HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2024-10-24 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Agenda
Thursday, October 24, 2024
9:00 AM
City Commission Meeting
City Hall
City Commission
Francis X. Suarez, Mayor
Christine King, Chair, District Five
Joe Carollo, Vice Chair, District Three
Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner, District One
Damian Pardo, Commissioner, District Two
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
George K. Wysong III, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairwoman King, Vice Chair Carollo, Commissioner Gabela, Commissioner Pardo
and Commissioner Reyes
On the 24th day of October, 2024, 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 Chairwoman King at 9:29 a.m.,
recessed at 12:13 p.m., reconvened at 3:19 p.m., and adjourned at 4:39 p.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Reyes entered the Commission chambers at 9:31 a.m.,
Commissioner Gabela entered the Commission chambers at 9:39 a.m., and Vice Chair
Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 10:09 a.m.
Chair King: At this time, we are going to begin our meeting, as we always do, with prayer. We
have a little traffic jam getting to us. Good morning again. We have Bishop Jerome here that is
going to lead us in prayer for our meeting today.
Serge Jerome: Thank you. Honorable Mayor Francis Suarez and Chairwoman Madam
Christine, members of the Commissioners and all guests, my name is Bishop Serge Jerome. I'm
the senior pastor for Hillside Church of God, formerly known as the First Haitian Church of
God. And this is a pleasure this morning to do the invocation. Let's bow our heads.
Invocation delivered.
Chair King: Thank you, Bishop. Commissioner Reyes, would you lead us in the Pledge of
Allegiance?
Pledge of Allegiance delivered.
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Meeting Minutes
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PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1
16861
PROTOCOL ITEM
Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
Cepero Eyecare Center
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
Miss Universe Cuba Project
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
Miami Latino Art Beat Competition
Mayor and Commissioners
Salute
Lucas Kwiatkowski
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
Congresswoman Maria Elvira
Salazar
Mayor and Commissioners
Check Presentation
Phyllis Bellinger START Program
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation
Services — Centennial Celebration
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
Renina Turner
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
City of Miami Police Chief Manuel
A. Morales
Mayor and Commissioners
Salute
RESULT:
PRESENTED
Chair King: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the City of Miami Commission
meeting for October 24th, 2024. Glad to see everyone here. We are going to begin
our proclamation portion of the meeting where we recognize outstanding individuals
or organizations who are doing wonderful things in the City of Miami. I'm going to
turn the mic over to our mayor, Francis Suarez, to begin.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Madam Chair.
Presentations made.
[Later...]
Mayor Suarez: We also have Commissioner Raquel Regalado who just joined us,
and I wanted to acknowledge her as well. And Commissioner Jean Monestime is
here, former commissioner. Is he here? Where are you, Jean? Oh, my brother; look
at you, always wearing a nice suit.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Commissioner Pardo: We wanted to go ahead and recognize Phyllis Bellinger, who
started the nonprofit program, the START (Striving to Attain Remarkable Teens)
program, in 2014.
Presentations made.
1) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a proclamation to Cepero Eyecare
Center and honored their dedication in providing excellent optical eye care for over
50 years in business. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to
recognize the outstanding contributions in the City ofMiami.
2) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a proclamation to the Miss Universe
Cuba Project. The Cuban Communist Regime has refrained from participating in the
Miss Universe Pageant for over 57 years, yet now, for the first time since, a
representative .from the Cuban exile community will proudly participate in this
international event. The Miss Universe Cuba Project, under the leadership of its
President, Mr. Julio Cesar Cruz, will foster the promotion of Cuban visual arts,
culture, music, and the beauty of Cuban women, contributing equally to both
personal and societal achievements_jor the participants. This effort aims to highlight
the talents of Cuban -born women, and/or the daughters of Cuban parents who have
been displaced by the Cuban Communist regime, allowing them the opportunity to
represent their heritage on a global stage as Cuban exiles or refugees in the Miss
Universe Pageant. The successful implementation of the Miss Universe Cuba Project
will not only empower Cuban women but will also bolster tourism, support local
businesses, and enhance the cultural ,footprint of Miami -Dade County and
neighboring cities, providing positive exposure .for the region both nationally and
globally. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to recognize
the outstanding contributions and to express support and approval of the mission to
uplift and empower Cuban women, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the
culture of the City ofMiami.
3) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented Salutes to the winners of the 2024
Miami Latino Art Beat Art and Film Competition winners. Their creative impact is a
tribute to their extraordinary, artistic talents. Elected Officials paused in their
deliberations of governance to recognize the outstanding and eminent contributions
to the elevation of creative expression in South Florida and in the City ofMiami.
4) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation Lucas Kwiatkowski, a
dedicated and innovative 10 year -old Jifth grade student at St. Stephens School. He
has demonstrated remarkable initiative and leadership in advocating for pedestrian
safety in the Coconut Grove area. Lucas researched safety programs' and
successfidly proposed and implemented the "See Me Flags" system that enhances
visibility and awareness at crosswalks. Lucas ,funded this first installation of this
vital initiative through the proceeds from a lemonade stand, highlighting his
entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in his community
and the "See Me Flags" program in used in many states around the country. Elected
Officials paused in their deliberations o f governance to recognize Lucas' efforts that
have garnered support from his local commissioners, business development groups,
and residents alike, marking a significant contribution in promoting pedestrian
safety in Coconut Grove with his initiatives that promote public safety and well-
being in the City ofMiami.
5) Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar presented a check to the City of Miami for
$3.5 million dollars for funding towards the Flagler Affordable Senior Housing
Project, giving safe, beautiful, and affordable living to seniors in our community.
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ORDER OF THE DAY
6)
This project will add a substantial number of new housing units for seniors within
the City, ofMiami.
Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Phyllis Bellinger
with the START Program. The START Program began in 2014. Striving To Attain
Remarkable Teens (START) is a non-profit after -school program that provides
community -driven, experienced -based learning opportunities to middle/high school
students ages 11 - 19 with a connection to Miami Florida's West Coconut Grove,
who have financial and domestic hardships. Ms. Bellinger has been providing
community connections for over 30 years. Elected Officials paused in their
deliberations of leadership to honor and recognize her service elevating the quality
of life of students and teachers in the City of Miami.
7) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Van Orsdel Funeral
& Cremation Services who has dutifully served Miami and the South Florida
community. for a century, providing comfort, dignity, and respect to all. families in
their time of need. The centennial of Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services is a
testament to the enduring bonds it has forged and the unwavering dedication to
excellence and innovation as a leader in this industry's noble calling. The founders
and heirs served as community fundraisers and leaders in religious, educational, and
civic organizations and provided unwavering commitment and compassion to all.
Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to recognize their
remarkable achievements and recognize the invaluable contributions to Miami and
South Florida.
8) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation to Mrs. Renina Turner,
a highly esteemed educator and community servant, has demonstrated unwavering
commitment as the current principal of Miami Jackson Senior High School. Miami
Bethany Community Services, a non-profit organization, and Miami Jackson Senior
High School, a public school, both based in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami,
Florida, have significantly uplifted the community through their dedicated service.
Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of leadership to recognize and honor
Mrs. Turner's leadership and partnership between Miami Jackson Senior High
School and Miami Bethany Community Services elevating the quality of life in the
City ofMiami.
9) Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to wish a happy
birthday to City of Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales and. further honored his
achievements in the City ofMiami Police Department.
Chair King: At this time, the City Attorney is going to read a statement for the record.
George Wysong (City Attorney): Thank you, Madam Chair. George Wysong, City
Attorney. Detailed information about the processes, order of business, rules of
procedure, and scheduling or rescheduling of City Commission meetings can be found
in Chapter 2, Article 2 of the City Code, a copy of which is available online at
www.municode.com. Any person who is a lobbyist pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of
the City Code must register with the City Clerk and comply with related City
requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A person
may not lobby a City official, board member, or staff member until registering. A copy
of the code section about lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at
www.municode.com. Any person making a presentation, formal request, or petition to
the City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosures required by
the City Code in writing. A copy of the City Code section is available at the Office of
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
City Clerk or online at 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 the requested action pursuant to City Code Section 2-8. Any documents
offered to the City Commission that have not been provided seven days before the
meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the City
Commission's discretion. In accordance with 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 miamigov.com. The
meeting of the Miami City Commission is a limited public forum. Any person may be
heard by the City Commission through the Chair for not more than two minutes on
any proposition before the City Commission, unless modified by the Chair. Public
comment will begin at approximately 10:15 a.m. and remain open until public
comment is closed by the chairperson. Any person making offensive remarks or who
becomes unruly in the Commission chambers will be barred from further attending
City Commission meetings and may be subject to arrest. No clapping, applauding,
heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or his or her
remarks shall be permitted. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the Commission
chambers. Persons exiting the Commission chambers shall do so quietly. Members of
the public wishing to address the body may do so by submitting written comments via
the online comment form. Please visit www.miamigov.com/meetinginstructions for
detailed instructions on how to provide public comments using the online public
comment form. The comments submitted through the comment form have been and
will be distributed to the elected officials, their staff and City administration
throughout the day so that the elected officials may consider the comments prior to
taking any action. Additionally, the online comment form will remain open during the
meeting to accept comments and distribute to the elected officials, their staff and the
City administration up until the Chairperson closes public comment. Public comment
may also be provided live here at City Hall located at 3500 Pan American Drive,
Miami, Florida, subject to any and all City rules as they may be amended. 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 their name,
their address, and what item will be spoken about. Any person with a disability
requiring assistance, auxiliary aids, and services for this meeting may notify the City
Clerk. The City has provided different public comment methods to indicate, among
other things, the public's support, opposition, or neutrality on the items and topics to
be 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 and time before
the meeting. Please note, commissioners have generally been briefed by staff and City
Attorney's Office on items on the agenda today. Anyone wishing a verbatim record of
an item considered at this meeting may request it at the Office of Communications or
view it online at www.miamigov.com. Planning and Zoning items shall proceed
according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21 Zoning Ordinance. Parties for any PZ
(Planning and Zoning) items, including any applicant, appellant, appellee, City staff
and any person recognized by the decision -making body as a qualified intervener, as
well as the applicant's representatives and any experts testing on behalf of the
applicant, appellant, or appellee may be physically present at City Hall to be sworn in
by oath or affirmation by the City Clerk. The members of the City Commission shall
disclose any ex parte communications to remove the presumption of prejudice
pursuant to Florida Statute Section 286.0115 and Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami Zoning
Ordinance. The order of presentation shall be as set forth in Miami 21 and in the City
Code. Staff will briefly, present each item to be heard. The applicant will present its
application or request to the City Commission. If the applicant agrees with the staff
recommendation, the City Commission may proceed to its deliberation and decision.
The applicant may also waive the right to an evidentiary hearing on the record. For
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
appeals, the appellant will present its appeal to the City Commission, followed by the
appellee. Staff will be allowed to make any recommendation they may have. Please
silence all cell phones and other noise -making devices. This meeting can be viewed
live on Miami TV, 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, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you, Mr. City Attorney. Mr. City Clerk, would you please read
your record -- your statement for the record?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. The procedures for individuals
providing testimony to be sworn in for Planning and Zoning items and any quasi-
judicial items on today's City Commission agenda will be as follows: Members of City
staff or any other individuals required to be sworn in who are currently present at
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 at any time prior to the individual providing testimony for Planning and
Zoning items and/or quasi-judicial items. Commissioners, are you comfortable with
all the notice provisions set forth in these uniform rules and procedures we have
established for this meeting?
Chair King: Yes, Mr. City Clerk.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, may administer the oath for the Planning and Zoning items?
Chair King: Please.
Mr. Hannon: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. If you will be speaking on any of
today's Planning and Zoning items -- those are the PZ items -- may I please have you
stand and raise your right hand?
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you, Mr. City Clerk. At this time, Mr. City Manager, do you have
any items from this agenda that is going to be deferred or withdrawn?
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners, Mr.
City Attorney, Mr. City Clerk. At this time, the Administration would like to defer
and/or withdraw the following items: RE.2, to be deferred to November 21st; FR.3, to
be deferred to December 12th; PZ.16, to be deferred to November 21st; PZ.17, to be
deferred to November 21st; and PZ.18, to be deferred to November 21st. That
concludes the items.
Chair King: I'm going to ask my, colleagues if they have any items that they would like
to defer or withdraw.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I got one. So, the FR.1, the repeal Chapter 62 and
amend Chapter 17, I believe I'd like to defer that so we can have discussions with the
neighbors and the groups that communicated with my office that they wanted to have
an input and they wanted to have further discussion on this.
Chair King: Until when? December or November?
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Commissioner Gabela: 1'd say December so they can have, you know, can have a
very good discussion where everybody is at and listen to everybody.
Chair King: Okay, so --
Commissioner Gabela: If that's okay with you, ladies and gentlemen.
Chair King: FR.1?
Commissioner Gabela: FR.1.
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you, much. appreciated.
Chair King: And that's till December 12th.
Commissioner Gabela: December, yep.
Chair King: Are there any other items? No, Commissioner Reyes?
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman, I do not have any at this point in time. I just want
to make it clear that on PZ.16, 17, and 18, I expect that we deal with these on
November 21st. We had 80 percent of our residents that voted in August 20th to open
up the outdoor gym in Maurice Ferre Park for all our residents to be able to use. I'm
not going to play any more games with this, so please, whatever the Administration
does, understand that I am going to push to hear this and take an up or down vote on
the 21 st.
Mr. Noriega: Understood, Commissioner. It was a notice issue I know that caused the
deferral, so it won't be an issue for the next meeting. Can I clarify one of the
deferrals, too? I listed FR.3 as a deferral to December 12th. It's actually November
21 st, the next meeting.
Chair King: Okay. At this time -- oh, I'm sorry. We have Miami -Dade Commissioner
Raquel Regalado. She would like to speak to us --
Raquel Regalado: Good morning.
Chair King: -- on an item.
Ms. Regalado: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Is this a paid political advertisement or not?
Ms. Regalado: Not unless you want to do an endorsement.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, no, no.
Ms. Regalado: I'm here --
Vice Chair Carollo: Only when your father endorses me, after I set him off in his
political career, if you remember.
Ms. Regalado: Good morning, Joe. It's always a pleasure to see you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Good morning. It is a pleasure.
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Ms. Regalado: Good morning, everyone. I'm here in my capacity as a County
Commissioner for District 7 and also on behalf of DERM (Department of
Environmental Resources Management). As many, of you know, we have a tree
ordinance ourselves and what we would like to request is -- and thank you for the
deferral -- as part of the deferral, to meet individually with each of you. I've spoken to
the director so that we can do that. Specifically, Chapter 24 of our tree regulation
state that your -- any municipality has to have an equivalent to or superior to
standard. So, we have reviewed the ordinance and while we're in accordance with
most of it, there are about jive points that do cause us concern. And we don 't want it
to trigger unintended consequences pursuant to our ordinance. It could lead to double
permitting or to double regulation and we would rather not do that. I've had an
opportunity to speak to some of you and I know that the intent of it is to increase our
tree canopy and to make it easier for folks to do that. And as your County partner and
through DERM, we're even open to offering more trees to the City of Miami to help
with the tree canopy and to show you what we're doing and how investing in more
green infrastructure can also help with the storrnwater requirements that go into
effect in March. So, I would really like the opportunity to meet with each of you
individually with our director because I think that we all want the same thing and to
show you what we're working on at DERM and how green infrastructure can help our
community. So, thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. At this time, may I have a motion and a second to set the
agenda.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: The agenda has been set.
Mr. Hannon: And Chair, just briefly Jrothe record, Chair King will be sponsoring
RE.5 and co -sponsoring RE.12.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ALL ITEM(S)
16856 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
Clerk PUBLIC FOR THE OCTOBER 24, 2024 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Lucita Moran: Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners. It is most concerning and
a slap in the face of every hard-working taxpayer citizen --
Chair King: Public comment is now open.
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Ms. Moran: What? Is it my turn?
Vice Chair Carollo: Who is this?
Ms. Moran: Good. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: And her name?
Ms. Moran: All right. Of every hard-working taxpayer citizen that --
Vice Chair Carollo: Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am?
Ms. Moran: -- in these hard times --
Vice Chair Carollo: Let her identify herself.
Ms. Moran: -- you would even consider the likes of approving your life -term
pensions. Former Miami City Manager, Emilio Gonzalez, called this shameful and
despicable. The in -your -face pay of corruption in the City is beyond anything he has
seen in his life. So many people are having such a hard time making ends meet, and
the perks and benefits that you already enjoy so lavishly, to on top of that consider
these pensions, which are far beyond -- I'm a retired counselor and teacher with
Dade County Schools -- are far beyond any of us would ever dream of having. King,
I believe you would have gotten $4,813 per month. I don't know of anybody that's
those kind of pensions. It's really despicable and deplorable. Thank you, Gabela, for
having your moral compass intact and saying that this vote should go to the people,
and if it's not voted to go to the people, it should die. Thank you for that.
Councilwoman King, your district is struggling to make ends meet and having a lot
of financial issues, yet your main concern is your financial security in the future. I
find that very unconscionable and despicable in the face of the hard-working
taxpayer people of the City of Miami. Mayor Suarez -- where's Mayor Suarez? All
right.
Commissioner Gabela: Ma'am, I hate to tell you, but that issue is a nonissue
because it's been vetoed.
Ms. Moran: Mayor Suarez, thank you for having a moral compass and vetoing this
bill. Thank you for that. You had gain -- you were to gain a lot of financial benefits
yourself if you approve this, but you denied yourself that. Your father was a regular
at my school, Shenandoah Middle. I'm a retired career counselor and teacher. He
was a regular there and supported us.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Moran: As did Willy Gort and Jimmy Morales.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Moran: So, you see where it says "In God We Trust?" You all might reflect on
that --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Moran: -- every now and again.
Chair King: Thank you.
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Ms. Moran: Thank you, and good day, and God bless.
Chair King: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Ma'am, may we have your name for the record?
Chair King: Ma'am --
Mr. Hannon: Ma'am?
Chair King: -- ma'am, may we have your name?
Ms. Moran: Lucita L. Moran.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Albert Gomez: Good morning, Albert Gomez, District 2 resident. I've got a lot to say
here. CA.5, if it's a gift from FPL (Florida Power & Light) and we're not paying for
those charging stations, great. If not, it takes away the opportunity for people to -- it
is a gift, good.
Unidentified Speaker: It is.
Mr. Gomez: The RE.5, the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change
Grant, amen. Finally, getting those monies pushed forward. I just hope that it's not
in support of continuing maintenance items, that it's actually putting money towards
improvements beyond what we had and not just being put money -- grant money put
forward to resolve issues that we've deferred. And then the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
RE.7, amen. We finally are taking care of our own and paying for our own waste in
our own city. Good on you. All right, this is what we need to do, the leave no trace. I
wish there's a little money in there for education so we can get the rangers out there
to teach people on leave no trace. RE.10, affordable housing, finally putting money
into what we said we would do with the bond. Way to go, Commissioner King. And
then, you know, I'm glad it was deferred, Commissioner Gabela. We can 't relax. I
understand the climate resilience and understand storms and the importance of
getting permitting done. We should just put it on stag: Have a arborist on staff that
supports. One final statement that I would like to say is that I find it rich -- I'm going
to have compassion on this, but 1 find it rich that Senator Salazar came to give a
check to a very important item but voted no for the act that put the money forward to
get that item put in. I find that rich.
Applause.
Chair King: No clapping, no clapping.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman, if I may, did we take up, which I was under the
impression that's what usually we take up before even public hearing, any mayoral
vetoes?
Chair King: No, the mayoral vetoes comes -- it can be the first item on the agenda,
but it has to be open for public comment. While there is a veto that the Mayor has,
we have to allow the public to speak on behalf of that veto.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, that's -- I've got no problem with that, but I was just
wondering if we should have --
Chair King: Yes.
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- taken that up first or not.
Chair King: No, because we have to have public comment.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: Good morning.
John Dolson: Thank you. John Dolson, 4205 Lenox Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida.
I'm a proud M&M (Mean & Miserable). I've showed up here and I want to thank
Mayor Suarez Jrogiving the pension thing a chance to have public comment and
come back and rethink it. I want to thank you guys for the hard work you do put in.
And I do think this needs to go to the public for a vote. About a month ago, you
showed a video here, which I found quite inspiring, where at least four of you,
possibly five, helped restore a community where people lost their home in a fire. And
I made a comment then a month ago that if you were doing that kind of stuff on a
monthly basis, you would have overwhelming support for some kind of a grand
pension. Now I brought my m&m's because there was a comment made about
M&Ms, people who show up here and vote. And I looked at these things and I
thought, these actually are kind of -- you know, they're -- they come in all many
different sizes and sorts and colors. They're very, diverse. And it's just like this group
that's out here today. So, I brought these to pass out to anybody that wants to be a
proud M&Mpublic speaker. But again, I want to also thank you for moving the FR.1
back to get a grip on how the County and the City work together. We need more
trees. We need more trees to combat the increasing heat we're getting with climate
change, a number of things. But proud M&M that came to speak. Thank you for
giving us a chance to speak on the pension.
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you for always showing up. Good morning.
Ralph Rosado: Good morning. Good morning, Madam Chairwoman,
Commissioners, staff and Miamians. My name is Ralph Rosado. I reside at 3340
Southwest 16th Terrace. I want to thank Commissioner Reyes for placing RE.12 on
the agenda. This is an item that's very important to everyone in Coral Gate. If you
reside in Coral Gate, please wave your hands. Thank you all for being here. Coral
Gate is the City's first planned subdivision, and it is the City's first neighborhood
conservation district. It is an exceptional place to raise a family and that's reflected
by the fact that we want to preserve it and collected, in just a couple of days, over
800 signatures from folks that are upset at the way that the Live Local Act is
potentially going to affect us. Live Local was passed last year; it was amended this
year. It is a well-intentioned law to create workforce housing units in a city that
desperately needs workforce housing units, but in some ways, it goes too far. In our
neighborhood's case, that's certainly the issue. And it does two things that are
particularly problematic. It preempts you, our local elected officials that were voted
into office to make decisions on our behalf and it preempts us as neighbors from
even having a voice in these important zoning decisions. We are the neighborhood
that abuts the Sears site located at 37th Avenue and Coral Way. It's one of the last
Sears in the country. We know it's going away. What was proposed by the developer
before Live Local was approximately 1,050 residential units, a grocery store,
restaurants, 2,000 parking spaces. And now under Live Local, you can basically
multiply that times six or seven times, and you can bring a project that would
otherwise be compatible only in Brickell into our neighborhood and potentially bring
us 8,000 residential units, creating massive gridlock, deteriorating our property
values and our quality of life. We would very strongly urge you to take one of two
actions. Many residents would like for you to purchase it and make it into a park that
would certainly preserve our neighborhood. We know that's a challenge, so we
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would like to offer a second course of action, which would be pushback on the State
in the way that Orlando and a lot of other cities are doing, even if it means suing the
State and preserving properties and neighborhoods like ours. So, if you are a Live
Local project next to a single family neighborhood, the zoning is locked into place,
and you can't build anything bigger.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Rosado: Thank you.
Applause.
Chair King: No clapping, no clapping. We have to do this. We have to do this. No
clapping.
Nathan Kurland: Nathan Kurland, 3132 Day Avenue. What do you call a Cuban man
with a rubber toe? And the answer is Roberto. In 2023 and 2024, Miami City Mayor
was under investigation, the City Manager under investigation, the City Attorney
removed nine days earlier under investigation, commissioner of District 1, removed
from office by the governor and still facing criminal charges, commissioner of
District 3, from his bully pulpit, every day, every minute, legal fees in the millions
and millions of dollars. And Chair King, it was a little disappointing for me to hear
you refer to us as mean and miserable. I think of us as sweet, and I brought m&m 's
to replace mean and miserable with sweet.
Chair King: You know, I didn't say everyone is -- and certainly, you are not in that
group because you come, you always give us a joke. It wasn't intended for the
universe of people, and for anyone that took it that way, that is not what I meant.
Mr. Kurland: Am I still on my time?
Chair King: You still are on your time.
Mr. Kurland: And finally, I'd like to thank Mayor Suarez. A veto of this pension bill
was absolutely called for, and thank you very much for that.
Unidentified Speaker: Bravo.
Mr. Kurland: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Maria Cristina Suarez: Good morning. My name is --
Vice Chair Carollo: Can I speak on behalf of Roberto?
Mr. Dotson: If you want more, I've got a whole bagful here.
Chair King: I don't eat m&m 's.
Ms. Suarez: My name is Maria Cristina Suarez. I live in Coral Gate. One of the very
few, if anyone else has a suburb like ours, family members, kids, pets, everybody can
walk there safely. If the Sears development is allowed, we will lose that freedom and
we will lose our neighborhood. By the way, all of those people are going to come
and walk all around. We don't know who's going to be there. Kindly review this
project and make us continue to be peaceful. Thank you.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Debbie Dolson: Good morning. Debbie Dolson, 4205 Lenox Drive, Coconut Grove. I
came this morning, and I'm surprised that actually I'm here to give thanks to some
of the wonderful things that have happened here this morning. I'd like to preface,
though, by saying that come here, as do lots of other people, to make comments that
are meaningful and mindful. And I also email, I call, I talk to our commissioners in
person, always with meaning and mindfui in my comments. So, I hope that you
respect the residents and your constituents and by respecting us, we will, of course,
respect you. First, 1 would like to talk about the mayoral veto and thank
Commissioner -- I'm sorry, Mayor Suarez, ex -commissioner, for vetoing this
extremely expensive and self=serving piece of legislation. Thank you. I support it a
hundred percent. Secondly, I'd like to thank Commissioner Gabela Jrodeferring
FR.1 and offering a chance for people like me and our residents to further explore
this super, super important part of our code. So, thanks to both of you. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Michelle Estlund.: Good morning. Thank you, Chairwoman. My name is Michelle
Estlund. I am a resident of Coral Gate community, and this is my, first time attending
a City of Miami Commission meeting. I came across the way over 37th Avenue from
the Cables, so so far this is much more fun. I appreciate all of your attention. I want
to say thank you to Commissioner Reyes for sponsoring RE.12. And you know, my
experience in living in Miami -Dade County since 1995 has been that we are different
from everywhere else in the state of Florida. And one of the things that I cherish is
that we are different. And I don't think that when the Live Local Act was passed, the
differences in communities was really contemplated. We do need more affordable
housing. But we had Congresswoman Salazar come in, I disagree with her on many
issues, but she talked about local governance and on that I agree. The bishop came
up here and prayed over all of you and he mentioned keeping in mind the interests of
the local residents and on that I agree. So, I come before you to ask that you please
advocate fiercely for our ability to govern ourselves, for you to look after our
interests. And we might fight a lot, we might be really different, we are really
different, but nobody from Tallahassee needs to come here and tell us how to create
affordable housing. We are capable of that. We trust you to look out for our
interests, and I'm going to ask you to please advocate for the amendment of the Live
Local Act in a way that allows communities to have notice, to have an opportunity to
be heard, and to have our Miami interests recognized and honored because we are
different, and we need to stay different. Thank you very much for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Santander Arguelles: Good morning. My name is Santander Arguelles. 1 am the chief
program officer of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC (Community Development
Corporation), and I'm here to express our support to small businesses in Allapattah
with the item RE.6, Breaking Barriers to Business, B3 Initiative, that aligns with the
present needs or priorities of the Little Santo Domingo community, as well as
Overtown and Coconut Grove, to accelerate wealth building for small businesses
and closing the racial income and wealth gap, providing technical assistance,
business development, and access to capital to businesses in our community.
Through collaborative efforts with the City of Miami, we have successfully, leveraged
available resources to benefit the small businesses in our area, and we look forward
to promote economic ownership to build generational wealth for all the several
small businesses. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Kevin Aronoff: Good morning, Kevin Aronoff. I live at 3360 Southwest 2lst Street,
Miami, 33145. I'm a long-time resident in Coral Gate neighborhood, 67 years living
in the same house. It was my parents' house. 1 live right around the corner from the
Sears project. And as that project goes through, due to the Live Local Act, there's
been more people living there than what originally was supposed to be there. It was
supposed to be 600 units built over there. It went to 800 units that they were going to
change the zoning. And now with the Live Local Act, it's over 1,000 units and over
2,000 people living in there. Manolo Reyes, our commissioner, does a lot for that
community. And our Mayor Suarez used to live in the community. He also has done a
lot for that community as well. So, I'm asking all of you to please look at the Live
Local Act and do something and not build that big project there. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
James Torres: Good morning, Commissioners. Good morning. Have you cued up?
IT (Information Technology)? Yeah. I had to be creative today because you deferred
my item, which I'm grateful on the whole illumination thing. So, I'm going to kind of
tie in what I'm going to show on the screen to DI. I, which is a discussion item. So,
please don't cut my time. I want to point out a couple of things. As you look at this
picture here, this is downtown Miami with graffiti at one of the buildings. I'll
guarantee you if . this was down the Grove, Edgewater, Morningside, or anywhere
else, there would be an uproar and a witch hunt here. This was reported to the
County, because it's a County asset, in two weeks' time. This is what they did within
two weeks. They took care of the problem proactively when we reached out to Code
Enforcement here with Robert and everyone else that assisted us. But the big picture
is this building here in Downtown Miami in which Commissioner Caroilo and
Commissioner Reyes spoke about several times at a DDA (Downtown Development
Authority) meeting and a Sunshine meeting that you guys were going to step up to
the plate and take care of this problem. Again, nothing is being done. It's been a
year. The permitting issue has been a problem. The FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) permitting has been a problem. But Downtowners that pay the
highest tax in this entire city are stuck with this problem. I'm asking what are we
going to do about it? Because this is not an Art Basel situation. This is a disgrace to
the city of Miami and it's constantly happening. Because I'll guarantee you the
Grovites that are here would be here in droves. It's not fair. I'm kindly asking you,
whoever is responsible, might be District 2, to step up to the plate and give an order
to tear down the building and/or take away that graffiti that we have to live with.
That's an ask that when we did that with the County, they took care of it within two
weeks, Chairwoman. It's not right. So, I kindly ask you to please be proactive on
some of the things that you two have spoken about to take care of these problems
that we're having in Downtown. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Sandra Gonzalez: Good morning. My name is Sandra. I'm a resident of Coral Gate.
First, let's recognize the first thing. Affordable working housing is important.
Nobody denies that. And I think the City has to address it and we all as residents will
benefit of having people work near their jobs. It's important because it reduces the
cost for workers because they can spend less money getting to and from work, and it
also increases the quality of life because it reduces the time they spend to go to and
from work. Now, time spent in a traffic jam affects everybody. It affects workers and
it affects residents. Now, the quality of life for residents living in areas when a high -
density building is built affects the community. So, you are addressing the issue of
increasing the affordable housing, the worker housing, but you are negatively
affecting the quality, of life of residents and workers. The workers have to spend more
time getting away from a high -density area to get to work, and people that live in the
area are affected because they have to spend more time getting out of their
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neighborhoods. So, why build these enormous buildings in communities that are
cohesive, that are functioning, that are beautiful? Because we want to live in a
beautiful city, and Coral Gate is a beautiful part of town. Every time I go up in the
parking lot of that shopping center that is next to the Winn -Dixie, and I park, and I
look out at the view to Coral Gate, I go, this is the most incredible view. Why? If
there's a sea of green that is created by the Coral Gate residents that we planted that
we care for and that we created. We created a green beautiful neighborhood, is
greener than anything around. And then you have the City of Coral Gables, which
has beautiful buildings, low buildings, beautiful that provide a view.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Gonzalez: So --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Gonzalez: -- please don't put -- don't damage --
Chair King: Thank --
Ms. Gonzalez: -- don't let us destroy what Coral Gate and Coral Gables have
created --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Gonzalez: -- in beautifying our city by building enormous projects right there in
the Sears parking lot. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Najeeb Campbell: Good morning, Commissioners and Mayor. My name is Najeeb
Campbell, and 1 am the president of the Buena Vista West Neighborhood
Association. My address is 528 Northwest 47th Street. And I'm here to speak on
items PZ.1 and PZ.2, 14742 and 14743. This is the Upper Buena Vista development.
I live in the area and the developers have been very transparent and open with what
their plans are for this development. And as a resident and a proponent of the
development, I see that the compromise that they are asking for; and we as the
neighbors are asking for, is between a holistic developer's artistic development of a
property that everyone enjoys, that has preserved a tree canopy, and it's been very
holistic and sustainable versus the Live Local Act potential that can threaten this
development. The Live Local Act is here and it's real, and 1 think I would encourage
the commissioners to approve the zoning change because to grant a couple more
floors, stories, to a holistic minded developer versus the property being threatened
by the Live Local Act and the entire neighborhood lose such a beautiful place that
we all enjoy, I prefer -- I think the choice for me is clear. I encourage the
Commissioners to consider this and approve the zoning change for the Upper Buena
Vista development. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Anne Knowles: Good morning. My name is Anne Knowles. I live at 3640 Southwest
19th Street. I'm a Coral Gate girl. And I'm here just to give the perspective of that
when I walk outside of my -- in the back of my home, I'm facing the Sears project.
And it's so nice to go out there right now. And the thought of a big building there,
you know, I would want you to have the perspective that if this was your home and
you would be facing this, you would be here also because you wouldn't want that in
your backyard. So, I do believe in, you know, progress and everything, but it's -- in
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my opinion, it's just too much, too much parking, too much, you know, changing the
climate. And so, that was what 1 wanted to say, and 1 hope that you guys will take
that into consideration. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carl Roberts: Good morning. My name is Carl Roberts. I'm a District 2 resident,
and I'd like to start off by thanking my district commissioner, Damian Pardo, for
voting no on the veto on the pension and to thank Mayor Suarez for vetoing it.
Politics is hard. We all know that. But all of you came out of the private sector, some
of you were activists, and you decided to become a politician. You knew what the
salary was. You should have known what the hours are. And now you want to vote
yourself a full-time, lifetime pension? It's unconscionable. This is the job. It's hard. I
get it. But you chose to do it. Nobody asked you. Nobody of your constituency twisted
your arm to make you become a politician. You have staff that handles a lot of the
problems that you're facing. And I think you should take the time to think about how
you're going to tax the citizens that didn't even put you in office for years and years
to come. They don't have the money. You're taxing senior citizens, you're taxing
elderly, you're taxing low income, you're taxing people who don't even work so that
you can get a pension. And most of you had careers that started long before you
became politicians that you can go back to. Some of you have businesses, so income
is not an issue for you. So, why would you think voting a pension for yourselves,
without considering the people's concerns and opinion, I have no idea why you
would do that. So, I implore you not to give yourself a pension. Again, thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Akini Lopez: Good morning. My name is Akira Lopez. I own the properties located at
1940 Southwest 33rd Court, 3250 Southwest 18 Terrace, 3511 Southwest 21st Street
and several other Properties across Miami. The properties I mentioned reside inside
the Coral Gate residential community. The City of Miami has enacted policy to
protect neighborhoods by allowing designation of conservation districts. As such,
Coral Gate has been granted this protection via NCD (Neighborhood Conservation
District). In fact, it's the first neighborhood to receive such protection. Coral Gate is
designated as Miami's NCD-1. We are the first conservation district. How is it that
this new state law, Live Local, enacted recently, can supersede all of the efforts the
residents of Miami have fought so hard to implement? How is it that Live Local can
now endanger neighborhoods with NCD status? The City of Miami needs to act now
to protect its constituents, its residents, and its neighborhoods. The City needs to
create exceptions to Live Local. What's the point of designating a neighborhood for
conservation if that conservation can be nullified by fiat? Miami -- I'm talking to all
of you, right? -- where are your constituency? It's time to step up and stand up for its
residents and its neighborhoods. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Robert Kirby: Hi, good morning. Good morning, fellow public servants. Thank you
for listening to us. My name is Robert Kirby. I live in Coral Gate. Amplifying what
other folks are saying here, again, thank you for acknowledging and listening. Thank
you, Commissioner Reyes, for introducing the RE.12. We support your effort to try to
convince the legislature in Florida to tweak that legislation to exclude that being --
the Live Local from being applied next to our NCD, wonderful neighborhood. Thank
you, sir, for doing that. Nobody here is opposing workforce housing. We are the
workforce. If I take a stone and throw it from my house, I've got a firefighter behind
me, a principal at Miami High, a police officer. I work for the Army. We are the
workforce. We already have a traffic cut -through problem. We already have that. It
was shown in 2017 when we had a traffic study done. We already have that. That
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cut -through problem is going to get worse. It's going to make our streets even less
safe. This law, as it is right now, takes away any tools that you may have, that we
may, have, or leverage to provide input into the process, that's not democratic. And
it's a developer giveaway. We again thank you for listening to us. The added traffic
will make our streets even less safe. We support language that disallows Live Local
next to NCDs. We support existing working class like us already established in the
Gate in our quality of life. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Sebastian Rayo: Good morning. Good morning, everyone, Mayor, Commissioners,
and everyone present. Thank you for listening to us. My name is Sebastian Rayo, and
I am a resident of' 1920 Southwest 33rd Court in Coral Gate. My wife and I have
been proud residents of Coral Gate for five years now, and it has been nothing short
of a dream come true. We worked hard to make our home perfect in this beautiful
close-knit neighborhood, and it wasn't a hard decision for us to settle in after we met
so many neighbors that for generations have lived in Coral Gate. Now as we are less
than two weeks away from welcoming our first baby, we're excited to finally live the
life we've always envisioned, raising our children in a peaceful, safe neighborhood.
We've been looking forward to teaching our child how to ride a bike, seeing him
play outside with other kids in the neighborhood, and take our usual afternoon
walks. But it deeply saddens me to think that this may all change. The massive 1,000-
unit proposal under the Live Local Act would forever alter the character of our
neighborhood. While the Live Local Act is well intended, it is not designed for
single-family neighborhoods like Coral Gate. The City of Miami specifically created
NCDs, Neighborhood Conservation Districts, to protect residential areas like ours.
The purpose of NCDs is to maintain the integrity, character; and charm of
neighborhoods like Coral Gate, ensuring that the development is fit within the
existing community. However, this state law is overriding the City's policies and
threatening what NCDs are created to protect. On behalf of my family, my
neighbors, and more than the 800 community, members who have signed a petition to
amend the Live Local Act, these signatures represent not just Coral Gate, but people
across the city and state who believe that communities like ours deserve protection.
We are not opposed to the development, but we ask that the Live Local Act be
amended to better suit neighborhoods like Coral Gate, where the focus should be
maintaining the character and quality of life for the families who live there. This
proposed project would bring significant traffic issues, put a strain on our
infrastructure, affect our school zones, and impact the overall cleanliness and safety
of our neighborhood. The City of Miami created NCDs to preserve neighborhoods
like Coral Gate, and I urge you to protect us from a state law that overrides the
City's own policies. Families like mine moved here because we wanted to raise our
children in a quiet, safe, and stable environment. We ask that you stand with us in
preserving the future of our community. So, please, 1 ask all of you, like our shirt
says, save Coral Gate before it's too late. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Amy Polanco: Hi, good morning. My name is Amy Polanco. I live at 3330 Southwest
20th Street in Coral Gate. I've proudly called Coral Gate home for years. I'm here
today to urge you to support Resolution RE.12, which is critical in protecting our
neighborhood from a high -density development that threatens the character and
safety of our community. This isn't just about Coral Gate, though. It's about
preserving the integrity of all Miami's neighborhoods. We've seen what happens
when developers go unchecked here. Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Liberty City,
these communities are being transformed in ways that leave residents behind, the
same residents that counted on you precisely -- previously. RE. 12 is your opportunity
to stand with the people who live here, not the developers who profit and leave us to
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deal with overcrowding, reduced safety, and loss of green spaces. The Live Local Act
is being used as a loophole to force massive projects into areas where they don't
belong. We're asking you to protect our neighborhoods from being overtaken by
outside interests. It's kind of hard not to point out the irony here, one of you recently
losing an embarrassingly large lawsuit, for illegally, using your position and power to
harass a business in the very same neighborhood you represent, and the majority of
you up here having accepted developer donations throughout your careers. Now
we're expected to trust that same judgment when it comes to protecting our
communities. It's outright depressing that we're standing here asking that our
elected officials put the residents first. Supporting Resolution RE.12 gives you the
chance to show us that you do, in fact, represent the people of Miami. Protect our
homes, protect our families, and honor the trust we placed in you when you were
elected to serve.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Jacqueline Gross -Kellogg: Good morning, good morning. My name is Jackie Gross -
Kellogg. I've lived in Miami since 1975 and I'm the Democratic candidate for
Florida House District 113. I'm in support of the resolution to urge Governor
DeSantis and members of the Florida Legislature to amend the Live Local Act. I
have knocked on a lot of doors, you can imagine. Traffic, noise, losing the feel of
their historic neighborhood, and the cost of property insurance are the main
concerns from residents of Coral Gate, Shenandoah, the Roads, Little Havana, North
Grove, and Key Biscayne. Although the Grove and Key Biscayne have been deemed
safe from Live Local, as stated by Representative Vicki Lopez, who co -sponsored the
legislation, all of the neighborhoods I mentioned have longtime residents, many
second generation, whose input should be valued and appreciated. I believe all of
you, like myself have a deep connection to our City. We all want affordable housing
for our workforce, infrastructure first and local input to get it done right. In addition,
in regarding to the tree canopy ordinance, there are studies that prove tree canopies
increase property value, quality of life, and lowers crime. So, thank you so much of
your support of that. Have a nice day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Elizabeth Narvaez: Good morning to everyone. My name is Elizabeth Narvaez. I'm
sorry I'm not good in English. I prefer Spanish, but I am going to do my best. It's
from my heart how I am feeling. It's terrible. One, because 1 work very hard. I ani
from Ecuador. I'm sorry, but it's hard for me because I live in Coral Gate for 20
years. My house is 3280 Southwest 21st Street. It's behind Winn -Dixie. The problem
that 1 have is because it's Winn -Dixie, the garbage behind my house, you can see in
311, many times I make reports because the smell. And it's just a small building.
Now, can you believe how it's going to be if it's a big one, more people? My house,
what get at Coral Gate is the best area in Miami. I decided to go out there, my kids,
like in my country, in nice neighborhood, playing in the street. Still I have pictures
from my kids, three, not too old, but three kids. They grow up, we are thinking to get
more house for them to be close to us, because it's close to everywhere in Miami. So,
I work very, very hard. My husband is a post office guy, that he works in the sun to
try, to maintain to living here in Coral Gate. I don 't -- I really don't want this project
because Coral Gate is a -- 21st Street, it's not out, so they can't get out. Still coming
people walking and threw garbage in the street, so I have to get -- get it -- all the
garbage in my -- in front of my house. Can you believe it, imagine it how it's going
to be if there's another building there? That's why I come in, try to -- don't laughing
about my English, (FOREIGN LANGUAGE) it's hard. So, just, I really, I don't want.
I want better. Miami is the best city in the world, so I want this area still keeping be -
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Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Narvaez: -- the best one.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Narvaez: Thank you for hearing me.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Narvaez: Thank you so much. Have a nice day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Abed Hammoud: Good morning. My name is Abed Hammoud. I live at 889
Northeast 78th Street. I live a few blocks away from this project. I'm here in favor of
7500 Biscayne Boulevard, the parking garage. I'm in favor of this project and --
because we need it, that area need it really. And Ms. Avra, she is doing a good job in
that area, she improved it. And respectfully, Commissioner, I ask you to approve it
for the benefit of the area. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Andy Parrish: Good morning, Commissioners. Andy Parrish, 3940 Main Highway.
Today I'd like to talk to you a little about carrots and sticks and particularly with
regard to FR.1 and particularly to Commissioner Gabela. Right now, in the
development of Miami, there are lots of carrots for developers and they're called
square footage. Houses are all sold by per square foot. Commercial buildings, the
bigger you get, the more rent you can get. So, there are lots of carrots dictating our
development in the city. What I'd like to see in FR.1 is some carrots or tree canopy,
which we all want to see. Everybody says we want to see it, but there are very few
real carrots in our code to say, if you do this instead of that, you plant more trees or
preserve more heritage trees, you'll -- that's a bonus you can get in our code as well.
I don't know what that would be. I think that should be part of the discussion,
Commissioner Gabela. But right now, there are architectural plans, computer
programs existing right now that a lot of the architects use that you can put in any
property, any residential property in the City of Miami, push a button and it will tell
you the absolute maximum size of residence or dwelling you can build on that
property. Using every single aspect of our code, every variance, every waiver, not
variance, but every waiver, it will all pop out in 30 seconds. That is a real incentive
for massive development, overdevelopment, with disregard to trees. If instead to
counter that we had more carrots, more carrots in there for increasing tree canopy,
we'd see more of it. And we wouldn't have to rely on enforcement after the fact to
say, well, you really shouldn't have cut down that or moved that one. So, let's look at
the carrots, Commissioner Gabela. If we would, if you would lead the charge on
that, I'm available to help. And that's what I'd like to see. Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: I'd like to respond to you since you mentioned --
Chair King: No, we can respond when we get to the item.
Commissioner Gabela: Well, you guys responded, I heard you guys talk. I'd like to
respond. With all due respect, real brief,' the objective of this, sir, is not to cut down
trees or do anything of that sort. It's to move the -- make the permitting system a
little bit more easier because there are bottlenecks in the permitting system. That is
all. We do not mean to cut more trees down. This is not what this is for, but we'll
discuss that at a later date. Thank you. Thank you, Madam.
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Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Parrish: I'm not saying to pull any teeth, Commissioner. I like the teeth part of
it, but what I'd like to see before we even get to the teeth is more carrots to
incentivize people to do the right thing ahead of time. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Avra Jain: Good morning. Avra Jain, 720 Northeast 69th Street. I'm speaking in
favor of SR 2, which is allowing for the 20 foot increase in the historic MiMo (Miami
Modern) District. First, I want to commend the Chair for all your community
outreach for all projects in our neighborhood. That's appreciated and I hope the
residents feel heard. Just so the Commission understands, you are not approving a
project. All you're doing is allowing for a project to be presented, a public private
project, Miami Parking Authority project, to be presented to the HEP (Historic and
Environmental Preservation) Board so that they can then go through the regular
process of design review and approval. Everybody wonders, like, what am I getting
out of that? I mean, I think everybody, knows all my work on Biscayne Boulevard, the
Vagabond, all this, nothing. I'm donating the land, I'm giving up the TDRs (Transfer
of Development Rights), I'm subsidizing the parking garage, and I'm leasing back
my own parking spaces. So, the bigger question is, is why am I doing this? I'm doing
this because MiMo has been asking for this for 15, 20 years, and the MPA (Miami
Parking Authority) stepped up, and we have one chance on one piece of property
that could be a solution. So, I'm asking for you to give it the opportunity. And for all
the people that fight, the naysayers, you know, it's really unfortunate because they
count on us getting fatigued and tired. I don't need a thank you, but taking the joy
out of doing good work really, really kills the spirit. Please support the amendment.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Steven Wernick: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Steve Wernick,
address 396 Alhambra Circle. I'm here in my, capacity as chair of the City of Miami
Working Group for the Builders Association this morning, speaking in support of
PZ.15. This is the Administrative Site Plan Review Ordinance. This is a process
improvement to Miami 21. This has been worked on very hard by your staff and
Planning Department, Office of Zoning. There's been a lot of interaction with
stakeholders to create a new process that gives people options, owners and
applicants. The Planning Board supports this and we ask for your support today on
first reading. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Katherin Schultz: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Katherin Schultz, and
I reside at 160 Northeast 44th Street, a beautiful neighborhood as I know you know,
Chairman King. I'm here to express my support of items PZ.1-14742 and PZ.2-
14743. As the records show, both the City of Miami Planning Department and the
Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board have recommended its approval. The PZAB
(Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board) vote was unanimous with seven in favor and
zero against. Like the majority of the residents, I believe that the developers should
be rewarded for creating a model of conscious development in our community and
have the flexibility to upzone to add much needed residences to our neighborhood. I
respectfully request for the approval of the Upper Buena Vista upzoning. And I have
some quotes from our previous conversations with the Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board, such as Chris Collins, PZAB chair, who stated, "They deserve the trust to do
what's right with the properties, and I think in this case, they deserve some levity
with the upzoning. " As well as Adam J. Gersten, PZAB member, District 5, "So, in
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terms of what we seem to always ask for, this feels like it falls squarely within what
we're always talking about, what we wish we would see more often." And Juan
Carlos Zapata, PZAB member; District 2, I understand that the transit corridor that
they're in is a very broad street, very broad wide road. It would make sense that over
time that would become higher density. " Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Mani Azeri: Good morning, Manny Azeri, 114 Northeast 50th Terrace, and I'm here
to speak on behalf of items PZ.1-14742, PZ.2-14743. I'd like to let you know that 1
live in and I reside within 310 feet of the proposed development, and I have 125 feet
of frontage onto the subject property that are in these items and on the same exact
street. If it's not the largest frontage, it's one of the largest frontages, which makes
me and my family one of the most affected by the proposed changes. We have been
property owners and residents of this amazing neighborhood over a decade and have
seen all the changes throughout the years. Upper Buena Vista, which is the name of
the subject property, have had a positive impact in our neighborhood from the day of
their inception. They have helped clean up our neighborhood from crime and given it
an extremely great curb appeal. They made a space where we have a sense of
community, provided jobs to dozens and dozens of people. I would also like to
mention that I'm only a neighbor of this amazing project and have no direct
involvement in it. Given all that, I strongly support the changes proposed on these
items since I believe it's not only going to involve our neighbor -- since I believe it's
only going to evolve our neighborhood to be even better. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Michael Samson: Good morning. (FOREIGN LANGUAGE). Mayor, Commissioners,
Chairwoman, my name is Michael Samson. I live at 15 Northeast 50th Street. I'm the
president of the Upper Buena Vista Neighborhood Association. I want to thank the
commissioner for having facilitated a meeting between the lawyers, the developers at
her offices to have a discussion about the concerns of many of the residents who live
in this neighborhood. Javier Fernandez, I think he's the mayor of South Miami,
provided the covenant to the City. I thought the City would respond in kind with
regards to its enforceability. I learned yesterday that to figure out if this covenant
has enforceability, I need to meet with the City Attorney. So, I'd like to request that
meeting so I can have the discussion because what our neighbors are concerned
about is that this covenant won't be enforceable, potentially the project gets sold,
and we have to deal with a new developer. At 9: 03 this morning, I got an email from
Diego telling me the developer's positions. We need time to basically sit down with
our constituents and review this. I'm pro -development. 1 like responsible
development. I want to make sure that our voices are heard. 1 struggle with
understanding why we as neighbors have to give up something for a developer. We
want to meet halfway. I would ask basically you all to temporarily defer this, PZ.1,
PZ.2, until we get a chance to review this with our associates and get back with the
developers and your team. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Ryan Breault: Good morning. My name is Ryan Breault. I'm a resident of Coral
Gate. In addition to the Sears development, I also wanted to point out that on -- or at
1715 Southwest 37th Avenue, one of the only entrances into Coral Gate, there is also
another large development that is coming about an eight -story, massive 120-unit
development to cause a ton more of congestion, traffic. And that's not even counting
the Sears development where these streets surrounding the entire neighborhood can
support that. In addition to that, this new development at 1715 is pushing literally
right up against the wall of a entire community that begins into Coral Gate. So, I
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wanted to point that out and hope that we could be mindful that now the entire area
of Coral Gate stands to be closed in by large developments. So, 1 definitely want to
second everything that everyone said from the Coral Gate residents and hopefully we
can do something to, you know, save this community. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Justin Oates: Hi, Justin Oates. I'm here to speak in support of PZ.1 and PZ.2. Those
are numbers 14742, 14743. Ilive at 44 North --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Mr. Oates: I live at 44 Northeast 46th Street. I think ownership at Upper Buena Vista
has been really good. They've been very strong stewards of the community in my
view over the years. They've been going for a very modest rezoning. I happen to
work in real estate and understand how a lot of the dynamics work here. Since this
rezoning has been contemplated, Live Local's come into play. I think current
ownership is very in tune with what's good for the immediate neighborhood and
they've brought great amenities to the neighborhood, and I think they're great
stewards for our community. And I support them going forward with this modest
rezoning which really gives them a -- they're willing to sign a covenant restricting
Airbnb, restricting short-term rentals and go forward maximizing their unit count at
I think around 50 units. So, I think at this point rather than continuing to go around
in circles, I'm supportive of moving forward with finalizing this and having them
sign the covenant. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, can I have the speaker's name for the record? Sir?
Chair King: Justin.
Mr. Oates: Sorry, Justin Oates, 44 Northeast 46th Street.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning, Elvis.
Elvis Cruz: Good morning, Commissioner. For PZ.11 and 12 and SR.2, instead of
designing a project to fit the law, they want to change the law to fit their project.
Commissioner King, this is your call. These are your constituents. The last time the
developers tried to upzone the land next to Legion Park, over 200 people in the
room, and when 1 asked who was in opposition, only three did not stand up. Ask your
good friend, Keon Hardemon, he was there. They can build and receive affordable
housing credits without any upzoning, waivers, warrants, exceptions or variances, or
closing 64th Terrace. Let Miami 21 stand as is without giving any extra benefits.
Remember, the Swerdlow project will build 5,000 units of affordable housing on 79th
Street. There's no need to upzone here. If anything, this land should be down zoned,
not upzoned. It used to have charming one- and two-story houses and apartments.
The City should have reflected that when creating Miami 21 by zoning it T4, not T5.
For SR.2, the MiMo parking garage, Commissioner Pardo, this is also going to
affect District 2. The HEP Board voted unanimously against exceeding 35 feet.
There has been no neutral third party analysis of what could be built under 35. But
you do have an excellent example right here on Bayshore Drive, a three-story
parking garage with mixed use. The City should be setting an example of compliance
with the law, not showing how to violate it. If you approve this anyway, please
include language prohibiting warrants, waivers, exceptions, variances, or rooftop
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entertainment. In closing, 1 caution you about opposing the will of the people. The
people remember, and the people vote. Please do the right thing and vote down these
two items.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Charles Trausch: Good morning. My name is Charles Trausch. I live at 38 Northeast
46th Street. And like my neighbors, I'm speaking in favor of PZ.1 and PZ.2 on the
Upper Buena Vista project. My wife and I moved into the neighborhood five years
ago, believing in its potential. After welcoming our newborn six weeks ago, we
support the kind of thoughtful development represented by this project. We're
strongly in favor of it, and thank you for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Robert Ziehm: Good morning, Mayor and Commissioners. My, name is Robert
Ziehm, and I own properties in the neighborhood, one of them just a few blocks north
at 5804 Northeast 2nd Avenue. I ask for your support for item PZ.1-14742 and PZ.2-
14743. The Upper Buena Vista rezoning will help our neighborhood grow while
keeping its special character. We've already seen great changes. More places for the
community to gather, more opportunities fbr small local businesses, and the
proposed new homes to be built are designed with a special layout to attract
families, a product much needed in today's housing market. I believe adding these
new residences will make our neighborhood even better. Thank you for your time
and your consideration.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
William Rios: Good morning. William Rios here for PZ.1 and PZ.2. I'm also in
support of the Upper Buena Vista zoning change that's been proposed and approved
previously by the Planning and Zoning Board anonymously [sic]. I build in the area,
and 1 rent and sell. And very often 1 get my potential clients and renters who go by
Upper Buena Vista and always mention about how nice it is, and it's compelled
people to move into the neighborhood. And I think it's only a positive impact that
they've had. I know there's been some complaints about parking or whatnot. And I
think that overall what they've done is excellent. There was nothing in that space. It
was an abandoned commercial mechanic area or whatnot which was blight for many
years, and what they've done to me is like an oasis. And 1 commend them Jrothe
work they've done, and I'm in support of this zoning change for them. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Daisy Gonzalez Diego: Good morning. My name is Daisy Gonzalez Diego. The next
statement I'm going to make is about where I live and not where I go to school. I am
a proud Gator. I have to say that or my husband will kill me. I live in Coral Gate and
I'm here to speak on -- in support of RE.12. Thank you, Commissioner Reyes, for
bringing it forward. For those of you who don't know, Coral Gate has been around -
- the Mayor earlier said that the City has been around for 150 years. The Mayor
knows the neighborhood very well. This neighborhood has been around half of the
time that the City's been here. It's been around for 75 years. Think about that. Coral
Gables has nothing on us except higher taxes. It's a beautiful neighborhood. As a
matter offact, we -- it's going to be very sad they won't be able to say that we live in
the Gables by the Sears, which is usually what I tell people. It's a beautiful, beautiful
neighborhood. I will tell you as it stands right now, we have many kids. It used to be
an area, obviously, where there were older people, but now a lot of new families are
moving in. We've been there 20 years. There's a lot of small children. A gentleman
spoke earlier about a baby he's about to have in two weeks. This is a beautiful
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neighborhood with lots of children. As it stands right now, we have a few speed
bumps, but they're not enough to deter the amount of traffic that's there and the
people speeding as it stands. Imagine that, multiply that by the number of people
who will now be living in this building, will be cutting into our neighborhood and
then this other building that's going. We are not blind. We understand that there will
be a development going forward. We ask that you please be prudent. We don't need
the magnitude of the massive building that they're proposing. Please act
accordingly. Please veto Live Local. Please do it for us. Please see that the residents
and the children -- we don't want -- we see all the media here today covering this.
We don't want media in our neighborhood because a child has been run over or
because there is an accident. That is what this will cause if this building goes up.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Kibwe Williams: Good morning. Good morning, Commissioners and Mayor. My
name is Kibwe Williams. I'm a resident of Buena Vista, and I'm speaking about item
PZ.1 and PZ.2, the upzone request for Upper Buena Vista development. I would like
to start by saying that I'm not against the development that's being proposed, but we
are asking for responsible development where it's a partnership between us and
them and the community to actually come up with solutions to our concerns and
ensure that this is being done in a responsible way. We do not want to see the
character and the fabric of our neighborhood totally destroyed. And we just want to
make sure that whatever is being proposed, that we address our concerns. So, my ask
today is, allow us the chance to finish ironing out the terms of the covenant so that
we can get to some agreement and be supportive of what it is they are trying to do.
But we're not here to be a hindrance to it, but we want it to be done, you know,
responsibly. That's all.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Amanda Bonvecchio: Good morning. My name is Amanda Bonvecchio, 7272
Northeast 6th Court. I'm here speaking in favor of item SR.2. I am an architect who
has worked in MiMo for nine years now, and I believe it would be a tremendous and
much needed public benefit to the community. Voting in favor of this item would help
the project just begin to move forward and go through all the processes required for
approval. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you. Good morning.
Ray Raymond: Good morning. 1 don't want to be as quiet as Michael. All right,
good. So, my name is Ray Raymond. I'm at 130 North 50th Terrace. I'm speaking on
items PZ.1 and PZ.2. Like my neighbor before me, again, 1 come from a history of
development, and obviously, in our neighborhood, we do care about new
development, and we do want progress in our neighborhoods. But I feel the voice of
Coral Gate has been spoken loudly and I think we as constituents feel that pain. So, I
do understand their side and I side with them too, but in fair development for, you
know, constituents, just for our neighborhoods. Someone said it earlier before, I
think it's important to realize that sometimes when your own neighbors are kind of
like affected, we actually have to look at ourselves when you guys are in those seats
and understand these voices speak loudly. And I side with them, but I also do side
with some development, and also just making sure that they do listen to our voices.
So, on behalf of my neighborhood association and everybody who spoke before me,
including my president, Michael, I just hope that we can reach to a common, you
know, voice to save our neighborhood, but also with, you know, responsible
development in our neighborhood. That's all.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Marco Celone: Good morning. My name is Marco Celone. I'm also a resident of
Coral Gate. Also, I want to point out that, you know, building such massive
structures and massive buildings in the neighborhood will also impact, you know --
our schools are already saturated, so it will impact the level of education for the
kids. So, I'm not sure how the school system could support, you know, like such an
increase of residents in the area. Also, I want to point out that, beside the Sears
building, there's going to be another building that it's about to get permission to be
built. It's still massive. And you know, it looks like that there is no setbacks allowed
between our homes and this building. And this can cause like major issues, you
know, not only disrupting our quiet, but you know, it could be dangerous to have
like, you know, neighbors in such proximity. So, please, when giving -- allowing
permit, like allow reasonable setback, even if the current _-oning doesn't allow that,
but they need to build, you know, considering the neighbors. And looks like these
new builders, they don't have respect for us. They're just going to build and get
every single space available for the buildings. So, thank you for your attention.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Francisco de Pablo: Good morning. My name is Francisco de Pablo. I reside in 138
Northeast 50th Street, a member of the Upper Buena Vista area. I'm not here to
oppose change. I think I've been a part of change in the area from Midtown
development. I've been living in my home now for about 12 years, since like 2010,
2011. And yeah, I think we just want our voices to be heard, the covenant to be
represented. And I hope that we can come to an agreement. And if we need to defer
for today, then that's what needs to happen. That's it. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Nicole Desiderio: Good morning. Nicole Desiderio, 900 Biscayne Bay. Regarding
the Mayor's veto, I trust that you all will uphold that veto on the pension vote. I also
want to touch on Discussion Item 1, a discussion regarding District 2, as referenced
in the October 15th Commission meeting. I'm not quite sure what that's about, seems
very broad, but I do want to say that on that October 15th Commission meeting there
was an item passed through by this Commission on first reading, and I think it's
shameful that that occurred because that item, according to your own Miami 21,
code should have gone to PZAB first for a recommendation before it ever even came
to this Commission for a first reading. That code also states that you have to have
two readings here at City Commission after that PZAB recommendation. And for
those of you who don't know what that item is, the Commissioners passed through an
item on first reading stating that they no longer need a warrant to install
recreational facilities or community facilities for illuminated signage in your city
parks, that is for all of the City of Miami, in any park. Currently, they require a
warrant, which means there are checks and balances. They have to apply for the
warrant. They have to notice the public. They should be doing public outreach, and
you have the right to appeal that warrant if you don't agree with what they're doing
in your park. They are trying to remove that right from you by passing this item
through, and they passed it through on first reading, and the next reading on that
will be November 21st. So, I encourage you all to please come down to the PZAB
meeting on October 30th where this item will be heard, and then it will be heard
again here on November 21st. So, please stand up for your parks and do not allow
anyone, any commissioner, current or future, to take over your parks. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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June Savage: Good morning. My name is June Savage, Oak Avenue. I'm a lifelong
resident. 1'd like to speak about Buena Vista. That is an adorable neighborhood. I do
a lot of business down there in Belle Meade, and 1 think our Biscayne Corridor
needs money, needs stuff back from developers to make more green space and to
make it more attractive for retail. As far as putting apartments behind that cute little
neighborhood, look at it like Coconut Grove. What have they done to Coconut
Grove? Make sure that Buena Vista has the infrastructure, the police, the fire,
however many people per policeman, however many people per fireman, because
infrastructure is a big problem in the City of Miami. Regarding Coral Gate, my 85-
year-old mother walks from Valencia down to the dollar store, and she walks in front
of Sears, where I used to go as a child. We understand Sears is very ugly right now,
and it's been that way. But we again need infrastructure, police, and fire. We cannot
have parking garages without protection, okay? Parking garages normally bring
insecure situations. The City of Coral Gables, I'd like their input. I'd like some
people from them to come here because it's on the line. Coral Gate is a cute little
neighborhood. They need some attention, some trees. It's got an ugly outside. But I
do not feel that we need a ginormous structure right there on that corridor. There is -
- it's such a busy road, I worry about my mother. We do have a trolley system, but
there is no infrastructure in place. So, FDOT needs to work harder to convince us on
these projects. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Jean-Pierre Espiritusanto: Good morning. My name is Jean-Pierre Espiritusanto,
and I currently reside in Miami Beach, but I grew up in Upper Buena Vista, and I'm
here to talk about PZ.1 and PZ.2. I'm in total support of the project, and I am so
grateful for Upper Buena Vista, because in times of need after COVID, they gave me
an opportunity, they gave me a job, and that helped me out. And I'm total in support
of mom-and-pop businesses and community. And I think that's what Miami is
missing lately. So, additionally, I would like to share a few words on behalf of Rabbi
Gopin who could not attend today due to Jewish holidays. "Dear Commissioner
King, as both of head of Chabad Midtown Miami and a longtime resident of the
neighborhood, residing at 251 Northeast 47th Street for over a decade, I am writing
to express my strong support for the pending rezoning application. I have witnessed
firsthand how thoughtful development can strengthen community bonds and enhance
our neighborhood vitality. The purpose rezoning aligns perfectly with" -- I'm sorry,
"the proposed rezoning aligns perfectly with our area's natural progression and the
growing needs of our devised community. The current zoning restrictions, while
appropriate in the past, no longer reflect the dynamic character of evolving needs of
our neighborhood. The proposed rezoning represents a well -considered approach to
the community development that maintains the essential character of our area while
allowing for necessary growth and improvement. The existing program has already
demonstrated significant positive impact through enhanced community gathering
spaces, improved neighborhood accessibility, strengthened local business
opportunities, better integration."
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Espiritusanto: Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Terrence Cantarella: Good morning. Terrence Cantarella, Upper Buena Vista
resident. I'm here speaking on PZ.1 and PZ2. I just want to reiterate what was said
already, that the development as it stands now, we love it, we support it, we frequent
it. It's one of the best examples of a commercial development in a residential
neighborhood that I've ever seen, the way it transitions so seamlessly. And that's
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why we support it as is, and that's also why we're concerned about the upzoning. If
just a few short years later, after coming into the neighborhood, the developer is now
saying give us more. And if you give them more, you already know what's going to
happen a few years from now. They're going to come back and say, give us more, or
the next developer is going to say that. And they told us that they don 't have plans to
sell right now, and you know, I'll take them at their word, but there were a few of the
properties that were on the market just a few months ago for sale. But if we ignore
that and take them at their word, things happen. People change, they get divorced,
they die, they get sick, they get an offer they can't refuse. Who's to say they might not
sell in a few years? And we don't know what's going to happen under that -- those
circumstances. So, all we're asking for is a deferment so we can discuss the covenant
and iron out those details to protect ourselves against that. And last thing, I just do
need to point out that a lot of the people who have gotten up to speak in support of
this already are not actually Upper Buena Vista residents. They live in Buena Vista
West. They live in Miami Beach. They live in Historic Buena Vista, which is a
protected neighborhood where no development or upzoning will ever be allowed. On
this side, those of us asking for the deferment are actually Upper Buena Vista
residents. We live within one or two blocks of it, and we're the ones directly affected.
So, thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Maji Ramos: Good morning. Wait, okay, there we go. My name is Maji Ramos. I
reside in Morningside, and I'm a realtor environmentalist. I know how that sounds. I
am pro -growth. I do recognize that we need workforce housing. However, fled that
it is uncontrolled growth at this point. As many have mentioned, we need
infrastructure, and by infrastructure, I mean mass transit coming east -west. I was at
a meeting yesterday at the Realtor Association and I actually lost sleep over this.
There is over -- there's thousands of units that are currently going to be delivered,
luxury condo units that are going to be delivered in the City of Miami in the next
couple of years. That does not include workforce housing. They're talking about
increasing our building and condos by more than 50 percent and there's no mass
transit. So, what, we're going to double and triple the cars, the amount of cars? As
you know, I'm an environmentalist. This is very, very anti -environment. If we lose
our environment, we lose everything. We lose our entire economy. It collapses. So, it
is something -- you know, the environment is part of building, it is part of real estate.
We have to consider this. I'm very happy about the tree canopy deference. I do feel
that we need to look at that very closely. And I find it a little strange, all of these
changes and requests for upzoning, changes in zoning and the tree ordinance, I can't
help but think that this has to do with workfbrce housing. I know it's planned. We do
need to protect residential neighborhoods, not only the surrounding areas, but 1
don't know if people are aware that single-family homes are also up for rezoning,
and they're talking about 30-story buildings in a residential lot. That needs to be
addressed. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Wendy Mendoza: Good morning, Commissioner and everyone else. Hopefully you
can hear me. I'm a resident of District 5, and I live at 815 Northeast 70th Street, and
I'm a YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard). I want it in my neighborhood. We need
additional housing. There's a lot of homeless people out there living in these motels.
People, don't kid yourselves. They're there, they're living there being charged 5,
$600 a week. How you solve this is by additional housing. It's just supply and
demand. A lot of people are like, oh, yes, I want workforce housing, oh, but not in my
neighborhood. Sony, I want to keep my single-family home, and I live in a single-
family home. I don't think I have any more right than someone else to have a roof
over my head. I'm here in support of PZ.11, PZ.12, and SR.2. We're going to get
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additional parking, which our businesses around there desperately need, and we're
going to get additional housing, which we desperately need. And as part of that
additional housing, we get like 20 workforce housing. It's not a lot, but it's
something and we need it. So, please, please, please, please, please vote. And I've
been living there like 20 something years. So, thanks, guys. Bye.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Renita Samuels -Dixon: Good morning. Nice seeing you all. My name is Renita
Samuels -Dixon. I'm a previous Village Council representative and a community
advocate. I stopped coming down here, but I'm glad I did come today. And I'm here
in reference to not only the START (Striving to Attain Remarkable Teens) Program --
we really appreciate you giving credence to that organization that was started by
teachers. And I hope that you continue that. In terms of deferral of the tree canopy, I
am elated that you have taken the time to do that because that shows that you really
care about Coconut Grove. So, in terms of Coral Gate, when I first came back to
Miami, I went through Coral Gate. It is a beautiful community. And I ask all of you
on the dais today to go to each community so that you can see the beauty of
neighborhood. When you see beauty of neighborhood, we're talking about living
wholesomely in Miami. Because we do want this to be a family -oriented community,
but we also want you to have areas where you can go and let your hair down. So, we
need a combination of both. In terms of Buena Vista, I agree that we need to defer
that project, which goes back to what I'm just saying. Go back to these communities
so you can see what family is all about, so that we can have a community, a city that
is not sick, because right now that's where we are going. And we have to find a
holistic way to live in the City of Miami. Control the amount of growth, and the way
that you control the amount of growth is to partner with the University of Miami,
FIU (Florida International University), Florida Memorial. These institutions have
the capability of providing us, all of us, with the information that we need to make
intelligent decisions for our future.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Willman Ramos: Good morning. My, name is Wilman Ramos, and I'm here to
support of PZ.11, PZ.12, and SR.2. I believe it will provide much needed additional
housing. Also, I believe after living in the beautiful area of Bayside neighborhood for
more than 20 years, PZ.11, PZ.12 and SR.2 will be a great asset to elevate and
improve the area. Thank you in advance for your support, and please approve the
change the land use designation. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Billy Corben: Madam Chair, 1 didn't recognize you without your Gucci hat,
presidential Rolex, or gold Tiffany bracelets, Van Cleef and Arpels. You do sandbags
on fleek. Can I just say that? Billy Corben here to speak -- support MV.1, the
mayor's veto on the so-called Miami Elected Officers Retirement Trust, a fancy
name for what was nothing but a robbery. So, let's call it what it really is, a new
corruption tax. You raise taxes to give yourselves more money. In what company, on
what planet, would you get a ,fully vested pension after less than 10 years in a part-
time job? Nobody in the private sector structures plans like that anymore. All major
companies stopped to avoid inevitable bankruptcy. So, thank you, Mayor Suarez, for
finally using your power, not for your own private profit, but for the benefit of the
entire city and its taxpayers. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. None of you
ran for office on a platform of giving yourselves pensions. If you had, you wouldn't
have been elected. Commissioners Gabela and Pardo, you were just campaigning
last year. You were knocking on people's doors, did one voter say to you, you know
what we really need? You guys need pensions for yourselves, year one. Nobody said
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it, of course not, because just because the previous commissioners and mayors stole
that money, doesn't mean that you should steal that money. Commissioner Gabela,
in the last four months, you were for the pensions, you were against them, you were
for them, and now you're against them again. Now, some people may criticize you
for what they consider indecisiveness or hypocrisy. I would like to compliment you,
sir, because I believe it takes leadership and bravery to listen to people, get more
information, and decide you have a dif Brent perspective to move forward with better
policy. I salute you for it, and I encourage you to keep it up because you have a
decision to make, sir. Are you going to be the public servant that you told us you
were going to be when you ran for office, or are you going to continue being the
deciding vote to steal money and property for your constituents? Because that's what
M&M stands for Miami and Mafia. Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: Can I respond because I don't know if -- you know, I'm kind
of thinking should I respond, should I not respond? But you know what, I'm going to
respond. Look, here's the deal. Yes, the pension problem is -- I started it out because
the other commissioners that they knocked it down in 2009 did not do it to
themselves. Those commissioners that said that we were in a financial crisis in 2009,
they said that everybody that came after. Okay, I do the same job or better job out
there than those commissioners, yet those commissioners didn't do it to themselves.
So, it's a double standard. Number two, I can't -- you know, there's a complaint,
seven to eight years, you're only seven -- you serve seven to eight years and you're
collecting a pension. Well, I can't serve more than that because there's a term limit.
So, that's a problem, too. But I understand where you're coming from. I heard the
voters speak. And by the way, I will continue to try to be the swing vote because, like
I've said in many instances, it's nice to be the swing vote. You know, like I said, I
don't have an alliance with anybody here. They've asked me, you've got an alliance
with Carollo, you've got an alliance with King, or you've got an alliance with Pardo,
you've got an alliance with Reyes. No, no, no alliance. I'm on a case -by -case basis.
Let me make that clear. In the future, going into the future, as far as for me, when I
have to reverse course, okay, because -- and I understand, it's a complicated issue,
it's a complicated issue, and you're right, probably nobody elected me for me to get
a pension up here, but I've got a better idea, but nobody will do this. Nobody will go
back and take the pensions out of those that are earning those pensions still now
because they just don't want to do it. You guys talk, and I always said -- by the way,
Billy, I always said, if you want to take it to the voter, that's fine with me. And by the
way, and Commissioner Pardo voted against it, but he was going to take it because
he saw that -- you know what I mean? So, I'm not the only hypocrite up here. There's
a lot of hypocrisy up here, which I'm going to talk about later, but I'll leave it at
that. Thank you.
Commissioner Pardo: Well, now, unfortunately, I do have to say something. All I'll
say, which I said from day one, 1 am not going to deny myself the same opportunity
as my colleagues when I worked just as hard. I've always been against the pensions
from day one. I said it should go to the voters, and at no point have I been
hypocritical or reversed or said anything different.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam Chair --
Mr. Torres: Are we going to have public comment?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- you know, if you're letting some of my colleagues answer to
little Billy, then I think I deserve a little bit of time. We missed you, little Billy. I
guess the paymaster hasn't been good these days. But ain't it great to live in Miami,
when we allow someone who doesn't live in our city to come in and address us, and
address us on corruption. Only in Miami do we hear from the voice and face of
corruption to talk to us about corruption. Pay for play, little Billy. Don't call me vile,
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he says. I'm glad that he's here just before the election, since he's been so active for
different candidates. Little Billy is a closet Republican. He comes from a long, long,
long family of proud Republicans. His father, the grandfather, the aunt, the cousin,
but he wants you to think that he's a progressive when he's really a closet Democrat
[sic]. In fact, he wants to talk about corruption. My God, what more corruption has
there been in our state than timeshares? Timeshares, you've all heard about it. How
many people got stuck and suckered into timeshares, what some say and call it a
pyramid? I don't know if that's the case or not, but that's the family little Billy came
from, people that made their money in timeshares. But you don't want to talk about
that, obviously. So, little Billy, good seeing you again, you know, pay for play Billy.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. Ma'am? Oh, good morning.
Kathy Cooper: Good morning, Commissioners, Mayor. Good morning,
Commissioners, Mayor, Chairwoman. My name is Kathy Cooper, and I live at 101
Northeast 50th Street. I am discussing the PZ. 1 and PZ.2 project. I am opposed to it.
I live right down the street from it and I have for many years. And it's a beautiful
neighborhood, which Upper Buena Vista has contributed to it. We're very happy
with the current state of the development that is there now. It really fits in with our
neighborhood. We are opposed to some of the asks that these developers are asking
for, and we were in discussion with the covenant that hasn't happened. And we've
been working with Commissioner King and the developers about this covenant. And
we would just like the opportunity as residents to be heard and to complete this
covenant so that there are some protections for our neighborhood, which is really
progressing well. We have a lot of young families that have moved into the
neighborhood. And this development, the way it stands now, is beautiful, but what
the ask is, is asking for more, a higher development, which is going to impact our
neighborhood. And so, we would like the opportunity to discuss conversance, so
we're asking that you defer this project until we have completed the covenant and
not let it move forward until the residents have had a chance to work with these
developers. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Grant Stern: Good morning, Madam Chair. My name is Grant Stern, 425 Northeast
22nd Street. There's a lot on the agenda, so I'll go a little bit quickly today. I think
first of all, PZ.11 and 12, the Commission needs to that any upzoning doesn't impact
Legion Park. About six or seven years ago, I actually worked with then
Commissioner Suarez to get the City to abandon a plan to sell some of its zoning
rights permanently to a developer who would have built a very high, high-rise in the
MiMo District, and it would have actually blocked off the sun from the park, and 1
appreciate Mayor Suarez's help on that item many years ago, because it would have
been to the detriment of the community. But there's two items on the agenda and
what has happened with those items that I also came out to speak about. They were
deferred, which is -- I mean, there's PZ.16 and 18, which are two different parts of
one item, but then there's also the tree ordinance that also got deferred on first
reading. But the PZ (Planning and Zoning) item, which is to remove the warrant
process from our parks, passing that on a first reading before it goes to the Planning
and Zoning Appeals Board is wrong. And it puts citizens in a very bad place where,
you know, the Commission has acted and now the Zoning Board is supposed to take
their action afterwards instead of giving their advice to this Commission before the
Commission acts. So, it's just fatally flawed, and I think it should be deferred forever
until it goes to a first reading at the PZAB. But it's part of a bigger problem that you
see with the pensions as well, which is that there's a problem in this City and it is the
C word, contempt. It is contempt. I am detecting contempt coming from the dais
towards the members of the body public. And I know that it's a difficult job to be a
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commissioner, but contempt is poisonous in relationships. And the relationship
between this body and the people is the most important thing that gives it its
legitimacy. And if this body regards the people with contempt, it will be unable to be
effective as the people governing the City of Miami. Thank you for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
May Ostrenko: Good morning, Commissioners. How are you today? My name is
May. I had the information that we were going to discuss Watson Island. I just
wanted to let you know that I'm against the development as far as private use,
building hotels, condominiums, offices, retail space. I think Miami has enough of
that. That property is for public use, and some money can be used to make it more
public friendly. We don't need any more seawalls. Everything's already been fleshed
out, and fish cannot propagate with a seawall. City of Miami River has already been
developed with condos, seawalls, and restaurants and retail. Please think about the
public. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Emilio Irias: Good morning, everybody. My name is Emilio Irias. I'm here to ask for
you guys to consider the approval for the PZ.1-14742 and PZ.2-14743 at Upper
Buena Vista neighborhood. I am sure that the extension will blend into the oasis that
we currently have at Upper Buena Vista. I own a coffee shop inside the
neighborhood, inside Upper Buena Vista, and I think we're just a great addition to
the whole neighborhood. It's an oasis, a unique experience for everybody to come,
and I would like for you guys to consider the approval. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Richard Francois: Good morning, Commissioner. Good morning, gentlemen. I'm
here for PZ. 1 and PZ.2. Just to let you know, I live in the area. I grew up in the area.
I live on a property where Upper Buena Vista at exactly there. And I've been in the
area for almost 20 years, and I work in the area as a veteran. When I was around
there, it was completely different. Buena Vista brings a great joy into the community
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) the times when I was coming up and see what it was like. And
security, as far as I know, hiring people that lives in the neighborhood, place is
cleaner than it used to be. The area has completely changed from what it used to be.
From 10 years from now, where I was there around the area, growing up around the
area, and I've been working in the area for 20 years. So, if I said I'm
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) I'm a marine, also a veteran in the area, so I know what the
area is like. And I think that 1 would appreciate that if you really take a look at the
applications that I'm for with PZ. 1 and PZ.2. Thank you, ma'am.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, can I have the speaker's name for the record?
Chair King: Sir, sir, may we have your name?
Mr. Francois: Richard Francois.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Francois: Yes, ma'am.
Chair King: Good morning.
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Fernand Amandi: Good morning, Fernand Amandi from the South Grove.
Oftentimes I have to come, unfortunately, when there is reasons to criticize, but
today there is reason to be merriful [sic]. And 1 want to do something that I think is
fair under the circumstances, and that's to offer sincere praise to our mayor. Mayor,
we haven 't always seen things eye to eye, but you've done the right thing for the city.
You put the interest of us, the voters, on the issue of the pension before your own
interests, and I think that is commendable, and you are to be absolutely
congratulated for that decision. So, thank you very much, Mayor. I also want to
thank Commissioners Pardo, Commissioner Reyes for being against the pensions in
the first place. And also, to Commissioner Gabela, as you said, there's always time
to do the right thing for the community. And you ended up on the right side. This
should always have gone to the voters because this is an issue that affects the voters.
We have to pay Jroall of this. Commissionwoman [sic] King, to err is human, to
forgive divine. And it says -- you actually sit under where it says, In God We
Trust." You've been very articulate and sincere about your faith. I share that faith,
and I believe in the opportunity of forgiveness. The problem, Chairwoman, is when
twice you were given the opportunity, to retract your shameful, disqualifying
statements about the voters being miserable and mad, and that's why they shouldn't
have an opportunity to vote on this issue that affects us. I'd like to give you the
opportunity for forgiveness a third time. But I'm also a baseball fan. Three strikes
and you're out if you don't apologize for that disgraceful comment. Last but not
least, Commissioner Carollo, what a disgusting attack on a fellow citizen. Before you
cast stones on his family's house, know that that gentleman, Billy Corben, is a father,
and his daughter at least speaks to him. Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, I'm glad little Billy came and sat up here so he could film
you, so you could have that great statement recorded for your next appearance.
Little Billy, how are you? Here, you're such a sweet little man. Here's a doughnut
for you that was left here for me so you could be sweeter.
Chair King: Good morning.
Vice Chair Carollo: And you don 't even have to pay for it.
Chair King: Good morning.
Bob Powers: Good morning. I would like to request, Madam Chair; a little bit more
time because 1 represent about three different items on this, and I'm also elected to
this. This is another issue that I -- this is a different issue, but at any rate, on PZ.2,
which is the parking garage, I'm the president of the MiMo Biscayne Association,
the only commercial association, with the exception of the Grove. We support the
item. We want them to be sensible to their height, part of the height, and we also
want them to block off the street on 75th Street. If that does get approved, that's one
of the things that we would like to put in, stipulate. So, the other item also is PZ.1
and PZ.2. I helped form the whole tree situation on that and got that all -- that
situation done about seven years ago. I don't have the time to go into the histrionics
of it. We support the project. We think it's sensible to the -- what's presently there.
It's not an overreach as far as what the zoning is requiring and all the rest of that.
On PZ.12 and 11, the issue there is that what they plan to do under T5-R, they can
do. They don't need to ask for an upzoning. The -- and matter of fact, MiMo doesn't
even support that, that they're asking for an upzoning. And as you've heard from
people from Coral Gate and a whole list of other people, the issue here is Live Local.
The minute that you upzone this and you make this move to a larger zoning, then a
whole different cast of characters fall into place. And what it is, it's not what can
happen now, it's what can happen in the future. So, that's our major issue, and you
know that because you've had a lot -- Commissioner King knows that because we've
had a number of meetings about that. And I've also asked for the City Manager to
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have some more what we used to call chardettes [sic] in the Upper East Side and
also throughout the city because this doesn't only affect us. This affects every
commissioner here. That's why 1 asked for more time because this is a very --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Powers: This is a huge item. This is not a little tiny thing that's going to fit
everything. It's affecting every neighborhood in the City ofMiami.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Powers: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Brenda Betancourt: Good morning. Brenda Betancourt, 1436 Southwest 6th Street.
And I have so many things in my agenda to mention, but something that I -- it really
bothers me is so many people come to this podium to attack the service that you guys
do. You might not like it. You might not agree with the decision that you make. But
some of those individuals, they actually live in the City of Miami. They actually do
something. And I'm going to tell you because I do so many community outreach, and
if I'm going to be complaining for every single little problem that I get, I will be here
for days and days without end. And that will not fix the problem in the community.
We have so many seniors with problems. We have seniors that are losing their
houses. We have seniors that they are having issues with code violations in their
properties. We have so many other things, cleaning their streets, saving our trees,
saving our green spaces, trying to fix Miami 21 because those who worked in Miami
21 did not expect all the changes that we need to get done. And sometimes ignorance
is what lost the case. Just to be ignorant of something doesn't mean that you are
right. And all this fight that you guys picked with everybody in general doesn't help
the City of Miami residents. Being in your YouTube, in your little, whatever it is,
channel, or in your news, or just picking a fight doesn't help us. Grow up. Stop
thinking that you are in high school and be actually a person who's going to support
the society. Anyway, I'm in favor of the saving the trees and fighting for CUs
(Certificates of Use). Please, code enforcement, CUs needs the businesses to get
more help. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you, thank you. Good morning -- good afternoon.
Luis Marin: Good morning, all. I'm Luis Marin. I'm here to support PZ.1 and PZ.2.
I'm a small developer in the area, Buena Vista, Little Haiti, Little River. I'm building
a lot of actually affordable and workforce housing in the area with the mixed
attainable program, which is great, by the way. And I also live in the area. I live in
Upper Buena Vista area. I have a lot of friends with kids. I have two small kids. And
we really enjoy Upper Buena Vista. We think it's a great oasis, and it's a point of
connection for the whole neighborhood. We all agree, at least all my friends and
neighbors agree that this is a great project. We are glad that this is going to expand
at some point. I don't really understand why some neighbors are against this, but
they have their reasons. I don't understand either why they're trying to delay this.
Because the same way we were excited when we saw new retails, new shops, new
restaurants in Upper Buena Vista, we think it's going to be great for the area to have
more options, especially for kids, for adults, to get together, to create a bigger and
healthier and happier community there. So, that's all I have to say. Hopefully, this
will move forward. Thanks.
Chair King: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on any item
before us? I understood there were some folks outside. There wasn't enough space
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for them to come in. Can anybody check? No one? Okay. So, seeing no one else, the
public comment period is now closed.
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - First Budget Hearing - Sep 7, 2024 10:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Chair King: At this time, we will resume the City, of Miami Commission meeting for
October 24th, 2024. Give me one second, I was in the middle of -- okay, here we go.
Gentlemen, may I have a motion to approve meeting minutes for our first budget
hearing, September 7th, 2024, our City Commission meeting for September 12th,
2024, and September 26th, 2024, and the second budget hearing of September 26th,
2024?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
AM.2 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Sep 12, 2024 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.2, please see Item AM.1.
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AM.3 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Sep 26, 2024 9:00 AM
AM.4
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.3, please see Item AM.1.
City Commission - Second Budget Hearing - Sep 26, 2024 5:05 PM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.4, please see Item AM.1.
MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
1 ORDINANCE
16177 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
and Mayor OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "PERSONNEL/PENSION
AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY OF MIAMI ELECTED OFFICERS
RETIREMENT TRUST"; MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTION 40-296, TITLED "APPLICABLE BENEFITS"; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN ON THE VETOED ITEM
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item MV.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s). "
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam Chair, it is now noon. We have traditionally, breaked
[sic] for lunch at noon. 1 have some things that 1 have to attend to. Can we keep our
tradition since we don't have any CRAs (Community, Redevelopment Agencies) to
deal with today?
Chair King: We actually do have a CRA meeting today.
Vice Chair Carollo: Who? What CRA?
Chair King: The Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA. I see several people here in
the audience.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Alright, can we just do that and then come back?
Chair King: If that is the will of the Commission, I can do that. The Mayor is asking
if we can take up his veto first.
Mayor Suarez: It's the first substantive item on the agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair?
Chair King: Commissioner Reyes.
Mayor Suarez: By rule.
Commissioner Reyes: I was going to suggest that -- let's take the veto and then
Overtown Park West development project --
Vice Chair Carollo: And then we break.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and then we break.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: I also have to go a place and be there at 1.
Chair King: Okay. I believe our city clerk has a statement to make.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. Mayor Suarez has vetoed
Ordinance 14321 that was passed at the December 15, 2024 Special City
Commission meeting. Ordinance 14321 is an ordinance of the Miami City
Commission amending Chapter 40, Article 4, Division 4 of the Code of the City of
Miami, Florida, as amended, titled, Personnel, Pension, and Retirement Plan, City
ofMiami Elected Officers Retirement Trust, or particularly by amending Section 40-
296 titled, Applicable Benefits, containing a severability clause providing for an
immediate effective date. Thankyou, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Madam Chair. I vetoed Ordinance Number 14321, File
Number 16177, for the reasons mentioned therein. Very succinctly, I would just say
that I've opposed public pensions throughout my career. Throughout the veto period,
the city attorney advised me that 1 had the ability to sign the ordinance and take the
pension, which would have created a vested right for me. It's very possible that 1 may
have been the only person who would have substantially benefited from this
ordinance. Well, you had already said you weren't going to take it. When I did the
calculations, it would have started at 60. I would have lived to 92, and I expect to
live beyond 92, that's exactly twice the amount of years that I've served as mayor or
commissioner, 32 years, 16 times 2. So, I would've been paid almost the entirety of
my salary for twice the amount of years that I've served. The expected benefit with a
3 percent increase on an annual basis would have been over $6.3 million. And I
never ran with an expectation of getting a pension, nor did I desire to have one. And
I just want to thank my wife and God for the opportunity to prove conclusively to the
residents of the city of Miami that my commitment to being a public official is to
serve them and not myself Thankyou.
Chair King: Thank you. And at this time, we will close the city of -- do I have to take
a vote or something?
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Mr. Hannon: So, essentially, there are a couple of scenarios.
Chair King: Okay.
Mr. Hannon: One, the Commission does not have to take any action. If the
Commission does not take any action, then the veto is deemed sustained. This --
another scenario involves a motion being made to override the veto, and it passes,
and another scenario, a motion is made to override the veto, and the motion fails. So,
the Commission does not have to take any action. And if it does not, then the veto is
deemed sustained.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair? I -- Madam Chair?
Chair King: Vice Chair just spoke up first.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, good.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd like to make a motion that we request from the local tabloid,
Miami Herald, that I think they found another rare species in today's stories, that
they include in double big letters in their next editorial the Mayor's veto.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Chair King: Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Because they've written so glorious of him in the past.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair, the only thing that I want to say is that I want
to commend the Mayor's decision. As he stated, the only three persons that were
vested that could receive immediately that benefit was him, Mr. Carollo, and I And
as you guys know, I voted against it, and I commend and I applaud your fortitude.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. And I would just say I spoke to Commissioner Carollo
about it, and he also said that he was perfectly fine with me taking this action, even
though it would not, of course, inure to his benefit. So, I appreciate that as well.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I'd just like to say, 1, too, spoke to you, and I notified
you that my position had changed. And I thank you for what you did with the veto,
because I think it was the right thing to do. I still stand by my principle that what is
being done today, that some commissioners are being paid while other public
officials are not, is not correct. It should be either all or none. Okay, that's what I
contend. Sometimes here we get off subject, you know, and we're worried, you know,
I would have had to have served two terms, I would have gotten $4,400 a month. I
would have had to live that long, and probably I would have had to, when I started
the pension, I would have probably had to live three to four years to equal the lump
sum that we exit with here. You know, some blew this out of proportion, it's a hard
subject, again, to -- you know, to say. I heard what the voters say and at the end of
the day, I consider the voter my boss, and many times, you know, when I have to
retract, when I have to reverse, I'll put it in reverse, and I'll retract and I'll do the
right thing. Not always are we going to see eye to eye. But I learned one thing here
that's very interesting. I learned that if you -- you know, I've been bashed by a
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
certain radio program all the time, whether it's the pension, whether it's the Freedom
Park. I've been called that I don't care for my, area, that I do. I have done so many
things in my area up to now. You know, I've got a weed eater team that nobody has
done this before that's out cleaning. I've got four trucks cleaning and doing things.
My, wife, you know, cooperates with me. We're out there all the time. And I'm not --
listen, I'm not complaining. Okay, but all they -- this radio station, you know, they
know the negativity. And what you've got to do is you've got to hire a media
communications that has links with that radio station, okay, and then that radio
station, you know, will carry what you want them to carry as a commissioner. And
I'm talking to you -- about you, Mr. Reyes, you have -- with all due respect, you have
a radio communication that has a lady that has ties with Roberto Tejera, and others
-- and if you'll allow me to finish, absolutely, I'm going to allow you to finish. And so,
when you go, they never ask you the hard questions. When I go, they throw hard
balls at me. Like -- like for example, when I went last time, they wanted to know why
it was my -- you know, like it was my responsibility, what you had said, Chairwoman,
which it is now, we are all slaves of our words. We are all accountable for our
words. But this gentleman here and the other gentleman, they never questioned
anything either, but yet I'm the guy that's asked all these questions. Then the
Freedom Park -- the Freedom Park business, that I am with the commissioner of that
area, that I did not take a vote during that time because, you know, I wasn't here. I
got here 10 months ago. You know, some are pretending that they haven't been here
for seven or eight years. Now, he can say that he hasn't been here for seven or eight
years. I can say it too. But down there, you all have been here for 7 to 10 years. And
here's what I wanted to bring light. Nobody talks about -- we're talking about the
pension and the voter doesn't want it and I respect it and that's why I did what I did.
But I want to say something. Does anybody else look at all the other monies that are
being spent here? Like for example, the lawsuit that's going to come now with
Acevedo? And Mr. Reyes, you're part of that lawsuit. You're a defendant. We're
going to have to spend now a million or $2 million in defending you, but everybody
only talks about Carollo on that radio station. They never speak about you when the
Acevedo question comes. That's money, that we could have saved. Now as for me, the
only lawsuit that the City paid for me, for me, this one here, is a lawsuit that they
were trying to take me out of office after they did cheating with nay house, okay?
After they did cheating with my house, Wysong, I think, defended me on one lawsuit,
I think it's -- how much was that lawsuit, Wysong? Can you elaborate on that
lawsuit? How much did I cost the taxpayer? I want to know.
George Wysong (City, Attorney): I'll have to get you the number, 1 don't have the
number.
Commissioner Gabela: But it's not in the millions, right? It's not even in the hundred
thousands. Is it in the hundred thousands? It's probably in the thousands, right?
Mr. Wysong: It's probably in the thousands, yes.
Commissioner Gabela: Well, that's my point. Ladies and gentlemen, it's not only the
pension. There's also other government misspending here that nobody wants to talk
about. And some people want to pretend, okay? I came in 10 months ago. All of a
sudden in that radio station, I got to answer to all the problems that has happened in
this body, you know, for a long time. I wasn't here seven or eight years ago, okay? I
got here December the 2nd. I want to make that clear, and so did this gentleman, in
his defense, okay? But nobody talks about that. Nobody talks about the Acevedo. And
when they do talk about it, they talk about Carollo, but they never mention anybody
else. Let me tell you, Carollo couldn't have voted for that alone. He needed two other
people to fire Acevedo and other things that happened in the past. That's what I
wanted to say. Thank you very much.
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Chair King: Commissioner Reyes?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, let me -- let me state, clearly state that 1 have never seen,
I never heard such an, I mean, an incongruent, asinine statement that I heard today.
We have problems you are trying to mix, it's ridiculous, apples and oranges, and let
me --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, hold on a second. Hold on a second.
Commissioner Gabela: You want, I'll show your pictures. You guys are all besties.
Your radio station.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. Wait, hold on a second.
Commissioner Gabela: Besties.
Chair King: Don't interrupt him.
Commissioner Reyes: I am not going -- I am not going to go to your level. What I'm
going to say is don't take that victim -- that victim attitude that everybody is against
it.
Commissioner Gabela: No victim, no victim.
Commissioner Reyes: I -- when I go to a radio station, I go prepared. I have the
answers. I have my word. I never change my word. And besides that, I don't know
what the hell is happening with you that every time you go, whatever it is --
Commissioner Gabela: They're your friends.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and you mention my, name.
Commissioner Gabela: They're your friends, so they don't ask you the hard
questions. They're your friends.
Chair King: Commissioner, Commissioner, let him speak.
Commissioner Gabela: So, they don't ask you the hard questions.
Chair King: Let him speak.
Commissioner Reyes: When they answer -- they ask the hard questions, I have the
hard answer. And that's what it is. And the people that work for me, they work for
me. And the previous -- you have people, maybe you have people that have previous
connections with somebody else. Previous connections, I don't care. It is how
professional and how -- I mean, how they present themselves and how hard they
work for the benefit of the people. You see, stop being the victim, acting like a victim
Commissioner Gabela: No, sir, I'm not the victim. I'm just stating a fact.
Commissioner Reyes: -- because everybody here tries to help you.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm stating a fact. You're going to cost the city of Miami 2 or
$3 million, and nobody talks about that, and you can't say that you weren't here --
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Commissioner Reyes: Listen.
Chair King: Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because you were here for that vote.
Commissioner Reyes: You talk -- you talk about being a victim --
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Hold on a second.
Chair King: Okay. Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to --
Chair King: Okay. Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm just going to -- one second.
Commissioner Gabela: It's simple. That's the fact.
Chair King: If we can just not talk over each other
Commissioner Reyes: I'm not going to argue with you anymore.
Chair King: If we can just not talk over each other. Each o f you can speak.
Mayor Suarez: Madam Chair.
Chair King: I'm not trying to stop you --
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair.
Chair King: --from speaking.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair, this is --1 sincerely apologize to the -- to all the
residents of the city of Miami. This is uncalled for, this is unneeded, this is
unprofessional, and this is ridiculous, you see?
Commissioner Gabela: 1 have the photos, Madam Chair --
Commissioner Reyes: Trying to compare one thing to the other. Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: -- I have the photos to prove that there is a link here between
that radio station and somebody that this gentleman is hiring --
Chair King: There --
Commissioner Gabela: -- and if you want, I can show you the photos. And when I go
on that radio program, I've been asked all different, ridiculous questions about the
Freedom Park.
Chair King: There --
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Commissioner Gabela: One time they said that the traffic study had never been
submitted to the city of Miami.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: That's -- and I had to go over there, and they made me look -
- to look like -- that I'm the commissioner that doesn't care. No, the problem was
that there was -- the traffic study was submitted to the city of Miami and to the
county, and I had -- had correct it. And this is the kind of stuff that goes with some --
but I'm learning, I'm learning as Igo along. I'm going to get myself -- 1've got to get
myself --
Chair King: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: -- a media coordinator on some radio station --
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela.
Commissioner Gabela: -- so then I could do the same thing. I'm done.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela.
Commissioner Gabela: Thank you.
Chair King: Commissioners, we have an item before us, the Mayor's veto. What is
the will of the body? Are we going to take no action?
Commissioner Reyes: No action.
Commissioner Gabela: No action.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam?
Chair King: Seeing -- seeing --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm chopped liver now?
Chair King: No. I -- I try to stop us from --
Vice Chair Carollo: No. No, no --
Chair King: -- delving into this whatever happens on Spanish radio. We have an item
before us, and I'd like to at least close that item out.
Vice Chair Carollo: No, I think that item is closed. I just wanted to say that out of
everything that I've heard so far in today's meeting, there's only one surprise that I
had, and I wish Mr. Amandi would have stayed just a little longer so I could've
gotten the second part to that. Little Billy. He said you have a daughter, but he didn't
say who the father was. My God. Little Billy.
Chair King: At this time --
Vice Chair Carollo: So that's why you have that --
Unidentified Speaker: Oh, come on. This is ridiculous.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Vice Chair Carollo: -- after granddaddy got mad at you and you couldn't live in the
apartment --
Commissioner Pardo: This is like -- Madam?
Chair King: At this time --
Commissioner Pardo: We need to move on.
Chair King: At -- at this time --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Pardo: This is ridiculous.
Commissioner Gabela: Let's move on.
Vice Chair Carollo: Ridiculous? That's the guy that protects you all the time.
Chair King: I have -- the city clerk needs to make a statement.
Commissioner Pardo: So rude.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. For the record, no action is being taken on the veto,
and therefore, Mayor Suarez's veto is sustained.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. And at this time, the City of Miami Commission meeting for
October 24th, 2024, is now in recess. We will take up the Southeast Overtown/Park
West CRA meeting when we return because --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, go ahead. Billy, here.
Mr. Hannon: Chair; what --?
Chair King: At 2:30.
Mr. Hannon: So, the --
Chair King: 2:30. The City of Miami Commission meeting will resume at 2:30.
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PA - PERSONAL APPEARANCE
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
16620 A PERSONAL APPEARANCE FOR A CHECK PRESENTATION BY
CONGRESSWOMAN MARIA ELVIRA SALAZAR FOR FLAGLER
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT.
RESULT:
PRESENTED
Mayor Suarez: We have Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, who's here with us,
who wants to present us a check. We're always willing to take money -- or speak
from the podium, whatever you want to do, Maria Elvira, Congresswoman. It is a
check, you see. I thought it was a check. I think there's a check. Maybe not. Okay, I -
- okay, we like the checks.
Maria Elvira Salazar: Always great, always great to be here with you. How are you?
Good to see you. Thanks, hi. Good to see you all. Wonderful, wonderful. It's great to
be -- it's great to be home. You see, it's very rewarding. Mr. Mayor and the
Commissioners, how are you? Good to see you all, the elected officials and everyone
that works in the City. It's always very gratifying. How are you? Good to see you
again. Usually, I see them in Washington, in my office, in a more normal or a more
formal setting. But it's always very gratifying to be back home and to see what
democracy looks like at the local level and be able to be sharing with the local
officials what we're doing in Washington. Today 1 just want to present -- I brought
$3, 500, 000 for the seniors.
Applause.
Ms. Salazar: Specifically -- and I'm going to -- I'm quoting the name, the Flagler
Affordable Senior Housing Project. What this is going to do is going to give safe,
beautiful, reasonable priced place to live for many of our seniors and they tell me
that even we have a fitness center. That is the way we treat those who paid and who
gave us years of their labor and contributed to the social security system and that is
why we're bringing this back. One of the main issues -- yes, I mean, it's my job. It's
my job to do this.
Applause.
Ms. Salazar: And we understand that one of the main problems that we have in South
Florida is affordable housing, senior living, and transportation. And we are very
aware, at least I'm very aware of District Number 27, the City of Miami where we're
at, one of the favorite cities, not the only one, within District Number 27, is someone
that it's a very important and dear city to me. 1 live in the city of Miami and my job
as your congresswoman is to ensure that we can bring all the funds that are
available through the earmarking process to our part of the country. So, I'm proud,
Mr. Mayor, and the Commissioners and thank you both. And this is the -- this is -- I
think this affects you or benefits you greatly, Manolo, and just count on me. We are
here, I'm saying to all the -- the Mayor and the Commissioners, any other projects
that you think that I can earmark, that I should know, that we should tap into, please
present the proper documentation, take it to Washington. You know that my office,
my doors are always open for all of you, and we will try to bring as much funds as
possible to our area. That's the beauty of federalism. That's the beauty of the
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
American system. So, I'm proud to he here, and thank you very much in this
wonderful morning to be able to be with all of you. My best.
Applause.
Commissioner Reyes: Let's take a picture. But before we take a picture, I want
everybody to know how Maria Elvira works. We have this project, which is that
building that you can see, that rendering, which is a building jbr seniors, low-income
seniors, and a beautiful place, which is on 52nd Place and Flagler Street, and we
presented to her. I went to Washington, I met with her, 1 presented the project, and 1
said -- she said, well, how much you need? I said, we are about $3 million short. And
she said, okay. And she came up with 3.5. Thank you, Maria Elvira.
Ms. Salazar: Of course.
Commissioner Reyes: This is really, really a public servant working for her
community. God bless her, and let's support her all the time.
Ms. Salazar.• Thank you, (INAUDIBLE).
Applause.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
CA.1
16674
Department of
Police
CA - CONSENT AGENDA
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A VOLUNTARY COOPERATION MUTUAL AID
AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM,
APPROVING THE CITY OF MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT'S
CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA
FINANCIAL CRIMES STRIKE FORCE, CONSISTING OF THE
STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND OTHER
PARTICIPATING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO COMBAT
ILLEGAL MONEY LAUNDERING, DRUG TRAFFICKING, AND
RELATED CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS AND TO DISRUPT
ORGANIZATIONS ENGAGING IN SUCH ACTIVITY THROUGH
COORDINATED AND LONG-TERM INVESTIGATIVE,
FORFEITURE, AND PROSECUTION EFFORTS PURSUANT TO
THE AUTHORITY UNDER PART 1, CHAPTER 23, OF THE
FLORIDA STATUTES, TITLED "FLORIDA MUTUAL AID ACT."
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0416
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.2 RESOLUTION
16633
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING FOUR (4) RIGHT-OF-WAY DEEDS
OF DEDICATION ("DEEDS"), AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY
PURPOSES; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
RECORDATION OF THE DEED IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO RETAIN A COPY OF THE DEED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0417
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
CA.3 RESOLUTION
16746
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT A PERPETUAL SIDEWALK AND UTILITIES EASEMENT,
IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, FROM 25RM
INVESTMENTS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN AND
UTILITY COMPANIES ACCESS TO PORTIONS OF SIDEWALK
CONSTRUCTED ON NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0418
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see
"Public Comments for AllItem(s)."
CA.4 RESOLUTION
16744
Department of
Resilience and
Public Works
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT AN ACCESS EASEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, FROM CG MIAMI RIVER, LLC, A DELAWARE
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR THE INGRESS AND EGRESS
OF PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES OVER AND UPON THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 275 SOUTHWEST 6 STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA 33130.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0419
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.5 RESOLUTION
16766
Office of
Resilience and
Sustainability
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING EQUIPMENT
AGREEMENTS, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORMS,
WITH FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY ("FPL") A FLORIDA
PROFIT CORPORATION, TO INSTALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT ON CITY PROPERTY
AS PART OF THE FPL EVOLUTION PROGRAM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
EASEMENTS IN FAVOR OF FPL, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN
FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0420
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item CA.5, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s). "
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
CA.6 RESOLUTION
16783
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT ("LICENSE"), IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY
OF MIAMI ("CITY") AND THE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET
PARKING OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, AN AGENCY AND
INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("MPA"),
FOR A TERM OF THREE (3) YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE LICENSE FOR USE OF MPA LOT 17, LOCATED
UNDERNEATH INTERSTATE 95, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
VEHICULAR ACCESS OF CITY STAFF INTO THE ADJACENT
CITY -OWNED PROPERTY, KNOWN AS THE MIAMI RIVER
CENTER PARKING GARAGE ("MRC GARAGE"). FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID
LICENSE, IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE LICENSE, AND
COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE
CHARTER AND CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS,
RULES, AND REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0421
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.7 RESOLUTION
16782
Department of Risk
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND
ON BEHALF OF RAFAEL GARCIA, SUBJECT TO THE
CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA STATUTES,
THE TOTAL SUM OF $499,900.00, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND
EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, IN ADDITION,
THE TOTAL SUM OF $100.00 FOR A SEPARATE GENERAL
RELEASE, UPON EXECUTING A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT,
HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AS
WELL AS A GENERAL RELEASE OF THE CITY, ITS PRESENT
AND FORMER OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, FROM
ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS; ALLOCATING FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $499,900.00 FROM ACCOUNT NO.
50001.301001.524000.0000.00000 AND FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT
OF $100.00, FOR THE SEPARATE GENERAL RELEASE, FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 00001.980000.531010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0422
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Chair King: For the consent agenda items, are there any items that you would like to
pull for discussion. Commissioner Reyes? Commissioner Gabela?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm good.
Chair King: Okay then. May I have a motion to approve CA.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
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PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH.1 RESOLUTION
16730
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS ATTACHMENT "A," THAT
COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES
ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-B(A) OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AND
SECTION 18-182(C) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
SAID PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO NECESSARY UPDATES FOR
LEGAL AND FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER, WITH
AUTOMATIC REVERTER PROVISIONS, THE CITY -OWNED
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 185 NORTHEAST 82ND STREET,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, IDENTIFIED AS FOLIO NUMBER 01-3112-008-
0430 ("PROPERTY"), TO THE CENTER FOR HAITIAN STUDIES,
INCORPORATED, A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION
("CHS"), FOR PROVIDING CHARITABLE HEALTHCARE AND
HUMAN SERVICES TO UNINSURED AND TO BENEFIT PERSONS
AND FAMILIES WITH LOW AND MODERATE INCOME;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO
COMPLETE THE AFOREMENTIONED TRANSACTION SUBJECT
TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT REGULATE
SUCH TRANSACTIONS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0423
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Chair King: Our PH (Public Hearing) items. I want to make sure that PH.1 I'm
shown as the sponsor, Todd?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Yes, that was stated. We'll show you as the sponsor for
PH.1. That was for RE.5 and RE.12 from this morning. For PH.1, we'll show you as
the sponsor.
Chair King: Okay. Gentlemen, from the PH items, are there any items that you want
to pull for discussion?
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Chair King: It's only two. No?
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, 1 'in good.
Chair King: Okay. May I have a motion for PH.1 and PH.2?
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion. Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously. I'd like to say congratulations to the
Center for Haitian Studies.
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair King: Thank you. Our former commissioner, Commissioner Monestime,
please, please.
Jean Monestime: Thank you for the privilege, Madam Chair. Good afternoon,
Commissioners, Mr. Manager, and City Attorney and Clerk. Thank you for this
opportunity. Dr. Pierre had to leave because of another meeting, and Mr. Klein and
I, we volunteer at the clinic, and we thank you for approving this item on behalf of
the center. And they'll be continuing to provide services to our community in Little
River and Little Haiti, as you know. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. It is an honor for me to sponsor this item. The center resides
in District 5. They do fantastic work. They provide health care services free to the
community of our uninsured community. They've had an annual health fair for the
past 33 years, and this year they surpassed the number of residents and children,
families, that they provide services for. I was so impressed with what was going on
there and ran into a friend of mine that I haven't seen in years. It was a wonderful,
wonderful occasion, and I can't wait to continue to do good work with you. So, thank
you. And thank you to my colleagues Jroseeing that this was a worthy, worthy
initiative.
Mr. Monestime: Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you for coming.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PH.2 RESOLUTION
16638
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING A GRANT ALLOCATION FROM
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND ADMINISTERED BY THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT ("HUD"), ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ("EDI-CPF") FOR THE 2024
FISCAL YEAR ("FY 2024 ACT"), IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE
MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,500,000.00),
TO FUND THE FLAGLER AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING
PROJECT ("PROJECT"), MANAGED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE,
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0424
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see Item PH.1.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
RE - RESOLUTIONS
RE.1 RESOLUTION
16563
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN
RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESS 2749 SOUTHWEST
5 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE NUMBER CE2016010484,
AFTER A HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-817 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED;
AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL
SETTLEMENT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0425
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Christine King, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo
Chair King: We are on to our resolution items. We have one, two, three -- three
mitigation items. So, let's start with our mitigation, RE.1.
Robert Santos-Alborna: Good afternoon, Madam Chairwoman, Commissioners,
Robert Santos-Alborna, Code Compliance Director. RE.1 is a mitigation of a
property located at 2749 Southwest 5th Street. Respondent is Mancini Holdings 12
LLC (Limited Liability Company). The case in question is CE 2016-010484. Notice
of violation was issued on June 7, 2016 for construction work without permits,
operating without a certificate of use, operating without a business tax receipt,
operating without a solid waste hauler, and failure to have a designated handicap
parking space. The case was adjudicated on July 18th, 2017. It complied on October
31 st, 2019, running for 876 days and accruing a total of $219, 000. The respondent is
offering 8 percent, which is $17,500. I'm going to put in the record, before I yield to
Legal Division Chief Dooley, that there were plenty of exchanges and emails. The
respondent thought this case was to be mitigated. They didn't apply, they didn't put
the address on the process. There was two separate contiguous addresses, but this
case was never included. So, it kind of fell through and they have to go through this
process. I want to put that on the record.
Rachel Dooley (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): Good afternoon, Rachel
Dooley, on behalf of the Office of the City Attorney, just before counsel speaks, just
to clarify, the property did have two other violations. They cleared all of these up
before the pandemic. During the pandemic, we were emailing back and forth using
CityView, figuring out what the violations were. And I know there's been an email
from me that says, "Okay, this is it." Well, guess what happened? It wasn't it. There
was something else. So, this would have been taken care of over four years ago. But
some -- suffice it to say, sometimes in the CityView system things don't line up the
way they're supposed to and I missed it, but it is what it is, but they are making that
offer. I just wanted to let you know that this owner had come forth a while ago and I
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
was very surprised and started researching my own mails because 1 had
remembered it.
Marria Larrabure: Thank you.
Chair King: Good afternoon.
Ms. Larrabure: Good afternoon. Maria Larrabure on behalf of the respondent. It's
exactly what happened. There were two buildings that are adjacent to each other.
Each of them had two violations. There were communications back and forth. Based
on the subject line, we thought that -- our client thought that they had been corrected
in full, and then three years later, we found out that there weren't. They've diligently
been working to correct them. They did settle the first two violations for about
$10,000 back then. We're offering $17,500. The only thing we would ask is if there
could be a payment plan, 24 months, but that's the offer due to the circumstances of
the case.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela, I believe this is in your district.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I think it's either in Carollo or Reyes.
Ms. Dooley: It's 4.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: It's Commissioner Reyes' district.
Chair King: It says District 1. I'm sorry, I'm looking at the wrong --
Commissioner Reyes: This is mine?
Mr. Santos-Alborna: Yes, sir, it is.
Chair King: I'm looking at the wrong --
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, I'm sorry --
Mr. Santos-Alborna: Yes.
Chair King: It's District 4.
Commissioner Reyes: -- you know, I'm still a little -- a little confused about the -- the
different changes that have been done. Okay, what's the percentage that you are
offering?
Ms. Larrabure: I believe it's --
Mr. Santos-Alborna: 8 -- 8 percent, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: 8 percent, and this is -- for how long this has been --
Mr. Santos-Alborna: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Reyes: For how long has it been this -- this violation going on?
Ms. Dooley: This violation complied back in 2019. The property owners came to us
in 2020, or 2021, in the pandemic, when we were still doing online settlements,
trying to get cases moving. We missed this -- we missed this violation at the time we
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
took care of the other two. So, it's been complied for over -- well, almost five years.
Almost five years.
Commissioner Reyes: That have been complied?
Mr. Santos-Alborna: Yes, sir.
Ms. Dooley: Yeah, they've been complied for almost five years.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Fine, fine.
Ms. Dooley: They complied within about a year and a half or so. So, they're offering
the $17, 500.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I move it.
Chair King: Second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Ms. Larrabure: And 24 months?
Chair King: For the 24 months, yes.
Ms. Larrabure: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair King: As amended.
Ms. Dooley: We don't -- we don't have -- just so you know, we don't have payment
plans.
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Ms. Dooley: But we can put in the order that they will have 24 months to pay it. You
know, that can run with interest unless you want to say otherwise. It's up to you.
Commissioner Reyes: That's fine. Fine with me.
Unidentified Speaker: No.
Commissioner Reyes: As long as they pay.
Ms. Dooley: As long as they pay that full amount.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Ms. Dooley: Okay, I'll amend accordingly.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously as amended. Thank you.
Ms. Larrabure: Thank you.
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RE.2 RESOLUTION
16709
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
LIENS RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESS 3301
NORTHEAST 1 AVENUE, UNIT 108, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE
NUMBER CE2021020046, AFTER A HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY
SECTION 2-817 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT
APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE
AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item RE.2 was continued to the November 21, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.3 RESOLUTION
16708
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
LIENS RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESSES 740
NORTHEAST 86 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE NUMBERS
CE2020007576, CE2018020929 AND CE2015021548, AFTER A
HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-817 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; AUTHORIZING
THE AMOUNT APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT
OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item RE.3 was deferred to the December 12, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Chair King: RE.2 has been deferred.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Robert Santos-Alborna (Code Compliance, Director): Deferred.
Chair King: RE.3.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: RE.3 is a mitigation of a property located at 740 Northeast 86th
Street. Respondent is Claude Vallette. There are three separate cases within this
property. The first, NOV (Notice of Violation) CE 2020-07576, was issued for failure
to maintain exterior, vacant and blighted property, outside storage, construction work
without permits, and failure to register a vacant structure. NOV issued on April 14,
2020, adjudicated on September 8, 2021. This violation ran for 981 days, accruing a
total of $490,500. Case 2 ran separately, CE 2018-020929, for failure to register a
vacant structure, NOV issued on October 11 th, 2018, adjudicated on September 9th,
2019. That violation ran for 1,694 days, accruing, and I have here, $423,500. A third
violation separately for graffiti, and I'm not going to go into the details because we do
have legislation that graffiti alone should not be adjudicated, but that accrued a total
of $248,750. If we add all the three violations, they accrued a total of $914,000. If we
remove the one with the graffiti, the amount -- bear with me a second. I have it here.
It's 490 -- it's $914,000. Of importance --
Chair King: I thought you said all three are nine hundred --
Mr. Santos-Alborna: All three are $1,162,750. Apologies. Idid --
Chair King: Okay. 1 million --
Mr. Santos-Alborna: $1,162,750. That's for all three.
Chair King: Okay.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: If I hack out the graffiti adjudication, the total amount for the
first two cases is $914,000. I understand that counsel for respondent is going to talk
about the fact that it went to Unsafe Structures, and they thought that once it went
there, it was the responsibility of the City to demolish. I'm going to yield to legal, but I
am going to tell you no such thing exists. The collective offer from the respondent is
$27,270, which is 3 percent of the accrued amount of the first two. I also need to put
into the record the fact that this property is not homesteaded, it had 31 cases in the
period since 2005, 25 of which were code cases. This was a blight to the area and
significantly and adversely impacted the neighborhood.
Chair King: Attorney Dooley?
Rachel Dooley (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): That's fine. 1 would yield to
counsel and then --
Chair King: Oh, I don't -- director said that you said something about we would get
clarification from Attorney Dooley about the demo or something.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: (INAUDIBLE) Unsafe Structures that they said --
Ms. Dooley: Oh, no, the City -- the City demolished the structure. I don't know. We'll
wait -- I'll let counsel go. (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair King: Good afternoon. How are you?
Jason Martorella: Good afternoon. Jason Martorella on behalf of Claude Vallette
and Anthony Murray, the owners of the property here on 86th Street. We are seeking
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
a mitigation, a significant mitigation, hut there are reasons for the -- you know, the
leap that we're asking the fines to be reduced to. And it's reasonable under the
circumstances, and those circumstances are -- first, we're dealing with a situation in
which the code violations appear to be somewhat overlapping. There are, for
example, two different code violations dealing with registration of the structure. We're
also dealing with fines that are -- exceed the value of the property by almost double,
it's almost triple the value of the property. Second, we're talking about here
individuals, they're not, you know, very deep pockets, there's not money available to
pay all of these fines. Third, we're dealing with, at the time of the code violations, the
owner of the property, who is still one of the owners of the property, is -- was a citizen
of France. He was residing in Martinique. He did not know about any of these
violations until this year. Now, I've been assured that notice was posted on the
property in compliance with the law. We don't have any reason to dispute that, but the
fact of the matter is that my clients -- my client, who was the owner at the time of
these violations, did not know about them until this year. Third, we're dealing with a
case where there was a demolition order that was entered. And going back to the
issue of there being overlapping violations here, all of these violations stem from the
condition and the registration of the structure that was on the property. Now, there
was a demolition -- oh, sorry.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Mr. Martorella: Oh, okay. There was a -- there was a demolition order that was
entered in 2019, and if that -- according to that demolition order, the owners had 30
days to demolish the structure, and if they didn't demolish the structure, the City
would be demolishing the structure. So, if the City would have demolished the
structure at that point in time, we wouldn't have had code case number one, which
accrued total fines of $460,000 -- or sorry, $490,500. And the code -- the fines on the
other two cases wouldn't have been as severe. You know, it's just -- I understand the
point that the City doesn't have a duty that could maybe subject the City to liability to
like third parties if somebody had come onto the property or structure and got injured
and tried to sue, you know, one of the owners. But here we're not looking at, you
know, mitigating the, you know -- or compensating for liability incurred to a third
party. We're talking about you know, the viol -- the fines imposed by the City itself.
So, they entered this demolition order, which required demolition of the property in
30 days. And instead of demolishing it, it just -- they didn't demolish it for years, and
that's the reason why these fines, in large part, snowballed out of control to the point
that -- where they're at now. The next point is that we -- when we -- we did find out
about all these violations when the owner attempted to remodel the property. He was
told that he had to seek an order lifting the demolition order, and when he was going
through the process of lifting the demolition order, that's when he discovered that
there were all of these other violations on the property. At that point, the property still
wasn't demolished. They couldn't get approval of the plans to remodel because of all
these fines that were pending, so they eventually decided to demolish the property
themselves. But when they applied to -- for a demolition permit, I guess it triggered
something with the City, and then the City demolished it first, leading to fines or costs
that were in excess of what the owners had lined up for the demolition of the property.
But they paid that. They paid, I believe it was over $28,000 to the City for demolishing
the structure. Now they have a local owner in addition to the Martinique owner, so
this will never happen again. They've got a structure in place where they're going to
become aware of any kind of violations, if there are any, and then we'll be able to
cure them very, very promptly. The last point I'd like to make, and I think it's
important, is that the reason why we're seeking to address and mitigate these fines is
to make it economically feasible and practical to improve the property. There's
nothing there now, it's just a lot. The owners of the property have plans already to
build a beautiful multi -structure -- multi family structure on the lot. They have all the
pieces in place, they're ready to go to create additional housing for the city. And just,
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
you know, 1 think maybe it's worth mentioning that today we heard a lot of discussion
about how the city desperately needs additional housing. So, this will provide
additional housing. My clients do want to pay to rectify some of the issues, but if the
structure had been demolished in accordance with the demolition order, case number
one wouldn't exist at all. So, if we were to, you know, just looking at cases number,
you know, two and three, those cases total about $650,000 of fines. And we are
proposing a little bit less than 10 percent of those two based on the fact that one of
them was for graffiti, that, you know, there's a provision in the code of ordinances
that does say that the City will remove the graffiti if it's not removed within five days.
But it's really that one case that deals with -- that wouldn't have existed if the
structure had been demolished that 1 think is really sort of the bone of contention and
sort of the meat of the dispute. If we can get rid of that one, the mitigation on the other
ones, I think a reasonable mitigation would make it economically feasible again to
develop this property and, you know, for the benefit of the city and its residents.
Thank you.
Chair King: Attorney Dooley?
Ms. Dooley: Right. So, I didn't comment before because I didn't know if he would go
down that road. From our office's perspective, what you guys determine as a body to
mitigate to is up to you. In terms of an argument that this is the City's fault, for us, it's
incredulous. It's as if saying, well, if your client wasn't living in Martinique and they
were living in the United States taking care of their property, also these things
wouldn't have happened. But we are under no duty to do that. It's not the City that
enters an order. It's an unsafe structure panel. And there is no law, statute, that
requires us to move forward on a demolition, I don't think, or case law even. So, I do
not find, and I would ask this court not to find -- not court, this body to find that there
is any credibility with that argument. Now, as to the other things that he's saying, I
think those are reasonable and viable arguments to make to the body in terms of why
they're looking for the mitigation that they're looking for with the cases. But those
three cases do stand. They are valid. The one case he's talking about is the 2020 case.
And so, the unsafe structure case was from 2019. They did pay. It was over $20,000, I
believe, for the demolition that the City did perform. So, they already have outlaid
that money, and then on top of that, they have -- I believe their offer of almost 30,000
again to close out the three. Correct?
Mr. Martorella: Yeah, and I would just maybe --
Ms. Dooley: So --
Mr. Martorella: Yeah, and I would just clam that if 1 could, that I'm not today
suggesting that it's the City's fault. I'm just pointing out that as a practical matter, if
the structure had been demolished in accordance with the demolition order, that third
-- that first case for almost $500,000 in fines wouldn't exist. That's all.
Chair King: Thank you. This mitigation case falls within my district, and I have a
couple of issues with it. One, work without permit. Doing work without a permit
suggests that the owner is somewhat aware of what's going on with the property. I do
not condone work without a permit. And then the other -- I would tend to be more
lenient with the graffiti abatement except for absentee owners because that just
creates an eyesore in my district. And I want to discourage anyone that thinks they
can have a property in District 5, and you don't take care of it, you just leave it. It
becomes such an eyesore that there's a demolition order on the property because it's
now become unsafe. My district is one of the poorest districts in the city of Miami, and
I would suggest that this kind of non-compliance would not happen so vagrantly in
other districts. This ran for 1,694 days in one case, 981 days in another case, 995
days in the third case. But this is not just an independent property. This is a property
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
that is surrounded by neighbors, businesses, and because of your client's neglect and
not being a present owner, my community had to deal with this for a very long time,
years. So, I'm not inclined to accept less than 3 percent of the violations here, and not
even for the graffiti, because I do feel for businesses that are tagged repeatedly jro
business owners that are present but not for absentee owners. So, I cannot accept less
than 3 percent for this. And I don't want people to think that you can just come before
us and we're going to say, okay, you can pay 1 percent of the fines that have amassed
for years, because that's not fair to my neighbors. It's not fair to my neighbors to have
to live amongst this. I would give you the opportunity to defer this, to further work out
a settlement so that I don't have to say one, if that's agreeable to you.
Mr. Martorella: It is, yes.
Ms. Dooley: Was it 3 percent for all of it? For all of it.
Chair King: Well, in my briefing, it's less than 3 percent.
Ms. Dooley: Right, but yours is 3 percent?
Chair King: No, no, no. Not mine. It's not 3 percent.
Ms. Dooley: Oh.
Chair King: I don't settle any of my cases for less than 3 percent. Unless there're
mitigating circumstances, none of which I have here. He has agreed to defer the item.
So, we're going to defer RE.3 to give you an opportunity to further speak with staff to
come up with a better offer without me having to make it right here on the spot.
Mr. Martorella: And I appreciate that.
Chair King: Thank you so much.
Mr. Martorella: Thank you.
Chair King: May I have a motion to defer RE.3? I have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, will that be November 21st or December
12th?
Chair King: December 12th.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
RE.4 RESOLUTION
16685
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN
RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESS 6318 NORTHWEST
2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE NUMBER CE2018022165,
AFTER A HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-817 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED;
AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL
SETTLEMENT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED BUT RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item RE.4 was deferred to the December 12, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
RE.4 RESOLUTION
16685
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN
RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESS 6318 NORTHWEST
2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE NUMBER CE2018022165,
AFTER A HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-817 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED;
AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL
SETTLEMENT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
City of Miami
Page 60 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
RE.4 RESOLUTION
16685
Department of
Code Compliance
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MITIGATING/NOT MITIGATING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN
RECORDED AGAINST PROPERTY ADDRESS 6318 NORTHWEST
2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, CASE NUMBER CE2018022165,
AFTER A HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-817 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED;
AUTHORIZING THE AMOUNT APPROVED AS FULL AND FINAL
SETTLEMENT OF THE AFOREMENTIONED LIEN; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item RE.4 was deferred to the December 12, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Chair King: RE.4?
Robert Santos-Alborna (Code Compliance, Director): Good afternoon, Madam
Chairwoman. RE.4 is a mitigation of a property located at 6318 Northwest 2nd
Avenue. The respondent is MIA Housing 2 LLC (Limited Liability Company). The
case, CE 2018-022165, is for construction work without permits to wit, a fence, rather
large, oversized, white, wooden fence. NOV (Notice of Violation) issued on October
18, 2018, adjudicated on February 7, 2019, complied on August 24, 2023. Is there
someone? I mean, I -- is there a counsel for RE.4? I mean, I can finish my
presentation, but if there's no one, no respondent --
Vice Chair Carollo: Going once? Going twice?
Rachel Dooley (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): I saw counsel earlier today, so.
Chair King: I would ask for the full amount of the fines.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: $399,750.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Santos-Alborna: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
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Chair King: As amended.
[Later... f
Chair King: I'd like to come back to my mitigation item. I thought by saying that I'd
like the total amount of the fines, that somebody would step forward. Where are we?
Rachel Dooley (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): Yeah, so good afternoon. And I
apologize, RE.4, which you voted on, I'd ask if that could be reconsidered. I looked
for counsel. This attorney, I won't even say his name, but he's here all the time. I
called him up, and there were some e-mails that went back and forth. They're working
on their affordable housing covenant, and so they were going to come back when
things were completed. They were looking for the November or December date. So, it
was my error not getting that to them earlier and I do apologize. So --
Chair King: May I have a motion for reconsideration?
Commissioner Pardo: I'll make the motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second for reconsideration. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Now may I have a motion to defer RE.4 to the December 12th --
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Gabela: RE (Resolution) what? RE --
Chair King: RE.4.
George Wysong (City Attorney): 4.
Chair King: A mitigation. To the December meeting. I have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously. Thankyou.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: It worked.
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RE.5 RESOLUTION
16739
Office of
Resilience and
Sustainability
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A STATUTORY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH
THE MIAMI FOUNDATION AS REQUIRED AS PART OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI'S ("CITY'S") APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ("EPA")
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMUNITY
CHANGE GRANT PROGRAM; FURTHER IN THE EVENT OF AN
AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
REIMBURSEMENT GRANT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) ("GRANT FUNDS"),
WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION
APPROVAL, FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENTS
AND PROGRAMMING TO SELECTED CITY PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMUNITY CENTERS, TO BE DESIGNATED AS
RESILIENCE HUBS ("PROJECT"); ESTABLISHING A NEW
SPECIAL REVENUE PROJECT FUND AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AGREEMENTS, AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS,
ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN
ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE ACCEPTANCE AND COMPLIANCE
WITH SAID GRANT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0426
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.5, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: We are now -- we now have RE.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Vice Chair Carollo: How about 5?
Unidentified Speaker: 5.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Chair King: I missed 5?
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, you didn't --
Chair King: I'm sorry, okay. We now have RE.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Are
there any of these items that would like to be pulled for discussion? Mr. City Clerk?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And just for the record, RE.8 would need to be
amended pursuant to substitution memo dated October 22nd, 2024, and RE.13 would
need to be amended, the sixth whereas clause needs to be amended to reflect 2025; it
currently reflect -- states 2024.
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Chair King: And Mr. City Clerk, do you show me as a sponsor for RE.12?
Mr. Hannon: Yes, that was stated earlier this morning.
Chair King: Okay. I think we all should sponsor that.
Vice Chair Carollo: You're in favor of RE.7, Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Put me a sponsor on that, too.
Commissioner Gabela: What's --
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Commissioner Carollo, a sponsor for --
Vice Chair Carollo: RE.7.
Mr. Hannon: RE.7.
Commissioner Gabela: We're not discussing RE.12. We're not doing RE.12, right?
Chair King: If you would like to discuss it, yes. I_ f you'd like to pull it for discussion.
Otherwise, well just vote on it.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, I'd like to pull it for discussion.
Chair King: Okay. We'll pull that one for discussion. Todd --
Vice Chair Carollo: RE -- RE.12?
Chair King: RE.12. Todd, I'd also like to be a sponsor f br RE.7.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
Chair King: Okay, I have RE.12 pulled for discussion. Are there any other items that
you would like to pull for discussion? Any other items to be pulled for discussion
other than RE.12?
Vice Chair Carollo: Hold on. How far in the REs (Resolutions) did we get to?
Chair King: We finished RE.5. 1 mean, we finished RE.4. We have RE.5 through
RE.14 in play, with RE.12 being pulled for discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Not -- RE.14?
Chair King: RE.14 is in play.
Vice Chair Carollo: Big play.
Chair King: It's in play.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's for your whole 17 years of the extension?
Chair King: Yes.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Why so little?
Chair King: That's what we were given. That's what we were advised.
Vice Chair Carollo: I think you were advised wrong; it should be more than that, I
believe, and maybe you need to wait just a little more to bring the interest rates down
and you could bring it up by another 30, 40, $50 million. That's my thought.
Chair King: Mr. CFO (Chief Financial Officer)?
Larry Spring: Larry Spring, Chief Financial Officer. This -- Commissioner Carollo,
this transaction is being worked on by Sergio Masvidal from PFM (Public Financial
Management). City's not worked on it, but my understanding is the capacity
calculations were done based on where their TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is right
now, subtracting any first place security or first place obligations that they have.
And remember, they do have, you know, some TIF agreements and things that exist
prior to -- in place prior to their total amount, so.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, but what interest rates are they going on?
Mr. Spring: I haven't -- I have not seen any of their -- the number runs, so.
Vice Chair Carollo: I just want you to get the most.
Chair King: I as well. Bond counsel --
Mr. Spring: But --
Chair King: -- seems to feel like --
Mr. Spring: -- we need --
Chair King: -- based on all of the things, I don't know if any of the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) persons are still in the building.
Mr. Spring: Well, let me put this on the record. The reason why you need to, from a
timing standpoint, we need to get this bond resolution approved today, you don't
have another meeting, and this item has to go to the County for approval.
Chair King: I see.
Mr. Spring: So --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, well, but you don't have to put it out --
Mr. Spring: We don't have to put itout yet, no.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- until we see how the market gets, right?
Mr. Spring: Yes. As a matter of fact, the -- the estimate is that this debt won't be
issued until December. There is one issue that I know that is being addressed that
does have a timeliness issue, which is the Tri-Rail -- the funding of the Tri-Rail
grant, which is about $17.5 million that we've been working with Tri-Rail on. But it
definitely --
Vice Chair Carollo: Why are we going to limit it $150 million if the interest rates
gets better for next year, which it's going to, and this will go up more?
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Mr. Spring: Well, what 1 would suggest or recommend right now is that we approve
this authorization at this up to amount and allow for us to continue through the
process because it does have to go to the County and go through all their committees
and everything and then maybe bring an amendment to the authorization based on a
future -- you know, a future calculation, you know, that if it's -- if there is some
interest rate impact.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, I'm just wondering, to save all that, if you can put a
clause in there that it can go up to a certain additional amount if the interest rates --
Mr. Spring: You could -- you could authorize it for a larger amount right now,
actually.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. Spring: Well --
Chair King: As amended. We could do an as amended?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. Spring: Up to?
Chair King: Up to.
Xavier Alban (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): Yeah, so the CRA already
approved it at $150 million. So, to approve something above that --
Mr. Spring: You'd have to go back.
Mr. Alban: -- would still have to go hack to the CRA, .so that --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, we're here.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Yeah, but doing that's --
Mr. Alban: But -- but that --
Mr. Noriega: -- just the mechanics, right? I mean, you can always -- they can always
increase the amount --
Mr. Spring: You could --
Mr. Noriega: -- and then just take it back to the CRA and do it later.
Mr. Spring: Could you recon --? Well, you could reconvene your CRA meeting that
you had earlier.
Mr. Alban: Yeah, and reconsider the item.
Mr. Spring: Yeah, and reconsider the item.
Chair King: Okay.
Mr. Spring: But -- the -- I -- it is important from a timing standpoint that --
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Vice Chair Carollo: No, that I understand.
Mr. Spring: Yeah. Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: That you need to have the time for bond counsels to prepare
everything.
Mr. Spring: Well, more than that, it's to go through the Countv's process.
Chair King: Right.
Mr. Spring: Because it's going to go here to the County.
Chair King: Right. Okay, we're going to hold off on RE.14. If there's no other item
that my colleagues would like to pull for discussion, may I have --
Vice Chair Carollo: Motion.
Chair King: -- a motion for RE. 6 --
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: -- 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13?
Mr. Noriega: Madam Chair, you forgot 5 again.
Chair King: Again?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes.
Chair King: Okay. RE.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13. I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: And a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries, as amended, with RE.8 and RE.13.
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RE.6 RESOLUTION
16747
Department of
Human Services
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ACCEPT A GRANT AWARD FROM THE LIVING CITIES
ORGANIZATION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00) ("GRANT") TO
SUPPORT THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") BREAKING BARRIERS
TO BUSINESS ("B3") INITIATIVE TO ACCELERATE WEALTH -
BUILDING FOR MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS AND PROMOTE
CLOSING THE RACIAL INCOME AND WEALTH GAP; FURTHER
ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL REVENUE PROJECT TITLED "LIVING
CITIES - B3 INITIATIVE" AND APPROPRIATING THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR SAME; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, MODIFICATIONS, AND
EXTENSIONS THERETO, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT AND COMPLY
WITH SAID GRANT.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0427
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.5.
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RE.7 RESOLUTION
16548
Department of
Parks and
Recreation
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
RETROACTIVELY RATIFYING, CONFIRMING, AND APPROVING
THE CITY MANAGER'S SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR
THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDING FROM THE FLORIDA
INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT ("FIND") SMALL-SCALE SPOIL
ISLAND RESTORATION & ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT PROJECT AT WILLIS ISLAND AND PACE
PICNIC ISLAND; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE GRANT
APPLICATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE REQUIRED CITY
MATCH IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FOUR THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($4,000.00) TO BE PROVIDED AS IN -KIND SERVICES
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000.00)
FOR EACH SPOIL ISLAND LOCATION FOR AN AGGREGATE
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
($40,000.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY
SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED OR
OTHER LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDING SOURCES AND TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, GRANT OR DEED AGREEMENTS,
AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, RENEWALS, AND
EXTENSIONS THERETO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0428
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.7, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.5.
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RE.8
16677
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER FUNDS, IN
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $317,000.00, COLLECTED BY THE CITY
OF MIAMI ("CITY") AS SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL IMPACT ("DRI")/MASTER PLAN
RECOVERY FEES AND DRI SUPPLEMENTAL FEES, AS SET
FORTH IN CHAPTER 13 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, TO THE MIAMI SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("SEOPW CRA"), IN
ORDER TO REIMBURSE FUNDING TO THE SEOPW CRA FOR
THE AMENDMENT OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, SUBJECT TO
THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY MANAGER.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0429
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see Item RE.5.
RE.9 RESOLUTION
16738
Commissioners
and Mayor
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A
GRANT FROM THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY ("MIAMI DDA") IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$650,000.00 TO THE CITY OF MIAMI TO UNDERWRITE COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH ENHANCED OFF -DUTY POLICE SERVICES
WITHIN THE MIAMI DDA AREA; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT, IF NECESSARY, IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, AND ANY AND ALL
OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0430
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see Item RE.5.
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RE.10
16796
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CERTAIN MIAMI FOREVER
BOND LOAN DOCUMENTS EXECUTED AS OF AUGUST 12, 2021,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THAT CERTAIN LOAN
AGREEMENT (THE "LOAN AGREEMENT"), AND THAT CERTAIN
RENT REGULATORY AGREEMENT (THE "RENT REGULATORY
AGREEMENT") (COLLECTIVELY THE "LOAN DOCUMENTS"), IN
CONNECTION WITH THE MIAMI FOREVER BOND LOAN
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY") AND BLOCK
55 RESIDENTIAL, LP, A FLORIDA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
("DEVELOPER"), IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SEVEN
MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS
($7,500,000.00) MADE BY THE CITY TO DEVELOPER TO FUND A
CERTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT LOCATED AT 249
NORTHWEST 6TH STREET, KNOWN AS "SAWYER'S WALK" OR
"BLOCK 55" ("PROJECT"); THE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE LOAN
DOCUMENTS IS SUBJECT TO THE RECEIPT BY THE CITY
MANAGER OF ALL NECESSARY APPROVALS, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT(S) TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY THE CITY'S
HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL LOAN COMMITTEE ("HCLC
APPROVAL"), AND THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY THE CITY'S BOND
COUNSEL, OR ITS SUCCESSOR ("BOND COUNSEL
APPROVAL"), AND SUBJECT TO THE TERMS, CONDITIONS,
AND RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND IN ALL
NECESSARY APPROVALS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE HCLC APPROVAL, AND IN THE BOND COUNSEL
APPROVAL; 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; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0431
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see "Public
Comments for All Items)" and Item RE.5.
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RE.11
16797
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), REALLOCATING FUNDS, IN THE TOTAL
AMOUNT OF ONE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-TWO,
FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE AND 64/100 DOLLARS
($1,172,529.64) ("FUNDS") FROM DISTRICT 4 PARK AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAND ACQUISITION, PROJECT NO. 40-
B213414, AND SILVER BLUFF PARK IMPROVEMENT AND
ENHANCEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 40-B193523, IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI'S ("CITY") FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL
PLAN ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 PURSUANT TO
RESOLUTION NO. R-24-0328 ("CAPITAL PLAN"), AND RE -
APPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO CURRENT AND FUTURE
CAPITAL PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED; THE USE, ALLOCATION, AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS IDENTIFIED HEREIN, ARE
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS AND THE RECEIPT OF
ALL NECESSARY APPROVALS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND BOND COUNSEL APPROVAL;
RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING CERTAIN
NECESSARY ACTIONS BY THE CITY MANAGER AND
DESIGNATED CITY DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE
CAPITAL PLAN, RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND
COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, FOR
PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS, AND FOR GRANTS AND OTHER
FUNDING SOURCES IN PROGRESS IN CONNECTION
HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0432
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.11, please see Item RE.5.
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RE.12
16798
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING
GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO AMEND THE LIVE LOCAL ACT
("ACT") TO PROTECT SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS BY PROHIBITING DEVELOPMENTS UNDER
THE ACT TO BE LOCATED ADJACENT TO PROPERTIES ZONED
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ON ONE OR MORE SIDES OR
ADJACENT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT
ON ONE OR MORE SIDES; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO GOVERNOR RON
DESANTIS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
LEGISLATURE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0433
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.12, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comments for Allltem(s)."
Chair King: Now, for discussion, RE.12. Commissioner Gabela, I believe you pulled
RE (Resolution) --
Commissioner Gabela: No, you guys go ahead -- go ahead, I'm holding my thoughts
until the end.
Chair King: I don't think anybody else --
Commissioner Reyes: I -- it is very clear what I'm trying to do here.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: It is quite clear that we are asking that (INAUDIBLE) be
modified (INAUDIBLE) be modified. I have -- I have heard people saying that we
can opt out and the -- according to the -- our attorneys and everybody that knows
about it, it's not possible here because to start with, we don't have -- we don't have
excess housing units here. If -- that would be one of the requirements. And -- and I
have also heard that we should sue them. And Mr. City Attorney, could you go and
be more clear on it?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yeah, I'll address first the opt -out. That's sort of a
misnomer in that there is a provision --
Commissioner Reyes: There is a provision.
Mr. Wysong: -- under the statute that says a taxing authority must -- beginning with
the 2025 tax roll, a taxing authority may elect upon adoption of an ordinance or
resolution approved by a two-thirds vote of the governing body not to exempt, not to
exempt property under Subparagraph (d)(1)(a), located in a county specific --
specified pursuant to Subparagraph 2. Basically, what we're talking about is they
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call it the missing middle. The opt -out provision that became effective in July 2024 is
related to the missing middle property tax exemption that's part of the act. The
missing middle property tax exemption is an ad valorem tax exemption for the
affordable units in developments that contain over 70 affordable units for households
up to 120 percent AMI (Area Median Income). Units that serve households from 80
to 120 AMI receive a 75 percent tax exemption and units that serve households
below 80 percent receive a 100 percent property tax exemption. Taxing authorities
may opt out of this tax exemption if located in a county in which the number of
affordable and available units for households at or below 120 AMI is greater than
the number of households at that income level as determined by the most recent
Schoenberg Center for Housing Studies Annual Report. That's pursuant to 196.1978-
301. So, the opt -out provision that you may see in the paper is where a taxing
authority like Orange County, Florida says, we're not going to give that tax
exemption. But there is no opt out of Live Local. If only there were, right? But there
is not. And as far as litigation, right now I'm aware of at least one case. Doral had
litigation. I believe they resolved it with the developer. Bal Harbour currently is
being sued by a developer because Bal Harbour is not following the Live Local
provisions. So, all of the municipalities in the state of Florida are watching that case
to see what happens. Pasco County in 2023 threatened to sue and then the state
threatened to take away discretionary funding and they withdrew their saber -
rattling. So, we will continue to monitor it. If there's an opportunity for us to
challenge it, we will. But right now, this resolution urging the Governor and the
Legislature to make modifications to it is a very, good first start in our opinion.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair?
Chair King: Yes, Commissioner Reyes?
Coniniissioner Reyes: Yes, and I want to make clear that this is not only -- not only --
does not only address the Sears development, it addresses about 20-some, 21 or 22
potential, potential development that could -- they could try to use Live Local.
Chair King: That's why I am a sponsor of this item as well. Live Local could be very
detrimental to my, community --
Commissioner Reves: Absolutely.
Chair King: -- particularly on the Upper East Side. My neighbors feel very
passionate --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair King: -- about the footprint of our neighborhood. 1 have been working with
State Representative Vicki Lopez --
Commissioner Reyes: Me too.
Chair King: -- who tried last year to get this legislation amended and is still trying to
work with it. It is -- and this is why politics are local, right? Because we know our
neighborhoods best and we know it will also be a disaster in RTZ (Rapid Transit
Zone) zones --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: So, what --
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Chair King: -- where we wouldn't have a say. So, I completely support this
legislation. Commissioner Gabela, 1 believe you wanted to say something.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, what exactly are we amending Wysong?
Mr. Wysong: No, so --
Commissioner Gabela: What are we asking?
Chair King: We're not amending anything.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, what -- no, what are we asking the Legislation? The
Legislation in Tallahassee to actually amend.
Mr. Wysong: So, we 're asking --
Commissioner Gabela: I'm sorry, I haven't been keeping up with.
Mr. Wysong: No problem. So, this resolution will ask the Florida Legislature to
prohibit development under the act to be located adjacent to property zoned --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Mr. Wysong: -- single-family, residential on one or more sides or adjacent to a
neighborhood conservation district. And I just wanted --
Commissioner Gabela: That's it? The only -- those are the only two things?
Mr. Wysong: Yeah, that's it.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. I'm ready.
Mr. Wysong: I just wanted to comment real quick to address what the chairwoman
said, which is during public comment, a lot of people challenged you all to take
action against Live Local --
Chair King: And we cannot.
Mr. Wysong.• -- but they don't realize that the word preemption means that the State
of Florida has taken away your power. And so really, the State of Florida is in
control of this issue. These are not unintended consequences. This is what the
Florida Legislature intended, is to take away your authority over these rezoning.
Commissioner Reyes: If I may add, Madam Chair, about two or three years ago
when this started, I went to Tallahassee. I had my conversations and also arguments
with the proponents and how would that be detrimental at the time, detrimental to
the city of Miami and a lot of cities because there are other aspects of Live Local
that we are not discussing here. And -- and they, at the time, they were allowing that
in workforce, it could be up to 140. I placed a strong argument about it because that
is not, 140 of AMI, it is not -- it's a misnomer for workforce because you could be
making over $100,000 and still qualify for this. So, I -- I think that we had a little bit
of positive results, but we have to keep on working on it and we have to -- we even
met with the League of Cities and we are trying to get them on board. And I move it.
I'm moving this.
Chair King: I have a motion.
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RE.13
16803
Commissioners
and Mayor
RE.14
16808
Commissioners
and Mayor
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: Second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE TWO (2) WEEK TEMPORARY EVENT LIMITATION PER
YEAR FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 24 SOUTHWEST 4
STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE
XIII/DIVISION 1/SECTION 62-521(B)(4) OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "PLANNING
AND ZONING/PLANNING AND ZONING APPROVAL FOR
TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT
REQUIRED/TEMPORARY EVENT PERMITS/TEMPORARY
EVENTS IN GENERAL", TO ALLOW FOR THE BLOOM PRESENTS
EVENTS TO BE HELD THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0434
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.13, please see Item RE.5.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1969 (PART III OF
CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES), PARTICULARLY
SECTIONS 163.358(3) AND 163.385 THEREOF, APPROVING
ISSUANCE OF THE SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TAX INCREMENT
REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2024 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $150,000,000.00 ("SERIES 2024 BONDS") IN ORDER TO
FINANCE CERTAIN GRANTS TO BE USED FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OR REHABILITATION OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, THE CONSTRUCTION OF OTHER CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE REDEVELOPMENT AREA, AND
REFINANCING CERTAIN OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0435
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.14, please see
Item RE.5.
Chair King: And that -- oh, Pm sorry, we have to go back to RE.14.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: And DI1. Okay. I -- Mr. CFO (Chief Financial Officer)? It has been
brought to my attention that we cannot put language in up to. We are not -- we will
not be able to get more than $150 million for the bonding of the Southeast
Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)?
Larry Spring (Chief Financial Officer): Yes, while we were at break I had an
opportunity to speak to our -- the City's FA (Financial Advisor), who worked on this
deal or has been putting the deal together. Based on his calculations, the $150
million is the capacity that they're at based on the available, pledgeable revenues
applying the -- the one and a half times coverage ratio.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, it would have to be two times.
Mr. Spring: Two --
Vice Chair Carollo: Not one and a half times. This is not going to referendum.
Mr. Spring: That's for -- so no. Two times applies for -- you have it in reverse. Two
times would apply, for a GOB (General Obligation Bond) bond, 150 for CRA.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Now, what is the interest rate that it's going on?
Mr. Spring: They ran this as of September 25th, and the all -in -- the all -in -- total
all -in cost is 5.906.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, well, I would say that before it goes out, it just brought up
to this commission's attention again because I do believe that for next year, the
interest rates will be better than what is there now. And we should get an uptick in
this.
Mr. Spring: We will certainly ensure that you do so.
Chair King: Thank you. May I have a motion for RE.14?
Vice Chair Carollo: Move. I have a motion and --
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: -- a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
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END OF RESOLUTIONS
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SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCES
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16605 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING
CHAPTER 11.5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
City Manager's
Office AS AMENDED, TITLED "CIVILIAN COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION
AND REVIEW," IN ITS ENTIRETY; FURTHER AMENDING
CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE III, TITLED "FINANCE/CITY OF MIAMI
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE," SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING
SECTION 18-72, TITLED "APPLICATION AND EXCLUSIONS," AND
SECTION 18-74, TITLED "CONE OF SILENCE," TO REMOVE
REFERENCES THERETO; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14322
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Chair King: Let's go to -- Mr. City Attorney, would you please read the titles into the
record for our second reading ordinances?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair. Second Reading 1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: SR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: That's it for the second reading.
Chair King: Gentlemen, are there any items in the SRs, second reading items, that
you would like to pull for discussion?
Commissioner Pardo: Briefly, SR.2.
Chair King: Okay.
[Later...]
Chair King: Anything else? May I have a motion for SR. 1?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Chair King: Motion carries.
SR.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
15353
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 23/ARTICLE I/SECTION 23-6 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("CITY CODE") TITLED
"HISTORIC PRESERVATION/HISTORIC
PRESERVATION/TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND
DENSITY FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES; PROVISION FOR A
DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY PROCESS, AND SPECIAL
PROVISIONS FOR RESOURCES WITHIN THE MIAMI MODERN
(MIMO)/BISCAYNE BOULEVARD HISTORIC DISTRICT;
PROHIBITING CERTAIN USES; AND ESTABLISHING A 35-FOOT
HEIGHT LIMIT," TO ALLOW HEIGHT INCREASE FOR PROJECTS
PROVIDING A PUBLIC BENEFIT BY A PUBLIC AGENCY, TO THE
MIAMI MODERN (MIMO)/BISCAYNE BOULEVARD HISTORIC
DISTRICT COMMUNITY; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14323
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item SR.2, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)" and Item SR.1.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela, I mean, Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: On SR.2, 1 simply wanted to, for the record, state that it's very
restrictive in order to be able to do this, and that has to be a public benefit by a
public agency. And I think a lot of people think this is just an increase in general and
it will impact everything. It's only in the MiMo (Miami Modern) District, and it's
only regarding --
Chair King: Correct.
Commissioner Pardo: -- that specific situation, which I think can only apply to
maybe one or two.
Chair King: Correct -- well, further, this is -- this is not about any project as yet.
This is only giving us legislation that can entertain a public private partnership with
specific criteria, correct Director Snow?
David Snow (Director, Planning) That is correct and we also went a step further to
specify city, specific to the city agency.
Chair King: Correct.
Mr. Snow: It's very, narrow.
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Chair King: So, this is only the legislation that authorizes a public private
partnership with a city agency. That's it. Next step would be to ident the project,
the specifics of the project. This just allows us to entertain a project.
Commissioner Pardo: And this vote allows it to go to the HEP (Historic and
Environmental Preservation) Board?
Chair King: Yes. So, may I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively) Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
16794
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION REPEALING
CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE X OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "PLANNING AND
ZONING/TREE TRUST FUND," IN ITS ENTIRETY; FURTHER
AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION," TO RENAME CHAPTER 17
"TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION," TO CLARIFY
DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES THROUGHOUT CHAPTER 17,
INCLUDING PROVIDING NEW EXEMPTIONS, AND TO
ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER17/ARTICLE IV, TITLED "TREE
TRUST FUND" PROVIDING THAT PAYMENTS FOR TREE
VIOLATIONS BE REMITTED TO THE TREE TRUST FUND AND TO
PROVIDE THAT A SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE FROM THE TREE
TRUST FUND BE EXPENDED FOR EDUCATING CITY
RESIDENTS ON TREE PLANTING AND TREE MAINTENANCE
AND A SPECIFIED PERCENTAGE BE EXPENDED BY THE CITY
FOR MAINTENANCE OF TREES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND
FURTHER SLIGHTLY ADJUSTING THE PERCENTAGES IN TREE
TRUST FUND EXPENDITURES TO ACCOMMODATE FOR THESE
NEW PERCENTAGES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item FR.1 was deferred to the December 12, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.1, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for AllItem(s)."
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FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
16581 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of CHAPTER 35/ARTICLE VII/SECTION 35-254 OF THE CODE OF
Planning THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"),
TITLED "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC/TRANSPORTATION
TRUST FUND/TRUST FUND PAYMENTS," MORE PARTICULARLY
BY AMENDING SECTION 35-254(C) OF THE CITY CODE TO
ESTABLISH A PURCHASE PRICE OF PARKING SPACES
PAYABLE INTO THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND;
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: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you read FR.2, the title, into the record for
consideration?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair. An ordinance -- FR.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: Any discussion? Motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously. Discussion Item 1.
Vice Chair Carollo: FR.1?
Chair King: No, we finished the FRs (First Readings).
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Discussion item. There's a discussion item.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Commissioner Gabela: Oh, that's you, Pardo.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Okay.
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FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
16718
Commissioners
and Mayor
AN ORDINANCE BY THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "NOISE/OPERATION OF
RADIOS, PHONOGRAPHS, OR OTHER SOUND -MAKING
DEVICES; BANDS, ORCHESTRAS, AND MUSICIANS —
GENERALLY," AND CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-5 OF THE CITY
CODE, TITLED "NOISE/SAME — HOURS OF OPERATION OF
JUKEBOXES, RADIOS, ETC.; EXEMPTION FOR EVENTS ON
CITY -OWNED PROPERTY; RELAXATION," TO CREATE A PILOT
PROGRAM FOR THE NRD-1 WYNWOOD BID REMOVING
DECIBEL READINGS FOR NOISE VIOLATIONS AND CREATING
ALTERNATE HOURS FOR RESTRICTIVE TIMES AND
ALTERNATE DISTANCES FOR SOUND; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item FR.3 was continued to the November 21, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see "Order of the
Day."
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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DI - DISCUSSION ITEM
DI.1 DISCUSSION ITEM
16807
Commissioners
and Mayor
A DISCUSSION REGARDING DISTRICT 2 AS REFERENCED IN
THE OCTOBER 15TH COMMISSION MEETING.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item DI.1, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: We are DI.1.
Commissioner Gabela: Is that the last thing on the agenda, DI.1?
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I believe DI.1 is the last thing.
Chair King: It will be the last thing.
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Manager, could you bring all your key people that have to
do with Code over here, the director and if you have your top assistant city manager,
if he's here today, for Building and Zoning. Thank you. While the Manager is getting
them from the back, if I could go with a very brief presentation. You see up here the
now famous outdoor gym equipment that's at Maurice Ferre Park, that was passed
with 80 percent votes of the city residents, including the majority, big majority of the
votes across the street from the residents that we were told by Mr. Pardo that were
all against it. You can go to the next picture. And you see how small of an area it is
in Maurice Ferre Park, a 20-acre park. Now, as you can see, this is a plain -Jane
outdoor exercise equipment that we have in most of our parks. You don't have to go
far. You can go right here, a couple of blocks to your left in Myers Park. You've got
some there. You go to Kennedy Park here in the Grove. You've got more in all of our
districts. We have outdoor exercise equipment. In fact, in around 40 of our parks, we
do. We'll go to the next one. This, however, we don't have in all of our districts. It's
only in one district. This has been there for a year or more. This is outrageous that
we had to do last year's New Year's Eve event that we had approximately 150,000
people that came. Another 300,000 or more that saw it in TV in South Florida, and
hundreds of thousands more that saw it throughout the world. Number one country
outside of the US (United States) is Mexico, number two was Spain. And you see it
here closely, you see that this is not just so-called graffiti, this is vandalism the way
you see it here. This is to purposely have made this building look like crap so that
we, the City of Miami government, the residents of Miami, would be embarrassed.
And it was done by owners that inherit this building because, as 1 understand it, they
were mad that Code did something to them or another because they had committed
some violations, and they wanted to show this to us. Look at that. I mean, this is
every floor. This is not something that you could have done overnight, hidden, and
get away with it. This was done during numerous days, and they let them do it. They
let them get away with that. Go to the next picture, please. You see how it looks from
another angle? You show me one city in the world that would allow this. You show
me one area of the city of Miami, or for that matter, any city in our county or
unincorporated areas, that would allow this. Next one, please. You see how this is all
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
abandoned, where it is extremely dangerous. They're letting people now go in there,
and you see them downtown, homeless coming in and out of there. This is from street
level all the way to the top of the building as you've seen it. Go to the next one,
please. See what they've done to it on the other side of downtown and how it looks at
the street level. Next one, please. And this view is going to be -- well this, let me
explain, this is the fountain that hasn't been working, and we took over Bayfront
Park with a fountain that had been like that for decades. God willing, the fountain
will be working before the end of the year. God willing. Right in front of that pink
area there that you see there now, where the vehicles are, is where the stage goes for
New Year's. The New Year's Eve that the city of Miami puts out is the second biggest
in America. The second biggest in all of America. It's the number one in the whole
world for the amount of musicians, singers that come in. We have so many that we
start at 6:00 p.m. and we go live on TV at 6:00 p.m. all the way till at least 1:00 in
the morning. It's also the largest Hispanic New Year's Eve event anywhere in the
world, Latin America. This is the view that people are going to have, tens of
thousands of people that are going to be gathered there, they're going to have of our
downtown, including thousands of visitors that come during that time of the year.
When we have the Orange Bowl Classic, the championships that are played, right at
the Intercontinental we have one of the teams that stay. Can you go forward more?
This is the same view that you see in a closeup that they're going to see. This is
another aspect that we have in front of this building and right in Biscayne
Boulevard, in the adjacent area, of homeless. See that? Go to the next, please.
Another one. Go ahead. Another one. And we didn't want to go any farther in
because then I would have to be showing you dozens upon dozens of homeless all
gathered. This is just right in the either Biscayne Boulevard or just a little in from
Biscayne Boulevard. I cannot for the life of me understand how the only thing that's
been important to my colleague, Commissioner Pardo, has been to get rid of the
outdoor exercise gym, but he hasn't put that same effort, nowhere near it, to make
sure that this graffiti is taken out of that building in one form or another. I submit to
you that I think the residents of Miami, as they voted, would have preferred for him
to have put all his efforts, the lawsuit that he filed, the PAC (Political Action
Committee) that he opened, the money that he raised to to; to get the gym equipment
out in trying to get this graffiti out of this building. But my colleague hasn't cared
about that. He's cared about the gym equipment and not taking care of this.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEM
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PZ.1
14742
Department of
Planning
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
ORDINANCE
First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" AND
"MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO "MEDIUM
DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" AND "RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT
160 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE, 162 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE, 170
NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE, 184 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE, 183
NORTHEAST 50 STREET, 177 NORTHEAST 50 STREET, AND 169
NORTHEAST 50 STREET MIAMI, FLORIDA (COLLECTIVELY, "THE
PROPERTY"), MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN COMPOSITE
EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: Discussion item. You said wait for it. Okay. Mr. City Attorney, would
you please read the Planning and Zoning titles into the record so we may consider
these items.
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair, and I appreciate your patience.
PZ.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.4.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
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Mr. Wysong: PZ.5.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.6.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.7.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.8.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ9. An ordinance -- a resolution -- oh, sorry. PZ9 is a resolution.
PZ10.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.11.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.12.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.13.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.14.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: PZ.15.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: And that's it for the PZ (Planning and Zoning) items.
Chair King: Thank you. I'm going to ask my colleagues if there are any items that
they would like to pull for discussion.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam Chair? I have to make a Jennings disclosure.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: For items 1 and 2, and 13 and 14. And before we vote on item
13 and 14, I would like to get a commitment from the -- from the attorney.
Chair King: Okay.
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Carlos Diaz: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Carlos Diaz with
offices at 333 Southeast 2nd Avenue, here on behalf of the applicant. Yes, we would
like -- we'll make a proffer to bring a covenant back for a second reading for this
item and work with staff --
Chair King: Which item is it?
Mr. Diaz: PZ.13 and 14.
Commissioner Reyes: 13 and 14.
Mr. Diaz: The covenant order will be for 14, the rezoning, but we're committing to
bringing that back and we'll have all the details there. We'll work it out with staff
and ready for commission on second reading.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Remember what I told you?
Mr. Diaz: Yes. We're clear.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Thank you. I have no other -- any other.
Chair King: Are there any items? Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: I have a Jennings disclosure on PZ.11.
Mr. Wysong: And 12. PZ.11 and 12.
Commissioner Pardo: And 12.
Chair King: And 12. Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: Are you going to do all the PZ.s together? Because 1 will he
voting no on 13 and 14.
Chair King: Okay. So, I'll pull out 13 and 14 for -- I'll just do those separately. 1
have a Jennings disclosure for PZ.9. So, are there any other items? Okay. May I
have a motion to pass PZ.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 15?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
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PZ.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
14743 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T4-L," GENERAL URBAN ZONE —
LIMITED, TO "T5-O," URBAN CENTER ZONE — OPEN, FOR THE
PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 5010 AND 5040
NORTHEAST 2 AVENUE AND A PORTION OF 184 NORTHEAST 50
TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, A CHANGE OF ZONING DESIGNATION
FROM "T4-R," GENERAL URBAN ZONE — RESTRICTED, TO "T5-O,"
URBAN CENTER ZONE — OPEN, FOR A PORTION OF 184
NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE (THE WEST 15.50' OF LOT 2, BLOCK 7
OF THE CORRECTED PLAT OF ALTA VISTA), MIAMI, FLORIDA, A
CHANGE OF ZONING DESIGNATION FROM "T4-R," GENERAL
URBAN ZONE — RESTRICTED, TO "T5-L," URBAN CENTER ZONE —
LIMITED, FOR THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 162,
170, AND A PORTION OF 184 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE (LOT 3,
BLOCK 7 OF THE CORRECTED PLAT OF ALTA VISTA), MIAMI,
FLORIDA, A CHANGE OF ZONING DESIGNATION FROM "T4-R,"
GENERAL URBAN ZONE — RESTRICTED, TO "T4-L," GENERAL
URBAN ZONE — LIMITED, FOR THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 169, 177, AND 183 NORTHEAST 50 STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AND A CHANGE OF ZONING DESIGNATION FROM "T3-L,"
SUBURBAN TRANSECT ZONE — LIMITED, TO "T4-L," GENERAL
URBAN ZONE — LIMITED, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 160 NORTHEAST 50 TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA
(COLLECTIVELY, "PROPERTY"), AS PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
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PZ.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16430 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187,
FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE
DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" (WESTERN PORTION) AND "PUBLIC PARKS AND
RECREATION" TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" OF THE ACREAGE
DESCRIBED HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8032
NORTHEAST 2 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14324
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.3, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
PZ.4 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16431 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION FROM "CS," CIVIC SPACE ZONE, TO "T6-8-O,"
URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE — OPEN, AND "T5-O," URBAN
CENTER TRANSECT ZONE — OPEN, TO "T6-8-O," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT ZONE — OPEN, FOR THE WESTERN PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 8032 NORTHEAST 2
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN THE ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14325
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.4, please see Item PZ.1.
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PZ.5 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16434 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO ARTICLES 3 AND 7 OF
Planning ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), AMENDING
THE ZONING ATLAS OF THE MIAMI 21 CODE BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T6-12-0" TO "T6-24A-O" FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1411 NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER
DRIVE, 1421 NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1441
NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1451 NORTHWEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1465 NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1481
NORTHWEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1440 NORTHWEST 13
TERRACE, 1430 NORTHWEST 13 TERRACE, AND 1424
NORTHWEST 13 TERRACE, MIAMI, FLORIDA AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "C," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; FURTHER AMENDING APPENDIX G OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE, TITLED "RIVER LANDING SPECIAL AREA PLAN"
("RL SAP"), AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE
AMENDED REGULATING PLAN, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
AS EXHIBIT "A," AND THE AMENDED CONCEPT BOOK, ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," SPECIFICALLY BY: (A)
ADDING TO THE "RL SAP" APPROXIMATELY 88,039 SQUARE FEET
(2.02 ACRES) OF LOT AREA SPLIT AMONG NINE (9) ADDITIONAL
PARCELS FOR A TOTAL COMBINED AREA OF 442,570 SQUARE
FEET (10.16 ACRES), WITH THE ADDED PROPERTIES MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "C," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; (B) PROPOSING NEW DEVELOPMENT TO ADD
475 DWELLING UNITS AND AN ADDITIONAL LARGE GREEN SPACE
TO THE "RL SAP"; (C) AMENDING THE REGULATING PLAN AND
THE CONCEPT BOOK TO INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
ADDITIONAL AREA AND TO ALSO INCLUDE REVISIONS FOR
CONSISTENCY WITH THE MIAMI 21 CODE; AND (D) MAKING
FINDINGS, CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14326
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.5, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
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PZ.6 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16438 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
Planning PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE
SAID DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, A DRAFT OF WHICH IS ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," BETWEEN NOTRUSE HOLDINGS,
LLC ("APPLICANT") AND THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"),
GOVERNING THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1411
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1421 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1441 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1451
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1465 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1481 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1440
NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, 1430 NORTH WEST 13TH
TERRACE, AND 1424 NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14327
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED BUT RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
PZ.6 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16438 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
Planning PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE
SAID DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, A DRAFT OF WHICH IS ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," BETWEEN NOTRUSE HOLDINGS,
LLC ("APPLICANT") AND THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"),
GOVERNING THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1411
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1421 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1441 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1451
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1465 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1481 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1440
NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, 1430 NORTH WEST 13TH
TERRACE, AND 1424 NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14327
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MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
PZ.6 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16438 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT,
Planning PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE
SAID DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, A DRAFT OF WHICH IS ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B," BETWEEN NOTRUSE HOLDINGS,
LLC ("APPLICANT") AND THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"),
GOVERNING THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1411
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1421 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1441 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1451
NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1465 NORTH WEST NORTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1481 NORTH WEST NORTH RIVER DRIVE, 1440
NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, 1430 NORTH WEST 13TH
TERRACE, AND 1424 NORTH WEST 13TH TERRACE, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14327
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.6, please see
Item PZ.1.
David Snow (Director, Planning): Sorry, Madam Chair.
Chair King: Yes?
Mr. Snow: PZ.6, the development agreement, there has been updates that have been
made to that, so those revisions will be --
Chair King: As amended?
Mr. Snow: -- as amended.
Chair King: PZ --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, we've already taken the vote on PZ.13 and 14.
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Chair King: Yes, it's 4-1.
Mr. Hannon: So, we're going to reconsider then PZ.6.
Chair King: Do I -- may I have a motion for reconsideration of PZ.6?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion. Second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries. May I have a motion to pass PZ.6 as amended?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously. We have future legislation just for
consideration. Give everybody notice.
PZ.7 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16224
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
TITLED "GENERAL TO ZONES," TO EXPAND THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT DENSITY PROGRAM TO
INCLUDE OPPORTUNITY ZONES AND TO PROVIDE OTHER MINOR
CLARIFICATIONS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14328
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.7, please see Item PZ.1.
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Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PZ.8 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16432
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1,
TITLED "DEFINITIONS," TO INTRODUCE A DEFINITION FOR GAME
COURTS, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 5, TITLED "SPECIFIC TO
ZONES," TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL FENCE AND WALL HEIGHT
NECESSARY TO ENCLOSE OUTDOOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES, AND
BY AMENDING ARTICLE 6, TITLED "SUPPLEMENTAL
REGULATIONS," TO AMEND THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR WALLS
AND FENCES RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES
USES; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14329
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.8, please see Item PZ.1.
PZ.9 RESOLUTION
16437 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING, WITH CONDITIONS, TWO (2)
Planning EXCEPTIONS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 6, TABLE 13 AND ARTICLE
7, SECTION 7.1.2.6 OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("MIAMI 21 CODE"), AND CHAPTER 4/SECTION 4-3(A) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), TITLED "ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/HOURS DURING WHICH
SALES ALLOWED; PERMITS AND PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED,"
AND SECTION 4-7(C) OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES/PERMITS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS/EXCEPTION," TO
PERMIT, WITH CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL, AN ALCOHOL
SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT IN EXCESS OF 5,000 SQUARE FEET
AND AN EXTENSION OF HOURS FROM 3:00 AM TO 5:00 AM, AND
APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS A WARRANT PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6.3.2.2 AND ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.4 TO
PERMIT AN OUTDOOR DINING AREA AT REAL PROPERTY
DESIGNATED "D2," INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ZONE, AND GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 261 NORTHEAST 73 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
MORE PARTICULARITY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A" ("PROPERTY"); MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0437
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
PZ.10 ORDINANCE First Reading
16713 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING THE
Department of ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING
Planning ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY
CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "CS," CIVIC
SPACE TRANSECT ZONE, TO "T6-12-0," URBAN CORE TRANSECT
ZONE - OPEN, FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 980 MACARTHUR
CAUSEWAY, MIAMI, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.10, please see Item PZ.1.
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PZ.11 ORDINANCE First Reading
16649 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187,
FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE
DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL" TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" FOR THE
PROPERTIES GENERALLY LOCATED AT 625, 645, 675, 685, 650,
640, 630, AND 626 NORTHEAST 64 TERRACE, AND 635, 645, 655,
669, AND 685 NORTHEAST 64 STREET, AND FROM "RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" AND "MEDIUM DENSITY MULTIFAMILY
RESIDENTIAL" TO "RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 610 NORTHEAST 64 TERRACE AND 629
NORTHEAST 64 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.11, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
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PZ.12 ORDINANCE First Reading
16650 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T5-R," URBAN CENTER
TRANSECT ZONE — RESTRICTED, TO "T6-8-L," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT ZONE — LIMITED, FOR THE PROPERTIES GENERALLY
LOCATED AT 625, 645, 675, 685, 650, 640, 630, AND 626
NORTHEAST 64 TERRACE, AND 635, 645, 655, 669, AND 685
NORTHEAST 64 STREET, AND FROM "T5-R," URBAN CENTER
TRANSECT ZONE — RESTRICTED, AND "T6-8-O," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT ZONE — OPEN, TO "T6-8-L," URBAN CORE TRANSECT
ZONE — LIMITED, AND "T6-8-O," URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE —
OPEN, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 610 NORTHEAST 64
TERRACE, AND FROM "T5-R," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE —
RESTRICTED, AND "T6-8-O," URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE -
OPEN, TO "T6-8-L," URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE — LIMITED,
FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 629 NORTHEAST
64 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER
RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COMMISSION ACCEPTANCE OF
THE VOLUNTARILY PROFFERED COVENANT, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "B"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING
A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.12, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
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PZ.13 ORDINANCE First Reading
16700 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO §163.3187,
FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND USE
DESIGNATION FROM "DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL" TO "MEDIUM
DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" OF THE ACREAGE
DESCRIBED HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY AT 55 NORTHWEST 23
AVENUE, 2250 NORTHWEST FLAGLER TERRACE, AND 2260
NORTHWEST FLAGLER TERRACE MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Pardo, Reyes
NAYS: Gabela
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.13, please see
Item PZ.1.
Chair King: May I have a motion for PZ.13 and 14?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Chair King: 1 have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: No.
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Chair King: Aye. Passes 4 --
Commissioner Gabela: I am against.
Chair King: -- 4-1.
City of Miami
Page 100 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PZ.14 ORDINANCE First Reading
16701 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM "T4-R," GENERAL URBAN
TRANSECT ZONE — RESTRICTED, TO "T5-L," URBAN CENTER
ZONE- LIMITED, FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT
55 NORTHWEST 23 AVENUE, 2250 NORTHWEST FLAGLER
TERRACE, AND 2260 NORTHWEST FLAGLER TERRACE, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Pardo, Reyes
NAYS: Gabela
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.14, please see Item PZ.1
and Item PZ.13.
City of Miami
Page 101 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PZ.15 ORDINANCE First Reading
16433 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Office of Zoning ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), MORE
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.2, TITLED
"DEFINITIONS / DEFINITIONS OF TERMS," AND ARTICLE 7, TITLED
"PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES," TO PROVIDE FOR A
BY -RIGHT ADMINISTRATIVE SITE PLAN REVIEW ("ASPR")
PROCESS AND A SIMPLIFIED BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW
PROCESS FOR APPROVED ASPR, EXCEPTION, VARIANCE,
WARRANT, AND WAIVER APPLICATIONS; PROVIDING FOR
TOLLING OF ZONING APPROVALS DURING PENDENCY OF
CERTAIN LITIGATION; REPLACING THE TWO (2) YEAR TIME
LIMITATION AND OPTIONAL ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION FOR
OBTAINING BUILDING PERMIT OR CERTIFICATE OF USE FOR AN
EXCEPTION, VARIANCE, WARRANT, WAIVER, OR ASPR WITH A
THREE (3) YEAR TIME LIMITATION WITH NO ADMINISTRATIVE
EXTENSIONS; REVISING PHASED PROJECT REQUIREMENTS AS
TO APPROVAL BY PLANNING DIRECTOR AND TO REDUCE
PROPERTY SIZE LIMITATIONS; CLARIFYING PREVIOUSLY
ADOPTED FLOORPLATE LENGTH AND AREA WAIVER
PROHIBITIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY TO PRIOR
APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS; MAKING FINDINGS AND
TECHNICAL CHANGES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.15, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
City of Miami
Page 102 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PZ.16
16562
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION TO
RECONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. R-24-0212, WHICH DENIED THE
APPEAL FILED BY ARTHUR NORIEGA V, CITY OF MIAMI CITY
MANAGER, AND MIGUEL FERRO, THE THEN EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF BAYFRONT PARK, ("APPELLANT") OF THE
DECISION OF THE PLANNING, ZONING, AND APPEALS BOARD
THEREBY REVERSING THE CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING
DEPARTMENT'S ISSUANCE OF WARRANT NO. PZ-23-16544
ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 4, TABLE 12, AND ARTICLE 7,
SECTIONS 7.1.1.2 AND 7.1.2.4 OF ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), TO ALLOW FOR THE
RECREATIONAL FACILITY USE ON A PARCEL ZONED "CS," CIVIC
SPACE TRANSECT ZONE, LOCATED AT 1095 BISCAYNE
BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item PZ.16 was continued to the November 21, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.16, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
City of Miami
Page 103 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
PZ.17
15113
Department of
Planning
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DENYING THE
APPEAL FILED BY ARTHUR NORIEGA V, CITY OF MIAMI CITY
MANAGER, AND MIGUEL FERRO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
BAYFRONT PARK, ("APPELLANT") OF THE DECISION OF THE
PLANNING, ZONING, AND APPEALS BOARD THEREBY REVERSING
THE CITY OF MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT'S ISSUANCE OF
WARRANT NO. PZ-23-16544 ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 4,
TABLE 12, AND ARTICLE 7, SECTIONS 7.1.1.2 AND 7.1.2.4 OF
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("MIAMI 21 CODE") TO ALLOW
FOR THE RECREATIONAL FACILITY USE ON A PARCEL ZONED
"CS," CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONE, LOCATED AT 1095
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item PZ.17 was continued to the November 21, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.17, please see "Order of the
Day."
PZ.18 ORDINANCE Second Reading
16687
Commissioners
and Mayor - PZ
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"),
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3 OF THE MIAMI
21 CODE, TITLED "STANDARDS AND TABLES/BUILDING
FUNCTION: USES," TO PERMIT RECREATIONAL FACILITY USES
AND COMMUNITY FACILITY USES IN "CS" CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT
ZONES BY RIGHT AND TO AMEND ARTICLE 10, SPECIFICALLY
SECTION 10.1.4, TITLED "GENERAL REQUIREMENTS," AND TABLE
15, TITLED "SPECIFIC SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS (C)," TO ALLOW
FOR CERTAIN ILLUMINATED SIGNS IN "CS" CIVIC SPACE
TRANSECT ZONE BY RIGHT; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Note for the Record: Item PZ.18 was continued to the November 21, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
City of Miami
Page 104 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.18, please see "Public
Comments for Allltem(s)."
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.18, please see "Order of the
Day."
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
City of Miami
Page 105 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
FL - FUTURE LEGISLATION
FL.1
16787
Department of
Planning
FL.2
16788
Department of
Planning
FL.3
16789
Department of
Planning
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "PLANNING
AND ZONING/NOTICE GENERALLY," MORE PARTICULARLY BY
AMENDING SECTION 62-20 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "SAME
- TYPES," TO PROVIDE FOR CLARIFICATION REGARDING
REQUIRED MAIL AND COURTESY NOTIFICATIONS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE VI/SECTION 62-22 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"PLANNING AND ZONING/ZONING AND PLANNING
FEES/SCHEDULE OF FEES," TO ALLOW THE FEE SCHEDULE
TO BE ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION OF CITY COMMISSION;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("MIAMI 21 CODE")
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 7, TITLED
"PROCEDURES AND NONCONFORMITIES" TO HARMONIZE THE
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING AND ZONING
MATTERS TO THE LANGUAGE FOUND CHAPTER 62 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
ARTICLE IV, TITLED "PLANNING AND ZONING" / "NOTICE
GENERALLY"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
City of Miami
Page 106 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
FL.4 ORDINANCE
16793
Off -Street Parking
Board/Miami
Parking Authority
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 35 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "MOTOR VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC," INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SECTION 35-1,
TITLED "DEFINITIONS," DEFINING CURB LOADING ZONES,
FREIGHT OR COMMERCIAL CURB LOADING ZONE, PARKING
ENFORCEMENT SPECIALIST, AND SMART LOADING ZONE,
SECTION 35-4, TITLED "HITCHHIKING," REVISING THE
LANGUAGE TO ACCOUNT FOR CURRENT DAY RIDE -HAILING
SERVICES, SECTION 35-10, TITLED "PARKING FOR CERTAIN
PURPOSES PROHIBITED," ADDING LANGUAGE CONCERNING
LOADING ZONES AND ENFORCEMENT SPECIALISTS, ADDING
SECTION 35-11, TITLED "IMMOBILIZATION/BOOTING OF MOTOR
VEHICLES," REMOVING SECTION 35-163, TITLED "FAILURE TO
APPEAR AND PAY FINE WITHIN PRESCRIBED TIME," AS THIS
LANGUAGE IS CURRENTLY OBSOLETE, REMOVING SECTION
35-164, TITLED "PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF DIVISION," AS
THIS LANGUAGE IS CURRENTLY OBSOLETE, ADDING SECTION
35-165, TITLED "INVOICE AND CITATIONS BY MAIL," SECTION
35-191, TITLED "ON -STREET PARKING METERS, AND MONTHLY
ON -STREET PERMIT PROGRAM," REVISING LANGUAGE
CONCERNING LOADING ZONES, SECTION 35-192, TITLED
"MUNICIPAL PARKING GARAGES," ADDING LANGUAGE
CONCERNING THE PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST PARKING FACILITY,
SECTION 35-193, TITLED "MUNICIPAL OFF-STREET PARKING
LOTS," ADDING THE MARINE STADIUM SITE AND PROVIDING
FOR THE ADDITION OF NEW PARKING LOTS VIA RESOLUTION
OF THE BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET
PARKING A/K/A THE MIAMI PARKING AUTHORITY ("MPA"), AND
ARTICLE VIII, TITLED "PRIVATE PARKING LOTS," UPDATING
THE LANGUAGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
END OF FUTURE LEGISLATION
City of Miami
Page 107 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
NA.1
16857
City Commission
NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH
ENFORCEMENT OF THE GRAFFITI AND OTHER VIOLATIONS
LOCATED AT 320 SOUTHEAST 1 STREET, ALSO KNOWN AS 100
SOUTH BISCAYNE BOULEVARD, MIAMI, FLORIDA BY
NOVEMBER 29, 2024, OR TAKE THE NECECSSARY ACTION TO
BRING THE PROPERTY INTO COMPLIANCE THEREAFTER
SHOULD THE PROPERTY OWNER FAIL TO DO SO.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-24-0436
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo, Reyes
Vice Chair Carollo: Now, Mr. Manager, we were recently at a DDA (Downtown
Development Authority) meeting that 1 thank Commissioner Reyes for putting
together, and he's a witness, just like Commissioner Pardo is, since he talks about
the residents. Well, this is not the five or six residents that he's always talking about.
This were [sic] dozens of residents that were complaining about this building, about
wanting the city to do something about it. They were told at that meeting that, oh, it's
going to be taken care of right away. Right away is here. It's been a year or more.
This has got to be taken care of before our New Year's Eve celebration this year.
This is why I am going to make a motion that if none other of the permits that these
people supposedly are working on or have made mistakes on or whatever the case is,
that you take that building down in a safe way, don't happen by the 29th of next
month, Jrothis administration to do whatever it takes and it has to do to paint over
all that graffiti, to paint over all that stuff that was painted in there, so that we don't
have to have our residents be looking at a building that looks like this and wonder
what kind of a city do we have here. So, my motion is to instruct the administration
in a little over 30 days, by November 29, if they don't paint over that building, or if'
they don't get whatever permits in the proper and safe fashion they have to get to
tear that building down and take it down, that the administration is instructed by this
commission to do whatever it has to do -- can you leave this one on here, please? --
to paint over that whole building. And we bill them for it and lien the place until we
get paid by them.
Commissioner Pardo: I'l1 second it.
Commissioner Reyes: I'll move it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
City of Miami
Page 108 Printed on 12/3/2024
City Commission
Meeting Minutes October 24, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you.
Chair King: This shall conclude the Commission meeting for October 24th, 2024.
Thank you all. Thank you for always coming. Meeting adjourned.
The meeting adjourned at 4:39 p.m.
City of Miami
Page 109 Printed on 12/3/2024