very much.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
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Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): So in short --
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Ms. Mendez: -- you don't object unless -- as long as your rights are still intact,
correct? In short?
Mr. Penichet: As a condition precedent, yes.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Mr. Penichet: That our rights are not affected in any way (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, I wasn't appraised of this aspect of it. I've
been in favor of doing away with MSEA since, frankly, MSEA had nothing to do
anymore. When the old arena was sold, the Panthers left, and we built a new arena
for the Heat, that's when all the money stopped corning to MSEA. But what he said
here today made a lot of sense, so I don't know, Madam City Attorney, if we need for
this item to be deferred for that to be straightened. If that's what we need, I don't
mind bringing it back the next meeting, but this concerns me, what he said here
today.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Manny Prieguez: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Manny Prieguez, 4000
Malaga Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133. I'm here representing Magic City Casino.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, so you have a conflict of interest.
Mayor Francis Suarez: Did you guys already defer this one?
Mr. Prieguez: Say again?
Commissioner Carollo: You have a conflict of interest.
Mr. Prieguez: How so?
Commissioner Carollo: You 're representing Magic City Casino, so I'm just getting
it on the record. I'm teasing you, I'm teasing you. Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead.
Mr. Prieguez: I was -- you know, I'm not an attorney.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm teasing you.
Commissioner Gort: Relax.
Mr. Prieguez: And I forget, he's not -- I always think he's -- I get nervous enough
when I have Commissioner Carollo so close to me, and then, you know, he springs
these things on me.
Commissioner Carollo: Go ahead (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Mr. Prieguez: Thank you, Commissioner. I'm here to respectfully request that FR.3
be deferred. The Magic City Casino has been continuously operating the largest
food truck gathering not only in Miami -Dade County, not only in the State of
Florida, but I would dare say in the entire country. We've been doing it for nine
years. It's been very, very successful. The neighborhood has been very, very
supportive, and there's just certain things with the ordinance that are unclear to us
that may have unintended consequences, and I think it would be prudent for us to
take two weeks so that we can proffer language to our Commissioner, to the district
Commissioner, and hopefully, you know, we can iron things out, because we're
generally in favor of what Commissioner Gort is attempting to do. So with that, I
thank the Commission.
Commissioner Carollo: I compliment Commissioner Gort for what he's trying to do.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: It's been needed for a long time.
Commissioner Gort: There's the first reading that's going to be taking place, and I
understand that there is certain things that will need to change. I, myself, I have a
problem with some of the language. I don't know if it was done on purpose or not,
but there need to be some changes in it.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And Commissioner Gort --
Commissioner Gort: We can take it after 5 -- I mean after 2. It's a PZ (Planning &
Zoning) item.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: No; FR.3.
Commissioner Gort: Which one are you talking about?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. This is first reading only.
Commissioner Gort: First reading.
Commissioner Reyes: First reading only, and then I would like to work with you on
it, because, as Mr. Prieguez was expressing, the -- we have to iron a couple of
things. You see, when there's gatherings and -- such as in Magic City Casino, there
is a true -- and also, I -- every time that I have movie nights and all of that, we bring
the trucks. But I do understand what you're saying.
Commissioner Gort: My problem is the designated certain area in the river --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gort: -- they should not be in there. They should not be there at all.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, okay.
Commissioner Gort: Now, talking about the Central Plaza and all the business, no
one here has helped those people more than myself. If you go back to the original
owners, they can tell you how much I've been involved in trying to help them.
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Commissioner Reyes: One suggestion that I want to make, if possible, that we go
there --
Chair Hardemon: Can we do this? Can we allow --
Commissioner Gort: We'll do it when it comes up.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, okay.
Chair Hardemon: -- the public comment to complete so we can --? Yeah.
Mr. Prieguez: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Mr. Albert Gomez: Yes. First, FR. 6. I'm really happy that you guys are addressing
derelict vessels and things. Anything that addresses watershed that you start taking
in account governing watershed is important. You're going to deal with that more
often in the next five years, so I just applaud you putting that on there. FR.8, it's
important to keep the committees that are important. I think sea level rise is
important. I'm a sitting member, butt honestly feel that it's an important committee;
just keep that on. RE.9 -- oh, before that, on RE.1 through 6, I just like that the
Mayor is supporting hyper -local groups. You know, they're the ones in the
community doing the work, and we should really -- all of you should really advocate
on your local groups, and we should see more of this, of the City reaching out and
helping out local groups. RE.9 is something that I am intimate with. I remember it
corning up in my committee, but as a citizen, I've also sat at the Virginia Key
meetings, and what I would say to that is that I appreciate where it references the
environmental -sensitive manner of operating the marina, but what I would say is that
you guys are still in process of adjusting Code on free board and different sea level
rise regulations on how to best build that marina up. And there's been a lot of back
and forth on this, and I don't see anything with regards to that, and the Code has not
been modified to adjust for sea level rise yet. So what I'd like to see is if maybe you
can write in that at least that this marina will be redeveloped with the projected sea
level rise standards. I don't see it in here, and I think it'd be a mistake to do that, so
thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, ma'am.
Marin Kim: I'd like to speak on FR.2. I know a motion has just been passed, but I'd
like to enter a statement for the record if the Chairman will allow me to do so. I will
leave it under minutes.
Chair Hardemon: I wish you would have written the statement down and passed it
to the Clerk.
Ms. Kim: I have it in writing, but I'd like to read it if that's okay with you. Thank
you.
Chair Hardemon: Just because you spend so much time with us.
Commissioner Gort: Name and address.
Ms. Kim: Yes, and my address, sure. My name is Marin Kim, and I am here on
behalf of Nautilus Enterprises, at 1000 McArthur Causeway. Irrespective of this
Commission's decision today, which I know has been a deferral, I would be remiss
not to put on the record that, as an affected party, there has been very little
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transparency or information regarding the transition process for abolishing MSEA.
This lack of communication raises troubling questions as to how the City
Administration expects to assume the legal and financial obligations of MSEA when
no such plan has been shared with the public, and least of all, the interested and
affected parties that have contractual relationships with MSEA and the City. I'm not
going to ask whether the Commission knows that this transition implies as I do not
know if the Commission has received all the appropriate information to answer these
questions. In the last 10 months, in violation of the City Code, only one MSEA
meeting has taken place under this new Administration; a meeting that failed to
address the three following points, which are all interrelated: First, as some of the
Commissioners are aware, in the last couple of meetings of MSEA, individual board
members have questioned whether MSEA has ever approved one of the sublease
agreements, and not one of the board members present at that meeting stated
otherwise. I think that the Commission needs to consider that the automatic
attornment of a potentially non -valid agreement now could result in the very
validation of such agreement, and an agreement that, today, under any other
scenario, would require a public referendum as waterfront property. Secondly, as
the MSEA audio recordings of 2017 attest, there have been serious questions
regarding the financial accounting of MSEA. The 2017 fiscal year financial audit by
a certified external accountant reveals certain findings and financial reports that
have not been discussed or approved by MSEA or the City Commission, despite the
possible consequences such findings could result in. And lastly, depending on
whether the findings in such statements are valid or not, the restriction of funds by
MSEA in the past may or may not have been appropriate; thus, the disbursement of
$200, 000 in restrictive funds loaned from the general fund, which, at that time,
represented a significant part of MSEA's funds to a private party, should be
reviewed, particularly if those monies were to be considered public funds. At the
heart of the matter is a question of democratic process and transparency. As
recently as last month, the City Attorney's Office and the City Manager personally
have expressed to aviation authorities the desire to have the City of Miami manage
an airport; a responsibility that several Commissioners here and the MSEA Board
have rejected repeatedly, and that would be in conflict with agreements with the
State of Florida, as well as the tenants on Watson Island; not to mention that such
undertaking would require resources and expertise that the City would have to
assume. Most importantly, the City needs an airport that they need to manage, and
currently, the City does not have anything. So I would just like to conclude by saying
that as this deferral has taken place that the Commission ask the City Administration
these tough questions and to ensure that you are receiving all the information,
because what I would not want to happen is for the City Commission to approve
something under the guise of a noble intent only to create more legal problems for
the City. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're welcome.
Vice Chair Russell: That was three minutes.
Chair Hardemon: It was. You're recognized, sir.
Adrian Delgado: Good morning, everybody, Mr. Chair, Commissioners. So my item
-- sorry. My name is Adrian Delgado, and my address is 2101 Brickell Avenue. The
item I'd like to address today is FR. 7; 4588, on the ordinance related to parking. So
I'm going to just read off this letter I wrote. There's no doubt that the parking system
as it stands today is totally inefficient, and currently putting an unfair load on the
City's finances. I, however, would like to say that I think it'd be a mistake to
implement the ordinance set forth today for a variety of reasons; the main reason
being that for one, it actually shifts the costs of parking from the City to businesses,
local businesses, and the way it actually does that is because by pricing out potential
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customers during demand surges and things like that, potential customers will not
want to go to certain neighborhoods, won't want to consume; therefore, that would
actually cause a decrease in sales tax revenue. And I also believe that it causes a
unfair burden on students, such as myself, who -- you know, we're already dealing
with cost of living; and senior citizens, as well. Furthermore, I think, also, the
ordinance is very -- too complicated, requiring censors and data analysis. That's
definitely a consultant windfall. I think that although this would probably be very,
very good for the consultant firms that are being hired, I think that's just an
unnecessary expense, and I don't see why the City should place that on the taxpayer.
Instead, I think I'd like to make a -- you know -- random proposal here. We should
be making maybe parking in the City of Miami more affordable by doing a -- by
having universal parking credits to stimulate local businesses, reduce the high cost
of living, high transportation. So we already have pay -by -phone, but through pay -
by -phone, every resident would receive this credit, making this program easier to
implement than the ordinance on the City's agenda today. So, for example, it'd be
like a monthly or yearly universal parking credits. Maybe seniors and students
could have fi^ee parking; maybe have some kind of tag that's authorized by the City.
And this would actually be better, because it would actually encourage customers to
go to certain neighborhoods and consume; and then, therefore, it'd be higher tax
revenue via sales tax; which, from what I checked, is actually a higher portion of
receipts than parking tickets. I could be wrong about that, though. So I'd just like to
very -- you know -- speak my mind as a student, and please consider this proposal.
Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: We appreciate you corning down. Sir.
Freddy Delgado: Chair, Freddy Delgado, 2980 Northwest South River Drive.
Commissioner Carollo: You're not a student, right?
Mr. Delgado: I am not a student at this moment, no.
Chair Hardemon: Maybe next month.
Mr. Delgado: Not yet. I'm always a student of life, though. I'm here for several
reasons. I am going to speak on FR. 7 briefly, but I'm here to thank the whole City's
negotiating team, all the Commissioners, the Mayor, everybody involved in the City's
negotiating team. We yesterday reached a tentative agreement that puts eight and a
half years, hopefully, behind us. And it's ironic, because we're talking about FR.7,
and one of the reasons we got in the situation in 2010 is because the City never tried
to look at other sources of revenues. And even though some people may say, you
know, raising a parking rate may hurt someone, what -- people are about to receive
a $25,000 extra homestead exemption, which are the poorest people in the City of
Miami, and that's going to probably help them a lot more than any parking rate
might hurt them; which most of the senior citizens that visit, they don't go and park
in any of these -- you know -- public parking. So -- but more than anything, I want to
thank everyone for supporting us. The employees went through a lot, and so did the
residents in 2010, and I think it's very forward thinking to be looking for other
revenues. I've spoken with many Commissioners, and the Administration; that we're
looking at all sources, so if something in the future were to happen, we do have other
sources of income. And that's all.
Chair Hardemon: Sir. You're recognized, sir.
Al Dotson: Mr. Chairman, my name is Al Dotson, with Bilzen Sumberg, offices at
1450 Brickell Avenue, and here to speak in relationship to RE.9 and RE.10, related
to the Virginia Key Marina Project. You may not know, but today, this morning, the
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courts entered another order in favor of the City of Miami. In fact, the three judge
panel rewrote its earlier order and even gave further rebuke to the arguments of the
current incumbent and the disgruntled proposer, BMP. It upheld the City's process.
It has now been upheld twice by that three judge panel. It's up -- it's been upheld by
the most experienced hearing examiner in all of Miami -Dade County. You've had
two evaluation committees select our client, Virginia Key, LLC (Limited Liability
Company). You had the Virginia Key Advisory Board stand in front of you in
support our client and this project. And on the point that was made earlier, you
probably know that whatever Code you pass and whatever process you put in front
of us, we must comply with the Code, even if it's not in existence today as relates to
development along the coast. With respect to RE.10, you know that your Code, City
Code 2-112 has a time period within which a item must be approved and put on the
ballot, but that only relates to when you are amending the Charter. We are not
seeking to amend the Charter by asking for this referendum, so you can approve
today RE.9 and RE.10, and place it on the ballot of your choice. We wish that we
would move forward. The City is losing millions of dollars by allowing the current
operator to continue to pay under market rate. You have an agreement that has been
approved by the Manager now twice, awarding to us. There's nothing holding us up,
because when we last met, what you said, "We want to see what the courts have to
say." And now the order is final, and the courts have now said that the City process
was fair, the decision was right, and now it's time to award that contract. That's
what you said the last time we were here, and we're now ready to move forward.
Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, I need to ask counselor a question.
Mr. Dotson: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Seeing one problem in what you're asking, counselor.
Mr. Dotson: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: For the November election, the Supervisor of Elections of
Miami -Dade County said that we can't put anything else in the ballot.
Mr. Dotson: And that we're aware of sir.
Commissioner Carollo: So unless your client is willing to pay for a special election,
the next available election won't be until November 2019, over a year from now.
Mr. Dotson: Of that we are aware.
Commissioner Carollo: So my --
Mr. Dotson: Both of paying for a special election and the time --
Commissioner Carollo: -- question to you is -- and I don't know if you have the
answer -- is your client willing to pay for a special election?
Mr. Dotson: Be happy to talk to them about it. We had that conversation prior to
the first time this went out to bid, and we won. We were ready to do that; pay for a
special election.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, it would be good before we would vote in this item if
you would have an answer for us.
Mr. Dotson: Be happy to do that.
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Ms. Mendez: I understand Mr. Dotson's position; however, there's still a 30-day
appeal period. I would not recommend at all for this Commission to award anything
today. The minute that you award something, vested rights attach, and then you will
really be tied with whatever you do in the future.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Ms. Mendez: So I would ask that at least you wait for the 30-day appeal period time
to run so that we know where we're standing at that time.
Commissioner Carollo: One last question. Maybe the Administration could answer.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort had a comment, please.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, okay. Sure, it's fine.
Commissioner Gort: I'm the one that requested to -- not to be pulled out.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gort: Because I think the statement that has been made is very fairly,
and I have a suggestion that could take care of the problem.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Gort: Let's address it when the thing comes.
Commissioner Carollo: Sure. How long has this issue been going on for? The -- I
mean, I certainly wasn't here when it started, not in the first, not in the second RFP
(Request for Proposals); neither was Commissioner Reyes. How long has it been
going on for?
Ms. Mendez: I would say close to three -- well, this one in particular, or the RFPs in
general? We've had two RFPs --
Commissioner Carollo: In general. I know you had two RFPs.
Ms. Mendez: I would say about three years.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And then this one in particularly.
Ms. Mendez: Maybe counsel remembers.
Commissioner Carollo: And this one in particularly, for how long?
Ms. Mendez: This one for about a year and a half, I believe.
Mr. Dotson: It was issued February 17, 2017.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. That's about a year and a half, approximately. And
my question is, there's a big gap between what we're getting now and what the
winner of the RFP is offering. Has the City Administration -- and Emilio, I know
you're new here, so you've only been here for a smaller portion of that year and a
half, but has the previous Manager or this Administration done anything to meet
with the corporation that presently has this lease that's expired, and they're just, you
know, day to day, to get any additional monies from them? Because at the end of the
day, what I see is we have several choices to make. And, you know, the only one that
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I'm not going to be in favor of is the one that we're going to keep getting the same
amount of money, as we did in the past. I can't be asked to raise fees for parking or
anything else and then we got money that's sitting on the table that we're not doing
anything about it.
Commissioner Gort: Commissioner, that's why my suggestion is let's discuss when
the item comes in front of us --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gort: -- because I have some ideas that would go along with it.
Vice Chair Russell: Agreed. We are in public comment right now. We're about to
close, and that is item RE.9 and 10, and we'll definitely continue the discussion then,
and we may even call you up to speak more about it at that time.
Mr. Dotson: Just finish my public comment in less than a minute -- less than 30
seconds?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes; you have 33 left.
Mr. Dotson: There's one other point that you should know: That the current
operators did not go through a referendum to remain on that property. We believe
that they're not there legally, and we want to put that on the table as you consider
what you do next. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, sir.
Miguel de Grandy: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Commissioners. Miguel de
Grandy, on behalf of Biscayne Partners. As was briefly discussed here -- and I'll
keep my comments brief till the item comes up, and if you want to entertain further
comment -- there is no emergency here at this point. If the earliest election is in
2019, there is an appeal period, there is a settlement agreement in place that says
that the current operator has the right to occupy that space until all appeals are
exhausted. That has not occurred yet. You have other issues that I could get into
more detail. You have Charter issues at this point, because what the court initially
said was that, yes, property that was not part of the RFP was used, and said it was
used by everybody. But your Charter tells you that you cannot proceed on a
procurement where additional property other than that which was solicited is
incorporated into the deal. You have issues of a stale appeal -- excuse me -- of a
stale appraisal. You have all sorts of difficult issues here to run through. To
Commissioner Carollo's point, I could tell you that the current provider would be
amenable to sit down and discuss those issues. There are two components. There's
the City Marina and this -- the marina that's currently being operated. When you
amalgamate those incomes and look at it from the composite perspective, which is
what this RFP was planning to do, you have pretty much apples to apples in terms of
income. But certainly, the current provider is amenable to sit down with the City
and discuss those issues. But at this point, the bottom line is there's no fire drill.
There's no emergency. There's no capability to proceed until 2019. And so, I think
that you should follow the advice of your City Attorney and not proceed at this time -
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Mr. de Grandy: -- until those legal issues are resolved. And I thank you for your
time.
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Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, if I could ask the Manager to --
Chair Hardemon: Before we get into that, is there any other person that wants to
speak on public comment? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public comment at
this time.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Manager, could you have for us this afternoon before
we deal with this item what the present contractor that we have there is providing the
City in revenue on a monthly, yearly basis; both, if you can? And then, what is the
City dry dock marina next door that will be part of this new contract -- how much is
that providing to us so that I could see if what counselor has proffered is accurate or
not; that if you combine both of those, it's pretty much equal to what was put out in
the REP by the winner of it?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Sure. I'll have that for you right after lunch.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Well, I've asked for that for a week now, so -- because I want to
see a comparison. The same data --
Chair Hardemon: Let's get it done.
Commissioner Gort: -- I've been asking for.
Mr. Gonzalez: I will get that, also, to you, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Let us get it done.
Commissioner Gort: So let's make sure we get it.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Hello, sir.
Javier Correso: Mr. Chairman, I have one more public comment.
Chair Hardemon: I closed the public comment, but tell me who you are. Are you an
attorney?
Mr. Correso: No. It's Javi Correso, with Uber, on item FR.1, the scooter ordinance.
Chair Hardemon: All right.
Mr. Correso: Thank you. I'll first -- go ahead. Okay, appreciate it.
Chair Hardemon: Are you an attorney?
Mr. Correso: I'm not.
Chair Hardemon: You're just a regular Joe corning to speak?
Mr. Correso: No. I represent Uber.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Chair Hardemon: You represent Uber?
Mr. Correso: Yes, correct.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Do you have a written statement?
Mr. Correso: I do have a written statement. It's very quick; it's no more than a
minute and a half.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. I will allow you to do it. But I want everyone to
understand, if you're not here right now, public comment is going to be closed. So
you have the minute and a half while my dear friend, Commissioner Carollo is
looking over the agenda; all right, sir?
Mr. Correso: Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First, I'd like to thank
Commissioner Russell for taking this initiative to improve mobility here in our City.
As you all know, the transportation sector is rapidly evolving, beginning with ride
sharing, and now moving on to motorized bikes and scooters. Uber is the originator
and leader in the mobility innovation space with over 1.5 million users taking a trip
with us here in Miami throughout the last three months. We're in a unique position
when it comes to these new modes of transportation, because our riders can already
open within our app (application) and have access to affordable, green and
convenient options, all at the push of a button. In San Francisco and Washington,
D.C. (District of Columbia), our electric bikes have proven that these motorized
devices are our replacement for our car use and becoming a true point of point
solution for commuters. We've also done this in a very satisfactory manner, with a
high record of compliance in these markets, ensuring public safety when it comes to
sidewalks and roads. We'd like for the City of Miami to follow the lead of every
other major metropolitan city in the country, which is to allow residents to have
access to both mobility options, electric bikes and electric scooters. The City has
invested a lot in bike lanes and infrastructure throughout the last few years, and we'd
love for our riders, particularly those in the urban core, to have access to these new
modes of transit. So we look forward to working with each of you, Commissioner
Russell and the Administration, to jointly innovate, grow mobility options for our
residents, because these new modes of transportation are filling in a lot of gaps in
our transportation ecosystem. Thank you very much.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Gonzalez: Mr. Vice Chair? I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager.
Mr. Gonzalez: I'll let her speak.
Vicky Leiva: I'm sorry. It's more of a question. I just heard "electric bikes" and
electric bikes are not part of the item that has been noticed. The item that has been
noticed --
Mr. Correso: You can take it at the item.
Ms. Leiva: -- is an ordinance strictly --
Chair Hardemon: All right. Let us get there. Right now, we're not there. Right
now, that was just public comment. He said what he said and --
Ms. Leiva: All right.
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Chair Hardemon: -- when we get to the item, we'll be able to address any question
that you might have --
Ms. Leiva: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: -- because --
Commissioner Gort: There'll be a lot of questions when the item comes up, don't
mind.
Ms. Leiva: Thank you.
MV - MAYORAL VETOES
(Pursuant to Section 4(g)(5) of the Charter of Miami, Florida, Item(s) vetoed by the Mayor shall be placed by the
City Clerk as the first substantive item(s) for City Commission consideration.)
NO MAYORAL VETOES
Chair Hardemon: Are there any mayoral vetoes?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there are no mayoral vetoes.
END OF MAYORAL VETOES
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PA — PERSONAL APPEARANCE
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
4634 PERSONAL APPEARANCE REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF
ADVERTISING ON OUR CITY TROLLEYS BY ORLANDO
GUTIERREZ, FROM THE ASAMBLEA DE RESISTENCIA CUBANA.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PA.1, please see
Item NA.1.
Chair Hardemon: I have a personal appearance by Mr. Orlando Gutierrez. Is he
present?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardenzon: Mr. Gutierrez?
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Gutierrez.
Chair Hardenzon: You have four minutes to address --
Commissioner Reyes: I was the one that asked for this appearance, and I want to
explain why. Mr. Gutierrez and a group of -- what I call "freedom fighters," people
that have spent all their lives trying to get a homeland and trying to get Cuba free,
and these people, they have been very active, and they have done everything that is
possible to try to ex -- I mean, advertise the suffering of the Cuban people, and why it
shouldn't be proper to go to Cuba and to contribute to the -- that dictatorship that
those funds are used on the repressive system that they have. That's what pay for the
police, secret police and the army, and all of that. And it was requested by them and
-- to place an advertisement in a trailer -- I mean, in one of the trolleys -- and it was
denied, and they want to express their concern and why they think that it should be
accepted. Mr. Gutierrez, please.
Orlando Gutierrez: Good morning. Thank you, Commissioner Reyes. I want to
thank the Commission for taking your time to listen to what we have to say. As
Commissioner Reyes said, my name is Orlando Gutierrez. I am here with the
Assembly of the Cuban Resistance. A few weeks back, some of the main
organizations of the Cuban exile community -- Alpha 66, Brigade 2506, Mar Por
Cuba, Cuban Liberty Counsel, the MRR, the 30th of November, the Directorio, the
Cuban Municipalities in Exile of Democratic Circles -- and we have leaders here --
I'd like them to stand up -- and representing these organizations. We launched an
Educational Human Rights Awareness Campaign about the consequences of cruise
tours into Cuba. This campaign is inspired by the Angel and the Plagues on City
Campaign against South African Apartheid in the 1980s. We have put up billboards,
carried out press conferences, placed radio and TV ads, carried out protests, TV and
radio programs, and we have received widespread community support. We are
trying to raise awareness about the fact that cruise tours into Cuba is -- hurts, harms
the Cuban people for three reasons: It directly contributes to the military, which is
in charge of repression in Cuba. It exploits Cuban workers who don't have the right
to organize freely and who cannot be hired directly or freely by any company. And
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
in the third place, because those docks are stolen, cruise tourism to Cuba is dealing
in stolen property. We requested to pay for advertising in the City trolley, because it
goes through key areas in the City, and we were denied that advertising by the
Department of Resilience and Public Works. We're here to respectfully request that
you review the decision, because the ads that we want to put up -- and you have
copies of them that I asked to be handed out -- have no vulgarity, they're not
partisan, they're not political, and they're based on objective fact. Cuban docks are
stolen, the money from cruise tourism goes to the Cuban military, and Cuban
workers have no right to freely organize. Thank you for listening to what we had to
say.
Mayor Francis Suarez: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. I just want to commend Commissioner Reyes and
Orlando Gutierrez for his comments, and just express my solidarity with both of
them and any other Commissioners who may express an opinion on this issue. I
think it's imperative that we do what's right, and to the extent that we legally have
the ability to place these restrictions, I think that we should. Thank you.
Mr. Gutierrez: Thank you, sir.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Just -- I want to ask Madam City Attorney, would it be
possible to -- that we can make a motion that this type of advertising does -- is not
considered -- on a City of Miami trolley are not to be considered advertising that
directly or indirectly supports or oppose a particular candidate, you see? Political
cause or issue, and it's -- I'm urging the City Manager to allow this advertising to be
allowed by law, you see.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioner Reyes, I would start by saying that
if the Commission makes a motion that considers that this is not political speech;
that this is -- anything having to do with tourism or something having to do with free
speech, that is fine. What I do want to urge the Commission is that if they do not
consider these types of advertisements political in nature, then if the cruise industry,
who has millions of dollars, wants to start making ads that are contrary to that and
they say that they should go see Cuba, everyone needs to understand, unfortunately,
that those would be allowed on these trolleys, as well. And I say that with a very
heavy heart, because I am the daughter of a wonderful Cuban man, but the law is the
law. So if this Commission decides to make this motion, unfortunately, they need to
understand that other advertising that you would not like to see on these trolleys can
appear, so.
Mr. Gutierrez: May I respond?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Mr. Gutierrez: I know your concern. Thank you for your words. But I would like to
say this: It is an objective fact that those docks were stolen at gunpoint. We have
the photograph there at the moment they were being stolen. It's an objective fact
that the Cuban military is the one that runs the Cuban tourism industry. And it's an
objective fact that Cuban workers can't organize freely, and there's no free hiring in
Cuba. So we're not putting up tourism or are against tourism advertising. We're
informing about the reality of Cuba.
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Ms. Mendez: I understand, but --
Mr. Gutierrez: The cruise industry would have to --
Ms. Mendez: So political speech --
Mr. Gutierrez: -- counter those objective facts.
Ms. Mendez: -- can be -- pursuant to our REP (Request for Proposals), it can be
banned, and not placed on these trolleys. But if this Commission wants to allow your
ads to be placed on these trolleys, then other ads having to do with tourism can be
placed on those trolleys, as well, and I -- you know, what's good for the goose is
good for the gander. And I'm just trying to make you understand that sometimes, be
careful what you wish for, because you may get the ads you want, but other people
with other means can get similar ads that are different than yours, and I just want
that to be very clear, depending on the motion that is made, that this is not going to
be considered any type of political speech.
Mayor Suarez: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Yeah. I think there may be a distinction that we can
draw, which is these are factual statements as a result -- as opposed to a political
argument. In other words, if the argument was, because we think that the
government of Cuba is a dictatorship and communistic, you shouldn't go there, that's
a political argument.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. You said the word, "communist. " We're not
supposed to say that. That's wrong. That doesn't exist. You're going to be attacked
like I'm attacked all the time. Now you -- you know, they're going to say, "You're
saying 'communist' all the time."
Mayor Suarez: I'm attacked all the time; don't worry about it.
Commissioner Carollo: Actually, I don't even say it, and they said that I said it. So -
- but Mr. Mayor, I think what we want to say here that will differentiate this from
what the cruise industry could do --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- is this is human rights. So I think the wording that we
should be using is --
Commissioner Reyes: Is violation of human rights.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that we will be approving this, because of human rights
violations in communist Cuba, and I'll say it along with you, so if they attack you,
they could attack me -- couple of guys, you know, who they are -- and in fact, I was
sent late last night a little bit of information that one of these characters that -- big,
famous medical marijuana writer that is sponsoring his little rag sheet by all the sex
trafficking ads; you know; the massage parlors, you know, with happy ending.
Anyway, he says in his tweet that read, because somebody retweeted to him that the
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) was interviewing several people in Miami last
week, on their contacts with the staff from the Cuban Embassy. So he said some
swear word; that "How dare they do this." So it's okay for us to investigate, you
know, Russian interference; but Cuba, we can't touch them. I mean, they get a free
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
reign. But then the FIU (Florida International University) professors that are
serving jail time, because they were spies, we made that up. Ana Belen Montes --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we made that up. I guess next, they're going to be saying
that the Cuban Air Force didn't really shoot down defenseless airplanes.
Mr. Gutierrez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: And these are the kind of characters that are -- you know,
they can't poison enough of our young kids in the universities here, so they got to
bring in from the outside now, and give them jobs here to make them pillars of our
community and the moral compass of our community right. So, Mr. Mayor, I think
what we want to say is "human rights"; that we will allow advertising that has to do
with --
Commissioner Reyes: Informational.
Commissioner Carollo: -- protecting --
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Commissioner Carollo: -- human rights and talking about individuals that are
violating human rights. I think that would make a big difference --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so that the Cuban government can't give a call to Miami
and get some of those that only care about making a profit to go ahead and put 2, 3,
4, $5 million worth of advertising to bury whatever they have.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to add to that, and I think that, Madam City Attorney,
we can work a way as an advertising; instead of being an advertising, being
informational, you see, that traveling to Cuba, you are only supporting a regime that
constantly abuses the rights of the -- the human rights --
Commissioner Gort: Human rights.
Commissioner Reyes: -- of the Cuban people, you see, to that effect; something like
that, you see. What we are doing is informing that what you're -- that you're
contributing to a dictatorship that does -- don't have the slightest respect for the
rights of the people, and they're persecuting their own people, you see. I -- that's
informational.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
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September 13, 2018
CA — CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
CA.1 RESOLUTION Ite Pulled fro Co
4557
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO TAKE NO FURTHER ACTION AND TO
STAY THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO
BETWEEN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS, INC., AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI IN CIRCUIT COURT CASE NUMBER 2017-012398-CA-01
(32) FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHTEEN (18) MONTHS.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item CA.1 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, you wanted to -- you were asking that we
defer item CA.1 to another date. What date is that?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes, Chairman. I'd like to defer CA.1 till
September 27 if possible.
Chair Hardemon: All right. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by the Chair.
Commissioner Carollo: CA.1 --
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, CA.1. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: So let's get through --
Commissioner Carollo: Who's the sponsor of this?
Chair Hardemon: -- some business, all right? We don't have much time.
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Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2018
CA.2 RESOLUTION IPulled fro C
4335
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TEMPORARY ACCESS AND HOLD
HARMLESS/INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT ("ACCESS
AGREEMENT"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND THE MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD ("SCHOOL BOARD"), WHEREBY THE
CITY GRANTS TO THE SCHOOL BOARD TEMPORARY ACCESS
RIGHTS TO REMOVE THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTING
MIAMI EDISON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED AT 6101
NORTHWEST 5TH COURT, MIAMI, FLORIDA, THE CITY -OWNED
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 525 NORTHWEST 62ND STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA AND KNOWN AS ATHALIE RANGE PARK, WITH
TERMS AND CONDITIONS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN THE ACCESS AGREEMENT; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO MAKE NON -SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENTS
TO SUCH ACCESS AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Notes for the Record: Item CA.2 was deferred to the November 15, 2018, Regular
Commission Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see "Order of the Day."
CA.3 RESOLUTION
4604
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ("JPA"), IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY
OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("DDA") FOR THE
DOWNTOWN MIAMI SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING SYSTEM
PROJECT, PROJECT NO. 40-B30941 ("PROJECT"); ACCEPTING
AN ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FROM THE DDA
TOWARDS THE PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
THREE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($350,000.00)
FOR AN AGGREGATE TOTAL DDA FUNDING CONTRIBUTION IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($500,000.00) WITH SAID ADDITIONAL
CONTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO BE APPROPRIATED BY A
SEPARATE RESOLUTION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0357
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
CA.4 RESOLUTION
4605
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A PETROLEUM RESTORATION PROGRAM SITE
ACCESS AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ("FDEP") TO
CONDUCT ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT AND
REMEDIATION, IF NECESSARY, FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3500 PAN AMERICAN
DRIVE, MIAMI, FLORIDA ("PROPERTY"), COMMONLY
REFERRED TO AS "MIAMI CITY HALL," AT NO FEE OR COST TO
THE CITY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS
OR AGREEMENTS NECESSARY, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0358
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.4, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
CA.5 RESOLUTION
4606
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
("FDEO"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND RIGHT-OF-WAY
IMPROVEMENTS AT NORTHEAST 42ND STREET BETWEEN
NORTHEAST 4TH AVENUE AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY
ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI'S OFFICE OF CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS ("OCI") PROJECT NO. B-173901 REFERENCED
AS THE "RAILROAD CROSSING AT NORTHEAST 42ND STREET
AND NORTHEAST 4TH AVENUE" ("PROJECT"); FURTHER,
ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000.00) ("GRANT
FUNDS") FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT WITH
SAID FUNDS TO BE APPROPRIATED BY A SEPARATE
RESOLUTION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0359
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.5, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.6 RESOLUTION
4607
Office of Capital
Improvements
CA.7
4302
Office of the City
Attorney
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AS THE PASS THROUGH
AGENCY, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FOR THE
EXTENSION OF THE OVERTOWN GREENWAY ALONG
NORTHWEST 11TH STREET FROM NORTHWEST 7TH AVENUE
TO NORTHWEST 12TH AVENUE, AS ASSOCIATED WITH CITY
OF MIAMI OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO.
40-B173648 ("PROJECT"); FURTHER ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY
TWO THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY ONE DOLLARS
($822,891.00) FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT
WITH SAID FUNDS TO BE APPROPRIATED BY A SEPARATE
RESOLUTION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0360
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.6, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND
ON BEHALF OF JOSE J. SOTO, SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS
IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE TOTAL
SUM OF $90,000.00, INCLUDING $100.00 FOR A SEPARATE
GENERAL RELEASE, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL CLAIMS
AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY"), ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES,
WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, UPON EXECUTING A
SETTLEMENT, HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNIFICATION
AGREEMENT AS WELL AS A GENERAL RELEASE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, ITS PRESENT AND FORMER OFFICERS, AGENTS,
AND EMPLOYEES, FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS; ALLOCATING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$89,900.00 FROM ACCOUNT NO.
50001.301001.524000.0000.00000 AND FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $100.00, FOR THE SEPARATE GENERAL RELEASE, FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 00001.980000.531010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0361
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.7, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.8 RESOLUTION
4423
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL REVENUE
PROJECT TITLED "EARLY LEARNING COALITION PROGRAM"
AND ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING SUBSIDIZED FUNDING
IN AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED EIGHTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($80,000.00) ("FUNDS") FROM THE EARLY
LEARNING COALITION OF MIAMI-DADE/MONROE, INC., A
FLORIDA NOT FOR -PROFIT CORPORATION, IN ORDER TO
CONTINUE IMPLEMENTING THE STATE OF FLORIDA
STATEWIDE SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE SAID
SUBSIDIZED FUNDING AND TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY
AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AN OPTION
TO RENEW, SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND
APPROPRIATION OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF
THE SUBSIDIZED FUNDING.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0362
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.8, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.9 RESOLUTION
4425
Department of
Parks and
Recreation and
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
THE BID RECEIVED MAY 15, 2018, PURSUANT TO INVITATION
FOR BID ("IFB") NO. 774382, FOR CITYWIDE ROOF CLEANING
SERVICES AT VARIOUS CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") BUILDINGS
FROM INCLAN PAINTING AND WATERPROOFING, CORP., A
FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION ("INCLAN"), THE SOLE
RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE PARKS
AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ("PARKS") AND THE
DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
("DREAM") ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS, FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD
OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO
(2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM THE PARKS GENERAL FUND AND CAPITAL FUND AND
MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS FROM DREAM, SUBJECT TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE
TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS,
AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY
MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE CITY'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0363
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.9, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.10
4512
Department of
Police
CA.11
4514
Department of
Police
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL REVENUE PROJECT TITLED
"PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
CAMPAIGN, WALKWISE;" AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, AND
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND THE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR
REIMBURSEMENT OF OVERTIME EXPENSES IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $88,000.00 FOR MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICERS CONDUCTING TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DETAILS
AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION INITIATIVES CONSISTENT WITH
THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
CAMPAIGN; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
DESIGNATE THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR ACCEPTANCE OF SAID
REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0364
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.10, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL REVENUE
PROJECT TITLED "FISCAL YEAR ('FY') 2017 EDWARD BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM,"
CONSISTING OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS,
BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$336,717.00 TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PLANNING,
EVALUATION, AND TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
IN SUPPORT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES FOR THE
MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, AND ANY OTHER
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE
AND ADMINISTRATION OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH SAID
GRANT AWARD.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0365
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.11, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.12
4515
Department of
Police
CA.13
4516
Department of
Police
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY') AND
THE CITY OF AVENTURA, TOWN OF GOLDEN BEACH, CITY OF
HIALEAH, CITY OF HOMESTEAD, VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE,
CITY OF CORAL GABLES, CITY OF SWEETWATER, AND CITY
OF WEST MIAMI (COLLECTIVELY, "PARTICIPATING
MUNICIPALITIES") TO RECEIVE AND EXTEND MUTUAL AID IN
THE FORM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AND
RESOURCES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY AND ADEQUATE
RESPONSE TO INTENSIVE SITUATIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO NATURAL AND MANMADE DISASTERS OR
EMERGENCIES AS DEFINED IN CHAPTER 23, PART 1, FLORIDA
STATUTES, ENTITLED "FLORIDA MUTUAL AID ACT."
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0366
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.12, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY
THE ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY')
AND THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH ("NMB") TO RECEIVE
AND EXTEND MUTUAL AID IN THE FORM OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES TO ENSURE
PUBLIC SAFETY AND ADEQUATE RESPONSE TO INTENSIVE
SITUATIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO NATURAL AND
MANMADE DISASTERS OR EMERGENCIES AS DEFINED IN
CHAPTER 23, PART 1, FLORIDA STATUTES, ENTITLED
"FLORIDA MUTUAL AID ACT."
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0367
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.13, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.14 RESOLUTION
4551
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO ACCEPT TWELVE (12) RIGHT-OF-WAY DEEDS
AND TWO (2) QUIT CLAIM RIGHT-OF-WAY DEEDS OF
DEDICATION, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED (COLLECTIVELY, "DEEDS"), FOR RIGHT-OF-
WAY PURPOSES; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
RECORDATION OF SAID DEEDS IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO KEEP COPIES OF SAID DEEDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0368
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.14, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
CA.15 RESOLUTION
4587
Department of
Solid Waste
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT FROM KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL ("KAB") THE IN -
KIND 2018 9-VOLT BATTERY KAB GRANT WHICH WILL PROVIDE
THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") WITH THIRTY-SIX THOUSAND
EIGHT HUNDRED (36,800) 9-VOLT BATTERIES VALUED AT A
TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT DOLLARS
($127,328.00) ("GRANT") TO PROMOTE FIRE SAFETY
EDUCATION AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION
AWARENESS PROGRAMS ("PROGRAMS"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND ANY OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS,
EXTENSIONS, AND RENEWALS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION OF SAID GRANT FOR SAID PURPOSES FOR
THE PROGRAMS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0369
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.15, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.16 RESOLUTION
4550
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
THE BID RECEIVED ON MAY 7, 2018, PURSUANT TO
INVITATION FOR BID ("IFB") 827381 FOR CITYWIDE STORM
SEWER CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT ("PUBLIC WORKS"), ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS,
WITH ENVIROWASTE SERVICES GROUP, INC., A FLORIDA
PROFIT CORPORATION ("ENVIROWASTE"), FOR AN INITIAL
TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW
FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL TWO (2) YEAR PERIODS,
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
00001.208000.534000.0.0 AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES,
SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN
PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0370
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.16, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
CA.17
4590
Department of
Police
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
THE BID RECEIVED JUNE 26, 2018, PURSUANT TO INVITATION
FOR BID ("IFB") NO. 881381, FOR PLUMBING MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR SERVICES AT POLICE FACILITIES FROM PIPELINE
PLUMBING SERVICES OF BROWARD, INC., A FLORIDA PROFIT
CORPORATION ("PIPELINE"), THE SOLE RESPONSIVE AND
RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, FOR THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
("POLICE") ON AN AS-NEEDED/EMERGENCY BASIS, FOR AN
INITIAL PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO
RENEW FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNT NO. 00001.191501.546000 AND OTHER SOURCES OF
FUNDS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL
OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN
PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING, THE CITY OF
MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT,
AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0371
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.17, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
CA.18 RESOLUTION
4249
Bayfront Park
Management Trust
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT
TRUST AND CROWN CASTLE NG EAST LLC, A FOREIGN
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ("CROWN CASTLE"), ALLOWING
CROWN CASTLE TO PLACE, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN
MICROCELLULAR EQUIPMENT USED TO PROVIDE WIRELESS
CONNECTIVITY IN BAYFRONT AND MUSEUM PARKS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0372
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.18, please see
"End of Consent Agenda."
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Chair Hardemon: We have left on the agenda the CA (consent agenda) agenda,
right? We have the CA agenda; we have the PH (public hearing) agenda; and then
we have the RE (resolution) agenda, except for -- I want to take out RE.9 and RE.10.
So the Chair will be -- would like to entertain a motion to approve what's left of the
CA agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: CA agenda?
Chair Hardemon: What's left of the CA agenda; the PH agenda -- there's only two
items that's left --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. PH --
Chair Hardemon: -- and also, the RE agenda --
Commissioner Carollo: RE, yeah.
Chair Hardemon: -- except RE.9 and RE.10.
Commissioner Carollo: 9 and 10. And the other was CA you said?
Chair Hardemon: That's correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Give me a couple of minutes.
Chair Hardemon: No problem.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm a little older than you guys. I can't go as quickly.
Later...
Commissioner Carollo: Is PH.1 deferred?
Chair Hardemon: That is correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I'm ready to --
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman, PH.4I'd like to discuss.
Chair Hardemon: That's fine. It's open for discussion. You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Gort, you're recognized for PH.4.
Commissioner Gort: PH.4, my understanding is, it's got the no -bid contract to the
Miami Express Transportation Company. My understanding is there's no cost to the
City of Miami; that at no time we'll be liable for any expenditure on this issue.
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Sir, this service will be a for pay service.
Commissioner Gort: I know.
Mr. Gonzalez: So our expectation is, is that this will actually generate income.
Should that not happen, we will terminate the contract. This is a pilot proof of
concept.
Commissioner Gort: I understand, and I agree with it, and that's pretty good. But I
want to make sure we don't have any liability.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. Gonzalez: Correct.
Commissioner Gort: Okay. That's why I want to make sure if they lose money, they
close.
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Gort: We're not responsible for it.
Ms. Mendez: In the contract the City can terminate with 60 days' notice, so we
would not have an issue.
Commissioner Reyes: 60 days?
Ms. Mendez: It could --
Commissioner Gort: But 60 days -- if there's a default, there's not enough money to
cover the expenses, are we liable for those 60 days to pay for that?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: For the 60 days, yes. But we could try and negotiate something --
Mr. Gonzalez: We'll negotiate that; but, yes, we would be liable, yes, for those 60
days. But at -- we need -- this is a pilot; it's a proof of concept. We're very confident
that this will generate income for our transportation system, but we also want to
make sure that we don't enter into a long-term arrangement, because if we don't see
the numbers that we think we should have, we want to cut this Wright away.
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me. Let me ask you, why 60 days? Why -- if we find
out that it's not working, why do we have to take a loss for 60 days before we break -
- I mean, we finish the contract? We end the contract. Why?
Commissioner Gort: There's a contract, no?
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, just finish the contract. 15 days will be -- I mean, you
don't need that much money, and you don't have to move equipment and all of that.
The only thing that you have to do is just --
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir --
Commissioner Reyes: -- send the trolleys back to the garage, and that's it.
Mr. Gonzalez: -- I hear what you're saying. We'll happily go back and --
Commissioner Reyes: Please.
Mr. Gonzalez: -- renegotiate that number. That's not a big issue.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Mr. Gonzalez: Again, we've been working with our friends in Miami Beach. We
both believe that this is going to be a very successful endeavor, and we're very
excited.
Commissioner Reyes: I really hope so, but I -- we will have to cover our --
Commissioner Gort: Question: Is Miami Beach --
Commissioner Reyes: -- back.
Commissioner Gort: -- willing to help and there's a -- if there is a deficiency or if
there's not enough funds?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, my discussions with the Manager there, and our staff discussion
with staff there, they're -- because of the hours that we want to do this, they're very
interested in seeing the results of our proof of concept, and they may pick up the
hours that we're not providing it. So right now, it's a one stop. We drop people off
there and come right back, but they're also very interested in this.
Commissioner Reyes: But the question is, if we're losing money and -- let's say that
we start losing money. Are -- we are going to front all the money or Miami Beach is
willing to --? Because they are benefiting, also.
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir --
Commissioner Reyes: They are willing to chip in?
Mr. Gonzalez: -- we have -- this is our program, it's our pilot, it's an opportunity for
us to expand our network. I -- they have told me and our staff has -- believes that
we'll actually benefit more, because there'll be more people from the Beach corning
here to take advantage of Miami than there will be Miami people going to the Beach.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, that's a point; that's a point.
Mr. Gonzalez: So they're very supportive and --
Commissioner Reyes: But I would like to squeeze a couple of pennies from them,
too, you know.
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, I want to squeeze dollars, not pennies, but, yes --
Commissioner Reyes: No, you know what I mean.
Mr. Gonzalez: -- yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir. And if -- Mr. Chairman, just a -- as a -- if I may, sir? We
wanted to offer a correction, because this thing -- the item right now has a
retroactive approval for execution. We have not executed anything, pending your
vote, so I wanted to make sure that we're very clear that nothing has been executed,
because I didn't want to get ahead of ourselves, and we're deferring to you today. So
if we could make that correction that I am not giving -- getting retroactive execution
approval.
Chair Hardemon: Duly noted by the mover and the seconder.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Annie Perez: Yes. If I may, I'm Annie Perez, Director of Procurement. Good
morning, everyone. Yes. I'd like to replace the line that says, "Retroactively
approving the City Manager's execution of the professional service agreement" to
"Authorizing the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement,
substantially in the attached form that is acceptable to the City Attorney."
Chair Hardemon: There's no objection by the mover and the seconder. Any further
discussion?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, sir. My apologies, Chair. It's my understanding
that RE.7, the legislation needs to be amended, I believe, to include District 1. And I
also need to amend RE.11 to substitute the exhibit; as well as, on the record, I'll be
submitting the official election reports into the record, so RE.11 will be amended, as
well.
Chair Hardemon: Duly noted for the record. No objection by the mover and
seconder. Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion carries.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
PH — PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH.1 RESOLUTION
2864
Department of
Community and
Economic
Development
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 EXHIBIT "B," THAT
COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES
ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-B(A) OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AND
SECTION 18-182 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SELL THE CITY -OWNED PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT 1812
NORTHWEST 2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, TO YOLO MIAMI, LLC ("YOLO") FOR $25,000.00
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Notes for the Record: Item PH.1 was deferred to the November 15, 2018, Regular
Commission Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PH.1, please see "Order of the Day."
PH.2 RESOLUTION
4575
Department of
Community and
Economic
Development
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,387.00 IN STATE
HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP ("SHIP") PROGRAM
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0374
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September 13, 2018
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
PH.3 RESOLUTION
4498
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDINGS, PURSUANT TO
SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING METHODS AS NOT BEING
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI (OR
TO ITS LIMITED AGENCY AND INSTRUMENTALITY BAYFRONT
PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST) TO ENTER INTO A BAYFRONT
PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
GROUP, INC. ("USER") FOR THE PRESENTATION OF AN ANNUAL
ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR A PERIOD OF (_) YEARS,
WITH ONE (1) ( ) YEAR OPTION TO RENEW, WITH AN
ANNUAL TWO MILLION DOLLAR ($2,000,000.00) GUARANTEED
MINIMUM PAYMENT TO THE CITY OF MIAMI, WITH THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE USE AGREEMENT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE BAYFRONT PARK EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR/CITY MANAGER, AS APPLICABLE, TO EXECUTE THE
BAYFRONT PARK USE AGREEMENT WITH THE USER FOR THE
ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT
TRUST.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Notes for the Record: Item PH.3 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see "Order of the Day" and
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
PH.4 RESOLUTION
4719
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION AND WRITTEN FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-
85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE
SEALED BIDDING METHODS AS NOT BEING PRACTICABLE OR
ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR THE
CROSS BAY TROLLEY ROUTE ("ROUTE") OPERATION
SERVICES, WITH MIAMI EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION
COMPANY INC, A FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION ("METC"),
FOR BUSES TO BE UTILIZED IN THE OPERATION OF THE
ROUTE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SET A PER
PASSENGER FARE FOR THE ROUTE; RETROACTIVELY
APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER'S EXECUTION OF THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA"), IN A FORM
THAT WAS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, INCLUDING
THE NEGOTIATION OF A PER PASSENGER FARE; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS AND RENEWALS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN
PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE CITY'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0375
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.4, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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SR — SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
3887
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 37 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "OFFENSES —
MISCELLANEOUS," BY CREATING SECTION 37-14, ENTITLED
"FALSE OR FRAUDULENT CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT OR
APPROVAL," PROVIDING FOR A SHORT TITLE, PURPOSE,
DEFINITIONS, CERTIFICATION OF CLAIMS, LIABILITY FOR
FALSE CLAIMS, PENALTIES, CIVIL ACTIONS FOR FALSE
CLAIMS, RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES IN CIVIL ACTIONS, AWARDS
TO PLAINTIFFS BRINGING CIVIL ACTIONS, EXPENSES,
ATTORNEYS' FEES, COSTS, EXEMPTIONS TO CIVIL ACTIONS,
PROTECTION FOR PARTICIPATING EMPLOYEES, BURDEN OF
PROOF AND PRESUMPTION OF FALSE CLAIM, AND INNOCENT
CLAIMANT AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13786
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: One second, sir. Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Actually, never mind,• it's fine. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read into the record SR.1?
Madam City Attorney, you heard me? Okay.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to approve the item or any discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: Move.
Commissioner Carollo: There's a --
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved.
Commissioner Carollo: -- second. I think Commissioner Reyes made it.
Discussion. Madam City Attorney, I'd like to see if you could include the floor
amendment that I requested the last time we discussed this; that we would include
into this ordinance the ability for the City to recoup attorney's fees and costs when
there are fraudulent and frivolous --
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Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Allegations.
Commissioner Carollo: -- allegations against City officials.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Does the mover --?
Commissioner Reyes: I'm in support of Commissioner Carollo's measure.
Ms. Mendez: We will -- we'll amend that into the "claim" section.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the
ordinance, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? The motion carries.
Ms. Mendez: As amended.
Chair Hardemon: As amended.
Commissioner Carollo: As amended.
Commissioner Reyes: As amended.
SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
4403
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 10/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED
"BUILDINGS/IN GENERAL," MORE PARTICULARLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 10-4 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED
"BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE," TO PROVIDE
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FEES FOR A
PHASED PROJECT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13784
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item SR.2, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
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Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, read SR.2 into the record, please.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Carollo: Moved.
Commissioner Gort: Sponsor.
Commissioner Reyes: Second. This is sponsored by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no discussion, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries.
SR.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
3374
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 23 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "HISTORIC PRESERVATION," TO ALLOW
FOR THE TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT DENSITY FROM
HISTORIC RESOURCE SENDING SITES TO CERTAIN
RECEIVING SITES, LOCATED WITHIN TRANSIT ORIENTED
DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13785
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Commissioner Hardemon: Read into the record SR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): And it has a PZ.1 companion that we can hear
later on this afternoon.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll make the motion.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Reyes: Question.
Chair Hardemon: It's been moved by the Vice Chairman; second by Commissioner
Carollo.
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Commissioner Reyes: Question. All the modifications that were included in the --
between the first reading and this one, right?
Francisco Garcia: Good morning, Commissioners. Francisco Garcia, Planning &
Zoning Director. As set forth in our respective briefings, the corresponding
amendments have been made and are included in this version.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I just want it to be on the record.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Let me ask a question. Do we have any deduction of parking
takes place in this --?
Mr. Garcia: Absolutely not.
Commissioner Gort: Because let me tell you the problem that we're having right
now, especially in my district, and I'm sure every district here has had the same
problem. In order to be able to provide affordable housing, we have been -- reduced
the need for parking in those buildings. But my understanding is the thought is that
people 90 years old don't drive or after a -- the senior citizens don't drive. That is
proven wrong. We have seen people driving till 90 -- in the 90s as -- and you can
see the problems in all those public buildings where there's parking all over the
place. And we have a lot of problem with parkings [sic]. So I want to make sure
there's no reduction of parking taking place in the transaction.
Mr. Garcia: Thank you for the opportunity to address it. There is absolutely no
mention to any parking reductions, whatsoever, as part of this ordinance. That said,
the bigger issue -- and you've certainly brought it to our attention many times -- is
that the assumption that more affordable housing comes with a lesser need for
parking is not an assumption we should be made -- we should be making in
recommending projects for approval. What instead we are moving towards is a
scenario where the projects are evaluated on a case -by -case basis, and it is not an
as -of -right reduction. It is a reduction that can be requested and subsequently
analyzed as appropriate.
Commissioner Gort: Okay, thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the motion,
say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
Ms. Mendez: As amended.
Commissioner Gort: Sorry I wasn't here for my ordinance, but thank you.
Chair Hardemon: The -- FR.1, please read into the record.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Sorry, Chair. Madam City Attorney, the amendment
was --? My apologies.
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Ms. Mendez: The Planning Director said that certain amendments were made. I'm
just referring to it, "as amended," and we will confirm that.
Chair Hardemon: Between first and second reading, I'm assuming.
Vice Chair Russell: It's as printed in this agenda.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Hannon: So as -- it is voted on, as is; no amendments made on the floor?
Chair Hardemon: Correct, right.
Ms. Mendez: If that is what the Planning Director is recommending, I am advising
that it is better, "as amended," so that we can make sure that all the changes were
made; however, if he says that they were made, then they were made.
Mr. Garcia: The --
Chair Hardemon: The statement is "as amended," but if there was no -- if there were
no actual changes that we recommended on this -- I just want it to be known. I want
to be very clear.
Mr. Hannon: But it makes a big difference for me, because it's the way that I record
the action; and so, it's how it's going to reflect in the minutes, as well as in our
marked agenda, and on the legislation, so that's why it's very important.
Chair Hardemon: But there were -- but I want to be clear that there were no floor
amendments.
Mr. Hannon: Understood. And so, it seems as though the legislation, as it went to
print on the agenda, was what was voted on, with no additional changes since the
item went to print.
Chair Hardemon: That is correct.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
Chair Hardemon: All right.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
4465
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED "BICYCLES,
SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, AND OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES,"
TO INCLUDE SECTIONS 8-1 TO SECTION 8-7 IN A NEWLY
RENUMBERED ARTICLE I, ENTITLED "GENERALLY," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 8-5, ENTITLED
"PARENTS AND GUARDIANS NOT TO PERMIT VIOLATIONS OF
CHAPTER," TO ADD A SAFE DRIVING REQUIREMENT,
ESTABLISHING A NEW ARTICLE II, ENTITLED "MOTORIZED
SCOOTERS," ESTABLISHING A ONE (1) YEAR PILOT PROGRAM
FOR MOTORIZED SCOOTERS WITHIN COMMISSION DISTRICT
2; PROVIDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE
OPERATION OF MOTORIZED SCOOTER SHARING SYSTEMS
WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), SPECIFICALLY PROVIDING
FOR APPLICABILITY, POLICY STATEMENT, DEFINITIONS,
PURPOSE, SCOPE, PROCEDURES, MINIMUM FLEET SIZE,
ADJUSTMENTS OF FLEET SIZE, OPERATING REGULATIONS,
PARKING, OPERATIONS DATA SHARING, INFRASTRUCTURE
FUNDING, AND MINIMUM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
(INCLUDING A NON-REFUNDABLE LICENSING FEE, A
MOTORIZED SCOOTER FEE, INDEMNIFICATION, INSURANCE
AND BONDING), CODE ENFORCEMENT, REMOVAL OF
SCOOTERS, AND OTHER REMEDIES, RESPECTIVELY;
PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND
REGULATIONS; PROVIDING FOR A REGULATORY FEE ;
PROVIDING FOR A RESERVATION OF RIGHTS TO ISSUE A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)OR SIMILAR DOCUMENT;
PROVIDING FOR A RESERVATION OF RIGHTS TO ESTABLISH
NO SCOOTERS ZONE(S); PROVIDING A SUNSET PROVISION OF
OCTOBER 31, 2019; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.1, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: FR.1.
Commissioner Carollo: It's an ordinance.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, which one? Which one?
Chair Hardemon: FR.1.
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Commissioner Carollo: FR.1. I move it.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll second it.
Chair Hardemon: Can you read it into the record, please, Madam City Attorney?
Let her read it into the record first.
Ms. Mendez: I'm sorry. FR (first reading) --?
Commissioner Gort: 1.
Chair Hardemon: FR.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Now you're recognized, counselor.
Vicky Leiva: Thank you. For the record, Vicky Leiva, with the law firm of Bilzen
Sumberg, offices at 1450 Brickell Avenue. Through the Chair, I just wanted to
confirm that this is only applicable to scooters, and no other type of transportation;
is that correct?
Chair Hardemon: I believe so, but our City Attorney can confirm for us.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: I think this section is just referring to certain things, but it's about
scooters. Did you hear her question?
Ms. Mendez: Yes. It is stating -- this legislation right now is about scooters. I don't
know if there will be an amendment on the floor for anything else.
Chair Hardemon: It's about scooters as of now.
Ms. Leiva: Well, then I will not take your time, unless there is an amendment; then, I
will have to speak to it.
Chair Hardemon: I'd appreciate that. Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I have a couple of questions about this, and you know
how I feel about this. I have stated that I had a life safety issue with these scooters,
particularly in our sidewalks, driving at 60 miles an hour. And I can tell you about
my district that that is an accident waiting to happen. When I had --
Commissioner Carollo: Can I --?
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: It's going to make you happy.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah --
Chair Hardemon: Let him finish though.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
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Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner Carollo --
Commissioner Carollo: -- I made the motion for discussion; not necessarily that I'm
going to vote for it.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. But this is a big issue that in our sidewalks -- most of
our sidewalks, particular -- and I know this is -- only will apply -- it's a pilot
program that will apply only for District 2, but I want to make sure they will not spill
into my district, where there is a lot of elders that they use the sidewalk, and there is
a lot of people that -- I mean, young mothers, that they have a stroller, and people on
-- that they are on wheelchairs, that they are -- they use our very narrow sidewalks.
A collision between a person that, let's say, weighs 160 pounds and any individual --
a kid, an old man or a young man -- that a person is driving at 60 miles an hour, it
could be fatal. As I -- One question that I want to ask is this: You see, we have --
One of the most progressive cities on the whole world is San Francisco; avant-
garde. They fried everything. They outlawed the scooters. Denver, you can go and
smoke pot if you want to. They outlawed the scooters. The Washington Post has an
article that said, "As electric scooter use increases, so do trips to the emergency" --
or "to ER (emergency room)." I mean, we to be very careful what we are doing. I
know that many people speaks about -- and it is involved now -- the last mile. But
the last mile from a person that is going to be -- use the scooter in Northwest 7th
Street, and the closest, closest rapid transit -- I mean, or the Metrorail Station -- is
more than a mile; it's about four or five miles, you see. What I want to -- I'm trying
to say is that we have to be very careful with this. And if it's going to be on in
District 2, I also have a question of finances. Who is going to be responsible picking
these up? Because I seen it -- and I've done my research, and there are tons of
pictures of scooters in the middle of the sidewalk, scooters in other cities, and I don't
see why we going to be different. Scooters right -- blocking streets, even in streets.
Who is going to be picking it up? Who is going to enforce it; our Code Department?
And we don't have enough inspectors to inspect Carollo's Calle Ocho or Flagami. I
mean, and now, we going to make in there the scooter police? You see? And who is
going to pay for that? We will have to hire more. Our budget does not allow for
additional scooters inspectors, because you are taking them from a job that they
should be doing, and they should be doing it real -- I mean, put -- have more
emphasis in that job. And now, you are going to make them go around the City of
Miami, "Oh, there's a scooter here. Come here." And then, they have to call and all
of that. That entails cost. That entails cost. Now, is that going to be covered by the
people that rents those scooters? And another thing that I want to ask about this
legislation that really concerns me, you say it's a pilot program. And 180 days later,
you see, then we will have an RFP (Request for Proposals) if it is decided. Well, in
my opinion, a pilot program is a whole year. And after the whole year, we need a
report, a comprehensive report, you see; a comprehensive report of how this
program worked. And I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to rate that I'm totally opposed to
these scooters on -- at 60 miles an hour in our sidewalks. They are going to create a
lot of injuries; not only to the riders, but people that are walking in those sidewalks,
and I -- That's all my comments, and I want to hear your comments.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: You saved me a lot of time.
Commissioner Reyes: I did?
Commissioner Gort: Let me tell you, my question --
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you, sir.
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Commissioner Gort: -- is that we are sure that it's going to be a pilot program in
District 2. I don't have any problem. They've been pushing this for a while, and let's
see how it work. But I'm worried about the insurance. I want to make sure that the
City will not have any liability, because I can promise you, there are going to be a
lot of accidents. There's going to be a lot of -- and they're going to be suing the City
right away. So Madam Attorney, I want to make sure that they carry enough
insurance so the City can be protected. I know the City is going to be sued, but I
want to make sure there's no liability to the City.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. There will be a tight indemnification agreement, and hold
harmless.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman. Oh, you want to --? Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Russell: You're welcome to.
Commissioner Carollo: What would you prefer?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. And gentlemen, thank you for your
indulgence on this pilot program in my district. So, Commissioner Reyes, I
understand and I agree with a lot of your concerns, so I'd like to just go through
them, one by one. The question of "Who is going to pick these up?" was the first
thing. And that's what we should be most worried about, because where all the other
cities have gotten it wrong, I believe our legislation will get it right. Los Angeles just
approved a pilot program with 10,000 scooters, and what's missing from a lot of
these is how to keep our residents from walking into these, where they're blocking
the right-of-way, blocking ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), blocking a store.
And so, in this legislation, what it says is, "We give them some notification if we see
one out of place." That's not going to do much. There's a phone number that we
make them list on there, which is their number, so if someone sees it and they call a
hotline, they know to come get it. That's not enough. Who could regulate this
without cost to the City? Code Department does not have the bandwidth, just like
you said. I had thought of the NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office;
again, not the bandwidth or the technology, or the manpower. I've spoken with the
MPA (Miami Parking Authority), and they will be the monitoring agency for this in
the pilot program in my district. And what I'm envisioning here -- and I've worked
this out with Mr. Noriega -- is a few pickup trucks with his employees who are going
around, and without waiting 30 minutes, without waiting two hours, if they see one
where it's not supposed to be, they pick it up immediately and take it back to an MPA
station, and the cost of that is borne by the companies, because they will pay $25 to
get it back from the MPA, which will additionally be a revenue to us. So that's just
to address that concern, and I think that they're the right agency to do it. They're on
the streets regularly, they have the manpower, and considering some of the other
increases potentially to their fees today, they will certainly have the bandwidth to do
it, and it'll be paid for through these fees.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: The other districts' concern -- and I very much want to respect
this. Nobody will be able to apply for this pilot program if they do not have the
technology to geofence and keep the scooters from being started from outside of my
district. So no one can initiate a ride outside my district and their companies cannot
be placing them outside our district. And if anyone gets outside of our district, they
and/or the MPA can grab them immediately. So I want to respect that very much,
because I don't want the pilot to go south, because it doesn't work out for that
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reason. The RFP issue, the reason I made the tinting as a one-year pilot with a six-
month potential RFP is so that as we go through the RFP process, we don't have to
stop the service that we're offering to our residents. If it's not working out, the pilot
program's going to die. But if the -- at the six-month period, what I'd recommend --
and I think what you've asked for is really good -- is that at the six-month period, the
Manager gives us this report, and that way, while he's evaluating the report, crafting
the RFP, putting it together, the service is not interrupted, but we'll get that report.
And so, my ask is -- in a sense, it's like a six-month pilot and then a report, but then
between the pilot and the end of the RFP, we continue; we don't stop the service,
because one thing we don't want to do is create a demand for something that
residents like or we're getting right, and then just stop it. And then the insurance, I'll
let the City Attorneys reference that.
Commissioner Reyes: Let me ask a question. Mr. Noriega, can I --? Please step up
to the podium. And the burden of picking them up or policing them -- let's call it
what it is -- policing this is going to go -- you are going to assume all that burden.
That entails cost. Where are you going to get all that money?
Art Noriega: So what I --
Commissioner Reyes: And as a matter of fact, let me ask you, when -- We had a
conversation that you said that as enforcement is increased, you see, so are the
revenues for the City. And one of the problems that -- with revenues from your
department is enforcement, you see. So we -- you suggested that you were going to
increase the enforcement. So you're going to take enforcers away from enforcing
parking tickets into picking up this --?
Mr. Noriega: No; no, sir. So remember, our enforcement officers are already in the
field, so I'm not adding any additional manpower. As they enforce an area -- they
really are assigned a zone. As they see scooters that are either illegally parked or --
I know there's a -- there will be a threshold for if they stay past a certain hour of the
day. Remember, I have enforcement as late as midnight; at 2 in the morning in a lot
of areas.
Commissioner Reyes: Right, okay.
Mr. Noriega: So we also have the ability to cover a wide range of the day in terms
of --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Noriega: -- time, and seven days a week. So I already have the manpower, so
there's no additional cost. I already have the vehicles, because my enforcement
officers drive a vehicle that has capacity in the back already, because we do put
what we call gorilla posts out on the street that -- for valet or for meter rentals, and
that kind of thing. So we have -- those vehicles have the capacity already. So we
can just literally use the existing vehicles we have, the existing enforcement staff and
whatever fee is generated relative to storage would really cover whatever addition --
minor cost, and the balance of it would go back to the City.
Commissioner Reyes: So you're a businessman and you have a business mind.
Mr. Noriega: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. If a person is doing a certain type of job and stop
doing that job in order to do another job, you see, there's cost implied in that, you
see. It costs --
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Mr. Noriega: There's efficiency cost, correct.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right, because if they are not doing -- I mean, this is
efficiency cost, right? And don't --
Mr. Noriega: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) economists agree.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I will not, I will not accept the idea or the argument that,
because we have people that we're already paying on it that there is not cost. Yes,
there is a cost, because if that person is not doing their duties and then they step
aside from those duties in order to do another duty, that person is paid during that
time --
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: -- by the taxpayer or by you.
Mr. Noriega: Correct. So let me --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. So there is cost.
Mr. Noriega: No, but let me work through the economics. If it's a $25 fee to obtain
and store the scooter -- a parking ticket cost $18. If I do the math, the economics
work out in our benefit in terms of the City, because we actually make more money
off of confiscating a scooter than we would be writing a ticket, anyway. So --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, change our duties, then, and have the scooters, and
forget all the parking.
Mr. Noriega: Well, no, I don't think so. Commissioner, look, I --
Commissioner Gort: That's still Code Enforcement.
Mr. Noriega: -- in my conversations, look, I agreed that it would be a -- more
thanlikely -- landing spot for us to be the responsible entity within the City to do this,
because we have the capacity in terms of infrastructure. Remember, when you get to
the aspect of calling these in, in particular, I have an existing command center that
manages all of my facilities, so the communication aspect of it also is much quicker.
Our response time will be much quicker.
Commissioner Reyes: That is not my question, sir.
Mr. Noriega: I know.
Commissioner Reyes: My question is dollars and cents.
Mr. Noriega: Agreed. And so I --
Commissioner Reyes: It cost money.
Mr. Noriega: -- it will cost efficiency, correct.
Commissioner Reyes: It cost money. Just to stop and call and say, "Come and pick
them up," that time --
Mr. Noriega: I know.
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Commissioner Reyes: -- has a value.
Mr. Noriega: I know. But we're also not doing it for free. They -- the company has
to pay a fine for doing that. So you're not just adding this additional responsibility
without -- not generating a fee or some sort of income stream; that's worked into the
legislation. So in the overall picture, I think it'll be a wash. I think it'll be an even
balance.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, and then --
Mr. Noriega: And by the way, that's why we're doing a pilot, because in very short
order --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: -- we're going to know whether or not that actually --
Commissioner Reyes: I do understand that it is a pilot, but you -- I want you guys to
know, and for the record, what my position in this is. And for the record, I want to
know -- I want everybody to know there is a life safety issue with these scooters, and
I am not -- I'm not making it up. I can bring you articles after articles -- and by the
way, L.A. (Los Angeles) been bringing them back, but after a lot of pressure, but they
- - as a pilot -- but they banned them.
Mr. Noriega: And --
Commissioner Reyes: And when California, which is the most avant-garde, you see -
- it is not -- I mean, don't do nothing -- doesn't want to have them around, I don't see
why we have to bring them, and that's my comment.
Mr. Noriega: And you know, as well as every other Commissioner at the dais,
whatever concerns or feedback you have as this program is implemented, all you
have to do is call me and say, "Hey, look, I'm getting concerns from residents," or
particular business owners who may be being impacted, because these are being left
in a certain area, and we'll work together on this. I -- this is a new territory for all
of us, I think. I think it's going to be a work in progress, and I -- but I don't want the
impression to be that we'll make economics be a deterrent, because if economics are
an issue, then we'll address that immediately.
Commissioner Reyes: No, it's going to be an issue.
Mr. Noriega: So --
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, and if you are going to be -- that's going to be a
holiday for people that they have parking meter spies. Your people are going to be
picking up scooters.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: How come nobody has mentioned New York City? Wasn't
there a problem there with the scooters? I thought that's where it started, and they
got cancelled out there, also. But anyway --
Mr. Noriega: Yeah, I don't --
Commissioner Carollo: -- Commissioner Russell, this is your district. And there are
many areas that I do feel that a Commissioner should have a say-so within their own
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district; this is one of those. This is why I made the motion; even though I certainly
don't want them in my district, and I'm going to tell you why. In my district, I'm
having a humungous problem with bicycles in the sidewalk, people getting hit,
getting hurt; even tourists, I've been told, and the scooters is only going to create an
additional problem for us. In all of my district, no matter where I look at it, it's not
suitable for that. So I just want to make sure that this is also not going to be a pilot
program that ends up going into all of our districts. I do feel, however, that if there
is a district that could have the opportunity of maybe being more successful for the
scooters is yours, because you have a lot of parks, wide areas that could make it
easier for them to operate. And I'd like two things, though, that you could commit to:
One, that you'll support me so that some of the blind Code Enforcement officers and
blind Off -Street Parking enforcers that I have in my district could be switched to
your district so they could patrol those and I get some people that are going to have
their eyes wide open; and particularly late at night, those hours that Art was talking
about. The other one is -- and I heard what you stated, how the ordinance was put
together. I'd like for it to be, instead of a whole year, a six -months period where we
should really know how this is going to go; have the Manager come back in five
months to give a report so that if it works and it's working, we could then extend it
for another six -months trial period for a whole year. But if we see that it's not
working at all -- and, you know, we'll be as respectful to you as we should be in your
district -- then we don't have to suffer through a whole year. But I think if it comes
back in five months, we would accomplish what you wanted; that if it's working, you
know, this doesn't drop off and time lapse before it's approved for additional time, so
if you could make that change in the ordinance. You know, it's your district, you're
responsible for it. I -- you know, I respect that. I don't want it in mine, because mine
is different than yours. We don't have all these parks here. I mean, you have a huge
area just in Coconut Grove from Peacock Park all the way to Kennedy, and then you
have other areas beyond the Grove that are wide areas. In the northeast, you have
wide areas, also. And, look, it's a different demographics. You know, you have
younger people here, also, than we do in our districts. So I'm respectful for your
wishes in that. I just don't want to give it more due time if it's not working than is
needed, but at the same time, protect what you requested; if it is working or we need
a little more time to see if it's really going to work -- might be borderline -- that you
do have it.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to add to what Commissioner -- I'm sorry -- your name
-- before it gets out of line. The -- there's -- I don't have it right here in front of me,
but the ordinance reads, you know, you see, that the -- after 180 days, the
Administration will start an RFP. I think that the RFP should come from us. The
directive for an RFP should come from this Commission after this -- the Commission
analyzes all the reports, all the pros and all the cons. And it should be this body
decision if an RFP should be initiated or not. This is my opinion and that I would
like to increase -- include that in the -- in this pilot program, you know.
Vice Chair Russell: Fair enough. Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Russell: I do understand; very valid concerns. I -- one thing to consider
if we do cut it from a year pilot down to a six-month, currently, the license fee to join
the pilot program is $50, 000 per company. I was expecting about four or five
companies to come in as an expectation, but it's -- we have to leave it wide open,
because it's a procurement issue otherwise, but that would give us about $250, 000
with which to make sure that the City has everything they need to mitigate the effects,
and that includes the technology to be able to watch and monitor, you know, real
time where all the scooters are, whatever manpower we need so that there is no
financial burden. So this would cut that in half, and we were hoping to have that
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upfront, and that way, we got that amount. But we could do a six-month, and then,
you know, in the second six-month recharge the -- you know -- the amount again.
I'm open to considering that between first and second. They're all very valid points.
I do just hope for your support on first reading so that we can --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, but --
Vice Chair Russell: -- see what we can do with this.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I just want to make a comment. You think that with
$200, 000, you're going to cover all the cost that this is going to entail to police this?
If you believe that, you should be in charge of our budget.
Vice Chair Russell: So the potential 250, in addition to the $25 per scooter picked
up, in addition to $1 per scooter per day on our roads will create a significant
revenue for the City.
Commissioner Reyes: $200 and we going to be policing it. Okay, that's fine.
Chair Hardemon: If not -- ifI may --
Commissioner Carollo: So you've agreed to the six months and the Manager comes
back within five with a report?
Vice Chair Russell: I'm -- yes. And I'm --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, everybody.
Vice Chair Russell: -- definitely open to making sure an RFP does not happen
automatically --
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- that we do an evaluation. I think you're absolutely, absolutely
right.
Chair Hardemon: So then the mover and the seconder agree to that amendment?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And I --
Chair Hardemon: Or to that modification.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm the mover and --
Commissioner Reyes: And I'm the second.
Commissioner Carollo: -- he's the second.
Vice Chair Russell: No, I was the seconder.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, he was the second.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, sure.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, that's fine.
Chair Hardemon: So there's a --
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Vice Chair Russell: We'll go six months with and --
Commissioner Reyes: And I think Commissioner Gort, he wants them in his district.
Vice Chair Russell: -- my goal, though, is that if things are going well that we don't
stop the program at the six-month period while we craft the RFP, while we look at
the -- so my hope is that we have a seamless transition here if it's going well. If it's
not going well at any point in the pilot program, we're going to stop this, because --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: -- it's not working out.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I --
Vice Chair Russell: But my -- and I'd like to say one last thing, and I apologize,
Commissioner Gort. I know you wanted to say something. I'm open to whatever
changes may come from this, whatever learnings we have; it may expand, it may
retract. You know, bicycles, we have issues, but I'm -- I see the future there and I've
seen, in traveling in other places, where the scooter -- electric scooters and electric
bicycles have been successful. I'm open to that. I'm simply just trying to have a
controlled pilot at the beginning, and I think we've got the mechanism here for the
Administration and the MPA to help us do it correctly, so thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: And also, we'd like a report from Mr. Noriega how much is it
really costing them when you start thinking about it.
Vice Chair Russell: A financial would be great.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: That's fine.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So I would like to say a few things. In short, I don't like
it, in short, for a number of reasons that have already been put on the record, so I
don't have to get into all of those. I ride motorcycles, and to ride a motorcycle, it
takes a skill. And if you are outside a margin of error, you could lose your life, and
people regularly lose their lives on motorcycles. And what they say about
motorcyclists is -- it's two types of motorcyclists: those that have gone down and
those that will go down. I've gone down --
Commissioner Gort: I, too.
Chair Hardemon: -- so I know what that feels like.
Commissioner Reyes: I've gone down.
Chair Hardemon: It's not pretty. And I'm -- you know -- blessed to still be here. I
sold my motorcycle, because I got a new daughter. I have a daughter, right? So
they said, "Sell your motorcycle." I had another reason, too. I kind of keep that in
the back of my head to make it sound like I'm not too soft; maybe I'll get another one
-- I hope so, if my wife allows. Anyone who's ever ridden a motorcycle knows what it
feels like to ride a motorcycle on grass; it's not meant to be there. It's not very pretty
at all, because you lose the ability to maneuver on grass unless you're riding a sort
of bike that's meant to be ridden on grass or gravel or dirt, or things of that nature.
And so, you know, when I look at these scooters, they're motorized vehicles that
undoubtedly take some skill. And if you don't think it takes skill -- I remember when
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these sorts of things came out without the motorization, you were buying them for
your children.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Hardemon: You know, and all of you remember what the children looked like
trying to ride on these sort of things by foot, falling, et cetera; and so, it really does
take some skill. And it does scare me, as was put on the record, that, you know, the
City would be engaging in allowing these -- what seems to be, without any -- what
seems to be vehicles that could cause injury to people so haphazardly. I don't think
that it should be ridden on grass. I think that you'll probably have an increase of
people going down on grass; it's because it's not meant to be ridden in parks and
things of that nature. And, you know, I come from a neighborhood where police
officers routinely use the fact that you're riding a bicycle and you don't have a light
illuminating in front of you attached to the bicycle, a brake light or -- not only a
brake light, but a light illuminating behind you, they use that to stop you. They use
that to engage. They use the fact that if you're riding on the sidewalk, you shouldn't
be there. Bicycles should be ridden on the street. If you drive through a stop sign or
if you fail to adhere to a traffic signal, they will stop you, they will search you,
because, hey, you shouldn't do that. In a city where we allow thousands of people to
ride bikes in mass transit and blow traffic signals routinely, and people get stuck in
traffic for 20 minutes, they allow people to pass by on bicycles. And, you know, I've
always -- our city is amazing, how we do things. And so, it's just -- when I think
about these and I think about the people who will be walking on the sidewalk, and
how is it that the individuals who ride these motorized vehicles are going to interact
with pedestrians and people who are driving either -- what I absolutely have a
severe disdain for -- scooters, because people who ride scooters typically have less
skill than those who ride motorcycles. So scooters, cars, pedestrians, I mean, how
all of this is going to interact in busy areas, such as downtown, and that's my fear
about it, in the downtown area. But I will say that to give, you know, our dear
Commissioner an opportunity to roll out a program that he believes is going to make
a big difference in his neighborhoods is something that I think all of us respect; and
so, that's part of the reason why I'm going to support you in this. But I want it to be
clear, and I'm sure my colleagues agree with me that by no means -- and this is to
the industry -- that this is not, you know, the camel's nose under the tent. And, you
know, I'm sure there's lots of money to be made, and that's why everyone's trying to
do this in our community, but we -- when I look at images all across this nation of
these motorized scooters all over the place in cities; in grass, in swales, sidewalks. I
tried to move one when I was in LA. It did not move. It -- you know. So I -- you
know, I've seen them in person, I've touched them, I've dealt with them before; and
so, you know, I just don't think that it's a smart thing, and that's my opinion. But I
will give you an opportunity in your district to give this thing a shot. I just really
hope that, you know, it ends up positive for you, and it doesn't cause any real issues
for the City moving forward, but it's something that I advise that we look at keenly to
ensure that there is no harm that comes to the people who live in our communities.
And the thing about it is this: I don't mind going to buy a motorized scooter. You
know, if you live downtown and you can afford to buy a motorized scooter, you ride
it to and from work and it gets you around, great. But I think when you start talking
about leasing them out --
Mr. Noriega: Sure.
Chair Hardemon: -- in short time spans --
Mr. Noriega: Hundreds of them.
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Chair Hardemon: -- and it becomes much more of an issue. So that's all that I have
to say about it. We're past our 12 o'clock lunchtime. I know we have a lot on our
agenda, so we want to get to the vote on this. So if there's no further discussion on
the item, all in favor of the item --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, no, no; there is now after you made your statement. I
want to make sure we have enough money in case we get a lawsuit --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and these people go under.
Chair Hardemon: The City Attorney stated they're going to have us -- they're going
to hold us -- indemnity.
Commissioner Gort: That was my first question.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, they're going to indemnify us. However, you know
how that works. Unless there's a bond, if they indemnify us and the -- what they got
to pay is bigger than what they have, they could, you know, declare bankruptcy.
Now --
Ms. Mendez: Well, we --
Commissioner Carollo: -- it --
Ms. Mendez: -- we're requiring insurance and hold harmless; not just their word.
Commissioner Carollo: -- well --
Ms. Mendez: And the Manager has stated that if the insurance requirements are not
what our Risk Department is expecting and what we would do that he would not sign
it.
Commissioner Carollo: Hey, I want to know now what the insurance level is going
to be, because frankly, counselor, after your statement, if there's a lawsuit, the first
thing that an attorney for someone that gets hurt is going to do, he's going to get the
statements there. They're going to get yours; they'll be the first ones. And they're
going to say, "See, the City should have knew better. Look what was said" So I
want to make sure that we know what in hand we're going to have if -- in case these
guys go under, they disappear, and then we're left holding the bag. First of all, it's
full indemnification, but that's not enough, because they could go under. So I want
to have some kind of insurance bond that's going to be high enough. And right now,
the normal million that we ask or so, in something like this, I don't see it anywhere
near enough. I want to see nothing less than 5 million, at the very least.
Chair Hardemon: The -- between first and second reading.
Commissioner Reyes: I agree with that.
Chair Hardemon: So we have an opportunity. So I would advise that we move
forward --
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: -- with the Commissioner's item; approve first reading.
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Commissioner Carollo: One last thing. The lobbyist for the firm, Mr. Llorente, can
I get you up here for a second? Thank you, sir. If you could just state your name for
the record, sir.
Michael Llorente: Sure. Mike Llorente; Llorente Heckler, 801 Arthur Godfrey
Road.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. These scooters are made where? I'm assuming
that it's China, but I want you to tell me in case I'm wrong.
Mr. Llorente: Commissioner, I can get back to you with that information.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Llorente: I don't have it on hand.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, assuming that it's China, what I'd like for you to bring
back to your people is the following: That if this trial period works and we don't
have any problems in District 2, will they be willing to open up a factory in Miami to
manufacture them here instead of in China?
Mr. Llorente: I'm happy to take this conversation back to the client.
Commissioner Carollo: If you could bring that back before second reading, I'd
appreciate it.
Commissioner Gort: And from here, they can be exported to Latin America and the
Caribbean.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Not if they got to pay $15 an hour.
Commissioner Carollo: And if anybody in the rest of the country allows them there,
also.
Commissioner Reyes: Now that you're asking, "Where did they come from?" and all
that, the companies, are -- they are American owned; the ones that are operating
this, or they are Chinese owned?
Mr. Llorente: Commissioner, I can speak for our client, which is Lyon (phonetic),
which is an American -owned company. It's based in the United States.
Commissioner Reyes: Because I heard that there are a bunch of American -owned
companies -- I mean Chinese -owned companies -- that they are establishing this
business in the United States, so we just want to know where they come from.
Mr. Llorente: I am aware of a couple of Chinese companies or China -based
companies that are in the dock -less bike space.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Mr. Llorente: I'm not sure in --
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Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Llorente: -- you know -- if that's the case for scooters. Thank you,
Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: And please let your clients know that they're going to pay a
real high duty soon, if not already, so it's something they should consider; made in
America.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Mr. Llorente: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah. The other thing I want -- I'd like to add for the second
reading, I think the individual -- I really think they should have a sheet telling what
the rules and regulations should be and the traffic regulation, because a lot of people
don't understand. When you're on a bike, you cannot cross a corner without
stopping. You've got to get off the bike to do that. A lot of people don't understand
that, and I have avoided a lot of accidents to do that. Also, at the same time, they got
to follow the regulations; the regular regulations that everyone else have to follow. I
think they should be aware of the rules and regulations. Okay?
Commissioner Reyes: This bike -- I mean, these scooters, they're going to be only --
I mean, they're going to only be on the sidewalks; they're not going to be on the
streets, right?
Commissioner Gort: No.
Vice Chair Russell: It'll be both; just the -- Coral --
Commissioner Reyes: Both?
Vice Chair Russell: -- Gables is doing this in their pilot program, and it's going very
well.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, Ooh.
Chair Hardemon: Like this.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, yes, yes. I mean, that's going to accelerate traffic a lot,
particularly at 4 o'clock. You have two scooters in front of you, and then you want to
go around them. That's smart.
Chair Hardemon: No, but look --
Commissioner Carollo: Let's just make sure that there's no medical marijuana for
the drivers.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, gentlemen.
Commissioner Reyes: That's smart.
Commissioner Carollo: We might have the problem that Colorado had.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor of the item, say "aye."
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
Commissioner Carollo: With the amendments that were made.
Chair Hardemon: That is correct. So --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Chair Hardemon: -- I want -- be very -- listen. We're going to be in recess of the
Miami City Commission -- yeah, recess of the Miami City Commission meeting until
2 o'clock. We come back at 2.
Commissioner Carollo: 2 --
Chair Hardemon: But I need to do this --
Commissioner Carollo: 2:30?
Chair Hardemon: -- we have --
Ms. Mendez: We have a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting.
Chair Hardemon: Right. We have a CRA meeting; two items on the agenda. I need
my -- the Executive Director to come up here right now, and we can do that in two
minutes.
Vice Chair Russell: Your lunchtime.
Commissioner Carollo: Can we make it 2: 30?
Chair Hardemon: If you'd like to --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Chair Hardemon: 2:30 is fine.
Commissioner Carollo: Recess till 2:30.
Chair Hardemon: All right. Recess until 2..30.
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FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
4656
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ABOLISHING
THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY ("MSEA") BY
AMENDING CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"),
TITLED "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 2-887(B) AND 2-892(4)(A)(1) TO DELETE MSEA FROM
SAID BOARDS; AMENDING CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 6
OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "SPORTS AND EXHIBITION
AUTHORITY," MORE PARTICULARLY BY REPEALING SECTIONS
2-1011 THROUGH 2-1023 IN ORDER TO ABOLISH MSEA; AND BY
AMENDING CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III OF THE CITY CODE,
TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTIONS
18-72(A)(2) AND 18-74(C)(6)(R) TO DELETE MSEA FROM THE
PROVISIONS OF THE MIAMI PROCUREMENT CODE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Notes for the Record: Item FR.2 was continued to the October 11, 2018, Regular
Commission Meeting.
For additional minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see "Public Comment
Period for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman, I would like to request that this go back. I
wanted to defer this. This should be -- go back to the board and the board should
address these issues. At the same time, the board she address a lot of the issues
that's been brought up with the executive directors. A lot of statements that has been
made and I think they need to be clarified in the board, and then come back here. I
don't have any problem with that.
Chair Hardemon: It's been moved by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: I second that, Commissioner Gort.
Chair Hardemon: Moved by Commissioner Gort --
Vice Chair Russell: Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: -- seconded by Commissioner Carollo to defer the item. Do we
know what date?
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): September 27; that is the next City Commission
meeting.
Commissioner Gort: That's fine.
Mr. Hannon: We'll defer it till September 27.
Chair Hardemon: That's the next meeting. Next meeting. Is that enough time?
Commissioner Reyes: Could we do it a little bit longer? Because I think there's a lot
of things that have to be finite.
Commissioner Gort: What's the next meeting after December [sic]?
Mr. Hannon: October 11 or October 25.
Commissioner Reyes: October 25.
Chair Hardemon: That's the motion. You're recognized, Mr. Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am in favor of the abolishment --
Commissioner Carollo: I second the 11 th.
Vice Chair Russell: -- of MSEA. I am absolutely in favor of it. It was an early
meeting on when I asked the dais, "Why do we have MSEA? Why can't the City
manage these leases?" But I do share the concern that Ignacio brought up, and I
have brought this up in my briefings. I was thinking it could be taken care of
between first and second, but perhaps it needs to be done by MSEA. My worry is
that these leases do not automatically transfer, and it triggers a Charter nightmare
for us; and so, we want a seamless transfer. And it seems the most seamless transfer
would be for MSEA to actually actively transfer theses leases back to us, and then we
take care of the abolishment. Madam City Attorney, you seem to have concerns.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): The Code is clear that the Commission has a right
to abolish MSEA.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Any agreements that MSEA has would revert to the City. There really
is not much else to do, but whatever the will of the Commission.
Chair Hardemon: Perhaps. There's a motion on the floor; it's been properly
seconded. Any further discussion on the motion? Hearing none, all in favor of the
motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: That motion carries. That is -- which one? What's the item
number?
Mr. Hannon: FR.2, sir.
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FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
4618
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 31/ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "LOCAL
BUSINESS TAX AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
REGULATIONS/LOCAL BUSINESS TAX (BTR)," TO ESTABLISH A
NEW SECTION 31-51 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "FOOD
TRUCKS," REGULATING FOOD TRUCKS AND FOOD TRUCK
GATHERINGS WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI; 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: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney, can you read FR.3 into the record?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): FR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Gort: Good afternoon, gentlemen. The reason I'm bringing this up,
we have a lot of problems in my neighborhood. We have these little restaurants that
set up themselves on gas stations, next to gas pumps. They're using all kinds of fire
equipment and so on; no insurance. And my understanding is, if any things happen
in there, since the City allow it to do so, we can be in violation, and we can liable for
that.
Chair Hardemon: Is that a motion, sir?
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll second it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Any further discussion
on FR.3?
Commissioner Reyes: What -- and this is the food truck, right?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: But it doesn't affect the -- their --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. That's one thing that I want to make clear --
Commissioner Carollo: You're not going to be --
Commissioner Reyes: -- that it will not affect --
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Commissioner Carollo: -- gambling out of food trucks, will you?
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: No card playing in the food trucks'?
Commissioner Reyes: Food trucks. No. I want to make clear, and I wanted for the
record, to state that Magic City Casino and other venues that they have these
facilities in which they bring the trucks --
Commissioner Gort: This is --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): If I may, I believe that the -- what we will do is for
locations that have a certain square footage that the gathering can be within the
establishment and not have any effects on neighboring --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: So we will tailor it between first and second reading to address that.
I'm sure Mr. Prieguez will give valuable input.
Commissioner Reyes: I have an additional request, an additional
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). And as you well know, I had established `Movie Nights" in
parks.
Commissioner Carollo: Movie.
Commissioner Reyes: Movie nights.
Commissioner Gort: Movie nights, yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Movies. You go to movies. You know what a movie is?
Unidentified Speaker: I don't know (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: you know, I'm sorry; my accent. You know, it's --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no.
Commissioner Reyes: -- it betrays me, you know. But we have movie nights, and
sometimes come a couple of trucks, they'll be invited, or they will --
Commissioner Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: -- come and provide food there, and that will not be affected?
Commissioner Gort: That will not affect it at all.
Ms. Mendez: An exemption for City property.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I --
Ms. Mendez: So we will make those --
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Commissioner Reyes: -- do agree with what --
Commissioner Carollo: One day only.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and I congratulate Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: One day only, right?
Commissioner Reyes: Huh?
Commissioner Carollo: One day only for films?
Commissioner Reyes: One day only. Movie night is one day.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: But I'm saying, not necessarily in the whole year, but you
get a one -day exception.
Commissioner Reyes: One day? No. I'll do it twice a year, man.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but (UNINTELLIGIBLE) saying one day within the
month.
Commissioner Reyes: Without -- within the month.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, okay, within the month. That's it.
Commissioner Gort: By the way, Manny, even if you don't --
Commissioner Carollo: For City properties, with the agreement of the district
Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: So that in case we miss something --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- nobody else starts playing games.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right; with district Commission approval.
Commissioner Carollo: And this is for real food trucks that have real axles --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- not like the make-believe containers --
Commissioner Reyes: Containers.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that the distinguished Zoning director said, if they put
axles on them, they would be food trucks, which would have made it illegal, anyway,
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for what they were trying to do; that's why they're not there. And then the City
Manager was so gracious to go see it, and confirmed that the approvals that they
were given weren't real, because the photos that we were sent were Photoshop.
There were no axles on them, because they couldn't put them in; is that correct, Mr.
Manager, when you saw it?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: So for real food trucks that move around --
Commissioner Carollo: Real food trucks.
Commissioner Reyes: That have a motor.
Ms. Mendez: -- that have peddlers licenses and those things. Got it. Understood.
Mr. Prieguez: So we're going to clean it up, and we're going to do whatever needs
to be done.
Ms. Mendez: We will --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. A --
Ms. Mendez: -- work with you on this.
Commissioner Reyes: Manny --
Mr. Prieguez: That means I'll have to have two meetings with Vicky? Is that what
that means?
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Don't worry about it.
Ms. Mendez: It's going to be the same one. It's going to loop into it, so I don't have
to see you twice.
Mr. Prieguez: Thank God.
Commissioner Reyes: Don't worry about it; it's not going to happen.
Commissioner Carollo: How many food trucks do you have, Manny? Manny --
Commissioner Reyes: Don't worry about it; it's not going to affect --
Commissioner Carollo: -- how many food trucks do you have?
Mr. Prieguez: None, Commissioner. Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: He's planning on buying one.
Mr. Prieguez: Thank you very much.
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Commissioner Carollo: Listen, for the record, the more convincing side, the more
intelligent side, the more --
Mr. Prieguez: Attractive side?
Commissioner Carollo: -- polite side of the Prieguez family --
Mr. Prieguez: Attractive. You forgot attractive.
Commissioner Carollo: -- lobbied all of us, so we were convinced.
Mr. Prieguez: But you forgot attractive.
Commissioner Carollo: And we wanted to make it easier for you.
Mr. Prieguez: But you forgot attractive.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Mr. Prieguez: I said it; don't worry. You didn't say it; I said it.
Commissioner Carollo: -- I didn't get into that area.
Mr. Prieguez: She's my cousin; I can say it.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Now you know why he brings the cousin over every
time he comes now.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So --
Commissioner Gort: Call the question.
Chair Hardemon: There was no amendment that was placed on the record on this
thing, right?
Ms. Mendez: No. We'll amend it between first and second --
Commissioner Reyes: Perfect.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So --
Ms. Mendez: -- based on what was discussed on the record.
Chair Hardemon: -- any further discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Chair Hardemon: Hearing none, all in favor of that motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
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FR.4 ORDINANCE First Reading
4365
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 55 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS," MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 55-8, TITLED "SAME -
SAME - FINAL PLAT," SECTION 55-15, TITLED "VACATION AND
CLOSURE OF RIGHTS -OF -WAY, PLATTED EASEMENTS, AND
EMERGENCY ACCESS EASEMENTS BY PLAT," AND SECTION
55-16, TITLED "CONSIDERATION OF EASEMENTS AND ALLEYS
WHEN ALLEGED TO BE ABANDONED AS A MATTER OF LAW,"
TO REQUIRE THAT SUBDIVIDERS OBTAIN CONFIRMATION
FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AS TO WHETHER THE CITY
UTILIZED ANY FUNDS, INCLUDING RESTRICTED FUNDS, TO
IMPROVE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY PROPOSED TO BE
VACATED/CLOSED OR ABANDONED AND TO REQUIRE THE
EXPENDITURE OF RESTRICTED CITY FUNDS UTILIZED FOR
SAID IMPROVEMENTS OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BE REPAID TO
THE CITY IN ORDER FOR A RIGHT-OF-WAY TO BE
VACATED/CLOSED OR ABANDONED; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Hardemon
Chair Hardemon: FR.4, please read it into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Carollo: I got quite a few questions on this one. Who sponsored
this?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh. Don't have any other questions.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question on it that -- Well, let's move it, right?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I would appreciate it.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I will move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. I second it.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved and seconded.
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Commissioner Reyes: And I have some questions moving forward, because I want to
discuss it. Joe -- Commissioner Carollo --
Commissioner Carollo: "Joe" is fine.
Commissioner Reyes: That's fine?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. You see, is it -- ifI understand this right, you are -- you
want the City to be, I mean, reimbursed of any --?
Commissioner Carollo: That's all that we're asking for, for us to be reimbursed.
Commissioner Reyes: To be reimbursed.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: But my question is, how are we going to determine?
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Reyes: Because it could be -- let's say that a street -- that been there
since 1800, and it has been repaved 50 times.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, look, I think that --
Commissioner Reyes: You see?
Commissioner Carollo: -- if indeed, there's a street that was paved to the day of
Flagler --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's going to be hard to go that far back, but I think we
need to go back as far as we can, being reasonable, and see what the City of Miami
has spent on it and try to get reimbursed. Now, the only question I think that we
might want to consider here is, do we get reimbursed present-day value or not?
Because those monies that were spent, say, 10, 15, 20 years ago is not the same thing
as today's money. A dollar then is not worth a dollar now. So, you know, I leave
that up to this Commission to decide if you want present-day value or not.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, if we're going to get any money, it has to be -- in order
to have any value, it have to be present-day value --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I --
Commissioner Reyes: -- and use the formula, you see.
Commissioner Carollo: -- believe so.
Commissioner Reyes: You see.
Commissioner Carollo: But I want to do it in a democratic way, as much as we can.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding --
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Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: -- we have such good records, I'm sure they can tell you -- if
you tell them the year that it was built, they can tell us how much it cost.
Commissioner Carollo: It depends from whom you're looking the record up,
Commissioner, and next Commission meeting I'm going to show you exactly what I'm
talking about that's going to surprise all of you and the residents of Miami.
Ms. Mendez: I think that in discussing this with the Administration, we want to make
sure that we can collect any grants, bonds, any indebtedness that we have --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, exactly.
Ms. Mendez: I think we'll have to get back to you on the present value versus --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Ms. Mendez: I think we have to talk about that.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, we could approve it as this now, and then change it in
the second reading.
Ms. Mendez: Right. Between first and second, those are the
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Ms. Mendez: -- Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: And then I have just a couple questions. So this applies to --
let's say we do a closure, and if they had bonds from other entities, are we collecting
for them and transmitting or we're just worrying about what the City of Miami spent
and is getting back?
Commissioner Reyes: That's a good question.
Commissioner Carollo: City of Miami.
Ms. Mendez: Just us.
Commissioner Reyes: City of Miami.
Vice Chair Russell: Let's not waste our resources on other people
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: We're not. It's us. Look, if others want --
Ms. Mendez: Just us.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to ask for their money, that's their problem, or not.
Ms. Mendez: Right. So, for instance, if -- two years ago, we just finished paving that
street, and it's like one of the nicest streets ever and we spent "X" dollars, we would
like to get that money back.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
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Ms. Mendez: It's just very concrete; what we spent, if we got monies given to us to
spend it; those types of things. Obviously, if we have no records on it, --
Vice Chair Russell: There's none. Commissioner Gort.
Ms. Mendez: -- we can't collect anything --
Commissioner Reyes: We do an estimate.
Ms. Mendez: -- so it's going to be very --
Commissioner Reyes: We do an estimate.
Ms. Mendez: -- we will be as efficient as possible. We're not going to have hundreds
of people scouring books. We're also going to ask -- because sometimes the private
sector that is asking for these things, sometimes they're able to find things that we
owe better than we can sometimes. I know that one particular platting queen will
assist in working on those things, so I think this will be a good thing.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, let me ask for something that could be placed on the
second reading of it. We should place the initial burden on doing that study on
whoever wants to get that land back from us, and then we should not rely on them;
we should double check it, but at least, you know, they do a lot of that leg work for
us.
Ms. Mendez: They can definitely help out.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: No.
Vice Chair Russell: You don't have a comment? Is there any further discussion from
the dais on first reading? Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: You have a conflict, lady.
Iris Escarra: Hi. Iris Escarra. If I may, through the Chair, just for a second. One
of the things that, with regards to this legislation where we're doing the platting that
the board may want to consider is actually maybe setting a minimum threshold,
taking kind of like an average for a period of time; let's say it's, 25, 30 years,
because I could tell you, this is -- the City has implemented this already in the
platting process, and it's really hard to find records. So to the extent that the City
sets up like "X" amount per square foot of road closure, or something along those
lines, that would be a reasonable fee based on the records.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, I'm willing to go that we close it up at 50 years back.
Ms. Escarra: And that'll help with regards to the timeline, because I could tell you,
it's really hard to find some of these old streets and bonds and --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I'm willing to close it up at 50 years, you know.
That's a -- you know, reasonable amount.
Vice Chair Russell: Is that amendment between first and second or just direction for
them to --?
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Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, first and second. She's going to come back with
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: Right. So we don't need to amend --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- the legislation for first reading then. Is there any further
discussion on the dais for this item? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Next item?
Commissioner Carollo: Vice Chairman, can --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, you lost two Commissioners for a second. I
need to do something real quick. Can you give us about a five-minute break, only
five minutes?
Vice Chair Russell: We can.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. I appreciate it.
Vice Chair Russell: Five minutes. Ah, yeah, we were almost to the end.
Chair Hardemon: Let's take a break.
Vice Chair Russell: We're almost to the end.
Chair Hardemon: Take a break.
Commissioner Carollo: Too much coffee.
Chair Hardemon: Take a break.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no, no. I wouldn't want to see you so happy. What
do you got going?
Chair Hardemon: I used the bathroom myself.
Vice Chair Russell: Oh, you want us to keep rolling?
Chair Hardemon: No. I just want to get through what we have, because at 5, we
have budget. So if we can get through this last little bit, we'll be fine.
Commissioner Carollo: Just leave everything else that might concern me, you know.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Oh, I do have a question. We didn't pass RE.9 and RE.10,
though, right?
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Vice Chair Russell: No.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Nor FR. 7. Those are the big ones. There's a few more.
Ms. Mendez: Am I reading FR.5, or are we taking the few -minute break?
Commissioner Carollo: Five-minute break.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So --
Vice Chair Russell: No, no. We're going.
Ms. Mendez: No break?
Vice Chair Russell: We have our --
FR.5 ORDINANCE First Reading
4366
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE V OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS/BASE BUILDING LINES," MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 54-190, TITLED "NONSTANDARD STREET
WIDTHS," BY MODIFYING THE WIDTH OF
NORTHWEST/NORTHEAST 5TH STREET BETWEEN BISCAYNE
BOULEVARD AND NORTHWEST 3RD AVENUE FROM EIGHTY
FEET (80') TO SEVENTY FEET (70'); MODIFYING THE WIDTH OF
NORTHEAST/NORTHWEST 6TH STREET BETWEEN
NORTHEAST 2ND AVENUE AND NORTHWEST 3RD AVENUE
FROM EIGHTY FEET (80') TO SEVENTY FEET (70'); AND
MODIFYING THE WIDTH OF NORTHWEST 1ST AVENUE ON THE
EAST SIDE BETWEEN NORTHWEST 10TH STREET AND
NORTHWEST 11TH STREET FROM ONE HUNDRED FIVE FEET
(105') TO SEVENTY FEET (70'), AND BETWEEN NORTHWEST
8TH STREET TO NORTHWEST 10TH STREET FROM ONE
HUNDRED FIVE FEET (105') TO FIFTY FEET (50'); 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: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort
ABSENT: Carollo, Reyes
Commissioner Gort: FR. 5.
Chair Hardemon: FR.5, please read into the record.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney) : FR. 5.
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The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded by the Chair. Any
discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the ordinance, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
FR.6 ORDINANCE First Reading
4485 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 50 OF THE CODE OF CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
Office of the City
orney AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "SHIPS, VESSELS, AND
AttWATERWAYS," TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR THE
REMOVAL, DESTRUCTION, AND OTHER DISPOSITION OF
DERELICT VESSELS BY A HEARING SETTING FORTH PURPOSE
AND FINDINGS, DEFINITIONS, A PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL
OR RELOCATION, HEARING DATE SCHEDULING, AND HEARING
PROCEDURES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Russell, Carollo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.6, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: FR.5. I'm sorry; that was 5.
Vice Chair Russell: 6.
Chair Hardemon: FR. 6, please read into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioners, this is sponsored by my office in
order to have a proper procedure for --
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
FR.7 ORDINANCE First Reading
4588
Off -Street Parking
Board/Miami
Parking Authority
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 35/ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "MOTOR VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC/PARKING RATES," MORE PARTICULARLY BY
AMENDING SECTIONS 35-191 THROUGH 35-196 TO UPDATE
RATES AND FACILITIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.7, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: FR. 7.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Gort: You need everyone here.
Chair Hardemon: You say you think you need every yeah, we should. We
probably should have everyone here.
Art Noriega: We should.
Chair Hardemon: Right. So we'll move on, okay?
Later...
Chair Hardemon: So, look, we're on FR.7. We need the whole board for FR.7. It's
already been read into the record. That's Mr. Noriega.
Commissioner Carollo: FR.7? That's --
Chair Hardemon: Parking surcharge fee increase.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Noriega, I had a conversation with a representative of the
Design District, and I explained to him how the first readings and second readings
go, and that you should -- you two can get together between first and second
reading, because it's important that we're all on -- at least on the same wavelength
of understanding what's happening.
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Art Noriega: Certainly.
Commissioner Carollo: I also heard, I think, from that same chap, and he would like
to hear from your department. Here is an additional problem that I'm having, and I
don't know how this is going to go today or not and -- you know, before we go
further, I'd like to say this, Art, on the record, that I compliment you and your people
for trying to find ways to help the City of Miami; first of all, bringing us up to par
with others, even though we're still below in the market rate, but at the same time,
corning to the forefront, knowing that we're going to have some rough years corning
so that the City could be in better financial shape in hurting our residents the least,
because 87 percent of all the parking fees that are paid into the Off -Street Parking
Authority come from outside of City of Miami individuals; 13 percent of it only is
paid by our residents. This is what we found some years ago was the case. So
having said that, however this turns out, I don't want you or your people feel that,
you know, it was decisions that were made against it, because I think you should be
commended for trying to find ways to help us. I see this also now as an opportunity
to bring some additional things into the forefront; that we should bring it all at one
time. We have millions of dollars sitting out there that, for whatever reason, past
Commissions -- maybe this present Commission -- don't want to see it; that it's only
going to affect a very small minute amount of our City residents, real residents; not
those that change their driver's license so they could get a discount, and they're
really living somewhere else. So I'd like to bring another ordinance that I'm going to
have the City Attorney draft at the next meeting to combine it with this, one and two,
back to back. And since that's the last meeting that we have before the new fiscal
year begins, and we're going to need these dollars for the new fiscal year to at least
finalize our budget, I'd like to then do both of them, if they're passed, in an
emergency basis, and I think those are sufficient grounds for an emergency basis;
aren 't they?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Okay. I -- what ordinance? Because --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'm saying this one that we have now, and another one
that I'm going to give you to draft that's going to bring more than half of what this
one is bringing. It's going to bring between four and five million more dollars to our
coffers.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. And that would be -- so then you're bringing FR.7 back at that
time?
Commissioner Carollo: At that time. In first and second reading at one time as an
emergency ordinance.
Ms. Mendez: Right. I -- probably, the one that we don't have -- So emergency
ordinances go under a lot of scrutiny. First of all, you're not changing any uses on
that other emergency ordinance that you're thinking of right?
Commissioner Carollo: And the other one is similar to what he has on something
else the City owns; it's just changing rates.
Ms. Mendez: It's changing rates.
Commissioner Carollo: Changing rates.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. It -- there's no way that we could at least pass this one on first
reading and then make whatever changes --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I --
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Ms. Mendez: -- and then pass the other one as an emergency?
Commissioner Carollo: -- I'd like to bring them both up at the same time, because,
you know, people get comfortable. If they get one, then maybe they don't want the
other and, you know -- It's the old saying: "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but
nobody wants to die." So I'd like to bring them both together.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, what's the standard for emergency that
would allow us to bring two on one day -- two readings on one day, just to make sure
we could do that?
Ms. Mendez: It just has to -- it has to be a true emergency, and since we have -- I
understand -- The other one you're bringing, we can do that, but since this one's
already here on first, it makes it a little hard to --
Commissioner Carollo: Well -- but this one might need some real fine-tuning.
Ms. Mendez: And we can definitely do that.
Commissioner Carollo: Real fine-tuning. And, you know, I'm afraid that --
Ms. Mendez: We only have till Monday, by the way, to do fine-tuning on this one.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a little problem with that.
Commissioner Carollo: But Monday is plenty of time; tomorrow is Friday, and I
work weekends.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I -- and you want us to consider both ordinance at the
same time? Well, I have a little problem with this, because I'm not supporting this
ordinance. I am not. I have a big problem with it and --
Commissioner Carollo: But, see, this is going to give you the opportunity then --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to look at something else that could bring --
Commissioner Reyes: That -- because --
Commissioner Carollo: -- almost as much --
Commissioner Reyes: I don't want to -- although it is claimed that only 13 percent of
-- 20 percent of the fees are paid by the City of Miami residents, I don't think that we
can place -- we have -- I mean, I am not willing to place any more burden on
particularly my residents that they are -- most of them are retirees and people that
are very low income; and between tolls and all of that, that -- I think that it is a
tremendous jump. I think that before we start looking for additional funds from the
residents, we have to look within the City government and try to cut as much as we
can. And as -- the City Manager and I, we spoke. There is -- in every institution,
there is fat; the only thing that we have to do is look for it and trim it, and that's
going to be one of my directives when (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: IfI may make a correction on the record.
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Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I misspoke before, and I said that 87 percent of the parking
fees are paid by outside residents. It's actually 83 from the studies that we did back
when I was Mayor, and I don't think those have changed; if anything, outside
residents has increased.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. But if you say -- I'm sorry, Mr. Chair -- that your
ordinance is going to make this pass or it 's going to make it more fair for the people
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I think --
Commissioner Reyes: -- of the City of Miami, I'll wait, but I just want you --
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's going to --
Commissioner Reyes: -- I want my -- you to know my position, because I'm a
straight shooter. I tell you how I feel, and that's it. And I told you that
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: I'm going to sit with the City Attorney and the Parking
Director to make this ordinance -- that they did a very good job in trying to put
together -- more --
Commissioner Reyes: Compatible.
Commissioner Carollo: -- compatible for the Commission to vote on it, and
particularly, in certain of the residential areas. And at the same time, I will be
bringing a new ordinance that will bring in new rates that are not going to affect
many of our citizens or residents -- maybe 50 at most, if that -- that could bring in 4
to $5 million.
Vice Chair Russell: So is the goal to defer this?
Ms. Mendez: Actually, ifI may? Commissioner, is there any way that we can do for
both of these, for FR.7 and the other ordinance, first reading on September 27;
second reading, October 11? Right away, it's only 11 days in, and it has two
readings, and there could be no --
Vice Chair Russell: It has to match up with the budget, though, doesn 't it?
Commissioner Carollo: How will it affect our budget?
Ms. Mendez: I mean, 11 days into a budget should not make or break you.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Budget Director, how will it affect our budget, 11 days?
Christopher Rose (Director): Good evening, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office of
Management & Budget. State law says that you have to have a reasonable
expectation that the revenues will be corning in for you to count those revenues.
Now I'm going to look back at the City Attorney and see if, on the 27th of September,
we can have a reasonable expectation that those revenues --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So if we approve those ordinance, or one or the
other, I would say that we meet the requirement of State law that there is reasonable
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expectation that we will get that into the new fiscal year, so therefore, we could use
it.
Mr. Rose: I would, of course, prefer to receive the money before we spend the
money.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, we're not going to be spending anything, because in
what she's asking, we're only going to be 11 days out into the new fiscal year. And
what minute of money we might lose in the parking additional revenues, if it passes,
we're more than going to make up for something else that I'm bringing to this
Commission.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman, I recommend that we -- he's recognize? -- pass
this on first reading, and if we change our mind once seeing the new ordinance, we
can either kill this or amend it on second, and then incorporate whatever
Commissioner Carollo's looking -- I just don't like surprises, and I don't like putting
it to --
Commissioner Carollo: It's still -- it's --
Vice Chair Russell: -- putting a lot of pressure on --
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's --
Vice Chair Russell: -- the budget hearing --
Commissioner Carollo: -- no surprises.
Vice Chair Russell: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE). It'll be second reading --
Commissioner, please.
Chair Hardemon: One at a time. One at a time. Let him -- he has the floor.
Vice Chair Russell: We'll be on second reading when our budget hearing. We'll be
depending on revenue from the passing of this ordinance that will not have yet
passed, and we can feel already on this dais there certainly is not consensus yet to
pass it, so we could not count on it. And unless we have surety that we can do two
readings in that second budget hearing, I'd rather at least get first reading out of the
way and then we can tweak, work, fix, adjust, amend whatever we need to, or add a
complete other ordinance come next hearing, but I don't know why we're considering
a second ordinance that we have no idea what it is right now.
Commissioner Carollo: Madam --
Chair Hardemon: What --
Commissioner Carollo: -- City Attorney, if we approve an ordinance on September
27, and the will of this Commission is clearly put out that we fully intend to approve
it again on October 11, as you were saying, would we meet the intent of State law as
the Budget Director has described? I believe so.
Ms. Mendez: The -- if you are counting on a certain amount of revenue that has not
been approved yet, I think that may be problematic for purposes of that. So if that's
the case, then I guess we go back to the emergency ordinance provisions that you're
suggesting. As long as no -- emergency enactment procedures cannot be done on
any land use and zoning issues, so if anything, you're suggesting has to do with
changes of land use or zoning.
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Commissioner Carollo: Rate increases. Rate increases for parking; rate increases
for something else that I will bring it up. That's all that it will be; rate increases and
only rate increases.
Chair Hardemon: So --
Commissioner Carollo: But this money is part of the money that you were putting
into reserves to finalize contracts with Fire and Police anyway, so it's not part of the
actual funding that we need to balance the books.
Mr. Rose: No, sir. The budget, as proposed in July, was a balanced budget.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Rose: Additional revenues that we will recognize tonight -- if they are approved
on first reading, at least we can recognize them to begin with -- they are recognized
and put into the labor reserve.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So that makes it clear that, regardless, we have a
balanced budget that will be going into the labor reserve so that we could finalize
the contracts with the two remaining unions that we have to finalize it with.
Chair Hardemon: Right now, City of Miami residents are offered a 20 percent
discount if they use the pay app.
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Chair Hardemon: That is a discount above and beyond what those who are not City
of Miami residents receive.
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Chair Hardemon: The thought that I had was, what if City of Miami residents who
use the pay app -- because the pay app allows you -- it allows you -- to register for it,
you have to put in certain information, so I guess that's how they capture the fact
that you are a resident -- if those who are using the pay app will pay the old fee? So
basically, the pay app itself, when you regi -- if I go to the park on 655 Northwest
48th Street, I pull up next to it, I enter -- I look at the sign; I enter my information for
the parking. Instead of charging me $2.25, which is the new rate, it charges me
1.75. That is still -- it's a discount, and it is just a discount to a greater percentage
than the 20 percent. It just -- it's the original fee. I think that if we do that -- and if
the theory is that the Miami residents are ones who are using the pay app or who are
paying for parking less often than those who are visitors, then that would be a good
way to say to our residents, "We value you. We did not raise your fees. Your fees
remain the same. Now, when your sister, cousin, brother, uncle, sister, brother, all
them come, we're going to get it from them." But the --
Commissioner Carollo: I don't mind that, as long as, constitutionally, we get the
green light from the City Attorney that we can't be challenged in discrimination to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: We already have a residential discount.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, we have the residential discount today.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but this is going --
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Chair Hardemon: So I'll give an example.
Commissioner Carollo: -- way beyond that.
Chair Hardemon: I think like in Miami Beach -- the Miami Beach -- Miami Beach
charges astronomical fees for parking, and I believe -- and you can tell me better
than anyone -- for the residents, though, they do have a --
Mr. Noriega: A cap, correct.
Chair Hardemon: -- there's a cap to what they pay, even for garages, as well as off--
- on -street parking; is that correct?
Mr. Noriega: I'm aware of the on -street. I'm not sure about the off-street.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. But --
Commissioner Carollo: I will say --
Chair Hardemon: -- so that's the thought. So if we're able to say, "Hey" --
Commissioner Carollo: -- for the record, another reason why I feel that we could do
that -- and the 20 percent that we've been giving to our residents already that use the
app is solid law -- is that when you come from outside the City of Miami to park
here, you're using the streets, tearing them up every day; you use our police service,
you use our rescue service, sometimes even our fire service; so many of the other
services that we have, and you don't pay for it. Residents already pay for them,
either through homes that they own and they pay taxes on; or if you're a renter, that
money that you pay the owner of that building, he pays for it to us. So our City
residents are paying already, but those who are coming from the outside, they're
using all our services and they don't pay, like our residents do, to the same level. So
I think those are reasons, sound legal reasons, why we could give our residents that
additional break that the Chairman is talking about.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chairman? Mr. Chairman, and I have to ask -- I heard a
statistic here that said, 83 percent of users are --
Commissioner Carollo: 87, 87.
Commissioner Reyes: -- 87 percent, they are outside the district. How do you
determine that, sir; by the pay apps?
Commissioner Carollo: 83, you're right.
Commissioner Reyes: Hold on a second. By the pay apps?
Mr. Noriega: So that --
Commissioner Reyes: Or how do you determine that -- how you came up with that
figure?
Mr. Noriega: Currently -- yeah, I didn't -- it's a study that they did when he was
Mayor.
Commissioner Carollo: We did it -- yeah, we did it in 2000.
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Mr. Noriega: So -- but the current way we do it is by the number of registrants
within the pay -by -phone app.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: I know that. It's the people that have the pay app. I could
guarantee you that you go through my street, Southwest 7th Street, and you go from
one corner of 42nd Avenue to -- I mean, the end, 7 -- yes, 2nd Avenue, and the
majority, great majority of all the elders that drive and park and they are -- use their
automobiles in the City of Miami, they don't have a pay app, you see; even my wife,
you see, even my wife. My children, they made her go into pay -by -phone. And what
I'm saying is this, that that statistic could be skewed, you see? It could be skewed.
And how do you going to get them to be using it, you see?
Chair Hardemon: Well, I'll tell you, though. I think paying a discount -- getting that
discount --
Mr. Noriega: To motivate them.
Chair Hardemon: -- is enough incentive to saying, "Hey" --
Commissioner Reyes: But it is not -- it's the ability, you see.
Chair Hardemon: No. I know. I understand what you're saying.
Commissioner Reyes: You see? It's the ability. Remember one thing. Remember
one thing. And people said, "Okay." There are other cities -- and I do understand -
- that they have rates that they are tremendously greater than the City of Miami, but
also, you have to remember that the median income of the residents of the City of
Miami doesn't -- does not reach 35,000, and there are areas that it is 12 and $18, 000
a year. So when we are going to compare, we have to compare apples and apples,
not apples and oranges, you see. And that is my concern. I don't want to burden
between the tolls, and now we are going to -- it's not a 10 cent or a 15 cent increase;
it will cost a dollar fifty.
Mr. Noriega: So, can I --?
Commissioner Reyes: It's going to hurt also the businesses.
Mr. Noriega: Let me give you some pertinent facts, Commissioner, so you can make
an educated decision, because that's really what I'm up here to do, is try to give you
as much information as I can. Ultimately, as a body, you get -- you have absolute
jurisdiction over this rate structure. So 88 percent of our current on -street, the
meters, 88 percent of our payments come through the app; 88 percent. We have the
highest utilization of any city in North America.
Commissioner Carollo: That's a huge amount, Art. Congratulations.
Mr. Noriega: So --
Commissioner Carollo: Huge.
Mr. Noriega: -- given that -- right? -- that means the adoption in Miami is pretty
significant. I want it to be a hundred, because ultimately, if it's a hundred, then --
By the way, we're saving a lot of money in terms of equipment, capital costs,
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collections; a lot of it. We'll never get there, because that's not the nature of our
City.
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me. Just a point of clarification. You talking -- by
"pay apps, " you're talking that pay -by -phone?
Mr. Noriega: Pay -by -phone.
Commissioner Reyes: People that have been --
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Or you're talking that you go to the machine and you pay?
Mr. Noriega: No, no, no, no. 88 percent of the transactions -- 12 percent of them
pay the machine; 88 percent use the phone app.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: It's the highest in North America. It's -- we just -- we put a lot -- we
invested a lot into it in terms of public awareness. We also, by the way, so that you
know -- and I don't think this is on a lot of people's radar -- we're the only city in
Florida that actually absorbs the convenience fee so that the cost to the end user,
whether you use the app or you pay the machine, it's exactly the same. You don't
have any additional burden.
Chair Hardemon: I always wondered that, because I know -- I get a convenience fee
in other cities.
Mr. Noriega: You do.
Chair Hardemon: That's fine.
Mr. Noriega: You'll get it in Coral Gables. You'll get it in the City of South Miami,
but in Miami, you don't. It's an even playing field, whether you use the app or not.
Chair Hardemon: And you said about 30-something percent of people actually pay
their parking; the other 70 percent, they roll a dice?
Mr. Noriega: Well, yeah. That's part of why we wanted to ramp up the enforcement
is because the compliance level is way below what it should be.
Commissioner Reyes: But you can -- when we spoke, you can increase enforcement
without increasing the rates.
Mr. Noriega: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: And you told me.
Mr. Noriega: No, no. I -- absolutely.
Commissioner Reyes: And you told me.
Mr. Noriega: Absolutely.
Commissioner Reyes: Wait a minute. You even give me a number. For every -- any
-- people that -- enforcers that you have, the amount of revenues is tremendous --
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Mr. Noriega: No.
Commissioner Reyes: -- that you have.
Mr. Noriega: I'm not tying the two together. I'm just giving you an example of
where we currently stand, but that -- he just asked a side question. I'm just
answering the side question. Look, from a resident registration standpoint -- right? -
- one of the things that we absolutely have committed to is that we want to educate
and enroll for those residents; not just have it be static where they have to come in
and do their registration on their own. We want to get out of the community with
each of your districts and actually do registration programs there so that we can
teach them, by the way, how to use it, how to set it up. I do that on my own, just as a
regular employee. I mean, I'll find somebody who I'll notice is a little frustrated with
using the equipment, and I'll walk them through the process, but we want to do that
in every neighborhood, and we want to try to get as many people to feel comfortable
with the app as we can, feeling -- with the understanding that we'll never get to a
hundred percent, but we do have the ability to do a bifurcated rate system; a rate for
residents and a rate for the general regular customer, the out -of -City customer or
out-of-town customer. So we have that ability too. So for us it's -- we can structure
this however you want to structure it in terms of you know, bifurcating the rates,
varying the rates to make it that much better for City residents. We have a lot of
flexibility built into the program.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. One of the other things that I think we need to do,
Art, is we need to send a mail out to all the households, explaining to them that we
do have this service, if they don't have it; that we'll send them something to show
them how to get the app, how to work it; and if they need help, because they don't
understand it, we'll be happy to walk them through it. They could come to -- we
could put certain office where you have people, or if need be, we'll come to them at a
certain time.
Mr. Noriega: But all -- there's actually an additional element to this. You're not --
you don't have to have the app to pay by phone. It's a dial -in system, too. That's
how it originated. So you literally dial into the number, using a regular -- you don't
even have to have a smartphone. It recognizes your number and that you have an
account, and then you can just -- you hit prompts on the phone and it pays for it.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Noriega: So you don't need the app either. So it has a lot of flexibility --
Commissioner Carollo: So it's really simple, yeah.
Mr. Noriega: -- built into it.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. That's excellent.
Commissioner Reyes: Well --
Commissioner Carollo: That's probably why you have 88 percent usage rate,
because you've made it real simple.
Commissioner Reyes: If -- the only way that I could support this is it is a --
significant or they remain the same, because I don't think that it's fair; fair to our
population, which is -- Miami is not, I mean, that exotic place that people think it is.
Brickell Avenue --
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Chair Hardemon: Hey? Hey?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. Miami Beach. Oh, yes, Ocean Drive. No, no, no, no,
no. Miami is a poor city. And being a poor city, we should protect those people.
And let me tell you another thing, you see. You might not believe this, but I
remember when there was an increase in rates. There was people, businesses, you
see -- this increase in rate that you want to place on the citizens of -- residents of
Miami will hurt small businesses along 8th Street, out on 17th Avenue, along every
party that has just a couple -- they don't have parking spaces; they just have parking
just across the street or in front of the stores. If you have to pay $3.50 to stop in that
little business and go inside and buy, you see, your purchase has increased, the cost
of your purchase has increased. You better go -- then you drive couple of blocks,
and then you go to a store that has parking -- that offers parking, I mean. You're
going to hurt businesses. And I remember all the complaints in Calle Ocho when
this happened.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to move FR.7 and adopt the amendment that you
recommended.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; Chair will second. Any further
discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All opposed?
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, there is a --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Ms. Ewan: -- substitution to this item. There was an email that was sent out with
changes that did not make it to the agenda, so this item will need to be modified.
Vice Chair Russell: Then --
Chair Hardemon: With the modifications.
Vice Chair Russell: -- amend to include the substitution, please.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Who made the second on this?
Chair Hardemon: I just seconded it.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. You second it?
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. This is the parking ordinance --
Chair Hardemon: It is the parking ordinance, right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- 7. Okay, let's have a roll call, Chair, because I didn't
hear the three votes say "aye."
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Vice Chair Russell: We haven't voted.
Chair Hardemon: We haven't finished the vote.
Ms. Mendez: This is FR.7.
Commissioner Gort: We haven't voted yet.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, we haven't finished the vote. So right now there's a motion,
seconded, including the language where the residents of the City of Miami will not
have an increase in their fees.
Commissioner Reyes: No increase whatsoever?
Chair Hardemon: That's what I've said on the record; like it could be amended
later. If you say you want a discount -- like if -- at the next meeting we say -- I'm
sure you're going to do the numbers.
Vice Chair Russell: There are different ways to do it.
Chair Hardemon: And then you say, "Okay. Well, once we've done the numbers,
maybe we give them a 60 percent discount rather than what it amounted to be, 75
percent, " right?
Commissioner Reyes: Hundred percent discount. I mean, I don't want them to pay a
single penny.
Chair Hardemon: But right now --
Commissioner Reyes: You see.
Chair Hardemon: -- what this will do --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) more.
Chair Hardemon: -- is to allow them to pay the same fee they're paying today
tomorrow.
Commissioner Reyes: That means that there is no increase, whatsoever, for
residents of the City of Miami? That's the only way that I'll be able to vote on this.
Chair Hardemon: That is correct.
Commissioner Reyes: But if it is a single penny --
Chair Hardemon: That's correct.
Commissioner Reyes: -- a single penny that is raised to any of the residents of the
City of Miami, one penny --
Chair Hardemon: That is correct.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I won 't vote "yes."
Commissioner Carollo: Is that what the maker of the motion is agreeing to?
Vice Chair Russell: I was the one who made the amendment [sic], adopting the --
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: -- amendment by Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. So not a cent increase by City residents.
Commissioner Reyes: Not a cent.
Mr. Noriega: We'll create a bifurcated rate; one for residents; one for visitors.
Commissioner Carollo: The other thing you need to do, to the best of your ability, is
to figure out what this comes then down in actual dollars that it's going to bring to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Noriega: We will.
Vice Chair Russell: Oh, he will.
Mr. Noriega: We'll do that. We'll redo the numbers on this.
Commissioner Carollo: And I'll make up for it in what I'm going to bring, if there's
enough courage here to take a small -- little step forward.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Commissioner Gort, anything to weigh
in?
Commissioner Gort: I think you need to go to the community and you need to go to
the press and inform the reasons why we need parking meters, because free parking,
let me tell you what will happen. The little small shops --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Gort: -- people park there all day long --
Chair Hardemon: Stay all day long.
Commissioner Gort: -- and the cars will not move. I mean, you heard the guy from
Wynwood; that he was in favor of it, because that moves the cars away and it brings
more client in, too. So parking is something you need, and you need to have it for a
limited time and then move on and get somebody else to come in. I think they need to
go into the community and to the radio stations and talk to the people and explain to
the people how do this work.
Mr. Noriega: Correct.
Commissioner Gort: And if you don't have parking meters and you don't charge for
parking on the street, the merchants are not going to receive any benefits; on the
contrary, because people are (UNINTELLIGIBLE) park out of there.
Commissioner Reyes: But the problem that we had had with the merchants has been
enforcement, that you are allowed to park two hours over there; and then people,
they come and they don't even pay, and they stayed the whole day. That's the biggest
problem we have.
Commissioner Gort: I understand.
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Commissioner Reyes: If we had had enforcement, we would have had more
revenues.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further discussion, all --
Vice Chair Russell: Please.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) discussion.
Chair Hardemon: I'm sorry? All in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
Commissioner Carollo: Art, how quickly can you try to figure out, to the best of
your ability, how much is this going to bring now versus what you had
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) ?
Mr. Noriega: We'll work on it this weekend. We'll have an answer by the beginning
of next week.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Would you have an answer by Monday, maybe, you
think, or --?
Mr. Noriega: Yeah. Yeah, we'll work on it.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. Mr. Manager, Madam City Attorney, if then --
once he brings this, if we could meet on Monday --
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so that I could give you what I have, and we could start
working on an ordinance?
Ms. Mendez: Right. So if you --
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Ms. Mendez: -- want an ordinance for September 27, I need it drafted -- I need to
draft it by Monday --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then you --
Ms. Mendez: -- unless you want to -- if we can pull --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Ms. Mendez: -- you know, make a template and then --
Commissioner Carollo: -- then -- yeah.
Ms. Mendez: -- put numbers later.
Commissioner Carollo: -- then I think you and I and the Manager --
Ms. Mendez: So tomorrow?
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Commissioner Carollo: -- and the Budget Director should meet tomorrow.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I need the Budget Director, the Manager, and yourself.
Ms. Mendez: Budget Director, Manager, our self -- myself tomorrow to work on that
ordinance that's due Monday.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: How 'bout me?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Commissioner Carollo: No, you can't.
FR.8 ORDINANCE First Reading
4241
Office of
Management and
Budget
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI AS
SET FORTH AND FUNDED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 18-
0193 ADOPTED MAY 10, 2018, AND PURSUANT TO SECTION 19
OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, TITLED
"CREATION OF NEW DEPARTMENTS; DISCONTINUANCE OF
DEPARTMENTS"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.8, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)."
Commissioner Gort: FR.8.
Chair Hardemon: FR.8, please read into the record. Madam City Attorney?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes?
Chair Hardemon: FR.8. Can you read FR.8 into the record, please?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: This is 8?
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, that's FR. 8.
Vice Chair Russell: 171 move it.
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Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by the Vice Chairman. Is there a
second?
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Reyes: You're talking about FR.8?
Chair Hardemon: That is correct.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. I move it. I second.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
FR.9 ORDINANCE First Reading
4707
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "BUILDINGS," BY ESTABLISHING A NEW
ARTICLE X, TITLED "CERTIFICATION OF RE -OCCUPANCY," TO
PROVIDE THAT ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES BEING RESOLD
ARE TO BE RE -INSPECTED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPERTY
DOES NOT POSSESS ILLEGAL UNITS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
Withdraw by Sponsor
WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR
Chair Hardemon: FR.9, please read into the record.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Sponsored by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: The -- one of the reasons I'm sponsoring this -- one of the
dcults [sic] I'm having, a lot of people corning in to me with Code Enforcement
have found that they have illegal unit, and that was built with -- before they make the
purchases. So these people make the purchases, they hold them to the home, and then
they find out they have an illegal unit within the home. And I'd like to -- I tried to do
this about 20 years ago when I was here, and unfortunate, the real estate agencies
were against it, but I think we need to do that --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: -- because we have a lot of illegal structure. Then at the same
time, the Planning Department -- and we can do some additional in the second
reading -- come out at one time that we had a -- what do you call that program?
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Ms. Mendez: Amnesty.
Commissioner Gort: Amnesty. We had an Amnesty Program, where the Code
Enforcement will go, and if there is a violation, this is a way for them to pull a permit
and try to comply and get it correct.
Commissioner Reyes: I would like to co-sponsor this ordinance; and also, I agree
with Commissioner Gort. I remember that when I was at the Code Enforcement
Board that many people came before the Code Enforcement Board with violations,
and they had recently acquired the property, and the answer to them -- and I don't
know if you remember that -- "You bought yourself a problem, " you see, and that is
not fair. One thing that I would like to have a friendly amendment, and it has to be,
and who is going to incur the cost of the inspection, either the buyer or the seller.
And I think the buyer is the one that should (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- We have to work
on it.
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) negotiation.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Gort: There's a lot of things that I can come up for the second
reading. Any advice you all want to give --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Gort: -- I will appreciate it.
Ms. Mendez: And I just wanted to state for the record, Commissioner Gort, that
Commissioner Reyes also had a similar idea with regard to this re -occupancy. I
inadvertently did not put both of you as co-sponsors, so I just wanted to say, "Great
minds think alike."
Commissioner Gort: I welcome everyone to be a sponsor.
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, I am very honored to be in the same wavelength that --
my old friend.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Russell: I just have a concern with regard to the logistics of how we go
about actually --
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: -- inspecting all of these at every sale without slowing down the
entire industry of house sales.
Commissioner Gort: I agree with you. I think that's very important. Today, if
anybody has a violation, then you can go on your computer and you can check and
you can see if there's a violation. At the same time, you can have the NET
(Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office, who is supposed to be --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
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Commissioner Gort: -- acting on this, they can go by and they can check and see if
any violation, and I'm talking violation; I'm talking about illegal units --
Commissioner Reyes: Illegal units.
Commissioner Gort: -- which is the one that causes the most problem, the illegal
units within that area.
Vice Chair Russell: Are inspections mandatory at time of sale?
Commissioner Gort: No.
Vice Chair Russell: Is that something we could force that would force the industry to
take this over instead of our departments to where, you know, a sale cannot happen
unless someone has advised the buyer that this house has not been altered out of
Code?
Commissioner Gort: If I could get somebody to do that, I would welcome to do so,
because the time is the title search do not find those things, and they don't discuss
those things.
Vice Chair Russell: We may be creating a cottage industry here, which is --
Commissioner Gort: So people go through the process of the title search and those
things don't come out, so 15 years later, after they've been in the house for a while,
they realize they have to do some remodeling to do or knock down certain things.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Gort: And it becomes very expensive. In some of the older
neighborhood with the residents that buy there, they buy because it was a low cost,
and they were able to afford a house. All of a sudden, they find that problem, and
they cannot afford to work on it.
Chair Hardemon: So I must admit that I'm not happy with the language that's in this,
and, you know, I'm going to support it through this first reading, because I think that
we could possibly come back with something that would be better, but one of the
things that come on here that make -- it brings up the short-term vacation rental
thought to me, because I still don't know whether or not the short-term vacation rental
is considered to be commercial uses, because -- for instance, on Section 10-135,
Certification of Re -Occupancy, Part "A," in that sentence, it reads that "the premises
are being used solely for residential purposes," and, you know, I would think that a
hotel is a commercial use. I may be wrong. I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) think -- it sounds
intuitive, and then -- and so, certainly, homes that are being used as hotels should be
considered similar; sounds intuitive, but it could be wrong. I know I live next door --
well, across the -- what is it called? -- a median from a home that's being used as --
for short-term rentals, and you have lots of lots of lots of lots of traffic and -- to that
space, and, of course, they pay residential garbage fees. They pay all the things that
pay as a normal homeowner, but what I find to be very interesting about it all is that I
still believe that when the commercial industry moves into the residential industry --
the residential neighborhood and start to sell their homes at prices that make sense
only when you're engaged in commercial activity, then you're going to see the death
of the single-family neighborhood. So Allapattah, Liberty City, all these special
neighborhoods where you used to be able to buy a home for a $160, 000, now they're
300; they'll soon be 400, 450, because if you're charging someone $1,800 a month as
a typical homeowner -- or a landlord, $1,800 a month for a three -bedroom home,
when you start to realize that, "I can bring $1,800 in in a week or four days," I think
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you're going to do that. It just makes sense. It makes economic sense. But then, you
know, there goes your parks, there goes your garbage pickup, there goes your --
whether or not you're going to have certain forms of protections in the household; if
there's a fire or if there's -- just all the things that I think -- and I -- to protect the hotel
industry, but to protect the people that live near this new residential hotel and
neighborhood. So it just brings to question, "What's going on with that. What's
going on with our" --
Ms. Mendez: We're still in court --
Chair Hardemon: -- with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ?
Ms. Mendez: -- with regard to the Airbnb matter, so we can give you a --
Chair Hardemon: But the last time I remember, it was -- I guess we'll talk about that
later. But, you know, these things, to me, they come into question. So even with this
ordinance here, what's what?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, Chairman, let me begin by complimenting my
colleague, Commissioner Gort, because I think his intentions are very, very honorable
in what he's trying to accomplish. However, Commissioner, in all frankness, this is
going to create the biggest mess and hornet's nest that we would have ever seen in
real estate in Miami's history. You're going to cause, if we pass this ordinance, tens
of thousands of real estate transactions not to go through, for banks to pull back
mortgages, for closings to be delayed and then maybe people backing off of deals, not
to mention the possible collapse in different areas of our City of the property value of
properties. In no way, from what I've seen of our City, since I've been back, are we in
any remote position to be able to enforce this and be able to do an adequate,
professional job quickly, but more than that, I truly believe that this is not
government's role. Government should be there to help and assist if people that are
buying -- they're adults -- wanted assistance, but not to force this down people's
throat. For instance, any time you buy a property, whether it's a small little house or
a major piece of property, you have available, if someone wants to pay for them, all
kinds -- and there's hundreds of them -- companies; that you hire them, they come in.
They'll analyze the property; tell you what's wrong; if there's a leak here; if there's a
problem with the electrical panel, the plumbing. They could also tell you on zoning, if
there are things that are legal or not legal. But I truly believe that while your
intentions are very honorable, and I know why you're doing this, this is going to
create a mess in the City of Miami, and it's going to cause thousands of people
heartaches. People are not going to be able to sell their properties. People are going
to be dropping contracts. And once you see a steady pace of that, that's going to
create property values to go down, and that's going to cause a mess for our own
budget in the City of Miami. And again, on top of all that, I don't think that we should
be in that business of controlling people's lives to that point. That's the difference of
America and others that do it differently. I think, if -- you will get -- and announce
this to people in the real estate business, of the day-to-day realtors or realtors
association that you are very involved with throughout the years -- I remember when
Rose Gordon was a Commissioner that I replaced here at 24 years of age, she was
very involved in that -- they're going to tell you, "Please don't do this." And I'm not
even talking about the big boys, the big-time developers and all their land use
attorneys. So that's my feeling. I cannot even begin to support this on first reading,
because I know the nightmare this is going to create in all of our districts, and some
worse than others.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
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Commissioner Gort: Look, let me tell you what the nightmare has been for me. When
we have a whole block within my district with people corning at me and showing up
with the Mayor, because they don't have the money, because of the violation they have
filed, that Code Enforcement going through the neighborhoods where we asked them
to do so, and they go through the neighborhood and they see all these illegal units
being added to it, and people come here scared. And I get calls every day when the
Code Enforcement enforces (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and they have to spend 20,000,
15,000. I had one lady that had to spend $12, 000 just on the design and then the
construction was 30-some thousand dollars in the poor neighborhoods where they
cannot afford. They were able to buy that house -- And I agree with you; I think
somebody should do that, but unfortunately, a lot of these people that buy those
homes, they don't have the ability to get people to do that for them. And
unfortunately, the banks don't do it, the realtors don't do it. The realtor want to sell it,
make the commission, and get out of it.
Commissioner Carollo: But it doesn't cost that much for anyone to do it. It's a
service that is provided by the private sector that's not that costly. If we want to
provide that service also and create a unit that could be called for that, I have no
problem. I have a problem if we're going to demand that before a property could be
sold that they have to go through this. This is going to kill real estate in this town
unlike anything you've ever seen. And I would strongly recommend that before we act
upon this, even on first reading, that, you know, we invite the realtor association,
invite every player that has major stakes in this so that you could hear from them,
because they're going to tell you this and more than I'm telling you now.
Commissioner Gort: No, I understand, but I'd like to see somebody do it, because let
me tell you why. When you buy a home, you got -- what do you call them? -- the title
search; none of those things come out in a title search. The people that come into
their property, they start looking at the property, see if they have any problem,
physical problem within the construction. They don't look at the -- if it's an illegal
construction within the house. So somehow, we got to find out someone that could
determine that.
Commissioner Reyes: If I don't recall -- my mind don't betray me -- I remember when
I was in the Code Enforcement, and it was in 1990 -- you appointed me there -- it was
1995 (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: Did I appoint you?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, you did. You made that mistake.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't remember.
Commissioner Gort: He appointed me to the Zoning Board once.
Commissioner Carollo: No, I don't remember. I really don't.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. You made that mistake, that you appointed me.
Commissioner Carollo: It's not a mistake.
Commissioner Reyes: We had that problem, you see. We had that problem. And
after I left it -- I left it, because I was running one of the time -- the many times that I
ran for office. And after I left it, there was some sort of policy that was implemented,
because we talked about it while I was at the board. What happens is, my dear
Commissioner, is that people, they go to buy their homes; they have illegal units. And
since there is no inspection, there is nothing but your title search, then 10 years or 5
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years or 2 years after they bought the house that here comes an inspector and cite
them for an illegal unit, and that will -- creates havoc. What I'm saying is that what
the intent -- my intention on this -- and I think that Commissioner Gort is the same --
is that we demand that the buyer is responsible to make sure -- or somebody is
responsible to make sure that it's an inspection made; and if it is an illegal unit, they
will be legalized, and it will be corrected, so that person don't have that problem.
Commissioner Carollo: What I would suggest that would make a lot more sense is
that pass an ordinance, or what have you, where the selling realtor, the buying realtor
will both equally be responsible, and one of the papers that they give to the buyer
would be put them on notice that they have a right and they should get whatever
company that's out there in the market to inspect the premises for any illegal rooms,
additions, whatever you want to put in the ordinance. And if at any point in the future
there was something that was done illegal that they will be the ones responsible, but
we shouldn't force the sale of a property to be dependent on that or not. My God. I
mean, you're talking about thousands of sales. This is going to stop real estate cold,
and it's going to bring our property values down at a time that we least could afford
it. They're going down already.
Commissioner Gort: Commissioner, by the way, I read all this when you appointed
me to the Zoning Board back in 1980-something.
Commissioner Carollo: What's that?
Commissioner Gort: I learn all about this when you appointed me to the Zoning
Board back in 1980 (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: I appointed you, too?
Commissioner Gort: Yeah, you appointed me, too.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't remember that one either.
Commissioner Gort: So (UNINTELLIGIBLE). See what you have created.
Commissioner Carollo: God almighty. Really, I don't remember that.
Commissioner Gort: Okay. Listen.
Commissioner Reyes: You made a lot of mistakes, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Gort: I'm glad I brought this --
Commissioner Carollo: And you weren't running for anything at the time either,
were you?
Commissioner Gort: I wasn 't running for anything.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, because I might have appointed him, knowing that he
was going to be there a short time, but --
Commissioner Gort: No, I was there for a long time. But let me tell you, the reason I
brought this up and I bring it to you all because I got -- we need to find a solution for
-- this is a problem that we have in Little Havana, in Wynwood --
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Commissioner Carollo: Citywide.
Commissioner Gort: -- citywide. We have this problem citywide, and this is
something we got to deal with. I'm open to any suggestions. I just want to make sure.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, what I am suggesting is that we pass something that
realtors from both ends will have an obligation to give an additional notice, paper to
a buyer that they have the right to go to a private company to inspect and look to see
if there is any illegal rooms, or what have you, that have been added to a property;
and to let them know that in the future, if they buy, and they find -- we find something
illegal that they're going to be responsible for it. So that's a pretty good incentive for
someone to do that.
Commissioner Reyes: After you buy the house --
Commissioner Carollo: But this --
Commissioner Reyes: -- and the guy get the money and runs, who is going to pay for
it? The purchaser is the one that's going to be responsible.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but this is what --
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the company.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we're telling them, and we're telling them that, "Hey, you
should do this, and here's a whole list of reputable people that can do it for you." I
mean, I don't care how many people you put down.
Commissioner Reyes: What -- if you agree, Commissioner Gort, why don't --
Commissioner Gort: No. I just want to make -- bring it to the attention, because this
has been a problem that I've been having for a few years now, and I got to deal with it
constantly, day -- on a daily basis. And I have to tell people, "Look, you can get some
funding from CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds to fix the house or
to take care of the violation."
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, I guarantee you that there are sections of our
City that you cannot go through a whole block without not finding every single piece
of property that's got those kind of problems, but the difference on those is --
Chair Hardemon: We're not Hialeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that these are individual owners of one property. You
know where I have the real major problem? When I got people that are coming as
investors into our cities -- they don't even live here. They don't care about us -- and
they're buying property after property. And because they know their way around, they
hire the right people, they're getting away with murder in Code violations, building
violations, and everybody's signing off and looking the other way in ways that you
wonder, "How could they have done it?" And this is the big difference. We're not
talking about the little guy that buys a property, maybe they're not as sophisticated,
and it's only one property. The other guys, like I described -- and there's a certain
percentage of those -- those are the guys that we need to punish the most, because
they're doing it on purpose. They don't care. It's part of business for them.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, absolutely.
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Commissioner Gort: I understand. Let me ask a question. The Amnesty Program, is
it still alive? Is it still there?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Ms. Mendez: No.
Commissioner Gort: No?
Ms. Mendez: No, but we can reactivate it.
Commissioner Gort: What do we need to reactivate it?
Ms. Mendez: I just need to bring you a draft --
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: -- again from -- for -- on September 27.
Commissioner Gort: So --
Ms. Mendez: We have it -- we have the draft.
Commissioner Gort: -- I'll move my motion, but I want you to bring it back. At the
same time, this is something CDBG's got to look at, because a lot of those people,
they have some violations; they don't have the funds to take care of it.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm in agreement with that, Commissioner.
Chair Hardemon: So what do we do with this one, then?
Commissioner Carollo: I'm in agreement with it.
Commissioner Reyes: And also, Mr. Commissioner, if you want to witness an
absentee owner that has made a rooming house, just go have coffee with me, and I --
just across the street of my home, I've been living with a rooming house for the past
10 years, you see, and it's still there.
Commissioner Carollo: And may I ask, do you also have blind Code Enforcement
officers there or --?
Commissioner Reyes: I think they are one -eyed.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: That's the good eye, though.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, on that same conversation, Mr. Chairman, I want to
notify you and my colleagues that at the next Commission meeting, I am going to ask
for a significant amount of time, because I want you to see what is happening in my
district and what I'm having to live with, and a lot of it is just being brushed out or it's
being protected. So I'm warning everyone; I'm going to need some serious time next
meeting, because you're going to see on video, on pictures, on proof of papers, a real
Code Enforcement show of violations, along with building violations.
Chair Hardemon: So with FR.9 --
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Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: -- we're withdrawing it?
Commissioner Gort: I withdraw it, yes.
Commissioner Reyes: I just want to say, if I have to be just, is that I have seen quite
an improvement in Code Enforcement in my area, in Flagami. And we have very
good people working there --
Commissioner Carollo: Where I have seen --
Commissioner Reyes: -- Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and I have to acknowledge that too -- a difference in Code
Enforcement has been in the food trucks. It might have been because they knew you
were bringing this up, so I don't know. But in that particular area, I don't see them
anymore, and I had quite a few in my district.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: I'd like the -- if you allow me, a discussion item. We're talking
about -- since we're talking about housing and affordable housing, and so on. I've
been working very closely with Judge Leman.
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, if we can just get a vote on the
withdrawal of this item.
Commissioner Carollo: It's a motion.
Commissioner Gort: Do you need a motion?
Vice Chair Russell: You need a vote to withdraw?
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: I move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Commissioner Reyes: Withdraw.
Ms. Ewan: Commissioner Gort, if you agree to just withdraw, we'll show it as a
directive.
Commissioner Gort: I withdraw. That's all.
Ms. Ewan: Okay. Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah. Yes.
Ms. Mendez: And then on September 27, we'll bring the Amnesty Ordinance.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Gort: Okay, thank you.
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Ms. Mendez: And who will sponsor that, just so --?
Commissioner Gort: All of us.
Commissioner Carollo: I'll sponsor it, too.
Commissioner Gort: All of us.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, all of us.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, wait. Also --
Commissioner Gort: Can I have the --?
Commissioner Carollo: But the -- we're talking amnesty for residential properties.
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: Correct?
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: That are --
Ms. Mendez: Just residential.
Commissioner Carollo: -- owner occupied?
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. That's how we have it.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. So look, we still have a few items that are left on the
agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: Homestead exemption.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Owner -occupied homestead exemption.
Chair Hardemon: We still have --
Ms. Mendez: Yes --
Chair Hardemon: -- a few items that are left on the agenda. You say you want to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) ?
Commissioner Gort: Yes, discussion item.
Chair Hardemon: Before all of that? Before we handle the rest of the items?
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Commissioner Gort: How many more we have?
Chair Hardemon: We have one, two, three, plus -- like the, you know
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: Can we do a 10-minute break before budget?
Commissioner Gort: Let's do it.
Chair Hardemon: And then -- yeah, I mean, we can knock this out before we go to the
budget.
Vice Chair Russell: We need a break.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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RE — RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 RESOLUTION
4391
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE MAYOR'S SHARE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS IN A TOTAL AMOUNT, NOT TO EXCEED TEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00), TO CAMACOL
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR THE HEMISPHERIC CONGRESS EVENT;
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-18-0376
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.1, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
RE.2 RESOLUTION
4393
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE MAYOR'S SHARE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS IN A TOTAL AMOUNT, NOT TO EXCEED TEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00), TO MULTI -ETHNIC YOUTH
GROUP ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR GENERAL PROGRAM FUNDING, AS
STATED HEREIN; 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-18-0377
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
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RE.3 RESOLUTION
4481
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE GRANT FUNDS, FROM THE
MAYOR'S SHARE, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT, NOT TO EXCEED
FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($15,000.00), TO RER
CONSULTING ENTERPRISE LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY, TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOCUS
GROUP SESSIONS FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS WITH CITY
POLICE OFFICER(S) INVOLVEMENT; 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-18-0378
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
RE.4 RESOLUTION
4482
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE MAYOR'S SHARE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) TO RED RAIDER ATHLETIC
BOOSTER CLUB CORPORATION, A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, TO ASSIST CITY RESIDENTS WITH ATTENDING
COLLEGE FOOTBALL CAMPS; 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-18-0379
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
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RE.5 RESOLUTION
4573
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE MAYOR'S SHARE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00) TO CURLEY'S
HOUSE OF STYLE, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR ITS SENIORS HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS 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-18-0380
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.5, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
RE.6 RESOLUTION
4700
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE TO ADEQUATELY AND FULLY APPROPRIATE
FUNDS TO EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT IN ORDER TO ASSIGN
ONE OR MORE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER(S) OR SAFE -
SCHOOL OFFICER(S) PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
"MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL PUBLIC
SAFETY ACT"; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE THIS
ITEM A LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY FOR THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE
SESSION; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0381
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
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RE.7 RESOLUTION
4571
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF THE DISTRICT 4 SHARE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
GRANT FUNDS IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) TO KALEL'S MPS
SUPERHERO FOUNDATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR GENERAL PROGRAM FUNDING;
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-18-0382
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.7, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
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RE.8
4200
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
RESOLUTION
TO BE DEFERRED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ESTABLISHING A ONE (1)
YEAR PILOT PROGRAM FOR PARKLETS ("PILOT") TO BE
ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") DEPARTMENT
OF RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS ("DEPARTMENT");
ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR PERMITTED LOCATIONS,
GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, FABRICATION, AND
CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION STANDARDS; PROVIDING
FOR AN APPLICATION FEE; ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR
THE EVALUATION AND REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS; REQUIRING
EXECUTION OF A PARKLET PERMIT AS A CONDITION
PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
OPERATION OF A PARKLET; DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR
EXECUTION OF PARKLET PERMITS TO THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE; ESTABLISHING A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FIVE (5)
PARKLETS UNDER THE PILOT, SUBJECT TO THE AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE FOR AUTHORIZATION
OF AN ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) PARKLETS, UPON GOOD CAUSE
SHOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT; ESTABLISHING SUCH OTHER
TERMS AND CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO THE PARKLET
REVOCABLE LICENSE AS DEEMED NECESSARY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Notes for the Record: Item RE.8 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see "Order of the Day."
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RE.9 RESOLUTION
2525
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE CITY MANAGER'S
RECOMMENDATION APPROVING THE FINDINGS OF THE
SELECTION COMMITTEE THAT VIRGINIA KEY, LLC,
("PROPOSER") IS THE TOP RANKED PROPOSER FOR
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 16-17-011, LEASE OF CITY OF
MIAMI-OWNED WATERFRONT PROPERTY FOR
MARINAS/RESTAURANT/STORE USES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 3301, 3605, 3501, 3311, & 3511
RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY, MIAMI, FLORIDA ("RFP");
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A LEASE ("LEASE"), SUBJECT TO THE REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY AS TO FORM AND
CORRECTNESS, FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF FORTY-FIVE (45)
YEARS, WITH TWO FIFTEEN (15) YEAR RENEWAL TERMS AND
PAYMENT OF A MINIMUM GUARANTEED ANNUAL RENT EQUAL
TO TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,200,000) INCREASED ANNUALLY BY THE GREATER OF 3%
OR CPI ("BASE RENT"); TOTALING APPROXIMATELY TWO
HUNDRED THREE MILLION NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR
THOUSAND SIXTY DOLLARS ($203,984,060.00) OVER THE
INITIAL TERM; SIX PERCENT (6%) OF GROSS REVENUES;
APPROXIMATELY EIGHTY MILLION DOLLARS ($80,000,000.00)
PRIVATELY FUNDED INVESTMENT TO REDEVELOP THE
MARINA IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE MANNER,
INCLUDING BOAT STORAGE, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, AND
PUBLIC PARKING; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT THE
EXECUTION OF THE LEASE IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF
A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES CAST BY THE ELECTORATE AT A
REFERENDUM SPECIAL ELECTION; FURTHER CLARIFYING
THAT SUCH AWARD OF THE RFP DOES NOT CONFER ANY
CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS UPON PROPOSER UNTIL SAID
FAVORABLE REFERENDUM HAS OCCURRED AND A
CONTRACT IS ENTERED INTO, AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY
CHARTER.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Notes for the Record: Item RE.9 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Reyes, which
failed by the following vote; AYES: Commissioners Russell and Reyes; NAYS:
Commissioners Carollo, Gort and Hardemon; to indefinitely defer item RE.9.
For additional minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see "Public Comment Period
for Regular Item(s)" and Item NA.2.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
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Commissioner Carollo: No, you can't.
Chair Hardemon: RE.9 and RE.10, what are we doing?
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to make a motion to defer those indefinitely.
Commissioner Carollo: RE --
Vice Chair Russell: 9 and 10.
Commissioner Carollo: -- 9 --
Commissioner Gort: What are 9 and 10?
Commissioner Carollo: Let me see. Going back, RE.9 and 10 was what, again?
Chair Hardemon: Virginia Key Marina.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Virginia Key REP (Request for Proposals).
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion for a deferment?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: No, no. On FR.9?
Ms. Mendez: Deferral.
Vice Chair Russell: 9 and 10, deferral. Move for a deferral.
Chair Hardemon: The Vice Chairman has moved for a deferral of RE.9 and RE.10.
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, is this for an indefinite deferral, Vice
Chair?
Commissioner Gort: No, no.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. We can always bring it back earlier, if we need to. I've
been advised by the City Attorney that we are under appeal for this, and that we
shouldn't be taking action on this until we've gotten clarity.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: Now, the Chair would like to entertain a motion to continue 15
days. Does that -- that makes the next meeting, right?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: So if we continue RE.9 and RE.10 to the next meeting, that will be
fine.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion to do that?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion to continue RE.9 and 10 to the next
meeting.
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Vice Chair Russell: Second it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded.
Mr. Dotson: Mr. Chairman, with one caveat; that it would be in the afternoon.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, with that caveat, of course.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. De Grandy: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? That motion carries.
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RE.10 RESOLUTION
2526
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), MAKING PROVISIONS FOR A REFERENDUM
SPECIAL ELECTION ON FOR THE PURPOSES OF
SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") FOR THEIR APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF
THE FOLLOWING REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTION: "SHALL
THE CITY BE AUTHORIZED TO LEASE APPROXIMATELY 27.5
ACRES OF LAND ON VIRGINIA KEY TO VIRGINIA KEY, LLC FOR
A 45-YEAR INITIAL TERM WITH TWO 15 YEAR RENEWALS;
MINIMUM ANNUAL GUARANTEED RENT OF $2,200,000.00 (WITH
ESCALATIONS) TOTALING APPROXIMATELY $203,984,060
OVER THE INITIAL TERM; 6% OF GROSS REVENUES;
APPROXIMATELY $80,000,000.00 PRIVATELY FUNDED
INVESTMENT TO REDEVELOP THE MARINAS IN AN
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE MANNER, INCLUDING BOAT
STORAGE, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, AND PUBLIC PARKING?";
DESIGNATING AND APPOINTING THE CITY CLERK AS THE
OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CITY COMMISSION WITH
RESPECT TO THE USE OF VOTER REGISTRATION BOOKS AND
RECORDS; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
CAUSE A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE HEREIN RESOLUTION TO
BE DELIVERED TO THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Notes for the Record: Item RE.10 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Reyes, which
failed by the following vote; AYES: Commissioners Russell and Reyes; NAYS:
Commissioners Carollo, Gort and Hardemon; to indefinitely defer item RE.10.
For minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see "Public Comment Period for
Regular Item(s)" and Items RE.9 and NA.2.
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RE.11
4724
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE CITY
CLERK'S CERTIFICATION OF THE CANVASS AND
DECLARATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON AUGUST 28, 2018.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0383
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.11, please see "End of
Consent Agenda."
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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BC.1
4723
Office of the City
Clerk
BC — BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RATIFYING THE
AUGUST 21, 2018 ELECTION RESULTS OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS
AS ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE OVERTOWN ADVISORY
BOARD/OVERTOWN COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant Elected
Renarda Cunningham Elected
Larry C. Houston, Sr. Elected
Anitrice "Joy" McKinnis Elected
Andre Williams Elected
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0399
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Clerk, are there any boards and committees that we need to
consider?
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Yes. Chair, there are a few boards and
committees. BC.1 --
Commissioner Carollo: If I could begin with -- Chairman, if it's okay -- BC.4, I'd
like to reapp --
Chair Hardemon: Just let her go on the normal thing.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: She's going to call it and then we go.
Commissioner Carollo: This is just one. If we could --
Vice Chair Russell: Let --
Chair Hardemon: Just do the normal (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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BC.2
3684
Office of the City
Clerk
Vice Chair Russell: They have a list.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah.
Ms. Ewan: BC.1 is a resolution ratifying the August 21, 2018 election results for the
Overtown Community Advisory Board.
Commissioner Carollo: Move.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion? It's been properly seconded by the Chair. All
in favor, say "aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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BC.3
3685
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.4
4742
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR
A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Alexander Cardenas
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0400
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Carollo, Reyes
NAYS: Russell
ABSENT: Gort
NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC. 4 is Bayfront Park Management Trust. I
believe that there is an at -large seat.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. The re --
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to move for Nathan Kurland.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- reappointment of Alex Cardenas on PZ. 4 [sic].
Vice Chair Russell: I put a motion in.
Commissioner Carollo: I --
Vice Chair Russell: We don't even have a full dais.
Commissioner Carollo: -- just made a motion for the reappointment.
Chair Hardemon: He tried -- I will say this: Commissioner Carollo, you tried to
make a motion, and so, I'll honor the fact that you wanted to make a motion first. So
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: -- what's your motion?
Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to reappoint the previous appointment that was
there before I became a Commissioner, who has done a fine job, Alex Cardenas, to
Commission at -large.
Chair Hardemon: All right. The Chair will second that.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Any discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Russell: I wanted to appoint. We don't have a balanced at -large portion
on this board right now, and I really would like to see a balanced at -large portion;
otherwise, Commissioner Carollo and the three at-larges will always be able to
outvote the rest -- the remainder of the board.
Commissioner Carollo: That's not so.
Vice Chair Russell: And so, I'm just looking for a check and balance --
Commissioner Carollo: That --
Vice Chair Russell: -- that gives the neighbors of that area --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that --
Vice Chair Russell: -- a voice. And so, we're asking, please, that the Commission
allow it to be --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that --
Vice Chair Russell: -- choose one of the at -large appointments.
Commissioner Carollo: -- is not so. And, you know, Commissioner, I don't know
why -- You have more boards that you Chair than anybody here. While we have
Commissioners that don't even have one board, you got several; you get to appoint
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BC.5
4251
Office of the City
Clerk
many other people. When these appointments were made by the previous
Commissioner that was here, you didn't have any problems, but since I got here, you
didn't want me to be Chairman, then you didn't want me to have the same rights; and
now, here you go back again, after you tried to do -- and undo the board. Now
you're corning back for a good appointment that everybody knows in the City that
has done a great job there, that you approved before when the previous
Commissioner was here, but now, because I'm the one that's sitting here, you come
with all these excuses.
Vice Chair Russell: It's not personal.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'm beginning to think it is.
Vice Chair Russell: No.
Commissioner Carollo: So I -- you know, my motion stands. And I don't want to
embarrass, you know, Mr. Cardenas, that has done a great job there; nor the
department that he works for, Fire and Rescue in the City. His appointment was
made before I came here; I'm keeping him on, so how could I be accused that I
control this? I don't control it. Each of you have an appointment there; I got a
couple of more. I call the question.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the motion, say
aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Vice Chair Russell: Nay.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
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:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
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BC.6
4253
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.7
4743
Office of the City
Clerk
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:
(Alternate Member)
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMUNITY ADVISORY
BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commission -At -Large
APPOINTEE:
Gustavo Perez
RESULT: DISCUSSED
NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.7, Community Advisory Board: The
board is asking to confirm Gustavo Perez.
Chair Hardemon: To confirm. He was elected, or he was appointed?
Ms. Ewan: This goes through a nominating committee for the Community Advisory
Board and comes to Commission for confirmation.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I don't know Mr. Perez. I -- does anybody know him?
Chair Hardemon: What district is he out of?
Ms. Ewan: The liaison did provide Mr. Perez' resume that's attached to the item,
BC.7, for the Community Advisory Board.
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Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Explain how this works again. The board --
Ms. Ewan: The board selects --
Commissioner Carollo: -- chooses --
Ms. Ewan: Exactly. -- an individual, and it comes to Commission for confirmation,
based on the Code.
Commissioner Carollo: I see. Do Commissioners have direct appointments to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) ?
Ms. Ewan: No, the board does not have any direct appointments by the Commission.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then, I really would like to hold off on this to get a little
more informed, because, you know, the only board that we have like that that I knew
of was the Off -Street Parking. That's an independent -- semi-independent body, but
that I never will be able to give an input as to who could go there. That concerns me;
maybe others feel differently, and, you know, we have a democracy here that -- but I'd
like to, you know, hold off on this one until I get a little more informed on it.
Ms. Ewan: No problem, Commissioner. We can do that.
Chair Hardemon: How many boards for -- how many appointments for the CAB
(Community Advisory Board) Board do you have, or is it just that one?
Ms. Ewan: Just this one --
Chair Hardemon: All right.
Ms. Ewan: -- for the Community Advisory Board.
Chair Hardemon: How much do you have?
Commissioner Carollo: How many members does this board have?
Ms. Ewan: The board has 13 members.
Commissioner Carollo: 13, and we don't get any. See? And you complain about me
for two. You want to be the Chairman of this one, too, or not?
Chair Hardemon: All right, let's move on.
Ms. Ewan: We can definitely defer this item. We'll bring it back, Commissioner. And
we can reach out to the executive director and the liaison to reach out to you with any
questions that you may have.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Thank you.
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
BC.9
4255
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:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
BC.10
4257
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
RESULT:
APPOINTEES:
(Voting Member)
(Post -Secondary Education
Representative)
(School District Representative)
(Children's Trust Representative)
(Ex-Officio Non -Voting Member)
(Ex-Officio Non -Voting Youth
Member)
NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
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3855
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:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
IAFF
FOP
AFSCME 1907
AFSCME 871
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Office of the City
Clerk
BC.13
4746
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES' AND SANITATION
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT TRUST FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Berta Davis
(AFSCME Local 1907)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0401
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
Chair Hardemon: Is that all?
Commission -At -Large
Ms. Ewan: Just a couple more, Commissioner. BC.13, General Employees and
Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust: AFSCME (American Federation of State
and County Municipal Employees) Local 1907 is requesting confirmation of Berta
Davis.
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Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Any discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries.
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:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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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.
RESULT:
APPOINTEES/CATEGORIES:
(Citizen — Category 7)
(Real Estate Broker — Category 5)
(Citizen — Category 7)
(Historian/Architectural Historian -
Category 3)
(Business and Finance or Law — Category
6)
(Architect — Category 1)
NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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BC.17
4259
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MAYOR'S INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE MIAMI FOREVER BOND PROGRAM CITIZENS'
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Christine Ford -King
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0402
MOTION TO: ADOPT
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
City of Miami
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Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.17, Miami Forever Bond
Program/Citizens Oversight Board: Chair Hardemon is requesting appointment of
Christine Ford -King.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
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Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE OVERTOWN ADVISORY BOARD/OVERTOWN
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
(Youth Member)
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
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BC.21
4396
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
City of Miami
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE SEA LEVEL RISE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Reinaldo Borges
Amy Clemente
Mariana Boldu
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0403
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): And BC.22, Sea Level Rise Committee: Vice
Chair Russell is requesting reappointment of Patrick Rynne, appointment of --
Vice Chair Russell: I don't believe so. That sounds like a mistake. I think there was
a replacement person for that one.
Ms. Ewan: The latest that I spoke with your Chief of Staff, she had indicated that
there would be a reappointment for Mr. Rynne. We can hold off on that, if you
would like.
Vice Chair Russell: Table that one for a second; let me get confirmation, please.
Ms. Ewan: Sure, absolutely. Would you like to move with the appointment of Amy
Clemente and Marina [sic] Boldu?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: What board is this for?
Ms. Ewan: This is the Sea Level Rise Committee.
Commissioner Carollo: How many appointments do each of us have?
Ms. Ewan: Each Commissioner has one. There are some at -large appointments, as
well, on this board.
Commissioner Carollo: And how come he's getting several then?
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Vice Chair Russell: I don 't know.
Commissioner Carollo: Explain to me, Ken; come on now. It's not personal, right?
Vice Chair Russell: Then offer somebody.
Commissioner Carollo: Not personal.
Vice Chair Russell: You've got three at -large that you -- and the last time they were
appointed, you said, "This is the way it should be. I'm the Chairman of this board,
so I want all of the at-larges at my will," and you got your way.
Commissioner Carollo: Ken, I have no problem, but why do you keep having
problem with the only board that I'm Chairman of?
Vice Chair Russell: That's the only board you're Chairman of.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, the Bayfront Park Trust.
Vice Chair Russell: Because the residents in downtown do not have a voice about a
park that is becoming abusive --
Commissioner Carollo: The residents have --
Vice Chair Russell: -- to their quality of life. And so, I'm trying to give them a voice
with seats on the board. That's all. It's not about you.
Commissioner Carollo: For the first time in the history of that board, the residents
have a Chairman that is listening to them more than any other Chairman ever has,
and is working with them, so I think you need to stand corrected on that. I won't do
to you what you tried to do to me. I'll approve it, whoever he wants, as long as they
get their act together, who the --
Chair Hardemon: So BC --
Commissioner Carollo: -- Chief of Staff wants and whom he wants.
Chair Hardemon: -- BC.22 --
Commissioner Carollo: They're not sure.
Chair Hardemon: -- it says -- the document that we have before us says that seven
appointments are needed at this time. Is that what it says?
Ms. Ewan: That is correct.
Chair Hardemon: So, for instance, where I have chaired -- I have a -- I had
appointed Kilan Bishop; her term expires September 8, 2018. You're asking me
whether or not I want to extend her?
Ms. Ewan: If you would like to reappoint her.
Chair Hardemon: I would like to reappoint her.
Ms. Ewan: Okay. So I will include that in Commissioner Carollo's motion.
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Chair Hardemon: Right. And so, on that document, the Vice Chairman has -- well,
he has -- I think he just discussed that. Then Commissioner Carollo, you had Wayne
Pathman; his term expires December 2, 2017. Well, it is expired.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. You're fine with Wayne?
Vice Chair Russell: He's doing great.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Well, then, I'll -- you know, I wanted to make sure
you were happy. I'll rename Wayne.
Vice Chair Russell: But he doesn 't need to be reappointed at this point.
Ms. Ewan: He does need to be a reappointment, if --
Chair Hardemon: He doesn't --
Ms. Ewan: -- Commissioner Carollo would like to move with his reappointment.
Vice Chair Russell: Right, but he stays -- for lack of reappointment, he stays in
place until someone reappoints him, right?
Ms. Ewan: Yes, he does.
Vice Chair Russell: It's not a mandatory (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: But I'm asking you, would you like for me to reappoint him?
Vice Chair Russell: He's your appointee, sir; you can choose whoever you like.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Well -- all right. Well, put down Wayne for the next
meeting so I could appoint him. I want to make sure that Wayne has not been
serving with Commissioner Russell. I think he is, but, you know --
Chair Hardemon: That's probably -- that probably -- I should probably check with
Kilan as well; she's a student, so I need to make sure that she'll be here to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) another appointment.
Commissioner Carollo: Gee. Chairman Gort --
Chair Hardemon: And then --
Commissioner Carollo: -- how many boards are you -- excuse me -- Commissioner
Gort, how many boards are you Chairman of?
Commissioner Gort: None.
Commissioner Carollo: How many board are you Chairman of?
Chair Hardemon: I can't --
Commissioner Carollo: You got three that I'm counting so far. Boy, you're a lucky
man.
Chair Hardemon: The -- and then Commissioner Manolo Reyes, you have Reinaldo
Borges, whose term expired on November 15, 2017. So that's someone that you --
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you know, you may think about as well, but we don't have to do that right now, right?
So we're just moving on.
Ms. Ewan: Correct. Those members will stay until a reappointment or appointment
takes place.
Chair Hardemon: Reappoint?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, reappoint.
Chair Hardemon: Manolo Reyes wants to reappoint.
Ms. Ewan: Okay. So for the record, I have the reappointment of Reinaldo Borges,
and I have an appointment for Amy Clemente and Maria [sic] Boldu by Vice Chair
Russell, and those are at -large seats.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So how many is he appointing now?
Ms. Ewan: Two.
Commissioner Carollo: Two. How 'bout the third?
Ms. Ewan: Vice Chair Russell is --
Vice Chair Russell: Tabled.
Ms. Ewan: -- going to hold off on the third person.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, okay.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Well, is there a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: I make the motion --
Chair Hardemon: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: That motion carries. And all I need is my able-bodied assistant to
reach out to Ms. Bishop to see if she wants to be reappointed, okay? Thank you. If
you mess up, everybody saw that you messed up.
Ms. Ewan: That concludes the boards and committees. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
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BC.24
3693
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE STARS OF CALLE OCHO WALK OF FAME
COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
City of Miami
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BC.26
4263
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:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE VIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
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Office of the City
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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:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Joe Carollo
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Chair Keon Hardemon
Chair Keon Hardemon
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Vice Chair Ken Russell
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Wifredo (Willy) Gort
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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September 13, 2018
DI.1
4621
Department of
Police
DI — DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION ON THE STATUS OF HIRING POLICE OFFICERS.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Chair
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item DI.1 was deferred to the September 27, 2018, Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Chair Hardemon: So we have some discussion items. Let's -- I would say, we -- it's
up to you all, whether we could table, if you like, the discussion items. Well, we've
already -- DI2 was Commissioner Gort's, right?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: DI2 was Commissioner Gort's.
Commissioner Carollo: Do you have any more, Commissioner?
Chair Hardemon: The only one -- only thing we have left is the status of hiring police
officers.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yeah, we would like to defer that, Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So we can defer that till the next meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: 1'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; seconded by the Chair.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no objection, that motion carries.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: And then that means that we are finished with our agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank God.
Vice Chair Russell: Great time.
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Chair Hardemon: Okay. So this meeting is adjourned.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Now we go into the budget.
Chair Hardemon: Then we go into the budget. We have to open that up separately,
though, right?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: It's like some law you have to read, et cetera.
DI.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
4757
Commissioners
and Mayor
DISCUSSION ITEM TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT OF TWO POTENTIAL CITY -OWNED SITES
WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE HEALTH DISTRICT INTO AN
AFFORDABLE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Gort: Before we go into the record, since I have Mr. Rotenberg,
I'd like to -- my discussion item, please. It'll only be five minutes.
Chair Hardemon: It's recognized, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Which one is that, Commissioner?
Commissioner Gort: Discussion item that I have that I've been working with Judge
Leman --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, sure.
Commissioner Gort: -- to create housing within the district. There's no action to be
taken. It's just for information purpose.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I was told from staff by this Commissioner -- you
know, let me compliment you on it. This is getting creative. This is the kind of thing
that we need from all of us, to look into our districts for areas that we could create
not only affordable housing that we need and we all know we need so badly, but to
also create jobs and other opportunities.
Daniel Rotenberg (Director): Again, Daniel Rotenberg, Department of Real Estate
& Asset Management. We were going to try to put something up, but if we only have
a few minutes, this is essentially copying a development that's over in Brooklyn that
took over Brooklyn Hospital, renovated it in two phases; about 501 units. We've got
between 6.9 and seven and a half acres. They're located in Commissioner Gort's
district on Northwest 23rd; part of which is State-owned property that Judge
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Leman has been working on to do some sort of an affordable housing project. So
we're going to combine a potential property of ours, which is about 32,000 feet,
zoned CI (Civic Institutional), and then we're going to combine it with about 254,000
-- again, 5.83 acres -- into one larger project. We're working with Judge Leifman
right now. We're working with a group that's out national -- we're working with a
national credit -- a housing development corporation, and we've spoken to a few
local developers that gauge interest. We'll go through the formal process that we
need to for procurement. And if we have the Commission's approval and direction,
we'll continue to pursue this.
Commissioner Carollo: What's the total amount of acres that are there that you
could use to develop?
Chair Hardemon: More than six acres.
Mr. Rotenberg: Right now, without taking a private piece of property that we're
going after, we have 6.92 acres.
Commissioner Carollo: 6.92.
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Commissioner Carollo: Is the Planning Director around?
Commissioner Gort: By the way, in order to expand it, we need for Mr. Rotenberg to
get together with Commissioner Hardemon, because we might need to do a trade, so
I would like for him to discuss it with you.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: You could really get up running on this one. This is a thick
piece of land. Francisco, let's just --
Commissioner Gort: The main thing is we have tax credit, national tax credit, which
is very important.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, that is. Francisco, do you have any idea on this
parcel what is the density that we have there; how high can we go, and how many
units we could put in there?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): I do, sir. The zoning designation, I am
advised, is CI, civic institutional. And the advantage for civic institutional is that it
takes on the density and intensity of abutting properties, and in this case, we have
abutting properties that are T6-O -- or T6-8-O, so that would be tantamount to 150
units per acre in terms of density, and in terms of height, 12 stories.
Commissioner Carollo: And while for affordable housing, we could create our own
zoning, it's probably not recommendable to go beyond 12, because that's when it
really starts getting expensive on building, so we don't need to in that area,
especially when you have almost seven acres. My God; even if you only do a
hundred per acre, you could build around 700 units there and --
Mr. Garcia: There is one caveat, Commissioner, which is this: The present zoning
designation, by virtue of being civic institutional --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
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Mr. Garcia: -- has no inherent density; it requires a zoning change to be able to add
the residential uses.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Garcia: But that's certainly very straightforward to do.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Well, I don't -- I think we know a few people up here
that could do that.
Mr. Garcia: Possibly.
Commissioner Carollo: But, you know, not knowing how big the other parcel is and
trying to keep the density not as high, Commissioner, you have the potential there for
at least a thousand units, so that's big.
Commissioner Gort: That was the idea. And hopefully, we will not have to use
much of the City monies.
Commissioner Reyes: How many units are you planning on? How many units are
you planning on?
Mr. Rotenberg: We have the ability to potentially put up between 750 and 900 units,
based on the discussions we've had so far, in two phases.
Commissioner Carollo: The --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Reyes: I was going to be (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: -- once we come back a little later, maybe in October,
you're going to see how we're not going to have to use City money; just City credit,
and we're going to be able to build your thousand units right away. Commissioner
Hardemon needs to figure out where he wants to build -- you do too -- so we could
take off --
Commissioner Reyes: Take off.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, at the same time everywhere, but that's just
good. I'm glad you found a piece like that that we don't have to buy the land, so that
becomes even better.
Mr. Rotenberg: And just so --
Commissioner Reyes: Congratulations, sir.
Mr. Rotenberg: Sorry. The intention is to have private money build this.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Gort: Less (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: --I'd like to begin this before you retire, so.
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Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Mr. Rotenberg: The intention is not to have City money involved in here; to have
private money build this.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: It's going to be a private public partnership, right?
Mr. Rotenberg: It might even end up being a P3.
Commissioner Reyes: Are you going to apply for State funds and Federal funds?
Commissioner Gort: It's all tax -- national tax credit.
Commissioner Carollo: It's national tax credit, yes.
Commissioner Gort: It's US (United States) tax credit. Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Commissioner Gort: Just wanted to make the presentation. Appreciate it.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
Chair Hardemon: So at this time, what I'd like to do is open up the floor for public
comment on the PZ (Planning & Zoning) agenda. If you're a member of the public
and you want to speak on any of the items that is on the agenda for PZ, now is your
opportunity. Approach any of the two lecterns and state your first name, your last
name; you may state your address, and which item it is that you're speaking of.
Once again, you have two minutes to address this body. Any of the lecterns you can
approach. State your first name, your last name; you may state your address, which
item it is that you're speaking of and make your comment. You're recognized, sir.
Mark Bailey: Thank you. My name is Mark Bailey, Miami River Marine Group,
3033 Northwest North River Drive. Miami River Marine Group has been supporting
Miami's working river for over 25 years. Today we're joining others, including the
Miami River Commission, the Marine Council, and Antillean Marine with our
request of deferral for the proposed amendment to Miami 21 Code allowing for
gambling facilities and uses at D3 (District 3) waterfront industrial designated sites.
Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Ayme Rivero: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Ayme Rivero, and I live
off of 17th Avenue, close to the Marlins Stadium, and I am very proud to a member
of Commissioner Carollo's district. I started my journey at Magic City Casino nine
years ago as the assistant to our COO (Chief Operating Officer). Today I am the
Hospitality Ambassador that represents our casino in hotels and events around town.
Most recently, I was promoted as Transportation Manager. Yes, me, a Cuban -
American woman, Transportation Manager. This is the sort of forward -thinking
establishment you would be bringing into the Edgewater community; besides, of
course, things that are given, like the extra revenue that will be generated from the
good paying jobs that this new jai alai fronton and cardroom will create for many
Miami residents. This is so much more than another entertainment option,
Commissioners. This will be a smart move for the City overall. Please do not
impede other residents of our City from having the opportunity to begin a journey
just as wonderful as mine, to work for a place that fosters such an amazing
atmosphere as Magic City Casino. We respectfully and with an overwhelming sense
of hope in our City leaders ask that you oppose Ordinance 11314 and make us and a
lot of other people living in Miami very happy. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, ma'am.
Christy Serralta: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Christy Serralta. I
live in 611 Southwest 47th Avenue in the City of Miami, in Commissioner Russell's
district. I would like to speak against the proposed change to Ordinance 13114, as it
pertains to jai alai and cardroom. I work in the Finance Department at Magic City
Jai Alai. I've seen firsthand the relationship the company has with the City of
Miami, and I am confident in saying that the community is important to them. I think
it allows further employment to those of us -- for those of us who live in the City of
Miami. Thank you.
Courtney Farguhanson: Hey.
Chair Hardemon: Hello.
Mr. Farguhanson: How you doing? Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is
Courtney Farguhanson. I live at 423 Northwest 9th Street.
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, I'm sorry. Sir, could you just pull the
microphone up so we can hear you?
Mr. Farguhanson: Okay. I apologize. Okay, good afternoon. My name is Courtney
Farguhanson. I live at 423 Northwest 9th Street in the City of -- Magic City --
Commissioner Hardemon's district.
Chair Hardemon: Take your time.
Mr. Farguhanson: I'm the security supervisor at Magic City Jai Alai, and I would
like to speak against the ordinance to change the proposal 13114, as it pertains to
the jai alai and cardroom. I would love to work at this proposed new location.
Thank you. Have a good day.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Phyllis McMurtry: Yes, Commission. My name is Phyllis McMurtry. I live at 500
Northwest 17th Street, 33136, the district of Chairman Keon Hardemon. I wave in
oppotion [sic] to the unfair proposed change to Ordinance Number 13114. I have
been working at Magic City Casino in housekeeping for 12 years, and this would be
a great opportunity for the City of Edgewood [sic] to see the great things that Magic
City can bring to they district, far as getting jobs for families that lives in the
neighborhood and parents. They wouldn't have to go very far to find work when they
have kids. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Juliette Santos: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Juliette Santos. I live
at 2540 Northwest 13th Ave. (Avenue), in the City of Miami, in Commissioner Gort's
district. I am a poker dealer at Magic City Poker Room. I would like to speak
against the proposed change to Ordinance 13114 as it pertains to jai alai and a
cardroom. I would like to tell you a bit more about myself and my family with the
company. My mother started working here over 22 years ago. At the time, she was
pregnant with me while working in concessions. Today, I, myself, along with my
cousin, work for the company, as well. I am grateful for the opportunities the
company has given to us, and I would like for the opportunities to expand in other
families, as well. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Hello.
Maria Sanchez: Hello. Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Maria
Sanchez. I live at 701 Brickell Key Boulevard, in the City of Miami, in
Commissioner Russell's. I am a Cage Supervisor for Magic City Casino for the past
five years, and I want to thank them for the great opportunity they gave us -- to all of
us for the jobs and the family -oriented that they are to us. I would like to speak
against the proposed change to the Ordinance 13114 as it pertains to jai alai and
cardroom. I would like to work for that proposed new location. Thank you.
Evelyn Rodriguez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Evelyn Rodriguez,
and I live at 461 Northwest 36th Court, and my Commissioner is Manolo Reyes. I
wave the -- in opposition to the unfair proposed change to the Ordinance Number
13114. Thank you.
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Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Maria Batista: (Comments made in Spanish).
Chair Hardemon: Do we have an interpreter here? I'm the only one that needs it,
but --
Ms. Batista: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Now, for people watching on television, as well, so they need it,
too.
Ms. Batista (As translated by Official Spanish Interpreter Alba Trevisiol): Hi. My
name is Maria Batista -- sorry.
Chair Hardemon: "My name, "I got that.
Alba Trevisiol (Official Spanish Interpreter): --
Chair Hardemon: That part I got.
Ms. Trevisiol: -- and I am from Miami. I live in --?
Ms. Batista: In Miami.
Ms. Trevisiol: -- in Miami. What is your address?
Ms. Batista (As translated by Official Spanish Interpreter Alba Trevisiol): 300
Northwest 42nd Avenue. I have been working for two years and a half in the family
of jai alai, Magic City Casino, and I want to --
Ms. Batista: Okay, let me try in my English. I have very accent, but I want to try.
So I going to say thank you to everybody to give us the opportunity to work in Magic
City for two years and a half. So today I will love to say thank you to everybody to
hear us about the jai alai game. Most of the game, most of the sport, it's a history
for many people, history for people from 80 years old, more than that, that tell about
the story about Miami in -- years ago, like 34 years ago, how that worked in Miami,
how the good experience they have in that time, how the great time they used to have
at that time, and they want to keep having the same experience with us. So I want to
say thank you for the opportunity to bring us here and -- well, to hear what we going
to say. Okay.
Commissioner Gort: That's very good.
Chair Hardemon: I didn't understand a word you said.
Ms. Batista: Thank you. I want to say it's more than a sport; it's a history for us. So
we want to take an opportunity to make the proposition, to take our time to -- I don't
know -- listen about the sport, listen about the story. It's very important for us and
for our community. Like people from 80-something years old, 87, 70 years old, jai
alai is very, very important for them, and for us, also.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very --
Ms. Batista: Thank you so much.
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Chair Hardemon: -- much. And I want the record to reflect that was in jest. That
was a joke.
Lidia Medina: Good afternoon, everybody. My name is Lidia Medina. I would like
to speak in Spanish, also. My English is not very well in this case.
Ms. Medina (As translated by Official Spanish Interpreter Alba Trevisio): Hi. My
name is Lidia Medina. I am -- want to speak in Spanish, not in English. Like Celia
Cruz say, "My English is not very looking." I live at 2970 Southwest 38th Court, zip
code 33134. My Commissioner is Ken Russell. I'm here -- I am a Housekeeping
Manager, and I working for five years. I work before in the hospitality industry, and
I continuing to working in that. It has been a good experience for me, and I want to
thanks [sic] the family of Magic City Casino, and I want to thanks [sic] that
opportunity. We feel that we are capable to bring this service to everybody in the
country. I am against the ordinance. The number is 13114. I think that it is a very
good opportunity to generate more employment and tourism. Jai alai is a good sport
and I -- and we have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in economic and industrial and cultural,
and social field. Thank you so much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to make a public
comment?
Phillip Everingham: Yes. Good afternoon. My name is Phil Everingham, 6305
Southwest 58th Avenue, Miami, 33143; here representing the Marine Council,
requesting a deferral of item PZ.2. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Lindsey Shulman: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Lindsey Shulman,
and I'm part of the marketing team at Magic City Jai Alai. I live at 3470 East Coast
Avenue, in Midtown, in Commissioner Russell's district. I would like to speak
against the proposed change to Ordinance 13114 as it pertains to jai alai and a
cardroom. To start, just the exterior of a beautiful new fronton will be a welcomed
change of scenery from the usual dilapidated buildings we're so used to seeing on
our Biscayne drive between 36th Street through 20th Street. Additionally, I believe
that jai alai is the perfect fit for our city, which is blossoming in the realm of arts and
entertainment. What is more perfectly suited than a sport with Hispanic roots and
almost 200 years of history being reborn and reimagined in one of Miami's youngest
and edgiest neighborhoods? As a Midtown resident in Commissioner Russell's
district, I appreciate the fact that the increased police presence provided by this new
fronton will make our neighborhood safer than ever before. And even better than
that, we, as residents will not have to pay for that increased security out of our own
pockets. Moreover, the fronton and cardroom will provide hundreds of good -paying
jobs for Miami residents, and that's something that should not be discounted. This
jai alai fronton should be a welcomed addition to our City. It will be a vibrant,
family -friendly entertainment option for both tourists and Miami residents, alike.
People living in and near the Edgewater neighborhood, like myself, will certainly
benefit from and should be excited about the prospect of another state-of-the-art
sports entertainment complex on Biscayne. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Steve Heilman: Mr. Chairman, good afternoon. Steve Helfman --
Chair Hardemon: Good seeing you.
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Mr. Henan: -- 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. I'm here this afternoon on behalf
of Norman Brannan. I'm also speaking on behalf of George Perez. I just wanted to
share with you that they are extremely supportive of this. They would urge you to
pass this, certainly, on first reading; and then, when it comes back. This is an issue,
really, of quality of life. And as you know, Mr. Brannan in particular has been
involved in this issue for over three decades, trying to ensure that the quality of life
in this community is maintained and improved. We do not think that these activities
are an enhancement to the community; there are certainly a lot of things that are,
and this is not one of them. In any event, most importantly, what this does is this
allows anybody who proposes to have any gambling activity -- gaming activity -- to
simply come before the Commission and put forth their case. And if they have a
great use and a wonderful activity, and their community and their neighbors have an
opportunity to speak to the issue, then they'll be approved; and if they don't, they
won't be. And that's all that this ordinance does. And so, anyway, we'd ask you to
pass it as it is. And certainly, if you have any questions, I'm here. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
Manny Prieguez: I'm going to take advantage and speak now since Mr. Carollo is
still in the back someplace; so that way, I don't get any more ribbing.
Vice Chair Russell: He can hear you; there's speakers. There's speakers in there.
Mr. Prieguez: Oh, my God, that means he's going to come out pretty soon.
Commissioners, Manny Prieguez, 4000 Malaga Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133,
proudly representing Magic City Casino. I'd like to bring just one point to your
attention. Earlier this morning, this Commission had an issue before it where there
was a quality of life issue, and a bunch of residents showed up, because they felt
pretty strongly about it. They were here. They were here in their white caps, in their
white shorts -- shirts, and they were here. And they were here because they cared
about the issue, and it was important to them. In the PZAB (Planning, Zoning and
Appeals Board) meeting that we had on this issue, not one Edgewater resident
showed up to that meeting. Not one Edgewater -- there may have been one lady. I
correct -- I stand corrected. There may have been one lady that got up and spoke.
Nobody else came to that PZAB meeting, and it was very well announced in the
Edgewater neighborhood that there was going to be an issue in front of the PZAB
Board, and the folks in that meeting were urged to come. And you know what? They
didn't; they didn't show up. Today we have another meeting and I think I might be
the last one that speaks and I have yet to hear from any of the other residents in
Edgewater, and I think that speaks volumes. That speaks volumes. There's one or
two residents of Edgewater that care a lot about this issue, and I think that's why
we're here today; the aforementioned gentlemen that are being represented by Mr.
Helfman. Otherwise, if this was truly something that was as important as it's being
alleged, this room would be packed with people being opposed to this issue; it's as
simple as that; "A," "B," "C," one, two, three. So I urge you to please make the
necessary amendments to this proposal so that this project could move forward. And
then, after that, you want to change it the way you want to change it, by all means,
it's within your purview to do that. But it is fundamentally unfair for you to change
the rules of the game at this point in time for this facility and for this proposal, and I
ask you to please take that into serious consideration. Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: Manny, Manny, don't go away yet.
Mr. Prieguez: Oh, my God.
Chair Hardemon: Let me finish public comment, though. Let --
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Commissioner Carollo: No, no, just -- this is quick.
Chair Hardemon: You want to say something to him? Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: This is real quick. Let me compliment you and Izzy, that the
employees that came here that work for you have been very honest. I didn't see any
of the games that I usually see here; that people are sent that are working for
someone, and they pretend that they're not. Everybody here was honest, above
board. They gave their name, they gave their address where they lived, and they
said, "Hey, I work for Magic City Casino. I'm proud of it." So there was no game -
playing. And whichever way I vote, I want to compliment all of you for doing it this
way. That's the way it should be.
Mr. Prieguez: Commissioner, that -- what you witnessed today, what you heard
today is a manifestation on the way this family, the Havenick family and how this
company has handled itself since the 1950s in the City of Miami.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, look, Izzy I've known for many, many, many years.
He's a very likeable individual. He's always been upfront with me, so I have no
problem with your boss. This guy, I don't know. Do you guys know him?
Mr. Prieguez: I knew it was corning. Sooner or later, I knew it was corning. Thank
you.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Manny.
Commissioner Gort: Nothing against the boss.
Edward Martos: Thank you, Commissioners. For the record, Edward Martos, with
offices at 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. I'm here on behalf of George Perez, with
just one quick comment, which is that the reasons we don't see neighborhoods here
represented is because this is a citywide application, and there were no notices put
out to any particular neighborhood or any particular property owners; it's just a
general application. What this ordinance that's before you would do would cause
there to be a hearing, an opportunity for information to be gathered by the City and
to be heard. And if the application has merits, it can be approved. There's nothing
in this ordinance that would prohibit any action. The reason you don't see anyone --
the reason you don't -- again, the reason you don't see neighborhoods is because
there is no application. There is no single proposal that's before you, and I want you
to keep that in mind, and please approve this on first reading. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Ron Book: Mr. Chairman, nice to see you, and thank you very much,
Commissioners.
Commissioner Carollo: Who do you work for, sir?
Mr. Book: For the record, Ron Book, 18851 Northeast 29th Avenue, Suite 1010,
Aventura, Florida 33180. And I am here on behalf of the oldest client that my firm
has as an ongoing relationship that began in 1982. And Commissioner, when --
where did he go?
Commissioner Gort: He walked out.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, he (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Mr. Book: -- when he was five years old. 1952, Barbara Havenick's father opened
the facility known as Flagler Dog Track. In 1972, they opened up a facility in Bonita
Springs. They're the longest pari-mutuel family in the State of Florida. Before they
pulled the first lever on a slot machine as your partners -- as your partners -- with a
voluntary commitment of a percentage of their revenue, they got an unsolicited offer
to buy their company for $300 million. I was obligated to call Mrs. Havenick and
tell her of the offer. Her word was, "We are a family -owned company, in my father's
name, in my late husband's name, and this is a company that my children and my
family in this community have." You know, I heard the excuse for nobody from
Edgewater. Everybody in Edgewater knows this is here today, everybody knew it
was here the last time, and everybody knew it was here for Planning & Zoning, and
not one resident showed up, because they don't care, because they accept pari-
mutuel, because they know this isn't a gambling casino. I know where Norman
Braman is. I've helped Norman Braman. This is not a casino. This is a violation of
their civil rights. I made that point when I was here last time. Folks, they've been
targeted. And any representation by the other side that you don't have a vote -- that
you don't have a vote tomon^ow if you don't do this -- to approve a cardroom
application for them is bunk, it's made up, it's baseless. You looked at the statute. It
requires them to come back here, Mr. Chairman, members of this Commission;
requires them to come back here and get an approval by a majority vote. And the
last time I checked, when I played sand lot ball, it was majority rule; it wasn't this
stuff of required extraordinary votes, because you, as a majority, don't know what's
in your community's best interest? $1.4 million a year they voluntarily give you, not
for ad valorem taxes, not for some share of revenue -sharing from sales taxes, but
they voluntarily do it. And if you read the letter of that agreement, we're supposed to
be cooperative, supportive, and promotional of what it is they do. And any
representation that this is a game to get slots we'll covenant. We won't ask you to
write it into the ordinance. You want to write it into the ordinance we can never
have slots? We need five votes to have slots, not four? Have it. Do it. You want me
to run a covenant with the land that requires the vote of you, of five of you to get
slots some other day, which we never intend to do? Do it. But to take them, when
they've got a permit awarded by the State that the State relied, no matter what the
other side says -- read the letter that the director wrote. Read a letter that the
secretary wrote. You'll hear about it from Mr. Havenick. The end of the day, they
relied on the representation of your Zoning official when they awarded that license.
To come after that, when it was in the newspapers, after they signed their
agreements, expended a million plus -- I tell you what, your Planning & Zoning
Board, here's what they cared about. This is unfair. It doesn't smell right, feel right,
taste right. It isn't right, and that is why they voted the way they did, because they
stood here not -- not -- influenced by a 900-pound business leader to the detriment of
your constituents and to the detriment of a business that's been in business since
1952 in this great city.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Book: And lastly -- I'd say one last thing, Mr. Chairman. You know, it was okay
for the Miami Herald to sell the Herald Building to the Malaysians for a full-blown
casino. It was okay for the people who bought the Omni, who bought the Omni, had
it for 45 days, and spit it off for a cool $90 million profit, and they come in here
represented today, indignant, accusing my client of trying to do something nefarious
in the worst bad interest of you, as Commissioners and of this community, and that's
just a bold-faced lie. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you. That boy good, isn't he?
Scott Savin: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I won't be quite as fervent as Mr.
Book. My name is Scott Savin. I'm the Chief Operating Officer of the Magic City
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Casino. I've held that position for 12 years. I just wanted to briefly set the record
straight on a couple things; one which Ronnie mentioned, this is not a casino, it's a
jai alai fronton and a cardroom. More importantly, the fear -mongering and the talk
about quality of life, we have statistics provided by the City of Miami Police
Department about the area surrounding Magic City Casino. It's been nine years
since we've opened. Overall crime is down 29 percent; homicides are down 72
percent; burglaries are down 51 percent. So I can stand here and unequivocally say
we have made better and increased the quality of life. Thank you.
Isavore Havenick: I guess I'm last. Izzy Havenick, 401 Northwest 38th Court, and I
am an Edgewater resident. And contrary to what you have been told today, the
residents of Edgewater got an email to be here. We got an email to wear white hats
for this morning's part and to be here today. You guys saw the people in the white
hats. They're not here now. If you want to see the email, I have the email. I'm the
boogeyman. That's what I feel like now. This -- certain members of this Commission
and certain members of the community have made me the boogeyman.
Chair Hardemon: I thought you said, "the bookie man."
Mr. Havenick: No, I'm not the bookie man. I don't go near the bookie man. I am the
boogeyman. Yet, I'm standing right in front of you. People attacking my family
aren't here. They sent their representatives, but they're not here. They don't live in
your city. I do. I live in your district. I live in this district. My house has been
broken into. My car has been stolen. A man with a gun walked in while my four -
month -old son was sleeping. And you tell me there's no crime in this neighborhood?
We got strip clubs, we got rehab centers, we got Lord knows what. It's an
entertainment district. I knew where I was moving and I knew what I was getting.
Gambling is a game of chance and neither of these are that. Poker is a game of skill.
Jai alai is a game of skill. It is not a casino. It's never going to be a casino. I don't
know what to say any more than we already have. My family has been here. We've
done -- any time we've been called upon and asked to do something by the City, we
have never said, "no." We've never said, "no, " since 1983; probably longer.
Commissioner Gort: If you talk to your father and mother and so on, they know how
much I've helped them in the past, and everything they've done there, and I think the
Magic Casino has done a great job in there. I don't have any problem. Nobody's
criticizing your family; on the contrary. So this is not a family matter.
Mr. Havenick: No, this is an attack, because for six years, the State of Florida -- and
the State of Florida has written a letter --
Commissioner Gort: Right.
Mr. Havenick: -- saying they relied on your Zoning officials and the rules. It's been
in the paper. It's been discussed. It hasn't been a secret. I don't know why anyone --
it -- what I don't think anyone gets is this pains me more than anyone. I don't want
to be adverse to the city that I love. I never left the City. My mother has -- trust me -
- tried to throw me out of the City many times, and I have never left. I don't want to
be adverse. We've done everything right, everything honest. I think once you spoke
to one of my classes, and you said, "In government, people follow the rules, do
everything right, they deserve to be awarded with what they work for." I've done
that. We've never hid what we do, who we are, and yet, because two bullies have
come into the room, two bullies are scaring the world. We've just said crime isn't an
issue. Someone could bring up traffic. No offense, I believe the car dealers business
is traffic, not mine. We do everything right. What more does anyone have to do to
be allowed to do what you guys said we could do, which your city has blessed, not
once, not twice, 20 times over six years; six years? Those of you who've known me
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my whole life -- some of you have known me really my whole life -- I'm not lie -- I'm
not here to lie. I'm not here to pull the wool over your eyes. I will fight every
inaccuracy, every false statement said about my family and my business, and the
people who work for my family and have worked for my family longer than I've been
alive. But if this was a church, if this was a school, if this was a supermarket, you
would never go back and retroactively change zoning to hurt the business; you
wouldn't. You could sit here and tell me you would, but you would not. You are
targeting us, because we are the only ones with the ability to do this. We are the
only ones who have any ability to do this. And I'm just going to end by saying if
these gentlemen, these great corporate civic citizens were so afraid of gaming --
forget what Mr. Book said about them selling the building to Genting, the biggest
casino operator in the world -- why, in the last 10 years, since Genting's had that
helicopter parked over Miami has no one brought an ordinance like this before?
The only voice in Tallahassee representing this city against Genting has been me. I
don't know what more we have to do, but you're targeting us, and it is awful, and it
feels awful, and it's become personal, as you know. It's gone into my community.
My kids, my wife, they didn't sign up for this fight, but they're getting it. And now
that the fight has been brought to my family, my family is here to bring the fight
back. Every one of these people here, the 347 residents of Miami we employ are not
going to stand for this. And if you guys get bullied, there's nothing I could do. But I
could tell you, everybody here will remember it come November 2019, when there's
another election, because we elect you guys to represent us, not people who live on
Miami Beach and not people who don't live in your city. Thanks.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you, sir. Seeing no further comment, I'll close public
comment at this time.
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
The following item(s) shall not be considered before 2:00 PM
PZ ORDER OF THE DAY
Chair Hardemon: Calling back into order the regular meeting of September 13,
2018 in the Miami City Commission. Madam City Attorney, I want to begin the
Planning & Zoning section, so can you read the script, please?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes, Chairman. Good afternoon. Before any PZ
(Planning & Zoning) item is heard, all those wishing to speak must be sworn by the
City Clerk. PZ items shall proceed according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21
Zoning Code. Please note, Commissioners have been briefed by City staff and the
City Attorney on items on the agenda today. The members of the City Commission
may disclose any communications, pursuant to Florida Statute 286. 011(5) and
Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami 21 Zoning Code. 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 may 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
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available at the City Clerk's Office and at the podium for your ease of reference.
Staff will briefly present each item to be heard. For applications requiring City
Commission approval, the applicant will then present its application or request to
the City Commission. If the applicant agrees with staff recommendation, the City
Commission may proceed to its deliberation and decision. The applicant may also
waive the right to an evidentiary hearing on the record. The order of presentation
shall be as set forth in Miami 21 and in the City Code, providing the appellant shall
present first. For appeals, the appellant will present its appeal to the City
Commission followed by the appellee. Staff will be allowed to make any
recommendation they may have. All persons testifying must be sworn in. The City of
Miami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must disclose
before the hearing anything provided to anyone for agreement to support or
withhold objection to the requested action, pursuant to City Code Section 2-8. Any
documents offered to the City Commissioners that have not been provided seven days
before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at
the City Commission's discretion. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Mr. Clerk.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If you will be
speaking on any of today's Planning & Zoning items -- any of today's Planning &
Zoning items -- may I please have you stand and raise your right hand?
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you.
PZ.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
3110
Department of
Planning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2, TITLED "DEFINITIONS OF
TERMS," ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.3, TITLED "LOTS AND
FRONTAGES," ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.14, TITLED "PUBLIC
BENEFITS PROGRAM," ARTICLE 4, DIAGRAM 9, TITLED
"RESIDENTIAL DENSITY INCREASE AREAS," AND ARTICLE 4,
DIAGRAM 11, TITLED "TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT," TO
PROVIDE AND ALLOW FOR THE TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL
DENSITY FROM HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED SITES TO CERTAIN
PROPERTIES WITHIN TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ZONES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13787
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MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
Chair Hardemon: What I'd like to do is let's just tackle our PZ (Planning & Zoning)
items. So we have a PZ.1 item. Madam City Attorney, can you read it into the
record, please?
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): This is the companion to SR.3.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a motion?
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved. Is there a second?
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. There's a letter that was sent by the Miami River
Commission that states that we were putting --
Ms. Mendez: Commissioner?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: I believe that this one is the historic one, where it's not --
Chair Hardemon: PZ.1.
Commissioner Gort: This is a different one.
Commissioner Reyes: It's the transit --
Ms. Mendez: The transit oriented.
Commissioner Reyes: -- the transit oriented.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Commissioner, for your peace of mind, that
concern is noted, and I will certainly gladly address it on PZ.2.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. You answered my question.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing no further discussion, all in favor of the motion, say "aye."
Mr. Garcia: If I may, Mr. Chair, before you take a vote -- my apologies -- one minor
revision to make to the ordinance that's presently under your consideration, item
PZ.1, it's simple. On Section 3.14.4, Subsection "C," we are requesting that you
consider the following change: It says presently, "Up to the first half of a
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development requested." We would request that that be changed to, "The second
half of the development requested"; this, in order to be sure that, first, any
contributions go to the Public Benefits Trust Fund, and only then can one avail
oneself of additional density or intensity, pursuant to this ordinance. That's all.
Chair Hardemon: Does the mover and seconder agree?
Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely. That's the way I thought it originally was, actually.
Mr. Garcia: Just to make it abundantly clear.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Yes, mover accepts.
Chair Hardemon: No objection from the seconder. All in favor of the amended or
the modified ordinance, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
PZ.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
4722
Department of
Planning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.1., TITLED "DEFINITIONS OF
BUILDING FUNCTION: USES" AND BY AMENDING ARTICLE 6,
SECTION 6.1, TABLE 13, TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS",
TO PROVIDE FOR A DEFINITION OF GAMBLING FACILITIES AND
TO REQUIRE THAT GAMBLING USES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO PARI-MUTUEL GAMBLING, CARD ROOMS, AND SLOT
MACHINE USES, BE APPROVED PURSUANT TO AN EXCEPTION
WITH CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS)
AFFIRMATIVE VOTE; PROVIDING FOR ZONING IN PROGRESS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading with Modification(s)
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
NAYS: Hardemon
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)" and "Public Comment Period for
Planning and Zoning Item(s)."
Chair Hardemon: PZ. 2, please read it into the record.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PZ. 2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
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Vice Chair Russell: I'll move the item.
Commissioner Gort: Second for discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved and seconded. Any discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: I have my same question as before. On the letter that was
sent by the Miami River Commission, stating that this would come in into D3
waterfront industrial property in T6 urban core.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Thank you, sir. That concern has been
brought to my attention, as well. And as I expressed to them, the members of the
Miami River Commission, and others who have called about it, I want to make the
record clear that D3, meaning Zoning designation D3, is not intended to be affected.
I can see how the ordinance could be read to be affecting it, so let me make it clear.
Zoning designation D3 is not intended to be eligible for the implementation of
gambling facilities, and I hereby request that this ordinance before you, the draft
before you be amended to strike the section in Article 6, Table 13, under D3
Waterfront. Strike that entire section so as to eliminate any doubt as to whether they
would be eligible there; not intended to be, and certainly happy to make that clear.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Mover accepts the amendment.
Commissioner Carollo: Very good. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Does the mover --?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: The mover accepted. Does the seconder accept that amendment?
Commissioner Gort: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Discussion. Any further discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Vice Chair Russell: I just wanted the Commission to know that I've been attending
several public meetings in my district of homeowner associations, the DNA
(Downtown Neighbors Alliance), the BNA (Biscayne Neighborhood Association), the
Morningside Civic Association, Bay Pointe. There is probable concern, and it's
more about having a voice at the table, and that's what this is intended to do. This is
not intended to stop gambling. This is intended to make sure the residents have the
representation and the public hearings to be at the table and be notified when this
use is proposed in their neighborhood, and it is quite welcome.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion?
Commissioner Gort: Ready?
Chair Hardemon: No, wait, wait.
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Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no, no. I want to ask -- Francisco, could you please
clearly explain what this is going to do? Because I want to make clear that this is
nothing to do -- I mean, I -- have nothing to do with Magic City Casino, which is in
my district, and I -- not because I've been threatened for 2019; I don't care about
that. I vote my conscience all the time. But Magic City Casino, I think it is -- should
be a jewel in my district, I mean, but I've been backing you up all the time, but this is
something different that has nothing to do with the casino, the existing casino; have
to do with future casinos, you see. And I want to know if this applies to all casinos --
I mean, to all gambling. I want clarification on it.
Mr. Havenick: Clarify one thing; that it's not a casino. For the 30th time, not a
casino. Sir -- and I do respect you, and you know that, and you and I have a great
relationship.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Havenick: Casinos have games of chance. I said before you in July, I said
before Planning & Zoning, I've said it in every publication that's quoted us, "We
don't want slot machines."
Commissioner Reyes: Well -- yes.
Mr. Havenick: Poker and jai -alai are games of skill.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, but --
Mr. Havenick: It's not a casino. When you use the word "casino," it's not fair.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Well -- yes, yes, but what you've been doing -- I mean,
everybody been doing is defending Magic City Casino as if this was an attack on
Magic City Casino, and I don't see it -- I'm sorry, but I don't see it like that. I just
want to know, is a change in zoning, and I want to know what it really entails; and if
we don't do it, what will be possible and what will be the consequences. That is all.
But I just want to make sure that this is not an attack -- on my part, it's not an attack
on Magic City Casino or any casinos --
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Garcia?
Commissioner Reyes: -- or any other gambling facility, including jai-alai's; which I
like the sport, by the way. Yes, sir.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Firstly, Commissioner, thank you for the
opportunity to make this abundantly clear. I have had to answer the question, "What
exactly is the City doing here?" so many times over the last month or so that I
welcome the opportunity to finally do so on the record before you, and hopefully, it
will be clear. Let me first say very briefly that what we do in Planning & Zoning is
simply to provide regulations that determine what uses can be implemented in the
City, where they can be implemented, and through what process. What, where, and
how; simple as that. Presently, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami has no
provisions, no provisions for gambling facilities. We are presenting to you today an
ordinance that introduces the concept of gambling facilities, defines gambling
facilities -- and by the way, our definition of "gambling facility" simply makes
reference to the State Statutes that govern them already. And once it is clear what
gambling facilities are -- and, of course, if they aren't gambling facilities, it does not
apply to them. Once we make clear what gambling facilities are, we then set forth
where they can happen. The "where" part of this ordinance is in areas of the City
designated T6-O. Why T6-O? Because these happen to be the parts of the City
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where there is the appropriate density and intensity to be able to accept these uses
properly. In other words, you don't want it in your residential neighborhood. You
don't want it in your neighborhood secondary street. You want them in areas that
are of a certain density, a certain intensity, and the mix of uses that can accept these
facilities well. And lastly, how? There we got very direct guidelines from you that it
should be ultimately approved by the City Commission, and that vote should be
through a four -fifths majority, and that is exactly what we've captioned in the
ordinance; that these facilities, gambling facilities generally, are to be presented to
the City Commission and subject to your consideration by a four -fifths vote.
Incidentally, in doing so, we are also mirroring State legislation that requires that
this Commission approve gambling facilities in the first place. That said, pure and
simple.
Chair Hardemon: So --
Commissioner Reyes: Go right ahead.
Commissioner Carollo: Can I ask, when you're done or if everybody's done, Izzy
something, in particular?
Chair Hardemon: You can ask him now.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And I'm only doing this because the Planning
Director's bringing up zoning changes, and before he puts all that in one, there
might be some other things that it might help the Magic City Casino, if you would
add to that. I remember years ago, you had mentioned to me one time that you
wanted to create some kind of concert hall there in one of your big areas. I don't
know if the reason you haven't done it is because of zoning or anything else that we
could make life easier for that to happen there, because I really believe that would
create jobs and bring revenue to the City. Is there anything that we could help you
with, Izzy, in moving forward on that, if that's what you want to do?
Mr. Havenick: I think we should have that conversation after the November vote,
because I have a feeling there's something about the same type of use about four
blocks up the street from my facility.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: So --
Commissioner Carollo: Very good.
Chair Hardemon: No. I rarely like to get into fights or get between fights with
millionaires, because seldom do they -- do any of them lose. They're not typically the
ones that actually suffer. But I will tell you, in this situation, when I read the -- just -
- I'll go to our ordinance. And when I read the "whereas" clauses, one of the things
that our "whereas" clauses state -- and this is the fourth "whereas" clause -- it says,
"The City of Miami finds that gambling uses without reasonable regulations have the
potential to generate adverse effects on the surrounding community and" And so, it
goes on and it describes how, without such reasonable regulations, there could be
some adverse effect, but what's interesting in our resolution is that it really never
describes a reasonable regulation. The only thing that it really does is say that you
need another vote on the Miami City Commission in order to approve it. It brings it
before us for a -- really, a super majority vote. It doesn't say, you need to have a
certain buffer, it needs to have activity that is enclosed, you must have certain types
of foliage around. It doesn't say that the building can be only but so large. It can
only have a certain floor lot ratio. It doesn't say that you have to have sound impact
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drywall to keep out noise. It doesn't say the ceiling should be so tall as to distract
away from -- it just -- it doesn't say anything to that nature. It doesn't describe any
things that really are reasonable regulations that are supposed to do away with the
potential adverse impacts of gambling, and, you know -- and I don't gamble. I'm not
- - I am not a gambler. I've stayed at hotels that offer gambling, and I have gambled.
It just doesn't do anything for me. I don't like to lose my money. I like to win money,
but I'm just not going to take the risk. And I don't have the skill to play poker, I
guess; to actually do something and win some money, but I've seen lots of people
have great times, and lots of people have many jobs from gambling facilities. But
what's interesting about this ordinance, to me, is that it first starts off talking about
the potential adverse effects of gambling and how some reasonable regulation needs
to occur in order to allow gambling, which is a perfectly perfect statement. That
makes good sense. I think that's good government, for us to have that discussion.
The problem that I find is that the rest of the ordinance doesn't describe any
reasonable regulations. All that it does -- and when I read throughout this entire
ordinance -- is that it says that anybody who has already started in the application
process for a gambling facility must do a certain number of things. And it makes me
wonder why the only institution right now that could potentially have a gambling site
in the City of Miami that has a certain permit from the State of Florida that will fit
within the Florida Statutes recent change to allow them to have games of skill,
particularly jai -alai and poker, is the one that's before us today. And I've never seen
on this Commission a rule or regulation of law that applies retroactively in the
fashion that this does, that truly harms someone who is in the process of actually
receiving or not receiving some sort of permit to open up a legal business within the
City of Miami, and that's the part, to me, especially, that is disheartening. In
addition, having the requirement that we provide four -fifths of a vote, which adds
another barrier in order for any entity to cross in order to have gambling in a
certain area, you know, it's -- the -- even that requirement, to me, is not necessarily a
reasonable regulation to protect from the adverse impacts, because if you have four
votes, if there's an average impact or not, it doesn't change things. Four votes, in
and of itself, doesn't determine whether or not that we are actually getting rid of an
adverse impact on our communities. And like I said earlier, if it was something that
we were doing, something that we were requiring -- distance requirements,
regulations on liquor license, liquor sales, restaurants within the same space, even --
and this may be far left, but even something saying, "You're not allowed to play past
a certain amount of hours." I mean, all these are things that I would think, ifI had -
- ifI've known players to play a game of skill, ifI said to them, "Well, look, you can't
play for eight hours straight; you can only play for four, then you have to take a hour
break, " you know, things like that that will change the impact on the person and
maybe give them opportunity to say, "Okay, maybe I played too much today. Maybe
I need to go home. Maybe I should take a break and think about what I've done. And
maybe some of the endorphins would have worn off and I feel as if I've made a
mistake, or maybe I've done well and I'll go back to it." I don't know. But it's
almost as if this ordinance really comes to a conclusion without providing the facts
to support that conclusion, and we call those "conclusory statements." And to me,
this ordinance is just -- it's a bag of conclusory statements that, inevitably, hurt a
business that was apparently set to open. So I'm not here to decide whether or not it
was intentionally tailored that way. I'm not here to get in the middle of a fight
between individuals that own more real estate and assets than the entirety of my
family. That's not what I'm here for. I'm just here to state what I believe to be the
truth of the matter, what I believe to be what's right in the situation. The question of
- - I know we've been talking a lot about -- I'm very -- trying to be very careful with
my words -- casinos and gambling. Even though this is the Magic City Casino --
Magic City Casino is the owner of this space, and he made it very clear what
gambling is.
Mr. Havenick: We're just a tenant in someone else 's project.
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Chair Hardemon: Say it again.
Mr. Havenick: We're just a tenant in someone else's project, for the record.
Chair Hardemon: Okay, a tenant in someone else's project. The -- but it's been very
clear what gambling is, as opposed to what a casino is. And we're not weighing in
on the fact of what -- we're not even weighing in on the fact of casinos on this. It's as
if we're talking about something and describing the effects of that something, but
then we're actually deciding on something else, and that's the part that's kind --
that's weird to me. It makes me feel like maybe I've read something incorrectly, but
this ordinance is so short that I just don't think that I've misunderstood it. And so,
I'll allow you to respond, and I'll allow you to also respond.
Mr. Havenick: May I just say two things? One is, I'm no lawyer. I'm the cute
brother; the other one, my smarter brother, went to law school, but I do know for a
fact that the City has nothing about zoning in progress in its Code. I know enough to
know that. Had these rules been in place six years ago, I wouldn't be complaining.
But the other reason it is targeting my family is Magic City Casino is not the only
casino in the City limits. There's another one where they play jai -alai. They have
closed and opened their cardroom for years at a time and been re -awarded their
license, and the City hasn't once said anything. So if you haven't said anything for
them in the last -- let's see, nine years -- Again, you didn't -- nobody said anything
about Genting, nobody said anything about them. How am I to believe -- how is
anyone here to believe -- how do I go home and look at my kids and say, "I'm not
being targeted"?
Chair Hardemon: Now, look -- and I understand why you would feel that way. I
don't think that anyone on this dais, though, is going to agree that you're being
targeted -- right? -- no matter what the facts may be. I may agree with you, but I
don't think that the entirety of this body is going to agree to that. But I will say that
the way that the ordinance is written has a negative effect on only one person that
I've seen, and that person would be you. And it's just the way that this is written, it
doesn't give me that fuzzy feeling on the inside.
Mr. Garcia: I'm going to try my very best to make that concern -- or to address the
concern. You're correct that the ordinance, for it to be clear and not overly
redundant, does not explicitly state that there are these criteria that you are in
search of as appropriate, but implicitly, certainly it does in that, as pertains to the
"how" part, the permit process that one would have to go through to obtain a
gambling facility permit in the City of Miami, one would have to go through the
exception process, which, within the body of the Zoning Ordinance, makes reference
to a set of criteria set forth in Article 4, Table 12. And I think you'll find to your
satisfaction that in Article 4, Table 12, there are a very specific set of criteria, which
are the criteria that we use on a regular basis to evaluate every one of the exception
applications that we receive in the Planning & Zoning Department. So this
application, along with all others, would, by virtue of applying for an exception
before they get to the City Commission, go through an evaluation that tests out
whether all the very standards in the checklist in Article 4, Table 12 are met and to
what extent they are met, and our recommendations reflect that.
Chair Hardemon: So my question to you then is, would an organization like the one
that's before us, would they have to go through that process even without this new
amendment that would bring them before the City Commission for a four -fifths vote?
Mr. Garcia: The process exists independent of this organization or any other. The
process is already established. Now, the only --
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Chair Hardemon: I want to be -- let me be clear. I want to say this again.
Mr. Garcia: Sure, please.
Chair Hardemon: So an organization that was applying to get this sort of license
that was in their same position -- right? -- Well, no. I'll take it out of their position.
Any organization, would they have to go through that process that you 've just
described?
Mr. Garcia: Certainly.
Chair Hardemon: Before -- like be -- without this amendment?
Mr. Garcia: Well, before this, as I stated previously, our position is that they would
come in for a permit. We would first determine what kind of use they are. We would
align the use proposed to any of the available uses we have in our Zoning Ordinance
and then go through the process, as specified. At present, in the Zoning Ordinance
of the City of Miami, there are no definitions; there are no provisions for gambling
facilities. Now, I've heard from them, I think, the claim that they are not a gambling
facility. If they are not a gambling facility -- and the State decides whether they are
or not, really, because the statutes make it specific -- then this would not apply to
them. However, if the State opines that they are a gambling facility -- and I
emphasize that we track the State language to determine what a gambling facility is -
- then now they have a process through which they can go.
Chair Hardemon: Is it gambling or a casino that you're saying that you are not?
Are you saying you 're also not a gambling facility?
Mr. Havenick: We're not -- no. People will bet on jai -alai and stuff, but again, your
study, it's a game of skill, but again --
Chair Hardemon: But my question to you, are you stating that you're not a
gambling facility? Because I want to understand it as well. Are you saying you're
not a gambling facility? Or are you saying --?
Mr. Havenick: A gaming facility.
Chair Hardemon: You call it "gaming facility." That's what you're calling it.
Mr. Havenick: Yes. But may I --
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Havenick: -- just address the two inac --? And I understand --
Chair Hardemon: And so, but before you go, so I wanted to ask --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): They have to come before you to get one of the
uses that they plan on using at that facility. They do not have permission to have a
cardroom at their facility. They have to come before you, pursuant to State statute.
So whether --
Chair Hardemon: So before --
Ms. Mendez: -- you pass this and -- passing this ordinance is the vehicle with which
to do it.
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Chair Hardemon: All right. So -- but the thing about it -- so the four -fifths vote --
typically, when we have higher thresholds for passing something, that means that
there's something about it that is extraordinarily important. There's something
about it -- and, you know, and this could be (UNINTELLIGIBLE) up for some other
person to make an argument, but there's usually something that is so special about
what we're doing that it requires us to all agree on it in order for us to move
forward. And so, what I haven't heard on the record was anything regarding the sort
of business that they're going to be carrying on there that requires the City
Commission to be so interested in it that we'11 have to protect everyone in the
community from the ills of that sort of business.
Ms. Mendez: So a few Commissions ago, your predecessors had passed other
portions of the City Code that state that no gambling would be allowed on City -
owned properties. So in the past, there has been a concern of the use of gambling or
these types of facilities.
Chair Hardemon: On City -- is that owned by the City, that facility?
Mr. Havenick: Owned by Crescent Heights.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Havenick: But, sir, real quick, just for the record, again, other cardrooms have
opened up in the City, and based on the original law, because the County had
blessed it and we are taxed -- I don't know a lot, but I know if I pay a tax, that means
you guys basically bless what I do. Never before has this happened. When Miami
Jai -Alai closed and reopened, they didn't have to come for a vote, because the law in
the County -- and the City adopted in 1996 when poker was legalized -- said they
were allowed poker. When Florida City just opened their jai -alai facility and poker
room two years ago, they didn't need a vote of the City Commission of Florida City
because Dade -- Miami -Dade County had already blessed the activity, and the State
considered that good enough. The State has said this numerous times. Again, it's --
Ms. Mendez: That's not the law, and the facilities that you're talking about are not
in the City of Miami.
Mr. Havenick: I'm fairly certain Miami Jai -Alai, right next to Miami Airport, is in
the City of Miami boundaries, because they pay you the same percent and a half we
do.
Ms. Mendez: Well, then we didn't know that they had a cardroom, and thank you for
telling us.
Mr. Havenick: Five times --
Vice Chair Russell: Through the Chair.
Mr. Havenick: -- you didn't know they had a cardroom?
Vice Chair Russell: Through the Chair, please. Please, let's not go back and forth.
You know, I have a couple questions, please, if I could ask of the City Attorney and
the Planning Director, please. A lot of implication has been given here that we are
creating some sort of retroactive legislation that is taking away a vested right that
someone has already earned or has, and I want to make sure that we're not doing
that. So my question to you is, is there a vested right that they've been given or a
permit that they've applied for with the City that we are undoing with this
ordinance?
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Ms. Mendez: If they want to open a card room, they have to come before the City
Commission and ask permission, pursuant to State Statute 849.086, Subsection 16,
which says that "The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering shall not issue any initial
license under this section except upon proof in such form as the division may
prescribe that the local government where the applicant for such license desires to
conduct cardroom gaming has voted" -- voted. A letter from a Zoning Administrator
is not a vote, last time I checked -- "has voted to approve such activity by a majority
vote of the governing body of the municipality or the governing body of the County if
the facility is not located in a municipality." This Commission has not voted to give
them a cardroom.
Vice Chair Russell: Has any previous Commission ever voted?
Ms. Mendez: So I don't know what vested right they think they have in that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And then Francisco already answered actually the
other question I had with regard to the specifics that Commissioner Hardemon was
asking about with regard to specific regulations on a zoning use. So I received an
email from the president of the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association. He said,
"Commissioner Russell, you witnessed a large community meeting in Edgewater,
where the overwhelming majority expressed great concern and many direct
opposition of the concept of gambling in a residential neighborhood. I know that the
sentiment of the community has not changed. The ordinance proposed is the only
reasonable way to regulate gambling by allowing public hearings." And that's been
the phone calls and the emails that I've been receiving for a long time. I agree; I do
not want to take away somebody's business right that's already vested. This is a
timely issue, because they are probably planning to get all of the permits and
everything necessary, and this is the chance for the residents to have a seat at the
table, and that's why this ordinance is being brought, but it's being brought for
anyone who would be seeking such a license for any residential neighborhood so
that your neighbors would have the ability to have that hearing. An elevated vote of
four -fifths, it reduces even the chance that the Commissioner of that district -- he's
got a little more strength in that case, because the strength of the applicant wouldn't
be able to necessarily overpower the strength of that one Commissioner as easily
through a three -fifths versus four -fifths, and that's part of this. So it is first reading,
and I believe it is well thought out. I believe it is legal, and I do not believe it targets
one company or eliminates any vested right or is retroactive. So I'm very
comfortable with this legislation, and I do hope for your support.
Ines Marrero: Mr. Vice Chair, if I may?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Marrero: Good evening -- good afternoon. For the record, my name is Ines
Marrero. I'm attorney at the law firm of Holland & Knight, offices at 701 Brickell
Avenue, on behalf of the Havenick family, with Flagler Associates, Magic City
Casino. It's important for us to take a step back and revisit the process that we are
going through. A month ago, on July 26, we were before you fighting your direction
to the Administration to draft this ordinance. Had there been no August recess, this
ordinance would have been before you the month of August. There is -- you talk
about everybody having a seat at the table. There have been different iterations of
this legislation, which the -- Mr. Braman's counsel has assisted your City Attorney's
Office in drafting and your office, whatever. We have not had an opportunity to be
at that table. There has been no outreach to our representatives. It is very clear to
us that this ordinance is directed at us. We made the record. I'm -- would like the
opportunity for Mr. Andy Hall, co -counsel, litigation counsel for the Havenicks, to
make a brief presentation. But this process is not the ordinary process for
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legislation in this City. There was -- I use as an example when we appeared before
the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board just last week; a board which, by the way,
voted a majority against the proposed ordinance, because they felt that this was, -- to
quote one of the board members -- "the City at its worst." And they felt that this was
very, very unfair to us, and we had an opportunity to present our case to them. But
just last week we were before the Planning & Zoning Board, and one week later,
we're here. We've had no opportunity to have any input into this ordinance. It is
directed at us. It is a violation of our rights, the investments that we've made in this
project, and the reliance that this client has made on representations from your staff.
I'm going to let Mr. Hall take over, if -- with your indulgence. I would like to
propose for your consideration some language that would let us move forward and
would let you protect the interests of the citizens of this City and regulate gambling
and casino in the future, but we're already pregnant. We're already there. And to
come out and just target us and say, "Well, we just heard that you guys are doing
this, so now we're going to pull all the stops and do everything we can to stop you,"
that is unfair and it's illegal. I will let Mr. Hall take over, and I will distribute, with
your permission, some proposed modification that I think would let us all live in
peace relative to this one project.
Chair Hardemon: So I'll accept --
Ms. Mendez: What I -- I have a question. What is it that you feel that the City is
stopping? That's what I need to know. What is that that the City is supposedly
stopping? A cardroom? Is that what it is? Because it would be nice to know what it
is that you think is being stopped.
Ms. Marrero: There have been reports in the local paper that my client has obtained
a permit from the Department of Business and Regulation to open a jai -alai fronton
at a said address on Biscayne Boulevard. And immediately thereafter, once that
information was in the public media, the City started to enact the strictest, stringent
regulations that would put us before this board to get a supermajority vote with no
recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Board to get their approval; when we
know that behind this are powerful political people in our community that are not
only supporting and promoting, but helping you draft the legislation that's before
you. That's what the City's doing, and that's not fair.
Ms. Mendez: So what is it that you are planning to open, exactly? Is it another
Magic City Casino --
Ms. Marrero: Jai -alai --
Ms. Mendez: -- or is it a --
Ms. Marrero: -- fronton.
Ms. Mendez: -- jai -alai? Is it a -- just a pari-mutuel? Is it a cardroom? What is it?
Ms. Marrero: Well, if the City had taken the time to meet with us and discussed what
we were doing, maybe we wouldn't be in this forum letting you all know --
Ms. Mendez: Maybe, if you would apply for something --
Ms. Marrero: -- that we were given no opportunity --
Ms. Mendez: -- because that's the other thing; you have not applied for anything.
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Mr. Havenick: We do actually have a permit from the City for our project that says
"poker room" and `jai -alai" on it, just for the record.
Ms. Mendez: Let me see that.
Mr. Havenick: Sure. One second.
Ms. Marrero: In the interim, I'm going to pass out --
Chair Hardemon: I thought he was pulling it out of his pocket.
Ms. Marrero: -- the proposed language and let Mr. Hall, so we don't --
Chair Hardemon: No. Take your time.
Mr. Havenick: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for the record, I say who employs me. My mom
-- I say who employs me. My mom's right there. I work at the casino. I'm proud of
it. If you're going to quote somebody who had to recuse him from the Planning &
Zoning meeting, because his group is funded by Mr. Helfman's client, I think you
should at least share that with the whole room as well, because Related does fund
the Brickell -- the Biscayne Neighbors Association.
Scott Savin: Just one thing to clam because I know the City Attorney is speaking
with Izzy. It's the jai -alai fronton permit that was granted by the State of Florida in
reliance upon letters from the City of Miami, and it's the jai -alai fronton that we
believe we have vested rights. And in the jai -alai fronton permit, and the deficiency
letters were cured by the City of Miami, City of Miami does not require any vote
majority or four -fifths or anything for the jai -alai fronton. So I just want to clarify
that. We understand how -- the statute to address a cardroom. And in fact, you are
not able to get a cardroom license until you play your first performance of jai -alai,
per State statute. So we would have to come back to the Commission, apply for a
cardroom license, be granted the license by the State of Florida, separate and apart
from the jai -alai that somehow is being all lumped together. What doesn't require
anything by the Commission and the permit that's been granted -- and Izzy has a
copy of the permit -- is a permit for a jai -alai fronton.
Andrew Hall: If I may --
Chair Hardemon: So --
Mr. Hall: -- there's a --
Chair Hardemon: I really don't want to get into a legal argument, a presentation
about it, like a -- you know, like a precursor to what is going to be filed. I
understand -- you made it very clear that this is actionable from your position, that
the owner does not want to take action against the City of Miami, because he holds it
dear, but he may be forced to; like all those things are very clear, but I don't want to
take our time to go through what your potential argument is going to be, because all
we're going to do is listen, and then nothings going to come of that. So --
Mr. Hall: Commissioner, there is a statement that's been made here which reflects, I
think, a profound misunderstanding.
Chair Hardemon: You can clam that statement. You can clarify what that is, but I
won't allow you to go through a presentation. Public comment is closed. This is
basically us with a -- someone who's deeply interested in the matter, because
typically, we won't have the public involved in this part of discussion, but because
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you're so interested in the matter, we've allowed this engagement on the details and
the facts.
Mr. Hall: So there are words used today that we skim over. If we understood those
words, you'd understand the problem. First of all, allow me to say, my name is
Andrew Hall. I live in Miami, 3515 Bayshore Village Drive. I represent the West
Flagler interests, which are affiliated with the Magic Casino. The words that are not
well understood is "vested rights" in the context of what we were talking about, so
it's very simple. Three elements exist in order to have vested rights: Good faith
reliance upon something the City does or doesn't do, and the expenditure of such
significant assets or commitment (UNINTELLIGIBLE) assets so that it would be
unjust and inequitable to apply something retroactively. And in the zoning world,
that is any change, whatsoever, for what exists at the time, so that when you say,
"We're going to go for the vote of four to five," but we already have vested rights,
that, in and of itself is enough to create the violation of law. It's enough, in and of
itself to create the due process taking. It's enough, in and of itself to create the first
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) detection violation, and you don't intend that. And all I'm
trying to tell you, there is a way to repair it. I don't agree with the City Attorney's
interpretation at all, but I know that you don't want the conflict. So it's very simple.
We're already in the process. We're named. We're identified in a location. You
exempt it out as grandfathered, and we're done. So I'm not going to argue the law.
I'm not going to give you a presentation. I just think, if you understand the terms and
you say what you want to say and it's true, that's the inevitable conclusion. So I urge
you to do that. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you for the suggestion. Now we're back to this board. Any
further discussion on this matter? There's a motion --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I want to --
Chair Hardemon: -- and there's a second. There is not an exception that's been
noted on the record.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question, because from what I heard -- now I'm a
little confused, you see. Without this resolution -- or this ordinance -- without this
ordinance, that means that anybody that gets a license for a gambling facility could
establish itself wherever they want with -- only with a simple majority? I mean, what
is -- what -- it is not whatever they want. Let's say that in Flagler and 37th Avenue,
there is an open space there. I am granted a license for a casino. I can establish
myself right there, right?
Mr. Garcia: Sir, with one more step, I'll tell you what I think the gravity of the
situation is. I'll say it again simply. We have no provisions in our Zoning Ordinance
for a gambling facility.
Commissioner Reyes: Without --
Mr. Garcia: So, if they came tomorrow to file for an application to my department,
I'd have to stop them and say, "We have no way of getting you the permit you are
seeking."
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: And right now, the only permit they have that they claim vested rights
for is a demolition permit. Last time I checked, that's not a gaming permit --
Commissioner Reyes: Another --
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Ms. Mendez: -- that's not a pari-mutuel permit, that's not a anything permit.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Another question --
Ms. Mendez: In the City of Miami?
Unidentified Speaker: In the State. We don't know.
Commissioner Reyes: Another question. Does -- I mean, because I heard the
gentleman say what -- it was a jai -alai, and you left the cardroom out, right? A
permit for the jai -alai. Will that require the same four -fifth vote, according to this
ordinance? Or right now, the way it is, they can go and pull a permit for a jai -alai
fronton?
Mr. Garcia: Sir, as you well know, I am very familiar with the sport of jai -alai. It
happens to be a very popular sport in my country. It originates from the country I
am from, and this is --
Commissioner Reyes: No, you're not Basque (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Garcia: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I stand corrected.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. And I mean, don't tell me that. You're not Basque.
Mr. Garcia: I stand corrected.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, okay.
Mr. Garcia: In any event, that is very much the sidebar the City Attorney and I have
been having, which is, what exactly is it that we are not letting them do? I'm here to
tell you that if what they wanted to implement today is a sports facility to play pelota
mano, fronton jai -alai --
Commissioner Reyes: Jai -alai.
Chair Hardemon: Opera.
Mr. Garcia: -- they have the ability to do so today, if that's what they wanted to do.
So again, I would -- in all honesty and in all candor, I would beseech them to
articulate for the record what exactly it is that they feel this ordinance is getting in
the way of.
Ms. Mendez: So I feel that they're being a little disingenuous, because when I asked
this gentleman -- I don't know your name, the one with the orange tie. When I asked
him what he was building in his facility, whether he was building a cardroom, he
was wavering and -- "Oh, I think I'm building something for" -- "a space for it," or
what have you. The point is, the cardroom needs to be voted on by this Commission.
There is nothing right now that they have shown me that has a vested right for it. So
my suggestion would be pass this on first reading. We can work with Ms. Marrero
Prieguez, with the gentleman on the other side; when he's a little calmer, we'll work
with him, and then be able to try and figure out what it is they're doing. We could sit
around the table and figure out what they're doing. When we figure out what they're
doing, maybe we can figure out if they have a vested anything. Right now, I can't
tell. None of us on this side can tell what they think they have.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion amongst the board members?
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Vice Chair Russell: No.
Mr. Havenick: Mr. Chairman, ifI may?
Chair Hardemon: Last opportunity.
Mr. Havenick: First of all, I haven't waivered once. We're building a jai -alai
fronton that is going to have space for a cardroom in the future. No wavering.
Second of all, if I haven't been clear as to what we're doing, let me say it again. Jai -
alai. Poker. You want me to sign in blood right now, no slots. I've said it to you 20
times. I don't know how many more times you [sic] want to say it. It's just baffling
to me. I'm being argued on everything that we're saying, and all that's going to
happen is we're going to have to sue the City, and who wants another lawsuit as a
taxpayer? I sure don't.
Commissioner Reyes: But still, I don't get it. If you want to build a jai -alai, just a
fronton, just a plain jai -alai without any card game [sic], it's the same requirements
that we have now?
Commissioner Gort: No.
Mr. Havenick: This ordinance would prohibit that. We would have to come to you
for the vote and slow down the project. And mind you, the State gives us a timeline
on how long we have to build this. So, yes, we would have to come back to you after
the project has been blessed for six years. The permits applied for, sir, have always
said, "Cardroom and jai -alai."
Commissioner Reyes: Then this ordinance, what it does is it precludes anybody that
gets a license to go to any place that -- I mean, that they have the zoning and all of
that, and with a simple majority of votes, they could move there, you see. For
example, let's say that somebody -- Mr. Carollo here, he gets a license, and he wants
to move to 37th Avenue, I mean, because the zoning is there on Flagler, and he
comes to the front of the Commission, then we will --
Mr. Havenick: There's a small --
Commissioner Reyes: Simple majority, right?
Mr. Havenick: -- problem with that as pari-mutuel permits come with mileage
restrictions, so --
Commissioner Reyes: I know --
Mr. Havenick: -- that couldn 't happen, and --
Commissioner Reyes: I am saying, if he gets it.
Mr. Havenick: Again, fine.
Commissioner Reyes: If he gets it.
Mr. Havenick: And again, had these been the rules when we started this, that's one
thing. But I believe the City Attorney is being disingenuous, because we have told
you everything. We've never hid any of this from you. And on top of this, we're your
partner and you're treating us like this. I'm getting told I'm being disingenuous. I
haven't told anybody in this room one unfactual [sic] thing; not sure that other
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people could say that, but everything I said, I will swear on a stack of Bibles is the
truth.
Mr. Savin: I just handed the City Attorney the permit for the jai -alai fronton, given
to us by the State of Florida in reliance upon 20 zoning letters from the City of
Miami.
Commissioner Gort: Excuse me. You are?
Mr. Savin: No. I'm stating facts.
Commissioner Reyes: Who are you?
Commissioner Gort: No, no.
Mr. Savin: That's what I'm doing.
Commissioner Gort: No, no, no. Excuse me.
Mr. Savin: I'm stating facts.
Chair Hardemon: No, no. Commissioner wants to know your name.
Commissioner Gort: Name and address; we got to keep that in the record. What's
your name and the address?
Mr. Savin: Scott Savin, 401 --
Commissioner Gort: That 's it.
Mr. Savin: -- Northwest 38th Court --
Commissioner Gort: Thank you.
Mr. Savin: -- chief operating officer, Magic City Casino.
Chair Hardemon: All right.
Ms. Mendez: So are you claiming that the verification letters take the place of any
vote by the Commission with regard to a cardroom? Is that what you're claiming?
Mr. Savin: No.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. So what is it --?
Mr. Savin: But the State of Florida is.
Ms. Mendez: No, no, and that's where you're absolutely wrong.
Mr. Hall: You see, don't you think it's unfair --
Ms. Mendez: So I think that -- Commissioners, my advice, we pass it on first
reading, figure out what they're entitled to by right and what they're not, bring it
back to you for a vote. At that time, you could decide whether you want majority,
supermajority; whether you want -- what you may want or not want. If it dies on
second reading, great. If not -- but we just need to figure out what it is that we are
prohibiting them from.
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Chair Hardemon: All right. Seeing no further discussion from the dais, all in favor
of the motion, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Chair Hardemon: Note me as "against." Motion carries.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): 4-1, as amended.
Chair Hardemon: The -- so we're out of the Planning & Zoning agenda. Let's move
back into our regular agenda.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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FL — FUTURE LEGISLATION
FL.1 ORDINANCE
4620
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/DEPARTMENTS/PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT"; CHAPTER 22.5/ARTICLE VI OF THE CITY CODE,
ENTITLED "GREEN INITIATIVES/SOIL EROSION, WATERWAY
SEDIMENTATION, AND AIRBORNE DUST GENERATION
CONTROL"; CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE I/SECTION 54-3 OF THE CITY
CODE, ENTITLED "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS/GENERAL/
PERMIT REQUIRED FOR WORK THAT OBSTRUCTS OR CLOSES
A STREET, OR SIDEWALK OR IMPEDES TRAFFIC; FEES;
WAIVER OF FEES"; CHAPTER 54/ARTICLE II/SECTION 54-43 OF
THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED "CONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION
AND REPAIR/PERMIT FEE FOR STREET EXCAVATION,
SIDEWALK REPAIR, PAVING OR RESURFACING OF PARKWAY
OR SHOULDER AREA, BUILDING LINE AND GRADE SURVEY,
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION SURVEY, DRIVEWAY
CONSTRUCTION, FLUME EXCAVATION, UTILITY PLACEMENT;
UNDERGROUND UTILITY SERVICE CONNECTION EXCAVATION,
GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELLS; PERMIT RENEWAL;
AFTER -THE -FACT PERMIT, AND REINSPECTION FEES; WAIVER
OF FEES"; AND CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE VI OF THE CITY CODE,
ENTITLED "ZONING AND PLANNING FEES," TO ADJUST
CERTAIN FEES RELATED TO THE PROCESSING AND
RECORDATION OF PLATS, STORMWATER POLLUTION
PREVENTION PLANS, AND RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMITS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
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FL.2 ORDINANCE
4669
Department of
Planning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.14, ENTITLED "PUBLIC
BENEFITS PROGRAM," TO REQUIRE THE MANDATORY
INCLUSION OF AFFORDABLE OR WORKFORCE HOUSING IN
THE T6-24B TRANSECT ZONE, TO CLARIFY THAT PROPERTIES
ZONED T6-24B MUST ONLY PROVIDE
AFFORDABLE/WORKFORCE HOUSING TO ACHIEVE BONUS
HEIGHT AND FLOOR LOT RATIO ("FLR"), AND TO MODIFY THE
PUBLIC BENEFIT AVAILABLE FOR THE PROVISION OF
AFFORDABLE/WORKFORCE HOUSING; AND BY AMENDING
ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.8, ENTITLED "AMENDMENT TO MIAMI
21 CODE," TO ADD T6-36A AS AN ADDITIONAL SUCCESS IONAL
TRANSECT ZONE FOR T6-24A; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
FL.3 ORDINANCE
4677
Department of
Planning
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), AMENDING
ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED
"DEFINITIONS OF TERMS," TO MODIFY THE DEFINITIONS OF
ATTAINABLE MIXED -INCOME HOUSING AND WORKFORCE
HOUSING; AMENDING ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.15 OF THE CITY
CODE, ENTITLED "AFFORDABLE AND ATTAINABLE MIXED -
INCOME HOUSING SPECIAL BENEFIT PROGRAM
SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS," TO ADD NEW INCENTIVES,
INCLUDING A FLOOR LOT RATIO ("FLR") BONUS AND NEW
MINIMUM UNIT SIZES, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECTS
PROVIDING HOUSING FOR MIXED -INCOME POPULATIONS AT
OR BELOW ONE HUNDRED FORTY PERCENT (140%) OF AREA
MEDIAN INCOME AS ESTABLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; AND
TO CLARIFY LANGUAGE WITHIN THE ORDINANCE;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF FUTURE LEGISLATION
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NA.1
4825
Office of the City
Clerk
NA - NON AGENDA ITEM(S)
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT INFORMATIONAL
ADVERTISEMENTS INVOLVING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AND
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ANY COUNTRY; ACCEPTING
THE ADVERTISING PROPOSAL MADE BY ORLANDO
GUTIERREZ TO THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION FINDING THAT
SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS WILL BE INFORMATIONAL AND NOT
ADVOCATE A PARTICULAR POLITICAL CAUSE OR ISSUE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0356
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Gort, Carollo, Reyes
NAYS: Russell
ABSENT: Hardemon
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item NA.1,
Please see Item PA.1.
Commissioner Gort: Make a motion.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm making a motion that we find a way to have -- or to allow
informational ad about the atrocities that the Cuban government is committing to
their own people, okay?
Mayor Suarez: I think that's --
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, ifI can help you a little bit in the wording
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Any help is welcome.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to make it a little more solid so that --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we could withstand the challenge that I know is going to
be corning.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: That we will allow advertising that will be based on
identifying countries that are violators of human rights.
Commissioner Reyes: Fantastic. Fantastic. I think that will -- that is broad.
Commissioner Gort: It was done before, so --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
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Meeting Minutes September 13, 2018
Commissioner Reyes: That's right; that it's broad, have been done before, and I
think that if they want to -- if the cruise companies, they want to advertise -- I mean,
make an advertisement that -- about all the countries that they are violating human
rights, they are welcome. But it has to be that we are going to accept, as just
Commissioner Carollo said, advertising about countries that they violate human
rights.
Commissioner Carollo: Madam City Attorney, can you help us make that even
tighter?
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Ms. Mendez: I will -- I understand the concept of your motion, and I will draft it
accordingly, but I --
Mayor Suarez: Do the best you can.
Ms. Mendez: -- will draft it.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, please.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you. And are we going to -- I have a second for --
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, can you please clearly state your motion
so I've got it as you're intending?
Commissioner Reyes: Well, the motion -- and I am not an attorney. I don't know
how to word this motion, but basically, what I wanted to say is that we are going to
allow advertising on our trolleys about countries that they violate human rights, you
see; advertising informing about those countries that violate human rights.
Ms. Mendez: And so --
Commissioner Reyes: And that will include Cuba; that will include some other
countries -- Venezuela. That will include also some other of the dictatorships
around the world.
Ms. Mendez: -- since I'm going to draft this and capture it as a resolution, at this
time, I think the easiest thing would be to vote that you will accept the proposals that
have been given by Mr. Gutierrez --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Ms. Mendez: -- and then I will draft that accordingly to --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. That will be my motion then.
Ms. Mendez: -- thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: So there is a motion on the floor --
Mr. Gutierrez: Thank you.
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Vice Chair Russell: -- to accept the proposals by Mr. Gutierrez.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: And we can --
Ms. Mendez: And then I will craft the additional language that we have been talking
about with regard to that in a resolution, and that'll be captured --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, based on the violations of human rights.
Ms. Mendez: -- that at least --
Commissioner Reyes: The violations of human rights.
Vice Chair Russell: But by accept -- and I just want to clarify before it gets -- by
accepting the proposal, that implies that we would be approving the ability to do the
advertising or looking into it? Is that the motion?
Ms. Mendez: At this time, I believe that it's approving of the advertising and one of
the ads that have been presented. I guess this would be the album, Mr. Gutierrez?
Mr. Gutierrez: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for South Africa.
Mr. Gutierrez: Very similar.
Ms. Mendez: So it would be accepting the ad.
Vice Chair Russell: There has been a motion and a second. We will open for public
comment at this point. Anyone who would like to speak on this item of the City of
Miami Commission accepting Mr. Gutierrez' proposal and considering advertising
on our trolleys with regard to this subject matter, please come forward to speak if
you'd like to speak on this issue. Seeing none, I'll close public comment and we'll
open for anyone from the dais who would like to speak on this issue.
Commissioner Reyes: Let's go to vote.
Vice Chair Russell: Right. I personally do not feel that we should be doing any
political speech on our trolleys; and so, my vote will not reflect how I feel about your
subject matter, and I really do want you to know that, sincerely, because I believe it
opens the door for us, as a City, and our vehicles to be advertising a political speech
that I may not agree with in the future, or that the public doesn't want the City to be
making revenue off a political speech that they may not agree with. It was meant to
be a revenue generator to help subsidize our trolley system. And I stand with the
City Attorney's idea, as well, that this is the way it's currently codified in our -- in the
RFP, so I'll be a "no," but for that reason and --
Commissioner Carollo: For the record, I strongly -- and I need to put this on the
record --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- because this record will be looked at in the future. I
strongly disagree with the statements from Commissioner Russell that this is political
language.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: This is language standing up for human rights; the same
human rights --
Commissioner Gort: Throughout the world.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that the United Nation talks about all the time, that our
Congress and Senate talks about, that the European Union talks about, that so many
governments have condemned, and lacking in communist Cuba.
Commissioner Reyes: So I agree with Commissioner Carollo, and this goes beyond
political. As a matter of fact, there is no politics in Cuba, because there is no free
election. And this goes towards -- to denounce -- what we're doing, we're
denouncing those countries, including Cuba -- particularly Cuba -- that they have
committed so many atrocities and they have trampled all the human rights of the
Cuban people, and all the peoples in this world. And I think that it is talked a lot,
but when we come and we're going to attack -- we are always attacked. When we
are going to denounce, we are attacked. We are attacked, like if we were right-
wingers that we don't want the freedom of the people because they're left, that they
do is they hide under the good of the people to do all of the atrocities that they do,
and they -- what they do is, they attack us that have -- that we are right. We are
right.
Commissioner Gort: Call the question.
Commissioner Reyes: Decision -- call the question, please.
Vice Chair Russell: We'll take a vote on the item, please. All in favor of the item,
say "aye."
Commissioner Reyes: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed, say "no." No. Motion passes.
Mr. Gutierrez: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Commissioner Reyes: Sure.
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NA.2
4830
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO ISSUE AND DELIVER A FIFTEEN
(15) DAY NOTICE TO VACATE TO RICKENBACKER MARINA,
INC., THE HOLDOVER TENANT OF THE CITY -OWNED
WATERFRONT PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3301
RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY, VIRGINIA KEY, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0397
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
NAYS: Russell
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item NA.2, please see Item RE.9.
Al Dotson: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Before you go, one of the things -- what comes to my mind is this:
I know we've been trying to find new revenue sources. Certainly, every time we are
appealed, sued, all those things, it slow downs -- slows down our potential of getting
new revenue. And so, one of the things that I thought about was how was it that we
can get this going, but without -- while respecting also the appellate process? So
one of the things that came to my mind was, do we approve this moving forward,
subject to successful appeals through the Court? And I see my City Attorney waving
[sic] her head, "no," but I just want to understand why not. And I'll recognize
Commissioner Gort, and then I'll let you answer. Commissioner Gort first and then -
Commissioner Gort: Let me ask you a question. My understanding, there's month -
to -month rent, right?
Daniel Rotenberg (Director): Daniel Rotenberg, Department of Real Estate & Asset
Management. They're actually under a settlement agreement right now, so
technically, it's a month -to -month.
Commissioner Gort: So we can --
Vice Chair Russell: Can we increase it?
Commissioner Gort: -- the City could take it over?
Mr. Rotenberg: The City could take it over, yes.
Commissioner Gort: That's another option.
Vice Chair Russell: That is another option. And we could increase their rent, I
assume, bilaterally.
Mr. Rotenberg: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the tenant in there agreed to, we could
increase their rent as well, yes.
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Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to consider that, because this -- holding this up is
potentially costing the City. So if we're going to defer this, which I think we should
honor the legal process, we should also consider that that tenant potentially be --
Commissioner Gort: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- increasing the rent.
Mr. Dotson: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: I'll recognize the silver -haired gentleman standing to the right of
me.
Mr. Dotson: Thank you, sir. Again, Al Dotson, with Bilzen Sumberg, 1450 Brickell
Avenue. I'm representing the twice -selected Virginia Key LLC (Limited Liability
Company) proponent. First, the current operator is not there on a lease or a license.
They are a hold -over tenant, pursuant to a settlement agreement that was never
approved by referendum. They are there without approval. So modifying an
agreement that is not legally enforceable, I don't think you can do. Number two, the
whole issue about we're on appeal. They are no longer -- they no longer have a
right of appeal. The appeal to the Third DCA (District Court of Appeals) is
discretionary. The Third DCA has discretion to accept or reject that appeal. So
what you're saying, so long as it's an appeal, they could appeal to the Hague, they
could appeal to the US Supreme Court, they could appeal to the Florida Supreme
Court, and they could be in appeal, because they have 30 days to appeal to the Third
DCA. It's not an appeal as a matter of right. That's a very different -- very, very
different. We sat here and stood here before you, and you said, "We wanted to see
what the Circuit Court had to say." We wanted -- you passed a new ordinance that
authorized us to go to the Circuit Court to confirm whether or not the City was right.
The Circuit Court has now said twice -- once in July and, again, a final order was
entered this morning -- "We're done" --
Ms. Mendez: There's a 30-day --
Mr. Dotson: -- "with the appeals as a matter of right. "
Ms. Mendez: There 's still a 30-day appeal period.
Mr. Dotson: Of course.
Ms. Mendez: At the end of the day, it would be --
Mr. Dotson: I'm going to address that, too, because --
Ms. Mendez: -- it would not be proper for us to give you an award when we have all
this legal uncertainty. You know that they're going to appeal tomorrow, so for us --
for this board to give you an award and to be stuck in that limbo is not fair to the
Commission or to the City. At the end of the day, if the Commission wants for the
present tenant to leave --
Commissioner Gort: No, no.
Ms. Mendez: -- and for the City to take this over until all the appeals are done, the
City can do that.
Commissioner Gort: We can start a new month.
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Mr. Dotson: What you may not recall, Madam Attorney -- and you may recall it --
that in the RFP, there was a requirement, a requirement -- not an option, but a
requirement -- that the successful proposer indemnify the City, indemnify the City if
we move forward, and we're prepared to indemnify the City and not take on those
contractual rights that you just said. So we -- what you just said, we can address,
because we already have an obligation to indenzn you, should you award this
contract and lawsuits continue. That's already agreed to.
Vice Chair Russell: Who's going to indemnify us against you when they -- if they
were to win the appeal and we take it back away from you?
Mr. Dotson: I just said, we're prepared to give that up if they file an appeal and win,
because there's no way that's going to happen. It's a discretionary appeal; not an
appeal as a matter of right. We are done. We are done with the rights of appeal that
they had pursuant to the ordinance that you passed. But if your position is that 30
days from now, they can file with the Third DCA; the Third DCA says, "You're
right." They got "X" number of days to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.
Maybe the Florida Supreme Court says, "We're not going to accept it." Then you
say, "Well, they got "X" number of days to file before the US Supreme Court." "Oh,
well, we'll wait for that." And then the hundred -million -dollar difference. Hundred
millions of dollars are on the table. You're talking about raising rates for the City;
you're about to have a budget hearing. We're talking about hundreds of millions of
dollars that'll be available to this City once this gets -- not according to me, but
according to CBRE (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis), your consultant. So why are
we waiting? Why are we waiting?
Ms. Mendez: The City can make a decision tomorrow, if there are continuous
appeals in litigation, without awarding you anything. You have no vested rights to
anything. And the City could decide, if they want to, to take on the management of
this themselves.
Mr. Dotson: They could also decide today to award it to us in the manner I just
discussed.
Ms. Mendez: And then be stuck in limbo appeal forever. I mean, at the end of the
day, it's a policy decision.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Ms. Mendez: I'm advising them that until the 30 days of appeal are over that they
should not. It is obviously up to them. But to be stuck between a rock and a hard
place versus them actually having a decision in the future to be able to get out of
something, I advise them not --
Mr. Dotson: But believe it --
Ms. Mendez: -- forward today.
Vice Chair Russell: And I don't think they have standing in the Hague.
Mr. Dotson: Being an appeal, does that then include, if they decide to appeal to the
Florida Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court --
Commissioner Carollo: Of course.
Mr. Dotson: -- and International Court of the Hague?
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Commissioner Carollo: Of course. And (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) standing.
Mr. Dotson: Then we'll be here forever.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Make a motion.
Commissioner Carollo: Madam -- well, no. Manager -- now Assistant Manager is
here. The Manager, I had asked earlier this morning, when the counselor up here,
Mr. De Grandy, said that the monies they were offered by the appellant, combined
with the monies that we receive by the dry docks, came to really the same as he's
paying now. So I asked a question, "Is that correct?" because, you know, that
would make a difference in my judgment. And the Manager told me, with the City
Budget Director who's there, that it's not correct; that there's a difference; that we're
being short-changed based upon what the winner of the Request for Proposal
offered. There's a difference of 91,000 per month. Now, this has been going on for
at least a year and a half or more --
Commissioner Gort: More.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that we've been losing that $91, 000. This is not a
situation that the City has no ability to run that operation, because if I would be told
that that was the case, then we should shut down operations here at Dinner Key
Marina, the largest marina in the State of Florida that we run, or Miami Marina
downtown. Plus, we're running the dry docks already on the other side, what was
bidded out. So what I'm looking at is, first, I want to be made whole. I don't really
care who's running the joint. All that I care is that, you know, we're being paid the
maximum dollar -- hopefully more into the future -- of what the winner of the
proposal -- Request for Proposal offered. At the same time, I heard something now
that I hadn't heard before. And neither I, nor Commissioner Reyes, were around
when all this was happening and the Request for Proposals were put out. You know,
we're here after all the facts. Mr. Dotson said that part of that Request for Proposal
is that they will indenzn the City in anything in the future. And if that's not enough,
we should get even more from him if they want us to proceed in anything. But more
so, I asked a question earlier, I think, and that is, Are your clients willing to pay for
a special election?
Mr. Dotson: The unequivocal answer is, "Yes."
Commissioner Carollo: So, as I'm seeing this, what we need to do is, one -- there's
only two ways we could go. The individual that's running this right now has to pay
us no less than 91,000. I would say 100, 000, because he's gotten a free ride for over
a year and a half of --
Commissioner Gort: Who?
Commissioner Carollo: -- having -- have to pay a higher rent while he's been
appealing. The other route that we could go -- and I'm talking about 100,000 per
month -- is that we can wait the 30 days that you want before this Commission can
put out a special election. It could be done either -- if the County could do it before
the November election or right after it in November, or at the earliest that the
County Elections Supervisor will tell us that they could do one. And obviously, the
30 days would have passed that you're saying that we should wait at least then. But
in all frankness, the most critical part of appeals have passed. The chances of the
second place finisher in this succeeding in anything further on the appeal of the
appeal, we all know, is slim to none. So we need to finalize this one way or another,
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but this can't keep going on this way. And having said that, it was Commissioner
Gort that asked for this to be placed on the agenda, and I'd like to hear from him to
see how he would like to proceed.
Unidentified Speaker: Mr. Chairman, I'd also (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: Well, just a minute. I'd like to hear from Commissioner Gort,
and then, of course, you can speak.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding, to avoid all kinds of problem
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) appeal and appeal. I said, let the City take it over for now, and
then we can deal with the new proposal within a month or two, but at least, let the
City take it over.
Vice Chair Russell: Do we have the logistic and manpower ability to take over the
marina at this point, or would that be a long-term plan or a mid-term plan? I think
we would leave the tenant in place until we would be ready to do so. I mean --
Mr. Rotenberg: It would take us 30 to 60 days to make sure we had the manpower
and logistics for that. Any of the property, it'll take 30 to 60 days to take over, then
we can take it over. In the meantime, we could sit down with the current group that's
on there and work something out with them.
Vice Chair Russell: In that case --
Mr. Rotenberg: The number is about $100, 000 a month.
Vice Chair Russell: So we have some options. We have some options. So the
motion on the floor is to defer the item. I'd like to hear if there is a second on that,
and then we'll go from there.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, didn't we have that motion before and there was no
second?
Vice Chair Russell: It has not been asked for a second. So, "Is" --
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): There is no second.
Vice Chair Russell: -- "there" --
Commissioner Reyes: Can I ask --
Vice Chair Russell: -- "a second on the motion?" is the question.
Commissioner Reyes: -- a question to the City Attorney? Madam City Attorney,
when will we know if the -- I heard the choir here talking about that the appellate
court will have to accept it. When will we know if it's going to be accepted or not?
Ms. Mendez: We have 30 days for appeal, and we still don't have -- I believe we still
don't have a final order on the actual decision today.
Mr. Dotson: I actually have it with me. I'll be happy to give you copies. There is a
final order. That was --
Ms. Mendez: I think that there's a little stamp on the top that says, "Non -Final" or
"Not Final Order."
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Mr. Dotson: Nope.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: No. Okay, let me see it, because I -- that's not the copy I have.
Commissioner Reyes: Now, another question. You see, I am -- I know what
happened with the suit that we have to pay, because of the City Commission. They
didn't pay attention to your suggestion. I don't want to be guilty of that. And I think
that we -- if we have you as our City Attorney, and we have to follow your lead.
What would you recommend?
Vice Chair Russell: Deferral.
Ms. Mendez: So the order that was issued today on September -- well, it was
actually issued yesterday, September 11, at 2: 52 p.m. At the top left-hand corner, it
says, "Not final until time expires to file rehearing motion and file disposed of. " So
that's what it says.
Mr. Dotson: You are -- that's correct.
Ms. Mendez: Then we have 30 days -- there's still 30 days with which they could
appeal or may appeal to the Third DCA.
Commissioner Reyes: After their appeal, if they appeal, when do we know if the
Third is going to accept the appeal or not -- is going to hear it?
Ms. Mendez: Right. They --
Commissioner Reyes: How long it take?
Ms. Mendez: -- normally -- they'll normally issue a mandate, like 15 days after that.
Commissioner Reyes: That's 45 days. In 45 days, we know if --
Ms. Mendez: They accepted or --
Commissioner Reyes: -- they accepted or not, and then we can -- we are home free.
If they don't accept it, then we can go.
Commissioner Gort: They have 30 days to appeal to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Well, that will be something else.
Commissioner Carollo: This could go on and on in different appeals --
Ms. Mendez: I --
Commissioner Carollo: -- because --
Ms. Mendez: -- wouldn't mind maybe having this discussion if there was -- if it was
decided at the Third and then it's appealed to the Florida Supreme Court. That's a
whole different set of criteria with regard to the review, but the Third DCA is usually
the end all, be all of --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but Madam --
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Ms. Mendez: -- things.
Commissioner Carollo: -- City Attorney, the Third DCA, with a three judge panel,
ruled already.
Ms. Mendez: No, no, no, no.
Commissioner Reyes: No, they haven't.
Ms. Mendez: This is in the Circuit Court, Appellate Division. We have not even
gotten to the Third.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm sorry. But let me rephrase that. The
Appellate Court has ruled with -- I believe it's a three judge panel also.
Ms. Mendez: Yes, it's a three judge panel in the --
Commissioner Carollo: Now, we all know that is -- the chances are zero to none
that there's going to be a rehearing of that.
Ms. Mendez: Right. That was denied yesterday.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. So -- but the --
Commissioner Reyes: But there's still a chance.
Commissioner Carollo: -- well --
Ms. Mendez: Now it's the appeal to the Third District Court of Appeal that --
Commissioner Carollo: -- what -- my position is simple. I don't care which of the
two parties are running it for the meantime. If I have to divide the baby in half,
we're going to run it. But what I care about is that somebody pays us the $100, 000
difference; not a penny less than $100, 000. So I'm not going to keep going,
deferring, extension, playing the game so that the person that has that now and their
lease has expired, they have no legal right to it, keeps making extra money that
belongs to the residents of Miami. That's -- you know, if the Courts, you know, by
the Immaculate Conception, comes down, "Boom," and surprises everybody, and
says that they were right, and we put this out for the third time and they win, that's
fine; I don't care, as long as we're getting top dollar and we're being paid. Right
now this game has been going on for a year and a half, and we're losing out at
around $100, 000 a month.
Commissioner Reyes: About a million dollars we have lost, right?
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's 1.2 million --
Ms. Mendez: So we have a --
Commissioner Carollo: -- a year.
Commissioner Reyes: 1.2, that's right.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman?
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Ms. Mendez: -- unfortunately, we have a settlement agreement in a case, a couple
years ago, with the present tenant that said that until -- they would remain as
holdovers until certain appeals were done.
Vice Chair Russell: We should -- we have to defer this.
Ms. Mendez: We -- I would rather that the Commission, because they can --
Commissioner Reyes: Defer it.
Ms. Mendez: -- if they want the City to take that over --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Ms. Mendez: -- that was not contemplated in that settlement.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, who was the settlement with?
Ms. Mendez: With the present tenant.
Commissioner Carollo: With the present tenant. Well, I'd like to see that, because
we were around them. But you know what? The present tenant, nor any tenant, is
going to take us for all that money, because right now, we're being taken for chumps,
and I don't like that.
Commissioner Gort: Let's hear -- Commissioner Carollo, let's hear from the --
from Mr. Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: And there was a second.
Miguel De Grandy: Thank you. If I may.
Vice Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. De Grandy: First, let me talk about something I find very unusual here, and it
goes to the representation that was made regarding this being a final determination.
Because I could tell you as an Officer of the Court, or I could tell you under oath, if
you'd like, that I'm on the service list, and so is my partner, Richard Paris, and so
are my appellate counsel, and so is your City Attorney, and none of us got a copy of
that order from the Court. And the reason why is because if you click in the
electronic calendar, it will tell you "It's pending redaction." Now, I don't know,
because -- for those of you that were fans of Johnny Carson -- I'm not Carnac the
Great; I cannot put a non final order to my head and tell you what's going to be
redacted and what's not going to be redacted; what's going to be added or not
added. So the 30 days haven't even started yet, because the City, who's a party,
hasn't been served; my client, who's a party, hasn't been served, because that is not a
final order. Now, why is that important? Because the last pronouncement that was
made by the Court that was final said, unequivocally, that the parcel that Virginia
Key used to enhance their proposal was not a part of the RFP. And your Charter,
Section 29A(c)3, titled "Safeguards," prohibit you as a Commission from accepting
any proposal -- that includes land -- that was not part of an RFP. So this is not just
about an appeal.
Vice Chair Russell: I don't think we should be litigating the merits, though, right
now, because we're going to go deep into the weeds if we do that, so please.
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Mr. De Grandy: But that's what I'm saying. This is not just about an appeal; this is
about --
Vice Chair Russell: Because then we get to hear --
Commissioner Carollo: But --
Vice Chair Russell: -- Mr. Dotson's side of it and --
Commissioner Carollo: -- counselor --
Mr. De Grandy: -- your Charter.
Commissioner Carollo: -- but so far, you have lost in every court that you've gone
to, one; two, you're certainly not saying that your client has a right to stay there and
not pay the City any more money.
Mr. De Grandy: No. Under settlement agreement, as I told you this morning,
Commissioner, my client is happy to sit down and discuss those issues, but I think we
have to have an orderly process, and I think you would agree with that, that if there
is a --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, a year and a half has been going on, and we haven't
had an orderly process. And if I was sitting over there instead of here, I'd be happy
to spend a couple of hundred thousand dollars in paying attorneys, paying lobbyists,
and pocket a million dollars while appeals and appeals go on, and this is my
problem. I don't care who gets this contract. I really don't, counselor. And this is
not about any other issue than what I think should be fair to the residents of Miami.
Mr. de Grandy: I understand.
Commissioner Carollo: And it's very difficult --
Mr. de Grandy: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- when we see Directors, Managers trying to bring items to
us -- like the Off -Street Parking Director brought up with the City Manager to try to
bring more revenues that we need -- that, you know, might have affected our
residents until we stopped it here, and we're going to let all this money go out the
door? I mean, this is not right. So, you know, with all respect to you -- and I do
have a lot of respect for you. We've known each other a long time. I'll even
volunteer your client was a supporter of mine, contributor of mine in the campaign,
but I don't look at that based on who supported me or didn't support me; who
contributed or not. I look at it as to what is best for the City of Miami. And here, the
missing link is a 100,000 bucks a month that we're not getting.
Mr. De Grandy: I understand.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, if you could proffer that from your client that we
would get that, I could certainly, you know, be more amicable to wait longer to see
what happens with the Courts, but right now I'm not in good humor for that, because
this has been going on for a year and a half or more.
Mr. De Grandy: Commissioner, I'm asking for 30 days to have those conversations
with your Administration.
Commissioner Carollo: What can --?
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Mr. De Grandy: My --
Commissioner Carollo: -- if you have the 30 days, are you going to give us another
100,000 for the 30 days?
Mr. De Grandy: My client -- ifI could finish my statement, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Certainly, sir.
Mr. De Grandy: My client today is at the Mayo Clinic, dealing with a family
emergency with his mother. He is not in a position today to make a business
decision. I'm asking for --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Look, I'm very sorry to hear that for your client, but
your client has known the facts on this for a long, long time, so this is not a decision
that he had to make today. Okay?
Mr. De Grandy: I understand, but no one has approached my client --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Mr. De Grandy: -- to ask for that.
Commissioner Carollo: -- then, you know what? Madam City Attorney, you tell us
what we need to do to get paid what we should be getting paid, either for his client,
the other guy, or -- I don't care who it is. If not, let's get the City in there and run the
joint.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So now, the motion on the floor right now is to
indefinitely defer, right? So let's discuss that, unless we're finished with discussion
on that and you want to get that to a vote.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Hardemon: All right?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I do agree with -- I mean, I'm a hundred percent in
agreement with Commissioner Carollo; we should be paid. We should be paid. But
I don't want to place the City in a position that when we -- what happened with
Flagstone, that they're going to give us -- I mean -- and that we 're going to be liable,
and they can take us to court. That could happen, Madam City Attorney?
Vice Chair Russell: Let 's negotiate (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: This one's much different than Flagstone.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. No, no. I pay
attention to the --
Ms. Mendez: The only thing I want to avoid today --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- We can have all these discussions about discussing better rents,
about the appeals, about taking over. We can have all those conversations.
Unfortunately, today, I don't want to award -- I don't want you to award anything,
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because the minute you award, the other side has vested rights. And then, if you're
stuck in a lawsuit for another six years, there's nothing else you could do about it.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Hardemon: The question is, who has vested rights? Because I thought they
were a holdover today. It was (UNINTELLIGIBLE) going to be a holdover today.
Ms. Mendez: No, no, no. I'm talking about the minute you award this contract.
Chair Hardemon: Right. If we award it, then that person has vested rights.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: The person that has --
Ms. Mendez: But then you're stuck in the middle of --
Chair Hardemon: -- the spot right now --
Ms. Mendez: -- both of them.
Chair Hardemon: -- that's in control of the site right now, they're a holdover tenant;
is that correct?
Ms. Mendez: They're a holdover tenant pursuant to a settlement agreement.
However, they're a holdover tenant for us awarding another contract to somebody
other than them, and I understand that, but we won't do that if you all decide to just
take it over for the City. So with that said, the best thing to do today would be to
indefinitely defer this item, have the discussions with all the parties to see where
we're at --
Commissioner Reyes: And if we can get more additional --
Ms. Mendez: -- and if we can get any additional funds while we await at least this
30-day appeal -- hopefully the Third DCA will act promptly, quickly, and we will be
in a better position to decide all your policy decisions at that time.
Mr. Dotson: Mr. Chairman, I already waived those vested rights that you just heard
about. I said it on the record. If you award the contract today, the vested rights that
she 's concerned about, we agree to waive. So that issue is no longer on the table.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'm hearing right. If they are willing to waive any
rights whatsoever -- because you know what? This contract that I was just given
from September 23, 2015, I'm reading in here -- and our rights were given away. It
says here -- in this part, I got all excited, thinking, "Well, we could take over." It
says, `Regardless of any contrary term contained in the lease documents,
Rickenbacker may become a holdover tenant at will after the lease expiration date,"
which I figure, well, we can get them out. But then when I read in the back, it says,
`Rickenbacker has holdover rent with holdover tenancy, so long as it is permitted by
law, shall continue until the successful bidder new tenant takes possession of the
subject property after any and all objections to the bid and award, including
appeals, have been fully and finally received hereafter the holdover tenancy period."
Vice Chair Russell: That's pretty solid.
Commissioner Carollo: They could be playing us for years and years to come.
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Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: Years to come.
Ms. Mendez: For a new bidder, a new tenant other than them. We are not a new
bidder. We, the City, are not a new tenant. That is not contemplated in that.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I understand that, but what -- I want you to give us a
legal opinion right now. When can we go in there and take over if they don't give us
100,000 more per month? And as far as I'm concerned, it begins September 1.
Vice Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) a deferral?
Commissioner Carollo: We're going to forget about the last year and a half that
they didn't pay.
Ms. Mendez: They --
Commissioner Carollo: And if they can't afford it, they should vacate it; they should
lose money then.
Ms. Mendez: The City can take over the property. That is what you can do. We
cannot hand over an award until --
Commissioner Carollo: I hear that.
Ms. Mendez: -- all the appeals are done.
Commissioner Carollo: I hear that. I read that.
Vice Chair Russell: Then (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: Then you know what? We need to immediately notify them
that we're going to take this over, even if it's going to be by a skeleton crew, unless
they start paying us --
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Commissioner Carollo: -- retroactive to September 1, $100, 000 more per month.
Chair Hardemon: Who approved this lease, this agreement? Was -- this body
approved this agreement, or was it --?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, two of us weren't here --
Chair Hardemon: No. But no, no, no.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so I don't know who approved it.
Chair Hardemon: But the body. But did this body approve this agreement, or was
this approved by the City Manager's office, this -- the actual settlement agreement
and release?
Ms. Mendez: It was a Commission item.
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Chair Hardemon: You're sure?
Unidentified Speaker: Positive.
Ms. Mendez: Yes. That's the only way we can approve settlements. We can have
another conversation on that.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Gort: Who created it?
Vice Chair Russell: I think in the meantime, we only have one option, and that is,
really to make all those -- those other decisions can come, but for the moment, we
should defer.
Commissioner Carollo: No, sir, because by you doing that, you keep letting them
make money on the City residents.
Vice Chair Russell: But they -- the -- this has --
Commissioner Carollo: I -- no, no, no, no.
Chair Hardemon: Typically, holdover tenants pay -- what? -- three times --
Commissioner Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) take over.
Chair Hardemon: -- the rent? Three times in the Florida Statute? I know one of
you know.
Mr. De Grandy: A holdover tenant --
Commissioner Gort: City can take it over.
Mr. De Grandy: -- part of the settlement agreement --
Chair Hardemon: I know. In this one, they pay the same amount.
Mr. De Grandy: Yeah. (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: But I'm saying, typically, in the State of Florida, holdover tenants
can pay up to three -times the amount of the rent. I don't know. Maybe it's
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: So my recommendation, if we're -- if we do pass the deferral, is
to direct the City Manager, City Administration, to start taking steps and looking at
potential takeover by the City, because if that's not contemplated, we may have
options there. And then we're at the table with a new discussion, with the current
tenant, while waiting for the appeal to happen, but not awarding it prematurely and
then having to reverse everything, but at least, then, we can look at a couple of good
options.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, that's your wishful thinking, but I see it
different. I see that we need to put a motion directing the Administration to --
Commissioner Gort: To start now.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- inform them that if we are not paid immediately $100, 000
for the month of September, and thereafter, an additional $100, 000 beyond what they
are supposed to pay us now every month, we are going to take that over, beginning
the first of next month. That'll give us a couple of weeks or so to get our act together
and go in there. I'll be happy to go and help out, guys. I'll volunteer.
Vice Chair Russell: But either way, that still entails a deferral of this award, so why
don't we just get that out of the way, and then we can deal with this direction,
because you may not be off but I want to make sure we -- if we do that, we word it in
a way that's legal according to this lease.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, absolutely. That's the one thing we always have to
make sure --
Commissioner Reyes: That it's legal.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that we're not going to shoot fi^om the hip. This is why I
asked for this lease when I found out just a little while ago that there was a lease
such as this, which I'm in shock, because it took so many of our rights away. We
should never do something like this.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding, listening from the attorney, we can take
over. We can make a motion to take over the arena today --
Commissioner Carollo: And that's what I'm saying. The motion --
Commissioner Gort: -- and then we can inform them --
Ms. Mendez: We have to -- okay, we have to give notice and a few things. So just --
Chair Hardemon: I have a question.
Ms. Mendez: -- direct the --
Chair Hardemon: Is there an appeal right now?
Mr. De Grandy: Right now, there's --
Mr. Dotson: As we stand here --
Mr. De Grandy: -- no final order (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: That's what I asked you. Is there an appeal?
Mr. Dotson: No.
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: No. Can't be. Somebody has to be giving me the right or wrong
answer.
Mr. De Grandy: There is no --
Chair Hardemon: There was an appeal --
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
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Chair Hardemon: -- just recently. Right?
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
Chair Hardemon: The Third DCA came out with an opinion; is that what --?
Mr. De Grandy: No, no.
Mr. Dotson: No. The three --
Mr. De Grandy: Circuit Court.
Mr. Dotson: -- judge panel --
Chair Hardemon: Three judge panel.
Mr. Dotson: -- ruled in July --
Chair Hardemon: Correct.
Mr. Dotson: -- against the incumbent.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Dotson: They filed and asked for a rehearing and clarification. We now have
another order, September 11, also denying them; that order's not yet final. But there
is no appeal to the Third -- all this discussion about an appeal, it doesn't exist today
to the Third DCA.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Mr. De Grandy: Because there is no final order.
Chair Hardemon: The reason --
Mr. De Grandy: I'm sorry, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Because I'm trying to read through that paragraph that says,
"Until the tenant takes possession of the subject property after any and all objections
to the bid and award, including the appeals, have been fully and finally resolved."
So I don't want to just take that and just make it think -- make me believe what it
says. I want to really dissect that to what it is. So if there is an appeal right now and
-- if there is not an appeal right now, then the appeal doesn't apply here. So the
question is -- it says, `After any and all objections to the bid and award." There was
a process in which they were objecting to the bid. That's what -- I think we spent a
lot of time here about that. And so, I'm -- you know -- because what I'm seeing is if
this thing just goes on forever, because someone says that they have an objection or
they have an appeal and there's not technically any appeal process, then we're going
to find ourselves here forever, until we're able to exercise the right that we have to
award this piece of property.
Commissioner Carollo: Sure. And they're financing --
Chair Hardemon: So unless -- if there's no appeal, then we award this thing and
then move on.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- all their court proceedings with our residents' money.
Isn't that great?
Mr. Dotson: And Mr. Chairman, I'm sure your City Attorney will tell you that they
cannot file another motion for rehearing. Rule 9.330 says, you can only file one.
They filed one, and they lost. So they're done with three hearings with respect to the
Third -- three judge panel.
Ms. Mendez: Right, they're done with their rehearings, but now --
Chair Hardemon: They -- but you're saying they may --
Ms. Mendez: -- Third DC --
Chair Hardemon: -- appeal. Is that what you're saying?
Ms. Mendez: They may appeal to the Third District Court --
Chair Hardemon: But there is no appeal.
Ms. Mendez: Right now there is no appeal.
Chair Hardemon: So why can't we award?
Ms. Mendez: Because the minute you award, you tie your hands --
Chair Hardemon: But then -- but --
Ms. Mendez: -- and then you're stuck.
Chair Hardemon: -- I'm just saying --
Ms. Mendez: You're stuck.
Chair Hardemon: -- this things says that if there is an appeal --
Ms. Mendez: You're stuck. And then what'll happen is that nobody's going to
anything while it's getting appealed, so you're stuck versus --
Chair Hardemon: So --
Ms. Mendez: -- having other options. When you award something, that's it.
Commissioner Carollo: Well -- but --
Commissioner Reyes: Can we just defer this and, about the same time, direct the
City Attorney -- after we defer it, direct the City Attorney to start the procedure for
the City to take over, and give them certain amount of time for them to start paying
what it is owed to us? If they don't do it, we just go ahead -- go right ahead and take
over.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, I --
Vice Chair Russell: I think that's a good plan. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to you?
Chair Hardemon: And I want to read the conclusion just for the record. I'm reading
the conclusion of -- This is Biscayne Marine Partners, LLC (Limited Liability
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Company), the petitioner, versus the City of Miami, Florida, and Virginia Key, LLC.
I'll read -- at the top, it says, "Not final till the time expires to file rehearing motion
and if file disposed of. " So this is an Appellate Case Number 17-335 AP 01, in the
Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. All right. The conclusion of it says,
"This Court is not authorized to weigh or reweigh conflicting evidence presented
during the bid protest hearing below, or substitute its own judgment for that of the
Hearing Officer." Then it cites some case law. `Absent of finding of illegality,
fraud, oppression, or misconduct, the Hearing officer was required to uphold the
City's honest exercise of discretion "; another case law cited. `Biscayne has failed
to demonstrate that the City's action was arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or
that the recommended award to Virginia Key is illegal, oppressive, collusive,
fraudulent, or unsupported by competent substantial evidence." That's a hell of a
statement to -- for them to -- for this sort of thing not to be upheld.
Ms. Mendez: I understand. I totally understand that, but, you know, appeals can
still be filed. I ask that at least we be prudent and we wait for this to be final.
Commissioner Carollo: Madam City Attorney, I hear that, and I know you're trying
to protect the City as -- to the best of your ability, and I appreciate that. But explain
to me, based upon what the Chairman read, what do we have to lose if they give us
any waiver that we request of them, like they have proffered that they would, if we
award this to them? And we could even waive the 30 days you've asked before it
becomes effective. But what do we have to lose? This is what I'm trying to
understand.
Mr. Dotson: And we're prepared to sign whatever you (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: So I -- so what would like to know, if this is awarded, when will rent
start being paid?
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Well, this is part of what has to be clarified, and I
agree. When will rents start being paid?
Commissioner Gort: Look -- Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Dotson: When this is awarded, this has to go to referendum first --
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Dotson: -- as you pointed out, a special election. So after the electorate
approves it, then we'll have control of the property, and then we'll start paying rent.
So it'll be immediately --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Dotson: -- upon that approval.
Commissioner Carollo: In the meantime, do we take it over, or does the person
that's running it wants to pay us the 100,000 that we feel we should be getting in
addition to?
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Ms. Mendez: The problem is that we have --
Chair Hardemon: Then Commissioner Gort.
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Ms. Mendez: -- the settlement agreement that says that all the appeals need to be
exhausted.
Vice Chair Russell: Yep.
Ms. Mendez: That is a --
Chair Hardemon: That's not --
Ms. Mendez: -- difficult -- because we are --
Chair Hardemon: -- what it says.
Ms. Mendez: -- because we're going to award it to someone.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: That's not what it says.
Ms. Mendez: If we were to take it over --
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gort: I'm not an attorney, but listening to all the attorneys, my
understanding is that the easiest way is the City takes over -- we make a motion
today for the City to take over, then we can negotiate with whatever. And then, if 30
day goes by, then we can come back on the 27th and approve it or --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Gort: -- in October.
Vice Chair Russell: So it's a combined -- it's a deferral of the award --
Commissioner Gort: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- and then a motion to start working on takeover -- taking over.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: There was a motion, Chairman, because -- after this motion,
I think, fails, I'm going to make one, and it's going to be one that's going to have a
gun pointed at people's head so that either they pay or they take a walk, because it's
going to be one that we're going to take action on. There was a motion for deferral.
I think there was a second.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, it was. I second.
Commissioner Carollo: Let's bring it up to a vote.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor of the motion for deferral -- the indefinite deferral,
say "aye."
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
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Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Carollo: Nay.
Commissioner Gort: Nay.
Chair Hardemon: Motion fails.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Now let me make a new motion. The new motion --
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Chair, just for the record, this was 2 -3. The
motion failed --
Commissioner Carollo: Correct.
Ms. Ewan: -- with Commissioner Reyes, Commissioner Gort, and Chair Hardemon
voting "no, " just for the record.
Chair Hardemon: That's correct. I don't know why --
Commissioner Carollo: No. I voted "no."
Ms. Ewan: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Reyes: He voted "no."
Commissioner Carollo: I voted "no."
Commissioner Reyes: I voted "yes."
Commissioner Carollo: He voted "yes." He's the first; I'm the second.
Ms. Ewan: Commissioner Carollo, Chair Hardemon, and Commissioner Gort,
voting "no"; Vice Chair Russell and Commissioner Reyes voting "Yes, " just for the
record.
Commissioner Carollo: That's correct.
Vice Chair Russell: Correct.
Ms. Ewan: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: And for the record, it does not have to be spelled out who voted
"yes" or "no" --
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: -- especially on a continuance, but it's just a simple majority vote.
I know you like to -- Look, I'm not fighting with you today, Todd. I have to go and
get through this stuff that we're going through.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: But it does not, but --
Commissioner Carollo: It does not, and you're right. My motion is that we notes
the present operator that if he does not pay us an additional $100, 000 for the month
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of September; and thereafter, an additional 100,000 fi^om what we're getting now,
beginning each month thereafter, until this is settled, that we will be taking over that
marina, as a city, October 1; or if we have the right to -- and we relook at the
wording of that agenda -- that if based on the contract of 2015, whatever the date it
was, we have the legal right to proceed in awarding it, that we shall do one or the
other. But regardless, we will take over then if we're not receiving 100,000 more per
month, beginning with the month of September; we will take over on the 1st of
October, corning up. It's up to him.
Commissioner Gort: In other words, it gives him 30 days to --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Gort: -- warning that the --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, it gives them, you know, whatever --
Commissioner Gort: 30 days --
Commissioner Carollo: -- amount of days --
Commissioner Gort: -- to know that if they don't comply, they're out of there.
Commissioner Carollo: It's less than that. It's about 15, 16 days. I lost track of
what the date is today now.
Ms. Mendez: Today is the 13th.
Commissioner Gort: 13th.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So it gives them more. It gives them, you know, 17
days to comply.
Chair Hardemon: There's a section in this agreement that talks about the breach of
the agreement, and like -- "Either of the parties fails to fulfill its obligations" -- it
goes on and on, and it gives a mechanism in which there is some relief; particularly,
a motion to enforce a settlement agreement and/or a motion for default of settlement
agreement with the Court. And one of the things that -- the requiring of them to pay
more dollars -- you know, I'm just trying to fight through this. I just don't see the
mechanism in which we can do that, and I don't -- if they're going to sue us, I don't
want them to sue us on something that, you know, can easily ident something --
Ms. Mendez: So --
Chair Hardemon: -- that's outside the scope of the agreement.
Commissioner Reyes: I need a point of privilege.
Ms. Mendez: -- the reason why --
Chair Hardemon: I'm trying to find a way to get out of the agreement, and if we
need time to do that, then -- for instance, this item, instead of indefinitely deferring it,
it can be continued to the next agenda. And so, that way, we really work through
this.
Commissioner Reyes: That's what I wanted to say.
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Vice Chair Russell: It definitely wouldn't work. We could have brought it back
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: I need a point of information, please.
Ms. Mendez: In a perfect world --
Commissioner Reyes: Please, please.
Ms. Mendez: -- what I would request is an indefinite deferral. And with --
Commissioner Reyes: Listen --
Ms. Mendez: -- everything that you have described, we will look through all the
different ways to --
Commissioner Reyes: Madam --
Ms. Mendez: -- get to where you want to be.
Commissioner Reyes: -- City Attorney, I want to ask a question from the Clerk. We
had a -- we have a resolution here; we got to do something with it. We tried to defer
this in order to be able to do another motion, you see? Now, what are we going to
do with this?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'm presenting --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, you present it, but what are we doing with this?
Commissioner Carollo: -- a new one. I don't care what you do with it. I'm --
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, but -- okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- bringing a new one.
Commissioner Reyes: But certain things that we have (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: The bottom line is, what we can't have is an individual
laughing as he goes to the bank with our residents' money. This can't happen. It's
been happening for over a year and a half. And by just deferring, deferring, nothing
gets done. Now, my motion stands with sending that letter. And if, for any reason,
you find that we need to tweak or change anything between now and then, you bring
it up to the next meeting that we have and you bring it to our attention, because
we're not going to take any action until October 1, anyway, but at least we're putting
him on notice, and we'll know then where he stands and where he's coming from. If
he wants to deal with us in good faith, and he wants that that bad, and he feels so
strongly that he's going to win in the -- all these appeals to the appeals, then he'll put
up the additional 100, 000. But at least, this is not another deferral where we're
going to discuss this and think about it and, you know, hope that people are just
going to do what's right.
Chair Hardemon: Section 13 allows for this agreement to be modified, but only by a
written instrument signed by each of the parties.
Vice Chair Russell: I think we (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. De Grandy: Commissioner Carollo, ifI may?
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Ms. Mendez: I would -- my -- so the last time this was -- it was indefinitely deferred,
it came back six months later. I have heard you loud and clear. I would ask that you
give me just a little bit of leeway to --
Commissioner Carollo: But we are. In this motion, it gives the leeway to come back
to us at the next Commission meeting, and if there's anything wrong that we have to
change or tweet based on this contract that I haven't read, nor am I about to start
reading it all here, then you could tell us, and we still have time before October 1,
but in the meantime, we put him on notice where we're coming from. And you would
think, if someone is playing in good faith, we're going to hear from him, and let us
know if he's going to accept this or not. After all, doesn't he feel so sure that he's
going to win this that he keeps filing for appeals to the appeals?
Ms. Mendez: The problem is that --
Commissioner Carollo: It's obvious that if he's using our money to do it with, and
he's still making at least a million bucks out of the year, hey, he's got no problems in
appealing.
Commissioner Gort: Commissioner --
Ms. Mendez: The settlement --
Commissioner Gort: -- let me ask you a question. My understanding is, if we make
a motion today that the City take over, the City has to give him the 30 days that we're
talking about without -- forget about the payment and all that and --
Commissioner Carollo: I don't even know if it's 30 days. I didn't see it in that
paragraph. It may be somewhere in this whole document.
Ms. Mendez: It's not contemplated in the agreement.
Commissioner Reyes: No, it is not.
Ms. Mendez: That's --
Commissioner Reyes: The amount of days were given by the Administration said
what it will take them to take it over.
Commissioner Gort: That it will take them 30 days to take it over.
Commissioner Reyes: In 30 -- from 30 --
Commissioner Gort: At least he knows --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Gort: -- that we're taking over.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'll --
Commissioner Gort: If he wants to maintain it, he has to make some payments.
Commissioner Carollo: -- bet you that the Administration can get their act together,
and they could put it together in 18 instead of 30 days, so we can be ready by
October 1.
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Mr. De Grandy: Commissioner?
Commissioner Carollo: I'll join you over there, if the Manager allowed me.
Mr. De Grandy: In all fairness, we haven't even had an opportunity to vet the City's
number. We do know what our number is. We do know what we pay you for ours.
We haven't had an opportunity to even discuss or vet what the City's marina is doing.
Commissioner Carollo: But you'll have the time between now and then.
Mr. De Grandy: Right. But what I'm saying is it --
Commissioner Carollo: You'll have the time.
Mr. De Grandy: -- may not be $100,000.
Commissioner Carollo: Huh?
Mr. De Grandy: It may not be $100,000.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then, that's where you're going to have to come and
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Commissioner Gort: But you have the numbers, right?
Commissioner Carollo: -- and then the City Attorney could bring it back on the
27th. But in the meantime, it's not going to be deferrals upon deferrals. You're
going to see that there's some bite to what we do here.
Mr. De Grandy: Right. I understand that.
Chair Hardemon: So we continue 9 and 10 to the next agenda?
Commissioner Reyes: Same thing.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, the motion that I made -- and I'll repeat it again -- is a
motion that the City will inform the tenant that --
Commissioner Gort: We're taking over.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we are requesting 100,000 additional rent per month,
beginning -- 100,000 additional for the whole month of September, and thereafter,
on the beginning of each month; otherwise, we will be taking over --
Ms. Mendez: Commissioner, this is what I request, and I -- please, I beg you. What
I would request is that we give them a notice, 15 days, to vacate, and let them come
back with whatever --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. All right. Then give them that notice --
Ms. Mendez: -- they would --
Commissioner Carollo: -- 15 days to vacate. They could hire more lobbyists, more
people, and 171 deal with them, too. And then you bring back to us what we need to
do on the 27th, but --
Commissioner Gort: Second the motion.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- you know what? The party's over. And again, I don't
care who wins, who gets it, as long as they pay the money that the residents of Miami
should get, based upon the numbers that came from this Request for Proposal.
Ms. Mendez: If they wish to offer that to us, then we can entertain it at that time, but
we are not asking them for anything at this time.
Commissioner Carollo: All right, there's a motion --
Vice Chair Russell: What's the motion?
Chair Hardemon: The motion --
Commissioner Carollo: -- instructing --
Chair Hardemon: -- instructing --
Commissioner Carollo: -- the City Administration to give them 15 days to vacate;
that we will be taking over in 15 days.
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) seconded by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chairman, the Administration told us that we don't have the
wherewithal to take over that soon. So if they vacate in 15 days, we don't -- we've
got tenants there.
Commissioner Carollo: We will, but --
Vice Chair Russell: We've got --
Commissioner Carollo: -- believe me, we will be able to take over.
Vice Chair Russell: This is manpower. This is (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: We will be able to take over.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion on that motion on the floor?
Mr. De Grandy: Mr. Chairman, we haven't even had notice that this was going to be
on the agenda. This is not an agenda item.
Chair Hardemon: I understand.
Commissioner Gort: What do you mean? It's been in the agenda.
Chair Hardemon: But a notice to --
Ms. Mendez: We're just going with landlord/tenant law.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Ms. Mendez: We'll send you a letter.
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Chair Hardemon: Exactly.
Ms. Mendez: And we'll talk.
Chair Hardemon: There 's going to be --
Ms. Mendez: I'm sure we'll talk.
Chair Hardemon: -- in the notice.
Mr. De Grandy: One last request, Mr. Chairman. I have the privilege of chairing
the Domestic Violence Oversight Board for the County. My meeting is at 10:30 on
the 27th. If we can have an understanding that this item won't be heard until the
afternoon (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely.
Mr. De Grandy: -- my client, I would appreciate that.
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely.
Mr. De Grandy: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to clam it.
Commissioner Carollo: After lunch, will that be good or --?
Mr. De Grandy: It usually lasts till 12..30. If you could give me at least no late --
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) 1.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, we don't come back usually until 2 or 2..30, so.
Mr. De Grandy: That sounds fine. Thank you very much, sir.
Commissioner Carollo. Okay. Certainly.
Commissioner Reyes: So this motion is that we 're going to give them 15 days to
vacate. During those 15 days --
Chair Hardemon: They're going to respond.
Commissioner Reyes: -- they will respond. If they respond that they are willing --
Ms. Mendez: We'll see how they respond.
Commissioner Reyes: We'll see how they respond, and then --
Ms. Mendez: And we'll go from there.
Commissioner Reyes: -- we have to take action in there.
Ms. Mendez: And then we'll go from there.
Commissioner Reyes: And then we'll go from there, okay. Make things clear.
Chair Hardemon: All right.
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Office of the City
Clerk
Ms. Mendez: And then on September 27, what is -- this item is not --
Ms. Ewan: Well, we're dealing with the motion by Commissioner Carollo right now;
if we can get a vote on that --
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Ms. Ewan: -- and then we'll deal with RE.9 and 10 after.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Ms. Ewan: And Commissioner Gort -- Carollo, can you please restate the motion,
just so that it's clear on the record?
Commissioner Carollo: The motion is instructing the Administration to give them 15
days' notice to vacate.
Ms. Ewan: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: All in favor of the motion, say "aye."
Commissioner Reyes: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Vice Chair Russell: Against.
Chair Hardemon: Motion carries.
Commissioner Gort: Great.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Eileen Higgins
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-18-0404
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Ken Russell, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Hardemon, Russell, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Gort
NOMINATED BY:
Board of County Commissioners
Vice Chair Russell: The DDA (Downtown Development Authority), I believe.
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ADJOURNMENT
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): The DDA, did you want to do the non -agenda
item for the confirmation of Commissioner Eileen Higgins?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Ewan: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll make the motion.
Commissioner Carollo: I'll second that; Commissioner Higgins.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved and seconded. Any discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: That motion carries. Okay.
The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
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