HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2025-04-10 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 10, 2025
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 April 10, 2025
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Chairwoman King, Vice Chair Carollo, Commissioner Gabela, and Commissioner
Pardo
Absent: Commissioner Reyes
On the 10th day of April 2025, 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 9:31 a.m.,
recessed at 12:17p.m., reconvened at 3:26 p.m., and adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Note for the Record: Vice Chair Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:47 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Arthur Noriega, V, City Manager
George K. Wysong III, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair King: At this time, we are going to start our meeting with prayer. And we have Pastor
Willie Williams that's going to lead our meeting today.
Commissioner Gabela: I want to especially ask for a prayer for our colleague, Commissioner
Reyes, which is fighting for his life right now in the hospital. I just wanted to offer a minute of
prayer and the preacher.
Willie L. Williams: Good evening [sic], everyone. My name is Pastor Willie L. Williams from
Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church in Overtown -- Historical Overtown, let me back
that up. And we're going to ask God's blessing upon this meeting today and we're going to ask
each and every one of you to stand in honor of God. Every head bowed and every eye closed.
Invocation delivered.
Chair King: Thank you, Pastor. At this time, we'll say the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pledge of Allegiance delivered.
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PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PR.1 PROTOCOL ITEM
17485
Honoree
Presenter
Protocol Item
Officer William Nickerson
Mayor and Commissioners
Proclamation
ORDER OF THE DAY
RESULT: PRESENTED
Chair King: -- loth, 2025. I am Christine King, chairwoman of the City of Miami
Commission, in case you guys don 't know, but I suspect that you do. Thank you for
coming. Thank you for your advocacy. We are going to start our meeting with the
presentation for one of our officers who 's going to be retiring.
Presentation made.
1) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Proclamation to recognize the
dedication and tenure of City of Miami Police Officer William Nickerson. Officer
Nickerson has honorably served the Miami Police Department for 28 years,
demonstrating unwavering commitment, professionalism, and courage in
safeguarding the residents of Miami. Officer Nickerson began his distinguished
career in July 1997 as a Patrol Officer with the Overtown NET B-Shift crew, later
contributing to the Wynwood PST and the Central District's Crime Suppression
Team and playing a vital role in enhancing public safety. In 2004, Officer Nickerson
earned a place among the elite ranks of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Team, where he served with distinction until 2008 displaying exceptional skill and
dedication in high -risk law enforcement operations. In 2009, Officer Nickerson
joined the Felony Apprehension Team, where he dedicated nine years working
alongside the U.S. Marshals to pursue and apprehend violent felons, ensuring justice
and safety for our community. Since 2018, Officer Nickerson has been an integral
member of SIS Narcotics Squad #1, where his expertise has been instrumental in
combating narcotics -related crime and maintaining public order in the City of
Miami. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to recognize
and commend Officer William Nickerson for his exemplary service and invaluable
contributions to the City of Miami in honor of his retirement.
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you please read your statement for the record?
George Wysong: Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. George Wysong, City Attorney.
May it please the Commission. 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
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make the disclosures required by the City Code in writing. A copy of the City Code
section is available at the Office of the City Clerk or online at www.municode.com.
The City of Miami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission
must disclose before the hearing any consideration provided or committed to anyone
for agreement to support or withhold objection to 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 2-330 and (g) of the City Code, the agenda and the material for each item
on the agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office and
online 24 hours a day at www.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 chair -- before the City Commission, unless modified by the Chair. Public
comment will begin at approximately 10 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. and remain open until
public comment is closed by the chairperson. Any person making offensive remarks
or who becomes unruly in the City 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 comment 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 City administration up until the
chairperson closes public comment. Public comment may also be provided here live
at City Hall located at 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, subject to 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 to 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 in time before the meeting. Please note commissioners have
generally been briefed by City 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.miami.gov.com. For Planning and Zoning items, PZ items shall proceed
according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21 Zoning Ordinance. Parties for any PZ
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 testifying 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 286.0115 and Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami Zoning Ordinance --
Miami 21 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
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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 appeals, the applicant -- 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 read your
statement please for the record?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Thank you, Chair. The procedures for individuals who
will be 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: The
members of City staff or any other individuals required to be sworn in who are
currently -- 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, we are.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. May I administer the oath for the Planning and
Zoning items?
Chair King: Please.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, if you will be
speaking on any of today's Planning and Zoning items, the PZ items, that's PZ.1,
PZ.2, and PZ.3, may I please have you stand and raise your right hand?
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you. Mr. City Manager, are there any items on this agenda that
will be withdrawn and/or deferred?
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: PH.2, to be withdrawn; PH. 6, to be deferred to
the April 24th meeting; RE.4, to be withdrawn; RE.13, to be withdrawn; and FR.2, to
be deferred to the April 24th meeting. That concludes the items.
Chair King: Gentlemen --
Commissioner Gabela: Ready for a motion.
Chair King: -- do you --?
Commissioner Gabela: Oh, sorry.
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Chair King: If you -- so you don 't have any items that you would like to withdraw or
defer? Commissioner Pardo, do you have any?
Commissioner Pardo: Yeah. Madam Chair, the City Attorney had requested that we
reset FR.1 because of some changes, kind of like what happened with the billboards,
that we had some changes that go beyond the scope of the legislation and it requires
re -notification and re -wording. So, that one will be reset for a later date. Am I
accurate?
Mr. Wysong: Yes, we can -- I believe we can get it on the 24th?
Mr. Noriega: Yeah, whenever you want.
Mr. Wysong: Defer to the 24th would be the recommendation.
Chair King: There's notice issues?
Mr. Wysong: Yes, the -- there are -- in looking at the legislation, there were
additional things that they wanted to add to this legislation, which were not part of
the title. So, therefore, the legislation is changing, and it makes sense to defer it,
tweak it, then bring it back so that notice is proper. We don 't have any
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) issues.
Chair King: And that's FR.1?
Mr. Wysong: That's FR.1, the construction noise ordinance.
Chair King: Okay, I'm joined now by my colleague, Commissioner Carollo. Are
there any items on the agenda that you would like to withdraw and/or defer?
Vice Chair Carollo: Not just this moment, Madam Chair. Maybe afterwards it might
be one, but not right now.
Chair King: Okay. So, may I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ALL ITEM(S)
17489 DISCUSSION ITEM
Office of the City PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MEMBERS OF THE
Clerk PUBLIC FOR THE APRIL 10, 2025 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.
RESULT: PRESENTED
Chair King: Public comment is now open for the items that were -- that are on the
agenda that have not been withdrawn and/or deferred. Good morning.
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Matt Marano: Good morning, Commissioners. I consider this building a great reuse of a
property that has taken its toll. As many of you know, this was once the seaplane airport
for Pan Am. Once Henry Flagler did a great job with bringing the railroads now to
Miami, we were able to establish the first international airport in America here at the
Miami International Airport. So, thank you to Henry Flagler and his infrastructure
improvements with trains. We were able to get that airport and thank you to Henry
Flagler, we were able to get that nice plot of land that is currently used as the
Presbyterian Church in Brickell. So, I ask, and I bring this up to all of us, do we really
want to take this piece of history that we use for our children to go to school, that we use
for our families in our neighborhood to take their dogs and to go ahead and go and eat at
our food trucks, do we really want to get rid of this nice grassroots area that we have and
put an 80-story building up, a building that even if it does go up, you can 't even make a
left-hand turn onto Brickell Avenue? And when you make a right onto Brickell Avenue,
you're going right into a drawbridge. So, let's say you have 900 cars in this building, and
you want to get, let's say, I don 't know, people leaving for work between 8 and 9 o 'clock,
maybe about 100 cars, and for some reason the drawbridge goes up, do we really need
an extra 100 cars at one time trying to make a right onto Brickell Avenue while this
drawbridge is going up? So, even if we have a traffic study that corroborates it, I don't
see why we would have anything substantial for this project. I think we should leave it the
way it is, let the children have a nice place where they can go to school that's right on the
water, and also have a nice place for our community to enjoy. We don 't need to make this
into more of a concrete jungle than it is. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'm sorry, Chair. Sir, may I have your name for the
record? Sir?
Mr. Marano: First name is Matt, last name is Marano, M-A-R-A-N-O.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Elvis Cruz: Good morning, Commissioners. Thank you, Chairwoman. Elvis Cruz, 631
Northeast 57th Street. I'm here on item PZ.1, the First Presbyterian Church. This is a
clear violation of due process. The City Code, Section 23-2, a person shall be entitled to
intervener status if the person owns property within a 500-foot radius of the subject
property. Despite that law, the HEP (Historic and Environmental Preservation) Board
voted 5-3 to deny intervener status. That should not have been up to a board vote.
Chairman King, Attorney Wysong, this will be a slam-dunk writ of certiorari lawsuit.
There have been big problems with the HEP Board making subjective decisions in the
recent past. For example, City Code 23-1(b) (8) requires that new construction within
historic districts are compatible with the property's historic character. And yet, at the
HEP Board in March, this was proposed. The house on the left is an existing historic
house. The structure on the right was proposed at that meeting. You'll notice it is
completely incompatible with a historic district. That structure does not even have
windows and yet the staff said it was intentionally out of architectural context in the
district and it would be visibly out of alignment with the architectural character of the
historic district, and yet, the HEP Board approved it. That got approved by the HEP
Board. This makes no sense. I recommend you replace errant HEP Board members.
Please grant the PZ.1 appeal. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Applause.
Chair King: No, no, no. We do this during the commission meeting. I don 't want
anybody to be removed. This. Thank you. Good morning.
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Jacer Collins: Good morning, Commissioners. As a city of Miami resident and child --
Chair King: Excuse me, would you please state your name for the record?
Ms. Collins: Jacer Collins. Jacer Collins. Thank you. As a city of Miami resident and
mother of a child that attends iPrep, I'm a big believer that education thrives in
environments supported by community development and I urge you to support RE.9 Omni
CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), considering Florida ranks as one of the states
that pays least their teachers nationwide. I think this would benefit not only the students
but also the teachers that really show up for our students. So, I stress and urge you to
extend the Omni CRA. And also, as a resident of Brickell, I also urge you to declassify the
historical Presbyterian Church and consider it as to what the previous gentleman
mentioned. So, I just urge you that you please consider and extend the Omni CRA, RE.9,
as a parent and also as a resident of Miami. Thank you so much for your service.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Rick Madan: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Rick Madan, president of
the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association. I reside at 2900 Northeast 7th Avenue, Miami.
First of all, I'd like to offer my prayers to Commissioner Reyes and his family. Hope
everything goes well for him. There's a few items I'd like to comment on. RE.2,
redistricting reform. I think that is needed, so please support it. RE.5, the improvements
on Biscayne Boulevard, again, very important, so let's move forward. Thank you for
putting in the application for funding the Baywalk, RE.6, very much supportive of that.
And support RE.9, which is the extension of the Omni CRA through 2047. It is much
needed. RE.10, lifetime term limits. As career politicians, you know, I feel they lose what
the constituents want, and we don 't-- I don 't think we want that. Miami is at an inflection
point where we need good governance, right? We can be London, we can be Paris, we
can be New York, or we can be Detroit. It's a choice, so please, let's put term limits up.
FR.1 has been deferred. Support of PH.5, the Allapattah CRA formation, I think it's
important, long due, much needed. And then I also support RE.11. I think that special
event waiver for downtown cup should be granted. Thank you so much and have a
wonderful day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Crystal Ivory: Good morning, Commissioners. My prayers are with Commissioner Reyes.
My name is Crystal Ivory. I am a City of Miami resident, iPrep parent, and a supporter of
the Omni CRA. I was born and raised in Miami -Dade County, and remember a time
when after shopping at the Omni Mall, you prayed that you did not get robbed before you
got home. I have seen firsthand the positive impact the Omni CRA has had on our city,
and I'm so happy that I can call Miami my home. Over the last decade, many residents
with roots, jobs, families, and a true desire to live in Miami haven 't been able to say the
same. They have been pushed out of the city because they can no longer afford housing
here. My friends and colleagues who left Miami are professionals with postgraduate
degrees who provided valuable and at times critical services to our city. Many schools
are losing teachers, hospitals are losing nurses, and businesses are losing young
professionals due to the housing affordability crisis in Miami. Over the years, the Omni
CRA has worked with much success to reduce slum and blight and improve the living
conditions of their residents. The current and most present issue right now is affordable
housing. As you all may know, the Omni CRA has completed Wynwood Works, 120-unit
affordable housing unit that opened in February 2025. Another project we hope to see to
fruition is the School Board project. The project's plans entails a new iPrep Academy
facility with over space -- with space for over a thousand additional students and
workforce housing. The potential benefits of this project is huge and will serve two needs,
high quality public education and workforce housing. The Omni CRA has done an
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amazing job responding to the community's most pressing needs. I am here asking for
your support to extend the life of the Omni CRA so they can continue to help our City
thrive. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Dara Jeffries: Good morning. It's a pleasure to be here today. Good morning,
Commissioners. Good morning, Attorney Wysong. I'm here today to -- my name first,
Dara Jeffries. I also reside, like Rick Madan, at 2900 Northeast 7th Avenue in
Edgewater. So, I'm here in support of RE.10 and RE.6. Starting with RE. 6, the Baywalk
connection design funding. It's very exciting. I'm thrilled that this is on the agenda. I
urge you to approve this funding and this project. It's a crucial step towards achieving
the fully connected waterfront. It's one of the, you know, a little blockade there that
prevents it from being connected. Your support will secure the necessary funding for this
phase, and by supporting this resolution we'll be closer than ever to continuous public
access to the waterway. It'll enhance walkability, recreation, and also economically, it'll
be very important for the city. It's not just for our area. It'll be a very beautiful,
beautifying aspect of the city. So, I do urge you to vote in favor of that. The second thing I
want to quickly address that is extremely important is the question of term limits. No
disrespect to any of the commissioners that are here now, butt do think that term limits is
an extremely important thing to vote for. It reduces the chances of corruption, not
suggesting anybody's corrupt, but it does reduce the chances of it. Long-term
incumbency leads to entrenched political interests and that leads to the potential for
corruption. I myself am a white-collar attorney, so I know that these things happen. By
limiting the number of terms that an individual can serve, we really reduce the likelihood
of power consolidation and undue special interests. Fresh leadership also brings new
perspectives and new ideas and makes it harder for corrupt practices to take root and to
flourish. It increases accountability because if you know your time is limited, you really
are going to try and do the best you can. You're motivated to produce tangible results in
a finite amount of time. And it encourages innovation. It also prevents political dynasties
from taking root. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Albert Gomez: Good morning. I'll try to, Albert Gomez -- District 2 resident. I'll try to
start a prayer circle for Reyes today. He's such a stalwart in this community and it's just
so sad that he's going through this struggle, especially when he was looking to run for
the highest office. So, just, we're praying for you. Independent of that, I -- you know, the
items I came here to discuss, some of them were deferred. But it's really -- I didn't really
want to discuss the items, I wanted to discuss process. You all know me as an advocate,
but realistically, I don 't know if you know me as a manufacturing expert, as a
technologist, as a real estate developer, I do large scale work, I'm all about process. And
what I'm noticing from the Commission lately is that very, very impactful legislation is
coming through with little to no community input. And one of the reasons why that is, is
because we are not, at least in my view, in my opinion, not fully utilizing the boards that
we have to pull in information from the elected or appointed individuals in those roles
that you have appointed to workshop them, to get subject matter experts to bear and
really tease out the best process. Also, I want to applaud people that are doing that.
Christine King, thank you so much, Commissioner King, for coming to your constituency
and talking about the tree ordinance issue. That is a perfect example of process: Going to
the community, hearing from your community, and then coming back and making a
conscious decision of where you stand on that issue. If you don't do this, it's going to
always be broken, and you're always going to have these deferrals, which bring
hardworking people, like myself, to the table, but we can 't -- we can 't act like that. We
can 't give you feedback from here. It's too late. Please utilize the processes that you
have. Appoint people in boards that are empty. There are boards wide open right now
that you guys haven't appointed. Please appoint the boards. Make it a priority. If you
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need a workshop of individuals to try to see -- put out some press. You have money, put
out some press to ask for people to come in to fill those boards, please.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Gomez: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Ivory Keith: Good morning, Christine King, Chairman, and also Commissioners, and
also well wishes for Commissioner Manolo Reyes. My name is Ivory Keith. I live in the
Dorsey Park area. I am here representing residents. We are writing to express strong
opposition to FR.1 and FR.2, scheduled for the first reading on April loth, 2025.
Chair King: Sir, those two items have been deferred until our April 24th meeting.
Mr. Keith: Okay, can I still do a public comment?
Chair King: We aren 't taking comments on items that have been deferred and/or
withdrawn.
Mr. Keith: Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. I'll see you on April 24th. Good morning.
Marcos Loureir: Good morning, Commissioners. Good morning, Madam Chair. Our
prayers are with Manolo Reyes, not only for him, but for his family as well. My name is
Marcos Loureir. I am the vice president of BNA (Biscayne Neighborhoods Association). I
live on 600 Northeast 27th Street, and I have been in Edgewater for 10 years. I remember
Francis was a commissioner driving this idea of the Baywalk, Ken Russell as well. I'm
strong in favor of R6 -- RE. 6 because it is the first step towards of something that've been
talking for 15 years. I think we'll enhance the area and it will be a great opportunity for
us to walk from Tuttle Bridge all the way to Coconut Grove, Underline. The second one is
RE.10. I'm a business owner and I agree on -- I believe strongly on the development and
leadership, having fresh blood, fresh ideas, and I support strongly as well, RE.10, to give
opportunity for new politicians, new leaders. It's not only related to bad things, but
opportunities for new things. Thank you very much. Good day.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
John Torregrosa: Good morning, Chairwoman King, Commissioners. My name is John
Torregrossa. I reside at 1010 Brickell Avenue. I moved to Brickell three years ago, and
I'm a part of a large 12-step organization and have been for a long time. And I was very
surprised to find there were no active meetings in Brickell. The only church that would
allow us to hold meetings is First Miami Presbyterian Church. Pastor Benek has opened
his doors to us very graciously for the last couple of years where we have two meetings a
week, but specifically, Commissioner Pardo, we have a crisis in Brickell with a lack of
meetings. So, if there's anything you could do to help us get meeting space in other
churches and any other buildings, that would be greatly appreciated. Our community is
upwards of 400 people in Brickell that struggle daily to stay alive, and these meetings are
very important. So, I just want to put a word in that First Miami Presbyterian Church has
been wonderful to us in our community. Thank you.
Commissioner Pardo: By the way, we'll make sure to go and make that happen.
Mr. Torregrosa: Thank you.
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Commissioner Pardo: So, we'll get in touch with you. I'll have someone come out.
Mr. Torregrosa: Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Tabatha Janna: Good morning, esteemed City Commissioners. My name is Tabatha
Janna, and I'm a proud voting resident living in Brickell for over 30 years. I'm also an
iPrep Academy PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) board member representing
our school community. I'm here today to respectfully ask you that you vote yes on item
RE.6 [sic], 16168, to approve the second amendment of the Omni CRA. If you recall from
my pink shirt, we have been here before making our voices heard. The dream of a new
school campus project hinges on the extension of the Omni CRA. iPrep Academy, a top -
rated magnet public school, has been a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity for our
students and overall wellbeing of families in the area. Delays or setbacks in this process
could compromise valuable initiatives that so many of us have worked hard to support.
Your decision on this agenda item has a real lasting impact on our students, our
teachers, and the families who call this community home. Thank you for your time and
leadership. Please vote yes. Finally, as a Brickell resident, I also urge you to consider my
neighbors here today. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Ben Sorenson: Good morning, Madam Chairwoman, Vice Chairman, and
Commissioners. My name's Ben Sorenson. I'm a Fort Lauderdale city commissioner, a
minister, and on the council of First Miami Presbyterian Church. And just wanted to first
appreciate you all, especially Commissioner Pardo, for your leadership in the
community, and ask for your denial of the application and affirming of the work of the
Historic Board in -- for the First Miami Presbyterian Church. I -- being on the
commission for the church, I've been able to see firsthand the work that First Miami
Presbyterian Church does in the community, their ability to be a beacon of light,
affirming beacon of light, and their desire to continue to do that. The Historic Board
voted by unanimous 8-0 vote to support the updated designation of the church property,
and that will continue to allow the church to strive in its mission towards supporting the
community. I sit in your seats, similar seats in Fort Lauderdale, and so I understand the
process and understand the engagement and ask for you to continue to support the legal
process through this. And thank you very much for your time. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
George Simon: Good morning, Madam Chairwoman and Commissioners. My name is
George Simon. I live at 495 Brickell, which is immediately adjacent to the proposed
historic redesignation portion of First Miami Presbyterian Church. I speak in favor of
allowing the residents of Brickell residential community and their appeal to grant
intervener status with the Historic Board. Some may try to frame this as an Icon versus
church issue. It is not. In working on this issue with the neighborhood, I found interest
and wide support for our quest to be heard at the Historic Board. We have engaged with
hundreds of Brickell residents and numerous condo associations near and far. A very
wide net of interest was found. Hundreds of Brickell residents signed over 1,400 petitions
asking for this Commission to allow the people of Brickell to have a voice in this matter.
At the hearing in December of the Historic Board, the attorney representing Icon Tower
II, a condo community of 560 units, asked to be allowed intervener status given residents
affected a voice in their community. At that December meeting of the board, the City
attorney advised the board at that time against giving intervener status for technical
reasons. I'm not a lawyer, so I can 't opine on that, about the definition of abutting
properties. Quite frankly, the spirit of the law should prevail here, and that's my basic
request. Technicalities should be disregarded. An example of kind of the absurdity of this
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argument, Icon Tower 2 is 60 feet from the church property line, separated by a park, a
City park, but not allowed to speak, while 500 Brickell, separated by Brickell Avenue,
more than 100 feet, maybe 200 feet away, would be considered adjacent. We can 't let
these technicalities prevent due process and violate the spirit of the law. Also of interest
now is that the developer and church have changed their approach and are now arguing
that Icon was not properly represented at the December meeting and therefore intervener
status should not be -- should be denied. So, well, this runs in the face of the board's
recognition at the hearing of our representation.
Chair King: Thank you. Thank you.
Mr. Simon: Can I close? I would like you not -- I would like you to support the
recommendation that that be allowed to go back to the board for proper consideration
and the voice of the community to be heard.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Pocha Carter: Good morning. I -- I'm sorry, Madam Chairwoman. My name is Pocha
Carter. I'm speaking on PZ. 1 as a member of the 12-step groups in the Brickell
community. I live in the Rise building in Brickell and work for the University of Miami.
First, I find it very heartening to see the civic engagement on display here today. I will be
echoing a statement heard earlier. I can't speak with great authority on the issue of PZ.1,
but I can speak to my relationship with First Miami Presbyterian Church as a member of
the 12-step community, and I can speak to the community -mindedness of the leadership
that made the decision that affects our groups in that area. First Miami Presbyterian
Church opened their doors to us when virtually no other organization has. We do have
the privilege of accessing that space twice a week with an attendance of around 50
people who meet to support one another in recovery, which is truly life-saving work and
essential in the densely populated area of Brickell where I live at. I appreciate your
willingness to work with us, Commissioner Pardo, and I hope that the decision made will
speak to the community in the Brickell area. And I'm just here as a friend of First Miami
Presbyterian. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Pia De Lima: Good morning, City Commissioners. My name is Pia De Lima, 495
Brickell, Apartment 5311. We're not here to have a referendum of the great work done by
Pastor Benek and the First Miami Presbyterian Church. We're not here to oppose an 80-
story building, nor the great work that's been promised in the future, or the loss of views.
We hear Icon Brickell Tower 2 is legally entitled to be heard. We were denied this right
on December 3rd. If we overlook City Code today, we ignore it today, we ignore it for the
future, we ignore it forever. We seek fairness, not favors. A petition of 1,400 signatures
on Change.org was pulled down by supposedly opponents. A Miami influencer that really
promotes the great work you do in the City, ran nearly a hundred comments asking city
commissioners, the City leaders, to hear the community speak. So, what we are asking
you, Commissioners, please hear our voice, have a balanced view. Let us bring our side
of the story. And I want to put on record a hundred letters, hundred plus letters,
supporting this view. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning. Good morning.
Joel Minsker: Good morning. My name is Joel Minsker. I'm a retired attorney and I grew
up in this area. And I'm here on behalf of the First Miami Presbyterian Church and I
support what they're doing. And the reason I want to emphasize to you is that I am a
member of a 12-step group, which graciously the church has allowed us to meet in their
facilities, and they've been very good about supporting us. And pre-COVID, as you may
know, many of the churches allowed us to meet in those areas and in their church
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facilities. Unfortunately, after COVID was over and everybody returned to normal, this
church, Miami, the First Miami Presbyterian Church, is the only church that allowed our
12-step groups back into the church. I'm sad to report that. We've had the support of this
Commission. I know that in the past, and I know we're going to have that in the future,
but I just want to point out, this was the only church that welcomed us back, took us back,
and supports us to this day. And I feel that's unfortunate and wish the other churches
would do the same thing. Thank you very much for letting me --
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Annelise Dorry: Morning, Commissioners. My name is Annelise Dorry. I'm here to ask
you to give the residents of Brickell a voice. The First Presbyterian Church is situated in
a historical area. It is close to Brickell Park and the Brickell Mausoleum. It is in an
ecosystem that is a little bit fragile. It's in (flood zone. There's a lot of things that I think
the residents deserve to hear really independent experts on the subject, and I'm here to
ask you to make a decision that will not undermine public trust and that will give
residents a voice. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Cary Tolley: Good morning. My name is Cary Tolley. I've been a resident of Miami for
over 20 years. I've been involved with First Miami Church for over 15 years. I've been a
Presbyterian for 40 years, and I've been involved in Presbyterian church leadership
throughout that period of time. We've heard a lot of great comments about First Miami,
and I don 't disagree with any of them. I recognized a long time ago that First Miami had
an opportunity to be a wonderful worship community in the City of Miami on Brickell
Avenue. I'm here because, in my opinion, the project that is going forward was approved
in a way that essentially disenfranchised the congregation. You have both the
neighborhood and the church members, the congregation, have been denied any
meaningful opportunity to discuss or consider this project. The church hierarchy put
together an Administrative Commission that came in and took over the church. You
know, Presbyterian churches are traditionally run by the congregation through a session.
Well, the hierarchy of the church appointed an Administrative Commission and took over
the church in 2020 and is still running the church. So, the congregation has no voice.
They basically conducted a congregational vote during COVID. Interesting that we just
had a comment about how First Miami was open during COVID. There was no worship
at First Miami for over two years. And during that time, we had a Zoom congregational
meeting, which violated, in my opinion, violated not only the church bylaws, but also
violated Florida law, Florida nonprofit law. The net result of that was to allow an
approval of the project to go forward based on a meeting that was, in my judgment,
contrary to not only the bylaws of the church but also the laws of the state of Florida. I
took that issue all the way up to the senior judicial body within the Presbyterian Church.
I lost. I lost on a 7-2 vote.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Tolley: Thank you very much. But I'm here to support the Icon motion because I feel
like the congregation and the community need the opportunity to participate.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Amanda De Seta: Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning, esteemed
Commissioners. My name is Amanda De Seta. I'm a resident of the City of Miami,
residing at 68 Southeast 6th Street, Apartment 3303, and I am the head of real estate
development for Dragonfly Investments. I am here in support of RE.9 for the extension of
life of the Omni CRA. Please approve the item as is. Since January 2024, the Omni CRA
has done an impressive job by enhancing community infrastructure, resiliency, and
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housing accessibility. The Omni CRA is committed to affordable housing and has done
great work in our community, helping families of all income levels afford homes in
Miami, work that should be extended far into the future as possible to benefit the
community at large. The Omni CRA ensures that everyone in our community benefits
from development, not just a select few. It attracts new businesses to the area, creating
job opportunities for residents, which helps small businesses grow and thrive, boosting
the local economy. Additionally, the historic preservation work and efforts done by the
Omni CRA is crucial for community heritage and neighborhood experience. The Omni
CRA successfully aims to uphold buildings and the cultures they embody. A prime
example of this is the exemplary restoration work done on the bank building on the
corner of 14th Street and North Miami Avenue. Additionally, the CRA is committed to
increasing affordable housing options for Miami residents with a goal of 907 new units,
ensuring more affordable housing access. Dragonfly Investment supports the goals and
projects of the Omni CRA, and we urge the Commission to extend the life of the Omni
CRA. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Dee Grachck: Good morning, Chairwoman and Commissioners. My name is Reverend
Dee Grachck. I'm the president of the church and also the chair of the Administrative
Commission that was -- that is now serving as the overseeing body of the church. I
became involved with the church in -- five years ago, volunteer, it is part of a situation to
help it remediate a tax lien that was laid against it because of a poor document that was
written in our lease with the school. We have dealt with that and took care of that. And in
the process, it was wondering how we were going to pay for this multimillion dollar tax
lien that the property was offered up to be developed. In that process, parts of the
property were somehow considered historic. I don 't know how a parking lot becomes
historic, but somehow parts of it were historic. Much later, they don 't have the same
architectural value as the rest of the church. And so, we worked with the Historic Board
to have that read correctly, just like we work with the legislatures in the city or in the
state to have that tax lien read correctly. We've gone through all the processes that we
are supposed to. We have engaged the congregation as much as we can. We have
engaged the Presbyteries as much as we can, all of the 42 churches in the Presbytery. We
have gone through all of the processes that are possible. We became involved when it
wasn't happening at all by anyone in the church at that time taking care of this tax lien.
And so I ask that you honor the Historic Board's vote, a unanimous vote, that there is an
intervener status, and that the church is allowed to continue with its program that
benefits the community all over the place. Thank you very much for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Cesar Evander: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Cesar Evander at 1050
Brickell Ave, Apartment 1512, and I'm speaking on item PZ.1. So, I'm a proud member of
the congregation, First Miami Presbyterian Church, and I'm here in support of the
Historic Board's decision, and I'm asking the Commission to deny the appeal. So, I teach
at FIU (Florida International University) as a cultural anthropologist, and I got to go to
class, so I'm trying to bear with you guys as much as I can today. I know these things get
charged. But I've been a Brickell resident for the last three years, a native Miamian, both
my wife and I were born in Jackson North, maybe some of you guys were too. And we
moved to Brickell from the suburbs to be at the heart of innovation and business.
However, we found that Brickell can be a lonely place. As we've encountered here and
heard today, away from family and faith, for several months we found ourselves at the
doorstep of our current spiritual home, that's First Miami. At First Miami, we found a
community that, like us, has a desire to care for others. And they've cared for us, and
even for our two wiener dogs. Correct, our two wiener dogs, they're adorable. First
Miami is a living institution whose mission is to care for others, not just today, but for the
future, and with love. The historic church building is at the heart of our property, as
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cultural anthropologists, I know how important culture is, and to preserve our identity.
That building will be preserved and maintained and there's no request to demolish it. We
ask that you uphold the Historic Board's decision and deny the appeal. And I really thank
you guys. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you for coming. Good morning.
Patricia Kelly: Good morning. My name is Patty Kelly, and I'm a resident at 2900
Northeast 7th Avenue in Miami. I'm here to urge you to vote in favor of RE.6 Baywalk
connection design funding. My husband and I have lived in world -class cities, such as
New York, London, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and L.A. All of them have wonderful
public gardens and waterfront spaces within walking distance of most residential
neighborhoods. The Baywalk is the perfect complement to the rapidly growing Edgewater
residential area, which is already ensnarled in vehicle traffic. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Susan Carpenter: Good morning, Madam Chairman and Commissioners. My name is
Susan Carpenter, and I am here to speak on item PZ.1. I'm also honored as a naturalized
American to be part of this process and my right to get up and talk about what I'm
passionate about. I've been a supporter of First Miami Presbyterian Church for over 30 -
- or 20 years, and I am a supporter of the decision of the Historic Board and ask the
Commission to deny the appeal in PZ.1. The First Miami Presbyterian Church has been -
- the plan for the First Presbyterian Church has been years in the making. The church
followed all the rules, attended all public meetings, shared their vision with the
congregation and the public, and most importantly, made a clear commitment to protect
that which is truly historic in the church. I have to personally say that the Flagler Chapel
in the church, which is, you just feel the history when you 're in there, has been a place
that has helped me and has given me a lot of peace in times of trouble. And this area and
the other part of the churches that are truly historic will not be affected by this
development. Everyone agreed with the decision from the City staff the preservation
experts, and the Historic Board about what is historic. Therefore, I ask that you uphold
the decision of the Historic Board and deny the appeal of PZ.1. Thank you for listening.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Claudia Harari: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Claudia Harari. I'm here
today as a Brickell resident to ensure our voices are heard. This is not about blocked
views. It's about responsible development, protecting our neighborhood's historic
heritage and making sure due process is followed. We are not against growth. We are
against decisions that disregard community input and long-standing protections. We
respectfully ask you to consider the community's concerns and give us the opportunity to
be heard. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carlos Augusto Curet: Thank you. Good morning, Commissioners. My full name is
Carlos Augusto Curet. I am a resident of the City of Miami. My physical address is 495
Brickell Avenue, Apartment 611, zip code 33131. This development is a land sale they set
up as community progress. A deal was made between the church and a developer before
this historic property lost its designation. No community forum, collaboration with
residents or environmental impact study existed. Now we face the loss of a landmark, the
removal of green space and the strain on our streets and sewers, all for the profit of
private investors. The lack of transparency and public input in this process undermines
the credibility of the City Commission and fairness for residents. We ask you to serve the
community by giving us a fair sharing. Thank you very much.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Amanda Olivastro: Good morning. Good morning. My name is Amanda Olivastro,
representing Julian Henries here to speak in favor of RE.11, the Downtown Cup. The
Downtown Cup is a 5v5 tournament with an adult, teen and kids league competing for
high value prizes. The adult league champions, for example, will win five round-trip
tickets to South America, sponsored by Delta Airlines and LATAM. Outside of
tournament -scheduled games, the field will be open to the community for pickup soccer
games, creating an inclusive space for play and connection right on Flagler's newly
completed streetscape. With over 125 teams registered, we have the ability to program
three games every weekday evening, bringing life and energy to Flagler Street's slower
nights when businesses can struggle with inconsistent foot traffic. Beyond this initiative's
immediate impact, it presents an opportunity to gather actionable data. The Miami DDA
(Downtown Development Authority) gathered incredible data during this past year's
Holiday Village. Seventy-five thousand people came to downtown to experience the
Holiday Village. Sixty-six thousand of these visitors were new to downtown. That's
almost 90 percent of the total visitors of the Holiday Village being first -timers to our
neighborhood. Similarly, every Sunday we host the Sunday markets, and this consistently
attracts over a thousand people every single week to Flagler. We want to build on this
momentum and explore how weekday activations like the Downtown Cup can drive
similar success. The Downtown Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It's a strategic
tool to boost vibrancy, increase foot traffic, and facilitate economic vitality in downtown.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Olivastro: When Flagler Street is activated --
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Olivastro: -- businesses thrive. When it's not, it is unpredictable.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Olivastro: We want to give people a reason to come to downtown. Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Otto Schmidt: Good morning, Miami City Commissioners. My name is Otto Schmidt and
I'm an eighth -grade student at iPrep Academy downtown. I will be continuing my
education at iPrep into high school and I'm very proud of the fact that our school ranks
in the top 15 public schools in the state of Florida. As you know, our current facility is
limited to a school board building in downtown Miami, which has been retrofitted to
support our classrooms and has virtually no outdoor space to accommodate activities.
Over the past many years, our school board, teachers, and students have worked
diligently in conjunction with the Omni CRA to develop a plan to enhance our
educational experience through a potential development of a new facility, which would
include workforce housing for the community. iPrep is unlike any other school. We take
an innovative approach to education, implement technology, and encourage students to
think and act outside the box. No matter their background, we are a community of
learners and deserve the best. There is a reason our graduates attend the best
universities and because of that I urge you to vote yes on agenda item RE (Resolution)
number 9, number 16168 for the extension of the Omni CRA which would allow us to
complete the work we have begun for the benefit of the community and iPrep Academy.
Thank you.
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Chair King: We have to encourage our community activists. We have to encourage when
young people come and share their concerns with us. One more time. One more time.
Thank you, young man. Good morning.
Terrell Fritz: Good morning, Madam Chair and City Commissioners. My name is Terrell
Fritz, executive director of the Flagler District BID (Business Improvement District) and
proud resident at 111 East Flagler Street. And our thoughts and prayers are with our
DDA chair, Commissioner Manolo Reyes and his family. On behalf of the BID Board of
Directors, I'm here to speak in enthusiastic support of RE.11, the Downtown Cup. This
event is exactly the kind of activation that defines our vision for a new Flagler Street.
Community -centered, business -supportive, and full of life. The Downtown Cup will take
place between April and May 25. It's a month -long activation that will bring people
together through the universal language of soccer. So, whether you 're a downtown
employee, an amateur player, a downtown resident, or a curious visitor, the pop-up
soccer field in the 200 block of East Flagler will offer moments of joy, connection, and
pride. The event's partnership with national brands like Delta, LATAM Air, and Celsius,
and local stakeholders like Miami DDA, and dozens of adjacent small businesses, brings
value to our historic commercial district. Downtown Cup has the support of Dade
Heritage Trust, and we've reached out to the residential associations in Brickell,
Biscayne Boulevard, Edgewater, and Wynwood to invite those neighborhoods to come
play on Flagler. Finally, the Downtown Cup is about much more than a single event. It
signals what's possible on a street that's been under construction for many years, a
future where Flagler Street again becomes Miami 's Main Street. On behalf of the Flagler
District BID and the business and property owners we represent, we urge you to fully
support RE.11, the Downtown Cup. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Tara Steinbach: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Tara Steinbach. I live at
495 Brickell Avenue, Unit 4007. The First Presbyterian Church is situated in an
archaeological conservation zone adjacent to Brickell Park and the Brickell Mausoleum
within a fragile ecosystem. Excavating for an 80-story tower could lead to irreversible
damage. Why would we approve such a large project near residential areas without
independent expert opinions? The way this approval has progressed undermines public
trust. The people of Miami deserve better. Please ensure that residents have a voice in
this matter. Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Ijamyn Gray: Great rising, kings and queens. How y 'all doing today? I am the proud
founder of this Encouraging Dreamers, Breaking Barriers. I'm here representing all the
troubled youth living in Miami -Dade County. So, I'm here to ask you guys to say yes to
PZ.2, PZ.3, and RE.9, the extension of the Omni CRA. Also, ask that while we're here, we
also need to start listening to the people, because the people matter, and their voice is
what's important and their concerns. Thank y'all.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Carolina Campos: Hi, good morning. My name is Carolina Campos. I am a resident of
Brickell and I am a mother of two kids in iPrep, and I am here today to ask you please
work together and don't make a decision today to say yes to the RE number 9. We have
been waiting for that for a long time. And also it's a big project that will help not only the
students and teachers for iPrep. It's going to help a lot of people from the community.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Joyce Frohman: Good morning. Good morning, everyone. My name is Joyce Frohman.
I'm a citizen of the City of Miami, and I'm a business owner as well, and I'm here to ask
you to consider extending the life of the CRA. I'm joining many faces here asking you for
the same thing. Some people are asking you to help them and extend it because they help
the community. Some of here are here to help you because of a school. I'm a business
owner and my business would not be right now open if it wasn 't for the Omni CRA.
We've been open for seven years and I ask you to allow the opportunity for other small
businesses to have the same opportunity that I have received from this organization. They
do more than many other people think, and they have not only allowed me to continue in
business, because I will be talking about myself, but I have been able to hire people from
your district, from your district, to help us and help them have a paycheck. So, this is not
about me, this is also about the many projects that the CRA has going on that if they
don 't exist and if you don 't support that, many of us are going to hurt from every level
income in this city. So, I ask you to please give it the thought that it needs. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Ana Paula Lapa: Good morning. My name is Ana Paula Lapa and I'm a resident of 495
Brickell Avenue. I picked Brickell as my home, so I'm here today to ask you to please
hear -- you hear our voice. Icon Brickell Tower 2 is legally qualified as an intervener to
have an intervener status, but we were denied this right. If we overlook the code today,
we might be just established as a precedent for the future. I think that allowing this
decision is going to demonstrate -- it's going to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) harms in the
integrity of our community, and I'm asking you please as commissioners to demonstrate
your commitment to the community, to hear us. And I'm going to rephrase what one
neighbor just said, we seek for fairness, we don 't seek for favors. Please stand for PZ.1.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Metris Batts: Good morning. I am excited to be here. My name is Metris Batts. In my first
60 seconds, I'm going to be representing the Miami Women's Club located at 1737 North
Bayshore Drive. I'm here in full support of RE.9, the extension of life for the Omni CRA.
And I respectfully urge you to approve this item as is. The Omni CRA funded the Miami
Women 's Club to the tune of about $4 million for the renovation of it some years ago. I
have been excited since 2024, the work that the Omni CRA and the Miami Women's Club
is doing in the community, and it's amazing. And I'm excited about all of the
development, all of the support, and all of the projects that they're going to be doing,
because it helps us as a local nonprofit organization extend the work that we're doing in
the community and for the first time in 50 years making the space available to a
community. It's the jewel on the bay and it's an opportunity to show support for
economic development, businesses, and opportunities for children and families to be
engaged. Now I'm going to turn around and reintroduce myself, as I must always do. I
am also the executive director of the Overtown Business Association, the newest Florida
Main Street designee. And if you're not familiar with Florida Main Street, I would like
you to Google it. I'm in full support of the bond and the resolution for $25 million for the
Miami MoCAAD (Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora), an
unprecedented opportunity to invest in Overtown 's future while honoring a full spectrum
of America's past.
Chair King: That's for the CRA, the Southeast Overtown Park West CRA meeting. We'll
have a public comment for that as well.
Ms. Batts: Okay, I just want to say, if you 're not familiar with the Main Street
designation, that item will help you understand how it fits into our community overall
comprehensively and it follows a national model. Thank you for your time.
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Chair King: Thank you. Good seeing you. Good morning.
Maria Beiceno: Good morning. My name is Maria Beiceno. I'm a Miami resident and
voter, and I'm also a proud parent of a child going to iPrep Academy. iPrep Academy is
one of the few public schools in Miami that is pre-K to 12. My daughter is going to be a
senior next year. With that being said, she's been in iPrep since kindergarten. iPrep is
our home. iPrep community is our family. That's the reason I'm asking you to please vote
yes on the extension of the Omni CRA contract that is RE.9. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Brice Rogers: Good morning, Madam Chairwoman and Commissioners. My name is
Brice Rogers. I'm the pastor of Sunset Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale. I'm here
to speak against item PZ.1 in favor of the Historic Board's decision. And I just want to
say that my wife Sung Min is a full-time professor at FIU. I'm an adjunct at FIU as well
so I spend quite a bit of time in the City due to traffic much more time than I would like
to, but it's always a blessing to be in Miami. And I would just like to encourage you to
support the unanimous decision of the Historic Board which duly considered the
historicity of every one of the buildings and the materials that they're constructed with
and their historic value to the City. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. I'm going to have to say it also. I'm a proud member of FIU
staff. I teach Miami politics. So, good for FIU. They've got a great, great team. Good
morning.
Haim Koren: Good morning. My name is -- I'm sorry. My name is Haim Koren from 500
Brickell East, Apartment 2802. I'm here for PZ.1. As a resident, we pay our taxes and
adhere to all these rules. And when we renovate our apartments, we must obtain city
permits, follow the regulations. How it is possible that the Historic Preservation and
Environmental Board did not conduct an independent study before declassified a
historical church, even part of it? A significant amount of work was done to classify the
church historical status initially. Why is being declassified simply because a developer
wants to build a 80-story building? We have many deeper questions regarding the impact
of another 80-story building without significant improvements to infrastructure, water,
and electricity. However, our main question today, why is it so difficult to give us a
chance to share our perspective? What is the City Commission, the historical board
worried about? All we ask for our city leaders to provide us with an opportunity to be
heard. It is fair and square. Thank you so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Hugo Mecgarrejo: Good morning, Commissioners. First, our thoughts and prayers with
Commissioner Reyes. I'm here on behalf of Miami First Presbyterian Church. I'm a
member there, so the congregation does have a voice. We discuss many issues. We do
believe that our parking lot can provide us a long-term viability for the church, not only
in terms of preserving the true historic value of the church in itself the building, the main
building, but most importantly, to extend the life of the good work that the church does.
Without the financial support that this brings, what are we going to do? You hear a lot of
our people here talk about the good things that are happening, what churches are closed
doors, what churches are open. I can tell you from my personal life, 20 years of going to
that church, that it has changed my life. And I want to make sure that that opportunity is
open to all communities. Brickell needs this. Brickell needs the church and the touch that
the church brings to each one of every person that even just walks by, because they walk
by and they enter the church and the Holy Spirit touches their souls. So, this project will
allow us to continue to do that for many generations to come. So, I urge you to deny the
appeal and support the church in this venture. Thank you very much.
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Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair. Sir, if I could have your name for the record.
Mr. Mecgarrejo: Hugo Mecgarrejo.
James Oracio: Good morning, Commissioners.
Chair King: Good morning.
Mr. Oracio: Hi, my name is James Oracio. I'm the general manager of Icon Brickell
Tower 2 and a proud resident of Miami. Brickell residents make significant contributions
to the county's budget and have a crucial opportunity to collaborate with city leaders on
shared goals. As residents, we support the church 's decision to monetize its properties,
provided it does not jeopardize Miami 's historical legacy. Your decision today is about
stronger protections for historical sites that define Brickell 's cultural identity,
independent assessments for projects that could threaten our heritage and environment,
ensuring our voices are heard in decisions that affect our neighborhoods. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Lamont Hiebert: Good morning, Commission. My name is Lamont Hiebert. I'm a
resident at 1111 Brickell Bay Drive. I'm the music minister at First Miami Presbyterian
Church. I was -- I'm here in support of the Historic Board's unanimous decision and
respectfully ask that you deny the appeal. I was sent a poster recently from one of the
residents at the Icon Building with the picture of the Historic Church on the front of the
poster and she was so alarmed that she thought that that poster was going to come down.
A lot of people who signed that petition thought the Historic Church was going to come
down. I just want to assure everyone that the good work that we're doing is going to
continue. The free operas, the yoga, the Pilates, the services, the groups. One of my
favorite things about the church is the people that come in and just walk in off of the
church and we allow anyone to come in and use the bathrooms, sit in silence. Thank you
again for your time, and again, I ask respectfully for you to deny the appeal. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Gracia Sutter: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Gracia Sutter. I am here to be
another person to ask for you to listen to the residents of Brickell, for us to have a voice
here, for us to know that we are actually being heard. This issue is not merely about
losing views. It's about fostering responsible development with a balanced perspective.
We must focus on protecting our shared environment and heritage for the benefit of the
entire community. We are counting on you to uphold this balanced approach in your
decision making. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Jeannelle Benek: Good morning, Commissioners and fellow citizens. My name is
Jeannelle Benek, and I'm here with my colleague, Anna, and other voices from the
congregation speaking on PZ.1. I'm a supporter of First Miami Presbyterian in the
Historic Board's decision in asking the Commission to deny the appeal. I value deeply
what our church has done in the community from our Serve Miami Brickell Trash
Cleanups, our MomCo program that provides community for mothers of children ages 0
to 18, our free workout classes, Bible studies, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) 12-step
programs, craft nights and worship services. Our church hosts over 1,000 events a year
for our community. We do this out of the love of our Savior Jesus Christ who calls us to
love our neighbors. We are simply asking to move forward with what has already been
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approved so that we can continue to care for our community for generations to come.
Thank you and God bless you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Brian Rehm: Good morning. How are you? I'm a resident at 490 -- 495 Brickell Avenue.
My name is Brian Rehm. While discussing the right to a fair hearing, I'd like the
Commission to approve the appeal of PZ.1. I've wanted to share the impact of another
high-rise on Brickell Avenue. We're facing over 900 new vehicles, a surge of residents in
an already crowded area, and years of construction noise and disruption to our
neighborhood. It will have a greatly negative impact if not destroy the vital green space
park right next to this project. It's not responsible urban planning. It disregards our
community disguised as growth. We're not just expressing concerns; we're waving red
flags. Commissioners, please allow for a balanced debate. The weight of your choice will
be a burden we will all carry. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Basil Marceuline: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Basil Marceuline. I live in
495 Brickell Avenue, Apartment 5311. I am the president of Icon Brickell Tower 2, which
supports 1,200 residents in the Brickell area. The public hearings about the
declassification of the Historical Presbyterian Church did not provide adequate notice or
opportunities for participation. When Icon Brickell attempted to intervene in December,
this request was immediately rejected. This raised important questions about the validity
of the process. According to the City Code, properties nearby should have been allowed
to participate, but it did not occur. And as a part of the Icon Board, it is our fiduciary
duty to request and help us, you, Commissioners, in PZ.1. This unfair decision
undermines the integrity of our City's preservation efforts and raises concern about
fairness. What we request here is fairness to be heard as a community. Ensuring due
process is an ethical obligation and protects the community. Many residents care deeply
about this issue and seek a fair and thoughtful process. As residents in the Brickell area,
we are not opposing the construction of this building. However, the denial or the
approval of the declassification is what we are concerned about because that is one of
the few buildings that we have in the Brickell area that preserves the historical nature of
our surroundings. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Simeen Hussain: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Simeen Hussain. I'm here
in the matter of PZ.1 and in support of the Icon Brickell residents and the Brickell
community. It is an honor to be here. It's my first time here, and I was pleasantly
surprised to see that this session started with a beautiful prayer by the pastor. And on
that same note, I would like to remind the City of Miami that faith and integrity are not to
be sold for profit, and our families matter, and the church provides -- the church, the
park, they provide a safe and spiritual sanctuary for the families, for our children. And
due process should always be abided by the residents, the community have a voice. We
live there, and the church, the park, provides a beautiful place for us to walk with our
children, for us to go and pray. And we really care about this issue, and we are seeking a
fair, thoughtful, and a heartfelt decision on this matter. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Boris Centeno: Good morning. My name is Boris Centeno. I live in Brickell. I'm a
member of Miami First Presbyterian Church. I'm here to support the Historic Board's
decision and ask you to please deny the appeal. The historic building is going to be
preserved. We care a lot about it, and we want to preserve it. We want to preserve it for
many generations to come. And the parking lot is not a historic -- it doesn 't have any
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historic value. And the Historic Board has made that decision unanimously. There is no
controversy about it. And I would also like to tell you about my experience in First
Miami. I moved to Brickell recently, and I found open arms in that community. We are --
I am part of the Bible study in Spanish. My family and I attend, and we grow in the word
of the Bible. We have recently have to move our group to another room because we don 't
have the space to house so many members that we have now. And it is incredible to see
how the church is thriving and how members are coming together and how we are trying
to be better people and to make a positive impact in the community. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Gordon Fales: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. My name is Gordon
Fales. My business address is 3644 Grand Avenue. I'm the chair of the Collaborative
Development Corporation, a not -for -profit corporation that will speak this morning to
3710 Groveland and Community Housing Development. We're very proud of the fact that
we have brought a number of people together, particularly from the Village West to put
this together and are seeking final approval from this Commission. I've been involved for
about 20 years in -- through churches and through social service organizations and
trying to improve the conditions both living and working in West Coconut Grove, and I
think we've got something that will really work here. We've dealt with health and
education and jobs, and now we have come up with the fact that the thing that we're still
most in need of is public housing, low-cost housing for the neighborhood and for those
who have been here before, left, and we'd like to see them come back. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Richard Heisenbottle: Good morning, Chairwoman King and Commissioners. For the
record, my name is Rich Heisenbottle. I'm president of RJ Heisenbottle Architects with
offices at 2199 Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables. And I am here to give you
firsthand testimony and to request your extension of the Omni CRA. I have had the
opportunity to work with the Omni CRA over the past 10 years, and I can tell you that
without any doubt, all of their good work could not have been accomplished without all
the good things that they do. We would not have had the restored Miami Women's Club.
We would not have had the Citizens Bank that looks so wonderful in the middle of 14th
Street. That and the master planning work that they worked on with us and through us
needs to be continued. I urge you to approve it and move it forward again today. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
John Pizzo: Good morning. Good morning, Commissioners. My name is John Pizzo, and
I'm a resident at 495 Brickell Avenue, adjacent to the First Miami Presbyterian Church.
And I'm here today also on behalf of dozens of others that couldn 't be here for this
session today, but all have the same voice. I'm speaking about PZ.1, and we're here to
fight for the right to be heard. And while discussing the right to a fair hearing, I wanted
to share the impact of another high-rise specifically in this area. We're facing the
prospect of hundreds of new vehicles, a surge in residents in an already very crowded
area, and years of construction noise and disruption. The Brickell neighborhood simply
cannot handle this burden on its roads, infrastructure, or residents' quality of life. And
just as important, it will destroy a vital park that provides the only green space for a
community maintained by the very residents who have been denied a voice. We're not
just expressing our concerns, we're screaming loudly, waving red flags. Commissioners,
please allow for a balanced debate. Thank you and consider granting us intervener
status.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Sandra Figueredo: Good morning. My name is Sandra Figueredo, and I'm here to speak
against PZ.1. I'm a supporter of First Miami Presbyterian Church, and to support the
Historic Board's decision, asking the Commission to deny the appeal. My concern is that
the historical society has already designated correctly to remove the parking lot and the
Christian education building that was built in the '50s and '60s as not historical. I'm
also concerned that the green space that everyone's talking about is a parking lot with no
greenery whatsoever. The park is not the church 's, it is the City of Miami 's. So, their
argument about the park is with the City of Miami, not with the church. It will not be
hindered or harmed or touched by this development. If you look at their website, it is
filled with misleading misconceptions of what the situation is. The neighborly thing to do
is to go to the church, speak directly to the pastor, who can speak to them how the
process was done, how the planning is going, how it would or should or isn 't, perhaps,
going to affect the neighborhood in an important way. Thank you for your time.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Jeff McLean: Good morning. I'm Jeff McLean. I serve and have ministry with churches
from Fort Pierce to Key West, including First Miami, and I'm here to speak against the
PZ.1. Working in those churches, 42 of our churches, I go to churches that have both
historical quality and old quality, and I am extremely thankful that the Miami Board
understands the difference between historical and old, and in this moment what we have
seen is that the Historical Board has seen that the historical part, it needs to be
preserved. And we have no questions about that. It is a beautiful, wondrous space within
that area. But those other spaces need to be re -upped and renewed so that they serve not
only the purpose of the church but also the greater good of the community. That is one of
the hallmarks of First Miami. They have worked to become a church for the community,
in the community, and with the community. And while the development may at times feel
strenuous, it is also going to be a blessing because it's going to secure the future of this
church for a long time. And that future is notjustfor the people of that church, but for the
impact it has, as others have said, thousands of events in care, concern, and in
partnership with the community. And so do hope that you'll consider and uphold that
decision that was made about what's the difference between historical and old. So, thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Ezekiel Vaza: Good morning, dear Commissioner, dear attendees. My name is Ezekiel
Vaza. I reside in 495 Brickell Ave. This morning, I urge you to favor the environmental
merits and the neighborhood fabric of this area. If you open up the map and search for
any open green space, like a natural area in Brickell, north of the Rickenbacker Bridge,
you would find pretty much nothing besides those two landmarks which is the Miami
Circle and the Mary Brickell Park adjacent to the church. I think it's a very significant
drawing point for all locals in Brickell, also for people who reside in downtown. It's a
must -stop for tourists, it's a drawing point for retirees and athletes and young
professionals and children playing and families. I do understand the need for
development and housing needs in Brickell, but not in -- but not for all costs, I would say.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Thelma Gibson: Good morning. Let me say good morning to everybody here. I'm Thelma
Gibson at 3661 Franklin Avenue in Little Bahamas. You know, every time I come up here,
I want to be thanking everybody and say good morning to the audience. And as I walked
in and saw all these young people here this morning, I said something exciting is going to
happen today. And so it's good to see all of you. And I hope all of you get your items
passed. I'm looking forward to that. I'd like to take a moment, though, to pay respect to
Commissioner Reyes who is, I read in the paper yesterday where he's back at the hospital
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and like to thank all of our chairperson and all our commissioners. I saw Commissioner
Carollo here earlier, but I'm really here for one reason, and I wanted to be sure that you
understand that this project that's going up at 3710 Grand Avenue, it takes in a part of
Washington Avenue and all over to Thomas Avenue that we're asking for an upzoning
from three to four. And we're planning to house some 70 people in this building, units I
mean, and some are going to be able to purchase their homes if they want to, others
could rent, and others will get affordable housing. So, that's a great project that's going
to go up there. And I think all of you will be very proud to see that Little Bahamas is
doing something great at the CDC (Collaborative Development Corporation). You just
heard Mr. Fales, the chairman of the board, and all the people who work for them, and of
course, our commissioner, who knows all about this project. We all want to see it happen.
And so I'm asking for your vote this morning in favor of upzoning. And that's all I want.
And that's why I came here. Now, you probably won 't see me anymore coming up here,
but I enjoy coming up just to say thank you to the staff who work so hard, the manager
and the legal staff as well as our commissioners. And have you know that we in the
community really appreciate you. Thank you again.
Chair King: Thank you, Ms. Gibson.
Ms. Gibson: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: Ms. Gibson, I just wanted to acknowledge your leadership and
your great work for so many years. I was very happy the day that I was campaigning and
I knocked on your door, and I'm like, oh my God, is this Ms. Gibson? Like you're an
institution.
Ms. Gibson: Thank you.
Commissioner Pardo: You have helped so much and thank you for coming here and
speaking in favor of that item. Thank you.
Ms. Gibson: Thank you so much.
Chair King: Good seeing you. Good morning.
Kim Robles: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Kim Robles. I am a pastor at
Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, and I serve on the Administrative Commission of
First Miami, and I'm speaking to item PZ.1. I'm a supporter of First Miami Presbyterian
Church here in support of the Historic Board's decision and asking the Commission to
deny the appeal. I love First Miami Presbyterian Church because of how it gathers
people of all walks of life to the Brickell area. I've seen the church blossom with vibrancy
in these last few years, and as the community continues to grow, I'd like to see it to be
able to serve the wider community. Allowing this Historic Board -approved adjustment to
continue would allow the church to do just that, to continue to serve the community to the
best of its ability. And the areas that we're talking about are a parking lot and an
educational building and they do not have historical significance. The church can
continue to lift up and celebrate its history in the neighborhood, restore that historic
building, the beautiful chapel and sanctuary, and then serve the community to its fullest
capacity. And this is something that the wider church community desires to see happen. I
witnessed it myself in a congregational meeting and a vote years ago. So, I hope you
Commissioners will understand the church 's desire to serve the community and to
celebrate its history. So, please help the church to do both well by denying the appeal. So,
I hope you would uphold that Historic Board's decision and deny the appeal. Thank you
so much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Merline Barton: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Merline Barton, 3640
Grand Avenue, 35 years working in West Coconut Grove, or Village West, or Little
Bahamas. First, I would like to offer our sincere prayers for Commissioner Reyes' speedy
recovery. I'm here today, again, in support of 3710 Grand Landing, which is Grand and
Douglas Road. The Thelma Gibson Health Initiative has worked in every area and every
aspect of community development, helping our residents to have a better life. Today,
we're asking you once again to support the upzoning from T3 to T4.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). But we're just asking for more units to ease the desperate plight of
our residents who are leaving the Grove in numbers. So, we ask your support today, I ask
your support in approving the upzoning that has been requested. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Daniel Pena: Good morning. Daniel Pena, 200 East Flagler, Madam Chair,
Commissioners. I'm here as a business owner to support RE.11, the Downtown Cup. I'm
just going to give you ten reasons why as a business owner I support it. The reason
number one is on our last event in Flagler Street, we brought enough people to fill the
Kaseya Center five times. Reason number two is every weekend we have events on
Flagler Street the amount of visitors is larger than the amount of people that cast votes
for Commissioner elections. Number three, we receive more people for the Holiday
Village and the ice rink than Ultra Festival every day. Sixty-six thousand of those new
visitors -- of those visitors are new people that have never gone to Flagler before or at
least for activities in the area. The daily average attendance to our events, to Formula
One, is the equivalent of a weekend of attendance to the Holiday Village. Events in
Flagler Street, when we do them for the weekend, or for the Holiday Village, I'm sorry, it
will fill three countries, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Vatican City. There's 300 new
businesses that have opened pop -ups during these events, small businesses that have
come to Miami, to downtown, that otherwise couldn 't open there, they have gone there.
The amount of retail vendors that have come during these events to downtown Miami
could fill the Dadeland Mall or the Bal Harbour Mall three times. More people have
visited the ice rink than the PAM (Perez Art Museum) Museum on a day.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Pena: And lastly, it doesn 't cost a penny to the City, so --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Pena: Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Delina Scarpone: Hi, good morning. I was let in by someone saying that a parking lot
isn 't significant. Well, I'm here today because I am significant. And I was also heard that
a school isn 't significant, and I'm here today because I have a daughter, and my
daughter is significant. And my home is significant. My name is Delina Scarpone, and I
live at 495 Brickell Avenue, and I'm here because people matter, our community matters,
and we believe in you, and we believe that you care, and we believe that you will help us,
and we believe that we can trust you. And I'm here -- I would not typically do something
like this, but I'm here because I care, and I believe that we all go to bed at night, and you
all know the decisions you go to sleep with when you put your head in the pillow, and we
all know in your heart of hearts what's right and what's wrong. And I believe in you, and
I need everyone to pull together as a community. This is our family, this is our home, and
our home counts, and it is significant. And I know that the church is a lovely, lovely
historical property, and I care about the historical property of the church, but I care
more about our home. Brickell is our home. We live there. We care. We walk our dogs.
We raise our children. We raise our families. We raise our children to become
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something, to become someone, and we are significant. And I -- the church is fine, but we
are significant. And I count on you, and I need to count on everyone in this room that we
matter, and we are important, and we will be heard. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Richard Rey: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Richard Rey, and I am a
resident of Miami, 4357 Southwest 5th Street. I serve at First Miami in the music
department and I've been a long-time member there. And I love the historic part of our
building. It is where we worship, it's where we gather, and we have so much great times
there. In addition to that, we have great ministries. The ministry that gives my daughter
free music classes, art classes, we have craft, we have all kinds of events, and all that this
is going to do is going to allow us to preserve our building, but also grow the ministries
that are making a difference in our community. And I ask you to deny the PZ.1
amendment.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Reynold Martin: Good morning. My name is Reynold Martin. I'm the president of Grove
Rights and Community Equity, known as GRACE. I'm here to support RE.2. I think that
fiasco we went through a couple of years ago regarding redistricting is something we
need to avoid. I'm here to support RE.9. I think the CRA is doing great work. We're
advocates of affordable housing, and anytime you can speak towards creating more
affordable housing, you ought to. I'm also a member of many organizations in the West
Grove. I not only chair Grove Rights, I'm a vice president of Homeowners and Tenants
Association, I'm a president of -- I'm a vice president of a new group called Grovites for
Life, and I'm a member of so many other organizations, including St. James Baptist
Church, where my pastor stood up and said, listen, that issue coming before the City of
Miami Commission on Thursday, you all ought to be there to support it because we need
affordable housing, if anything, in this community. And it would be remiss if I didn 't
come here and jump on the bandwagon to speak on behalf of the project known as 3 710
Grove Landing. It's an answer to a prayer. It talks about affordable housing. It talks
about bringing jobs and training that will assist our community in recreating itself and
more than just recreating itself but making it better. So, I do support it.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Martin: I urge you to support it as well.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Martin: And my heart, thoughts go out to the Commissioner who's not here today.
Chair King: Good morning.
Joan Brown: Good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners. My name is Judge Joan A.
Brown, and I'm a retired judge from Philadelphia who has moved to Brickell. I am a
member of First Miami Presbyterian Church. I love the church. I find that we are all --
all the members are from numerous countries, yet we are all one family, and we all love
one another. So, I'm speaking on behalf of item PZ.1, and I want you to know that
Reverend Christopher Benek has done an outstanding job with reaching out to the
community and bringing in new members to our church. I know the church has no desire
to demolish the church. All we want is to preserve the history of the church. I will now
ask you to please uphold the Historic Board's decision and deny this appeal. Thank you
for your time today.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
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Alejandro Martinez: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Alejandro Martinez.
I'm with the Brickell Homeowners Association, and I want to speak about PZ.1. I have a
statement from our president, Ernesto Cuesta, and I want to read it for you. On behalf of
the Brickell Homeowners Association, BHA, I'm writing to express our strong support for
the appeal filed by Icon Brickell Condominium Number 2 Association, Icon 2 regarding
the decision made by the Historic Environmental Preservation Board, with respect to the
First Presbyterian Church property. The Brickell community has long championed a
balanced approach to development, one that respects historical integrity while
accommodating thoughtful process -- progress. We support historic preservation on the
entire church. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Thank you for your --
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Deborah Sodriwalla: Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning, Commissioners. My
name is Deborah Sodriwalla. I am in here of support for First Presbyterian Church of
Miami. I am here to seek your denial of the appeal to PZ.1. You have heard how the
church has helped individuals in the community on many, many levels. We've just
scratched the surface. Church has been there for a long time serving the community, and
we continue to stay there doing the same. We are happy with the judgment of the
Historical Board, and it is our intention to continue to preserve that which they have
indicated us doing so. We take our service to the community, as you do, very, very
seriously. We ask that you kindly reject this appeal to PZ.1 so that we may be able to go
back to serving the community and serving the individuals rather than continue with the
processes that we thought we had already completed. Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Lina Carrera: Good morning. I am Lina Carrera and I am a Coconut Grove resident. My
daughter attends iPrep Academy downtown because our family sees the value in the
highest quality of public education. iPrep is the only pre-k to 12th grade school in all of
Miami and one of the best ranked schools in the entire country. Our graduates are sought
after by all the best universities, especially the Gators and others in the state. Go Gators.
As such, my family and I urge you to vote yes on item RE.9, number 16168, to approve
the second amendment of the Omni CRA, which does such great work, and give more of
your constituents the opportunity to be a part of its expansion. We urge the
commissioners to work together and to not delay or derail the Omni CRA extension and
its projects that would benefit our students, teachers, and many other residents. Thank
you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Alan Barson: Good morning. Chairwoman King, Commissioners, and we are praying for
Commissioner Reyes.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Mr. Barson: Good morning. My name is Alan Barson, and I just -- first of all, I have to
say that the views that I'm going to express here are mine and mine alone, and not of my
employer or -- not of my employer. So, I'm here in my capacity as a resident of Icon
Brickell Tower 2, at 495 Brickell Avenue, Unit 1007. I happen to be a lawyer, and one
thing that they taught us pretty much on the first day of law school, and Mr. Wysong, you
probably remember this as well, that they teach you that if the facts are against you, you
argue the law. And if the law is against you, you argue the facts. But if the law and the
facts are against you, you pound the table and you yell like hell. Okay? Remember that?
Of course you do. So, this is precisely what the counsel for the applicant, Iris Escarra, is
doing, by throwing a red herring into the whole procedure by challenging the standing of
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Icon Brickell 2 to actually bring the appeal. And I was the one that spoke for Tower 2 at
the December Historic Environmental Preservation hearing. And it was plenty put on the
record that I was appropriately there representing the organization, not as a lobbyist, but
as a member of the organization. And that was accepted, completely accepted by the
Historic and Preserva -- Historic Board, okay? And the City Attorney also did not
challenge that --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Barson: -- that was there officially.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Barson: Well, I just --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Barson: So, I'm just saying that there is no argument that was raised then --
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Barson: -- and it's certainly not appropriate to raise the issue now on appeal.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Barson: That horse has bolted. Thank you.
Chair King: Good morning.
Paola Rangel: Good morning, Commissioners. I am Paola Rangel. I have been living in
Brickell for 10 years. And as Icon resident, I want to raise a significant concern. The
First Presbyterian Church, a recognized historic site, risks losing its designation for
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) luxury high-rise. Allowing this development without giving all sides
a fair opportunity to be heard sends a message that no historic site in Miami is secure for
private interest. This could harm public trust in your decision and the preservation
process. If we truly value our cultural heritage, please ensure that residents have a
chance to voice their opinion. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Aaron Brill: Good morning. My thoughts and prayers are with Commissioner Manolo
Reyes, and good morning Christine King and Miguel and Damian. Commissioners,
appreciate your time. My name is Aaron Brill. I'm the vice president of Icon Brickell
Condominium Number 2 Association and also a resident of Miami. The reason why I'm
here today is I'm here to support the appeal of RZ.1 [sic]. And our community right now
has been threatened and threatened to the point where we've had a Change.org petition
which had about 1,500 signatures on it taken down because of supposedly what was told
as misinformation about the church. However, they're saying that the church is not being
demolished but that there's a part in the back that is. Well, if it's the part of the church,
it's a part of the church, and that's a stating as a fact. So, the fact that the church -- the
school area is considered to be demolished, that's a part of the church, and that entire
area is part of our community. It's an area that has been loved by residents and Miami
residents and the community as a whole. And what we're asking you is, we understand
we're totally for pro -development, we understand that, but it has to be done in a
responsible way, and we are asking for a voice. Secondly, I would like to point out, at the
first hearing that we had with the HEPB (Historic and Environmental Preservation
Board) Board, the Board specifically stated that they were not pleased with the designs
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and renderings of that building. And they said that they conditionally approved it only to
make sure that on the second hearing that they wanted to see new renderings. Well, guess
what? At that hearing there was never any renderings presented. So, first of all, they
didn 't even follow their own, you know, agenda of what they wanted and the community -
- it's just a perfect example of how the community never had a voice, and all we're asking
for here is your time and your voice, and we appreciate you guys as your -- as our
commissioners to support and advocate for us as a community, as a whole of the Brickell
community. So, thank you for your time, appreciate it.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Todd Suzanski: Hi. Hi, everyone. My name is Todd Suzanski. I'm the president of the
Master Association of Icon Brickell. I'm also the vice president of the Tower One
Association for Icon Brickell as well. So, we represent about 4,000 residents who live in
the Icon Brickell community. We're not asking for you to halt the construction of what's
going on at the church. All we're asking for is a voice to be heard. We want to be heard
as a community. We feel that the -- we have a right to the appeal, and we would like to be
heard, and we hope that you will grant that request. Thank you very much. Also, we, as
Icon Brickell Master Association, I'm not sure if you're aware, but we are the ones who
are maintaining the park that's next to the church, and we pay for all of the work that's
done there. We do the landscaping. We pay for all that, even though it's a community
park. The Icon Brickell community is the one paying for those. So, we feel that we do
have some rights and we should be heard. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Monty Trainer: Here we go. Listen, I had to use this in Tallahassee this week. I guess for
the record, I'm Monty Trainer, 3556 Fair Isle Street. And I'm here to support 3710, our
landing project. And let me say, I just finished my 30th year of cooking a paella in the
City of Tallahassee for the entire Florida Legislature. And this year we were very
honored to be supported by the Speaker of the House who used to live in the Grove, but
now lives in Kendall, but invited me up to his office to speak about Coconut Grove. There
is so much excitement going on now about Coconut Grove and our commissioner. He
was up there with his leg all over the Legislature, Senate office building. And so we spent
two days just hobbling around. But anyway, ever since the project started with the
laundry and they sold and they got -- now there's so much energy created to be
developing in the Grove with our Little Bahamas. And everybody's excited. And I'm
excited because I've been waiting for a long time, working with Ms. Gibson and
everything, to develop in West Grove, I've always felt that West Grove and the middle of
the Grove -- hoot, hoot, hoot. That wasn 't you, Todd, was it? You did the beeper? No
beepers. We've got an agreement.
Chair King: You know I have a policy that you --
Commissioner Pardo: You 're exempt.
Chair King: -- and Ms. Thelma can speak. And once anyone gets to your status, I do not
hold --
Mr. Trainer: I'm on a beeper now?
Chair King: No, I do not hold you to the two minutes.
Mr. Trainer: Don 't go back on your word now.
Chair King: I'm not going to go back on my word. You don 't have to worry. I won 't go
back on my word.
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Mr. Trainer: I've only got another couple of thousand words.
Chair King: You go right ahead. You go right -- you 've earned it. You go right ahead.
Mr. Trainer: Anyway, I appreciate the fact, it's civics in work, but to walk those halls of
Tallahassee and have excitement about Coconut Grove, everybody asked me, what's
going on in Coconut Grove? How's it going? What's it doing? And I think we have a
great opportunity with our project at the 72 units and some commercial. And it's really
going to be great for all of Dade County, but especially Coconut Grove. And I see the
excitement now, all the -- everything's picking up and people are coming in. We've got
the already people moving in from the -- from the middle of the Grove are now moving
into the West Grove because of the high rises going up, and now we need -- we need the
space. So, I appreciate all your efforts and listening and -- and is that you again?
Chair King: It's automatic; that wasn 't me. It was -- it was Todd.
Mr. Trainer: Todd?
Chair King: It was Todd.
Mr. Trainer: Anyway, I'll -- but Miguel, it's always nice, you're so interested in what we
do in the West Grove and all over the Grove. It's great. Christine, you 've been doing
well. And Mr. Pardo, I've got my thing, he had his crutches, so we're in unison. But
thanks for all you do for us, and look out for us in West Grove because we're going to do
a lot of nice things. I retired from the Coconut Grove Arts Festival just so that I could
come and go to work in West Grove because that's my legacy. There was an article
printed on me about 20 years ago on what I envisioned for Coconut Grove and the
uniting of the West Grove, which was one of those things. And I -- so, after all these
years, I'm getting with Ms. Gibson, and I'm helping out in West Grove. So, thank you. I
enjoy being here. Nice to see you. And our city commissioner -- our City Manager has
always been very helpful for us too. He's started out our meetings about Coconut Grove,
so thank you all. And Todd, thanks.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
James Torres: Good morning, Chairwoman. James Torres. Want to bring up RE.10. I
think this needs to go back to the drawing board. We're not in favor of this particular
item at this point because it's not aligning with what really needs to happen here. And let
me share a little bit of context on that. If you're going to put this on the elect -- on the
ballot for the election, you're going to have Commissioner Joe Carollo, possibly yourself,
and the Mayor have an extension of an additional year. So, I think the verbiage and
everything else needs to be relooked at this because, Commissioner Gabela, you came
here to be an agent of change, Commissioner Pardo as well, and I think the verbiage is
incorrect as to what's being said here, unless you're going to tell me I'm completely
wrong, which I don't think I am. So, I think this needs to be deferred and the verbiage
needs to be relooked at once again. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Good morning.
Brenda Betancourt: Good morning, Brenda Betancourt, 1436 Southwest 6th Street. I love
the RE.12. I've been doing events in Little Havana for the -- actually, this is my tenth
year celebrating Central America Independence Day. So, everything that we enhance our
culture is amazing. So, I'm in support of that, in support of saving the church, parking lot
are not. And for somebody who 's been in a church and support the church all the time,
the most important thing is to have our people believe on God. It doesn 't matter what
religion you are, it's something I have learned in the young age. It doesn 't matter if
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you 're a Catholic, a Presbyterian, whichever religion that you want to believe on, as long
as God is up front, it doesn 't matter the rest. I just want to touch a little something. I
don't know which items are off or not, because I'm sorry I was late, but we would talk
about yesterday and the legislation we heard that there are changes coming for
condominiums. I just left a conference with the governor with the changes coming for the
condominium association. What is the City of Miami, especially the two commissioner
who has more condo units, is going to do about respecting the owners of the
condominiums and helping them to get those people out of the boards? They are stealing,
that they are not being truthful to the owners. What is the City of Miami is going to do?
And this is something that we need to work on it, especially with the church on Brickell.
Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to be heard, public
comment?
Laura Zicareni: Hello, good morning, everybody. I'm in support of PS.1 [sic], of the
appeal for the whole Brickell community. I believe after listening to everybody today here
that we all agree on one thing, everybody loves the church. We all want the church to
stay. The problem here is that some people are considering that the parking and the
school are not important, and I believe that they do, and they do it better for the
community than having another high-rise. We don 't need another high-rise in Brickell.
We are full of high-rises. What we need is that open space because I've been living for a
while there, and people enjoy that open space. It's an important open space. It's not just -
- it doesn 't matter that it's not green, but it's an open space, and it's what Brickell needs
because we enjoy to have open classes there, yoga classes. There are food trucks that
during weekends it's beautiful to be there because there's free music. And you can see
families enjoying that open space. It doesn 't matter if it's green or not green. Brickell
need more open spaces where people can gather and enjoy as community and as family.
Thank you very much.
Chair King: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair, if I can have the speaker's name.
Chair King: Ma'am, ma'am?
Ms. Zicareni: Do I write down my --?
Chair King: Just say it.
Ms. Zicareni: Oh, sorry. My name is Laura Zicareni. Thank you.
Chair King: Thank you.
Ms. Zicareni: Thank you very much.
Chair King: Is there anyone else here that would like to be heard? Seeing none, the
public comment portion of our meeting is now closed. Thank you for your advocacy.
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AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AM.1 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Jan 23, 2025 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: At this time, I'm going to ask my colleagues if I might have a motion to
approve AM1, 2, and 3. Those are the meeting minutes from the January 23rd, 2025
meeting, February 13th, 2025 meeting, and February 27th, 2025.
Commissioner Pardo: So moved.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
AM.2 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Feb 13, 2025 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.2, please see Item AM.1.
AM.3 City Commission - City Commission Meeting - Feb 27, 2025 9:00 AM
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item AM.3, please see Item AM.1.
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MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
There were no mayoral vetoes associated with legislation that is subject to veto by the Mayor.
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
CA.1
17379
City Manager's
Office
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, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
LABSENT: Reyes
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DE -
ALLOCATING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($200,000.00) ("FUNDS")
PREVIOUSLY ALLOCATED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2024,
PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. R-24-0389 TO COVER COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE TASTE OF LITTLE HAVANA FOOD AND
ART FESTIVAL; REALLOCATING THE FUNDS TO COVER
VARIOUS CITY OF MIAMI SPONSORED EVENTS AND EXHIBITS
AT THE CUBAN MUSEUM, INC, D/B/A THE AMERICAN MUSEUM
OF THE CUBAN DIASPORA, A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENTS, MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING, MODIFICATIONS, EXTENSIONS, AND
AMENDMENTS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0116
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
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CA.2 RESOLUTION
17304 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
De artment of ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING EIGHT (8) RIGHT-OF-WAY
p DEEDS OF DEDICATION AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A",
Resilience and ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED ("DEEDS"), FOR RIGHT -OF -
Public Works WAY PURPOSES; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
RECORDATION OF THE DEEDS IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA; FURTHER DIRECTING THE
CITY CLERK TO RETAIN A COPY OF THE DEEDS
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0117
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.3 RESOLUTION
17358 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
De artment of ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
p EXECUTE AN OFF -SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND
Resilience and MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
Public Works ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("FDOT"), FOR
IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE ROAD 944 / NORTHWEST 54
STREET FROM NORTHWEST 32 AVENUE TO NORTHWEST 12
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, INCLUDING WORK ON NORTHWEST
13 AVENUE, A ROAD NOT ON THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM,
FOR GENERAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS
CORRIDOR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0118
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
CA.4 RESOLUTION
17343 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
De artment of Risk AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND
p ON BEHALF OF NORMA MENDEZ, SUBJECT TO THE
Management CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA STATUTES,
THE TOTAL SUM OF $175,000.00, INCLUDING $100.00 FOR A
SEPARATE GENERAL RELEASE, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY'), ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND
EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, UPON
EXECUTING A SETTLEMENT 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 $174,800.00 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-25-0119
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
This matter was ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S) on the Consent
Agenda.
CA.5 RESOLUTION
17357 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
De artment of Risk AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY TO AND
p ON BEHALF OF LEONARD DELVILLA, SUBJECT TO THE
Management CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 440, FLORIDA STATUTES,
THE TOTAL SUM OF $45,000.00, INCLUDING $100.00, FOR A
SEPARATE GENERAL RELEASE, IN FULL SETTLEMENT OF ALL
CLAIMS AND DATES OF ACCIDENT ALLEGED AGAINST THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY'), ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND
EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT ADMISSION OF LIABILITY, UPON
EXECUTING A SETTLEMENT 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 $44,900.00 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-25-0120
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair King: Gentlemen, is there anything from the consent agenda that you would
like to pull for discussion? That would be CA.1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Commissioner Gabela: Not me.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: Sure. Mr. City Clerk?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, for the record, CA.4 needs to be amended.
The resolution should read 174,900 instead of 174, 800.
Chair King: Okay, okay. Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: Nope.
Chair King: All right. Seeing none, may I have a motion for C --?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: For CA.1, 2, 3, 4, as amended, and 5. I have a motion and a second. All
in favor?
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
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PH.1
17303
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
PH - PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF ADDITIONAL STATE
HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP ("SHIP") FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $66,791.00 FOR STATE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024,
FOR THE STRATEGIES UNDER THE CURRENT SHIP LOCAL
HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN ("LHAP"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY,
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0121
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: Gentlemen, for your information, we cannot take up -- no, that's
another one. Anyone would like to pull the public hearing items, PH.1, 3, 4, 5, 7, or
8, for discussion?
Vice Chair Carollo: 1, 3, 7, or 8?
Chair King: Uh-huh, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, 4, 5 --
Chair King: Yes, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 8 for discussion. Todd?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And Chair, just for the record, PH.5 needs to be
amended pursuant to the substitution memo dated April 3rd, 2025.
Chair King: Got it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm ready for a motion if nobody has a --
Vice Chair Carollo: Is that a motion you'd like, Chair?
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Pardo: I'll make a motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's a motion. A motion.
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Chair King: So, I have a motion and a second to approve PH.1, 2, 4 -- wait, did I say
that wrong? I'm sorry. PH.1, 3, 4, 5, as amended, 7 and 8. I have a motion and a
second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Hang on. As amended, PH.5 amended where? And by the
way, this is a -- I just want to say I'm very honored and proud that you guys are
helping me achieve this. This has been a long time in the making. For the first time,
the Allapattah CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) will be established, and
you will also get the Omni --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: -- CRA.
Commissioner Pardo: Congratulations.
Commissioner Gabela: So, I'm very proud of the work that we've done.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, yeah.
Commissioner Gabela: What about that amendment, Todd?
George Wysong (City Attorney): So, I can answer that. The amendment came from
your office actually, where it was recommended that some clarifying language was
added. So, we added Section 5, which basically says the City Commission hereby
makes a legislative finding pursuant to Section 163.355. And it just clarifies that the
notion was that we wanted to track the exact language in the Florida Statute, so this
makes it even more clear, so that's what the amendment was.
Commissioner Gabela: All right.
Vice Chair Carollo: If there's a motion, there's a second, discussion, Chair.
Chair King: Which item?
Vice Chair Carollo: On -- on 7.
Chair King: PH. 7?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, what -- I believe that's what it is. That's the Allapattah
CRAorisit --?
Chair King: No, the Allapattah --
Commissioner Gabela: No, that's 5.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's 5. I apologize.
Chair King: That's PH.5.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's 5. What I'd like to get from the administration is one --
because I don 't want to vote for something here just to feel good and it can 't be done
later. I had put a path before where it could have been done and quick, immediately,
without anybody else's vote in the county or anywhere else, only the city. What I
need to know from the administration is, one, Mr. Manager, how much is this going
to take away from the general fund each year? Do you have those numbers? Because
we can 't be voting for hundreds of millions of dollars into the future.
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Commissioner Gabela: But you can vote for it -- you can vote no, and the rest of it
can take the vote. And I say call the question.
Chair King: Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's fine, Commissioner.
Chair King: Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: But I need to get something in the record, okay. This is what
we're here for.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no. We're here because you want to disrupt this.
Chair King: Commissioner, Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: Because before you were for it --
Chair King: Please let him speak.
Commissioner Gabela: -- and now you're against it because you and I have a
problem --
Chair King: Commissioner.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because I took the Bayfront Trust, and you're going to
make everything here impossible to get done.
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no, no, no.
Commissioner Gabela: Because that's what you're worried about.
Chair King: Please, please.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, that's why we're here.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Chair King: Please, please, please. Please let's be courteous to each other and hear
each other out, please.
Commissioner Gabela: All right. He can vote no and that's it. We're done.
Chair King: But we have to --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, this is Venezuela, right?
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: No, you're Venezuela, that you don't want to leave like
Maduro, just like you did with Bayfront Park.
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no.
Commissioner Gabela: You're Venezuela. You stand for Venezuela.
Chair King: I will recess the meeting if we won 't stop.
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Commissioner Gabela: I don't. We took a vote here.
Chair King: I will re --
Commissioner Gabela: I became chairman of the Bayfront Trust and you're not
happy with it.
Chair King: Sir, sirs, sirs --
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Chair King: -- please. Please allow each other --
Vice Chair Carollo: If he doesn 't want to be in control --
Chair King: Please allow each other to speak. We don't have to devolve into --
Commissioner Gabela: You're right.
Chair King: -- arguments. Let's allow each other to have their say and you will be
able to have your say as well. You were saying, Commissioner?
Vice Chair Carollo: Thank you, Chairwoman. I am asking the administration, first of
all, beginning with the first year that this would become a CRA to the last year, how
much money is going to be taken from the City's general fund, one. Two, where's the
replacement money going to come for the dollars that we're going to need for other
city services like police, like fire, like solid waste, and many others? This is why we
have an uproar in Washington right now with DOGE (Department of Government
Efficiency). This is why this country is at the brink in the next few years of
destruction. We have close to $37 trillion of debt that our federal government has
been spending every year, overspending several trillion dollars that we don 't have.
But they got a printing press, and then we sell all that debt to wonderful countries,
like Communist China, so they could have our debt. And for the first time, we're
spending more money in paying the interest on that huge debt than we're paying in
the national security defense for all of us in America. And that trickles down to all
the local governments. Thank God that here in local governments we don 't have a
printing press, but we have an obligation not to be throwing money out the door, and
particularly, when this community is being killed with the high property taxes. The
property appraiser every year increases our taxes that we have to pay. It's
wonderful. They say that our homes are worth so much more, but it's great if you
want to sell your home, but for the bulk of us who want to live in our homes,
especially if you're retired, it's becoming unaffordable to pay those taxes. Therefore,
government has an obligation to lower taxes, which we don 't. Government is like a
big sinkhole. The more money you throw into it, the more it wants to eat up. And this
is an example of not doing things in a responsible way. And this is why I'm asking
questions that some don 't want me to ask, they don 't want the public to hear. I don 't
care if they have the votes here, but this is information that needs to come out so that
we know what we're going to be facing if this ever becomes a reality. The County
does not care what we do with our money. They're going to say, okay, we'll go
ahead with it, but we're not putting our money into it like you normally do in a CRA.
Commissioner Gabela: Since you're worried -- since you are worried about the
government misspending --
Vice Chair Carollo: Mr. Spring -- Mr. Spring -- hey, listen, I have the floor.
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Chair King: Hello, hello, hello?
Commissioner Gabela: -- why don't we ask, sir, Wysong, how much has he spent on
legal bills that he's cost the City of Miami and the taxpayers?
Chair King: Okay, okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: I have the floor.
Commissioner Gabela: No, because when is he going to talk too?
Chair King: Listen, I'm going to recess the meeting if we cannot --
Commissioner Gabela: When is he going to talk too?
Chair King: -- allow each other to speak. I believe our CFO (Chief Financial
Officer) is here to answer a question. Please answer the question that was posed.
Larry Spring: Through the Chair, Larry Spring, Chief Financial Officer. So, just for
clarification, the item in front of you is just the finding. It has nothing to do with the
financial projections.
Vice Chair Carollo: I --
Mr. Spring: I just need to put that on the record.
Vice Chair Carollo: I understand that --
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- but if this becomes a reality, the finding, what's the real
money this is going to be costing us, Larry?
Mr. Spring: So, the -- so, the gross -- the gross cumulative City TIF (Tax Increment
Financing) based on a 95 percent CRA and some other assumptions would be
$40,975,000 over 30 years.
Vice Chair Carollo: You're saying $40 million?
Mr. Spring: That would be the TIF that would be generated over just the City side,
not the County side, just the City side.
Vice Chair Carollo: But is that every year?
Mr. Spring: No, no, that's the cumulative over the initial 30 year period.
Vice Chair Carollo: So, you're looking at just slightly over $2 million a year?
Mr. Spring: Average, yes, somewhere around there.
Vice Chair Carollo: So, this is not an expansion then where there's going to be the
area that I was shown that monies are going to be taken from that like the other two
CRAs?
Mr. Spring: Well, yeah, it would be. It's the geographic boundary that was directed
by the City Commission, and this is the City's gross portion at 95 percent. Keep in
mind, and I've put this on the record before, and I'm sure we will get this feedback
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also from the County, we were intending to do a 50 percent CRA at the end of the
day. If I add the projection that we have for the County, the cumulative between the
two would add up to $131 million at 95 percent for both sides.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Spring: We were going to -- we were planning to go
that it be 50 percent of that number, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: All right. You 're going in the record,
going to be slightly over $40 million for 30 years.
to the County and request
Larry, telling me that it's
Mr. Spring: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: If this gets passed.
Mr. Spring: Based on the projections we have and the assumptions we use.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Spring: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: Alright. You're going in the record, Larry, telling me that it's
going to be slightly over $40 million for 30 years?
Mr. Spring: Yes --
Vice Chair Carollo: If this gets passed.
Mr. Spring: -- based on the projections we have and the assumptions we use. Yes,
sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: So, if these not -- these are not the projections that I saw before,
there was a lot more money in that. And this is why I was bringing this out in the
open.
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: But if you're telling me it's only that, it must be a very small
area, because that huge area that I was seeing, how could it only bring in, in the
property taxes that they pay to the city only --
Mr. Spring: I can -- we can share the de --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- slightly over a million dollars a year?
Mr. Spring: We'll -- we can share the detailed calculations with you. So, you know,
our estimates of tax base increase over that time frame.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, with those numbers, I would be willing to vote for this. If
we kept this at 1.5, no more than 1.5 million a year, anything over that comes back to
the general fund. Because at least with 1.5 in a budget our size, we could find the
money for it. But not in the numbers that I was told before --
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- that was going to come from here.
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Commissioner Gabela: Forget about that. Let me to do my thing.
Vice Chair Carollo: This way -- this way, I'm assured that we're voting in a
responsible manner into the future.
Mr. Spring: So, what I --
Vice Chair Carollo: Now, they're saying 30 million -- excuse me, 40 million over 30
years. I'm saying if you cap it at $1.5 million, that would give you a lot more than
he's saying on the 40 million, and we're protected into the future, into our general
fund, that we need to pay every other bill for the rest of the city.
Mr. Spring: Through the Chair.
Chair King: Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: And frankly --
Commissioner Gabela: Can -- can I --
Chair King: He's going to answer.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- with those kind of dollars -- with those kind of dollars, why
are we even doing this? We just should allocate it from each year's fiscal budget to
put aside the million plus dollars to an Allapattah, you could call it a whatever you
want, so it could be spent there. And I would support that.
Commissioner Gabela: I don 't need your support.
Chair King: Mr. --
Commissioner Gabela: I don 't want your support; I don 't need your support.
Chair King: Commissioner. Commissioner, stop it. Stop. Are you finished?
Mr. Spring: I just need to put something on the record --
Chair King: Go right ahead.
Mr. Spring: -- or like an indulgence, if you will.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, is -- it's my thing. I think at some time I'd like to
ask him a couple questions.
Chair King: You will be able to --
Commissioner Gabela: Because he's been rambling and rambling and rambling.
Chair King: Hey, stop it. Stop. You will be able to.
Commissioner Gabela: Alright.
Chair King: Everybody will have a chance. We don 't -- we can save our rebuttals,
your comments, for when it's your turn. You want to put something on the record?
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Mr. Spring: Put on the record. So, Commissioner, procedurally, the presentation of
the redevelopment plan, which will be on the -- we have it scheduled for the next
agenda, we will have attached the financing plan to that document. What I'd ask the
Commission to do is indulge the staff and the consultants and give us the opportunity
to sit and go through in detail of the numbers. I understand your policy directive.
We're not battling that, or we don't have any intention to oppose anything that the
Council, excuse me, the City Commission approves, just -- just allow us the
opportunity to give you that information. The item today is really -- is just the
statutory --
Chair King: Finding of necessity.
Mr. Spring: -- the finding of necessity.
Chair King: It's the finding of necessity.
Mr. Spring: That's it. Yeah.
Chair King: I don 't think anyone will disagree with the fact that there is need in
Allapattah.
Mr. Spring: Right.
Chair King: I believe Commissioner Pardo wanted to say something. You want to go
first?
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: I want to go first. Can Igo --
Commissioner Pardo: Go ahead. Absolutely.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: I've got a lot to say here. It is my thing at the end of the day
for my district, right? So, I think I should be permitted to speak at the very least.
Number one, I don 't agree with that. If he needs to vote, vote. Let's take the vote and
he can vote no. And that's his position and I respect that. End of story. So, I'm not
for that. I can forget -- he can forget about that. I'm not interested in the cap.
Number two, if he does want to put a cap, then let's put a cap on the legal bills that
we're spending here on his behalf, okay, that is over now $10 million in taxpayer --
since he's so concerned about the taxpayer, okay? And we have a fiduciary duty --
Wysong, how much has the gentleman spent here? He's asking the facts, now I want
the facts. How much is he costing the City of Miami up to now?
Mr. Wysong: Unfortunately, I don 't have those numbers with me.
Commissioner Gabela: I don't know how long I've been asking this question.
Wysong, I've been asking this question forever. You guys don 't have the number, or
you don 't want to say the number?
Mr. Wysong: Understood.
Commissioner Gabela: What's the deal here?
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Mr. Wysong: But -- so we could provide you with the total number of attorney's fees
spent. But remember, many of these cases are not against the commissioner, they're
against the City of Miami.
Commissioner Gabela: Right.
Mr. Wysong: And there were City of Miami actors that were involved. So, you know,
I could get you a grand total of all cases that he's involved in.
Commissioner Gabela: But the City of Miami actors that were involved were
involved because this gentleman took action against a gentleman that he calls the 8th
Street Boys, okay, not the other gentleman. He -- and as a consequence, the City of
Miami fell into that. I don't know how long I've been asking this question.
Apparently, all the math is here to mess up Allapattah, but when I ask you guys a
question, how much money, and I've asked this 10 times, 20 times, how much money
has Joe Carollo, that now he wants to run for mayor, is costing the City of Miami,
since he's so concerned about what we're spending and he's so concerned about
Washington, which I am too. By the way, I am a fellow Republican, okay? Let me put
that on the record, okay? And I am to the right, and I am also for saving the taxpayer
money. But since we're on the subject that you want to talk about, let's talk about it.
Wysong, I don 't know how many times, until I'm blue in the face, asking you guys,
okay, in e-mail, in verbal conversations, and that answer has never been given. I get
the feeling, okay, that there's something going on here that you guys don't want to
say how much it's costing because it's a lot. Now, Larry, you said that my CRA, the
Allapattah CRA, is going to cost, what is it, 40 mil over 10 years?
Mr. Spring: From the City.
Commissioner Gabela: Let me ask you a question. In just a span of seven years or
eight years that he's been here, he's cost the city more than $10 million, folks. $10
million, because what he wants to do now, why he wants to talk about that, he wants
to torpedo my CRA because he was for it up until, I don't know, months ago. But
then all of a sudden, when I became chairman of the Bayfront Trust, then he put his
guns towards me. And that's what this really is about. He's trying to stop this, okay?
Maybe, Commissioner, instead of attacking us like you always do here, take care of
your neighborhood. Let me tell you, because I walked your neighborhood in 2023,
and your neighborhood leaves much to be desired. There's trash, there's, you know,
not being picked up, there's curbs, there's crime, a lot of stuff. You dedicate your
time when you come here to attacking us, on Spanish radio, you've attacked my chief
of staff you called him a communist. I think you owe him an apology, okay?
Vice Chair Carollo: I did not call him a communist, sir.
Commissioner Gabela: But just because you 're a Democrat doesn 't mean you 're a
communist. That's number one.
Vice Chair Carollo: I did not call him a communist.
Chair King: Commissioner, please, Commissioner, let him speak.
Commissioner Gabela: No, you let him -- yep, yep, yep --
Chair King: Let him speak. Let him speak.
Commissioner Gabela: -- I'm not done. No, no, no. I'm not done. When you talk, you
go on for 20 minutes and 30 minutes, so now it's my turn. You're going to respect me
and you're going to let me talk, okay?
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Vice Chair Carollo: Go ahead, Tony.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm not finished here. No. No, I shut up when she told me to
shut up, so you're going to shut up.
Vice Chair Carollo: Go ahead, Tony.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, shut up then and let me talk.
Vice Chair Carollo: Go ahead, Tony.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, shut up.
Vice Chair Carollo: Soprano.
Chair King: Stop. Stop.
Commissioner Gabela: Maduro. What do you want, Maduro?
Chair King: You guys --
Commissioner Gabela: What do you want, Maduro, huh? Wysong? City Attorney?
City Attorney?
Mr. Wysong: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gabela: Wysong. City Manager, okay? I want the figure on how much
he's cost the city of Miami taxpayer. I want it on my desk, okay?
Mr. Wysong: Right.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay? No more games here, okay? No more games because
I've been at this for months, and months, and months, and we never get -- we never
get that answer. But I can tell -- it -- it would be fair to say he's costing in the
millions of dollars in the span four, five, or six years, since this lawsuit came up with
the 8th Street Boys, okay? With the 8th Street Boys. And let me tell you something
else I learned -- you talking about the 8th Street Boys and how they did stuff illegal
and permitting. I just learned that those people aren't being paid because they were
pushed to finish the roof in your famous fountain over there. And you talk
hypocritically here about the 8th Street Boys and how they did this and that and
didn 't take out any permits. And these people are not being paid now that we owe
them the money to the tune of $400,000 because you, Commissioner Carollo, or
somebody, pushed them to finish this thing without a permitting system. Something
that you say that everybody, you know, shouldn't do because, you know, we're the
City of Miami, you know, but apparently you push for that so your fountain can be
ready by a certain time and now the gentleman isn 't being paid for it. I'd like for that
to be put on the record and looked for. And if the gentleman did the work, and just
because they asked him to do the roofing before the permitting was done, because
somebody had a need to show that fountain, that the gentleman be paid. And I
expect, please, the answer to the question that I've been asking for almost a year
now, how much has Joe Carollo cost the City of Miami in legal fees, okay? Because
after all, since he's so interested in protecting, and he's so interested now in saving
the city of Miami money, we should look into that. And I got a couple more things
that I'm going to say to look into, things that he's, you know, brought up and I'm
going to give him the answer. And by the way, if you want to talk about arrest, I'm
not scared of you. We can talk about arrest today since you 've been spewing on
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Spanish radio about this guys arrest and the other guy's arrest and this -- I'm not
scared of you. You can say, if you want to talk about arrests, go ahead, let's talk
about arrests right now. Thank you.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Commissioner Pardo: I want -- I wanted to talk a little bit about --
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo -- Commissioner Pardo asked to speak --
Commissioner Pardo: I wanted to talk a little bit about --
Chair King: -- I'll allow him to speak.
Commissioner Pardo: -- for the benefit, really, of everyone how -- what's important
about that CRA. Commissioner Gabela is starting a new CRA, which means that if
you pay $100 in taxes and now you pay $110, those $10 goes to the CRA. Why is the
CRA important? A CRA can focus on a geography in a way that the city can 't, the
county can 't, the state can 't. So, that CRA can really help Allapattah. It can build
affordable housing. They can take care of infrastructure. What's not -- what's
important is not the total amount of that TIF over 40 years. What's important is the
work that Commissioner Gabela has set forward, which no one has done before him
in his area. And what's important is that at some point, he'd be able to get to the
places of like Southeast Overtown CRA or Omni CRA, where last year we put a
thousand units of affordable housing, we have a thousand in the pipeline, we're
doing the kind of work that needs to be done desperately in our city, that needs
specific focus and action. You know like I know that the city and the CRAs work hand
in hand. As an example, Omni CRA pays the interest for the port tunnel. That's a city
expense that the Omni CRA pays. We work together. We're not taking money away
from you. You 're not taking money away from us. The police that you put on the
street, the fire that you put on the street, we put programs that can enhance, you
know, those situations, right? So, I think -- I think we're kind of missing the really --
importance of what is a tool in our tool belt as a CRA, which we're fortunate enough
to have in Southeast Overtown, in Omni, and now in Allapattah. And I commend you,
Commissioner Gabela, for the hard work you've put in to get all of that done. I also -
- and I'm also, I mean, my background is finance. I take very seriously being
responsible and judicious and not adding taxes. And in fact, Commissioner Gabela
and I voted to lower taxes in January of 2024. So --
Mr. Spring: Yes, you did.
Commissioner Pardo: -- I -- right, we did. So, I think we've been very consistent with
being responsible and putting forward plans that really help our communities.
Chair King: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Chair King: Let's --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no, no, no.
Chair King: Wait, wait, wait.
Vice Chair Carollo: This cannot be --
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Chair King: One, if we cannot have discussion about what is said on the radio, that
does not have anything to do with what we're doing here. It is not what our residents
came -- this is not a circus. I'm going to limit your comments to two minutes on this
item. Not radio, not Bayfront Park. This is about the finding of necessity for the
Allapattah CRA only. Two minutes and then we're going to take a vote.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes, but Chairwoman, you let him go on into something that had
nothing to do with that. Attorney's fees. I need to answer that.
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Gabela: He's done that in the past, that's why.
Chair King: Listen, listen, listen, listen.
Commissioner Gabela: He's said it in the past.
Chair King: Each one of you have delved into conversations that has nothing to do
with this agenda. You have had your time. You have -- he is correct, and you've been
allowed to speak 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and I'm giving everybody the opportunity
to do the same. No one --
Vice Chair Carollo: I didn 't speak for 30 minutes.
Chair King: Not today, not today, I didn't say today, I said you have. No one here is
innocent of straying off topic. And it is my job as chair to keep us on topic. And
we've just gone way beyond this item. We are talking about approving the finding of
necessity. Please keep your comments to that item only. Commissioner?
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman?
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: I have to answer at least --
Commissioner Pardo: Can we call the question?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- 10 minutes he went in, accusing me --
Chair King: Stop that. Stop that.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- of $10 million that are not there.
Chair King: Two minutes to respond to the $10 million.
Vice Chair Carollo: Number one, the individuals that he is saying that $10 million
was spent, they have sued the city in numerous lawsuits for the same thing over and
over again. They have sued some of the top 10 executives in the city. They have sued
me. And with the exception of the kangaroo court that they brought me to another
county in a jury in Broward County that will be thrown out later this year in appeal,
the last 12 times that they have brought me to court, they have lost in court, and they
keep appealing. Now, what Mr. Gabela hasn't said is the relationship that he has
with these people, the fundraising that they have done with him. How he meets with
some of their employees constantly to conspire to see how he could vote to approve
millions of dollars for them to settle these bogus cases that are being thrown out one
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after another from the courts. Having said that, since I've been back seven and a half
years ago approximately, I have brought to this city, just in recurring revenue, I'm
not even going to count the time -to -time revenues, close to $4.5, $5 million a year.
You add that up from the time that I've been here, and even if I would cost the city
what he claims, which is not me, it's a suit for everybody that they've done, they
should have ten guys like me that are going to be making the city a lot of money with
ideas that they bring for new revenue that he can 't come up with.
Chair King: Commissioner.
Vice Chair Carollo: But having said that -- one last -- one last one. Since I was
mayor of this city, almost 24 years ago, during that time I came up with two ideas
alone. One, that I had to push through Tallahassee and got it passed, that up to this
day in recurring revenue, and it grows every year, have brought the city some $600
million since that time. You show me one elected official in this community that has
accomplished that. There are none. So, if you want to talk about attorney's fees,
we'll talk about everything, including that.
Chair King: Thank you.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, I get my two minutes now, right?
Chair King: Two minutes.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. First of all, what he's saying, like usual, is a lie. I do
not meet with any of the people that he's talking about. That's number one. He
invents them out of the air, okay? I've seen him plenty of times invent things here
that has no merit, nothing, but this gentleman, not so far along, he was on top of
them for his campaign finances. Until one day, Commissioner Pardo got tired and
said, hey, I'll trade you for your resignation, and here's where I got my money from.
And he didn 't take it. I didn 't see him resign. You know what I'm saying? I didn 't see
him resign, you know? What I'm afraid of right now is the audacity that he has to do
this kind of stuff and waste this kind of stuff -- this kind of time that we should be
working for you. I came here on a simple vote, and he goes into something else
because he wants to throw a monkey wrench, no matter what, because he's angry at
me that they voted for me to become the Bayfront chair. This is all this is. Before
this, he was getting along no problem with me. I want you to understand. We cannot
tolerate this. I have too much respect for you out there. I show up here at 9 o'clock
in the morning. I have too much respect for my constituents, my taxpayer, okay, my
kids, Caroline, Stacy, and my wife, Mary, okay, to do stuff that's not correct. And
therefore, I feel bad when we're wasting your time on petty things like this. But the
problem is this gentleman always goes back to the petty thing. He can 't control
himself. He cannot control it. And at some point, you must answer. He's accused me
of everything in the book, and I get tired of this, because I wish, Madam Chair, that
one day we would come here and not have this, okay? But he started it. All he has to
do is vote against it if he's not happy with it, and say his piece, yes, and that's it. But
what he's trying to do is he's trying to muddy the waters, okay? Muddy the waters
after we spent about a year and something doing this, when I got here, okay, to put a
monkey wrench to stop this process. Allapattah, I absorbed the consequences of the
7th Avenue corridor, the homeless situation. I absorbed that from all of the districts.
I need money. I need money to fight that. I'm pro police. Ask any policeman you talk
about, okay? When we gave them the salary increase -- thank you, I'm going to
abide.
Chair King: Thank you.
Commissioner Pardo: Can we call the vote?
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PH.2
17320
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
[Later...]
Chair King: Now I'm going to do it one by one, because if it's going to be a no vote,
it's going to mess up everything. So, may I have a motion for PH.1 and 3?
Commissioner Gabela: 1 and 3.
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: Got a motion, do I have a second?
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Okay.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS
("CDBG-CV3") FUNDS FROM FISCAL YEAR ("FY") 2020-2021 IN
THE AMOUNT OF $586,128.88 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ("HCD") TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION ("PARKS
DEPARTMENT") FOR ELIGIBLE PARK IMPROVEMENTS TO E. G.
SEWELL PARK, IN DISTRICT 1, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS,
EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAW, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see "Order of the
Day."
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
PH.3
17305
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
PH.4
17354
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $454,107.00 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS TO BE UTILIZED FOR STREET
IMPROVEMENT, AS DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL
LAWS THAT REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID
PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0122
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see Item PH.1.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG") FUNDS IN
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,629,040 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESILIENCE AND PUBLIC WORKS TO BE UTILIZED FOR STREET
AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS, DRAINAGE, AND/OR ANY
OTHER CDBG ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN DISTRICT 5, AS
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS,
ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY,
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0123
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing PH.4, please see Item
PH.1.
Chair King: May I have a motion for PH.4, 7, and 8?
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
PH.5
17340
Department of
Economic
Innovation &
Development
Commissioner Gabela: 4, 7 --
Vice Chair Carollo: 4, 7, and 8, move.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE FINDING
OF NECESSITY ("FON") PREPARED BY BUSINESS FLARE, LLC,
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT "A,"
DECLARING, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 163.335 AND
163.355, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING,
A CERTAIN GEOGRAPHIC AREA LOCATED IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY') KNOWN AS ALLAPATTAH, GENERALLY BOUNDED
ON THE NORTH BY STATE ROAD 112/AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY,
ON THE EAST BY INTERSTATE-95 AND NORTHWEST 7TH
AVENUE, ON THE SOUTH BY THE MIAMI RIVER, AND ON THE
WEST BY NORTHWEST 19TH AVENUE, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "B" ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED ("AREA"), TO BE A SLUM OR BLIGHTED AREA;
DECLARING THE REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION AND
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA ARE NECESSARY AND IN THE
BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND
WELFARE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY, MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY ("COUNTY'), AND THE RESIDENTS LIVING WITHIN THE
PROPOSED AREA AND DECLARING THE NEED TO ESTABLISH
THE ALLAPATTAH REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("ALLAPATTAH CRA") WITH
GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "B"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; FURTHER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 163.356(1), FLORIDA STATUTES, DECLARING THAT
THERE IS A NEED FOR THE ALLAPATTAH CRA AND DECLARING
THE CITY COMMISSION TO BE THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE
ALLAPATTAH CRA WHICH WILL BE A SEPARATE, DISTINCT, AND
INDEPENDENT ENTITY FROM THE CITY COMMISSION WITH ALL
THE RIGHTS, POWERS, PRIVILEGES, DUTIES, AND IMMUNITIES
OF A COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
LEGISLATION TO THE COUNTY FOR FURTHER LEGISLATIVE
ACTION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0124
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Carollo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing PH.5, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s) " and Item PH.1.
Chair King: Now, may I have a motion for PH.5?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Chair King: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Nay for the reasons that I stated here.
Chair King: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Chair King: As amended.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, as amended with what you spoke about, but not
as amended with the cap that he was talking about. I am not for that. And let that be
clear on the record.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, thank you.
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PH.6 RESOLUTION
17246 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
De artment of Real ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
p VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-C OF THE CHARTER OF THE
Estate and Asset CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, WAIVING COMPETITIVE
Management BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH
ECORESILIENCY MIAMI, LLC ("DEVELOPER") FOR THE SALE,
UPON SATISFACTION OF CERTAIN CLOSING CONDITIONS, OF
+5.4 ACRES OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1111
PARROT JUNGLE TRAIL ("PROPERTY") FOR RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL USES, IN EXCHANGE FOR CANCELLATION OF THE
EXISTING LEASE AND CONSIDERATION EQUAL TO OR GREATER
THAN FAIR MARKET VALUE OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE
MILLION DOLLARS ($135,000,000.00), INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT
OF A NEW +13.3-ACRE PUBLIC WATERFRONT PARK ON THE
REMAINDER OF PROPERTY AT A COST TO DEVELOPER OF
THIRTY SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($37,000,000.00), PAYMENTS TC
CITY OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00) AT CLOSING AND
ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000) PER YEAR PER PHASE WITH
ANNUAL ESCALATIONS OF THREE PERCENT (3%) AND A
PRESENT VALUE OF ONE HUNDRED TEN MILLION EIGHT
HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND TWENTY-FOUR
DOLLARS ($110,875,024) OVER NINETY-NINE YEARS), AND
CERTAIN COMMUNITY BENEFITS VALUED AT THIRTY-FOUR
MILLION SIX -HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($34,600,000),
INCLUDING PAYMENT TO THE CITY OF FIFTEEN MILLION
DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00) FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
INFRASTRUCTURE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A PARTIAL RELEASE AND
MODIFICATION OF THE DEED RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN
DEED NO. 19447 BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE STATE OF
FLORIDA INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND ("STATE");
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A QUIT -CLAIM
DEED TO DEVELOPER, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY; PROVIDING, THAT SUCH SALE AND CONVEYANCE BE
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT
WITH THE STATE THROUGH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE OTHER
ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS AND AMENDMENTS REQUIRED TO
EFFECTUATE THE SALE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY
AS SET FORTH IN THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT, ALL IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: Item PH.6 was deferred to the April 24, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.6, please see "Order of the
Day."
PH.7 RESOLUTION
17232 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
De artment of Real ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
p AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
Estate and Asset APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
Management RECOMMENDATION AND FINDING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," THAT COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY"); WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID
PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A REVOCABLE LICENSE
AGREEMENT ("LICENSE"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY AND SENIOR VETERAN
FOUNDATION, INC ("LICENSEE") FOR THE LICENSEE'S USE OF
PORTION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 970
SOUTHWEST 1ST STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OPERATING AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TO PROVIDE
HOUSING ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO ACTIVE -DUTY MILITARY,
AND VETERANS WHO RESIDE IN MIAMI DADE COUNTY FOR A
MONTHLY USE FEE OF ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND
FIFTY SIX DOLLARS AND NINETY SEVEN CENTS ($1,956.97)
PLUS APPLICABLE TAXES, WITH A GUARANTEE DEPOSIT OF
THREE THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN DOLLARS
AND NINETY FOUR CENTS ($3,913.94), FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF
ONE-YEAR, WITH A THREE PERCENT (3%) INCREASE IN BOTH
THE MONTHLY USE FEE AND GUARANTEE DEPOSIT, IF
APPLICABLE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS MORE
SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN SAID LICENSE AGREEMENT;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID AGREEMENT, IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0125
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.7, please see Item PH.1
and Item PH.4.
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PH.8 RESOLUTION
17233 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of Real ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
p AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
Estate and Asset APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
Management RECOMMENDATION AND FINDING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A," THAT COMPETITIVE
NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT
PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CITY OF MIAMI
("CITY") AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID
PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A REVOCABLE LICENSE
AGREEMENT ("LICENSE"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE CITY AND MIAMI DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("LICENSEE") FOR THE LICENSEE'S
USE OF 433 SQUARE FEET OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 174 E FLAGLER STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING OFFICE SPACE TO
PROMOTE THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF DOWNTOWN MIAMI,
FOR A MONTHLY USE FEE OF FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT
DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-NINE CENTS ($588.89) PLUS ANY
APPLICABLE TAXES, WITH A GUARANTEE DEPOSIT OF NINE
HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR DOLLARS AND TWENTY SIX CENTS
($974.26), WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS MORE
SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN SAID LICENSE; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO SAID LICENSE, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE
NECESSARY.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0126
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PH.8, please see Item PH.1
and Item PH.4.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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RE.1
17339
City Manager's
Office
RE - RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU"), IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE
UNDERLINE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION, INC. D/B/A THE
UNDERLINE CONSERVANCY FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY")
COLLABORATION IN THE INVESTMENT, OPERATIONS,
PROGRAMMING, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
UNDERLINE, AN APPROXIMATELY 120-ACRE LINEAR SET OF
PARCELS OF LAND ADJACENT TO AND BELOW THE EXISTING
METRORAIL GUIDEWAY, FROM THE MIAMI RIVER (BRICKELL
AREA) TO THE DADELAND SOUTH METRORAIL STATION,
PORTIONS OF WHICH LIE IN UNINCORPORATED MIAMI-DADE
COUNTY, THE CITY, THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES AND THE
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
APPROPRIATION AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THE
PROJECT, AS DESCRIBED IN THE MOU, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
TO APPROPRIATE AND ALLOCATE FUNDING, IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $8,702,869.00 DOLLARS FOR FISCAL YEAR
2025-2026, FROM THE GENERAL FUND AND OTHER LEGALLY
AVAILABLE SOURCES OF FUNDS, WITH SUBSEQUENT YEAR
FUNDING SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT TIME OF NEED; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY,
IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, IN
FURTHERANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
MOU.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0136
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: At this time, we'll take up RE.1. I'm not sure who pulled RE.1 for
discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: It was pulled in a series --
Commissioner Gabela: I believe it was Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, in a series of items in the RFPs (Requests for Proposals).
Chair King: Right.
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll let the maker of the motion begin.
Chair King: Anybody else want discussion on this item?
Commissioner Pardo: I didn't pull it for discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: I pulled it and --
Chair King: The clerk can 't hear you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, I'm sorry. One of the key issues that we have with RE.1,
I'm sorry, RE.1, the Underline, this is a question to the administration. I'm confused
with what we have here, and I believe there was a memorandum that was sent. What
is the amount that we're talking to give to the Underline now, right for this fiscal
year?
Natasha Colebrook -Williams (Deputy City Manager): It is a $8.7 million
commitment over the first 5 years for the moment.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so now it's changed to the first 5 years, because what we
had before was '25, '26.
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: Correct, there was a substitution sent.
Vice Chair Carollo: So, the full amount of the 8.7 is during 5 years?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Did we have any kind of commitment to give that from before or
is this new?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: I believe there was a resolution at some point.
Vice Chair Carollo: When was that resolution? Do we know?
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: I would have to research and bring that back before you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, we need to have that because --
Ms. Colebrook -Williams: Yes, sir, I'll get it to you shortly.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- if we're voting on a past resolution, I want to know what
commitments we had, but -- beyond that, while the manager is trying to find out
when we had a resolution, or if we have a resolution, where is this money coming
from for this fiscal year's allotment? Since I don't believe it was approved in our last
fiscal budget for this year. And to be to the point, I'm getting concerned out of all the
millions that we're adding on to a budget that were never approved before when we
did our fiscal year's budget, and how much of that is going to start coming out from
reserves. Because we don 't know what turns the economy is going to take, and we
need to have good reserves.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): So, Larry is on his way down. We were just upstairs
in the (INAUDIBLE). So, he's on his way down.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Do we want to go to the next one then so that we can
move?
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
Chair King: Yeah.
[Later...]
Chair King: Do you want to -- do you have the answers to his question for RE.1 ?
Vice Chair Carollo: Larry, what's the date and when did we, as a commission,
approve these funds before?
Larry Spring (Chief Financial Officer): So, the -- I'll get -- Maggie's getting the
exact date, but the funds for the current year were approved as part of the 2023
budget closeout amendment that we brought in November of 2023.
Vice Chair Carollo: Then why hadn't those funds been given to them? If it was
approved in 2023?
Mr. Spring: It was -- it was transmitted. It was -- that amount was budgeted at the
end of the fiscal year 2023 as part of our closeout for release in the fiscal `24 year,
which is the year we're currently in.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well -- yeah, `24- `25.
Mr. Spring: Right, right.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, you 've answered that question. Just give me the date in
case you 're forgetful when you have that.
Mr. Spring: Oh, what was the date?
Marie Gouin (Director, Management and Budget): The date was (INAUDIBLE)
November 21 st.
Mr. Spring: November 21 st, 2023 -- 2024, excuse me.
Vice Chair Carollo: November?
Mr. Spring: November 21 st, 2024.
Vice Chair Carollo: 2024.
Mr. Spring: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, so it was not '23, it was `24.
Mr. Spring: Yeah, it was `24. It was the closeout of the 23 fiscal --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. Spring: -- the 23 fiscal -- budget, yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, that's fine, and what is the amount for us to pay out now
that we have already --
Mr. Spring: It was exactly 1. --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- in hand?
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(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Mr. Spring: 1.5. 1.5, exactly.
Vice Chair Carollo: 1.5 for this fiscal year --
Mr. Spring: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- approximately. The rest is in the next four fiscal years.
Mr. Spring: Yes. So, the number you have in the agreement is an estimate for the
next five fiscal years.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's fine.
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: You 've answered all my questions --
Mr. Spring: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- so we can move forward. If I could just make one last quick
statement, Chairwoman. I am very displeased for this city to have given so many
millions of dollars, and they're still giving more out of what I'm seeing out there.
We've gotten a beautiful asphalt driveway, walkway, but as far as the gardens that
we were going to be having there, the foliage, what I'm seeing is the cheapest
foliage, trees, and those that nobody wants, like crooked palm trees, et cetera, that
were getting put out there. We're not giving to the public what I believe was
expected, and particularly for the millions of dollars that we have put out from the
city. The beginning part in my district, where it started off of 8th Street, that's a
beautiful area there. That was done nicely. The minute you start going around that
you get behind the Roads and then you're coming through, in particular, the area in
US-1, that's not up to standard of a city like Miami, or what it should look like. We,
for this kind of money, could put a beautiful sculpture garden all through there, not
to mention the dozens upon dozens of mature, beautiful trees that were cut down that
gave all the drivers in US-1 cover from the sun. So, that's all that I want to say. I'll
vote for this, but I want to make sure that somebody hears that, not that I expect
they're going to do a damn thing about it.
Mr. Spring: Okay. Thank you, sir.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo.
Commissioner Pardo: Well, I do disagree with that. I think the Underline is a great
project. I've cycled through there when I used to be able to cycle, pretty frequently.
Great play areas. It's a great concept. It's really activated the communities where it
goes through. So, I don't think it has cheap plants or anything cheap. I think they've
done a phenomenal job. I commend all the volunteers that have been behind this.
Obviously, that doesn 't show up in a cost number, right? But if we were to add the
cost of all of those hours and all of those people working on this, and the way it's
activated this community, this is a great investment. Exactly the kind of investment
we should be making as a city.
Chair King: Okay. I have a motion and a second.
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
RE.2
17334
Office of the City
Attorney
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So, first RE.1 is to be amended pursuant to a
substitution memo dated April 3rd, 2025. And if I could just have the mover and
second.
Chair King: Commissioner Pardo was the mover, Commissioner Gabela was the
second. RE.1, all in favor, as amended?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT
TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
("CHARTER") FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE SPECIAL
ELECTION SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2025, PROPOSING,
UPON APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORATE, TO CREATE SECTION
13 OF THE CHARTER, ENTITLED "REDISTRICTING," TO
PROHIBIT THE DRAWING OF CITY COMMISSION DISTRICTS
WITH THE INTENT TO FAVOR OR DISFAVOR A CANDIDATE OR
INCUMBENT, ESTABLISH A CITIZENS' REDISTRICTING
COMMITTEE TO DRAW DISTRICTS AFTER EACH CENSUS AND
WHEN REQUIRED BY LAW, PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR THE
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE TO PROPOSE REDISTRICTING
PLANS TO THE CITY COMMISSION FOR FINAL ACTION, AND
SET QUALIFICATIONS, DUTIES, TERM OF OFFICE, AND
PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0134
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Carollo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Vice Chair Carollo: If we could go back to RE.2.
Chair King: RE.2.
Commissioner Gabela: I believe RE.14 was taken off the roster here, right?
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. Well --
Commissioner Gabela: Am I correct that we're not discussing RE.2?
Chair King: No.
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Commissioner Gabela: Sorry, RE.14.
Chair King: Yeah, he said RE.2 now.
Vice Chair Carollo: RE.2. The only thing that I want to ask the city attorney.
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yes sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: We have two questions in one, which I think that creates a legal
conflict in putting a charter question, because people might want to vote for one, but
not for the other, and vice versa. And the first question put to the voters is something
that is state statute, we can't do, so I don't know why we're doing this, but the state
statute clearly says that we can 't do it. And that's to prohibit the drawing of city
commission districts with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate or incumbent.
That's the first question, and this is state law, you can't do. The second one is
establish a Citizens Redistricting Committee to draw districts after each census and
when required by the law, et cetera, et cetera. These are two distinct questions that
we're putting in one. Either you 've got to divide them into separate questions to the
voters, or you take the one that already is state law that does not -- doesn 't make
sense if we have a law on it that we're putting this in a referendum.
Mr. Wysong: I would essentially respectfully disagree to the extent that this is all
related to redistricting, a new procedure process for redistricting. So, I agree with
you that the language about not within the time, the statutory language, but I view
that language as sort of belts and suspenders. That was comfort language for the
litigants in that case, because that statute could change, but it would be the law of
the city if that statute were to change. So, they felt very strongly about that language,
and I think it is all related because it's to prohibit the drawing of city commission
districts. It's all about the drawing of city commission districts.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, that is correct, Mr. City Attorney. It's about that, but there
are two very distinct questions that are being put into one. What I'm saying is divide
it up so that people could vote for one and not for the other if they don 't want to. Or
they could vote for both, but they should be divided because I think we're opening
ourselves up for this to be challenged. And I don 't think they want that, nor those
that voted for this want that either here.
Mr. Wysong: But we, during the settlement negotiations -- and essentially, this is
their ask. This is the question that they wanted, and this is the question that we
agreed to put forth for them. We did not guarantee that we would support it, or fight
for it, or anything like that.
Vice Chair Carollo: I understand that.
Mr. Wysong: So --
Vice Chair Carollo: But that's why I'm saying to, if we have a commitment to that --
Mr. Wysong: We have a -- yes, sir.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- then put it in two different questions.
Mr. Wysong: I would just -- I would hate to cause an action that could lead us back
into federal court.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Well, they would lose because the same day that we voted on
this, the Supreme Court came down with a decision that reflected heavily on what we
voted for and would have been dead set against them if we would have appealed the
judge's orders.
Mr. Wysong: Well, that's -- unfortunately, I think that ship's kind of sailed in that the
action would be simply a motion for contempt of our settlement agreement. Because
while we didn't have to agree to this language, we agreed to this language during
the settlement of the case.
Vice Chair Carollo: That I understand, George --
Mr. Wysong: So, that's all the judge would focus on in that complaint.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- but what I'm saying is the following, there's nothing that says
we cannot place the language that we have here in two separate questions. This way,
you will not have any chance of this being challenged because of two questions in
one. That would eliminate any possibility of that. And you still get for the voters to
vote upon what they've asked for.
Mr. Wysong: You know, I still think that, you know, perhaps that was part of their
strategy of combining those concepts because if we did as you say, and I --
Vice Chair Carollo: And that's why I'm saying that this could be challenged, and we
stand a good chance of losing. You just said it's part of their strategy. Well, I guess
they wanted to see if more people would vote for one that wouldn 't vote for the other,
and that's how they would get it passed. And that's what makes it two questions into
one, and illegal according to the law.
Commissioner Gabela: But through the Chair, but what are those -- what are those
two questions that he's talking about? One of them I know is the establishing an
advisory board, right? Is that one question?
Vice Chair Carollo: That's one.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, that's one question. As opposed to an executive board
that would actually have some teeth, right? And then what's the second question?
Mr. Wysong: I believe the question the Commissioner is referring to is this, to
prohibit the drawing of city commission districts with the intent to favor or disfavor
a candidate or incumbent. So, that relates to redistricting and so this redistricting
committee that we would create would be charged with not -- with prohibiting the
drawing of city commission districts with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate
or incumbent. It also provides for a process for proposing plans to the city
commission. You know, I still see it as all part of the same thing. I appreciate the
Vice Chairman's concern, but this is the question they asked for. This is the question
we agreed to put on. If it's flawed, if it's fatal, we did our part pursuant to the
settlement agreement, and the question fails. And I'm perfectly fine with the question
being approved or failing, but we're just honoring their obligation.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's fine, but last question just to get it on the record.
Mr. Wysong: I appreciate it.
Vice Chair Carollo: There was no agreement that we would do this in solely one
charter amendment instead of two.
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Mr. Wysong: Well, I would say that when we approve the settlement, they actually
have a draft of the question that they want us to put forward. So, this commission has
basically agreed to the question that they desire.
Vice Chair Carollo: But what I said originally --
Mr. Wysong: And it's all combined.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- you put the same question but divide it into two parts. But
look, I've made my point. We don 't need to prolong this anymore.
Commissioner Gabela: Motion to -- motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Nay --
Chair King: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- for the reasons I stated on the record.
RE.3 RESOLUTION
17324 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, RESCINDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION
Southeast NO. R-24-0435 ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 24, 2024, IN ITS
Overtown/Park ENTIRETY; PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
West CRA 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 2025 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION AND 00/100
DOLLARS ($175,000,000.00) ("SERIES 2025 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-25-0135
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MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: We can take up --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: -- RE.3. May I have a motion for RE.3?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Hold on. As amended.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended pursuant to the substitution memo dated
April 8, 2025.
Chair King: That's the Southeast Overtown/Park --
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, we had to --
Chair King: Yes. Uh-huh.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- take this after we would vote in Overtown. Yes.
Chair King: So, RE.3, as amended. I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion --
Mr. Hannon: And I'm sorry, Chair, if you could state who the mover and seconder
was again.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm the --
Vice Chair Carollo: I'll be a mover.
Mr. Hannon: Moved by Commissioner Gabela, seconded by Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
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RE.4 RESOLUTION
16725 MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Commissioners A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
and Mayor ATTACHMENT(S), DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK
WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OMNI
REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY ("OMNI CRA") TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH EXPANDING THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE OMNI CRA INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "ALLAPATTAH" IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY'), AS DEPICTED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED HEREIN AND IDENTIFIED BY THE LEGAL
DESCRIPTION, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED HEREIN AS
EXHIBIT "B"; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.5 RESOLUTION
17341 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
De artment of ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
p EXECUTE AN OFF -SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AND
Resilience and MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
Public Works ATTACHED FORM, WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("FDOT"), FOR
IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE ROAD 5 / UNITED STATES
HIGHWAY 1 / BISCAYNE BOULEVARD FROM SOUTH OF
NORTHEAST 38 STREET TO NORTHEAST 61 STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA INCLUDING WORK ON FEDERAL HIGHWAY AT
NORTHEAST 54 STREET AND NORTHEAST 38 STREET AND
NORTHEAST 5 COURT, ROADS NOT ON THE STATE HIGHWAY
SYSTEM, FOR GENERAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS
CORRIDOR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0127
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing RE.5, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: Are there any -- the RE (Resolution) items, are there any items that you
would like to pull for discussion at this time, and we cannot vote on RE.3 until after
the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)
meeting. So that one has to be after the CRA meeting. Any of the RE items would you
like to pull for discussion? RE.10, I'd like to pull for discussion.
Commissioner Gabela: RE.10. Yes, I agree.
Chair King: Anything else?
Vice Chair Carollo: Can you bear with me for one more second?
Chair King: Yes, take your time.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'd appreciate it. Thank you. You're pulling RE.3, is that until
later?
Chair King: No, RE -- yes, RE.3 has to wait until after the CRA meeting, and RE.10
has been pulled for discussion by myself and Commissioner Gabela.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. RE.1 is the Underline one?
Chair King: Correct.
Vice Chair Carollo: And if we could pull that. And if we could pull R -- let's see, if
we could pull RE.14.
Chair King: Okay. Anything else?
Vice Chair Carollo: And we have, I believe is RE.2 here. If we could pull RE.2 also,
please.
Chair King: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: And we're talking about RE.1, RE.2, and RE.14 that we -- we're
pulling from --
Chair King: And RE.10.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- here.
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: And RE10 that's being pulled over. Okay?
Chair King: Yes. Okay.
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Vice Chair Carollo: That's fine.
Chair King: So, may I have a motion for RE --
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: -- RE.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Those items pass.
RE.6 RESOLUTION
17322 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($235,000.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE
DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF THE BAYWALK CONNECTION IN
EDGEWATER — PHASE 1 PROJECT; 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, IN THE EVENT OF AN
AWARD, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE
GRANT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WITHOUT THE
NEED FOR FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO
ALLOCATE THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($385,000.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND
APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE
TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER 40-B263403
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-25-0128
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.5.
RE.7 RESOLUTION
17346 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY
ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLARS
($1,681,980.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE LIVING SHORELINE AND TRAILS AT MORNINGSIDE PARK —
PART 2 OF PHASE 2 ("PROJECT"); 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, IN THE EVENT OF AN AWARD,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE
THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY ONE
THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY DOLLARS ($1,891,980.00)
TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY SEPARATE,
FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED FROM CAPITAL
PROJECT NUMBER 40-B173511 B 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-25-0129
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.7, please Item RE.5.
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RE.8 RESOLUTION
17393 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Grants ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Administration SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT
FUNDING TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT
("FIND") WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED
NINETEEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS
AND ZERO CENTS ($1,419,715.00) ("GRANT FUNDS") FOR THE
DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF SHORELINE STABILIZATION,
BOAT SLIP, AND KAYAK LAUNCH AT SEWELL PARK - PHASE 1
PROJECT; 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, IN THE EVENT OF AN AWARD,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT
FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
FURTHER CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL AND TO ALLOCATE
THE REQUIRED MATCHING FUNDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED TWO MILLION FOUR HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT
THOUSAND FIFTY THREE DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS
($2,498,053.00) TO BE BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED BY
SEPARATE, FUTURE RESOLUTION AT THE TIME OF NEED
FROM CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER B-193519 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-25-0130
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see Item RES.
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RE.9 RESOLUTION
16168 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
and mi or RATIFICATION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE 1996
Ma
y INTERLOCAL AUTHORIZING COOPERATION AGREEMENT
("SECOND AMENDMENT ILA"), ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT "A" BETWEEN MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY ("COUNTY"), THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), AND
THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("OMNI CRA") IN ORDER TO
EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE OMNI CRA TO 2047; THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE THE SECOND
AMENDMENT ILA, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND TAKE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS
CONSISTENT WITH THIS RESOLUTION; FURTHER DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF THE OMNI CRA TO ENSURE A COPY OF THE
SECOND AMENDMENT ILA IS TRANSMITTED TO THE COUNTY
FOR REVIEW, APPROVAL, AND ACCEPTANCE; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0131
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s) " and Item RE.5.
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RE.10
17332
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION DIRECTING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
("CHARTER"), FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE SPECIAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD CONCURRENTLY WITH THE GENERAL
ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025, PROPOSING, UPON
APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORATE, TO AMEND SECTION 4(B) OF
THE CHARTER, TITLED "FORM OF GOVERNMENT;
NOMINATION AND ELECTION/ELECTION OF MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION; TERMS OF OFFICE; RECALL," TO ESTABLISH
THAT NO PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ELECTED OR APPOINTED
TWO (2) TIMES TO THE OFFICE OF MAYOR OR COMMISSIONER
SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR REELECTION TO THAT OFFICE
DURING THEIR LIFETIME; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT THE
MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION'S TERM LIMITS ARE
MEASURED RETROACTIVELY FROM THEIR FIRST ELECTIONS
OR APPOINTMENTS; FURTHER PROVIDING THAT UPON
APPROVAL OF THE ELECTORATE, THIS AMENDMENT WILL BE
IMMEDIATELY EFFECTIVE AND APPLIED TO ANY CANDIDATE
LISTED ON THE NOVEMBER 4, 2025, ELECTION BALLOT.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Gabela, Pardo
NAYS: Carollo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: Item RE.10 was deferred to the April 24, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: And that leaves RE.10. Commissioner Pardo?
Commissioner Pardo: Yep. I'll talk a little bit about how it got here. In 2014, the
City of Miami Beach did term limit amendment, and it passed overwhelmingly 60
percent plus. When I was on the campaign trail and ever since, people have come up
to me time and time again and said, you know, we need newer ideas, new ways of
thinking. It can't just be the same names over and over. I think eight years provides a
good amount of time for somebody to come in that's directed and get what they need
done, whether it's a new CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) or, you know,
whatever project that they have before them. And then I think it's time to, like, make
room for someone else. If you feel that someone else, you could mentor them to, you
know, rise to that position, it's great. I'll give you a great example. Commissioner
Gabela and I are new, but in being new, we've also brought different ideas, different
questions, different ways of doing things. And I think that's what we want to see.
Miami -Dade Commission is a good example as well, because when they didn't have
any requirement on term limits, everyone complained. It was the same, you know.
But it's changed. There's new faces, new ways of doing things. And I think to limit it
during a lifetime is the best, because you 're not able to come back decades later or
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at any time later. Instead, you had your time, your eight years as commissioner. It
also allows eight years as mayor, so you could serve the City of Miami as 16 years.
And then when you're done with that time period, there are many other offices, if you
care about being an elected official and serving the public that you can move on to.
But in the meantime, the City of Miami benefits from those different ideas and also
has less likelihood of being entrenched in any kind of not because there's any design
or malintent behind it, but just the nature of humans, right? You find people you're
interested in, you all share the same interest, you're all kind of you know, going in
on the same projects. It's great to break that cycle. And that's really the intent
behind that amendment.
Chair King: So, I support term limits. We have exactly what Miami -Dade County
has. I supported term limits for Miami -Dade County because I didn't think it was
right to have commissioners serving 16 years consecutively. But I don 't support
lifetime term limits. I do support term limits. We have term limits because we can
only serve two four-year terms. We can 't serve a third term. We can 't serve four
terms. I don't think that, for example, and I've been giving this some thought, if
Manny Diaz decided to throw his name in the ring to run for mayor, I think many
people would be excited about that. He served his time, he stepped away, it's been
several years since he's been mayor. I don't think that would be a bad thing. I think
to attach a lifetime term limit is too extreme. And it takes away choice from our
constituents, because if I've served my eight years and I'm gone for 12 years and I'm
retired now, and I feel like I want to come back. I did a great job for the city. Maybe
I want to come back. It's up to the residents to decide whether they want me back or
not. But I'm not serving 12 years. And we saw that this past election cycle in Miami -
Dade County. There was a commissioner that was a commissioner for 16 plus years,
she sat out one term, decided that she wanted to run again, and the community
rejected her, resoundingly. I don 't think -- I don 't think that we have to put that
burden of a lifetime term limit. Now, if you said maybe you have to sit out two terms,
maybe I'll support that, but I don't -- I don't think that it is necessary to have
something that says it's a lifetime term limit. I don't think that's right.
Commissioner Pardo: With all due respect, Manny Diaz, I wouldn't be excited
personally, but that's just -- everybody has their, you know, their --
Chair King: Right, but the constituents would determine that.
Commissioner Pardo: Well --
Chair King: And that's what I'm saying, we don 't have to have --
Commissioner Pardo: But the point I'm trying to make is that would be -- that would
be true if it was a level playing field. But the fact is that Manny Diaz has access to
capital and money that regular folks or somebody very interested in that position
who may be very well qualified --
Chair King: But that's not our job to determine because he could raise money or not
raise money or this and that.
Commissioner Pardo: I'm not saying it is our job. I'm saying it is our job to create
policy that brings more innovation, more breath of air into the system --
Chair King: And we have that.
Commissioner Pardo: -- different idea -- I don 't think so.
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Chair King: Yes, we do. We have that because you serve two terms and then you
have to leave and someone else comes in and if they're an awesome commissioner,
nobody's going to vote them out, like what happened -- Commissioner Hardemon is
sitting here. That's exactly what happened. He ran, she was termed out, he ran, she
decided that she wanted to come back, and the constituents of that district said, no,
we like the work that he's doing, and again, I support term limits. I don't want to be
here -- it would be unfair of me if we didn 't have term limits, because the community
would vote for me for, I believe, a third term and maybe a fourth term. We don 't
have that right now.
Commissioner Pardo: But all we're really doing is letting the voters decide.
Chair King: No.
Commissioner Pardo: I mean, you and I may have -- may see things differently, but
the voters --
Chair King: But we're not -- we're not --
Commissioner Pardo: -- should have the ability.
Chair King: -- we're not allowing the voters to decide because right now, I believe
that this would be prejudiced on personalities. And I don 't want to make a decision
based on what the feeling is with respect to varying personalities, and I believe
lifetime is too -- is too rigid. It's too inflexible. If you said maybe you have to sit out
two terms, nobody's going to remember you two terms later, eight years later, that
you 've been out of office. That is a lifetime in politics. That's a lifetime. But look, our
commissioner, Willy Gort, he was a commissioner, he sat out for a while, and he
decided he wanted to come back, and the community welcomed him. They reelected
him after a time -- a certain amount of time. Mr. City Attorney or Mr. Manager, do
you remember how long Commissioner Gort was out of office before he ran again?
Commissioner Gabela: I could tell you how long.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): I mean, Angel -- Angel succeeded him. So, did
Angel serve a full eight years?
George Wysong (City Attorney): I believe, well --
Mr. Noriega: No, he didn 't.
Mr. Wysong: -- I believe he was re-elected, but --
Mr. Noriega: Yeah.
Mr. Wysong: -- the other issue with Gort is he stepped in in vacancies as well, and
that would have counted as far as --
Chair King: Right, and that's another thing. You can 't hold against someone that is
chosen to fill a seat, like an appointment, and that serves as a term. That's not fair.
That's not fair. My -- my former colleague, Commissioner Watson, he was appointed
to serve a certain time until the election. In this legislation, that counts as a whole
term for him, and that's not fair.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, then I'll make a motion to defer the item.
Commissioner Gabela: Hold on, hold on.
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Commissioner Pardo: Oh, okay, I'm sorry.
Commissioner Gabela: Just -- do you mind if go first?
Vice Chair Carollo: Go ahead, yeah, go ahead.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so --
Vice Chair Carollo: I don 't want you to get upset at me anymore.
Commissioner Gabela: -- I'm seeing -- I was going to vote for you, and I'm -- I still
am, but seeing the reality of the situation, he's not in favor, and I don 't think
Commissioner Carollo --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, you know, he did catch my attention --
Commissioner Gabela: Oh, you might be in favor?
Vice Chair Carollo: -- when he mentioned Gort, you know, but that's about the only
attention you caught of me.
Commissioner Gabela: Alright, so here's what I was going to suggest. Maybe there's
a compromise here, that they have to sit out two terms rather than one term --
Commissioner Pardo: That's why I suggested to defer it.
Commissioner Gabela: -- seeing as you don't have the vote --
Commissioner Pardo: That's why I suggested --
Commissioner Gabela: -- seeing as we don 't have the vote on the -- and I'll let
Commissioner Carollo speak, because --
Chair King: Because, again, let me put on the record, I am in favor of term limits. I
do not think we should sit here 16, 20 years. I am --
Commissioner Pardo: But that can happen.
Chair King: No.
Commissioner Pardo: Even with term limits. You can serve eight, you can step out
and you can come back and serve another eight.
Chair King: No, because like I said, I don 't -- I'm saying that right now you won 't
have consecutive terms, but right now, you -- after your eight terms -- eight years,
you're out. If you want to make that for two terms, that they sit out eight years, that
is a lifetime in politics.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, now you just have to sit out four years.
Chair King: Right now, you only sit out four years.
Commissioner Pardo: Right.
Commissioner Gabela: Right.
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Chair King: But you can come back after eight years and you --
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, I hear what you're saying.
Chair King: -- you have to -- it doesn't -- and it doesn't matter, because there are
candidates who had no money, but they knocked on doors, they did the work, they
did the work in the community and beat candidates with all of the money. So, it's the
individual, not -- and again, I support term limits. I support term limits. I do not
support lifetime term limits because I don't think that's fair. I don't think that's fair.
I don 't think that four years and you come back, but again, they tried that. Four
years, sat out four years, tried to come back, and the community said no. So, that
sitting out four years may be even too long, because you 've distanced yourself from
what you're doing. The other person that's in the seat is showing that they're making
a difference in the community, and the resident said, yes. I support term limits, I just
do not agree with lifetime term limits, and I don 't agree that, you know, if you came
in for a day, and that counts as a whole term as well. So, maybe we need to take it
back to the drawing board, but that's how I feel about it.
Commissioner Pardo: Happy to defer it. I do want to say that there's a huge power
of incumbency and whether you skipped four years, if you decide to come back at
any moment, you have that power with you, and it is not the same thing as somebody
that's just knocking on doors. Miami -Dade --
Chair King: There's no evidence of that right now.
Commissioner Pardo: Well, yeah -- sure you can look at Miami -Dade County
commissioners and how -- how --
Chair King: I'm giving you the very last --
Commissioner Pardo: How many of those were over -- somebody else were elected
over them once they were the incumbent. It's very few.
Chair King: No, but that's why there are term limits. Miami -Dade County, you serve
two four-year terms, and then you're out. And just recently we saw in the election a
commissioner that sat out four years and came back, the community did not support
that. The community can decide who they want their electorate to be, their
representative to be. I may support sitting out two terms, but I don 't support lifetime
terms. I just don 't.
Commissioner Pardo: We can defer.
Chair King: If that's the will of the body.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam Chair.
Chair King: Vice Chair.
Vice Chair Carollo: Boy, I'm [sic] sure am happy that Commissioner Pardo
clarified why he put this forward. He was campaigning and he saw this in Miami
Beach, that they had done that before, because, you know, some people were getting
the wrong impression, not me, but some people were getting the wrong impression
that you only decided to bring this up when this guy, Joe Carollo, was rumored that
he may run for mayor, because --
Commissioner Pardo: That would be the wrong impression.
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Vice Chair Carollo: -- I don 't understand, or should I say they didn 't understand
why you waited so long when you wanted to bring this up right at the tail end when
by putting it on the ballot this November, you could not accomplish what you want,
because it would be totally illegal. It would be challenged before and taken out of the
ballot. And there's no way, I mean, think of the logic, Commissioner Pardo. You're
going to have people running for mayor possibly, or running for commissioner, that
right now under the law, and until November, says they can run. They get elected.
But then let's say that this somehow gets past us too. What judge in America, even if
you go to San Francisco, is going to say that they got to step down and they can't
serve after being elected? It's not going to happen. It's not going to happen. But
furthermore, clarify this to me, because that's the one area I'm really curious about.
You said two terms, eight years, right? That's what you kept saying. Well, I served
two terms as mayor. One was for a full four years under the present system that we
have. That it was established because of me, bringing it to a referendum in time. The
other term that I served was not a full term; it was for a year and a half, under the
old system where the mayor sat as one of five of the commissioners and had a vote.
So, explain to me how that was going to count in your referendum. Does that mean
that after 24 years ago that I was mayor, I was going to be told that if I wanted to, I
could not run again for mayor? 24 years ago, the last time that I was mayor?
Explain it, I -- I'm curious to see the logic that you had on this one.
Commissioner Pardo: So -- go ahead.
Commissioner Gabela: Just real brief I got an idea --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, but I'm asking this of Commissioner Pardo.
Commissioner Gabela: Alright.
Commissioner Pardo: So, this is a directive for the ballot language to be drafted. It's
not determining one thing or the other, but it's just a directive to have that ballot
language drafted.
Vice Chair Carollo: But how -- how did you want it?
Commissioner Pardo: And it didn't -- it never came into my idea of Commissioner
Carollo, like the world does not revolve around that whole, you know, thing. This is
a good governance issue that makes total sense. It very much follows what Miami
Beach did. It is a lifetime --
Chair King: It doesn 't mean that Miami Beach was right.
Commissioner Pardo: Well, so far it seems to be working very well.
Chair King: It may be, but what works for Miami Beach? Because Miami Beach
passes a lot of things that does not work everywhere else. I'm not, you know, and --
you know, but --
Commissioner Pardo: But this is a --
Chair King: -- North Miami doesn't have it --
Commissioner Pardo: Right.
Chair King: -- or -- you know, we can -- we can cherry pick where municipalities do
this and do that and, you know, they did this one, so let's do that one. No, or they,
well, based on what you 're saying, based on what you 're saying, Hialeah passed
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pensions. Should we now go and get pensions? Hialeah passed pension without,
without any opposition. Should now -- should -- Doral has pensions, should we
revisit pensions?
Commissioner Gabela: I would say that we should revisit pensions and even though
at the end I was threatened with a recall, but I still maintain that what's going on
here and now is not right. Because you and I, and some of us here, are doing the
same job or better than our predecessors. Yet, they get a pension and we do not, and
that's why I was doing it. And furthermore, I said that if they didn 't get it and we
didn 't get it, that was also .fine with me. So, I think this has to be revisited and have
the intellectual conversation that you want to attract good people, and you want to
give them a pension, okay, so they don 't have to do illegal stuff.
Commissioner Pardo: Stick to that.
Chair King: No, but that goes to your argument. You just said that Miami Beach
passed this, and this is working for Miami Beach. Well, Hialeah passed the pension,
and it's working for them.
Commissioner Pardo: The voters of Miami Beach passed it, right?
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: The voters. And what we're doing here is giving a directive
for the ballot language to give voters an opportunity. Not us, the voters. That's it.
Commissioner Gabela: But can I --? So, let me just --
Chair King: Go ahead. Go ahead.
Commissioner Gabela: -- through the Chair. I've got an idea for you, okay? It
doesn 't require -- you go ahead and let's do the redistricting again, okay? And then
you can put his house out of the area like he put his house in, and they took my house
out. And that's another way of doing it. And then you accomplish the same thing.
You know what I mean? That's the way they did it to me, you know what I mean?
They took my house out of the area, he put his house in the area, and then they
thought they were going to get rid of me because that's what happened --
Commissioner Pardo: I mean, all we're really doing --
Vice Chair Carollo: God Almighty. How many --?
Commissioner Gabela: That's another way to do it.
Commissioner Pardo: But all we're really doing is giving the directive for them to
draft it. That's it. For the City Attorney to draft it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Man, get over -- get over that redistricting and your house.
Every meeting you come with the same, crying.
Commissioner Gabela: No, because that's the truth. You get over it because you
voted for it --
Vice Chair Carollo: You cry about the same thing in every meeting.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because the same way that you're claiming -- the same
way -- wait a minute.
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Chair King: Don 't go for it. Don 't go for it. Don 't go for it.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no, wait a minute, the same way that you're --
Chair King: We corrected it. We corrected it. Go ahead.
Commissioner Gabela: -- let me -- let me say it very --
Chair King: One thing. One thing.
Commissioner Gabela: -- very natural, the same way that you claimed that he's out
to get you, okay? That he's out to get you. Were you and some of your colleagues out
to get me? Because I stood here in January 14th of 2023 and explained to you guys
that I was a candidate, officially, since way back February --
Vice Chair Carollo: So --
Commissioner Gabela: -- I had been knocking on doors -- and wait a minute. Please
allow me, Mr. Carollo.
Vice Chair Carollo: Go ahead. Absolutely, sir. Absolutely.
Commissioner Gabela: Commissioner Carollo. After I explained that to you guys, I
thought that when you came back in the afternoon, you had heard what I had to say.
I explained to you that in Lawrence Waterway Canal is where you did the cutoff.
They didn 't even bother to make it look somewhat real. They cut it off right then and
there. There was no basis for it. And the only basis for it was because my
predecessor that was here, okay, knew he had a challenge and knew I had a been
knocking on doors and didn 't want me to participate in that election, and then forced
me to move to another property that I have to live five months, okay, away from my
wife, okay, not collecting rent, and that's another issue. Okay, now, was I targeted?
Did any of you target me?
Chair King: I didn't.
Commissioner Gabela: No, I don't think you, let's -- I'm going to give you the
benefit of the doubt that, no, I know you didn 't. But others did. But were you
targeting me? Is what you're saying he's targeting you, that this is for you. It could
be that he's not targeting you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Tell me when I can answer you.
Commissioner Gabela: It could be good public policy.
Vice Chair Carollo: Tell me when I can answer.
Commissioner Pardo: And all this is is asking for ballot language so voters can
decide.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Commissioner Pardo: This should be the voter's decision.
Chair King: Okay, hold on.
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Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman, let me put this story. Every meeting I get this guy
crying about the same thing. You voted for the redistricting, I voted, Commissioner
Reyes, when he was here, voted. None of us. None of us were targeting this man.
Now, I'm not going to speak for Diaz de la Portilla, what was it through his mind --
Commissioner Gabela: Of course.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- you know, but how can you say that the chairwoman, myself
and Commissioner Reyes were targeting you?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I never mentioned the Chairwoman, I said you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Oh, me.
Commissioner Gabela: Well -- well --
Vice Chair Carollo: But I was the second vote, so who was the third vote that came
forward to target you? Reyes or King?
Commissioner Gabela: Something very interesting --
Chair King: Okay. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Come on, it's ridiculous.
Commissioner Gabela: No, no, no, no, no.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's ridiculous.
Commissioner Gabela: Something very interesting that you should note, that you
should note. When you guys hired DeGrandy up here, okay, to do that redistricting,
all of a sudden, two weeks after you hired him, DeGrandy made you guys give him a
waiver, meaning that if DeGrandy did anything that wasn't correct, we could not go
after DeGrandy. I would love to deposition DeGrandy and see how was it that
DeGrandy -- did a Martian tell DeGrandy to land on my house in Lawrence
Waterway Canal? Don't you think you, that you're a conspiracy theorist and you're
always saying that people are to get you? If you were in my shoes, you mean to tell
me, you, Joe Carollo --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, no, no, no.
Commissioner Gabela: -- wouldn't have said that they're out to get you?
Vice Chair Carollo: You and him are definitely out to get me.
Commissioner Gabela: Nobody believes that one. Nobody believes that one.
Ch a i r King: Okay. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's not a conspiracy theory, that's a fact.
Chair King: Okay, let's get -- let's go back. Let's go back to you're saying that this
is merely asking to draft language. How do we feel about that, because again, I,
whatever language, I -- I have an issue with lifetime pensions [sic]. I think eight
years maybe, if -- but again, we have evidence to show that if you sit out for four
years that the community may reject you.
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Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, it's going to take 60 days or so, correct? How
long, George?
Chair King: And --
Mr. Wysong: To draft the question?
Commissioner Pardo: Draft for it to come back?
Mr. Wysong: Well, so the window is -- we have 120 days to draft the question, but
the window we have to be careful of is the days required prior to the election. So,
we're -- the target there would be, I think, July, first meeting in July.
Chair King: And let me ask the city attorney something. Is it still -- part of this
legislation is that retroactive thing? Because there's no way --
Mr. Wysong: Yes.
Chair King: No, no. I cannot.
Mr. Wysong: The vice chair commented on that that you could --
Chair King: No, I cannot. First of all, that's illegal.
Commissioner Pardo: But, City Attorney, if we --
Vice Chair Carollo: Of course, it's illegal.
Commissioner Pardo: -- send it to be drafted, we can make changes when it comes
back, correct?
Mr. Wysong: Right, so when --
Commissioner Pardo: So, what we're saying is let's let the process go, we'll make
the changes that we need to make that we agree or vote on, but let's have it go to the
voters.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well --
Chair King: Well, you know, I take issue with that, because I can 't support
something that I know, I can't support --
Commissioner Pardo: But it may not be in that form.
Chair King: -- that I know -- but that's what the city attorney just said. And you
cannot say -- let's take Commissioner Gabela for an example, that he's declared that
he's going to run, he qualified to run, and then all of a sudden he's not qualified to
run when he wins. That's not fair. That's not fair. If somebody qualifies in September
and they've been doing all the work, they're campaigning, and then in November this
ballot question comes and says you can 't have -- you can 't serve more than two
terms, therefore, and you won, you 're not -- you 're not in office.
Commissioner Gabela: That's a problem.
Chair King: No, you can 't do that.
Commissioner Pardo: But we're not approving that.
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Chair King: You can 't do that.
Commissioner Pardo: When it comes back, we have to vote on it, and we can make
those changes.
Chair King: I don't -- I don't want them to even, I'm saying now, no, because I
know, and again, I've pointed out to you guys, although I am not serving in my
capacity as an attorney, I can be held responsible by the Florida Bar for taking
action that I know or should have known as a practitioner that it's not right. George,
am I correct?
Commissioner Pardo: Well, then motion to defer.
Chair King: George, is that correct?
Mr. Wysong: Yes. Yes, Madam Chair. Yes.
Chair King: I want you to say that again, because every time I bring up something
that I know is not right, and you guys, and I have said this before, you need to put on
this legislation when you know it flies in the face of the law, that you need to put a
note from the City Attorney's Office that this is not legally sufficient, it runs afoul of
whatever law, whatever statute, whatever ordinance, so that we are on notice and
the community is on notice. It is not right, and I should not have to always be on my
guard as an attorney worried about my bar license. That's not right. And I shouldn't
have to do that because nobody else has to do that.
Commissioner Gabela: By the way, I believe you are right. But there's one more
thing -- there's one more thing that I wanted to address. And this is that there's been
rumors that this was being done coupled with something else. And whatever you
guys decide, and I was going to vote with you, but I also understand that we don 't
have the third vote. That's the reality of the situation.
Commissioner Pardo: Right. We can defer to the next meeting; we'll work on it.
Commissioner Gabela: But if we defer and we do this in the future, okay, I am not
doing this, okay, if there is a stipulation somewhere hidden that we're going to -- I
heard rumors that we're going to give --
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: -- one-year terms then --
Commissioner Pardo: No.
Commissioner Gabela: -- because I am not a party to that. No, I am not a party to
that. I just wanted to (INAUDIBLE) rumors --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Pardo: This isn 't tied to anything. I mean, this -- that's not
happening.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman.
Commissioner Pardo: This is what -- exactly what it is on the agenda.
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Commissioner Gabela: Alright.
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman. Commissioner Pardo did not want to answer my
question on after 24 years that I was mayor, and I served under two different types of
mayoralships, for five and a half years, not eight. If he wanted that to be included or
not, the way it's drafted, it certainly is. But he wanted to avoid that. I understand
why.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, I have no idea. Like I haven't done the
calculations. I'm not even interested.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah. Sure, of course.
Commissioner Pardo: So, let's just move.
Vice Chair Carollo: Of course. But I do have another question of interest on the stuff
that you bought out. You said that part of the problem here, too, why you wanted this
was that everybody up here was 60 years or older. Well, I don't think the
chairwoman has reached that age yet. So, I wanted to --
Commissioner Pardo: I don't think I've said that in this --
Vice Chair Carollo: You said that. Yes. Yes. Since we were talking about radio
stations, you went there in that radio station owned by the nice Venezuelan guy in
Venezuela that won 't allow anybody to attack the Maduro or the government.
Chair King: You guys and this radio station.
Commissioner Pardo: Listen, I think the point --
Chair King: Okay, let's --
Commissioner Pardo: -- I think the point is that we didn 't include --
Chair King: I don't want to hear anything about a radio station.
Vice Chair Carollo: But I do -- I do --
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, the point is that we weren't including younger
generations. I don 't -- the age doesn 't --
Vice Chair Carollo: No, you stated that -- you stated that clearly. And it's in tape,
which I could bring it for you at the next meeting so we could all hear it.
Chair King: No. Please, no.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, he says something that he claims he didn't say it.
However, if you're so interested in setting one group against the other, the older
people against the younger people, why did you run against someone that was in her
40s if you really believe that? So, a lot of what you're saying, my dear commissioner,
it doesn 't make sense. You say one thing and then do another. This you know why
you put it in. You've had a campaign nonstop from your PAC (Political Action
Committee), sending stuff in social media, attacking me in all kinds of ways. You
raised some money for that PAC. It's your guy, Mr. Republican, while you pound
your chest that you 're a liberal Democrat, that's been doing that to me. But of
course, this had nothing to do with it. And this is why, if you learned about this and
you wanted it during your campaign, it took you all the way a year and a half later to
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bring it up to this commission and only when you were afraid that maybe I might put
Shangri-La on hold and take your champions on and beat them.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair.
Commissioner Gabela: Well, that's to why I signed up as Mayor Maduro, because I
might just sign up for that race. I'm thinking about it.
Vice Chair Carollo: I think you should.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm thinking about it.
Vice Chair Carollo: I think you should.
Commissioner Gabela: I'm thinking about it. You've given me cause to stop you, so
I'm thinking about it.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, I think you should run for mayor.
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair.
Vice Chair Carollo: I encourage it.
Commissioner Pardo: This is not -- this entire initiative was about good governance.
Vice Chair Carollo: Oh, sure. Yeah. Yeah.
Commissioner Pardo: It was not aimed at Commissioner Carollo. I think we have
made good arguments on both sides without involving individual people. I have no
idea how many times he's run. I never knew that he had run that many times. I really
-- I'm not -- that's not the point of any of this. And I just want to make that very
clear. I'd like to try it a couple of times to just call the question to go ahead and
defer it. If we can, that'd be great.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I don 't know --
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- why we're deferring this to when or why. I think either you
should withdraw it --
Commissioner Pardo: To the next meeting.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- or we should bring it up to a vote --
Commissioner Pardo: To the next meeting.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- and be done with it. One or the other.
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RE.11
17420
Commissioners
and Mayor
Commissioner Gabela: Okay, so motion to defer.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: To the next -- so, April 24th?
Commissioner Pardo: Yes.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second to defer this item to April 24th.
Vice Chair Carollo: Charwoman, this is extending this charade more and more. We
should either vote it up or down or, you know, it should be withdrawn. He knows it's
illegal.
Commissioner Pardo: There's a motion on the floor.
Vice Chair Carollo: He knows why he's doing it.
Commissioner Pardo: Made the motion. Can we vote?
Chair King: There's a motion on the floor to defer this item to April 24th. A motion
and a second. All in favor?
Commissioner Gabela: Aye.
Commissioner Pardo: Aye.
Vice Chair Carollo: Nay.
Chair King: I'm going to give it another chance. April 24th.
Commissioner Gabela: There you go.
Chair King: We have -- but again, you guys know how I feel. The meeting's not over.
The meeting's not over. You know how I feel about the issue.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION WAIVING
THE TEN (10) DAY PER ORGANIZATION, PER YEAR SPECIAL
EVENT MAXIMUM FOR EVENTS ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
PURSUANT CHAPTER 52/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED, "SPECIAL
EVENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT," FOR A SPECIAL EVENT TO
BE HELD ON EAST FLAGLER STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD
AVENUE TO ALLOW FOR THE DOWNTOWN CUP FROM APRIL
14, 2025 THROUGH MAY 25, 2025.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0132
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
RE.12
17415
Commissioners
and Mayor
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.11, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.5.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
ESTABLISHING THE FIRST ANNUAL CITY OF MIAMI KARNIVAL
("MIAMI KARNIVAL 2025") TO BE HELD JUNE 8, 2025 ON 2ND
AVENUE BETWEEN NORTHEAST 54TH STREET AND
NORTHEAST 62ND STREET IN THE CITY, TO EDUCATE AND
CELEBRATE CARIBBEAN CULTURE BY WELCOMING
MASQUERADE TROUPES, ARTISTS TO A PARADE, CONCERT,
AND FESTIVAL ("EVENT"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
PROVISION OF IN -KIND SERVICES FROM THE DEPARTMENTS
OF FIRE -RESCUE, POLICE, SOLID WASTE, AND PARKS AND
RECREATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIFTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($50,000.00) FOR THE EVENT; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS AND LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE PURPOSE STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0133
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.12, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)" and Item RE.5.
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
RE.13
17421
Commissioners
and Mayor
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE A TEMPORARY ACCESS AGREEMENT
("AGREEMENT"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, WITH PALM BAY TOWERS CONDOMINIUM
ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED AND/OR ITS CONTRACTOR,
ALLEGIANCE CRANE & EQUIPMENT LLC, FOR A PERIOD NOT
TO EXCEED TWO (2) DAYS, TO ACCESS AND ENTER UPON
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") OWNED REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS
LEGION MEMORIAL PARK, LOCATED AT 6447 NORTHEAST 7
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33138 ("PROPERTY") FOR THE
PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING CRANE AND AUXILIARY
EQUIPMENT UPON THE PROPERTY TO PERMIT
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ADJACENT PALM BAY TOWERS;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE
AGREEMENT AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE SAID
AGREEMENT, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS,
RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.13, please see "Order of the
Day."
RE.14 RESOLUTION
17423 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Office of the Cit AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO TAKE ANY AND ALL
y ACTION(S) NECESSARY, IN LAW OR EQUITY, REGARDING THE
Attorney and City COMMISSION FEE THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
Manager's Office INTENDS TO COLLECT ON THE AMOUNT OF ALL REAL AND
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES AND SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS COLLECTED AND REMITTED IN THE CITY FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 COMMENCING ON OCTOBER 1,
2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, AND FUTURE FISCAL
YEARS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0137
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: Okay, RE.14, that was pulled for discussion. This would be the last item.
Vice Chair Carollo: Which one?
Chair King: It's authorize the city attorney to proceed with legal proceedings
against Miami -Dade County.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yes. I pulled it. Look, I don 't like the idea of one cent being
taken from the property taxes that the City of Miami takes in because we could
certainly spend every penny that we get or at least give our residents additional tax
breaks. However, I don 't like the idea either of getting into a lawsuit right away with
a branch of government from the County. What I'd like to suggest is that we have a
meeting with the people from the property tax appraiser's office. How is it that
washing tucks his days? We put, you know, everything on the table and if at the end
we cannot show them or they cannot agree with us with how we interpret the law,
what we could agree on, I think they should show us how the money is going to be
spent, then I think we have to do like Trump said, you know, would he run, and we
have to go to battle. But I think we should try to avoid that at all costs right now. And
I would tell them the same thing on their side.
Arthur Noriega (City Manager): Madam Chair, if I may. Commissioner, that
meeting has already been had. Unfortunately --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, I know there was a meeting --
Mr. Noriega: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- but that doesn 't mean that there could [sic] be an additional
one to try to bring sense to the issue.
Mr. Noriega: Well, there has been some circumstances that have changed just today
between when this item was put on the agenda and now that the item is coming up.
George is going to proffer some amended language to it because I think the tax
collector has sort of backed away from that a bit. So, part of the change that George
is going to proffer would enable us to engage in litigation should the need arise, but
that -- there have been multiple conversations with the tax collector. We're not the
only city that's proffering this legislation and resolution. It's garnering a lot of
support with other municipalities --
Vice Chair Carollo: Which are the other --
Mr. Noriega: -- partly because the tax collector just didn 't want to hear the
argument.
Vice Chair Carollo: Which are the other cities that are moving forward with this?
Mr. Noriega: Our representative, if you can just give a quick, Barbie, on the other
cities that are also in line with this -- with this exact wording on the resolution.
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Barbara Hernandez (Assistant City Manager): Sony, I'm shorter than the last
person that was here. Barbie Hernandez --
Vice Chair Carollo: Too high for you?
Ms. Hernandez: I'm sorry?
Vice Chair Carollo: Too high for you, Barbie?
Ms. Hernandez: Yes. Yes, sir. I'm 5'2 and 5'5 with heels. Barbie Hernandez,
Assistant City Manager. The question was how many cities are involved? So, the last
time I checked, there was about 7 cities that had resolutions already for the
meetings, and then there's about 10 other cities that have sent letters to the tax
collector. Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: Cities. What cities?
Ms. Hernandez: Just give me a second.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
George Wysong (City Attorney): Yeah, I just want to mention, firstly, that this is just
simply authorizing us to take action if necessary. But we just found today that Dario
Fernandez, the tax collector, sent a letter saying essentially that after much
consideration, I have decided that based upon my office current budget projections
for fiscal year `25- `26, we will forego assessing municipalities a commission for tax
collector services. That's the good part of the letter. The troublesome part of the
letter is the next sentence, which says, while I remain confident that the tax
collectors have the authority to charge, excuse me, to charge a commission on all
real and tangible personal property taxes and special assessments collected -- so
basically, he's saying, I don't need the money now. I'm not going to go after you, but
I reserve the right to go after you. We believe it's a pretty simple lawsuit in that the
State Statute, Section 192.091, provides authorization to put a commission on taxes
collected by the county, by special taxing districts, and by special districts. We're a
municipal taxing authority, which is not one of those entities. It'd be a relatively
quick lawsuit. I just think that I would still prefer that notwithstanding this letter, I
think we can bring the troops back to a certain degree, but notwithstanding this
letter, you should still give me the authority, just in case we get a new letter saying, I
changed my mind again, and we're going to, you know, impose this commission. I
think you should just enable me to have the authority to act in the event we need to.
And basically, like I said, it's just a -- it's just a legal argument between us. He
thinks he can collect commissions on us and we say he can 't. And I've spoken with
probably 10 or 15 other city attorneys, and they -- we all see it the same, so --
Vice Chair Carollo: Chairwoman, can I answer the city attorney? Thank you,
ma 'am. Mr. City Attorney, I believe you 're right in what you 're telling us. However,
I prefer to wait. If they do anything, then you come to us, and we'll give you that
authority. I don't like to hold the gun in a situation like this. You have to keep in
mind he just started there, he's trying to do the best that he can, but still finding his
way. And I think nothing is going to put us in harm 's way, if for any reason he goes
back on what he put down in his letter, and you immediately come to us, either at the
next meeting, or if we have to, we'll call a special meeting, and we'll give you the
authority. This way, we're not in an adversary position with that office.
Mr. Wysong: Right. The only thing I would request based on that is I guess if we
deferred it. Because the issue is, the issue is we're in the midst of our budget process
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Vice Chair Carollo: Right.
Mr. Wysong: -- so we would have to act quickly. So, if you want to just defer this to
the next meeting, that might be a way to do it, but I just want to give the
administration the ability to have us at the ready --
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay, well --
Mr. Wysong: -- and not miss a deadline.
Vice Chair Carollo: I will make a motion to defer this to the next meeting where the
city manager could get back to the tax collector, and we could better assess the
letter, what he really meant, what he put down. You know, where's our diplomats
when we need them? We're losing Kevin Cabrera to Panama. We lost Marco Rubio.
And thank God we still have the mayor here. He still is being considered for Saudi
Arabia. But anyway.
Chair King: I think Commissioner Pardo wants to make a statement.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, the fiscally conservative thing here to do is to
pass this and let them go ahead and -- you know, everything's happening in real
time, and this is something very important for us to protect and to address, so I
would not like to see this deferred.
Commissioner Gabela: So, motion to pass. I call the question.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Wait, so --
Chair King: Wait, we've got to --
Mr. Hannon: -- there's a motion on the floor.
Chair King: We've got to address the motion to defer.
Vice Chair Carollo: I --
Commissioner Gabela: No, not to defer --
Vice Chair Carollo: -- I think I heard Pardo say he's become a fiscal conservative.
Interesting. Interesting.
Chair King: So, let us take up the motion to defer. I have a motion. Do I have a
second?
Mr. Wysong: Was --
Commissioner Gabela: No, the motion was not to defer --
Mr. Wysong: I mentioned the deferral. I don 't know if there was a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: No, the motion was --
Chair King: No, Joe's motion is to defer.
Commissioner Pardo: He made one to defer, which --
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Chair King: So, Todd says we have to deal with that one first. So, there's a motion to
defer on the floor. Do I have a second? Motion dies for lack of second. And as a
legal strategist, I believe that the administration should have the tools necessary.
They don 't have to take that tool out of them toolbox, but at least they would have it.
And we can continue to have discussions.
Commissioner Gabela: So, motion to continue --
Chair King: You can continue to have discussions, but I, one, am not coming back
for a special meeting. I'm not doing that, if I don't have to. And I think what you're
trying to accomplish will be accomplished, even if we pass this, because he doesn 't
have to -- we're not going to run to file anything, but you just have the authorization
and maybe put a pin in a dollar amount that it would take, so I support this. Do I
have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: Second?
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: And Mr. City Attorney, that's as is.
Mr. Wysong: Yes. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Pardo: And Madam Chair.
Chair King: As is, and motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Pardo: I just have to say it, the fiscally conservative thing to do is to
lower taxes. We both voted for that. Commissioner Carollo did not. So, I think my
fiscal conservative is there.
Vice Chair Carollo: Why don 't you unplug your ears?
Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you.
Vice Chair Carollo: Why don 't you unplug your ears? It was a 4-0 vote.
Chair King: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: I just thought the other way --
Chair King: It was a unanimous vote. It was a unanimous vote.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- was the right way.
Chair King: It was a unanimous vote. Okay. All right. Thank you, everyone --
Commissioner Pardo: Thank you, Madam Chair.
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Chair King: -- for attending the City of Miami Commission meeting for April 10th,
2025. I'll see you another time.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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SR - SECOND READING ORDINANCE
SR.1 ORDINANCE Second Reading
17081 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Office of the Cit CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
Y OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED
Clerk "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," TO ESTABLISH SECTION 2-896, TO BE
TITLED "APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS," TO PROVIDE THAT THE
APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS SHALL OCCUR ON A
QUARTERLY BASIS, UNLESS THERE IS A TIME -SENSITIVE
APPOINTMENT NECESSARY, AT WHICH TIME AN
APPOINTMENT WILL BE PLACED ON THE NEXT AVAILABLE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14361
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: I'm going to come back. Let's see if we can --
Commissioner Gabela: Sorry. So, 1, 2, and 3, 10, and 14 were --
Chair King: 1, 2, 3, 10 --
Commissioner Gabela: -- saved for discussion, right?
Chair King: -- and 14.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay.
Chair King: Yes.
Commissioner Gabela: Thank you.
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney, would you read into the record the title of SR.1?
George Wysong (City Attorney): Madam Chair, Todd didn't raise his hand on RE.1.
There was a -- I believe a substitution on RE.1.
Chair King: But it's left for discussion.
Mr. Wysong: Oh, I'm sorry.
Chair King: It's left for discussion.
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Mr. Wysong: That's why he didn 't raise his hand.
Chair King: Okay. Mr. City Attorney, would you read the titles for SR.1 and FR.3?
Those are the only two items that we have.
Mr. Wysong: Yes, Madam Chair. SR.1.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Mr. Wysong: Then we have FR.3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
[Later...]
Chair King: Do I have a motion for SR.1?
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Gabela: Can I just ask a question real quick?
Chair King: Absolutely.
Commissioner Gabela: This is not the appointment? Because I have a board member
that I want to put --
Chair King: No, no, no, this isn't the appointment.
Commissioner Gabela: Okay. So, motion or a second?
Chair King: So, I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: SR.1 passes unanimously.
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCE
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
FR - FIRST READING ORDINANCES
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
17300 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-6 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "NOISE/CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT," AMENDING THE HOURS
ALLOWED FOR CONSTRUCTION NOISE; CREATING A
PROCESS FOR NOISE MITIGATION PLANS AND NOISE
WAIVERS WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS AND ENHANCED
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND ESTABLISHING DEFINITIONS
FOR THE SAME; 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
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: Item FR.1 was deferred to the April 24, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
17300 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-6 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "NOISE/CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT," AMENDING THE HOURS
ALLOWED FOR CONSTRUCTION NOISE; CREATING A
PROCESS FOR NOISE MITIGATION PLANS AND NOISE
WAIVERS WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS AND ENHANCED
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND ESTABLISHING DEFINITIONS
FOR THE SAME; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Reconsider
RESULT: RECONSIDERED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
FR.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
17300 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-6 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "NOISE/CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT," AMENDING THE HOURS
ALLOWED FOR CONSTRUCTION NOISE; CREATING A
PROCESS FOR NOISE MITIGATION PLANS AND NOISE
WAIVERS WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS AND ENHANCED
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS AND ESTABLISHING DEFINITIONS
FOR THE SAME; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing FR.1, please see "Order
of the Day"and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: Okay, I believe there's a motion to defer FR.1, the construction noise
ordinance.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair? We'll just need to reconsider FR.1 before we
indefinitely defer.
Chair King: Okay, may I have a motion to reconsider FR.1?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Now may I have a motion to indefinitely defer FR.1?
Commissioner Pardo: Motion made.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: FR.1 has been indefinitely deferred.
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FR.2 ORDINANCE First Reading
17378 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 36/SECTION 36-4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor "NOISE/OPERATION OF RADIOS, PHONOGRAPHS, OR OTHER
SOUND -MAKING DEVICES; BANDS, ORCHESTRAS, AND
MUSICIANS —GENERALLY, EXEMPTION" 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 ALTERNATE HOURS FOR
RESTRICTIVE TIMES AND ALTERNATE DISTANCES FOR SOUND
FOR THE MIAMI RIVERSIDE SPECIALTY DISTRICT; 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
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: Item FR.2 was deferred to the April 24, 2025, City
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Public Comments for All Item(s)."
FR.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
17416 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE XIII/DIVISION 3/SECTION 62-535 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED
and Mayor "PLANNING AND ZONING/PLANNING AND ZONING APPROVAL
FOR TEMPORARY USES AND OCCUPANCIES; PERMIT
REQUIRED/TEMPORARY STRUCTURES IN CONJUNCTION WITH
PERMANENT OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL USES OR
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/TEMPORARY USES ON VACANT
LAND," BY MODIFYING EXEMPTIONS; 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: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see
Item SR.1.
Chair King: May I have a motion for FR.3?
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City Commission
Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: For SR (Second Reading) ?
Chair King: FR.3.
Vice Chair Carollo: FR.3.
Chair King: Yes, FR.1 and FR.2 have been deferred through April 24th.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, I'd like to take FR.1, because there's certain
pieces of that that are going to require longer. I think we set it for the second
meeting in April. Can we go ahead and indefinitely defer that for now until I have a
better idea when to bring it back?
Chair King: I would need a vote for that.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Correct.
Chair King: If I have a motion --
Mr. Hannon: But currently we're on FR.3.
Chair King: We're on --
Commissioner Pardo: Oh, sorry.
Chair King: -- let's wait for that. So, FR.3.
Mr. Hannon: There's a motion by Commissioner Gabela, seconded by
Commissioner Pardo for FR.3 as is.
Chair King: All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Passes unanimously.
END OF FIRST READING ORDINANCES
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Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025
BC.1
16832
Office of the City
Clerk
BC - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COUNCIL FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
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BC.2
6672
Office of the City
Clerk
BC.3
15894
Office of the City
Clerk
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST FOR
A TERM AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Christopher Penelas Commission -At -Large
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0138
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: Mr. City Clerk, do you have any board or committee appointments for
this meeting?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk) : Thank you, Chair. BC. 3, Bayfront Park Management
Trust. Commissioner Gabela will be appointing Christopher Penelas to the at -large
seat currently held by Alex Cardenas.
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Chair King: May I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: I'm sorry, which one?
Chair King: Bayfront Park Management Trust, Christopher Penelas. I have a motion
and a second to appoint him.
Vice Chair Carollo: To appoint who?
Chair King: Christopher Penelas.
Vice Chair Carollo: For what position?
Chair King: At -large seat, Bayfront Park Management Trust.
Vice Chair Carollo: Who currently has that seat?
Chair King: It's --
Mr. Hannon: Alex Cardenas.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITTEE FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
Commission -At -Large
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RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Yvonne Bayona
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0139
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Christine King, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.5, Code Enforcement Board. Vice Chair Carollo
will be appointing Yvonne Bayona.
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Chair King: I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Mr. Hannon: I have Commissioner King as the seconder.
Chair King: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
Chair King: Okay.
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
CRESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
IAFF
FOP
AFSCME 1907
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BC.8
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD FOR
TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER,
QUEER ("LGBTQ") ADVISORY BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
rRESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
Commission -At -Large
J
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI FOREVER BOND PROGRAM CITIZENS'
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
rRESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING, ZONING AND APPEALS BOARD
FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
L RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
Commissioner Christine King
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RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPOINTING CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
(UDRB) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
NOMINATED BY:
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Damian Pardo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Joe Carollo
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Commissioner Christine King
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING A CERTAIN
INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER OF THE VIRGINIA KEY ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM
AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE:
Luis Casamayor
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0140
NOMINATED BY:
Village of Key Biscayne
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: Mr. City Clerk.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): BC.13, Virginia Key Advisory Board. The Village of
Key Biscayne has nominated Luis Casamayor to their vacant seat and is seeking the
Commission's confirmation.
Chair King: Do I have a motion?
Commissioner Gabela: Motion.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
Mr. Hannon: That concludes the boards and committees. Thank you, Chair.
Chair King: Thank you.
END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
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DI - DISCUSSION ITEM
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE
TERMS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS
TRUSTS, AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND
AGENCIES PURSUANT TO CITY OF MIAMI CODE SECTION 2-35.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Chair King: Gentlemen, I would like to defer DI.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: DI.1.
Chair King: Commissioners, as members of boards, I'd like to put a pause on that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: And a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: I'd like to indefinitely defer that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay.
Chair King: Okay.
END OF DISCUSSION ITEM
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Planning
PART B: PZ -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION GRANTING OR
DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY SIDLEY AUSTIN, LLP ON BEHALF
OF ICONBRICKELL CONDOMINIUM NO. TWO ASSOCIATION INC.
("APPELLANT") AND REVERSING, AFFIRMING, OR MODIFYING THE
DECISION OF THE MIAMI HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD'S APPROVAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION
23-4 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION
REPORT FOR THE INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNATED SITE KNOWN AS
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 609 BRICKELL AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, 33131,
WITH FOLIO NUMBER 01-0210-030-1010.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-25-0141
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Miguel Angel Gabela, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)."
Chair King: And all right. We're at our PZ (Planning and Zoning) items. Let's --
gentlemen, would you consider going to recess so we can have the Omni Overtown
and Virginia P. (Park) meetings? Okay, at this time, the commission meeting will
recess until two hours after the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) meeting, the Omni CRA meeting, and the Virginia Key
Beach Trust meeting. Thank you all for your advocacy, thank you all for being here,
and we will see you later this afternoon.
[Later...]
Chair King: Welcome back to the City of Miami Commission meeting for April 10th,
2025. I don 't see the city attorney here, or the manager. Okay. Mr. City Attorney,
would you please read the titles of the PZ items?
John Greco (Chief Deputy City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair. PZ.1. A resolution of
the Miami City Commission granting or -- actually, this is -- I don't need to read that
title. I'm sorry. PZ.2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the Chief Deputy City
Attorney.
Mr. Greco: PZ.3.
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The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the Chief Deputy City
Attorney.
Chair King: Thank you, Mr. City Attorney.
[Later...]
Chair King: And would you like to -- let's go back to the top of the agenda.
Vice Chair Carollo: Where are we going now?
Chair King: We're going back to -- let's see what we haven't finished. We did --
we've done that. We have RE.1 for discussion.
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, should we, with all due respect, Chairwoman, finish PZ.1?
That's probably the one item left that you have the most people waiting for.
Chair King: Well, actually we have some folks who are here this morning from the
Underline for RE.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah, but the Underline is to ask money from us. This is
something that will make additional money for us in the future.
Chair King: It's up to my colleagues. Which ways do you guys want to go?
Vice Chair Carollo: We started doing it --
Commissioner Gabela: I don't care. Whatever you guys want.
Commissioner Pardo: Let's go ahead and do the HEP (Historic and Environmental
Preservation) appeal, PZ.1.
Vice Chair Carollo: Yeah.
Chair King: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: This way we're done with all the PZs (Planning and Zoning).
Chair King: Okay. PZ.1. Mr. City Attorney, would you like to give us some guidance
on what's about to transpire now?
John Greco (Chief Deputy City Attorney): Yes, Madam Chair. This is an appeal from
a determination of the Historic Environmental Preservation Board. The appeal -- the
appellant, I would suggest that you give the appellant an opportunity to address their
appeal and the respondent an opportunity to respond. The threshold question -- there
are two questions, but the threshold question in this case is the standing of the
appellant to bring this appeal to the City Commission in the first instance.
Chair King: And what is the CityAttorney's opinion on this?
Mr. Greco: The issue that the appellant will have to demonstrate is that they had
standing as a party under Florida law. The Florida law standard is whether they
suffered special injury different in kind from members of the general public. That is
the issue that they will have to address as a threshold.
Chair King: That's the only criteria? Those are the only elements for intervener
status?
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Mr. Greco: Well, for taking an appeal to the commission.
Chair King: Special injury.
Mr. Greco: Different in kind from members of the general public.
Chair King: Okay. From members of the general public.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, I wanted to add one thing. I know that a large
group of people here came out because they felt not heard or couldn 't be heard at
the HEP Board. So, I want to make sure outside of the intervener status and the legal
technicalities that we're working on here that there is an opportunity for that voice
to be heard by the commission.
Chair King: I'm sorry, say that again, by the commission?
Commissioner Pardo: By us. Just let them speak, have their time to say a few words.
Chair King: Well, they did already in public comment.
Commissioner Pardo: They did in public comment, but as part of this --
Chair King: I think, if I'm not mistaken, what they were asking for was another
meeting, not --
Commissioner Pardo: Well --
Chair King: -- because they were heard today, but I think resoundingly what I heard
was that they wanted to have --
Commissioner Pardo: They were asking for it to be remanded back to the HEP
Board which complicates the actual transaction that's been worked on for a very
long time.
Chair King: Right.
Commissioner Pardo: I just want to make sure, if it's a matter of a few minutes to
add to the presentation, that they would have that ability to do so. We did hear them
in public comment.
Chair King: I mean, we did. I don 't think they would say something different, and I
did -- I took notes. I wrote it down. So --
Commissioner Gabela: Yeah, we did let them talk.
Chair King: We did. They were heard. Go ahead.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Yes.
Vice Chair Carollo: My only concern is, and we get guidance from the city attorney,
that if by doing this we're going to open up Pandora's box for future individuals that
want to come back after they have had their due process.
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Mr. Greco: Commissioner, I would suggest that the representative for the appellant
be given an opportunity, maybe three minutes, to state their position. Also give the
respondent an equal opportunity. It's of course up to the discretion of the
Commission to allow any other comment, but I think that just as far as due process
goes, I would just limit it to just the parties.
Vice Chair Carollo: That's fine. I just wanted to hear from you that it's not going to
affect anything going into the future, that we would be making a precedent for the
future and if you say so --
Mr. Greco: I think you're okay with that.
Vice Chair Carollo: Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Greco: As long as you limit it to the party's representatives speaking on their
behalf and with a limited period of time, I think you satisfy due process, and I think
you haven 't set a --
Vice Chair Carollo: Very good. Thank you.
Chair King: And if you could, please define special injury.
Mr. Greco: Okay. I'm going to -- I'll restate what I said, but I will also let Assistant
City Attorney Amber Ketterer fill in any additional information that she would like to
since she's done some of the research on this. But generally, what our code says is
that to be an appellant you have to be a party that has suffered -- that has standing
under Florida law, a party that has standing under Florida law. The standard under
Florida law is whether you suffered a special injury different in kind from that of the
general public. And that is the standard. And that's the threshold that they need to
demonstrate.
Chair King: Can you give me some case law on what is a special injury? Because
you 're just talking in a circle. I don 't know if any of my colleagues understand what
a special injury is. Commissioner Gabela, do you know?
Commissioner Gabela: No, listen. What I understand is that instead of rather than
the whole group talking, because they already spoke, right? The representative,
which is this attorney, we're going to allow him to speak, right? And then we fulfill
our mission of letting the appellant, right, get his piece so later on we're not sued in
court. You know, but listen, we can say that when you guys built, some of you guys
live in Icon Brickell. And I'm sure that sometimes nobody wanted Icon Brickell. And
I'm sure that were those guys that didn't want Icon Brickell, were they specially
injured with this thing? You know what I mean?
Mr. Greco: What I recommend, Madam Chair, Commissioners, is that you let the
appellant state their position and what they -- what their basis for special injury is. I
would recommend that you allow the respondent to respond, and then we will
address, if asked, what types of applications constitute special injury. I think without
knowing exactly what the appellant is claiming as a basis for special injury, it's -- I
think it's more productive and useful for the Commission 's time.
Chair King: I understand. I understand. As a practitioner, I would not be listening to
something if I didn't know the definition of what special injury is. Different in kind.
So, you go ahead. You guys are just, you know, you're just walking around in a
circle, and he could say whatever he wants to say, but if we don 't know the definition
of special injury --
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Mr. Greco: We'll give you a -- right now as a threshold, we'll address it again at --
Chair King: And I'm sure the court has addressed what a special injury is.
Mr. Greco: We will read you the definition.
Chair King: Okay, because there must be some guidelines for us to understand what
constitutes a special injury. You don't give a definition by giving the word of it
again. You don 't define a text by saying it's a text. You don 't define special injury by
saying it's a special injury. I'm not trying to be argumentative here, I'm just trying to
give them the best shot at making their position known with us having the
information in front of us.
Mr. Greco: We will. We will right now. Amber Ketterer will give you the definition of
special injury.
Iris Escarra: Madam Chair, I have a point of order before we can advance. I filed on
April 4th --
Chair King: Can you wait? Wait. Hold on. Let me just -- we have a habit of not
finishing our thoughts. Definition of special injury.
Amber Ketterer (Senior Assistant City Attorney): So, the main case in Florida, it's a
Florida Supreme Court, Renard v. Dade County, and determining the standing.
Factors include the proximity of their property to the subject property, the character
of the neighborhood, including the existence of restrictive covenants and setback
requirements, and the type of change proposed. The fact that a person received
notice is also a factor. None of these -- so the situation needs to be evaluated as a
whole. None of them are one factor. For example, the fact that a property is across
the street or adjacent doesn 't automatically entitle them to standing. Courts have
also found that noise and traffic in general do not constitute special injury. There
was a recent case out of the 4th DCA (District Court of Appeals) that I thought was
helpful, which was Everett Brothers Recycling v. Martin County. In that case, there
were -- there was a competing scrap metal business that was opened across the
street from another one. And the court found that their allegations of financial loss
due to competition, dust, dirt, pollution, noise, and traffic would have been suffered
by all property owners in the area. And plaintiffs lacked standing despite their
property being across the street. So, it has to be not only a general injury in degree,
but in kind. So, it has to be different. So, everybody's going to suffer noise,
everybody in the area, everybody's going to suffer from traffic. It has to be different
in kind.
Chair King: Thank you.
Lawrence Silverman: So, I'll address it.
Chair King: Hold on a second. You said --
Ms. Escarra: Madam Chair, Iris Escarra and Carlos Diaz, offices at 333 Southeast
2nd Avenue. I have a point of order to be heard before they can present their action,
and that is that Icon 2 Association was not present at the lower HEP Board hearing.
So, because the Icon 2 Association was not present at the lower board hearing, they
do not have standing, legal standing, to be able to appeal this item to be heard today.
I need to preserve the record. I need to put in facts in the record to make sure that in
the event that this item advances, that our legal rights are preserved because
allowing them to advance is actually a violation of our due process, that you can
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have one person speak at one hearing and then somebody else appeal, and they are
not one and the same.
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney? Mr. Snow?
Ms. Ketterer: So, typically we do require somebody speak in the lower hearing to
have the ability to appeal. If Ms. Escarra wants to extrapolate on, you know, the
facts of this case and how they don't meet that, we're happy to hear that.
Chair King: What -- what is that --
Ms. Ketterer: It's my understanding that somebody had appeared below asserting
that they were from that association, and that's kind of all we know on the record.
Ms. Escarra: If I may introduce into the record some of the information regarding
their lack of standing. Quickly.
Chair King: Go ahead.
Ms. Escarra: So --
Chair King: Wait, wait. I just -- is what she said in fact true?
Mr. Greco: Yes, so --
Chair King: During the HEP hearing, did someone not from the lower hearing, and
the rules that she just cited, is that true?
Mr. Greco: The way the code reads is that an aggrieved party, someone who can
appeal has to be an aggrieved party who has standing under Florida Law. So,
there's two things there. One is you have to be a party, not a person, a party, which
indicates that you had to have been a party before the HEP Board. That is the issue
that Ms. Escarra is talking about, and that I would suggest that we should hear both
sides and what their facts are based on whether or not the appellant was a party
below. Then the other element we talked about is standing under Florida law. So,
party and standing under Florida law.
Chair King: Go ahead, sir.
Mr. Silverman: Yeah --
Ms. Escarra: If I may -- if I may, I just need to put this into the record because in
addition to the code provisions with regards to, I think, what Mr. Greco is putting
into the record with regards to the ability to appeal and the standards, the Historic
Preservation Board has specific official rules of procedure of the City of Miami that
they have adopted. So, these are in addition to the City Code provisions. And the
appeals in Section 7(H) says, "A decision of the board may be appealed by any
aggrieved party, consistent with the code, who opposed and presented testimony on
the item before the board. " So, the person must have been present at the lower board
in order to be able to appeal. In this case, Mr. Barson, one of the gentlemen that
spoke as part of the public comment this morning, clarified that he was here in his
individual capacity. At the lower board, he also said that he was there in the
individual capacity, and then as he continued to present, said, no, I'm here also on
behalf of Icon 2, and I'm also here on behalf of the Master Association, but never
introduced any evidence that he was in fact -- and he is a lawyer, so he, too, in law
school would have learned that in order for you to say that you represent a client,
you have to have official capacity to be able to do that. In Miami, you also have to
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register as a lobbyist on behalf -- those are the rules that we all have to follow. No
evidence was presented that he had such an authority on behalf of the Icon 2
Association or the Master Association. And he did not appeal during the prescribed
appeal period as an individual. Rather, the association, the Icon 2 Association,
represented by counsel, filed an appeal, had the proper authority. They introduced a
resolution of the Icon 2 Association stating that they had authority. So, I just wanted
to be clear that the record that at one hearing you had one person present
individually and kind of say he was representing different parties, but ultimately, he
was there on his own capacity because no evidence otherwise was presented. And
today, as part of the presentation here, he clarified that he too was not here on
behalf of his law firm in any capacity other than as a unit owner. As a unit owner, he
would have had the right to appeal, but for, they waived that because they didn 't --
he did not appeal during the appeal period. They hired counsel, which is here
present today, and filed an appeal. Another item that I need to put into the record is
that the appeal period -- the appeal fee pursuant to Chapter 23, there was no receipt
in the record with regards to the $525 that are required. They did put into the record
the invoice for the notice fees, but not the appeal fee. So, I want to preserve the
record and make sure that it's clear that the appeal fee was not filed to the best of
our knowledge, nor was any evidence that Mr. Barson in any capacity represented
the association, Icon 2 or Master.
Chair King: City Attorney?
Mr. Greco: First, I want to also kind of step back for a second. If there are any
Jennings disclosures that need to be made?
Commissioner Pardo: I have one.
Mr. Greco: Okay.
Chair King: All of us, I'm sure.
Mr. Greco: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: I also have one.
Mr. Greco: So, with respect to what Ms. Escarra said, number one, I think -- I think
that section that talks about the HEP rule, I think that pertains not to changes in
designation, but I think it changes the certificates of appropriateness. I think that --
Ms. Escarra: It just says a decision of the board. It doesn 't necessarily limit to what
items. It just says a decision of the board.
Mr. Greco: I think under section, was it 7?
Ms. Escarra: Section 7, letter H.
Mr. Greco: 7 relates to certificates, applications for COA (Certificate of Approval).
Ms. Escarra: Understood.
Mr. Greco: Also, I would say that the Code takes precedence over a HEP rule. So --
and the Code says, 'party.' It's the same result, really. You have to be a party. So,
the question is, factually, were they a party below? If they weren 't, then under -- they
wouldn 't be able to appeal. So, that's the first prong. Second is standing. The first is,
were you a party below. And I recommend -- I mean, I -- we've already I think heard
some, butt would recommend you hear from the other side.
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Chair King: We're going to go ahead --
Mr. Greco: Yeah.
Chair King: -- and hear from the other side. Good afternoon, sir.
Mr. Silverman: Good afternoon. And just to clarify, we're talking three minutes or
five minutes?
Mr. Greco: It's up to the chairperson.
Chair King: I think you could get it all out in five minutes.
Mr. Silverman: Okay, thank you, Your Honor. Thank you, Commissioner. I'm sorry.
Good afternoon. My name is Larry Silverman from the Sidley Austin Law Firm, 1001
Brickell Bay Drive in Miami. Below, the representative of Icon came before the
HEPB (Historic and Environmental Preservation Board) and asked to intervene.
And at that point, the HEPB considered that request and rejected it by a 5-3 vote. So,
they heard him, they considered the intervention status, and ultimately denied it,
which for this appeal, this is an appeal only of the question of whether that 5-3
denial is supported under law. We're the party that lost that decision, 5-3, and that is
what we are here for. The Miami Code specifically sets forth that we should have
won that decision, 8-0, because we are an abutting property under the code, that we
are across a public square, that makes us an abutting property, we should have been
allowed to intervene. All of this could have been avoided, you know what they call
snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. We would have put on our historian, we
would have put on some evidence, and at that point the HEPB could have ruled on
both sides. We are here not as a referendum on construction in District 2 and
Brickell, we are here appealing that 5-3 loss that we had on intervention status. We
are absolutely entitled to intervene under the code. In addition, Commissioner, you
had asked about special injury and the different cases. I would look at Carlos Estates
v. Dade County, 426 So.2d 1167. We cited and described when special injury is and
isn 't required in our appeal at footnote 12 on Page 3. So, we covered that issue. So,
where we are here is that we came forward during the HEPB process to present
evidence, to put our historian expert up and to put our evidence and so the HEP
would have a full decision, at which point if that intervention would have been
granted, we wouldn't be here. And ultimately, counsel for the petitioner, for the
church below, objected to our standing, and therefore it wasn't granted. And at that
point, they didn 't raise any of these issues regarding the standing of the Icon
representative or some alleged requirement that doesn 't exist in the rules regarding
showing proof at the time that you show up as a lawyer that you 're representing the
people. But ultimately, the HEPB understood what was requested. They were -- it
was specifically ruled on by the HEPB, and we lost 5-3 on the intervention status.
So, that is what we are here to appeal, that we want that overturned so that this is
remanded, we get intervention status, we put our evidence on, and at that point, the
HEPB hands you a decision that includes both sides of the story. What is it Dr. Seuss
said about the Lorax, he speaks for the trees. We speak for the neighbors, and HEP
doesn't have to agree with us, but they darn as the abutting property owner are
supposed to let us talk.
Ms. Escarra: If I may ask a specific question, does that conclude the presentation on
their seeking intervener?
Mr. Silverman: In terms of the presentation, we were asked at the outset to present
our argument as to standing, and that is what I am addressing.
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Ms. Escarra: I presented my -- I just want to make sure the order here is followed.
We presented our case as to why they didn 't have standing. I believe he just stated
why he feels he has standing. So, from a procedural perspective, their appeal is of
the intervener. So, that's why I'm asking specifically, does that conclude their case
as to the presentation as to why they are an aggrieved party and should be
intervener?
Mr. Silverman: Yes. And again, at that point, again, you've repeatedly preserved the
record. The next step after this is obviously first year certiorari in front of the circuit
court on the intervention status. But we are not here -- as I've said, this is not a
referendum on the underlying question of whether or not they should cut the church
in half and de -historic half of it. We never got to present that, and now is not the first
time.
Mr. Greco: Madam Chair, may I ask a question? May I ask a question?
Chair King: Yes. Yes.
Mr. Greco: So, Counselor, this is a de novo proceeding.
Mr. Silverman: Of course.
Mr. Greco: It's an appeal. You -- for your client to have appeared properly before
HEP, you had to demonstrate intervener status, which is similar to the special injury
standard that is required to appeal. Is there any other facts or argument you want to
make as to why your client was both a proper party before the Historic
Environmental Preservation Board and was a -- suffered special injury here?
Mr. Silverman: Twofold. And, again, this is all set forth in our written appeal itself.
But, first of all, the question, we were recognized as a party for the request for
appeal, so that's what we are appealing. I believe we are a party to that extent, to
the extent we have a special interest from the rest of the world --
Mr. Greco: I'm sorry, but didn 't HEP deny your intervener status?
Mr. Silverman: That's correct, but any --
Mr. Greco: To be a party, you would have to have successfully intervened. If HEP
denied your request to intervene, then HEP didn't think -- didn't accept you as a
party, your client as a party, correct?
Mr. Silverman: But if they did -- by accepting it, considering it and rejecting it, they
recognized that we were the parties that asked. At that point, to the extent that under
the -- what is set forth here, that well, if you didn 't -- if you rejected party status,
then you don 't get to appeal at all, it doesn 't make any sense. Under the Code, we
had an absolute right to appeal -- to appear, and therefore, if they deny that, HEP
denied our request for intervention, that I am a party to that decision. I am not a
party yet to the underlying decision of HEPB to approve the de -designation, but I am
absolutely a party on that request for the intervention status, because it is reflected
in the record. They discussed it. They had a vote. They know who was asking, and
that's what we're here on. Now, that flips into the second question on injury. It is
specifically set forth in the code that an adjoining property has a right. And so, we
keep talking about special injury. We -- our standing and right comes not just from
the injury provisions as in, like a Carlos Estates, but from a violation of the code
itself. We are a specified party, but even as set forth, we certainly have a special
injury because we are an adjoining owner. There is no -- I don 't believe -- and
again, this is set forth in our appeal, the idea -- the special injury requirement as set
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forth does not apply to appeals by adjoining owners. It is set -- the code set -- allows
us standing and the code allows us to appeal if we lose.
Mr. Greco: I think that just to correct that, I think that the -- to appear before HEP,
to fall within the definition of intervenor, then there's a distance requirement plus a
special interest. That standard is similar but stated differently to appeal to the City
Commission. To appeal before the City Commission, the standard is you have to be
an aggrieved party that has suffered -- that has standing under Florida Law, which
means you suffered special injury. I think -- I just want to make sure that the
Commission understands what your grounds are for A, being a party below. It
sounds like it was because you requested it. I think I would say that in court, if I
request intervention as a party and the court denies me intervention, I'm not a party.
I could appeal it, but I'm not a party at that time. And I would also suggest that
beyond that, you have to -- you know, you have to state whatever facts that you rely
on to demonstrate special injury. It sounds to me, and correct me if I'm wrong, that
you -- it's proximity
Mr. Silverman: It is --
Mr. Greco: It seems like proximity is what you're relying on.
Mr. Silverman: Is adjoining status not proximity from the circle perspective, but
adjoining status from the code that provides a presumption in certain -- when you
are an adjoining entity? Now, we are within, you know, 100 feet, and again, the
separate section of the code provides for permissive intervention when you're within
500 feet, and that's the one that talks about a special injury. But there's a separate
section that talks about specific standing, specific presumption as an adjoining basis.
It is a matter of public record that we're within 75 feet of the line. So --
Mr. Greco: And I guess then the argument is, I -- you know, is whether you 're
adjoining. I understand that under the definition of intervention for purposes of a
HEP, adjoining, there would be presumption that you have standing.
Mr. Silverman: That's correct.
Mr. Greco: Then there's the distance requirement in which you also have to prove
special injury. And then, of course, there's the -- again, the appeal where you have to
prove special injury.
Mr. Silverman: Yes.
Mr. Greco: Unless you're -- you demonstrate that you were an adjoining property,
and I don 't know if that's a point that's conceded, but unless you -- unless you show
that, you have to prove special injury. You have to prove that. And so, if you were to
prove special injury, it sounds like from what you said, you were relying on
proximity. And that's what you're relying on.
Mr. Silverman: I mean again --
Mr. Greco: Tell me if I'm wrong.
Mr. Silverman: -- not proximity in a radius sense, but under the code, proximity as
adjoining.
Chair King: Mr. City Attorney?
Mr. Greco: Yes, Madam Chair.
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Chair King: Do my colleagues have any questions?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I've got questions for when you're done with your --
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: I think --
Vice Chair Carollo: I think City Attorney has made it clear that he's got no standing.
Ms. Escarra: If I may put into the record.
Chair King: Commissioner Gabela, you said you have a lot of questions?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm -- so, look. It seems to me, I heard, you know, this
looks to me like a case where, you know, I can build, I built, I live here, but I don't
want anybody to put another building across me, even though some here are living in
a 40-story building or higher. That's what it seems to me, number one. Number two,
that HEP Board is tough, okay? That HEP Board is tough, okay? And I -- you know,
if they turned you guys down already, and that's what you're saying, and you went in
front of them, and now you want to circumvent them because you don 't like the
decision that they took. It seems to me that this is an open and shut case, very simple,
you know. They don't have standing is what I'm -- what my -- why my conclusion is
coming to. And so, therefore, I would say I'm ready to vote that they don 't have
standing, plain and simple. They took their case to the HEP Board. Those guys are
tough. Those guys are tough as DERM (Department of Environmental Resources
Management), okay? And they said no, you know. And by the same token, sometimes
you guys get mad when we go against the HEP Board. Now you 're telling us, don 't
go with the HEP Board. Have you heard that guys, oh, you know, the HEP Board
says this, you guys got to do that. Oh, well, now we're doing what the HEP Board
says, except you guys don 't like the outcome. And now you 're telling us, oh, don 't do
what the HEP Board says, because we don 't like the outcome. So, I'm ready for a
vote. With all due respect and nothing personal against all of you guys out there.
Vice Chair Carollo: Madam City Attorney. I make a motion that he does not have
any standing based upon the clear record --
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Vice Chair Carollo: -- that was established by the City Attorney using his own words
here.
Commissioner Pardo: Madam Chair, I just want to make sure that what's provided
for the record could be just stated before we vote.
Chair King: So, we allowed you yours. I'm going to allow --
Ms. Escarra: Two quick items to put into the record. The Icon 2 Association is not an
abutting owner. The City of Miami owns Brickell Park. Icon 2 Association is part of
a three -tower phase that was developed by The Related Group many years ago.
Their condo association is actually this one. There's one, three, and then there's a
master, but -- their condo association here. The City of Miami owns Brickell Park,
who is, in fact, our adjoining, adjacent owner. The Brickell Church site is here. This
is the portion to be demolished. This is the portion, the church that's to be preserved
in perpetuity. Nothing is happening here, only here. The second item I want to put
into the record is that the Icon 2 Association in and of itself is not a property owner.
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They are a manager of the common elements. However, the areas of common
elements are owned by each individual owner. So, the City Code requires for
intervener for someone to be a property owner and to be adjacent. The association is
not an owner, and they are not adjacent. That concludes my presentation in response
to their comments.
Mr. Silverman: And -- and --
Chair King: Do you have a rebuttal, sir?
Mr. Silverman: I do, Chairwoman. First of all, we agree that you should take into
consideration the map that is before you. What is between Icon 2 and the proposed
property is the city terrace park. And, just again, as Commissioner Carollo noted, if
the ruling of this commission is that as a matter of law we don 't have standing, all I
ask is say it like that. Because, again, that way we can --
Vice Chair Carollo: Well, it's a motion --
Mr. Silverman: -- that way -- and, again, that's not your problem, but that's --
Vice Chair Carollo: I understand. Let me be clear.
Mr. Silverman: Yeah.
Vice Chair Carollo: It's a motion to deny based on standing.
Mr. Silverman: Great.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: Let me get some clarity from the City Attorney's Office\ because we are
voting to uphold the HEP Board's decision.
Mr. Greco: You're moving to deny the appeal based on lack of standard.
Chair King: Okay.
(COMMENTS MADE OFF THE RECORD)
Chair King: That's the motion. Okay.
Mr. Greco: Commissioner -- he amended his motion.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair King: Motion carries unanimously.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Chair King: As amended.
Mr. Silverman: Thank you.
Ms. Escarra: Thank you very much, everyone.
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PZ.2 ORDINANCE Second Reading
12858 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
and Ma or - PZ AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
y COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "DUPLEX RESIDENTIAL" TO "LOW
DENSITY RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" FOR THE PROPERTY
GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3424 AND 3442 SOUTHWEST 37
AVENUE, 3714 AND 3718 WASHINGTON AVENUE, AND 3719
THOMAS AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED;
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14362
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see
"Public Comments for All Item(s)" and Item PZ.1.
Chair King: Gentlemen, are there any -- would you like to pull PZ.2 or 3 for
discussion, or can we move on those items now?
Commissioner Pardo: We can move now.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
Chair King: Okay, that's what he --
Commissioner Gabela: I'm sorry, could you repeat that again?
Chair King: For -- only PZ.2 and 3, would you like to pull either of those items for
discussion?
Commissioner Gabela: No, I'm okay with it.
Chair King: So --
Mr. Greco: Madam Chair, I'm sorry, excuse me.
David Snow (Director, Planning): Yes, just to add a quick note, District 2 wanted to
be added as a sponsor for those two items, for the record.
Chair King: Okay.
Vice Chair Carollo: (INAUDIBLE).
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Chair King: Okay.
Commissioner Pardo: It's our item.
Chair King: So, not having any discussion on these items, may I have a motion to
pass PZ.2 and 3?
Vice Chair Carollo: Move.
Commissioner Pardo: Second.
Commissioner Gabela: Second.
Chair King: I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Pardo: Fire.
Chair King: Items passes unanimously.
PZ.3 ORDINANCE Second Reading
12859 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
and Ma or - PZ NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
Y FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM: "T3-O" SUB -URBAN TRANSECT
ZONE — OPEN TO "T4-O" GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT ZONE -
OPEN WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND DISTRICT AND CHARLES
AVENUE NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT)
OVERLAY FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3424
AND 3442 SOUTHWEST 37 AVENUE, 3714 AND 3718 WASHINGTON
AVENUE, AND 3719 THOMAS AVENUE; MAINTAINING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF "T3-O" SUB -URBAN TRANSECT ZONE — OPEN
WITH A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND DISTRICT AND CHARLES AVENUE
NCD-2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY
FOR THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3735
WASHINGTON AVENUE, AND MAINTAINING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF "T5-O" URBAN CENTER ZONE— OPEN WITH
A "VILLAGE WEST ISLAND DISTRICT AND CHARLES AVENUE NCD-
2" (NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION DISTRICT) OVERLAY FOR
THE PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 3710 GRAND AVENUE,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 14363
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Damian Pardo, Commissioner
AYES: King, Carollo, Gabela, Pardo
ABSENT: Reyes
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item PZ.3, please see "Public
Comments for All Item(s)," Item PZ.1, and Item PZ.2.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
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FL - FUTURE LEGISLATION
FL.1
17385
Department of
Planning
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING
ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.3.7, TITLED "NO APPROVAL
AVAILABLE IF CODE ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS", TO
PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR APPLICATIONS MADE BY THE
CITY OF MIAMI; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
ADJOURNMENT
END OF FUTURE LEGISLATION
Meeting adjourned at 5: 03 p.m.
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