HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2021-06-10 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 10, 2021
9:00 AM
City Commission 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 June 10, 2021
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, Commissioner Carollo,
Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Watson
On the 10th day of June, 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 regular
session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Russell at 9:20 a.m.,
recessed at 10:48 a.m., reconvened at 11:35 a.m., recessed at 12:45 p.m., reconvened at 3:36
p.m., and adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Reyes entered the Commission chambers at 9:21 a.m.,
Commissioner Watson entered the Commission chambers at 9:28 a.m., Commissioner
Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:39 a.m., and Commissioner Diaz de la
Portilla entered the Commission chambers at 9:50 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
Victoria Mendez., City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, welcome to the June 10th, 2021, meeting of the City of
Miami City Commission in these historic chambers. Procedures for the public comment will be
explained by the City Attorney shortly. Procedures for the swearing in of parties for the
Planning and Zoning and/or quasi-judicial items will be explained by the City Clerk. Members
of the City Commission appearing at some point for this meeting this morning are Alex Diaz de
la Portilla, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes, Jeffrey Watson, and me, Ken Russell, your chair. Also
appearing our City Manager Art Noriega, City Attorney Victoria Mendez, and City Clerk Todd
Hannon. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance delivered.
Vice Chair Russell: You may be seated. Thank you.
PART A - NON -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1
9211
PROTOCOL ITEM
Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
Stand in Solidarity with the State of Israel
Mayor Suarez and City
Commission
Proclamation
ORDER OF THE DAY
RESULT:
PRESENTED
1) Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Maor Elbaz-
Starinksy, Acting Counsel General (Consul General designate) of the State of Israel
in Miami, Florida. Miami City Commission and the Mayor support Maor Elbaz-
Starinksy and the leadership of Israel and their intent to work together with the large
and influential Jewish and Israeli communities in Florida to promote interfaith
cooperation and combat Antisemitism and racism. Furthermore, the City of Miami
stands in solidarity with Israel and their right to protect and defend its residents
from the barrage of thousands of missiles and drones which have been targeting its
civilian population by terrorist organizations. Elected Officials paused in their
deliberations to pay tribute, support and salute the State of Israel.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for all of you can join.
Presentations made.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I understand there's a press conference outside. We're
going to recess until 11: 30. So, about 40 minutes from now. We'll be back at 11: 30.
Thank you. Thanks for your patience.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, please state the procedures to be followed
during this meeting.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman. And as a point of personal
privilege, I just wanted to wish my mom a happy birthday since she watches these
meetings all the time. So happy birthday, mom. Any person who is a lobbyist
pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the code of the City of Miami Florida, must
register with the city clerk and comply with related City requirements for lobbyists
before appearing before 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 at the City Clerk's Office or online at www.municode.com. Any
person making a presentation, formal request, or petition to the City Commission
concerning real property must make the appropriate disclosures required by the City
Code in writing. A copy of this code section is available at the Office of the City
Clerk or online at www.municode.com. The City of Miami requires that anyone
requesting action by the City Commission must disclose before the hearing any
consideration provided or committed to anyone for agreement to support or withhold
objection to a requested action pursuant to City Code Section 2-8. Any documents
offered to the City commissioners that have not been provided seven days before the
meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the City
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Commission's discretion. And according to Section 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 www.rniamigov.com.
Any person may he heard by the City Commission through the chair for not more
than two minutes on any proposition before the City Commission, unless modified by
the chair. Public comment will begin at approximately 9.00 a.m. or soon thereafter
and remain open until the public comment is closed by the chair. Members of the
public wishing to address the body may do so by submitting their written comments
via the online comment form. Please visit www.miamigov.com/meetinginstructions
for detailed instructions on how to provide public comment using the online public
comment form. The comments submitted through the comment fbrin have been and
will be distributed to elected officials and the City's administration throughout the
day so that the elected officials can consider the comments prior to taking any
action. Additionally, online comment form will remain open during the meeting to
accept comments and distribute to elected officials up until the chair closes the
public comment. Public comment may also be provided live at City Hall located at
3500 Pan American Drive, subject to all City rules and regulations. Speakers who
appear in person may be subject to screening for symptoms of Covid-19. Any person
exhibiting symptoms will not be permitted to enter City Hall. All interested parties
are required to abide by state, county, and local emergency orders and are urged to
practice social distancing. If the proposition is being continued or rescheduled, the
opportunity to be heard may be at such later date before the City Commission takes
action on such proposition. When addressing the City Commission, the member of
the public must first state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be
spoken about. Any person requiring disability assistance, auxiliary aids and services
for this meeting may notify the City Clerk. The City has provided different public
comment methods to indicate, among other things, the public support, opposition or
neutrality on items and topics being discussed at the City Commission meeting in
compliance with Section 286.0114(4)(c) Florida Statutes. The public has been given
the opportunity to provide public comment during the meeting and within reasonable
proximity in the meeting before -- in time before the meeting. Please note,
Commissioners have generally been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on
items on the agenda today. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City
Commission for any item considered at this meeting may need a verbatim record of
the item. A video of this meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications
or viewed online at www.miamigov.com. PZ (Planning and Zoning) items shall
proceed according to section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21 Zoning Ordinance as
temporarily modified pursuant to Emergency Ordinance Numbers 13903 and 13914.
Pursuant to these emergency ordinances, parties for any PZ items including an
applicant, appellant, appellee, City staff, and any person recognized by the decision -
making body as a qualified intervenor, as well as applicants, representatives, and
any experts testing on behalf of the applicant, appellant, or appellee, may either
physically be present at City Hall to be sworn in by oath or affirmation, or may
virtually appear and make arrangements to be sworn in by oath or affirmation, in -
person, or at -- or by a person qualified to perform such a duty. Pursuant to
Emergency Ordinance Number 13903, members of the general public who are not
parties to an action pending before the City Commission are not required to be
sworn in by oath or affirmation. The members of the City Commission shall disclose
any ex-parte communications pursuant to Section 286.0115 and Section 7.1.4.5 of
the Miami 21 Zoning Ordinance. Staff will -- will briefly present each item to be
heard. For applicants requiring City Commission approval, the applicant will
present its application or request to the City Commission. The order of presentation
shall be set forth as it is in Miami 21 and the City Code. Please silence all
cellphones and other noisemaking devices now. This meeting can be viewed live on
MiamiTV, the City's Facebook page, the City's Twitter page, the City's YouTube
channel, and Comcast Channel 77. The broadcast will also have closed captioning.
Thank you.
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Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Mr. Clerk. If you could state procedures for
swearing in. Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. The procedures for individuals will
be providing testimony to be sworn in for Planning and Zoning items in any quasi-
judicial items on today's City Commission Agenda will be as follows: the members of
City staff or any other individuals required to be sworn in who are currently present
in City Hall will be sworn in by me, the City Clerk, immediately after I finish
explaining these procedures. Those individuals who are appearing remotely may be
sworn in now or any time prior to the individual providing testimony for Planning
and Zoning items and/or quasi-judicial items. Pursuant to Emergency Ordinance
Number 13903, those individuals appearing remotely may be sworn in at their
location by an individual qualified to administer the oath. After you are sworn in,
please be sure to complete, sign, and notarize the affidavit provided to you by the
City Attorney's Office. Each individual who will provide testimony must be sworn in
and execute an affidavit. Please e-mail a scanned version of the signed affidavit to
the City Clerk at thannon@miamigov.com prior to providing testimony on the
planning and zoning item and our quasi-judicial item. The affidavit shall be included
in the record for the relevant item for which you will be providing testimony.
Commissioners, are you comfortable with all the notice provisions set forth in these
uniform rules and procedures we've established with this meeting?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, may 1 administer the oath for any Planning and Zoning items?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, good
morning, ladies and gentlemen. If you'll be speaking on any of today s planning and
zoning items, which I believe there's only one. But if you're speaking on today's
planning and zoning item, may I please have you stand and raise your right hand?
The City Clerk administered the oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Clerk. I'd like to move to protocol items. If
anyone is here already to present any of the protocol items. We have -- we have a
quorum. Good morning, Commissioner Watson. I'm going to have to sign. In that
case we can start. Yeah, we'll go ahead with protocol items, if there are any. Mr.
Leal, are you in charge of all of them?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Are there any other protocol items?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. Is Senator Ileana Garcia here? I didn't see her yet.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: All right. We have a special personal appearance by the senator
and please just let me know when she arrives so we can break our business to
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welcome her and take her appearance. Is our representative of the UDRB (Urban
Development Review Board) here? We have DI.1, which is a presentation. I believe
we've had them wait several times after several meetings and they asked to come and
speak early today. No one's here from UDRB to present. All right. We will move on
to the order of the day. Mr. Manager, whenever you're ready.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Good morning, Mr. Vice Chair, Commissioners,
Madam City Attorney, Mr. City Clerk. At this tune, the Administration would like to
defer and/or withdraw the following items: CA.5, to be withdrawn; RE.3, to be
deferred to the July 8th meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: That's Jungle Island.
Mr. Noriega: Jungle Island. RE.11 to be deferred to the June 24 meeting; and DI.2
to be indefinitely deferred.
Vice Chair Russell: DI2.
Commissioner Watson: DI.2 or BI.2 [sicr?
Vice Chair Russell: Indefinitely deferred.
Commissioner Reyes: RE.3 and what else?
Mr. Noriega: RE.11, sir, to be deferred to June 24th.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: And DI.2 to be indefinitely deferred.
Commissioner Reyes: DI.2. Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager, what's the reason for deferral of the RE.3, Jungle
Island amendment?
Mr. Noriega: The rationale behind that is -- wasn't enough time, I think enough, lead
time by the other party to properly brief some of our commissioners. They weren't
really properly given enough of a -- of a consultation. So, I feel like we need a little
more time.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. And that's June 24th and the next -- very next meeting?
Mr. Noriega: No, RE.3 is Julv 8th.
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to bring it back if we can at least to have the discussion
at the earlier meeting. And it can fairly be deferred at that point, but at least to get
on the table what the issues are.
Mr. Noriega: That's fine. I don't -- I don't --
Vice Chair Russell: Can we move that one to June 24th?
Commissioner Watson: Was deferred until when?
Vice Chair Russell: For RE.3 the Jungle Island discussion, if it's going to be
deferred, I'd rather be deferred. for two weeks rather than, four.
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Commissioner Reyes: That's fine. Fine with me, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: So, June -- June 24 for the --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I have to admit that I had communications with them, and
I went over all the -- all the City commissioners, they didn't have the chance --
Vice Chair Russell: Is your microphone on?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. But I am too far from it. And 1, you see, with age I'm
losing the strength of my voice.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Are there any other items from commissioners that
they would like to see deferred, continued or withdrawn?
Commissioner Reyes: Nope.
Vice Chair Russell: At this time, I'd like to ask any commissioners to put forth any
pocket items they'd like to present. I have one which we'll call PI. I, which is a
resolution of the City Commission supporting rights, freedoms, and equal treatment
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the city of Miami,
encouraging the celebration of June as pride month in the city of Miami, as it is in
the country. You've -- you've got that one?
Commissioner Watson: I have one too.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. Just so you know, Commissioner Reyes, has a pocket item
pertaining to Alzheimer's' disease awareness month.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment, let me -- let me list all these together. So, PI.I
will be Pride Month. Commissioner Reyes, PL2.
Commissioner Watson: I have one.
Vice Chair Russell: What is the -- what is the item?
Commissioner Reyes: The other pocket item is the second pocket item. Do you have
it with you? I think -- does the clerk has it?
Ms. Mendez: Your item on Alzheimer's?
Commissioner Reyes: That's' -- well, I have two. I have one that it is on Alzheimer's
and then the other one is on an acceptance State funding that I also have a
resolution. And I will -- I will ask your indulgence to vote on it when Senator Garcia
Vice Chair Russell: Just remind me when she's here and will do that. What's the
substance of the Alzheimer's? Just so the public knows --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, the Alzheimer's is directing the City Manager to
negotiate at a -- I mean resolution (UNINTELLIGIBLE) recognizing the month of
November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, as well as supporting
and directing the City Manager to make the City a sponsor of the Alzheimer's Walk
on November 20th, 20,000 -- I mean 2021, as well as to encourage City employees'
participation, and to that effect I'mcontributing out of my office $1000 for that.
Vice Chair Russell: Toward the event?
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Commissioner Reyes: Toward the event, and needless to say, my father and my older
sister, both were victim ofAlzheimer's.
Commissioner Watson: So was my mother.
Ms. Mendez: So just to -- to be clear on PI2 is your Alzheimer's one. PI.3 is the
State funding one?
Vice Chair Russell: I haven't heard that one yet.
Commissioner Reyes: And the -- and the -- well, the second one, as 1 told you, it is a
resolution of the Miami City Commission directing the City Manager to negotiate
with -- also another one, and negotiate with St. James Community Development
Corporation of Miami, Inc. (Incorporated) or an affiliate entity, meeting the City
Manager's approval at time of conveyance with St. James and Miami -Dade County
for the conclusion of a public library within the affordable and workforce housing
development to be constructed at St. James at the City -owned property located at
1785 Northwest 35th Street to be conveyed to St. James, pursuant to Section 29(b)(a)
of the Charter of the City of Miami, Florida as amended by resolution. I want to add
to this and a -- and apologize, being a teacher, that when that came before the City
Commission, I didn't catch that the -- that the -- the library was going to be -- and
when 1 read it and I read the article, I -- I felt bad myself l felt bad myself because of
being a teacher, I -- I mean, 1 am a -- I mean, a supporter of all -- all kinds of -- of
learning facilities and libraries are very much needed. We have a population that
some of them they don't have computers and they do the homeworks [sic] there and I
- - I'm just -- I feel that I have to do it.
Vice Chair Russell: Got it. So, the timely nature of that issue --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Russell: -- is -- is that in its previous -- you -- you're trying to clarify or
correct a previous issue that we took up and so you'd like to see it heard today. The -
- the only reason I asked for the timeliness, obviously, I here we have 11 pocket items
today and I want to make sure that public is aware of what we're taking up so they
can comment publicly during this meeting. So, PI.3 will be St. James and the public
library.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. We have to take action because they're being
evicted. And see that either we find a place where they can relocate or until a library
is built in that area. That area needs a library.
Vice Chair Russell: Oh, okay. So, it's not for the preservation of the existing library,
it's either the creation of a new library on City property?
Commissioner Reyes: On City property or -- or, I mean, requesting for -- from the
developer the inclusion -- include -- to include a library -- space for a library in the -
- the project that they are doing. And I don't know if it is too late, but I have a couple
of items that I would like to defer.
Vice Chair Russell: Oh, to defer. So, we'll get to that in just a moment.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: So, let's just add all the pocket items.
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Commissioner Reyes: Okay. That's it.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Clerk, what else have you got that's been submitted or
Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: So, for PL4 is the appropriation and allocation item. Commissioner
Reyes, would you want me to read this one into the record?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, please.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Got it, that'll be PL4. What else have we got? 1--1 understand.
Good morning, Joe.
Ms. Mendez: Commissioner Carollo, we're going through the pocket items.
Vice Chair Russell: We're taking up pocket items. We have not set the order of the
day yet; we're setting the pocket items, and we've heard a list of referrals. Right now,
we're just taking up any new pocket items that anyone would like to add.
Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) bear with me. I'll bring them in a few
minutes.
Ms. Mendez: Commissioner Carollo, would you like me to read some of yours or?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, that's -- that's fine. Commissioner, the -- the City Attorney
has your pocket item so she can read them in.
Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: P15.
Ms. Mendez: So PL 5.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: That's PL 5.
Vice Chair Russell: Well call PI.5 Israeli Bonds Resolution.
Commissioner Carollo: Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell.: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Ask -- if we could take the one item as the first item of the
agenda. We're going to be having a distinguished visitor here early this morning.
And if we could take that out of the agenda, I would appreciate it.
Vice Chair Russell: Just let me know when -- when they're here and we'll take it up.
Coniniissioner Carollo: Okay. Well, we can take it as first item of the agenda. That'd
be a quick one.
Vice Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
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Vice Chair Russell: Yes that's fine. P1.6, Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: Commissioner Carollo, you have a couple of more, so I'm just getting
those here, one second. A resolution -- this would be PL 6?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
The Resoluion was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Illegal Dumping Hotline, PI.6. Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: PI.7
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: So this is the bulky waste item.
Vice Chair Russell: Bulky Waste Item.
Commissioner Watson: Man, you're stealing all my thunder, man. Lord have mercy.
Vice Chair Russell: You want to co-sponsor the pocket?
Commissioner Watson: Yes. Most definitely. Mine is not --
Vice Chair Russell: Do you have some -- are there anv more from Commissioner
Carollo's Office.
Ms. Mendez: Then, Commissioner Carollo, are you going to be mentioning the 10:30
proclamations or salute? That's not a pocket, but I just wanted to make sure that it
was incorporated with your Israeli Bond Item.
Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) we still need to do the Israeli bonds before.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. I think just, let me look one moment just to make sure that the D3
(District 3) items are covered, and then I believe the mayor has an item.
Eddy Leal (Counsel, Mayor's Office): Great transition Victoria, good morning. We
have -- I think Chairman Russell, it's PA.8 [sic].
Vice Chair Russell: That'll be -- yep, PL8.
Mr. Leal: It deals with the recent appeal or potential appeal regarding the
Playhouse, that there was an adverse ruling recently from the court. And we will be
seeking commission approval to take the appeal to the second level tier of review.
And I can expand on that when the item comes, but I think it's -- benefit of the
Commission and the Mayor's office, given some of the rulings that resulted in -- to
preview the issue, essentially, some of the language, if either narrowly or broadly
interpreted, if you, a sitting Commissioner or the Mayor receives a correspondence,
it could be considered ex-parte communication, and it could --
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Leal, you don't have to explain anything more. I already
expressed that I would bring that particular item up; I'll make the motion for it.
Mr. Leal: Thank you, Commissioner. If anv other commissioner has a question about
it, I'm happy to -- to elaborate on the legal.
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Vice Chair Russell: So -- and my goal for all of these pocket items, barring a timely,
reason to bring them early in the meeting, I'd like to give them time to simmer during
the day so that anyone who is listening at home now would like to publicly comment
on any of these, is able to make it here and publicly comment. The timeliness of that
is -- Mr. Leal, is there a reason we need to take that up today rather than put it on an
agenda?
Mr. Leal: Yes, Commissioner, good question. The reason is because there is a court
deadline in order to prepare and file the brief and I think, working with the City
Attorney's Office, it makes sense if we're going to move in that direction, which
seems that the Commissioner is supportive of it. I want to make sure that our City
Attorney's Office has sufficient time to prepare, brief the issue and file it. And there's
a deadline that if we were to miss that deadline, then we would be unable to actually
file the second level review.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. So, for my part, and -- and I don't want to get into a
deep discussion of this now. This is an academic exercise in what we are allowed or
not allowed to do, and the -- the mayor's power of veto and then -- as well as our
communications with our residents. I do not want this to be misconstrued as another
shot across the bow with the County to create -- to escalate the situation on the
Playhouse. I'm very happy that we've been in discussions with the County -- with the
County Mayor, with the County Commissioner of the area, and those -- those
discussions are going well. So, for us to preserve our right in court, I want to make
sure that the message that is sent is still one of cooperation.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. But I -- excuse me. I don't want to set a precedent here,
not only for this administration, for any administration. I was part of the
commissioners; I was one of the three commissioners that voted in favor of the -- of
the County proposal. And the Mayor veto it. The City of Miami City Attorney
expressed an opinion that it was not -- the veto was not appropriate. It was taken to
court.
Mr. Leal: But Commissioner --
Commissioner Reyes: It was taken to court -- hold on a second.
Vice Chair Russell: You're not recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Hang on a second.
Mr. Leal: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: This is a way that I do understand it, that it was taken to court.
He lost in court. A judge said, no, you cannot veto that, and I think that's should be
it. You see, that should be it.
Mr. Leal: Vice Chair?
Commissioner Reyes: He had his day in court. Why are we going to keep on going
and we're going to go up to the Supreme court? I mean, it was right there. It was
clarified by a judge. Everybody has its day in court. Why are we going to keep on
pounding on it.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Leal: Vice Chair?
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Commissioner Reyes: That is -- that is my opinion. Not because it is this case, 1
mean, this -- this particular project or any other project, you see, or any other mayor
that comes here and -- and exerts a veto and then it doesn't agree with the decision
of the City Attorney, take this court. You will have -- you have your day in court, why
are we going to continue and take this and spend more money on it?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr, Leal: Vice Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Leal is chomping at the bit to clam with this appeal is
actually about. So, Mr. Leal, and you are representing the Mayor's Office, correct?
Mr. Leal: I am.
Vice Chair Russell: Please.
Commissioner Reyes: That's the way that 1 do understand it.
Vice Chair Russell: You are recognized.
Mr. Leal: Commissioner Reyes, your recollection is impeccable, but it's with a
different case. You're correct in what you're saying, but it's a different case. That
was dealing with West Flagler debate and discussion regarding whether the mayor
had the ability to veto the settlement agreement. That is a completely unrelated case.
The case that we're -- excuse me, we're seeking the second level tier is dealing with
the Playhouse. There was no discussion that the mayor had the ability and the
authority to file and exercise his veto power to that. So just so -- your recollection is
correct, it's just you're thinking about a different case. On this case, the case that we
are talking about, and obviously I have Victoria to my right, it is clear that the
mayor's power to veto that was never challenged, was never questioned. We were
actually successful with the City Attorneys Office in the first appeal that the County
took on the first level, Circuit court of Appeal level. The County, once received an
adverse ruling, appealed that decision to the Third DCA (District court of Appeal).
The Third DCA entered an order that essentially required the ruling to be quasi-
judicial and needed to be reviewed, in a quasi-judicial standard.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Leal: The second level appeal then ruled that the veto was supported by
competent substantial evidence. However, because -- with no ability for us to
restrain that, as I'm sure your office also don't have the ability to stop your
constituents from writing, the -- the opinion of that decision said that because the
mayor received a letter, an e-mail, that dealt about using or not using its -- it talks
about, essentially, the Jennings disclosure. On that issue, the court said we're going
to reverse even though we -- I think you were right, the courts opined exercising the
veto power and that it was supported by substantial and competent evidence,
because of the Jennings disclosure that was not or not addressed or there was some
e-mails that I -- I hope you can appreciate. Anybody can write to you, to any of the
commissioners here, and there's no way that you can stop it. It -- it said that because
it had that, there was essentially a presumption of impropriety or that there was ex
parte communication. Typically, what we've seen at the last commission, where there
was a lot of discussion regarding the Planning and Zoning item on -- on the West
Grove Development, and some or, I think, all of you, disclosed the Jennings
disclosures, and it was addressed that issue, but it's an issue under the law that is
important to be reviewed. So, Commissioner, you're right of what you are thinking
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about, but it's just a very different -- it's a case that we've resolved. That's the one
that 1 brought the pocket item before where with -- with the consent of the
Commission. I know you were --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Eddie.
Mr. Leal: -- the sole voice. But I just wanted to make sure that -- and I'm happy to
talk to you as we kind of discuss it.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Eddie. You're -- you're very clear. This isn't an
appeal about Jennings, not necessarily about the power --
Commissioner Reyes: It is -- it is --
Ms. Mendez: Right, but I want --
Commissioner Reyes: I want to -- I want to hear the -- the City Attorney's opinion
and -- because I don't want to set any precedent that at any time that a veto it is
challenged by the mayor or by the -- or by the -- any City Attorney, and it goes to
court and has his day in court that we are going to keep on bringing it back and back
and back until it will will rule -- I mean, with the hope that it will rule in the mayor's
favor. Whoever the mayor is. Pm not talking about this particular mayor, you see.
What 1 want to know -- I want to do is a -- is set it once and for all that there are
certain -- there are certain items that could be vetoed and it is for the interpretation
of the City Attorney, that's what we pay her, you see, to decide if it is quasi legal or
not. And if it is vetoable or is not vetoable. If the mayor doesn't agree, he has all the
right to appeal it in court, but once the courts decide that's it.
Ms. Mendez: So, I --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Madam City Attorney you are recognized.
Ms. Mendez: -- I just wanted to add, Commissioner, you -- you're absolutely right in
that this was an item that this commission voted on. This commission's -- right now -
- right now, this commission's decision stands with regard to the Playhouse. You
have brought up in the past, the -- the sanctity of preserving what the mayor can veto
or not and this -- this case, does address how the mayor can veto something. In this
case the -- the commission -- the court has said that if there is a veto of a quasi-
judicial item, the mayoral veto has to also has to be quasi-judicial also. So right
now, that is what the courts have said.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: What Mr. Leal is -- is concerned with is the precedent that that sets
with regard to how commissioners or the mayor are contacted and what creates
something that needs to be a Jennings disclosure. But you are correct that at the end
of the day, this has to do with partly mayoral vetoes, partly the fact that you have
brought up in the past when the commission makes a decision, what things are
vetoed and how they're vetoed. So that's the whole process.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay,
Ms. Mendez: Mr. Leal is -- is right on the other bigger issue with regard to what can
be vetoed or not. That was another case. This is how something can be vetoed. A
little --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for clarifying.
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Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, you are recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: I just want to tell you, when you start talking to me in legalese,
I tend to get lost, you see. And I want things to be, you see, very clear. And in
layman's terra, what are we doing here? You see, and -- and if you agree with it,
Madam City Attorney, you see, I mean, this is something different and then we are
not going to be dealing with the same veto over and over, 1 don't have any
objections. But if it is to continue the -- the --1 will say the discussion on why they
should be vetoable or not, I don't think so that we should waste our time on that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Right. At the -- at the end of the day, it's not about that substance. But
remember that when we've talked in the past that whenever the commission makes a
decision, to the extent that that decision is legitimate, which is something that you
can do or decide. I -- I always advise the commission that --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: -- that it's your decision on whether or not you want --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. It is -- it is clear that doesn't have anything to do with
the decision that took the commission at that time.
Vice Chair Russell: No. It -- it will affect it. It will affect it. But this also affects all of
us and how we deal with Jennings disclosures and who can talk to us and what e-
mails we can receive.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. You put it like this. But I mean, I -- but I don't want us to
keep on and start another --
Vice Chair Russell: You want to put this to bed, I understand.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Russell: So PL 8 is to file an appeal on the Playhouse issue, correct?
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Leal: Yes. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: PL9, who else has a pocket item? Is there any -- are there any
mayor pocket items beyond that?
Mr. Leal: Not that I'm aware of:
Vice Chair Russell: All right.
Ms. Mendez: But Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla has a few items.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Commissioner. What are your pocket --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Good morning. Yes, Madam Attorney, can you
describe them quickly for the Commission?
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Ms. Mendez: Yes. One moment. Okay. One item has to do with the library system.
And --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Which is the Allapattah library issue that we've
all been reading about.
Vice Chair Russell: Is this the same as PI3?
Ms. Mendez: It is somewhat different.
Commissioner Reyes: But --
Vice Chair Russell: So, Commissioner, just a moment, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, PI (Pocket Item) -- PI3 is a Resolution of District
4 to seek space for a new library on City land. Am I correct?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. But I see that -- and as I read, the Commissioner, he's the
-- he is the District Commissioner. And he has concern on it, and I took the liberty of
saying it. And as a matter of fact, you were not here. I -- I asked -- I apologized for
being a teacher, not catching at the time that the -- the, I mean, it is -- I apologize.
And -- and definitely we need a library there in order to assure that a library was
going to remain in Allapattah. 1--1 placed a pocket item that addressed that. And I
mean, if you don't mind, we can incorporate them -- most of them are basically --
basically wants to have the same end result, you see? We can incorporate both of
them --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and whatever, but they -- both of them are pursuing the
same end result.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And -- and --
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning. What is the -- I'm just about to ask what the
substance difference is between PI3?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well -- well --
Ms. Mendez: I can read it if you want.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, you don't have to read it.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized.
Coniniissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Hold on one second. There -- there's a -- it's a
clear issue, right? We're all City commissioners and any commissioner that helps
District 1 is always a welcome help, so I appreciate your concern for what's
happening in Allapattah, Commissioner Reyes. That means a lot to us. I want to give
a little bit of background when we get to the item itself of how this came about and
why we want that library there and this conversation that I had with our City
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Manager, I think about eight months ago, Mr. Manager, when we visited the site. It's
a -- it's a little bit complicated because it has a senior building, and it has affordable
housing, which is a major crisis that we have in our city that we need to address. But
it is clear that that library will continue, from my perspective, I think this
commission will agree, that library is not going anywhere. If there's no library,
there's no development of any sort. So, that library is not going anywhere, it's not
shutting down for one single day, and I think this commission will agree on that. So,
it doesn't really matter who takes the credit lbr it, we're not here to take credit, we're
here to get things done. So, I thank you, Commissioner, for -- for being concerned
and for -- and for proposing it, but we've obviously been addressing this issue for a
number of months now and so we bring the pocket item to make it clear to the public
what we're going to be doing here and to everyone who's involved in this issue.
Vice Chair Russell: So, is your resolution to preserve the library, in its existing form?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No. What it does, it does two things. It either --
first of all, it terminates the termination, if you want to phrase it that way, of the
lease by December. We can't -- we have to continue it. It cannot close for a single
day. And the second thing it does, it offers an alternative site which happens to be in
the old NET (Neighborhood Enhancement Team) Office, which is now the district
office, which is 14 blocks away. Which is a County -owned building that used to
house books for the library -- the two different libraries in that area, right? So, we
offered the actual address of an alternative while the development is taking place.
We're also requiring the developer to help us pay for a modern library. What's a
modern library? Well, obviously that library, which was initially built in 1963 was
remodeled in 2019. Not only is it an important library for the city of Miami because
of its history, it's also an important library for me personally, because that's the
library that 1 will go to when I was in my dad's mattress factory, which is 12 blocks
away. So, that Allapattah library is also across the street from Jackson High School,
what used to be Jackson High School. It's also next to Buena Vista. That's also -- so
it's an area -- it's a little -- Little Santo Domingo; it's a very complex, diverse area in
the city of Miami. When I took the City Manager there, we had -- we toured the
facility in the area where we were planning to do there, it actually addresses a
serious affordable housing issue that we have in the city of Miami, which is our
number 1 crisis, right? We don't run libraries. We -- we gave that to Miami -Dade
County back in the 60's. But we have to deal with our two most vulnerable
communities, our seniors and affordable housing for them, and our children, and
their access to education, especially poor children. So, that combination is what we
want to do there. And one cannot exist without the other. So, we must have
affordable housing, a workforce housing in that area, and we must also have a
library and an interim library in the meantime, while that development is taking
place. And guess who was going to pay for that library, it's going to be a developer.
And it's going to be a modem library that takes into account in the post -- in the
COVID-19 world, distancing and computers and all the things that happen now, we
no longer use books the way we use, I do because I'm old, but I guess we -- most of
us, not you and you, use books still, right?
Commissioner Watson: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Yeah. Me too. But most young people don't
use books. They use computers and everything else, right? So, it's going to be a
modern library for today's times. But again, the point is that everything works
together so that the whole community is addressed, and all the people and all the
constituencies are dealt with, and that's what the item does. So, we combine them, we
talk a little bit more about it, I think I've talked enough about it, but we'll have a
conversation with --
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Commissioner Reyes: Through the Chair. My pocket item requires a library to he
built.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Either on the premises or someplace else?
Vice Chair Russell: On City land?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: So all right. So, we'll take --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's the sane -- it's the same --
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Dial, de la Portilla: Now, by the way, there's a little side note because
it's important to know. The details matter, right? There's a -- there's S1 million
available from county dollars for this library, right? So, the County is committed and
they publicly stated that they have money available to keep this library or keep a
library in Allapattah. So, that's an issue that -- that's -- we're not going to have a
problem, 1 think, dealing with the County. But the City's responsibility is not to -- is
to -- to make sure that not a single hour passes when kids and some seniors,
obviously, have access to their library. So, what the pocket item does specifically is
that that -- that termination of that lease, Mr. Manager -- Mr. Manager? I'm sorry,
are you busy? That termination --
Mr. Noriega: No, I'm listening to everything you're saying.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That termination of that lease goes away. That
library never closes.
Mr. Noriega: No. I'm -- I'm clear on what you said. We -- we can --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That library never -- not for an hour, right?
Mr. Noriega: Not for an hour.
Commissioner Dial, de la Portilla: And so that's what pocket -- if the commission
agrees, obviously. So, that's what the pocket item does. And then between now and
December, when we look for the alternative site while the development is being
developed. we find the alternate location, we work with the County to get to that
point. But it can never be closed.
Mr. Noriega: Crystal clear.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. Crystal clear. We're good to go.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And --
Commissioner Carollo: Could I, through the Chair, ask a question of Commissioner
of District 1, how many square, feet does the present library have approximately?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: About 4,900 square feet.
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Commissioner Carollo: It's a small library.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think it's a 4,920 something.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And your NET Office has how many feet?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The -- not the NET Office, the NET Office is in the
front, and the back it's about the equivalent space, a little bit less, about 4,200.
Commissioner Carollo: That's fine for a temporary basis.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: I -- I think this would resolve that problem where you're
putting a temporary library where, you know, this could go and nobody's going to
miss a beat. The -- the only thing that I would want to require of the manager in the
negotiations for a final lease is that you put a minimum square footage of what the
developer has to replace in a new library. That should be no less than 5,000 square
feet, or a greater amount, if have a greater amount that's there.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. The library will be equivalent --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- to what it is now.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And -- and obviously --
Commissioner Carollo: But no less than 5,000 square feet.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But no less than what it is now, yeah. More so --
more or less the same amount.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Exactly.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree with that.
Commissioner Carollo: I think that resolves this issue.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And I'll take --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. So, that'd be --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And thank you Commissioner Reyes for -- for
your help.
Commissioner Carollo: And you didn't even bring me a gift or say how nice I am.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, it's early, it's early. We have a whole day
ahead (Os.
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Vice Chair Russell: That'll be -- that'll he P1.9.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
[Later...]
Commissioner Carollo: If could bring up now the resolution.
Vice Chair Russell: IfI could just finish the order of the day.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) couple of the pocket items.
Vice Chair Russell: We're still listing the order of the day pocket items --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I may have --
Vice Chair Russell: -- so we just set the agenda --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Sony, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: -- and then we can take that item absolutely.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. 1 think we have another pocket item -- two
more pocket items, Madam Attorney, that I have and then -- because I think we didn't
finish it.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes. The next pocket item, just to keep up PI.10,
correct. Chairman? Is that what you have P110.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, we are on P1.10.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. So, this is Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. That's P1.10, urging Miami -Dade County to
apportion part of the Peace and Prosperity Plan funds to the City of Miami.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: To City of Miami and other impacted cities, those
-- without going into too much detail right now until we get to the item itself there's
a big, as you know, debate between some County Commissioners on whether it was
going to go to social programs or go to law enforcement. We think that some of the
urban areas, including obviously the city of Miami and other areas like Florida City
and -- and Miami Gardens and Allapattah, obviously, within the city of Miami, that
they need more law enforcement. So, the focus of this is kind of we wanted the City of
Commission -- City Commission to send a very clear message that where social
programs work, law enforcement also works. And we want to make that very, clear.
I'll go into more details on what we think. I think we have the -- our police chief is
going to be here, Mr. Manager, a little bit later, and talk a little bit about this
initiative. But again, the focus -- take that debate that they were having in the Miami -
Dade County Commission and bring it a little bit here and talk about why it matters
that the urban areas have more law enforcement and more dollars. The County -- the
ongoing battle with the County, not allocating the needed resources to the cities
need, particularly the city of Miami with gun violence. And so that's where we're at.
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you. Commissioner. PI.11.
Ms. Mendez: And PL11, also, Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. This is about the
scooter program.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. We're back. The scooter program which we
are going to debate again, I think on the 24th. Again, it's the same pocket item where
we're going to talk about halting the program before an accident happens. We saw
last week what happened with a truck and a -- a vehicle that wasn't a scooter to be
fair, but a vehicle. So, there's too many vehicles on the streets and we want to make
sure that we have the RFP (Request for Proposal) out on time, and we have the
conversation about, you know, we don't want to be on the board saying that
something bad happened that we didn't take action. So, I'm bringing it back up to
have a conversation and maybe the commission decides that we wait until the 24th.
We could but something happened in between the last meeting and this meeting and
my concern, Commissioner Russell, and I know you've been a champion of this, all
I'm saying -- all I'm saying, I know to your right, you have two commissioners that
voted, not big scooter fans. I'm kind of in the middle, right? I understand that certain
parts of the city needs that last mile option, so I get that. But I've been very adamant
and very vocal about the safety measures, as you have been too. And I think we need
to -- to be clear with that and not wait any longer because every day that we wait,
I'm just concerned that something bad can happen.
Vice Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's it.
Vice Chair Russell: PILL is to halt the scooter program pending an RFP. Right?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, sir. And we have a commitment, I think from
our City Manager that that program would -- that that RFP will go out on the 20 --
by the 24th; is that correct, City Manager? Wherever he is. There he is.
Vice Chair Russell: We'll -- we'll take it up at the iteni.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, I'm just -- I just want to ask him that one
question.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager. There's a question for you about the scooter
program.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That you're RFP with all the safety issues and
concerns that we had is going to come out by the 24th?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): That's when it's scheduled for, correct.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right. Is that -- is that what's going to happen?
Mr. Noriega: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. All right.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. PI.12, is there another one from -- is there another
pocket from District 1?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, That's it.
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Vice Chair Russell: All right. District 5, Commissioner, you have a pocket item.
Commissioner Watson: Yeah, I do have a pocket item. I got kind of -- I got -- it's a
pocket item regarding temporary event permits. And so, I don't know that I need to --
I'm going to pass it on.
Ms. Mendez: This is District 5 's temporary event permit resolution.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Commissioner Watson: Just want to say that's kind of a temporary stopgap for a
small company. But clearly to get the debate or to not debate but work with the
administration on some clarity in the issuance and how these things are now
proceeding procedurally through the administration. I think we changed up the event
process and a lot of the smaller people are having -- and struggling with trying to
implement what we have. And so, in order to provide clarity overall, that we'll
hopefully bring this back in -- in a -- in a global sense, beginning of next month. So,
thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner. Are there any other pocket items to
add before we set the agenda? All right. And then we will be opening up for public
comment on all of the -- all of the items on the agenda, including the pockets. And I
just want to mention that we have a substitution on the BE305 (Building Efficiency)
benchmarking item, which is SR.3, which is really meant to help with the costs
incurred and clarify that -- that buildings will be able to recover all their costs
within three years and that they will include mechanical permits, includes soft costs
for -- soft costs for permit fees, removes the benchmarking permit fee credit. Adds
avenues for the director to enforce benchmarking, returning -- and retuning duties
pursuant to the ordinance. It'll remove the affordable housing exemption. And I'll be
bringing a separate item to create affordable housing subsidy. And that way,
affordable housing does not remain inefficient from a consumption perspective, but
also helps them be as resilient as possible, but finds funding to assist. And then also
clarifies again that there are no City of Miami fees associated with submission
reports for bench -- benchmarking and retuning. So that'll be a substitution
amendment on that item.
Commissioner Watson: Mr. Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Watson: I want to make sure that don't miss the opportunity to defer
something.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: CA.7.
Vice Chair Russell: That's the I-395 Heritage Trail Signature Bridge Underdeck
Project.
Commissioner Watson: I need to understand this agreement we're amending that no
one existed. One, you know, we had this issue ourselves and this affects both yours
and mine. And two, I need to find out from someone, as a question was asked two
years -- almost two years ago by one of my colleagues now, who's paying for this
operationally, because I think -- I think we're going to wind up in our lap. So, I want
to know in advance before we start executing it.
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Vice Chair Russell: Would you like to defer it and take that discussion offline or
discuss it?
Commissioner Watson: Yes, I want to defer it.
Vice Chair Russell: To what date would you like to defer?
Commissioner Watson: 7/8. 7/8.
Vice Chair Russell: July 8th.
Commissioner Watson: 8th, yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Defer CA. 7 to July 8.
Commissioner Watson: I'm not so sure any of us understand what we're amending,
so I want to make sure we understand what that is, okay?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir. All right. Is that our order for the day? Is there a motion
to accept the order of the day?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So move.
Commissioner Watson: So move. Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, seconded by
Commissioner Watson. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye." Motion
passes.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ALL ITEM(S)
9215 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
Clerk PUBLIC FOR THE JUNE 10, 2021 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Vice Chair Russell: So, as soon as we have a quorum of three, we will continue --
actually, you know what we can do with two? As long as staff is here and ready to
keep going, I understand that a representative from the UDRB (Urban Development
and Review Board) is here on Zoom and would like to present to the City
Commission. And I'd just like to see if they're still there and if IT (Information
Technology) is able to make that happen.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): That was for the host. Not sure if you're listening on
but if the Chair of the UDRB is available, he can present via Zoom.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: I'm about to find out from IT.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
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Vice Chair Russell: All right. We no longer have the Chair of the UDRB on the line.
So, we're going to move to public comment at this point. For anyone who would like
to address any of the items on the City of Miami Commission agenda today, including
the pocket items that were brought up, you will each have two minutes to speak. All
you need to do is let us know your name, the item you'd like to speak on, and you will
hear a beep at about the 30 second point, at which time, please start to wrap it up out
of respect for others who'd like to speak here. Well alternate at each of the lecterns
here and -- and you're very welcome. Thank you all for your patience. I know it's been
already, a long morning waiting to speak. So, please go ahead. Anyone else -- anyone
here who would like to speak on any of the items this morning on today's entire
agenda planning, zoning, pocket items, and all of the rest, please line up at both of the
lecterns here. Mr. Cruz, do you need IT assistance? Let me just make sure you've got
what you need. Mr. Fried, good morning. Do you have something to show on the -- in
that case, I will start with you while Mr. Cruz sets up. Good morning, Mr. Fried. How
are you?
James Fried: Hi, hold on one second, Commissioner. I just want to get my points in
front of me.
Vice Chair Russell: Take your time and I'm --
Mr. Fried: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell:: -- guessing you're not speaking on a specific item. You must be
speaking --
Mr. Fried: I'm speaking on -- my, name is James Fried. I live at 555 Northeast 34th
Street in Unit 2601. I'd like to speak on FR.1 and FR.2.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Fried: Would either Commissioner Carollo or Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla
please investigate the situation at Hamilton Apartments in Edgewater. You may have
seen the Hamilton in the news and the travesty that is happening. An out-of-town
mega developer is evicting 150 tenants on 60 days' notice after dealing with them in
very bad faith. Yes. Every tenant is being evicted, including my wife and 1. We pay our
rent on time, and we've never been late. We've lived in the building for over 25 years.
Alex and Joe are looking into massage parlors. Who's looking into the wholesale
eviction of these tenants, citizens, voters, constituents of District 2? I've been working
to get Mr. Russell's attention on this issue since Hurricane Irma. It's one of the
reasons I ran. I ask that you impose a six-month eviction moratorium, provide for 20
hour -- 24-hour secure environment for the tenants as they move out in orderiv
fashion, as they were promised security when they signed their leases. No security
exists at this time. Provide the tenants with move out money, provide the tenants with
leases, damages, for not having to move from -- for having to move from their homes
in a very hot market. As I said, some have lived there for over 25 years. Some made
significant capital improvements to their units even after receiving assurances they'd
be able to remain in place jbr the long-term, including my wife and 1. Afjbrdable and
obtainable housing is important and so are people's rights and dignity. Two
commissioners care about massage parlors, but nobody cares about longtime tax
paying constituents -- constituents that are in big trouble. Thank you so much for my
time.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Fried, just briefly.
Mr. Fried: Sure.
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Vice Chair Russell: Are you represented in this effort against the new owner?
Mr. Fried: Me as a individual?
Vice Chair Russell: Do you have representation? Do you have a lawyer?
Mr. Fried: David Winker has been working with the tenants and I'm more than happy
to speak with you and your team afterwards to give you a more direct and in-depth
understanding of the circumstance, because I know it's something that we need to be
discussing in greater detail in our community.
Vice Chair Russell: What percentage of the residents, would you say, have
representation at this point?
Mr. Fried: You'd have to ask Mr. Winker because there have been group meetings and
he appealed to them, but I don't know how many have actually retained him, but I
know that the entire -- well, there's -- there's two sets of groups, some are filing an
injunction for damages after having moved out, and others are asking to be protected
while they look for new places to live. It's a problem that exists in the entire city, not
just in Edgewater or West Grove.
Vice Chair Russell: Understood. Thank you for your comments.
Mr. Fried: My pleasure. Thank you for your interest.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney. So, this is an issue and I've -- I've reached
out to their representation as well as some of the residents. This is a building in my
district that is facing eviction. Now, there are elements of this which may be a civil
issue between the tenants and their landlord. But I want to make sure I understand
what abilities the City of Miami has to be involved in this situation at all. There was a
request about issuing a -- an eviction moratorium at the City level. And there's also
many requests they have. Their request mostly are of the new owner. But I would like
to have a fuller understanding of this situation if you haven't already, studied it, I'm
happy to do it offline with you. And I'd like my -- to make myself available to help
mediate the situation, because I recognize that the residents do not have an HOA
(Homeowners Association) or an HOA president to speak for them in -- in mass.
Mr. Fried: Thanks. I didn't know you were talking to me, that's why.
Vice Chair Russell: I'm -- I'm actually talking to the City Attorney, but -- but about
your issue. So, I -- I'd like to help ifI can is what I'm saying.
Mr. Fried: Thank you so much. And I'll be here when you go for break and I'm more
than happy to sit down and have a conversation with you, the City Attorney, or
anybody who else would like to just get more information.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Fried.
Mr. Fried: Thank you so much, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. Mr. Commissioner Watson.
Commissioner Watson: Through the Chair, when -- when are you going to be able to
tell us something about this?
Vice Chair Russell: Are you asking Mr. Fried?
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Commissioner Watson: Through the Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: Madam City Attorney?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: When are you going to be able to tell us him about this
eviction and what we possibly can do. Soft sale, Citywide, whatever the case may be,
so that we just deal with the eviction process as opposed to not. If they're kicking folks
out of the Hamilton, trust me, downstream, it gets worse. So -- and -- and is not in my
district, but 1 have friends that live there who've also said, "Hey, please help us", 1
mean, please give us time. So my question is, how long is it going to take you to find
out what we can do? To at least stop this process for the most part. And as we begin
to get our monies in from the Recovery Act, maybe allow us to help folks who are
being evicted wholesale because we had eviction monies before, it was COVID
related, but it's all still COVID related as it drags on. So, I'm just trying to understand
timing related.
Ms. Mendez.• We can get back to you between today and tomorrow about options. I --
I will tell you this is mostly a civil matter. However, there are some questions that
were requested about assistance, and 1 know that the City has emergency funds for
those types of things. And we can definitely see what criteria would be needed for
emergency funds to be allocated. We can also see, if -- depending on some of the
residents, we can refer them to legal aid. I will reach out to Mr. Winker as well
because he may be representing all of them. So, we could do some of those things to
give you information between today and tomorrow.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Fried: Thank you so much. Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair --
Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Fried: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Watson, that's a great question. I am -- I am expecting that,
and I hope that I'm wrong, that we are going to have a huge amount of -- I mean, of
persons that are -- they are going to be evicted. And I want to extend that question
that you have to the City Manager, see if he can identify funds that will be available
and how can we help people that had been evicted due to the fact that they have lost
their jobs or that they are in economic stress?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Reyes.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): We -- we'll certainly look into that as well, obviously
if they are --
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Manager.
Mr. Noriega: -- a little different.
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Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Mr. Cruz. You already up? All right.
Elvis Cruz: Not yet.
Vice Chair Russell: Next speaker, please. James?
James Torres: I thought we were going --
Vice Chair Russell: He's -- a technical difficulty.
Mr. Torres: All right. Good morning. Good afternoon. It's almost afternoon now.
Thank you for the time, Commissioners. Manolo Reyes, welcome back, hope
everything went well in New York.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. Thank you very much.
Mr. Torres: Okay. Like to have a minute for SR.3, 8727. The energy benchmarking.
The name is James Torres, President of the DNA (Downtown Neighbors Alliance). We
prepared a statement that we'd like to share regarding SR.3, the energy benchmarking
ordinance, the DNA believed that this is an important legislation. However, our
members have significant concerns that have not yet been addressed, including,
Number 1, the ordinance does not provide a definition of qualified return
professional, in this case QRP. Leaving this term undefined could lead to a restrictive
or arbitrary definition by the current or future City administrations, resulting in an
unlimited number of available QRPs and significant higher costs than intended by this
Commission. Number 2, properties that are well run and energy efficient will be
required to retain the yet to be defined QRP and perform extensive and costly
administrative work without any economic benefit. Furthermore, the actual cost of the
property owners of retaining such professional is unknown at this time. Number 3,
currently the Building Department staff cannot provide an estimate of the number of
qualified returning professionals that operate in Miami and the cost to retain one.
Number 4, it is an ease -- easy to see that during the first year of the returning
equipment, hundreds of property owners will attempt to retain such professionals,
leading to a significant shortage in resources and much higher costs, and the estimate
can be higher than what was being calculated today, which we do not know. Number
5, the ordinance is not clear onto whether the City may or may not impose a fine of --
to $500 per day for failing to submit a timely return report. Therefore, the DNA
requests another deferment on this matter so we can have a conversation at the table
with the parties involved. I'm looking for your support on that, as well as
Commissioner Reyes as well, please.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. And I think when this item does
come up, we'll have a robust discussion on that because a lot of what you said has
been addressed in a substitution that has been supplied today. And especially on the
larger buildings, there would not be any retuning requirements between now and the
next six to seven years. So we have a lot of time to bring everyone up to speed on how
the legislation works, but I want to make sure your issues are addressed before we
finalize this.
Mr. Torres: I appreciate that. And just kind of speaking to the gentleman this morning
where we were on break, a couple of things fell to the crack where the DDA
(Downtown Development Authority) was notified and never reached out to the DNA
or any of the footprints in -- that affects this. So I just kind of wanted to share that.
And I know we're going to reach out to them and go, "Hey, why were we not notified
to kind of have further conversations and maybe not even get to this point that we're
at today."
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Torres: Thankyou. Appreciate it. Thankyou, guys.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Mr. Cruz?
Mr. Cruz: Thank you, sir. Good morning, Commissioners, Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast
57th Street. I'm here regarding Item RE.11, which is a proposal for the marine
stadium boat ramp and basin that would limit the use of the basin.
Vice Chair Russell: For the record, Mr. Cruz, that item has been deferred until June
24th. So, you're welcome to speak on it this morning since you came all this way and
waited. But you'll -- you'll not be speaking on it again in the same breadth at the June
24th meeting. Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you -- thank you. Yeah. Since I'm here, let me just continue. So there
was much controversy about this, and I was rather puzzled by it and puzzled by the
article that was in the paper about it. There appears to be a move by the non -
motorized boating folks to prevent motorboats from using the basin. So, I just wanted
to point out a few important facts. This stadium and the basin is of course completely
artificial. It was dug out of the bay bottom and created specifically for power boat
racing, for motorboats. And the article had someone saying that a ramp never existed
in that spot. And that's, of course, simply not true. There's been a boat ramp there
since the stadium was built. That's how many of the boats would get in and out. And
also in the City Code, and this is the handout, it's in front of you on the ledge there,
Commissioner Russell. It's right here on the paper there. Yeah. Thank you. So a lot of
people aren't aware that this is already in the City Code. And to direct your attention
to the highlights in Number 7, the public shall have access to the boat ramp and boat
ramp facilities at the marine stadium during daylight hours at times when events are
not being conducted. There shall be no charge for the use of the boat ramp. That's
remarkable to me. That is possibly the most user-friendly language I have ever seen in
any city code of the City of Miami. Where they are explicitly and affirmatively stating
that you can use a public facility, a boat ramp free of charge. That's wonderful. I hope
that survives. Here it is in boldface. So there's a compromise that's been offered by the
Florida Inland Navigation District. You know, they do a lot of funding for many of our
-- many of our marine facilities. And at the bottom of this, you see FIND (Florida
Inland Navigation District) supports the enjoyment of the basin by all various user
groups, including power, sail, paddle, and other recreational activities. So, I'm
hoping that some sort of compromise can be reached where both power boaters and
non powered craft can use this facility, perhaps a time shifting thing. The rowers are
usually there early in the morning and then the power boaters may come later, but
there is certainly calm room for compromise. Thankyou.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Cruz. That was professionally brief.
Mr. Cruz: I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Russell: That was great.
Mr. Cruz: Well, I do what I can with what I've got.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you so much. And Madam City Attorney, I would like a
little offline background on the section of the code that Mr. Cruz brought up later,
please. That's Section 53-52, Number 7.
Mr. Cruz: Was the City not aware of this passage in the City Code?
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Vice Chair Russell: We're going to find out.
Mr. Cruz: Were you not aware of it, Commissioner?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Cruz, you teach us so many things that we're not aware of so
often. So, we really appreciate your advocacy.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): It was last amended in 1982.
Mr. Cruz: Yeah. Thank you. Have a great day.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Carlos Mejia: Good morning, Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment she's going to clean the electron for you, and if we
could alternate lecterns. If you want to use this one over here, it's -- it's already
disinfected.
Mr. Mejia: Morning, Mr. Chair, Commissioners. My name is Camilo Mejia, and I
reside at 3482 Frow Avenue, Miami, Florida. I work at Catalyst Miami, where I am
the Networks Director and part of the policy and engagement team. And I'm here to
speak on SR.1 and SR.3. Regarding SR.3, we fully support it and want to see a pass in
order to address our climate crisis. However, there is an amendment to exclude
buildings where 25 percent or more residents are low-income, and we believe that to
be a mistake. The argument of many who support the amendment is that the cost of
making buildings energy efficient will make housing even more unaffordable and out
of reach to the city's low- and moderate -income residents. However, the white paper
you received on the e-mail from the peer group shows that not to be the case. In order
to increase access for low- and moderate -income residents, the City can invest more
on helping potential home buyers repair their credit, have access to low interest rates,
and receive assistance with down payments. As those are the three most common
barriers facing low- and moderate -income home buyers and renters. The other
argument is that measures with greater than five -to -seven-year paybacks on energy
improvements are not cost-effective. But the same white paper shows that energy
efficiency provisions have not measurably harmed housing affordability. And that
simple payback is not an appropriate way to consider low -- the -- the cost
effectiveness of low -- I'm sorry, of energy code improvements. So, again, we fully
support it, but we want to see that amendment removed. And as far as SR.1, we would
like for the City to hold the gas company accountable to the City's greenhouse gas
emission plan. In addition to that, I want to remind everyone here that the Public
Service Commission is being petitioned by FP&L (Florida Power & Light) to
increase our energy bills by 20 percent. Energy bills are the second highest expense
for many low-income residents. And, you know, that's just another reason why that
amendment should be removed.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And on your first item, I would like you to know that I
am proposing a substitution today that will remove the affordable housing exemption
based on the advocacy of Catalyst and other residents who have written in. You're
absolutely correct. It's -- benchmarking and retuning is not a hardship. It's -- it's an
advantage that we need to -- to take in order to make better efficiencies which can
help with affordability. So, to actually exclude affordable housing from these
benchmarking retuning, leaves them out of a very important path that we're taking.
So, instead of excluding them, we should be helping them.
Commissioner Watson: So that is your -- that is your part of that amendment. Okay.
All right.
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Vice Chair Russell: My amendment will he not create that exclusion, but instead to
create an incentive --
Commissioner Watson: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: -- subsidy program to help affordable housing qualified units and
towers come into benchmarking and retuning requirements.
Commissioner Watson: Okay, good.
Vice Chair Russell: So, yes. Thank you for your advocacy.
Mr. Mejia: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Commissioners.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there anyone here who would like to speak on any other item
on today's agenda? So, that includes the pocket items that have been brought up, the
planning and coning agenda, anything left on today's agenda. Anyone -- anyone else
here to speak on anything. If not, we'll be closing public comment, and this will be
your last opportunity. Thank you very much. Good morning. How are you doing?
Brian Halstead: Hello, good morning. Hi, my name is Brian, Brian Halstead. I am an
owner of a unit over in Overtown. And I am bringing this up because I know -- I'm
sorry, it's a personal item, and I know the community redevelopment agency's goal is
to ensure that the community is -- is developed and -- and members of the public are
served appropriately. What's happening with -- with my unit, I've owned and managed
the unit at Town Park North for over ten years. And my tenant was recently
transferred back in 20 -- 2019 to St. John's. So, my tenant being transferred over to
St. John's, what happened is my tenant eventually stopped -- stopped paving me rents
and my -- and the epidemic struck. So I understand the -- the situation that the tenant
eventually find themselves in. Now, what happened is I am here to point out like for
the past, you know --
Vice Chair Russell: Sir, and I -- and I apologize to interrupt you because I can tell
this is an important issue. We are having a meeting today and a CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting of this -- the Southeast Overtown Park West CRA.
And that may be the most appropriate time to comment because this will fall under the
public record of the City of Miami Commission -- don't worry, it's -- it's not a problem
at all. Your -- your District Commissioner is also the chair of that CRA and the
director of that CRA is also here listening right now. So, I -- what I'd like to do
instead of taking this item up right now, is if you could speak with Mr. Shiver offline
and then make your public comment at the CRA meeting where it'll be recorded
properly. Is that -- is that all right?
Mr. Halstead: That's appropriate. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you and I apologize for cutting you off. Good
morning again, Mr. --
Mr. Torres: Good morning. It's afternoon now.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Torres: Pocket item on the scooters. Can you kind of give me clarity on that?
When is that going to happen? So we can have that conversation because the DNA did
the event this past weekend. So we kind of wanted to share that.
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Vice Chair Russell: It is set on the agenda. Now is the time for public comment. If you
would like -- if you would like to make a comment about that, the pocket item is
potentially to eliminate the program until a permanent version comes along.
Mr. Torres: Okay. So we do want to share part of the DNA. We did have June 4th at
Bayfront Park where we had a safety and education piece as to scooters. So it was a
great community event, there was over 100 people that did show up for that, you were
missed. But I know you'll be there in spirit the next time. But we did want to kind of
take that information and say, the community did show up, they did address some
things good and bad that 1 can't kind of get into the detail just yet because I didn't
bring that, 1 just remembered that it was a pocket item just now, but 1 kind of wanted
to talk about that when we have that conversation on the 24th, you're stating. But it
was a well -received for the community. But there's still some issues that need to be
worked on in terms of docking stations and the double ridings and things of that
nature. So, something that we needed to bring to your attention.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you have a position on whether or not the program should be
taken off the streets until the permanent version, or whether the service should be
continued seamlessly throughout the process?
Mr. Torres: You're putting me in a tough position.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. You don't have to take the position. I'm just curious if you -
all had formed one based on your --
Mr. Torres: Well, most of the footprint is not a fan of it. But after we did the safety
and education, they kind of see where the micro -mobility is something for the future
for the city of Miami. But there are caveats that need to be coming in place, such as
the docking, such as the parking, and things of that nature. So, that's where the RFP
kind of needs to be a little bit more tweaked.
Vice Chair Russell: Understood. Thank you very much.
Mr. Torres: Thanks again. I appreciate it.
Commissioner Watson: And I think Mr. Chair --
Vice Chair Russell: You are recognized.
Commissioner Watson: -- for your purposes, I'm -- I'm with the idea of micro -mobility
as it relates to -- I know people who are trying to get to work, transportation costs. I
understand that. I think the issue for everyone and is going to be for me is if that's
their mode of transportation, then that's okay. But the recreational aspect of it and
these scooters all over the place is going to be an issue. And I'm not so sure they are
going to be able to address that. So if you go to store and you buy a $200 scooter, you
get to work, no problem. But we're having increasingly a lot of people coming to our
town and all these fake sport cars and all the speeding that we can't seem to be able
to do anything with, that that becomes an issue because all of these scooters, bikes,
whatever they are, lying around all over the street is going to be an issue for people.
So, just make sure -- I'm just saying that to you, to them, as we try to figure it out. But
if you've got a scooter or bicycle it's cool. But the recreational aspect is -- is not
looking cool.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Chairman?
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Vice Chair Russell: Yes. You're recognized, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, 1 think you know my feelings on this, I've expressed
them enough times, but I'm not going there just yet. The -- the area that I really would
like for -- to get your assistance on with these companies. In our central park in
Miami, which is --
Vice Chair Russell: Bayfront.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Bayfront Park. While it's not as bad as when it first opened
up, it still looks horrible. We got all these scooters parked out front like if it was a
secondhand scooter lot. Sometimes you can't even walk by there. It's right in
particularly the corner where you start entering Bayside, the corner of Bayfront Park.
If you could do something that, you know, we could assign areas more out of the way,
that it's just -- just it looks so bad when people are going by there.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, would you like us to geo-fence Bayfront Park so
that scooter riding is -- is not taking place inside the park?
Commissioner Carollo: Look, we can discuss that later.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm not as concerned with that yet.
Vice Chair Russell: It's the clutter.
Commissioner Carollo: It is the clutter that you have that you just dump them up
front.
Vice Chair Russell: Yep.
Commissioner Carollo: You know, at least Bayfront Park is safer to ride them than
other parks. But, you know, you're still going to have those who are not going to
follow rules or regulations. That's -- that's life.
Vice Chair Russell: We've got some good solutions coming down the -- the line on
that clutter issue.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, that's the part that I'm just seeing. Especially such a
prime piece of real estate like that. That's our point zero in Miami. That we have all
those bikes just thrown. It -- it just looks so horrible. And, you know, if you could help
in whichever way you can that we assign some areas that, you know, you just don't
have, you know, dozens and dozens of these bikes just thrown.
Vice Chair Russell .• Understood. Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes --
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes?
Commissioner Reyes: Here we go again, right?
Vice Chair Russell: I was hoping this pocket wasn't going to come up, but here it is.
No, we can take it up now or we can take it up when Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
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Commissioner Reyes: It doesn't matter to me, hut I'm just going to agree with
Commissioner Watson that this goes beyond the mobility and the first and last mile.
That's -- 1 think that's the least use it has. It has been -- has -- has become a
recreational means, I mean too many people. As a matter of fact yesterday I was
driving on 27th Avenue and there was a line of tourists, because you can see that --
that they were young people, a line going down 27th Avenue riding these -- these
scooters. Also, when you mention -- Commissioner Carollo mentioned Bayfront Park,
a few weeks back I was at a museum stadium and at that little, you know, open-air
restaurant that they have there, and at night they were very young I would say
teenagers, that they were using those scooters. And they were co -- having
competition. You see they even had obstacles on -- that they brought with them, and
they were jumping off of them. You see, I mean, it is quite dangerous and I don't know
if I'm --1'm right or not of -- it was late at night I might have been dreaming, but there
was an accident that -- that was a fatality and I --1 don't know if it was scooter or was
-- was something else.
Vice Chair Russell: As of this date and to my knowledge we have not had a single
fatality on a scooter in the city of Miami.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Well, we haven't had one, but we have plenty of
accidents, plenty of people that have been -- and as I said this is a fatality waiting to
happen and it scares the hell out of me.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. 1 mean --
Vice Chair Russell: Let's continue public comment and --
Commissioner Reyes: Sure.
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Mr. Recio.
Tony Recio: Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the Commission. For the record, Tony
Recio, law office at 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. I was not going to speak today,
but because it came up this is on behalf of Hamilton on the Bay. We just wanted to
share with you. We're not presently evicting anyone, we are --
Vice Chair Russell: Who do you represent?
Mr. Recio: The Hamilton on the Bay, Aimco.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. The new owners of the property.
Mr. Recio: The new owners of the property, exactly.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Recio: So, at -- at present we are not evicting anyone. What we're looking to do
we -- we are terminating leases. And the reason we're terminating those leases is
because we are -- we need to do necessary repairs to the building. Building is very
old, it's important -- it's there's -- it has issues, major issues that we need to address.
And part of that involves vacating the building. So, we're trying to do so as safely as
possible. And that's what we were going to work with the tenants to -- to find solutions
here. And we're committed to working with the tenants through this and the
representatives. So, I just wanted to say that for the record and happy to speak with
Mr. Fried or -- or with -- with the City Attorney or with
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Vice Chair Russell: Oh, we're going to be speaking a lot, Mr. Recio. 1-- this is not on
the agenda, but now that brought it up and this is -- this is an important issue to many
-- many of my residents at this point. And the suggestion has been made within the
paper of a bait and switch. That this was purchased in order to move everyone out.
So, the question is whether or not you're doing renovations there for the residents that
exist there, or if the renovations are so deep, it's for someone else who may end up
moving there. And so my question to you is, in the -- in the package that you have
offered the residents or their representation, have you included the ability to move
back in on a first -right -of -refusal basis?
Mr. Recio: There is a -- there is a fixture -- once the building is renovated, we -- we've
actually had those discussions where we have not arrived at a solution. 1 can't tell you
concretely right now. But we are -- we're working with them.
Vice Chair Russell: I highly recommend that be part of any package that you offer
these residents, so they recognize the good faith from your part.
Mr. Recio: Sure.
Vice Chair Russell: That this is not about trying to move them out, but trying to
improve a building for them to remain to live in.
Mr. Recio: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Now, I -- I recognize that the city attorney has mentioned to us
that a lot of this is civil between you and those residents. But I -- I think you may have
an optics issue right now that's working against you because you look like the bad
guy.
Mr. Recio: Understood.
Vice Chair Russell: So if you are hoping to be the good guy, you have a great
opportunity here, is what I'm saying.
Mr. Recio: I hear you.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question. Just a simple question.
Mr. Recio: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Are you leasing -- using public funds for that renovation is all
private funds?
Mr. Recio: These are all private -- privately funded.
Commissioner Reyes: It's private money. Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: This is a unique situation. It's not affordable housing. It's not --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I know, I just wondered -- I was just wondering.
Vice Chair Russell: It's not subsidized. But this is -- yes, but it's a very good question
because that's when we have the leverage to really --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
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Vice Chair Russell: -- take action and stand an the side of the residents.
Mr. Recio: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: But I also think we have a duty as their commissioners --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: -- to -- to weigh in and mediate and try to get the best possible
solution for them as possible. So -- so thank you for coming to the table --
Mr. Recio: Understood.
Vice Chair Russell: -- and engaging with the residents and my office too. I -- I look
forward to talking with you more. Thank you.
Commissioner Watson: Wow, Ken. I didn't know they did this in your district too,
man.
Vice Chair Russell: Evictions?
Commissioner Watson: 1 thought they only did this in our districts.
Vice Chair Russell: Well, if it's happening in my district --
Commissioner Watson: Wow.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, if it's happening in my district, how bad do you
think it's going to be in your district?
Commissioner Watson: It's already happening in my district. I'm just surprised it's
happening over there. Mr. Recio, let -- let me say, I know it doesn't help you because
you're representing, I think from my friends who are tenants and Ken's residents,
because this is usually a New York thing, they do this in New York, right? I think what
the residents are asking for is clarity. I think what they're asking for is an opportunity
to stay in their places, and I think what they're asking for is some sort of schedule that
allows that to happen without a whole lot of acrimony. So, they don't have to need Mr.
Winker. We don't have to listen to his stuff coming up here.
Mr. Recio: Okay.
Commissioner Watson: Just help them as all -- all residents. Those people have been
living there, for long time. That was one of our first kind of signature buildings' on that
bay. And so that -- that helps everybody and us.
Mr. Recio: Understood, Commissioner.
Commissioner Watson: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. And, Commissioner, this isn't the first case in my
district. Up to now, what's been happening is mostly with elderly and affordable, two
complete towers have -- are in the process of full eviction. One is a county -managed
tower which is --
Commissioner Watson: That's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Vice Chair Russell: -- Harry Cain and that -- that's all going to your district.
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Commissioner Watson: Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: The other one is the old UTD tower.
Commissioner Watson: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: The George Humphrey Towers in Brickell was purchased. And
there we have 200 elderly, senior, fixed -income residents living in affordable housing,
all of whom were looking at eviction. The developer in that case, through the
mediation with my office, the Mayor's Office and others, purchased another piece of
land in Allapattah, sought zoning for affordable housing, is now in the process of
building. And 1 look forward to being here with all the commissioners on the ribbon
cutting of that when every single one of those residents from that building will have a
brand-new apartment at the same rate or lower than what they're paying on their
current waterfront Brickell property that will be at some point demolished. But in this
case, it is different. We do not have that level of leverage to work with you, but we do
hope to have a very good faith negotiation on helping these residents out in -- in your
renovation. Thank you very much.
Mr. Recio: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), Commissioner. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there anyone else here who would like to speak at public
comment on any of the remaining items on the agenda? Anyone? I see a lot of folks
here. You must be here to talk about something.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: You don't want to just hear -- listen to us and watch as vote.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I will be closing public comment and we'll be taking up
the regular agenda.
MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
NO MAYORAL VETOES
There were no mayoral vetoes associated with legislation that is subject to veto by the Mayor.
Vice Chair Russell: Are there any mayoral vetoes, Mr. Clerk?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair there are no mayoral vetoes.
Vice Chair Russell: All right.
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
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PA - PERSONAL APPEARANCE
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
9155 A PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY SENATOR GARCIA TO
PROVIDE AN END OF SESSION/LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Commissioner Reyes: Through the Chair. I mean, Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: We have --
Vice Chair Russell: I'm just -- I'nr just about to recognize, we're going to take a break
in the order of the day before you vote on that, to recognize our State Senator, Ileana
Garcia, who's visiting us for a public appearance, you're very welcome. Good
morning.
Ileana Garcia: Good morning to everyone. It is an honor; it's a true pleasure to be
here with all of you today.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Good morning, Senator.
Ms. Garcia: And in particular with all of these great commissioners doing a
wonderful job at -- at continuing to make Miami the hot -spot globally. And it has been
a true honor for me to be able to be your voice in -- in Tallahassee. A little revision of
what -- what we were able to accomplish up and Tallahassee. And -- I just don't speak
of myself. I speak of -- of a wonderful group of senators on both sides of the aisle that
-- that did a wonderful job so that -- so that Miami -Dade can have a great amount of
the deliverables that we were able to -- to bring back. A short story of what we were
able to accomplish up in a -- in session 2021 was obviously a balanced budget, which
is always very important to the Florida Legislature. I'm a newbie to this, but I'm
learning quickly, you know, that the -- the budget was -- was sort of scary in the
beginning, considering the COVID situation, but we were able to make a great
comeback thanks to the -- to a lot of the -- to the stern and to the daring decisions that
the Governor DeSantis made in -- in several -- several crucial moments with regards
to our economy and -- and safety moving forward. So, we made critical investments to
infrastructure. We made sure that we had money for child welfare. And also, we made
it to a point of increasing the State Employee minimum wage, which was a very big
deal here for very long time, and we voted it in. Also, we bolstered reserves, state
reserves, so that our economy continues to recover. The budget was $101.5 billion
that I'd like to think we were able to bring a good amount of money back to -- back to
Miami -Dade. And we were very strategic about everything that we did. We -- we kept
in mind everything from the environment to the most vulnerable. If -- if may speak of
some of the things that we were able to bring back, we were able to bring back to
Miami, City of Miami projects over $6.3 million. One of them being the Little Havana
Pedestrian Priority Zone, $3 million. We want to make sure that we prioritize a very -
- a very special part of Miami. It -- it homes our seniors, which are part of our
history. It's -- it's where pedestrians do walk. Not a lot of people walk in -- in Miami -
Dade. We -- we don't have that public transportation culture, although we'd like to
change it so that we can continue to -- to help the environment and -- and just do
what's right for -- for our planet moving forward. You know that Little Havana has
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
the highest number of pedestrian crashes also in the county according to the Florida
Department of Highway Safety. So, we want to make sure that we gave it some --
sonie extra money and -- and all of the power necessary to make sure that these
projects go through. Also, City of Miami Badia Center, $1.7 million. Yeah, that was
very important, that was home for me. I think that we saw that during COVID, how
vulnerable our seniors were. And something is as -- as delicate as -- as that -- that
social interaction was -- was key. So, for me, it was a focal point going into session,
making sure that we made sure that we had recurring funds, which we did for
Allapattah, for Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla. And we also made sure that we -- we
focused on making sure that these -- these centers were -- were funded and will
continue to grow. Also, infrastructure was a very big deal. Miami Golden Pines
neighborhood improvements, $1.5 million is the goal to reconstruct Southwest 24th
Terrace from 27th Avenue to 32nd Avenue. The project is located in one of the City's
priority basins under the Stormwater Master Plan, and aims to reduce the number of
pedestrian and vehicular accidents also caused by flooded roads, and improves water
flow away from the street. One of the things that I was able to champion also, and it
was my first bill signed in by Governor DeSantis on June 3rd was the Biscayne Bay
Bill 1177, which basically' codified all of the -- all of the local efforts which
Commissioner Russell championed on for a very long time, kudos to you for -- for
handling that and for that being a part of your passion. I always say that people need
to be passionate about something. The worst thing that you can be is apathetic. And
all of these commissioners in front of me are very passionate people, Commissioner
Watson as well. I've had -- 1've had the honor of -- of also going through some of your
history and it's -- and its very noble as well. Another thing that was very dear to me
bringing back to the district was the Foster Care to Independent Living in Coconut
Grove with Commissioner Russell. Casa Valentina addresses the abrupt transition
from foster care to independent living. And we saw that group of -- of people
vulnerable also very much affected, the children in the foster care system. Also, we
were able to bring $3 million to the Underline, the corridor, something that I know
was very close to home to -- to everyone here to make sure that the Underline consists
of -- of everything needed to continue the ten mile corridor to give it what it needs to
finally go. I think it's in Phase -- Phase 3. It's my understanding that the -- the
Underline is in it's -- it's third phase. So, the funds were there and as long as I can
continue to -- to represent you, we will continue to -- to secure funds for the
Underline. Also Feeding Florida, Healthy Food Initiative was $2 million, something
that was very crucial for me as well, along with kosher foods for the Jewish
community. We were able to allocate $2 million Jrothe Firefighter Cancer Initiative
at the University of Miami. And -- and I don't want to bore you with anything else, but
it has been an honor for me to represent you in Tallahassee. And I can -- I hope that I
can continue to do so, that I can continue to nurture these relationships with
Commissioner Reyes, with Commissioner Carollo, with Commissioner Russell,
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, and also Commissioner Watson. Thank you very
much.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Are there any questions for the Senator?
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Commissioner Carollo: I would, if --
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo, you're recognized then Commissioner
Reyes.
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Commissioner Carollo: Senator --
Vice Chair Russell: And then Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Carollo: -- I am truly impressed that a freshmen senator could have
brought home so much bacon. I'm -- I'm extremely grateful on behalf of the residents
of Little Havana and all of Miami for the $3 million that you championed along with
others that we needed so deeply for the pedestrian zone. As you well know in Little
Havana, we have the highest rates of pedestrian accidents. And if there was one area
that that was needed was Little Havana. And frankly, if you hadn't been there
championing it, 1 know we would not have gotten it. So, I want to express to you from
every resident of my district and along with the rest of the city of Miami, our deep
thank you and gratitude for the work that you've done. And, you know, if this is what
you accomplish on your first year, 1 can't wait for the second year.
Ms. Garcia: You know, I always say you have to love where you live. And I was born
and raised in this area. And I think that one of the things that helped me continue to
chase the things that I think we needed is, once again, the passion that all of you as
commissioners have. I wanted to also add that there were -- there were things that
weren't placed that for me were very important like some of the projects in Coconut
Grove, but we will be having -- because of all of the funds allocated by -- by Governor
DeSantis there -- there's everything from coastal resiliency to grants that will be
rolling out in -- in the month of July. And I'm hoping to be able to -- to work closely
with Commissioner Russell on making sure that a lot of those projects get across the
finish line and also help as much as I can in the area of Coconut Grove for the
affordable housing, also initiatives that he likes to champion on as well. So, thank you
very much for that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thanks. Commissioner Reyes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I'm joining Commissioner Carollo, he very clearly stated
what I was going to say. I mean, it is amazing what you have done in your first year.
And I -- I must confess that I've never seen this before. I mean, you are extremely hard
worker, extremely concerned, and -- and committed to the city of Miami and all the
areas that you represent. Congratulations. I have to thank you. And -- I -- I am
extending the gratitude of hundreds of elderlies that they go to Badia's and -- and not
only for nourishment, but also for social interaction that is very much needed. And as
you and I that were discussing the -- a couple of days back, that we are going to make
sure that they have classrooms and everything and at that new center, that thanks to
you, is going to be completed. Also, I'm -- I'm very grateful and my neighbors are very
grateful of the funds that you brought for those four streets that they are going to be
rebuilt, and they don't have to deal with flooding and -- and then the quality of life of
those neighbors is going to be substantially improved.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
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CA.1
8931
Department of Fire -
Rescue
CA.2
8959
Department of
Police
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A STATEWIDE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF
FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT THAT
PROVIDES FOR RECIPROCAL AID AND ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY TOO
EXTENSIVE TO BE DEALT WITH UNASSISTED AND ALSO
ENSURES THE TIMELY REIMBURSEMENT OF ASSOCIATED
COSTS INCURRED BY THOSE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT
RENDER SUCH ASSISTANCE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN FURTHERANCE OF
THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE AGREEMENT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0213
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.1, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING A SUBAWARD GRANT FROM
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY") TO FUND OPERATION
STONEGARDEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,137.63 WITH NO
MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI;
ESTABLISHING A NEW SPECIAL REVENUE PROJECT TITLED
"OPERATION STONEGARDEN PROJECT" FOR SAID PURPOSE;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO
AN SUBAWARD AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE COUNTY AND TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION OF SAID FUNDS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SUBAWARD AGREEMENT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0214
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.3
8960
Department of
Police
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.2, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND THE
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, VILLAGE OF
BISCAYNE PARK, AND CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH TO
RECEIVE AND EXTEND MUTUAL AID IN THE FORM OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES TO ENSURE
PUBLIC SAFETY AND ABILITY TO ADEQUATELY RESPOND TO
INTENSIVE SITUATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTERS OR EMERGENCIES AS
DEFINED IN PART 1, CHAPTER 23, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE
"FLORIDA MUTUAL AID ACT."
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0215
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.3, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
CA.4 RESOLUTION
8972
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING SIX (6) RIGHT-OF-WAY DEEDS
OF DEDICATION ("DEEDS"), AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED,
FOR HIGHWAY PURPOSES; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING
THE RECORDATION OF THE DEEDS IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS
OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO RETAIN COPIES OF THE DEEDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0216
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.4, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
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CA.5 RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
8998
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
THE BIDS RECEIVED ON MARCH 29, 2021 PURSUANT TO
INVITATION FOR BID ("IFB") NO. 1316386 FOR THE PROVISION
OF CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") LOT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY
LANDSCAPING SERVICES FROM COCO TREE SERVICE CORP.,
A FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION, AS THE PRIMARY
VENDOR, THOMAS MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC., A FLORIDA
PROFIT CORPORATION, AS THE SECONDARY VENDOR, AND
SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICE INC., A FLORIDA
PROFIT CORPORATION, AS THE TERTIARY VENDOR, ON AN
AS -NEEDED BASIS, FOR THE CITY'S DEPARTMENT OF
RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS ("PUBLIC WORKS") FOR AN
INITIAL TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS WITH THE OPTION TO
RENEW FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM PUBLIC WORKS ACCOUNT NO.
13000.534000.201000 AND SUCH OTHER FUNDING SOURCES,
SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
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'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.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.5, please see
"Order of the Day."
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CA.6 RESOLUTION
9068
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 AND
FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ("FINAL SETTLEMENT") TO
INVITATION TO BID ("ITB") CONTRACT NO. 17-18-024 WITH
MAGGOLC, INC., A FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION
("MAGGOLC"), FOR ADDITIONAL SCOPE ELEMENTS FOR THE
SOUTHWEST 64 COURT ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT — D4 ("PROJECT") FOR A NOT -TO -
EXCEED ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF EIGHTY NINE THOUSAND
NINETY SIX DOLLARS AND THIRTY FOUR CENTS ($89,096.34),
THEREBY INCREASING THE CURRENT COMPENSATION
AMOUNT FROM TWO HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND FIFTY SIX
DOLLARS AND FIFTY EIGHT CENTS ($290,056.58) TO A NOT -TO -
EXCEED TOTAL AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE
THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTY TWO DOLLARS AND NINETY
TWO CENTS ($379,152.92); ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE
CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
("OCI") PROJECT NO. B-30972, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF
NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE THE FINAL SETTLEMENT WITH MAGGOLC, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL 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'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-21-0217
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note, for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.6, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
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CA.7 RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
9079
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AMENDMENT TO THE SECOND MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING ("MOU 2"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT
AND COORDINATION OF THE INTERSTATE 395 ("1-395")
HERITAGE TRAIL/SIGNATURE BRIDGE UNDERDECK PROJECT,
LOCATED ALONG I-395/STATE ROAD 836 BETWEEN
NORTHWEST 3RD AVENUE AND BISCAYNE BAY, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE AGREEMENT AND
UPDATE TARGET DATES; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE SUCH OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS
TO SAID MOU 2, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN FURTHERANCE OF
THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MOU 2.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item CA.7 was continued to the July 8, 2021, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.7, please see
"Order of the Day."
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
CA.8 RESOLUTION
9015
Bayfront Park
Management Trust
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTING
THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ("RFP") NO.
1238386 FOR THE PROVISION OF EXTERNAL AUDITING
SERVICES, ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS, FOR THE BAYFRONT
PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST ("BPMT") FROM CABALLERO
FIERMAN LLERENA & GARCIA, LLP, A FLORIDA LIMITED
LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP ("CFLG"), FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF
THREE (3) YEARS WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO (2)
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM THE BPMT'S OPERATING BUDGET, AS APPROVED BY
THE CITY COMMISSION, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED;
AUTHORIZING THE BPMT'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL 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-21-0218
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number CA.8, please see "End
of Consent Agenda."
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Chair Russell: Unless commissioners have a specific item they'd like to see
moved immediately. I'll take up the entire remaining CA (Consent Agenda) agenda.
That's CA.1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Is there a motion on those items?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by the Chair. Is there
any further discussion on the consent agenda?
Commissioner Corolla If you could just stand by for one second.
Vice Chair Russell: You bet.
Commissioner Watson: You took off 7, right? 7 is not on, right?
Vice Chair Russell: 7 is deferred.
Commissioner Watson: Okay. All right.
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Vice Chair Russell: 5 is withdrawn.
Commissioner Carollo: 5 was withdrawn, 7 is deferred.
Vice Chair Russell: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: We're taking up the Consent Agenda, Commissioners.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, I'm listening -- I was listening in my office. So,
you are withdrawing CA.17 [sic] -- CA 7?
Vice Chair Russell: CA.7 has been deferred.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Russell: And CA -- and that was Commissioner Watson's request.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: CA.5 has been withdrawn. This has already been voted in the
order of the day.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. That's fine.
Vice Chair Russell: Any further discussion on the dais? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
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PH.1
9004
Department of
Finance
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE
NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS
($27,000,000.00) TAX EXEMPT NON -AD VALOREM
SPECIAL OBLIGATION REVENUE BOND, SERIES 2021
(FP&L UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT) ("BOND") FOR THE
PURPOSES OF FINANCING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY")
PORTION OF A CERTAIN CAPITAL PROJECT AND
PAYING COSTS OF ISSUANCE AND OTHER COSTS
RELATED THERETO; PROVIDING THAT THE BOND
SHALL BE A LIMITED OBLIGATION OF THE CITY
PAYABLE FROM PLEDGED REVENUES, AS PROVIDED
HEREIN; PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS, SECURITY, AND
REMEDIES FOR THE OWNER OF THE BOND;
APPROVING THE SELECTION OF THE PROPOSAL FROM
STERLING NATIONAL BANK AS THE LENDER ("LENDER")
AND AUTHORIZING THE PRIVATE NEGOTIATED SALE OF
SUCH BOND ON BEHALF OF THE LENDER TO ITS
WHOLLY -OWNED SUBSIDIARY, STERLING NATIONAL
FUNDING CORP., A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("SNFC")
AND CONSENTING TO SNFC AS BONDHOLDER FOR THE
LENDER PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
DESCRIBED HEREIN AND AS FURTHER SET FORTH IN
THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE BOND; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO DETERMINE THE INTEREST
RATE FOR THE BOND WITHIN SUCH PARAMETERS AS
SET FORTH HEREIN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE, EXECUTE, AND DELIVER,
AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER, FINANCE DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL ADVISOR,
CITY CLERK, RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR, CITY
ATTORNEY, AND BOND COUNSEL, A LOAN AGREEMENT,
THE BOND, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, CERTIFICATES, AND INSTRUMENTS,
INCLUDING MODIFICATIONS, EXTENSIONS, RENEWALS,
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, ALL FOR THE CITY TO
FINANCE THE CITY'S PORTION OF FUNDING FOR THE
FP&L UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT WITHIN THE
DESIGNATED CITY AREAS DESCRIBED BELOW
("PROJECT"); AUTHORIZING OTHER REQUIRED ACTIONS
BY THE CITY MANAGER, CITY CLERK, FINANCIAL
ADVISORS, CITY ATTORNEY, BOND COUNSEL, AND ANY
OTHER NECESSARY CITY OFFICIALS; RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY
ACTIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER AND DESIGNATED
CITY OFFICIALS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE RELEVANT
CAPITAL PROJECTS, FINANCIAL CONTROLS, PROJECT
CLOSE-OUTS, COMPLETED PROJECTS, ACCOUNTING
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ENTRIES, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CITY FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT AND WITH
ONGOING COMPLIANCE FOR THE BOND; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, CITY CLERK,
FINANCIAL ADVISOR, CITY ATTORNEY, BOND COUNSEL,
AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY CITY OFFICIALS TO
UNDERTAKE AND TO PROVIDE FOR EXECUTIONS AND
DELIVERIES OF ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
DISCLOSURES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND NOTICES FOR
CONTINUING COMPLIANCE FOR THE LOAN AND THE
BOND IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED STATES
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, THE UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, THE INTENT TO REIMBURSE
RESOLUTION, AND OTHER FEDERAL, STATE OF
FLORIDA, AND LOCAL LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS,
AND REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0219
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I don't know which Commissioner's Office is keeping the
Cuban coffee coming, but it is going to get us out of here faster because I'm on fire
right now. Are you guys ready to do some business? All right. The PH (Public
Hearing) agenda, we do not have any items removed from that agenda. So, is there
any specific item someone would like to take out of order or specifically from the PH
agenda? And noting thatPH.4 is a four -fifths.
Commissioner Carollo: I'll move it. I just want to go over it carefully.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PH 1 had a substitution that you all received I
believe. Yes? Okay. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you need to read it into the record, Madam City Attorney?
Was it a substantive substitution?
Ms. Mendez: I -- I believe it was -- it had certain attachments. If Erica, for PH 1, the
bonds issue --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay --
Ms. Mendez: -- the private placement, the substitution just had attachments, correct?
Commissioner Carollo: PH.3.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. That's the MRC (Miami Riverside Center) building.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. I see that we still have not to exceed a million. The
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manager guaranteed us that it was going to be much less than that.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): It will, that just -- language just carried over from
the deferral, from last week, but it'll be half.
Commissioner Carollo: That's the kind of language that will get it to a million dollars.
Mr. Noriega: No. What -- you can -- we can -- I can modify it on the record right now,
it'll be less than --
Commissioner Carollo: That's what I want to do.
Mr. Noriega: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: If it's not modified, then things can happen. Is half a million
the -- the target or?
Mr. Noriega: Absolutely.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Noriega: Less than that.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So, it -- instead of a million, should not exceed cost of
one million, it should be, it should not exceed cost of half a million.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll second your motion and accept the amendment.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. On PH -- well, I guess we have to vote on that.
Vice Chair Russell: We can do them all together, PH.1 through PH.5.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well --
Commissioner Carollo: PH.4, there was one minute change that -- on the language
that we had to do. Let me go over with you. On Section 3, it shall read, subject to the
receipt by the City Manager of the HCD/HCLC (Housing and Community
Development/Housing and Commercial Loan Committee) approvals, and the new
language should be that includes, which shall not be inconsistent with the City
Commission approval. And then going down to Line 7, after the word approvals
again, consistent with the commission approval.
Vice Chair Russell: Meaning that further approval will come?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, meaning that it's consistent with the approvals that
we've given.
Vice Chair Russell.: That we've given. So, Commissioner, if I could ask you a question
on this issue. I love that we are assigning the general obligation bonds to affordable
housing projects. Now, I don't see anywhere in the back up though where we set the
spectrum or depth of affordability. How many units and how deep they're going to go.
Have you already worked that out with them?
Commissioner Carollo: They have. Frankly, what made me go forward, I mean, truly
this is the -- the mayor as you see took lead in sponsoring this. I'm there with him, but
I'm secondary. What convinced me was that this is probably the first time that I've
seen developers sit with me and really show me something that's going to be
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affordable. All the time, what 1 get is a lot of talk hut no beef. So, that's why 1--1 went
ahead, knowing that it's my district, and the mayor's approving it in -- in --
Vice Chair Russell: I -- I support you fully. I just want to know if we've got the
developer's feet to the fire on a covenant of some sort, or if there's any sort of
restriction on the affordability so it truly accomplishes what the commissioner's goal
is. Because I'm -- I'm with you.
Commissioner Carollo: And -- and the manager will follow through with that.
Vice Chair Russell: All right, I just want to make sure this isn't our last bite of the
apple to make sure we've got those restrictions in place.
Commissioner Carollo: You're right. It's what we always talk about.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Mensah or Mr. Manager, is -- will this come back to us to
solidify what the depth of affordability is so that --
George Mensah: George Mensah, Director Community -- Housing and Community
Development. The way its written definitely I think it has to come back.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Mensah: Because we might have some issues that has to be addressed by City
Commission.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. I fully support.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Mensah, since I have you up here, sir.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Ident yourself for the record, please.
Mr. Mensah: George Mensah, Director Housing and Community Development.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: What -- what's happening with the monies that we were going
to give to residents that needed to pay their rent?
Mr. Mensah: Which?
Vice Chair Russell: Pandemic rental assistance.
Mr. Mensah: The rental assistance is currently going we've -- we've been able to -- as
you know we had about 2,500 and something applications and --
Commissioner Carollo: How many?
Mr. Mensah: 2,000 a little above 500 applications. And we're currently about halfway
through them. As you know there was a priority list that the, federal goverment wanted
us to go through first. And so we're just about almost through the priority list before
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we can get to any other. But we've started the payments. We almost about a hundred
and something payments we've made.
Commissioner Carollo: How many?
Vice Chair Russell: Hundred.
Mr. Mensah: About a hundred and something so far to the tune of about 200 and
something thousand dollars. I can get a report --
Vice Chair Russell: Please.
Mr. Mensah: -- to all the City commissioners so they know where we are on it.
Commissioner Carollo: I would appreciate it because we're getting a lot of
complaints, and I know that everyone here has been getting them.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: The fund is exhausted though, right? There is no room for further
applications.
Mr. Mensah: No, we will do further applications because we also received an
additional $22 million which would be corning to commission for approval
acceptance.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Mensah: And so we -- we will be running this program for the next foreseeable
future.
Vice Chair Russell: Is the website open for applications right now?
Mr. Mensah: Not now. We will -- we will reopen it maybe in the -- in the next month.
Vice Chair Russell: You just about broke our website --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- when you said that we're accepting. So we're not accepting
applications right now.
Mr. Mensah: Not Now.
Vice Chair Russell.• We will reopen the program.
Mr. Mensah: We will reopen, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Alright.
Commissioner Carollo: The -- the other thing that I would respectfully request is that
if there are minute problems in any of the applications from any of our districts, that
they just don't get thrown to the side. And somebody calls the individuals up and work
through it with them to get the information that you might need. Because one of the
complaints that we're all getting is that people aren't being called back. There are
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just minor things that are needed in applications and just because they weren't there,
then they're overlooked. And then we --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: -- get a phone call. Or if they do get a phone call for
anything, then they never hear from anybody again.
Mr. Mensah: We've -- Commissioner, we've had that, but we've spoken to the -- the
contractors and they indicate to us that they've called everybody back. And what we
have done is that we also have staff in our office so that -- and we put it on our
website and telling everyone that if they have any issue, that nobody called them back,
they should call our office and we will handle the issue. So, we have two staff
dedicated to this program in my office.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: How many?
Mr. Mensah: Two --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Two?
Mr. Mensah: Two staff dedicated to my office. Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's it? Two people?
Mr. Mensah: No, because we have contractors working on it --
Vice Chair Russell: They are third party.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I know, I know.
Mr. Mensah: And these two staff is just to help with issues that come up.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: If I may.
Vice Chair Russell: Of course.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: What Commissioner Carollo and I think what
Commissioner Reyes is going to say now, if I can predict what he's going to say is that
we've all received complaints.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I received a number of complaints of not getting
called back. You're saying that everybody has been called back?
Mr. Mensah: No -- the -- we -- we have meetings with the -- the contractors. And they
indicated that they will look into it, but that they've been calling people back.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But they've indicated -- I'm sorry, try to be --
Mr. Mensah: That they do call --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Try to be precise in your language when you
address us please, it's important.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Try to he precise.
Mr. Mensah: Okay.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: They indicated, they maybe did it, we -- we talked
about it. Have they done it? Have you gotten confirmation they've done it? Because
what we're getting in my office -- offices, is that people are not being called back.
Mr. Mensah: What I'm trying to say is that we've brought --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Mr. --
Commissioner Carollo: They are not even being called.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, they are not even being called. I'm doing this
every day.
Commissioner Carollo: So how -- if he's -- if he's got two staffers, how are people that
are not being called supposed to know that he's got two staffers to help.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct. Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: So, I mean, we got to major problem here and we're paying a
million dollars to this company now because you couldn't do the job.
Mr. Mensah: Because we didn't have enough staff to do the job. Yes, that's correct,
sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, look, that's always the excuse.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, the issue --
Commissioner Carollo: But every program that has gone through your office that --
since I've been here, I see problems with it. And I'm starting to wonder in all
frankness, you know, is the problem with the programs or is the problem with your
office?
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner. Just a moment Mr. -- just a moment Mr.
Mensah, Commissioner Reyes, you're recognized, and what I'm going to recommend
is we put a discussion item on the next agenda specifically for this to really dive deep
on it.
Mr. Mensah: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: And -- and I agree with it because besides -- besides not having
a -- getting a call back, they -- they are very difficult for them to be -- I mean, to be, I
will say guided or to tutored because we have a lot of elderlies that they cannot
navigate with the computer and all everything that is happening. And we need to
assist those people and then they are being evicted too. And then they -- I mean, not --
not only evicted but they have problem paying the rent, you see. That is -- that is
something that I would like to see that this company that was hired, that they make
some -- I would say -- people available to assist those people that are in need, as well
as those -- those applications that they have a minor omissions of -- of the
requirements, probably because they didn't understand, that they, instead of being
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thrown aside -- thrown out or set aside and on -- those people, they must he called.
You see, we need to provide the service, the full service, and we have to understand
that we have a population, that it is not well -versed in the use of computers and this
type of application. And that's the -- that's the majority of the people that we want to
serve. And then we want to -- want to help because those are the majority of people
that need help.
Mr. Mensah: Commissioner, I agree with you -- I agree with you. And I think that if --
when we set up this program, one of the things that we did was to make sure that
paper applications are acceptable. Applications are always dropped to my office. And
we even had staff who are available in case anybody needed it to be able to receive
and help them wherever they are.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Mr. Mensah: So we've assisted a lot of people through our office directly on paper
applications. And even currently, if somebody needs to drop a paper off, they can still
go and drop paper off and we will make sure that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) gets on the
application, so we've been doing everything. I mean, obviously, a program of this
sort, you obviously have hiccups, and we try to make sure that we eliminate as much
of the hiccups in it as possible.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Mensah --
Mr. Mensah: We will continue to work towards that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Would you ask the vendor to join you --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Vice Chair Russell: -- the discussion item at the next commission meeting?
Commissioner, go ahead.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Beyond that. I want the vendor be here and give us
a precise report on the applications.
Vice Chair Russell: That's what I'm asking.
Mr. Mensah: Yes. Okay.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: How many applications? How many have been
rejected? Or as Commissioner Carollo said, thrown by the wayside, because of
technicality. Everything.
Mr. Mensah: Okay.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: By precise numbers. Also when you're going to re-
open the website, not in a month or so --
Mr. Mensah: Yes. Because we --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You know, on June 28th at 10:00 a.m. right,
precise language.
Mr. Mensah: We'll do that.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The person that we're -- the person that we're
paying the million dollars, the vendor•, precise language. So, that we know what we're
buying for the million dollars and what results we're getting or not getting. So,
precise language, not maybe, somehow, down the line, in 30 days, month or so. That
doesn't work for me. How many applications have been rejected and how many have
been granted, and as Commissioner Reyes said, he is correct in both, his district --
well, not on both in Commissioner Carollo's district and mine and Commissioner
Reyes district, we have elderly people that are not computer savvy. There's a digital
divide. You accept paper application, but they can have mistakes. And you have two
staffers. How many staffers is this vending company using, this vendor that we're
using to assist people? That are language proficient in Spanish, things of that nature.
The preciseness is important, because the government unfortunately gets lost with the
vague explanations. So, 1 -- 1'll repeat it the third time. I want a precise report from
the vendor and from your office on how many we've done, how many have been
granted, how many have been put aside because of technical problems? And so we
know, so we can make a decision. I want that by June 24th at that commission
meeting.
Mr. Mensah: Commissioner, definitely it will come. And I just want to add something
here before I leave, and that is that in every -- the last meeting that I had with our
vendors, one of the things we went over is to look at every -- for them to come up to us
with every little thing that is stopping them from doing as many applications as
possible. My staff has also been tasked with look at how better can we improve this
program. And then when I talked about in four weeks or so, it wasn't because 1 wasn't
sure when we would do it but also get all these things together so that we can meet
and decide on what date. We haven't decided on date yet. That's why I didn't want to
say that --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, you said -- just one more quick follow up.
You said about 2,500, right?
Mr. Mensah: Yeah. Because I don't have the exact number, but I can send --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I know you don't, but you will by June 24th, but it's
about 2,500? You also said a couple of hundred. I think you said.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Have been -- have been accepted? Is that a couple
of hundred, like 200 or is it like a 500?
Mr. Mensah: Because I don't have the -- obviously, I don't want to mislead.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Mr. Mensah: I don't have the exact.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But it still begs the question right, because if'it is
2,500, it's a couple of hundred, it's 10 percent more or less, right? The -- in the rough
math. Why have you only processed roughly 10 percent? Again, I have to speak in the
same terms you're speaking in, about, you know, 10 percent of these applications?
Why has it taken -- I've also received complaints that they applied way back then and
that, not only have they not gotten a call, but that nothing's happened one way or the
other, right? They haven't gotten a letter; they haven't gotten anything. So the
question becomes, how do -- people are calling, hey, what's happening with my
money? They're not paying the rent. The landlord is coming to them and saying, you
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got to pay your rent; if you don't pay your rent, you've got to get out of here. That's a
concern, and we deal with it. I'm sure every commissioner here has been dealing with
this on a daily basis. Our offices are getting calls.
Mr. Mensah: Commissioner.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, I can give the people that -- that elected me
and the people that I represent a correct answer, you need to give me precise
answers, please.
Mr. Mensah: Commissioner,1 want to correct the record.
Commissioner Watson: So let me -- let me say something.
Mr. Mensah: We have --
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment.
Mr. Mensah: I want to -- I wanted to correct the record.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment -- Mr. Mensah, just a moment, he's not asking a
specific question in this moment. He's giving a directive of what to come back with.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Watson, you're recognized.
Commissioner Watson: Let me just say something real briefly because I know when
we speak, vagueness for my colleague becomes a big issue, right? So, I want to make
sure I help you be clear.
Mr. Mensah: Sure.
Commissioner Watson: Since I asked for this information before I reported it, I know
for a fact that first tranche of money first -- that tranche of money for rent eviction,
$14.1 million, was done under the auspices of the federal government, which -- which
call for a whole lot more guidelines that probably will happen on the next 32. I didn't
know at 32 coming. Good, thank you, great, right?
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: So I think 2,800 because, I had the same complaints the
commissioner had and others had. So 2,800 was a number of applications that you
received up until the time we closed, right?
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right.
Commissioner Watson: What I think happens -- what I know happens with this staff is
they get taxed. And if there's any sort of anything, it gets either rejected or put aside
and you probably have not caught up with now informing people. I know that part
because I've been bombarded as well. So, therefore, I think what you should do to
help all of us is make sure that you come back, not the vendor, you come back and let
us know and -- and what will be important is not to throw out anybody because we do
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have a city of residents that are not computer savvy. We have seniors who are not
computer savvy.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Commissioner Watson: And so they need to understand what has happened if they in
effect has been helped by someone. And it might very well be through NET
(Neighborhood Enhancement Team) offices when you do again go out to those offices
so that the commissioners can ensure that people in their districts have the
information. They are not looking on websites, but they're being affected. And it
makes it easier for all of us to be responsive to the people who are calling us, right?
That I think will be a big thing going forward as we now tried to help people. Because
some of that process means both the tenant and the building owner has to respond. If
one responds and the other one doesn't, then they can't get help. And so clearly, to
help us, districts that have a lot of Spanish speakers that may not understand, that's
just how it is. Even if it's in Spanish, they may not necessarily be able to read. Help us
help the people who we're trying to now respond to. That's all that's happening now
and what you're being questioned on. I know, because I've got engaged that your staff
is small. But I know also when you're in a time constraint, people get rejected and
thrown aside, and you probably have not had a chance to inform them. So, help us,
this was all we are trying to make sure you do. Help us make sure that people know
when the money is available. Two, how they can do it, help them if you can, right?
And three, maybe engage a little bit closer to them in the offices of commissioners so
that we can ensure that everybody gets a shot, even if they don't get accepted, okay?
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Mensah.
Mr. Mensah: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: If you'd like to, please.
Mr. Mensah: That's -- that's why I'm going -- no, I just wanted to give the assurance
of commissioners that I've instructed the contractors not to reject anyone. That before
anybody is rejected, you have to send the information to my department, we'll review
it before we make the decision. So they can't reject anyone. Just for you to know.
Commissioner Watson: Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So you have a safety net? I'm sorry.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You have a safety net if the contractor vendor
rejects someone, it goes to your department?
Mr. Mensah: Yes. Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, you'll give us a report in that too and how
many have been rejected --
Mr. Mensah: Yes, right now they haven't rejected anybody so far.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Everything on June 24th.
Mr. Mensah: They haven't rejected anybody so far.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You're going to be -- you're going to be. You have
not rejected anyone so far?
Mr. Mensah: No. We haven't.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay. That's -- that's interesting. So, you come --
so then you come back with us with a very precise report, right? I'm really excited
about you coming back to us and telling us every little detail, right?
Vice Chair Russell: Specifics.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Specifics.
Mr. Mensah: Definitely.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: All right. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you for
your time.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I'm going to move this forward, but I'd like to end with
this on this subject, this discussion of evictions, this discussion of rental assistance is
a reminder that while the epidemic -- epidemiological state of this virus and pandemic
is on the mend, we're a long way from mending our economic state of this pandemic.
It has yet to be seen how dire it is, and we cannot let the real estate boom and the
market values, and our tax base betray the fact that our existing residence may be in
very dire need and -- and we -- we must be very vigilant in specifics on how we help
them. So, thank you, commissioners, and we look forward to that discussion.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir. You are recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Now is when our work starts.
Vice Chair Russell: It's true.
Commissioner Reyes: That's when our work starts because all the -- all the
impediments that they had before from the federal government that you couldn't do
this, you couldn't do that, now, everything is going to be lifted. And now we're going
to have a lot of people in need.
Vice Chair Russell: That's true. And that'll be our well, American Rescue Plan
discussions later, not right now. All right. So, we have PH.1 through 5 on the floor
where the motion to the second, if there is anyone --
Commissioner Corolla With the amendments. With the amendments.
Vice Chair Russell: With the amendments.
Commissioner Watson: Well, through the Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. You're recognized.
Commissioner Watson: I have an amendment for PH.5.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir.
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Commissioner Watson: And then we can do it all at one time. Is Mr. Marrero in the
building? Can you step fonvard, please?
Vice Chair Russell: Good morning, Mr. Marrero.
Asael Marrero: Ace Marrero, Building Director. We would like to offer a -- an
amendment to --
Commissioner Watson: PH.5.
Mr. Marrero: -- PH.5, for the payment of the upfront fees to be deferred to payment of
the actual permit fees. So, it's a deferral of the upfront fees, all the way to the issuance
of the actual building permit fee.
Commissioner Watson: Before the issuance of the --
Mr. Marrero: As a part of paying for --
Commissioner Watson: As a part of.
Mr. Marrero: As a part of paying for the actual building permit fees.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Does the mover accept the amendment? Seconder
does as well.
Ms. Mendez: So I'm -- I'm sorry.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I have a question on PH.2.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment. Madam City Attorney, PH.5?
Ms. Mendez: Yeah. I don't know that I captured the -- the correct -- so because this is,
it gets a little tricky on timing. So, I just want to make sure that -- can you repeat that
or --
Commissioner Watson: The -- the amendment --
Mr. Marrero: It's the payment of the upfront fees combined with the permit fees at the
point ofpermit issuance.
Commissioner Watson: Yes, that's it.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, you're recognized.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I just read the language. You tied in the language
on PH.2 that we spoke about yesterday in the last commission meeting also?
Ms. Mendez: PH.2, is the underground easement.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The underground.
Ms. Mendez: Yes, we -- everything that you're seeing is an underground easement.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Everything.
Ms. Mendez: All below ground.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: We're -- we're still going to negotiate with FPL, because 1 don't know if
they're going to accept that and if they don't, then we would have to come back to you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, that's --
Ms. Mendez: What we are approving is an underground. So, no --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's my question.
Ms. Mendez: -- above.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So what we're approving is only the underground,
if FPL doesn't want to do it, that's -- it comes back to us?
Ms. Mendez: Correct.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We don't get to do anything else?
Ms. Mendez: Correct.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there any further discussion on PH.1
through 5?
Ms. Mendez: All as amended.
Vice Chair Russell: All as amended. Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes, as amended. Thank you very, much.
I believe at this point, gentlemen, we should break for lunch and the Overtown CRA
meeting, which if the chair wishes, we can take that up before we leave.
Commissioner Carollo: You want to take it up after?
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PH.2 RESOLUTION
9042
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S) PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-B(C) OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A GRANT OF EASEMENT ("EASEMENT"), IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO THE FLORIDA
POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, A FOR -PROFIT FLORIDA
CORPORATION, FORA PERPETUAL, NON-EXCLUSIVE, TEN (10)
FOOT WIDE UNDERGROUND EASEMENT OF APPROXIMATELY
SEVEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (7,418) SQUARE
FEET OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1061
MACARTHUR CAUSEWAY (FOLIO NO. 01-3231-000-0010)
("PROPERTY"), AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
("UNDERGROUND EASEMENT AREA"), FOR THE PURPOSE OF
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY FACILITIES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
EASEMENT, WITH THE RIGHT TO RECONSTRUCT, IMPROVE,
AND REMOVE ALL OR ANY OF THE FACILITIES WITHIN SAID
UNDERGROUND EASEMENT AREA ONLY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0220
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number PH.2, please see Item
Number PH.1.
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PH.3 RESOLUTION
8958
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A RELEASE OF EASEMENT
AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND
LANCELOT MIAMI RIVER, LLC ("LANCELOT"), WHEREBY THE
CITY SHALL RELEASE EASEMENT AREA IV AS IDENTIFIED IN
THE ACCESS, UTILITY, AND CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT
AGREEMENT DATED DECEMBER 11, 1990, AS AMENDED,
LOCATED UPON THE LANCELOT-OWNED PROPERTY AT 230
SOUTHWEST 3RD STREET ("NEXUS SITE") AND IN FAVOR OF
THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 444 AND 460
SOUTHWEST 2ND AVENUE ("MRC SITE"), SUBJECT TO AND
CONTINGENT UPON THE EXECUTION OF A TEMPORARY
ACCESS AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND FURTHER SUBJECT TO THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF ACCESS AS INDICATED ON
THE ACCESS PLAN ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS
EXHIBIT "A", OR OTHER ACCESS PLAN APPROVED BY THE CITY
MANAGER WHICH SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED IN ORDER TO
ENABLE THE CITY TO CONTINUE TO ACCESS THE PARKING
GARAGE ON THE MRC SITE AND WHICH SHALL NOT EXCEED A
COST OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0221
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number PH.3, please see Item
Number PH.1.
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PH.4 RESOLUTION
9092
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," THAT
COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES
ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-86 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE");
WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES;
SUBJECT TO THE RECEIPT BY THE CITY MANAGER OF THE
APPROVAL OF THE PROJECT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ("HCD") AND THE
CITY'S HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL LOAN COMMITTEE
("HCLC") (COLLECTIVELY, "HCD/HCLC APPROVALS"),
ALLOCATING FUNDING ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
($5,000,000.00) FROM THE PROPOSED TRANCHE 2 MIAMI
FOREVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIMITED AD VALOREM
BONDS TO 8TH STREET PROPERTIES, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY ("DEVELOPER"), FOR THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING COMPONENTS OF AN 8-STORY, HIGH RISE MIXED
USE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX PROJECT TO
BE LOCATED AT 829 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, 845
SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET, AND 847 SOUTHWEST 8TH STREET
TO BE KNOWN AS "ESSENCE MIAMI" ("PROJECT"), PROVIDED
THAT THE DEVELOPER FULFILLS ALL OF THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS TO BE SET FORTH IN THE HCD/HCLC
APPROVALS; SUCH ALLOCATION TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE OF FLORIDA ("STATE"),
LOCAL, AND CITY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE CITY'S SEVEN (7) AFFORDABLE HOUSING
BONDS PROJECTS STRATEGIES ("BONDS STRATEGIES"), THE
TRANCHE 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTENT TO REIMBURSE
RESOLUTION ("INTENT TO REIMBURSE RESOLUTION"), AND
THE TRANCHE 2 MIAMI FOREVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING
LIMITED AD VALOREM BONDS (COLLECTIVELY, "LAWS");
SUBJECT TO THE RECEIPT BY THE CITY MANAGER OF THE
HCD/HCLC APPROVALS, FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND BOND COUNSEL,
SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS AND SUBJECT TO
THE DEVELOPER FULFILLING ALL OF THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS TO BE SET FORTH IN THE HCD/HCLC
APPROVALS, IN ORDER TO ALLOCATE THE CITY'S MIAMI
FOREVER BOND FUNDING TO THE PROJECT; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0222
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MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number PH.4, please see Item
Number PH.1.
PH.5 RESOLUTION
9135
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") TO ENTER INTO "THE DECLARATION OF
CONSENT TO JURISDICTION OF THE SAWYER'S LANDING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (IMPOSITION OF
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, AND IMPOSITION OF LIEN OF
RECORD) AND MORTGAGEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF
DISTRICT'S SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIEN," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A"; FURTHER APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND BOND
COUNSEL, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0223
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number PH.5, please see Item
Number PH 1.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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RE - RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 RESOLUTION
8729
Office of
Management and
Budget
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), IN ACCORDANCE WITH AMENDMENT NO.4
EXPLANATIONS MEMORANDUM INCLUDING EXHIBITS "A" AND
"B" THERETO COLLECTIVELY ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, APPROVING, AUTHORIZING, AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO UNDERTAKE THIS AMENDMENT NO.4
IN ORDER TO ADD TO AND TO REVISE CAPITAL PROJECTS IN
THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 MULTI-
YEAR CAPITAL PLAN ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-20-0307, AS
SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED ON NOVEMBER 19, 2020
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-20-0387, ON DECEMBER 10,
2020 PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-20-0409, ON JANUARY
28, 2021 PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-21-0044, AND ON
APRIL 22, 2021 PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-21-0175 AND
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY'S FINAL OPERATING BUDGET
AS DEFINED BELOW; FURTHER DE -APPROPRIATING, RE -
APPROPRIATING, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDING FOR THE
EXISTING AND ADDED PROJECTS; RATIFYING, APPROVING,
AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS BY THE
CITY MANAGER AND DESIGNATED CITY OFFICIALS AND
DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE RELEVANT
FINANCIAL CONTROLS, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR ONGOING CAPITAL
PROJECTS, PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS, AND FOR GRANTS AND
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES IN PROGRESS IN CONNECTION
HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0224
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Vice Chair Russell: Now, the remaining RE (Resolution) Agenda RE.1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 12. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Watson: So move.
Commissioner Reyes: Second and as -- as amended, for the -- the amendment that you
read.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you need to state the amendments, Madam City Attorney?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Go ahead.
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Ms. Mendez: So for RE.1, these are Commissioner Reyes's floor amendments. It's
being recommended that $213,000 be re -appropriated to District 4, Dog Run Park
Capital Project Number 40-B193522A, from the roadway improvements at Southwest
23rd Terrace from Southwest 27th Avenue to Southwest 32nd Avenue, Capital Project
Number 40-B50412. It's also being recommended that five reappropriations from
roadway improvements at Southwest 24th Street ,from Southwest 27th Avenue to
Southwest 32nd Avenue, Capital Project Number 40-B50413 as follows: 84,000 to be
re -appropriated to the Auburndale traffic device at Southwest 32nd Avenue on
Southwest 2nd Street, Capital Project Number 40-B173655; 250,000 be
reappropriated to space planning at the Badia Center family Capital Project Number
family center, Capital Project Number 40-B203515; 159,000 to be reappropriated
to District 4, traffic calming, Capital Project Number 40-B203608; 294,000 to be
reappropriated to Goldstar family memorial Mini Park, Capital Project Number 40-
B193522; 500,000 to be reappropriated to District 4, Kinloch Roadway
Neighborhood Improvement, Capital Project Number 40-B213606.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. There's a motion. There's a second. Does
the mover accept the amendment?
Commissioner Watson: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconder as well. Is there any further discussion on the remaining
RE Agenda?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, sir.
Mr. Hannon: Just for the record, a backup document is being submitted into the
record for RE.12, that entails an API (Anti -Poverty Initiative) funding request form.
Vice Chair Russell: Does it need to be an amendment?
Mr. Hannon: No, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Thank you. All in favor of the item, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on the remaining RE Agenda. Thank
you very, much.
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RE.2
9055
Department of
Police
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL REVENUE
PROJECT TITLED "2020-2021 COPS HIRING PROGRAM;"
APPROPRIATING FUNDS CONSISTING OF A GRANT AWARD
FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES, IN
AN ANTICIPATED AMOUNT OF $1,875,000.00 WITH A REQUIRED
LOCAL CASH MATCH OF $2,949,508.35, TOTALING
$4,824,508.35; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT
SAID GRANT AND TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, TO
IMPLEMENT THE ADMINISTRATION OF AND COMPLIANCE
WITH, SAID GRANT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0225
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.2, please see Item
Number RE.1.
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RE.3 RESOLUTION
8944
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 20, 2000, AS AMENDED AND
ASSIGNED, BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY"), AND ESJ JI LEASEHOLD, LLC
("ESJ"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE COUNTY, PROVIDING FOR
ESJ TO PAY A PORTION OF THE AMOUNTS DUE TO THE CITY
PURSUANT TO THE DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS APPROVED BY
RESOLUTION NO. R-07-0405 IN A LUMP SUM PAYMENT OF
EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS ($8,000,000.00) AND PROVIDING
THAT THE REMAINING BALANCE WILL BE REDUCED BY ONE
MILLION TWENTY ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TWENTY
THREE DOLLARS ($1,021,923.00) IF THE HOTEL
CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED BY JUNE 30, 2026 AND WILL
FURTHER BE REDUCED BY TWO MILLION DOLLARS
($2,000,000.00) AND ACCRUED INTEREST WILL BE WAIVED IF
PAID IN FULL BY JANUARY 31, 2028; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE SUBORDINATION OF SUCH AMOUNTS OWED TO THE CITY
TO ESJ'S INSTITUTIONAL FINANCING FOR THE HOTEL
CONSTRUCTION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A SIXTH MODIFICATION TO THE
LEASE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER
2, 1997, AS AMENDED AND ASSIGNED, BETWEEN THE CITY
AND ESJ, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
WHEREBY ESJ WILL BE GIVEN A RENT CREDIT OF SEVEN
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($750,000.00) SPREAD
EQUALLY OVER THREE (3) YEARS, PROVIDING THAT THE
BREAKPOINT FOR PERCENTAGE RENT OF THE PARK WILL BE
REDUCED TO EIGHTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($18,000,000.00),
AND THE BREAKPOINT FOR PERCENTAGE RENT OF THE
HOTEL WILL BE REDUCED TO TWENTY ONE MILLION DOLLARS
($21,000,000.00), WITH RESTRICTIONS, REVERSIONS, AND
RETENTION BY THE CITY OF ALL OTHER RIGHTS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT FROM ESJ AN
AMOUNT EQUAL TO APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY
TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($852,000.00) AS FULL PAYMENT
OF THE OUTSTANDING RENT AND TAXES DEFERRED
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-09-0178; RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CONSENT TO THE
YGRENE LOAN DATED AUGUST 9, 2017; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE
NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE PROPOSED
TRANSACTIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
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Note for the Record: Item RE.3 was deferred to the June 24, 2021, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.3, please see
"Order of the Day."
RE.4 RESOLUTION
9085
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPROVING
A RECOMMENDATION FOR AWARD FOR THE PROPOSALS
RECEIVED FROM AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., A
FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT
BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ("AECOM"), AND BLACK
& VEATCH CORPORATION, A FOREIGN PROFIT CORPORATION
PENDING AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE
STATE OF FLORIDA ("B&V"), THE TOP RANKED RESPONSIVE
AND RESPONSIBLE PROPOSERS, PURSUANT TO REQUEST
FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 19-20-019, FOR THE PROVISION OF
CITYWIDE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR
A NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
($5,000,000.00) FOR A THREE (3) YEAR INITIAL TERM WITH A
NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,500,000.00) FOR EACH OF THE TWO
(2) ONE (1) YEAR OPTIONS TO RENEW, FOR AN AGGREGATE
NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS
($10,000,000.00) FOR EACH OF THE TWO (2) RECOMMENDED
PROPOSERS; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE APPROPRIATE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECTS AND DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS, SUBJECT TO
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENTS WITH AECOM AND
B&V, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL 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'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, ALL 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-21-0226
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.4, please see Item
Number RE.1.
RE.5 RESOLUTION
9120
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") WITH ATKINS NORTH
AMERICA, INC., A FLORIDA PROFIT CORPORATION ("ATKINS"),
FOR THE PROVISION OF CAPITAL PROGRAM SUPPORT
SERVICES PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO.
15-16-032, AS APPROVED BY RESOLUTION NO. R-17-0386
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON JULY 27, 2017, FOR
ADDITIONAL WORK FOR A NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF ONE
MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,600,000.00)
FOR THE AGREEMENT'S SECOND OPTION TO RENEW,
THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL COMPENSATION AMOUNT
FOR THE SECOND OPTION TO RENEW FROM ONE MILLION
TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,250,000.00) TO
A NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF TWO MILLION EIGHT
HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,850,000.00);
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE APPROPRIATE OFFICE OF
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS AND DEPARTMENTAL
BUDGETS, SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME
OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT FOR THE SECOND OPTION TO
RENEW WITH ATKINS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL 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'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-21-0227
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.5, please see Item
Number RE.1.
RE.6 RESOLUTION
9123
Office of Capital
Improvements
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT AS WELL AS ANY AND ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS AND
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGREEMENT, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER AND SEWER
SERVICES WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S WATER AND SEWER
DEPARTMENT FOR THE MIAMI MARINE STADIUM
RESTORATION, OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT NO. 40-B30688.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0228
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.6, please see Item
Number RE.1.
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RE.7 RESOLUTION
9115
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, ALLOCATING FROM THE TRANCHE 2
AFFORDABLE HOUSING CATEGORY OF THE MIAMI FOREVER
LIMITED AD VALOREM BONDS ("BONDS"), IN ACCORDANCE
WITH (A) THE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 VOTER REFERENDUM FOR
THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") BONDS ("VOTER REFERENDUM"),
(B) THE FINAL BOND VALIDATION ORDER DATED DECEMBER
16, 2019 ("BONDS VALIDATION ORDER"), (C) THE CITY
COMMISSION'S UPDATED SEVEN (7) AFFORDABLE HOUSING
BONDS PROJECTS STRATEGIES ("BOND STRATEGIES"), AND
(D) THE TRANCHE 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING BONDS INTENT
TO REIMBURSE RESOLUTION NO. R-21-0046 ADOPTED
JANUARY 28, 2021 ("INTENT TO REIMBURSE RESOLUTION"),
ALL ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS COMPOSITE EXHIBIT
"A," FUNDING ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,505,000.00) TO COVER ALL ELIGIBLE
COSTS OF THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
5215 WEST FLAGLER STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA (FOLIO NO. 01-
4106-030-0020) IN DISTRICT 4 AND AS LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "C", ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, INCLUSIVE OF
THE PURCHASE PRICE AND ACQUISITION COSTS, FROM THE
BONDS THROUGH THE BOND STRATEGIES' CITY ACQUISITION
OF LAND STRATEGY, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS
EXHIBIT "B" ("ACQUISITION STRATEGY"), WHICH IS TO BE
DEVELOPED INTO MIXED USE/MIXED INCOME AFFORDABLE
RENTAL OR HOMEOWNERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS/UNITS TO BE
BUILT BY THE CITY OR BY ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN
PROCURED THROUGH A COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION
PROCESS; SUCH ALLOCATION IS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, LOCAL, AND
CITY LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING PROJECTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
CITY'S BOND STRATEGIES, THE INTENT TO REIMBURSE
RESOLUTION, THE VOTER REFERENDUM, THE BONDS
VALIDATION ORDER, THE BONDS, THE CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AND THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED (COLLECTIVELY,
"LAWS"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND
SALE AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") AND ANY AND ALL OTHER
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY AND BOND COUNSEL, FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
THE PROPERTY FOR A PURCHASE PRICE OF ONE MILLION
FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($1,475,000.00) ("PURCHASE PRICE"), SUBJECT TO ALL LAWS
THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF THE COST OF SURVEY,
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS, TITLE INSURANCE, SECURING
THE PROPERTY, PROJECT SIGNAGE, AND ALL EXPENSES AND
CLOSING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ACQUISITION IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($30,000.00) ("ACQUISITION COSTS"), SUBJECT TO ALL LAWS
THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR
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AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0229
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.7, please see Item
Number RE.1.
RE.8 RESOLUTION
9119
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI COMMISSION, APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY")
INDEMNIFICATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") WITH HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP, A
FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP ("H&K"), FOR
ENGAGEMENT OF MR. MIGUEL DE GRANDY FOR THE
PROVISION OF REDISTRICTING SERVICES FOR THE CITY AS
APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND H&K, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL 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'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-21-0230
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.8, please see Item
Number RE.1.
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RE.9 RESOLUTION
9138
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CLARIFYING
THAT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 700 NORTH MIAMI AVENUE
("PROPERTY") IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN-PARK WEST
AREAWIDE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT AND
INCREMENT DEVELOPMENT ORDERS AND THAT THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY IS PERMITTED PURSUANT
TO ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0231
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Vice Chair Russell: Is there any item that a commissioner wants to see passed before
we break for lunch?
Commissioner Watson: Yes. Ms. Tapanes. What's happening? You're raising your
hand. Ms. Tapanes you're raising your hand.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there a motion for RE.9? This is the DRI (Development of
Regional Impact) adjustment.
Commissioner Watson: So move.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by the Chair.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, just hold on.
Vice Chair Russell: There's been a motion in a second for RE.9. Commissioner Diaz
de la Portilla, you are recognized.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Are we going to bring this up now or we're going
to bring it up --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. It has been moved. So, we can discuss it right now.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's been moved. Okay.
Commissioner Watson: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Russell: Unless you -- unless you expect a post -- a long lunch delaying
discussion. If at which point, we could take it up later. But let's see -- let's hear it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, there was some concern about whether CRA
(Community Redevelopment Agency) maintains jurisdiction.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Watson: I'm -- I'm offering an amendment to clam that.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Oh, okay. Well, that's my concern.
Commissioner Watson: Yes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So I want to make sure that the CRA, that we're not
doing something that --
Commissioner Watson: No, not at all.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- takes control out of your --
Commissioner Watson: No, not at all. Pm going to offer amendment to make sure that
clarification. I was clear. Apparently, the attorneys are not clear. Let me offer this
amendment. Whereas nothing in this resolution shall affect the properties continued
inclusion in the Southeast Overtown Park West community redevelopment area.
That's the amendment to the motion and they're trying to make a closing. So, that was
-- I was concerned.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney?
Commissioner Carollo: I second that.
Vice Chair Russell: Just a moment, okay. Mover and second.
Ms. Mendez: Are you reading what sent you?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney has a -- needs a clarification on that.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. Okay. Yes. He -- he was -- what he requested is whereas nothing
in this resolution shall affect the property's continued inclusion in the Southeast
Overtown Park West community redevelopment area. That -- that's the language that
I think will cover the concerns raised by the District 5 Commissioner and the District
1 Commissioner?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, I had the same concerns. Now, is this property under certain
requirements based on public benefits agreements that were made between the CRA
and the original landowner? And do those still apply on how this gets developed?
Ms. Mendez: It was in a different --
Vice Chair Russell: Or is it -- or is it unrelated?
Ms. Mendez: No. It -- it would be subject to Miami 21.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: The development of Miami 21 --
Commissioner Carollo: Subject to Miami 21.
Vice Chair Russell: So, there is no -- there's no public benefit community benefits
agreement --
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Commissioner Reyes: No.
Vice Chair Russell: -- existing on this property from negotiations on a TIF (Tax
Increment Financing) deal -- completely unrelated.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair, the way that -- the way that I see this -- the DRI
doesn't exist anymore, period.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. That's --
Commissioner Reyes: You see, I mean, you guys in Tallahassee did away with it. And
the only thing that we're doing is getting all the restriction and placing them under
Miami 21.
Vice Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: And they're going to build, they have to be under Miami 21, but
they remain within the boundaries of the Overtown Park West Redevelopment Project.
And every single tax increment that is going to be generated by that development will
go to the Overtown Park West Redevelopment Project. That's it. Simple.
Commissioner Carollo: But -- but there's two critical points here. One, we don't do
this, we're going to be hurting the adjacent projects tremendously.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: And we're going to be hurting ourselves.
Commissioner Watson: Tremendously.
Commissioner Carollo: And maybe this is why, besides other reasons, that this
valuable piece of property that I have a lot of fond memories of you guys weren't
around then, but the employees were. They knew that the best parties in the city of
Miami, legal parties were thrown by the mayor at the time there. And we had lobster;
we had shrimp; we had roast beef --
Commissioner Reyes: I was there.
Commissioner Carollo: And all was donated. But I won't get into that.
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Carollo: All this time, you were in Tallahassee at other type of parties
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- doing at the Miami Arena.
Commissioner Carollo: But you heard of them, I'm sure.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I heard about it, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes?
Commissioner Reyes: And I won't go into why we built that arena the way it was built
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because of some funds that were taken. I'm not going to enter to it.
Commissioner Carollo: The bottom line is --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) have to do it now.
Commissioner Carollo: -- so many people looked at that site, tried to do something
with it, and nobody ever did anything with it. We've had it wasted there until now. So,
I -- I agree with Commissioner Watson. This is why the mayor wanted to sponsor this
also. And we need to move on and make this city greater.
Vice Chair Russell: Very good. There's a motion, there's a second, there's amendment.
Ms. Mendez: Chairman?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: So I just wanted to clarify your question about are there any existing
Southeast Overtown Park West public benefits agreements? My understanding is no,
but the developer attorney is here, and she can also --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, that was one of the questions that 1 had
similar to that. Does this preclude us, this body, or the CRA, from asking for
additional public or for public benefits moving forward.
Melissa Tapanes: Through the Chair, Melissa Tapanes, representing the Witkoff
Development Group. Currently, there is not a public benefit agreement that is
associated with the property. There was a previous one associated with the past
project. That does not preclude the ability of the perspective purchaser, which is my
client, to enter into a agreement with the community redevelopment agency. That is
just simply -- would be premature at this point.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Sir, did you want to be recognized on this -- on this
item?
Commissioner Watson: No. Hold on one second, Mr. Chair, let me just say something
to my colleague. Because of that, there was -- the biggest issue for us was to make
sure we didn't -- we do not allow them to get from under the CRA. The second thing to
the owner's now, new owner hopefully, this afternoon credit they have offered --
although it went away, they have offered now to have a community benefits agreement
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right.
Commissioner Watson: -- to the extent one makes sense.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Watson: I just want to let you know that they offered that.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's important.
Commissioner Carollo: Call the question.
Vice Chair Russell: Sir, you're not speaking on this item then, correct? Okay. Thank
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you -- thank you very much. All right. There's a motion to second. There are
amendments. Is there any further discussion, all in favor, say "aye."
Commissioner Carollo: None.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on RE.9.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Clerk?
Mr. Hannon: Just for the record Commissioner Watson would like to go sponsor
RE.9.
Vice Chair Russell: Very good. Noted. All right. Thank you. We are going to break fbr
lunch now. Sir. I apologize. Are you speaking -- trying to speak on -- on a CRA item?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes I am, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: We are about to start the CRA meeting, so hold tight.
Unidentified Speaker: Okay, great.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. We will break until let's see. It's already almost 1
o'clock. CRA meeting --
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RE.10 RESOLUTION
9016
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENTS, ALLOCATING FUNDING, ON A
REIMBURSEMENT BASIS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00)
FROM THE PROPOSED TRANCHE 2 MIAMI FOREVER
AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIMITED AD VALOREM BONDS
("BONDS") FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING MIAMI FOREVER BONDS PROJECTS
STRATEGIES' CITY ACQUISITION OF LAND STRATEGY
("ACQUISITION STRATEGY"), ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A"; FURTHER
ALLOCATING FUNDING, ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS,
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN MILLION
DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00) FROM THE BONDS FOR
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING MIAMI FOREVER BONDS PROJECTS
STRATEGIES' AFFORDABLE NEW CONSTRUCTION
RENTAL STRATEGY ("RENTAL STRATEGY"), ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," FOR PROJECTS
THAT HAVE APPLIED FOR AND HAVE RECEIVED LOW
INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS; ALL ALLOCATIONS
MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
FEDERAL, STATE OF FLORIDA ("STATE"), LOCAL, AND
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") LAWS, RULES, AND
REGULATIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROJECTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING MIAMI FOREVER
BONDS PROJECTS STRATEGIES, THE MIAMI FOREVER
LIMITED AD VALOREM BONDS FINAL VALIDATION
ORDER OF DECEMBER 16, 2019, THE TRANCHE 2
AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTENT TO REIMBURSE
RESOLUTION, AND THE BONDS (COLLECTIVELY,
"LAWS"), AND THESE ALLOCATIONS ARE IN ADDITION
TO THE AMOUNTS PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED FOR THE
PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED PROJECTS; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY OF
MIAMI'S ADMINISTRATION TO DEVELOP AND REVISE,
AS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE, ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, RULES, REQUIREMENTS,
GUIDELINES, AND REGULATIONS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND BOND
COUNSEL, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE FUNDING
UNDER THE ACQUISITION STRATEGY AND RENTAL
STRATEGY (COLLECTIVELY, "STRATEGIES"), SUBJECT
TO ALL LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH
FUNDS; THE FORGOING IS SUBJECT TO THE CITY
MANAGER IDENTIFYING AND PRESENTING TO THE
CITY COMMISSION THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS FOR THE
STRATEGIES THAT WILL BE RECEIVING BOND FUNDS
PURSUANT HERETO; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
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MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo
Note for the Record: Item RE.10 was deferred to the June 24, 2021, Cif)
Commission Meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: Good afternoon. Welcome back from lunch, everyone. We'd like
to continue with the regular agenda. We do have a quorum of commissioners on the
dais. We have a 3:30 time certain item for the American Rescue Plan. I don't know if
the Administration is ready to take that one up or the Mayor's Office is present. I don't
see them, so we'll hold and -- we'll hold on until we have a fuller quorum. American
Rescue Plan, we had time certain for 3:30 p.m. by the request of the Mayor.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Of course. We'll hold on that one. All right. So, we have -- we had
several residents here hoping to weigh in on the Allapattah Library issue, but 1 don't
see them here anymore. So, I'll hold for those pocket items and Commissioner Diaz de
la Portilla is not here yet either. So we're just going to go back to the regular agenda
at this point. All right, gentlemen, we're going to take up the RE (Resolution) Agenda.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. RE.3 has been deferred, RE.9 has been passed, and RE.11
has been deferred. So, we're looking atRE.1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, RE.1 has some floor amendments by
Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay. Let me just see f I have a motion for the whole batch. First
of all, is there -- is there a will to take all of these items up at once?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Allocate reimbursement funds for tranche two of the Miami
Forever Bond Affordable Housing.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. I have -- I don't agree with what -- trying to get
$50 million here, $5 million there. And I'm -- what I'm going to propose if -- I mean
for the commissioners to think about it on for the administration, see if they can agree
with it, is that every single commissioner? We have $100 million right, Mr. Manager?
Vice Chair Russell: 85 left.
Commissioner Reyes: 85 left. Well, I think that we -- it's 85 left because some of us
had spent some money. Some of that, right?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Yeah. Can I -- let me -- let me proffer something
along the lines of what Commissioner Reyes had mentioned to me earlier. We have --
I have my off -- off commission meeting week -- meetings with each one -- each of you.
So, what I'm going to do in -- in this next week's meeting is I'm going to bring in some
of my staff to talk about the affordable housing, the $100 million bond money, and --
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and with some suggestions on how we ought to allocate that. As well as I'm going to
further brief each of you on the American Rescue Plan money offline. That way I can
get input from you one-on-one. And then the intent is to then have an agendaed [sic]
item on July the 8th for the American Rescue money to approve it. And we can -- that
way we can bat it back -and -forth between then.
Vice Chair Russell: In that case, is that a motion, for deferral for RE.10?
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: How about for 01.4, American Rescue?
Commissioner Reyes: I would rather have that deferred and because -- and the -- the
way that it was presented to us, 1 think that before we do anything on it, the City
administration should sit with us and see our needs.
Vice Chair Russell: Clearly.
Commissioner Reyes: What are our needs and how what we can --
Vice Chair Russell: To what date, Commissioner? I see a motion, seconded by the
Chair. To what date?
Commissioner Reyes: What date do you like?
Mr. Noriega: So -- so on the housing money, I'm going to bring it the very next
meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: June 24th.
Commissioner Watson: So let's do that.
Vice Chair Russell: For RE.10.
Commissioner Watson: And he'll get a chance to talk to us about that because we've
already deferred the American Rescue Plan.
Vice Chair Russell: American Rescue Plan has not yet been deferred.
Commissioner Watson: So then defer that.
Vice Chair Russell: To what date?
Commissioner Watson: The same --
Commissioner Reyes: Same day.
Commissioner Watson: He will talk to us and then we can do it all at one time.
Commissioner Reyes: All right.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. There's been a motion, there's a second, is there any
further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes to defer DI.4 and RE.10.
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RE.11
9089
RESOLUTION
MAY BE DEFERRED
Commissioners A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
and Mayor THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
STEPS TO CREATE A DEDICATED ROWING LANE AND
MOTORIZED VESSEL EXCLUSION ZONE, FINALIZE THE
CREATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A NO -WAKE ZONE, AND
ESTABLISH A MOORING FIELD OF NO MORE THAN FIFTY (50)
VESSELS WITHIN THE MARINE STADIUM BASIN AND TO
PRESENT THE FINALIZED PLAN TO THE CITY COMMISSION
FOR CONSIDERATION AND FURTHER ACTION.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: Item RE.11 was deferred to the June 24, 2021, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.11, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for all Item(s)."
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RE.12 RESOLUTION
9157
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ALLOCATING
GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONERS
SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE
PROGRAM IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE
HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($125,000.00)
TO THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TRUST
("TRUST") FOR THE TRUSTS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY,
SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL FEDERAL,
STATE OF FLORIDA, AND LOCAL LAWS INCLUDING THE CITY
CODE AND CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, AND IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0232
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number RE.12, please see Item
Number RE.1.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8454
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION GRANTING
TO PEOPLES GAS SYSTEM, A DIVISION OF TAMPA ELECTRIC
COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS A NON-
EXCLUSIVE NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO USE
THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY")
AND IMPOSING PROVISIONS AND CONDITIONS RELATING
THERETO; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENTS TO THE CITY DURING
A TERM OF TWENTY (20) YEARS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE;
AND REPEALING PRIOR ORDINANCE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14003
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number SR.1, please
see "Public Comments for allltem(s)."
Vice Chair Russell: Why don't we take up the SR (Second Reading) Agenda, please?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Russell.' Madam City Attorney, could you read all of the SR items into the
record, please? This will take a few minutes.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): An ordinance of the Miami City Commission -- do
you want Barnaby to come up? Is that what it was?
Vice Chair Russell: It's your choice. You -- you
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR.4.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR.5.
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR.6.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much, Madam City Attorney.
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by the Chair. A couple
of questions. One, there's a substitution on SR.3 for the benchniarking. Does that need
to be added in as a floor amendment?
Ms. Mendez: Apparently, it was already sent, so whatever revisions was -- do you
have it, Mr. Clerk?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Mende: Okay. So, it doesn't have to be read on the record if it was sent to
everybody.
Vice Chair Russell: Doesn't have to be amended specifically. And then maybe
someone from staff can advise if this definition of retuning professionals is in the
record of the item. And if not, I'd like to add it just to give clarity. That was one of the
concerns of the residents.
Alan Dodd: Good afternoon. Alan Dodd, Chief Resilience Officer. The definition that
you have, Commissioner, is not within the -- the ordinance change. That is in the --
the implementing instructions that we will -- have been putting together with the
Building Department.
Vice Chair Russell: Got it. So, thank you, Mr. Dodd. The concern from the residents is
what type of professional is this? How much will it cost them? They're worried, it's
going to be burdensome. Now, of course, that's part of the soft costs that can be
recovered within three years of efficiencies after the retuning takes place. But they're
worried about their upfront costs. So could you clarify? I guess there's -- there's about
eight or nine of them here. But these are -- these look like pretty complicated titles of
specialists. Are these very expensive specialists to hire, is this a burden on the
towers?
Mr. Dodd: I -- I would say they are definitely professionals. And if you'd like, I can
read through the -- the different categories of certifications so that it -- it is on the
record.
Vice Chair Russell: You don't need -- I'd like to add it to the record. This -- this
document, so you don't need to go through all of them. But if you could give me just a
layman's, for example, someone identifies an inefficiency, they bring in a specialist Pr
a specific issue, because they -- when they first do the benchmarking, they don't know
what their problems are. Are they going to be hiring one of each of these people to
come out, or how do they assess what the real problem might be?
Mr. Dodd: Well, the listing, they can go to any of these people who would be qualified
to conduct the retuning. And it's either a professional engineer. It is somebody who is
a certified commissioning technician who is used to -- understands building science,
and is part of bringing new buildings online, different types of certifications. And the
cost. for it would be very similar to if you called in an engineer to look at any type of a
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
construction project, they were doing that would require design. So --
Vice Chair Russell: So do they need to get this person pre -approved or qualified by
your office?
Mr. Dodd: I --
Vice chair Russell: I don't believe so.
Mr. Dodd: No. I believe as long as they are certified, then they meet the requirement.
Vice Chair Russell: Right. And then they submit their report?
Mr. Dodd: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I'm satisfied. I do not see this as an undue burden on the
buildings. And in fact, I see it as, as an advantage for efficiency that they will end up
saving money over the long-term. Not only will they recover those costs within three
years, those recoveries will continue year after year so that they're actually,
hopefully, in the black on this -- on this deal down the -- down the long run. So thank
you jraworking very carefully with this, very thoughtfully. The residents were very
concerned, but I'm satisfied and lookforward to passing this at this point. Thankyou.
Mr. Dodd: Thankyou.
Vice Chair Russell: Any questions remaining on SRs 1 through SR.6? I have -- on
SR. 1 is the TECO Natural Gas franchise agreement. One of the residents at public
comment had asked if they are held to any greenhouse gas plans standards. Can
anyone speak to that? Is that an issue?
Mr. Dodd: I would say this is a franchise agreement. That is how they operate and do
their business within the city of Miami. However, the greenhouse gas is something
separate that we are working with TECO gas and all of the interested parties on how
to improve efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions from natural gas sources as well
as other sources.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there anything that we could put into this franchise agreement
that would hold them to that standard or a specific standard?
Mr. Dodd: I do not believe that --
Vice Chair Russell: But you'll continue working with them.
Mr. Dodd: But -- but we are definitely working with them in order to cone up with a
greenhouse gas reduction plan that recognizes their industry and pushes us towards
more efficient use of natural gas as an energy source.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: I believe we're preempted on those issues.
Vice Chair Russell: As usual. Any further comments on SR.1 through SR.6? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much.
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SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8950
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING
IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 9 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), TITLED "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ELEVATE MIAMI";
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14004
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SR.2, please see Item
Number SR.1.
SR.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8727
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "BUILDINGS," TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE
XII, TITLED "BUILDING ENERGY AND WATER CONSUMPTION
BENCHMARKING", REQUIRING BUILDINGS OVER 20,000
SQUARE FEET OF GROSS FLOOR AREA TO PERFORM AND
REPORT ANNUAL ENERGY AND WATER BENCHMARKING TO
THE CITY OF MIAMI; PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN
BUILDING TYPES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14005
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SR.3, please see
"Public Comments for allltem(s)" and Item Number SR.1.
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SR.4 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8897
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 22.5/ARTICLE VII OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "GREEN
INITIATIVES/FLORIDA-FRIENDLY FERTILIZER USE ON URBAN
LANDSCAPES," TO REQUIRE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE
PRACTICES; TO PROVIDE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH STATE OF
FLORIDA LAWS; TO PROVIDE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY LAWS; TO PROVIDE FOR DEFINITIONS; AND TO
PROVIDE FOR OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED
IN THE ORDINANCE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14006
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SR.4, please see Item
Number SR.1.
SR.5 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8867
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III/SECTION 18-87 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AS DEFINED IN F.S. §
287.055, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME; AWARD OF
CERTAIN PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENTS NOT EXCEEDING
$500,000.00 BY THE CITY MANAGER", TO PROVIDE A
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATION PROCESS, A CONSULTANT
WORK PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE
REQUIREMENTS, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH A
SYSTEM, PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS NONCOMPLIANCE, AND
THE UPDATING OF CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY THEREIN;
FURTHER AMENDING SECTION 18-89 OF THE CITY CODE,
TITLED "CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS OR
IMPROVEMENTS", TO PROVIDE A CONTRACTOR WORK
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE
REQUIREMENTS, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH A
SYSTEM, PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS NONCOMPLIANCE, AND
THE UPDATING OF CERTAIN TERMINOLOGY THEREIN;
FURTHER TO ESTABLISH A NEW SECTION 18-123 OF THE CITY
CODE, TITLED "QUALITY CONTROL PLAN FOR CONSULTANTS
AND CONTRACTORS"; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14007
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SR.5, please see Item
Number SR.1.
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SR.6 ORDINANCE Second Reading
8892
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "BUILDINGS", BY ESTABLISHING A NEW
ARTICLE XII, TITLED "FENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTRICT
4", TO CREATE A PILOT PROGRAM FOR FENCING AND LOT
MAINTENANCE IN DISTRICT FOUR (4); CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14008
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number SR.6, please see Item
Number SR.1.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
9082
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR -
FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AMENDING CHAPTER 31
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
TITLED "LOCAL BUSINESS TAX AND MISCELLANEOUS
BUSINESS REGULATIONS," BY CREATING ARTICLE VI, TITLED
"MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS," REGULATING THE HOURS OF
OPERATION OF STAND ALONE MASSAGE PARLORS LOCATED
IN THE CITY OF MIAMI; MORE PARTICULARLY BY CREATING
SECTION 31-100, TITLED "DEFINITIONS"; SECTION 31-101,
TITLED "MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS — PROHIBITED
PRACTICES"; SECTION 31-102, TITLED "PENALTIES"; SECTION
31-103, TITLED "CUMULATIVE REMEDIES"; SECTION 31-104,
TITLED "IMMUNITY"; SECTION 31-105, TITLED "SEVERABILITY
OF ORDINANCE"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number FR.1, please
see "Public Comments for all Item(s). "
Vice Chair Russell: First reading ordinances. There's only three of them. If the City
Attorney could read those into the record, please. And noting FR.1 is a four -fifths.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you. Chair.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: FR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: FR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. It seems we probably need to have a discussion
regarding FR.1 and FR.2 to see where the will is.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: How about we move it?
Vice Chair Russell: Which item?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: All three of them.
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Vice Chair Russell: Are they complementary?
Commissioner Carollo: What 1 think we need to do, Commissioner, let's look at FR.1
and FR.2, whatever they do. One has some issues. Some might not be there. I think
mine has more that I put in, but it might not have everything. Yours had some other
things. Combining one, and we bring it up.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's what --
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- I agree. I agree, Commissioner. That's what we
do.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair, I have a -- the only concern that I have about those
two ordinance is that -- that we have to make sure that those national chains like
Massage Envy, et cetera, et cetera, that they are very', very straight and legal and that
they're not affected by this.
Vice Chair Russell: The hours would reflect -- affect them.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. I do know that the -- the hours affect them because,
for example, Massage Envy and they have the massages after 9 0 'clock for people that
work. You see, not 11: 00 (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or 9:00 and 10:00. So, what we have
to make an exception to those prestigious and legal national chains.
Commissioner Carollo: The -- the problem is, and I think the city attorney will tell us
that -- that we, by law, cannot make any exceptions --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of one group over another, otherwise, it's going to be found
to be illegal.
Commissioner Reyes: Well --
Vice Chair Russell: I believe the ordinances are in conflict for time. So can we come
to a compromise of what the best time would be?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, what's the -- I'm sorry. What's the conflict
with the time?
Ms. Mendez: So, I believe Massage Envy is until 10 o'clock?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: No, no, I'm not talking about Massage Envy, I'm
talking about FR.1, and FR.3, and FR.2.
Ms. Mendez: On the times?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: The difference in time?
Commissioner Reyes: Can you extend it one hour and that's it? For those -for those -
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't think -- I think we have the same time.
Vice Chair Russell: I don't believe so -- I believe there's an hour difference, but what
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: There could be an hour -- it could be an hour
difference. Doesn't matter.
Commissioner Carollo: Whatever it is.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, I mean -- it is not that -- the only thing that I don't want
any of those people that are truing to come after us and saying that we're interfering
with their business and all of that.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's an hour difference, we'll just --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- make it a half an hour and we're good to go.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't know, guys it don't seem to me we're going to have a
happy ending here.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So, let's make it happy and do it half an hour.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. We're going to get done with this one.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We will meet in the middle.
Ms. Mendez: So, on the -- but it's a good question. I believe, FR.1, the hours are
09:00 p.m. to 08: 00 a.m.
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Carollo: 9:00 to --
Vice Chair Russell: That's the moratorium. The -- the twelve hours.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah. The hours that you cannot operate, 9:00-
8:00.
Commissioner Carollo: 9:00 to 8:00.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right.
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And the other one.
Ms. Mendez: And then the other one, FR1. The hours are 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., that
you can't operate.
Vice Chair Russell: So, it's either 8:00 or 09:00 p.m.. I was going to recommend
10:00, but --
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Commissioner Reyes: Yes --
Vice Chair Russell: Because that's what -- I know the established business do run
until 10: 00. That's part of the business plan.
Commissioner Carollo: I can go for 10:00.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, I can do that, too.
Commissioner Reyes: 1 mean, they already have that going.
Vice Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, are there other conflicts between the
ordinances that would -- would preclude us from combining them?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think the penalty phase, some of the penalties are
more enhanced (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- so we can --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. That's right.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. So, what we would do, the penalties on Commissioner Diaz de la
Portilla's items have to be done -- voted on by a four -fifths.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: So we would just have to -- to make sure to do that. We would have to
change the chapters because we put they're -- they're in two different chapters. So, if
you would just agree maybe to tell me if you want them in the penalty section,
miscellaneous offenses section, or in the local business tax receipt section. And then
the rest can be put together.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I -- I don't mind leaving that up to your best legal
judgment --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Madam City Attorney.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I agree with that.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Madam City Attorney, do you need us to combine these
into one number or can I just pass FR.1 and FR.2 and you create the combined
legislation?
Commissioner Carollo: We will combine it into one. That's the idea.
Ms. Mendez: Right. I --
Vice Chair Russell: So, shall we withdraw 1 and --
Commissioner Carollo: Withdraw 2, and then we will do it into 1. We could do it that
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way, right?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Ms. Mendez: So how -- would you humor me.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, FR.2, we're not going to name it FR.1 or FR.2, we're
just going to go with 1. FR.2 has got several more points, but FR.1 has some that I
think we should adopt that are not in FR.2. So, what we want to do is combine --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: -- the best of both into one so we can approve it.
Ms. Mendez: Right. So, if you would humor me, the best thing would be that --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Pass them both.
Ms. Mendez: -- that -- no. That I would combine them both and bring them back to
you to second -- I mean, first reading next -- next commission meeting?
Commissioner Carollo: I'll be fine with that.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That's fine.
Ms. Mendez: That 1 could bring them both into one section --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- with the best of everything.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: That's fine.
Ms. Mendez: They don't conflict. They all -- they actually complement.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you need us to withdraw FR.1 and FR.2 and start from
scratch or you want to deferral?
Ms. Mendez.: I would -- what do you think?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, I want to pass both.
Vice Chair Russell. • No, she's saying she wants to start from scratch.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: And she comes back.
Commissioner Carollo: She'll bring it back.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: She'll bring it back to us.
Commissioner Carollo: As one.
Ms. Mendez: Combined.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
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Commissioner Carollo: And we -- we will both he sponsors of it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: And anybody else who wants to be a sponsor.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): One option will be to withdraw FR.2, defer FR.1 to
6/24. And then that way, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Diaz de la
Portilla, can both be co-sponsors -- excuse me, can both be sponsors of the resolution
-- of the ordinance that'll be on for 6/24.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That works.
Ms. Mendez: I would -- I would rather just bring a new combined item and then we
withdraw both of these at the next meeting.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay, we'll do that.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay, motion to withdraw FR.1 and FR.2.
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded -- seconded by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Any
further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. We'll withdraw FR.1 and FR.2, and
you don't need a motion, you have direction to bring it back.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, Commissioner Reyes, what was the time so that the City
Attorney --
Vice Chair Russell: 10: 00 p.m.
Commissioner Reyes: 10:00.
Commissioner Carollo: 10: 00 p.m., you're good with that?
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. That's -- that's what the Chair proposed. And I agree
with it.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, so you're fine with that.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm fine with that.
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Ms. Mendez: 10: 00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. They -- they need to be closed.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. So, we are going to have a happy ending after all,
that's good.
FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
9101
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 37 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, TITLED "OFFENSES -MISCELLANEOUS"; MORE
PARTICULARLY BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE II AND SECTIONS
37-100 THROUGH 37-111 TO REGULATE MASSAGE
ESTABLISHMENTS; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS,
REGULATIONS, AND PENALTIES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT: Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number FR.2, please see
"Public Comments for all ltem(s)"and Item Number FR.1.
FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
9094
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 7 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/OVERTOWN ADVISORY BOARD/OVERTOWN
COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT BOARD;" MORE PARTICULARLY BY
AMENDING SECTIONS 2-1052 AND 2-1053 TO REVISE
MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number FR.3, please
see Item Number FR.1.
Vice Chair Russell: And the next item, FR.3.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: He's running away from that one, so fast.
Commissioner Reyes: 1'll move it.
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Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'll second it.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. This is your item,
Commissioner Watson.
Commissioner Watson: This is my item?
Vice Chair Russell: 1 believe so --
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: -- the Overtown Advisory Board.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Overtown Advisory.
Commissioner Watson: Well, yes, I mean, I'm for it.
Commissioner Reyes: You have ownership.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You're for it.
Vice Chair Russell: 1 didn't know you want to say anything.
Commissioner Carollo: Watson got -- Watson got lost blushing between one and two.
Commissioner Watson: All right, yes, please.
Commissioner Carollo: He's redder right now than Diaz de la Portilla is.
Commissioner Watson: Yes, move it, please.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: There's a motion, there's a second.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Any further discussion on FR.3. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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BU.1
8136
Office of
Management and
Budget
BU - BUDGET ITEM
DISCUSSION ITEM
MONTHLY REPORT
I SECTION 2-497 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
(RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET)
II SECTION 18-502 (CITY'S ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT)
III SECTION 18-542 (FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES)
DISCUSSED
Vice Chair Russell: BU.1 status fiscal year '22, proposed budgets.
Fernando Casamayor: Good afternoon, Commissioners, Fernando Casamayor, CFO
(Chief Financial Officer), Assistant City Manager for the City of Miami. This report
should've been given to you at the last commission meeting but it was deferred to this
one, so these reflect the numbers that closed the month of April. Currently, based on
our projections, we're projecting a overall deficit of $30.8 million, but if you remove
the $45 million transfer that was made earlier this year from the building reserve fund
for the either building acquisition or building construction project, we will end the
year with a $15.9 million surplus, which includes $2.5 million in the internal service
fund. Our revenues are still trending downward based on what we had originally
budgeted, but our expenses are also trending -- we're saving a lot of money with our
expenses. We are looking at a few departments that we're making sure that we keep
an eye on, so if we have -- I need to make adjustments. Again, the IT (Information
Technology) department as a result of a labor settlement and our real estate and asset
management department for required repairs at James L. Knight Center and the
operations of the Olympia Theater, including some additional security expenses at
our marinas. Again, I want to make sure that you understand that none of these
projections would include any expenses in case of a emergency, man-made or natural,
that we may or may not experience for the rest of the year. And at the time of this
report, we did not have the preliminary numbers from the property appraiser for next
year. We have gotten them, and it does look like we will be getting approximately a
four percent increase in our taxable value for next year, which has put us in a better
position for our '21-'22 budget, which would be submitted to the Commission at some
point in July. And I'll take any questions that you may have at this time.
Vice Chair Russell: Any questions on the budget, current or proposed? Thank you
very, much, Mr. Casamavor.
END OF BUDGET ITEM
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DI.1
9059
City Manager's
Office
DI - DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION ITEM
ANNUAL BOARD REPORT ORAL PRESENTATIONS TO THE CITY
COMMISSION FROM THE FOLLOWING:
1. URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla
Note for the Record: Item DL1 was deferred to the June 24, 2021, City Commission
Meeting.
Vice Chair Russell: And the remaining discussion item is annual report on boards and
committees. Are there anyone -- are there any others here? Do you need an action on
this item?
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Yes, Chair. I believe that we can defer it to the
next meeting if we can get a motion for them.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. Motion to defer DI.1 to June 24th, please. Is there a
motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Motion.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo seconded by Commissioner
Reyes. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes.
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DI.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
8961
City Manager's
Office &
Department of
Code Compliance
DI.3
8937
Department of
Finance
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 6789 BISCAYNE
BLVD, DBA LA PLACITA.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de la Fortilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number DL2, please see "Order
of the Day."
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY'S 2020 COMPREHENSIVE
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT, SINGLE AUDIT, AND
MANAGEMENT LETTER.
DISCUSSED
Vice Chair Russell: I'd like to skip to DI3, the Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report. I believe our auditors are here to enlighten us on how we're doing.
Bob Feldman: Good afternoon. Honorable members of the City Commission, City
Manager. I'm very pleased to be able to be here in person to be able to present the
highlights of the City's annual financial audits. I know you have a lot of things on
your agenda, so 1'll try to keep this fast pace and moving. So, just some general
comments. You know, management has the ultimate responsibility in terms of the
appropriateness of your accounting policies. You know, the City did not adopt any
significant new accounting policies. There were no changes in existing accounting
policies. Good -- on a very positive note as well, there's -- we did not ident any
significant or unusual transaction. Audit adjustments, you know, we -- there were no
audit adjustments that were made as part of the audit process. We audit a lot of large
state/local governments. That's not uncommon. So, credit again to the finance team.
No disagreements with management, you know, no significant issues that we
encountered during the engagement or significant difficulties as well. You know, every
audit process includes, you know, auditing significant accounting estimates as it
relates to significant accounting estimates, those typically are in the area of your
pension liabilities, your self-insurance liabilities, your post benefit liabilities. You
know what we do is we look at your underlying data. We look at the assumptions,
your methodology, make sure that, you know, that those balances, those liabilities, are
-- are reasonably stated, and they were. Now, I'll be a little bit more pointed in terms
of some of the comments on the overall audit. You know, at the end of the day, our
responsibility as your external auditors is to render an opinion on your financial
statements. Our opinion on the City's financial statements were an unmodified
opinion. That's what we call a clean opinion. It is the highest level of assurance that
we can offer on the City's financial statements. So very, very positive news there.
From a government -wide financial statement perspective, give you a little bit of a
perspective, you've had, you know, increasing costs relating to payroll, benefits, you
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know, when it causes in an increase in your pension contributions, which has
increased your pension liability, your post -employment benefits liability. As a result of
that, you are in net deficit position of about $787 million. Not to be alarmed, these
liabilities are long-term in nature, they're going to be funded over multiple years. So,
nothing to be alarmed with there. Let's just spend a couple minutes just talking about
the general fund. That's the main operating And of the City. The City has a financial
integrity principal policy in place that requires you to maintain a certain fitnd
balance. I'm happy to report again that the City was in compliance with that minimum
requirement. From an operation perspective, the City, on its general fund, had a net
loss of about $3.4 million, but let me give you a little bit of perspective on that. You
know, you basically had with the pandemic, you know, charges for services which are
based on activity. The month -- monies you get from your half cents sales tax, your
local option gas tax, revenue sharing are all down because activity was down because
of the pandemic. But in spite of all that and those decreases in those revenues, the
City was able to manage its expenses to where you practically broke even. So,
tremendous tribute to the City for that effort. The City also receives federal and state
grant money. As part of our responsibilities as auditors, we take a look at that. Again,
our opinion on that was unmodified or a clean opinion. We had no prior or current
year findings to report. And last but not least, we're required by the State Auditor
General in terms of to provide a report as well. There were no current year findings
to report. So, overall wise, a very positive picture. I will tell you that we did this entire
audit virtually, you know, doing an audit of a City of this size is a very challenging
process to go through. We were able to do it entirely virtually, which is a real tribute
to the City. So, l just want to thank, you know, Erica and the finance team. They did a
tremendous job and helped to facilitate a very smooth process. With that, I'll be happy
to address any questions that you have.
Vice Chair Russell: Any questions from the commission? Thank you for your work.
Mr. Feldman: Very welcome. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: And that is DI.3.
DI.4 DISCUSSION ITEM
9103
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE ACCEPTANCE AND
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS BEING RECEIVED FROM THE
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT.
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
ABSENT:
Defer
DEFERRED
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
Ken Russell, Commissioner
Russell, Reyes, Watson
Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo
Note for the Record:
Meeting.
Note for the Record:
Number RE.10.
Item DL4 was deferred to the June 24, 2021, City Commission
For minutes referencing Item Number DL4, please see Item
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DI.5 DISCUSSION ITEM
7084
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla
Vice Chair Russell: All right. I'm going to take up our pocket items and those will be
the remaining of our action items for the day, and then we'll finish off with discussion.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: Discussion items I was going to save until after we do action
items. If there is something you'd like to take out of order, you're very welcome. So, I
only did one of the discussion items at this point.
Commissioner Reyes: 1 will ask this to be withdrawn because there's -- 1 make a
motion to withdraw D5 [sic] -- DI.5, D1.6.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion to withdraw DI.5 and DI.6 by Commissioner Reyes. Is
there a second?
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Vice Chair Russell: All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes. Withdrawal, I'm. sorry. Withdraw DI.5 and DI 6.
Commissioner Carollo: (INAUDIBLE) we have to find a better system than the one
that when we defer items, unless we give a specific date for them to come back, that
when a commissioner doesn't want them to come back, or doesn't care, that we
automatically, are not putting them in so they can keep coming back.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely right.
Commissioner Carollo: And this has been happening not only with this, but with
issues that all of us have put Ibrward at one time or another.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): I'll work with the manager --
Commissioner Carollo: So if you can work with that. Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: I'll work with the manager to -- and then we'll consult with you all about
a better process.
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Commissioner Reyes: You're absolutely right, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
DI.6 DISCUSSION ITEM
7091
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number DI.6, please see Item
Number DL5.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
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BC.1
8938
Office of the City
Clerk
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP LOAN
PROGRAM TASK FORCE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
City of Miami
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BC.2
8152
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.3
6672
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.4
8939
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Mary Lugo
Jorge Suarez Menendez
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0233
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
Adopt
ADOPTED
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Vice Chair Russell: Boards and committees, please.
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Good evening, Chair and Commissioners, BC.4,
Bayfront Park Management Trust. Commissioner Carollo will be reappointing Mary
Lugo and Jorge Suarez -Menendez to the at -large seats.
Commissioner Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo, second by Commission
Commissioner Reyes, all in favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.5
8803
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.6
8940
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CIVILIAN
INVESTIGATIVE PANEL FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES: NOMINATED BY:
Gabriel Paez Civilian Investigative Panel
Joseph John Rinaldi Civilian Investigative Panel
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITTEE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commission -At -Large
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.7
6958
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CODE COMPLIANCE TASK FORCE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.8
8941
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Sammy Lamy
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0234
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.8, Code Enforcement Board. Commissioner
Watson will be appointing Sammy Lamy.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there a motion, please?
Commissioner Reyes: Move.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by the Chair. All in
favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes.
City of Miami
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.9
8804
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
AND QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
City of Miami
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.10
8534
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.11
5976
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
IAFF
FOP
AFSCME 1907
AFSCME 871
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.12
8154
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.13
7963
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.14
9122
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL LOAN
COMMITTEE FOR A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE/CATEGORY:
Bill Rammos
(Chairperson)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0235
MOTION TO:
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Adopt
ADOPTED
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: A motion was made by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, and was passed unanimously, to appoint Bill
Rammos as chairperson of the Housing and Commercial Loan Committee; further
waiving the term limits of Section 2-885(b) by a unanimous (5/5) vote of the
members of the City Commission, as it relates to Bill Rammos as chairperson of the
Housing and Commercial Loan Committee.
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.14, Housing and Commercial Loan
Committee. Mayor Suarez will be reappointing Bill Rammos as the chairperson with
the 5-5 term waiver, please.
Commissioner Reyes: Move.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by Commissioner Diaz
de la Portilla. All in favor, say "aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes.
City of Miami
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BC.15
8267
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER,
QUEER ("LGBTQ") ADVISORY BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
Commission -At -Large
City of Miami
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Meeting Minutes June 10, 2021
BC.16
8269
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE
COMPETITIVENESS FOR TERMS AS
APPOINTEES:
COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
MAYOR'S COUNCIL ON GLOBAL
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
City of Miami
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BC.17
8155
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.18
8805
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI FOREVER BOND PROGRAM CITIZENS'
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
City of Miami
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BC.19
7261
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.20
9121
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE MIAMI RIVER COMMISSION FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE MIAMI TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL FOR A TERM
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Philippe Saint -Just
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0236
NOMINATED BY:
Commission -At -Large
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): BC.20, Miami Technology Council. Mayor
Suarez is recommending the appointment of Philippe Saint -Just to Category 3,
creation of jobs and emerging technology to the at -large seat.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Motion.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo, second by Commissioner
Reyes. All in favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes.
Ms. Ewan: That concludes the boards and committees, Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Want to bring up, please, the Miami River Commission. Their
representative has asked if we would be open to appointing Spencer Crowley to the
Miami River Commission. Normally that seat is appointed by the DI (District 1)
Commissioner. So I just want to bring that to your attention.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We're having conversations about that still. I want
to bring that back on the 24th.
Vice Chair Russell: Fair enough. Thankyou very much.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Because there are other applicants that are
interested. That's why.
Ms. Ewan: Okay. Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, shall I place it on the 24th
agenda?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, ma'am.
Vice Chair Russell: He doesn't have a name yet though.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I don't have a name though.
Ms. Ewan: Absolutely. Understood.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: But I'll have a name for you. It may very well be
this name. I just want to make sure that we pick the right person.
Ms. Ewan: Okay. Thankyou, Commissioner.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thankyou.
Vice Chair Russell: Very good. Thanks very much. Am I missing any of the business of
the day? I believe we have accomplished our agenda before 06:00 p.m. You're
welcome.
Commissioner Reyes: Great job.
Vice Chair Russell: You're welcome. All right, gentlemen. Thank you very much,
everyone. And thank you to staff and of course the public for all of your advocacy.
Really appreciate it. We are adjourned.
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BC.21
3693
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE STARS OF CALLE OCHO WALK OF FAME
COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
Commission -At -Large
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BC.22
5453
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.23
8807
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
(UDRB) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
Commissioner Jeffrey Watson
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING AND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Lynn Lewis
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Ken Russell
National Trust for Historic Preservation
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BC.24
8943
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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PZ.1
9047
Department of
Planning
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
ORDINANCE Second Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 13782,
IMPROPERLY ADOPTED BY SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT
PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO SECTION 163.3187, FLORIDA
STATUTES, ON JULY 26, 2018, AS PROVIDED IN EXHIBIT "A",
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14009
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla
Vice Chair Russell: Before we take up other discussion items, I'd like to dispense with
action items. PZ.1. I believe we have one PZ (Planning and Zoning) item. Is there
anyone here to present that item or is there a motion? This is a rescinding of
Ordinance 13782.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, may 1 please read the ordinance?
Vice Chair Russell: Cesar is here, he's going to explain it to us first.
Cesar Garcia -Pons: Yes, sir, Cesar Garcia -Pons, Planning Department. PZ.1 is the
second reading of the -- for an ordinance rescinding the ordinance that we passed, or
you passed a little while ago with regards to the comp plan. We found out it's no
longer necessary. This will just be a second reading to repeal it.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Madam City Attorney, you may read it, please.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very, much. Is there a motion on PZ.1, please?
Commissioner Reyes: Moved.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by -- seconded by
Commissioner Carollo. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion passes. Thank you. That's PZ1.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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NA.1
9205
City Commission
NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
SUPPORTING THE RIGHTS, FREEDOMS, AND EQUAL
TREATMENT OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER,
AND QUEER ("LGBTQ") PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY")
AND ENCOURAGING THE CELEBRATION OF JUNE 2021 AS
"LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH" IN THE CITY TO PROVIDE A LASTING
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE TO LEARN ABOUT THE
DISCRIMINATION AND INEQUALITY THAT THE LGBTQ
COMMUNITY ENDURED, AND CONTINUES TO ENDURE, AND
TO CELEBRATE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LGBTQ
COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT HISTORY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0237
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Diaz de la Portilla
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.1, please
see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: And now we'll move to the pocket items, please. So, there's PI1.
Is there a motion for PI. 1 ?
Commissioner Carollo: Which is that?
Vice Chair Russell:: That is pride month. We are celebrating pride month.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Motion.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by the Chair. Any
further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
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NA.2
9217
City Commission
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS NATIONAL
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH, AS WELL AS
SUPPORTING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE
THE CITY A SPONSOR OF THE ALZHEIMER'S WALK ON
NOVEMBER 20, 2021 AS WELL AS TO ENCOURAGE CITY
EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0239
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
N- ote for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.2, please
see "Order of the Ay."
Vice Chair Russell: PI.2 is the Alzheimer's and the sponsorship from Commissioner
Reyes's Office from November.
Commissioner Carollo: Moved by Commissioner Reyes, second by me.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes seconded by Commissioner
Carollo. Any further discussion? Yes.
Michael Sarasti: I just wanted to say a couple of thank yous [sic]. Michael Sarasti,
Director of Innovation and Technology for the City of Miami. I just wanted to thank
the Commission for the Alzheimer's item. My mother passed in October from -- from
Alzheimer's' after an eight year battle with the disease. And, Commissioner, I know
you were recently affected. And Commissioner Russell, you mentioned a couple of
weeks ago what you're struggling with as well. The -- the association was really
important for me to find a sense of community as what ended up being me sort of
falling into this role of -- of caretaker for mom. Mom was a public servant. She was a
- - for 30 years, she was director of Financial Aid at Florida International University
and went on to be a campus wide director. This -- it's probably not a coincidence that
I ended up in public service as well as someone that dedicated so much of her time
towards public service. And in this work, you know, we often defer -- people in this
work defer a lot to what happens in -- in retirement. And at early onset mom -- she
was 67 when it all started. And even though mom did amazing things in life. She
traveled; she experienced a lot. She helped a lot of people, a lot of people follow and -
- and make their dreams come true, through education and through inspiring people
any number of ways. But it's a horrible disease that steals a lot, from -- from people. It
stole some of that time from -- a lot of that time from mom. So, I thank you for calling
attention to this, calling attention to the caretakers. It's -- you know, we often focus on
the people that have the disease because, you know, we all sort of rally around to
support these individuals. But there's also a whole community ofpeople around that --
that are affected, it's the -- the families. Disproportionately this affects women. Two-
thirds of the people who have the illness are women. The caretakers are often women
who often leave the workforce and affects us. It changes the composition of society in
so many ways. So, thank you for supporting. I actually in -- after -- in the aftermath of
mom's illness, the Alzheimer's Association asked me to chair this year's walk. So, I
volunteered my time as co-chair of this year's walks. So, I'm proud to be here in front
of you -all as you consider this. And just thank you for spending your time, a little bit
of time doing this. Encourage everybody to start teams, create awareness, get
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involved with all Alzheimer's Association because it helped me find a sense of
community. I thought I was doing this alone for a while and, you know, alone I've got
family. I'm not mom's only child. I've got a brother and sister and my dad who have
were incredible, but it was really important to see that there are others. There are
resources. There are community. There are people who care and are doing a lot to
find an answer to this cruel disease. So --
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: If I may, this is a horrible disease that affected many of us that
are here including Commissioner Watson. And I -- all of us, 1 think that we have been
affected by -- by that our -- member of our family. I lost my father and my sister. It's
hard. It's -- it's horrible, horrible disease that affects the -- the family more than it
affects the -- the patient. And we have to find -- do anything that is possible to find a
cure. And from my office, you're going to have a contribution of $1,000 to start with,
okay?
Mr. Sarasti: Thank you very much, Commissioner. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll match that from my office as well.
Commissioner Watson: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: So wilt!.
Commissioner Watson: So I -- I would like to co-sponsor --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Me too.
Commissioner Watson: -- legislation.
Vice Chair Russell: I think it's unanimous.
Commissioner Watson: And on behalf of nay office, and my mom, $1,000 from me too.
Vice Chair Russell: My mom is 79, I lost a year from her -- from seeing her during the
pandemic only to come back together and have her diagnosed with early Alzheimer's
and mild dementia. And it's hit my family for sure. And the timing with you bringing
this, and unfortunately with your sister and the new approval by the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration), by Aducanumab, the new treatment that's been approved for --
for trial, there's -- there's light on the horizon. So, I'm -- I'm open to learn because
this is new for me and I appreciate everything you guys are doing. Thank you. Yeah.
And you can count on a match from my office for that as well. All right. Did we get a
motion on that?
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Russell: There was a motion to second. Yes. That's P1.2. All in favor, say
"aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much.
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NA.3
9218
City Commission
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE WITH SAINT JAMES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF MIAMI, INC.,
OR AN AFFILIATE ENTITY MEETING THE CITY MANAGER'S
APPROVAL AT TIME OF CONVEYANCE ("ST. JAMES") AND
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY") FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE
ALLAPATTAH BRANCH PUBLIC LIBRARY ("LIBRARY") WITHIN
THE AFFORDABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT TO BE CONSTRUCTED BY ST. JAMES
("PROJECT") ON THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1785 NORTHWEST 35TH STREET TO BE CONVEYED TO ST.
JAMES PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-B(A) OF THE CHARTER OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AS AUTHORIZED
BY RESOLUTION NO. 20-0295; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE WITH ST. JAMES AND THE COUNTY
TO ENSURE THE CONTINUOUS OPERATION AND PUBLIC
AVAILABILITY OF THE LIBRARY AT THE PROPERTY, OR OTHER
ACCEPTABLE LOCATION ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, UNTIL
SUCH TIME THE NEW LIBRARY IS INCORPORATED WITHIN THE
PROJECT AND OPEN AND AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0238
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Reyes, Watson
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.3, please
see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioners, we have some residents here who've asked to
look at the Allapattah Library issue. The two items on the PI (Pocket Item) agenda.
Commissioner Watson: I thought that was done.
Vice Chair Russell: Is there a will for the board to take up that?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Absolutely. We move that both --
Commissioner Reyes: I second.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- both items seconded by Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Russell: So that's a motion and a second on PL3 and PL9.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, seconded by
Commissioner Reyes. Gentlemen, do you mind if I reopen public comment? Is there
are people who only heard about this this morning and hustled to get down here?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes. And we -- and I just met with some of these
students that -- that I want to commend them for their leadership and for worrying
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about their -- their community and their -- and their interest. And that's something
that 1 advised them earlier. I met with them in my office now, I advise them, do not get
into politics. It's a mistake. But get into activism and to worrying about what's
important for your community. So I want to commend all of you for the hard work you
did, but there is an issue that we've been working with the city manager for eight
months on. We were cognizant on the fact, and I was always adamant about the fact, I
explained to them that Allapattah will not go one hour without a library, will not go
one single hour without a library. So, you can rest assured, you can go home today
and sleep well and know that your library will be protected because your library is my
library too. So, 1 want -- if you want to say a few words and maybe you have one
person that can speak on their behalf and then we take it from there and vote it out.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. So, we are opening public comment on PL 3 and PL9.
Anyone who would like to speak just approach either the two lecterns and you have
two minutes to state your name and you're welcome to speak. You will hear a little
beep just as it is hitting 30 seconds, that's about the time to wrap up, but you're very,
very welcome. And anyone who'd like to speak is welcome on these items. Hello.
Whoever's ready, whichever side is ready. Go ahead.
Cecilia Stewart: Is this a good? Cecilia Stewart, 1899 Northwest 1st Court. I'm here
to support the library staying in the Allapattah district. And I would like to
recommend even for the developers to make the first level, the ground level, to be the
library. Because it is a wealth of resources, learning opportunities, the access for the
Internet and all the things that the library has to offer Miami -Dade County. So, I'm
here to support that. And 1 ask you all to please consider making the ground floor the
library. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Madam City Attorney. Do -- do we have any power on
revisiting this? It's already voted.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): The agreement is not signed yet.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez.• So you're able to --
Commissioner Reyes: My second question is do we have leverage on the developer
that we shall require and we shall -- in order for us to accept any of the plans or any
of the requests for permits, do we have a power of demanding that the library shall
remain in place and it should be part of the development?
Ms. Mendez: So we are still negotiating. I think the manager may have a little more
information on that, but I would think we do still have the room to be able to negotiate
these types of things.
Commissioner Reyes: If we have the power and we have the room either, either have
to vote, I think that -- I'm pretty sure that this commission and the -- the District
Commissioner, Mr. Diaz de la Portilla, he would be leading that -- that -- that
request.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes, sir. The -- let me give you a little background,
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if I may, Mr. Chair. A little quick background before you give your comments. This
conversation started eight months ago when 1 first -- city manager and I went together
to the site. And of course, at the time as we are today, we're always looking for
affordable housing. That is the major crisis that we have in our city right now. When I
-- when I showed the city manager, because he was not completely familiar with the
area, even though he's familiar with the site. But I explained to him how we have a
high school there. How we have a senior building across the street, Buena Vista. We
have a Fiesta -- a Fresco y Mas, I'm sorry, supermarket. How we have an area, that's
called Little Santo Domingo, which is a very diverse community and how so many of
those people, all ages, by the way, use that library. How I use that library. I said this
is a very important part of what I want to do here. We need to protect this library. We
need to make sure that they're not mutually exclusive. We can address two critical
issues for our most vulnerable citizens, our older senior citizens, and our young -- and
your children, and our young people that need libraries and access to education. So,
we can do them both together, and that's what government does. So, I agree with you.
At first, I want to thank you for leading on this effort also and for helping and
supporting us. But of course, Allapattah is always going to have a library. That's not
going to go anywhere. And that's my commitment and a commitment that I got from
the city manager back then, but he reiterated that commitment this morning and I'll do
it now again I think, that that development will have a library. That in-between by
time it's built in the interim, that there's another location which is also mentioned in
my pocket item that could be a -- a temporary location for the library. So, children
and kids and people have an -- have access to a library during the building phase, but
you always have a place to go. That location is 14 blocks away. 14 blocks away from
the existing location. The -- I'm talking about the temporary location. That's the one
we picked. We don't have to -- we don't have to pick that. We can find another
location. The County has a budget, the County's the one that runs the -- our libraries
as you know. So, the County has a budget for this. I'm going to demand that the
developer pony up too, although it's an affordable and work force housing
development. So, it's not the same thing as a luxury development where they can give
us a lot more money, but they can give us their share. And to make sure that that
continues. And so, we're all on the same page on this --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- to protect that library. And I know this
commission is going to vote unanimously to do this, both pocket items and just to
make sure that we get to a place where-- where -- probably I think is the oldest, am I
correct?
Ms. Stewart:: Second oldest.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The second oldest. right? It was built in 1963. It
was remodeled in 2019, but it was kind of obsolete from the beginning really, because
things at times have changed, right? So there are things that we need to add to
modernize it. COVID has changed kind of the environment also, how people go, and
all kinds of things. So, it's going to be a modern library, a 21st century, library, real
good library for all the kids in that area, for all the residents of that area. So, thank
you for your activism, thank you for your leadership. It means a lot not only you,
Mileyka, what you've been doing, Mileyka for all these years in Allapattah, but these
young people they are really -- they are an inspiration to all of us to be here and put
up with us in this whole political process. As sometimes it's not easy to understand.
Sometimes it's cumbersome, but it works at the end of the day. So, thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized.
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Commissioner Reyes: Through the Chair. 1 have another question. In order to assure
that that library or that development is going to include a library. Madam City
Attorney, is anything that we can do to assure that that library is going to be there
through a resolution or through, I don't know what?
Ms. Mendez: So your resolution takes that into account. We would also use the
portions of Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla --
Commissioner Reyes: You can --
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Reyes: I mean there is no jealousy here. You can -- you can.
Ms. Mendez: No, I know, but we will --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We are city commissioners.
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We are not Allapattah or Flagami commission. We
are city commissioners.
Commissioner Reyes: We are city commissioner.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: All children -- all children --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- deserve a place to study and a place to learn.
Commissioner Reyes: And I want also -- I want to congratulate you, all of the -- all of
your students. And at the same time, and I said publicly, I want to apologize. I want to
apologize that that went through us. It was the time of the COVID and all of that. And
I am guilty of not being more careful on reading the -- the ordinance. And -- because
if I had caught it as an ex -teacher, I would object it immediately because to me
libraries are very important. I mean to me and to all of us. You see that -- that we are
so concerned about the education of our -- of our youth.
Mileyka Burgos -Flores: I'm humbled by your words and I'm glad that you
acknowledge that and I hope that we can enlighten a few other points here. First of
all, we're grateful to city leaders who have now recognized how important our library
is to our community. This issue shows how important it is to get community input on
the development of public land from the beginning of the process. It is important to
recognize the strategic location of the current Allapattah Library across the street
from Miami Jackson High School and other senior sub -- and other senior buildings is
a safe walking distance for young students and seniors. It is the only quiet space they
have to do homework or get help from library, staff, understanding it is in a low-
income immigrant community and many times, the library is the only free resource for
families. This library also serves Maya Angelou Elementary and other schools in our
community. We also need to consider the lack of community' involvement in the
disposition of this public land. I'm not sure if the current use of this public land and
the meaning to the community has been considered. Aside from the library, there is a
Miami Parking Authority parking lot used by the micro businesses in the commercial
corridor. Many of their certificates (Oise depend on this parking lot. This is not, I'm
sorry. This is one of the many issues that our community members themselves should
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he able to voice once they're fully aware of this issue. Most of them just found out
yesterday, in the news. This item was approved while our community was in the -- was
in the epicenter of COVID 19. The Allapattah Library found out a few weeks ago. 1
truly suggest you reconsider this issue so we can have meaningful community
participation. We did a public information request on May 20, 2021, and we still have
not received any information. We hope that -- that this is the case with the Allapattah
GSA (General Services Administration) lot, 18 acres of publicly owned land in the
heart of our community on 20th Street. We can build a lot of affordable housing there.
Right now the Allapattah CDC (Community Development Corporation) and Public
Land for Public Good coalition of 30 grassroots organizations are called down
surveys to see what residents need for that land. We also will hold two public
meetings and invite the commissioners to cone and hear directly from the residents.
We would like to see a competitive RFP (Request for Proposal) process Jrothe land
so that there's a substantial community input. Whatever happens on these plots will
affect Allapattah for years to cane. It can help alleviate the challenges we face, or it
can make them worse. Public Land for Public Good Miami has developed a list of
principles for developing public land to ensure it is done equitably and sustainability.
We hope that it is a guide for Allapattah land and public land across the county. I am
extremely proud of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC Organization where I am the
executive director and the Allapattah Community Fellows and our staff. They have
selected this issue to be their community service project, and we couldn't be prouder.
They started a petition drive and they reached 500 signatures within 24 hours. Right
now they have over 700 signatures. They will be sharing comments shortly, and we
thank you for listening to me and to them. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Is there anyone else who would
like to speak on the item? How are you? How are you?
Fernando Salgado: I'm good, and you?
Vice Chair Russell: Good. You have two -- two minutes to state your name.
Mr. Salgado: Okay. Good afternoon. I am Fernando Salgado, a recent graduate from
Miami Jackson Senior High School. I'm a resident of Allapattah. I would like to tell
my story about Allapattah Library that is across the street from Miami Jackson Senior
High School. During my four years of high school, I will -- I would use the library
almost every day. It got me through many projects, and it was an overall safe place to
be at. It's a shame to see it go. My friend, Cynthia, changed her life and managed to
graduate a year earlier, and it's all thanks to the Allapattah Library. As I move
forward with my life onto college, I may not need the resources the library provides,
but I cannot say and do nothing knowing that many residents of Allapattah community
will not have access to this major resources. I hope that there's an agreement made to
maintain this public land. So, I want to thank everyone for all of this. Thank you so
much.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Thanks for coming.
Is there anyone else who would like to speak? You guys can go ahead and lineup at
the opposite lecterns and we'll just alternate.
Chelsea Hercules: Sorry. I'm very short.
Vice Chair Russell: Hello. Don't worry.
Ms. Hercules: Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Chelsea Hercules. I'm a recent
graduated from Miami Jackson. And I just want to talk about how Jackson, not
Jackson, but the library, that's right across from Jackson, impacted me. I graduated a
year early because of the library. My sophomore year, I lived with my father, and he
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was very financially unstable. And 1 would have to go to the library, use the
computers, the printer, the Wi-Fi. And because of the library, 1 graduated a year
earlier. And I'm very thankful for you guys for recognizing the library and how
important it is to the community. So, thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Javla Cannon: Hi. Hi, I'm Jayla, and I am a resident of Allapattah. And I'm going to
talk about why saving the library is important to me. I visited the library a few times,
but since 1 have the services that the library provide, like a computer, Wi-Fi, printer,
some kids and even adults don't have the access to -- to that. It is sad to know that a
place that is needed in our community is wanted to be shutdown. That library across
the street from Miami Jackson is a necessity, not a want for students. So, I hope with
all of this, 1 really want the library to stay.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Is there anyone else would like to
speak on the item? Seeing none, I will go ahead and close public comment. Is there
any further discussion on the dais? Alright.
Commissioner Reyes: We have a -- a resolution right.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Two.
Vice Chair Russell: Two.
Commissioner Reyes: Two resolutions.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We'll put them together.
Commissioner Reyes: Could you -- could you combine them and make them and
whatever it is missing on Mr. Diaz de la Portilla and -- I mean, with his approval of
whatever is missing in mine, because I think that we're saying the same thing.
Vice Chair Russell: So what well do is we will withdraw PL3 and add the terms of
PL3 to PL9, because PL9 was a more comprehensive list.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: And that way he'll be the sponsor. You can be the co-sponsor.
Ms. Mendez.: I think --
Commissioner Reyes: Fantastic.
Ms. Mendez: I think it was -- it was the flip. I believe we can do -- can 'just read it so
that we're clear?
Vice Chair Russell: Which one?
Ms. Mendez: I believe I have it as PL3.
Vice Chair Russell: PL 3 is Commissioner Reyes --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think we are clear, right?
Vice Chair Russell: She's not. PL3 is Commissioner Reyes --
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Ms. Mendez: 1 just want to make sure that 1 have everything you want, please.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: PL 3 is Commissioner Reyes is the smaller one.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: And the more comprehensive list was PI.9, which is
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Reyes: That's fine with me. As long as you include that it has to --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, we incorporated P1.3 into P1.9.
Commissioner Reyes: -- okay, that we have that leverage.
Vice Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) are you good, Todd? Mr. Clerk?
Mr. Hannon: I'm just deferring to the City Attorney.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: So, ifI could just read it a --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: That wasn't very courageous of you. What was
that?
Mr. Hannon: Self-preservation.
Commissioner Reyes: You see --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I get that one.
Commissioner Reyes: Let me -- let me -- Mr. Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Alright, Commissioner Reyes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: You know, to avoid (UNINTELLIGIBLE) DI (District 1), D3
(District 3), whatever it is, at whatever -- I mean, we don't want to have a resolution,
and it's going to be sponsored. Whatever you pick is going to be sponsored by the
commissioner of the -- of the district. And it could be -- I think that should be
cosponsored by me and by everybody else.
Vice Chair Russell: Are you -- are you unclear on the terms?
Commissioner Reyes: The terms is what's important.
Ms. Mendez: I will just say it's simply amending the lease, incorporating a library,
and making sure that we do a relocation so that there is no -- not one day missing
from the library.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Correct.
Ms. Mendez: And we'll draft the rest around that. Those are the basic --
Vice Chair Russell: Are we missing something?
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Commissioner Diaz de la Fonda. We're missing the incorporation of the library into
the new development.
Commissioner Reyes: The redevelopment --
Ms. Mendez: Right. Amending the lease in order to have the library, but yes --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Right. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Reyes: And a strong community input in whatever development they're
going to do --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Of course.
Commissioner Reyes: -- that has to come to the community and -- and listen to what
the community has to say.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. There's a motion, there's a second on RE.9.
All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you, and congratulations to
all of you for your advocacy. Thanks for coming in.
Commissioner Reyes: Congratulations. Thank you very much, and my apologies
again.
Vice Chair Russell: You see, sometimes we listen. All right. So, that's the --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The amended PII [sic].
Vice Chair Russell: -- PL 3.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: PL9 is what you meant.
Vice Chair Russell: PL9.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yeah, you said RE.9.
Vice Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Thank you for correcting me.
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NA.4
9219
City Commission
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT, BUDGET, ALLOCATE, AND APPROPRIATE THE ONE
MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
($1,700,000.00) APPROPRIATED BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA
("STATE") TO THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FOR THE BADIA
SENIOR CENTER PROJECT, THE ONE MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,500,000.00) APPROPRIATED BY THE
STATE TO THE CITY FOR THE MIAMI GOLDEN PINES
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, AND THREE
MILLION DOLLARS ($3,000,000.00) APPROPRIATED BY THE
STATE TO THE CITY FOR THE MIAMI - LITTLE HAVANA
PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONES PROJECT (COLLECTIVELY, THE
"STATE APPROPRIATED FUNDS"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS WITH THE STATE, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE
AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE APPROPRIATED FUNDS;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, RENEWALS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE ACCEPTANCE, IMPLEMENTATION OF,
AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE AGREEMENTS FOR THE STATE
APPROPRIATED FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0240
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.4, please
see "Order of the Day."
Commissioner Reyes: And to that effect, I would like to take it -- I mean, I would like
the indulgence of the -- the City Attorney to read a resolution accepting those funds.
And right now that we have you here so we can vote on it if you -- I mean, my -- my
fellow commissioners' agree with it. Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Is this an item that's on the agenda or that you'd like to add as a
pocket?
Commissioner Reyes: No, it is a pocket that she has.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): This is PI4. This is PI4. We had read the --
Vice Chair Russell: The appropriation.
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you. Appropriation.
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Ms. Mendez: We had read the pocket into the record, but it's authorizing the City
Manager to accept, budget, allocate and appropriate all these monies that Senator
Garcia has brought to the city.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. That's a motion on PL4.
Commissioner Reyes: I move it.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'll second that motion.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla. Let me open up
for public comment. If there's anyone here who would like to speak on the item PL4
with regard to the D4 (District 4) appropriation that Senator Garcia has worked on
for us. Seeing none, I'll close public comment. Is there any further discussion on the
dais. I believe Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla wanted to be recognized?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I just wanted to basically say ditto to what my
fellow commissioners have said. I am -- and I hate to say that this way because I don't
want to sound like an elder guy talking to a younger lady, but I'm -- I'm very proud of
you.
Ms. Garcia: Thank you. Gracias.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You have been a great -- you have done a great job
as a senator. You did a fantastic job. You're a great public servant and you're a great
politician on top of that, which is great combination to have.
Ms. Garcia: Thankyou.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You conveyed the message to the voters and to us,
and you worked hard with all of us together, which is not easy to do because we're not
an easy bunch to get along with. You did a good, good, good job, an excellent job,
and I am very proud of you.
Ms. Garcia: Thank you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you for being my senator. Because you are
my senator, and actually you're my successor, because I served the same district many
years ago. So, I'm very proud of you.
Ms. Garcia: Gracias.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Any further discussion on PL4? Hearing none. All in
favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on PL 4. Thank you, Senator.
Ms. Garcia: Thankyou.
Commissioner Reyes: Thankyou.
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NA.5
9221
City Commission
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
("CITY") CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, FINANCE DIRECTOR,
BUDGET DIRECTOR, CITY ATTORNEY, FINANCIAL ADVISOR,
AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES, AND
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY'S AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTMENT POLICY, TO INVEST AN AMOUNT OF ONE
MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000.00) OF THE CITY'S SURPLUS
PUBLIC FUNDS INTO BONDS, NOTES, OR INSTRUMENTS
BACKED BY THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0241
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Alex Diaz de Ia Portilla, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de Ia Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.5, please
see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: We will open up for public comment at this time. If you are here
to speak on any of the agenda items -- I'm sorry, we have a -- another appearance.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: We have a special guest, yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. Let me break from public comment before we do.
Good morning, Mr. Mayor?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Morning.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo, I believe wanted to move PLS at this time.
Is that correct?
Commissioner Carollo: That's correct.
Vice Chair Russell: That is investing $1 million in Israeli bonds. Is there a second?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'll second it.
Vice Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla.
Commissioner Carollo: Only (UNINTELLIGIBLE) on this resolution to be exact on
the heading on line 6, I believe it is, where it says to invest an amount not to exceed
$l million, it will say to invest in amount of $1 million. It's a small token of our
support to Israel, and our appreciation, Consul General, of the warm friendship, the
support that we have had from so many Israelis and their contribution to our
community. We -- besides some of the other things that we'll be doing today, as I told
you out there on the commercial -- "Where's the Beef", we wanted you to bring back
to Israel a little bit of beef of gratitude from the City of Miami to show that not only
are we putting on paper, on words our support, but we're also putting in a small
amount of our monetary reserve, our support to the State of Israel.
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NA.6
9222
City Commission
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. 1'd like to welcome the Consul General and open the
floor for public comment on this item, specifically, PI.5, is there anyone here who
would like to address the Commission with regard to this item? Seeing none, 1'll close
public comment and open the dais for discussion. Anyone else would like to comment
on this item?
Commissioner Carollo: There is a motion.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. There is a motion and a second. All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very, much. You're very
welcome. I've spent much more time with your predecessor, including the first direct
flight on El Al back to Israel. So, I look forward to spending time with you and maybe
taking another trip.
Commissioner Carollo: We ready?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Can we read the resolution?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. The proclamation?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
(MULTIPLE PARTIES SPEAKING IN UNISON)
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Mayor, we're going to -- yes, we'll take up the proclamations
at this time. Mr. Mayor, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). We'll all come down and --
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER ALONG WITH THE SOLID WASTE
DEPARTMENT AND THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT TO SET
UP A REWARD PROGRAM AND HOTLINE FOR MEMBERS OF
THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHO PROVIDE TIPS ON ILLEGAL
DUMPERS THAT LEAD TO EITHER A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION AND CONVICTION.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0242
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.6, please
see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: PL3 we've already handled, PI.4 and 5 as well. PI.6 and PL 7 are
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items for hotlines on illegal dumping and bulky waste.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Whose item was PI. 6 and 7?
Commissioner Carollo: Those are jor mine.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo, would you like to make a motion on
those?
Commissioner Carollo: 1 would.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. All right.
Commissioner Watson: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: He seconded.
Commissioner Watson: I just --
Vice Chair Russell: Oh, sorry. Yes. We have a motion and a second.
Commissioner Watson: But discussion.
Vice Chair Russell: Sure. Open for discussion. Go ahead.
Commissioner Watson: Well, Commissioner Carollo, front me, no pun intended. We
have a plan, Solid Waste, and as much as we want to -- as much as we want to do the
line, we're having a real issue on dumping. And I know the manager don't want me to
talk about this because it means money, but to the extent that we're going to talk about
it at some point, the recovery money and I don't know why (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the
stipulations. But Solid Waste need some additional resources to deal with this bulky
waste. We have some very good equipment that's in some districts, not all. And we
need some additional inspectors to help them, and cameras to catch people. And so
clearly, I don't know what's the timing for putting that on the table, but at least since
Commissioner Carollo's item came up, I wanted to least find out when is a good
timing to put this on the table.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Manager?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): We are -- so you know, Commissioner, we're
actually doing our budget prep now. We're working in some additional resource for
Solid Waste. So, we'll socialize that with you and with the other elected officials and
well get some feedback on it. We're working on some additional resources.
Commissioner Watson: And is that -- is that going to be a qualified recovery expense
or --
Mr. Noriega: No.
Commissioner Watson: -- will it help us. It's not going to help us?
Mr. Noriega: No because -- I mean, we could, but it's -- since that's onetime money.
These are really ongoing problems. I think they need to be addressed as part of our
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regular budget.
Commissioner Watson: Okay. All right.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, I'm very glad you brought that particular
point out because these motions were to try to find new revenue and put a real bite in
going after the people that are dumping. But I'm going to give you an example of what
happened at the last budget hearings before you came onboard. I pushed, and they
were put in the budget, new cameras for Solid Waste to be put in the areas where we
have seen the most continuous dumping. The problem is they only have 1 guy for 100
cameras. 1 mean, this is ridiculous. Who -- who are we kidding? So right off the bat,
1'd like for us to meet with the manager individually, give him time to analyze it and to
be brought back to the next meeting. One, put sufficient people so that we are
monitoring those cameras. Two, 1 want sufficient extra equipment, mainly the trucks
with at least one with the claw, that we could have additional trucks besides the
regular days that we have pick-ups in the districts that are having the most problem
with dumping. We're going through some of our streets and frankly it's shameful. It
looks like, you know, Beirut, back in the day when they were being bombed from
everywhere. You would think that., I mean, we're -- we're in a state of war. And, you
know, sadly, what's happening is that it's a combination, yes, you've got people from
the outside are coming in, dumping in our city. Individuals that are working here and
they find it easy to dump in our city. But a lot of that dumping is coming from our
own. And because of COVID, even more, people have not been able to pay rent. Many
of the absentee landowners, some would call them slumlords, have raised the rents
even more. So, more people are moving out than ever, trying to find a place that they
could afford. And they're dumping a lot of the stuff that -- their furniture and more,
out into the streets. And, you know, we can't afford this anymore because one is -- is
how our streets and residents [sic] look. Our residential areas look horrible. And two,
it's a great expense for us that we have to pay the county a tremendous amount every
time we dump in the county. So, we're getting hit with a double whammy on this. And
this is why I'm coming with these two resolutions. But we need more than that because
you got a bunch of demagogues out there that they want to come out and be attacking
some of us, blaming us for that dumping and so on. And unfortunately, as we all
know, we don't have the authority to go out there and do anything. It's the manager.
This is why I want to place an item and Mr. Manager, Madam City Attorney, please
hear me because we want this item in the next meeting, where the manager is going to
come with, and I don't care where we have to ship money from, all this money we're
getting from the feds we could get some from there. I want in -- in my district, besides
whatever days we pick up, an additional, what do you call those? The claws, with
whatever amount of trucks you need to follow it so that 1 could have a truck constantly
being called to pick up trash and garbage that's being thrown in the streets.
Commissioner Reyes: That's an excellent --
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner Watson is going to require the same in his
district.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't know how bad Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla 's
district is. I know one part of his district is not too bad. But he's got one area is pretty
bad. And I -- I'm not going to speak for Commissioner Reyes because, you know, he's
got a mixture there in the district so he could tell us best how bad he's doing. But we
need that I see at the very least three maybe four districts that require this.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
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Commissioner Carollo: And whatever it takes, Mr. Manager, we have to spend it. And
with all this new money that we're going to meet with you to discuss how to spend it, if
need be, it could come from there.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioner, and to be clear, that is separate from
these two items. This --
Commissioner Carollo: Oh yeah -- yeah it's totally separate from these two item.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I totally, wholeheartedly agree with Commissioner
Carollo. I think that -- that it is -- it is important for us to have; I would call it a
trouble-shooter truck, that we can dispatch or they can come around and then go
through the hotspots. And -- and referring to the amount of people that I've been
looking at those, in reference to that, and told the people that are looking at those
cameras, I would love to see more people paying attention to those cameras so we can
catch them in the act, not after the fact, you see? Let's -- let's catch them and
particularly those people that are -- are illegally dumping in a -- in our city, because
they know that we pick them up. See, they come from -- and the debris that 1 find in my
streets or, 1 mean any -- any type of debris you have them, from tires to construction
material to, 1 mean, toilet seats, et cetera, et cetera. Not only the regular bulk that we
are -- and we have to make more of those apartment owners more responsible,
Commissioner Carollo, because what they do is, and 1 don't -- I don't know if you had
in your district, you have that -- that problem. That they don't have a large bill and
when people move from their buildings -- from their apartments that they are renting,
what do they do, they place it right on the street. I had -- I had a apartment owner that
he directed the -- their tenants to dump on the street. And he was cited, you see,
because we find out, he was cited, and we have to be a little bit tougher in that. And I
-- I support your -- your amendment and your suggestion. We need a truck that had to
have a trouble-shooter in our districts.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank -- thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Can I add something in addition so that we could be very,
clear. What Commissioner Reyes said is also one major part of the problem. This is
why one of these resolutions that I have here is trying to address that somewhat, not
fully. What I'd like is, Madam City Attorney, for you to come back on our next meeting
with an ordinance. Right now, we have all the emphasis on punishing the owner of the
real estate where we think that trash or garbage came from. I will tell you that many
times, most of the times you'll go through the stuff that are thrown out and you're
going to find names of the people that actually threw it out. So, I would like an
ordinance that will first of all, increase to the maximum, and you can speak to each
member of the commission to see how far they want to go. I think it's got to be
substantial so people could feel it, the penalties. But that we will fine both the real
estate owner and if we find by going through what was thrown out, who threw the
trash and garbage out, fine that person also. Because those people have been getting
away scott-clean [sicJ. So, here we are going to have two people that we could go at.
Ms. Mendez: Well, Commissioner, remember that we have the Florida litter laws. So,
that's technically covered. It's -- it's an enforcement issue at the end of the day. So,
niaybe we just need a few more resources for that.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
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Ms. Mendez: Well --
Commissioner Carollo: Again, I'd like to see an ordinance that will be specific to that
and will have a substantial bite. Anywhere from $1, 000 to $1500, which is a lot more
than what we have now. Speak to each member of the commission, see what they feel
comfortable with, and that's what we -- we would go with. But, Mr. Manager, what
I've asked for -- for our districts, that could be added to the mid year June 24 budget
that we're doing. So, if you could bring that back within the budget, speak to each of
us. If you're having trouble putting it in within the budget, we'll look at the new
monies we're getting. But this has to be right away. I don't want to see you implement
this in November. I want you to implement it before the month of June is over. You
know, we're getting killed with trash and garbage in the streets. I have people on a
daily basis going out and identifying where we have stuff that are being thrown, but
we can't keep up, we're pick it up.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to add to -- also -- also we're doing that. Now we have
teams that are -- they are going out and picking up old mattresses. I mean, I don't
know. I've never seen so many mattresses on the street. And I think that with the --
with the federal money, everybody is sleeping better now because I mean, in my
district, my God, 1 never seen so many mattresses being -- being thrown on the street.
But we also need -- we also need to educate our residents. We need and I've been
asking for this. 1 mean, for a long time to the sanitation department, and -- and the old
director, Mario, was going into it. We need to educate our -- our residents What can
they throw out.
Commissioner Carollo: And when.
Commissioner Reyes: When can they throw it out, and you see if we are going to
increase the fine, what we -- I would propose is that we'll give them first a warning. If
you do it again, I'm giving you $1,500. And -- but in order to do that, we need an -- an
effective and aggressive educational program. Because some of the people that come
from other countries, they don't have that culture of that they -- it is picked certain
day and they -- and they think they see it and -- and also some people that live here,
they are even confused. They don't know what to throw out and what -- when to throw
it out. So I -- Mr. Manager, if you could implement citywide an educational program
using every, mean that we have. You see, our TV station, at door-to-door handles, you
see, and tty to educate our people and let them know that it is not right to -- after
Wednesday, they pick your trash up and Thursday, you are dumping more trash in the
same place. That is not right.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Manager, that educational program should be one that is
a carrot with a stick.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: We educate, hut we're also informing them the severe
penalties that --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Commissioner Carollo: -- are going to happen if they don't want to be educated. At
the same time, we need to inform people what they could do to help us. And part of it
is in the resolution that we have here.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, sir.
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Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Watson: I did --
Vice Chair Russell: Further discussion on PL 6 and PL 7?
Commissioner Watson: Yeah, I did. I started a don't dump on us campaign. We did a
neighborhood cleanup, started last Thursday. And it should be -- I think that when
people make a decision to dump, the commissioner is right, it's not only property
owners, but it's got to be interconnected because there's people driving by. And if
there is no one -- if there is no disincentive to dump, they will because if they have to
pay the tipping fee, well, it's a whole lot more money than the fine. So clearly what do
they do? They dump it, we pick it up, we have to pay the fee, and they go away. And so
we -- we -- and I thought it was a state law that we couldn't charge them so much. But
whatever the maximum we can charge for people who're dumping trash, construction
debris. I mean, it's everything now. I did -- I found vacant lots. There was about 10
different lots where people were living on absentee landlord lots, which is why the
fences come in. And so it's -- it's unfortunate, whatever people are going through. But
it's really costing us more money and making us look even worse than we should.
Because you 're right, I look at a spot. We go by, we clean it up, in the afternoon,
somebody done dump already in the -- in the -- on the spot. It's kind of crazy. So I
know it's tough sometime, Mr. Manager, but we should try to find as much -- as many
resources as we can to help 1 guy with 100 cameras were going to get to be able to
monitor all the cameras and get the trucks necessary. Even add an additional day. I
call it a hotspot because 1 was going around the district in hotspots that people can't
see that you'd be amazed how bad it is. And it's bad. So hopefully, it'll come back with
the resolution.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Any further discussion on PL 6 and 7? Hearing none.
All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Manager, I'm glad the police chief is here. Let me read
the most important part of one of the two resolutions that we passed. Section 2, the
Miami City Commission hereby directs the City Manager, along with Solid Waste and
the Miami Police Department, to set up a reward program, of $500 per case, and
hotline for members of the general public who provide tips on illegal dumpsters that
lead to either a civil or criminal prosecution and conviction. What are we saying
here? That out of the either civil or criminal prosecution and conviction, where we're
going to get sufficient dollars, in particular now that we're going to raise this next
week, the fees, we're going to give each lady that's home, a housewife, don't have a
job, just hanging out because we're grateful to her great federal government for the
incentive they've given them, $500, if they see someone who is dumping in the streets,
they give us enough information that we can prosecute and convict him. And you
know what? You give us six months of'that. You're going to see that -- you're going to
see the dumping in the streets cut down by no less than 50 percent. Because we're
going to have a whole army, of people that all of a sudden are going to want to help
us, and we're not paying for it. The people that are dumping they're going to pay for
it, and we're going to save a lot of money from not having to pay the County by taking
all this trash and junk to be dumped. Chief how quickly do you think you could put
something like this together?
Vice Chair Russell: Chief you're recognized.
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Art Acevedo (Chief of Police): Thank you, Chairman and Commissioners. We would
recommend -- Chief Aguilar was just whispering, that we utilize Crime Stoppers. That
we -- that we encourage this program to go through Crime Stoppers so it can he
anonymous. Because obviously there's going to be neighbors reporting on neighbors
in many instances. And the -- anonymity would be really important. And we would just
-- we would then reimburse Crime Stoppers from the funding from the City. That
would be our recommendation, Commissioners.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, well, what -- whatever it takes. But Mr. Manager, 1
would really like to see a program put together as quickly as we can on this, that we
do a good commercial in putting in our own City cable station, and that we do a mail
out, you know, a good size mail out. So anybody could read and understand that if
they dump, they're going to pay a price. And if you catch them, and you want to help
us anonymously, you're going to make some money.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair. I have a question for the --
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Reyes: -- fbr the -- not for the chief for the city. manager, Mr. City
Manager. A few months back, the Ex -sanitation director came before us, and he asked
for additional inspectors. Were those -- inspectors provided or are -- are we hiring
more inspectors?
Vice Chair Russell: Hello.
Natasha Colebrook -Williams (Assistant City Manager): Go ahead.
Vice Chair Russell: You're recognized.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: I'm sorry. Natasha Colebrook -Williams, Assistant City
Manager. I'm sorry, I didn't hear the question. Can you repeat it?
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, could you repeat please?
Commissioner Reyes: I'll repeat the question. Okay. A few months back, Mario, that
we had this conversation with Mario about illegal dumping and the need to be a little
bit more aggressive on it. A little bit, no, be more aggressive with illegal dumpsters
and dumpers and such, people like that they bring the -- the trash and they throw the
material that shouldn't have been throwing out. And he asked fbr additional
inspectors. He said that we don't -- I don't have enough inspectors, I need more
inspectors. And I said, well, we agree. Whatever it takes, if it took more inspectors,
then he should have it. And my question, I -- I thought that at the time it was agreed
that more inspectors were going to be hired or trained, whichever you prefer.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: Okay. So Mario did propose in his plan, additional
inspectors. As part of the proposed budget, we also include additional inspectors as
long -- as well as cameras and have been in collaboration with the police department.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, but -- I'm sorry, but -- but I want to -- before, you know,
when you get old --
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: No problem.
Commissioner Reyes: -- you get distracted all the time. You see I don't want to lose it.
But I just remembered what Commissioner Carollo said. We can have 200 cameras,
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2,000 cameras, if we don't have people manning them what -- what we're going to do
is -- and -- and I've seen it because it had happened in my district, that there are
hotspots that -- that the people come and continuously they are dumping in that spot.
And I had asked, who was the person -- I mean, how can you miss this? And then we
have to go backtrack on the cameras and see if you -- you see you're reviewing the
cameras. You don't know what time was it dumped. You don't know what date.
Because if saw it on a Tuesday and it was dumped on a Sunday, then you have three
days of -- of fibn that you'll have to go. We need more people manning the cameras.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: You're -- you're absolutely correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: The number that's proposed includes additional cameras as
well as individuals to monitor those cameras. And that'll be presented when we come
back as part of the comprehensive plan that was mentioned as part of the proposal,
the resolution.
Commissioner Reyes: So far we have not hired.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: We have not.
Commissioner Reyes: Or we have not made any effort of hiring more inspectors?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: We have not hired additional inspectors.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I just wanted to check.
Vice Chair Russell: Question for you. What's -- what's the difference between an
inspector and a camera monitor. Are they the same job?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: They're the same. We have pulled inspectors to go and
monitor at the police department. So we have been doing it in dual roles, the
inspector, but we need inspectors. And also those inspectors will also inspect the piles
that are being dumped illegally as well as monitoring the cameras. So you're totally
correct. We cannot install just cameras without bodies to properly monitor them if we
want it to be effective. So the plan that we will bring forth will include both.
Vice Chair Russell: Am I correct that the previous director's recommendation was a
total of 30 solid waste inspectors, like currently we have about 10, correct? Ain I
wrong?
Jennifer Moy: Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Jennifer Moy, Interim
Director of Solid Waste. At this time, we have an additional three inspectors that we
just hired this week, bringing them to a total of eight.
Vice Chair Russell: So we have eight.
Ms. Moy: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: And so it was five. You added three; you have eight now.
Ms. Moy: Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: And what was the recommendation that -- that you inherited, from
the previous director?
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Ms. Moy: The recommendation was to bring them at least to -- let me just double-
check in the plan because we wanted to have 20.
Vice Chair Russell: 20 additional.
Ms. Moy: No, total of 20.
Vice Chair Russell: A total of 20.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: And if] -- If I may clarify, those additional individuals that
were hired are not additional people, those were vacant positions. So 1 answered the
question.
Commissioner Reyes: (INAUDIBLE) filled. That's what 1 was going to say.
Vice Chair Russell: Right. Clearly, the -- the will is here to address this problem from
a financial perspective. So I think we just need some guidance so that we can make a
solid decision.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, those positions need to be filled because first, the
cameras. Secondly, are the people that are going to monitor the cameras. But we only
had one. And then thirdly, are the code enforcement inspectors that'll go -- going to
go out in the field and get information, find people, et cetera. And we only have 8 out
of 20 that we're supposed to have. So clearly, this is a broken system. Mr. Manager,
I'm going to tell you what the father of Andy Como, Andrew Como, Mario Como told
me once in New York, and later in the day, the same thing more or less was told to me
by Mayor Giuliani. And the two things that you don't mess with in people's lives are
one, their safety, and two, getting their garbage and trash collected. And I'm -- I'm
telling you the city manager is going to be measured most of the time by this thick of
how well he keeps the community safe and how well he keeps it clean. On the area of
keeping it clean, we're a mess. And I -- I hope that you have heard us and in
particularly you've heard Inc. I need some immediate action after November, not two
months from now, not three months, to get our communities clean and to go out there
and do whatever it takes based on the tools that you have now to get hundreds of
people to be our eyes and ears because they're all going to want to get to 500 bucks
per case. And if we advertise it, we get it out there, we're going to stop this in a big
way real, real quick. We just can't have the free-for-all that we've been having.
Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: You know I'm not blaming Solid Waste. You're not being
given the tools. You don't have the people. And it's about time that we put our
emphasis in that. So I -- I'm expecting that by the next meeting, you're going to have
clear plans for us, and you're going to have things that work. But I want in -- in the
districts that we have the most problems with, mine being one of them, full-time extra
claws and trucks --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to be picking trash and garbage.
Vice Chair Russell: All right.
Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner Carollo, I want to correct you. People are not --
if the garbage is not collected, they are not going to blame the city manager.
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Commissioner Carollo: Oh, no.
Commissioner Reyes: They're going to be blaming us.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: And we are the ones that are being blamed for the streets being
dirty or the pothole not being filled, you see. And that's why we require -- we require
efficiency from our departments.
Commissioner Carollo: Last. I want to leave you, Mr. Manager, and many others to
think about this. Have you ever heard of the Samson Syndrome? Samson. Okay.
Remember Samson and Goliath [sic], well, let me explain to you the Samson
Syndrome. For those, anybody out there in government or maybe not in government,
that think that through unconventional ways they're going to sabotage, terrorize, to
get some of us out here, I am going to assure you that the Samson Syndrome will be
put at play and we're all going to sing together. There ain't anyone that's going to be
able to jump from the ship.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, I'm confused. Is it David and Goliath? It was
Samson and Delilah. So, who are we talking about?
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no.
Vice Chair Russell: Who are we talking about?
Commissioner Carollo: Bathsheba. At my age you can get confused with all the girls
you dated.
Vice Chair Russell: All right, gentlemen, is that it on PL7 and PL8? Thank you. I'm
sorry. PL 6 and 7.
Eddy Leal (General Counsel, Mayor's Office): Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Leal: I wanted to add to conversation.
Vice Chair Russell: To solid -- to the solid waste conversations.
Mr. Leal: Yes. Yes, yes, yes. I know we're all very excited about the next item, at least
I am, but I did have a very good conversation with an officer. And I know we've been
focusing the conversation, Commissioner Carollo, on solid waste, but I also want to
make sure that as the commission evaluates and considers this, the officer made a
good point in terms of the need for more -- I think, there was a division of detectives
that deals with environmental crimes. And it does seem that that is perhaps in need of
more support, maybe short-staffed. So as you consider this issue, I think that's one
that the officer was mentioning could definitely help with. And it was addressing the
same issue that I've -- I've heard now the commission. So that's something, I think they
had only number of detectives on it and maybe more detectives to look at the cameras
because it's different type of arrests that they can do as opposed to just the inspector.
So I -- I felt compelled after hearing the officer share the story and -- and the
conviction that it would be helpful. So I share that with you and hopefully and that
informs the conversation.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you -- thank you. for your --
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Commissioner Carollo: I think all of us are in agreement up here that whatever
additional boots on the ground the police department needs, we are going to provide
it in a budget. We're not going to be defending the police here.
Commissioner Reyes: Never.
Vice Chair Russell: All right.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE
CITY MANAGER TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE
COST OF PROVIDING CITY BULKY WASTE PICK-UP TO MULTI-
UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND REPORT BACK TO THE
CITY COMMISSION IN NINETY (90) DAYS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0243
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number NA.7, please see
"Order of the Day" and Item Number NA.6.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO SEEK FURTHER APPELLATE REVIEW
BY FILING A PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI IN THE
THIRD DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IN THE MATTER OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY V. CITY OF MIAMI, CASE NO. 19-167 AP.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0244
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Watson
NAYS: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.8, please
see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: We are now taking up PI8, the filing of the appeal on the
playhouse. Is there a motion on PI8?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by the Chair. Is there
any discussion?
Commissioner Reyes: I stand from what I -- just exactly what I said before. I don't
think that we should dwell on this anymore. The decision was made by the court, and I
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don't see any need for it. So 1 will not support this. I mean, it's -- I'm not going to
change. I voted in favor of -- of the -- of the plan. And it was veto. It was taken to
court. The court spoke and that's it. If it would've been the other way around, 1 would
have not voted for an appeal on the decision of the court the other way around. So I
think that I respect the -- what the court said, and I don't want us to be spending more
money on -- on this item. That is my opinion. Everybody can vote. I don't want to talk
about this anymore, but I don't think that we should be dwelling on this.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there any further discussion on PIS? So --
Commissioner Carollo: 1 don't want to talk about it either.
Vice Chair Russell: All right. So then -- all right. There's a -- there's a motion, there's
a second. A yes vote would be to file the appeal and continue the -- the discussion. A
no vote would be to let it -- let the judge's ruling stand. For my part, of course, I -- I
do not believe that the entire playhouse should be demolished, including the back
structure. That's what held my vote. But this is actually about our ability to interact
with our residents. And that's the other reason I'd be supporting this appeal. With our
-- with our current position on Jennings, I'd like to make sure that our position is
protected. And that we have very open correspondence and ability to interact. That's
my yes vote on it.
Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye?"
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Watson: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed?
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Vice Chair Russell: No. Can I get a count? Is that a four -one?
Commissioner Reyes: Four -one.
Nicole Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Four -one, with Commissioner Reyes voting no.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Four -one in favor of the appeal. Thank you very
much.
Mr. Leal: Thank you, Commissioners.
DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION BY THE CITY COMMISSION REGARDING THE
INCORPORATION OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY WITHIN THE SAINT
JAMES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S
PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 1785 NORTHWEST 35TH
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA. SAID DISCUSSION RESULTED IN
THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION R-21-0238.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item Number NA.9, please see
"Order of the Day" and Item Number NA.3.
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR DANIELLA LEVINE CAVA
("MAYOR LEVINE CAVA") AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA ("BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS"), TO ALLOCATE A
PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF FUNDS FROM THE
$7,768,476.00 BUDGETED TOWARDS MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S
("COUNTY") PEACE AND PROSPERITY PLAN ("PLAN"), TO THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND OTHER MUNICIPALITIES PLAGUED
BY GUN VIOLENCE, TO BE UTILIZED FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY'S AND RESPECTIVE
MUNICIPALITIES' OWN STRATEGIC ANTI -GUN CRIME
DETECTION AND PREVENTION INITIATIVES TO COMBAT THE
INCREASE OF GUN VIOLENCE; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE
OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0245
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.10,
please see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: Next -- we already did the Allapattah library. PI10, urging
Miami -Dade County for a portion of the Peace and Prosperity Budget. Whose item is
this?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's my item. We --
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner, you are recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Thank you, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Russell: -- Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: The -- Miami -Dade County -- just a little bit quick
background. I know it's late. Miami -Dade County passed $7.8 million allocation over
two years for what they call a Peace and Prosperity program.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry. I'm going to take back my motion if you're going to
talk.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's going to be vet); short. What I do want -- I'm
actually going to say a few things and then I'm going to ask that we bring it back
because there was a big debate by the Miami -Dade County Commission between the
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Mayor, Levine Cava, and one of the Commissioners, Commissioner McGee, on where
-- if those dollars should go to law enforcement or to prevention, intervention,
economic incentive programs. So it was all based on a study or in some ideas brought
to us -- brought to them by the director of Sociology Department of the University of
Miami. My feeling and my sentiment, I wanted to get Chief Acevedo's feeling on this,
is that we should be focusing more on law enforcement, on scanners, on -- on the
license plate readers, on -- on things that we need to enact the law enforcement
component to tackle this gun violence that we are -- that we are facing. I don't like the
sociological approach and to spend all those dollars on that kind of approach is
something I'm not in agreement with. I think some of the urban areas in our county, in
particularly city of Miami obviously, other areas throughout the county, but in our
case, city of Miami, we should really focus more on law enforcement. So this is really
in its infancy, but what 1 want very quickly, Chief for you is to give me some ideas of
what you think. And maybe you want to come back to the next commission meeting
and sort of outline what you think, we should be urging that County specifically, what
your department is going to need and what money we should be requesting from them.
Use a more of a law enforcement approach instead of a sociology, you know,
University ofMiami approach.
Commissioner Reyes: I agree with you. Let's vote.
Art Acevedo (Chief of Police): We are in the budget -- Commissioner, we are in the
budget development process right now. We're actually looking at our staffing and a
myriad of things that -- The good news is ever since we started our initiative, May
15th, we've seen a 50 percent reduction in the homicides and a 36 percent reduction,
right, more or less in our crime, in terms of the shootings that are going on. So it's
having an impact. But I think you have to have a comprehensive approach. You've got
to deal with the social issues in terms -- especially for youth and youth programs,
training programs, education, Pre-K education. By the same token, that's going to
take years to be able to reap the benefits. In the interim, we've got to fight crime. And
one of the things I'm bringing next week here is an intelligence tool for our jails. You
know that a lot of criminal enterprises are being run out of the jail. A lot of the
retaliation is being ordered out of the jail. Every one of those phone calls are tape
recorded. The problem is that in order to monitor those phone calls, it -- it's like
finding a -- you know, a needle in a haystack because it's hours upon hours. I -- I data
tested a -- an intelligence tool that's an AI (Artificial Intelligence) tool that -- that
when the person hangs up, the crook hangs up, within three minutes, we can search,
we can get everything in that call. And most importantly, we can actually do
telephone analysis to see who's talking to whom. If a shot caller is using another --
another prisoner. So, that's coming next week, the test, I talked to Director Ramirez
today. I've talked to the Director, Junior, from the jails, and we're bringing that
Thursday, we're going to have meetings. Matter of fact if the commission is interested,
any of the commissioners, we'd be happy to invite you. But we've got to leverage
intelligence tools. We've got to leverage technology. We have to make sure that we are
putting our cops in the right -- it has to be comprehensive because all the socio-
economic issues, they reap the benefits, we talk -- we have a lost generation already.
These are guys who are just violent. They're not going anywhere. And then we have to
also bring transparency across the entire nation to the criminal justice system to make
sure that when we catch bad actors with guns, I think, Chief we've -- we've already
removed since May 15th, about 76 firearms -- 75-76 firearms from individuals, that
have no business having those firearms. The problem is there are no consequences for
people that are felons, possession of firearms in too many places across the country.
So we've got to look at everything. I'm having really good meetings with our judges,
with the prosecutor. And I think we're in a good commitment. I don't know if that
answers your question, but we will be corning up with some issues. Everybody thinks
about guns.
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Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well, the only request I have is come hack during
our next commission meeting --
Mr. Acevedo: We will.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: -- when you get time, and you can sort of give us
an analysis of how --
Mr. Acevedo: I hope that you would consider coming to that demo
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Acevedo: I hope you'll consider coming to that demonstration. When you see this
tool --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's this Thursday?
Mr. Acevedo: Say that again.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: It's next Thursday. When is it?
Mr. Acevedo: We're hoping in the next Thursday we'll have this demonstration of this
intelligence tool. It -- the cost right now as it stands is about a nickel a minute. But
you know who pays for those -- how the fund it? Through the prisoners themselves.
We solved murders, prevented suicides in the jails, we solved hits. 1 mean, you -- we
did it for 90 days in Houston. Sadly, I couldn't get the funding from my political
leadership. It wasn't a priority.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Well that's a --
Mr. Acevedo: But I think that this -- this council, this commission is very much
committed to having a comprehensive approach and I just --
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: You're getting used to calling us the commission
right, not a --
Mr. Acevedo: I'm getting used to it -- I'm getting used to it. But I look forward to the
conversation. We'll hand some proposals to you.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Absolutely.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Chief. There's a motion and a second on PI.10. Is
there any further discussion. All in favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on PL 10.
RESOLUTION
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE MOTORIZED SCOOTER
PROGRAM.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.II,
please see "Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for allltem(s)."
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NA.12
9228
City Commission
Vice Chair Russell: All right, P1.11.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: Okay.
Vice Chair Russell: Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla, you're recognized.
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I'm bringing this item up again because obviously
I'm sure you've seen the news accounts of another accident -- an accident that
occurred with the scooter. And 1 said it at the last commission meeting, I -- I remain
very concerned that we're going to have some bad accidents. I know that our city
manager, I spoke to him earlier today, he's going to come back to us on the 24th, our
next commission meeting. 1 just wanted to make sure that 1 reiterated my concern, that
we don't halt this program until something bad happens. And something bad
happened between the last two commission meetings, between the last commission
meeting and this commission meeting. And there's a concern -- a safety concern. I had
a great meeting with them today, with one of the companies. They're trying to address
all the concerns. I believe the RFP (Request for Proposals) -- with the manager
earlier today, that there is going to be a lot of safety measures put in place. I hope
that June 24th is not too late. What I'm going to do is I'm going to defer it. Instead of
having the debate today.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Vice Chair Russell: Motion to defer PI11 to the June 24th Agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Carollo. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION EXTENDING
TEMPORARY EVENT PERMIT NO. SEO-21-04-0039-TEP, TO
JULY 11, 2021, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 353/363
NORTHEAST 61 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-21-0246
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jeffrey Watson, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Diaz de la Portilla, Carollo, Reyes, Watson
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item Number NA.12,
please see "Order of the Day."
Vice Chair Russell: PI12, Commissioner Watson's temporary event, is there a
motion?
Commissioner Watson: I -- I know -- you know that -- you know that scooter's talk is
going to take longer than mine, right?
Vice Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Did I -- did I miss count?
Commissioner Diaz de la Portilla: I think you skipped on there in the --
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ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Russell: Forgetfulness of the Chair.
Commissioner Watson: Yes, please. Real quick, mine. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: The motion by Commissioner Watson, seconded by Commissioner
Reyes on the event, is there any discussion that needs to be had?
Commissioner Watson: Just -- I may have to make a correction on the date because I
think it's supposed to be July 11 th. But this is something that's critical for small
business. But the manager is committed -- manager's committed -- we're going to sit
down and to; to help him address with comments I've had come a lot since a lot of
that stuff is happening in our districts to straighten the process and make it easier for
the smaller guys to -- to continue to compete coming out of the pandemic.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you very much. There's been a motion. There's a second.
Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye?"
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
Commissioner Watson: Mr. Chair?
Vice Chair Russell: Which one -- yes?
Commissioner Watson: -- can I just say something right quick, because I think that we
had a discussion this morning about the rent relief.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes sir.
Commissioner Watson: And a lot of people are used to going down to see us. I think
not being able to do that also hinders a lot of the residents in the flow. So I'm not so
sure -- I know we're continuing to open different venues, but that's also something that
should be in consideration. CD (Community Development)s is now not in the MRC
(Miami Riverside Center) building. And so the still lack of access is causing problems
for residents as well as business residents. And so hopefully, that -- the opening
process will continue going forward. I just wanted to say.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
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