HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2016-09-06 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
5:05 PM
First Budget Hearing
City Hall Commission Chambers
City Commission
Tomas Regalado, Mayor
Keon Hardemon, Chair
Ken Russell, Vice Chair
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner District One
Frank Carollo, Commissioner District Three
Francis Suarez, Commissioner District Four
Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
5:05 RM.
ORDER OF THE DAY
FIRST BUDGET HEARING
Present: Commissioner Gort, Vice Chair Russell, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Suarez
and Chair Hardemon
On the 6th day of September 2016, the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, for its first
budget hearing session. The meeting was called to order by Chair Hardemon at 5: 06 p.m. and
adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Note for the Record: Commissioner Suarez entered the Commission chamber at 5:14 p.m.
ALSO PRESENT:
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Daniel J. Alfonso, City Manager
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Chair Hardemon: Welcome to the September 6, 2016 first budget meeting and related hearings
of the City of Miami City Commission in these historic chambers. The members of the City
Commission are Wifredo Gort, Frank Carollo, Francis Suarez; the Vice Chairman, Ken Russell;
and me, Keon Hardemon, the Chairman. Also on the dais are Daniel J. Alfonso, the City
Manager; Victoria Mendez, the City Attorney; and Todd Hannon, our City Clerk. The meeting
will be opened with a prayer by Commissioner Gort, led by the pledge -- and then the pledge of
allegiance led by the Vice Chairman. All rise, please.
Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered.
Chair Hardemon: Madam City Attorney.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you, Chairman. This evening, the City is holding its
first budget meeting and related meetings for the purposes offtxing the proposed millage and to
adopt a tentative budget. There will be a final public hearing on September 20, 2016 Any
person who is a lobbyist, including all paid persons or firms retained by a principal to advocate
for a particular decision by the City Commission must register with the City Clerk and comply
with the related City requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the City Commission. A
person may not lobby a City official, board member or staff member until registering. A copy of
the City [sic] section about lobbyists is available in the Clerk's Office or online at
wwwmunicode.com [sic]. Any person making a presentation, formal request or petition to the
City Commission concerning real property must make the disclosures required by the City Code
section in writing. A copy of this Code section is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at
wwwmunicode.com [sic]. The information should serve as a guide for public hearings and
adoption of the City of Miami 201612017 proposed millage rate and tentative budget. The
material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the City Clerk's Office
and online 24 hours a day at wwwmiamigov.com [sic]. Any person maybe heard by the City
Commission through the Chair for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the City
Commission, unless such time as modified by the Chair. If the proposition is being continued or
rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be at such later date before the City Commission
takes action. The Chairman will advise the public when the public may have the opportunity to
address the City Commission during the public comment period. When addressing the City
Commission, the member of the public must first state his or her name, his or her address, and
what agenda item he or she will speak about. A copy of the agenda items' titles is available at
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the City Clerk's Office and at the podium for the public's reference. Pursuant to Florida
Administrative Code 12D-17.005, anyone wishing to appeal any decision made by the City
Commission for a matter considered at this first budget meeting does not need a verbatim record
of the item. A video of this meeting may be requested at the Office of Communications, or viewed
online at wwwmiamigov.com [sic]. No cell phones or other noise -making devices are permitted
in City Commission chambers; please silence those devices now. No clapping, applauding,
heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or his or her remarks shall be
permitted. Any person making offensive remarks or who becomes unruly in Commission
chambers will be barred from further attending Commission meetings, and may be subject to
arrest. No signs, banners or placards shall be allowed in City Commission chambers. Any
person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may
notify the City Clerk. The meeting will end either at the conclusion of the regularly -scheduled
first budget meeting agenda, or as continued or rescheduled by the City Commission. Please
note, the Commissioners have been generally briefed by City staff or the City Attorney on items
on the agenda today. At this time, the Administration will present any items that need to be
withdrawn, deferred, or substituted. Thank you.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: So I'd like to thank everyone for attending this first budget hearing. As with
other meetings, we want to give the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the budget
hearing, just as we give the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any other meeting
that we have within the City of Miami. Thus, what we have allowed for you to do is to make your
public comment at this time. So if there is any item on the agenda that you would like to make a
public comment about, this is the time for you to be heard. Therefore, if you wish to be -- to
speak at this time, I ask that you approach one of the two lecterns so that you have an
opportunity to be heard for two minutes on any item that you wish to speak about. And what I
ask of you is that you state your name and your address for the record, and then the item in
which you want to speak about, so that we know exactly what item it is that you want to speak
about. But to reiterate, this is your reasonable opportunity to be heard. This is the time for you
to speak on any item that is on the agenda. After the public hearing is closed, you will not have
an opportunity to speak, because the Commissioners will be in discussion about the items
themselves. So I'll open up the public hearing at this time. You're recognized, sir.
Elvis Cruz: Well, I'm the only one, Commissioner. I need to plug in, show you guys some
pictures. I know you like it when I show you pictures.
Chair Hardemon: All right. And I'll give you an opportunity to plug in.
Mr. Cruz: So maybe somebody else could --?
Chair Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Cruz: Am I the only speaker on the budget?
Chair Hardemon: Is there any other person that'd like to speak on any items from B.1 to B.20
[sic]? Please, sir, approach the lectern. You can approach this one, sir.
Albio Castillo: Good eve -- good afternoon or good evening. My name is Albio Castillo. I live
at 2235 Southwest 16th Street. I always have come here for many years. Some of you know me.
And my questions is this: Is there any way can a citizen request something for the homeless
major, Mr. James Barra, who does a wonderful job in the community? I think he should be
recognized with a proclamation or something. Now, I used to come here when Timothy -- I had
something in common with Timothy that I used to -- he was a history major. Now, before I start,
I already got the small stuff. Now I'm going to go to the big stuff. How is the City going to
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handle the police cars? I know they're doing a good job of it, but the last remaining cars of the
Crown Victoria are running between over 150, 000 miles, and some of them are 180, 000, and
they're -- you know, they're past their time for police work. Pretty soon, they have to hang --
they'll have to ask an auction. I also like to know, what is the base salary of the Police
Department? I know it used to be 50, 000. It is comparable to other cities that have police work
as a rookie. I mean, the Beach is about 53 -something. Is the City of Miami currently has raised
the base salary for police officer? And I also know that the Fire Department needs their
equipment. We're getting a new fire station. Solid Waste needs their equipment. And that is my
presentation. Any question from the Commission? Any question from the Administration?
Chair Hardemon: No, thank you, sir.
Mr. Castillo: Okay.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes, Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: I'd like to request that --is these mikes are working or--? I would like to
request the Administration to take notes of all these questions, and later on, when different
people are making their presentation, to go ahead and answer these questions.
Mr. Castillo: That is it, gentlemen?
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Gort: That's it.
Mr. Castillo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you, Commissioners. Good evening. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street.
I'm here to talk about a budget item that is near and dear to my heart, and that is the swimming
pools of the City of Miami's Parks System. During the recent general obligation bond
discussions, there was an item for $18 million to demolish and rebuild about five or six City
pools, because they were about 50 years old. That seems to be very fiscally irresponsible.
Fortunately, the general obligation bond was struck down. And so it is my hope that this budget
will be modified to include money to properly maintain all of the Citypools, so they don't need to
be destroyed through demolition by neglect. One of the arguments that was made by a City
ojFicial was that because the pools hold water, they have a very short life span. And I disagree,
and I'd like to show you a few pictures. For those of you that have been to Rome, you may have
seen the Trevi Fountain. It's 254 years old, or the Four Rivers Fountain, 365 years old, or the
Triton Fountain, 373 years old; or the Moderno Fountain in St. Peter's Square, 402 years old; or
the Fountain of Neptune, 442 years old. So the idea that because a structure holds water, it
cannot be maintained, that argument doesn't hold water; moreover, the City wants the citizenry
to maintain its own homes. Most of the homes in the City are over 50 years old, and we are able
to maintain them on our limited incomes. The City should lead by example. Our Park buildings,
our pools should be among the best maintained buildings in the City, period, as a source of
pride. So I hope you'll modify the budget to include money for pool maintenance. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Sir, you're recognized.
Guy Forchion: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Guy Forchion, executive director of the Virginia Key
Beach Park Trust. I'm speaking on the BH. 6, annual budget of Virginia Key Beach. We are
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proposing and hope that you will approve today a annual budget of $877, 000. That is made up
of $100, 000 in carryover funds; $627, 000 in projected revenue for the coming fiscal year; and
$150, 000 is a contribution from the City of Miami. That $150,000 is a figure that is not in the
Manager's budget at this time, but we hope that your approval of our 877 budget is a show of
investment and partnership in Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. Those dollars specifically move
one of our part-time positions of administrative assistant from part-time to full-time; adds an
additional administrative position of outreach and education coordinator; adds one cashier, an
additional park attendant, and brings in additional funds that help us in our peak season
operations, which have become exceedingly busy and popular and requires police patrols on
dutyfor several months, along with additional maintenance and cleaning staff. With that, I'm
happy to take any questions you may have now or when you're in the discussion period of BH. 6;
if there are any questions at this time.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Forchion, thank you. I notice in BH. 6, there is an amount of $150, 000
from the City allocated. Is that the 150 you're referring to; are you talking in addition to that?
Mr. Forchion: No. That is the 150, 000 I'm speaking of.
Vice Chair Russell: That is the amount you want. So it is at least in our resolution today?
Mr. Forchion: Yes, it is.
Vice Chair Russell: Very good
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, are we going to entertain now discussion on each
budget, or do we wait till --?
Chair Hardemon: No. What we're doing right now is taking public comment, so we'll have
public comment on each item. It's up to the Commission as to whether or not they want to
discuss particular budgets, because you can approve something without discussion.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. But he's the executive director of Virginia Key Beach Trust.
Therefore, if I have questions for him, once that item comes up, is that the right time?
Chair Hardemon: Yes. If you so
Commissioner Carollo: That's how we're going to --?
Chair Hardemon: -- if that's an item that you want to discuss, that's the time to discuss that item
with that person.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Should the directors be coming at this point, then, for their --?
Chair Hardemon: It's not necessary. I mean --
Vice Chair Russell: They'll have a chance.
Chair Hardemon: Right. But, for instance, they may not need it. So, for instance, ifI get a
motion and a second to approve the proposed budget item for BH. 6, then I'm sure he wouldn't
want to, you know -- how do you say? -- take --
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Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: So it may not be necessary; it just depends on the will of the body. But at this
time, what we're doing is allowing public comment, so people have an opportunity to speak at
the -- at our meeting.
Mr. Forchion: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Peter Ehrlich: Good afternoon. My name is Peter Ehrlich. My address is 720 Northeast 69th
Street, and I'm here to make comments on -- make three quick comments. First of all, I'd like to
compliment Mayor Regalado, City Manager Danny Alfonso and Budget Director Chris Rose for
the budget. It's -- they do get it out quite early and it is fairly easy to read and the graphics are
good, and it's nice that we have time to mull it over. Regarding specifics on the budget, I do
oppose the $670 million amount. It wasn't too long ago when the City general fund budget was
only 520 -- $530 million. It's relatively easy to raise taxes and fees every year, and it's di icult
to try to do more with less and keep taxes and keep fees at a reasonable level. In a few days,
you're going to be hearing an item about rents, rents in the City, affordability; how the City of
Miami is a difficult place for people, particularly young people to pay rent. A website just came
out with the figures of 1,800 a month; for a one -bedroom apartment, 2,500 a month. If taxes and
fees keep going up, it promulgates; helps to encourage rents to go up, making things difficult for
people that do pay rent. My other -- the other items I want to quickly talk about: Pose -- the
proliferation of billboards, particularly billboards on buildings; and I'm also here to support
Watson Island. I hope you'll consider a public park on the north side of Watson Island. Thank
you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, sir. Sir, you're recognized.
Gene Tinnie: Gene 7"znnie, 74 Northwest 51st Street, City of Miami. I have the honor of serving
as chair of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, and my comments sort of follow on what the
executive director, Mr. Forchion, presented to you in terms of the specifics. A little awkward to
present it out of the context, but some of the points that I'd just like to share are ones that are well
known to, I guess, most of you. It is -- Historic Virginia Key Beach is the City of Miami's largest
park, a regional park that serves all districts; only oceanfront park. And, of course, the site
we're talking about has a wealth of historic stories that it has to tell. The modification of the
budget that we're requesting is, as Mr. Forchion explained, for some very specific needs that are
in line with the fact that, partly as a result of, partly as a cause of Miami New Times naming this
Miami's best beach. We just have increased attendance, more people using it. Equally, if not
even more important, we are embarking on the -- kind of the third leg of our mission, which is to
create the museum experience at the park; the interpretative elements that are part of the
ordinance that created the Trust. And this is going to need the staff positions in support and so
forth. So with that, I'll just conclude there. I imagine there area raft load of other talking points
I could bring forward, but, you know, if there are questions at the time that we discuss it, we'll be
glad to answer those. Thank you very much.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Michael Slyder: Good evening, Commissioners. Michael Slyder, on behalf of the Miami
Entertainment District Association and Heart Nightclub, 50 Northeast]] th Street, hereto
discuss BH.9, CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel) funding. I did a circle on the form that I was
against CIP funding. I'm actually not against it. I'm not --at the very least, the overall budget.
But what I want to say is MEDA (Miami Entertainment District Association), as many of you
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know, we've been --its a nonprofit 503(c)(6) [sic]. We hire police to patrol our district. We've
paid over $1.3 million over the last six years; 25, 000 police service hours, which is about 4,300
six -hour shifts. We've done a lot of work over the six years. And recently, we had only one of
two officer complaints. One of our officers, there was a complaint filed with the CIP, and that
incident took place on the street. Some --for no rhyme or reason, MEDA and Heart Nightclub
got pulled into that investigation. It's not appropriate for me to talk about that here today. As
somebody who looks at systems, I'm a little concerned about who's watching the watchmen, and I
ask today that when you review the budget item for CIP that you -- if you want to approve the
737, 000, I have no issue with that, but I'd like you to consider amendment to that budget which
would allow people to file complaints against the CIP. I did file a complaint to the CIP, and I
have copies for each of you to review or your staff to review. The second issue or request is that
from what I read in the ordinance, the panel is required to engage in training, but not the
investigators. I'd like you to address that issue in your budget to make sure that some of the
funding is set aside for the investors -- investigators for ongoing -- what do you call it? --
Continuing education with investigations. Do you have any questions for mel
Chair Hardemon: Not at this time.
Mr. Slyder: Okay. Thank you. Who do I give this to?
Chair Hardemon: The Clerk.
Mr. Slyder: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: Sir.
Nathaniel Wilcox: Good afternoon. My name is Nathaniel Wilcox, executive director of PULSE
(People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality). Our address is 150 Northeast 19th Street. I
just want to hit BH.9. I have -- I stand in support ofBH.6, 7, BH.8 and 9, as well as BH. 16, but I
just want to talk about the Civilian Investigation Panel. Total nonsense about touching the
budget of the Civilian Investigation Panel. I feel that the CIP should be strengthened. I think the
budget is adequate, but I don't think that in any way you should even consider taking money out
of the CIP's budget, because there's a lot of work that needs to be done to strengthen it and
protect this community. And I think with a strong CIP, we'll be able to do those and accomplish
those goals that we need to accomplish. So let's not even consider touching their budget, taking
money away, but strengthening them, and making the CIP even stronger. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much. Sir, you're recognized.
Daniel Suarez: How are you doing? My name is Daniel Suarez. I live at 1760 Northwest 7th
Street, and I'm talking about BH.9. I'm a panel member on the Civilian Investigative Panel;
been therefor about five years now. I just want to talk about the budget --excuse me. So I think
the budget right now is okay, but it can be better. I know that we have a proposal -- I don't know
what's going on -- set forth that will give the CIP an increase. Excuse me. I don't know what's
going on with this.
Chair Hardemon: It's not your fault. Just try to talk through it.
Mr. Suarez: All right. So trying to give the CIP an increase of .5 percent of what the Miami
Police Department's budget is. I think it's a marvelous increase; it's needed. The Panel was
created by voters to oversee the Police Department with issues. The problem is many of the
residents do not know about the CIP; the officers themselves. I have --I'm a volunteer. I'm
appointed to the Panel. I don't get paid. I've been to many events these past couple months. I've
done a lot, been on the streets, talking to officers, talking to citizens. Many people don't even
know that the CIP is there, for what it's for, and it's for oversight of the Police Department. We
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need that budget increase, that proposal to be put in ordinance, that .5 percent, so we can hire
outreach, so we can educate our citizens in Miami and let them know, Hey, this is available, it's a
resource for you, 'because we all pay taxes. I pay taxes, you all pay taxes. It shouldn't go to
waste. So I came here today, I wasn't working, boom. And you'll see me again. And I'm pretty
sure you guys read my emails; I send them constantly. I'm very vocal about this, and I hope this
goes through with no problems. Thank you. Any questions?
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
Mr. Suarez: All right. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: And just to be very clear, this was the public hearing portion of this time -- at
this time. So if you came to discuss any item on the agenda, this is the time for you to discuss --
for you to make your public comment to be known. And to be more explicitly clear, this even
covers the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) proposed millage and tentative budget for
the year 2017. So I've extended another invitation for you if you're hereto speak on that item.
This is the time for you to be heard. Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing at this time.
Commissioners, I'm sure there are a number of different agenda items that we want to discuss.
Particularly, the reason I'm asking you to think about this, if there's an item that you want to
discuss, I'll ask that you tell me now so that we can mark that for discussion, because, therefore,
if there are some items that we don't need to discuss that we think that no one wants to make any
comment about and you want to go to a vote on, it'd be best to take care of those items so we can
move through this meeting expeditiously. So is there -- starting from BH. 3, for instance, is that
an item that any Commissioner wants to discuss? BH.3.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Chances are we'll want to discuss each one of them. I mean, I'm not
going to take --
Chair Hardemon: No, that's wrong; not always. Sometimes, there's -- that's why I just said,
rather than get into it, if you say Yes'bn BH. 3, I'll just move on. BH. 3?
Commissioner Carollo: Sure.
Chair Hardemon: BH4?
Commissioner Carollo: Sure. I was --
Chair Hardemon: BH5?
Commissioner Carollo: It's the millage and expenses.
Chair Hardemon: I understand. BH5?
Commissioner Carollo: Sure. I mean, there's always --
Chair Hardemon: Is that an item you want to discuss, Commissioner; yes or no?
Commissioner Carollo: Even to say they've done a great job?
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BH.1 DISCUSSION ITEM
16-01206
Office of Management DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED FY 2016-17
and Budget MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET.
16-01206 Summary Form.pdf
DISCUSSED
Chair Hardemon: Seeing none, I'd like to recognize our Mayor, Mayor Tomas Regalado.
Mayor Tomas Regalado: Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice Chairman,
Commissioners. Today, I stand before you to present the fiscal year 2 01 612 01 7 proposed budget.
First, let me thank the Administration, the City Manager, the Budget Director and all the
department directors, for they have worked very hard to produce a budget book in July, with
plenty of time for you to study, take notes, ask questions, and think of ideas that we could
incorporate to this, the most important legislation that the Commission does every year. But as
you know, this budget is not a document created for the needs that we think we are going to have
in the next fiscal year only. It was done with the legislations that was approved by you
throughout this year. Today, we're proposing a responsible budget by maintaining healthy
reserve, by not using any prior year fund balance. We are proposing a budget with a lower
property tax rate for the sixth year in a row; something that is unprecedented in our City's
history. We're proposing a budget with a large investment in public safety. We're building for
the future by continuing to fund needed capital improvement project with over $31 million in our
Police, Fire Rescue and Parks Department. We are also investing in our employees. Every
single employee that is due a raise, whether included in a collective bargaining agreement
approved by the Commission or during annual review, for those who are not in a bargaining unit
have their increases included in this budget. This budget is also doing the right thing, and it's
doing the right thing by proposing to convert the remaining 116 long-term temporary positions to
permanent status. The City of Miami is in a brilliant position. We're poised to capitalize on the
future, and I would like to remind you, and especially the residents, that the City of Miami has
been rated a high-grade investment by two of the three rating agencies of the United States.
2017 will be a great year. It will be a great year for the City of Miami, because the City of
Miami will shine in the nation and in the world for a week-long festivities leading to the 2017
Major League All Star Games to be held at the Marlins Park in Little Havana; and, of course, in
other venues, including Grapeland Park in District 1. This is why this budget contains funds for
in-kind services of the City. Therefore, I submit a budget for your consideration that includes
670.35 million in the general fund, and a total budget of 979.35 million for all non -capital funds.
There is something that is not in the budget book, but it's something that I respectfully ask you to
discuss and consider. In July of this year, something unexpected happened. Zika happened, and
the Wynwood area of the City of Miami was singled out as ground zero of Zika in the whole
nation. From the Governor to the Center for Disease Control to the State of Florida Department
of Health, all the conversations was about Wynwood. The local, national, and international
news about Wynwood, the travel advisories and health warnings have had consequences.
Wynwood is a citywide issue with more than 300 single -owned businesses, and more than 3, 000
employees. The consequences have been devastating, as many business owners have already
told you. The Wynwood BID (Business Improvement District) is asking for breathing space for
three months. The Wynwood BID and all the merchant are asking for a grant of $248, 000 to pay
for enhanced Police and Sanitation services, money that the BID normally pays the City of
Miami, so they will be able to shift monies for a promotional and marketing campaign that they,
as local merchants, will craft and decide. The Department of Emergency Management of our
Fire and Rescue Department is conducting an economic impact study of Zika in Wynwood.
There's been a lot of talk of Federal and State help, but as of today, there is nothing. I ask you to
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discuss and consider this legitimate request. Before finishing, let me give the area Commissioner
something that was done by one of the owners of a business in Wynwood. They made this
baseball cap, Make Wynwood Great Again. "So in conclusion, I am proud of the budget that we
are proposing, proud of the progress that we have all accomplished, and proud of the future that
is before us. Today, I humbly submit the fiscal year 2 01 612 01 7 budget for your consideration
and adoption. Thankyou very much for your time, and may God bless the City ofMiami. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Manager, is there anything you want
to add?
Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): Mr. Chairman, thank you. I'm just going to say thank you7o
all of the staff of the City of Miami that worked on putting together the budget, and I look
forward to hearing from you, our elected body, as to what are your thoughts on this budget that
you've reviewed over the last month and a half or so. So Chris will read into the record some
items that are required by Statute, and we can move on from there.
Christopher M. Rose (Director): Good evening, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office of
Management and Budget. I have some required language, according to State Statute. The
proposed general operating millage rate is 7.6465 mills for the City of Miami for the fiscal year
beginning October 1, 2016 and ending September 30, 2017. That operating millage rate is 11.99
percent higher than the State -defined rollback rate of 6.8278 mills. Thank you, Commissioners.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
BH.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
16-01131
Downtown DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND TENTATIVE BUDGET
Development FOR THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
Authority
16-01131 DDA Budget Discussion.pdf
DISCUSSED
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item BH2, please see Item BH3.
BH.3
RESOLUTION
16-01200
Downtown
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ("COMMISSION"), WITH
Development
ATTACHMENT(S), RELATED TO TAXATION, DEFINING AND DESIGNATING
Authority
THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT ("DISTRICT") OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"), AND
FIXING AND ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE AND LEVYING AN
ADDITIONAL AD VALOREM TAX ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
IN THE DISTRICT AT THE RATE OF 0.4681 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF
TAXABLE VALUE OF SUCH PROPERTY IN SAID DISTRICT FOR THE
PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE OPERATION OF THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2017; PROVIDING THAT
SAID MILLAGE SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO THE MILLAGE ADOPTED BY
THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE VII, FLORIDA
CONSTITUTION, AND SECTION 166.211, FLORIDA STATUTES (2016), AS
WELLAS ANY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS IMPOSED BY THE SAME;
City ofMiami Page 10 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED AS
REPEALING OR AMENDING ANY OTHER RESOLUTION OR ANY
ORDINANCE FIXING MILLAGE OR LEVYING TAXES, BUT SHALL BE
DEEMED SUPPLEMENTALAND IN ADDITION THERETO; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
16-01200 Memo - Downtown Development Authority.pdf
16-01200 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01200 Legislation.pdf
16-01200 ExhibitA.pdf
16-01200 Exhibit B.pdf
ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION:
1. RECOMPUTE THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, IF NECESSARY
2. ADOPT THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE
Motion by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0379
Chair Hardemon: All right. BH. 3.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly moved. Is there a second?
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Discussion from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: I want to verify -- We usually do this on an ordinance. It's on a
resolution basis. I want to verify that we will have a second resolution in the second meeting of
the budget for this same item.
Alyce Robertson: Yes. It's scheduled for the 20th, the second budget hearing.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So we'll have --we're changing it this year. We're doing two
resolutions --
Ms. Robertson: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- instead of first reading and second reading?
Ms. Robertson: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Ms. Robertson: And I do need to, Mr. Chairman, read for the record the millage item into the
record --
Chair Hardemon: Sure.
Ms. Robertson: -- per State law. It's --this is a discussion of the proposed millage rate and
tentative budget for the Miami Downtown Development Authority. The percentage of increase is
10.04 percent over the rollback rate of .4254. The proposed millage is .4681, which is the same
that we levied this year.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Thank you very much. Discussion from the Commissioners?
Commissioner Gort: Call the question.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. Seeing no discussion, all in favor of BH 3, say so by saying aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
1311-11.4
RESOLUTION
16-01199
Downtown
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Development
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE
Authority
ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
("DDA") OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"), ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $9,214,100.00, AND
MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICTAD VALOREM TAX LEVYAND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS
INCOME FOR THE DDA, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER
1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2017; AUTHORIZING THE DDA
TO INVITE AND ADVERTISE REQUIRED BIDS; PROVIDING FOR
BUDGETARY FLEXIBILITY; PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE
DEEMED SUPPLEMENTALAND IN ADDITION TO THE RESOLUTION
MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 FOR THE
OPERATIONS OF THE CITY.
16-01199 Memo - Downtown Development Authority.pdf
16-01199 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01199 Legislation.pdf
16-01199 Exhibit.pdf
ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION:
1. AMEND THE TENTATIVE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY
2. ADOPT THE AMENDED TENTATIVE BUDGET
Motion by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Conwaissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0380
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Alyce Robertson: BH.4 is the preliminary budget --proposed budget for the Miami Downtown
Development Authorityfor the year 2 01 612 01 7.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by the Vice Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: And seconded by Commissioner Gort. Any further discussion on BH 4?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Ms. Robertson. Good to see you
again. Real quick, there was some information regarding salaries, which is one of the highest
increases with regards to your overall budget. I still have not received -- I know you had
mentioned that it was in the -- in one of the tabs in the Excel file. It was not there, so I just want
to publicly let you know that I still need that information. With that said, I have a few questions.
I see that some of the items, your year-to-date are relatively low, but yet, when you're going to
reach your projection, you're going to use the whole amount. I'll give you an example.
Photography and video, your year-to-date is one point -- 1, 650; yet, within a month, you plan on
reaching 50, 000. Just some other examples -- I don't want to go through all of them, but I just
want to inquire with regards to that.
Ms. Robertson: Well, with regards to the video and photography, next weekend is Art Days, and
it's three days, and we will have video and photographers onboard, and then we purchase back
some of that. We're also purchasing new video for our updated web page that's coming out at the
end of September.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, because --yeah, because I see that, too. Under Website
Maintenance,'7see that you're currently at 38, but you plan on being by less than a month at
100, 000, so I was just inquiring if those projections were going to be realistic or not, if you were
going to make it there. There's a few others that we'll discuss, you know, between first and
second reading. Couple of things that I saw. I know that the DDA (Downtown Development
Authority) has made a big push with technology in making Miami a tech hub, and I think you all
have done a great job. You've invested quite a bit, yet, I'm seeing that for next year's budget,
you're not going to be investing in eMerge anymore, you're not going to be investing in Venture
Hive anymore, so I was just inquiring with regard to that.
Ms. Robertson: With regard to Venture Hive, we had a four-year investment with them, and it's
over at the end of this year. And next year, we're moving in our economic development more to a
corporate recruitment, and so we've moved some of the funding into that.
Commissioner Carollo: Are you still going to somehow promote technology in downtown Miami,
in our City?
Ms. Robertson: Yes. We have a specific outreach that we do to work with EFI and I'm missing
the name of the other -- I'm going to ask Sonia to come up for a second, but, yeah. Technology,
they're -- we have picked in the -- in business development several verticals that are good for
downtown: professional services, lawyers, accountants; other kinds of things: technology, arts
and culture and I'm -- let's see -- tourism, and hopefully that's -- let's see, I'm missing one.
City of Miami Page 13 Printed on 1011212016
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Unidentified Speaker: Finance.
Ms. Robertson: And finance. Sorry. So those are our main areas that we work in with our
business development. In technology, we had a very big move with Venture Hive. And with
eMerge, we're still involved with eMerge; however, we're not putting in the $50, 000 a year to
eMerge, like we did in the initial two years.
Commissioner Carollo: No, I understand. And last year, I think it was 15, 000, not 50. But with
regards to, you know, technology, I still want to make sure that, you know, we keep a focus on
technology in downtown Miami and in our City of Miami. Going back onto what mentioned
before with regards to incentive street level improvement, I believe you had the same thing here,
where year-to-date, you had zero, but by the end of the year, you're going to spend 300, 000 in
that?
Ms. Robertson: Yeah. It's all on a reimbursement basis, and we've been signing off -- what
happens is the -- we're doing mostly shutter removal right now in downtown, so the people
actually do the improvement, and then they are reimbursed for their cost.
Commissioner Carollo: So you're going to focus on all the reimbursements at -- in this month.
Understood. Last thing is, Where Worlds Meet, I see that, again, it's not being funded. Can you
tell me just a little bit about that? And that'll be my last question. And --
Ms. Robertson: So Where Worlds Meet was a combined effort between the Visitor and
Convention Bureau, the Beacon Council, the Miami DDA and American Airlines. And American
Airlines has not funded it in the last year, and so we're moving our efforts into other kinds of
outreach on a world scale, international scale.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. And I look forward to meeting you between first and second
meeting.
Ms. Robertson: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Ms. Robertson: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any other questions? Hearing none, it's been properly moved and seconded.
All in favor, say fiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
BH.5 RESOLUTION
16-01123
Bayfront Park A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Management Trust ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,225,000.00, TO PROVIDE FOR
THE OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF
THE MILDRED AND CLAUDE PEPPER BAYFRONT PARK AND MUSEUM
PARK, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
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16-01123 Memo - Bayfront Park Management Trust.pdf
16-01123 E -Mail - Bayfront Park Management Trust.pdf
16-01123 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01123 Legislation.pdf
16-01123 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0381
Chair Hardemon: Moving on to BH. 5.
Timothy Schmand: Good evening. Good evening, Commissioners. Good evening,
Commissioners. Tim Schmand, Bayfront Park Management Trust, 301 North Biscayne
Boulevard, Miami, Florida. I'm here to askyou to approve ourproposed operating/capital
budgets for the next fiscal year. Our operating budget will be $7,225,000, and our capital
budget is $2 million, for a total of $9,225,000, if my arithmetic is correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it. Discussion.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Discussion.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Schmand, for being here. I
think the budget speaks for itself, but with that said, I also want to put a caveat. In this budget,
there's not an additional $2 million of capital. You seethe amount for capital, but we are
looking at an additional $2 million in capital for Museum Park. We are currently working with
the Omni CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), which will present their budget in the
second Commission meeting, in the second budget hearing, in order to see if we could receive
monies, due to the global agreement, which will just for capital and for Museum Park. So there's
a possibility that we will be coming back with an adjustment to this Bayfront Park Management
Trust budget. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motionpasses.
Mr. Schmand: Thank you.
BH.6 RESOLUTION
16-01171
Virginia Key Beach A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Park Trust ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK TRUST, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,000.00 FROM THE CITY OF
MIAMI OPERATING FUNDS, $100,000.00 FROM THE TRUST CARRYOVER
FUNDS, AND $627,000.00 IN ANTICIPATED REVENUE, FOR ATOTAL
AMOUNT OF $877,000.00 TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANAGEMENT,
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE
City ofMiami Page 15 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01171 Summary Form.pdf
16-01171 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01171 Legislation.pdf
16-01171 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0382
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item BH.6, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: BH. 6. Is there any discussion on BH. 6?
Commissioner Gort: Virginia Beach Trust.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by the V ce Chairman; seconded by Commissioner
Suarez. Any further -- any discussion on the issue?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, Mr. Forchion, thank you for
being here. And by the way -- and I see you have your chair next to you, Mr. Tinnie. First of all,
I want to say a very good job. You actually exceeded your projections in revenue, so I have to
commend you; very, very good job. Usually, people tend to come in short, but you actually
exceeded the revenue projection, so very, very good job. However, the only issue I have is that
now you're exceeding your expenses by more than your revenues, and you're asking the City of
Miami for $150, 000. Here's where we need to look at it in perspective. Last year, you did not
receive that type of funding from the City of Miami; yet, you had a surplus, and you're carrying
that money over into this year. So with $100, 000 carryover plus $150, 000 from the City of
Miami, that's $250, 000 that's added to your budget. That's more -- that's about a -- close to a 30
percent increase in your budget. And listen, I think all the Commissioners were here when, you
know, we had a serious talk with regards to any fiscal cliffs and where we were and stuff like
that. And the Manager mentioned as far as adjusting our budget. The only thing is, 150, 000
here, 200, 000 there, it starts adding up, and that's where we need to be, you know, cognizant,
even though it's difficult, you know, in these years, because, hey, the City's flushed with dollars,
you know. We're getting a lot of revenues in. But, you know, I'd like to hear from my colleagues
for that. I -- you know, with an increase of almost 30 percent from the 250, 000, you know, I
really -- see if we could reduce that $150, 000 amount from the City of Miami. You obviously
didn't need it last year, so to include it this year, you know, I think you could do without.
Chair Hardemon: You can respond ifyou'd like.
Gene Tinnie: Well, I --
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Unidentified Speaker: Can you?
Mr. Tinnie: Yeah. Obviously, you know, as a citizen and taxpayer, I share the same concern
with the budget. Yeah, I think the easiest answer, if you will, to that is that what would look like
in -- a 30 percent increase in budget corresponds to a greater than 30 percent increase in the
need. We have more attendance at the park, we have more projects going forward. There's
simply a need for more maintenance, more security. One of the reasons why this park is so
successful, for example, just to go to a -- one of those little details that means a lot -- we have
heard from the time this effort began that the most deciding factor in whether people really
return to parks or not is the condition of the restrooms. The fact that these --we are able to keep
those at a very high standard of maintenance is very significant, but it requires the staff to do
that, especially as more people are there. Another point that I think needs to be made is that in
the years since we have stopped receiving the contribution from the City, essentially, the whole
operation has been subsiding on -- subsisting, I should say -- on events, special events, you
know, small rentals and so forth. Well, as we go forward, there are two factors involved with
that. One is, as our enhancements go in place, our interpretive components and so forth, we're
going to have to be a lot more selective about both the quality and quantity of events that we can
hold, and secondly, the -- so, in other words, we have to be less dependent on events. And
secondly, we're on this -- you know, a large part of the story there is the environmental jewel that
this place is. We're on this small barrier island, and one of the two southernmost barrier islands
in the Continental United States; as you know, fragile environment. A lot of those events can be
very taxing on the environment, and this has been a real concern that's been voiced to us by
citizens who are very cognizant of that. So that's just part of the larger picture. Mr. Forchion
can certainly fill you in on more of the details. But when we really look at -- and I'll use the
same word that Mr. Forchion used --just the investment in what is -- what we call, you know,
patrimony. I mean, here's a real legacy to future generations, an opportunity that we have to tell
the story of how Miami came to be, and how folks have came to it, continue to make it what it is
in a very unique place and in a very unique way. We're looking at leading the way in cleaning
green technology and so forth, so this actually becomes a demonstration project for other parks,
other cities, and so forth. So, you know, without inflating our importance too much, I think, you
know, that very realistically -- and I certainly appreciate your concerns, Commissioner Carollo,
because I think they're very, you know, well founded. But the -- but so is the reasons for us
making the request.
Vice Chair Russell: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: I think it's really up to us to decide what we want this park to be and it's -- it
can be very -- Bayfront Park, for example, is very successful as a self-sustaining revenue
generator, based on the events that it's able to put on. But even just in this past month, they were
tempted with an event that they could have -- that they were willing to accept called Float Bash.
And this was basically an inflatable party with potential harm to the environment, but a lot of
fun, and a lot of kids would have shown up with music and drinking and, you know, you've got a
current there; could have been successful, could have been a disaster, who knows? There were
environmental concerns enough that it wasn't allowed this year, but that would have made thirty,
$40, 000 for the Trust. To put the pressure on them to accept events such as this, which are the
types of, you know, financial draws to be self-sustaining, is that the park that we want them to be,
or do we want to invest in them so that that pressure isn't on them to perform in that manner? I
think that's up to us.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
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Commissioner Carollo: Very well said, Mr. V ce Chair. At the same time, when you look at what
the additional expenses are going to, I mean, it's really going into benefits of employees, which
one, right off the bag [sic], you know, I have to question, because it seems like their health and
life insurance is doubling. It's going from 25, 000 to 50, 000. I mean, what changed in a year
that it's -- that it actually doubled?
Guy Forchion: IfI may, Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: Yes, please.
Mr. Forchion: What has doubled is the number of individuals that are full-time employees that
are actually receiving benefits. We've --currently operating, you talked about a 30 percent
increase in revenue. This speaks to 3.5 positions increase in the number that we have, and that is
roughly 30 percent of our staff. But in terms of full-time positions and the benefits that you spoke
of, there were two individuals on our staff -- myself and finance coordinator -- that were full-time
and receiving benefits. Our administrative assistant position is one that we just recently filled as
a part-time position, and we're looking and needing that to be full-time going into this new year.
Our park supervisor position, again, a full-time position that we just recently filled in the last few
months that is full-time going into next year, and then the addition of an education and outreach
coordinator. So it is literally moving us from what was three positions estimated in the budget
we've just been in to five that will be full-time, starting immediately, essentially.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. But from three positions to five full-time positions, your health
insurance just jumped from 25, 000 to 50, 000.
Mr. Forchion: I mean, I would have my finance coordinator speak to the absolute details of that,
but one of those positions we have just brought on as a full-time position; the park supervisor.
Commissioner Carollo: And again, Fin just going by what you have presented here. Tni just
going by your details that you all --
Mr. Forchion: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: --provided. So when I really see what the increases are for, it seems
like it's more for benefits and salaries. And, you know, listen, I get it. You know, you need to
give, you know, salary increases, some of the benefits are going up, but when you're talking
$250,000 that last year, you didn't need, you didn't use, and you're going to generate more or
less the same amount of revenue; which, by the way, Mr. Vice Chair, this isn't necessarily -- these
increases isn't necessarily for the legacy of the park, or this isn't to do a special project. This is
more just operational expenses that has increased quite a bit from one year to the next, so that's
where I'm questioning it. And this is going to open the door for now additional fundings in the
future and in the future, because for the past -- I don't know -- I guess since I've been here,
although you've used park resources, you haven't used any dollars, per se, from the City's coffers,
correct?
Mr. Forchion: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: You know, so this is now opening the door. And it depends what the will
of this Commission is, but again, it's a caution; it's a caution, because, you know, pretty soon, we
have yet another negotiation with one of our unions which we're currently doing for the
incoming year, and, you know, we take all these into consideration, you know. Like I said,
150, 000 here, 200 there, you know, it starts adding up.
Chair Hardemon: I do have a question. So can you explain how an increase in the number of
people who service the park and an increase in their hours is beneficial to the park itself?
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Mr. Forchion: It's on the level of service that we can give. And the new position that I'm really
looking forward to is the education and outreach coordinator. That's someone who will be able
to move outbound. We've had great success at the park, but one of the things where we have
been weak is not being able to get into the schools and get out to other communities where we
can bring them into the park. That is something that is needed badly in order for our revenue to
continue to grow. I mean, the will of this Commission, just six, seven years ago, was over $1
million a year funding the park. When that became zero, we've had to operate the park the best
that we can, but at a level that still does not fund all the positions needed. Even on our
fundraising side, we at one time had a fundraising and grants staff of two. Past six years, that
has been no staff but myself, others on the staff, some of our consultants. We write the grants.
We do the -- all that we can, but we're really trying to move this project at a level where we can
get back in step with some of the work we're starting to do with CIP (Capital Improvements
Program) and that we're starting to do with (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Cultural Resources that is
redeveloping and revising our business plan. That is a critical document that'll be coming forth
in the next few months that'll really tell a story as we move forward with the revenues we're
generating now and what will be needed in the future as we go ahead and try to complete that
third phase that our Chairman spoke of, and that's the visitors center, the interpretive center on
the property. And that will be a revenue generator, but will also have greater expense. The
business plan will really let us know exactly what will be there. But we're putting a lot in line
now, because we feel very favorable about what we will be creating and how popular it will be.
Chair Hardemon: So just to clam for the record, we've had a motion and a second to approve
the budget as presented by the Virginia Key Beach Trust; is that correct, Mr. Clerk? So that
includes the $150, 000, correct? Okay, is there any further discussion about that?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: If this Board so chooses to approve this budget, could we ask the City
Manager if it's in the City's budget, which he will tell you, foo. "So then we will have to address
wherefrom the City's budget will we find the 150, 000.
Chair Hardemon: I'm sure the Manager will use his expertise to help us find where that money
could come from, unless there is something that's within this budget that we take from another
party that we may see as not needed. But that's up for the vote. A park needs people to service
the park. A park needs some sort of abilityfor people to know about that park and to attract
people to the park. I mean, if this park generates revenue on a shoestring budget, and they're
asking for another shoestring to help tie their laces, then I think that it's the responsibility of the
City Commission to make that decision to help them. And $150,000, yes; plus another 150, plus
another 150 may make a difference in our overall budget, but I don't think that it is so dire to the
point where we can't address one of our jewels within our community that's in another
Commissioner's district, but I think is an asset to all of us. So I'm in favor of the budget as
presented by the Virginia Key Beach Trust. If there's any further discussion or is not, then I
would wish we go to a vote. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, say fiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Mr. Forchion: Thank you. Thank you, Commissioners.
BH.7 RESOLUTION
16-01209
City of Miami Page 19 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Liberty City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED BUDGET
Revitalization Trust OF THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TRUST, ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A", IN THE AMOUNT OF SEVEN
HUNDRED SEVENTY-SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY-THREE
DOLLARS ($776,843.00), FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER
1, 2015 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016.
16-01209 Summary Form.pdf
16-01209 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01209 Legislation.pdf
16-01209 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0383
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item BH. 7, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: BH.7.
Elaine Black: Good afternoon. My name is Elaine Black, Liberty City Trust, 4800 Northwest
12th Avenue. BH.7 is a resolution amending our budget for 2015116 in the amount of $150, 000.
I'm happy to say on April 28, we received an additional $150,000 by Anti -Poverty Program.
This -- these funds were used for our Summer Youth Program, which was really successful. It ran
from June 20 to August 12. And on September 1, 2016, our budget -- our board approved the
addition to our budget. The board had approved the amount, but we had not approved the
addition to our budget. So this is a resolution to increase our budget by $150,000 for year
2015116.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded. Any further discussion? Hearing
none, all in favor, say aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Black: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Motion approved.
BH.8 RESOLUTION
16-01181
Liberty City A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Community ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
Revitalization Trust THE LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TRUST, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $740,990.00, FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
2017.
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16-01181 Summary Form.pdf
16-01181 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01181 Legislation.pdf
16-01181 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Chair Hardemon, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0384
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item BH.8, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: And BH.8.
Elaine Black: BH.8 is a resolution for our budget for the year 2016/17, in the amount of
$740,990.
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved; and seconded by the Chairman. Is there any
discussion about this item?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, with regards to the 350 from
SkyRise, which will roll over, it's my understanding that money cannot be used for operations,
correct?
Chair Hardemon: Absolutely.
Ms. Black: No. None of those monies can be used for operations. They have --
Commissioner Carollo: Cannot be used for operations?
Ms. Black: -- they cannot --
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Ms. Black: -- be used for operations. We have identified a client that -- through the entire
process -- who had been selected. Shantel's Jazz Club in the Liberty City community has been
selected. Their contract has been approved by this Commission, and we are in the process of
finalizing the architectural plans for the building.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. No other questions.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say fiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Ms. Black: Thank you so very much.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
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BH.9 RESOLUTION
16-01129
Civilian Investigative A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Panel ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $736,400.00, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING
OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01129 Memo - Civilian Investigative Pane.pdf
16-01129 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01129 Legislation.pdf
16-01129 Exhibit.pdf
16 -01129 -Submittal -Michael Slyder-Letter to Civilian Investigative Panel.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0385
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item BH.9, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: BFI9.
Horacio Stuart -Aguirre: Mr. Chairman, Mr. V ce Chairman, good evening. Horacio
Stuart -Aguirre, as chairman of the City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel. Joining with me
today is Ms. Cristina Beamud, the executive director of the CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel).
We're asking for a budget of $736, 000, which is an increase of about 18, 000 from last year. The
significant justification for this increase is a -- the 5 percent increase that the City Manager has
requested for all staff, and the reallocation of one position to a higher position; namely, a
community outreach officer, to reach into the community, and especially the underprivileged
parts of our City to teach them how to better conduct themselves in a manner when approached
by City of Miami police officers.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: I've always --
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: -- It's been properly moved and seconded. I've always hated when someone
says, Now to better,' ou know, Oonduct yourself when approached by a police ojficer,'because,
Of course, I think there are things that the police oicer should do, but there are things that the
citizen should also do. But, certainly, I just want whatever we do in the teaching to not teach
people -- I'm -- better put this way: I just want both of us on both sides to be able to better
interact with each other. And so --
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: Totally agree. What we really want is to make sure that everybody goes
home alive that night.
Chair Hardemon: Right. And I completely understand that, and I guess this is just one of those
theoretical conversations that people have, but people should not have to be -- If, for instance,
there's an officer that's less than courteous, you should not have to have your rights violated to
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go home safe at night.
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: Totally agree with you. Thank you. You couldn't have said it better. Thank
you.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any further discussion on this item ?
Vice Chair Russell: I have a question.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Vice Chair Russell: During the public hearing, there was a comment suggesting that .5 percent
of the Police budget. What would that equate to, more or less? And is that something that the
CIP's been advocating for?
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: Actually, I'm glad you brought that up, Vice Chairman Russell. That
recommendation originated with the Independent Review Committee of the year before last. It
was their idea. I think it's brilliant. I think it will relieve you of a great deal of political pressure
when it comes time to deciding the budget for the Civilian Investigative Panel, and --
Cristina Beamud (Executive Director, Civilian Investigative Panel): I think, more directly, if the
point --
Chair Hardemon: Can you state your name for the record?
Ms. Beamud: Of course. Sorry. Cristina Beamud. I'm the executive director of the CIP. If the
.5 percent had been applied to the Police budget in the previous -- that is '15/16 fiscal year -- our
budget would have been about $950, 000. I'm not -- uncertain as to what the proposal is for the
current Police budget, so I don't have those figures for you. Certainly, when you set the Police
budget, doing a.5 percent shouldn't be very difficult.
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: By the way, by way of comparison, our budget today is a bit less than half
of what it was about five or six years ago, so we're running lean and mean, and very skinny.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: Thank you, sir.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say tiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Mr. Stuart -Aguirre: Thank you, gentlemen.
Chair Hardemon: Thank you very much.
131-1.10 RESOLUTION
16-01130
Coconut Grove A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Business ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
Improvement District THE COCONUT GROVE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ("BID"),
(BID) Board ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,825,568.00, TO
PROVIDE FOR THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
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THE BID, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016, AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01130 Memo - Coconut Grove BID.pdf
16-01130 E -Mail - Coconut Grove BID.pdf
16-01130 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01130 Legislation.pdf
16-01130 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0386
Chair Hardemon: B1110.
Manny Gonzalez: Manny Gonzalez, executive director, Coconut Grove Business Improvement
District, 3390 Mary Street, Suite 130, Miami, Florida 33133. Good evening, members of the
City of Miami Commission. I stand before you this evening in an effort to obtain approval for the
proposed FY'17 Coconut Grove BID (Business Improvement District) budget, totaling
$2,825,568. Please note that $1,646,000 of the total amount of the budget is associated with an
FPL (Florida Power & Light) burial project that was delayed this year. Other highlights from
the FY'17 budget include the fourth expansion of the Coconut Grove HD Security, a camera
network. We have Police off-duty coverage, which is about 1,800 hours annually, totaling
75, 000. We have supplemental security and cleaning services, which totals about 249, 000. It's
about 13,000 hours. This is who we are using right now for our Zika prevention efforts and
wiping water off the public right-of-ways [sic], and cleaning and initiatives like that. We have a
Peacock Park Firework Celebration, totaling 18,000. We continue our free yoga at Peacock
Park, which won New Times' best of the year -- I just wanted to make a note of that -- and we'll
be continuing our tree trimming project within the public right-of-ways [sic] within the City,
totaling 30, 000. Thank you.
Vice Chair Russell: I'll move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it -- second.
Chair Hardemon: Been properly --
Commissioner Carollo: Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: -- moved by the Vice Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Carollo.
Discussion. You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, you won best this year, but don't --
Mr. Gonzalez: You're the champ.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Remember who started the free yoga.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir. We're copying you guys.
Commissioner Carollo: Remember who started free yoga.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
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Commissioner Carollo: I don't have any questions. And just for the record, pretty much, every --
all the dollars that's raised by the businesses there, other than the parking surcharge, correct?
Mr. Gonzalez: Correct.
Commissioner Gort: Do you do the yoga classes?
Commissioner Carollo: I can if you join me.
Commissioner Gort: I tried it. I did it. It's tough. I thought it was going to be easy.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Eiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motionpasses.
Mr. Gonzalez: Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: You're welcome.
BH.11
RESOLUTION
16-01122
Fire Fighters and
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Police Officers
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
Retirement Trust
THE CITY OF MIAMI FIRE FIGHTERS' AND POLICE OFFICERS'
RETIREMENT TRUST FUND ("FIPO RETIREMENT TRUST FUND"),
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,058,798.00, TO
PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FIPO RETIREMENT TRUST
FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01122 Memos - FIPO.pdf
16-01122 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01122 Legislation.pdf
16-01122 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0387
Chair Hardemon: Moving on now to BH. 11.
Monica Fernandez: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Monica Fernandez. I'm the
vice chairman of the Firefighters and Police Officers Retirement Trust. I am here to ask you to
approve and adopt the annual budget for the City of Miami Firefighters and Police Officers
Retirement Trust -- FIPO Board -- in the amount of two million, fifty-eight, seven hundred and
ninety-eight dollars to provide for the administration of the fund. This amount is a slight
increase over last year, due to some upgrades that we're going to need to make to our accounting
and scanning softwares [sic].
Commissioner Suarez: So moved.
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Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by Commissioner Suarez; seconded by
Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Discussion, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Ms. Fernandez, quick question: I see the May increases in equipment
and programs. Is that going to be a one-time expense?
Ms. Fernandez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: And --
Ms. Fernandez: It would be a slight increase -- it's a bit of an increase over last year, but it
should be a one time.
Commissioner Carollo: Therefore, I could foresee that next year's budget will be lower than this
year's budget, correct?
Ms. Fernandez: For that line item, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: How about overall?
Ms. Fernandez: I think overall, as well.
Commissioner Gort: That's a good answer.
Ms. Fernandez: I think overall, as well.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, ma'am.
Ms. Fernandez: It should -- everything else should be pretty --
Commissioner Carollo: Stable.
Ms. Fernandez: -- constant.
Commissioner Carollo: No other questions. Thank you.
Chair Hardemon: Any further question?
Commissioner Gort: Hopefully, everyone can do better.
Chair Hardemon: Seeing none, all in favor, say Bye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Ms. Fernandez: Thankyou.
BH.12 RESOLUTION
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16-01121
General Employees A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
and Sanitation ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
Employees Retirement THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' AND SANITATION
Trust EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT TRUST FUND ("GESE RETIREMENT TRUST
FUND"), ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$3,440,031.00, EXCLUDING NORMAL COSTS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE RETIREMENT TRUST FUND FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01121 Memos - GESE.pdf
16-01121 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01121 Legislation.pdf
16-01121 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Gort
R-16-0388
Chair Hardemon: BH. 12. You're recognized, gentlemen.
Ron Silver: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ron Silver, the attorney for the City of
Miami General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement Trust. I just want to let you
know this is the 40th year that I've done this, and that, obviously, is before some of you were even
born, so -- except for the gentleman on the end --
Chair Hardemon: Yeah.
Mr. Silver: -- who's -- in accordance with that, I -- you know, when I met with Commissioner
Russell's staff the other day, I told them that I actually know and have met Mel Reese, because --
I say that because some people came up to me, Who is this guy, Mel Reese, who --? "You know,
We know there's a gold course named after him,'but in any event, I actually started when Mel
Reese was the City Manager here, and worked with him. So that's just for informational
purposes that you can take back and do with it as you please. We're hereto approve the budget
for the ensuing fiscal year for the Trust, and I want to introduce to you --we've had some
changes made. This is our new Pension administrator, Edgard Hernandez. And we have a new
chairman of the board that -- where is -- Luis Fernandez. And we are undergoing some review
processes that -- we'll maybe make some change down the road or whatever, but we're reviewing
everything at this particular time. I'd like to introduce to you our new Pension administrator.
Edgard Hernandez: Good evening, Chairman. Before we go into the details, I'd like to --Good
evening, Commissioners and Honorable Chairman and Vice Chair and Honorable Mayor. I'd
like to introduce myself as the Pension administrator for the Trust. You have our respect on
behalf of the trustees, myself, and the staff. And with your support, we hope to move the Trust
and to steer the Trust into a new direction, and hopefully, produce better results in the coming
years. Today we're asking for the approval of the budget of $3,440,031, excluding normal cost,
to provide for the administration of the GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees)
Retirement Trust for the commencing year of 2016 and ending in September 30, 2017.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes. Discussion?
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Commissioner Carollo: Thank -- Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Welcome, Mr. Martinez [sic]
and congratulations.
Mr. Hernandez: Hernandez. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) chairman. Right off the start, I see here that -- I
see you here as the Pension administrator, and I see that your assistant Pension administrator is
showing as a zero. Does that mean that you're not going to have an assistant Pension
administrator?
Mr. Hernandez: No. The position was eliminated. I was the assistant for last year, and now,
basically, I'm doing two jobs, so we're just going to have a Pension administrator.
Commissioner Carollo: Congratulations. That's commendable, and that's what, you know, I like
to see. Now, let me ask you about some of the -- your expenses, ifI may. I see here, Special
Projects, 32, 000. Lar -- What special projects are you going to have?
Mr. Hernandez: The special project will be the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). We're engaging
the IRS to obtain a determination letter for the plan. We will have also the Commission --there
are certain Commission items. We have overtime, and we're pushing to see if we can make
changes as far as technology. Last year, we had some support in order to reduce some expenses,
so we're trying to see if we can move away from paper and become more electronic documents.
So if we need to hire special -- not advisors, but a special staff on a temporary basis that can
help us with that.
Commissioner Carollo: But you actually have, because I see here, Pension Administration
consulting, 75,600. So you actually have hired them already, so that's why I'm questioning. If
you hired 75, 000 there, which wasn't a cost last year, then an additional 32, 000 on special
projects, that's why I'm questioning those expenses.
Chair Hardemon: And ifI may, Commissioner Carollo, to tag onto that, when I look at an
assistant Pension administrator, and it's been zeroed out; and then, I see an increase for the
special projects of 32, 000; then also, the --
Commissioner Carollo: So --
Chair Hardemon: -- a Pension Administration consultant of 75,600, I mean, that's just over
$107, 000. So, I mean, are we finding a way to fund this position without us understanding
exactly what it is? Is that what's happening, or -- what's happening?
Mr. Hernandez: I didn't get the last part.
Chair Hardemon: Well, basically, you're taking away an assistant Pension administrator, so
someone who was working, but then you're going to hire a Pension Administration consulting
person or team or whatever it may be, and so it seems like you're doing away with one that --
where you have a full-time position to give it to another that's in a matter of consulting. Now,
why is that something that we should be doing?
Mr. Hernandez: Well, the reason why there is a consultant in place is because we have changes
as far as the board. The board is changing, the staff will be changing. We have currently nine
members on the staff- six of them are in the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) or
currently rehired at a reduced 30 percent rate from their original salary. So the board deemed it
necessary to have some kind of continuity as for the short term, just to make sure that there are
no lapses, based on the challenges ahead of us. Based on that, they hired the consultant. And
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the special project is a new item, yes. I understand that it's $32, 000, but overall the total
expense for the personnel went down, you know, significantly. And I hope to do -- we hope to do
the same as we go forward.
Commissioner Carollo: It went -- ifI may, Mr. Chairman?
Chair Hardemon: Please.
Commissioner Carollo: It went down there, but then increased in other line items. For instance,
total professional services increased. So where you decreased it in one line item, you increased it
in the other. And if you're saying for a short term, 75, 600 for a short term, it's a lot of money.
That's my take. I -- you know, I --
Mr. Hernandez: It is; it is a lot of money. And your concern, like I said, there should be no
obstacle between the Commission, the trustees or myself, and I will communicate that to the
board; make sure that your comments are fully heard so -- to see what can be done.
Commissioner Carollo: Let me ask you -- and let's move on. You know, we could go back and
speak about that, you know, later, but let's move on. Something that I keep asking every time
that -- and I know it's not you, Mr. Martinez, but every time they get before me, or your
organization before me, some -- I'm going to ask it again. $60, 000 in ojT1ce supplies, I mean, you
know, I'm very close to saying, You know what? I want a general ledger of that account, and I
want to really see what you're spending it on,'because $60, 000 in office supplies, that's a lot.
Okay, so this year, you added meeting expenses.
Mr. Hernandez: Well, we combined two accounts into one, and some --
Commissioner Carollo: How many meetings do you have a year?
Mr. Hernandez: We have two every other month, so we have six; and our symposium every -- on
a meeting, so seven meetings.
Commissioner Carollo: Seven meetings. Yeah, I'm -- again, every year, it's nothing different, I
ask about this. It just seems --
Mr. Hernandez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, very high.
Mr. Hernandez: But let me --
Commissioner Carollo: So I'm --
Mr. Hernandez: --yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- going to want to see the backup to see exactly -- you know, the
invoices and so forth, and see where --
Mr. Hernandez: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you're spending with regards to office supplies. One more thing that I
really want to touch upon, building repair and maintenance, you have a huge increase. You're
going from 163, 000 to 253, 000.
Mr. Hernandez: That's --
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Commissioner Carollo: Is the building falling apart, or what?
Mr. Hernandez: -- unfortunately -- no, the building is not falling apart, but we have a lot of
issues with the building. This number is actually historically what we spent on the building. As
of the year --the month ending in August, we have spent 273,000 on the building. We have some
issues with the sewer. We have some issues with the elevators; and FP&L (Florida Power &
Light), with the transformers outside the building. We have a lot of issues with a 37 -year-old
building that we all love and know as the Rose Gordon Building, but there's a lot of maintenance
to be done to an older building. And unfortunately, as it was communicated to the board of
trustees, they're looking into alternatives, and one of the alternatives, it may be possibly a move
out of the building or sale. But before we do that, we have to basically use all of our resources to
make sure that all remedies are taken into place.
Chair Hardemon: Can you explain two items for me? One, on the legal fees, Ronald Silver's
fees, which amount to -- much larger than any other fees that you have here, it's about $100, 000.
Can you explain that?
Mr. Hernandez: Yes. The legal fees are going up about $88,000. We have a legal lawsuit in
which the City is involved, and we fought their insurance, and finally, were able to pay all
going forward charges. So they're going to take over that when it comes to the fiduciary
responsibility, and the insurance is going to pay for all forward expense. But we have an
accrued expense that our attorneys have not billed us for, but since the lawsuit is -- seems to be
imminent and may hopefully conclude in the coming year, we have to allocate that contingency.
Hopefully, if the lawsuit is concluded and we hire -- we're able to hire some attorneys that can
fight the insurance and get us some of that fees back, hopefully, we won't be able to spend the
66, 000 on that. Now, the remaining 66 plus 20, that will be for the IRS determination that we're
seeking from the IRS in order to make the plan.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any other discussion?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, Mr. Chairman. I don't have -- I don't feel comfortable voting for
anything more than -- or anything that's equal to what they received last year. By the way, last
year, they received a rather large increase in their budget; one that I voted against. So this year,
once again, will be another increase, and I don't have a -- I will be voting ho finless it stays the
same as last year.
Chair Hardemon: Mr. Manager, what was last year's amount?
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): What was the last year's budget?
Commissioner Gort: 3, 300, 000.
Commissioner Carollo: 3.3?
Mr. Hernandez: 3.3 million, yeah.
Commissioner Gort: 3, 300, 000.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. And the request this year is for 3.4? Three point -- $3,440,031. Do
you have a motion that's in accordance with your belief?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I make a motion to approve their budget, the same as last year;
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same budgetary amount as last year's budget.
Commissioner Gort: You're talking about minus 444.
Chair Hardemon: That's what appears to be, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Suarez: 340. 3397
Commissioner Gort: That 144, what is it used for? The difference -- because I can see you
reduced quite a bit in the -- when it comes to salaries and so on, and you did cut some places,
but then you increased to 144. What is that? Where does it go to?
Mr. Hernandez: The difference is going to go to the building, it's going to go to the IRS, and
some of the savings that reproduced [sic] in personnel was used towards the special project and
the hiring of the consultant.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: Yeah.
Mr. Silver: Could I -- Mr. Chairman, could I add something onto it?
Chair Hardemon: Before we go on to the discussion further, let's just have the City Clerk -- he
wants to clam what the motion is. Mr. Clerk, you may want to make it on the record so that
Commissioner Carollo --
Commissioner Carollo: You want to add the actuarial funding requirement, so for a total
amount of 36,181,500 is what you're saying.
Chair Hardemon: You want to make --
Commissioner Gort: No, no.
Chair Hardemon: -- let's make this --
Commissioner Gort: No, no.
Chair Hardemon: -- you want to make this --
Commissioner Carollo: This is for the administrative.
Chair Hardemon: -- just plain, for everyone to understand.
Commissioner Gort: For the administrator.
Mr. Hernandez: Just for clay -- may I? I'm sorry to interrupt you.
Chair Hardemon: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: Just for clarification, the motion that was brought originally to you was for 3.4.
It excluded the normal cost. The normal cost, it still remains the same, because it's an actuarial
requirement, yeah. So ifyou --
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Commissioner Carollo: So, Mr. Chairman, what I was saying is instead of the 3.4, it was going
to be 3.3. However, I think the City Clerk wanted to add the actuarial funding requirement. If
you see, that's the very next line item for a total budget amount.
Mr. Alfonso: Right. Just to --
Commissioner Carollo: But the -- I'll yield to the Manager.
Mr. Alfonso: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Mr. Alfonso: I believe that simply what we're trying to do is that one line item --
Chair Hardemon: Administrative.
Mr. Alfonso: -- that is the operating expense currently listed at 3,440, 000, and change that one
line item to 3,300,000 adjusting the total by that change. That's it. That's all we're trying to do,
correct?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. I just want to make sure the City Clerk's okay with that.
Mr. Alfonso: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: All right. So we're all on the same page. And, sir, you were trying to explain
the 144,000.
Mr. Silver: Yeah. With regard to the --thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the IRS issue,
that is an issue similar to what I believe the Department of Off -Street Parking and other folks
have to go through, so that's not just our problem. It's a problem that other departments have
had to do, also. So I just -- trying to clarify that it's not something that should be assessed
against us, particularly.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a second for the motion that Commissioner Carollo had?
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly seconded. Now, the one thing about the issue is that, I
mean, we're reducing the salary of the Pension administrator, and you're removing the Pension
-- the assistant Pension administrator, but then you're directly adding consulting fees for --
Commissioner Carollo: Both.
Chair Hardemon: -- Yeah, for Pension administrator, consulting. And that's the part that kind
of bothers me, because it -- you know, it seems as if that could add for the increase in the cost of
the wages and the salaries. And if there was an assistant Pension administrator that was getting
paid, you know, an amount, and not a consultant, if you want to switch him from that, I mean,
you would have my support, but that doesn't appear to be the way that it is. Is there any other
discussion about it? Commissioner Gort?
Commissioner Gort: What I'm looking at, in the benefits and personnel service, there's
something we would ask always. They have reduced $204,000. My understanding is they're
asking for an additional 114, which is for the building, from what I understand. And go over
again why the 114.
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Mr. Hernandez: The one -- well, it's 140, 000, so --
Commissioner Gort: 140.
Mr. Hernandez: -- the 140, 000 is 90, 000 for the building, 66, 000 for the lawsuit, and 20, 000 for
the IRS determination letter for the plan.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: Yes. The personnel savings were --the offset on the savings were granted on
the hiring and the special project, but at the end of the day, it's a reduced personnel, despite the
fact that we're hiring her -- or the consultant -- because there is a savings of about $53, 000 all
together; plus we don't have to pay benefits, we don't have to pay taxes, and that is an indirect
savings to the overall budget.
Vice Chair Russell: Chair? So going with the consultant is actually saving you money, rather
than doing it in-house through the assistant administrator?
Mr. Hernandez: Correct, right. And the reason why it saves money in the short term is because
we -- the board deemed necessary to hire someone that's experienced, and it's someone that's
been therefor over 25 years. I understand memories are not as fun as -- but she is quite
knowledgeable, been there, and with the challenges ahead, with all the projects that we have to
tackle, and having a staff of six -- staff of nine, and six of them being in the DROP or are
currently retired, then provides a challenge for the new administration.
Commissioner Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: Let me ask the same question we asked before to the other group: Is this a
one-time expense?
Commissioner Carollo: Oh.
Commissioner Gort: The 140.
Mr. Hernandez: The 140 for the IRS, yes, should be; for the lawsuit --
Commissioner Gort: For the building?
Mr. Hernandez: -- it's only a contingency.
Commissioner Gort: And the building?
Mr. Hernandez: The building, unfortunately, it may not.
Commissioner Gort: Okay.
Mr. Hernandez: Yes. It's an old building, yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: I do want to point out, and usually, if you go back in history and see
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
some of our previous budget meetings, you could just take it off the tape, but I do want to point
out that we just approved FIPO (Firefighters and Police Officers) for $2 million, 2,058, 000, and
here, we're talking about 3,400,000 or 3, 300, 000. When you look at the total assets that FIPO
has to administer, compared to GESE, it's a big difference. So how are they allow -- how are
they able to do it with a million dollar less? I mean, I think, once again, GESE needs to take
some training from FIPO, because they seem to be doing it.
Commissioner Gort: The difference is very simple. How many people does the FIPO serves and
how many people do you serve?
Mr. Hernandez: We serve close to 37 to 3,800 members that --
Commissioner Carollo: With total assets Or
Mr. Hernandez: -- 625, 000, as of last Friday, and that's $38 million --
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Hernandez: 625 million, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And when you consider FIPO, I mean, we're talking big difference.
Unidentified Speaker: 900, a billion.
Commissioner Gort: Yeah, they got 1 billion -something.
Commissioner Carollo: Exactly.
Mr. Hernandez: If I may explain the difference in the assets, it also has to do with the actuarial
requirement, as far as the assets totaling. The asset required for -- the actuarial requirement for
this year for the GESE plan is only 34 million. I don't know what the FIPO Trust requirement is,
but I can certainly say it's a lot higher than that.
Chair Hardemon: Well, currently, there's a motion on the floor, and the motion is to approve the
budgeted amount from last year at 3.3 million. Is there any further discussion on that motion
that's on the floor?
Mr. Silver: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: I already discussed it enough.
Mr. Silver: If I could just introduce our new chairman, who's just come in, Mr. Fernandez.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Silver: That's (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor of the motion on the floor,
say Bye. "
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
City of Miami Page 34 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Commissioner Gort: Nay.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Mr. Silver: Thank you.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): And for the record, I record that as 4-0; Commissioner Gort
voting ho. "
Commissioner Gort: Correct.
ChairHardemon: That's right.
BH.13
RESOLUTION
16-01120
General Employees
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
and Sanitation
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
Employees Retirement
THE CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' & SANITATION EMPLOYEES'
Trust
EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN ("GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN") FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,307.00, EXCLUDING THE
ACTUARIALLY DETERMINED ANNUAL BENEFIT PAYMENT, TO PROVIDE
FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GESE EXCESS BENEFIT PLAN.
16-01120 Memos - GESE Excess.pdf
16-01120 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01120 Legislation.pdf
16-01120 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0389
Chair Hardemon: BH.13.
Edgard Hernandez: BH. 13 is for the General Employees and Sanitation Employees Retirement
Trust. This is for the Excess Plan for the amount of $116,307.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Mr. Hernandez: This amount is the same.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
ChairHardemon: And seconded. Is there any further discussion on the item? Seeing none, all
in favor, say aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
ChairHardemon: Motionpasses.
City ofMiami Page 35 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Ronald Silver: Thank you.
Mr. Hernandez: Thank you, Commissioners.
BH.14
RESOLUTION
16-01040
Department of
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Off -Street Parking
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING, ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, IN THE OPERATING BUDGET AMOUNT OF
$17,086,286.00, EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION, AND OTHER
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES OF $14,018,824.00, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01040 Memos - Dept. of Off -Street Parking.pdf
16-01040 Letter - Dept. of Off -Street Parking.pdf
16-01040 E -Mail - Dept. Of Off -Street Parking.pdf
16-01040 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01040 Legislation.pdf
16-01040 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Suarez and Hardemon
Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo
R-16-0390
Chair Hardemon: BH.14.
Art Noriega: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Art Noriega, with Miami Parking
Authority, here requesting approval of our budget for fiscal year 2016/2017 in the amount of
$17,086,286.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: And seconded. Is there any further discussion on the item? Seeing none, all
in favor, say aye."
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Hardemon: Against? Motionpasses.
BH.15 RESOLUTION
City ofMiami Page 36 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
16-01135
Miami Sports & A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Exhibition Authority ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE MIAMI SPORTS AND EXHIBITION AUTHORITY ("MSEA"), ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,808.00, TO PROVIDE FOR
THE OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES OF MSEA, FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01135 Summary Form.pdf
16-01135 Memo - MSEA.pdf
16-01135 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01135 Legislation.pdf
16 -01135 -Exhibit -SU B. pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Commissioner Carollo, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0394
Chair Hardemon: B1115.
Lourdes Blanco: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Lourdes Blanco, executive
director, Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority. And I am here requesting that you approve the
Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority operating budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 as presented to
you.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and --
Commissioner Carollo: Second. Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: --seconded. You're recognized for discussion
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My question is, why does she have the
reserves in revenues if she doesn't have the expenditures? In other words, she has moved the
amounts as revenue, but she's not showing how she's going to expense those amount.
Ms. Blanco: It's a wrong wording in the line, sorry. It was from the previous executive director.
Commissioner Carollo: Right, but you could leave it in reserves. You don't really need to show
it as a revenue, ifyou're not going to show an expense for it.
Ms. Blanco: No, no, I understand. These are the funds that we have in that account to give the
grants. This is where we get the expenses, and this is where we put the monies.
Commissioner Carollo: Give me a second, Ms. Blanco. Mr. Rose, will you help her?
Christopher Rose (Director, Office of Management & Budget): IfI may have a moment?
Commissioner, it's just rollover from prior years up on the third line up there, and they don't
have a reserve built into the budget in fiscal year '161'17, so it's just showing what the reser --
what the rollover from prior years would be.
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
Commissioner Carollo: Can you show it as a reserves -- there is -- in other words, because you
have -- what is it? -- 440,000 in revenues; yet, you only have 100,000 in expenses, so you're
going to have 300 and some thousand of what? Will you show that?
Mr. Rose: So what you're suggesting is a balanced budget. We could just have 107 up at the top
in revenues --
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Rose: -- to match the 107.
Commissioner Gort: Rollover.
Commissioner Carollo: Which you won't -- you still won't, because I believe the amounts from
Chalks and Watson will actually be more than the 107, so you still won't have a balanced budget,
but yes, I'm asking, in essence, can you have a balanced budget?
Mr. Rose: If you could --
Commissioner Carollo: Ms. Blanco, by the way, it's nothing that you've done wrong.
Ms. Blanco: No, no.
Commissioner Carollo: Just relax. It's just -- we just want to make sure we get into proper
accounting --
Ms. Blanco: I understand.
Commissioner Carollo: -- procedures and --
Ms. Blanco: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: --the way you show it.
Mr. Rose: Commissioner, if I may, if you would give us five minutes, we'll make a quick change
and come right back to you. Is that all right?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. Rose: Is that all right, Mr. Chair?
Chair Hardemon: That's fine. Thank you very much.
Mr. Rose: Thankyou.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Later...
Chair Hardemon: BH. 15. Can we tackle her?
Mr. Rose: Good evening, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Ojjice of Management & Budget. Ms.
Blanco and I have gone over the MSEA (Miami Sports & Exhibition Authority) budget, and we'd
like to offer the following changes, if they're acceptable to you: We would take off the third line
Of revenues, thereby reducing the MSEA budget by 294, 000, and taking only the new revenues,
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City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
which are lines one and two. Those two together total 150,538. And to balance the expenditures
then to bring it up to 150,538, we would need to add a line reserve of 42,730. That would
present a balanced budget at that point, Commissioners.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yeah, you're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Rose. Yeah. And that's why I wanted to have a -- make
sure there was a balanced budget, Ms. Blanco.
Ms. Blanco: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: So I'm glad Mr. Rose was able to help you out. And just to --for the
record, that reserve of 42 -- I forgot what the amount is -- it's intended to go as a carryover into
the reserves, correct? It's not intended to be used.
Chair Hardemon: All right
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Could you just say it? Yeah.
Ms. Blanco: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Hardemon: All right, there was a previous motion and a second that was on the floor, so I
just wanted the motion to be clear that it is as -- the budget is as amended, correct?
Mr. Alfonso: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: As amended on the floor.
Chair Hardemon: Correct. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say Eiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: Against?
Commissioner Gort: Let me give you some news.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes.
Commissioner Gort: I don't know if you're aware; the PGA (Professional Golf Association)
Latino, which is the best 60 golfers, is going to be at Melreese in -- excuse me --from November
20 --November 28 through December 7. So they're going to be playing here, the 60 best golfers
from South and Central America, and we have the contract for the next three years.
Ms. Blanco: Thank you.
BH.16 RESOLUTION
16-01132
City of Miami Page 39 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
SEOPW Community A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Redevelopment ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL GENERAL
Agency OPERATING AND TAX INCREMENT FUND BUDGET OF THE SOUTHEAST
OVERTOWN/PARK WEST COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
("SEOPW CRA"), ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$51,006,589.00, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016,
AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017.
16-01132 Memos-SEOPW.pdf
16-01132 Back -Up Documents.pdf
16-01132 Legislation.pdf
16-01132 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Suarez, seconded by Chair Hardemon, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 4 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Suarez and Hardemon
Noes: 1 - Commissioner(s) Carollo
R-16-0391
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item BH.16, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: BH.16.
Neil Shiver: Good evening, Commissioners. Neil Shiver, assistant director of the Southeast
Overtown/Park West CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). I have the good fortune of
presenting the 2016-2017 budget, a budget that was approved by our board; just a wonderful
group of individuals. If you ever meet them, you would like them. It's a resolution approving the
budget in the amount of $51,006,589.
Commissioner Suarez: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved. Seconded by the Chairman. Any further discussion
about it? Seeing none, all in favor, say aye. "
Commissioner Suarez: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Hardemon: Motionpasses.
13H.17
RESOLUTION
16-01195
0 ce of Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
and Budget
ATTACHMENT(S), AFTERA DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING, RELATING
TO THE PROVISION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICES, FACILITIES AND
PROGRAMS IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA ("CITY"); IMPOSING SOLID
WASTE ASSESSMENTS AGAINST ASSESSED PROPERTIES LOCATED
WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016;
APPROVING THE RATE OF ASSESSMENT; APPROVING THE
C'zty ofMiami Page 40 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
ASSESSMENT ROLL; AND PROVIDING FORAN EFFECTIVE DATE.
16-01195 Summary Form.pdf
16-01195 Notice to the Public.pdf
16-01195 Legislation.pdf
16-01195 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Carollo, seconded by Commissioner Suarez, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0392
Chair Hardemon: BH.17.
Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): Commissioner, that is the item where the City of Miami sets
the assessment for solid waste. That is the same solid waste fee that we set in the last few years,
so we'll request that the Commission move the same fee forward.
Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Commissioner Suarez: Second.
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Properly moved and seconded. Any further discussion on the item? Seeing
none, all in favor, say aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
BH.18
RESOLUTION
16-01205
0 ce of Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
and Budget
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") FISCAL YEAR
2016-17 MULTI-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN, AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE
COMMUNITY PLANNING ACT, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 163.3177, FLORIDA
STATUTES (2016), AND PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 18/ARTICLE
IX/DIVISIONS 1 AND 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "FINANCIAL/FINANCIAL
POLICIES/ANTI-DEFICIENCYACT/FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES," TO
SET FORTH THE CITY'S FISCAL NEEDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS,
SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW, TO DETERMINE PROJECT
PRIORITIES, TO ADD NEW CAPITAL PROJECTS, AND TO MODIFY
FUNDING ALLOCATIONS AS NECESSARY.
16-01205 Summary Form.pdf
16-01205 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01205 Legislation.pdf
16-01205 Exhibit.pdf
Motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chair Russell, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
0ty ofMiami Page 41 Printed on 1011212016
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Votes: Ayes: 3 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell and Hardemon
Noes: 2 - Commissioner(s) Carollo and Suarez
R-16-0393
Chair Hardemon: I'll move onto --
Commissioner Carollo: BH. 18.
Chair Hardemon: -- BH.18.
Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): BH. 18 is the City's Capital Plan, as proposed in our budget
that we printed back in July. If there are no changes at this time, we would ask that we move
forward the capital budget of the City of Miami, knowing that it will require changes later on, as
Commissioner Carollo mentioned. If we receive money from the Omni CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) for capital, that will have to be amended into this budget. We hope to
have that for the second budget hearing this month.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: However, this doesn't come back for a second budget hearing, Mr.
Manager. So it's my understanding in 1311. 18, the capital budget does not come back for second
reading.
Mr. Alfonso: That is correct, but we can bring it back if there's a change that needs to be made
and amend it on that second meeting.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Alfonso: I prefer to have my capital budget approved before October 1, if we know what's
going to be there, than have to make an amendment later; otherwise, we just make an
amendment in October.
Commissioner Carollo: So could we just bring it back in --? I'm saying -- I know you want to
vote now, but could we bring it back as an item -- if we don't need it, we don't use it --for second
reading? So in September 20 --
Mr. Alfonso: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- can we bring this item again?
Mr. Alfonso: Sure, we can present it.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Mr. Alfonso: If there's no changes, we just withdraw the item and move forward.
Commissioner Carollo: Understood, because I want to make sure that there's some changes.
Mr. Alfonso: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: So is there a motion to approve?
Commissioner Gort: Move it.
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Chair Hardemon: 18's been properly moved.
Vice Chair Russell: Second.
Chair Hardemon: Is there a second?
Vice Chair Russell: Second. Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Seconded by the Vice Chairman. Discussion.
Vice Chair Russell: Sea level rise and resiliency. Mr. Manager, in the attempt that the -- at the
GO (General Obligation) bond, not long ago, there was about 75 million in projects going
toward resiliency in sea level rise. Obviously, that failed, but none of those projects got moved
into this year's capital budget plan. I don't know how we can ignore -- I mean, certainly, in
many of the neighborhoods where constituents are calling me, there's water in the streets, and it
hasn't even rained. We have the issue now. I want to know how we're going to tackle it if we're
not going to include a lot of these issues with drainage systems, pumps, and resilience planning
in our capital budget.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, be -- ifI may, before he responds? That's part of the
reason that I don't feel comfortable approving the capital budget as it is. As a matter offact,
something that I brought up in the last meeting -- and I addressed it with Chris and the Manager,
as a matter of fact, today -- we need to update our Storm Water Master Plan, which, in essence,
it's a study that does the whole plan on where we have flooding, where we need to put the
equipment, the pumps, and so forth. In addition to that, our current Master Plan is outdated and
obsolete, because it never took into consideration storm -- sea level rise. So it will need to take
-- not only it's an update to the storm water, but it needs to take into consideration sea level rise.
Therefore, that's the study that needs to be done citywide, and I think it should be funded.
Mr. Alfonso: Understanding that this capital budget has very little general fund for anything,
because remember, last year we appropriated from our fund balance nearly $30 million in
general fund. This year the only additional capital projects primarily were funded through
impact fees. So we can look at that study on Thursday, and we'll have to come back and say,
"This is the cost of that study," and we'll look at funding that. But if you're talking,
Commissioner, about changing this budget to look at the possibility of $70 million for sea level
rise and those type of things, then let's talk about what projects we're going to defund, because
there is no general fund dollar into this budget. There's only about $4 million worth ofgeneral
fund.
Commissioner Carollo: And by the way, Mr. Chairman, that's where you see the 150 here, the
140 that we just didn't fund here, and so forth; it starts adding up.
Chair Hardemon: Well, the line -- line 46, on page 23, it has an award -- it's award 1431 Storm
Water Utility Trust Fund contribution from general fund. It says it's for storm water sewers, and
then there's another item on 47. Are those related to sea level rise?
Mr. Alfonso: Those were storm water -type project, yes, but the Commissioner is talking about
$60 million --
Chair Hardemon: No, I understand.
Mr. Alfonso: -- or $70 million.
Chair Hardemon: I mean, essentially, I mean, this brings us back to the discussion that we were
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having about whether or not we wanted to approve a bond issuance to take care of a lot of these
issues that we were discussing, and we voted that down. Commissioner.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, I know. I was going to actually piggyback off something that the
Commissioner was saying; was that -- I think what he's trying to say is the $70 million of needs
that were sort of, in my opinion, a little bit vaguely identified that takes into account -- or that
was taken into account from the current Storm Water Utility Plan that we have, which he's saying
is outdated, and I agree with. That doesn't take into account sea level rise, so that number could
actually be incredibly underfunded. It could be significantly higher. So what think he's trying
to say, and what I would say, too, is -- and one of the things that the Manager and I had talked
about in anticipation of any sort of a bond is we need to figure out exactly what our needs are for
specific things, and I think what you're identifying as a very, very important need is one that I
agree with. I mean, flooding or remediation of flooding, sea level rise, which is -- it's changed,
because when we first got here, I think it was more remediation of flooding, as we've sort of
served, now we're on our seventh year. It's really changed. The issue has changed to sea level
rise, and how that impacts not only the coastal aspects of the City, but also the interior parts of
the City; but it's also streets, sidewalks, the general sort of infrastructure, and infrastructure
needs that the City has and -- I mean, I think it -- that could be afar different picture than the
one that was presented to us just a couple weeks ago.
Commissioner Carollo: And Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Gort: Chairman.
Commissioner Carollo: And that's exactly my point: How do we know what the cost is if we
don't have a plan; if the engineers haven't done the study? And like I said, sea level rise was
never taken into consideration in the last Master Plan of storm water, so we need to have a plan,
we need to have a study; the engineer needs to update that plan, not to mention that -- I don't
know have the acronym and the exact name of the national insurance company, but this actually
reduces the insurance rates of our residents, so it's something that needs to be done. So how do
we know how much we need to invest if, once again, we don't have that study by professionals
saying, Hey, listen, this is what the City needs to do?
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: My question is, the storm water sewers, we have a connection --joint
venture with the -- we done with the Miami -Dade County; am I correct? Because I -- we had a
lot of the street in certain of our neighborhood that we worked in combination with the
Miami -Dade County Public Works and our Public Works, and we were able to use our funds to
even improve the storm waters that we talk about.
Mr. Alfonso: Are you -- Commissioner, you're saying that we worked together with the County
Public Works and the City Public Works?
Commissioner Gort: We created and improve a lot of the -- in the City, a lot of the problem we
have with the storm water sewers.
Mr. Alfonso: We have worked together, and we've made certain improvements in drainage and
whatnot that have alleviated problems in different areas of the City, yes, but even in the old plan
that was done, there was still a lot more that needed to be done, which is what we brought in the
last proposal for a bond issuance. If we do a new study, which we agree we have to do, there
may be more. At the very least, we needed close to $70 million.
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Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, Commissioner.
Mr. Alfonso: May need more.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. When we discussed the bond, Commissioner Suarez and
Commissioner Carollo brought up a lot ofpoints of why we needed to not pass it at the time. A
lot of it had to do with process, which I agree with you, and I think, had it been put together more
carefully with more input, more public collaboration, and more involvement with us as
Commissioners, I think it could have passed that hurdle. Then you had the next hurdle,
obviously, of the tax issue of the millage and our bonding capacity. I happen to disagree there. I
think that this GO bond may be the most efficient use of our tax dollars to leverage and get these
types ofprojects done. And I think the Manager, what he's saying in a polite way is that if --for
lack of having passed that bond, we've put ourselves in a situation where we can't access the
funds we need to correct these issues without really affecting our fund balance or the current
projects that we've got planned. You had mentioned creative strategies for raising funds for a lot
of these projects, and I assume some of those might be special revenue bonds, for example, some
other things, which could also create a hole in our -- you know, that funding has to come from
somewhere. And I think that if the Manager, as Commissioner Gort mentioned at the -- asked for
at the end of the GO bond discussion, starts planning for next year's, November, with proper
process and get past that hurdle, then we can have a very clear discussion about whether the
bond is a good idea as a mechanism, but we need to get past that hurdle. And I do agree with
you there. I do agree that the process was flawed, but now we have a year to do it right, and I
hope that you fight for that, Mr. Manager, because we need these projects, and I don't know how
many creative ways we can come up with all of the plans that we want to do, and the GO bond
might just be the right way. We may come to disagreements on that as a dais, but as long as
we're given the right tools by the Administration to pass it through, I'm willing to have that
discussion when the time comes.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. This is not on that issue, per se. It's just an issue -- and I don't see
it here, maybe because it's not in the Capital Plan, and maybe it's better for the general budget
discussion. I would just ask the City Manager, in terms of -- because there are some capital
projects here that are based on the allocations of, for example, impact fees. So my question is, if
I have an impact fee -related issue or change that I'd like to suggest or propose, is that something
that I should do now, or should I wait until the general budget discussion?
Mr. Alfonso: Well, is it an impact fee that is being allocated to a speck project or --?
Commissioner Suarez: It's not, but I -- it's a citywide fee, but I'd like it to be allocated to a
specific project.
Mr. Alfonso: Yeah, let's talk about it. I mean, what are you talking about?
Commissioner Suarez: So what I'm talking about -- we mentioned it in a briefing. It's the
citywide fund --park acquisition fund. I think you had it budgeted for $4 million, and something
that I think is a citywide park or could become a citywide park is Ludlum Trail, and obviously,
we've divvied up a variety of monies for impact fees for the different districts, and I'd like 2
million of that to be allocated to that project. Obviously, the FECI (Florida East Coast
Industries), as well as the County and others, are applying for other kind offunding, like SUN
(Shared -Use Nonmotorized) Trail funding, and the County's also going to be purchasing a
portion of that funds [sic], but I'd like to see at least $2 million -- we already have half a million
dollars -- it should have been a million -- but we have half a million dollars of district -specific
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impact fee acquisition money that's allocated to that, and I was hoping that we could put away
some of that funding for that project, because I think it's really one of the unique opportunities
the City has to acquire an asset.
Vice Chair Russell: So we would purchase the portion of the Ludlum Trail that goes through the
City of Miami?
Chair Hardemon: Will that --that amount would cover the purchase cost ofit?
Mr. Alfonso: We're currently in conversations with the folks from the FECT There are some
creative ideas being tossed around. It might not even be that much, Commissioner. We have
some thoughts. I think we're going to be coming to you shortly as to how we might be able to do
some creative horse trading.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, I mean -- and I'm open to that, obviously, and I just wanted to put
that out there, and also -- I know they're going to be applying for grants, and I know they are
applying for grants. And I think part of the reason why I think it was important to set aside these
funds is so that when they apply, they can show that they have local match funding in the event
that that's part of their application in the grant process.
Mr. Alfonso: As long as we understand that if we're able to negotiate some better deal, the funds
can always go back to the general pot.
Commissioner Suarez: Agreed.
Mr. Alfonso: It's up to this Commission.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Why not leave it just in the land acquisition so it's not like --
because they're going to focus right on that amount --
Commissioner Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and our negotiation is --you know, our leverage is
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Gort: You're taking leverage away.
Commissioner Suarez: I think --
Commissioner Carollo: And that's where I don't want our leverage to be taken away.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I mean, I think we have to do an appraisal, and we have to decide
whether or not we're going to accept. I think the County's done an appraisal for that property,
so that's one aspect of what the value's going to be. And then we have to negotiate -- that's the
maximum that we can pay. Obviously, an appraised value is always the most that you can pay.
So I mean, the reason why I think it's important to set the money aside is because, you know, we
may -- they may be applying for grants in this upcoming legislative session, and they want to
show that they've set that money aside.
Commissioner Carollo: But we already have money aside for it, so that -- that's -- listen, I want
to support you on Ludlum Trail. The only thing is, again, if other properties come about
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beforehand that we could purchase, I would like to be able to use some of that money; not only
that, I think more than anything -- because I do want to support you on Ludlum Trail -- is, I just
don't want our leverage to go away. I -- and look, these are smart individuals; they see how
much we allocated. There's no way that we get it for less than that.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, and I don't think that -- I mean, I think the reason why he's saying
fess than'fs because he's talking about a potential swap or some other opportunities, but he's not
saying that we're going to pay less than that. I don't think anybody thinks that we can acquire
that piece for 2.5 million if we were to acquire it outright. We can't acquire it for that amount of
money. They've asked for significantly more than that. So I think the issue is -- you know, the
issue is to allocate some funds so that if they do apply for matching grants that they can -- that
it's designated. It still -- it could still be in a citywide fund, but just designated for Ludlum Trail.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair.
Chair Hardemon: I know, Commissioner Gort, you made a -- you had a comment you wanted to
make?
Commissioner Gort: Yeah, I agree. Once you have people --you negotiating with and they
know certain amount put in the table, takes all the leverage away from them.
Commissioner Suarez: Guys --
Commissioner Gort: I mean, not -- I think we already have a resolution coming up with -- where
we're going to dedicate $50 million to the -- not to that in particular, but to under -- what do you
call them?
Commissioner Suarez: The underline.
Commissioner Gort: The underline.
Commissioner Suarez: Right, and that's a whole different -- and we can get --
Commissioner Gort: Different ball game.
Commissioner Suarez: -- we're going to get into that in [sic] September 8, but that's like saying
that the fact that we allocated 3.5 million to acquire the trolley depot undercut our leverage in
the trolley negotiations. We --I think they're coming back with an item where I think the
purchase price is significantly under the 3.5. So the fact that we allocated that amount of money
doesn't mean that that's what we're willing to pay. That just means that --that's money that
we've set aside for that. We still negotiated, and I think we came -- if I'm not mistaken, the
number for the trolley depot significantly less than the 3.5 that was allocated, correct? I mean,
depends on what you --
Mr. Alfonso: We allocated 3.5. The current negotiation is set at 3, 060, 000.
Commissioner Suarez: Right. So we saved --
Mr. Alfonso: Understanding that there will be more expense. I wanted to point that out.
Commissioner Suarez: No, and I understand that. That has to do with retrofitting potentially --
Mr. Alfonso: Right.
Commissioner Suarez: What I'm talking about is that it didn't negatively impact our leverage. I
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mean, we had allocated 3.5 and we actually only spent 3 million, so that's a -- you know, it's a
significant decrease; maybe 80 percent, 85 percent of what the total amount that was allocated.
Chair Hardemon: What was the assessed value of that depot?
Vice Chair Russell: That's the point. Yeah.
Mr. Alfonso: I don't know off the top of my ahead. I can try to get Dan out here to tell us, but it
was a little under $3 million, I believe, and then we have some closing costs associated.
Chair Hardemon: Right. Soto me --
Mr. Alfonso: We're paying assessed fees.
Chair Hardemon: When you're paying market value --
Mr. Alfonso: Market value.
Chair Hardemon: --for a property that, really, in a year will be less than that, the market value
because people can't -- they can't develop the property the way that they want to because that
project won't be approved.
Commissioner Gort: It's no use (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: So today it's worth whatever it is, say $3 million, but in a year, I mean, after
holding that property and not being able to develop it, I mean, he'll --it'll be afire sale. Where
did I see it?
Mr. Alfonso: There were two appraisals, 3 million -- 3,000,120. We split the baby: 3,060,000.
Chair Hardemon: So, I mean, that's --
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. My point is that it didn't affect our leverage by allocating 3.5
million. That's my point.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. Do you think we could also make it one of our priorities,
City priorities in the Legislature --Florida Legislature; make it one of our priorities to see if we
could get funding from the State?
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. We can join the applications --
Mr. Alfonso: That's a separate -- yeah.
Commissioner Suarez: --for SUN Trail funding, et cetera. Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: Right now we're discussing BK 18, which is the approval of the multiyear
Capital Plan. There aren't any amendments that have been moved or sec --been seconded to be
a part of this, so is there a motion to approve?
Commissioner Suarez: I move it, subject to the amendment that 2 million of the citywide
acquisition funds be designated for Ludlum Trail.
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Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there is a motion by Commissioner Gort and Russell on the
floor, if they wanted to either accept the amendment.
Chair Hardemon: Oh, I didn't realize there was a motion on the floor.
Mr. Hannon: Or they can withdraw their motion and allow for a new motion to be made,
including the amendment. It's the will of the Commission.
Chair Hardemon: I mean, I'm -- the -- who has the first -- the motion and the second?
Mr. Hannon: The motion was made by Commissioner Gort and seconded by Vice Chair Russell.
Chair Hardemon: Okay. I know I'm in favor of the motion as it is, where there is no leverage
that is lost. I tend to disagree with the fact about even the tangent that we were on in the Grove
for that $3 million property, I think there is a bit of leverage that is lost when someone knows
that you're willing to pay the amount that is assessed at, compared to paying an amount that is
less than, because they effectively can't use their property. So, I mean, I take that same type of
thoughtprocess into this. I might be wrong; I might not be. So does the mover and seconder
accept the friendly amendment by the Commissioner from the 4th District?
Commissioner Gort: I don't. I don't know if the seconder --
Chair Hardemon: All right, the mover doesn't. So then the motion on the floor stands as it is as
a motion to approve BH.18. Any further discussion on the item? Seeing none, all in favor of this
item, say "aye. "
Commissioner Gort: Aye.
Vice Chair Russell: Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Commissioner Suarez: No.
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Commissioner Suarez: No.
Chair Hardemon: The motion passes; three ayes, Two hoes. "
Mr. Alfonso: Are we ready for --
BH.19
RESOLUTION
16-01204
Office of Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RELATED TO
and Budget
TAXATION, DEFINING AND DESIGNATING THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS FOR
THE CITY OF MIAMI; LEVYING AN AD VALOREM TAX ON ALL REAL AND
PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE CITYATA TOTAL TENTATIVE RATE OF
8.2900 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF THE TAXABLE VALUE OF SUCH
PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE GENERAL OPERATING
BUDGET AND PAYMENT OF DEBT SERVICE, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2017;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
City ofMiami Page 49 Printed on 1011212016
City Commission Meeting Minutes September 6, 2016
EFFECTIVE DATE.
16-01204 Summary Form.pdf
16-01204 Back -Up from Law Dept.pdf
16-01204 Legislation.pdf
ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION:
1. RECOMPUTE THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, IF NECESSARY
2. ADOPT THE TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE
Motion by Vice Chair Russell, seconded by Commissioner Gort, that this matter be
ADOPTED PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0395
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item BH. 19, please see item BH. 1.
Chair Hardemon: Want to move on now to BH. 19.
Commissioner Carollo: That's the millage.
Christopher Rose (Director, Office of Management & Budget): Good evening again,
Commissioners. BH19 is the millage for -- the millage rates for the City of Miami. It has a
general operating millage of 7.6465, which is the same as the current year; and a debit service
millage of 0. 6435, which is down from 0.6886 in the current year. This will be the sixth year of
reduction of the overall millage rate.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion, or any motion on the floor?
Vice Chair Russell: Move it.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved by the Vice Chairman --
Commissioner Gort: Second.
Chair Hardemon: -- and seconded by Commissioner Gort. Any further discussion on the item?
Seeing none, all in favor, say aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against? Motion passes.
Mr. Rose: Thankyou, Commissioners.
BH.20
RESOLUTION
16-01203
Office of Management
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION ADOPTING A
and Budget
TENTATIVE BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO CITY
OF MIAMI ("CITY") OPERATIONALAND BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30,2017; RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING
CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER AND
DESIGNATED CITY DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO UPDATE THE
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RELEVANT FINANCIAL CONTROLS, PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS,
ACCOUNTING ENTRIES, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH AND FOR GRANTS IN PROGRESS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
16-01203 Summary Form.pdf
16-01203 Legislation.pdf
16 -01203 -Change Memo -First Budget Meeting.pdf
ACTIONS BY THE CITY COMMISSION:
1. AMEND THE TENTATIVE BUDGET, IF NECESSARY
2. ADOPT THE AMENDED TENTATIVE BUDGET
Motion by Commissioner Gort, seconded by Vice Chair Russell, that this matter be
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATIONS PASSED by the following vote.
Votes: Ayes: 5 - Commissioner(s) Gort, Russell, Carollo, Suarez and Hardemon
R-16-0396
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing item 1311.20, please see item BH. 1.
Note for the Record: For public hearning comments referencing item 1311.20, please see Order of
the Day. "
Chair Hardemon: 1311.20.
Christopher Rose (Director): Good evening, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office of Management
and Budget. 1311.20 is the budget for the City of Miami. Itis the expenditure authorityfor fiscal
year '161'17, and it is proposed to be amended by the information --the memorandum
information for the first budget hearing that was sent out last week.
Daniel J. Alfonso (City Manager): Mr. Chairman, if I may? Chris, give me a second. For the
changes that were made today, I would like to ask the Commission to just give us the directive to
come back from the second budget hearing and balance those numbers out. Obviously, we have
a plus 150 for Virginia Key, a minus 140 on another project. There's also a request that was
made by the Mayor, and I'm not sure where this Commission was going to go with that, in terms
of the Zika funding, so we'd like to come back with a memorandum at the next Commission
meeting for the budget on the 20th to propose options for those changes, and have the budget
balanced right now, as proposed, with the amended changes that were in the memoranda.
Chair Hardemon: Is there any discussion or a motion that's going to be presented?
Commissioner Gort: Wait a sec. I'll make the motion for discussion purposes.
Vice Chair Russell: And I'll second for discussion.
Chair Hardemon: It's been properly moved and seconded to accept the -- or adopt the budget as
is, 1311.20.
Vice Chair Russell: Discussion.
Chair Hardemon: Discussion. Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding is, from what I look at, it's about $400, 000; so you're
going to have to come back and adjust, when you talk about 250, 150.
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Mr. Alfonso: Correct. The Mayor's request for us to assist funding Zika was $247,500; the
Virginia Key Trust was $150, 000; and then there's a negative, so off -setting $140, 000 that was
reduced to GESE (General Employees and Sanitation Employees), so we would be looking for
about 260 -- $257, 500.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: You're recognized.
Commissioner Carollo: When you said, funding Zika,'can you be more specific, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Tomas Regalado: No, we're not funding Zika.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's the way it was expressed; therefore, can --
Mayor Regalado: I hope not.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you be a little bit more specific?
Mayor Regalado: No. What basically -- Commissioner, what basically is -- you know, the BID
(Business Improvement District), like the one in Coconut Grove --
Commissioner Carollo: Wynwood BID.
Mayor Regalado: -- the BID pays the Cityfor enhanced police and solid waste, other than the
job that the regular police does in Wynwood or Coconut Grove or, for that matter, in the
Overtown/Park West or Omni. They pay of their own money, because as you know, they tax
them self [sic] property tax and increment property tax.
Commissioner Carollo: Got it, Mr. Mayor, but --
Mayor Regalado: They pay --
Commissioner Carollo: --would this be for promotion, for advertising?
Mayor Regalado: No, no. What they saying is that they had had a real problem with the
business community in terms of business being down, so they want a three-month breather in
terms of us paying our self for the enhanced police and solid waste so they can use some of the
money that they would have paid to us for a marketing and promotion campaign to bring back
the people to Wynwood; and mind you, this would not be like an advertising campaign. What
they want to do is that create festivals, you know, block parties, and bring people back to
Wynwood, using that money. So, in essence, what they're asking is a waiver of three month, only
three month -- October, November, and December -- because they want to do a series of events
leading to Art Basel in December. And as you know, the reality is that business is down by 50
percent in most of the business community in Wynwood. This is a reality. I think the chief is
here, and I know that Chief Gomez was finishing an economic impact with their people at
Emergency Management.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mayor Regalado: No, the other chief. No, the Fire Chief. But that's -- Commissioner, that is
exactly what it is. It's giving them the possibility of creating a series of events with that amount
of money that they would have to pay to the Cityfor the next three month, and the ask is only for
three month. They don't asking for more.
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Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. For sure, Mr. Mayor, Wynwood's been hit really hard. Part of it
is in my district, and I've been trying to support and understand everything that they're going
through, but I think we have a prettyfluid situation here where, knock on wood, cross our
fingers, we don't have another outbreak or bite or whatever, but it's not over in South Florida.
Obviously, Miami Beach is still grappling with it. And I'm just concerned that if we allocate very
specific budget for one specific neighborhood where -- that's been hit, will we be coming back
neighborhood by neighborhood if it happens any further? The Red Box really damaged
Wynwood, because it made the impression that this was about a swarm of mosquitoes that can
only fly a certain distance, but really, it's about anyone who's infected and how far they can
travel, so the chances that this could happen in another neighborhood -- At the Coconut Grove
BID, we're already starting to scramble and figure out and learn from what Wynwood went
through in case we have this situation come about, and one of the things Manny didn't mention in
our Coconut Grove BID budget is $180, 000 is set aside for emergency response. Typically, it's
for clearing roads after a hurricane, but we're looking for interpretation to see if we can utilize
those funds for some pre planning in the event something happens. But if it hits really hard and
then the Grove has a 50 percent drop, would we be coming for the same ask from the City? And
I'm wondering if we shouldn't be creating a fund to address Zika as it happens citywide and
utilize it here and there, or are we going to do it neighborhood by neighborhood?
Mayor Regalado: Well -- but on this case, remember, government didn't do Wynwood; the
private sector did Wynwood. I mean, the government help. I remember -- I was here in the
Commission -- we did, you know, the space for the liquor license. We did everything that they
wanted, but the investment came from the community. Wynwood is only two of the areas of the
City of Miami where people tax them self [sic], other than the DDA (Downtown Development
Authority), of course, but Wynwood and the Grove are -- the stakeholders are the one that are
paying, and they are distributing the money as they see fit. And to tell you the truth, they were
looking -- before Zika, they were looking for some help from the City to enhance services, and
the response of the Administration at the time before July 21 was "We cannot do it, because then
every single board or agency will come back to do it. "But having seen what they've gone
through, having seen the situation that they are having now, they were really hit. Is this over?
So we don't know. According to the Health Department, what is next is that if they -- if there is
45 days of -- passes without a new case, then the travel advisory and the MAPP (Mobilizing for
Action through Planning and Partnerships) will be eliminated. We -- they're hoping for that, but
what they want to do with this additional resource is to create a series of events, paid by them, to
bring people back from the community to Wynwood. Basically, as you know, several events have
been cancelled. For instance, Concrete Beach cancel a huge event that they were having now in
October for Beer Day, and it would have been a whole weekend -long event that would have
attract thousands of people. Lagunitas Beer from California cancelled the circus that they were
bringing to Wynwood now in October. So they're really hurting, not only because these events
have been cancelled, but because business is down. I mean --
Chair Hardemon: May I ask you a question, Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Regalado: And Mr. Chairman, just -- when you go to Zak the Baker and there is no line,
there's a problem, you know.
Chair Hardemon: Because we know it's not the product, right? And, you know, I live down the
street from Wynwood, and my wife is eight months' pregnant, and we had -- we would eat in
Wynwood many times before the Zika situation made its way into our community. And since Zika
has made its way into the South Florida area, my wife thought it was best for her not to travel or
eat or dine anywhere that is like Wynwood, and what that means is where you would spend a lot
of time outdoors -- certain restaurants, you'll spend a lot of time outdoors; they have open-air
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concerts where there are mosquitoes that could be breeding, et cetera, not necessarily because of
what the media portrayed as it being ground zerofor Zika. And, you know, I think a lot about --
for instance, we were tested -- I mean, it has been a month ago now, and we still haven't received
our results back from the State of Florida; child is due in October, and so you can imagine the
anxiety that I feel about Zika and what it means to that area. And so when I think about this
issue, it makes me think about a lot of health -- or public health related issues, and so I'll give
you an -- and I -- we're talking about this because there's so much that I want to be able to do for
Wynwood, and I think that we'll have some items that come up on an upcoming agenda that will
do just that, that will give millions of dollars to Wynwood that they'll be able to use in different
capacities within the area. And so, you know, I think about Wynwood. And anytime I think
about Wynwood, I think about Overtown, because when Wynwood was -- when it was first
announced that there was Zika in Wynwood, I said, "Well, there must be Zika in Overtown, "
because -- I mean, they're a skip and a hop. They're direct neighbors to each other. And so we
in our office made sure that there were resources that were distributed to the Overtown area
during that whole issue. And one of the things that I can say about the Wynwood area is that
they've made a police presence a priority in that area. And in the Wynwood area, you have less
crime that would occur, even in its direct neighbors, which is in the Overtown community. I've
personally witnessed because I've -- you know, I frequent the Wynwood area because it's right
near me, not just in my district, but -- and I would always see that besides the one highly
publicized incident that occurred -- it was a robbery that we all saw on the news -- there's not
much hype -- there's not much violent crime that occurs in the business area, which -- and this is
what we're talking about, so people feel safe to walk about in that area. And, you know, my
thought is this: We've had a lot of discussion about, "If you put more police on the streets, does
it necessarily mean that the crime will be lowered, or is it the effect of something else? "And on
this dais, we've talked about poverty.
Mayor Regalado: Oh, if you put more police, crime would be lower; that's for sure.
Chair Hardemon: Right, but we've associated now crime with poverty also, and I think that's
why we created our anti poverty initiative; because if you have less poverty, then you have a less
desire for people to commit crime, and we're exploring that, as well as -- I think it's being
explored all over the -- all over this nation. And so I pour a million dollars a year into crime in
Overtown, and I'm not seeing the results that I want to see in that area. And when I drive
through Overtown many days, it makes me wonder -- and I had a discussion with the City
Manager about this, and I'm sure he's going to be getting on this -- but it makes me wonder,
"Are we turning a blind eye to Overtown because there's a lack of public " -- oh, I'm sorry --
"private investment in the area?" And so here where there -- as you stated earlier, there's a
significant private investment in the area. The area has improved, but its neighbors aren't
dealing with the same homeless encampments that are being -- that -- on the main avenues, in
the thoroughfares in that area, you don't see the same issues that are occurring just south of it. It
makes me wonder, you know, what's occurring. So my question ultimately comes to the point of,
if there were not extra police -- and I'm not sure what the hours of police (INAUDIBLE) -- My
mike is not working.
Commissioner Gort: Your mike is not working.
Mr. Alfonso: We're having some technical difficulties.
Chair Hardemon: These are high-tech bolt speakers and such, but --
Commissioner Carollo: But they're brand-new.
Commissioner Gort: Well, the speakers work sometimes; sometimes it doesn't work.
Mr. Alfonso: I'm sorry. I don't know if you notice, there's a gentleman with a computer here on
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the floor; he's trying to --
Mayor Regalado: Okay.
Chair Hardemon: I see him. We can't --
Mr. Alfonso: -- moderate the --
Chair Hardemon: -- that can't be the best system where (UNINTELLIGIBLE) have to have
somebody that tries to sync the mikes, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. But
-- and it just makes me wonder if they thought that it was best for them to put the dollars
towards, say, some public events, which -- I mean, they have lots of in the area, and people -- I
guess the attendance has been down; and for the businesses, the attendance has been down. Do
they believe that the police presence or a reduction in the police -- the money that's going
towards police will be --would that also be a negative for the area? What's your belief? What's
your thought on that? And I'm asking this because I'm sure the BID will be here at our next
budget meeting, because -- I mean, obviously, the budget won't be finalized at this point. I have
no problem with going forward with allowing the City Manager to explore, you know, where do
you go with -- I mean, can you find the dollars in it for this? But, obviously -- I mean, to me,
Zika is a public health scare or issue; just the same way as gun violence is in our neighborhoods,
because if you have gun violence, you not only have people dying in our streets; you don't have
-- you also -- you have infants and children being affected, but then you also have the mental
health degradation of what's happening in our communities, because they have to be a part and
witness this violence. Soto me, Iliken it to -- I mean, what you see is shell shock in the United
States Army and things of that nature, and so -- you know, that's just --
Mayor Regalado: No, I --
Chair Hardemon: -- what I'm wondering.
Mayor Regalado: -- and I think it's a very legitimate comment. And what I want to clarify, even
if this Commission does not approve that request, you will have the Wynwood BID budget before
you on the 20. The budget will include the same enhanced police and solid waste that we're
talking here now. The reason that they -- the board gather and all the stakeholders ask is
because they felt that it would be easier to ask the City of Miami to pay our self [sic] for three
month while they can use that money that they will be paying to us to --for enhance. And by the
way, remember, their budget went up because off-duty went up, and that's why they have to pay
more; off-duty police and --went up considerably after June]. So what they really want, instead
of coming before the Commission and say, Could you give us a grant of $300, 000 so we can do
parties and all that?" What they're saying is, "Give us a breathing time of three month for us to
recoup, " and they are going to decide how to use the money to do some kind of events.
Remember, they're -- this season is leading to Art Basel, which is the biggest contributor of
income for Wynwood and to the Design District. And to your point, you know, the Design
District pays $1 million in security guards, other than the police and the off-duty police that they
have. There's no crime in the Design District.
Chair Hardemon: And Commissioner Suarez, I want to get to you. And that's what I'm saying.
I'm trying to figure out why, where you sell Gucci and you give a million dollars that crime is
deterred versus where when you sell biscuits and bagels and the crime is deterred compared to a
place where you're not selling those things and we're giving the same amount of dollars, but
crime is not being deterred? I mean, I'm sure that's the function of a larger conversation, but I
feel that where someone is putting the extra dollars to have police presence, in terms of just
additional hours of manpower, compared to where the City or the Southeast Overtown/Park West
CRA said, "We'll put additional five or six officers on the street to be there," we're not getting
those types of results. Mr. Mayor, if all of us got into our car right now and drove through
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Overtown, you'd be disgusted, as I am. Disgusted. It is a shame that the kids have to walk
through what they go through. If an officer had to walk through Overtown, if he had to walk
through Overtown and not drive through it, like these kids do, you would be -- he -- that -- there's
no way that the officer could not feel the pain that the people in that communityfeel because they
have to live in that area. And so we've spent a tremendous amount of money through the
Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA. We've had some great successful events where we've
showed that people will come into the area, but when the people leave, we need to be able to
maintain those areas in a manner that is safe.
Mayor Regalado: And I agree. I-
-
Chair Hardemon: And so, you know, for me, like I said, this is -- it all tackles -- it comes to one
greater issue.
Mayor Regalado: And Mr. Chairman, ifI may? Just one second. You know, when you have
Folks [sic] Fridays in Overtown, which is something that a few people are doing on their own
good, you know, you see hundreds of people coming down from downtown to have barbecue and
all that. They leave after 2 o'clock. They're just gone. So I think that you're right. We have to
figure out a way to see that people that come, people stay, and people feel safe. I think it's a
matter of perception that not only that they're safe, but they feel safe.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez, then the Vice Chairman.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I don't know what's up with these mikes today, but -- Sometimes
when Igo down to the Commission meeting where -- I have -- come to these budget
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), I feel like I'm having an out -of -body experience, to be honest with you.
But Mayor, you're right on target. I totally support your request. It's a no -brainier. There's no
place in our city that's been impacted more severely and more dramatically than what has
happened in Wynwood. If it becomes a larger issue, we're going to have to address it as a -- on a
larger scale, I would imagine, and I would imagine you would be here making a similar request
for another area, or something similar to that effect. You know, I don't know what's going to
happen in Miami Beach. Miami Beach is going through a very serious -- in many ways, much
more serious issue, but I think you're --you have my support. You have my support.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman, then Commissioner Gort.
Vice Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Chair, the topics you brought up are certainly important,
but I think we got a little sidetracked based on the -- the funding mechanism was through the
Police, giving them a break on the police costs, where, really, it's not about the Police. It's really
about helping them recover in a marketing basis. I mean, we could either give them the money
straight for pamphlets and promotion. They need that help to recover financially from a crisis
that they --
Mayor Regalado: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: -- have due to the Zika virus. The mechanism you've chosen is to give them
a break on the additional services for three months, which gives them the funds to then do that
marketing.
Mayor Regalado: Right. Correct.
Vice Chair Russell: So it's really not about --
Mayor Regalado: Correct.
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Vice Chair Russell: -- funding Police or not funding Police.
Mayor Regalado: Correct. Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: Right?
Mayor Regalado: Yes.
Vice Chair Russell: I certainly support their need for help. I just think we should be looking at
this as a Miami problem rather than a Wynwood problem, because I'm worried it is going to, you
know --it's something we're going to need to address. And I was with you when you were asking
Governor Scott and talking with Pete Gomez' plan about an economic study. So I assume when
that study's done, were they going to go to the Governor and say, Okay, here's the impact we've
had so that we can hopefully recover the funds that we're helping Wynwood with?
Mayor Regalado: We could do that. And you were there with the Governor, Mr. Vice Chair.
Remember that we ask -- I ask -- and you were there, Zerry was there, Diana Arteaga was there
-- "Can we count on the Governor to sign an executive order so Code Compliance inspectors
can go into or all the properties on the target zone and inspect ?because the State of Florida law
doesn't allow that. Well, that same day we got a call from the General Council of the Governor,
and they said that they're looking at it, that they are looking at it. And it's been a week and
there's 10 days, and they're looking at it. And Diana Arteaga has been in communication. So I
think that for a simple answer, you know, like 10 days from the General Council of the Governor,
it's a lot. I understand that they have a lot of issues. That's why I'm saying that the ask for the
State Government and the Federal Government, it will be long. I -- you know, I went there with
my wife and my children every other day during those crisis, and I see a lot of people afraid.
People that live in Wynwood and work in Wynwood, they are really, really afraid. I mean, these
are not the owners; these are the employees that make decent money with the tips and all that.
They were really afraid. So I think -- and I understand the whole citywide effort, but I do think
that they have invested so much. They have invested -- There is a guy from a gallery that says
that he's going to have to close it, and that would be a problem, because it would make the news
again. So I just think that whether you want to call it a grant to recuperate or whether we want
to pay ourself [sic] with the enhanced services that they pay year round, I think it's worth
looking at it and considering, because it will send a message that they are not alone, that they
have the support of the City. I mean, we need those event. Commissioner Carollo was there
when Will Smith was there. It was huge. It was huge. And yet, it seems that several production
have cancelled already their shots in the Wynwood area.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort, Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Gort: Look, the question is -- I was surprised you didn't have more business
closing, because the sales really went down quite a bit, and they have a lot of employees, and the
overhead is pretty high. At the same time, I think we have to look at the comparison. Business
goes down; well, how much of the tax that we -- goes down for us also? I mean, the sales tax --
we get funds from the sales taxes.
Commissioner Carollo: Minor.
Mr. Alfonso: We do, but that's not the big impact. I mean, the sales tax goes to Tallahassee and
then --
Commissioner Gort: Then comes back down (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Alfonso: -- one halfpenny of it --
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Commissioner Gort: But it's the impact that will -- costing the City of Miami, unemployment and
the people going out of business. I don't have any problem with this. Now, the Chairman
brought out a good point. It's events. Events, we have seen that taking place in other
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). My understanding the police going to tell me that wherever you have
large amount ofpublic, times [sic] tend to go down. That's my understanding. I was told a long
time ago. And if you create that event and you have people walking in there, going to the
different places in Overtown, any of this one neighborhood, you have the right events, people
will go, and people is what makes the difference. Because the perception is, "I'm going to get
sick"; or the perception is, "I'm going to get robbed, and this is going to happen to me. " But
people, it's the perception. It's not what actually happen to them. So the events sort of help
bring the people to the area, to all -- any area wanted people to go to and have a good
experience, and this is something that we have to work on. I think, what you did -- agreeing to
maybe in the future, the money instead of being in Police, they might want to use it to events.
That's something that we need to analyze and need to look at.
Chair Hardemon: Well, the Chair -- I know -- I would love to entertain a motion to adopt BH.20
with the Mayor's recommendations. Is there a motion for it?
Commissioner Suarez: So moved, except --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there's already --
Commissioner Carollo: Discussion.
Mr. Hannon: -- a motion on the floor by Commissioner Gort, with a second by Commissioner
Russell, so --
Chair Hardemon: Does it include the Mayor?
Mr. Hannon: They could adopt that as part of their motion.
Chair Hardemon: The mover and the seconder seem to agree to adopt it.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And when I originally asked the question, I
wanted to know transparency; exactly what was the money going to. So, yes, it's going towards
police, solid waste, but in essence, that alleviates the Wynwood BID to do the marketing and the
advertisement, whatever they feel they need to -- in order to, you know, bring people back to that
area, and that's why I wanted to ask exactly where was the money going to. If it -- I even went as
far as saying, "Is it going to be for promotions?" and so forth, so we have the line of
transparency of what we're doing. Listen, with that said, I can tell you that I have a heavy heart
towards Wynwood, because I really think it is unfair what occurred to them. They were on
national TV (television) with that box, and in essence, it's not that box; it's all of the City of
Miami. So I will be supportive. I also want to ask, have we reached out to the Greater Miami
Convention and Visitors Bureau to see if they focus a little bit more on Wynwood and Miami?
Because I think now is the time that they really need to step up also.
Chair Hardemon: Well, I know the GMCVB (Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau)
has always been a partner. They -- Wynwood is one of the highest -- On their website, when you
look at what people want to visit, and you look at the total amount of clicks, Wynwood is one of
the highest areas -- highest clicked areas on their website, so they market not just the United
States, but across the world, the Wynwood community. So I know Wynwood is definitely one of
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those cultural destinations that they spend a lot of time advertising, and I know they've been
involved with a lot of the public meetings that have occurred.
Mayor Regalado: Yeah, but there's no added value or no -- nothing extraordinary that they have
done after the situation in Wynwood for Wynwood. You know, we had --
Chair Hardemon: So that's a request then that we --
Mayor Regalado: -- remember we have built out of the west area at the beach. The Beach has
been more proactive with their hotels and restaurants, and they all got together and they --
they're putting a lot of pressure on the Greater Miami Conventions and Visitors Bureau for -- to
promote the Beach, but -- I mean, the people Wynwood are kind of by their self [sic]. I can say
that.
Commissioner Carollo: And Mr. Chairman, and that's where I want to reach out to our other
partners, you know, to see if they step out also. Like I said, I'll be supportive of this, but I think
we should reach out to other partners and see if they step up.
Vice Chair Russell: It's team work.
Commissioner Carollo: The Governor --I know that you spent sometime with the Governor. Is
there any funding you think he will provide? And I know --and the Capital, in DC (District of
Columbia), they're going to meet now and address the issue with Zika -- Hey, it works -- address
the issue with Zika and the funding, but I think we should reach out to all of our partners and
also step up.
Mayor Regalado: I agree.
Chair Hardemon: Any further discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes --
Commissioner Suarez: Yes. Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: -- but not on the Zika.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, ifI may, Mr. Chairman? What's the amount that you're requesting?
Mayor Regalado: 247 --
Unidentified Speaker: 500.
Mayor Regalado: --500. 247,500.
Commissioner Carollo: 200 --
Mayor Regalado: That's the exact bill for three month of enhanced police and solid waste.
Commissioner Carollo: And just to confirm, 247.
Mayor Regalado: 247, 500.
Mr. Alfonso: 247, 500.
Mayor Regalado: Yes.
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mayor Regalado: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: And we're going to yield to the Manager, where he could find that
money. I mean, I could tell you right now where there's --
Mr. Alfonso: Well, if we're passing this budget with that amendment, I could tell you that what's
going to happen is we're going to take it from our reserve --
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, no.
Mr. Alfonso: -- in the budget.
Commissioner Carollo: You could reduce the trolley purchase; you have it therefor 3,500.
Mr. Alfonso: That's impact fee, Commissioner. I cannot use impact fee for that.
Commissioner Carollo: That's right. That's right. Never mind. That's right. That's right,
because --
Mr. Alfonso: The color of money.
Mayor Regalado: --ofparks.
Mr. Alfonso: Thank you. So that's --in order to balance this budget, I need to take it out of
reserve. Now, the other thing that we have to look at is the technicalness [sic] of how we do it,
because right now those are officers that get paid off duty from the Wynwood BID. I cannot write
a check to those officers directly, so we may actually have to transfer the funds to the Wynwood
BID so they can pay them, so --
Mayor Regalado: What was the idea?
Mr. Alfonso: -- we'll deal with the technicalness [sic] of it.
Chair Hardemon: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Russell: Do you have a different method other than funding the few months of
services versus just giving them a grant for what they want to do with that money? Would that be
better --
Mr. Alfonso: Either way.
Vice Chair Russell: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Mr. Alfonso: The fact is 247/5.
Vice Chair Russell: Okay.
Mayor Regalado: Yeah.
Vice Chair Russell: I would support that. Are we continuing discussion on BH.20?
Chair Hardemon: If there's further discussion, yes.
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Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. I mean, I have something.
Mayor Regalado: No, you have to vote, right?
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, but (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Hardemon: Whoa. I mean, is there further discussion?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Vice Chair Russell: I do have some items. With regard to the operating budget, I still think we're
missing potential funding for resiliency in sea level rise issues, particularly resiliency on the
whole as a city. And from a manpower standpoint, I know through the hundred resilient cities,
we're getting a -- basically, a resiliency czar that you're recruiting at this point, right? And
under them, there will be two employees; one in Emergency Management, one in Grants; is that
correct?
Mr. Alfonso: We're going to hire a Chief Resiliency Officer based on the grant that we were
given.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Alfonso: We've conducted interviews. The decision will be made probably next week. And
then there's a person also in Emergency Management that helps support that effort.
Vice Chair Russell: But don't we also need somebody within the Planning Department, someone
in the Public Works Department, someone in the Capital Department that are specializing in the
resiliency effort to liaise with that person?
Mr. Alfonso: Do we have anybody specifically assigned there now or --?
Vice Chair Russell: Shouldn't we? Shouldn't we plan for that? As the plan comes together on
the capital side for what we're going to need to make in changes, we also need to operationally
be hitting this on a full front, so I'm worried that we don't -- we're not allocating for the
manpower that we're going to need for this, even simply within Code Enforcement, which is a
resiliency issue. I understand we don't have enough officers just to cover each zone; we're three
short for that. Planning & Zoning could use a couple more plan reviewers -- zoning plan
reviewers, but even --just within the resiliency side of things, the changes we're going to need to
make to our Code, for example, based on what this resiliency officer brings to us, it -- there's no
one currently in our Planning & Zoning Department that will be handling that; we'll need
somebody.
Mr. Alfonso: Commissioner, I would argue that the Planning & Zoning Department is well
equipped to assist in that effort with the current staffing that they have, but again, once we have
the Chief Resiliency Officer on board and their recommendations made, we can talk about what
changes we can make, understanding that right now, 36, $37 million ofgrowth went to the
Police and the Fire Department. That's more money than came in in our increase in property
taxes. So to the extent that we want to make changes and add positions in other areas, we're
going to have to reduce something else in the budget. So if this Commission tells us, "Hey, I
want you to add staff to Code Enforcement, and I want to you to add staff to Planning & Zoning
to deal with resiliency issues" -- you know, it's a few hundred thousand dollars, but you tell us.
If that's what you want, we'll go back, look at it, where else we can reduce, and add to that
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(UNINTELLIGIBLE), but right now I think it might be a bit premature since we don't even have a
Chief Resiliency Officer on board.
Vice Chair Russell: Fni just worried we're kicking the can on it. It's -- we're behind the ball on
this one.
Mayor Regalado: Mr. Chairman, and that's where a hundred thousand here, a hundred and
some thousand there; it starts making a difference.
Vice Chair Russell: Sure.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, and I --
Vice Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Mr. Gort.
Commissioner Gort: Do we have any study already that suggest that things that we need to start
doing within the City?
Mr. Alfonso: No, not yet.
Commissioner Gort: Okay. So this resilient person we're going to put in, he's the one that's
going to do the analysis, the study, and is come back with certain recommendations?
Mr. Alfonso: That was the whole point of hiring this Chief Resiliency Officer that will work
together with the County and Miami Beach, which is the other municipality that has devoted
significant effort in this area. We don't want to necessarily reinvent the wheel. We're also going
to work in conjunction with the Sea Level Rise Committee, which I know is not all of resiliency;
just one component of it, but certainly make them aware of what we're doing.
Commissioner Gort: Question: My understanding is the State of Florida has got quite a bit of
sea -rising problem throughout the whole State. Do we get any help -- assistance from the State?
Mr. Alfonso: I don't think that's a priority at the State level at this time.
Commissioner Gort: Well, that's something we need to probably push them with the legislators.
The State's got to be involved.
Commissioner Suarez: Mr. Chair.
Vice Chair Russell: Yes, you're recognized.
Commissioner Suarez: Thank you. I think -- on the resiliency question, I think we can certainly
address it; we have a mid -year, too, and I think if we hire the Resiliency OjJicer and that person
analyze -- an analysis of our City budget and determines that they need more manpower, which
is pretty much a logical conclusion, given the scope of the issue, then I think we can address it
that the point. I have a couple of requests. I think they're very modest in comparison to the last
one that I made, so I sincerely hope I can get your support. One of them is two full-time victim
advocates for the Miami Police Department for victims of homicides. One of the things that we
see is -- we have two part-time victim advocates citywide for the entire Police Department. I
went to and I attended a meeting of mothers who are -- whose family members are the victim of
gun violence, and they requested two full-time victim advocates. I think it's something that --
number one, the County has implemented a policy of trying to give information to victims of
homicides on a much more regular basis than we're currently kind of able to do. We're trying to
do it on a 30 -day basis, but that's something that these victim advocates would help, and I think
it would help reduce our homicide rate and violence rate in the City, because a big issue is
retaliatory violence. In other words, something happens, and then, you know, the victims of --
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the families of the victims are upset that they don't feel that the -- either the Department's
communicating enough with them or enough is being done to bring these people to justice, and
so, oftentimes, there's a sentiment that there has to be retaliation, and I think better
communication would help significantly, and that's what we're getting from that organization.
So that's just one. The other one is eMerge. We talked about eMerge earlier today.
Commissioner Carollo brought it up. You know, it's a technology -- it's the largest technology
conference in the southern part of the United States, and its effort is not only just to have a
technology conference where we highlight tech in our city, but also to bring venture capital to
the City of Miami to continue to grow the technology ecosystem. And one of the things that we
did a few years ago was we did give them $50, 000; the County gives them $250, 000 a year, and
so I would renew that request. And the last request is another one that's modest. We started an
initiative in Overtown, which was providing funding for some of our inner-city churches to get
camera systems. We did that on one church in Overtown. We're going to do it hopefully at
another church in Overtown through Omni. And there are three in Liberty City that are willing
to participate, and the total cost of that would be $20, 000, a one-time expense. It's a capital
expense. So that's it. That's my motion.
Chair Hardemon: I have a question when it comes to the victim advocates. Chief, you may be
better suited for this question. I know a lot of times the victim advocates, the disconnect
especially occurs at the State Attorney's level, where the State Attorney is prosecuting a crime;
for instance, they know who the victim -- I'm sorry, they know who the assailant is, and they have
to work their way through that system; or, in this case, I'm wondering what the responsibilities of
the victim advocate will be in the City of Miami. Is it that you do not have a suspect and,
therefore, the people who are victims -- or the families of the victim, they feel like there's no
communication with them? So is it a problem with the police force not updating the families with
the progress of the case or the investigation?
Rodolfo Llanes: Rodolfo Llanes, Chief of Police. The answer to the question is yes. It's all of
those things. Some of the -- like I say, the lack of communication comes in when detectives have
a heavy case load, and they got to go back and contact each and every victim. We have
mandated them to contact each and every victim every 30 days; that also becomes part of their
case load. So victims' advocates, number one, not being police officers and having some
specialized training in dealing with victims may facilitate a better communication between our
victims and us, the Police Department. And so the State Attorney has victims' advocates. We
have victims' advocates. Every department in the County has victim advocates, because they
facilitate that kind of communication between the families, the detectives, us, and also help the
family with paperwork and things that are important for them to figure out to get State benefits
for the family.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was -- and Chief, if you could come up,
please. And I know we tried speaking out there, but the meeting started, and we didn't get to
really get into details, and I didn't know ifl was going to present this on first reading or second
reading, and I was going to actually do it -- and with the majority of my stuff on my second
reading, but I don't know if it's exactly a victim advocate, but I was going to do something
similar, and again, I don't know if it's necessarily a victim advocate; more in line with youth gun
violence. I think many of you know, you know, with "Goals Not Guns, " we've done a lot of
research on this. We've gotten the scholars involved and so forth. And one of the things that I
think the City of Miami needs is within the Police Department -- I don't know if it's necessarily a
victim advocate, but more like a youth educational services, and this is what I mean. Let me be
more specific, because I may not be giving it the right name. We need someone --law
enforcement officers that can actually be in contact with the at -risk youth, and many times we
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can determine who those at -risk youth will be, but unfortunately, that information cannot be
given out because of all the different Federal laws there is and stuff like that with juvenile. So I
would like to have at least two officers, and maybe it could be a combination with these victim
advocates, that could be in com -- in communication with the Juvenile Services Department so
they know that when they're receiving these juveniles that are at risk, they could be in contact
with our Police Department so that our Police Department could then reach out to the families,
see what they need, see how they could help, see how that youth could help, and actually get
involved in that youth's life, because what we have noticed -- and Chief, we've had this
conversation many a times. You know that, realistically, a lot of this youth gun violence is
happening by a very small group, and most of the people that work with these youth, they can
identify the at -risk youth. So if that information can be provided and communication to these
Officers that will be specially trained to deal with the families, to deal with these at -risk youth, I
think would go a long ways. And by the way, it's not just me saying it; it's actually, you know,
our scholars, our analysis; what has been done in other places in the United States that has
gotten positive results. So again, I would want at least two officers, possibly three, to work with
our Department of Youths -- Juvenile Services in order for them -- whenever they obtain, you
know, these at risk at the detention centers, that they're going down the wrong path, we could
reach out to one or two of these police officers that has special training so they could reach out
to these youth, their families, and see how we get involved in that youth's life to see if we could
stop the cycle.
ChiefLlanes: I'd like to vet that out a little more. I don't know that a police officer is the right fit
for that. We probably have very talented police officers who could probably do that, but that
sounds more like a referral kind ofsocial work kind of job, and so I'd like to vet that out, you and
I, a little bit more and see if -- which is the best fit there; if it's another victims advocates
specialized in juvenile victims and juvenile offenders, or if it's a combination of maybe a police
officer and that. I'd like to discuss that a little more.
Commissioner Carollo: Chief, in between first and second reading, I want to be able to --
ChiefLlanes: We could do that.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and I will show you -- you know, I think we need to meet with various
people, because this wasn't done in a bubble. This is actually, you know --
ChiefLlanes: I've seen it. I've seen it.
Commissioner Carollo: So, again -- but I think using our Police Department also starts building
that bond between the community and our officers, similar to like Big Brothers and Big Sisters,
but at the same -- or Blues and Big -- Bigs and Blue, but in all fairness, this is more like -- In
other words, let's say right now there's an arrest ofjuveniles, okay? They're from Overtown. Is
there any communication with our Police Department saying, `Hey, listen, these juveniles got
arrested. "
Chair Hardemon: They did the arresting.
Commissioner Carollo: What's that?
Chair Hardemon: The officers did the arresting.
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Chair Hardemon: Then they send them to JAC (Juvenile Assessment Center) JAC knows
exactly who they are. Then you can ask any of these officers who work these beats, they know
exactly who the gang members are of juveniles in those neighborhoods. They know where they
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stand on the corner. They know where they walk to and from school. They know who they stolen
someone's last cell phone from. So the question for me is, you know, what do we do with the
information?
Commissioner Carollo: That's exactly it. And that's where we get that -- one of these specialized
Officers involve in that youth's life. So yes, now is that second part. Because you're right,
Commissioner -- I mean, Mr. Chairman. We -- they know who they are.
Chair Hardemon: No, but what -- you know, for instance, in -- Liberty City Trust was up here
earlier, and they talked about the summer program that we have, where we had -- the kids had
jobs. We had a few kids there that were active gang members. I've -- active gang members that,
over the summer, they were not involved with criminal activity, whatsoever, because they had a
paycheck. You know, I don't know if they need a hug or if they need a job, but you know, I
assume they need a job, but a hug would do at times too. But you know, this is one of those
things in -- you know, when we say, City of Miami issue,'Wolence in our communities is a City of
Miami issue. It shouldn't become a City of Miami issue when it hits a national headline, when
they describe the City of Miami as a paradise lost, or something of that nature. And so, you
know, I just -- I sincerely believe that when it comes to eradicating crime in our communities, we
do it right in some areas, and I don't think we're doing it right in others, and that's part of my
frustration with all of this.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, and I understand correct -- I mean, I understand exactly
what you're saying. Remember, we share a zip code. I'll go a step further. We actually did team
up and provided jobs to a lot of these at -risk youth. As a matter of fact, one of those youth
actually did not obtain the job because he was arrested. And before we actually was able to
provide him the job, he got arrested and was not able to start the program for summer school
[sic]. However, we did target that 33128; that we share that zip code, and we had a lot of those
youth in that area with summer jobs.
Chair Hardemon: No. And I -- listen, last -- the year before last, I gave money to an entityfor
the City of Miami that had to turn away children because they had criminal backgrounds. I
thought that was preposterous, because those are exactly the kids that we're trying to target. It's
not the kids that are at risk because they are at risk of committing a crime, but it's the ones that
actually are out there committing crimes that we need to incentivize not to do it, and so -- which
is why we went along the route of the Liberty City Trust, but you know -- I mean, this is a issue
that we probably could dialogue about for a long time, but I mean, I support what you're saying,
in essence. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah, and I do too. I think -- you know, I feel -- I understand where the
Chief is coming from, because we ask our officers to do more and more and more and more and
to be more and more and more.
Chair Hardemon: Instead of just being a police officer --
Commissioner Suarez: Yeah. It's --
Chair Hardemon: --which is enough in itself, right?
Commissioner Suarez: -- incredibly difficult.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or is that (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Commissioner Suarez: No
Chair Hardemon: No (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Unidentified Speaker: I'm just saying.
Commissioner Suarez: But, look, we --
Chair Hardemon: No, it's true. We -- no, we've given our police officers --
Commissioner Suarez: We do.
Chair Hardemon: -- so many different titles. I mean, you all are counselors, you all are --
Commissioner Suarez: Right. Yep.
Chair Hardemon: --mentors. You arrest people. You protect people. Maybe the idea of a
police officer needs to be streamlined and we need to have other people doing other things and --
Mr. Alfonso: Neighborhood resource officers. We have --
Commissioner Suarez: Well, I was going to say --
Chair Hardemon: No, no. I'm saying, we have --
Commissioner Suarez: No, but I was going to say --
Chair Hardemon: -- a number of different things, but -- I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Commissioner Suarez: No, I was --
ChiefLlanes: Policemen are inherent problem solvers, and so we get a lot of the things that
nobody else knows what to do with.
Chair Hardemon: Right.
ChiefLlanes: And so I get that, and that's part of our function. But I think what the
Commissioner is pointing to is that the subject matter expert on who the kid is that needs the
most intervention is that beat cop. He's the one that knows this one here needs some help, and it
may not be this one here. It may need -- we need to maybe look at his family living environment,
and they may need the help to then help him.
Chair Hardemon: And we've always agreed on that holistic --
ChiefLlanes: And so --
Chair Hardemon: -- you know --
ChiefLlanes: -- and who is the guy to point the resources to either the kid or the family? It's the
guy who runs into him most of the time. The governing functionary who runs into that person
most of the time is going to be your police officer. And so I understand why we try to focus in on
this is the guy. "This is the guy who may be able to do the best referrals; not actually take care of
the problem, but do the best referrals.
Commissioner Carollo: And Chief, it's part of community policing, you know. It's part of --
ChiefLlanes: Absolutely.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- adding bridges and not necessarily, you know, putting that distrust in
some of the neighborhoods in the police. I mean, this starts building the trust, building bridges,
and it's part of community policing. And listen, this life enhancement agent, or whatever you
want to call it, the bottom line is, this just didn't get invented here today. I mean, believe me,
we've spoken to a lot of professionals, you know, most that will come here and speak; and like I
said, this has worked in other areas, and we can show that. And listen, what I'm saying is, let's
give it a try. And by the way, this might need -- this might mean that we in our budget need to
include, you know, hiring additional police officers, you know. That's something that -- this is
the first year that we've gone away from that, so it's something that, you know, we need to
contemplate also.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Gort: One of the programs that seem to work very good, especially in schools, is
the peer counseling. I mean, you have kids that got in trouble. They got out of trouble; been
doing very well. Those are the best people that can go and talk to the other kid, because he went
through that experience. He had it. Now, we were talking about two different things. We talking
about the victim of crimes, how they feel. And I can tell you from personal experience, part of
my family was destroyed because a crime was committed and somebody was murdered. The
whole family suffer from that, and they needed a lot of assistance, and a lot of help, and this is
something that we need to look to. You know, people look at the crime, but they don't look at the
victims. Also, when you talking about the young guy -- you talk about the young guys, but what's
the environment that he's in? It's -- this is a social program, very difficult, that we got to deal
with.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Gort: And we got to use all the resources that existing. I mean, you got-- it's like
the homeless. You got all kinds of people working with the homeless. We need to bring them all
together and work as a team, and create this thing with the County, the State, and everyone and
being involved.
Commissioner Carollo: IfI may, Mr. Chairman? And ducktailing [sic] a little bit with what the
Chiefsaid, because the Chief, you know, is correct also. And Chief, we haven't had a chance to
speak about this position, but -- and when I say "this position, " because we also need someone
that -- okay, so for instance, we need someone or -- I don't want to say an agency -- but that can
be the facilitator in whatever someone would need, whether it's a job, whether it's daycare,
whether it's -- whatever that is, and we really don't have one. We really don't have a
go -to -all -resources person, and that's maybe what you were saying; that person going with a
police officer. Now, that's separate from, let's say, Juvenile Services obtaining a new kid that
just got arrested, and that message being related to a sworn law enforcement officer, not a
civilian, because I don't think a civilian could obtain that information, but a sworn law
enforcement officer where that sworn law enforcement officer is trained in communitypolicing
and can visit the family and see, you know, how they could participate in that person's life. One
thing that most people do not know -- a lot of these at risks, when you ask them if they would do
any job, what type ofjobs they would like to do, you know, it's somewhat ironic, but they say
police officers, " they say 'firefighters, " and those careers. So, you know, I think being visited
by a police officer, be -- you know, going to speak to the family, seeing how you're going to get
involved. Maybe we could right that path. Not to mention, then you have to look at their
brothers and sisters that have still not made that decision and are just watching to see what
happens, and I think a police officer needs to get involved in that person's life, especially when --
you know, again, we're targeting the at risk, what every study has shown. So it's something that,
you know, I'm throwing out there as a -- you know, for discussion, and hopefully, I get some type
of approval.
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Mr. Alfonso: Commissioner, if I may try. The Juvenile Services Department for the County,
when they arrest a juvenile, they do bring and wraparound a lot of services. What I think that
we can do is -- we have some money for training already in the budget with our Police
Department. Perhaps, we choose a number of police officers and we give them some specialized
training on what does Juvenile Services do, what's available, and how perhaps we get our
ofcers to assist in helping with those wraparound services.
Commissioner Carollo: Right. And you and I have both spoken to the director of that
department. You know, I've met with him numerous times. He was part of Goals Not Guns. He
mentioned to me that he had met with you and had spoken to you about it. And yes, in essence,
that's what it is; except, you don't want -- what you want is specific officers that are specifically
trained so that, yes, then when they receive the intake, they're able to contact these officers, and
these officers are able to participate or attempt to participate in these youth's lives and their
families to see what exactly they need. You know what I'm talking about. You met with the
director; you know what I'm talking about. So I want to see how we implement that, especially
now at budget time, to see how we could implement that, because that will go a long ways. And
again, I'm not saying it; you know, the director from the department will be here, and he will say
it, you know. And again, we're all working together to see how we could, you know, fight this
epidemic.
Chair Hardemon: Commissioner Suarez.
Commissioner Suarez: I don't think there's --I don't think I have anything else to add. I think
I'm generally supportive of what you're trying to do. I think what you're trying to do is
something like that's a more formalized mentorship program, something that's more formal.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes. And to go a step further: Where the Department of Juvenile
Services gets a new -- a 14 year old, a 13 year old, you know, and they can actually reach out to
our Police Department and say, "Listen, we have, you know, a young kid. He got in some
trouble, but you know what? He's a good kid. Can you somehow facilitate or get involved and
be involved in that kid's life and reach out to their parents to see what type of help they would
need? "
Commissioner Suarez: I think -- I get where you're going with it. I think -- I like the idea. I
think you can have an officer that has specialized training, as the Manager just stated, within our
training budget, and just like we have a neighborhood resource officer that's specific to --
Commissioner Carollo: Similar.
Commissioner Suarez: -- you know, community policing issues with regard to certain
neighborhoods, we can have one that's specifically targeted towards juveniles and juvenile
offenders so that it's not, as the Chairman said, you know, oficers that know who the kids that
are having issues are, but it's more of a formal relationship, it's more of a formal mentorship, it's
more of a formal counseling service. Listen, I think what you're trying to say is --and again, I --
what I was trying to say was I feel for the Chief because in his department, the oficers are being
asked to do more and more and more and more, but the truth of the matter is that, as you said,
these juveniles look up to our officers. In some cases, they would like to be our officers; and
some of them, by the way, have done it. Kionne McGhee is a good example. Kionne McGhee is
someone who went through a rough upbringing. I think he was convicted of a variety of crimes.
He ended up becoming not only a lawyer, but a State Attorney. So I mean, I think -- you know,
having a formal process is something that maybe could be beneficial. I mean, it's worth giving it
a shot.
Chair Hardemon: All right. There were a number of --
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Commissioner Suarez: Amendments.
Chair Hardemon: -- amend -- well --
Vice Chair Russell: Potential amendments.
Chair Hardemon: -- Yeah, potential amendments, if you will. There were a number of things
that were mentioned that could be amendments to the motion that is on the floor, which is to
adopt BH.20. Mr. Clerk, can you go through those amendments so that we can know from the
mover and the seconder whether or not they agree to each one of those?
Mr. Hannon: I'll --
Mr. Alfonso: Yeah. Mr. Chairman, again, before he reads it, I think I added in my mind what
the Commissioner was talking about, roughly, I think, about $260, 000. Again, we would ask, if
the Commission will consider, let us come back at the next meeting with a memorandum
explaining how we would fund these things.
Commissioner Suarez: That's fine.
Mr. Alfonso: Commissioner, if that's okay?
Commissioner Suarez: I'm fine with that.
Mr. Alfonso: And --
Chair Hardemon: Is the mover and seconder okay with that?
Vice Chair Russell: Yes. So there won't be -- the items won't be named in the item, but the
Manager --
Commissioner Suarez: He's going to bring back a change memo, essentially, right?
Vice Chair Russell: -- is directed to come back with an --
Chair Hardemon: So the Manager -- so clarify what the motion will be. The Manager will come
back with his recommendations as to how he would fund the recommendations that were made by
other Commissioners, to be inclusive of the items that the Clerk has written down, which has all
been in discussion; none of it has been outright rejected, so we're considering all those friendly
amendments that were being made. Mr. Clerk, you okay?
Mr. Alfonso: So, in effect, we would pass a budget as proposed by the Administration with the
budget changes memo that was brought to Commission, and for the one change of the Mayor
that the Commission discussed and agreed to change. The other changes that had been
proposed, the adjustment of the 150, the minus 140, the plus 260, 000, or whatever, we would
bring back to Commission for the next Commission meeting of the budget, explaining how we
would fund it, what minor adjustments we would make, and a recommendation to then amend
that budget again; and then, if there are any further changes in that meeting, we can make those
on the floor.
Chair Hardemon: That appears to be fair. Board members?
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman.
Chair Hardemon: Yes.
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ADJOURNED
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, absolutely. By the way, include the cameras there that
Commissioner Suarez said. As a matter --
Chair Hardemon: That was also included, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: As a matter of --
Chair Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Gort: Yeah.
Chair Hardemon: That's all included. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, say
Eiye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman, hold on. I didn't know we were going to finish our
budget discussion. You know what? I'll leave it for second reading. That's okay.
Commissioner Suarez: All right.
Chair Hardemon: Once again, all in favor, say Bye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Hardemon: All against?
Mr. Hannon: As amended.
Chair Hardemon: Motion passes. Meeting comes to an end at 8:08.
END OF FIRST BUDGET HEARING
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
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