HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1976-04-08 MinutesI TY OF MIA
I NCORP (MATED
18 96
004^1
SION
ES
WORKSHOP-SESSION4ROPOSED-UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
CONFERENCE CENTER AT CONVENTIONTACILITY
2, SPECIAL MEETIr - NOIION OF INTgNT REGARDING.„
3. gEbblme, GoF M LONFERENCE ENTER IN LONeLTRI
OF MEETING HELD ON
APR -8 1976
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY HALL
om 3:
H, DI SOUTHERN
CITY CLERK
RALPH GI QNGIE
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
IRULK
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OP MIAMI) FLORIDA
1. PROPOSED UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CONFERENCE CENTER AS IT
RELATES TO THE NEW MIAMI CONVENTION FACILITY.
2,
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
MOTION OF INTENT REGARDING INCLUSION OF UNIVERSITY OF
MIAMI CONFERENCE CENTER IN CONVENTION CENTER.
INVOCATION & WAIVE READING OF MINUTES
(UNASSIGNED)
AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AGREE
MENT WITH FERENDINO, GRAFTON, SPILLIS, CANDELA FOR
NEW CONVENTION FACILITY.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF LLOYD HOWARD-REFERENCE, ALCO-
HOLIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM, MAKE AVAILABLE ADDIT-
IONAL $6,000 FOR PROGRAM.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF FIRE CHIEF DON HICKMAN - NEW
PROPOSED FIRE CODE REVISIONS - RECENT TRAGIC HOTEL
FIRES.
PRESENTATIONS, PLAQUES, PROCLAMATIONS & SPECIAL ITEMS
RECEIVE SEALED BIDS-DELAWARE SANITARY SEWER IMPROVE-
MENT SR-5390 C (CENTERLINE SEWER).
PRESEN'TAIION TO FERENDINO, GRAFTON, SPILLIS AND
CANDELA (N 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
PLACEMENT OF TELEPHONE CALL TO SOVIET UNION IN BEHALF
OF SOVIET JEWRY.
AMEND 6i71, ARTICLE XXV, SECTION 1, REDUCE ZONED
STREET WIDTH FOR SHIPPING AVENUE FROM HIBISCUS STREET
TO PLAZA STREET.
NELSON VILLA & GARDEN OF EDEN AMENDED, ETC.
RATIFY ACTION OF CITY MANAGER IN ACQUIRING 2 LOTS
CONTIGUOUS TO SITE OF PROPOSED DOWNTOWN CONVENTION
CENTER, LOTS 1 & 2, AMES SUBDIVISION.
RESOLUTION TAKING PROSECUTION OF WORK FROM MINORITY
SYSTEMS, INC., ORANGE BOWL -WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS
1975 - ?ND BIDDING JOB NO. B2659.
PHONE CALL FROM SOVIET RUSSIA.
CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION AND PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION
SEE MINUTE ITEM 15.
APPROVE CONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS, N.W.
62ND STREET BETWEEN NEW MIAMI EDISON SENIOR HIGH
SCHOOL AND PARK.
ACCEPT HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT & HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY
DEEDS FROM SHERDAK DEVELOPERS, INC. AND BAYSHORE
COOPERATIVE, INC. (OUTLOTS 1,2,3, 34-BLOCK 2) FOR
PROPOSED POINT VIEW HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT.
GRANT FREE USE OF SHOWMOEILE FOR COCONI'T GROVE
SCHOOL BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION APRIL 15, 1976.
ORDINANCE OR
RESOLUTION NO,
WORKSHOP
CSESSION
M 76--355
R 76-356
M 76-357
DISCUSSION
R 76-358
PAGE NO,
1- 7
8a-9
10
10-11
11-14
14-19
20
20
21
21
FIRST READING 22
DISCUSSION 23-27
R 76-359 27-28
DISCUSSION 28
R 76-360
R 76-361
R 76-362
R 76-363
28-29
29-34
35
.15
35
MINUTES OF WORKSHOP SESSION OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
ON THE 8TH DAY OF APRIL, 1976, THE CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI)
ORIDA MU AT ITS REGULA MEETING PLACE IN THE I�!TY HALL,
500 PAN AMERICAN DRIVE, 1IAM;; FLORIDA IN .WORKSHOP SESSION.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:15 O'CLocK A.M. BY
MAYOR MAURICE A. -ERRE WITH THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE
COMMISSION FOUND TO BE PRESENT:
LOMMISSIONE9 U. L. _.PLUMMER, ,JR.
COMMISSIONS iREV.� Iti ODORE GIBSON
VICE— YOR ROS'- bQQRDON
MAYOR MAUR I CE A, 1-ERRE
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER N1ANOLO REBOSO
ALSO PRESENT:
P'` W. ANDREWS, CITY MANAGER
A. P. UR0 CH ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
JOHN S. LLOYD, CITY ATTORNEY
H. D. SOUTHERN, CITY CLERK
RALPH G. ONGIE, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
I. PROPOSED UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CONFERENCE CENTER AS IT
RELATES TO THE NEW MIAMI CONVENTION t'ACILITY.
Mr.Andrews: We have outlined in a paper, specfic directions which will
further the project and hopefully amalgamate the city and University as far
aa this one project in downtown Miami is concerned. I might add.that 1 and
the staff, and those connected with this concept are enthusiastic and recognize
and above all, even though we may have problems designing this, and putting
together and finding a solution to the operation, we don't want to lose sight
of the main objective of what this can accomplish for both the City and the
University. When I say city I mean all the people of the city of MIami. This
can be something very instrumental in vitalizing downtown Miami in a unique
way , more than just construction of a Convention Center. So I am hopeful
and optimistic that we can find a way of incorporating the University's desires
along with the City's desires in such a way that we have.a unique project in
downtown Miami.
I am going to ask Mr. Connley if he can indicate to you different
physical figurations, diagramatically. If you look to the chart, the words
are too small to identify but they are there for Mr. Connley to carry forth
his explanation. I would like to preface his remarks with this comment , that
the green represents diagramatically, only, the City of Miami, and it represents
reasonable space allocations. Orange on the diagram represents the University.
The first box Mr. Connley is talking about at the top of the chart, indicates
a general a general physical separation on the site of the two
and he will lead to a discussion, and we have a specific recommendation as
to how to go about it.
Mr. Connley: Mr. Mayor and members of theCommission, this chart represents
basically, although it appears to structural and architectural, it basically
represents the degrees of integration as an operational concept, can be obtained
with the University and the city at the same site. The top one here represents
on the same site, two separate facilities, with two separate operational staffs
and separate programming for each one. That has the advantage of having all
incomes and costs identifiable. It also has no programming conflict between the
University's needs and the city's needs. In this case we have direct responsibility
from the operation and programming people in both facilities to their parent
organization. This could he on -site or off -site, It is basically the first approach
to it. Disadvantages of that are that there is no enhancement of the possibility
of sharing mutually some of the facilities that the highest first cost, because
it is absolutely two separate buildings, two separate staffs, and it has the
highest operational cost because of that .+lso. It has the least programming
capability, because both the University ana the city will be locked into basically_
their own buildings. At the other extreme from that, down here we have complete
1
APR " 8197
interest en , which would be one single operational staff and one single
ptogrammin ; nt:alf. The advantages of that, °s you have the full degree of
mutual eneaeca ont, you had the lowest Hest cost, because you have one
building anri onz staff, and you have the highest programming capability.
However, thin. degree of integration has a number of problems with it, and
the first And m;it important is that the costs and income are unidentifiable
ae to who en.;ova the costs and the prof i;.t. It is very hard to split it out.
And again t:sc -.:esp,onsibility is hard to tdeatify as to who this operational
Staff is workleg for. It sometimes maybe er. much against the interest of the
city or the university. So the two extrew.ea show you basically how far you can
go or not pc, in netting this up, Thies c::urse represents combining the two
buildings ,ifTh companion walls and postibi' "arse toumon services, but going no
further tar.. And all this basically .'.c.7,.s is reduce the cost slightly
for both o, t J.ons and for its costa. L. ::: e here is called single operations
with a sepettt coordinanted prcgratinIn ......_:• r this case here, we have the
mutual enhJirts we have leee= fieet ;ut not as low as this, and
lower open. ... costs, but ve do ee;: v.c.ry high programming capability
because the ; ..ivies will be evailCale a . to use in that common area.
The disadv. nl of this, because :•_r = ,.. _ eeeramrsring conflicts, there will
have to be eey.olution of that : rob: el the structure that set up the
operatior:. costs are less identi:':.::r;l Set they can be managed. The
same thing - : f er the income. This ; -tutees, :c; a different degree of this,
which is aee Separate operation, and deee ate programming, with partial
joint usea this case the f eat.:rre e ate : asicaily the same between this,
and this ;_h cases, It hec.crree n p oh'.e.,; cf operationally how it is set up.
In lc-r:,:.. , rat this broad npect ee, at appears that the optimum position
is somewhere ':•' tween this ano this, zoo Jcr:,.:: . g the problems we did have, in
that area, t:ea shows basically as a physical entity, how the facility would
possibly be e . t ng. Again with the greee _ e eeenting the city and the orange
represent .:,.. :.;,e Univ. they would be. leleleally, and this represents dollars
devoted 'co ;,- p'-olect. There will be _his much cf the facility, this representing
the hall Itae , a;td its meeting rooms aou:ld be predominately programmed for the
use of th,,, _ And this portion reprss::ng the University would be all
of the espe.:..that they rs4,. °..- for their conference center and be
predom.na:ea 5y the University �rc::;on ground in between with the
_ space that .,e of the type that aa . eee:,;:-.a;. for the successful programming
_ of both fay s , they wane ::_he s:,az :_ _ _ _ _rasing done at a coordinanted basis.
The small represe t the t ( ::h. t ch occasion the city has needed as highly
eophisticr..:.eu '::i...iiieiee as the ve at ty has, and on occarsion the University
has need o: I_;er ,meeting rooms. thee r x ;T i:a'. ordinarily planned on using. So
this type ol :?cuach we think Ls the b2o`c. both parties.
Mayor e-,..:e ::i might say that if you c: en' t have the wording on that,
and we subeer,.;:<rd that next year for the Coconut Grove art festival, we might
win first p-raa in abstract painting.
Mr. Cann. i.. Based upon approach a. C ..;«:,n on these two previous cards,
this of ceetao is not final, it is just a s ;ggeation as a way to start off
is setting a:; .r:r organizational chart, eheee will answer the needs and cover
the problems chat are going to be faced ey the University end the City.
Taking ,.:e a. coot the existing ser.. ctuve which the City Manager answers
to theCit ee t se ion, and he in corn eataartment which is responsible for
their opera- { of auditoria within the City. On a case in the University, the
Board of `Cr_aree. , with the president w:r:1 tee yea-^ of school of continuing
studies, j:t,. ears a technical_ o aff no? . -.oft under this facility, it will
greatly t e:._eeee, because of the addi.teeeal activity it would have. This is
the new opc1 ._c.. ._: t here, and bat;ically t:ree would be a convention conference
center bo= ra wee would be appoiet d by ;.le _Sty and the University. They
in turn w U. t., an executive director r:.0 would be primarily responsible
for this por::i.U_'a here, which is the o?r;>t.:'.r.maintenance, utilities, supplies
grounds and e_Ac:urity for the facility. ii•rJ.wv. r the Dean of the school of continuing
studies haF r.:a :grogram manager who imelaeeate ,programs that come out of the school
within the pa 'Lit areas of the bua.idineTee. same thing le true of the city. They
would have a. ;grogram manager who booee,preetaea and plans the convention activities
in the facility for the city. The conflicts have to be coordinanted between these
people y this p easefor that is, you don't have
two eo i.t'. �r:a resolved b G}1� � sr�on. !'„�.
to go to the City commission or the hoe- u G. : ruateea every time you have a
conflict. There has to be some point where cae livel of the organization where
decisions can be made, that are mutai ly advanaged whan possible, but with the
ability to res.lve any confiicts.Thfbasically the structure we are working on,
Mr. Andrews: Mr, Mayor, I would they commission and Dr. Stat►fotdi to
comment and react to what we have presented this far. We have more some
more Information that we want to present nt far as Acheduling is concerned,
but scheduling we could more or leg control, It is this basic area of
mutual concern and understanding t think that if you believe We are headed
in the right direction, if there are observations that you have made in
the last month or so, plus what we have presented today in concept form.
we would like to know that so we could work with the City Commission and
work with the University to accomplish this integrated process if it is
achievable.
Rev. Gibson: (inaudible)
f
Mr. Andrews: I might add furthering the discussion that we received on
April 6, the final information from the University with reference to their
asperationa as far as the program and activities that were carried out, but
principally the program as delineated in this paper that was forwarded to the
commission on the same day. We analyzed it as soon as it arrived, we had a
meeting the following day, our staff did, with the staff of Dr. Stanford,
principally Dr. Allen. It had what I believed was a successful meeting in
coming to a clearer understanding as to the relationship of both the Universtiy
and the City and we are prepared to move ahead on this concept. If the commission
and Dr. Stanford agrees that we are headed in the right direction. I think.
we could make some real strides now that we have these kinds of information.
Mr. Plummer: What do you want from us?
Mr. Andrews:There are several things that I would you to adopt in
motion form. I'll read these to you and we will discuss the scheduling we
are proposing, --to make a statement of general intent that the inclusion of
the University of Miami's James L. Knight conference center at the City of
Miami's convention center site is to the mutual benefit of both parties.
The reason that that is important is that we are mixing private funds, if I
may identify the University's , and with public funds. There has to be mutual
benefit that flows to both parties. We have to recognize that in the beginning
and that that is the main thrust of purpose. That needs to be identified publicly.
Mr. Plummer.: Let's hear all the motions.
Mayor Ferre: Are they all separate?
Mr. Andrews: I think they should be treated separately. The second one
is direct the City Manager to proceed immediately to confer with the University
to establish the organizational framework for the design and development and
construction, programming and operation of the combined facilities. Three,direct
the City Attorney to determine the legal process and procedures by which
public and private funds can be used to develop this facility. Four, direct
the city manager to negotiate an agreement with the Universtiy that will define
and delineate the legal obligations and fiscal responsibilities of both parties.
Last direct the City Manager to instruct the architectural engineer and its con-
sultants to develop an architectual program and master plan of the combined
facilities that is physically and programatically compatable to both parties.
Mr. Mayor I would also like to read into the record just the three areas
of a letter that members of the City Commission received from Alva Chapman,
and Louis Fisher in behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. It is dated April 5, 1976,
and embodied in that letter, are three steps that they are asking the commission
address themselves to, with reference to furthering this entire project. The
first is, instruct the city administration to sign the contract without further
delay. That would be accomplished today after the commission is in session
and the resolution is adopted authorizing me to do that. Two, cause the city
administration to respond to the University of Miami position statement, if not
with a detailed Statement at least with an indication of the city' s desire
and intent to work with the University of Miami. I believe I have done that in
my opening remarks. We also did that partially by immediately digesting the
information that was supplied and forstered the holding of a meeting the following
day, come to further understanding which made it possible to make this preeentation
to you today. Third, direct the city administration to proceed immediately in
its work with the architects at the University of Miami and University conaultan.ts
in establishing final criteria and developing a master plan. One of the last
3 APR 81976
actions that 1 have asked you to adopt as a motion directs itself to that
particular item of concern of the Chamber.
I`11 be glad to answer any questions.
Mayor Ferre: Well you have it before you, and 1 think it would be wise
to have separate motions. And I at open for discussion on any one of them.
Mr. Plummet: May I offer a suggestion, that Dr. Stanford comment. We have
5 proposals which involve him and see if he has any problems with any of them
or anything he would like to add.
NOTE: Commissioner Reboso entered the meeting at 8:30 o'clock A.M.
Dr. Stanford: Thank you Mr. Plummer, saw these the first time this
morning ane I must say I am very enthusiastic about them. I think what these
resolutions do is signify the intent of the city to plan seriously with the
University of Miami, to see whether it is not possible for us to come to come
to some understanding about joint financing and joint operation of this Con-
vention Center -Conference Center idea. T;;e have provided the City officials
with the information we have received from Company, the planning
organization which the University employed, to conduct the feasibility study
for our portL n of the joint enterprise. We think they have done a good job,
and I think the information we provided yct,r officials will be very helpful
to them. As 1 understand it, it doesn't commit irrevocably to moving ahead
but it doe.0 ercvide your administrators with the authority to begin serious
negotiationa with us, and that is what oe seek. So I am highly enthusiastic
about this.
Mayor Terre; Let me make a comment of what concerns me aad Paul, and
Mr. Crumpton and all of you that have been involved, I don't want you to get
upset, but 1 wanc to tell you with all due respects that this statement of
5 things, is exactly just a little better written, what we said 6 months ago.
There isn't o thing here new. We are giving general intent, we have already
done that. ?wo, we are asking for an organizational framework for the design
and deveiopeeat, we have already gone through that. WE have already said
what we w Tsar or. that. Three, that we want to preapre a legal process for
the public see private funds that can be used to develop this facility. Now,
this is aome::h`.ng new, but that is really appendage to the rest of it. Next,
that we negotiate an agreement with the University, we told you to do that
6 months ago, chat we direct the City Manage to instruct the architect and so on,
to develop e program and master plan, we said that 6 months ago. What I;am saying
is, all we a-e really doing he;-e is repeating again what we have already said once.
Perhaps this is a more formal way of saying what we have already said. But frankly
from two and a half years experience on this commission, all we really need is
a motion of intent, and all we are doing Is re -writing the motion of intent in
more specific terms. Granted, I think we have come a long way since, with these
schematic d.awings, and the study the Un.versity has done, and they know they
need 96,000 sc;. ft. etc. This is no earth -shaking moment. We are not crossing
any major thresholds here. We have been thrcugh this before.
Mr. Plumper: Mr. Mayor it as far as I am concerned it boils down
you can put .,11 the papers together you want to. Dr. Stanford, how much
room do you want, how much are you willing to contribute, and how much are
you really going to use it.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Plummer, that is exactly ,----if you are going to put
this commiseion in the position of negotiating, that is what I hope they work
out and come back with a draft and a proposal. Are you ready to do that today.
Have you done chat Mr. Manager?
Mr. na: nws : Not today.
Mayor Ferra: I think you are gong zo start getting into dangerous grounds
Mr. pie::mler:Mr. Mayor I didn't say I intended to negotiate, I said those
are the questions that need answering, and that alone. As far as I am concerned,
the sooner the two parties get together and iron out that, and come back here
and say here is what we need , here is what: we are going to pay, and how much
we are going to use it, than the archite:.ta Lan get to deeigntng the ba.1ding
and the quicker we are going to get into that new buii.ding,
4
Mayor Ferre: The architects don't even have a contract. (I guess we
ate back on), ---Mr. Lloyd?
Mt. Lloyd: Yes, we can be prepared to render you an opinion by the end
of next week,
Mayor Ferre: The question I think Father Gibson is pointing out is,
that since this is an important decision, and since we are dealing in a
sensitive area, which is the University of Miami, but I have been learning,
so the last two and a half years, I get these messages a lot quicker, now
it only take about 5 minutes to figure out. I think what he is saying, this
is a very sensitive area of community involvement, in other words a relation-
ship between a legal body, a public body, the city, and private entity, the
University, but a private entity, quasi -public because it touches every corner
of this community from the hospital on down, that we are dealing in sensitive
areas that we cannot afford to have any type of misunderstanding so that beside
the in -put of the Chamber of Commerce that we had, and the City of Miami and
the commission and what have you, when you get to the legal area, besides the
legal opinion of your own, perhaps you might get this blue ribbon committee
that you have chosen and let them also subscribe their name to it, that they
have read it, and think it is a valid document.
Mr. Lloyd: May I make an addition suggestion, I would also like to get
together with whomever Dr. Stanford designates on his own legal staff so we
can get some in -put there and formulate for the benefit of both of us. Now,
if I may answer FAther Gibson's question, regarding a lawsuit. It would not
be appropriate or feasible at this time or even legally possible to institute
a lawsuit. They only way that a lawsuit could be instituted would be somebody
suing to enjoin us from doing this because you have to have a controversy and
certainly there is no controversy between the City of Miami and the University
of Miami, it would have to be a taxpayer or somebody of that nature, but what
our duty is, is to make certain that we have buttoned down all of the legal
possibilities that we can see so that in the event unlikely as it would be,
that somebdoy would seek to enjoin this that we may be prepared for that. AS
such I would like to proceed in the manner suggested by both Father Gibson
and Your donor, Mr. Mayor, and get together with who Dr. Stanford designates
and then I will also get a little advisory work done by our own legal committee
and we will be adequately prepared at that time. Preliminarily, I will say this,
that from what I know, of the constitutional provision and the law thereunder,
the mutual benefit idea and the mutual cooperation of the two, appears prima
facie to be legally feasible. But I want to make a thorough study of that for
the protection of both of us.
Rev. Gibson: Let me make sure everybody understands what I am going
to say, I want to avoid that thing you mentioned.
Mr. Lloyd: That is what I am suggesting to do.
Rev. Gibson: The University of Miami is our friend. We don't need
enemies. The way to avoid that is start off as a friend, and keep the friendship
going. That is number one, number two, if we have any doubts, I am not a
lawyer, I am a clergyman, not a lawyer, ---okay, if I have any doubts, I go
on my knees and pray. It seems to me, if I have any doubts, about legal
ramifications and whether or not it questionable later on, I could ask for
a judgement from the court. Isn't that possible?
Mr. Lloyd: I thought I had covered that your honor.
Rev.Gibson: I asked you a question.
Mr. Lloyd; I thought I had already covered that, but I will answer
it again,
Rev. Gibson; I don't want you to tell me, --I thought I said I wanted
to make myself clear, so nobody will have a problem with me later. If there
is any doubt after you all have done the research, then there is nothing wrong
with going to the court, and if the court tells you, --,
Mr. Lloyd: Father,•I am trying to answer that. The answer is as I haYe
told you, that you cannot get a simple advisory opinion from the court without
a contest. And I have explained there is absolutely no contest between the
University of Miami and ourselves. Our legal duty is to arrange this ab there
is no doubt if we can possibly do so. That is the answer to that question.
Mrs. Gordon: I have a question Mr. Lloyd, since we are in a workshop
not in a regular commission meeting, these motions that we are considering
adopting, I believe should be held for the regular meeting. Is that correct?
Mayor Ferre: When we finish our discussion, I'll call for a special
meeting of the commission then we can
Mr. Lloyd: If you simply want to pass motions, in the first place,
we know your intent, it is not necessary for you to pass official resolutions.
We can proceed according to the directions.
Mayor Ferre: John, let's not get hung up on technicalities.
Mr, Lloyd: That is what I am trying not to do Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Ferre: I understand. If it is the will of the commission to do this,
if they want to , then I will call a special meeting and anybody can make a motion.
Mrs. Gordon: The second item I would like to ask your opinion of is,
whether or not this concept should be brought to a public hearing.
Mr. Lloyd: That was in the discretion of the city commission. It might
be a good idea. I think before you did that, if you do that, that you should
allow us the opportunity of myself getting together with Dr. Stanford's legal
staff and be prepared to present something.
Mrs. Gordon: I look at as an avoidance of future problems. If it is
brought to a public hearing I don't think you will have any objections from
the public but nevertheless you have gone to the public with an idea, of com-
bining private and I think for future avoidance of problems that it would not
hurt. I don't think we will have any objections.
Mr. Lloyd: I think it is a good idea.
Mayor Ferre: What kind of delay are we talking about? What is the
quickest we could call a public hearing?
Mr. Plummer: You can't call a public hearing till all of these items
are worked out, because what are you going to present to the public? At
the same time this comes back from the administration, ---
Mrs. Gordon: I don't think we have to wait that long. I think a public
hearing for the concept could be held at the next meeting.
Mr. Plummer: What is the public going to discuss? Mr. Mayor what is
your concept if you don't get this stuff ironed out? That is what I am trying
to Bay:
Mayor Ferre: This is why Interama is where it's at. The interama
syndrome, --I have the good fortune to travel a lot, and everywhere I go
I see things, --buildings, convention centers, ---
Mrs. Gordon: I don't want anybody to take this that I am opposed to
this. I am not. I am simply trying to avoid something that Mr. Lloyd is
hedging on, and Father Gibson is concerned with.
Mr. Lloyd: I am not hedging on anything.
Mayor Ferre: She didn't say you were.
Mrs. Gordon: If I said it, then I. said it in a way that didn't
meats to reflect upon you but simply that, --and in answer to Father Gibaon'4
concern, that a member of some other ;dace has to be dissatisfied and come
back and make a suit in order to clarify the public and private,---
Mr. Lloyd: Father Gibson's question was direct and airmp]e, may We have
a declaratory opinion of the court if there is any doubt, That was hie gueetion,
APR • 819/6
41/
I understand it perfectly, his questions are always direct. The answer to
that question is only if somebody challenges this. We cannot go to the court
merely for an advisory opinion.
Mrs, Gordon: We understand that, and that is the reason why in my
opinion, ---we have a public hearing if it ever happened that we were challenged,
that we would have legal ground to stand on, -=we had a public hearing.
•
Mr. Lloyd: That would will not provide a legal ground, t tell you
that right now. It would be helpful and nice but it would not provide a
legal ground to prevent somebody from filing suit.
Mrs. Gordon: No, it wouldn't prevent but it would be nice to have it.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the commission, you will recall
in processing the Bicentennial Park that when the commission authorized that
we proceed with it, a master plan was developed for the park and then at that
time the architectural process was stopped, and you had a public hearing. We
are proposing that in 60 days according to the contract, that we develop a
master plan of this integration. At that point in time you call a public hearing
and you have something to present.
Mrs. Gordon: It is okay with me. I am just bringing a concept to the table.
Mayor Ferre: I didn't understand all this at first and I apologize. Now
thank you Paul for your wonderful sense of logic and clarity.
Mr. Plummer: Are you ready for a motion?
Mayor Ferre: I am ready for a motion. For the record, under the authority
granted to me under the Charter as Mayor, this special work session is being
adjourned and I am calling a special city of Miami Commission meeting for
the purposes of discussing the proposed Convention Center on the Miami River
next to the Brickell Ave. bridge.
7
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