HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2019-07-25 MinutesCity of Miami
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 25, 2019
9:00 AM
Planning and Zoning
City Hall
City Commission
Francis Suarez, Mayor
Ken Russell, Chair
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Vice Chair
Joe Carollo, Commissioner, District Three
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner, District Four
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner, District Five
Emilio T. Gonzalez, City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
City Commission Meeting Minutes
9:00 AM INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
July 25, 2019
Present. Chair Russell, Vice Chair Gort, Commissioner Carollo, Commissioner Reyes and
Commissioner Hardemon.
On the 25th day of July, 2019 the City Commission of the City of Miami, Florida, met at its
regular meeting place in City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, in regular
session. The Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Russell at 9:02 a.m.,
recessed at 1:07p.m., reconvened at 3:31 p.m., recessed at 6.31 p.m., reconvened at 6.42
p.m., and adjourned at 11:53 p.m.
Note for the Record. Commissioner Hardemon entered the Commission chambers at 9:16
a.m., and Commissioner Carollo entered the Commission chambers at 9:38 a.m.
ALSO PRESENT.
Emilio T. Gonzalez, Ph.D., City Manager
Victoria Mendez, City Attorney
Todd R Hannon, City Clerk
Chair Russell: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the July 25, 2019 meeting of the
City of Miami City Commission in these historic chambers. The members of the City
Commission are Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes, Keon Hardemon; Wifredo "Willy" Gort, the Vice
Chairman; and me, Ken Russell, your Chair. Also on the dais are Emilio Gonzalez, the City
Manager; Victoria Mendez, the City Attorney; and Todd Hannon, the City Clerk. The
meeting will be opened with a prayer by Commissioner Gort, and then the pledge of
allegiance, led by Commissioner Reyes. All rise, please.
Vice Chair Gort: Good morning.
(Invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered)
Chair Russell: Thank you.
PART A - NON -PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
PR - PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PRA PROTOCOL ITEM
6224 Honoree
Employee Service Milestone
Nestor Torres
Damian Valenzuela
Alfredo Salas
RESULT:
Presenter
Human Resources & Mayor
Mayor & Commissioner Reyes
Mayor & Commissioner Gort
Mayor & Commissioner Gort
PRESENTED
Protocol Item
HR Pins
Proclamation
Certificate of Merit
Certificate of Appreciation
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
1) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners recognized various City of Miami Employees for their 25
years and 30 years of service presenting them with Service Milestone Awards and
commending them for their dedication and commitment to the City if Miami; furthermore,
thanking them for their dedication as City Employees.
2) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a proclamation to pay tribute and honor Mr.
Nestor Torres. Nestor Torres is a Puerto Rican flautist. His playing incorporates a seamless
blend of Latin jazz, pop, straight -ahead jazz and classical styles. He studied at Berklee
College of Music, Mannes School of Music in NYC, and later at the New England
Conservatory of Music in Boston. Mr. Torres earned a Latin Grammy Award and a Grammy
nomination. He began playing the drums at the age of 5 and the flute at the age of 12, when
he began music studies at the Escuela Libre de Musica in Mayaguez during his middle school
and high school years. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and started the studies
of flute and music education for 2 years at the Inter American University in San German, and
then he did summer studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston and later joined the
Charanga Group Hansel & Raul, in which he recorded his first 3 albums. Mr. Torres moved
to South Florida in 1982 where he released 4 albums and took part in a documentary
detailing (legendary Cuban Bassist) Cachao's life: Como Ritmo No hay Para Dos (Cachao:
No Rhythm Like His), recorded on Gloria Estefan's CD Mi Tierra and performed with her at
the Grammy Awards Show. Nestor Torres won the Latin Grammy Award in pop instrumental
category in September 2011 with his production "This Side of Paradise ", and he performed
Saint Peter's Prayer, a musical interlude dedicated to the Dalai Lama at the Temple Emanu
on 2010. He also composed and performed The Source of Happiness at the Golden Panther at
FIU on 2004. The Elected Leadership paused in their deliberations of governance and
thereby, proclaimed Thursday, July 25, 2019 as "Nestor Torres Day" in the City ofMiami.
3) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Certificate of Merit to Mr. Damian
Valenzuela. Mr. Valenzuela was recognized for his representation of City of Miami at an
International level in the following organizations: Congresos Hemisfericos (CAMACOL)
since 2012 in USA, Latin Investors in 2012 and 2013 in Panama, Foro Econ6mico
Internacional de las Americas in April 2016 (USA), Oportunidades e Inversiones en tiempos
dificiles (Bolivia) in April 2016, Strategies y Opportunities to generates businesses in United
States in 2017 (Ecuador & Colombia), Autoridades y Empresarios de EE. UU Y Chile in 2017
(Chile), Mision Comercial Anual de la Comara de Comercio Argentino en Florida in 2017
(Argentina), Global Youth Leadership Forum in 2017 (Spain), ONU: Latino Impact Summit
2017 (USA), Foro de Davos in 2018 (Suiza), Global Business Forum Latinoamerica in 2018
(Dubai), Mision Comercial in 2018 (Mexico, Uruguay, USA, Portugal, and Argentina), and
many more. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of governance to congratulate and
thank Mr. Valenzuela for continuing to excel and to serve our community in advancing our
quality of life in the City of Miami.
4) Mayor Suarez and Commissioners presented a Certificate of Appreciation to pay highest
tribute to Mr. Alfredo Salas. Mr. Salas' experience in the food service business started at age
14 and through hard work and diligence, Mr. Salas rose through the ranks, and he is now the
owner of the largest Hispanic franchise for Pizza Hut in Florida. In addition to the jobs
offered to our community, Mr. Salas can be counted on to donate traditional pizzas from
Pizza Hut and his time to our community. Elected Officials paused in their deliberations of
governance to thank Mr. Salas for this commitment to the City ofMiami.
Chair Russell: We'll now make the presentations and proclamations.
Mayor Francis Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
(Presentations and proclamations made)
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Later...
Chair Russell: We have one other 30 year pen, and you never want to be late for your 30th
anniversary, because that only comes once; Mr. Luis Ortiz. How about a round of applause
for him as well.
(Applause)
(Presentations and proclamations made)
AM - APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
AMA
ORDER OF THE DAY
City Commission - Planning and Zoning - May 23, 2019 9:00 AM
MOTION TO:
Approve
RESULT:
APPROVED
MOVER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Reyes
Chair Russell: Can I get a motion to approve the minutes of the Planning & Zoning
meeting of May 23, 2019, please?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Carollo. Is there a second? Seconded by
Commissioner Hardemon. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on the minutes.
Chair Russell: We've got one more presentation, but in the meantime, if the City
Attorney's Office could read the rules of the Commission. Thank you very much,
Mr. Min.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Any person who
is a lobbyist, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code, must register with
the City Clerk and comply with related City requirements for lobbyists before
appearing before the City Commission. A person may not lobby a City official,
board member, or staff member until registering. A copy of the Code section about
lobbyists is available in the City Clerk's Office or online at municode.com. 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 in
writing. A copy of this Code section is available at the Office of the City Clerk or
online at municode.com. Pursuant to Section 4 dash -- 4(g)(5) of the City Charter,
the Mayor may veto items approved by the City Commission within 10 calendar
days, following the Commission action. The City Commission may, after the veto
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occurs, override such veto by a four/fifths vote of the Commission then present. 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 miamigov.com. Any person may be
heard by the City Commission through the Chair for not more than two minutes on
any proposition before the City Commission, unless 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 on such proposition.
The Chairman will advise the public when the public may have the opportunity to
address the City Commission during the public comment period or any other
designated time. When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public
must first state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be spoken
about. A copy of the agenda item titles will be available at the City Clerk's Office
and at the podium for ease of reference. Anyone wishing to appeal any decision
made by the City Commission for any matter considered at this meeting may need a
verbatim record of the item. A video of this meeting may be requested at the Office
of Communications or viewed online at miamigov.com. No cell phones or other
noise -making devices are permitted in the Commission chambers; please silence
those devices now. No clapping, applauding, heckling, or verbal outburst 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 the Commission
chambers will be barred from further attending Commission meetings and may be
subject to arrest. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the Commission
chambers. Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids or
services for this meeting may notes the City Clerk. The lunch recess will begin at
the conclusion of the deliberation of the agenda item being considered at noon. The
meeting will end either at the conclusion of the deliberation of the agenda item
being considered at ]Op. in. or at the conclusion of the regularly scheduled agenda,
whichever occurs first. This rule does not apply when the City Commission engage
in ties and engage in the annual budget. Please note, Commissioners have
generally been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on items on the agenda
today. Do you wish to go through the --? Thank you.
Later...
Chair Russell: Mr. Manager, we'll be taking up the order of the day for any items
that you would like to withdraw, defer, or --
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice
Chairman, Commissioners, Madam City Attorney, and Mr. Clerk. At this time, the
Administration would like to defer and/or withdraw the following items: To be
indefinitely deferred, SR.], which is Art in Public Places; that is, SR.], to be
indefinitely deferred. To be withdrawn, FR.], adding solid waste haulers as
franchisers. That's deferred -- I'm sorry -- withdrawn; FR. 1. And just as a note of
information, sir, on RE.2, the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) will be
substituting the legislation for this item on the floor. RE. 7, with regard to Mr.
Ramon Raul Sanchez, Commissioner Gort and Commissioner Reyes would like to
co-sponsor. And PZ. 9, which is a rezoning, has a time certain of 5 p.m. And, sir, I
understand we're celebrating Puerto Rican Constitution Day today, but I would be
remiss ifI did not say that today is also "National Hire a Vet Day, " so I just wanted
to bring that up.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Manager.
(Applause)
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Mayor [sic], could you please repeat the ones that -- the
items that are going to be deferred or withdrawn?
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Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir. SR.1 will be indefinitely deferred; that's the Art in Public
Places. And FR.1 will be withdrawn, and that is adding a solid waste hauler as a
franchisee.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Are there any items the Commissioners
would like to see --?
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Chair Russell: I don't believe so. He did not refer to that one. Yes. That'll be in
the afternoon's agenda.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. I do want some to be deferred. RE.3, to be
deferred.
Chair Russell: Legislative priorities?
Commissioner Carollo: Correct. I don't know how we could have legislative
priorities and no one has sat down with me to discuss it. I don't know if they've
spoken to any of you, but -- They haven't spoken to you either?
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Chair Russell: Is your mike on?
Commissioner Reyes: -- I must say that I had a visit from (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Commissioner?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Is there an opportunity to potentially table that? Because committees
start in September. Like table it till late afternoon, just in -- or just a thought.
Commissioner Carollo: Madam City Attorney, the committees will be fine for our
meeting in September. We have an early meeting in September, so we will be fine
in that, in committees.
Chair Russell: So from a timeliness perspective, this is with regard to the City's
legislative priorities at the State level, and what we are charging our
Administration to advocate for, and protect the City of Miami, and work toward
funding. So in our backup, I believe, all the legislative priorities are listed, Mr.
Manager, Madam City Attorney?
Mr. Gonzalez: I'm sorry, sir.
Chair Russell: Are all the legislative priorities that have been proposed by the
Administration listed in the backup of this agenda?
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir. In fact, we briefed your colleagues, those that we could,
and we even added some additional ones that were brought up by members of this
dais, so that is the final list. We could brief the Commissioner later on today. We
can brief him tomorrow, if he likes.
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Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Manager, this is not the way government is run.
Maybe that's the way you're used to it. Butl don't care if some of the people that
you have, your right hand, doesn't like me, doesn't want to deal with me, but you
know what? I'm a Commissioner of this City. And if we're going to be asking the
State to look at the priorities of this Commission, I am 20 percent of this
Commission. So you know well that your office should have sat down with me. You
have stuff in here that I truly don't understand and doesn't make sense to me. I
have other priorities that would like to see to be put in there, and they're not.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes. Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Hardemon: Look, it's a session, so it's not like this thing is cooked
and done, so I --
Chair Russell: Right.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- would suggest that we go through with the
continuance, allow the Commissioner to have an opportunity to put his
recommendations into it, and I'm sure some of us will come up with some new
things to add to it, and then come back and address these at our next meeting.
Commissioner Carollo: That's all I'm asking.
Commissioner Hardemon: I think it's fair. I would second your motion.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: And I second it also.
Chair Russell: We'll just add it into the list of the order of the day.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Mr. Gonzalez: That's fine.
Commissioner Carollo: I also have FR. 1.
Chair Russell: Withdrawn.
Commissioner Carollo: That's -- well, that's been withdrawn, then. Okay. And
SR.9.
Chair Russell: Consolidation of boards and committees. You'd like to defer the
item?
Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to defer the item so that I could have the
opportunity to meet with at least one of the County Commissioners that tried to
reach me this morning, and some additional people on some of the thoughts that
they have on this before we pull the plug on it. Last, but not least, SR. 7, I'd like to
pull it so that I could look at it and present some additional ideas on it. So it's
RE. 3, DL 1, SR. 9, and SR. 7.
Commissioner Reyes: I --
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Chair Russell: Say it again. RE.3 --
Commissioner Carollo: DL 1, SR. 9, SR. 7.
Chair Russell: So DI. 1, Special Master Program.
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
Chair Russell: You'd like to defer or --?
Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to defer that, absolutely.
Chair Russell: Can you give us a date on each one of these that you 'd like to defer
to?
Commissioner Carollo: We could bring these all back at first meeting in
September, ifyou'd like.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: All right. Are there any other items that any of the other
Commissioners would like to see deferred or continued or withdrawn?
Commissioner Reyes: Well, I don't have anything (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to be
deferred in any items that were here, but I would like to request that RE.8 don't be
included in the Consent Agenda, because I --
Chair Russell: You'd like to discuss it separately?
Commissioner Reyes: No. Its -- I have some sort of conflict with it, and I don't
want to be present when it is discussed.
Chair Russell: Got it. So you'd just like to pull RE. 8, but we (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
Commissioner Reyes: Pull RE.8 --
Chair Russell: -- still take it up today.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and take them (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by itself.
Ms. Mendez: Like don't do a block vote with RE 8 --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
Ms. Mendez: -- ifyou would like for him to vote on it.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: But no deferral or continuances?
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay. That amount, if I understand it --
Commissioner Reyes: That's not a continuance.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: But that amount is coming from the Mayor's own APA
[sic] allocation, right?
Chair Russell: RE. 8, CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce).
Commissioner Carollo: RE 8, that's the Mayor's --
Mr. Gonzalez: The Mayor's API (Anti -Poverty Initiative) funds.
Commissioner Carollo: -- own allocation --?
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I don't see any problems with it.
Commissioner Reyes: Mine is a conflict.
Mr. Gonzalez: Sure.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Are there any other Commissioners who'd like to see
anything else deferred, continued, or withdrawn? Hearing none, is there a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, would you mind if I just ran down the list real
quick?
Commissioner Reyes: Second.
Chair Russell: There's -- just a moment -- been a motion, and a second by
Commissioner Reyes. Mr. Clerk, please go through it so that we have it clear.
Mr. Hannon: To indefinitely defer, SR.]; to withdraw, FR.]; Commissioner Gort
and Commissioner Reyes are going to co-sponsor RE. 7; to defer to September 12,
RE. 3; to defer to September 12, SR. 9; to defer to September 12, SR. 7; and defer to
September 12, DI. 1.
Commissioner Carollo: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: DL 1.
Ms. Mendez: And Commissioner Gort is also co -sponsoring RE. 7.
Mr. Hannon: Yes. Yes, ma'am.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
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Chair Russell: That's fine.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, since we're coming out with sponsorships now, I
would like to have my name added to RE. 7.
Ms. Mendez: For RE. 7?
Commissioner Carollo: Correct.
Ms. Mendez: Thankyou, Commissioner.
Chair Russell: That's fine. Is anyone would like -- from the public who'd like to
speak on the order of the day; solely with regard to the deferrals and continuances?
Yes. You'd like to speak with regard to the items that were mentioned just now?
Okay. This is not the open public comment time for everything on the agenda;
simple for what we're about to vote on, the items that are being removed from the
agend -- from today's business. Hearing none, I'll close public comment. Is there
any further discussion on the dais? Hearing none, there's been a motion and a
second. All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Chairman, I just wanted to point out that we're not -- you're not
voting on it right now. PZ.4 is the Art in Public Places; for the afternoon, but
should probably -- will also be indefinitely deferred; just to let people know, since
it's attached to the one that you just deferred. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Understood. We can't take action until 2 p.m., though, correct?
Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: Just so people know. Pardon me.
Later...
Chair Russell: Now I'd like to get a deferral -- a motion to continue the meet -- to
allow the meeting to continue. Thank you very much. The remainder of the
morning's agenda, aside from any pocket items; can I get a motion to defer that to
September 12?
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: Is there a motion to defer the remainder of the morning's agenda to
September 12?
Vice Chair Gort: What was -- what?
Chair Russell: I mean, it would be in bad faith for Commissioner Carollo if we
don't.
Rafael Suarez -Rivas (Senior Assistant City Attorney): Remaining items on the
morning agenda to September --
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Chair Russell: I'll walk through them for you if you want. But the only reason
Commissioner Carollo gave us his unanimous consent --
Vice Chair Gort: That's right.
Chair Russell: -- was that we would do it.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, that was part of the motion.
Chair Russell: So --
Vice Chair Gort: Okay, let's go.
Chair Russell: -- it's SR.2, 3, 4, S --
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, Chair --
Chair Russell: -- 6 and 8.
Mr. Hannon: -- my apologies. SR.3, SR.4, SR.S, SR.6, SR.8; FR.2, FR.3; BU.1;
D1.2, 3, 4.
Chair Russell: Yes. Is there a motion to defer those items to September 12?
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Hannon: SR. 3, 4, S, 6, 8; FR.2 and 3 --
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Reyes: Those are (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: No, these are not (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: These just happened.
Mr. Hannon: To September 12.
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Non -PZ.
Vice Chair Gort: We didn't have the vote.
Chair Russell: So we need to defer the morning's agenda --
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah.
Chair Russell: -- remainder of the morning's agenda.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Vice Chair Gort: Moved by Commissioner Gort; seconded by the Chair.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: All in favor?
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Chair Russell: Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR REGULAR ITEM(S)
Chair Russell: Mr. Mayor, would you like to address the dais?
Mayor Francis Suarez: Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you so much. I appreciate the
opportunity to speak today before the Commission on the July 25, 2019 meeting of
the City of Miami Commission. I have four items that I'd like to discuss. One of
them is PH.2, allocating funds to assist elderly homeowners in correcting
outstanding Code compliance issues. It's something that I'm co -sponsoring with
Commissioner Gort. And I just want to say that from our youth to our seniors,
every resident in the City of Miami deserves to live a high quality of life. This is
especially true for our most vulnerable, including our elderly. From eliminating
red light cameras to expanding our trolley system, we have set a strong track
record in standing for them. Now we have the opportunity to reinforce that record
by adopting PH.2 to assist low-income elderly homeowners with correcting
outstanding Code violations. As I have said before, our Code Department is
called Code Compliance, not Code Enforcement, for a reason. Part of our job is
to work with our residents to become compliant, and our seniors are certainly no
exception. I want to thank Commissioner Gort for bringing this resolution
forward and ensuring that our most vulnerable residents get the relief they
deserve. RE. 6, urging the Florida Legislature to enact legislation reducing or
eliminating expenses incurred by military members -- veterans -- by providing a
10 percent discount for all building -related permits. Like our seniors, few know
the meaning of sacrifice better than our veterans. That is why I'm honored to
bring forth RE. 6, and officially declaring the City of Miami a military- and
veteran friendly city. Every day these brave men and women leave their homes
and loved ones to put their lives on the line for our freedom, and sometimes they
return in great need of support, including housing and financial relief. If we are
truly -- if we are to truly be a military- and veteran friendly city, rather than just
call ourselves one, we must support actions like RE. 6. This resolution is a big step
forward towards providing some of that much-needed support by urging the
Florida Legislature to enact programs, including a 10 percent discount for all
building -related permits requested by veterans or military personnel, and
implementing a toll reduction program on Florida highways for active military
members. By supporting RE. 6, we will send a powerful message that Miami -- that
in Miami, every veteran can live a high quality of life. RE.1, setting the millage
cap. Miami is experiencing tremendous growth. As we continue to solidify our
position as a global city, it is our duty to fuel this growth by focusing on enhancing
quality of life, strengthening our resilience efforts, and providing a pathway to
prosperity for every Miamian. I am proud to say that with this budget, we are able
to accomplish all of those without raising the millage rate, avoiding any impact --
negative impact on our residents. In fact, RE.1 reduces the millage rate from 8.03
to 7.99, establishing the second lowest property tax rate in the last 30 years; all of
this, as we continue to see our tax base grow to the tune of 10 percent just last
year. With RE.1 we're demonstrating not only our commitment, but our ability to
continue to provide the very best services and resources without cutting corners or
adversely affecting our residents' quality of life. And FR.2, clarification on
Planning & Zoning fees, cap certain Planning & Zoning fees, and adding fee
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schedules, sponsored by Commissioner Russell. Likewise, as our City grows, it's
important to find a nexus between smart development, preserving Miami's history,
and creating an affordable ecosystem. FR.2 strikes that balance. This ordinance,
which I spearheaded as Commissioner, will support preservation and restoration
of historical sites while maximizing our growth potential by transferring unused
density from historic structures to new construction; allowing for a density
increase of 50 percent for projects within transit -oriented developments. I am
encouraged by actions like FR.2, which promote creative ways to balance our
needs to preserve our historic assets, with driving strategic development along our
transit corridors. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Later...
Chair Russell: So now we're going to open the public comment period for the
morning's agenda. This is notfor this afternoon's Planning & Zoning agenda. If
you have a conflict this afternoon and you'd like to speak this morning, please let
the Clerk or myself know; but otherwise, we're taking up public comment right
now for the consent agenda, the public hearing agenda, the resolutions, and the
ordinances, second and first reading ordinances, but not the Planning & Zoning
or appeals items. So please feel free to approach both lecterns. Each person will
have two minutes to speak. Please state your name. You don't have to state your
address. Please, for our sake, if you could let us know which item you're speaking
on, either by subject or item number or name, and then you'll have two minutes.
And you'll hear a little buzzer right at the 30 -second point; that's the time to start
wrapping it up or bringing it to conclusion. I'd like to try to respect your time, but
I hope that you respect everyone else's here as well. And so, we'll get started.
Good morning.
John Lawrence: Good morning. John Lawrence is my name. I'm a resident of
Miami, citizen and voter. I have lived in Miami since 1976, and I've lived on the
Miami River, whether the north port, south port, or the main channel, for the past
17 years. I'm here to reinforce what Mr. Beightol is bringing to your awareness,
which -- and the request that he's making. I especially want to underline the
illegal, unethical boat -- I don't know if you can call it unethical, but the illegal
boating that occurs regarding overcrowding, unlicensed charters, speeding in no
wake zones, et cetera, et cetera, and I'm talking specifically about the Miami
River. I noticed in his handout, he's talking about increased enforcement that was
provided near Bayside and Bayfront Park. Quite a bit of development has
occurred -- that's on the bay -- on the river with restaurants, clubs, destination
points for many just afternoon day trippers. Many of the arrivals are by boat, and
they all seem to come from the west end of the river. One of the picture pages that
he has provided you shows specifically the number of deaths, garbage from
religious groups; the upper corner shows one boat in particular, which I see on a
regular basis. I counted 14 people on it the other day. This would be the last
picture page. I counted 14 people on it the other day; 13 of them were women,
and one gentleman running the boat.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Lawrence: I applaud him if he has that many friends --
Chair Russell: Sir?
Mr. Lawrence: -- lady friends. I would rather beg the -- beg them to leave --
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Chair Russell: Understood. You're looking for safety enforcement.
Mr. Lawrence:
-- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) especially, you see him on a regular basis.
Okay.
Chair Russell:
Sir, just a question. Is there a specific item on the agenda you're
speaking for or against?
Mr. Lawrence:
I'm speaking in favor of Mr. Beightol's request.
Chair Russell:
His public appearance.
Mr. Lawrence:
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell:
So you're reiterating his public appearance for more enforcement
and funding on the river?
Mr. Lawrence:
That's correct. Regarding --
Chair Russell:
Thank you.
Mr. Lawrence:
-- cameras, as a matter of fact, I think --
Chair Russell:
Your time's concluded, sir.
Mr. Lawrence:
-- it was 2006, Fran (UNINTELLIGIBLE), who was head of one of
Miami River Commission, received a one -million -dollar grant from Homeland
Security to get
cameras. I've yet to see any cameras --
Chair Russell:
Understood.
Mr. Lawrence: -- but here. Okay?
Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you. And I apologize; we have to move on.
Mr. Lawrence: Thankyou.
Chair Russell: We have a lot of folks. Thank you. Good morning.
Anthony Denito: Good morning, counsel. Anthony Denito. We are residents of
the river. We live aboard. And we're here to address the same issues and voice
our concerns, and maybe offer something that we feel might be helpful for you
guys to decide what we can do. Regarding abandoned vessels and debris on the
river, I feel like, if we had someone that we can call that can respond to some of
these issues would be great, and I can -- I will give you some examples.
Commissioner Carollo: The Manager is the person you need to call.
Mr. Denito: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Carollo: The Manager, the City Manager.
Mr. Denito: Okay. I have called City police, I've called Coast Guard, I've called
FWC (Fish and Wildlife Commission), and I pretty much get the same response.
Chair Russell: But you're recommending a hotline; understood.
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Mr. Denito: Okay.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Denito: This is a photo. I don't know if you can see it from there, but that's
about an 18 foot wooden floating device that was floating down the river that I
recovered on a Friday afternoon, because on Friday evenings and Saturday
evenings is when we get a lot of the speeders that are going between the marina
and the nightclub down there, and we call on that all the time. Now, I've only been
on the river since December. I've probably called in about 10 times, and I'm
usually met with the same answer, which is "There's nobody there. There's
nothing we can do at this point. We'll send somebody in. " But 30 minutes later,
when they're calling from the entrance of the river, asking me where the person is,
I don't know where the person is. So when I find debris like this floating up the
river that can kill someone or potentially have them kill somebody else, I call in
and I'm told that they're going to send in a radio call, which these guys aren't
listening to. They're blasting their music, and they're speeding. My suggestion is,
and most of the folks here that are behind me that live on the river with me, the
suggestion is simply to have somebody there, have somebody available, have a
boat available that is up the river a little bit better, so that we can have some
better response times when we do call in.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Denito: Anything else?
Chair Russell: You're recognized.
Mr. Denito: Thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
Adam Gettinger: Good morning, gentlemen. My name is Adam Gettinger. I live
at 1611 Northwest South River Drive. I'd like to speak on Agenda Item Number 1.
And the first thing I'd like to do is thank Mr. Beightol for taking the time and effort
to address this. I agree with him. There are a lot of issues on the river as far as
speeding goes, noise, and I'd like to basically speak mostly on behalf of the
manatees that have no voice. I live on the river. They seem to have adapted to
swim along the sides of the river, avoiding the traffic patterns. We get a lot of
speeders who also do the same. They see that the boats are on one side; they run
along the seawall, so they're taking the exact same path the manatees are doing,
trying to get away, because they're breaking the law and going at a high rate of
speed. And they -- when they swim under my dock on a daily basis, I see prop
scars on them. So I've done some research, as well, and taken some time to look
into a possible solution, and one of them that I found is through a company called
Polaris Sensor Technologies in Huntsville, Alabama. I contacted other
companies, one being American Traffic Solutions; they didn't want anything to do
with it. Basically, it's like an intersection light. Polaris Sensor is unique in that
they have discriminating systems that will actually tell pedestrian right-of-way at
an intersection, identify a car versus a pedestrian. I spoke with the engineers. I've
been in touch with them a lot of, and they cannot -- they can even detect sheens of
oil on the water and alert for an oil spill. They can work at night. They've sent a
proposal to the City. They want a $500,000 contract to set up the system, which
will be a radar -based system. It would actually determine that it's a vessel, its
exact speed; take a photograph of its FL number. I've described to them the
parameters of the river. I believe it's around 260 feet at my house, which is about
the widest point of the river, and they're confident that they can implement a
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system that will work 24 hours a day. I do agree with Mr. Beightol that an actual
officer patrolling the river would be outstanding also. I mean, the City of Miami
was named essentially after the Miami River, which is the only freshwater river in
South Florida. So it means "sweet water" in Tequesta, I believe.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Gettinger: And we ought to protect it. And I'd just like to say a couple more
things, if I can. The system that they have proposed involves a radar. It can also
be done over two points in space, as in, a less expensive option would be
available. Rather than spending 500, 000 and using a radar, if Police could meet
with the people from --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Gettinger: -- Polaris Sensor and determine --
Chair Russell: Sir?
Mr. Gettinger: Okay. -- the logistics of it, it can be done for less money and
effectively.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Again, there's a lot of people here to talk today. This
is going to go well into lunchtime for public comment, I can see. We have a lot of
issues to get to. Please, when you hear the sound for the 30 -second point, wrap it
up so I don't have to cut you off. And this is -- these are -- especially non -agenda
items. This is all very good for us to learn and move toward, and work with the
Administration on. We've got a lot of business in the City to address today. Good
morning.
Roselvie Noguera: Hi. Good morning, everybody. Roselvie Noguera, 3038
Northwest North River Drive, here on behalf of Antillean Marine Shipping
Corporation. Antillean has been on the river -- most of you know --for more than
55 years, and today, it's the largest maritime shipping company in the river. We
weekly -- we have weekly sailing for Haiti, Dominican Republic every week, and
we have about -- we can do about eight to 10 vessel movement every week. We
also employ 200 or more employees every year.
Chair Russell: Which item are you speaking toward?
Ms. Noguera: We are speaking on behalf of Antillean Marine for the law and
order in the Miami River --
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Noguera: -- sir. As you know, the maritime industry is the engine of the
economy of the river, and the river supports a multimillion -dollar marine industry.
The increase in the recreation of traffic is imposing a serious breach to the
security of the operation of the maritime industry, and most importantly, to the
security of the Miami River. In a particular case, our captains have been
witnessing often, and during the weekends and nights, people operating boats in
careless manners; people doing party boating and operating jet ski that do not
follow the signals of the captains. Moreover, there are boat that stop in front of
the vessels to take pictures, which is something that, you know, it creates a big
accident. In addition, our captains are facing a risky challenge, when
maneuvering to the narrow sections of the river. Restaurants and club allows the
customers docking or mooring boats, making up the three parallel lines,
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obstructing the traffic, and making almost impossible the navigation. These
actions violate Federal navigation regulations. It is essential that the City of
Miami develops and implement a safe security program in Miami River, allocate
resources for the Miami Police Marine Patrol, and the creation of the Miami River
Police Marine Patrol.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Noguera: The implementation of awareness campaigns, like the brochures
that I just gave to you, which will create a sense of community and conscience in
our community.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Noguera: We appreciate what you have done for us, and we appreciate that
you please help us to create a better quality life, as the Mayor said before --
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Noguera: --for the river. Thank you very much, everybody.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Ann Boswell: Good morning. Thank you. My name is Ann Boswell. I live at
2011 Northwest 14th Street, in Durham Park. Willy Gort is my Commissioner. I
just want to speak to the enforcement issue. There hasn't been any enforcement on
the river for a long time, and boating has increased, and speeds have increased,
and lights have increased, and it's just an accident waiting to happen. I don't
know about 24/7, but certainly on the weekends, we should have some. I'm also a
member of the Miami Yacht Club, and the police boats are there. I remember,
years ago they were on the river, around 12nd Avenue. It would be good if we
could have some presence on the river; it would be excellent. There is no
enforcement now. And it would also be a source of revenue for the City if boats
were ticketed, and I'm sure it would take a short time before they got the message
and slowed down. My damage -- my boat has been damaged at least two or three
times by vessels that were operating illegally. Thank you very much for your time;
I appreciate it and all your hard work. Have a good day.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Thank you. If everyone could stop
talking in the chambers, please, so we could hear better and give respect to those
who are at the lectern. Good morning.
Grace Solares: Good morning, Mr. Chair. Luis Herrera will be giving me his two
minutes, because he signed, and Cecilia Kurland, because I'm going to be
speaking on SR.6 and CA.2, okay? My name is Grace Solares. I am here today
individually on behalf of Miami Neighborhoods United. We oppose the proposed
amendments to deal with pensions for City Commissioners. You cannot amend an
ordinance that violate the Charter. The proposed amendments are abusive and
fiscally obscene. Section 4(h) of the City Charter specifically provides and limits
monies payable to each City Commissioner. It states, effective on -- quote --
"Effective on November 4, 2003, there shall be paid to the City Commissioners the
sum of $58,200, which is equal to 60 percent of the Mayor's salary in effect on
July 15, 2013. " This is the only monetary benefits to be paid to and for the benefit
of each Commissioner, pursuant to the Charter, and only while they're actually in
office. In addition, the Charter limits and restricts the payment of pensions and
retirement benefits. The City Charter does not authorize a retire -- or retirement -
- pensions or retirement benefits for elected officials. Section 37(a) requires the
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pension or retirement benefits for employees in the classified service. And 37(b)
permits the City to purchase insurance contracts, granting annuities or
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) for any class of employees. Again, the Charter does not
authorize or permit pensions or retirement plans for elected officials. All
proposed amendments to Chapter 50 -- Chapter 40, Division 4, entitled "City of
Miami Elected Officers Retirement Trust" are invalid because they violate Section
37 of the City. If you were to vote in favor of granting yourselves unauthorized
pensions, the pension payments would not be based on the $58,200, which is the
only sum you should be receiving as compensation, but it will be based in the
hundreds of thousands of dollars of your inflated W2s reflect. I am placing the
respective W2s into the record as evidence in the event litigation arises out of this
item. Therefore, instead of us paying you 50 percent of $58,200 in pension
payments, we'll be paying you 50 percent of hundreds of thousands of dollars,
which is what you're getting now on your W2 forms. As a result of this trick of
adding unauthorized emoluments to your W2s as salary and compensation, we the
people have to pay today, right now, much more money in matching funds for your
deductions. In closing, on SR. 6, we respectfully ask that this Commission does not
vote to approve the changes to give yourselves a pension that is not permitted by
the City Charter and is indeed in violation of the Charter, and that you do not vote
to approve the changes in time of service of anyone who is elected as a
Commissioner in the future to six years of service so as to be eligible for all kinds
of benefit. Gentlemen, this abuse of the taxpayers' money contributions to the City
must stop. With respect to CA. 2, which is the privatizations of the tennis courts on
-- at Morningside, we totally oppose it. You're going to be hurting tremendously
the children, the youngsters, on the other side of the railroad track. The African
Americans, they don't have the money to pay for now a privatized tennis thing.
And if you do, if you wanted to -- if you want to give it to this entity, then exclude
those children from the other side of the railroad track from paying a dime to
anyone. Allow them to go and play for free on a public park. We will no longer
have the Serena Williams in the world. They started little, playing in public parks.
So don't do that, please. Don't do it. Thank you so much.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Grace.
Commissioner Hardemon: Ms. Solares?
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
(Applause)
Chair Russell: Please, no applause in the chambers, please.
Commissioner Hardemon: Ms. Solares?
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: Ms. Solares --
Chair Russell: Grace?
Commissioner Hardemon: -- I saw when you referred to African Americans, you
looked at me.
Ms. Solares: Yes.
Commissioner Hardemon: But I'm a white man, so I don't know --
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Chair Russell: He doesn't see color. He doesn't see color.
Ms. Solares: Guess what? I'm color blind.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you, Grace. Good morning.
Lori Ott: My name is Lori Ott. I live on the Miami River, and we've had a big
problem with the wake enforcement. The boats are speeding all the time terribly;
an accident is going to happen sometime. And I have -- I live on like the widest
part of the river, so when you have two big boats -- ships passing, the boats, I
don't know if they know the rules, but they're not allowed to pass, and they're
passing even faster around these boats. It's a very dangerous situation. And I
would gladly welcome video cameras on my property, and a law enforcement boat,
if we could do that.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Please, if you could address the Manager, he can get
your address, if you're offering your property for potential surveillance of the
river. Thank you.
Ms. Ott: Yes, definitely.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Please feel free to talk to him over there. Good
morning.
Wayne Stephens: Good morning. My name is Dr. Wayne Stephens. I'm a
pediatric dentist, and my passion, outside of dentistry, is tennis. And I'm here to
speak about Consent Agenda Item Number 2. I'm asking the Commission to
remove it from the consent agenda and to vote it down. This concerns the
privatization -- or the third party management of the Morningside Park Tennis
Courts. I must commend the City Commission; you've done a wonderful job in
restoring these courts. To my mind, they're the crown jewel of the tennis system in
Miami. I've played on private courts, public courts. These are some of the best in
the entire Miami City. What concerns me is that if any of you travel to these
courts during peak times or during weekends, you'll see people waiting to play
tennis. The courts are activated; they're heavily used. As I read through the
proposal from this third party group, they're proposing to have two courts
available, a minimum of two courts, at all times for open play. Right now there
are eight courts available and folks are waiting, so you can only imagine what it'll
be like under this system. Secondly, I saw that there were two proposals, and the
company that was actually recommended had the lower score in terms of public
benefit. They only received a score of 74. I'm sure most of us would not be happy
with 74 from any test that we were, you know, taking. So with that said, I'd just
like to speak for the diverse and the multiple -- we have folks playing there who
have been playing for 40 years. We have young children who play --who are from
the neighborhoods across the way, and it's -- if this is ensued, it is going to become
a much more restricted, fewer access, less availability, and at a higher price. So
I'm asking to remove it and to vote it down. Thankyou.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning.
Emily Smith: Good morning. I have some handouts. Sorry. I have some
handouts.
Chair Russell: Please give to the Clerk.
Ms. Smith: That didn't count as my two minutes?
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Chair Russell: No. Well, you haven't started yet. Go ahead.
Ms. Smith: Okay, great. Thank you so much. Thank you for being here and
hearing us today. I am speaking to the enforcement issue on the Miami River, and
first thing I would say is why follow rules if there are no consequences? Why
follow the laws if there is no enforcement? Now, what needs to happen is that law
enforcement officers need to know the law, and they need to know what their
enforcement powers are under the law, and the law needs to be enforced. As an
example -- and many of you on the Commission are aware of this -- we recently
had a vessel that sank near my property. It was reported as abandoned on June
28. Under the existing law, it could have been removed under 705.103 within five
days after it was reported. It was not removed. It began to sink. We reported that
it was sinking on July 2 through July 3. It was not removed then. It was not
removed until after it had completely sank, after it was no longer visible from the
surface, and after it had been struck by another vessel on July 17 of 2019. This
should have never happened. And if the law enforcement officers, who we called,
had known the law and had it removed timely, it never would have happened, and
that's just representative of the issue. The enforcers -- law enforcement officers
need to know the law, and they need to enforce it. And it's not just one agency.
The Florida Statutes give enforcement powers to the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife; all municipal counties, municipal officers,
counties, deputies, everyone, and that's not so that they can pass the buck onto
another agency; it's so that each agency has the power to act. And we need to
know as citizens that if we call in to a law enforcement agency that, "A,"
someone's going to pick up the phone and listen to us; and `B, " that something
will be done, because as it stands right now -- and I believe everyone else here is
speaking to that and will speak to that -- the law is not being enforced and it needs
to be.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Smith: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, if I could get the speaker's name?
(Applause)
Chair Russell: Your name, please.
Mr. Hannon: Ma'am, if we could get your name for the record, please.
Chair Russell: What's your name, please?
Ms. Smith: So sorry. Emily C. Smith, 2290 Northwest North River Drive.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning, Mr. Cruz.
Elvis Cruz: Good morning, Commissioner, Chairman. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast
57th Street, regarding CA.2, privatizing operations of the Morningside Park
Tennis Courts. The Morningside Civic Association Board passed a resolution
against this proposal. I urge you to vote it down. Do not be fooled by the
proposed honeymoon phase, pricing, and promises. The City just spent over a
million dollars to rebuild those tennis courts, and now it wants to hand them off to
a private operator. This will result in a higher cost of playing tennis; it has to for
the operator to pay the salaries. They'll start having tournaments with high -entry
fees; perhaps, 40 to $50; perhaps, tournamentparticipants will have to be a USTA
(United States Tennis Association) member, which is 20 to $30 a year. The
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tournaments would take up six out of the eight courts. Long-time tennis players
have warned us that there will be less courts available for open play, and personal
coaches would be barred, unless they're affiliated with the private operator. This
is a public city park, not a country club. This sets a bad precedent that could
spread. Regarding the Morningside Pool, the City Manager's Office had written
me that, quote, "Areas of the park now experience flooding a good portion of the
year and are unusable, so we must address drainage and coastline flooding before
we tackle anything else." So Deputy City Manager Joe Napoli and I did a walk-
through on Tuesday, and I showed him where the flooding only happens a few
days a year, and it happens because the City itself blocked the drainage system for
the softball field about 10 years ago. He saw for himself, the situation is 200
yards away from Morningside Pool and has nothing to do with fixing the pool.
You don't need to delay fixing the pool for another community meeting. We've
already had several community meetings, a survey with 65 percent in favor, a
petition with over 2,000 signatures in favor, $149,000 worth of engineering
studies, and a consultant's report that analyzed sea level rise, and they all
recommend fixing the pool. Why is there no sense of outrage? Why didn't the City
keep the pool properly maintained all along? It didn't have to close. Why did it
take 10 years to fix the restrooms in Morningside Park? Why has the boat ramp at
Legion Park been closed for 10 years? How long have the restrooms at Kennedy
Park been closed? Why do residents, like me, have to continually ask the City to
do the right thing? Mr. Napoli is a former Colonel in the US (United States)
Army. He's a get -things -done kind of guy, but he needs the okay from you to begin
the mission. Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the personal appearance I requested
back on May 30 under City Charter Section 23(c)4. Please, do the right thing.
Make yourselves look good by giving this project the green light and fixing
Morningside Pool.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: Quickly.
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: A question was asked about people bringing their own personal
instructors when they use the public portion of the tennis courts, and they can.
We're going to make that amendment to make sure that if you bring in your own
instructor that you can play with your instructors, so.
Chair Russell: An amendment is needed for that?
Ms. Mendez: We'll just make it clear. It wasn't, at all, made mention in the
agreement, but we'll make it clear that that is allowable.
Chair Russell: On all the courts or just the two that are --?
Ms. Mendez: The two that are public.
Chair Russell: Got it.
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Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Toni Thompson: Hi. Good morning. My name is Toni Thompson. I'm -- I have a
comment about PH. 9, Item 6203. This initiative is to provide oral healthcare to
adults, 18 plus, in Commissioner Hardemon's district; for adults seeking to
interview for jobs, requiring dental care, primarily those that are missing teeth.
As the first federally qualifying health center in the State of Florida and fifth in the
nation, we have serviced Miami -Dade since 1967. Thank you, Commissioner
Hardemon, for recognizing that oral health impacts the overall health of
individuals and understanding the value that this will have on the community. Dr.
Stephens, one of our dentists -- I don't know if (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Wayne Stevens: Sure. Just wanted to commend Commissioner Hardemon. This is
a very important initiative. You know, I take care of oral health from a healthcare
perspective, but this is also an economic issue, and this initiative will help folks to
not just restore their physical health, but to be -- to move up the economic ladder,
so I'm strongly speaking out in favor of supporting this measure.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning.
Mariella Lopez de Albear: Good morning, Commissioners. How are you? Got
my stopwatch right here. Okay. My name is Mariella Lopez de Albear, and I'm
talking here about CA.21 which is the tennis court, and I want to start off by saying
that I have been living in the area for 20 years, and when I got there, there was
nothing there. I wish it was still forgotten and that the hocks didn't come into this
area. I want you to know that the tennis courts cannot be privatized. When I
moved in there, to this neighborhood, everyone there, even the young children, it
was a right, a right to have access to a park, a right to have access to play tennis,
a right to have access to go to the basketballs, a right to go to the baseball field. It
wasn't about being privileged. It wasn't about the color of your skin or your
bracket or your economical status; it was about having a community park that
served all sides; white, black, Chinese, Jewish, Muslim, what have you. And now
the City wants to seem to privatize everything that's public, so it becomes some
sense of privilege and not a sense of right. And I urge you, as Commissioners, that
you serve honorably and respectfully, and work very hard every day so that you
can assure your community that they have a right to be part of a community and
nota privilege. So I urge you to vote against this privatization in the tennis courts.
On the second hand of Morningside Pool, the same thing. My kids are now 20 and
17 and a half years old. And I remember all the summers they used to go to
Morningside Park, and it -- they paid nothing to go to the tennis court. The pool
was $2 to go, and now everything seems to be wanting to delay, wanting to
privatize, wanting to make it a privilege and not make it a right. So I urge you, I
urge you, as the people that you are, as the public servants that you are to your
community, to be that and more, and to stop the developers from coming in and
taking what is our right and not a privilege. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
(Applause)
Chair Russell: Please. No applause, please. Thank you.
Eleazar Melendez: Good morning, Commissioners. My name is Eleazar
Melendez. I'm a resident at 1861 Northwest South River Drive, in the City of
Miami. As a neighbor of the river, I'm here to support my neighbors who are here
today en masse to basically deliver a simple message that when it comes to the
enforcement of the regulations and rules in the Miami River, we deserve better.
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Right now I have limited time, so I'm only going to talk about two issues. One of
them is addressing DL 4, which is a discussion item that you have, which has some
legislation being looked at to address the issue of derelict boats and vessels. I
want you to look at that carefully later today, Commissioners, because I think that
there could be a very simple change there that actually addresses this issue once
and for all. When it talks about section 5503(a), about derelict boats that are a
threat to the environment, to navigation, or to other hazards in the community, it
says that the City "may" move them or relocate them. I think the City should be
responsible for that. Can we make it that the City "shall" do that? Yes, there'll be
a budget impact, but we can get that back with good work from the Grants
Department, from FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District), and the Florida
Wildlife Commission. Look, when we have the derelict boats, it's a simple
structural issue. It's everyone's responsibility; it's the City, it's the County, it's the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, it's FIND, it's the Coast Guard. And what
happens when it's everyone's responsibility is that it becomes no one's
responsibility. So that small change can work, and I believe that we should
advocate for that. On the other issue that I want to talk about is the issue of the no
wake idle zone and the speed at which the boats go down the Miami River. I
believe there are technology solutions. There are some safeguards in there. But
the more important thing is that we have to have -- go back to seeing the river as
somewhere where everyone can co -exist, and really demand that as a community.
I thank you for your time, and I know you'll do the right thing. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning.
Edward Lopez: Good morning. My name is Edward J. Oberle Lopez, a resident
of Miami for my entire life, and I'm half Puerto Rican, so it's a great day for that
part. What I'm here to talk about is RE. 4, about Bayfront Park and Ultra Music
Festival. I believe that Ultra Music Festival brings prominence to our City and
generates a tremendous amount of income at a time that every business needs it.
There's not a day that I go by any street where I don't see unoccupied stores. And
when I do see an unoc -- an occupied store, the next time I locate it, it's another
brand. It's a very tough time in the economy, and Ultra brings in millions of
dollars at no expense to the City; whereas any -- many other events that you could
bring into the City, you're going to have to send -- give incentives. Ultra has been
hosted in Miami for 21 years, has been a good tenant -- okay? -- is willing to sign
another 10 year commitment, and I don't think you can replace them by March
2020. And with them giving a 10 year commitment, actually financing a lot of the
projects that you guys want to do for the residents and taxpayers of Miami -Dade, I
believe Ultra should be renewed for the next 10 years. Thank you very much.
Again, my name is Edward J. Oberle Lopez, 900 Biscayne Boulevard. I do
understand that it can be an inconvenience for some people, but it's a three-day
event. It generates million -- multimillion of dollars for every facet; from hotels,
hospitality, Uber drivers, the police force, medical; everything, you know. And it's
basically our Coachella of Florida, you know, and it's a globally renowned
organization, and I believe it should be supported.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Lopez: Thankyou very much for your time.
(Applause)
Chair Russell: Please, hold your applause. We've got a lot of people left to speak.
Good morning.
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Latrice Hill: Good morning. My name is Latrice Hill of Inner City Dance Club of
Miami. I'm here with some of my patrons here, our dancers. We were selected --
We went to competition in December, and we came in second against Canada, and
our girls are going to Europe this year. This is a lot of the girls' first time actually
competing, and I know there are a lot of people who haven't even been in -- gone
to Europe, so we're really excited about it. Our very beloved Commissioner
definitely supported us on RE.9, 6218, in helping us make sure that the funds
needed were allocated to help these girls of Liberty City, Overtown, and Little
Haiti get there. So we wanted to thank you guys. We wanted to come in and let
you know that this is definitely something that is dear to us as residents and
community members of Liberty City, Overtown, and Little Haiti, and that know
money and the taxpayers' dollars are being put to good use, but we definitely
wanted to come and say thankyou.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Thank you.
(Applause)
Chair Russell: The Vice Chairman would like me to remind -- and I'd like to
remind everyone -- when you applaud, I understand your support of people's
comments, but we also try to discourage people booing of people's comments.
Really, we prefer just no external additional comment, because it also just, more
importantly, adds to the time of the day, and we're really just trying to hear what
people have come to say so that we can deliberate and make good decisions. So,
please, no external comments, no booing, no applauding. You can wave your
fingers, you can be quiet about it, but we prefer no outbursts from the public,
please. Thank you very much. Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) clarify (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: I'm a little handicapped in the moment to that, so I'll let you,
Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: We had a chap that landed here a few meetings ago in
Conair, and he was waving the middle finger, so --
Chair Russell: Okay. Be careful with your hand gestures as well. Thank you,
Commissioner Carollo. Good morning.
Alex Kaed: Good morning. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak
today. My name is Alex Kaed. I'm a resident of the downtown Brickell area for
the last seven years. I'm also the Director of the Viacom International Film
Studios in Miami, and I'm here to speak in support of Ultra staying in downtown
Miami for the next 10 years. See, we are in the same entertainment industry. I
produce TV (television) shows and film; they produce music events. And I'm quite
aware of the enormous amount of work and resources required to produce this
type of event. When I heard this year that they had been pushed to Virginia Key, it
actually blew my mind. I actually thought that they were being thrown under the
bus. I think the gentleman -- businessman who was here at the beginning of the
session, businessman who was being recognized for his work and promotion of
Miami said it very clearly; that Miami is a brand, and his effort and everybody's
effort is trying to make Miami stand out. It's the same case with Ultra. Ultra has
been building their brand for the last 20 years and always by the side of Miami.
So it's kind of fair to say that probably Ultra cannot live without Miami and Miami
cannot live without Ultra. I think the matter should also be looked at as if this
were a professional sports league franchise. Is the City of Miami ready to lose the
franchise and let it go to some other city maybe in Florida, maybe out of state? Or
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we actually take into consideration the -- all the advantages and benefits that it
brings to the City; not only nationally, but internationally. And assess, in
conjunction, not only, you know, with the businesses, but also with the neighbors
and the community, what can be done in order to let it stay and continue
promoting the City. Thankyou very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me.
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Chair -- Mr. Manager, I'm a little confused. I keep
hearing "10 years, " which surprises me that someone's going to ask for 10 years.
Why aren't they asking for 20, 50 years, or maybe even a 99 year lease? Is it 10
years what you put in that contract that you negotiated?
Mr. Gonzalez: Not at all, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. All right. So these two guys are connecting like
E.T. (extra -terrestrial), through the minds, and they're all coming with the same
10 years' deal, right? Nobody told them about it.
Ms. Mendez: It's a revocable license agreement; revocable, just like it was the last
time. You have the 60 days to revoke right after the --
Commissioner Carollo: Look, I hadn't seen any 10 years, but I keep hearing this,
and I'm sure I'm going to hear more of the 10 years, so I just thought I'd ask.
Ms. Mendez: No. 10 years, absolutely not, because then everything that you've
said, it triggers lease, procurement, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Gonzalez: No, sir.
Chair Russell: Let's take it up during the item. Thank you. Good morning.
Katelin Stephens: Good morning. My name is Katelin Stephens. I'm a downtown
resident at 340 West Flagler Street. I spoke at the last Commission meeting on the
Ultra matter, and I'm here to speak again, to ask you to vote to keep Ultra at
Bayfront Park. Last time I was here, I spoke more about my personal experiences
working with the festival as an aspiring attorney and the opportunities it presented
for me. Today I'm here to speak again in reinforcement of it. I understand that
things can get frustrating with disruptions to your daily life. As a downtown
resident on the other side of downtown, I'm dealing with the 1st Street Bridge
construction, so I understand. That's a three-year project. Ultra is a three-day
festival. What really has stuck out to me today, in the course of this meeting,
multiple agenda items, is the issue that -- gentrification. And no stranger to topics
in this room, I'm sure. It's plaguing Miami. It's come up at least three different
issues, because I see it applied in the tennis courts, in the swimming pool issue,
and here at Ultra. Ultra has been here -- born in Miami and been here for over 20
years, and now it's being forced out by some of the more affluent residents of the
downtown area. What gentrification -- the textbook definition kind of leaves out a
lot is the erasure, the cultural erasure that it brings, because it moves out the
people who were there first. Ultra is the lifeblood of Miami. It represents that
culture, the vitality that -- it brings in money, we know it brings in people, and it
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encourages the influx of ideas, and it facilitates that exchange every year.
Removing Ultra from Miami would not only be a great economic detriment -- as
you know, the millions of dollars that it brings in -- but it would also really curtail
that cultural development and stifle progress. So I'm asking you today to not
defer, and to vote `yes" to saving Ultra at Bayfront (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Okay?
Bayfront Park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning.
Julia Burtseva: Good morning. My name is Julia Burtseva. I'm a downtown
Brickell resident, 31 Southeast 5th Street. I took time off from my work to come
here and support Ultra Music Festival to stay in Miami at Bayfront Park. I've
heard some comments and complaints from other neighbors, but I really think that
they are not seeing a big picture and in perspective. For example, traffic gets
affected, but it's only for a few hours during three days. The event does an
amazing job at cleaning and clearing the streets and the area right after the event
closes; life goes back to normal that Monday. And the music, which is -- in my
opinion, is great -- stops at 11 p.m. sharp, so everyone can have a good night's
sleep. I have been to cities in New York, where streets and music festivals goes on
until -- all the way into the morning. In comparison, Ultra Music Festival is
actually a very good neighbor. It will be sad to see Miami taking a step
backwards and losing its identity as a progressive city. Please say `yes" to Ultra.
Thank you for listening.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair; if we could get the speaker's name again?
Ms. Burtseva: Julia Burtseva.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
John Snyder: John Snyder. I live at 3980 Hardie Avenue, and I'm here to speak
about Consent Agenda Item 2. This is the resolution accepting the contract with
Friends of Miami Tennis. I've spoken to some of my tennis playing friends, and I
understand that a management contract can either be a good thing or a bad thing.
I'm concerned about privatization of public parks, and I'm not at all certain that
that's what this is, but the supporting information that's provided does not make
that clear. There are provisions in there to continue things pretty much the way
they have been for a short period of time, and then things will change. I'm
concerned about that. And more importantly, it's on the consent agenda. There's
a consent between the City and Friends of Miami Tennis, which is a
nongovernment, not-for-profit organization, but there doesn't seem to be the
consent of the people who use the center. The neighborhood association in
Morningside, the coalition of neighborhood associations, all those people have
their reservations about this. I think it's premature to approve this resolution.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. And there's a lot of discussion on this item,
so I'd just like to ask either the Administration or the Parks Department to look up
these resolutions, because I have not received these homeowner association
resolutions against this item. So if we have received them, I'd like to get a copy of
them. Next speaker, please. Good morning.
Dera Schoenwald: Hi there. Good morning. I'm Dera Schoenwald, Executive
Director of Volunteercleanup.org, which is a local grassroots environmental
nonprofit, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Ultra Music
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Festival -- in support of- not on behalf of. So there've been many topics that have
been or will be discussed as part of Ultra's --festival's return to various venues in
South Florida, including Bayfront Park, but unfortunately, what really hasn't been
discussed as a topic is acknowledging the sustainability efforts they undertook this
past year at Virginia Key. A bit of background: Upon hearing of the concerns
from residents and environmentalists alike, Ultra engaged Volunteercleanup.org
last fall for our help in creating a comprehensive sustainability plan to help
protect Virginia Key. Alongside our friends and partners at Surfrider and Debris -
Free Oceans, we consulted with them extensively and put together an overall
waste management and greening plan, which culminated in an outline of
environmental initiatives, to which they committed to in a jointly signed MOU
(Memorandum of Understanding). I have to say, initially, I was very skeptical on
their ability to execute against all of our asks and requirements, fearful that it
would be just lip service. In the end, however, we were incredibly pleased with the
efforts they went to reduce waste; to significantly phase out single -use plastics,
including straws, Styrofoams, forks; diverting waste from the landfill with a
successful recycling program; 100 percent acceptance rate on their recycling;
increased water bottle refill stations, mandating only biodegradable food service
items, protecting the Bayfront plastics, mitigating impacts to wildlife;
implementing an incredibly successful attendee educational campaign called
"Alission Home, " which reached 2.7 million fans with a strong "Leave No Trace"
messaging. They demonstrated they are good community partners, with a
willingness to listen, learn, and follow our lead; especially for an event that never
even had recycling. I encourage you to review our Independent Scorecard
Assessment, which we have shared with the Commission and will recirculate, as
well as the press release -- they have sent their own -- on sustainability issues, and
to consider these impacts and outcomes when making your decision. I'd like us to
also set the bar for sustainability events -- sustainability plans for future events,
and that the Commission require that these types of sustainability plans become
common practice for all future events in Miami.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good morning.
Daniela Sanchez: Good morning. Daniella Sanchez, 253 Northwest 45th Avenue,
and I'd like to yield my time to Terrell Fritz.
Chair Russell: Okay. Four minutes, then.
Terrell Fritz: Good morning, Mr. Chair, Vice Chair, City Commission, Mayor,
and City Manager. My name is Terrell Fritz. I'm Executive Director of the
Flagler District BID (Business Improvement District), 25 Southeast 2nd Avenue,
in downtown Miami, regarding RE.5, the Flagler Beautification Streetscape
Project. In the interest of time, many property and business owners wanted to
attend today and speak, and a small group will, but given the very full agenda, we
encouraged them to instead complete an online survey supporting the project and
to deliver that message to you. We stay in touch with a majority of the property
owners in the district. We had a great response from district business owners, the
dis -- downtown residents, and the group that identified themselves as "downtown
champions. " The item in front of you today --first, once in a generation -- maybe
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do the right thing for the Historic Flagler
District of Downtown Miami and our original main street. The new Flagler
Business Improvement District, the Flagler District BID, is prepared to step up to
the table and ensure that this project is an unprecedented success. These much-
needed physical improvements, in a long neglected commercial core of the City,
will allow us as the BID to work with the property owners and business owners to
encourage future private sector investment that's required for a true revitalization
of the area. A Streetscape Project is not enough. It won't be what it used to be.
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It's going to be a 21st Century Flagler District, but it promises to be better than
ever. The BID participated recently in a zoning analysis by Gridics. This study
identified the potential for 20 plus million square feet of new development within
the Flagler District while preserving our very special historic properties. So it's
not preservation or development; it's both preservation and development, creating
a destination with a historic character that's unique in the State of Florida and in
the southeast of the United States. This opportunity begins with your
consideration today of the Flagler Beautification Festival Streetscape Project, and
we sincerely appreciate your support in moving this project forward. We provided
the BID's summary package to all of your offices. And I'll be available for
questions when the item is discussed. We thank you, and as a resident of the
Flagler District, I personally thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Is this item -- BID -- it's going to be discussed or it's going
to be --?
Chair Russell: Yes. We have the item on the agenda, and we will be taking it up.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay, because I have some comments that I want to make.
Chair Russell: Absolutely. We'll take it up separately.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
David Grutman: My name is David Grutman. I have a restaurant KOMODO and
Swan and Liv and Story, and I'm here to -- in support of Ultra. Last year, millions
dollars down, but besides that, guys, what Ultra does for me, it puts us on center
stage as an international destination city, and I constantly push Miami, push
Miami, push Miami, and Ultra's one of those marquee events that really helps me
get the greatest people in the world to Miami; celebrities, DJs (disc jockeys),
artists, people starting their career, iconic artists. And for me, it's something that
all my employees and everyone looks forward to is that week. That's a real big
payday for us, and not just for that one week, but ongoing. I mean, every country
wants Ultra. That's a Miami -grown festival. And I just encourage you guys to
please, please, for my staff, for myself, for Miami, bring it back to Miami, where it
started. Thanks.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Gary Ressler: Good morning, Mr. Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, Commissioners, and
Mayor, City Manager, Madam City Attorney. My name is Gary Ressler, of Tilia
Companies, 169 East Flagler Street, here to speak regarding the Flagler Street
Beautification Project, RE.S. I'm President of the Flagler Business Improvement
District, the Flagler District BID, and a board member of the Miami DDA
(Downtown Development Authority), and I speak to you today on behalf of
commercial property owners in the Flagler District. Our vision is a
comprehensive revitalization and rebirth of downtown Miami and its historic core.
Unfortunately, this vision has been hindered by long-delayed Flagler Street
beautification process as it's now nearly impossible to attract new tenants and
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maintain existing tenants during this drawn-out delay. We appreciate your
support over the years, and we appreciate your continued support today, and ask
that you vote "yes " on RE 5. Thank you very much for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Seth Bloomgarden: Good morning. And thank you, Chairman, Vice Chairman,
and Commissioners. My name is Seth Bloomgarden. I am the current Chairman
of the Surfrider Foundation here in Miami. I am also a resident, and live and
work in downtown Miami. And in fact, for a period of time, I've had an office
directly across the street from Bayfront Park. So I'm very familiar with what goes
on with the Ultra Music Festival, and I'm here in support of the festival returning
to Bayfront Park. As you may have previously heard during this session, my
organization was one of the organizations that helped to consult Ultra under the
development of their sustainability plan this year, and I, like the other speaker,
was a little bit skeptical at first, and was really wondering if they were really
going to do the right thing. To my incredible surprise, they went above and
beyond what we asked of them. And I think this is a tremendous opportunity for us
as a city, as a community, to really take a leadership role to make Miami a cleaner
and greener space. Ultra is really willing to step up to do the right thing in this
regard. They've exhibited this by spending a lot of time, resources, and money to
implement some of the sustainability plans that we helped them to develop. I think
this is just the start. I think, if we work together with them as good corporate
citizens, we have the opportunity to showcase Miami as a city that takes the lead
when it comes to sustainability. This can really be an example for other City
events, other City functions, and other cities around the world to stand up and take
note of what we have done here. I appreciate, you know, some of the concerns of
local residents, but I think, if we ask of Ultra the next steps in terms of
environmental sustainability for an organization of this size, this can really move
the needle in a very tremendous way. So I thank you for your time, and hopefully,
we can take the next steps in greening Miami together. Thank you --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Bloomgarden: --very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
Randall Alonso: Thank you. Good morning. My name is Randy Alonso. I'm the
owner of Lost Boy Bar at 157 East Flagler Street, and the Director of the board of
the Flagler BID. Regarding RE. 5, I'm speaking on behalf of the business owners
in the Flagler District. My family has been in business in downtown since 1965,
when my grandfather reopened our Castro -confiscated department store, La
Epoca. My late father, Tony Alonso, who many of you remember, raised me with a
vision of downtown Miami that has always began with a strong, vibrant, and
active Flagler Street. "If the street does well, the neighborhood will do well," he
would say. As tenants and business owners at the street level, we have to interact
with the state of this beautification plan more than anyone else on a daily basis.
The delays that have occurred over the years have had a significant negative
impact on our ability to run and plan our operations. We want to be downtown.
We want to grow our businesses there. We want to continue to invest in the future
of a strong, vibrant, and active Flagler Street in the City of Miami. We shouldn't
have reasons that discourage us to do so. Flagler is the most historic commercial
street in Miami. It deserves the attention it has been waiting for all these years,
since the times my father would describe what downtown Miami could be. A
stronger Flagler Street will be a stronger downtown, and a stronger downtown
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will be a stronger Miami. Let's finally get started on this project, and let all who
live and visit Miami to experience and enjoy it. Thank you for your support.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning.
Ms. Crystal Valle: Hi. Good morning. My name is Crystal Valle, and I'm
speaking in support of Ultra, Agenda Item RE.4. I've been a resident of Brickell
downtown area for 10 years. One of my favorite places in downtown is Bayfront
Park. Bayfront Park tome is Miami Central Park. We are so fortunate to live in a
city where we have access to such a beautiful venue, and where you can walk your
dog, or enjoy a concert at Bayfront's permanent amphitheater, which is actually
intended to host music events. Ultra has been in the downtown area long before
many of these buildings or residents were even there, which is why I don't
understand why someone would move to an area, and then try to change
everything about it. To the best of my knowledge, Bayfront Park is funded entirely
through the production of live events, and not a single tax dollar is budgeted by
the City for the park's upkeep or operating costs. Earlier you recognized a
gentleman for promoting Ultra -- for promoting the City of Miami all over the
world. Well, that's kind of what Ultra has done for Miami as well. I've been very
fortunate to have traveled all over the world.
Chair Russell: Just a moment. Please close that door. Hello? Please close the
door to the chambers. Thank you very much. Sorry about that.
Ms. Crystal: Okay. I also think it's not fair that a handful of residents get to
decide whether the City of Miami benefits from Ultra's economic impact, or drive
away tourists that come to Miami specifically for Ultra. The City has already
driven away the Miami Tennis Open, and now Ultra? How many more events will
we drive away? I'm in support of Ultra staying in Bayfront Park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Brian Alonso: Good morning. My name is Brian Alonso. I am with La Epoca
Properties, located at 1581 Brickell Avenue. I am also a Co -Chair of DDA 's
Flagler Street Task Force since 2012. I'm here to ask your support of RES,
funding for Flagler Street Beautification Project. Our committee has been
working since 2011 with the simple mission to revitalize Flagler Street. In our
beginning phases, we quickly identified a streetscape makeover as our highest
priority to achieve this mission. We worked really hard to get to a
groundbreaking in 2016 for the Streetscape Project, with funding and designs in
place. Unfortunately, the contractor that the City procured significantly
underperformed, and we, together with the City, had to make the rare move to
terminate that contractor and ask the company to leave the site. Since 2017, the
City staff, the DDA, the Flagler Street stakeholders, and now, the Flagler Business
Improvement District, have all worked together to bring this new opportunity to
you again, and now even better. The new contractor has been selected differently,
and the design has been made even better. I want to commend the whole team on
putting together the funding, including garnering significant funding from Miami -
Dade County. On behalf of those who have worked so hard through so many
years, I want to tell you, I believe we finally have it right now. I thank you for
your support in moving this project forward. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Julie Kim: Good morning, Chairman [sic] and Commissioners. My name is
Julie Kim. I'm here today in support of Ultra Music Festival in -- to be in Bayfront
Park. I've been a res -- Miami resident for many years. I've also been a resident
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in New York City for many years, but I decided to move back to Miami. I moved
back because of the amazing transformation that Miami has gone through over the
years. I moved to Miami Beach, then to downtown Miami. I deliberately chose
these neighborhoods, because I wanted to be in that big center of all the actions
and events. If I wanted more peace and quiet, I probably would have moved to
Pinecrest or Boca. I've been a huge supporter for Ultra for many years; not just
as an attendee, but now also as a small business owner in Miami. It has brought
many more different activities, events, which has led to more job creations as well.
Miami is known for being diverse, young, lively city; that's why people vacation
here, invest and open businesses, and choose to live here. Ultra is one of the
biggest known music festivals; not only in the nation, but in the world, and it
brings people from almost every continent to Miami. The festival is actually a
remarkable experience. They're also a great partner for the City ofMiami. And if
you ask many other business owners, restaurant owners, and hotels if Ultra
benefits their business, it would be an overwhelming `yes. " Miami's still a
growing city. And if we inhibit something that brings growth, what a disservice it
is to this City. The amount of benefits are well worth just a single weekend, so
please vote "yes." Thank you for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Gabriel Hernandez: Good morning. My name is Gabriel Hernandez. I am a
resident of 111 East Flagler Street, in downtown Miami. I'm also the President of
the Historic Flagler's First Condominium, and I'm here in regards to RE. 5. I just
want to let everybody know, I'm a native of Miami. My family emigrated here from
Cuba in 1959, and I have been residing in downtown since 2011. I moved to the
City. I was very excited to see all the opportunities and the buildings and
everything that was just growing up in front of us. New businesses were opening.
Then we were assessed to have our street renovated; everybody was excited about
that. And since 2016, we are still waiting for that street. That street is exactly
where it was when it started, and we need it. We need it. We have businesses
closing. We have restaurants that we used to go to that aren't there anymore. And
as a passionate Miamian, I feel that we should have a pride in our City and in our
founding street. Henry Flagler came here for this reason. We need to fix the
street. We need your support. And I appreciate you guys listening to me today.
Thank you so much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Arantza Muro: Good morning. My name is Arantza. I've been a resident of
Miami for the -- downtown Miami for the past 18 years, and I'm here to speak in
favor of Ultra Music Festival residing in Bayfront Park. I'm very proud to say that
I support it with the Mission Control Team, which was a group ofpeople that went
around the festival, encouraging everyone to have fun and to party in a
responsible way, to take care of their spaces, of each other as a community. And I
was very happy to see that everyone was very inspired to recycle the plastic, to not
leave any trace behind, and to encourage each other to do so. And I think that
Ultra can offer a platform where people can not only go and have fun, but actually
change the way and the stigma around a music festival, where you can actually go
and inspire each other and really take care of your space. And this is a good
opportunity that Miami can integrate, and not only for this festival, but in general,
because we have over 70 percent of 60, 000 people that attend the festival that
come from other countries, precisely for the festival. So I would like to share that,
and to invite you all to please consider that, and to see that it is beautiful to have
60,000 people from all over the world coming together to celebrate in our City,
and to do so in a responsible way, and then to take that home and inspire everyone
as well. So thankyou.
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Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair; if we could get the speaker's name again?
Chair Russell: Your name, please.
Ms. Muro: My name? Aramza Muro.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Ms. Muro: Thank you.
Robert Geitner: Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Vice Chair, Commissioners. My
name is Robert Geitner. I'm Executive Director of the Olympia Theater, here to
support the Flagler Beautification Festival Streetscape Project, Item RES. As
Flagler Street stands today, Olympia Theater patrons encounter broken sidewalks
with loose tiles and asphalt patching -- not great for high heels -- curbs and steps
that are inconsistent, tripping hazards, and a neighborhood environment that does
not project an attractive destination. Despite these conditions, Olympia has
significantly increased cultural and community programming at the historic venue,
since assuming operations in 2011. Once the new Streetscape is completed, we
anticipate bringing more new programming to downtown Miami throughout the
year. The Olympia Theater is an open and active destination in the Flagler
District, and a neighbor and a participant in its benefit. We are prepared to come
to the table to support this project with grants that we already have in place from
the Miami Foundation and DDA. Our Flagler Storefront Activation Program
proposes to activate vacant storefronts with temporary performing and visual art
pop -ups throughout the duration of the construction project. I'd like to thank you
for your support of this very important project. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning. Next speaker.
Tamela Barnett: Good morning. My name is Tamela Barnett. I'm a recent
graduate at FIU (Florida International University). I moved up here in 2012, and
I had the opportunity to attend Ultra Music Festival on different occasions. It was
one of the best experiences of my life; especially when it was down at Bayfront
Park. The amazing people I met from different cultures and backgrounds were all
unified and integrated through the sound of music. I'm here in support of the
festival. It's obviously [sic] that it benefits the City economically, but it also has a
represen -- it also is a representation of the City's diverse ethnic background. So
again, I support it, and I hope you really consider it. Thank you.
Dylan Finger: Hi. My name is Dylan Finger. I am here today representing Mana
Miami on two different issues; RE.4, which is Ultra, and RES, which is the
Flagler Streetscape Improvements. I have some handouts here to start off with
RE.4, if I could -- So RE.4, regarding the Ultra Music Festival, you know, we're
not here to either support or not support it going down to Bayfront. We are here,
however, supporting strongly keeping it within the City of Miami. Mana
Wynwood, which is our properties in holdings in Wynwood, consist of about 40
acres of mainly open land, including 140,000 square foot of convention space.
And what we're here today is to really put our self [sic] out there as an
exploratory interest in letting the Commission know and the City know that should
this vote go "no" or "in the future" that we are here to offer ourselves up to look
into the possibility of having Ultra in Wynwood. We already had preliminary
meetings with the Wynwood BID, some of the members, with the Executive
Director, initially just discussing and seeing what could be possible, and I think
the general consensus is that -- you know, of course, there will always be "no"
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and there will always be `yes, " but I think it's more about if it's planned properly
as a community effort involving everybody within the community, as well as us as
landowners that we could possibly pull off something incredible. So that's why I'm
here today on the one item; is to just offer that up. We have a letter that's being
put into record, so in the future, should this go either which way that we're open to
work with the City and the stakeholders and the Wynwood BID to try and make
that happen. On the second issue, which is RE.5, the Wynwood -- sorry -- the
Flagler Streetscape Improvements, I've been involved, since probably 2015,
seeing, you know, the existing part of the work that was done in front of the
courthouse, and kind of not being impressed with the workmanship and the design.
We stepped in rather aggressively when the contractor was terminated to create
what we believe should be Historical Main Street, Miami and should be a
signature street showing really the main street of what Miami is, and we worked
on a design that would enhance the current design to make Flagler Street
incredible. You know, we've invested, as personal property owners, over $350
million on -- in that Flagler Street core on buying properties in the vested interest
of changing that whole neighborhood. Since we've come up with this new design,
we've worked painstakingly with the City, with the DDA, with the Flagler Task
Force, with the County, with everybody, and we've all worked together in order to
come up, all right, with where we are today.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Finger: That's it.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Finger: Okay.
Chair Russell: Yeah, we're well past the two minutes. Thank you very much.
Mr. Finger: I thought you were going to give me another two minutes.
Chair Russell: You needed four; I apologize. Did someone --
Mr. Finger: You said that I could. Anyway --
Chair Russell: If you could just wrap it up.
Mr. Finger: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) two separate --
Chair Russell: I know there was two different items. I apologize.
Mr. Finger: Okay. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is fine. I think (UNINTELLIGIBLE) my
point's put across.
Chair Russell: No. Thank you very much.
Mr. Finger: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Finger: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Stick around.
Mr. Finger: Okay.
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Commissioner Carollo: So that maybe you could take them over to Wynwood, if
you'd like.
Mr. Finger: Okay. Thanks.
Commissioner Carollo: Its enclosed; the noise don't go out, right?
Mr. Finger: All right. I'll try. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
Joseph Robert: Good morning. My name is Joseph Robert Rosilla. I'm speaking
on behalf of -- or in support of Ultra Music Festival. I've lived here all my life. I
was born here. And, of course, we have major negative economic impacts, like
hurricanes, Zika, and now piles of seaweed. It's unusual to have an economic
driver homegrown here that has brought thousands, tens of thousands of people,
and millions of people have been shown the positive attributes of Miami through
Ultra. It's viewed around the world in 30 different countries, and they all come to
visit here and spend money. It also provides jobs, police, firefighters, electricians,
carpenters, lobbyists; all sorts of folks that benefit from this. And to, you know,
put a damper on it would be --it doesn't make sense. We should support it in full.
Miami should put its full weight behind supporting this great event, including
thinking about maybe even deeding property to Ultra, so they have a permanent
home where they can really roll up their sleeves and provide jobs. It's an
economic driver that provides jobs, and we should support it, and I hope you
support it as well. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning.
Phoebe Hibshman: Good morning.
Commissioner Carollo: Maybe we should even name the City of Ultra.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
Ms. Hibshman: Hi. My name is Phoebe Hibshman. I've lived in Miami 28 years.
I lived all over Miami. The last two years, I've been living on the river, and I want
to talk to you a little bit about the river. I lived on Brickell for about three months,
and now I live at 1000 Northwest North River Drive. It's the "Wild, Wild West" on
the river. I see your boats -- the police boat once a day, maybe, but what's going
on -- I actually have lots of video evidence. And I agree with you, Commissioner;
we should have cameras. It shouldn't be that hard. Why don't you put some
cameras up? Put it in your budget so we can actually start having tickets and
violations, and you can have some sort of income. But on the river, it's a mess. I
have videos of dead turtles being killed by boats, of manatees ripped apart, of
people blasting their music so loudly at 3 and 4 in the morning, I don't sleep.
Commissioner Carollo: That's why you don't have cameras.
Ms. Hibshman: That's what?
Commissioner Carollo: That's why you don't have cameras, because you don't
want -- some people don't want the evidence of the music being blasted so loud.
Ms. Hibshman: It is. It's really sad.
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Commissioner Carollo: I had cameras, that they were offered to me at one time.
In fact, they were put up in Little Havana for a short period of time, couple of
months --
Ms. Hibshman: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- until someone asked for videos. Within a couple of
days, cameras disappeared.
Ms. Hibshman: Well, put them up tall. Do something, because it's -- you're
destroying the nature of the river. You're destroying it.
Commissioner Carollo: What you and everyone --
Ms. Hibshman: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of your neighbors are asking for in the river -- the
problems you're describing is the problem that I have in a big portion of my
district, and we're not in the water; that Commissioners Gort has --
Ms. Hibshman: Yep.
Commissioner Carollo: -- in a big portion of his district; Commissioner Reyes, to
a lesser part; Commissioner Hardemon, I know, because I'm getting constant
complaints from his district. So you're not immune to what is happening.
Ms. Hibshman: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: And the biggest problem is that there is no accountability.
We're being run amuck by bureaucrats; that the only thing they care about -- you
know what it is? Keeping their jobs. And if that means that people that are doing
whatever they please are going to be protected, because they can do a lot more
than a few of you can, then that's what's going to happen. But this same problem
that you're describing on the river, the lawlessness, we're seeing it across the City
of Miami.
Ms. Hibshman: There's a real disregard, a real disrespect.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah; no accountability, whatsoever.
Ms. Hibshman: But I'm willing to help and put cameras up; help you in any way I
can, personally, and in our neighborhoods, but --
Commissioner Carollo: But don't worry; I'm sure someone will come there and
they'll be taking selfies, and they'll be putting it up in a Tweeter account, and
they'll say that, you know, they're doing great for you, and that's all you get.
Ms. Hibshman: All right. Thank you. Thank you for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning.
Jose Rodriguez: Good morning. My name is Jose Rodriguez, and I live in the
Roads. I'm here against parks in the Roads. Through the Freedom of Information,
we find out that the property located on 25th Road and 5th Avenue was purchased
for 1.3 hundred thousand dollars [sic].
Chair Russell: I'm sorry, sir. Which item are you speaking about?
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Mr. Rodriguez: Against the park in the Roads.
Chair Russell: Is that an item on this agenda?
Mr. Rodriguez: It's for everybody, right?
Chair Russell:
I'm just -- sorry. I just wanted just for the -- just for our
understanding
--
Mr. Rod Rodriguez: I signed for it.
Chair Russell:
Yeah. No. I just wanted to know if you're speaking specifically to
an item on this
agenda and for or against, just so we --
Mr. Rodriguez:
I'm against it.
Chair Russell:
You're against a --
Mr. Rodriguez:
Yes.
Chair Russell:
--park in the Roads?
Mr. Rodriguez:
Right.
Chair Russell:
Okay.
Mr. Rodriguez: Yes, since I live in the Roads for the last 29 years. All right? This
purchase was done from money that was supposed to be used for what is called
"Community Develop [sic] Block Grant" money. It was not purchased from funds
that were generated by the park incomes. If that funds is used from this grant, it is
supposed to be used only for HUD (Department of Housing and Urban
Development). That means low house incomes, and it was used to purchase a
park, which is no longer a park -- or what is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- excuse me --
it is required by this fund. So what I'm saying is, these funds were intent and used
for the wrong purpose. If I call the Federal Government and I tell them that these
funds were used for something that was not supposed to be use, the City has to pay
back all that money, and looking at this property, it's paid 1.13 for a piece of
property that now is going to become a park. That's not counting that this City has
to pay between 6 and $800, 000 for that park to be built. Is those funds to build
that park is going to come from the same funds that was supposed to be used for
low housing income? Or is this just to become --you know, use however the City
wants to? It's outrageous, sir. You know, funds have to be used for the purpose
that they need to be used --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Mr. Rodriguez: -- not for something else, and this is what this area's been used
for.
Chair Russell: Thank you, sir. What is the address of the park again?
Mr. Rodriguez: This property is located on 25th Road and 5th Avenue.
Chair Russell. Thank you. Mr. Manager, could you take note and brief the
Commissioners on that, so that we understand the funding source? It's not on this
agenda, I don't believe. It was on a prior agenda. Thank you.
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Christina Palomo: Good morning, everyone. Christina Palomo. I'm a resident of
244 Biscayne Boulevard, and also a Bayfront Park Advisory Board member.
Today, I'm here as a downtown resident to speak on RES and RE4, Flagler
Beautification and Ultra. So on RES, I would just like to quickly reiterate the
need for the Commission to support this beautification of Flagler, which is our
main street; cannot be delayed anymore. This several -year-long delay has been
hurting the businesses and preventing new ones from coming into the district. So
downtown cannot meet its full potential without the completion of this project.
Please, I ask the Commission to move forward swiftly, as it's essential to the
vitality and progress of the downtown and CBD (Commercial Business District).
On REA what I would like to say is we have all been here before discussing this
issue of Ultra, but this time around, there are some factors that make this a very
different conversation, and mainly, this is the fact that we are here today
discussing reintroducing Ultra to Bayfront Park on the same year as the hosting of
Super Bowl 2020 Fan Fest, and this is truly inconsistent with the unanimous
position that this same Commission took in support of administering the 85
percent rule, ensuring that Bayfront Park would be kept open to the public, and
useable at least a minimum 85 percent of the time. Ultra coming in on the tail end
of Super Bowl Fan Fest, with other events, such as the Miami Marathon,
scheduled in between, will mean that the park will be largely inaccessible for the
majority of January until May of 2020. So to me, the real big picture here is that
this is about much more than a park and a music festival. This is about sending a
message to the residents of Miami that the rules made here are made to appease
when needed and to later break when convenient, and I believe this is the wrong
message. So I urge you to think about that while contemplating on this decision,
and ensure that a more appropriate venue is selected for Ultra to allow it to
remain in Miami at an alternate location. Lastly, I will respectfully ask the
Commission to address today the status of the outstanding debt that, as of a couple
of weeks ago, was reportedly owed from Ultra to the City of Miami of
approximately $866,000 for Fire, Police, and waste services, and inform the
taxpayers as to whether this amount has been satisfied in full or is still
outstanding.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Palomo: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Good morning.
Evelyn Lujan: Good morning. My name is Evelyn Lujan. I'm also a resident of
the neighborhood, the Roads, and I'm here to oppose the parks. We found out that
the City was going to build four parks without our neighborhood, after they have
already purchased the land. We start asking our neighbor --
Ms. Mendez: Excuse me, Miss. Who else is here to talk about the parks
purchases? Okay. That item is not on this agenda today. The only thing that's on
the agenda today has to do with re --
Unidentified Speaker: Zoning.
Ms. Mendez: -- zoning uses of parks generally, whether they're 40, 000 square feet
and parking requirements to parks. Nothing having to do with actual purchases of
parks is on the agenda today.
Ms. Lujan: But they already purchase, and they're trying to change the zoning
also.
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Ms. Mendez: Right. So those items -- whenever the zoning comes, that's the
appropriate time to talk about those items.
Ms. Lujan: Okay. But they already purchase, and they are planning to do the
park, so how do we stop it?
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Ms. Lujan: Because they already --
Chair Russell: I'll allow it. Thank you, Madam City Attorney. Now it's noted.
This is from a prior purchase. They're here to -- and I'll allow it. I know you're
here this morning, so you don't have to --
Ms. Lujan: They already --
Chair Russell: -- come back this afternoon.
Ms. Lujan: Yes.
Chair Russell: Her point is that the actual zoning issue is on the afternoon's
agenda. And so, you would normally have to wait until 2 p.m. to even speak on
this item.
Ms. Mendez: No, no. The -- there is -- I was just saying zoning -- a zoning text
amendment is on for this afternoon; it has nothing to do with these park
purchases. That would have to come for re -zonings in the future.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Ms. Mendez: This is not on the agenda at all today.
Chair Russell: No, I understand, and I agree with you.
Ms. Lujan: And we can come another day, but we wanted -- because they already
ask a few people to design the park, so we don't want -- we -- you know, we just
find out about this --
Chair Russell: You don't want a park?
Ms. Lujan: We just find out about this parks. Even the neighborhood around that
park, around, they just find out about this park.
Chair Russell: Understood. And you're not in favor?
Ms. Lujan: No.
Chair Russell: I think you have some work to do with your local Commissioner --
Ms. Lujan: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- I think, with that regard so that, hopefully, what goes there is
what the neighbors want --
Ms. Lujan: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- because I -- it's --
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Ms. Lujan: And the thing is that the -- in that -- in those meetings, they only goes
10 to 15 people. And the last meeting, the Commissioner was not there, and it was
packed, because now the neighborhood find out about the park, and it was packed.
And we really want to stop the parks. We have been living there -- myself, more
than -- in the area, 33 years; in the Roads, 15 years. I choose that neighborhood
because it was a quiet neighborhood. We don't want those parks around. And we
just find out -- people around just find out. I have two teenagers that grew up in
that house, and I have taken to the parks around; that they are three to four
minutes driving, and now they are wanting to do four parks inside the
neighborhood that we don't want it. Thank you so much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Commissioner Carollo: Chairman --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you've taken some time to ask questions; you're going
to get some answers. First of all, the question about four parks inside the Roads,
that's absolutely not true, absolutely not true. There's one park in the main part of
the Roads, the heart of the Grove, that doesn't have a single park that was
mentioned here before, and then there's a second park in the outskirts, within 50
feet inside the Roads. And the problem here is that a small minority of people --
that have a right -- have opposed this, led by a young man that doesn't live and
hasn't lived for some time in the Roads. They are being told a lot of stories. These
are parks, just like the ones that you have in Coconut Grove. The playground next
to the Dog Park that you have in a part of your district, do you find that offensive
that that is killing the Grove, it's bringing all kinds of tray5ric, it's bringing all kinds
of people from the outside? No. You know well that these parks are designed for
the neighborhoods. The problem here is -- and I'm going to lay it out as clear as I
can -- that a couple of people have started putting out the word that the outsiders,
those on the other side of 8th Street, as one called them, that I was told, "the
Indians. " The racism is coming into play here, and they're telling people that
others that don't look like them, that don't have the same level of monetary
achievement, are going to be the ones coming into the neighborhood. Now, the
latest one is that traffic -- that their property values, they started first by saying it
was going to go down. When that didn't work, well, your taxes are going to
increase, because this is going to make the property values higher. I never
thought in my life that by providing what I stated when I ran that I was going to
do, bringing parks to this district, doing what the homeowners association from
that area requested of me to do -- in fact, that particular site, it was the
homeowner association, the Roads Homeowner Association, that brought this site
to me -- that I would get a handful of people trying to create this opposition to
create a park for young kids. Maybe this is the only place in America that you'll
see this. I don't know. But certainly, some of the statements that were made here,
we would not have done -- none of the employees in the City that approved this,
that have taken the steps to buy that particular park -- anything wrong if they
hadn't checked with it through the whole Administration. This is where the funds
were for this particular park, out of six that we're looking at, out of which four, not
in the Roads, are -- was said to me that it was fine to use funds of the sorts for this
park. Now, we follow a democratic process. They've had an opportunity to go to
three public meetings that we had. And what has happened in those meetings is
that many of the people with kids that want to go, they're afraid to go, because
they don't want to be bullied, it's screaming, demands being made, where little
kids are being scared to see what is going on, but I assure you -- and like I said to
them, they could take care of it in-house within the neighborhoods -- that a
majority of the people there would want to see parks for their kids. I cannot
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believe that anyone that has a young child or grandkids don't want a pocket park
within the neighborhood that is going to be closed before it gets dark, where they
could walk to the park and enjoy something good. You know, it's beyond me.
Now, if it's personal, that you got a few people stroking it more because it's me,
that's fine; I'm a big boy, and I could take it.
Ms. Lujan: Let me explain. Okay.
Chair Russell: Ma'am, you're not recognized at the moment.
Commissioner Carollo: But, you know --
Chair Russell: Just -- let's wrap --
Commissioner Carollo: -- if you've asked that she was finished already, this is
why I want to bring this out to you, so that you can understand it. Everyone here
had the opportunity to ask questions when it was approved. We had, at prior
meetings, the two organizers that have a house across from it that came in here --
one, like I said, the son that doesn't live in the district -- they've gone --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to all three meetings. Even my wife, in the first one,
was grabbed by the arm by one lady.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: So I can't be as clear. And if this is going to be the game
we're going to play, then I suggest that you contact the President of the
homeowner association of the Roads, and there's plenty of people that we could
bring up here that will speak for the parks.
Ms. Lujan: We don't have --
Chair Russell: Thank you. Ma'am, you're not recognized at the moment. This is
not an item on the morning's agenda. This afternoon on the PZ agenda, we're
taking up a zoning text amendment that would allow for the rezoning of small
spaces into parks. That would be the appropriate time to handle this whole entire
discussion. So if there's anyone else here who'd like to speak on the PZ agenda,
please allow the morning's agenda people to come up first, because we only have
20 minutes left in the morning.
Ms. Lujan: Okay.
Chair Russell: And so, we really want to let the people who are here to speak on
the morning's agenda speak about it; and then, if we have time to get to the PZ
agenda items, if anyone's still here for that, they can speak then, or at 2 p.m. when
we reconvene for the P&Z.
Commissioner Carollo: But again --
Chair Russell: I do not want to get in an argument right now about an item that's
not on the agenda. This is a past purchase. I understand the unhappiness about
that by some residents, but this is not the moment to get into it.
Ms. Lujan: Can I not say anything then?
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Chair Russell: You'd like to go back and forth with the Commissioner --
Ms. Lujan: No, no, no.
Chair Russell: -- over the things that were said, so --
Ms. Lujan: I just want to clarify something. There is no association in the Roads.
There's one person that goes to the meeting, but there's no association. We don't
pay for association. Our faults that we don't go to the meetings.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Ms. Lujan: Only (UNINTELLIGIBLE) person, and we have more than ISO
signatures --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Ms. Lujan: -- already collected. And the last meeting was packed of all the
neighbor that don't -- that we don't want the parks.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Lujan: Thankyou so much.
Chair Russell: Thank you, ma'am.
Ms. Mendez: Chairman, I --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- just wanted to clarify just for the record, the funds that were
utilized to purchase those properties, that was all legal; it was appropriate. I
don't like the allegations that are being made with regard to that, so I just wanted
to clarify that for the record.
Chair Russell: They were asking. There were questions about whether they
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: Right, right. That's why I just wanted to make --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, they were not questions. Those were accusations
that were being made --
Ms. Mendez: Right. So I just wanted --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that we had done something illegal, incorrect.
Ms. Mendez: --so I wanted to clam that that was a proper --
Chair Russell: Purchase. Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: --you know, use of funds.
Chair Russell: Thank you. And that's what I had asked, just to send us a memo.
We don't need to go through it now. Good morning.
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Jenny Mena: Good morning. My name is Jenny Mena, and I'm here representing
Horizon Homes Realty. I am here in support of Ultra Music Festival. I speak on
behalf of the mindful investors that are aware of growth development in the City of
Miami. Downtown Miami and Brickell has transformed and enhanced for the
better. I love the Grove and the revolutions taking place, especially with electric
scooters and the expansion of Brightline. We have a lot of movement, because it's
the heart of Miami; therefore, it is hard to move around. There is traffic; residents
are constantly complaining about having to detour because of the construction;
South Beach is way overrated. So anything and everything is happening in
downtown, Brickell, or even Wynwood. Other marathons and walks for amazing
causes, like Susan G. Komen that I love, participate, and begin in Bayside, the
"Central Park" of Miami. Bayfront Park has been around for almost a hundred
years, and yes, I do agree that we should maintain and possibly upgrade a little,
like the redevelopment projects I seethe City working on. We are evolving. We're
no longer buying single-family homes with a white picket fence. Now we're
sending our kids off on Ubers with strangers, riding scooters around town,
adapting to a more creative urban lifestyle. Bayfront Park is not only for
community yoga, operas, and the marathons that shut down the streets for an
amazing cause, but everything Miami, including the loud tiki-tiki music from
Ultra, the best Fourth of July fireworks. And the City should take into
consideration how mindful Ultra was this year. They worked with clean vibes to
ensure our beaches did not get damaged. Thank you, Ultra, for your awareness.
Quoting Maya Angelou, "When you know better, you do better." I love Miami and
what we are known for; the melting pot, full of different cultures, art, food, and
music. We're the home of the Miami Heat. We have the best beaches, festivals,
and Super Bowl 2020. Let's continue to grow and invest in the City of Miami by
allowing Ultra to remain at Bayfront Park; their home for the past 20 years.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Charles Ratner: Good morning, Commissioners, Mr. Manager, and staff. Thank
you for the opportunity to speak in favor of Ultra today. My name is Charles
Ratner. I'm a born -and -raised Miami native, and transactional real estate
attorney, with oj5rices at 605 Lincoln Road, Suite 210, in Miami Beach. My sister
and I are City of Miami property owners and taxpayers, with property at 127
Northwest 5th Street, in Overtown, adjacent in Miami Central, which my family
has owned for almost a hundred years. What an honor to be able to speak in favor
of Ultra Music Festival, an item before you on Nestor Torres Day. What a
beautiful performance Mr. Torres shared with us this morning. We are "over the
rainbow. " We're not in Kansas anymore, and Miami certainly gives Oz a run for
its money. As the Mayor said earlier, Miami is truly a global city, and the City has
no greater global ambassador than Ultra, whose mere name is synonymous with
the City of Miami. My children have interned for Ultra for many years -- yes,
Ultra has interns -- and have collaborated with Ultra, as I've stated before, to
raise money for `Make a Wish. " My family has witnessed firsthand the generous
and responsible corporate citizen that Ultra is, and you should be proud that they
want to continue their Miami residency, as well as their sustainability efforts in
your proud city. Not a single company or event in town is an international brand
ambassador for the City of Miami like Ultra is. Ultra brands and magnifies the
City like no one in the world; no one, and you get this for free. Actually, they pay
you for it. My oldest son spent a semester in Prague last year. And whenever he
wore his Ultra shirt, he was approached and asked if he was from Miami. My
other son recently (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Israel was similarly asked questions.
My daughter right now is in Morocco, and also wore an Ultra shirt, and people
asked her, Is Ultra coming back to Miami?" They're asking this question in
Morocco, a world away. Ultra's are held in cities throughout the world, but I
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want to share with you again that the City of Miami is the only city with an Ultra
that has its own flag branding the City. Every other flag is a country flag. You
should be proud of this, guys. You really should. Thank you for the opportunity to
speak today.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Matilda Kalaveshi: Good morning. My name is Matilda Kalaveshi. I am a
resident of Key Biscayne.
Chair Russell: Get a little closer to the mike, please.
Ms. Kalaveshi: Yes.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Kalaveshi: So I've been here numerous times, asking for your support in
making Miami a more liva -- downtown Miami a more livable place. I am here
today because I want to continue being a downtown resident. I want to continue
being a taxpaying downtown resident. I want to continue to contribute to the local
economy and to the downtown businesses daily; not for a weekend; not once a
year. Because let's face it; it's not Beyonce or celebrities that are walking down
downtown Miami and supporting the local businesses. It's myself and other
downtown residents. Unfortunately, I cannot do any of the above if my rights for
safe shelter and tranquility are taken away from me. As it stands right now, four
months -- the first four months of 2020 are booked with the (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
of back-to-back events at the park. Adding Ultra into the mix means an additional
two months of chaos; chaos in a park that is in desperate need of renovation. Yet,
we are not talking about renovation. We are talking about continuously
destroying and abusing this park. Today, you are not voting about the proverbial
privileged rich downtown residents that people like us -- to address us as. You're
voting for me. I'm not rich. I'm not privileged. I am a law-abiding citizen of
downtown Miami, and I ask your support in voting "no " against Ultra. And also,
as a side note, a gentleman mentioned that Ultra can be compared to Coachella.
It's a great comparison. Coachella takes part -- or takes place outside the city, in
the middle of nowhere. So if you want to compare the two, this is a great
comparison. Thank you, everybody.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Claudia Roussel: Good morning. My name is Claudia Roussel, 10 Museum Park.
Dear Commissioners, my name is Claudia Roussel, from 10 Museum Park, and I
speak in opposition of Ultra. Once again, the downtown residents stand in front of
you asking to do the right thing. And once and for all, say "no" to Ultra in
Bayfront Park. Nobody is saying "no" to Ultra in Miami, but not in an already
densely packed neighborhood, which is becoming more and more a home for
families. Why is it that we have continually to fight for basic rights, like quiet
enjoyment of our homes and use of our parks, which are reasons we decided to
live here in the first place? Ultra, plain and simple, outgrew Bayfront Park. It
needs to find a new home. Times and situations are constantly changing in a city,
and responsible City leaders understand that fact and act accordingly. I hope you
will, too. A final point, to add insult to injury, the downtown community is being
told that all the money being generated by Ultra will go into the general City fund,
so our community suffers and gets nothing in return. We are being told the Park
Trust has no money for security, the upkeep of our parks, and mediocre at best,
due to low staffing. And Maurice Ferre Park still is waiting for a long promised
children playground, but Bayfront Park is being given away for free. Voters living
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in downtown, please, wake up and make your voices heard at the next election.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Victor Gadino: Hello, hello. Victor Gadino. I'm owner at 50 Biscayne. And I'm
here again today having to take off work, and I'm feeling lousy, because I didn't
sleep last night, worrying about Ultra coming back to the park. I'm not against
Ultra in Miami. I think it's a great event, but it needs to find a home other than
Bayfront Park. And I don't even understand how this issue can be up again for
consideration when it was proven how dangerous and destructive Ultra is to the
park, the neighborhood, and the people that live there, and you all agreed and
voted against it, so I don't even understand what I'm doing here, tell you the truth.
So, you know, so this year, it was held in Virginia Key, and then I read about all
the people in Coconut Grove hating the noise and the mess and everything that
happened there, and it was miles away from anyone's home in Virginia Key.
Bayfront Park is -- Ultra at Bayfront Park is feet away from my home and many
others' homes; just feet, not miles. You know, it belongs in a big arena, a bigger
somewhere. I love that Wynwood guy; that was the great idea, I think, but not in
the middle of a dense residential neighborhood. Please help us keep the park safe.
I appreciate it. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Can we quiet it down just a little
bit in the chambers? I hear some talking. It's hard to hear the people speaking.
Rebecca Yu: Hi. My name is Rebecca Yu. I'm a resident of 50 Biscayne, in
downtown Miami. I am here to talk about Ultra. We're not opposed to Ultra, but
its scale and noise level is no longer suitable for the downtown area. With 60, 000
people in one day in attendance, it is the capacity of a large stadium. Do you
really think that Bayfront Park can really fit a stadium? With that said, we think a
stadium in the Miami area is more suitable for the Ultra Festival. We want to
keep Ultra in Miami, but the Mayor also talk about the high quality of life. We
have no quality of life while Ultra is here. People came here, talk about music
playing by the boats on the river. We have a speaker pointed at us, three days
straight. This is our Central Park. Bayfront Park is our Central Park. It will be
unheard of to close the entire Central Park in New York for months on end, from
January to May. Why do you think that Miami residents should suffer as such? If
you vote "yes, " you are saying that -- you agree to moving to 50 Biscayne during
the Ultra time. And let me just paint a picture for you what having Ultra is like.
Two months before the concert, part of the park start to close down; there are
giant machines coming in, like alien invasion; dust everywhere; trucks beeping all
day long; nails on the sidewalks and the street; humans and dogs cannot walk on
the sidewalks, and we have personally had two flat tires in different years because
of Ultra. Also, two weeks before, the entire park is closed; no access to children's
playground; not a patch of green grass for the dogs; we have to walk half a mile
north or south; and also, the homeless start to move out of the park to the corners
of Flagler and the sidewalks on our streets.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Your time's expired. Thank you. Good morning.
Randy Holingworth: Good morning, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Commissioners.
Randy Holingworth, 848 Brickell Key Drive. I want to hand this out to the
Commission. The page you're receiving is a picture from my balcony. I'm not
only a resident of downtown, which so many people here are saying they're
residents of downtown -- Ultra is in my front yard. I am here not to oppose Ultra;
I'm here to oppose Ultra being in my front yard. This is an event that -- earlier,
someone said, you know, "We're gentrifying downtown, and we're moving to
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Ultra. " No, that's not true. I have lived with my family on Brickell Key for 11
years. Ultra came to Bayfront Park after I moved. They were in Centennial Park,
facing north, towards the -- at that time, the newspaper. There was very, very few
residents. It was really unobtrusive. When they moved to Bayfront Park, they
turned their stage in my direction, in the middle of that circle that you see on that
drawing. We listened to 31 hours of constant pounding music. It's intolerable. It
starts not on Friday; it starts on Thursday night, when they start doing the sound
checks. We get those for three or four hours on Thursday night, and then from 12
-- from 4 o'clock to 12 o'clock, from noon to 12 o'clock, and from noon to 11
o'clock. It's intolerable. We close our doors. We try to go to the bathroom,
because that's the only room without windows, and it comes through the vents; it's
so loud. You cannot stand the noise for three days straight, nonstop. They don't
take breaks. The other thing I want to say is -- you're talking about money. I did a
quick analysis of our building. There are four units per floor, facing this Ultra
event. For 43 floors, the total combined real estate taxes that those 270 -- 170
units pay is $2.7 million a year for one building; one building, 2.7 million. $2
million from Ultra is nothing. Thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Fran Fenton: Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. My name is
Fran Fenton. I live in One Miami. I'm going to make my speech a little shorter,
because I'd also like to speak about RE. S, which I am in favor of. I don't have
anything more to say to that, because I thought everyone who was for that made a
very good speech already. So my main focus is on RE.4; against Ultra returning
to Bayfront Park. I think what has been overlooked is the fact that it has proven to
be a health hazard when you listen to loud music for extended periods of time.
That doesn't seem to be talked about much. That's not right for the residents in 50
Biscayne or anywhere else in the area. I never minded when Ultra was in the
Bicentennial Park, which is now Maurice A. Ferre Park; just as the residents in
Brickell, who now claim that none of this bothers them. If you've ever tried to
sleep while listening to a nearby barking dog, it isn't helpful that your cousin in
another state tells you that he loves dogs. Let's be honest; the real business that
benefits from closing our park for 30 days for a three-day concert is Ultra, a mega
international music fest. They feel entitled to use Bayfront Park and have no
sympathy for locals, who, as they say every year, quote, "Knew what they were
getting into when they chose to live downtown, " unquote. Please vote against
REA Thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Idania Loureiro: Thank you. Good morning. Thank you for having me here. I
was here at the last meeting, and I'm here again to please ask you to vote "no " for
the Ultra. I disagree with some of the previous people that spoke; that said that,
you know, "When you came to downtown to move" --you know, "to live there,
that you should have known what you were getting into. " I've been living in
downtown for 15 and a half years, and downtown has grown incredibly. There
was noth -- I mean, there was hardly any people walking in the park. There were
no families. Now it's a huge community, and it will keep on growing. And, you
know, they said about the economical impact that three days have, the Ultra, but
let me tell you, the economical impact, we also have in downtown, because I --just
like my neighbors that are here today, we spend money in downtown. We eat in
downtown. We go to the movies downtown. We try to do everything there. You
know, there's no space in that park once they close it, before and after. It's going
to be closed for two months. There's no space to walk on the sidewalk; they block
them. There's no space for the children to play. The sound is --it doesn't stop for
three days. So, you know, I'm not against Ultra, but please, take it somewhere
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else. There's lots of room in the City to take it somewhere else. And again, I've
never worked for Ultra. I know it's a lot of people from different countries that
come together, but it's not a good thing for downtown. There's urine everywhere.
There's nails everywhere. There's people -- when you wake up in the morning --
when I wake up to walk my dog, there's people still up from that festival, and
they're not exactly on beer. It's -- I'm just here to ask you to please, please, don't
put this back into downtown. You are going to hurt downtown by bringing it back.
Thank you so much.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning.
George Polonius: Hi. My name is George Polonius. I'm a resident, also right
next to Bayfront Park. I've lived here for seven years. And you have no idea how
our whole neighborhood breathed a sigh of relief last year when you unanimously
moved the concert from one venue to another, and I find -- I want to congratulate
the Ultra Festival for somehow now trying to portray as if If we move it from
one area to another ofMiami, that somehow it's no longer in Miami. " I don't even
know what neighborhood the Miami Dolphins play in, but the whole world knows
them as the Miami Dolphins; same thing for the Marlins. So it's a completely
specious argument to make that somehow the City's going to lose millions and
millions of dollars unless this thing gets crammed back into downtown. I'm sorry.
I'm an airline pilot. I have a very unregulated schedule. When this thing goes --
pounds on and on, how rested do you gentlemen think am at work? And ifI make
a mistake, that'll definitely make the news. So I ask you -- We have reasons for
zoning. There are industrial zoning, because that's where industrial things
happen. There are residential zonings, because that's where residential happens.
Bayfront Park, over the years, has been built one high-rise after another; people
have moved there. They have children. They have dogs. This neighborhood is no
longer compatible with this kind of three-day venue that takes months to set up and
months to clean up. Meantime, the only green space we have in downtown is
completely blocked off from all the taxpayers who live there; that is unfair. And
please show the world that Miami doesn't deserve the reputation that it has for
local corruption, and instead, stand up for the citizens of this town. Don't allow
this just because a few people put money in certain pots to get certain members re-
elected.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Polonius: We really need your help. Stand up for the citizens who live at
Bayfront Park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
David Norton: Good morning. My name is David Norton. I live in One Miami.
We are the -- probably the closest neighbors to Ultra. It comes in; it affects our
lives for six weeks. We may not use the park. We're banned from this. We're
banned from that. My grandson loves the amenities of the children's park. No, not
allowed. Sorry. Mayor Suarez introduced a phrase in his opening remarks:
"quality of life. " Are we to understand that quality of life is to be -- doled out as
(UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Or are we allowed -- the people who come in from out of
town allowed to affect our quality of life? Sorry; I don't see it. I am very much
against Ultra. I'm against the noise. I'm against the profanity, the profanity that
we have to listen to from some of these alleged DJs. I think it's horrible that our
children have to listen to this, my grandchildren. I'm ashamed. I also -- there was
a sneering reference earlier to the affluent. I do not count myself as affluent, but
always remember, the affluent pay more taxes. Thank you very much for listening
to me. I would just ask you to do one thing. Read my chest: "No more Ultra. "
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Commissioner Hardemon: They think you're affluent because of the sound of your
voice.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Musaddiq Muhammad: Good morning. That was a very good segue. When one
thinks they're affluent, that they can dictate to others who enjoy the beauty of
Miami, we must remember that Miami is such a world-class city now -- You want
my name?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Muhammad: Musaddiq Muhammad, co-founder of Overtown Music Festival.
So, of course, I'm speaking in favor of Ultra Music Festival, because they have --
not only are they homegrown, but they have -- came on as partners and mentors in
growing Overtown Music and Arts Festival, which is probably one of the most
undeveloped, unappreciated parts of Miami. So when I'm hearing the people here
speak about Ultra and denying it about three days of unrest, just remember;
Miami is New York City, that it's busy, that it's pretty as Las Vegas, but we have
the ability to be a world-class city. And when I hear the guy say, "We spend $2
million in taxes, but yet, Ultra gives back, " I believe that money in itself. This is
something that we need to support our City. It's real simple. Like, I don't
understand why three days of unrest or three days of inconvenience will
inconvenience anybody, because I don't hear no one jumping up and saying, "We
don't want the Super Bowl. " I don't hear them saying, "We don't want Calle
Ocho. " I don't hear them say, "We want" -- "We don't" -- "Gloria Estevan and
the Music Sound Machine. " I think we just all need to come together and realize
what it will take for us to work as partners to make Miami such a world-class city.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, the difference between all these other events or
people that were just mentioned and Ultra is three and a half days of decibels
between 105 to 110 of "Tun -tun, tun -tun, tun -tun, tun -tun, tun -tun, "just constantly.
Now, if that doesn't drive you nuts, I don't know what will, the -- nonstop. You
know, maybe there should be some study of what effect it's had on people there
already.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. I'd like to take a moment and just
gauge the temperature of the Commission here. We've got what looks like about
20 more people here for public comment, which could be, at the minimum, 40
minutes, up to an hour, probably, at the rate we're going, of additional comment.
Commissioners, you want to keep going?
Commissioner Carollo: No. I -- look --
Chair Russell: I'd like to keep going.
Commissioner Carollo: If we are, then we break at 1.
Chair Russell: We break at 1, and then we take our lunch at that time. I think
that's the most respect we can offer to those who have waited all morning to speak.
And so, we're willing to stick through it since you have. Thank you, gentlemen.
I'm sorry. Was I with you? Yes.
Neda Ardalan: Yes.
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Chair Russell: Good morning. Good afternoon.
Ms. Ardalan: Good afternoon. My name is Neda Ardalan, and I live in downtown
Miami. Correct my facts, please, Commissioner Hardemon, if it's wrong, but
Ultra started in 1999 with 10,000 attendees. Last concert in Bayfront Park had
165,000 attendees. These are young adults -- we've all been there -- out of
control. We never talk about the ones that end up in the emergency room, the ones
that don't make it out of the emergency room and end up in the morgue, because
they do. Now, this concert needs to have some control. It needs to be moved to an
arena. This park gets abused for those three days everybody talks about. It's not
three days. It's over a month the park is closed. Afterwards, the park is raped. It
has to be re -sod [sic]. Nobody can use that park. We use that park. Nobody is
asking you to get rid of Ultra. We are just saying, keep it out of Bayfront Park.
That is all we're asking you. Find another venue and move it there. And you can
save the kids who can't save themselves, because they do die in that environment;
you can check the emergency rooms. We have records. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Juan Bernardez: Good afternoon, Chair Russell and Commissioners. My name is
Juan Bernardez. I work for the Intercontinental in downtown Miami; been there
for about nine years. I've been working there since Ultra Music Festival started in
Bayfront Park. I am also a resident of the City, and I do support Ultra being in
Bayfront. I've worked during Ultra Festival since it first started in Bayfront. The
festival fills our hotels, and also generates business in our restaurants and bars
around downtown. Ultra has opened many doors with different cultures, and it
brings new business and clientele, so please bring Ultra back to Bayfront Park.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Bill Kelly: Good morning. My name is Bill Kelly. I live at Edgewater.
Chair Russell: DJBill Kelly.
Mr. Kelly: That's correct. Correct, sir. I'm here to speak on behalf of -- in favor
of the Ultra Music Festival. First of all, somebody said earlier today that Bayfront
Park is Miami's Central Park, and you can't allow disgruntled residents with
outdated values to allow the culture of the landscape of the City of Miami.
Bayfront Park contains the permanent amphitheater that is literally a concert
venue and an urban park with seating for 10,000 people. The park's official and
legal purpose is to maximize public use and enjoyment. Ultra is one of Miami's
largest economic drivers. It's also the epicenter of Miami's event economy. Ultra
is Miami -based brand, worldwide headquarters here in Miami, and it showcases
around the world 36 events, and 30 million live stream viewers, 40 million
listeners on UMF Radio. And since 2012, Ultra has generated over a billion
dollars in economic impact for the greater Miami area. Ultra's generated 168
million in economic development in 2018 and employed over 1,834 people. Each
year Ultra invites patrons from more than 100 countries to this City. Ultra Music
Festival is, quintessentially, a Miami brand and a cultural icon. Ultra made a
concession and an agreement in the form of reduced hours on Sunday and reduced
sound levels for each stage. The City of Miami cannot continue to frustrate the
economic development and disincentivize [sic] the Miami business from investing.
Ultra is a direct economic driver for the hotel- and tourist -based industries. It's
an economic driver for Miami. Not only have they contributed over a hundred -- a
billion dollars in economic impact since 2012; they've also owned and operated
the Miami Music Week brand, the Winter Music Conference brand. So if Miami
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fails to provide a permanent home for Ultra, it'll be a huge annual economic loss
to the City of over $170 million. I ask the City of Miami to allow the economic
impact of this great event to take place each year. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning.
Jozenia Cruz: Good afternoon, Chairman and Commissioners. My name is
Jozenia Cruz, and I work at the Intercontinental in Miami in downtown. Today
I'm speaking about the subject of keeping Ultra in Bayfront Park and in Miami.
My position of the hotel is Human Resource Manager; and as so, I'm also a
resident and a voter in the City of Miami, and in full support of Ultra Music
Festival. As an HR (Human Resource) Manager, I see the direct impact that the
Ultra Music Festival has on our hotel as it generates business in rooms,
restaurants, and bars. And I see the impact that our colleagues in regards of their
livelihood. I'm also -- I'm sorry -- the business exposure, the culture, the sense of
job security that the festival has been providing to the City of Miami for over 20
years has been embedded in our culture, our expectations, in our growth as a
community. Please bring Ultra back to Bayfront Park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Maria Martinez: Hello. My name is Maria Martinez. I'm President of 50
Biscayne Condominium Association. I live in 50 Biscayne Boulevard. Honorable
Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager, my husband and I -- First, I want to speak
-- sorry -- about the Flagler beautification; very quickly. My husband and I lived
in Miami since -- have lived in Miami since 1975. Flagler is desolate and
abandoned. We all know that. We travel -- my husband and I travel all over the
State of Florida, and every city, small and large, has revamped or is revamping its
historic downtown, be it two blocks or 20. Its time for Miami to have a historic
downtown. Once finished, it will be unlike any other in Florida. Truly
spectacular. We have things that other cities do not. Magic -- please say `yes. "
And vote `yes" for Magic City to have a magic, historic downtown. Thank you. I
now want to speak about Ultra in Bayfront Park.
Chair Russell: She has another minute.
Ms. Martinez: As you go from Flagler, you end up in Bayfront Park. So as I come
from Flagler, I am going to end up in Bayfront Park. All major US cities pride
themselves in their special and famous park for its people, the community, and its
visitors. New York City has Central Park, Chicago has Lincoln Park, Boston has
Boston Commons. Famous other parks include Philadelphia, Portland, New
Orleans, Seattle, San Francisco, LA (Los Angeles), Detroit, St. Louis, Tulsa, Sioux
Falls; just to name a few. What about the City of Miami? A special park for its
people? How ridiculous to imagine such a thing. How dare we, its residents, ask,
plead, beg to have what every major city has? A world-class city has world-class
parks for its people, sir, for its residents. Even the Miami Herald said "no" to
Ultra in Bayfront Park. We're not saying "no" to Ultra, but in Bayfront Park.
They even went onto to state -- and I quote -- "City of Miami Administrators are
skirting their own rules and regulations to clear a way for festival organizers,
betraying Miami residents. " Revelations come via public records, emails and
texts.
Chair Russell: Thank you, ma'am.
Ms. Cruz: City -- I'm -- I have a few minutes, because I was talking about two
different topics.
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Chair Russell: You surpassed the two minutes, unless somebody's --
Ms. Martinez: Yes, but --
Chair Russell: -- donating their time to you.
Ms. Martinez: I understand, but I spoke about two different things.
Chair Russell: Right. We don't get two minutes per item; it's two minutes per
person. I apologize.
Ms. Martinez: Okay. Can I just wrap it up at the (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
Chair Russell: Wrap it up. Thank you.
Ms. Martinez: Okay. And the final quote is, "They should reverse."
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). Parks belong to its people. Please give it back to its
residents. Nestor Torres said, "Use your power to serve the people, the
community. " Please, help us; give us back a park --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Martinez: -- like New York City and other cities have given back their parks
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Martinez: Thank you very much.
JR Fry: Good morn -- good afternoon. I'm JR Fry. I live at 640 Northeast 55th
Street. It's my first time to be at a Commission meeting. I took time off to come
from work, because I feel so passionately about supporting Ultra at Bayfront Park.
I've worked in downtown for the last 22 years, and I always look forward every
year to meeting new people from all over the world and talking to them about
something that we share in common: a love for music, and sharing this beautiful
city, where I came 25 years ago on vacation; decided I would move here and live
here. And I've also produced special events for the last 25 years as my job, and I
produce them all over the United States and around the world, and I can say, you
know, these organizers do an amazing job -- a very complicated logistics -- in
pulling off a very, very special, special event. I love going to it. I love attending
the event myself. I've really been wowed by the VIP (Very Important Person)
experience that they offer there. And I really feel like Ultra adds so much to the
cultural fabric of Miami; bringing people in from all over the world, as I say, who
are fellow music lovers like I am; attracting talent from all over the world to come
in and perform here. So I hope you'll vote in support of Ultra.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Emilio Calleja: Good afternoon. My name is Emilio Calleja, 401 Biscayne
Boulevard, Bayside, here again to let you know that Ultra, while it is a brand, a
world-class event, does not help our business. Contrary to what you believe and
what I always thought, Bayside suffers from the closure of the park, fencing off of
Bayside for six days; for six days our Bayside is fenced off, the setup, the
takedown. I know I'm here just by myself. I've got letters from Latin American
Cafeteria, Lombardi's, my neighbors. They're not going to come down here and
talk to you, so I'm sort of like the designated one for my neighbors, to say, it does
not help our business. Everybody says it helps. I wish it did. Trust me, if I had, I
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would not be here arguing for this. It's detrimental. And we're looking at 34 days
of closure for the Super Bowl Fan Fest, back to back with Ultra. That means our
park will be unaccessible [sic]. I take pride in telling my customers, `After lunch
or dinner, take a walk down Bayside; see the park. Can't do it for the next four
months. " Let's look at our alternative. I think something has been presented here
that could be possible, could be feasible. Just consider it, please. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Ramon Saul Sanchez: Thank you. Any name is Ramon Saul Sanchez. I am here to
express my gratitude to the Mayor and to the Commissioners and City Manager
and the Attorneys, and the community at large for a resolution that will be
considered for -- in support of my residency that has been denied, and as an
activist for human rights for the freedom of Cuba, I could be returned to Cuba. I
see all these proceedings, and I am so proud to see it, even when there are
controversies, because in my homeland, a citizen cannot do this freely. I have
lived 52 years here. I'm very proud of the City of Miami and of this country. If I
ever have to leave here, I will leave with a lot of love for this country. I might not
ever get my residency or citizenship papers, but in my heart, I will always be a
resident, I will always be a citizen, I will always be grateful. So thank you very
much for this gesture that I think will help convey to the authorities in immigration
that my community -- this community, I am not a burden to it, but on the contrary,
I have the support. God bless you. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Good morning. Good afternoon.
Pedro Martinez: Mayor, Commissioners. I am Reverend Pedro Martinez, a
resident of downtown Miami. I live in 50 Biscayne. For the following reasons, I
urge you to say "no " to Ultra on Bayfront Park: 60 days of noise, 24 hours, day
and night, during the setup, the concert, the takedown, and restoration of the park.
60 days Bayfront Park is totally closed or limited to the residents and tourists; the
young, elderly, families, youth, people with special needs, and pet owners, are not
allowed to use Bayfront Park. 60 days that Bayfront Park is abandoned and
destroyed. This is an environmental disaster. High decibels of music that are
damaging to people, pets, and property. Downtown condominium owners pay
millions of dollars in taxes, and deserve to be represented by our leaders.
Bayfront Park is not a massive event venue. It is a park to be enjoyed by the
community. January 2020 is Bayfront Park Super Bowl live. February 2020 is
Bayfront Park -- in Bayfront Park is Water Palooza. Imagine, March and April
2020, Ultra; and May 2020, restoration of the park. Bayfront Park will not be
available for residents and tourists until June 2020. Political donations are not
the reason you are elected to serve the residents of the City of Miami. City
official, it is unethical to change the rules of Bayfront Park in order to allow Ultra
to return to Bayfront Park. Ultra can find another venue within the City, and keep
-- the economic impact will be retained. Ultra can continue at Key Biscayne
Marine Stadium or Wynwood site. I encourage you to vote "no" to Ultra Music
Festival at Bayfront Park, and stop prostituting our park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: Just a quick -- I never heard a priest say, "prostitute, "
but it's a first.
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Mr. Martinez: Never heard it?
Commissioner Hardemon: Not a priest, no. Popping the "Ps, " as we would like to
say.
Later...
Chair Russell: Back to public comment. Mr. Bibeau.
Brett Bibeau: Good afternoon. Brett Bibeau, Managing Director of the Miami
River Commission, with offices located at 1407 Northwest 7th Street. Mr.
Chairman, thankfully, your agenda has four agenda items pertaining to the Miami
River. I think I can get it all in in two minutes. Two of the four items are PZ
(Planning & Zoning) items; I can't come back in the afternoon, if that's okay?
Chair Russell: It is.
Mr. Bibeau: Thank you, sir. For starters, on DI.4 and PA.]: On November 6,
2017, the Miami River Commission passed a unanimous advisory recommendation
to increase resources for the Florida Fish and Wildlife and the City of Miami
Marine Patrol for increased enforcement of public safety and security laws along
the Miami River, considering the increase in vessel traffic on the river with new
riverfront restaurants, et cetera. Since then, the Miami River Commission has
taken numerous specific actions to advocate in favor of this critical advisory
recommendation regarding public safety. Although the full Miami River
Commission hasn't reviewed the City Administration's specific proposed
amendments to the City Code regarding the legal removal of derelict vessels, the
Administration is trying to improve the law and expedite the process. On PZ. 11,
during the River Commission's March 4, 2013 public meeting, Vicky Leiva and
Andrew Hellinger presented the subject, `River Landing Mixed Use Project, "
including the subject area previously owned by Miami -Dade County, which is to
feature a 50 -foot -wide public riverwalk, two side yards, middle corridor, all
publicly accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, with no waivers,
exceptions, or reductions of the public riverwalk provisions required under the
City of Miami Zoning Code, Section 3.11 and Appendix "B. " Therefore, the River
Commission recommends approval. Finally, PZ. 14, during the River
Commission's June 3, 2019 public meeting, the City of Miami presented their
subject application to amend the land use at several properties along the south
shore of the Miami River from T3 -R to T3-0. The Miami River Commission
unanimously recommended approval, subject to the condition that all included
parcels submit the signed voluntary covenant for the future public riverwalk, and
any parcels which do not submit the signed covenant to the City Commission
before second reading be removed from the application. Thank you, and have a
nice day.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello.
Sarah Arroyo: Good morning, Chairman. Good morning, Commissioners. My
name is Sarah Arroyo. This is my third time here, so by this time, you are clear on
the many reasons why I ask you to vote "no " on Ultra. I won't repeat them today.
Today, I am here to invite each and every one of you, including the hotel people
with financial interests that are about to speak, to sit down in my apartment, not
for a full weekend; just for one hour. Then and only then, you and everyone who's
here will -- that say we need a bigger perspective -- will understand what we go
through. This has nothing to do with loving music. I have been to Coachella,
Lollapalooza, and have partied at Space for hours. I love music, but I have --
what I have to live through is not music. It's a nerve-racking noise that becomes
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Chinese torture after hours. I heard someone saying the neighbors can sleep well
after 11 p.m. No, we cannot; not after a "boom, boom, boom" that has even my
dinner plates shaking. I heard someone say we're affluent. I'm not wealthy; I
wish. I'm someone who works very hard in a middle-class corporate job. Believe
me, I would love having a beautiful house in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, but
actually, downtown is one of the very few nice places I can actually afford today,
close to the City, without having to move to Pembroke Pines or Weston. After you
spend time in our apartments during Ultra, I will then invite you and those that
say, "Ultra cleans up fast, " to walk the park two months after Ultra ends. Then
they come -- can come back with false claims. It takes months. We, the downtown
neighbors, are not here because we have been paid or we -- because we have
financial interest related to Ultra. We're here because we have rights, and we
have the passion to fight for them. After you see what we go through with your
own eyes, with your own bodies, then the decision of voting against Ultra in
Bayfront Park will be crystal clear. I don't want Ultra to leave Miami, but
Bayfront Park is no longer an appropriate place. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning.
Christina Crespi: Good afternoon, Commissioners. I'm Christina Crespi. I'm the
Deputy Director with the Miami Downtown Development Authority. I'm here to
ask for your support for RE. 5, the Flagler Revitalization Project. This is a very
critical project for downtown, and we have been invested in this for several years.
This revitalization project will help generate millions of dollars in economic
development for our urban core. Our board has committed over $2.7 million over
the course of seven years to transform that street, and as part of this project, we're
committing a million dollars. We thank you very much, the City of Miami
Administration, for being able to find the $10 million, as well as the County for
matching that, and we appreciate your support on this project. In addition to that,
I'm also here to speak on RE. 10, which is the expansion of our boundaries into the
underlying park in Brickell. This is a very important added public space for our
residents. Our board considered this several months back, and we commissioned
a study, as required by State statute, which showed that this was important for our
district, and indeed, it was part of our 2025 master plan. You all do not have it in
your agenda, but we will be handing that out shortly, the study, along with all the
exhibits that went with that item. In addition to that, we're also here for BC.1
that's added three new board members to our board. And in addition to that, we'll
be speaking later on the millage, which is RE.2. So we would appreciate your
support. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Good afternoon.
Alba Herzberg: Good afternoon. My name is Alba Herzberg, and I'm a resident
of downtown Miami.
Chair Russell: Pull the mike a little closer, please.
Ms. Hersberg: I'm sorry?
Chair Russell: We can't hear you. Just --
Ms. Herzberg: Oh.
Chair Russell: There you go.
Ms. Herzberg: Now?
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Chair Russell: Your name again.
Ms. Hersberg: My name is Alba Herzberg, and I'm a resident of downtown
Miami.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Hersberg: I'm going to try to keep it short, so I'm actually going to read. I'd
like to start with the words that Nestor Torres said this morning:
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) "like an elected official is to serve the people. " I'm really
surprised to stand in front of you today when the elected officials had already
made the right choice towards Ultra. It's interesting to hear that all the pro -Ultra
supporters have a little bit of a hand in the pie. They mentioned three days. It's
not three days for the City of Miami residents; it's three months. I'm also
surprised to hear that it's an inclusive festival. It's not an inclusive festival.
Actually, it's a very expensive, privileged festival. You're putting three-day event
for businesses ahead of three months for your tax paying voters. I will make it
short. You are my elected officials. You are my voice. You are the voice of the
elec -- of the people, and I hope that you listen to our voices and vote with us.
Wynwood has extended an invitation to Ultra. You should all look into Wynwood's
invitation. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Sofia Iglesias: Good afternoon. My name is Sofia Iglesias. I'm 20 years old. I'm
born and raised in Miami. I stand here today in support of Ultra Music Festival
residing in Bayfront Park. I was privileged enough to be brought on as an intern -
- because we do have those -- working for the sustainability team, and I had the
privilege to work under the senior manager of sustainability, Vivian Belzaguy. I
can honestly say, I've never seen someone work so passionately and diligently
while crafting and implementing an environmentally conscious sustainability plan;
Mission Home Action, unprecedented shifts and internal operations, while
engaging vendors, crew, employees, and attendees, and working together to
reduce environmental impact. I have attended Ultra for two years, prior to me
working last year, and I can a hundred percent say, I've never in my life seen Ultra
as clean as it was this past year. I've never seen anything like it, and I've been to
my fair share of music festivals, and ultimately, again, I've never seen anything
like that. I'm sure I can speak for most Generation "Z" attendees that -- when I
say that Ultra is a truly life -altering experience, and I hope that you guys can be a
part of the reason why this purely beneficial experience can continue to thrive in
its birthplace, in the heart of this beautiful place we call home. If you look
around, you'll notice that those opposed to Ultra being at Bayfront are wearing
shirts that say, "Save Bayfront"; however, Ultra only beautifies Bayfront Park,
while fully restoring Bayfront after production. Thank you for your time. I
appreciate it.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Arlene Ramsingh: Hi. Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is Arlene
Ramsingh. I'm a downtown resident. And I must say, I'm new to Miami, and I was
delighted when this Commission last year voted unanimously to remove Ultra from
Bayfront Park, so Tin really disappointed to see that we're here once again, and
that I'm standing here once again asking the Commissioners to please vote "no"
to Ultra in Bayfront Park. After listening to hours of discussion on why Ultra
should be in Miami, that's great. Ultra should be in Miami. It's a great venue.
It's a great concert. It works for the City. But the issue here is that Ultra has
outgrown Bayfront Park, and it's time for Ultra to find another home in Miami.
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And I absolutely love the suggestion from the gentleman from Wynwood. I think
we should be exploring options like that. Ultra didn't like Virginia Key, but maybe
they'll like someplace else. It's too much to have Ultra at Bayfront Park. So I urge
you to once again support the residents and vote "no" to Ultra returning to
Bayfront Park. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Steve Cakov: Good afternoon. Steve Cakov, resident of Brickell Key. I'd like to
start my remarks first by making two rebuttals to what we heard at the last
Commission meeting. We heard from the senior executive at the Intercontinental
that they had suffered a 25 percent or 30 percent increase [sic] in their room
bookings. I checked the UMF (Ultra Music Festival) website last night, and based
on their site, they were sold outlast year.
Chair Russell: What website?
Mr. Cakov: Ultra Music Festival.
Chair Russell: Oh, their website.
Mr. Cakov: Yeah. They were sold out. I did not hear news reports of attendees
being displaced and sleeping on the beaches on Key Biscayne or under bridges.
They stayed somewhere. So whatever capacity was not absorbed at the
Intercontinental surely was absorbed by other hotels in the area. So I think it was,
you know, not presented, in my view, as a very balanced situation of what's
happening with the hotel industry, per se. Also, there was another comment from
another individual, and I take some affront to this, because -- I quote -- the
comment was, "You made the decision to buy there, and you live with it. " Well,
when I bought my property about 11, 12 years ago, Ultra was not at Bayfront, and
it was certainly a smaller event when it was, you know, at its previous location.
On a personal note, my wife and I have independent businesses downtown, and we
need to close our businesses. My wife has clients that need to come to her, and
they refuse to come because of the traffic situation, the noise, the parking, all of
that. So in closing, I would ask -- I hope that you will have the wisdom and the
courage to make the same decision that you did last year. Again, I'm not against
Ultra, but I think it's in the wrong place.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello.
Joy Prevor: Joy Prevor, 50 Biscayne. So do you know what one of our favorite
things to do is? It's to sit on our balcony and listen to the concerts that are taking
place in Bayfront Park at the amphitheater for the New Year's Eve production. Of
course, I have to use binoculars, because my eyesight is not so good, so, you know,
I use the binoculars. I listen to the music. I feel like I'm at the concert. I'm so
happy to be living in the center of Miami, experiencing all that Miami has to offer,
because, yes, that's why I moved to downtown Miami. I wanted to be in the center
of everything. And I have no problem with there being concerts in the
amphitheater, New Year's Eve celebrations, Fourth ofJuly, marathons. I welcome
all of those things, because all of those things are appropriate for the space; Ultra
is not. Not only have you heard that the level of sound is dangerous to the people
who are living there; you've also heard about how the park is closed. And this
coming year's activities, it will be closed for basically the whole season when we'd
like to enjoy the park, right? But I'm here to tell you, more importantly, that I just
think that Ultra is really a symbol, and you have a decision to make that is much
larger than just Ultra; that is, do you want to have a residential downtown
community? You spent all this money, all this infrastructure invested. Well, let me
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tell you that not only do you need to ensure that Flagler gets beautiful --
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) I'd like to express my support for that project, because it's
critical to any future in downtown Miami. But I think you need to accept that if
you are not willing to make downtown Miami residents feel like we are welcomed
and a priority, all those buildings are going to sit empty, Flagler will have no day-
to-day business, and you will have an even bigger problem on your hands.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Prevor: So I urge you to reconsider.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Spencer Pylant: Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and Commissioners. My name is
Spencer Pylant, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida. I'm the Vice President
of Government Affairs through the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, rising
support for Ultra Music Festival. Ultra is a boon to our businesses here locally
and sustains jobs, and creates jobs. It's great for our hotels, our businesses, and
our tourism industry. We ask your favorable support today, and thank you for
your time and consideration.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Raul Gerraro: Hello. Raul Gerraro. I'm a downtown resident. Good morning --
or good afternoon. As a editor of Downtown News, a community newspaper, I
have the opportunity to speak to many, many residents in downtown, and I think I
can say that most residents are opposed to the assault that Ultra represents on our
quality of life. So I urge you all to please consider our quality of life. And
secondly, I'm here to support the beautification of Flagler Street. Thank you
kindly.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Wendy Kallergis: Good afternoon. My name is Wendy Kallergis. I'm the
President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the Greater Miami and the
Beaches Hotel Association.
Robert Hill: I'm Robert Hill. I'm the Chair -elected of the Hotel Association and
General Manager at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Ms. Kallergis: And also, Bill Talbert apologizes; he had to leave, but he's
speaking on our -- on his behalf, as well, to support Ultra. I wanted to also thank
Commissioner Hardemon again for sponsoring it. And I -- really, I'm here to talk
about the thousands of employees that work in our hotels that are residents of the
City of Miami. It's a significant number, and we really hope that you'll support it.
Ultra has been an amazing partner; very professional to work with. They've made
a significant amount of concessions, as I'm sure you'll talk about later. But we
hope that you'll join us in support of Ultra.
Mr. Hill: I'm -- just had to go on the record that in previous years when Ultra
was in Bayfront Park, the Intercontinental Hotel was sold out from Thursday
through Sunday. This past year, to be on the record, two of those nights were 75
percent occupancy; other nights were in the low to mid 60 percent occupancy, on
the record. You know, Ultra brings a diverse crowd to Miami from all around the
world, and they promote, and it streams out to the world. So it's not just that one
weekend that it's promoting the City of Miami. It's promoting the City of Miami
throughout the year. And in regards to working with Ultra over the last eight
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years that I've worked with them, and with Ray Martinez that heads up the
logistics, I found him really good to work with. They've made great strides and
great improvements. I know working together that we can make this work. Thank
you, and I appreciate your support.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Amal Kabbani: Hello, Chair. Hello, Commissioners. My name is Amal
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) Kabbani, a resident of 50 Biscayne, President of the
Downtown Neighbors Alliance, Vice President of 50 Biscayne, and that's just
simply to say that I represent many, and many that pay taxes and vote. Thank you
for the law and order on the river. I've got a lot of constituents that are being
impacted by noise that is being generated by these vessels. So whatever you need
to do, if you need me to come back again for the budget hearing, if you need
money, just don't borrow from Peter to give to Paul. This whole reallocation of
resources, it's going to fail somewhere else. So tell me what you need, and I'll be
there to support it.
Chair Russell:
So you're saying raise taxes?
Ms. Kabbani:
Let's talk about finding --
Chair Russell:
Okay. Just Checking --
Ms. Kabbani:
-- the resources --
Chair Russell: -- because it's got to come from somewhere.
Ms. Kabbani: -- not allocating. Okay.
Chair Russell: You either shift the budget or you make more budget.
Ms. Kabbani: Flagler beautification. I love to sit down and hear when
Commissioner Reyes speaks about his childhood, walking up and down Flagler
Street. A global city is always recognized by a main street, if you will. When you
reference, you know, these areas, you have an identity. And unfortunately, today,
when we've got people coming from out of town, you say, "Oh, go to the mall XYZ
or to Bal Harbour. " I mean, only Miami Beach, for instance, has Ocean Drive.
We really don't have an identity. So thank you for voting `yes" for the
beautification of Flagler Street. On the Ultra topic, nothing that I can say that the
residents haven't said yet. I do not doubt that Ultra is a great festival. I do not
doubt that they have social responsibility, and they do abide by the rules that are
put in place. I do have an issue with the noise. The noise is detrimental to the
residents. So thank you for voting "no" to Ultra.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good afternoon.
Jhane Young: Good afternoon. Jhane Young, One Miami. I'm here in support of
Ultra returning to Bayfront. I was here last month to speak with you all, and I just
want to reiterate what I said and refresh your memories. So for some background
information, I am from Chicago, Illinois; come from a middle-class family, but my
sophomore year of undergrad, my parents divorced, and my mom and I moved
down here to Miami. Throughout the time that we've been living in downtown
Miami, we have not had any issues with the noise, construction, or events; just like
we didn't have an issue with it in Chicago. It's what comes with living in a big
city. So after my parents divorced, I ended up working as a full-time student and
working my way through college, and I was also sending money back home,
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paying my mom's bills, paying my own bills, but this past semester, my senior year,
I wasn't able to do that, because of my course load. I was taking 18 credits, in
addition to incompletes, and other things that I had to take care of. Unfortunately,
when the time came around, I didn't have the money to buy my cap and gown, nor
did I have the money for extra tickets for my family to come and see me graduate.
But I was able to attend the job fair that Ultra had and get a job through them,
and work that weekend. And because of them, I didn't have to make that choice of
bills or cap and gown. And I just wanted to reiterate to you all why this issue is so
personal to me and why I'm so invested in it, and same thing goes for many other
residents here. I understand the concerns of my fellow neighbors, but I would also
like you all to consider the positive economic impact that Ultra has on other
residents. I ask you to consider your other residents that you are hereto serve as
well. I ask you to vote today and vote `yes" for Ultra returning to Bayfront.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Thanks for your comments. Well done.
Mona Hachache: Good afternoon. My name is Mona Hachache, 50 Biscayne. I
pass my two minutes to Mr. Benosh Itai.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, and the speaker's name again?
Chair Russell: What's your name?
Ms. Hachache: Mona Hachache, 50 Biscayne.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Hachache: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thanks for coming.
Itai Benosh: Good morning, Chairman. Itai Benosh. I yield my time to Mr. Barry
Duceman.
Chair Russell: Wait. She gave her time to you, and you're giving both your and
her time to him? Okay.
Mr. Benosh: That's correct.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Mr. Benosh: And I'd like to yield my aggregate time to Sam Dubbin.
Chair Russell: Okay. That's Barry Duceman. Eight minutes then; two, four, six,
eight.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair. How many minutes now?
Chair Russell: Eight minutes.
Samuel Dubbin: Eight minutes.
Chair Russell: Can we --there's a couple of other speakers left before you get into
yours. I think --is there anyone else here for public comment? Two others. Sam,
would it be all right if they went first? Thank you very much.
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Steven Leidner: Steve Leidner, SSS Northeast 34th Street. Just ask that you raise
the temperature in this auditorium and be -- and save some carbon emissions, and
I'll yield the rest of my time to Esther.
Chair Russell: Okay. So -- and you'd like Sam to go first; is that right? All right.
Go ahead, Sam.
Commissioner Carollo: How many minutes does Sam have?
Chair Russell: Sam has eight, and a big binder.
Commissioner Carollo: More than eight minutes there in that binder.
Mr. Dubbin: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, members of the Commission, my name is
Sam Dubbin. I represent the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, and other downtown
residents and condominium associations named in my prior correspondence,
which I resubmitted for the record today. All the facts and arguments that we
advanced in those letters are -- remain the position of my clients. We had been
speaking with Ultra, with the assistance of many on this dais, to try to reach
common ground. Some differences are narrowing, but not all, and to be sure, not
one of the most important issues, noise. Ultra would have the Commission believe
that it made a significant concession on the noise limit by reducing the previous
110 maximum down to 104 decibels. That was the -- 110 was in the prior
agreement; the new one has 104. However, this so-called concession is
meaningless, meaningless. The Bayfront Park Management Trust conducted
actual sound measurements during the 2018 Ultra, which I'm also submitting into
the record, and they're being distributed to you as well. Seven stages every hour.
Those measurements show that of the 216 readings at the time, only four actually
exceeded 104 decibels. So even operating at 104 and below in 2018, Ultra caused
the catastrophic health and property damaging level of noise that was measured
by our sound engineer at the 50 Biscayne building, and it -- he measured that it
would cause hearing loss within a short period of time, as well as other health
hazards, as well as property damage. That's the Brooks Acoustics Corporation
Study, and it's also previously in the record, and we're resubmitting that for the
record. And Dr. Ariel Grobman, a Board-certified ear, nose and throat physician,
was here on June 26. He confirmed the risks to hearing over a short period of
time at the noise levels measured by Mr. Brooks, and he has submitted a letter to
the Commission, because he can't be here today, confirming his observations as
an ENT, of the health risks of the level of noise that Ultra produced at 104 and
below. Now, the Brooks Report documented the overall decibel level inside the
living room of an apartment on the 28th floor of 50 Biscayne. The measurements
were 64 decibels at the dBA (A -weighted decibels), the general level, and at the
low level of frequency, meaning the base level, 91 decibels. Now, those noise
levels far exceed the standards for commercial music adopted by other major
cities, including New York City, and we've researched this, and I've put into
record the New York City noise Code. Now, here is how damaging the level of
noise in 2018 Ultra was; at the same level Ultra's proposing again. The New York
City noise Code for commercial music measures sound from the point of impact,
and I quote, "inside any receiving property dwelling unit. " And at page 17 of that
Code, the limit for overall music intrusion is 42 dBA, and a limit for base is 45
dBA. So that's 64 Ultra in 2018 versus 42 New York City for high frequency, and
91 Ultra in 2018 versus 45 for the base when compared to the limits in Manhattan.
Now, those ratios seem bad enough, but it's much, much worse, because decibel
measurements are logarithmic, so the so-called reduction to 104 that Ultra is
proposing would result in dBA sound levels that are 10 times what New York City
allows for commercial music intrusion and 300 times the base sound allowed by
New York City. Now that's not Pinecrest and that's not Boca. That's New York
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City. And even this morning, when we were meeting with Ultra at the Mayor's
request, trying to discuss how they could get to a lower level, Ultra's sound expert
acknowledged that a reduction to 102 would still result in an 85 dBA
measurement, which is the threshold for adverse health impacts, and it,
undeniably, is extremely, you know, outrageously loud and uncomfortable. That's
for eight to 12 hours for three days, not including the additional three days of the
sound checks. So we trust that the members of this Commission would not,
knowing the harm that Ultra's return at these levels would cause, to vote to inflict
this kind of damage on City residents. And again, keep in mind that it's not just
three days, as some of Ultra's supporters have said, but the havoc begins several
days before the actual festival, with the noisy trucks and construction, and the
sound checks at the same decibel level that would be allowed, 104; not to mention
the disruption, you know, when the festival ends. I have a statement here from
Norman Braman, which he asked me to read. "Even with the concessions that
Ultra has proposed, Ultra does not belong in downtown Miami. Residents have
paid substantial dollars and do not deserve the effects of Ultra. Businesses, such
as my own, Norman Braman's automobile business, are negatively affected since
so many will not venture anywhere near the area. Ultra is detrimental to the
quality of life of the residents and the businesses of the entire area, and the
residents and the businesses are the taxpayers. " And Mr. Braman also reminded
me that the I-395 construction is about to begin, which is going to cause, also,
unbelievable disruption, havoc, and logjams, you know, throughout the downtown
area, which the residents and businesses are also going to have to endure during
this period for several years. As my clients have consistently argued, Ultra is a
legal nuisance that the courts would enjoin, and in addition, under the City
Charter and the Homestead Miami Speedway case, the proposed agreement would
be illegal, unless the City issued an RFP (Request for Proposals), obtained fair
market value appraisals, and required Ultra to pay fair market rent. We reiterate
all those arguments. But today there is another legal problem, a serious legal
problem, because of the City Administration's position that Ultra can be approved
with only three out of five votes. This change is directly contrary to the City's
precedent that when it grants a private party an exclusive interest in public land
that's not subject to an existing fee schedule that there are only two possibilities:
Either the Charter governs and you go through the RFP process, or the
Commission would have to waive competitive bidding by a four/fifths majority vote
under Section 18-85. Now, as my letter of July 16 documents, and the last two
times Ultra has been before this Commission, it was required by the City
Administration that it be approved by a four/fifths vote in order to waive the
competitive bidding provisions of the Code, and, of course, circumventing the
Charter altogether. The reason the City required a four/fifths vote was explained
in an earlier email by Assistant City Attorney Rafael Suarez -Rivas, which I've also
put in my July 16 letter, and it's flagged for you. It's been distributed to you. But
I'm going to quote Mr. Suarez -Rivas. `Any time a user/proposer is offering less or
more than the charges prescribed by law, there is arguably a procurement issue.
And if the divergence results in 25, 000 or more, up or down, there needs to be a
four/fifths bid waiver. If it is something that was not built in or intended for that
use, and there is no Code provision or regulation prescribing charges for that use,
then you need a four/fifths bid waiver, unless it is preempted by the Charter, and
then there's no waiver; you must procure under the Charter requirements. " That's
Exhibit 3 of my July 16 letter, which you all have. Exhibit 4 of my July 16 letter
contains a text exchange from a few weeks ago between the City Attorney, Ms.
Mendez, and another member of her staff, stating the same reasons that the
upcoming Ultra agreement would need a four/fifths vote. Ms. Mendez said, "We
agree that Bayfront can approve the use agreement for one year for Ultra?"
Colleague: "Yes. One time, one year; no problem. " Ms. Mendez: "Does it have
to be four/fifths, since it's a venue, I guess to be consistent? Yes. Let's look at this
on Monday. What I -- what have I said on the record? Tuesday: Maybe "no, "
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since it's a venue?" Her colleague: "Fourffths, yes, because the big dollars, and
because the time is not just a four-day event, but load in and load out. Yes. " So
the provision of that exclusive occupancy, and the time they're going to be
occupying that land, for public land that's not subject to a fee schedule, requires a
four-fifths vote. Now, I understand that the City Attorney will not give this body a
written opinion justifying a change from four/fifths to three/fifths, but I suggest
that that's a serious problem. Publicly, she has cited a decision by Judge Ruiz in
the Virginia Key case, but that's a specious explanation. The Virginia Key case
had nothing to do, nothing to do with whether a four/fifths or three/fifths vote was
required.
Chair Russell: Mr. Dubbin, the time's up.
Mr. Dubbin: Okay. I just --can I- if I can just point to one other point in that
judge's decision. He made a point of saying in the Virginia Key case that there is
no exclusivity in that agreement, and there was no exclusivity in that agreement.
He said, quote, `Really, if you break it down, the reality is that this is not
exclusive, in that other beach -goers are able to use the property during the time
that this festival is ongoing. " That agreement did not have the provision that this
agreement has, which is exclusivity for sure for at least 11 days, and I'm quoting.
In no event will the entire property be closed to the public for more than 11
days. "
Chair Russell: Thank you. We'll address the specifics of it at the item. Thank you
very much.
Mr. Dubbin: Okay. And I'll be available to answer more detailed questions about
that at the time, obviously, because it's an important issue.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Dubbin: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Vice Chairman's getting hungry; we got to keep going. I'm
kidding.
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: I'm kidding.
Miguel De Grandy: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. For the
record, my name is Miguel De Grandy. I'm here in support of RE4. I will not
take any of your time now. I just wanted to have the opportunity to present
approximately 600 additional letters in support of the Ultra Music Festival at
Bayfront.
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) them?
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Are you a registered --
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- lobbyist? Okay. Just making sure of that.
Mr. De Grandy: Yes, sir.
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Chair Russell: Thank you very much. You don't need to make copies of that, I
hope. Save the trees. Digital.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm surprised that's all you could get for such a world-
wide event.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good morning. Good afternoon, Esther. Is this our
last public speaker? Is there anyone else here who's here to speak on public
comment? Please address the lecterns.
Esther Alonso Luft: Alrighty. Hello.
Chair Russell: You have four minutes. Correct.
Ms. Luft: Okay. I'm on. Thank you. Esther Alonso Luft. I'm a long-time resident
of Miami, going back to the '80s; worked downtown, going back into the '90s. So I
was there in the early 2000s, about 2000, 2001, when Ultra first came in. I was
here last year before you on the Ultra issue, when the move was being made from
downtown Miami to Virginia Key. And at that point, I expressed my concerns
about the move to that area. Some of them were valid, but many of them were not.
And at the end of the day, what you all did was you voted based on what was best
for the City of Miami. So I'm before you today asking you to do the same thing
today. And I can understand what these residents are going through, because
when they moved in, I believe it was during the time frame that Ultra had been
moved to Bicentennial, and then when Bicentennial was built, they were moved
back to Bayfront, so I can understand their concerns, and I'm certainly empathetic
to them. But I -- what I -- my experience with Ultra was that they were very
responsible. They listened to my concerns. They listened to the concerns of other
stakeholders, and they made amendments to their plans to accommodate them.
And if Ultra grew up with Miami, and they are now acting like responsible adults,
as every entity that does business with this City should, then what's the harm in
giving them another year downtown? I understand the argument; you know, "Let
them go somewhere else. " You know, it's a little bit of that not -in -my -backyard -
ism, but there is really nowhere else in Miami. And losing this festival is losing
hard revenue, not economic impact. These are hard dollars that come in. So I
would say, you know, please consider that they've acted in good faith. They have
roots in Miami. They were apart of that change downtown, which I said last year,
and I'll repeat again: I have no vested interest in their success or their failure, but
I've always had a big mouth and I'm here opening it again. So I would hope that
you would approve the Ultra deal, and that Ultra negotiate with the neighbors in -
- you know, in a reasonable fashion, and I would be surprised if they have not. Of
course, I'm not privy to that, so we'll see. But the economic benefit. The vote is
good for all. It's not just for the residents that paid a lot for their properties; it's
for the residents that paid little or that pay none, or that live here. It's a city for
everyone; not just for the folks that came in during the last 10 years. We need to
consider Miami 's histories and Miami -- Miami's history and roots. And again, I
would ask you to vote in favor of the Ultra deal. Moving forward, the second issue
I wanted to address was the river issue. I'm glad to see that these discussions are
taking place, because it's not isolated to the river; it's just concentrated on the
river. We see it around the island, whether it's at the basin where jet skis have
decided that the ramp is closer; they're just going to ride over the sidewalk and
launch and cause further erosion on that shoreline. And I understand that our law
enforcement is limited. There are only so many of them, and there's a lot of water
to cover, and it's not something you can cover instantly. So perhaps, having more
enforcement not only on the river, but through our entire coastline, would be
helpful. I had an incident where one of the derelict vessels, which hasn't been
cited, and they have been reported in that -- in the lagoon at the north point of the
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MV - MAYORAL VETO(ES)
NO MAYORAL VETOES
island, came loose in the wind, and was banging up against the seawall that's
going to be replaced soon. When I called the non -emergency number, I was
referred to the 911 dispatcher, who sent me back to the non -emergency number.
And after a lot of back and forths, I eventually ended up being told that I should
call Tugboat US to have it pulled. I mean, this is a boat that's -- really should
have been taken out of there. It's landing on the bottom. It's destroying the
seagrasses. This is a habitat that encourages tourism, brings people to our City.
And, you know, it's -- it has to be done better, so I'm glad that you're having these
discussions, and I'm happy to participate as needed. Thank you all for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there anyone else --?
Ms. Luft: Have a great lunch.
Chair Russell: Thanks. We'll get there. Is anyone else here for public comment?
I thought I saw -- No? All right. We're going to close the public comment.
Chair Russell: Are there any mayoral vetoes?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there are no mayoral vetoes.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
END OF MAYORAL VETO(ES)
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lea»:RI•]►FilIKURimrilZ kiIM0
PA.1 PERSONAL APPEARANCE
6219 A PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY SEAN BEIGHTOL REGARDING
BRINGING LAW AND ORDER TO THE MIAMI RIVER AND WATER
FRONT.
RESULT: PRESENTED
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item PA.], please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Chair Russell: All right. It is now our time for our personal appearance, and then
we'll be taking up public comment. Mr. Shawn Beightol, please. Good morning.
Shawn Beightol: Good morning. My name is Shawn Beightol. I live at 2290
Northwest North River Drive. If there's anyone else here to speak about safety on
the river, please make sure you get your name to the Clerk. And to the press, I have
copies of what I'm -- the remarks that I'm going to make. First thing I'd like to say
after that, the topic is, this is a call for funding 24-hour/7-day a week law
enforcement, active law enforcement on the Miami River and the surrounding
waters. You just mentioned that your tax base has grown 10 percent, and you're
cutting the millage rate, so I don't want to hear about there's no money for that. I
want to thank Commissioner Gort over there, and Commissioner Russell, and Mayor
Suarez for taking a personal time in making this an effort to hear my comments
about the safety on the river. I want to thank Brett Bibeau and Horacio Aguirre from
the Miami River Commission for the work they've done; and members of the Miami
River Commission, past and present, for the work you've done. You've done a great
job; the Miami Marine River Group, the Miami River Foundation, the homeowners
groups, the law enforcement, and I specifically want to thank Commander Sierra of
Allapattah for being available and attentive for annoying people like me. I also want
to thank the park rangers, particularly a woman by the first name Facie (phonetic).
I don't know her last name. She's a professional in every manner of the word at the
park, trying to keep law and order. Thank you for what you've done on the river for
Miami for the environment; for the industry as well. It's a tough job to juggle all of
those demands, and you've done a great job. The river is recovering, and as a
testimony to that, people like me are moving to the river, and we're asking for more.
We're enjoying our life there. We're enjoying the resources there. And the reality is,
so no one takes this as criticism, we're never finished with our job. If you look at the
history of Miami, if you look at the history of the river, if you look at the history of
the world, it is a history of cycles; we're never finished. So please don't take this as
criticism, but as the next cycle, perhaps. I'm going to skip the introduction. That
was not the introduction, but the summary of all the cycles of rum runners and
sewage and drug runners, and what I call now the fun runners. We've had cycles of
these episodes, and each time this City has rose to the occasion, along with other
agencies, to meet those demands, and you've met them. The current situation: In
1987, the City and the County passed a "No Wake Zone" for the entire river. In
2007, the Miami River Commission called for the Marine Patrol to increase the
patrolling of the river and the enforcement of no wake. In 2011, a Coast Guard
press release said, In light of increasing concerns conveyed by local property
owners and marine environmental conservationists, a joint agency task force would
substantially increase law enforcement operations on the river. " Yet, on November
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6, 2017, river experts, industry experts that spoke at the Miami River Commission
stated that -- the Miami River Marine Group and others stated that problems of
increased recreational vessels violating the idle no wake speed limit, boating under
the influence of alcohol, and illegally docking in the Federal navigable channel,
caused hazards to the navigation for the shipping vessels undertow in port Miami. I
would add to that, to those of us that have private vessels, we're not all millionaires
with yachts. Some of us have boats that we live on or that we've hung our entire
life's livelihood to keep, and we need your help. So that was in 2017. And what the
Miami River Commission did in response to that testimony was they printed 250
pamphlets, and put them in restaurants, and they passed a resolution asking for
increased law enforcement. So I'm here today, two years later, saying, we need teeth
in these resolutions. We don't need words; we need actions. We have an increased
number of boating traffic and an increased cycle of lawlessness on the river. So I'm
asking to do more than pass out pamphlets, do more than pass toothless resolutions,
but to put tooth -- but to put teeth into these resolutions. We need 24/7 -- we need a
boat on the river, traveling back and forth all day, every day -- not 11 hours a day,
not five hours a day -- all day, every day, directed by you, to push the law
enforcement as aggressively as possible. There's pictures; I gave you a packet. I'm
not going to go through them. You can see the wildlife. You can also see the
manatees with the scars on them. They don't get out of the way of boats. You can
see the dolphins swimming in the river. We've got ospreys. We've got tarpon. We've
got snook. We've got jack. It's a -- the river has really responded to all of your
efforts. Let's take it to the next level. Anecdotally, the river doubles or triples the
property values that are along the river, which is an investment for you to put money
into, because you're going to get it back out of that tax base that you just referred to.
There's a page here with all of the enjoyable activities you can see. You can see the
Miami River Day; Esther Luft, from the Virginia Key Outdoor Center, worked with
you on -- and Commissioner Gort, I saw you there, also. You guys did a wonderful
job. We had paddlers, paddle boarders, Kayakers, canoers. You can see a picture
of the launch canal there. If you had never been down that canal by canoe or Kayak,
and passed by the Seminole or Miccosukee caves, it's a beautiful site. It's -- you
wouldn't even know you're in Miami. You feel like you're in the Amazon or
something. You can see the sunsets. You can see the guy playing the guitar in the
bank of the river. You can see the paddlers at Curtis Park. There's a lot of things
happening on the river that you guys and others before you have invested in and
we're seeing come to fruition; please protect that. Industry and jobs. There'll be
people speaking after me, I'm sure, that will tell you about the hundreds of millions
of dollars in commerce that this river produces, and the multiple tens of millions in
tax base that that produces, as well. Then there's a picture of the violations. You
can see the over packed boats. You could -- the top left corner, there's a hundred -
foot boat that struck my boat, because it was out of control, after he hit the boat in
front of me. That's negligence when you hit one boat, and then back up and hit
another one. You can see -- after our first email campaign that Mr. Gort responded
to two years ago, you put the gates up at the park; that was wonderful. You put the
lights up, you put the parking decals out, but nobody pays attention to them. They
show up at night and bolt -cut the chains, and do whatever they want. And we've got
signs there that say, "The park is closed at sunset. " I don't want it closed at sunset,
but either put staff there all hours or take the signs down, because to have signs up
that say what a regulation is and you don't enforce it, you teach the public to have
contempt for the law and your authority. You can see --
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Beightol.
Mr. Beightol: -- the derelict vessels. The entire river is a navigation channel. The
tugboats that have to pull these big freighters, they have to go from side to side; little
boats are going all along the sides of the river. We keep our boats on the side of the
river. If you leave a derelict vessel in the water, you're not doing due process for the
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
owner of that vessel, for the owners of the properties along the river, or for the
environment, because that boat will sink, and every one of them has, that I have
observed in the five years that I've been there.
Chair Russell: Sir, thank you. We've gone way beyond the time. I want to --
Mr. Beightol: Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: -- preserve to see if there's any Commissioners, as well as the
Administration, that'd like --Is it Mr. Beightol or Beightol?
Mr. Beightol: Beightol.
Chair Russell: Mr. Beightol. Thank you for coming here today. Are there any
Commissioners who have questions or comments regarding what's been said?
Commissioner Gort, Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Gort: You know, enforcement is one of the biggest problems that we
have in the river. The boat cannot go --even a police boat cannot go beyond certain
speed. So one of the suggestions I gave to the Administration is we have to set up
cameras. We also got to work with the private sector, private property owners, if
they own -- they have -- I'm sure they got the cameras in back of the -- if they can
record all that, and the police can coordinate with them, I think that'll be very
important to get the violators.
Mr. Beightol: Wake is a function of hull length --
Chair Russell: Sir?
Mr. Beightol: -- so a camera can't catch -- A jet ski going five miles an hour will
create a bigger wake than a tugboat going 10 miles an hour.
Vice Chair Gort: Sure.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Mr. Manager, have you met with Mr. Beightol, and have
you -- has anyone on your staff addressed these issues? Do you see a plan moving
forward to improve this?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Sir, I have not, but, yes, Chief Colina and
Deputy Chief Papier and I have met. We've actually increased patrols on the river,
and we're in the process now of stationing a vessel near or at the MRC (Miami
Riverside Center), which would be a lot closer to any sort of call on the river. Right
now they're at the Miami Outboard Club; takes them quite a bit to get there. So yes,
we are looking at these. We're also looking at technology, as well.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Now, the river obviously touches four out of the five
districts. It's very important to us for many, many reasons. Is there a funding issue
here that we need to address in the budget season?
Mr. Gonzalez: Not at this time, sir. It's just a matter of moving resources around,
but if there is and we need to get deeper into this, I'll be happy to get back to you and
your colleagues with regards to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Thank you. I am very interested. Thank you, Mr. Beightol. Thank
you for --
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Mr. Beightol: Mr. Russell, can I read the bullet point summary, the five things that
I'm asking for specifically so each of you can hear it?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Beightol: I'm asking for your attorneys, as I mentioned at the last meeting, to
review derelict vessels, law, and to push the law enforcement to get those boats off
the water before they sink. I'm also asking for 24/7 human patrol of the rivers;
cameras cannot catch the problem. I'm asking for sanitation to be placed --proper
sanitation containers to be placed at the parks; speed bumps on the roads around the
parks. I'm asking for a 24/7 emergency number, so that we don't have to try to figure
out which of the 38 agencies that we should call when we see an oil spill, a dead
manatee, or whatever. I'm asking that we bring Miami -Dade County Public Schools
into this, so we can work on a outdoor education in the PE (Physical Education)
Program so that we can preclude these problems before they grow up and buy jet
skis, and don't know that there are rules for the road -- for the waterfront. And I
believe there are other people here to speak to this issue.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much for your time.
Mr. Beightol: Thank you so much.
(Applause)
Chair Russell: Thank you for your advocacy. Please hold your applause. Thank
you very much.
END OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE
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141iW9101 ► 69 NI ►III reCe7 NI ►1 97_1
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.], please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
Citv of Miami Page 67 Printed on 10/21/2019
The following item(s) was Adopted on the Consent Agenda
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
CA.1
RESOLUTION
6041
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
Office of Grants
IN THEIR ENTIRETY RESOLUTION NO. 18-0297 ADOPTED ON
Administration
JULY 12, 2018, RESOLUTION NO. 18-0274 ADOPTED ON JUNE
28, 2018, AND RESOLUTION NOS. 17-0465, 17-0462, AND 17-
0458 ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2017, THEREBY RE-
ALLOCATING ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API") FUNDS IN THE
TOTAL AMOUNT OF FIFTY-FIVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED
DOLLARS ($55,500.00) THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY AWARDED;
DE -ALLOCATING API FUNDS AWARDED IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00) PURSUANT TO
RESOLUTION NO. 18-0267 ADOPTED ON JUNE 28, 2018 AS
SPECIFIED HEREIN; REALLOCATING FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND,
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($56,500.00) IN API FUNDS TO THE
RESPECTIVE DISTRICT 3 COMMISSIONER'S AND THE MAYOR'S
SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S API FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0293
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.], please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
CA.2
RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
6043
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED
Parks and
OCTOBER 18, 2018, PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR
Recreation
PROPOSALS ("RFP") NO. 945385, FROM FRIENDS OF MIAMI
TENNIS, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION
("FOMT"), FOR TENNIS CENTER PROGRAMMING AND
OPERATIONS, FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND
RECREATION ("PARKS"), FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF THREE (3)
YEARS, WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO (2)
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PERIODS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NEGOTIATED PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA"), IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING
BEEN PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE
CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI-
DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL
AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE
WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY
FOR SAID PURPOSE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item CA.2 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item CA.2, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s) " and "End of Consent Agenda. "
Chair Russell: I'd like to get a deferral on CA.2 for the September 12 agenda. We
have a community meeting in Morningside in August --
Commissioner Hardemon: So moved.
Chair Russell: -- where the parks will go, and then we can bring it back with a
consensus.
Commissioner Reyes: Been moved and second.
Chair Russell: There's -- it's -- the deferral request has been moved by
Commissioner Hardemon; seconded by Commissioner Reyes. All in favor, say
f, P,
aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
City of Miami Page 68 Printed on 1012112019
City Commission Meeting Minutes
Chair Russell: Opposed? Motion passes. That's CA. 2.
CA.3
RESOLUTION
6061
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED
Police
DECEMBER 12, 2018, PURSUANT TO REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS ("RFP") NO. 610384, FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
PSYCHOLOGICAL & COUNSELING ASSOCIATES, INC.
("LEPCA"), FOR THE MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT ("MPD"), FOR
AN INITIAL PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS, WITH AN OPTION TO
RENEW FOR ONE (1) ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) YEAR PERIOD, ON
AN AS -NEEDED CONTRACTUAL BASIS; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM VARIOUS SOURCES OF FUNDS FROM THE USER
DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NEGOTIATED
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT ("PSA"), IN
SUBSTANTIALLY THE ATTACHED FORM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"),
INCLUDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0294
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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CAA
RESOLUTION
6060
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Department of
AUTHORIZING THE ACCESSING OF VARIOUS CONTRACTS VIA
Procurement
THE EXISTING BUYBOARD NATIONAL PURCHASING
COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATION ("BUYBOARD"), EFFECTIVE
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019 SUBJECT TO ANY RENEWALS,
EXTENSIONS, OR REPLACEMENT CONTRACTS BY BUYBOARD,
TO BE UTILIZED CITYWIDE, ON AN AS NEEDED CONTRACTUAL
BASIS, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; FURTHER
ACKNOWLEDGING THE COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT
BENEFITS OF THE BUYBOARD THAT ENABLES THE CITY OF
MIAMI ("CITY") TO AGGREGATE ITS PURCHASING VOLUME
WITH THAT OF OTHER PARTICIPATING MEMBER PUBLIC
AGENCIES, IN ORDER TO REALIZE A LARGER PERCENTAGE
DISCOUNT PRICING STRUCTURE TO THE FINANCIAL BENEFIT
OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS,
AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING BEEN
PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0295
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.4, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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CA.5
RESOLUTION
6198
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Office of the City
AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO SETTLE PUBLIC
Attorney
EMPLOYEES RELATIONS COMMISSION CASE NO. CA -2018-054
BY INCLUDING PETITIONERS ROBERTO FENTON, NELSON
CUADRAS, VELENTINE ONUIGBO, MAURICE HARDIE, CARLOS
VASQUEZ, ORLANDO DIEZ, DAVID ADATO, ACHMET VALDEZ,
VICTORIA ROJAS, AND MARLO DARRINGTON ("PETITIONERS")
AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION, OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE,
COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO LOCAL 1907
("AFSCME LOCAL 1907"), AND PROVIDING PETITIONERS WITH
THE BENEFITS OF THE AFSCME LOCAL 1907 2017-2020
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT ("CBA"); FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY $12,000.00
IN ATTORNEY'S FEES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO MAKE ANY DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS IN
THE FISCAL YEAR ("FY") 2018-19 BUDGET CLOSE-OUT OR IN
THE FY 2019-20 PROPOSED BUDGET AS MAY BE REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO THE SETTLEMENT, AS FULL AND COMPLETE
SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS,
INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS,
AGAINST THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"), ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS
AND EMPLOYEES, UPON THE EXECUTION OF GENERAL
RELEASES OF ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS, AND A DISMISSAL
OF THE CITY WITH PREJUDICE; ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR
ATTORNEYS FEES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,000.00, FROM
ACCOUNT NO. 00001.980000.531010.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0296
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA. 5, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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CA.6
RESOLUTION
6039
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE
Solid Waste
RESULTING CONTRACT FROM REQUEST FOR
QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) NO. 495344 FOR THE PROVISION OF
COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE HAULING SERVICES FROM
WORLD WASTE RECYCLING, INC. ("WORLD WASTE") TO
ACCEPT THEIR OWNERSHIP CHANGE, IN RECOGNITION OF
THEIR STOCK PURCHASE BY COASTAL WASTE & RECYCLING
HOLDCO, LLC, ("COASTAL"), WHILE MAINTAINING THEIR
CURRENT NAME AND FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ("FEIN"); AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ACCEPTANCE OF ASSIGNMENT
AND ASSUMPTION OF CONTRACT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM, TO INCORPORATE COASTAL AS THE NEW
PARENT COMPANY AND SOLE SHAREHOLDER; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL, HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("CITY
CODE"), INCLUDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18
OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0297
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA. 6, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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CA.7
RESOLUTION
6053
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, ACCEPTING
Department of
THE BIDS RECEIVED ON APRIL 24, 2019, PURSUANT TO IFB
Solid Waste
1029381, FOR THE PURCHASE OF METAL WASTE CONTAINERS
FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") SOLID WASTE
DEPARTMENT ("SOLID WASTE"), ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS,
WITH WAUSAU TILE INC. ("WAUSAU") AS THE PRIMARY
VENDOR AND TRASHCANS UNLIMITED ("TRASHCAN"), AS THE
SECONDARY VENDOR, FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF TWO (2)
YEARS, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR TWO (2)
ADDITIONAL TWO (2) YEAR PERIODS; ALLOCATING FUNDS
FROM SOLID WASTE'S GENERAL ACCOUNT NUMBER
04001.213000.552000.0000.0000, AND OTHER SOURCES OF
FUNDS, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND
BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL
OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS,
RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO ALLOCATIONS,
APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL HAVING
BEEN PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH
APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ("CITY CODE"), INCLUDING THE
CITY'S PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT,
AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN
CHAPTER 18 OF THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0298
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA. 7, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
CA.8
RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
6142
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
Department of
ALLOCATING BUDGET RESERVE FUNDS FROM COMMUNITY
Human Services
INVESTMENT PROGRAMS' FUNDS, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) TO
URGENT, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION
("URGENT"), IN SUPPORT OF THEIR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH URGENT, INA FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
ALLOCATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0302
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MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item CA. 8, please see
"End of Consent Agenda. "
Chair Russell: All right. Thank you very much. We do have a quorum now. Back
to the CA (Consent Agenda) agenda, the only three remaining items. I believe it
was Commissioner Carollo who had questions on those with regard to funding;
CA. 8, 9, and 10.
Vice Chair Gort: Someone had a question on 10.
Chair Russell: All right. I -- Mr. Manager or representative of the Manager, there
were some questions regarding the funding sources for CAs.8, 9, and 10. Have
those been addressed?
Vice Chair Gort: No. My question for 10 is a little different. My understanding,
this is a program that's going to be funded through the City Manager's Office, and
this is to provide service to small businesses, my understanding.
Milton Vickers (Director, Human Resources): Sir, I'm having difficulty hearing.
Vice Chair Gort: My understanding is that the program that we're going to be
looking at the -- CA.10 is the Prospera, a program where they're going to be
providing services to small business --
Mr. Vickers: Yes.
Vice Chair Gort: -- within the area.
Mr. Vickers: Yes. Those businesses will be citywide, but there will be a
concentration of small businesses along the Flagler Street Corridor that would be
going under construction. It would provide technical assistance to businesses
citywide, as well as technical assistance to those businesses on Flagler Street who
may not be able to survive several months of ongoing construction. That technical
assistance will be how to close your books technology, as well as access to capital.
Commissioner Gort: My understanding, also, how to run those new machines that
we have today, the new system that we have to charge people for the services, that
they have to be very careful with that --
Mr. Vickers: Yes, sir.
Vice Chair Gort: -- because we may have a lot of problem with them, because I'm
willing to allocate some funds out of my office to make sure some of the business
within my area, they get some of the services.
Mr. Vickers: Our definition of "small business" would be that same definition that
Commerce Department, Small Business Administration utilizes to define it, but what
I'll question -- we have some businesses, as we did along the 8th Street Corridor --
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Vice Chair Gort: Right.
Mr. Vickers: -- doing construction that are small mop -and -pop businesses; small
companies that invested their life savings in business, but could not survive the
construction, and that's what we're trying to gear up to provide technical assistance
with.
Vice Chair Gort: Yes. Okay. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. I'll table those CA items until Commissioner Carollo is
here, because he had the specific questions on those.
Later...
Chair Russell: We'll move back to the CA agenda, now that Commissioner Carollo
is with us. CA.8 and 9, Commissioner Carollo had questions about funding
sources. Can the Management address that, please?
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Manager --
Chair Russell: Your microphone.
Commissioner Carollo: -- on C.8 [sic] and 9 that are left, where are the funds
coming from?
Christopher Rose (Director): Good afternoon, Commissioners. Chris Rose, Office
of Management and Budget.
Commissioner Carollo: Chris, thank you, but I'm asking the Manager. Mr.
Manager, so they got to explain to you where the funds are coming from, or could I
get a simple answer?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Sir, they're coming from reserves. If you'd
like, the Department Director --
Commissioner Carollo: Reserves.
Mr. Gonzalez: -- would be happy to explain --
Commissioner Carollo: But what kind of reserves?
Mr. Gonzalez: Departmental reserves, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Is it coming from the general fund reserve?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, let me take that further and dissect it more. Are we
talking about general fund reserves -- in the overall general fund reserves or the
reserves that were included in this fiscal year's budget?
Mr. Rose: These are the reserves that are included in this year's fiscal budget;
already approved by this Commission. It's on page 349 of the adopted operating
budget book. Its called "Community Investment Programs. " Its $150, 000, and
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
it's in non -departmental. So it's not in a department specific; it's in the non -
departmental accounts.
Commissioner Carollo: How much do we have left in the fiscal year budget
approved reserves?
Mr. Rose: Of these, we've got --
Commissioner Carollo: Not of these; overall.
Mr. Rose: Overall? Okay. So this morning I sent out the monthly budget report,
and we'll talk about it at BU.1, or if the Chairman would agree, we can call this
BU.1 as well.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't care what you call it. I just want to know what we
have left right now in this year's fiscal year's budget reserves that were approved.
Mr. Rose: So we have not touched the $5 million that was reserved in non -
departmental; that's per financial integrity principles. We've not touched the $10
million that is in the building reserve, and we have not touched the -- I'm going to
forget the number exactly, but five and a half million dollars that was in the reserve
for uncollectable. The only reserve we've really hit is this one for Community
Investment Programs, and the Manager's reserve; otherwise, the reserves that are
there are still in place, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. What is the amount we have left in those two
reserves, the Management's reserves and the additional reserve?
Mr. Rose: The Manager's reserve has about 40,000 left in it, and Community
Investment has about 17, 000, maybe -- between 17 and 20, 000.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. All right. You've answered my question. It was
allocated in this year's budget.
Mr. Rose: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: And we can move forward.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there a motion on CA.8 and 9?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Go ahead.
Chair Russell: Moved be Commissioner Reyes; seconded by Commissioner
Carollo. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes on CA.8 and 9, which completes the CA agenda, the
PH agenda, and we have a few items left in the RE agenda, as well as the
ordinances.
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CA.9
RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consen'
6141
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AYES:
AUTHORIZING THE ALLOCATION OF BUDGET RESERVE FUNDS
Department of
FROM COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS' FUNDS IN A
Human Services
TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($5,000.00) TO THE PRYMUS ANGELS CORPORATION, A
FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("PRYMUS"), FOR
COLLEGE TOURS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OF THEIR
EDUCATIONALLY BASED ALL-STAR CHEER PROGRAM
OFFERED WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"); AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH PRYMUS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID ALLOCATION; AND FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY,
ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR
SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0301
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes
ABSENT:
Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.9, please see "End of
Consent Agenda " and Item CA. 8.
CA.10
RESOLUTION - Item Pulled from Consent
6140
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION,
Department of
ALLOCATING BUDGET RESERVE FUNDS FROM COMMUNITY
Human Services
INVESTMENT PROGRAMS' FUNDS, IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00)
TO THE HISPANIC BUSINESS INITIATIVE FUND NATIONWIDE,
INC., D/B/A PROSPERA, A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION ("PROSPERA"), FOR THE CREATION OF A
PROGRAM THAT WILL EDUCATE MICROBUSINESS OWNERS
WITHIN THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") ON THE IMPORTANCE OF
TECHNOLOGY, PROTECTION FROM CYBER THREATS, AND
PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH EFFICIENCIES FOR THE
BOOSTING OF PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PROSPERA, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID
ALLOCATION; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0303
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT: Carollo, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item CA.10, please see
"End of Consent Agenda" and Item CA. 8.
Chair Russell: Let's move on to the RE (Resolution) agenda and see what business
we can take care of there. Gentlemen, you want to look at the millage rate, or do
you want to wait for a full dais on that as well?
Vice Chair Gort: I'll make a motion on CA. 10. That was my question. I think it's
been answered.
Chair Russell: There's a motion on CA.10. Is there a second? Seconded by
Commissioner Reyes. Any further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes for Prospera. That's CA.10. We'll table CA.8 and 9.
CA.11 RESOLUTION
6226 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Office of the City AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MIAMI TO FILE BRIEF(S) IN
Attorney SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES AS AMICUS
CURIAE IN ALL APPELLATE PROCEEDINGS IN BEJARANO V.
CITY OF CORAL GABLES.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0299
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item CA.]], please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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CA.12
RESOLUTION
6138
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Office of the City
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY THE
Attorney
ESTATE OF ALEX FORTSON AND ITS ATTORNEYS, ASNIS,
SREBNICK & KAUFMAN, L.L.C., WITHOUT ADMISSION OF
LIABILITY, THE AGGREGATE TOTAL SUM OF ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000.00) IN FULL AND
COMPLETE SETTLEMENT OF ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND
DEMANDS, INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS FOR ATTORNEYS FEES,
AGAINST THE CITY OF MIAMI AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS,
AND EMPLOYEES, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALEX
FORTSON ADV. CITY OF MIAMI, UPON THE EXECUTION OF
GENERAL RELEASES AS TO ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS;
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM ACCOUNT NO.
50001.301001.545011.0000.00000.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0300
This matter was ADOPTED on the Consent Agenda.
Note for the Record: For minutes referencing Item CA.12, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: I'd like to look at the CA (Consent Agenda) and the PH (Public
Hearing) agenda; if we can pass both of those. I would only like to pull CA. 2.
Commissioner Carollo: Chairman --
Chair Russell: Is there any--?
Commissioner Carollo: -- ifI can --
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: -- before? I have one real quick item that is not
controversial. It's the appointment of someone to the Community Relations Board
They've been sitting here all morning, so if I could have the Clerk to read out their
name, so that we could approve it real quick.
Chair Russell: We may be able to take it all up together, if that's --?
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Yes. I just have three quick board items,
Chair.
Chair Russell: The board items?
Ms. Ewan: Yes.
Chair Russell: All right.
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: Are we -- we have the will to take up the CA and the PH, as well?
Commissioner Hardemon: Right. So I'm very much so comfortable with both. That
was the exact motion I was going to make, and then we can -- I think we should
address Commissioner Carollo's concern.
Chair Russell: Thank you. We'll do the CA, the PH, and then the board
appointments, and then we'll break for lunch. CA -- we're going to pull CA. 10 for
after lunch. I'd like to --
Commissioner Carollo: I'd like to pull CA.2 --
Chair Russell: CA.2
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay?
Commissioner Hardemon: Correct. Yes, that's included in the motion. So to be
clear, the motion will be to approve the CA agenda, except for CA.2.
Commissioner Carollo: And if I could approve CA -- pulls for discussion CA. 8, 9,
and 10. I just want to find out where the monies are coming from, and if we have
gone through the process that we're supposed to go through, because I'm reading
here that they're reserved funds.
Chair Russell: That's fine. We'll take that one separately, as well. Commissioner
Reyes, did you have something as well?
Commissioner Hardemon: Is it that people want to discuss -- do you want to just
discuss 8, 9, and 10?
Chair Russell: He has a question on those three.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, I want to pull those out and deal with them
separately.
Commissioner Hardemon: Okay. That's different. All right.
Commissioner Reyes: I want (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Microphone, please.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to discuss -- I'm in the RE (Resolution), on the --
Chair Russell: We're only looking at CA and PH at the moment.
Commissioner Reyes: CA -- and CA.2 that -- because -- which one? PH?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Single family (UNINTELLIGIBLE). I don't have a quarrel
with any of the PH.
Chair Russell: All right. So the motion should be --
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Commissioner Reyes: All the CAs.
Chair Russell: -- CA.1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and the entire PH agenda; am I
correct?
Commissioner Hardemon: That is correct. That's my motion.
Chair Russell: There's a motion. Is there a second?
Commissioner Carollo: CA.2, 8, 9, and 10 are being pulled.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: All right. So that -- is there any discussion on the remainder of the
CA agenda, as well as the entire PH agenda? Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye. if
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
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00:0141Los: I;r_1N1►[*9
PHA
RESOLUTION
6064
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF
Housing and
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG")
Community
ADMINISTRATION AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
Development
PERSONS WITH AIDS ("HOPWA") PROGRAM DELIVERY FUNDS
TO ALLAPATTAH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, INC., A
FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("ABDA"), AND
SUNSHINE FOR ALL, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR EACH OF THE 2019-2020 AND 2020-2021
PROGRAM YEARS, AS MORE PARTICULARLY SPECIFIED IN
ATTACHMENT "A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, SUBJECT
TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING, TO PROVIDE HOUSING
QUALITY STANDARD INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF
MIAMI'S SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM,
THE MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAM, AND THE HOPWA
PROGRAM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS, AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE(S).
July 25, 2019
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0304
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PH.], please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
PH.2
RESOLUTION
6065
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING THE SINGLE FAMILY CODE
Housing and
COMPLIANCE ELDERLY LOAN ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM,
"A,"
Community
AS MORE PARTICULARLY SPECIFIED IN EXHIBIT ATTACHED
Development
AND INCORPORATED; ALLOCATING GRANT FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $500,000.00 FROM THE DISTRICT 1
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY")
ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE FUNDS TO ASSIST THE CITY'S
ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS IN CORRECTING OUTSTANDING
CODE COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS ON THEIR PROPERTIES;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN
A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, TO COMPLETE
THE ALLOCATION OF SAID FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0305
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
Citv of Miami Page 83 Printed on 10/21/2019
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PH.2, please see "Public
Comment Period for Regular Item (s) and "End of Consent Agenda. "
PH.3
RESOLUTION
6066
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
Housing and
GRANT AN EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE 2017-2018
Community
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ("CDBG")
Development
AGREEMENTS FOR THE MICRO -ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
"A,"
RECIPIENTS, AS SPECIFIED IN ATTACHMENT ATTACHED
AND INCORPORATED, FOR SIX (6) ADDITIONAL MONTHS FROM
MAY 30, 2019 TO NOVEMBER 30,2019; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND
ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS, EXTENSIONS,
AND MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE
COMPLETION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES,
SUBJECT TO ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS THAT
REGULATE THE USE OF SUCH FUNDS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0306
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PH.3, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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PHA RESOLUTION
6047 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), BY A FOUR-FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 OF THE CODE OF THE
Police CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), AFTER
AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING, APPROVING,
AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S FINDING OF A SOLE
SOURCE, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A";
WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED
BIDDING PROCEDURES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE VACUUM METAL DEPOSITION 560
LATENT FINGERPRINT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM ("VMD560")
AGREEMENT FROM WEST TECHNOLOGY FORENSICS, INC.
("WEST TECHNOLOGY") AND CITY OF MIAMI'S ADDENDUM, FOR
AN INITIAL TERM OF ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD WITH THE OPTION
TO RENEW FOR THREE (3) ADDITIONAL (1) YEAR PERIODS,
ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 EDWARD
BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT ("JAG"),
AWARD NO. 2456, PROJECT NO. 19-190011, TASK NO. 1,
ORGANIZATION 191602 AND ACCOUNT NO.
12000.191602.664000.0.0, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED;
FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ANY
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, AND EXTENSIONS, SUBJECT TO
ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS, AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY MADE, AND IN
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY
CODE, INCLUDING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROCUREMENT
ORDINANCE, ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT, AND FINANCIAL
INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES, ALL AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTER 18 OF
THE CITY CODE, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0307
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK4, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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PH.5
RESOLUTION
6051
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION, BY A FOUR-FIFTHS
Department of
(4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-92 OF
Police
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED,
Resilience and
AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
Public Works
AUTHORIZING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
FINDING OF A SOLE SOURCE, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
AS EXHIBIT "A," WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDDING PROCEDURES, AND
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) M -VAC FORENSIC
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID ("DNA") COLLECTION SYSTEM
("MVAC"), FROM M -VAC SYSTEMS, INC. ("MVAS"), FOR A ONE
TIME PURCHASE PRICE OF $37,335.00, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO TRAINING SERVICES, MAINTENANCE, AND
SUPPORT FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS; ALLOCATING
FUNDS FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2017 EDWARD BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT ("JAG"), AWARD NO.
2456, PROJECT NO. 19-190011, TASK NO. 1, ORGANIZATION
191602 AND MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNT NO.
12000.191602.664000.0.0., SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS AND BUDGETARY APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0308
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK5, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
PH.6
RESOLUTION
5916
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PLAT TITLED "JACKSON
Department of
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER," A REPLAT AND A SUBDIVISION
Resilience and
IN THE CITY OF MIAMI OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN
Public Works
ATTACHMENT 1," SUBJECT TO SATISFACTION OF ALL
CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY THE PLAT AND STREET
COMMITTEE, AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, AND THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN
SECTION 55-8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED; ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS SHOWN ON THE
PLAT; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE PLAT AND CAUSE THE
RECORDATION OF THE PLAT, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0309
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK 6, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
PH.7 RESOLUTION
5987 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), ACCEPTING THE PLAT TITLED "BELLE MEADE
Resilience and FCP," A REPLAT IN THE CITY OF MIAMI OF THE PROPERTY
Public Works DESCRIBED IN ATTACHMENT "1," SUBJECT TO SATISFACTION
OF ALL CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY THE PLAT AND STREET
COMMITTEE AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED, AND THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN
SECTION 55-8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED; ACCEPTING THE DEDICATIONS SHOWN ON THE
PLAT; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND
CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE PLAT AND CAUSE THE
RECORDATION OF THE PLAT IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0310
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK7, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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PH.8
RESOLUTION
5926
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of Real
ATTACHMENTS, BY A FOUR-FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE
Estate and Asset
VOTE, AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
Management
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
"A,"
FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT
THAT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND
PROCEDURES ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS
FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-
B(A) OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, AND SECTION 18-182(C) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; WAIVING THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A DECLARATION
OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS RUNNING WITH THE LAND
("COVENANT"), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, MODIFYING THE DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS ORIGINALLY APPROVED PURSUANT TO
RESOLUTION NO. 18-0497 TO ALLOW MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
("COUNTY") TO CONVEY A CERTAIN PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS FOLIO NOS. 01-0106-070-2010, 01-
0106-070-2020, AND 01-0106-070-2060, AS MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "D," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED
("REMAINING PROPERTY"), TO YWCA -MG HOLDINGS, LLC
("YWCA SUBSIDIARY"); FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING AMENDMENTS AND
MODIFICATIONS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSES
STATED HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0311
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK8, please see "End of
Consent Agenda. "
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PH.9
RESOLUTION
6203
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S), PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-85(A) OF THE
and Mayor
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY
CODE"), BY A FOUR FIFTHS (4/5THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE,
AFTER AN ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING, RATIFYING,
APPROVING, AND CONFIRMING THE CITY MANAGER'S
FINDINGS, ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED AS EXHIBIT "A,"
THAT COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION METHODS AND
PROCEDURES ARE NOT PRACTICABLE OR ADVANTAGEOUS
FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY"); WAIVING THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SAID PROCEDURES; AUTHORIZING THE
ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5
COMMISSIONER'S SHARE OF THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY
INITIATIVE ("API"), IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00), TO JESSIE
TRICE COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., A FLORIDA NOT
FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("JTCH"), IN SUPPORT OF ITS
ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0312
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PK9, please see "Public
Comment Period for Regular Item (s) " and "End of Consent Agenda. "
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
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I N;&1119]111,1j111ICki&'
REA
RESOLUTION
6078
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, COMPUTING
MOVER:
A PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY")
Office of
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND
Management and
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2020; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
Budget
THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT BOTH SAID PROPOSED
MILLAGE RATE AND THE STATUTORILY DEFINED ROLLED
BACK MILLAGE RATE TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
PROPERTY APPRAISER AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TAX
COLLECTOR, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES, TIMES, AND
PLACE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS AT WHICH THE CITY
COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE
AND THE CITY'S TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0313
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT:
Carollo, Hardemon
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.], please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Chair Russell: And we'll move on to the RE (Resolution) agenda. RE.1 is the City's
millage rate. Is there a motion on this item, RE.1 ? Moved by Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Gort. Any questions? Any further
discussion on this item? Any comments you'd like to make? Hearing none, all in
favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
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RE.2
RESOLUTION
6050
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION COMPUTING
MOVER:
A PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE FOR THE MIAMI DOWNTOWN
Downtown
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("DDA"), FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
Development
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
Authority
2020; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT
SAID PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE AND STATUTORILY DEFINED
ROLLED -BACK RATE TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PROPERTY
APPRAISER AND TAX COLLECTOR TOGETHER WITH THE
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AT WHICH
THE CITY COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSED
MILLAGE RATE AND THE DDA'S TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR SAID
FISCAL YEAR.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0314
MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes
ABSENT:
Carollo, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.2, please see
"Order of the Day. "
Chair Russell: The -- RE.2 needs a four/fifths; am I correct?
Vice Chair Gort: No.
Chair Russell: We don't?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Not at this time, sir.
Chair Russell: Thank you. RE.2, there's a motion; seconded by the Chair.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): I believe there's a substitution.
Alyce Robertson: Yes, there's a substitution for the substitution. Right.
Chair Russell: All right. So we're filling in the blanks.
Ms. Robertson: Right.
Chair Russell: Please.
Ms. Robertson: Alyce Robertson, Executive Director, Miami Downtown
Development Authority. What the change is from your first substitution to the
second is that the rollback rate was -- there was a -- scrivener's errors in the
rollback rate, which is .4491 mills, and the -- and that's the actual millage, and it's
4.23 percent. That does not change what the recommendation is by the Miami DDA
(Downtown Development Authority) Board.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mover and seconder accept the substitution?
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Vice Chair Gort: You do.
Chair Russell: I do. Yes. Any further discussion? All in favor say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on RE.2.
RE.3
RESOLUTION
6084
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
ATTACHMENT(S), URGING GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND
City Manager's
THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT
Office
THE ISSUES ADOPTED AS THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR
THE CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY") DURING THE 2020 LEGISLATIVE
SESSION; FURTHER URGING THE FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL
DELEGATION TO SUPPORT THE ISSUES ADOPTED AS THE
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY DURING THE 116TH
AND 117TH SESSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS NAMED HEREIN.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item RE.3 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item RE.3, please see "Order of the
Day. "
REA
RESOLUTION
6097
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PRESENT AN OFFER TO
Commissioners
EVENT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC, IN THE FORM OF A
and Mayor
REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT ("LICENSE"), FOR THE
PRESENTATION OF THE ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL AT
BAYFRONT PARK; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE SUCH LICENSE,
SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AS TO LEGAL FORM AND CORRECTNESS.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0321
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MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATI(
MOVER:
Keon Hardemon, Commission
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
NAYS:
Russell, Carollo
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.4, please see
"Public comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Commissioner Hardemon: Can we --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Thank you.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- get into the weeds?
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Hardemon: Can we get into the weeds?
Chair Russell: Yes, as deep as you like.
Commissioner Carollo: In the what?
Chair Russell: He wants to go into the weeds.
Commissioner Hardemon: The weeds.
Chair Russell: On which item?
Commissioner Hardemon: RE.4.
Commissioner Carollo: What weeds?
Chair Russell: Oh, you're ready. You're ready now?
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah. Let's just take care of it.
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Into what?
Chair Russell: You'd like to take up RE. 4.
Commissioner Hardemon: RE.4.
Commissioner Carollo: RE.4?
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: RE --
Commissioner Hardemon: Because we had our public comment, and people came
back to hear it.
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Commissioner Carollo: What number is that?
Chair Russell: That is Ultra; doesn't matter what number it is, it's Ultra. You'd
like to take it now? All right. Commissioner Hardemon, it's your item.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, it's -- that's cute. I'm just waiting for the
Administration, because I know they negotiated the contract. I know you want to
provide us with the details of it, and, I mean, we'll go from there.
Commissioner Carollo: If the Administration's been negotiating the contract, then
I know it's all going to be fine. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Commissioner Hardemon: But let's present the item.
Commissioner Carollo: They're getting it -- what? -- for free now, or what?
Chair Russell: So prior to --
Commissioner Hardemon: "Yo no se."
Chair Russell: -- a motion or a board discussion, you'd like to hear from the
Administration on how far they've come?
Commissioner Hardemon: Right. I mean, I think that just makes sense.
Chair Russell: Hello.
Jacqueline Lorenzo: Hello. Good afternoon, Commissioners. My name is
Jacqueline Lorenzo, with the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management.
I'm here to introduce the Ultra item. There have been some changes to the
agreement from the version you guys have in your packets. I'd like to read them on
the record, if that's okay?
Chair Russell: Yes, please.
Ms. Lorenzo: Okay. So Section 2.16, "Use Period, " indicating that the areas
remaining open outside of the H -day closure --full closure -- are the Bayfront Kids
Park, the Tina Hills Pavilion, and the Dog Park. Those areas will be open. Section
2.7, clarifying that the event will take place on any singular weekend in March.
Section 3.2, clarifying the same thing; that it'll be a single weekend in March. Also
in that section, indicating that those areas will remain open; Bayfront Park Kids
Park, Tina Pavilions -- Tina Hills Pavilion, and the Dog Park. Section 4.4,
modifying the decibel level from 104 to 102 decibels. Section 4.5, "Light Checks";
modifying the schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday to end at 11 p.m.; Thursday, to
begin at S p.m. and end at 2 a.m. on Friday; Saturday of the event week to begin 12
a. in. on Saturday and end 2 a. in. on Saturday; and Sunday, 12 a. in. to 2 a. in.; also
on Sunday. Those are the light checks.
Vice Chair Gort: 2 a.m. ?
Ms. Lorenzo: Then the sound level -- again, Section 4.6 -- back to 102. And in that
same section, modifying the provision that indicated that the stage facing due west
on the south end of Biscayne Boulevard, which faces 50 Biscayne Boulevard, it's
going to be clarified to say that it's going to be removed rather than reconfigured or
relocated. And then Section 7.4, the "Use Fee, " we're going to be adding language
that provides that the cost and expenses that are not usual or customary will be due
following the reasonable pre -approval by licensee, and we will work with the City
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Attorney's Office to finalize that language. Section 7.6 removes the language --
we'll be removing the language regarding the parties mediating over the dispute of
fees. The dispute has been resolved, and you guys -- you should have all received a
memo earlier this morning with the details of that resolution. And finally, Section
10.5, "Capacity, " we'll be modifying the provision to say that the current capacity
for the event is 55,000.
Chair Russell: Could you state for the record the settlement on the fees, please?
Ms. Lorenzo: Sure. So Ultra -- the disputed fees were 475,000 for fire equipment
fees; Ultra will pay 308,000, and the City will waive 167,000. The 308,000 will be
paid over four years, in four equal installments. That first 77,000 will be paid
within 10 days of this approval. The remaining payments will be due June I of
every year thereafter. There will be no mediation; that, as I mentioned, will be
removed from the agreement. And if the license agreement is not extended for any
reason, the City waives any remaining amount that may be due and not yet paid at
that point.
Commissioner Carollo: Such a deal.
Chair Russell: What was the logic for settling on the 100,000 and not requiring full
payment? Did -- was it -- did they have an argument for why they didn't owe that
part, or is it disputable?
Ms. Lorenzo: They were arguing that it was disputed from the beginning. They
didn't agree that the -- that they should be responsible for fire equipment fees.
Chair Russell: Understood. Thank you. Thank you for clarifying on the record.
Commissioner Reyes: When those --
Commissioner Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) equipment.
Commissioner Reyes: -- the bulletproof vests that they were buy -- I mean, they
were --
Ms. Mendez: Right. They were --
Commissioner Reyes: -- being charged for bulletproof vests.
Ms. Mendez: Right. Bulletproof -- that exact amount is a bulletproof vest for the
Fire personnel.
Chair Russell: Hello, Chief.
Joseph Zahralban: Chairman, Commissioners, Joseph Zahralban, Fire Chief,
Department of Fire -Rescue. The vests that you're -- that are being discussed are a -
- were a component of that $475,000. And the justification for that was simply the
fact that we have ballistic vests on every operational vehicle for every riding
position in the City of Miami. That has become a standard for us, and it's
becoming, as you see, a standard across the nation. In addition to that, we have 90
extra ballistic vests for off-duty events so that any firefighter that is asked to work
an off-duty event has access to that same ballistic protection. We have enough -- or
had enough ballistic vests to cover every event that you could potentially have in
the City of Miami, with one exception. That exception is when you take Ultra Music
Festival and move it out to Virginia Beach -- Virginia Key. The reason for that is
because when you have an area that is essentially an island unto itself with one way
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in and one way out, we have to ensure that we have all resources available there at
the site in the event that the causeway gets blocked, as we saw occur, and we
cannot get resources in to the Key. So because of the very unique challenges that
Ultra Music Festival presented out on the Key, the sheer number of firefighters and
officers that we needed to hire in order to protect the event prohibited us from
ouffitting every single person with ballistic protection. So the balance of what was
needed was purchased and was charged to Ultra for that unique event.
Chair Russell: So, Chief -- and thank you for the explanation. So what you're
saying is but for Ultra, we would not have purchased these vehicles, the vests, or
anything?
Chief Zahralban: That is correct. These -- you're speaking about the ballistic
protection; yes, correct.
Chair Russell: Which -- but -- we only -- the ballistic protection only came because
they were apart of the vehicles that you need to have outfitted for every passenger
on the vehicle --
Chief Zahralban: Well --
Chair Russell: -- when we bought the vehicles.
Chief Zahralban: -- don't necessarily confuse the vehicles when I spoke about
riding positions. I was using it as an example. Ever --if there's four people on an
engine, there are four ballistic vests.
Chair Russell: Got it.
Chief Zahralban: The important is every single person working the event must have
access to ballistic protection.
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Not connected to the number of vehicles we
had to purchase.
Chief Zahralban: Correct.
Chair Russell: It was about the manpower. Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: Do we keep those vests?
Vice Chair Gort: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: We have it now. Okay. One thing that I want to ask, and I --
and it was a question that I had for the Manager. Well, no, no. Don't go away.
Don't go away. Were those vests, they were part of your budget? They were -- any
line that -- they were designated for those vests when the application took place, or
you took some funds from some other line items or other application, and you spend
it there?
Chief Zahralban: All the equipment that we purchase is equipment that we
currently have in inventory. It's just an issue of increasing the volume that we need
to purchase it.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm not talking -- excuse me, sir. I'm talking about the
money.
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Chief Zahralban: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, where was that money allocated to? Because --
Commissioner Carollo: From --
Commissioner Reyes: -- from what I do understand, you're charging Ultra,
because you bought it, but -- I mean, it was an expenditure about -- and it's an
expenditure; about $800,000. They recognized some, and this one they didn't
recognize, and then there was this negotiation. But what I'm asking, it is the
process; the process of using funds that they were not specifically allocated for that
-- I mean, for anything that was Ultra. And I know that you didn't have --
Administration didn't have to come to the Commission, probably. I don't know if it
did or not. But I -- in the future, I would like for -- when any investment of that
magnitude is going to be made that at least we are informed, because you cannot --
I mean, that is not money that was allocated for that particular expenditures; those
were allocated for something else. You don't have an account that is contingency;
that you have a million dollars in it.
Chief Zahralban: Commissioner, as I began to explain, the increase in inventory,
the reason that increase in inventory is relevant is because the line item for, let's
say, equipment as an example, is not specifically allocated to a ballistic vest or an
increased number of gauze or IV (intravenous) solutions. It's typically allocated to
a general section, so it would have been purchased under fire equipment. But you
are correct in the sense that I would have had to reprioritize items in order to allow
me to make thatpurchase within my existing budget.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. Now, Mr. City Manager, you see, that is $135,000.
The other funds that were used to purchase or to -- were expended -- I mean,
whatever you bought with Ultra, which amounted to 800 [sic] and some dollars,
where did that come from?
Commissioner Carollo: Can I get an answer from the Manager?
Commissioner Reyes: Came from your budget, Chief?
Chief Zahralban: Commissioner, I'm not clear on the question.
Commissioner Reyes: The additional expenditures.
Chief Zahralban: Can you repeat the question?
Commissioner Reyes: You see, it was 800 and some thousand dollars that they
were -- you spent -- whatever you want to call it -- due to Ultra. You see? I want to
know where those funds -- Because every single penny that we have in the City of
Miami, it has been allocated someplace; even if it is a reserve, the Department of
Fire, Police, whatever. What I want to know is where those funds came from.
Chief Zahralban: Speaking for the Department of Fire -Rescue, any equipment that
was purchased for use at Ultra Music Festival came from the Fire Department
capital budget. Any personnel expenditures were reimbursed through the City's
general fund. Does that answer your question?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And the additional funds that they were -- are in
dispute -- or were in dispute -- I mean, why were they in dispute, and why -- where
they -- those funds came from? You see, what I'm trying to say is this: We --
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) -- I mean, and we never (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the procedure
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(UNINTELLIGIBLE) we use in budget. If you -- and you know well, Mr. Budget
Director, that if you're going to use some funds that it is in one line item, and then
you're going to use it someplace else, you have to do a transfer of funds, right?
Christopher Rose (Director, Office of Management & Budget): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. But I want to know to what -- how do -- how that went
about, and if it was in a -- it was over five -- over $100 million or so, that if that
happens in the future, I think that we should take measures that it should come
before the City Commission, because we are not sitting here as -- rubber stamp
anything.
Commissioner Carollo: Can I?
Commissioner Reyes: Sure. Go right ahead, Mr. Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner Reyes. Your questions have
brought me to ask even more questions. Let me begin by a very simple one.
Madam City Attorney, what is the maximum amount that the City Manager could
spend without Commission approval?
Vice Chair Gort: 25, 000.
Ms. Mendez: It depends. When it's a professional services agreement, it could be
$100,000. When it's another type of -- like purchase of goods, about 50,000.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. And this one that you're hearing, would you
describe it as professional service agreement or purchase of goods?
Ms. Mendez: It's goods.
Commissioner Carollo: That's what I would think.
Ms. Mendez: But --
Commissioner Carollo: It's $50,000.
Chair Russell: I believe we did a retroactive four-fifths --
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Chair Russell: -- vote.
Ms. Mendez: So that -- I just wanted to remind you for this item, what we did was
that, it was purchased due to the emergency that was declared by the Fire
Department for the event, and then it was a four-fifths emergency retroactive
approval.
Commissioner Carollo: I remember that. But I want it said on the record what had
happened before it came back for an emergency vote of this Commission for a four-
fifths. Now, the total amount, Mr. Manager, that was spent was how much exactly?
The total amount that was spent was how much for all the stuff that we had to spend
because of Ultra?
Chair Russell: Unexpected expenditures, correct?
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
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Chair Russell: The -- above and beyond what was budgeted.
Commissioner Carollo: I heard 800, or something, but Mr. Manager, what is the
amount?
Mr. Gonzalez: Chris, would you break it down for us? It was -- the total amount
was 875.
Commissioner Carollo: 875,000?
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, that is -- if I -- maybe 8 -- yeah. 860.
Commissioner Carollo: 860.
Mr. Gonzalez: 860.
Commissioner Carollo: So -- okay. You're sure you didn't stick 15, 000 somewhere
else?
Mr. Gonzalez: No, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Gonzalez: Trust me.
Commissioner Carollo: So it's not 875; the total amount is 860. Can you give me a
breakdown of where that money went?
Mr. Gonzalez: I can. I can't do it off the top of my ahead right now, but I'd be
happy to give it to you.
Commissioner Carollo: Do you have any information before you that someone
could give you that you could read?
Mr. Gonzalez: Not in front of me, but I'll be happy to get you something before the
end of the day.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, you know, this is something that you've been working
on with Ultra. You just came to an agreement with them. I would have thought that
you would have had this on top of your tongue.
Chair Russell: While they get that together, I'd like to recognize Commissioner
Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I -- while they get it together, I do have more
questions.
Chair Russell: I --
Commissioner Carollo: The fire component side of it was how much, the total?
Chief Zahralban: The total that was invoiced to Ultra?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, the total that wasn't paid by Ultra to its.
Chief Zahralban: We invoiced $475,000.
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Commissioner Carollo: Okay. All right. Now, do you feel, Chief --
Chair Russell: Just a moment. One at a time, please.
Commissioner Carollo: -- that that was a legit amount that we invoiced them?
Chief Zahralban: I'm sorry, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Do you feel that that was a legitimate amount that we
invoiced Ultra?
Chief Zahralban: Absolutely. The $475,000 was derived from equipment that was
purchased that we would need over and above what we currently hold in inventory
strictly due to placing Ultra out on Virginia Key. The unique location, the potential
to be cut off from mainland services is what prompted the very robust response
capability that was held at Ultra Music Festival. Now, when Ultra Music Festival
is, let's say, in downtown Miami, I have the ability to --
Commissioner Carollo: I --
Chief Zahralban: -- place 50 firefighters on the scene within three minutes, 50
more three minutes after that, and 50 more three minutes after that.
Commissioner Carollo: I understood that, and I'm not questioning what you did. I
just wanted to get it on the record --
Chief Zahralban: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of what you felt. So Ultra has decided that they want a
discount, so they're going to pay us less than 75 percent. Now, I mean, maybe I'm
in a different world, maybe I'm not going along with the program, but who in their
right mind in the private sector is -- wants a contract from someone, and then on
top of that, on the previous one they had with you, they're going to tell you, "No,
no, I'm not going to pay you this. I'm going to pay you less money, " and expect that
they're going to get another contract from you? I mean, think about what I just
said. Who would do that, unless they're so sure that they got people ready to role
for whatever they say? I mean, this would never happen in the real business world;
only in a government like this would it happen. I mean, I'm in shock that even at
this point in time, we're letting them get off the hook on monies that are truly owed
to us. You just heard the Police -- Fire Chief, rather -- state that it was a valid
amount that was spent. And why in the world are we going to settle for anything
less? Are these --
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: -- the kind ofpeople we want to be in business with?
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, do you have the amount for the other -- almost
400, 000, Mr. Manager? Where --?
Mr. Gonzalez: Like I said, sir, we'll get that breakdown to you before the end of the
day.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner Gort, please.
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Vice Chair Gort: Can you go over the hours of operation again, the amendments?
Chair Russell: And while he's seeking that, I'm still questioning about this
settlement on the overdue funds.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. --
Chair Russell: And then I just want to keep it --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: -- one subject at a time --
Commissioner Reyes: Sure.
Chair Russell: -- because right now, we're dealing with the settlement of overdue
fee -- of the task fees that they did not pay, correct?
Joseph Napoli (Deputy City Manager): Yes. What (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Chair Russell: In this settlement that's been worked out and this memo that's been
given to us today, what happens -- is that settlement contingent on this approval
today?
Mr. Napoli: Yes. Yes, it is.
Chair Russell: If approval does not happen today --
Mr. Napoli: Then we go --
Chair Russell: -- where do we stand?
Mr. Napoli: --
stand with the 475, and we'll continue to --
Chair Russell:
The full amount?
Mr. Napoli: --
mediate that.
Chair Russell:
So the --
Commissioner Carollo: But it's more than that; is that even if we agree to the
discounted rate of over 70 -- of over 25 percent, now the money that they owe us
today is not actually what we're going to be getting, because the money a year from
now, two years from now, three years from now, four years from now, is going to be
worth less. Now we're giving them a payment plan for four years. And obviously, if
-- after the first year, if we don't extend this for additional time with the new
Commission that will come in in November, then they don't get to pay anything else
to us. I mean, look, are we being looked at as suckers? Does this Administration
really think that everyone up here is that dumb?
Mr. Napoli: Commissioner, no one thinks anybody is that --
Commissioner Carollo: Of course, you do.
Mr. Napoli: No, we don't, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Of course, you do.
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Chair Russell: One at a time. One at a time.
Commissioner Carollo: For you to present --
Mr. Napoli: This was a disputed amount --
Commissioner Carollo: -- something like this --
Chair Russell: One at a time. I don't want an argument.
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's insulting. Its really insulting. And if these --
Mr. Napoli: It's insulting for you, Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: -- are the kind ofpermits that we've had --
Mr. Napoli: -- to tell us that you think that of us. That was a disputed amount that
was --
Commissioner Carollo: Nothing disputed from what the Fire Chief said.
Mr. Napoli: It was just -- it was -- the items were not in dispute. What was in
dispute was whether those were covered in the contract or not. And we mediated
last evening --
Commissioner Carollo: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that -- you know what the problem
is? That you're not negotiating for the City of Miami.
Mr. Napoli: Yes, we are, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: You're negotiating for Ultra. That's who you're
negotiating for.
Mr. Napoli: Commissioner, don't accuse of us that. We're --
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely, absolutely.
Mr. Napoli: -- our best interest is always the City of Miami.
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely. And you can't come in here --
Mr. Napoli: Do not accuse us --
Commissioner Carollo: -- and make any other accusation.
Mr. Napoli: -- of not protecting the best interest of the City of Miami.
Chair Russell: Stop, please.
Commissioner Carollo: All right.
Chair Russell: I don't want to recess this meeting.
Mr. Napoli: That is a serious accusation.
Commissioner Carollo: No. You are --
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Chair Russell: Stop, stop.
Commissioner Carollo: -- negotiating -- No. Let me finish here --
Chair Russell: No. We need to focus here.
Commissioner Carollo: -- for your salary --
Chair Russell: We're not going to accuse each other.
Commissioner Carollo: -- and for your position. That's all you care about.
Mr. Napoli: That's a serious --
Chair Russell: No, no, no.
Mr. Napoli: -- and false accusation.
Chair Russell: Order, please. Stop. Everybody stop.
Commissioner Carollo: You're a disgrace, sir.
Chair Russell: No. Stop, or we'll recess this meeting. We are on the same side of
this issue. The true leverage for negotiation happens on this dais. The
Administration only has so much leverage to negotiate. It's when it comes to this
moment -- exactly what you're recognizing -- that we have the ability to withhold a
vote, unless we get the best deal for this City. But I do not believe that the City is
acting in bad faith; they're trying to get a deal done. Clearly, they want Ultra.
Clearly, they're in favor of keeping Ultra, as all of us are, seeing Ultra continue in
the City of Miami at the very least in whatever disagreements we have. But I'd like
to at least keep decorum, and make sure we recognize we're all on the same side
here. I don't believe there's any nefarious intent to give Ultra a break. It's simply
that the Administration does not have the leverage to negotiate as you do up here.
Commissioner Carollo: But, Ken, you might think that; I think very differently from
that.
Chair Russell: Fair enough.
Commissioner Carollo: I've seen enough for quite some time now.
Chair Russell: But let's keep it civil, regardless.
Mr. Napoli: Please.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes, you've been waiting, and then --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- Commissioner Gort has questions about the
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: I have a question. Madam City Attorney, all the expenses
that we charge, they were within the framework of the contract?
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Ms. Mendez: All the Fire -Rescue expenses and such? Yes. So everything that had
to do with Fire -Rescue, arguably, in the contract -- It said that there was Police
and Fire -Rescue expenses, right?
Commissioner Reyes: Expenses. And that --
Ms. Mendez: So that they would have to pay. But then there were other expenses,
like parking and certain things that could be -- you know, that we would have to
mediate. So in the interest of trying to hammer out the items that were for sure a,
you know, slam dunk, that's what the amount came to.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm talking about --
Ms. Mendez: Even though -- Um-hm?
Commissioner Reyes: -- the $800,000 that the Manager referred to. All the
expenses -- all the expenditures, they were included in the contract. They were part
of the contract?
Ms. Mendez: So they were not line -item --
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Ms. Mendez: --included --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: -- which was a -- they were just generally included. That's why the
City feels that that money is owed.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. And that money that is owed includes the -- includes
everything?
Ms. Mendez: Right.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: All the expenses.
Commissioner Reyes: What are the -- what items are -- is Ultra contesting? Which
one are the ones that they are -- that they're not accepting?
Chair Russell: Fire --Mr. Chief.
Chief Zahralban: Yes, sir. Again, Joseph Zahralban, Fire Chief. Let me begin by
saying that when I am presented with a challenge, an event that we need to protect,
we develop an Incident Action Plan. That Incident Action Plan, which is developed
by my team of people, determines what is required for the protection of that event,
including equipment. It's important to point out that we take the safety of these
events so seriously that we will spend the money required to protect the event,
regardless of whether we're getting it back from the vendor. We --
Commissioner Carollo: Chief --
Chief Zahralban: -- will make every good faith effort.
Commissioner Carollo: -- we're not questioning you.
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Chair Russell: Just a moment.
Commissioner Carollo: I want you to know that we're not questioning you. You
did what you had to do. I believe what you're stating. You acted like a
professional. You put the safety of your people first and worry about the money
second. I would have done the same thing.
Chair Russell: Let him answer the question, though. He's answering the question.
Chief Zahralban: I appreciate that, Commissioner, but there's another point that I
want to make. I have sat in numerous meetings with the City Administration and
watched them defend my actions -- the equipment that I purchased -- and work in a
good faith effort to negotiate with Ultra to try to get that money back. Now, Ultra
is not disputing the actual items purchased. They are disputing the contract in
general, and whether or not --
Commissioner Reyes: That's what I was saying.
Chief Zahralban: -- that contract allows for the purchase of those items and the
subsequent reimbursement --
Commissioner Reyes: That's what I was -- that's --
Chief Zahralban: -- of those items. I cannot comment on that. And fortunately, I
live in a black and white world where I would have bought that equipment
regardless, and then I look to my City leaders to analyze whether or not we are able
to recover those costs. I have watched them work with Ultra in good faith to
recover those costs, but I understand the dispute. It's a contractual dispute, and I'm
not in a position to be able to answer that. And I don't think we can necessarily
forecast where that might go if it goes to the point of litigation, and I think that was
the premise for a settlement of a certain amount.
Chair Russell: Yes. Understood. And thank you, Chief.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Chair Russell: Now, I'd like to just make sure we get this item -- this part of the
discussion dispatched with, which has to do with the settlement of leftover funds.
So we'll get into the lighting in a moment for Commissioner Gort, which I also have
questions as well, the sound checks. Further discussion on this, leftover funds?
Commissioner Reyes: What -- I just wanted to know if everything that was
purchased, all the expenses that have been charged, if they were part of a contract.
And what is the nature of the dispute? That's the only thing that I want to know,
because if there is a dispute because Ultra understands that that was not part of the
contract, because whatever we do, we have to adhere to the contract.
Ms. Mendez: So their main --
Commissioner Reyes: Its the language of the contract. That's it.
Ms. Mendez: -- argument is that things needed to be pre -approved by them, and
that certain things did not have to be purchased; they could have been rented. And
as such, some of these things -- you know, some of the amounts could have been
lower. So that -- those are the disputed facts at issue.
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Commissioner Reyes: Another thing that -- something that I heard, and I want to
make sure. We bought some bicycles, right?
Chief Zahralban: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: And versus the County, that they rented it. That's not what
you mean -- referring to?
Ms. Mendez: I think some of those things are the things that they brought up.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chief Zahralban: I'm sorry. Point of clarification, Commissioner. Did you say
"bicycles" or "buses"?
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. That's what I heard. I don't know if it is true or not.
Chief Zahralban: I understood "bicycles. " I'm not sure if you said "buses. "
Ms. Mendez: He said "bicycles."
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. Bicycles.
Chief Zahralban: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: My accent is not that bad, man. Bicycle, bus; [expletive].
Chief Zahralban: I don't speak Spanish; I'm sorry, Commissioner.
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: The --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: What I'm seeing here and hearing here is that this is an
entity that wants to do additional business with us; dictating to us the way that
they're going to do business with us. And if they can't even honor a past contract
with us -- I don't want to do business with anybody that is handling prior business
with us in this way --
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Commissioner Carollo: -- because what I'm seeing is that this is going to be the
way that we're going to be doing business with them all the time into the future. So
I'm not voting to agree to any amounts that are here. This, in any legitimate world,
would have to be settled before we move forward, except in the City of Miami.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Hardemon: Yes. From what I remember, when Ultra moved
forward with the contract to bring the event to the venue that it had it at, when they
were presented with these extra costs that they felt were beyond the contract, there
was an immediate objection to it. And from that point forward, as I remember, the
Administration and Ultra were going back and forth about what costs should be
most appropriate. And I remember -- I don't know if we said it on the dais or not,
but at least I had spoken to our City Manager about it -- is that, you know, these
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sorts of things is a matter of policy for us to really decide. And so, when the Chief
discussed -- he said, "Look, I'm going to purchase what believe is necessary for us
to purchase, " that was -- he said it before. He stands firm on that today.
Commissioner Carollo: He made the right decision.
Commissioner Hardemon: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: I agree with you.
Commissioner Hardemon: And my point is that, you know, the question becomes,
"Who pays for it?" Does the City of Miami, because he represents the City of
Miami? He's -- there's an event. He needs to be properly equipped for that event,
so he purchases the equipment. On the City side, do we bear the cost of it, or does
an event that comes in that has it bear the cost of it; especially when that equipment
is not being kept by that event producer; that equipment is not being leased back to
the City of Miami; that equipment is not the property of the person that paid for it;
the equipment belongs to us? And so, the question always became --
Commissioner Carollo: We can give it back to them, if they like.
Commissioner Hardemon: No.
Commissioner Carollo: No problem.
Commissioner Hardemon: But the question --
Commissioner Carollo: I'll make a motion that that be part of it. Give us the
money; we give them the equipment back.
Commissioner Hardemon: So the question always becomes, "What next?" So, for
instance, if -- I believe there were ATVs (all -terrain vehicles) that might have -- I'm
not sure (UNINTELLIGIBLE), but there were ATVs that were purchased. There
were -- I heard there were ambulances that were purchased. I mean, there were a
significant amount of resources that were purchased, and these same things will be
used most likely for the Super Bowl. They will be used most likely for the next big
event. And those entities bear no costs in actually having these things.
Commissioner Carollo: But the Chief --
Commissioner Hardemon: As a matter of fact, in the City of Miami --
Commissioner Carollo: -- stated --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- we give money. And so, all I'm saying is that I think,
in one way, you're correct. If they hadn't negotiated a deal, and they did not -- they
were not being forthright with their deal -- "You told me you were going to pay X, '
and you did not pay me X"' -- I don't see how we move forward with a deal like
that. However, from what I'm seeing, the nuance here is we -- they -- we had a
deal, and then there were these extra costs, and there was a dispute to those extra
costs. And you have a Fire Chief saying, "Listen, I'm going to buy this no matter
what, and we're going to try to get it from you. " And then that's where the dispute
becomes between the City, the City Attorney's Office, and Ultra. And they go and
try to make sense out of it all. You know, there are other entities that have not
honored their deals with the City of Miami, and we piecemeal them along, and they
have to pay rents, and et cetera, and they don't do what they're supposed to do, and
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they still stay alive and move forward and breathe life, and have the ability to earn
millions of dollars in the City of Miami, and it cost us money, too.
Commissioner Carollo: You got some names on who else is comparable to us?
Commissioner Hardemon: I have a bad memory.
Commissioner Carollo: I figured that.
Commissioner Hardemon: But I know it happens. And so, what I'm saying here is
that if there's a want to talk about whatever the number is -- if it's a hundred
something thousand dollars in savings -- then we talk about that. But I don't think,
just from my perspective from watching it happen, I don't think anybody -- not the
City of Miami, nor Ultra -- acted in bad faith when it came to what happened here.
It's just that there was a lot of equipment that needed to be purchased for safety
reasons. The Police -- I mean, the Fire Chief made those purchases, and now we
have to decide who's paying for it, and it sounds to me that Ultra is deciding to pick
up most of that bill, even though this is equipment that's going to be for the use of
the City of Miami and its residents.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. And I do understand both sides here.
What we really need to decide, moving forward, what is our policy going to be
about this sort of expenditure?
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: Because many great events could come to Miami, but maybe not be
able to afford a lot of the additional expenditures that we would have to take on by
welcoming those events. The Yacht Show is a pretty good example, where they had
half a million dollars of additional expenditure that they weren't expecting -- it
might have been more than that -- with regard to having to put in afire suppression
system on the docks they weren't expecting. No way would we let them out of the
obligation to do so. The question is, "Who carries the burden of those costs?" In
this case, I guess I could understand a sharing as we get to keep the asset and use it
and benefit from it in the future, and especially if there was a dispute on the
contract with regard to whether or not they would be responsible for these
purchases. But I definitely stand behind the Chief for the purchase, and I stand by
the Administration to fight for the funds to save the taxpayer. But we do need to
look forward for other events and see what we're going to do about this, because if
we end up scaring events away from overburden charges, we need to be careful. So
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair? Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I agree with you on that, that we have to look to the
future, and that's why, in this contract, you see, I requested that no purchases and
no expenditure should take place, unless it is agreed by both parties, or if there's a
dispute, come to us.
Mr. Napoli: And that's correct, Commissioner. And that was what was read into
the record earlier, too, that clarification language.
Commissioner Reyes: That's it.
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Chair Russell: From our side, it was clear that in the contract, these expenditures
are their responsibility. And really, as each contract is put together, that's where it
should be made very clear.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Chair Russell: So there shouldn't be a dispute. Is there any further discussion on
this part of the item?
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, there is.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: The Fire Chief made it very clear that City of Miami owns
all sufficient equipment to handle any outside activities like this.
Chair Russell: Except for this one.
Commissioner Carollo: Except for one of this magnitude, in a place like Virginia
Key. So, for the Super Bowl, for all the other stuff that we're bringing up now, is
the excuse that we could use it for that, because otherwise, we wouldn't have
enough. It's been made clear that we do have enough from before. I also heard the
City Attorney say that in the contract, they had agreed to any additional equipment
that we needed for security or police. So the only thing that I don't know is if it
points to anything that they get the equipment back or not. It's obvious that when
they entered that contract, they were expecting to be at Virginia Key for many more
years. It didn't go quite as well as they thought, you know. They had a lot of
problems, and this is why they reached out so that they could go back to Bayfront
Park. So in the meantime, they want us to be stuck for the amount that they had
committed to. Now, if in the contract it states that we don't get to keep the
equipment, give them the equipment back. I just want the cash that we put upfront
back to us, and they could have every vest, every bit of equipment back; that,
according to the Fire Chief, we don't need all that additional equipment, except for
any major events such as this, this magnitude, in Virginia Key.
Commissioner Reyes: Madam City Attorney, what would be the solution to this?
Because we're going around and around, and I think that we should move forward.
What will be a solution to this? It will be what? Take them to a mediator, or it's a
mediation, or decide that unless this is paid in full, or it -- we have a payment
agreement, but the payment agreement would have to be effective. You see? And
we will have to be paid real fast? Or what will be a solution to this? Because
either we are going -- do they keep the equipment? Do we keep the equipment? It
was -- it's supposed to be bought. It was not supposed to be bought. The truth of
the matter is that there is an out -- I mean, it's an outstanding debt, and that we
want to collect. Now, let's try to collect this as much as we can. And if we are
going to move with a new contract, make sure that doesn't happen again, and -- but
we have to move forward. I mean --
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney.
Commissioner Reyes: -- whatever we're going to do, we have to do it.
Commissioner Carollo: The point that I'm trying to make is --
Chair Russell: No, no. Please let the City Attorney answer --
Commissioner Carollo: Yes.
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Chair Russell: -- and then we'll move on.
Ms. Mendez: So this was the most direct way to capture all of the money, which is
to negotiate a settlement of this type, because if we go to mediation, if we go to
court, we cannot always guarantee the results. This was more to get a settlement in
order to get a guaranteed amount. But obviously, it's up to this Commission, if you
feel comfortable with that negotiated settlement or not.
Chair Russell: So the vote today could change this settlement agreement, even
though the settlement agreement isn't within the backup of the item, correct?
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: Our vote today -- For example, if the majority of the Commissioners
here who are voting on this item say they would demand more of the funds back or
a faster payment plan, a change to the settlement agreement --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely.
Chair Russell: -- could that be incorporated into this vote?
Ms. Mendez: The -- obviously, this is something that you take into consideration
with your vote.
Chair Russell: Right. So answer the question.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: And obviously, I know that the members of Ultra will be here --
should be here.
Chair Russell: They're here.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, they're here.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Ms. Mendez: And you can obviously discuss with them. This was our good faith
effort to try and resolve something before it came to you.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Commissioner Reyes: So we can work into the contract a settlement agreement and
the quantity, too; to say, "Well, we will grant this contract if, and only if, blah,
blah, blah happens, " and that's conditions.
Ms. Mendez: It is always your prerogative, obviously, how you want --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo and then --
Ms. Mendez: -- that to happen.
Commissioner Carollo: -- if this was a real business agreement, real business
negotiations, there'd be nothing more to discuss; they would be paying the full
amount, or they would not be getting even I percent of a possibility of an additional
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contract. But since --we all know these are political negotiations. They have
nothing to do with business in the real business world. It all has to do with politics
in a political negotiation. This is why we're here. I mean, this is outrageous, that
these people are demanding from us and giving us the terms of what they're willing
to do at Bayfront Park, and they're not going to be willing to pay us monies that
they owe before.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Carollo: You know.
Commissioner Hardemon: It appears to me that there was about $1.3 million or so
in additional costs. Of that $1.3 million, about 475,000 was in dispute. Of the
475,000, as I heard, maybe a little more than 300,000 that they agreed, "We're
going to take care of."
Commissioner Carollo: Maybe, maybe.
Commissioner Hardemon: But when I read --
Commissioner Carollo: That's not what it says. It says, `Maybe. "
Chair Russell: One at a time. One at a time.
Commissioner Hardemon: When I read the items that were in dispute, $475,000
worth of items that were in dispute, you had Panasonic rugged tablets and adaptors
and safety pads; you had defibrillators, masks, casualty incident field kits, fire
phone systems, eight EMS (Emergency Medical Services) bicycles, two UTV 4 -by -4
EMS patient transporter scooters, 110 point blank brand body armor sets; you had
raincoats, backpacks -- two different types of backpacks; one had an automatic --
automated external defibrillator, and there were a number of things. And then
there were $91,000 of miscellaneous EMS supplies for new ALS (Advanced Life
Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) units for Ultra. So there was a -- I mean,
there's a significant amount of costs for these things. And the way that I see it is
that I don't -- look -- and we're getting -- we receive payments, for instance, for
them to actually be there. First, the $2 million use fee, for instance. And so, you
know, they have put a lot of money into the City of Miami to -- in order to move this
forward. And there was also, as we saw, a big increase in the fees that they agreed
to pay. And so, the way that I look at this is like -- when I hear "No business will
do this, " I don't know. I mean, businesses don't tend to be penny wise and pound
foolish either. You know, it's like, "Okay. Well, to get to the next step, you know,
I'm going get another $2 million worth of payments, " et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
And so, I don't really see this as a main sticking point. If we want to talk about
some other things, I think we should, but -- unless we just want to make a decision
about this. But we're talking about $100,000 or so, and we're looking at a contract
that's worth more than $2 million. There's a $2 million use fee, then you have the
economic impact, then you have the jobs that these men and women in uniform are
going to actually have and the money that they bring home to their families. So,
you know, I don't think that this money is -- and this memo is worth putting a clog
in this.
Chair Russell: You're okay with the settlement; understood. Is there any further
discussion on the settlement agreement?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I would suggest that -- I mean, for --
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) if you will feel better if we accelerate the payment, we make
sure that -- regardless of what happens, we are going to collect our funds, you see,
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and get some sort of -- either bond or get a promissory note that we can take to
court, or accelerate it; instead of four years, then in less years. And I know -- and
I've been in the business world -- that businesses, they have disputes. And I'm
going to be very honest: Businesses, they have disputes on charges, and that
happens, that happens. When you have a contract and you've been charged, you
dispute it. You say -- no, even when you're doing something in your house, you see.
If the contractor tried to charge you for something that you --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Reyes: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) what are you going to say? So
there's disputes, but --
Chair Russell: Commissioner, do you have a recommended time frame for
repayment versus the three years for the 300,000?
Commissioner Carollo: Upfront. The full amount upfront. I mean, look --
Commissioner Reyes: We can do it, half this year, half -- the first payment -- two
payments, and that's it.
Commissioner Carollo: What this says here is that after we give them what comes
to maybe 26, 27 percent discount that they're only going to give us $77,000. And
then each year, we have to approve them again for Ultra at Bayfront Park to get the
next $77,000; otherwise, we will be waiving, if we don't give them the rent of the
park, any other monies they owe us. So you explain to me how we're getting all our
monies here.
Chair Russell: Understood. If we get to a motion, we'll consider an amendment on
that.
Commissioner Carollo: If they want to come to this park so badly, let them pay this
up, and then let's start negotiating, if you want, the next phase. But this is not the
way any business or a city government should be doing business.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Only in a city like this is this done.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Let's move on to other items of potential
dispute. Commissioner? Or not?
Commissioner Hardemon: No. I just -- here in the wonderful City of Miami -- says
-- I'm reading this. If the item is approved today, the first payment of 77, 000 will
be paid within 10 days." "Will be. " "The remaining payments will be due by June
I of each year thereafter, and there'll be no mediation of any remaining amounts. "
Will be -- I guess that will be the difference between 308 and 475.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Commissioner Hardemon: So I'm trying to understand what the option is for them
not to --
Commissioner Carollo: In the second paragraph, it says that --
Commissioner Hardemon: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Commissioner Carollo: -- If that license agreement is not extended for any
reason, the City would waive any remaining amount that may be due and not yet
paid. "
Chair Russell: It's a little in their favor.
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah. I mean, strike it.
Commissioner Reyes: Strike that?
Chair Russell: Well --
Commissioner Reyes: Then let's strike it.
Chair Russell: So we'll put it on a list for potential amendments when a motion is
made.
Commissioner Reyes: That -- with -- let's strike it and make -- add something that
said, "They will be responsible for the full amount, regardless of what happen. "
Chair Russell: All right. Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Hardemon: Strike it.
Vice Chair Gort: I have some questions about amendment that was made about the
operating hours.
Chair Russell: Yes. Thank you. And I apologize.
Vice Chair Gort: I think I heard something about Thursday at 4 and -- until 3
o'clock and 2 o'clock in the morning.
Mr. Napoli: Commissioner, those were the light checks. The actual operating
hours for the event will be Friday, from 4 p.m. until 12 a. in.; Saturday, from 12 p.m.
to 12 a. in.; and then Sunday, from 12 p.m. till 10 p.m.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Chair Russell: Regarding the light checks, there was a potential proffer having to
do with the directional angle of the lights with regard to how it affects residents in
the area. Was anything proffered with regard to that, from --?
Mr. Napoli: Not directly on that. I think maybe Ultra could speak to how they
would do that, Commissioner, but --
Chair Russell: It was a concession I heard they were willing to make.
Mr. Napoli: Right.
Chair Russell: I didn't hear it get into --
Mr. Napoli: It is not in here, but they were going to work that, and they could
perhaps discuss how they plan on doing that.
Chair Russell: Got it. So I'll just add that to the list. Commissioner Gort, did that
answer your question about --?
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Vice Chair Gort: Yes, because I thought I heard something different, according to
what I read before. Okay.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there any further discussion before we --? Anything
else from the Administration?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, I have another question. And I heard that we can -- I'm
going to ask from Ultra, the restoration, it been always stated at 60 days. Can we
lower it to 38 days? That's what I heard that we can -- one of the concessions
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) restoration will be faster. Okay? Can we? Or can you
commit yourself to lowering --?
Chair Russell: I think someone from Ultra should be up here to --
Commissioner Reyes: Sure.
Chair Russell: -- answer some of these questions.
Ray Martinez: Yes, sir. Ray Martinez, with Ultra Music Festival. I'm sorry,
Commissioner; if you could ask the question again?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. You take 60 days -- you know, that one of the main
complaints is the park is closed, and restoration takes a long time. Can you lower
it, lower it? And what I'm trying to do is get as much -- I mean, less time that the --
shorten the time that the park is not being used.
Mr. Martinez: Correct. I think we can commit to 38 days. The only, you know,
thing that we don't control is obviously other events that may come right behind us.
Commissioner Reyes: If another event -- and while you are in the middle of
restoration in the park, it is -- then I think that the proper thing for us to do is to
give you a couple of days. If it takes you a couple of days, just make
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). But -- I mean, I threw 38 days, but if you can do it in 30, that
will be much better.
Mr. Martinez: Certainly. We try to remediate as soon as possible. And usually,
the last thing is obviously the sod. You know, the park is open at that time, so -- but
we can commit to the 38 days.
Commissioner Reyes: No longer than 38?
Mr. Martinez: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: You're going to strive to do it faster?
Mr. Martinez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: Does that require an amendment, or is that as written, Madam City
Attorney? That commitment to 38 days, does that require --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- an amendment?
Commissioner Reyes: Requirement.
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Ms. Mendez: Yes. That has to be placed in the agreement.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: I believe it may have already been placed in the agreement.
Chair Russell: That's why I'm asking.
Ms. Mendez: It was already placed?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. We spoke about that last night. We were going to
request that last night.
Ms. Mendez: That needs to be specifically -- I know that it was discussed, but I
don't know that it was specifically placed in there yet.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: Thank you
Ms. Mendez: But it has to be an amendment.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Other questions for Ultra and/or the
Administration?
Vice Chair Gort: I'd like to hear it all again, all the amendments that's supposed to
have been making.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I'd like to --
Chair Russell: Commissioner, just a minute. Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: -- finish what we had before on the monies owed to us,
before we proceed further. I thought we were going to handle that first.
Chair Russell: So what it looks like, that will be an amendment, if and when a
motion is made, to strike this -- the payment schedule, and require all of it upfront;
is that correct?
Commissioner Hardemon: No. I think it was about the four-year commitment. If
it's not --
Chair Russell: Is not waived --
Commissioner Hardemon: It's the second paragraph. This does not mean that
Ultra's getting a four year license agreement (UNINTELLIGIBLE). No. The part -
- It says, If that license agreement is not extended for any reason " --
Chair Russell: To strike that section.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- "the City will waive any remaining amount that may
be due and not yet paid. "
Chair Russell: Thank you. Now, that is from a memo that's outside of this
agreement, if I'm not mistaken?
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Ms. Mendez: Right. There was -- there's going to be an agreement drafted to the
effect, depending on the --
Chair Russell: So it sounds like there is --
Ms. Mendez: --conditions.
Chair Russell: -- consensus to request a strike of that line, if this is approved.
Ms. Mendez: So in other words, have a payment plan of the 308,000 over four
years, regardless of whether or not there is a --
Chair Russell: Continuation beyond this meeting.
Ms. Mendez: -- continuation.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, I got a lot of things to do today that I could be doing
while this whole charade is going on. This whole thing's been cooked already from
the contract that people in the Administration were told how to write it, what to put
into it, to everything else that's happening, including opinions that have been given.
I'm going through this contract, and this is ridiculous. People are putting stuff in
here that they don't know what is even put in here or not. First of all, Madam City
Attorney, with all due respect, the only entity that legally can sign this contract is
the Bayfront Park Trust. The City Commission could approve whatever it wants
now and send it over therefor the Trust to consider approval, but that is the only
entity, by law, that can approve it. And the best example that I could give you was
back in '03, I believe it was, where Mayor Diaz threatened to cancel Ultra. It had
to go through Bayfront Park Trust and the board voting upon it, which it decided
not to at the time. Mayor Diaz didn't come to the City Commission, because he was
told he had the authority, through the City Commission, to throw them out, because
there was a contract that was made with Bayfront Park Trust. Now, the difference
is in the wording that the City has with the Trust. If the Trust takes steps on its own
that the City is not in agreement with, the City could request for cancellations, but
the City cannot dictate to the Trust what it must do, and enter independently into a
contract with anyone without it being the Trust that does that. Here you have, for
instance -- and I know the tricks that are put in here, because I'm the guy that sat
with them and heard them all, and heard them and heard them and heard them. On
4, premises, 4-1, Amphitheater: "Licensee shall not be required to pay any
additional amount to the City or any other party for the use of the amphitheater.
The City shall cause the amphitheater to be available to licensee during the use
period, as described below, at no additional cost to licensee beyond the use fee
described in Section 7.1. " Now, this will cause the Bayfront Park Trust to be in
violation of their contract with Live Nation. I cannot tell you now if Live Nation
has any acts that they have contracted with during that time, because I don't know
on whatever dates they want to hold Ultra. But if they do have contracts, we're
going to be in violation, because we cannot tell them, "No, you can't do that. "
Secondly, in our contract in Bayfront Park Trust with Live Nation, Live Nation has
a right to charge them, and the cost is approximately 250, 000 that they charged in
the past. It might be a little less, but that's the approximate amount that they have
charged. So that means that we are either going to be in violation of that contract,
or we're going to have to pay it in addition for them; another big amount that's
hidden in the contract. There's an additional loss ofsome $50,000 that the Trust is
going to have in valet parking that is not covered here that we make. So now we're
up to close to $300,000. So, you know, Mr. Manager, can you say that on the
record, too, so that I could understand anything you want in Ultra on the record?
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Chair Russell: Just a moment, Commissioner. I'd like the City Attorney to be able
to address your statement just now about who has the ability for decision-making
on that site, because that's pretty key.
Ms. Mendez: So it has been my opinion from the beginning of time that this
Commission has the authority to do whatever it wants with Bayfront Park Trust.
Unfortunately, Bayfront Park Trust is not sui juris; they cannot sue and be sued.
The City of Miami is still the owner of that property, but Bayfront Park Trust
manages on a day to day. But the main thing -- and it clearly says -- and as you
know, the City Commission can abolish Bayfront Park Trust. It's just a
management of day to day. And it says, "The Powers and Purposes and Duties of
the Trust. The Trust shall have the power to do all things necessary to direct,
manage, and maintain Bayfront Park Trust, subject at all times to City Commission
approval and any existing contractual obligations. " So what you're talking about
the contractual obligations -- You know the Trust best, and obviously, all this needs
to be taken into account -- there's a big indemnity provision in this contract that's
supposed to take care of all those things. However, I've always been very clear that
this Commission -- I mean, I am the advisor to this Commission --
Commissioner Carollo: Are you --
Ms. Mendez: -- and I always give you the power, whenever I can, to do whatever it
is that you want to do.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, the City Attorney in 2003, when Mayor Diaz was
Mayor, had a difference of opinion when he went to the Trust. Now, is this the
same opinion that you have for the Virginia Park Trust; that we could do whatever
we want there, too, the same way?
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: It's just that you're the City Commission. And again, the Virginia
Park Trust -- Beach Trust -- you have -- they're not sui juris; they cannot sue and be
sued. It's notproperty that belongs to them. It's just the --
Commissioner Carollo: Then if you believe all that, then why didn't you say that
when -- about a year ago, when I brought it first to the Commission to look at it,
and I made it clear; this has to be approved by the board, because that's the way
that it's supposed to happen? You never said anything against the board having to
approve it then.
Ms. Mendez: What I said was that -- and that's why we brought it to the
Commission first, because --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no.
Ms. Mendez: -- ultimately, you have authority.
Commissioner Carollo: We brought it to the Commission first, because I didn't
want the board to be blamed when it voted it down.
Ms. Mendez: No. I understand.
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Commissioner Carollo: So I wanted the Commission to take whatever action it
wanted, and I stated it on the record that whatever action it wanted at that time --
not this time -- I would go back and vote with the will of the Commission.
Ms. Mendez: Understood, but --
Commissioner Carollo: So it was understood that the board was going to be voting
on it, because it was supposed to. But all of a sudden, even though you're trying to
convince me that this is the opinion that was always there, there is a new opinion.
Ms. Mendez: No, no, it's the same opinion, because whatever the board decided --
that's why I wasn't concerned that you were bringing it to Commission first,
because whatever the board decided, the Commission controls. That's why I had no
problem with you bringing it here.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no.
Ms. Mendez: I understand there was a different reason, but --
Commissioner Carollo: It didn't control. The only way the Commission are
controlling -- and I submit to you, because as you said on your concerns with the
lawsuits, "Well, it's the best deal, you know, the payment with Ultra. Because there
could be lawsuits, and we don't know how it'll end up in court. " Well, you could be
sure there're going to be lawsuits and -- because I know that, and I want to protect
this City to the fullest, then if the fix is on -- and it certainly is -- then I suggest that
before this Commission does anything else, it dissolves the Bayfront Park Trust so
that you could take it over completely, bring Ultra -- in fact, name it after Ultra.
Take the Bayfront Park name away. Name it "Ultra Park. " In this way, you have
one less cause when it goes to court, and the Mayor would be very happy, in
particularly, and others probably would.
Chair Russell: Is that a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: You guys could make it. I'm telling you what needs to be
done for --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: -- have less liability on this City. And I think I still have
the responsibility to protect the citizens of Miami on liability like that as much as I
can.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: But to go on this route -- Once this gets to a court of law,
you're going to be in quicksand.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort had asked for a list of all of the concessions
that were -- that had been made since the last we discussed this on the dais. Can
we list those and quantify it? Because I know there's others that haven't been
mentioned with regard to the cancellation clause, the threshold for that, and some
other things.
Mr. Napoli: Yes, Commissioner -- Mr. Chairman. I'll read you the major changes
from when this was brought to you before. In the last iteration, there was $1
million that we would provide in-kind credit for; that is taken out. There is no in-
kind credit that they will be given, so the 2 million is in full. The -- it required a
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five/fifths vote to revoke. It no longer requires that; it's four-fifths. They -- the
hours --
Chair Russell: For the cancellation?
Mr. Napoli: For the cancellation, yes, sir. For the event hours, I went through
those.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Napoli: There were changes in the event hours. The use period is reduced
from 30 days to 28 days, and the total park closure, from 14 to 11 days. And what
we read into the record earlier, those areas will not be closed. There is changes to
the stages; one stage will be eliminated completely and another one will be
redirected. The sound level was reduced from 110 to now 102. And there's low
frequency base, which has always been an issue. They will tune each stage to
reduce low and very low frequency base to minimize potential adverse impacts.
Chair Russell: Thank you. I have a question about that last one, because they're
willing to quantify the decibel, the general decibel reading, but as we know, the
general decibel is not our issue; the base --
Mr. Napoli: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) base, yes, sir.
Chair Russell: -- is the issue. They have stated they cannot or have not yet been
willing to quantify what limit they will hold them to -- themselves to on that base,
and neither have we held them to anything. It was brought to our attention earlier
today on some documents that New York City actually does have base decibel -
specific legislation that they hold their events to. I'd love for us to study that,
because that's what we need in here, and that's a missing piece, and that really
might solve a lot of the problems that our residents have. This is a good faith
effort, but that last statement is simply good faith, and it's not something that they
can bank on. So what we're being told is, if this gets approved today, let's cross our
fingers that it's a better experience than what downtowners had in the past, and
we'll see how it goes. I would love for us to be able to quantify that; I don't know
why we haven't been able to. I know they're employing some of the best sound
engineers in the world, but I see we're heading in the right direction. These are just
talks that should have happened so long ago; even two years ago, we wouldn't be
where we are now. There's a lot happening at the last minute here, and it's
tightening up, it's getting better. I definitely give Ultra credit for being together
with the residents. I know the Mayor's tried to work with them as -- in a capacity as
a mediator for this, and I definitely give credit to both sides for that, but there are
still some pretty serious concerns that don't have teeth. So are there any other
items?
Mr. Napoli: That's it, Commissioner. But --
Vice Chair Gort: No.
Mr. Napoli: -- we can, perhaps, work with them to be able to quantify this. I can't
state that right now. They do have, I think, their sound engineer here; perhaps they
have some more insights on that. But we will work to quanta that in the final
agreement.
Chair Russell: Vice Chairman Gort.
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Vice Chair Gort: Yeah. One of my questions was, Bayside has a problem getting
people in.
Mr. Napoli: Right.
Vice Chair Gort: I want to make sure we do something. At the same time, I was
told that the kiddy -- the kids will be able to use their playground.
Mr. Napoli: Yes, that's correct, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Gort: And that will be open to the public.
Mr. Napoli: I want to make sure that that was one of the items
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Gort: I just want to make sure you put everything on the record.
Chair Russell: So the kids playground was where the spider stage was that's made
from the aircraft; that's being eliminated completely, is my understanding. Am I
incorrect on that?
Mr. Napoli: Yes. Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: So that will increase access to the kids playground during the setup
time, but obviously not during the event itself?
Mr. Napoli: That's correct.
Chair Russell: Other questions or items?
Sam Dubbin: Commissioner, ifI could just interject? Its --
Commissioner Carollo: Can you --
Commissioner Hardemon: We're notfinished.
Commissioner Carollo: -- wait for one second --
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- if you would? I want to read this into the record, Chair,
if I can. It's quick. This is the Miami Herald; Tuesday, March 11, 2003. "He
denied ever wanting the concert canceled, even though his office issued a news
release titled, Mayor Manny Diaz petitions Bayfront Park Trust members not to
issue a license musical festival promotors' -- `to musical festival promotors. "' So
here you have a Mayor in 2003 that issued a press release based upon what he was
told by his City Attorney at the time that the only way that he could cancel the Ultra
Music Festival was through the Bayfront Park Trust, not through the City
Commission.
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: I -- unfortunately, without having that contract -- Was that a contract
that Bayfront Park Trust had entered into? Because if Bayfront Park Trust entered
into it, it was a standing obligation; the Mayor has no veto authority there. It
would have had to come to Commission to do something about that.
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Commissioner Carollo: But he wasn't asking --
Ms. Mendez: So I -- unfortunately, I don't know the contract.
Commissioner Carollo: -- the Commission. He was asking the Bayfront Park Trust
to take action.
Ms. Mendez: Right. If it was a contract --
Commissioner Carollo: So what I am saying to you is, I don't know why you have a
Trust any longer, because based on your new-found religion with Ultra and
Bayfront Park, Bayfront Park Trust is nothing. It -- you know, anything it does
don't matter.
Ms. Mendez: I'm not --
Commissioner Carollo: The City could tell -- the City could say to the Trust to take
any action and it's got to follow it.
Ms. Mendez: -- saying that. I am saying that, ultimately --
Commissioner Carollo: You certainly are.
Ms. Mendez: -- what I am saying is, ultimately, this Commission has authority over
that property and that Trust. That is all I'm saying.
Commissioner Carollo: On actions --
Ms. Mendez: I am --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that they take. But this Commission does not have the
authority to say, "We're going to enter into a contract on anything in that
property, " on its own will and institution, without the Trust having voted upon it. It
has a right to deny actions that the Trust takes in contracts, et cetera, but not to say,
"This is what you got to do. " Otherwise, why do you have a Trust? What's the
reason for the Trust?
Ms. Mendez: If this Commission can abolish the Trust by just three votes --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Ms. Mendez: -- and if the Code section says that everything is at all times subject
to the Commission, it doesn't make sense that I would say, "Sorry, Commissioners;
you do not have the right to do anything you want on that land. " When -- the Trust
can't even be sued. The ones that would be sued is the Commission, not the Trust.
Commissioner Carollo: Of course.
Ms. Mendez: They're not sui juris. They cannot be -- I mean, somebody can try,
but we would dismiss it in a second, saying it's not the Trust; it's the City.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then you know what? We should dissolve the Trust.
We should dissolve all the Trusts --
Ms. Mendez: But I --
Commissioner Carollo: -- including Virginia Key Trust.
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Ms. Mendez: At the end of the day, this is your decision and --
Commissioner Carollo: Including Virginia Key Trust, okay?
Commissioner Hardemon: Don't --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- threaten me (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: The one that I made when I was Mayor; you weren't
around.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, I wasn't.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Commissioner, your point is well taken. There is a
dispute -- disagreement between Legal and Commissioner Carollo, but it's -- both
sides are well heard.
Mr. Dubbin: Could I address the statement that the Bayfront -- the Kids Park, the
Tina Hills Pavilion, and the Dog Park would only be closed during the event?
Because that's not what we were told. That's not what -- the agreement we were
shown.
Chair Russell: Can I get clarification on the closure time of the Kids Park, please?
Because I know concession was made to remove a stage from that area to maximize
access. Can I get a clarification?
Mr. Napoli: It would be outside of the 11 days that the park is closed.
Mr. Dubbin: They'll be open -- they'll be closed for 11 days?
Mr. Napoli: Yes.
Mr. Dubbin: Not during the event? That's the clarification that I wanted --
Mr. Napoli: Yeah. I'm --
Mr. Dubbin: -- to make sure everybody here understood.
Mr. Napoli: That's correct.
Mr. Dubbin: The implication was they would only be closed for the event, which is
three days.
Chair Russell: So it'll be closed during the event, inclusive of the 11 days?
Mr. Napoli: Inclusive of the 11 days.
Mr. Dubbin: So it'll be closed for 11 days.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Mr. Dubbin: Not just --
Chair Russell: Not just the three.
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Mr. Dubbin: -- the three.
Mr. Napoli: That's correct.
Chair Russell: Thank you for clarifying.
Mr. Napoli: That's fine.
Mr. Dubbin: And there was another change to the definition of how much park --
how much of the entire park would be closed in the process of specking that those
three parks -- those three small areas would be open, except for the 11 days,
because the implication had been, In no event will the entire property be closed to
the public for more than 11 days. " That was the prior language; suggesting, I
think, to any reasonable person that a lot of that park would be open again after
those 11 days. Now they're saying, "Hey, you got three spots that will be open
otherwise, they have exclusive use of the park for the period of time they're ask
for the use period.
Chair Russell: Understood. Thank you for clarifying.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: While we were doing public comment, I was looking up
information about Bayfront Park, and like, I want to see how Bayfront Park had
been used almost as an event space in the yesteryears of Miami. And just a quick
search on my iPad, I was looking at some things. Its -- something called a
"Bayfront Park" -- I don't know if you all remember this. I know I wasn't around;
maybe Commissioner Carollo was, but I doubt it. Let's see. "The Bayfront Park
Bandshell" in 1928. And so, at the time, I'm sitting there saying, "Well, what is a
band shell?" And it talks about -- for instance, "Less than two years after the
opening of Bayfront Park, the Miami City Manager recommended that the park
require a larger bandshell to replace the bandstand that was constructed during the
opening ceremonies for the park. " So in 1928, they had a band shell, but then the
City Manager believed that we should have a larger one. That one was damaged
when they tried to move it, but the new one was built in time for the Shriner
Convention that began in May of 1928. And then it says that "bandshell basically
saved Mia" -- "served Miami for 19 years before it was ordered to be torn down by
the City Commission. " In 1947, it was condemned by the City engineer. And then
it says in -- well, it says, "The replacement bandshell was built and unveiled in
1950. It was modern, larger, and provided better acoustics than the 1928 facility.
It opened on the City's birthday in 1950. " So the second one was built by 1950.
And so, I wonder what that looked like. And so, I found a picture of Bayfront Park
of the band shell, circa 1957. I'm going to hold it up so people can kind of see what
it looks.
Chair Russell: Hold it that way.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, if you want, I could tell you --
Commissioner Hardemon: No, no, no, don't tell me.
Commissioner Carollo: -- what it looked like.
Commissioner Hardemon: Let me just finish.
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Commissioner Carollo: I was there; I could tell you.
Chair Russell: In 1928?
Commissioner Hardemon: I know (UNINTELLIGIBLE) just blew up.
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) it's beautiful, but the -- what I'm showing is like an event
space that has a tremendous amount ofpeople back in 1957. And then I looked for
another image of what -- the view of the band shell in Bayfront Park, and it showed
Biscayne Bay and the Bayfront hotels, and how large the band shell was as
compared to the rest of the park. And so, what it lead me to believe was that, you
know, they used Bayfront Park really as a park, yes, but also an event space. And I
know there was a lot of comment about these other world-class cities, such as New
York City, and everyone kept calling Bayfront Park our "Central Park. " And I
think -- I -- I'm a park kid. I didn't grow up on these -- on a Central Park, but I
grew up in a place called "Charles Hadley Park, North Glade Park. " Right? All
these different parks that were in areas that didn't attract as many people, but it
was used to give us discipline, and things of that nature. But nonetheless, I don't
think we have a Central Park yet, if we're going to have one. Right? But -- so what
I found was this image of a concert -- whoever -- Anyone seen Paul Simon? Is it
Paul Simon in concert? Paul Simon in concert at Central Park. So it's like a lot of
people in Central Park. And so, what it just brought me to was that these spaces
are, of course, spaces where people go for recreation, they go to relax, they go to
have wine, they go to do a number of different things, but they also go for event
spaces. They also go to have a good time. They also go -- and other cities are
having similar events and spaces. And, you know, I think our responsibility is,
especially, to ensure that these parks are preserved, that everyone has an
opportunity to continue to enjoy those parks moving forward. But also, I want to
kind of keep in mind that Bayfront Park is one part of the green space that is there
on the bay. You have other spaces that are available to enjoy, to walk, during the
time that -- even there's an event being set up on the bay. And so, you know, I think
-- There was a young lady that said something on the record. She said, It takes
courage. " And what she was saying was that it takes courage to vote on the behalf,
as she put it -- as they would put it, like for the residents. It takes courage. I
disagree with that statement. I think it does take courage, but I think it takes
courage for us as Commissioners to vote on things when we're getting basically
threatened by people in the community saying, I'm going to vote you out. You are
corrupt"; all these things. And you still vote the way that you believe is the right
way to vote. And I'll tell you, for all the people that spoke on the behalf of the
community, saying they do not want this event, I think your arguments are
compelling. I think there is a compelling argument, saying that, "Listen, this is a
major event. It causes noise. It disturbs us, " XYZ. But I also think that those who
spoke in favor of Ultra had a compelling argument as well, saying what it does for
the City, what it does for our communities, the economic impact that it has, the jobs,
the experiences. I think all those things are -- those are both compelling
arguments. And so, we're on the side where we have to decide whether or not that
this event should come back to this space, and I think when you hear both sides of
that argument, it puts me in a position where -- although I respect both of your
arguments; I think both of them are compelling, I can respect any Commissioner for
voting each way, because I think both of them are righteous votes, vote for it and to
come back and voting against it. But I do believe that for the benefit that the City of
Miami is receiving for an event like this, the inconvenience that it has to our
residents in the City of Miami, it can be outweighed by what's happening here,
because what the City is getting I think is just that tremendous. And so, I think we -
- you know, we roll out the red carpet for a lot of different things, and I see that
that's going to come back for me. Someone's going to make a comment about
rolling out the red carpet, but we roll out the red carpet for a lot of different events
and things that happen in the City of Miami, and I'm not saying that we do that
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here. However, I do believe that the -- that this organization has been a partner for
the City of Miami. I think they represented us well. I think that their impact is
something that is special. They are not the Rolling Loud Concert. They're not
anybody who's out just to make a quick buck and not necessarily give back to the
City of Miami, and because of those things, because of those ongoing relationships
that we will continue to have, I can support this item moving forward in this place
that they're wishing to have it move forward. So I -- what I would do is I would
move that we approve it, subject to some of the --
Chair Russell: Amendments.
Commissioner Hardemon: --documents and the memo. I think I read something --
or I was told that there can be a change to the payment schedule for the outstanding
fees, so they could expedite the payments, and then we can come to an agreement
about the rest. And so, I think that's probably the best thing that we can do.
Commissioner Carollo: So you're --
Chair Russell: There's a motion. Is there a second?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion to approve what, Commissioner?
Chair Russell: Approve Item RE. 4.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, the contract as stated, even though I just put on the
record that in 4-1, if you approve it in this fashion, we are going to be in violation
of the contract with Live Nation, and that we're losing -- and the contract is what
they would charge separately. We'll be in violation of the contract with Live Nation
in two ways. One, I don't know if they have any dates that they already have signed
for the dates that Ultra wants. Secondly, it says here that Ultra doesn't have to pay
them any money. They've always have paid them money. That's why they tried to
get out of me the last time, and I said, "No, " and they agreed finally that they
would keep doing what they've done in the past and pay the 2 million. But you guys
are such great negotiators that you can't even get that done, what I did before.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: So the $250,000, if Live Nation doesn't get that paid by
them, we're going to be in violation of that contract. Furthermore, the Trust is
going to be losing another approximately $50, 000 in valet parking. So what are we
going to be making out of this contract now?
Chair Russell: Is that a rhetorical --?
Commissioner Carollo: How much of that is going to be going now to the Virginia
Key Trust?
Ms. Mendez: There's nothing going to the Virginia Key Trust. It's supposed to be a
2 million fee to the City.
Chair Russell: General fund.
Commissioner Carollo: So --
Ms. Mendez: To the general fund. There's nothing -- I mean, that contract is --
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Commissioner Carollo: -- again, even though always the money has been paid to
Bayfront Park Trust since they've been there -- because that's the right entity to
have entered into the contract -- the new legal opinion is that, "No. The money
goes to the City directly. The City is the one that" (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: No, no, I did not negotiate that. That is up to you.
Commissioner Carollo: This reminds me --
Ms. Mendez: That is up to you.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of how Venezuela is being run these days.
Ms. Mendez: No, no. That is up to you.
Commissioner Carollo: You have the government of Maduro that got duly elected,
and the central government decides that they have no say-so anywhere, and they're
going to handle things, so.
Ms. Mendez: No. You have that --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: -- the point is, you have all the say-so as a City Commission, so you
determine where -- if you want a certain amount of money to go to Bayfront, you
could de -- you decide that now.
Chair Russell: At the moment it's general fund. There is a motion. Is there a
second?
Commissioner Carollo: So Bayfront Park Trust is a colony; that either they pay to
the king or heads are chopped.
Chair Russell: Is there a second on the motion?
Ms. Mendez: There needs to be certain amendments to that motion, if this is being
entertained.
Chair Russell: There will be plenty of amendments, but I just need to see --
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Chair Russell: -- if we're even taking this up. If not, we can stop wasting our time.
There's been a motion; is there a second to approve the Bay -- to approve the Ultra
contract?
Commissioner Reyes: I'll second it.
Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Reyes. Let's -- it sounds like we got a
little more discussion to do here.
Commissioner Hardemon: I think, if we're going to make any -- if there are
changes that we want to make, we make the changes. You know, you make the
motion stronger. You -- if-- it's up to us to decide how we want to move that money
and the $2 million payment. If we want to have a million of those dollars, or any
amount of it, to go towards the Virginia Key Beach Trust, or any of it to even be
assigned to Bayfront Park -- I mean, it could be assigned to Bayfront Park Trust,
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the same $50, 000 payment or so. And those are things that we can do on this dais -
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Commissioner Hardemon: --you know, so.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, my main problem is that we're not
following the process that we should be following. At the end of the day, it is the
will of the majority --
Commissioner Hardemon: But this is what we did to Virginia Key Beach Trust.
Commissioner Carollo: --for whatever reason. The majority wants to go one way
-- that's the way democracy works. However, when we're going around it and
around it, we come up with the, "No, no, no. You don't need four-fifths; now you
could do it with three, " because Ultra knew they could never get four-fifths vote.
So that was worked out so that it would not have to be four-fifths, and now it's
three, because some judge might have made some statement that any attorney that's
here is listening knows that is not law at all if a judge makes a comment that might
have to do with this or not. The only way that you could look at cases as case law is
if a judge makes a ruling in a certain way, and there's never been such a thing that
any judge has made, so that's the first hurdle. And the second one is, "Well,
Bayfront Park Trust, it's just a colony; they can't do anything, " even though, as I
stated, history shows that even a former Mayor knew that that was the way to go.
So now that's the problem that I have. If we would follow the process, and at the
end of that process, a majority, for whatever reason, feels one way, that's
democracy.
Commissioner Hardemon: But is this not the same process that we follow when we
push the event to the Virginia Key Beach? I don't think that their Trust --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- had decided at that time --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- to accept it yet.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no. When we approved it, we approved it in the
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) that stayed in there. I don't know what they did in the other
area, or whatever they did. And if they didn't care to stand up for what was
happening, that's their fault that they didn't do that.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. I see both sides of the argument. I do
agree with the City Attorney that the City Commission has the ability to contract on
any of our properties. It may be a courtesy issue to the boards that govern those
properties for them to not have a say, but I don't see a legal issue. And last year, if
I'm not mistaken, the City did the contract directly with Ultra, even for the portion
that was on the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, and then later an agreement was
made with the Trust on what portion of fees came back to the Trust. I think that is
something we will want clarity on. Whether we get that clarity today, if this is voted
forward, with regard to where those funds are spent and how they're spent, because
it is quite a significant amount to the City, and I think it should be used in a way
that mitigates the effect of the event and also accomplishes our goals with regard to
green space, with regard -- I mean, this is an event on our park. It's affecting the
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quality of life of residents here. Last year, part of its mission was to help with our
efforts toward seeing the museum on Virginia Key Beach Park Trust realized, and I
recognize that goal as well. We don't always agree. Sometimes we vote similar,
and we still not -- don't agree on the reasons for why we're voting the same way,
and that may be the case here. I have my own issues with this. I don't fully agree
with the logic of how the contract needs to be structured through the Bayfront Park
Trust. I'm with you on the three-fifths versus thefour-fifths issue. I don't like that
we're able to be so malleable with our process and threshold for votes on this dais
based on -- and it's just an assumption that four-fifths were needed to get it passed
last year on Virginia Key and only three and -- but three-fifths would get it this
year. It changes things.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sure a court of law is going to settle that.
Chair Russell: I -- well, I think it's vague within our Code, within our procurement.
I don't agree with the idea that simply because it earns more money that suddenly it
jumps to a four-fifths, or because it covers more days, because we don't have that
codified. We don't have a threshold that says, "Now it becomes a four-fifths. " We
only have that for waiving procurement in the sense that -- We have specific rules
for that. I think just saying that we're -- The jump to four-fifths may have been a
mistake last year, in my mind, simply because this is a revocable license and --
Ms. Mendez: I'm sorry, because I -- since I'm getting hit today from all angles, I
just want to say very easily why it was a four-fifths and now it's a three-fifths --
Chair Russell: Please.
Ms. Mendez: -- and it's very simple. Judge Judy Ruiz had a case regarding Ultra.
Okay? That case and the issues on that case were whether it was a violation of the
Charter, whether it was a contract, whether it was real estate; all sorts -- whether it
was a lease, et cetera. The issues as to why I thought that this hit a procurement
threshold was because of the amount of time that the -- it was taking on the actual
deal that it could be considered a conveyance in property, that it could be
considered an exclusive use, and because of those reasons, it would hit a
procurement threshold. Judge Ruiz, on this case, said that it was not exclusive, it
wasn't assignable, it wasn't a conveyance, it wasn't an interest in real property; that
it was revocable, and because it was revocable -- it wasn't even an agreement, it
wasn't even a contract; it was a license, a revocable license which gave nobody any
type of interest; thus, it wouldn't trigger the procurement options having to do with
real estate, and that is why, right now, if this Commission decides to vote on a
three-fifths, it is well within its right, because it is not a lease, because it's
revocable, because you could revoke it at any time. If we would have done a five -
five, then that's not truly revocable. This is a majority revocability; you have 60
days to do that. They have no interest in real property; zero interest in real
property, and that's why, when Mr. Dubbin is throwing text messages about what
I'm saying, whether is something a four-fifths or not -- We were talking about a
multi-year agreement. Ultra wants a multi-year agreement. But Ultra knows very
well that if they get a multi-year agreement, then, Mr. Dubbin, then it's subject to
procurement, then you have to go through a whole bunch of hurdles. So you trying
to turn things around about what I'm saying, or my opinion going back and forth,
no. There has been a court case, which was won by the City, giving all the reasons
why this is not subject to procurement, and that's the only reason why this is before
you on a three-fifths. I will -- am ultra conservative. So until a courts -- now a
Federal judge made a decision on all these things that I was having discomfort
about, why am I --how do I know more than a Federal judge? So that is why this
has changed. I just want to make it clear. I sent you a memo as to all the reasons
why this is now not subject to procurement. I hope you understand. I'm trying to
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do the best thing by you for you to make the decisions, for you to decide what you
want to do. If you do not want to enter into this agreement, it is still in your camp.
Thank you very much. I just wanted to put that on the record.
Chair Russell: I appreciate that, and you have given a written opinion to that
effect.
Commissioner Carollo: My dear City Attorney, while I disagree in your
interpretation of what the good judge -- that's now a Federal judge, as you said --
stated, where in his final order, the one that's printed that everybody could look at
and everybody goes by case law, does he state anything to the effect of what you're
trying to interpret, in the actual written opinion when he ruled; in his ruling?
Ms. Mendez: He says, again, "The exclusivity, assignability, conveyance, and
revocable analysis I did would eliminate the success of likelihood on the merits. "
So that is one of the things that he says about all the things that make it not -- that
it's not a lease. He distinguishes that horrible case on Home -- on Speedway that
Dubbin is always citing, the Homestead Speedway, that has to do with -- that a
three-day, three-day thing makes it a lease. He distinguished that case as well. It
was a very good -- I mean, obviously, we have the transcript attached to the order
that he signs. But the point is that Mr. -- I believe it was Mr. Winker that -- Oh, he
points in his -- also in his argument that we are not conveying any interest in real
property --
Commissioner Carollo: But you're talking --
Ms. Mendez: -- to the licensee. The real property is what triggered my
procurement aspect of it.
Commissioner Carollo: You're giving me, supposedly, the arguments how you
understood that he made them. I'm asking --
Ms. Mendez: No, no. This is the judge. This isn't argument.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm asking -- I understand that. I'm asking directly in his
order, directly in the order that he wrote. You're reading to me --
Ms. Mendez: His --
Commissioner Carollo: --from arguments.
Ms. Mendez: No, no. This is his -- So he didn't type up an order. He gave ore
tenus reasons why he was ruling and everything, and this is -- everything that I'm
quoting is his words. This is not argument. I'm not -- no, I'm not using argument
by the attorneys. I'm using his words to describe all the reasons why this is not a
real estate -- a conveyance of real estate that would trigger procurement. He's
saying, it's just a revocable license. It's not a lease, it's not a contract, it's not a
conveyance in real property, and those are the things that trigger procurement. It's
him saying it, not -- I wasn't, you know, quoting argument.
Commissioner Carollo: I stand by what I said, Madam City Attorney.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Thank you very much. Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I want to make clear that we have --well, I want to
include in that contract the payment of the funds that are owed to us in an
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accelerated man -- way; that we shall get half of it as soon as the contract is signed.
Do you agree with that, Keon?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Reyes: Half of it as soon -- I mean, the date that the concert ends;
that way, we don't have any, any danger of -- no extending the license next year and
losing the --
Chair Russell: You're saying the total amount will --
Commissioner Reyes: The total amount is going to be in two payments.
Chair Russell: But all in the one year.
Commissioner Reyes: All in the one year.
Chair Russell: Because the original amendment that was suggested was simply
striking the language that lets them out of the future payments if it's not renewed on
a future basis.
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah, because that was the original thing; and then, I
believe there was another offer that was better than that one, and I think the
Commission is trying to improve --
Chair Russell: How about a combination of the two, then?
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah.
Chair Russell: So an accelerated payment, without an escape clause.
Commissioner Reyes: Without escape clause; no escape clause.
Commissioner Hardemon: I mean, look, we can present -- up here, we can say --
Chair Russell: They're all here, right?
Commissioner Hardemon: -- "Give it all to me," right. It's up to them, you know,
whether (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Let's ask them and see if they --
Vice Chair Gort: You want the contract?
Miguel De Grandy: Could you restate what the offer is, please?
Chair Russell: Please introduce yourself.
Mr. De Grandy: Oh, I'm sorry. Miguel De Grandy again --
Chair Russell: Representing Ultra.
Mr. De Grandy: -- representing Ultra.
Ms. Mendez: He has another check for us today.
Vice Chair Gort: Cashier's check. Cashier's check.
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Mr. De Grandy: But I guarantee you, if I write it, it will bounce. Let's move on.
What's the offer?
Commissioner Reyes: The offer is --
Chair Russell: An accelerated payment --
Commissioner Reyes: -- payment; half at the --
Chair Russell: -- with no escape clause.
Commissioner Reyes: -- beginning, as soon as the contract is signed --
Mr. De Grandy: Or 10 days after the contract?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- that 10 days after the contract, and 10 just when the event
ends.
Mr. De Grandy: 10 days after the event then.
Commissioner Reyes: 10 days, I mean; and the rest, 10 days after the event ends.
Mr. De Grandy: That would be acceptable.
Commissioner Reyes: That would be acceptable?
Mr. De Grandy: Yes.
Chair Russell: All right.
Commissioner Carollo: How can that be acceptable, counselor, when you're not an
owner of Ultra, you haven't discussed it with your clients? You were just asked this
and you've accepted.
Mr. De Grandy: Sir --
Commissioner Carollo: You don't have the right, before you speak to your clients,
to accept that, because you don't know if your clients are going to accept that or
not.
Mr. De Grandy: Sir, sir, may I?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Mr. De Grandy: You may have missed when I discussed it with my client. I don't
make statements that aren't --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, he just asked this right now for the first time. I mean,
there were discussions here, but he asked this for the first time now.
Mr. De Grandy: Commissioner --
Ms. Mendez: And half of what? I just want to (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Half of 475,
or half of 308?
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Mr. De Grandy: The 308.
Chair Russell: Half of 308.
Commissioner Reyes: Half -- but I -- yeah. Commissioner, I said it about four
minutes ago when I first started making the amendment. I mean, it was not the first
time that I mentioned that. I don't know if he's talked to him, and I don't know what
authority he has.
Commissioner Carollo: But it doesn't concern you, what I said before; that in this
contract, they're requiring us to give them the amphitheater at no cost, when we
don't even know if those dates have been sold already or not? And we would be in
breach of the contract if we agree to this. And furthermore, we would be in breach
of the contract if we agree that they get the amphitheater at no cost, because they're
going to charge some 250, 000 or so for that.
Chair Russell: You've made that point. But I believe we should take Mr. De
Grandy --
Commissioner Carollo: But it seems nobody worries about it
Chair Russell: I think we're good.
Commissioner Reyes: We have to follow what the City Attorney says, you see. I
mean, if she is wrong, we're going to pay dearly.
Chair Russell: All right. We're clear. These points have been made; they're on the
record. Mr. De Grandy, we take --
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: --you at face value that you represent your client --
Mr. De Grandy: That's correct.
Chair Russell: -- and that they will be bound by whatever you promise here today;
otherwise, this whole thing will be void.
Mr. De Grandy: That is correct.
Chair Russell: So I think we're okay there, too. And so, there is no need for an
escape clause amendment simply because they're paying the entire settled amount
basically upfront. Thankyou for clarifying. Are there any other questions for --?
Vice Chair Gort: My understanding, we have an indemnity clause, also,
agreement?
Ms. Mendez: Yes. We have an indemnity hold harmless -- a very robust indemnity
hold harmless that actually was taken from Commissioner Carollo's, two
agreements ago.
Chair Russell: Meaning that if we are sued by another entity --
Commissioner Carollo: Don't take anything from me; just put down what you want.
You should go back to the original contract that the colonel wrote; that we would
pay a million bucks for the police, and I don't know what else -- or, you know, I
think we were going to end up with maybe half a million dollars, but -- you know.
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Commissioner Reyes: No. We're going to get $2 million, and they better come up
with $2 million, and pay for whatever expenses are. And besides that, I want to
add, also, that I want to see local, local businesses being employed by you and used
by you, and local labor be employed by you.
Commissioner Hardemon: Now, you're saying "loco, " right? You're saying "loco. "
Chair Russell: Not "loco"?
Commissioner Reyes: I'm saying "local, " because you have to be local --
Commissioner Hardemon: Loco.
Commissioner Reyes: -- to be loco.
Commissioner Hardemon: Precisely.
Ms. Mendez: L -O -C A -L, just in case.
Chair Russell. Thank you very much. Are there any other questions for the
Administration? Commissioner Gort -- Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Gort: No. I think we had enough questions. I've heard both cases, and
we have a lot of events throughout the City of Miami; that they don't produce the
jobs or the funds that we're going to produce in here. I think we could make some
more amendments to make it a lot better for the neighbors, the immediate neighbors
next to it. Let me give you one example: Critical mass. I don't know how many of
you have been caught in a critical mass on the last Friday of the month. We had to
pay for the police, we had to pay for the protection, but we had to put up with the
nuisance, too. We have all kinds of festival throughout our neighborhood that
doesn't produce any income for the City of Miami, but a lot of cost to us. I have a
good gentleman that had a lot of respect for it, and he doesn't believe this is a good
deal; that it's bad for the residents. We here elected, and we keep saying, "We're
elected to protect you residents in the City of Miami." And we're looking at all of
the City of Miami. I mean, some festival that we have -- or events that we have
affects the -- certain neighborhood, but it benefits all of the City. This is an event
that I understand affects certain neighborhoods, but there's a lot of benefits;
employment they're going to create, the amount of jobs they create is very
important for this, so I'll be voting for it.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Dubbin: Mr. Chair --
Chair Russell: Is there -- I'm sorry. Who was asking?
Mr. Dubbin: Sam Dubbin for the DNA. You mentioned before that I would get a
chance to address the four-fifths vote requirement.
Chair Russell: I did?
Ms. Mendez: You --
Mr. Dubbin: Yes, you did. You --
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Chair Russell: I thought we just did, though.
Mr. Dubbin: You said that I would get a chance to address it after the break, when
you -- when I didn't get my full eight minutes before.
Commissioner Hardemon: You got like 12 minutes.
Mr. Dubbin: Since the City Attorney has --
Chair Russell: I --
Mr. Dubbin: -- also, you know, made representations, which I, frankly, will tell you
were not accurate about the case and about the law, and about what it means;
about what the -- what her texts say, misrepresented those. I mean, you know, this
is a serious issue, as you said. Going back and forth at the whim of, you know, the
amount of money that a concert is going to bring in to change your procedure for --
creating catastrophic damage against 10,000 -- at least 10,000 residents
downtown; that should be taken with a lot of care and a lot of seriousness. And
when Ms. Mendez and her colleagues were talking in May about a one-year
agreement that would require a four-fifths vote, which is what her texts say, in May,
two months after Judge Ruiz's decision, based upon the principles that there is no
schedule for this, and therefore, it creates an issue, then that starts to tell you how
you're being misled by your City Attorney about what's required here.
Commissioner Hardemon: But Mr. Dubbin, I don't understand. Right? Here you
are -- Victoria Mendez is an attorney. She comes up with opinions. She has a slew
of attorneys that work for her that also have opinions. Many times, their opinions
are not the same as her opinion. Yet, the City Attorney's Office usually comes out
with an opinion that it has; sometimes, it's one that she agrees with; sometimes, it
may be one that she doesn't. I'm not, you know, in the office, but what I'll tell you is
that her opinion was different from the Judge. She always said that it required a
four-fifths vote. Many people didn't agree with her; however, it was to your benefit
when she did. A Judge said, "No. It's my opinion it doesn't require four-fifths."
The email that you read off was a conversation between many different lawyers
about their opinion. Everybody has the right to come up with an opinion.
Mr. Dubbin: But the case --
Ms. Mendez: Right. But in this case, he's -- because now -- I want the Lotto
numbers, by the way, Mr. Dubbin, if you know what that conversation was about.
But basically, we're talking about what it --
Mr. Dubbin: I only know what I would produce.
Chair Russell: One moment.
Ms. Mendez: -- a multi-year agreement versus a one-year agreement. It was not
talking about -- if it's a multi-year, obviously, obviously, it requires four-fifths, and
that's what he is twisting around in order to give whatever opinion he wants to
give. if
Mr. Dubbin: Can I quote your texts that were produced by your office to--?
Ms. Mendez: You already did quote the text.
Mr. Dubbin: I didn't quote the whole thing --
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Ms. Mendez: In answer --
Mr. Dubbin: -- and as to --
Ms. Mendez: -- I have the text. I pulled it.
Mr. De Grandy: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, if I may?
Chair Russell: Mr. Dubbin -- and I apologize. You did have the full eight minutes.
You did use the full eight minutes. You didn't get to finish.
Mr. Dubbin: Then let me address the --
Chair Russell: The numbers were --
Mr. Dubbin: -- accusations that have been made against me, and to, frankly, advise
this Commission about what the law really is here about the four-fifths vote,
because—
Mr. De Grandy: Which we disagree with. And I can tell you --
Mr. Dubbin: Listen, you --
Mr. De Grandy: -- and we could get into a debate that could last for hours on this.
Mr. Dubbin: But I think you need to at least have your facts correct. And the --
Commissioner Hardemon: But that's --
Mr. Dubbin: -- Homestead -- the Ultra case on Virginia Key had nothing to do with
a three-fifths vote; it had nothing to do with a four-fifths vote. We had always
maintained that you are conveying an interest in real -- in public land that was
governed by the Charter, 29A, 29B, and 3F, as to what --
Ms. Mendez: Which, says Ruiz, that there was no interest in land. What is the
point? So it's not (UNINTELLIGIBLE) procurement.
Mr. Dubbin: I think you know what -- listen. You're the City Attorney. They'll do
what they want to do.
Commissioner Hardemon: No. We'll do --
Mr. Dubbin: I think they're entitled to know what the law is. And that was the issue
raised in the Virginia Key case. Is this governed by the Charter? And the
Homestead Speedway case -- the City Attorney is right -- three days. The Third
District Court of Appeal, in a published decision by the Appellate Court that is
binding on this City and these Courts, said that exclusivity conveys an interest in
real estate, and therefore, the Charter governs. And they nullified the agreement
that was not subjected to the requirements of the Charter.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Dubbin --
Mr. Dubbin: The --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- the thing about it is this: I -- if there was binding -- if
there was a bind -- if there's binding case law, I have no doubt in my mind that this
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City Attorney would introduce it to us and say, "You can't do it. This is binding
case law." You --
Mr. Dubbin: I just heard her describe it --
Commissioner Hardemon: No --
Mr. Dubbin: -- as a horrible decision, which means she doesn't like the result,
because the result says that you have to --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- because we know that binding case law is binding.
Right?
Mr. Dubbin: Well, it --
Commissioner Hardemon: And so --
Mr. Dubbin: -- gives it --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- what that means is that we must follow it. And so --
Mr. Dubbin: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Hardemon: -- it's still binding. If her opinion to us is that this -- is
that the three-fifths can be -- I've disagreed with her on many occasions about
things.
Mr. Dubbin: Ask her if --
Commissioner Hardemon: But I don't --
Mr. Dubbin: -- the Homestead Speedway case is binding.
Commissioner Hardemon: Well, we don't have to ask her anything. She's given us
her professional recommendation; you're telling us yours, but you're hired and paid
by someone who does not -- who has a different interest than what she does. Her
interest is to protect the interest of the City of Miami. Your interest is to protect the
interest of the DNA. It's different. It's different.
Mr. Dubbin: I understand. But you ought to be going on accurate facts and
accurate characterizations of what happened in that case. In that case, the judge
did say it wasn't an interest in land, because there was no exclusivity. He literally
said, "People can go to the beach all the time. " This contract has exclusivity for at
least 11 days. Now, if the Homestead Speedway case was -- three days of
exclusivity meant it was a lease and an interest in land, and subject to the Charter, I
would submit that 11 days of exclusivity here is an interest in land, a lease, and
subject to the Charter. The four-fifths requirement had been the City Attorney's
way to circumvent the actual protections of the Charter; which, by the way, would
require competitive bidding, appraisals, and the payment of fair market rent; that's
why that Charter provision is there; so the people like --folks like Ultra can't just
come along and offer a little bit of money here to all these people and say, you
know, "Come on, we're going to make things better here. " No. The City is entitled
to fair market rent for its public land when it's -- when that interest is conveyed, and
that's what the Homestead Speedway case said. To then extrapolate from that, and
she's going to now go from the way she was circumventing the Charter with a four-
fifths vote to saying, "Now you don't even need a four-fifths vote" -- I had been
asking for -- a request. I got an opinion today about an hour ago, which I
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requested, because I was told by a reporter that there was a memorandum from the
City Attorney's Office, and it was written by Mr. Suarez -Rivas, and it contradicts
the proper legal opinions he'd previously given. And he cites provisions of the
Code, which do not say that this is subject to a three-fifths vote. In fact, they say it's
subject to a four-fifths vote. So I am suggesting to you that this is a very serious
issue, and the --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Dubbin: -- Commission would be committing error to try to pass this with a
three-fifths vote.
Chair Russell: Mr. Dubbin, I think you'd agree that I've given sufficient additional
time for you to make that point --
Commissioner Carollo: I --
Chair Russell: -- and I was happy to allow you to have it on the record. And I
knew that Commissioner Hardemon, even though he disagrees with you, always
enjoys a vigorous legal debate.
Commissioner Carollo: -- do have one question --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of Mr. Dubbin. Mr. Dubbin, the Judge that has been
cited here as to recent -- of going with a three -vote majority instead of the four -
fifth, didn't he rule based upon that the plaintiff did not have standing?
Mr. Dubbin: That --
Commissioner Carollo: Isn't that what his findings were?
Mr. Dubbin: -- he -- that was definitely one of his rulings. He then went and
offered what most lawyers would consider an advisory opinion to say that it wasn't
covered by the Charter. But he -- that decision of his, because of the -- because
there was no exclusivity in the Virginia Key agreement, that is a difference between
the Virginia Key agreement and the Homestead Speedway agreement, and this
agreement. These have exclusivity. These are not, you know, what the -- your rules
had previously been. You know, you have a system and a charge for what people
pay for land, and if someone wants to -- if there's going to be a deviation from that,
that's what triggers these rules, and that's what Mr. Suarez -Rivas said. And if
you're using it for something that it wasn't built for -- he literally uses the example
of if it was a public park --
Commissioner Hardemon: But that was an event space. It's not a -- since 1928, it's
had a concert venue on it.
Mr. Dubbin: And my client is more than happy to have one -stage concerts all the
time. Did you see pictures of seven stages, blasting 102 decibels? Because that's
what's happening now, and that's more than an inconvenience --
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Dubbin.
Mr. Dubbin: --that --
Chair Russell: You made the point.
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Mr. Dubbin: -- that's damaging the health. And Commissioner Gort asked if the
indemnification covers the City's liability for the health injuries for the people who
live approximate --
Chair Russell: Mr. Dubbin --
Mr. Dubbin: -- because that's -- I think that's one of the concerns that the City --
you know -- ought to have.
Chair Russell: Thank you. You've made your point, and I think what you've
basically reserved is set up; is if there is legal cases beyond this, you've put it on the
record. This Commission is going to follow the advice of our City Attorney in
making our vote at this point. I just want to know if there's any further discussion
from the dais on this before we move forward.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. The moral of the story is, if you got sufficient
money, you could do just about anything you want. And residents, they don't count.
For me, the easy way would be to have gone along with Ultra way back. You could
be sure that it would have been a lot more favorable towards me. I didn't do that,
because even though the residents in that area that were mainly affected, they don't
vote for me, they're not in my district, I felt that I had an obligation to also
represent them, because I do represent all of Miami. And my vote today is going to
be based on principle; not on what's good for me politically, or otherwise. And I'm
really ashamed of all the false reasons that I've heard today of why we're going to
be reaching the decision that's going to let Ultra come in again.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: This is the same Commission that, a year ago, voted 5-0,
against it; the same Commission. Now, the sky is falling. Miami is going to be
destroyed quicker, and the oceans and -- are going to come into our streets if we
don't bring Ultra back in there.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: --Chair --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I want to clarify some -- clarify something; that I don't --
I'm not voting for Ultra because I'm receiving any money. I am not voting for Ultra
because I have any personal benefit on it. I also have a responsibility for the City
of Miami for the work -- amount of work that have been created; others might not
believe on it, but economics dictates that if 55,000 people comes to the City of
Miami for three days, and let's say that they spend $200 a day, that represents $49
million; a multiplied effect, it is three times that. And if every $80, 000, you create a
job, that is over thousand dollars -- or jobs that have been created. And that is --
those are facts; those are proven facts, you see? I am not driven by any interest. I
take offense on that. And I want all of you to know that I have met with both
parties. I met with residents from the --from Biscayne Boulevard, and I was asked
to mediate. I was asked to talk to Ultra. And they told me, and I said "Well, if they
agree that then it is all right. " I was asked, and they started agreeing, and they
started getting into -- I mean, making concessions. Another thing that I have to tell
you is this, you see. Another thing that I have to tell you is this: That concessions
were made because we asked for them. And if you make history, when it was voted,
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and I was one of them that voted to kick them out of Biscayne Boulevard -- of
Bayfront Park -- was because they didn't sit down, and they didn't made any
concession for -- I mean to the neighbors. And having said that, you see, I'm ready
to vote. But I don't like any implications that -- Yesterday, there was a person on
the radio that were accusing you and I of taking -- I mean, that we vote some way
because we received contributions. You see, there is no money in this world --
there's no money in the whole world that could sway me to vote against my
principles, what I believe. I believe that we can give them a chance, we can and --
that's a question that I said. One is, Ultra and the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) find a
possibility for Ultra and the residents to coexist and benefit the rest of the City of
Miami. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman --
Chair Russell: I have one last question, please, with regard to any -- is there an
amendment needed with regard to waiving the park usage limitations, and does that
need to be stated on this?
Ms. Mendez: Yes. So if there -- and if there's going to be a motion on this, there
needs --
Chair Russell: There already is.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Chair Russell: There's a motion and a second.
Ms. Mendez: So there needs to be three changes. All the -- obviously, all the
amendments, as stated on the record. There needs to be a clause to negotiate and
execute any -- all other agreements regarding the monies that are owed. And then,
you need, as you just stated, the provision of waiving the 85 percent utilization of
the park space. That waiver, that could be done by City Commission, because we
don't know if the park, based on the days that it has big events, whether or not that
timeframe is utilized, so I don't know, so you would have to waive that.
Chair Russell: Does the mover and seconder agree with those amendments?
Commissioner Hardemon: Yes. And Mr. Chairman --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- two things. One, I know that we've made a
commitment to bring funds to the Virginia Key Beach through the Trust, for funding
for their operations and building their museum. I think that I'm amenable to
deciding an amount to contribute of the $2 million in fees, but I would have them
paying any of those -- any of the $2 million to the Transportation Trust Fund. So I
would be amenable to a million dollars going towards further operations of that
facility that needs to be built; that's first. And then, also, I want to make a comment
based off what Commissioner Reyes says. And I try to stay away from this sort of
thing, but it's -- I mean, it's obvious that when people -- I think people lack courtesy
when they make comments about individuals, especially those who serve in public
life. And the comment that someone is voting for something because they have a
campaign contribution, I think it's hogwash. I will tell you that my mother has
invested more money in me than any person -- or any person has ever invested in
me in my entire life, in anything I want to do in life, and I barely listen to the things
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that she tells me to do. So if I don't listen to my mother, I'm certainly not listening
to anybody who represents a corporation. But other than that, I think if we make
the amendments that you -- that were just spoken about -- the $1 million towards
the Virginia Key Beach Trust for the operation of the museum, and the waiving of
the money that's supposed to go into the Transportation Trust Fund, then I'm fine
with it.
Chair Russell. Waiving of the Transportation Trust Fund, as well?
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Ms. Mendez: Right. When you get any --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Chair Russell: I know how it works.
Ms. Mendez: All right. Amend --
Chair Russell: Does the seconder agree with those amendments? You're the
seconder. Do you agree with them?
Ms. Mendez: The only other thing that I -- unfortunately, I have not been able to
speak with the Executive Director of the Bayfront Park Trust; I don't know if the
Administration has. But Commissioner Carollo brings up very valid points of
existing contracts. I know that there is an indemnification provision; the same
situation that we had with Rapture. Your client is footing the bill for any type of
contract that the Trust may have that may be in conflict.
Chair Russell: I don't believe that's negotiable in the moment. That should be in
the agreement, correct?
Ms. Mendez: Well, but they --
Vice Chair Gort: That's correct.
Ms. Mendez: -- have to accept it. They have to accept it, because I'm not --
Commissioner Carollo --
Chair Russell: The indemnity.
Ms. Mendez: -- is saying that there may be --
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. --
Ms. Mendez: -- contracts that we're messing with.
Chair Russell: But my understanding is the agreement before us, with all the -- all
of the clauses that are in there have already been agreed to by them; am I incorrect
on that?
Ms. Mendez: They have, but I need to --
Chair Russell: You want clarification. Fair enough.
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Ms. Mendez: -- I need on that issue, on that specific issue, because the last time we
specifically wrote in that there could be a contract dispute on the time -- remember
Rapture back then?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: And they took it on. But Commissioner Carollo's bringing up a very
valid point that we need to address, and I don't know that anybody specifically --
Chair Russell: I agree. I believe it's already clear, though, and it's important.
Ms. Mendez: Well, I --
Commissioner Reyes: Chair?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And as I remember, last time, when they went to Key
Biscayne, we encountered a similar problem --
Ms. Mendez: Exactly.
Commissioner Reyes: -- we -- and it was resolved. And I think that we should be
concerned about what Commissioner Carollo is saying --
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and that the other events that they had a contract with us.
Ms. Mendez: Right. So the two main issues are any potential conflicts in contracts,
and the Live Nation; the main point on the Live Nation that was brought up by
Commissioner Carollo on those two issues, that is nothing that we discussed before.
Mr. De Grandy: We plan to --
Chair Russell: Mr. De Grandy.
Mr. De Grandy: -- work with both the City, with Live Nation, and with the Trust.
We're not going to pick a date at which they have an event, and I think that solves
the problem.
Commissioner Carollo: As well --
Ms. Mendez: I'm sorry; what?
Chair Russell: "Do you agree with the indemnity clause?" is really the question.
Vice Chair Gort: Yes.
Mr. De Grandy: Yeah.
Unidentified Speaker: Yep.
Vice Chair Gort: That's part of the contract.
Chair Russell: Yeah; that's why I'm saying it should be in this --
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Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's part of the issue in this one, on 4-1; the other
one is that you approve this the way that it's written, and they trick you on that,
because—
Mr. De Grandy: And answer is 'yes. if
Commissioner Carollo: -- none of you knows about that.
Chair Russell: Okay. Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: It says here, "Licensee should not be required to pay any
additional amount to the City or any other party for the use of the amphitheater.
The City shall cause the amphitheater to be available to licensee during the use
period as described. " Now, they're -- if we're giving them a contract that says they
don't have to pay, and we have a contract with Live Nation that says, "Anybody that
uses that has to pay," and they'd be paying some -- between 230, 250, 000 in the
past -- I don't know what Live Nation were charged now -- then we're in violation of
that contract.
Ms. Mendez: Right. And that is why -- because you have brought that up,
Commissioner, and I thank you. That is why we're asking Mr. De Grandy to state
on the record --
Chair Russell: As he has, through clarification, yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- that he will handle this Live Nation potential fee conflict and --
yeah. Well, we need to hear it again -- I'm sorry -- and any conflicts, like we did
with the Rapture situation.
Mr. De Grandy: We will indemnify in terms of --
Commissioner Carollo: The --
Mr. De Grandy: -- a lawsuit on that, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- other one is, so that when you go to the TV station and
say, "We're getting $2 million, " you could subtract some additional money out of
that. We have some $50,000 that we normally make during that time in valet
parking that we do there. So if you don't -- you want to lose that money, you want
to give it free, too, to them, you guys decide. But --
Ms. Mendez: Mr. De Grandy --
Commissioner Carollo: -- I have to bring it up to you
Chair Russell: But we'll be able to carry out valet parking.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no, because they will be taking over that whole
area.
Ms. Mendez: -- can you address that $50, 000 valet fee?
Chair Russell: So --
Mr. De Grandy: We think that we have an agreement within that $2 million,
Commissioner. I mean --
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Chair Russell: For what?
Mr. De Grandy: Excuse me?
Chair Russell: The question really has to do with the -- it's more about the actual
logistic of the valet parking. If the Bayfront Park Trust has handled this in the past
and it's been a revenue source, do you have another source in this case for valet
parking, or do you intend to look to the Bayfront Park Trust for that same service?
Mr. De Grandy: That -- our understanding is that is covered within the $2 million
fee.
Chair Russell: Who is going to do the valet parking? Because -- did you get paid
through Ultra in the past --
Mr. De Grandy: We're talking about a revenue loss --
Ms. Mendez: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: -- or by --?
Mr. De Grandy: -- Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Carollo: We will be losing that amount during that time. This is
what the Executive Director stated to me on that.
Vice Chair Gort: Maybe it should go to Bayfront Park.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, we should -- Mr. --
Chair Russell: Right. It's been stated, their position.
Ms. Mendez: Well, the valet fees that he's bringing up are not like a line item in
this agreement.
Commissioner Reyes: Find out.
Chair Russell: Agreed.
Mr. De Grandy: That has always been -- our understanding -- covered within the
$2 million fee. If they are not doing valet parking, they are not expending
resources. So the issue is, what would be the delta between what they would expend
in resources to effect valet parking and what their profit margin would be? I don't
even know what that number is, but it's de minimis --
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. --
Mr. De Grandy: -- and it is covered by the $2 million fee.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Let me --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then they tell us what is covered, what is not.
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Commissioner Reyes: No, what --
Commissioner Carollo: You know, this is ridiculous that we're negotiating with
people that they're telling us what they're going to accept, what we have to put in a
contract, and we're here, like school kids, accepting anything they tell us. Now, if
you guys really want to bring all this money to the City of Miami, the -- all the jobs
and everything else -- I tell you what, I could bring in probably another three, four
major, major concerts, almost as big or bigger than them; that we could have one
every other month if you want. Let's shut down the park the whole time so that we
make it into a mega concert park, and then you could bring all this joy to all these
hotel people. The hotel, they could be so happy, jumping for joy. We could have
our hotels full -- that we do in winter, anyway -- and we could have all of these jobs
and all this money that comes to our community.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Carollo: Or is it that we only have to do it for Ultra? And that's my
question. Does this Commission want to do something like this only for Ultra, or
can we bring other groups that would not be as noisy as them -- they would have
noise -- that could bring in as much as they do to the City?
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah.
Chair Russell: Commissioner, thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner, if you have somebody that is going to bring
that, bring it on, and then we will analyze, and see what we can do. I'm -- but
Commissioner Carollo is referring is the loss of income -- it's not the rent or
anything -- the loss of income for the Trust, due to the event, if that was going to --
is going to be taken care. It's not rent; it is loss of income, okay?
Mr. De Grandy: I understand. And that -- our understanding is it is covered as
part of the $2 million fee.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Mr. De Grandy: We've done a holistic deal, if you will. We have made
concessions. We have tried to accommodate residents as best as possible. We have
eliminated stages. All of that is part of a total package negotiation.
Commissioner Carollo: Counselor, look, when you say you've made concessions,
come on. You're not dealing with school kids here. You asked for the world. The
Administration gave you the world. So then, you could come back here, and they
tell you, "We're going to lower some of that pie in the sky that we asked for, so we
could claim we made concessions. " What they've asked for, they never got before.
Chair Russell: Commission --thank you. Commissioner, you very well made your
point. I'd like to bring this to a close. I'll be a "no" vote on this, and it-- but for
different reasons than Commissioner Carollo. I don't believe this is a discussion --
I don't believe this is an issue of corruption versus justice or process. I believe the
bigger issue here is about resident quality of life versus what we want our City to be
as a whole. And we do want an active city. But I wonder if this Commission would
vote differently if this event were held in your district, because then, the voters who
do hold you accountable might take a little more value to your decision than the
ones who don't. These voters don't have an effect on you; they have no way to hold
you accountable for this. I --
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Commissioner Hardemon: They will hold me accountable.
Chair Russell: What's that?
Commissioner Hardemon: They will hold me accountable.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Chair Russell: Thank you. That's -- actually, that's actually a good point as
Commissioner Hardemon moves on. That's a good point. So there are bravery in
these decisions, as has been said in the past, on both sides. I believe our first job is
to our residents and their quality of life. Our second job is to the image of the City
and what we want it to be in terms of active events. Certainly, we want to support
our businesses, but we -- it doesn't mean we let events or external forces or
companies walk all over us, and that's why I think they finally realized their very
existence as an event in this City depends on them being at the table with these
residents and working with the Commissioners for these residents, and they're
finally starting to do it. But we're not there yet. And so, the issues I have that
haven't been addressed -- The direction of the lights has not been agreed to. It was
agreed to tentatively, but it hasn't been incorporated into this. One of the big --
everyone -- I do agree this is so good for business, for hotels, for so many, but it is
not good for the businesses in Bayside itself,• it hurts them during this period, as has
been told to us, as we've received letters. They haven't been taken into account. I
think it could be a very easy fix from the event to incorporate those businesses, so
they actually gain money and not lose it during the event in which you're taking
over that area. The base frequency has not been quantified, so we're just hoping
that it's better than it has been in the past. We know you're able to do it, because
you did it on Sunday on Virginia Key, but it's not in here. How about we move
Ultra every year to each one of our districts? One year, it's in District 5, at the
Wynwood site; one year, it's in District 2, in Bayfront; one year, it's in Grapeland,
in Melreese; one year --
Vice Chair Gort: Melreese?
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no.
Chair Russell: --it's --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. You gave away Melreese.
Chair Russell: -- one year, it's at the City --
Commissioner Reyes: You didn't think like that about the quality of life of the
people around the surrounding --
Chair Russell: I don't think we need to go there.
Commissioner Reyes: -- when you voted in favor of Melreese, and you gave it
away.
Chair Russell: Was that--?
Commissioner Reyes: Don't come here now --
Chair Russell: Sorry I brought it up.
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Commissioner Reyes: Melreese, if you want to do that, you see, first you have to
vote against that massive development that you supported.
Chair Russell: Commissioner, Commissioner, Commissioner --
Vice Chair Gort: Wasn't that approved --?
Chair Russell: -- I think we can calm down. I think the accusations that have been
flying, the explosives -- I was just trying to make a little light, and I apologize and
regret doing so.
Commissioner Carollo: Chairman --
Chair Russell: Let's go ahead to a vote unless there's further discussion.
Commissioner Carollo: -- Chairman, Chairman?
Chair Russell: Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't know whom you might have been referring to in
making the statements. You mentioned the "C" word -- corruption; people taking
monies. I certainly did not use the "C" word. I certainly did not say anybody was
putting money in their pockets. I simply stated what I stated, and stated that this is
a political decision; not a business decision. So I really don't understand why
anybody could be upset. But if the shoe fits, wear it.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Is there any further discussion? Are all
the amendments noted and taken into account? Mr. Clerk, you're clear?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'll defer to Madam City Attorney since she will be
making the amendments.
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Can you call the roll call, name by name, please?
Mr. Dubbin: The amendments are supposed to be printed and published and in
writing, and available to be seen before anything passes; that's the law. Last they
had to --
Chair Russell: I've never -- we've never followed that practice.
Ms. Mendez: I --no.
Chair Russell: Amendments are made on the dais all the time.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): That's not the law.
Ms. Mendez: Your father was a wonderful municipal attorney, right?
Mr. Dubbin: Yes. And you've already changed one ordinance, because you put
something in there that hadn't been actually established and voted on.
Ms. Mendez: We will agree to disagree, Mr. Dubbin.
Mr. Dubbin: Well, that's a fact.
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Chair Russell: Thank you. And I think both attorneys can step back from the
lecterns. The public comment period is over. It's up for this body to deliberate and
vote. Is there any further discussion before we take a roll call vote by the request of
Commissioner Carollo? Hearing no further comment or discussion, go ahead; roll
call vote.
Mr. Hannon: Roll call on Item RE. 4: Commissioner Gort?
Vice Chair Gort: Yes. Let me clary something, which I think is very important. I
have never received any funds from anybody sitting here. I don't have no political
claim, because in November, God willing, I'm going to be renting property right
there on Flagler Street, where I'm going to have my ojjice over there for my
practice. So I just wanted to make it clear. And in all the years that I served in
here as a member of this board and member of other boards, I never can have
anyone coming to me and tell me -- well, the raises that I have taken, they have
given to me. I think that's very important for people to understand. It's very easy to
come here and criticize, and you don't understand our position. When we go
shopping, we go to the barbershop, we go anywhere, people come to us, asking --
and they expect us, also, to take care of their personal problems within the
neighborhood; which, a lot of times, we have to do that, too. So I'm very proud of
the work that I've done all the years that I've been here, and all the volunteer work
that I've done before I became a Commissioner. Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Carollo?
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Reyes?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And I want to tell you, Commissioner Gort, that we're
going to miss you. And I congratulate, because you always been a straight -shooter,
and you've been an honest man since I met you at Miami High, and I'm not going to
say the date. Yes.
Mr. Hannon: Commissioner Hardemon?
Commissioner Hardemon: I want to give a long monologue, too. I want to talk
about my dad being an attorney; he wasn't. I met him twice in my life. I vote for it.
Mr. Hannon: Chair Russell?
Chair Russell: No.
Mr. Hannon: Motion passes, 3-2, as amended.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair --
Vice Chair Gort: We got a lot of work to do now.
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Let us break for five minutes while the room
clears. Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: Recess.
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Chair Russell: Five minutes, literally. We've got a lot of work to do. We'll be right
back.
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RE.5 RESOLUTION
6087 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Office of Capital ATTACHMENT(S), ACKNOWLEDGING THE USE OF LANZO
Improvements CONSTRUCTION CO., FLORIDA, A FLORIDA PROFIT
CORPORATION ("LANZO"), FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE DOWNTOWN MIAMI FLAGLER STREET
BEAUTIFICATION OFFICE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
("OCI") PROJECT NO. 40-1330606 ("PROJECT"), PURSUANT
TO RESOLUTION NO. 15-0137, FOR TWENTY MILLION,
FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE THOUSAND, SEVEN
HUNDRED FIFTY TWO DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-EIGHT
CENTS ($20,495,752.88), PLUS A TEN PERCENT (10%)
CONTINGENCY OF TWO MILLION, FORTY NINE
THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS
($2,049,575.00); FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT
OF TWENTY TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE
THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN DOLLARS
AND EIGHTY EIGHT CENTS ($22,545,327.88), SUBJECT TO
THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND BUDGETARY
APPROVAL AT THE TIME OF NEED; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A
MEMORANDUM OF INTENT ("MOI"), IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN THE
CITY OF MIAMI ("CITY') AND THE DOWNTOWN MIAMI
PARTNERSHIP, INC., D/B/A FLAGLER DISTRICT BID, A
FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ("FDBID"),
WHEREBY THE FDBID AGREES TO ORGANIZE AND FILE
FOR THE CREATION OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 170 OF THE
FLORIDA STATUTES, AND ASSUME FULL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL MAINTENANCE,
REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, RESTORATION,
IMPROVEMENT, MODIFICATION, AND/OR REMOVAL OF
ALL THE NON-STANDARD IMPROVEMENTS ("NON-
STANDARD IMPROVEMENTS MAINTENANCE") OF THE
PROJECT, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR
MODIFICATIONS THERETO; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU"), IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, BETWEEN
THE CITY AND THE FDBID UPON CREATION OF SAID
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR THE ASSUMPTION
OF FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NON-STANDARD
IMPROVEMENTS MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT,
INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS
THERETO; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
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ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0315
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record: For additional minutes referencing Item RE.5, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Chair Russell: RE3 was deferred. RE4 we'll table for a little later. RE5, Flagler
Street Beautification Project. Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, we don't have them here.
Chair Russell: You have -- you're looking for representatives of the Flagler Street
BID (Business Improvement District)?
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I -- but my comment is -- which I made to them, and it
is based on experience, and I know that Commissioner Gort would vouch for me,
and he also remember. I would say, more than once, we have gone through the
same process of beautifying Flagler Street. We went from trying to clean up the
sidewalks -- that they were full of chewing gum -- into paving the sidewalks and all
of that, and still, downtown Miami was -- kept on deteriorating. Now, this project,
it is extremely beautiful, and I think that it could succeed if, and only if it comes
accompanied from a comprehensive project, you see. We can beauty the street as
much as we can, but if we don't do something about the homeless, people are not
going to come to downtown Miami. If we don't do something about parking, people
are not going to come to downtown Miami. You see? If you're going to patronize a
restaurant or a store in downtown Miami, and you have to spend 25, $30 in -- I
mean, for parking, it's going to be very difficult. So, you know, Commissioner
Russell, that for a long time, I had been advocating for more parking in downtown
Miami. And I want a really -- a -- what I'm proposing is that we use this project,
this beautification project, but we start a program that will be comprehensive and
will take into considerations, and try to tackle the other aspects that precludes
Miami -- downtown Miami from developing, because by beautifying it, we have
done that before; isn't that right, Commissioner Gort?
Vice Chair Gort: Yes. Yes, we did.
Commissioner Reyes: So we need to do something. And I don't know what steps
the BID's going to take or you -- or DDA (Downtown Development Authority), but
we have to be more aggressive on parking and homeliness [sic] and cleanliness of
the streets in downtown Miami, and people have to feel secure, because if not, the
same thing that happened before is going to repeat -- be repeated.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. You're absolutely correct. Is there a
member of the BID here, a representative of the BID?
Terrell Fritz: Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: Thank you. If you'd like to identify yourser.
Mr. Fritz: Good afternoon. Terrell Fritz, Executive Director of the Flagler District
BID.
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Chair Russell: So we have a business improvement district in Coconut Grove; we
have one in Wynwood. This would be something new for downtown.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Chair Russell: And coming out of the gate, this would be a huge commitment of
that BID to help this project succeed, where maybe we haven't in the past, and that
has to do with upkeep and maintenance beyond, and that's probably the big issue.
We invest in something. We don't take care of nice things. We can't keep nice
things.
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely. And then we don't go beyond that.
Chair Russell: Yeah. And that's where a BID can specialize in a different way than
a DDA (Downtown Development Authority). People sometimes confuse what a --
the role of a development authority and the role of a business improvement district
may be, and I think this is a really great start. So if you'd like to explain anything
with regard to some of the issues that Commissioner Reyes brought up and your
intention as a BID. This financial stack, as well as the construction and
maintenance plan has been very well put together by your group, as well as the
City, as well as the DDA. And so, this is really our first time working together, and
I look forward to it. So I'd love to hear what you have to say.
Mr. Fritz: Great, and thank you for the opportunity to speak. You have in your
package a Memorandum of Intent, which actually has some specifics about how the
BID anticipates coming together and going through the Florida Statute 170 process
to create a special assessment district. We have timeframes there. We've agreed to
do that by the end of next year. The Memorandum of Intent says that the City will
consider it. Sothis is indeed the first time we've had the discussions. Starting in
2017, we did a Comprehensive Business Improvement District Plan, and it's online
at downtownmiami. net. We went through the process. We had our public meetings,
and we brought that plan to the DDA. At the same time, the Streetscape Project
stalled, so we put the BID process on the shelf and said, "Okay. We really got to
concentrate on restarting the Streetscape Project. " So with your approval today,
we really take that next step. After the new budget was approved at the DDA, and
the DDA allocated a million dollars for the project, we immediately organized as a
business improvement district, and the property owners are voluntarily assessing
themselves for our current budget. We're a start-up organization. We're the new
kid on the block. But we're very committed to creating a very comprehensive plan.
Our initial priority was security, safety. That was a highest concern and priority at
the time, and there was really unanimous approval of that working plan, but we will
start right away working with your -- the City staff to go through and actually
create the Assessment District and all of the agreements that we negotiate. All of
the plans that we have and the details will come to you the same way they did with
the Coconut Grove BID, with the Wynwood BID. So the first step --first formal
step will be the first resolution of the City Commission, where you get to look at all
the details, the bylaws, the proposals, the voting. That's the stuff that we put
together. And then it goes for a formal vote. It requires a majority vote of the
affected property owners and descriptions of the district, and then it'll come back
for a second approval -- second resolution approval, and then the actual Special
Assessment District will be created.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah. And now, from what I gather, your main plan -- the
plan now only consists of the beautification of Flagler Street. You have not given
any thought -- or you don't have any plans for what you're going to do for parking,
for example --
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Mr. Fritz: Right.
Commissioner Reyes: -- how you're going to get -- because if you go to downtown -
- if I go to downtown Miami, you see -- I only go to downtown Miami because, I
told you, my watch maker is on the Seybold building, but I park -- I mean, I'm not
going to valet. Now everything is valet. It's like $12 for the first half hour, and it is
impossible, it's unbearable. I don't make that much money, you see. Maybe you
can do it, but I don't -- I cannot park there, but I park about -- I mean, in 2nd
Avenue -- Southwest 2nd Avenue and 1st Street, and I walk. I like to walk
downtown. So --
Chair Russell: You --
Commissioner Reyes: --you see, you should have someway of getting people from
there to the heart of downtown. And what I'm trying to -- what I'm suggesting is
that, please, don't leave it only because you are going into this project, which is
beautifying Flagler, then say, "Okay, let's do this now, and later on, we are going
to do the rest. " They're not mutually exclusive. I think that they should be -- you
should tackle them at the same time.
Mr. Fritz: Commissioner, I agree.
Chair Russell: Just a second.
Mr. Fritz: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) really appreciated our meeting on Monday.
Chair Russell: Does the BID intend for a parking trust fund?
Mr. Fritz: We have not --the funding strategies are not in place yet. But what we
do understand is the fact that there are --there is public parking inventories in four
garages; one of those garages is utilized highly; the other three may offer real
opportunities for the kind of programs you're talking about. We will need to, once
the streetscape is in place, start to look at how do we move people from those
garages. We're just talking about two blocks here, but that's (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Got it.
Commissioner Reyes: And --
Chair Russell: You have a comment?
Mr. Fritz: So the same thing on all programs. And again, we start next week,
assuming you pass this today. Our first effort is going to be a spruce -up campaign
throughout the district, and seeing we have a detailed inventory of all businesses --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Mr. Fritz: -- and what can we do to market so that we can attract some business
during Super Bowl, which is just six months away.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Vice Chair Gort: Back in 2001, $14 million was dedicated to --for Clean Up Mia -
-- Flagler and do some things. One of the programs that we begin is the validated
parking. In other words, whenever you go to the store, that store will validate the
parking, and they will get a break from the parking, from the Off -Street Parking.
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That's something you need to sit down and negotiate with them, also. The second
question you already answered is that you got to look at parking as number one.
That's very important for people that live in downtown and people that go -- do
business in downtown. It's become very expensive. And I'm going to be selfish.
After November, I'm going to have an oj5rice right there on Flagler, so I want to
make sure we get it done fast.
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, I have a question on this legislation with
regard to the Beautification Project. It was very important for us that the BID had
a role in this with regard to the maintenance for the nonstandard improvements that
are coming. It's in good part to the stakeholders that really wanted to see a higher
level of capital improvement there, and they are willing to step up with regard to
the maintenance, but I wanted to make sure that we're able to count on that. Is
there a clause in the legislation that requires a majority vote of that BID, once
they're formed, in order for them to commit to this maintenance fee -- maintenance
plan, or are we able to hold them to it through this legislation? Because they
haven't self -taxed yet. And so, they haven't formed their membership of self -taxing.
Mr. Fritz: And I think I can answer that, if it's helpful.
Chair Russell: Sure.
Mr. Fritz: The 170 process requires, and again, all of that documentation. So by
this legislation, we agree to negotiate a memorandum of understanding. We need
the details, the standard operating procedures. What exactly is required, and how
much does that cost? Both the existing -- by then, it won't be an estimate -- the
existing cost of the maintenance, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding will
be part of the approval. So I don't know that anybody can be held to it at this point,
and we recognize that, but it will be subject to your approval first, as the
Commission, and then a majority of the property owners, and then it will come back
for Commission approval. I guess to lend the -- some specifics to that, we had
arranged a budget for maintenance between 125 and $175,000 in our draft plan.
We're now looking at estimates of about $225,000, so we're easily in the ballpark.
And again, you can't speak for the property owners till they vote, but there really
was a unanimous sense that that budget and plan was what we needed to have in
the Flagler District.
Chair Russell: So we're taking a little bit of a leap of faith here?
Mr. Fritz: You're -- it is a leap of faith. And again, the timeframe that we'll work
that out will be while the project's being constructed and turned over during a one-
year warranty. So for what it's worth, I feel very comfortable that we're going to be
able to negotiate something that everyone will support.
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, so the question was, is there a way through
this legislation to hold him to it?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): So he pretty much explained that for -- at the end
of the day, the City is the ultimate backstop to this, because it's an organization
that's not formed. We will do our best to be able to capture these individuals to be
able to ask them to move forward with this project and the maintenance, but if they
don't form, we have that issue with --
Chair Russell: Formation, I get it, but it also -- once they form, it allows them to
vote, whether or not they want to participate in this maintenance agreement.
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Ms. Mendez: Well, that still has to also come back before -- if they've form the
BID, that has to come back before us, as well. I mean, these are the open-ended
questions. We could try as best to --
Chair Russell: So there's no amendment that can be made in this particular
legislation that would hold them more than they are now to that maintenance fee,
right?
Ms. Mendez: Because they're not created.
Chair Russell. Understood. All right. Is there a motion and a second?
Vice Chair Gort: Can we get DDA involved?
Chair Russell: As we are.
Vice Chair Gort: As you are.
Chair Russell: But we really believe that this is on the shoulders of these particular
stakeholders that really wanted this extra, extra high level of streetscape, and we're
delivering it. And we're stepping up, the City's stepping up, the County's stepping
up; we need to make sure you all are there, too. So we do believe and trust that it
will be. Thank you. Is there a motion or a second on this item?
Vice Chair Gort: I'll make the motion. I'll move it.
Chair Russell: There's a mo -- thank you. Moved; seconded by Commissioner
Reyes. Is there any further discussion? Any questions? All in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much. That's RE.5.
RE.6
RESOLUTION
6228
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, URGING
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION THAT
Commissioners
WOULD HELP REDUCE OR ELIMINATE EXPENSES INCURRED
and Mayor
BY MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ("MILITARY")
AND VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
("VETERANS"); PROVIDING A TEN PERCENT (10%) DISCOUNT
FOR ALL BUILDING RELATED PERMITS REQUESTED BY
MILITARY PERSONNEL OR VETERANS; DECLARING THE CITY
OF MIAMI A MILITARY AND VETERAN FRIENDLY CITY;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AS STATED
HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0316
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MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.6, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Chair Russell: I'd like to take up Item RE. 6, Active Duty and Veterans of the U.S.
Armed Forces legislation.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: I want to co-sponsor that.
Chair Russell: I will as well. Is there a motion? Is that a motion?
Commissioner Reyes: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes; seconded by Commissioner
Carollo. Please note two additional sponsor -- co -sponsorships on that. Is there
any further discussion on RE. 6? Hearing none, all in favor; say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you very much.
RE.7
RESOLUTION
6234
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING THE
MOVER:
UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Commissioners
("USCIS") TO REEVALUATE AND GRANT RAMON SAUL
and Mayor
SANCHEZ'S APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT
STATUS; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT
A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS NAMED
HEREIN.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0281
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE. 7, please see
"Order of the Day" and "Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
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Commissioner Hardemon: A gentleman just spoke, Mr. Ramon Saul Sanchez, and
we have a resolution, and I don't think there's going to be any --
Chair Russell: Would you like to move the item?
Commissioner Hardemon: -- opposition or -- I will. I want to make sure first,
though, there's no one else that wants to speak.
Chair Russell: I'll do that. Is there anyone else here who'd like to speak on RE. 7, I
believe it is, the Ramon Saul Sanchez item? Is there anyone else who'd like to speak
on that item?
Brett Bibeau: I support the item.
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Bibeau.
Commissioner Hardemon: So, seeing no other speakers, I'd like to move to approve
RE. 7.
Chair Russell: Yes. There's a motion; a second by Commissioner Carollo. Is there
any further discussion from the dais? Hearing none --
Commissioner Hardemon: I want to say really quickly.
Chair Russell: Please.
Commissioner Hardemon: What he said was beautiful.
Chair Russell: Yep.
Commissioner Hardemon: It was poetic. And it was one of those things where
even though he put it as squarely as possible, we have disagreement, we have a
space for that, you know. And I've never been to Cuba, and I don't know what it's
like to have to deal with politics there, but as plain as he put it, and how I know
America, you can't do anything but take your hat off to that gentleman and have
your heart out.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner Hardemon. I --
Vice Chair Gort: Wait a minute.
Chair Russell: -- was entertaining a visiting dignitary from another country, as
well, who was going through the chambers, and asked, "What are these for?" And
I said, "That's where the public can address the Commissioners. " He said, "You
let them do that?" In this country, we do; and in many, they don't. Commissioner.
Vice Chair Gort: You know, we always talk about affordable housing. Raul
Sanchez has been working with the East Little Havana CDC (Community
Development Corporation) for over 15, 20 years, and this gentleman is always in
there keeping up with the properties, to make sure the properties stay -- is healthy
and clean and beautiful. So to me, it's a privilege to be co-sponsor of this, along
with the rest of our Commissioners.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there any further comment? Commissioner.
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Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I want to also add that I know Ramon Saul since he was
a kid And this gentleman, since he was a teenager, he was fighting for human
rights in Cuba; human rights in the United States. He has been an advocate of
liberty and justice, and that's why I'm honored to co-sponsor this resolution.
Chair Russell: Thank you. There's been a motion and a second. Any further
discussion? All in favor of the item, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? RE. 7 passes. Thank you.
RE.8
RESOLUTION
5944
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
Commissioners
TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
and Mayor
("CITY"), FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; AUTHORIZING THE
ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE MAYOR'S SHARE
OF THE CITY'S ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE ("API"), IN A TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
($10,000.00) TO CAMARA DE COMERCIO LATINA DE LOS
ESTADOS UNIDOS (CAMACOL), INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR
PROFIT CORPORATION ("CAMACOL"), TO PROVIDE LOW
INCOME INDIVIDUALS ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATION TO ACQUIRE BUSINESS ACUMEN IN
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO
THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0282
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Hardemon
ABSTAIN:
Reyes
Note for the Record. Commissioner Reyes abstained from voting on item RE.8 and
submitted a Form 8B Memorandum of Voting Conflict for County, Municipal, and
other Local Public Officers with the City Clerk in compliance with Section
112.3143, Florida Statutes.
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.8, please see
"Order of the Day. "
Chair Russell: RE.8.
Commissioner Reyes: RE.8.
Chair Russell: CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce)
Commissioner Reyes: CAMACOL. I have a conflict with this item, and so --
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Commissioner Carollo: So moved.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I'm --
July 25, 2019
Commissioner Carollo: He's got a conflict, so he'll do what he's got to do when you
got a conflict.
Chair Russell: He has to go to the driveway, I think.
Commissioner Carollo: Let me make the motion. This is the Mayor giving
CAMACOL 10, 000 from his funding. He's got a right to. Its not an issue. Move.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Moved by Commissioner Carollo; seconded by
Commissioner Gort. Any further discussion? All in favor say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Commissioner Reyes can come on
back.
Commissioner Carollo: Bring coffee back, please.
RE.9
RESOLUTION
6218
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, PURSUANT
Commissioners
TO SECTION 18-72 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
and Mayor
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), AUTHORIZING THE
AYES:
ALLOCATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT 5 SHARE
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI'S ("CITY") ANTI -POVERTY INITIATIVE, IN
A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($20,000.00), TO INNER CITY DANCE CLUB OF MIAMI
CORPORATION, A FLORIDA NOT PROFIT CORPORATION
("INNER CITY DANCE"), TO SUPPORT THE PARTICIPATION OF
DISTRICT 5 YOUTH AND FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE INNER CITY
DANCE CLUB OF MIAMI TAKES EUROPE PROGRAM; FURTHER
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, IN A FORM
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR SAID PURPOSE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0317
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.9, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
Commissioner Hardemon: I move to approve RE.9.
Chair Russell: RE.9 has been moved; seconded by the Chair.
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Commissioner Carollo: Hold on. This is --
Chair Russell: This is the Inner City Dance Club of Miami, Corporation, AN
(Anti -Poverty Initiative).
Commissioner Carollo: What kind of dance is this?
Commissioner Hardemon: Slow dance. No. I'm just --
Commissioner Reyes: The best.
Commissioner Hardemon: It's the little kids.
Commissioner Reyes: The best.
Commissioner Carollo: My kind of dancing.
Chair Russell: There's been a motion and a second. Is there any further
discussion? All in favor --
Commissioner Carollo: Little kids.
Chair Russell: --say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
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RE.10
RESOLUTION
6241
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Commissioners
("COMMISSION"), WITH ATTACHMENT(S), FINDING,
and Mayor
DETERMINING, AND DECLARING THAT THE TERRITORY
"EXHIBIT
DESCRIBED IN A," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED,
IN THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ("DDA")
DISTRICT ("DDA DISTRICT") BE ALTERED, AMENDED, AND
EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE TERRITORY DESCRIBED IN
"EXHIBIT B," ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED, WHICH ARE THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY LANDS UNDERNEATH THE MIAMI METRORAIL,
ALSO KNOWN AS THE UNDERLINE, FROM THE MIAMI RIVER TO
SOUTHEAST 15TH ROAD (COLLECTIVELY, "UNDERLINE
ADJACENT TO DDA DISTRICT AREA"), IN ORDER TO
REVITALIZE AND PRESERVE PROPERTY VALUES IN THE DDA
DISTRICT AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 166.0497, FLORIDA STATUTES (2018); DECLARING
THE CITY'S INTENT TO ALTER, AMEND, AND EXPAND THE DDA
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES BY INCLUDING THE TERRITORY
DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT B; SETTING THE DATE FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING AT WHICH THE COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE
ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES
OF THE DDA DISTRICT IN EXHIBIT A TO INCLUDE THE
UNDERLINE ADJACENT TO THE DDA DISTRICT AREA IN
EXHIBIT B TO CONSIST OF THE NEW TERRITORY FOR THE
DDA DISTRICT BOUNDARIES DESCRIBED IN "EXHIBIT C,"
ATTACHED AND INCORPORATED.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0318
MOTION TO: Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT: ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item RE.10, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item (s). "
Chair Russell: RE.10, expanding DDA (Downtown Development Authority)
boundaries to include the Underline portion ofBrickell.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Hold on.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Hold on, hold on.
Commissioner Reyes: Hold it.
Commissioner Carollo: Whoa.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): On RE.10, this expansion of the DDA boundaries,
is there a substitution amendment? Ms. Crespi.
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Christina Crespi: Hello, Commissioners. Christina Crespi, Deputy Director of the
Downtown Development Authority. Unfortunately, in your package, Exhibits "D,"
"E, " and "E" weren't included, so we'll be passing it around right now.
Commissioner Carollo: Christina, my question is, why do you want to extend
boundaries to an area that doesn't pay taxes?
Ms. Crespi: So the Underline came to the DDA Board and requested the expansion
of the boundaries, and that triggered a study that was conducted. And the study
precluded [sic] that, indeed, it was beneficial, because it does add added value to
our property value and added taxes. So because of --
Commissioner Carollo: Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Ms. Crespi: --increase in property value.
Chair Russell: But not to the DDA?
Commissioner Carollo: To whom?
Ms. Crespi: Not to the DDA; to the entire --
Commissioner Carollo: Increase property value to whom?
Chair Russell: To the City as a whole.
Ms. Crespi: Right. And so, the residents have been asking for more park space in
addition to that. Its part of our 2025 Master Plan, to include additional park
space. So all it is, is taking our boundary and moving the parallel line just on the
other side of the Metrorail and grabbing the Underline.
Commissioner Carollo: So you're going into my district now?
Chair Russell: Without taxing you.
Ms. Crespi: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Without --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Ms. Crespi: Correct.
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's government land.
Ms. Crespi: Increased property values --
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Ms. Crespi: --for everybody.
Commissioner Carollo: -- if you're pushing for that, that is a surprise; no taxes.
But --
Ms. Crespi: Increased property value.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- the -- well, actually, you're only going to halfway,
because I think our boundaries are right in the middle of (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: On the train tracks, correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: So currently, the DDA goes up to the train tracks so it can cover
half the Underline, but it can't cover your half.
Ms. Crespi: Yeah.
Chair Russell: And so, we'd like to --
Commissioner Carollo: My questions now are, where are you planning on -- thank
you -- spending more money for parkland? Because you and I have a park that's all
in my side, but now, by doing this, you're going to have it just about --
Chair Russell: It's in your district still.
Commissioner Carollo: In my district, but you're going to have it mostly in the
DDA --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: --domain.
Vice Chair Gort: Financial (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: I still want to make that into -- I knew there was a cat here
somewhere. I still want to dedicate funds that I have to it, but you're going to have
to come up with some funds from your side, because I would say 90 percent or more
of the people are going to use it.
Chair Russell: This is the space --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: -- next to Simpson Park.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, behind Simpson Park.
Chair Russell: Behind Simpson Park on --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: I'd love to work with you on that.
Commissioner Carollo: Ken, the majority of the people are going to use it, that
need it, are all the residents in all of the high-rises in your district.
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: We need -- we have a responsibility. Even though very few
people from my district will use it, I still have a responsibility to the rest of the City
for more parkland that is needed. So we need to work on that to make that into
another park. You know, hopefully, you know, I won't have another two or three
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people that will be screaming about another playground. You know, my God, little
kids, you know, you can't have them play in a playground anymore, but I think we
need that. We need additional exercise equipment, maybe some picnic areas, so
they could do, and we could do a lot of the funding by having parking, and there
will be plenty of parking in the front that Miami Parking Authority could take care
Of
Chair Russell: I know where you're talking. That was actually our first sunshine
meeting; was to talk about that (UNINTELLIGIBLE) space.
Commissioner Carollo: That's right. (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: And I'd like to follow up with you on that.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: Be glad to help.
Commissioner Carollo: Look, I'll go along with that. How much are you giving us
for that? A million, million and a half?
Ms. Crespi: We'll have to take that back to our board.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then, I might have to think about this. I trust that
you're going to help. Okay?
Ms. Crespi: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: I move it.
Ms. Crespi: Thank you.
Chair Russell: RE. 10 is moved by Commissioner Carollo.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Gort. Any further discussion? All in
favor, say "aye. if
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on RE. 10.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): As amended.
Chair Russell: As amended. Thank you very much.
END OF RESOLUTIONS
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M:�9Elsie] ►1IIIINE III ki[eye]NCIki/_1►ll]*I
SRA
ORDINANCE Second Reading
2099
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE XVI OF
Planning
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
"PLANNING
AYES:
("CITY CODE"), ENTITLED AND ZONING/ART IN
PUBLIC PLACES," TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC ART
REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, AND
AMENDING SECTION 2-892 OF THE CITY CODE TO PROVIDE
FOR SUNSET REVIEW OF THE BOARD; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR.], please see "Order of
the Day. "
SR.2
ORDINANCE Second Reading
5881
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING CHAPTER 35/ARTICLE XIII OF
and Mayor
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED
"PRIVATE
AYES:
("CITY CODE"), TITLED PARKING LOTS;" MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 35-290 OF THE CITY
CODE, TITLED "COMPLIANCE WITH THE INTERIM PARKING IN
CHAPTER 62, ARTICLE XIII, DIVISION 4," TO ADDRESS PERMITS
THAT MAY HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN ERROR UNDER THE
TEMPORARY INTERIM PARKING PROGRAM PROVIDED FOR IN
SECTION 62-543(4) OF THE CITY CODE ("PROGRAM") AND TO
ADDRESS PENDING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO
THE PROGRAM, TO SUPPORT TEMPORARY PARKING NEEDS
WITH CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS; PROVIDING FOR
REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERIM PARKING; REPEALING
SECTION 62-543(4) OF THE CITY CODE FOR FUTURE
APPLICATIONS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13854
MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
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Chair Russell: Let's go ahead and knock out our ordinances before we take up the
Ultra item, as well; in that way, we can finish the morning's agenda --
Commissioner Carollo: I thought we were deferring that one?
Chair Russell: -- on a high note. Which one? Ultra?
Commissioner Carollo: I thought we were deferring Ultra.
Chair Russell: Is that a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Let's go to SR.2, please. This is the --
Commissioner Carollo: SR.2.
Chair Russell: -- Interim Parking Program.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: This is second reading.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): On SR.2, I believe it was passed out that the
attachment, we amended the top to say, "Lot address, "just to clarify that it was --
that is the specific address that we will be bringing into compliance with this
program.
Chair Russell: Got it.
Ms. Mendez: Do I read the --? Yes, Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: This -- that means that you -- we cannot include any other
parking lots, or anything?
Ms. Mendez: Right. So everything that's on the attachment is the universe right
now of properties that have been in the pipeline that we're trying to bring into
compliance with the --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: -- program since they've applied. May I read the title?
Chair Russell: Yes, please.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: So I just wanted to clary that the addresses are in the attachment,
and they will be bringing these properties into compliance with the program.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: There's a motion.
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Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Carollo; seconded by the Chair.
Commissioner Carollo, I was absent when we did first reading on this, and I
appreciate the amendments that you brought in. I think it encapsulates the
particular --
Commissioner Carollo: It did what you wanted.
Chair Russell: Exactly. And it protected what you wanted.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: There's one thing I'd like to ask as a friendly amendment, if we can
on this. The one year that this is going to be allowed starts from today. I would
really like to see the one year start from when they get their --
Vice Chair Gort: Permit?
Chair Russell: -- ability to move forward, because sometimes this permitting
process can take them six months. They're going to invest, and then they'll only
have six months left to enact this.
Commissioner Carollo: Only on the ones we got listed here.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Correct?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: What would be the exact amendment?
Ms. Mendez: So what it would be, it would be the --
Chair Russell: Certificate of --
Ms. Mendez: The CO, the Certificate of Occupancy.
Chair Russell: Occupancy.
Commissioner Carollo: I will go along with that.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Mendez: A CO --from the CO.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Ms. Mendez: Now, if you do it -- I believe that staff said the TCO (Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy), but this is what I want to know then from staff. If you do
the TCO, then -- because you could play the game -- I'm just being honest -- that
you get a TCO, you don't get a CO for a long period of time, and then the time
frame is calculated from the CO, and then they got an extra year. So I need to
know from staff, if we do the TCO time frame, the Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy, it's not going to recalibrate after they get the CO. If they don't get the
CO for a year, I need to clarify that on the record.
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Commissioner Carollo: Well, we need a date certain, I think, of -- that we put in
here from when the City will issue the TCO so that that doesn't get dragged down
more.
Ms. Mendez: Right. So I just want to clam. If they were to -- because the reason
why this friendly amendment is coming up is that it may take from now till then,
about four months, five months for them to actually start work -- you know, being
able to utilize the lot. So I just want to clarify on the record that if there is a time
frame from the TCO that if you get the CO, it doesn't tack on another timeframe.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no, no.
Chair Russell: The clock starts from the date of the item that we say in this
amendment. And if we say TCO, that starts the clock --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, TCO.
Chair Russell: -- on the TCO date.
Ms. Mendez: Oh, and it doesn't --
Commissioner Carollo: On the TCO date.
Chair Russell: And why -- it's a temporary parking lot; why do they need a CO and
a TCO?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: There should only (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: How long -- the Building Director is here. Maybe -- Mr.
Building Director, how long do you think it might take for them to get their TCO?
Jose Camero (Director, Building): From the time that all the inspections are done,
they get a TCO. From there, it's for 90 days to get a CO.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So --
Vice Chair Gort: Three months.
Commissioner Carollo: -- if we put down from the time that they get it, or no more
than 90 days, whichever comes first?
Mr. Camero: Yeah. Understand something; TCO, they get full occupancy.
Chair Russell: That's why I'm fine with the TCO.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: Start the clock at the TCO.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. So the way I would feel comfortable it's worded that
either from the date -- the year starts from the date they get the TCO, or within 90
days of our approval; whichever comes first. If they get it before, it starts then; if
not, up to 90 days.
Chair Russell: When you say 90 days, meaning from this approval?
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Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, from this approval.
Chair Russell: Whichever comes first?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. If they get their TO before the 90 days, then it starts
there.
Chair Russell: But the problem is they may not actually get their TCO for four
months; well beyond 90 days; five months, and it's unfair to them if the clock starts
90 days from now, right?
Mr. Camero: One correction. So it's not TCO; it's TCC (Temporary Certificate of
Compliance).
Commissioner Carollo: Yes, TCC. Okay.
Mr. Camero: Technically.
Chair Russell: What's the acronym?
Mr. Camero: TCC is Temporary Certificate of Compliance.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: Oh, versus "occupancy." Got it. Thank you.
Mr. Camero: Versus "occupancy. "
Commissioner Carollo: Well, look, let's split the baby in half. Let's go with 120
days; whichever comes first. If they get it before --
Chair Russell: Sounds fair.
Commissioner Carollo: -- it starts therefor each individual one; if not, up to 120
days, and it'll start on the 120 days.
Chair Russell: Does that make sense for an amendment? Clear?
Ms. Mendez: Yes.
Chair Russell: Seconder agrees. Thank you. Is there any further discussion on this
item?
Commissioner Carollo: I always make sense.
Chair Russell: Five minutes (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to codify it. Thank you. Any
further discussion? All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes, as amended.
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SR.3
ORDINANCE Second Reading
6115
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners
CHAPTER 62/ARTICLE I OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
and Mayor
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "PLANNING AND ZONING/IN
ABSENT:
GENERAL," BY CREATING A NEW SECTION 62-2.1, TITLED
"INDEPENDENT TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES," TO
REQUIRE AN INDEPENDENT TRAFFIC STUDY AND AN
INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY FOR CERTAIN NEW
DEVELOPMENTS; CREATING A POOL OF PROVIDERS TO
CONDUCT SAID STUDIES THAT ARE SELECTED ON A
COMPETITIVE BASIS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SELECT QUALIFIED, INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS TO CONDUCT
AN INDEPENDENT TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY AND AN
INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY FOR NEW
DEVELOPMENTS; PROVIDING FOR COMPETITIVE PROCESSES;
PROVIDING FOR A SELECTION PROCESS; PROVIDING THAT
THE COST OF THE TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY BE BORNE BY THE
APPLICANT REQUIRING SAID STUDY; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item SR.3 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Chair Russell: While we clear the room and prepare for further public comment,
could we read all of the remaining ordinances into the record, please?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Before we do that, I just want to make sure --
which ones are we taking up?
Chair Russell: No, no, no; from the morning's agenda, first reading and second
reading.
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me?
Chair Russell: There were no further deferrals of those.
Ms. Mendez: The first reading and --
Chair Russell: ER first reading) and SR (second reading) items.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Ms. Mendez: You want me to read all the ER and SR that are remaining?
Chair Russell: Remaining ER and SR items.
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Ms. Mendez: Okay. I may need to --
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: I --
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: Right. I just need to clarify with the Clerk which are the remaining
FRISR.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Russell: Just a minute, Madam City Attorney. Please, everyone -- just a
moment, Madam City Attorney. Everyone please clear the room and be quiet so the
ordinances can be read. We need to move on.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: That was SR.3. SR.4.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR. S.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR. 6.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: SR. 8.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: FR. 2.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: FR. 3.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: I believe that's it.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
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SR.4
ORDINANCE Second Reading
5434
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
MOVER:
CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 3 OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor
"PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY OF
ABSENT:
MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' SANITATION EMPLOYEES
Note for the Record. Item SR.4 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
RETIREMENT TRUST;" MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 40-241, 40-254 AND 40-255, TITLED "DEFINITIONS,"
"PAYBACKS FOR MEMBERSHIP CREDIT," AND "BENEFITS,"
RESPECTIVELY, TO AMEND THE SERVICE RETIREMENT
BENEFITS, PROVIDE FOR PURCHASE OF CREDIT FOR
CERTAIN NONMEMBERSHIP SERVICE, AND THE DEFINITIONS
OF AVERAGE FINAL COMPENSATION AND NORMAL
RETIREMENT AGE; FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER
40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 6 OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED
"PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/TRUST FUND
FOR APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN EXECUTIVE
SERVICE," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 40-
351, TITLED "TRUST FUND FOR APPOINTED OFFICERS AND
EMPLOYEES IN EXECUTIVE SERVICE," TO ALLOW CERTAIN
APPOINTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES TO ELECT TO
PARTICIPATE IN EITHER THE TRUST FUND FOR APPOINTED
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN EXECUTIVE SERVICE OR THE
CITY OF MIAMI GENERAL EMPLOYEES' SANITATION
EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT TRUST AND PROVIDING FOR THE
PURCHASE OF PRIOR SERVICE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item SR.4 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR.4, please see Item SR.3.
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SR.5
ORDINANCE Second Reading
5435
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED
and Mayor
"PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY OF
MIAMI FIREFIGHTERS' AND POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT
TRUST;" MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 40-
203, TITLED "BENEFITS", TO REFLECT THE CHANGES MADE IN
THE CURRENT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record. Item SR.5 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR. 5, please see Item SR.3.
SR.6
ORDINANCE Second Reading
5939
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 40/ARTICLE IV/DIVISION 4 OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
and Mayor
"PERSONNEL/PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLAN/CITY OF
MIAMI ELECTED OFFICERS RETIREMENT TRUST;" MORE
PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTION 40-291, TITLED
"DEFINITIONS", AND SECTION 40-296, TITLED "APPLICABLE
BENEFITS"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record. Item SR.6 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR. 6, please see "Public
Comment Period for Regular Item(s) " and Item SR.3.
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Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
SR.7
ORDINANCE Second Reading
6011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RENAMING
THE "MAYOR'S INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL" TO THE "MAYOR'S
Office of the City
COUNCIL ON GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS" BY AMENDING
Cierk
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/STANDARDS FOR CREATION AND REVIEW OF
BOARDS GENERALLY," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 2-887(B) AND 2-892(4)(A)(1) TO CHANGE
REFERENCES TO THE "MAYOR'S INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL"
TO THE "MAYOR'S COUNCIL ON GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS";
AMENDING CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 3 OF THE CITY
CODE, TITLED "ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES,
COMMISSIONS/MAYOR'S INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL," TO
CHANGE THE NAME OF THE "MAYOR'S INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL" TO THE "MAYOR'S COUNCIL ON GLOBAL
COMPETITIVENESS"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item SR.7 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR. 7, please see "Order of the
Day. "
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SR.8
ORDINANCE Second Reading
6154
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Office of the City
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI/DIVISION 18 OF THE CODE OF THE
Clerk
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
ABSENT:
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS/SEA
LEVEL RISE COMMITTEE"; MORE PARTICULARLY BY
CONSOLIDATING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE WATERFRONT
ADVISORY BOARD AND THE SEA LEVEL RISE COMMITTEE
INTO A NEWLY FORMED CLIMATE RESILIENCE COMMITTEE;
FURTHER BY REPEALING, IN ITS ENTIRETY, CHAPTER
29/ARTICLE IV OF THE CITY CODE, TITLED "LANDFILLS AND
WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS/WATERFRONT ADVISORY
BOARD"; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item SR.8 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR. 8, please see Item SR.3.
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SR.9
ORDINANCE Second Reading
6155
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Office of the City
CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE XI OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
Cierk
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED
"ADMINISTRATION/BOARD, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS," TO
REALIGN THE MIAMI COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF
WOMEN, THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD,
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE, THE
EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE SENIOR CITIZENS'
ADVISORY BOARD INTO THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMITTEE ("COMMITTEE"); MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
ADDING DIVISION 6, SECTIONS 2-1011 TO 2-1019 TO CREATE
THE COMMITTEE; REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY DIVISION 8,
TITLED "MIAMI COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN;"
REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY DIVISION 11, TITLED "PARKS AND
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD;" REPEALING IN ITS
ENTIRETY DIVISION 13, TITLED "CITY OF MIAMI
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE;" REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY
DIVISION 20, TITLED "EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD;"
REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY DIVISION 23, TITLED "SENIOR
CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD;" CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT: DEFERRED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item SR.9 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item SR.9, please see "Order of the
Day. "
END OF SECOND READING ORDINANCES
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Ia:MaI:RI9NNFA 911►[eye]N911►/_1►[*&I
FR.1
ORDINANCE First Reading
4407
MAY BE WITHDRAWN
Office of the City
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Attorney
AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "GARBAGE
AND OTHER SOLID WASTE," BY AMENDING SECTION 22-1
OF THE CITY CODE TO ADD A DEFINITION FOR "CITY';
AMENDING SECTION 22-14 OF THE CITY CODE TO
PROVIDE THE CITY MANAGER MAY ADDITIONALLY
AUTHORIZE THE COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE BY
COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTORS; AMENDING
SECTION 22-46 OF THE CITY CODE TO PROVIDE THAT
THE CITY MANAGER MAY ADDITIONALLY GRANT OR
RENEW FRANCHISES SUBJECT TO CHAPTER 22;
AMENDING SECTION 22-47 OF THE CITY CODE TO
PROVIDE THAT APPLICATIONS FOR A FRANCHISE MAY
BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE CITY
COMMISSION OR THE CITY MANAGER; FURTHER
AMENDING SECTION 22-56 OF THE CITY CODE TO
PROVIDE THAT ISSUANCE OF A FRANCHISE MAY BE
APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OR BY THE CITY
MANAGER; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Withdraw
RESULT: WITHDRAWN
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item FR.], please see "Order of the
Day. "
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FR.2
ORDINANCE First Reading
5988
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Commissioners
CHAPTER 62 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
and Mayor
AS AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), TITLED "PLANNING AND ZONING,"
ABSENT:
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING SECTION 62-22, TITLED
"SCHEDULE OF FEES," SECTION 62-23, TITLED "REQUEST FOR
REVIEW AND APPEAL," SECTION 62-25, TITLED "WAIVER OF
FEES," AND SECTION 62-32, TITLED "SCHEDULE OF FEES," TO
PROVIDE CLARIFICATION ON PLANNING AND ZONING FEES,
CAP CERTAIN PLANNING AND ZONING FEES, ADD FEE
SCHEDULES FOR CERTAIN PERMITS, PROVIDE FOR A
SCHEDULE OF REFUNDS FOR CERTAIN FEES, AND ENSURE
CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER CITY CODE SECTIONS
REGARDING FEES; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item FR.2 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item FR.2, please see "Public
Comment Period for Regular Item(s) " and Item SR. 3.
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FR.3
ORDINANCE First Reading
6222
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
MOVER:
CHAPTER 12.5/ARTICLE I/DIVISION 2, OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
and Mayor
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION/COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
ABSENT:
DISTRICTS/LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
DISTRICT," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTIONS
12.5-27M, 12.5-28, AND 12.5-36 TO ADD PROVISIONS TO
ESTABLISH A NEW DISTRICT 5 NEIGHBORHOODS OWNER -
OCCUPIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS GRANT
PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item FR.3 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item FR.3, please see Item SR. 3.
FR.3
ORDINANCE First Reading
6222
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
MOVER:
CHAPTER 12.5/ARTICLE I/DIVISION 2, OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
and Mayor
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION/COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
ABSENT:
DISTRICTS/LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
DISTRICT," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTIONS
12.5-27M, 12.5-28, AND 12.5-36 TO ADD PROVISIONS TO
ESTABLISH A NEW DISTRICT 5 NEIGHBORHOODS OWNER -
OCCUPIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS GRANT
PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO:
Reconsider
RESULT:
RECONSIDERED
MOVER:
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Chair Russell: FR.3
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Commissioner Reyes: Well, all those, weren't they deferred by -- when Carollo was
here?
Commissioner Hardemon: Look, look at these things.
Commissioner Reyes: They were all deferred.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, seriously, I want to move to reconsider FR.3; I'm
not playing. No, FR.3 is District S Affordable Housing Improvements Grant
Program. It's the first reading of the ordinance.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Hardemon: So at least by the time I come back, we're on second
reading.
Commissioner Reyes: No, I -- the only thing that I was saying is that we had a
motion and we voted on --
Chair Russell: Right. So let me clam it from a procedural perspective.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: There's a motion to reconsider an item. Mr. Clerk.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): This was part of the group of items --
Chair Russell: That were deferred.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, because we had basically gone past the 10 p. in. --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Hannon: -- curfew.
Commissioner Hardemon: There was a second motion.
Chair Russell: So there was a singular vote. Commissioner Carollo wanted to
make it a conditional vote, and he was told he could not. It was a pure vote to give
the unanimous consent for us to continue.
Mr. Hannon: With the understanding --
Chair Russell: His understanding, and as I recommended as a courtesy that we
would defer the remaining items on the agenda -- on the morning's agenda.
Commissioner Reyes: But can we vote on bringing this back?
Commissioner Hardemon: I mean, we just considered a pocket item, and I can't
consider nothing else?
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: He actually expressly said he wanted to hear -- the pocket item
heard.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
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Chair Russell: We can procedurally reconsider any item that's been deferred --
Commissioner Reyes: Let us -- let's consider --
Chair Russell: -- brought back. However, Commissioner Carollo --
Commissioner Hardemon: This item has nothing to do with Commissioner
Carollo's district.
Chair Russell. Understood. So --
Commissioner Hardemon: This is about District 5 affordable housing.
Chair Russell: -- that's what I'm saying. This is a courtesy issue.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: So what you're gauging is that this is not what his intention was,
holding back.
Commissioner Hardemon: I wouldn't think so.
Chair Russell: You wouldn't think so. And it does come back for second reading --
Commissioner Hardemon: It does.
Chair Russell: -- which -- at which point, he can certainly, if he does oppose it --
Commissioner Hardemon: Got a million dollars to give out in Wynwood. I don't
see how he could oppose that.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: So I -- what I need to understand, is there a legal or procedural
issue with reconsidering a deferral of an item?
Mr. Hannon: I'll defer to Madam City Attorney about the legal aspect.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): There's no legal issue with reconsidering it. It's
just that, you know, as a courtesy to your colleague, and that's our policy. It is first
reading, but --you know. So.
Commissioner Reyes: Commissioner --
Chair Russell: Commissioner, I'll -- I --
Commissioner Reyes: -- I recommend -- hold on a second. Is what -- is any reason
voted before September? Or you would --
Commissioner Hardemon: No, it's just that --
Commissioner Reyes: -- need to get going, right?
Commissioner Hardemon: Right. So basically, we received about $500,000, a
single check from a developer when they were getting some zoning approvals from
this board. That money was given to the Trust. The Trust needs to have a formal
way of making amendments to -- How can we --
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Commissioner Reyes: And you will need the --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- send the money?
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. I will move it.
Chair Russell: Second it.
Commissioner Hardemon: Yeah.
Chair Russell: No, no, no. What we have is a motion --
Commissioner Hardemon: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- and a second --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: -- to reconsider --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: -- the deferral of FR --
Commissioner Reyes: 3.
Chair Russell: -- 3. All in favor of the motion to reconsider, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? So FR.3 is back on the floor.
Commissioner Hardemon: Move to --
Commissioner Reyes: I move it.
Commissioner Hardemon: Thank you. Second it.
Chair Russell: Okay. Moved by Commissioner Reyes; seconded by Commissioner
Hardemon. Can you read it into the record, please?
Ms. Mendez: An ordinance of the Miami -- oh, I read this one.
Chair Russell: You did read it; that's correct. Before --
Ms. Mendez: I read them all --
Chair Russell: -- yes, before we deferred.
Ms. Mendez: -- before it was deferred --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Ms. Mendez: -- unless anybody thinks I should read it again.
Chair Russell: No. It's in the record.
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Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Commissioner Hardemon: Thank you.
Chair Russell: And we also had public comment on this already. Is there any
further discussion on the dais for FR. 3?
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Chair Russell: Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on first reading.
Vice Chair Gort: Move to adjourn.
Commissioner Hardemon: I move to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: All right, everyone. Unless there's any further -- Thank you all for
your patience, for your advocacy, your involvement. We are adjourned. Have a
good break. Thank you, everyone.
FR.3
ORDINANCE First Reading
6222
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
CHAPTER 12.5/ARTICLE I/DIVISION 2, OF THE CODE OF THE
Commissioners
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED
and Mayor
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION/COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
DISTRICTS/LIBERTY CITY COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION
DISTRICT," MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTIONS
12.5-27M, 12.5-28, AND 12.5-36 TO ADD PROVISIONS TO
ESTABLISH A NEW DISTRICT 5 NEIGHBORHOODS OWNER -
OCCUPIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS GRANT
PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
AkiUxel0aI:RI9N; I]1►leyol N QIkiFe1►[*&I
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
1-111112111-111Biel NkI
BU.1 BUDGET DISCUSSION ITEM
4971 MONTHLY REPORT
Office of I. SECTION 2-497 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
Management and (RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND
Budget BUDGET)
II. SECTION 18-502 (CITY'S ANTI -DEFICIENCY ACT)
III. SECTION 18-542 (FINANCIAL INTEGRITY PRINCIPLES)
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item BU.I was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
A►Ioxela-IIIBiel Nk1
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City Commission Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
QaQ61119i11;:9101kiIIII I;1661
D1.1 DISCUSSION ITEM
6139 A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF
Department of REINSTATING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S USE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
Planning TO ASSIST WITH HEARING CODE COMPLIANCE -RELATED
CASES.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item DLI was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item DI. 1, please see "Order of the
Day. "
D1.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
6027 A DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING KEYS TO THE CITY AND CITY
Commissioners PROCLAMATIONS.
and Mayor
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item DL2 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
City of Miami Page 183 Printed on 1012112019
City Commission
D1.3
6221
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
DIA
6223
Department of Real
Estate and Asset
Management
Meeting Minutes
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION ITEM OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE REVENUE GENERATED BY
THE DRY STORAGE RACKS AT MARINE STADIUM MARINA.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. Item DI.3 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEM
A DISCUSSION ITEM TO BE HEARD BY THE MIAMI CITY
COMMISSION, WITH ATTACHMENT(S), TO REVIEW A
PROPOSED REVISION TO CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE VII -
DERELICT VESSELS - OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI.
MOTION TO:
Defer
RESULT:
DEFERRED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. Item DL4 was deferred to the September 12, 2019, Regular
Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item DL4, please see "Public
Comment Period for Regular Item(s). "
END OF DISCUSSION ITEMS
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City Commission
BCA
6197
Office of the City
Clerk
Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
Z-_197MN1111me1►1NX4161 61611119111;1*?
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING THE
APPOINTMENTS OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) FOR TERMS AS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Philippe Houdard
(Term expiring 8/31/2022)
T. Spencer Crowley, III
(Term 9/1/2019 through 8/31/2022)
Franklin Sirmans
(Term 9/1/2019 through 8/31/2022)
Suzanne M. Amaducci-Adams
(Term 9/1/2019 through 8/31/2023)
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0324
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Commissioner Carollo: Lastly, the board appointments.
Chair Russell: All the board appointments, please.
NOMINATED BY:
DDA Board of Directors
DDA Board of Directors
DDA Board of Directors
DDA Board of Directors
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Sure. BC.1, for the Downtown
Development Authority: The Commission at -large is being requested to confirm the
following appointments: Philippe Houddard, T. Spencer Crowley, III, Franklin
Sirmans, and Suzanne Amaducci-Adams.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Russell: Is there a motion? Moved by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor; say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes.
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END OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City of Miami Page 186 Printed on 10/21/2019
City Commission Meeting Minutes
PART B: PZ - PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS)
IrAI107N9]4:ZO]AM: 1;DDE A
July 25, 2019
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) we can read the rules for the Planning &
Zoning agenda, Mr. Min.
Barnaby Min (Deputy City Attorney): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We'll now begin
the Planning and Zoning items. PZ (Planning and Zoning) items shall proceed
according to Section 7.1.4 of the Miami 21 Zoning Code. Before any PZ item is
heard, all those wishing to speak must be sworn in by the City Clerk. Please note,
Commissioners have been briefed by City staff and the City Attorney on items on the
agenda today. The members of the City Commission shall disclose any ex parte
communications to remove the presumption ofprejudice, pursuant to Florida Statute
286.0115 and Section 7.1.4.5 of the Miami 21 Zoning Code. Any person may be
heard by the City Commission through the Chair for not more than two minutes on
any proposition before the City Commission, unless 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 on such proposition. The
Chairman will advise the public when the public may have the opportunity to
address the City Commission during the public comment period, or any other
designated time. When addressing the City Commission, the member of the public
must first state his or her name, his or her address, and what item will be spoken
about. A copy of the agenda item titles will be available at the City Clerk's Office
and at the podium for ease of reference. Staff will then present briefly each item to
be heard. For applications requiring City Commission approval, the applicant will
then present its application or request to the City Commission. If the applicant
agrees with the staff recommendation, the City Commission may proceed to its
deliberation and decision. The applicant may also waive the right to an evidentiary
hearing on the record. The order of presentation shall be as set forth in Miami 21
and the City Code, providing that the appellant shall present first. For appeals, the
appellant will present its appeal to the City Commission, followed by the appellee.
Staff will be allowed to make any recommendation they may have. All persons
testing must be sworn in. The City of Miami requires that anyone requesting
action by the City Commission must disclose before the hearing anything provided to
anyone for agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested action,
pursuant to Section 2-8 of the City Code. Any documents offered to the City
Commissioners that have not been provided seven days before the meeting as part of
the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the City Commission's
discretion. If any Commissioner thinks that documents supplied to the Commission
less than seven days before merit a continuance, the item may be continued by the
City Commission. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Clerk, could you swear in anyone who'd
like to speak on the PZ agenda?
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If you will be
speaking on any of today's Planning and Zoning items, any of today's Planning and
Zoning items, may I please have you stand and raise your right hand?
The City Clerk administered the oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning issues.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
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Chair Russell: Thank you very much. And we're just waiting for a quorum, then
we'll start our business.
Later...
Chair Russell: All right. So, Clerk, could you swear in anyone else who's arrived
for this and/or any remaining items on the PZ agenda? Although we're just taking
up public comment on the time certain item at this moment, I'd like to swear in
everybody who's here to speak.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. If you have
not had the oath administered, if you have just arrived maybe within the last hour or
so and you have not had the oath administered -- meaning that you'll be -- need to
stand and raise your right hand. If you can please stay -- stand and raise your right
hand if you're here to speak on any of today's Planning and Zoning items.
The City Clerk administered oath required under City Code Section 62-1 to those
persons giving testimony on zoning items.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you, Chair.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Later...
Chair Russell: Mr. Manager, I'd like to get the order of the day finished for the
Planning and Zoning agenda. I don't know if that's the Director or yourself, but I'd
like to know if there's any items from the Planning and Zoning agenda you'd like to
see deferred, withdrawn, or continued. Oh, sorry. You're (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Thank you.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Yes, sir, I do. I have a number of them
actually. The ones I know which dates have been requested for continuance are as
follows: I have Item PZ.8, requested to be continued to November 26. That's the
Planning and Zoning meeting in the month of November -- rather September -- my
apologies; September 26. I have Item PZ.4 to be indefinitely deferred. And I have
requests for Items PZ. 1, PZ.2, and PZ. 3, and also PZ. S, for times yet undisclosed. If
the applicants are here and they want to step up and provide a date to be
considered?
Chair Russell: You said PZ.S?
Mr. Garcia: I did, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: That are in my district, and from the looks of it tonight,
we're not going to finish, so I'd like to have them deferred, because after the last item
at 10, whatever that item is, I have to leave.
Chair Russell: You're doing it.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, no; I have to, because we got to --
Chair Russell: I understand.
Commissioner Carollo: -- I got to be up very, very early tomorrow, and I can't
afford to be late.
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Chair Russell: Let's finish the Administration's requests and then we'll do the
Commissioner requests. So I guess I didn't fully understand, Director Garcia. PZ. 1,
2, 3, and 5, is there a specific request, or we're not sure?
Ines Marrero: Good evening, Mr. Chairman. Ines Marrero, offices at 701 Brickell
Avenue. I am hereon behalf of the applicant for PZ.1. We would be pleased to have
the item be deferred to the September 26 hearing.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: This is why I had asked the Administration for an additional
meeting, because I knew this was going to happen. They said it was all going to be
fine, we could do it in two, and here we are.
Chair Russell: In hindsight, we probably should have taken Ultra as a special
meeting, honestly. It really took the most of the day.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: PZ.2 and 3, what do we need?
William Riley: Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. For the
record, Bill Riley, with offices located at 600 Brickell Avenue, representing the
applicant for PZ.2 and PZ.3. We also have no objection to the request for deferral,
and we'd also respectfully request the items be continued to the September 26
agenda.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Sorry you had to wait so long to get that out.
Anything else, Director?
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. Again, to restate, we are requesting that Item PZ.4 be
deferred indefinitely --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: -- and I believe there was also a request regarding Item PZ. 8, which I
put on the record for September 26.
Chair Russell: Tell me about PZ.5, please. That's the zoning text amendment for CS
(civic space) and TI.
Mr. Garcia: Item PZ.S, there was some concern on the part of some of the
Commissioners regarding this particular item, and it may very well be that it merits
additional revisions prior to coming to you for full consideration.
Chair Russell: Do you have a date for that, whoever had concerns? Is there a date?
Mr. Garcia: We'd like to bring it as soon as possible. I would suggest then that we
take it up on the --
Chair Russell: September 12?
Mr. Garcia: -- September 12.
Commissioner Reyes: I'd rather have it a little bit later. I want to get rid of all the --
whatever -- the Melreese "BS, " and then -- because what this gives is any space will -
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- could be declared a park, including a circle, you see, and I don't want it to be
mixed with (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: I understand where you're going.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, sir. And I --
Chair Russell: We certainly don't want anyone to declare a median or a circle, or a
patch of grass --
Commissioner Reyes: And that's right. That's right.
Chair Russell: -- CS, park space.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: But -- and I'm going to --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, we can work on it.
Chair Russell: --put my toe in the pool here and ask you a question. In the spirit of
what we believe the Melreese deal should be trying to achieve in terms of no net loss
park space, would you consider a neighborhood pocket park if they were to rezone
that, invest in it as a qualifying --?
Commissioner Reyes: Well, you know, it all depends, the site and -- no, no, I think it
should be --
Chair Russell: Because I'm actually hoping for that.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I think it should be --
Chair Russell: I want us all to get parks out of this.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and I think they should be contiguous; I mean, should be
land, we lose 20 acres, we need 20 acres together, because that's the spirit of the
law, you see?
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay?
Chair Russell: All right. So --
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Chairman, I --
Chair Russell: -- September 26.
Ms. Mendez: -- I'm sorry. I just wanted to bring up -- I believe -- and Todd can
confirm for me -- September 26 may be your second budget hearing; is it? Okay.
Vice Chair Gort: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: I just wanted to bring that up.
Commissioner Reyes: Thankyou.
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Chair Russell: It'll be another fun one. All right.
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah.
Chair Russell: So September 26 for PZ.S. I understand what you're trying to
protect, and I respect it completely.
Commissioner Reyes: Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Chair Russell: So that's PZ.S; September 26, as well. Commissioner Carollo, did
you have others?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, there's one that's --
Chair Russell: Were you finished, Director?
Commissioner Carollo: -- it's more in -- well, it's happened -- Gort's district and
part in mine -- PZ. 14 and 15.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't know if Commissioner Gort wants to try to take it up
tonight, but, you know, I don't know when it'll come up, so I don't know if I'll be here
for it, so it's up to you on this one.
Commissioner Reyes: 14 and 15.
Vice Chair Gort: I don't mind taking it tonight. I think it could be -- this is
something that we have proved before, and the residents in that area, which is
separated by the expressway, it created an island within that area.
Commissioner Carollo: I understand. I have no problem with it, but --
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you know, I'm not going to be here, so --
Commissioner Reyes: But I --
Commissioner Carollo: -- possibly, depending when it comes up. So they have a
right to have a full Commission if they want to ask for it; that's all I'm saying.
Vice Chair Gort: I don't have any problem. You want to --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Do you have any objections or any questions about it, or you
going to add anything? How about you, Commissioner Russell? You have any --?
Chair Russell: Which item? On PZs --?
Commissioner Reyes: I'm talking 14 and 15.
Chair Russell: --14 and 15, I'm ready to move on tonight.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, let's -- I move it.
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Chair Russell: Well, no, no. Let's get the order of the day done.
Commissioner Carollo: We can't do it that way.
Chair Russell: Let's put it in order.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, I --
Chair Russell: But -- All right. Are there --
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: -- any other requests for continuance, deferral, or withdrawal from
the Commission? I believe the Director's full, so --
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: -- if you could -- do you want me to read them back, or will you,
Todd? Okay.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): So again, PZ.8 will be continued to September 26.
PZ.4 is indefinitely deferred. PZ. 1, 2, 3, and 5 are all continued to September 26.
Commissioner Carollo: PZ. 7?
Mr. Hannon: I do not have PZ.7 on my list.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. PZ. 11 and 12?
Mr. Hannon: They're in play.
Chair Russell: Yeah. All right. Is there a motion to that effect?
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Russell: There's been a motion by Commissioner Gort; seconded by the
Chair. Is there anyone from the public who'd like to speak on the deferral of these
items; you've come this far and we're pushing it off, and you'd just like to -- not on
the substance of it, but the timeliness, if you feel it should be taken up tonight or
shouldn't be taken up tonight?
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Yes. We're looking to defer Items PZ. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8.
Joaquin Mejuto: Joaquin Mejuto, 1459 --
Chair Russell: Yes, sir.
Mr. Mejuto: -- Northwest South River Drive. I don't see why not.
Chair Russell: Why not, what?
Mr. Mejuto: Take it up.
Chair Russell: Which one?
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Mr. Mejuto: The --
Chair Russell: 14 and 157
Mr. Mejuto: Yeah.
Chair Russell: We do plan to take those up tonight.
Mr. Mejuto: Oh, okay. Thank you for keeping them.
Chair Russell: They're not on the deferral list.
Mr. Mejuto: Thank you.
Chair Russell: No problem. Hearing no further comment, I'll close public comment.
All in favor of the order, say "aye. " Oh, just a moment.
Commissioner Hardemon: And the applicant okay with PZ.8 being deferred? All
right.
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Hardemon: I don't have any more right now.
Chair Russell: All right. All in favor, say "aye. if
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Oh, we didn't get Hardemon in there. Opposed? Motion passes. All
right.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR PLANNING AND ZONING ITEM(S)
The following item(s) shall not be considered before 2:00 PM
Chair Russell: So that brings us to public comment for the PZ (Planning and
Zoning) agenda, please. If you're here for any of the remaining items on the PZ
agenda, please come forward. Now is your time to speak. If you are in an appeal, if
you're a party to appeal, you can wait until your item comes up; but otherwise,
anyone here to speak publicly on any of the remaining PZ agenda, please step
forward. Has everyone been sworn in who's going to speak? Is there no one else
here to speak? Elvis Cruz is going to speak on every item. All right. You've been
sworn in; right, Elvis?
Elvis Cruz: I have.
Chair Russell: All right. You have your time.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you, Commissioners. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street.
Gentlemen, regarding PZ.14 and 15, this is the Grove Park neighborhood. It's not a
historic neighborhood, but it should have been. As I mentioned earlier today, Miami
Section -- Miami 21, Section 7.1.2.8(c)2(g) requires any proposed zoning change to
prove that the existing zoning is inappropriate, and that the proposed zoning is
appropriate. The existing zoning is appropriate, as it was when it was mapped by
the Miami 21 process. This proposal is thus illegal, and therefore, should be denied.
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As then -Commissioner Francis Suarez said on September 27, 2014, "Single-family
neighborhoods are an endangered species in the City of Miami. " This proposed up -
zoning also violates the intent of Miami 21, Section 2.1.2(a)1, to preserve
neighborhoods. Single-family neighborhoods should be preserved to protect the
neighborhood, even from current owners who want to cash out so that future
Miamians may live in them. Regarding PZ. 7, I support the appeal of the new
construction in the Morningside Historic District, because the proposal clearly
violates Miami City Code Section 23.6.2(h), regarding new construction. The
proposed work shall not adversely affect the historic, architectural, or aesthetic
character of the subject structure, or the relationship and congruity between the
subject structure and its neighboring structures, including form, spacing, and yards.
The proposal also clearly violates the Morningside Historic District Guidelines,
Pages 70 and 71, which do not allow fences in the front yard, but this proposal does
just that. Mr. Chair, I close with a question for the City Attorney and Planning
Director, through the Chair. Is it true, as I've heard many times in these chambers,
that the historic preservation provisions of Chapter 23 of the Miami City Code are,
in effect, a zoning overlay, which supersedes the Miami 21 Zoning Code? Do you
need me to repeat the question?
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Cruz: Okay. Is it true, as I have heard many times in these chambers, that the
historic preservation provisions of Chapter 23 of the Miami City Code are, in effect,
a zoning overlay, which supersedes the Miami 21 Zoning Code?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): For my purposes, it never supersedes life safety
issues.
Mr. Cruz: Correct, not life safety.
Ms. Mendez: So I just wanted to --
Mr. Cruz: But Zoning Code --
Ms. Mendez: -- you know -- make sure for the record that -- you know. And so, if
that ties into any zoning issues.
Mr. Cruz: But other than that, it does?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): I'm -- I will answer the remainder of it. Let
me respectfully respond in this manner: Certainly, Chapter 23, which is the Historic
Preservation chapter of the City Code, has provisions that allow deviations from the
regulations of Miami 21, and in that regard, Miami 21 would be superseded. Of
course, these deviations have to be substantiated prior to being approved and
recognized.
Mr. Cruz: Of course. Thank you very much for that answer.
Ms. Mendez: Part of it, though -- you are correct on the overlay portion, but
remember that the Zoning Code still has all the -- you know -- intensities, densities,
and all those things that we have to account, so they're supposed to work hand in
hand, but were -- more or less.
Mr. Cruz: Understood. These fine folks here will soon prove their case. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Cruz. Good evening. Thank you for your patience
tonight.
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Mr. Mejuto: Good evening. Joaquin Mejuto, 1459 Northwest South River Drive. I
came to speak for the zoning changes that's been proposed, and especially that we're
going to be providing more access to the citizens to the river, if anyone decides to
take advantage of the T4 -R, I believe, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which provides a
walkway along the river. It's really nice. It's kind of like having more park space;
and so, I think that's a very nice thing. A lot of folks don't even know we're by the
water, and now we'll have access to it. So I'm all for it, and thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Is anyone else here who's here to
speak on public comment for any of the remaining Planning and Zoning items?
Seeing none, I'll close the public comment portion ofPlanning and Zoning.
PZ.1 ORDINANCE First Reading
5898 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION FROM 75-0," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE
- OPEN, TO 76-8-0," URBAN CORE TRANSECT ZONE - OPEN, OF
THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1628, 1632, AND
1642 SOUTHWEST 7 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," ATTACHED AND
INCORPORATED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item PZ.1 was continued to the September 26, 2019,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.1, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item(s). "
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PZ.2
ORDINANCE First Reading
4196
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "MEDIUM DENSITY RESTRICTED
COMMERCIAL" TO 'RESTRICTED COMMERCIAL" OF THE
ACREAGE DESCRIBED HEREIN OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT
824, 826, 834, 842, 852, 860, 868, AND 876 NORTHWEST 1 STREET
AND 29 NORTHWEST 9 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item PZ.2 was continued to the September 26, 2019,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.2, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item (s). "
PZ.3 ORDINANCE First Reading
4201 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
NO. 13114, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
Planning CLASSIFICATION FROM 75-0," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT -
OPEN, TO 76-8-0," URBAN CORE TRANSECT - OPEN, FOR THE
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 824, 826, 834, 842, 852, 860, 868, AND
876 NORTHWEST 1 STREET AND 29 NORTHWEST 9 AVENUE,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN
EXHIBIT "A"; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item PZ.3 was continued to the September 26, 2019,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
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Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ. 3, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item (s). "
PZA
ORDINANCE Second Reading
1909
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING THE
Department of
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
Planning
AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING
"DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1.5, ENTITLED OF ART IN
PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM"; ARTICLE 3, SECTION 3.17, ENTITLED
"PUBLIC ART REQUIREMENTS"; AND ARTICLE 11, ENTITLED "ART
IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM," TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC ART
REQUIREMENTS AND ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE
DEVELOPMENTS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Indefinitely Defer
RESULT: INDEFINITELY DEFERRED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ. 4, please see "Order of the
Day" and "Part B: PZ -Planning and Zoning Item (s). "
PZ.5 ORDINANCE First Reading
5694 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
Department of ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; MORE SPECIFICALLY BY
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.8, TITLED "AMENDMENT TO
MIAMI 21 CODE," TO EXEMPT REZONINGS OF PROPERTIES BY
THE CITY OF MIAMI TO "CS," CIVIC SPACE TRANSECT ZONES, OR
7-1," NATURAL TRANSECT ZONES, FROM MINIMUM SIZE AND
FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item PZ.5 was continued to the September 26, 2019,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.5, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item (s). "
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PZ.6
RESOLUTION
5770
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY JOEY CANCEL
Department of
("APPELLANT") AND REVERSING/AFFIRMING/MODIFYING THE
Planning
DECISION OF THE MIAMI HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD'S DENIAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-
6.2(b)(4) OF THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED, OF THE APPLICATION FOR AN AFTER -THE -FACT
SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE
PAINTING OF MURALS ON A NON-CONTRIBUTING PROPERTY
LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 6789 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD,
MIAMI, FLORIDA, WITHIN THE MIAMI MODERN/BISCAYNE
BOULEVARD ("MIMO") HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH THE FOLIO
NUMBER 0132180090010.
MOTION TO: Remand to Historic Environmental Preservation Board
RESULT: REMANDED TO HISTORIC & ENVIRONMENTAL
PRESERVATION BOARD
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Chair Russell: And we will take up -- let me do PZ (Planning and Zoning) --
Vice Chair Gort: 6.
Chair Russell: -- 6, please. We have representatives for PZ 6?
Joey Cancel: Good evening. Joey Cancel, President of La Placita. That's right.
Respectfully, Commissioners, if you allow me to run a presentation in order for its
to address our appeal.
Commissioner Carollo: Did Ricky go eat there when you guys opened up or not?
Mr. Cancel: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: That's what thought.
Mr. Cancel: How many of you visited us at La Placita?
Commissioner Carollo: Huh?
Mr. Cancel: How many of you has [sic] visit its at La Placita?
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I haven't had the time.
Mr. Cancel: Not yet? Not yet? None?
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Cancel: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Hardemon: Do you serve mofongo?
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Mr. Cancel: Mofongo is one of our specialties.
Commissioner Hardemon: Then I'm not coming.
Mr. Cancel: You got to try it.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Cancel: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: You know why he asked you that? Do you know why he
asked you, "mofongo "?
Mr. Cancel: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: That's what he goes to eat in Calle Ocho.
Mr. Cancel: En la Calle Ocho.
Commissioner Carollo: In Mofongo's Restaurant.
Mr. Cancel: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) complements, trying to bring Puerto Rican food,
too. Thank you, Commissioners. And I know that we're really late. I just want to
address this brief presentation to make our case. So we're in the pursuit of getting
this Special Certificate of Appropriateness -- excuse me -- and by doing so, we just
want to run through a little bit of history of what was the original business building
display, how the face of the building looked like before we painted the actual
artistic mural, granted by the permit that we got from the Police Department and
the Special Events Unit. And --
Commissioner Carollo: I'm sorry, who gave you the permit to paint that?
Mr. Cancel: The Police Department Special Events Unit.
Commissioner Carollo: So -- interesting. So they give these permits out?
Mr. Cancel: And it was specifically for the purpose of painting an artistic mural at
the location. Despite that fact, and that we have been addressed that a Certificate
of Appropriateness is needed in order to be in Code compliance, we just created a
tourist attraction. We can run this for days, and you will see how many people from
all over the world are going to La Placita only to take a picture, a selfie, a family
picture, and goes on and on and on. We believe that we are very, very aligned with
the purpose of the City, with the Master Plan, of economic development, job
creation, and tourist attractions. So we're doing that job, I think, for the sake of the
whole Miami. La Placita, it's all about food, family, friends, art, culture, music,
and economic impact. We got to say that in the last few months, we ran like a
survey, and we noticed that most of the people that has -- go to our place to eat
didn't know nothing about MiMo (Miami Modern). They didn't knew [sic] that it
was a historical district or that it even existed. So we're provoking [sic] that job
creation and economic impact by bringing people there and doing things that are
needed in our surroundings. If you go -- and I hope you -- every one of you go and
visit us -- you can see that we're surrounded by empty buildings. And those
buildings are vacant, are just standing there. And we're trying to make a movement
of getting more businesses around us, so we can really generate that business
synergy. But as you may know, there is a rendering that is being proposed, and I
am showing that right now; that it's representing some kind of MiMo compliant and
Miami retro look, and we are not opposed on going to that direction in order to
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arrive into a positive solution, so we can all have the benefit of continuing having
the same impact on the zone. But there's some challenges when it comes to that
type of rendering; one of them is that we are -- we don't know how much is going to
be the investment required to change to neon from painting; secondly, the -- we
understand that the design is a little bit incomplete. It falls short, because it's only
a rendering for night vision. At daytime, you know that neon, it doesn't show. So
we need to arrive into something that works not only during nighttime, but during
the day. And we need to also evaluate how much is going to be the
(UNINTELLIGIBLE) impact, if any, for the neighbors and the boulevard, so that's
why we have arrived into an alternate, like a third concept that we're sharing with
you today in order to get somewhere where we can maybe have some middle
ground, where we can have a resemblance of the flag during the day; and at night,
the neon. This is only a conceptual. It's been worked with architects and
engineers, but yet, we don't have a full cost description of how much is going to be
needed in order to arrive there, but that's why we are requesting, respectfully, to --
for us to go back to the HEP (Historic & Environmental Preservation) Board and
bring this matter to the attention of the HEP Board, and discuss all the materials,
layouts and all the architectural matters that are related to this kind of rendering in
order to arrive into something that really works for everyone. And having said that,
we intend to preserve our already appeal status with the -- at the Commission level,
so if we don't have an agreement on the final rendering, we should come back to
you at any time in the future and try to make it work.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Are you the owner of the building there?
Mr. Cancel: No, no. We're tenants, and I am the President and CEO (Chief
Executive Officer) of the company.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, of which company? The owner of the building?
Mr. Cancel: La Placita. No.
Commissioner Carollo: The resident?
Mr. Cancel: The tenant.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So my question to the Planning Director: Does he
have authorization, power of attorney to represent the owner here today, or --?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): That has been presented and is of record;
yes, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: That has been presented and is on the record.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. I just wanted to make sure that, you know, we had
that.
Mr. Cancel: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: May I ask, what's the problem with the flag?
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Mr. Garcia: There is absolutely no problem with the flag. The mural that is on --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, the mural; the mural that represents the flag.
Mr. Garcia: Right. So the mural that's there now on that building runs afoul of the
regulations, the requirements of the Historic District, because it has a limited color
scheme in order to maintain the consistency, the coherence, the historic feel of the
district that --
Commissioner Reyes: Among the palette of colors, there was red and blue in those
colors?
Mr. Garcia: Just not those shades of red. There was --
Commissioner Reyes: There were shades of red and shades of blue, so it complies
with the palette. It complies with it.
Mr. Garcia: I --
Commissioner Reyes: Now --
Mr. Garcia: -- take your point, sir, and I'm sorry to be fastidious, but there are
very specific shades of red and blue that are not the ones shown there.
Commissioner Reyes: They're not the ones that -- so if he shade it a little bit lower,
a little bit higher -- You know, the thing is that as I have told you all the time, and
my opposition to the -- making people -- I mean, place developers to place art in
front of the -- art is in the eyes of the beholder. What's the difference between this
and one of those graffiti in Wynwood, for example? I like this flag there much
better.
Commissioner Hardemon: Don't you mean graffiti in, like, Little Havana, or
something like that?
Commissioner Reyes: Or Little Havana, too. No, but -- you know, let me tell you,
in Little Havana, we don't have tall -- all the buildings, you know -- we have some
graffiti, also, because you got some of those buildings, they have some paintings
that to some people could be art, but to me, it is horrible. But, I mean, I respect the
taste. But what I really feel -- I don't know. I feel a little -- I would say irked. It's -
- that it is a very proud flag and very proud people, you see? And I'm not saying
this -- you see, I'm not Boricua, but I'm part Boricua. And, you see, I love it. And I
don't think -- I don't know why we have to punish these people that are there -- I
mean, because of the flag or because of -- it has become a destination point, you
see; a designation point that -- it is fostering economic development in the area. I
think that we can regulate and allow them to keep the building the way it is,
because people are coming. We allow other peoples [sic] to have certain amount of
art and what they call art. You see, this is something that it must be respected; it's
the flag. It's the flag of a country --
Chair Russell: So --
Commissioner Reyes: -- you see. And I don't know. I --for me, in my opinion, we
should allow that flag to remain there. And if we want to -- I mean, I don't see why
we have to make them --force them to go into neon when it is not going to serve the
same purpose. You see, this is attractive, because Puerto Ricans are very proud
people and they love their flag. And if in New York they know there's a restaurant
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here that has a flag, they will come here. It's going to be a destination point that is
going to help the surrounding areas, you see?
Commissioner Carollo: So they're going to come for the flag, not the food.
Commissioner Reyes: I don't think the food is going to be that great. But the flag,
it is great.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Mr. Cancel: It is one of the challenges. It's one of the challenges.
Commissioner Hardemon: Mofongo.
Chair Russell: All right. Let's bring this --
Commissioner Carollo: This --
Mr. Cancel: Thank you. Thank you, Commissioners.
Chair Russell: -- let's bring -- let's put this in a -- this is a quasi judicial format for
an appeal, so we need to be very careful of the way we do this --
Commissioner Carollo: Let --
Chair Russell: -- because whatever decision is made up here must be defensible
from our side, as well as yours.
Mr. Cancel: Okay.
Chair Russell: So what we have here and the difference between Wynwood and the
difference between Little Havana is a historic district, with very specific
requirements under our Code. And however we feel about the flag personally, we
need to translate our decision into the legal language of our Code so that it
withstands challenge, because what has been said so far would not. If our decision
here is challenged at a higher level, we cannot be arbitrary or capricious. We need
to follow our Code very specifically --
Commissioner Reyes: Can --?
Chair Russell: -- and I have some process questions, because you were granted a
permit of sorts to do what you did, and that means something is not working in our
system --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- with regard to one hand knowing what the other hand is doing.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, the problem is that who supposedly handed them a
permit has no authorization to hand that permit.
Chair Russell: Under a historic district, they do not. In a normal circumstance, for
them to offer a permit for you to have the safety and space to do a painting is
another story.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
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Commissioner Reyes: I have a question.
Commissioner Carollo: -- let's get this thing --
Chair Russell: Let me finish, please, and then we'll each get a turn. So I'd like to
understand what caused the failure of communication that allowed a permit to be
granted without going through the proper checks that there were other -- there are
requirements needed before a permit should have been granted. And I believe this
is why we're trying to give as much leeway as possible to come to an amenable
agreement; that if it is forced to a change that you weren't forced to remove and --
or get cited over a long period of time, because maybe there was a communication
issue on our side. But I do believe we need to find a way to bring this into
compliance --
Commissioner Reyes: Sir --
Chair Russell: -- with the HEP Board, with MiMo, and with the proper channels.
Commissioner Reyes: -- you see, we have the power --
Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Reyes: -- as a body, as a Commission, do we have the power to
change -- I mean grant an exception? Do we have the power to grant that
exception in this particular case?
Chair Russell: It would not be an exception. What we would do, we could grant or
deny the appeal here, above and beyond the HEP Board decision. We are hearing
this --
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. We have the power.
Chair Russell: -- de novo. We can make a decision on our own here.
Commissioner Gort -- Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Gort: My understanding, the -- you got a permit for an except -- a
special exception --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Vice Chair Gort: -- and a police permit to do an event, but not to do the flag.
Mr. Cancel: No, no. I'm sorry.
Vice Chair Gort: Excuse me.
Mr. Cancel: Okay.
Vice Chair Gort: They don't have a right to give a permit to do the flag; neither
one of the ones you got. So that's one -- things that we got to work on and we got to
fix; special permit, issued to do a special event, which was the painting.
Commissioner Carollo: That's correct.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Hardemon.
Commissioner Carollo: That is correct.
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Commissioner Hardemon: So the MiMo District is a special place, you know. I
tend to agree with my dear Commissioner from the 4th District in regards to
limiting our property rights in areas, because I live in a 1939 -built home, you know,
and most of us in the City of Miami live in an older structure throughout the
neighborhoods. So, you know, a lot of our neighborhoods -- and in my district, we
have a lot of historic properties, we have a lot of historic areas, and we have these
overlays. And so, I've never been to La Placita, but I would go to Balans that was
there. So Balans was the same building, but it was the -- it predated La Placita.
And it didn't last -- it didn't -- I mean, obviously, they moved on. But what I'm
saying here is that the -- La Placita are newcomers to the neighborhood, and that
neighborhood has a very strict code; guidelines to the type of colors and structures,
and things that you can build. And the people that invest in those neighborhoods,
they do it because they have those sort of regulations. And I think there are times in
which you can -- there are exceptions that happen, but they probably should be
along at least what you would expect in that space. This stands out --
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, it does.
Commissioner Hardemon -- like a sore thumb. It's beautiful, but it still stands out
like a sore thumb. And so, it's like an insult to the other property owners who abide
by the law and the homeowners that abide by the law. It's just like, you know, being
in a residential neighborhood, and then all of a sudden, you get 16 trail -- what do
you call it? -- like 16 -wheel trailers or something parked in your neighborhood. I
mean, it's -- they're not supposed to be there. And then, to add injury to insult -- or
insult to injury, rather -- the people who are doing it are new to the neighborhood.
You know, maybe if it was Commissioner Carollo, because he's been therefor such
a long time, you go and talk to him and say, "Hey, come on, now. Give me a
break." But, you know, I think -- so there's that part of it. Now, I appreciate you
asking to be remanded back down to the HEP Board, because I think that the HEP
Board needs to review this sort of application, and it -- that was one of the things
that I was thinking about, you know, from the last few times we've heard it till now,
because, of course, I think most of us have probably read in the paper that there
was a change in ideas as to what could go there, but it's just not fully flushed out
yet. I think that most people's concern from the neighborhood has been, "What do
you do with the flag until then?" because the flag has been up for a very long time,
because we're giving people an opp -- we're giving you an opportunity to cure it.
But, I mean, it's clear that people feel that it's abusive, because -- what I mean by
that is that the flag remains there. The image remains there and it's not in
compliance with the neighborhood and they're looking for you to come into
compliance, and then there's no foreseeable time in which it can come into
compliance. And so, I think that's the fear, you know, that's what the neighborhood
is saying. And so, that's, I think, what we have to kind of --
Mr. Cancel: I get it.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- you know -- grasp. So this same flag, I think, from a
professional perspective -- and correct me if I'm wrong -- it works in different
colors. Am I correct?
Mr. Garcia: So we -- let me state very briefly --
Commissioner Reyes: Briefly?
Mr. Garcia: -- that we wouldn't tamper with the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.
Clearly, anything other than exactly those colors wouldn't be the Puerto Rican flag.
We are respectful of that. At the same time, we are respectful of the fact that it is
their wish to have a clear representation of the Puerto Rican flag on the building --
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Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Garcia: -- but we --
Commissioner Hardemon: It's not about the flag. I'm just talking about the color
scheme.
Commissioner Reyes: The color scheme.
Mr. Garcia: I understand. I understand. And so, the -- we have been working with
the applicants for quite some time now, as I've represented to you before, to try to
get the best possible representation of the Puerto Rican flag on the building that at
the same time complies with the applicable regulations, and that's what you see
there today.
Commissioner Hardemon: Are the neighbors here today? Did anyone come
today? I know they were here earlier. I know some of them were here earlier.
Vice Chair Gort: They were here earlier.
Commissioner Hardemon: So, I mean, to not belabor the point, would you like for
us to remand you back down to the HEP Board, so they can review your additional
plans?
Mr. Cancel: Yes. But I would like to make some comments before that.
Commissioner Hardemon: Absolutely.
Mr. Cancel: I'm going specifically to Commissioner Gort, when you addressed that
the Police Department doesn't have that authority. The permit that was used and
that was issued never established a due date or a date for conversion, or a
limitation. And it was very clear, that said, that an artistic mural was to be painted
on that location. So I think -- and going back to Mr. Russell -- even though dealing
with this kind of exception, I think that we have found ourselves in a loophole, and
I'm confident that, because of all this discussion that's become public -- and even
international -- I think that that loophole is finally closed. I bet that no one can go
to this Police Department now and ask for a permit to paint nothing in MiMo. They
will say, "We don't grant permits for paintings "; even though Building, Zoning, and
Public Works, they say, "You can paint your building without a permit"; that's why
our permit expediter got all entangled and referred to Special Events. So --
Commissioner Carollo: Who was your permit expert?
Mr. Cancel: Permit -- the company's Permit X, and the guy -- I skip his name -- I
can provide it to you. I don't work with him directly. My COO (Chief of
Operations) works with him. So what I'm saying is that before maybe going into
that recommendation that we already put on the record, I think that we both got
into this loophole; we close it together, seeking for an exception, in order not to
invest money on changing the schematics, but maybe investing money in the
location and in other businesses around the district, and we can pay our dues. I
would rather prefer to be punished with a community service, and us being like the
mentors for other entrepreneurs that are trying to make it in the district rather than
putting $50,000, 75,000, $100, 000 for neon and all of that, and maybe defeating the
complete purpose, because at the end, that's a small business. That's not a big
corporation. And we're not trying to either create a precedent, create a movement.
We only did that because we understood that we had the permit from the City to do
it. And now, we're in -- in all this situation, I think that we're investing too many
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time, of your time and of the people's time on focusing on something that maybe
could be used for a great example for the future, and say, "Listen, this happened.
This happened, why? One time. We closed that loophole. We granted an
exception. No one will be allowed to do it again," and have our commitment to
really reinvest into the community, into other small businesses by generating more
economic development, jobs, and business synergy. We will be so proud to make
those other businesses or buildings around us that are closed down to attract more
people, more entrepreneurs there to really uplift MiMo.
Chair Russell: Thank you for those statements.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you. I don't feel this has got nothing to do,
whatsoever --
Mr. Cancel: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Carollo: This has got nothing to do, whatsoever, with a flag,
whether it's one country or another; in this case, it's Puerto Rican. So that you
would know, my aunt, she was a nun from the Sacred Heart for many, many years
in Ponce. Then she became -- in the top Catholic school there. Then she became
the principal in San Juan. She took care ofMaurice's aunt in the convent till the --
she died. So she's the one that showed me Puerto Rico. I spent a lot of time there
with her while she was alive. So I'm saying that so that you could understand that,
on the contrary, like many that are here, we have connections to Puerto Rico. But I
am amazed -- and this is why I'd like to see that permit -- if, indeed, a police officer
gave a permit telling you that you could do that, then there has to be consequences
to be paid. And this is what I've been saying for some time. Nobody's held
accountable in the City. How can a plain police officer in Special Events give this
kind of permit out when they have no authority to do it, whatsoever, and there's no
accountability, no price to pay? Now, Mr. Planning Director, is, in fact, what he's
saying correct or not? What did this officer give him?
Mr. Garcia: Commissioner, I think the very logical explanation for what is clearly
a misunderstanding is that they sought a permit to undertake the painting of the
mural. They went to the right department. The Police Department, the Special
Events Unit is charged with providing a safety procedure so as to allow the
painting to take place in a safe manner. They redirect traffic. They ensure that the
scaffolding is correct, et cetera, et cetera. I don't disagree for one second that the
permit issued contained the information that's being proffered. But quite simply,
the Police Department never really cared to look at that information. They were
oblivious to the subject matter of the work. They simply cared about the safety. So,
yes, a permit was issued. Yes, their work and the project itself was rendered safe
from the Police Department's point of view. But again, the subject matter depicted
in this artwork was not approved, nor reviewed. That would be the proper province
of the Planning Department.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, that's clear. But is there anything that was put into
whatever he was given that stated that he had a right to do that? And that's what
I'm trying to get at.
Mr. Garcia: No, I understand. And so, the best way I can explain it is to say, if I
applied -- if I were to apply to the Police Department for a Special Events Permit to
paint a Puerto Rican flag in my house -- right? -- and then I were to describe how
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I'm going to do it, and that were to be rendered or deemed safe, I would be issued
that Special Event Permit. But the subject matter is the safety of the product; not
the subject matter of the work that's being done.
Commissioner Carollo: But was that included into what he was given? Did it
specify that?
Mr. Garcia: Maybe so --
Mr. Cancel: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: -- but irrelevantly so. It was extraneous information, not considered,
not relevant.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
Vice Chair Gort: Let me ask a question. We had something very similar come in
front of us, and the artist -- the owner was there and the artist, and what it was, just
changed the color a little bit. Does it have dimension, color? Because I know some
of these colors, they think is too bright. And if you do it a little different, or change
the tone a little bit, it's acceptable? Or is it the size of the painting?
Mr. Garcia: Quite frankly, Commissioner -- and again, the question was partly, I
think, asked previously. I --
Vice Chair Gort: No, no. I'm talking about to be accepted, because I remember
that that night, we told the owner, "All you have to do is change the color a little
bit. " They did that, and it was accepted.
Mr. Garcia: Right; except this is a flag --
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Mr. Garcia: -- and flags are very color -specific, as they should be.
Chair Russell: I mean, flag art is flexible. Flag art.
Commissioner Reyes: Another --
Commissioner Carollo: What --
Chair Russell: I don't want to mandate them to change the colors of that particular
mural in that way.
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah, but --
Commissioner Carollo: But if --
Commissioner Reyes: Didn't we have two ladies --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- that were here that they had some -- I mean, some murals
in their business.
Chair Russell: Yes.
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Commissioner Reyes: And they had some sort of a restaurant or a shop, something
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: -- and we voted in their favor, see? We voted in their favor.
I mean, they were cited for the art that -- I mean, what they had, and I think it was
close to this place.
Commissioner Carollo: I don't remember that.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I mean, it was late at night --
Chair Russell: It was in MiMo. It was in MiMo, as well.
Commissioner Reyes: --Mr. Chair, right?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: That was -- I think it was the last thing that we did that night.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And we took -- we allowed them to do it. And it was
girls and (UNINTELLIGIBLE) figure. I mean, it was nothing but very colorful and
playful, you see?
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Chair Russell: Mr. Director, would you like to give us the difference or comparison
with that case? Because this is also in MiMo, and --
Mr. Garcia: It was also in MiMo. They were also deemed to be not in compliance
and cited for the work. And in that case, those murals also did not comply with the
applicable regulations. Ultimately, the Commission acted the way it did. One can
only hope it will withstand challenge. But again, they were out of compliance with
the applicable regulations.
Chair Russell: Can I ask a question with regard to this permitting process?
Because I don't know that the loophole has been closed, and I don't know whether
there was a loophole. When the police issue this permit --it's a valid permit --is it
the Police Department's responsibility to check what district that permit is being
issued in, or is it on the owner, the applicant's responsibility to do that?
Mr. Garcia: Ultimately, the -- an applicant -- and I'm sorry, let me take a moment,
because the applicant can in good faith approach the Police Department for a
Special Events Permit to do the work, and the Police Department will simply never
engage in whether or not the work is a Puerto Rican flag or a Cuban flag, for that
matter. Do you see? And so, that is superfluous is the best way I can describe it.
Chair Russell: Not about the flag; about the district. Does the -- why would the
Police Department know anything about where our historic districts are? They're
not in that --
Mr. Garcia: They --
Chair Russell: -- department of our --
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Mr. Garcia: -- wouldn't, because safety concerns are --
Chair Russell: Okay. So is it --
Mr. Garcia: -- districtwide.
Chair Russell: --normal procedure that they get the police permit for the safety
and that they go to the Historic Preservation Office to get a proper permit for the
content?
Mr. Garcia: Correct. The evaluation and ultimate approval of the content resides
with the Planning Department.
Chair Russell: So they did half of what their responsibility was. They got the safety
permit, but they didn't get the Historic Preservation Approval Permit.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, but --
Chair Russell: It's not that police did anything incorrect, but in good faith, they
may not have known about the district. They may not have known about whatever.
In this particular case, they got the permit for the safety, but not -- they're not
compliant, and they -- it is in violation and the HEP Board has opined on this. So I
need to know where we're going as a board with this, because I hear a few different
opinions. If we just remand it back to the HEP Board, we need to give direction,
because the HEP Board has made their decision.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Chair Russell: Their decision was that this is noncompliant, and it's a "no"; that's
why it's being appealed up to us.
Commissioner Carollo: -- my concern here is the following: I was ready to make a
motion to deny the appeal, but if we gave him something that stated that he could go
ahead, and if nowhere in there, in whatever format was given to him or he had to
fill out, there's nothing that explains that this is step one, you have to go here or
there, or give him some additional information that he knows that he just can't go
and do what he did, then, you know, I got to rethink it, because if we do not tell the
public what they have to do, very few people know how to go about it. I mean, you
just heard him saying he hired an expediter. Well, he didn't do that because he
wants to spend more money. He did it because in this town, unfortunately, this is
the only way you get anything done. You got to hire somebody that knows the
system --
Chair Russell: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- to get it done.
Chair Russell: Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: So, you know, I thought that they had just gone out and
done something, because, hey, "We're going to do it. We're connected. The heck
with it" --
Mr. Cancel: No.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- you know -- and doing it. Now, you know, I'm
wondering if that's what happened or not. So I'm giving you the opportunity, if you
could show me a copy of what you were given, so I could analyze it and see it here.
Chair Russell: So --
Mr. Cancel: Someone can charge my phone, with real pleasure. I have the permit.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: So -- well, while you're reading that --
Mr. Cancel: I got it. We got it.
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Mr. Cancel: Great. It's in the file.
Chair Russell: You know it -- but let me bring that into perspective, as well,
because they did hire someone.
Mr. Cancel: Prince --
Chair Russell:
They didn't do this on their own.
Mr. Cancel: --
Mason. Prince Mason is the name of the --
Chair Russell:
Right.
Mr. Cancel: --
expediter.
Chair Russell:
They should have known better; that you were in a historic district,
and that there are further permits you need to get.
Mr. Cancel. If I may?
Chair Russell:
Yes.
Mr. Cancel: What was explained from him to us is that he came into the City; first
to Building; then he was bumped into Zoning, Public Works, because he was
requesting a permit to partially close the street in order to paint the building.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Cancel: And what he said to us is that every time that he was seeking for that
permit and all the requisites and all the paperwork that we had to submit to the
City, like insurance policies with the City as a beneficiary, we did all that. When
the City asked him, "For how many days you need that road, the 67th Street" -- "the
68th closed?" he said, "No, it's only for a day. " And then they said, "You just have
to go to the Special Events Department of the Police Department. " So he was sent
out there. And when he fulfilled the application, it is a rectangle that says, "What's
the purpose of the Special Events Permit?" And we put, real specifically, "To paint
our artistic mural at the location."
Chair Russell: Right.
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Mr. Cancel: So at no point we were questioned, like, "Okay, so that is going to
have a lifetime of one week, one month? Are you going to do this with the
assistance of no one?" So we had the permit. And with that permit, we also got off-
duty officers to work with us, because the Police Department incentivized us to get
that on the security side, and we did.
Chair Russell: Thank you. You've been clear on the process.
Commissioner Carollo: Hey, can I --
Chair Russell: So what --
Commissioner Carollo: -- ask the Planning Director a question to see if this makes
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: -- more sense? Francisco, when you're done there. Thank
you. The MOT (Modification of Traffic) stands for what?
Mr. Garcia: If I'm not mistaken --
Commissioner Carollo: What's that?
Mr. Garcia: I'm sorry?
Commissioner Carollo: MOT --
Mr. Garcia: Right.
Commissioner Carollo: -- stands for what?
Mr. Garcia: "Modification of Traffic, " I'm being advised. Modification of Traffic.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Well, let me tell you what I'm reading. All that it
says is, "Police Department's Special Events Permit"; got a date of December 27 of
last year. Maximo Silva, was that one of the people with you?
Unidentified Speaker: I was here then.
Mr. Cancel: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Huh?
Unidentified Speaker: I was Chief Operating Officer.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Nowhere here is there even any name of who
authorized this for the Police Department Special Events, but this is what it says:
"Purpose: Applicant is authorized to conduct artistic painting of mural at the
above -listed location. Applicant is permitted to close the above -listed location per
attached approved MOTs. Comments: Working hours," which I'm beginning to see
now -- I didn't know that that was required. So, you know, my buddy over there at
8th Street, I've seen him violating this. My God. You know, it just doesn't stop. It
says, "Applicant must comply with approved MOTs and will hire City of Miami
extra -duty officers necessary," on and on, "to assist with pedestrian and vehicle
traffic control, concerns on public safety. At no time will emergency access be
obstructed for access to local business, parking lots, or garages. A copy of this
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permit and approved MOTs must remain on site at all times." I mean, someone
doesn't know --
Mr. Hannon: Chair? Commissioner Carollo?
Commissioner Carollo: They would think --
Chair Russell: Commissioner, pause for one moment, please.
Mr. Hannon: I do apologize, but I'm required to do this per Miami City
Commission resolution. Commissioners, the time is now 10p.m. Miami City --
Vice Chair Gort: No, no, no.
Mr. Hannon: -- City Code Section 2-33 states: "The City Commission shall
adjourn at the conclusion of deliberation of the agenda item being considered at 10
p.m., unless the time is extended by unanimous agreement of the members of the
City Commission then present."
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Vice Chair Gort: Move to extend it.
Mr. Hannon: With this in mind --
Commissioner Carollo: -- this is the last item.
Mr. Hannon: -- the conclusion of deliberation of Item PZ.6, the City
Commissioners present on the dais must unanimously agree to extend the duration
of the City Commission meeting, or the meeting shall adjourn.
Chair Russell: Thank you. And just to clam Mr. Clerk, once that unanimous
agreement is made, not everyone needs to stay.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no.
Chair Russell: So if somebody needs to leave early, but they're okay --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: --with us continuing, they could vote --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: -- unanimously --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: -- to continue.
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, I agree with him.
Commissioner Carollo: No. That's not what he said.
Vice Chair Gort: You're not --
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Commissioner Carollo: This (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: No, no. Does unanimous --
Commissioner Carollo: You haven't understood.
Commissioner Hardemon: So --
Chair Russell: No, no; unanimous agreement to continue, but that doesn't mean
everyone has to stay.
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: Am I correct?
Commissioner Hardemon: Once we announce we agree to continue, we continue
on --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- and if someone leaves thereafter, you can do so.
Chair Russell: Yes. And so, I just wanted to clam that so that --
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no. Rafael?
Chair Russell: No, but that means it's your choice at that time. If you want to stop
the meeting --
Commissioner Carollo: Right.
Chair Russell: --you can.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, or I could --
Chair Russell: Or if -- you can vote 'yes, " we continue, and you leave.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I don't think that's what he read, what we have. But,
you know, since I'm going to tell you that I do want it to be stopped, it don't matter,
but I don't quite read it that way. But anyway.
Commissioner Hardemon: The rule says you --
Commissioner Carollo: But --
Chair Russell: Well, it's up to the Commission to decide, and we'll make that
decision, so.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you got --
Commissioner Hardemon: No. That was a -- it was at this time.
Commissioner Carollo: This is the last item.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, that's not how to -- that's not how it works.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, look, could -- can we have a vote on this?
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Chair Russell: Not --
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: -- until the completion of the item.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Rafael Suarez -Rivas (Senior Assistant City Attorney): Why don't you re -read that,
Mr. Clerk, if you don't mind, please.
Mr. Hannon: Yes, sir. So what I will do is I will read. Miami City Code Section 2-
33 states: "The City Commission meeting shall adjourn at the conclusion of
deliberation of the agenda item being considered at 10 p.m., unless the time is
extended by unanimous agreement of the members of the City Commission then
present. "
Commissioner Carollo: It's clear as daylight --
Chair Russell: Yeah, it is.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: That would mean that at the conclusion of the item --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, when --
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: --that's when you would vote.
Chair Russell: When we take a vote.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: That's when you would take it up, or you are adjourned.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. Now, here's the problem that I'm having. Look, I'm
going to give you the benefit of the doubt that you guys didn't know what you were
doing. I have no reason to doubt that. And I'm not saying this because I know
some of the people involved with you, too. I know Julian; my wife's known him, too.
So it's not that, because, you know, frankly, I think a lot of the neighbors were
correct in being very upset. And you have other issues that have nothing to do with
the mural that I hope they've been resolved, or you're doing your best to resolve
them. But, you know, if you're being given something like this, anybody that doesn't
know how the system works -- If I was given this, I didn't know that you had to go
through all these other hoops. I would think that I was given a permit.
Chair Russell: I agree.
Commissioner Carollo: So it's not what I was thinking before.
Chair Russell: Wouldn't your expediter know better, though?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Well, you know, who knows with some of these
expediters, you know? Anybody now says they're an expediter. And, you know,
some are connected and some are just trying to make a quick living, and, you know,
they mess the people up more than they help them. But regardless, you have a
problem that this can't stay in my book. And, you know, I want to see how I could
help you in the best way. You know, I'm only one. I'm only speaking for myself.
But I certainly am not going to be looking for any fines or anything against him,
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because I think they did it in good faith. And, you know, that's my opinion. I mean,
I -- if the law says that it's got to go in a certain way there, and this is something
new, you know, we have to follow that across the board there. This is not
something that he bought that was there before, and he didn't know that it had been
there for years or decades. This is different. I will go as far as we need to, to help
him with the neon, or see how it could be done in a different way that it would meet
the Miami neon retro look, or whatever it's called. But, you know, I will not be
looking for him to be fined in any way, because of this. And we can't run the City
like this anymore. You know, we're putting stuff out to people that gives a total
different impression. We have not done -- I mean we have so many laws and
regulations now, and our citizens don't know. And then when they get hit with
something -- and those of our citizens that are elderly, you know, they're totally,
totally lost.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. So my hope tonight was that we would
actually resolve this here, and not have to remand it, as we have the ability to do so.
I believe that would bring it into compliance more quickly.
Commissioner Hardemon: But what -- but the problem with that is that we don't
have a product. The only thing that would -- by law, if you take a look at what
we're dealing with, even if it is a mistake -- and I believe it was a mis -- they were
doing something that they believed was to be good.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Hardemon: It's just that it was not within the law. You know, you
didn't know you were speeding, but in fact, you were, so you still get a ticket for
speeding. I'm not saying that they're going to be punished, but what I'm saying is
that on the Historic Preservation Board, there are some people there that take this
stuff very seriously, and that will take every aspect of this and compare it and
contrast it with the law. And I think that they -- and he's willing to do it -- they
deserve an opportunity to meet there to make it work.
Chair Russell: So would that be a granting of the appeal, a denial of the appeal, or
a remanding with instructions?
Commissioner Hardemon: It's remand with instructions.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: In my view, a remanding with instructions to the Historic
Preservation Board. But I would think that you would be telling the applicant to
file a new Certificate of Appropriateness. I'd like to hear from Planning or the
HEP Officer, because, you know, the -- there's no bar in that Code to refiling, but
presumably, they wouldn't be filing the exact same thing that the Historic Board
denied, because that is a decision. So you -- if that's the wish of the Commission,
you'd refer it back to --
Chair Russell: How is --
Commissioner Carollo: But the --
Chair Russell: -- how is -- go ahead.
Commissioner Carollo: --problem here is that, one, you can have a neighborhood
thing that, hey, you know, people can do stuff like that and get away with it if they
feel that they're connected somehow. And, I mean, look, everybody in that
neighborhood knows that our City Manager, the guy with the real power here --
let's not kid ourselves. We don't have any, and I got the least amount, because
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Little Joe here loves me so much, and he's the point man for the Manager. So the
whole town knows -- not just that area -- that the Manager's been there, taking
selfies, eating; the Mayor's been up here getting pictures, and what message does
that send? "Hey, we're leaving them there, because they're connected. " We can't
have that.
Chair Russell: Commissioner --
Commissioner Carollo: We can't have that.
Chair Russell: -- I'm going to ask that we don't go down this path. I'd like us to
deal with the issue at hand --
Commissioner Carollo: I am dealing with the issue.
Chair Russell: -- work with the Planning -- you're casting aspersions, actually
making nicknames for respected members of our Administration. I don't think we
need to go there.
Commissioner Carollo: Listen, if you want to play that game with me --
Chair Russell: I'm not playing any --
Commissioner Carollo: --let it all out, and I'll play it with you, and I'll dance with
you as far as you want me to go. Okay?
Chair Russell: Commissioner, I just don't think it's relevant. It's --
Commissioner Carollo: But the problem is that you -- You know, you got to stop
being a lapdog, okay?
Chair Russell: Oh, please.
Commissioner Carollo: That's the whole thing. You got to stop being a lapdog. I
know they're raising all kinds of money for you. I know that you get whatever you
want here.
Chair Russell: You think that --
Commissioner Carollo: And all you're thinking about is the next election. Think
about what's important for the City; not your election, not yourself.
Vice Chair Gort: Gentlemen, decor. Come on now.
Chair Russell: You're out of order. You're out of order.
Commissioner Carollo: Not more than you are.
Chair Russell: No, no, no. This is decorum. We need to treat each other with
respect --
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then, you begin by doing it.
Chair Russell: And I am --
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: If I --
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Chair Russell: -- but by making -- by calling Joe Napoli "Little Joe," that's just
demeaning and rude.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, oh, okay.
Chair Russell: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Carollo: All right. Look --
Chair Russell: We don't need to call names of each other.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, no, no, no.
Chair Russell: We don't need to make accusations of impropriety, because we've
eaten in a restaurant.
Commissioner Carollo: Listen --
Chair Russell: We simply need to get through this business of the day without the
drama.
Commissioner Carollo: Don't melt on me here tonight, please. Don't melt on me.
Chair Russell: I'm -- I just want to do the business of the day.
Commissioner Carollo: Then let's finish it.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: Now, because you're really -- you're being a bigger
snowflake than anything else that I've seen.
Chair Russell: Not at all. I'm trying to control the meeting. I'm not trying to wilt
at all.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, then, let's finish the meeting.
Chair Russell: And I want us -- I really want us to do --
Commissioner Carollo: Let's finish the meeting then. Quit crying to me and finish
the meeting.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Members of the Commission, if I may --
Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chair --
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- I don't know if you -- have you -- as you deliberate this item,
have you heard from the public? Did you open as to whether you wanted to --?
Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: We've had public comment already on all the P&Z items, yes.
Commissioner Carollo: The public --
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- cannot stay this late. People have to work. They had to
go.
Chair Russell: Vice Chairman.
Vice Chair Gort: Mr. Chairman, my understanding is the Administration, we've
had public hearings before where they've been discussing the Planning Department,
they been discussing, they have been working with them to come up with an
agreement. I think what we have to do here today, continue to work, make the
presentation to the historic site, and there's no decision to be made.
Chair Russell: All right. We need to give HEP direction, though, with regard to
this flag, because HEP has made a decision about this flag. We need to either --
Commissioner -- Director, you have a comment?
Mr. Garcia: Yes. I was simply going to say that at present, what has been
presented to you is something -- an alternative proposal that we are hopeful will
comply with the applicable regulations.
Chair Russell: All right. Then we can simply remand to HEP to consider the new
application for Certificate of Appropriateness.
Vice Chair Gort: And no penalty, because of the issues we discussed here.
Chair Russell: Agreed. Agreed.
Mr. Garcia: Yes. And to give everyone some sense of comfort, we are mindful of
the fact that there was some confusion involved, and that will certainly be reflected
once they seek, as they should obtain some mitigation for whatever fines have
tolled.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there a motion?
Commissioner Carollo: Explain this again for the fines, because in that, I'm in
agreement with that they shouldn't get stuck with the fines based upon what I see
here.
Mr. Garcia: And --
Commissioner Carollo: I also expect this Administration to change these forms, to
put in writing something else, so this doesn't keep happening. And this is what I'm
talking about; there's no accountability here, whatsoever.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: And if I may, just on that point, it's a fair point that I -- we're
thinking about that you could just quickly amend that application to provide the
content and copy and size, and so forth will require separate review and approval,
because I don't think -- whatever happened here, I don't think it seems that --
Chair Russell: Let's fix that.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Right.
Chair Russell: Let's fix that on a separate (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: But what -- how do we deal with a mural that's painted
that is not authorized?
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Mr. Garcia: I'm sorry, sir. Can you repeat?
Commissioner Carollo: How do we deal with a mural that's painted that's not
authorized?
Mr. Garcia: Right. And so, the intent is that upon getting approval for the
alternative proposal, the present mural will be replaced with the alternative
proposal.
Chair Russell: So it can stay until the HEP Board makes final decision?
Mr. Garcia: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: This could take how long?
Mr. Garcia: To go through the process, I would imagine about two months or so
to have that heard by the HEP Board.
Vice Chair Gort: As long as he's in appeal, he doesn't have any problem. He's
going through the process.
Chair Russell: Yeah. All right.
Vice Chair Gort: Let me tell you all something, though. We have a saying, you
understand, (Comments in Spanish). The amount of publicity you'll be receiving is -
- I'm sure your sales have increased quite a bit.
Chair Russell: Yeah. So is there a motion? Is there a motion to remand back to
HEP Board?
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Gort.
Commissioner Hardemon: What was the motion?
Chair Russell: Remand it to HEP Board to consider the neon application.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: To consider the new application for a new Special Certificate of
Appropriateness for this property at 6789 Biscayne Boulevard. And even though it
wasn't expressly stated, I believe it's inherent in that that there will be no fine action
or Code action until there's a new decision.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: What --Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: The -- it means that there is no other alternative than to go
to a neon?
Mr. Garcia: It's -- if --
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, there's no alternative? There is -- I mean, we cannot
do with La Placita what we did with those two ladies? I mean --
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Chair Russell: We could have here, but this is not the will of this board, unless you
want to make a separate motion.
Vice Chair Gort: Its too small. My understanding is there's no -- it's not only the
color, but the size of the --
Commissioner Reyes: The size, too big.
Vice Chair Gort: -- the size also has to do with it. I think we can work with the
existing flag. He might be able to do something to maintain it.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right. I mean it should be (UNINTELLIGIBLE) --
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: -- none of this to make them spend that much money.
Vice Chair Gort: Not as it is right now. I mean, he's got to look at the condition,
the person --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, I --
Vice Chair Gort: -- the owner's got to look at the condition.
Commissioner Reyes: -- or we'll -- back to -- add to that motion that I will go back
to the HEP Board, try to find alternative solutions; not only what Mr. Garcia is
saying, "Well, we're going to go to neon," you see. See if it is the possibility of
having other solutions to the problem that will be acceptable, or it could be -- it
could come back to us, okay? It could come back to us.
Vice Chair Gort: Right.
Commissioner Reyes: You see, that's the problem with historic preservation, sir.
People are dictated what they do with their property.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Chair Russell: So -- I'm sorry. Where -- there was a motion, Commissioner Gort?
Vice Chair Gort: Yeah.
Chair Russell: Is there a second? Second by District Commissioner. Are we clear
on the motion? Thank you. Is there any further discussion on the dais? Hearing
none, all in favor, say "aye."
Vice Chair Gort: Aye.
Chair Russell: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: Any opposed?
Commissioner Carollo: No.
Chair Russell: "No" and "no." 3-2. You're a "no," as well. I thought you were in
favor of remanding to the HEP Board. I apologize, Commissioner.
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Commissioner Carollo: I'm in favor with certain conditions; not so they could be
here for an unlimited amount of time. This could go on for a year; who knows?
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Hardemon: Right. That was part of what my concern was. That's
what I expressed on the record.
Commissioner Carollo: In fact, the easy way to do it is to deny it and then send it
to the HEP Board. You deny this and you send it to the HEP Board the neon lights
that he wants so that we could show the people that live in the northeast that had
approved this that we're following our own laws and regulations.
Vice Chair Gort: No, I understand. But let me tell you one -- what the problem is.
If you deny it, in the motion today, he's got to erase that flag right now.
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me?
Chair Russell: He's got to -- what?
Vice Chair Gort: He has to erase the flag, because it's not in compliance if we deny
the appeal.
Commissioner Carollo: He's going to be doing it anyway from what we're saying;
that we're sending it over so he can get approved, the neon.
Chair Russell: I think we're honestly trying to find a way to do this
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Gort: Well, while he's in the process in appealing -- he's been going
through the process so he can stay there until he comes up with the new sign. It
gives him an opportunity.
Chair Russell: We're trying to not erase the Puerto Rican flag on Constitution Day.
That would be the motion here.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I thought that the --
Chair Russell: In seriousness, what we're trying to do is find a way for him to come
into compliance without having to erase what's there right now. And I think we've
been clear that it is a violation -- at least a majority of the dais. Not everybody
believes that it should stay as it is, so we're trying to find a way to rectify the
situation that works for you, as well, because -- recognizing the situation.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, what I believe -- and I'll state it again -- based upon
what he gave me or what he gave us that he should not be fined --
Chair Russell: Agreed.
Commissioner Carollo: -- because with this, I myself would have thought the same
thing he did --
Vice Chair Gort: And that's part of the motion.
Commissioner Carollo: --that he had a permit to put that up.
Vice Chair Gort: That's part of the motion.
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Chair Russell: Part of the motion is no fines.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: And part of the motion besides, if that is your will, to remand it
back to HEP to reconsider, a new Special Certificate of Appropriateness with
alternatives is that there will be no Code Compliance enforcement or fines in the
interim of that -- during that interim time, until that is finished.
Vice Chair Gort: Right.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
Chair Russell: All right. So --
Commissioner Reyes: Can we pro --I mean include a time limit?
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Well it --
Commissioner Reyes: Within the next 60 days, within the next --
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- you can direct them to file something. The boards don't meet
in --
Chair Russell: August.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- August, but you can direct them to file something within --
Mr. Garcia: Right. So I'll say this: We are -- I think the applicant and we, as well,
are interested in receiving an application that has the details necessary to make it
feasible. They need probably a little more time to work on that. But our
commitment -- and I think their commitment, as well -- is to go expeditiously to the
HEP Board. And my commitment to you is that we will try to accomplish this --
Commissioner Carollo: What's the day time?
Mr. Garcia: -- within two months.
Commissioner Carollo: What's the day time? So if you get 60 days, couldn't --?
Mr. Garcia: Two months, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Huh?
Mr. Garcia: Two months.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So if we put 60 days in the resolution?
Mr. Garcia: So we would prefer some leeway, but I think 60 days is reasonable.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Chair Russell: Just to clarify what happens after 60 days if the board --
Mr. Garcia: At 60 days, we will work with the applicant to expeditiously complete
the proposal --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Garcia: -- and have it heard by the HEP Board.
Chair Russell: All right. So does that still leave us into 3-2, "yes, " "no, " or where
are we?
Commissioner Reyes: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: You're a 'yes" vote on the remanding to HEP Board.
Commissioner Carollo --
Commissioner Carollo: With the 60 days --
Commissioner Hardemon: We would -- I'll -- as a seconder, I'll accept that
amendment.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, with the 60 days.
Commissioner Hardemon: There was unready -- I was saying there was
unreadiness in the vote; that's what was happening here. So I don't want the -- to
be clear, I don't think the record should reflect that a vote was taken. We were in
process of taking a vote, and there was an expression of unreadiness.
Chair Russell: I would agree with that as the Chair. I -- that's why I asked the
question, because I -- what you said didn't seem to reflect what -- your vote, and I
would be (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: I'll --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: -- agree with that, so why don't you call the roll again.
Chair Russell: Okay. All in favor --
Commissioner Carollo: With the amendments of 60 days.
Commissioner Hardemon: Yes, right.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: As amended, with --
Chair Russell: As amended.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- the same motion, but with the requirement that a new
application be filed within 60 days.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort, as the mover, you're okay with the
amendments?
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Vice Chair Gort: I'm okay with it, yeah.
Chair Russell: Seconder already agreed All in favor; say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you and good luck.
Mr. Cancel: Thankyou.
PZ.7
RESOLUTION
5901
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
MOVER:
GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY PETER R. WAGONER
Department of
AND MICHELE BEAUVAIS-WAGONER AND
Planning
REVERSING/AFFIRMING/MODIFYING THE DECISION OF THE MIAMI
ABSENT:
HISTORIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION BOARD'S
APPROVAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-6.2(b)(4) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, OF THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-
STORY SINGLE-FAMILY STRUCTURE TO A NON-CONTRIBUTING
PROPERTY, LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 5965 NORTHEAST 6TH
AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33137, WITHIN THE MORNINGSIDE
HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH THE FOLIO NUMBER 0132180340080.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0322
MOTION TO:
Adopt with Modification(s)
RESULT:
ADOPTED WITH MODIFICATION(S)
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ. 7, please see
"Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning Item(s). "
Chair Russell: All right. Back to PZ (Planning and Zoning), please.
Vice Chair Gort: 7.
Chair Russell: I'd like to take up PZ. 7. Thank you very much. Thank you for your
patience. I know you've been here all day. PZ 7; who is representing?
Unidentified Speaker: I believe the appellants need to present first.
Chair Russell: Hello. Thank you for your patience today.
Unidentified Speaker: We're not shooing them off.
Commissioner Hardemon: The noise.
Unidentified Speaker: We're not shooing them off.
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Chair Russell: Mr. Director, could you set the table for this? Could the
Administration set the table on this item? I'm -- we've lost the quorum, so we'll -- it's
just you and I.
Commissioner Reyes: You and I. I don't know.
Rafael Suarez -Rivas (Senior Assistant City Attorney): No; can't do anything.
Elvis Cruz: I am the audio visual geek.
Michele Beauvais -Wagoner: He's my IT (Information Technology).
Mr. Cruz: I'm just a computer operator.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: He's my IT.
Chair Russell: I think we're ready. All right. Come back to order, please. We do
have a quorum. We are taking up PZ.7, an appeal of a HEP (Historic &
Environmental Preservation Board) Board decision. I'd like to welcome the
appellant, who can start.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Commissioner, I have a packet of new information that I'm
going to be giving to the Clerk. You each have a copy of it.
Chair Russell: Is that --
Vice Chair Gort: Speak into the mike.
Chair Russell: --this item? Is that this item?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Yes.
Chair Russell: This is yours?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Yes.
Chair Russell: Okay. And could you pull your microphone a little closer, please?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Do --I think I have the microphone on now. Yes?
Chair Russell: Just a little closer to you. Point it right up at your mouth. There you
go. Thank you. How much time do you need to present your side?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: About 10 minutes --
Chair Russell: That's fine. All right.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: -- if I can speak fast enough.
Chair Russell: Take your time. You've been patient with us; we'll be patient with
you.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Okay. My name is Michele Beauvais -Wagoner. I'm here
with my husband, Peter Wagoner. We live at 5955 Northeast 6th Avenue, our home
for the last 19 years, and it immediately abuts the subject property. We're appealing
this proposal, because it violates the Miami City Code and the Morningside Historic
District guidelines. We're joined in our appeal by a petition, signed by 60 of our
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Morningside neighbors, which is included in your packet under Tab 1. We ask you
to please see the blue sheet in your handout. New construction in a historic district
must comply with Miami City Code Section 23-6.2(h), which states, "Where new
construction is required in Sub -Section "A, " the proposed work shall not adversely
affect the historic, architectural, or aesthetic character of the subject structure, or
the relationship and contingruity [sic] between the subject structure and its
neighboring structures and surroundings; nor shall the proposed work adversely
affect the special character or special historic, architectural, aesthetic interest or
value of the overall historic site, or historic district." The Morningside Historic
District guidelines defines an "enclosure" as a fence, and then states, "Enclosures
may not be located in front of the front facade." These laws exist to protect the
character and integrity of Morningside Historic District. They are very beneficial to
the neighborhood. And as the City staff and the City Attorney has told you, they
supersede Miami 21 as a higher standard. Throughout the high crime years of the
1980s and '90s, during the wave of prostitution on the boulevard, the crack cocaine
epidemic, and many burglaries in Morningside, the houses on this block of 6th
Avenue, except for one, had no fence along their front yards; in particular, House
Number 12 has never had a front yard fence. House 10, which is our home, has
never had a front yard fence. House 9 has never had a front yard fence, House 8 has
never had a front yard fence, House 7 has never had a front yard fence, House 6 has
never had a front yard fence, House S has never had a front yard fence, House 3 has
never had a front yard fence, House 2 has never had a front yard fence, House 1 has
never had a front yard fence. The lone exception is House 4, which does have a
four foot front yard fence, which was installed prior to the establishment of the
Historic District in 1984. This picture close -- sorry. This picture clearly shows how
a front yard fence can adversely affect the historic character and conjurity [sic] of
the other houses on the street and throughout the Historic District in general. With
respect to the subject vacant property, which we label "I]," and is outlined in
yellow, consider the following: The chain link fence across the front yard was
installed without a permit -- the permit results are under Tab Number 4 -- and as
such, is illegal and not eligible to be grandfathered. Please notice the black gate at
the frame right. That's the Morningside vehicle barrier. There are 17 feet outside
the barrier. The applicant told the HEP Board they wanted to keep the front fence;
otherwise, anyone could walk around the end of the, quote, "security fence,"
unquote. That is incorrect information given to the HEP Board. The barrier is not a
security fence. It is only a vehicle barrier. It is specifically not a security fence,
because by Federal law, under the American with Disabilities Act, the gate is
required to be -- to allow pedestrian access 24 hours a day. The remaining 20 -- 83
feet of chain link fence inside the vehicle barrier, built along the front property line
of the subject property, was installed illegally, without a permit, and therefore,
cannot be grandfathered. It is in violation of Chapter 23 in the Morningside Historic
guidelines. The City staff report includes in a completely illogical sentence, quote,
"Although nonconforming to the Morningside Design guidelines regarding fences,
staff does not object" -- excuse me -- "to the metal picket fence in the front yard, "
unquote. In that one sentence, City staff readily admits that the fence is illegal, then
turns around and says it doesn't object. That makes no sense. Perhaps at the time,
the City staff did not know that the fence had been installed illegally, without a
permit, and therefore not grandfathered.
Chair Russell: May I ask you a question really quick, just to clarify?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Mm-hmm.
Chair Russell: The pictures you showed were a chain link fence, but staff seems to
be open to a metal picket fence.
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Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Yes. What I believe they're -- approved is removing that
pick -- that chain link --
Chair Russell: And putting in a metal picket fence.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: -- and putting a picket fence.
Chair Russell: So staff is not approving of the chain link fence?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: No. They're saying that they can put a six foot picket fence.
Chair Russell: Understood. Thank you.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Okay.
Chair Russell: I just wanted to make sure I knew what you were saying.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Mm-hmm.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: The Preservation Office failed to apply the Morningside
guidelines in its recommendation to the HEP Board, and the HEP Board followed
that error. We have obtained an expert analysis from Arthur J. Marcus, a registered
architect who specializes in historic preservation. It's in your packet under Tab 6.
On Page 2, Arthur Marcus writes, "The proposed six-foot fence at the front yard of
this proposed project will adversely affect the neighborhood and impose a hardship
by not maintaining the district norms and regulations. It would set a dangerous
precedent for all future projects in the neighborhood. " The setback of the proposed
house is also outside the district norm. We have a three-dimensional markup
showing the proposed house with the two historic houses next to it. They propose a
setback of only 20 feet when the average setback on the block is well over 30 feet.
Here is a plan view on the monitor with the existing houses on either side. The red
arrows show the abutting setbacks. The difference clearly shows the incongruity that
would adversely affect the relationship and congruity between the subject structure
and its neighboring structures. Please refer to the table under Tab 6 regarding the
specific setbacks for each house. There is no question that allowing a 20 foot
setback on this 153 -foot -deep lot when the setbacks on either side of the subject
property are 36 feet would adversely affect the historic character, congruity, and
aesthetic value of the neighboring structures, and the Historic District, and
therefore, in violation of City Code 23-2.6(h). Here is the context map on the
monitor submitted by the applicant that fails to include the historic -- its historically -
contributing single-family resident to the north, which we label Number 12 in our
presentation. The red block does not fully convey the size of the subject property,
making it look like it is set back even further than our house. Staff analysis says that
the plans depict new walls along the rear and side property lines, but the plans
clearly state an eight -foot -tall chain link fence. The HEP Board was given
incomplete, inconsistent, and incorrect information on the project. What is even
more striking when looking at an overhead view, one can immediately notice that all
the houses along the block are set approximately next to each other; none
significantly forward of its neighbor. Even House Number 1, which is constructed
on a significantly undersized 60 -foot -deep lot, has been oriented so it does not block
the site lines of its neighbor. Mr. Marcus confirms our assertion and states on Page
1, quote: "The required setback should reflect the higher standard of the Historic
District in which the proposed project is to be located. As a minimum, the front
setback should not be less than the house on either side. The minimum 20 foot
setback of Miami 21 will adversely the historic, architectural, and aesthetic
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character of the immediate neighborhood, and set a destructive precedent for future
projects within the Morningside District." That analysis from an expert is
substantial competent evidence. Allowing the proposed fence and minimal setback
would be departures from essential requirements of law. Regarding the proposed
house, please note the layout of the site plan. It is unlike any other house in
Morningside, and resembles more closely the motels on the boulevard. It is divided
into four separate buildings, each having its own bedroom and bath, joined by only
short hallways; including a two-story garage, with bed and bath on the second floor.
We wonder if the owner, PIM Investments, LLC (Limited Liability Company), or a
subsequent owner might be encouraged to use some of these separate sleeping
quarters and high, eight foot perimeter fencing to enable and conceal undesirable
functions, such as Airbnb-type rentals. Lastly, you may ask why the proposed
project has been situated along one side of the property, with only a 20 foot setback.
The HEP Board was told it was a layout to save the greatest number of trees. We
love trees and we examined the boundary survey and the tree survey at length.
Peter, my husband, will show you what we found.
Peter Wagoner: Commissioners, good evening. My name is Peter Wagoner. I'm a
registered professional engineer in Florida, Michigan, and New York. I'm retired.
From the applicant's plans, we identified all the trees proposed to remain in place,
shown in green. Trees to be relocated are shown, circled in red. Once the trees are
so identified, a pattern emerged. And we wondered if there could be a layout which
could save more trees and deal with our other concerns. Two alternatives are
presented. The details of these are provided at Tab Number 8 in your handout. In
the first alternative, the ground floor is 4,410 square feet. Discounting the proposed
relocated or removed trees, the net tree loss is seven. In the second alternative, the
ground floor is 3,470 square feet. Again, discounting for trees slated to be relocated
or removed, the net tree loss is also seven trees. The design we are appealing allows
the removal of 30 trees, which is more than -- four times more than these two
alternatives presented. Therefore, it's obvious that tree preservation is obviously not
the primary design goal. In conclusion, the minimal front setback violates Miami
City Code 23-6.2(h). The front fencing and side chain link violates Morningside
guidelines. The fragmented layout of the house is out of the character with the
Historic District, and that, along with a high perimeter fence, encourages eventual
Airbnb-type uses. The staff analysis and HEP Board were given inconsistent,
inaccurate, and incomplete information. There are alternative building footprints
that could conserve four times more trees than this proposal would. The separate
living unit above the garage violates T3 -R zoning, which does not allow ancillary
buildings. Morningside has been a designated Historic District by the City of Miami
since 1984; 35 years. The district was deemed significant enough to be put on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Mayor Suarez recently wrote an open
letter to the residents of Miami that historic preservation in our community is
imperative. For these reasons, as well as all the reasons stated in our presentation,
we ask the Commission to overturn the HEP Board approval of Special Certificate of
Appropriateness. Thank you.
Commissioner Hardemon: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Does that conclude your presentation?
Mr. Wagoner: Yes.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much; well done, especially the demonstrative. And
now, the appellee.
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Carlos Lago: Good evening, Commissioners. Carlos Lago, on behalf of the
homeowners and applicants. I would like to request the additional time. I think they
got about 15 minutes. I think 15 minutes should apply.
Chair Russell: Fair.
Mr. Lago: Thank you.
Vice Chair Gort: Let me ask a question.
Mr. Lago: Yes.
Vice Chair Gort: This has been in front of us before, hasn't it?
Chair Russell: No.
Mr. Lago: No.
Vice Chair Gort: You sure?
Chair Russell: I -- there was a similar one in Morningside. It was on the waterfront,
I believe.
Vice Chair Gort: The same fence, the alley, and the fence, and -- you know, I got a
pretty good --
Chair Russell: Oh, no, no. That one was actually outside of Morningside. That was
--I know where you're talking about. That was a little further south.
Vice Chair Gort: It was the same thing as this now.
Chair Russell: It feels similar, yes.
Vice Chair Gort: It's an alley, and the fence, and --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Vice Chair Gort: Okay.
Chair Russell: This is our life.
Vice Chair Gort: All right.
Chair Russell: When you're ready.
Mr. Lago: Carlos Lago and Carlos Diaz, with offices at 333 Southeast 2nd Avenue.
I'm joined today by the owners of the property, the homeowners, Theodore and
Belinda Stoner (phonetic), who plan to make and hope to make Morningside their
future home one day. We're also joined by project team --by a project team. I have
Architect Jacob Brillhart, who's also a professor at the University of Miami,
professor of architecture; as well as Landscape Architect Christopher Cawley. Theo
and Belinda fell in love with the home -- with this vacant lot -- sorry -- and its dense
tree canopy when they -- where they decided to build their dream home. The home
was carefully designed to preserve the greatest number of trees, including various
specimen trees. The applicant worked with staff to ensure that the design of the
home was completely by right, and that -- all applicable regulations. Since the
vacant lot is located within the Morningside Historic District, the Stoners were
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required to go to the HEP Board to obtain a Special Certificate of Appropriateness
for approval. After careful review, the HEP staff recommended approval of the
home, and the HEP Board voted to approve it, finding it compatible with the
Morningside neighborhood. We're in front of you today because the appellants have
appealed the HEP Board's decision to approve this home. The home is being
developed completely by right, and does not require any zoning changes or special
approvals; no variances, no waivers, no warrants. The proposed home fully
complies with Chapter 23 of the City Code and Miami 21. Everything the appellants
are objecting to today are -- is allowed by right. And let me repeat that again.
Everything the appellants are objecting to today is allowed by right, and is
commonly found throughout Morningside, including two-story homes, which they
have an issue with; the front setback, and the proposed fence. In fact, the proposed
home does not even maximize the available development capacity under the existing
zoning. We could build two homes here; we're building one. The lot coverage is not
even half of what's permitted in Miami 21. The open space that we're providing is
more than double, and the home provides greater front, side, and rear setbacks than
what's required.
Chair Russell: Excuse me. You said you could build two homes there?
Mr. Lago: Yeah. There's two platted lots. Miami allows one home per platted lot
under the T3 -R regulations.
Chair Russell: This is a double lot?
Mr. Lago: Correct.
Chair Russell: Got it. You weren't implying --
Mr. Lago: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- it's a T3-0, that you could have two --
Mr. Lago: T3 -R.
Chair Russell: It's T3 -R, but --
Mr. Lago: One single-family residence in each lot can be constructed here.
Chair Russell: Just wanted to --
Mr. Lago: And we're just building one. The Historic Preservation staff -- she
mentions an expert who wrote a letter. I don't -- I'm not sure or -- I object to the
qualifications of that expert. I'm not sure, you know, what historic preservation and,
you know, experience and credentials he has. But your Historic Preservation staff,
the Morningside Civic Association Architectural Review Committee, and the HEP
Board have all reviewed the proposed home, and agree that it complies with all the
applicable criteria, and is compatible with other homes in Morningside. I want to
address some of the specific issues they discussed. They don't like the proposed two-
story home. However, their own home is two stories. Furthermore, the proposed
home is surrounded by two-story homes. They argue that the proposed home has a
20 foot front setback that is incompatible with the neighborhood. However, as our
architect, Jacob Brillhart, will demonstrate shortly, less than one foot of the Stoner's
home is set back at 20 feet. In fact, the average front setback of the home is 32 feet;
exceeding the appellant's front setback of 30 feet, and exceeding the minimum
required setback of 20 feet under Miami 21. Additionally, every home built in
Morningside during the last 10 years under Miami 21 has a setback of 20 feet. And
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most importantly, the home located directly across the street from this home and
from the appellant's home has a 20 foot setback, and you could see that home that's
directly across the street from our vacant lot and from the appellant's home on that -
- in the diagram in front of you.
Chair Russell: I'm sorry to interrupt. Did you say that the appellant's home has a
32 foot setback on their home?
Mr. Lago: Right. Well, we haven't verified it. We haven't verified it.
Chair Russell: Why would you say that then?
Mr. Lago: No. I said that we exceed -- that what we have exceeds what -- our -- no.
Our -- the average of our home is 32 feet.
Chair Russell: Oh, I misunderstood.
Mr. Lago: Yeah.
Chair Russell: I thought you said, "We have not" -- the appellant's home is actually
not --
Mr. Lago: No, no. The average setback of our home -- and Jacob's going to walk
you through the setback -- is 32 feet.
Chair Russell: Oh, okay. When you take the aggregate of the different structures.
Mr. Lago: Yeah. And he'll walk you through it.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Lago: So the appellant's don't like the -- So now Jacob's going to walk you
through the plans and some of the issues discussed earlier today.
Chair Russell: You need a mike here, sir. Let me give it to you. Here's a hand-held.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: You need to be audible, yeah.
Jacob Brillhart: Can you hear me?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Brillhart: Okay.
Chair Russell: And just -- before he gets into the dimensions, I'd like an --just a
quick question from Administration. When we measure setback, are we looking at
the average setback, or the minimum setback of the structure when we go by
guidelines? And then my next question is going to be, what are the guidelines for
this district? Because it sounds like we're talk -- I just want to make sure we're
talking apples to apples.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): I'm sorry, sir. Can I ask you to repeat the
question, please?
Chair Russell: How we measure setback, because they're about to go into a
mathematical calculation of average setback of their structure. I just want to
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understand. When we, under Miami 21, measure setback, what are the factors we
use?
Mr. Garcia: Oh, it's simply a straightforward calculation. It is a -- in single-family
residential areas, it is a 20 foot setback from the property line.
Chair Russell: Right.
Mr. Garcia: So --
Chair Russell: But when a structure has multiple facades that are --
Mr. Garcia: Each of the facades would have to comply with a 20 foot setback.
Chair Russell: Right. So it just means the minimum?
Mr. Garcia: Yes. Yes.
Chair Russell: Right. So average isn't what the issue is; it's what -- the one that
protrudes the most is where it's counted.
Unidentified Speaker: Correct.
Chair Russell: Right. Okay; just want to make sure we're measuring on the right
calculation. Please continue.
Mr. Brillhart: Okay. Thank you, Commissioners. I just want to go over a few
points. Overall, the house was about the canopy and about Morningside, and about
the green space that Morningside brings us. And I think you can see by the photos
that you saw earlier and from these photos, you will see that the greenery on the lot
and the tree canopy is immense. There's -- where is the --? In the front of the house,
you could see the amount of specimen trees, and that was really the goal of the
project. I'll have Chris Cawley, the landscape architect, touch a little bit more if you
need to know more about canopy and trees, and all that later, but I really want to
emphasize that. Now, moving from the trees, we'll talk about the building
displacement. We've broken up the building into different masses. We've made this
piece a one-story building, so it seems softer and not as tall from the street. We
moved the two-story piece, the larger piece in the back. Again, this two-story piece
is seven feet setback. The appellant's house is five feet setback. So we gave another
two feet more than we had to. This is a one-story piece. You can see that we're
working around all of these specimen trees with the building. The idea that you can
put a big building in here is simply not viable, as shown prior to, because it doesn't
take into account parking. And the other thing is, is there's a specimen tree here
that's a pine tree that Chris can talk about at length, but that tree has been talked --
we've talked to environmental and we've talked to Planning and we've talked to HP
[sic], and we have been strongly encouraged to save it. We think that's going -- it's a
complete added benefit; that's this tree right here. So I just want you to understand
that we have worked very hard to work the building in and around the trees, because
the neighborhood, I think, really enjoys the greenery; that's one point. Regarding
the setbacks, this corner of the house meets the Miami 21 setback requirement.
There's no debate about that; it's 20 feet. The house right across the street that has
just been built and finished, which is this house, is at 20 feet. So this house right
here is actually sitting right here, in front of our house. So we're the same exact
setback as the house across the street. Now, in terms of other houses in the
neighborhood, the last five houses that have been built in Morningside are these
houses here, and they're at 20 feet. The Miami 21 minimum setback for houses in
Morningside is 20 feet. Now, we are at 20 feet, but we're not real -- we're at 20 feet
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here for about an inch; and then, from thereon, the setback grows. For example, this
piece is 33 feet -nine. Then due to the fact the road curves, it makes it much harder
for us with this predicament and with this large specimen tree. Again, we're really
trying to make the house appear smaller in setback. So here, we're at 42-6, we're at
38, we're at 22. This is the area that we are at 20 feet. Again, that's allowed by
Code; that's permitted. So that's the sort of setback idea that I wanted to touch on. I
wanted to quickly talk about the two-story. Do we have the two-story diagram?
Actually, I'll skip that; we can come back. There's been mention that maybe we
shouldn't have a two-story house. It was written about in the appeal letter. I just
want to make sure everyone is clear. Two-story houses are allowed in this
neighborhood; they're all over the place. This house, which is the appellant's, is a
two-story house. This house behind us is a two-story house. This house behind us is
also a two-story house. And we're not offering up all of the house to be two stories.
Like, in the history of Morningside, they don't have big, large mass houses; they're
buildings that are broken up into smaller masses. That is exactly what we're doing.
So the other thing to think about with the two-story is they're five feet; we're seven.
Okay, that talks about the two-story issues. We'll talk a little bit about the fence.
Currently, as you saw, there's a fence on the property. I want to make very clear --
it's been talked about whether the current fence has a permit or doesn't have a
permit, it was built illegally or wasn't built illegally. That fence was put up far
before our client bought the property. Our client didn't put that fence up; had
nothing to do with the construction of that fence. Now, the City built this fence that
bisects the front of the lot. What we explained at the HEP hearing was, is that we
are in this very unique condition in Morningside where the City's fence bisects the
face of our lot. This only happens on very few lots. So if you're coming in from
Biscayne and you see this fence, your immediate intention is to not go into it. Right?
That's what humans do. They see the fence, and they go, "Oh, I'll go the other way."
So we said, "We need a fence here, or else they're going to" -- 'people are going to
walk right into this property." We worked with HEP and Warren Adams and
everybody, and they said, "Yes, we understand this, and you need condition. " We
also explained that the existing chain link fence was quite ugly. So the owner said,
"Let's replace it with a nicer fence that everybody will like the look of that would
match the City's fence in some capacity." And then, HEP and staff said, "We will
approve the fence if you work with us on every condition working forward, in terms
of materiality, in terms of height, in terms of access. "
Chair Russell: So your fence is across the entire frontage, or just that section
exterior to the City's fence?
Mr. Brillhart: Let me get to that. I'll --
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Brillhart: -- I'm not exactly --
Chair Russell: Sorry. I just --
Mr. Brillhart: That's okay. So we said, "Okay, we'll work with staff. " Well, staff --
at the HP [sic] hearing, HP [sic] said, "You guys are working with us, no problem.
You get to have a fence across the front. And since you're replacing the old ugly
fence with a nicer fence and setting it back from the street, and putting landscaping
in the front, we'll go with you; we'll approve it." So we said, "Great." Now, there's
been more discussion, and we met with the Morningside Historic District; the sort of
committee that governs all the architectural review of Morningside, and they came
up with some conditions. And they said, "Well, we understand that this is an issue. "
And correct me if I'm wrong. They said that 17 feet would work with them.
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Mr. Lago: Right.
Mr. Brillhart: Right?
Mr. Lago: Right, right.
Mr. Brillhart: So they said, "This 17 feet. " This is -- the Morning --
Chair Russell: Just to clary, who is "they"?
Mr. Brillhart: "They" is the Morningside --
Mr. Lago: Architectural Review Committee.
Mr. Brillhart: -- Architectural Review Committee. And they submitted a letter in
support of this project --
Mr. Lago: Which you have in front of you.
Mr. Brillhart: -- so not only did the HP [sic] support us; the Historic -- The
Morningside Architectural Review Committee is in support of this project. Then they
said, "We even think you need fencing here. We understand this unusual condition.
We'll grant you that fence. " Right? The other con -- the other sort of discussion that
occurred was the fencing on the sides. That is allowed by Miami 21, so we're doing
it. That's the fence. The other condition in the neighborhood that's in an awkward
condition, as our client's is, is right at the gatehouse, and this house has a chain link
fence all around it, too, which is not the norm, but it's in that unique condition,
because when people were walking in, they will -- if not, they'll walk right into this
person's yard, and it's chain link. What else do I want to talk about?
Mr. Lago: No, hold on.
Mr. Brillhart: Oh, I want -- we got trees, setbacks, two-story, the fence.
Mr. Lago: Yeah.
Mr. Brillhart: I can answer any other questions that you have.
Chair Russell: That's it?
Mr. Brillhart: For now.
Mr. Lago: Yes. In summary, this is a by -right home, which will significantly
improve a currently vacant noncontributing lot. Your staff, the HEP Board, and
Morningside's own Architectural Review Committee, which Elvis is a part of, have
all found the home to be compatible with the Morningside neighborhood. I want to
add two important part -- points here. They're objecting to a two-story portion of
our home when they, themselves, live in a two-story home. They're objecting to the
proposed front setback, even though it complies with Miami 21, and on average, is
greater than the front setback of their home. Our team has worked very hard to
design a home that is sensitive to both the neighborhood, and it preserves the
existing landscape. We've met with the appellants, we met with the neighbors, and
have agreed to incorporate their feedback and comments into the plans, including
changing the height and the materials of the proposed fence, as suggested by the
appellants; heavily landscaping the property line shared with the appellants; and
making revisions to the front porch, home's front porch entrance and walkway. As
such, we kindly request that you uphold the HEP Board's decision, as supported by
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your staff and the Morningside Architectural Review Committee, and deny this
appeal. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. I have questions for the appellant. In your
petition that you had signed, there are two points of contention; the setback and the
fence. Did you -- are there other items that you are opposing in their plans that are
not mentioned in this petition, and why would that be?
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Those are the two that we are objecting to.
Chair Russell: Those are the two main issues.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Yes.
Chair Russell: So not about the second story? Because they referenced that, but
that didn't seem to be part of your appeal.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: We haven't brought that up. We haven't brought the style
of their house up. We didn't bring any of those subjective things. But I would like to
make a rebuttal, if I could, to their comments.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: We did not object to their house having a two-story. The
house across the street has a 20 foot setback, because the lot is only 60 foot deep at
one end.
Mr. Wagoner: Their lot's 153 feet.
Vice Chair Gort: You got to speak in the mike, sir.
Chair Russell: Yeah. I'm sorry, we couldn't hear you.
Mr. Wagoner: Their lot is 153 feet.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: But the house across the street that they're pointing to as
having a 20 foot setback only has a 60 -foot -deep lot.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: Okay? All the houses on the street -- all the other houses
on the street are over 30 feet setback. The greater setback they should have would
make the trees more safe -- not less -- because the opening of where the trees are,
are in the back. Miami 21, 20 foot setback is a minimum requirement, not an
entitlement. It is a one -size -fits -all for the entire City, which is inappropriate for a
historic district with 150 -foot -deep lots. Whether the applicant installs the fence is
irrelevant. It is illegally built if it is without permit. The Morningside fence is open
to pedestrians 24 hours a day. There is certainly no justification for having a fence
inside the Morningside barrier; that violates the Morningside guidelines. The MCA
(Morningside Civic Association) Committee did not approve the fence, and the other
chain link fences in the neighborhood are grandfathered in. I would like to call Elvis
Cruz as a witness, as he's a member of the MCA Architectural Review Committee.
Chair Russell: Okay.
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Mr. Lago: I would object to that. Mr. Cruz had his moment, as, you know he spoke.
He had his two minutes and -- during public comment, and that was sufficient. I'm
not sure what qualifies him as an expert.
Mr. Cruz: I'm being called as a witness. I didn't say I was an expert witness. I'm
being called as a witness --
Mr. Lago: Your presentation --
Mr. Cruz: -- which, as a party to the appeal, she's allowed to call me --
Mr. Lago: -- should be --
Chair Russell: Just a moment; one at a time.
Mr. Lago: The presentation has been completed. You've already surpassed --
Chair Russell: Right. They're in --
Mr. Lago: --the time.
Chair Russell: -- rebuttal to the comments about the fence, so that's what I assume
you're here to speak about.
Mr. Cruz: Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: As a member of the Morningside -- it's the Morningside Civic
Association Subcommittee on Historic Preservation?
Mr. Cruz: It's called the Architectural Review Committee.
Chair Russell: Of MCA?
Mr. Cruz: Yes, sir.
Chair Russell: And you're a member -- you are currently -- What is your status on
that committee?
Mr. Cruz: I'm a member of the committee. You can see my name on the letterhead.
Chair Russell: Okay. I'll allow it, because this -- they're bringing forth a decision
that you referenced with regard to the Civic Association's Committee, and he is on
that board, so go ahead.
Mr. Cruz: Thank you, sir. If I could have all of you look at the letter that they are
saying gave a blessing -- or approval of that fence; absolutely false. Paragraph 2 --
Chair Russell: Where are we looking? Because I don't have it.
Mr. Cruz: Front page. It's in your packet.
Chair Russell: The one that -- oh.
Mr. Cruz: I can hand it to you, and you can read it for yourself.
Chair Russell: Hand it to the Clerk, please, and they'll make copies for you. But --
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Mr. Cruz: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Anything that is given to the Commission has to be made part of
the record by either party if there's no objections. It must be made part of the
record.
Chair Russell: Yes. I'd like it added into the record, please --
Mr. Cruz: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- and they'll make copies and pass it out. But your point is that as
stated in there, that letter that you're about to distribute states that the fence is not
approved—
Mr Cruz: Correct.
Chair Russell: -- under any form of it --
Mr. Cruz: It should --
Chair Russell: -- partial, full?
Mr. Cruz: May I read it?
Chair Russell: And are we talking about the chain link fence, or their proposed
fence?
Mr. Cruz: The proposed fence or the chain link fence --
Chair Russell: If you could just --
Mr. Cruz: -- either one.
Chair Russell: Yeah. If you could just submit it into the record and we'll get a copy,
and then you can --
Mr. Cruz: Okay.
Chair Russell: -- yeah, because we'd like to have it while we --
Mr. Cruz: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Let me see it. And gentlemen, just to bring this into perspective, this
is a historic district, but this is a noncontributing lot with -- and it's completely
empty, so this is a new construction, which often has a lot of subjective controversy,
because that comes before the HEP Board to see if it fits in with the neighborhood
on some guidelines that aren't necessarily written in stone; has a lot of subjective
nature to it, and that's what we're dealing with here today. So I would like to
recognize what is of the Code and what is of subjective decision for this board,
because some statements have been made about what is allowed and not allowed in
Morningside and Miami 21, and we'll get there.
Mr. Lago: Okay.
Chair Russell: So they're -- while they're making copies -- you've made your
statement. We'll comeback to you once we get them in front of us. That's the end of
your rebuttal? Thank you.
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Mr. Cruz: Pending the --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: -- arrival of the letter.
Chair Russell: Got it. All right. Question for Administration: Are fences allowed
in Morningside?
Warren Adams (Planning): Warren Adams, Preservation Ojficer. The guidelines
show that fences in Morningside are generally not allowed; however, that is the
Morningside design guidelines. With respect to the design guidelines in the City, our
design guidelines sum up by saying the guidelines reflect best practices in historic
preservation. However, any property owner may request an exception to the
Historic design guidelines through an application for a Special Certificate of
Appropriateness. The HEP has the authority to make exceptions to these guidelines
when there are unique circumstances associated with the property.
Chair Russell: Understand.
Mr. Lago: Chair?
Chair Russell: And just so I understand clearly, because I got a little confused there,
the fence that you're -- in your end decision, your end hope, your plan, goes across
the entire lot, or just up to the Morningside fence?
Mr. Lago: Goes across the entire lot.
Chair Russell: Okay. And that's what you sought --
Mr. Lago: And the HEP Board -- There's an existing fence at the moment, which
you'll see, which --
Chair Russell: The chain link --
Mr. Lago: -- we'll show you now; a chain link fence. The HEP Board, in its
resolution that's before you, approved a fence through the method that just --
Chair Russell: Certificate of Appropriateness.
Mr. Lago: -- through a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Mr. Adams: Yes.
Chair Russell: And that's part of what they're appealing?
Mr. Lago: And it's -- what they're doing is replacing that fence. We're replacing
that fence from a chain link to a metal picket fence.
Chair Russell: Got it. And if I saw one photo --
Mr. Lago: And it's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by five feet.
Chair Russell: One photo I saw, the chain link is sort of embedded in a lot of
shrubbery and bushes.
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Mr. Lago: Correct, right, because this is a unique situation, like we just explained.
Because of the existence of that barrier, it leaves 17 feet open for our property, and
that's what Jake just walked you through. So the -- what Elvis did not mention was
that the Morningside Civic Association did say that they support a fence -- a 17 foot
fence in that area.
Chair Russell: Which area?
Mr. Lago: Can you show him?
Chair Russell: The exterior area. We're getting copies right now. Oh, it is in the
packet, Elvis; Tab 6. Is that a different packet than we have?
Mr. Lago: She's showing --
Chair Russell: Oh, it's in Mr. Lago's packet.
Mr. Lago: Correct.
Chair Russell: Is that acceptable? It's the Morningside Civic Association
Architectural Review Committee, June 24 -- okay. So they're both using the same
letter to argue separate sides of an issue.
Mr. Lago: Right.
Chair Russell: So I'd like to, if I could -- Before we get into the fence issue more
specifically, Mr. Cruz, could you explain what part of the letter supports your
position that no fence is recommended or allowed under the Architectural Review
Committee's recommendation?
Mr. Lago: Well, I object to Mr. Cruz's testimony. Mr. Cruz is a -- if he's a witness,
he's not an expert on the Code.
Chair Russell: We're not expecting him to be an expert, but he is a witness as a
member of that committee that drafted this letter.
Mr. Cruz: Yes, sir. Again, Paragraph 2: Do not allow a fence along the property
frontage from the Morningside perimeter fence to the southwest property line. In
other words, the committee said that if they want to have a fence with the 17 feet
outside the Morningside vehicle barrier, we would go along with that.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Cruz: But inside, 83 feet inside that -- we opposed it, and that's what that
means. Do not allow a fence along the property frontage.
Chair Russell: Understood. So for clarification, the Civic Association Architectural
Review Committee said ' yes" to fence outside the Morningside fence.
Mr. Cruz: Correct.
Chair Russell: "No" to fence inside the residential area.
Mr. Cruz: Correct.
Chair Russell: Now I'd like to (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
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Mr. Brillhart: And that's what was -- that's exactly what said They said 'yes" to
this.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Brillhart: They had a question about this. What I -- who, I said, said "okay" to
this was staff and the HP [sic] --
Chair Russell: Yes. So --
Mr. Brillhart: -- to be clear.
Chair Russell: -- they didn't have a question. They said, "no. "
Mr. Brillhart: They said they were not in support --
Chair Russell: Correct.
Mr. Brillhart: -- meaning Morningside said -- the group said they're not in support
of this, but they are in support of this.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Mr. Brillhart: Now, when Elvis said, "That letter says that nowhere in there does it
say that they supported a fence, " that's not true. They said we could have the fence
here.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Mr. Brillhart: Okay. That's correct.
Chair Russell: Paragraph I says, "Allow the applicant to install a new five-foot
metal picket fence. "
Mr. Brillhart: Its the first sentence.
Mr. Lago: And Chair, I also want to make clear again that the HEP Board
approved this fence, the front fence.
Chair Russell: Thank you. And so, that's the clarification. The Civic Association's
committee did not like the internal part of the fence; however --
Mr. Logo: There was a recommend --
Chair Russell: -- the HEP Board decided to grant the certificate to allow it across
the entire frontage --
Mr. Logo: Correct.
Chair Russell: -- replacing --
Mr. Logo: Correct.
Chair Russell: --the old fence.
Mr. Logo: Correct.
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Chair Russell: And my question about the foliage had to do with just the overall
masking of the front of the property. Are there any requirements --for example, in
the Coconut Grove Neighborhood Conservation District, you're not allowed to have
a fence unless it's masked by foliage, unless it's of an oolite structure; very particular
part of the Code. Is there anything like that in Morningside's Historic District
guidelines about fences? It's just generally "no" to fences. However, your
department and the HEP Board agreed to the Certificate of Appropriateness for the
fence based on what; the masking of the bushes or the old fence? What was the
reason?
Mr. Adams: Based on what was interpreted as a unique situation. Number one, they
had a chain link fence --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Adams: -- which really doesn't conform with the district. And number two,
because of the access issues in, and the City installed things, so they saw that as
unique circumstances, which allowed them to make an interpretation of the
guidelines.
Chair Russell: Got it.
Mr. Lago: I also wanted --
Mr. Brillhart: Can I mention one point about this?
Mr. Lago: Go ahead.
Mr. Brillhart: In an effort of preservation of Morningside and the lot -- and you
picked up on it, Commissioner Russell -- the front of the lot is very wooded and
dense and vines, and very beautiful as it is. So in an effort to preserve that and make
it more beautiful, that's why -- I think that's why the board -- I'm speculating here --
but that's why HP [sic] said, "You can take away the chain link. " And we said,
"Well, we'll put the new fence five back and landscape it in front to make the lot
continue to look like this," and that's when HP [sic] said "Okay, if you work with us
on the materials and everything, that seems like the goal of what we have now, and
you're working to keep that. That sounds like a decent plan." That is my
interpretation of the discussion, because this is the condition as we speak. We
wanted to get rid of the chain link. We proposed --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Brillhart: -- to put a five feet (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Is there anything within the Certificate of Appropriateness that
requires them to keep that foliage upfront? Because those aren't trees; those are
bushes and hedges that they could remove without -- permanent, if I'm not mistaken.
And the reason I mention that is sometimes in these noncontributing structures, even
in an historic district, if there is sufficient masking on the front, that might give us
pause or leeway to be a little more flexible on what's behind, because if it's a
removable item and the entire facgade could be fully exposed, we have to consider
that.
Mr. Lago: We could certainly agree to that, to put --
Chair Russell: Okay. So it's not in the certificate at this point, but they're willing to
proffer that with regard to the foliage in the front and the fence.
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Mr. Adams: There is a condition that states, "The applicant shall add a semi-
permeable screen facing the street along the front covered walkway. "
Chair Russell: What is a semi permeable screen? Is that foliage, or is that a
physical item of nonorganic nature?
Mr. Brillhart: It's a -- can I clarify? In the landscape plan -- and I don't know if we
have a large one -- it is in HP's [sic] document, in the submittal that -- where we
show landscaping in front of the fence. So is that your question?
Chair Russell: If it's required to be maintained.
Mr. Brillhart: I don't think that was discussed. We would have to go back. Like --
Chair Russell: What is this reference to a screen, though? I don't understand that.
Semi permeable screen, what are we referring to here?
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: During construction?
Mr. Brillhart: The screen is -- the way I understand it, now that I understand what's
-- you were talking about the landscaping here, right; at first?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Brillhart: The screen that they're talking about is that there needs to -- they're
asking for a semi permeable screen back here on the walkway.
Chair Russell: On the walkway.
Mr. Adams: Yeah, on the walkway.
Chair Russell: Different item. Sorry; unrelated then.
Mr. Brillhart: Un -- completely unrelated, exactly.
Chair Russell: Got it. But I think we've gotten clarification on where the Civic
Association stands on the fence -- partial 'yes, "partial "no" -- and where the HEP
Board stood on the fence, allowing completely across.
Mr. Lago: Because of the unique situation.
Chair Russell: Yeah. Understood.
Mr. Lago: Correct.
Chair Russell: My next question for Administration has to do with the setback.
Miami 21 is 20 feet. In this particular plan, at the very worst, we'll call it, they're at
20 feet; and then, as the street gets further away from the structure, it grows beyond.
But all we take into consideration is that minimum, right?
Mr. Garcia: The nearest point to the property line has to be 20 feet.
Chair Russell: One of the arguments made by the appellant is that they shouldn't be
allowed 20 feet like the house across the street, because their lot is much deeper. Do
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we take into consideration the depth of a lot that we can't see behind when
considering the front setback?
Mr. Garcia: No, not at all. The baseline of reference is always the property line.
Chair Russell: Simply. And so, Miami 21 applies. There is no number within the
Morningside guidelines, the historic guidelines, with regard to the number of feet for
the setback.
Mr. Garcia: That is correct.
Chair Russell: But there is contextual guidelines that say it should form, and that's
where the appellant's argument is; that it doesn't form to the houses on that side of
the street; but across, it does. That's what it sounds like. Thank you. Clarified. Did
you have a comment about that?
Mr. Brillhart: I'm not so sure on the fact that Morningside says it has to line up with
the neighboring structures.
Chair Russell: We didn't say that.
Mr. Brillhart: Okay.
Mr. Lago: No, no, no.
Chair Russell: Very, very objective contextual --
Mr. Brillhart: Okay; fair enough.
Mr. Lago: Yeah. They didn't say that.
Chair Russell: And an argument can be made if a majority of the houses on that
street have one thing that it should be somewhat in line, an argument can be made
that you could be conforming with across the street. So it's very objective --
Mr. Brillhart: Correct.
Chair Russell: -- subjective -- I'm sorry. First thing.
Mr. Brillhart: Correct. And the other argument that I would make is that the last
five houses that have been built in Morningside are -- all been at 20 feet. So if the
argument is that predominantly, houses in Morningside have been farther back, well,
for the last -- you know --
Chair Russell: Your primary argument is that none of the houses on your side of the
street have the 20 foot --
Mr. Wagoner: On both sides.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: On both sides of the street.
Mr. Wagoner: Of the 11 houses, one --
Mr. Brillhart: Not on both sides. The house right across the street --
Mr. Wagoner: --there's one house --
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Mr. Brillhart: -- has a 20 foot setback.
Chair Russell: Let's not talk over each other.
Mr. Wagoner: --has 20 feet, of II houses.
Chair Russell: Right. And --
Mr. Lago: Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: -- most of the new construction has allowed it for whatever reason. I
don't know what appeals have come or -- but they've all gone before the HEP Board.
Every new construction in the --
Mr. Wagoner: Not as far -- not to our knowledge, no.
Chair Russell: Any new construction in a historic district --
Mr. Wagoner: They don't come to appeal.
Chair Russell: -- appeal comes here.
Mr. Wagoner: Sure.
Chair Russell: And not all of them do that, but many have been approved with a 20 -
foot setback in the Morningside Historic District; new noncontributing structures.
Mr. Wagoner: Yes, because there were no complaints (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Understood. Understood. But --okay.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Vice Chair Gort: Speak in the mike.
Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Go -- microphone, please.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: In the Historic Preservation guidelines, it says it --
concerning landscaping in the front yard -- that landscaping on the front yard is not
to be considered when being -- determining what is the public right-of-way.
Chair Russell: Correct.
Ms. Beauvais -Wagoner: You know, because you -- it can die. You can cut it down.
So the fact that there's a lot of landscape in the front of this building doesn't mean
that it'll be there tomorrow.
Chair Russell: Right, and that's why I -- if this is approved -- well, if the appeal is
denied, I would like to see a proffer from the appellee with regard to the foliage in
the front, because I think that has a big part of why HEP Board made their decision,
but they didn't hold you to it for the future, necessarily, with regard to the fence.
Mr. Lago: We can definitely agree to that.
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Chair Russell: That sort of foliage can mask a fence like that. It grows through it
and it is a very dense lot. It is a very dense lot.
Mr. Lago: We can agree to that.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Wagoner: The barrier isn't just a fence, because -- any vision barrier; could be
foliage.
Chair Russell: Understood. Understood.
Mr. Lago: Can I -- can we just show you one diagram, just a --?
Chair Russell: You've made them all and you've brought them all, and we're here to
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Lago: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Really quickly, and I think we're -- I think -- I'll open up to other
Commissioners, but I believe I have enough information to make a decision at this
point.
Mr. Lago: Okay. We just wanted to show you this; that this diagram shows that the
line of sight from the appellant's home --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Lago: -- and then you'll see the landscaping. The one over there is -- the one
closest to me is the current. Right? So -- and as you can see in the diagram, you
cannot see the home, and you will not be able to see the home once it's built, because
the landscaping right now is so dense, and can't be --
Chair Russell: The sidewalk continues all the way out the Morningside fence, and
that means it's (UNINTELLIGIBLE). All right. Yes, that's fully understood. I think
the point of what they're making is the masking of the structure itself on the side
foliage. All right. For my part, based on the appellant's issue with regard to the
fence, I'm satisfied with the HEP Board decision, and same goes with the setback. I
have to say I really appreciate all the effort you've put into this, and I understand
where you're coming from, but I do not see this new structure, noncontributing
structure violating the spirit or the letter of what Morningside's preservation is
trying to accomplish. It seems to be a bit more of a neighbor dispute versus a
historic dispute.
Mr. Wagoner: If we have guidelines, why aren't they being followed?
Chair Russell: It -- a Certificate of Appropriateness can be granted, even in an
historic district, when appropriate, where appropriate; and so, that's why. It --
Mr. Wagoner: Oh, the rules don't apply.
Chair Russell. They do, they do, and that's why things come to HEP to --
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Commissioner --
Chair Russell: -- get decision when something is questioned.
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Mr. Suarez -Rivas: It is beneficial, just -- the guidelines are goals, they are
objectives that are followed, but they're interpreted by the board, and part of that is
how the board thinks that they apply in a particular case. They are not the Code.
Chair Russell: Right.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Okay.
Chair Russell: It's clear to me here that they allowed the exterior fence -- for a
safety perspective, they allowed it to continue across, because of the historic -- not
historic, but the existing chain link fence that's there. This brings it at least more
into compliance with regard to the aesthetic of the neighborhood. I understand
where they're coming from, so I'm open to a motion to deny the appeal, but I'll open
it to the floor.
Vice Chair Gort. Move to deny the appeal.
Chair Russell: Move to deny; seconded by the Chair. Any further discussion? Any
questions?
Commissioner Reyes: No. I just want to know that -- Francisco, you are satisfied
and the HEP Board is satisfied with this?
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir. Thank you for the question. We're very comfortable that the
proposed new structure complies with all the applicable regulations.
Commissioner Reyes: Are you tired?
Mr. Garcia: Not yet, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: You are talking so clear, man. I mean, I can understand.
Mr. Garcia: I keep trying.
Commissioner Reyes: By the way, Mr. City Attorney, I met with a couple, and they
came to my office, see, and --
Chair Russell: Are Jennings required on this item?
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Yes, Jennings would be required on this item --
Commissioner Reyes: So just in case we meet with them, but I met with them.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- because this is a quasi-judicial item. So Commissioner Reyes is
disclosing. Is there anyone else who met with --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: -- someone?
Chair Russell: I've heard -- I've met with both the appellee's attorney and their
representative.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Okay. That's -- so that's duly noted on the record. Yeah, this is a
quasi-judicial item.
Commissioner Reyes: They went to see you. They didn't come to see me.
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Chair Russell: Oh, you haven't met with them. I thought you said --
Commissioner Reyes: No. With them, no.
Chair Russell: No, I have not met with the appellant; just with the appellee.
Commissioner Reyes: With the appellant, I mean.
Chair Russell: How do we concretize the proffer of the foliage being permanently
maintained; the mask of the fence?
Mr. Adams: You can simply add a condition that the foliage must be maintained.
Chair Russell: Does the mover agree?
Vice Chair Gort: Yes.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chair, looking at the -- I have one concern only. Looking
at the layout, it's very modern and all of that, but given the fact that now we have this
platform, Airbnb and all of that, I think this is a beautiful home to be rented in
pieces. I just want to include some sort of condition that this cannot be rented as --
be used for rental property. I mean --
Chair Russell: We have existing --
Commissioner Reyes: -- not Airbnb, not nothing, because this is fantastic for an
Airbnb. You see --
Chair Russell: Is that--?
Commissioner Reyes: -- excuse me --
Chair Russell: It's already gone into our existing Code? This is T3 -R.
Unidentified Speaker: Not permitted.
Mr. Garcia: It is, and temporary rentals are not allowed by the --
Mr. Lago: They're notpermitted.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, can we include --
Unidentified Speaker: They're not permitted.
Commissioner Reyes: -- can you include in --just like a covenant or something that
this is not going to be a temporary rent?
Unidentified Speaker: We could.
Vice Chair Gort: It's not allowed.
Chair Russell: It's already not allowed.
Unidentified Speaker: Oh, yes.
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Mr. Suarez -Rivas: The Commi -- it's not allowed by the underlying Code, and the
Commission can request a proffer of a covenant, but if the applicant agrees on the
record, it's going to be added to the resolution. For instance, applicant accepts
maintaining foliage to mask the fences, and there will be no rental of the property.
Chair Russell: I think it's redundant to the Code, and if the Code were ever to
change and allow it, they should be allowed to, as well. I don't understand the need
to --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, we don't know what's going to happen with Airbnb, sir.
Chair Russell: Right. So I say we follow the law on that, and we have a current
Code that actually protects this neighborhood and this home.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, no. It will protect them, and if we make it clear that it
will protect them.
Chair Russell: I don't think that there's any -- our Code does not allow for Airbnb
short-term rentals in a T3 -R. This is a T3 -R. That already complies with the Code.
We can actually add a statement that says, "And they must follow all other elements
of Miami 21 and our Code, but I think it's redundant. "
Commissioner Reyes: Now it is not because --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Reyes: -- the law has not been changed. You don't know what's
going to happen with legislature that they were presented -- they were presenting a
law -- I think it was the House were presenting a law to --
Chair Russell: Yes; trying to preempt.
Commissioner Reyes: -- trying to preempt the City's --
Chair Russell: But let's say it does get preempted. How could we add a burden onto
this one resident that the rest of our residents wouldn't have to follow?
Commissioner Reyes: Well, what I'm saying is that I'm trying to protect the other
residents that don't want that in their neighborhood.
Mr. Lago: Can I add, Commissioner --?
Commissioner Reyes: The things is, I mean --
Chair Russell: It's already not allowed.
Mr. Lago: They're not permitted. The design -- there's -- they talk about a unit to --
above a garage. My clients have family that live out of town. They have frequent
visitors. They intend to use this as their single-family home. This is a beautiful
home. This is not going to be a short-term rental. We have no issue with it. We
have no issue. We can agree to that. But I just want to state for purposes of the
record and be very, very clear, this is their family home. This is not for purposes of
short-term rental, which are not even permitted.
Chair Russell: So you're proffering a covenant with regard to the short-term rental?
Mr. Lago: We can agree to that, yes. We'll agree to that.
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Chair Russell: Okay. All right. Is that --?
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Just for clarity of the record, would you please --just repeat that
last statement, please? Please repeat. Mr. Lago?
Mr. Lago: Oh, I'm sorry.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: Please, can you just repeat what you just said?
Mr. Lago: That should short-term rentals ever be legal, the home will not be -- the
home will be only -- well, I was going to say that the home will only be used for
single-family residential purposes, but we could, I think -- should short-term rentals
ever be legal under Miami 21, the home would be prohibited from short-term rental
use.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: And will you be proffering a simple covenant to that effect?
Mr. Lago: Yes.
Mr. Suarez -Rivas: All right. That's fine. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there any further discussion? All right. All
in favor of the motion, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Thank you very much. Motion passes.
Mr. Lago: Thank you very much, board. Have a great evening.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
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PZ.8
RESOLUTION
5902
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
Department of
GRANTING/DENYING THE APPEAL FILED BY 79TH STREET
Planning
HOLDINGS LLC ("APPELLANT") OF THE DECISION OF THE
PLANNING, ZONING, AND APPEALS BOARD UPHOLDING THE CITY
OF MIAMI PLANNING DEPARTMENT'S ISSUANCE OF WARRANT
NO. 2018-0067, ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 4, TABLE 3,
ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.4, AND ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.3.4 OF
ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), AND
ASSOCIATED WAIVERS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5, SECTION 5.5.4,
ARTICLE 6, TABLE 13, AND ARTICLE 7, SECTION 7.1.2.5 OF THE
MIAMI 21 CODE, TO ALLOW FOR THE OPERATION AND
CONSTRUCTION OF AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH FACILITY ON A
PARCEL ZONED 75-0," URBAN CENTER TRANSECT ZONE - OPEN,
LOCATED AT 1001 NORTHEAST 79 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA;
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Continue
RESULT: CONTINUED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Note for the Record. Item PZ.8 was continued to the September 26, 2019,
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.8, please see "Part B: PZ -
Planning and Zoning Item(s). "
PZ.9
ORDINANCE Second Reading
5900
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning
NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"), BY CHANGING THE
ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM 76-8-R," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT - RESTRICTED, TO 76-2413-0," URBAN CORE
TRANSECT - OPEN, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 240 SOUTHEAST 14 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; ACCEPTING
THE VOLUNTARILY PROFFERED DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIVE
COVENANTS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT "B"; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: 13855
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MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Joe Carollo, Commissions
SECONDER:
Manolo Reyes, Commissic
AYES:
Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Harde
NAYS:
Russell
Chair Russell: All right. Yes, we are calling back to order. Nice job, son. Thank
you very much. I'm sorry we're not moving a little more quickly today. I know we
have a lot of items left on the agenda. We do, however, have a time certain item; I
believe it was for S p.m. Yes, we're a little late on that, so I apologize for those of
you who came for that, on that time certain. So we're going to take up that item
first. Let's start with public comment on that item, and that is PZ (Planning and
Zoning) -- help me out, please, Mr. Clerk.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): PZ. 10; is that the time certain item that you're
looking for?
Chair Russell: Nope.
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): PZ.9. I'm sorry. PZ. 9.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. PZ.9, rezoning, 240 Southeast 1st Street --
14th Street; otherwise known as Babylon.
Later...
Chair Russell: All right. So we're going to open up public comment on PZ.9 only.
If you're hereto speak on PZ.9, please approach either of the lecterns. Nobody
here to speak on these items? Only on the rezoning of PZ.9; then we'll take up that
item; then we'll take up the public comment for the Planning and Zoning agenda.
Judy Santos: Can you hear me?
Unidentified Speaker: Yes.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Santos: Okay. Good evening. My name is Judy Santos. I live in 218
Southeast 14th Street. And thank you for hearing me. I hope you do pay attention
of what I'm going to explain. I'm a registered architect, and I was analyzing the
space, and in the last meeting, the attorney said that they were losing footprints. So
I brought here what would correspond -- you can turn it a little bit -- to Ordinance
1100, the setbacks -- 11000 -- I'm sorry -- the setbacks; that you have the front
setback of 10 feet and you have the side setback from Emeralds, 15 feet; and from
the Commodore is 20 feet; and from the back is 10 feet. So when you give them the
setbacks that corresponds to this lot, they have 5,715 square feet of footprint. And
when you give them Miami 21, the T8, the -- correspond right now, T6-8, that
correspond right now, the setbacks changes; that the front is the same, the 10 feet,
and the sides is 15 feet per each side, not 20 and 15. So they gained there a
thousand --more than a thousand square feet of footprint. And the rear is I5 feet.
So before, it was 10. But the rear is so small that they really don't lose anything;
they just gain. So now in the 21, they would have 6, 000 --
Chair Russell: Ma'am, just to clarify and --
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Ms. Santos: Yes.
Chair Russell: Are you speaking in favor of the application for the up -zoning?
Ms. Santos: Oh, I'm sorry. No, I'm against it. And I'm against it, because the thing
is that if you're comparing, they're not losing square footage. So the only difference
from what they had before now is an "R," that's "restricted," that is -- would be
residential, and the "0" of "office" that they had before to an open space; an "0"
now. So that would be the difference. Our recommendation from the City Planning
that you have your expert people working there have recommended a 12. The 12
would be a little bit of gift, and we don't -- we're not fighting that. We would say
okay, but only the 12, because, really, it should be -- apples to apples would be the
T6-8-0, and not a T6-12-0.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Ms. Santos: Okay.
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me. Excuse me.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. --
Ms. Santos: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: -- Chair. Ma'am, were on (UNINTELLIGIBLE) 20 on the
radio yesterday, right?
Ms. Santos: Yes, I was.
Commissioner Reyes: And you were insinuating that I voted --front of Carollo and
I, we voted for the 24 floors instead of the 20 floors, because we had received
contribution from the attorney and that -- I'm going to tell you this, and I said it a
little while ago. You don't have money, and nobody have money here to make --
sway my vote. And it is very irresponsible, very irresponsible, because when you
came to my office, you were talking about 80 floor. And I told you, "Don't worry
about it. They're not going to go" -- "I'm not going to allow" -- because before that,
somebody asked me not to go over 40. And I said, "I'm not going to allow that,
either, because I" -- "it doesn't fit there." And when you walked out of there, you
see, you knew that they were going to go 20 or 20 -something. But I get very
insulted when any one of you -- any one of you makes the -- insinuates that we --
any one of us -- that receive a campaign contribution that that campaign
contribution comes attached to a vote. Probably what is happening, it is that some
of you are suffering from a disease in -- you know -- a psychological disease that is
called 'projection." And 'projection," it means that you see people as you are
yourself, you see? I will never tie my vote to a contribution. Thank you, ma'am.
Ms. Santos: Thank you. And now, please let me respond. No, just one thing. First,
I went to your office, and when I went to your office, you told me that if you were in
my position, you would fight harder than what I am fighting; that's number one.
Number two, I was not the one that said of donations. I just explained the case.
That was my position.
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. You said it --
Ms. Santos: And number three --
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Commissioner Reyes: --and the person that was with you --
Chair Russell: Please, please, one at a time.
Unidentified Speaker: I was.
Commissioner Reyes: You were the one.
Chair Russell: Please, step back from the lectern, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: You were the one, and you said it, and that goes for you, too,
sir.
Chair Russell: All right. Just a minute, just a minute.
Commissioner Reyes: You are projecting, too; that's it.
Chair Russell: Let's make some order here. Let's make some order.
Unidentified Speaker: May I?
Chair Russell: No, no, no, you may not. I would like half of this crowd to use this
lectern, please, so come around so that we're not all blocking and becoming afire
hazard. Anyone else who's standing in the audience, if you're waiting to speak, line
up to the lectern; otherwise, please be seated. You can see everything that's going
on, on the monitors, and people behind you can see better. I would like everyone to
give some breathing room. Don't crowd the lectern. We're going to speak one at a
time. Everyone gets their two minutes. It's fair when an accusation is made that it's
rebutted. I think that's been taken care of. You accused right back. Let's have
some decorum. I don't think we need to accuse anyone. With campaign
contributions comes a perception, and that is something you live with in the life of
politics. People will make accusations. I don't think we, as the dais, need to defend
ourselves on every item, and it's redundant. You know in your conscience what is
clear.
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: It is fully fine -- anyone in the public is completely within their
rights to their suggestion, opinion --
Commissioner Reyes: Absolutely, absolutely. But the way that it was insinuated --
I know it comes with the turf.
Chair Russell: Sure.
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, it comes with the job. But what really irked me was
that we have talked about this, and I promised that I wasn't going to allow it to be
high.
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Reyes: And I thought that when we -- I spoke with the attorney and
all of them, I said, "You're not going to go over 40 feet" -- I mean 40 stories. And
when I heard that you were agreeing on 24, I thought that we had done something
right, you see? And then I'm accused of being influenced by contributions. That's
ridiculous.
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Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. You've made your point, you've spoken
your two minutes. You're good?
Ms. Santos: Yes.
Unidentified Speaker: Yes. Ms. Santos will just be submitting the exhibit into the
record with the clerk.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Sir.
Unidentified Speaker: Excuse me. May I?
Chair Russell: I apologize, but we're -- we alternate between lecterns.
Jabier Arbeloa: It was very related to the previous topic.
Chair Russell: You'll have your moment. You'll have --
Unidentified Speaker: Okay.
Chair Russell: -- two full minutes to speak, uninterrupted.
Miguel Dvorsk: Okay. Good evening, Chairman, Commissioners. So my name is
Miguel Dvorsk. I live in 2018 [sic] Southeast 14th Street. I moved to the property
in March 2018 and -- well, I moved, because that is the place of Brickell that I like
the most. It's peaceful. It's a great area, very attractive. So I am against the
rezoning of the Babylon. I think that it will disrupt the community living. I think it's
going to impact the quality of life of the community, as well. And I think that the
space is just unfitted [sic] for the project. I mean, it's just a very small lot. I mean,
how you will --you know -- build like a building in that place, right? So -- and for
example, living in that building, I know that we are going to lose -- a vast number of
families are going to lose their privacy, because basically, you are going to, you
know, look directly, you know, in a very small space, you know, to the window to
the other building, and especially will destroy the value of the property that I
bought, basically. So I just wonder who will win if this project is approved, right?
Definitely not the community. The community will be a loser. And I just want to
know who also will live in the Babylon in such improvised location. So, simply, the
project doesn't look right to me. Something's off, and I think that the space is just
unfitted [sic] for the project, and it will diminish the community quality of life. Sol'
just wonder what other interest will be here discuss -- you will be discussing here, if
not the community wellbeing, right? So I ask the Commissioner to vote against the
rezoning. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Now it's your turn.
Mr. Arbeloa: Thank you. Going to the previous topic, I -- My name is Jabier
Arbeloa. I was the person who brought the topic of the campaign contributions. I -
- when I start talking about that, I mentioned clearly that campaign contributions
are not necessarily legal, but data from the City of Miami, the Office of the Clerk,
shows that Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner Carollo received contributions
from Bercow Law Firm, partners of Bercow Law Firm; people related to Bercow
Law Firm, including Mrs. Bercow; and companies owned or controlled by
Francisco Martinez. That's illegal? No, that's not illegal. That's perfectly legal
campaign contributions. But for the matter of perceptions, it's something that I
believe should be clarified, and I think Commissioner Reyes has all the right to
clarify, and we appreciate that he referred to that. Thankyou.
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Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Reyes: And I also received contributions from a bunch of people
here that I have voted against.
Mr. Arbeloa: But it's interesting; only Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner
Carollo received contributions from Bercow Law Firm and from Francisco
Martinez, based on the analysis of the data. None of the other Commissioners, at
the best of my knowledge -- and it was a very quick analysis, to be very honest --
received any contribution. If you want, anyone here in this room can get into the
Office of the Clerk. Campaign contributions -- I mean, this is public record.
Commissioner Reyes: Si. I don't deny it. And the only thing that I want to clam --
(Applause)
Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Stop, stop, no, no, no.
Commissioner Reyes: But I mean --
Chair Russell: You may not have been here for the morning --
Commissioner Reyes: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: -- but we don't do that in here.
Commissioner Reyes: -- I just wanted to clam that it is not right to make all those
insinuations --
Mr. Arbeloa: I am not --
Commissioner Reyes: -- without any proof, without (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Arbeloa: -- making accusations. I'm only pointing to the data.
Commissioner Reyes: And that's right.
Mr. Arbeloa: Everybody can reach their own conclusions. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Next speaker, please.
William Hunter: Hi there. My name is William Hunter. I've been living in the
Emerald for about two years now. I got to say a lot of people came out. For every
single person who's here today, there are dozens who couldn't make it, but who feel
the exact same way; will be negatively impacted, the exact same way. And for these
reasons and many more, we ask the Commissioners to vote against the rezoning of
the Babylon property. Thank you, guys.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Next speaker, please.
Estrella Marca: Hi. My name is Estrella Marca, and we live at 218 Southeast 14th
Street. Please vote against the rezoning. I moved into the neighborhood for my
son, and what we don't need is a whole row of very tall buildings. We already have
a lot of that on Brickell. What we need is more crosswalks, better care of our
sewage, our garbage. I'd like to cross the street without dodging vehicles, or with
my son; that's what we need. Another ginormous tower will bring yet more cars
and whatnot. I just want to stay in the neighborhood. Please don't drive us out; we
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want to stay in, and we really like the neighborhood. We're not against
redevelopment; we -- just long as it's appropriate. And the only projecting that
some of us are doing might be a little vomiting here, but -- you know. So I'm going
to get going, and thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Good evening.
Jessica Melendez: Hi. My name is Jessica Melendez. I reside at 218 Southeast
14th Street. It was mentioned at the last Commission meeting that decisions
shouldn't be made where the facts are in dispute, because it means that someone is
either being disingenuous, or that the facts are being misunderstood. So I'm asking
you, Commissioners, today to make a recommendation based on the undisputed
facts; facts that have been admitted, and have no controversy surrounding them.
It's undisputed that under Zord -- under Zoning Ordinance 11000, the Babylon
property was zoned "0. " It's undisputed that the proposed maps for Miami 21 that
were presented by the Babylon designate the property R4 instead of "0." It's
undisputed that when Miami 21 was adopted, the property was zoned T6 -8-R. It's
undisputed that the Babylon and the Planning Department agree that to the extent
there is an error, the error is the property's designation as R4 instead of "0, " on the
proposed Miami 21 maps. I don't necessarily agree that there's an error, but that's
not an issue here. So those were the maps that were shown in the Babylon's very
own presentation. It's undisputed that the Babylon has brought this rezoning
application to, quote, "Restore their taken property rights by correcting the City's
error. " It's undisputed that the only experts that have testified before, the Planning
Department, after extensive analysis, have determined that a rezoning to T6-12-0 is
the appropriate corrective action to remedy any error here, and restore the
Babylon's property rights. In fact, the Planning Department has repeatedly stated
that T6-12-0 compares favorably to the Babylon's prior "0" designation under
11000. The Deputy Director of the Planning Department stated on more than one
occasion at a public hearing, in front of the PZAB (Planning, Zoning and Appeals
Board) that a straight restoration of rights gets you to T6-8-0. We, as the
neighbors, believe that the proper corrective action here is a T6-8-0; however, we
are amenable to allowing this T6-12-0, which your Planning Department
recommends, the only experts that have testified here, and we urge you to deny the
T6-24. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. No, no, no applause, please. Please. Thank you; that's
why we're here at 6 p.m., and not even finished with the morning's agenda, amongst
other reasons, but let's hold the applause. Elvis.
Elvis Cruz: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Elvis Cruz, 631 Northeast 57th Street. A very
basic, fundamental concept in all of these hearings is that it's not about what you
want; it's about what the law says. I was part of the Miami Neighborhoods United
team thatparticipated in the legislation of Miami 21. Francisco Garcia was part of
the team, with a consultant, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberg [sic] at the time. Please
correct me if I say anything incorrect in my presentation. During those 10 or 12
community meetings that I attended about the formation of Miami 21, we were often
told by Elizabeth Plater-Zyberg [sic] that up -zonings such as this one would
become a thing of the past. Why? Because they were going to remap the entire
City, and they were going to make sure that all the zoning was appropriate;
moreover, that for someone to get a rezoning in the future, they would have to do at
least two things. Number one, they would have to prove that the existing zoning
was somehow inappropriate; and number two, that the proposed new zoning was
appropriate, and sure enough, that language is in Miami 21; 7.1.2.8-2(f (g). And I
quote: "The analysis shall explain why the zoning change is appropriate and why
the existing zoning is inappropriate in light of the intent of the Miami 21 Code; and
in particular, in relation to effects on adjoining properties." It has been in the
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black letter of Miami 21 since it came into effect on May 10, 2010 -- excuse me --
May 20, 2010, and it has routinely been ignored. It's being ignored here today.
I've told you guys this countless times, and it's constantly ignored, but it's now on
the record. So please turn down this zoning.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Mr. Cruz: This is appropriate as it stands and the proposed is inappropriate.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Mr. Cruz.
Ralph Desantis: Hello. My name is Ralph Desantis, and I've been living at 218
Southeast 14th Street for approximately 10 years -- or actually, 12 years. I moved
in in August 12 of 2006. I'm not used to speaking in public, so please forgive me.
As a resident of the Emerald at Brickell, I was -- will be extremely negatively
affected by the up -zoning of this building for various reasons, including additional
traffic. There's -- traffic in the area is unbearable. General privacy and quality of
life: My life matters. My family lifes [sic] matter. The people in this room's lives
matter. I ask you to vote with your consciousness, and I ask you to deny the up -
zoning of this building. Thankyou very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much, sir. Hello.
Amicar Fuentes: Hello. Amicar Fuentes, 79 Southwest 12th Street, Apartment
4006 [sic]. I'm here as a resident of Brickell and the City of Miami. And to be
honest with you, I was on the previous case for the Ultra, and like I have said, that
I'm very concerned of the City's projection; let's say it that way. I want to quote --
it's sad -- it's too sad that Commissioner Carollo is not here. I want to quote him on
what he said on the previous one, saying that we got to worry more about politics
than the sea levels. He just mentioned that; that politics are going to destroy our
City before the sea level rises. And to be honest with you, I think he's kind of right
on that, because this is the third time I'm here, and the Commissioner talking in
reference to this case; last time, many months ago, because I'm not directly related,
like these people. I'm here just as a resident. Last time I came, it was declared a
historic building. Many times ago -- I know I'm late, but still, last -- that time, I was
very proud of my City, because the Commission took a vote to preserve our history,
and on the best interest of the City. I don't know why. Maybe taxes? If we increase
the development, we're going to get more units, more taxes? That's the only benefit
I see from the City; besides that, I don't see any benefits at all. I think it's pretty
clear who the majority is in favor of -- I mean, actually, against of it. And only one
developer or one owner with a lot of money or very good connections is doing
whatever he wants on the City. So I -- taking what Commissioner Carollo said, we
got to be careful of the approach our City is taking, because a lot of people with
money taking decisions.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Hello.
Megan Tamaccio: Hi. Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Megan
Tamaccio, and I live at 218 Southeast 14th Street. I'd like to submit into the record
the petition that I created in opposition to the proposed rezoning of this property.
As of 2:30 this afternoon, we've got 787 signatures. We did a quick review, and it
looks like there's about 400 plus that are actually residents of Brickell Bay Drive.
The applicant has loved to complain -- claim over and over again that they have
some sort of neighborhood consensus and everyone's for up -zoning, but we've seen
no evidence of it. And as the petition clearly shows, and our participation, we're
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the one that's in the majority, and we oppose it. So I have copies for everyone of
that; I'll distribute to the Clerk when I'm done.
Chair Russell: How many signatures?
Ms. Tamaccio: 787.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Tamaccio: The applicant says -- they're trying to convince you that they lost
something in Miami 21, when your own Planning Director tells you that they
haven't. Miami 21 doubled the square footage of the applicant property; under T6-
12-0, it's triple. They haven't lost anything. It's a huge gift, and I think,
Commissioner Russell, you even mentioned that in the last Planning meeting. So
your own Director says -- Director Garcia says that T6-12-0 compares favorably
to what they had under "0," and he can unreservedly recommend T6-12-0 zoning.
So we looked at that as a community, and we're saying, "You know what? The
Planning Director has done an extensive research, and it makes sense to us. " So on
one side, from our point of view, you have this extremely wealthy, powerful
developer, whose nickname is "The Baron of Biscayne, " mind you, and he has no
ties to the community. He did not lose anything from Miami 21. And on the other
hand, you have hundreds of residents that will lose, and we will lose badly if you do
this. We'll lose money, we'll lose privacy, security, quality of life, and faith in our
government. I ask the Commission to ask themselves one of the optics here: Why
are you pushing the scale so far in favor of a single developer as opposed to all of
us? Why are you ignoring your own experts? And what evidence do you have to
support the T6-24? Commissioners, please consider lending your weight and
credibility to our case instead of theirs. Put the burden on them. This is our life
and our investments you're playing with, and we will fight for them. I ask you to
stand for the people of the City who've made their wishes clear, and vote to deny the
application of T6-48, ignore the T6-24, and approve the 776-12-0 that your own
experts have approved. Thank you very much for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Chelin Duran: Hello.
Chair Russell: Hello.
Ms. Duran: Hello, guys, Commissioners. Hi, Commissioners, my friends. I'm not
here saying about money or contributors. I'm just saying that I'm an owner, me and
my husband, for 35 years. We own two homes, two beautiful units; not investment,
just our home. And like you guys always tell me, you follow the City's and the staff
recommendation. So I was surprised when you guys went against the City Attorney,
the district Commissioner, and the Planning Director with their recommendation.
You completely took another vote. So I'm asking you, please do what you always
tell me that you do, which is follow the City's staff recommendation. And coming
from a family of attorneys, I believe in law and order, and I think it's the true and
the legal thing to do. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Hannon: I'm sorry, Chair; if I could get the speaker's name again?
Chair Russell: Chelin Duran.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
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Chair Russell: The; "The Chelin Duran. "
Jean Imbert: Good evening, everyone. My name is Jean Imbert. I am currently a
resident in 218 Southeast 14th Street, and I am against the development of the -- it
was the Babylon. The reasons for that -- you guys were mentioning earlier, you
know how important the quality of life is -- right? -- to your residents. You -- it
would be outrageous for us. I just encourage you to please drive by, see how
narrow of a lot that is. And in your minds, think, "How can they even" -- even a 20
-- it just does not make sense. Please just drive by at some point and see what the
impact of a 24 -story building would do to that. If anything, could you please just
follow the recommendations from your City and do the 10-, 12-, whatever story
height they would recommend? But it would be outrageous for us -- quite honestly,
straight shooting -- right? I mean, I know it seems, Commissioner Reyes, like a big
deal, going from 40 to 24, and it sounds -- I get it, right? And I'm not going against
the development, right? The (UNINTELLIGIBLE), everything's -- grow, and we get
it. But it's just one that makes sense. Even 24, it's just -- it's too much. I --
personally, I'm not an architect or any of that, but I really don't think the lot is there
for that tall of a building. So please, if you would consider that, we'd much
appreciate it. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Hello.
Natalia Pardey: Hi. Good afternoon. My name is Natalia. I also reside at 218
Southeast 14th Street. Excuse me if my voice shakes. I'm terrified of talking in
public, but this really does affect me personally. I live there. I'm on the 10th floor
of the building. I saw where the building was, and when I heard that this thing was
going to go up, I go, "Look, honestly, if this is going to be this close to me" -- I need
my privacy. I want my privacy, and that's the reason why I chose living in the
Emerald. IfI wanted to live in a bigger building, in a zone or an area that had that
big commotion, I would have probably chosen to live somewhere else; that was one
of the reasons why we actually chose the Emerald. It is going to affect me
personally. I probably can tell you that if this thing goes up, I'll probably be able to
stretch my hands out and I'll be able to touch my neighbor's arm, because it's going
to be that close. I also wanted to ask you to please not rezone, also, because of the
traffic. You know, they already put a stop sign there; which, by the way, nobody
abides to. There's this stop sign that everything tends to run, because of the traffic
that's already there, because of the residents already live there. I can't imagine
having this huge building there. And lastly, I just want to ask you to please just
consciously put yourself in our shoes. If you were the one living there, if you were
the one that had all this commotion going on, how would you feel as a person that
actually resides in that building; not somebody outside? But just in one minute, put
yourself in our shoes. And like he said, drive by and see the size of it. In my head, I
can't see anything bigger than what was already built there be built. So I ask you
guys to please consciously vote against rezoning the building. Thankyou.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello.
Daniel Rams: How's it going? My name is Daniel Rams, and I'm a resident at
Brickell, at the Emerald Brickell on 218 Southeast 14th Street, and I'm against this
up -zoning. I agree with everything that's been said before me. I also want to kind
of reiterate the experts, how they said that street restoration of rights would give
them a T6-8-0. And we're trying to reason with our neighbors, and try and reason
in -- into a T6-8-12 --
Chair Russell: T6-12.
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Mr. Rams: -- sorry -- T6-12-0. And -- because I know, Commissioner Reyes, I
know you kind of said, like with the stroke of a pen, they went from a T6-48 to a T6-
8 -R, and I just kind of want to reiterate that that's not correct, and then if it's a
straight restoration of rights, it would be a T6-8-0. Please, guys, vote against this
up -zoning. I think it would be more than reasonable, and I know the Planning
Department's being more than reasonable to kind of restore this error with a T6-8 -
- T-6-12-0. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. It's kind of cool, but it's a little sad that all of our
residents have become zoning experts. It's very interesting that they're that
engaged; it's a little sad that they need to be. Thank you.
Jorge Isaac: Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Jorge Isaac. I reside at
218 Southeast 14th Street. I'm not here to talk about the legalities of this. There's
plenty of evidence why this rezoning should not take place. I am here to reiterate
what all the residents have said. This is an invasion of privacy. I will not have a
balcony if this building goes up. I will have a building in front of me. And the
harsh reality of this is that this is the beginning. If you vote 'yes," this is the
beginning of the rezoning of this area; this beautiful area that we have there in
Brickell, and nobody has mentioned that today. So to vote 'yes" would be to give
developers a green light to come in and try to rezone these other buildings on
Brickell Bay Drive, which would deteriorate the residents' standard of living and
quality of life. So, like the prior speaker said, put yourself in our shoes. Don't think
about this building, which doesn't fit there; everybody's told you that. I don't know
if you all have gone by there and seen the lot. But put yourself in our shoes, and
think about what's coming. Think about our City. So please vote "no" for the
rezoning.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Carlos Moreno: My name is Carlos Moreno. I live --reside at 218 Southeast 14th
Street, as well. And I just want to say that I agree with everyone else that spoke
that oppose. I'm opposed to the rezoning of 240 Southeast 14th Street. That's what
at the bottom line, like -- right? We're not saying don't build anything there. We're
working with you. We're saying, "Go ahead and build, but just don't go crazy"; just
like it was just said, that this is the foundation of what's to come in Brickell, our
beautiful Brickell. But just --further construction would just congest that area even
more. And this is a community, a neighborhood, and that congestion is just what's
going to drive the people away. And these are good people, and we want to stay.
Thank you for listening.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Lourdes Delgado: Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Lourdes Delgado. I live in
the Emerald, 14th Street, 218; short. I'm just here to express my conformity with
the rezoning next to our building, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And I stay -- ask to the
Commissioners to take a close look; that this would harm us. All my house have
glass from top to floor. I will live in the next building. And in the other hand, the
people who maybe buy those apartment will live in my house. I like the privacy. I
like the fresh air; that's why we buy in that place. And every stairs [sic], we do it
for some reason. The City say some time ago that we can enjoy the free zone to the
Brickell Bay Drive. I try to find something good for this development; how this
development will improve our neighborhood, our community, and our City. And,
unfortunately, I didn't find nothing. It's not a property that will have something
useful for us or for any in the area. And so, I ask you dear Commissioners that vote
"no"for the rezoning. Thankyou.
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Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello.
Alexander Velsasevic: Hello. Hi. My name is Alexander Velsasevic. I live at 218
Southeast 14th Street. I want to ask you why the majority of you are siding against
us, the residents of my building in particular, when we haven't done anything
wrong, whatsoever. We did our homework before buying, and trusted the law that
you created. Now, you are putting burden on us to take this matter to the court and
prove that the law is on our side; again, the law that you created. Your own
experts, the City Planning Department, have said that their recommendation of T6-
12-0 is much more than the owner of the property previously had. And yet, you
decided to completely ignore it again. Some of you even said on the record that this
is going to court anyway, so let's just give the owner T6 -24-B-0. Again, why? The
lawyer representing the owner's property will say anything to win the case, of
course, but that doesn't make it a fact. The facts are that the law is on our side, and
that you are ignoring the recommendation given to you by your own experts. So the
right thing here to do in my opinion is to deny this application and let the applicant
bear the burden of taking it to the court, and making their case for changing the
law. You are elected officials and you should be upholding the law, and act in the
best interest of residents of the City. So I ask you to act accordingly, and deny this
application. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Phillippe Feldin: Hi, Commissioner. Phillippe Feldin (phonetic). I live at the
Emerald at Brickell, 218 Southeast 14th Street. Thank you all for your attention
span and your time. I could never do what you do; it would be entirely boring for
me. Learning about zoning codes is a little more boring, but they do affect people's
lives. And in that sense, I think all my neighbors have spoken quite clearly. I think
the original legislation is quite clear, and I think we all know what happens when
developers with big money try to swing their wallets around. That being said, the
property rights should be respected. We're willing to work with them. I don't know
the technicals of the Zoning Codes. I know they're up to 8 now. I believe 12 is
reasonable. If you go from our building and you look out, and you see 24, that is
unreasonable. Let's do the right thing here, gentlemen. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Liliana Lecocq: Hi. My name is Liliana Lecocq. I live in Brickell Bay Drive, 1440
(UNINTELLIGIBLE). I bought the apartment in 2009. I am in favor of rezoning.
Most of the people who is against the rezoning lives in Emerald, who have the
privilege to build more than 24 floors. Why our roads was down -zoning? Please
act with justice. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello.
Elma Qujano: Good evening. My name is Elma Quyano. I'm at 218 Southeast
14th Street. We are asking you, the Commissioners, to vote against the rezoning of
the Babylon property and approve -- and prove to us, the residents of the
community, that you have the community's best interest at heart; not the best
interest of the developer, who does not live in the area. The owner of the Babylon
was well aware when he purchased the property of the limitations with that
property. Approving this rezoning will affect the character of our community and
the quality of our life, causing additional traffic and environmental issues. Thank
you for your time.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
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Silvia Erro: Good evening. My name is Silvia Erro, and I'm the property Manager
at Jade Residences, 1331 Brickell Bay Drive. I'm here representing the 341
owners, which, if you consider the residents, it's like triple that amount. They
kindly request that the Commissioners vote against the up -zoning, and vote for the
recommendation of the Zoning Department; looking after their best interest, and
not the interest of one owner/developer. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Yaidyt Hernandez: Hello, Commission. My name is Yaidyt Hernandez, and I'm
representing the ownership of 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Brickell House
Condominium. The consensus of our residents is in agreeance with everybody else
that has spoken today. They wonder why the Commission does not want to follow
the recommendations of the Planning Committee, especially after enduring two -
plus hours of speaking about the need of -- putting the importance of the quality of
life of our residents before anything else. One of the things I would like to ask is if
any of the Commissioners have been to the area that is in question; not only
because of the size of the lot, but because of the infrastructure of the area. The
roads that are in the area will not support the increase in population that we will
see with the approval of a T6 -24-B-0. And if I am not mistaken, in November of
2013, there was an amendment to the original ordinance that spoke about the T6-
24-0, which allows for a building under that code to be built up to 48 floors, which
is absolutely ridiculous; not only for that lot, but for the area in question. And
lastly, the concern of most of our residents is the domino effect that the approval of
this amendment will cause, as since 2017, there are talks of other buildings and
plans of other buildings by developers that are trying to buy the different
condominiums and the different co-ops in the area to build bigger buildings. So
once again, just representing the consensus of my owners and my residents, and
they are opposed, and they urge you to please deny the amendment to change the
zoning.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Melanie Paredes: Hello. My name is Melanie Paredes. I live in 218 Southeast
14th Street. I strongly oppose the rezoning of the Babylon property for all the
reasons mentioned here by my neighbors, such as lack of privacy, increased traffic,
as well as environmental component. I ask you to please vote against the rezoning.
Thanks.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. You can go ahead, sir. You can go
ahead.
Joaquin Perez: Mel
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Perez: My name is Joaquin Perez. I live in Costa Bella, 1450 Brickell Bay
Drive, Apartment 2001. It's interesting to see how the City is working, because
before 2003, we had the height -- the skies were the height. After that came T48 to
all Miami, and then from -- I don't know where it came out -- that six buildings in
the front of the Point View Association were down -graded to T8; not even
respecting the height that we already have. In my building, we have 23 floors. The
other buildings have lost another bunch of floors. And so, to me, the rezoning is to
recover the T48 for the whole area. And I understand that the square footage that
this property has is not able to build 48 floors, but in the Commission that I
assisted, the Zoning Commission, was approved T24, and I approve and I am for
the T24 for the Babylon; and also, for the rest to recover the T48.
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Chair Russell: Thank you.
Tucker Gibbs: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Gibbs: Good evening. My name is Tucker Gibbs, with law offices at 3835
Utopia Court, in Coconut Grove. I'm representing the Millennium Tower
Residences Condominium Association, at 1435 Brickell Avenue, which is behind the
property subject to this rezoning application. As I said last time, my client objects
to the re -- proposed rezoning to T6 -24-B-0, for all the reasons stated in your
professional Planning staffs analysis and recommendation, and as set forth in the
record of the Planning and Zoning Appeals Board, and in the City Commission on
first reading. My client also supports the Planning staffs recommendation to
rezone the property from T6 -8-R to T6-12-0, for the reasons set out in staff
recommendation. I'd like you all to note the staff analysis emphasizes the Miami 21
Zoning Code's successional zoning requirements for properties less than nine acres,
such as this one. The applicable chart for such properties shows that the
appropriate increase in zoning from T6-8 is T6-12. Therefore, my client urges you
to adopt the staff recommendation to rezone the property to T6-12. Thank you all
very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments.
Ana Jimenez: Hi. I'm Ana Jimenez. I just moved about three months ago to 218
Southeast 14th Street. I was very excited. My fiance has been living there like for
four or five years. And I just find out all this, and I'm completely opposed to the
zoning. Like the others said, people -- it have to be a win/win situation, and I'm a
believer in that. And I guess going up to T24 -- I don't know the codes, but to go up
to 24, I think it's not feasible. I guess the T12 would be more than enough. This is
a small lot. And I guess we all deserve privacy, and I guess privacy is our right.
And I guess going beyond that is not feasible; it's unexplainable. So I'm opposed,
and I hope you put yourselves in our situation, and just try to understand that we
deserve to have that privacy, and that you can make the right decision for this up -
zoning. Thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Hello.
Brian Copps: Hello. My name is Brian Copps, and I'm a resident of Brickell
House on 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Number 2605. I thank all of you for your
service and commitment to public institutions. I think what you do in the time you
give tonight is admirable. I just moved here from Wisconsin and Miami is my new
home, and I love it; although I got to learn Spanish. That's one of my big things. I -
- talking to Victoria, I learn. I got to learn the language. So why did I choose
Brickell? All these beautiful places in Miami -- you got great neighborhoods.
Brickell has charm. Brickell has a soul. You walk and you talk to people walking
your dogs, and it just feels like a community. Brickell has community to it that
made me go from a renter to a buyer this year for the first time. And I bought,
wanting to keep that soul and that charm in the neighborhood. I don't think this
keeps that. I think that this is moving in the direction that's going to take away that
charm, take away the appeal for people like me on where they should move in
Miami. And so, I just respectfully ask that you reconsider, and, you know, go
against this thing. Thank you for listening to me.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Hello.
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Enrique Herrero: How are you? Enrique Herrero, 218 Southeast 14th Street,
Apartment TS301. About four years ago, I purchased my unit over there, just
saying, "This is the perfect place to live. " And for the last two years of this Babylon
has been going on, I haven't slept right. I mean, the quality of our living that we've
had there has been destroyed. I respect all of you four that been here, the four that
are here who are listening to us, because I know it's your time. And -- but what I'm
saying is, you know, the building next door, the Babylon, as long as I've been there,
that owner have had a trashcan -- that building is the worst building I've seen down
there. He hasn't cared, just like the other properties had. So, you know, for this
person, after being there in that property for nine years or 10 years that he bought
that property, not caring about it, at this moment, having to piss off all the residents
in the area that we live there -- he's just an investor that doesn't even live there.
He's just a guy from -- an outsider with money that wants to build something there.
The zoning is the zoning, and the other buildings around there, that is the zoning.
When I bought my unit, I made sure what was going to happen there. They told me
it's a T6 -8-R. I asked my realtor. If something happens, they can only go to 12
floors. Based on that, I made my decision. I'm here. Now, by changing that, it's
really destroying our quality of life, destroying all of us. I really am voting against
it. And the people here that are against it, please stand up again so that the
Commissioners know about this. I really appreciate your time. Thank you very
much, and I hope you guys make the right decision. For the residents that live here
that we voted for your City -- for you -- we voted for you to represent us; not a
builder that dictates what we do in the land. Not going to happen.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Sir.
Nicholas Young: Hi. My name is Nick Young. I live at 1402 Brickell Bay Drive, on
the other side, in Commodore Bay. I'm here to represent the units of our building.
So, much like this subject property, we were also down -zoned to T6-8. Our building
is 16 stories tall, so --
Chair Russell: I'm sorry, sir.
Mr. Young: Yes.
Chair Russell: You said you represent a building?
Mr. Young: Commodore Bay. I'm sorry. Well, I'm on the board of Commodore
Bay. My neighbors all feel similarly to myself, so --
Chair Russell: I just need to understand whether you're speaking for yourself or for
an organization or --
Mr. Young: I'm speaking for myself, but the building has consensus on this matter.
Chair Russell: Has the building proffered a resolution or voted on this issue?
Mr. Young: We have not yet. So I'll speak for myself.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Young: Let me speak for myself. I'll speak for myself, but know that many of
my neighbors feel the same way. So we believe that the entire Point View
neighborhood is improperly zoned; so, as such, we do support an up -zoning of the
Babylon property. However, we would encourage the Commission not to piecemeal
the solution. As the gentleman from Costa Bella said, there are many buildings that
are also down -zoned and subjected to this same T6-8 zoning that need to be fixed.
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Sorry to be so unpopular for all our neighbors at the Emerald. We still love you
guys. But, you know, in speaking about privacy, our building was built in 1994.
We had the same thing happen that they're worried about when Emerald was built,
when Brickell House was built, when Jade was built. We enjoyed a nice, quiet little
building, and development came. This is Miami. This is what happens. But to
down -zone a property to secure your own privacy is inappropriate in my opinion.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Hello. Please come closer to the lectern and
share both lecterns. So if you're here to speak on this item, go ahead and form a
line at both of the lecterns. And -- hello. You can go ahead and speak.
Rosa Gonzalez-Learra: Good evening. My name is Rosa Gonzalez-Learra, and I
would like to yield my two minutes to Rudi. I have lived in Brickell Bay Drive for
33 years.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Ms. Gonzalez-Learra: I'd like to
Chair Russell: Did you capture that, Mr. Clerk?
Mr. Hannon: She's giving her two minutes to -- who, again?
Chair Russell: I didn't quite catch it, but this gentleman.
Mr. Hannon: Thank you.
Sarah Powell: My name is Sarah Powell, and I live at 1430 Brickell Bay Drive.
I'm giving my two minutes to Rudi.
Enerida Nieto: I'm Enerida Nieto. I live in 21814th Street.
Mr. Hannon: Chair, I'm sorry. I can't hear.
luAWLYMMA'ilm
Chair Russell: If you could move the microphone closer? Thank you
Ms. Nieto: I'm Enerida Nieto. I live in 21814th Street, in the Emerald Building. I
give the time for him.
Chair Russell: So that's three so far, plus him; that's eight minutes. How much
time do you need, sir?
Rudi Duemichen: Can I have one more? I'm just going to -- I need eight plus
minutes.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Tania Jane: My name is Tania, and I give my time to Mr. Rudi.
Chair Russell: I need the name once more again. I'm sorry. Just for the Clerk, we
need the name. Ma'am?
Mr. Hannon: Yes. No, no, no -- sorry.
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Chair Russell: I need her name.
Mr. Hannon: Ma'am, in the green sweater.
Ms. Jane: My name is Tania Jane. I am -- live in 218 Southwest [sic] 14th Street,
at 2001 Apartment.
Chair Russell: The address isn't necessary; just the name. Thank you.
Claudia Ramos: My name is Claudia Ramos, and I'm donating my time to him; my
two minutes.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Duemichen: I got my eight minutes.
Chair Russell: That sounds like 12 to me, yeah.
Unidentified Speaker: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Duemichen: No, no need, no need.
Chair Russell: All right. I think you're good, right?
Mr. Duemichen: 10.
Chair Russell: Okay.
Mr. Duemichen: No more than that.
Chair Russell: All right. Sir, are you donating your time to him? No? Okay. Go
ahead.
Mr. Duemichen: I'd like him to go first, please.
Chair Russell: That's fine. Go ahead.
Jose Santos: My name is Jose Santos. I live in Brickell Bay Drive. And first of all,
I would like to say thanks to hear me. According to the letter that I received in my
mailbox, I totally disagree with the proposal that was presented -- that's all Jade
neighbors. There are many reasons to support my rejection in what was proposed
by City of Miami Commission. According to the Miami law, it's not legal, create
more noise, pollution, traffic, constructions, buildings, over land, over height. That
were established from the beginning until now. In my opinion, some futures are
building must be followed and respected. For instance, height, locations,
boundaries between buildings and palm trees, beside other kind of plants. Another
situation is related to instead eight floors, instead create eight floors, now they are
pretending 24 floors. The Condo Emerald and the neighbors are concerned about
new constructions, especially with over size of our land, over heights, creating more
noise, creating more pollution, creating every day more traffic, and negative
impacts on environmental issues. As a neighbor, I am against to T6 -24 -B -O and
T6-12-0. Thanks to hear me.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much for your comments.
Mr. Duemichen: Hello, hello. Gentlemen—
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Chair Russell: I got your timer set. Go ahead.
Mr. Duemichen: -- this is the first time I come before this Commission. I have sat
here for numerous hours; certainly, not as many hours as you do. And I've heard
everything from the whole process that we're here today. Oh, my name is Rudi
Duemichen. I'm an owner at 218 Southeast 14th Street, Apartment 2203. And
thank you --
Chair Russell: Please address the dais.
Mr. Duemichen: -- well, she's the one that --
Chair Russell: Yeah. Go ahead.
Mr. Duemichen: I am impact -- directly impacted by this up -zoning, second
reading, and I am here to oppose it. I come up to you, because I am in total
disbelief that this zoning request has gone this far, and that this Commission has
voted in favor of an up -zoning despite the City of Miami's professional Planning
staff, your Legal Department recommending denial of the Babylon's up -zoning.
This makes no sense to me. It eats me inside. It burns me inside. I don't sleep on
this. This doesn't make sense. I know -- I'm generally a positive person, and I
believe in the good of people, but as a businessman, I have come across decisions
that at times did not make sense, and found that the usual common link was money.
So I decided to follow the money myself, too. I reviewed the camp -- so I reviewed
the campaign contributions made by all the parties involved; the applicant's law
firm, the applicant, and related parties. I began with you, Commissioner Reyes.
Wow, the first contribution received, the very first that you received, numero uno,
December 2017, was from the attorneys that are here representing the applicant.
Okay? That shocked me. But, you know, it's coincidence, so I kept going. And I
went on and I found a second contribution to the same campaign for the same
maximum amount. Florida Law requires there's a thousand dollar max. We have -
- somebody needs to look at this, and that's why I mention it. There has been
possibly a question of -- over amounts of contributions by the firm, and I -- and this
needs to be looked at. When I saw this, I had to dig deeper. I know -- you have to
understand, I see something that's questionable, I see attorneys giving to the
contribution. I have to go forward, so I did. And, of course, I find -- Igo into the --
do I have to go back here or not? I went to the contributions and I wanted to find
out more about this firm that made this questionable two contributions. So I looked
at the website. They have all their pictures, and every single one of the partners
and shareholders contributed. But they not only -- I don't see that in the
presentation -- but they not only contributed, but they contributed two or three
months before the hearing. You know, that gets to you. It's like there's a pow -wow,
contribution pow -wow right be -- right before the hearing, and it's all the
individuals directly doing it. Commissioner Carollo, I could not find -- and
Commissioner Reyes -- the applicant. I fully expected to see, you know, the same
pattern with the applicant; but, no. He directed his contributions to you. I mean, I
don't mean to single you out, but there it is, you know? Substantial funds. Of
course, the firm appears and the -- everybody else appears. So I have to go on. I
can't do this. I -- you know, please understand, this is what's happening to me
inside, looking at this thing, on my -- and I have to do this. So I keep going. And I
wished that was it. There has been a gentleman here, a developer called Henry
Pino. I saw him marshal people to the stand. I looked into who he was. Well, he's
a very respected and big developer in the City, and he was also voting for the up -
zoning, and it turns out that, looking into it, he has interest -- he's definitely an
interested party. He has registered lobbyists and -- he has registered lobbyists.
He's -- I'm sorry, I'm very nervous, but this -- I just need to make my point. I will
get there, I promise. And the -- he has even -- you know, I saw on the internet a
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picture of a 48 -story rendering of a building that -- 48 -story on our neighborhood,
right there, if he was able to get the up -zoning. This must be a long play for the
1430 Bay property.
Commissioner Carollo: Can -- I don't want to get you off your best, but if I could
ask you -- because if you're going to mention my name, I'd like for you to put
everything in the open. Who gave me contributions? When did they give me, and
what amount did they give me?
Mr. Duemichen: He -- yes. Can I go back or no?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah.
Chair Russell: Hold his time while he answers the Commissioner's question.
Mr. Duemichen: Yes.
Commissioner Carollo: What date was this? Who gave it to me, and what amount?
Mr. Duemichen: Well, there it is. Did you want to -- do you want me to read, one
by one, or do you have it for the record; that's good enough?
Commissioner Carollo: Go ahead. Go ahead. You got this Joshua and Michael
Linten (phonetic) that you're putting, an attorney. I have no idea who he is. $250
on September 30, 2017.
Mr. Duemichen: These are all people that, to the best of my knowledge, are
associated with the Babylon.
Commissioner Carollo: Melissa (UNINTELLIGIBLE), $500 on November 30,
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Duemichen: May I continue? And you can do that later, Commissioner
Carollo.
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no. But I -- it's my time. I'm not taking from you.
Mr. Duemichen: Oh, thank you.
Commissioner Carollo: Don't worry. Michael Wayne Larkin, $500, September 30,
'17; Micah Merrero, $250, 9/30/3017; Matthew Amster (phonetic), 9/30/2017, 250;
Ben Fernandez -- that's one that I know -- 250, 9/30/2017; (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
Penn (phonetic), 250, and 9/30; Bercow Radell, a thousand -- that's a little better
than 250 -- 1/14/2017; Melissa (UNINTELLIGIBLE), 9/30/17, $500.
Mr. Duemichen: I believe she's here.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, I think -- is this Michael Wayne Larkin? Did I repeat
these guys already or --? No, I'm repeating them. After -- I had said all those
before, so I was just going over. Ran Penn (phonetic), 250, and --
Mr. Duemichen: These are the attorneys that are representing the applicant.
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Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Now, do you -- you know what I raised in the
campaign? You should put the final amount that I raised in that campaign. And
this is a drop in the bucket that was contributed to me; a drop in the bucket.
Mr. Duemichen: It always is a drop in the bucket, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. This is a drop in the bucket.
Mr. Duemichen: I understand.
Commissioner Carollo: In fact --
Mr. Duemichen: But it's here.
Commissioner Carollo: --you --
Mr. Duemichen: And this is the attorneys.
Commissioner Carollo: -- have people --
Mr. Duemichen: And these are interested parties.
Commissioner Carollo: -- you could -- you --
Mr. Duemichen: My point is not that --
Commissioner Carollo: -- have people sitting on here --
Mr. Duemichen: Please, this is not --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that are some of your --
Mr. Duemichen: -- I must --
Commissioner Carollo: -- main clients that have contributed to me in the past.
Mr. Duemichen: This is not about this. This is totally legal.
Commissioner Carollo: Well --
Mr. Duemichen: It's about -- my point -- I -- if you'll allow me to make my point,
please. I would like to make my point.
Commissioner Reyes: I just want to ask you a question.
Commissioner Carollo: Do you--?
Commissioner Reyes: Did you find anything on Mr. Russell?
Commissioner Carollo: If --
Commissioner Reyes: Because I think you gave him about $5,000 for his
congressional -- also?
Mr. Duemichen: I would love to see it.
Commissioner Carollo: Excuse me.
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Commissioner Reyes: Oh, yeah. But, I mean, you know --
Mr. Duemichen: I'd love to see that.
Commissioner Carollo: Commissioner, excuse me. Let me be done, because --
Mr. Duemichen: Can I please continue, please?
Commissioner Carollo: No, no, no --
Mr. Duemichen: I just need to finish my --
Commissioner Carollo: --you --
Mr. Duemichen: I'll be out of your way, I promise.
Commissioner Carollo: -- have your time. You have your time. I'm not taking --
and we're not taking your time away. But you were here a little while ago for the
wonderful Ultra discussion that we had, right?
Mr. Duemichen: Yeah, I sat in for the last few minutes.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. But a lot of people here were through the greatest
portion of it. Do you remember how I voted on Ultra?
Mr. Duemichen: I did.
Commissioner Carollo: I voted "no." Correct?
Mr. Duemichen: That's correct.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. You're going to find that Ultra contributed to me,
probably more than, you know, the few thousand of dollars that you're putting here.
Mr. Duemichen: Like they all do.
Commissioner Carollo: And I voted "no." Now --
Mr. Duemichen: May I please continue?
Commissioner Carollo: -- and they haven't asked for their money back.
Mr. Duemichen: May I please continue?
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely.
Mr. Duemichen: Because I have another grind to peck.
Commissioner Carollo: Absolutely. But, you know, I don't mind giving --
Mr. Duemichen: So, Mr. Henry Pino, interested party, big donator. So we can see
where the money -- there is money.
Commissioner Carollo: But not to me.
Chair Russell: Four minutes, please.
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Mr. Duemichen: The contributions. Commissioner Reyes --
Chair Russell: Please continue.
Mr. Duemichen: -- I have been -- I have to read this. While I'm focusing on you,
Commissioner Reyes, I have been always fond of you, because of your strong view
that the City of Miami should not do business with vendors with ties to Cuba. But
when -- it seems that when it comes to accepting contributions, that does not appear
to matter. You have -- Akerman has donated to you, widely known as a -- with a
Cuba practice --you know, they represent Airbnb. They have (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
You should practice what you preach. "Y como dicen en Cuba" --
Commissioner Reyes: Please --
Mr. Duemichen: -- "Predicar la moral en calzoncillos. Perdoname" --
Ms. Mendez: I think --
Commissioner Reyes: Excuse me, excuse me.
Ms. Mendez: -- we've already --
Commissioner Reyes: -- I think in that --
Mr. Duemichen: Let me ask if this is -- sir -- we are due ---- I mean, if --
Commissioner Reyes: You see, you might know more of this. When they give you --
I mean, there is a fundraiser, everybody comes and -- but -- Listen. I'd be more
than glad to return it if it is true. And another thing that I'm going to tell you is you
look, and you're going to see that it's a (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which is around here
-- did you --your law office, did you organize a fundraiser for mel
Iris Escarra: I did.
Commissioner Reyes: You did. You did. And after the fundraiser, you were
representing the Mas brothers with the Melreese Golf Course?
Ms. Escarra: I am.
Commissioner Reyes: And how did I voted there?
Ms. Escarra: A very loud "no. "
Commissioner Reyes: Oh, okay. That means that maybe sometimes that there is no
consistence, okay? And they are -- like this example, there are a lot of examples
that I received contribution, and I vote against it. I received contributions from
Ultra, and I was the first one that voted against them to get them out of --
Mr. Duemichen: But Commissioner Reyes, you see what does --
Chair Russell: Please, just --
Mr. Duemichen: -- it makes us residents --
Chair Russell: Please, sir.
Mr. Duemichen: -- see how deep we go --
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Chair Russell: Please, sir. Sir --
Mr. Duemichen: -- because we're so bothered by decisions --
Chair Russell: -- sir --
Mr. Duemichen: -- that are made that make no sense.
Chair Russell: -- sir, stop, stop, please. We're not having a back and forth or an
argument. I've stopped your time while the Commissioners would like to speak.
You'll get your time, but I do not want a back -and -forth argument, please.
Mr. Duemichen: After all this information, I -- it became clear to me that there's a
lot of money falling --flowing to campaigns of these particular two Commissioners
relating to this matter. Is this the way the business is done in the City? Is this
acceptable? Is this ethical? Sorry to pick on you, Commissioner --
Ms. Mendez: Chairman, I think -- I mean --
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: -- this man would have been given like so much leeway. It's already
in the record. This -- if he has a problem, he could lobby the State Legislature and
say why he thinks this is a problem. But these could -- everything that has been
brought up here is perfectly allowed by law, and it is -- there is nothing wrong with
it.
Mr. Duemichen: The maximum --
Ms. Mendez: It is allowed by law; that's it.
Mr. Duemichen: -- even the maximum contributions (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Ms. Mendez: And if you are being already --
Chair Russell: Just a minute, sir.
Ms. Mendez: -- quite scandalous. You're alleging things that are inappropriate.
It's already in the record; you put it in. I think, Chairman, he's had more than
enough time to talk. I mean, that's really ridiculous.
Mr. Duemichen: Can I please conclude then, please?
Chair Russell: Madam City Attorney, he has the exact amount of time as what's
been donated to him, and he can speak. I think there have been accusations going
back and forth amongst --
Ms. Mendez: You've been -- right.
Chair Russell: -- everybody.
Ms. Mendez: The problem is that you've been very generous. You're allowing the -
Chair Russell: And—
Ms.
nd--
Ms. Mendez: -- compounding of time in more ways that are just --
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Chair Russell: It'll be up to this body to differentiate what he is accusing as
potentially unethical by optic, and he's even brought up -- however, he has brought
up some things that he believes are actually illegal. So I think he has his time to
make his case. And of course, these Commissioners can say whatever they want in
rebuttal. But he does have his time as a member of the public. I --
Mr. Duemichen: I regret I'm here doing this; I really do, Commissioners.
Commissioner Gort, I have heard you saying more than once that this is going to
end up in court. I've heard you say it many times. And I understand that this is a
quasi-judicial proceeding. And therefore, we are entitled to a fair and impartial
process. Please, don't pass the buck. Think about the recommendations the
Planning Department, the Legal Department, your fellow Commissioners of your
district, and many residents of the neighborhood who are here today. We are due a
fair and impartial process that the law requires to be unbiased. We need you both
to vote for this, and you, too, Commissioner Hardemon, please. In conclusion,
there's a law I'm inserting for the record; quasi-judicial bias. And in conclusion,
given this information, it's imperative that the Commissioners Reyes and Carollo be
disqualified from participating in the second reading of this up -zone request for the
Babylon property. The residents of Brickell Bay Drive demand and deserve due
process. Commissioner Reyes and Carollo have not made any meaningful Jennings
disclosure, and their ability of being unbiased and impartial is highly questionable.
At a minimum, this quasi-judicial proceeding must be rescheduled for a first
hearing where Commissioner Reyes and Carollo do not participate in the
discussion or voting. Thank you.
Ms. Mendez:
So --
Chair Russell:
Thank you.
Ms. Mendez:
-- he could take that up with the Florida Legislature.
Chair Russell:
Of course.
Ms. Mendez:
Okay.
Chair Russell: This is not a -- And sir, with full respect for the research that you've
done, this is not for this body to disqualify any one of these Commissioners. If they
have a conflict, it's up to them to disclose that conflict and recuse themselves, as
Commissioner Reyes did earlier. They don't even need to give a reason. If there is
an issue that you think there's an ethical violation, there are bodies to take that up;
the Ethics Commission, for one; the State Attorney's Office, for another. Everything
that you -- many of the things you pointed to can leave an impression, but are not
illegal. People are allowed to draw their own conclusion, and that's why I'm very
glad that the Clerk has a very transparent system of who gives money to whom, and
who lobbies whom. So that is open for everyone, and that's how you've been able to
find that information; doesn't necessarily mean there's something illegal. The one
thing you did point out is a double maximum contribution which you --
Mr. Duemichen: That's what I saw, and to the best of my ability --
Chair Russell: But it --
Mr. Duemichen: -- that needs to be looked atpotentially.
Chair Russell: -- doesn't disqualify someone from being able to vote on this dais.
So, you know, I understand what you're trying to do here. You may actually be
doing more harm than you're -- than --
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Mr. Duemichen: Well, it's just --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes, you are.
Mr. Duemichen: -- I'm speaking my heart.
Chair Russell: I understand that.
Mr. Duemichen: I'm not -- I'm speaking my heart. I'm affected.
Chair Russell: And you have your right, but it's been a pretty rough day here with
regard to the accusations.
Mr. Duemichen: It's been very hard.
Chair Russell: So I will thank you for speaking. I believe you will agree --
Mr. Duemichen: Thank you for listening to me.
Chair Russell: --you've had your time.
Mr. Duemichen: And thank you, Mr. -- Commissioner Reyes and Commissioner --
Chair Russell: Is there--?
Commissioner Reyes: No, just a simple comment. You see, none of that -- you
claim that I was so influenced by the contributions. My God, I should have gone
along to the 48 floors that -- instead of bringing it down to 24. You see, it didn't
work that well. Maybe you -- the contribution was not enough. I could have gone
to 48 instead of bringing it down. That's what I did, and that was at the request of
some of your neighbors.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Commissioner Carollo: And may --
Chair Russell: Is there anyone else here who'd like -- I'm sorry. If you'd like to
address --
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah. Madam City Attorney, while I was at the ojflce, did
you read what my staff gave you to read for me and my Jennings disclosures?
Ms. Mendez: We don't -- since this has been public comment, we don't -- we haven't
addressed the Jennings disclosures --
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Ms. Mendez: -- because the Jennings disclosures only apply, really, to the -- you
know -- applicant in this case. So as soon as we're done with the public, we could
do -- address any Jennings disclosures.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, because I got --for three different items that are up
today.
Ms. Mendez: You could do it now if you want. However, I just -- we haven't
addressed them yet.
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Chair Russell: Can we finish public comment?
Ms. Mendez: So you haven't missed anything.
Chair Russell: Can we finish public comment? Let's just close -- let's get through
the public comment; then we'll close, and we'll do all the Jennings disclosures.
You're here to speak publicly on this item, yes? Is there anyone else who'd like to
speak on this particular item? Then we'll be closing the public comment after this
speaker.
Maripaz Pereira: Thank you. Good evening to everyone. My name is Maripaz
Pereira Cordoba. I'm a owner in Brickell Shores -- actually, Brickell Shores
Building, 1440 Brickell Bay Drive. I've been in real estate for about 18 years, so
location, location, location is our -- all the time we say. In 2005, we are down-
graded to eight floors while the other areas upgrade. So the building where I live
has 10 floors and it's old, and in really bad conditions. If you like, you can come
and see it, all the carpets in really bad conditions. When the Emerald, Jade, Four
Season built, we were there during all this constructions. So we live in a urban city
that is growing, so we cannot oppose on the rezoning. So I agree with the rezoning.
Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your comments. Anyone else? All right. I'm going to
close -- sir, you already spoke?
Mr. Herrero: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Hannon: Chair, if we're going to have any comment, it needs to be on the
record.
Chair Russell: I'm sorry. Sir, this is not a question and answer session. This is
your moment to speak to us, and you've had that time. I sincerely apologize, but --
Unidentified Speaker: Commissioner (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Chair Russell: That's their prerogative. Sir, please sit down.
Ms. Mendez: They're --
Chair Russell: Please sit down.
Ms. Mendez: This is -- if you can go into the women's bathroom, the men's
bathroom, all the offices, everyone can hear all throughout this building. You
cannot escape the public comment; though you would try to, you cannot escape it
throughout the building.
Chair Russell: Or --
Ms. Mendez: So trust me, everybody has heard you.
Chair Russell: --Madam City Attorney --
Commissioner Carollo: For the record --
Chair Russell: Okay.
Commissioner Carollo: -- in my office, I have two televisions. I was sitting in my
conference room where I have the biggest one, listening to most of what was said at
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the time. So if that would give you some comfort, I hear with my ears; not with my
body as a whole. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. All right.
Unidentified Speaker: Commissioner --
Chair Russell: We're closing public comment, and we're going to take up the item.
Mr. Martos: Mr. Chair, before we close, I'm -- I represent the intervenor, the
Emerald. I'd like to just say two words --
Chair Russell: Have we established intervenors?
Mr. Martos: -- less than two minutes. I have intervenor status. I'll be speaking
with Ms. Tapanes, I believe, for her presentation. I just want to clear two things.
One, the gentleman who just spoke is not with my building. He's a private
individual. I'm not associated with that. And two --
Commissioner Carollo: Who are we --?
Mr. Martos: -- there's a lot of [expletive) --
Commissioner Carollo: -- who are we --
Mr. Martos: -- in that --
Chair Russell: Just a moment.
Mr. Martos: -- in what was just said. Total --
Commissioner Carollo: -- who are we speaking about?
Mr. Martos: The gentleman who just spoke.
Commissioner Carollo: Oh, the one standing at the mike. Okay.
Mr. Martos: The man who made absurd accusations, which I call bull [expletive].
I just want to make clear for the record, Ms. Tapanes, Mr. Bercow, all of his
partners and his firm work very closely with me on some projects, opposed on other
projects, and it's a firm with absolute integrity. It would never do something like
that. And so I just -- I needed to make that very clear for the record to defend them,
even though we're on opposite sides. I think it's absurd to make those kind of
accusations. So with that said, let's get back to the real issues, the substance of this
application. I'll be happy to present later. I just wanted to clear the air.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Martos: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you. At this time, are there any Jennings disclosures?
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: Well, if -- yes. So if anything -- if there's any added disclosures, you
could do them at this time; if not --
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Commissioner Carollo: If I can? On PZ. 1, I met with Ines Marrero Priegues and
the applicant. On PZ.2 and PZ.3, I met with William Riley and Allen Amdur. And
on PZ. 10, I met with Melissa Tapanes and the applicant.
Melissa Tapanes Llahues: PZ. 9.
Ms. Mendez: PZ. 9, just to clarify. There was a little typo there, so PZ. 9.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay, PZ.9.
Ms. Mendez: And then thank you for making --
Commissioner Carollo: Thank you.
Ms. Mendez: -- those disclosures.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. All right. So we're going to take this item
up. We can either start --we're on second reading, so both sides have presented on
this. Do we have new information to present; or where are we, Ms. Tapanes?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Yes. Good afternoon. Melissa Tapanes, with law offices at
200 South Biscayne Boulevard. I represent Babylon International. With us today is
Alicia Garcia at Babylon. They purchased the property -- to just clear the record --
in 1989. They're not developers. They have never built a building. They're a local
family, with this as one of their real estate interests. I'm also joined by Iliana
Hernandez Acosta; and my partner, Jeff Bercow; and colleague, Emily Balter
(phonetic). Consistent with your approval at first reading, as well as the Planning,
Zoning and Appeals Board recommendations, Babylon has modified its request to
rezone the property. Instead of T6 -48-A-0, as was originally recommended by the
Planning Department, we have modified that request to T6 -24-B-0, in an effort to
compromise with our fellow neighbors. It's important to note that we've also
voluntarily proffered a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants, limiting the future
development of the property to a maximum building height of 24 stories, as well as
relinquishing the right to utilize height bonuses under Miami 21. It's very
important to note that this is not about a particular project. This is to restore taken
property rights for this site. We discussed that in very much detail in first reading,
and I want to keep my comments brief, to simply respond to Martos's July 24 letter,
and correct certain items that were put into the record today. To be very clear, the
error that requires your corrective action today by the process of rezoning is both a
scrivener's error and a mapping error. The Miami 21 map adopted by the City
Commission stated that the property was erroneously zoned as R4. This is a
scrivener's error. The Miami 21 map illustrated that the property was zoned R4.
This is a mapping error. These errors are clear and unequivocal. They are in your
Miami 21 archives. They are not subject to debate. Even today, the Planning
Department agrees that there is an error that requires correction. Our
disagreement is what that correction should be. We have compromised with the
surrounding stakeholders at the request of the Planning Board and this Commission
to T6 -24-B-0. The City Commission's rezoning of the property based on this
erroneous maps violated the property owner's procedural due process right to
notice, as well as its substantive due process rights in the form of a regulatory
taking. Mr. Martos's letter argues that the owner's property rights were not taken,
because Miami 21grams more rights than Ordinance 11000. This is simply wrong.
Both Mr. Martos and the 2019 Planning Department's recommendation only
analyzes use and floor area, as if land development regulations only consist of use
and square footage. Anyone who has thumbed through Miami 21 knows that this is
not the case. Terms of art matter. I'll give you a few examples. In analyzing floor
area, both Mr. Martos and the Planning Department's 2019 recommendation
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attempt to compare apples to oranges by comparing FAR (floor/area ratio) under
Ordinance 11000 to FLR (floor/lot ratio) under Miami 21. This is disingenuous.
FAR under 11000 did not include structured parking; other non -habitable areas,
such as hallways, storage areas, et cetera. FLR under Miami 21 includes all gross
square footage, including structured parking. Height also matters. At first reading,
the department confirmed that while 11000 provided unlimited height for this
property, other regulations would have limited the height to a maximum of 300 feet.
However, they suggested that 300 feet was the same as eight to 12 stories, where
under Miami 21, a maximum of 300 feet is really 27 stories. Ms. Santos' depiction
of setbacks under 11000 are also wrong. For properties under 20, 000 square feet,
setbacks are not 15 and 20 feet; they're 10 feet each. We have expert testimony
from Revuelta Architect in the record that makes these setback regulations clear.
These setback regulations account for the Brickell established setback area, as well
as the setbacks above the eighth floor, which are the salient issue here, as well.
Miami 21's 3.36(a), 5.616(g), and 5.61(h) were discussed in detail during our first
reading presentation. As we also described in our presentation on first reading,
any Miami 21 transect less than 20 -- than T6 -24-B-0 would be a regulatory taking
due to the setback regulations above the eighth floor, as applied to the substandard
15,000 -square -foot lot. This is not about building up to 24 stories; it's building
anything above eight stories. Mr. Martos also claims that a 1999 Declaration of
Condominiums converted the use of the property from office to residential; and
thus, the owner relinquished its investment -backed expectations. This is simply a
mistake. The condominium was never utilized, and can be terminated at any time.
The owner owns all the units, and has since the property was purchased in 1989, a
decade -- two decades prior to Miami 21 being adopted. Further, the property has
been occupied for both residential and office uses until the property was abandoned
in 2016 due to the entitlement battle that we have been going through since that
time. I'll submit into the record lease agreements for office uses that include Baker
Concrete, Brickell Houses sales office, and Urbanica Interiors. Notably, these
ojfice uses were both before and after Miami 21 was adopted, and they show leases
from 2004 to 2016. Regarding precedent, the City Commission, Planning
Department, and the City Attorney's Office are all on record, which is summarized
in our June 26, 2019 memorandum that corrective actions to the zoning atlas are
not subject to successional zoning. We have submitted into the record precedent
that the Planning Department and this City Commission has corrected the zoning
atlases, with and without the rezoning process. Martos is correct that the CS (Civic
Space) Zoning District is unique. The CS Zoning District is so unique that it's not
even in the successional zoning chart. You may ask, "Why?" The concept of
successional zoning in 7.128(a) specifically applies to changes required by, quote,
"The City's growth and evolution over time." Creating civic spaces are not changes
required by the City's growth and evolution over time; neither is the City
Commission's work to correct errors through a publicly -noticed process. In the
case of the Babylon, the City Attorney's Office responded to a legal services
request, dated October 12, 2015, from the Planning Department, and recommended
that the corrective action be processed through a rezoning application. That
response was on November 16, 2015. Four years later, we're here before you,
hopeful that the Commission will put this very long, expensive odyssey behind us.
Despite Mr. Martos's slippery slope arguments, this case does not create precedent
against successional zoning, or create a domino effect for split -zoning throughout
the City. Split -zoning has nothing to do with the Babylon. It has nothing to do with
the corrective action that we are seeking by this Commission. Mr. Martos mentions
egregious cases. I know of no more egregious zoning matter in the City of Miami
over my tenure here that [sic] of the Babylon. This local family -- not developers,
never built a building in their lives -- has spent over $1.6 million working with the
City in good faith for over five years to correct this issue. In conclusion, the Miami
21 Zoning Atlas adopted by the City Commission in 2009 included both a
scrivener's error and a mapping error for the underlying zoning. These errors
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violated the owner's procedural due process rights of notice that is required under
Section 1.16.041 Florida Statutes, as well as case law, North Beach Medical Center
and City of Fort Lauderdale, as well as McGhee versus City of Cocoa Beach.
These errors led to the Commission erroneously down -zoning the Babylon to T6 -8-
R, like that of the other Brickell Bay Drive properties. Everything in this area,
including the Emerald that you spoke --that you heard about --is 27 stories. The
Jade is 48 stories. And I'll mention that the 1300 Building, as well as the Jade, they
did not -- and Commodore Bay -- none of them had resolutions. This is the life and
investment of these property owners. They're not evil developers, and my law firm
is not an evil law firm. We're proud of the work we do before you every month, time
and time again, at all the HEP (Historic & Environmental Preservation) Board
hearings, the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board hearings, as well as the City
Commission. We respectfully request your approval this evening, and reserve time
for rebuttal. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
Mr. Martos: Commissioners, thank you on behalf of the Emerald, Ms. Santos, and
Ms. Melendez. I'm going to make a very brief presentation. Edward Martos,
offices at 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. This is about four stories; that's what
we're talking about here. At first reading, you suggested going to T6-24, with no
bonuses. Your staff and my clients are asking T6-12 to be very -- with bonuses. So
to be very clear, T6-12 gives you 20 stories. What does that mean? We're talking
about four stories here; that's the level of compromise. I don't know if it's legal. I
can't say that it's legal, but we'll do it. We will shut up, we will go home if we can
stick to T6-12, with bonuses, which provides a benefit to the community. It provides
a benefit to the City. I need to point out that feet -- the number of feet that a
building -- in terms of height, number of feet is important, okay? The Emerald right
now as -- a lot has been made of the fact that they're taller than 20 stories. Yes,
they're taller than 20 stories. Those stories were created under the old Zoning
Code. And under the old Zoning Code, height restrictions in terms of feet were very
different. That building, the -- my client's building, the Emerald, is at 290 feet at
the roofline. There is an additional portion that goes up, which is the elevator
shaft, essentially; you know, the equipment. But it's at 290 feet. If you grant T6-12,
which allows 20 stories, the applicant will go up to 290 feet; the same exact height.
They could also build additional if -- for equipment and the like. Their parapets
can go above that, as well. So what we're asking for is a compromise that gives
them exactly what we have. And if that's not compatible with the neighborhood and
compatible with the way development should be, I don't know what is. Now, at the
heart of this, and the reason why you have a petition with over 700 signatures --
790 signatures at last count -- the reason you got that petition -- and you saw the
outcry from all the neighbors that you saw here is because it's apparent to everyone
that this is an over -correction. I don't know if there's an error or not. You staff
believes that there's an error. And the solution that they're giving you is: Give
them T6-12. They could say, "Give T6-8-O,"which allows office, but they're going
a step further, okay? We'll live with that. Again, we will live with that. When you
go to T6-24, you're just giving them a gift, and that's why all these people came out
between first reading and second reading; they all showed up for that very reason.
One of the public speakers, Ms. Tomaccio, mentioned the idea of burden. Whose
burden is it to prove that there was some error? The applicant has been at this
since 2014, and they've not produced that -- they haven't met that burden yet. They
haven't been able to produce dispositive evidence that the City Commission in 2009
intended this site to be T6-48. That's very important, because if there's no
dispositive evidence, what you're doing as a quasi-judicial entity has no basis in the
facts. Your competent staff is the only person or group of people to have spoken to
that issue or to have spoken to the issue of development rights, or to have spoken to
the idea that they have lost something. Commissioner Hardemon, you were very
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concerned at first reading with respect to a taking. A taking is about what you
expected to have, what you expected to build, and the government coming along
and saying, "No, you can't build that. " Well, the reason we brought up the covenant
-- right? -- and you'll remember the covenant you had multiple hearings about --
the Declaration of Condo is because it shows you where the mindset and the
investment -back expectation of this property owner was. That's where they were at.
So I submit to you there's no taking, because your staff tells you. I submit to you
that, as a matter of law, there's no taking. And I submit that if there's no taking,
there's no harm, there's no injustice. What you have instead is an applicant who
has a small lot, who doesn't meet the minimum 40,000 square feet or 200 linear
feet, and is trying to find a work -around; that's what they're doing. If there's -- I'm
wrapping up now. This -- on second reading, the resolution before you -- rather the
ordinance before you -- includes a provision to waive the cool -off period, which is
something that Mr. Cruz brought up in his public comments, that's 18 months
between each application. That provision of the Code, 7.128(g) 7, says that you can
only waive that if there is some injustice. I submit to you there's no injustice here.
What we have is competent and substantial evidence saying they got more rights
than they had before, and a situation where the public record shows you, between
the covenant and the Declaration of Condo that their expectation was never to do
office; it was always to build residential. With that, I -- just for housekeeping, my
associate, Alex, will be submitting a copy of the letter that you all received. Just so
that it's clear on the record, that letter was also submitted to the Clerk and to the --
to Ms. Tapanes, the attorney on the other side. I'm available for any questions you
may have. Thank you very much.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Ms. Tapanes, would you like rebuttal?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Very briefly. I think I've said everything I need to say. The
City Commission has the inherent police power and the right expressed in Sections
2.252 to take corrective action under Miami 21, the legislation before you. We
worked with the City Attorney's Office. It has been accepted and approved. We ask
for your approval. Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. I apologize that things get out of hand and
sometimes get ugly. I think we've been guilty on this dais of throwing accusations
around, and residents are now doing it back at us. I don't condone it. I don't
believe that the law firm of Bercow has acted in any way inappropriate. If there
was a double donation, I'm sure it was an error and will be fixed. It doesn't make
any sense --
Commissioner Reyes: I'm going to address that. Double --
Chair Russell: -- and --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no, no. Hold on a second. Double donation was when I
was running for this seat and --
Chair Russell: I wasn't asking to put you on the defensive, and I apologize. I'm
actually saying that I'm sure there is an explanation. And if it is a mistake, it'll be
corrected. There's no reason that they would give an extra thousand dollars in
violation to try to get your vote. It doesn't make any sense. What we have to
wonder is, why are our residents reaching for these conclusions? They are looking
for an explanation in their own hearts and minds of why we're coming to this
conclusion that can be characterized as a gift, above and beyond what they're
entitled to, above and beyond what is correct in successional zoning. Why, if what
they should get is T6-8 and T6-12 is appropriate, why are we going up to T6-24?
And so, they're drawing their own conclusions. And I will -- I mean, certainly stand
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by you and the idea that there is no impropriety here. But I do ask as your fellow
Commissioner that we look at this from the perspective of the City, from our job as
Commissioners up here, not to take these comments personally of one or two
people, because I did hear you say, "I wish I had gone for 48 instead of 24, " when
the first lady made an accusation to you. And I want to ask for us to take ourselves
out of the emotional response and remember our quasi-judicial responsibility up
here as Commissioners. The difference between T6-12, with bonus up to 20 and
T6-24, with a covenant is twofold. If we hold them to T6-12, and they bonus up to
20, which, of course, they will do, by the square footage they would need, they
would yield almost three quarters of a million dollars into our Affordable Housing
Trust Fund, our parks and green space, our infrastructure. That additional eight
stories could yield that to the City in terms of bonusing [sic]. Yet, at T6-24, with a
cap, they get an additional four stories, it's true, but we're setting a bad precedent
for that entire block. I'll show you a picture here in case some of you haven't
visited it recently. This is Brickell Bay Drive. I don't know if you can see that. It's
kind of hard to see. But you can see how it's a low -scale horseshoe compared to the
surrounding high-rises around it. This is practically -- a comparison would be
almost a single-family neighborhood where we are injecting a much higher zoning,
and how that affects a single-family neighborhood. This isn't a single-family
neighborhood, but by whatever magic during the Miami 21 conversion, they
survived a massive change, and it's a very special area. What happens here is the
domino that sets development in motion. And if we grant T6-24 with a covenant
here, the dominos that come to follow don't have to adhere to the covenant. They
can apply for T6-24 right off the bat, right down the line, and that entire area will
be changed; an area we're investing in for resilience; an area we're investing in for
a linear park. We're trying to improve the quality of life in this area. I really ask
my fellow Commissioners to trust me on this one; that this is not just a few entitled
residents. I was very glad that nobody got up and said, "I pay taxes. Don't take
away my view. " Nobody said that. Everybody here has been educated on -- gotten
themselves educated on the zoning, and recognize what we're doing is above and
beyond what we should, and I agree with them. I agree with the residents in this
case. And so, it is my hope that the will of this Commission will be here to grant
T6-12-0, with bonuses. That'll get them nearly what they're asking for, without
creating a negative precedent, without damaging the quality of life of the area, and
I do believe it's a fair compromise. But it's up to the will of this Commission, and
I'll leave it at that. We're on second reading, and I think that you'll recognize doing
it this way is best for the City, not only from a financial perspective, but from a
development perspective, and the precedent it sets.
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes.
Commissioner Reyes: After all those accusations and all of that, let me tell you
something that I have in front of me. I've been called to stick to the
recommendation. You see, Planning Department, you recommended that we should
go on one step at a time in order to grant what they wanted -- remember that? --
that you're going to -- you recommended that there was an increase in zoning, and
then they could go and request the next increase in zoning, and that would -- will
take them to what?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): So the steps would be first to go to T6-12,
and subsequently to T6-24.
Commissioner Reyes: That was what you recommended. You recommended that
there would be steps and they would go -- they could go to T6-48, right? And as a
matter of fact, they said, "Use the recommendation here." It says, "Planning and
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Zoning Appeals Board, " on May 1, 2019, recommended T6 -24-B-0 [sic], with a
limitation against the property using (UNINTELLIGIBLE) bonus height and
(UNINTELLIGIBLE), blah, blah, blah, blah, and the property to be built beyond 24
stories. Okay. It was recommended by a vote of 6 to 3. It's not something that I got
out of the hat. I was not in agreement. I did not agree since day one that they
should go to 40 or 30 stories; that they should go -- I mean, maintain it at the same
level of that building next to them, and that was -- my purpose was that, and avoid
any, any possibility on going on T6-48, and they could build up to 48. That was --
they were -- that was the intention; to go build 48 stories. And in order to do that, I
looked for a compromise in order to avoid that, and a good deed -- now I am
accused of many things, you see. I am accused of many things, trying to benefit the
neighbors in a way that I thought at the time that I was doing a good deed. And
when I said, "I should have stayed and go to T48," you see, I meant it, because
when you are accused the way that Commissioner Carollo and myself, we were
accused, and trying to discredit us, you see, you feel like -- you said, "okay." You
see, you don't care. You don't care. You see, I am -- I'm just saying this, and I still
think and I thought that the compromise was good, and precludes any increase in
zoning to T48 or build -- any building that would be higher than 24 stories. That's
it. Okay.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there a motion? If not, I'll pass the gavel
and make a motion myself to grant T6-12-0.
Vice Chair Gort: There's a motion. Is there a second?
Chair Russell: He's asking if there's a second. They couldn't hear you.
Vice Chair Gort: Sorry. There's a motion. Is there a second?
Chair Russell: Hold on. We have one more Commissioner coming back who may
be a second. Well, that didn't help.
Vice Chair Gort: All right.
Chair Russell: This is --
Vice Chair Gort: Dies for the lack of motion -- second.
Commissioner Carollo: He's on the phone with Ultra.
Chair Russell: All right. Then we need to come to a conclusion here if we want to -
- I'll refrain from editorial. I think we're making a mistake here. I think we're
doing a giveaway where it's not justified and I don't believe we have the
wherewithal to do it, and it should not be done emotionally. I think we're doing the
wrong thing here from a zoning perspective. We're skipping T6-12. We're going
from T6-8 to T6-24, and it's not the way we're supposed to do things. We're not
restoring their rights. We're giving them more than what they had before, and
without reason. We're setting a precedent that's going to damage a neighborhood
in my district for residents in my district that, as you can see, fight very
passionately, and often beyond the passion that they should have, but that's how
they feel. It's our job not to be emotionally responsive in our quasi-judicial votes.
So if there's no will for T6-12-0, where are we? Is there a motion? For lack of
motion, where do we go, Mr. Clerk?
Mr. Hannon: Well, the options are to defer, continue, withdraw.
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Chair Russell: If there's unreadiness on this item, is there a willingness to defer
this item for further deliberation, investigation? We can take it back up in
September with cooler heads, as well. I know there's a lot of heat going on here.
Ms. Mendez: So there is also the way that it's drafted, so that is not -- no one -- the
way that it's drafted now, that was not your motion. Yours was T6 -- you --
Chair Russell: My motion was for T6-12.
Ms. Mendez: Okay.
Chair Russell: It did not get a second. However, there is no readiness yet to make
a further motion, unless Commissioner Hardemon is back to second T6-12-0,
which would be a very appropriate vote for this pro --
Commissioner Hardemon: Who moved it last time?
Chair Russell: I moved.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, no, not this time; last time.
Commissioner Reyes: I did.
Commissioner Hardemon: You did? And what was your motion last time?
Commissioner Reyes: I mean, to grant a 20 -- T24 -- I mean 24 --
Commissioner Hardemon: And 48?
Commissioner Reyes: -- stories with not a single -- with a covenant that they could
not do anything else. And I still think that's a good -- that was a good compromise.
Commissioner Hardemon: Who seconded that last time?
Commissioner Reyes: Mr. Carollo.
Chair Russell: There's -- and Commissioner Hardemon, you were off the dais the
moment I did the calculation.
Commissioner Reyes: But we've been accused of so many things; that's my opinion.
Chair Russell: At T6-12-0, plus bonus, the City makes 700 and -- over -- almost
$740,000 in bonuses. It goes to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and green
space, and infrastructure.
Commissioner Hardemon: How many stories can you actually build?
Commissioner Carollo: Do we have a vote -- do we have a motion on the floor?
Chair Russell: We don't.
Commissioner Carollo: No, we don't.
Commissioner Hardemon: How many stories can they build?
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
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Chair Russell: So with T6-12-0, they can build 20 stories.
Commissioner Hardemon: No, no, no. How many can you actually build on that
site?
Chair Russell: Oh, physically.
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: I would defer to the Planning Department with regard to the
limitations on that floorplate and setback.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm going to make --
Chair Russell: Just a moment, Commissioner.
Commissioner Carollo: --the same motion that I seconded the last time.
Chair Russell: All right. There's been a --
Ms. Mendez: The same one the last time then was --
Chair Russell: T6-24.
Ms. Mendez: -- T6 -24-B-0.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Ms. Mendez: I just wanted to -- if that is your motion, I just wanted to bring to the
record -- I mean to the -- to your attention -- and I don't know if Ms. Tapanes is
winning -- willing to proffer any covenant that limits the -- it's all ready?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Yes.
Chair Russell: It's in there.
Commissioner Carollo: It was already proffered.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: The covenant has been proffered and accept -- and
approved by the office.
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by them.
Ms. Mendez: Okay. Perfect.
Chair Russell: Thank you. There's --
Ms. Mendez: And the only other thing -- I'm sorry -- that I needed to just clarify is,
are you also abiding for the T6 -24 -B -O for the FLR, the height and the workforce?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So --
Ms. Mendez: Because I don't --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- I think it was a little silent as to that, so I just wanted to --
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Chair Russell: I'm sorry; say that again. What was your question?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- to be very clear --
Chair Russell: What was the question? I'm sorry.
Ms. Mendez: The -- so T6 -24-B-0 is the one that has certain workforce housing, as
well, so --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Ms. Mendez: -- I just wanted to ask the applicant if they were abiding by that. If
you're making a motion for the T6 -24-B-0, I just wanted to make sure that that was
something that we discuss now, because I didn't want it to be a surprise later.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So to be clear, we've accepted and proffered a covenant to
T6 -24-B-0, with no -- and the developer/property owner relinquishes its right to
abide by -- or to secure height bonuses. The workforce housing, affordable
housing, is if, in fact, you do utilize bonuses.
Chair Russell: We're speaking past each other --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So --
Chair Russell: -- and I'd like some clarification from the Planning Department. I
believe the City Attorney is referring to T6-24-8.
Ms. Mendez: Mm-hmm.
Chair Russell: Francisco, could you clarify what is required under T6 -24-B-0 with
regard to workforce housing?
Mr. Garcia: Correct. And I think I'm going to essentially repeat what Ms. Tapanes
has stated, which is that as part of their covenant, although the covenant is geared
to obtain a zoning designation of T6 -24-B-0, by limiting themselves to 24 stories,
which is the by -right height, they are basically foregoing having to obtain any
additional height through the bonus program; therefore, that would not apply. So
their calculus is --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Yes, yes.
Mr. Garcia: -- or what they're proffering is, should they be successful in obtaining
T6 -24-B-0, they would limit any development to 24 stories, maximum, all of that
would be by right. They would not be participating in the bonus program.
Chair Russell: I believe we're speaking past each other, and I apologize if I wasn't
clear.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So if I may just add one thing to that, so --
Chair Russell: Now -- just a moment, because I think we're speaking past each
other, and we're not being clear. What I believe the City Attorney was referring to
was inclusionary zoning, workforce housing requirements within T6-24-8.
Mr. Garcia: Correct. And they are foregoing that participation, because they are
seeking to simply obtain the FLR, the development capacity that is by right; not the
additional development capacity.
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Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So I need to clear the record. So the -- what was approved
at first reading was T6 -24-B-0, with acceptance of a proffered covenant. That
covenant limits us to 24 stories, and we are not able to secure any height bonuses.
If we do secure FLR bonuses, we will participate in the workforce affordable
housing, and that is what the covenantprovides that was approved by your office --
Chair Russell: Got it.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- and the Planning Department.
Chair Russell: Got it. And my point to Commissioner Hardemon earlier was,
under T6-12-0, with bonus, the City will receive all of the affordable housing
benefit. They will get all of what they want, except for four stories. So I believe the
play here is not really for what's going on, on this property, but really for the future
to come on this entire neighborhood, and that's why I want to set the precedent
correctly here for what we expect to see in future development on this drive, which
should be T6-12-0, with bonus --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: So --
Chair Russell: -- so we're getting the right benefits.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- through the Chair. 5.61(g) and (h), they provide different
setbacks for transects under T6 -24-B-0. This is not about a play. This is simply
about the setback regulations as applied to this property would be a regulatory --
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: --taking.
Chair Russell: Which leads me back to Commissioner Hardemon's question. What
can be physically built on this lot with this zoning designation?
Mr. Garcia: With T6 -24 -B -O?
Chair Russell: Yes. With no other assemblage --
Mr. Garcia: Right.
Chair Russell: -- based on the size of this lot and the setback requirements, what
could they build?
Mr. Garcia: Well, the simplest answer is a building that is 24 stories tall. Right?
And then the next component of that answer that I think is meaningful, on a stand-
alone basis -- meaning without aggregating this land to any other abutting property
-- that would result in a tower component past the eighth story, with a floorplate of
approximately 6,300 square feet. And again, that, on a stand -along basis, quite
frankly, doesn't make economic sense.
Chair Russell: It's a very narrow tower.
Mr. Garcia: It is a very limited floorplate, especially to go up that height.
Chair Russell: Right. But my question to my fellow Commissioners is, why -- we
fight so hard for the bonus funding within --I mean, nobody comes to Miami to just
buy land and build to make money. People come here to buy land, up -zone it to
make money, and then build or flip. That's really the way things work here. So they
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can't do what they want to do based on the zoning that they have. They're seeking
higher zoning; that's where it comes to us. We always fight, either for residents and
their quality of life, or for the benefit of the City for the financial side of things.
Every time a developer comes here seeking things, we seek a voluntary proffer to
get the maximum for the City. In this case, we're giving away the quality of life side
of things for the residents, and we're giving away the money to the developer that
we would otherwise gain in the bonusing [sic]; almost three quarters of a million
dollars. I just un -- I don't understand why we're doing that.
Commissioner Hardemon: I -- so I understand where you're coming from now.
And without knowing necessarily exactly what they can build, even with the T6-12,
like what they could actually build was -- what makes sense, what moved me last
time was that I saw this as a taking. And so, the way that I see it is that we're
asking them to give us something for something that we already took from them.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Correct.
Commissioner Reyes: Correct.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Thankyou.
Commissioner Hardemon: You know, and that was my basic point.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: That was your point, Commissioner.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: That was your point.
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: And do you still feel that way? Do you still feel that there's been a
taking that we're only restoring if we give them up to T6-247 Because I think we're
going way above and beyond.
Commissioner Reyes: No.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: We -- that's not --
Commissioner Hardemon: But it was what Commissioner Reyes said earlier on the
dais, and what was presented before is that it appeared to me that they had a right
for 48 stories; then that was greatly reduced. And so, here we are trying to find
some sort of compromise. I think everybody's trying to find a compromise. What
that compromise is, is a completely different story, but a compromise, nonetheless.
And it's interesting. I mean, one of the first things I think anybody learns in law
school, you know, you learn about air rights and, you know, people want to fight for
their view. But you don't have a right to a view when someone owns the property
adjacent to you, and they can build to a certain story.
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Commissioner Hardemon: I mean, that's just -- that is what it is. But --
Mr. Martos: We don't -- we're not fighting to --
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Chair Russell: Just a moment, please. Director Garcia, what Commissioner
Hardemon --
Commissioner Reyes: There is a --
Chair Russell: This is great.
Commissioner Reyes: There is a motion and --
Chair Russell: -- this is great, but there hasn't been a second yet.
Commissioner Reyes: I was going to second.
Chair Russell: We're having discussion, and we'll get there. So you want to second
it?
Commissioner Reyes: Yeah, I'll second it.
Chair Russell: Okay. There's been a motion and a second. We're still in
discussion. Director Garcia, what Commissioner Hardemon is saying is actually
very key to the decision we make up here. Is this a restoration of rights to 48? Did
they -- were they entitled in some way to 48; that 24 is the compromise? Because I
think our understanding of that reality is what's going to help us make a healthy
decision. Can you help us with that?
Mr. Garcia: I think I can. And I am going to use essentially the same format that
was used by Ms. Tapanes in her presentation, and I'm going to suggest that a
reasonable way to establish that apples -to -apples comparison is to take the four key
components of development of rights for any given property; those being height, the
use regime -- what land uses can you have on the property? So height, uses,
density, and floor area; the easiest ones first. In terms of height -- that's probably
the simplest one to tackle -- it used to be under the "0" zoning designation. And I'll
say parenthetically, because this helps, and it helps build the record, that we agree
-- I think everyone agrees that there certainly has been an error, possibly two
errors. I'll list them, so they're clear on the record for further reference. One, that
at some point in, it seems the City, in error, published the zoning designation for
this property as R4, under Zoning Ordinance 11000; although, it was always "0."
This Commission or present Commissioners never took action to change that zoning
designation from "0" to R4. Therefore, "0" is the correct base point to measure
the development capacity from, point one. Point two, in changing from Zoning
Ordinance 11000 to Miami 21, the land use for the property remained restricted
commercial; today, it is restricted commercial. And restricted commercial as a
land use designation does not go well with -- let's just say -- the T6 -8-R; "R, " being
restricted, allowing mostly residential uses. There's an incompatibility there that
we should correct. So those are the two errors that I'm flagging for the record.
Now, how do we restore the property rights that were enjoyed under 11000 with the
"0" zoning designation? So height: "0" zoning designation, Ms. Tapanes
correctly asserts, sets forth an unlimited height, except that that unlimited height
was curtailed by a height cap as measured from the baseline, which yielded at the
baseline 120 feet, and then it angled up all the way to 300 feet. She referenced 300
feet; she's correct. That would be the height, maximum height obtained at the very
end of the site. And the base building line, that would be 120, which would result in
a very odd building that could not be built if that was the height limit under 11000.
Presently, for apples to apples, 120 feet to 300 feet, presently under -- for your
comparison sake -- T6-12-0 would yield 166 -- my apologies -- T6-12-0 would
yield -- yes, 166 -- no, I take that back; my apologies. That would be 20 stories.
Can someone do the quick math? 20 stories times 14 feet. I thought I had it handy;
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my apologies. 291 and -- I had this written down. Yes, here it is. 291 and T6-24
would yield in excess of that, so well beyond the 300 feet that was the baseline, or
the maximum baseline for "0." That would be 347 feet. Right? So, "0," 300
maximum, 120 to 300; T6-12-0, 291 feet.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: That's not --
Chair Russell: Of the 120 to 300, how many floors are we talking about there?
Mr. Garcia: Sorry?
Chair Russell: How many floors are we talking about in the original version?
Because that's what we're trying to get to the heart of.
Mr. Garcia: We need --
Vice Chair Gort: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Garcia: -- it's difficult, because -- and I don't mean to get too much into the
weeds, but in a hypothetical building, at the bottom, at the sort of tail end of the
site, you could get up to 30 stories at 300 feet, but that last story would be, you
know, a 20 -square -foot story, so it's unfeasible. So let me just say by way of
comparison, 120 feet to 300 feet in an inclined plane that goes through all the
property. Right? And I'll leave it at that, because that -- those are facts. So 120 to
300 -- that was the 11000 reference point -- to 291 feet, Miami 21, with T6-12-0.
And beyond that -- I had the other number available --
Chair Russell: So my --
Mr. Garcia: -- 347 and T6-24.
Chair Russell: -- question then is, in the spirit of what Commissioner Hardemon
stated, under 11000, and in the transition to Miami 21, should they have been able
to achieve 48 stories? No?
Mr. Garcia: I don't think that was ever intended, no --
Chair Russell: So --
Mr. Garcia: -- not if we take it as a comparison, what they were entitled to have
under "0. "
Chair Russell: -- what would have been the maximum number of physically
buildable stories -- not a 20 foot floorplate story -- could they have had? Because
that's really the essence of a taking if we're giving them less than that.
Mr. Garcia: I understand that.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Through the Chair --
Mr. Garcia: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) if I may.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- the 2015 recommendation --
Mr. Garcia: If I may?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- stands for itself.
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Chair Russell: Just a moment, please.
Mr. Garcia: If I may? Yes, the recommendation certainly is on the record, but to
address that question fairly, that is to some extent a matter of speculation. Right?
But what I can tell you, without question, is that with T6-12-0, allowing up to 20
stories and a height of 191 feet, those rights are absolutely restored; no question of
that. I think that's a reasonable statement to make, briefly, because the rest are to
some extent easier; that's height rights restored under T6-12-0. Uses: Under
"Office," they had full office uses; to some extent, restrictions on commercial uses;
full residential uses and lodging uses. Those are restored under T6-12-0. And in
addition to that, they get a much more liberal regime in terms of commercial uses.
So uses in our book text are subject to rebuttal, as appropriate. Density doesn't
change. They had 500 units per acre under 11000. They have 500 units per acre
today; no change, whatsoever. Last -- and that's a point that Ms. Tapanes made in
her presentation --under 11000 --with a different formula, I grant you, but I'll try
to compare the two -- under a different formula, they had 40,729 square feet, full
development capacity. Right? But that was net --rather, that was net floor area,
which means that in addition to that, you could have garage space, common areas,
et cetera, and those would not count against you. So that's one, the method of
calculation under 11000. Under Miami 21, the formula yields gross floor area,
which is all inclusive. And under Miami 21, you get, with T6-12-0, full bonuses,
166,161, so that's 40,000 to 166,000; or 40, 000 to 357, 000, under T6-24. That's the
big delta. Now, not apples to apples, because 40 -- roughly 40, 41,000 square feet
is net lot area -- net floor area -- and 357 is gross floor area. But the multiplier is
almost 9 for T6-24 and almost 4 for T6-12, which more than accounts for any
conversion you would do from net floor area to gross floor area. In other words,
you compensate for the extra amount of space you need for parking, common areas,
et cetera, by giving them more gross floor area. Conclusion: T6-12-0, fully,
unequivocally restores their development capacity under "0" in 11000, and
anything beyond that is additional development capacity on top of what they
enjoyed previously.
Chair Russell: Thank you for --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Garcia: That's my statement for the record.
Chair Russell: -- simplifying that. So all --
Commissioner Hardemon: Francisco --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Through the Chair, I have a question for Mr. Garcia.
Commissioner Reyes: Do you have any translation?
Commissioner Carollo: Sorry, Francisco --
Chair Russell: Just a moment.
Commissioner Carollo: -- could you repeat that again?
Chair Russell: So all you need to remember from that entire education was the last
sentence: That T6-12-0 restores them fully. You heard it from our Director.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Through the Chair, I would --
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Chair Russell: Just a moment, please. My question to you in order to protect our
decision today -- because if you vote to give T6-24, it cannot be arbitrary and
capricious. It cannot be punitive because somebody made accusations. It has to be
with reason. I want to understand from our Commission why we would give this
additional capacity, without the benefit to the City toward our Affordable Housing
Trust Fund, toward our green space, toward our infrastructure; why we would go
that far. T6-12-0 is a really good -- not -- it's not even a compromise. It makes
them whole, and then they can bonus up to 20 stories, and it works for the City, it
works for the neighbors, it works for the developer.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Through the Chair.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Question for Mr. Garcia through the Chair. Section 5.61(g)
and (h) of Miami 21 provides different setbacks for T6-24 and above and
thereunder. The impact of T6-12-0 renders the property unbuildable above the
eighth story. That is the taking, that is a regulatory taking, and that is the one thing
to remember from Mr. Garcia's statement, is what he did not include, which is
setback regulations, as applied to this property.
Chair Russell: Thank you for clarifying.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: That is part of the expert witness testimony from Revuelta
Architect, and it's part of the record.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Director?
Mr. Garcia: There is some truth in that; it is curable through variances. But the
setback regime under Miami 21 is stricter than it was under 11000. That said, what
Ms. Tapanes is likely not taking into consideration is that under "0" zoning
designation, really, the practical height was 120 feet; not really the 300 feet that
she alluded to earlier. That, too, should be taken into consideration, because that
setback is a vertical plane restriction that is significant, too.
Chair Russell: Right. So -- but the variance process would make them whole.
Mr. Garcia: I believe it should, and given the narrowness --
Chair Russell: Yeah.
Mr. Garcia: -- of the site, it certainly would have a hardship they could argue.
Mr. Martos: Excuse me, Chair, if I may?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Martos: What Francisco is saying -- and Francisco, correct me if I'm wrong --
is that under 11000, for every foot of extra height, you have to give an extra foot of
setback in the front. What that means, Commissioner Hardemon -- I know you're
concerned about taking -- is that back at 11000, they could never go practically
much higher than 120 feet, 12 stories, because every foot that they went higher was
afar -- setback that they had to push farther away from the road.
Commissioner Hardemon: Well, with T6-12, can they go higher than 12 stories
now?
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Mr. Martos: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: 20 stories.
Mr. Martos: They could go up to 20 stories, right.
Commissioner Hardemon: No; theoretically. But what was said --
Mr. Martos: No; physically.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- on the record was that, because of the T6-12
setbacks, they could only build up to eight. Is that correct?
Mr. Martos: I don't think that's right, no. Under T6-12, I don't think that's right.
That's a point of disagreement. But --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Through the Chair, there's evidence in the record that
provides that "R" -- any floorplate above the eighth floor renders this building
unbuildable above the eighth story; that is the regulatory taking before you.
Chair Russell: Director?
Mr. Garcia: And again --
Commissioner Hardemon: You said a 20 foot goes to -- how many square feet that
Mr. Garcia: T6 -- it would result in --
Commissioner Hardemon: --on the 20th floor, you said how many square footage
is the last floor? 20 feet?
Chair Russell: On the 48.
Mr. Garcia: And I think I'm providing a quantification to Ms. Tapanes's argument.
I said on the record previously, and I'll repeat for clarity sake that the floorplates
beyond the eighth story, so from the ninth story up would presently be restricted to
6,300 square feet. But again, whether under 11000, with the "O" designation; or
under Miami 21, with T6-12 or T6-24, any building beyond eight -- which is why
probably the building was at five or six stories -- the Babylon Building was -- any
development beyond the eighth story is simply impractical; it was then, it is now,
and the -- again, variances are available as a cure, but we're really comparing
eight stories, full buildout as opposed to the 12 they may have had under "O,"
office. That doesn't change whether you give T6-12 or T6-24. That remains the
same.
Chair Russell: Thank you. All right. Well, I don't know if we're any further along
in our full understanding of what this is granting and what this accusation of a
taking is, but I think it's pretty clear. I think it's pretty clear, and I believe the
residents are pretty clear, I believe the Zoning Department's pretty clear, I believe
Legal's been pretty clear. No one on this dais has given a proper reason of why we
would go beyond, of why we would give more than what makes them whole, and
why we would forego the funding to the City for that extra four stories. So can
anyone help me here before we vote on this to dispel the myths of the residents that
there's some other power at play here on why we're making our decisions?
Because we need to not be arbitrary and capricious. We need to have a reason --
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Commissioner Hardemon: I think I have a --
Chair Russell: -- of why we do what we do.
Commissioner Hardemon: --I think I've put on the record why I believe it.
Chair Russell: You still believe that --
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Chair Russell: -- it should have had 48 and --
Commissioner Hardemon: No. What I'm saying -- what I'm describing on the
record -- and I've said it; our Director, just after Ms. Tapanes stated it, he said
there's truth to that -- about the buildability, if you will, if that's a word --
Mr. Martos: Yeah.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- the buildable square footage above the eighth floor
on a T6-12 property.
Chair Russell: But could be cured through variance. They could get their full
building capacity.
Commissioner Hardemon: You think we're going to get a variance --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Yeah.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- in here?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Thank you.
Chair Russell: I think you will -- I think these residents have all expressed their
willing to help them get to 20 stories through T6-12-0. This is the compromise
they're seeking. It's T6-12-0, with bonus.
Mr. Martos: Through the Chair?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Martos: Under 11000, there was a cap on your height based on the size of
your lot. If you weren't 20,000 square feet in size, you'd never go up above seven
stories. You'd never get over your seventh floor. And this site is 15,000 square feet.
It's --
Chair Russell: It's so tiny.
Mr. Martos: -- approximately. Right? So even the suggestion that they've lost
something that they had is bogus at --
Commissioner Hardemon: So what do you think they're going to build? Like, it
still is the same square footage. What can they build that you're afraid of them to
build?
Mr. Martos: I'm afraid of them building under T6-24 something much larger --
okay? -- dramatically larger than what they can build today. What I'm saying with
that 20,000 --
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Commissioner Hardemon: So dramatically larger than eight floors?
Mr. Martos: Say again.
Commissioner Hardemon: You're afraid of them building dramatically larger than
eight floors, but you're telling us that you're willing to let them go as --
Mr. Martos: Let me --
Commissioner Hardemon: -- up to 20 floors.
Mr. Martos: -- tell you where I'm -- that's exactly what I was going to get at. As a
compromise position --because you mentioned views. We don't think this is about
views. Okay? This is about quality of life. Okay? We're not arguing views. We're
arguing Code. Okay? And our compromise on the record gives them the same
height that we have, because in terms of quality of life, in terms of good neighbors,
why should we deny them that? We got it.
Chair Russell: When you're saying, "we, " who are you referring to?
Mr. Martos: The Bab -- I'm sorry -- the Emerald.
Chair Russell: So what's --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: To correct the record, the floorplate -- Mr. Garcia said
6,000 square feet. It's really 1,000 square feet above the eighth floor; it's not 6,000
square feet. At best, we're looking at 4,700 square feet above the eighth floor; that
is what's part of the record.
Commissioner Hardemon: How tall is the Emerald Building?
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: 27 stories.
Mr. Martos: The Emerald Building is --one minute; I've got it written down here.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: 27 stories.
Mr. Martos: Its 27 stories, which translates to 290 feet to the roofline --
Commissioner Hardemon: Right.
Mr. Martos: And there's an additional -- it takes it up to 308 feet or so if you add
the elevator shaft, you know, like the --
Commissioner Hardemon: And the --
Chair Russell: And then the old version of how high a story could be.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- and what --
Mr. Martos: Exactly. And it's a bigger site.
Commissioner Hardemon: -- Ms. Tapanes was saying, with the 6,000 square feet,
we're not counting 6, 000 square feet up. It's basically the -- it's horizontal. Right?
So you're probably doing one extra floor or something?
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Ms. Tapanes Llahues: What we're looking for is land development regulations that
allow us to go above the eighth floor; that is the T6 -24-B-0, and we respectfully
request your approval.
Ms. Mendez: And that would be with the proffered covenant.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: With the proffered covenant.
Ms. Mendez: And you describe no more than 24 --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Stories.
Ms. Mendez: --stories.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Or height bonuses. That's been proffered, accepted by the
Planning Department, and your office, Madam City Attorney.
Mr. Martos: Commissioner, if I may approach, Commissioner Hardemon? This is
the exhibit that someone in the public spoke about, and she happens to be my client,
as well, Ms. Santos. This exhibit -- she's a registered architect. She prepared this.
And this is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) analysis, if I may approach.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Mr. Martos, that exhibit is incorrect. It is incorrect under
11000 and both Miami 21.
Mr. Martos: Okay.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: The record mentioned that --
Mr. Martos: And I'm not conceding that. I'm not conceding that. We had an
architect present it and she has credentials.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: I'd like to see her credentials, and I'd like to see if it's signed
and sealed --
Mr. Martos: I'm happy to produce it.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: -- because it is wrong.
Mr. Martos: Happy to produce it.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: It is wrong.
Ms. Mendez: Are you using this as a demonstrative aid or as evidence?
Mr. Martos: We --
Ms. Mendez: Because if it's evidence of some sort, Ms. Tapanes can ask questions
and qualify the --
Mr. Martos: She may, I agree. She may. We did submit this into the record during
the public comment -- or Ms. Santos went ahead and did it. So this -- we just
borrowed it back from the Clerk, but we're turning it over to them now.
Commissioner Carollo: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
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Commissioner Carollo: You could whip this all you want, but whatever votes are
going to be ' for" or "against, " they're going to be the same ones.
Chair Russell: Maybe.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: That's wrong.
Commissioner Carollo: But I'd like to call the question --
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Wait. You're putting something --
Commissioner Carollo: -- that we have onboard and --
Ms. Mendez: And I just wanted to clarify the -- with regard to the 18 -month
transitional zoning, we have "whereases" [sic] to address that, with regard to the
higher height than was allowed before. And also, we would address that this is
corrective in nature, as well. Thank you.
Chair Russell: So we're saying that going to 24 is corrective?
Ms. Mendez: If the Commission, which would vote on this item, it has the
"whereases" [sic] with regard to the transitional zoning, and that it's corrective in
nature if it takes this vote.
Chair Russell: However, though, if our Planning Director says that this is above
and beyond corrective, why would the legislation say that it's corrective?
Ms. Mendez: The 48 is definitely above and beyond.
Chair Russell: Director Garcia said that T6-12-0 brings them on par, makes them
whole. So T6 -24-B-0, even with a covenant, is still far above and beyond
corrective.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Mr. Garcia believed in 2015 and '16 that T6 -48-A-0 was
corrective zoning. There is evidence -- substantial competent evidence in the
record, as well as his --
Chair Russell: Thank you for bringing that up, because Commissioner Reyes also
brought this up, and you didn't really respond. He said, "Did you mean that they
should take steps to go from T6-8 to 12 to 24 to 48, or were you saying that's the
process to get there?" What were you recommending?
Mr. Garcia: I am saying that's the process to get there; that's the correct process to
get there. I am also saying that if this Commission finds that T6-24 is the
appropriate zoning for this site, there has to be a "whereas" clause that addresses it
corrective, because that's the only way you can skip the order of succession. And to
very briefly once again address Ms. Tapanes's point about my previous
recommendation that the zoning designation for this site should be T6-48, as it once
was, with the "0" attached to it, as well, that was based on the fact that Miami 21
sought to eradicate transitional zoning or oddities, such as the single property "0"
designation that occurred under the previous zoning ordinance. That was an
oddity, and if that oddity was going to be corrected by Miami 21, I found there was
more reason to align this property with a T6-48 to the northwest than there was to
align it to T6 -8-R to the southeast, for reasons I've already put on the record. What
I found out subsequently is that there was a covenant, which I read into the record
the previous time, proffered by the applicant once upon a time, about 20 years ago
that set forth special conditions for this site; that in mind, that explains why "0"
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existed. And my revised position is that we are now engaged in trying to restore the
rights that were afforded to this property under Zoning Ordinance 11000, under the
zoning designation "0,"and that that corrective action should be to T6-12-0.
Chair Russell: Yeah. So T6-24, as a corrective action, is some kind of Jedi mind
trick, because we're now justifying our vote by calling it something that it isn't. We
need to call it what it is if we're doing this. We're going to give them T6-24. It's an
up -zoning; it's not corrective. And if we want to get there appropriately, they
should go to T6-12 now; wait the appropriate time, and reapply for T6-24.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: The legislation provides that it's a corrective action based
on a taking of regulatory and substantive due process.
Chair Russell: And our very own Director is saying that it's not a taking; that
beyond T6-12-0 is a gift. So this -- it blows my mind that we're taking this vote in
this way in this neighborhood.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: The Commission speaks through the resolution.
Chair Russell: All right. There's a motion, there's a second. I know Commissioner
Carollo asked to call the question. I just want to make sure they're -- all discussion
that's wanted is had. So is there any further -- anything else to discuss? Hearing
none.
Mr. Hannon: And then Chair, if Madam City Attorney -- title.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Russell: Wow. All right, let's hear it.
Mr. Hannon: Would you like a roll call?
Chair Russell: No, that's not necessary. All in favor of this item as proffered, say
"aye. "
Vice Chair Gort: Aye.
Commissioner Carollo: Aye.
Commissioner Reyes: Aye.
Commissioner Hardemon: Aye.
Chair Russell: All opposed? No. Motion passes.
Ms. Tapanes Llahues: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
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PZ.10 ORDINANCE Second Reading
5693 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, AMENDING
Department of ORDINANCE NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Planning OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED ("MIAMI 21 CODE"); MORE
SPECIFICALLY BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4, TABLE 4, TITLED
"DENSITY, INTENSITY AND PARKING," TO REDUCE THE
REQUIRED PARKING FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES; MAKING
FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
=1ill /_ClaIIT, l=1►111iill 01IT, 14=1:M191 -1 -
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Ken Russell, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Chair Russell: We have remaining before us 10, 11, and 13. PZ. 10, please; Zoning
text for civic use parking.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Yes, this is.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Russell: Thank you. Is there a motion on PZ.10?
Ms. Mendez: I believe Commissioner Reyes just had some questions
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. I have a question on it. This is the one that is going to -
- that reduces the parking requirement for parks?
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): Yes, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Is that smart?
Mr. Garcia: It sets -- it changes the minimum. We can always, as the need arises
for it, create more parking, but it allows us to, for smaller parks --
Commissioner Reyes: As I --
Mr. Garcia: -- devote more space for parks and less for parking.
Commissioner Reyes: As -- but we are not taking anything out of the parking, you
see. Take Morningside, for example. You have parking inside on -- are you going
to reduce that parking, are you going to re -- eliminate it, or what are you going to
do? Because I am very concerned about parking. I am very concerned. We have
been so generous eliminating parking requirements that the streets are full of cars
that don't belong there, because people park all over the streets, see.
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Mr. Garcia: And so, what I want to point out is that, especially for the smaller
neighborhood -oriented parks, there is -- we want to provide an incentive for people
to walk to, bicycle to those parks.
Commissioner Reyes: But --
Mr. Garcia: For the larger parks, certainly, the requirement that we're setting
forth of one space per 5,000 square feet would be sufficient.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay. You know something is wrong there. I'm too sleepy
that I'm getting to understand you. But does -- is this tailor-made for the mini
parks, the pocket parks?
Mr. Garcia: It is intended for those, because the larger parks --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, why don't we make it specific for them and not for all
the parks?
Mr. Garcia: The larger parks, because of the larger area, at this rate, one per
5,000 square feet would be very much approximate to what you're used to seeing
today in those parks.
Commissioner Reyes: I don't know.
Chair Russell: It's good, but I do have a question, though. We do have somewhere
within our Code a designation of a passive park --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- if I'm not mistaken, and that already has reduced parking --
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: -- if I'm not mistaken.
Mr. Garcia: Not in our Zoning Ordinance, we don't.
Commissioner Reyes: It doesn't. So that even for the passive parks, there are
parking requirements?
Mr. Garcia: Yes, sir, because that distinction that you speak of exists in the
Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan --
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mr. Garcia: --for different considerations.
Chair Russell: And doesn't --
Mr. Garcia: In terms ofparking requirements, it resides here.
Commissioner Reyes: Well, I would like to make it specific that it is for that kind of
park, because I don't want anybody to come later on and said, "Okay, we're going
to eliminate parking spaces in Charlie Hadley, "for example, that has spaces that --
or in Morningside, or any other park that has their own parking spaces inside of the
park.
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Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner. Would there be a negative consequence
to that amendment with regard to the larger parks?
Mr. Garcia: Well, let me just -- I wouldn't phrase it as a negative consequence, but
I need to alert you to the fact that for large parking -- parks, for larger park
facilities, at the rate of one space per 1,000 square feet, we may be imposing on
ourselves -- we, in the end, would improve those parks -- a significant requirement
to provide parking that may be too onerous.
Chair Russell: But that's the current Code.
Commissioner Reyes: But that's the current Code.
Mr. Garcia: That's the current Code.
Commissioner Reyes: And we still have the parking there.
Mr. Garcia: But the current facilities respond to the prior Code, so the parking
you're seeing today --
Chair Russell: Oh.
Mr. Garcia: -- responds to the one per 5, 000; that's what I'm trying to bring to
your attention.
Chair Russell: The new --
Mr. Garcia: I think it is better policy to require less, and if need be, provide more;
that's always possible.
Chair Russell: I agree. I'd recommend passing it, as is.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Russell: It's been moved; seconded by the Chair. Further discussion? All in
favor --
Commissioner Reyes: I'm going to go along with it, but, Francisco, you better be
careful if it doesn't work.
Mr. Garcia: I hear you, sir.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay?
Chair Russell: You got to get into scooters.
Commissioner Reyes: I'm come -- I'm going to -- coming after you.
Chair Russell: You got to get into scooters.
Commissioner Reyes: Be careful.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: You're going to break your other hand.
Chair Russell: All right. All in favor of the item, say "aye. "
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The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes on PZ. 10.
Commissioner Reyes: Okay.
PZ.11
ORDINANCE First Reading
6119
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST
Planning
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE RIVER LANDING SPECIAL
AREA PLAN ("RIVER LANDING SAP"), PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163
OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES, BETWEEN R.L. MIAMI, LP F/K/A
RIVER LANDING DEVELOPMENT, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, ("APPLICANT"), AND THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
TO GOVERN THE RIVER LANDING SPECIAL AREA PLAN (SAP)
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT APPROVED MAY 23, 2013 AS
ORDINANCE NO. 13383 ("DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT"), BY
AMENDING THE SECTION RELATED TO PUBLIC BENEFITS IN THE
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND REQUIRING CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS ON ABUTTING LAND OWNED BY AN AFFILIATE
OF THE APPLICANT OUTLINED IN THE DECLARATION OF
RESTRICTIONS THE APPLICANT HAS ENTERED INTO WITH MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE
ATTACHED FORM FOR SAID PURPOSE; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
July 25, 2019
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.11, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)" and "Part B: PZ -Planning and
Zoning Item(s). "
Vice Chair Gort: I'd like to move PZ 11.
Chair Russell: PZ 11, amendment to the development agreement at 1420 has been
moved by the Vice Chairman and seconded by Commissioner Reyes.
Francisco Garcia (Director, Planning): It's an ordinance. It needs to be read, sir.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Could you read it into the record, please?
PZ.11.
Vice Chair Gort: PZ 11.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
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Chair Russell: Thank you. There's been a motion and a second on PZ. 11.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): The only things I would like to clam and it may
have to be done between first and second reading since it's an ordinance with the
development agreement is that we just want to make sure -- The applicant has said
that they've already made the appropriate proffers, but we just want to make sure
that the work that's going to go into the adjacent property for a park is clearly
delineated, and that the City knows what they're getting in terms of improvements.
But that may be a --
Vice Chair Gort: Let me tell you, I --
Ms. Mendez: -- between first and second.
Vice Chair Gort: -- I'm going to be working with that park, because that's something
that we wanted to create within that area. The Health District's getting larger and
there's more people living and there's higher density taking place in there, and they
need a place to go to, so I'll make sure that it gets done the right way.
Ms. Mendez: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you. So no further discussion? All in favor say "aye. "
Vice Chair Gort: Aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Unidentified Speaker: Thankyou, and thankyou for staying so late.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
PZA 2
RESOLUTION
6114
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS THE CLOSING,
Planning
VACATING, ABANDONING, AND DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE
A PORTION OF AN ALLEY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF NORTHWEST 62 STREET AND
NORTHWEST 15 AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO
SECTION 55-15(C) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0319
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Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT:
Carollo
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.12, please see
"Part B: PZ -Planning and Zoning Item(s). "
Commissioner Hardemon: Mr. Chairman?
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: I move to approve PZ. 12.
Chair Russell: Just a moment. Let me get back to where we are. So that was PZ 7.
Commissioner Reyes: That --
Chair Russell: PZ 12 is the closure of northwest corner -- Northwest 62nd. Is there
a second to the motion?
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Russell: Seconded by Commissioner Gort -- Vice Chairman. Is there any
further discussion on the item? All in favor say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes.
Unidentified Speaker: Thankyou.
PZA 3
RESOLUTION
6116
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), APPROVING WITH CONDITIONS THE CLOSING,
Planning
VACATING, ABANDONING, AND DISCONTINUING FOR PUBLIC USE
TWO (2) TEN (10) FOOT ALLEYS AND A PORTION OF ANOTHER
TEN (10) FOOT ALLEY THAT ALL LIE WITHIN PROPERTY BOUNDED
BY NORTHEAST 18 STREET ON THE NORTH, NORTHEAST 2
COURT ON THE EAST, NORTHEAST 17 TERRACE ON THE SOUTH,
AND NORTHEAST 2 AVENUE ON THE WEST, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A," PURSUANT TO
SECTION 55-15 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AS AMENDED; MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0320
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MOTION TO
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER
AYES:
ABSENT:
Adopt
ADOPTED
Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
Carol to
Chair Russell: PZ.11.
Commissioner Hardemon: It already passed, didn't it?
Vice Chair Gort: We already passed it.
Chair Russell: I apologize.
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): Riverlanding (UNINTELLIGIBLE), was it not?
Chair Russell: Thank you. And then we have one remaining item, PZ. 13.
Commissioner Reyes: Closure, okay? Great.
Chair Russell: This is a resolution. Is there a motion on PZ.13?
Commissioner Reyes: I move it.
Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes.
Vice Chair Gort: Second.
Chair Russell: Seconded by the Vice Chairman. Is there any further discussion?
All in favor, say "aye." Any opposed? I heard nothing. Come on, it's our last item.
All in favor, say "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed?
Iris Escarra: Thank you very much, everyone.
Commissioner Reyes: Iris, as always, your presence is (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
fantastic.
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PZA4
ORDINANCE First Reading
6112
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENTS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10544, AS
Planning
AMENDED, THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE MIAMI
COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, PURSUANT TO SMALL
SCALE AMENDMENT PROCEDURES SUBJECT TO SECTION
163.3187, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY CHANGING THE FUTURE LAND
USE DESIGNATION FROM "SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" TO
"LOW DENSITY MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL" OF THE 4.9± ACRES
OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1459, 1465, 1491, 1501, 1603,
1611, 1631, 1645, 1665, 1675, AND 1701 NORTHWEST SOUTH
RIVER DRIVE, 1001, 1007, 1111, AND 1015 NORTHWEST 17 COURT,
AND A PORTION OF 1389 NORTHWEST 7 STREET, MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A";
MAKING FINDINGS; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record. For additional minutes referencing Item PZ.14, please see
"Public Comment Period for Regular Item(s)", "Part B: PZ -Planning and
Zoning Item(s) ", and "Public Comment Period for Planning and Zoning
Item(s). "
Chair Russell: Could we do 14 and 15 for this (UNINTELLIGIBLE) ?
Vice Chair Gort: 14 and 15, yes.
Chair Russell: Thank you
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Chair Russell: PZ 14 and 15 have been moved; seconded by Commissioner Reyes.
Is there any further discussion on the item?
Victoria Mendez (City Attorney): An ordinance --
Chair Russell: It is an ordinance. Please read it.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Ms. Mendez: That was PZ 14. Was this --?
Chair Russell: Got it Keep going.
Ms. Mendez: And 15?
Chair Russell: Yes, please.
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Ms. Mendez: Okay.
The Ordinance was read by title into the public record by the City Attorney.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. There's been a motion and a second on both
14 and 15. Is there any further discussion from the dais?
Vice Chair Gort: No.
Chair Russell: Hearing none, all in favor, say "aye. "
Vice Chair Gort: Aye.
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you for your patience.
Vice Chair Gort: Great presentation.
Chair Russell: Thank you for your patience. That's 14 and 15.
PZ.15
ORDINANCE First Reading
6113
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
Department of
ATTACHMENT(S), AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF ORDINANCE
Planning
NO. 13114, THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, BY CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION FROM 73-R," SUB -URBAN TRANSECT -
RESTRICTED, AND 73-L," SUB -URBAN TRANSECT - LIMITED, TO
74-R," GENERAL URBAN TRANSECT - RESTRICTED, FOR
APPROXIMATELY 4.9 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 1459, 1465, 1491, 1501, 1603, 1611, 1631, 1645,
1665, 1675 AND 1701 NORTHWEST SOUTH RIVER DRIVE, 1001,
1007, 1015 AND 1111 NORTHWEST 17 COURT, AND A PORTION OF
1389 NORTHWEST 7 STREET, MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"; ACCEPTING THE
VOLUNTARILY PROFFERED COVENANTS; MAKING FINDINGS;
CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION TO: Pass on First Reading
RESULT: PASSED ON FIRST READING
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
Note for the Record. For minutes referencing Item PZ.15, please see "Part B:
PZ -Planning and Zoning Item(s) ", "Public Comment Period for Planning and
Zoning Item(s), " and Item PZ. 14.
END OF PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS)
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NA - NON -AGENDA ITEM(S)
NAA DISCUSSION ITEM
6263 DISCUSSION BY COMMISSIONER CAROLLO REGARDING THE
City Commission STATUS OF RESOLUTION R-19-0288, ADOPTED BY THE CITY
COMMISSION ON JULY 11, 2019, WHICH DIRECTED THE CITY
MANAGER TO PROVIDE EACH CITY COMMISSIONER WITH A
CRIME INCIDENT AND STATISTICS REPORT ("REPORT") FOR
EACH NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT TEAM ("NET") AREA
WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Carollo: Before we move forward --
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: I have a question.
Chair Russell: Yes, Commissioner.
Commissioner Hardemon: Can I --?
July 25, 2019
Chair Russell: Just a moment. Commissioner Carollo and then Commissioner
Hardemon.
Commissioner Carollo: What is the date today, Mr. Manager?
Emilio T. Gonzalez (City Manager): Today is the 25th, sir.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. On July 11, when we last met, we approved a
resolution that stated the following: `Resolution of the Miami City Commission
directing the City Manager to provide each City Commissioner with a crime incident
and statistic report for each Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) area within
their respected districts on a weekly basis, with a reporting period being from
Monday through Sunday, and said report being submitted by 5 p.m. on the Monday
following each reported period, or by 5 p.m. on the next business day, if Monday's a
holiday; further providing that any City Commissioner deciding to opt out of
receiving a weekly report may opt out at any time by communicating the same to the
City Manager in writing. " Has any member of the Commission opted out from this
report?
Commissioner Reyes: Nope.
Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, that I know of, I have not seen that report. I have spoken --
Commissioner Carollo: That's not the question that I asked you, Mr. Manager. Has
any member of the Commission opted out from receiving the report?
Mr. Gonzalez: Like I said, as far as I know, no one has opted out.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay. So my next question is, why have we not received at
least a first report, at least this week?
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Mr. Gonzalez: Sir, that's a very good question. If you have not received it, I will
speak to the Police Chief. He and I had this conversation right after the last
meeting, and we'll get those to you, if you like, by the -- Oh, he's right here.
Chair Russell: Good morning, Chief.
Jorge Colina (Miami Chief of Police): Good morning.
Chair Russell: You're recognized.
Chief Colina: We're confirming right now to see if the reports were sent. We have
the ability to send the report every day, if each Commissioner would like, at 6 in the
morning, but let me confirm if the reports were sent and to which email; and if not,
we can certainly do that, whether it's Monday or Friday, or whichever day is most
convenient for each one of the Commissioners, because we keep the information
current. And so, we certainly have the ability -- there's no issue at all with the
information; it would just be a matter of when exactly, and we can certainly do the 5
o'clock on Monday, but let me confirm --
Chair Russell: Thank you, Chief.
Chief Colina: -- if it has been sent; if not, certainly we can -- we'll begin
immediately.
Commissioner Carollo: Well, Chief, I would not be asking this question if we
received any reports. So I don't know how you send them; if you send them by
carrier pigeon or some other method that I don't know about, but the normal
methods that we've been doing things in the City, they have not been sent.
Later...
Chair Russell: I'd like to move on to the business of the City. This seems to be a
very specific item that we could possibly take up off the dais. With regard to the
legislation, if I'm not mistaken, it's a monthly report that we were requesting,
correct? It's a monthly report we're looking for?
Commissioner Carollo: For --
Chair Russell: For the crime statistics.
Commissioner Carollo: No; on a weekly basis.
Chair Russell: On a weekly basis.
Commissioner Carollo: Every Monday that we get --
Chair Russell: Understood.
Commissioner Carollo: --from the week before. That's what we approved.
Chair Russell: All right. Thank you very much, Commissioner. Can I --?
Commissioner Carollo: This way, each of us knows --
Chair Russell: Understood.
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Commissioner Carollo: -- what's happening in our district the week before. And if
there's a pattern that we want to look at and address with the Police Department
through the Manager, we have the opportunity to do that.
Chair Russell: Yes.
Mayor Francis Suarez: Mr. Chair, if I may?
Chair Russell: Yes, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Suarez: Thank you. Yeah, and I'm not sure when I signed the legislation, in
terms of when it went into effect. I think my recollection is we've been getting the
legislative package a little slower than what we would like, but I think we took the
full 10 days, so just to keep that in consideration. There may have been --
Commissioner Carollo:
That's why I asked --
Mayor Suarez: Right.
Commissioner Carollo:
-- beginning this Monday, at least.
Mayor Suarez: Right. Now, I'm just -- want to clarify.
Commissioner Carollo:
I understand. You have 10 days. I don't believe you signed
it, so it became law.
Mayor Suarez: No. I did sign it.
Commissioner Carollo:
Okay. Well, then --
Mayor Suarez: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo:
-- what was sent to us didn't have --
Mayor Suarez: Didn't have a signature.
Commissioner Carollo: -- have a signature.
Mayor Suarez: Yeah. Well --
Commissioner Carollo: But anyway, it's 10 days --
Mayor Suarez: Yeah.
Commissioner Carollo: -- unless you veto it, and you didn't veto it, like you're
confirming?
Mayor Suarez: That's correct.
Commissioner Carollo: So this was approved on the 11th. Ten days after that
would make it the 21st. We should have had something beginning on Monday.
Mayor Suarez: Great.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much.
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NA.2 DISCUSSION ITEM
6264 DIRECTIVE BY COMMISSIONER CAROLLO TO THE CITY
City Commission MANAGER FOR A REPORT ON THE POLICE BEAT OFFICER
ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIED AREA OF LITTLE HAVANA;
INCLUDING A REPORT ON DAYS TAKEN OFF SINCE JANUARY
1, 2019.
FRESULT: DISCUSSED
Commissioner Carollo: Furthermore, since you're up here, couple of meetings ago,
when I inquired about the foot patrol officer that had been assigned to Little Havana
that we hadn't seen for some time, you stated to me that that was because he was in a
two-week vacation period. Is he still on vacation, Chief?
Jorge Colina (Miami Chief of Police): We have the Little Havana Beat officer that is
working. Just because you don't see him, Commissioner, doesn't mean that the Beat
ojficer's not working. Maybe when you drive down the street, they're inside a store
or speaking to a merchant --
Commissioner Carollo: I understand.
Chief Colina: -- (UNINTELLIGIBLE) we do.
Commissioner Carollo: But when nobody else sees them either, then I have to
wonder, where do we have a Beat officer at? Because from security personnel in the
area to other people that work for the City in the area to business people right
adjacent to the area, every one of them have told me that they hadn't seen him from a
couple of months before you told me that he went on vacation, and has not been
visible since that time. So I don't know what's going on, but I'd like to get, through
the Manager, a report of who is the Beat officer that's assigned to that section of
Little Havana, Domino Plaza, in that area; and I'd like to get the worksheets, going
back from the beginning of the year, to see what dates he worked there and what
days he worked somewhere else; and, of course, the vacation time, or any sick time,
or other times that he's taken out.
Chair Russell: Thank you, Commissioner.
NA.3 RESOLUTION
6150 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING
Office of the City THE APPOINTMENT OF A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL AS A MEMBER
Cierk OF THE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL FOR A TERM AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEE: NOMINATED BY:
Maithe Gonzalez Civilian Investigative Panel
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0323
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City Commission
NAA
6269
Office of the City
Clerk
Meeting Minutes July 25, 2019
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Civilian Investigative Panel: The
Commission at -large is being requested by the CIP (Civilian Investigative Panel) to
confirm the appointment of Maithe Gonzalez, representing District 3.
Chair Russell: Is there a motion?
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Carollo: Motion.
Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Gort; seconded by Commissioner Carollo.
All in favor say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes.
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONFIRMING
THE APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS AS MEMBERS
OF THE MIAMI COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE FOR TERMS AS
DESIGNATED HEREIN.
APPOINTEES:
Reggie Jean -Mary
Amal Kabbani
Madelyne Llanes
NOMINATED BY:
Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Ken Russell
Commissioner Joe Carollo
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0326
MOTION TO:
Adopt
RESULT:
ADOPTED
MOVER:
Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER:
Joe Carollo, Commissioner
AYES:
Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Nicole N. Ewan (Assistant City Clerk): Miami Complete Count Committee: Mayor
Suarez would like to appoint Father Reggie Jean -Mary; Chair Russell would like to
appoint Amal Kabbani; Commissioner Carollo would like to appoint Madelyne
Llanes.
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
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Commissioner Carollo: Move it.
Chair Russell: Been moved by Commissioner Gort --
Commissioner Carollo: Second.
Chair Russell: -- seconded by Commissioner Carollo. All in favor, say "aye. if
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Motion passes.
Ms. Ewan: Thank you, Chair and Commissioners.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Is there any business before we break for
lunch? We're looking at 3:30? Will that work for everyone?
Commissioner Carollo: Yeah, 3:30 is fine.
Chair Russell: All right. Thank you very much for your advocacy and your
patience and your involvement. We'll see you all back at 3:30. We're in recess.
NA.5 DISCUSSION ITEM
6266 A MOTION PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE II, SECTION 2 -
City Commission 33(C)(7)(A), TO EXTEND THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING BY
UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY
COMMISSION PRESENT ON THE DAIS.
MOTION TO: Approve
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Wifredo (Willy) Gort, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Carollo, Reyes, Hardemon
Chair Russell: Now we need to take a vote on whether we --
Vice Chair Gort: I'd like to make a motion to continue --
Commissioner Hardemon: Second.
Vice Chair Gort: -- because people have been waiting here since early this
morning.
Chair Russell: It's our last meeting of the year --
Vice Chair Gort: And I know --
Chair Russell: -- and it's our job --
Vice Chair Gort: -- Commissioner --
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Chair Russell: -- I'm ready to tough it out. But, Commissioner, if there are items
you'd like us not to take up, we'll gladly defer those, because we do respect that you
have to leave. But we would like to try to continue.
Commissioner Hardemon: Can we take the motion on the floor?
Chair Russell: There's a motion and a second to continue, but we need unanimous
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): I'm sorry; who seconded?
Chair Russell: Commissioner Gort and seconded by Commissioner Hardemon to
continue. I'd like to open for discussion on continuing. So I'm also a 'yes" to
continue, but we need --
Commissioner Carollo: I vote "no" on continuing and --
Chair Russell: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Commissioner Carollo: -- except for PZ (Planning and Zoning) items.
Commissioner Hardemon: That's not how it works.
Chair Russell: All right. So --
Commissioner Carollo: I'm stuck in the --
Chair Russell: -- if you'd like us to defer the morning's -- remaining morning's
agenda, I think we can do that.
Commissioner Carollo: Okay.
Chair Russell: If we can get your consent for the unanimous continuation, we'll do
that.
Commissioner Reyes: I have a pocket item.
Commissioner Hardemon: But that's not how it works. It's -- we have to decide on
unanimous --
Chair Russell: He's giving us a 'yes. "
Commissioner Hardemon: Okay. And then we have to have -- and then we have a
motion for continuance.
Commissioner Carollo: I'm giving you a 'yes " on the PZ items.
Commissioner Hardemon: And then we'll have --
Chair Russell: I'll get us there. I'll get us there. Let me bring it all together. All
right. So we'll be making a motion to defer the remainder of the morning's agenda.
Mr. Hannon: Can we focus first on --
Commissioner Hardemon: The motion --
Chair Russell: Yes.
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Mr. Hannon: -- continuing the meeting?
July 25, 2019
Chair Russell: Yes. I'm just saying we will. I'm putting that on the record so that -
Mr. Hannon: Okay. Understood.
Chair Russell: -- Commissioner Carollo has comfort in his unanimous vote.
Mr. Hannon: Understood.
Chair Russell: All in favor of continuing the meeting, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed?
Commissioner Carollo: With the deferment --
Chair Russell: Yes, we're going to do that.
Commissioner Carollo: -- of all the agenda, except the PZ agenda, and one pocket
item that I believe the Commissioner has.
Chair Russell: Agreed. Thank you. Motion passes.
NA.6 RESOLUTION
6265 A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION, WITH
City Commission ATTACHMENT(S), SUPPLEMENTING RESOLUTION NO. R-19-
0111, ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON MARCH 14,
2019, WHICH AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER, THE CITY
ATTORNEY, AND BOND COUNSEL TO TAKE ALL STEPS
NECESSARY TO VALIDATE THE APPROVED AND EXPECTED
FUTURE EXPENDITURES OF NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED
MILLION OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PORTION OF THE MIAMI FOREVER BONDS ("MIAMI FOREVER
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BONDS", IN ORDER TO ADD A SEVENTH (7TH) AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT TYPE ("AFFORDABLE HOUSING LONG-TERM
LEASE/BUILD/ MANAGE STRATEGY") AS DESCRIBED BELOW;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ENACTMENT NUMBER: R-19-0325
MOTION TO: Adopt
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Manolo Reyes, Commissioner
SECONDER: Keon Hardemon, Commissioner
AYES: Russell, Gort, Reyes, Hardemon
ABSENT: Carollo
Todd B. Hannon (City Clerk): Chair, there's one pocket item for District 4.
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Commissioner Reyes: I have a pocket item.
Chair Russell: Commissioner Reyes has a pocket item, if he'd like to introduce it.
Commissioner Reyes: And do you have a copy? Everybody has a copy? And the
only thing that this pocket item is going to do, it's going to validate and -- expected
future expenditures and -- specifically on the bonds. You want to recommend it?
Chair Russell: I don't see it. Where is the pocket? It's not this one.
Commissioner Reyes: It said, "City of Miami legislation."
Vice Chair Gort: Move it.
Commissioner Reyes: I'll give you one. Okay.
Chair Russell: Thank you.
Commissioner Reyes: This was -- what this will allow is that we -- if anybody in the
district, that you have land and you land -- I mean you land bank, you can go into a
partnership with the developer that we -- you will provide the land, and they will
provide the other funds, and they will build it. Now we cannot do it.
Chair Russell: Are you --?
Commissioner Reyes: Am I correct, sir?
George Mensah: Yes. George Mensah. I'm Director of Community Housing and
Economic Development. This is the seventh strategy for the bond, the housing part
of the bond, and what it does is that it just allow the City to build -- to purchase a
property and lease it to a developer who will build it and manage it on behalf of the
City.
Commissioner Reyes: That's right.
Chair Russell: What is the emergency nature of the pocket? Is it
(UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Mr. Mensah: Because they're going to -- validation of the bonds, and they want
that just to be part of it, so they can go to validation next month, I think it is.
Chair Russell: Understood. That passes the test for me. Is -- I'll open the floor for
public comment. Is there anyone who'd like to speak on this pocket resolution?
Hearing none, I'll open for comment from the -- comments or questions from the
dais, or is there a motion?
Commissioner Reyes: A motion; I move it.
Chair Russell: Moved by Commissioner Reyes. Is there a second?
Commissioner Reyes: The gentleman is too tired to talk; he's just raising his hand.
He's adding a seventh validation.
Chair Russell: All right. Motion dies for lack of second. You can bring it back --
Commissioner Reyes: No, no. He seconded.
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Chair Russell: I'm sorry. I didn't hear a second.
Commissioner Reyes: You don't pay attention. I said he's too tired.
Chair Russell: We have a -- verbal minutes. We can't handle hand --
Commissioner Reyes: Well, you should be alert, man. You all -- you should be
looking all over.
Chair Russell: I'm trying. I only got one hand.
Commissioner Reyes: You never know when the attack is going to come.
Chair Russell: All right. We have a half-hearted second from Commissioner
Hardemon.
Robin Jackson (Assistant City Attorney, Supervisor): Mr. Chair?
Chair Russell: Yes.
Ms. Jackson: Would you like us to read the resolution title into the record?
Chair Russell: That may help just to put it on the record, as the public is not very
aware that we're doing this at a quarter till midnight. Thank you very much.
The Resolution was read by title into the public record by the Assistant City
Attorney Robin Jackson.
Ms. Jackson: Thank you.
Chair Russell: Thank you very much. Mr. Mensah, is this -- this is your item. You
back this, correct?
Mr. Mensah: Yes. It's basically a combination of some of the items that the City
Commission has already approved. But we've already approved every item that is
there, except that we're combining this to be just one special strategy.
Chair Russell: Understood. Is there any reason why you didn't brief all the
Commissioners on this?
Mr. Mensah: This was something that came from District 4, and he wanted to --
Commissioner Reyes: Yes. And the emergency is that she is going --
Chair Russell: That I understand. I just don't know why we weren't able to know
about this if you need it.
Mr. Mensah: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) didn't come from me.
Chair Russell: Oh, I -- that's what I'm asking. Is this your item that you're
backing?
Mr. Mensah: No, no, no.
Chair Russell: But you're in favor of it and you support it?
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chair Russell: It does help you with --
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Chair Russell: -- regard to the bond expenditure.
Mr. Mensah: Yes.
Chair Russell: All right.
Commissioner Reyes: And it helps in the future, you see, public-private
partnership; that's what I'm looking for. Okay?
Chair Russell: Understood. There's been a motion and a second.
Vice Chair Gort: I have a suggestion for the Administration. We can hear
everything in the bathroom, but we need a mike, because I was trying to second
this.
Chair Russell: Please, only one-way communication in the bathroom, please. All
right. There's been a motion and two seconds. Any further discussion? All in
favor, say "aye. "
The Commission (Collectively): Aye.
Chair Russell: Any opposed? Yes.
Commissioner Hardemon: I move to reconsider FR. 3.
Chair Russell: Just a moment. Let me just finish with this item. Motion passes.
The meeting adjourned at H: 53 p.m.
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