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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOMNI CRA 2019-06-13 MinutesCity of Miami 3500 Pan American Dr Miami, FL 33133 www.miamigov.com rokp Omni CRA Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:00 AM City Hall 3500 Pan American Drive Miami, FL 33133 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Ken Russell, Chair, District Two Keon Hardemon, Vice Chair, District Five Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One Joe Carollo, Board Member, District Three Manolo Reyes, Board Member, District Four ************************* OMNI and MIDTOWN CRA OFFICE ADDRESS: 1401 N. Miami Avenue, 2"d Floor, Miami 33136 Phone: (305) 679-6868 www.miamicra.com CALL TO ORDER OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 ORDER OF THE DAY Present: Chair Russell, Vice Chair Hardemon, Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo and Commissioner Reyes. On the 13th day of June 2019, the Board of Commissioners of the OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Miami met in regular session at Miami City Hall located at 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida. The meeting was called to order by Chair Russell at 9:37 a.m., recessed at 11:05 a.m., reconvened at 11:50 a.m., and was adjourned at 12: 59 p.m. ALSO PRESENT: Jason Walker, Executive Director, CRA Isiaa Jones, Chief Legal Officer, CRA Barnaby L. Min, Deputy General Counsel, CRA Todd B. Hannon, Clerk of the Board Note for the Record: Commissioner Carollo entered the meeting at 9:44 a.m. Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): Chair, we are ready to begin the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) meeting. Chair Russell: Thank you very much, Mr. Clerk. Good morning, everyone. We are opening the Omni CRA meeting of June 13, 2019. I'm the Chairman, Ken Russell. I'm also joined on the dais by board members Commissioners Reyes, Commissioner Gort, and Commissioner Hardemon. We have an agenda today which has been noticed, including several items, a couple of which cannot proceed at the City level until they are passed here. Chair Russell: And so, let me just set the table for you for a moment. About a year and a half ago, many of you were here as this CRA and then this City Commission took up the issue of whether or not the conditions of slum and blight exist in the Village West of Coconut Grove to an extent that would warrant a community redevelopment agency to be established there to address that slum and blight. Many of the community came out and proved that that need was there, in conjunction with the official documentation and data that is available through the research that was passed at the CRA and was passed, fortunately, by this body by unanimous vote. We established that the need is here. Our eyes are now open and cannot be closed. It is now up to us to have the political will to address that need. There are many arguments against the CRA; potential CRA abuse throughout the State; that money is trapped from elsewhere in the City; that there are other neighborhoods that need it just as much. All those can be true, but if you look in the Village West of Coconut Grove, you can follow the line of the border of this proposed CRA very easily, because it follows a concrete wall that separated two communities; that, historically, black Miamians could not pass that wall after dark and must stay in their community. We are now using that same boundary to say, if passed, that future tax dollars will now stay within that wall, and service a community that has been neglected and segregated and mistreated for decades. Does it keep it from the rest of the City? It does. But it's been kept from this community for absolute years. Are there other communities within the City that also could qualms for a CRA and have slum and blight? Absolutely. Many throughout any of our districts could find a neighborhood that have the conditions of neglect, of slum, of blight that need to be addressed. But I would argue to you that there is no community in the City of Miami that is under a faster, harder pressure for gentrification and displacement than the Village West of Coconut Grove, and it's not because development is here and happening. It is because this particular OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 2 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 community of poverty is surrounded by such wealth that the speculative world of development sees an opportunity for cheap land; not to develop it, but to bank it until a future date, further contributing to the slum and blight; that certain residents, because they need a penny today, will take pennies on the dollar for their home, to move out and sell under market value to someone who will just demolish that home and save it for future development. There have been no -- there's no place else in the City that has experienced as many demolitions, as many evictions and non -renewals of leases as you have seen in the last couple years in the Village West of Coconut Grove. Not only is the need there; the pressure is there. We're under a very eminent and existential crisis for this community that is about to be wiped off the map. Development will come in, redevelopment is needed, but we must place a finger on the scale and have a guiding hand to ensure that that development is for the benefit of the residents who live there now, and that is where a community redevelopment agency can implement affordable housing, eliminate slum and blight, provide green space, historic preservation, so many things that are so needed. So before you today on this agenda is a Redevelopment Plan that sets out the general buckets of need that have been established and a general plan that will go forward. That plan will be refined by the community, with the board of the CRA, if established, to set an annual budget of exact expenditure of how we will address that together. How much affordable housing is needed? How much density should we allow? All those decisions will be made by this community and this board [we're able to pass this today. Another item on this agenda is an interlocal agreement between the City, between the CRA, and between the County that would establish the rules of the road financially for how we do this. This has been studied very carefully for the last year, and we believe this plan of incorporating this CRA with the Omni CRA and the Omni CRA's extension of life is the absolute best way to do that. Why? The Omni CRA has been established for many years. It has the strength of a TIF, a tax incremental funding mechanism that has banked significant wealth and power to address the slum and blight. An extension of its life will multiply that ability and power. But if the Grove were to create its own CRA today on day one, the number of years it would take to build up that TIF, that tax increment funding, to address the slum and blight would actually undo the problem we're trying to save right now, we're trying to help right now. It would actually incentivize the type of development so quickly to create that TIF. The community's just too close to the edge of extension already. By partnering together with the Omni CRA, on day one, the Grove CRA has the bonding capacity, the borrowing ability to address the need now and in a significant way, and use the life of that extended CRA to pay off those debts. That's my goal. That's my hope to you. The community spoke last time; every one of these Commissioners were here, but today we have other partners. Maurice Ferre sent in a letter. The former Mayor says, "It is my hope that the Omni CRA Board of Commissioners, with use of sufficient funding and guidance, will create an oasis of opportunity and empowerment for those who live and work in the West Grove." The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) sent in a letter saying, "The extension of the Omni CRA to the Historic Black West Grove is an important step in this process of enabling that community to remain in the City of Miami. Therefore, the South Dade Branch of the NAACP, which is now responsible for the area south of Flagler, strongly supports this extension of the CRA." The Underline, which is creating green space and connecting communities, says in their letter, "We hereby support the boundary expansion of the extension of the Omni CRA, and we look forward to participating with the Omni CRA to provide connectivity to the Underline if the boundaries are expanded. " And the Miami -Dade County Public Schools had said that Should Redevelopment Plan and interlocal agreement be approved by the Omni CRA Board, City of Miami Commission, and Miami -Dade County Commission, the district anticipates expediting the Memorandum of Understanding with the Omni CRA and pursuing School Board approval for implementation of development strategies for other district -owned properties within the Omni CRA boundaries. We have a partnership with the School Board and an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) already signed to help them develop their properties throughout the Omni CRA. So many groups can benefit from this action. We've established need is here. We just need to see if the political will OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 3 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 and partnership of this board is willing to take it to the next step. And so, therefore, I would welcome discussion or a motion on the CRA agenda items before us today. Gentlemen? Board Member Reyes: May I --? Chair Russell: I will -- Board Member Gort: You're not going to have public hearing? Chair Russell: We will absolutely have -- must have public hearing on it. I wanted to open just to see where the temperature of this dais is for a motion or a discussion, and then, before we take a vote, absolutely, to hear from the public. Would you prefer to hear public comment first? Yes, please. All right. Later... Chair Russell: We're back on the Omni CRA. We have a few items on this agenda. Just for procedural, I would like to get a motion to withdraw Item Number 6 and defer Discussion Items 1, 2, and 3. Can I get a motion to that effect, please? Board Member Gort: Move it. Chair Russell: It's been moved by Commissioner Gort; seconded by the Chair. Any discussion on that? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. That's deferring Items 1, 2, and 3. Continue to the next like meeting, please. Mr. Hannon: Yes. Discussion Item 1, 2, and 3, and withdrawing -- Chair Russell: And withdrawal of Item -- Mr. Hannon: -- Resolution RE.6. Chair Russell: -- RE.6, correct. Later... Chair Russell: I'll draw our attention back to Items 1 -- Resolution Items 1 through 5. Is there any discussion or a motion? Board Member Gort: I'd like to have the full Commission here when we discuss this. Chair Russell: Agreed. Board Member Gort: I'd like to discuss -- let me tell you, I'm going to support this project, but I want to give a little history first. When we go back -- I go way back from 1970s and the '80s, and one of the things that we have when we first created the Overtown/Park West -- I mean, the Overtown original was the Overtown, then we had to expand it to Park Way [sic]; the reason being, there was not enough funding that will be coming out of Overtown. The reason I'm addressing this is because I served as the Omni CRA; and the Omni CRA, I know you want to change the way you want to do it and you OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 4 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 want to use it, but I think a lot of the funds that the Omni receives today is thanks to the work that was done by the previous board. All the houses, all the buildings that was created because we made that a safe area; because that area, nobody wanted to build there. After we did some of the work in those area, a lot of people started building. Biscayne Boulevard changed completely. You could not walk Biscayne Boulevard in certain periods. If you all recall, Bacardi wanted to move out of there. They finally moved out of it, but after a while, because of all the crime and things that were taking place. We did take care of that. We did take care of the tunnel, which was a benefit to the whole community; for that benefit, also benefited the Omni CRA, because you received additional income because of all the buildings that were built there. So I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) I think you're right. We all know. We heard from our colleagues. The problem we have throughout the whole City. I mean, affordable housing is one of the biggest problems. All you have to do is read the paper every day and you can see what's going on and what's taking place. I (UNINTELLIGIBLE) agree with that. But also, we'll have certain questions. We talked about affordable housing. We talked (UNINTELLIGIBLE) want to do business -- bring businesses to the area, and make sure that the people can be very successful. But if the income, the people that live in the area, is not a nice income, no business can be sustained. You need people that live there. And one of the things that I think we need to do is education. Let's face it, industries are changing every day. There's new techniques coming out. We got to train our people coming out of schools to make sure that they can be prepared and be ready to take a job the way they will get well paid. I have put all my money into education; a scholarship for college, and not everyone has to go to college, but some trades, that makes a lot more than a Bachelor's Degree, and I think that's something that we really have to look into it. I support small businesses. I think it's very important. You have the Bayside Foundation. That's all they do. And I think I'd like to see some of the funds go into there, because they give scholarship; they help a lot of those small businesses to stay alive and to be supported. I think you need to do that. You need to create economic development. It's very important. I think you need to know what is the first project that we 're going to do, what is the impact. Also, people have to believe. It'll take a while. It's not going to be overnight, even if we pass something here today. Overtown, it took 10 years before we received any funding to do what they have done up to today. So I wanted people to understand, don't get any false hope; that if this is passed here, it's got to go to the County, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) also to the State. It's not something that's going to happen overnight. So it's very important that people understand. But I think people should be involved in the plan, like we did originally when we put the Omni CRA together. I think that's very important. People have to be part of that, and they have to be supportive. We have to work with it. And you have to support the local businesses (UNINTELLIGIBLE) establish itself there and attract new business. I'm -- one of the things that I'm doing is, I'm allocating $500, 000 into CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), to be used for homeownership, because a lot of people own homes, and they have some violations, but they don't have the money to take care of those violations. I think we have to support homeownership. That's very important. Those people that own home, we have to support them, and we have to make sure they can maintain their home. And those -- I think it's the -- number one is maintain homeownership. You can see the difference in neighborhoods; homeownership to rental. And I understand rental is very important also, because of certain areas. Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Gort. I certainly would be open to supporting small business, as well as homeownership. Mr. Executive Director. Mr. Walker(Executive Director, Omni Community Redevelopment Agency): Yeah, we -- OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 5 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Chair Russell: I know that we've done at least a dozen small business grants. I believe we've also worked together with the Bayside Foundation on some small business efforts, as well. Can you tell us what we could do from here forward, beyond? Mr. Walker: Yes, Mr. Chairman. We briefed with Commissioner Gort's office; we heard their concerns, and so, we're ready to proffer amendment to the Redevelopment Plan. And Page 4-47, Section 8, where the CRA should make an annual contribution of $250,000 to the Miami Bayside Foundation for an ongoing small business loan and/or grant program for use -- for assistance to businesses within the Omni CRA boundaries. Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Walker: And also, on Page 7-65 of the Plan, we've also added a college scholarship program for residents. Board Member Gort: Should be scholarship and trade schools also. Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. Chair Russell: And with regard to the homeownership program, what are we doing with regard to that in this Redevelopment Plan? Mr. Walker: It's something that we are approaching in this Redevelopment Plan. It's something that we're working on as we speak right now, in current projects. Chair Russell: Thank you. So that -- we passed -- if passed as is, we have the wherewithal to take on that pro -- Mr. Walker: Absolutely. Chair Russell: -- through our annual project, if it passed? Mr. Walker: Yes. Chair Russell: All right. Commissioner Gort. Board Member Gort: And you have to set up your priorities so people understand what you're doing. I think economic development is very important and homeownership. Chair Russell: So you need an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan to add in $250,000 annual expenditure towards the Bayside Foundation within the boundaries of the CRA? Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): I think the goal is to amend the Redevelopment Plan, so yes, it would be an amendment to the plan, as well as the legislation. Chair Russell: Got it; the Redevelopment Plan in this draft, as we have it here before us. All right. So once we get a full dais, I know there are some interviews happening outside based on the last item. Once they're back, if there is a motion, further discussion, we will add that amendment, Commissioner Gort. Thank you. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 6 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Chair Russell: If you are here in support of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) expansion or in opposition to the CRA expansion, or just have questions, can you raise your hand? Thank you. If you'd like to address this body and the public, please come forward to the lecterns. You are fully welcome to speak here today on this issue. We have several items on the agenda, and you are welcome to speak to any one of them. Each member of the public will have two minutes to speak. You'll hear a little beep when it's about 30 seconds left. If you don't mind, please try to wrap it up at that point. And if everyone could just please approach the lecterns and just wait in line, and we'll just move back and forth between the lecterns, and welcome to hear from anyone in the public with regard to this subject. Mr. Shiver, good morning. Neil Shiver: Good morning. Neil Shiver, Coconut Grove resident; born, raised, still live there today, 3095 Plaza Street. I'm here on my individual capacity as a life -time Grovite. You said it best, my friend. It couldn't have been stated even clearer or better. So let me use my few minutes in explaining why this City has an obligation, not just a moral obligation. In 1925, when Coconut Grove was annexed to the City of Miami, prior to that, blacks and whites went to church together. There was some discrepanties [sic] in family incomes, but there was harmony. After that annexation, things began to change in the Grove. You can see the east and the west. You can see the black and the white more clearly. You can see poverty more clearly. That was a -- and most Grovites, white and black, opposed that annexation, but it happened anyway. So now we're a part of this beautiful city, under this beautiful leadership, and where do we find our self [sic] today? We find our self [sic] today, Commission, in a situation where this body had promised affordable housing to the St. Hugh Oaks development, and used the data and the statistics from Coconut Grove to get the bond money. And then based on pressure from some residents who were more concerned about property value than the quality of life issues -- and I'll conclude -- they were -- went from 50 townhouses to 23 luxury homes that no one could afford in that community. So this body has an obligation based on some of the neglect of your predecessors. And so, what I would ask this board to do is to support my district Commissioner in his endeavors, because we have no other options. Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Shiver. Good morning, Mr. Scott. Thaddeus Scott: Good morning. My name is Thaddeus Scott. I live at 3794 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove, life-long resident of -- a civil servant of not only my community, but any community that is under distress and being treated unfairly. I believe that the -- and thank you, Commissioner, for your passion, for your wonderful words that were said. And the only thing different that I want to say from Mr. Shiver just said is, yes, it is a moral issue here. Are you -- is this body going to continue to allow the mistreatment of African Americans within a part of the City that started the City; the part -- a part of the City that it all came out from; a part of the City that was settled first; a part of the City that even came and --? Because the City didn't have enough people to sign the Charter, they came to the forefront -- my community came to the forefront and signed the Charter in order for you guys to become the City of Miami. And now, in our dire need, in our moment of suffocating -- this room should be filled with my residents, but we're not there anymore. So, yeah, you got just a few of us here today to plead, to beg, because I'm not too proud to beg, especially when I'm drowning, not too proud to beg. So today I 'm begging. If no one else comes up and beg, today I'm begging that you hear us. Today I'm begging that you partner with us. Today I'm begging that -- we've never asked for anything from you for signing that Charter, but today I'm begging that you give us that. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning, Ms. Samuels -Dixon. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 7 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Renita Ross Samuels -Dixon: Good morning. (Applause) Chair Russell: Please. No applause, please. I know there is support, but please, let's -- it'll move much more efficiently with decorum. Thank you. Ms. Samuels -Dixon: Good morning, Commissioner. Renita Ross Samuels -Dixon, born and raised in Coconut Grove. I'm here to speak in favor of the Omni CRA expansion and for West Coconut Grove specifically to get those funds. In passing, I'm concerned about how those funds will be used. I've done an analysis as a founder -- as the founder of the Miami Bahamas Cultural Preservation Fund. I've spoken to some of the youth in Coconut Grove who work, and their concern is affordability. When you start looking at Federal funding and the criteria, there needs to be one income of $36,000 a year for a single person to qualms for housing. From what I understand with the guidelines, many times we're opted out, because the income may be too high as a single person. So we need to ensure that youth, our African Americans who are disenfranchised, have an income of $36,000 that qualms for a single person. The other thing that I would like to see is the Redevelopment Plan, which includes West Coconut Grove. I need to see it. I have to read it for myself. And I'd like to see a proposed budget associated with West Coconut Grove. So I am in favor, but I wanted these items to be on record that the income requirement for single family should be 36,000, and I'd like to see the Redevelopment Plan and the proposed budget. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, Renita. Good morning, M. Suarez. Kathy Suarez: Good morning. Kathy Suarez, 4035 Battersea Road. I don't think anybody's been more obnoxious about the West Grove. I don't know what to say to you, Ken. Picasso was supposed to start on Grand Avenue. That's where we were supposed to start, not finish. The CRA -- Frank Schnidman's biggest mistake was giving me his card at your swearing in. I've never asked anybody for free help in my life. My family's not really upset. My family is really upset with me over pestering somebody for free help, like I've pestered that man. He coaches to get this done. And the West, it has to be defined; I'm for it, but it has to be defined. It's not defined. On the map, it's across USJ. It doesn 't say, "The West Grove." It doesn't give numbers. It doesn't give specifics. It has to be specific to the West Grove. It can't go outside the West Grove. All the things that I heard my friends from the West Grove say that -- when they were opposed to this in the beginning, "Well, the money might go to the other side of McDonald," or "The money might go to Center Grove," and this is my fear. It has to be in writing. It's not in writing. There's no numbers. There's nothing in writing. It's specific to the West Grove. There's nothing specific to the displaced that have been displaced. We don't talk about those people. We've up -zoned a couple of properties. They've not -- that's not moving forward. It has to be specific, in writing, to protect this community. The NCD-2 (Neighborhood Conservation District) had the specifics to stop the construction, but instead, it stopped in my front yard. The NCD-3 didn't have it, but the white people got it done, while we continue to slaughter in the black community. And we want to segregate and lower the values -- If it's not finite, I can't support it. It has to be finite for me to support it. It's what I want, but it has to be in writing to support. Please, in writing. I asked that Monday night; it has to be in writing. Put the West Grove in writing in there. It has to be there. Teeth. Has to have teeth in it. We have to protect the West Grove; have to stop the bleeding, or it's over. Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning, ma'am. Ma'am, good morning. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 8 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mary Lee Hill: Hello. How are you all doing? I am Mary Hill, Founder, CEO (Chief Executive Officer), single parent sponsor, National Director of the EOPI Act and Amendments, and also including the founder of Virginia Key Beach. I'm here today because I am very disgusted on the financing and the fundamental problems that we are having to carry Virginia Key Beach on. This is one of the sellers that help push this program, the five of us. And we 'd like to have a thorough -- Chair Russell: Excuse me, ma'am. I apologize to interrupt you. The public comment portion for the rest of the agenda, including the Virginia Key Beach Park item, will be a little bit later this morning. This particular public comment is only for the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting. Ms. Hill: Okay. Community -- Chair Russell: I apologize if I didn't clam that. Ms. Hill: Thank you. Community development [sic] agencies, which I understood you to say about CRA; am I right? Chair Russell: Yes. We are looking to -- Ms. Hill: Okay. Chair Russell: -- extend the life of the CRA, and expand its boundaries to the Coconut Grove area. Ms. Hill: Okay. I'm sorry about that. Chair Russell: That's all right. Ms. Hill: But the CRA that came in here, it did not come in here; CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) came in here, Comprehensive Employment and Training, a agency which I brought in here. And CAA was created after they could not reach the potential of what they should do with authorization of appropriations. So this is very important for us to look into this and get the fundamental problems corrected as soon as possible, because I bought millions of dollars in here, and we need that money, and we need our priorities in place. Correct the fundamental problem. Chair Russell: Thank you very much, ma'am. Good morning. Ashley Snow: Hi. I'm Ashley Snow, and I work with the community organization Rebuilding Together. I'm here on behalf of the residents. For those of you who aren't familiar with what we do, we repair and revitalize homes for senior citizens, veterans; people who are just in need, a lot of disabled people, but we work with a lot of senior citizens, in particular. And we've been really blessed with Community Development Block Grant funds to work on homes here in the Grove, but I'm sure all of you are very well aware of the restrictions that come along with that. It's a very lengthy process. It can take up to a year just to get somebody approved. We have utilized Omni CRA funds in Overtown to redo buildings. The process is so much faster; it's less stressful for citizens. It gets the work done faster. It revitalizes the community faster. Expanding these dollars to cover the West Grove would be so beneficial for this area. It would be so great for the homeowners who can have their homes back, their livelihood back; and frankly, it's good for the community. It's good to see those homes come back. It's good to have those long-term residents stay here. It's so needed. I drive through the streets, and OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 9 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 it's like you said; every day there's another property that's demolished. You see two wood frame vernacular homes with a giant white box between it. It's disgusting. It's just -- it's devastating. You're wiping out a population that built up so much of Miami. We need these funds to continue preserving affordable housing here in the West Grove, and I just -- I really hope you guys expand and support this. Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Javier Gonzalez: Good morning, Commissioners. Javier Gonzalez, 3622 Solano Road, Miami, Florida. As one of the few folks that actually oppose the CRA -- Thad, I love you my friend and my brother, but be careful what you wish for. When we did the Finding of Necessity, we come up with slum and blight. Slum and blight in West Coconut Grove is all investor blight. There is no slum and blight. There are vacant properties that are there simply because they are worth a small fortune. You have a tax increase of 8.9 percent in that area. And we do have a moral duty, but a CRA, I think, is not the way to do it. This is something that should be sunsetted, and we should look at other opportunities that we will have. There are 180 vacant properties in West Coconut Grove. They're all zoned T3-R. Anything that is T3-O has been developed. With a CRA coming in, it is what development is waiting for. And you also are sitting on an opportunity zone. So again, all I've always asked from the beginning is be careful what you wish for, understand the process, and know what you're up against. There's a lot of things against you. So from my standpoint, I feel that it shouldn't be here; keep it in the Omni. There's other options that we have, and we can do other things. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning. Clarice Cooper: Good morning, members of the board. My name is Clarice Cooper. I reside at 3735 Oak Avenue, in Coconut Grove, Miami. I am a life-long resident of Coconut Grove Village West. I currently serve as the President of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association, an organization that's been in existence since 1954, catering to the needs of the homeowners and tenants of that neighborhood. The executive board of HOTA (Homeowners and Tenants Association), as we're also called, is resolved to iterate our support of the Finding of Necessity, which was determined and adopted by this Commission back almost two years ago, and here is our resolution, which is almost two years old. That's why I'm hoping that this can be acted on today. And we would like the -- have the boundaries extended to include Coconut Grove Village West -- it's very necessary -- and also the Neighborhood Development Zone and the target urban area, as well as the creation of a Coconut Grove Village West CRA District Advisory Board. Also, the -- HOTA 's executive board would like to support the extension of life of the Omni CRA, which will enable it to carry out, as stated, charges of removal of slum and blight from the area, and also provide opportunities for affordable housing and commercial opportunities. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, Ms. Cooper. Good morning. Talia Berler: Good morning. I'm here to speak in favor of the Omni CRA. Mostly, I'm just speaking from like experience of my friends from Coconut Grove Elementary. So I went to Coconut Grove Elementary, and then I got into Ransom, which is also in the Grove, as you probably know. And I have friends from Coconut Grove Elementary who also went to Ransom. And one of these friends, she lived in the West Grove. But as the years have passed, it's clearly gotten more expensive, and people have been pushed out of Chair Russell: It's a sign. Keep speaking. You're fine. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 10 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Ms. Berler: People have been pushed out of the Grove, because it's gotten so much more expensive to live there, and it's obvious to people -- even people who don't live in the West Grove, when you drive through, when you like walk by, it's clear that more buildings are being torn down, and there's like homelessness increasing. Chair Russell: Just a moment, please. Are we okay on the recording, Clerk? Okay. Sorry about that. Ms. Berler: And so, this friend of mine, who's brilliant, she's really smart. She was in the gifted program at Coconut Grove Elementary, and she got into a pretty challenging private school in Coconut Grove on her merit. She used to live in Coconut Grove, but because of the rising housing prices, her family had to move like north up -- like really far into like a bad area. And she had some issues recently, like personal issues that cost her to have to leave Ransom, and she now has to attend a public school where she lives, and the school just doesn't match up with her intelligence or her capabilities, at all. And I just think that's one example of how devastating the gentrification has been to people personally in their lives, because the fact that she has to attend a public school that in no way matches her capabilities is so disrespectful and will damage her future, but if she could have stayed in Coconut Grove, she could have attended maybe Coral Gables or another school that actually would meet her intelligence. Chair Russell: Thank you. What's your name, please? Ms. Berler: Talia Berler. Chair Russell: You sent me a letter a few weeks ago -- right? -- if I'm not mistaken, and I answered you back. You 're -- what grade are you in now? Ms. Berler: I am a rising senior. Chair Russell: Thank you for caring enough to take the time to write and even come here to speak about it. Your letter was -- it was -- it's very important. Thank you so much. Thank you. Ms. Berler: Of course. Thank you. Chair Russell: Good morning, Linda. Linda Williams: Good morning, Commissioner. I'm here to support the extension of the Omni CRA to Coconut Grove Village West. This is a vital step that we're taking -- undertaking, and there are those that oppose, but if not this, what? And I ask each of the Commissioners, if this were your district, what would you do? It's been a long time that our community has gone without subsidy, respect, attention, affordability; any viable source to stay here. I come from a background that is welcoming. It used to be a black Grove. It's diverse now, and we welcome our new neighbors, our new friends. We have to find a way to coexist. I'm willing. My neighbors are willing. My family's willing. This community is willing. We cannot continue to be excluded in this process. This is not political. This is about survival. Each of you can make a difference in the lives of so many residents that not only deserve to reside here, but should reside here. We're asking for your support, consideration. And again, if this were your district, what would you do? And if not now, when? Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, Linda. Good morning. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 11 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Abigail Berler: Good morning. My name is Abby Berler, and I've been a nine-year resident of Coconut Grove. I'm a history teacher at Ransom Everglades School, so I address the issues of Jim Crow, the history of the South, the history of segregation and oppression in my classes with my students. I also have the privilege of teaching some of the most talented kids in Miami. And one of the things I realize from teaching such a diverse and talented group of students is that they see -- whether they're from a humble background or a very wealthy, privileged background -- they see on their way to school the poverty and the distress in the Grove, and everyone I speak to believes that this is something that needs to be addressed. You have a moral obligation to right the wrongs of the history of the United States, the history of Jim Crow, the history of segregation, and to preserve this important community, this important Bahamian and Caribbean descendants of these people who built the Grove, who are the reason why it came to be such an important place. So I would just ask you to think about the totality of what you're doing, and the importance in the long run for creating a diverse and flourishing community with diversity that reflects the diversity of Miami. Again, thank you. And I'm a strong supporter of the Omni CRA expansion. Thanks. Chair Russell: Thank you, Ms. Berler. Good morning. How are you? Carolyne Donaldson: Good morning, Commissioner. Carolyne Donaldson, and I'm speaking on behalf of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, which actually is older than the City of Miami. So our church has seen a lot, including a number of the churches that were offsprings of Macedonia. And I'm here this morning to speak in support of the Omni CRA, which ultimately could become a funding source to help address some of the issues and concerns that continue to materialize in Coconut Grove. You know, it's unfortunate when you come -- and I have heard others speak that oppose it, but they probably are individuals in a portion of the City that are not under siege as West Coconut Grove is. And so, I think that's a situation that you have to experience to realize what that means. Everything that we have is at stake. The mere existence of West Grove is a question right now, which is a shame, because when you look at it -- and it's an area of this City that was here prior to any other developments, and the individuals in that City are a part of those individuals that help to build it. So, you know, I certainly ask of you -- I think you so eloquently stated the position that West Grove is in today. Those other Commissioners that grace the dais today, asking for your support in moving this process forward. I think it's been much too long, and we continue to come here and make the same statements and make the same support, and the only thing that I can see that's changing is a community that I grew up in that I no longer recognize. Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Berler: Good morning, and thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, Ms. Donaldson. Mr. Rashid, good morning. J.S. Rashid: Good morning. My name is J.S. Rashid. I'm a long-time Coconut Grove community developer, and been living in this area since I arrived in Florida almost 40 years ago. I'm here to urge your support and extension of the Omni CRA in terms of tenure, and also to -- the inclusion of Coconut Grove historical area, known as the West Grove or the Village West, and we have little other options, Commission. And you've -- look at the record of this City and this Commission. I would challenge you to show one example of something that has been done for our community. And I take to heart the concept of government, "For the people, by the people, " so I'm not standing here hat in hand. And as much as I can respectfully demand you to act in the behest of this OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 12 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 community, where has nothing been done. And any concerns you have about the problems with the CRA is instructive; wherein you can determine that we won't make the same mistakes other CRAs were made. And I also challenge you that lack of any other option, this is the best option. If you have something else that's going to address our critical needs, this is the eleventh hour for Coconut Grove Village West. This is the eleventh hour. We don't have any chances to choose between good example or good choices. So we have -- our only choice and no other choices. So I urge you Commissioners that -- not let this be on your record that you let this venerable community go down. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Rashid. Good morning. Courtney Berrien: Good morning. My name is Courtney Berrien. I reside at 3325 Charles Avenue. I happily live in a well-preserved, historic, vernacular, wooden structure that was designated as a historic structure. To speak the obvious, I am a middle-class white woman. I find it affordable for me. It should be affordable for the neighbors who used to live next to us when we moved into the community 15 years ago. I'm involved -- some other individuals are involved -- in individual efforts to try to preserve other wooden vernacular structures that are small residences that could be affordable for families, but we can't really do that on our own. We really need the City to support us. And other people spoke about the legacy of the community. My family was not negatively impacted by segregation, and as a result of that, I was able to go to a good college, and I was able to have a good career. Segregation has impacted the residents of this community in a way that directly affects their bottom line today and their ability to pay rent, and their ability to maintain and keep their homes. And segregation was something that was sanctioned by this City. So I feel very passionately about this. I feel it's a moral imperative, as has been said previously, for the City to now act and help families who were pioneers in this community stay here, and help in a way to preserve homes. Paul George, in HistoryMiami, regularly stopped in front of our house. I think that by preserving our house, we're doing a service to the community. We're trying to uphold the history of the community. Our house is one of the only ones right now, and we're getting more and more of the historic traffic, because there's nowhere else to go. So I urge you. I very much appreciate Chairman Russell's willingness to listen to the stories of the people in the community who have been hurt by what is happening with development. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning. Mikeyen Brown: Good morning. My name is Mikeyen Brown. I used to stay on Franklin Avenue. I still am between two places. Okay. My story is, I got a chance to work with the Omni CRA. A lot of you guys may not know that, especially some of the residents. And I was there kind of not in the beginning, but when things started going, and some of the Overtown residents had the same questions that the Coconut Grove residents had, especially the African Americans. And I will say that the Omni CRA did help that community a lot. I was one of the ones that went into Overtown doing surveys for the Omni CRA, speaking to the residents, with a broken leg. Some of you may know. I had a broken leg, and trying to help with painting the houses. And they did get a -- Commissioner Russell did Dorsey Library over, even though it was not in his area, with some of the CRA funding, just because the black people were protesting to get that done, and how historical it was. And I think the confusion came a lot because some of the communities are surrounded by communities that are already developed and making the money. And the concern was, "Why do we have to share it with the Adrienne Arsht Center or the Perez Center?" All of these different things. But the people stuck it through. And some of the things happened when I was there, some programs to help OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 13 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 them, and then I left. I came to Coconut Grove to help out with the same issues, and voice and speak my opinion. I cannot say if this is the right thing for Coconut Grove, because I have been Overtown; now I'm in Liberty City, up there helping as well. But what I can say, the benefits, it did. At this stake [sic] and time -- and I'm going to hurry up -- I don't know how far gone -- I mean, I see it, but I'm saying financially that it will save us. So I ask you, make a plan, make a strategy, like you guys did for the Omni, so that we can know what's going on; so residents won't be behind and not know what's going on. Let us know what programs, financially, if you guys come over that you can right away do for us, because again, we don't want to have that time where we're waiting, and then developers keep coming in and developing. Chair Russell: Thank you. Ms. Brown: You're welcome. Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning. And please feel free to come up if there's any further -- any other people that would like to speak on this issue, go ahead and come up toward the lectern. Wanda Williams Finnie: Good morning. My name is Wanda Williams Finnie. I'm the Executive Director of Casa Valentina. We are a nonprofit in Coconut Grove. We have existed very quietly on four lots on Mundy Street. We serve youth 18 to 24 years old, who are exiting foster care. And our youth receive services that support them towards self- sufficiency. After they leave us, they want to stay in the Grove. They enjoy this community. They want to be part of this community. And very briefly, I would just say that, on behalf of our board, Casa Valentina supports anything that's going to bring responsible redevelopment to the people who are already in the Grove. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you very much, and thank you for what you do at Casa Valentina. Good morning. Guillermo de la Paz: Hi. Good morning. My name is Guillermo de la Paz. I live in 3441 Charles Avenue, on the West Grove. I do not support the CRA. I think it's a blank check to the Government. I don't think that it's the role of the Government to give $500 rent for people that's market price. I believe that if it's so important, we should have a plan in place, we should have goals, and budget how we're going to spend this money. For the past five years, I have been going to every single meeting on this community, and we have been offered money for the bond, we have been offered money to the poor, and guess what? Modern segregation still happen today in Coconut Grove. We have the only pool in Miami -Dade County that is closed; it's on the West Grove. We have the only streets in Miami that you can buy drug at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on the West Grove, and I have never seen any of the leaders speaking here today how they going to address this. And when we say, "Let's save the Grove," save it from what, from who? Who's attacking the West Grove? When people selling their houses -- when you buy a property, you buy with American dollars. This is America. We don't take things from people. Saving from who? How about the Government? How you don't fill the street that are full of holes? Why you don't get the drug dealers out of the corner? Because that is hard. It's easy to ask for money. This is kind of like going to the bank and ask the bank for a loan and have no plans; no plans how you're going to spend it. You tell the bank, "Give me the money, and I will do something with it." Let's start with the community leaders that are here, that has spoke in that podium, and they have been cited by Code Compliance, because their houses are not up to Code. It's very easy to go to the West Grove and offer something. Anything that have money behind you, you will have OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 14 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 approval; anything. Guess what? The Government doesn't own land there. You cannot build -- Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you, sir. Good morning, Mr. Dotson. Albert Dotson: Good morning, Commissioner. Al Dotson, 1450 Brickell Avenue. And Mr. Chairman, I had this conversation with you privately, but I now want to have it publicly. It is critical that this item move forward. It is critical that there be a focus on the Grove, and to make sure that the current residents there take full advantage of what this City has to offer. Second, if there isn't a plan that makes sure that the current residents can take advantage of the CRA, then we will have missed the mark. Please don't let perfection get in the way of moving forward on something that is important to the community. And I shared that with you privately, and I want to do it here on the record, because it's important that people understand that the entire community pays taxes, the entire community has a stake in the future of this City. And while we talked about the history, which is great when you look at the Grove, it's the future that is most important. And if the CRA is a mechanism of moving forward, then the CRA and its extension, to include the Grove, is the way we should move. So I just wanted to say that on the record. Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning. Eric Knowles: Good morning, Mr. Chairman. Eric Knowles, Miami -Dade Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Biscayne Boulevard. When I think about Coconut Grove -- and I worked there in the 1980s, working with Vice Chairman Gort to make changes and to improve our -- improve that community. I lived on Thomas Avenue, working for the Coconut Grove Local Development Corporation; working with businesses on Grand Avenue. What has happened in Coconut Grove is really appalling, when you see what happened when Pointe Group came in and bought all those properties, and all those properties are vacant now; buildings knocked down. It's appalling. It was a minute that I had not been in the Grove. And one day I drove down Day Avenue, and I saw all those boxes. And just a couple weeks ago, I rode around on the north side of Coconut Grove and saw so many boxes and so many people pushed out of the Grove. My question to you as the President of the Miami -Dade Chamber, what will be the goals for opportunities for black businesses to do business in this project? I think, if there is anything that needs to be done, we need to ensure that there are goals set for black businesses, contractors, developers, to be able to participate in this. If we don't do this, then we have definitely missed the mark. So that is my charge; that I ask that you make sure -- and that there's training for those individuals to be able to get jobs and to be able to participate in that development. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Is there anyone else who'd like to speak on this issue? Yes, please. If there's anyone else, please, just approach the lectern, so we know how many more we 've got. Good morning. Jackie Indacochea: Good morning. I actually got (UNINTELLIGIBLE) be here -- Chair Russell: Bring the microphone down. Ms. Indacochea: -- today because I'm actually against the CRA at this time, because I don't really know -- I tried to read it all, last two days, what I could get, and there was one issue I had that I couldn't find anywhere anything in writing of what is exactly going to West Grove. Everything is promises. "We're going to negotiate." "We're going to give back." "We're going" -- but nothing really, in writing, of what is going to West OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 15 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Grove. I keep hearing about task forces and people who have the power to advise you gentlemen on what you -- how you should vote, and it's those same people that sit on boards -- the HOTA (Homeowners and Tenants Association), Village Council -- that are advising you, but those same people that are actually threatening to sue the City of Miami. I just -- I keep -- in other communities, I keep hearing about, "You can't go back." They can't come back. You know, I grew up in a community that I can't go back to; it's too expensive. I can't even think of moving there. That's just the way it goes. People sell their properties. Nobody forces them to sell their properties. And to try to push something by making it like, If we don't do this now without a plan, we're done." I just would like to see a plan. Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. If there's no other public comment to be made on the item -- Good morning, sir. Go ahead. Come on forward. Good morning, sir. Charles Cutler: Charles Cutler, 706 Northwest -- Chair Russell: Once again, into the microphone, please. Mr. Cutler: Charles Cutler, 706 Northwest 4th Avenue, Miami. Chair Russell: Good morning. Mr. Cutler: With this expansion, I think we ought to be very careful moving forward, because we did the same type of thing in Overtown. One time, the Omni in Overtown was one CRA. And even right now, part of the Omni is -- part of the Omni CRA has a responsibility to a portion of Overtown. And just like the young lady just said, without a comprehensive plan, what's going to happen? Is people going to end up losing their lands? And when the redevelopment come -- do occur, the current residents will not have opportunity to move back into those communities, and there will be no business opportunity available for the current residents there. Most of the work is going to the developers and people that's coming in with collaborative skills, and a lot of the money is being spent that way, and I really don't think that that's the spirit that the CRA was developed in. Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. So I'd like to address a couple of the questions that were brought up. Many asked, "Why is there no specific budget?" If you go through the Redevelopment Plan that's in the backup documents of today's agenda, you will see the existing Omni section, as it seeks its extension, has a lot of specifics in it. It's been in operation for years with an annual budget, so it has a roadmap to move forward, with a lot of community input and public hearings. But as we look toward an expansion of the CRA to include the West Grove, if you go to Page 96 of the Redevelopment Plan of this packet, 7-66, you'll see the entire Redevelopment Plan there, laying out the various buckets of need and the intentions of these programs that can be put into place to create affordable housing, jobs, green space, historic preservation, infrastructure, and all these things. The reasons budgets aren't attached to that is the way the process will work. If this is approved here, it then goes to the County. If it's approved then at the County, that interlocal agreement, that contract will decide exactly how the money is divided up between the City, the County, and the CRAs. At that point, an annual budget every year will be established based on how much TIF, how much tax increment funding, is available at that time and in the future, and could be borrowed. And it's at that time, a very public budgeting process will go. One thing you don't want is for leaders to blindly decide what projects will happen there. For example, yes, we need affordable housing. And in this extension, if this extension is approved, $100 million of OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 16 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 affordable housing has already been resolved by this board of the CRA to be spent within the boundaries of the total Omni CRA. How that gets spent -- if I decide and say, "Well, I want to put towers up in the Grove the way we've done in Omni, " it would decimate the community, right? We can't have 26- and 30-story towers on Grand Avenue. So there's a very nuance conversation of how we address the affordability here. Another question that was asked, "There's been a couple of up -zonings done in the West Grove in the last couple of years. Why haven't they been built or activated?" So one of them is the Frankie Shannon Rolle Center, and they've cobbled together every type of funding they can through their County process of winning their bid on County property. The general obligation bond has money set aside for affordability in that project. The zoning that we implemented gave them additional capacity, but they have proffered very significant promises and covenants toward affordability, all the way down to the ELI, extremely low income; yet, they still have a financial gap and cannot finish their project. That's where a CRA can come in and help. Another project that got an up -zoning was for attainable housing. Part of their project would completely be affordable, as they got an up -zoning. It's on US 1 and Brooker and Day Avenue. They will do a complete affordable project on the north side. On the south side, they would blend market rate, but affordability to the quantity, completely replacing any affordability that was there before; yet, financial gaps again to make it happen. This is where a CRA can help. Someone asked, "Why is the area across US 1 included, which isn't necessarily considered West Grove or Coconut Grove?" It's a section of Bird Road Industrial District, over there with a lot of auto repair areas, and things like that. This is also an area of blight that met the qualification for slum and blight, but it has another element to it that is key to CRAs being successful. It is on the precipice of development. To a large scale, that will become the engine of the tax increment financing for the rest of the Grove, because if you trap only your area of need in slum and blight, you force more development there than you actually want to create that TIF. So just like in the Edgewater area of the Omni, all of the beautiful area you see of the Omni CRA near Margaret Pace Park on the water, east of the Arsht Center, that is the engine of the CRA, and the whole is the recipient, and that's what that Bird Road area represents for the Grove. And the last one, a few people asked about opportunities for job training and black -owned businesses, and I absolutely agree that our current Redevelopment Plan doesn't have enough in that, and I look forward to finding a solution with an organization that creates opportunities in terms of entrepreneurship and job training that the CRA can partner with to do exactly that. So with that, if there's anyone else who would like to speak on this item, this is the last moment. We'll be closing public comment and then discussing amongst the board. Is there anyone else who would like to address the Commission? All right. We will close public comment at this time and open discussion amongst the board. OMNI CRA PRESENTATIONS 1. OMNI CRA DISCUSSION 5955 PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY SYMERIA HUDSON, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) OF CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP. MOTION TO: Present RESULT: PRESENTED Chair Russell: We have a personal appearance by Symeria Hudson, if she is available, who is the new President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Chapman Partnership, which is in the Omni CRA, and then we'll finalize our discussions on Items 1 and 2 -- Resolutions 1 and 2. Good morning, and thank you for coming. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 17 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Symeria Hudson: Thank you so much, Ken, and thank you for the opportunity to address the Commissioners here. I am Symeria -- Chair Russell: Quiet in the chambers, please. Thank you very much. I apologize. Ms. Hudson: No problem. I am Symeria Hudson, the CEO of Chapman Partnership in Miami, and we have put forth a proposal to gain your support, and just to continue to -- the support of the Commissioners to support our efforts in really driving what we believe is absolutely critical in our community. As you know, Chapman Partnership was created back in 1993. We have served over 125,000 residents that have come through our doors over the last 20 plus years. Of those 125,000, we have served roughly 15,000 children. We continue to do great work. Every single year we bring in about 4, 700 folks that really need our services. And part of that support that we offer up is we provide job placement opportunities, housing, and other support that is needed to create self-sufficiency for the folks that we see every single day. Now, the one thing that I will also say is that we are considered a national model. We have recently been recognized by an organization called Charity Navigator. We have received a four -star rating for the last nine years, and it is an independent source. They do evaluations of all nonprofits within the United States. And only 3 percent of nonprofits can tell the actual claim of being -- the claim of being a four -star organization, so we're very proud of that. And part of that is that we are very responsible members of the community. We've been in the community for 20 plus years, and part of that responsibility is ensuring that we provide the best safe and secure facility. We've been great stewards, and part of that responsibility is ensuring that every single day we look for ways to further enhance our community and further enhance the environment of Chapman. So part of the proposal is to talk about the security, the enhancements of what we're doing around our campus. We are looking at ways to further enhance our entrance system. We are creating a separate entrance for our families and children during high peak times, which we think is very important. We also have brought on a new security company that we're very, very proud of Kent Security, where we're going to be providing more folks that are certainly highly -- more highly experienced, more representatives; again, from a security perspective. We're also making some physical changes around the campus as well. Again, driving more security measures to ensure that the folks that come through our doors, the residents, the employees, as well as the 10,000 volunteers that we receive every single year that are certainly protected. So we're very proud of the work that we're doing. We are looking for support, and we ask for your support today for the next two years. And we're very proud of the work that we're doing. And again, we've been pillars in the community for over 20 years. Chair Russell: Thank you very much. And thank you for your service to the community. The Omni CRA really enjoys working together with Chapman. And for those who don't know, in this past years, we've worked together to give the entire area -- the building a facelift so that the children who do live there and come home and get off the bus feel like they're coming home and not to an institutional facility, and it really does look much better. And furthermore, your adoption of our Homeless Employment Program, expanding that from the downtown area into the Omni area, has really provided new jobs for the formerly homeless, and I think it's a great initiative. So thank you for your working together with us. Ms. Hudson: Thank you so much. Thank you for the opportunity. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 18 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Chair Russell: Are there any questions for Ms. Hudson? Thank you, again. Ms. Hudson: Thank you. OMNI CRA DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. OMNI CRA DISCUSSION 5127 DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE REBRANDING OF OMNI CRA LOGO AND WEBSITE. MOTION TO: Continue RESULT: CONTINUED MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Ken Russell, Chair, District Two AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo ABSENT: Reyes Note for the Record: Item 1 was continued to the next scheduled OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting. For minutes referencing Item DI.1, please see "Order of the Day." 2. OMNI CRA DISCUSSION 5500 OMNI CRA ADDITIONAL FINANCING. MOTION TO: Continue RESULT: CONTINUED MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Ken Russell, Chair, District Two AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo ABSENT: Reyes Note for the Record: Item 2 was continued to the next scheduled OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting. For minutes referencing Item DI.2, please see "Order of the Day." 3. OMNI CRA DISCUSSION 5126 DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING OMNI CRA PROJECTS. MOTION TO: Continue RESULT: CONTINUED MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Ken Russell, Chair, District Two AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo ABSENT: Reyes Note for the Record: Item 3 was continued to the next scheduled OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting. For minutes referencing Item DI.3, please see "Order of the Day." OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 19 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 OMNI CRA RESOLUTIONS 1. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION 5957 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENTS, ACCEPTING THE AMENDED 2019 OMNI REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A" ("AMENDED 2019 PLAN"), PREPARED BY PMG ASSOCIATES, INC.; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF LIFE OF THE CRA TO 2047; AUTHORIZING THE NON-CONTIGUOUS EXPANSION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CRA TO INCLUDE THE WEST GROVE AREA; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO TRANSMIT THE AMENDED 2019 PLAN AND THE CRA'S RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL TO THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR FURTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0012 MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s) RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S) MOVER: Joe Carollo, Board Member, District Three SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo NAYS: Reyes Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.1, please see "Public Comment On Agenda Items." Board Member Reyes: Mr. Chairman? Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: I know you were expecting me. I know you were expecting. I must congratulate you. You did a wonderful speech; very emotional, appealed to the emotion; still, some guilty -- some guilt in the people's -- in the voters' mind that we don't care if we don't vote in favor. And also, you mentioned that this and -- that there was a resolution that was unanimously passed by this board, and that is not totally correct. When that motion, which is RE.3, 2916, when it was presented, I was opposed by the same reasons that I am going to express in a little while. And what we voted for -- my vote was for a study, because I presented -- it said, "Note for the record: A motion was made by Commissioner Reyes, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, and was passed unanimously, directing the City Manager to begin an in- house analysis to determine which areas within City will qualms for inclusion within the expansion of the Omni CRA boundaries; further, directing the finance to be presented to the City Commission within 30 days of the review" -- `for review." I have a memorandum, an interoffice memorandum from the City Manager in which it concludes that by looking at all the census tract, 80 percent of the City of Miami apply -- I mean, qualifies for an expansion based on slum and blight, or need, or more on income -- see? -- on income; 87 percent. And says, "Therefore, in theory, if the West Grove area is dividing line between what will be, and will not be eligible for inclusion in CRA, a point that could be debated, then 87 percent of the entire City could be designated eligible." So I wanted to clarify that point, because you made it as if we made a decision, and then we will -- if we don't vote your way, we are going to be going against our own decision. It wasn't so, I mean. So it was not totally OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 20 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 factual, what you were saying. Now, you know how I feel about CRAs. And if -- I have said it many times; I was part of the first CRA that was established in the City of Miami, and probably say that that CRA still in place, because it's needed, because the reason for a CRA is to promote development; it is not to perpetrate itself and provide a piggy bank for the district Commission to redirect the funds to other places. It is made to be born and sunset once the -- what was expected from it is fulfilled. The Omni CRA at this moment, it is very, very rich. It has been misused before, but extending it to another area, in the first place, I don't see -- I don't think yet that it will be approved either by the State or by the County. So I think that it's wrong to raise hopes that -- the people that are hoping to receive immediately -- when the CRA is extended, you're going to receive some funds. That's not the case; it is not. It is very, very popular and populace [sic] to say that, but that's not the case. That is not the case. I want to make sure that everybody understand that the extension of the life of a CRA has to go through a process. That process is first the City Commission, and then the County have to accept it, and the State has to accept it, also. You see? I want you to understand that. Also, when we are -- we are using slum and blight very loose. A parking lot -- a surface parking, it is not slum and blight; it's a parking lot, like they wanted us to believe that exist in -- next to the school system. An empty lot that is very well kept, it is not slum and blight. See? Now, if we are going to extend the CRA to West Coconut Grove, because it is under development pressure, there is no other area in the City of Miami that is more under development pressure than Little Haiti. We have right now three -- at least three SAPs (Special Area Plans) that they are going to displace, and they are going to -- I mean, development, it is tremendous, tremendous, and it's going to affect all the character of that region. Also, I want everybody to understand what is happening here. The CRA, what it does, takes all the tax increment that has been generated by additional development and keeps it for further investment in infrastructure, and making the area more attractive for development; that boundary that has been placed around it, so they keep reinvesting in the same place. What happens? Those additional taxes remains within those boundaries. And those additional taxes, they will not do what every other part of the City does; that they distribute the taxes according to the needs of the other neighborhoods. You see? Everything remains there. Now, that doesn't give the Commissioner or anybody else the right to take those additional taxes and direct it within their district, and try to develop or invest in their district -- his or her district at the expense of the other areas that they also needs it. See? I think that we shouldn't set that precedent here, because if another CRA comes in, and the Commissioner says, "Well, it's my own piggy bank." It's not to be used as a piggy bank. Nobody owns that. That's people's money. Now, I do understand, and I do understand that the West Grove is in need of help in assistant, development, and all of that, but I'm going to read some statistics that is going to prove that there are other areas, that they need those funds, also, but that's why I am against extending the life of the CRA, because I think that the role of a city is for affluent areas to help the less affluent areas; building better roads, better police protection, and increasing the quality of life of the rest of the population. The West Grove, according to -- and I'm going to show the -- I'll present this -- the census tract. It has a population of 2,907 people. The median income is 55.47; the poverty rate is 34.7; unemployment rate, 22.40. But then we have another area that has been totally neglected also that needs a lot -- not (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- needs more help and needs a lot of help that is called -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) many people tend to forget that is called Liberty City, Liberty City. And listen to this. Liberty City, it has an unemployment rate of 30 percent; it has a poverty rate of 64.30 percent; and the median income is $18,000 -- see? -- with a population of 4,101. Then we have other areas as Auburndale, which was picked randomly, which is -- for those of you is in the middle of Little Havana, it is on Flagler, between 27th and 37th. And that OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 21 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Auburndale, it has an -- unemployment rate is 21 percent; a poverty rate of 36 percent more than Coconut Grove, and medium income of 47,000 -- see? -- a population of 6,868. Allapattah, which is another of our neighbors -- neighborhoods, Allapattah. You see? It has an unemployment rate of 18.70 percent; a poverty rate of 39.80, close to 40 percent; a medium income of 47,000, and population of 5,413. And Little Havana, Little Havana -- see? -- which is another of our neighborhoods that needs assistant [sic] and needs help, and we be deprived from the funds of the CRA that is going to be kept there and to be used at the will of the Commissioner or the board. You see? That is my opposition to it. If we go to Little Havana, with a population of 6,435, there is a medium income of 32.01, and a poverty rate of 53.50 percent. You see? That is very telling. You see, what I'm trying to say is this: If you believe that by extending the life of the CRA and extending it to Coconut Grove that your quality of life is going to improve tremendously and you're going to receive cash, that's not the case. I don't know if it is legal to transfer funds from one CRA that is established to one that you want -- I mean, you want to increase the boundaries of the CRA. I don't know if it is legal. The last time that I read, it says that if you want to extend the boundary of the CRA, you have to start the process all over. And if the process is going to be started all over in that area, which is the Omni area, it won't qualms now for a CRA, because there is no blight and slum there; just a little tiny bit that should be included into the Overtown CRA. I know, sir, that you are laughing, because I know what you want. You want this piggy bank to be yours and you do as you please, and you do -- I mean, you use this pulpit in order to appeal to the motions [sic] and make us feel guilty. I'm talking facts. I'm talking facts. The money that is -- that's -- remains in that area of the Omni area, those funds are funds that they are not used in other areas of need. And the purpose of a CRA, it is to foster and promote development, and the development at the -- in the Omni area at this moment, it is market driven. You can do or you can say whatever you want, but those are the facts. And these areas has as much right as -- to have some of those funds as Coconut Grove, as Liberty City -- see? -- Little Havana; all of them should be taken care of. And that's why I cannot support this. I cannot support the extension of the CRA. I cannot support it, because I think that goes against the principle of the CRA. I think it is going to be misused. And I believe that other people that live in a high poverty areas, where the level of poverty, it is substantially higher, that they deserve, too, a little share of the wealth. Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Reyes. I absolutely agree with you on the need in other parts of the City, and it is very true, and I look forward to working with you on how we address that. And I apologize for my smile. I was simply just hearing the facts and recognizing that the facts are wrong. Noncontiguous expansions of CRAs are well-precedented and documented and legal within the State of Florida, and the Redevelopment Plans of those CRAs create separate chapters on how those budgets can be shared, transferred, created. Pompano CRA: multiple CR -- one CRA, noncontiguous expansion; Key West CRA, one CRA, noncontiguous expansion. Board Member Reyes: I said (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Russell: The West Palm Beach CRA -- Please, let me finish. Board Member Reyes: Long time ago. Chair Russell: West Palm Beach CRA, separate areas, because under one body, under one body of management and one budget, you can address separate areas. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 22 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 You don't want it contiguous where it includes parts that don't deserve to be in that CRA, because then some of the misuse can start to happen. And finally, this one is in Tampa, where you can see they've recognized and pinpointed where the need is, and they have a noncontiguous expansion of the CRA. And the other fact that is incorrect is that there is not remaining blight and slum in the Omni area of this current CRA that requires extension. This CRA did not do its job for decades. Until this new board was formed that we are on now, that Omni CRA did not produce one unit of affordable housing in all of its time. It must have its extension to do the job that it did not do before. And if you drive through there, despite the wealth on the east side, there are many, many blocks of complete blight, of slum; single-family and duplex homeownership that need help. There are historic properties that need help. And so, this Omni is certainly is one to (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and that would be my argument. I only bring your attention to the Miami Herald Editorial Board's call to action this past week. The need is there, but the resources are not. HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) has failed us. CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) has failed us. The Sadowski Fund has failed us. What will cities do to step up and do what they can? This is us getting out of our comfort zone and taking action on affordable housing. And so, that's why I believe this is the right thing to do. Further discussion, gentlemen? Board Member Carollo: Chairman? Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Carollo. Board Member Carollo: How many years does the present CRA have? Chair Russell: If you could speak up, Commissioner Carollo, the Executive Director will address your question. Board Member Carollo: Okay. How many more years do we have before the CRA time frame expires, since we have (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Is it '29 or --? Mr. Walker: 2030. Board Member Carollo: 2030. Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. Board Member Carollo: So we have about 11 more years. Mr. Walker: We have about 11 more years, but the capacity for borrowing has been maxed out with the Miami Tunnel and with the Performing Arts Center, and some of the -- we're doing the last -- Board Member Carollo: Don't forget Maurice Ferre Park, the little $2 million a year that you seem to forget. Mr. Walker: Yeah. We addressed that in the plan. Board Member Carollo: The -- well, you mentioned that you owe it, but you don't mention how you're going to pay it. Mr. Walker: If the extension is granted today until 2047, that opens up the capacity to borrow money to pay for it. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 23 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Carollo: Commissioner, are you in favor of that? Chair Russell: Yes, sir. The current Redevelopment Plan, as drafted before -- not the current -- the draft Redevelopment Plan sets aside $10 million specifically for Maurice Ferre Park; am I correct, Mr. Executive Director? Mr. Walker: Correct, sir. Board Member Gort: $10 million, yes. Mr. Walker: It's $10 million. Board Member Carollo: That's what you owe, but there's a total of 30 million altogether in the deal that was done between the County, the CRA, and the City. 2 million a year -- Mr. Walker: And that was on -- that was based on a $68 million park being built. Board Member Carollo: Yeah. Chair Russell: So -- and just so I could address that, Commissioner Carollo. You're absolutely correct. The board of the CRA chose to redirect those funds toward affordable housing, with the $100 million obligation as a policy decision, which has not been taken up by this board at the City, and this document today and our actions today could actually settle that disagreement. That would put $10 million toward that park, which I believe is sufficient to really address that park, and then the remainder would go toward affordable housing. Board Member Carollo: Well, first of all -- and I'm trying to work with you. I don't want to give you a hard time. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Carollo: I really don't. So that's why you see me asking questions very low, even though my other colleague, you know, gave a pretty strong argument for another point of view. But as you said, it was a 60 million not -- which was 30 years, per 2 million per year, correct? Mr. Walker: The initial deal was -- the City of Miami would build a $68 million park by 2012. And after that $68 million park was built in 2012, the CRA would then contribute $2 million a year after that for the capital improvement of that park. Board Member Carollo: Right. For how -- Chair Russell: 15 years, though -- Board Member Carollo: -- many years? Chair Russell: -- for 30 million. Mr. Walker: For the end of the CRA at 2030, so it would be -- it wouldn 't -- the park OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 24 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Carollo: It would have been for 15 years. Mr. Walker: -- was not completed in 2012. The park was CO'd (Certificate of Occupancy), I would say, in 2015. So it would have been from 2015 to 2030, which would be $2 million a year; $30 million. Board Member Carollo: $30 million, okay. So we're talking about the same thing, 30 million. How many years are you in arrears right now? Mr. Walker: We're at four years -- well, we sent over 2 million three years ago -- or two years ago. Board Member Carollo: Well, the problem with 2 million, for the most part, it's been parked in the City's coffers. It doesn't get sent over there. Mr. Walker: Yeah. The agreement is to transfer it to the City. Board Member Carollo: And then the City wants to hold onto it, for whatever reason. But what I'm looking to do is -- you heard Maurice Ferre himself the last time he addressed us, say that he was in favor of filling in that slip so that that park cannot only become bigger, another 10 acres, but that you could actually then make it into a workable park with the museums; it would connect to Parcel "B", to Bayside, to the Arena, to Bayfront Park; and then, with the amendment that we passed recently, underneath the bridge; we're connected to the Omni, and then it could be all connected through the Miami River, but that slip right now is preventing all that to happen, and it's preventing that whole park to being opened up, just like it did for years; that's why Bicentennial Park failed when we created it here years ago. And on top of that, it's going to give us about nine and a half more acres; then you got two little inlets on the side that will give us another half -acre, so we're gaining 10 acres of prime waterfront property that will be for parkland and parkland only that we need, so we could make that into a grand park. So that's one of the reasons that I'm pushing for those dollars, so that all of us could leave that for this generation of Miamians, and frankly, greater Miami, because Maurice Ferre Park, together with Bayfront Park, these are the prime regional parks that we have not just for Miamians and downtown Miami, but for greater Miami, all of Miami -Dade County, and this is a legacy that we could live for future generations. Sir. Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. And I'm glad you brought that point up. We listened to you. We were watching that meeting in our office, and one of the things that we added in the redevelopment -- this draft Redevelopment Plan, if you see on Page 72 of the Redevelopment Plan, there's actually a full paragraph on the FEC (Florida East Coast) slip, and it says that, "This area south of Maurice Ferre Park, which was once a deep -water slip, is currently underutilized. The CRA should work with the City to determine the slip's future, and should participate in any costs associated with filling in the slip or activating the area," and it goes on. So that -- funds -- we put that in there so that future funds can be dedicated, if need be, for that purpose. Board Member Carollo: And my question is -- I heard the Chairman say and you, that you put $10 million, but right now I think what's owed is maybe 6 to 8. I don't have the exact amount before me, and my memory's not as good as it used to be. I'm not as young as I used to be. But the -- and Gort's laughing here -- are you anticipating to be able then to pay off the monies that are due us and then $2 million a year so that, if need be, we could borrow money to do whatever we need to do to finish that park based upon the monies that we will get? OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 25 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mr. Walker: Correct. And the $10 million, we hope to just get rid of that off the top, and that would not be included in any -- we're not anticipating that. That's a part of the FEC -- Board Member Carollo: Okay. And then the other, you will be paying on a yearly basis (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 2 million? Mr. Walker: No. We -- our anticipation with the Redevelopment Plan is to pay the 10 million upfront, I believe, after this plan is passed. Board Member Carollo: The 10 million, yeah, but -- Mr. Walker: Yes. Board Member Carollo: -- the whole deal was for 30, and all that we've gotten ever is 2 million transferred -- Mr. Walker: Well, that's -- Board Member Carollo: -- and only a fraction of that has been sent over. Mr. Walker: -- 2 million, plus the 15 million in environmental remediation that was done prior to that. So actually, the CRA has almost spent $30 million in the park. Board Member Carollo: Are you -- you know, you're going to have to forgive me; I didn't take my smart pill today. Your mom, ask her, she'll tell you what that is. So you're going to have to outline that for me in writing to really get me to fully understand this. Look, I know that at the end, if we approve this, it depends on others to also approve it. So that's out of our hands, whether they do or whether they don't, if this is approved. I know that in my district, in portions of it, like Commissioner Reyes pointed out in Little Havana, the needs are huge. And that's an area that's been ignored for so long. I'd like to take you, Commissioner, so you could see how some of our parks are. Jose Marti Park -- that for Cuban Americans, that's like having a park named after George Washington, Martin Luther King; great American patriots -- that park is deplorable; grass dying all over the place, tiles in the main outdoor facility all broken, the walls unpainted and stuff coming out of them. I mean, deplorable conditions. I come here in Coconut Grove, and I see parks that -- I mean, they're storybook parks. Why do we have parks like that in one side of the tracks, then the other side, where you basically have people now that are new immigrants --? -- the Cuban population is not as large as it used to be. You basically have the elderly Cubans, new Cuban arrivals, but then you have a huge -- which is a majority of the population -- Central American population; a lot of them are not here with legal papers; they don't understand our language and much other, so they can't defend themselves, like other parts of our City. And now you have a newly -- emigration of Venezuelans that are coming into that area of Little Havana, fleeing tyranny. And just because those people can't defend themselves, we should not give them parks or service like that, and these are the problems that I have. Look, I don't want to take from one area that's in need just to give to another. So, you know, we're throwing a piece of meat, and we're all going to be fighting over it. I don't think that's right. But we also have to look at other areas that are in vital need. From the numbers that I was hearing from Commissioner Reyes, that -- I don't doubt Liberty City is the area that is most need; Little Havana is second, and not all that far behind Liberty City. So we have to find a way to help these other areas also OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 26 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 in the City of Miami. But what I really need so that I could feel a lot better in sticking my neck out on this one, I need for you to lay out for me in writing the financial part of what -- how you're going to resolve the agreement that's still in force, because you would require not just the CRA, but the City of Miami and the County, most of all, to open it up again and change it; otherwise, it's a binding agreement. I want to see -- I heard 10 million, but we also know that there's another 30 million. Then I heard a lot of talk that got me confused. So I want it in writing, because I'm somewhat good still at math. I could add two plus two and get four. When I don't get four is when I have problems. And I'm not seeing the four after the two plus two here. So I want to see that in writing for me to be able to go forward with this. I'm not asking for much. Chair Russell: I understand. No, the -- Board Member Carollo: You could bring it back if you like. I just need to see what we're really getting out of here for that expansion. Chair Russell: And I'll clam it for you. The two that's already been given, the 10 that will be -- come from this -- Board Member Carollo: Yeah. Chair Russell: -- will leave a $17 million shorfall from the $30 million obligation that you're speaking about, so it's a $17 million difference. Board Member Carollo: No, no, no, no. Board Member Reyes: No, no, no. Chair Russell: Am I wrong? Board Member Carollo: 2 plus 10 is 12; it's 18; $18 million shortfall. You lost a million there. Chair Russell: I was trying. No, you're right; bad math. Board Member Carollo: I (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Russell: I apologize. But yes, that's the derence. And this is an offered compromise, because we don't believe more than 10 million is probably needed from the CRA to make Ferre Park what it needs to be. What the Executive Director was saying, that if the City decides to move forward with action FEC slip, that would be above and beyond the 10 million that's being promised for Ferre Park. Board Member Reyes: May I make another comment, please? Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: You see, I was referring myself to the need for -- from other areas. And I said, infrastructure, streets, and -- I got my map here. This map. This is all the streets of the City of Miami. And if you look at the streets of the City of Miami, this area over here has Flagami. You see those orange streets [sicJ? They are in dire need of resurfacing; full of holes; but, you see, Coconut Grove, they don't have it. You see? Omni doesn't have it; they're all green. You see? What I'm OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 27 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 saying is that we need those funds to spread the wealth. Let's help the other areas that they are in need. Liberty City. Look at Liberty City. You see? That is what I'm referring when we don't have enough funds to provide with a better quality of life to our residents in areas that they are low income, because all these -- the areas that I referred to are low income, and we are using the CRA as a piggy bank that it could be used and the funds directed to projects and all of that. I am -- Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Reyes: -- totally opposed to that. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Reyes: I think that we have to think about the City of Miami as a whole. Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioners, I'd like to take a break for a moment; we have to recognize several State legislators who have come today to address us. They had a time certain of 10:30 a.m. to give us an update on their efforts in the State on behalf of the City of Miami, and I certainly want to thank them for their efforts with regard to CRAs. They've helped CRAs survive and become better and -- rather than be abolished. Mr. Clerk, what do we need to do to hear from these representatives in terms of the tape and the record? Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): We need to recess the Omni CRA and go back to the regular City Commission meeting. Chair Russell: Is the will of this Commission all right for that? Board Member Carollo: There's a motion. Chair Russell: All right. I will -- no motion necessary, but we'll recess this meeting for the moment. We'll open -- Mr. Hannon: Give me two minutes. Chair Russell: -- the City meeting just to take up the -- Later... Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Later... Chair Russell: Which leaves us with Items 1 and 2, the extension and expansion of the Omni CRA. We've heard from the public, and we've had somewhat of discussion from half the dais. I'd like to feel where our body is, and then take action, so we can move forward. Thank you. Vice Chair Hardemon: One thing I will say, Mr. Chairman, is that Commissioner Reyes brings forth an interesting argument in the sense that he said that about 85 percent or so of the City would qualms for a CRA; and certainly, that's not the intent of this body, to create a CRA for 80 -- if you created a CRA for 85 percent, essentially you've created another (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Let me just keep it to myself. But I will say that that wouldn't be the intention. There are certainly other OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 28 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 areas in the City of Miami that need significant improvement; you know, investment in housing, investment in streets and infrastructure. Part of the reason, for instance, on 7th Avenue that we don't have enough restaurant space is because of the infrastructure. And who's coming first? I mean, is a small business owner going to come first? Probably not, because he can't afford to make the sort of investment in the infrastructure and start a new business, and construct a building, and, and, and. And so, when I think about areas like the Grove, I don't think about an area that's necessarily in need of a significant investment from the private sector for commercial spaces or restaurant spaces, et cetera. The people that live in the Grove have easy access to the Grove area, where there's a significant amount of restaurants that I love to travel to that is unlike places in Overtown, for instance, which makes me think about why we did the whole bond passage. You know, part of the bond passage was about investing dollars in real estate; especially affordable housing, economic development, in all of our districts, where it made sense, because that immediately gave us some funds, capital that we can invest in those spaces, because we realize that creating a CRA in all these areas was not the most opportunistic thing to do, or feasible. And so, here we are talking about an expansion into an area where the property values are significant, where there is high ownership of properties. It's not like a high rental area that the people who live there, who are, for instance, the people that we're trying to assist -- I always think about the people -- when we say we're trying to assist people from a community, I think about the people who actually live there, so either who own property or rent property in the area. And so, the question is, how does a CRA become beneficial to a resident who's been there for -- their family's been there for a hundred years, like some of the individuals that are here? What can a CRA offer them? Well, we know that CRAs can renovate properties that are in dire need of renovation, but so can the bond issuance. We know that the CRAs can help create new affordable housing, especially if they own land. I don't think we own any land -- the City owns any land there. So it -- we're kind of bootstrapped with this, but I will tell you, though, I admire the effort. I think that a lot of the people who live in the Grove as well -- especially the property owners there -- are or have access to people that are savvy enough to take equity out of their properties to make renovations as well. I mean, the -- even just the value of the land is significant in the Grove area. You know, I've been a fighter for CRAs for -- since -- well, since the time I've come in, and we've been persecuted for that. And I'm happy now to have a Chairman in the Omni that believes in pushing the envelope; you know, doing what he can within the State Statute to make it something that these areas can benefit from. When I think about areas like -- as was described earlier -- Little Haiti and Liberty City, there -- I mean, in Little Havana. I mean, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- I mean, there's significant need. When you actually go to these homes, knock on the doors, walk down the streets, you realize the needs that are in these areas. And so, it makes -- you know, these are hard decisions when it comes to, "Do you expand the boundaries of a CRA to include areas in one way, and others where you do not?" And it is true that the Overtown CRA was expanded, but it wasn't quite expanded in the same way. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the new area that it was added, of course, as a tax burden to Overtown, which means that that it actually -- it doesn't add any more benefit necessarily to the space. It's not giving us an increase in TIF revenue that is significant, as if we were adding -- for instance, if we were adding a more revenue - producing area. But I will say that, even still, adding -- the one thing about expanding the boundaries of a CRA is that it will collect tax revenue, and the board is going to decide where that money is going to be spent, and that's the part that brings me a bit more comfort in understanding that -- you know, I hear residents saying, "Well, what's the plan? What's the plan?" And I remember when we were passing the bond issuance, and the first thing I used to say was, "Well, the first plan is to get the money, and then the second plan is to get the money." And what that means for an area like this is that first you have to secure the expansion of the boundaries. And once you're able to say, "Okay. Well, these are the dollars that OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 29 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 are going to be used to help revigorate [sic] the extended boundaries of the CRA," then you have to decide again, "Okay. What portion of those dollars or new dollars, or whatever dollars you already have, are you going to use to bring a spark to that space? And what does that spark mean?" And I think those are all discussions that are going to have to be had right here on this dais in the Omni CRA meetings. And I think those are very important discussions to have, because as we know it, not one red cent is going to be spent unless we all come -- well, unless there's an agreement from the majority of the board members sitting here that this is how the money should be spent in these areas. And so, I'm sure that there will be an influx of ideas on how to spend the money. I don't think we're going to outpace private -- the private sector, though, so if you 're -- if the goal is to outpace the private sector and who's buying and selling properties and how they make their renovations, I don't think that Government is equipped to outpace them. It's just not set up that way. But it certainly would -- this -- if we are to expand it, it will create the funding necessary to assist existing homeowners, to assist existing businesses, or even -- you have some churches that may own lots of property and may want to create some affordable housing. They could -- and so they could encroach on some of their property to create housing options for those in the community. That certainly is something that can be done in many different ways through the CRA; also through the bond issuance, but the bond issuance may be a little bit slower, because it's implemented in phases. So because of the nature of what the ask is and what we're trying to do, and understanding that this immediate action does not guarantee the funding being spent a certain type of way, I'm willing to support the expansion of the boundaries to include the West Grove area, but I -- you know, I'm just like everyone else in the sense that we 're a bit skeptical in the sense of how -- where we're going with things. But then also, just that sense of feeling I think that the other Commissioners feel, which is, why not my space? Why not this space? Why not that space? And I mean, that was your argument, Commissioner Reyes, when you made -- regarding parks in your area a few meetings ago, so -- and, you know, you wanted some money for it, and I understand that. I understand when someone says, "Hey, man, I have a really big need here," and I think that we as colleagues have to do whatever we can to kind of assist in that need. But I would tell you -- and just because I -- I'm speaking in truth, right? -- that the Grove is a funny area. I mean, it has homeownership. It has some nice housing. It has some housing that's not so nice. The people who were there are proud people. Many of them don't sell their property; many of them do. All have the right to choose one way or the other. And part of the discussion that we have here as a Commission is -- that really alarms me, I think that all the Commissioners speak to is how far does the Government go in infringing upon their right to renovate their existing properties, setbacks, et cetera? And these are discussions that we've already had. And I think, you know, that's -- that discussion is more alarming and shocking and worthy of more due consideration than necessarily this. And so, you know, I'm willing to do this, because I realize that there may be some opportunities that may -- that become available. And if there are, we take advantage of them. If there are not, then we do not. The one thing I will say is that these CRAs will come to an end, and hopefully, we will have made an impact in them. And I just don't think that we're going to make an impact in an area like that that is -- that outpaces the private sector, because if I could get some people to move into -- if I can get market rate people to move into Overtown, that would be something special, because it's something that the area needs. So that's all I have to say. Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Hardemon. At the moment, the motion that's happening -- a movement that's coming into the West Grove is mostly on the northern and eastern side; the devastation, the displacement, and the land banking is happening throughout, but the market hasn't felt comfortable to go be -- much beyond McDonald Avenue, where the CVS is. So they're making a long play to just grab the land now, demolish the homes now, and people are getting, you know, OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 30 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 under -valued offers for their property. And so, because of their own financial situations, they take those. It's not necessarily that they're having a successful payday, cash out lottery ticket. We're not in that situation yet in the Grove. And as you can see if you drive down Grand Avenue, it looks like Sarajevo. I mean, just bombed out buildings getting knocked down. Many of the people that weren't here today were here in the first round a year and a half ago to speak on behalf of this effort, and they're not here today, because they've been evicted, and they've gone into the County housing system, and they've been scattered with the winds, they've been split from their families; they have to commute now to their job and to get their kids to school. There is an urgency here, and I know those faces that we're missing today, and I know where they are now. So I'm dedicated to this. This was -- The very first thing that I said to anyone that asked me from the press when I became a Commissioner, on the very first interview, that I wanted to reform CRAs, and I wanted to bring one to Coconut Grove, and I believe there is a need, and I believe we have a chance. So I thank you, hopefully, for your support here today. Vice Chair Hardemon: And Mr. Chairman, if I can, before you -- just something really quick. Chair Russell: Yeah. Vice Chair Hardemon: The -- and that's the part as well. It's like a lot of the people that we discuss when we talk about being moved out of areas, many of them are renters. And, you know, when you sign a lease, you sign a lease for a year. And in these areas -- I mean, I have family in Liberty City that they've signed low-cost rents, and they've done it for 22 years. And there's a -- and these are not people who are necessarily -- they're not poor people. They have pension that's going to be coming to them. They have jobs. They just made the -- I -- what I think, in the circumstances and the facts pertaining to them, a poor decision when it came to their housing. And so, if we're talking about creating affordability in rental, you know, rental units with, for instance, the churches, then I think that's something that we should talk about, because then you can actually touch the people who were moved out and bring them back, if that's the goal. But certainly, you know, once a property is sold, and it's up to that homeowner now if they want to rent it or if they want to actually live there. Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: Commissioner Hardemon, I think you hit it right on the head -- the nail right on the head when you said, on 7th Avenue, we don't have that many businesses. You see? I remember back in the -- when it was -- the Commission seat was citywide. I -- one of the many campaigns -- and I had many -- for City of Miami Commission, I opened up a headquarters on 7th Avenue and 53rd Street -- no, 55th Street, just by (UNINTELLIGIBLE), just by (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I opened up a headquarter there, and I walked all Liberty City. I did walk, and I knock on all the doors. And one thing that really bothered me that if a lady wanted to buy a nice dress, you have to go, at that time, to the Omni; that was the next shopping center, or go downtown Miami, because at the time, they had store there. And I always said, "Why?" Why don't we have a movie theater? Why? And that was my concern. Why? Because we have not developed the infrastructure. And what I want to see is that those funds that are now generated -- that are being generated by the development in the Omni area, as well as Biscayne Boulevard, that we use that -- those funds to improve the infrastructure in 7th Avenue; improve the infrastructure in Northwest 17th Avenue or in Little Havana or the streets of Flagami. See? What you said, "Well, it's going to be generating." If we are going to carve only out what is called the "Black Grove, " and that's going to be the extension, they're not going to produce any additional money. But it's going to be a transfer, a total transfer, of the OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 31 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 revenues or the additional -- or the TIF money from the Omni area directly to that, and that's what I am opposed. See? Chair Russell: That's not the plan. Board Member Reyes: It's not the plan? Well, the only way that you will do that is if you say, "Not a single penny from the Omni is going to go there." And if that is the case, you won't have any money there. You see? I mean, that is what it is going to be, and I think it is wrong. I think that it's wrong. I really want to help the Grove. I want to help Liberty City and also Little Havana and Flagami and Allapattah, but I think that we will have -- we have to use those funds in a way that -- where they are most needed. I think they are more needed in areas that they have a higher poverty level. You see? Not that we are going to turn our back there. See? And when you talk -- that the market pressure builders -- there's no place in Miami that is more pressured by developers than Little Haiti, than Little Haiti -- Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Reyes: -- with all those huge developments that they're going to come there. So that's why I cannot -- Chair Russell: I understand. And -- Board Member Gort: Mr. Chairman? Chair Russell: -- I would just like to address -- just a moment, please -- this -- There's a misconception that this is only being created as a vehicle to transfer funds from the Omni area down to the Grove. That is absolutely incorrect. The Grove section of this CRA will be able to stand on its own two feet. It cannot on day one, and if left to its own devices as a separate CRA, it would not generate the TIF in time to address the needs that we have. But the goal is not to bring down the funds of the Omni CRA and drain that account. Anything that transfers down to kick start this area will go back, and I believe will go back tenfold, because as Douglas Road, Grand Avenue, and US 1 develop, and the Bird Road area develops, there will be significant TIF developed within the Grove area to make sure the books are balanced. Commissioner Gort. Board Member Gort: I'm sorry. You guys weren't here when I spoke, but I'm going to try to be brief because we've been at this for a long time. But I think you have to recall, I was the first elected citywide in 1993. Before I was elected, I was able to create a lot of affordable housing in Little Havana and Allapattah through non -for - profits; I was able to do -- maintain ownership. And the one thing we talked about -- we have to remember -- you remember it, because you were a part of the first CRA that was done in Overtown -- it could not stand by itself. Board Member Reyes: No. Board Member Gort: We had to expand it, and utilize the west side, because that's where the building where they're creating that. So what's important is the Omni CRA, the first original funds was allocated according to where the people wanted at that time. The people wanted to see the tunnel. The people wanted to see the park. The people -- and we can see the improvement, because you guys know the neighborhoods, what Biscayne Boulevard used to look like; what Biscayne Boulevard looks today; how many buildings has been built there that producing the funds to help other locations. So that's the reason why -- And going back to -- I was part of the -- back in the '80s, as was stated here before, I was part of the Gibson Foundation. And the Gibson Foundation, through the help of all of us in creating a OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 32 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 good team, was able to create a facility that's got education, that's got health, and it's got affordable housing, and this is the things that we need to do. We are working -- the whole City, we all know all the problems that we had, and we're trying -- the main thing we have to maintain is homeownership and create jobs and train people, because let me -- the industry changes constantly, because a new (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that come out, people has to be trained for the changes that are taking place in the industry. A lot of individuals are not qualified for -- that's why I put a lot of my money in education; not only college education, but trade school. A lot of trade schools that make a lot more money than Bachelor. So that's the reason I'm going to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) first. I think I'm going to vote for it, because I think it could be the right thing to do. Board Member Reyes: The only thing, ifI can answer -- Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: -- what I want to correct is that the CRA -- the Omni CRA was developed just like the Overtown/Park West Redevelopment was created. We included Park West, because Park West was the vehicle that -- I mean was -- where the -- development was most logical that there was going to happen, and use that tax increment fund in -- with Overtown, which was the most needed place at the time, the most needed place for the development; we use it. But what we're doing here is -- and the Omni CRA was created to promote -- I mean, to provide the infrastructure for development in that area. Yes, sir. They had been used in many, many ways. I know you -- take Northeast 2nd Avenue, it's totally different than it was before. Yes, it has accomplished its goal; accomplished its goal. Now it is not fair to just say, "Okay. I'm the Commissioner of this CRA. Now I'm going to expand it to whatever I want, so I am going to use the tax increment funds in another part of my district," and that makes me very -- Chair Russell: Thank you. Let's focus -- Board Member Reyes: --very, very -- Chair Russell: -- because we have repeated this point -- Board Member Reyes: No. We have -- Chair Russell: -- quite often. Board Member Reyes: -- to spread the wealth. No. Chair Russell: Thank you. All right. So let's bring this to a close. Is there a motion on Items 1 and 2 of the Omni CRA? Board Member Carollo: Purpose of discussion, is there a second? Second. Chair Russell: There's been a motion by Commissioner Carollo; second by Commissioner Gort. Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Just a reminder, Commissioner, I believe RE.1 is to be as amended with the Redevelopment Plan for additional funding to the Bayside Foundation. Board Member Gort: Yeah. I requested -- Chair Russell: Yes. We have a few -- probably a few amendments will -- OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 33 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Gort: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Chair Russell: -- come into play, so. Board Member Carollo: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What funding would -- where's the funding going? Mr. Walker: On Item Number 1 -- Chair Russell: It was an ask of Commissioner Gort. He'll explain it. Board Member Carollo: Okay. Mr. Walker: -- for a small business grant program, Section 4-47. This is on Item Number one. The CRA shall make an annual contribution of $250, 000 to the Miami Bayside Foundation for an ongoing small business (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Carollo: What foundation is that? Mr. Walker: Miami Bayside. Board Member Carollo: Bayside. Okay. Mr. Walker: Grant program for use as assistant to businesses within the Omni CRA boundaries. And the other amendment we would like to do is in Item Number 2, on Section "F, " Maurice Ferre Park. Instead of the $10 million that's there, the Omni CRA shall provide funding to the City of Miami in a total amount not to exceed $28 million at that location. Board Member Carollo: Not to exceed? Okay. But will provide funding, $28 million -- Mr. Walker: For Maurice Ferre Park. Board Member Carollo: Yeah. Minimum, 28 million. Board Member Reyes: You know, this is a pinata. What's -- Board Member Carollo: But not -- Board Member Reyes: That's what it is. Board Member Carollo: That's what it is. Board Member Gort: Yeah. Board Member Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) pinata, you know. Board Member Carollo: That's what it is. Minimum -- well, the -- I was just trying to put back the candle that was always there in my pinata that's really countywide. The -- so if we could rephrase that to say, "minimum 28 million "; that will not exceed that amount. Chair Russell: How about we do it this way, and this would be my suggestion, to basically honor the original obligation that was there. We've already paid two. The total was -- it was an exact total of 28 million. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 34 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Carollo: I like that better. Chair Russell: In that way, it's finite. Board Member Carollo: And this would make it a lot easier for me to vote on budgets from here on, because -- Chair Russell: It has been an issue. Board Member Carollo: -- you know, I think you knew my position; that we were not meeting the requirement of State laws. I know that there was a difference of opinion, and I'm not bringing this up to be argumental [sic] with you at all. Chair Russell: Understood. Board Member Carollo: But that gives me a relief. The rest is up to the State, it's up to the County, if they want to go along with it. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Carollo: That I can't do anything about. Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort. Board Member Carollo: Now, having said that -- Chair Russell: Sorry. Board Member Carollo: -- Commissioner Reyes put a lot of things on the record that are right on target, and, you know, I think that we should not forget his words here today, because I was impressed of the presentation he made. He brought many things that are accurate. And let me say this further to my colleagues: Just like we're going out now and helping one area that's depressed in the West Grove, not an area that is depressed as Liberty City or Little Havana, or even Wynwood. I want to be upfront. I'm going to be bringing to this Commission a plan that I'm not going to be asking for money to not bring back to the Commission; in other words, just to spend. I'm going to be asking to have this Commission do a pilot program that we could all participate in that will begin in Little Havana. I'm going to be asking for money that will be returned within a very short period after; two, two and a half years at best; that if you see that it works, like I am sure that it's going to, we could extend that everywhere within the City. So I'm letting you guys know that I'm coming up with something that I'm going to be asking for funds -- borrowing, borrowing; that you're going to get it back, so that this is the way that other areas that don't have a CRA can get a benefit without the City's general fund suffering. Chair Russell: I look forward to it. Thank you. Board Member Carollo: Okay? Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Carollo: So that's for another discussion. Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 35 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Gort: Let me clam. What I requested from Miami Bayside, I support them because they give a lot of scholarship. There's a lot of people that been able to get an education. So it's not only for small businesses, to help small business; for scholarship for college or trade school. All right? Let's make sure. Board Member Carollo: Yeah. Board Member Gort: All right? Okay. Board Member Carollo: Can you do me a favor, since I think you could be more helpful than I in this? Can you speak to Pam to see if she'll give Bayfront Park one of those scholarships for the New Year Eve's celebration; that they've cut back on it, and they benefit from it the most. Board Member Gort: Well, I think the Bayside -- not the Foundation, but the property owners can do it. Board Member Carollo: Well, I think you know what I'm talking about. So if, you know, you could be our master to that. Chair Russell: Thank you. There's been a motion and a few amendments. I believe the City Attorney had one other amendment with regard to the ability for the Manager to negotiate beyond this point. Mr. Min: That would be for the City Commission item. I don't know -- Chair Russell: From the City Commission item. It doesn't need to be changed here. Board Member Reyes: How about a suggestion? Chair Russell: All right. Board Member Reyes: How about a suggestion? How about that those areas that they don't have a CRA, when we are dividing the revenues from the bonds or from the general fund, that we have additional funding or a percentage more than what it is given to us? Because, you see, I'm not part of this pinata. Board Member Carollo: Well -- Board Member Reyes: My district is not part of this pinata, and I wouldn't be part of it. Board Member Gort: Excuse me. Chair Russell: All right. Board Member Gort: Excuse me. Commissioner, this pinata is for the benefit of the people in the -- Board Member Reyes: Sir, but I'm looking -- Board Member Gort: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Reyes: -- my -- excuse me, Mr. -- Board Member Gort: I understand. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 36 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 2. Board Member Reyes: -- Commissioner Gort. Chair Russell: All right. Let's bring it back. Board Member Reyes: This pinata -- Chair Russell: Just a moment, please, please. Board Member Reyes: -- what I'm saying is that I want this to be fair; that everybody be fair, and I don't think that it's fair right now. Board Member Gort: I understand, and -- Board Member Reyes: Okay. Board Member Gort: -- I think that -- I don't have any problem with that either, so. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Carollo: Well -- Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, that would be a different item at a different time. We're here now to vote on this item. We have a motion and a second and amendments. I'd like to bring it to a close. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor of the item, as amended, say "aye." Board Member Carollo: Aye. Chair Russell: Aye. Any opposed? Board Member Reyes: "No." Chair Russell: Motion passes, 4-1, and that is for Items 1 and 2. We're closing the CRA meeting, gentlemen. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION 5958 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM, BETWEEN THE CRA, THE CITY OF MIAMI, AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, FOR THE PURPOSES STATED HEREIN. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0013 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 37 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s) RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S) MOVER: Joe Carollo, Board Member, District Three SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo NAYS: Reyes Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see "Public Comment On Agenda Items" and Item RE.1. 3. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION 5501 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("OMNI CRA") AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A GRANT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00) TO THE CITY OF MIAMI FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 33 ACRES OF OPEN SPACE RUNNING THROUGH DOWNTOWN MIAMI RELATED TO THE I-395/SR 836/1-95 DESIGN BUILD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT CONSTRUCTED BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("PROJECT"); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE OMNI CRA TO REVIEW ALL PLANS AND PROPOSALS RELATED TO THE PROJECT AND PROVIDE COMMENTS ACCORDINGLY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO GENERAL COUNSEL; ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM 2019 OMNI CRA TIF REVENUES — 10040.920501.883000 — OTHER GRANT AND AIDS; DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO FORWARD A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS STATED HEREIN. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0014 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Vice Chair, District Five SECONDER: Ken Russell, Chair, District Two AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo NAYS: Reyes Chair Russell: Are there any of the other items we'd like to take up? Those -- the CRA extension/expansion are Items 1 and 2. Jason Walker (Executive Director, Omni Community Redevelopment Agency): Correct. Chair Russell: We could also take up Items 3 and 4; and as we have four of the five here, we could even take up Item 5, which is the four -fifths -- Board Member Reyes: For what? Chair Russell: -- with regard to Chapman. So is there a motion for Items 3, 4, and 5? OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 38 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Reyes: Could you please explain 3, 4, and 5? Chair Russell: Mr. Executive Director, please. Mr. Walker: Item Number 3 is a resolution authorizing a grant to the City of Miami for planning of the 1-395 underpass. It's $150,000 grant to the City of Miami for the planning for the underpass, basically. Board Member Reyes: For the underpass? Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. Board Member Reyes: And why are we giving money to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) State project, as a DOT (Department of Transportation) project? Mr. Walker: It's a DOT project, but I believe that the City is working with DOT to -- in a license agreement for the -- here you go. Chair Russell: I'll explain. The City has -- the State has given the City the lead on creating the Underdeck Park with regard to design and any embellishment above and beyond the standard park -- they're not supposed to call it a park -- active space under there that -- in their current RFP (Request for Proposals), they will take it to a certain level. If we want to go above and beyond, which we do -- we do consider it slum and blight underneath an overpass, which has incredible use of drug use and homelessness right now -- to activate light, bring sport, bring food, bring people and fun and music -- we believe the CRA could play a role in that. There's a significant - - in addition to this, if the extension happens, the CRA will be a major partner in helping with that effort as well. Mr. Williamson. Steven Williamson: Yes, Mr. Chair. Any more questions you'd like me to answer, Commissioner? Board Member Reyes: Yes. You see, these are the things that really makes me wonder what are we using the funds of the CRA? And now, this is a project that it is a State project. You see? They are the ones that brought the project to us; we didn't take the initiative. They said, "Okay. We're going to build this bridge," which I don't see any need for it. I think that that $900 million should be used for transportation instead of being used for that. But, well, we have a bridge, okay? And that they are the ones that claim that the under-- the bridge under that area, under -- Mr. Williamson: Underdeck, sir. Yes. Board Member Reyes: -- that could be used for -- I don't know -- some -- when people walk or sit down, or meditate. They're the ones that initiated that, why are we giving money that could be used someplace else? Chair Russell: Mr. Williamson. Mr. Williamson: Yes. So Commissioner, so last November, the City -- excuse me -- FDOT approached the City and gave the opportunity for us to take on this project. As you know, $802 million are being spent by FDOT to construct the Signature Bridge, as well as the Underdeck. The Underdeck is designed to be an open space, an active open space; a prominent destination where we can begin to bring together both green space, options that we can create connectivity in our City that have been broken in many, many years through poor design of past interstates. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 39 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Reyes: Well, the -- you just said it; the State is the one that said, "We are going to do this Signature Bridge, and we're going to have an Underdeck," right? Mr. Williamson: Yes, sir. Board Member Reyes: And this is going to be space that is going to be used, blah blah, blah, blah. It's just like something entice us to be agreeable. But why do we have to pay for it or place any money on it? Mr. Williamson: Well, as I think you heard, I think about 20 minutes ago, maybe 30 minutes ago, we've actually done a request back to the State. They've earmarked a certain amount of money, which they're going to say, and I don't remember exactly (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Board Member Reyes: Oh, they are going to return the money to us? Mr. Williamson: They're going to pay a portion of (UNINTELLIGIBLE), yes. Board Member Reyes: They're going to pay us back -- what we're doing here is giving them a loan? Chair Russell: No. One at a time -- Mr. Williamson: No. Chair Russell: -- because you were speaking over him. He actually didn't say that. So ifyou could clam, Steven? Mr. Williamson: All right. I didn't say it (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Board Member Reyes: No, no, no, no, no. What I'm saying is -- asking is, why are we giving them money from the CRA -- we are giving them for that project when they are the ones that initiated both projects, and they're the ones that did it? Mr. Williamson: Oh. I -- Board Member Reyes: See, that's why -- Mr. Williamson: Yes, sir. Board Member Reyes: I mean -- Mr. Williamson: I misunderstood your question. I was speaking from a City perspective. Board Member Reyes: Yes. Mr. Williamson: But speaking from a CRA perspective, we have asked the CRA -- both CRAs, the DDA (Downtown Development Authority), the MPA (Miami Parking Authority) to invest a small amount of money to help us to go through this design process; design process that we're working very closely with each one of them as partners; each one of the stakeholders that live -- or reside in and around the Underdeck, as well as FDOT. They've given us a year to come back to them with a conceptual design. They'll use that design to move forward through their design and construction in a (UNINTELLIGIBLE). OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 40 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Reyes: And this is the only money that we're going to give them? Or we are going to be receiving requests for funds from the CRA? The CRA is the piggy bank now; everybody comes and gets -- You see? Vice Chair Hardemon: What are they? Mr. Williamson: There is significant benefit -- huge benefit to both what the -- this is right in the back door, front door, whatever door you want to say, of both CRAs, Commissioner. This is an opportunity for economic development, an opportunity to bring the community together. We all know that 1-395 -- Board Member Reyes: We have not -- Mr. Williamson: -- separated these communities back in the -- Chair Russell: One at a time, please. Mr. Williamson: -- '70s and '80s. We are in a position now to make a huge change; to transform that into something that the City can see as a reconnection of our community. Board Member Reyes: I really hope so, because I -- there are areas that they have not been -- I mean, they don't have no promoted economic development, but I really hope that they -- they promote economic development. But my question still is, if this is a DOT project, why should we be --? You know, could be minimal; $200, 000; $200,000; 100, 000, 200, 000. Well, you know, I could very well, very well -- and you know that -- pave one of my streets with that money. Chair Russell: You all remember that the CRA created the Omni Park a temporary activation of that exact space. This was the spark for the Underdeck concept with -- we took seven acres, and in 45 days, we created a park, open space, a pop-up library, a bicycle store; we had activations with kiosk restaurants. This is the spirit of what we'd like to do there. FDOT does not specialize in activating public spaces; they're willing to fund the creation of it. For us to take it from that level higher, I believe it's worth our investment; and so, I'm in favor of this item. Board Member Reyes: With all due respect, sir, if there is -- Chair Russell: I know you dis (UNINTELLIGIBLE) agree, if you'd like to -- Board Member Reyes: -- if they're willing to fund, they would -- should be willing to pay it. I mean, to -- Chair Russell: And they are. Mr. Williamson: They are. Board Member Reyes: -- pay everything. Chair Russell: Well, they won't. Mr. Williamson: They're committing $50 million in construction, Commissioner. Chair Russell: All right. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 41 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mr. Williamson: And our job is to help them conceptualize that design. What we want to make sure we do is bring in anybody and everybody who could benefit from that, and we believe the CRA is, in fact, a true beneficiary. Chair Russell: I'm going to -- thank you. I'm going to close discussion on this item, Number 3. Vice Chair Hardemon: Just -- I -- Chair Russell: Commissioner, I'm sorry. I didn't see you, Commissioner Hardemon. Vice Chair Hardemon: I just want to say one thing. In the Overtown CRA, I know the request was made to us to also contribute. The City is already getting a portion of our TIF dollars back, and the County's also getting a portion of those TIF dollars back. I think the CRA should not have to contribute in that circumstance. I think that the City should take a portion of what they received back from us and put that towards it. And that's the way I would look at it. I think we still should be involved with the planning the same way as the other CRAs and the DDA and everyone who wants to be, but certainly, we have a great need for those dollars that we do have, because it's not every day you get TIF dollars. It's very difficult to have them, and then also use them effectively in the way that you believe is necessary. And so, especially there, I understand. So -- and I'll be clear -- with the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA, I don't anticipate us having an item on to give dollars towards the planning for it. I think we can find those dollars elsewhere. Board Member Reyes: I think the DDA should be the contributor. Vice Chair Hardemon: I think the DDA is giving dollars. However, they want to ensure -- and I think you can speak to it better than all of us -- but they want to ensure that they have a say in not only who is selected as far as the professional, the consultant that they're dealing with; and if they're not satisfied, they're going to take their dollars back, as much of it as they can, rather. Board Member Gort: Let me -- Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort. Board Member Gort: Question: My understanding, you stated the CRA is going to give money back to the City and to the County, which is the argument that Commissioner Reyes been saying all along. That money gives back, it should be used in other part of the City, where we're going to need it for our budget and have a balanced budget, and the County should do the same thing. I don't have no problem. We need to understand, look underneath those bridges, and we can see what takes place underneath those bridges. And my understanding is, DOT is willing to pay and beautify up to certain amount. Then, if we want additional parks, they create additional -- amenities in the area for the benefit of the public in that area, we have to pay for it, is my understanding. Right? Chair Russell: Mr. Williamson. Mr. Williamson: They -- yeah. Yes, Mr. Chair. They will do the construction of it. What we are doing, we are doing a conceptual design, which will lead their design and construction. And then, what will happen is they will then transfer it over to the City to operate it (UNINTELLIGIBLE), once the final construction is done. Board Member Gort: And that transfer and that operation will be up to the CRAs? OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 42 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mr. Williamson: Excuse me, sir? Board Member Gort: That operation will be on behalf -- the CRA is the one who will be in charge in doing that? Mr. Williamson: Well, exactly how that -- we're still working how that's going to be done, if the responsibility is the City. Of course, we see the CRAs as partners in that process. Board Member Reyes: Mr. Chair, if I may ask -- Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: -- just a question. And just for my information and -- once that Underpath [sic] is completed, who's going to maintain it; we? Mr. Williamson: The City of Miami has the responsibility, yes, sir. Board Member Reyes: Do you have an estimate of how much we have to contribute there? Mr. Williamson: At this point, we do not, no. Board Member Reyes: That means we have to keep it clean; and also, we have to keep it secure? Mr. Williamson: More importantly, we need a program. Board Member Reyes: We need a what? Mr. Williamson: We need a program. We need to make sure that there is revenue - generating -- Board Member Reyes: Where are the --? Mr. Williamson: -- venues. Board Member Reyes: What venue is going -- are you -- in your wisdom, are you foreseeing that is going to bring revenues enough to maintain and upkeep that place that is not going to take revenues from other areas that need so much infrastructure improvement? Mr. Williamson: I'll be happy to come back to you and talk to you more in detail about that. We -- Board Member Reyes: Please do. Mr. Williamson: -- just finished up the -- our initial design throughout this week. Board Member Reyes: Please do. Mr. Williamson: I did an out brief this morning. We have some more information, and we intend to come to each one of the Commissioners. Board Member Reyes: You see, we have a lot of money committed to projects that they are County. You see? (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and all of that, and we have a lot of money committed to them that could be -- I have nothing against art. I don't have OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 43 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 nothing against beautification. But we have -- whatever project we get into, we need to identy the maintenance and upkeep of that project, because if not, could deteriorate and become real ugly. Chair Russell: Thank you. And the DDA and the CRA will be involved with that, as well. Thank you, Mr. Williamson. Mr. Executive Director, there is within this interlocal plan a clawback with regard to capital funds that will go toward this effort; is that correct? Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. Chair Russell: Okay. Is there a motion on Item Number 3, the Omni CRA resolution with regard to the funding of the Underdeck? Vice Chair Hardemon: So moved. Chair Russell: It's been moved by Commissioner Hardemon; seconded by the Chair. I need to open for public comment on this item. I did open up the -- Board Member Gort: Move it. Chair Russell: -- CRA public comment in general, but -- Todd B. Hannon (Clerk of the Board): It was my understanding you opened it up in general. Chair Russell: In general. Okay. Is there any further discussion on the dais? Commissioner Carollo. Mr. Walker: Yes, sir. Board Member Carollo: I think you had mentioned something about the dollars that Mr. Walker: Yes. Board Member Carollo: -- you were looking at there. Mr. Walker: That's under Item Number 2, and when we get to that item, I'll make that amendment. Board Member Carollo: Can you go over this item again that we're voting on now, (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Mr. Walker: This item is transferring $150, 000 to the City of Miami for the design phase of the Underdeck under 395. It's our contribution to the City for that purpose. Board Member Carollo: All right. That's all that it is, 150,000? When can you bring to us -- can you bring to us by the next Commission meeting the estimate, which is all that we could ask for, an estimate, of the maintenance for the Underpath [sic] for the years to come? Mr. Williamson: If I can ask to speak, Mr. Chair? Chair Russell: Yes, of course. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 44 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mr. Williamson: So, Commissioner, I don't think I'll be able to bring that back next Commission, but we will definitely be able to bring that back within the next two to three months. Board Member Carollo: Mr. City Clerk, do we still have an ordinance in place that any item that is going to have financial impact in the City, we have to have the amount given to us before we vote on it? Mr. Hannon: 171 defer to the City Attorney. Mr. Min: Commissioner, Chapter 2 of the City Code, which applies to the City Commission, not to the Omni CRA -- Board Member Carollo: Yeah. Mr. Min: -- does require the Office of Management and Budget to review every legislative item prior to its submission to the -- consideration by the City Commission. Board Member Carollo: I'll -- you know, I know it's the CRA that we have the hat on, but it would be good if we take that into being here also with the CRA. Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: One last question. Do we have any -- I mean, let's say that we don't like -- or we don't agree with the design, do we have any authority to walk away from the deal? Mr. Williamson: If you recall -- and I believe it was about three months ago -- we brought forth to this Commission -- Board Member Reyes: Yes. Mr. Williamson: -- the agreement between us and FDOT. This is something we negotiated for three months to, in fact, be able to have a walk -away clause. Board Member Reyes: Okay. Mr. Williamson: We ensured it was a one-year, only a one-year agreement so that if they don't accept our design as we design it, we walk away. We intend to also do the same agreement subsequently; that we are engaged in the design and construction process before we take operations over. So we have an opportunity in one year to say "yes" or "no," an opportunity during design and construction to say "yes" or "no," before we take on the operations of the Underdeck. Board Member Reyes: You see, I want to go back to maintenance. I remember that when you and I, we spoke, you were assuming that the impact fees from the number of restaurants and boutiques and stores and everything that is going to -- they're going to flourish under the bridge; that that was going to be enough for -- I mean, to assign those revenues into maintenance; you see, maintenance of this beautiful landscape that you are going to -- that you think that is going to be done there, but who's going to pay for that maintenance while those restaurants and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) while the -- they are -- the businesses are being developed, if they are developed? And if those business, they don't realize -- materialize -- If we don't have enough economic development there that would generate tax dollars for us to maintain that, who's going to be responsible for it? OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 45 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Mr. Williamson: We're still working through that process, which is the exact reason why we (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- Board Member Reyes: Yes. I know he's going to say the CRA. The CRA is not going to be here until next century, you know. Mr. Williamson: No. I don't consider the CRA -- Board Member Reyes: I mean -- Chair Russell: Please, one at a time, please, and through the Chair. Board Member Reyes: You see. Chair Russell: Mr. Williamson. Mr. Williamson: No, sir. I don't believe the CRA is the funder of this. I think that perhaps, the CRA is a portion of the funder; by no means, a larger portion of the funder. To be honest, we are still working through that process. We need to come up with a concept. We need to come up with a product first before we put a business plan on it. I think we've put ourselves in a very, very good situation with FDOT, where we've had a one-year agreement. If at one year they do not accept what we present to them, we can walk away. Board Member Reyes: And if we walk away, and already the underpass is already made, who's going to keep it? Mr. Williamson: We'll get -- Board Member Reyes: I mean -- Chair Russell: All right. Please, the -- Board Member Reyes: -- that's what I -- Chair Russell: So one of the options that I'm looking for here is to work together between the DDA and the CRA, who already have a project together with beautification with Chapman, with Camillus House, and we're looking to expand even to Lotus, who's expressed interest in this Homeless Employment Program for beautification. We have options. There are many things we can do, but we are all at the table to make sure that we have a maintenance program that doesn't just build something and leave it to go foul. So I'd like to move forward on this. Commissioner Gort. Board Member Gort: Just to add -- and I understand what -- your opinion, but I don't want to see the money given back to the City to be utilized, but you have to look at the consequences. If we don't do something and we don't try to help or maintain, we have the experience of what is taking place in those bridges. If we don't maintain them, you're going to have homeless in there, and you got all kinds of negative activities taking place in those areas. That's why we have to do something with it. And I think we need to -- after we get the project, we can see how much it's going to cost, who's going to pay for it, and who's going to split the administration. Chair Russell: Agreed. We believe that if left to FDOT and they just build it and it's left alone, it will absolutely become a haven for homeless and drug use, and that's why we believe it's important to invest as a CRA and a DDA in this project, to make OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 46 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 sure it's activated properly and a good use to the community and well -lit and well active. Thank you very much, Mr. Williamson. Mr. Williamson: Thank you. Chair Russell: I'd like to take this to a vote, please. We have a motion and a second on this? Yes. Thank you very much. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye." "Aye." Any opposed? Board Member Reyes: No. Chair Russell: One "no." Motion passes. Thank you very much. That's Item Number 3. 4. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION 5956 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA") ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED ON MAY 9, 2018 PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ("RFP") NO. 830382 FOR MURAL ADVERTISING AT THE MIAMI ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, EUE SCREEN GEMS STUDIO FROM BECKER BOARDS MIAMI, LLC ("BECKER"); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH BECKER FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) YEAR PERIOD; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, ALL IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE GENERAL COUNSEL, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0015 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Board Member, District Three AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo, Reyes Chair Russell: Item Number 4, Mr. Executive Director. Jason Walker (Executive Director/Omni Community Redevelopment Agency): Item Number 4 -- Chair Russell: We don't need to present it if there is the will of this board to pass it. This is an award of an RFP (Request for Proposals), correct? Is there a motion to accept the award of the RFP? Board Member Carollo: Can you go over that again, please? Annie Perez: Good afternoon, Commissioners. Annie Perez, Director of Procurement. Yes, this was an RFP (Request for Proposals) for the mural OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 47 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 advertising, and there was a protest. We prevailed in the protest, so now we're bringing forth the award recommendation. Board Member Carollo: Okay. What is the award recommendation -- Ms. Perez: The award is -- Board Member Carollo: -- for the record? Ms. Perez: -- we're looking at -- I'm happy to say that this is -- we had to rescind the award, because when the protest first came, there were some allegations, and we reconvened the committee, and we were able to negotiate a better revenue for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). The first negotiations, we had gotten 330,000 a year, plus 21 percent off of gross revenue. During the second round of negotiation, the final, we got 335. So we got $5, 000 more and a 21 percent gross. Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort. Board Member Gort: 21 percent of the gross? Ms. Perez: 21 percent on the gross. Board Member Gort: Guaranteed 332? Ms. Perez: Plus the 335, correct. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Carollo: That's 21 percent. Sounds kind of low, though, for the money they make. Ms. Perez: It's not. It's okay. We've gotten -- we -- I've seen 15 percent, so -- Board Member Carollo: Well -- Ms. Perez: -- 21 percent's not bad. Board Member Carollo: -- I just negotiated verbally one better -- much better than that if it ever happens. Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there a motion on Resolution 4 of the Omni CRA -- Board Member Gort: Move it. Chair Russell: -- with regard to this award? It's been moved by Commissioner Gort. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Any further discussion from the dais? All in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. That's Number 4. 5. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 48 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 5959 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE AND AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S FINDING THAT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CRA PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED BY THE CRA; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 10040.920501.883000 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000.00 TO BE DISBURSED OVER A TWO (2) YEAR PERIOD TO CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP TO UNDERWRITE A PORTION OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS AND SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CRA ; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE GENERAL COUNSEL. ENACTMENT NUMBER: CRA-R-19-0016 MOTION TO: Adopt RESULT: ADOPTED MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Board Member, District Three AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo, Reyes Chair Russell: Number 5 is a four -fifths. This is the one for Chapman. Is there a motion for this item? Board Member Carollo: Mr. Executive Director, I'd like to get everything on the record so that people know what we're doing up here. Jason Walker (Executive Director/Omni Community Redevelopment Agency): Yes, sir. Number -- Item Number 5 is a motion granting the Chapman Partnership, and a grant for $200, 000 per year. It's a homeless program in the Omni district for two years, in an amount not to exceed 400, 000. It's a direct grant to the agency. Board Member Carollo: The amount you said, again? Mr. Walker: 200 per year -- Board Member Carollo: Okay. Mr. Walker: -- for two years. Board Member Carollo: $200? Mr. Walker: 200, 000. I'm sorry; 200, 000. And this facility is located within the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). We have been giving $175, 000 a year to the Camillus House for homeless programs within the downtown area, so we thought it would be fair and right to also include the agency that is in our district, to help them out as well. Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Gort. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 49 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Gort: The presentation was made; I don't think you were present at the time. One of the things they want to do is they want to separate the building with people with family. When they come in, they have a dfferent entrance -- Mr. Walker: Yes. Board Member Gort: -- which it look a lot better for the kids coming in. Move it. Board Member Carollo: Second. Chair Russell: It's been moved by Commissioner Gort; seconded by Commissioner Carollo. Board Member Reyes: Just one question. And it -- Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes. Board Member Reyes: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- I support this, but I want to know, are you receiving enough funds from the Homeless Trust? Chair Russell: Who are you asking? Board Member Reyes: Chapman. Is anybody here from Chapman? Mr. Walker: Yes, she's here. Board Member Reyes: Okay. I just -- just out of curiosity, I want to know if you are -- they are doing the work. Chair Russell: Ms. Hudson. Symeria Hudson: Well, first of all, we're so very fortunate to have such a great partner in the Homeless Trust, so -- Board Member Reyes: Okay. Ms. Hudson: -- thank you for asking that question. I think the word "enough" is actually -- is relative. We are very fortunate. We do get 64 percent of our funding through the Trust, but when I came in as CEO (Chief Executive Officer) at the beginning of the year, I realized that we really did need to make some upgrades, some enhancements to our security protocol, so this is a reflection of that. That budget had already been passed. And so, these enhancements are absolutely necessary. Certainly, we have -- 45 percent of our residents are families, and creating a separate entrance is really important Board Member Reyes: Yes. Ms. Hudson: So there's a number of different things that we need to do to really up the scale. We do feel like we're very safe and secure, but all of you know that there's never enough work to be done to ensure that we're protecting our families, our -- Board Member Reyes: Absolutely. Ms. Hudson: -- residents, the volunteers that come through; 11,000 every single year. So, you know, we're -- certainly, we'd be very, very thrilled to have these funds, because they will definitely go to much -needed use. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 50 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 Board Member Reyes: Absolutely, absolutely. But what -- this is for this budget, right? You -- Ms. Hudson: Yes, absolutely. Board Member Reyes: -- and have you increased your request for funds from the Homeless Trust? Ms. Hudson: We have gone through our budget process, and we have asked for a modest increase, and we're still -- Board Member Reyes: Why modest? You need it. Ms. Hudson: Well, at the same time -- we do need it, but we also are trying to be very fiscally responsible -- Board Member Reyes: Oh, absolutely. Ms. Hudson: -- and that was really important to us. And so, we go in with what we need. And again, this was an assessment that I made when I came onboard, and so it is certainly something that we need; that's why we're here. We do believe in spreading the opportunity to groups like this -- Board Member Reyes: Okay. Ms. Hudson: -- and the Trust and others. So we do think it's very appropriate, sir. Board Member Reyes: You're doing a great job. Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Board Member Reyes: You're doing a good job. I congratulate you. Ms. Hudson: Thank you very much. Board Member Reyes: And -- Ms. Hudson: I appreciate that. Board Member Reyes: -- I think that you should demand the funds that you need to really, really do the work that you're doing, and improve -- Ms. Hudson: Thank you. Chair Russell: Thank you. Board Member Reyes: -- quantity of people that you help. Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Reyes. Thank you, Ms. Hudson. Ms. Hudson: Thank you. Chair Russell: I'd like to bring this to a vote. Is there any further discussion on the item? This is a four -fifths of the body. Commissioner -- Vice Chair Hardemon: He moved it. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 51 Printed on 9/23/2019 OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Marked Agenda June 13, 2019 6. Chair Russell: He moved it, yes. We have a second as well. All in favor, say "aye." The Board (Collectively): Aye. Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much. OMNI CRA RESOLUTION 5130 (MAY BE WITHDRAWN) A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE OMNI REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ("CRA"), BY A FOUR -FIFTHS (4/STHS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S FINDING THAT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE CRA PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED BY THE CRA; WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO. 10040.920501.883000 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000.00 OVER A TWO (2) YEAR PERIOD TO INHABIT EARTH, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("GRANTEE"), TO PROVIDE PARTIAL FUNDING FOR A POP-UP TEMPORARY URBAN FARM, NEIGHBORHOOD GREENSPACE, EVENT SPACE, AND OTHER ADVANCEMENTS RELATED TO IMPROVING THE PUBLIC REALM ("PROGRAM"); AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DISBURSE FUNDS ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS DIRECTLY TO THE GRANTEE OR DIRECTLY TO VENDORS, AT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DISCRETION, UPON PRESENTATION OF INVOICES AND SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROGRAM, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE GENERAL COUNSEL. ADJOURNMENT MOTION TO: Withdraw RESULT: WITHDRAWN MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Board Member, District One SECONDER: Ken Russell, Chair, District Two AYES: Russell, Hardemon, Gort, Carollo ABSENT: Reyes Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see "Order of the Day." The meeting adjourned at 12. 59 p.m. OMNI Community Redevelopment Agency Page 52 Printed on 9/23/2019