HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1974-05-09 MinutesCITY OF MIAM
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SPECIAL
COMMISSION
MINUTES
OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1974
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY HALL
H. D. SOUTHERN
City Clerk
RALPH G. ONGIE
Assistant City Clerk
INDEX
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
ITEM NO.1 SUBJECT
ORDINANCE OR
RESOLUTION NO
PAG
1
2
PERMIT USE OF STRUCTURE ON TR. "A" SIMBER
SUB BY H.U.D.
WAIVE OFF_ST. PARKING-TR. "A" SPORTSMANS
PARK SEC. PROPOSED O. BOWL COMMITTEE
3. PARKING PERMIT-CHARLES J. PEACOCK CORR
(6-32)-Lots 6 & 7 KENNETH TREISTER:
4. REZONING -LOT 27, BLK 3, BISCAYNE AVE. TRACT
& COND. USE FOR OFF STREET PARKING
5. REQ. FOR CONTINUED WAIVER OF PARKING
SPACES-NEWBERG PROPERTY TRACT 2
DEFERRED:
6. WAIVER OF PARKING SPACES-ST. JAMES PARK
161 N.W. 29TH STREET:
7. SIDEWALK, CURB & GUTTER CONSTRUCTION -
REQUIRING ON IMPROVEMENT OF PRIVATE
PROPERTY:
8. ESTABLISHING FEES FOR PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
AT PARKS:
9. LICENSES FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSOC.-CLARIFYING
EXISTING REGULATIONS:
10. GOLF COURSE -CHANGING DATES FOR WINTER
& SUMMER SCHEDULES:
11. PROPOSED PLAT ACCEPTANCE -DUPLEX TOWNHOUSE
SUBDIVISION NO. 1:
12. .PLAT ACCEPTANCE -CORAL WAY GARDENS APART-
MENTS:
13. 'BIDS-RECEIVING-H-4371-
14. H-4373 PUBLIC HEARING & CONFIRMING
RESOLUTION ORDERING DIST -NOTICE FOR
BIDS:
15.
EXPIRED POLICE SERGEANTS' PROMOTIONAL
REGISTER DISCUSSION:
16. POLICE DEPT. OPERATIONS REVIEW -CHIEF
GARMIRE:
17. OMNI-THEATRE FESTIVAL OF GREATER MIAMI-
REQ. ASSISTANCE:
18. HISTORICAL MARKER PRESENTATION BY THIRD
CENTURY U.S.A.- & HISTORICAL ASSOC OF
SOUTHERN FLORIDA:
74-351
Motion
74-352
1st reading
Discussion
74-353
8255
8256
8257
1st read.
74-354
74-355
74-356
discussion
discussion
3 -
8 - 11
12- 13
13-15
15-
16
16
17
17 -18
18-
20-30
31-33
34-43
44-45
45-48
•
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
ITEM NO,1 SUBJECT
Aft
19,
20.
21.
22..
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
ORDINANCE OR lom
RESOLUTION NO. PAGE RgM
MIAMI TOROS - PROCLAMATION:
COMPLAINT -POLICE DEPARTMENT:
MAP IN CITY HALL LOBBY -UPDATING:
"LITTLE HAVANA" AREA OF SW 8TH STREET -
REQUEST TO BEAUTIFY-CUBAN CULTURAL
FOUNDATION:
"LITTLE HAVANA" AREA-REQ. FOR MINI -PARKS:
BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
DOWNTOWN BUSI!E SS DIST-PLANNING COMMITTEES:
PLANNING ADV. AND ZONING BOARDS -APPOINTING
ALTERNATE MEMBERS:
PROPOSED COCONUT GROVE BICENTENNIAL
APPOINTING FRANK LYNN AND GLEN WIGGINS:
F.E.C. AND P.O. DOCK PROPERTY -FUNDS FOR
ACQUISITION:
REQ. TO REDUCE FEES- SOFTBALL PROGRAM IN
CITY PARKS:
AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL TEAM-REQ. TO WAIVE
EXPENSES AT MIAMISTADIUM :
PARK DEV. AT COCONUT GROVE INCINERATOR
SITE -SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY-REC.
ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSALS -STATUS REPORT:
PUBLICITY FUND -AMENDING BUDGET TO ADD
COUNTY FUNDS:
"BOATS, DOCKS, MOORINGS & CONTROL OF CITY
WATERS - PROPOSED NEW RULES & REG.
AGREEMENT -DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS -DOWNTOWN
GOVT CENTER:
MELREESE GOLF COURSE -USE BY URBAN LEAGUE
OF GR. MIAMI:
MARINE STADIUM -WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE-
"MUMICIPIO DE SANTA MARIA DEL ROSARIO
EN EL EXILIO, INC"
MARINE STADIUM -WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE-
SOUTH MIAMI . HIGR SCHOOL BAND:
discussion
discussion
74-358•
74i.359
74-360
74-361
discussion
74-362
74-363
74-364
74-365
74-366
lst reading
DEFERRED
74-367
74-368
74-369
74-370
49
49-51
51
52-61
61-68
69-71
72-75
75-79
79
80 -82
83-87
87-91
92-94
95
95
96
96
96-9'
•
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
ITEM NO,SUBJECT
ORDINANCE OR
RESOLUTION N0.
PAGERGE
38. 1 BID ACCEPTANCE -PRINTING ZONING ORDINANCES:
39. PROPOSED BID ACCEPTANCE -MAGNETIC ROAD
SWEEPER:
40. BID ACCEPTANCE -POLICE BADGES:
41. CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS -
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD TO STUDY:
42. ' DISABILITY PENSION INVESTIGATION -
CREATING COMMITTEE:
43. AGMT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIV. EXECUTIVE
DEV. PROGRAM:
44. 1 LITIGATION-F.E.C. v CITY -PAYMENT OF
ATTORNEY'S FEES:
45. 1 CHILDREN'S SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM-ACPTG
GRANT:
46. BLOOD BONOR ORDINANCE -EXTENDING EFFECT.
DATE:
47. "MAN IN WASHINGTON SERVICES PROGRAM-AGMT.
48. (INADVERTENTLY NOT ASSIGNED SUBJECT)
49. "MAN IN WASHINGTON SERVICES PROGRAM'-PROV.
FUNDS:
50. 1 O. BOWL SOUND SYSTEM-AGMT WITH BOLT,
BERANEK & NEWMAN FOR DESIGN:
51. ' PLANNING ADV. BOARD -APPOINTING MILDRED
CALLAHAN AS ALTERNATE MEMBER:
52. ZONING BOARD - APTG. ALICIA BARO AS ALTER
MEMBER:
53. LITTLE HAVANA AREA -MINI PARK CONCEPT-APPROV
IN PRINCIPLE:
54. LITTLE HAVANA AREA -BEAUTIFICATION OF
SW 8TH STREET:
55. OMNI-THREARE FESTIVAL APPROV. OBJECTIVES:
56. CENTRO MATER-ENDORSING PLAYGROUND UNDER
I-96 BLK 28S & 37S MIAMI:
57. DAY CARE FOR ELDERLY -REQUESTING AREA -WIDE
AGENCY ON AGING TO ASSIST IN SCREENING
APPLICANTS FOR STAFF PERSON:
58. CITY HALL ALTERATIONS -PROPOSED BID
ACCEPTANCE:
74-371
74-372
74-373
74-374
74-375
74-376
74-377
8259
74-378
74-379
74-380
74-381
74-382
74-383
74-384
74-385
74-386
74-387
discussion
Ism
97
;M-
98- 99?
99
100
100
101
101
•
INDEX
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
ITEM NO
SUBJECT
ORDINANCE OR
RESOLUTION NO. PAGE
59. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM -REQUESTING EXPANSION:
60. O. BOWL COMMITTEE -USE OF SPORTSMAN'S
PARK FOR WAREHOUSE:
61.
62.
63.
64.
COND. USE -LOT 27, BLK 3. BISCAYNE AVE.
TRACT:
PARKING PROBLEMS-REQ. PLANNING DEPT.
INVESTIGATE:
LICENSES -FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL & OCCUPATIO
SUPPORTING LEGISLATION:
COMMITTEE NOMINATION. -DOWNTOWN URBAN
DEV. & ZONING PLAN:
65. REVENUE SHARING COMMITTEE:
66.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS FOR ENTRANCE
EMPLOYMENT WITH CITY-REQ. CIVIL SER.
BOARD STUDY:
67. APPLN TO H.U.D. FOR FED. FUNDS -RESEARCH
& DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM:
68. SCHOOL RESOURCES PROGRAM:
74--388 116 -
74-389 116
74-390 116
74-391 117
74-392 117
74-393
118
118
122
122
125
lXHUTI IS OP REGULAR MEETING
THE CITY COMMISSION OP MIAMI, PLORIDA
On the 9th clay of May, 1974, the City Commission of
the City of Miami, Florida met at its regular meeting place
in said City, City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, in regular
session.
The meeting was called to order at 9:07 A.M. by
Mayor Maurice A. Terre.
The following members of the Commission were found to
be present: Vice -Mayor -0•lo Reboso
Commissioner J.L. Plummer
Commissioner (Rev.) Theodore Gibson
Commissioner Rose Gordon
Mayor Maurice A. Ferre
Also present:
P.W. Andrews, City Manager
Andrew P. Crouch, Assistant City Manager
John S. Lloyd, City Attorney
H.D. Southern, City Clerk
Ralph G. Ongie, Assistant City Clerk
An invocation was delivered by Reverend Gibson, who
then led those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
MOTION TO WAIVE READING OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
On motion of Reverend Gibson, seconded by Mr. Plummer, it
was unanimously agreed to waive the reading of the minutes of the
previous meeting.
1. PERMIT USE OF STRUCTURE ON TR. "A" SIMBER SUB BY H.U.D.:
Mr. Plummer: This was deferred for a model to be
shown to Father Gibson as I recall. That was the reason for
deferment.
Rev. Gibson: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission I
think he solved the problem by simply just ----
Unidentified persons ---eliminating the Day Care center,
and also made the change with the City Clerk to indicate the
elimination of the Day Care Center.
Rev. Gibson: Let's make sure it doesn't say 'Day Care'
on there so you don't go back later on, ---we want our records
to show that it is not,
Mr. Plummer: Strike the 'Day Care Center' Mr. Clerk.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Rev. Gibson, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-351
A RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL, AS PROVIDED
IN ORDINANCE NO. 6871, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 36
(1), FOR DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO PERMIT USE OF STRUCTURE
ON TRACT "A", SIMBER SUB (64-31), AND LOTS 1
01
MAY 91974
THRU 4, PERCIVAL PLAT REV (1-140), LOCATED
AT 3200 S.W. 37TH AVENUE, BY H.U.D., FOR
OFFICES, CLINIC, ETC., ZONED C-4 (GENERAL
COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT„
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
2. WAIVE OFF-STREET PARKING-TR. "A" SPORTSMANS PARK SEC.-
PROPOSED- ORANGE BOWL COMMITTEE:
Mr. Ernie Seiler: Mr. Mayor, city Commissioners, Mrs. Rose,
we are here on behalf of the Orange Bowl Committee which fortu-
nately belongs to the City of Miami. It's America's largest
festival. It is staged in Miami and on December 31st, 1975
we will be the first city in America to go across the nation
with a centennial program opening the nation's centennial
program of 200 years. Before I get any further I would like
to show you just a couple of the sketches that we have pre-
pared for 1975 which will be the greatest pageant that has
ever been staged in America. We are going to portray the
various historical events -live horses, costumes and charact-
ers. This is an Indian scene of the Creek West, this will
be the early indians that will arrive here. I'm just giving
you a couple of scenes. This will be the first to go across
the nation. We are having the State of Alaska, Honolulu and
various organizations throughout the country to present and
be a part of what we will call America's biggest and most
elaborate festival. These are just some scenes from the '75.
Now to be able to do this show, we had to work with the City
of Miami to enlarge our present warehouse, no cost to the City
of Miami. We proceded with the plans and we have completed
the plans and we have let the contract.
Mr. Plummer: Ernie, can I atop you? The Administration has
worked out the problem. There's no problem with the bicycle
path. The Administration has worked out the problem with the
parking. I don't think you will ever top last year's half
time show with Mickey Mouse. Let's pass this thing, it's all
in order. Do you have any problem left?
Mr. Andrews: Well, you'll have to do this, Mr. Mayor and Coss
missioners, you'll have to amend the resolution to indicate
that another solution for the 6-foot bicycle path has been
found and that this requirement is not needed as stated in
the resolution and secondly that the City Commission in ad-
opting the resolution recognizes it is not providing the off-
street parking now but in a year from now we'll come back to
the Commission with a report, a review as to its needs.
Mr. Lloyd: We will prepare such a resolution.
5-9-74
MAY - 91974
Thereupon a motion to instruct the City Attorney to pre,.
p&re such a resolution for adoption later during the meeting
Was introduced by Reverend Gibson, seconded by Mr. Plummer,
and adopted unanimously.
3. PARKING PERMIT-CHARLES J. PEACOCK CORR (6-32)-Lors 6 & 7-
Kenneth Treister.
Harris Turner: My address is 25 W. Flagler Street. I repre-
sent the applicant, Ken Treister in this item. I don't believe
there are any objectors. What we seek is permission under the -
Mr. Plummer: You'd better look behind you. You'll never make
a name with no objectors.
Mayor Ferre. That's what I keep telling you. Are you an ob-
jector? You'd better get up on this side.
Mr. Turner: What we seek is permission under the interim
zoning district to erect a parking, off3street parking at
the address 2974 Grand Avenue. You may be aware of the lo-
cation. There is an old filling station there now. We are
going to tear the filling station down and put in a landscaped
parking lot. We've had several meetings with the department.
We have worked out an acceptible site plan, we've added quite
a bit of additional land scaping. We've agreed to extend a
row of oak trees to make a natural setting and erect a natural
masonry wall between the parking lot and grand avenue. Bas-
ically, all we're seeking is permission under the interim dis-
trict, Mr. Mayor. If the interim district wasn't in effect
we could go ahead and erect this parking lot without any ap-
pearances whatsoever.
Mr. Emmer: My name is John Emmer. I'm here representing the
Coconut Grove Civic Club and we oppose the extension of park-
ing lots in a fashion that it is taking place now to support
the Sailboat Bay Club and support the new condominium that's
going in. This is just in effect, if you go down there, if
you've seen this area, they're just moving from block to block,
revising, taking down these old buildings. They're parking
on there right now from Sailboat Bay and the Mutiny Club is
parking there right now. All they're doing, is just in a
whirlpool fashion, going down the street. Treister has a
lot of parking there already. They're now trying to change
this as you can see to add the parking here to move the parking
Oa
MAY 91974
• •
how that is confined now closer to the actual buildings sites,
gailboat Bay and the new condominium that is going in down
there to go down the street. Now we feel, #1 that the tithe
May have come to review the zoning ordinance of the City of
Miatfi to see that there is adequate parking on -site for these
particular structures so that it does not spill over into the
community and down Grand Avenue because we are going to end
up with parking all the: way down to the intersection and we
feel that this is going to have a very detrimental affect on
Coconut Grove.
Mayor Ferre: John, the oi:her evening I drove by there. It
was on a week end and 1 guess it must have been people going
to that Mutiny Club.
Mr. Emmer: That's correct, that's where they park now.
Mayor Ferre: But those cars were parked illegally, all
over the street, all over that new Bayshore Drive. Now I
looked to see if there were any tickets there, Mr. Andrews
and they hadn't been ticketed at all. There must have been
150 cars out on the street illegally parked.
Mr. Emmer: This is what we're complaining about, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Ferre: Yes, but my question is, won't this alleviate
the situation?
Mr. Emmer: They're parking there right now. What's happened,
Mr. Mayor, is as we're saying, we feel that the parking should
be taken care of on the sites. We have complained and a lot
of the citizens have come to us in uprage about the Mutiny
Club and we have complained to the City maintaining that this
is in violation, that there isn't enough parking for the Mutiny
Club. Now the City has informed us that they have investi-
gated and that there is enough parking there. Now obviously
your own inspection or your own visit to the area belies to
the fact that there is not enough parking on -site. Now the
fact that they can put them in there, they're doing that right
now and still they're parking out on the new construction.
Mr. Plummer: Well, you're right and wrong. Right is they
had sufficient parking to get their permit and wrong that
they didn't comply with the ordinance as it was. Now, John,
let me tell you just one thing as far as I'm concerned and I
think you hit it on the head yourself and that was that they
are using this particular site now for parking and you and I
both know what this site looks like when the filling station
vacated. Now if they're using it anyhow why not let them
go ahead and fix it up because from this building over, is
all buildings.
Mr. Emmer: Mr. Plummer, I would like to answer you on that.
Address ourselves directly to that point. This is also one
of the problems which we are having in the Grove which you
can see. The people that own these things are letting them
go into rack and ruin for the very purpose that you just
stated, so that they can then come in and say well look, this
is an eye sore. The gasoline station is gone so now we can
fix it up. You've got another example right around the corner,
you know where the building burned and they tore it down. It
is now being used as parking. Now whether that is legal or
illegal I don't know but the next thing we're going to see is
somebody come in and say we want to put a parking lot in there
because it is better looking than the torn down building.
04
MAY - 91974
• •
Mr. Plummier: Yes. But let me tell you something. Cookie
didn't close that filling station so they could have a park-
ing lot. Don't say Cookie closed it and moved out just so
they could open a parking lot. My personal opinion is that
if they're using it why not let them use it properly and
landscaped with drainage, lighting, buffers, barriers which
you don't have now. Now that is my only comment.
Mr. Emmer: We agree with that aspect of it. No question
about that.
Mr. Plummer: What you're saying to me is that by virtue of
your objection that you want something done in the future
and restudy the ordinance. I concur, but as this exists,
when I went by there Friday night, at this particular lot, I
counted 18 cars on this lot and I counted about 50 people of
who shouldn't have been on the lot. All I'm saying to you
on this particular lot, I think you would be so much better
off with the proper safe guards built in and then if you want
to re -do or re -look into off-street parking conditional use
I will concur with that.
Mr. Emmer: One other point here is we have not seen the
final plan. It is not on record.
Mr. Plummer: It has to be.
Reverend Gibson: JL, we have to agree too, that the activit-
ies of the Grove really bring a lot of people down here and
I could understand that for instance, all last week, you know?
Mr. Plummer: Father, the Mayor is the one who brought out
the real problem. The real problem is on Bayshore, not on
Grand and there is no question that that Woman's Club is at
fault. The Woman's Club lot which has no authorization to be
used for parking is just a crammed automobile area and Bay -
shore Drive has gotten to the point now where it is being used
illegally and nothing is being done about it. Now that is
where the problem is and I don't think this lot on Grand
Avenue should suffer because of it..
Reverend Gibson: Do we understand based on what Mr. Plummer
said, sir. JL, you'd better say it again.
Mr. Plummer: John, do I understand you that you're not here
objecting as to one individual application but you are object-
ing to the overall trend that is being set, is that right?
Mr. Emmer: Actually, we would like to see the lot better
than the condition that it is in now. There is no question
about that but we're just saying that we feel, that's why
we're objecting to this one because of what can happen in
the future because of the precedent.
Mr. Plummer: So in other words, we're going to make two
motions. Let me see if I can do it, John, you listen. The
first one is that we approve this as submitted. That's #1.
Mayor Ferre: All right, we'll vote on that one. We all know
what your second one is.
Mr. Plummer: Sure you do. John doesn't but you do.
Mrs. Gordon: Then the motion is including approval subject
to revised site and landscaped plan and the revised site....
Has the approval already been taken care of by the department?
V 0 l
Mr• turners CoMMiseioner Gordon, we've already received
departfnental approval for everything. The plan is on record.
Mayor Ferrel A11 right. Further discussion?
The foi1awing resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-352
A RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL, AS PROVIDED
IN ORDINANCE NO, 8142, FOR PERMISSION TO
INSTALL OFF-STREET PARKING LOT ON LOTS 6 & 7
AND UNNUMBERED LOT SE'ly OF LOT 6, CHARLES J.
PEACOCK CORR (6-32), LOCATED AT 2974 GRAND
AVENUE, AS PER SITE PLAN DATED 4/15/74, BEING
IN THE COCONUT GROVE BUSINESS VILLAGE INTERIM
ZONING DISTRICT; ZONED C-2 (COMMUNITY COMMER-
CIAL) DISTRICT.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Reverend Gibson the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mrs.
Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson and Mayor
Ferre. NOES: None.
Mr. Plummer: The second motion is that the Planning Depart-
ment be instructed to give a fresh look at the off-street
parking.conditional use of our book and come back to the
Commission within a reasonable period of time.
Mayor Ferre: Why don't you specify what that is?
Mr. Plummer: Well, you know everytime you do, Mr. Mayor, -
then we windup getting criticized that the city didn't com-
ply with the time element. Reasonable time....
Mr. Acton: Mr. Mayor, could I interrupt for second? We
do have, we're committed to have the Coconut Grove Compre-
hensive Plan back to the Commission by July so what I'm
saying is that your resolution or motion will be incorpor-
ated in our plan.
Mr. Plummer: I'm talking about conditional use parking for
the entire city.
Mr. Acton: I understand.
Mr. Plummer: You can't just do it for Coconut Grove.
Mr. Acton: I beg your pardon, I thought you were address-
ing it mainly to Coconut Grove.
Mr. Plummer: No, I think the conditional use parking as it
relates to the City, the whole thing needs a study.
Mrs. Gordon: I want to ask Mr. Emmer a question, please.bec-
ause I know he registered an objection to this in principle.
rather in specific location. What is it that you want us to
consider with regard to the modification of, possibly modifi-
cations of the ordinance with regards to off-street parking?
Specifically.
06 MAY -91P'
Mr. Emmer: Wrdon't roe 1. ty think it addr.!ss ,:; i.t:;e 1.1 to tho
off-street parking. Wo think it addros:;o; i t_:.o1.1. c1 i.rI:c t ty to
the zoning ordinaiicos whc'ro a building .1 i Lo :;ai.lb0.11. UUiy cau
go up with totally inadequate parking abed obviously that's the
case. It's not just the people who live there who have to
park elsewhere to, I mean it is the people who live there who
have to park elsewhere too. Not everybody has a parking
space. That's basically what we're concerned with and not
the off-street parking ordinance.
Mrs. Gordon: That's what I thought you were referring to
and that's why I think, JL, you want to revise your motion
because what you're saying is not what they're saying..
Mr. Plummer: Ok. In other words, what we're saying is that
you want the entire parking ordinance looked at, not just the
off-street or the conditional?
Mr. Emmer: The sufficiency of parking for each type of zon-
ing. That's really what we're concerned about.
Mr. Plummer: We got into this about 21/2 years ago.
Mrs. Gordon: And we're going to get back.
Mr. Plummer: All right, fine. I was•all in favor of it
then and got voted down. I move it that the entire parking
ordinance as it relates to applications be reviewed and be
returned in a reasonable time.
Mayor Ferre: Any further discussion?
Thereupon a motion to instruct the City Attorney to pre-
pare such a resolution for adoption later during the meeting
was introduced by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Reverend Gibson,
and adopted unanimously.
w�
r
MAY '- 91974
•
REZONING - LOT 27, ELK 3, BISCAYNE AVENUE TRACT -
& CONDITIONAL USE FOR OFF-STREET PARKING:
Reverend Gibson: Mr. Mayor, before the gentleman speaks, I
was across the street and the gentleman there pointed out to
me the problem that he has with this item 6 and I could under-
stand why they did not get a change in zoning. And I agree
with the decision arrived at. The only thing is I would like
to find out how could we help him. The building is there,
the laundry is already there and what he wants to do is use
the back of that and add to his building and yet the Zoning
Department does not want him encroaching on a residential
area. Now tell us how we can help this man.
Mr. Acton: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, I had
suggested to' the applicant yesterday, it just so happened
that I was reviewing the site at the same time that the ap-
plicant was out there and he explained that he did not want
a change of zoning to add to the building but just a parking
lot where he is already illegally parking so I had suggested
that perhaps the proper course of action for the Commission
was to refer this matter back to the zoning board for their
action. To refer this matter back to the zoning board for a
proper solution since the applicant is not interested in a
change of zoning perse but just for use of the parking log,
I thought that if the Commission referred it back to the Zon-
ing Board. Now he was not aware of this option, evidently
at the time that he appeared before the Zoning Board.
Reverend Gibson: Mr. Mayor, I would like to move that this
matter be referred back to the Zoning Board and that they
advise the citizen as to the proper solution.
Mr. Simpson: Commissioner Gibson, I don't know whether you're
familiar with the site. It is being used for parking now.
Nobody can determine hod► long this site has been used for
parking, whether it has been grandfathered in any matter.
When this matter came to our office we reviewed the site and
the request and the future use of the property in relation
to the conditional use provision of the ordinance but the
conditonal use provision, if granted for customer and employee
off-street parking would prohibit this gentleman from parking
his vans that he needs for his dry-cleaning operation on this
particular lot. This is why we advised him, after reviewing
his problem and his future use that the only method or appli-
cation that was proper for him to proceed under would be a
change in zoning. Now even through the change of zoning,
when he comes in for the permit to approve this for parking
he will be required to put in the landscaped interior and
perimeter landscaping not to the extent of the conditional
use, but if he intends to use it for commercial vehicles as
he is now the change of zoning is the only vehicle that he can
proceed under.
Mrs. Gordon: I'm looking at the map, Mr. Simpson, and unless
my eyes deceive me, directly to the north the line jogs to the
east. Now the lot itself in question, how wide is it? Is it
a 50 or 60, or how many feet is that lot and at what point is
that jog?
Mr, Simpson; That is a 50 foot 1oC and I think you and Com-
missioner Plummer will remember the problem direct to the
north. That is the Wallgreen's warehouse and ice cream plant.
�1 MAY - 91974
•
If you'll recall, they had their refrigerator unit on the
top of the building and the building was in such a condit-
ion and the unit was that they could not reconstruct it up
there so they too ca ae in for a change of Zoning for the
entire lot. At that time, the entire board and Commission
raooMmended half of the lot be changed so that they could
put their unit on the ground and then the other half was
granted for conditional use off-street parking.
Mrs. Gordon: What would be so bad about handling this sit-
uation in the same manner so that in that half that was chang-
ed the vehicles would be permitted to be parked, the commerc-
ial vehicles.
Mr. Simpson: That is a possibility.
Mrs. Gordon: Then why don't we just go that route that way
we don't have to send it back to the board? Would that solve
your problem?
Mr. Acton: Mr. Mayor, there are certain improvements that
should be made to this lot. It is in a residential area.
Mrs. Gordon: Ok, so I'll move it that way.
Mr. Simpson: Now this will be up to the City Attorney how
he wants to proceed. Under the ordinance as it is prepared
it is prepared for a change in zoning in the entire lot. Now
we're dealing with the west h of lot 27.
Mrs. Gordon: We don't have to grant the whole thing, we can
grant a portion.
Mr. Simpson: You can grant a portion and then condit-
ional off-street parking for the east h?
Mrs. Gordon: If he needs that, I'm not certain that he
needs that. Do you?
Mr. Cirotti: We need enough parking for 11 vehicles.
Mrs. Gordon: For 11 trucks are you talking about?
Mr. Cirotti: Yes, Ma'am.
Mrs. Gordon: I don't know if you can get 11 trucks on that
25 foot strip or not. I don't know. But I personally can't
see any objection to granting the zoning on a half a lot.
Mr. Cirotti: May I say that this lot has been used for park-
ing since 1948.
Mrs. Gordon: All right, we'll go for the half a lot, for the
line to be contiguous with the line to the north.
Mr. Simpson: Mr. Mayor, possibly there are people who wish
to speak on this.
Mayor Ferre: I beg your pardon, are there any objectors here?
Ms. Annette Eisenberg: Yes. As chairman of the MDPT pact
I would like the Commission to go ad.ong with our master plan.
If you keep deviating for it, how is the Planning Department
going to construct this master plan and how are we going to
adhere to it? Now I understand that there has been one family
that had an eviction notice already because they have come to
MAY - 9197q
•
us for housing, We are putting people out of housing when
we reed housing.
Mrs, Gordon: Is there housing there on that lot?
Mr. Cirotti: There is no housing.
Ms. Eisenberg? Then what family has come to me for housing?
Mr. Cirotti: There is no family on this lot.
Me. Eisenberg? Next to the lot that you own next to it?
Mr. Cirotti: Ma'am, that woman has never been evicted.
Ms. Eisenberg: Well she brought her eviction notice to the
CAA office.
Mr. Cirotti: We don't have any eviction notices going to
her.
MB. Eisenberg: Well she's looking for housing and she had a
letter and she took it to the CAA.
Mr. Cirotti: Did she have a letter addressed from me?
Mrs. Eisenberg: I don't know. All I know is she came to
us for housing because she's being evicted and the CAA office
has the letter if you want to get it.
Mrs. Gordon: Are we mixing apples and oranges?
Mr. Cirotti: Yes.
Ms. Eisenberg: All I know is this woman on this property
this man owns is being evicted.
Mr. Cirotti? Not by us she isn't. And I own the property.
Mrs. Gordon: He stated intothe public records he is not,
that there is no house on this lot and on this lot we are
only approving half a lot for parking.
Ms. Eisenberg: I will go alcng with the Planning Department
and the master plan. We are •trying to adhere to the master
plan. We're asking H.U.D. to adhere to it and I would ask
the City of Miami to.
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Acton, will you speak to the proposal as
we're outlining it?
Mr. Acton: The solution as offered is not going to solve the
entire problem. A change of zoning on h of the property still
means that he'll be illegally parking on the other half so I
do. believe that you've got to grant conditional use of off-
street parking for the remaining portion.
Mrs. Gordon: Is that your recommendation?
Mr. Acton: Yes. It is in a residential neighborhood and
this would give you the vehicle for upgrading the entire
lot and putting in the needed landscaping and ao forth.
Mrs. Gordon: We agree with you and we'll go with your reco-
mmendation and your recommendation is a grant on the westerly
half a change of zoning and on the easterly half, a conditional
• 10
MAY - 91974
Use.. 1s that your recommendation
Mr. ketont Yea, subject to site plan approval.
An ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6871, THE
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI, BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION
FOR THE WESTERLY 1/2 OF LOT 27, BLOCK 3, BIS-
CAYNE AVENUE TRACT (3-195) FROM R-2 (TWO FAM-
ILY) TO C-4 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT LO-
CATED AT APPROXIMATELY 175 N.W. 57TH STREET,
AND BY MAKING THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN THE
ZONING DISTRICT MAP MADE A PART OF SAID ORD-
INANCE NO. 6871 BY REFERENCE AND DESCRIPTION
IN ARTICLE III, SECTION 2, THEREOF; AND BY
REPEALING ALL LAWS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
was introduced by Reverend Gibson, seconded by Mrs. Gordon
and passed on its first reading by title by the following
vote -AYES: Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr.
Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
NOTE: The city attorney announced that each Commissioner had
been furnished with a copy of the ordinance and that
copies are available to the public.
Mr. Lloyd: Now the second half is by resolution and we will
have a resolution prepared for you in a short while for the
second half of this... It's for the conditional use for the
second half.
5. REQUEST FOR CONTINUED WAIVER OF PARKING SPACES -
NEWBERG PROPERTY TRACT 2 - DEFERRED:
Mr. Van Rhoades: Dade County H.U.D., 1401 N.W. 7th Street.
Mr. Plummer: Where is the new 20 units going?
Mr. Rhoades: This is an existing project. It is right on
the corner of N.E. Miami Court and 71Street.
Mr. Plummer: I read in here it says in conjunction with con-
struction of a 20-unit apartment.
Mr. Rhoades: It has been occupied for a year.
Mr. Plummer: I also read in here where this place is very
well kept. The City Manager recommended it. I wonder who
visited this site.
Mr. Andrews: The Building Department made an inspection.
Mr. Plummer: Where is Mr. Ferencik? Mr. Mayer, you put in
a report here that this property was very well kept, is that
correct?
Mr. Mayer: (Inaudible)
Mr. Plummer: Well, you'd better tell your inspectors to go
back and re -inspect because I will tell you that the property
is not well kept. I know that's not mixing apples and oranges
with the waiver of parking but I went up there the other day
and believe me, Mr. Van Rhoades, it is not well kept.
11 MAY - 91974
s •
Mayor Ferre: 1 think it is a valid point.
Mr. Rhoades: This is the elderly project?
Mr. Plummer: I'm talking about on the very corner where it
Sail 7101-41.
Mayor Ferre: Listen, let me tell you something. This is not
apples and oranges. You know we on this Commission have the
obligation even though we may not have the jurisdiction to
see that the welfare of the commur.;ity is protected. Now
even though this does not speak to the matter there is no
question that we have an obligation on the occasions that
these things come before us to use those, if you will, as a
wedge or as a tool to get other things that are important to
this community done. Now if Commissioner Plummer has a con-
cern....
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I will move to defer and give them
a chance to get the place cleaned up and re -schedule it for
two weeks from now.
Mayor Ferre: At least we will get something out of this
thing, we'll get that thing cleaned up. We will defer this
item until it's cleaned and you come back and get it put on
the agenda of the next meeting and you get it clean in the
meantime.
Mr. Rhoades: You're probably more concerned with the one
over on N.E. 2nd Avenue, the Family Project.
Mr. Plummer: No, sir. I'm talking about 7101-41.
Mayor Ferre: Well, while you're at it get them both clean-
ed up.
Mr. Rhoades: This was what I was going to suggest.
Mr. Plummer: Not the one in the back where it goes all the
way around in an L-shape, I'm talking about the one on the
corner. That's the one I'm talking about.
Mayor Ferre: Well, while you're at it you had might as well
clean up the other ones too.
A motion to defer the item was introduced by Mr. Plummer,
seconded by Reverend Gibson and passes and adopted by the fol-
lowing vote- AYES: Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
Mayor Ferre: We'll see you on the 23rd then.
6. WAIVER OF PARKING SPACES - ST. JAMES PARK - 161 NW 29TH
STREET:
The Mayor announced that the Commission was now ready
to consider hearing of any objections to the proposed reso-
lution.
No Objectors Appeared.
Mr. Plummer: Let me just ask one question. The only thing
that bothers me, and I have been told and given assurances,
I noticed when I went by the other night that Metropolitan
Dade County has now opened an office in the same location.
12
Mr 1974
i •
please, i don't want this to be mieebnstrued that I'm against
Metro er anything like that. My only concern is that you're
opening additional space. Maw someone told Me that that of-
flee is Moving out. 16 that eorreet ?
Unidentified speaker: Yes, air.
Mr. Plummer: Pine, that's all I want.
Mayor Ferre: Your name for the records, please.
Mr. Amilio Llopez and I'm the executive director of Clinico---
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-353
A RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR THE
CONTINUED WAIVER OF 10 OF 14 REQUIRED
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES AS PROVIDED
BY ORDINANCE NO. 6871, ARTICLE XXIII,
SECTION 4(22) AT 161 N.W. 29TH STREET,
ST. JAMES PARK (3-65), IN CONJUNCTION
WITH MEDICAL CLINIC AT SAID LOCATION,
ZONED C-4 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
7. SIDEWALK, CURB & GUTTER CONSTRUCTION - REQUIRING ON
IMPROVEMENT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY :
The City Attorney announced that each commissioner had been
furnished with a copy of the ordinance and that copies are
available to the public.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Andrews, let me tell lyou what bothers me
here. This is great and should be but what bothers me is
this. They have a construction site,,I don't want to pick
on anyone in particular, that's going on on a Biscayne Boule-
vard project. Now right now because of construction going on
and heavy trucks and heavy equipment that have been rolling
continuously over sidewalks, curbs and gutters, during the
process of this construction, that area is unsafe to walk in
on a main arterial. That's on Biscayne Boulevard and I'm go-
ing to tell lyou something, you can't walk down the side walk
and until I went to the Building Department and raised a lit-
tle ___ about the area; you couldn't even get near it because
they had a pottie out on the side walk, one of thJse Jitney
Johns, they had construction materials out on the sidewalk
and such a filthy condition that you couldn't walk. Now
should something be written into this section or should an-
other section be written?
Mr. Andrews: No. That's a part of the Building Code and
the regulation of the city as far as the conduct of the con-
tractor.
13
MAY - 91974
Mr. Plummer: Well, you see, this speaks to the fact and this
is what 1 was told as an excuse. That as soon as the project
is finished we will put it back into the original Condition.
But I'm thinking of the time that is being involved, 9 or 10
Months for the construction of that building that a hazardous
condition is existing. Now should I let this go as it is and
ask for another one to be prepared?
Mr. Andrews: Yes.
Mayor Ferre: Tell me again.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I was asking whether or not it should
be incorporated in this particular motion. I brought to the
attention of the Building Department a construction site on
Biscayne Boulevard where the continuous running over of the
side walk, gutters and everything by heavy equipment had
left that sidewalk in a very hazardous condition and I was
told that this kind of a thing was the catch all, "Well when
the project is finished we will put it back to its original
condition." Nothing has ever happened. It is still, the
sidewalk is torn up and the area is dangerous to walk in.
Mayor Ferre: Has he been paid, the contractor?
Mr. Plummer: Maurice, I don't know, I'm not getting into
that. I just didn't want this to be used against us to let
this in the future continue on. They say a second motion is
what is needed to correct the situation.
An Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 54 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI EY DELETING SECTION 54-34.1
AND SUBSTITUTING THEREFOR A NEW SECTION 54.34.1
TO PROVIDE THAT SIDEWALKS AND/OR CURB AND GUTTER
BE CONSTRUCTED, RECONSTRUCTED OR REPAIRED WHENEVER
PRIVATE PROPERTY IS IMPROVED IN THE VALUE OF
$5,000.00 OR MORE OR 650 SQUARE FEET IN AREA
PURSUANT TO A BUILDING PERMIT ISSUED BY THE CITY
OF MIAMI; PROVIDING THAT NOTICE TO CONSTRUCT,
RECONSTRUCT OR REPAIR SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE
APPLICANT; DIRECTING THE WITHHOLDING OF CERTI-
FICATES OF OCCUPANCY UNTIL SUCH SIDEWALKS AND/OR
CURB AND GUTTER ARE PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED,
RECONSTRUCTED OR REPAIRED; PROVIDING THAT THE
PROPERTY OWNER(S) SHALL PAY THE COST OF SUCH
CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION OR REPAIRS; AUTHOR-
IZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ALLOW VARIATIONS AND
DEVIATIONS AND REQUIRING PROPERTY OWNER(S) TO
EXECUTE A COVENANT; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE.
passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of April
11, 1974, was taken up for its second and final reading by
title and adoption. On motion of Mr. Plummer, seconded by
Mr. Reboso, the ordinance was thereupon given its second and
final reading by title and passed and adopted by the follow-
ing vote -AYES: Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson,
Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
SAID ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 8255.
14 MAY .91974
M. Plummer: I would now like to make a motion that the City
Attorney be directed to draw up a motion or resolution that
will properly eover the City Sidewalks, streets, curbs and
gutters during Construction so that they can not be hazardous
to pedestrians during the time of construction.
Mr. Lloyd: Mr. Mayor, I understand what Mr. Plummer is look-
ing for. The Commission may pass the :notion. What I would
like to do is to have something, and this would require an
ordinance and first what I would like to do is research our
zoning and existing ordinances to see if this is in there and
if it is I will report that to the Commission and if it is
not I will report that to the Commission and have an ordinance
prepared for such at the next, meeting.
Mayor Ferre: Do you need a motion then to that effect?
Mr. Lloyd: It is not really necessary. The Commission is
on record as instructing me to do that and I can go from
there.
Mayor Ferre: All right, then don't forget to do it and
bring it back at the next meeting.
Mr. Lloyd: Yes, sir.
8. ESTABLISHING FEES FOR PRE-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AT PARKS:
Mayor Ferre: Any discussion?
Mr. Plummer: Judge Siegendorf called me and only questioned,
this has nothing to do, Mr. Andrews with the point he is go-
ing to speak to this afternoon, does it?
Mr. Andrews: No, not the pre-school.
Whereupon the City Attorney read the ordinance by title
and announced that each Commissioner had been furnished with
a copy of the ordinance and that copies are available to the
public.
An Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FEES FOR PRE-SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY OF MIAMI BY DELETING
SECTION 39-9 or THE CITY OF MIAMI CODE IN ITS
ENTIRETY AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 39-9 SET-
TING FORTH THE FEES TO BE CHARGED.
passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of April
11, 1974 was taken up for its second and final reading by
title and adoption. On motion of Mr. Plummer, seconded by
Reverend Gibson, the ordinance was thereupon given its second
and final reading by title and passed and adopted by the fol-
lowing vote -AYES: Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
SAID ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 8256.
15
MAY " 91974
9. ttcgssts FOR P:ROFESSIONAL, ASSOCIATIONS .. CLARIFYING
EXISTING REGULATIONS:
An Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 30-1 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, BY DELETING THE
THIRD PARAGRAPH THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
CLARIFYING THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PROFESSIONAL
ASSOCIATION HAVE A SEPARATE LICENSE.
passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of April
11, 1974, was taken up for its second and final reading by
title and adoption. On motion of Mr.•Plummer, seconded by
Reverend Gibson, the ordinance was thereupon given its second
and final reading by title and passed and adopted by the fol-
lowing vote -AYES: Reverend Gibson, Mr.. Plummer, Mr. Reboso
and Mayor Ferre. NOES: Mrs. Gordon. NOTE: Later in the
meeting Mrs. Gordon directed the City Clerk to change her
vote to yes.
SAID ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED ORDINANCE NO. 8257.
Thereupon the City Attorney announced that each Commis-
sioner had been furnished a copy of the ordinance and that
copies are available to the public.
10. GOLF COURSE - CHANGING DATES FOR WINTER & SUMMER
SCHEDULE:
An Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 8183 SUB-
SECTIONS 2,3 and 8 OF SECTION 39-13.1 OF THE
MIAMI CITY CODE GOLF COURSE SCHEDULE, CHANG-
ING THE DATES OF THE WINTER AND SUMMER SCHEDULE
AT THE GOLF COURSE.
passed on its first reading by title at the meeting of April
11, 1974, was taken up for its second and final reading by
title and adoption. On motion of Mr. Plummer, seconded by
Mr. Reboso, the ordinance was thereupon given its second
and final reading by title and passed and adopted by the
following vote- AYES: Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso,
Reverend Gibson and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I would like to inform you and the
rest of my fellow Commissioners that yesterday I awarded the
trophies for 176 clergymen who took part in the Elergymen's
Golf Tourney and they said in particular they were going to
pray for you, sir. Mx. Mayor, this is the third year of
that tournament and every year this thing has increased.
This year they had 176 ministers participate in the program.
They had them as far away this year, as Henderson,North Car-
olina that came down and participated.
Mayor Ferret Did you pliy or were you just a caddy?
Mr. Plummer: No, I was just a caddy. They used my Caddy.
16 MAY - 9 1974
11. PROPOSED PLAT ACCEPTANCE 4. DUPLEX TOWNHOUSE SUBDIVISION
NO. 1:
Mr, Lloyds One moment. Item 23, I would like to make a sug-
gestions t would like to suggest that this resolution be de-
ferred because we are preparing a new amendment to the ordin-
ance to provide for, at the suggestion of the Public Works
Department, I believe,, an automatic exception to the fee for
governmental entities so then we won't have to pass these
resolutions and Dade County does it and is recommended by
the Public Works Department that we provide such and if we
pass an ordinance next week which we are in the process of
preparing for an automatic waiving of fees solely for gov-
ernmental entities why then these resolutions will become
unnecessary.
Thereupon, a motion to defer the item was introduced by
Mr. Plummer, seconded by Reverend Gibson and passed by the
following vote- AYES: Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gor-
don, Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
12. PLAT ACCEPTANCE - CORAL WAY GARDENS APARTMENTS:
Mr. Plummer: Is 24 government or private? Row can there
be that much of a hassle? It's private? I move #24 be
approved.
Mayor Ferre: Is there discussion on this item?
Mrs. Gordon: A clarification.. This building is already in
construction. Why is it that•, we're working on this plat now?
(Inaudible comments, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Plummer, and others)
Mr. Andrews: And while the tentative plat is in process they
get a C.O., they get a building permit. They cannot occupy
the building until the final plat is presented and approved
so construction can move ahead.
Mrs. Gordon: We have given them a temporary ...
Mr. Andrews: A tentative Plat approval.
Mrs. Gordon: Would you refresh my memory? Tell me, did we
close any alleys in that block?
Mr. Andrews: I don't remember.
Mrs. Gordon: I received a letter from a neighbor who com-
plained about this particular area and I want to know what
the complaint was based upon and that's why I'm asking you
this.
Mr. Andrews: The Plat doesn't indicate that there was an
alley there. There was an utility easement.
Mrs. Gordon: I believe, Mr. Andrews, we forwarded the letter
to your office if you recall.
Mr. Simpson: I had a call on this also and I researched it.
- This was the old Fascel property, the Fascel Family property
17
MAY - 91974
•
that had the greenhouse and nursery on it. The letter that
you're referring to was read to Me over the telephone. There
was never a dedicated alley through that area. The survey of
the property plus the aerial photos, and I recall it very well
there was a dirt path going in there where the trucks and the
vehicles went into the old nureery but never has there been
a dedicated alley. I checked back through the plats. Under
the new plat that is before you today the plat and street com-
mittee reviewed the possibility of establishing an alley and
they saw no reason for establishing an alley because it would
have to dead end. It could never go all the way through the
block. They did require a utility easement, I think it is a
10 foot utility easement all around the perimeter of this
tract of land.
Mrs. Gordon: May I ask you to please send that to me, if
you would, in the form of a letter that,I may forward to
the person that wrote to me.
Mr. Simpson: I think the letter, not from my office but
from the Planning Office is already on its way. I don't
know who they are sending it to.
Mrs. Gordon: Well, I just hope I get a reply because I
couldn't figure that one out. Thank you.
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer,
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-354
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PLAT ENTITLED
CORAL WAY GARDENS APARTMENTS, A SUBDIVIS-
ION IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA; AND
ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS SHOWN ON SAID
PLAT; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE PLAT.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Reverend Gibson the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Reverend
Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
13. BIDS - RECEIVING — Hv4371: The Mayor announced that
the Commission was now ready to receive bids on H-4371.
The following resolution was introduced by Reverend
Gibson who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-355
A RESOLUTION TO RECEIVE, OPEN, READ AND REFER
TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR TABULATION AND REPORT
BIDS AUTHORIZED TO BE RECEIVED THIS DATE FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF N.W. 51ST TERRACE ALLEY HIGH-
WAY IMPROVEMENT H-4371.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
18
MAY " 91974
411
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mt, Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
BIDS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING
•
Marks Brothers Co. Not Inc.
D.M.P. Corporation
Garcia Allen Const. Co.
G.T.F. Corporation
MAY -91974
14. H-4373 - PUBLIC HEARING & CONFIRMING RESOLUTION ORDERING
DISTRICT - NOTICE FOR BIDS:
The Mayor announced that the Commission was ready to con-
tinue with a public hearing on objections to confirming Resolution
NO. 74-167 ordering Bay Crest Highway Improvement H-4373, consider-
ation of which was deferred at the meeting of April 11, 1974.
Vince Grimm, Director of the Department of Public Works,
made the following statement:
You directed me to meet with the property owners, which we
did on the night of April 25th. There was a fairly large crowd
there; and as a result of this meeting I made certain commitments
to that group there as to which streets would be included and
which would not. Because of the preponderance of objections the
district is now down to basically three different streets; NE 83rd
Street from loth Avenue east --and that one has a condition on it.
That portion which is east of 12th Avenue on the north side re-
quires a dedication. As of yesterday the property owner on that
side refused the dedication. However, we still recommend that it
be included in the district. We still have several months before
plans are completed, and hopefully we will change his mind. If
not, we will then delete that portion of 83rd Street from Bayshore
Drive east. We will still include 83rd Street between 10th Avenue
and Bayshore Drive. The other street is NE 80th Street from loth
Avenue to Bayshore Court, and NE Bayshore Court from 79th Street
to 81st Street. All the rest of the streets, unfortunately, have
a predominance of No votes. Some of the proponents are here, and
some of the objectors are here. I believe I have stated our case
correctly.
Mr. Davis: My name is Jerry Davis, and I own the property,
which is the entire block, from NE 80th Street from Bayshore
Court up to --in fact, I don't even remember the name of the
street, but it is about, with the exception of a six -unit I own
the entire one side of the street on 80th Street.
Mr. Grimm: This is the first I have heard of any objection
from you. Are you objecting now?
Mr. Davis: Yes, sir, I am.
Mr. Grimm: You are objecting to this portion here (indicating)?
Mr. Davis: Lots 4, 5 and 6 on 80th Street.
Mayor Ferre: He has got that right.
Mr. Grimm: This is the first objection we have received
from this ---
Mayor Perre: That's fine; that's oil the record now that this
is the first time you have objected.
Mr. Davis: Yes, sir; and I have got the right to come here
and object now.
Mx. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, let's be fair. We sent Mr. Grimm
back with the intention that all these people would not be here
at this Commission meeting; that they would let their thoughts be
known. They have had about four meetings up there, and now for
5-9-74
2U MAY ~91974
thie man to come in to Mr. Grimm and say --
Mayor Perre: Nobody's arguing with that, and let the
record reflect ---
Mr. Plummer: I don't want to see you put Mr. Grimm down.
mayor Ferret I am not putting Mr. Grimm down. I am just
making --I think this man, as a citizen, and every citizen, has
a right to come up before the Commission and be heard. The
fact is that there was to be a meeting which was to be held
April 25th. Now this letter was sent to him, which he just
handed me, April the 16th. Now, why didn't you go to this meet-
ing?
Mr. Davis: I wasn't able to attend that meeting, but in the
last paragraph it indicated I could come into this Commission
meeting and state my objection, in the letter.
Mayor Ferre: It says, this improvement will then be dis-
cussed by the City Commission after ten A.M. on May 9th, and
so on and so forth. At this time the Commission will hear any
comments you may have concerning this improvement. That is fol-
lowing what this letter says. There is nothing wrong with what
he is doing.
Mr. Grimm: I had a meeting --Mr. Mayor, what I am trying to
say is we had a meeting subsequent to that for the purpose of
finding out what the property owners' feelings were, and with
the exception of this gentleman I think I have recorded them all
on this map.
Mr. Davis: No, sir; I have Mr. Bernhart with me here today
who owns another block in Bayshore Court who is against this
particular highway improvement.
Mr. Grimm: Again, this is the first knowledge I have had of
that.
Mr. Davis: 'talked to Mr. Campbell in the Highway Improve-
ment Department prior to these meetings and indicated that I was
totally against it. I don't know if he express this to you or
not.
Mr. Grimm: He did not.
P. W. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, in
taking these into consideration, and possibly reducing the size
of this district down to where we, maybe, have one street left,
looking at that map, there are a considerable number of streets
involved here with the public objecting to the improvement. There
is no hope of the City up -grading the quality of our neighborhoods
if we don't provide them with sufficient improvement. Secondarily,
when you provide the improvements it considerably reduces the main-
tenance cost to these streets.This means that we have to continue
budgeting funds for maintenance when we could have the improve-
ments in place and really improve the properties in a neighbor-
hood. It has been demonstrated time and time again when the
improvements are made the public has greater interest in their
neighborhood; they begin to keep the neighborhood cleaner; they
improve their properties, and to continually postpone these kind
v N.
n
1
5MAY 91974
of improvements, we are just setting the City back a little
further. And the cost to them will increase. If we come
bank thtee years from now to put these improvements in when
the streets have deteriorated to the point that they need re-
'placement, the property owners are going to bear a greater
expense, because the cost of construction has gone up.
Mr. Grimm: Plus it is, really a tremendous bargain. The
taxpayers as a whole pay seventy-five per cent. of this cost.
Mr. Andrews: What would be the average cost to the prop-
erty owner for a fifty -foot lot?
Mr. Grimm: In this instance it ranges from four and a
half to seven dollars per front foot, so for a fifty -foot lot,
would be two hundred and fifty dollars at five dollars a foot.
Mr. Andrews: That's roughly twenty-five dollars a year for
ten years.
Mr. Plummer: That's really not the point. That's great.
I like it.. I did it in my neighborhood and I paid for it.
The point is that these people don't want it.
Mr. Andrews: The point is, though, that somewhere along the
way, in the next two, three or four years, the streets will de-
teriorate to the point that we can't continue to maintain them ---
Mr. Plummer: If what you are telling me is that you are
sending special crews and spending special attention up there,
if we don't approve this I hope you are not going to do it, be-
cause these people have said we don't want that kind of thing
in our neighborhood. So let's just let their streets run down;
let their gutters run down ---
Mr. Andrews: Well, we can't do that, Mr. Plummer.
Mr. Plummer: Well, they are saying to you that they don't
want it.
Mr. Andrews: They don't want a new street, but I can't close
my eyes to what's there.
Mr. Davis: I was going to say that these streets were paved
within the last year with asphalt. This is an apartment unit
neighborhood, and all the parking facilities, they drive off
the street right onto our property. You cannot put any curbs
at all anyway on there. There are sewers there now, and it was
asphalted within the last year, and I just object to them doing
anything else at the present time.
Mr. Sal E. Barnhart: I own an entire block on South Bayshore
from 80th--I go from 80th Street to 81st Street, and there is
no need for the improvement there. I have the same situation
that Mr. Davis has.
5-9-74
MAY 91974
Mayor Ferret The both of you are major property owners
in the area.
Mr. Bernhart: Yes, sir.
Mayor Ferret You don't live in the area?
Mr. Bernharts Yes, I do.
Mayor Ferret How about you?
Mr. Davis: No.
Mr. Plummer: Our department is disagreeing. Our de-
partment is saying that it has not just been paved.
Mr. Davis: Within the last year it has been asphalted;
black -topped.
Mr. Plummer: Well, he is saying no, sir.
Mr. Bernhart: Within the last two years, but it is in
good condition and doesn't need any repair.
Mr. Stark: I happen to be an individual property owner
on 85th Street, and I have jotted down a number of things that
I could possibly say, and I am going to state the last thing
I did first, in view of the remarks that have just been made;
and that is to ---and I certainly am not technically --I don't
have the background in any way; I don't mean to imply any
criticism whatsoever of the department and its technical pro-
cedures, but I would have to comment that maybe there is some-
thing wrong with the procedures where this project reaches this
stage and then finds people --I don't characterize myself as a
disinterested citizen or one:who particularly likes to live in
a slum -like atmosphere, but I would have to say that there is
something wrong with the procedures, sir, which leads to this
type of development and then find that the majority of people
like myself are overwhelmingly, for a variety of reasons, say,
hold on for a moment. In canvassing our block I find a variety
of worries. Some people put a priority worry on the streeth
wide enough now for our purpose; it's a delightful street; the
royal palms and their maintenance are a real concern to many
people, even though the department --and I believe them --insists
they would not be jeopardized. Some people refuse to accept
that. They don't want it to be a wider street because they are
concerned about it already being a semi -race track. People
are concerned --only two people of the majority who signed were
concerned about the money. They are elderly and there is illness
in the family. Other than that the money was not the concern,
nor the saving. My own feeling about the saving: I believe
that in this community those moneys could best be spent some-
where else, and I am perfectly willing for you to raise my
taxes to do it. That street on an order of priority would rank
pretty low on my priority list. I can only speak for myself
on that matter. This commission --and I think commendably --I
5-9-74
2
}AAY *91974
would like to commend the Commission, because I may never have
this opportunity again, for the position on Biscayne Bay. I
understood you passed a resolution expressing concern for the
deterioration of this bay, and just reading it in the newspaper
X said that's just great; but when you channelize these streets --
and I don't have the answer --but I do know that if a puddle
doesn't appear in front of my house and dissipate ten minutes
later, that's OK with me if it helps preserve that bay, because
if you channelize my street and others --you put the gutter in
there --it just guarantees one thing; that every little bit of
water and whatever happens to be with it, runs right down to
that bay, and I'll tell you as one citizen, I'll abide by a
puddle every now and then if I can reverse the environmental
trend. And I believe the time has arrived that when you go
through a neighborhood saying let's make it look pretty, that
does not necessarily mean that everybody views that as a type
of progress they necessarily want. One other point. In the
letter that was sent to my house about this project; the first
notice we had ever had of it, it used the term a request, and
I talked to the person whom I understand is credited with mak-
ing that request. Their view of progress does not necessarily
jobe with mine at all. As a matter of fact, I came away with
the impression that progress in this view is if you can't eat
it, pave it. I believe the time has passed.
Mayor Ferre: I think you have made the best argument,
so far, that I have heard on your side of it. If you look at
the Baycrest Improvement area, and look at the pictures as you
ride up and down those streets, I want to tell you that --this
is just a personal opinion of mine --that this is probably one
of the vices areas that we have in. the City of Miami. We have
got areas in this town that need repairs so very much more than
this area; and here we are going around and spending over a
half million dollars that will affect twenty-three thousand
feet of improvement and affec two hundred and thirty-one prop-
erty owners, in which 138 property owners are against it and
there are only thirty-three i`or. Sixty of them didn't even
care enough to respond. I think the basic point in all of
this is not whether the people there want this or don't want
it, even though that's an important consideration, the argu-
ment that this gentleman just proposed about the relative
question of need, and the relative question of progress is
one that, to me, awakens, basically --why are we going into Bay
Crest? For example --and now I can speak very openly, because
I don't own any property in this area, so I am not doing it
for that purpose. For example, every time I ride by that South
Bayshore Drive from the Assumption Academy over to the Four
Ambassadors it is unbelievable. I think there is three and a
half feet difference between some parts of that road and others.
The asphalt is all cracked. It's filthy; people are parking
out on the street; they are violating the law; it's just un-
believable how badly that area needs some attention --and as I
say I have got no interest, because the land we owned there is
sold, so I am out of it, and it doesn't mean anything to me,
personally. But that's just one place that I can think of. I
could name you another half dozen places that are rot only in
bad condition; they are in disastrous condition, shameful. And
here you are going to spend half a million dollars to put curb
and gutter in an area that really does not need it that much,
number one; and number two, that the neighborhood is three or
four to one against. Now again I will repeat, I recognize the
5-9-74
2 MAY 91974
argument being that if we don't do it now the cost will be
twice as much in the future; number two that it's needed
eventually; that we should do this throughout this community,
but I asked the basic question why do we address ourselves,
a half million dollars worth, to an area which really, if you
put it on a priority list, why does this area have the priority?
Mr. Grimm: I'd 1..ke to respond to both the points you
made, Mr. Mayor. Number; one; this is what makes the system of
how we do highway improvements so important; the fact that we
do, either by public subscription --in this case there were
requests from people in the neighborhood for these streets to
be built --we do then go out, look at these streets --we don't
arbitrarily say, well, the Director says this isn't necessary,
or yes, this has to be done. We work up a plan for a specific
area; we present it to the people, and we let the people voice
their opinions. When the people are overwhelmingly against it
we don't cram it down their throats. We are not cramming this
down their throats, Mr. Mayor. If you look at the map now,
almost all of the streets, and particulary the one this gentle-
man is talking about, I have already recommended to be deleted,
based exactly on what he brought to your attention. But unless
we went out there and looked and made that determination it would
be totally arbitrary on my part. Now I have held two meetings
in my office which no one attended. I held a meeting in the
American Legion Building, which I would say there were close to
a hundred people there, and I felt we had a very responsive
exchange at that meeting, and as a result of that I wrote the
people another letter and we selected by agreement sort of key
people who would get this letter, and in that there were only
three streets recommended, and there were an additional four
or five streets which I said. would be included provided we got
more in favor. We didn't get them, so we didn't include them.
So we were down to three streets, and these two gentlemen came
in today for the first time, to my knowledge, with an objection.
Now, if the Commission so chooses, they can be deleted. Now
let's take Bayshore Drive. We have been working for close to
three years to redevelop Bayshore Drive. The hitch in that is
that we don't own title to the out lots. We are down to two.
The State --we think we can do this for nothing, Mr. Mayor --the
State has refused to grant us title to the baybottom land be-
tween the bulkhead and the bulkhead line unless we own fee simple
title. We have got two to go. I think we are going to get them
for nothing.
Mayor Ferre: I have been hearing this --I was on the
Commission, elected, in 1967, I think it was, and that was a
matter of discussion. I kept my mouth shut because in 1967 I
happened to own a piece of property there. So I never said any-
thing one way or the other. It is now 1974. Seven years have
gone by, and that's the same argument that I heard then. You
remember that?
Mr. Grimm: Yes, sir, I remember very well.
Mayor Ferre: I think you ought to do this. I think
you ought to set yourself a time limit of the end of the summer.
By the end of the summer if you haven't worked anything out, I
think you ought to go in there and think about taking those two
lots, because it's really a shame.
•
V
2
5-9-74
MAY - 91974
i.IuIl Iii 11 IIIf1II ANTI
Mayor Ferre: (continuing) By the way, I hope you are
panning on a bicycle path.
Mr. Grimm: Yes, sir, that would be included. But I do
want to emphasize that I think the system we have, which opens
u up to disagreement is a very, very good one.
Mayor Ferre: I happen to agree with you, but I think it
is important that all these things should be properly aired
again and again.
Mr. Grimm: They are.
Mr. Andrews: That was the comment that I wanted to re-
inforce of Mr. Grimm and of the Commission; the fact that this
is a whole public hearing process that we'are going through --
we haven't drawn any plans, or anything --in trying to arrive
at what the public wants in this area.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Davis, if this didn't cost you anything
would you be in favor of it? If we were going to do this on
our own, would you agree? If we could figure out a way to do
it. You are still against it? You are sure, now?
Mr. Davis: Positive. (remainder of remark inaudible)
Mayor Ferre: Ok, I see. Would you feel the same way?
Unidentified person's remark inaudible. Replied in the
affirmative.
Mr. Grimm: We took bids on an area there last time, and
we are awarding the contract at the next meeting. We have them
scattered throughout the whole city. We don't just prey on the
northeast section.
Mayor Ferre: You just happened to be present for this one,
but this goes on every month.
Mr. Ortiz: Mine is very short. My name is Ortiz. I am
at 1060 NE 81st Street. I have been a property owner thirteen
years there, and I am thankful to the City Engineers and the
Commission to think of our street for the improvement. I con-
sider that the street is entirely deteriorated; it is shabby
looking; it is bad looking. We are right next to the Shores,
and we look like an entirely different neighborhood. I don't
expect to look like Miami Shores, but I am surely ashamed of
81st Street. If the other property owners don't want to do
the improvement it's fine, but I consider it an obligation of
the City Commission to do the improvement on our street. The
only time that that street was improved was at the time they
put the sewage on 83rd street. I believe I paid my assessment
on the sewage, and I think it was about seven or eight years
ago. I think it is an obligation of the city to do a street
and to make it look like a good neighborhood and maintain the
quality of the neighborhood.
Mrs. Annette Eisenberg: Annette Eisenberg, 1180 NE 86th
Street. I am the culprit who came in and asked for the streets,
5-9-74
26
MAY - 91974
•
and 1 did it because one Friday night we had no lights; we
had no electricity, and we couldn't get through the streets;
they were flooded so badly, to get to a telephone. I have to
go down 86th Street from loth Avenue almost to the bay. Some
of the people here who are objecting make a right turn from
their property; they are on 10th Avenue, and they don't have
to go down the street, but I have to do it every night, and it
is bad. We have puddles out there today. They are not as bad;
they have dried up overnight, but should we have a torrential
rain, it is bad. It's bumpy; it's rocky, and I see every other
street in the area that I work in, and they are being improved.
It just seems a shame that ours is not. I did not go around
and petition --and you know that I do have the facilities to do
it. I did not go around with scare tactics and tell people
what would happen. I thought that in a more affluent area
these people should be grateful for the bargain the City offers,
and the fact that they could do a service for the City of
Miami in general. Some people aren't even concerned that
should we have these torrential rains, not even the police
cars can get down the street; not even the garbage cars, or
trucks, can get down the street, and I am extremely emotional
about it, because I can't understand why, in 1974, we should
be subjected to these kinds of streets in as much as we pay
the highest taxes.
Mr. Golden: Rober Golden, 1030 NE 86th Street: I hear
about what a bargain we are getting, and that's one of the
things that is keeping me broke all these years --my wife going
to all these sales and saving money for me. Now, with respect
to this particular area, as the Mayor pointed out, this is a
pretty well kept area. There are one hundred thousand dollar
homes in this area and fifty thousand dollar homes. The area
is nicely kept up by the people who reside in the area. It is
a single residence area. That's all that it is. Mrs.
Eisenberg doesn't have to travel that far to her house to come
down 86th Street. The street isn't as bad as she would say.
When we had this downpour the other night I purposely rode in
my car down the street. Yes, there is water out in the middle
of the street, but that's the case in many other streets of the
City. It is not that bad. You can get through it with a mini-
mum of effort. With respect to the widening of the street,
and the taking away some of our grassed areas in order to
create drainage, I have no facts to prove this, or evidence to
prove it, but it would appear to me to be purely logical to
understand that the more grassed area you take away the less
grass area there is that is going to absorb water that would
collect on tho street. I respectfully submit to the Commission
that this is one project we don't need in this area.
Mrs. Alexander Kolsky: I reside at 1240 NE 83rd Street,
which for the purpose of easy identification is from NE 12th
Avenue to the Bay on the south side of the Street. The
majority of property owners on this block have had numerous dis-
cussions on the subject since receiving Mr. Grimm's letter of
March 19th. At your April 25th meeting our block decided to
go for the paving and, drainage improvement, which we understand
will bring our street and drainage up to the current standards
they should have right now for the existing residences. As an
individual, a lay person, not an engineer, I must say I do find
some of the streets very narrow and rough, necessitating my
often having to go onto the shoulder of the road to clear an
5-9-74 MAY ` 9 1974
approaching vehicle. I have also had to slowly make my way
through puddles of water in this area. Although we gather a
good amount of water during a heavy rain in only one spot in
our block, I would say our need is not as great as some
others I have heard. Heaven only knows I desire whatever will
make my neighborhood neater looking and whatever drainage im-
provements I can get. Since we moved there in 1969 we have
yet to encounter a rainy hurricane. I will bet than when
faced with the problem of flooding those who are currently
against these improvements will wish they had taken advantage
of the finances the -City is now ready to spend on them. It is
also my understanding that trees in the dedicated portions will,
as much as possible, be preserved, and I cannot understand the
argument that widening a street a few feet will increase
traffic. It will merely make those who already live there
better able to pass each other on the road. Certainly most
of the streets from 79th Street north to the City Limits and
east of 10th Avenue to the bay really have nowhere to go except
to the residences. For most they are not main thoroughfares
for outsiders. Needless to say I am for whatever improvements
I can get for my block on both sides of 83rd Street. I think
some of the property owners in opposition are either still not
adequately informed or did not attend the meetings, or are
still very much worried about trees, or still have a misunder-
standing of what exactly are the various costs for each type
of improvement. I can :ray, get it while the getting is good,
and not wait until everything costs even more some day in the
future. There are certainly some streets in the area that
need it more than others, and let's take care of those that
need it. If someone doesn't want it, or a majority doesn't
want it, then just delete those.
Mr. John Schmidts: I live at 1015 NE 81st Street, where
I have resided for twenty-one years. I feel that I am some-
what of an expert in this area. I am an architect. I have
been responsible for some neighborhood improvements. I ini-
tiated the original storm sewer procedure which was put in.
Since I have lived there we have had constant harrassment with
certain types of improvements. The street was torn up for a
new water main; it was torn up again for the storm sewers, and
torn up again for the sanitary sewers. They were repaving
eighty-first street right after the sanitary sewers were put
in. When the new streets were put in we had to raise our
sidewalks eight inches, because they had settled. The sanitary
sewers, plus the water lines, from 10th Avenue, have had to
be repaired from time to time; and on top of it all they put
in the 82nd Street expressway. My taxes in 1953 were fifty-
six dollars, for the City and County. My taxes today are
nine hundred and fifty dollars, city and county. On top of
this I have to pay special assessments on the storm sewers, and
on the sanitary sewers, and when I put in the sidewalks I had
to pay for it personally. The special assessment also increases
the value of the house, which raises our taxes. The idea that
the City pays half is erroneous in the fact that I am the City,
and by the time they put these improvements and all the other
people, and they sell them all a bill of goods thc.t the City
is paying half --I am paying for their improvement, and when
you get down to the facts most of these improvements are on us.
Now as far as the narrow streets, my street] 81st Street, happens
5-9-74
28 MAY - 91974
to be 19 feet wide nuw. It's a nice street; it's well taken
care of. The new improvement will increase the total impervious
area to 26 feet. That means changing a 19-foot street to a
22sefoot street, plus adding two feet on either side for a
gutter. This will increase the trial impervious area 40%. With
the gutters it would be a positive drain to our aquatic park.
For one thing it would destroy the quality of the water of the
bay. The second, there is a water shortage now, and where we
are actually getting the water back into the water now, these
gentlemen propose to take that water and throw it back out into
the salt water. I would have three and a half feet less grass
than I have now. The City is being replaced with green by
concrete. I would have a hundred and sixty-five feet of edging
that I would have to do in my parkway grassed area. And con-
trary to the bargain of people based on 50-foot lots, I think
if you went through the area you would see that most people
have considerably more than fifty feet. I have a hundred and
sixty-five feet. A wider stret, the'indication of a wider
open area does increase the traffic and increases the speed of
the traffic. I feel I am relatively an expert in the area,
having lived here twenty-one years, and I submit there are
some streets in the area that do need work. This does not
necessarily mean that every one in the area needs work.
Mr. Fondesy: Robert Fondesy, from NE 80th Street; and I
have come here for the special meetings and travelled from
Ohio to meet at these meetings, and although the improvement
was aired twice I feel much in favor of it. I would like to
see the city --being an absentee landlord --I'd like to see the
city improve, and I am willing to pay whatever taxes you
have. I feel the hearings have been very fair, and I feel we
have had a sufficient number of them, and I heard little ob -
jections before, and I favor the project, so I wanted to sup-
port the thing in that manner and not just be an absentee
landlord taking what I can from the City.
Mayor Ferre: Why don't you get your name and address for
the record.
Mr. Fondesy: Robert Fondesy, 2133 Croft Street, Oregon,
Ohio.
Mayor Ferre: I think we have heard both sides of this, and
now I want to express my opinion. You know, there is a saying
in politics that everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody
wants to die. Another one is that it all depends on whose ox
is getting gored. You know there was a man who lived three
thousand years ago in a little city called Athens, and his name
was Demosthenes, and he said one time, democracy functions
when those that are not affected are as concerned as those that
are affected. I t *k it is important that we keep this in mind
as we go through the daily doings of government. I realize
there are a lot of people who aren't over -anxious for this;
they don't want to spend their money, and I also recognize --and
I would say this; that I personally think that there are places
where we could spend our money a lot better, but the argument
for that is not strong enough, in my opinion, to override the
fact that, even though this is a wealthier part of the commun-
ity, they also need improvements. The reason I made the state-
ment is that I wanted the argument to come out that this is
not a casual thing that just happened; that we don't do this
29
5-9-74
MAY -91974
flip; that we don't do this without a lot of forethought;
that there are a series --we have had, what, four public
hearings on this; a series of public hearings before we come
to this decision. And furthermore, I think that --and I want
to point out for the record again that our improvements are
not limited to the northeast area; that it isn't just the
Baycrest area. We are doing these improvements all over this
town. I am not overly enthused about this because I think
that there are areas in this town that need it a lot worse
than this area does. The work has been done; the public
hearings have been held, and it is my opinion that if we don't
do this it will cost us twice as much to do it in the future.
This part of town does pay a lot of taxes, and I think this is
something that must be done.
Mr. Grimm: Before you make a motion I would like to say
this; that I think it is fa.r for the Commission's judgment
that I did make recommendations in these public hearings as to
which streets would be built and which would not. I personally
would like to see them all built, but based on what I have
said earlier I think that the Commission should address itself
to those that are left today; 83rd Street, 80th Street, and
Bayshore Court or Drive, I have forgotten --I'll look it up on
the map --but those others should be deleted.
Reverend Gibson: I want to move that we go with the
recommendation of the department.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Reverend Gibson, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-356
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ORDERING RESOLU-
TION NO. 74-167, WITH THE DELETION OF
CERTAIN STREETS AND PORTIONS THEREOF;
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVER-
TISE FOR SEALED BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF BAY CREST HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
H-4373
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Reverend
Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr.'Plummer, Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
Mr. Grimm: The recommendations are: NE 83rd Street from
10th Avenue East; NE 80th Street from 10th Avenue to Bayshore
Court; NE Bayshore Court from 79th Street to NE 81st Street.
5-9-74
MAY - 91974
i I1 I 11 IEIil ii111IIIlI INio
•
15. EXPIRED POLICE SERGEANT S PROMOTIONAL REGISTER -
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, this
matter relates to the Police Sergeants Promotional Register
which expired on April 2 or 3rd and a contention by the Pol-
ice officers who were on this register that it should be con-
tinued and be considered to fill certain positions that were
classified as "grandfathered" positions. I have met with Mr.
Whitman and representatives of the Police Department and we
had a discussion yesterday afternoon in my office and I would
like the priviledge of continuing those discussions to fully
ascertain that our position originally taken was a sound one.
I am satisfied that it is at this stage but they have raised
certain questions which I would like to further explore and
insure that we are in no way harming or jeopardizing those
people who are on the register. This is too important a step
and I would like to have further meetings with the represent-
atives and with the attorney to listen to their arguments so
that I can be in a proper position to make a recommendation
to the Commission. Now you may wish to hear from Mr. Whit-
man in reference to this matter who represents the officers.
Mr. Irving Whitman: First let me express my appreciation to
the City Manager for his interest in this matter. We met
last night, I submitted a memorandum to the City Manager and
a copy was sent to the City Attorney under the date of April
29th. And Pursuant to that memorandum we met last night and
the City Manager did express his concern on this as to this
problem. His mind was open and I appreciate his attitude.
We had a long discussion as to this unique situation on this
"grandfather", on these "grandfather Positions" being abol-
ished by Chief Garmire. Prior to the sergeants list expir-
ing, of course, my position remains the same. Of course, as
you know, we have a suit pending, I would rather as I stated
at the last meeting abolish that suit if we can get what we
are asking and I appreciate the Commi:ision's feeling in that...
And ask us to hold these meetings and discussions so that you
can be better advised. The City Manager asked last night
that we further discuss this next week and I'm in a court....
I feel that when the situation is clearly demonstrated as to
the contractual liability that the City had to these people,
these men, and I say there is a contractual liability by an
agreement that was entered into in 1963 that the arbitrary
abolishment of these positions, I say that the City is oblig-
ated to these men. The City Manager, of course, expressed
his concern as to the affect it has on these men's lives and
their positions. I still feel that these men are entitled
to that promotion. I feel that this Commission is obligated
to give them those promotions and I feel that this City Com-
mission should act on the premise that they not be re -instated
or extended but that the positions be made non , back
to, prior to the abolishment. I ask that this not be held
in abeyance any further, that there be fast action pursuant
to the City Manager's recommendation which I am sure he will
make some time next week. I was wondering whether the City
Commission would entertain a recommendation by the City Man-
ager pro or con prior to the next meeting, either by open
vote to each Commissioner individually? I would like to
know my position prior to May 29th when we have a hearing
before the court on a technicality.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, as I understand
this problem, the Commission can react to the area of the
31.
MAY - 91974
Sergeant's Promotional Register, you've gotten an opinion
from the City Attorney indicating that the register has of-
ficially expired and apparently that can not be reinstituted.
If there is no problem or mitigating circumstances relevant
to the administrative decision that has been made in this
Matter, if after meeting with Mr. Whitman it is determined
that there is no justification for changing the findings on
the "grandfather" positions then that matter is in my judge-
ment mute as far as the City Commission is concerned because
it is purely an administrative matter. It is the prerogative
of the City Manager in this instance to make a decision and
if that decision is not accepted by Mr. Whitman and the police
officers who are on the register they have then another alter-
native to take but it is not to the City Commission to render
a decision.
Mayor Ferre: I think the Charter is pretty clear on that.
Mr. Whitman: I never knew the Charter to be clear, sir.
any direction.
Mayor Ferre: Well, that's because you're a lawyer and I'm
not.
Mr. Whitman: Yes, sir. I still feel that when, again, I'm
going to reiterate my position briefly. My feeling is this,
sir. That these men who were on this list are entitled to
the position of sergeant, that this Commission can act. In
my opinion we can make those even though the list has expired
because the positions were abolished.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Lloyd, you're the concil for this Commis-
sion. Unless we go to the court we've got to follow your
advice and your council and you've got to set the legal pace
here.
Mr. Lloyd: Yes. Legally, the City Manager is the one which
abolishes positions and the Commission doesn't enter into
that fa cet of the situation.
Mayor Ferre: Is that clear in the Charter in your opinion?
Mr. Lloyd: Yes, sir. I believe so.
Mayor Ferre: Do you have any doubts about it?
Mr. Lloyd? I don't have any doubts.
Mr. Whitman: I'm not arguing the point that the City Manager
or the Police Chief can abolish positions, of course not.
This is administration but you come into a barrier here, a
unique situation where you have a "grandfather" clause and
"grandfather" positions that should be filled, that were
budgeted, these people were promised these positions when
they went on that last back to an agreement back in 1963
and then shortly before the lists expiring they say the
list is abolished although six people were made sergeant
from that list. I say this is not acting in good faith, Mr.
Mayor.
Mayor Ferre: You know, we had a situation here this last
week and it was about contracts that were signed by the Man-
ager at that time, Mr. Reese, dealing with disabled pensioners.
A promise was made, the promise that was made was that the
information that was going to be gathered was confidential
information and the Manager signed his name to it. We had to
32
MAY 91974
• •
go to court and in court it didn't take more than 5 or 10
minutes for the judge to say, "well look, the law is the law
and that is public information. Give it out to the newspapers.
Now, unfortunately, I don't know who made the promise. Now
I happen to sympathize with what you are saying personally
and I don't know who trade the promise and I don't know what
the obligations are. However, it is pretty Clear here that
this is the Manager's decision and the Charter is very clear
and I don't want to get into a situation where I or this Com-
mission in any way interferes with that because that is also
clear in the Charter. Ok, Mr. Plummer, you wanted to make a
statement?
Reverend Gibson: This Manager didn't make that decision.
That's all I wanted to make clear, this Manager didn't make
that decision.
Sergeant Ken Harrison: Vice -President of the Fraternal Order
of Police. The one thing that we are not disputing at this
time, I do believe though that the Commission could take or
give an indication to the Manager as to whether the desire
of the Commission is to have this resolved prior to going to
court or in the courts and really I believe that that's what
we're asking the Commission to give some direction to the
Manager as to the method or what type of action he should
take to resolve this issue, not to interfere with his ability
to administer, just to give some direction.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and Members of the Commission, I dbei't
think that you need adopt any motion or give me any direction.
I am as concerned or I may even say more concerned than the
Commission in this matter. The Commission sits as a legislat-
ive body, it has responsibilities to the people of Miami and
to the employees but the prirae responsibility of the City
Manager is to act responsibly as far as the employees are
concerned and I'm going to react to this quickly and come
to a decision no matter what that decision is and I don't
think I need any direction from the Commission to set a pro-
cedure to do it.
Mr. Plummer: You're saying then, Mr. Andrews that you will
give us a decision at the next meeting, or you will give them
a decision?
Mr. Andrews: Yes, sir. I committed with Mr. Whitman that I
would meet with him early next week and I hope to do that on
Monday. That's agreeable to everyone.
Thereupon the City Commission recessed at 10:57 A.M.
and reconveined at 11:14 A.M. with all members present.
33
MAY -91974
16. POLICE DEPARTMENT CPERATIONS REVIEW - CHIEF GARMIRE:
Bernard Garmire, Chief of Police, made the following
statements
This is a continuing report that 'started back in 21
November, 1973, at which time you recognized some of the prob-
lems of the department and were kind enough to give is additional
funding. We are in the process, of course, of implementing these
programs that we talked about at that time, and have subsequently.
So far as the civilianization of the department is concerned, ex-
cept for having some problems in filling some positions that are
on shifts and require week -ends and holiday work, we are now in
a position of, in many instances, having positions filled by
civilians that were formerly filled by police officers.
Mayor Ferre: Have you got some statistics on that, chief?
Chief Garmire: At this time twenty civilians have replaced
seventeen police officers. The seventeen police officers have
been released for line duty. As a result of that we have created
nineteen walking beats, and we have three sergeants assigned to
that unit for the purpose of supervision. To give you an idea
of the amount of volume that these people are conducting so far
as business is concerned, in the month of April alone these people
made forty-one hundred public and business contacts in every major
business area in the City. They accounted for eighteen felony ar-
rests, a hundred and ten misdemeanor arrests on their beats, and
checking of three hundred and sixty-two, what we call, watch orders;
areas that are susceptible to criminal activity, or one way or
another need extra attention. In addition to this program we have
the three -wheel motorcycle program, which is somewhat analogous
to the walking beat, except the objective is these people are in
a position of getting around; contacting businesses and other
areas of the community that would require an inordinate amount of
time if these people were on foot. The thirty-one officers on the
three-wheelers made approximately six thousand business and public
contacts, twenty-three felony arrests, a hundred and forty-six
misdemeanor arrests, and checked out three hundred and sixty-four
watch orders on their beats. In addition to this, of course, we
now have the canine units assigned in the three downtown areas;
Lummus Park, Bayfront Park, and the Flagler Street business dis-
trict. These people, the three canine men, made twenty-five
misdemeanor arrests, eleven felony arrests, and wrote twenty-three
field reports during the month of April alone. In addition to
this, they handled four hundred and eighty-five, the combined
group, field reports, fifty-four accident reports --and this, of
course, released the radio patrol for a considerably amount of
time to be spent in the areas taking care of other problems. So
far to date this year, January, February, March and April, we
have made eleven thousand, three hundred and forty-one arrests.
Mayor Ferre: How does that compare with the previous year?
Chief Garmire: A 24% increase. Of this number sixteen
hundred and eighty-one of these were felonies, which represents a
5-9-74
MAY - 91974
thirty-nine per cent. increase in felony arrests for the year.
On drunks alone, out of the downtown area, eight hundred and
thirty-six males were arrested, and fifty-six females; a total
of eight hundred and ninety-two people were arrested. This is
adults. There were ten juveniles, or rather those under eight-
een, who were arrested, for a gross of nine hundred and two.
As of the 29th of April we started the new program that we told
you about some time ago, which we call the public service aid
program. On the 29th of April forty-seven of these young people
were convened in training at the Criminal Justice Institute. This
will be a ten -week training program. Of the group fourteen are
women, nine are black, and six are latin. These people are being
trained for the express purpose of handling a number of the re-
quests for service that come to the Police Department; those which
do not require the service of a trained police officer. In addi-
tion to that they will be put into a crime prevention program so
that we can get better coverage, more awareness in so far as the
people of the community are concerned when it comes to the harden-
ing of their personal targets; their homes or their businesses.
These people will be trained to assist others in attempting to
protect themselves, and generally we believe --it's our estimate --
that once these people come out of the training institute that we
will compensate or relieve police officers of at least nine thousand
duty hours, so that they can go out and address problems which are
considered to be more serious in so far as the community is con-
cerned. We expect to have them on the street on the 8th of July,
at which time we believe they will have a tremendous impact.
Mayor Ferre: How many people will this be, now?
Chief Garmire: Forty-seven of them; young people, eighteen,
nineteen and twenty years old.
Mayor Ferre: How many latins, again, did you say?
Chief Garmire: Six of the forty-seven are Latins.
Reverend Gibson: I hope I am not reading into. You said
you had how many arrests?
Chief Garmire: For the year to date, sir? Eleven thousand,
three hundred and forty-one.
Reverend Gibson: Mr. Andrews, I guess I can ask it, even
though --I am concerned about the number of arrests over the educa-
tion of the arrested. You see, it is very important to me whether
or not you take time out to explain to those people. You know, I
know, you police will say, well, you know, man, my job is not
that. I think education is very important. I saw something happen
at Zayer's store the other Sunday which really made me kind of
wonder. I am not going to talk about that here, but I am concerned
about the number of arrests we have over against what happens to
the arrested. Is he educated; is he told why; is he told, look,
buddy --is it just that we are going to arrest and build up a
record so that the policemen can say, when they come here to make
the report like you are making now, man, we are running great guns.
Because we are ?resting people doesn't mean we are preventing
what is happening. And, Chief, please understand. I understand
what you are telling me, but I just get some awful reaction, Mr.
Andrews, and all I say to you; go to Zayes and ask them about
5-9-74
MAY *91974
an incident. I just have some real reaction, and I think we need
to say to oir Police Department that arresting maybe isn't always
the cure. I think we need to say to the people, look, I think
there is a better way of life, other than to take him to court;
put him in jail, or some such. I hope that you get what i am say-
ing.
Chief Garmire: I understand what you are saying. The
only other part of my statment which I think is disturbing is
that, in spite of the fact that we have increased, almost re-
doubled our efforts in attempting to take the undesirables off
the streets, and attempting to apprehend the felons who are commit-
ting the crimes of serious proportion in our community, the crime
rate stands, at the end of April, 18.4 per cent. higher than last
year at the same time.
Mayor Ferre: Would you repeat that again.
Chief Garmire: In spite of our redoubling our efforts; in
spite of the 39% increase in the arrest of felons, and an over-all
25% increase for the arrest of people who are considered to be
undesirable in addition'to the felons, the crime rate stands at
18.4% higher this year than last year.
Mayor Ferre: Is that year to date?
Chief Garmire: That's January through April, yes.
Mrs. Gordon: How many were non -felons, Chief. You said
39% were felons, and another per cent. you mentioned. I didn't
get it.
Chief Garmire: The number of arrests for felonies is 39%
higher today for the first four months of 1974 than it was for
the same period of time in 1973. The actual figures involved:
1209 felons arrested last year; 1681 arrested this year. For all
crimes, misdemeanors and felonies, those arrested last year, 9,143;
this year; 11,341, for an increase of 24% on the gross number of
arrests for the first third of '74 compared to the first third of
1973. In spite of this, the crime rate, reported crime rate, is
up 18.4%.
Mrs. Gordon: How does this compare to other locales?
Chief Garmire: I can't give you current data so far as
other communities are concerned. I do know that as of the end
of last year, where we had shown a 6% increase in crime for the
City of Miami for the year of '73 compared to '72, that our sis-
ter cities in the southeastern part of the United States had ex-
perienced an increase considerably greater than the City of Miami.
Mayor Ferre: Chief, let me ask you a question. Now, we are
up LB% --and please don't misunderstand; I am not blaming you or
the Police Department, or the Manager, or anybody else for the in-
crease in crime. Nobody is going to blame you, or anybody else.
S:t just for information's sake I want to get some of these things
36
5-9-74
MAY - 91974
in My rand. Now, you :;ay crime
through April. How much did we
don't want to get into a lot of
has gone up 18% from January
go up last year, roughly? 1
details and statistics.
Chief Garmire: For the year 6%.
Mayor Ferre: The year before that?
Chief Garmires We were down 9.9% over the prior year.
Mayor Ferre: And the year before that?
Chief Garmire: I think that was the infamous year that
we were the highest in the nation. We were considered Number
One.
Mayor Ferre: How much did it-- I recall something like a
20% increase, or some ---
Chief Garmire: I don't recall the figure, sir.
Mayor Ferre: Well, the point that I am trying to come to
is that over a five-year period this is all cumulative. It isn't
a question of 18% over last year.
Chief Garmire: That's correct.
Mayor Ferre: So, in other words, --and again I am not put-
ting blame; I am just trying to emphasize the magnitude of the
problem --that over the last five or six years we have had a
fifty per cent. increase in crime?
Chief Garmire: Yes, sir.
Mayor Ferre: And over the last ten years we have had a
hundred per cent. increase in crime?
Chief Garmire: It's higher than that, sir. During the
'60's it went up over a hundred per cent.
Mayor Ferre: I know that we can philosophize here, and go
back and forth on the theory of all this, but we have to do it;
we have to get into these things all the time, continually, month
after month. Could you tell us your opinion as to why crime has
gone up 18% in the City of Miami?
Chief Garmire: One of the things, I believe, that is con-
tributing to it is better reporting. More confidence in the
police promotes more reporting of crime. I think very shortly
we are going to have released in this community a victimization
study conducted by the Bureau of Census through the Law Enforce-
ment Assistance Administration sponsor}.ng. I believe that we
will find that the crime rate is appreciably greater than that
which is being reported now. So we are caught in some sort of a
maelstrom, as it were. The more confidence that we can develop
so far as the people in the community are concerned the more
5-9-74
3'i
MAY 91974
•
prone they are going to be to report crime, and the more crime
they report, of course, the higher the crime rate is going to
go. It is sheer fd1acy, in my opinion, to rely upon the uniform
crime reports as a guide to the true impact and problem of crime
in a community.
Mayor Ferret You are not saying that in your opinion there
hasn't been any crime increase; that it has just been purely a
statistical number which, through better reporting, shows that
there is a 16% increase, and in fact there really hasn't been any
crime increase. Is that what you are saying?
Chief Garmire: No; I can't tell you that there is no crime
increase. I do believe we are getting better reporting, and of
course each time a person reports a crime it is added to the
statistics. I can't tell you whether we have had an actual in-
crease in crime. We have had an increase in the reporting of crime.
Mayor Ferre: I think there was a question asked of you by
Commissioner Gordon as to how this compares with other cities
our size and in other areas in the Florida vicinity or the South.
Obviously we don't expect you to have all those statistics in
your pocket, but I would appreciate it if you would send us a
written answer on that, or if you wish to come here before this
Commission at the next meeting and give us comparisons, because
I am sure if it is true here it has got to be true --what I am
saying is that if there is more reporting going on here I think
it would probably be true elsewhere, wouldn't it?
Chief Garmire: I would think so; yes.
Mrs. Gordon: I want to ask another question in relation to
the previous question, and it also would be a part of your re-
quest to Chief Garmire. Could you also furnish us with some kind
of statistical information which would show us the ratio of crimes
that have been solved to crimes that have not been solved, that
are still on the books, let's say for X number of years. Now,
whatever number of years you think is appropriate to do that analy-
sis, but I believe that we ought to know the whole thing, and I
think the rate alone is only one thing, and if we are going to
get to know the facts of the City we ought to have those, too. I
don't know how you would term it.
Chief Garmire: Yes, Ma'am, I have those figures. The
clearance rate. The clearance rate is predicated upon the number
of crimes solved by arrests. This runs approximately 20% nation-
wide, and we are not an exception. Approximately 20% of all the
index crimes are cleared by arrests, and this holds true through-
out the nation.
Mrs. Gordon: Since you are going to bring back something
more definite, would you do that, and go back five years and give
it to us in that manner?
Chief Garmire: We will do it.
5-9-74
343
MAY ..F 1174
Mayor Ferre: Chief, I had the opportunity the other morn-
ing this week to meet with the Community Advisory Board which
you have at the Police Department --and by the way I want to con-
gratulate you and Assistant Chief Fox, and Major DuLuccio, and
the others that are involved in that program, because I think
you have got some very good people there that don't hold back
questions; that are forceful and seem to be people of strong
opinions and that are outspoken, and that's exactly what you
need. I think you should look into whether it is properly repre-
sentative of all the community. Half of those peopel that are
on that don't live in the City of Miami. Now that, in and of
itself, doesn't mean anything, because they might work or be in-
volved in City related activities, but I personally think that
it was not completely representative of what it should be. For
example, there were only three Latins there, and the three of
them were kids. One was a little bit older, but the other two
were just --one was high school and the other was Junior College
student, but I think you ought to have some, since almost half
of the population of Miami is latin I think you ought to have,
out of the twenty -some -odd, more than three. I also didn't see --
I think there was one senior citizen there. Since many of our
problems are senior citizen related, or at least they are the
victims of some of these problems, I think you ought to have
some more senior citizens. But my question was this --and I
recognize that the Commission was responsible for cutting out
the school program, or at least the eight positions that were
open there. That was that ninety thousand dollars that we cut
out of the budget. I personally think that as soon as we can
put that back into effect --it may be there but it isn't being
used, and that's my question. I recall that about a month ago
we put that money back. And that's my question. There were
eight positions that were funded in last year's budget, and as
I understand it those eight positions that were funded were
held back. They were not filled. And the reason they were not
filled, as I understand it, is because there is ninety thousand
dollars missing out of that, which is what we in November, on
November 26th---
Mr. Plummer: One hundred thousand taken out of the GE
756,000---
Mayor Ferre: All right. Major DuLuccio didn't know any-
thing about that, and I told the Major, I said, now look, that
money has been replaced. Now I remember ninety thousand dollars
and there is no reason why you shouldn't have those eight people
and those positions filled as budgeted.
Chief Garmire: If that money has been replaced, and
certainly I will double check, I am not aware that it has been.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Andrews, was it or wasn't it?
P. W. Andrews, City Manager: I am not sure now. I have a
different concept of what took place there. That was a request
to expand that program.
Mayor Ferret Would you clarify that, and maybe you can
give us an answer this afternoon late.
5-9-74
3
MAY-74
�YIIIIIII I! IIIIIIV III��!';�,,,;� �G L.
Mr. Plummer: /111 Of the funds that were taken away
were reinstated --
Mr. Andrews: Reinstated, so whatever was included was
put back.
Mayor Ferre: Would you let the Chief know, so that this
matter ---
Chief Garmire: I might explain one thing about this that
will clarify it. When we were requested to put added emphasis
on the street, we automatically stopped the filling of some of
these programs, among which was the school resource officers
program. We intend to, if the funds are available, of course,
to augment it with additional people.
Mayor Ferre: That's not my question.
Chief Garmire: Well, we will be able to do that by Fall.
We cannot do it now, because we don't have the manpower.
Mayor Ferre: I am confused, but I want to tell you that
from what I remember there was eighty-five or ninety thousand
dollars --Plummer says a hundred thousand dollars-- that was
specifically earmarked for this program and it was in this year's
budget. Now when we got to the question in November of your
request we put a hold on that, and other things, and that was
released within this last month, and I want to know whether that
was specifically to the eight positions that are vacant now that
have not been filled on that school resource officer program.
I'd like to have it clarified. I saw Mr. Fred Duran here a
moment ago, of the school board, and I wonder --would somebody
call him back here.
Mr. Alfredo Duran, member of the Dade County School Board,
appeared.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Duran, I had the opportunity this week
to meet with the City of Miami Police Community Advisory Board.
One of the things that they were very strong on is the officers
resource program that we have, which has had tremendous effect
within the school system of the City of Miami. As you know, many
of the children that live in Miami are bused over to Miami Beach.
So, I asked whether Miami Beach had a similar program, and they
do, but it is not very effective. Then I asked whether the
County had one. Well, they are thinking about it, but they are
not doing it. Now this program, along with one that is being
done in Michigan and some other places, is one of the pilot pro-
grams in this country and is one of the best programs, and it is
basically this. A police officer in each school. And the result
of it are bonds of friendship and of trust and a different con-
cept of what the police department is. It has had dramatic im-
pact in some of these schools; not all of them, but some of them.
My question is this: The City of Miami is paying for this and
doing this as a community service. Some of these children that
are coming to these schools, within the boundaries of the City of
Miami don't live in the City of Miami. The fair way of doing it
really is on a community -wide basis, and it should be paid for
by all of Dade County. I know that you are one voice on the
4U
5-9-74
MAY ' 91974
Cammission like we are here, but I would be very grateful if
somehow we could be placed on the agenda. Perhaps Mr. Andrews,
and the Chief, and someone from the administration, and those
of us on the Commission that want to attend could be heard, be-
cause we would like to show you and go with you and really ex-
pose to the School Board the dramatic impact of our program, and
we would like to see this thing done on a community -wide basis
throughout Dade County. Perhaps it might be important enough
that you might want to fund some of it, anyway.
Mr. Duran: That's going to be the difficult part, but I
agree with you, Mr. Mayor, that the program is a very good pro-
gram and it should be a county -wide program. There are several
municipalities which are now presently engaged in that type of
program, like Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Beach; all the munici-
palities and the County should be involved in the program. It's
an outstanding program and does a great deal of service to the
youth of this county.
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Duran, we are happy to have you here and
to tell you that as a member of the School Board we appreciate
that the School Board implemented the after school care program
which the City of Miami so generously donated a hundred and fifty
thousand dollars from revenue sharing funds for this implementa-
tion. Now it would be our hope and desire --because we have re-
ceived --and I am sure the other Commissioners and the Mayor have
received --mail commending us and commending the School Board for
initiating the after -school program for children of working
mothers. I would like to see this Commission go on record ask-
ing Dade County to set aside some money from revenue sharing that
they receive for the county wide program, so that it can be ex-
panded in that direction, and I am asking you your opinion whether
the School Board would, you as one member, would be in favor of
that?
Mr. Duran: I would certainly. The School Board is very
grateful for the funds that were provided by the City of Miami
for that program. That is an outstanding program, and I think
a program that can help alleviate a great deal of social and
economic problems, both in the City and the County. So, I would
personally be favorable to it.
Mrs. Gordon: If this Commission passes a resolution today
to Metro asking them to support from their revenue sharing funds
this program, could we ask, then, that you might consider such
a resolution to your board also asking them to help fund this
kind of a program.
Mr. Duran: I would be very happy to submit a proposal to
the Board.
Mrs. Gordon: All right, if the Mayor would entertain it,
I would ask the City Attorney to prepare this kind of a resolu-
tion for presentation to this Commission later in the day, and to
urge Dade County to expand the after -school day care program for
children of working mothers.,
5-9-74
41
MAY " 91974
Mr. Duran: And Mr. Mayor, if I may, in regard to placing
the item on the agenda, if either the City Manager or Chief
Garmire will get in contact with me as to when they want to ap-
pear, I will see to it that they are placed on the agenda.
Mayor Ferre: I would also like to request, Mr. Andrews,
an a wearance before the Metro Commission on this item, and I
would like for the administration to prepare all the data and
information --and I don't mean to be knocking Metro --I hope no-
body takes it that way --but the City of Miami is doing a really
exceptional job with real meager resources. We are always cry-
ing about crime and the problems of crime and that we need more
people on the street, and you know that I have been certainly a
participant and a supporter of the Chief's request to get more
people. However, we cannot ever get away from the fact that by
attacking the conclusions rather than the source of the problem
we are really never going to make an impact. The trouble is that
we have got an 18% increase and we have got fires to put out,
and then we have a tendency to pull away from what we really
should be ddng, which is an educational program, long-term. We
should be working on the ten year olds and the twelve year olds
now, so that when they become the sixteen year olds they are not
the ones that are going to be --and that's only three or four
years away from now. 8o this program at the school age is some-
thing that I really think is important, and while the Fire Chief
is here I would like to ask, is there any way we could also in-
volve the Fire Department, perhaps, in some kind of a program.
I am not trying to imply, Chief, that the Fire Department is
going to take over the role of the Police Department, but I think
that on this educational program that you presently have, where
you have an officer in each school, perhaps if we spread this and
get the Fire Department involved. It won't be the same; I realize
that --we might be able to go back and forth between the Fire
Department and the Police Department. We might have a man there
for three or four months and then maybe move a fireman in, and
if he is trained for that type of thing we might be able to use
our resources a little bit better that way. It is just an idea.
So, would you, Mr. Andrews, also contact the Metro Manager and
see if we can get on. I would prefer to go before the School
Board first and then, if they concur with us, even if they don't
come up with any money, then perhaps, Fred, you might come with
us, or someone on the School Board might come and appear with us
before Metro to see if we can get this program implemented.
Mr. Weeks: My name is Jerry Weeks. I live at 500 NE 35th
Street. On March 17, 1972, I gave the auto theft a deal on an
insurance fraud for a stolen Cadillac, retail at about three
thousand dollars, which they didn't follow through on. I recov-
ered the car. They came down at night and took the car away
from my house, asking me to find the thieves for them, when I had
them all on 35th Street and Biscayne Boulevard in the afternoon
they were supposed to give me the cover. I gave them a used car
dealer who had stolen cars. One was a 1969 Pontiac. The Auto
Theft didn't follow through on that for three weeks, and I sent
the letter, as Mr. Plummer told me to, to Mr. Andrews and Internal
Review. I had already sent it to Internal Review. Pr. Andrews has
the letter. I sent this letter to Chief Garmire. Then I turned
in a child abuse case---
5-9-74
Li
MAY -91974
Mayor Ferre (intEIrrupting): I'll tell you what I'd like
for you to do, because we are about a half hour behind schedule.
Have you talked to the Chief on this?
Mr. Weeks: No, he don't talk to me, but I sent him the
letter, registered. And the City Manager doesn't.
Mayor Ferre: Why don't you get the gentleman and the Chief
to meet and talk right now --don't go; as soon as we finish with
the other part of the program we are going to stay and listen to
you, but t want you face to face ---
Mr. Weeks: I hope that you people will listen to me, and
you will understand what is going on in the City.
Mayor Ferre: We are going to listen to you, but I want you
to meet face to face with Mr. Garmire right now, and after you
have done that you come and tell us. We are not going anywhere.
You have my commitment that we will listen to you after we finish
with this historical presentation. Chief, would you meet with
this gentleman and discuss this matter with him.
5-9-74
MAY -91974
s
s
17. OMA X THEATRE FESTIVAL OF GREATER MIAMI REQUEST i OR
ASSISTANCE:
Mayor Ferre: We have Alan Radcliffe Who is here in our midst
and I asked him to come. Alan, could you do this in two min-
utes? You can't, how much time do you need?
Mr. Radcliffe: Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen of the Com-
mission thank you for allowing me to address you about the
Omni -Theatre festival of Greater Miami which you perhaps have
read about in the newspapers, magazines and heard about on
television. In 1926 Miami had the largest repertory theatre
in the United States and there is a gentleman here who can
tell us more about that and I'm going to get history from
him. What happened since then in a city that was so theatre
conscious is quite alarming except that in the past two years
we're coming to a position like that and I believe that in
the near future Omni -Theatre Festival will put the cap on
this cultural explosion that some of us are aware of in this
community. Omni -Theatre Festival brings together and unites
all the theatre units of Dade County;;The Coconut Grove Play -
House, The Players Repertory, Ruth Foreman's Theatre, The
University of Miami, FIU, the Junior Colleges, Florida Memor-
ial and so on, Black Ethnic Theatre, :Spanish.Ethnic Theatre,
Yiddish Ethnic Theatre, all the theatre groups in this com-
munity are joined under the banner'of.Otnrii-Theatre Festival.
We will do approximately 30 to 40 of the greatest plays of
the twentieth century written by American playwrites. That
means that in each theatre, every week or every two weeks
there will be another opening of some great American play
from Eugene O'Neil to William and everything in between.
In January of 1976 we hope to come aboard the bi-centennial,
Mr. Sylvan Meyer is here and we have discussed that and that
will make us a full fledged effort on the national level.
But we expect beginning next November to take an actual pos-
ition with Omni -Theatre Festival. We have a national board
composed of illustrious names like George Abbott, Arthur Kanter,
Jason Robards, Arlene Francis and so on who are already our
national advisory board, so we will moving into that position.
What this will do, we feel will be to Coordinate a major cul-
tural program for our entire community and turn the nation
around to look at us and say "look what's happening in Miami",
that's the purpose of it, we've had problems with theatres,
we've had difficulties of failures, of bankruptcies and we're
always putting our finger in the dike:
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Radcliffe, excuse me for interrupting you
but this is not a scheduled item. -I just wanted to have you
here. I know you came to me and'talked to me and I asked you
also to talk to the Metro Commission. Have you done that?
Mr. Radcliffe: Yes. We did that onTuesday.. We received
unanimous approval, endorsement and 'pv.t.into budget consid-
eration for the July budget.
Mayor Ferre: All right. You realms; that•.this does not
commit us in any way at this point ut I:wou d.like to re-
quest the approval of the rest o#. t4e,,..ppnitis4,on ,that we,
and I'm sorry that we didn't get to it::f ieut, i thought
we were going to have that ` '"' n.
9 g priv�.�.gi�lg@, �. I �t3wder+stand that
you had to talk to the Metro Com ►i si,on so-Z' want' this to
be a part of our budget hearings. lol Andreipvs, will you
have someone in the administration meet with Mr. Radcliffe
to go over the figures and what's involved and also keep in
contact with Metro to see what they're doing.
U
4ti
MAY " 91974
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Mayor, may we offer our congratulations to
Mr. Alan Radcliffe for having been selected the outstanding
citizen of the year in the past week or ten days.
Mayor Ferre: And that's a double honor because you got one
from the Governor recently, didn't you?
Mr. Radcliffe: Yes, a fine arts award for 1974.
Mayor Ferre: What are you going to do with all of those
awards?
Mr. Radcliffe: Well I'll start competing with yours, Mr.
Mayor. Thank you very much.
Mr. Lloyd: Mr. Mayor, are you satisfied with the record
which you have established as indicating your intent or would
you wish for us to draw up a resolution to that affect?
Mayor Ferre: I think you ought to draw up a resolution.
Al, you understand that this in no way committs this Commis-
sion to anything at this point?
Mr. Radcliffe: I understand and I have a.file for the Com-
mission to study. With whom may, I leave it?
Mayor Ferre: With Mr. Andrews: This just establishes our
principle that we're interested in bringing this into budget
considerations.
Mr. Lloyd: May I ask Mr. Radcliffe a question, Mr. Mayor?
With that file that you've given Mr. Andrews, will that give
us sufficient information to draw up a resolution as the Mayor
and the Commission wants?
Mr. Radcliffe: Yes, I think so because in it there is an
endorsement from the Secretary of State and an endorsement
from Dr. Henry King Stanford, endorsement from Third Century
and so on. The preliminary fact sheet is there explaining
the entire program.
Mayor Ferre: Thank you very much.
18. HISTORICAL MARKER PRESENTATION BY THIRD CENTURY U.S.A.
& HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA:
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Sylvan Meyer, the chairman of the Third
Century U.S.A. and Admiral Irvin Stephens, President of the*
Historical Association, gentlemen.
Mr. Meyer: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, thank
you for having us here today for this very unusual and signi-
ficant occasion. I represent,Third Century U.S.A., the spon-
soring organization of this historical marker about which you
will hear more later. Third Century is Dade County's central
coordinating and umbrella organization for the observation of
America's two hundredth birthday and I would like to say while
I have this platform that we already have more than a thou-
sand volunteers engaged in our efforts and we are eager to
have more and eager to involve other institutions in the com-
munity in the bi-centennial effort. There is a particular
significance in today's occasion because it is the first his-
torical event relating to Miami's heritage and Miami's past
associated with what we like to call the Bi-Centennial Year.
4L
To tell you about it, I'm honored to introduce to you Admiral
Irvin Stephens who is president of the Historical Association
Of South Florida. Thank you.
Admiral Stephens: Thank you Sylvan, Mr. Mayor, Commissioners.
t have been alloted two minutes and I'm going to use one Min-
ute of that time. I'm representing not only the Historical
Association as its Prec ident but in a sense, the Greater Miami
Chamber of Commerce as chairman of the New Miami Action Com-
mittee because this is something involving downtown. My real
purpose is to tell you briefly that the historical association
of course, as you know, located by the Museum of Science over
near Vizcaya is a going organization. These are the types of
matters that we are very much interested in. We do have a
very nice establishment there. If you haven't been over come
on over and I'll give you our best forty cent tour. To keep
the program going I would like now to pass it on to Mr. Wayne
Withers who actually wears two hats. He is chairman of the
Miami Memorial Committee and chairman of the Marker Committee
of the Historical Association. Wayne.
Mr. Wayne Withers: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission,
ladies and gentlemen. The marker that we are about to unveil
commemorates the 1567 of Don Pedro Menendez De Aviles near
the mouth of the Miami River. The marker will eventually be
placed in front of the Miami Public Library between the li-
brary and Biscayne Boulevard. The Menendez marker is one of
several commemorative programs scheduled for Miami's Bi- Cen-
tennial Celebration. The marker focuses on the fact that
some of the areas history is significantly early and out-
standingly colorful. The Historical Association has recently
commissioned a large painting of the Menendez landing which
is exhibited at our museum not too far from here. I won't
take the time to read the text of the marker, however the
programs are available here in the room and have the text of
the marker on the back of the program. I would like now to
call on Mr. Duran who will give you the text of the marker
in Spanish.
Mr. Alfredo G. Duran, Historical Association: Mr. Mayor,
members of the Commission, ladies and gentlemen, I would
like to make a translation of this historical marker which
reads as follows:
Thereupon the text of the marker was read in Spanish
by Mr. Duran.
Mr. Duran: Now, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners, I would like to
introduce to you, to make the unveiling of the marker, the
Honorable Vicente Ramirez Montesinos, Consul General of Spain.
Mayor Ferre: Don Vicente, we will proceed this way. We will
listen to your words then I will accept the marker from here
so that we can do the speech making and get that portion over
with and then the whole Commission will go down to the floor
and we'll do the unveiling at that time so that we can do all
of the speech making and then the action part comes next.
All right? It is a pleasure to have you with us today.
Hon. Vicente Ramirez Montesinos: Mr. Mayor, I am very proud
to represent Spain at this ceremony which definitely emphasizes
my country's outstanding role not only in the history of
Florida, but in so many people residing in the State of Flor-
ida and especially in Miami. I can tell you, Mr. Mayor that
I am very proud of being a Spaniard in Miami where more than
400,000 people of Spanish descent live, where the Spanish
4fU
culture is so much alive and I would like to say, so much of
your American culture. Mr. Mayor, I am very proud that I know
that you come, you and your family, from the same cultural
background that I come from. Mr. Mayor and City Commissioners,
I would like to thank you very much for the attention you pay
always for the cultural achievements of Spain, for the Spanish
heritage of Florida and especially for your hospitality and
your attention to everybody who lives in this town of Spanish
origin. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Ferre: Thank you very much, Don Vicente. On behalf of
the City of Miami and on behalf of this Commission, I am very
honored to be able to accept this plaque. I feel most fort-
unate to have been asked to receive this plaque marking the
place where Admiral Pedro Menendez De Aviles landed 407 years
ago and as I am sure most of you know, I was born in Puerto
Rico and it was sailing from Puerto Rico that the adelantado
Juan Ponce de Lecn under a Spanish grant discovered the State
of Florida, what is now the State of Florida a few years after
Christopher Columbus discovered the new world. The tradit-
ions or at least the traditions that start with the European
arrival in the State of Florida go back to over four hundred
years and start very close to the discovery of the New World
by Columbus. Fifty years later after Juan Ponce de Leon was
wounded in his second expedition to Florida and died in Cuba,
Admiral Menendez de Avile,a, following the orders of Phillip II
of Spain, came to these shores and became the first governor
of Florida in 1567. That shows how the small land of my birth,
Puerto Rico and the destinies of Florida are so closely later -
twined. We have many Spanish speaking friends that now live
in this community and actually throughout the State of Florida.
We have people that have distinguished themselves in many
walks of life, the sciences, doctors, lawyers, academicians,
We have here today the honor of having in our midst, Dr. Jose
Valsedo who is a man in his own right of great eminence not
only here in Miami but throughout the Spanish speaking world
who has represented the United States on many important mis-
sions, who has distinguished himself in the University world,
the intellectual world, a member of the Royal Spanish Academy
and a man much recognized in his field. I'm glad that he is
here because he is representative of the highlights of our
culture of which we are all so proud of. The State of Florida
now has over 600,000 people that either Spanish speaking or
descendants of the Spanish Speakinguworld between the 400,000
in Miami and the 200,000 people from Tampa to St. Augustine,
to Key West and therefore, it is an important part of our
tradition. I might mention just as a sideline, we have people
in our community, for example, like Mr. Leonard Usina who no
one would think is a Spanish descendant but he is, he is from
St. Augustine. Frank:Cobo here, is from Key West and we have
many friends throughout the State government, for example,
Senator Louis de la Parte froth Tampa speaks perfect Spanish
and he's a third generation in this country. So the State of
Florida does have indeed a historical and a tradition. I
might just mention for the record and because of the import-
ance of this moment that Menendez de Aviles' goal was the
taking of Fort Caroline which at that time was an important
French posession. France was in those days extremely deter-
mined to establish herself permanently in the south-eastern
part of the United States and as all of you can remember,
France was establishing herself very firmly in the North
American continent in t�'he Canadian region and it wasn't clear-
ly determined at that point of history whether the great co-
lonial power of the world was going to be France or England
or Spain who was still very much in the picture. France, of
course, eventually established herself firmly in this contin-
ent but lost out to Great Brittain in the war which eventually
4'1
MAY - 91974
eliminated her from this part of the world and therefore our
traditions for the most part, at least in the United States
has been Anglo-Saxon. The task of Menendez de Aviles and the
people that came with him was at that point a very important
historical task because it was the elimination of France from
this part of the world and that was indeed a very important
thing to both the crown of Spain and to Phillip II and to
England. Nature has played, in different instances, an over-
whelming role in world hitetory and in that particular case a
hurricane made it impossible for the French to get into the
bay. Several of their vessels were destroyed and not a few
of their men perished. It was then that the Spanish Admiral
decided to attack Fort Caroline by land and so many of his
enemies were killed that the name of that place was changed
from Fort Caroline to Matanzas which in Spanish comes from
the word meter which means slaughtering. It shows you how
in history the names of places change.
The sixteenth century Spaniard was a compulsive man. To
move forward was imperative to him and this was in the trad-
ition of people like Cortez, Pizarro and De Soto who also •
came to Florida, Balboa and many others. Meandez de Aviles
was no exception to this so he kept going north and founded
Florida's oldest town, St. Augustine that was to be the pa-
triarch city of the Continental United States, although not
as ancient as Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan. So, when in
1821 Spain ceded Florida to the United States, a relation of
centuries between the Anglo-Saxon and the Hispanic civilizat-
ion had been launched.
Miami is becoming, more and more, an outstanding bi-
lingual community. If well -guided, the culture of both the
Americas could bloom here, providing we forget prejudices,
self -interests, and futile nationalisms substituted by en-
lightenment,°mutual respect, and faith in our intellectually
enriched future. Then all of us, and the generations to come,
will realize that today we are celebrating an epoch-making
event. Then we will accomplish the ideal of the most repre-
sentative poets of the North and of the South parts of this
hemisphere. Let's remember Walt Whitman's words in his
Song to the Broad -Axe --"Welcome are all earth's lands, each
for its kind." And Walt Whitman also said "A great city is
that which has the greatest men and women, If it be a few
ragged huts it's still the greatest city in the whole world."
I think the meaning of that is that we as a city are a liv-
ing entity made up of people of diverse cultures, one citizen-
ship, but diverse cultures. And as we learn to learn from
each other and as we learn to take from the past, if we can
take from the past successfully we can build for the future.
I think that that's the importance of the historical society.
That's the great importance of the Bi-Centennial Committee.
That's the great importance of the plaque that we're unveil-
ing here today. Let it be a symbol, let it be a light for us
to be proud of our past recognizing that to be a living city
full of life, vitality, creativeness, looking to the future,
we can only do this if we recognize the past. Understanding
the past not for what it is alone but what it can help to
mold us to be. Out of this marriage can come newness, new
ideas and vitality and that's what Walt Whitman meant when
he said "Only if a few huts are there, if the people that
are involved are great people then it will be a great city."
I think we have some great people in our midst who are con-
scious of the past. We thank the Historical Society and in
the name of the City of Miami, I accept this maaument. Thank
you very much.
Representatives of Congressman William Lehman, Mayor
Jack Orr and Mayor John Stembridge were present for the
presentation.
46 MAY ' 91974
19, MIAMI TOROS - ?ROC/ AMATIONi
Mayor Ferre: It is now my pleasure to make a proclamation
on behalf of the Miami Toros. The Miami Toros is a soccer
team which is doing much credit to':this community in con-
tinning the great tra&.tions of making Miami indeed the Sports
Capital of the United States. I would like to read the pro-
clamation:
Whereas the heartiest wishes of all Miamians are sincere-
ly extended to the Miami Toros and coach John Young for a
successful '74 season in the North American Soccer League
and whereas the Miami Toros are constantly gaining an ever
greater backing of support from Miami sportsfans for their
determined playing, helping make our city truly the Sports
Capital of the World, and whereas the presence of the Toros
in Miami focuses National and International publicity on Miami
lending immeasurably to our cosmopolitain image, and whereas
the Miami Toros will kick off their home season game against
Toronto at 8:00 P.M., May 10th at the Orange Bowl. Now there-
fore, I Maurice Ferre, as Mayor of the City of Miami do hereby
proclaim Friday, May 10, as Miami Toros Day.
20. COMPLAINT - POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Jerry Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. On March 17, 1972 I call-
ed the Auto Theft and told them I had an insurance fraud deal
on a '70 Cadillac. They told me to go ahead and make the
deal. It was 1 O'clock in the afternoon and I won't bore
you with the details. Mr. Andrews got the letter
Mr. Plummer: Sir, where is the Chief?
Mr. Weeks: He had to leave.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor,;I heard you guarantee this man that
he would get to confront.the Chief face to face.
Mayor Ferre: He did, now he's talking to us.
Mr. Weeks: I didn't give him all of it but he got part of
it. If you Commissioners would like to see this you would
see the negligence of the Auto Theft, if you want to put it
that way. The next thing I'll bring up, I had a child abuse
case I turned in. The Chief talks about felony arrests,
everything felony arrests. This officer wrote "I have a half
cocked gun which I'm going to use." He wrote, "I'm going to
blow your head off if you don't drop the complaint cause I
have a half cocked gun which I am going to use."
Mayor Ferre: Who said that?
Mr. Weeks: A police officer wrote this on a complaint that
I was making about a child abuse case.
Mayor Ferre: Wait a minute, you've got to be kidding. You
mean to say that a police officer Jirote that?
Mr. Weeks: He wrote it.
Mayor Ferre: Have you got a copy of it? Let me see it.
He wrote this on a summons? Where does this come from?
"I'm going to blow your head off if you don't drop the com-
plaint because I've a half coked gun which I'm going to use•"
4:� MAY • 91974
•
"The victim then replied that 1 have a gun of my own and I'in
not afraid of you." 1 don't understand this. Is he admitt-
ing that he said that?
Mr. Plummer: That's narrative.
Mayor Ferre: But that's your narrative, that's not the pol-
iceman's narrative.
Mrs. Gordon: Who put that on paper?
Mayor Ferre: What is the date on this, when did this happen?
December 3, 1973. Paul, I really can't believe that a police-
man of the City of Miami would make a statement like that. I
can't believe it. "I have a half cocked gun which I'm going
to use and I'm going to blow your head off if you don't drop
the complaint."
Mr. Plummer: Now wait a minute, that's not the policeman's
statement. You and who else were involved in this?
Mayor Ferre: Let's go over it again. "The victim stated
that on this date at approximately 1600 hours, a neighbor,
William Richard followed the victim home." You're the vic-
tim. "When the victim got out of his car Richard approached
him and said." Hey, I don't appreciate this at all. I don't
like you inferring. Yes, you understand what I'm saying.
You're trying to make this look as if a policeman said this,
now that's not so.
Mr. Weeks: A policeman wrote this, sir.
Mayor Ferre: A policeman wrote it but he didn't say that.
Who is Mr. Richard?
Mr. Weeks: Richards didn't say that. That's why I brought
this out.
Mayor Ferre: It says "Richards said". He's not a policeman-
Who said it.
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Mayor, could we ask you to have that memeo-
graphed and all of us get a copy and talk about it later? I
think at this point all of us are tremendously confused about
what the paper says and who said what.
Mayor Ferre: Well, it is very clear. The implication was
that a policeman said it...
Mrs. Gordon: But it isn't so.
Mr. Weeks: (Inaudible)
Mayor Ferre: This is December 1973. Ok, go back to the
microphone and finish your statement. You sure got me ex-
cited for a moment.
Mr. Weeks: I didn't mean to get you excited I just wanted
to explain that I wouldn't sign something that wasn't true
to get somebody a felony arrest.
Mayor Ferre: You've got another 5 minutes and then we're
going to break up.
Mr. Weeks: Ok. I'll try not to even take that long. Here's
the copy of internal review. I don't know if you can copy
550
MAY ' 91974
this, Mr. Andrews, or not, on the stolen cars. I called
about a prowler at 2 O'clock in the horning. This is what
happened to Me, this is the way I looked. Mr. Plummer read
this, the condition I'm in from the V.A. Hospital which isn't
very good. 1 was put in jail, put away from a breathing
machine, not allowed to have one, almost suffocated. They
don't put an animal in a place like that. The Department of
Agriculture wouldn't let you put an animal in a place which
is supposed to be a sick cell. We have another felony arrest,
I was arrested for a felony the magistrate threw it out. The
officer inscribed his initials on my gun, on the clip of the
gun and on the gun itself. The magistrate threw the case out
of court because it happened in my own yard and I didn't have
a concealed weapon. I was charged with felony with a conceal-
ed firearm, not a concealed weapon. This is how the Police
Department has changed completely, from giving them stolen
cars, from giving them pot, they've changed to where they
are out to get you, arrests, arrests, arrests. They've almost
killed me by not letting me make bond when they put me in
jail. I've been arrested twice in Miami in 17 years and
both of them have been in the last 6 or 8 months and both
of them in my own yard where I've rented for ten years. So,
I thought that when you read this in the papers you help
the police, and they aren't out for arrests. They are for
arrests, they don't care what they do to you and its the
young police officers that do that.
Mr. Plummer: Where's the report from internal security, let
me see that. Where's the internal security report? Ok.
That's what I want a copy of. That's where I'll find out.
Mayor Ferre: Anything else that is to be brought up before
this Commission? Mr. Andrews, how do we leave this gentle-
man now?
Mr. Andrews: We have received his letter and we are looking
into it and I can't give you an answer at this time but the
only assurance that I can give you is that we are looking
into the matter.
Mayor Ferre: All right. You will be getting in touch with
us.
Mr. Andrews: Yes. We have his letter.
21. MAP IN CITY HALL LOBBY - UPDATING:
Mrs. Gordon: The map outside in the lobby area is so far out
of date, I wonder if the Administration could update it or
get us a new one. Also at the same time try to obtain for us
some kind of a small map give away because people coming in
here to City Hall do request directions. It would be very
helpful to be able to give them a small map of the City.
Mr. Andrews: We looked into, some time ago trying to replace
that map with a similar map. It just isn't available. What
we can do, however, is remove that map and replace it with a
different kind of map.
Mrs. Gordon: Anything you do to update it would be very sat-
isfactory.
Another thing that I would like to say that I think is
significant since we are a bi-lingual county, everybody ought
to know that the City of Miami is now bi-cultural because if
MAY 91974
yOu go upstairs you can get yourself a cup of Amerio r,n coffee
and you can also get yourself a cup of cafe cubano. Thanks to
Cafe Estrella because we're not paying for it, they just want
to make us happy. Muehas Graciaa.
Mayor Ferre: I wish you would say thanks to Estrella again
because 2 have a lot tc, be thankful for too.
NOTE: The Commission recessed at 12:36 and reconve ned at
2:10 P.M. with all Commissioners present.
22. "LITTLE HAVANA" AREA OF SW 8TH STREET - REQUEST TO
BEAUTIFY - CUBAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION:
Mayor Ferre: We have with us the President of the Latin
American Chamber of Commerce, Luis Sabines, an illustrious
representative of the Cuban community and indeed the entire
Spanish speaking community. And with him also, is a man
that needs no introduction in the chambers or anywhere in
Miami. He's not only an able representative of the Latin
community but a friend of untold number of people that he's
helped in the many years of civil service and people oriented
programs that he's been involved with. Carlos, it's always
good to have you here.
Mr. Carlos B. Fernandez: Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Gordon and gentlemen
members of the Commission, I'm here on behalf of the S.W. 8th
Street Committee which is a committee formed by the Latin
Chamber of Commerce and also on behalf of the Cuban Cultural
Foundation. I would like to remind you that the S.W. 8th
Street Committee was formed....
Mr. Fernandez: You may proceed, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to re-
mind you because I think Commissioner Plummer remembers the
struggle and the fight we had when the Department of Trans-
portation of the State of Florida wanted to change some of
the things already established on S.W. 7 and 8 Streets. That
committee was formed at that time but then we remained in
action and we then started to think about the remodeling and
beautifying of S.W. 8 Street thinking that S.W. 8th Street
was the heart of the "Little Havana" district. I don't know
if you all remember that the Attorney General of the State of
Florida, Bob Shevin was chairman of a committee appointed by
the then Commission of the City of Miami back in 1961 or 1962
I believe. Bob Shevin at the time, had this committee and
after 6 months of study and work recommended to the City the
creation of a Latin Quarter. I believe that he was suggest-
ing that this Latin Quarter be very close to the downtown
area. I remember that I read the report, I don't have one
at hand,I don't know whether one is still available or a
copy thereof in files of the City. We do not have in mind
such an ambitous project as the one that Bob Shevin recomend-
ed at the time nor do we have in mind a project that Bill
Colson also at one time had which more or less similar to
the one of Bob Shevin but which was in and around the area
of the courthouse. 1 think this was one of Bill,Colson'e
ideas about 5 or 6 years ago. Because of the Government
Center and so forth the plans that Bill Colson had presented
was Set aside. Our project is not as ambitious as that one
either. Our project in to remodel the S.W. 8 Street in order
to have some green areas. We know that there are sidewalks
which are wide enough, that trees and ornamental plants could
be planted there. We know that something like was done on
Flagler Street and something like was done on Miracle Mile,
that it could be done there so with that in mind we proceded
to make a study of this and very briefly, I'm going to call
on certain individuals. The first one is Maria Elaina Torono
who is with the Bi-Centennial Commission and she's going to
tell us more about it.
Maria Elaina Torono: Mayor Ferre and City Commissioners, I
am project director with Third Century U.S.A., the official
Bi-Centennial Organization of Miami and I am going to be talk-
ing on behalf of the S.W. 8th Street project. A renovation
and beautification project which was one of the first incor-
porated to the bi-centennial activities originating with the
Latin community. I think that the history of S.W. 8th Street
is very close to the Cuban development in this area. I think
that before it was a drab looking corridor and now it reflects
the energies, the activities of this restless, in some ways,
group. It is a center of trade and it could also be a tour-
ist attraction for the City. Before I was with Eastern Air-
lines and I remember I used to take travel writers to this
S.W. 8th Street area and it lacked an identity. They could
see the restaurants, they could see the Bodegas, they could
see the bakeries but it was not like an Ybor City in Tampa,
it was not like a French Quarter in New Orleans and I think
that this is something that is going to benefit not only the
Cuban community but also Miami. I know that there are great
plans for cultural and artistic activities to take place
there with the coming of 1976. I think that the Cuban Com-
munity is anxious to participate in the bi-centennial and
they do need an to carry on these activities. We
really urge the City Commissioners of the City of Miami to
look into it, to request from their Planning Board to see
what can be done. All we're asking for is appropriate light-
ing in the typical Spanish Manner which could be maybe worked
through the Consul General later on. We're asking for benches,
we're asking for greenery, green areas. We're asking for
open spaces in the way of mini plazas and I think that also
is in the agenda. So it is not much that we want, but we
do want something before 1976.
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Acton, may I ask you a question? Will you
try to think back if you can, to a number of years ago prior
to my Commission days cause I was a Planning Board member at
the time, that I asked the Department to consider the, what-
ever might be done to transform that portion of S.W. 8th Street
to a typical"Latin Flabor" is the wording that was at that
time used. Have you any recollections about anything that
was done regarding that or any plans that you may have in the
files pertaining to it? It also at that time included, if I
recall, the cooperation of the property owners that some of
them would be desirous of adding some Spanish architectural
additions to the fronts of their buildings just to enhance
the flavor again. I'm asking you specifically because I re-
call this being an item that we discussed that many years
ago. It was at the time that the monument was put up on 13th
and 8th. I take credit for that, at least for selecting the
location as being typical Latin for its location.
PtMY 91974
Mr. Acton: Commissioner Gordon, I don't recall that exact
incident although I do recall it at different periods of time.
The question has come up about what can the City of Miami do
to plan to develop the Trail in the manner that would identi-
fy it as the center for Spanish culture within Dade County.
But to be quite honest, the Planning Department outside of
working with and being aware of what the State Department of
Transportation plans oA doing along the trail has done very
little in the way of actual planning for it although as you
know, perhaps you're referring to the "Little Havana Study"
which was requested probably about a year ago and we are in
public hearings on this item at the Planning Advisory Board
level now.
Mrs. Gordon: No, that's not what I'm talking about. Ok.
Ms. Torono: Well we have in mind like maybe to get some
Spanish looking lampposts with proper and average lighting
that meets the standards. I am sure the Consul General from
Spain can help us with that. Now we want green areas with
flowers, maybe palm trees if they don't get the blight or
something, that is going around. But we want the intersection
changed where it can have space to plant trees there. We
want the benches for people to be able to sit down and talk.
They're not talking about going back to Cuba, not much any
more but we're talking about what we can help with the Miami
development in the area and how we can become a part of and
become real Cuban Americans. That's more or less what we
have in mind.
Mayor Ferre: Cuban Americans and other Spanish Americans of
which there are 60,000 of in the community.
Ms. Torono: Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. And also open space or
mini parks.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank you Maria Elaina. We're not through.
We have other business and other persons to say something in
regards to this. I want to call on Alonso Menendez who is a
member of the Committee on 8th Street -- and he's going to
tell us about the merchants on 8th Street and how they feel
about it.
Mr. Reboso: Carlos, let me ask you something. The drawings
that I saw in the Latin Chamber of Commerce, did you bring
those drawings, the perspectives?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes. First I wanted to explain, Alonso to
explain because what we want to do is the owners to work with
the City on this. We asked tc! take pictures of the
existing buildings as they are and how they could look with
a few changes. This is a drawing done by a private....
Mayor Ferre: Judge, is it true that this drawing that you
have in your hand was an architectural rendering that archi-
tect Reboso made while he was studying at Georgia Tech?
You know somebody has been spreading that rumor all over town.
Mr. Fernandez: No, this was Carlos
Mr. Alonso Menendez: Mr.' Mayor and Commissioners, I have
been asked to appear before you today on behalf of several
merchants on S.W. 8th Street. They wholeheartedly back the
beautification of this area as the means to revitalize an
area which although active economical4y, it is really drab
looking and unattractive to people who come in looking for
A:AY -91974
a tittle Havana. They've heard a tot about Little Havana and
they stand there and a3k, '"'here is tittle Havana?" Well we
would like to improve this area to give it the real Latin im-
age, the flavor, the Latiness which Miami does have and which
would help to bring in people to revitalize this area. Thank
you very much.
Mr. Fernandez: Thank ;you, Alonso. We also have an architect,
Rosendo Gonzalez from the University of Miami. Rosendo.
Mr. Rosendo Lopez: My name is Rosendo Llopez and I come from
the Center for Urban Study at the University of Miami. The
Community Development Division is an integral part ofthe
Center for Urban and Regional Studies of the University of
Miami. This division has been established as a result of
the university's desire to assist the low-income communit-
ies and organizations and individuals. 'Our division attempts
to invoke public spirited organizations and public agencies
in endeavoring to improve upon the quality of life of the
urban dwellers. With great pleasure and sense of justice
the Community Development Division and the Center for Urban
and Regional Studies at the university endorse the over all
concept and the preliminary studies that Third Century'U.S.A.
has for improving S.W. 8th Street.. S.W. 8th,Street is more
than a commercial strip. It is astage where political phil-
osophies are exchanged, a place where Cubans of allsbcial
strata meet to maintain alive'their.cultu;al backgspOd. As
of now this Cuban strip lacks the'physsical�identity _hat
would go hand in hand with the''idiosyncrasy and 'the t y of
life of the Cuban population. The Community Developptint
Division is anxious to render its technical assistand'e to
Third Century U.S.A. in carrying out its plans and dreams.
Thank you.
Mr. Fernandez: Now Mr. Mayor, I presume that maybe we should
get down to specifics. Before we get down to specifics I
would like to state that not only the merchants, some of them
own their own buildings and others have long term leases.
But also, architects and engineers and other type of -people
involved in the profession of decorating and building and re-
modeling have expressed their desire to cooperate,- What we
would like for the City to do at this time, in which we are
just in the preliminaries of this project, is to get the en-
dorsement of the City to go ahead further on this matter.
For the City to maybe request the Planning Department to pre-
pare some kind of a feasibility study.
Mayor Ferre: All right, Judge, let me ask you this. You
have a committee, right?
Mr. Fernandez: Yes.
Mayor Ferre: It's a non-profit committee duly registered
and so on. It has a president andxthe president is who?
Mr. Fernandez: Actually the S.W. 8th Street Committee or
the Latin Chamber of Commerce is tie one that has been work-
ing on this for the last two years'but then we have joined
efforts with Maria Elaina Torono and the Cuban�.Cu2tural Found-
.
ation • L �. ^ i �H . . ; A ,
Mayor Ferre: This is just myrpa j,c ar kdea. You know the
Federal Government, and I think t' snakes. a lot of. sense, does-
n't like multi -purpose organizations because they get confus-
ed. You know, you have twenty goals and then they all get all...
Get a one -purpose group, one purpose. The Latin Chamber can
„ 50
NA; ,: s# 4974
back it, the Cultural Committee, there is only one purpose,
that's this project. 1 think you ought to get yourself a
committee and a chairman and all of that and have just one
purpose. Then I think we ought to meet with the proper de-
partment and go over the ground work. Let me tell you what
is involved, a lot: of work because the intersection of Flag-
ler Street and let, two years ago when it was done cost eighty
thousand dollars and of course they went first class but you
want this first class too. So you're talking about a sub-
stantial sum of money. I happen to be in favor of the pro-
ject as you all know but this Commission has to deliberate
because we've got some important decisions to make as to how
we allocate money.
Mr. Fernandez: I realize that, Mr. Mayor. We just want to
start the ball rolling because we don't know how much money
it is going to cost.
Mayor Ferre: Your time is short so you have tomove very
quickly now because we start budget hearings in another coup-
le of months and things are going to happen very very quickly.
I understand, and there is a precedent in this Commission
for that. We allocated how much for African Square?
Mr.Andrews: The $58,000 is one allocation for African Square
for its operation but there are monies which will be spent
for the Martin Luther King Boulevard Bond Issue to develop
the park at African Square so there is a considerable sum
that is going to be spent there.
Mrs. Gordon: May I ask you something, Mr. Manager, since
you're acquainted with the possible funding sources? Could
there possibly be some money for something like this by way
of a grant? Federal Grant on the basis of historical per-
haps, or on the basis of cultural, artistic, I'm not sure
under which category we could find the money but maybe some
of the money could be found.
Mayor Ferre:
Nixon who is
Mrs. Gordon:
Rose, there is a fellow by the name of Richard
sitting on more things.
I know but there are some things he hasn't
quite covered yet.
Mr. Andrews: I think you're headed in the right direction
Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, having them appoint
or identify with a one purpose committee without spending a
great deal of time and effort in a lot of elaborate plans to
get that purpose singled down into a preliminary plan cover-
ing the area they want and then at that point having the City
assist them with the county and the state because this is a
state arterial street and certainly will need to be coordin-
ated and it gets real complicated. But the City of Miami can
assist in being the catalyst to see what can be done but un-
til we know more precisely what it is they want to do...
Mayor Ferre: Let me put it in another context. If we can
spend $550,000 in improving some streets around 81, 82 and
83 in the northeast part of town which is fine, I think we
can certainly spend similar sums of money in improving 8th
Street. Put it in those contexts.
Mrs. Gordon: You know, we've got to think beyond just the
street. It takes more than just the streets to make an at-
mosphere in my opinion and I think you can get cooperation
from the AIA, They are delighted to get a project sometimes
•
of this nature and they'll do it on a,.. What do they call
it? Mr, Reboso, you're an architect what do they call it
when they...
Mr. Lloyd: l think you're talking about a contingency maybe.
Mrs. Gordont No, not a contingency, on a contest kind of an
idea, you know. They do this as a public service.
Mr. Fernandez: Excuse me for interrupting, Mrs. Gordon but
we do have a group of Cuban architects who would lend their
services. We could go ahead with that. We don't need the
City for that.
Mrs. Gordon: But you need money to do the renovations to
those buildings.
Mr. Fernandez: No. Let me be a little more specific. We
have rights -of -ways there that belong to the City, the side-
walks, the streets. We need the cooperation of the City. If
one merchant wants to plant a tree on 8th Street, he cannot
do it.
Mayor Ferre: Let me give you a specific example. That part
of town has not been re -lit yet. You may find out after you
investigate it a little bit that one of those things that
costs three hundred or four hundred dollars, that for $452
you can get one with a different design that may fit into,
might hang instead of.... I think that is the type of thing
that I think they are going to come up with. Now I would
like to suggest, Judge that when you form a one -purpose or-
ganization which is really the way you ought to approach it,
that you then divide into subcommittees, one an architect
sub -committee another one merchants and owners, so that you
get all of the ramifications, professional, the land owners,
the merchants, the people who have economic interests, people
who have an artistic interest in this, cultural people. Dif-
ferent aspects, so that then maybe you can get some attorneys
involved who can then talk to the legal aspects of it and
help our law department in formulating some of these things.
Then meet with the administration to come up with a definit-
ive plan. You've already got part of that because you al-
ready have an outline of an area, you've got 5 blocks that
you want to start with, as I remember. From 12th to 17th,
let's begin. We've got to begin and then after that you've
got to go to the Planning Department, Planning Board and
then go to the City Commission.
Mr. Reboso: Is the Latin Chamber of Commerce a non-profit
organization?
Mr. Fernandez; Yes, the Latin Chamber is a non-profit organ-
ization. What happens is that because of the bi-centennial,
we want to work with the bi-centennial in some of the things
that are going tofgo on 8th Street, however the bi-centennial
is a temporary nature. Even though it would last for a whole
year, the festivities but we're thinking of something of the
nature of being permanent on 8th Street. What we would like
is to have a feeling of the Commission as to whether or not
we can proceed and work with the Planning Department and
start working with them and tell them. For instance, I know
that some of the merchants would like to donate, for instance,
a fountain to be placed on S.W. 22nd Avenue and S.W. 8th Street.
There is room there for a fountain. I know that the merchants
would gladly pay for the fountain and just request from the
city to install it. This is just an example of what we want
to do and if the City Commission gives us the green light,
beoauae we're going to be contending with streete, sidewalks,
illumination and so forth, then we can get together with the
Planning Department.
Mayor Ferre: Now are you going to do this under the Chamber
or are you going to do this as a single purpose?
Mr. Fernandez: I have to meet with them to interpret your
suggestion.
Mayor Ferre: Let me explain it, if the Commission will just
forgive me for just a moment so that those that don't speak
English will understand because I think this is an important
point.
Mrs. Gordon: The motion is what...?
Mayor Ferre: In principle that the City of Miami Commission
goes on record that we like the idea of taking a 5 block sec-
tion of 8th Street and formulating the possibilities of im-
proving it with a Latin atmosphere, that this committee of
the Latin Chamber of Commerce work with the proper depart-
ments of the City of Miami and come back with specific reco-
mmendations at budget time.
Mrs. Gordon: If you shorten that down around 1/10 I think
it will serve it's purpose. How about let's just simply
saying, Mr. Mayor that the Chamber Committee work with the
City Planning Department, in, essence, for the beautification
and development of this area on the Trail.
Mayor Ferre: And come back with specific recommendations at
budget time.
Mrs. Gordon: Yes. It sounds all right.
Mayor Ferre: All right, Mrs. Alexander, do you want to speak
on this matter?
Mrs. Selma Alexander: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commis-
sion, ladies and gentlemen of the Cuban Committee, as a mem-
ber of the Planning Advisory Board of the City of Miami I
guess I cannot speak for them but I can speak as an individ-
ual who serves, we have been concerned for the past three
months with the total little Havana area. We are also con-
cerned with the beautification of S.W. 8th Street. We've
been holding workshops month after month and we feel that we
would be very receptive to any recommendations from this
group and I would hope that this motion on the part of the
City Commission would include the Planning Advisory Board,
otherwise why do you have us?
Mayor Ferre: Of course.
•
Mrs. Gordon: Selma the board would be the receiver of the
consultations that would take place between the committee and
the professional staff and the board would then analyze what
has been presented for recommendation to us.':
Mrs. Alexander: I'm very interested ire what;;they have to
propose, indeed and we are veFy concerned with this and we
want all the input from this group. As a matter of fact we
delayed public hearings for tonight so we would be very happy
to have it.
50
MAY •' 91974
Mayor Ferret Mrs. Alexander, let me ask you a question. You
have been holding workshops haven't you on this?
Mrs. Alexander: Yes, indeed. We've held a work shop and as
a matter of fact, we delayed a public hearing on the Little
Habana because it was set for the afternoon and we on the
board felt that it would be better set for the evening when
we could have more input from the Latin community.
Mayor Ferre: Let me ask you, was the Chamber of Commerce or
any Latin organization invited to these workshops?
Mrs. Alexander: This I would have to defer to Mr. Acton.
They should have been, perhaps.
Mayor Ferre: You see, Mrs. Alexander, the City of Miami
specifically and Mr. Acton's Department specifically, unfort-
unately, we have a history of sometimes not having everybody
participate that ought to be participating.
Mrs. Alexander: This is exactly why we on the board delay-
ed the public hearing on the total workshop, so that the
total Latin community could be notified and invited and come
at an evening hour when it would be more easy for them to
attend.
Mayor Ferre: It really is not of much avail to have workshops
dealing with Little Habana and 8th Street if Little Habana
doesn't participate.
Mrs. Alexander: You are quite right, sir. I couldn't agree
more.
Mayor Ferre: I think it's important th,t you gentlemen and
they recognize' the Planning Board of the City of Miami. You
cannot do this without them and I certainly hope that the
Planning Board and the department here recognizes that when
it deals with peoples' problems that the people that are af-
fected must be involved.
Mrs. Alexander: Well the work shops are generally basic
kinds of recommendations and then subject to public hearing
and that's when we get the input.
Mayor Ferre: Do you remember Mike Calhoun's famous speech
about public hearings?
Mrs. Alexander: Which one?
Mayor Ferre: Well, you know, I don't think there any coubts
about my feelings about Mike Calhoun but on the other hand,
Commissioner Calhoun came here vigorously protesting and he
said he represented the Tiger Tail Association, The Coconut
Grove, this and that and ten other associations that had not
been properly informed and advised and as it happened, we had
had in that particular case, had four public meetings, a whole
series and so on and so forth. But, how many times in this
Commission do we hear this? Most of the time falsely, by the
way. Sometimes it is true that the people were not a part.
Well, we advertise. Yes, but people do not read the class-
ified section of the Miami Herald all the time.
Mrs. Alexander: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor, all I'm doing is
speaking as an individual in the community who happens to be
a member, an appointed member of the Planning Advisory Board
and it is my considered opinion that the essence of that
50
board was that we changed a meeting in order that the total
Little Havana community could be alerted and could be there
bedauee we felt there was not representation. That's our
feeling and so that's what I wanted to shake clear at this
point.
Mayor Ferret Thank you very much, Mrs. Alexander. All right
then, do we have a motion?
Mr. Plummer: What motion is really in order?
Mr. Reboso: To approve in principle...
Mayor Ferre: The motion is that this lady and gentleman
have come here presenting a specific project for the City of
Miami to involve itself in. By the motion that you're going
to make you'll be instructing the administration to pursue
this and finalize by bringing it up before budget time so
that we can then decide if we're going to allocate the monies
that will then be set forth by them for this project. That's
what the intent of the motion is.
Mr. Plummer: I understood Carlos to say that really what
they were looking for was the authorization and the lattitude
to go and proceed further through their committee.
Mayor Ferre: Yes, but we're going a little bit further.
Mr. Plummer: Yes, you're talking about dollars.
Mr. Fernandez: Excuse me, I was not asking for an allocation.
Mayor Ferre: Nobody is making an allocation.
Mr. Fernandez: What I had in mind is that we can go and
work with Mr. Acton.
Mr. Plummer: That's what I understood.
Mayor Ferre: No, a lot stronger than that. When we vote,
and Manolo is making the motion, I'll second the motion and
let somebody else chair it for a moment; this motion is a
lot stronger than that. What we are saying is, we are by
this motion directing the administration to become involved
in this process, whatever the process is so that by budget
time you will come back and the administration with specific
recommendations as to the economic perimeters of this project
so at that time we can decide whether or not we want to do it
or not do it. I'm making no commitment as to how I'm going
to vote on that. You may come here asking for $5,000,000
and I may say, "Now look, we've got $50,000 to give you so
you put up 5 street lights and let it go at that."
Mrs. Gordon: I'm not really clear.
Mayor Ferre: Do you want me to repeat it again?
Mrs. Gordon: Yes and no. I will tell you what I would like
the motion; to say and then we'll go that way. The Committee
will work with the Planning Department to come up with a plan,
bring it to the Commission. We'll see what the plan entails
and we'll go from that point.
Mr. Lloyd: May I make a suggestion? I think that I have
heard enough discussion so that we can frame a resolution
and I suggest now that around 4:30 I think we are scheduled
60 MAY 91974
• •
to take up these extra natters. We might be able to have a
reoolution prepared which you could see and then maybe if you
like it fine, if you don't then we can redraw it. See?
If you would like us to do that we're happy to do that.
Mayor Ferret All right, fine. Do you need a motion to do
that?
Mr. Lloyds No. We'll just go and do it.
Mayor Ferrel We will draft up a proper legal instrument
since the law requires that now that it be in writing and
then we'll make a motion to that affect.
Reverend Gibson: (Inaudible) Wouldn't it be wise to have
one member of the committee to go over to the Legal Depart-
ment so that you'll get in there what you're asking for?
Mr. Fernandez: I'm afraid maybe if I get into that reso-
lution what I want maybe it wouldn't pass.
23. "LITTLE HAVANA" AREA - REQUEST FOR MINI -PARKS:
Dr. Cuadrado:* Mr. Mayor, City Commissioners my name is
Dr. Raul Cuadrado. I'm a professor at Florida International
University. I think that with the previous item on the agenda
I could limit my discussion to a very brief time. A number
of concerned citizens who deal specially in the areas of pub-
lic health and also are concerned with the social, physical
and mental well being of citizens in the Miami area have got-
ten together to see the possibilities of the City Commission
considering perhaps the development of some mini -parks in
the area. For this reason, architect Raul Alvarez is going
to give you a very brief presentation of some proposed ideas
that you may take into consideration.
Mr. Raul Alvarez: 710 Richwood Road, Key Biscayne. Could we
possibly have the lights off, I want to show some slides.
What you see there is the area covered by the City of Miami.
We have tried to locate as many of the green areas that we
have presently. Those little green dots are parks, green
areas.
Mayor Ferre: Are those all City Parks?
Mr. Alvarez: Yes. All of the City Parks. The largest green
area on the right hand side, almost at the middle that's the -
what's completely on the right hand side of the edge of the
water and in front of it is Bayfront park. As you can see
the rest of the parks are very very small. We were curious
because what could apply for "Little Havana" could also apply
for other areas of the City but we concentrated mostly on the
area of "Little Havana". We found after a survey that inorder
to go to any of these green areas of parks people either have
to take a car or have to take a bus. For instance. Here's
a question. We have parks but how far away from the people
who need the parks? That's a section of Little Havana. You
can see that within a large number of blocks there is no park.
There is no place where people can gather or children can
actually play. Those are city people and those are the needs.
Walking around Little Havana you find that a mother has to
take the baby for a stroll among cars, in very crowded areas
with very narrow sidewalks, People will gather in empty lots
to play domino sometimes in the evening by the light of a
u ` 61
street sign. tittle boys have to ride their little tricycles
and harts in the parking lots by garbage cans. That is a
real mini-miniapark. The corner, a fenced area in between
cars. Anyone who likes to drive around the area will see
these any many more. We find the increase in density from
single family residence to multi -family in the Little Havana
area is really crowding in people who do need the space where
they can be. We have come up with an idea. We could call
it an oasis in the middle of an asphalt jungle. What is
that? We feel that somehow we could come up with a green
spot, an open area, a place where people can gather and child-
ren can play within walking distance. Now how is that pos-
sible? Let's say that we have two streets and we have exist-
ing homes. Those green circles are the large trees we found
in the rear parts of existing lots. Those are existing homes
and there might be a vacant lot, there might be an old house
run down, a place where trash is being collected. We could
call a mini -park a space of say roughly 50 feet, 100 or 130
feet in length. It's already there. Now what can we do with
it? Sometimes we can find two of them back to back. That
makes a little longer park or side to side. There might be
an old house with an empty lot next to it. Those could be
possibilities of where these things could be. We thought
that in areas where there is a lot of traffic those narrow
lots, 50x130 could be subdivided into three basic areas. One
is a children's area, the other is an adult area and the in
between space shaded with trees would provide the necessary
space. Also that shaded area is between houses and that gives
us the privacy that is needed. In heavy traffic streets then
the order is reversed. We put the children towards the back
and the other area becomes on the front. We have to adapt
our solutions to existing conditions. The Oasis again is our
idea of what we are trying to look for. We came up with the
idea of a mini -park. We like to call it a mini -park because
it is the smallest size that 'we can build something within
existing conditions. That could be a mini -park. 0n the left
we have the children's area in the center the shaded space
and on the right is the open adult area. For the children's
area when it is facing the street we'll have a protective
buffer so a child cannot run out directly into the street
but it has nice direct access... The shaded area provides for
adult supervision and the open area can be used at different
times of the day. That could be the entrance for a mini -
park. As you can see the areas are oriented in a diagonal
way so there is no chance for a child running out directly
into the traffic and buffered. On the right hand side we
have a sand box for toddlers and little children, built in
benches and on the left hand side there would be space for
older children and their playing equipment. That could be
one of the possible types of playground equipment. The strong-
er, the less maintenance for those units the better it would
be in the long run. A child is provided all the climbing,
the sliding, all the different requirements that they need
for their age. The longer white section on the top left is
for playground for older children. The area where it is lo-
cated is sand so in case it rains in the afternoon, half an
hour later it has drained out and is always in good condit-
ion. There is no grass in the area. We will use ground cov-
ers so the maintenance is minimized. The hedges you see in
the top and bottom horizontal lines are to protect the houses
on the side so they are not looked into and they do not look
into the park. It also screens the sounds of children. Again
for the adult supervision can be had quite easily. That's
another idea of another type of playground equipment. This
type of playground equipment has been used originalilin Europe
and now is being used all over the northeastern United States.
62
It is very safe, The children do most of the moving. The
equipment doesn't move and hit other children and it's al-
most maintenance free. The shaded area as you can see here
would provide the means for elderly people to sit under there
or also watch the area on the left where the playground could
be. That gives you an idea from the playground looking back
into the shaded area where the older children could be. In
heavy traffic areas as I mentioned before these could be re-
versed so the solution could be adapted to any existing con-
ditions. On the right hand side is a large open area that's
a gathering area,a birthday party, a get together, a domino
playing, things that are happening now in open lots and on
the corners of very busy areas. That is a top view of built
in benches and shaded spaces. That could be an area for dom-
ino playing. The illumination for night use, with three
simple lights we could cover the area without disturbing the
adjoining houses so that will double up the use of the mini -
parks especially with the weather that we have in this area.
An oasis in the middle of an asphalt jungle, I think
that is what we're looking for. The mini -park we feel is
the answer and close to home. Now the question is how many
or how close. Now we have carried on a survey and it says
that if you can have a mini -park within 5 blocks it will be
used about 100%, all day long and in the evenings. People
will not have to take busses or have to take their cars to
go to the green areas or parks. These will be maintained
very simply and a number of these could grow as the differ-
ent areas are available. We have inspected a number of pos-
sible sites. Depending on the actual cost of the site the
cost of a mini -park could range between $30,000 to $50,000
without including the site. That's at large be-
cause toilet facilities could be placed in there. The kind
and type and extent of playground equipment also varies the
cost. The size of the shade trees, the amount of the paving,
it varies but we feel that within that range something like
that could be had using present lots. We feel that with the
future those mini -parks could grow and could be located in
areas close to the downtown where there are no green areas
now. Maybe looking down through the years to come we could
call Miami a City of Mini -parks. We have presented these to
the consideration of the Mayor and the Commissioners and we
would like to, if this accepted to proceed and discuss these
studies with the Planning Advisory Board and other depart-
ments of the city that are related to this thing.
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Alvarez, I want to commend you publicly and
Dr. Cuadradb and the other members of your group that have
worked deligently on this project, Maria Torono and the other
people. I know that you have a, would you place that on the
floor so that everyone can look at it? I would... Let me
share with you a thought that I've been expressing recently.
I had the opportunity of visiting Buenos Aires two weeks ago
and one of the things that struck me the most about this com-
munity is that everywhere there were parks. Everyother block
there was a park, every other street was green and the 81
million people of Buenos Aires are people that live in these
parks, in and out, going to work, going home, from home to
playground. The whole concept of people enjoying nature is
done because nature is preserved and enhanced. These are all
man-made amenities to the beauty of nature. The Latin commun-
ity, we the Spanish speaking people are people who have a
tradition. We are urban people for the most part and as urban
people Latins are people that like to live outside and even
here in Miami, anyone who has had an opportunity day or night
to travel along 7th Street or the Trail, I'm often amazed by
the sea of humanity that you see all of the time, out in the
MAY - 91974
0
strebt, walking and talking. Now that's a tradition that is
not *ell known or recc►gnized in the United States. It is be-
ginning to change. I really believe that as people feel safer
and as we give people the opportunity to have these. parks that
they will use them. Of coarse there are many cities in our
country where this happens. San Francisco is one, New Orleans
is another one where there are green areas and where people....
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Maycr, I was just telling someone over there
that this summer I was out in Witchita, Kansas and Witchita
Kansas without questicn has the finest set up of mini -parks
that I have ever seen in my life. They have taken the parks
to the people and it is just utterly fantastic. You know
what is fantastic is this, the parks are used and that's the
important thing.
Mayor Ferret That's a good example of it. Now what I was
leading to here is that we have a group of citizens of the
Latin community, mostly Cubans that are outside oriented.
They are park oriented. Now I think that if we can give
them the facilities to use these mini -parks, if we create
mini -parks I think it will spill over. By the way, I don't
mean to say that the Latin community is the only area. If
you go to Coconut Grove you'll see people also that like to
live on the outside and really live on the streets. But I
think if we could start, for example, in the Little Havana
section and create, Paul, if we could start say in the Little
Havana section and start two or three of these, or one, I
think we might be able to prove a point and I think we might
be able to establish a pattern. Now at a cost of let's say
it's $100,000, it certainly seems to me that we could est-
ablish a whole pattern that could be very contagous in this
community. I am very enthused about this. I got very ex-
cited when we started talking about it: and we've had three
different meetings on it and we've been perfecting the idea.
First it was too large and now we've gotten it down to some
logic. We went and we tried to look at different property
and different property values. I think it is completely
doable and now this is a separate item from what we were
talking about before and I don't think we should mix them
up because one has nothing to do with the other. I would
like to say that Dr. Cuadrado you or I don't know who the
chairman of this group might be, constitute yourself as a
committee and we're going to do the same thing with you as
we've done in the previous matter and have it go through the
administration and see if you can incorporate this somehow.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, may I offer a suggestion because
you were not here and I'm sure Rose Gordon would remember it
and I don't remember if Gibson was here or not. But you know
this very area that you're talking about here, aside from the
S.W. 8th Street thing was given an awful lot of discussion,
Mr. Mayor. Rose, do you recall when the Latin Riverfrbnt
park came up and we went into the concept very deeply at the
time was it smarter to go with one big park or to have small-
er parks stretched all over. Now I would say to you, Mr.
Mayor and to these people that there is a park committee of
where there are dollars available. This is a bond issue thing
where there are dollars available right now and ironically
enough, we are just starting to implement those things. Now
I would immediately, if I were you, through Mr. Andrews find
out who the chairman of that park committee is of that area
and get in touch with that chairman because this is the thing
that this Commission said, "We are not going to tell the peo-
ple what you are going to have. We want you to have what you
need and what you want." So if the need and the want of the
64 MAY 91974
people in the areas are mini -parks let it be known. There
are dollars there.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayo.:* and members of the Commission, if we
pick one site and do it real well and it is used successfully
then we can find the monies within the allocations of the
Parks Bond Program, reallocate those so we can achieve one.
If that one is successful then we can use it as an example
to do more and I'll tell you how we can approach the more.
You recall that a few months e.go the City Commission had in-
formation supplied to them in reference to the Metro Parks
Bond Issue and the fact that there weren't too many dollars
if any at all going to be spent in the City of Miami. The
County Commission and the County Manager indicated to this
City Commission that when they sell the next bond sale for
parks we should make our wishes known to them. If this is a
successful concept we very well could plan quite a few of
those, go to the county and present to them this plan and
have them grant the funds to us so that we could go ahead
with the program of Mini -parks in the City.
Mr. Plummer: The only disagreement that I have with your
concept and I say this because I have always been a strong
advocate of the R-1 or single family. Now Witchita it fol-
lows a very definite pattern. For example, they did not put
the mini -parka inside of the neighborhood. They put them
for example, like on the corner of 17th Avenue and 8th Street.
They put them on the corner of 8th Street and l2th Avenue.
They did not go in and try to integrate it in among resident-
ial homes and I would strongly suggest that you give a lot
of consideration to that because one of the points that I
tried to bring out earlier was that a park isn't worth a
damn if people don't use it. Now people using a park are
just naturally going to make noise. That's what kids are
all about so I say to you give a lot cf thought to that.
Paul brings out a very good point, excuse me. Paul says we've
got an awfully lot of empty filling stations on corners.
Mr. Alvarez: Let me answer your question. You're 100%
right. Our first approach was to put them on corners for
two reasons. One, it has exposure and two, it has better
use of the land. However, in working out some of the early
budgets the cost of corners turned out to be so expensive
that we felt it was better to have on inside than none in
the corners.
Mayor Ferre: That's exactly what happens. Let me point
something else out because I was involved in all of these
discussions and I want to point something else out. In cer-
tain parts of this community where the home is sacrosanct
and every man's his castle. You know the idea is to live
inside and some people don't even know who their next door
neighbors are. The Latin people are different. The Latin
people are people who live as a community and therefore in
certain .parts of this town, it won't work everywhere but in
the Little Havana section it is my personal opinion that this
is the one area in this town where you might be able to do
this and not haves instead of having the neighbors upset
about it they would be very happy. That might not be quite
as so as we might think but I think it is worth a try. The
difference being this, that you can pick up a 50 by 130 foot
empty lot now, in certain portions of this area very very in-
expensively and it might 'then permit us then instead of put-
ting three parks for the same amount of money we might be
able to put 4 or 5 parks. yes, sir Father.
66 MAY - 91974
F
Reverend Gibson: Mr. Mayor, let Me Make an observation. JL,
you said earlier about who was hare• and who wasn't. Sometiaes
parents sayings come back to haunt us. We don't always like
what they tell us but I remember Lupe Bandel and Sydney Aron-
ovitS when they served on the Commission and Mr. Andrews, you
Said 'you've been around here a long time; they asked this
City to go to the mini -park concept and this community got
in an uproar. They didn't want any mini -parks and now here
we are after all of these years. We have no parks, have very
few large parks, don't have the mini -parks either so I just
thought that out of gratitude to Sydney Aronovitz, may his
soul rest in peace, and Lupe Bandel that they were fighting
for that and a lot of people just downed them to death.
Not Sydney, Abe. I'm sorry, oh my. No, Abe and Lupe, I
remember they were serving on the Commission at the same
time and that was the concept.
Mr. Andrews: Your memory serves you real well except at
that time I think it was in the title the way the parks were
titled, they used to call them "Tot Lots" rather than "mini -
parks" and they, in my memory of this some 21 years ago or
so, 22 years ago they were identified as Tot lots and there
was difficulty in really getting that concept off because
they stressed that it was going to be used mainly for the
mothers and the small children to romp around in and this has
a different concept entirely.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor he has just brought out something
that I've been thinking about for quite a while. Paul, what
stops us or these people, they want a pilot. Let's say 3rd
Avenue and 15th Road, are you with me? Ok. There is one
fantastic beautiful lot in there under the expressway. Now
why couldn't that be their pilot model. Is there any prohi-
bition against the State Road Department giving us title to
that land?
Mr. Lloyd: I can answer that yes. However, the State. Road
Department, that is actually the Department of Transportation
can give us permission to use it. The Athalie Range park is
already the concept for that.
Mr. Plummer: That's what I'm getting at. Here's where they
could give us say a 25, a 30, or a 50 year lease. I had an-
other idea I had been saving that for. You know we have been
having a lot of trouble, I don't know whether any of you are
aware or not, and this is aside from you, sir. But everywhere
that Florida Power and Light has recently tried to put in a
sub -station for a utility, which it's got to be, they've
been turned down. Now I had been thinking, this has been
in the back of my mind to instruct the City Attorney to see
if those under the expressway properties, and like it or not,
Florida Power and Light has done a good job of landscaping
around these sub -stations and why couldn't Florida Power and
light if this City or anybody tried to help them utilize
under those expressways for substations where nobody, I am
sure would have no objections. Likewise, why couldn't these
people avail a small mini -park under the expressway? Here's
land that,could be fixed up and could be used.
Mrs. Gordon: JL, you're bringing up something that's really
very very important in thinking in general, we're atuned to
Utilizing airspace, we could even,have a sewer plant over an
interchange. You know that.
Mr. Plummer: Now wait a minute, Rose. You know the next
thing is going to be that Plummer is putting Sewer Plants
on t0.95. 1 can see that one already.
Mrs. Gordon: You Might think. it is wild and it isn't and it
isn't originating with me. It is something that I've read
and I thought my goodness, what a wonderful utilization of
something.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Manager, what would put this in the mechan-
ics, what is the first step? What do we do to get authoriza-
tion from the State Road Department whether these people used
it for a park or whether, what is the first step? You can't
walk if you don't take the first step.
Mr. Andrews: The first step then is an expression of inter-
est on the part of the Commission in the form of a motion or
a resolution. We have now an individual in the State Depart-
ment of Transportation that communicates with us almost on a
daily basis...
Mrs. Gordon: Can I offer you someinformation that I receiv-
ed at least two years ago? It was an under -the -expressway
beautification plan and it included the, Chamber of Commerce,
Welcome Station, among others and all of,.it hasn't gone any-
where and it has been over two years.
Mayor Ferret, Ladies and Gentlemen, wee're goingooffinto an-
other subject and I'm all in favor of the second subject and
I'm perfectly willing to entertain that as a separate item.
The mini -park concept, I think should be an open end concept.
We shouldn't start putting any limitations on it. I would
like for this Commission to go on record on principle and fol-
low the same procedure that we did before and charge the ad-
ministration to pursue this virorously and then if out of
that comes other matters that's fine, or if you want to take
them separately but let's just limit this, if you would,
please just to the principle of the mini -park concepts.
Thereupon the City Commission adopted a motion direct-
ing the City Attorney to prepare a resolution approving in
principle the mini -parks concept for adoption later during
the meeting, introduced by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Reverend
Gibson and adopted unanimously.
Mr. Plummer: Now I would like to make a motion, Mr. Mayor,
that the City Administration, both the City Manager and the
City Attorney pursue the proposal of utilization for municipal
purposes of under expressways as the precedent setting Tot Lot
in the northwest area. That they pursue this and come back
to this Commission with an answer within a reasonable time
from the State Road Department. I offer that in the form of
a motion.
Reverend Gibson: JL, I'll second it but 'why .don't we talk
about utilizing "under the expressway" period? If it is to
our advantage to utilize under the expressways
Mrs. Gordon: Mr. Andrews, do you have a copy of those reports
that were given out? Why don't you just produce them for the
rest of these Commissioners? I have mine.
Mr. Andrews: The Chamber of Commerce was the one that was
pursuing the project that you're talking About.
Mrs.1Gordon: The whole thing was a linear plan and it ex-
panded. It's a lot of work and a lot of money been put into
that. I'll furnish you mine if you want to memeo graph it.
MAY 91974
•
Mr. Andrews: So, we have it.
Mrs. Gordon: Ok, well then it ought to be done by the next
meeting.
Thereupon a motion to instruct the City Attorney to pre-
pare euch& resolution for adoption later during the meeting
was introduced by Mr. Plummer, aeconded by Reverend Gibson,
and adopted unanimously.
6
MAY - 9 1974
2 4. szesstranakt,__coMPitTTss, APPOINTMBISTS-
Mayor Ferret This is a matter of appointment of the Bi-
centennial Committee .for the City of Miami, three each. as
rested by the Bicentennial caission itself.
Mr. Plummer: You want to start with me?
Mayor Ferre: Oo ahead.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Clerk, I will give you the names, ----my
secretary has the full names and addresses, my three appoint-
ments will be, Father Ignacius Fabacher, Pastor of Jesu Church,
Dr. Anthony Joffre. and Mr. George Norge.
Mrs. Gordon: For the Bicentennial Committee my three
appointees would be. Mrs. Joanne Holtzhouser, she will
furnish her address to you, Mr. Al Demarko, and Mr. Herbert
Lee Simon.
Mayor Ferre: I would like to appoint Mrs. Claire Weintraub.
Mrs. Arva Parks, and I have one other appointment which will
do a little later. We will come back to this item later on.
Joanne had a good idea and I think we ought to discuss
it for a moment here. Coconut Grove has a certain uniqueness
and ----
Mrs. Gordon: Tell me about that, about a sub -committee for
the Grove?
Mayor Ferre: No, not a sub -committee, I don't know if the
Bicentennial people would let us do this,but when you get
people volunteering and that have enthusiasm to do things,
and it has a uniqueness, I think if they want to constitute
themselves as a separate committee, other than the City of
Miami Committee, why don't we appoint her as Chairman.
Mrs. Gordon: Why don't we ask her whether she's rather
be working through the total committee, as a sub -committee
or whether she'd rather have something separate and apart.
I think they have more weight if they are part of the whole,
under the umbrella.
Mayor Ferre: Coconut Grove has a uniqueness. It is the
oldest community that is still going.
Mrs. Gordon: I am saying I prefer to give her the choice.
Mayor Ferre: I know what her choice is. She has already
told me.
Mrs. Gordon: What is your choice, Joanne. You've got
something to say on it? Stand up and say so.
(inaudible reply)
Mrs. Gordon: You would rather not be my appointment
to the Bicentennial Committee?
Mayor Ferre: No ,that is not what she is saying. She
says she wants you to appoint her to a separate committee.
and I think she ought to be the Chairman of it actually.
Mrs. Gordon: That is not the same thing. I don't know
if she understands us or not. The Bicentennial Committee bas
69 MAY -91974
asked for certain appointments, and 1 am appointing you. With
that 1 would make a separate resolution asking them to set
up a sub comMittee and for you to Chair it. 1f you don't want
that t'11 do it the other way, leave you off and put somebody
else on there. 1 have to name three people to it, understand?
Which way do you want it? Do you want to think about it a few
minutes? Sure, okay.
Mayor Ferre: My third appointment is Mr. Al Berjamojo. You
want my advice, i think you ought to accept Rose's appointment
and be part of the total committee. That way you are part of
the Miami Committee. Then 1 think separately, we should appoint
(she is your appointment, fine) separately, I think, we ought
to appoint a Coconut Grove Committee on the Bicentennial. We
can do that. We don't have to ask permission of anybody, and
then you can Chair it if you want,---
Mrs.Gordon:---and you can liaison it, with
.Mayor Ferre:---I'll appoint you to Chair that one, then
each Commissioner will have one appointment, or two appointments,
we will make that a 10 man committee.
Mrs. Gordon: i t hink that is good, that will liaison with
the total thing.
Mayor Ferre: 1s that acceptable to you Father.
Rev. Gibson: Yes.
Mr. Plummer: You'd better check with the Bicentennial
Committee.
Mrs. Gordon: Well, she is the liaison, ----
Mayor Ferre: You mind having a Coconut Grove Committee,
okay, ---
A representative of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce
stated it could be worked out the same way as the Spanish
American Committee of the Bicentennial, with no problem.
Mayor Ferre: The more the better. You are not going t,
turn down volunteer help.
Mrs. Gordon: But still in all, she is an official part
of the total committee by this appointment.
MayOr Ferre: That is correct. Joanne you are the Chairman,
and the other appointment 1'l1 make is Julie Fields, those
are the two appointments on the Coconut Grove Committee.
Mrs. Gordon: What do you want, 10 people on there?
Mayor Ferre: Yes.
Mrs. Gordon: 1'11 hold mine, for the moment.
Mayor Ferre: Okay. We will come back for your appointments.
Father, you've got three on the Miami Committee and two on the
Coconut' Grove, --- we have, two committees going here, the
City of Miami Committee for the Bicentennial, and also we
!u
MAY 9197-
are going to have another committee called the 0000nut Grove
for the Bicentennial.
Mr. Plummer: I am supposed to appoint to that too.2
Mayor Ferre: Yes, you have two appointments. Coconut
Grove Committee on the bicentennial. They want their own
Committee, it is the oldest community in Dade County, they
want to work and volunteer, why not?
Mr. Plummer: I'll nominate Mr. Joseph Kolish and Mr.
Paul Andre.
Mayor Ferre: All right, ----then you've got your appointments
b make on that? Okay. Item 16,----
Mr.Plummer: What about Edison Center, Allapattah, Little
River?
Mayor Ferre: If Little River wants to have .a Committee
on the Bicentennial, and they will take the interest that
Coconut Grove takes, God bless them. We will appoint a committee
for Little River.
Okay, take up 16,----
1
25. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT PLANNING COMM TTEES:
Mayor Ferre: iayman's Planning Review Committee, oh that's
my baby. You all got the memorandum and 1 think it is self
explanatory. Are there any questions on that?
Mrs. Gordon: Wait a minute, what are you talking about now?
Mayor Ferret Item #16.
Mrs. Gordon: Yes. Why do you want four separate committees
instead of one?
Mayor Ferre: I explained it in my memorandum. Make it a part
of the record.
Mrs. Gordon: Yes, but that didn't make sense.
Mayor Ferre: Well ok, vote against it.
Mrs. Gordon: I didn't mean in total, I didn't mean it the
way it sounded. I mean that when only the four chairmen are
going to discuss this the other members of the committee don't
have the benefit of the discussion.
Mayor Ferre: Rose, this is going to be public hearing after
public hearing. All I want to do is get separate viewpoints
of this community channeled in such a way that the architects
will talk amongst themselves, property owners amongst them-
selves, and so on. And eventually it's all going to come up
before this chamber but I want it when it comes here, I want
it to go through the Planning Board, The Planning Department,
I want it to go through so nobody can come here and say, "Well
I haven't heard about it", and by the way, George, would you
send a copy of this report to architect George Reed who says
he's never heard of it? I said what do you mean you've never
heard of it? It has been on the front pages of the newspapers.
He said I'm very interested and I want to get involved, and
you know. Can you imagine, George Reed, and I don't mean to
cast any disparaging remarks about George Reed. You know
he's an activist. Can you imagine him standing here scream-
ing at us because he... Let's get him involved right now so
that he has ample opportunity.
Mrs. Gordon: Your government committee, will you clarify,
Mr. Mayor. Are those the people who are currently employed
by government or have governmental experience or what do you
want?
Mayor Ferre: I want to go into a cross section of govern-
ment people. For example, I would like to get Ricy Walters
involved in this thing. I would like to get his opinion
officially.
Mre. Gordon: Would that include our own department?
Mayor Ferret Sure, they'll be a part of it. What I want
to do is, I want this Commission to be fed by all divergent
types of opinion. I want them properly represented but when
they stand here I want them to be intelligent discussions
after they've gone through it in depth.
Mrs.; Gordon: I haven't got my names ready but I'il have them
before the afternoon is over. 1
7
Mayor Ferre: Selma, go ahead. Have you read my memo?
Mrs. Alexander: No, 1 haven't so I am very confused and I
don't know what this is all about. It sounds like a Plan-
ning -Committee for the Planning Board or something.
(Lengthy inaudible conversation between members of the Com-
mision)
Mayor Ferre: That's the resolution specifically spelling it
out. Those are my appointments. I've already figured out
the people 1 want to appoint, now you've got yours. Look,
we went through this last time. You wanted a memorandum.
I've written a memorandum. I'm not trying to railroad any-
thing. I don't know what you're agreeing to here. He says
it as a joke(Mr. Plummer). You're not joking about it (Mrs.
Gordon), you're serious. I'm not trying to railroad anything
here. Now you know if you don't like it you won't even have
to vote on it. I'll withdraw.
Mr. Plummer: You can't withdraw because I've already made a
motion.
Mayor Ferre: I don't want anybody to think that anything is
being railroaded here.
Mr. Plummer: If Rose doesn't like it she votes against it
and she doesn't appoint anybody, that's all.
(Inaudible conversation)
Mayor Ferre: The concept is very simple.
(Much Inaudible conversation)
Mrs. Alexander: I would like to ask two questions if I may.
I have no objection at all to the concept. All divergent
interests should be represented but represented before whom?
What public meetings?
Mayor Ferre: Any meeting that is an instrumentality of the
City of Miami must be public.
Mrs. Alexander: Exactly, so the Planning Advisory Board is
the vehicle as I see it for these kinds of public meetings
and hopefully we would have all of these groups represented.
I have no objections to the committee process at all. But I
see nothing here that says that it would be coming to the
Planning Advisory Board which in essence, and in its complex-
ion represents a cross section of all of these groups that
you mentioned.
Mayor Ferre: That's exactly what I'm 'trying to avoid, is to
get into a hodgepodge, excuse me for a moment.
Mrs. Gordon: Selma, it has to go, the Charter reads, the
Code reads, it has to go to the Planning Board.
Mayor Ferre: It has to go before the Planning Board before
it comes to this City Commission but what I would like to
guarantee is that divergent groups here on their own to come
forward with an expression of their opinion. And each group,
you know will have separate viewpoints on this matter and
then they come before...
Mrs. Alexander: They always do.
73 MAY 91974
Mayor Ferret But they don't always get heard and that's
what I want to see happening this time.
Mrs. Alexander: I can't imagine the representatives of ar-
chitects, developers, builders, real estate not being heard.
Mayor Ferre: I can name you a dozen times. I can quote
Selma Alexander before this Commission where I have been in
1967, 68 and 69 complaining about that you were not included
and some people were not included in decision making process.
That's what all these hearings that Rose had that ended up
with the Planning and -----
Mrs. Alexander: I never complained about not being involved
because I was involved. I was always able to say something
that I had to say.
Mayor Ferre: Selma I specifically. remember --
MSS. Alexander: Everybody was always very courteous to me
and always listened to what I had to say. For twenty years
they've listened.
Mayor Ferre: Wonderful: But I specifically remember your
complaining about not being advised of something. Now I
would like to make this simple point that we had in Dade
County a Planning Plan that had a series of hearings and
the board was so one sided that when the product came out
there were ten splinter groups that immediately formed against
it and that's the type of thing that I want to avoid.
Mrs. Alexander: Well I thought in the appointments that you
made to your new Planning Board that this was going to be
successfully delt with.
Thereupon the Mayor read the resolutions by title.
Mayor Ferre: Can we vote on all four of these, Jack, at the
same time?
Mr. Lloyd: Technically you should vote on all of them
separately but I think we can streamline it. Yes.
The following resolutions were introduced by Mr. Plummer
who moved their adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-358
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A LAND OWNERS AND
BUILDERS COMMITTEE TO PARTICIPATE IN FORMULATING
OBJECTIVES FOR THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING
PLAN FOR THE. DOWNTOWN AREA, AND APPOINTING MEMBERS
THERETO.
RESOLUTION NO. 74-a59
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
TO PARTICIPATE IN FORMULATING OBJECTIVES FOR THE
URBAN! DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING PLAN FOR THE DOWN-
TOWN AREA, AND APPOINTING MEMBERS THERETO.
74 MAY ~ 9 1974
RESOLUTION 74•-360
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN ARCHITECTS AND
PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS COMMITTEE TO PARTICIPATE
IN FORMULATING OBJECTIVES FOR THE URBAN
DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN
AREA, AND APPOINTING MEMBERS THERETO,
RESOLUTION NO, 74-361
A RESOLUTION ESTABL.,ISHING A CONSUMER AND USERS
COMMITTEE TO PARTICIPATE IN FORMULATING
OBJECTIVES FOR THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING
PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN AREA, AND APPOINTING MEM-
BERS THERETO.
(Here follows body of resolutions, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Reverend Gibson the resolutions
were passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Reverend
Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
Mrs. Gordon: May I ask you for a paint of information, Mr.
Mayor, how do you intend the recommendations of these four
committees to be brought to whom -the process..
Mayor Ferre: The Planning Board. They've got to report to
the Planning Board and the Planning board eventually goes
into the hearings. Hopefully the chairman will participate
actively or they will have people from these committees
participating in the public hearings. I'm trying to create
a consensus of people participating. That's all that I'm
intending in this, Selma and I want to make that very clear.
My only intent is to create consensuses of opinion.
26. PLANNING ADVISORY AND ZONING BOARDS - APPOINTING
ALTERNATE MEMBERS:
Mrs. Gordon: May I speak to that, please? The reason I
want to speak to it is to refresh the memory of all of us as
to what is written into the Code for the selection of mem-
bers of these two boards and it now applies the same procedures
in effect the same requirements apply to the alternates. I
read you under Section 62-19, Standards and Qualifications.
Would you listen, please? In reaching decision on appoint-
ment to a vacancy or vacancies on the Planning Advisory Board
and or the Zoning Board, the City Commission shall give due
regard to and be guided the necessity for the following:
Geographical sections in areas of the City, Social, economic,
and demographic characteristics of the City and #3, which is
the key point to the need for the revision in the entire
structuring of the Planning and Zoning Boards which we worked
on for a year and finally brought it spout. #3 says it all:
Qualifications, background, experience and abilities of ap-
pointeea to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of board
membership or alternate membership. Prior demonstration by
prospective appointees of interest in and concern for Plan-
ning and Planning implementation as may be evidenced by pre-
vious attendance, at Planning and Land, Use Control Seminars.
76 MAY "91974
Membership in organitationa having the primary aim of the
furtherance of the diasiMination Of knowledge and support of
sound planning and implementation programs, other activity
evidencing knowledge and interest in the public purposes of
Planning and plan implementations, and so on and so forth.
The reason I read this back now is because we are only
in need of two at this moment. Alternates, one to the Plan-
ning Board, one to the Zoning Board, and further to refresh
the memories of all of us, the Mayor isn't here, I wish he
were because I'm going to save the rest until he gets here.
Ok, with this in mind, if the rest of the members will sit
down I will be glad to continue. Otherwise we will all re-
cess. The meeting is now in order:
Mayor Ferre: We're all in the room, so let's go ahead,
Rose.
Mrs. Gordon: I finished reading from the list of reasons
for selecting board members and now I wanted to refresh the
memories of those who voted on the selection. I'm going to
wait until Manolo gets back.
Mayor Ferre: We're getting to be more and more like Miami
Beach. Let's go, come on.
Mrs.. Gordon: All right. I wanted to say at the time that
we selected the membership for the boards, both of them, we
turned up 15 names that filled the qualifications by virtue
of having a majority of votes. We could only appoint 14.
The 15th member was Mildred Callahan. She received a major-
ity vote. We could not appoint her because of the fact I
just mentioned. Therefore, in fairness to the rules of the
game I would like to place her name in nomination now as an
alternate since she was the only person who had a majority
vote of the Commission and cculd not be appointed at that
time.
Reverend Gibson: Mr. Mayor, I'm not going to buy Rose's
recommendation for her reason. She says in fairness to
the rules of the game. The rules of the game are that we
appointed and now we've got to appoint anew. If you're tell-
ing me that you want me to support Mrs. Callahan because she's
capable I'm willing to go with that. I don't want you tell-
ing me its the rules of the game because I made my 15 appoint-
ments.
Mrs. Gordon: By the rules,no, I dare not say that. Because
of the qualifications that she posesses which are so enormous
in their scope that it would take me at least 5 minutes to
read them all to you, but to briefly say she's got them, the
experience, the reputation, she's listed in who's who of
American Women for about 20 years.
Reverend Gibson: Don't worry Rose, make your nomination.
Mrs. Gordon: I made a nomination.
Mayor Ferre: All right, we have a motion on the floor but
Rose, I might point out because I don't whoever gets this
appointment, I don't want anybody to take offense at any of
these things. You know there are other people that are very
qualified also. I'm not saying who's the most qualified
cause we're going to vote on this in a moment. Excuse me
Rose, but I just don't want anybody to take any offense or
to feel that we don't think they're qualified because there
are others who are qualified too.
7t� MAY - 91974
Mrs& Gordont Absolutely not, Maurice, that's why I prefaced
the whole thing with what t said before and Father said don't
say that, but that's why I did say that for that reason.
Mayor Ferre: All right. You second the motion for ---
Mrs,, Gordon: For the Zoning Board. Mildred served on the
Zoning and has the experience for zoning.
Mayor Ferret All right, there is a nomination and a second
to be put. How are we going to do this, do you mean you're
going to vote on her and that's the end of it?
Reverend Gibson: Do we have any others?
Mr. Plummer: Oh no. Mr. Mayor, I will refresh your memory.
You said this will follow the same procedure as we followed
before.
Mayor Ferre: What's the procedure that we voted on before?
Mr. Plummer: We had ballots.
Mayor Ferre: Ok, take a piece of paper and write your name
down. That's right, I had forgotten that. That Plummer has
a memory that won't stop. Let's do the Zoning first, is that
alright with everyone?
Mr. Southern: Mrs. Gordon, then you withdraw that ---
Mrs. Gordon: No. I don't withdraw it. I'm leaving her
name in nomination.
Mr. Plummer: There is no nomination. We're using ballots.
Mr. Southern: They've decided to do it by balloting now.
You can put that in on your ballot but we're not going to
call the roll on that.
Reverend Gibson: Oh you know what you're saying, you've
got a list of names here. I see.
Mr. Plummer: That's right. There's no nominations. I didn't
know we were going to have....
Mayor Ferre: We're doing Zoning now so just put the name of
whoever it is that you want and anybody that has three, that's
it. If there is two that has two then we'll have to vote for
those two. Put your initial on the ballot so we don't have
any secrets.
Mr. Plummer: Yes, we don't want that guy writing in the
Herald again. Half information.
Mrs. Gordon: That's what he was complaining about.
Mr. Plummer: Yes. Well you know it's funny because it's
all public record. The dangerous man is a man with a little
bit of knowledge and whoever wrote that letter had damned
little knowledge.
Mayor Ferre: Read us the tally. /
Mr. Southern: Mr. Reboso votes for Alicia Baro.
Mayor Ferre votes for
Reverend Gibson votes
Mrs. Gordon votes for
Mr. Plummer votes for
Alicia Baro.
for Mrs. Callahan.
Mrs. Callahan.
Maxwell Wise.
Mayor Ferret All right. It's two to two. Then we have to
vote again.
Mtge Gordon: If it were suitable to the rest of you to see
which one goes to which board and which one goes to the other.
Mayor Ferre: That's right but let's vote on the zoning one
first. All of you write who you want for zoning now. We
have two people now.
Mrs. Gordon: Well if you remember, Mr. Plummer, I want to
refresh your memory again. The last time that we had ---
Mayor Ferre: Look. Rose: The chairman is going to, we're
wasting too much time. Listen to me. We're going to do it
the way we did it before. If you'll let me speak, that's
what we're going to do. There is a tie. There are two can-
didates and each have two votes. Now their names are Alicia
Barro and Mrs. Callahan. All right. Now, will you write
down who the name of your selection is at this point. This
is for Zoning. We have two candidates.
Mr. Southern: Mrs. Gordon votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mr. Plummer votes for Alicia Baro.
Mr. Reboso votes for Alicia Baro.
Mayor Ferre votes for Alicia Baro.
Reverend Gibson votes for Mrs. Callahan.
It is three to two for Miss Baro.
Mayor Ferre: All right. Now we're going to vote for the
Planning Board.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, if I may, I will withdraw the name
of my appointee with it being understood that Mrs. Cailahan's
name can be placed in nomination and voted for, I will with-
draw my nominee. That will eliminate any further voting and
give Mrs. Callahan a unanimous ballot.
Mayor Ferre: Now I'm going
Since you insisted on doing
do it again strictly by the
and vote.
Mr. Plummer: I agree.
to remind you of your own words.
it strictly'by the rules we'll
rules so write your name down
Mr. Southern: Reverend Gibson votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mr. Reboso votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mayor Ferre votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mrs. Gordon votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mr. Plummer votes for Mrs. Callahan.
Mayor Ferre: It is unanimous then. We now have two new
appointees. Thank you very much.
Mrs. Gordon: With all due•respect to the gentlemen that
were not appointed cause we feel that they were all very
qualified but we're very happy that we have two women who
all serve very well.
Mrs. Alexander: May I suggest to this noble Commission that
you now have 5 women on the Planning 4bard. I think that's
lovely.
Mr. Plummer: We always have somebody to blame it on now.
Mrs. Gordon: Might I remind you that both the chairman and
the vice-chairmen are men.
Mr, Plummer: Now wait a ninute now. Let's have an under-
standing. t don't want you to go away mistaken. These were
alternates, not members but alternates and only paid if there
is sufficient funding. No laughing about it, that's true.
If there is money at the end of the year from the budget then
they will be paid and if there is no money
Mrs. Gordon: Mrs. Alexander, may I remind you that there is
chairman and a vice-chairman that are both men on your board,
do you remember that? That just shows something doesn't it?
Mr. Southern: Mayor Ferre, does the City Attorney understand
that he prepares a resolution for adoption later in the meet-
ing appointing these people.
Mayor Ferre: I am sure that a written vote is just as valid
as a verbal vote.
Mr. Lloyd: We're preparing a written resolution on this.
We'll have it ready.
27. PROPOSED COCONUT GROVE BICENTENNIEL COMMITTEE -
NOMINATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:
Mrs. Gordon: I've got two people for the Coconut Grove Com-
mittee that we formed a little while ago. I have Frank Lynn
and Glen Wiggins.
'1 J
l
38. Awl Cs AND, P..__0. _ 0C1C. PROPERTY -FUNDS FOR ACQUISITION:
Mayor Ferrea We will now take Up item 18A, at
3:00 o'clock, and CoMnission Plummer 1 think this is your
baby .--
. Plummer :: • r , as long as the word
e future acquisition is there, fine, I will vote
with 1SA and I` at wording must be there,
and must stay there.
Mr. Lloyd: It is in there. Let me read the resolution.
I think this resolution should be read,Mr. Mayor may I read the
resolution?
Mayor Ferre: Please do. ----
Mr. Lloyd: ---"A resolution directing the Director of
Finance to place in trust $10,960,000. Public Park and Recreational
Facilities Bond Funds together with $11,540,000 in unsold public
Park and Recreational Facilities Bonds for the possible future
acquisition and development of that property known as the FEC
P & 0 Dock Properties; and authorizing the City Manager to
program for Park and Recreational Improvements the balance of
the proceeds from the sale of $28,350,000. Public Park and Recrea-
tional Facilities Bonds, subject to said improvements being
brought back before the City Commission individually for review
and authorizing of funds", each Commissioner has a copy of this
resolution and copies are available to the public.
Mr. Plummer: I move it, -----
Mayor Ferre: There is a motion on 18A, is there
a second?
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor let the full intent,
Mr. Mayor let the record fully show the intent that this
money is being held in reserve for acquisition of that Bayfront
land.
Mayor Ferre: All right, we understand the intent.
Father Gibson did you second it.
Rev. Gibson: Yes, ----
Mayor Ferre: Me have a motion and second, I want
to make this comment. The Downtown Dev. Authority yesterday,
I expressed to them, and explained what I had explained before
this Commission, and asked them if they wanted to take a position
of this FEC matter, and I want the Commission to know the vote
was unanimous. Every member of the Authority was there. Despite
the fact that the so called Marshall Harris Bill went through
the Senate the day before yesterday, and I am happy to announce
today, that it passed, the amendments passed the House again, atd
it was passed this morning and sent to the Governor's office
for the Bill to be signed, that that, which is a great step
forward in my opinion, and in my personal opinion, gives something
to fall back on, nevertheless does not change my position, in
trying to finalize the arrangements that I hope we will be able
to do with the FSC Railroad and create a 50 acre park and still
have money left over for the development of the park, and based
on that, based on the vote of this Commission. I would now.
Mr. Andrews would like to ask you, to be put on the agenda,
tJ
MAY - 91974
that you require, --you request that Metro Commission put us
on the agenda for a full discussion, it being clearly under-
stood that if the Metro Commission does not want to continue
negotiations, they can kill'rvery simply by refusing to con-
sider the swap of Lummts Island for the proper at Dodge Point,
and at that point then, we would fall back. ----it is obvious,
so let me express my opinion, and so instruct the City Attorney
to get ready for what might be happening. If the County Com-
mission says 'no' to this request, after it has been fully
explained, and unfortunately there is a lot of misunderstanding
as to exactly what we are doing, because the comments of
Marshall Harris show complete ignorance of what we were talking
about, but if after the community, and specifically the Metro
Commission sees what we are talking about visually, and it
is explkined to them, and they don't want to proceed, with
that, then once the bill becomes law which will be in 30 days,
----is that right? ----after the Governor signs it, and it is
in the Governor's desk this afternoon, he signs it in the next
few days. we are talking about sometime in .Line, ---
Mr. Lloyd:_ ---it could be less than that, depending
on what the bill says, ----I haven't seen exactly wit the bill
says as to the effective date, but I can check that out.
Mayor Ferre: I would appreciate it if you get
hold of Mr. Winn and get a copy of that bill, we have to
start preparing ourselves for the eventuality that Metro
turns us down, because then we have to go back to Court
hopefully under this new law, and try, immediately not to
get to the determination of whether or not we have the right
to take, but to take, and which means, Mr. Andrews, that you
had better make sure that you have some people working on
appraisals, which we need anyway, whether we swap or take.
Mrs. Gordon: Working on what did you say, Maurice?
Mr. Plummer: I want to make sure the appraisers
are picked by this Commission.
Mayor Ferre: Yes, but time is of the essence, we
have got to get moving on this. one way or the other. I didnst
mean to make a long speech about that but I think it influences
this 18A J.L, and I wanted it to get on record. I understand
what you are saying, and I want you to understand what I am
saying.
it,
Mr. Plummer: i am not in disagreement at all. I move
Mayor Ferre: Any further discussion on 18A?
Mrs. Gordon: Yes, what now, Mr. Lloyd happens if
we are, are ready to get the Ball, FEC property: ---
we have to go and sell some more bonds to get it, right?
Mr. Lloyd: Yee, this was the intent of the resolution.
the way I read the resolution, actually, he is placing in trust
$10,960,000. worth of bonds together with $11,540,000. in un-
sold park and recreation facilities bonds for possible future
development. I assume that very shortly the Finance Director
will put those on the market for sale.
Mr. Plummer: No, you assumed wrong.
Mrs. Gordon: i don't think you are right on that.
because the market on bonds now is way out of sight. j
8A, :ly�I i i ..E
Mr..Fivamer: It says here to hold in trust, un-sold
Mr. Lloyd:-•--un-sold. yes, yea, but he Will hold it.
but he will be ready to put them on 1 should say, but the time
has not yet come for that.
Mayor Ferre: I am not worrying about it because the
bond market is so bad now that I don't think
Mr. Andrews: If the Commission wishes, at the time
you are ready to move ahead on that, there are alternate
methods available to the Commission to make the funds available.
Mayor Ferre:
Mrs. Gordon: -=-such as,
Mr. Andrews: Well certificates for one thing, until
you sell the bonds if you had to have them quickly but that
could be accomplished by the action of the Commission.
Mr. Lloyd: May I make this comment, I call getting
the chicken before the egg here, and I think we are premature
in discussing the manner and means of selling bonds and getting
money at this point.
Mayor Ferre: Roae has a valid question and she is
entitled to an answer, ---what he is talking about Rose is
in finance sometimes when you are selling bonds, there is
an instrument called an anticipation certificate, and what
you do is you say, here is the document that says I can sell
the bonds, the Supreme Court says it is okay, I am going to
market on such a date, in anticipation of the sale of that,
I need ten million dollars, and the banks lend it to you on
a 30 day basis, for 60 day, or whatever.
Mrs. Gordon: As long as the money will be there when
we need it.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced
by Mr. Plummer who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-362
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF
FINANCE TO PLACE IN TRUST $10,960,000.
PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
BOND FUNDS TOGETHER WITH $11,540,000. IN
UNSOLD PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
BONDS FOR THE POSSIBLE FUTURE ACQUISITION AND
DEVELOPMENT OF THAT PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE
FEC P & 0 DOCK PROPERTIES; AND AUT1DRIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO PROGRAM FOR PARK AND
RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS THE BALANCE OF THE
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF $28,350,000.PUBLIC
PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BONDS, SUBJECT
T0 SAID IMPROVE MEATS BEING BROUGHT BACK BEFORE
THE CITY CoMMISSI N INDIVIDUALLY. FOR REVIEW AND
AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here
and on file in the City Clerk's office.)
MAY - 91974
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboeo, Rev. Gibson and Mayor Perre. NOES: None.
29. REQUEST TO RELUCt; PEES - SOFTBALL PROGRAM IN CITY PARKS:
Judge Arden Siegendorf: Mr. Mayor, Mr. City Manager,
and members of the Commission, it is a pleasure to be back here
today from this side of the microphone. I am so seldom an advocate
of anything anymore. It is a pleasure to be here to make a request
of the City Commission. I have asked to appear briefly on the
agenda and I have hereitth me today a Mr. Buddy Rule and Mr.
Vernon Calis,---are they here, - - stand please, they are here
as a representative sample of those citizens of the community
who use the recreational facilities and more specifically
the summer soft ball league at the City of Miami, ---has run
for many years.
I've come briefly to discuss with you the amount
of the entry fee that the recreation department has seen fit
to request, and I know the recreation department is here to
present their point of view. Just by way of background, the
City in the past has charged a $25.00 entry fee for the teams
that played in the summer soft ball league, --the present time
thereare 40 teams with approximately 15 on each team, that are
scheduled to participate and have participated in the past.
We understand the coat of living has increased and would be
foolish to come and say to you that the City should not increase
the amount of the fee, but what has been proposed by the recreation
department, originally a proposal was to increase this fee of
$25.00 to $150.00 and we were advised Monday night by a repre-
sentative of the recreation program that the fee had been set
at $125.00 just for the privilege of participating in the soft
ball program.
I would ask Mr. Lloyd possibly there is one legal
application, I have looked, as your Municipal Judge on the
County Court, and could not specifically find the authority
in the Charter or the Code for the recreation department to
set the particular fee. I am not raising this as a legal issue
but merely presenting the question, 1 don't know how the dollars
sign was arrived at. Originally there was some thought that the
Commission had set or approved this fee, but I have been advised
that this is not the case, but rather after Mr. Andrews consulted
with Mr. Howard, the fee was set, ----there may be some provision
but I am saying I just couldn't find where the authority to arrive
at this dollar figure came from. I am aware of 39-37 of the Code
but Mr. Lloyd if you want to check that, I don't see where the
authorization comes. In any event, in making a comparative study
I did call the City of Hialeah, and they charge a $75.00 fee, the
City of Miami Beach has a $100.00 entry fee, and certainly we, in
speaking for thaw 40 teams, would like to request the Commission
if there were some way possible to reduce the fee we would certainly
appreciate it.
One nobein closing, and I'll sit down and be available
for questions, I did meet with Mr. Andrews, with reference to the
amount of the entry fee for the winter soft ball program, and
Mr. Andrews did meet with Mr. Howard and they did reduce this
fee for those, --not 40 teams, it was a much smaller number who
participated ,am I right Louie, less than 40,---same number for
to winter league, however this was accomplished by cutting the
services in half. In other words, they only had one regular
umpire, there was no score keeper, or a person to participate
in keeping track of the batting orders, or the final score
and things of this nature.
8
MAY - 91974
Mayor Ferret The only people that can do that successfully
that I know of, is the City of Miami Commission.
Rev. Gibson: If we were able to come, ---say we
were of a mind. we said a hundred dollars? ----
Judge Siegendorf: Well that would be less than the
presently authorized fee, what I would request of the Commission,
and 1 think realistically in the light of the cost of living,
and other factors this fee be set somewhere in the neighborhood
of 50 to 75 dollars a year, I think most of the teams could
live with it. Most of the teams at the meetings have grumbled
and indicated that they might be able to pay this kind of fee.
lit we are just hoping the Commission can provide some relief.
Let me close on one final note. Obviously the parks
have to be available for the people and if fees are set too
high you do drive people away, and we are hopeful this commission,
---let me say in response to Commission Plummer's comments that
soft ball is one of the programs available two times a week,
that people comedown there, the husbands are not running around
chasing things they shouldn't be chasing, it is nice healthful
recreation, and we want people to come to the parks. Mr. Howard's
disagreement with the Committee so to speak, I suggest to you is
a philosophical one. Mr. Howard is going to tell you I suggest
if you hear from him that the sponsors of these teams, the
adult users of the park ought to pay the full cost of any of
these programs, but I suggest it is not feasible in a budget
,---a 31/4 million dollar budget, --that provides for the recrea-
tion program, that the tax dollar doesn't subsidize to some
degree the program.
Mr. Albert Howard, Dir. of Parks and Recreation: One
of the things I would like to bring up, you are talking about
driving people from the parks, I believe it is a fallacy. The
first time last year the City conducted an adult football league,
we had 13 teams come into that paid $175.00 per team for the
umpires and balls and everything else. It did not cost the City
a penny, and now the same league wants to increase their fee
becasue they want a third official, and they are willing to pay
$200.00. We have right now, it started Monday, an adult fast
pitch soft ball league with 10 teams. The Judge is talking about
slow pitch, will all pay $150.00 for the fast pitch league, to
play, the league is now in operation. There has been no objection
mainly because they want two ASA umpires, they want it to be a
good league. They are willing to pay for that, they are willing
to pay for the score keeper. Even with this league paying $150.00
for 10 teams, $1500.00, it is still costing the City,
Mayor Ferre: How many people does that require?
Mr. Albert Howard: ---it is an average of 15 men
on a roster, some have 20,some have
Mayor Ferre:--City employees, -umpires?
Mr. Howard: The umpires we hire, they are ASA umpires
two per game, and a score keeper.
Mayor Ferrer Three people, anybody else. ---
Mr. ADward:---maintenance, the groundsmen.--
8
MAY 91974
Mayor Ferre: They are there anyway,
NU di
Mr. Howard: -...-right, and we do all the work as far
as the league, the program, the schedules and etc.
Mayor Ferre: That takes people too,
Mr. Howard: Even with this fee of $150.00, it still
costa the City $1530.00 to subsidise that league. Their $150.00
does not cover the entire league.
Mayor Ferre: Btcuse.m►e,you've got me all confused.
You mean to tell me that what we are charging $150.00 for
cost us $1500.00.
Mr. Andrews: $300.00,
Mayor Ferre: Wait a moment, just take it easy now,----
$300.00 is that What you said?
Mr. Andrews: In other words we are matching the
fee with a like amount of money.
Mayor Ferre: Let me ask you a question, Judge,
Father is recommending $100.00, you said $75.00, let me
ask you, because we might be able to balance this. Suppose,
if you get one person, and you pay 75.00, an umpire like you
were talking about, if you get two people, you pay $100.00,
and if you get three people you pay $150.00, or $125.00 what
he has now.
Mr. Howard: If I could just relate these figures
toyou, ---
Judge Siegendorf:To save the Commission a lot of agony
and debate and etc., one of the other managers came in, would
you identify yourself please. I would say if the Commission were
to compromise this issue and the City was going to provide the
same services Mr. Mayor,- Mr. Mayor, if you were going to
request the City provide those same services, that we could
live with that figure, if there was some indication, ----the
$100.00 figure, if the City were going to provide those kind
of services, but what I am afraid of that they would just cut
the service which is what happened in the, ----
Mayor Ferre: If you put it that way, then you know
what it is. If you get,one man there, which is the umpire,
you pay $ 75.00 , -----
Judge Siegendorf: I would accept that, with the
two unpires at $100.00 if there be one other provision, the
recreation department is currently charging an administrative
fee of $5.00 a night every time you use the field. I assume
ostensibly to off -set some of the cost for turning the lights
on etc. however,
Mr. Howard: The only reason the $5.00 is thereto
cover the expense of the lights.
Judge Siegendorf: I want to point out to the Commission
No. 1 that in many of the parks the lights on the soft ball
field are left on every night regardless of whether anybody
uses thew, just to light the park, such as Coconut Grove, and
MAY ..91974
other parks, the lights are on, so it is a fallacy to charge
the teams $5.00 to practice if the City is gOig to leave the
lights on anyway, and also they charge $5.00---
Mr. Howard: In some areas the lights are on for
security purposes.
Judge Siegendorf: Let me finish, Mr. Howard, I am
trying to compromise and save everybody a lot of time.
Mr. Calis's team was granted a permit to use the
field during daylight hours and he was charged the $5.00 fee
which we consider more of a nuisance in terms of someone having
to go down to the field to the recreation department, instead
of calling up, reserving a field, giving a check for $5.00, we
would accept $100.00 proposal with the full staffing of umpires
and scorekeeper, if the City would remove the $5.00 per might
practice fee, and I think everybody would be happy.
Mayor Ferre: That is not what I said. I said one man
$75.00, two men $100.00, three people $125.00,-----
Judge Siegendorf: That is the original proposal, ---
Mayor Ferre: No, it isn't, the original is $125.00
period, except the ----
Judge Siegendorf: No. no, with the three, that
is what they propose. Their $125.00 dollar figure, ---the City
would provide 2 umpires and a scorekeeper.
It is not $5.00 per night, I have been corrected,
it is $5.00 for each hour and a half,
Rev. Gibson: Mr. Manager, realizing what we said
earlier, our desire to see people in the parks and we are
talking about mini -parks, isn't that what we said, J. L.,
mini -parks? I know money is a concern but it is also true
that if they didn't have money, and you don't use the parks
the parks would be there. I could only tell you with my business
what would happen if you took off $25.00. I understand that.
What if we could agree on a $100.00 figure. Is that possible,
and then you respond, -I believe we all want to do that which
is right to keep activities in the parks, and I think we ought
to come to an understanding. Please respond to $100.00, Mr.
Andrews, you and Mr. Howard, ---
Mr. Howard: May I bring one point up first because
I never got to finish my part here, on Midge Siegendorf's team,
and this is a matter of a tax dollar too, of 17 players on the
roster, 10 are not living in the City, 10 are from the county,
7 from the City,
Judge Siegendorf: Mr. Howard where do you live,I don't
see where that has anything to do, where anybody lives. You don't
live in the City of Miami.
Mr. Howard: On the entire league of 34 managers, 19
are from the county, 13 are from the City so really, so we
are really, and the league is almost 50/50 if not more, people
are playing from outside the county,--- but if they were to play
within the county, the fee is higher, and if they play in N.Miami
the fee is higher,
Mayor Ferre:--the City of Miami, this isn't the county,
this is the City of Miami, not Metro, so there is an argument
on that side. Don't push it, ----
Mr. Hpwards SO we have
this league .playing from outside
is defraying the expense of this
that we are trying to bring into
a great number of players in
the City and yet the City
league. This is another element
consideration.
Mayor Ferre: We have spent 15 or 20 minutes on
this, let's settle it, okay.
Mr. Plummer: I make a motion a $100. fee be charged
the soft ball league,
Judge Siegendorf:---eliminating the $5.00 per hour
a nd a half fee, Mr. Plummer, please, ----
Mt. Plummer: The lights are on anyhow. I don't see
reason for it, I said $100. all inclusive, ----
Judge Siegendorf: I want it clear for the record
Mr. Plummer because I know what is going to happen tomorrow
morning when we apply.
Thereupon the following motion was introduced by
Mr. Plummer who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 74-363
A MOTION EXPRESSING THE POLICY OF THE
COMMISSION THAT A FEE OF ONE HUNDRED
DOLLARS BE CHARGED FOR TEAMS PARTICI-
PATING IN SOFTBALL LEAGUES IN CITY PARKS
AND THAT ANY OTHER CHARGES IN CONNECTION
WITH PRACTICE SESSIONS BE ELIMINATED
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson the motion
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr.
Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and Mayor
Ferre. NOES: None.
Judge Siegendorf: Thank you very much for your
consideration and we appreciation it very much in behalf
of the users of the parks.
any
Mayor Ferre: And get some more city people in there.
30. AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL TEAM - REQUEST TO WAIVE
EXPENSES AT MIAMI STADIUM:
Mr. Sal Perretta: I am Sal Perretta from the
American Legion, I am the Southern area baseball chairman,
and I am also District Chairman. For the past 12 years we
have been using the stadium at no cost. Now, if you know
about the American Legion program, we have 250 in our program
from the City of Miamti, most are from the City of Miami, when
you consider High Schools such as Edison, Jackson, Miami High
Curley, La Salle, these boys are in our program. There is no
cost to the City as far as umpires, American Legion has to
raise the fee of the umpires which��$30.00 per game. You have
granted us the use of the stadium at no charge, now we have
been told there is going to be a charge on the lights., 9n the
insurance and this thing is going to run to $100. per game Rich
we cannot afford.
MAY 91974
Mr. P1ter: You ate using a baseball stadium.
You ate using a facility, is this the one they are
going to use about 20 or 30 nights?
Mr. Perretta: Twenty five dates.
Mr. Plummer: Are you charging a fee for this?
Mr. Perretta: No, sir, ---
Mr.Plummer: What you are asking the City to do
is to subsidize your program.
Mr. Perretta: We have insurance on all the boys,
and we have a sign, anyone that enters the ball park. enters
at their own risk.
Mr. Plummer: That is not the point. The point is,
how could you conceive going for a hundred dollars a day.
getting a stadium such as that, and ask for it to be less.
Mr. Perretta; All other cities provide stadiuns,
Homestead provides their stadium,
Mr. Plummer: I am sure we can provide you with a
playing field, but not a stadium.
Mr. Perretta: There are none available Commissioner.
We used to use Grapeland and that has been taken away.
Mr. Andrews: There is another complication
involved here and that is the City of Miami has sent the
American Legion State Baseball tournament at Little River
Station a notice in that they are soliciting without a permit
and we have estopped them from continuing that.
Mr. Perretta: That has been taken care of. I talked
to Mr. Mayor about that and it wasn't soliciting out right for
donations, this is a publication, and he knows, he is a members
of the American Legion. No where in the world are you going to
get, ---a Legion has to go out and solicit. We have a program
cooing up for state tournament, the University of Miami, and
to run this program it is going to cost_ six thousand to sixtyu'five
hundred, and we do have a license from the Secretary of State
to solicit.
Mr. Andrews: But they are not following the State
requirements. Thee is the notice right there.
Mr. Plummeri Now was the solicitation done?
Mr. Andrews: Be say is was it done in behalf of
a brochure, they are soliciting at the ball game.
Mr. Mayer: The City of Miami received complaints
concerning this because the people who were solicited for
advertising in a publication'which a professional solicitor
is apparently getting together for the folks, inquired as
to whether they had a permit to solicit in the City of Miami.
They did not, on April llth we served them a notice to cease
solicitation within the City of Miami, it wasn't until the 6th-
8 s
MAY " 91974
s
of this month that Mr. Perretta called my office and we discussed
this. He apparently had received some advice from his professional
solicitor and was ignoring the letter. He stated he did have the
State registered professional solocitor and of course the Legion
themselves is registered with the State.
Mr. Plummer: I am totally lost, ---
Mt. Perretta: What he is talking about has nothing
to do with our baseball, ----this is our summer baseball program
which starts Awe 1st.
Mr. Plummer: He is saying that is what they are
supposed, ----
Mt. Perretta: What he is talking about is a State
tournament that is coming off in August. I am here to talk
about our summer baseball program which has been going on for
over 40 years.
Mr. Plummer: When does this program start?
Mr. Perretta: We do good in this program. We have
a scholarship tournament, ----
Mr. Plummer: I am not arguing, I am asking you,
when does the program start?
Mr. Perretta: It starts in May. When the schools
are finished with baseball, the American Legion takes over.
We have a scholarship tournament coming up in May.
Mr. Plummer: I am going to suggest, and I will make
a motion that all of this be surrendered to the City Attorney
and the City Manager and come back with a recommendation on
the 23rd of May.
Mr. Perretta: Commissioner that is kind of late,----
Mr..Plummer: I didn't do this.
Mr. Perretta: Do you realize that we have been
the job of the City fathers, the men that are in this program
put their hard earned time, ---giving up their nights. You are
looking for someone to take care of your youth.
Mr..Plummer: You are obviously not listening to me.
I am not saying to you that you can't use the stadium. I am not
saying to you that if the recommendation comes back, that we
can't waive the fee and make it retroactive back. I am saying
all of this that has been brought to light today, be surrendered
to the City Manager and the City Attorney, let them come back
with a recommendation. You can go on and hold your events.
Mr. Perretta: But you have already waived the fee
over here, according to resolution No. 74-330. What i was talking
about was the insurance and the lights.
Mr. Plummer: You want us to pay for that?
Mrs. Gordon: No, he said they pay for their own boys,
that is what he said.
Mr. Plummer: No, he is saying he wants the city to
pay for the rest, is what I am getting at Rose.
MAY - s 1974
A �
Mr. Perretta: You provide lights for everywhere
else in the City.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission,
the Commission has over the last several years adopted a policy
that wherever possible, where there is public benefit, public
participation, that the baseball stadium be made available
on a rent-free basis. However., you have steadfastly followed
one policy, and that is everyone that is granted this privilege
does need to pay the City of Miami's out-of-pocket expenses
because otherwise it becomes a direct tax burden. The baseball
stadium is supported by tax dollars, and if you do it in this
case, you are going to have to do it in all the other cases,
and you have been permitting free use without rental of the
baseball stadium in many, many instances.
Mr. Perretta: May I ask you, you have a winter
program going on over there. Do they pay for the use?
Mr. Andrews: Yes, to my knowledge.
Mr. Perretta: I'd like to see the figures on it.
That is not the way I've been told.
Mr. Andrews: They have it rent free but they are
paying the insurance and other out of pocket expenses.
Mrs. Gordon: What insurance are we talking about?
He just said they paid for the insurance for the boys.
Mr. Lloyd, City Atty: I can explain that, if I may
Mr. Mayor, they have insurance on the boys for injuries due
to participation in the baseball activities. This is insurance
on the use of the baseball stadium itself,which covers the City
against law suits, for people coming into the stadium and getting
injured in the stadium, due to a defect in the stadium.
Mts. Gordon : Does your insurance cover spectators?
Mr. Perretta: No, I told you we have signs stating
the fact, --we have been going along 12 years with the program
at the stadium and it is only the last three years I've had
to come before the Commission for use of the facilities. Before
that the facilities were always granted, because the City gave up
their senior league. Louie can tell you, years ago you had a
senior league that the City had to finance, pay the umpires, now
you have the American Legion, --we back to 1938, and the City of
Miami had a baseball team, Harvey Seeds Post, they even had a
football team, if you go back that far. Gentlemen all you are
doing. is you are driving your senior citizens away from partici-
pating and taking care of the youth for the summer. I tell you
honestly that is what is going to happen. If you discourage the
members of the American Legion from these facilities. you are
going to lose workers which is what you need in the summer time.
Mr. Plummer: Once again, we are not trying to stop
you. Our main administrative man has raised some serious questions.
I am asking you to get together with the City Manager and City
Attorney to resolve these vary serious questions. That is all
I am asking. I said nothing about stopping the baseball, now
once again, I am willing to offer the motion that this be
deferred, you clear up these matters, then come back and we
9u
MAY ~ 9 1974
know Where we are standing. i am not asking for a history
of the ball game, or wash any dirty linens, let's just
resolve a very serious matter. That is all.
this also.
Mr. Lloyd: I have a legal question concerning
Mr. Piummert No, I don't want to get into that,
Mr. Lloyd: 1 would like the opportunity to review
this myself.
Mr. Plummer: Do you want a motion to that effect,
or just want to give him a date?
I make a motion that the American Legion representatives
get together with the City Manager and the City Attorney before
the meeting of the 23rd of May and resolve a question raised
by the main administrative man of the City as it relates to
solicitation, and report back to this Commission for action
on the 23rd of May.
Mr. Perretta: Can 1 say anything about solicitations,
Mr..Plummer: I would prefer you do it with them.
Mr. Perretta:---because some of the accusations
that Mr. Mayer made are false because I only got the letter,
Mayor Ferre: You'd better specify it is spelled
m,a,y,e,r, not Mr. Mayor, -----we have a motion and a second.
we have had 20 minutes of discussion on this short item, the
motion is, this matter is being deferred for study by the
legal department. and the administration, -call the roll
please,
Mrs. Gordon: They can use the stadium in the meantime?
Mayor Ferre: No, that is not what he said.
Mrs. Gordon: That is what I heard him say.
Mr. Plummer: He said they are not using the stadium
until the end of May, they are coming back and decide on the
23rd.
Thereupon the following motion was introduced by
Mr. Plummer who moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 74-364
A MOTION REQUESTING THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE TO CONSULT WITH
THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY ATTORNEY PRIOR TO
MAY 23RD IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE A QUESTION OF
SOLICITATION BY SAID ORGANIZATION
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson the motion was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AXES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
91
MAY - 91974
s
31. PARK DEVELOPMENT AT COCONUT GROVE INCINERATOR SITE -
SALE OP SURPLUS PROPERTY. RECEIVE IVE ARCHITECTURAL
PROPOSALS - STATUS REPORT:
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor we'd like a Minute and a half
fibs to show you as part of item No. 8 and while they are getting
ready, I might explain that I have two resolutions to present
to theCity ComMission, they are in your books, oneresolution
addresses itself to awarding a contract for $16,500.00 in
which the City will be the recipient of that money for mechnaical
e quipaaent that we are going to dispose of. This was under a bid
process, this is the highest bidder, and it is my recommendation
that we sell this equipment to high bidder.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced
by Mr. Plummer Who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-365
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH INTERNATIONAL
INCINERATORS, INC. FOR THE SALVAGE AND REMOVAL
OF THE COCONUT GROVE INCINERATOR EQUIPMENT
AND SPARE PARTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,500.00
TO BE PAID BY INTERNATIONAL INCINERATORS, INC.
TO THE CITY OF MIAMI , IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT
SUCH A CONTRACT WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTEREST
OF THE CITY, SUBJECT TO A TIME SCHEDULE FOR THE
REMOVAL OF THE EQUIPMENT
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Rev. Gibson.
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer. Mr. Reboeo, Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
Mr. Andrews: A second resolution that I have for
the Commission, we have recommended to the Commission that
we proceed on the basis of an architectural competition to
make the greatest utilization of the existing building. Now
that we have gotten into this with the architectural association
here, we find that is so complicated, so time consuming that in
my judgement it would be better if we went ahead and solicited
for architects and brought three such architects to and park planners ----to plan the facility. And with your permission,
I'll solicit such proposals, rank them, or give you ay recommendations
and the Commission can take it from there and make a decision on it.
Mr. Lloyds I have checked with the City Manager
and will proceed according to the mandate of the statute
on the selection of architects.
Mr.Plummer: What you are telling me is you can't
do it in house, correct?
Mr. Andrews: No, this one, we had better get some
diversity of thinking rather than just in-house application.
I think it would be much smarter to do it on this basis.
Nr. Plummer: Father, do you agree with that?
Rev. Gibson: Yes,----
92
MAY - 91974
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced
by Mr. pluMMer who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-366
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR AND
RECEIVE INVITATIONS TO RENDER PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE FROM ARCHITECTS AND PARK PLANNERS
FOR DESIGN SERVICE TO CONVERT THE COCONUT
GROVE INCINERATOR STRUCTURE TO A PARK
FACILITY
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here
and on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs.
Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
Mr. Andrews: Now, I'd like to show a minute and
half film with your indulgence, Mr. Mayor, I wish you would
call on Commissioner Plummer to do the narration of the film.
Plummer?
Mayor Ferre: Will you narrate the film,: Commission
Commissioner Plummer: No, ---
Mayor Ferre: Seriously, ----
Commissioner Plummer: This was the bulldozer, Mr
Mayor that was there digging around to make sure the stack
would fall in the right direction.
Mayor Ferre: What is this, a mini film for a
mini park?
Commissioner Plummer: Right. The stack was 200',
they dug the trench approximately 2ft. wider than the stack
was all the way. It should be noted, --here goes the boom,
now watch. It should be noted that the face of this stack
I think was some 38 ft. from a house. There went the last
puff of old smokey. These people were fantastic in laying
that thing down, so much so you will see in just a minute,
how well they did on this situation. This is the Fire Dept.
going in to check to make sure all the explosives were detonated.
There is the stack, what is left of it. 200 ft. high, now laying
in rubble.
Now. you are going to see a see a culprit known as
a stealer, not a streaker but a stealer, where is he,
you will be presented with somethii9 right there from the top
in just a minute.
I think time -wise, Mr. Mayor, these people got
more money than any City contract that was ever given. For
about a half a second, they got $19,000. but in that half
a second, if they hadn't of done their job properly it would
have cost the City probably $400,000,000. if the stack would
have. there he comes, that is a streaker. I was looking
to bring back as a memento,` ---yea there is it. You can see
the two lights on the top► they laid this thing down in such
Manner that both of those lights were in -tact. That was
the two warning lights on the roof of the tower. Now, Mr.
Mayor as a memento► of that very fine occasion I would like
to present to you, something we have been holding for some
time, you will have a memento of'bid smokey', I'd like to
present this to you, 'erected Sept. 1960, demolished March
29, 1974' during your administration.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission
while Commissioner Plummer was at the top, I was at the bottom.
Mr. Plummer: May it always be that way.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayon and members of the Commission,
I was fortunately with the City and in fact, ----I don't know
if I should make this admission at this time, was in fact
project manager of the construction of the Coconut Grove
Incinerator, it was a long struggle, and took a great
deal of effort, and somethiNg we were very proud of, to
see this constructed and then have it come down in a half
of a second. We did secure some of the bricks from the base
of the chimney, and we had them inscribed in such a way
that I hope you will place in your offices
because I think the plaque that is on here commemorates
an effort of the City Commission, and I think this is
testimonial to what you are attempting to do for the City
of Miami. It reads 'building blocks for a better community.
this chimney brick is symbolic keystone for the expanding
new Miami Park system from the Coconut Grove Incinerator,
dedicated Sept. 1960 abolished March 1974 for the creation
of a new recreation center.'
Mayor Ferre: I might point out, and this is just
an aside, Paul, the other day, Father Gibson and I were at
the Carver School over here, and they had a nice ceremony
and all that, but the thing that concerned me, and I don't
want to belittle the efforts of Mrs. Colsky, but I got the
impression out of that whole thing, the way they were talking
that it was they who had done it, and if it hadn't been for
them this would never happened, and there is an awful lot of
time and work put forth by the Commission. It was their night
but I don't want to make anybody feel bad, but this is the
efforts of yourselves, J.L. and Rose, and everybody here, and
we wern't sitting around waiting and all of a sudden, Mrs. Colsky
and the Carver PTA pushed us and forced us into doing this.
Mr. Andrews: The Commission started this many months
ago .
Rev. Gibson: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission.
and Mr. Andrews, this isn't our fault, but one of the things
that troubled me was you had, ---we had a school in the City
limits of Miami, right adjacent, and those people were not
at all involved. Now remember the other two schools are in
Coral Gables. A lot of people don't,underatand it. The Junior
High School is in Coral Gables, the Elementary School on
Grand Avenue is in Coral Gables, the Elementary School on
Douglas Road is in Miami, and let me point out something,
when the Governor was here the other day, did you know our
children who live in Miami didn't get an opportunity to
meet the Governor, and I think we who are here must be sensitive
94
MAY - 91974
to give these children that kind of a push for an inspiration,
so Mr. MayOr I wasn't going to mention it, but you advise me
and I'll be grateful.
Mayor Perks: I didn't see you but i saw Father
sitting back there, I took my brick back and make sure you
give Father Gibson a brick, and they hadn't planned all that
and I got the feeling out of all that, there was a little
misunderstanding. I hope nobody takes offense at this, but
I don't mind When an editorial writer takes a pot shot at us
because that is what he is supposed to do, they do that
every other day anyway, so but when a group of citizens
do it, that is serious. That does concern me and especially if it is
based, ----I've got a very simple attitude towards editorials,
I just ignore. Most of the time I don't read them, but somebody
forces me to read them I just ignore them, but when we are
talking about people, human beings, citizens that are involved,
and based on a misconception, then that does concern me, and
I don't know how we correct that, but I am concerned about it.
Rev. Gibson: But I hope we keep in mind that that
other school is also a part, and Mr. Mayor you need to be
aware of this that, remember the two schools who will profit from
that transfer of land, ----I am concerned about that. ---
Mayor Ferre: I am worried about the people and all
the parents there who may have gotten a misunderstanding. I
don't think there is anything we can do about it.
32. PUBLICITY FUND - AMENDING BUDGET TO ADD COUNTY FUNDS:
An ordinance entitled -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE
NO. 8190, SECTION 4, SPECIAL MILLAGE FUNDS, PUB-
LICITY AND TOURISM, DADE COUNTY CONTRACT, ADDING
$3,000. OF COUNTY FUNDS TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF
$390,000. SUPPLEMENTING THE COUNTY PORTION OF THE
M IANI-METRO PUBLICITY CONTRACT; REFLECTING A NEW
TOTAL OF $393,000.; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO EFFECT THE APPROPRIATE ENTRIES
TO REFLECT THE ADDITIONALSUMS RECEIVED FROM DADE
COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000.
was introduced by Mr. Plummer, seconded by Rev. Gibson, and
passed on its first reading by title by the following vote -
AYES: Mr. Plummer, ter. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, and
Mayas Ferre. NOES: None.
33. "BOATS, DOCKS, MOORINGS & CONTROL OF CITY WATERS" -
PROPOSED NEW RULES & REGULATIONS:
Mr. Plummer: I say defer it, I haven't seen a
copy of the nev ordinance yet.
Mr. Lloyd: The Law Department requests deferral
of this for a little more study.
Mayor Ferre: You need a motion on that?
Mr. Lloyd: No.
95
MAY - 91974
34. AGREEMENT -DEMOLITION OP BUILDINGS -DOWNTOWN GOVERNMENT
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer.
Who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-367
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MIAMI AND BEN
HURWITZ, INC., FOR THE DOWNTOWN GOVERNMENT
CENTER -BUILDINGS DEMOLITION-1973-PHASE II,
TO CONTINUE ITEMS 4 & 5 AT A COST OF $6,600.
AND PROVIDING THAT THE CONTRACTOR FURNISH A
PERFORMANCE BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,600.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here
and on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon'being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Ferre. MS: None.
35. MELREESE GOLF COURSE - USE BY URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER
MIAMI:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer,
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-368
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF MELREESE
GOLF COURSE BY THE URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER
MIAMI, INC., ON NOVEMBER 23 AND 24, 1974,
WITH A GREENS FEE OF $2.00 PER PLAYER,
ELECTRIC CARTS MANDATORY, AND A MINIMUM OF
150 PLAYERS PER DAY; A MINIMUM OF 150
PLAYERS ARE TO BE SIGNED UP BY THE URBAN
LEAGUE BY NOVEMBER 9, 1974; ALTERNATIVELY,
IF LESS THAN 150 PLAYERS ARE SIGNED UP, THEY
MAY USX THE FACILITIES ONLY AFTER 1:00 P.M.
STARTING ON *1 TEE, NITS THE GOLF COURSE MANAGER
AS SOLE ARBITER
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Rev. Gibson,
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
36. MARINE STADIUM - WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE - "MUNICIPIO DE
SANTA MARIA DEL ROSARIO EN EL EXILIO, INC.:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer,
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-369
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE WAIVER OF RENTAL
FEE FOR USE OF THE MARINE STADIUM ON MAY 20.1974
BY THE "MUNICIPIO DE SANTA MARIA DEL ROSARIO IN
9C MAY ~ 91974
XXLIO, INC." TO COMMEMORATE THE
XNDrP ENDENCI OP CUBA, SUBJECT TO
PAS Or EVENT PERSONNEL, LIGHTS,
USURANCE AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS
BORNE ET THE CITY
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote; AYES: Mrs.
Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mayor Pierre.
NOES: None.
37. MARINE STADIUM - WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE - SOUTH MIAMI
HIGH SCHOOL BAND:
The following resolution was introduced by Rev. Gibson,
who *oared its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-370
A RESOLUTION AUTEORIZING THE WAIVER OF
RENTAL FEB FOR USE OF THE MARINE STADIUM
ON MAY 17, 1974 BY THE SOUTH MIAMI SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL BAND TO STAGE A "SOUND OF MUSIC
CONCERT", SUBJECT TO PAYMENT OF EVENT PERSONNEL,
LIGHTS, INSURANCE AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS BORNE
BY T88 CITY
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Pierre. NOES: None.
38. BID ACCEPTANCE - PRINTING ZONING ORDINANCE$:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer,
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-371
A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BID OF CENTER
PRINTING CO., INC. FOR FURNISHING ALL LABOR
AND MATERIAL FOR THE PRINTING OF 2,500 SETS
OF ZONING ORDINANCES FOR USE SY THE PLANNING
DEPARTMENT, AT A TOTAL COST OF $3,175.00, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO INSTRUCT THE
PURCHASING DIVISION TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER
AFTER FIRST HAVING DETERMINED THAT FUNDS
BUDGETED FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE AVAILABLE
Caere follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded'by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Ferre. NOES: NOne.
9
MAY 91974
39. PROPOSED HID ACCEPTANCE - MAGNETIC ROAD SWEEPER:
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor I have some serious questions
about this. 2 want to know why this thing is 'acceptable bid'
it is not the lowest, it is the lowest acceptable. The difference
between this and anyone else is 2/3 the difference the amount
o f money, one is $900.00, the other one is $2700.00, and I
don't see enough difference for that 2/3 amount more.
Mr. Lloyd: That isn't the resolution that 2 have in
my book.
Mr. Plummer: Aren't we looking at 33? That is it.
I want to know why because one is taken in Orlando and
the other in Miami.
Mayor Ferre: He is questioning the words 'lowest
acceptable' which means it is not the lowest bid.
Mr. Lloyd: That is not in the resolution.
Mr. Plummer: It is in mine.Mine says the 'lowest
acceptable bid' ----
Mr. Lloyd: Now look at the resolution, not what is
on your agenda.
Mr. Plummer: That is one point, -- I am making the
other point, ----there was a company there that was going
to provide one for $900.00 and we are paying $2700.00,----
Mr. Andrews: And he submitted one that did not meet
our specifications.
Mr. Plummer: Look at the difference in the specs. One
doesn't have pneumatic tires, the other doesn't have a hitch
and other one is taking delivery in Orlando.
Mr. Andrews: No locking device. ----
Mr. Plummer: $1800. 00 difference, Paul, ----
Mayor Ferre: Not quite, but close. The difference between
Terry Magnetics and Dings?'
Mr. Plummer: That's right. I move to defer until we get
more information.
Mayor Ferre: Let's see if we can resolve it. Can you
resolve this problem now?
Mr. Andrews: You can't now, the only thing you could do
is reissue specifications with these qualities removed.
Mayor Ferre: Now badly do you need this?
Mr. Andrews:
not to, ----
Mayor Ferre:
I want to hear if
Mr. Andrews:
Mayor Ferre:
We need it, but if the Commission is inclined
I think Mr. Plummer has a valid point, but
there is an emergency of some kind.
No, there is no emergency.
There is a motion and second to defer,--•96
-
MAY -91974
Thereupon a MOtiOn to defer this matter was introduced
by Mr. Moser, seconded by Rev. Gibson, was passed and
adopted by the following vote .. AYES: Rev. Gibson, tars.
Gordon, Mr. Plui Mer. Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre. NO : None.
40. BID ACCEPTANCE - POLICE BADGES:
Mr. Plummer: Let m• question something on 34,--Paul
don't read this wrong what I am going to say, but I want
to know something, let's look at the bids, what I am saying
is, the reason this is being given to Lamar Uniform is because
somewhere all of a sudden, they came up with a 3% discount
which made them lower, ---
Mayor Ferre: No'by much, $50.00,----
Mr. Plummer: That is right, Mayor Ferre: The lowest one is IDA, Inc. ----
Mr. Plummer: Except for the fact, no, - Allen Brothers
was cheaper, okay, they were cheaper, but Lamar was after
that, but somewhere Lamar came in with a 3% discount. What
I want to know was that three Percent offered to all bidders?
Mr. Andrews: This was something included in their bid.
Mr. Plummer: But you see, did someone else want to give
that same option, and they didn't know about it. On the specs
it said you can give a discount if you want, and they did
and rest of them gave no discount. Okay, the other point I
want to raise on this, you show 200 badges for Sergeants,
and we know right now we are not making any sergeants until
the lst of December, so why order them?
Mr. Andrews: Because if you order them separately, or
reduce the quantity the cost per unit is increased. We are
going to use them eventually anyway.
Mr. Plummer: Okay, I want to see one of the bids. Mr.
Mayor, based on what I have been told I'll be glad to move
for approval.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Mr. Plummer who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-372
A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING•THE BID RECEIVED
MARCH 18, 1974, FROM LAMAR UNIFORM COMPANY
FOR FURNISHING POLICE BADGES, AS REQUIRED,
FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 30, 1974 AT AN INITIAL COST OF
$2,827.62; AND AUTHIORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO INSTRUCT THE PURCHASING
AGENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER THEREFOR,
PROVIDING THAT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk' office.)
Upon b eing seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
J. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mayor Ferre. Noes; None.
9;)
MAY - 9 1974
41. CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS - CIVIL SERVICE
BOARD TO STUDY:
Mayor Ferre: These are matters that have already
been slaved by the City CoMmisaion, ---
Mr. Lloyd: ---yes, sir, on which a resolution is neceSsery
at which time they were moved, it was not time for the Law
Dept to prepare the resolutions that day so they have been
prepared for the next commission. meeting.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Rev. Gibson, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-373
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CIVIL SERVICE
HOARD TO GIVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THE
MATTER OF CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
FOR POLICE OFFICERS
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer,
passed and adopted by the following vote
Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and
the resolution was
- AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
42. DISABILITY PENSION INVESTIGATION - CREATING COMMITTEE:
The following resolution was itt roduced by Rev. Gibson.
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-374
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING VICE -MAYOR REBOSO
AND COMMISSIONER PLUMMER AS A COMMITTEE
OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE
THE MATTER OF THE TWO-THIRDS DISABILITY
PENSION GRANTED TO CITY EMPLOYEES AND
DESIGNATING COMMISSIONER PLUMMER AS CHAIRMAN
OF SAID COMMITTEE
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
43. AGMT - FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - EXECUTIVE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Mayor Ferre: There is a motion and second, -----is this
all paid for by the BRA grant or do we put a little bit ourselves?
Mr. Andrews: We participate in -kind.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by Rev.
Gibson who moved its adoption:
1Oi)
MAY -91974
RESOLUTION NO. 74-375
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TO
PROVIDE AN EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
FOR 75 SELECT POLICE PERSONNEL FROM THE
MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT, SAID PROGRAM TO
TERMINANTE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30,1974 AT A
TOTAL COST TO THE CITY OF $18,645.; $17,545.
TO BE PAID TO FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
AND $1,100 FOR THE PRINTING OF A 200 PAGE PROJECT
REPORT; SAID CONTRACT IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE CONTRACT ATTACHED
HERETO
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Rev.
Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
44. LITIGATION - F.E.C. V CITY - PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY'S FEES:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Plummer
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-376
A RESOLUTION ALLOCATING THE SUM OF $11,500.
AS ATTORNEY'S FEES AND THE SUM OF $1,400. AS
COSTS FROM THE GENERAL OBLIGATION HIGHWAY
IMPROVEMENT BOND FUND TO PAY TO SHUTTS &
BOWEN, AS ATTORNEYS FOR THE FLORIDA EAST
COAST RAILWAY COMPANY, IN THE CASE OF FLORIDA
EAST COAST RAILWAY COMPANY, VS. CITY OF MIAMI,
CIRCUIT COURT CASE NUMBER 67-5685, upon THE
EXECUTION OF A SKXSFACTION OF JUDGEMENT OR OF
A RELEASE RELEASING THE CITY OF MIAMI FROM ALL
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Reboso, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
45. CHILDREN'S SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM - ACPTG GRANT:
The following resolution was introduced by Mrs. Gordon,
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-377
A RESOLUTION RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING THE
ACTION OF THE CITY MANAGER IN MAKING APPLI-
101 MAI -3W
CATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING
A SUMMER SPECIAL FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
FOR CNILDgEN RESIDING IN THE CITY OF
MIAMI, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE GRANT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $117,120. TO BE CONTINGENT
UPON FINAL APPROVAL OF OUR CONTRACT WITH
BIDDER TO PROVIDE FOR SAID LUNCHES AND
PROVIDED THAT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS SHALL
NOT EXCEED $10,384.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here
and on file in the City Clerk'soffice.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon, the resolution
was passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES:
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon,
Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
46. BLOOD DONOR ORDINANCE - EXTENDING EFFECTIVE DATE:
gt
Mayor Parse: I am not at all satisfied with the way
the Metro Health Board is following this matter up. The
truth of the matter is, they are not following it up,
and it is not being solved, and the blood donor problems
are back, plaguing us, I talked to Rev. McKinnley last week,
he said it is just as bad as it has ever been, it is terrible,
all over again, ----slow down for a while, then back in high
gear. We are not going to give up, and I'm going to tell you
this, and I am saying this on the record, for the benefit
of my fellow commissioners, it is going to cost us some
money and a lot of aggravation. By God, if these people
in Metro don't live up to what they say they are going to
do, we are going to have our own blood plasma inspection
center,' because we are going to do something about it.
These people keep playing around with this thing and they
don't get down to the heart of it. So this is a matter the
City Manager is recommending that we extend this until
September.
Mr. Lloyd: This will have to be am emergency ordinance
and I'll have to read the ordinance and we will make a copy
Sr every member of the Commission very shortly.
What happened was, you established an effective date,
you amended it by adding a new section to establish a new
effective date, you are now establishing another effective
date by this ordinance, and the effective date is
An ordinance entitled -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 8224
DEALING WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI'S COMMERCIAL BLOOD DONORS BOARD
BY ESTABLISHING A NEW EFFECTIVE DATE; DECLARING
THIS ORDINANCE TO BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE; DIS-
PENSING WITH THB REQUIREMENT OF READING THE SAME
ON TWO SEPARATE DAYS BY A VOTE OF NOT LESS THAN
FOUR -FIFTHS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
104
MAY w 9191
was introduced by Mr. Plummer, and seconded by Mrs Gordon,
for adoption as an emergency measure and dispensing with the
requirement of reading same on two separate days, which was
agreed to by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson.
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Ferre. NOES: NOne. Whereupon
the Commission on Motion of Mr. Plummer, seconded by Mrs.
Gordon, adopted said ordinance by the following vote - AYES:
Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor
Ferre. NOES: None. and said ordinance was designated Ordinance
No. 8259.
47. "MAN IN WASHINGTON SERVICES PROGRAM" - AGMT:
Mayor Ferre: Mr. Andrews do you recommend f.1?
Mr. Andrews: Yes,
Mrs. Gordon: I am curious, why in there a $1000.
additional charge?
Mr. Andrews: We discovered that there was
was a thousand dollars in over -head cost that we had not
included, and it is really $13,000. for a quarter of the
time of a man in Washington.
Mayor Ferre: Is that working out for you?
Mr. Andrews: Very much so. From an administrative point.
and for the City Commission'and the rest of the City, it is
really a great thing. They will pick up the telephone and
get the kind of answers you need, and have literature follow
in the mail andstell you where bills are andwhat the background
is, and know that when you go there, that you have a point of
contact.
Mrs. Gordon: I think it is a great idea but I want to
ask youa question. You remember when I asked earlier about
possibly finding some funds for redevelopment of 8th Street.
Perhaps you could telephone him or write him and ask him
to investigate what areas might be available for some funds
for that purpose.
Mayor Ferre: It is a good idea. There is a motion and
a second, but Paul on discussion on that, we are going up
there Tuesday, you going up, ----is he going to be involved
in this?
this.
Mr. Andrews: I am not sure, no he won't be involved in
Mayor Ferre: You ought to get him involved in this.
Mr. Andrews: That would be an unusual role for them.
They represent so many cities and they could be representing
two or three cities at the same time.
Mayor Ferre: Find out, but he doesn't, that is our
man in Washington. He may be the League of Cities man there,
but he is supposed to help us.
Mrs. Gordon: Do you mind telling me what you are talking
about?
1O)
MAY -91974
Mr. Andrews;May I take a moment, Mr. Mayor'?
MayOr Ferre: Certainly, ----
Mr. Andrews: The City has made an application to HUD
for a grant of funds amounting to $300,000. and this grant
will enable the City to implement management and policy
decisions made by this Commission.
Mayor Ferre: This is a very important matter for the
City of Miami.
Mr. Andrews: You have authorized over the last 18 months
the involvement of eooz Allen in developing a new approach
to the management of the City and they are coming to the
City Commission with various recommendations to improve the
management facilities and capabilities of the City so we
can deliver better services to the people of Miami. Now
this grant of funds will enable us to implement all of
those findings, and in addition to that, it will
begin to examine what the City looked like lets say two
years ago , it will examine the processes we are using,
change the direction of the City, and where we will be
going in several years hence.
Mayor Ferre: it goes a lot further than that.
Mr. Andrews: -let me continue, ---it also will establish
if we are successful in gettingthis grant, the City of
Miami as a model and every bit of this will be documented
in such a way that it will be made available to any City
and any governmental agency throughout the U.S. as to what
occured in the City of Miami.
Mayor Ferre: It goes a lot further than that, -----
Mr. Andrews: Go ahead Mr.Mayor.
Mayor Ferre: What it goes to, is,these are monies that
would be made available for us to study how the policy -making
process, ---listen to this J.L,---policy-making process of the
city is established and how if any way we can improve it, which
is what we were talking about a month ago. This has been and
we are very fortunate to be even being heard, because there are
only what,--4 or 5 finalists, ---
Mr. Andrews: That is right, out of 60 or 706----
Mayor Ferre;---and if we are able to secure these
federal funds it means that there is going to be federal
money spent,
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor I hate to tell you this, I want
to remind you and the City Manager, I went along with this thing
simply based on the fact, the way you and the City Manager are
talking, you are excluding the actions of this Commission.
Mayor Ferre: J.L. I want you to know I heard about
this this morning at 8:30.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor you voted on it two weeks ago.
Mayor Ferre: We voted on this?
104
MAY -919/4
Mr. Andrews: When we made application to authorize
me to make the grant.
Mayor Ferre: I want you to know, and there is no
reason for me to lies, and I am telling you right now,
that the first time I was aware of what this was, was
this morning, at 8:45 in the morning.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor I want you to know that I raised
serious questions when this was brought up. I am raising them
now, and I am further going to filibuster this thing on the
30th when it comes up, because somebody is goig to turn this
thing around, ---
Mayor Ferre: What happens on the 30th?
Mr. Plummer: We are going to talk about Booz-Allen
on the 30th,----
Mayor Ferre: Booz Allen doesn't have anything to do
with this, at this stage of the game. We are one out of four
municipalities in these United States, finalist out of 60,
and this is a very important matter if we happen to be successful
in getting these $300,000. of federal funds to improve the
effeciency of this government, I think it is going to be one
major step forward.
Mrs. Gordon: I am not disputing that the City shouldn't
try to receive the funds, nor am I disputing anything to what
Mr. Plummer has said, but what I heard you say, and which
you didn't elaborate on, but which I might be thinking about
between now and the next time we talk about it, and wonder
what in the world you were saying. Were you refering to any
kind of policy changing position of this Commission?
Mayor Ferre: What this means ise that it makes monies
available for us to study, and have professionals study for
us, to bring for our decision -making process, the ways that
we are operating and the ways that other cities operate and
what ways we might be able to improve in our deliberations.
That is one of the things this would do. The other thing that
it would do as I understand it, is, it would clearly spell out
what changes the City of Miami is in the midst of, for example,
what was the process of zoning before, how did we go about
changing it, who did,it, who were the consultants, what were
the main questions, what was the results, how hae it been
Sanctioning, this type of thing. We would be a pilot program.
Mr.Plummer: Are you telling me the federal government
is going tospend $300,000. just to publish a document of
how the City of Miami has gone about things.
Mayor Ferre: That is right, that is part of it.
Mr. Plummer: I can't think they can be that foolish.
Mayor Ferre: We missed on the police grant, that Atlanta
got, that was so important.
Mr. Plummer: We tried to get that,
Mayor Ferre;---high impact crime study,
Mr.Plummer; We went to Washington on that,
Boa MAY -91974
Mayor Perre: That one was dealing with crime.
Mr. Plummer: That is right,
Mayor Ferre: This one is dealing with the way government
is run, this government, ----
Mr. Plummer: It so happens the time they denied us
that grant we happened to be No. 1 in crime. We went to
Washington reminded that they put the sticker on us as
No.1 and then they denied us the right of getting money
to try to Ao dometIaing about it.
Mayor Ferre: This is a similar situation, except
instead of being in erime,----
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor I will remind you and the
City Manager and I'll have to remind you again I guess,
I voted on this thing before, only because there was a
deadline of April 15th, and Mr. Andrews says please, dont
deny me the right to apply for it, I said fine, go ahead, ----
Mayor Ferre: From what I know, I am 100% for, I think
it is a great thing, I hope we are the finalist, and I hope
we can get some of that money.
Mr. Plummer: I've got to know more about it.
Mrs. Gordon: Me too, ---
Mayor Ferre: 1 think it is important the Commisdon
be fully aware of what this thing is all about, so would
you write a memorandum, obviously you can't do it between
now and Tuesday, that is not going to affect what you are
going to do anyway, but would you explain in detail what
this really means.
Mr. Plummer: What is on Tuesday?
Mr. Andrews: The Washington hearing, the verbal hearing
• aspect of this application is being considered for those
who have reached that level, and there are 4 or 5 applications
that are considered and now there is going to be a board that
will conduct the verbal review.
Mr. Plummer: You are really backing us in where we can't
get out, is that what you are telling me?
Mayor Ferre: No,
Mr. Plummer: You are going ahead, you are going to
go to Washington, you are going to give a verbal presentation
and two of the members of this Commission are sitting here
telling you we don't know what is going on. I am sorry.
Mayor Ferre: Paul, I think you'd better explain this.
Mr. Plummer: I think you'd better too, because I remeaber
At being $250,000.----not $300,000.
Mayor Ferre: Wait a moment, we are on Item F-1. I opened
this different subject, let's vote on F-1 and then take up this
Subject.
• 106
MAY - 91974
Mayor Ferree There; is a motion and a second on F-1
is there further diacu.:sion?
Mr. Plummer: While you are doing it, go get some minutes
from the last meeting. I want to hear my tape.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Mr. Plummer who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION 74-378
A RESOLUTION AMENDING. RESOLUTION NO. 74-124,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH METRO-
POLITAN DADE COUNTY AND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
OF CITIES, U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS FOR THE
"MAN IN WASHINGTON SERVICES PROGRAM" FOR A
PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COST
FOR SAID PROGRAM SHALL BE $13,000. RATHER THAN
$12.000.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded Mr. Reboso, the
passed and adopted by the following vote
Mgs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso and
None.
48. (INADVERTENTLY NOT ASSIGNED SUBJECT)
resolution was
- AYES: Rev. Gibson,
Mayor Ferre. NOES:
49. "MAN IN WASHINGTON SERVICES PROGRAM" - PROVIDING FUNDS:
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Mr. Plummer, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-379
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 74-203,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI TO TRANSFER $12,000. FROM THE CONTINGENT
FUND TO THE APPROPRIATE ACCOUNT TO FUND THE
"MAN IN WASHINGTON PROGRAM" FOR A PERIOD OF ONE
YEAR, BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT TO BE TRANSFERRED
TO $13,000.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. !Gibson and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
MAY '91974
50. ORANGE BOWL SOUND SYSTEM AGMT WITH BOLT, BERANEK &
NE$MAN FOR DESIGN:
Mayor Ferre: Take up item G.
Mi • Plummer: bony It, ----
Mayor Ferre: Why?
Mr. Plummer: Because the City has already paid $11,000.
in consultant fees and we got a piece of garbage.
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission,
I don't think we have a piece of garbage at all. I think
we set out specifically to accomplish something, we have
accomplished it, and we have a fine public address system
in the O. Bowl.
Mayor Ferre: It reverberates, ----
Mr. Andrews: Yes, because they are using it wrong
Mr. Mayor.
fees.
Mr. Plummer: We paid $11,000. so far for consultant
Mayor Ferre: How much is that going to cost?
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor back in February 17, 1972, we
are talking about when Mr. Reeese sent us a memo, and I'll
quote from the memo. which we spent $9500.00.---'Whereas,
the study furnished is a result of this agreement, recommends
certain interim in:prove►nents as well ad establishment of basis
for a complete, ----complete, new, high quality sound system,
and we paid $9500.00 for this study. I think we ought to bring
these people back here, we ought to hold their feet to the fire,
we ought to tell these people, ---'We paid you $9500.00 in Feb.
of 1972, I think we ought to tell these people that on July 12,
1968 we paid them $1500.00 and come back and do the job they
were paid for. That is my personal opinion. We paid roughtly
$130,000. for what we have got there today, am I right or wrong.
Mr. Andrews: I believe so, I don't have the figures at
my finger tips.
Mr. Plummer: All right, in that realm, and I think we
have paid these people $11,000. and to pay them more money.
is just out of question.
Mr. Andrews: May I have the opportunity to answer you.
I understand that you are concerned, I understand too there
are a large number of people who are confused and have
misused the O. Bowl public address system. The public address
system that is inplace, was not designed to be a theatrical
system. When you place a microphone on the field, and you
attempt to use those speakers, you are going to get a feed
back, and we knew this when the contracts were let for this
aspect of the sound system. That was supplemented with what
little funds we had left, with a field sound system that now
exists at the O. Bowl. It is not completely adequate, there
is a complete separate set of speakers, morcophones, jacks and
the works to implement' an on -the -field sound system. That particular
system does not operate as well as it should when you attempt to
106
MAY ~ 91974
1 •
cover the entire stadium. tt was designed to cover one half
of the stadium so you could direct all the speakers into
one stand. The reason we want to employ these people once
aeiain is to assist us in either utilizing that on -field sound
system, or to come up with a new speaker system that will
broadcast to the entire stadium, from the field so there
isn't the feed back. The system that was designed on the
towers was never intended to be used from the field, and
this was designed that way.
Mrs. Gordon: Well all we would be doing on this is
just asking you to negotiate, you are not going to make
a contract until it comes back to us anyway, right. I'll
move it, ----
Mr. Andrews: I'll have to find out what the costs
are.
Mr. Plummer: This is authorizing the City Manager
for a further extension of the contract, beyond the $11,000.
Mrs. Gordon: This is a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to negotiate, is doesn't say he is going to
sign anything until it comes back to us.
Mr. Plummer: I am opposed Rose, ---how far do you go
with consultant studies. We have studies in the basement
of this place, ----
Mrs. Gordon: ---let him negotiate and see what he
has to say.
Mr. Plummer: I made my point. Mr. Andrews, I appologize
for not being a gentleman. It just upsets me.
Mr. Andrews: From my knowledge of what was contracted
for, what the City received and the options available to the
City at the time we were ready to make the expenditures, there
was only one choice for the City at that time, and that was one
of having installed, what I consider a very good public address
system, for announcement during the game and the others, but it
was not designed as it is now used to provide for from -the -field
announcements.
Mr. Plummer: Paul, will you agree with me that a lot of
other people misunderstood, ----
Mr. Andrews: ---they sure did, I'll have to agree with
you, ----
Mr. Plummer: And would you believe me when we stand
down on that field and Ernie Siler and Joe Robbie and all the
nest of the people start screaming at us about this echo in our
ears, and the system that breaks down during a nation-wide
T.V. coverage, Paul I get a little tire of hearing this when
we paid $130,000. to fix that system, and that is why I am
irriated, especially when we spend $11,000. just to study.
Maybe I am completely out of character.
Mr. Andrews: I think the area of misunderstanding that
arose,was the time that this was finally designed and put in
place that greater emphasis should have been placed on the
fact that this was a public address system, and v.ould have to
10J
MAY 91974
be co plitented further at a later date with an on -the -field
system.
14r. PlumMer: Had that been said, it would have been
a different story, but when I read here, this resolution
which says it is now the opportune time to replace the existing
system. It doesn't say anything about on -field or off -field
P.A. system.
Ma.Andrews: Well that is what it is for, I can assure
you.
Mr. Plumper: Paul there it is, it is not my memo. I'll
second the motion, just for negotiation purposes.
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by
Mrs. Gordon who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-380
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH THE FIRM OF BOLT,
BERANEK AND NEWMAN FOR THE DESIGN OF AN ON -FIELD
SOUND SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE THE ECHO PROBLEM IN-
VOLVED IN "ON-FIELD"BROADCASTS AT THE ORANGE
BOWL STADIUM
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
51. PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD - APPTG. MILDRED CALLAHAN AS
ALTERNATE MEMBER:
Mr. Lloyd: This is all of the agenda items, now we
move to the items which the Commission passed by motion
throughout the day which the Law Department has prepared
as resolutions and must be passed as resolutions.
The first one is a resolution of the Commission of
the City of Miami appointing Mildred Callahan as the alternate
member of the Planning Advisory Board.
Mayor Ferre: Is there a motion?
With the respect to the matter of appointing Mildred
Callahan as alternate member to the Planning Advisory Board
which was considered earlier in the meeting, the following
resolution was introduced by Mrs. Gordon, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-381
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA APPOINTING MILDRED CALLAHAN AS
THE ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY
BOARD
llu
MAY - 91974
(Here to11oas body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote i AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mayor Ferre. NOES:NOne.
52. ZONING BOARD - APPTG. ALICIA BARO AS ALTERNATE MEMBER:
With respect to the matter of appointing icia S. Baro
as alternate member of.the Zoning Board, which was considered
earlier in the meeting, the following resolution was introduced
by Rev. Gibson, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-382
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA APPOINTING ALICIA S. BARO AS
THE ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon, the resolution was
passed and adopted by i:he following vote - AYES: Rev. Gibson,
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
53. LITTLE HAVANA AREA - MINI -PARK CONCEPT - APPROVING IN
PRINCIPLE:
With respect to the matter of mini -park concept in
Little Havana, which was considered earlier in the meeting,
the following resolution was introduced by Mr. Reboso, who
moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-383
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
M IAMI APPROVING IN PRINCIPAL THE MINI PARK CON-
CEPT IN THE LITTLE HAVANA AREA; DIRECTING THE
CITY ADMINISTRATION TO CONFER WITH INTERESTED
LATIN AMERICAN GROUPS, WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSED
SITES AND FACILITIES FOR MINI PARKS, TO MAKE A
STUDY THEREOF AND TO SUBMIT CONCRETE PROPOSALS
TO THE CITY COMMISSION PRIOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE 1974-1975 BUDGET
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by -Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson and Mayor Ferre. NOBS:
None.
54. LITTLE HAVANA AREA - BEAUTIFICATION OF SW 8TH STREET:
With respect to the matter of beautification of SW 8TH
street, which was considered earlier in the meeting, the
1 MAY - 91974
following resolution was introduced by Mr. Reboso, who
MOved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-384
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CITY ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI TO
MEET WITH THE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE LATIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND OTHER
INTERESTED ORGANIZATIONS, WITH RESPECT TO
REMODELING AND BEAUTIFYING S.W. 8TH STREET,
WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI POPULARLY KNOWN
AS "LITTLE HAVANA". TO MARE A STUDY THEREOF,
AND TO SUBMIT SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
CITY COMMISSION PRIOR TO THE ESTABLISHM8NT OF
THE 1974-1975 BUDGET
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
55. OMNI-THEATRE FESTIVAL - APPROVING OBJECTIVES:
With respect to the matter of the Omni -theatre festival
which was considered earlier in the meeting, the following
resolution was introduced by Mrs. Gordon who moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-385
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI APPROVING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE
"OMNI THEATRE FESTIVAL" OF GREATER MIAMI
AND APPROVING IN PRINCIPAL THE CONCEPT
OF PLACING MONEY IN THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
1974-1975 BUDGET TO ASSIST IN ACHIEVING
THE DESIRED GOALS
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Rev. Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
56. CENTRO MATER - ENDORSING PLAYGROUND UNDER I-95 - BLOCKS
28S & 37S, MIAMI:
Mr. Lloyd: Mr. Cobo of the Mayor's office requested
assistance in assisting Sister Miranda of Centro Mater to
find out about getting a piece of property underneath the
1-95 expressway, and we said we would help out.
Mayor Ferre: Let me explain what this is specifically.
You know where the Centro Mater property park is? Right next
to it, the State has some land which is under the Expressway,
and it is not being used for anything now, and all she is trying
to do is trying to get the property so it can be used as playground
11L
MAY - 91974
for the kids. We are just supporting that position. Is there
a notion on this?
With respect to the matter of playground under 1-95
expressway which was considered earlier in the meeting, the
following resolution was introduced by Rev. Gibson, who
owned its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-386
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI ENDORSING THE USE OF THE PROPERTY UNDER
I-95 IN BLOCKS 283 AND 378, MIAMI (B-41),
UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION AS A PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN
ENROLLED IN THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES PROGRAM OF
CENTRO MATER
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Reboso, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Rev. Gibson,
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
57. DAY CARE FOR ELDERLY - REQUESTING AREA -WIDE AGENCY ON
AGING TO ASSIST IN SCREENING APPLICANTS FOR STAFF PERSON
Mr. Lloyd: Next is a resolution requested by Mrs. Gordon,
regarding the suggesting the area wide agency assist the appro-
priate officials to screen applicants for a staff person re-
garding organization of the project of Day Care for the elderly.
Mayor Ferre: Paul did you read that?
Mr. Andrews: Yes, this is a process that is going on
with reference to Civil Service and ---
Mrs. Gordon: No, you are reading. the wrong one.
Mr. Andrews: This is a Civil Service position is it not?
Mrs. Gordon: No. Let me read you what it says. aA reso-
lution requesting the staff of the area -wide agency on aging, ----
now, the United Fund is the area -wide agency for aging. to assist
the appropriate officials of the City of Miami in screening
applicants for any staff person to assume responsibility for
organization of the project of Day Care for the elderly, simply
that you have an area -wide agency planning for aging and you
want to work together and not separately and apart and I went
to see them and they were very cooperative, and they said yes.
if we call upon them in the form of a resolution, they will help
us any way we want.
Mt. Andrews: I just want to point out this still is a
Civil Service position.
Mrs. Gordon: I know, they only said they will help us, if
we say to them we want help.
1� MAY `91974
1
Mr. Andrews: 1 was starting from that point and going
to build up to Where we were.
Mr. Plummer: Dc I recall that all of this is under
Al Hbward?
Mr. Andrews: Yes, ----
Mr. Plummer: ---as department director, isn't he the
one who makes all appointments in his staff?
Mr. Andrews: The problem is we don't have much experience
in this area and he is soliciting of others and trying to
screen the proper kind of person, people who do have experience
in this area, to assist us in getting the exact person we need
to carry out the program. But he has to make the decision.
With respect to the matter of screening applicants for
staff person for Day Care for elderly which was considered
earlier in the meeting, the following resolution was introduced
by Mrs. Gordon, who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-387
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STAFF OF THE
AREA -WIDE AGENCY ON AGING TO ASSIST THE
APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
IN SCREENING APP/+ICANTS FOR A STAFF PERSON
TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ORGANIZATION
OF THE PROJECT or DAY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and
on file in the City Clerk's office.)
Upon being seconded by Rev. Gibson, the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson, and Mayor Ferre. NOES:
None.
58. CITY HALL ALTERATIONS - PROPOSED BID ACCEPTANCE:
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission.
Mr. Mayor, will you include in the meeting of May 30th
so there is a prior announcement a provision for the award
of bids we are going to receive on the alterations for
City Hall. We will be receiving those bids after the Com-
mission meeting of the 23rd and I would like to have it awarded
on the 30th. I'll furnish the Commission with information as
soon as we receive it so you are aware of it before hand.
Mr. Plummer: On the 30th of May my daughter graduates
from school.
Mrs. Gordon: What time of day?
Mr. Plummer:10:30 in the morning, it will just kill it
as far as my being able to attent that meeting.
Mrs. Gordon: Did we plan an all day meeting that day?
Mr. Andrews: !Morning and afternoon.
1 �; MAY - 91974
Mayor Forte: I see.
Mr, Andrews: You: want to make it the 29th?
Mrs, Gordon: What is in the afternoon on the 30th
Mr. Andrews:
Mr. Andrews: The two subjects were, ---in the morning
we would discuss the Booz-Allen, Human resources, and the
afternoon was a very important subject of the whole concept
of the Metro Water and Sewer Authority.
Mrs. Gordon: Can we do it on the 6th of June?
Mr. Andrews: If you move the date, move it up, because
this problem as far as the water and sewers, is more complex
every day and you need answers quickly.
Mrs. Gordon: How long will Dawn's graduation take,
an hour and half or something like that?
Mr. Plummer: All morning, I can make the afternoon.
Mrs. Gordon: Do you think the afternoon program
is going to take all afternoon.
Mr. Andrews: Yes, i have listed about six or seven
significant subjects within that whole area, that somebody
has to pay attention to.
Mrs. Gordon: How long is Booz Allen going to take?
Mr. Andrews: A couple of hours, ----
Mrs. Gordon: Why don't we start the meeting at 1 o'clock, ---
Mr. Andrews: That is up to the Commission to decide that.
Mrs. Gordon: You will be through by then. Let's make
it at 1 o'clock. It that agreeable Mr. Andrews?
Mr. Plummer: Booz Allen has been brought down so many
time and sit here and wait, the next thing you know they
will be told to go back home and come in a few weeks.These
people don't live across the street.
Mrs. Gordon: I think if we listen to them from 1 o'clock
to 2:30 that is plenty, and then we can hear the other one.
They can tell me all they have to say in a hour and half.
Mr. Plummer: I make a motion that we include in the
May 30th meeting the award of City Hall alterations, upon
being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the motion was passed and
adopted by the following vote - AYES: Mr. Reboso, Rev. Gibson,
Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre. NOES: None.
59. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM - REQUESTING EXPANSION:
The following resolution was introduced by Mrs. Gordon
who moved its adoption;
116
MAY -91974
RESOLUTION NO. 744.388
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OP MIAMt URGING THE DADE COUNTY
BOARD OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION TO EXPAND
THE AFTER-S HOOL PROGRAM ALREADY IN
EXISTENCE, MID DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO SEND COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION
TO MEMBERS OF THE DADE COUNTY
SCHOOL BOARD.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
60. ORANGE BOWL COMMITTEE - USE OF "SPORTSMAN'S PARK" FOR
WAREHOUSE:
The following resolution was introduced by Reverend
Gibson who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-389
A RESOLUTION PERMITTING MUNICIPAL USE OF
APPROXIMATELY 1150 N.W. SOUTH RIVER DRIVE,
TRACT "A", SPORTSMANS PARK SECTION B (55-30),
TO PERMIT A WAREHOUSE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR
THE USE OF THE ORANGE BOWL COMMITTEE, AS PER
ORDINANCE NO. 6871, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 35, AND
WAIVING ALL REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING FOR
A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE
CITY COMMISSION AT THE END OF SAID PERIOD;
ZONED C-4 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mr. Reboso,
Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Plummer and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
61. CONDITIONAL USE - LOT 27, BLK 3, BISCAYNE AVENUE TRACT:
The following resolution was introduced by Reverend Gib-
son who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-390
A RESOLUTION GRANTING A "CONDITIONAL
USE" AS PROVIDED IN ORDINANCE NO. 6871,
ARTICLE V, SECTION 1(6) (b), TO PERMIT
USE OF THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 27, BLOCK 3,
BISCAYNE AVENUE TRACT (3-195), TO BE
USED FOR EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMER OFF-
STREET PARKING, PROPERTY,LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 175 N.W. 57th STREET
ZONED R-2, TWOS -FAMILY,,
116 MAY -91974
(Here follows body or resolution, omitted here and On
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
upon being seconded by Mrs. Gordon the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Reverend Gibes►
eon, tyro. Gordon, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso and Mayor Pert*.
NOES: None.
62. PARKING PROBLEMS - REQUESTING PLANNING DEPT INVESTIGATE:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Gordon
who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 74-391
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI REQUESTING THE PLANNING
DEPARTMENT TO INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY
BOTH ON -STREET AND OFF-STREET PARKING
PROBLEMS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, WITH
PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE COCONUT
GROVE AREA, AND TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS
TO THE CITY COMMISSION WITHIN A REASON-
ABLE PERIOD OF TIME.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Upon being seconded by Reverend Gibson the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mrs. Gordon,
Mr. Plummer, Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
63. LICENSES - FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL & OCCUPATIONAL -
SUPPORTING LEGISLATION:
The following resolution was introduced by Mr. Reboso,
who moved its adoptions
RESOLUTION NO. 74-392
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF
THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT
RELATING TO TEMPORARY LICENSING BY THE
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WITHIN THE
DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPA-
TIONAL REGULATION PROVIDING FOR THE
TEMPORARY LICENSING OF AN APPLICANT
WHO HAS BEEN LICENSED UNDER THE LAWS
OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY; AND DIRECTING
THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
TO SEND COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION TO
THE PROPER MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE FLORIDA
SENATE.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on
file in the City Clerk's Office.)
MAY - 91974
117
411
Upon being seconded by Mr. Plummer the resolution was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
Mr. Lloyds Let the record reflect that each Commissioner
has received a copy of the Ordinance amending 8224 dealing
with the establishment of the City of Miami's Commercial Blood
Banks by establishing a newly effective date of the ordinance
of September 30, 1974. You don't have to call the roll on
that. It's already been passed. I'm just making the record
reflect that the Commissioners have received copies of this
ordinance and that copies are available to the public. It
was passed as an emergency measure by reading twice.
64. COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS - DOWNTOWN URBAN DEVELOPMENT
& ZONING PLAN:
Mrs. Gordon: I have some nominations to the committees we..
Mayor Ferre: All right. Who wants to make their nominations?
We've got some pending.
Mrs. Gordon: The downtown committee which you formed today,
the four committees,Consumers and Users, Alexander J. Fried-
man and Eleanor Miller. Under Architects and Planners,Rocco
Pace and Michael Simonoff, they're architects. Richard
Brusellas and Ralph Aaron under the next category which you
call governmental which has kind of a broad connotation.
Under developers, James V. Boyette Jr. and weetirina cF-4r.
65. REVENUE SHARING COMMITTEE:
Mrs. Gordon: Under the Revenue Sharing Committee which was
formed a couple of weeks ago, I don't think any nominations
have come in yet on the table. I would like to nominate
Jeanne Bellamy.
Mayor Ferre: What is this for?
Mrs. Gordon: You made a Revenue Sharing Committee a couple
of weeks ago, a couple of meetings ago, 15 members. You
con't remember?
Mayor Ferre: I'm trying to get Frank. This Revenue Sharing
Committee, did we appoint anybody on that?
Mr. Andrews: Would you like to talk about that, Mr. Mayor
because..
Mayor Ferre: Rose, hole up a little bit and we'll talk about
that.
Mrs. Gordon: Well, I simply wanted to say that you did this
a couple of weeks ago and we passed it and you asked us to
select three names and give them to you, each of you, and I
have my three. Jeanne Bellamy who is the chairman of the
board of the Mid -way Bank, Marie Anderson who is a professor
at FIU and Maxwell Wass who is a CPA.
Mr. Andrews: Two subjects, I have, Mr.'. Mayor, one of them is
Revenue Sharing which you were just touching on which I think
we need to clarify and the other is this matter of the grant.
I would like to read two pages here from a document which I
118 MAY -919WA
11 411
think will clarify the whole purpose of the grant, but first
the Revenue Sharing. I wish the Commission would take the
time to reconstruct the processes that you want to use in the
Revenue Sharing Funds. I will be making recommendations to
the Commission on the expenditure or a portion of those Fed-
eral Revenue Sharing Funds and as last year, hopefully there
will be some additional funds that you will be allocating.
You will be allocatinc• all of it anyway, but you will be al-
locating in somewhat the same area that you did last year and
the purpose of appointing a Revenue Sharing Committee was that
last year at the suggestion of Commissioner Gibson that next
year, which is this year that we go through this process we
ought to appoint a committee and let them go through this
process of evaluating these proposals and then make recommend-
ations to the Commission. In addition to this, kThe United
Fund has come forward and they are offering their services to
the City Commission to assist in evaluating the various pro-
posals that the Commission will be receiving and I wanted the
Commission to be aware of this so that you could make a dec-
ision as to how best to approach the advices that you will be
receiving on the kinds of programs that people will want you
to allocate funds for.
Mrs. Gordon: Do you want us to talk to that now?
Mr. Andrews: I had a meeting with Ray Goodrand the United
Fund because of their concern that in many instances there
are programs that are going to be carried on in the commun-
ity that they're directly involved in and evaluating through
their own board to grant funds to carry out these programs.
Mayor Ferre; I'm going to tell you my personal opinion on
this and then everybody can express theirs here. I think we
ought to go, in the first place, my first premise is that this
responsibility belongs to no one but the City of Miami Com-
mission and we're going to make the final decisions. #2, I
don't think that we should set up advisory boards and have a
whole bunch of hearings and then disregard them, or have
people with their own little pet peeves and all that. I
think we ought to get professional people, by that I mean
the United Fund and I completely concur with that, people
in the administration and maybe somebody from Metro who is
involved in Social Services come up with specific recommend-
ations, through you, Mr. Andrews and then we're going to make
the final decisions.
Mr. Plummer: Inaudible.
Mrs. Gordon: May I also remind you that it was your resolut-
ion and your introduction of it, Mr. Mayor that put it on
the agenda several weeks ago.
Mayor Ferre: I have no objections to that Rose but I just
want you, to; as I recall, my putting it on the agenda was
because this was an item that had been floating around for
the last couple of years, really.
Mrs. Gordon: Not necessarily. I think you sincerely meant
to avoid a lot of your own screamings and this was the reason
why.
Mayor Ferre: Yes, but I'll tell you, I wasn't on the Commis-
sion at that time and I remember it happened in August and
there was a meeting of the United Fund which at that time I
was serving as the board of trustees and I remember the dis-
cussions that went on there and I really firmly believe that
we ought to get professional help.
119 MAY -9114
Mrs. Gordon: t agree with you in this regard. The United
Fund is directly interested with the poverty groups primar-
ily.
Mayor Ferre: And they know them all and they have experts.
Mrs. Gordon: Right. But it is also essential and this Com-
mission has taken the lead in trying to help the middle in-
come groups too and therefore, you've got to have a mixture
of people. If you wish to include United Fund as a portion
of the Revenue Sharing Consulting group, I think it is an
excellent idea. But to completely delegate it to them then
you will come up with the same programs that the communityi
presently has and nothing innovative or new will come out of
it and you will serve the same group of people. You will not
serve the middle income at all. I said my piece.
Mr. Plummer: Mr. Mayor, I make a motion that the Federal
Revenue Sharing Board be abolished.
Mayor Ferre: Is there a second to the motion? That speaks
right to it.
NOTE: Mayor Ferre gave the Chair to Vice -Mayor Reboso.
Mayor Ferre: I'll second the motion. The purpose is a waste
of time. I second the motion to abolish the Revenue Sharing
duplication. Now you realize that the Federal Government re-
quires us to have a board of some sort. Right, Paul? Now
you realize where that's going to leave us after we've abol-
ished it?
Mrs. Gordon: I think you'd better think about this until the
next meeting, gentlemen or you're going to find your little
tootsies toasting.
Mayor Ferre;
Mrs. Gordon:
you whichever
Mayor Ferre:
Mr. Plummer:
I don't know what you mean by that.
Well I have several dictionaries and I'll lend
one you want to read.
Does it define toasted tootsies?
Is that as good as nit-picking?
Mayor Ferre: I've got news for you. I'm against it. I'm
against a silly... That's right, I'm against my own motion.
Do I have a right to change my own mind?
Mrs. Gordon: I wish you would on several other things.
Mayor Ferre: Ha, ha, I've done it on this one. There is
hope Rose, there's always hope. But I tell you I'm not for
another one of these patronage deals and silly committees who
spend their time doing nothing and then we end up disregard-
ing what they say
Mrs. Gordon: Here's my No for the day, gentlemen.
Mayor Ferre; And then we end up disregarding them.
Mrs. Gordon; I don't intend to disregard the kinds of persons
that I
Mayor Ferre: You did last year.
Mrs. Gordon; I did?
12u MAY -91974
Mayor Ferret Didn't you?
Mrs. Oordon:
Mayor Ferre:
Mrs. Gordon:
I did?
Didn't you?
No.
Mayor Ferre: You didn't disregard the.... Well all right.
I don't want to get into an argument about that but as I
remember there was a board, the chairman of it was Mr. Dan
Paul and his recommendations....
Mrs. Gordon: Yes, sir, and I did not disregard his recom-
mendations.
Mr. Plummer: (Inaudible). Mr. Andrews, does the Federal
Revenue Board say we shall have a committee or not?
Mr. Andrews: I do not think that that is an absolute re-
quirement. No. I have to go back and read the law.
Mrs. Gordon: You'd better let him read the law, Mr. Plummer
and you'll have it up on the 23rd.
Mayor Ferre: Read the law. Now I tell you, my tootsies are
going to have to burn awfully long for me to change my mind
on this one. I don't want anyone to say that I'm snookh ing
anybody. My intention very clearly is to see this in the
hands of United Fund and the Social Agencies of Dade County
where it belongs and let them come back with recommendations
and then this Commission can decide.
Mrs. Gordon: You know there are some people that think and
maybe rightly so that all the revenue sharing ought to be
handed over to Metro and it ought to all be funneled out of
one single agency. You know? Think of that.
Mayor Ferre:
that because
officials to
It has merit but I don't completely concur with
I do think that we have an obligation as elected
make the final decision but that's not the point.
Mrs. Gordon: Well then you're saying that you're not going
to agree with the recoamnendat ions .
Mayor Ferre: What recommendations? I'm not saying anything.
I wasn't here, I didn't disregard their recommendations, I
wasn't here last year.
Mr. Plummer: I was, oh was I.
Mayor Ferre: That's not the way I heard the story.
Mrs. Gordon: The best thing that can happen is all the funds
are turned into one agency and it was dispersed through, it
would certainly be an economy measure.
Mayor Ferre: And this is a step in that direction.
not ready to take that step.
But we're
121
MAYw91974
66. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS FOR ENTRANCE EMPLOYMENT WITH
CITY - REQUESTING CIVIL SERVICE BOARD STUDY:
The following motion was introduced by Mr. Plunvner who
moved its adoption:
MOTION NO. 74-393
A MOTION REQUESTING THE CIVIL SERVICE
BOARD TO FURNISH THE COMMISSION WITH
AN IN-DEPTH REPORT AND JUSTIFICATION
OF THE QUESTIONS PRESENTLY BEING USED
IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATIONS FOR ENTRANCE EMPLOYMENT
WITH THE CITY OF MIAMI.
Upon being seconded by Reverend Gibson the motion was
passed and adopted by the following vote -AYES: Mr. Plummer,
Mr. Reboso, Reverend Gibson, Mrs. Gordon and Mayor Ferre.
NOES: None.
67• APPL.'N.TO H.U.D. FOR FEDERAL FUNDS - RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM:
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, I
have one more thing that is very important. It is the dis-
cussion that we started earlier. I have before me two pages
I would like to read and I beg your indulgence because it
would be much wiser if I am to go to Washington in this
manner, of this grant to feel comfortable in the fact that
I have the support of all the City Commission.
Mayor Ferre: It is essential, I think.
Mr. Andrews: Rather than go up there and have any misunder-
standing as to our purpose in applying for this $300,000
grant. I would like to read this to you. I think this is as
important to you as anyone else in the City of Miami. May I
start out with this comment that within the last half dozen
years the Federal Government has been sharing Federal funds
with state and local governmental agencies on a very broad
basis with very carefully delineated guidelines. i.e., the
Model Cities Program which is now, unless another way is found
of funding it and providing for it will go out of existence.
But in those guidelines there was an opportunity for those
who were the recipients of service, the people in the commun-
ity t.i participate in the policy making decisions by the est-
tablishment of committees and boards and those boards then
advising the legislators such as yourself. In that case it
was the County Commission, as to how those funds should be
spent in the Model Cities Program. Now there is a new Feder-
alism that is taking place and you see the trend of this in
Man -Power as an example. This is the first time that the City
of Miami has been taken into consideration as far as Man -
Power funds being made availagle directly to the City and the
Federal Government is very anxious to know what processes the
City will use in administering over those Man -Power funds,
how they are spent, how the services that are intended through
those Man -Power funds will finally be delivered to the com-
munity. So with that thought in mind, I would like to read:
12L MAY r 9 1974
s •
"The New Federalism will succeed or fail at the local govern-
ment level. The financial resources provided by , Reve-
nue Sharing and othertprograms must be seen as tools to use
in addressing and solving problems not as ends themselves.
Recognizing the need to assist local government policy makers
and chief executives to improve their policy and decision
making functions, the Department of Housing and Urban Devel-
opment has initiated a new research and demonstration pro-
gram to build increased capabilities to formulate local gov-
ernment policy rational and manage its implementation effect-
ively. The emerging concept of the new Federalism particular-
ly in the area of community development will strain tradit-
ional policy making systems. Today the local elected offic-
ial and City Administrator are more than ever on the firing
line." We were just talking about that. "There is no avoid-
ing the public he serves. He has instant accountability.
Not all of the important decisions made in a city involve
city hall directly but a good many of the processes result
in choices being made that significantly effect the commun-
ity flow through its corridors at some point. The conflict
and controversy resulting from interests being in contention
often ignites around public officials whether they actually
make the decisions themselves in the formal sense or whether
they are prior decisions or informal reactions, influence
the decisions of others. Among the important current con-
ditions and emerging factors imparting on local government
decision making are the following: Local policy roles cur-
rently are not well defined or understood by some partici-
pants in process. The policy making process rarely begins
from a zero base. Past actions frequently dictate the selec-
tion among present alternatives thinking about alternatives
is done on an incremental budgeting basis rather than in terms
of how total resources can be used. The New Federalism pro-
vides more freedom than previous categorical grants to local
governmental officials to use supplemental financial resources
provided by Washington. The opportunities present local juris-
dictions by the New Federalism require effective policy making
systems at the local level." Now I could go on but I think
just from that first page you get the sense and the thrust of
what they're trying to accomplish. And they feel that from
the various things that the City of Miami has undertaken and
maybe I shouldn't have used Booz Allen, but Mr. Mayor, the
fact that whatever the decision is under Booz Allen, and
whatever comes out of that, and some steps have already been
taken; the City of Miami government is going to change as
the result of Booz Allen. If nothing else, I as the Manager
and the department directors that have participated in this
recognize a new approach to managing the city and the Federal
Government is interested enough in us and all the things that
we're doing and we have under way and we're proposing to do
in the future to modernize our city government that they're
considering us as a case study and want to assist us in im-
plementing those things that we want to start new. They want
to look at what we're doing, they want to record it and they
want to make it available to other governmental agencies.
Mr. Plummer: Which in fact, if I'm not mistaken will be
$250,000 or $300,000 which would start and implement the
program that this city would then have to pick up after it
was implemented.
Mr. Andrews: Whatever you decide to implement.
Mr. Plummer: (Inaudible)
Mr. Andrews: What I am tacking about is coming to a better
12 tAY:91974
411 Oil
understanding how you appoint committees, why you appoint
committees and how you arrive at your decision making such
as you're struggling with as far as the Federal Revenue Shar-
ing Funds are concerned. Now there is a science to this and
this can help the City of Miami. This is, I'm saying there
is a science to this. There are alternate ways of achiev'
ing this and unless ytu understand and are exposed to those
areas through a team cf experts that willbe assembled to
help us just as we did with the matter of zoning and the long
process that that tookand now we believe we have a far bet-
ter method of handling zoning and planning than we had under
the older system. There is a way that you arrive at decis-
ions, the way you deal with the community, how we deliver
our services...
Mayor Ferre: It's just that in a larger scale and it affects
the basic heart of the city which is the policy making pro-
cedure and that's what I'm mostly interested in. That's why
I'm strongly for this. It doesn't mean we're going to have
to do anything.
Mr. Andrews: The part you're looking for, Mr. Plummer, I
can almost quote. I told you, and you check me, I have not
looked at the minutes, you'll have to accept that. I recall
telling you that you will have another opportunity that if
we're given this grant, reviewing this prior to authorizing
me to actually enter into the contract accepting the grant.
If you will read those minutes you will find that somewhere
in there.
Mayor Ferre: What I can see of it, I think this is a ter-
rific thing and I hope that we get that grant. It would be
money that would be very much welcome in this community,
$300,000 that would be well spent.
Mr. Plummer: Paul, just elaborate a little bit in your com-
ments as it relates to "there will be a staff people employed
that will be employed througl the grant that will be working
with the City Commission."
Mr. Andrews: This is the area that I'm talking about. They
will be analyzing, they will be coming to you and talking to
you
(Inaudible conversation)
Mayor Ferre: Any comments?
(Inaudible conversation)
Mr. Andrews: All you're authorizing me to do is make...
and hope that we can get it. Once it is offered to us you
have toa:uthorize me to enter into a contract with the Fed-
eral Government.
Mayor Ferre: And that's the time that we go into the details
of this and if there is anything that we don't like about it
that's the time that we argue about it. (Inaudible) All
right, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience.
124 - 91974
68. SCHOOL Rg8OU11C S PROG1 AM:
Mr. Andrews: Mr. Mayor, do you want any information on the
School resources program? You rraisec that question with me
and I have the information, t have the ordinance here and
the ordinance provided for an additional $100,000 to expand
the school resources program. We have 10 to 11 officers who
already have been placed in this program and we're budgeting
for it. Now this $100,000 would provide for 5 more officers.
Mayor Ferre: I thought it was 8, it wa's an officer and 7 peo-
ple.
Mr. Andrews: Well maybe it was 8 that we already had then,
Mr. Mayor, but this provided for 5 more.
Mayor Ferre: Now we've got the money and you're going to go
ahead with it, is that right? All right. Good for you.
Thank you very much.
ADJOURNMENT: THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE
THE CITY COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED
AT 6:25 O'clock P.M. THIS DATE.
ATTEST: H.D. SOUTHERN
CITY CLERK
RALPH G. ONGIE
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
26.
Maurice A. Ferre
MAYOR
MAY 91974
CITY OF MAMi
OCUMENT
MEETING DATE:
INDEX MAY 9, 1974
• ITEM NO
DOCUMENT IDENTIFICATION
COMMISSION
ACTION
RETRIEVAL
CODE NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
COMMISSION AGENDA & CITY CLERK REPORT
(16 pages)
GRANT APPROVAL ORDINANCE NO. 6871-HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO PERMIT USE OF
STRUCTURE-3200 S.W. 37TH AVENUE
GRANT APPROVAL ORDINANCE NO. 8142 -OFF -STREET
PARKING LOT-2974 GRAND AVENUE
GRANT APPROVAL -OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES-
161 N.W. 29TH STREET-ST. JAMES PARK -
ACCEPT PLAT ENTITLED CORAL WAY GARDENS
APARTMENTS -A SUBDIVISION CITY OF MIAMI
CONFIRMING RESOLUTION NO.74-167-
CONSTRUCTION OF BAY CREST HIGHWAY
IMPROVEMENT H-4373
LAND OWNERS AND BUILDERS COMMITTEE -
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING PLAN FOR
THE DOWNTOWN AREA
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE -URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND
ZONING PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN AREA
ARCHITECTS AND PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS
COMMITTEE -URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING
PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN AREA
CONSUMER AND USERS COMMITTEE -URBAN
DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING PLAN DOWNTOWN AREA
PLACE IN TRUST PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES BONDS WITH UNSOLD PUBLIC PARK
AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BONDS
CONTRACT WITH INTERNATIONAL INCINERATORS,INC.-
COCONUT GROVE INCINERATOR EQUIPMENT
DESIGN SERVICE TO CONVERT THE COCONUT GROVE
INCINERATOR STRUCTURE TO A PARK FACILITY
AMENDMENT ORIGINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY
OF MIAMI AND BEN HURWITZ INC-DOWNTOWN
GOVERNMENT CENTER
AUTHORIZE THE USE OF MELREESE GOLF COURSE BY
THE URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER MIAMI INC.-
RENTAL FEE -USE OF MARINE STADIUM BY THE
"MUNICIPIO DE SANTA MARIA DEL ROSARIO EN
EL EXILIO,INC."
R-74-351
R-74-352
R-74-353
R-74-354
R-74-356
R-74-358
R-74-359
R-74-360
R-74-361
R-74-362
R-74-365
R-74-366
R-74-367
R-74-368
R-74-369
0069
74-351
74-352
74-353
74-354
74-356
74-358
74-359
74-360
74-361
74-362
74-365
74-366
74-367
74-368
74-369
is
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
ICUM 1! N1'INDEX
CONTINUEDPAGe.
DOCUMENT IDENTIFICATION
RENTAL FEE MARINE STADIUM BY THE SOUTH MIAMI
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND
AWARD BID -CENTER PRINTING CO.INC.-PRINTING
MATERIAL FOR THE USE OF PLANNING DEPT.
ACCEPT BID-LAMAR UNIFORM COMPANY -FURNISHING
POLICE BADGES -POLICE DEPARTMENT
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD -CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE
EXAMINATIONS FOR POLICE OFFICERS
DESIGNATING VICE -MAYOR REBOSO AND
COMMISSIONER PLUMMER-INVESTIGATION
DISABILITY PENSION TO CITY EMPLOYEES
CONTRACT WITH FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY -PROGRAM POLICE PERSONNEL
FOR THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL OBLIGATION HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT
BOND FUND TO PAY TO SHUTTS & BOWEN-
CASE FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILWAY CO.
VS. CITY OF MIAMI
APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION -SUMMER SPECIAL FOOD SERVICE
PROGRAM -
AGREEMENT METROPOLITAN DADE COUNTY AND THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES-U.S. CONFERENCE
OF MAYORS
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 74-203-TRANSFER
FROM THE CONTINGENT FUND TO THE
APPROPRIATE ACCOUNT -"MAN IN WASHINGTON
PROGRAM"
PUBLIC NOTICE -APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS -
PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD & ZONING BOARD
CONTRACT FIRM OF BOLT, BERANED AND NEWMAN-
- FIELD SOUND SYSTEM -ORANGE BOWL STADIUM
APPOINTING MILDRED CALLAHAN-ALTERNATE
MEMBER OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD
APPOINTING ALICIA S. BARO-ALTERNATE
MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD
APPROVING THE MINI PARK CONCEPT IN THE
LITTLE HAVANA AREA
REPRESENTATIVES OF LATIN CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE -REMODELING AND BEAUTIFYING S.W.
8TH STREET
APPROVING OBJECTIVES OF THE "OMNI THEATRE
FESTIVAL"-
CDMMT53`IoN
,�,�1CTI ON
R-74-370
R-74-371
R-74-372
R-74-373
R-74-374
R-74-375
R-74-376
R-74-377
R-74-378
R-74-379
R-74-380
R-74-381
R-74-382
R-74-383
R-74-384
R-74-385
RETRIEVAL
CODE NO.
74-370
74-371
74-372
74-373
74-374
74-375
74-376
74-377
74-378
74-379
0070
74-380
74-381
74-382
74-383
74-384
74-385
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
�CUMENTiN DEX
CONTINUED PAGE ,3
DOCUMENT IDENTIFICATION
USE OF PROPERTY UNDER I-95 IN BLOCKS 28S AND
37S,MIAMI (B-41)-PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN -
SUMMER ACTIVITIES PROGRAM OF CENTRO MATER
AREA -WIDE AGENCY ON AGING TO ASSIST CITY OF
MIAMI IN SCREENING APPLICANTS -PROJECT OF
DAY CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
EXPAND AFTER -SCHOOL PROGRAM -CITY CLERK
TO SEND COPIES OF RESOLUTION TO'MEMBERS
OF DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
PERMITTING MUNICIPAL USE OF 1150 N.W.
SOUTH RIVER DRIVE-SPORTSMANS PARK
CONDITIONAL USE- ORDINANCE NO. 6871-EMPLOYEE
AND CUSTOMER OFF-STREET PARKING- 175 N.W.
57TH STREET
PLANNING DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATE ON -STREET AND
OFF-STREET PARKING PROBLEMS -COCONUT GROVE
AREA
SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSION CITY OF MIAMI
TEMPORARY LICENSING PROFESSIONALS OF
FOREIGN COUNTRIES
COMMISSION
ACTION
R-74-386
R-74-387
R-74-388
R-74-389
R-74-390
R-74-391
R-74-392
RETRIEVAL
COD; NO.
74-386
74-387
74-388
74-389
74-390
74-391
74-382