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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2021-02-05 MinutesCity of Miami City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com Meeting Minutes Friday, February 05, 2021 1:30 PM Special Meeting City Hall City Commission Francis X. Suarez, Mayor Ken Russell, Vice Chair, District Two Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner, District One Joe Carollo, Commissioner, District Three Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner, District Five Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager Victoria Mendez, City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 1:30 PM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Watson. On the 5th day of February 2021, 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 special session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Russell at 2:02 p.m., and adjourned at 3:30 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Arthur Noriega, T , City Manager Barnaby L. Min, Deputy City Attorney Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk Vice Chair Russell: Good afternoon. How's everybody doing? Sony we are running. Today's very special meeting has been called for the purpose of discussing and taking any and all actions related to the acceptance of proposals from various pre -qualified firms lbr the provision of state and federal lobbying services and the establishment of the City of Miami's legislative priorities for the 2021 Florida Legislative Session and the 117th United States Congress. The members of the City Commission participating in this special meeting are Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes, Jeffrey Watson, and me, Ken Russell, the Vice Chair. Also appearing are City Manager Art Noriega, City Attorney Victoria Mendez, and City Clerk Todd Hannon. This special meeting will be opened with a prayer by Commissioner Reyes, the pledge of allegiance led by Commissioner Dias de la Portilla, please. Please stand. Invocation delivered. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Pledge of allegiance delivered. Vice Chair Russell: Thankyou very much. ORDER OF THE DAY Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, please state the procedures to be followed during the special meeting. Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Any person who is a lobbyist pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must register with the City Clerk and comply with the related City requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A person may not lobby, a City official, board member, or staff member until registering. A copy of the code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at municode.com. Any person making a presentation, formal request or petition to the City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosure required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the City Code section is available in the Office of the City Clerk or online at municode.com. Pursuant to Sections 2-33(f) and (g) of the City Code, the agenda and the material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and online 24 hours a day at miamigov.com. Any person may be heard by the City Commission through the Chair and upon registering pursuant to the published notice for not more than 2 minutes on any proposition before the City Commission unless modified by the Chair. Members of the public may also call 305-250-5454 to speak directly with the City Commission on agenda items to be heard at this meeting. Public comment will begin at City of Miami Page 1 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 approximately 2 p.m. and remain open until public comment is closed by the chairperson. Members of the public wishing to address the body may also do so by submitting their written comments via the online comment form. Please visit miamigov.com/meetinginstructions for detailed instructions on how to provide public comment using the online public comment form. The comments submitted through the comment form have been distributed to the elected officials and City Administration throughout the day so that the elected officials can consider the comments prior to taking any action. Additionally, the online comment form will remain open during the meeting to accept comments and distribute to the elected officials up until the time the chairperson closes public comment. All comments submitted will be included as part of the public record for this meeting and will be considered by the City Commission prior to any action taken. Public comment may also be provided live at City Hall located at 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, subject to any and all COVID-19 rules, regulations, and procedures. Speakers who appear in person will be subject to screening for symptoms of COVID-19. Any persons exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter City Hall. All interested parties are required to abide by all state, county, and local emergency orders and urged to practice social distancing. If the proposition is being continued or rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be at a later date before the City Commission takes action on such proposition. When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public must state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be spoken about. Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids, and services for this meeting may notify the City Clerk. Section 286.014(4)(c) of Florida Statutes specifically authorizes the City to prescribe procedures or forms for an individual to use in order to inform the board or commission of a desire to be heard, to indicate his or her support, opposition, or neutrality on a proposition. The City, through its multiple comment options, has provided different methods to indicate, among other things, the public's support, opposition, or neutrality on the items and topics to be discussed at today's City Commission meeting. The public has been given the opportunity to provide public comment during the meeting and within reasonable proximity and time before the meeting. Please note, Commissioners have generally been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of this item. A video of this meeting may be requested by the Office of Communications or viewed online at miamigov.com. 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 Section 2-8 of the City Code. Any documents offered to the City Commissioners that have not been provided 7 days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the City Commission's discretion. Please silence all cell phones and other noise -making devices. This meeting can be viewed live on Miami TV at miamigov.com, through the City's Facebook page, on the City's Periscope channel, on the City's YouTube channel, and on Comcast Channel 77. The broadcast will also have closed captioning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Barnaby. For the order of the day, here's how I'd like to run this meeting, if we can. I believe we should take SP.2 first before SP.1, so we establish which legislative items we are going to prioritize, and then we can take up SP.1 with regard to who will be representing us in those efforts. SP.3, we could also take up -- actually, why don't we do SP.3 first, add in any resolutions that other commissioners may want to add, and then for SP.2, we'll put them all together in a single resolution formalizing all of our legislative priorities. Does that sound good? Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Any one of the individual resolutions people want to bring that have not been introduced yet. Commissioner Carollo: Okay, I had presented one that we approved the last meeting that we had, plus we have some additional requests that we're making. So, I -- does the Administration City of Miami Page 2 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 have the requests from my office that we had sent? So, if you could read them at the appropriate time, I'd appreciate it. Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Does everybody have a copy of the -- of the summary of all the requests that are in the queue? Does everybody have a copy of this paper? Vice Chair Russell: I have two documents, Mr. Manager. One shows the capital appropriations Mr. Noriega: Appropriations. Vice Chair Russell: -- and one shows the legislative approvals. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Noriega: Yes, so you have it. Vice Chair Russell: Legislative priorities. Mr. Noriega: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, that list. SP - SPECIAL MEETING SP.1 DISCUSSION ITEM 8580 Commissioners and Mayor A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PURPOSE OF ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FROM VARIOUS PRE -QUALIFIED FIRMS FOR THE PROVISION OF STATE AND FEDERAL LOBBYING SERVICES. RESULT: DISCUSSED Note for the record: For minutes referencing Item Number SP.1, please see "Order of the Day." City of Miami Page 3 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 SP.2 DISCUSSION ITEM 8579 Commissioners and Mayor A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PURPOSES OF TAKING ANY AND ALL ACTIONS IN RELATION TO ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 2021 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND THE 117TH UNITED STATES CONGRESS. RESULT: DISCUSSED Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SP.2, please see "Order ofthe Day." Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Commissioner, if you have that, we can read it into the record, but make sure that what you put in there is on the -- it should be in there. Your item should be on here. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Watson: I don't have it. Mr. Noriega: We'll get you a copy now. Vice Chair Russell: Can you read -- read the items into the record if you wouldn't mind, Art, just so that we've got them solid for everyone who's listening at home, and then while you're doing that, we can get a printed version for Commissioner Watson? I want to make sure we're all on the same page and we don't have anything replicated or missing. Commissioner Carollo, which was the item that you were concerned about? Commissioner Carollo: Well, last Commission meeting, I presented a resolution that was approved for the item related to an amendment on eminent domain that we approved so that we could try to move forward and have different abilities to create homeownership. Mr. Noriega: It's in there. Vice Chair Russell: What number is it, Mr. Manager? Mr. Noriega: Well, I think the list you have is -- I have a different version of it. I have it as the second bullet point under affordable housing. This says a request to change section 166.41 of the Florida Statute to allow municipalities to exercise power of eminent domain for the purpose of creating affordable housing. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, then the list I've got is outdated then. Mr. Noriega: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: It's a previous -- must be a previous draft. Mr. Noriega: Okay, so I'm going to get you an updated list. Vice Chair Russell: So, let's get a copy for each Commissioner right now so we're all going through the exact same list. City of Miami Page 4 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Mr. Noriega: Got it. Vice Chair Russell: (INAUDIBLE) clarify. In the meantime, go ahead, Commissioner. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Commissioner Carollo, does this proposal -- it actually leads -- it's sort of a path to homeownership, right, eventually? Is that the goal here? Commissioner Carollo: The goal is that we built and they will come and get homeownership so that within an approximate two years' time, we get our money back and we keep doing the same thing again, versus the old way that you built just for rental and we wait for years before we really get our money back. At the same time, you're giving people pride in owning their own place and sort of a piggybank that, you know, you would hope that each year the property goes up a little bit in value. So, that's the idea of it and this is for non -homestead properties. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, in essence, it would go from private ownership to public ownership to private ownership? Commissioner Carollo: No. The idea would be that the City, if we need a piece of land to accomplish this, we will -- and there's no way that after we've tried, that they're willing to sell it to us or they want an outrageous price, then we eminent domain. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: It cannot be homestead property. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: And then we will build, and the minute we build, we will create a system internally so that the people that will get a mortgage would be able to own their own home through getting a mortgage. The minute they get the mortgage, the City gets its money back, and we're out of the picture. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. While we're waiting for the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Commissioner Carollo: You never -- you never listened to me when I was -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I did. Commissioner Carollo: -- writing the mail -outs, talking about -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I did. Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I did. And I was only questioning the constitutionality of going from public -- from private to public to private. That was my only issue. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, that -- okay. That -- City of Miami Page 5 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I didn't want to -- you know. Commissioner Carollo: That one was brought up to us and 1 understand it. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It was brought up to me, that's fine. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. We feel, even though I'm not going to tell you here, put my hand in the fire, that it's a done deal. We feel that that could be bypassed, but I think we still need to review that a little more. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think the program is a great program. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I just wanted to make sure that we were doing -- Commissioner Carollo: The biggest challenge that I'm seeing, if we get past that hurdle, but I'm glad you're aware of it -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: -- is that can we get it accomplished up in Tallahassee with a frame of mind that's up there? One. Two. We're going to have to -- since we missed the deadline already, we're going to have to get it in through an amendment somewhere. And so -- but 1'rn willing to give it a shot this time around. 1 think this is that important to our city because it's going to be a game changer for people to have their own place to live at an affordable price and that they're going to own it. And that we're going to be able then to be recycling that money every couple of years versus giving it away with the workforce housing promises or building ourselves, and then we're sitting on that money for years to come, which means that we're only going to be able to do a very minute amount of affordable housing. Whereas with this here, every two years, you get your money back, you're at it again. And this can make a difference. And frankly, I think it could be something that could end up being a national -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Model. Commissioner Carollo: -- model that others will come and use it. We'll be the test child here. Vice Chair Russell: So, your intention is already included in the draft, which we will pass when we pass SP.2 with all of the amendments in it. So, what I'd like to do is take up any resolutions, such as SP.3, and any other pocket resolutions with regard to legislative priorities that any commissioners have. Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I checked this and the -- I had this Building Department fund that was included. Vice Chair Russell: Is your microphone on, Commissioner? Commissioner Reyes: I did ask last meeting about trying to modify the Building Department fund so we can use it in building -related activities. And I'm very glad that that is -- was included as one of the priorities. And let's hope that we pass this. City of Miami Page 6 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: Yes, that's the second item. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, the second item. Vice Chair Russell: Excellent. [Later...] Vice Chair Russell: 1'd like to hear from any commissioner who has another resolution or item that they'd like to add to the legislative priorities list. Is there anything that's not been brought up? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We -- I do have a question jor you. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We're going to have the flexibility moving forward as new items come up, amendments in Tallahassee to come back here and sort of have a conversation about it. We continue to add to this list. This list is a living document basically. Vice Chair Russell: Absolutely. I think we'll be relying on your advice for when it's too late based on what they're doing up there. But from our side, we're able to add as long as we can still get in and advocate, 100 percent. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, a point of information. The only thing that we cannot add, remember that last meeting, I told you that I was expressing that last Tuesday was the last day to include anything that had to do with appropriation of funds. And I don 't know if that could be extended or not, but I want you to keep it in mind if you're going to add anything, that that was the deadline. I mean, what -- I don't know the proper procedure, you know, if we want to include something, but it was -- last Tuesday was the last day to include a -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's correct. That was the deadline, and also last Tuesday, the Governor presented his recommended budget to the legislature, so that deadline came and went, but Tallahassee has a beautiful word. We call it amendments. And we have the ability to amend the appropriations bill as well. So, we have an opportunity to add that to it as we move forward. And also, at the end is also what they call -- they have all these great terms they use up there -- the sprinkle list, that every presiding officer has a sprinkle list, and at the end, somehow they find, you know, 25, $30 million in each chamber and it becomes available and all of a sudden all kinds of projects get funded. But real $25 million, not the Chris Rose $25 million. I'm talking about real $25 million that are found at the end. That's kind of like presiding officer priorities or appropriations (UNINTELLIGIBLE) priorities. So, there is -- there are different ways to skin that cat. Yes. Commissioner Reyes: I'm glad to hear that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Commissioner Reyes: Because if we need to include something, I know that it will have the ability to do so. And I'm real glad. Thank you for the information. City of Miami Page 7 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But there's no doubt that it's substantially harder once we miss the deadline. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course. Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Mr. Chair? Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager, speaking of the appropriations, the list that was just handed out just had the legislative priorities. 1 have this list from the financial appropriations. Is that included in this SP.2 -- Mr. Noriega: It is. Vice Chair Russell: -- discussion item as well? Mr. Noriega: And you should -- it is, and you should have that as well. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, I want to make sure we're all looking at the same thing. I have 11 items on here on the 2021 state appropriations request. And I think it would be a good idea to -- Mr. Noriega: I'm going to pass a new one out. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, because that'll make sure we're all on the same page. Thank you. Mr. Noriega: And also, can I make a suggestion? Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Mr. Noriega: Going forward, maybe we have an ongoing discussion item penciled into each of the next subsequent commission meetings that just deals with legislative updates so that if we do need to address anything as session is ongoing, we can do that as part of the regularly agenda item. Vice Chair Russell: That's a good idea. Thank you. Alright, so I'm going to just read through the legislative priorities, just the top -line buckets, just to make sure we've got it in the record. And if there's any commissioners that'd like to add to the legislative priorities, now's the time to do so through a pocket reso (resolution). Affordable housing, Building Department fund, Code Enforcement funding requests, Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire, preemption, public records and public business, resilience, transportation and mobility, and finally, water projects. And on the appropriations list, I have City of Miami parkland acquisition adjacent to Marlins Park in Little Havana, City of Miami Downtown beautification, City of Miami Badia Senior Center, City of Miami Little Havana pedestrian zones, youth mentoring and tutoring program, City of Miami Shorecrest drainage, City of Miami bay walks and riverwalks, City of Miami Fairview flood prevention, Jose Marti Park and neighborhood flood mitigation, Golden Pines neighborhood improvements, and Miami resilience hubs for disaster preparedness and recovefy. So, let's finalize the list if there's anything anyone else would like to add. Did you want to be recognized, Commissioner Reyes? Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. Vice Chair Russell: Sorry. City of Miami Page 8 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Reyes: I said I'm fine. Vice Chair Russell: I do have one legislative item I'd like to add to the priorities list. And my staff will hand out copies. This is a resolution of the Miami City Commission urging action by Congress and Florida State Legislature to protect our drinking water and support for Everglades restoration initiatives. Basically, this is us working with other cities to urge water to flow south from Lake Okeechobee to replenish our aquifer and also restore the Everglades. Governor DeSantis has urged a $2.5 billion environmental Everglades investment over four years for the construction of Everglades and water quality projects, and I think we should stand with him on that. Commissioner Carollo: Good. I'm in favor of that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Commissioner Reyes: I -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. So -- Commissioner Reyes: -- I agree with it. SP.3 RESOLUTION 8578 Commissioners and Mayor A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT HOUSE BILL 387 AMENDING THE "PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM" ("PACE") TO ASSIST PROPERTY OWNERS WITH RETROFITTING THEIR PROPERTIES TO PROTECT THEM FROM FLOODING AND TO AFFIRM THE PASSAGE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PACE AS A CITY OF MIAMI LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0055 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson Commissioner Reyes: And now, if there's any other resolution or anything, I would like to move SP.3. Vice Chair Russell: SP.3 has been moved by Commissioner Reyes. Commissioner Carollo: I second. Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Commissioner Carollo: I'll third it, and if you could put me as a sponsor also, please. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Me also, please. City of Miami Page 9 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Watson: 1'll fourth it. Vice Chair Russell: Gladly. It's currently sponsored by Commissioner Reyes and Diaz de la Portilla. I believe we'll do a unanimous sponsorship -- Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: -- co-sponsorship of SP.3, please. Commissioner Watson: But, Mr. Chair, quick question. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Watson: There's a big issue on housing relative to these similar programs where they lien people 's houses to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) money unknowingly, and then when people go to sell, they can 't do anything about it. And so we should try to at least figure out if now supporting this program is going to cause it to be detrimental to people who now want to do something, but then they get penalized in the end. So, I'm not so sure where that comes in the context of supporting this, but we should at least try to figure that out at some point so we have to come back and say, hey, this is something that we can do. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. That is a very good point. That was brought up significantly when we were looking to expand the pilot program districts for the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Program. And the solution we found was education. If people know what they're getting into with open eves and clarity, it could be a good tool but they need to know what they're getting into because it does lien their home. And so, I -- it would be good to hear from the PACE Program and Ygrene and those who are authorized to utilize it exactly what they're doing to make sure that anyone who applies for one of their grants or loans is aware of what they're getting into. But would you like to be listed as a co-sponsor on the item? Commissioner Watson: Yes, please. Vice Chair Russell: Alright. Commissioner Reyes: And Mr. Chair, I want to add, and Commissioner Watson, this bill includes also, you see, getting rid of those septic tanks. There's a lot of homes that they still use septic tanks and they haven't been able to connect. And this will provide also the funds for it. Vice Chair Russell: They'd be able to borrow from the -- Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Vice Chair Russell: -- the PACE Program, not only -- Commissioner Reyes: Or through PACE. Vice Chair Russell: -- for the septic tank, but for the new homes as well. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely, to convert. Vice Chair Russell: Excellent. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. City of Miami Page 10 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to open the floor for public comment on SP.3. Is there anyone here who would like to speak on SP.3? Hearing none, I'll close public comment. Is there any further discussion on the dais? Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, just for the record, there 's no public comment from the live call -in line, the 305-250-5454. There's no public comment from that line either. Vice Chair Russell: If that changes, please let me know. Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. Vice Chair Russell: Any further discussion on the dais? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? The motion passes on SP.3. Thank you very much. City of Miami Page 11 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 NA.1 8587 City Commission NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S) RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), URGING GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE, OR OPPOSE THE PASSAGE IN CERTAIN INSTANCES, OF ISSUES ADOPTED AS THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") DURING THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION; FURTHER URGING THE FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT THE ISSUES ADOPTED AS THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY DURING THE 117TH SESSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0056 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson Vice Chair Russell: Why don't we start with a motion on SP.2? Commissioner Carollo: A motion. Vice Chair Russell: Actually, no, I apologize. What we'll do is one by one, we'll pass these as -- Commissioner Reyes: I will co-sponsor this. Vice Chair Russell: I apologize. Yeah, so we'll pass these as individual resos urging, just like we did with SP.3. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Vice Chair Russell: And then when we come to SP.2, we'll have them all together as a list. So, we'11 call this one SP.4. Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Mr. Chair, you can, if you'd like, just do one reso (resolution) with all the legislative priorities. Vice Chair Russell: And just use them as backup? That would be a lot simpler. Thank you, Barnaby. Commissioner Carollo: Alright, and let me tell you why I think it might be best because since this is a special call meeting, you're supposed to be dealing only with the issues that we put down. So, if you put a separate one, it could be questioned. If you leave it within the group, then no one should be able to question it. City of Miami Page 12 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. 1 have a feeling that's what Burnaby was politely urging, but you have clarified. So, we'll take a motion on SP.2, please, for all the legislative. Commissioner Carollo: Move. Commissioner Reyes: Second. Vice Chair Russell: Did you get the motion and the seconder? Because I missed it. Commissioner Watson: So -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Moved, second. Vice Chair Russell: Who is the mover? Commissioner Watson: I'll move, butt have a question, right quick. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Watson: Does that mean it's now as it's stated and we can 't add to it? Vice Chair Russell: No, we're going to add at this point as amendments to SP.2. Commissioner Watson: I'm the mover. I move it. Vice Chair Russell: So moved by Commissioner Watson -- Commissioner Reyes: Second. Vice Chair Russell: -- second by Commissioner Reyes. That's SP.2. I'd propose this amendment for the Everglades restoration that's being passed out. Does the mover and seconder agree? Commissioner Watson: Agree. Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, agree. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Are there any other items to add to the legislative or appropriations list? Arthur Noriega (City Manager): If I may, Mr. Chair. Vice Chair Russell .• Yes. Mr. Noriega: I just want to make sure that on the appropriations list, I'm not sure we read the twelfth item, which is -- Vice Chair Russell: Okay, so my list was updated. Mr. Noriega: Yeah, tidal valves and flood improvements, it was a million and a half request. Vice Chair Russell: Got it. City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Mr. Noriega: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, so well add that one. That is number 12 here. Mr. Noriega: Yeah. Vice Chair Russell: So rather than -- that doesn't need to be an amendment because that's -- we'll just consider this as -- Mr. Noriega: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: -- backup for SP.2 -- Mr. Noriega: Correct. Vice Chair Russell: -- as you're putting it out. Got it. Alright, so other than that, the others are status quo as stated. Any further amendments? Hearing none -- yes. Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, just so you know, SP.2 was a discussion item on the agenda. Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Mr. Hannon: Now that you 're actually going to be taking an action, if you could open it up to public comment. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir. Is there anyone here for public comment on SP.2 or the motion on the floor? Good morning. You're recognized. You have two minutes. Let us know who you are and which (INAUDIBLE) -- Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me for one second. Are we taking Zoom still or not or --? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, we have Zoom here, but there's no one yet for public comment on Zoom. Most of the folks on Zoom are looking to represent us on the issues. Mr. Hannon: Would be SP.1. Vice Chair Russell: Yeah. You're recognized. Saif Hamideh: Hello, everyone. Saif Hamideh, with offices at 1035 North Miami Avenue, Suite 400. I'm here to talk about one thing that I think should be a legislative priority or a bucket of legislative priority and three specific legislation pieces that can help with that, and it's cultural tourism. Now, Miami has a really special place in which we are able to give people culture unlike anyone else. Every neighborhood in Miami has a different flavor that you can sense simply by stepping into it. A few blocks away can feel like a completely different world because of the art, music, and culture that's here. So, the three things that I think should go into this bucket are, number one, film incentives for Miami. Our film production industry' has really been suffering more and more and more. And if it wasn't for the Knight Foundation, it would be decimated right now and nonexistent. And so Florida Tax Watch and several other watchdogs have actually shown that we would make a net profit as a state if we had these film incentives. And we've lost so much film production to Atlanta when we have better sets down here in Miami. The second is events, and these are music events. So luckily, Save Our Stages got independent venues here in Miami some money on the federal level to help independent music venues continue. But what City of Miami Page 14 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 we really need to do is people come to Miami for experiences. As the world moves online, more and more experiences are done here in Miami and we have the infrastructure to do that, so we should look at legis -- pushing Save Our Stages and extending that to music festivals and also different types of cultural events like art festivals as well. Finally, the last legislative priority would be to look from the National Endowment for the Arts to get some support for local art galleries. Not the art galleries that come from New York and L.A. (Los Angeles), we're welcome to have them, but the ones that are here in Miaini 365 days out of the year. They've been struggling the hardest because of this pandemic, and they built the cultural infrastructure that allows for Basel to happen in nine days, and then everyone packs up and leaves. These are the people who stay here in and out, building the art industry that enable New York, Los Angeles, London, and Paris to come here, and they're really, really struggling because they're not selling art, and they don't have work. So, the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) has programs to help these people. I'd love to speak to any of you individually on these three cultural priorities Jromusic, art, and film and helping save these industries in the City of Miami. Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Saif. Is there an actual legislative item that's been sponsored that we can attach to? Mr. Hamideh: Correct. At the state level, when it comes to the film stuff Carlos Guillermo Smith, Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, has put something up and it's been co -sponsored on the other side by Joe Gruters. So, it has bipartisan support. And 1 think it's something that we can really make some action on and we have the most to gain from it, I think, as a city. On the Save Our Stages, there is a second round of talks on the -- in the Biden $1.9 billion plan. And I think it should he extended not just for music venues, but people who put on events as well, because they're not necessarily venue owners, they rent spaces, and so they didn't really quay for Save Our Stages. So, a lot of the independent music festivals here, who are smaller and work really well with the City, don't -- didn't really qualify for any of that Save Our Stages funding, and I'd love for our voice to be heard and have these event people who organize events, responsible events there. And then the NEA is a grant program. It's not a legislative priority. But there are grant programs that we can help to get money -- help these galleries get money and circulate them back into their economy. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, sir. Commissioner, did you --? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, the film industry incentive program, when I was there, was a yearly battle. Mr. Hamideh: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And people were so short-sighted sometimes. They'd say, no, it's a waste of taxpayer money and every other state that's done it has brought a tremendous return on investment. Mr. Hamideh: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think every year it's a yearly battle in Tallahassee. This year we're lucky enough to have Joe Gruters on the Senate side who also happens to be the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, which actually makes it very, very good because he has a lot of weight. Vice Chair Russell: Would you like to add Miami's Voice to that effort? City of Miami Page 15 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Diaz de la Por-tilla: 1 would like and we cannot know what the process would be, maybe do a pocket item, adding these items to our legislative priorities so that our lobbying team -- teams will be able to advocate for them up there also, especially for Miami. I mean, it's something -- Mr. Hamideh: And Commissioner, I can tell you right now for the film industry, it's a do or die moment. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course. That's why. Mr. Hamideh: Almost every -- I'm involved in film production and almost everyone who 1 work with has moved to Atlanta or Los Angeles or New York during this pandemic. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Twenty -- I'm a lot younger -- a lot older than I look, but about 20 years ago, we were fighting for this. Back then it was Toronto, it was Vancouver -- Mr. Hamideh: Yeah. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- to Canada, and then it became Georgia. All these different countries or cities and states were offering these film incentives. And we have such a great climate here in South Florida, and instead of you know, putting those dollars there, we never did. We did it for two years. We did it $7 million one year, I think, and $5 million another year. That was it. And I was a sponsor both years. So, it was something that was very, very -- I don't even remember, but it was a long time ago. But I always thought it was short-sighted for us not to -- for the state not to continue to invest in our film industry. We have a perfect location for it. So, I appreciate that you came here and you brought this issue up before us because I think it's a very important issue. Mr. Hamideh: Perfect. Conversely, I'm much younger than I look. We trade places. But that being said, I really -- you know, it -- there really is -- Kentucky in 2019 had more film production than the entire state of Florida. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's correct. Mr. Hamideh: So, that just goes to show you how dire the state of the industry is right now. More people decided to make films and TV in Kentucky than this beautiful city. So, I'm trying all I can to bring artists on every level, visual art, film, and music back down here. We can really use the help and I will reach out to every one of you individually if you want to have long -form conversations on this because it's something I'm very passionate about and I know all of you are too. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Can you do a pocket item for this gentleman? Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. It doesn't need to be a pocket. If you'd like to proffer an amendment, the mover and seconder can simply add it to the list. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, I will proffer an amendment. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Reyes: That's (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner, I strongly agree with you and I think that we have been short-sighted on the benefits that arts has in City of Miami Page 16 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 economic development. There's even an economic theory that is called development through the arts that it has been proven in every city that has enhanced the arts and have experienced tremendous economic development in that particular area. So, 1 am totally in favor and I will support if you have a pocket item or if you want to include them. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's an amendment to your -- to your -- Vice Chair Russell: It's an amendment. Does the mover accept the amendment? Commissioner Reyes: Let's amend it. Commissioner Watson: Yeah, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Seconder -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: -- accepts as well. Thank you very much. Mr. Hamideh: Thank you so much, Commissioners. I appreciate it. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Carollo: I'm very happy to hear that my colleagues are very much in favor of promoting the arts more because -- I'm hoping that in the very, very, very, very near future, I will have a pleasant surprise for you -- Commissioner Reyes: Oh, good. Commissioner Carollo: -- that I think could be a game changer for Miami in the area of the arts. Vice Chair Russell: You're starting a mini-series. Commissioner Reyes: Well, you will have my (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: I'm not saying any more. You have to wait. (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: This is a reality show. Commissioner Reyes: You're going to be the lead actor? Vice Chair Russell: I've already registered the rights for this story, so don't try to (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Some guy named Marcus something or other is going to do a project with me. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: At some cable -- some cable company. Vice Chair Russell: Alright. I believe Mr. Book would like to speak on SP.2. If he could be promoted by the host please, so that he can address us on Zoom. Commissioner Carollo: Going once. City of Miami Page 17 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: I'm sure we can hear Mr. Book from wherever he is, but it's going to help if he shows up formally on (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: From Aventura. Ron Book: Thank you. Thank you very much. Vice Chair Russell: There he is. You're very welcome, sir. Mr. Book: I want to be brief on the appropriate (INAUDIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Sorry, you're cutting out, Mr. Book. Mr. Book: (INAUDIBLE) try again. I simply wanted to clarify, first of all, on appropriations issues, while the deadline for submission of projects in the House was last Tuesday, the Senate forms can still be turned in. You remain alive as long as you're alive in one or the other of the houses. You're not available to go into the House bill having not submitted forms timely, but so long as you're in the Senate bill, you're alive for conference, first of all. Second of all, on the issue of motion picture incentives, I couldn't -- I couldn't concur more. If we're ever going to get them back, this would be the year that, on a broad basis, there would be some non -recurring revenue for such a project. On the totality of all the projects you 're submitting, I would simply encourage you, based on the state of the budget and the shortfalls, yet understanding there will be non -recurring revenue, 1 think the City would be benefited if you could have two, maximum three, priority projects that you 're pushing and have the others as backups should your first three fall out of the mix. Money is tight, shortfall is there, they're going to go through a significant budget cutting exercise going deep into the base projects. I just think that at the end of the day, our appropriations (INAUDIBLE) submit three main ones as your main priorities for funding. You'll just be benefited therefrom. And just a moment on substantive issues. Unfortunately, as Commissioner Carollo has correctly noted, bill drafting deadline passed. While bill filing deadline is still opening day, if you didn 't have something in the bill drafting a week ago, that was lost. So, the best you can do on your substantive items is to go forth with amendments, but the earlier we 're focused on such, identifying those bills that are subject matter germane to help promote them to a better place for amendment purposes would benefit the City from a strategic standpoint. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much, Mr. Book. Mr. Book: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Book? Mr. Book: Yes -- yes, sir. Commissioner Reyes: I'm sorry, but I couldn't avoid noticing you have a broken arm? Mr. Book: I just finished -- I just left the hospital from hand and wrist surgery. Commissioner Reyes: Oh, I thought you got into a fight and you hit somebody. Mr. Book: I stay out of the bars and taverns. Commissioner Reyes: Okay, take good care ofvourself, sir. City of Miami Page 18 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Mr. Book: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Technology is amazing, right? Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Book, for clarifying that from the road. Mr. Book: Thank you. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, is there anyone else who 'd like to comment on SP.2 or offer any amend -- further amendments for legislative priorities? Commissioner Watson: Amendments. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Mr. Hannon: Chair, there was already a mover and seconder for this particular item - Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Mr. Hannon: -- 2:25. 1t was moved by Commissioner Watson, seconded by Commissioner Reyes. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, I'm just looking for any further amendments. Mr. Hannon: Oh, okay. I thought someone made a motion -- another motion. Commissioner Watson: So -- Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Watson? Commissioner Watson: Yeah, I mean, bear with me. I'm going to be one of those persons who say I never got this list beforehand, which I know is not correct, but I'm going to say that anyway, because I can. On affordable housing, somehow or another, I want us to support permanent implementation of the Low -Income Housing Tax Credit. If we can do that without changing anything, that's something I'd like to see on our state priorities and also ultimately in our federal priorities. Vice Chair Russell: Could you say that again, please? Commissioner Watson: Support for permanent implementation of the low-income housing tax credit. Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. Commissioner Watson: It's an excellent source. Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Watson: It's fought for every two years. It should be permanent because it is a source. These guys go up and it allows for additional people to be a City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 part of that process. Right now, it's not a process that favors smaller guys, smaller projects. It favors bigger guys, bigger projects. And so from that perspective, if it's of a permanent nature, then it will probably be applied more and spread around a little bit better. The only other person that gets an opportunity, the second biggest issuer of low-income housing tax credits in the state is the Dade County Housing and Finance Authority. So, since we are a home -rule charter, we should have the ability to do that and it will flow through. That way everybody won't have to go to the state and fight at the state level but can in fact do it at the local level. I don 't know how to put that in there given if we change it, something else triggers, but somehow can we see if we can put that in? Vice Chair Russell: Barnaby, can you capture that amendment? Mr. Min: Yeah, 1 would propose it just be an additional legislative priority concerning affordable housing so we can add that, assuming the -- Vice Chair Russell: Does the seconder agree? Commissioner Reyes: I agree 100 percent with it. Vice Chair Russell: Adding LIHTC (Low -Income Housing Tax Credit) to our priorities. Commissioner Watson: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Perfect. It's been added. Thank you. Commissioner Watson: Alright. Here's a second for me. On this code enforcement thing, we're opposing something which I think makes sense, but here's what I want to add and amend if proper, to ensure that property violator of record will be responsible for fines and fees prior to any legal entity transfer of property of record. So, here's what's happening. They get fined, they get fined, they get fined. They sell the property, clock starts back. Okay, you get fined, you pay. You can't transfer to no other -- Bermuda, Bahamas, whatever. You 've got to pay. You don't want to pay, give us the property. But you cannot neglect the property and then transfer it to somebody else and the clock starts again. So, cut your -- cut it, do whatever you need to do, but you cannot now transfer it without paying those fines and fees to us, okay, before you do that. Vice Chair Russell: But isn't that the way it exists currently? That they either have to pay it off or have it mitigated at a board here? Commissioner Watson: I'm told -- and maybe I'm incorrect. Code Enforcement, help me if you can. I'm told that no, people get away with not paving us and transfer the property to another entity. We don't get any money and it's still a violation. Vice Chair Russell: I believe that's only when our hoard waives it or mitigates it or reduces the fines and fees. Commissioner Watson: I'll stand corrected if it doesn't need to happen, but then we need to figure out something on our side then. Vice Chair Russell: Barnaby, have you got any insight on this? Mr. Min: Yes, typically the liens are recorded against the property. So, when there is a transfer of property, it's like any other lien on the property where the City would be due and owing funds. It does become a problem when recording of the lien. So, for City of Miami Page 20 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 instance, it oftentimes is not a priority lien when it comes to tax liens, mortgages, things like that. So, when there's a foreclosure, our liens are sometimes wiped out where we don't -- Commissioner Watson: So, then maybe we need -- maybe we need to figure out statute state -wise so it does become a recordable lien. Mr. Min: Right, so there are certain types of -- certain types of code enforcement liens which are special assessment liens. Commissioner Watson: Okay. Mr. Min: And so those are given priority and that's when we're able to be treated like a first mortgage basically and able to collect. Commissioner Watson: So, is it proper --? Mr. Min: That does not apply across the board for all code enforcement liens. Commissioner Watson: So, is it proper then to support legislation that would amend so that City governments now have a recordable priority lien? Mr. Min: What I'm hearing is a proposal to modify the state statute to allow for code enforcement liens, all code enforcement liens, to be treated as special assessment liens. Commissioner Watson: Man, I love you. Mr. Min: I'm not sure -- Commissioner Watson: That alright. Let's start it. Let's fight the fight. Cool. Mr. Min: I can certainly look into it if that's what the desire of the Commission is. Commissioner Watson: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Is there a specific amendment to add? Mr. Min: It would be a suggestion to amend the state statute -- I believe it's Chapter 162 -- to allow for code enforcement liens -- all code enforcement liens to be treated like special assessment liens. Vice Chair Russell: And does that need a current proposed bill at this point with a sponsor or can we just add it to our list and advocate as possible? Mr. Min: I don 't see it on our list so it would be a new item. Vice Chair Russell: It would be a new item on our list, I understand that, but I'm worrying -- Mr. Min: As far as the current bills that are out there, I'm not aware of an existing bill that would fall under. However, as you know (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Vice Chair Russell: We'll add it to our list and if it applies to an existing proposal that's out there then we'll be able to advocate. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. City of Miami Page 21 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 NA.2 8588 City Commission Vice Chair Russell: Does the seconder agree? Commissioner Reyes: I agree with it. Vice Chair Russell: Alright. Any further amendments? Alright. Is there any further comment from the public or on this dais with regard to SP.2, our legislative priorities list? Seeing none, I'll close public comment. No further comments from the dais. All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes as amended. Thank you very much. RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENGAGE THE THREE (3) FIRMS OF BECKER & POLIAKOFF, P.A., CAPITAL CITY CONSULTING, LLC, AND RONALD L. BOOK, P.A. FOR THE PROVISION OF STATE LOBBYING SERVICES FOR THE CITY MANAGER DURING THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENGAGE UP TO TWO (2) ADDITIONAL LOBBYING FIRMS FROM THE POOL OF QUALIFIED FIRMS, ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, SUBJECT TO THE CITY MANAGER FIRST CONSULTING WITH THE THREE (3) ASSIGNED FIRMS REFERENCED ABOVE AND SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE CITY COMMISSION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALL ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, PRIOR BUDGETARY APPROVALS, COMPLIANCE WITH ALL 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 FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0057 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson Vice Chair Russell: Now we try to assign those who will advocate on our behalf for those items. Commissioner Carollo: I make a motion -- City of Miami Page 22 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: (INAUDIBLE) SP.3 discussion. Commissioner Carollo: -- I make a motion to award to .firms that ended up being number one, number two, and number three, and if the Manager -- for the Manager to negotiate the amounts with them, and if he has to go over his allotted amount for any reason, to bring it back to us for approval. Commissioner Reyes: I'll second. Vice Chair Russell: There's a motion on the floor. Commissioner Reyes: I second it. Vice Chair Russell: Can you name those three, please? Because the list I have is not in order. Commissioner Carollo: Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. was listed as the number one firm. Capital City Consulting, LLC, the number two. And Ron L. Book, P.A. as the number three. Vice Chair Russell: So, if I understand the motion correctly, it is to assign all of the items to be shared amongst those three as seen fit by the City Manager as needed? And if -- Commissioner Carollo: No. Vice Chair Russell: Okay, clarify. Commissioner Carollo: To award to all three of them so that we engage all three of them to the max of what he is allowed to pay by charter and if he needs to go over that amount with any of them he has to bring it back to us for approval. Vice Chair Russell: Got it. So, it's not for the Manager to expand the list. Commissioner Carollo: No. Vice Chair Russell: But to just assign (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Limit it to those three. He's got everything we need in those three. Commissioner Reyes: What? Vice Chair Russell: Alright, there's a motion -- Commissioner Reyes: If I -- Vice Chair Russell: -- and a second. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, if I may add, you see, they were rated and there was a reason why they were rated one, two, three, and I think we shouldn 't go away from it. I mean -- Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. I'll open for discussion. Commissioner Watson: So, let me ask you a question, because I've asked around since that time. We've had this on the table. for a minute. I'm not a Tallahassee expert, City of Miami Page 23 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 but I do know ascension allows for power movement in those circles. And so 1 'm told by others who deal in that area, this firm Turnbull and this Johnston Stewart firm might be important. How then do we account for someone secondarily who might be helpful to us, if we just draw the line there? Commissioner Carollo: Well, Commissioner, I went with one, two, and three. First of all, they were graded that way, one, two, and three. Secondly of all, from my knowledge of these three firms, it covers pretty much everything. Capital City has a very tight relationship with the governor and some of the top officers there, so that -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- if we do get some of our items approved, then they 're going to be the ones carrying the biggest load on the next steps to make sure that, you know, we don 't get anything knocked out through a veto. Ronald Book has been an institution up there. He's got contacts at all levels. And of course, Becker & Poliakoff has been representing us, and they're a very well-balanced firm. So, for a year like this, you know, I -- you know, in fact, the most that we ever carry as a city that I can think of has been three firms. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The -- it is true that they were ranked in that order, but the ranking system is based mostly on longevity, the number of years that they've been lobbying for. So, it's not a question of effectiveness because you have changing presiding officers. So, because you've been in the business a long time, then we will be buying, you know, IBM software instead of Microsoft. So, longevity is not an indicator of the ability to lobby on our behalf. The firm that Commissioner Watson mentioned is correct, has a very tight relationship -- and you're correct, Commissioner Carollo. By the way, Capital City and Nick Iarossi in particular has an incredible relationship with the Governor's Office, that's true. The Turnbull firm that Commissioner Watson mentioned has a fantastic relationship with the current Senate President, Wilton Simpson. The way they were ranked -- and maybe the Manager can explain to me just if I'm correct about the longevity issue, the number of years they've been in existence versus the balance of who can be more effective. I objected initially to the five-year thing because every two years you have a different presiding officer. And to me, it's absurd to, you know, tie ourselves to a five-year contract when maybe the firm that we tie -- the firms that we tie ourselves to are no longer as effective two years down the line. So, from the beginning to me, that was an absurd notion to have such a long contract. The ranking system, which was made by three people, I believe, because -- to be honest, Mr. Manager, they're not really Tallahassee experts, right? So they have a limited amount of knowledge to rank firms, and they ranked them that way because of how long they have been in business. And that is not an indicator of their ability to advocate on our behalf with effectiveness. So, that's the only issue that I have with one, two, three. My belief is that if we have more firms that come back to us before anything is approved, that the Manager does due diligence and comes back to us with, I recommend these four firms, or I recommend these three firms, I recommend these five firms. The more eyes that we have in Tallahassee, the better it is for us. And we have -- each one of these firms probably has four or five people lobbying for them. So, if we have more people advocating for us for the same price, and maybe pay each one of these firms a little bit less money, if they're willing to do it because Miami is a marquee client for them. Miami is a big deal. There are people that are willing to advocate for us for a lot less money because they have Miami on their resume, right? So, to me, all those three -- that's correct, those three firms are very good firms. But there are more there that can be more helpful in different bodies. For example, Kelli Stargel is the chairman of appropriation in the Senate. She -- Senator Stargel, sorry. She has a relationship, very good relationship with another firm that's not in the top three. Turnbull has a relationship with Wilton Simpson, as I said, which is the president. They're not in the top three. So, a little due diligence to City of Miami Page 24 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 come hack to us and say, hey, 1 did the due diligence, 1 asked around, I called around, and now 1 know that these are the three firms -- if you want three, Commissioner Carollo, I'm okay with three -- but these are the three firms that can better serve us for this session, and you know, for one year. And then we come back next year and do it again. And we just undergo that process. I think that if we do it this way, it creates - - we may be, even though these are all reputable firms, they may not be the right fit for this particular year in Tallahassee. And that's my only concern with going with the ranking system. Unless we have -- if it's not based on longevity -- Mr. Manager, you can answer the question. It's based on that, right? Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Yeah, 1 wouldn't put a lot of weight into the ranking itself. The pool was populated for the specific purpose of being a request for qualifications, not based on skill or a particular item or an assignment. It was intended to be flexible so that we could assign specific to a particular ask and specific to a legislative body of the government. Commissioner Carollo: Well -- Mr. Noriega: The only additional comment I'll make is that the only concern, Commissioner, I have with Ron Book and as much as I have absolute respect for him, he has a lot of clients. And we don't necessarily, we'll always fall in the priority list of that because we'll get kind of mixed in with a lot of other -- his client load. So, of the three, the first two are excellent choices. I would just maybe look if we're going to do three, maybe substitute Book with somebody who is going to really give us a little more attention and we would be more of a marquee client for them. That would be my only recommendation. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And I don't know if Commissioner Carollo is amenable to this, but are you amenable, Commissioner Carollo, to him coming back to us on Thursday, next Commission meeting and saying, hey, this is the reason why I want these three? Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm sorry. Are you amenable to the Manager coming back to us on Thursday, next Commission meeting, and saying these are the three or the four or whatever that I recommend, and giving a reason why? For this reason, for this reason, doing due diligence, asking around. Like for example, Capital City is excellent for what Commissioner Reyes talked about and what you talked about today at the last meeting, that once it gets to the Governor's desk, that's the firm that we want to go to. And Commissioner, not to put down any firm, but Mr. Noriega is correct in the sense that not only Mr. Book has a lot of clients, it doesn 't mean that we're going to be number one on his list of priorities, especially if we're paying him less than other people, not for any bad reason, it's just he has a lot of things on his plate. I wouldn 't mind having Mr. Book there. I think he's an excellent lobbyist. He's famous for being an excellent lobbyist, but maybe he comes back with those three names and another one or maybe just those three. I don 't know. I don't think that that order, to be honest with you, is the ranking that was given to us based on my experience and based on my knowledge, that 's not the ranking that it should have had. Maybe with the exception of Becker & Poliakoff, the number one, that I agree with, butt wouldn't have necessarily ranked them in that order myself, knowing that I know probably one lobbyist at every one of those farms and more. Commissioner Carollo: And -- Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. Mr. Manager? City of Miami Page 25 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Carollo: Can 1 answer some of the statements that were made? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, of course. Go ahead, Commissioner Carollo. Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Mr. Manager, number one, to my colleagues, I said one, two, and three on the way they were listed, but I also stated clearly that these are three firms who are well-rounded for what we need. I will say this to the Manager, if you're going to make the statement that you made here now, then you shouldn't have done any kind of rating. You should have qualified everyone. And so I'll leave it at that without going any further. The fact that Mr. Book's firm has a lot of clients should not be a basis to disqualify him. On the contrary, that tells you that the guy has to be effective and the firm has to be effective throughout all those years if throughout so many, many years, he has been one of the top firms in Florida with the most clients. So, that doesn't scare me. On the contrary, that gives me more confidence in having a firm like this. Secondly of all, the fact that he knows many of us here, I think all of us, different levels, I think that will encourage him even more to do a better job for the City of Miami, because after all, as the Commissioner stated, in different words than I am, I'm going to use that, but this is the flagship city in the state of Florida. We technically might not be the largest city because Jacksonville is county -city, but if you really look at a city, how a city should be described, we are the largest city in Florida. We are the capital of the Americas. We 're the biggest banking center in the U.S. after New York, have the most consulates of any other city after New York and Washington has ambassadors, so that doesn't count. So, we are the flagship for anyone to want to work for us. You know, as far as the timing, I'm only voting this for one year. This is the way it's always been done here. Other cities do it. At no time -- and 1 want to make this clear -- was I going forward with this five years and two extra years. One year is what 1 was going with, nothing more. Because every year you want to look at the terrain how things change. And at the same time, you don't want people to get comfortable -- Commissioner Reyes: One year. Commissioner Carollo: -- that they got a five-year contract, so they didn't have to work as hard for us, because they're still going to be on board. You want to make sure that, you know, just like the big leagues, football, basketball, baseball, there's always good, competitive competition that people are striving to be the starter. They don 't want to be second string, third string, or be a bench warmer, or maybe not even make it to the bench. So, with these three firms, with their background, I feel very, very comfortable in going with them. That's not to say that, you know, you don't have some other firms that, you know, are okay, but you know, we cannot be waiting anymore. This year has started already. We started late, and we need to finish this today, move forward, and the decision needs to be made here. I already heard the same as in the last meeting of how the Manager was going to be consulted. And frankly, I'd rather consult myself each of us can consult ourselves with any means that we have. And my motion stands unless the seconder wants to change it. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Carollo. A couple questions. Mr. Manager and Ms. City Attorney, in the resolution that was passed at the last Commission meeting establishing the pool, was there a time limit set for the term of the agreement? I don't believe there was because we were just -- Commissioner Carollo: No. Vice Chair Russell: In the original item there was, but then we -- when we just created a pool without assigning, I don 't believe there was any term. So, it's open and we can do the one year -- City of Miami Page 26 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Carollo: That's correct. Vice Chair Russell: -- as recommended. Commissioner Carollo: And I was always -- always recommend that. Look at the history of the City of Miami, look at the history of Miami -Dade County, or for that matter, any of the major or smaller cities here. This is how you do it. And you know, for the reasons that I stated and a few more that are very logical. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Just for the record, Barnaby. Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): So, the resolution, which was adopted at the last meeting, states that it is to create the pre -qualified list for the provision of state lobbying services on an as -needed basis for the Office of the City Manager Jroan initial period of five years with the option to renew for two additional two-year periods. That being said, the RFQ (Request for Proposals) does allow the Manager to add or remove from that list. So, even though it is -- it does have that time period, it can be modified by the Manager. Vice Chair Russell: So, the pool was established by resolution in that item. If in this meeting we establish basically a different pool, does that nullify that item or does that pool still exist? Mr. Min: The pool still exists. You cannot establish a different pool. You have to work within the pool that was approved. So, the 12 firms that have approved it at the last meeting, that's the pool you have to work with. Vice Chair Russell: Right, but the mo -- so the motion today would be authorizing three of the firms from the pool to be assigned to all of the items, both legislative and appropriations. Mr. Manager, when you did the scoring process, and maybe this is a Procurement question as well, did you take into account the legislative items themselves? Was there any scoring given for which firm would specialize either in that subject matter or those who would be approving or supporting it? Mr. Noriega: No. Vice Chair Russell: So, it was simply on the relevant strength of the firm -- Mr. Noriega: History. Vice Chair Russell: -- history in Tallahassee, et cetera. Mr. Noriega: Correct. Vice Chair Russell: Because for example, Turn -- Ruben Turnbull did a good job for us last year bringing the bay walk funding all the way across the line. It got vetoed at the end, hut I was going to recommend them to carry this as they have history in it and they obviously know it very well and they were able to get the votes we needed. You 're recognized. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm going to vote against your motion, Commissioner Carollo, because I agree with Commissioner Watson and Commissioner -- and Chairman Russell. The firm that carried our water last year was not Becker Poliakoff. Let me give you a very quick history. There were two firms that this Commission approved before I got here. It was Becker Poliakoff and Billy Rubin, a head attorney. The then City Manager signed the Rubin contract, the Turnbull Rubin contract, but did not sign the Becker Poliakoff contract because he didn't like City of Miami Page 27 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Becker Poliakoff for whatever reason. Later on, towards the end of the session, the Manager assigned some dollars that had been allocated, because it was the right thing to do to help Becker Poliakoff finish carrying the water along with Heather and -- Turnbull and Rubin. That was the history. The ones that got us the bay walk was Turnbull and Rubin. Commissioner Carollo: That's not accurate. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It was not Becker. Commissioner Carollo: It's not accurate on -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It is accurate. Commissioner Carollo: -- what happened with the firm. The only part that's accurate that the former manager did whatever he pleased and he didn 't listen to the resolution of this Commission and he violated that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's what I'm saying. Commissioner Carollo: But nevertheless, Becker Poliakoff',' and you should know that, you have a very good friend, the senator from Broward, who 's part of that firm. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: As do you. Commissioner Carollo: So -- well, I don't know her well. I met her through you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, I'm talking about (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: You do have a good friend there. And that's all that I'm saying, so you know the inside. They went and started working for us without a contract, without getting a penny. So, they started working from the beginning, and they kept working. So, that's the part that I need to correct on the record. They worked this contract for us, too. It's not taking anything away from the Rubin firm, but they didn't come at the last minute. They did what probably no firm might do in Florida. Without a contract, the minute they got marching orders from the Commission, they started working. And they didn't complain. They kept working, and then I suppose at the end they finally got paid. I don 't know what happened at the end, but 1 know that the former manager decided that he wasn't going to sign the contract, even though the Commission told him to, and he played that game. So, the rest of that, I'm not trying to take anything from the Rubin firm. They are a good firm, and they worked well for us last time, but Becker Poliakoffthe Senator and others worked very hard from the beginning. Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment, Commissioner Reyes. I know there's a colloquy going on between the two Commissioners, but I'd like to try to see if we can get to friendly amendments versus an up -down on this, because I believe we are unified in our objectives for the City -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: -- and we all have experiences and knowledge. Commissioner Reyes: Go right ahead. I will (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Maybe we are in the same wavelength. City of Miami Page 28 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: My goal is to expand that -- those that get assigned from the pool, not just three. Maybe it's four. Maybe it's five, rather than an up -down vote on the three. Because there's no one in the three that 1 would want to knock out. I think they're all very good firms for what we're trying to accomplish. But there are some that I think are being left out that could be very effective for us in different parts of the process, whether when it gets to veto period or -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. Vice Chair Russell: -- you name it. So that -- I'd just like to put that out as a recommendation as we continue discussion. I'll open Commissioner Reyes, and then I'll recognize Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, and then Commissioner Watson. Commissioner Reyes: I heard something that really disturbs me because I -- it's my understanding that when you have an RFP (Request for Proposals) and you rank the firms that come back with a proposal, it means something, you see. Now, according to Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, when you asked the Manager, it's, oh, it doesn 't have any meaning. In my opinion, it has a meaning. I'm a process guy. And this is the process we develop, and this is the process that we're going to follow. To me, in my opinion, they're ranked one, two, and three because of something, because they were graded. Now, if my -- what I was going to suggest, that we should give the authority to the City Manager that there is an issue or an item, that it is to the advantage of the City of Miami to hire an additional firm, that he will come to us and we will vote on it, you see. But I stand my second of hiring these three firms with the -- if the proposal -- 1 mean, the mover of the motion agrees to have the City Manager -- allow the City Manager to hire an additional firm for a specific item that it requires some sort of specialty, you see? Commissioner Carollo: Well, in essence, as you heard the City Attorney state, the rest of the firms are -- have been deemed to be qualified. Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. Commissioner Carollo: And they're there if you want to go to any other firm in the future. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: But what I don't want to see is this whole game that, you know, we're playing back and forth depending on who knows what, that we're going to different firms. If we want to choose a fourth firm or maybe even a fifth firm, that's the most we should do today. And you know, we'll be more than covered. Commissioner Reyes: Right. Commissioner Carollo: How much (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Mr. Manager -- Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. I -- Commissioner Carollo: -- for this year? 250,000? Mr. Noriega: 500, 000. Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. I have two more (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Reyes: But why don't we give the Manager the flexibility to pick one firm or two firms from the pool with our approval, of course, with our approval. And City of Miami Page 29 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 we select these three firms to start with. And as the -- as the session goes on and we need additional assistance, then I think that we should always have that door open. Not only in this year. Vice Chair Russell: With the pool existing, the door is open, but I'd like to see both Ballard and Rubin added. But I'in going to recognize Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, as well as Commissioner Watson. Commissioner Watson -- Watson first and then Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Commissioner Watson: So, maybe I made a mistake in calling names. 1 agree with what Commissioner Carollo said. What I was trying to do is get a clarification because we are starting late. There's a sense of urgency, and 1 did not want the Manager or our hands tied if in fact a different play had to be called, he didn't have the tools to do it. Because to come back to us, to get this, to get it back on, the session will be gone. So, that's all 1 was trying to say relative to that. If he was allowed to be able to do that, then on his discretion, the pool has already existed, maybe we add one or two, don't do names, but he's able to do that, and it doesn't tie our hands. That's all. That's what I was trying to get across. Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, you 're recognized. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, if the Manager is given the option of adding two additional firms, 1 agree with Commissioner Carollo that we should not have more than five firms, to add two additional firms. Again, I'll repeat -- and again, we shouldn't have -- we shouldn't name names, but we already did, right? So, the reality, is that there's a firm left out here that has the tightest relationship with the Senate President. And I get -- and the only game that we can play now, because we missed the deadline in the House, is a Senate game. We can't play a House game anymore. We've got to put it in the Senate and send it over to the House. Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry, what did you say about the Senate President? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The Senate President, the Turnbull firm happens to have a very good relationship with the current Senate President, Wilton Simpson. Commissioner Carollo: Well, Book has an excellent relationship with the Senate President. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I happen to know -- yes, but I happen to know -- he does. But I happen to know that, for example, like Nick has a great relationship with Capital City with the Governor, there's' a certain relationship that exists. What I -- Commissioner Reyes is saying, always with our approval, if there's an option to allow two other firms and they come back to us, it's these two other firms because it makes sense. Commissioner Carollo: Let me -- let me -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think it's my practice and our part to limit the number of firms when we can have more eyes and more people advocating for us for the same amount of money. Commissioner Carollo: Let me go -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's just my -- and that's why with three firms I can't vote for it. I may be, you know -- City of Miami Page 30 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: Would you like to proffer an amendment? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: He is -- I don 't think he 's receptive to an amendment unless -- Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think Commissioner Reyes offered an amendment. Commissioner Carollo: Here -- what I think Commissioner Reyes was saying was -- which is similar to what I'm saying -- first of all, we should never go beyond five firms and that should be part of the motion. And secondly, we will approve three firms and if the Manager needs to go beyond that down the road, before he can hire anyone, he can come to us and tell us the needs that he has, qualify, them, quantify them, and justify them, and then we decide if we feel that we should spend any more money or not. Look, half a million dollars -- there (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and this was done before -- and sadly, with everything going on, you know, we missed looking at this a little closer. That's a lot of money. I can 't ever think, ever, that the City spent anywhere near half a million dollars in our history in any given year. So, I don't know why we came up with this number this year instead of another number. But with half a million dollars, boy, that's a lot that we could do with that. We could have definitely hired all these 11 firms, no question about it, but we don 't need them. 1 don 't -- you know, I'm not here to roll out taxpayers' dollars to do, you know, favors to people because 1 like them. I'm here to find people that can get dollars from us, from Tallahassee, to our residents, and we'll pay them a fair amount for that. But not to just throw half a million dollars away when we don't have to and to bring a lot of firms in that are going to be sitting with their thumbs up somewhere, and the ones that are going to be doing the work are others. These three firms, by the way, they're all big boys, they're professionals. They'll decide between them what they need to do to get the job done, because they all know, hey, I can do this, you can help me with that, and they'll all take credit. So, they -- and they all do this all the time. This is not new for them. They know that many times it's teamwork to get something accomplished. So, I would be willing to amend the motion to say that we're picking these three, that we will at maximum not have more than five firms for this fiscal year. And lastly, if the Manager needs any additional help for any particular areas -- Commissioner Reyes: That's exactly what 1 was saying. Commissioner Carollo: -- after he discusses it with the three firms that we recommended to see what additional help they need -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Commissioner Carollo: -- for him to come back qualiing it, and for us to decide if we're going to pick a fourth or fifth firm and for what amount. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair. Vice Chair Russell: I think that clarifies the amendment. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. Chair. Vice Chair Russell: So, the mover is suggesting an amendment. Does the seconder -- City of Miami Page 31 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: -- accept that amendment? Commissioner Reyes: Yes, that's precisely (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Let me recognize Commissioner Reyes and then Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. And I want to -- you see, 1 know that we need professionals that -- people that have connection on all of that. But -- and as Commissioner Carollo stated, we're kind of late in the game, but thanks to all the appropriations requests, we have sponsors. We've been sponsored by the House; we have sponsors on those appropriations. Now it's the Senate that we're at. And I think that that is a great solution, you see, to this argument. But I have only one question that occurs to me, and it is -- I don't want to put any doubts on people 's head. I know that Mr. Book is very professional and he 's very effective. And he does not have -- I want to make clear that he doesn 't have any conflict of interest because we have -- we deal in other areas. And I'll vote for him, but I want the City Attorney to look into it just in case, okay? Commissioner Carollo: Well, 1 don't think that it should be just Mr. Book's firm because of all his clients. It should be to any firm that we grant -- Commissioner Reyes: To all the firms. I stand corrected. All the firms. Commissioner Carollo: You never know. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. All the firms. Commissioner Carollo: I will present it on the record that one area that -- but I don't think is going to affect us this year in any way. Mr. Book, I believe still represents Miami -Dade County, so obviously, if there were something that the City of Miami was knocking heads with -- Commissioner Reyes: Dade County. Commissioner Carollo: -- Miami -Dade County, then I would have a concern. But it's not the issue here -- Commissioner Reyes: No. Commissioner Carollo: -- in this session, so I'm not concerned about that. Vice Chair Russell: Can I just get clarification on the amendment, please? Just a moment. Commissioner Reyes: Just following Commissioner Carollo 's line of thought, I would like every single one of the firms that have been picked that -- to go through the same, I mean, vet -- to be vetted the same way, okay? Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Carollo, your amendment, the additional two firms beyond the three, who would choose who they are and when they would be brought in? Commissioner Carollo: Well -- City of Miami Page 32 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Reyes: City Manager. Commissioner Carollo: -- the Manager would come to us -- Commissioner Reyes: Recommend. Commissioner Carollo: -- at any time in the future if he sees that we need additional help on any expertise that any one firm has, but he would do that in consultation with the other three firms. Vice Chair Russell: Got it. Commissioner Carollo: Because -- Vice Chair Russell: Fair enough. Commissioner Carollo: -- I mean, they might want to come to him on something and say, hey, listen, this one here, we're in the one year line, but in order for us to get it into the goal and score, we might need this firm. And we recommend that we do in case we don't fall short. Commissioner Reyes: That's right. Commissioner Carollo: So, it will be in consultation with the three farms. He brings it to us and we decide if we approve it or -- and the amount that we will allow for it. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. The amendment's clear. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Just to clarify for the record, what I'm advocating for is not because I have any friends or anybody that I know. I know everybody in every one of these 12 farms. I know someone in every one of these 12 farms. That 's why we have the pool of 12 people, because I lived in Tallahassee for 16 years and they 're all still there. So, I know, based on my experience, which farms can do what and which firms cannot. To put it in perspective, I think it's important for the record to put in perspective a few other cities in the city of -- in Miami -Dade County and what they spent on their lobbyists last year. The City of Doral has a population of approximately 60,000 people, spent $216,000 on its lobbyists. The City of Miami Beach, with 90,000 people, spent $214,000, not including their in-house lobbyists. So, for a city, a big- time city. like you said, Commissioner Carollo, like Miami, the largest city, the most important city in Florida, to consider $500,000 a lot of money is not accurate. We need to invest in getting money from Tallahassee because we're going to get a hell of a lot more money than $500,000. So, it's not looking ahead as to what -- by saying that we're spending way too much money. We're spending -- if a city like Doral can spend $214, 000 and have 60,000, why can 't a city like Miami that has 480,000 spend $500, 000? And again, Doral got more money, in their budget last year than we did because you get what you pay for. Like in anything in the world. Commissioner Carollo: Well, they didn't have a criminal lobbying for them in Tallahassee. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, if we have -- if we have five firms or additional farms and more eyes fighting for us, I guarantee you we're going to get more dollars and more policy passed in Tallahassee. If we don't, I guarantee you we're going to come back here and well go through the same list and we're going to have an analysis of how we did and we'll make an analysis again next year. But if the City of Miami Page 33 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Manager is telling us that the ranking system was just based probably on longevity because there was no other way for them to base it on because the people -- the ranking committee, the three people, with the exception of one, actually 1 don't think have even been to Tallahassee to do any government work or any lobbying or know anybody up there, then the ranking system is flawed to begin with, with picking the top three. I agree with Commissioner Reyes that we should have had a process in place that really, truly ranked one, two, three, down the line. We didn 't. So, Commissioner Russell, I agree with you. But the expansion of the firms gives us more eyes, more feet on the ground, more eves in Tallahassee, so we can be more effective at what we 're doing. Five hundred thousand dollars is not a waste of taxpayer dollars. 1 think it's actually too low. I think we should have a federal lobbying team on top of that for another quarter of a million because I think we get money from Washington too. I would advocate for spending $1 million in Washington and Tallahassee. Vice Chair Russell: If it brought back -- Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If it brough back $10 million -- Vice Chair Russell: Correct. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- it's just math. Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We're a big city. We're not a small town. That's why 1 think the $500,000 is not accurate and not adequate for even our Washington (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I know Commissioner Watson has advocated for a Washington lobbying team. We don't even have that with these dollars. So that to me is a concern. I think it's short-sighted, but I agree with Commissioner Reves's -- I mean, Commissioner Carollo's motion that we let the Manager come back to us and say, hey, these two other firms can be helpful on a case -by -case basis as we move forward. Commissioner Carollo: I call the question. Vice Chair Russell: Alright. We need to open up for public comment. Commissioner Watson, I didn 't want to cut you out if there was any further discussion you wanted to have on it. Commissioner Reyes: I just want to make a comment. Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment, the question's been called. Is there --? Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no, I just want to make a comment to make sure. You see, this does not go in -- I mean, on Mr. Diaz de la Portilla argument. We are not placing a limit to the City Manager on how much he can spend. If he decides that we have to hire more people, he will have -- I mean, it could -- he could make a decision and come to us, okay? Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. I do need to open to the floor for public comment, which does include any and all of the firms who have come to visit us today and those who are on Zoom. So, if anyone would like to address us, you would have two minutes each. You're very welcome to come up to the lecterns or raise your hand on Zoom and we'11 recognize you and promote you so that you can speak to us. Is there anyone here City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 who would like to address the body on the motion that's on the floor? Is there anyone online? Alright, hearing none, I'll close public comment. I just want to make sure, because with technology, that we don't miss someone's opportunity to speak. Hearing none, I'll close public comment. Any further comment from the dais? Seeing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Aye. Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes as amended. Commissioner Watson: So, the question in closing, 1 guess, I learned something new from Commissioner Carollo today, how do we do the Washington stuff? Because they -- they're moving too. So, if we -- I mean, we can't keep playing behind the eight ball. Where is that with respect to -- Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized, Mr. Manager. Commissioner Watson: -- with what do we do? Mr. Noriega: Given the commentary here -- and I want to just clarify something because the words RFP and RFQ sort of get commingled. This was a request for qualification, it was not a request for proposal. So, the ranking process is completely different in those two very different processes in terms of procurement. And so the original intent was to do another RFQ for a federal lobbying group or lobbying team. Given the conversation we've had today, I think the better idea is to maybe come up with some legislative priorities first -- Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Noriega: -- right, before we start identifying or addressing maybe the teams that we might want to -- Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Mr. Noriega: -- might want to hire. City of Miami Page 35 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 NA.3 8589 City Commission RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE PROCESS FOR DETERMINING STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES, INCLUDING FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021, AND REPORT BACK TO THE CITY COMMISSION ONCE IT IS FINALIZED. ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0058 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Because I think for us, again going back to this issue of expertise, relationships, specialization, maybe that might be a better way to do it. I don 't know what your thoughts are. Commissioner Reyes: Yes, and I hope that for next year we start earlier, and we start the process earlier by the time that our session starts in committees. The committee starts, we will have our team assembled, okay? Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, when you say start the process earlier, what process do we have? Commissioner Reyes: Process of identifying what will be our priorities because we know that a particular -- Vice Chair Russell: No, I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. I know what you mean by start the process. My point is I don't believe we have an actual timeline process as in a -- Commissioner Reyes: Oh no, no, no. That's -- let's -- Vice Chair Russell: That's what we'd like to establish. Commissioner Reyes: Let's establish the process. That's step number one, okay? Step number one. And Mr. City Manager, could you please start -- establish a process? Commissioner Carollo: Let me make it clear. The process that we will establish by the Commission has to come to an end by September 31st before a new fiscal year starts, so that we're ahead of the ball, not behind it. Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. Mr. Noriega: Yeah, so the thought, learning from this past four months in terms of just the engagement of it, is to probably, I would say sometime beginning of the summer, have a workshop with the Commission and with our delegation to sort of commingle what those priorities are way -- well in advance so that we can begin to have that conversation. So, we'll have a couple special sessions specifically devoted to that. And that's what I'll proffer in terms of a timeline and (INAUDIBLE). Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager, I'd recommend something a little more formal. If -- you know, I'll take Commissioner Reyes's direction as a motion and I'll second it to ask you to bring back an actual timeline process for the entire thing, both state and federal -- City of Miami Page 36 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Vice Chair Russell: -- not just the initial thinktank to commingle with the (INAUDIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: Can we make any motions about anything else here in this meeting or not? Vice Chair Russell: Yes, it has to do with legislative session and -- Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): If it's related to what the meeting was called for, yes, sir. Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Commissioner Carollo: Right. Vice Chair Russell: Yes, and so if you could bring us back a timeline process, both state and federal, and I really, do think, I agree with Commissioner Watson, we are neglecting federal. We missed $80 million that Atlanta got that we didn't. We're missing -- we have issues with this back bay study and this $6 billion potential investment in our market. We need help at the federal level, and 1 think that we need to better understand how we play in that field. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And it's not too late for the federal level still. So, that's important to note also. We still have time. If we want to have an additional budget for federal, we still have time to do that. Because I think that's a top priority. As long as we can identify, but not put the cart before the horse like we did with this. First, the legislative priorities, if it's in fact something we need that can be helpful, then we have the lobbyists after the fact. Vice Chair Russell:: To get it with this Congress. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. Vice Chair Russell: I agree with you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: In this Congress. In this 117th Congress, right? Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think it's 117th. Commissioner Reyes: Was that a motion? Vice Chair Russell .• It's your motion. Commissioner Reyes: Well, there is a motion. Commissioner Carollo: Second. Vice Chair Russell: I got your second already. Commissioner Watson, you're recognized. Commissioner Watson: No, no, no. City of Miami Page 37 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 Vice Chair Russell: 1 thought 1 saw you turn on your mic. I'm sorry. Commissioner Watson: No, no, no. (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Watson: (INAUDIBLE) as it relates to -- as it relates to the process, there 's also a sense of urgency of making sure we get in line at that body. And it might be some merit to what Commissioner said. We're investing in the process. And so, the extent that we're investing in the process, we should figure out what that is and move and get somebody on board. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, so there's a notion, there's a second. Mr. Manager, in accordance with what Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla for the federal, please include this year as part of that timeline, not just a going forward timeline for next -- next Congress. I'll open the floor for public comment on that item. Is there anyone here or online who would like to comment on that resolution? Seeing none, I'll close public comment. Any further discussion from the dais? All in favor, say "aye." The Commission (Collectively): Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Commissioner Reyes: And 1 want to thank Mr. Watson for alerting us on federal funds, and 1 agree with you, we have to be more -- more aggressive, real aggressive with trying to attract federal funds. You see, this is the benefit of having a person that is a Washington man as part of this Commission. Thank you, sir. Commissioner Watson: Thank you, sir. Vice Chair Russell: Alright, if there's no further business, we -- Commissioner Carollo: Well, since we're thanking everybody, let me thank Becker Poliakoff because you guys impressed me that you found right away from last meeting to now House sponsors for every one of our appropriation requests. Commissioner Reyes: Great job. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Administration. And I also recognize Senator Bogdanoff who's sitting right there. (MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON) Commissioner Carollo: Senator, thank you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Commissioner Carollo: And as you saw, your friend didn't have the record right of all the work you did last year without getting paid beforehand. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: She's still my friend. Commissioner Carollo: And we thank you for that. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: She's still my friend. City of Miami Page 38 Printed on 09/10/2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2021 ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Russell: Thank you everyone who 's come and we look forward to working with you on these legislative priorities. We are adjourned. Thank you so much. END OF SPECIAL MEETING The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 09/10/2024